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: Strength of Darkness, Part 1
Outside the Duel Tower on Boxford Corp Island, all was quiet—at least for now. Soon enough, it was going to get noisy. Very noisy, indeed.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Duel Tower, Dark Marik's gondola was rising to the very top of the building.
"This isn't exactly how I planned it," thought Dark Marik, seeming satisfied, "But, alas, it can't be helped. For angering me, I'm gonna enjoy torturing you, Percy," He (Dark Marik) gazed at Percy as both gondolas rose side-by-side, "Oh yes, I'm gonna really enjoy it!"
"Finally," thought Percy, "I've been waiting for this moment ever since you put my girlfriend into a coma with 24-hours to live! Just wait for me, Lady!"
Nearby, Spencer's gondola was rising as well.
"This is as it should be," thought Spencer, "I'm the one who will win in this fateful duel with Billinton!"
Rising beside Spencer's gondola was Thomas's gondola.
"Everything will be settled once we reach the top of the tower," thought Thomas.
Finally, the gondolas were out of sight of the crowd down below.
"They're gone," commented James R..
"Everyone wanting to watch the duel can follow me to the elevator," offered Skiff, "There's an elevator leading to the top of the tower."
The nearby doors opened. Just before Skiff could get everyone to follow him, Ben spoke up all of a sudden…
"Hold up. We should give both of Percy's older siblings a heads up," suggested Ben.
"We can call them using the phone near the elevator," Mr. Gresley (Boxford) suggested, pointing to the nearby phone.
When they all got to the elevator, Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) used the phone to contact the blimp.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lady's room aboard the blimp, Ryan was talking to whoever was on the other line. Liz was still looking after the coma-induced Lady.
"Alright, we'll be right there," said Ryan, "Thanks again. Bye!" He hung up and looked to his wife, "Percy's duel is going to start soon. We should be there to cheer him on!"
He turned and started to leave the room—but felt no other presence beside him. Turning around, Ryan discovered that Liz still wasn't going to leave the room.
"Don't you want to cheer for your brother?" asked Ryan.
"I want Percy to win," Liz replied, looking serious, "But…" She (Liz) looked towards the coma-induced Lady in the bed, "Right now, this is my place, looking after Lady," Not about to let her husband stay, she turned to look at Ryan, "But you can go cheer him on though."
"Are you sure, honey?" worried Ryan.
"I'm sure. Please, there's no need to worry about me."
"She probably won't wake up for a while," The purple-haired young man pointed out, "And this duel is very important to Percy. He would be heartbroken if his own sister didn't show up to cheer him on."
But still, Liz refused to leave Lady's side. Finally, Ryan sighed in defeat and turned around.
"Very well," accepted Ryan, "You can remain here. If you change your mind, don't hesitate to come to the power and watch—Percy would love for you to watch him."
With that said, Ryan ran out of the room. Once she was alone in the room, Liz looked over to the window and gazed out at the Duel Tower.
"Percy," Liz whispered to herself, "Please take care."
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Duel Tower, the gondolas were being shifted around while making their way to the top.
(outside…)
Finally, Dark Marik and Percy both arrived at the top of the tower. Once their gondolas stopped, they got off and gazed at each other.
"So this is the final duel arena?" commented Percy, "Kinda dreary, huh?"
"Oh, don't fret over it," teased Dark Marik, "I'll make it much more interesting… A view much more entertaining than anything you've ever seen! I do hope you'll look forward to it," As he (Dark Marik) finished speaking, Percy narrowed his (Percy) eyes, "Percy!"
"The only thing I look forward to is beating your face in and Lady Stone!" retorted Percy hotly.
The wind started blowing as Dark Marik turned around and let off a psychotic laugh from the challenge before walking over to another part of the platform. It was also around then Thomas's gondola arrived, and the blue-haired boy got off and walked over to Percy. The two friends watched as Spencer's gondola arrived last, and Spencer got off.
"Percy intentionally lost in the Battle Royale," thought Thomas, "That way, he'd be paired up with Marik. And the reason he would want to duel Marik so badly is…"
Suddenly, his thoughts were cut off when Percy looked over.
"Thomas?" wondered Percy.
"Oh, sorry, Percy," apologized Thomas. He then looked very serious, "Just remember that you have to win this duel!"
"You don't have to remind me," reminded Percy, before giving a smile, "But don't you worry 'bout a thing! I will win! And when I do, I'll be ready to face you in the finals! I'll have my own 'God' Card and everything!"
