This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
WARNING: These stories are rated either T (13-plus) or M for moments of violence, bloody moments, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be (or strongly is) advised.
Title: Strength of Darkness, Part 2
Opening up inside the Shadow Realm, all was quiet. Percy and Dark Marik were both in the middle of their duel in the Battle City semi-finals. The standings were as followed:
-Dark Marik (LP: 3300): Controlled 'Drillago' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1100) and a Set card.
-Percy (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Rocket Warrior' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300), 'Panther Warrior' (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1600), and a 'Sheep Token' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Ngh…" groaned Percy.
"Heh!" smirked Dark Marik.
Spencer, Skiff, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) were all very quiet watching the duel at this point. Emily, however, had a few words to say on Percy's predicament at the moment…
"If Percy loses a card from his hand every turn…" The dark green-haired girl observed, "He'll never be able to mount a counterattack!"
"That damn jerk Marik sure loves his cheap tricks!" fumed James.
"Percy's at a disadvantage, right now!" put in Henry.
On the platform, Percy was shaking both from anger and worry over Dark Marik's strategy.
"We have to keep relying on him," The voice of Thomas insisted, "Right now, Percy needs all the support he can get."
Of course, it wouldn't be easy, and Percy knew that his turn had to end.
"I end my turn!" concluded Percy.
"I thought you might say that!" laughed Dark Marik, "The second effect of 'Plasma Eel' activates!" It was then 'Panther Warrior' got zapped by the 'Plasma Eel' attached to him, "Due to being equipped, your 'Panther Warrior' loses 500 ATK during your End Phase!"
'Panther Warrior' got weaker (ATK: 2000 → 1500), while Percy, too, got zapped and yelled in pain due to the Shadow Game. Meanwhile, Dark Marik was ready to draw a card and take his turn.
"It's my turn!" he announced, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Seven: Dark Marik (LP: 3300)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Card of Last Will" and "Coffin Seller"
Upon seeing his drawn 'Coffin Seller' Trap Card, Dark Marik let out a silent laugh.
"Percy only has 'Rocket Warrior' and 'Panther Warrior' on his field," Dark Marik thought to himself, "Both are extremely weak Level 4 monsters that I can choose to defeat easily… But 'Panther Warrior' is equipped with 'Plasma Eel', which will cause that damned puma to lose 500 ATK on each of Percy's End Phases. In addition, he can't be Tributed as well!" He chuckled sinisterly once more, "I'll let Percy keep his two monsters for now. It will allow me to spread more and more pain this way!" Finally, he slotted the final two cards from his hand into separate Spell & Trap Zones on his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down!" Two face-down cards materialized on the field, "I've finished my turn!"
"He's not going to attack…?" thought Percy. He then watched Dark Marik snicker a little bit, "He also used up his entire hand, too… What could he be up to, now?"
The green-haired boy looked at his hand. Currently, it contained 'Graceful Dice', 'Baby Dragon', and 'Foolish Burial'.
"I don't have too many options to use against him, and I lost 'Jinzo' to 'Helpoemer'…" thought Percy, "Man, I sure wish you were up here, Liz… I could really use your support now of all times…" He drew a card, "My turn, draw!"
Turn Eight: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Graceful Dice", "Baby Dragon", "Foolish Burial", and "Insect Queen"
Percy had drawn the 'Insect Queen' monster card, which pleased him immensely.
"Alright! I've drawn 'Insect Queen'!" thought Percy, adding the card into his hand, "But because she's a Level 7 monster and I only control one usable monster in 'Rocket Warrior', I can't Summon her at the moment. I'll just have to make due with 'Baby Dragon' until I'm able to Tribute Summon her," He took another card ('Baby Dragon') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Summon 'Baby Dragon' in Defense Position!"
The young orange scaled appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 3/DEF: 1200/DEF: 700).
"Those face-down cards are obviously Traps," thought Percy, "Should I just pull back for now…? Or…"
"What's the matter?" asked Dark Marik with a look of dark amusement on his face, "I have no hand, right now. Come on… Go ahead and attack me!" While he (Dark Marik) went on egging his enemy, Percy merely scowled in anger, "Perhaps my face-down cards worry you? It must be the case! 'cause they could be 'scary' Traps and all…!"
Dark Marik then laughed sadistically while Percy remained conflicted on whether to attack or not. Below the platform…
"Those are obviously Traps," understood Gordon.
"He can't attack, or Marik will set them off!" added Toby.
"But if he doesn't attack," protested Molly, "he won't get to defeat Marik."
Back on the platform…
"If I can destroy 'Drillago', Marik will have no more monsters to guard his LP," thought Percy, "If I end my turn, he'll have taken no damage," He looked at his weakened 'Panther Warrior', still equipped with 'Plasma Eel' "But my 'Panther Warrior's' ATK will keep dropping because of 'Plasma Eel'…" He continued to look conflicted, "If I'm scared of his Traps, I'll only give him a further advantage…! I don't know what's gonna happen, but I…!"
Below the platform…
"Don't let him provoke you!" called Gordon.
