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: Temple of Traps, Part 1
Opening up inside the blimp, everyone was walking towards the dining chamber while chatting about James and Ryan's duel just minutes ago.
"That was so epic!" admired Henry.
"I especially liked seeing 'Neos' wearing that gold armor!" added Gordon.
"Well, James, that was so much fun," smiled Ryan, "You put up a great duel…and are clearly the better duelist."
"You weren't so bad yourself," James pointed out, grinning also.
With that said, the two duelists shook hands just as an excited Thomas and Emily both raced in.
"Hey, you two," Edward greeted, "You missed out on a great duel."
"James and Ryan were both awesome!" rejoiced Percy.
"Sorry we missed it," apologized Thomas, "Emily and I were busy working on something."
"Yeah, so we've heard," pouted James, but immediately smiled, "But, anyway, I was the one who won the duel."
"And you should have seen that 'kick butt' monster he Summoned to do so," James R. piped up.
James took out his Deck and showed them his new 'Elemental HERO Divine Neos' Fusion Monster Card.
"That's 'Elemental HERO Divine Neos'!" realized Thomas.
"Rumble my legs!" exclaimed Emily, "Where did you get a card as rare as that?!"
"I'll admit it wasn't in any of the duel packs from the prize I received from the San Francisco tournament," said James, as a faded clip of him finding something in his room before the duel was superimposed over him, "But…I did find it inside an envelope within my room before the match."
"Which was secretly left by me," Discord admitted, arms folded and smiling.
"Boy, you sure do seem fond of those guys, aren't you?" remarked Zack.
Discord merely chuckled cheerfully. Before anything more could be asked, Liz suddenly noticed something Thomas was wearing around his neck.
"Is that what you and Emily have been working on for the last two hours, Thomas?" she asked curiously.
"Yes," nodded Thomas, as he looked down at his new pendent, "It's called the Millennium Puzzle."
"Millennium what…?" Percy blinked, "How'd you even get it?"
"Shadi gave it to him," Emily pointed out.
Everyone present (except for Discord) gave a look of confusion. Emily immediately realized that no one else had met Shadi.
"He's the guardian of the Millennium Items that Discord told us about back in San Francisco," she revealed.
"Oh," Percy, Henry, James, Gordon, Toby, and Edward all acknowledged.
"So, what did I miss?" came a voice (female) from nearby.
It was Mavis walking down the hall towards her friends.
"There you are, Mavis," said Toby, walking over to meet with his girlfriend, "You missed out on a big duel between James and Ryan.
"Yeah, I know," Mavis replied, before looking over her shoulder,, "I was looking after Duck for a while, after all."
"How is he?" Liz pressed, looking worried.
"He's resting, right now. I think he should be fine later on."
Just then, Spencer, Skiff, and their parents walked by.
"Great duel, James!" congratulated Skiff.
"You were wonderful, dear," added Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Of course, a top notch duelist is what you are," threw in Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
James felt very proud indeed, even more so when Molly suddenly hugged him lovingly.
"You were magnificent, James," she said happily.
James felt very proud of himself.
"Hardly," The voice of Spencer huffed, sounding calm.
James's smile immediately turned into a look of anger as he (James) gazed at Spencer Gresley.
"What did you just say, jackass?!" seethed James.
"Oh, did I just say that out loud?" Spencer scoffed, smirking mockingly, "Silly me."
James growled at Spencer. He (James) felt like Spencer was deliberately insulting him (James) so that the red-haired boy would do something stupid in order to get himself disqualified. Fortunately, James resisted the urge to give in.
"Man, how I hate him," thought James bitterly.
"Hey!" The voice of Molly snapped, getting James's attention. She was shown walking straight up to Spencer, "If you have a problem with my boyfriend, then you'll have to take it up with me!"
"Heh, like I would waste my time with smallfry like you," retorted Spencer, turning to walk down the hall, "Right now, I have a tournament to run."
He walked away importantly.
"And yet he wonders why he's still single," grumbled James.
"Somehow, I doubt Spencer really cares about having a girl in his life, right now," Gordon stated, with his arms folded.
"Forget about him. We'd better head for the dining room so we can find out who's dueling next," advised Thomas.
With that, the group made their way to the dining room. But 'Namu' (Marik) was secretly scowling to himself.
"My servant must be next to duel," thought Marik, eyeing Thomas win hatred, "But Thomas has already dueled…"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Odion's chambers, the Rare Hunter second-in-command was alone and busy meditating.
"I will not fail you, Master Marik," Odion told himself.
Suddenly, a knock came from his door. Odion didn't say a word as the door opened up, and…revealed the tenth finalist.
