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 (currently) for moments of violence, bloody moments, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be (or strongly is) advised.
Title: The Tower Battle Royale, Part 1
The sun was slowly rising in the sky, and the blimp was still traveling across the ocean trying to reach its destination.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room, the young Egyptian woman was gazing out the window. She had been awake for a while now.
"It won't be long now," Ishizu thought to herself, "The Pharaoh must save my brother from his dark side, or the whole world could be doomed," Suddenly, a knock came at her door, "Yes?"
No response of any kind came. Curiously, Ishizu walked over and opened the door—and was immediately met by Dark Marik roughly grabbing her by the throat and slamming her against the wall.
"Where is Odion?" hissed Dark Marik dangerously.
"M-Marik! " coughed Ishizu, trying to fake innocence despite grimacing in pain due to being choked, "What are you-?"
"You know, a funny thing happened on my way to Odion's room…" said Dark Marik, attempting to make a funny—a non-funny funny, "I entered it, and he wasn't in his bed," Even as she was being threatened by him, Ishizu listened, "You wouldn't happen to know where Odion is, would you?"
"I-I…honestly don't!" lied Ishizu, gagging.
"Don't play dumb, I know you hid him away," countered Dark Marik.
"Even if I did know," retorted Ishizu defiantly, regaining some breath, "I would never tell you."
"I'm warning you, Honorable Big Sister…" Dark Marik warned, while losing his smirk and his eyes narrowed, "You don't want to mess with someone like me."
"But Odion is of no threat to you!" Ishizu argued, knowing that was also a lie.
"As long as he lives," growled Dark Marik, growing more and more impatient, "there's a chance my weaker self may try to retake control of his body. And I want to stay in control of it, forever."
Ishizu scowled, "Regardless, I will never tell you!"
"You will tell me where Odion is this minute," Using his free hand, Dark Marik reached inside his cape and pulled out the Millennium Rod—which had already become a dagger. He braced the tip of the weapon directly onto the left breast of Ishizu's chest (where the heart was), "or else I could just kill you, right here and now."
Despite looking frightened, Ishizu narrowed her eyes and summoned all of her courage to try and defy the dark personality of Marik.
"You wouldn't dare to murder your own flesh and blood," said Ishizu coldly.
"Unlike my weaker self, I would for certain," smiled Dark Marik, as he saw fear in Ishizu's eyes, "I love that look in your eyes… You look so scared of me!"
Retracting the dagger a distance, Dark Marik started to quickly stab it forth towards Ishizu's heart. Ishizu shut her eyes for the impact and the meeting with death—but nothing seemed to happen. Soon, she opened her eyes… It would seem Dark Marik stopped his attack at the last second. There was an evil, twisted smile appearing on his face as Ishizu started sweating more fearfully.
"Actually, I've got a far better idea…" The voice of Dark Marik stated, pulling his Millennium Rod away and beginning to gently stroke the left side of Ishizu's face with his free hand, "You're far too beautiful to just kill straight away… Yes, you are much too beautiful," He wagged his tongue in a gross, almost repulsive, gesture as though he wanted to relieve some sexual frustration, "Hmm, perhaps I should find some other way…to make you talk… Like possessing you, and making you my personal slave! I bet that would be a wonderful pleasure for the both of us, yes?"
Ishizu was practically shaking with terror, seeing as there wasn't anyone else in the area who could possibly save her. To make matters worse, she knew she no longer had the Millennium Necklace to protect her from Dark Marik's sudden sexual desire for her. Ishizu Ishtar was completely at Dark Marik's mercy, to be possessed and raped into talking before dying a very horrifying death—but, suddenly, instead of having his way with her, Dark Marik instead dropped Ishizu onto the ground and turned to leave.
