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 2
Somewhere above the ocean, the blimp was still flying over the waters and on the way to its final destination. Inside the Shadow Realm, Dark Marik and Montague were both still engaged in their Shadow Game:
-Dark Marik (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Drillago' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1100) and two Set cards.
-Montague (LP: 1900): Controlled 'Puppet Master' (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), 'The Earl of Demise' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 700), 'Goblin Zombie' (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1050), and 'Headless Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1450/DEF: 1700), and just used the 'Exchange' Spell Card.
"Now it's your turn, Marik," said Montague after some time.
"Card drawn," acknowledged Dark Marik, drawing a card.
Turn Six: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (5): "Viser Des", "Card of Last Will", "Lekunga", "Monster Reborn", and "Vengeful Bog Spirit"
He saw his drawn card with merely a neutral look on his face.
"The sooner you end your turn," Montague urged impatiently, with an all-too eager expression on his face, "the sooner I can begin mine! The outcome of this match has already been decided, anyway!"
He then looked at his hand, which contained the following cards; 'Premature Burial', 'Call of the Earthbound', 'Disgraced Mage', and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. The green-haired spirit's evil smile grew eviler.
"On my next turn, you're gonna be killed by your own 'Egyptian God' monster…" hissed Montague, "That will bring this farce to an end!"
"You're not the only one who can read the hieratic text on the card," added Light Marik, looking at Dark Marik hatefully. He then narrowed his eyes fiercely, "I will bury you back into darkness next turn with 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
"Heh heh heh… that's quite bold of you to say, my other self," chuckled Dark Marik, "Actually, I don't even think I can call you 'my other self' anymore!"
Light Marik growled, "What?!"
"That old geezer from the Ishtar family," continued Dark Marik, holding up the Millennium Rod, "preciously guarded the Millennium Rod that was passed down, along with the other Millennium Items, for centuries. It now lies in my hands!"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Young Dark Marik approached the nearby table and faced Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
"From now on, we're going to be playing by my rules," remarked Young Dark Marik.
"Marik! I order you to put down that Millennium Item! You're not ready to use them!" raged Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
The Millennium Rod glowed all gold and Young Dark Marik laughed quietly to himself.
"Well now, this item seems to accept me," The possessed young boy said snidely.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The Rod accepted me," continued Dark Marik, "in order to allow me to help you with your revenge," His face then grew more demented, "I guess it must be me who is the better half, eh?"
"That's nonsense!" shouted Light Marik in defiance, "I'm the real Marik Ishtar!"
"Very well, 'Marik', forget I ever said anything," Dark Marik sneered, and urged Montague on, "Now, if you want to Summon 'Ra' so badly… go ahead and do it. But you'll have to learn the consequences of playing it," With that said, he took a card from his hand and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Vengeful Bog Spirit'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "Monsters cannot attack the turn they are Summoned! I end my turn!"
"Pathetic!" insulted Montague, "Even if you delay 'Ra's' attack for one turn, the result is the same!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Seven: Montague (LP: 1900)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (5): "Premature Burial", "Call of the Earthbound", "Disgraced Mage", "The Winged Dragon of Ra", and "Dark Ruler Ha Des"
"Now, Montague!" exclaimed Light Marik, "Play 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
"Shut up! Don't order me around!" snapped Montague. From there, he added his drawn card ('Dark Ruler Ha Des') into his hand and took another card ('The Winged Dragon of Ra') out, "Prepare yourself, 'Marik'. I'm gonna play your precious 'God' Card right now," He prepared to place the obtained 'Egyptian God' Card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Tribute all three of my monsters!" The green-haired spirit then placed his card onto the Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
Suddenly, Dark Marik smirked with sheer triumph.
"You fell for it," remarked Dark Marik, and held his hand out in triumph, "Behold the trap of your doom, or, should I say…" His first Set card rose face-up and revealed itself, "Trap Card, 'Joyful Doom', activate!"
"'Joyful Doom'?!" gasped Montague.
"Where did THAT card come from?!" added Light Marik, looking just as shocked.
"When my opponent would Tribute Summon a monster: The ATK of the Tributed monsters is treated as 0," explained Dark Marik, "also I must gain LP equal to the total amount of ATK those monsters had on the field!"