"He should attack," Thomas stated seriously.
Molly, Gordon, and Toby each looked at Thomas like he was crazy or something.
"Please tell me that was a joke," Gordon pleaded.
"If he takes a chance and strikes, Marik will be forced to open his Traps," reminded Thomas, "And if he does, he'll be forced to reveal his plan," It was then he eyed the 'Panther Warrior' on Percy's field, "If he does nothing but wait, Percy's 'Panther Warrior' will lose 500 ATK. He needs to choose self-exposure in order to get ahead," He nodded, "I would do the same."
Back with Percy atop the platform…
"'Rocket Warrior', you're up!" he announced, "Transform into your Invincible Mode and attack 'Drillago'!"
'Rocket Warrior' obeyed, and attacked 'Drillago' by charging like, what else, a rocket. The drill-like Machine monster was soon struck and got a power degrade (ATK: 1600 → 1100). Unfortunately, after recovering from the pain from his Shadow Game, Dark Marik let out a loud laugh.
"I compliment you for having the guts to attack me, despite the obvious Traps I have Set!" praised Dark Marik falsely, "But it was still a futile effort!" He spread his right arm about, "Face-down card, activate!" The first face-down card (in the center) flipped face-up and revealed itself to be… "'Card of Last Will'!" Now able to refresh his whole hand, he started drawing cards (one at a time) until there were five of them in his hand, "If the ATK of a monster(s) I control changes by a card effect: I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand."
"Nuts…" sulked Percy.
"That was your own fault," mocked Dark Marik, "You should have known I'd use 'Card of Last Will' should my hand be empty," His new hand contained 'Legendary Fiend', 'Premature Burial', 'Relieve Monster', 'Nightmare Mirror', and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'—the final card on the right caught his eye, "There's no need to play my 'Egyptian God' Card against someone as worthless as you… My other Trap Cards will serve me well."
Down below with the crowd…
"No way!" fretted Carlie.
"Are you serious?" groaned Zack.
Back atop the platform…
"At least now I can do this!" retorted Percy, still in the Battle Phase, "I Tribute my last 'Sheep Token' so 'Panther Warrior' can attack!"
'Panther Warrior' lunged forth, slashing at 'Drillago' with his sword and destroying the enemy monster. Dark Marik groaned a little bit, but soon smiled again upon recovering (LP: 3300 → 2900).
"Take that!" smirked Percy confidently.
"Nice one, Percy!" called Michael.
"But Marik still has two face-down cards left," reminded Ryan.
Unfortunately for everyone, the look on Dark Marik's face seemed to read it was time to activate one of those Set cards.
"Continuous Trap, open!" ordered Dark Marik, just as the Set card on the left flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Coffin Seller', activate!"
"'C-Coffin Seller'?!" gasped Percy.
Below the platform, Thomas, Emily, Edward, and Matt all watched on in horror. Back on the platform, the face-up 'Coffin Seller' Trap Card started glowing all pink and purple.
"Each time a monster(s) is sent to my opponent's GY: I must inflict 300 damage to my opponent!" The voice of Dark Marik explained, before looking deranged, "I can use a combination of 'Helpoemer' and my own attacks to destroy your monsters, inflicting great damage to you in the process!"
He began to laugh wickedly again.
"Oh man, I'm in trouble, now!" Percy gulped.
"Your Battle Phase has ended… and you know what that means!" recalled Dark Marik, "Now listen to 'Helpoemer's' Song of Hell!"
A ghostly hand rose from Percy's GY and took a random card from his hand down with it.
"My 'Insect Queen'!" cried Percy. In his thoughts… "Damn! First 'Jinzo' was taken from me, now 'Insect Queen' is gone too…!"
"It's a Monster Card, eh?" teased Dark Marik, overhearing Percy's dilemma, "Then you will lose 300 LP!"
He (Dark Marik) then began to laugh some more as Percy glowed red and took some damage (LP: 4000 → 3700). Below the platform…
"That's a very powerful combo…" whispered Thomas.
"It is," agreed Discord, "You lose a card every time you attack… and if it's a monster, you lose LP!"
"Percy's in big trouble," added Gordon unhappily.
Back on the platform…
"Your turn is as good as finished," insisted Dark Marik, "And so, it's time for 'Plasma Eel' to sap 500 more ATK from your 'Panther Warrior'!"
'Plasma Eel' sent an electrical blast through 'Panther Warrior', weakening it by 500 more ATK (ATK: 1500 → 1000). Because of the Shadow Game, Percy felt the pain and yelled.
"It's my turn!" declared Dark Marik, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nine: Dark Marik (LP: 2900)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (6): "Legendary Fiend", "Premature Burial", "Relieve Monster", "Nightmare Mirror", "The Winged Dragon of Ra", and "Nightmare Wheel"
Upon seeing his drawn 'Nightmare Wheel' Trap Card, he looked to his opponent.
