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 3
Opening up around Boxford Corp Island, it was sunny and very quiet around the junk-filled island—well, not inside the Duel Tower it would seem.
(inside…)
Inside the Duel Tower, the four-way Battle Royale was still going on, and was getting much hotter. The standings were as followed:
-Thomas (LP: 3000): Controlled 'Archfiend of Gilfer' (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2500).
-Percy (LP: 3300): Controlled 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600) and a Set card.
-Spencer (LP: 2200): Controlled 'Blade Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000) and three Set cards.
-Dark Marik (LP: 1700): His field was empty.
"It's my turn!" Dark Marik announced, drawing a card.
Turn Ten: Dark Marik (LP: 1700)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (4): "Jam Defender", "Byser Shock", "Gil Garth", and "Dark Jeroid"
A blue Fiend monster was a face on the lower section of the body materialized on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1500).
"I Summon 'Dark Jeroid' in Attack Position!" The voice of Dark Marik went on, as the above scenario played out, and then he immediately fell into his thoughts, "This monster has a special effect as well… If this card is Summoned: I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; it loses 800 ATK," He glanced at the other monsters; 'Blade Knight' (ATK: 1600) would have its ATK become lower than 'Dark Jeroid's' ATK, but it would be foolish to attack when there are three Set cards, and 'Archfiend of Gilfer' (ATK: 2200) would still be too strong to attack, while leaving 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' (ATK: 1800), "Which monster should I choose?"
"Come on, Marik…" thought Spencer, eyeing his 'Ring of Destruction' Trap Card and 'Ring of Defense' Spell Card, "The moment you declare an attack on me, you will spring my ultimate trap," He smiled confidently, "My Trap Card, 'Ring of Destruction', will destroy your monster and significantly reduce your LP."
"A Trap, is it?" thought Dark Marik, amused, "How obvious! It's written all over his face!" He (Dark Marik) then turned towards Thomas's field, "His Majesty's 'Archfiend of Gilfer' has 2200 ATK, which means its attack would drop to 1400… it would still be too high for Dark Jeroid to attack," And finally, he (Dark Marik) glanced to 'Percy's' lone 'Gearfried the Iron Knight', "Then it's obvious…"
Percy sweated, knowing the look on Dark Marik's face real well—it meant Dark Marik was going to target him (Percy).
"I've decided who I'll target!" proclaimed Dark Marik, "'Dark Jeroid' will use its special ability…" Sure enough, he pointed at 'Gearfried the Iron Knight', "…on little Percy's 'Gearfried'!"
"Figures!" whined Percy.
"'Dark Jeroid's' effect activates!" The voice of Dark Marik went on, as focus was on 'Dark Jeroid'. He smiled as though he was going to like hurting the opponent as he always did, "'Gearfried's' ATK is reduced by 800!"
Percy panicked while watching 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' start shrinking as it became weaker from 'Dark Jeroid's' lone effect (ATK: 1800 → 1000). The Battle Phase commenced, with 'Dark Jeroid' moving in for the kill.
"DIE!" The voice of Dark Marik screamed insanely.
Suddenly, Percy smirked confidently as the attack was going to allow him to counter.
"Fool ya! Looks like it's time to make things right!" declared Percy, "Face-down card, activate!" One of his Set cards turned over and revealed itself, "'Skull Dice'!" A little black demon carrying a red dice emerged from the card, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must roll a six-sided die. The battling monster's ATK is divided by the number rolled!"
"Tch! Always relying on luck!" grumbled Dark Marik.
"Hey, tell that to my card!"
The little demon tossed the die into the air before landing on the field, rolling around, and landing on a…two.
"Oh yeah!" cheered Percy, holding out two fingers from his right hand, "I rolled a two! That means your 'Dark Jeroid' loses half of its ATK!"
'Dark Jeroid' grew weaker (ATK: 1200 → 600).
"Alright!" cheered Thomas.
"That's too bad, Marik!" mocked Percy, "Your own monster is about to be destroyed instead! 'Gearfried', counterattack!" 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' was about to move in and destroy 'Dark Jeroid', "Iron Slash!" Suddenly, his monster shrunk and looked even smaller than before, "What in the-?! It can't be… 'Gearfried's' shrunk further!"
