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 shortly after Season 6 ends (during the summer), and is the first duel (before DSoD) to have both players start the duel with 8000 LP instead of 4000 LP.
WARNING: This deleted scene is rated T just to be on the safe side.
Title: Soul Replica
One summer morning, Thomas felt absolutely awful; of all the days to catch a bad cold, this was the day he actually caught one. Both Mr. and Mrs. Billinton were out for the day, while Annie and Clarabel were hanging out at the Holden household (since they were friends with Henrietta).
"Of all the days to get sick," groaned Thomas, before sneezing into a handkerchief, "it had to be today. So much for my day out with Percy and James at the beach… But…I guess it isn't 'so' bad…"
There was a knock on the bedroom door.
"It's open!"
From there, the bedroom door opened, and Emily Stirling stepped inside wearing a nurse's outfit and hat. When Emily received news that Thomas was feeling under the weather, she wasted no time in coming to see him.
"E-Emily?" squeaked Thomas, blushing at the sight of his angel (now nurse), "I thought-"
"How could I just let you suffer from the effects of a cold?" winked Emily, who surprised her lover by dressing up as a nurse, "Nurse Emily is here to look after you. Now, let's check your temperature…"
With that said, she took out a thermometer and put it into Thomas's mouth. A minute later, Emily took it out and looked at it.
"Oh my… it's pretty high," she said in dismay, "I'm going back downstairs to make you some soup. For now, you need some sleep, it usually helps."
"Sure," yawned Thomas, before laying back down in his bed, "I am feeling a little…sleepy."
From there, he closed his eyes, and fell straight to sleep. Emily leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on Thomas's forehead before leaving the room.
(later on…)
An hour later, Thomas stirred before finally waking up from his little nap. For some reason, he felt much better now.
"Phew! What a nice little nap," sighed Thomas, sitting up and stretching out his arms, "In fact, I actually feel much better now."
Exiting his room, he walked downstairs to the kitchen to see how Emily was coming on with preparing the soup. But to his surprise, his Emerald Nurse was nowhere to be seen.
"Huh?" blinked Thomas, "Emily? Emily, where are you?"
There was no answer. In fact, searching as he could, there didn't seem to be anyone in the house.
"This is strange," mused Thomas thoughtfully, "An hour ago, Emily was the only one here to take care of me. Now I'm all alone… I don't like this. Something has to be wrong."
(outside…)
The blue-haired boy tried checking if anyone was outside, but when he emerged from his home to check, all he found instead of a busy street on a sunny morning…was an empty void of darkness.
"What?!" gasped Thomas, surprised to say the least, "What's going on? I could swear I was feeling better after a nap, but maybe I'm sicker than I originally thought."
"It's just you and me now… demon…" echoed a familiar voice (male).
Thomas's eyes widened, "Was that voice…my own?"
Nearby, a teenage boy was standing on the porch with his arms folded. He completely resembled Thomas (including clothing) except he had pale white hair, golden-colored eyes, and lacked the facial scar.
"Impossible!" cried Thomas, horrified, "W-Who are you?"
"Isn't it obvious?" The teenage boy said coldly, "I'm Thomas Billinton."
"That's crazy!" Thomas objected, thinking it had to be a joke (bad one at that) or something, "'I'm' Thomas Billinton!"
"No, I'm the 'real' Thomas," interrupted Fake Thomas, "The Thomas who was supposed to be born into this world."
"Born into this world?" questioned Thomas, wondering what that even meant.
"I've heard rumors that the spirit of a long dead princess appeared in the real world," explained Fake Thomas, "And she brought with her the spirit of a deceased demon. By purifying the fetus of one pregnant young woman, she would be reborn into our world. However, she later did the same with another pregnant young woman. This time, with the demon's spirit. That demon…" He then pointed accusingly at the real Thomas, "…was you! 'I' was supposed to be born into this world, but, instead, 'you' were the one who was born; an imposter spawned by darkness!"
Thomas was so stunned that he couldn't even speak up to argue the claim.
"You were never supposed to have been born!" ranted Fake Thomas, "If I had been born, I could have eventually destroyed the darkness of Zorc Necrophades as soon as the Battle City Tournament was finished! However, you deliberately delayed that mission by having your little adventure into the world of Duel Monsters, discovering who you truly are, and 'embracing' the darkness I was meant to 'destroy'!"
"That's not true!" yelled Thomas.
"What?!" growled Fake Thomas.
"What if I 'had' completed the Shadow RPG as soon as Battle City was over?" Thomas went on, this time asking a question of his own, "Chances are it would have merely put off the inevitable of entering the Duel Monsters spirit world to defeat the Court of Darkness. I…still would have eventually learned the truth of who I was!"
"Liar!" hissed Fake Thomas, growing angrier still, "You chose to delay your intended mission because you were simply too lazy to get it done and over with as soon as possible!" He then made a Duel Disk appear on his left arm, "Those created by darkness intend to destroy the world. And in order to protect the world and ensure peace is retained, I have to destroy the darkness. And I'm starting with YOU! It's time to duel!"
"A duel?" repeated Thomas, before noticing his own Duel Disk materialize onto his arm, "Very well, a duel it shall be. But, I will warn you once; justice will prevail in the end."
"You speak of justice?" snorted Fake Thomas, almost sounding offended, "Dark beings like you know 'nothing' about justice!"
The Billinton house then faded away into the dark realm, leaving Thomas and Fake Thomas to have their duel in peace (sorta).
"DUEL!" Both duelists announced at once (LP: 8000) x2.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the dark realm, Thomas was still asleep in bed, but he started sweating bullets. This was a pretty bad sign for him, since he was sick he was slowly suffering from what many people would call a 'fever dream'.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the dream (or dark realm), the duel between both Thomas Billintons began.
"It's my turn!" announced Fake Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Fake Thomas Billinton (LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Queen's Knight", "Nutrient Z", "Graceful Charity", "Slifer the Sky Dragon", "Sage's Stone", and "Dark Magician Girl"
His drawn card was the 'Dark Magician Girl' Monster Card. Nodding, he added the card into his hand, took another, and held it out.
"Spell Card, 'Graceful Charity', activate!" continued Fake Thomas.
The mentioned Spell card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I must draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards," The pale white-haired boy explained, drawing three cards. He then took two ('Queen's Knight' and 'Miracle Restoring') and sent them to the GY, "I'll send these two cards to my GY."
