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 2
Inside the Duel Tower on Boxford Corp Island, the Battle Royale match was well underway and no one in the crowd below the duelists knew what the outcome would be. Currently, the stands were as followed:
-Thomas (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Big Shield Gardna' (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 2600), a Set card, and 'The Regulation of Tribe' (Trap Card)
-Spencer (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Vorse Raider' (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200) and a Set card.
-Dark Marik (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Newdoria' (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800).
-Percy (LP: 4000): Controlled a Set card.
"This is really a battle of wits up there," remarked Toby.
"And Thomas just saved Percy from a direct attack!" added Emily, "You don't think-?"
"That Thomas wants to duel Percy and live up to his promise?" Edward spoke up, "It's a possibility."
Back with the four duelists, Spencer was less than thrilled that his attack had been stopped.
"How dare you stop my attack, Billinton!" cursed Spencer, "I swear to you, you will face me in the finals!"
"Thanks, Thomas!" said Percy gratefully, "I owe you for that save."
"What are friends for?" replied Thomas with a smile, before looking serious and going into his thoughts, "If I want to face Percy in the semi-finals, I have to make sure that both Spencer and Marik's LP fall to 0. To ensure that, I have to protect Percy from their ruthless assaults!"
"Billinton, my life has been dedicated to one general purpose; defeating you for my first ever loss at this game by your hands," thought Spencer, "And winning our rematch is my fate! And above all, I must use 'Obelisk the Tormentor' to do so!" He (Spencer) envisioned 'Obelisk the Tormentor' beside him, and with Thomas, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' appeared beside him (Thomas), "'Obelisk' will destroy you and 'Slifer'! Thus giving me that 'Egyptian God' Card!" Over with Dark Marik, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' appeared beside him (Dark Marik), "I'll need two 'Gods' to be a full match for Marik and the 'God' he holds, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" His (Spencer) gaze returned to Thomas, "Billinton, in order for me to dominate Battle City and re-earn my title as the Duel King… I will face you in the semi-finals, even if I have to drag you there myself!"
Over with Percy…
"Thank you, Thomas… I guess you really want to keep our promise and duel me," thought Percy, "You're a true friend, and I know how you feel. Thomas, I really want to face you, too… But…" He (Percy) then cast a quick glance over to Dark Marik, who looked over and smirked maliciously, "I have to face Marik on my own if I want to save Lady's life."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Lady, chained to 'Sacred Stone of Ojhat', was too busy thinking about her impending fate, as well as all of her previous actions.
"I deserve this fate," thought Lady, depressed, "I've been a terrible friend to everyone I have ever met," Going through her memories, a few faded clips of her dueling Thomas in San Francisco were superimposed over her, "Thomas… I tried to defeat him in San Francisco so he wouldn't have to face Sailor John and potentially end up like Spencer did after he lost," The faded clips became her (Lady) duel with Emily, defeating her (Emily) in the end, "Emily… I defeated her in a duel and made it seem like Thomas would never enter the finals," And finally, the faded clips became the occasions during Battle City where it seemed like she wasn't being supportive, "And Percy, my love, I had been very unsupporting to him. He doesn't deserve someone like me…"
"Lady!" Percy's voice echoed in Lady's head.
Dark Marik smiled some more, "It's all over for you, now…" he whispered, before raising his voice, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra', get ready to attack!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed, beginning to charge a mighty blast of fire in its mouth.
"Lady, hang on!" Percy cried, trying to break the chains on his girlfriend's wrists, but was having no luck in doing so, "Argh! What the hell are these things made out of?"
The green-haired boy's voice and words slowly started to slowly bring Lady back to her senses.
"Percy?"
"Yes," said Percy gently, "It's me. I've come to save you."
"Why bother?" uttered Lady sadly, "I deserve to die…"
"No! You don't deserve this at all!" denied Percy, not going to have any of that.
"He's right," agreed a voice (male).
To Lady and Percy's surprise, James was here to help out. With that said, both duelists tried to free their friend from the ancient tablet, but it was no use.
"Damn it!" cried James, "These things are locked in tight. Isn't this supposed to be Solid Vision?"
"It's locked to the wall," remembered Percy, "There's got to be a way to free Lady!"
At this point, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' attack was all charged up.