Unfortunately…
"You're not even worthy to use an 'Egyptian God' Card, Percy," said Spencer rudely.
Turns out he had overheard the two best friends talking and decided to ruin the moment. Why? Because he could.
"What was that, Spencer?!" demanded Percy, looking at Spencer.
"I hereby declare…you will be defeated by 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" predicted Spencer.
"W-Why you…!" The green-haired boy growled, not thrilled over the declaration he would be defeated, "If you got something to say, then just say it! I won and got far in Battle City, didn't I?"
"I admit you did so," acknowledged Spencer.
"Then there's no way I'd lose to Marik that easily!" Percy insisted heatedly.
"Neither you nor Billinton know the true nature of Marik's God, The Winged Dragon of Ra!" stated Spencer firmly, "It has many powerful effects that are so terrifying that they surpass mortal thought."
"I don't care!" objected Percy angrily, "I have to save Lady!" But he had different thoughts in his mind, "Is it really that powerful?"
"Are you trying to tell us that you know what 'Ra's' special abilities are, Spencer?" asked Thomas.
"Yes… I've almost finished decoding it," nodded Spencer.
Percy gasped, but Thomas wasn't so sure about that. There had to be more to it than meets the eye…
"He translated the card's text from the Egyptian Hieratic text?" Thomas thought to himself.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Dark Marik crossed his arms together and began to recite the text on the card.
"What?! What kind of language is that supposed to be?" gasped Flashback Molly, "Is it some sort of spell or something?"
At first nothing seemed to be happening as Flashback Dark Marik continued chanting the text on his card, but then the huge sphere started to glow all gold-like once more, and Flashback Percy was the first to notice.
"Thomas, look up there!" announced Flashback Percy, pointing up at the object, "That sphere is glowing all gold!"
He was right; the giant sphere was releasing rays of light while beginning to transform itself into the body of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'.
"'Ra' is starting to come out of the sphere," gasped Flashback Thomas in surprise, as the sphere gained wings, "The 'God' belongs to Marik once more!"
Flashback Spencer was looking upward in surprise as the sphere continued to transform. As the sphere neared its complete transformation, Flashback Dark Marik let out a small sinister chuckle.
"This is one of 'Ra's' abilities," he explained, "'God' itself will serve the player who utters the sacred text!"
Flashback Lady, meanwhile, could only watch helplessly as the evil man finished reciting the text on the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Monster Card.
"Awaken and grant me victory!" boomed Flashback Dark Marik, as he spread his arms out in welcome, "Arise, 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
By now, the sphere had transformed into the full Battle Mode of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', who let out a loud roar to signal its arrival. The roar was so powerful that it unleashed a powerful blast of wind across the top of the blimp that everyone felt. Flashback Spencer managed to keep his balance and look up in shock at the glowing dragon.
"Behold 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" shouted Flashback Dark Marik, while his ace monster lowered itself a bit.
The audience took in what they were seeing with their own eyes.
"So that's…" Flashback Thomas began.
"…'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!" Flashback Spencer finished.
'The Winged Dragon of Ra' soon reached the ground and leered at the helpless Lady Stone.
"It's my turn. With just one attack, you will burn into ashes," proclaimed Flashback Dark Marik, "The underworld will be very pleased to have someone like you there, my dear!"
(new scene…)
Flashback Spencer took one look at the text on the monitor, and his eyes widened in shock.
"W-What?!" he thought to himself, "This can't be! I… I can actually understand what the text says! And it tells me all about 'Ra's' horrifying effects!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"How are you able to read it?" pressed Percy.
Thomas, however, had an even bigger clue as to what was going on.
"Your Egyptian blood," thought Thomas. He then started to imagine Spencer carrying the Millennium Rod, "That's the only way you're able to understand the ancient text."
"Thomas, even you don't have what it takes to defeat Marik's Deck nor 'Ra'!" Spencer went on.
"You say even Thomas doesn't have what it takes?!" asked Percy offendedly, "That's a load of rubbish!"
"It's not rubbish," rebutted Spencer, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra's' abilities far exceeds even my 'Obelisk the Tormentor', as well. It also surpasses your 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', too."
Nearby, Dark Marik glanced at his enemies and gave them a wicked chuckle. Spencer glanced right back before speaking to the two friends some more.
"I've been coming up with a strategy to win against that card as well as Marik's Torture Deck," proclaimed Spencer, "But first I need to watch Marik in action one more time. And this is where you come into play, Percy."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" demanded Percy hotly, not very happy with being seen as a guinea pig, "Why am I bait?!"
