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: Temple of Traps, Part 2
Opening up on top of the blimp, Percy was dueling Odion, and was in big trouble. Odion had Summoned three powerful Trap Monsters called 'Embodiments of Apophis' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800) x3, while he himself only had 'Alligator's Sword' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200) and 'Rocket Warrior' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300). The three copies of 'Embodiments of Apophis' hissed as they awaited orders to attack.
"Nuts…" thought Percy unhappily (LP: 1900).
"Hmm…" hissed Odion (LP: 4000).
Below off the platform, Thomas and the others were all deeply concerned about their friend (or brother in Liz's case).
"Marik's plan was to Summon those Trap Monsters," noted Thomas, "This isn't good. The effect of Percy's 'Fairy Box' ends this turn."
"If Marik attacks with all three of those creatures next turn, all of Percy's monsters will be destroyed!" added Emily.
"You could say Percy's gotten himself into a bind," said Henry.
"Hopefully he can turn this duel around," agreed Edward.
"Unfortunately, he not only has those three creepy snakes to worry about," reminded James, as he eyed Odion's field—particularly the large temple behind him (Odion), "There's also that Field Spell, 'Temple of the Kings'."
"You're right; there has to be more to it than meets the eye," The voice of James R. acknowledged.
"But will Percy be alright?" fretted Liz, as Ryan stood by her side, "I mean, those monsters Marik has can seriously hurt him."
"Well, if he Sets something before his turn ends, he might be able to survive," assured Lady.
Back on the dueling platform, Percy was looking at his hand.
"If I keep attacking, I'll just step further into Marik's trap," thought Percy, before talking aloud, "I…" He took a card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "…Set one card face-down."
A face-down card materialized on the field behind both monsters. Speaking of monsters, 'Alligator's Sword' went into a defensive stance (ATK: 1500 → DEF: 1200).
"I will also switch 'Alligator's Sword' into Defense Position before finishing my turn," concluded Percy.
"Is that meant to help you somehow avoid my attacks?" frowned Odion.
"Yeah! This will do the trick!" confirmed Percy, before looking at his Set card ('Scapegoat'), "My Set card is 'Scapegoat'; this Quick-Play Spell will Special Summon four 'Sheep Tokens'. Once Marik destroys 'Rocket Warrior' and 'Alligator's Sword', I'll activate this to prevent myself from taking a direct attack."
Unfortunately, Odion seemed aware of what Percy aimed to do, and silently vowed to not let the green-haired boy succeed.
"It's my turn," said Odion, "Get ready, Mr. Avonside."
Turn Twelve: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (5): "Magic Jammer", "De-Spell", "Prayer of the Temple", "Magic Cylinder", and "Seal of Serket"
He added his drawn card to his hand and took another card from his hand and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card," announced Odion, as a face-down card materialized on the field near his feet, "Now, prepare to feel the wrath of my Trap Monsters!"
Percy winced, but put on a brave demeanor to save some face.
"Go, my three 'Embodiments of Apophis'! Attack everything on Mr. Avonside's field!" commanded Odion, having entered the Battle Phase.
The three snake creatures hissed and obeyed the order. The first 'Embodiments of Apophis' destroyed the Defense Position 'Alligator's Sword' with a sword slash, while the second 'Embodiments of Apophis' destroyed the Attack Position 'Rocket Warrior', dealing minor damage to Percy (LP: 1900 → 1800). The final copy of 'Embodiment of Apophis' went straight for Percy directly.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" announced Percy, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "'Scapegoat'!"
His face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, creating four 'Sheep Tokens' in hopes of absorbing the final blow.
"I must Special Summon 4 'Sheep Tokens' in Defense Position," explained Percy, "They cannot be Tributed for a Tribute Summon."
"Nice idea, Percy!" called Carlie.
"Is it?" Odion spoke up.
Percy looked worried, "What do you mean by that?"
"Your play was good, I'll admit," Odion continued, taking a card from his hand, "Unfortunately, it was not good enough!"
He sent the card to the GY. On cue, Odion's face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Counter Trap, 'Magic Jammer'!" declared Odion, "When a Spell Card is activated: I must discard 1 card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!"
"But you can't play a Trap Card the turn it was Set!" protested Percy.
