This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). 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
WARNING: Again, this story is rated T for fantasy violence and minor depictions of blood.
Chapter 19
The Kings of Light and Darkness, Part 3
The Lord of the Dead
Earlier...
"Billinton, I'm ending this lousy duel...in the only way possible..." began Spencer, before announcing his next action... "I activate 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's' final ability! The attack - Shining Nova!"
The dragon took to the skies and roared as it began to glow with an extreme amount of power.
"By sacrificing itself-" The silver-haired boy explained. "-my dragon can destroy any one card on the field at my choosing." He pointed towards the face-up 'Pyramid of Light' Trap Card. "I choose to destroy...'Pyramid of Light'!"
"What?!" gasped Thomas in surprise. "You're destroying 'Pyramid of Light'?!"
Spencer ignored the comment. "'Pyramid of Light' is a dark card from the dark forces? I'm being used by the dark forces? This isn't what I wanted to do... I want to win with the strategy I've planned at the start... In that case, I'll destroy this unsighted trap with my own hands!" He finally spoke aloud... "I won't let some dark force manipulate me into doing what it wants... I'll win with my own power! I'll destroy this Trap Card for Skiff... my Father... my Mother... and for Maiden with Eyes of Blue!" At last, he finally gave the command... "'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon', offer your life and destroy 'Pyramid of Light'... SHINING NOVA!"
'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' obeyed, creating a powerful burst as it roared one last time and exploded. Thomas and his monsters had to brace themselves so as not to be blown away.
"This...I cannot allow..." The unknown voice (male) boomed.
As the blast hit the face-up 'Pyramid of Light' Trap Card, the card began to absorb the blast instead of being shattered by it.
"It can't be!" gasped Thomas. "'Pyramid of Light' wasn't destroyed?!"
Spencer was shocked. "But...how?"
"The pyramid endures because I will it." said the unknown voice (male). "So great is my power... I put my errors into making you the King of Light... But, you were a mere child in the end, I see..."
"Stop your babbling!" Spencer shouted to whoever was out there. "Who the hell are you?! What have you done with my Duel Spirit!?"
The unknown voice (male) chuckled. "My name is Anubis..." he answered. "I will now destroy the King of Darkness to become the King of Destruction!"
"What are you talking about?! Where are you? Show yourself!"
"I have been here the whole time, little mortal, whispering in thy ear!" The unknown voice replied mockingly. "Now that you know the truth..."
While Spencer was looking around for the source of the voice, he didn't see the tremendous shadow cast over him from above; one of a broad-shouldered, jackal-headed figure.
"Spencer, look out behind you!" called Thomas, once be saw the black puddle.
The ground behind Spencer turned into a blackish slime, and a large, naked figure rose from it. Spencer turned around, but got grabbed by the head and lifted off the ground.
"Spencer, no!" Thomas cried out.
"You have served me well, little worm-" The male figure said fiendishly, still holding Spencer up by his head. "-but you have outlived your usefulness!"
He then tossed Spencer aside, leaving him injured and unconscious. The man was shown to be muscular but pulsating, complete with dirty blonde hair, red eyes, and a jewel embedded to his forehead. His forming clothing consisted of a black cape attached to spiked padding which were held by strings, along with gray shoulder pads, black pants, and the Pyramid of Light was shown hanging around his neck.
"I was hoping to see you, Pharaoh of Darkness..." Anubis, as he was named, greeted, his eyes full of evil and glee as an aura of darkness surrounded his body.
"Are you the one who used Spencer to set this duel up?!" demanded Thomas. "And why are you referring to me as 'Pharaoh of Darkness'?"
"I must expunge the power of the King of Darkness..." whispered Anubis. "Now is the time I send thee to thy doom by my own hands, and usher in destruction upon this world." The dirty blonde-haired Egyptian man grinned slightly. "That boy, however, served his purpose getting this far."
Thomas glared. "But how did you get a hold of Maiden with Eyes of Blue in the first place?!"
"I penetrated the realm of that fool's subconscious mind." explained Anubis. "I had to get him on my side, and that meant getting that foolish spirit not to intervene. And so, I simply imprisoned her inside a dark prison... One which she can never escape from."
"You will pay for your actions!" Thomas scowled intensely. "She did nothing to deserve such a fate!"
"And now, Pharaoh of Darkness-" continued Anubis. "-be gone along with thy 'Supreme Queen'!"
"What?" gasped Thomas, easing up slightly.
"There is only death for souls that step foot into the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth you possess around your neck!"
Thomas looked down at his Millennium Puzzle. His friends, including Emily, were trapped there - a Death Labyrinth? Finally, after what seemed like forever...
"You're wrong... I can still sense their presence." The blue-haired boy insisted. "And I will fight to defend them. No matter what happens, I will not let your evil plan come to pass, Anubis!"
Before long, the duel had changed:
-Thomas (LP: 200) controlled 'Watapon' (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300) and 'Obnoxious Celtic Guardian' (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1200).
-Anubis (LP: 2100) controlled no monsters.
"Thou shall be judged in this Pyramid of Light, Pharaoh of Darkness! Our hallowed duel cannot be stopped!" announced Anubis. "All I need due is defeat you in this duel, and the prophecy will be fulfilled. You will die by thy hands!" He raised his right hand as an orange glow erupted. "With 'Pyramid of Light' at my command, there's nothing you can do to stop me... The 'Ultimate Shadow Game' is just beginning! Now, when 'Pyramid of Light' has been activated, my 'Sacred Beasts of Judgement' are Summoned by means of my secret Hieratic Text!"
