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: Sky Duel Coliseum
Atop the Duel Tower, Spencer, with his arms folded, was waiting patiently for Thomas to arrive for their match. Nearby, Roland was also waiting for Thomas, knowing that if time ran out, there would be no duel, and Spencer would win and advance to fight Dark Marik automatically.
"Master Spencer, if Thomas doesn't get here in the next five minutes… he'll be disqualified, and you'll win by default," said Roland, looking at his watch.
"You'd better show up, Billinton," thought Spencer, not losing his stoic look, "I didn't come all this way to have you forfeit and miss the chance for a proper rematch," Despite having that thought, he knew, deep down, that his rival WOULD indeed show up for the rematch, "This is our fated duel."
(inside…)
Inside the elevator of the tower, Thomas was busy making a few final alterations to his Deck while Emily watched him. Some of the cards shown were 'Black Magic Ritual' (Spell Card), 'Skilled Dark Magician' (Effect Monster Card), 'Thousand Knives' (Spell Card), 'Mirror Force' (Trap Card), 'Curse of Dragon' (Normal Monster Card), 'King's Knight' (Effect Monster Card), 'Exchange' (Spell Card), 'Kuriboh' (Effect Monster Card), 'Cursebreaker' (Spell Card), 'Dark Magician' (Normal Monster Card), 'Life Shaver' (Trap Card), and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' (Effect Monster Card).
"I hope you'll be careful out there, Thomas," pleaded Emily.
"I will, Emily," Thomas reassured, just before narrowing his (Thomas) eyes while seeing images of Spencer and Dark Marik near the ceiling, "Spencer is going to pay for what he caused. True, Marik was the one who has been hurting our friends throughout the finals, but Spencer allowed it to happen."
"This will be your biggest duel yet," reminded Emily, "And Spencer has likely gotten so much better than ever before."
At last, Thomas was finished making the changes to his deck. He slotted it right back into his Duel Disk and bravely gazed at the elevator doors…which finally opened. This signaled that Thomas and Emily were both at the top of the tower.
"Don't worry, I'm more than ready for him," vowed Thomas.
(outside…)
Back atop the Duel Tower platform, Spencer was still waiting when he heard some footsteps from the nearby staircase.
"At last…" Spencer told himself.
Climbing up the stairs was indeed Thomas Billinton…along with Emily Stirling. They both then entered the duel stage area as the former silently and fiercely gazed at his main rival.
"So, you've finally made it," greeted Spencer, sounding pleased.
Thomas nodded, "Spencer…"
"The time to settle the score has come," thought Spencer, before glancing around and only seeing Emily with Thomas, "Oh? And where did the rest of the geek squad get off to?" As he rambled on, Thomas and Emily both listened with displeasure, "Too busy looking after Percy? I guess his coffin must require so many people to carry and bury."
He chuckled at his own joke, while Thomas only tightened his fist with fury. He (Thomas) really wanted to punch Spencer in the face, right about now!
"Percy wouldn't even be in this condition if it hadn't been for you, Spencer!" spat Thomas hatefully.
Spencer raised an eyebrow, "Moi?"
"Yes, you!" came from Emily, looking absolutely enraged herself, "Throughout the Battle City Finals, there had been a ton of moments and situations where people's lives were endangered for real—yet you didn't do anything to try and stop those events!"
"You actually showed care when Percy, Mavis, and Emily were captured and forced us both into a life-or-death duel—however, when Lady was about to be killed by Marik, you did nothing!" accused Thomas, looking even angrier. As he (Thomas) brought up all of the previous incidents, Spencer listened with disinterest, "When Duck was in danger of dying, you did nothing! When Odion and Percy were both struck by the anger of the 'Gods', you did nothing! When Percy fell into a coma, you did nothing! NOTHING at all!" The blue-haired boy finally reached the full extent of his temper, yelling the question while looking towards the sky, "And all I ask of you…is why?! WHY DO NOTHING TO HELP THEM?!"
Thomas stopped to catch his breath from the outburst while Emily tried to get him to settle down. It was then they heard Spencer finally speak up—and it was not exactly in a positive way.
"So what?" The voice of Spencer scoffed.
Thomas and Emily both looked at Spencer with a very hard glare.
"What did you say?" whispered Emily, who didn't sound too happy at all.
"Who cares what happens to them?" said Spencer coldly, "All that matters to me is that I get those remaining 'Egyptian God' Cards and become the greatest duelist on the Island of Sodor once again. To those who took part and fell… Well, that's the way of war!"
"You are so damn selfish!" snarled Thomas, "You're willing to sacrifice innocent people just to get what you want! Would you go as far as to sacrifice your own family?!"
"Enough about my family!" Spencer snarled back, "You, Thomas Billinton, are my only rival! Once I defeat you and gain 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', I'll defeat Marik and earn 'The Winged Dragon of Ra', allowing me to become the Duel King of the Island of Sodor!" He swung his left arm (equipped with the Duel Disk) about, "So prepare yourself to lose everything you've worked hard to obtain!"
Thomas shook with growing rage. He (Thomas) almost thought Spencer was being as bad as Marik's dark half, and wanted to say that out loud—but immediately felt a soft hand touching his arm in an attempt to calm him down again (which came from Emily).
"Don't bother," Emily informed, looking at Thomas, "It just isn't worth telling him off."
Thomas calmed down when he realized that Emily was right. This allowed Spencer to continue speaking to his friend/rival.
"Besides, Percy was facing Marik," rambled Spencer, "He fought to the bitter end and even forced him to Summon 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'. As a duelist, Percy Avonside truly was worthy. He can at least pass over without any regrets."
Thomas growled at Spencer as the two duelists were about to shuffle their Decks, but Emily's interruption them from doing so…
"Spencer Gresley, do you even realize how dangerous your tournament has become?!" demanded Emily, as Thomas and Spencer looked over, "Earlier, we've lost Lady and Duck to that dark half of Marik's! How many more innocent lives will it take for you to get it through your skull?" She pointed forth, "You yourself could be next to be tortured by Marik's dark half!"
"That will never happen," dismissed Spencer arrogantly, "Because once I obtain 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', he'll be easily defeated by me!"
"Spencer, listen to me…!" Emily started to argue, but got cut off.
"Once I defeat Marik and become the Duel King," The voice of Spencer continued on boastfully, as he looked certain of victory before the duel even began, "the whole world will love me! Oh yes… I can see it, now…!"
A vision began.
VISION
A parade was held in Knapford City for Vision Spencer's victory. Vision Spencer sat proudly on a float as millions of fans cheered out to him. At the end of the parade, Vision Thomas, dressed as a disgruntled janitor, was busy sweeping the ground.
"What a loser!" called a voice (male) in the crowd.
"Couldn't even win the Battle City tournament!" added another voice (male).
"I guess his win in the San Francisco tournament was a mere fluke!" teased a third (female) voice.
The crowd began laughing at poor Vision Thomas.
END VISION
The vision ended.
"Oh yes, that will really make my day…" thought Spencer gleefully.
Thomas let out a defeated sigh over how stubborn Spencer was being right now.
"I guess there's no getting through to you," he admitted, "Very well. I guess there's one thing for me to do… defeat you, and prove you wrong!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room inside the blimp, Liz and Ryan were both watching over the coma induced Percy. Nearby, the rest of the Sudrian teenagers were watching over the coma induced Lady and Duck. Only Discord and his adopted children were not present at the moment.
"Percy, please wake up!" sobbed Liz, "Don't die!"
Ryan merely had a sad look on his face as he looked down to his brother-in-law…before seeing Percy's hand move.
"Huh?" he blinked, "Did…I just see Percy's hand move?"
Liz looked up. Doctor 1 and Doctor 2 were still checking Percy over just to be sure… but nothing happened.
"It was just a reflex. No change has been detected within the patient," sighed Doctor 2.
As expected, Liz had started crying once more, while Ryan looked very upset for getting his hopes up.
"Percy…" thought Ryan, "Thomas's duel is about to begin."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Everyone else in the room saw both Flashback Thomas and Flashback Emily return.
"Where were you two?" asked Flashback Zack.
"You okay?" added Flashback Ben.
Flashback Thomas didn't say a word. He walked past Flashback Molly, Flashback Mavis, Flashback Toby, and Flashback Zack and approached the bed his best friend was lying in.
"What are you…?" started Flashback Carlie.
"Shh…" hushed Flashback Emily, knowing exactly what Thomas was about to do.
Flashback Thomas could see that Flashback Percy's Duel Disk had come off his (Flashback Percy) arm and carefully put it back on his (Flashback Thomas) friend's arm. This was while Flashback Liz watched curiously.
"Thomas?" peeped Flashback Liz.
"Keep fighting, Percy," urged Flashback Thomas quietly, "Hang on like a True Duelist," He then turned around to leave. "I have a duel to take part in. I want all of you to stay here and look after Percy, Lady, and Duck."
"We will," obeyed Flashback Molly.
Flashback Thomas exited the room and walked down the hallway.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Have faith," The voice of Ishizu urged (female).
Ryan, feeling slightly surprised, turned and saw Ishizu walking up to him.
"Ms. Ishizu?" wondered Ryan.
"We still have the light of hope needed to disperse the darkness," The young Egyptian woman pointed out.
Ryan glared in surprise at those words.
(elsewhere…)
Atop the Duel Tower, the platform began to rise up. Emily quickly jumped off and waited in the stand for the duel to begin.
"Good luck, Thomas!" encouraged Emily, "I have faith that you'll win!"
Thomas flashed his friend a quick smile—just before facing Spencer with his (Thomas) eyes narrowed.
"Percy, my best friend…" thought Thomas, activating his Duel Disk, "I will win this duel for you…as a True Duelist!"
"I almost thought I'd win by default because of what happened to poor Percy," thought Spencer, smirking grandly, "It's nice to see that I was very wrong about that, and will get the duel I've been waiting for in months."
Once everything was ready, Roland stepped between the two duelists and raised his hand into the air.
"The second duel in the Battle City semi-finals will now begin!" declared Roland, "The duel is Thomas Billinton VS. Spencer Gresley!"
"It's time, Billinton!" shouted Spencer, drawing his opening hand before an image of 'Obelisk the Tormentor' appeared behind him, "My Obelisk…"
Thomas drew his opening hand, while an image of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' appeared behind him.
"…or your 'Slifer'!" The voice of Spencer went on.
Spirits of the two 'Egyptian God' monsters were shown staring each other down.
"Our 'Gods' are about to clash in the ultimate showdown!" finished Spencer dramatically.
"The winner of this duel will have two 'God' Cards," Thomas thought to himself, "This will be the ultimate Ante of pride."
The two duelists stare each other down (LP: 4000) x2. Down below, Emily knew this was gonna be big… VERY big indeed.
"Please be careful, Thomas," thought Emily.
Back on the platform…
"Now, since this is a very special rematch," said Spencer, "I plan to take you out in style in form of a suitable stage I've been preparing especially for this one duel," All of a sudden, he went and pressed a few buttons on his Duel Disk, "Activating the holographic scenery field!"
From there, the four pillars around the top of the tower began to transform into holo projectors of some sort. Once done, they began to activate solid vision-like light. The light surrounded the whole top of the Duel Tower.
"What is going-?" uttered Thomas, looking around in surprise.
"The Battle of the 'Gods', and for the title of Duel King, will be held at one special place," explained Spencer, "And that place will be the…" Finally, the light created a whole Roman coliseum-like stand all around the tower, "…Sky Duel Coliseum!"
Below the platform…
"S-Sky Duel Coliseum?" stammered Emily.
"Cinders and Ashes," muttered Thomas, looking around in amazement.
The holographic people in the stands were all cheering for both of the duelists—but mainly for Spencer. Back on the platform…
"After countless conflicts, we will duel in the name of fate!" beamed Spencer, "Just like how the Romans of Ancient times fought within the coliseum for their lives, pride, and freedom!" He then motioned his right hand out, "Now draw the sword from your Deck!"
"Here I come!" nodded Thomas fiercely, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Big Shield Gardna", "Exchange", "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", "Queen's Knight", and "Lightforce Sword"
He cast a fierce glance at his opponent.
"My drawn card is my sword," thought Thomas, "The Duel Disk is my shield. My Deck… It's my pride and soul!" He (Thomas) then spoke aloud to Spencer, "Here I come, Spencer!"
"Let's do it, Billinton!" exclaimed Spencer in response.
And so the fateful rematch began.
"For my first card," began Thomas, adding the drawn card into his hand, taking another, and placing it ('Queen's Knight') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk (sideways). The 'Queen's Knight' Normal Monster Card materialized face-up and sideways on the field, "'Queen's Knight' in Defense Position!"
The female 'Poker Knight' monster appeared on the field, kneeling with her shield raised (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"And finally," continued Thomas, before slotting a card into his Duel Disk, "I'll Set one card face-down," A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Queen's Knight', "My turn is over!"
"It's my turn!" announced Spencer, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Lullaby of Obedience", "Power Balance", "X-Head Cannon", "Soul Exchange", "Spell Sanctuary", and "Obelisk the Tormentor"
The drawn card was the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card, making Spencer look pleased to have drawn his 'Egyptian God' Card early on.
"The Goddess of victory always smiles upon me…" thought Spencer proudly, "All I need now is to gather three monsters onto my field."
Thomas watched as Spencer added the card into the hand.
"What kind of strategy will Spencer use in this duel?" thought Thomas, "The strategy he used against Ishizu, destroying the opponent's Deck with powerful monsters and Spells?"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
First, Flashback Spencer entered his Battle Phase…
"'Vorse Raider', destroy Ishizu's 'Keldo', now!" commanded Flashback Spencer.
'Vorse Raider' obeyed, slashing at 'Keldo' with his weapon and destroying it, with shards of the destroyed monster flying past Flashback Ishizu.
(new scene…).
"I use 'Mudora' to attack 'Vorse Raider'!" announced Flashback Ishizu.
'Mudora' obeyed and charged towards 'Vorse Raider'. Flashback Spencer smirked, because that was what he had been waiting for.
"Why, thank you. You've activated both of my face-down cards," The silver-haired boy said smugly, pressing two buttons on his Duel Disk, "Fall into the trap of Hell!" Both face-down cards flipped up and revealed themselves, "First to be resolved is the Quick-Play Spell, 'Shrink'! I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; its original ATK becomes halved until the end of this turn! First, 'Shrink' cuts my own 'Vorse Raider's' ATK in half."
'Vorse Raider' grew weaker (ATK: 1900 → 950).
"Time for my second face-down card!" continued Flashback Spencer, pointing to his face-up 'Crush Card Virus' Trap Card, "The Trap Card, 'Crush Card Virus'!"
'Mudora' destroyed 'Vorse Raider' in an instant with its weapons. Flashback Spencer took a LP hit… but it didn't matter to him at the moment (LP: 4000 → 2750).
"When a DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK you control is destroyed by battle: I must destroy all monsters with 1500 or more ATK from among my opponent's field, hand, and Deck," cackled Flashback Spencer, as dark spores rained upon Flashback Ishizu's whole field, hand, and Deck, which created purple smoke while she looked only mildly surprised, "Those monsters cannot be Special Summoned from the GY! That means you're not able to use them any longer!"
'Mudora' melted away from the dark spores due to having 1500 ATK or higher.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"But I have full knowledge of Spencer's Deck Destruction strategy," thought Thomas, "He must still have a strategy he hasn't used hidden in his Deck!"
It was then Spencer took a card from his own hand and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'X-Head Cannon' in Attack Position!" started Spencer, as his Duel Disk lit up.
Appearing on the field was a Machine monster with twin cannons (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1500).
"Is this what he'll use against me?" thought Thomas, "The 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' strategy?"
"I'm not done," The voice of Spencer insisted, before he was shown slotting a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I activate a Continuous Spell from my hand!" Suddenly, a Spell Card ('Spell Sanctuary') materialized face-up on the field, "'Spell Sanctuary'!"
"That's a card he used that time against Sailor John," thought Thomas, remembering it well.
"Each player adds 1 Spell from their Deck to their hand," explained Spencer, going over the first effect before revealing the second effect, "And this card has a second effect! While this card is face-up on the field, each player can activate Spell Cards on their opponent's turn." He then pointed at Thomas, "So now… choose your Spell Card!"
Thomas took his Deck out from the Duel Disk, searched through it carefully, before finally choosing a Spell Card called 'Change of Heart'.
"I wonder why Spencer would allow me to add 'Change of Heart' into my hand so easily?" Thomas questioned himself, mentally, looking at his opponent curiously, "Of course, he might have added a Spell Card to his own hand that could hurt me just as badly."
Nearby, Spencer took a card from his Deck and added it into his hand. Thomas merely stared at Spencer silently as he (Spencer) continued with his turn.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," finished Spencer, slotting a card into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field behind 'X-Head Cannon', "By the way, I also took the liberty of having our long awaited rematch broadcast worldwide… That way, everyone will witness my victory!"
Below the platform, Emily looked around and, sure enough, there was Roland flipping on the switch of some console nearby.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, back in Knapford City on the Island of Sodor; many TV screens in stores changed channels to show Thomas and Spencer's duel in the Sky Duel Coliseum.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower, Spencer was smiling gleefully to himself…
"You're done on my next turn," thought Spencer, "With 'Soul Exchange' already added to my hand, and 'Enemy Controller' face-down, I'll have all the Tributes I'll need to Summon the monster of your ultimate destruction, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
(elsewhere…)
Down where the blimp was, a voice could be heard coming from inside the airship.
"How's it coming along, Skiff?" came the voice of James R..
(elsewhere…)
Inside the cockpit, Skiff was busy trying to contact help from Boxford Corp…but was having no such luck. Discord, Matt, Michael, James R., Zack, and Carlie were all also present.
"Not too good," sighed Skiff.
"What's wrong?" asked Zack.
"Is something the matter?" added Matt.
"For some reason," grunted Skiff, speaking into a set of headphones, "I'm getting an interference."
"Keep trying, Skiff," Carlie pleaded, "Our friends need to get to a proper hospital, now!"
"We're doing everything we can," assured Skiff, unconvinced
Suddenly, Michael approached and took hold of the headphones from the younger boy.
"Let me see those," requested Michael, and began to speak into them, "Hey! Can anyone hear me? Answer me! S.O.S.! We have an injured person on Boxford Corp Island! Respond!"
Sadly, there was no luck in trying to contact help.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room, Liz was still seated by her younger brother's side, gripping his left hand as gently as possible.
"When will this madness end?" wondered Liz sadly.
"Who knows?" Edward answered gravely, walking over towards the blonde-haired young woman and her husband, "Right now, our main enemy is Marik's dark side."
"Yeah," agreed Ryan, "After that life-draining duel… I wonder where he could be right now?"
Good question. Let's see…
(elsewhere…)
Inside the bathroom of his temporary room, Dark Marik was busy rinsing his whole head in cold water, still rather drained from the earlier duel. Once he was all finished, he turned off the tap, shook his head, and smirked darkly into the mirror.
"Spencer and Thomas… 'Obelisk' VS. 'Slifer'…" Dark Marik remarked to himself.
(outside…)
Leaving the bathroom, he left his room and walked down the hall towards the blimp exit.
"This is a battle I want to see with my own eyes," obsessed Dark Marik.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower, the holographic crowd was still chanting the name "Spencer!" repeatedly…while both duelists stared each other down. Finally, Thomas made a move.
"It's my turn!" he declared, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): "Big Shield Gardna", "Exchange", "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", "Change of Heart", and "Alpha The Magnet Warrior"
Thomas's current hand consisted of 'Big Shield Gardna', 'Exchange', 'Collected Power', 'Magical Hats', 'Change of Heart', and the drawn 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior'.
"'X-Head Cannon' is much stronger than my 'Queen's Knight'," thought Thomas, "However, Spencer decided not to try and attack just yet. He's either being wary of my Set card… or he's stalling until he has the Tributes he needs to Summon 'Obelisk'," From there, he took a card ('Alpha The Magnet Warrior') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I play another monster!" Materializing face-up (and sideways) on the field was a familiar Monster Card, "'Alpha The Magnet Warrior' in Defense Position!"
A green-hued 'Magnet Warrior' monster appeared on the field while kneeling in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1700), joining 'Queen's Knight' in defending Thomas from an attack by Spencer. Thomas then took another card from his hand.
"I also Set one more card face-down!" finished Thomas, slotting the card into his Duel Disk and causing a second face-down card to appear on the field—this time behind 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior', "I end my turn!"
"I'll teach you how foolish it is to play low Level monsters like that against me," thought Spencer, before drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Lullaby of Obedience", "Power Balance", "Soul Exchange", "Obelisk the Tormentor", and "XYZ Safeguard"(!)
Spencer's current hand consisted of 'Lullaby of Obedience', 'Power Balance', 'Soul Exchange', 'Obelisk the Tormentor', and the drawn 'XYZ Safeguard'.
"You will bow before the 'God of the Obelisk', Billinton…" thought Spencer menacingly, just before taking another card ('Soul Exchange') from his hand and speaking aloud, "For my turn, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Soul Exchange'!"
The mentioned card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Spencer, causing Thomas to scowl. Below the platform, however, Emily gave a gasp at what was about to happen. Back on the platform, the explanation began.
"I must target up to 3 monsters on my opponent's field; this turn, if I would Tribute Summon a monster on my field, I must Tribute those targets, as if I controlled them," explained Spencer, as, on Thomas's field, both monsters ('Alpha The Magnet Warrior' and 'Queen's Knight') started getting affected, "'Alpha'! 'Queen's Knight'! You both serve me!"
Against their wills, both of Thomas's monsters were both taken directly to Spencer's field.
"Along with 'X-Head Cannon', I now have the monsters I need to Tribute!" gloated Spencer.
