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 3
Opening up on the blimp, the duel between Percy and Odion was still on. Percy currently had three strong monsters on his field—but Odion had the far stronger monster, however:
-Percy (LP: 200): Controlled 'Jinzo' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500), 'Insect Queen' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2400), and 'The Legendary Fisherman' (Level: 5/ATK: 1850/DEF: 1600).
-Odion: (LP: 400): Controlled 'Mystical Beast of Serket' (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000) and the 'Temple of the Kings' Spell Card.
"'Mystical Beast of Serket' is only a demigod who protects the true 'God' within the shrine!" declared Odion.
"Is this for real? I only have 200 LP left… That monster is too strong for any of my monsters to take on," thought Percy, before talking aloud while masking his fright, "Y-Your over-sized scorpion doesn't frighten me! I'll find a way to crush it!"
Nearby with Spencer, Skiff, and their parents, they listened to what Odion was telling Percy.
"We shall soon see," The voice of Odion sneered, "And even if you do, you still can't attack thanks to 'Swords of Revealing Light'!"
Below the platform, everyone was shocked to the core from seeing Odions' new monster.
"'Mystical Beast of Serket'?" came from Mavis, "That's a monster I've never heard of before."
"It's essentially a scorpion," Ben pointed out, "A big, ugly scorpion."
"And a rare Monster Card," Edward stated, "Rare and powerful."
"Do you know anything about it, Edward?" asked James.
"I've only heard about it one time. But it's said to be an unstoppable creature that grows stronger with each monster it destroys."
"S-Stronger?!" The red-haired boy stammered.
"He tried so hard to push Marik into the corner," bemoaned Molly.
"Percy…" uttered Emily.
"Thomas, is there anything my brother can do to win this?" Liz pressed, looking at Thomas.
"The monsters Percy has on the field don't stand a chance against 'Serket'," answered Thomas grimly, while his (Thomas) focus was locked onto Odion on the platform, "If he doesn't think of something fast… Marik will destroy every single one of Percy's wall monsters!"
Back below the platform…
"Thomas, what about the ark?" came from Lady, "You know that card Marik placed inside?" Focus went towards the ark, "'The Winged Dragon of Ra'?"
"The third 'Egyptian God' Card," The voice of Thomas added, before entering his thoughts, "So, that man has to be Marik. But why don't I consider him the real Marik…?"
Back on the platform, Odion was (secretly) addressing Marik again.
"Master Marik, why did you place the 'God' Card in my Deck?" Odion questioned mentally.
Below the platform…
"Odion, you must play my role more realistically," replied Marik mentally.
"But…"
"That is a 'Ra' copy card!" The Rare Hunter leader revealed mentally.
"A duplicate card?" repeated Odion mentally.
"Right!" smiled Marik mentally, as he envisioned many copies of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card being created, "With the Rare Hunters' 'rare card duplication technology', even the 'God' Cards can be mass-produced!" He kept thinking about the endless possibilities, "But of course, my card is the original card."
"In that case, this card…" mused Odion mentally.
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Somewhere in Egypt, Rare Hunters were testing their copies of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card in practice duels.
"Indeed, even the copy card is the type of card that chooses its owner," narrated Marik, as one of his hooded Rare Hunters removed three Monster Cards from his Monster Zones and nervously took a card ('The Winged Dragon of Ra') from the hand and held it up, "In the past, a number of Rare Hunters experimented by playing with Decks containing a copy of the 'God' Card," His flashback self watched anxiously, just as bolts of lightning struck the guilty party and stone pillars collapsed onto the others, "And as a result, some were killed the moment they played them. Some even went crazy and lost their minds!"
Flashback Marik scowled, knowing that this wasn't going to be an easy code to crack; who was capable of controlling a copy of the 'Egyptian God' Cards? More and more Rare Hunters were either struck down or went insane.
"Perhaps this is what they call 'God's Curse'?" continued Marik, as, within a background of fire, he thought of the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Effect Monster Card, "After more experiments, one fact became clear… Copy 'God' Cards react to the hearts of their wielder," He (Marik) then thought of Flashback Odion, "But a descendant of the Tomb Keepers that have thrived for 3000 years might succeed! Odion, you have lived among the Tomb Keepers. If your heart has grown strong enough as a result, you should be able to control the 'God' monster!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I appreciate your confidence in my ability to wield 'God'," said Odion mentally, "But I'm certain I can win the duel without resorting to call upon it," His eyes became fierce as he resumed the duel, "'Mystical Beast of Serket's' first effect! It cannot attack the turn it is Special Summoned. But my monster is much stronger than any of your monsters. And thanks to Swords of Revealing Light, you're still unable to attack!"
"Things can change," The voice of Percy retorted, placing two fingers from his right hand on top of his Deck getting himself ready, "I just have to get my hands on the right card," He drew a card, "I'm counting on this draw, Marik!"
Turn Twenty-One: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (2): "Salamandra"
Swords of Revealing Light: 1 Turn
To his dismay, he drew a Spell Card called 'Salamandra'.