"Now it's time for me to show you another terrifying combo," hissed Dark Marik, looking very pleased/excited. He slotted his drawn card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!" A face-down card materialized on the field, "I also activate the Equip Spell, 'Premature Burial'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field—before the ground started to crack apart and reveal drill-like arms, "I must activate this card by paying 800 LP, then target 1 monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Attack Position and equip it with this card. When this card is destroyed, I must destroy the equipped monster!"
'Drillago' reappeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1100). Dark Marik then paid his 800 LP as per the cost (LP: 2900 → 2100).
"But that's not all," continued Dark Marik, holding up a new card ('Legendary Fiend'), "I'll…" 'Drillago' and the face-up 'Premature Burial' Spell Card both faded away in blue streaks, as he placed his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "…Tribute 'Drillago' to Tribute Summon 'Legendary Fiend'!"
A bluish fiend with bat wings appeared on the field in the place of 'Drillago' (Level: 5/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1800). Percy became nervous when he saw the new monster show itself.
"That…looks strong," he commented, "Weak for a Level 5 monster, but still strong."
"Then allow me to give you some info on it," teased Dark Marik, "My monster has a special effect," Focus went towards 'Legendary Fiend', "Once per turn, during my Standby Phase: This card gains 700 ATK!"
"That's not fair!" objected Percy, "Cards like that are way too broken!"
"Don't blame me!" taunted Dark Marik, before eyeing at someone below the platform, "Blame the designers who made the card!"
Below the platform, Discord didn't look too pleased with Dark Marik's little jest about him (Discord). Back on the platform, Dark Marik was far from being done.
"Anyway, you'd best get rid of 'Legendary Fiend' soon. Otherwise, it'll become too strong for you to destroy!" raged Dark Marik fiendishly.
Dark Marik (LP: 2100) and Percy (LP: 3700) both continued to stare each other down. Below the platform…
"Crap!" swore James, "A monster who's ATK can keep rising forever?"
"Percy has more LP than Marik, but he's in a very poor position," frowned Thomas.
Back on the platform…
"He's playing me left and right," thought Percy unhappily, "Isn't there something I can do? ANYTHING?!" Desperately, he looked over to his Duel Disk, but mainly the GY Zone, "If I can just draw that one card… I can get 'Jinzo' back on the field!" He got ready to draw, "Please let this be the one card…!" A card was drawn, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Ten: Percy Avonside (LP: 3700)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (3): "Graceful Dice", "Foolish Burial", and "Little-Winguard"
Unfortunately, he drew the 'Little-Winguard' Monster Card instead.
"This isn't it!" thought Percy, adding the card into his hand, "I failed…!"
"Nothing you try now will make a difference!" chuckled Dark Marik, "Especially once I play another of my favorite cards," To prove his point, he pressed a button on his Duel Disk, causing one of his face-down cards to flip face-up and reveal itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Nightmare Wheel', activate!"
On cue, a torture wheel appeared and 'Rocket Warrior', looking scared, was strapped onto the wheel. It was the same torture wheel card that Dark Marik planned to use on Lady in their own duel.
"'Rocket Warrior' can't move!?" cried Percy.
"I must activate this card by targeting 1 monster my opponent controls; it cannot attack or change its battle position," explained Dark Marik, "When it leaves the field, I must destroy this card."
"He's going to attack with 'Legendary Fiend' on his next turn," thought Percy, completely cornered like a rat in a maze, taking his drawn card ('Little-Winguard') and getting ready to place it on his Duel Disk, "All I can do is defend for now…!"
On cue, 'Little-Winguard' appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800).
"I Summon 'Little-Winguard' in Defense Position!" The voice of Percy announced, as the above scenario played out just before he was shown placing two fingers on his 'Panther Warrior' Monster Card and switching it sideways, "Next, I'll switch 'Panther Warrior' into Defense Position!"
'Panther Warrior' went into a defensive stance as well (ATK: 1000 → DEF: 1600).
"My turn is over!" declared Percy.
Dark Marik, snickering quietly, immediately held his left hand out in evil triumph.
"In that case, 'Plasma Eel's' second effect activates once more!" he exclaimed, "Your 'Panther Warrior' loses 500 more ATK!"
'Plasma Eel' sent an electrical blast through 'Panther Warrior', weakening it by 500 more ATK (ATK: 1000 → 500). Because of the Shadow Game, Percy felt the pain and yelled. Below the platform, Percy's friends, including Skiff, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) all watched in horror. Back on the platform, Percy then collapsed onto his knees while clutching his head in searing agony.
"The pain…!" screamed Percy, "THE PAIN!"
"Percy!" Ryan and the likes cried out, scared for their friend's condition.
Dark Marik only cackled in excitement at seeing his opponent in great pain or even worse stuff. Regardless, Percy looked up wearily…
"Even so, I won't let this pain keep me down!" he thought to himself, "No… this pain is just giving me more of a reason to get back in and fight harder! For Lady!"
As poor Percy continued to think about Lady, a fading image of the beautiful blonde-haired girl, trapped in the hourglass, was briefly shown beside him.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lady's room aboard the blimp, Liz had just gotten herself a glass of cold water when she looked out the window at the fog covered top of the Duel Tower.