'Headless Knight' grew weaker before vanishing (ATK: 1450 → 0), and Dark Marik's LP got higher (LP: 4000 → 5450).
"No!" cried Montague.
'Goblin Zombie' grew weaker (ATK: 1100 → 0), and Dark Marik gained more LP (LP: 5450 → 6550). The Earl of Demise grew weaker (ATK: 2000 → 0), and Dark Marik gained even more LP (LP: 6550 → 8550). Montague could only watch helplessly as his three weak monsters faded away while flames surrounded him as the familiar 'Egyptian God' monster that Dark Marik used to defeat Lady, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' rose behind him (Montague) before stretching its wings and letting out a mighty roar (Level: 10/ATK: 0/DEF: 3450).
"Impossible!" Montague stated in great shock, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra' has 0 ATK?!"
The image of Light Marik standing beside Montague was also shocked by the outcome.
"I can't believe it!" objected Light Marik, "'Ra's' ATK is determined by the combined total of the monsters that are Tributed! if the monsters Tributed to Summon the 'God' all have 0 ATK, then 'Ra's' ATK…will also be 0!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' roared again. Montague, meanwhile, cast an outraged glance at his partner-in-crime, angry over being left out of the loop.
"What do you mean by that?!" demanded Montague, "If 'Joyful Doom' was in your Deck, you should have told me about it sooner!"
"It wasn't there at the time!" protested Light Marik, "He must have made alterations to my Deck when he took over my body!" He then cast a glance towards his dark side with a scowl of frustration, "Dammit! My dark side must have planned on having us steal his card from him all this time! He has been baiting us with the card…"
"Even more so, his LP have risen to 8550," dreaded Montague, "Damn!" He let out a defeated sigh while bracing two fingers onto the card on one of the Monster Zones on his Duel Disk, "Then it's a good thing I Summoned it in Defense Position… I also switch 'Puppet Master' into Defense Position."
'Puppet Master' and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' both stood in a defensive stance before both 'Drillago' and Dark Marik, before Montague took one more card ('Call of the Earthbound') from his hand and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on Duel Disk.
"And finally, I'll Set one card face-down!" The voice of Montague bellowed, as the end of the above scene played out and a face-down card materialized on the field. "I end my turn!"
(inside…)
Back inside the hallways of the blimp, all was still quiet—thankfully, mainly because what was going on outside at the duel arena was something bad.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Duck's room, Mavis was still sleeping beside the empty bed, but started to open her eyes and wake up.
"Ugh," muttered Mavis drowsily, "What happened?"
Looking around, the blonde-haired girl found she was asleep near the edge of Duck's bed, and not in her own bed. And then, to her shock, Duck was missing…
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room, Thomas was still asleep in bed when a knock came at his door, causing him to slowly wake up. Surprisingly, Emily was sound asleep in her own bed and didn't hear the knock.
"Who… who is it?" yawned Thomas.
"It's Mavis," The voice of Mavis answered.
"Mavis?" blinked Thomas, puzzled over why his friend was up late.
(outside…)
Outside the room, Mavis, now dressed, patiently waited until the door opened and revealed a very sleepy-looking Thomas.
"What's wrong?" pressed Thomas, rubbing his eyes, "It's late at night."
"I just woke up and found Duck wasn't in his bed," said Mavis urgently, "He's gone!"
Thomas let out a shocked gasp. He wasn't feeling so tired anymore.
(outside…)
Back atop the blimp and inside the Shadow Realm, Dark Marik began to take his turn…
"And now, it's my turn," he said snidely, drawing his card and looking at it, "Card drawn."
Turn Eight: Dark Marik (LP: 8550)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (5): "Viser Des", "Card of Last Will", "Lekunga", "Monster Reborn", and "Infernal Gauntlet"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Infernal Gauntlet'. A card that would prove useful, since Dark Marik already had a firm hunch on what card Montague had just Set face-down, thanks to having seen Montague's hand through the effect of 'Exchange'.
"That pitiful card must be 'Call of the Earthbound'…" thought Dark Marik, visualizing the card in his mind and reciting its effect, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: You choose the target of the attack. Hehehe… Very well, Montague. I'll spring it for you without hesitation!" He took another card ('Lekunga') from his hand and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk. "I Summon 'Lekunga' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a large floating eye with green tentacles (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 500). From there, Dark Marik took and held up another card ('Infernal Gauntlet') from his hand.