Thomas watched anxiously, wondering what his opponent's first monster would be. He then watched as the 'Watapon' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Is that-?!" began Thomas.
"If 'Watapon' is added from my Deck to my hand by a card effect: I can Special Summon this card," said Fake Thomas, "Come, 'Watapon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar cottonball-like fluff Thomas used in his Deck, and it utter a high-pitched "Watapon!" shortly after (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300). But unlike Thomas's 'Watapon', which had white fur, this one had a pinker shade to its fluff.
"As this was a Special Summon, I'll offer 'Watapon' as a Tribute," Fake Thomas went on, as (fake) 'Watapon' faded away in a blue streak, "Now, I'll Tribute Summon one of my most important allies, 'Dark Magician Girl'!"
Appearing onto the field in a burst of light, was the all-too familiar female apprentice of 'Dark Magician' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700). And just like Fake Thomas's 'Watapon', this monster looked slightly different to Thomas's 'Dark Magician Girl'.
"She won't fight this battle alone," As Fake Thomas spoke, he took another card from his hand and slotted it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!"
On cue, the 'Sage's Stone' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"'Sage's Stone'! If I control a face-up 'Dark Magician Girl': I must Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' from my hand or Deck."
"A 'Dark Magician'?!" exclaimed Thomas.
"My two ace monsters know they must destroy the darkness just as I must," reminded Fake Thomas, taking a card from his Deck before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "Together, we will defeat you! Appear now, 'Dark Magician'!"
Appearing onto the field was the silhouette of the purple-haired, male Spellcaster monster Thomas used. However the silhouette faded, this 'Dark Magician' looked much different—his robe was black with white lining, his skin was light blue, and his hair was white (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"This guy's Deck…" stammered Thomas.
"What 'about' my Deck," frowned Fake Thomas, overhearing the line of shock, "This is my Deck I've always used in my duels throughout Battle City. With it, I was able to defeat Montague, Spencer Gresley, and Marik Ishtar to win the tournament," He then took one more card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down…"
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"…and end my turn."
"I don't know how he's done it, but he's copied my Battle City Deck," thought Thomas, "Yet for some reason, his monsters look much different than mine…" He then drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Two: Thomas Billinton (LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Illusion Magic", "Apprentice Illusion Magician", "Magician's Rod", "Joker's Wild", "Magician of Chaos", and "Magicians' Souls"
His drawn card was the 'Magicians' Souls' Monster Card.
"This should be helpful at some point," With that thought on hand, Thomas took another card ('Magician of Chaos') and discarded it, "I activate the effect of the 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' in my hand!"
"You what?!" Fake Thomas cringed, looking outraged.
"I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) by discarding 1 card," explained Thomas, before placing another card ('Apprentice Illusion Magician') onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'!"
Appearing onto the field was the retrained counterpart to 'Dark Magician Girl' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"How dare you!" snarled Fake Thomas, "How dare you copy my Deck!"
"You're the one who copied 'my' Deck!" protested Thomas, "And my monsters don't take too kindly to copycats."
"Damn you! 'You're' the copycat!"
"And besides, I'm not finished," The blue-haired boy went on, "Since 'Magician of Chaos' is in my GY, its name becomes 'Dark Magician' while either there or on my field."
"In that case, I'll activate 'Dark Magician Girl's' effect!" cut in Fake Thomas, "It gains 300 ATK for every 'Dark Magician' or 'Magician of Black Chaos' in the GY."
(fake) 'Dark Magician Girl' glowed pink for a moment before growing stronger (ATK: 2000 → 2300).
"My 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' has a few other tricks," said Thomas, taking a card ('Dark Magician') from his Deck and adding it into his hand, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Dark Magician' from my Deck to my hand," He then took one more card ('Magician's Rod') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll Summon 'Magician's Rod'!"
Appearing onto the field was the floating staff belonging to 'Dark Magician' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000).
"Even if you copied my Deck, you, the darkness, will not beat me!" thundered Fake Thomas in anger.
"I activate 'Magician Rod's' effect!" Thomas interrupted, drawing a card ('Secrets of Dark Magic'), "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand, that specifically lists the card 'Dark Magician' in its text," While speaking, the spirit of 'Magicians' Souls' appeared on the field above him, "From there, I'll activate the effect of the 'Magicians' Souls' in my hand! If this card is in my hand: I can send 1 Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from my Deck to the GY, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects in-question:
-"I must Special Summon this card."
-"I must send this card to the GY, then, I can Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 'Dark Magician Girl' from my GY."
"I can only use each effect of "Magicians' Souls" once per turn," finished Thomas, discarding a card ('Dark Magician Girl') from his Deck to the GY. He then held out the 'Magicians' Souls' Monster Card and sent it to the GY, "By sending my Level 6 'Dark Magician Girl' to the GY, I'll also send 'Magicians' Souls' to the GY and Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' from there!"
In a flash, the 'real' Dark Magician Girl appeared to the field to aid her master/friend (Level: 6/ATK: 2000 → 2300/DEF: 1700). (good) Dark Magician Girl glared at her fake counterpart.
"So, you're gonna try fighting my friends with your counterparts," sneered Fake Thomas, "So be it."
"No," denied Thomas.
"Huh?"
"I've a better idea," The blue-haired boy pointed out, "Instead, I'm gonna overlay the Level 6 'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'! With these two Spellcaster monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
From there, both (good) 'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' turned to 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 master'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).
"Xyz Summon…" stammered Fake Thomas, as though he knew nothing about it.
"I take it this is something you know nothing about?" asked Thomas, when he noticed the confusion and anger on his copycat's face, "It was because of my journey in the Spirit World and partaking of 'The Great International Duel Cup' that I was able to learn and harness this new Summoning technique along with the Synchro Summoning used my Matt Fudo and his friends."
"I know of Matt; he and his friends watched me win the Battle City Finals, and he also promised to face me in an honorable duel in the near future," hissed Fake Thomas.
"And since you don't know about 'Magi Magi Magician Gal', I'll demonstrate her effect," offered Thomas, allowing a card ('Joker's Wild') to fade a away from his hand, "Once per turn: I can detach 1 material from this card and banish 1 card from my hand, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects that could be activated:
-"I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must take control of it until the End Phase."
-"I must target 1 monster in my opponent's GY; I must Special Summon it to my field."
"I'll banish a card from my hand, and take control of your 'Dark Magician Girl'!" declared Thomas, "It is now mine to command!"