"No good," thought Percy, "I don't have a high Level monster to stop his attacks. I don't even have a Spell Card to turn this around!" He spoke aloud, "All I can do is keep my three monsters in Defense Position and finish my turn here."
Seeing as it was the third end phase after Odion played the 'Swords of Revealing Light' Spell Card, the bright swords disappeared. Below the platform…
"So far, that's all he can do," Gordon muttered to only himself.
"He likely got a bad draw," figured Carlie.
"Percy…" whispered Liz.
"Don't give up," Ryan added in.
"Things aren't looking too good," frowned Lady, "Unless Percy can pull off another miracle before too long, that beast will destroy all of his monsters."
"No…" worried Liz, feeling awful for her younger brother.
"What's the matter with you, Lady?" asked Emily harshly.
"How can you be so negative when Percy needs your support most of all?" scolded Edward, "You should be ashamed of yourself."
"Look, as I said before, I really want Percy to win this duel," Lady insisted, trying to get her friends to face reality, "But look at what he's facing, right now!"
"That doesn't mean you have to give up hope on him," stated Molly heatedly, "I didn't give up hope on James during his duel with Ryan when things looked grim, so why should you give up hope on Percy?"
Lady remained silent and looked back up at the platform where her boyfriend was. Thomas stared at the beautiful blonde-haired girl with concern.
"Lady…" Thomas thought to himself, and looked back at the platform where Odion was, "As much as I want to disagree with you, you're right about Percy being in danger."
"Then it's my turn," began Odion, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twenty-Two: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (2): "Monster Reincarnation" and "Cursebreaker"
In an instant, the Battle Phase began.
"Prepare yourself, Mr. Avonside!" Odion called out, adding his drawn card to his hand, "Observe, as my 'Mystical Beast of Serket' attacks 'Jinzo'!"
'Mystical Beast of Serket' obeyed and lunged forth, using its pincers to grab the android-like monster and…eat it whole. Below the platform, everyone on the platform (except for Thomas, Discord, Matt, Michael, and Spencer) winced at how sick that was.
"That is so gross!" freaked out Mavis, trying not to barf.
Back on the platform, it only got worse; 'Mystical Beast of Serket' suddenly grew taller and more humanoid.
"I know this looks creepy, but this is the second effect of 'Serket'," explained Odion, "If this card destroys a monster by battle: It gains 500 ATK!" 'Mystical Beast of Serket' grew stronger (ATK: 2500 → 3000), before he added in something else, "And if you're thinking about it, you can forget about trying to revive 'Jinzo'."
"W-Why's that?" fretted Percy.
"My monster has a third effect… I must banish any monster destroyed by battle with this card," answered Odion.
"What?!"
Below the platform…
"A monster with the ability to add its enemy's power to its own?" realized Emily, "In that case…"
"It's going to get stronger and stronger if Percy doesn't do something to bring it down!" confirmed Lady.
"There has to be something he can do," protested James R..
"If you have an answer you'd like to share with us, we're all ears," offered Carlie.
James R. shook his head, "I'm thinking of one."
"Sadly, you likely won't figure a suggestion out in time," sighed Zack, as he adjusted the glasses on his face, "'Mystical Beast of Serket' currently has 3000 ATK—far greater than the ATK of 'Insect Queen' and 'The Legendary Fisherman'."
Back atop the platform…
"I can't let Marik win," thought Percy, "But that over-sized scorpion gets stronger whenever it eats one of my monsters," He drew a card, "But maybe this draw will help me."
Turn Twenty-Three: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (2): "Salamandra" and "Polymerization"
Percy flinched when he saw what card he drew; another card that was of no help.
"No good," groaned Percy, "I can't do anything this turn either," He entered the End Phase, "I pass this turn."
Below the platform…
"Just hang in there, Percy!" called James.
Like it would be that easy… Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" yelled Odion, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twenty-Four: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (3): "Monster Reincarnation", "Cursebreaker", and "Judgment of Anubis"
And the Battle Phase commenced…
"'Serket', attack 'Insect Queen'!" called Odion, upon adding the card into his hand. He pointed forth at 'Insect Queen', "With 3000 ATK, a wall monster with 2400 DEF can't survive destruction!"
'Mystical Beast of Serket' grabbed 'Insect Queen' with its pincers and devoured the giant Insect monster in an instant. Below the platform…
"Oh dear…" grimaced Molly, looking pale.
"Excuse (urp) me!" gagged Gordon, running over to the railing to hurl his guts.
On the platform…
"'Insect Queen' has been destroyed!" The voice of Odion proclaimed triumphantly, just as 'Mystical Beast of Serket' suddenly sprouted wings on its back while growing even stronger (ATK: 3000 → 3500), "My monster gains 500 more ATK!"
"Now Diesel's card is gone," thought Percy, who, despite disliking Diesel, felt bad, "Still, I made use of it the best I could."
Below the platform…
"Not good," Ryan muttered.
"He's only got one monster left," said Lady worriedly.
"My poor brother! I just can't…" Liz choked up, looking like she was about to cry.
On the platform, Percy noticed that his elder sister was about to run off in tears and immediately called out to her.
"Liz!" exclaimed Percy, "You can't leave!"