"If Marik uses 'Ra's' ability against you, that's where I'll find new ways to defeat it," answered Spencer, before looking back to Thomas, "And besides, if you had fought Marik in the semi-finals, Billinton, he would've won and gotten 'Slifer' from you. That meant I would have had to face two 'God' monsters."
"Ooh, why must you pick on us?!" whined Percy. He was getting sick of Spencer badmouthing him and his friends, "We're tired of your yapping!"
Thomas smirked, "Spencer, that's a good plan you have…" he praised sarcastically, "However, it does have a little flaw."
"Hmm?" frowned Spencer.
"You forget that your opponent in the semi-finals is me," Thomas pointed out, readying his Duel Disk.
Smirking over the challenge, Spencer merely scoffed and turned around to walk away.
"Our fated duel, Billinton!" warned Spencer, "Look forward to it!"
From there, Spencer walked away to meet with his parents and younger brother as they started to arrive from the nearby staircase. Thomas was unfazed by Spencer's taunts, but Percy was not happy about them.
"Why, that little-!" Percy seethed.
Just then, coming up the nearby staircase came Skiff, Mr. and Mrs Gresley (Boxford), and the rest of the gang.
"Big Brother!" called Skiff.
While the younger boy and his parents went over towards Spencer, the rest of Thomas and Percy's friends approached the two boys.
"Here they are," stated Emily.
"Um, why do you look cross, little Percy?" wondered Gordon.
"Let me guess… Spencer?" quizzed Edward.
"Correct," sighed Thomas.
"What did Spencer say this time?" whispered James, standing beside Thomas.
Thomas and Percy didn't say anything. Instead, the latter walked past Gordon and Thomas and approached the duel stage—where Dark Marik waited for the duel to begin.
"Sheesh, that Spencer really burns my skin at times," thought Percy bitterly, "This must be his little strategy; intimidate me into giving up before my battle with Marik even starts. Well, that won't work against me! I'll admit that Marik's 'Egyptian God' monster is powerful, but everything I earned in this tournament helped me, too. Such as 'Jinzo'…" An image of 'Jinzo' and Samson flashed by, "'Insect Queen'…" An image of 'Insect Queen' and Diesel flashed by, "…and 'The Legendary Fisherman'." An image of The Legendary Fisherman and Salty flashed by, as he stopped at his stop on the platform and glared at Dark Marik, "And most of all… I have my promise! I can never become a True Duelist and face Thomas unless I save Lady's life!" Finally, the green-haired boy spoke aloud, "Just watch me… I WILL win!"
"Take Marik down, Percy!" called Henry.
"We know you can win this duel!" encouraged Ben.
Just then, a new, familiar voice echoed from nearby—or rather the staircase.
"So do I!" The voice of Ryan called out.
"Ryan! And if he's here, then so must be…" thought Percy, growing hopeful.
Yes, it was Ryan who had arrived. However, a certain someone was missing…
"Wait, where's Liz?" pondered Percy, now sounding a little upset.
Huffing and puffing for a moment, Ryan eventually explained why Liz wasn't here—being to look after Lady for a little while longer.
"And that's basically it," finished Ryan, "Liz blames herself for what happened. Despite my efforts to tell her otherwise, she won't budge."
"I can understand how Liz feels. If she wants to continue to look after Lady, then I'm cool with it. Besides, I can feel she's still here with me in spirit," thought Percy, as he envisioned his older sister standing beside him, "I will fight Marik with all that I have—for her AND Lady!"
"And now, the first duel of the Battle City semi-finals will now begin!" declared Roland, as focus went towards Percy before switching to Dark Marik, "We have Percy Avonside VS Marik Ishtar!"
The platform began to rise in height.
"You can do it, Percy!" called Mavis.
"Win it fast!" added Zack.
As the platform rose, Dark Marik snickered with anticipation.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room aboard the blimp, Odion was still in bed and in a coma. At this point, Ishizu felt that there was nothing more she could do for her adopted brother.
"All I can do now… is sit and watch the Duel Tower—and hope Marik can be saved from himself," Ishizu said to herself.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower, the platform had finished rising. Dark Marik and Percy both drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2.
"Let the duel begin!" shouted Roland.