Dark Marik was silently surprised at what happened.
"Percy's monster shrank even more!" added Thomas, "What in the world happened-?"
He then cast a glance towards Spencer, who let out a loud and devious laugh as one of his face-down cards turned over and revealed itself.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Shrink'!" The silver-haired boy announced, "I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; its original ATK becomes halved until the end of this turn!" Focus was on 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' as he lost even more ATK (ATK: 1000 → 500), "Percy, your only monster is now low enough to be destroyed by 'Dark Jeroid'!"
"My monster's…s-so small," Percy muttered.
"Heh! 'Dark Jeroid'… attack and destroy 'Gearfried the Iron Knight'!" commanded Dark Marik.
'Dark Jeroid' obeyed, firing a dark beam from its mouth and destroying 'Gearfried the Iron Knight'.
"Why did you do that?!" accused Thomas angrily, looking at Spencer.
Spencer merely closed his eyes and smiled smugly. Percy, meanwhile, was mad that he lost his only monster.
"ARGH! Why'd Spencer have to go and butt in…?" Percy raged in annoyance (LP: 3300 → 3200).
Before long, his gondola began to rise up to where Thomas currently was.
"That good-for-nothing weasel!" grumbled Gordon furiously, "It's like he WANTS Marik to win!"
"More like Spencer wants Percy and Marik to face-off," corrected Matt, "That way, he can face Thomas in the semi-finals."
"But even if Marik targeted Spencer's 'Blade Knight'," Emily spoke up, as she eyed Spencer's field, "Spencer still has those face-down cards of his. No one should let their guard down."
"That's my big brother!" cheered Skiff, "He used his face-down card right in the pits of despair!"
Back with the four duelists…
"Listen up!" called Spencer, "All enemies that oppose me serve only one purpose… Which is to make me win!"
Percy was cross, "W-What's that supposed to mean-!"
"Percy, don't let him get to you!" called Thomas, "We'll win this duel!"
"Gee, I hope so…" thought Percy glumly. He then spoke aloud, "It's your turn, Thomas!"
"Right!" agreed Thomas, drawing a card, "I draw!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the blimp and Lady's room, Liz hadn't taken her eyes off of Lady. Nearby, Ryan was lying on his own bed taking a little nap.
"Lady…" whispered Liz, "Please wake up…"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lady's soul room, the beautiful blonde-haired girl was still trapped inside the hourglass, and it was already half full of those flesh eating insects. Lady's face was also smeared with bloody scratches.
"Help me…" groaned Lady, quietly and weakly, "Someone please…"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lady's room, Liz continued to speak to her coma-induced friend.
"I'm so sorry I yelled at you, Lady," Liz went on, "I wish I could just turn back time and keep myself from doing so."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Inside Flashback Odion's room, Flashback Liz and Flashback Lady were both alone. Flashback Liz turned to face Flashback Lady as her calm face turned into a more angry one.
"Lady, I just can't believe you!" began Flashback Liz.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand," pressed Flashback Lady.
"You're my brother's girlfriend, are you not?" Flashback Liz questioned accusingly, "Then why not show a little faith? While everyone else, myself included, showed him some encouragement during the duel, you were not being all of that very much!"
"I told you before I wanted him to win!" objected Flashback Lady, "But the situation looked very bleak."
"That's no excuse!" snapped Flashback Liz, "I want you to stop being such a pessimist towards your friends! It makes me think you don't truly care for Percy at all, otherwise you would never have doubted him!"
Flashback Lady had a look of shock and hurt on her face. Unfortunately, the young woman didn't stop there…
"If you continue to be so doubtful about Percy in his duels, then perhaps it's best that you never see him again!" The voice of Flashback Liz raged, "Or, perhaps, you shouldn't even see everyone else here."
After hearing those very hurtful words, Flashback Lady looked like she was about to cry.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I'm so sorry, Lady…" whimpered Liz, as a small tear rolled down her cheek.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Duel Tower, the four-way Battle Royale continued to gain heat. Thomas had drawn his card and begun to take his turn.