"Odion," The mysterious woman whispered.
"So, you're here?" said Odion calmly, like he knew he was expecting some company.
"Yes," The tenth finalist confirmed.
After a minute of silence from both sides, Odion stood back up, but still didn't turn to look at the tenth finalist.
"Odion, why are you helping our brother try to kill Thomas?" The tenth finalist questioned at long last.
"I have to obey Master Marik," answered Odion, "I've been the only friend he's ever known for years. The only one who could protect him from the darkness."
"Darkness?" quizzed the tenth finalist, before she gasped, "You're not referring to…'him'…are you?"
"Yes," answered Odion seriously, "Marik's dark half. I must make absolutely sure that it's kept hidden. It must not resurface, or else everyone, including you, would be put into great danger."
The tenth finalist said nothing more. She could well remember what had happened the last time Marik's dark half had been released, and it was that one time she would possibly never forget. Odion then turned around and started to walk towards the exit
"I must go, now," uttered Odion.
He walked past the tenth finalist and out of the room, down the hall towards the dining chambers. The poor young Egyptian woman watched on grimly.
"Odion… Marik…" she thought to herself, "May the Egyptian Gods watch over you both."
(elsewhere…)
In the dining chambers, everyone had gathered for the announcement for the next duel.
"We shall now begin choosing our duelists for the next match," announced Roland.
"Ultimate Bingo Machine, start!" commanded Skiff.
The machine started up.
"Hey, Namu," Percy spoke up, looking towards Marik, "Who do you want to duel if you were chosen to duel next?"
"Oh, um…" Marik stuttered a bit, trying to keep his identity in check.
"Well?" Gordon asked, grinning a bit.
Before Marik could speak up and share his thoughts, the machine stopped and released a ball.
"And the next duelist chosen is…" began Roland, taking and looking at the ball for a moment before holding it up, "…number 4! Percy Avonside!"
"Whoo hoo!" cried Percy happily, "I'm next!"
"Better watch out, Percy," Lady teased playfully, nudging Percy's side, "I just might be your opponent."
Percy blushed in response. Soon the machine stopped a second time and the suit took the ball that came out of the machine.
"Time to see who Percy's unlucky opponent will be," joked James R..
"And his opponent is…" began the suit, looking at the ball for a moment before holding it up, "…none other than number 9! Marik Ishtar!"
Percy's friends (especially Thomas) all gave a shocked gasp. Nearby, Odion was leaning against the wall with his arms folded when he overheard his name being called out and raised his head.
"Is he serious?" Gordon pleaded, looking at Henry.
"Please let this be a joke," agreed Henry.
"Looks like Percy's going to get his wish to fight Marik after all," admitted James, although not in a pleasant tone.
"Marik… the duelist who holds the third 'God' Card…" thought Thomas, gritting his teeth, "He's also the man who brainwashed Percy and forced us to fight each other!"
Percy, who was looking nervous at first, quickly shook off his shock and looked over to the far left to glare at Odion.
"You hear that, ya jerk? You and I are dueling next! So get ready for some payback!" he called out spitefully.
Odion still didn't say a word and just coldly stared at Percy. Percy was about to say something more when Liz suddenly gave her younger brother a quick kiss.
"That's for good luck," The blonde-haired young woman said sweetly.
"Thanks, sis," smiled Percy, feeling a bit better.
Roland then led Percy and Odion both out of the dining chamber. Thomas began to speak to his friends.
"Percy will need all the support he needs," Thomas pointed out, speaking quite seriously.
"Marik will likely be his toughest opponent yet," added Emily.
"Damn right," agreed James.
"Then come on!" encouraged Matt, "Let's go cheer him on."
The gang followed Percy and Odion outside to the duel stage atop the blimp. Spencer, however, remained where he was in the dining chambers.
"This is my chance to learn about the third 'Egyptian God' Card," Spencer thought to himself, before following, "Percy just might be useful to me—if he duels well."
(elsewhere…)
Outside on the duel platform, everyone had gathered to watch the duel. Percy was shown to be very fired up, indeed.
"It's time to make that jerk Marik pay for what he has been putting us through," thought Percy.
"We will now begin the second round of the tournament!" proclaimed Roland, as the platform started rising. "Percy Avonside VS Marik Ishtar! Duelists, shuffle your Decks!"
Percy and Odion both approached each other. Odion said nothing throughout, while Percy had a few things he wanted to say aloud—but it would get him into serious trouble, so he just said them mentally.