Below the platform, Liz stopped and looked up to her beloved younger brother silently.
"I might lose this, but…I want you to watch until the end!" stated Percy, "And, hey… When things looked grim for Ryan in his duel against James, did you give up and run away? No! You still believed in him. Please don't stop believing in me."
Below the platform, Liz still didn't say a word… and, back on the platform, this allowed Percy to continue speaking.
"Family's support each other no matter what happens," continued Percy, "Remember? You taught me that when I was little."
Below the platform, Liz did remember that detail. Finally understanding everything, the blonde-haired young woman nodded.
"Okay, Percy. I'll stay," Liz said at last.
On the platform, Odion watched the scene, and, again, felt touched by it.
"Light in the deep darkness…" Odion thought to himself, "He's lucky to have a family that truly loves him."
Another flashback to his past ensured.
FLASHBACK
It was many years ago in Egypt… There, in the middle of the night, was the sound of a wailing baby abandoned by his parents.
"That 'light' is the story of my life," narrated Odion, "When I met the Ishtar couple, I was given light…"
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."
(inside…)
The young Egyptian woman was soon walking down a flight of stone stairs into an underground cavern.
"It was a deep, dark world with no contact to the outside world…" remembered Odion.
(elsewhere…)
The same young Egyptian woman (Flashback Mrs. Ishtar) who took in the abandoned baby with her had returned to her home—which was in an underground area.
"It's okay, young one," Flashback Mrs. Ishtar reassured the crying child, "You're home, now."
The now calm Baby Odion smiled and cooed happily to have a new home.
"Where have you been?!" called a new voice (male).
Flashback Mrs. Ishtar turned and saw her husband approaching. He (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) was a middle-aged man with silvery hair and beard… and his face had no trace of kindness or even a smile of any sort.
"I found this young child abandoned outside," answered Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, "I didn't want to just leave the poor boy…"
"He belongs to a rivaling tribe," objected Flashback Mr. Ishtar, "He cannot stay here."
Flashback Mrs. Ishtar protested, "But-!"
"That is the law of the Ishtar family tribe!" Flashback Mr. Ishtar snapped, interrupting his wife, "We need a true heir if the family name is to live on."
He walked into a nearby room. On a table were two familiar Millennium Items; the Millennium Rod and the Millennium Necklace.
"For generations, our clan has guarded the Pharaoh's Tomb in hopes for the arrival of the chosen one," The voice of Flashback Mr. Ishtar explained, as the above scenario mostly played out. He then firmly faced Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, "But unless you and I have children, our destiny will be in jeopardy, and the Ishtar clan will have failed."
But Flashback Mrs. Ishtar kept the pleading look on her face, not about to abandon Baby Odion. Realizing that his wife was not going to back down, he turned away and sighed heavily as he would share the only instance of kindness towards Odion.
"But…" continued Flashback Mr. Ishtar, "…if you wish to raise the boy… I will allow it just this once."
(years later…)
For the next several years, the boy (whom Flashback Mrs. Ishtar named Odion) continued to grow and become aware that he was adopted. While Flashback Mrs. Ishtar loved Young Odion very much like a real son, Flashback Mr. Ishtar was much more distant towards the boy… mainly because he never saw Young Odion as a son at all, but as a mere servant.
"And one night I accidentally overheard the secret of the Ishtar family…" continued Odion, as his younger self slept in bed, "The fate of the Tomb Keepers."
When the 5-year old Young Odion slept, he suddenly awoke and overheard his adopted parents talking in the next room.
(elsewhere…)
"The Millennium Rod and the Millennium Necklace…" Flashback Mr. Ishtar was saying, "Both the Millennium Items and the Pharaoh's memories that sleep in darkness," Focus then went towards the two Millennium Items on the stone table before Flashback Mrs. Ishtar looked thoughtful about it, "Protecting them is the duty of us Tomb Keepers. I must not fail to pass down this 3000 year history to the next generation."
"Dear, if we are not blessed with a boy…" suggested Flashback Mrs. Ishtar.
(elsewhere…)
Inside his bedroom, Young Odion continued to listen to what was being said about him.
"When Rishid turns 10…" The voice of Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, "let's accept him as our son."
Young Odion gasped.
(elsewhere…)
In the other room, Flashback Mr. Ishtar did not look convinced of the matter.
"But that child is not a true member of our clan," reminded Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
"But perhaps God meant for him to be!" insisted Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, "Perhaps the Rite of the Tomb Keepers could be performed on Odion!" As she continued to plead to her husband, "Flashback Mr. Ishtar kept on frowning over the idea, "Please! I love Odion as though he were my actual son! I beg of you, dear!"
(elsewhere…)
In his room, Young Odion smiled, happy that Flashback Mrs. Ishtar truly cared for him and that he could possibly be accepted as a member of the Ishtar family.
(new scene…)
One day, when Odion was 6-years old, Flashback Mrs. Ishtar had given birth to a girl.
"She's beautiful," The voice of Flashback Mrs. Ishtar beamed, happily holding the girl in her arms, "We shall call her Ishizu."