Anubis cackled loudly, just before speaking an Ancient Egyptian language. Before long, the ceiling started to get dark clouds formed.
"W-What is this?!" demanded Thomas.
The dark clouds were soon absorbed into the face-up 'Pyramid of Light' Trap Card, while two cards materialized in the palm of Anubis's right hand. Black slime, meanwhile, dripped onto the floor and spread about as the chanting continued. Once the puddle was big enough, and enough dark clouds were absorbed...
"Come forth - 'Andro Sphinx' and 'Sphinx Teleia'!" declared Anubis, once he stopped chanting.
The puddles erupted into geysers. From one of the geysers stepped a lion's foot, spattering slime as it landed. The slime soon ran off the monster, revealing a creature with the body of a lion, large and feathery wings, and the head from the neck up of a woman with long, lustrous red hair (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 3000).
"'Sphinx Teleia'..." whispered Thomas.
The next monster to materialize from the black slime was nowhere near as pretty. He had the face of a ferocious canine, with soulless red eyes, and a wild lion's mane—however, he stood upright, and also wore an armored breastplate over bulging muscles (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"I don't get it! How were you able to call forth such powerful monsters without making a tribute?" demanded Thomas.
"As 'Pyramid of Light' is on the field-" explained Anubis "-I am allowed to Special Summon these 'Beasts of Judgement' without a making a sacrifice in exchange for 500 Life Points each." His Life Points took a hit (LP: 1100). "But, fortunately for thee, they are not permitted to attack on the turn they're Summoned."
Taking his turn, Thomas quickly drew a card.
Turn Eighteen: Thomas Billinton (LP: 200)
Deck: 1
Current Hand (2): ? and "Reverse of Reverse"
The blue-haired boy saw that his drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Reverse of Reverse'. Without uttering another word, he slotted the card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk, causing a facedown card to materialize on the field.
"Search what's left of your Deck from now until doomsday." taunted Anubis. "And you still won't find anything to stand against my savage 'Beasts of Judgement'."
Turn Nineteen: Anubis (LP: 1100)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
"Now, Pharaoh of Darkness, I'm afraid that for you, doomsday is today... Now, watch as your last line of defense is ripped to shreds before your eyes!"
Raising a hand, the dirty blonde-haired Egyptian man of darkness made a facedown card appear on his side of the field. 'Obnoxious Celtic Guardian' stood ready to defend his master/friend in case an attack was declared.
"'Obnoxious Celtic Guardian' can't be destroyed by enemy monsters that have 1900 or more Attack Points." Thomas thought to himself, assuming that he would be safe from an enemy attack. "Attacking him with either 'Sphinx' would be pointless."
We'll have to see about that... Finally, the Battle Phase came...
"'Sphinx Teleia', it's feeding time!" announced Anubis. "Question of the Trial, now!"
'Sphinx Teleia' obeyed, first leering at "Watapon' before her pretty-looking face became scary as she let loose a roar and scared the living daylights out of the poor cottonball-like monster. From there, 'Sphinx Teleia' let loose a loud screech and pounced at 'Obnoxious Celtic Guardian'.
"What?!" gasped Thomas, watching as his monster shattered into shards of glass upon hitting the floor. "Was that a Monster Effect?!"
"When 'Sphinx Teleia' battles one of my opponent's monsters, I can negate its effects." answered Anubis. "Now, 'Andro Sphinx', attack with Sphinx Roar!"
'Andro Sphinx' obeyed, letting lose a huge roar that blew poor 'Watapon' away before it shattered into shards of glass.
"Each time 'Andro Sphinx' destroys a monster that's in defense mode-" Anubis went on. "-half of that monster's Attack Points are taken away from the opponent's Life Points."
Thomas grunted as he took minor damage and lost more of his life-force (LP: 100).
"This would be quite the trite affair if you were to fall so easily!"
Outside the pyramid, Sir Robert and Skiff were both looking off the railing into the blue pyramid of pure evil.
"Thomas!" called Skiff.
"Don't give up!" put in Sir Robert.
Back inside the pyramid...
"Struggle, Pharaoh of Darkness!" Anubis ranted ruthlessly. "The more you struggle, the more the light will grow in luster! On my next turn, you will receive the judgement of light... Let terror strike thee, Pharaoh of Darkness!"
Thomas cast a glace at what was left of his Deck in the Duel Disk.
"I have only one card left in my whole Deck." he thought to himself. "Even if I draw it, that 'Pyramid of Light' can't be destroyed thanks to Anubis's great power. Nevertheless, a True Duelist keeps fighting until the last card is played." Finally, Thomas drew his final card. "My turn! Last card, drawn!"
Turn Twenty: Thomas Billinton (LP: 100)
Deck: Empty
Current Hand (2): "Exchange" and "Double Spell"
Thomas's drawn card was the 'Double Spell' Spell Card, and his current hand only contained 'Exchange'.
"'Double Spell' and 'Exchange'... "These two cards are all that I have left..."