"You can do it, Percy," Liz was saying, due to there being no one else to talk to in the room, "Although I really want to be there for you."
"If you wish to be with your brother, then you should be up there with him," The voice of Ishizu suggested.
Liz jumped in surprise before turning around and finding Ishizu entering the room.
"Ms. Ishizu!" gasped Liz.
"I apologize for the intrusion," bowed Ishizu politely, "You seem conflicted right now, Ms. Liz."
"I am," sighed Liz unhappily, "Percy's dueling against Marik and I really want to be there to support him."
"Then why are you here and not up there with him?" asked Ishizu kindly.
Liz moved her head slowly over to the coma-induced Lady Stone, who was still lying in the bed.
"Lady only has less than 8-hours left to live before she never awakens,"revealed Liz, "And a part of me feels responsible for letting this happen, so…"
"I see, you still blame yourself for this girl's incident?" figured Ishizu, interrupting a bit.
Liz nodded sadly. Ishizu smiled a little bit and put a comforting hand on her (Liz) shoulder.
"You were not responsible for what happened," reassured Ishizu, "It was my brother's darkness that did this to her, not you. Even if you had not yelled at her, she would still have met this fate."
"It still hurts me so much though…" sighed Liz, looking down.
"Everyone feels pain and regret for things they did not mean to say or do," Ishizu pointed out, "But the more regret you feel, the more pain you will put yourself through. You must let the pain go…"
Liz didn't look all that convinced—at least until Ishizu said something else that would shock her (Liz) a fair bit.
"…like Marik told me," The voice of Ishizu finished.
Liz once again gasped and looked back towards Ishizu in complete surprise.
"What are you talking about?" pressed Liz curiously.
Ishizu closed her eyes, just as a flashback began.
FLASHBACK
It was still night time, and a possessed Flashback Mavis was standing within the doorway to Flashback Ishizu's room.
"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.
"Marik…?" Flashback Ishizu was shocked, "My younger brother, is that you?"
"Yes," said Flashback Mavis (possessed), "It's me."
Flashback Ishizu got out of bed and slowly walked over to the possessed blonde-haired girl.
"Odion…needs my help?" Flashback Ishizu said slowly.
"Yes, you have to get him somewhere my dark side won't be able to find him!" pleaded Light Marik, "If Odion is killed, then my dark side will remain in my body, and…" Flashback Ishizu listened to the urgent request, "…the whole world could be in grave danger!"
Flashback Ishizu could tell that Flashback Light Marik was being serious in the matter.
"Very well," she said at last, "I will hide Odion."
Just before Flashback Ishizu could leave the room, Flashback Mavis (possessed) grabbed her (Flashback Ishizu) by the arm.
"Wait!" The voice of Flashback Mavis (possessed) requested.
Flashback Ishizu stopped and looked to face Flashback Mavis (possessed). Flashback Light Marik had a look of shame on his face.
"Big Sister, I… I want to apologize for everything I've done," Flashback Light Marik said at last.
Flashback Ishizu's eyes widened, but she didn't say anything.
"I've never intended for any of this to happen," continued Flashback Light Marik sadly, "Father's death, all the trouble I caused for Thomas Billinton and his friends, none of that was supposed to have ever happened," Clips of his younger self telling Flashback Odion how much he (Flashback Light Marik) hates having to serve a deceased Pharaoh (the first hint of the dark personality), being first taken over by Young Dark Marik, and the death of Flashback Mr. Ishtar was superimposed over him, "My hatred for the Pharaoh and his bloodline caused my dark side to spawn and make me do all of those unforgivable things. I… I'm so sorry, Big Sister!"
Flashback Ishizu remained silent for a while… but eventually had a small smile of sorts on her face.
"I forgive you, brother," she soothed kindly.
Flashback Light Marik used his arm to wipe away any tears that were dripping down his face and gave a nod.
"Thank you, Big Sister," Flashback Light Marik bowed slightly, before becoming serious, "Now, let's save Odion!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Marik showed genuine remorse for all that he had been made to do and wanted to make amends for it," Ishizu went on, "When he disposed of his pain and came to me…"
Liz listened on, and began to get a determined look on her face. Finally, once Ishizu had finished speaking, Liz herself started to speak up.
"Thank you for the talk, Ms. Ishizu," said Liz gratefully, "You're also right. I have to stop blaming myself for this and focus on what's really important," Focus went towards Lady, still asleep in the bed, "Would you mind looking after Lady while I go cheer Percy on?"
Ishizu nodded. Now free to go see the duel, Liz left the room to head over to the Duel Tower, hoping she wasn't too late to help Percy.
(elsewhere)
Back inside the Shadow Realm atop the Duel Tower, Dark Marik had just drawn his next card.
"Card drawn!" he declared, "Get ready for further torture, Percy!"