"Unfortunately, I don't have the time for such acts of pleasure," continued Dark Marik, with a sinister smile still on his face, "First things first; I have the rest of the competition to tease and completely slaughter beforehand," He looked over his shoulder, "Hey! Maybe if I'm lucky enough, I'll get to kill Thomas, as well," Just as he finished speaking, Ishizu laid on the floor shivering like a leaf, "When I'm all done doing that, along with finding and killing Odion, I'll be back for you, Honorable Big Sister…"
Dark Marik then walked away with a loud and wicked laugh, leaving Ishizu all alone in her room, shaking with fright over what she nearly experienced—namely rape from her younger brother's dark personality… Ishizu was left very thankful that she had been spared by that sick sadist and his personal desire for her…at least for now.
"Marik…" Ishizu thought to herself, managing to sit up.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room, Thomas was in bed and thinking about what had happened last night.
"First we've lost Lady," thought Thomas bitterly, "And now Duck's gone, too. We have to stop Marik before he hurts anybody else."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Dark Marik looked off the platform and saw Flashback Thomas approaching.
"So, you came after all, Thomas," mused Flashback Dark Marik.
"What did you do with Duck?" demanded Thomas.
"Duck? I see… Oh, who knows?" replied Flashback Dark Marik, "Nobody knows where those who lose a Shadow Game are sent. So how should I know?!"
Flashback Thomas's eyes widened, "Duck lost…!"
"Thomas, it will be your turn soon," advised Flashback 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.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"Duck…" thought Thomas.
(elsewhere…)
Later on inside the dining chamber, everyone had gathered to get breakfast. The nearby tables had been loaded with various breakfast foods prepared by the cooks aboard the blimp.
"Food…" muttered James, drooling.
"Food…" put in Gordon, drooled.
"Food…" finished Percy, drooling.
"IT'S FOOD!" The three teenage boys exclaimed, rushing towards the tables.
The three hungry boys piled their plates with food and started scarfing it down while everyone else watched.
"Ugh…" gagged Carlie.
Matt looked at his friend and let loose a shrug, figuring they were like James R. and his (James R.) own eating habits. Soon, everyone had gotten their food and began to eat and/or chat…
"Discord, where do you think the final stage for the finals will be at?" Thomas, looking at Discord, asked shortly.
"It's hard to imagine," The creator of Duel Monsters replied, "This is something not even I was told about by Spencer-boy."
"Secretive much?" commented Emily.
"I still can't believe Spencer disqualified James just because he was trying to save Lady," complained Molly, "It's not fair!"
"I know!" agreed Toby, "What's gotten into him?"
"It's like he doesn't care what happens to anyone else and only cares about the tournament continuing," added Edward, before looking at Thomas, "He wants to defeat Thomas, win the title of Duel King, and get all three 'Egyptian God' Cards."
Gordon grunted unhappily before resuming eating. Thomas only sighed before casting a quick glance over to where Dark Marik was seated; he was enjoying a cup of hot tea. Dark Marik soon caught Thomas's glare, but merely smirked and snickered a bit.
"I will stop you, Marik," thought Thomas, "Mark my words!"
Just then, the announcer's voice was heard on the speakers…
"Attention duelists and passengers, we will be arriving at our destination within the hour," The voice of Roland proclaimed.
Thomas perked up the moment he heard that.
"It's about time," sighed James R..
"Our destination…is Boxford Corp Island," The voice of Roland went on.
"Boxford Corp Island?" repeated Toby.
"Surprise, surprise…" The voice of Spencer joked.
Everyone turned to the nearby doorway. It was, indeed, Spencer, and he was smiling grandly.
"That's right, our destination is Boxford Corp Island. It's the location where my late Grandfather first began the company back in the late 1930s," revealed Spencer.
"Why are we heading there?" wondered Henry.
"It's because when I win this tournament and become the Duel King," answered Spencer, "I will finally break the curse my family has endured under Gozaburo Gresley for too long!"
Everyone (except Discord and Dark Marik) gawked at hearing this bit of info.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the cockpit, the pilots were busy driving the blimp. Skiff was looking out the window when he spotted something in the distance…
"There it is!" realized Skiff, "That has to be Boxford Corp Island!"
(outside…)
In the distance was a small island with a large tower, and Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) both walked over to the window to stand beside Skiff when they heard him announcing it.
(inside…)
Inside the blimp cockpit…
"I never thought we'd return to this place," thought Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"This is Spencer's desire," thought Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "We will have to go along with it."