Thomas then looked up at the two giant 'Sphinx' monsters looming over him, both ready to feast upon him on command. Anubis, meanwhile, awaited the end of the duel with a satisfied grimace. He was certain that this time, he had won.
(elsewhere...)
Back inside the altar chamber within the Millennium Puzzle, the battle with the mummies was still going on...
"This is getting ridiculous!" complained James, kicking a mummy's head off. "These guys just keep on coming!"
The head landed in Edward's hands. "AUGH!" he yelled out, tossing it away. "Watch where you kick something, James!"
"Sorry!"
One mummy ran towards Gina (who bravely stood her ground), but then tripped over one of the mummies' severed head, causing the mummy put its hands out in front of it to catch itself from falling onto its face, and those hands sadly land directly on...Gina's chest, squeezing her clothed breasts. If you thought the brown-haired Italian girl's reaction to getting her butt grabbed by those mummies was not pretty—well, wait until you see what happened next...
*BASH!*
"PERVERTITO!" A red-faced Gina freaked out in Italian, angrily slapping the mummy and knocking it onto the ground.
Once the offender was lying on the floor, an extremely pissed-looking Gina started repeatedly stomping on the poor mummy's groin with her right foot while also repeatedly yelling out the word "Pervertito!" (Italian for 'pervert'), getting it and her shoe covered in goo from the undead minion's body (not like she cared about that, right now). Now, if that were a human male instead... Oh, do I dread how badly he would be injured... Nearby, Percy watched the scene with a sweatdrop on the back of his head.
"Whoa... Gina's got quite the temper." Percy mused, just before resuming focus on the mummies attacking.
Axel angrily punched another mummy's head off. "Come on!" he yelled, before getting swamped by another mummy. "I'm not your 'mummy'!"
Emily, still awakened as Anastasia, was standing atop of the steps, watching the battle going on. She needed to do something to help even the odds a bit. Just then...
"Help me..." echoed a familiar voice (female). "Somebody help..."
"Is that...Maiden with Eyes of Blue?" whispered Emily.
She looked to the source of the voice. It was at the wall with Hieratic Text and a small red eye-like jewel encrusted there.
"Emily... Emily, help me..." The voice of Maiden with Eyes of Blue called out. "You must break the seal!"
"The seal..." murmured Emily.
"The Dagger of Fate... it's inside the sarcophagus..." The voice of Maiden with Eyes of Blue pointed out. "Use it to break the seal!"
"Dagger of Fate?" repeated Emily, who then closed her eyes.
"Emily! What are you doing up there?!" demanded James, tearing a mummy in half. "Hurry and find something! We can't hold out much longer!"
A memory was coming back to Emily.
FLASHBACK
A dagger with a jagged blade was seen next to Flashback Anubis's mummy while Flashback Thomas and Flashback Emily were looking at it in the museum.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"EMILY?!" wailed Percy, as more and more mummies gathered. "What's going on up there?!"
"Guys, there might be a way to destroy 'Pyramid of Light's' source of power!" announced Emily. "I just hope that dagger's still in the coffin..."
Emily lifted the coffin lid and began to dig around in the remaining bandages for any sign of the Dagger of Fate (as Maiden with Eyes of Blue had mentioned).
"Hurry!" called Gina, punching a mummy in its chest. "We are-a getting surrounded!"
"Please be in here..." prayed Emily, still searching the coffin. She soon found something hidden in all of the bandages. "Got it!"
"Use the weapon to break the seal!" The voice of Maiden with Eyes of Blue instructed, just as Emily pulled the weapon out.
"But what about you?" asked Emily, being unsure what would happen once the seal was broken. "What's going to happen to you once the seal breaks?"
"I will be freed from this prison." The voice of Maiden with Eyes of Blue answered. "Your friend can then make another attempt at destroying 'Pyramid of Light'."
Just as a mummy sneaked up on the unsuspecting Emily, the dark green-haired young woman, without even looking, merely delivered a backhand to the mummy and knocked it back down the steps. Below the steps, more and more mummies surrounded Edward, Percy, James, Axel, and Gina, and the teenagers were getting exhausted. From there, Emily, looking at the red eye-like jewel on the wall, readied the Dagger of Fate in her hands.
"With the Dagger of Fate in my hands-" The dark green-haired young woman chanted, before rearing back and hurtling the dagger with all her might. "-I break the seal!"
The dagger twirled in the air before its handle struck the seal—but nothing happened as the weapon dropped to the floor.
"What?!" gasped Emily. "It didn't work?!"
Another mummy popped up to attack, but Emily quickly turned and tore it apart with her bare hands. All of a sudden, to the relief of everyone that was human, the wall where the dagger had hit started cracking and releasing golden light.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the pyramid, the Pyramid of Light around Anubis's neck started sparking, much to the dirty blonde-haired Egyptian man's surprise.
"The pyramid's losing its power..." Thomas murmured, taking notice of the sparks. He then looked to the Millennium Puzzle around his neck. "Emily... everyone... I know what I must do, now..." He held two cards out. "I activate 'Double Spell'! By sending a Spell Card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can activate one Spell Card from the opponent's Graveyard as if it were my own Spell Card!"
"What?!" recoiled Anubis, watching as the 'Exchange' Spell Card faded away from his opponent's hand. "Does this mean-?"
Nearby, Spencer's Graveyard started glowing all white as a card emerged and soared over to Thomas, who took hold and revealed what it was...