"Listen, brainwash guy!" thought Percy, "You humiliated us by breaking our bond of friendship! I won't feel satisfied until I defeat you!"
They began shuffling their Decks, but Odion soon stopped after ten seconds. On the other hand, Percy just continued to gaze hatefully at his opponent while shuffling his Deck again and again.
"Whoa, Percy seems really eager to take revenge," commented Henry.
"I'll say," agreed Mavis, "I'd probably do the same if I were in his shoes."
"But that Mafik guy also has an incredible presence," thought Lady, concerned, "I think it's safe to say he's quite skilled. Be careful, Percy…"
"I can't help but feel worried," cut in Liz.
"That's right; this is the first time you're seeing Percy in an official duel," remembered Emily, before smiling with encouragement to the young woman, "Well, just cheer for him with all you got, and he'll definitely win."
Liz smiled. At last, on the platform, Roland got Percy's attention by clearing his throat.
"Excuse me, but enough shuffling!" scolded Roland, causing Percy to look over, "You've done enough of it for ten duels!"
Percy finally snapped out of it, sighed, and accepted his (Percy) Deck back from Odion before giving him (Odion) own Deck back. Both duelists took their spots on the platform. Percy was grinning to himself—rather cockily might, I add.
"Marik, I'm making a prediction!" he declared, pointing forth, "In this duel, I'll have you beaten in just eleven turns!"
Odion remained unfazed. Below the platform, much of the group was sweatdropping (except for Matt, Michael, Ryan, Liz, and Discord) at the claim.
"In just eleven turns?" gawked James.
"Is he serious?" groaned Gordon.
"That's Percy for you," Thomas laughed nervously.
"Is he always like this?" pressed Michael.
"You have no idea," answered Emily.
On the duel platform, Odion started to pull out his Millennium Rod (it was really the fake one) like he was about to invoke a Shadow Game. Below the platform…
"That's-!" began Emily.
"The Millennium Rod!" finished Thomas, "Is Marik planning to do something terrible with it?"
Back on the platform, Odion continued to hold out the fake Millennium Rod in a threatening way.
"H-Hey!" The voice of Percy yelped, "No use of shadow magic! That is, unless you're afraid to duel me fairly!"
Odion merely glared…before putting the fake Millennium Rod away in his cloak.
"As you wish," The Rare Hunter leader said in a calm, polite tone.
Percy raised an eyebrow, while everyone else below the platform was surprised by this little action.
"That's odd," Henry commented, "Since when has Marik been known to be polite and listen to others?"
"Maybe he wants to duel fair and square for now?" suggested Edward.
Unknown to them, the real Marik had the Millennium Rod behind his back, ready to use at any point during the duel.
"You've done an excellent job using the fake Millennium Rod, Odion," said Marik mentally, "Everyone here has been completely fooled by it. And even if you fail to eliminate Thomas, I still have a big puzzle that I have to resolve before you do," He narrowed his eyes, "Before I discover the answer to that puzzle, I need you to pose as me. And that big puzzle is…" Focus went towards Spencer and Skiff, but mainly the former as faded clips of a large stone carving were superimposed, "Beside the nameless Pharaoh on the palette stands a priest… 'Blue-Eyes'…and that Millennium Rod look-alike in his hands," The clips ended, "I must know how they are related… And 'Obelisk'… The 'God' Cards can only be controlled by those chosen by the Millennium Items. But he is exceptional," From there, he (Marik) looked up at Odion on the platform, "Odion, using my name, you must learn the truth behind his memories. If you win this duel, you will earn the chance to fight Spencer. When that time comes, you must use the power of the Millennium Rod to find out the truth behind how this man can participate in the Millennium Battle!"
Marik smiled evilly, believing his plan would be successful. Over with the Gresley?Boxford family…
"Big Brother, do you think Marik really has the third 'God' Card?" asked Skiff.
"He does if he's the leader of the Rare Hunters," replied Spencer, "But I won't believe it, until I see it for myself," He entered his thoughts and eyed the duelists on the platform, "Percy, you're my lab rat… Don't lose until you make him play his 'God' Card!"
Meanwhile, Marik believed Percy would not be a very difficult duelist for Odion to defeat and, so, mentally spoke to his servant.
"Odion, Percy is a very weak duelist—his skill level is not very high," thought Marik, smiling still, "He's no match against you."
On the platform…
"I am well aware that I am Master Marik's double…" thought Odion, "Even so, I will bury any enemy who dares to stand in our way!"
At long last, the wind took effect and blew Odion's hood off, revealing he was bald and possessed a long, black ponytail. The left side of his face had weird carvings on it, and made the young man look highly intimidating.