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lady's room, Ryan and Liz were both still looking after the coma-induced Lady Stone when a knock on the door came.
"Come in," called Liz.
The door opened and in came Percy.
"How is she?" he quizzed solemnly.
"No change," Ryan answered sadly.
Heartbroken, Percy knelt by the bedside and shook the girl under the covers.
"Come on! Please wake up, Lady," he begged.
Alas, Lady would still not awaken. After a few seconds of trying, the green-haired boy gave up and stood up with his eyes closed.
"That's it," Percy muttered hatefully, "Marik is going down!"
With that said, he marched out the door.
"Percy…" whispered Liz.
(outside…)
Minutes later, the blimp finally landed at its destination. Everyone had gathered outside the blimp to gaze at the gigantic tower.
"So this is it…" admired Zack.
"It's the location of the finals, right?" pondered Ben.
Indeed, the tower was the location of the final duels of the tournament.
"Man, it's so big! It almost seems to go straight through the sky!" The voice of Percy breathed.
"You said it," The voice of Molly agreed.
It was then Spencer, Skiff, and their parents showed up.
"Right! This is a battleground where duelists battle for their place at the top!" confirmed Spencer, "The Duel Tower!"
"Spencer…" whispered Thomas.
"I'll defeat you, Billinton!" vowed Spencer, "And I'll be the one standing at the top!"
Thomas anticipated a clash with Spencer atop the tower. Suddenly, Percy got cross with Spencer AGAIN looking down on him (Percy).
"Hey, Spencer!" snapped Percy, "Don't forget about me!" He swung his right arm about, "When I beat you, you'll learn you're king of the mountain—a mountain of rubble!"
"Gee, nice comeback, Percy," praised Michael sarcastically.
"Hmph! You'll end up on the scrapheap of Duelist history, you ordinary duelist…" insulted Spencer, "Why don't you go bury yourself in the ruins?!"
Percy finally lost his temple and tried approaching Spencer, but was held back by Gordon and James.
"Cut it out, Percy!" requested James.
"Y-Y-You know…! I'm also one of the final participants!" argued Percy hotly.
"Relax!" scolded Gordon, as focus went on the magnificent tower itself, "He's right! You'll settle things in the duels!"
"Tch! Fine…" The voice of Percy accepted.
"Alright, let's go!" The voice of Mr. Gresley (Boxford) requested, "Follow us, please."
The group started to follow the four highest members of Boxford Corporation. They were halfway to the entrance when…
"Hmph! A tower… it stands among rubble," The voice of Dark Marik echoed..
Sure enough, when everyone looked up on a nearby rock pile, there they found Dark Marik, and he was gazing down at the poor fools who were against him.
"Marik!" exclaimed Thomas.
"It's a fitting 'Tomb Marker' for your sort…" continued Dark Marik, "Soon, very soon, you will be buried here alive, Your Majesty!"
"The only one who's gonna be buried here is you, Marik!" vowed Percy, "You're going to pay for everything you've done!"
"Oh? And how, may I ask, are you planning on doing so, Percy?" smirked Dark Marik, "Do you wish to take me on before 24 hours is up?"
"Marik, damn you!" shouted James.
Dark Marik wasn't afraid of the Sudrian teenagers and their North American allies; he (Dark Marik) instead turned to speak to Spencer and his (Spencer) family.
"Hey, Mr. Organizer!" called Dark Marik, "Have you decided the order of battle for the semi-finals?
"Just hold your horses!" demanded Skiff, "You'll find out what's gonna happen when you get to the tower and learn your fate!"
"By fate, I presume you mean all of your losses and deaths…" whispered Dark Marik.
He then jumped off the rubble and joined the group in walking towards the tower. Once they arrived, Spencer pressed a few buttons on the control panel and opened the doors.
(inside…)
Inside the building, everyone unfamiliar with the place was looking around in bewilderment.
"All duelists and observers, welcome to the Duel Tower," greeted Roland, "We will now hold the semi-finals of the Battle City tournament!"