Turn Eleven: Dark Marik (LP: 2100)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (4): "Relieve Monster", "Nightmare Mirror", "The Winged Dragon of Ra", and "Malevolent Catastrophe"
The evil man saw his card was a Trap Card called 'Malevolent Catastrophe'. In addition, the 'Nightmare Wheel' spun 'Rocket Warrior' around a little bit. Percy, meanwhile, was clutching his chest in pain for some reason, and Dark Marik knew this.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that; it's the second effect of 'Nightmare Wheel'!" The voice of Dark Marik called out mockingly, "Once per turn, during my Standby Phase: I must inflict 500 damage to my opponent. That monster must be on the field to activate and to resolve this effect."
"Say…what?!" gasped Percy weakly, losing LP (LP: 3700 → 3200).
"Furthermore, 'Legendary Fiend' also gains 700 ATK during my Standby Phase!" grinned Dark Marik.
'Legendary Fiend' grew stronger (ATK: 1500 → 2200). Then came the Battle Phase…
"So now, 'Legendary Fiend', attack 'Little-Winguard'!" commanded Dark Marik.
'Legendary Fiend' obeyed, slashing poor 'Little-Winguard' in half before the weaker monster shattered into pieces of glass.
"Why you-!" growled Percy.
Because a monster was sent to the GY, the face-up 'Coffin Seller' Trap Card's effect activated and dealt 300 more damage to Percy while also making him cry out in pain (LP: 3200 → 2900).
"Heh heh heh… You've taken 300 damage due to 'Coffin Seller'," snickered Dark Marik, "I never knew taking LP away from you like this would be so much fun!" Finally, he slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!"
"You heartless cur…!" Percy muttered hatefully.
A face-down card materialized on the field beside the other Set card.
"I end my turn!" concluded Dark Marik.
"Is that yet another Trap Card? Or is it a bluff?" thought Percy, worried.
Over with Dark Marik, he knew exactly what he just set face-down. It was one of his favorite Trap Cards, after all.
"My Set card is the Trap Card, 'Malevolent Catastrophe'! When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must destroy all monsters with 2000 or less ATK on the field. Monsters destroyed are sent to your opponent's GY…" thought Dark Marik, looking at his (Dark Marik) field before noticing and loving the look of worry on Percy's face, "In addition, combined with 'Coffin Seller' dealing continuous damage, will inflict 1200 damage and leave him weak enough for 'Legendary Fiend' to finish him off once its ATK grows to 2900—not to mention the monster destructions will cause him extreme amounts of pain in the process!"
Below the duel platform…
"Poor Percy… He's getting pummeled," commented Skiff.
"I had a feeling that ordinary duelist wouldn't last long against Marik," thought Spencer, "It looks like I won't be able to see 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' again."
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" announced Percy, "I need that card now more than ever before," He started to draw a card, but then, all of a sudden, stopped midway before he could do so, "What if I draw another wrong card? I'll just get closer and closer to losing everything…"
"What's the matter?" joked Dark Marik, "Are you too afraid to draw? Well that's a good thing—for me, anyway. It means your failure will bring me closer to victory! The least you can do is let me enjoy your final moments of suffering, eh?!"
He then burst into more insidious laughter. Percy scowled a bit as he struggled to draw his card. Suddenly, down below with the rest of the gang, a familiar voice (female) echoed from the nearby door…
"Percy! Don't give up!" The voice of Liz yelled out
Percy had overheard the voice from nearby, once again growing hopeful over who it might be.
"Liz?" he whispered hopefully, "Is it-?"
Yes, it was… It was Liz Avonside who had arrived to cheer her beloved Little Brother on in his most dangerous Duel Monsters match yet.
"You came!" exclaimed Ryan, looking very happy to see his wife.
"Ms. Liz!" cheered Molly.
"It's about time you showed up," added James.
"What about Lady?" asked Carlie.
"Ishizu is looking after her for a little bit," explained Liz, before looking up at the platform towards her younger brother, "Percy, I'm sorry I didn't come to cheer you on at first!" Percy looked on in surprise, but didn't say anything in response, "I was too ashamed to come! I was afraid that I would cause something awful to happen to you and you'd end up like Lady," Below the platform, she looked determined, "But Ishizu convinced me to stop blaming myself for it and to come up here to encourage you!"
"Really?" repeated Toby.
"Really," confirmed Liz, before resuming her discussion with Percy—who was still on the platform, "I know you can win this game! Show Marik here that you have the strength and courage of a True Duelist!"
"Liz…" blinked Percy.
"Aww, isn't this sweet?" The voice of Dark Marik dismissed cruelly, getting Percy's attention. He was amused over the scene between younger brother and older sister, "Baby Percy here needs his older sister to stand up for him. Well, now that she's here, she can watch you die by my hands!"
"Get real, you scumbag!" snapped Percy, filled with new determination to keep on fighting, "I can't lose. I won't lose to someone like you! I can't afford to lose!" He drew his card, slashing a wave of color from his Deck in the process (Destiny Draw) and looking at what it was, "It's here!"
Turn Twelve: Percy Avonside (LP: 2900)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Graceful Dice", "Foolish Burial", and "Question"
He then let out a triumphant laugh, glad to have finally drawn the card he needed.
"Well, Marik-chan, it looks like my wasted turn is gonna grant me victory instead!" revealed Percy.
