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. 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: These stories are rated either T (13-plus) or M for moments of violence, bloody moments, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be (or strongly is) advised.
Title: Duel of Two Evils, Part 1
Aboard the blimp in the dead of night, it was real quiet and pretty much everyone was sound asleep. Inside Thomas's room, the blue-haired boy as well as Emily were sound asleep in their beds.
(elsewhere…)
Inside James's room, he was asleep in his bed, Henry was sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, and Gordon was sleeping soundly on the couch.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lady's room, Ryan and Liz were both sharing the other bed (being married) and were fast asleep. Percy was snoozing on the couch—but was tossing and turning in his sleep.
"L-Lady…" murmured Percy sleepily.
He began to have a dream.
DREAM SEQUENCE
Percy was in endless darkness. He was alone as well—at least he thought of that until he heard something.
"Percy…" came a familiar voice (female).
"Wh-who's there?" peeped Percy.
Out from the darkness came…Lady Stone.
"Lady!" cried Percy, running towards his girlfriend.
The two teenagers were seeing eye-to-eye.
"Thank goodness… I'm so glad you're safe," Percy said in relief.
"As am I happy to see you," smiled Lady, before turning away, "And now I can say goodbye to you before I go."
"What are you ta-?" began Percy, confused.
Before Percy could say anything more, Lady was suddenly chained to the familiar large stone slab in front of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', which fired off God Blaze Cannon.
"LADY!" The voice of Percy screamed.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
The dream ended as Percy suddenly jerked himself awake while panting hard.
"That lousy Marik's gonna pay for what he did to Lady," Percy told himself, "I have to save her or at least die trying."
He then tried to go back to sleep, which wasn't all that easy, mind you.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room, she was sound asleep in her bed.
(elsewhere…)
Inside what was originally supposed to be Percy's room, Molly was shown to be asleep in the bed.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Duck's room, Mavis had collapsed onto the edge of Duck's bed. After Marik woke Montague up, he released control from Mavis and left her to sleep.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Boxford family's room, Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) were both asleep in one of the beds.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Spencer's room, Skiff was asleep in his own bed. However, Spencer was still wide awake and typing away at his computer. He was still doing some research on The Winged Dragon of Ra.
"Why am I able to read this text?" thought Spencer, "I've seen what 'Ra' is like. Now I just need to win it from Marik! But I'm curious to know what those big three effects are."
(elsewhere…)
Atop the blimp and platform, Dark Marik and Montague were both facing each other and readying for a duel.
"A Shadow Duel…" said Dark Marik, "A game of death where the loser dies."
Montague smirked confidently in response. Shadow Duels were something he enjoyed very much—when he was the winner of them, that is.
"Of course, you'll be the one who dies, Montague," noted Dark Marik.
"Say what you want… before the darkness fills your mouth," retorted Montague.
"If I remember correctly, Montague lost against Thomas's 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' in the first round," thought Dark Marik.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
First up was Thomas against Montague. Suddenly Flashback Duck groaned as his Millennium Ring glowed and Montague took control again.
"I'm baaaack!" The spirit of the Millennium Ring exclaimed grandly.
The crowd gasped at the sight.
"Duck's back on his feet!" cried Flashback Emily.
"That's not Duck," Flashback Edward pointed out.
"Go ahead and attack me, Billinton!" offered Flashback Montague sinisterly.
"What trick is this?" demanded Flashback Thomas.
"No trick!" answered Flashback Montague, "I realized that I still need my host unharmed, so I took back control. I admit my defeat by your hands! Now I'm ordering you to attack me, now!"
"Very well!" accepted Flashback Thomas, ready to end the duel on his own terms, "'Slifer', attack Montague directly!" As he announced the attack name, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' opened its main mouth to charge an attack, "Super Electrical Conduction Wave - Thunder Force!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed and fired off its attack. Montague merely smiled savagely at the sight.
"Well done, Thomas," muttered Flashback Montague quietly, thinking of his defeat as a minor setback, "You've won the duel!" He then got hit by Thunder Force's full impact as an explosion ensued, "I swear to bury you in eternal darkness someday! I'LL BE THE ONE TO GAIN THE POWER OF DARKNESS IN THE END!"