An overlay unit flew into 'Magi Magi Magician Gal's' staff, causing her to fire a spell that brought (fake) 'Dark Magician Girl' over to Thomas's side.
"My 'Dark Magician Girl'!" yelled Fake Thomas.
"However, that is the least of your concerns," As he spoke, Thomas took and held another card out, "Spell Card, 'Secrets of Dark Magic'! I must activate 1 of the following effects."
These were the effects:
-"Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', as Fusion Material."
-"Ritual Summon 1 Ritual Monster from your hand, by Tributing monsters from your hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster."
"I will pick the first choice," continued Thomas, taking and holding the 'Dark Magician' Monster Card out, "I'll fuse the 'Dark Magician Girl' on my field with the 'Dark Magician' in my hand!"
(good) 'Dark Magician' briefly appeared on the field, and he plus (fake) 'Dark Magician Girl' leaped into the Fusion Vortex in the sky.
"Master and Apprentice of sorcery, tap into your hidden power and unveil it before the world!" chanted Thomas, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Arise, 'The Dark Magicians'!"
When the Fusion Summon sequence ended, appearing on the field…were both 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl'? It was as though the Fusion Summon was not successful. However, it was a success; the two Spellcaster monsters' outfits looked more advanced and mystical, and they also felt slightly stronger than ever before (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300).
"It can't be!" objected Fake Thomas, again shocked at seeing new cards and strategies, "If that's my Deck you're using, how are you using such advanced combos that I've never seen or heard of?"
"Because it's not 'your' Deck," replied Thomas, "Throughout my adventures, I've gained many new cards and learned countless new strategies. And they are ones that 'you' would also share if you had been involved in those journeys."
Fake Thomas swore strongly in response.
"Now, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Illusion Magic'!" announced Thomas, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "I must Tribute 1 Spellcaster monster; I must add up to 2 copies of 'Dark Magician' from my Deck and/or GY to my hand. I can only activate 1 'Illusion Magic' per turn."
On cue, 'Magician's Rod' faded away in a blue streak as two cards ('Dark Magician' and 'Magician of Chaos') ejected from Thomas's GY, which he took and added into his hand.
"By sacrificing 'Magician's Rod', I've added both 'Dark Magician' and 'Magician of Chaos' back into my hand," explained Thomas, "However, what I'm aiming for…is the monster 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."
Fake Thomas scowled, watching as his so-called 'fake' counterpart drew a card, looked at it for a moment, and then slotted it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
"I've drawn a Trap, so I'll Set it," Before long, Thomas pointed forth, "And finally, I'll use 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' and her Overlay Units to build the Overlay Network!"
'Magi Magi Magician Gal' turned to purple energy and flew into the returning Overlay Network in the center of the field.
"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-haired boy'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).
"Once per turn: I can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; I must Special Summon 1 Spellcaster Normal Monster from my hand or Deck," Thomas was saying, as 'Ebon Illusion Magician' allowed an Overlay Unit to be absorbed, "And this is the Normal Spellcaster monster I'll Special Summon from my hand, 'Dark Magician'!"
Appearing onto the field was the true, purple-haired, male Spellcaster, ready to battle his fake counterpart (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"BATTLE!" shouted Thomas, entering the Battle Phase, "'Dark Magician', attack your counterpart, now!"
"You'd risk destroying both monsters?!" demanded Fake Thomas.
"'Ebon Illusion Magician's' second effect!" Thomas interrupted, which caused the copycat to gasp, "When a Spellcaster Normal Monster declares an attack: I can target 1 card my opponent controls; I must banish it. I can only use this effect of 'Ebon Illusion Magician' once per turn. Since "Dark Magician' is attacking, I'll banish your own 'Dark Magician'!"
'Ebon Illusion Magician' fired a magic blast from his scepter, striking (fake) Dark Magician and causing him to vanish.
"No!" hollered Fake Thomas.
"And now, my attack is still on!" pressed Thomas, "'Dark Magician', attack the opposing player directly! DARK MAGIC ATTACK!"
(good) Dark Magician was more than happy to obey; he twirled his scepter a few times before pointing it and firing a blast of black magic at his master/friend's copy, causing Fake Thomas to yell out as he staggered back some after being hit (LP: 8000 → 5500).
"'Ebon Illusion Magician', it's your turn now!" continued Thomas, "Attack the opponent directly!"
'Ebon Illusion Magician' obeyed, aiming his scepter and firing a blast of magic of his own towards Fake Thomas, striking and making him yell out again (LP: 5500 → 3000).
"It's almost over," warned Thomas, "I still have one more monster that can attack, and when that happens you'll be left with only 200 LP," He then gestured to his last monster, "Go forth, 'The Dark Magicians'! Strike down that impostor!"
'The Dark Magicians' obeyed, raising their weapons and preparing to blast Fake Thomas with more magic.
"I was waiting for this moment!" The pale white-haired boy cut in, before pointing to his face-down card, "Face-down card, open! 'Nutrient Z'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"During damage calculation, when I am about to take 2000 or more battle damage: I must gain 4000 LP first," explained Fake Thomas, as his LP went up (LP: 3000 → 7000).
Despite this minor setback, 'The Dark Magicians' fired a blast from their wands, striking Fake Thomas head on and forcing him back some more (LP: 7000 → 4200).
"T-The worst part of all you've done," grimaced Fake Thomas, looking up weakly, "is that you convinced my friends that I no longer cared for them!"
Thomas looked puzzled for a second, but then realized what the imposter was talking about—his PTSD state following his journey through the Duel Monsters spirit world. He had become emotionally traumatised from learning who he was and nearly losing his friends for all eternity, and he became scared for them to the point he almost ignored them from then on.
"You turned your back on them because you didn't care for them any longer," accused Fake Thomas, "Your state was just an excuse to throw them away just because you thought they were useless now that you had the power you've always wanted—the dark power of the 'Supreme King'!"
"That's absurd!" snapped Thomas, aghast, "I 'do' care about my friends! The only reason I avoided them afterwards was because of my fear of their well-being. After everything I went through, being forced to watch each and every one of them die without being able to prevent it… I just couldn't bear putting them in any more danger."
"When will you stop with your lies?!" shouted Fake Thomas, "I would NEVER have hurt my friends like that. And that no matter how badly I had been traumatized, I would still insist on having my friends be there for me and at least TRY to help me pull through. But you? You wanted to handle it all by yourself and feel like a big man!"