"What?!" growled Dark Marik.
"It's time for me to show you one of my trump cards!" Percy announced, slotting the drawn card ('Question') into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card!" A Spell Card called 'Question' materialized face-up on the field, "Question!"
"'Q-Question'?" mumbled Dark Marik, "What the devil does that card do?"
"That's easy," smirked Percy, "My opponent calls the name of the first monster found at the bottom of my GY."
"That's the effect?!" Dark Marik recoiled, "Guess the card?"
"If they call it right, I must banish the monster. If they call it wrong, I must Special Summon that monster!" finished Percy, before getting into a stance that exposed the GY Zone, "Alright, tell me the monster card at the bottom of my GY."
"The monster card… it has to be 'Alligator's Sword'," Dark Marik figured to himself, "It was the very first monster I destroyed in the duel."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
'Alligator's Sword' was destroyed by 'Drillago'. The 'Tribute Burial' Spell Card soon materialized face-up on the field.
"No, that's not it," narrated Dark Marik, "I banished that one when I played my own Spell Card, 'Tribute Burial'!"
The 'Alligator's Sword' Monster Card emerged from Percy's GY and faded away.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended as Dark Marik continued to try and remember the monster's name.
"From there, I kept destroying too many of his monsters to even keep track," thought Dark Marik, growing frustrated, "One of them has to be the first Monster Card I sent to his GY by the use of 'Helpoemer's' effect…wait, I just remembered something!"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
A ghostly hand rose from Flashback Percy's GY and took a random card from his hand down with it.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"NO!" exclaimed Dark Marik, whilst stumbling back some.
"You don't know, do you?" chuckled Percy, having a blast in making Dark Marik lose his (Dark Marik) cool, "Of course, you don't! It's because your 'Helpoemer' makes me discard at random! There's no way you'd ever figure it out!"
Dark Marik cursed in frustration, and Percy continued to egg on him (Dark Marik).
"I'll give you ten more seconds to guess the card," he teased, "Otherwise, I'll get to Special Summon it right away."
"Is it really that powerful a monster?" Dark Marik asked himself, "Or…is Percy just trying to trick me?"
Percy made countdown sounds until he (Percy) reached 0, with Dark Marik left in completely stunned silence. Once he did that, Percy made a buzzing sound.
"I'm sorry, but stunned silence isn't the answer we're looking for," laughed Percy cheekily.
A card ('Jinzo') emerged from the GY and Percy took hold of and held it up without showing what it was, while Dark Marik merely smirked in response.
"Heh! It matters not what monster you care to Summon…" thought Dark Marik, "My Set card, 'Malevolent Catastrophe', will wipe it out along with your other monsters!"
"And now, behold my monster!" announced Percy, holding up his card ('Jinzo') and placing it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Jinzo'!"
On cue, the android monster appeared on the field with its arms folded (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500).
"'J-Jinzo'?!" gasped Dark Marik in shock.
"The first effect of 'Jinzo', Marik-chan!" reminded Percy, "When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I must negate all Trap effects on the field, and if I do, destroy them! Am I right, 'Jinzo'?" Focus went towards 'Jinzo', "Trap Search!"
'Jinzo' fired a red laser beam from its eyes and swept Dark Marik's field, destroying all but one of Trap Cards (Set or activated), including the face-up 'Nightmare Wheel' Trap Card, the face-up 'Coffin Seller' Trap Card, and the Set 'Malevolent Catastrophe' Trap Card. With the 'Nightmare Wheel' Trap Card also destroyed, 'Rocket Warrior' was freed from the torture wheel.
"My Trap Cards!" exclaimed Dark Marik, "My unstoppable strategy has been defeated!"
Below the platform…
"Way to go, Percy!" whooped Henry.
"Way to turn things around with 'Jinzo'!" praised Gordon.
"Go, my brother!" added Liz, who was very, very happy.
"That was a smart play," acknowledged Thomas, "Using the special effect of 'Helpoemer' against Marik was a great idea!"
Back on the platform…
"How dare you, Percy!" thundered Dark Marik in anger.
"Ha! How'd you like that?" pressed Percy teasingly, holding his Duel Disk up slightly, "'Jinzo' was…" Focus went towards the 'Jinzo' Monster Card on the Duel Disk, "…the very first card I won in this tournament. Against a lad named Samson."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Percy had defeated Flashback Samson, and, after some encouragement from the young boys he vowed to protect plus having to return a Locator Card and the 'Tri-Horned Dragon' Monster Card to Flashback Dennis, the latter finally gave up a Locator Card and the 'Jinzo' Monster Card.
"My rarest card, 'Jinzo', and Locator Card," The voice of Flashback Samson stated, "They're yours now, Percy."
"I accept 'em," nodded Flashback Percy.
"I'm sorry for cheating during the duel," apologized Flashback Samson, "Maybe, if there is a next time between us, we can have a rematch in a fairer setting?"
"Samson," smiled Flashback Percy.
"I promise you there will be no cheating," promised Flashback Samson, "Instead, I'll have a stronger Deck."