Turn Eleven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (4): "Magical Hats", "Dark Magician", "Electromagnetic Turtle", and "Shift"
"Okay, these are the current positions the other players are at…" Thomas thought to himself, gazing at Spencer (LP: 2200) first—he (Spencer) controlled 'Blade Knight' (ATK: 1600) and two Set cards, "Spencer has 'Blade Knight' and two face-down cards," His gaze shifted towards Dark Marik (LP: 1700) and 'Dark Jeroid' (ATK: 1200), "On the other hand, Marik has no face-down cards. But he does have that 'Dark Jeroid' in Attack Position," Finally, he looked towards Percy (LP: 3200), "All Percy has is a face-down card. He currently has the disadvantage."
Suddenly, the green-haired boy snapped out of his little daze in a rather silly tone.
"W-What is it?! What are y'all staring at me for?" yelled Percy, looking down below his gondola. He then folded his arms in a huff, "Who really cares if my field is empty, anyway?"
"'Archfiend of Gilfer' is the strongest monster on the field," continued Thomas mentally, looking back at Spencer's field, "But what's got me worried is Spencer's two face-down cards. They have to be Trap Cards. I couldn't carelessly attack him. So who else should I aim for?"
Spencer and Dark Marik both separately let loose low snickers. Finally, Thomas made a decision on who to strike.
"I've decided…" thought Thomas, before pointing towards Dark Marik, "…to aim for you!"
Down below, the gang was discussing what was going to happen real soon.
"Thomas must be thinking of his promise to face Percy in order to become a True Duelist," figured James, "So he's gonna attack either Spencer or Marik."
Up above, Thomas was currently gazing at Dark Marik
"It's a smart move," The voice of Molly commented.
"And it'll keep Percy from getting creamed," The voice of Toby finished.
"But look at Percy though," Matt suddenly said, "He's been having his eyes paced in one spot for much of the duel." Keeping his (Matt) gazed towards Percy, it was true; his (Percy) eyes were in one place. And that place was at Dark Marik, which he (Matt) had been seeing the whole time, "He's been gazing at Marik in anger the entire time."
"You're right," nodded Zack, "Percy's been aiming for Marik all along."
"He wants to save Lady from her coma," revealed Emily.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Late last night, the blimp was still flying over the ocean towards Boxford Corp Island, the location of the Battle City Finals.
(inside…)
Inside the hallway of the blimp, while Flashback Thomas and Flashback Mavis were both searching for Flashback Duck, Flashback Emily had woken up to try finding Flashback Thomas missing after he'd comforted her to sleep. As Flashback Emily searched a hallway, she could hear another voice from around a corner, and it was filled with frustration and anger.
"That stupid Marik! I hate him so much!" The voice of Flashback Percy was saying.
She looked down the hall to see where the voice was coming from.
"Percy?" whispered Flashback Emily.
It was true. Flashback Percy was up, around the corner, and was busy pounding the wall in a fit of frustrated rage. Not caring that his fist was turning red.
"He's going to pay for what he did to Lady," Flashback Percy muttered in his sleep.
Flashback Emily approached her sleepwalking friend and shook him.
"Percy, wake up," she requested quietly.
Flashback Percy tossed in his sleep as he woke up.
"Huh? What?" peeped Flashback Percy groggily, before feeling the pain his fist was in, "Ow… What have I been doing?"
"I found you in the hallway," Flashback Emily pointed out, "You were pounding at the wall in anger. Saying that you hate Marik so much."
"I… I want him to pay for what he did to Lady," admitted Flashback Percy angrily.
Flashback Emily looked sad, "Percy…"
"Look, I'm sorry if I woke you," apologized Flashback Percy, "I'm just so cross with Marik, right now."
"I know, and you have every right to be," assured Flashback Emily.
"He's done so much to us," Flashback Percy went on, "He's been trying to kill Thomas, and he possessed you, Mavis, and I to set up a death trap duel, and now…"
"That's enough, Percy," The voice of Flashback Emily interrupted, placing a hand on Flashback Percy's shoulder and getting him to stop. She looked like she wanted an answer, "Just what are you trying to tell me?"