"Yes, after the Egyptian Goddess, Isis," agreed Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
But deep down inside, Flashback Mr. Ishtar was very disappointed, as he had hoped for a boy. That way, they would have a proper heir.
(a year later…)
Some time later, as a sandstorm raged outside, Flashback Mrs. Ishtar was talking to Young Odion.
"But, Mother, why won't Father accept me as his son?" Young Odion was asking, "Doesn't he love me?"
"I'm sure he does, Odion," Flashback Mrs. Ishtar insisted, but knew full well that it was a lie, "However, there is something important we need to talk about."
"What is it?"
"When you turn 10, you'll be undergoing a special ritual," The Egyptian woman stated, "It's called the Rite of the Tomb Keepers," When Young Odion heard that, he smiled big, "You will carry a special responsibility of protecting the Ishtar legacy until the descendant of the Pharaoh comes to pass no matter how long it takes."
"Is this why Father has been so…stressed?" pressed Young Odion.
"I wouldn't say that. He's just very devoted to his family's tradition," replied Flashback Mrs. Ishtar.
Young Odion looked down sadly, "But hearing this really makes me want to inherit the rights to guard the Pharaoh's tomb and prove my loyalty to him."
"Well, you may get your wish, dear," said Flashback Mrs. Ishtar unhappily, "If by your 10th birthday we don't get a proper heir, then my husband will have no other choice but to choose you as the bearer of the carvings," She smiled, "But I'm sure he'll accept you as our son if you do undergo the initiation."
"I'll do it. Anything to show Father my loyalty to him and the Ishtar family name," proclaimed Young Odion, bursting into happy tears, "I will finally be accepted."
(years later…)
Four years later, however, Flashback Mr. Ishtar's wish for a true heir had been granted; for Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, despite her advancing age, gave birth to a baby boy, much to her husband's delight and sense of triumph.
"At last!" Flashback Mr. Ishtar cried, taking hold of the baby boy, "A true heir! We will call him Marik!"
Unfortunately, Flashback Mrs. Ishtar was left bedridden—and dying. Not that Flashback Mr. Ishtar paid any attention to that. However, Young Odion sure did. The 4-year old Young Ishizu didn't know any better at the time.
"Mother…" uttered Young Ishizu.
"Mother, are you alright?" questioned Young Odion.
"I'm…just tired. Don't worry about me," coughed Flashback Mrs. Ishtar, as she gave her last words, "Please look out for Marik and Ishizu like they were…your own siblings…"
Flashback Mrs. Ishtar's eyes finally closed, and she never moved again (she passed away). Starting to cry, Young Odion gripped his adopted Mother's hands. Flashback Mr. Ishtar, meanwhile, with Baby Marik in his hands, approached the moonlight in one of the chambers.
"Marik!" announced Flashback Mr. Ishtar, "One day, you shall become a Tomb Keeper and keep the Ishtar legacy alive and prosperous!"
With that said, he held up the baby under the moonlight for the others to see. Baby Marik merely cooed happily and naively, unaware that his life would soon change forever, and for either the best or the worst.
(years later…)
Many years had passed, and Flashback Odion (19), Flashback Ishizu (15), and Young Marik (9) each began to grow up. Flashback Odion, now a young adult, remained very close with both siblings, especially Young Marik, even though Flashback Odion secretly harbored a hidden resentment towards the younger boy for becoming the heir of the Ishtar family legacy and preventing Flashback Odion from trying to prove himself to his adopted Father. One day, the two brothers were playing in one of the corridors when Young Marik ran off to the right.
"Wow! You're amazing, Odion!" The young boy called out, "I'll go get the ball and then it'll be my turn!"
Flashback Odion smiled a little bit, but it didn't last for very long. Suddenly, Young Marik cried out in pain from something.
"Master Marik?!" gasped Flashback Odion, as he ran in the direction his younger brother went down.
When Flashback Odion found Young Marik, he (Flashback Odion) gasped in horror. A cobra was hissing threateningly as Young Marik laid on his hands and knees while holding onto his bleeding arm in pain. It was clear to him that the snake had bitten the young boy when he startled it by accident.
"It bit me," whimpered Young Marik.
Flashback Odion quickly killed the cobra by impaling it with a dagger, but the damage had been done.
(elsewhere…)
When Flashback Mr. Ishtar found out what had happened, he (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) became very angry with Flashback Odion for letting Young Marik get bitten—even if it was by accident. Sure enough, there were the sounds of punching in the hallways.
"How could this happen when you were right by his side?!" The voice of Flashback Mr. Ishtar raged.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Flashback Mr. Ishtar's room, the man was ruthlessly beating up Flashback Odion over what happened.
"If anything happens to Marik, I'll rip out your heart and tear it to pieces!" snarled Flashback Mr. Ishtar, "Do you hear me?!"
"I'm so sorry!" begged Flashback Odion.
Nearby, Young Marik laid in bed, sweating. Because of the cobra bite, he had fallen ill with a terrible fever.
"In order for our family to live on in the next generation, it's not you we need!" The voice of Flashback Mr. Ishtar was saying, "It's Marik!" He (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) then let Flashback Odion go and turned to leave, but not before issuing a firm warning, "Don't you dare leave this room until Marik regains his consciousness!"