Odion laughed scornfully, "Already you forget…" he corrected mockingly, "Remember what I told you about 'Temple of the Kings'?"
"Oh yeah… Right," uttered Percy unhappily, now remembering everything, "The first effect lets you activate Trap Cards on the turn they're Set."
"Therefore 'Scapegoat' is negated and destroyed by 'Magic Jammer'!" shouted Odion.
On cue, the four 'Sheep Tokens' vanished in an instant, leaving Percy completely defenseless.
"It can't be! Percy's open for a direct attack!" Liz exclaimed in complete fear.
She was right about that; The last 'Embodiment of Apophis' raised its sword and slashed at Percy, causing him to scream in pain (LP: 1800 → 200). When it was over, he fell to one knee. Below the platform…
"Oh no, Percy!" called out Emily.
"Stay strong!" added Thomas.
"Mr. Avonside, you've lost all of your monsters, and now are down to 200 LP. One more attack, and it's over," Odion pointed out, "Your strategies are simply not good enough to beat me. You understand that, don't you?"
Percy said nothing, while, below the platform, Marik was very much enjoying the show.
"Percy only has 200 LP and no monsters," thought Marik, "Odion… At this point, he will put his hand on top of his Duel Disk and surrender."
On the platform, Odion closed his eyes with disappointment.
"This was too easy," he sighed.
Nearby, Spencer was, likewise, disappointed he wasn't going to witness the third 'Egyptian God' Card being played.
"This fool's lower than a lab rat!" grumbled Spencer, talking about Percy, "He's a lab fly!"
Percy, despite his brave facade, was beginning to lose hope—especially thanks to Odion's words.
"He's right…" Percy thought to himself, "I just can't win… He's way too strong! Marik's strong even without using dirty tricks! I have nothing else up my sleeves…!"
Below the platform…
"Don't give up!" called Ryan.
"My brother can still win, right?" Liz asked, looking upset.
"Of course!" replied James positively.
Lady, however, was not so sure about that… She really didn't want to hurt anyone with what she was about to say, but this was the reality they were facing.
"I don't think he can," admitted Lady, beginning eyes towards her. When no one said anything back, she resumed, "Dueling is a world of cruelty. Even if it's your sibling fighting, you can't turn your eyes away from this reality," She eyed both sides of the platform, "It's not looking too good, with Marik practically having this match won."
"What's that supposed to mean, Lady?" asked Mavis, sounding a bit unhappy.
"Guys, I clearly want Percy to win, but face reality—the odds are stacked against him," Lady pointed out, looking towards Liz's direction, "I'm sorry, Liz, but Marik has all of his LP intact," As he (Lady) said her words, Liz listened to them, "and Percy lost his monsters and is down to a measly 200 LP."
"Come on, Lady, try to be more supportive than that," scolded Henry, "Your Percy's girlfriend, aren't you?"
He seemed to know what he was talking about; given how Lady had sounded more supportive of Thomas's duel against Montague, it was clear that he believed Lady was being somewhat hypocritical at the moment.
"I know that," Lady Stone responded back, softening up, "There's still a chance Percy can turn this duel around… but he'll need big time support from all of us."
Back atop the platform…
"I'd suggest forfeiting to save yourself from humiliation!" The voice of Odion goaded.
"It's over…" thought Percy, raising his right hand, "I'm done…"
He was just about to bring his hand to his Duel Disk to declare a surrender—which he would have if not, below the platform, for…
"Don't you even 'think' about surrendering to that nut job!" called Lady, snapping out of her pessimistic state for the time being, "Do you hear me?"
Back on the platform…
"Huh? Lady?" peeped Percy, looking off the platform towards his girlfriend.
Below the platform…
"You can't give up, Percy," put in Mavis, "You may be losing at the moment, but you still have something Marik will never have. Friends who are always by your side."
"And a family who loves you!" added Ryan, "Never forget that!"
"But if you are still thinking of surrendering, I want to tell you something." stated Lady firmly, "A winning duelist has to take responsibility!"
On the platform…
"Responsibility?" repeated Percy.
Below the platform…
"You defeated Samson, Diesel, and Salty!" recalled Lady, "If it was them fighting here in your place, what do you think they would do?"