"Next, I'll activate the Equip Spell, 'Infernal Gauntlet'!" continued Dark Marik, as he slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I equip this card onto 'Drillago'!"
One of 'Drillago's' drills was replaced by a large, demonic gauntlet-like arm. The sight caused Montague to scowl, and Light Marik didn't look too much better.
"What the hell are you up to?" muttered Light Marik, before going into his thoughts, "Surely he must know what Montague's face-down card is…"
"Here I come, Montague!" declared Dark Marik, entering his Battle Phase, "'Drillago', attack 'Puppet Master', now!"
'Drillago' obeyed, charging forth in an attempt to slaughter 'Puppet Master', but alas, Montague was quick to respond to the attack…
"How naive! I activate a Trap Card!" shouted Montague, as his lone face-down card flipped itself face-up and revealed itself, "'Call of the Earthbound'!" As he (Montague) explained the effect, Dark Marik smiled because it meant he (Dark Marik) guessed right, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I choose the target of the attack!" He then pointed upward at 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', "Your target will instead be 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
Several ghostly hands emerged from the face-up 'Call of the Earthbound' Trap Card to intercept 'Drillago's' attack and redirect it towards 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. But 'Drillago' failed to pierce through the DEF that the 'Egyptian God' monster had.
"As your attack has failed to hurt our monster, you take damage based on 'Ra's' DEF and 'Drillago's' ATK!" Light Marik pointed out.
"I already know that, my weaker personality," acknowledged Dark Marik, taking recoil damage from the failed attack (LP: 8550 → 6700), "However…" He held his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out, "Face-down card, open! Trap Card, 'Damage Vaccine Ω MAX', activate!" The face-down card flipped itself face-up, while his grin grew wider, "When I take damage by battle or by card effect: I must gain LP equal to the damage I took!"
And as such, all the damage that was just dealt was completely undone (LP: 6700 → 8550), which really didn't please Montague nor Light Marik.
"And now for 'Infernal Gauntlet's' effect!" laughed Dark Marik, "During my Battle Phase: I can Tribute 1 monster on my field; the equipped monster…" As he explained the effect of his Equip Spell, 'Lekunga' was absorbed into the demonic gauntlet attached to 'Drillago', granting it additional power, "…gains 1 additional attack on an opponent's monster! 'Drillago', attack 'Puppet Master' again!"
Obeying the command, 'Drillago' immediately charged into battle once again, this time successfully drilling 'Puppet Master' to pieces.
"'Puppet Master' has been beaten!" declared Dark Marik, watching joyously as Montague swore in frustration, "My turn is over!"
"It's my turn!" grunted Montague, drawing his card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Nine: Montague (LP: 1900)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (4): "Premature Burial", "Disgraced Mage", "Dark Ruler Ha Des", and "Dark Necrofear"
"All you've got left is a monster with 0 ATK… What do you plan on doing now, Montague?" mocked Dark Marik, "The 'God' is of no help to you!"
"What a joke," scowled Montague, "I don't need a 'God' with 0 ATK!" He took another card from his hand, "First I Tribute 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' slowly vanished into nothingness—just before a Monster Card called 'Dark Ruler Ha Des' materialized face-up on the field and a demonic-like Fiend monster appeared from it (Level: 6/ATK: 2450/DEF: 1600), "And I Tribute Summon 'Dark Ruler Ha Des' with 2450 ATK!"
"Oh? I can't believe you'd personally cast an 'Egyptian God' monster aside so easily," joked Dark Marik, in what could be the most teasing tone ever heard. While looking at his hand, he eyed the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card with glee, "Doing something like that could easily come back to bite you."
"You clearly have the 'Monster Reborn' card you took from me by 'Exchange' in your hand," remarked Montague, "But…"
"But what?" Dark Marik raised an eyebrow.
"It will be of no use to you. Most Spell Cards that revive monsters can only work on 'Egyptian God' monsters for exactly one turn, and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' ATK would be at 0 regardless since its stats all depend on the combined stats of the monsters used to Summon it," recalled Montague, before eyeing his GY, "That means I'm safe from 'Ra' even if you Special Summon it back from the GY!"
