This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART) and we 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). 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
NOTE: This scene takes place after the Ceremonial Battle, but is also set before the epilogue scene at the very end of the final chapter.
WARNING: This deleted scene is rated T just to be on the safe side.
Title: Grave Digger
A few days later, the school trip was finally over, and Sir Topham Hatt and his students all had to return to the Island of Sodor. The bad news? The plane Thomas and his class were to ride was delayed, meaning it would be a few hours before the delay was corrected.
"Aww man!" complained James.
"We're stuck in Egypt for how many hours?!" added Percy.
"According to one of the security guards," replied Nia, "three."
"What are we supposed to do for three whole hours?!" groaned Rosie.
Nobody knew how to answer that question.
"But you know," interjected Toby, "it feels weird that our adventure is finally over…"
"Yeah…" agreed Mavis.
"If you don't mind me asking, what were you guys expecting?" pondered Oliver.
"I dunno," shrugged James, "Fireworks… sappy music… something!" He then looked back at Thomas, "At least make one of your little wrap-up speeches, Thomas!"
"Well, sometimes the end of ONE adventure is just the beginning of another." figured Thomas.
"Ah… much better."
Before Thomas could say anything else…
"Everyone!" The voice of Marik called out.
The class turned, and saw Marik, Ishizu, and Odion each approaching, with Marik carrying his Duel Disk.
"Marik!" realized Emily, "Ishizu! Odion!"
"We heard your flight's been delayed," said Marik, "We're sorry that happened, and so we came by to make sure you guys don't get lonely while you wait."
"Is that your Duel Disk, Marik?" asked Thomas.
"Oh yeah! I brought it with me, because…" Marik then winked, "…I would like to duel with you, Thomas."
"A duel?"
"Back when I was the leader of the Rare Hunters," The reformed Rare Hunter leader went on, "I never got a chance to actually duel you in person. The closest we dueled was when I used the Millennium Rod to possess Strings and have him duel you, but it still wasn't actually me who faced you."
"That is true," mused Thomas, folding his arms, "Since then, however, your dark half was destroyed."
"Yes. And now that I'm in control, I can use my own Deck to duel," reassured Marik, taking his Deck out of his pocket, "Not the Deck my dark personality created after taking over, but rather my true Deck."
Thomas didn't know if he should duel or not. He looked towards both Nia and Rebecca, aiming to ask them if it was okay. To his surprise, they merely smiled and nodded.
"You mean-!" began Thomas.
"Go ahead," accepted Nia.
"We know you want to," agreed Rebecca.
With permission given, Thomas turned to Marik and nodded eagerly.
"Marik Ishtar, I accept your duel invitation!" he declared.
"I'm glad you've accepted," smirked Marik, before turning around, "There's a small dueling ring just down this way. We can have our match there."
"You got it!" rejoiced Thomas.
And so, Thomas and Marik both took off down the area as fast as they could run, with Ishizu, Odion, and the rest of the class following from behind. Who was going to be the winner of the friendly duel between two former enemies? Well, there was only one way to find out…
(elsewhere…)
Now in the dueling ring, Thomas and Marik, with their Duel Disks activated, stood on opposite ends of the area, ready to duke it out.
"Here I go, Marik!" declared Thomas (LP: 4000).
"I'm ready, Thomas!" added Marik (LP: 4000).
In the stands, the class, plus Ishizu and Odion, all watched, eager to see what the duel will be like.
"I'll go first!" announced Marik, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Marik Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Rite of Spirit", "Gravekeeper's Commandant", "Necrovalley Throne", "Gravekeeper's Chief", "Gravekeeper's Nobleman", and "Necrovalley Temple"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Necrovalley Temple', and the rest of his hand contained 'Rite of Spirit', 'Gravekeeper's Commandant', 'Necrovalley Throne', and 'Gravekeeper's Chief'.
"To begin," As Marik spoke, he held a card ('Gravekeeper's Commandant') and sent it to the GY, "I'll activate the effect of the 'Gravekeeper's Commandant' in my hand," He then took his Deck out of his Duel Disk and looked through it, "I can discard this card to the GY; I can add 1 'Necrovalley' from my Deck into my hand."
Marik soon took a card ('Necrovalley') from his Deck and placed it into his hand before shuffling his Deck and inserting it back into his Duel Disk. Looking his hand over, it now contained 'Necrovalley Temple', 'Rite of Spirit', 'Necrovalley Throne', 'Gravekeeper's Chief', and the newly added 'Necrovalley'.
"Good," thought Marik, before slotting a card into his Duel Disk, "I activate a Field Spell - 'Necrovalley'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. To the surprise of the visitors from the Island of Sodor, the whole area turned into a desert canyon-like setting.
"'Necrovalley'?" pondered Rosie.
"This sorta looks like the area we visited before the Ceremonial Battle began," added Percy.
"You might be right, Percy," acknowledged Gordon, "And besides, I've never seen this card before."
"Me neither," agreed Henry.
Back in the duel field…
"What do you think, Thomas?" grinned Marik, "This card is the first of my 'Gravekeeper's' Deck—my true Deck."
"'Gravekeeper's'?" repeated Thomas.
"It's an Egyptian archetype, but first I'll explain what this card does," Marik offered, before going over what his Spell Card did, "All 'Gravekeeper's' monsters gain 500 ATK and DEF. Cards in the GY cannot be banished. I can negate any card effect that would move a card in the GY to a different place. I can negate any card effect that changes Types or Attributes in the GY," He then took and placed a card ('Gravekeeper's Nobleman') onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk, "Now, I'll Summon 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' in Attack Mode!"
Appearing onto the field was an Egyptian-looking nobleman with short aqua hair and a book of sorts in his arms (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"And remember, through the effect of 'Necrovalley'," reminded Marik, "'Gravekeeper's' monsters gain 500 ATK and DEF!"
'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' grew stronger (ATK: 1000 - 1500/DEF: 1000 - 1500).