"Oh no, you don't!" snapped Thomas, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open! 'Change of Heart', activate!" His first face-down card (on the left) flipped face-up and revealed itself before glowing all white, "I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must take control of it until the End Phase!"
"What?!" flinched Spencer.
"That's right," confirmed Thomas, "I got this card from your 'Spell Sanctuary'… That means I get to take control of your own monster, 'X-Head Cannon'!" As 'X-Head Cannon' went over to his field, he shot a fierce message to his biggest rival, "Sorry, Spencer, but I won't let you Summon 'Obelisk' that easily!"
Spencer looked stunned for a moment… but then he gave a small smile.
"Heh! So you've figured out my little strategy… but I'm afraid you're also greatly mistaken, Billinton," The silver-haired boy said slowly, just before motioning his hand to the nearby set card, "Face-down card, open!" The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself. "'Enemy Controller'!"
"What?!" Thomas cried out.
"I must pay 1000 LP; I must activate 1 of these effects," revealed Spencer, spending LP (LP: 4000 → 3000).
These were the effects written on the 'Enemy Controller' Spell Card:
-"I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target!"
-"I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must take control of that target until the End Phase!"
A large video game-like controller immediately appeared out of the face-up 'Enemy Controller' Spell Card.
"Using this card, I'm going to regain control of the 'X-Head Cannon' you took from me!" bragged Spencer, before entering the command, "Left! Right! A! B!"
The controller automatically put in the command Spencer gave it. Once it was done, a cable flew from it, connecting to X-Head Cannon. The monster then went back over to Spencer's field.
"Now I possess three Tributes once more!" declared Spencer.
"Is he gonna Summon 'Obelisk' this soon?" Thomas thought to himself.
"And now, I Tribute 'Queen's Knight', 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior', and 'X-Head Cannon'!" announced Spencer dramatically, holding up a card, "This is the power of my two turn 'God' Summon combo!"
A large arm of light shot from the face-up 'Soul Exchange' Spell Card, grasping all three monsters as the sacrificing process began. While both 'X-Head Cannon' and 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior' merely grimaced and/or flinched from being absorbed like this due to being a Machine-Type and Rock-Type respectively, 'Queen's Knight', due to her flesh and blood appearance, screamed in pain instead. Thomas couldn't stand to see any of his 'own' monsters hurting. It was also then Spencer took a card ('Obelisk the Tormentor') from his hand and held it up.
"Come forth, 'Obelisk'!" thundered Spencer.
However…
"I won't let you hurt my monsters like this!" cut in Thomas, holding out an empty hand, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Lightforce Sword'!"
Thomas's last face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, just before shooting a sword out. The sword soared forth…and pierced the very card Spencer was just about to play…and slammed it nearby.
"W-What?!" stammered Spencer.
"I must banish 1 random card from my opponent's hand, face-down. During my opponent's 3rd Standby Phase after this card's activation, I must return that card to their hand," explained Thomas, as focus went towards the sealed card one more time, "Now that you have no monster to Tribute Summon for the effect of 'Soul Exchange'," Focus went towards 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior' and 'Queen's Knight' as they were spared, "both of my monsters return to my field!" Once his monsters came back, he addressed them, "Are you two alright?"
'Queen's Knight' and 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior' both turned around and gave a quick nod. Meanwhile, Spencer was cross, but only briefly.
"Hmph! Always caring about your monsters," rebutted Spencer, "But face it, Billinton! You'll have to face 'Obelisk' sooner or later!"
"Before or after I Summon 'Slifer'?" asked Thomas in a cheeky way.
"Joke all you want, but know that I still have the upper hand!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room of the blimp, all was quiet. Liz and Ryan were both still watching over Percy. Everyone else was watching over Duck and Lady. Finally, Henry spoke up…
"How long has it been?" fretted Henry.
"As far as I know, at least half an hour," said Gordon.
James was impatient, "AUGH!" he freaked out, getting into a tizzy, "When will Skiff come back with news on when a helicopter will come?!"
"Be patient, James," advised Edward, "We're just as concerned about it as you are."
"I'm trying, dammit!" raged James.
(outside…)
At this point, Ishizu left the room and walked down the hallway.
"It's too quiet," thought Ishizu, "Almost like silence before a huge storm," Finally, she arrived at an elevator, "This is a battle between two 'Egyptian God' Card owners. The battle ahead is bound to get vicious," Once the door opened, she entered it, "What will happen once it starts?"
The doors closed.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower, and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Emily was still watching the duel.
"Thomas was able to stop Spencer from Summoning 'Obelisk'," thought Emily, "But Spencer does still have a point though—he currently has the upper hand," Her gaze was focused on 'X-Head Cannon', which was stronger than either of Thomas's monsters. "What will he do now?"
Meanwhile, Spencer looked to his right and glanced at the sealed 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card.
"I almost had Billinton," thought Spencer crossly, "With my 'God' Card sealed for three turns, I'll have to find a new way to Summon 'Obelisk' before he can Summon 'Slifer'!" He looked at his hand, containing 'Lullaby of Obedience', 'Power Balance', and 'XYZ Safeguard', "Luckily, I have another way to Summon a 'God'!" It was then he spoke up, "My turn has ended! Billinton, it's your turn, now!"
"Alright then!" Thomas stated, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Big Shield Gardna", "Exchange", "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", and "Life Shaver"
Now his hand consisted of 'Big Shield Gardna', 'Exchange', 'Collected Power', 'Magical Hats', and the drawn 'Life Shaver'.
"Since I've sealed off 'Obelisk'," thought Thomas, "Spencer will no doubt try to take 'Slifer' from my Deck. So I'd better be ready just in case he tries something like that," He then took one card from his hand, "I Set one card face-down!"
He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to materialize on the field.
"In addition, I'll leave my monsters in Defense Position and end my turn!" The voice of Thomas concluded.
"Pah! If you keep stalling like that, then your 'Lightforce Sword' will fade away very quickly!" criticized Spencer, making Thomas scowl once again. He, however, seemed to have a totally different plan in mind, "No… I won't even need three turns to defeat you with 'Obelisk'."
Down below in the staircase, meanwhile, Dark Marik was on his way up the tower to watch the duel.
"Time to see what those fools are up to," Dark Marik said to himself.
A few seconds later, the evil man emerged from the holographic wall of the coliseum stands. Emily, who was standing nearby, turned and immediately noticed him.
"It's Marik!" Emily gasped to herself, "What's he doing here?"
And unfortunately for her, Dark Marik immediately saw Emily and smirked grandly.
"Why, hello there, my dear," greeted Dark Marik smoothly, "Why do you look so surprised to see me?"
Emily was too scared to reply back, causing Dark Marik to chuckle darkly in response.
"Be lucky that I am only here to witness Thomas and Spencer's 'friendly' duel. I don't actually plan on hurting someone like you, right now," assured Dark Marik, but in his mind he was thinking differently, "Just kidding… I'll have some use for you later on."
Emily felt rather relieved, yet remained very aware of Dark Marik's presence (for obvious reasons). The evil man then turned his attention towards the duel with interest…
"Oh? So Spencer's 'Obelisk the Tormentor' has been pinned down by a sealing strategy, eh?" mused Dark Marik, before eyeing the monsters on Thomas's field, "But Thomas can't get an attack off right now, either," He kept on smirking with approval, "I wonder which 'Egyptian God' monster will be Summoned first? And who will win the duel…and have the misfortune of being buried in the darkness by me?" His smile grew darker, "Either way, heh heh heh, I'll be the one who kills Thomas!"
Emily overheard that comment and grew quite angry—yet had to remain silent about it for a really good reason. Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" began Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Spencer Gresley (LP: 3000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Lullaby of Obedience", "Power Balance", "XYZ Safeguard", and "Y-Dragon Head"
Lightforce Sword: 2 Turns
A second later…
"This is my card!" shouted Spencer, placing his drawn card onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Y-Dragon Head'…" The 'Y-Dragon Head' Union Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, "…in Attack Position!"
Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a red, robotic dragon-like monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"I knew he was gonna do that sooner or later…" groaned Thomas.
Unfortunately, he was right…
"Now, I'll activate the first effect of 'Y-Dragon Head'!" announced Spencer, as focus went towards 'Y-Dragon Head' and 'X-Head Cannon' before they started combining together, "Once per turn, I can either: I must target 1 'X-Head Cannon' I control; I must equip this card to that target, OR: I must unequip this card and Special Summon it!"
In a flash of light and electricity, 'X-Head Cannon' was riding 'Y-Dragon Head' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800 → 2200/DEF: 1500 → 1900). 'XY-Dragon Cannon' gazed down at the two monsters on Thomas's field.
"Once I draw 'Z-Metal Tank' and bring it out, it will allow me to complete one of the mightiest Machine monster in the game!" proclaimed Spencer gleefully, "From there, nothing will be able to stop me from winning the duel!"
Thomas stood his ground, despite looking a bit agitated at the moment. Below the platform, Emily silently watched her friend in worry.
"With those monsters, if he can gather all three Union monsters together, their ATK and DEF will increase!" thought Emily, remembering 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' from Thomas and Spencer's first duel. She then eyed Thomas's field on the platform, "Using such a tactic, he can easily destroy Thomas's monsters!" Her focus then went towards the sealed card near Spencer, "And then… When the 'Lightforce Sword' stops working… he can Summon 'Obelisk' by separating and Tributing the three Union monsters!" Below the platform, she continued to look worried, "Spencer planned this from the beginning! It's the perfect strategy to Summon 'God'!"
Back on the platform, the Battle Phase began.
"Now, 'XY-Dragon Cannon', attack Billinton's 'Alpha The Magnet Warrior'!" commanded Spencer, as 'XY-Dragon Cannon' charged its cannons, "Hyper Destruction!"
'XY-Dragon Cannon' obeyed, firing a twin blast from the cannons on 'X-Head Cannon's' shoulders.
"Vanish, you pathetic weaklings!" insulted Spencer.
'Alpha The Magnet Warrior' was hit by the blasts and got destroyed in an explosion. Thomas grimaced, but thankfully lost no LP as a result of his monster being in Defense Position (LP: 4000).
"Although my monster was destroyed, my LP were spared from damage," he thought to himself, "But if Spencer Summons 'Obelisk'… its ATK of 4000 can easily crush me into oblivion."
Meanwhile, Spencer had begun to quietly laugh a little bit.
"Does it scare you that my sealed 'Obelisk' will be freed in just three turns?" asked Spencer ruthlessly, much to Thomas's displeasure. But he wasn't done, "But what if I told you that I 'don't' have to wait? This is because the almighty 'Egyptian Gods' only serve the ultimate duelist!"
Thomas raised an eyebrow in response. What on Earth was Spencer even talking about? Below the platform, Emily was curious about it, too. However…
"True indeed. That analysis is right on the mark," Dark Marik commented, arms folded, "However, that 'strongest' person isn't you, Spencer…"
Back on the platform…
"You may have stopped me from Summoning 'Obelisk'," Spencer went on, taking a card from his hand, "but thanks to this Spell Card in my hand, I'll be able to take 'Slifer' from you!" He (Spencer) held it out for Thomas to see, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Lullaby of Obedience'!"
Thomas gave a small gasp of worry.
"I must pay 1000 LP and…" admitted Spencer, paying more LP (LP: 3000 → 2000), "…declare 1 Monster Card name; my opponent looks at their Deck, reveals 1 of the declared monsters if there is any, and chooses 1 of these effects to be applied."
The 'Lullaby of Obedience' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. These were the effects on the mentioned Spell Card that could be applied:
-"The declared monster is added to the hand of the player who activated this card."
-"The player who activated this card Special Summons the declared monster to their field in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning conditions."
Thomas remained in stunned silence.
"'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!" bellowed Spencer proudly.
Thomas grimaced over the fact his rival guessed his card correctly. Below the platform, Emily was more worried, now.
"Oh no," she thought to herself, "Now Spencer will have an even bigger advantage."
Spencer walked over to Thomas's field as Thomas took his Deck out of the Duel Disk and began searching through it.
"Since I guessed right, you have to decide which effect to be applied," reminded Spencer.
As Thomas went through his Deck, he discovered the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card was near the bottom—much to Spencer's amusement.
"So you probably never would have drawn it," taunted Spencer, taking the card when it was offered to him, "That's too bad."
"Just add it to your hand," ordered Thomas grumpily, giving his obvious choice of which effect Spencer applied.
Below the platform…
"So, Spencer has gotten his hands on two 'God' Cards, now," observed Dark Marik, sounding rather interested about now, "What a whirl of comedy!"
Back on the platform, Spencer arrived back at his spot and turned around to do some more gloating.
"How does it feel, Billinton?" questioned Spencer, "How does it feel to lose your 'Egyptian God' Card without me making too much of an effort?" When nothing was said, he went on, "Besides, the 'Gods' only obey me!
Suddenly, Thomas grinned with triumph, revealing that he (Thomas) had been baiting Spencer into trying to take the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card.
"I should really thank you for that… I had actually expected you to try and take it from me," confessed Thomas.
"Nonsense!" dismissed Spencer.
"The moment you took 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' from me," continued Thomas, before pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "you fell into a little trap of my own," The last set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be, "Face-down Spell, activate! 'Exchange'!"
"No!" gasped Spencer, "Not 'Exchange'!"
"Both players reveal their hands and add 1 card from each other's hand to their hand," The voice of Thomas explained, focusing on the face-up 'Exchange' Spell Card. He then clenched his right hand into a fist, "You should remember this card, Spencer. I used it against Percy when he was being controlled by Marik."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Before long, the 'Exchange' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Exchange'!" began Flashback Thomas.
"'Exchange'?" blinked Flashback Percy (possessed).
"Both players reveal their hands and add 1 card from each other's hand to their hand," said Flashback Thomas, as he started to walk over and show his current hand.
"Hmph! It does not matter what cards the fool has," thought Flashback Marik, "My mind slave cannot be beaten that easily."
As soon as he got close enough, Flashback Percy (possessed) gasped at a certain card he saw in Flashback Thomas's hand.
"It…can't…be!" stammered Flashback Percy (possessed).
The card in question was Percy's 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card.
"'Red-Eyes'?" spluttered Flashback Percy, talking in his normal voice.
"Yes, Percy, it is your 'Red-Eyes'," Flashback Thomas assured softly.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"It was thanks to that card I was able to slowly break him free from Marik's control," thought Thomas, before speaking aloud to Spencer, "And now, Spencer, you will HAVE to give 'Slifer' back to me, now!"
Spencer growled as he made his way back over towards Thomas's field—slightly miffed that Thomas was petty enough to wait until he (Spencer) had already walked back to his position before revealing he (Thomas) had baited him (Spencer).
"Here!" The voice of Spencer huffed, handing the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card back to Thomas.
Thomas took the card, and showed Spencer his (Thomas) hand.
"Now you choose a card," offered Thomas.
After a few moments, Spencer reached into Thomas's hand and took the 'Life Shaver' Trap Card.
"Thanks for the help, Spencer," teased Thomas, "Now I have 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' added to my hand."
"Yeah, you do," Spencer grumbled to himself.
Oh, but had Thomas even stopped right there… There was more he wanted to say.
"Actually, I had been secretly planning on taking 'Obelisk' from you with 'Exchange' from the very beginning of this duel before you made me use 'Lightforce Sword' to seal the 'God' Card away for three turns," revealed Thomas, as, below the platform, Emily and Dark Marik both listened to the explanation—the former being surprised and the latter being very amused, "Had you not tried to Summon your monster earlier on, or used 'Lullaby of Obedience' to try and take 'Slifer' away," On the platform, he pointed forth with triumph, "'Obelisk' would have been serving me right about now… and not you!"
An enraged Spencer arrived back at his spot on the field and merely cursed in response. The crowd in the stands soon began to chant "Thomas!" instead of "Spencer!". Spencer was initially upset about losing 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and learning that Thomas had been planning on taking 'Obelisk the Tormentor' from him (Spencer), but he recovered hastily and smiled. So far, the fields were as followed:
-Thomas (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Queen's Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
-Spencer (LP: 2000): Controlled 'X-Head Cannon' equipped with 'Y-Dragon Head' (Level: 4/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1900) and 'Spell Sanctuary' (Spell Card).
"I'll return 'Slifer' to you for now, Billinton," Spencer thought to himself, "But in the end, I'll win it from you, anyway!" He then looked over to his sealed 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card, "In a few more turns, 'Obelisk' will be freed from your 'Lightforce Sword's' effect," He then glanced over to his 'XY-Dragon Cannon' and looked confident, "In the meantime, I'll use my monster to wipe out any monsters you care to Summon. Two turns is all I'll need to gather the Tribute I'll need to Summon 'God'."
Thomas, however, began to worry about a new problem due to having to use his 'Exchange' Spell Card.
"Even though I got 'Slifer' back," thought Thomas, looking at his hand then at his opponent, "'Exchange' ended up helping Spencer by letting him take 'Life Shaver'."
FLASHBACK
After Flashback Thomas activated the 'Exchange' Spell Card…
"Here!" The voice of Flashback Spencer huffed, handing the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card back to Flashback Thomas.
Flashback Thomas took the card, and showed Flashback Spencer his (Flashback Thomas) hand.
"Now you choose a card," offered Flashback Thomas.
After a few moments, Flashback Spencer reached into Flashback Thomas's hand and took the 'Life Shaver' Trap Card.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and, while looking at the card he had recently gotten and envisioning cards coming out of it, due to reading the effect, Spencer put a sly grin onto his face and slipped it into his hand.
"'Life Shaver' is a dangerous Trap Card that forces the opposing player to discard a number of cards from their hand depending on how long it has been set face-down by the user before activation. This makes it a Hand Elimination card," thought Thomas, as the above scenario played out in full while he continued to look worried, "To make matters even worse, 'Slifer's' ATK/DEF depend on how many cards I'm currently holding. If 'Life Shaver' is Set face-down for enough turns, Spencer could potentially use it to wipe out my entire hand and make 'Slifer' as good as useless," He braced himself a bit, "I don't know if he'll Set 'Life Shaver' this turn, but it's a possibility."
Below the platform, Emily and Dark Marik were both watching the duel still.
"So, Billinton's tricked Spencer into helping him get 'Slifer' into his hand," said Dark Marik, "Impressive."
Emily, however, was not as reassured by the matter.
"Spencer must've gotten a strong card from Thomas," she thought to herself, "Otherwise, Thomas wouldn't be looking so worried, right now."
On the platform…
"Now, Billinton! It's your turn, now!" announced Spencer.
"Very well!" accepted Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Both duelists faced each other rigidly.
Turn Seven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (5): "Big Shield Gardna", "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", "Slifer the Sky Dragon", and "Soul Rope"
Suddenly, 'Big Shield Gardna' appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 2600).
"'Big Shield Gardna' in Defense Position!" The voice of Thomas declared, just before slotting a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "Finally, I'll Set one card face-down…" A face-down card materialized on the field behind and between 'Big Shield Gardna' and 'Queen's Knight'. "…and end my turn!" An image of the 'XY-Dragon Cannon' Fusion Monster Card was shown beside him, "All I can do for now is defend myself from Spencer's 'XY-Dragon Cannon'. My 'Big Shield Gardna's' DEF of 2600 should be enough to stall an ATK of 2200 for the time being."
"Hmph! Looks like all you can do is defend!" berated Spencer, "I can defeat you even if my 'God' Card is still sealed away!"
Below the duel platform, Dark Marik was amused with the situation.
"Two more turns," he commented loudly.
That remark caught Emily's attention and caused her to look towards Dark Marik curiously.
"Two turns?" pondered Emily
"'Obelisk' will return to Spencer's hand in just two more turns," answered Dark Marik, "From there, he will likely Summon the 'God' immediately," He smiled deviously, "Once that happens, Thomas won't have a snowball's chance in Hell in Summoning 'Slifer'—or of winning for that matter."
"Dream on, you lunatic!" retorted Emily.
Dark Marik chuckled, "Oh, but I want him to win."
"What?! Why?" gasped Emily.
"He must continue to grow… before I sacrifice him to the depths of darkness!" mused Dark Marik, "I want to see his own darkness in battle… It wouldn't be any fun for me if he's defeated in the semi-finals…" The twisted psychopath then licked his lips while thinking all about the pain he (Dark Marik) would delightfully cause Thomas, "It's no fun crushing someone who's already half-dead! He must writhe in more pain before that! And I'm going to make him suffer the ultimate pain!"
He started to laugh madly. Emily looked positively disgusted with Dark Marik's obsession with hurting Thomas, but wisely said nothing about it.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the tower and inside the medical room of the blimp, everything was quiet… and Mavis didn't like it one bit.
"I'm getting worried," she commented aloud.
"Is something the matter, Mavis?" blinked Molly.
"Oh, never mind," Mavis denied hastily, "Forget I said anything."
"If you're worried," Ben spoke up, "then you're not alone; I am, too."
"I just want all this trouble to just end," groaned Mavis, speaking in an upset tone, "And what about Discord and the others? We should have some news soon."
"We're pretty far from any nearby land," James pointed out, "Maybe the radio isn't able to contact any help."
"Does this mean a helicopter…won't be coming?" peeped Liz, getting upset again, "No… My Little Brother…!"
Yet again believing Percy will die, poor Liz began to cry once more as Ryan held her in his arms to comfort her.
"Nice going…" sighed Edward.
"Sorry," apologized James.
Ben looked over to the sobbing Liz, "Please don't cry, Ms. Liz," he said kindly, walking over, "I'm sure Percy will soon wake up."
"Yeah!" agreed Toby, "Just hang in there."
"Wake up? He could possibly be dead!" James blurted out without thinking…again.
"James!" scolded Molly.
Toby quickly elbowed James in the stomach to shut him (James) up.
"Do you WANT Liz to feel even worse than before?" Toby pressed harshly.