"Doesn't look so special to me," remarked Gordon.
"Me neither," shrugged Toby.
"So how exactly are they going to duel?" asked Emily.
"You'll see soon enough," grinned Skiff.
Further in the chamber, they could see what looked like four closed doors leading to a room with mechanical chairs. Each chair appeared to have a duel field attached to it.
"Four doors?" blinked Thomas.
"Duelists, please select the door you wish to enter," explained Roland, as he faced Thomas, Spencer, Dark Marik, and Percy, "I can assure you that none of them will give you an advantage of any sort in this upcoming duel."
"I don't know," said Percy, while scratching the top of his head, "Even though you say that, it still looks hard to choose," He (Percy) looked at Thomas, "Thomas, which door will you pick?"
"Well, I'll pick this one," offered Thomas, standing near a door.
Spencer also had already chosen his own door. Percy…just couldn't decide on his door.
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe…" sang Percy, as he started randomly pointing at the two remaining doors.
"An ordinary duelist like you can just take whichever one is left," muttered Spencer, annoyed over Percy's embarrassing actions.
Finally, Percy pointed at a door…but Dark Marik was already walking towards it.
"H-Hey! I picked that one, you jerk!" complained Percy.
"Oh dear, my apologies," smirked Dark Marik, not at all apologetic. It was clear he was teasing his possible victim, "How silly of me to do…"
Everyone else went into their rooms while Percy protested (the rest of the gang sweatdropped in response) before finally giving up.
"I guess this is the only one left," groaned Percy, looking at the remaining door.
The four duelists entered the rooms all the way as the doors closed by themselves.
"Everyone else can follow me," said Skiff.
"Where are we going?" pondered Emily.
Mr. Gresley (Boxford) winked, "You'll see."
"I like surprises," smiled James R..
(elsewhere…)
At last, after a short ride, the remaining group arrived in the main body of the Duel Tower.
"Oh, wow!" gasped Molly.
"That's what I call a high ceiling," added Michael.
"Just how tall is this old tower?" came from Zack.
"And what about the four finalists?" came from Matt, "Where are they?"
"Just wait a few seconds…" requested Roland.
Within a few seconds, the four duelists rose from the floor into the air until they stopped at a "4000" mark. Each of them was seated (actually standing) in a mechanical chair.
"W-Whoa! What the heck?" gawked Percy, seeing how high it was, "This is quite the height!"
"Hey, Percy! What are you doing?!" called James.
"How should I know?!" responded Percy, "We're really high up! An explanation would be nice, Spencer!"
"You'll get one," replied Spencer, "So just keep your mouth shut and listen well, you ordinary duelist!"
"W-What was that?!" fumed Percy.
Down below, Roland, the referee, began to explain everything about the upcoming match…
"For proud duelists such as yourselves, it would be unfair to decide your opponents with a mere lottery," praised Roland, "So the semi-finals will be decided with a duel."
"Decide our opponents in the semi-finals with a duel?" thought Thomas.
"The rules are simple," continued Roland, "This will be a four-way duel between the four remaining finalists. The first two to arrive at the top…"
"…will be the first to duel," finished Edward.
Roland nodded, "Exactly."
"So…this is like a four-person Battle Royale, am I right?" peeped Percy.
"Heh, you're not as stupid as you look," insulted Spencer.
Percy looked miffed, but wisely bit his tongue and remained silent. Meanwhile, down below, Roland resumed speaking and explaining the rules.
"Each player will start with, as usual, 4000 LP," said Roland, "As you lose life points, your chair will climb higher and higher up the tower. Again, the two who lose first will be the first to the top."
Thomas (LP: 4000), Dark Marik (LP: 4000), Spencer (LP: 4000), and Percy (LP: 4000) all remained silent—yet listened on.
"For this duel, your Deck MUST contain only 40 cards. No more, no less," informed Roland firmly, "Shuffle it, and insert into your Duel Disk."
Thomas, Spencer, Percy, and Dark Marik all activated their Duel Disks. Thomas then noticed a connection nearby at his chair.
"What's this for?" he called.
"Just attach the connector to your Duel Disk," answered Roland.