"I'm looking forward to that time," accepted Flashback Percy, as he started to leave. He suddenly stopped, "But, you know, you're kinda like me."
"Eh?" wondered Flashback Samson.
"You have those kids by your side," The voice of Flashback Percy reminded, "I have my friends by my side," Nearby, Flashback Emily and Flashback Edward both listened to his words while smiling, "We are not alone, so we will be stronger."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Percy continued to smile with triumph
"That's right… Guys who aren't alone, become much stronger," thought Percy, "I'll defeat this final enemy and save Lady's life! Thomas, you'll see me soon in the finals!"
Below the platform, Thomas was in the middle of his (Thomas) own thoughts over how Percy was able to turn things around…
"As I expected from you, Percy…" thought Thomas, as he (Thomas) watched Percy on the platform, "Throughout Battle City, you've shown more and more promise as a duelist… Pride, spirit, and strength. You have all of those in your heart."
"And now, thanks to 'Jinzo', I've defeated your deadly Trap strategy, Marik-chan!" proclaimed Percy.
"Don't you 'dare' call me something like that!" Dark Marik seethed in hatred.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, my bad," sighed Percy uncaringly, placing two fingers onto two cards ('Baby Dragon' and 'Panther Warrior') on his Duel Disk, "Here, how about I do this instead? I switch 'Baby Dragon' and 'Panther Warrior' into Attack Position!"
On cue, 'Baby Dragon' and the weakened (but still offensive-focused) 'Panther Warrior' stood up all ready for battle along with 'Rocket Warrior'. The Battle Phase then began.
"'Jinzo, attack'!" commanded Percy, "Your target is 'Legendary Field'!" As he announced the attack name, 'Jinzo' held both hands out and charged up something, "Eat this! Cyber Energy Shock!"
'Jinzo' was more than happy to obey, firing a blast of cybernetic energy at 'Legendary Fiend', destroying it in an explosion. Dark Marik grunted a little bit in searing pain due to the fact he was injured by his own Shadow Game (LP: 2100 → 1900).
"Hurting me this badly…!" thought Dark Marik.
Below the platform…
"Yes! The monsters on Marik's field are gone!" encouraged Carlie.
"If he can direct attack the enemy player, Percy will win!" assured Ryan, "He can win…! You can win, Percy!"
"Percy!" called Emily pleasantly, "If you win this, you'll be able to enter the finals!"
Back on the platform…
"Alright, 'Baby Dragon' and 'Rocket Warrior'!" commanded Percy, "Finish Marik off!"
Below the platform…
"If Percy's attack gets in, he'll win!" urged Thomas.
"Go get him, Percy!" ordered James.
"You're the man!" praised Gordon.
Nearby with Spencer and his family…
"Big Brother, I bet you'd be really shocked if Percy won this!" commented Skiff.
"Don't underestimate the wielder of a 'God', Skiff," dismissed Spencer, while in his thoughts… "I can tell… The 'Gods' won't smile on someone like him…"
Back on the platform…
"This is the end!" shouted Percy, "Go forth!"
'Rocket Warrior' and 'Baby Dragon' both got closer and closer to attacking Dark Marik and finishing him off, but unfortunately…
"Your boasting has gone far enough!" declared Dark Marik.
Percy was confused by those words… Realizing it, Dark Marik decided to just show the green-haired boy exactly what he (Dark Marik) meant.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" proclaimed Dark Marik, just as his last Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Dark Wall of Wind'!"
A gust of wind surrounded Dark Marik as 'Baby Dragon's' fireball and 'Rocket Warrior's' impact attack both bounced off the shield, leaving him completely unharmed.
"What?!" cried Percy.
"Percy's attacks bounced off?!" came from Thomas.
"When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: Until the end of the Battle Phase, I take no battle damage!" explained Dark Marik, "And since it's now the end of your Battle Phase…!"
A ghostly hand rose from Percy's GY and took a card down with it. This time, the hand took the 'Foolish Burial' Spell Card. Dark Marik once again laughed at his opponent.
"You really thought you had this duel won?" rebutted Dark Marik wickedly, "That's too bad! Your Battle Phase has now come to an end!" He pointed forth and added in a sing-song tone… "Oh, 'Plasma Eel'…!"
'Plasma Eel' sent an electrical blast through 'Panther Warrior', weakening it by 500 more ATK (ATK: 500 → 0). Because of the Shadow Game, Percy felt the pain and yelled.
"Now your 'Panther Warrior' is as good as useless!" yelled Dark Marik.
"D-Damn it!" muttered Percy, falling to a knee. He was upset that 'Panther Warrior' now had 0 ATK, "I…almost won!"
"You went and got cocky!" berated Dark Marik, "And I'm not done with you yet… All that waits for you now is the darkness!"
Percy gritted his teeth and growled at his hated enemy. Dark Marik merely continued to smile wickedly as he resumed speaking…
"Now that I think about it; this Shadow Game seems to be much too soft for you—especially the Penalty Game you'll be receiving when I win the duel…" Dark Marik was saying, "Actually, I should just increase the danger, pain, and suffering you'll be receiving…by making it ten times worse!" He drew a card, "My turn, draw!"