"I go first!" declared Dark Marik, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Card of Last Will", "Tribute Burial", "Drillago", "Helpoemer", "Gil Garth", and "Dark Wall of Wind"
Upon seeing what he drew, he added the card into his hand, took another, and readied it
"I Summon 'Gil Garth' in Attack Position," The voice of Dark Marik proclaimed, placing his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
The mentioned Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, before an armored-like Fiend monster appeared from it onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"Now I'll Set one card face-down," concluded Dark Marik, as a face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Gil Garth', "and end my turn!"
Below the platform…
"A strong monster has been brought out on the first turn," Ryan thought to himself. He then spoke aloud, "Be careful out there, Percy!"
Back on the platform…
"Look out, Marik!" exclaimed Percy, drawing a card, "Here I come!"
Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Scapegoat", "Rocket Warrior", "Graceful Dice", "Foolish Burial", "Baby Dragon", and "Alligator's Sword"
His drawn card was the 'Alligator's Sword' Monster Card, which he added into his hand in dismay. Speaking of hand, it currently contained 'Scapegoat', 'Rocket Warrior', 'Graceful Dice', 'Foolish Burial', 'Baby Dragon', and the just added 'Alligator's Sword'.
"Marik's 'Gil Garth' has 1800 ATK," thought Percy, "I have nothing that can beat it, right now," Soon enough, he took and slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!" After a face-down card materialized on the field near his feet, he took and placed another card ('Alligator's Sword') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I also Summon 'Alligator's Sword' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was the armored alligator-like Warrior monster on the field while kneeling in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200).
"I'll never lose to someone like you!" thought Percy hatefully.
"Why the long face, Percy?" taunted Dark Marik, "Are you still upset about what I did to that girlfriend of yours?" His face then became psychotic as he pulled out his Millennium Rod, "If it makes you feel any better, you'll soon be joining her! Because this duel…is now a Shadow Game!"
With the Millennium Eye symbol on his forehead glowing along with the Millennium Rod being taken out, purple fog began forming around the whole top of the tower.
"No way!" exclaimed James R..
"This fog again?" Ben asked with widened eyes.
"A Shadow Game!" said Discord seriously.
Soon, the duel stage was inside the Shadow Realm. Dark Marik raised his Millennium Rod confidently.
"Our Shadow Game begins now, Percy!" declared Dark Marik.
"I'm not afraid of you!" stammered Percy, shocked.
"Oh, but I can clearly see the fear in your eyes, boy," pushed Dark Marik, "And if I'm not mistaken, you want to see your darling Polly Stone again too, don't you? Well, I'll let you see her… in the Dark World of death when you lose!"
"What?!" Percy growled, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mentioned she's in a coma, yes?" recalled Dark Marik, "The coma where she is locked inside an hourglass, slowly filling with flesh-eating insects! Once the hourglass fills, her mind will never wake up!" Below the platform, everyone listened to his sickening words about Lady Stone, "Oh, the screams that girl made in our duel… I can still hear them even as we speak!" On the platform, the veins on his face bulged from excitement, "They make such sweet, sweet music don't you think, my poor, pathetic friend?"
He burst into more sadistic laughter at his own, sick joke. This only served to enrage Percy further.
"You bastard…!" hissed Percy, cursing for a rare time
The two opponents then stared each other down.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room aboard the blimp, Ishizu was looking out the window when she saw that the top of the Duel Tower was becoming covered in purple fog.
"Another Shadow Game has begun," Ishizu thought to herself, "Are you really looking to sacrifice another innocent soul, Marik?"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Shadow Realm, Percy was still seething in anger at his hated enemy.
"You scum…!" cursed Percy, "I'll-!"
Below the platform…
"Percy knows if he goes along with this setting, he'll end up like Lady," said Henry unhappily.
"He doesn't care," Gordon pointed out, "He's willing to do whatever it takes to save her."
"Percy's prepared for the outcome," Emily added, "But if he does manage to win…"
"Emily?!" gawked Thomas.
"I'm sorry, Thomas," sighed Emily, speaking in a sad tone, "Percy asked me not to tell you."
"But why?" demanded Thomas, "Why not tell me until now?"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
As Flashback Percy and Flashback Emily talked to each other in the hallway last night…
"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.
"He didn't want to upset you," worried Emily, "I found him in the hallway sleepwalking last night while I was out for a little walk to try and tire myself out a bit. Once I woke him up, he told me everything—how he wants to defeat Marik and save Lady."
"Percy," Thomas whispered, just before going into his thoughts, "Did I make the right choice in the Battle Royale?"