Surprisingly, the four duelists could hear everyone down below. Either way, Thomas did what he was told. The monitor lit up and activated.
"Now your cards, in addition to the other players' cards, will be displayed on the viewing screen," The voice of Roland assured, as Percy connected his (Percy) connector to the Duel Disk, and was followed by Spencer and Dark Marik both connecting their connectors to their respective Duel Disks, while everyone else listened down below, "All four players will take separate turns. You may choose to attack any of the players you wish to. The first two duelists who rise to the top will be in the first match of the semi-finals!."
"This all sounds easy enough," assumed Emily, "This duel won't affect any tournament rankings. There are no winners and losers."
"Actually, it's not all that easy," denied Zack.
"What do you mean by that, Zack?" asked Ben.
"It's a psychological contest," corrected Zack, "For example, Percy wants to duel Thomas in the semi-finals, so he might support Thomas against the other two. But the other three might attack him."
"I get it," Henry realized thoughtfully, "So this Battle Royale is all about who you crush first."
"And that means the first person they'd go after…" began Gordon, but cut himself off.
He and Henry both looked up and glanced at Percy, who blinked for a few seconds before realizing that something was up.
"Hey! What're you guys talking about?!" yelled Percy irritably, "Are you guys talking about me behind my back?"
Hastily, Gordon, Henry, Zack, and Emily all sheepishly shook their hands and head in denial.
"Oh nothing," chuckled Emily, embarrassed.
"Just…do your best out there, Percy!" encouraged Gordon, "And don't lose too quickly!"
"Can it! I just know you guys were talking behind my back," huffed Percy, whilst folding his arms.
Thomas, however, had a more serious thought on the matter…
"The objective of this duel is to split us into pairs," thought Thomas, "With good strategy, it should be possible to choose your opponent… but who do I want to face in the semi-finals?"
What were the thoughts of the other duelists? Let's go and see, shall we?
"I have to face Billinton again," thought Spencer, looking towards his friend/rival, "If I want to defeat Marik's 'God' monster, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', I'll need 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' added into my Deck, too, which will give me two 'God' Cards to use!"
"My opponent, eh?" thought Dark Marik, looking around, "Thomas… I've wanted to kill you for so long. Then again… I could just torture the rest of the competition before then."
"Thomas, I got far in Battle City because I want to duel you," thought Percy.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Percy was speaking to Flashback Thomas, Flashback Emily, and Flashback Edward in the middle of Knapford square.
"I want to become a True Duelist like you, Thomas," admitted Flashback Percy, "In Battle City, I must show you—when I win in this tournament, when I become a True Duelist, please accept a proper duel with me."
"I'll take good care of your 'Red-Eyes' for the time being," smiled Flashback Thomas.
Flashback Percy smiled back as he (Flashback Percy) and Flashback Thomas shook hands, sealing the deal.
"You are the best friend I could ever ask for," praised Flashback Thomas.
"Likewise," agreed Flashback Percy.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I haven't forgotten my promise to 'Red-Eyes'," continued Percy, mentally, looking in the direction of Thomas "I have to duel and defeat Thomas before I can get it back," Suddenly, he remembered another vow he made earlier on, "But, to save Lady's life, I have to face Marik and beat him."
Sensing he (Dark Marik) was being stared at, Dark Marik turned and gave Percy a smug smile, thus causing him (Percy) to scowl hatefully in response.
"Are the duelists ready?!" called Roland, "We will now decide who goes first and the order in which the players will take a turn!"
"And how do we do that?" pondered Percy.
"The order of the turns will be decided by each player choosing one Monster Card from his Deck," confessed Roland, "The players will go in order of the ATK of the monster they choose."
"So, you have to give up a high attack point monster from your deck just to get a chance to attack first?" thought Thomas, taking his Deck out of his Duel Disk and looking through it. Some of the cards shown were '4-Starred Ladybug of Doom', 'Time Seal', 'Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight', 'Black Luster Soldier', 'Dark Magician Girl', and 'Watapon', "Which one do I pick?"