"I hope you're ready, Mr. Avonside," began Odion (LP: 4000), "This will be one duel you'll never forget!"
"Bring it on!" dared Percy bravely (LP: 4000), "And I'll take the first move if you don't mind!"
"By all means."
When both duelists drew their opening hands, the wind died down as the duel finally commenced.
"Here I go!" began Percy, drawing a card, "Draw card!"
Turn One: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Gearfried the Iron Knight", "Alligator's Sword", "Graverobber", "Fairy Box", "Little-Winguard", and "Giant Trunade"
His drawn card was the 'Giant Trunade' Spell Card, while the rest of his hand contained 'Gearfried the Iron Knight', 'Alligator's Sword', 'Graverobber', 'Fairy Box', and 'Little-Winguard'. Below the platform…
"Alright! Go for it, Percy!" hollered James.
"Don't you dare lose!" demanded Lady.
"By the way…" pondered Toby, "Did Percy ever take his 'Red-Eyes' back, Thomas?"
"No," denied Thomas, shaking his head.
"What the heck?" grunted Gordon, "He didn't even take his trump card back for the match? Then that means Percy will be in for a very rough time."
"He said he'd take it back once he became a True Duelist," said Thomas firmly.
"That is true," agreed Emily softly.
Back on the platform…
"It's true I don't have 'Red-Eyes' in my Deck," thought Percy, looking at his hand, "But I will only accept it back once I grow into a True Duelist. Besides…" He smiled cockily, "I already have the perfect hand. Using it, I'll defeat Marik and win that 'God' Card of his!"
Unfortunately, the wind came back. The giggling Percy was acting so confident that he nearly lost his whole hand. Below the platform, Percy's Sudrian friends all let out startled yells. Percy managed to catch the first five cards with his hands, and the remaining one with his teeth.
"That was close," mumbled Percy, "I almost lost my most important cards!"
Below the platform…
"Oh wow, that was too close for comfort," sighed Liz, but then yelled out some encouraging words, "Nice catch!"
Back on the platform…
"Sheesh! Even the wind's my enemy on the blimp," thought Percy, before smiling once again, "In that case…" He took a card ('Gearfried the Iron Knight') and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I play this card! 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' in Attack Position!"
The mentioned Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, just before a human male wearing iron armor appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600).
"That's a good card to start with," admired Gordon.
Back on the platform…
"Since I went first, I can't declare an attack," reminded Percy, "I end my turn!"
"It's my turn," said Odion, drawing a card.
Turn Two: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Embodiment of Apophis", "Judgment of Anubis", "Eye of Ujat", "Embodiment of Apophis", "Temple of the Kings", and "Embodiment of Apophis"
The Rare Hunter second-in-command added the card into his hand and took another one ('Temple of the Kings').
"I activate the Field Spell, 'Temple of the Kings'!" The voice of Odion began, as his Field Spell Zone opened up. He placed the card inside, "Now, watch carefully as I demonstrate its unsurpassed power."
In the background, a huge, ancient temple suddenly emerged from the ground.
"A temple?" quizzed Carlie.
"How does that work?" came from Ben.
"This area has now become a sanctuary for the Pharaoh's treasures!" explained Odion, "All beings other than the Tomb Guardians must humble themselves before this sacred ground!"
"Humble themselves?" repeated Percy.
"My card's first effect… I can activate Trap Cards the turn they are Set, also my opponent can only Set no more than 2 Spells/Traps at a time," continued Odion, taking two cards from his hand, "This is to stop you from easily removing my Spells and Traps. Now, I'll Set two cards face-down!" He slotted the cards into his Duel Disk, causing two face-down cards to appear on the field near his feet, "I end my turn! So, Mr. Avonside, do you have the courage to step into this sacred ground and face this trap-filled territory?"
Below the platform…
"He didn't Summon a monster," stated Mavis, "Percy has a chance to attack Marik directly!"
"That could be what Marik is expecting," Edward pointed out, "It's only a feeling I have in my stomach, but that's what I think."
"Marik is confident he can stop Percy from attacking," advised James R..
"What worries me is the temple on the field," thought Thomas, "There must be more to it than what Marik is saying about it."
"Odion, your traps are ready to make him suffer," thought Marik, "Defeat Percy quickly!"
Back atop the platform…
"Oh, this is scary," uttered Percy, sweatdropping, "But I can't let fear wear me down!" He then entered his personal thoughts, "Besides, that was a joke on my end! I already have a card in my hand that's capable of dealing with those Set cards," With that on hand, he drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Three: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (6): "Alligator's Sword", "Graverobber", "Fairy Box", "Little-Winguard", "Giant Trunade", and "Swordsman of Landstar"
The green-haired boy glanced at his opponent's Set cards.