"I have to defeat him," insisted Flashback Percy, unflinching, "Tomorrow, I'll find some way to get him to face me in the semi-finals. When we duel, I will take him down," Flashback Emily listened on in shock, even as he delivered a request to her, "Emily, please don't tell Thomas this."
"But why?" peeped Flashback Emily.
"The two of us promised to fight each other fair and square the day we become True Duelists," remembered Flashback Percy.
"True Duelists?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure if I'll be able to call myself that, even after all of this," The green-haired boy frowned, unsure of himself, "But there's one thing I do know for sure. If I can't save Lady with my strength alone, I'm not qualified to become one. So in order to keep my promise with Thomas, I have to defeat Marik with my own hands," He clenched his right hand into a fist, "And I'll rescue Lady from her suffering!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I see… He really said that?" asked Gordon, looking a little gloomy.
"It sounds like something Percy-boy would say," Discord admitted.
"He blames himself for what happened to Lady," frowned Carlie, "The poor guy…"
Finally, with the four duelists, Thomas was about to announce his attack.
"'Archfiend of Gilfer' will attack!" began Thomas, "Your target is-!"
"Thomas, wait a second!" The voice of Percy called out, causing Thomas to look over. He wanted to make sure his best friend didn't make a mistake, "Before you declare an attack, I want to ask you something important… What is a True Duelist?"
"What is a True Duelist?" thought Thomas, surprised.
Down below, everyone was left confused about what Percy was asking.
"Is now even a good time to ask?" quizzed Carlie.
"Likely not," James R. replied, as a sweatdrop appeared on the back of his head.
"Well, I do know one thing," groaned Gordon, "A True Duelist wouldn't go and interrupt someone's turn like that!"
"I guess not," agreed James.
Back over with the four duelists…
"I've been looking for the answer to this question during the Battle City tournament," said Percy, "It's because I want to duel you fair and square, Thomas," As he (Percy) spoke about growing into a True Duelist, Thomas simply listened, "I've dueled with many people and I think I have my own way, and I'm coming closer to an answer."
"If you ask me, it's more like an answer a deadbeat found on the path to mediocrity," thought Spencer smugly.
"Thomas… Because of you, I don't back down from any opponents," Percy continued, "You taught me to never give up, no matter how strong the opponent is, and to trust my cards all the way," From there, the green-haired boy looked down towards his other friends below, "And you guys! You all taught me to trust my friends under any circumstances!"
"Huh? We did?" blinked Gordon, before feeling Mavis smacking him upside the head, "OW! I-I mean, yeah… Yeah, we did!"
"Meanwhile, all of the duels I've been in…" thought Percy.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
The first flashback was to Percy's duel with Samson..
"Well, Mr. ESP? What are you waiting for?" dared Flashback Percy.
Everybody in the stands waited and watched Flashback Samson. At last, he couldn't take it anymore.
"'Jinzo'!" called Flashback Samson, as focus went towards 'Jinzo', "Stop!"
Slowly, 'Jinzo's' spinning began to stop until it was pointing towards the worst possible target.
"My 'Reflect Bounder'!" gasped Flashback Samson, "Its effect will also destroy 'Jinzo'!"
Once the spider vanished from 'Jinzo's' face, the android monster fired off a Cyber Energy Shock attack towards 'Reflect Bounder'. As predicted, 'Reflect Bounder' reflected 'Jinzo's' blast back towards it, destroying it as well.
"N-No!" Flashback Samson wailed, knowing he just lost, "How could this have happened?"
"You wanna know, huh?" smirked Flashback Percy, "Let me do the math for you… 'Jinzo' had 3200 ATK, subtract 1700 ATK from your 'Reflect Bounder'…" He pointed forth, "It means you lose 1500 LP!"
Flashback Samson grimaced (LP: 1440 → 0).
"And that means you're finished, and this duel is over!" bragged Flashback Percy.
(new scene…)
Now Percy's duel against Diesel… 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' appeared on the field in an offensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600).