"I activate 'Monster Reborn'!" The blue-haired boy announced. "And the monster I choose to resurrect...is 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon'!"
In a flash of light, the mighty dragon reappeared on the field.
"Your 'Pyramid' seems to have already lost its so-called light." taunted Thomas "This time, your 'Pyramid of Light' will not survive this attack. 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon', use all your remaining power to finish what you've started and destroy 'Pyramid of Light'!"
Anubis scowled, but said nothing in response. Finally, the command was given...
"Be gone, 'Pyramid'! Away with you, 'Sphinxes'!" ordered Thomas with such force. "SHINING NOVA!"
'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' obeyed, rising into the sky with a roar before firing off a powerful blast at the face-up 'Pyramid of Light' Trap Card. This time, the card was hit and destroyed.
"T-This can't be!" wailed Anubis, bracing himself from the force of the attack.
The attack also struck both 'Andro Sphinx' and 'Sphinx Teleia', causing them to cry out in pain as they also shattered into shards of glass.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the altar chamber, Emily had gotten pinned down by three mummies. Just then, the mummies faded away. Below the steps, the mummies surrounding Edward, Percy, James, Axel, and Gina all faded away. Not only that, the spirit of Maiden with Eyes of Blue had also been released.
"I'm free once more!" The Duel Spirit exclaimed. She then looked over at Emily. "Both you and the 'Supreme King' have done it!"
Emily, returning to normal, nodded. "We're finally getting out of here."
Everything in the altar faded to white.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the duel field, the blue pyramid was sparking due to its power source being lost. Skiff, Sir Robert, and James R. each watched with surprise.
"Something's happening to the pyramid!" exclaimed James R.. "Could this mean something?"
No answer came from anyone—not at first, anyway. Against the wall, Edward, Percy, Axel, Gina, and James were all slowly coming around.
"Mama Mia..." groaned Gina wearily.
"What...just happened?" mumbled Edward.
"You're awake!" rejoiced Carlie. "We're so happy you five are alive!"
"Definitely." agreed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back below the rafters, the pyramid continued to spark. Soon, it began to crack and break apart piece-by-piece, just before burst open into shards of glass. 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon', having used its effect, let loose one last roar before disappearing into Spencer's Graveyard once again. To Anubis's horror, the blue pyramid surrounding the field was in complete ruin. Not only that, Emily had reappeared beside Thomas. Soon, the shards of blue disappeared as the smoke died down.
"The Pyramid of Light!" gasped Mr. Gresley (Boxford). "It's finally gone!"
"Thank goodness." sighed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back in the duel field below...
"It's finally over." said Thomas, as the smoke cleared away. "Now your 'Pyramid of Light' has collapsed, and the omen has been broken."
"Impossible!" bellowed Anubis. "Your opponent tried and failed to destroy 'Pyramid of Light' with that dragon. You alone, Pharaoh of Darkness, could not have made such a difference."
"You're absolutely right." Thomas acknowledged. "There's no way I could have done it alone."
"Not when he has friends to help him!" put in Emily.
Anubis growled with hatred. "The 'Supreme Queen'... How dare you interfere in this ritual!"
"It had to be done, Anubis." insisted Emily. "Light and Darkness both need each other."
"Damn you... What good could you do now that you've lost your monster, Pharaoh of Darkness?!" demanded Anubis, speaking to Thomas once more. "The ritual is far from over!" He motioned his right hand to his set card. "Appear - 'Theinen the Great Sphinx'!"
Another burst of black slime erupted.
"When 'Andro Sphinx' and 'Sphinx Teleia' are both destroyed at the same time-" explained Anubis, taking a Life Point hit (LP: 600). "-I can pay 500 of my Life Points and Special Summon my most powerful monster! Inspired by thy modern saying - 'Two heads are better than one'!"
The slime combined together into what seemed like 'Andro Sphinx', but also had 'Sphinx Teleia's' head as well. The new monster roared loud and loomed before both Thomas and Emily, aiming to take their lives.
"But I'm not finished..." continued Anubis, holding out the Pyramid of Light around his neck. "All monsters wandering between both Light and Dark, bestow upon your power to 'Theinen the Great Sphinx'!"
As Anubis took another Life Point hit (LP: 100), dark spirits flew out of the Pyramid of Light while spirits of the mummies from earlier flew from the Millennium Puzzle. As the soared around 'Theinen the Great Sphinx', both heads ate up the dark spirits and mummy spirits. Up on the rafters...
"That thing must be hungry." cracked James.
Matt didn't laugh at the jab. "James, that joke of yours needs work." he remarked sternly. "Besides, I think those spirits are playing a part in strengthening that monster."
"What makes you say that, mate?" quizzed Michael.
"Take a look at the view screen!"
To the shock of the spectators, the screen showed 'Theinen the Great Sphinx's' Attack Power growing to an extreme level (ATK: 3500 - 35000).
"Anubis is using his magic to buff 'Theinen's' Attack Power to unmatched levels!" realized Edward.
"He's cheating!" objected Carlie. "It's against the rules of a duel to do that!"
"At this point, I don't think Anubis even cares about the rules." Axel pointed out.
Back in the duel field below...
"Now, away with you both!" shouted Anubis. "Say hello to your victims, 'Theinen'!"