While Montague was pleased about that detail, Light Marik was a bit unsure—all because Dark Marik was not looking worried whatsoever.
"It's true that 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' should now be sealed off entirely… but why do I feel that my dark side has something else up his sleeve?" thought Marik, "Why is he standing there looking calm and unfazed?"
"I may have failed to use 'Ra', but my turn is not even close to being over," bragged Montague, taking yet another card ('Dark Necrofear') from his hand and placing it onto an empty Monster Zone on his Duel Disk—just as three Monster Cards ('Headless Knight', 'Puppet Master', and 'Dark Master - Zorc') emerged from the GY, "I Special Summon 'Dark Necrofear' by banishing three Fiend monsters from my GY!"
Appearing onto the field from a ghostly soul was the blue-skinned, female Fiend monster holding onto her creepy chattering teeth baby-like doll (Level: 8/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2800).
"Finally, I'll activate a Spell Card from my hand!" continued Montague, holding up another card ('Premature Burial') before turning it over and revealing it, "The Equip Spell, 'Premature Burial'!" Upon slotting the card into his Duel Disk, the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I must activate this card by paying 800 LP, then target 1 monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Attack Position and equip it with this card," From there, he held up another card ('The Earl of Demise') as he paid his LP (LP: 1900 → 1100), "Resurrect, 'The Earl of Demise'!"
The Fiend monster with the sword reappeared on the field (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 700).
"AH HA HA HA HA HA!" cackled Montague, even as more of his body faded away due to the LP loss, "My Occult Deck gets stronger whenever you send monsters to the GY! Now watch as you face three powerful monsters!"
But Light Marik was very unhappy that his partner was sacrificing their LP left and right.
"Stop it! Why are you being so reckless?!" scolded Light Marik harshly, "You've only got 1100 LP left! You've been doing more damage to the both of us than my dark side has been doing throughout the whole duel!"
"I said shut up!" exclaimed Montague crossly, "Didn't I say for you not to order me around?!"
"But-!" Marik tried to argue, but got cut off.
"If we want to reduce his LP of 8550, we need to take risks. That's how my Deck works… and it nearly always succeeds in the end," insisted Montague arrogantly.
"Just calm down, Montague," said Light Marik, "My dark side is planning something big, I just know it."
"Oh, and how would you know?!" growled Montague, "You didn't tell me about that 'Joyful Doom' card he used on my monsters before I tried to Summon 'Ra'!"
"I told you it wasn't in my Deck before!" Light Marik argued, beginning to lose his patience, "He added it when he took over! If it had been in there before, I would have warned you ahead of time!"
Dark Marik listened to the argument with amusement.
"I want you to get the hell out of my body!" The voice of Montague demanded.
"An argument between good friends. How amusing!" smiled Dark Marik, "I don't mind that at all… but I would suggest that we continue with the duel instead of just bickering around pointlessly. Just remember that monsters Summoned this turn can't attack because of 'Vengeful Bog Spirit' still being on the field."
"I know that without you needing to tell me!" fumed Montague, "With my turn being over now, you can go ahead and take your own turn," He then smiled sinisterly while clenching his fist, "We must continue this Shadow Game until one of us falls!"
"Really?" asked Dark Marik, once again with amusement, "Then allow me to get things going," He drew his card, "Card drawn."
(inside…)
Inside the blimp, Thomas and Mavis (with the former now dressed) had been searching for Duck in the hallways, but they were having no such luck.
"Where could he be?" worried Thomas.
"Maybe we should have woke Emily up so she could help with the search, too," suggested Mavis.
"No, I didn't want to worry her anymore than she already was," Thomas declined, shaking his head, "Besides, maybe Marik did something to Duck again?"
The blonde-haired girl hoped that it wasn't the case (which it actually was).
(elsewhere…)
Inside Spencer's room, the silver-haired boy was busy typing on his computer.
"I'll create a simulation depicting the success rate of my Destructive Virus strategies," thought Spencer, typing away. A few seconds later, a beeping sound was heard and he gasped at what he saw on his monitor, "What on Earth?"
The monitor showed the results; it was a measly 13%.