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Necrovalley Throne'!" continued Marik, holding another card out, "I can activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects in-question:
-"I can add 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster from my Deck into my hand."
-"Immediately after this effect resolves, I can Normal Summon 1 "Gravekeeper's" monster."
"Which effect…will you choose?" asked Thomas, dreading the answer.
"The second one!" replied Marik, taking a card from his hand, "Now, I'll offer my 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' as a Tribute…"
'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' faded away in a blue streak.
"…and Tribute Summon 'Gravekeeper's Chief' in Attack Mode!"
Appearing onto the field was an Egyptian-looking chief in a white robe holding a staff (Level: 5/ATK: 1900 - 2400/DEF: 1200 - 1700).
"An ATK of 2400 on the first turn!" gasped Toby.
"This is the power of the 'Gravekeeper's'?" wondered Molly.
Back in the duel field…
"Now, I'll activate the effect of my 'Gravekeeper's Chief'!" declared Marik, "When this card is Tribute Summoned, I can target 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster in my GY; I can Special Summon that target," His GY started glowing, "Return to me - 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman'!"
'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' reappeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500).
"I think I should warn you, Thomas," teased Marik, "So long as 'Gravekeeper's Chief' is on my field, my GY is unaffected by 'Necrovalley'," He then took two more cards from his hand and slotted them into his Duel Disk, "Now, I'll Set two cards…"
Two face-down cards materialized on the field.
"…and end my turn."
"So long as 'Necrovalley' is still in play," thought Thomas, "neither player can retrieve any cards from the GY. But thanks to 'Gravekeeper's Chief', only 'my' GY is affected by this Field Spell."
"What's wrong, Thomas?" taunted Marik, "It's your turn now!"
"When you put it that way…" With that thought, Thomas drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Two: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Dark Magician", "Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon", "Magician Navigation", "Dark Magician Girl", "Gaia the Magical Knight", and "Magicians' Combination"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Magicians' Combination', and the rest of his hand contained 'Dark Magician', 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon', 'Magician Navigation', 'Dark Magician Girl', and 'Gaia the Magical Knight'. Despite his hand containing mostly Level 5 or higher monsters, this was actually a 'good' thing for Thomas.
"Watch this, Marik!" offered Thomas, taking a card ('Gaia the Magical Knight') from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Gaia the Magical Knight' in Attack Mode!"
Appearing onto the field was 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' riding a red horse of some kind (Level: 7/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2100).
"A Level 7 monster?" flinched Marik.
"If I control no monsters, or my opponent controls a monster with 2300 or more ATK, I can Normal Summon this card without Tributing," explained Thomas, "Furthermore, if this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon 1 Level 5 Dragon monster from my hand or GY in Defense Position," He then took and held another card out, "Come forth - 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the retrained version of 'Curse of Dragon' (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1500).
"If this card is Normal or Special Summoned," Thomas went on, taking a card ('Spiral Fusion') from his Deck and adding it into his hand, "I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck into my hand, that specifically lists the card 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' in its text."
"Well, you've certainly caught me off-guard," admitted Marik, "However, 'Gaia' is no match for my powered up 'Gravekeeper's Chief'."
"Don't be so sure," insisted Thomas, holding out his newly added card, "I activate the Spell Card 'Spiral Fusion'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I can Fusion Summon 1 Dragon Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material," said Thomas, before giving a command to his two monsters, "Go forth, 'Gaia' and 'Curse of Dragon'! Merge together into…"
The two monsters ('Gaia the Magical Knight' and 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon') began fusing together.
"…'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'!"
Appearing onto the field, after the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was 'Gaia the Magical Knight' riding 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2100).
"What?!" gasped Marik.
"That's right," confirmed Thomas, "However, there's more of 'Spiral Fusion' I want to show you… If I Special Summoned 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' by this effect, it gains 2600 ATK, also it can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase. Best of all, 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons's' name becomes 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' while on the field, and this means the effect of 'Spiral Fusion' will work."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' grew stronger (ATK: 2600 - 5200)
"There's also the remaining effect of 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon'," Thomas went on, "If this card is sent to the GY, I can target 1 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' in my Monster Zone; I can negate the effects of face-up monsters my opponent currently controls with ATK less than or equal to it until the end of this turn," He clenched his right hand into a fist, "By targeting my 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons', I'll negate the effects of all face-up monsters you currently control with ATK less than or equal to his own until the end of this turn."
"That means now Marik's GY can be affected by his own Field Spell," realized Percy.
"However," interrupted Thomas, "I have a far better idea… I'll activate the next effect of 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'! Once per turn, during the Main Phase, I can target 1 other card on the field; this card loses exactly 2600 ATK, and, if it does, I can destroy that card."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' instantly lost its power bonus (ATK: 5200 - 2600). From there, he threw one of his lances towards Marik's side of the field, which impaled the face-up 'Necrovalley' Spell Card, causing the card to shatter into shards of glass.
"My 'Necrovalley'!" cried Marik.
With the face-up 'Necrovalley' Spell Card destroyed, the field returned to the airport's dueling ring.
"Without your Field Spell," Thomas pointed out, "not only are our GY's usable again, but your monsters lose their power bonuses."
'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' (ATK: 1500 - 1000/DEF: 1500 - 1000) and 'Gravekeeper's Chief' (ATK: 2400 - 1900/DEF: 1700 - 1200) both returned to their default stats.
"It's not over!" declared Marik, waving his right arm about, "Continuous Trap, open - 'Necrovalley Temple'!"
The first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"While a 'Gravekeeper's' monster(s) and 'Necrovalley' are both on the field, monsters my opponent controls lose 500 ATK/DEF," explained Marik, "Now, I'm aware my 'Necrovalley' has been destroyed, but that won't be for too much longer."
"Why's that?" asked Thomas.
"Allow me to demonstrate the next effect of 'Necrovalley Temple'," offered Marik, "Once per turn, during the Main Phase, if I control no card in my Field Zone, I can activate 1 'Necrovalley' directly from my hand or GY."