"That's all for me," Flashback Percy said calmly.
"Goodbye, Percy! And now, my 'Insect Queen', you will attack!" ordered Flashback Diesel, as his (Flashback Diesel) supercharged 'Insect Queen' prepared to finish Percy off, "Destroy 'Gearfried' and end this duel!"
'Insect Queen' obeyed and charged up another acid blast. However…
"You dork!" insulted Percy, "I was hoping you'd do that!"
"You were?!" Diesel exclaimed, realizing the trick.
"I activate a Trap Card, 'Graverobber'!" announced Percy, pressing a button on his Duel Disk.
The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself. The little thief appeared, cackled, and held out a familiar card ('Eradicating Aerosol'), which Flashback Diesel was none too happy to see.
"'Eradicating Aerosol'?!" squeaked Flashback Diesel.
"Time to exterminate your Queen!" The voice of Percy laughed in a sing-song tone.
The familiar spray can appeared from the card itself and sprayed its contents. 'Insect Queen' shrieked in agony before finally fading away.
"Yeah!" cheered Percy, "There goes my pest problem!"
"What have you done to my Queen?!" sobbed Flashback Diesel.
(new scene…)
Finally Percy vs. Salty… Flashback Percy had just destroyed 'Fortress Whale' with a powered up 'Panther Warrior'…
"'Fortress Whale' has been sunk!" The voice of Flashback Percy proclaimed.
'Fortress Whale' collapsed onto the surface of the water and shattered into shards of glass.
"Any last words?" pressed Flashback Percy.
"Yes, six! This duel is not over yet!" Flashback Salty answered defiantly. He drew a card, looked at it, and smiled, "And I'll use my card right away," The sea dog turned it ('Return of the Doomed') over and revealed it, "I activate 'Return of the Doomed'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field and sank into the water that was 'Umi', "I must target 1 monster in my GY that was destroyed by battle this turn; I must Special Summon it in Attack Position!"
Flashback Percy appeared to hesitate, and Flashback Salty grew impatient with the delay.
"What on Earth are you waiting for?!" he demanded, "Hurry up and finish your turn so I can win!"
And so, Flashback Percy made a move of his own… The one move that would ensure Flashback Salty would lose.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Giant Trunade'!" Flashback Percy, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I must return all Spells/Traps on the field to the hand!" A giant black hole appeared in the sky and began sucking everything into it, "Drain the sea!"
Within seconds, the extra water was gone, exposing Flashback Salty's hidden monster… It was 'The Legendary Fisherman' (Level: 5/ATK: 1850/DEF: 1600).
(new scene…)
A scene of Flashback Odion using some of his Spell Cards ('Cup of Sealed Soul', 'Seal of Serket', and 'Temple of the Kings') to call upon 'Mystical Beast of Serket' was shown.
"All of the duelists I've faced…" narrated Flashback Percy, "They've helped me grow stronger—even if the match had gotten dangerous."
Odion stood in his place, his head bowed, and a heartbroken look on his face. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck him in the head.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Because of each duelist I faced," thought Percy, "I've learned my weak points and grown up to be a True Duelist with my own way," He then spoke aloud, "Only one person can win the Battle City crown and gain glory! This is a Battle Royale, so we're all enemies!"
Thomas didn't say a word. Spencer merely smiled smugly. Dark Marik merely snorted in disgust…
"I'm practically bored to tears over here!" called Dark Marik rudely, "Just get on with the blasted duel already!"
"Thomas!" reminded Percy, who didn't let up, "If you're a True Duelist, take down your enemy! Take ME down! Stop playing favorites just so you can keep your promise to face me!"
"Percy…!" cried Thomas, who was aghast.
"I'm the weakest player so far. Look around! I have a useless face-down card and no monsters on my field!" Percy pointed out.
"Percy…" whispered Emily.
"He does have the most LP so far," remarked Michael.
"One attack from 'Archfiend of Gilfer' would send Percy to near the top," protested Carlie.
Thomas still said nothing, but Percy still made the appeal.