Even as the attack hurt a ton, Flashback Montague did not scream in pain or anything—but rather laughed evilly.
(next scene…)
Next was Dark Marik against Lady…
"And now, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', attack and kill all three of them!" cackled Flashback Dark Marik, before holding his Millennium Rod out, "God Blaze Cannon!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed, firing the blast of fire at the three duelists in an attempt to roast them alive. Seeing what was coming, Flashback Lady tried reasoning with her two friends…
"Forget about me!" she cried, "Run away while you both still can!"
"Not a chance in hell," Flashback James refused bravely, "I'm sticking by your side."
"Me too!" added Flashback Percy, "I won't let anything happen to you—because I love you."
Flashback Lady, with tears in her eyes, felt thankful. Just as it was all over for the three friends, Flashback Thomas suddenly hopped onto the arena and, with his Millennium Puzzle still glowing all gold, he went and…intercepted God Blaze Cannon.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" screamed Flashback Thomas, blocking the attack with his back.
"Thomas!" Flashback James, Flashback Percy, and Flashback Lady cried out at once.
"How touching!" commented Flashback Dark Marik excitedly, "But now I get to actually kill Thomas, too! It almost makes me want to cry!"
"Never!" Flashback Thomas declared, grimacing and feeling the fiery rage of 'God', "You can attack me all you want… but when you try to hurt my friends like this… I will…repel it and…ugh…send you back into the darkness…for it!"
"We shall see!" challenged Flashback Dark Marik, just as his face briefly stretched like bad animation again, "Go, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'! Destroy Thomas, as well!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed and continued its attack (increasing its power to the limit), but Flashback Thomas wouldn't stand down from it. Eventually, to Flashback Dark Marik's great surprise, the attack began to weaken itself. Soon, the attack had ended. Flashback James, Flashback Percy, and Flashback Lady each fell to their knees as the cards all faded away (along with the Shadow Realm fog), but Flashback Thomas immediately collapsed from exhaustion and pain. Once the duel had finished, Flashback Dark Marik proceeded to approach the beautiful blonde-haired girl menacingly.
"You're very lucky, little girl," began Flashback Dark Marik in almost a 'purring' like tone, kneeling down to Flashback Lady's level, "You actually got away with your life," As he rambled on, she weakly listened, "But you'll regret it… You'll wish you had died here painlessly… The loser of a Shadow Game must be penalized," His smile grew even colder, "Tell me something… do you know what kind of punishment I'm talking about?"
Flashback Lady merely shook her head fearfully, but soon came to regret it greatly…
"The kind of punishment is what I call…" continued Flashback Dark Marik, standing back up and holding up his Millennium Rod forth as it began glowing, "…A PENALTY GAME!"
Flashback Lady didn't have time to scream as the air all around her fizzled and flashed in a multitude of colors.
"He wasn't even present during the fourth duel, where I crushed that Polly Stone so brutally," narrated Dark Marik, as Flashback Lady finally collapsed into a coma.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Yes, that's right… Montague was sleeping in his bed during that duel," thought Dark Marik, with there being a psychotic smile on his vein-filled face, "Therefore, he hasn't even seen what else my 'God' Card, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', can even do! Meaning, he won't…" He then chuckled and spoke aloud, "Oh, I can see him…"
Standing beside the smiling Montague was the image of a scowling regular Marik.
"The soul of my weaker half is standing beside you, telling all of my secrets," The voice of Dark Marik noted jokingly, "He's still right over there, isn't he?"
"You saw that, eh?" snickered Montague, with Light Marik standing beside him, "Then yes, he's my soul partner! That means I know your whole Deck inside out!"
"Boy, are those two in for a surprise," thought Dark Marik, with another menacing smile on his face while looking over his Duel Disk and then back at his enemies, "I've already taken the precaution of making a few alterations to this Deck. My other self's original Deck was far too weak to be of any use when I took over his body."
"And in addition…" continued Montague, "I'm well aware you're a user of the 'Egyptian God' Cards."
"So what?" dismissed Dark Marik, "That doesn't mean you'll be able to stop it. I do hope you enjoy coming up with a useless strategy to try and overcome it!" He prepared to activate his Duel Disk, "And now, let us begin this Shadow Game, Montague!"