James looked ashamed of himself for upsetting Liz like that. It was then Henry spoke up…
"We just have to believe Percy can pull through this. That's all we can do, now," reassured Henry, trying to calm Liz down.
Everyone continued to look after the coma induced Percy, as well as both Lady and Duck.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the cockpit, Skiff was still trying to use the radio and contact help from Boxford Corp back on the Island of Sodor.
"Come in Boxford Corporation," The young boy said desperately, "Boxford Corporation, this is Skiff! Can you read me?"
Still nothing happened.
"Nothing?" asked Discord.
"Nothing," admitted Skiff.
"Well, why don't we just fly them to the hospital ourselves?" demanded James R..
"I've already told you that we can't leave the island, now," reminded Skiff, "Spencer insists that the Battle City tournament will continue whether we like it or not."
(elsewhere…)
As the discussion went on, two people could be seen in the hallway overhearing the conversation going on. Those two people were both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), and they were deeply dismayed with what they were hearing.
"Spencer has gone too far this time," whispered Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"I know," agreed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "He's practically become the one person we vowed to never let him become."
"Our adopted Father, Gozaburo."
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room, Odion was still in bed and in his coma when Ishizu finally returned to try and talk to her adopted brother.
"I wish you were awake to witness this moment," pleaded Ishizu, "The Pharaoh's ancient struggle is playing itself out again. Everything is happening just as the ancient scriptures predicted almost 3000 years ago. Two of the three chosen ones are locked in combat, while their Gods are about to rise…and clash."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Ishizu had led Flashback Skiff and Flashback Spencer both to a pair of stone carvings.
"Behold! These stone tablets depict the earliest known game played in Egypt—the origin of Duel Monsters," announced Flashback Ishizu.
Flashback Spencer and Flashback Skiff both took a look and gasped.
"Oh, wow!" breathed Flashback Skiff.
"It can't be!" came from Flashback Spencer.
The carvings on the stone looked like Duel Monsters cards. Flashback Ishizu's story was true!
"The ancients believed that natural disasters, war and suffering were caused by demons of the heart," revealed Flashback Ishizu, as focus went on the large carved stone, "The Pharaoh had his sorcerers carve the demons onto stone tablets and sealed them away."
"You must be joking," objected Flashback Spencer, shaking his head in denial, "This can't be true!"
"I don't know, Spencer," Flashback Skiff stated, "It sounds very true to me."
"If you don't believe my words, Spencer," said Flashback Ishizu, "Then I would suggest that you take a good look at the carvings up close."
Try as he could, Flashback Spencer could not deny what he was seeing.
"Take a look at the second carving," continued Flashback Ishizu, gesturing to the second carving, "This is the reason I've called you here. This carving depicts the Pharaoh and his greatest opponent. Perhaps this might give you inspiration, as it did Discord."
Flashback Spencer looked at the second carving and gasped when he saw that the Pharaoh looked incredibly familiar.
"Impossible!" recoiled Flashback Spencer, "That's Thomas Billinton!"
"What?!" Flashback Skiff gawked, also taking a closer look, "It is Thomas! But who's above him?"
"'Dark Magician'," answered Flashback Ishizu.
"This is unbelievable," grimaced Flashback Spencer, staring at the stone tablet—particularly of the person who looked like Thomas and 'Dark Magician', "Billinton being related to a Pharaoh?" He faced Flashback Ishizu in exasperation, "This is ridiculous! Are you sure you're not making this all up?"
"The Pharaoh's opponent in this carving was a priest," resumed Flashback Ishizu, gesturing to the other side of the carving, "That priest was you, Spencer Gresley."
Another look of shock appeared on Flashback Spencer's face. Sure enough, the other person in the carving was someone who looked exactly like him.
"Again, if you don't trust my words, take a look at the monster the priest used," Flashback Ishizu suggested, referring to the monster on the tablet, "It's something you own, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
Flashback Spencer was just stunned by this.
"Now take a look at the carvings at the top of the stone," advised Flashback Ishizu.
The two boys (Flashback Spencer and Flashback Skiff) obeyed and did so, as the young Egyptian woman continued to explain.
"According to legends," she began, "there were three spirits that protected the people of Egypt. They are known as the 'Egyptian Gods'."
One carving showed a huge, muscular creature. The second showed a large serpent-like dragon with two mouths. The third was a dragon too, but it looked like it had a more birdlike face.
"'Obelisk the Tormentor', 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'," The voice of Flashback Ishizu revealed.
"Wow…" gasped Flashback Skiff.
"And now, I have something to give you," Flashback Ishizu continued, holding up a card, "One that I think you might like."
Flashback Spencer nodded and took the card. Once he saw what it was, he was shocked once again.
"This is 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!" cried Flashback Spencer, "How did this become a card?"
"Discord created the game Duel Monsters," said Flashback Ishizu, "While doing so, he also made the 'Egyptian Gods' into cards."
"But why didn't he ever use them?" asked Flashback Spencer.
"Discord feared their power and worried he wouldn't be able to control them," explained Flashback Ishizu, "Whoever holds these cards can become the ultimate duelist."
"I've heard of them," Flashback Skiff spoke up, "Whoever wields all three can use their power for either good or evil. Any mishap could lead to someone's death."
"Discord gave the 'Egyptian God' Cards to me," stated Flashback Ishizu, "I had them hidden away, but two were stolen by the Rare Hunters."
"Who are the Rare Hunters?" frowned Flashback Spencer.
"A group of elite duelists lead by a ruthless young man," replied Flashback Ishizu, although her eyes could tell she was lying on the 'young man' bit, "They steal cards and sell them on the black market, making millions in the process. However, they also keep the best ones for themselves, allowing them to build unbeatable Decks," Flashback Skiff and Flashback Spencer listened to her explanation, "They are also known for being very cruel in their thievery, for they could also possibly kill people if they wanted."
"They sound like the pirates lead by Sailor John," commented Flashback Skiff.
"We must get the 'Egyptian Gods' back from them before they come for 'Obelisk' as well," requested Flashback Ishizu firmly
"How do you suggest we do so?" pressed Flashback Spencer.
"The Rare Hunters seek the rarest cards around," reminded Flashback Ishizu, "Perhaps if you were to host a big Duel Monsters tournament…"
"I see," nodded Flashback Spencer, "The Rare Hunters would accept the bait, bringing the other two 'Egyptian God' Cards with them."
"You may borrow 'Obelisk' for the tournament," offered Flashback Ishizu, "But I will expect it back."
"How do you know I'll return a powerful card like this?" Flashback Spencer joked smugly.
"Because I have complete trust in you."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Ishizu looked out the nearby window…towards the Duel Tower.
"It's Thomas and Spencer's connection to the past that allows them each to wield an 'Egyptian God' Card," she thought to herself, "But no one now knows the outcome of their ancestors' ancient duel."
A vision ensured.
VISION
A 16-year old Atem, wearing the Millennium Puzzle around his neck, gazed at the 21-year old Seto, who wielded the Millennium Rod.
"Why did it have to come to this?" asked Vision Atem.
"Why else?" Vision Seto replied, "Fate has decided to do this!"
(new scene…)
The vision warped into the duel between Vision Thomas and Vision Spencer inside the Sky Duel Coliseum.
"Why did it have to come to this?" asked Vision Thomas.
"Why else?" Vision Spencer replied, "Fate has decided to do this!"
A complete mirror of their ancestors.
END VISION
The vision ended with Ishizu closing her eyes.
"What will happen after this?" thought Ishizu, before approaching and laying a soft hand onto Odion's forehead, "All we can do is watch silently…and hope for the best."
The young Egyptian woman knelt before her brother's bed and began to pray for the safety of everyone aboard the ship.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the cheers of "Thomas!" and "Spencer!" were as loud as ever. Thomas (LP: 4000) and Spencer (LP: 2000) were gazing at each other as the duel continued.
"Before he can even think of Summoning 'Slifer'," thought Spencer, "my 'XY-Dragon Cannon' will crush all of his weak monsters one-by-one. No matter exactly how I do it, Billinton won't ever get to Summon 'God'! That's because 'I' will be the one to Summon my own!"
Thomas merely gave a small grunt.
"It's my turn!" yelled Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Eight: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Power Balance", "XYZ Safeguard", "Life Shaver", and "Z-Metal Tank"
Lightforce Sword: 1 turn
Spencer snickered once he saw he had drawn a Monster Card called 'Z-Metal Tank'.
"Like strings to a puppet, everything is moving exactly the way I want them to!" thought Spencer, just before adding his new card to his hand and taking another card and slotting it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!"
A face-down card materialized on the field. Thomas thought he knew exactly what it was.
"That face-down card HAS to be 'Life Shaver'!" thought Thomas, "If not, then what else could it be?"
"You no longer have any chance of winning!" taunted Spencer, "I hope you're prepared to lose, Billinton!" He placed his drawn card ('Z-Metal Tank') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon the Union monster, 'Z-Metal Tank'!"
Appearing on the field was a yellow-colored tank-like monster, right beside 'XY-Dragon Cannon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300).
"Oh no," thought Thomas, knowing what was coming next, "That's the third monster!"
"I activate 'Y-Dragon Head's' first effect, detaching itself from 'X-Head Cannon'!" declared Spencer, just as 'XY-Dragon Cannon' disassembled into 'X-Head Cannon' and 'Y-Dragon Head', "That gives me two more monsters!" He then eagerly gave the command to his monsters, "Now, I shall merge 'Z-Metal Tank' with 'Y-Dragon Head' and 'X-Head Cannon'!"
'X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank' each transformed and combined together. The ultimate form of the three monsters was now complete (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600).
"Combine! 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon'!" The voice of Spencer boomed triumphantly.
Now Thomas was more worried than ever before, since 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' had 2800 ATK and could blow away any card on his field with its sole effect by sending a card from the hand to the GY.
"Not that monster again," groaned Thomas, briefly going into his thoughts, "And at the last time I faced it, I just barely beat it."
"That's right," smirked Spencer, "This is the same monster I used against you in our very first duel. But this time, you have no chance of winning!" He looked nearby at the sealed card before looking back at his opponent, "And with 'Obelisk' about to be freed on my next turn… Well, I don't have to say anything more about that."
Below the platform, Dark Marik yet again chuckled in amusement.
"Not too shabby, Spencer," thought Dark Marik, "I'd expect nothing less from the person who defeated my Honorable Big Sister."
Back on the platform…
"At the moment, your 'Queen's Knight' has the lowest DEF," boasted Spencer arrogantly, "She would be an easy target for my monster."
Both Thomas and 'Queen's Knight' glared at the silver-haired boy over the cutting remark.
"However," Spencer went on, as he eyed 'Big Shield Gardna', "I'll let her live this turn," He entered the Battle Phase, "'XYZ-Dragon Cannon', attack Billinton's 'Big Shield Gardna'!" As he announced the attack name, 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' obeyed and began to charge its cannons, "XYZ Hyper Cannon!"
Two blasts of plasma fired out and shattered 'Big Shield Gardna' apart after both hits connected with him. Thomas winced from the force of the attack while Spencer laughed like a villain.
"And there was only one…" he commented, eyeing Thomas's lone 'Queen's Knight' before focusing on the sealed card (again), "Next turn, I'll get 'Obelisk' back, and…I'll be able to Summon it!"
Thomas recovered and…gave a smile.
"Thank you, Spencer," smiled Thomas, obviously being sarcastic, "You've destroyed 'Big Shield Gardna' due to its high DEF instead of 'Queen's Knight'… By doing that, you fell into my trap."
Spencer's eyes widened, "What are you-?!"
"Face-down card, open!" announced Thomas, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "I activate a Trap, 'Soul Rope'!"
The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"'S-Soul Rope'?" winced Spencer, looking aghast.
"That's right," confirmed Thomas, taking a life point hit (LP: 4000 → 3000), "When a monster I control is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must pay 1000 LP; I must…" He took his Deck out of the Duel Disk and started searching through it before finding a card to play, "…Special Summon 1 Level 4 monster from my Deck," He held up the card and placed it ('King's Knight') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'King's Knight'!"
Appearing on the field was a male 'Poker Knight' monster that resembled more of a King, standing beside 'Queen's Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400).
"No! Not 'King's Knight'!" panicked Spencer, knowing where this was leading to, "You have a combo of your own!"
"When this card is Normal or Special Summoned while I control 'Queen's Knight': I can Special Summon 1 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck," explained Thomas, going over 'King's Knight's' effect before readying a card ('Jack's Knight') taken from his Deck, "The 'Three Musketeers of Face Cards'!"
"The 'Three Musketeers of Face Cards'?!" repeated Spencer.
"Correct," Thomas confirmed once more, "Back when we first dueled, I never really got the chance to put them to good use against you. But, now, I can do that! Because these are my three Tributes to Summon 'God'!" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Jack's Knight'!"
Appearing on the field was a third 'Poker Knight' monster that resembled a Joker who joined his two comrades (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1000). Raising their blades upward together, the 'Three Musketeers of Face Cards' knew they had been gathered.
"The 'Three Musketeers of Face Cards', possessing the maximum speed Summon ability!" The voice of Thomas gloated, "I have gathered them!"
Spencer's eyes went bloodshot, knowing that he was in deep trouble.
"Even in this situation where I was completely on top of my game… Billinton still managed to stay ahead of me!" thought Spencer.
"And now, it's my turn!" Thomas declared, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nine: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (4): "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", "Slifer the Sky Dragon", and "Pot of Greed"
Immediately, he began to make his big play.
"Alright, Spencer," threatened Thomas, "You wanted to face the power of 'Slifer', now you're getting your wish," He prepared to play the 'Egyptian God' Card from his hand—as all three 'Poker Knight' monsters faded away in streaks of blue, "I Tribute my three monsters to the heavens!" Raising his card ('Slifer the Sky Dragon') up, he started glowing purple as a beam shot soon into the skies above while Spencer and Dark Marik both winced from the sight. It was then he placed his card ('Slifer the Sky Dragon') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!"
The Duel Disk started sparking with electricity in a good way, while Spencer fearfully watched as purple electricity sparkled all around his field. Below the platform…
"Where is it?" Dark Marik demanded impatiently.
Suddenly, within the sky, bolts of lightning cracked from the sky as a familiar serpent-shaped dragon began to descend from the darkened clouds.
"There it is…" whispered Emily.
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' had finally lowered into the stadium (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Island of Sodor, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' Summon had just been shown. Lots of people were very shocked and surprised at the sight of the powerful monster. None more so than Thomas's own family, who were out for a family stroll in the streets of Knapford City when they saw what was happening on a TV in a store.
"Hey, Mom!" requested Annie, when she pointed to a nearby TV in the display window, "Come over here quickly! Our Big Brother is on TV!"
Mrs. Billinton turned and approached her twin daughters…who were both staring at a playing TV inside a shop showing Thomas in his duel with Spencer Gresley.
"Really? Then he must be…" began Mrs. Billinton. But her excitement turned into shock about a second later, "OH, SWEET SODOR! WHAT IS THAT THING?!"
"Honey?" pondered Mr. Billinton, as he stopped walking and turned around, having heard his wife freak out over seeing something on the TV, "Is everything alright?"
"Take a look at what's on the TV in the store, Dad," suggested Clarabel.
Mr. Billinton looked at the TV, and almost fainted from a heart attack when he saw 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' seemingly roar at him in the face.
"Um… Dad?" blinked Clarabel, "It was just a hologram."
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' had wrapped itself all around the walls of the Sky Duel Coliseum before letting off yet another thunder-sounding-like roar.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, Molly was looking out the window when she saw the sky turn all dark.
"Guys, look at the weather," Molly called out.
James, Ben, Edward, and Toby all came running over.
"A storm is coming?" quizzed Ben.
"Um… not exactly!" gulped Edward, knowing the real answer.
They all looked and saw 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' coiled all-around the coliseum.
"Thomas has Summoned his own 'God', 'Slifer…" The voice of Toby exclaimed, looking quite fearful, "…the Sky Dragon'!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in the stadium, Thomas skillfully jumped up and landed safely atop of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' head, readying to fight alongside his 'Egyptian God' monster. Below the platform, Dark Marik was smiling big around here at seeing the first 'Egyptian God' monster appearing.
"Now THAT was a surprise! To think that Thomas would be able to Summon 'Slifer' first in a situation like this! How fascinating…" beamed Dark Marik.
On the platform…
"Well, Spencer, it looks like I've turned the tables on you!" taunted Thomas, "You said you'd Summon 'Obelisk' before I Summoned 'Slifer'… Well, it looks like you were wrong."
Suddenly, Spencer didn't look worried at all.
"You may have Summoned your 'Egyptian God' monster first," remarked Spencer, "but just you wait! Soon, both of our 'Gods' will clash… Besides, how many cards are you holding in your current hand?"
"Three cards," Thomas answered, looking at his hand, "Why do you ask?"
"Because this is 'Slifer's' eleventh effect," noted Spencer, as Thomas listened closely, "This card's original ATK/DEF becomes the number of cards in your hand x 1000!" He held three fingers from his right hand up, "That currently gives 'Slifer' 3000 ATK!"
"Correct," affirmed Thomas, "Not to mention your 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' only has 2800 ATK, making it much weaker compared to my own monster," Focus went towards 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' (ATK: 2800), "And if I attack it this turn, you'll lose your only monster and be prevented from calling 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
Spencer snickered, "Then…try attacking me this turn!"
"So confident, even in his position," thought Thomas, "Spencer knows full well what will happen if I destroy his 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' with 'Slifer'… Does he have a backup plan in the scenario where something happens to his monster? There's only a 200 point difference between the ATK of our monsters," He glanced towards Spencer's face-down card, "Then again, his face-down card might be 'Life Shaver'. In attacking, I would risk my monster being destroyed by discarding a card—well, since it was Set on his previous turn, I wouldn't have to discard anything from my hand… so 'Life Shaver' would be useless right now, and not worth activating."
"Come on! What's the matter, Billinton?!" called Spencer, "Attack me, now!"
Below the platform, Emily was worried about her friend.
"He might be bringing you into a trap, Thomas," thought Emily, "Don't try attacking, now."
Dark Marik, however, had a different thought in mind…
"Is Spencer merely bluffing?" Dark Marik asked aloud, "Or maybe he's actually stopped Thomas from making a move with one little card," His evil smile grew wider as he laughed a little bit, "You're not bad at all, Spencer!"
Emily gave Dark Marik a harsh glare before looking back over to watch the duel. Back on the platform, the gloating and daring by Spencer was not stopping.
"Whether you attack or not, you won't be able to stop me from winning the duel!" dared Spencer.
"Suppose that face-down card is a card that can increase 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon's' ATK," thought Thomas, "'Slifer' could get destroyed! But if I don't attack, Spencer will Summon 'Obelisk' on his next turn! Then again, his card could just be a bluff—and end up being the 'Life Shaver' he took from me. Either way, I can't back down!"
At last, he made the decision to give the command.
"Battle!" announced Thomas, entering the Battle Phase, "'Slifer the Sky Dragon', destroy 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon'!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed and began charging its signature attack within its main mouth. Spencer had a grim look of triumph on his face.
"I knew you'd attack me!" thought Spencer, "And I'm ready for it."
Before long, the attack by 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' was all charged up.
"Thunder Force!" The voice of Thomas commanded.
The blast finally fired. The blast got closer and closer, but as expected…
"It's time to reveal my secret weapon!" proclaimed Spencer, before swinging his right arm about, "Face-down card, open! 'XYZ Safeguard', activate!"
His face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself. The sight of the activated card seemed to shock Thomas to the core.
"Wh-What?!" exclaimed Thomas in great surprise, "That's not 'Life Shaver'!"
"Correct!" confirmed Spencer grandly, "The Trap Card, 'XYZ Safeguard'!" As he explained the effect, materializing on the field from the face-up 'XYZ Safeguard' Trap Card was a device of sorts, which proceeded to unleash a colorful beam, striking 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' and teleporting it away from the field, causing Thunder Force to miss its mark, "I must target 1 face-up 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' I control; once this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle, also, I take no battle damage from attacks involving it!"
To make matters all the more complicated, Thunder Force ended up causing major damage to the holographic stands…
(elsewhere…)
…before striking the darkened sky. From there, numerous bolts of lightning were now raining all around Boxford Corp Island.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the cockpit, Discord and the members of Team 4D's witnessed the bolts of lightning.
"Goodness gracious!" The creator of Duel Monsters exclaimed.
"Was that the power of Thomas's 'Egyptian God' monster just now?" quivered Carlie.
"No clue," answered Skiff, not losing focus.
Just then…
"This is Boxford Corp, we read you loud and clear!" came a voice (male) from the radio, "Please respond!"
Feeling greatly relieved, Skiff grabbed the intercom again.
"This is Skiff," Skiff called in response, "We need assistance, right away!"
"Roger that. We're on our way!"
(elsewhere…)
At the main Boxford Corporation headquarters on the Island of Sodor, a helicopter was shown to be taking off.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the cockpit of the blimp, Skiff took off the headphones when his parents entered to see how things were going.
"Well?" asked Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Discord explained everything that had happened just now—at least to the best of his ability.
"Help is on the way," finished Discord.
"Thank goodness," sighed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Let's go tell the others!" suggested James R..
"Yeah!" agreed Carlie.
"Count me in!" added Zack.
With that agreed to, they all raced off to find the rest of the gang to let them know the good news.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Thomas was still recovering from his shock over Spencer's surprise Trap Card (not 'Life Shaver'). Spencer started to snicker quietly before laughing wickedly as 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' began to reappear on the field due to the 'XYZ Safeguard' Trap Card's effect finally wearing off.
"Your Battle Phase has been wasted entirely, Billinton!" mocked Spencer, "Your attack didn't destroy 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon', and I took no damage!"
Thomas scowled at Spencer for that trick to protect 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon', but then smirked right back while coming up with an alternative trick.