"We have to stop Percy!" protested Carlie, "If he loses this duel, he'll end up like Duck and Lady!"
"Spencer, you have to stop the duel!" called Molly pleadingly.
However, like before, Spencer didn't say a word. This was to Skiff, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Gresley's (Boxford) dismay.
"Big Brother," whispered Skiff unhappily.
Up on the platform, Percy remained brave. It was obvious he wasn't going to let this Shadow Game scare him away.
"So, will you give up now to spare yourself of all the impending pain and suffering you'll be receiving?" The voice of Dark Marik mocked.
"I accept your Shadow Game, Marik!" smirked Percy, "And I'll crush you!"
Below the platform, Percy's friends all gasped upon hearing that; they believed he was making a big mistake
"I don't care if I have to die in the process," The voice of Percy went on, sounding firmly, "I'll fight you to save the life of Lady Stone!"
Back on the platform…
"You seriously think you can beat me? Amusing! But I wonder how long that will last?" chuckled Dark Marik, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Dark Marik (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Card of Last Will", "Tribute Burial", "Drillago", "Helpoemer", and "Plasma Eel"
The duel halted once more.
"Now that you've entered this duel, there is nowhere to escape! Just like when I thrashed that girl, no one will be able to save you. It's just the two of us, right to the bitter end! You're going to thoroughly enjoy this Shadow Game, little Percy!"
"Grrr! Why not just shut up for once and explain!" demanded Percy angrily.
"Before I do that, let me tell you about the Penalty Game that awaits the loser of this duel," offered Dark Marik, "The loser will sink into endless darkness. Both your body and mind will slowly… slowly…without realizing it, slip into a world of death and suffering!" He then gave another dark chuckle, "Exciting, isn't it? I envy you, Percy! Oh, the things you'll feel…!"
Percy scowled in anger. Below the platform…
"That bastard…!" grunted James.
"Is he just trying to scare Percy?" asked Toby.
"More like Marik is trying to piss him off in hopes of a mistake being made," replied Zack, before trying to call out to Percy, "Don't be bothered by it, Percy!"
Back on the platform, Percy, anticipating what Dark Marik was doing, shrugged it off.
"Heh! You know what, Marik? It'll take more than something like that to scare me!" dismissed Percy.
"Oh really?" asked Dark Marik, placing his drawn card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk before the device lit up, "In that case I will take extra joy in torturing you, Percy," As he spoke on, the 'Drillago' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field "I Summon 'Drillago' in Attack Position!"
The yellow drill-like Machine monster appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1100).
"Now, before I attack, take a good look at your monster," suggested Dark Marik.
Percy noticed a long wire coming from 'Alligator's Sword' towards his chest.
"Is this…?" Percy began, but never finished.
"Could it be…the same Shadow Game he used against Lady?!" James realized.
"Heh heh heh, you are correct," confirmed Dark Marik, "But there are a few changes. In my previous duel, I used this method to play on Lady's greatest fear. You? I think I'll instead just show you my new method! Either way, it will still grant me loads and loads of enjoyment!"
As Dark Marik laughed tauntingly and maniacally, Percy narrowed his (Percy) eyes and cursed loudly in response.
"This won't scare me!" he thought to himself.
"Let the real game begin!" announced Dark Marik, entering the Battle Phase, "'Drillago', attack 'Alligator's Sword'!"
'Drillago' obeyed, charging and drilling 'Alligator's Sword' into bits.
"Alligator's Sword has been defeated!" The voice of Dark Marik rejoiced.
Suddenly, as 'Alligator's Sword' shattered into shards of glass, the pink wire attached to Percy's chest snapped and Percy screamed in agonizing pain. Below the duel platform…
"Percy!" cried Ryan.
"What happened?!" exclaimed Mavis.
"As their monsters take damage," whispered Thomas, "the player will feel it, too."
Back on the platform, Percy was still trying to recover over what just happened.
"The pain…!" gagged Percy, "The second my monster was destroyed, I felt a powerful surge of pain in my chest…!"
"Having fun yet?" cackled Dark Marik, "The sight of your pain is so breathtaking… but not enough," He then spoke to his other monster "It's your turn, 'Gil Garth'! Attack Percy directly!"
'Gil Garth' obeyed and charged towards Percy, who was defenseless at the moment. Below the platform…
"PERCY!" screamed Molly.
Back on the platform…
"Not this time, Marik!" declared Percy, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Scapegoat'!"
His Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, creating four colored 'Sheep Tokens' to defend herself with. 'Gil Garth' sliced the yellow 'Sheep Token' in half and destroyed it.