"Hold on a minute. I think your other self here wants to say a few words to you," Montague pointed out, before looking to his right, "Don't you?"
Dark Marik frowned, but complied with the delay to the duel to listen.
"Yes," nodded Light Marik, just before turning to talk directly to Dark Marik, "Are you the evil self that I created those years ago?"
"Correct," confirmed Dark Marik, "I am that very darkness that has built a small nest deep within your heart using the following materials… Despair… Anger… Hatred… Jealousy… Pain… And out of that nest was me, the embodiment of your darkest desires!"
"But Odion sealed you away!" assumed Light Marik
"But even if I was sealed away, I still helped you by taking away the guilt deep in your heart," Dark Marik pointed out, "You should remember me telling everyone that during my duel with that harmless girl, Polly Stone. And, yes, I was aware that you had a piece of yourself still locked away inside the body of that other girl!"
"What'd you say?" growled Light Marik, his eyes growing more narrow.
"You heard me loud and clear," teased Dark Marik, "Now that I'm out, your heart must feel lighter! In fact… a 'thank you' for releasing me would be most pleasant, right now!"
He then burst into loud, maniacal laughter. The reformed Rare Hunter leader, meanwhile, was not too happy to have finally learned the official truth over what had happened those years ago.
"Then it's true…" Light Marik muttered to himself, "From using the Millennium Rod's power and putting a piece of myself inside that girl, Mavis, I've learned much of what happened…"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Inside Lady's room, Flashback Ishizu was telling everyone the story of what happened those years ago.
"My Big Sister told everyone, including me, the truth of the Ishtars…" narrated Light Marik.
(new scene…)
Young Dark Marik snickered before turning his (Young Dark Marik) attention back to Flashback Mr. Ishtar, knowing the perfect way to kill the old fool.
"And now, Father, it's time for you to meet your fate," grinned Young Dark Marik.
Suddenly, he removed the handle of the Millennium Rod and revealed a terrible secret about the item. The Millennium Rod was actually half rod—half dagger. Young Dark Marik advanced sinisterly towards Flashback Mr. Ishtar and readied the weapon.
"No! Stop!" cried Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
Despite his horrified pleas, they were all in vain.
(outside…)
Outside the tomb, Flashback Mr. Ishtar's screams echoed followed by Young Dark Marik's insane laughter.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Light Marik gazed at his dark half with anger blazing in his eyes.
"It was YOU who killed my Father!" he exclaimed, "And because of you, I believed that it was because of the Pharaoh's descendant that this happened."
"C'mon, now…!" protested Dark Marik in mock innocence, "You and I are two minds in one body! Don't act like you aren't responsible just because I had the upper hand," He pointed at his other self, "You're just as guilty as I am!"
"It's true that the idea came from my own heart," admitted Light Marik, before closing his eyes in shame for all that he had done, "Father… I'm sorry for everything I've done…"
"I give you my sympathy," said Montague, not losing his evil smile.
"Five years ago, at the very same moment… " continued Light Marik.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
All of a sudden, a ghostly spirit rose from the dead body of Flashback Mr. Ishtar. It was shown to be Flashback Shadi—although Young Marik had no idea.
"You're…" gasped Young Marik.
"Young one," said Flashback Shadi calmly, "You have taken the first step in fading into darkness. The Pharaoh will return soon. seek out the Pharaoh."
"W-What are you talking about?!" exclaimed Young Marik, "My Father is dead, and I want to know who did the deed!"
Flashback Shadi faded away with a stern look on his face. It was then Flashback Odion spoke up in trying to calm his younger brother down.
"It'll be alright, Master Marik," he said softly, "I will keep you safe no matter what."
"But who? Who was the one who killed our Father?" sobbed Young Marik.
Suddenly, he (Young Marik) remembered Flashback Shadi's words and scowled. All of Young Marik's pain and sadness had melted away into anger, mainly because there was at least a certain 'someone' he did blame for all of this…
"The Pharaoh."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The man who appeared before me that day, I thought he had done the deed…" remembered Light Marik, soon coming to a big realization, "However, I was wrong!"