On the platform…
"Those who lost to me…" remembered Percy, envisioning the three defeated duelists above him, "Yes… I remember…"
Below the platform…
"What would they think if they saw you like this?" Lady pressed sternly, "You might not care about those who lost, but you're carrying on their dreams! That's the fate of someone who wants to win. It's what makes a real duelist who they are! If you don't mind shaming them, place your hand on the Deck!"
Back on the platform, Percy still had his right hand above the top of the Duel Disk, but he listened to every word from Lady. However, there was one more person who wanted to speak up and prevent Percy from giving up. And that someone was his own older sister…
"While this may be the first time I've witnessed you dueling, you've definitely shown more promise and potential than many of the bullies claim you have!" Liz was saying. She was trying her absolute hardest to not burst into tears, "And now you're facing perhaps one of the most dangerous bullies in existence."
On the platform…
"Liz…" mumbled Percy.
Below the platform…
"If you give up now, then everything you've faced until now will have been for nothing!" reminded Liz tearfully, "I don't want that to happen, and I know you don't either! No matter how difficult it seems, Percy, you 'have' to keep fighting until the last card is played!"
Back on the platform, Odion watched the group of friends and family members encourage Percy and felt surprisingly touched by it.
"I envy you, Mr. Avonside," The young Egyptian man thought to himself, "You're lucky to have such great friends."
Odion looked up towards the moon as a memory began to seep into his mind from a long time ago.
FLASHBACK
It was years ago in Egypt. There, in the middle of the night, was the sound of a wailing baby abandoned by his parents.
"Back then, I was…" narrated Odion.
Pretty soon, a new, kind young woman's voice could be heard from nearby.
"Who would be so heartless as to abandon such a wonderful little baby?" The voice of the young Egyptian woman echoed, as she walked into frame, "You poor thing! If we leave him all alone, this child will surely die!" She picked up the bundle to comfort the wailing baby, "There, there, young one. You will come home with me."
(elsewhere…)
The young Egyptian woman was soon walking down a flight of stone stairs into an underground cavern.
"When I met the Ishtar family, I was given the light to live," recalled Odion.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended and Odion closed his eyes from the memory.
"She was considered the light in my darkness," thought Odion, thinking about his adopted Mother, "I would have been a goner if it had not been for her."
Below the platform…
"I don't want to see you give up!" exclaimed Liz, "This is your chance to grow as an up-and-coming duelist!"
On the platform…
"Liz…" mumbled Percy.
"Mr. Avonside… Before the end for you comes, I want to ask you something," said Odion curiously, "Why did you enter the Battle City tournament? Who do you seek to fight?"
"I…" began Percy slowly, "There's someone I want to properly battle. I entered to fulfill a promise."
"A promise?" repeated Odion.
"Yeah," confirmed Percy, "I've met all kinds of people on my journey to this point… And I fought them! All to reach that someone's level."
Multiple flashbacks ensued.
MONTAGE
Several clips of Flashback Percy defeating Flashback Samson's 'Jinzo', taking down Flashback Diesel's 'Insect Queen' with the 'Eradicating Aerosol' Spell Card, and finishing off Salty's 'The Legendary Fisherman' were shown, one moment at a time. This gave Flashback Percy access to new, powerful cards.
END MONTAGE
The flashbacks ended.
"That's right," thought Percy, now remembering everything, "They created the path so I can battle him. That's my Battle City!" He stood back up and spoke aloud, "That's enough of an answer! But there's something I want to say!"
"Hm?" pondered Odion.
"I want you to take back what you said about it being over," demanded Percy, standing back up, "I haven't lost yet!"
Below the platform…
"Percy!" smiled Thomas.
"You tell him!" encouraged Ben.
Back on the platform…
"That's right! If I lose here, what am I gonna tell the guys I fought who paved the path for me?!" Percy went on, as images of Samson, Diesel, and Salty were shown in the background, "Every single one of them fought me until the very end without giving up!" As the background returned to normal, he then looked at his friends down below, "Thanks, Lady, Liz, and Thomas!"
"But there's nothing more you can do," corrected Odion, "Is having the courage to accept their loss not also a part of being a duelist?"
"This duel is just getting started!" rebutted Percy, "It's true that I may have a close to zero hope of winning. But I can't just give up that easily! That's not what a True Duelist is, the thing I'm aiming to become! I'll struggle down the path I've chosen with the cards I chose!" He drew a card, "Here goes! Let's settle this!"