"It's a basic strategy to take down the weakest player first, Thomas!" The voice of Percy insisted, not giving up, "Don't waste your turn… attack me without mercy!"
"But-!" argued Thomas.
"Even if I lose this match, I'll still win and face you in the finals!" insisted Percy, "If you really do believe in me… attack now!"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Thomas had just defeated Flashback Seeker, and Flashback Percy was handed a card.
"Here you go, Percy," said Flashback Thomas, "This card is yours again."
But to his surprise, Flashback Percy shook his head no.
"It isn't mine to take, Thomas," he refused.
"What?" gasped Flashback Emily, wanting to object, "But, Percy-!"
"Let him talk, Emily," Flashback Edward interrupted, "What do you mean by that, Percy?"
"I just can't take it—not at this time," replied Flashback Percy, "If I were to take it back that easily, I won't be a True Duelist. And 'Red-Eyes' wouldn't accept it, either. I want to become a True Duelist like you, Thomas… 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. Thomas remained quiet for a while over being reminded of his true promise. At last, he smiled and found his voice.
"I understand, Percy!" accepted Thomas, while Percy smiled back in response, "Let's meet again in the finals!" He gave the command to his monster, "'Archfiend of Gilfer', attack Percy directly!" Despite a brief feeling of confusion, 'Archfiend of Gilfer' faced the targeted opponent, "Gilfer Flame!"
'Archfiend of Gilfer' went and hit Percy with a blast of fire. Despite being burned by the flames, Percy smiled big as he took massive damage (LP: 3200 → 1000).
"Percy…" thought Thomas.
As his gondola rose to near the top, Percy glared at the smirking Dark Marik.
"Brace yourself, Marik," warned Percy, "If I go down in this duel, I'm taking you down with me!"
"We'll see about that," dared Dark Marik, as he grinned evilly.
With that said, Percy rose even higher until he was at the '1000' mark. Far below, everyone could barely see Percy anymore.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Michael, "I can hardly see Percy!"
Finally, it was time…
"It's…my turn!," Percy announced, beginning to draw his final card, "DRAW!"
As he drew a card, he slashed a colorful wave from his Deck (Destiny Draw).
Turn Twelve: Percy Avonside (LP: 1000)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (4): "The Legendary Fisherman", "Foolish Burial", "Jinzo", "Insect Queen", and "Axe Raider"
Upon seeing his card, Percy smiled big. He knew that what he was about to do would ensure that Dark Marik got defeated first.
"Hold on, Lady…" thought Percy, "Your torture of death will soon be over," He then placed his card ('Axe Raider') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, therefore causing the device to light up, "Come forth, 'Axe Raider'!"
Appearing on the field was a human wale wielding a large battle axe (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1150).
"Is he going after Marik?" quizzed Thomas, before looking towards Spencer, "Or…?"
"The target I'm attacking…" began Percy. He raised a finger in the air, and everyone held their breath and waited for the declaration. Finally, he pointed at who he was targeting, "Spencer! Your 'Blade Knight' is going to fall!"
Spencer smirked confidently. Everyone else below was stunned.
"He's targeting Blade Knight?" blinked Mavis.
"But why?" protested Toby, "Doesn't Percy wanna save Lady's life?"
"I think there might be more to what Percy is about to do," reassured Discord.
"What do you mean by that, Discord?" asked Ben.
"Just watch and learn, Benny-boy."
"Percy, as much as I respect you, attacking Spencer is a big mistake," thought Skiff, "The moment you do, he'll counter your attack with his Set cards."
Back with Percy near the top of the tower…
"Go forth, 'Axe Raider'!" ordered Percy, "Attack 'Blade Knight'!"
'Axe Raider' obeyed and charged towards 'Blade Knight', while a smiling Spencer waited for them to get closer.
"Bring it on, you scrub!" thought Spencer wickedly.
"Spencer's got a Trap Card!" protested Thomas
"Oh, I know what those cards are!" thought Percy gleefully, he then, as 'Axe Raider' got closer, announced the attack name, "Air Slice!"
At the last second, before the attack could hit its mark, Spencer chuckled and spoke aloud.