"So, what exactly are you trying to tell me, my weaker self?" asked Dark Marik teasingly.
"Both you and I are guilty for the death of my Father. And for that, we will both be destroyed!" proclaimed Light Marik.
"How amusing!" cackled Dark Marik, "Do your absolute worst!"
Meanwhile, Montague grew highly intrigued at the mention of a turban-wearing man. He had a very strong feeling about who it might be…
"That man must have been Shadi," Montague thought to himself, "But those few years ago, he was already…"
"Enough talk!" shouted Dark Marik, cutting off his opponent's thoughts, "It's time to begin our Shadow Game, Montague!"
Montague got ready to activate his Duel Disk…when Light Marik suddenly spoke to him.
"I'll support you with a strategy," offered Light Marik.
"Keep out of it!" snapped Montague, "I know what I'm doing! All you have to do is come through with our agreement!"
"I know," nodded Light Marik calmly, "If you defeat him, you can have the Millennium Rod."
"That's not all I want," Montague rebutted very suddenly, "You'll also tell me the secret of the carvings on your back."
"Huh?" Light Marik's eyes widened a bit in surprise, "The carvings?"
The spirit of the Millennium Ring started envisioning the remaining Millennium Items.
"It involves the power of the Pharaoh," The voice of Montague explained, "I at first thought I needed to put all seven of the Millennium Items in the stone slate to free myself from my vessel and give me the full powers of darkness," He (Montague) then envisioned Light Marik shirtless and showing of the carvings on his (Light Marik) back, "But that's not the case. Unless I decode the hieroglyphs carved on your back, the door can't be opened at all."
Marik frowned, but still said nothing… This clearly allowed Montague to speak on some more…
"Don't think that I don't know," said Montague sternly, "Unless I accomplish all of those tasks, I will never be able to leave my vessel and this time period."
After a moment of silence, Light Marik sighed in defeat and decided to tell Montague when the time came.
"Alright, I promise to tell you," promised Light Marik.
"And one more thing…" put in Montague, "As long as you win and get revenge, you don't mind if your body is burned to ashes, right?"
"I don't care!" declared Light Marik, "So long as I make my dark side pay for all that he's done, I'll accept that punishment without question!"
"I'm so glad to hear that…" remarked Montague excitedly, "I now don't have to worry about killing him!"
The green-haired spirit laughed psychotically and gleefully.
"All done with your little discussion over there?" asked Dark Marik, still not losing his evil smile, "No matter what you two talked about, you're wasting your time," His eyes narrowed more evilly than ever before, "I will bury you both in the darkness! Let the Shadow Game commence!"
With a swirl of his cape, and a wave of his left arm (equipped with the Duel Disk), the familiar dark fog started damping and covering the whole area… From there, he, Montague, and Light Marik were each taken to the Shadow Realm. Montague grimaced a bit, but recovered almost immediately.
"In this Shadow Duel, the loser's body and soul will be devoured and lost to the Shadow Realm," explained Dark Marik, "It's the Ultimate Death Game!"
"Body and soul being lost?" quizzed Montague.
"'Ultimate Death Game'?" came from Light Marik.
"You'll get it soon, my two poor, pathetic friends…" tittered Dark Marik, giggling.
Finally, Montague and Dark Marik both activated their Duel Disks and drew their opening hands.
"Duel!" Dark Marik and Montague announced in unison (LP: 4000) x2.
It was rather quiet at first in the Shadow Realm, despite the duel having started… Finally…
"Here I go!" offered Montague, "The first turn is mine!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Montague (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Exchange", "Multiple Destruction", "Gernia", "Destiny Board", "Goblin Zombie", and "Fearful Earthbound"
Looking at what he drew, Montague kept it up (without showing what it was) with a malicious smile on his face.
"I'll begin by placing this powerful Trap Card on my field…and spring it when the time comes," snickered Montague.
"I know all about your Occult Deck," thought Dark Marik, before giggling madly.
"Here goes!" declared Montague, slotting his card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!" A face-down card ('Fearful Earthbound') materialized on the field, and then he placed another card ('Goblin Zombie') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Next…" A weird goblin-like Zombie monster appeared onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1050), "I'll Summon 'Goblin Zombie' in Attack Position! I end my turn!"