"If you get the initiative, you can strike the first blow against any opponent you want," thought Spencer, looking through his Deck. Some of the cards shown were 'Vampire Lord', 'Masked Beast Des Gardius', 'X-Head Cannon', 'Burst Breath', 'White Dragon Ritual', 'Spear Dragon', and 'Burst Stream of Destruction', "You're bound to take the lead by doing that," He then smiled, "Getting the upper hand is always worth it."
Dark Marik merely snorted. Percy, meanwhile, was looking at his Deck with a look of worry on his face at what Monster Card he should remove for the Duel.
"Aw man," he thought to himself, "Now I have to give up a powerful monster just for the chance to go first."
Down below with the gang…
"The mind games have begun," whispered James R..
"Any one of them can choose to remove their strongest monster," figured Mavis, gazing at the players on their chairlifts, "The players that have lower ATK will go last."
After a minute of duelists deciding which cards to remove from their Decks, Roland raised his hand once more, intending to see which player will take the first turn
"Now, please show us your chosen card!" ordered Roland
Almost immediately, Spencer held out the 'Masked Beast Des Gardius' Monster Card (Level: 8/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500).
"Lumis and Umbra were more than kind enough to give me this card as part of the Ante rule from the tag-team duel with Billinton and I," thought Spencer smugly, "While useless in a duel, it is great in determining who goes first here."
Thomas held out a Monster Card called 'Feral Imp' (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 1400), Dark Marik held out a Monster Card called 'Lekunga' (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 500). Percy merely held out his 'Swordsman of Landstar' Monster Card (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200) with a thought on hand.
"This way, I can at least keep my stronger monsters," thought Percy proudly.
"The order has been decided!" announced Roland, "The first turn will go to Master Spencer! Followed by Marik Ishtar, then Thomas Billinton, and finally Percy Avonside!"
Over with Spencer…
"This will be very easy," thought Spencer, "Two duelists I don't need to worry about. I just need to make sure they get paired up for the semi-finals." He was clearly referring to Percy and Dark Marik, just in case you were all wondering, "Him…and the lame one who's barely a duelist."
Over with Percy…
"As a duelist, I want to face Thomas…" thought Percy, "That way, I can keep my first promise. But…I have a more important promise to keep."
Over with Thomas…
"I wish Percy luck," thought Thomas, "I can guarantee that Spencer will do what he can so he duels me. I just wish I knew who I should target in the duel," He shook his head, "Am I confused? Is it because there are reasons why I should face one or the other? Spencer, so we can settle our score in the battle of destiny… Marik, because I have to stop him from hurting anyone else… And Percy, my best friend, we promised to fight each other in the finals!"
Over with Dark Marik…
"Death to those who face me…" thought Dark Marik, "It doesn't matter who duels me, I'll kill them all either way!"
"Let the Battle Royale commence!" commanded Roland, "Duelists, draw your hands!"
They did so as told.
"Duel!" Thomas, Percy, Spencer, and Dark Marik all said at the same time.
"There they go," commented James R…
"Any clue who might make it through entirely?" asked Mavis.
"Well, Spencer, Marik, and Thomas each are very good duelists," remembered Toby, "But since Percy's not as good as them…"
"Let's not worry about Percy-boy just yet," Discord suggested, sounding confident, "Let's see what will happen in the first few turns."
Spencer, meanwhile, started his turn.
"It's my turn!" began Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Ring of Defense", "Vorse Raider", "Ring of Destruction", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Paladin of White Dragon", and "Attack Guidance Armor"
Adding the drawn card into his hand, he took and placed another card onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Vorse Raider' in Attack Position!" declared Spencer.
The 'Vorse Raider' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, just before the mighty Beast Warrior monster appeared on the field from it (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).
"I also Set one card face-down and end my turn," continued Spencer, as he slotted a card into his Duel Disk.
A card appeared on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but Spencer.
"I may not be able to attack this turn, but once I get the chance to…" thought Spencer, before eyeing Thomas, "Billinton, you will be my opponent in the finals, I promise you that!"