"Then let me ask you this…" Thomas retorted back, "Would you really disregard the safety of your friends just to make everyone happy?"
"Huh?" stopped Fake Thomas.
"It seems to me that 'you're' the one who doesn't care for them, otherwise you 'would' worry for their safety after losing them."
"S-Shut up!" The pale white-haired boy demanded.
Thomas frowned disappointedly, "So, my words cannot seem to reach you," he remarked, "In that case, we'll have to let the duel decide our fates. I end my turn here!"
"I won't lose!" muttered Fake Thomas, "My ace monsters might have failed, but I still have one more trick hidden in my Deck," He then drew a card, "The time is now for the legendary beings to be unleashed!"
Turn Three: Fake Thomas Billinton (LP: 4200)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Slifer the Sky Dragon", "King's Knight", and "Card of Sanctity"
On cue, the 'Card of Sanctity' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Spell Card, 'Card of Sanctity', activate!" continued Fake Thomas, drawing four cards, "Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand."
Thomas nodded and drew five cards. This was what both players now had in their respective hands:
-Thomas: 'Magician of Chaos', 'Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman', 'Strength in Unity', 'Kuriboh', 'Chaos Form', and 'Twilight Winged Soul'
-Fake Thomas: 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', 'King's Knight', 'The True Name', 'Monster Reborn', 'Soul Crossing', and 'Thunderspeed Summon'
"The effect of 'The Dark Magicians' activates again!" Thomas shouted again, drawing a card, "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."
He looked at the card for a moment, then slotted it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. This caused a face-down card to materialize on the field, giving Thomas two Set cards to use.
"Tch! I don't know what cards you have Set, but I don't care," dismissed Fake Thomas, before taking and holding a card ('Monster Reborn') out, "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn'! I must target 1 monster in either GY; I must Special Summon it. Now, return to me, 'Queen's Knight'!"
In a matter of seconds, a fake copy of Thomas's female 'Poker Knight' appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"From there," As Fake Thomas spoke, he placed another card onto his Duel Disk, "I'll Summon 'King's Knight'!"
Appearing next to (fake) 'Queen's Knight' on the field, was the (fake) yellow-armored, male 'Poker Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400).
"The effect of 'King's Knight'!" reminded Fake Thomas, taking a card ('Jack's Knight') from his Deck and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "When this card is Normal Summoned while I control 'Queen's Knight': I can Special Summon 1 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck."
Appearing onto the field was the third (fake) 'Poker Knight' monster, joining his comrades (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1000).
"Is he planning to Summon 'Arcana Knight Joker'?" thought Thomas, "If so, then he must have 'Polymerization' in his hand."
"Then, from my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!" declared Fake Thomas, slotting a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
Thomas watched as a face-down card materialized on his opponent's field, expecting it to be the 'Polymerization' Spell Card—only to recoil when the card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be…not what he was expecting to see be used.
"That's not 'Polymerization'!" realized Thomas.
"No, it's not," confirmed Fake Thomas, "Did you really expect me to Fusion Summon 'Arcana Knight Joker' or something? Hardly. This card is called 'Thunderspeed Summon'."
"'Thunderspeed Summon'?"
"That's right," The pale white-haired boy nodded, "During the Main or Battle Phase: Immediately after this effect resolves, I must Normal Summon 1 Level 10 monster, or, if I control 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight', I can apply this effect instead."
This was the effect in-question:
-"I must add 1 Level 10 non-DARK monster with ? ATK from my Deck to my hand, then, immediately after this effect resolves, I can Normal Summon 1 Level 10 monster."
"I can only activate 1 'Thunderspeed Summon' per turn," finished Fake Thomas, before he drew a card, looked at it, and added it into his hand, "Since I control the three mentioned 'Poker Knights', I've added a Level 10 non-DARK monster with ? ATK from my Deck into my hand. And with that effect resolved, I'll offer 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight' as a Tribute!"
The three (fake) 'Poker Knight' monsters vanished in blue streaks as dark clouds began to form in the sky above.
"Can it really be?" Thomas whispered to himself.
Oh, I wish it were not true… but alas…
"With the offerings met," As he chanted, Fake Thomas raised his card ('Slifer the Sky Dragon') up before placing it onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk, causing blue sparks to crackle about, "I'll Tribute Summon 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' from my hand!"
Hearing this caused Thomas to gasp. He then watched as thunder and lightning struck as a familiar gigantic, red serpent-like dragon with two mouths started to descend from the dark clouds. Once it was low enough, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' let out a roar, which was almost powerful enough to push Thomas back a little bit.
"This is…a 'God'!" recalled Thomas.
"So, you know of the three legendary Divine-Beasts?" smirked Fake Thomas, "Just in case you've forgotten, 'Slifer', the first of them, has several different effects," He then showed his hand, " For example… This card's original ATK/DEF becomes the number of cards in my hand x 1000. I have three cards in my hand, so that means 'Slifer' has an ATK and DEF of 3000."
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' let out a growl (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"However, the remaining 'Gods' will quickly follow," warned Fake Thomas, taking another card from his hand, "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'The True Name'!".
"WHAT?!" panicked Thomas.
On cue, the 'The True Name' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, while 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' stats went down (ATK: 3000 → 2000/DEF: 3000 → 2000).
"I must declare 1 card name; I must excavate the top card of my Deck, and if it is the declared card, add it to my hand, then I can add to my hand, or Special Summon, 1 DIVINE monster from my Deck. Otherwise, send it to the GY," explained Fake Thomas, "I can only activate 1 'The True Name' per turn. As I've mentioned a short time ago, the remaining 'Gods' are going to show themselves real soon—in fact, you won't have to wait much longer."
Thomas wondered if the other two 'Egyptian Gods' would really appear this soon. Fake Thomas braced his fingers to the top card of his Deck.
"The top card…is the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed'!" he predicted, before drawing his card, "Draw!"
Unfortunately for Thomas, the guess proved to be…on the spot.
"I've guessed correctly!" announced Fake Thomas, holding his card ('Pot of Greed') out, "As a result, the guessed card is added into my hand. However…"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' stats went up again (ATK: 2000 → 3000/DEF: 2000 → 3000).
"I know," acknowledged Thomas, "Now you can either add to your hand, or Special Summon, a DIVINE monster from your Deck," In his thoughts… "I already have a nasty feeling about what it will be."