"Heh heh heh heh…" chortled Dark Marik, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Black Pendant", "Melchid the Four-Face Beast", "Jam Defender", "The Mask of Remnants", "Drillago", and "Harpie's Feather Duster"
Upon seeing his drawn card, he was very pleased.
"I think it's time to give my prize a test run…" commented Dark Marik.
"Huh?" uttered Montague, looking puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"
"Your Set cards are of no threat to me, Montague," replied Dark Marik, "I have many ways to get by them without triggering their activations—this card is one such tool."
"What did you say?" complained Light Marik.
"I activate the Spell, 'Harpie's Feather Duster'!" exclaimed Dark Marik, slotting the card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "I must destroy all Spells and Traps my opponent controls!"
"What?!" cried Montague, "He has access to 'Harpie's Feather Duster'?!"
"Where did he get that super rare card?!" came from Marik.
"This is from my first opponent, Polly Stone," answered Dark Marik, "It was her rarest card, so, naturally, I decided to take it since I felt it suited me very much." Before long, a large 'Harpie Lady' feather materialized out of the face-up 'Harpie's Feather Duster' Spell Card and onto the field, "Go, now! Wipe out my opponent's whole field of Spells and Traps!"
The feather swooped over and destroyed Montague's face-down card, much to his anger and surprise from a card he never saw Dark Marik ever use.
"My 'Fearful Earthbound'!" yelled Montague, before glaring at Dark Marik.
"That's a card which deals 500 damage to the opponent whenever they declare an attack," realized Dark Marik in a mocking tone, "It's helpful for you… but now, since I have destroyed it, is of no use!"
Montague cursed loudly in frustration. Suddenly, a large machine-like monster will loads of drills appeared onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1100).
"I Summon 'Drillago'!" The voice of Dark Marik declared, as his Battle Phase began, "Attack the enemy player's 'Goblin Zombie'!" Following his command, 'Drillago' charged and drilled a huge hole into Goblin Zombie, which destroyed it, "'Goblin Zombie' is destroyed!"
The destruction of his monster made Montague grunt as he took slight damage (LP: 4000 → 3500).
"So, he had a hidden trick up his sleeve," grimaced Montague.
"By the way, Montague…" interrupted Dark Marik, "Look at yourself."
"What?!" grunted Montague, as he looked at his upper left arm and gasped as part of it began to vanish, "What the-?! What happened to my arm?"
"Gwa ha ha ha ha ha!" The voice of Dark Marik laughed, getting the attention of Montague before he (Dark Marik) was shown explaining what happened to the opponent, "It looks like it was you that was bitten!"
"Just what on Earth is going on here?!" demanded Montague, shocked, "Why did a part of my arm fade away into nothing?"
"This is a Shadow Game between you and me!" reminded Dark Marik.
"What?"
"You lost LP because of my attack just now," The evil man went on, "In this Shadow Game, whenever you lose LP… the darkness eats the player's body away!"
"The darkness…?!" repeated Montague, before going into his thoughts, "So hidden in the darkness is a beast that devours souls."
Several creatures of darkness were roaming around and preparing to eat whoever lost LP next. However, despite being surprised at first, Montague didn't seem scared at all by the game's nature. Instead, he began to laugh.
"Now I see," accepted Montague.
"Hmph! You find this amusing?" huffed Dark Marik.
"I find that this game will be very fun indeed!" said Montague coolly, "And those are the kind of Shadow Games I enjoy the best—when 'I' win them!"
"And when you lose all your LP, you will be eaten by the void! Both body and soul!" boomed Dark Marik, spreading his arms out in a dramatic fashion, "That is the nature of my Death Game!"
"Very interesting…" remarked Montague, getting a feel for the Shadow Game, "So when your LP hit 0, you become a part of the darkness, eh?"
"Who will eliminate who?" mused Dark Marik, "Only the coming turns will decide upon it… Let's do this, Montague!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room, Thomas was still asleep in his bed when his Millennium Puzzle chose that moment to start glowing brightly.
(new location…)
On cue, Thomas found himself awake and inside the puzzle.
"Whoa!" cried Thomas, "Did I end up inside the Millennium Puzzle? If so, then why?"