'Theinen the Great Sphinx' let loose a booming roar, which pushed Thomas and Emily both back a little bit.
"My mightiest servant, 'Theinen the Great Sphinx', is the leader of all monsters... A servant under the Gods of Egypt! You will succumb before this monster... The bested is he who has lost all of his monsters! Prepare to meet your doom, Pharaoh of Darkness and 'Supreme Queen'!"
"If I'm right about what Spencer was planning-" Thomas thought to himself. "-there might be a chance for me to defeat that empowered 'Sphinx'." At last, he spoke up... "This is still a duel, Anubis, and it's still my turn!" He pointed to his remaining set card. "Facedown card, activate - 'Reverse of Reverse'!"
The blue-haired boy's final set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"That can only be used if you control no other cards and I have at least one set card on my field." protested Anubis. "But I control nothing but 'Theinen'!"
"Wrong!" cut in Thomas. "There's the card Spencer left behind before you showed up earlier. If my hunch is right, Spencer's facedown card is one to gain control of the 'Egyptian God' Monsters still removed from the game." With that said, he pointed to the only set card on Anubis's side of the field. "That set card is...'Return from the Different Dimension'!"
The lone facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be the exact Trap Card ('Return from the Different Dimension') Thomas had predicted.
"Impossible!" cried Anubis.
"When Spencer spoke of a perfect victory at one point during the duel-" Thomas was saying, taking a Life Point hit (LP: 50). "-he meant defeating me with my own 'Egyptian God' Cards! Now, thanks to 'Return from the Different Dimension', the 'Gods' shall return to the field for one turn!"
"What?!" demanded Anubis.
A portal appeared within the sky on the blue-haired boy's side of the field.
"Welcome back - 'Obelisk the Tormentor'... 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'... and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
In an instant, the three 'Egyptian Gods' returned to the field as if nothing had happened to them, which caused Anubis to grimace in shock. 'Obelisk the Tormentor', 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' each glared at Anubis, and they were itching for some payback for the earlier use of the 'Pyramid of Light' Trap Card.
"Experience the 'Wrath of God'!" declared Thomas. "Go forth, now!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' (who also became 'Egyptian God Phoenix') joined with 'Obelisk the Tormentor' as the ground around Anubis began to crack apart and reveal fire and molten lava. Now energized with power, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' felt its power rise and rise until it reached the absolute limit of its already great power (ATK: 4000 - ∞)
"Attack 'Theinen the Great Sphinx'!" declared Thomas. "End this duel and madness... TITAN FIRESTORM!"
The three 'Egyptian Gods' obeyed, just as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' hurled a punch with its 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Egyptian God Phoenix' fists, sending a devastating blast of fire that struck, overwhelmed, and destroyed 'Theinen the Great Sphinx' without effort. Before long, the blast got closer and closer to Anubis...
(elsewhere...)
Outside the Boxford Corp Dome...
*BOOM!*
(elsewhere...)
Back in the duel field within the building, Anubis had been set ablaze from the devastating attack by the three 'Gods' of Egypt and screamed in agonizing pain, soon collapsing to his knees in defeat (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
On the rafters...
"Thomas won the duel!" rejoiced Michael.
"He was-a amazing!" whooped Gina.
"Way to go, Thomas!" called Edward.
Back in the duel field, Anubis's whole body soon shattered into shards of glass as the fire left behind died down, while the Pyramid of Light cracked and shattered apart. Before long, the three 'Egyptian God' Monsters faded away, satisfied with their victory and avenging their previous loss.
"Tommy..." whispered Emily, walking over. "Is it over?"
"Yeah." confirmed Thomas. "I think it's all over." Suddenly, he remembered something. "Spencer!"
He looked over to the unconscious silver-haired boy and saw the spirit of Maiden with Eyes of Blue near him.
"Spencer..." The Duel Spirit whispered. "Awaken..."
Upon touching the side of his face, Spencer slowly stirred and opened his eyes. When his vision returned, the first thing he saw was Maiden with Eyes of Blue.
"Maiden with...Eyes of Blue..." The silver-haired boy groaned wearily. "You're safe..."
"Spencer!" Thomas and Emily both call out, running over.
Once the made it, Thomas offered a hand to his friend/rival to try and help him back up, but was surprisingly refused.
"I'll be okay..." insisted Spencer, standing back up. "My arm's in bad shape, but I'll live..."
On the rafters...
"Big Brother..." whispered Skiff.
"I'm glad that's all over with." Carlie said with relief.
"As are we." agreed Percy, who was standing with Edward, James, Axel, and Gina all by his side. "Kicking mummy butt really took a lot out of me."
"You can say that again, Percy." added James.
Back in the duel field below... While Spencer was interacting with both Thomas and Emily, the small orb left behind by the destruction of Anubis and the Pyramid of Light started glowing, which caught the attention of everyone in the area.
"What the-?" gasped Thomas.
"What is this?" put in Spencer.
"Is that-?" finished Emily, just as evil laughter echoed about.
Suddenly, a cloud of darkness erupted from the remaining jewel. As the jewel and cloud of darkness rose higher and higher, more and more black slime gathered about, forming the body of something new.
"What the hell is that?!" wondered Michael.
"Do you think-?" began Axel.
"Is-a that Anubis?" finished Gina.