"Ten times worse?" thought Percy, still with gritted teeth, "How will he do that?"
Turn Thirteen: Dark Marik (LP: 1900)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (4): "Relieve Monster", "Nightmare Mirror", "The Winged Dragon of Ra", and "Lava Golem"
Upon seeing the 'Lava Golem' Monster Card he (Dark Marik) drew, Dark Marik looked towards Percy and sneered.
"I've drawn the perfect Penalty Game for you, Percy," exclaimed Dark Marik, before showing Percy the drawn card ('Lava Golem'), "I Summon 'Demonic Lava God - Lava Golem'!"
Percy gasped upon sight. Below the platform, James was a bit confused about that monster.
"If it has 3000 ATK, doesn't that mean it's a Level 8 monster?" quizzed James, looking in Edward's direction.
"Yes," nodded Edward, "It's a Level 8 monster, but it can only be Special Summoned to the opponent's field by Tributing two of their own monsters."
"What?!"
On the platform, particularly Percy's field, both 'Baby Dragon' and 'Jinzo' faded away in blue streaks.
"Wait! What are you-?!" cried Percy in shock, but never finished.
Suddenly, Percy found himself trapped inside a cage as a gigantic demon made entirely of hot, molten lava appeared on his field (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"W-What is this?" flailed Percy, "And why did it get so hot all of a sudden?"
"Rejoice!" cackled Dark Marik, "You now control a monster with 3000 ATK!" He (Dark Marik) eyed Percy and 'Lava Golem', "With it, you can strike me down to save your beloved Polly Stone!"
As Dark Marik laughed maniacally, Percy didn't know what to make of this turn of events. Below the platform, however, Thomas did know what to make of it—somewhat, anyway. The rest of the group had similar feelings.
"Wh-What the hell is that thing?!" stammered Gordon.
"Percy's trapped inside a cage!" put in Mavis.
"What's going on?! Why would the enemy give him such a powerful monster?!" demanded Molly.
"Marik must have planned something," thought Thomas, "Otherwise he would not have given Percy such an unfair advantage."
"Brother!" cried Liz, "Please be careful of that thing!"
Over with Spencer, Skiff, and both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford)…
"Big Brother, what is that monster?" wondered Skiff, "I've seen lots of cards before in my travels with Sailor John, but never something like that."
"A very powerful and deadly card called 'Lava Golem'," replied Spencer, "I've seen it once before, a while back."
Back atop the platform…
"Provided, of course, that the player can handle this golem's red-hot body melting around him every turn, as a result of 'Lava Golem's' monster effect!" continued Dark Marik, "Once per turn, during your Standby Phase: Take 1000 damage! I guess you could say this monster is quite a handful!"
To partially prove his point, a small drip of magma slithered down off of Lava Golem's body, down the cage, and onto Percy's shoe-covered foot, making a sizzling sound.
"Yeouch!" yelped Percy, pulling his foot back, "That's hot!"
"In addition, now that 'Jinzo' is gone, I can once again play Trap Cards," remembered Dark Marik, slotting a card into his Duel Disk, "Like so…" On cue, a face-down card materialized on the field, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
"H-Hey! You practically told me it's a Trap Card!" accused Percy.
"Big deal!" scoffed Dark Marik, "You have a monster with 3000 ATK, and I'm completely wide open for an attack by you!" The caged Percy listened well, "It's a simple decision, is it not?"
"Damn…" uttered Percy.
As Dark Marik laughed wickedly in an attempt to provoke Percy into attacking, Percy was left in a struggle over what to do. Below the platform, everyone else was incredibly worried over what the green-haired boy might try and do.
"Percy, dear…" whispered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Think this over carefully!" called Matt, "Marik is clearly trying to provoke you into attacking him!"
"Don't lose your cool!" added Ben.
"Or it could cost you big time!" finished Zack.
"So Marik Tributed two of Percy-boy's monsters to Special Summon 'Lava Golem'…" thought Discord, "But why would Marik do something like that? Why be that generous? Unless he has a strategy to ensure that the attack fails…!"
Back on the platform…
"Again, what will you do, now?" asked Dark Marik tauntingly, "Attack me directly and save your girlfriend, or pass and risk something dangerous?"
As Dark Marik continued to laugh at Percy, he merely gazed at his enemy with intense hatred.
"You lousy-!" he snarled, "I can't think in all of this heat!"
"If you can't take the heat, then get out of the oven!" mocked Dark Marik.
"Shut it, now!" Percy bellowed.
"What's the matter? If you want me to shut up… just attack me with that 3000 ATK monster of yours! Either way, a much hotter Hell awaits you real soon!" boomed Dark Marik.
And Dark Marik proceeded to laugh even harder than before. Did Percy even have a chance to win this Shadow Game, now? And what was Dark Marik thinking by giving Percy access to 'Lava Golem'? We'll just have to wait and see in the next chapter, won't we?