Turn Thirteen: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (4): "Graverobber", "Swordsman of Landstar", "Foolish Burial", and "Insect Queen"
Upon seeing what his card was…
"Marik! My fight has just begun!" declared Percy.
"So you still have the guts to press forward?" sighed Odion, sounding discouraged.
"I Set two cards face-down!" began Percy, slotting two cards into his Duel Disk and causing two Set cards to materialize on the field near his feet. He then placed one more card ('Swordsman of Landstar') onto a Monster Zone (sideways), causing a small, cartoon-like swordsman warrior to appear on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200), "I also Summon 'Swordsman of Landstar' in Defense Position!" With his move complete, he entered the End Phase, "That's the end of my turn!"
Turn Fourteen: Odion Ishtar (LP: 4000)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (4): "Prayer of the Temple", "Magic Cylinder", "Seal of Serket", and "The Eye of Truth"
"A Spell and a Trap… He knows he is limited to using two such cards per turn," thought Odion, adding his drawn card into his hand, "But if I attack with my three 'Embodiments of Apophis', he won't survive. He has only 200 LP left," He (Odion) then looked towards Marik off the platform, who nodded, "My prey is barely breathing. I'll end him instantly!" The Battle Phase began, "My three 'Embodiments of Apophis', eliminate the enemy player!"
The three snake-like monsters hissed and went in for the kill… but Percy grinned in response.
"Whoa, whoa! Sorry, baldy, but I won't lose," Percy snickered, as though he was expecting the attack, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Foolish Burial'!" One of his face-down cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must send 1 card from my Deck to my opponent's GY!"
Odion was unfazed, "It seems to be a waste of a final move to me."
"I didn't say I was finished yet though," cut in Percy, after throwing a card taken from his Deck over to his opponent's field (mainly GY), "I still have one more face-down card to play." On cue, the final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself before creating the small graverobber, "Trap Card, 'Graverobber'!"
"Now you're going to rob my GY?" deadpanned Odion.
"That's right, hotshot," grinned Percy, "I must choose 1 card from my opponent's GY; depending on the type of card taken, the following effect can be applied."
These were the following effects written 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!"
"It must be a monster you're after," guessed Odion, still not worried, "A strong enough monster to prevent me from killing you instantly."
"It's not just any strong monster," Percy pointed out, "It's the ultimate Trap-destroying monster," The little graverobber took hold of the card while cackling, then held it ('Jinzo') out, "Appear now, 'Jinzo'!"
And, coming onto the field as the revealed 'Jinzo' Effect Monster Card cracked apart, came the familiar android monster that Percy won from Samson early on, with his arms folded (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500). For the first time in the duel, Odion cringed in genuine shock at what he was facing.
"What?! Not that monster!" freaked out Odion.
"Oh yeah!" rejoiced Percy, "And 'Jinzo' happens to be poison towards your Traps!" As he explained 'Jinzo's' first effect, the android monster eyed all three copies of 'Embodiments of Apophis', "When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I must negate all Trap effects on the field, and if I do, destroy them," From there, he (Percy) revealed a key detail about Odion's monsters, "'Embodiments of Apophis' might be a monster, but it still counts as a Trap Card, like you mentioned earlier."
"Oh no…!" winced Odion.
"This is the end of your three Trap Monsters!" declared Percy, before holding out his right hand, "Go, 'Jinzo'! Trap Crush!"
'Jinzo' charged up his eyes and fired off a long beam. The beam struck the three 'Embodiments of Apophis' and destroyed them all at once since they still counted as Trap Cards.
"I won this card from someone named Samson," explained Percy, as an image of Samson and 'Jinzo' loomed in the background, "And I plan to put his monster card to good use against you, Marik! This is a whole new duel!"
Odion scowled. Below the platform, the group was overjoyed by the counterattack by Percy.
"That's the way, Percy!" cheered Lady.
"You go, Percy!" called Liz happily.
"Not bad," grinned Michael, "He had a bad start, but then comes back with a rare and powerful card."
Back atop the platform, Odion's turn came to a close since the cards in his hand were not going to be of any help due to 'Jinzo' being on the field.