Back in the duel field below, the slime continued to gather around the glowing jewel and cloud of darkness, forming together into the body of a beast.
"What ARE you?!" demanded Emily.
"My name is Anubis. Watcher of the Dead and King of the Underworld!" The voice of Anubis boomed, just as the black slime took form of a jackal-like beast. "Shadows, take life! Creatures, be born! Now, let's see how well you play the game when the monsters are 'real'!"
Back on the rafters...
"Unbelievable..." whispered Discord.
"Can I file this in the category of 'not good'?" asked James in a deadpan tone.
"This must be Anubis's true form!" realized Sir Robert.
Back in the duel field below...
"I shall slaughter both the Pharaoh of Darkness and the King of Light and become the King of Destruction!" thundered Anubis, as his true form looked upon the three teenagers below. "It is no longer time to duel... Now, it is time...to DIE!"
The giant beast let loose a power blast of dark fire, missing Thomas, Spencer, and Emily and slamming into the wall, thus creating a giant hole on the architecture.
"Nothing in your Decks of cards can save thee, now!" declared Anubis, just as two cards ('Inferno Tempest' and 'Fallout') materialized out of thin-air.
Before Thomas, Spencer, and Emily each knew what was happening, an explosion on each of their respective Duel Disks ensued, scattering all of their cards about all over the floor.
"Ha ha ha ha ha..." Anubis slowly laughed. "Die a miserable death!"
Back on the rafters, Edward, Percy, Gina, Axel, and James all activated their Duel Disks and drew two cards from the top of their respective Decks.
"Hang on, guys, help's on the way!" Percy called out, holding two cards out. "Appear - 'Gilford the Lightning' and 'Gearfried the Iron Knight'!"
'Gilford the Lightning' and 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' both appeared in midair for battle.
"Come out - 'Neos' and 'Bladedge'!" put in James, just as 'Elemental HERO Neos' and 'Elemental HERO Bladedge' both appeared in midair.
"'Volcanic Hammerer' and 'Infernal Flame Emperor'!" added Axel, holding two cards out.
'Volcanic Hammerer' and 'Infernal Flame Emperor' both emerged from fire to join the battle.
"'Lunalight Cat Dancer' and-a 'Lunalight Panther Dancer'!" declared Gina, holding her two cards out.
In a burst of light, 'Lunalight Cat Dancer' and 'Lunalight Panther Dancer' both danced onto the scene.
"Finally, I call upon 'Hyozanryu' and 'Vorse Raider'!" finished Edward, holding two more cards out.
With 'Hyozanryu' and 'Vorse Raider' both added in, the army of protagonist monsters was all ready for battle...
-'Gilford the Lightning'
-'Gearfried the Iron Knight'
-'Elemental HERO Neos'
-'Elemental HERO Bladedge'
-'Volcanic Hammerer'
-'Infernal Flame Emperor'
-'Lunalight Cat Dancer'
-'Lunalight Panther Dancer'
-'Hyozanryu'
-'Vorse Raider'
"ATTACK!" The heroic party called out.
The army of good monsters charged at the giant beast Anubis while Thomas, Emily, and Spencer tried to pick up their scattered Decks without being interrupted and attacked. Despite their best efforts, the army of monsters was no match for Anubis's power.
"What impertinence!" The jackal-like beast yelled, charging another dark blast. "Stay in your place, you curs!"
With the blast fired, the monsters owned by Percy, James, Axel, Gina, and Edward were all quickly wiped out. The blast hit the ceiling up on the rafters, causing more and more damage and soon to cave in. Thomas, Emily, and Spencer each watched with worry for their friends and loved ones' safety.
"Ignorant fools who have sworn their allegiance to the King of Darkness!" hissed Anubis, as the spikes around his body grew bigger and sharper. "May you realize your own stupidity!"
Many orbs of darkness were launched, striking the ceiling of the whole building. That did it, the building couldn't withstand the destruction any longer... Debris finally started to fall, aiming to crush everyone down below... Just then, 'Blue-Eyes Toon Dragon' and 'Toon Dark Magician Girl' both appeared out of nowhere and held the debris back.
"Discord!" gasped Sir Robert.
"These 'Toon' Monsters won't last for long, so we have to get out of here." warned Discord, pocketing two of his cards.
"So, let's go!" acknowledged Edward.
"We can take the elevator." suggested Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
As the group started to leave, they noticed they were four people short...
"Wait, you four!" called Percy.
As it turns out, Matt, Michael, Carlie, and James R.. were staying behind. They were likely about to join the battle down below...
"Go!" ordered Matt.
"We'll be okay!" reassured James R..
'Blue-Eyes Toon Dragon' and 'Toon Dark Magician Girl' were both grimacing and about to give out with carrying the debris above them. Finally, the group, minus Matt, Michael, Carlie, and James R., all escaped to the elevator, entering it just as the two 'Toon' Monsters finally got crushed and destroyed by the debris. Back in the duel field below, Anubis's form had changed once more...
"Those nuisances are all gone." taunted Anubis, now a gigantic demon with a pair of wings on his back. "Have you prepared to accept your fate, Pharaoh of Darkness?"
Standing tall, the demon roared loudly, much to the nervousness of his prey down below. From there, a large, axe-like blade appeared on Anubis's head.