"And now, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', attack and kill all three of them!" cackled Dark Marik, before holding his Millennium Rod out, "God Blaze Cannon!"
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' obeyed, firing the blast of fire at the three duelists in an attempt to roast them alive. Seeing what was coming, Lady tried reasoning with her two friends…
"Forget about me!" she cried, "Run away while you both still can!"
"Not a chance in hell," James refused bravely, "I'm sticking by your side."
"Me too!" added Percy, "I won't let anything happen to you—because I love you."
Lady, with tears in her eyes, felt thankful.
"Thank you… my love," thought Lady, "At least…we'll die together."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I'm not about to let anymore people I care about get hurt," thought Percy, "Now it's my turn to do the rescuing!"
"Oh, I know now…" The voice of Spencer interrupted.
Percy snapped out and looked towards Spencer.
"Only an amateur like yourself needs Billinton's protection," said Spencer teasingly.
"What are you-?" Percy demanded angrily.
"I suppose an ordinary deadbeat duelist like yourself can't manage to be a duelist on his own," continued Spencer, "You'll always need help…and will never become a True Duelist like the rest of us here!"
"Knock it off!" snapped Percy, "And you're wrong! I will become a True Duelist!"
"It's fine if you two friendship-obsessing dweebs want to keep your promise to duel each other," remarked Spencer, who really didn't let up, "But just think about it, Percy… Why would Billinton ever waste his time helping someone like you?"
"Shut up!" snarled Thomas.
"Fine, I'll spell it out for you!" proclaimed Spencer, "Because the semi-finals is your only chance to face off!"
"What?!" growled Percy.
"Regardless of whom you face in the tournament semi-finals, your chances of getting into the finals are slim to nothing!" ranted Spencer, "On top of your lower skill level, the rest of us have an 'Egyptian God' monster at our disposal!"
Percy continued to grow angry… not like Spencer really cared.
"Billinton knows that the semi-finals will be your only chance to face him in a duel!" he went on, putting down Percy without remorse, "Billinton also knows that he'll be able to easily wipe the floor with you as a warm-up for the real challenge!"
"I said shut up!" screamed Thomas.
"Oh, I just can't believe you would try such underhanded tactics right in the middle of the Battle City Finals," sighed Spencer (falsely), "You really insult me."
Percy started shaking out of anger. At this point, however, Thomas had enough.
"Spencer!" thundered Thomas in anger, "I won't let you insult him any further!"
"Insult him?" Spencer asked in mock innocence, "If you wanna prove my words wrong, shouldn't you leave your friendship nonsense out the window and settle things with me fair and square on the battlefield?!"
"SPENCER…!"
"That's enough, Thomas!" The voice of Percy called out.
Thomas turned to face his best friend.
"Percy?" gasped Thomas.
"I'm grateful that you saved me back there," Percy stated, before clenching a fist, "But this is my fight and my fight alone!" He then smiled, "Besides, don't let Spencer rattle you with that rubbish—I WILL see you in the finals."
"Percy…" whispered Thomas.
From there, Percy glared at Spencer for provoking him (Percy).
"Thanks a lot, Spencer. Your words have cast my doubt aside," thought Percy..
"Just the howling of a loser dog," thought Spencer, looking at Percy before turning towards Thomas, "As for you, Billinton… You'll be facing me in the semi-finals!"
Yes, things were gonna get rough starting now!
(outside…)
Outside the tower, the blimp was sitting in its spot nearby.
(inside…)
Inside Lady's room, Ryan and Liz were both still looking after the coma-induced blonde-haired girl.
"I wish I hadn't yelled at her," said Liz shamefully.
"Dear, why don't you rest for a little while?" offered Ryan kindly, "I'll take over for you."
But Liz shook her head in refusal, making Ryan a little surprised at his wife's determination to keep looking after Lady.
"It's my fault Lady is like this," she continued to insist.
"No, it's not," objected Ryan, while Liz remained in her spot, "She would have ended up like this even if you hadn't. You have got to stop blaming yourself for this," At last, he gave up by standing up and sighing, "I guess I can't stop you. But I want you to know one thing."
"What is it?" wondered Liz.
Ryan smiled, "Your brother—no, our brother—is out there fighting hard to save Lady's life," he reminded, "He won't rest or stop until she's safe and sound."