"Field Zone?" blinked Thomas, before coming to a conclusion, "Wait, that must mean Field Spell Zone!"
"Yes," confirmed Marik, taking a card ('Necrovalley') from his GY and holding it out, "This means I can activate 'Necrovalley' again!"
The whole field once again became a desert/canyon-like area once more.
"We're back in the desert!" realized Percy.
"Anyone got any sun block?" cracked James.
Back in the duel field, 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' (ATK: 1000 - 1500/DEF: 1000 - 1500) and 'Gravekeeper's Chief' (ATK: 1900 - 2400/DEF: 1200 - 1700) both regained their power boosts.
"Now that I have 'Necrovalley' and at least one 'Gravekeeper's' monster on my field, monsters you control, Thomas, lose 500 ATK and DEF."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' got weaker (ATK: 2600 - 2100/DEF: 2100 - 1600).
"That was a smart play," thought Thomas, "With 'Gaia' weakened, I can't destroy 'Gravekeeper's Chief'… With 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' in Defense Mode, I can't damage Marik… Still, I have to do something," Without any other choice, he entered the Battle Phase, "Here I come, Marik! I will use 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' to attack your 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman'!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' obeyed, diving towards 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman'. One of 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons's' lances impaled 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman', causing the enemy monster to shatter into shards of glass.
"'Gravekeeper's Nobleman' has been destroyed!" exclaimed Thomas.
"That it was," acknowledged Marik, "However, this will activate the special ability of my monster! When this card I control is destroyed by battle with an opponent's attacking monster and sent to my GY, I can Special Summon 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster from my Deck in face-down Defense Position, except 'Gravekeeper's Nobleman'."
"A 'Gravekeeper's' monster Set face-down?" repeated Thomas, "Great, that will make it trickier to find out if it's deadly or not."
"Indeed," As Marik spoke, he took a card from his Deck and placed it onto his Duel Disk face-down and sideways, "I Set my 'Gravekeeper's' monster face-down!"
A face-down card (sideways) appeared on the field, much to Thomas's concern.
"But, I have a special ability to activate, too!" he pointed out, "When 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' destroys an opponent's monster by battle, I can make this card gain 2600 ATK."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' grew stronger (ATK: 2100 - 4700).
"And by the effect of 'Spiral Fusion', 'Gaia' can make two attacks in one battle!" reminded Thomas, "'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons', turn your focus towards 'Gravekeeper's Chief'! MAGIC DRAGON LANCE!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' obeyed, piercing 'Gravekeeper's Chief' with his lance. The enemy monster let out a dying groan before shattering into shards of glass, while Marik winced a little bit as his LP took a large hit (LP: 4000 - 1700).
"With 'Gravekeeper's Chief' gone, your 'Necrovalley Temple' loses part of its effect!" said Thomas triumphantly, "This means 'Gaia's' regains its lost 500 ATK and DEF!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' grew stronger (ATK: 4700 - 5200/DEF: 1600 - 2100).
"An ATK of 5200!" whispered Marik.
"Now, I'll Set two cards face-down…" continued Thomas, just as two face-down cards materialized on the field, "…and end my turn."
"You're as good as ever, Thomas," complimented Marik, "I can see why you ultimately became 'King of Games'," He then smirked, "However, our duel is just getting started!"
"Come on then, Marik!" dared Thomas.
With that said, Marik drew another card.
Turn Three: Marik Ishtar (LP: 1700)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (1): "Pot of Greed"
The sight of the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card caused the reformed Rare Hunter leader to nod for a moment before holding his card out.
"Spell Card - 'Pot of Greed', activate!" he announced.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I can draw 2 cards," explained Marik, drawing two cards, "Because of how depleted my hand is, a good draw will be of serious help."
His drawn cards were 'Charm of Shabti' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Rite of Spirit' (Trap Card). Adding both cards into his hand, Marik placed his right hand onto the face-down card on his Duel Disk.
"Now, I'll Flip Summon 'Gravekeeper's Spy'!" exclaimed Marik, "By doing so, my monster goes into Attack Mode!"
Appearing out of the face-down card and onto the field, was an Egyptian man dressed in a dark cloak (Level: 4/ATK: 1200 - 1700/DEF: 2000 - 2500).
"Now that I control 'Necrovalley' AND a 'Gravekeeper' monster again," continued Marik, "your monsters lose 500 ATK and DEF!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' got weaker yet again (ATK: 5200 - 4700/DEF: 2100 - 1600).
"And now, I'll activate 'Gravekeeper's Spy's' Flip effect!" As Marik spoke, he took a card from his Deck and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I can Special Summon 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck. Appear - 'Gravekeeper's Spiritualist'!"
Appearing onto the field was an Egyptian Woman dressed in a two-piece black suit, an Anubis Mask, and a staff in her hand (Level: 4/ATK: 1500 - 2000/DEF: 1500 - 2000).
"Once again, I'll activate the effect of 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'!" announced Thomas, "During the Main Phase, I can target 1 other card on the field; this card loses exactly 2600 ATK, and, if it does, I can destroy that card," He narrowed his eyes, "Your 'Necrovalley Temple' is giving me trouble, so I will destroy that card!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' (ATK: 4700 - 2100) hurled one of its lances at the face-up 'Necrovalley Temple' Trap Card, impaling and destroying it.
"With 'Necrovalley Temple' destroyed, my weakened monsters regain their lost ATK and DEF!" reminded Thomas.
As expected, 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' grew strong again (ATK: 2100 - 2600/DEF: 1600 - 2100).
"Because my 'Necrovalley Temple' was destroyed," explained Marik, taking a card from his Deck, "I can activate its third effect. If this card in my possession is destroyed by an opponent's effect and sent to my GY, I can Set 1 'Necrovalley' Spell/Trap from my Deck, except 'Necrovalley Temple'."