"What?!" exclaimed Dark Marik, shocked that Percy wasn't in any agonizing pain.
"I must Special Summon 4 'Sheep Tokens' in Defense Position. They cannot be Tributed for a Tribute Summon," explained Percy, as focus went on the remaining three 'Sheep Tokens', "Oh, and guess what? They don't count as actual monsters!" He gestured the thumb of his right hand at himself, "So even if they're destroyed, it doesn't affect me in any way."
Below the platform…
"Yes!" cheered Thomas, "Nice one!"
"Talk about a relief," added Ryan.
Back on the duel platform…
"So even someone like you can come up with a plan, eh?" chortled Dark Marik, "I end my turn!"
"Then look out!" Percy exclaimed, drawing a card, "Here I come!"
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Rocket Warrior", "Graceful Dice", "Foolish Burial", "Baby Dragon", and "Panther Warrior"
Upon seeing what card he drew…
"Sweet!" smiled Percy. He (Percy) then showed Dark Marik his drawn card ('Panther Warrior'), "I Summon…" He placed the card onto his Duel Disk, causing the 'Panther Warrior' Monster Card to materialize face-up on the field, "…'Panther Warrior' in Attack Position!"
The armored panther appeared from the face-up card onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1600).
"This card cannot declare an attack unless I Tribute 1 monster," revealed Percy, going over his monster's effect. From there, the pink 'Sheep Token' was absorbed into 'Panther Warrior' as it swung its sword and charged forth, "I Tribute a 'Sheep Token' and have 'Panther Warrior' attack 'Gil Garth'!"
'Panther Warrior' slashed at 'Gil Garth', destroying it on contact. The wire attached to Dark Marik's chest immediately snapped, and he groaned in pain—just before an evil smile appeared on his face and he began to laugh scabrously (LP: 4000 → 3800).
"That there's payback for Lady!" Percy said hotly, ignoring the evil man's laughter from the pain.
"You're not half bad," admitted Dark Marik, "But this wouldn't be interesting if you weren't decent."
"Quit playing nice," spat Percy, not taking any sort of nonsense, "I end my turn!"
Below the platform…
"Percy's doing quite good against Marik," admired Skiff.
"Despite this being a Shadow Game, Percy isn't afraid," added Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" declared Dark Marik, "Allow me the honor of showing you the true horrors of my Torture Deck!" Upon saying that, he drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Dark Marik (LP: 3800)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Card of Last Will", "Tribute Burial", "Helpoemer", "Plasma Eel", and "Hidden Soldiers"
Dark Marik's hand contained 'Card of Last Will', 'Tribute Burial', 'Helpoemer', 'Plasma Eel', and the recently added 'Hidden Soldiers'.
"I activate a Normal Spell from my hand," The voice of Dark Marik declared, taking one of the cards ('Tribute Burial') to the left. He slotted it into his Duel Disk and caused it to materialize face-up on the field, "'Tribute Burial'!"
"What?!" gasped Percy.
"Once during this turn, I can Normal Summon/Set 1 Level 5 or higher monster from my hand by banishing 1 monster from each GY instead, also I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn," explained Dark Marik, before raising his right hand and snapping his fingers.
Emerging from his own GY was the 'Gil Garth' Monster Card, and emerging from Percy's GY was the 'Alligator's Sword' Monster Card.
"I banish your 'Alligator's Sword' and my 'Gil Garth'!" The voice of Dark Marik declared, as the above scenario played out. He then held up a new card ('Helpoemer') before turning it over and showing it off, "I Summon 'Helpoemer'!"
Slowly emerging from the ground and onto the field, was a zombie-like Fiend monster attached to a cross (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1400). Below the platform…
"'Helpoemer'?" shivered Carlie.
"It looks…creepy," whimpered Molly.
Back atop the platform…
"Are you intimidated yet, Percy?" teased Dark Marik.
"You wish!" denied Percy, "Your monster has the same ATK as 'Panther Warrior'! Unless you're willing to hurt us both by attacking, you might as well end your turn!"
Chuckling evilly, Dark Marik slotted a card into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to materialize on the field beside the first set card.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" finished Dark Marik.
"It's my turn!" announced Percy, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Below the platform…
"Don't let your guard down, Percy!" Thomas thought to himself, "Marik has something big planned for you."
Turn Six: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Rocket Warrior", "Graceful Dice", "Foolish Burial", "Baby Dragon", and "Jinzo"
Upon seeing his drawn card (Jinzo), Percy smiled big.