"You're right," remembered Liz quietly, before looking towards her husband, "I have to be strong…and hope that Percy can do it."
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere down the hallway towards the Ishtar's room…
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room, Ishizu was still looking after the coma-induced Odion, who rested in bed.
"It has begun… the tournament finals," thought Ishizu.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
The dream ended, and Flashback Ishizu woke up panting and gasping.
"Marik…" Flashback 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 Flashback Mavis (possessed).
"Mavis?" blinked Flashback Ishizu, surprised to see the Sudrian teenage girl.
"Big Sister… Big Sister…" uttered Flashback Mavis (possessed), until an image of Flashback Light Marik appeared, "Save Odion!"
Flashback Ishizu gasped, "Marik! It's you!"
"I don't have time to explain!" urged Flashback Light Marik, "You have to get Odion to a safe place and away from my dark side!"
Flashback Ishizu didn't say anything and just gazed in shock at hearing that Flashback Odion was in great danger.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Obeying Marik's plead, I moved Odion to my room where he'll be safe from that evil side of his," Ishizu thought to herself, "But I haven't heard Marik's voice since then! Has Marik's soul disappeared altogether? Or has he been completely trapped by his dark half somewhere?" She looked down to her adopted older brother with worry.
"Odion… this tragedy started when you first collapsed," remembered Ishizu.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Young Marik and Young Ishizu had both arrived home when they saw Flashback Odion unconscious, beaten to near death if not already dead, and Flashback Mr. Ishtar standing before him with a whip in hand. Young Marik tried to walk over to Flashback Odion in shock, but he suddenly gripped his head in pain as his face stretched out like bad animation. This was a very, very bad sign.
"And now, Marik, it's your turn for a punishment," continued Flashback Mr. Ishtar furiously, picking up the whip because he was going to use it first, "By exploring the outside world, you've disrespected not only me, the Ishtar family, but also the name of the Pharaoh!" He (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) started to crack the weapon at Young Marik, "Never let it happen again!"
Just before the tip of the whip could hit Young Marik in the face, the Millennium Eye symbol suddenly appeared on his forehead, and he caught the whip with a bare hand.
"Marik…! How dare you?!" roared Flashback Mr. Ishtar, trying to pull the whip free, "Accept your punishment!"
Once Young Marik lowered his arm, his hair had become wild, and his face turned sinister. He let out a cruel laugh, basically having become a younger version of Dark Marik.
"I thank you, 'Father', for killing Odion," praised Young Dark Marik.
But Young Dark Marik, with much greater strength, managed to pull the whip out of his Father's hands and toss it aside. Minutes later after killing Flashback Mr. Ishtar, Young Dark Marik went over to try and kill Young Ishizu, but stopped when he saw Flashback Odion, who weakly raised his head, showing the markings on the left side of his face. Suddenly, Young Dark Marik dropped the Millennium Rod and fell to his knees in extreme pain. When he brought his head back up, Young Marik had his normal look back.
"W-What happened?" The young boy asked weakly, seeing blood on his hands, "Why am I covered in blood?"
Looking around, he saw Young Ishizu, his older sister, lying on the ground, injured—yet alive. But the moment Young Marik saw his Father laying in a pool of blood with a completely skinned back—well, the look on his face said it all.
"FATHER!" screamed Young Marik.
Flashback Odion put his arms around Young Marik to comfort the crying young boy.
(new scene…)
Years later, Ishizu was now a young adult while Marik grew into a teenager. Somewhere in the shrine, Flashback Ishizu was busy praying.
"A few years later, Marik and Odion both disappeared entirely—taking the Millennium Rod with them," narrated Ishizu, "After the tragedy, my clan's mission had failed miserably. It faded away into the World of the Dead."
Near the shrine was a flower and the Millennium Necklace. Deciding it was time, the young Egyptian woman took the necklace and put it on. Upon doing so, she gasped in shock as a vision played for her.
(new scene…)
Ishizu was inside a building somewhere on the Island of Sodor, and she had given one of the three 'Egyptian God' Cards to a silver-haired teenage boy.
(new scene…)
A blue-haired teenage boy had successfully summoned 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' against a green-haired teenage boy with a Millennium Item of his own.