He slotted a card into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card ('Imperial Tombs of Necrovalley') to materialize on the field.
"In addition, I'll activate the special effect of my 'Gravekeeper's Spiritualist!" continued Marik, "During my Main Phase, if 'Necrovalley' is on the field, I can Fusion Summon 1 Spellcaster Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck using this card I control and other monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material. I'll fuse 'Gravekeeper's Spiritualist' with my 'Gravekeeper's Spy'!"
The two 'Gravekeeper's' monsters began fusing together.
"I Fusion Summon 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' in Attack Mode!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a white-haired Egyptian sorcerer wielding a scepter (Level: 7/ATK: 2000 - 2500/DEF: 2000 - 2500).
"This card gains ATK/DEF equal to the combined original Levels of the materials used for its Fusion Summon times 100," continued Marik, "I've used two Level 4 'Gravekeeper's' monsters, and 4 plus 4 equals 8, and 8 times 100 equals 800!"
'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' once again grew stronger (ATK: 2500 - 3300/DEF: 2500 - 3300).
"What in the world?" cringed Thomas.
"Furthermore," Marik pressed on, "while 'Necrovalley' is on the field, this card, and any card in my Field Zone, cannot be destroyed by card effects. What I'm going for, however, is the third effect of 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist'! During my Main Phase, I can activate this effect; during the End Phase of this turn, I can add 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster or 1 'Necrovalley' card from my Deck into my hand."
With the audience…
"'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' is now stronger than 'Gaia'!" panicked Percy.
"And I'm still not done preparing for battle," cut in Marik. He then pointed to one of his Set cards, which flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Trap Card - 'Rite of Spirit', activate! I can target 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster in my GY; I can Special Summon that target. This card's activation and effect are unaffected by 'Necrovalley'."
"That means Marik CAN Summon from his GY!" realized Edward.
"That is correct," confirmed Marik, before giving a command to a monster from his GY, "Return to me - 'Gravekeeper's Chief'!"
'Gravekeeper's Chief' reappeared on the field (Level: 5/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1700).
"Once again, my GY is unaffected by 'Necrovalley' so long as I control 'Gravekeeper's Chief'," reminded Marik, before entering the Battle Phase, "Now, I will battle now! 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist', attack 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'!"
'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' obeyed, firing a blast from his staff towards 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons', striking and causing him to explode from destruction.
"'Gaia'!" cried Thomas, shielding himself from the backlash of the blast as he took damage (LP: 4000 - 3300).
"With 'Gaia' destroyed, you are wide open for a direct attack!" Marik pointed out, "For that, I'll use 'Gravekeeper's Chief' to attack directly!"
'Gravekeeper's Chief' obeyed, firing a spell from his own staff towards Thomas.
"Not this time!" interrupted Thomas, pointing to one of his Set cards, "I activate a Trap - 'Magician Navigation'!"
The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I can Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' from my hand, then Special Summon 1 Level 7 or lower DARK Spellcaster monster from my Deck!"
"What?!" exclaimed Marik.
Appearing on the field from a purple beam of light, was the purple-haired, male Spellcaster (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"That's not all," continued Thomas, taking a card from his Deck, "I'll also Special Summon 'Magician of Dark Illusion' from my Deck in Defense Mode."
Appearing on the field next, was the shadow version of 'Dark Magician' in a defensive stance (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2500).
"Ugh… 'Gravekeeper's Chief' isn't strong enough to defeat either monsters," grimaced Marik, "I cancel my Battle Phase and move onto my Main Phase 2!" He then slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk, "I'll Set one card face-down and end my turn."
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"Now that it's my End Phase," Marik announced, taking a card ('Hidden Temples of Necrovalley') from his Deck and looking at it, "I can add a 'Gravekeeper's' monster or a 'Necrovalley' card from my Deck into my hand."
"I'll have to remain vigilant," thought Thomas, "I can't afford to underestimate these kinds of cards," He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3300)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Dark Magician Girl" and "Secrets of Dark Magic"
Thomas saw that he drew a really good card, which brought a relieved smile to his face. Marik noticed the look and became puzzled.
"What did he draw?" he asked himself.
Over with the audience…
"Thomas… Marik…" murmured Ishizu.
Back in the duel field…
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" announced Thomas, slotting his drawn card into his Duel Disk. This caused the 'Secrets of Dark Magic' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "'Secrets of Dark Magic'! I can activate 1 of the following effects."
These were the effects in-question:
-"I can Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', as Fusion Material."
-"I can Ritual Summon 1 Ritual Monster from my hand, by Tributing monsters from my hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster."
"What?" gasped Marik.
"The effect I'll choose…is the first one!" declared Thomas, "I will Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster using 'Dark Magician' on my field, and 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand."
"Now, I see," acknowledged Marik, "However, I won't let you do that."
"Huh?!"
"Counter Trap - 'Imperial Tombs of Necrovalley'!" The reformed Rare Hunter leader announced, as another Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, is activated, while both a 'Gravekeeper's' monster and 'Necrovalley' are on the field, I can negate the activation, and, if I do this, destroy it."
A beam of energy shot from the trap towards Thomas's side of the field.
"Enough!" shouted Thomas, as his remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I activate a Continuous Trap - 'Magicians Combination'! Once per turn, when a card or effect is activated except during the Damage Step, I can Tribute 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 'Dark Magician Girl'; I can Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand or GY, with a different name from the Tributed monster, and, if I do this, negate that activated effect."
From there, 'Magician of Dark Illusions' faded in blue streaks.
'While on the field, 'Magician of Dark Illusions's' name becomes 'Dark Magician'," reminded Thomas, "So, I will offer it as a Tribute in order to Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was the 'Dark Magician's' cheerful apprentice (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"And that means my 'Imperial Tombs of Necrovalley' will be negated!" frowned Marik.
He was right; 'Dark Magician Girl' fired a blast of Dark Burning Attack towards the face-up 'Imperial Tombs of Necrovalley' Trap Card, striking and destroying it.