"Heh, I've always known you were an amateur, Percy!" insulted Spencer, "I activate a Trap Card!" The first Set card (on the left) turned over and revealed itself, "'Ring of Destruction'!"
That was the card the whole gang feared the most.
"'Ring of Destruction'!" gasped Carlie.
"It had to be that dangerous card of all cards!" added Matt.
The 'Ring of Destruction' Trap Card made a ring with explosives ensnaring 'Axe Raider's' neck.
"I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; I must destroy that target, and if I do, inflict damage to both players equal to that target's ATK!" explained Spencer, "However, I don't intend to die with that ordinary duelist!" His second Set card turned over and revealed itself, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Ring of Defense'!" A large green ring materialized to protect him from the incoming effect damage, "When a Trap effect that inflicts damage is activated: I must make that effect damage 0!"
The fingers from Percy's hand shuddered as he waited for the end to come.
"If Percy doesn't do something quickly," wailed Toby, "he'll…"
"It's game over for you, loser!" yelled Spencer, laughing maniacally.
Finally, an explosion clouded the top half of the field, destroying 'Axe Raider'. Everyone below watched in dismay.
"Oh dear…" whispered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"I guess Percy was the first to be eliminated in this Battle Royale," added Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Up with a smiling Dark Marik…
"Heh… I always knew he wouldn't last in this duel…" grunted Dark Marik proudly
"Guess again!" The voice of Percy interrupted.
The black smoke cleared away…and Dark Marik, to his shock, noticed that his life points had hit zero first (LP: 1700 → 0).
"Wait! Why did MY LP go down?" gawked Dark Marik.
Dark Marik has been eliminated!
Everyone else in the whole chamber was shocked.
"But…how?" cried Spencer, also shocked.
"What happened?" questioned Thomas.
Over on Percy's field, his face-down card—the one that he Set at the very start of the duel, was turned over, and it was revealed to be…
"'Graverobber'?!" roared Dark Marik.
"That's right!" grinned Percy, holding up his 'Graverobber' Trap Card, "I knew what Spencer was planning to use that destruction card in case of an attack. And so, it was a good thing that I prepared ahead of time," As he explained the effect, the little thief emerged from the face-up, activated card while holding onto another card, "Choose 1 card from your opponent's GY; depending on the type of card taken, the following effect can be applied."
These were the effects that could be applied on the 'Graverobber' Trap Card:
-"Monster: I must Special Summon the monster to my field, ignoring its Summoning Conditions."
-"Spell/Trap: I must activate the Spell/Trap effect as if it were my own."
The little robber cackled and turned the card it was holding over, revealing it to be the 'Spell of Pain' Spell Card.
"That's Marik's 'Spell of Pain'!" realized Skiff.
"Yup, I used 'Graverobber' to grab hold of 'Spell of Pain'!" confirmed Percy, while Dark Marik gazed at his (Dark Marik) GY in more surprise before looking back, "When I would take battle damage or my opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict effect damage to me: My opponent takes the damage from that attack, card, or effect, instead!" He looked all cocky from taking his enemy down first, "I really hope you don't mind me doing that, Marik-chan!"
Dark Marik cursed as his face bulged a bit from the anger/hatred he was feeling towards Percy Avonside.
"You'll pay for this!" Dark Marik shouted in rage.
Far below, the group was praising Percy for such a well-thought out strategy.
"Great idea, Percy!" called Henry.
"That's something I never thought I'd see someone like him do!" added Ben.
"You certainly can get things done when you put your mind to it!" threw in James.
"That was some great thinking, Percy," thought Thomas, as faded clips of 'Axe Raider' attacking 'Blade Knight', Spencer retaliating with the 'Ring of Destruction' Trap Card, Percy activating the 'Graverobber' Trap Card, and using the 'Spell of Pain' Spell Card to defeat Dark Marik was superimposed over him, "If he had attacked 'Dark Jeroid' with 'Axe Raider', Marik would have taken less damage from the attack. But by attacking Spencer and making him use his Trap Card, Percy was able to use 'Graverobber' to nab 'Spell of Pain' and turn the damage onto Marik."