(new scene…)
In another vision, Odion just stood in his place, his head bowed, and a heartbroken look on his face as a bolt of lightning struck him in the head.
(new scene…)
In a final vision, Marik's dark side had awoken and taken over the real person.
(new scene…)
Flashback Ishizu was shocked to have been shown all of those glimpses of the future. This caused her to collapse on her knees.
"The Millennium Necklace…" stammered Flashback Ishizu, "They showed me the future. Is it a sign that this tragedy is only the beginning?"
(new scene…)
Weeks after putting on the Millennium Necklace, more tragedy struck… Marik has returned, but as the new leader of the Rare Hunters.
"Soon after that, Marik had reappeared and stolen 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'," narrated Ishizu, as a possessed man pressed buttons leading into a vault, "'Slifer the Sky Dragon' had already been stolen in the process."
Once the vault was opened, the man went inside and came back out in a minute. Once out, he handed Marik something, making him smile gleefully.
"Yes!" he rejoiced, seeing the card was the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Monster Card, "This is the second 'Egyptian God' Card!"
(new scene…)
Somewhere inside the art museum of Cairo one night, all was quiet—until a small number of Rare Hunters scampered around until they were near a vault.
"This is it, Master Marik!" One Rare Hunter rejoiced.
Flashback Marik walked forth, "Are you sure it's inside there?"
"It has to be," said a second Rare Hunter, "Where else would it be?"
Suddenly, the vault opened up… and the lights came on in the room, much to the Rare Hunters shock.
"What's…?" A third Rare Hunter began, but didn't finish.
Inside the vault was a calm looking Ishizu Ishtar.
"I've already told you 'Obelisk the Tormentor' is not here in Egypt," scolded Flashback Ishizu sternly, "And yet you ignored my warning regardless."
As she exited the vault, Flashback Marik removed his hood with a confident smirk on his face.
"It's been a while, Big Sister," The Rare Hunter leader said coolly, "This just can't be a coincidence. For us to meet here this way, I mean."
Suddenly, security guards started assembling into the room and surrounding Flashback Marik and the Rare Hunters.
"You will surrender now," warned Ishizu sternly, "You're outnumbered."
"I'm afraid that won't work," grinned Flashback Marik, just as his Millennium Rod began to glow.
Suddenly, the guards dropped their weapons and fell to the ground unconscious.
"I take it you're now the official in charge of this place?" teased Flashback Marik, "Well, it does make sense that a member of the Tomb Keepers would want to protect the palette depicting the 'God' Cards."
"Marik, I want you to return 'Ra' and 'Slifer', this instant!" demanded Flashback Ishizu, "Give yourself up!"
"I think not," refused Flashback Marik, not losing his smirk, "They both belong to me now. Just as the Millennium Rod does, too."
"No! They belong to the Pharaoh," corrected Flashback Ishizu, "They must be returned to their rightful owner!"
"Big Sister!" exclaimed Flashback Marik, now becoming really angry, "Have you forgotten what had happened years ago?! Our tragedy! No, the tragedy of the Tomb Keepers! All of this was because of the Pharaoh! And soon, once I find his descendant… I will ensure that his bloodline ceases forever!"
"Not as long as I live," argued Flashback Ishizu, "The Ishtar family had to go through with this. It was our destiny to ensure that the prophecy was fulfilled! If you continue down this path of anger and revenge, you'll start another tragedy!"
"Silence!" shouted Flashback Marik defiantly, and then removed his cloak—showing off the carvings on his back, "The scars carved on my back… the scars Odion also implanted on his face… Are you trying to tell me our suffering was not because of the Pharaoh?!"
"Yes!" nodded Flashback Ishizu, "That's right!"
"No! I refuse to believe that!" denied Flashback Marik stubbornly.
He then put his cloak back on and gazed back at his older sister. Not with a look of hatred, but a look of pure determination.
"Big Sister, I am going to find and kill the Pharaoh's descendant and become the new Pharaoh," vowed Marik hotly, "By doing so, I will change the fate of the Tomb Keepers. When that time comes, I will come to you, and we, and Odion, can regain a happy life."
"Marik, you will not get away from here!" yelled Flashback Ishizu.