"And that means…" As Thomas spoke, he thrust his left hand forward, "…the effect of 'Secrets of Dark Magic' continues! I will fuse "Dark Magician' with 'Dark Magician Girl'!"
From there, the two Spellcaster monsters jumped into the Fusion Vortex near the ceiling.
"Master and Apprentice of sorcery, tap into your hidden power and unveil it before the world!" commanded Thomas, before bringing both hands together, "FUSION SUMMON! Arise - 'The Dark Magicians'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, were 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl' in their newer-looking robes (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300).
"'The Dark Magicians'…" worried Marik, "I never thought I would face that… That monster gave Spencer a lot of problems in the Ceremonial Battle, and will definitely give me lots of trouble here."
"In that case, let's see how you fare against it!" offered Thomas, entering the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'The Dark Magicians'! Attack 'Gravekeeper's Chief'!"
'The Dark Magicians' obeyed, combining their weapons and firing a blast of magic towards 'Gravekeeper's Chief'.
"I activate the effect of the 'Charm of Shabti' in my hand!" announced Marik, taking a card ('Charm of Shabti') from his hand and holding it out.
*BOOM!*
Everyone in the dueling ring area felt the backlash from the explosion. When the smoke cleared away, 'Gravekeeper's Chief' was shown to still be alive.
"What?!" cried Thomas.
"The effect of 'Charm of Shabti'," began Marik, as he was shown in the fading smoke (LP: 1300), "During either player's turn, I can discard this card; until the End Phase, 'Gravekeeper's' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle. However, I still took 400 damage from your attack."
Thomas grimaced, "Ngh…"
With the audience…
"Man, Marik's actual Deck is pretty good," admired Stanley.
"It is," acknowledged Ishizu, "Back before he betrayed our family, Marik and I would have a couple of duels for fun. I would often win, but Marik still had fun regardless."
"We remember your own Deck, Ishizu," remarked Emily.
"You turned Spencer's Virus Deck totally against him with it!" added Gordon.
Ishizu nodded, before turning her attention back to the duel her younger brother was involved in. Back in the duel field…
"I end my turn," finished Thomas.
"And now, it's my turn!" announced Marik, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Marik Ishtar (LP: 1300)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Hidden Temples of Necrovalley" and "Card of Sanctity"
Adding the card into his hand, he took another and slotted it into his Duel Disk.
"Continuous Spell - 'Hidden Temples of Necrovalley', activate!" continued Marik, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I can activate this card only if both a 'Gravekeeper's' monster and 'Necrovalley' are on the field. Neither player can Special Summon monsters, except 'Gravekeeper's' monsters. If either a 'Gravekeeper's' monster or 'Necrovalley' is not on the field, I must destroy this card."
"That certainly won't make things any easier for me," thought Thomas, before smiling a little bit, "Good thing he played a Spell Card though…" He spoke aloud, "I activate the special effect of 'The Dark Magicians'! Once per turn, if a Spell/Trap Card or effect is activated except during the Damage Step, I can draw 1 card, then if it was a Spell/Trap, I can Set it, and if it was a Trap or a Quick-Play Spell, I can activate it this turn."
With that said, Thomas drew his card. He saw it was his 'Black Illusion' Trap Card, which he slotted into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
"I've drawn a Trap Card," announced Thomas, as a face-down card materialized on the field behind 'The Dark Magicians', "This means I can Set it and activate it in the same turn."
"So be it," accepted Marik, just before holding his final card out, "I activate 'Card of Sanctity'! Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand. Since we both have empty hands, both of us can draw six new cards!"
From there, both duelists drew until their hands had been fully replenished. Marik saw that his hand now contained 'Gravekeeper's Visionary', 'Royal Tribute', 'Gravekeeper's Headman', 'Gravekeeper's Stele', 'Necrovalley Throne', and 'Gravekeeper's Oracle'.
"Good," thought Marik, before taking a card and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Gravekeeper's Headman'!"
Appearing onto the field was a robed Egyptian man wearing a turban that extended out three braids on the side while holding a staff while the head of a dog shaped on top (Level: 3/ATK: 500 - 1000/DEF: 1500 - 2000).
"Next, I'll activate the special effect of my monster," Marik went on, "If this card is Summoned, I can target 1 Level 4 'Gravekeeper's' monster in my GY; I can Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position," A card ('Gravekeeper's Spiritualist') ejected from his GY, which he took and placed onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk, "I will target 'Gravekeeper's Spiritualist' and Special Summon it in Attack Mode!"
Reappearing onto the field was the Egyptian woman in the Anubis mask (Level 4/ATK: 1500 - 2000/DEF: 1500 - 2000).
"You know what I will do now, don't you?" grinned Marik.
Thomas said nothing. But he knew full well what was to happen next.
"I will fuse the 'Gravekeeper's Spiritualist' on my field," explained Marik, taking and placing a card ('Gravekeeper's Visionary') onto his Duel Disk, "with the 'Gravekeeper's Visionary' in my hand!"
Briefly appearing onto the field was a royal Egyptian Man dressed in a white robe with red and green wings on the back, an Anubis helmet as a crown and a staff in his hands. From there, both monsters combined together.
"I Fusion Summon a second copy of 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist'!" announced Marik.
Appearing on the field, as the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a second copy of 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist', standing alongside the first copy of the monster (Level: 7/ATK: 2000 - 2500/DEF: 2000 - 2500).
"Remember its effect?" Edward was saying to the other audience members, "'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' gains ATK/DEF equal to the combined original Levels of the materials used for its Fusion Summon times 100."
From there, the second 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' began to glow as he grew stronger (ATK: 2500 - 3700/DEF: 2500 - 3700).
"Not only that," said Marik, as he pointed to his Set card. The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I'll also activate another copy of 'Rite of Spirit'!"
"Another copy?!" recoiled Thomas.