"Now what will you do?" taunted Percy, "Your Trap strategy will no longer work!"
"'Jinzo'… Mr. Avonside has a truly powerful card like that in his Deck," thought Odion, sweating, "It's complete poison towards my Deck."
Below the platform…
"Alright, man!" whooped James.
"Go, Percy!" encouraged Carlie.
"Yes! He turned the situation around!" acknowledged Matt.
Back on the platform…
"If I hadn't won this card from Samson, I would have lost the duel," thought Percy, looking at the occupied Monster Zone, "I've gotten stronger thanks to the duelists I fought who got me this far!"
Nearby with the amused Spencer…
"The rat finally strikes the cat," thought Spencer, "Fight on, lab rat! Show me the third 'God' Card!"
Back on the field…
"It's my turn!" announced Percy, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Fifteen: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (2): "Insect Queen" and "Battle Warrior"
A second after seeing what the card was…
"Alright, Marik, get ready for the pain!" With that said, Percy then placed his card ('Battle Warrior') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Battle Warrior' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a muscular blue warrior (Level: 3/ATK: 700/DEF: 1000). Suddenly, 'Swordsman of Landstar' (ATK: 500) stood up in a fighting stance.
"Not only that, I'll also switch 'Swordsman of Landstar' into Attack Position!" The voice of Percy proclaimed, as the above scenario partially played out.
Odion watched on in shock, for he was wide open for an attack by the three monsters.
"First up is 'Jinzo'!" shouted Percy, as 'Jinzo' charged energy in-between his hands, "Attack the enemy player directly!" As he (Percy) announced the attack name, the attack itself was fired off towards Odion, "Cyber Energy Shock!"
Odion yelled in pain when he got hit, and the attack really did a number to his default LP (LP: 4000 → 1600). Unfortunately for him, the attack by 'Jinzo' was immediately followed by the two weaker monsters in 'Swordsman of Landstar' and 'Battle Warrior' attacking next without Percy telling them to, knocking Odion back some more. All at once, that was a total of 3600 damage dealt to Odion (LP: 1600 → 400).
"He did it! Now Marik's LP were greatly reduced!" smiled Emily.
"He just needs one more attack to finish him!" reminded Lady.
"Good job! Keep it up!" called Ryan.
"Percy!" encouraged Ben.
"You're almost there, my Little Brother!" reassured Liz.
"Nicely done, Percy," thought Thomas, "You've definitely gotten better than ever before. Once you beat Marik, he'll be out of the finals."
Back on the platform…
"How's that? That's for attacking me earlier with your freaky snakes," proclaimed Percy.
"Ngh… That was a nice counterattack, Mr. Avonside," admitted Odion, weakly and truthfully, "Despite being almost out of LP, you've showed your pride as a duelist by standing up to me! I'm…touched."
Percy was surprised by the positive words from his enemy, but recovered quickly.
"I know you don't mean that!" accused Percy, "I won't forget how you brainwashed me and forced me to fight my best friend!" He pointed forth, "No matter what, I'm going defeat you in this duel!" He entered the End Phase, "My turn is finished!"
"It's my turn," said Odion calmly, drawing a card, "Draw card."
Below the platform, Marik, still with the Millennium Rod behind his back, was not pleased in the slightest.
"You'd better not give into pressure and lose to that pipsqueak, Odion!" warned Marik mentally, "Your unbeatable Deck has defeated countless opponents to get you to this point. I advise you to not let me down at the last second," While his (Marik) words continued to echo, Odion appeared to be listening to them, "If you fall here, my own plans for revenge on Thomas will be ruined."
"I will not fail you, Master Marik," thought Odion, as though he (Odion) could hear Marik speaking, "In fact, I'm already prepared to deal with 'Jinzo'."
Turn Sixteen: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (5): "Prayer of the Temple", "Magic Cylinder", "Seal of Serket", "The Eye of Truth", and "Swords of Revealing Light"
His drawn card was the 'Swords of Revealing Light' Spell Card.
"You think you have me beat, don't you, Mr. Avonside?" Odion suddenly remarked, directing his (Odion) whole attention to Percy once more, "You can attack me all you want, but you'll still never win the fight."
"I won't?" blinked Percy.