"From deep in my Deck, I call upon the power of 'God'!" boomed Fake Thomas, taking a card ('Obelisk the Tormentor') from his Deck and holding it up before slamming it onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk, "I beseech thee! Appear now, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
The ground began to tremble violently, with blue particles rising from all around the darkened area. Before long, the particles came together into the full body of 'Obelisk the Tormentor', who let out a loud, angry roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"Two 'Gods'!" thought Thomas, now growing worried, "And if my hunch is right, he must have the third one in his hand thanks to 'Thunderspeed Summon'."
If that were the case, how would Fake Thomas bring it out? Well, his turn was far from over, so we'll have to see what happens next.
"Next, I'll activate 'Pot of Greed'!" Fake Thomas went on, holding his card ('Pot of Greed') out, "I must draw 2 cards."
He drew his two cards, noticing they were 'Kuriboh' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Ultimate Divine-Beast' (Trap Card). Once again, (fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' stats changed due to cards either being used or being added to the hand (ATK: 3000 → 4000/DEF: 3000 → 4000).
"Behold the power of the third 'God'," whispered Fake Thomas, readying a card in his right hand.
"I would, but there's a small problem," Thomas pointed out, "You've already Normal Summoned this turn, and even if you could you need to have three monsters to Tribute."
"Who says I need three monsters?"
The blue-haired boy was again aghast; did his counterpart have a different way to get the third and final 'Egyptian God' out? From there, another Spell Card ('Soul Crossing') materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Soul Crossing'!" announced Fake Thomas, "During the Main Phase: Immediately after this effect resolves, I must Tribute Summon 1 Divine-Beast monster. When I do, I can Tribute a monster(s) my opponent controls, even though I do not control them, but if I Tribute Summon this way, I must apply this effect."
This was the effect in-question:
-"Until the end of the next turn after this card resolves, I can only activate 1 card or effect per turn, not counting the effects of Divine-Beast monsters."
Thomas's eyes widened when he heard that effect.
"I can only activate 1 'Soul Crossing' per turn," concluded Fake Thomas, "With this card, I'm gonna offer three monsters—your monsters—as a Tribute!"
"What?!" gasped Thomas, watching as his three monsters ('Dark Magician', 'Ebon Illusion Magician', and 'The Dark Magicians') were turned into three tornados.
That wasn't the worst part…
"Great beast of the sky, please hear my cry," chanted Fake Thomas, crossing his arms to his chest and kneeling down, "Transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight!"
The tornados faded away with the offerings. Suddenly, the darkened sky started brightening with light, causing Thomas to wince and cover his eyes. Descending from the clouds was a gigantic golden sphere.
"Envelop the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my foe," continued Fake Thomas.
The giant glowing sphere slowly began transforming in response to the successful chanting of the hieratic text on the card. This was something Thomas had been fearing since the start of the duel, but was originally convinced it would never happen. Unfortunately, he was dead wrong.
"Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win," finished Fake Thomas, "Appear in this Shadow Game as I call out your name, 'Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
The sphere soon finished transforming into the Battle Mode of the third 'Egyptian God', 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', who let out a great roar as it faced the opposition (Level: 10/ATK: 7800/DEF: 6500). (fake) 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000) and (fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000) both stood alongside their fellow 'God', ready to end the duel on command.
"This is messed up… How could he Summon the 'Egyptian Gods'?" thought Thomas, "When the Ceremonial Battle was finished, the 'Gods' were buried with the Millennium Items. Unless…"
"Seeing as you're pure darkness, you will cease to exist once I win the duel!" announced Fake Thomas, finally entering the Battle Phase, "'Slifer', you will attack first! SUPER ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION WAVE - THUNDER FORCE!"
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, charging a powerful blast of lightning and firing it off.
"It's not over yet!" exclaimed Thomas, as one of his Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Destruction Sword Memories'! I must discard 1 'Destruction Sword' card; I must Special Summon 1 'Buster Blader' monster from the Deck."
After sending a 'Destruction Sword' card ('Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman') from his hand to the GY, another card ('Buster Blader') ejected from his Deck, which Thomas took and held out for a moment.
"I Special Summon 'Buster Blader' from my Deck in Defense Position!" he pressed, placing the card onto his Duel Disk (sideways).
Appearing onto the field in a defensive stance, was the purple-armored swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2300).
"Waste it, 'Slifer'!" bellowed Fake Thomas.
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, firing off another Thunder Force from its second mouth, striking 'Buster Blader' and destroying it without even weakening it first (or perhaps the weakening did come first).
"You're open for a direct attack!" continued Fake Thomas, "'Obelisk', attack the opponent directly! GOD HAND CRUSHER!"
(fake) 'Obelisk the Tormentor' obeyed, thrusting a giant fist towards Thomas. Before the attack could connect with its target, it instead collided with a wall of 'Kuribohs'.
"What?!" cringed Fake Thomas, "'Kuriboh'?"
"Yes…" panted Thomas, holding out his card before discarding it, "During damage calculation, if my opponent's monster attacks (Quick Effect): I can discard this card; I take no battle damage from that battle."
"Tch… Don't forget it only lasts for one exact battle!" hissed Fake Thomas, "And I still have one more 'God' that can attack!" He then gave an order to (fake) 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', "Go forth, 'Ra'! Incinerate that imposter to the bone! GOD BLAZE CANNON!"
(fake) 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed, firing a powerful blast of flames towards Thomas. With nothing to stop this attack, he was forced to take it.
*BOOM!*
"AAAAUUUUGGGGHHHH!" screamed Thomas, as though he were set on fire from the attack.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the real world, Thomas, still in bed asleep, was sweating profusely as he also looked a little red in the face. Just then, Emily opened the door with lunch for Thomas on a tray.
"Thomas, you can wake up now," she said cheerfully, being unaware of what was going on, "I've finished making your lunch."
But her cheerful nature dropped when she saw the condition of her sleeping boyfriend. In a panic, Emily left the tray of food on the nearby table and ran towards the bed, wondering what was happening.
"Tommy, Tommy! Wake up, it's okay!" wailed Emily, shaking Thomas to try and wake him up before feeling his forehead. Quickly, she retracted her hand and found that Thomas's forehead was almost on fire in a way, "You're burning up! Oh, what am I going to do?!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in the dark world, the fire around Thomas died down as he fell to a knee as his LP dropped to really dangerous levels (LP: 8000 → 200).