"Most duelists often carry more than one copy of a certain card, you know," remarked Marik, before taking a card ('Gravekeeper's Visionary') from his GY, "With that, I'll Special Summon 'Gravekeeper's Visionary' from my GY!"
The royal Egyptian man returned to the field (Level: 8/ATK: 2000 - 2500/DEF: 2000 - 2500).
"'Gravekeeper's Visionary's' effect!" continued Marik, "This card gains 200 ATK for each 'Gravekeeper's' monster in my GY. A call there being four 'Gravekeeper's' monsters in my GY, and that means 'Gravekeeper's Visionary' gains 800 ATK!"
'Gravekeeper's Visionary' grew stronger (ATK: 2500 - 3300).
"While I do control a series of powerful 'Gravekeeper's' monsters, I'm still not finished preparing for this battle," As he spoke, Marik, took and slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!"
As expected, a second copy of the 'Necrovalley Throne' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"'Necrovalley Throne'!"
"Another copy…" worried Thomas.
"Since I've used one during my first turn, I won't need to explain what it does," nodded Marik, before taking a card from his hand, "Instead, I'll offer 'Gravekeeper's Headman', 'Gravekeeper's Chief', and the first copy of 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' as a Tribute!"
The three mentioned 'Gravekeepers' vanished in blue streaks.
"A monster that requires three Tributes?" pondered Percy.
Ishizu nodded, "There is only one 'Gravekeeper's' monster that needs that many monsters."
"Just watch and see what Master Marik's monster is," added Odion, who had been silent for a long while.
Back in the duel field, Marik held a card up before slamming it onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk.
"Come forth - 'Gravekeeper's Oracle'!" he commanded.
Appearing onto the field was yet another royal looking Egyptian man with darker skin, blonde hair complete with beard, and a black robe (Level: 10/ATK: 2000 - 2500/DEF: 1500 - 2000).
"'Gravekeeper's Oracle'?" pondered Thomas.
From there, 'Gravekeeper's Visionary' grew stronger (ATK: 3300 - 3900).
"As a quick reminder; while 'Necrovalley' is on the field, any card in my Field Zone cannot be destroyed by card effects," said Marik, "Furthermore, when 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' is Tribute Summoned, I can activate any of these effects, and resolve in sequence, up to the number of 'Gravekeeper's' monsters Tributed for its Summon."
These were the effects in-question:
-"This card gains ATK equal to the combined Levels that all monsters Tributed for its Tribute Summon had on the field times 100."
-"I can destroy all Set monsters my opponent controls."
-"All monsters my opponent currently controls lose 2000 ATK and DEF."
The first effect to be applied is 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' growing stronger," figured Thomas.
"Right," confirmed Marik, "'Gravekeeper's Headman's' Level was 3, 'Gravekeeper's Chief's' Level was 5, and my first 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist's' Level was 7. 3 plus 5 plus 7 equals 15, and 15 times 100 equals 1500."
'Gravekeeper's Oracle' raised his snake staff up as he got supercharged with more power (ATK: 2500 - 4000), much to Thomas's concern.
"An ATK of 4000?!" The blue-haired boy winced.
"That it does," replied Marik, "The next effect to be applied is the second; all of my opponent's Set monsters are destroyed, but you don't have any Set monsters. That means it's time for the third effect to be applied."
'Gravekeeper's Oracle' pointed his weapon at 'The Dark Magicians', aiming to weaken it enough for Marik to destroy more easily.
"All monsters you control lose 2000 ATK and DEF!"
"I won't let that happen!" interrupted Thomas, poking a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open - 'Black Illusion'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, which resulted in 'The Dark Magicians' becoming transparent in a way.
"Until the end of this turn, all DARK Spellcaster monsters with 2000 or more ATK I currently control cannot be destroyed by battle, their effects are negated, also they are unaffected by my opponent's card effects," explained Thomas, "That means 'The Dark Magicians' won't be drained of 2000 ATK and 2000 DEF!"
As to demonstrate this, 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' fired a golden beam burst at 'The Dark Magicians', but the attack went right through the monster(s).
"I see," acknowledged Marik, looking at his hand and taking a card from it, "In that case, I'll just have to finish preparing for the battle ahead," He slotted the card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll activate 'Royal Tribute'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"If I control 'Necrovalley', both players discard any monsters in their hands."
"Discard any monsters?!" gasped Thomas, looking at his own hand. It contained 'Magician's Rod', 'Dark Magical Circle', 'Queen's Knight', 'Electromagnetic Turtle', 'Apprentice Illusion Magician', and 'Kuriboh', "It can't be!"
"Judging from your reaction, you must have several good monsters in your hand," teased Marik, "If that's the case, you must discard them immediately! And thanks to 'Necrovalley', you can't access your GY!"
From there, Thomas reluctantly discarded his entire hand, except for a single card.
"Now, I'll also activate the effect of my second 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist'!" continued Marik, "During my Main Phase, I can activate this effect; during the End Phase of this turn, I can add 1 'Gravekeeper's' monster or 1 'Necrovalley' card from my Deck into my hand," He then entered the Battle Phase, "BATTLE! 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist', attack 'The Dark Magicians'!"
'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' obeyed, firing a blast of magic from his staff towards 'The Dark Magicians'.
"From the effect of 'Black Illusion', my DARK Spellcaster monster is not destroyed!" reminded Thomas.
"That maybe so…" agreed Marik, but then pointed at his opponent, "But, you'll still take the damage!"
The magic attack from 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' went through 'The Dark Magicians' and struck Thomas, pushing him back some as he lost some LP (LP: 3300 - 2400).
"There's more!" continued Marik, "Next, I'll have "Gravekeeper's Visionary' attack 'The Dark Magicians'!"
'Gravekeeper's Visionary' fired a blast from his own staff. Just like before, the attack phased through 'The Dark Magicians' and struck Thomas instead (LP: 2400 - 1300).