"13%?!" The voice of Spencer exclaimed, before he was shown easing up, "It would seem 'Ra' is more than I first imagined."
(outside…)
Back in the Shadow Realm, Dark Marik added the card into his hand and was finally beginning his turn.
Turn Ten: Dark Marik (LP: 8550)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (4): "Viser Des", "Card of Last Will", "Monster Reborn", and "Holding Legs"
"Yesssssss…" The evil man laughed to himself.
Over with Light Marik and Montague…
"Hm?" quizzed Light Marik curiously.
"And what might you be laughing at?!" Montague demanded, growing quite cross.
The only words Dark Marik said in response were the following…
"One Turn Kill…!"
Light Marik's eyes widened when he (Light Marik) heard this, and Montague didn't look any better either.
"What?!" spluttered Montague.
"It means you're going to die in one turn, Montague," The voice of Dark Marik explained calmly.
"What did you say-?!" raged Montague.
"Even my other self doesn't know about this," stated Dark Marik, the veins on his face were bulging with insanity, "I think I'll go ahead and show you another ability of 'Ra'!"
"A special ability of Ra's that not even I know about?" repeated Light Marik.
"One Turn Kill?" murmured Montague.
(inside…)
Inside Spencer's room, the silver-haired boy was still typing away on the keyboard when he noticed something on the monitor.
"One Turn Kill," realized Spencer.
The monitor was showing some info on 'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' various effects… specifically the message 'One Turn Kill'.
"This is another ability?" thought Spencer, and began to read the message, "When conditions are met for 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', it can crush all its enemies at once and reduce the opponent's LP to 0," The monitor showed the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card and the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card as well, "The three 'Egyptian God' Cards… I have 'Obelisk the Tormentor', Billinton has 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', and Marik has 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. One thing they have in common is that they require three Tributes to Summon," The monitor showed footage of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and a face-up 'Mirror Force' Trap Card—which would not work against a 'God' monster, then footage of a player activating the 'Change of Heart' Spell Card against 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and it not working was shown, "Spell/Trap Cards that instantly destroy monsters have no effect on them, control over them cannot switch, and most Spell Card effects only last one turn against them," His eyes narrowed over one effect he learned of, "But there is one effect that Ra has that the other two do not; and that's the power of Instant Attack."
He resumed his research.
(outside…)
Back inside the Shadow Realm, Dark Marik was looking at both of his opponents while doing some big time thinking.
"This card will seal the fate of you both!" thought Dark Marik, looking at his hand—which contained 'Viser Des', 'Card of Last Will', 'Monster Reborn', and 'Holding Legs'—and soon at his face-up 'Vengeful Bog Spirit' Spell Card, "While most Spell Cards that either destroy or take control of the monster don't affect a 'God', no matter who used the card in question, 'Monster Reborn' will affect 'Ra' for one turn, and then will return to the GY… And with 'Vengeful Bog Spirit' on the field, it would prevent monsters from attacking on the turn they're Summoned. But…what nobody else, but me, knows is that 'Ra' has the power of Instant Attack."
Montague just kept an impatient look on his face; he (Montague) really wanted Dark Marik to make his (Dark Marik) move so that he (Montague) could end the duel already. Speaking of Dark Marik, the evil man suddenly motioned his right arm out as his cape blew about in the blowing wind.
"One turn is more than enough!" declared Dark Marik, "If I activate 'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' special ability, you'll both be finished in an instant!"
Montague and Marik both merely gazed at their hated enemy without saying another word about their soon-to-be bad situation (not that they even knew about it).
(elsewhere…)
Back inside Spencer's room, the computer monitor was still showing images of the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Monster Card.
"If 'Ra' is in the GY, and you have 'Monster Reborn' in your hand…" thought Spencer, "The strategy is set… One Turn Kill can be used!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside an elevator, Thomas and Mavis were both inside and heading to the top of the blimp.
"There's only one place we haven't looked yet," Thomas was saying.
"The duel arena," agreed Mavis.
The elevator door opened…and the two teenagers found the all too purple familiar fog.
"Thomas, look!" exclaimed Mavis, pointing at the fog, "That fog! It's… it's…"
"It's a Shadow Game!" gasped Thomas.
Mavis was horrified, "Then Duck must be in there!"