Flashback Marik didn't say anything. Instead, an explosion came from nearby and filled the area with red smoke. Flashback Ishizu covered her eyes from it…but it was a bad move on her part. When the smoke cleared away… Flashback Marik and the Rare Hunters were gone. Running to the hole in the wall, Ishizu gazed down from the second floor of the building.
"Odion?!" she gasped.
(outside…)
Waiting on a motorcycle, with a rocket launcher on his back, was Flashback Odion. He looked up at Flashback Ishizu, his markings on his face showing.
"I'm sorry, Lady Ishizu…" whispered Flashback Odion apologetically, "But I must do this…for Master Marik's safety!"
Marik quickly hopped into the side car of the motorcycle and looked up at Ishizu with a smug smile on his face.
"Sister, I will find 'Obelisk' one way or another," threatened Flashback Marik.
The motorcycle drove away, while the Rare Hunters followed behind on foot. This left Flashback Ishizu alone at the window of the museum.
"Odion…" whispered Flashback Ishizu, as she briefly envisioned Flashback Odion, "You're the only one who could keep Marik's dark half from showing up," She continued to look solemn, "In order to prevent it, you chose to follow the same path as Marik."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended…with Odion still asleep in bed.
"Now that you've fallen, all that Marik has left in soul is the evil within," recalled Ishizu, mentally, "Thinking back on it some more, everything has been chosen by fate."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
A moment of Discord discovering the carvings of monsters inside ancient ruins.
"Discord J. Crawford finding the carvings and creating Duel Monsters…" narrated Ishizu.
(new scene…)
A moment of Ishizu handing Spencer the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Monster Card in the Knapford Museum.
"Spencer Gresley obtaining a 'God' Card…"
(new scene…)
A moment of Thomas and Emily both completing the Millennium Puzzle.
"Thomas Billinton building and finishing the Millennium Puzzle…" recalled Ishizu.
(new scene…)
A moment of Isizu removing her Millennium Necklace and giving it to Thomas before kissing his cheek.
"And surrendering the Millennium Necklace to him…"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended as Ishizu turned away from Odion and walked towards a window.
"Thomas… our future, along with Marik's future, rests on your shoulders…" thought Ishizu.
She was soon gazing out the window at the Duel Tower outside the blimp.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Duel Tower, the Battle Royale was still going on. Thomas and Spencer were both gazing at each other in anger when a voice spoke up towards them.
"Hey! Come on, now!" The voice of Dark Marik complained.
Thomas and Spencer both turned and gazed at Dark Marik, who had his arms folded and a teasing grin on his face.
"Isn't this supposed to be a duel?" pressed Dark Marik, "How can I begin my turn if you keep bickering?" While smirking, he fell into his thoughts while eyeing Thomas, "Whether it be your sealed memory or the Tomb Keepers… You piss me off in more ways than I can count! I will enjoy tearing you limb-from-limb in more than one painful way. And that target…will be you, Thomas!" Finally, he drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Six: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (5): "Spell of Pain", "Lord Poison", "Mirror Force", "Jam Defender", "Byser Shock", and "Gil Garth"
Barely a second after drawing a card…
"No matter, though, I'll sweep the competition away first just for the laughs," thought Dark Marik, adding the card into his hand and taking a new one. He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk and placed another onto a Monster Zone, "I Set one card face-down, then I'll Summon 'Lord Poison' in Attack Position!"
A card appeared on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but him, followed by the appearance of a black fiend monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000).
"Finally, I'll switch 'Newdoria' into Attack Position, too!" smiled Dark Marik, before eyeing Spencer, "Spencer, in order to reserve my fight with Thomas… I have to eliminate both you and Thomas's little friend first!" The evil man stated wickedly as the Battle Phase began, "Attack Spencer's 'Vorse Raider' now, 'Newdoria'!"
'Newdoria' obeyed and rushed forth towards' Vorse Raider', much to Spencer's surprise.
"Why on Earth would Marik even attack my monster with something that is far weaker?!" Spencer thought to himself, just before smirking wickedly in response, "How quaint!"
"Does Marik's monster have some sort of special effect?" thought Thomas curiously.
Regardless, 'Vorse Raider' broke free of his chains and prepared to fight back with his blade weapon.