"He has two face-down cards, and they're obviously Trap Cards," Percy thought to himself, while looking at his hand, "I'd have to be an idiot to attack right now… But with 'Giant Trunade' already in my hand, I could just use it to return all of Marik's Spells and Traps back to his hand. But… As tempting as it is to do it now, I really want to make this a quick match, so I'll go and build up my attack force first."
With a plan now on hand, Percy took another card to play from his hand.
"I Summon 'Little-Winguard' in Attack Position!" declared Percy, placing the card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was the tiny warrior-like monster clad in blue (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800).
"That's all for me," finished Percy, quickly.
Below the platform…
"You guys think Percy is up to something?" asked Emily.
"Likely," answered Edward, "I just wish I knew what it exactly was."
Matt stayed silent. Back on the platform…
"It's my turn," stated Odion, drawing a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Four: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "Embodiment of Apophis", "Embodiment of Apophis", "Embodiment of Apophis", and "Magic Jammer"
He added his drawn card to his hand and took two more cards out.
"I Set two more cards face-down," announced Odion, slotting two cards into his Duel Disk. This caused two more face-down cards to materialize on the field before him (joining the first two Set cards), "I don't know what you're up to, but it's useless to resist. I end my turn here!"
Below the platform…
"It's like Marik's not even trying to fight back," murmured Molly, with her tone full of suspicion, "Do you think he's up to something?"
"The look on his face seems weird," commented Discord, "He's calm and collected."
"Maybe… just maybe… he's expecting Percy to try something rather than attack," Zack suggested.
Back on the platform…
"This is gonna be too easy," thought Percy, drawing a card, "My turn, draw!"
Turn Five: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): "Alligator's Sword", "Graverobber", "Fairy Box", "Giant Trunade", "Swordsman of Landstar", and "Hayabusa Knight"
He observed his opponent's field.
"Just like I planned, he set all of his Trap Cards on the field!" Percy told himself, mentally. He took another card from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon one more monster! Come forth, 'Hayabusa Knight'!"
Appearing on the field was a falcon-like knight monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 700). Percy looked at his field of monsters.
"All three of my monsters, with their combined ATK, will knock Marik out with one blow!" thought Percy, "All I need to do first is send those face-down cards back to his hand!" He took the 'Giant Trunade' Spell Card from his hand, "Marik, you fell into my trap!"
"Oh, I did?" asked Odion sarcastically.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Giant Trunade'!" announced Percy, slotting his card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "I must return all Spells/Traps on the field to the hand!"
Meanwhile, a powerful blast of wind materialized on the center of the field and began moving slowly towards Odion's field, aiming for all of the Spell and Trap Cards.
"If this works, Marik will be wide open!" cheered Thomas.
"You've won, Percy!" came from Liz.
Matt, however, wasn't so sure of that, and, nearby, neither did Spencer.
"Percy should know that this won't be easy. Marik clearly won't let this nobody get the better of him," Spencer thought to himself.
Suddenly, just as the hurricane reached Odions' Field Spell and face-down cards, it weakened.
"Huh?" blinked Percy, just as the wind ceased, "It stopped?! But how?"
He then noticed that one of Odions' face-down cards had been revealed.
"Mr. Avonside, you're the one who fell into a trap," said Odion coldly, "The moment you activated 'Giant Trunade', you triggered this powerful Counter Trap Card!" Focus then went to the face-up card ('Judgment of Anubis'), "'Judgment of Anubis'!"
"C-Counter Trap?!" stammered Percy.
Below the platform…
"I knew it!" Matt exclaimed aloud, "Marik WAS waiting for Percy to do something other than attack!"
"It makes sense," remarked Zack, "Percy never Set any cards, so Marik instantly guessed that Percy had 'Giant Trunade' in his hand."
"Percy…" worried Emily.
Back on the platform…
"Human beings are foolish beyond words," insulted Odion, "They don't bother doing anything they deem useless effort. But such thoughts only put your life in danger. Mr. Avonside, such tactics are child's play to me, the great Marik!" He then explained how his 'Judgment of Anubis' Trap Card worked, as a huge purple Anubis-like creature took to the field, "When my opponent activates a Spell Card: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it, then I can destroy all face-up monsters my opponent controls, and if I do that, inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the total ATK those destroyed monsters had while face-up on the field!"
"Say what?!" cried Percy.