"Your wicked darkness is nothing compared to the pure light!" declared Fake Thomas, "One more attack, and this world will be freed from you, forever! So long as I command the three 'Gods' of Egypt, I can't lose!" He entered the End Phase, "I end my turn!"
Thomas didn't respond; his eyes were dull and empty, as though he were locked in some sort of trance. Could it be possible that he was losing hope to defeat this imposter? Before Fake Thomas could say anything about it, a new voice (female) started echoing into the void of darkness.
"Tommy! Tommy, wake up!"
"Em-ily-?" whispered Thomas.
Fake Thomas looked around, "Was that Emily's voice?"
Suddenly, Thomas, with his head bowed, began rising back to his feet. It was as though the sound of his angel's voice was renewing his strength and willpower.
"I think I finally got it," mumbled Thomas, making Fake Thomas flinch. He then raised his head, "This is all a dream. You're nothing but a figment of my imagination—a part of my fever."
"You're wrong! I 'am' real!" raged Fake Thomas, "You, on the other hand, were created by darkness! And as darkness is evil, that means you, 'too', are evil!"
Thomas only shook his head with disdain. Since words weren't going to get through to his counterpart no matter how hard he tried, he (Thomas) had no other choice but use all of his dueling to show him (Fake Thomas).
"It's my turn!" declared Thomas, as he performed a Destiny Draw to get at his card.
Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (LP: 200)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (5): "Magician of Chaos", "Strength in Unity", "Chaos Form", "Twilight Winged Soul", and "SW - Ultimate Scepter"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'SW - Ultimate Scepter'.
"Emily… " thought Thomas, "Even if you are away from me in this dream, I can still feel you guiding me in a way…" From there, he looked and pointed at his remaining Set card, "Face-down card, open! 'Prologue of the Destruction Swordsman', activate!"
The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself.
"I must send 1 'Destruction Sword' card and 1 'Buster Blader' monster from my Deck to the GY, except 'Prologue of the Destruction Swordsman'; I must Special Summon 1 'Buster Dragon' from my Extra Deck or GY, but destroy it during the end of the next turn."
"'Buster Dragon'?" repeated Fake Thomas.
"Yes," confirmed Thomas, taking two cards ('Dragon Buster Destruction Sword' and 'Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster') from his Deck and sending them to the GY, "With the conditions met…" He held a card ('Buster Dragon') out for a moment before placing it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "…I'll Special Summon 'Buster Dragon' in Defense Position!"
From there, 'Prologue of the Destruction Swordsman' briefly appeared on the field before flying into a large Synchro Ring, causing a huge beam of light to erupt.
"Synchro Summon!" cried Thomas, "Appear now, 'Buster Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and landing on the field, was a huge, dark-looking dragon with four front claw arms (Level: 8/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2800).
"You believe defending will be of help against three 'Gods'? You're too naive!" snapped Fake Thomas, "I activate the effect of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'! If a monster(s) is Summoned to my opponent's field: I must target that monster(s); it loses 2000 ATK/DEF, depending on its battle position, then, if its ATK/DEF became 0 by this effect, I must destroy it."
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' opened its second mouth and charged an attack.
"SUMMON THUNDER BULLET!"
The attack was unleashed, striking 'Buster Dragon' and reducing its DEF strongly (DEF: 2800 → 800).
"'Buster Dragon' has an effect!" grimaced Thomas, "All monsters my opponent controls become Dragons," He pointed at his opponent, "The three 'Egyptian God' monsters will have their Types of Divine-Beast changed to Dragon!"
'Buster Dragon' let loose a shockwave like roar across the field.
"Tch!" grunted Fake Thomas.
"And there's more," Thomas went on, "Once per turn, if I do not control a 'Buster Blader' monster: I can target 1 'Buster Blader' in my GY; I must Special Summon it."
"A 'Buster Blader' monster?"
"Yes," As the blue-haired boy said that, he took a card ('Buster Blader') from his GY and held it out, "Come forth, 'Buster Blader'!"
Within seconds, the purple-armored swordsman returned to the field (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2300).
"Are you daft?!" Fake Thomas insulted harshly, "'Slifer' will now weaken your Summoned monster!" He then gave the command, "SUMMON THUNDER BULLET!"
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' unleashed more electrical bombs from its second mouth, striking the area 'Buster Blader' was standing in and causing an explosion. When the smoke cleared, 'Buster Blader' was shown to be weakened badly (ATK: 2600 → 600).
"But 'Buster Blader' has an effect!" recovered Thomas, "It gains 500 ATK for each Dragon monster my opponent controls or is in their GY! Because of 'Buster Dragon's' effect, the three 'Egyptian Gods' are now Dragon monsters, meaning 'Buster Blader' grows stronger!"
'Buster Blader's' sword glowed as it regained some of its depleted strength (ATK: 600 → 2100).
"It's not close to being enough!" argued Fake Thomas.
"My turn's just beginning," corrected Thomas, "Next, I'll activate the effect of my Trap Card, 'Destruction Sword Memories', in my GY!" A card ('Destruction Sword Memories') ejected from his GY, "I can banish this card from my GY; I must Fusion Summon 1 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman' from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my GY."
From there, two more cards ('Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster' and 'Dragon Buster Destruction Sword') slid out from Thomas's GY.
"I'll use both 'Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster' and 'Dragon Buster Destruction Sword'," explained Thomas, holding out both cards, "Now, normally I need 'Buster Blader' as a Fusion Material, but the effect of 'Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster' changes its name to 'Buster Blader' while on my field or in my GY."
From there, both 'Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster' and 'Dragon Buster Destruction Sword' briefly appeared on the field before leaping into the Fusion Vortex in the sky.
"Great Swordsman of Destruction, take up your blade and have at your draconic foes with greater might than ever!" chanted Thomas, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and onto the field, was what appeared to be 'Buster Blader' now sporting a more evolved looking armor, parts of it being white-gold (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500).
"'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman'…" whispered Fake Thomas
"It must be Fusion Summoned," Thomas was saying, going over a few of his new monster's effects, "It cannot attack directly. However, it 'does' grow stronger."
"Stronger?" repeated Fake Thomas, "Don't tell me this 'Buster Blader' also grows stronger if I control a Dragon monster or have one in my GY?!"
"That's right," acknowledged Thomas, "For every Dragon monster you control or have in your GY, this monster gains an additional 1000 ATK and DEF."
From there, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destruction Swordsman' glowed in a golden aura as he grew stronger from the now Dragon-Type 'Gods' opposing him (ATK: 2800 → 5800/DEF: 2500 → 5500).