"And finally, I'll use 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' to attack 'The Dark Magicians'!" finished Marik, "Go forth, 'Gravekeeper's Oracle'!"
'Gravekeeper's Oracle' obeyed, firing a blast from his own staff, which phased through 'The Dark Magician's, and struck Thomas, throwing him to the ground on his back as he yelled out (LP: 1300 - 100).
"Yikes!" cringed Emily.
"That's the true power of the 'Gravekeeper's' archetype!" realized Edward.
Ishizu and Odion both nodded silently. Back on the duel field…
"Now, since it's the End Phase," Marik was saying, while taking a card ('Gravekeeper's Curse') from his Deck and adding it into his hand, "I can add either a 'Gravekeeper's' monster or a 'Necrovalley' card from my Deck into my hand."
Thomas sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
"Err… Ha ha… Was that a little rough of me?" asked Marik sheepishly.
"Nothing I'm not used to," smiled Thomas, getting back to his feet, "Marik, that Deck of yours is really strong. I'm really glad I never got to face it back in Battle City; back then, I was still new to the world of Duel Monsters."
"But look where you are now," reminded Marik, "You're 'King of Games' and using one of the strongest Decks available."
"You're right about that," Thomas agreed, before clenching his right hand into a fist, "Even with only one card in my hand, I'll still win this duel!"
Marik nodded, waiting to see what Thomas would do on his possible final turn. With one last determined glance, Thomas drew a card with a Destiny Draw.
Turn Six: Thomas Billinton (LP: 100)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (2): "Dark Magical Circle" and "Magicians' Souls"
His drawn card was the 'Magicians' Souls' Monster Card.
"Yes!" thought Thomas, before placing the card onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Summon 'Magicians' Souls' in Defense Mode!"
Appearing onto the field were spirit versions of 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"The effect of 'Magicians' Souls' activates!" continued Thomas, "I can send up to 2 Spells/Traps from my hand and/or field to the GY; I can draw that many cards," He pointed at his face-up 'Magicians' Combination' Trap Card, "I will send 'Magicians' Combination' to the GY and draw one card."
The 'Magicians' Combination' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass, and Thomas drew one card as a result of it. The drawn card was the 'Magician of Chaos' Ritual Monster.
"Unfortunately, me getting rid of my Trap Card was a 'good' thing," Thomas pointed out, much to Marik's surprise, "If this face-up 'Magicians' Combination' is sent from the Spell & Trap Zone to the GY, I can destroy 1 card on the field."
"What?!" gasped Marik.
"Now, I'll target your face-up 'Hidden Temples of Necrovalley' and destroy it!"
From there, the face-up 'Hidden Temples of Necrovalley' Spell Card shattered like glass.
"M-My 'Hidden Temples of Necrovalley'…" winced Marik, as shards from his destroyed card flew past him.
"And don't forget about my 'The Dark Magicians'," continued Thomas, drawing a card, "As a Spell, Trap, or effect has been activated, I can draw a card," He looked at the card, "Best of all, if it's a Trap Card or Spell Card, I can Set it. And, most importantly, if it's a Trap or Quick-Play Spell, I can activate it immediately."
It was the 'Destined Rivals' Trap Card. Seeing as it was a Trap Card, Thomas slotted it into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field in front of him.
"I've drawn a Trap Card, so I'll Set it face-down," As Thomas spoke, he slotted another card into his Duel Disk, "In addition, I'll activate a Continuous Spell - 'Dark Magical Circle'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I can look at the top 3 cards of my Deck, then I can reveal 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 Spell/Trap that specifically lists the card 'Dark Magician' in its text, among them, and add it into my hand, while also placing the remaining cards on top of my Deck in any order," explained Thomas, drawing three cards, "Now, let's see what I got…"
The three cards were 'Chaos Form' (Spell Card), 'King's Knight' (Effect Monster Card), and 'Spiral Discharge' (Trap Card). Nodding, Thomas added two of the cards ('King's Knight' and 'Spiral Discharge') back into his Deck and held the remaining card ("Chaos Form') out.
"The card I've added into my hand is 'Chaos Form', and I will activate it immediately!" As Thomas said that, the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I can select 1 'Black Luster Soldier' or 'Chaos' Ritual Monster in my hand; I can send monsters from my hand and/or my control to the GY whose total Levels equal that card, then Ritual Summon that Ritual Monster. When I have a 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' or 'Dark Magician' in my GY, I can Special Summon 1 'Black Luster Soldier' or 'Chaos' Ritual Monster from my hand instead. I have a "Dark Magician' in my GY, and so…"
Thomas placed a card onto his Duel Disk, causing the 'Magician of Chaos' Ritual Monster Card to materialize face-up on the field.
"…I'll Ritual Summon without Tribute my 'Magician of Chaos'!"
Appearing onto the field was the pale blue-skinned Spellcaster in blue robes (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"While on the field, this monster's name becomes 'Dark Magician'," remarked Thomas, "However, this, in turn, activates the effect of my 'Dark Magical Circle'! If 'Dark Magician' is Normal or Special Summoned to my field except during the Damage Step, I can target 1 card my opponent controls; I can banish it."
"What was that?!" cried Marik, who knew which card Thomas was going to target, "You're going to target my-!"
"Right," confirmed Thomas, "The card I will banish…" He pointed at his opponent's field, "…will be your Field Spell - 'Necrovalley'!"
Marik watched as his face-up 'Necrovalley' Spell Card was swallowed up by a beam of light that erupted underneath it. From there, the scenery changed once again back to the airport's dueling ring.
"Without 'Necrovalley'," stammered Marik, "all of my monsters lose their 500 ATK/DEF bonuses!"
Sadly so… 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' (ATK: 3700 - 3200/DEF: 3700 - 3200), 'Gravekeeper's Visionary' (ATK: 3900 - 3400/DEF: 2300 - 1800), and 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' (ATK: 4000 - 3500/DEF: 2000 - 1500) all lost their power bonuses, but not the power from their own effects.