He started to walk around the place. It was almost like a maze of sorts.
"I'd better be careful," Thomas said to himself, "Who knows what I will run into here," He approached one door, "I guess this room is as good a place to start as any."
(elsewhere…)
Upon opening the door, he found himself in another room—and there were both his Duel Spirits, and both seemed to be expecting him.
"Dark Magician! Dark Magician Girl!" realized Thomas.
"It would seem curiosity got the better of you," said Dark Magician.
"How did I end up here?" Thomas questioned, "Last I remember, I was asleep."
"We summoned you," answered Dark Magician Girl.
Thomas blinked, "Huh? What for?"
"Things have been getting out of hand lately," stated Dark Magician, "And it seems that the danger's growing."
"Yes… Marik's dark side," agreed Thomas quietly, "Not only that, I'm still seeking out answers to all of my questions about what my friends and I saw at the museum."
"Please be careful, Thomas," begged Dark Magician Girl, looking very upset, "The danger will grow the closer you come to the answers you seek and your destiny."
Thomas didn't know what to really say right now.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the Shadow Realm, Dark Marik and Montague were both in the middle of their duel.
"Who will be devoured by the Shadow Realm and end up destroyed?" pondered Montague with a sinister laugh, "How fun and amusing! Let's fight, Marik!" He drew his card and began his next turn, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Montague (LP: 3500)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Exchange", "Multiple Destruction", "Gernia", "Destiny Board", "Dark Master - Zorc"
While looking at his drawn card…
"Choose your cards carefully, Montague!" The voice of Dark Marik mocked, while he looked very amused at the possibility of facing the infamous 'Destiny Board' combo, "I know all about your pathetic Occult Deck! Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Montague snorted and looked to his hand; which consisted of 'Exchange', 'Multiple Destruction', 'Gernia', 'Destiny Board', and 'Dark Master - Zorc'. He started to reach for the second card ('Destiny Board') on the right, but stopped before taking it.
"If he knows my Occult Deck that well, then I can't use my 'Destiny Board' strategy," thought Montague, "I'll just have to create a new strategy that even Marik's dark half has never seen before."
"Bring it on!" thought Dark Marik, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra' is currently asleep deep in my Deck… It will end your life no matter what you do!" Finally, he spoke up, "What's wrong?! Make a move already!"
"Keep your cool!" snapped Montague, before going back into his thoughts, "Marik only has one monster on his field. Suppose he already has his 'Egyptian God' Card in his hand…" He then envisioned 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' being on the opposing field, "If he gets three monsters out, he'll Tribute them and Summon the 'God'."
"Don't be afraid of the 'God' Card, Montague!" encouraged Light Marik.
"Keep quiet!" retorted Montague, "I don't need you telling-!"
"Just hear me out," Light Marik interrupted quickly, "There is a way to make 'Ra' powerless and easier to beat!"
"W-What?!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" called Dark Marik, "Are you two having your strategy planning time again? Let me tell you something about it; it's futile. Just hurry up and do something!"
"I see… That can work!" smirked Montague, once the discussion with Light Marik ended, "Rejoice, Marik! I'll blast your body to pieces with the advice you gave me!"
"I don't care! Just do it!" urged Light Marik.
"Tch! What did my other personality tell him?" grunted Dark Marik irritably.
"I Set two cards face-down," began Montague, holding up two cards before slotting them into his Duel Disk—causing two face-down cards to suddenly materialize on the field right near his feet. He then placed one more card ('Gernia') onto a Monster Zone (sideways), "I also defend with this monster, 'Gernia'!"
Appearing on the field was a weird-looking Fiend monster, which took a defensive stance almost immediately (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 1200).
"I end my turn!" The voice of Montague finished.
"What's he thinking?" thought Dark Marik, "No matter what they're planning, it is powerless against a 'God' Card like 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" The evil man then looked back down to his hand, which contained 'Black Pendant', 'Melchid the Four-Face Beast', 'Jam Defender', and 'The Mask of Remnants', "But I don't have 'Ra' in my hand yet," He drew a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Four: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Black Pendant", "Melchid the Four-Face Beast", "Jam Defender", "The Mask of Remnants", and "Card of Sanctity"
Frowning, Dark Marik saw that didn't draw what he needed.