"Now I see… You had a face-down card to protect your Tributes for 'Obelisk'," commented Thomas. He then took a card from his hand and held it up, "However, my turn isn't quite over yet, unfortunately…" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "To officially finish my play, I'll Set one card face-down!"
A face-down card ('Pot of Greed') materialized on the field near his feet. Spencer's eyes went bloodshot from shock.
"What?! He's deliberately reducing his hand to weaken his own 'Egyptian God' monster?" thought Spencer.
"My turn is over," finished Thomas.
Because another card had been played, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK dropped by 1000 (ATK: 3000 → 2000).
"This is absurd! Billinton now has only two cards left in his hand!" Spencer said mentally, "Does he not realize that I'll be Summoning 'Obelisk' on my coming turn?!"
"Come on, Spencer!" insisted Thomas teasingly, "It's your turn, now! 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' is strong enough to destroy my 'Egyptian God' monster and also damage my LP badly without the need of 'Obelisk'—but will you or won't you attack me, now?" He then laughed cheekily, "Now, it's MY turn to test YOUR will, Spencer!"
"He's goading me," thought Spencer, scowling, but then he smiled and spoke aloud, "Nice try, but I've already decided what I'm gonna do," He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Ten: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Power Balance", "Life Shaver", and "Command Silencer"
Lightforce Sword: Now
Upon drawing his card, Spencer noticed that the 'Lightforce Sword' Spell Card's effect was lifting from the sealed 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card nearby.
"It's been three turns since you played 'Lightforce Sword', Billinton," reminded Spencer, as the sealed card near started to wiggle itself free, "Now my 'Egyptian God' Card is freed and returns to my hand!"
The swords faded from the sealed 'Egyptian God' monster, causing it to return to Spencer's hand.
"That may be so, but you only have one monster," Thomas pointed out, as a neutral-looking Spencer listened, "How can you Summon 'Obelisk' with only one monster?"
"Heh! Allow me to show you," offered Spencer sinisterly, before holding up another card ('XYZ Safeguard') taken from his GY, "I activate the second effect of 'XYZ Safeguard'!"
Thomas blinked, "What? It has a second effect?"
"During my Main Phase: I can banish this card from my GY, then banish 1 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' I control; I must explained…" explained Spencer, looking rather smug to say the least before focus went towards 'XYZ-Dragon Cannon', "…Special Summon up to 3 of my banished monsters with different names, from among 'X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank', and if I do, they cannot be destroyed by card effects!" His Trap Card in-between his fingers faded away into oblivion, "That way, I can get around 'Slifer' potentially destroying my own monsters once they return to the field."
Thomas grimaced. Below the platform, Emily was also unhappy to hear about Spencer's 'XYZ Safeguard' Trap Card's second effect.
"That's so unfair!" complained Emily, "It makes things so broken!"
"Unfair or fair, it sounds like fun to me!" admired Dark Marik, grinning in amusement, "You should learn to relax and have fun with new effects."
"No one asked you!" The voice of Emily berated.
Back on the platform, Spencer had a sinister smile on his face while readying his regained cards.
"Appear now, my servants!" commanded Spencer, placing his cards ('X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank') onto separate Monster Zones on his Duel Disk, "'X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank'!"
'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' immediately disassembled itself back into 'X-Head Cannon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1500), 'Y-Dragon Head' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600), and 'Z-Metal Tank' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300). Wasting not a single second, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' opened its second mouth and unleashed Summon Thunder Bullet on all three monsters, but the attack did nothing to them—they were still standing, all without the stat drop of 2000 points depending on the stance. Their own destruction was also prevented.
"It's finally time… I will show you the true power of 'God'!" whispered Spencer menacingly, holding up the card ('Obelisk the Tormentor') he wanted to play while ready to win. Focus went towards 'X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank' as they each faded away in streaks of blue, "I Tribute 'X-Head Cannon', 'Y-Dragon Head', and 'Z-Metal Tank'!" He then held his card up as it began to gain power, "And now, it's time for the almighty 'God of the Obelisk' to arise! Bend to my will, and descend to my whim!"
(elsewhere…)
Dark clouds started swirling around before blue electricity started striking all around the island… but it was mainly all around the entire Duel Tower.
(elsewhere…)
"Shake the Earth with your unsurpassed power, and bring me victory!" raged Spencer. From there, he finally placed his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
Blue electricity crackled around Spencer's Duel Disk, but he ignored it and laughed wickedly. More blue electricity came from the darkened sky. Thomas, still atop of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' head, was looking up to the sky in worry.
"Here it comes…" thought Thomas.
Below the platform, Emily was particularly frightened of what was to come, while Dark Marik was waiting excitedly. After an impressive light show, the huge, blue 'Egyptian God' finally landed on the field behind Spencer, rising and letting loose a booming roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"IT'S FINALLY HERE!" cackled Spencer, "THE GREAT GOD OF THE OBELISK!"
Spencer Gresley then, like what Thomas had done regarding 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' when it was Summoned, jumped into the air and landed on the head of his own 'Egyptian God' monster, wanting to fight alongside it against both Thomas and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'. Below the platform…
"You've finally come, 'Obelisk'!" praised Dark Marik with evil excitement, while also laughing up a storm. Focus was on 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', "The great battle of 'Egyptian God' VS. 'Egyptian God' has finally begun!"
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Emily in shock, "It's actually happening!"
Back on the platform…
"'Obelisk the Tormentor'…" thought Thomas, with a look of fear on his face, "The power it possesses! I almost feel deathly afraid to face it!"
"Thomas Billinton…" began Spencer, "The clash of the titans has finally begun! I will defeat your 'Slifer'… I will gather the remaining 'Egyptian God' Cards with my two hands… AND THE TITLE OF DUEL KING WILL FINALLY BECOME MINE!"
From there, he began to laugh maniacally once more. The epic Battle of the Gods had begun. Thomas and Spencer both gazed at each other while standing atop of their respective 'Egyptian God' monster's head. The current stands were:
-Spencer (LP: 2000): Controlled 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
-Thomas (LP: 3000): Controlled 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000) and a Set card.
"This is it, Billinton…" announced Spencer, "The Battle of the 'Gods' has finally begun… May the best duelist win!"
"Yes, may the best duelist win…" Thomas muttered to himself, nervously.
Just then, coming from the nearby wall near Dark Marik, both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) arrived.
"Spencer!" The two adults called at once.
Unfortunately, to their great shock, they saw that their son was standing atop of the head of 'Obelisk the Tormentor'. What's more, they saw that Thomas was atop of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' head also.
"What's…going on here?" Mr. Gresley (Boxford) spluttered, looking speechless.
Emily saw the two adults and started to explain everything.
"Thomas and Spencer have both Summoned their respective 'Gods'…" replied Emily, before looking back towards the two rivaling 'Egyptian God' monsters on the platform, who were about to clash, "This is a battle Spencer has been waiting for ever since the finals began."
Below the platform…
"But how are they able to stand atop of holograms?" asked Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "It doesn't make any sense to me."
"It's rather complicated," Emily started to say, but was cut off by someone else.
"I've got an answer!" The voice of Dark Marik, sounding rather snide-like, proclaimed.
All three duel watchers looked over to the smirking Dark Marik, also armed with his Millennium Rod, unhappily.
"Do you?" assumed Emily, looking and sounding a bit cross, "Alright, go ahead and amuse us, why don't you?"
Chuckling at Emily's anger towards him, Dark Marik eagerly complied with the demand. Back on the platform, focus was on Spencer and 'Obelisk the Tormentor' before shifting towards Thomas and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"Their bloodlines tracing back 3000 years ago allows them to make physical contact with their monsters as if they were all real. Whether they are through holograms, or mere spirits, it matters not to me," The voice of Dark Marik revealed, as the above scenario played out before he was shown casting an evil eye towards someone nearby, "As a matter of fact, you also seem to be able to make contact with them too, my dear."
"What?! Me?" Emily reeled back, looking quite shocked, "How…?"
"Apparently, you have an ancestor that was very close to Thomas's ancestor," said Dark Marik, grinning teasingly, "Just like how you are very close to Thomas to this day!"
Indeed, Emily did remember from that flashback seeing a small glimpse of that peasant girl, Anzu, gazing at Atem with loving eyes.
"But perhaps I've said too much already," corrected Dark Marik, who then looked to watch the duel, "It's time to see who is the superior 'Egyptian God' Card wielder!"
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Island of Sodor and within Knapford City, lots and lots of people had gathered in the central square of town. They were looking at the big TV monitor on one of the big buildings.
"Look at those monsters!" gawked Paxton, "I've never seen anything like them."
"Whatever they are," came from Caitlin, "they sure look big and scary."
"But the ones controlling them are Thomas and Spencer respectively," Conner pointed out.
"Such amazing beasts!" breathed Salty.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room aboard the blimp, all was quiet—well, until Discord, Zack, and James R. each arrived.
"Great news, everyone!" cried James R. happily.
"Skiff managed to get through," added Zack, "A helicopter is coming to pick up our injured friends!"
"Thank heaven!" sighed Molly.
"You hear that, Percy? You're gonna be getting the help you need real soon, kiddo," assured Ryan, addressing the unconscious Percy.
At that point, Mavis was heard giving an alarmed shriek.
"Mavis, what is it?!" worried Toby, running over and wrapped both his arms around Mavis's waist in concern, "What did you see?"
"L-Look out…at the top of-!" stammered Mavis, trying to speak but was unable to finish.
Everyone looked out the window to see both Egyptian Gods atop the Duel Tower.
"Bubbling Sodas!" Henry cried out, "'Slifer' and 'Obelisk'!"
"And judging from the way they're positioned on the tower…" gulped James, looking quite nervous per say.
"Yes, they're about to fight," finished Discord grimly.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the Battle of 'Gods' had begun at long last.
"Billinton, my 'Obelisk' will easily crush your 'Slifer'!" boasted Spencer, "You only have two cards in your hand, and 'Slifer's' stats completely depend on the current amount of cards you're holding," He (Spencer) then pointed forth at Thomas, "Currently, two cards gives 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' a measly 2000 ATK!"
Unfortunately for Spencer, Thomas grinned in response as soon as his (Thomas) shock disappeared.
"You've made a big mistake in Summoning 'Obelisk' like that!" remarked Thomas bluntly.
Spencer scowled, "What do you mean by that?" he started, but then gasped upon realizing something important, "W-Wait a moment-!"
"By Summoning 'Obelisk', you've activated 'Slifer's' twelfth effect!" declared Thomas, cutting his opponent off, "Slifer, open your second mouth and attack!" As he issued the effect name, the second mouth of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' opened, "Summon Thunder Bullet!"
Slifer the Sky Dragon obeyed and fired two small bolts of thunder from its top mouth towards Spencer, striking him on the Duel Disk as he attempted to block the force of the powerful attack of an 'Egyptian God' monster. That wasn't all, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' got a taste of the attack, too. Summon Thunder Bullet attack caused the giant blue 'Egyptian God' monster to roar in pain and take a step back.
"If a monster(s) is Summoned to my opponent's field: I must target that monster(s); it loses 2000 ATK/DEF, depending on its battle position, then, if its ATK/DEF became 0 by this effect, I must destroy it," reminded Thomas, pointing forth near the end of his explanation.
With its body slightly damaged, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' grew weaker (ATK: 4000 → 2000), while the way 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' was roaring almost made it seem like it was laughing at Spencer for failing to remember this effect.
"Good," thought Thomas, "Since 'Obelisk' was weakened, I won't have to worry about being attacked this turn."
"So Billinton 'knew' that I would Summon 'Obelisk', just to use 'Slifer's' effect to weaken my monster and prevent an attack," thought Spencer angrily, "Especially since both 'Gods' would just destroy each other if an attack was declared…! That damn Billinton deliberately kept his hand low in order to provoke me!"
"You're so lucky, Spencer!" called Thomas teasingly, "Lucky that 'Slifer's' effect only lasts one turn against another 'Egyptian God'. Maybe when your next turn comes, you could try hitting me with all you've got," In his mind, it was a different story, "By next turn, 'Obelisk's' ATK will return to 4000… Even when I draw a card next turn, 'Slifer' will only have 3000 ATK!"
"You'll pay for that!" fumed Spencer, taking two cards from his hand and slotting them into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down…" Two face-down cards ('Command Silencer' and 'Life Shaver') materialized on the field near his feet, "…and end my turn!"
"It's my turn!" Thomas announced, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Eleven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (3): "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", and "Card Destruction"
Immediately after drawing a card…
"As of now, 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF both go up by 1000!" recalled Thomas.
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' grew stronger (ATK: 2000 → 3000/DEF: 2000 → 3000).
"But don't forget that the power of 'Slifer' has ended, meaning 'Obelisk's' ATK returns to 4000!" corrected Spencer, as Thomas briefly listened, "Because of that, my own 'God' is now stronger than your 'God' again!"
On cue, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' went back to its usual power level (ATK: 2000 → 4000).
"I haven't forgotten, Spencer!" shouted Thomas, holding his right hand out, "I activate a Normal Spell, 'Pot of Greed'!"
His face-down card flipped up and revealed itself. Spencer scowled because Thomas was about to make 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' stronger again.
"I must draw 2 cards," said Thomas, drawing two cards and creating a blast of wind, "By adding those cards into my hand, 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF goes up by another 2000! Now 'Slifer' has 5000 ATK, which is higher than 'Obelisk's' ATK!"
As the blue-haired boy had 'kindly' pointed out, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' grew stronger with more cards in the player's hand (ATK: 3000 → 5000/DEF: 3000 → 5000), much to Spencer's displeasure. Below the platform, the spectators continued to watch what was happening.
"Now 'Slifer' is stronger than 'Obelisk'!" noted Emily.
"If Thomas attacks now, he can get rid of Spencer's 'Obelisk'!" added Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Atop the platform, Thomas overheard that comment and was gonna indeed take the chance at an attack.
"'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!" ordered Thomas, "Thunder Force!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began charging its attack… But, as expected, Spencer was prepared for the attack.
"Not good enough, Billinton!" dismissed Sencer, pressing a button on his Duel Disk before motioning his left hand (with the Duel Disk) forth, "Face-down card, open! 'Command Silencer', activate!"
His first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself—just before creating a large totem pole from the face-up card that started generating a loud screeching noise from two speakers around the pole.
"WHAT…IS…THAT?!" Thomas cried out.
Thomas and the spectators (except Dark Marik) below the platform were all covering their ears.
"THAT NOISE!" screeched Emily.
"I CAN'T BLOCK IT OUT!" came from Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Dark Marik, however, didn't mind the noise one bit, and merely chuckled in dark amusement from the pain everyone else was feeling from the played Spell Card by Spencer. Back on the platform, Spencer was, likewise, also unaffected by the noise.
"If 'Slifer' can't hear your order, the attack can't be complete," explained Spencer, "Which means your Battle Phase is canceled out entirely," Below the platform, the spectators started to ease up as the noise stopped and they listened to his effect explanation, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must end the Battle Phase, then draw 1 card."
'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' attack fizzled out and it immediately stood down, much to Thomas's disappointment. With the effect of the 'Command Silencer' Spell Card card finally used up, the totem pole shattered into pieces of glass along with the card itself.
"And now, with the Battle Phase over, I'll draw my card," frowned Spencer, drawing a card.
Thomas scowled, but quickly smiled at what he was going up against—after all, this was Spencer Gresley, owner of one of the strongest Decks on the Island of Sodor.
"So I see…" Thomas commented again, "Attacking your 'Obelisk' won't be all that easy," He (Thomas) started to eye the remaining Set card on Spencer's field before looking very concerned, "If that Trap is, in fact, 'Life Shaver'... It's a card that forces the opponent to discard cards equal to the number of turns it stays face-down. Spencer will most likely use it next turn! Once he does, 'Slifer's' ATK will fall to 4000," Focus went towards 'Obelisk the Tormentor', "They'll be the same as 'Obelisk's' ATK," It was then he looked down at his hand, "Then once I use another card from my hand, causing 'Slifer's' ATK to drop again, it'll be done for in an instant," Not giving up, he took two cards from his hand, "However!" Two face-down cards materialized on the field, meaning he Set those cards for later use, "I Set two cards face-down!"
As expected, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK and DEF went down in the process (ATK: 5000 → 3000/DEF: 5000 → 3000).
"With that, my turn has ended!" concluded Thomas.
"He deliberately weakened his 'Slifer' just to Set two cards?" thought Spencer, frowning unhappily before talking aloud, "What are you up to now, Billinton?"
"We're going to finish this match in the next turn, Spencer!" declared Thomas.
A blast of wind ensued.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the town square of Knapford City, the spectators continued to watch the battle between Thomas and Spencer ensue.
"Thomas Set two cards!" exclaimed Marion.
"Weakening his own monster in the process!" added Timothy.
"Why would he do that?" protested Oliver, "That would give 'Obelisk' a chance to destroy it."
"Perhaps he's trying to lay a trap for Spencer, Mr. Oliver," suggested Toad.
"Maybe…"
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum…
"It's my turn!" stated Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twelve: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (3): "Power Balance", "Sword of Soul", and "Blade Knight"
"Now… Let's finish this, Spencer!" demanded Thomas.
"Oh, I definitely plan to do just that!" agreed Spencer haughtily, clenching and motioning his empty fist, "You've made a big mistake in weakening 'Slifer' like that. Now 'Obelisk' is the far stronger 'God' on the field, and can easily destroy yours!"
"Not quite," denied Thomas, holding his right hand out, "I use the second effect of 'Spell Sanctuary' to activate a set Spell Card!" His first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Card Destruction'!" He sent his whole hand to the GY, "Both players discard as many cards as possible from their hands," He drew three cards, "then each player draws the same number of cards they discarded."
"Why would you activate that card?" Spencer blinked in surprise, even as he discarded his hand and drew three cards, "Even if you replenish his hand, 'Slifer's' ATK will stay the same."
"I'm not done, Spencer!" Thomas pointed out, just before motioning his right hand towards his last face-down card, "Face-down card, open! Trap Card, 'Disgraceful Charity', activate!"
His remaining Set card flipped up and revealed itself, causing an undead-like fairy to appear on the field in the process. Both GYs of the respective duelists began glowing all red.
"When any cards are discarded by a Spell effect this turn: Both players add all discarded cards from their GY to their hand," explained Thomas, taking the three cards popping out of his GY.
"A Hand Reinforcement combo?!" growled Spencer.
"Yes, that's correct!" nodded Thomas, taking the three discarded cards back.
Spencer growled and took the cards he had discarded and added them back to his hand. Below the platform…
"Thomas has six cards in his hand… That means 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF are now at 6000!" realized Emily, with widened eyes.
She was right; back on the platform, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK and DEF rose up to its cap (ATK: 3000 → 6000/DEF: 3000 → 6000).
"That was impressive, Billinton," praised Spencer sarcastically, "I'd really love to compliment you some more, but I have a duel to win! Your little card adding combo might have buffed your 'God's' ATK, but it has also granted me access to more and better options."
"And how, dare I ask, can you do better?" questioned Thomas
"I'll show you, right now," Upon saying that, Spencer proceeded to take one of the new cards from his (Spencer) hand and hold it out for Thomas to see with his (Thomas) own eyes, "From my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell!" The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Thirst for Compensation'!" He smiled maliciously, "I'm sure you know of this card, yes?"
"I know of it," admitted Thomas gravely, before reading the text on the face-up 'Thirst for Compensation' Spell Card on Spencer's field, "When your opponent adds a card(s) from their Deck or GY to their hand, except during the Draw Phase: Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower monsters from your hand."
"I'm glad you remember it so well!" joked Spencer, taking two more cards from his hand and placing them onto his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Blade Knight' and 'Sword of Soul'!"
The familiar medieval knight (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000) and a sword-like monster (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1900) both appeared on the field in a defensive stance.
"You're only wasting your time by Summoning weak monsters, Spencer," remarked Thomas in annoyance, "'Slifer's' twelfth effect will either weaken or destroy them," He thrust his left hand (equipped with the Duel Disk) forth and issued the command, "Go! Summon Thunder Bullet!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began to open its second mouth and charge up a ball of thunder.
"However, I knew you'd try that!" retorted Spencer, while slotting his next card into his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Card Guard'!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, just before creating a shield in front of both 'Blade Knight' and 'Sword of Soul'.
"What?!" gasped Thomas.
The thunderball was fired—but the shield repelled the attack. Spencer chuckled coldly, sending a card ('Kaiser Sea Horse') from his hand to the GY.
"I must discard 1 card; this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle, also they are unaffected by my opponent's card effects!" revealed Spencer, as the power behind Summon Thunder Bullet died down, "Which means even 'Slifer's' Summon Thunder Bullet has no effect."
The shield then shattered into pieces of glass, much to Thomas's discouragement over Summon Thunder Bullet's effect. Suddenly, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' started to lower down and grab hold of the two monsters controlled by Spencer.
"Billinton, this match is over!" announced Spencer, "Your 'Slifer' may have 6000 ATK… but even it pales in comparison to the power of 'Obelisk'!"
"Oh no…" thought Thomas, knowing what was coming, "It's time!"
"Now, I'll activate 'Obelisk's' twelfth effect!" began Spencer, "If this card is in Attack Position (Quick Effect): I can Tribute 2 other monsters; I must inflict 4000 damage to my opponent, then destroy all monsters my opponent controls. This card cannot declare an attack the turn I activate this effect!"
As 'Obelisk the Tormentor' crushed the two monsters it was holding, its muscles began bulging and growing. Finally, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' rose up and gave a booming roar. Below the platform…
"Can he really do that?" peeped Emily, growing very frightened.
"Oh yes!" teased Dark Marik, "He most certainly can!"
Back on the platform…
"You're done for, Billinton!" warned Spencer. His voice had become more booming than ever before, "Even though I can't destroy 'Slifer' with this effect, I can still inflict 4000 damage!"