Wiping his bleeding lower lip, Flashback Odion watched as his adopted Father left the room. Flashback Odion did not say a word throughout; he was feeling angry… Angry with not only Flashback Mr. Ishtar and Young Marik—but with himself, too, for failing such a simple task.
"I had the chance to prove myself to him," Flashback Odion thought to himself, "And this had to happen."
He (Flashback Odion) slowly approached Young Marik's bed while carrying the dagger he (Flashback Odion) had used to kill the cobra. What was Flashback Odion planning to do to his younger brother, only he knew.
"If I have to die for doing this deed, so be it," Flashback Odion said only to himself, with hate filling his usually calm eyes. He (Flashback Odion) raised the dagger in an attempt to murder Young Marik, "I don't care any longer!"
Suddenly, the now teenaged Ishizu entered the room to check on her two brothers, having heard what happened… Luckily, Flashback Ishizu didn't blame Flashback Odion for Young Marik getting hurt and becoming ill. Upon entering the room, however, she froze upon seeing what Flashback Odion was about to do.
"Odion!" Flashback Ishizu cried out, running inside the room and grabbing her adopted older brother's wrist to stop him from committing murdering, "What do you think you're doing?! Stop it!"
"If it hadn't been for Marik being born," spat Flashback Odion bitterly, "I would have been given the Rite of the Tomb Keepers," He (Flashback Odion) eyed the ill Young Marik, "I would've finally proven that I could truly be part of the family! Now that will never happen!"
Suddenly, Young Marik opened his eyes and looked over to his two arguing siblings—but mainly Flashback Odion.
"Brother…" he whispered weakly, "I'm so sorry…"
Flashback Odion and Flashback Ishizu both froze when they heard the voice, but the former was the most shocked.
"Master Marik…" whispered Flashback Odion, slowly losing his anger and resentment, "Did you…call me brother?"
"I'm sorry I'd gotten you into trouble with Father," said Young Marik sickly, "I shouldn't have been so careless," He then held his hand out and smiled kindly, "I have always thought of you as my Big Brother."
Flashback Odion, realizing what he was about to do, dropped the dagger onto the ground, sank to his knees beside the bed, and began to cry.
"No, this was my fault, Master Marik…" The voice of Flashback Odion rebutted, taking Young Marik's hands as tears fell and touched them, "I will never fail you like that ever again."
"Odion…" whispered Flashback Ishizu, feeling sorry for Flashback Odion.
"Master Marik…" sobbed Flashback Odion, "Master Marik!"
(new scene…)
Over the course of the current year, Flashback Odion did everything he (Flashback Odion) could to protect Young Marik and ensure that he did not cause him any more illnesses. One day, Flashback Odion had been asked to bring Young Marik some soup for dinner. In his room, Young Marik was busy doing some reading.
"I brought you some dinner, Master Marik," Flashback Odion said kindly, carrying a tray with a bowl of hot soup on top.
"I'm not hungry," replied Young Marik abruptly.
"But the future Tomb Keeper must keep his strength up," Flashback Odion reminded quickly, "Please, you need to eat something soon, Master Marik…"
He walked closer with the tray, but then…
"I SAID I'M NOT HUNGRY!" shouted Young Marik.
Waving his right arm, he (Young Marik) smacked the tray out of Flashback Odion's hands and knocked the soup onto the ground. Rather than become very cross over what happened, Flashback Odion felt sorry for his adopted brother.
"What's the matter, Master Marik?" he asked softly.
"I'm sorry for lashing out at you," apologized Young Marik, and decided to explain what was going on, "Odion, have you ever seen my Father's back?"
"No, I haven't," denied Flashback Odion.
Young Marik then envisioned Flashback Mr. Ishtar shirtless and showing ancient carvings on his (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) back.
"He's got the markings of the Rite of the Tomb Keepers," The voice of Young Marik revealed, "The successor of the Tomb Keepers had the secrets of the Pharaoh's memories carved onto his back… And he must protect these secrets with his life!"
"I had no idea…" admitted Flashback Odion, as he started cleaning up the mess.
"I'm just upset by it, because I'll be undertaking the Rite of the Tomb Keepers on my Birthday next week," sighed Young Marik, before tears formed in his eyes, "They say the pain is so bad you'll scream for a whole month! I'm really scared of it!
"Master Marik…" worried Flashback Odion, standing tall.
"I don't think I can take it! I might even die!" wept Young Marik, feeling terrified. He buried his face in his arms and sobbed, "Why…?! Why do I have to go through with it?!"
Flashback Odion laid a hand on the crying child's shoulder with an idea on his mind.
"I won't let it happen to you," said Flashback Odion, "If this is something you don't want, I'll take the ritual in your place."
Young Marik looked up, "R-Really?" he sniffled, "You will?"
"Yes," nodded Flashback Odion, "I'll try to talk to your Father about it. Besides, your Mother saved me from the deadly desert and raised me like I was her son. For such devotion, I will gladly bear the pain for you. I have been preparing for it for a long time now."