"Grr… Just don't forget about 'Slifer's' effect!" hissed Fake Thomas, "Your monster's ATK of 5800 is about to be reduced by 2000 points! SUMMON THUNDER BULLET!"
(fake) 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' fired yet another blast from its second mouth. 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destruction Swordsman' simply stood there until the attack got closer and closer. From there, he readied his sword…
*SLASH!*
…and sliced Summon Thunder Bullet in two, causing both halves to explode shortly after. Other than that, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destruction Swordsman' was completely unharmed.
"What?!" gasped Fake Thomas. He then noticed that the shockwaves left by the explosions caused the three 'Egyptian God' monsters to go into a more defensive stance when they got hit by them, "The 'Gods' are going into Defense Position?!"
"That's too bad," smirked Thomas, "'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destruction Swordsman' has another effect. I must change all Dragon monsters my opponent controls to Defense Position, also Dragon monsters in my opponent's possession cannot activate their effects."
Fake Thomas reeled back, "Can't activate their effects?!"
"You heard me right," nodded Thomas, "As a result, 'Slifer' can no longer weaken any monster I Summon. However, I am still far from finished!" He then took and slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "I activate a Ritual Spell!"
A face-down card materialized on the field, but then flipped face-up and revealed itself to be…
"'Chaos Form'!" The blue-haired boy went on, "I must target 1 'Black Luster Soldier' or 'Chaos' Ritual Monster in my hand; I must 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 must Special Summon 1 'Black Luster Soldier' or 'Chaos' Ritual Monster from my hand instead." From there, he revealed another card in his hand, "Seeing as I have 'Dark Magician' in my GY, I'll Special Summon 'Magician of Chaos' from my hand!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Magician of Chaos' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100). All of a sudden, 'Buster Blader' faded away in a blue streak.
"Next, I'll offer 'Buster Blader' as a Tribute in order to Tribute Summon 'Twilight Winged Soul'!" announced Thomas, holding his next card ('Twilight Winged Soul') up.
Appearing onto the field was the angelic maiden with golden hair who looked like she could be among the 'Wingweaver' archetype (Level: 6/ATK: 2150/DEF: 2400).
"What the hell is this?!" groaned Fake Thomas.
"A gift from someone dear to me," answered Thomas, "A gift you yourself would have by now. Now, I'll explain what it can do… This card's name becomes 'Wingweaver' while on the field."
"'Wingweaver'?" mumbled Fake Thomas gloomily, before running the fingers of his right hand into his pale white hair, "That's Emily's favorite…"
"Correct," nodded Thomas, "And there's another effect 'Twilight Winged Soul' has… If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Supreme' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand," He drew a card and looked at it, "Like so…"
The card in-question was the 'Supreme Chaos Fusion' Spell Card. However, Thomas was not ready to activate it just yet. After all, he needed to finish preparations for the battle ahead. With that, Thomas added the card into his hand and picked another to play…
"From my hand, I'll activate a Continuous Spell!" declared Thomas, slotting the card into his Duel Disk, "'Strength in Unity'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"If I Ritual or Fusion Summon using 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' or 'Dark Magician': I can target 1 card my opponent controls or in their GY; I must banish it."
"If only the effects of my three monsters were not negated," thought Fake Thomas, "This means whatever that fake brings out next through Fusion Summon, I won't be able to stop such an effect of a Spell Card from targeting any of the 'Gods'."
From there, Thomas took one more card from his hand and slotted it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
"I activate a Spell Card!" thundered Thomas, just as the 'Supreme Chaos Fusion' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "'Supreme Chaos Fusion'! I must 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."
From there, 'Magician of Chaos' and 'Twilight Winged Soul' both turned to purple and yellow auras of light and dove into the Fusion Vortex in the sky as Thomas began another Summon Chant.
"Ultimate Wizard of Black Magic! Goddess of Light!" chanted Thomas, "Combine your might together, from the road of light and road of darkness. 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, Level 8!" finished Thomas, "'SUPREME TWILIGHT MAGICIAN'!"
From there, the new monster fully lowered herself onto the field before looking up with a determined look in her eyes (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500). Fake Thomas looked a little fearful of 'Supreme Twilight Magician' despite the monster not having the power to go up against the 'Egyptian Gods' he currently controls (even though they were in Defense Position). Unfortunately…
"I've Fusion Summoned using 'Dark Magician' as material," reminded Thomas, "As a result, the effect of 'Strength in Unity' will now activate!" He then pointed at… "The first 'God' to go…will be 'Obelisk'!"
From there, a spirit of (good) 'Dark Magician' appeared and fired a blast of dark magic towards (fake) 'Obelisk the Tormentor', striking the enemy monster and causing it to roar in pain while disintegrating into particles of light.
"'Obelisk'!" called Fake Thomas.
With one less 'Dragon' monster on the field, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman' weakened a little bit (ATK: 5800 → 4800/DEF: 5500 → 4500).
"The first effect of 'Supreme Twilight Magician'!" informed Thomas, "While face-up on the field, this card is also LIGHT-Attribute."
"A monster with TWO Attributes?" scowled Fake Thomas, "There's no such rule!"
"'Anything' is possible for those who never give up," insisted Thomas, "And now, the second and primary special ability of 'Supreme Twilight Magician' activates! It gains 200 ATK for each LIGHT and DARK monster in my GY," He then took twelve cards from his GY and held them up, "I have twelve such Monster Cards in my GY. As a result, 'Supreme Twilight Magician' gains 2400 ATK!"
From there, several spirits of the monsters in Thomas's GY briefly appeared as 'Supreme Twilight Magician' grew even stronger than she already was (ATK: 2800 → 5200).
"An ATK of 5200!" panicked Fake Thomas, but eased up when he remembered one thing… "Still, even she does not hold a candle to 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'! Even in Defense Position, 'Ra' is the strongest monster ever!"
That was true, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' still was so much stronger (DEF: 6500).
"While you can destroy 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', none of your monsters can hope to destroy the strongest of the three 'Egyptian Gods'! Once 'Ra' is free from your 'Buster Blader's' effect, this duel will be all over for you!"
"Are you sure about that?" asked Thomas grimly.
"What?!" recoiled Fake Thomas.
From there, Thomas prepared the last card in his hand (not revealing what it was just yet).
"This card is neither a Spell or Trap," he remarked, before turning it over at last, "It's an Effect Monster known as 'SW - Ultimate Scepter'."