"No!" panicked Thomas, looking on in terror.
Below the platform…
"Spencer will win with that attack!" gasped Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform…
"Billinton, I'm the winner! Perish by the hands of my 'God'!" thundered Spencer, as he announced the attack name of his monster, "God Hand Crusher!"
'Obelisk the Tormentor' charged its fist and fired a blast towards Thomas and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'. Quickly, Thomas slid a card from his hand into the GY as a wall of 'Kuribohs' surrounded both him and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'. Soon, the attack collided with 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' as an explosion ensued that seemingly took both 'Egyptian God' monster and Thomas with it. Below the platform, the spectators couldn't take their eyes off of it all…
"THOMAS!" screamed Emily in horror.
"I guess it's all over, now—for that poor boy, that is," snickered Dark Marik.
The massive explosion rocked the whole coliseum—or even the whole island.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, Matt, Michael, Toby, Mavis, and Carlie were all at the window when they witnessed the explosion atop the Duel Tower.
"H-Holy oil slick!" shuddered Mavis, "Was that the power of one of the 'Egyptian God' monsters just now?!"
"If it was, then what an explosion it was!" cried Carlie.
"Yeah…" agreed Michael.
"I just hope Thomas wasn't on the receiving end of it," pleaded Matt.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, smoke had covered all over Thomas's side of the field from the almighty attack. While back atop of 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' head, Spencer was laughing in seeming victory.
"I am victorious!" proclaimed Spencer triumphantly, "I've finally defeated my rival!"
Below the duel platform, Emily looked very upset at the possible results.
"Thomas…" she whispered, looking like she was about to cry, "This can't be true…!"
"So, our son won the duel…" uttered Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"I don't know whether to be happy…or dismayed," admitted Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform, the thick blanket of smoke cleared away—and the familiar roar of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' was heard… This was followed by the reveal that the 'Egyptian God' monster was…still standing.
"What?!" flinched Spencer, very shocked.
"'Slifer' is still standing?!" added Dark Marik, also looking very surprised.
Atop of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' head, a hand could be seen gripping onto one of the scales in the back. From there, another hand grabbed another scale and…Thomas pulled himself back up.
"Sorry, Spencer, but we're not done with the duel yet," greeted Thomas.
Below the platform…
"Thomas!" realized Emily happily, "You're okay!"
Back atop the platform…
"That can't be possible!" Spencer exclaimed, feeling like someone had belted him in the stomach.
"What's wrong, Spencer?" taunted Thomas, making a little jab at his rival's expense, "Are you upset that the duel isn't over just yet? Well, when you sent 'Obelisk' to attack 'Slifer', I quickly activated 'Kuriboh's' effect," In the background, an enlarged image of the 'Kuriboh' Effect Monster Card loomed, "During damage calculation, if my opponent's monster attacks, or if I would take damage from an opponent's card effect (Quick Effect): I can discard this card; I take no battle damage from that battle or I take no effect damage this turn," He looked at his Duel Disk gratefully, "Thank you, Kuriboh, I would have been a goner without your help."
An image of 'Kuriboh' briefly appeared over the Duel Disk and cooed happily in its language. Unfortunately, a certain someone Thomas was dueling was left greatly enraged over failing to win with one attack…
"Damn you, Billinton!" Spencer snarled, shaking his clenched fist with fury, "How dare you use that worthless piece of trash to stop the great 'Obelisk's' attack?!"
"Spencer Gresley, you will NOT talk about my monsters like that!" threatened Thomas, growing quite angry. He especially hated it when people insulted any of his monsters, "'Kuriboh' has saved my life many times in the past, and you of all people should know that like when we last dueled in-!"
"SHUT UP!" yelled Spencer.
'Obelisk the Tormentor' (ATK: 4000) and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' (ATK: 5000) both faced each other down. Swearing strongly to himself once more, Spencer furiously took the last card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" finished Spencer.
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"Spencer has no more cards in his hand," thought Thomas, "If things keep up in my favor, I can take 'Obelisk' down, right now!"
Spencer merely glared at Thomas hatefully, waiting to see what would happen next.
"It's my turn!" Thomas announced aloud, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Thirteen: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (6): "Collected Power", "Magical Hats", "Electromagnetic Turtle", "Chain Destruction", "Necromancy", and "Spell Textbook"
Once more…
"As of now, with a new card added to my hand, 'Slifer's' ATK increases back to 6000!" reminded Thomas.
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' grew stronger once more (ATK: 5000 → 6000/DEF: 5000 → 6000). Below the platform…
"If Thomas attacks now," said Mr. Gresley (Boxford) to his wife, "Spencer will lose!"
Back atop the platform, the battle phase came…
"'Slifer the Sky Dragon'," commanded Thomas, "attack 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed and began to approach and wrap its coiled body tightly around 'Obelisk the Tormentor', causing the opposing monster to let out a roar of rage whilst struggling to break free. Below the platform…
"Is it really over this time?" pondered Dark Marik, talking to no one in particular.
Back on the platform…
"Go, 'Slifer'!" boomed Thomas.
With 'Obelisk the Tormentor' all tied up and unable to break free, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began to charge its signature attack in an attempt to attack the giant, blue 'Egyptian God' monster up close and finish it off for good… Unfortunately, Spencer had suddenly smiled at what was happening.
"Just what I was waiting for!" he declared, "That attack has activated the one card I need to weaken your 'God' and win!"
"'Life Shaver'!" thought Thomas, "That HAS to be it!"
He was wrong about that, I'm afraid. VERY wrong… Spencer's first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate a Trap Card, 'Power Balance'!" announced Spencer.
Below the platform…
"'Power Balance'? What does that card do?" asked Emily, having never seen the card before.
"It's actually a handy little Trap Card," replied Dark Marik, smirking widely like he knew what it was and did, "But it'd be best to just watch and learn, my dear."
Back on the platform, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' had suddenly managed to get its arms freed and grab 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' long neck. After a struggle, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' was forced to back down from attacking.
"'Slifer'!" called Thomas, "What's the meaning of this?!"
"My Trap Card, 'Power Balance'!" explained Spencer, "When my opponent declares an attack, while I have no cards in my hand: My opponent discards half the cards in their hand, and if they do, I must draw cards equal to the number of cards my opponent discarded!"
"Half of the cards in my hand?! No way!" objected Thomas, dismayed.
"Yes! You currently have six cards in your hand, meaning you must send three of those cards to the GY… In addition, I get to draw three cards," Spencer pointed out, before pointing forth, "Now, Billinton, discard half of your hand!"
Thomas looked towards his hand. It consisted of 'Collected Power', 'Magical Hats', 'Electromagnetic Turtle', 'Chain Destruction', 'Necromancy', and 'Spell Textbook'. Finally, he took and discarded three such cards ('Collected Power', 'Electromagnetic Turtle', and 'Chain Destruction'). Spencer, meanwhile, drew his own three cards and laughed mockingly.
"So now your 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF both go down by 3000!" taunted Spencer.
That was certainly true; with three less cards in Thomas's hand, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' had grown weaker in stats (ATK: 6000 → 3000/DEF: 6000 → 3000), and was forced to back away from the now stronger 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (ATK: 4000).
"The tide has shifted to my favor once more, Billinton… My 'Obelisk' is now the stronger monster on the field again, is all ready to finish you off for good, and ready to win me the duel and title of Duel King!" raged Spencer, as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' stood ready to move, "'Obelisk', go forth and repay 'Slifer's' 'earlier kindness'!"
"Slow down there, Spencer… Don't go thinking you'll win with just one attack," retorted Thomas, "Even if you manage to destroy 'Slifer', you won't reduce my LP to 0."
"That doesn't matter!" dismissed Spencer, sweeping his free hand about dramatically, "As I've said once before, only one 'Egyptian God' monster will be left standing in this fight to the finish—and it will be mine!"
"Then allow me to show you something," Thomas interrupted, taking and slotting a card into his Duel Disk, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Necromancy', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' stats both dropped by another 1000 points (ATK: 3000 → 2000/DEF: 3000 → 2000). All of a sudden, there was a glowing light coming from Spencer's GY.
"Wh-What's going on?" he wondered in concern.
"Hey, Spencer!" teased Thomas cheekily, "I bet you're eager to use 'Obelisk's' effect again, aren't you? Then let me help you out with Summoning the monsters!"
Suddenly, out of Spencer's GY came the following previously destroyed Monsters Cards. Appearing on the field were 'Blade Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000), 'Sword of Soul' (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1900), 'Kaiser Sea Horse' (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1600), and 'X-Head Cannon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1500). All of them were placed in Defense Position.
"I must target 4 random monsters in my opponent's GY; I must Special Summon them in face-up Defense Position on my opponent's field," explained Thomas.
Spencer's eyes widened, "Impossible…!" he protested in disbelief, "Why would you Special Summon four monsters onto my field for the use of God Hand Crusher?"
"When an opponent's monster is Summoned, 'Slifer's' twelfth effect activates," stated Thomas, "And a destroyed monster will activate 'Necromancy's' second effect! Each time a monster(s) Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed: I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; it loses 600 ATK!" He narrowed his eyes, "Once 'Slifer' destroys all four of your Special Summoned monsters, 'Obelisk's' ATK will be reduced by 2400!" It was then he gave the command, "Summon Thunder Bullet!"
Obeying the command without hesitation, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' second mouth charged up and fired four balls of thunder at the four summoned monsters, striking and destroying them at once. Spencer cried out as the force of the attack nearly pushed him off the edge of 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' head.
"My monsters were destroyed!" panicked Spencer, growing very angered at being made a fool of again, "You bastard…! How dare you make fools of my monsters just so you can take a nab at 'God'!" 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' ATK dropped significantly (ATK: 4000 → 1600), "I'll pay you back for that!"
Below the platform…
"Now 'Slifer' is the stronger of the two 'Gods' again," gawked Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform…
"It looks like I've just reversed the situation once more," commented Thomas, just before going on the offensive, "Go forth, 'Slifer'! Attack 'Obelisk', now!"
Suddenly, just as 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began to charge up its signature attack a second time, 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' fists began crackling with bluish energy as it grew a good 1000 ATK stronger (ATK: 1600 → 2600).
"Hey, hold on! Did 'Obelisk's' ATK just increase!?" gasped Thomas, looking surprised over what just happened.
"It did…" grinned Spencer, "I activate 'Sword of Soul's' special ability!" A card ('Sword of Soul') ejected from the GY, which he took and held up for the explanation, "When this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must target 1 face-up monster I control; it gains 1000 ATK until the end of this turn."
'Obelisk the Tormentor' pounded its fists together and charged them with energy, ready to move forward and beat the living tar out of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"And, right now, it's too late to call off your attack! Counterattack, 'Obelisk'!" shouted Spencer.
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Obelisk the Tormentor' both prepared to attack each other. All of a sudden, a zap of electricity halted them in their tracks and caused them both to back off.
"Both 'Egyptian God' monsters were stopped in their tracks?!" complained Spencer.
Below the platform…
"How on Earth did THAT happen?" blinked Emily.
Back on the platform…
"That's too bad for you, Spencer," scoffed Thomas, "Your Battle Phase has come to an end by the looks of it," As he (Thomas) spoke on, Spencer listened while still in a state of surprise, "I'll admit that your usage of 'Sword of Soul' did catch me off-guard for a brief moment," He narrowed his eyes, "But in the end, it still wasn't enough to help you win!"
Spencer was confused over what happened, but made no effort to speak up in protest.
"When you forced me to discard half of my hand from 'Power Balance', you've also made me discard a Monster Card in the process," explained Thomas, which was then a card ('Electromagnetic Turtle'). From there, the blue-haired boy took hold of it and showed it to everyone, "During the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY; I must end the Battle Phase."
Spencer grimaced, "So, you've paralyzed 'Obelisk' and 'Slifer' just to end the Battle Phase!"
"Yes, that's exactly what I did," confirmed Thomas, before slotting another card into his Duel Disk, "And now, I'll Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card ('Spell Textbook') materialized on the field. The loss of another card also resulted in 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' growing weaker again (ATK: 2000 → 1000/DEF: 2000 → 1000), while 'Obelisk the Tormentor' regained its lost ATK (ATK: 2600 → 4000)
(elsewhere…)
Back in Knapford City, everyone in the town square was still watching the duel progress on the big monitors.
"It's been close call after close call," admired BoCo, "With apparently no end in sight."
"It has to end of some point, right?" guessed Samson.
"But both of those big monsters can't seem to destroy each other," Annie added, talking about the 'Egyptian God' monsters.
"It's almost like they're invincible or something," figured Clarabel innocently.
"Thomas…" whispered Mrs. Billinton, worried about her only son.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Obelisk the Tormentor' both let loose booming roars at each other. In addition, the holographic audience in the stands continued to chant either "Thomas!" or "Spencer!", while the spectators below the platform watched on quietly. From that point, while still standing atop his own 'Egyptian God' monster's head, Spencer began to laugh joyously.
"I think he's lost his marbles," deadpanned Emily.
Back on the platform, Spencer…wasn't going crazy. Not at all. His fist was shaking, almost like he was excited right now.
"I'm excited… so excited!" Spencer said aloud, "Billinton, whenever we duel like this, I get this great feeling in my heart!"
"What feeling?" pondered Thomas.
"When fighting with you," confessed Spencer, still smiling, "my spirit and strength are both pushed to the limit! Your existence in the world of Duel Monsters excites and thrills me to no end!"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
'XYZ-Dragon Cannon' destroying Thomas's Set 'Mirror Force' Trap Card was shown.
(new scene…)
Flashback Spencer Summoning 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' for the first time was shown.
"And I'm able to surpass my own limits!" narrated Spencer.
(new scene…)
Flashback Thomas Summoning 'Dark Paladin' for the first time was shown.
(new scene…)
'Dark Paladin' slammed his scepter onto the ground, causing a shockwave of magical energy to fire forth to Flashback Spencer's field.
"Your very existence pumps my spirit with adrenaline that far surpasses any other!" continued Spencer, "My entire body resonates with enthusiasm!"
The three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' let loose a roar before the shockwaves cut into their white scales and they shattered into dust. Flashback Spencer, on the other hand, could only watch and scream in horror as the last of his LP ran out.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Spencer was now scowling from the last flashback (his first loss).
"But we don't need two kings in this open world," sneered Spencer, clenching and sweeping his fist about, "I'm going to defeat you with my own hands!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Fourteen: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (4): "Cloning", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "White Dragon Ritual", and "Astonish Fusion"(!)
From there…
"Billinton, your hand has been reduced to one lonely card. Meaning that 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' now has only 1000 ATK remaining!" warned Spencer, "There isn't anything left you can do to stop me now!"
Thomas grimaced in worry as his opponent entered the Battle Phase.
"This time, without a doubt, I WILL defeat your 'Egyptian God' monster! It's the end of you!" ranted Spencer, as he then held his glowing card up to the sky, "'Obelisk the Tormentor', you shall stand at the top of all 'Gods'! Strike down 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!"
'Obelisk the Tormentor' obeyed and roared monstrously, charging up its fists before lunging them towards the weakened 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"This is my final gamble!" announced Thomas, as he quickly pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open!" This caused the lone Set card to flip face-up and reveal itself, "'Spell Textbook'! I must discard all cards in my hand (if any); I must draw 1 card and reveal it. If that card is a Normal Spell, activate it immediately."
Spencer raised an eyebrow as his own attack stopped. Thomas finally discarded his last card, and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK and DEF both lowered all the way to nothing (ATK: 1000 → 0/DEF: 1000 → 0).
"You fool!" berated Spencer, "By doing that, you've left yourself completely open to being defeated once 'Slifer' is struck and destroyed!" He gave the order as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' tried to attack again, "Perish, Billinton and 'Slifer'!"
Thomas ignored that remark and prepared to draw his final card.
"I need to draw the right card," he thought to himself, "Otherwise, it will be all over for me. Percy… Heart of the Cards… Please guide me to victory…"
Thomas finally drew his card, slashing a colorful wave from his deck in the process (Destiny Draw). He took a quick look at his drawn card, and gave a weak smile at what it was. The card drawn was a…
"I activate the Spell Card!" began Thomas.
"What?!" jumped Spencer, just as his eyes went bloodshot from shock.
The Spell Card known as 'Card of Sanctity' soon materialized face-up on the field.
"'Card of Sanctity'!" The voice of Thomas announced, "Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand!"
Six orbs of light rained down from the sky until they entered Thomas's Duel Disk.
"This can't be!" Spencer mumbled, horrified, "In this hopeless situation, he was able to draw the one card needed to turn things around!"
Thomas drew his six cards, and Spencer drew two cards.
"And now, 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF go back to 6000!" remembered Thomas, holding his new hand out, "Meaning 'Obelisk' is able to be repelled and defeated!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' grew stronger and stronger until it hit the cap (ATK: 0 → 6000/DEF: 0 → 6000), and then began charging up its signature attack in response as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (ATK: 4000) got closer and closer to try and strike. However…
"It's not over!" countered Spencer desperately, before holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap Card, 'Life Shaver'!" His remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must send a number of cards from my opponent's hand to the GY equal to the number of turns that this card has been Set!"
"Dammit! 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF both decrease by 2000 because 'Life Shaver' has been Set for two turns!" thought Thomas, feeling threatened.
"It has been Set for two of my turns! Now, you're forced to discard two cards from your newly drawn hand!" dared Spencer.
Thomas complied, sending two of his new cards ('Dark Magician' and 'Buster Blader') to the GY. 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK and DEF then dropped by 2000 (ATK: 6000 → 4000/DEF: 6000 → 4000). Below the platform, everyone there was watching the battle unfold.
"They're tied!" exclaimed Emily.
Back on the platform, the attacks of the two 'Egyptian God' monsters collided with each other—but it was not in a way anyone was expecting.
"What's going on?!" flailed Thomas.
"This wasn't supposed to be happening!" agreed Spencer.
A blinding light was beginning to cover the whole Duel Tower and Sky Duel Coliseum.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the middle of Knapford City, the light and power of the 'Egyptian God' monster was so strong that…it caused all of the TVs and monitors playing the duel to explode—luckily, no one got hurt from the falling debris.
"Oh man!" said Charlie with widened eyes, "T-That was so intense!"
"GAH! Now we'll never know who will win that epic duel!" whined Diesel, not realizing the potential danger that was ahead for the fighting duelists.
"Thomas…" whispered Mrs. Billinton, hoping her son would be alright.
"Please be safe…" added Mr. Billinton.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, the light was getting pretty noticeable by the rest of the gang.
"Check out that light!" called Henry.
"Something must be seriously wrong up there," came from Edward.
"Thomas and Emily are also both up the tower along with Spencer!" added Zack, "I really hope they'll be okay."
Everyone else in the room hoped for the exact same thing.
(elsewhere…)
Ishizu could see the bright light from her room, too.
(elsewhere…)
The light atop the Duel Tower was growing brighter and brighter and brighter… The answer was very simple, it was coming from two of the 'Egyptian God' monsters themselves… Inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the battle between both 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began to grow more and more dangerous.
"Despite having the same ATK, neither of them are giving up!" observed Thomas.
"What?!" Spencer exclaimed, while looking extremely shocked.
Slowly, but surely, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' body began to crack from the growing ball of light. But that wasn't all… 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' body began to crack soon after.
"T-This light…!" thought Spencer, "Are 'Obelisk' and 'Slifer's' respective powers reacting to one another?"
Below the platform…
"'Obelisk'…!" whispered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "'Slifer'…!"
"Egyptian God vs. Egyptian God…" thought Dark Marik, looking a bit worried (a rather rare moment for him), "A life and death battle of wills! Will they both perish now?"
Back on the platform, the orb between the two 'Egyptian God' monsters began to grow and overwhelm them. Thomas watched on silently, but also in shock. It was the same with Spencer—he was just as shocked about it.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, everyone watching was both amazed and frightened at the same time.
"Unreal!" shivered James R..
"I've never seen anything like it!" came from Michael.
"The 'Gods'…" whispered Discord, "It would seem they're evenly matched in power!"
"Don't tell me the tower is gonna explode!" freaked out James, "Because that is something we DON'T need, right now!"
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the glowing top of the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Dark Marik was watching the chaos some more and continued displaying genuine shock over it.
"The power of the 'Gods' is relentless," thought Dark Marik, "They could end up taking out the whole island at this rate!"
"We have to end this duel!" Emily requested to Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "Before something even worse happens!"
"I agree!" nodded Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and proceeded to call out something to his son, "Spencer! You must stop this duel at once before we are all consumed by this power!"
Unfortunately, the light had grown so much that it consumed both Spencer and Thomas entirely, and it didn't help that the two duelists were still atop of their respective 'Egyptian God' monster's head, which meant the former didn't hear his Father. What's more, Dark Marik suddenly felt, on his side, the Millennium Rod beginning to glow.
"What's going on!?" demanded Dark Marik, while once again displaying genuine shock, "My Millennium Rod is acting on its own again!"
Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) turned around, "What do you think you're doing?!"
"It's not me!" protested Dark Marik truthfully, holding up the glowing Millennium Item, "My Millennium Item is activating on its own and I don't know why!"
Back on the platform, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' finally shattered into shards of glass as the light absorbed the two duelists fully. Suddenly, below the platform, Emily felt herself being lifted off the ground.
"What's happening to me?" she cried out, "Someone get me down!"
Both Mr. Gresley (Boxford) and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) both gawked, and tried to attempt a rescue, but were unsuccessful. Before long, Emily was absorbed into the giant orb of light in the sky as well.
(elsewhere…)
All was quiet as everything faded to white. However, while it was quiet, it was not unoccupied; Thomas, Spencer, and Emily were each floating around wondering what had happened.
"What's going on?" peeped Emily.
"Emily?" wondered Thomas, who was surprised to see his friend, "You're here, too?"