Young Marik felt much better and hugged his (Young Marik) older brother, knowing that he (Flashback Odion) could be trusted to carry the scars.
(elsewhere…)
Unfortunately for both of them…
"What?!" exclaimed Flashback Mr. Ishtar, while Flashback Odion knelt, "You say you'll undergo the ritual?! That's nonsense! You're not the rightful heir to the Ishtar family!"
"I know it's an unreasonable request!" said Flashback Odion pleadingly, "But Master Marik is too scared to take the ritual himself!" He raised his head, "I felt very bad for him!" Even as he (Flashback Odion) revealed the reason, Flashback Mr. Ishtar grew increasingly angry, "I will protect the secrets of the Tomb Keepers!" Once again, he bowed his head, "I only have one wish…! All I wish is to undergo the ritual and be called your son!"
"You fool!" Flashback Mr. Ishtar roared, who was so angry that he slapped the candle on his table at his so-called 'son', "You're only a servant!"
The flame fortunately didn't burn Flashback Odion, while Flashback Mr. Ishtar stood up and towered over him (Flashback Odion).
"It's not my choice for his fate to be this," retorted Flashback Mr. Ishtar, speaking more calmly, "The Ishtar family's sacred duty can only be passed to a true heir. As you were adopted, you are not an option. Know that I have never even considered you a member of the family at all—just a lowly servant whom my dead wife adopted!" Seeing as his (Flashback Mr. Ishtar) mind had been made up, there was absolutely nothing that Flashback Odion could do to change it much to his (Flashback Odion) horror and regret, "My true son Marik shall receive the ritual, and I want to hear no more from you about it…lest I cut out your foul tongue!"
(new scene…)
Finally, the big day had come. Two men wearing robes were carrying a screaming and wailing Young Marik away to have the carvings carved into his back.
"No, please!" he cried, "I don't want to be a Tomb Keeper!"
Young Marik then saw Flashback Odion standing nearby with his (Flashback Odion) head bowed in shame.
"Odion, please help me!" begged Young Marik, but knew there was nothing Flashback Odion could do to stop it, "Odion… ODION!"
(elsewhere…)
Alas, there was nothing Flashback Ishizu could do, either, except pray inside her room for Young Marik's safety.
(elsewhere…)
Young Marik was chained onto a table while lying on his stomach while his own Father heated a dagger over a burning candle.
"The time has come for you, my son," The voice of Flashback Mr. Ishtar said calmly, as the dagger heated to a really high temperature. He held it up with a small, cruel smile on his face before he faced his chained son, "Today you shall bear the honor every Ishtar has held of guarding the Pharaoh's Tomb until the arrival of his chosen descendant."
There was a sinister gleam in his eyes. With that said, a remorseless Flashback Mr Ishtar began carving the symbols into Young Marik's back, all while the poor boy screamed in agonizing pain through the gag on his mouth.
(outside…)
Outside the chamber, even as he heard the muffled screams, Flashback Odion had with him another dagger in one hand, and a candle holder with another lit candle in the other hand.
"You won't be alone anymore, Marik, my younger brother…" thought Flashback Odion.
(elsewhere…)
Hours later, Young Marik was lying on his bed by his stomach with bloodied bandages around his burnt torso. He was in a very bitter mood when Flashback Odion arrived to change the bandages. The whole room was in a mess.
"My life is over…" Young Marik muttered bitterly.
"Fear not, master. You're a Tomb Keeper now," Flashback Odion replied, walking into the room.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" snapped Young Marik, just before grimacing in pain, "Ouch… It hurts…"
"I'm sorry," apologized Flashback Odion.
"What do you have to be sorry for?" asked Young Marik angrily, "You didn't force my family to live underground. I was the one who was chosen to bear the pain. I feel so alone… Tell me, Odion… Why should I have to devote my life just to serve some stupid Pharaoh?!"
As Young Marik said the last part of his sentence, his voice sounded like there were two people speaking at once—along with the image of a darker version of the boy briefly appearing while smirking evilly. Suddenly, Young Marik saw that Flashback Odion had his (Flashback Odion) face all bandaged up.
"Odion, what's with your face?" he asked curiously.
"I performed my own ritual since your Father would not allow me into the clan," said Flashback Odion, just as he undid the bandages to show his new markings, "You will never be alone again, Master Marik."
The sight of the markings on Flashback Odion's face seemed to have calmed Young Marik down.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended as Odion closed his eyes briefly from his flashback to memory lane… just before another voice broke his thoughts.
"Odion, stop daydreaming of our past," The voice of Marik interrupted, as, below the platform, he stared with a small smirk on his face, "We will eliminate Thomas and anyone else who stands in our way!" While, back on the platform, Odion listened, "This is our revenge on the Pharaoh—of the clan of the Tomb Keepers!"
"As you wish, Master Marik," accepted Odion mentally,
Focus then went towards the two monsters, 'Mystical Beast of Serket' (ATK: 3500) and 'The Legendary Fisherman' (DEF: 1600), on the field. Below the platform…
"Don't give up," whispered James.
"Percy…" added Toby.
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" announced Percy bravely.