"Pharaoh of Darkness, allow me to present you my most utmost gratitude, as well..." The blade grew bigger. "I will use all of my strength to send thee to thy grave! And your friends can join you... Accept your fate!"
"Hold it!" interrupted Matt, just as he, Michael, Carlie, and James R. all stood in front of Thomas, Emily, and the injured Spencer. "Keep away from our friends!"
"Why not try dealing with us instead?" dared Michael boldly.
"You want to kill our friends? You'll have to go through us first!" added Carlie.
"You think you're so tough? Well, I don't think you are!" joked James R..
"Why should I waste thy time on mere insects?" scoffed Anubis. He then raised his foot over the humans below. "But if thou four wish to die too, so be it!"
Before the demon could stomp on his prey...
"Take flight - 'Stardust Dragon'!" announced Matt, holding a card out.
"My very soul - 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" added Michael, holding a card out.
"Appear now - 'Black Rose Dragon'!" put in Carlie, holding a card out.
"Soar - 'Black-Winged Dragon'!" finished James R., holding a card out.
Four of the six servants of the Crimson Dragon appeared in midair, attacking at the same time while managing to knock Anubis back a small bit.
"So, thou four are not mere insects..." The demon grunted, quickly recovering from being attacked. "No matter, you are no match for me!"
Anubis started to attack once more, but the Signers were faster on the draw...
"'Stardust Dragon', attack Anubis!" commanded Matt, who then gave the attack name for his monster... "COSMIC FLARE!"
"Join the battle, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" ordered Michael, who then gave the attack name for his monster... "BLAZING CRIMSON HELL FLARE!"
"Assist the other dragons, 'Black Rose Dragon'!" instructed Carlie, who then gave the attack name for her monster... "BLACK ROSE FLARE!"
"Leave some for 'Black-Winged Dragon', you guys!" suggested James R., who then gave the attack name for his monster... "NOBLE STREAM!"
The four Dragon-Type Synchro Monsters obeyed, firing off their respective signature attacks at the giant demon-like monster. The true form of Anubis got hit and cried out in pain as an explosion ensued and smoke covered the whole area.
"Did that do it?" wondered Thomas.
When the smoke cleared, Anubis was revealed to have been unscratched by the combined efforts of 'Stardust Dragon', 'Red Dragon Archfiend', 'Black Rose Dragon', and 'Black-Winged Dragon', thus shocking Thomas, Emily, Spencer, Matt, Michael, Carlie, and James R..
"That answer your question, Billintion?" asked Spencer sarcastically.
Anubis charged a dark breath attack. "You annoy me... NOW DIE!"
The attack was launched in an instant. Although 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Red Dragon Archfiend' both managed to dodge the dark breath, 'Black Rose Dragon' and 'Black Winged Dragon' were both instead hit and destroyed by the attack.
"Nothing thou do can stop me!" boomed Anubis.
"Dammit..." mumbled Matt, looking slightly frustrated. "There has to be a way to beat him..."
"We still have a way, mate." insisted Michael, readying two more cards. "Let's take Anubis on with both our ace monsters at the next levels!"
The dirty blonde-haired boy nodded in agreement, before readying a card of his own. In a short period of time, three monsters ('Dark Resonator', 'Red Nova', and 'Formula Synchron') appeared on the scene.
"I'm Tuning my Level 8 Synchro Monster, 'Stardust Dragon', with the Level 2 Tuner Synchro Monster, 'Formula Synchron'!" announced Matt.
"I'm Double Tuning my Level 8 Synchro Monster, 'Red Dragon Archfiend', with the Level 1 Tuner Monster, 'Red Nova', and the Level 3 Tuner Monster, 'Dark Resonator'!" added Michael.
Two separate Synchro Summon sequences ensued, both not lasting as long as they usually do. Anubis recoiled from the light show, but quickly got over it as 'they' both started to show themselves...
"Be born - 'SHOOTING STAR DRAGON'!" boomed Matt.
"Come forth - 'RED NOVA DRAGON'!" shouted Michael.
Within seconds, both 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Red Nova Dragon' appeared in the sky above Anubis. This was the group's chance to attack!
"Go forth, 'Shooting Star Dragon'!" commanded Matt.
'Shooting Star Dragon' roared as flames began to surround itself.
"Show Anubis no mercy, 'Red Nova Dragon'!" put in Michael.
'Red Nova Dragon', as flames surrounded it, let loose a demonic-like roar.
"STARDUST MIRAGE!" / "BURNING SOUL!" Both champion duelists shouted at once.
The inflamed 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Red Nova Dragon' both obeyed, charging charging at Anubis and striking him head-on. The combination of both attacks from the two extremely powerful Synchro Monsters seemed to be pushing the demon back, and also damaging him rather severely to the point the he could actually be defeated.
"It's working!" called Thomas.
"Keep it going!" encouraged Emily.
After a few seconds, however, I'm afraid Anubis started to fight back, hard...
"Meddlesome bugs!" The demon roared in anger, smacking the two monsters away with his arm. "Thou will die!"
'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Red Nova Dragon' both recovered from the attack, but Anubis had unleashed another dark breath attack just as quickly. This time, both monsters were hit and destroyed.
"'Shooting Star'!" called Matt.
"'Scar-Red Nova'!" added Michael, who then growled. "Not even they were a match for Anubis..."