"This isn't what I need… But I can use it to make 'God' come to me," thought Dark Marik, before smirking once more, "Montague will appreciate my little present," He readied and slotted the card into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Card of Sanctity'!"
"The ultimate 'Treasure' card!" worried Light Marik.
"Why would you play a card like that?!" came from Montague.
"It's to add 'Ra' into my hand far more quickly," answered Dark Marik, "Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand."
The LP Counter on Dark Marik's Duel Disk flashed 'Draw' repeatedly until he drew two cards, but only let out a small huff at what the two drawn cards actually were. Montague noticed the look as he drew his four cards and chuckled softly in response.
"Judging from the look on your face, you've failed to draw your 'God' Card," remarked Montague, before pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "Then allow me to give you a helping hand!" He pointed forward, eventually causing his first Set card (the right card) to flip face-up and reveal itself, "Face-down card, open! 'Multiple Destruction'!"
Just then, a swirl of darkness with Duel Monsters cards being absorbed was briefly shown.
"What the hell?" frowned Dark Marik.
"If both players have 3 or more cards in their hand: Each player…" explained Montague, while sending his whole hand to the GY before, near the end, drawing five cards, "…sends their entire hand to the GY, also I lose LP equal to the total number of cards sent to the GY by this effect x 100 (min. 1), then each player draws 5 cards."
"Why do you want me to draw the 'God' Card so badly?" Dark Marik questioned, sending his own whole hand to the GY, "There has to be a reason for it."
"No personal reason," replied Montague, smirking knowingly while losing more LP (LP: 3500 → 2900), "Although since I had six cards…" More of his right arm was eaten by the darkness "…I lose 600 LP from my Trap Card."
Dark Marik discarded his whole hand and drew a new one. This new hand contained 'Joyful Doom', 'Viser Des', 'Damage Vaccine Ω MAX', 'Card of Last Will', and 'Lekunga'. It was good, but it still didn't contain the 'Egyptian God' Card.
"Still nothing," growled Dark Marik.
"What the hell?! You still didn't draw that one card?!" exclaimed Montague crossly, spitting in disgust, "Pathetic! You're a lousy drawer, you know that?!"
"Who's the pathetic one?" pressed Dark Marik angrily, "The guy who failed to draw 'Ra', or the guy who gave up more LP just to draw more cards?"
"Just finish your turn!" snapped Montague, "My patience is growing thinner by the minute…"
Growling once more, Dark Marik took a card from his new hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk.
"I Set two cards face-down!" proclaimed Dark Marik, as two face-down cards materialized on the field behind 'Drillago', "With that, I'll end my turn here!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Millennium Puzzle, Thomas was still speaking to both his ace monsters over the events that had been occurring. While Dark Magician stood, both Thomas and Dark Magician Girl sat down on the nearby steps.
"Percy was really upset that Marik put Lady in a coma," Thomas was saying, "Now that we've learned more about Marik's dark half, it has become more important than ever that we defeat him. Otherwise the whole world could be doomed."
"Yes, it is that important," agreed Dark Magician.
"But what about the answers you seek, Thomas?" asked Dark Magician Girl curiously.
"I want to find those out as well," replied Thomas, "But stopping Marik's dark half comes first."
"Well, whatever you do about it… you can count on both of us to assist you," reassured Dark Magician.
"That's a solemn promise," added Dark Magician Girl, smiling and winking.
"Thank you," smiled Thomas, "I know I can count on you two."
The blue-haired boy was grateful for having so many friends… Not only humans in Percy and the likes, but even Duel Monsters ones.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the Shadow Realm, Montague was about to draw and take his turn.
"It's my turn!" announced Montague, as he was shown drawing a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Five: Montague (LP: 2900)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (6): "Premature Burial", "Dark Designator", "Call of the Earthbound", "Disgraced Mage", "Monster Reborn", and "Puppet Master"
Upon seeing what he drew, Montague smirked with delight.
"I got it! I've been waiting for this!" thought Montague triumphantly, "I Tribute my 'Gernia' and Tribute Summon this monster!"