The creature impaled 'Gearfried the Iron Knight', 'Little-Winguard', and 'Hayabusa Knight' and destroyed them.
"Their combined ATK is 4200," reminded Odion, "That means, for your judgment, you will lose 2100 LP."
Percy watched in horror as his LP took a major hit (LP: 4000 → 1900).
"I lost all my monsters and 2100 LP just like that?" winced Percy.
Below the platform…
"Percy walked right into that one," Spencer was saying to Skiff, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "Although it was something I was expecting since Marik is not one to fall THAT easily to a mediocre duelist."
"Hang in there, Percy!" called Skiff.
Back atop the platform…
"You have yet to step into my real trap, Mr. Avonside," warned Odion, "And remember, thanks to 'Temple of the Kings', you can only Set one or two Spell or Trap Cards per turn."
Below the platform…
"He worked so hard to Summon three monsters, too…" fretted Emily.
"Trap Cards are scary because they can turn the situation around in an instant," acknowledged Thomas, "But what's also bad is the mental damage they can inflict on the player."
"In the worst case scenario, Trap Cards can cause so much stress that the player loses all focus and concentration," finished Lady, "If that happens, the player becomes so nervous they can't even fight."
"Really…? So that must be a part of Marik's Trap strategy!" Emily figured.
"Percy will be okay, right?" worried Liz.
Emily gulped, "S-Sure."
"He'll be fine," insisted James, "Right, Thomas?"
Thomas wanted to say something, but didn't know how. Percy was in danger thanks to that 'Judgment of Anubis' Trap Card. Finally, he tried saying something to brighten the situation.
"O-Of course," lied Thomas, "Percy won't run away from the fight. There's no way he'd lose to the pressure of Marik's Trap Cards!"
Back on the platform…
"Man, I can't believe I fell for that one," thought Percy, "That Marik is tough indeed… but he won't take me down," He spoke aloud, "Hey, Marik! Let me tell you something."
"Go on," frowned Odion.
"I deliberately fell for your strategy this turn to see how skilled you are," gloated Percy, "I underestimated you!" He (Percy) eyed Odion's field and Odion himself, "You're the 21st duelist who's ever making me duel seriously!" It was then he got in a more confident dueling stance, "So I'm gonna play for real now! I'm gonna raise my duelist level to max!"
"Duelist level? Max?" groaned James.
"Oh, the indignity!" sighed Gordon.
"That's great! He still hasn't gotten serious yet!" smiled Liz.
"Oh God, she's actually buying it," cringed Emily.
"Just smile and accept it, Emily," requested Mavis quietly, "This is Percy's older sister, after all."
Over with Spencer and Skiff…
"Man, Percy…" blinked Skiff, but managed to smile, "Well, you have to admit that he's pretty impressive. He doesn't seem the least bit flustered."
"Because idiots don't feel pressure," grumbled Spencer.
Back on the platform…
"Alright, Marik, my turn's done," finished Percy, pointing at Odion, "Now, do something big for your move! Don't hold back!"
"It's my turn," accepted Odion, drawing a card, "Draw."
Turn Six: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (3): "Embodiment of Apophis", "Magic Jammer", and "De-Spell"
He added the card into his hand, saw a card that interested him and took it. Odion slotted the card into an unused Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Set one more card face-down and end my turn," finished Odion, as a face-down card appeared on the field and joined the remaining three cards, "Now, it's your turn, Mr. Avonside."
Below the platform…
"Guys, Marik hasn't played a single monster throughout the duel," Henry stated, "Why's that?"
"He's probably planning something," said Toby, "I only hope Percy doesn't fall for any more of his tricks."
Back on the platform…
"Setting again?!" complained Percy, "That's cheap, ya jerk! All you do is set Trap Cards all the time! Don't you have the courage to fight me fair and square?! You coward!"
"If you can find the rule that forbids me from Setting Spells & Traps, Mr. Avonside, I'll gladly stop," countered Odion, "Besides, a Trap Deck is a brilliant strategy used by many duelists, including myself. You have no right to call me a coward just because you cannot comprehend it."
"Grrr! Then allow me to show the true way to play Duel Monsters!" growled Percy, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Seven: Percy Avonside (LP: 2100)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Alligator's Sword", "Graverobber", "Fairy Box", "Swordsman of Landstar", and "Scapegoat"
His hand currently contained 'Alligator's Sword', 'Graverobber', 'Fairy Box', 'Swordsman of Landstar', and the drawn 'Scapegoat'.