"Yeah. That light pulled me in."
"Is this Marik's doing?" questioned Spencer.
"He said it wasn't him," replied Emily, "When the light got stronger, his Millennium Rod activated on its own."
Thomas's Millennium Puzzle began to glow as well.
"What's…?" thought Thomas.
"Trembling Tracks!" exclaimed Emily, "Your Millennium Puzzle!"
Before anything more could be said, the three Sudrian teenagers screamed as they were sucked further into the void.
(new location…)
After what seemed like forever, Thomas, Spencer, and Emily found themselves in a new area that resembled an Egyptian desert.
"We're in Egypt, now?" asked Thomas in surprise.
Unfortunately, it was dark, and lots of ruins and buildings were damaged and smoking from being caught on fire.
"Look at all the destruction," murmured Emily in shock, seeing all sorts of destruction, "Who or what could have done this?"
All of a sudden, the Millennium Eye symbol appeared on Thomas's forehead as he spotted something in the distance.
"Over there!" he exclaimed, pointing forth.
Spencer and Emily both looked in the direction Thomas was pointing…and gasped.
"What the hell?!" yelled Spencer.
In the distance were familiar body shapes of two certain monsters. Just to be certain, the three teenagers soared over to check it out. When they got there, their fears were fully confirmed.
"Are those…?" began Thomas.
"They are!" confirmed Spencer.
It was 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Obelisk the Tormentor', and they both had been turned to stone.
"Slifer the Sky Dragon and Obelisk the Tormentor…" acknowledged Emily, "But they've been turned to stone."
Suddenly, the whole destroyed town began to pulse in a sort of way.
"Now what's happening?" frowned Spencer.
The ruined town continued to pulse of some sort. Thomas looked around until his eyes were locked on the tallest building in the city…
"The Royal Palace!" guessed Thomas.
"Is that where this pulsing is coming from?" pleaded Emily hopefully.
"Let's hope so," muttered Spencer.
Suddenly, the three teenagers faded away in orange streaks.
(elsewhere…)
In an instant, Thomas, Spencer, and Emily each appeared from the same orange streaks and found themselves inside the palace.
"Well, now that we're inside," huffed Spencer, "where do we even start looking?"
"Look down there!" cried Emily, pointing downwards.
Several figures were shown to be down in the middle of the throne room. The first one was a silver-haired, 21-year old young man wearing blue priest-like clothing and wielding the Millennium Rod (shockingly). The second figure was a blue-haired, 16-year old teenage boy wearing royal clothing and the Millennium Puzzle around his neck.
"Are those…you two?!" Emily, with widened eyes, pondered.
"It's our ancestors!" confirmed Thomas.
In addition, in another corner of the throne room were additional civilians:
-The first was a green-haired, 16-year old boy wearing white male villager clothing. It was Jono.
-The second was a blue-haired, 17-year old, boy wearing white robes. It was Ryo.
-The third was a red-haired, 16-year old boy, wearing only white male villager pants (he was shirtless). It was Honda.
-The fourth was a dark green-haired (long in length), 16-year old girl wearing an Ancient Egyptian Queen-like outfit. It was Anzu.
-The fifth was a black-haired (with yellow streaks, and shoulder length), 16-year old girl wearing white priest robes. It was Mia.
-Finally, there was a bald, 50+ year old man with a slightly tubby appearance and wearing white priest robes. It was Shimon.
"Those are some of our friends and Sir Topham Hatt!" admitted Emily.
"This has to be from 3000 years ago!" mused Spencer.
Down below, the young Egyptian man (Seto) chuckled and began to speak to the Pharaoh (Atem).
"Your kingdom has fallen, Atem!" he declared with pride, "And now you and your friends will join together in the afterlife!"
"Seto…" said Atem slowly, seemingly in disbelief, "It never should have come to this… Why have you sided with our enemy? We're supposed to be allies. We are destined to fight the darkness together as allies, not fight against each other!"
"Be silent!" shouted Seto, raising the Millennium Rod and firing a blast at his 'former' ally, "And now… you will die!"
"Atem!" exclaimed Anzu, running towards the battle.
"Wait, Anzu!" called Honda.
Hastily, Atem dove out of the way of the magical blast from the Millennium Rod, but became surprised when he landed by the feet of Anzu.
"Anzu?" whispered Atem, who looked up and saw his Queen looking down on him kindly.
Once she helped the injured Atem back up, Anzu gazed at the traitor with anger in her heart for daring to hurt her husband like this.
"Priest Seto, I won't let you hurt the Pharaoh!" declared Anzu bravely, speaking directly to Seto, "For your betrayal, I will punish you!" To further prove her point, a large stone tablet of a familiar monster materialized from the floor, "Come forth, 'Wingweaver'!"
The powerful winged Fairy monster appeared onto the field from the tablet. The three teenagers, in spirit form, watched on with interest.
"Is that…my 'Wingweaver'?" blinked Emily, looking positively surprised.
"It is," replied Thomas.
Down below, Seto smirked confidently to himself. This peasant girl, even if she was now a Queen, was no match for him, and he knew it fully well.
"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" The traitor remarked coolly, just as a stone tablet of his own emerged from behind, "Show yourself, 'Battle Ox'!"
Appearing out of the tablet and onto the field, was the large armored minotaur. Above, Thomas, Emily, and Spencer continued watching as they saw yet another familiar monster.
"'Battle Ox'?" scowled Spencer.
Back below…
"'Wingweaver', attack the traitor's 'Battle Ox'!" ordered Anzu, just as 'Battle Ox' charged towards 'Wingweaver', "Luminous Spark Rain!"
'Wingweaver' obeyed, raising her hands in the air and summoning rays of light. The rays of light struck and destroyed 'Battle Ox'.
"You've lost, traitor!" thundered Anzu, "Nothing you do will stop me from punishing you for your treason!"
Suddenly, Seto snickered quietly before laughing loud and long.
"I applaud your efforts," dismissed Seto, just as another tablet began to appear behind him, "But I see, now, that I have to call in the true fighting power. Come forth, 'White Dragon'!"
A familiar blue-eyed and white scaled dragon materialized from the tablet and hovered above the ground with a loud roar, but it was called 'White Dragon'. Back above with the three Sudrian teenagers, Thomas, Emily, and especially Spencer each gawked at what they'd just heard.
"'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'?!" Thomas, Emily, and Spencer exclaimed at once.
Down below…
"How do you like my new spirit monster?" smirked Seto gleefully, before it turned into anger and hate towards Atem, "It was given to me by my lost love…whom you helped conspire to kill, Pharaoh!"
"I did no such thing!" refused Atem, "You have been deceived, Seto!"
"Lies!" snarled Seto, "Destroy the Pharaoh!" 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' growled and opened its mouth to charge an attack, "Burst Stream of Destruction!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' obeyed, firing a blast of whitish electricity at Atem.
"ATEM!" Ryo and the others panicked.
"NOOOOOO!" worried Shimon.
Atem braced himself for the impact. Just before the attack could hit him…
"'Wingweaver', intercept the attack!" instructed Anzu.
The seven-winged Fairy monster obeyed and got in front of Atem, being ready to take the hit.
"You can't!" protested Jono, as Anzu looked ready to give up her life, "Anzu, 'Wingweaver' is the only monster you have!"
"If she dies, then so do you!" put in Mia, "Don't do it!"
It was too late… 'Wingweaver' was hit by the blast of Burst Stream of Destruction and disintegrated in an instant. Anzu collapsed to her knees while clutching her chest in severe pain.
"'Wing-wea-ver'…" she spluttered, coughing up some blood before falling face-down onto the ground.
The bystanders watched in horror at the impending demise of the Queen of Egypt. Atem ran over and caught his longtime friend, now wife, holding her in his arms.
"Why?" he asked sadly, "Why did it have to be you?"
Thomas, Emily, and Spencer each watched the scene with surprise.
"I… I couldn't let him hurt you, Atem," whispered Anzu weakly, reaching up to gently touch her friend's face, "I… I love you…"
Tears welled up in poor Atem's eyes. Before long, Anzu, despite giving a kind smile and accepting her fate, closed her eyes and her body went limp. Atem, full of devastation, shook the girl gently in hopes of getting a response of a sort—but there was none.
"Anzu? Anzu?! ANZU!" Atem screamed repeatedly, starting to cry.
The rest of the Egyptian people grieved for the fallen Anzu. Meanwhile, Thomas and Emily both began to get teary-eyed at watching this heartbreaking scene.
"The poor Pharaoh…" sobbed Emily.
"I can't believe it…" thought Spencer, looking a bit sorry for Atem. He then felt something else hit him in his heart, "Huh?! What in the world is this feeling in my chest?"
Back below, Atem, now looking positively furious, stood back up with his back against Seto.
"Have you no sense of loyalty?!" shouted Atem hotly, before looking over his shoulder, "Or did the 'Dark One' order you to kill everyone in this land?!"
"You're mistaken! My minions and I have no allegiance to the 'Dark One'…" dismissed Seto, as Ryu, Mia, Jono, Honda, and Shimon all watched and listened, "Unfortunately, we have no allegiance to you, either. This is all about the strongest," He spread his arms out in welcome, "and that shall be me!"
"Your hatred, greed, and thoughtless actions have resulted in the death of a kind, caring soul," seethed Atem, as he turned around and showed that his kind eyes had become filled with great anger and the desire to murder his wife's killer. As he cast a glance of sheer fury at his former ally, a stone tablet began to rise up from behind him, "For that, I will not forgive you, traitor! I Summon the black magician who rests inside the weju!"
Appearing from the stone slab was a familiar purple-haired and robe-wearing male Spellcaster monster—except his skin tone matched that of the people in the chamber.
"So, you've decided to call upon your most loyal servant to challenge me!" mocked Seto, "So be it! My own servant will now kill you, just like how it killed your wife!"
"You miscreant…" responded Atem coldly.
Back near the ceiling…
"That's your 'Dark Magician', Billinton!" proclaimed Spencer.
"You're right…" agreed Thomas, before realizing something big, "Cinders and Ashes! This has to be the ancient conflict that Ishizu spoke of—and these really are ancient versions of ourselves from Egypt 3000 years ago."
"And it's just like how it looked on the tablet at the museum," added Emily.
The two monsters belonging to Atem and Seto, along with the Pharaoh and the priest, respectively stared each other down in pure hatred and prepared to fight to the death. Shimon and the rest of Atem's friends and family members watched the unfolding fight with concern that the Pharaoh might fall into darkness if he wasn't careful. Before anything more could be shown, Thomas, Emily, and Spencer were each absorbed into the sky and out of sight.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the Sky Duel Coliseum, Dark Marik was still holding onto his glowing Millennium Rod, and was becoming greatly infuriated over it.
"Why aren't you obeying me?" Dark Marik demanded angrily, "What was it you showed those three fools?!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, everyone started to notice the orb of light beginning to dim.
"Hey, the light's starting to dim," noted Carlie.
"What a relief," sighed Molly.
"Still, what do you guys think that was all about?" pressed Matt.
"I don't know," Gordon denied, frowning.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Thomas and Spencer were both lying on the duel platform. Off the platform, Emily was lying on the ground near both Mr and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Are you alright, dear?" fretted Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), helping Emily up.
"What happened to you three up there?" questioned Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"Their memories had awoken, that's what!" cut in Dark Marik, looking very angry, "And my Millennium Rod was the one that did this!" He then proceeded to grab Emily by the shirt collar and lift her up in a rage, "What the hell did you three see in that vision?! Tell me, right this second!"
"We saw Thomas and Spencer's ancestors fighting!" gagged Emily, being choked, "And the latter also had the Millennium Rod!"
Dark Marik, once he was satisfied with the answer, immediately dropped Emily onto the ground and angrily looked at the Millennium Rod.
"So, Spencer's ancestor DID wield this Millennium Item," thought Dark Marik, "Regardless, he'll never get his hands on it. The Millennium Rod is mine, and always will be mine!"
Back on the platform, Thomas and Spencer both got back up as well.
"That scene… flashing through my mind," thought Spencer, with his eyes still bloodshot, "Was it all an illusion? Or was it all real?" He gripped the side of his head, and envisioned seeing Atem and Seto, with 'Dark Magician' and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' fighting for a few seconds, "The battle between the Pharaoh and the priest was almost…like it was between me and Billinton—only it looked much more realistic. The intense fighting spirit surging from them, like a pulse of fire! It… it was no illusion!"
Over with Thomas…
"The Pharaoh and the priest both looked just like me and Spencer," thought Thomas, "The 3000-year-old battle recorded on the stone tablet represents our lasting rivalry! All of this is part of destiny."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
The flashback showed Flashback Seto calling forth 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' and Flashback Atem calling forth 'Dark Magician'.
"Just as the Pharaoh and the priest did in the past," narrated Thomas, "Spencer and I are destined to fight each other. This is one of the answers I was seeking!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, just as Thomas and Spencer both finally regained their concentration.
"Thomas, don't tell me you and even Emily both had the same vision that I did!" called Spencer.
"I'm afraid we did, Spencer," admitted Thomas, "And I'm beginning to understand, too… This duel is a fated battle we've been fighting for the past 3000 years!"
"A duel of destiny that has surpassed time itself!" agreed Spencer.
"Battle City is a test to become a True Duelist" Thomas went on, "As well as a battle to help me seek out the answers to all my questions."
Spencer didn't say anything back (LP: 2000). Thomas then got back into a dueling stance, aiming to finish the match (LP: 3000). Below the platform, Dark Marik spat on the ground in disgust, for he was still a bit miffed over what had happened.
"Tch! Without the 'Egyptian God' monsters, the duel's now back to square one!" grunted Dark Marik, and then looked back towards his Millennium Rod in anger, "Once again, no one but me can wield the Millennium Rod. I will make absolutely sure of that…!"
Back on the platform…
"I'm certain now, Spencer," assured Thomas, "My duel with you will continue to give me more answers that I'm seeking to my questions."
Spencer laughed, "I really couldn't care less about that rubbish. All I want to do…is to defeat you, right here and now!" he brushed off, "Whether that vision was fake or not, it changes nothing with the duel. My destiny is to defeat you and become the Duel King! We no longer need the 'Egyptian God' Cards to decide the winner."
"Then show me what you've got!" accepted Thomas, "And last time I checked, it's still your turn!"
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" concluded Spencer, slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing a face-down card to appear on the field. He then began to think, "I don't need 'Obelisk' to win. I've got a far more reliable card in my hand now—'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
Spencer's current hand (thanks to the 'Card of Sanctity' Spell Card) consisted of 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', 'White Dragon Ritual', 'Astonish Fusion', 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', and 'Magical Trick Mirror'.
"It's my turn!" Thomas announced, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Fifteen: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (5): "Magic Formula", "Spellbinding Circle", "Magician's Selection", "Red-Eyes Black Dragon", and "Magician's Valkyria"
Unfortunately, he was dismayed at what card he drew.
"While 'Magician's Valkyria' is strong," Thomas thought to himself, "she won't be enough to finish Spencer off in one turn," He then looked at the rest of his hand—which contained 'Magic Formula', 'Spellbinding Circle', 'Magician's Selection', and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', which while good, was not going to be enough to win, "Even if I combine her with 'Magic Formula' to boost her ATK, Spencer's face-down card could be a deadly trap that could potentially destroy her and maybe reduce my LP significantly," Realizing the only thing he could do, he placed the card ('Magician's Valkyria') onto his Duel Disk as it lit up, "I…guess I'll have to play defense for a little bit longer until I draw the correct card."
Below the platform, Dark Marik was feeling pleased once more.
"Spencer has but one face-down card," thought Dark Marik, "But, Thomas still needs to be wary of an attack," He then laughed mentally to himself, "What're you gonna do now, Your Highness?"
Back on the platform, the 'Magician's Valkyria' Effect Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Magician's Valkyria' in Defense Position!" declared Thomas.
The teal-armored, female Spellcaster monster appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800). Unfortunately, Spencer let out a laugh of triumph.
"As of now, I activate a Trap Card!" snickered Spencer, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Cloning'!"
Suddenly, an identical copy of 'Magician's Valkyria' appeared on Spencer's field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800).
"What?! 'Cloning' is it?" wailed Thomas.
"That's right," confirmed Spencer, "When my opponent Normal or Flip Summons a monster that has a Level: I must target that face-up monster; I must Special Summon 1 'Clone Token', with the same original Type, Attribute, Level, ATK, and DEF as that target. When that target is destroyed and sent to the GY, I must destroy this Token."
Thomas scowled in defiance. The real 'Magician's Valkyria' glared at 'Clone Token', but the doppelganger just put a cocky grin onto her face. It was as if she were insulting the original, and this angered the real 'Magician's Valkyria' quite a bit.
"What I'll do…is Set one card face-down!" growled Thomas, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. This resulted in a face-down card materializing on the field, "I end my turn!"
"Oh, what's the matter, Billinton?" taunted Spencer, "Being cautious are we? How quaint! That path will only lead to your defeat!"
Back below the platform, Emily was fuming due to Spencer taunting her friend (and crush) like that.
"That Spencer…!" she thought bitterly, "He makes me so mad sometimes!"
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" announced Spencer, "Billinton, this turn, I'll Tribute my 'Clone Token' and Summon a new monster to serve me!"
"Now that the 'Gods' are in the GY, the next monster Spencer will Summon…" thought Thomas, before speaking aloud, "You can't! Not 'Blue-Eyes'!" He settled back into his thoughts, "But it costs two Tributes to Tribute Summon a Level 8 monster… Even if he has it in his hand, he won't be able to Summon it next turn… Will I be able to draw my key card before he does…?"
"Draw!" The voice of Spencer stated, drawing a card.
Turn Sixteen: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (6): "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "White Dragon Ritual", "Astonish Fusion", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Magical Trick Mirror", and "Cost Down"
It was a Spell Card called 'Cost Down', being exactly what he needed to bring 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' out.
"Billinton, let me tell you something," joked Spencer, "I already have 'Blue-Eyes' in my hand—but I needed a card to help bring it out," He held up his drawn card without showing what it was, "But with this card, 'Blue-Eyes' will be Summoned!" The card ('Cost Down') was turned over and revealed, "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Cost Down'!"
"What?!" cried Thomas.
"A Level Reduction card?!" came from Emily.
"That means he'll be able to Summon his monster with just one Tribute!" added Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"I must discard 1 card; for the rest of this turn, I must reduce the Levels of all monsters in my hand by 2 (even after they are Summoned)," revealed Spencer, before sending the other drawn card to the GY, "I send 'White Dragon Ritual' from my hand to the GY," He smirked grandly, "to reduce the Level of 'Blue-Eyes' from 8 to 6!" Finally, 'Clone Token' faded away in a blue streak, "I Tribute 'Clone Token'!" A card ('Blue-Eyes White Dragon') was placed on a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk as the device lit up, "My pride and my soul! Come forth, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
The card materialized face-down on the field before flipping face-up and revealing itself—just in time for 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' to emerge from the card with an almighty roar. Now on the field, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' faced both Thomas and 'Magician's Valkyria', ready to do some big damage to the opponent (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). Below the platform…
"So Spencer's 'Blue-Eyes' has finally appeared!" realized Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"I hope Thomas is careful against this monster," prayed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Thomas…" whispered Emily.
"Heh! This match is as good as done!" scoffed Dark Marik.
Back on the duel platform…
"You've lost to me in ancient times, Billinton!" raged Spencer, "And now, you'll lose yet again. My 'Blue-Eyes' will attack 'Magician's Valkyria'!" As he announced the attack's name, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' opened its mouth to charge an attack, "Burst Stream of Destruction!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' obeyed, firing the blast of white-colored lightning towards 'Magician's Valkyria'. The female Spellcaster monster tried her absolute best to hold the devastating blast back with her scepter, but instead screamed as the weapon broke apart, and she got vaporized in an instant.
"'Magician's Valkyria'!" worried Thomas, as tried to stay on his feet from the explosion's backlash.
"My turn ends here!" cackled Spencer, satisfied, "Now, Billinton… bring it on! But know that all of your monsters with less than 3000 ATK/DEF…" As he (Spencer) rambled away and the likes, Thomas gritted his (Thomas) teeth, "…will be blown away by the might of my 'Blue-Eyes'!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' seemed to roar in agreement, as a reflection of Thomas appeared in its eyes.
"I only have one chance to win," thought Thomas, "If I can draw the right card now, I'll be able to call forth MY ace monster. From there, I'll have to trust the vision we have seen—where the Pharaoh called his ultimate servant and lead him to victory. I have to rely on this very draw," He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Seventeen: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (4): "Spellbinding Circle", "Magician's Selection", "Red-Eyes Black Dragon", and "Monster Reborn"
Upon seeing his drawn card, Thomas gave a small smile. Spencer, meanwhile, became unsettled by his rival's smile.
"Spencer, I know you saw it," Thomas said bravely, "The carving of a duelist's battle made 3,000 years ago! Whether they were a Pharaoh or a priest…" Below the platform, Emily, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), and Dark Marik all listened to the speech, "It doesn't matter who they were! What was carved there was their spirit as duelists! And that spirit has been passed onto us!" On the platform, he slotted the card into his Duel Disk, "I'm going to prove to you that this wasn't an illusion! I activate the Spell Card!" The 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card rose face-up on the field, "'Monster Reborn'!"
"What?!" cringed Spencer, "You've drawn that card?"
"I must target 1 monster in either GY; I must Special Summon it," explained Thomas, as a card ('Dark Magician') emerged from the GY, "Awaken, the soul of the black magician…" He took and held the card up, "…who sleeps in my GY!"
Once the chant ended, he placed the 'Dark Magician' Normal Monster Card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
"Did he say 'black magician'?" thought Spencer, before looking shocked, "It couldn't be!"
"Come forth, 'Dark Magician'!" ordered Thomas.