"Awesome! I've drawn 'Jinzo'!" thought Percy, pleased by his draw, "I can use it to destroy 'Helpoemer'," A thought then came to him, "But…why didn't Marik attempt an attack on any of my 'Sheep Tokens'? Is it possible that he's scared of me attacking him or something," He suddenly hesitated, "Either way, I have no idea what effects 'Helpoemer' has, so it could be a mistake to rush in with 'Jinzo'."
Percy added his drawn card into his hand and chose another card, holding it ('Rocket Warrior') up.
"From my hand, I'll Summon 'Rocket Warrior'!" proclaimed Percy, before placing the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Attack Position!"
The warrior in rocket armor appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300).
"I got you!" exclaimed Dark Marik, "As of now, I'll activate a Trap!" The first of many face-down cards of his flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Hidden Soldiers'!" He took a card from his hand, "When my opponent Normal or Flip Summons a monster: I must Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower DARK monster from my hand!" With that said, he placed the card ('Plasma Eel') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, causing a Monster Card called 'Plasma Eel' to materialize face-up on the field "I Special Summon 'Plasma Eel'!"
Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a mechanical-looking eel (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200).
"What?!" flinched Percy.
"And now, I'll activate its second effect!" gloated Dark Marik, "When this card is Summoned: I can target 1 face-up monster on my opponent's field; I must equip this card to that target! Attach yourself to 'Panther Warrior', now!"
The eel lunged forward and attached itself to Panther Warrior. The monster's eyes twitched as the pincers struck the sides of its head.
"While equipped with this card, that monster cannot be Tributed, and it loses 500 ATK during each of your opponent's End Phases.!" continued Dark Marik.
"500?!" scowled Percy.
"But it'll be much more entertaining than that for you, Percy! You're about to feel great pain beyond description—hailing all the way from Hell!" tittered Dark Marik, as the Millennium Eye symbol on his forehead started glowing.
Upon saying that, the 'Plasma Eel' unleashed an electric shock on 'Panther Warrior', causing it to howl in pain. Unfortunately, Percy also felt the great electrical shock and he cried out in pain also. Below the platform, everyone watched Percy get battered by Dark Marik's torture-based monsters.
"Oh no, Percy!" shouted Ryan.
"Percy!" called Matt, "Don't give in!"
Back on the duel platform…
"How is it?!" laughed Dark Marik, "The same pain that your pathetic girlfriend went through, too?!"
"Lady…!" thought Percy, still getting shocked.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
From behind Flashback Lady, a huge stone tablet emerged from the ground.
"Huh?!" wailed Lady, turning around in shock, "A wall?!"
"This is 'Sacred Stone of Ojhat'," replied Flashback Dark Marik sadistically, "And it will be the key element to prevent you from leaving here alive… Do it, 'Holding Arms' and 'Holding Legs'!"
The two respective shackles attached themselves to Lady.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, "Let me go!"
The two monsters then sealed themselves into the wall, completely preventing Flashback Lady from trying to escape.
"This is a Shadow Game, little girl," reminded Flashback Dark Marik, "Meaning that everything you experience here is real. Soon, you shall be nothing more than little scraps…" He lost his smile and swung his right arm about, "NOW FACE THE DARKNESS, POLLY STONE! DIRECT ATTACK, NOW!"
'Holding Arms' and 'Holding Legs' both obeyed, shocking Flashback Lady and causing her to scream in agony from the very real electric shock (LP: 2200 → 900). Flashback Lady was left nearly unconscious around here, and Flashback Dark Marik could only laugh sadistically at the very sight.
"Give yourself into the pain!" The evil man yelled excitedly.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended as Dark Marik laughed maniacally.
"Lady… the pain you've felt," groaned Percy, mentally, laying on his knees, "It's so agonizing… but you fought till the very end, anyway… I'll…SAVE YOU!"
With a scream of determination, Percy Avonside managed to get back on his feet, much to Dark Marik's shock.
"Impossible!" recoiled Dark Marik in surprise, "You should be begging for mercy by now!"
"I made a promise to save Lady," vowed Percy, angry and determined, "And nothing is going to break my promise! Not you, nor anybody else!" He gave the command, "The first effect of 'Rocket Warrior'…" As his first effect was explained, 'Rocket Warrior' suddenly transformed into his 'Invincible Mode', "…turns him into Invincible Mode!" All he needed to do now, was declare an attack, "During my Battle Phase, this card cannot be destroyed by battle, also I take no damage from battles involving this card. Here I go, Marik! 'Rocket Warrior', attack 'Helpoemer'!"