"I can't fall for anymore of his tricks," thought Percy, "If I attack carelessly, those Trap Cards will get me but good!" He took a card from his hand and spoke aloud, "I Summon 'Alligator's Sword' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was the humanoid alligator wielding a sword and shield (Level: 4/ATK 1500/DEF: 1200). Odion, noticing that Percy was hesitating, seemed to smile a little bit.
"Whatever is the matter?" taunted Odion, "Are you scared? Did you not say that you were going to show me how to duel?"
"I…" grimaced Percy, before taking a card from his hand and slotting it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!" A face-down card appeared on the field behind 'Alligator's Sword', "I end my turn!"
Below the platform…
"Good, that was the right move to make!" encouraged Thomas mentally, "You'll only fall into Marik's trap if you move now. Be patient and wait for a chance to strike!"
Back on the platform…
"Now, it's your turn!" dared Percy.
Odion just drew his card.
Turn Eight: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (3): "Magic Jammer", "De-Spell", and "Prayer of the Temple"(!)
However…
"I'll pass this turn, I can't do anything," Odion admitted, almost in a mocking tone.
"He must be goading Percy into attacking," Thomas said to his friends.
Indeed so…
"I'm onto you," smirked Percy, despite being very cross on the inside, "You want me to repeat my mistakes from last time and do something without thinking. I don't think so, Tim."
He drew his card…
Turn Nine: Percy Avonside (LP: 2100)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Graverobber", "Swordsman of Landstar", "Scapegoat", and "Foolish Burial"
…and entered the End Phase.
"I'll pass this turn, too!" finished Percy.
"Then it's my turn," said Odion, drawing his card, "Draw."
Turn Ten: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Magic Jammer", "De-Spell", "Prayer of the Temple"(!), and "Magic Cylinder"
Just like that, he entered the End Phase.
"However, I'm afraid I'll have to pass again because this card is no good to me, right now," confessed Odion, "It's your turn, Mr. Avonside."
Percy was beginning to lose his patience. Below the platform…
"This is nuts!" complained Skiff, "If this keeps up, the duel could last late into night!"
"I wouldn't worry about the duel lasting for long," Spencer reassured his younger brother, "This is like a standoff. Each side is waiting to see if the other will make a mistake and exploit it. If a player gets upset, the other will seek to take advantage of it. From the looks of it, Percy will crack long before Marik even does."
Unfortunately, the silver-haired boy was correct. On the platform, Percy was getting pretty miffed.
"Not good!" gasped Thomas.
"Percy, don't lose your cool!" advised Lady, "That's what Marik wants!"
Too late…
"It's my turn!" shrieked Percy, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Eleven: Percy Avonside (LP: 2100)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (5): "Graverobber", "Swordsman of Landstar", "Scapegoat", "Foolish Burial" and "Rocket Warrior"
He was armed with his drawn card ('Rocked Warrior').
"If you won't take action, then I will!" snapped Percy, placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Rocket Warrior' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a warrior in rocket armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300).
"I can't take it anymore!" Percy raged some more, "My pride as a duelist won't let me back down from a challenge! Just like I promised, I'm gonna show you what a true duel is all about!" He pointed forth, "Rocket Warrior, transform into your Invincible Mode!"
'Rocket Warrior' obeyed, turning into his rocket form.
"You asked for it!" bellowed Percy, entering the Battle Phase, "Rocket Warrior, attack Marik directly!"
'Rocket Warrior' obeyed, charging towards Odion in an attempt to inflict 1500 damage.
"Percy, no!" called Thomas.
"Not again!" bemoaned Mavis.
As expected, as the attack got closer and closer, Odion was completely prepared for it.
"Face-down card, open!" announced Odion, holding his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out, "Trap Card, 'Eye of Ujat', activate!"
One of the four face-down cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, creating a magical effect on 'Rocket Warrior' and turning it around.
"Aww man..," mumbled Percy unhappily.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack while they control 2 or more face-up monsters: I must target 1 monster on my opponent's field, except the attacking monster; I must change the attack target to it and perform damage calculation!" explained Odion, much to Percy's horror, "'Rocket Warrior', strike 'Alligator's Sword'!"
'Rocket Warrior' started to go and attack 'Alligator's Sword', but Percy was ready to stop it.
"I activate a face-down card of my own!" he said, poking a button on his Duel Disk, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Fairy Box'!"
Percy's face-down card flipped up and revealed itself—before creating a large whack-a-mole box.
"When my opponent's monster declares an attack: I must toss a coin and call it," explained Percy, "If I call it right, I must negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase."
"His monster is hiding in that strange box on the field," thought Odion, surprised.