"Vorse Raider, counterattack!" commanded Spencer.
'Vorse Raider' obeyed, slashing 'Newdoria' to bits.
"Newdoria has been destroyed!" The voice of Spencer boasted.
"Heh! 'Newdoria's' special ability activates!" interrupted Dark Marik, sending his card to the GY, "If this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I must…" As he finished explaining, Thomas and Spencer both listened in shock, "…target 1 monster on the field; I must destroy that target!" He kept smiling while speaking, "The monster I choose to destroy is 'Vorse Raider'!"
'Vorse Raider' suddenly shattered to pieces.
"Yes!" thought Percy cheekily, "Now Spencer's field is wide open for a direct attack!"
"Because of my failed attack, I take 700 damage," mused Dark Marik, taking another card from his hand, "But not if I activate this Spell Card!" With an evil laugh, he held it ('Spell of Pain') up, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Spell of Pain'!"
"Not good!" thought Thomas, going over the effect of Dark Marik's card, "When you would take battle damage or your opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict effect damage to you: Your opponent takes the damage from that attack, card, or effect, instead."
"I wonder who will take this effect?" snickered Dark Marik, "Let's see…" Finally, he (Dark Marik) looked towards Percy and aimed the card towards him (Percy), "I will use this effect on Percy!"
"What?!" Percy panicked.
"As a result of losing 700 LP… you're going up a bit," taunted Dark Marik.
Percy winced from hearing this (LP: 4000 → 3300). That wasn't all; his gondola also went up a small bit.
"Percy!" cried out Thomas.
Down below…
"Percy!" Gordon, Emily, and James R. each exclaimed at once.
"Don't give up!" called Michael.
"Sheesh, do I really hate heights," muttered Percy, who was unhappy to be going higher.
"Relax! It was only 700 LP!" reassured James.
"You can still turn this around!" added Carlie.
"Easy for you to say," thought Percy bitterly. He was looking down at the ground with a sweatdrop on the back of his head, "I still have no monsters on my field… meaning I'm at a severe disadvantage!"
"It went just as I planned," thought Dark Marik arrogantly, "Spencer's monster is gone, and the damage I would have taken was given to someone else," He looked at his field, "And next turn, I'll Tribute my 'Lord Poison' for something much stronger," Finally, the End Phase came, "I end my turn!"
"It's my turn!" declared Thomas, drawing a card.
Turn Seven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (4): "Magical Hats", "Archfiend of Gilfer", "Dark Magician", and "Electromagnetic Turtle"
Because, during the Standby Phase, Thomas required a monster tribute to keep his 'The Regulation of Tribe' Trap Card out, it was destroyed because he didn't follow through with the condition—not that it mattered at this time. Immediately, he eyed Spencer's field.
"Currently, Spencer has no monsters on his field. I'll attack him now and make sure he is defeated first!" thought Thomas, before taking and placing a new card ('Archfiend of Gilfer') onto his Duel Disk, "I Tribute 'Big Shield Gardna' and Tribute Summon 'Archfiend of Gilfer'!"
'Big Shield Gardna' vanished in a blue streak as the powerful (monster description needed) took his place on the field (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2500).
"Here I come, Spencer!" shouted Thomas, entering the Battle Phase. As he gave the order to attack, 'Archfiend of Gilfer' was already charging a blast of fire in its mouth, "'Archfiend of Gilfer', attack the opposing player directly!"
"Bring it on, Billinton!" dared Spencer mentally.
"Gilfer Flame!" ordered Thomas, thrusting his right hand forth.
'Archfiend of Gilfer' finally launched the attack towards Spencer…but he was ready for it.
"How naive!" insulted Thomas, "I read through your strategy like a book!" To prove a point, his Set card turned over and revealed itself, "Face-down Trap, activate!" Focus was on the face-up 'Attack Guidance Armor' Trap Card, "'Attack Guidance Armor'!"
A magical-type armor materialized out of the face-up Trap Card and onto the field.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target 1 monster on the field, except the attacking monster; I must change the attack target to it and perform damage calculation!" smirked Spencer.
"That card changes the attack target," thought Thomas.
"Billinton, I should just have your 'Archfiend of Gilfer' be the target, but that's against the rules," teased Spencer, "But maybe…?"