"Marik must have dragged Duck into something like this," figured Thomas seriously, while his Millennium Puzzle glowed, "Mavis, stay back and return to your room."
"Why should I?!" refused Mavis stubbornly.
"Mavis?"
"Every time there's an emergency," The blonde-haired girl accused angrily, "I get left out of the rescue! I mean, I was there when you learned about your ancestor, you know!"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Various moments of the school field trip were shown, which included the trip to Egypt from 3000 years ago…
"I'm aware you want to find out the secrets and answers to your questions about how you are the descendant of a Pharaoh, but you can't forget about one thing…" narrated Mavis.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I am, along with Emily, Percy, and the rest of the gang, your friend," Mavis went on, "And we will never let you do something like this on your own!" Thomas listened to her words and sighed, really not wanting to put her in danger, "So argue with me as you must, but you know I'm right about this!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the fog of the Shadow Realm, Montague continued to gaze at Dark Marik hatefully.
"Playtime has long since passed…" whispered Dark Marik, holding up a card, "I'm about to send both of you into the world of darkness!" Focus went towards the unknown card ('Monster Reborn'), "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card!" He turned the card over, and revealed it, "'Monster Reborn''!"
Montague and Light Marik both grimaced from seeing the mentioned card. They then watched as the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card materialized face-up on Dark Marik's field.
"The one monster I choose to Special Summon, of course, is 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" announced Dark Marik.
A burst of flame started forming in Montague's GY, much to his surprise. A huge pillar of fire came erupting from Montague's graveyard as he gave a loud scream of panic. The fire formed the full body of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', who then gave an almighty roar as it appeared on its proper master's field (Level: 10/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). Montague stared on in horror, while Light Marik gazed up with a more neutral expression.
"You've Summoned 'Ra' by revival and Spell Card," protested Light Marik, "From doing that, 'Ra's' ATK and DEF are both at 0, and it will return to the GY at the end of the turn!" He (Light Marik) then turned to Montague with a look of reassurance, "Rest easy, Montague. If we can survive an attack this turn, the 'God' will vanish. We'll get him by then!"
"Are you sure about that?" grinned Dark Marik, "You don't understand the true power of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
"What'd you say?" quizzed Light Marik, scowling. He then remembered the face-up 'Vengeful Bog Spirit' Spell Card on his dark half's field, "Furthermore, 'Vengeful Bog Spirit' is still in play! Your monster cannot even attack the turn it was Summoned."
"Yes, I am well aware of that detail… but this is where 'Ra's' Instant Attack ability comes in," snickered Dark Marik.
"Instant Attack?" came from Montague, "That's something I've never heard of before," He looked at Marik, "Did you know about it?"
"No, I didn't," answered Light Marik, "This is the first time I was told of it."
"This turn, this card can immediately attack all monsters my opponent controls once each, then, if my opponent controls no monsters, this card can attack directly, ignoring any cards, effects, or conditions that would prevent this card from attacking," revealed Dark Marik, as the background behind him showed 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' and a field of fire. His sinister look then grew more and more wicked, "Now…for the kill!"
From there, as the background returned to normal, he crossed his arms together and began to chant something in an ancient language—it was similar to the chant to release 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' from its Sphere Mode and take control of it, but had a few different words.
"What the-?!" gasped Montague nervously, "What's he doing?!"
"I don't know," said Light Marik, "This is the first time I've heard this part of the text on the card."
As he continued to chant, Dark Marik spoke mentally about his other half.
"My other self never officially received the full revelation of the Millennium Rod," Dark Marik thought to himself, before his face grew more and more demented than ever before with each passing second, "Only I can decipher 'Ra's' special ability!"
Slowly, but surely, Dark Marik's body began to vanish into the shadows, catching Montague by complete surprise.
"What?!" gawked Montague, shocked, "Your body is…fading away?!"
"Allow me to tell you… 'Ra's' special ability!" answered Dark Marik darkly, while more and more of his body faded away, "As written on the card… He who chants the third litany may keep 1 LP and transfer the remainder unto 'Ra's' ATK for one turn"
"The player's LP change into 'Ra's' ATK and DEF?!" grimaced Montague.