'Rocket Warrior' was more than happy to obey… Launching himself, the rocket-like monster struck 'Helpoemer' in the chest, causing Dark Marik to scream in pain just before gagging into his hands.
"This, in turn, activates 'Rocket Warrior's' second effect," reminded Percy, as a smoking hole was left in 'Helpoemer's' chest before growing weaker (ATK: 2000 → 1500), "If this card attacks a monster, after damage calculation: That attack target loses 500 ATK until the end of this turn!"
Below the platform…
"Nice one, man!" cheered James.
"You got him!" added Emily.
Back on the platform…
"And now, my second attack!" Percy continued, as the red 'Sheep Token' was absorbed into 'Panther Warrior' and he roared and charged forth, "l Tribute another 'Sheep Token' to allow my 'Panther Warrior' to attack your 'Helpoemer'! Lady's emotions are in this strike!"
'Panther Warrior' raised his sword and slashed 'Helpoemer'. 'Helpoemer' wailed in a spooky tone before fading away. Dark Marik groaned in pain as his LP took another, more damaging hit (LP: 3800 → 3300).
"How'd you like that?" asked Percy angrily.
Suddenly, Dark Marik was shown to be smiling… From there, he then began to laugh scabrously once more… Except it sounded more creepy and sick than before.
"It feels good," Dark Marik had said in the most sadistic tone ever heard, "Oh yes, the pain feels wonderful! WONDERFULLY DELICIOUS!"
Below the platform…
"That guy…!" uttered James R..
"Has he lost it?" asked Toby.
"Nah, he's clearly already loco!" Gordon replied, doing a 'cuckoo' motion.
On the platform, Dark Marik stopped his brief moment of insanity and spoke more clearly…
"I love pain… Especially when it means your plan is going exactly the way you want it!" bragged Dark Marik
"What do you-?" muttered Percy.
"I WANTED you to destroy 'Helpoemer'!" admitted Dark Marik, holding up his 'Helpoemer' Monster Card, "Now, its special ability will activate!"
"S-Special ability?" repeated Percy.
Suddenly, he saw a ghostly specter of the 'Helpoemer' Monster Card appear on the field, fly around the area, and then enter right into HIS GY.
"W-What's going on?" stammered Percy.
"Oh, but can you hear that song?" teased Dark Marik, "Let's see what happens, shall we?"
Silence filled the area…while creepy music could be heard coming from Percy's GY.
"W-What's this creepy music?" whimpered Percy nervously. Suddenly, like a jump scare moment, a ghostly hand popped out of his GY, "W-What in the world?!"
"That arm isn't there to just scare you," chuckled Dark Marik, "It's all part of Helpoemer's special ability!" He then announced the effect name, "Song of Hell!"
The hand then snatched a random card from Percy's hand and took it straight to the GY.
"My card!" exclaimed Percy, stunned.
"That's right," Dark Marik confirmed eagerly, "At the end of my opponent's Battle Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was destroyed by battle: I must make my opponent discard 1 random card. This card must be in the GY to activate and to resolve this effect!" The veins on his face bulged again, "So, tell me! What do you think of my strategy?!"
Just then, without warning, the ghostly hand reappeared from the GY and taunted Percy even further by giving him the middle finger, with there being nothing he could do about it. The ghostly hand then returned to the GY until it was time to send another random card from the hand to the GY. Below the platform…
"If Percy keeps losing cards in his hand, he'll never be able to defeat Marik!" thought Thomas, very concerned.
Back on the platform, Percy gazed at his GY, completely helpless over Dark Marik's monster being able to make him (Percy) discard cards.
"No way…" thought Percy, "I could lose my entire hand or Deck if that thing remains in the GY," A clip of the 'Jinzo' Monster Card sinking into the abyss (GY) was superimposed over him, "And I've already lost 'Jinzo' before I could even play it."
"Percy… you will slowly step further and further into my strategy," warned Dark Marik wickedly, as the veins on his face started to become more and more noticeable, "Not to mention deeper and deeper into the pits of darkness!"
Dark Marik then started to laugh savagely at his opponent's predicament. Was he (Dark Marik) right, and it's the end of Percy? Stay tuned!
And poor Percy has gotten taunted in the worst possible way, and Dark Marik is only getting started with him.