"Mr. Avonside, you might as well give up your hopes of defeating me," warned Odion.
"'Mystical Beast of Serket' just keeps growing by banishing my monsters and gaining 500 ATK," thought Percy, as 'Mystical Beast of Serket' towered over him, "It grows into a stronger monster each time…! Its ATK is also already 3500!"
He then drew his card, hoping it would be one that would turn the duel around.
Turn Twenty-Five: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (3): "Salamandra", "Polymerization", and "Shield & Sword"
Unfortunately, it was the 'Shield & Sword' Spell Card, which was not of any help.
"No good," thought Percy, adding the card into his hand—which also contained 'Salamandra' and 'Polymerization', "I just don't have any cards that can turn this around…"
Below the platform, Lady was thinking about what her boyfriend had drawn.
"Did you draw what you need, Percy?" she asked mentally.
Back on the platform, Percy looked back up with a heavy sigh.
"I'll leave my 'The Legendary Fisherman' in Defense Position," The green-haired boy said in defeat, "I end my turn."
"A smart move… but forfeiting would be a smarter move," retorted Odion, drawing his card, "At least by doing so, you could save yourself some dignity!"
"That's pretty insulting, baldy!" countered Percy, "It may be useless to continue fighting, but I have something I want to accomplish! So I'll fight on until my LP hits 0!"
After a few moments of silence…
"I admire your fighting spirit," complimented Odion.
Below the platform, Lady felt disappointed in the lack of progress Percy was making in the duel.
"Thomas, I'm sure even you know… No matter how hard Percy may try to turn this situation around… this is just one match Percy can't turn around," groaned Lady, "Percy's going to lose real soon."
Suddenly, Thomas noticed something with his best friend; something that surprised even him.
"Not so fast, Lady. Take a look at Percy's eyes!" requested Thomas..
On the platform, the green-haired boy's eyes were fueled with anger and determination.
"Bring it on," said Percy coldly.
Below the platform…
"You're right," gasped Lady, "His eyes are burning with fire, like he knows he's going to win. But how?"
"Percy's eyes show his fighting spirit," explained Thomas, as he talked about both duelists on the platform, "The tension on the battlefield shows the duelist's pride. They feel honored for meeting each other. No matter what happens in this duel, they both won't stop fighting until the last moment."
"That's interesting," remarked Discord, "I can't pin-point it, but I feel that Percy-boy will win this duel."
On the platform, Odion had drawn his card and begun his turn.
Turn Twenty-Six: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (4): "Monster Reincarnation", "Cursebreaker", "Judgment of Anubis", and "Magic Jammer"
The Battle Phase had started.
"Here I go!" declared Odion, as his monster made another move, "'Mystical Beast of Serket', attack 'The Legendary Fisherman'!"
The giant scorpion obeyed, grabbing and eating both the fisherman and his shark whole. Below the platform…
"No more sea food for me…" grimaced Mavis.
"Me neither," agreed Molly, looking pale.
Back on the platform…
"Sorry, Salty… I couldn't protect your monster," thought Percy.
"And now, evolve further, 'Mystical Beast of Serket'!" The voice of Odion commanded.
'Mystical Beast of Serket' gained a flipper at the end as it grew even stronger (ATK: 3500 → 4000). Nearby…
"Well, that's quite the look that monster has, now," remarked Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"Marik can win with one more attack!" wailed Skiff.
"Percy…" mumbled Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform, 'Mystical Beast of Serket' leered over the helpless Percy Avonside.
"Perhaps now would be the time to surrender, Mr. Avonside" offered Odion, "If not, then make your move—your final move."
Turn Twenty-Seven: Percy Avonside (LP: 200)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (3): "Salamandra", "Polymerization", "Shield & Sword", and "Legendary Sword"
Unfortunately, Percy didn't draw anything to protect himself from an attack.
"There's nothing I can do," remarked Percy, feeling defeated, before entering the End Phase, "My turn has ended."
Below the platform…
"I guess it's all over, guys," sighed Matt sadly.
"Percy's about to lose the duel," added Ryan.
"Oh, poor Percy," whimpered Liz.
"He fought well… but I'm guessing Marik just fought better," finished Lady.
Over with Spencer, he had a look of disappointment on his face due to the lack of appearance from the final 'Egyptian God' Card.
"I guess I won't be seeing 'Ra' just yet," thought Spencer, "I suppose I should at least praise you for fighting as a lab rat for this long."
"At this point, Percy's chances of winning have fallen to 0%!" thought Marik, very pleased, "Well done, Odion! It's your victory!"
Atop the platform…
"You've played rather well, Mr. Avonside," acknowledged Odion politely, "However, once I attack you directly, you will be finished."
"I told you, I'm not gonna lose!" refused Percy, "But if you're so confident that you will win the duel, then draw your card and attack!"
Odion drew his card as commanded to.
Turn Twenty-Eight: Odion Ishtar (LP: 400)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (5): "Monster Reincarnation", "Cursebreaker", "Judgment of Anubis", "Magic Jammer", and "Mirror Force"
Below the platform…
"This is it, everyone…" whispered Michael, "The big finisher…"
Back on the platform, just before Odion could declare an attack, Percy spoke up once more.