"How are we supposed to defeat a REAL monster?" asked Thomas.
Suddenly, a card caught Spencer's eye while he was trying to reassemble his whole Deck.
"WITH a real monster!" Spencer quickly decided. "Billinton, catch!"
To the blue-haired boy's surprise, a card was being thrown to him. He caught it, and saw it was the 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' Monster Card. This could do the job!
"So, are you ready to die, Pharaoh of Darkness?" questioned Anubis, who looked ready to deliver the killing blow.
"Sorry, but the only one who's going to die here is you, 'King of Destruction'!" retorted Thomas, holding up the card. "Come forth - 'Blue Eyes Shining Dragon'!"
Just as the demon was about to unleash one final attack, the mighty dragon materialized and soared into the dark sky above, shining like a star. Anubis, stopping his attack, watched as 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' hovered above as though it were taunting him.
"If the monsters are real, then so are their powers!" declared Thomas. "Including this dragon's ability to destroy any monster! 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon', destroy Anubis, here and now!"
'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' roared as it started glowing all white as it gathered power to unleash one final blow and finish off Anubis...
(elsewhere...)
Outside the Boxford Corp Dome, everyone else was watching the light in the sky...
"Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon'!" realized Edward.
"It's about to attack!" added Percy.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the building's duel stadium...
"SHINING NOVA!" commanded Thomas, Emily, and Spencer each at once.
'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' obeyed, letting loose a powerful field of white lighting that struck Anubis head on. As the demon roared and screamed in agonizing pain, he began to melt into more black slime.
"DAMN YOU!" Anubis cried out, reaching out to 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' one last time but failing.
Before long, the demon had melted into a mummy... and then goo. Not only that, the red jewel also cracked into tiny pieces of dust. 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon', meanwhile, soon let loose a roar before fading away in a burst of light once more. The card in Thomas's hand, however, soon disintegrated into nothingness. The dark clouds in the sky also cleared away and revealed a beautiful night sky. Soon, all was quiet around the ruined Boxford Corp Dome.
"It's...finally over." sighed Emily.
"Yes..." nodded Thomas. "We've won the battle."
"Oh, what a relief." agreed Carlie.
(later...)
Later on, as two doctors were treating Spencer's broken arm, the group had gathered up to talk about the events of the duel...
"What in the world was that all about?" wondered James R..
"An Ancient Egyptian mystery." answered Sir Robert. "All of it has been sealed, along with its darkness, once more."
"That's about right." agreed Discord. "The best card that I've made also burned itself up to save us all. Albeit unwillingly..."
"But Anubis will not be-a coming back again, right?" worried Gina.
"We should take a closer look at that prophecy to see what it foretells for the future." put in Axel.
"Oh, come now, you two, Anubis is gone." Discord reassured the two European duelists. "No one could ever return after suffering a defeat so thoroughly devastating as that." He then looked over to Spencer, who had his arm bandaged. "Well, no one but Spencer-boy, that is." The jolly man grinned playfully. "I'm sorry, did I say that out loud?"
Before long, Spencer, Skiff, and their parents approached the rest of the group.
"Spencer..." whispered Thomas.
"Billinton, I'm sorry... This was all my fault..." sighed Spencer, feeling ashamed with himself over the duel. "I got the both of us into this whole mess by playing such a dangerous card..."
"It was Anubis who manipulated you, Spencer." Emily insisted reassuringly. "He took advantage of your wanting to be No.1 again."
"Not to mention he took my greatest source of light away." As Spencer spoke, he looked to his right and seemed to smile. "I'm lucky to have gotten her back..."
Appearing beside the silver-haired boy was the spirit of Maiden with Eyes of Blue, who smiled at her human companion. Emily, being one of the few who could see Duel Spirits, also smiled in response at how sweet the scene looked to her. James, however, suddenly freaked out over how he didn't have a Duel Spirit companion...
"AUGH! It's not fair!" he whined immaturely. "Why can't people like Percy and myself see anything you guys can see!? And why don't I have something like that?"
The group shared a laugh in response. Before long, Spencer turned back to speak to Thomas...
"Billinton, our fight is not truly over." The silver-haired boy said sternly. "The next time we duel, it will be on better terms. I'll win with all of 'MY' power, and I should hope that you'll do the same."
Once Thomas nodded in agreement, Spencer, Skiff, and their parents left the ruined Boxford Corp Dome, although they were planning on getting it rebuilt in the near future.
"Well, I'm sure glad Spencer didn't bring up all of the damage you did to the Duel Dome." chuckled Sir Robert. "'cause I don't think his insurance is gonna cover this."
"Oh, he and his family have plenty of money." reassured Discord. "Otherwise, I could always step in to help with the funding."
Before long, Gina had something to ask Emily (due to the recent events)...
"Does-a adventures like-a this always happen on-a Sodor?"
Emily thought about it for a moment... "Hmm... Not really, Gina..." she answered. "It only started when we began playing Duel Monsters."
"Hey, you and Axel will get used to it." smirked James. "Well, so long as you stick with us, that is."
As the group shared another laugh over the comment from the red-haired boy, only Thomas didn't seem to be laughing alongside his friends. In his head...
"My friends were almost killed because of Anubis." he thought to himself, suddenly falling into depression. "Once again, I was unable to protect them from harm..."
Oh no...
End of Chapter 19