"That's impressive, Thomas," admitted Marik, "However, even then, my three monsters still remain much stronger than 'The Dark Magicians' and 'Magician of Chaos'!"
"Are you sure about that?" grinned Thomas, saying his ever famous catchphrase.
"What?!"
"I want you to observe my Set card; the same one I Set by the special effect of my 'The Dark Magicians'," The blue-haired boy went on, before pointing to his face-down card, "I activate a Trap - 'Destined Rivals'!"
From there, the face-down card flipped up to reveal itself.
"No way!" cringed Marik.
Even Ishizu was surprised to see that card, as was the rest of the class.
"That's the card which allowed Thomas to wipe out all of Spencer's 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'!" realized Nia.
Back in the duel field…
"If I control 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' or 'Dark Magician, I can negate the effects of all face-up monsters my opponent currently controls, until the end of this turn," said Thomas, "And remember, 'Magician of Chaos' is named 'Dark Magician' while on my field or in my GY, meaning this card can be activated! But, before I do that, I'll activate the effect of 'Magician of Chaos'! Once per turn, when a Spell/Trap Card or effect is activated, I can target 1 card on the field; I can destroy it."
"Destroy a card on the field?" repeated Marik, "You're going to target and destroy one of my monsters, aren't you!?"
"I am," acknowledged Thomas, before giving a command to his 'Magician of Chaos', "'Magician of Chaos', destroy 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist'!"
'Magician of Chaos' obeyed, firing a blast which shattered 'Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist' on contact. After that, the effect of the "Destined Rivals' Trap Card resolved itself, resulting in Marik's remaining 'Gravekeeper's' monsters briefly glowing in an aura, causing them to lose their abilities.
"With their effects negated until the end of the turn," reminded Thomas, now looking triumphant, "your two monsters have their ATK return to their ORIGINAL amounts!"
'Gravekeeper's Visionary' (ATK: 3400 - 2000), and 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' (ATK: 3500 - 2000) both lost their power bonuses altogether.
"This can't be…" flinched Marik, "Thomas… you've beaten my strategy!"
"Yes, I do," declared Thomas, entering the Battle Phase, "And now, I'm going to go on the offense! 'Magician of Chaos', attack 'Gravekeeper's Visionary'!"
'Magician of Chaos' obeyed, firing a blast of black magic at 'Gravekeeper's Visionary', causing the Egyptian Man to explode. Marik braced himself from the explosion backlash as his LP took a hit (LP: 1300 - 800).
"The final blow!" continued Thomas, "Go forth, 'The Dark Magicians'!"
'The Dark Magicians' leaped into the air above 'Gravekeeper's Oracle', ready to attack and finish the opponent off.
"Destroy 'Gravekeeper's Oracle' and end this duel!"
From there, the two magicians crossed their weapons and fired a combined blast, vaporizing 'Gravekeeper's Oracle'.
"So… I have lost…" whispered Marik, disappointed, as the light show finally ended and his LP emptied (LP: 800 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
The holograms faded, and the class approached the dueling ring to congratulate both duelists for the good duel.
"Wow, that was an entertaining duel," admired Molly.
"Marik's 'Gravekeeper's' Deck was certainly an interesting sight," put in Edward.
"I would have liked to face it," commented James.
"Me too!" agreed Percy.
"Same here," peeped Rosie.
Nearby, Marik turned to face Ishizu and Odion, bowing apologetically.
"Sister… Odion… I'm sorry," he said sadly, "I lost the duel…"
"You have nothing to be sorry for," smiled Ishizu, "What matters is that you gave it your all, and enjoyed yourself."
"You fought well against Thomas, Master Marik," added Odion, "You should feel very proud."
Marik felt better after hearing that from his two older siblings. He was then approached by Thomas and his friends.
"That was a great duel, Marik," praised Thomas, "I had a lot of fun."
"Same here," agreed Marik.
The two duelists shook hands.
"Say, Marik," began James, "How about you and I have a go at it?"
"I want to duel you, too!" added Percy.
"Well, since the delay is still going on, I believe this would be a great way to kill time," accepted Rebecca.
"Sure, I'll be more than happy to duel you guys," nodded Marik, no longer feeling disappointed, "I'm still in a dueling mood."
Just then…
"Attention passengers!" came an announcer, "The flight to The Island of Sodor is back up and running. The delay was revealed to be a misunderstanding of sorts. We apologize for any confusion we might have caused you."
"What?" blinked Henry, "The delay was a misunderstanding?"
"I wonder what caused that?" pondered Gordon.
"I'm afraid there isn't any time to figure that out," interrupted Nia, "We can finally board our plane for home."
"Aww, already?" pouted Rosie.
"Sorry, Rosie, but our school trip is over," Rebecca pointed out.
Thomas looked at Marik, "Sorry, Marik, but it looks like it's time for all of us to head home."
"It's alright," reassured Marik, "Maybe we'll meet again someday."
"Your visit has been much appreciated," put in Ishizu, "May the Gods keep watching over you, descendant of the Pharaoh."
From there, Thomas and his classmates and teachers all left the dueling ring and made their way towards their flight home while Marik, Ishizu, and Odion each followed to see them off at the main tunnel.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the airport, the big plane finally raced down the runway before finally taking off into the sky. Over at the building itself, Marik, Ishizu, and Odion each were standing by the window while waving goodbye to their Sudrian friends. Meanwhile, Thomas could be seen looking out the window of the plane at the disappearing ground below. He was going to miss Egypt, but he also knew that it and the world itself was safe from the evil of both Montague and Zorc Necrophades.
"At long last," he narrated, "Montague and Zorc both are gone for good. Hopefully, that will be one last threat we have to deal with at present. But, for now, we can take comfort in knowing that the world is finally safe from danger. Until we next meet, Egypt…"
And so, the plane flew into the distance until it was out of sight. Was our hero's adventures finally over? Well, it's too soon for me to say whether they are or not.