With that said, 'Gernia' vanished into the darkness, and appearing on the field in its place was a huge zombie dressed like a jester (Level: 6/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Ghost-Controlling Puppet Master'! I then activate 'Puppet Master's' special effect!" The voice of Montague screeched, as he was shown smiling even at the cost of more LP and parts of his body (LP: 2900 → 1900), "When this card is Tribute Summoned: I can pay 1000 LP, then target 3 monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon those targets, but they cannot attack this turn!"
Using its powers, 'Puppet Master' caused three monsters emerged from the ground; 'Headless Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1450/DEF: 1700), 'The Earl of Demise' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 700), and Goblin Zombie (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1050).
"Who cares about those monsters?" scoffed Dark Marik, "None of them can attack the turn they were Summoned by your 'Puppet Master's' effect."
"I know that! Just calm down!" retorted Montague, smirking, taking a card from his hand and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I have a little present for you!"
"What?" gasped Dark Marik.
A Spell Card called 'Dark Designator' materialized face-up on the field.
"Spell Card, 'Dark Designator', activate!" The voice of Montague announced.
"'Dark Designator'!?" exclaimed Dark Marik.
"I must declare 1 monster name, then if the declared card is in my opponent's Deck, add 1 of that card to my opponent's hand," revealed Montague.
"Are you-?" realized Dark Marik.
"I am!" replied Montague coldly, pointing at his opponent, "I'm taking the 'Ra' card sleeping in your Deck and placing it in your hand!"
Dark Marik took his Deck out of his Duel Disk, searched through it, and took the card ('The Winged Dragon of Ra') in question out.
"So how about it? How does it feel to finally get 'Ra'?" teased Montague.
"So that's what you're up to…?" smiled Dark Marik, "I finally get it. The reason you fools went to such lengths to allow me to draw my 'Egyptian God' Card," He (Dark Marik) eyed the Set card on Montague's field, "Come to think of it, your field provided a small hint."
Montague smiled back, glad Dark Marik caught on.
"You lowered your LP greatly just to play three weakling monsters," insulted Dark Marik, "And you still have that one face-down card on the field… You plan to steal 'Ra', am I right?"
"You figured it out too late!" retorted Montague, before pointing forward, "Face-down card, open!" His final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Exchange', activate!"
"I thought so," said Dark Marik, unworried.
"Both players reveal their hands and add 1 card from each other's hand to their hand," explained Montague, "Hand over your 'Ra' Card!"
Reluctantly walking over, Dark Marik gave Montague his 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card while he took a card from Montague's hand and smiled. The card Dark Marik took was the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card. Montague chuckled to himself.
"You took a good card," The green-haired spirit thought to himself, "Too bad you'll never get a chance to even use it," He spoke aloud now, "Next turn, I'll let you cower before me when I play 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', which you had been so eagerly wanting to draw!"
Montague let out a sadistic laugh, while Dark Marik reached the other end of the platform and turned around to look at his opponent.
"'Cower before me'?" he scoffed, "I'm not afraid, Montague. In fact, there's no way you could even use 'Ra'! The only one who can call forth 'God' is the one who masters it!"
It was right then that Light Marik spoke up.
"As we are the same person," reminded Light Marik seriously, "I know the ancient text on the card."
"So you do," Dark Marik quipped, trying to anger his opponent in hopes of mistakes being made, "To put it bluntly, you, Montague, are no match for me. You only got this far in the duel thanks to my weaker self's advice."
"What did you say?!" growled Montague, not looking or sounding too pleased.
"Oh, forget it. Pretend I never said anything."
"Hmph!" The spirit of the Millennium Ring huffed, clearly fuming over being insulted yet thrilled to finally have Dark Marik's' "Egyptian God' Card, "Talk it up while you still can, because I'll be the one laughing in the end!"
Dark Marik finished walking back to his side of the platform before turning around as the look on his face grew insane, ready to fight 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' should it appear.
"Then let's continue the Shadow Duel!" dared Dark Marik
"Next turn, we'll Summon 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" vowed Light Marik, "And when we do… we will kill you!"
As Light Marik said those hateful, dangerous words, an image of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' was shown towering above the three duelists. What will be the outcome of the match of two/three evils? Tune in next time to find out!