"My 'Temple of the Kings' is a card that holds many secrets that no one but me knows about," ranted Odion, "Until I choose to reveal its full power, this will hold you up," He slotted the drawn card into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Swords of Revealing Light'!"
To Percy's shock, many large, bright swords rained down upon his field, stopping his monsters from making any sort of movement.
"While this card is face-up on the field, my opponent's monsters cannot declare an attack!" The voice of Odion mocked, all while he remained calm-looking, "Of course, this card will be destroyed during your third End Phase, but I'll have the duel back in my control by then."
Percy scowled a bit. He was so close, so close. Below the platform…
"Damn! That Marik bastard just had to pull that card now of all times," complained James.
"It's not all bad news," Edward managed to say, bringing up a bright side, "'Jinzo' may not be able to attack, but his second effect still prevents Marik from activating Trap Cards."
"That's true," agreed Henry.
Back on the platform…
"My turn has ended," finished Odion.
"It's my turn!" cried Percy, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Seventeen: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (2): "Insect Queen" and "The Legendary Fisherman"
Swords of Revealing Light: 3 Turns
Barely a second after drawing the card…
"I can't attack, but I can keep Summoning monsters!" raged Percy, before placing the card ('The Legendary Fisherman') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Tribute my 'Battle Warrior'…" As he spoke on, 'Battle Warrior' faded away in a blue streak, "…in order to Tribute Summon 'The Legendary Fisherman' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field with a loud yell, was a mighty warrior riding a shark and wielding a harpoon (Level: 5/ATK: 1850/DEF: 1600).
"Salty, I'm using your card!" thought Percy, "Please lend me your strength!" He spoke aloud, "Next," From there, 'Jinzo' and 'Swordsman of Landstar' both went into a defensive stance, "I'll switch my remaining monsters into Defense Position! My turn is over!"
"It's my turn," acknowledged Odion, drawing a card, "Draw," But upon seeing his card, his tune changed entirely, "Wh-What is this?!"
Below the platform…
"Looks like you finally drew it," thought Marik, smiling with pride upon sensing that Odion drew 'that' card, "Our 'Special Card' that should be placed in the sacred altar!"
Turn Eighteen: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (5): "Prayer of the Temple", "Magic Cylinder", "Seal of Serket", "The Eye of Truth", and "The Winged Dragon of Ra"
The card Odion drew was the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card—but rather than be happy about it, he was actually quite horrified over seeing it.
"Why is this in my Deck?" thought Odion, "'Temple of the Kings' is the card I've used to pose as Master Marik… The actual card needed to be placed in that altar should not be in my Deck!"
"I placed that card in your Deck just before the duel began," revealed Marik mentally, using the Millennium Rod in secret to talk to Odion, "So you can play the role of Marik even more realistically…"
"Master Marik," Odion responded mentally, "This is YOUR card."
"Why look so surprised, Odion?" Marik smirked, still speaking mentally, "If you're pretending to be me, then you must have that one card in your Deck."
"But…I can't play it!" objected Odion mentally, "It's too dangerous for me—let alone anyone—to use."
"Hey!" interrupted Percy, causing Odion to look up, "What's the hold up? Are you gonna do anything?"
Odion soon shook off his shock and resumed focus on the duel.
"I…Set one card face-down," responded Odion fearfully, slotting a new card into his Duel Disk.
A face-down card materialized on the field near his feet. Below the platform, the rest of the gang looked rather confused at Odion's behavior at the moment.
"What's with Marik? He looks a bit freaked out," Emily remarked.
"I wonder why?" asked Michael.
Back on the platform…
"I doubt he'd play a Trap Card with 'Jinzo's' second effect still in play…" thought Percy, "So that means…it's a Spell Card!"
Below the platform, Marik started (mentally) communicating with Odion again through the Millennium Rod's power.
"Good! Now place that card in the sacred altar!" commanded Marik mentally, "As long as it is within the sacred altar of 'Temple of the Kings', it can't be touched by the enemy's attacks or their effects!"
"But, Master Marik, if the temple should fall while the chosen card is banished, the controller of the Field Spell will automatically lose the duel!" replied Odion mentally, revealing another important detail about his Field Spell, "If Mr. Avonside figures it out-"
"Fret not, Odion!" Marik assured mentally, "That card of yours is invincible!"