Percy panicked at first, but then remembered he had no monsters on his field.
"Oh wait, I don't even have a monster in play," remembered Percy sheepishly, "I'm really lucky!"
"So you are," sighed Spencer, rolling his eyes, "No… my real target is," He pointed forth dramatically, "YOUR monster, Marik!" The cursed armor got equipped to 'Lord Poison', much to Dark Marik's anger, but he (Spencer) wasn't done yet, "You're going to be the one who will take 'Archfiend of Gilfer's' attack now!"
The fire blast aimed towards Lord Poison… but Dark Marik wasn't licked yet.
"Can't be helped, I guess," he shrugged uncaringly, before putting a smirk onto his face, "Or can it?"
Spencer gritted his teeth. Then, to prove his own point, Dark Marik pressed a button on his Duel Disk and his face-down card turned over and revealed itself.
"I activate a Trap Card, 'Mirror Force'!" announced Dark Marik, as a mirror barrier formed around 'Lord Poison', "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must destroy all my opponent's Attack Position monsters!" The attack came close to striking the barrier, which would stopping the attack and destroying Thomas's powerful monster—which he was counting on to happen, "Thomas, your 'Archfiend of Gilfer's' attack will backfire and destroy your powerful monster!"
"Are you sure about that?" countered Thomas.
Dark Marik gasped.
"Counter Trap, open!" announced Thomas, as his last Set card turned over and revealed itself, "'Seven Tools of the Bandit'!"
"When a Trap Card is activated: I must pay 1000 LP; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!" said Thomas confidently, "Marik, your 'Mirror Force' is negated and destroyed!"
The mirror-like barrier around Dark Marik's monster cracked apart, meaning nothing was to stop 'Archfiend of Gilfer's' fire blast from roasting 'Lord Poison' alive. Dark Marik braced himself from the attack and gave a low growl out of anger from his failed strategy (LP: 4000 → 3300). Thomas merely smirked in satisfaction.
"Wow, things are heating up," Skiff remarked.
"Marik!" barked Spencer, "You just lost some of your LP! That means your gondola goes up to where Percy is!"
Dark Marik said nothing as his gondola slowly rose up to where Percy was.
"Marik's up to where I am," thought Percy.
Suddenly though, Dark Marik spoke directly to Thomas in anger…
"I will get you back for this, Thomas!" threatened Dark Marik, "And don't go thinking you're safe from losing LP! The cost of using that 'Seven Tools of the Bandit' card you just played is 1000 of your LP. So you'll be rising along with me!"
"I'm well aware of that!" Thomas retorted (LP: 4000 → 3000),
The loss of LP meant Thomas's gondola followed suit.
"Huh?!" Spencer reacted in shock.
"Thomas is moving higher than where Marik and Percy are," claimed Emily, watching closely.
"True, but remember; this duel has no winners or losers," assured Discord.
"Damn you, Billinton!" thought Spencer, "Are you still trying to fight with that deadbeat in the semi-finals?!"
"It's my turn!" The voice of Percy cut in, causing Spencer to look up. While he looked at his hand, he knew he needed a usable Level 4 or lower monster to be the drawn card, "I don't have a Monster Card in my hand! Please be one!" Finally, a card was drawn, "Draw!"
Turn Eight: Percy Avonside (LP: 3300)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (6): "Skull Dice", "The Legendary Fisherman", "Foolish Burial", "Jinzo", "Insect Queen", and "Gearfried the Iron Knight"
Percy's eyes were closed out of fear of seeing he didn't draw a card he absolutely needed.
"Please let it be a monster…" prayed Percy mentally. Looking at his drawn card and opening his eyes, his prayers were luckily answered in the form of the 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' Monster Card—which he placed onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Gearfried the Iron Knight'!"
The 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, which was followed by the iron armor-wearing knight appearing on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600).
"He finally got a monster out," sighed Matt.
"You go, Percy!" encouraged Mavis.
"Who should I attack?" Percy thought to himself, eyeing two of his three possible opponents, "Spencer and Marik both used their face-down cards to try and stop Thomas's earlier attack. And now, since they both have no monsters out… they're both wide open for a direct attack. So who will I strike?" His (Percy) eyes flared with anger at Spencer as a decision was made, "Well, that's an easy fix!" The Battle Phase began, "Here it comes, Spencer! I will attack you directly!"