"But before you attack, there's something I want to tell you," began Percy.
Odion raised an eyebrow, but said nothing in response in order to allow his opponent to speak some more.
"I got a funny feeling…" Percy went on, with his head bowed a little bit, "A little while ago, I reached the point where I was resigned to losing… And just then, when winning or losing didn't matter…it's like I saw something I couldn't see before," He looked up, as 'Mystical Beast of Serket' loomed over him, ready to attack on command, "Why didn't I figure it out sooner? Must have been the heat of battle…" Even so, he didn't let up, "Marik brainwashed me."
FLASHBACK
A few clips of Thomas VS. Percy (possessed), along with Spencer VS. Emily (possessed), played out one at a time.
"He forced me to fight my friend in a Duel to the death…" narrated Percy, "It was a pointless battle that only hurt our hearts!"
Flashback Percy (possessed) took and held up a card ('Hinotama') up and activated it, causing a large fireball to rain from the sky upon Flashback Thomas and hit him (Flashback Thomas).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I can't forgive the jerk who set up that duel and forced us to fight rather than confront us directly," rambled Percy.
"Then go ahead and curse my name," offered Odion, "Besides, aren't I facing you directly? I'm also in a position where I'm about to win."
"That's not what I'm saying!" The voice of Percy snapped, causing Odion to stop. He calmed down and resumed his speech, "When this duel started, I really hated your guts! But I've lost that hatred now… And I tried to remember…" Below the platform, everyone else listened to what he was saying, "How terrible it felt when that jerk took over my mind and implanted his memory! But you didn't use any cheap tricks and fought me fair and square!" Back on the platform, he was making his point loud and clear, "I may lose to you…but while fighting against you in this duel, it became one of the best I've had! You're the real deal!" Odion seemed calm while listening, but lost it when the next part was mentioned, "You're a True Duelist!"
"What are you telling me?" asked Odion.
"I may not know your reasons, but I do know one thing! You aren't the guy who did that before!" answered Percy, before pointing an accusing finger forward, "You're not Marik!"
Odion gritted his teeth, while everyone else below the platform gasped from hearing this.
"Not Marik?!" came from Carlie.
"What's Percy talking about?" exclaimed James R..
"Impossible! If that's not Marik, then was he lying about possessing 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'?" objected Spencer.
"I believe Percy," Thomas thought to himself, "My Millennium Puzzle has sensed that the guy up there has no darkness within him. But if he's not Marik, then who…?"
"If that's not Marik, then who is he?" quizzed Lady.
Thomas's eyes widened as he immediately cast a suspension glance over to Marik, who was believed to be Namu.
"This is bad!" thought Marik furiously, "If I'm exposed, my plan for revenge will be ruined! I have to kill Thomas Billinton and obtain the two remaining God cards! I can't afford to have my identity exposed this soon!" He eyed Spencer, "If they know that I'm Marik, I'll also never be able to possess Spencer with the Millennium Rod and find out more about his own identity!" He then envisioned the stone tablet, "And I won't be able to learn the secrets of that palette…!"
Just then, atop the platform, Odion took out his fake Millennium Rod.
"What nonsense are you spouting?! Only the real Marik Ishtar can use the Millennium Rod!" shouted Odion defiantly, holding the fake item out in anger, "This duel shall continue as I have foreseen, and no one will listen to the words of a loser!" He entered the Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Mystical Beast of Serket', attack my opponent directly! End this duel!"
The giant scorpion monster obeyed, lunging for Percy's neck with the pincers. Percy closed his eyes and waited for his fate.
"Percy!" Both Thomas and Liz called out in unison.
"This is it, guys!" fretted Lady.
Just before the attack could land its mark…
"Wait, Odion!" Marik echoed mentally, as an image of him (Marik) flashed before Odion's eyes "Stop your attack!"
The transformed 'Mystical Beast of Serket' stopped its claws just inches before Percy's neck. Below the platform, the group was surprised that the attack stopped at the last second. On the platform, Odion then cast a look down towards Marik.
"But…why, Master Marik?" wondered Odion mentally, "Why make me stop attacking?"
"Kill Percy…with 'God' Card!" demanded Marik mentally, smiling madly, much to Odion's horror, "In order for our plan to work, you must prove you are the wielder of a 'God' Card!" Focus went towards the large temple, and the ark at the top of the stairs, "You are Marik, Odion! Summon 'Ra' from within the ark in the temple!" An image of the 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' Monster Card appeared from the ark, "Use the fake 'God' Card!"
"But I can't! It's too dangerous to play!" argued Odion mentally, looking over his shoulder at the temple, "If I do, everyone, including you, will be endangered by the-!"
"You will play that card, or else I'll have you banished to the Shadow Realm for all eternity!"
From there, a very large image of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' appeared in the sky above the large temple. What do you think Odion will do? Finish Percy off with 'Mystical Beast of Serket' and risk exposing his and Marik's identities to everyone watching? Or play the fake 'Egyptian God' Card and risk severe consequences? We'll find out the end results soon enough.