Over with the group…
"Since Marik drew that card from his Deck this turn, he's been acting strangely," thought Thomas, "What's going on?" He then eyed the large temple again, "That ark in the temple's altar… That temple is meant to protect something and keep out intruders! The ark must hold some kind of secret!" His eyes narrowed, "But Marik hasn't revealed what that secret is yet. Be careful, Percy!"
Back on the platform, Percy was growing impatient.
"Hey, is your turn over yet?" called Percy.
"No, my turn is now over yet," retorted Odion, taking a card from his hand, "As I said before, 'Temple of the Kings' holds many secrets. Soon, I'll be ready to unleash them against you, Mr. Avonside!"
"I'm not afraid," countered Percy bravely.
"Soon, you will be," retorted Odion, "I activate the second effect 'Temple of the Kings'!" He held his card ('The Winged Dragon of Ra') up without revealing what it was, "I can banish 1 monster from my hand or Deck!"
Up the temple stairs at the ark, a large card appeared and sank inside. Below the platform, Matt looked at Thomas.
"What do you suppose Marik is doing?" he asked.
"I think Marik just revealed a secret about that ark," answered Thomas, "But I don't know what card was sealed away,"
Back on the platform…
"My turn is over," concluded Odion, "So, it's your turn, Mr. Avonside."
"Gladly!" The voice of Percy accepted.
Below the platform…
"Very good," smirked Marik mentally.
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" yelled Percy, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nineteen: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (2): "Insect Queen" and "Monster Reborn"
Swords of Revealing Light: 2 Turns
The green-haired boy immediately held his drawn card up.
"First, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'!" began Percy, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "Resurrect, 'Alligator's Sword'!"
The sword-wielding alligator-like warrior returned to the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200).
"From there," As Percy spoke on, both 'Alligator's Sword' and 'Swordsman of Landstar' faded away in streaks of blue, "I'll Tribute both 'Alligator's Sword' and 'Swordsman of Landstar'!" He then placed one more card ('Insect Queen') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk, "I Tribute Summon 'Insect Queen' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the Queen of all Insect monsters, letting out a loud screeching roar to signal her arrival (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2400). Well, he did it; Percy had managed to Summon all three rare monsters he had won in the Battle City tournament.
"Hey, Diesel! I know you'll never see this, but I'm using the card I won from you!" The voice of Percy declared proudly, as focus went towards 'Insect Queen' and an image of Diesel before focus went towards all three rare monsters and images of all three opponents he (Percy) dueled and beat were shown above them, "Each one of these monsters represents the trials I went through to get where I currently am. I've faced tougher duelists every step of the way so I could become a True Duelist myself," As he (Percy) finished his declaration, Odion appeared to be worried, "Once I've done that, I can challenge my best friend to a real duel."
Everyone was amazed that Percy was able to successfully summon the three rare monsters he had won throughout the tournament—even Spencer was impressed.
"I'll admit that my tournament has done wonders for Percy's Deck," The silver-haired boy remarked snidely, "Still, those three cards are much too good for a lab rat to use."
"Would you look at that," smiled Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "Percy was able to bring out the three monsters he won before reaching the finals."
"Yes," agreed Mr. Gresley (Boxford), "He did."
"Hopefully they'll do him some good," added Skiff hopefully.
Over with the rest of the group…
"If only Percy wasn't barred from attacking, right now," Mavis was saying, "He could finish Marik off, here and now."
Atop the platform…
"I'm not worried," thought Percy, with a broad smile on his face, "There's no way Marik can hope to take my three monsters down," He pointed forth and spoke aloud, "My turn has ended, baldy! Just be forewarned that your 'Swords of Revealing Light' will disappear during my next turn! When they do go, you're really gonna get it!"
"No, you will not be touching me with any of those monsters," denied Odion, "So long as the card I placed in the ark remains within the 'Temple of the Kings's' altar, it shall not be harmed by the enemy's attacks or effects."
"Say what?" blinked Percy.
"It's my turn," said Odion calmly, drawing a card, "Card drawn."
Turn Twenty: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (4): "Prayer of the Temple", "Magic Cylinder", "The Eye of Truth", and "Monster Reincarnation"
Upon adding his card into his hand and seeing a certain card there, he gave his opponent a sinister look of disdain.