"'SW - Ultimate Scepter'?" quizzed Fake Thomas.
"It's basically a weapon—a very powerful weapon if used in the right hands," replied Thomas, "I activate 'SW - Ultimate Scepter's' first effect… I can target 1 'Supreme Twilight Magician' I control; I must equip this monster from my hand or face-up field to that target."
From there, the staff in 'Supreme Twilight Magician's' hands changed into a more advanced and mystical one.
"Now I'll activate its second effect! While this card is equipped to a monster by this effect, if the equipped monster battles an opponent's monster, the equipped monster gains ATK equal to half the current ATK of the monster it is battling during the Damage Step only, also, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step," said Thomas, before entering the Battle Phase, "Now, prepare to lose your next 'God'! 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman', attack 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!"
'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman' obeyed, slashing his blade and striking the second (fake) 'Egyptian God' monster, causing it to roar and explode massively.
"And don't think you'll escape this battle undamaged," continued Thomas, "If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage."
From there, Fake Thomas reeled back as another slash from 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's' sword struck him, causing him to yell out before clutching his chest in pain (LP: 4200 → 1400).
"H-How dare you!" hissed Fake Thomas.
'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's' ATK then went down since another 'Dragon' monster was destroyed (ATK: 4800 → 3800).
"I still have one more monster that can attack, and that's 'Supreme Twilight Magician'," Thomas pointed out, "And since she's equipped with 'SW - Ultimate Scepter', her ATK will increase equal to half the current ATK of the monster she's battling during the Damage Step only," He then pointed at his copy, "That means even the strongest of the 'Gods', 'Ra', will fall as well!"
"Even still…" Fake Thomas tried denying his situation, "'Ra' is in Defense Position! Even if you strike it down, I won't lose any LP! I'll still have a chance at turning things around on my next turn."
Thomas frowned, "There won't be a next turn."
"HUH?!" recoiled Fake Thomas.
Hearing this made him slightly worried. Unfortunately, what Thomas added next really made him frightened.
"'SW - Ultimate Scepter' has a third effect," he said firmly, "If the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the ATK that monster had on the field. 'Ra' might be in Defense Position, but it has an ATK of 7800… Once the 'God' falls, you'll take enough damage to finish you off."
"No! This can't be happening!" freaked out Fake Thomas, "The darkness 'must' be destroyed! It is evil! And since you were created by darkness of evil, it means that you, 'too', are evil and must be destroyed!"
Thomas frowned, "You're wrong," he countered, "It's not the power that decides whether we are good or evil, but how we choose to 'use' it. If you truly wield the power of light, then you've chosen to use it for destruction, whereas I chose to use the power of darkness in the name of Justice. Without that darkness, I would have never grown stronger; not just as a duelist, but also as a human being. My trials in the Duel Monsters spirit world taught me that life isn't always fun and games. It has hardships we all must overcome on the road to becoming responsible in the future. And as proven with 'Supreme Twilight Magician', as well as my love for Emily, light and darkness 'can' co-exist in a perfect balance."
Fake Thomas did not say anything back; he simply waited for the end to come for him.
"'Supreme Twilight Magician'," commanded Thomas, "destroy 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
'Supreme Twilight Magician' raised her new weapon and charged a mixture of light and darkness into it, and, with a great yell, fired a devastating blast of twilight at (fake) 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. The (fake) 'God' was hit and exploded in a massive blast of fire. Fake Thomas screamed as his LP dropped to 0 and he started disintegrating into particles of light in the process (LP: 1400 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
Before long, Fake Thomas was gone completely. Now alone in the void, Thomas silently stared at the spot where his counterpart originally stood, feeling somewhat sorry. Suddenly, the void slowly began to light up, which meant…the dream was about to end.
(elsewhere…)
In the real world, Emily continued to stare at Thomas, worried that the fever he had had gotten so bad that he fell into cardiac arrest. But that was not meant to be, seeing as Emily then noticed that Thomas's face was no longer sweating or red in the face.
"Huh?" wondered Emily, "What's happening now?" She reached over and felt the blue-haired boy's forehead again, "He's…no longer burning up."
Slowly, Thomas began opening his eyes as well.
"Tommy!" gasped Emily, "You're waking up! Oh, thank God! It's a miracle!"
"Emily?" blinked Thomas, confused at first, "You're back. You would not believe the fever dream I just had."
"That's sort of what I thought," Emily nodded, drying her eyes in relief, "Your fever was getting so bad, that I truly thought you fell into cardiac arrest."
"I wouldn't say I fell into that," denied Thomas, "But the dream I had felt so…real. In it, I encountered and dueled a version of myself with pale white hair and a hatred for the darkness."
Emily listened on as Thomas gave the full explanation for his duel against his duplicate.
"I think I have a theory on why you had such a dream," she mused, "Perhaps it represented a hidden struggle you might have been having with your own thoughts, thinking that had you made different choices, certain events could have been prevented."
"That could be it," agreed Thomas, sitting up, "That copy of me insisted that if I had completed the Shadow RPG from the moment Battle City was over, we never would have found out about our past lives."
"However," continued Emily, "'had' it been that way, things between us never would have improved; we never would have grown as close as we are, you never would have understood about how the balance of chaos works, and I would 'still' be considered a damsel in distress. Though more often than not, our escapades would still have transpired even 'if' the Shadow RPG was finished first. So if anything, it would have either merely delayed the inevitable, or kept us both from evolving. And I'm proud that you were able to fight back against that doubt in your mind."
Thomas nodded, just before he and Emily heard a loud rumbling sound.
"Sounds like someone's hungry," giggled Emily.
"Yeah," Thomas acknowledged sheepishly, "Granted, I'm still not one hundred percent better, but some food will help with that."
"Well good, because I've made you potato soup with dumplings and diced meat," smiled Emily, before gesturing to the tray of food on the nearby table, "A little something special for my favorite patient."
Thomas licked his chompers, "Hmm hmm! Sounds delicious!"
From there, Emily took a spoonful of the soup and, after blowing it cool, brought it to Thomas's mouth.
"After all, it's the nurse's job to feed the patient and make sure he or she gets well," Emily winked playfully.
"Yeah, I know," chuckled Thomas, as he took hold of the spoon and bowl and started to eat.
Somehow, our hero was going to break free of this cold so he could enjoy the rest of the summer. And with such a dedicated nurse by his side, wouldn't you agree, too?