"What?!" Spencer winced.
'Gearfried the Iron Knight', sensing how angry Percy was at Spencer for what had happened to Lady, was more than happy to obey and strike.
"Spencer can't protect himself!" thought Thomas, "Go get him, Percy!"
"Eat this, Spencer!" The voice of Percy boomed, as 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' prepared to strike Spencer, "Iron Slash!"
'Gearfried the Iron Knight' raised his weapon and slashed at Spencer across his chest, causing him to yell in pain.
"That was for letting Lady get hurt, you jerk!" declared Percy coldly.
Spencer grimaced as his LP took a hit (LP: 4000 → 2200), but now he was absolutely furious with Percy.
"I'll get you for that, Percy!" snarled Spencer hatefully, "I won't let you won't win this duel! Do you hear me, you damned ordinary duelist…?!"
"Oh, boo hoo!" deadpanned Percy, watching Spencer's gondola rise up higher than everyone else's, "Cry me a river!"
"Marik and Percy's gondolas are even in height…" thought Thomas, "Instead of attacking Marik directly, Percy went for Spencer instead. Why?" Suddenly, a thought came into his head, "Could it be? Percy…wishes to face Marik in the semi-finals?"
Over with Percy, he (Percy) was busy glaring at Dark Marik in anger and hatred. While doing so, he envisioned Lady being trapped inside that hourglass and it was half full of those bugs that eat human flesh.
"Lady's life could end at any time now," thought Percy, "I have to beat Marik in the semi-finals before it's too late!" He spoke aloud while slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing a card to appear on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but him, "I also Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
"It's my turn!" exclaimed Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nine: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2200)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (6): "Ring of Defense", "Ring of Destruction", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Paladin of White Dragon", "Shrink", and "Blade Knight"
He eyed the other fields…
"It's true that if I attack Billinton and find a way to get rid of myself in the process… I would be guaranteed to face him in the semi-finals!" thought Spencer, "But for me to lose in battle here before the semi-finals… That I can't allow myself to…!"
Finally, three cards appeared on the field without showing the artwork to anyone but Spencer as he made a move.
"I Set three cards face-down, and then I'll Summon 'Blade Knight' in Attack Position!" began Spencer, before placing one of his remaining cards onto his Duel Disk.
Materialized face-up on the field was the 'Blade Knight' Monster Card, before a sword-wielding medieval knight appeared from the card onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000).
"I'll deal with that ordinary duelist later!" thought Spencer bitterly, before entering the Battle Phase, "Battle!" Focus went towards Dark Marik as he (Spencer) gave the order, "Marik, you're wide open!"
"Ggh!" flinched Dark Marik.
"'Blade Knight' attacks you directly, Marik!" cried Spencer, as 'Blade Knight' charged into battle and raised his sword, "Blade Attack!"
'Blade Knight' slashed Dark Marik with his sword. Dark Marik crossed both arms together and scowled over taking battle damage (LP: 3300 → 1700). On cue, his gondola started to go higher and higher as Percy watched in dismay.
"Great, this will make things harder for me to face Marik in the semi-finals!" thought Percy unhappily.
Down below, everyone was observing what was happening so far.
"So far Percy is in the lead," noted James, "One more attack and Marik will lose."
"But it's still technically anyone's game," reminded Henry.
"Too true," Ben agreed, "But the thing I'm afraid of are the match-ups themselves."
"With anyone going up against Marik," put in Carlie, "I don't blame you at all."
Back above, Spencer was chuckling to himself from dealing damage to Dark Marik.
"There's no room for failure on my road of battle!" Spencer said aloud.
Dark Marik merely gazed down Spencer with a huff, but did not say a single word.
"All I need to do is dispose of Marik and that ordinary duelist… and then defeat Billinton in the semi-finals," thought Spencer gleefully, looking at Dark Marik and then Thomas. He then envisioned himself and his rival about to clash, "So, Billinton, what will you do now? Our battle of the Gods will begin real soon!"
An image of both 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' briefly appeared around Spencer and Thomas in a stadium area. Which duelist will face who in the semi-finals? The answer will come up in the next chapter. Standby for more action!