The purple-haired, male Spellcaster monster appeared on the field from the face-up 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"That can't be!" Spencer reacted in total horror, "I've never sent 'Dark Magician' to your GY!"
"No, but I did," corrected Thomas, "He was one of the cards I had to discard when you played 'Life Shaver' not long ago."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Thomas drew his six cards, and Flashback Spencer drew two cards.
"And now, 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF go back to 6000!" remembered Flashback Thomas, holding his new hand out, "Meaning 'Obelisk' is able to be repelled and defeated!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' grew stronger and stronger until it hit the cap (ATK: 0 → 6000/DEF: 0 → 6000), and then began charging up its signature attack in response as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (ATK: 4000) got closer and closer to try and strike. However…
"It's not over!" countered Flashback Spencer desperately, before holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap Card, 'Life Shaver'!" His remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must send a number of cards from my opponent's hand to the GY equal to the number of turns that this card has been Set!"
"Dammit! 'Slifer's' ATK and DEF both decrease by 2000 because 'Life Shaver' has been Set for two turns!" thought Flashback Thomas, feeling threatened.
"It has been Set for two of my turns! Now, you're forced to discard two cards from your newly drawn hand!" dared Flashback Spencer.
Looking at his hand—containing 'Magic Formula', 'Dark Magician', 'Spellbinding Circle', 'Magician's Selection', 'Buster Blader', and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'—Flashback Thomas complied, sending two of his new cards ('Dark Magician' and 'Buster Blader') to the GY. 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' ATK and DEF then dropped by 2000 (ATK: 6000 → 4000/DEF: 6000 → 4000).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I guess that was a very smart play…" thought Spencer bitterly, before speaking aloud, "But even with your 'Dark Magician', it doesn't hold a candle to the power of my 'Blue-Eyes'!"
'Dark Magician' then turned to face Thomas to try and speak with him mentally…
"It looks like fate has played its hand once again," acknowledged 'Dark Magician'.
"Indeed," agreed Thomas mentally, "The ancient battle is being reenacted."
"And I won't let you down in this fight, my Pharaoh," 'Dark Magician' promised, mentally.
With both 'Dark Magician' and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' out, Thomas and Spencer both seemed to resemble Atem and Seto respectively. The carving from the museum seemed to pop up in the background, as well.
"From that point…" began Spencer.
"…our destinies began to unfold," finished Thomas, taking a defensive stance, "Spencer, I will defeat you! The power of my 'Dark Magician' will triumph over your 'Blue-Eyes'!"
"Unfortunately, the stone carvings never showed a winner," Spencer pointed out, "However, I have a good idea on who won… it was my ancestor! And since I happen to be his descendant, I'll continue his legacy by defeating you, here and now!"
"We shall see," vowed Thomas, who then took another card from his hand and slotted it into the Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
A second face-down card materialized on the field, this time behind 'Dark Magician'.
"'Blue-Eyes' is much stronger than 'Dark Magician'," Thomas thought to himself, focusing on 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' before 'Dark Magician', "But with both my face-down cards, I should be able to make my monster stronger and also weaken 'Blue-Eyes'," An enlarged image of the 'Magic Formula' Spell Card was shown in the background behind him, "The first card I Set was 'Magic Formula'—it raises a Spellcaster monster's ATK by 500," The background changed to that of the 'Spellbinding Circle' Trap Card, "The second face-down card is 'Spellbinding Circle'—it stops the opponent's monster from attacking and lowers their ATK by 700."
"Hmph! Do you really think those face-down cards of yours frighten me?" snorted Spencer, "Well, I'm afraid you're mistaken! Besides, there is no light for those who are shackled to the past! If you turn your back on the future, you'd tread down the road of nostalgia and defeat! And I'll prove it to you!" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Eighteen: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (4): "Astonish Fusion", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Magical Trick Mirror", and "Card of Demise"
From there…
"I Set one card face-down!" said Spencer, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. After a face-down card appeared on the field, he held up his drawn card ('Card of Demise'), "Then I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Card of Demise'!"
"'Card of Demise'?!" Thomas recoiled, knowing about that card.
"I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand, but send all cards in my hand to the GY during my 5th Standby Phase after activation," explained Spencer, drawing three cards ('Lord of D.', 'Final Attack Orders', and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'), "I've fully reinforced my hand," He then gazed at his opponent's two face-down cards, "I have a theory on what Billinton's planning to do… He plans to use one of those face-down cards to weaken my 'Blue-Eyes' while using the second card to make his 'Dark Magician' stronger. The first card has to be 'Spellbinding Circle', which will target 'Blue-Eyes' and reduce its ATK, and 'Magic Formula' is the second card, which will buff up' Dark Magician's' ATK."
Thomas raised an eyebrow, thinking that Spencer figured out what he planned to do if he (Spencer) decided to attack.
"Nice try, Billinton," rebutted Spencer, "But I know what cards you have face-down."
"You do?" Thomas gasped.
"That's right," answered Spencer smugly, taking yet another card from his hand and placing it onto a monster field slot on his Duel Disk, "You plan to weaken my 'Blue-Eyes' while making your 'Dark Magician' stronger… But that won't work."
"What are you saying?!" snapped Thomas.
"I've analyzed all of your strategies through this Battle City tournament and long before it," Spencer went on, "I know exactly what you're going to do! I can see through your Deck as if it were made of glass!" He took a card ('Lord of D.') from his hand, "I Summon this monster!"
A Monster Card called 'Lord of D.' materialized face-up on the field.
"Not that one!" panicked Thomas.
"Come forth, 'Lord of Dragon -Dragon's Ruler-'!" commanded Spencer.
Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a dragon-taming Spellcaster monster wearing armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1100).
"'Lord of D.'!" thought Thomas, eyeing his opponent's field of monsters, "Neither player can target Dragon monsters on the field with card effects."
Below the platform…
"With that monster out, all of Spencer's Dragon monsters are now unaffected by the opponent's card effects that target them!" Emily was saying in shock.
Back on the platform…
"How right you are, Emily," confirmed Spencer, overhearing Emily speak about 'Lord of D.' "Now, my 'Blue-Eyes' is safe and sound from all Spells, Traps, and monster effects that target it," He eyed Thomas again, "However, your 'Dark Magician' is stronger than 'Lord of D.', Billinton," Spreading his arms out in welcome, he seemed to be waiting for an attack to come, "The smartest thing to do would be to attack and defeat it, now."
Thomas was surprised to hear that. Spencer could have sent 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' to attack and destroy 'Dark Magician'—yet decided not to attack this turn.
"He predicted my strategy—yet didn't attack," thought Thomas, "I don't know what exactly Spencer is up to, but I can't let him get ahead of me!"
"I've planned much further than that, Billinton," thought Spencer gleefully, "Once you declare an attack, my little surprise will be triggered!"
"It's my turn!" called Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nineteen: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3000)
Deck: 31
Current Hand (3): "Magician's Selection", "Red-Eyes Black Dragon", and "Beta The Magnet Warrior"
Immediately, he placed his drawn card ('Beta The Magnet Warrior') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk.
"'Beta The Magnet Warrior'!" The voice of Thomas began, as the Duel Disk lit up, "Defense Position!"
The yellow magnet-like monster appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1600).
"I know you plan to attack with 'Dark Magician'," thought Spencer, "And if you do, you will undoubtedly attack 'Lord of D.'."
Thomas stared at Spencer with studying eyes. Was Spencer trying to lure him (Thomas) into a trap?
"He must be baiting me," thought Thomas, "But… right now, I have no other choice but to attack. If 'Lord of D.' remains on the field for too much longer, I'll never be able to take down any of Spencer's 'Blue-Eyes'!"
Below the duel platform, Dark Marik was snickering to himself.
"So, Spencer has gotten Thomas in a pickle," thought Dark Marik, "So much stress… so much tension… and so much anxiety… I absolutely love it!"
Back on the platform, Thomas entered the Battle Phase and gave a command to 'Dark Magician' by pointing forth with his right hand.
"'Dark Magician', attack 'Lord of D.'!" requested Thomas, "Dark Magic Attack!"
'Dark Magician' obeyed, beginning to charge up a blast of black magic from his scepter to fire at 'Lord of D.'. Unfortunately, this was what Spencer had been waiting for.
"You're so naive, Billinton!" laughed Spencer, "And now you're about to be punished for your fatal mistake!" He then motioned his right hand towards the face-down card, "I activate a Trap Card!" His face-down card flipped face-up on command, and revealed itself, "'Magical Trick Mirror'!"
"Oh no!" wailed Thomas.
On cue, a mechanical-looking monster fitted with mirrors appeared from the face-up card and onto the field.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target 1 Spell in my opponent's GY; I must activate it on my field!" explained Spencer, "And there's only one card…" The mirrors made a reflection of the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card, "…I want to use!"
"That's 'Monster Reborn'!" recoiled Thomas.
The ground started to rumble, and the sky turned dark once more.
"That's right!" boomed Spencer, "And I choose to revive this one monster!" A massive pillar of blue light behind him, "Come forth, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Obelisk the Tormentor', who growled as it faced Thomas and 'Dark Magician' even if it was only for a short amount of time (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"No, it can't be!" gasped Emily, "Not 'Obelisk' again!"
"As you know, 'Egyptian God' monsters can only remain on the field when revived with a certain Spell or Trap Card like 'Monster Reborn' for one turn," remembered Spencer, "However, despite that setback, 'Obelisk' defending me will be all I need to repel 'Dark Magician', and it's too late to cancel the attack!"
'Dark Magician' finally fired off the black magic attack towards 'Lord of D.'… But just before the attack could connect, 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' right hand suddenly blocked the blast.
"What?! 'Obelisk' intercepted it?!" Thomas gawked in horror.
"It's the third effect shared by all three 'God' Cards," revealed Spencer, and began to explain another lore written on the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card, "If this card is Special Summoned in face-up Defense Position when an opponent's monster declares an attack or when my opponent targets another monster I control for an effect: I must change the target to this card!"
Suddenly, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' threw Dark Magic Attack right back at 'Dark Magician', striking him and causing him to fly back across the platform before landing near Thomas's feet.
"'Dark Magician'!" yelled Thomas.
"And now you're dealt recoil damage since your ATK was weaker than my monster's DEF!" reminded Spencer.
Thomas winced as he took heavy damage—effectively halving his LP (LP: 3000 → 1500).
"Thomas!" cried out Emily, worried for her friend.
"This is it, Billinton!" thundered Spencer, "Now that I have more LP than you, prepare to be buried in the past while I soar to greater heights of the future!"
With that said, he began to laugh loudly and menacingly. 'Dark Magician' was still lying on the ground, while 'Obelisk the Tormentor' stood triumphantly.
"That's right, Billinton!" cackled Spencer, "You stand no chance against me and 'Obelisk'!"
"'Dark Magician'!" begged Thomas, "Are you okay?!"
Slowly, the purple-haired, male Spellcaster monster started to get back up onto his feet despite being injured by the reflected attack.
"I'll…be okay!" 'Dark Magician' replied mentally, not about to let his master/friend down in this important duel, "I…will win!"
Unfortunately, Thomas and the small audience in the Duel Tower weren't the only ones who had seen 'Obelisk the Tormentor' once again…
(elsewhere…)
Inside the medical room aboard the blimp, Gordon, Henry, and James were each looking out the window when they saw, to their shock, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' looming over the top of the Duel Tower.
"Oh man!" exclaimed Gordon, "'Obelisk' has come back again!"
"And Thomas doesn't even have 'Slifer' out to counter it!" wailed Henry.
By this point, James was so fed up with Percy being unconscious that he (James) turned to the bed where Percy was in his coma, walked over, and grabbed him (Percy) by the shirt collar.
"James?!" gawked Liz, who was shocked.
"What are you doing!?" demanded Ryan, also looking shocked.
"Trying a new way to get Percy to wake up!" answered James, unhooking the connectors from Percy's body, "Now you damn well better listen to me now, Percy Avonside!" There was anger and desperation in his eyes, "Thomas is in a big duel and in big trouble, and he desperately needs your help!"
"Stop this right now, James Hughes!" Molly demanded angrily.
"You could cause irreparable damage to the patient!" protested Doctor 1.
"Just shut up!" The voice of James berated, causing Doctor 1 to look intimidated. He (James) then dragged Percy out of his (Percy) bed and propped him up against the window, "Percy, just look up there! Like it or not, Thomas needs your help, right now!"
Trying as he might, James just couldn't get Percy to wake up.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Spencer was looking down at Thomas.
"Well, Billinton…" scoffed Spencer coolly, "Your little weakness has been shown… and that weakness is finding out the answers to the questions you have about your ancestor and the Millennium Items!"
Thomas scowled, but then remembered that it was still his turn… With no other choice, he slotted a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," concluded Thomas, as a face-down card materialized on the field next to the other two Set cards, "It's your turn, Spencer!"
"The fourteenth effect of my 'God'!" huffed Spencer, "Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card was Special Summoned from the GY, or if this banished card was Special Summoned, this turn: I must send this card to the GY if it was Special Summoned from the GY, or banish it if this banished card was Special Summoned," He held his right hand out, "Return to the GY, 'Obelisk'!"
'Obelisk the Tormentor' obeyed, turning in particles of blue light and sinking into the ground (thus returning to Spencer's GY).
"It's useless to resist, Billinton, I'm going to defeat you this time!" promised Spencer, full of determination, "My future lies beyond this battle… and that one future is to become the Duel King!"
With that said, Spencer drew his card and began his turn. Thomas only watched on grimly.
"I may be down," thought Thomas, remembering the Millennium Necklace and looking down at the jacket pocket it was in, "but I still believe in that vision the Millennium Necklace showed me. If I want to make that promise a reality, I can't let myself lose here…!"
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, the helicopter that Skiff contacted earlier was now flying over the ocean on its way to Boxford Corp Island.
"This is Boxford Corp Copter 7. Come in Duel Blimp… over!" The voice of Boxford Pilot reported.
(inside…)
Inside the copter, the radio emitted Skiff's voice.
"This is Duel Blimp!" The voice of Skiff responded, "We read you loud and clear."
"We shall be arriving within the hour," said Boxford Pilot, "Please standby with the patients at that time."
"Will do," The voice of Skiff agreed, "Thank you so much."
(outside…)
The radio then turned off, and the helicopter flew off into the distance… hopefully to make the rescue.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the cheering from the holographic crowd didn't let up. On the platform, Thomas and Spencer were both staring at each other with such fire. Below the platform, Emily and both Mr and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) watched on silently… while Dark Marik was chuckling to himself.
"I have to admit, this duel is heating up rather fast…" thought Dark Marik, "Although it looks like Spencer will be my opponent, after all! Of course, it doesn't matter who faces me… I've planned to kill both players, anyway."
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" began Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twenty: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 36
Current Hand (5): "Astonish Fusion", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Final Attack Orders", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", and "The Flute of Summoning Dragon"
Card of Demise: 4 Standby Phases Left
Spencer looked at his drawn card and smiled to himself with glee over it.
"And so the 'Gods' smile upon me once again…" he whispered.
His card was a Spell Card called 'The Flute of Summoning Dragon'. From there, Spencer spoke aloud to Thomas…
"Billinton, you believe that our consciousnesses were reborn thousands of years later from that of a Pharaoh and a priest…" stated Spencer, remembering how he, Emily, and Thomas ended up in Egypt from 3000 years ago, "You're welcome to believe in that image of the past if you like…" He stopped envisioning what was seen in the past, "And if you insist on believing that this duel is the manifestation of a conflict that began 3000 years ago, then good for you. Then allow me to do you the favor of breaking that illusion you live by into pieces!" Thomas listened to his (Spencer) hate-filled words, "You, along with your past… I'll destroy that past along with you!"
"What?!" gasped Thomas.
"This is the last turn, Billinton," warned Spencer, as he slotted his drawn card into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card, 'The Flute of Summoning Dragon'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind 'Lord of D.', "I must Special Summon up to 2 Dragon monsters from my hand. 'Lord of D.' must be on the field to activate and to resolve this effect."
A flute immediately materialized from the face-up Spell Card. 'Lord of D.' immediately picked it up, and blew into it.
"'The Flute of Summoning Dragon'… From what I know, Spencer likely has 'them' in his hand!" Thomas thought to himself.
Sadly so…
"Come forth, my two 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'!" announced Spencer, holding two more shining cards (both 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons') up.
He placed both cards onto separate Monster Zones on his Duel Disk, causing the device to light up as he smiled evilly. On cue, two more 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' appeared on the field besides the third. As his three beloved monsters hovered around him while letting out a menacing roar, Spencer laughed with glee as he was about to win the duel.
"Three 'Blue-Eyes'…!" thought Thomas, watching on with horror.
"Our son can win on this very turn!" came from a shocked Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"This can't be the end!" objected Emily, "It just can't be!"
"I have four very powerful monsters on my field," commented Spencer, "Three of which have more than enough ATK to finish you off right away! While all you have protecting you, Billinton, is 'Dark Magician' and that weak 'Magnet Warrior'."
Thomas scowled in frustration at the situation.
"This turn," Spencer went on, "you have no hope of surviving the attacks of all three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'!" The three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' let out another roar in response in agreement, "Thomas Billinton, you lose!"
"We'll see about that!" retorted Thomas with bravery.
Yes, we shall see…
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room aboard the blimp, the rest of the gang was still looking out the window at the Duel Tower's top level.
"'Obelisk' is gone, now," sighed Mavis.
"But for how much longer?" pressed Toby.
"Hopefully long enough for Thomas to win," answered Edward.
"I just want this nightmare to end!" Liz commented unhappily.
"Me too," agreed Ryan.
"I believe all of us do," Discord reminded, "But until Marik's evil half is defeated, it likely won't be happening anytime soon."
"Come on, Percy!" mumbled James, shaking his coma induced Percy some more, "You gotta wake up!"
But Percy STILL would not wake up.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum…
"Brace yourself, Thomas!" advised Spencer, "And carve this into your memories! My name! The name of the true winner!"
Thomas, despite wanting to protest on the matter, knew his opponent had a point.
"Once he wipes out my monsters," he thought to himself, "I'll be wide open for a direct attack! All I have is 'Dark Magician' and 'Beta The Magnet Warrior'. They can't withstand the power of those 'Blue-Eyes'…!"
Below the platform, Dark Marik was looking pleased with how things were going…
"Looks like the endgame to me," thought Dark Marik, "That's too bad, really… I actually wanted it to extend out a bit more for my personal amusement."
Back on the duel platform…
"It's all over for you, Billinton!" threatened Spencer, pointing forth, "Now, my 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'! Destroy my opponent and his monsters!"
The three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' began to charge a blast of Burst Stream of Destruction apiece. Thomas closed his eyes as he felt everything around him darken.
(new location…)
"I'm sorry, Percy," apologized Thomas mentally, "I tried my best, but it was no good. I've let you down. I've let everybody down."
"Hey, Thomas…?" A male voice echoed in the darkness.
Thomas opened his eyes and looked to his right. Talking to him was…
"Percy?" Thomas whispered mentally.
"Something the matter?" grinned Percy, speaking mentally in a good-natured tone.
"I'm about to lose the duel!" admitted Thomas mentally, distressed.
Percy mentally chuckled, "Are you? Or are you forgetting your options?"
"My options?" repeated Thomas mentally.
"There is always a possibility in your cards," advised Percy, looking quite serious, "Show me the spirit of a True Duelist."
With that said, Percy began to fade away.
"WAIT!" argued Thomas, mentally and desperately.
Too late, Percy was gone.
"My…options?" thought Thomas, looking at his hand. His eyes soon widened over what he saw, "Yes, I do have options!"
(new location…)
Outside of the black void, the three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' were still charging their attacks.
"You have no hope left! It's time for this destructive light to send you to the dark!" cackled Spencer. Just then, his face displayed shock, "What in the-?!"
Appearing onto Thomas's field in a ball of fire was none other than a black-scaled dragon (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000)!
"'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'?!" stammered Spencer.
Below the platform…
"Rumble my legs!" gulped Emily, upon seeing the dragon appearing and roaring.
"Wasn't that Percy's card?" quizzed Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the platform…
"Apparently, Spencer, you've forgotten one thing. 'The Flute of Summoning Dragon' has the ability to affect me as well," remarked Thomas, "The moment you played that card to Summon two more 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'… I was able to Special Summon a Dragon monster of my own, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
"But my card doesn't say that at all!" denied Spencer crossly, "You've clearly cheated!"
"It's true, Spencer!" The voice Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) called out, causing Spencer to freeze a bit.
Below the platform…
"Just before the tournament began, Discord went and modified that card to work for both players!" added Mr. Gresley (Boxford), "The reason you don't know is because you're still holding onto an older copy of the card!"
Back on the platform…
"What?!" cried Spencer in outrage, "Discord did this?!"
"So, now, you know the truth," teased Thomas, "Both players Special Summon up to 2 Dragon monsters from their respective hands. 'Lord of D.' must be on the field to activate and to resolve this effect!" Focus went towards 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' as he spoke about it, "The Soul Card Percy gave me, his 'Red-Eyes'!"
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' roared as if in agreement.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the medical room aboard the blimp, the others were still looking out the window at the top of the Duel Tower when…
"Did you guys hear something?" pondered Henry.
"No…" replied Gordon, like he hadn't heard anything.
"I heard it, too," Carlie spoke up.
"What is it?" insisted Mavis.
"I don't know," groaned Edward, "But it sounds very…familiar."
Unknowingly, it was affecting a certain green-haired boy…
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum…
"You still had that card in your hands?!" freaked out Spencer.
Below the platform…
"What the hell?! You sure are naive, Spencer" mocked Dark Marik.
Back on the platform, an enraged Spencer completely lost it and decided to go on the offensive as planned.