"That's right," nodded Dark Marik, while most of his body faded away, "And it doesn't take any time at all to do… It has been a fun duel, Montague, but now the time has come to end it. Ha ha ha ha ha…! This will be the last time you will see me. Once you disappear into the shadows, my body will go back to normal for me."
"What?!" freaked out Montague.
'The Winged Dragon of Ra', once it stopped glowing all white, gave an almighty roar as its stats started to go all the way up (ATK: 0 → 8549/DEF: 0 → 8549). Atop of the 'Egyptian God' monster's head, a new, yet still faintly familiar, voice was heard…
"Behold my true power!"
Montague and the faded image of Marik both looked up and saw that the whole body of Dark Marik was standing atop of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' head.
"'God' and I have become one!" declared Dark Marik, who was missing one of his eyes.
Down below, the remains of Dark Marik was holding his hand and could be seen laughing psychotically (LP: 8550 → 1).
"He…fused with 'Ra'?" stammered Montague (LP: 1100), who was showing actual fear at the sight of the…One-Winged Angel…form of Dark Marik, "That's not possible!"
"Oh, but it is possible!" screeched Dark Marik madly, as the Battle Phase began, "And now, 'Ra', it's time to end this duel! God Blaze Cannon!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed, opened its mouth, and fired an extremely powerful blast of fire at the three monsters on Montague's field. Montague and Marik both watched helplessly and awaited their impending fate. The blast finally struck Montague's whole field.
"Every single monster my opponent controls is destroyed!" declared Dark Marik, as 'Dark Necrofear', 'The Earl of Demise', and 'Dark Ruler Ha Des' each shattered into shards of glass, "And the player is killed!"
Montague screamed in agonizing pain from the fiery flames of the 'Egyptian God' monster known as 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'.
"And now, my other self, it's time for you to vanish!" commanded Dark Marik, laughing insanely.
Light Marik screamed in fear before disappearing.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the fog, Thomas was speaking to Mavis some more.
"I know you guys want to help me," remarked Thomas, "but…"
"But what?" interrupted Mavis, "Aren't we friends?"
"We've already lost Lady to that homicidal maniac!" objected Thomas sternly, as Mavis listened to what he was saying, "I don't want to lose you or any of the others, too!"
"I guess there's no use trying to convince you otherwise," sighed Mavis, giving up.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Shadow Realm, the whole area was smoking from the powerful flames of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. Montague, meanwhile, was starting to fade away into death.
"Well done," praised Montague, looking up with a sinister smile on his fading face, "I suppose I'll admit defeat for now…"
"Prepare to be devoured by darkness," declared Dark Marik, still standing atop the head of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', smirking evilly, "The 'World of Death' will surely enjoy having you…"
Then, to his surprise, he (Dark Marik) heard Montague begin to chuckle darkly.
"But remember this, you fool…" proclaimed Montague calmly, "I'll be revived in due time. Because I AM the darkness itself, meaning I can't be killed so easily by a mere Shadow Game like this. You, along with everyone else aboard the blimp, haven't seen the last of me!"
With one last maniacal laugh, Montague finally vanished into the shadows completely (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Dark Marik wins!
Once he was gone, the Millennium Ring fell until it hit the ground.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the fading fog, Thomas was prepared to enter, while Mavis sadly stayed behind…but she suddenly started glowing all gold and her eyes became dull and empty.
"It's time to pay Ishizu a visit," thought Mavis (possessed), "I still left part of my soul in this girl's mind."
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the fading fog, Dark Marik approached and picked up the Millennium Ring—his prize for winning the Shadow Game.
"The darkness itself, eh?" quizzed Dark Marik, "Heh, then I shall enjoy taming that darkness," There was also a rare card for him. Picking up and gazing, he looked at the 'Surprise Attack from Beyond' Spell Card, "'Surprise Attack from Beyond'… How kind of you to leave another prize for me, Montague…"
"Marik!" The voice of Thomas echoed.
Dark Marik looked off the platform and saw Thomas approaching.
"So, you came after all, Thomas," mused Dark Marik.
"What did you do with Duck?" demanded Thomas.
"Duck? I see… Oh, who knows?" replied Dark Marik, "Nobody knows where those who lose a Shadow Game are sent. So how should I know?!"
Thomas's eyes widened, "Duck lost…!"