As Dark Marik rose towards Percy, he (Percy) turned and did an akanbe (a childish Japanese gesture consisting of someone pulling down one's lower eyelid to expose the red underside towards someone, often accompanied by sticking their tongue out) directed at him (Dark Marik)
"See ya!" Percy called cheekily.
"You're going to deeply regret this!" warned Dark Marik dangerously.
"Now Marik is in the first round of the tournament," thought Percy happily, before looking down towards Spencer, "Hey, Spencer, thanks for the help!"
"Don't think this saves you from anything!" said Spencer, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Down below…
"That was a good move on Percy's part," acknowledged Skiff, "However, he still lost his only monster, and has no more usable Spell and Trap Cards. What do you think's gonna happen next turn when my brother goes to attack?"
"Hey," scolded Molly.
Not that it really bothered Percy. No, it was the polar opposite; he welcomed his impending defeat.
"Yup, my field's wide open," smiled Percy, "It's just as I planned though."
Turn Thirteen: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2200)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (3): "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Paladin of White Dragon", and "Cost Down"
"There's no way an ordinary duelist like you who relies on nothing but luck had any sort of plan!" accused Spencer, "I will finish you off, now!"
"Bring it on, Spencer!" dared Percy, "I'm ready for your attack!"
"Don't mind if I do. Blade Knight, attack Percy directly!" ordered Spencer.
'Blade Knight' obeyed, being strong enough to finish Percy off.
"Vanish, Percy!" The voice of Spencer demanded.
'Blade Knight' slashed Percy with his sword. Percy reeled back, but didn't yell in pain even as his LP ran out (LP: 1000 → 0)
"It's done…" thought Percy, smirking with triumph.
DUEL RESULTS:
4. Dark Marik (LOSER)
3. Percy Avonside
2. Spencer Gresley
1. Thomas Billinton (WINNER)
Percy's gondola started to rise and follow Dark Marik.
"Percy!" called Thomas.
"We'll meet again in the finals!" Percy called back.
As he rose higher and higher, Percy remained in his thoughts about where he stood.
"I'm fine with this. This Battle Royale duel was nothing more than a game to decide our opponents in the semi-finals," thought Percy, and soon caught up with Dark Marik, "Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."
Dark Marik chuckled, "I do hope you're ready to sleep with the fishes," he remarked, "And by sleep with fish, I mean die in a Shadow Game!"
"Not a chance, you freaky jerk!" insulted Percy
Down below…
"The duel is over!" announced Roland, "The matchups for the semi-finals have been decided!"
Over with Spencer, 'Blade Knight' faded away.
"This is good," thought Spencer.
Over with Thomas, 'Archfiend of Gilfer' faded away.
"Spencer…" thought Thomas.
The two rivals then fixated glares at each other. Down below, Roland finally made the big announcement as everyone else watched from nearby
"The first semi-finals match will be as follows," The voice of Roland was announcing, as, above, Percy and Dark Marik faced each other, "Percy Avonside VS. Marik Ishtar!" Focus then went towards Thomas and Spencer, "The second match will be Thomas Billinton vs. Spencer Gresley!"
"This duel was fated, Thomas!" insisted Spencer, "I sure hope you're ready for it!"
"I'll see you in the finals, Percy," thought Thomas, "First I have Spencer to take care of!"
"Duel gate, open!" commanded Roland.
Up on the ceiling, hatches begin to open up for the four gondolas.
"We're finally heading for the final matches!" Percy stated.
"Heh heh heh… You may as well refer to it as a gateway to a world of darkness!" teased Dark Marik.
"Stop fooling yourself!" snapped Percy, "Even if you have the Winged Dragon of Ra, I'm still gonna beat your hide into submission and save my girlfriend!"
Dark Marik snickered quietly before bursting into psychotic laughter in response.
"Better fasten your seatbelts," called Skiff, "We're all heading to the top!"
The four gondolas began to rocket up the tower towards the top. It was now official; the Battle City Finals have begun for real.
Due to the duel, it's going to be for Percy VS. Dark Marik next time. It will be very intense, so beware of frightening imagery.