"No matter how powerful they are, your monsters can't stop me," spat Odion, "Why not? Because I'm going to Summon a beast even you cannot hope to stop! A monster that is waiting deep inside the altar."
"What?!" Percy yelped, taken aback, "Are you serious?"
"Is he serious?" stammered Emily in disbelief.
"Marik's field is completely empty—minus the face-down card and 'Temple of the Kings'," commented James R..
Thomas, however, had a bad feeling on the matter.
"Be careful, Percy," he thought to himself, "I can tell Marik isn't bluffing on his play… especially with 'Temple of the Kings' still on the field."
Back atop the platform…
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Prayer of the Temple'," stated Odion, as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If I control 'Temple of the Kings': I must…" As he explained away, he took two cards ('The Eye of Truth' and 'Magic Cylinder') from his hand—now containing only 'Monster Reincarnation'—and sent them to the GY one card at a time. That caused two cards to eject from the middle of the Deck, which were taken, "…discard 2 Traps; I must add 2 cards (1 Continuous Spell and 1 Effect Monster) from my Deck to my hand."
Below the platform, the spectators watched as Odion added both cards into his hand. On the platform, Odion looked at his hand and knew he was going to bring out his special monster.
"What are the cards he supposedly added to his hand?" thought Percy.
"You see, I was simply using 'Swords of Revealing Light' to buy time while I prepared for a ritual," admitted Odion, before his eyes narrowed and he took and readied the two cards, "But the time has now come! The three cards I've gathered on the field hold the power to Summon the great guardian of the temple, protecting the sacred sealed card!"
"Guardian of the temple?" worried Percy.
"Behold!" roared Odion, slotting his first card into his Duel Disk, "Continuous Spell, 'Cup of Sealed Soul'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "Next, I'll activate a face-down card, 'Seal of Serket'!" The Set card next to the activated card ('Cup of Sealed Soul') flipped face-up and revealed itself, before focus went towards the large temple behind him, "These, along with 'Temple of the Kings' are the key! When I gather these three Spell Cards together, I can send 'Cup of Sealed Soul' and 'Seal of Serket' both to the GY and Special Summon the sacred beast who protects the secrets of the altar!"
"The sacred beast?" Percy repeated briefly.
"That's right! The guardian of the temple!" confirmed Odion, "The Scorpion God that shall devour your monsters!" He placed his final added card ('Mystical Beast of Serket') onto his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Mystical Beast of Serket'!"
In response to the command, purple fog came from the first two face-up Spell Cards ('Cup of Sealed Soul' and 'Seal of Serket') before they shattered into shards of glass, soon to be absorbed into the temple itself. From there, a pair of glowing eyes were shown in the fog. Below the platform…
"What the hell is that thing?!" exclaimed Zack.
"It's the guardian of the temple, the protector of 'God'," answered Discord gravely.
The rest of the group watched in horror. Back on the platform, the fog soon died down and revealed a giant, frightening scorpion emerging from the entrance of the temple and slowly climbing down the steps.
"That thing's huge!" The voice of Percy cried out, looking terrified himself.
Below the platform…
"That's the guardian of the temple?" gawked Matt, "A gigantic scorpion?!"
"It…sure looks like it," confirmed Michael, shocked.
"I hope it's not poisonous," whimpered Molly, hugging James in fear.
Back on the field, 'Mystical Beast of Serket' leered down at the three monsters and let loose a roar (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"If you think my new monster is terrifying now, I'll let you in on a secret," said Odion coldly, "'Mystical Beast of Serket' exists to guard the sacred card sealed in the ark!"
"Sacred card?" uttered Percy, before realizing the truth, "So then, the card you sealed in that ark is…!"
"Yes! It's the third 'Egyptian God' Card!" confessed Odion, as, above the ark, an image of the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card was shown, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"
Percy, Thomas, and even Spencer each recoiled in complete horror to what they heard. In a frozen still, Odion was prepared to attack Percy with 'Mystical Beast of Serket', and there wasn't a single thing Percy could do about it.
"With that giant scorpion outside! And that 'Egyptian God' monster of his inside…" panicked Percy, in frightened realization, "There's really no way I can win!"
Was that true? Was Percy really about to lose to Odion? Stay tuned for more.
And here's the second part; Percy's really gotten himself in a ripe pickle, right?