'Alligator's Sword' popped in and out of a hole in the box. 'Rocket Warrior' struck the box and there was an explosion left behind, with Odion certain he took both monsters out since they shared the same ATK. However, 'Alligator's Sword' was shown to still be standing when the smoke cleared.
"I failed?" thought Odion.
"Ha ha! Aww, too bad! My monster's unscratched!" laughed Percy.
Despite the failed counterattack, Odion remained calm and collected still. Below the platform, Marik fumed in response.
"Damn!" he thought angrily.
"Heh heh heh, I'm onto your little game," Percy proclaimed, chuckling, "Once I wipe your entire field of Spells and Traps, you'll have nothing to stop me from getting at your LP."
"Oh?" said Odion, as he raised an eyebrow, "And why's that?"
"Your Deck's mostly Spell and Trap Cards," revealed Percy, "In other words, you don't have a single monster there. So no matter what Traps you have, if I can get rid of 'em, since you have no monsters to guard you, beating you would be a piece of cake!"
Below the platform…
"Is that true?" Ryan asked aloud, "A duelist with just Spell Cards and Trap Cards in their Decks?"
"I've never heard of something like this," Edward admitted.
Unfortunately…
"Mr. Avonside, are you sure about that?" said Odion calmly, "You have already fallen deep into my Trap Hell."
"Huh?" peeped Percy, who stopped laughing, "I did?"
Below the platform…
"Odion, end this duel fast," requested Marik mentally, "Stop playing along with him…!"
Back on the platform…
"Just like you said, my Deck is made up mostly of Spell and Trap Cards," continued Odion, "But what if a Trap Card exists that can take the place of a Monster Card?"
"A Trap Card that takes the place of a Monster Card?!" repeated Percy.
Below the platform…
"What's Marik talking about?" asked Toby.
"We'll have to wait and see," replied Thomas, "But I have the feeling it won't be good for Percy…"
"Well duh!" retorted Gordon in a deadpan tone.
On the platform, Odion continued to explain his plan.
"If that was true, then my Deck would truly be unbeatable, with none of the weaknesses you speak of," recalled Odion.
"Such a card…" began Thomas.
"…exists?" finished Lady.
"Allow me to show you!" yelled Odion, "This is the card that shall deliver onto you God's punishment!" He pointed to his three of four Set cards, "Watch! You have already activated the Trap Card this turn!"
"I-I did?!" sweated Percy.
"Behold my Continuous Trap, 'Embodiment of Apophis'!" Odion thundered on, as his first Set card (the center one) flipped face-up and revealed itself, "During the Main Phase: I must Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster. (This card is also still a Trap.)"
Below the platform…
"No way!" cried Lady, "So that card activates as a Trap Card but Summons as a Monster Card?!"
"It's a Trap Monster," interrupted Michael.
"Trap Monster?" wondered Toby.
"They aren't very common, and, usually, they aren't that good," explained Zack, "But they do have their uses…like catching opponents off-guard."
"Percy attacked this turn with his 'Rocket Warrior'!" remembered Thomas, "The Trap activated that same moment! And it will Summon a monster!"
Back on the platform…
"However, that is the least of your troubles," threatened Odion, pressing two more buttons on his Duel Disk, "And you've triggered not one, not two, but three copies of them!"
The other two face-down cards (left and right) flipped face-up and revealed themselves—just before creating purple smoke around the field.
"Come forth, 'Embodiment of Apophis'!" declared Odion.
Appearing on the field from the purple smoke, were three humanoid snake-like warriors, each wielding a scimitar-like sword and a shield (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800) x3.
"Those…are Trap Monsters?" stuttered Percy in fear.
"I hate snakes!" wailed James.
"This is bad," Discord muttered, "Throughout the duel, Percy-boy has completely played into Marik's hand."
"Percy," said Lady quietly in concern.
"My Little Brother," added Liz, looking even more worried.
"Amazing!" gawked Skiff.
"So this is how it all ends?" admitted Spencer, dismayed.
Back on the platform, the three copies of 'Embodiment of Apophis' hissed in a hostile manner.
"I guess you were actually wrong about me having no monster cards in my Deck," The voice of Odion teased ruthlessly, as the above scenario played out. He was then shown looking as calm as ever, "You're at the end of your ropes, Mr. Avonside, and as soon as my three creatures attack, you'll see what I mean!"
The three serpent-like monsters towered over the frightened Percy Avonside while letting out hiss-like roars. Once those monsters were ordered to attack, Percy was going to lose his monsters and be low on LP. Could he find a way to survive the likely attacks? Stay tuned for the answer!
Here we go, the rewrite of Percy VS Odion has officially begun.