"It's my turn," said Dark Marik, drawing a card and looking at his hand, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Spell of Pain", "Newdoria", "Lord Poison", "Mirror Force", "Jam Defender", and "Byser Shock"
He immediately took another card from his hand with the feeling of eagerness in his body.
"I Summon 'Newdoria'!" proclaimed Dark Marik, placing his card onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Defense Position!"
Appearing to the field was a fiend with orangish skin and spiky hair (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800).
"I end my turn!" finished Dark Marik, before retreating into his thoughts, "This monster's effect will come in handy real soon!"
"It's my turn," announced Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "The Regulation of Tribe", "Magical Hats", "Big Shield Gardna", "Archfiend of Gilfer", "Seven Tools of the Bandit", and "Dark Magician"
He eyed his three potential opponents' fields before looking at his hand and choosing a card ('Big Shield Gardna') from it.
"In order to determine the opponent I'll fight… I'll follow the vector of my duelist's soul!" thought Thomas, before placing his card onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Summon 'Big Shield Gardna' in Defense Position!"
The Warrior monster wielding a large shield appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 2600).
"I also Set two cards face-down and end my turn," continued Thomas, slotting two cards into his Duel Disk.
Two cards appeared on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but Thomas.
"And now, it's my turn!" threw in Percy, drawing a card.
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Skull Dice", "The Legendary Fisherman", "Foolish Burial", "Jinzo", "Insect Queen", and "Graverobber"
He added the drawn 'Graverobber' Trap Card into his hand—which also contained 'Skull Dice', 'The Legendary Fisherman', 'Foolish Burial', 'Jinzo', and 'Insect Queen'.
"Oh, come on!" thought Percy, "Of all the times I had to brick! I don't even have a Monster Card to play or Tribute!" With nothing left to lose, the green-haired boy took and slotted a card into a Spell & Trap Zone slot on his Duel Disk, causing the device to light up, "I Set one card face-down…" A card appeared on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but him, "…and end my turn!"
Down below with the audience…
"I'm guessing Percy is off to less than a stellar start," figured Gordon, "He doesn't seem to have any weak monsters in his hand."
"That's the understatement of the year," deadpanned Michael.
Back above…
"It's my turn!" started Spencer, drawing a card.
Turn Five: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (5): "Ring of Defense", "Ring of Destruction", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Paladin of White Dragon", and "Shrink"
He (Spencer) looked straight at Percy with wicked glee.
"The ecosystem of battle! The food chain of battle!" thundered Spencer dramatically, looking at Percy with malice, "You weak small fry! I'll show you that barking dogs are no match for a lion!" His Battle Phase began, "'Vorse Raider'! Go ahead and attack the ordinary duelist directly!"
Percy recoiled in shock, while everyone else down below watched in horror.
"Oh crap! Percy has no monsters to protect himself with!" wailed James.
"Percy!" worried Emily.
'Vorse Raider' got closer and closer to striking poor Percy while Spencer laughed evilly.
"Go, 'Vorse Raider'!" he ordered ruthlessly.
Suddenly…
"I don't think so!" shouted Thomas, before holding his right hand out, "Face-down card, open!" His first Set card (the right one) turned over and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, 'The Regulation of Tribe'!"
The face-up 'The Regulation of Tribe' Trap Card released chains that struck and restrained 'Vorse Raider' before he could slash at Percy with his weapon.
"What the-?!" exclaimed Spencer, with his eyes becoming bloodshot from surprise.
"Thomas, y-you saved me!" Percy cried out.
"'The Regulation of Tribe'! I must activate this card by declaring 1 Monster Type. Monsters of that Type cannot declare attacks!" explained Thomas, "I choose Beast Warrior, meaning monsters…" The chained 'Vorse Raider' struggled to break free, "…of that type can't attack!"
Dark Marik didn't really care, while Spencer seethed over his failed attack.
"But why?" asked Percy, "Why'd you save me?"
"As a duelist," Thomas stated, motioning his Duel Disk arm up a bit, "I've chosen to fulfill the promise I made to my best friend!"
And so, the four-way duel of Spencer, Dark Marik, Thomas, and Percy begins in earnest.