"Thomas, it will be your turn soon," advised Dark Marik, turning to leave, "At that time, you can rejoin your friends in the next world!"
Laughing maniacally, the evil man left the arena to go back down into the blimp and leave Thomas alone.
"Now we've lost Duck," thought Thomas, "Who's next?"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room, the young Egyptian woman was sleeping peacefully in her bed… pretty soon, however, she started sweating and struggling in her sleep.
"M-Marik…" winced Ishizu in her sleep.
A dream sequence ensued.
DREAM SEQUENCE
Ishizu was picturing Marik being burned alive by 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'.
"Big Sister!" screamed Marik, completely terrified, just as the flames rose higher, "BIG SISTER ISHIZU!"
END DREAM SEQUENCE
The dream ended, and Ishizu woke up panting and gasping.
"Marik…" Ishizu said to herself, "I must save you," Just then, she heard a knock at her door, "Come in."
The door opened, and there was Mavis (possessed).
"Mavis?" blinked Ishizu, surprised to see the Sudrian teenage girl.
"Big Sister… Big Sister…" uttered Mavis (possessed), until an image of Light Marik appeared, "Save Odion!"
Ishizu gasped, "Marik! It's you!"
"I don't have time to explain!" urged Light Marik, "You have to get Odion to a safe place and away from my dark side!"
Ishizu didn't say anything and just gazed in shock at hearing that Odion was in great danger.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere inside the Millennium Puzzle, all was quiet—at least until a new voice could be heard from somewhere…
"Where am I?"
From the shadows came a rather confused Montague. Looking around, the confused look on his face turned into one of wicked glee.
"So, I'm inside the Millennium Puzzle," Montague remarked to himself, "I guess leaving a part of myself inside Thomas would come in handy sooner or later," Standing back up, he began to move to a nearby staircase, "Now, there is work to be done… Where better to unlock the power of the Pharaoh than within the same item the Pharaoh used?"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the blimp, someone was approaching the door to Odion's room…and that someone was Dark Marik. Taking the handle off the Millennium Rod and exposing the dagger while letting off a sinister chuckle.
(inside…)
Inside Odion's room, Dark Marik opened the door, walked inside, and closed the door.
"Now…where were we, Odion?" grinned Dark Marik deviously, walking towards Odion's bed. But when he threw off the covers, all that was there was an empty bed with an exception to a large body pillow, "What?! He's gone? But where did Odion…? Ishizu!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Spencer's room, he was still busy doing his research on 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card.
"Hmm… an almost invincible monster that can decide the match in just one turn. Is there any way to stand up to 'Ra'?" thought Spencer.
Nearby in one of the beds, Skiff finally stirred and woke up.
"Oh…" he groaned sleepily, before seeing Spencer still awake, "Spencer? You're still up at this hour?"
"There's more to 'Ra' than I thought," admitted Spencer, "I've just learned about one of its special abilities."
"Big Brother…" whispered Skiff.
(elsewhere…)
Later on, Spencer and Skiff, joined by their parents, were in the main cockpit area of the blimp. While Skiff, Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) each stared out into the open sea, Spencer was in deep thought before he spoke up.
"Currently, we're on course for the final destination for the Battle City tournament; Boxford Corp Island," reported Spencer.
"Boxford Corp Island?" pressed Skiff.
"It was built by our late adopted Father, Gozaburo," explained Mr. Gresley (Boxford), "It's an artificial island, built for military industry."
"Until we got control of the company," Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) added, "There, we ordered that all military production there be ceased and scrapped."
"When I was only sixteen years old and had taken up Duel Monsters while briefly living in America, I had a large tower built on that island," concluded Spencer, before revealing what he intended to do there, "There, the finals will finish and the champion will be crowned," Smiling to himself, he fell into his thoughts, "If my hunch is right… There IS a way to defeat 'Ra'. Wait for me, Boxford Corp Island… Once I'm there, I will erase my Grandfather's legacy for good, become the Duel King…and become famous worldwide!"
(outside…)
And so, the blimp continued on its way across the wide open ocean. What will everyone aboard expect to see when they arrive? Well, we'll just have to wait and see.
And that's it for Dark Marik VS Montague (and Light Marik). Next up will be the epic four-way, three-part Battle Royale duel.