"It doesn't matter that you have another monster out!" screamed Spencer, "My 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' will destroy them with no effort! Go, my 'Blue-Eyes'! End this duel!" The three dragons finally opened fire with their attacks, "Burst Stream of Destruction, triple force!"
One blast was aimed straight for 'Dark Magician'.
"The first to go down will be your 'Dark Magician'!" The voice of Spencer proclaimed.
"I don't think so!" exclaimed Thomas, holding his right hand out, "Trap Card, open! 'Magician's Selection'!" His first face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Prepare yourself, Spencer!"
"'Magician's Selection'?!" flailed Spencer, just as his eyes went bloodshot from sheer shock, "I know who you aim to-!"
"That's right!" nodded Thomas, "If I control a face-up Spellcaster monster when an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must negate the attack, and if I do, destroy the 1 face-up monster my opponent controls that has the lowest ATK (my choice if tied,)" 'Dark Magician' deflected the first Burst Stream of Destruction with his staff and redirected it towards 'Lord of D.', "Your weakest monster, 'Lord of D.', is destroyed!"
Burst Stream of Destruction struck and destroyed 'Lord of D.', much to Spencer's fury since it meant his Dragon monsters were vulnerable to being targeted by card effects once again—but, at that point, he just didn't care about that and so much more; he (Spencer) just wanted Thomas to lose the duel, and would attack again and again even if there were Spells and Traps standing in the way.
"You may have stopped one 'Blue-Eyes', but I still have attacks ready from the other two dragons!" roared Spencer.
One instance of Burst Stream of Destruction struck and destroyed 'Beta The Magnet Warrior' in an instant.
"Your 'Beta The Magnet Warrior' has been destroyed!" The voice of Spencer boomed in pure hatred, as Thomas winced a little bit, "And now for your pathetic excuse for a dragon!" The third Burst Stream of Destruction soon came towards 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', and he was certain to crush it, "Go to Hell, ghost of Percy Avonside!"
"You'll never destroy his soul!" retorted Thomas, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open! Continuous Trap, 'Spellbinding Circle'!"
His second face-down card flipped up and revealed itself. The third 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' got surrounded by a hexagon as it got weaker (ATK: 3000 → 2300). Seeing as 'Lord of D.' was gone, nothing was to stop card effects from targeting Dragon monsters again.
"I must activate this card by targeting 1 monster my opponent controls; it loses 700 ATK, also it cannot attack or change its battle position. When that monster is destroyed, I must destroy this card!" raged Thomas.
"No!" shouted Spencer.
"It's time for 'Red-Eyes' to fight back!" continued Thomas, "'Red-Eyes', counterattack and destroy 'Blue-Eyes'!" As he announced the attack's name, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' opened its mouth and charged up an attack, "Inferno Fire Blast!"
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' obeyed, unleashing the powerful ball of fire. The trapped 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' was hit and destroyed in an instant. Spencer grimaced as he covered himself with his right arm.
"'Blue-Eyes' is destroyed!" The voice of Thomas assumed.
"Damn you…! My 'Blue-Eyes' lost to Percy's ghost?!" seethed Spencer quietly (LP: 2000 → 1900).
"Percy…" thought Thomas, just as an image of Percy reappeared nearby, "That attack was for you…"
The image of Percy smiled and silently gave a thumbs up before fading away.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the medical room aboard the blimp, a slight moan came from Percy as his eyes slowly began to open—although they still remained all empty and dull.
"Oh…" mumbled Percy weakly.
Ryan was the first to notice this, followed by Molly, and finally Edward.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Spencer's moment of rage had worn off, and he was now smiling as though he remained in control of the match.
"So, my plans have been interfered with thanks to 'Red-Eyes's' appearance?" thought Spencer, "No matter, I'm still gonna win!"
"Just two 'Blue-Eyes' left," thought Thomas, "The answers I seek… The promise made to my best friend… To grasp that light, I must win!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room aboard the blimp, Percy's eyes were still dull, but his vision soon became more and more clear.
"Guys?" he asked quietly.
All eyes were locked onto Percy—who they honestly believed to be dead.
"Percy…?" Liz blinked.
"What's happened to me?" groaned Percy.
There was silence—at least until…
"He's alright!" cheered Molly.
It became a joyous reunion for everyone. Percy was practically crushed by the girls' (Mavis, Molly, Carlie, and especially Liz) hugs.
"Oh, Percy…" sobbed Liz, "Thank goodness! We all thought you were… were…"
"We all thought you were never gonna wake up," came from Ryan.
Suddenly, upon getting freed from the girls' grasp, the confused Percy found himself getting punched in the face by an upset looking James, knocking him (Percy) to the floor.
"You freakin' jerk!" scolded James, "Never, EVER scare us like that again!" He suddenly started crying, "You… you had us all so worried!"
"Gee, thanks for the sympathy, James," grumbled Percy sarcastically, rubbing his sore cheek. From there, he remembered something important while getting back onto his feet, "Wait a minute… Where am I, anyway?"
"You're in the medical room," replied Doctor 2, "But it's still unbelievable that you're back on your feet! You were practically on death's door."
"Tell me something I don't know," Percy muttered to himself, but then remembered yet another very big thing, "Lady!"
He saw that his girlfriend was lying in bed—and unknowingly still in her coma.
"Lady! Wake up! I've won the duel against Marik!" begged Percy.
Alas, Lady Stone would not wake up. Percy, while trying to wake his girlfriend up, started to get more and more upset.
"Why won't she wake up?" Percy demanded in desperation, "I won that duel!" Everyone fell into silence as the atmosphere of joy turned into sadness, and he turned to face them, "I…did win… didn't I?"
"No, Percy… you didn't win," Liz admitted sadly, "You lost the duel."
"What?!" coughed Percy, who was speechless, "Please tell me that was a sick joke!"
"It's not a joke, Percy!" interrupted Ryan, sounding just as upset, "You were defeated in the duel…"
"You passed out before you could order an attack," put in Henry slowly, "Because of that, Marik won the duel by default."
"No…!" thought Percy.
"Although you Summoned something strong enough to win," wept Liz, unable to hold back her tears any longer, "the Shadow Game affected you way too much by that point and you collapsed before you could order an attack."
Finally unable to contain his emotions any longer, Percy ran over to the bed Lady was in and started to cry over her nearly lifeless body.
"Lady!" sobbed Percy, "You were counting on me to save you, but I've let you down! Please forgive me…!"
Everyone else could only sadly watch their friend (brother in Liz's case) release his hurt emotions. They sent their hearts out for the two teenagers (Percy and Lady).
(elsewhere…)
Outside the blimp, the helicopter that Skiff sent for had finally arrived. Upon landing, a hatch opened and out came a medical team with a few stretchers.
"Let's get those patients!" commanded Boxford Paramedic 1.
(elsewhere…)
Back atop the Duel Tower and inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the duel between Thomas and Spencer continued to get hotter and hotter as it started to reach its peak:
-Spencer (LP: 1900): Controlled two 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500) x2 and 'Spell Sanctuary' (Spell Card).
-Thomas (LP: 1500): Controlled 'Dark Magician' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100), 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000), and a Set card.
"Against my two 'Blue-Eyes', Billinton, your two monsters can only defend," glared Spencer. Thomas didn't say anything back, at which point two face-down cards materialized on the field, compliments of himself, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!" He then began to think about his winning strategy, "Thanks to my face-down Trap Card, 'Final Attack Orders', Billinton won't be able to defend himself with any monsters. All he needs to do is play at least one monster in Defense Position, and my ultimate trap will be sprung."
"What's that damn Spencer going to do, now?" thought Thomas, "Unfortunately, I'll have to worry about it later," He then spoke aloud before drawing his card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Twenty-One: Thomas Billinton (LP: 1500)
Deck: 30
Current Hand (1): "Spell Duplication"(!)
Seeing as the blue-haired boy drew a handy Spell Card called 'Spell Duplication', he decided to go on the defense until he could find another way to turn things around in his favor.
"No matter what face-down cards he has," thought Thomas, eyeing his opponent's field, "so long as my LP don't drop to 0, I can still win. But, for now, I'll have to play defensive until I can get back into the game," He slotted the card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down!"
A face-down card suddenly materialized on the field behind 'Dark Magician'.
"No matter what, I have to win this duel," thought Thomas, before he was shown placing two fingers on the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card on his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll switch…" The card was shifted sideways, "…both of my monsters into Defense Position."
Both 'Dark Magician' (DEF: 2100) and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (DEF: 2000) went into defensive stances. At that point…
"You can't escape," interrupted Spencer bluntly, holding his right hand out and causing his first face-down card to flip up and reveal itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Final Attack Orders', activate!"
Suddenly, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (ATK: 2400) and 'Dark Magician' (ATK: 2500) found themselves being forced back into Attack Position against their wills.
"My monsters!" worried Thomas, "What's happening to them?!"
"All face-up monsters on the field are changed to Attack Position and their battle positions cannot be changed," explained Spencer, going over the second effect of his card, "But that's just the lingering second effect… The first effect is what makes this card so dangerous!" He took his Deck out of the Duel Disk, "Both players choose 3 cards in their respective Decks; they must send all other cards in their Decks to the GY, and the 3 cards chosen become their new respective Decks."
"Three cards?!" winced Thomas.
Below the platform, Emily was now worried about what would happen from there on…
"Only three cards?!" commented Emily, echoing almost word-for-word the same sentence Thomas just used while also adding something else, "That'll leave both duelists with practically a three turn showdown!"
"No matter who wins, the duel is going to end in three turns," figured Dark Marik.
Just then…
"Hey, what did I miss?" The voice of Skiff echoed.
Emily, along with both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), turned and saw Skiff running into the area.
"Skiff!" came from Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"What's going on?" asked Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"A helicopter is on its way to take Percy, Lady, and Duck to the hospital," explained Skiff, "They're going to be okay, now!"
"Oh, what a relief…" whispered Emily, saying it only to herself.
"From there, I decided to come up and watch my older brother win the duel!" beamed Skiff.
On the platform, Thomas had what remained of his Deck currently in his hands. Some of the cards shown were to be 'Dark Magician Girl', 'Diffusion Wave-Motion', 'Archfiend of Gilfer', 'Sangan', 'Obnoxious Celtic Guardian', 'Black Luster Soldier', 'Skilled Dark Magician', 'Shift', 'Watapon', 'Mirror Force', 'Breaker the Magical Warrior', 'Magic Cylinder', 'Curse of Dragon', etc..
"Which cards do I choose to keep?" thought Thomas, "And which ones do I discard? Which ones…?"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the medical room aboard the blimp, Percy, after he had managed to calm down from his heartbreak over Lady still being in a coma, immediately turned to look at Discord.
"What about the next match?" pressed Percy
"Thomas-boy and Spencer-boy are in the middle of their fated rematch," answered Discord.
"What?! I can't be here, then!" realized Percy, "I gotta get out there and cheer Thomas on!"
In a hurry, Percy slipped his shoes on and started to leave when…
"Stop right there, Percy!" The voice of Liz ordered.
Percy froze in place when he heard his older sister's firm tone, and turned to see that Liz was looking upset.
"L-Liz?" whispered Percy.
"What's the matter, honey?" came from Ryan.
"You can't go!" scolded Liz sternly, addressing Percy, "We nearly lost you to Marik just now… You have to stay in bed and rest some more."
"Exactly!" agreed Doctor 1, "We still have to make sure that you're well enough to start walking around!"
"But Thomas needs me!" argued Percy.
"Do you know how many lives have been affected by this tournament, Percy?!" shouted Liz, trying her hardest to not cry again, "Mom and Dad would never forgive me if anything bad were to happen to you—I wouldn't even forgive myself!"
"I'm really sorry for worrying everyone," mused Percy solemnly, "But I have to go and be there for Thomas! We've promised to duel each other," He looked at his Duel Disk before looking up back, "Our Battle City is not over. In order to become a True Duelist, Thomas and I came here to this tournament. No matter what happens in Thomas's duel, it's related to our future. I have to go and watch it…"
Before anything more could be said, the door opened and revealed two of the paramedics sent by Boxford Corp to get the wounded passengers to safety.
"We've arrived to collect the wounded patients!" announced Boxford Paramedic 2, "Where's the patient?"
Doctor 1 and Doctor 2 both pointed to Percy almost immediately, who looked rather confused.
"H-Him," stammered Doctor 2, bewildered, "But he was in critical condition just moments ago!"
"It was more like five minutes ago," corrected Percy rhetorically, "But now I'm fine!"
After minutes of mass confusion and discussion, the two doctors finally gave up and allowed Percy to leave. Percy nodded and turned to look at his sister and brother-in-law.
"Liz and Ryan, I need you both to continue looking after both Lady and Duck," he instructed.
The two young adults nodded.
(outside…)
From there, Percy dashed out of the room and down the hallway. He was followed by James, Gordon, Henry, Matt, Ben, Carlie, Michael, Zack, Edward, Mavis, Toby, James R., and Discord. Molly, meanwhile, took a moment to look back to the doctors and paramedics and give an apologetic bow.
"We're so sorry!" pleaded Molly, before running off.
"Kids these days…" groaned Doctor 1, "They could be on their deathbeds, and still have the strength to run around."
Liz merely giggled a little bit, but, while running, Percy had only one thought about the duel between Thomas and Spencer.
"Hang in there, Thomas," thought Percy, heading down another hallway towards the blimp exit.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, Thomas was still looking at the remains of his Deck while thinking on which cards to choose from.
"I know Spencer has a strategy ready," thought Thomas, thinking about Spencer's Deck as images of cards like 'Monster Reborn' (Spell Card), 'Polymerization' (Spell Card), and 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' (Fusion Monster Card) briefly flashed before his eyes, "I can bet that he plans to first use his unused 'Monster Reborn' card to bring back his previously destroyed 'Blue-Eyes', and then use the also unused 'Polymerization' to fuse it with the other two on the field into 'Ultimate Dragon'. Since it has greater ATK than anything else I have, that's what he'll likely do now…" Finally, he chose his three cards, "I guess I'll pick these three cards and hope for the best," Once the cards were in his GY, he entered the End Phase, "I end my turn!"
"So, you've finally made a decision, eh?" dismissed Spencer, with little-to-no interest, "But, regardless of the cards you've chosen, they won't be of any help to you!" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Twenty-Two: Spencer Gresley (LP: 1900)
Deck: 2
Current Hand (1): "Monster Reborn"
Card of Demise: 3 Standby Phases Left
His drawn card was the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card—just what he needed.
"This time you're finished, Billinton…" hissed Spencer, glad to have gotten his card, "I'm about to call upon your worst nightmare!"
Thomas awaited the coming, and dreaded, move as silently as could be.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'!" declared Spencer, as the mentioned card materialized face-up on the field and began shining brightly, "Come forth, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
The third Blue-Eyes White Dragon returned to the field in a burst of light (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). The three powerful Dragon monsters roared menacingly at Thomas, but he kept his ground as the sky started to turn dark and cloudy.
"Not only that, I'll activate a Spell Card!" informed Spencer. The silver-haired boy's last face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Face-down card, 'Astonish Fusion'!"
"What?! Spencer had a different 'Fusion' card placed face-down all along! But if that's the case, what were the other cards he chose?" thought Thomas.
He didn't have time to think about it—the face-up 'Astonish Fusion' Spell Card on Spencer's field began to activate.
"I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using up to 3 monsters I control as material," explained Spencer "If I Fusion Summon using 3 materials this way, neither player can conduct their Battle Phase until the end of the next turn after this card's activation," His eyes narrowed as he smiled madly and spoke a rather brief Summon Chant, "This is the strongest killing machine, the ultimate form of monster!"
Before long, one bolt of lightning had struck the three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'. Below the platform, Emily could only watch the scene with horror, while Dark Marik only chuckled softly as he (Dark Marik) awaited for the defeat of Thomas Billinton. On the platform, once the smoke had cleared and Fusion Summon sequence was done, there it was on the field… Thomas was facing none other than…
"'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'!" The voice of Spencer finished triumphantly.
The mighty, three-headed dragon roared powerfully, fiercely, and proudly (Level: 12/ATK: 4500/DEF: 3800). It then gazed at Thomas hungrily, wanting to either eat or tear him (Thomas) apart if it meant Spencer could win the duel.
"'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'. This is Spencer's strongest monster…" thought Thomas, "It's even stronger than 'Obelisk', and more than powerful enough to wipe out my LP!"
"Do you see, now?" boasted Spencer, "This is the ultimate monster that will clear the path to my future!"
Thomas merely grimaced in response. After a moment of silence, minus some loud roars from 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' and some cheers from the holographic audience, Spencer finally spoke up once again…
"And now, Billinton," said Spencer firmly, soon swinging his right arm about, "I will finally defeat you, take your 'Egyptian God' Card, and regain my former glory! However, it's not for something as simple as revenge."
"Huh?" Thomas, looking up with a puzzled look on his face, blinked.
"Why am I so obsessed with fighting you?" wondered Spencer, "I've been fighting in Battle City to find the answer, and now I have found it…"
"Your answer?" repeated Thomas quietly.
Spencer nodded and envisioned himself and Thomas standing near the large stone tablet from the museum.
"That stone palette and everything behind it rose the curtains on Battle City," recalled Spencer, "And that is where the answer lies. Billinton, you've fought in order to figure out the secrets carved on that palette… Chasing a past that has already gone by is nothing but a foolish act and a waste of time!" He narrowed his eyes as he returned to the tower, "But I'm not like that! To me, the memory of the past is as meaningless to me as a crumbling piece of rock!"
"Then why?" asked Thomas softly, "What are you fighting for in the tournament?"
"It's because I'm doing this so that not only will I be able to be the Island of Sodor's greatest duelist once again, but everybody will see me as a hero when I defeat Marik!" sighed Spencer fondly, before he looked below the platform at his parents, "But more importantly… this is so I can finally move my family away from 'his' presence forever."
Below the platform…
"His presence…" whispered Mr. Gresley (Boxford), "You don't think he means…"
"Yes," affirmed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Back atop the duel platform…
"Gozaburo Gresley was a selfish, cruel man. He ran a weapons company and tried to start a war just for the sake of making money and causing all sorts of misery!" growled Spencer, who hated his Grandfather despite never actually meeting him in-person, "He forced my Mother and Father in an accelerated learning program as though they were but mere machines! It was a living hell for both of them…"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Young Jim and Leslie were both forced upon schoolwork after schoolwork with little-to-no break, and if any signs of weakness were shown—well, discipline would ensue. How brutal of discipline? Well, we'd rather not show it, right now.
"It was all nothing but complete misery to both of them!" narrated Spencer bitterly, "Regardless, they just endured it and obeyed him without question."
(new scene…)
The time were Flashback Gozaburo was forced out, and he committed suicide by jumping out the window on the top floor of the building, was then shown.
"Eventually, they, along with Gordon's parents, wrestled power from him. They ousted my Grandfather from his position as corporation president," continued Spencer.
(new scene…)
Now adults, Flashback Jim and Flashback Leslie both reworked Boxford Corp into what it was today; a Gaming Company.
"Boxford Corp had died… but was also reborn as something entirely new," stated Spencer, "When I learned of their tragic past, I was filled with anger, sorrow, and hatred for that man."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Spencer went on some more…
"Unfortunately, my parents had recurring nightmares of Gozaburo from that point onward. That past has filled me with nothing but anger, hatred, and sorrow! It's not like your stupid fantasy world!" scowled Spencer.
"Spencer…" whispered Thomas, feeling somewhat sorry for his friend/rival.
"I only care about the future now. I will trample anything related to the past. It means nothing to me!" ranted Spencer, "You, Billinton, are a creature of that past. Once I've defeated you, I'll defeat Marik, and once I've become the Duel King, my parents can finally rest in peace from that monster of a Grandfather I used to actually have!"
Below the platform, Mr. and Mrs Gresley (Boxford) as well as Skiff listened to their older son/older brother rant about everything related to Gozaburo.
"Oh, wow…" Skiff uttered, while speechless beyond words.
"Spencer…" came from Mr. Gresley (Boxford) quietly.
"I never knew he was so bitter over learning about our adopted Father, honey," wept Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "He has always wanted to become the best, I know that—but this is for all of the wrong reasons. Maybe… maybe our lives would have been better if we never left the orphanage those years ago."
Mr. Gresley (Boxford) held his wife close to him as Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) cried softly. Back on the platform…
"This island is so far the only thing that remains of my Grandfather's legacy," revealed Spencer coldly, "Once this tournament is finished up, I'm going to destroy it and reign as the number one duelist on the Island of Sodor once more! The time has finally come for me to rise!"
Thomas, having heard the whole story, merely closed his eyes with a soft chuckle. The sight of it caused Spencer to scoff dismissively.
"Well now, I'm surprised you can even laugh," joked Spencer.
"Spencer," began Thomas, "you are one of the very few, beside my friends, who I can consider a True Duelist… But, at the same time, you disappoint me a bit."
Spencer winced, "What do you mean by that?"
"Despite you saying you're looking to the future, you're still holding onto the past in becoming the greatest once again," thundered Thomas, "And let me blunt… hatred, anger, sorrow! Those will never allow you to triumph over me!" When Spencer seethed, yet remained silent, he (Thomas) went on, "Your mind is like this Duel Tower standing tall in the rubble. You can pile hate on top of hate to reach the top, but you'll never find true victory! You'll wander forever… seeking the next thing to hate… the next target… As for me, I fight for those who believe. For my friend, for myself, and to become a True Duelist!" Below the platform, Skiff, Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), Emily, and Dark Marik all listened to the speech to make sure they didn't miss a single word, "You have to let your anger and hatred go now, Spencer! Or else you'll likely do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."
"Hmph! You're not one to tell me what to do," retorted Spencer harshly, "Besides, I pity you for trying to coerce me with such trash talk…"
"Well then, I guess it's time that I showed you the future," smirked Thomas, before motioning his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out to a nearby Set card, "Face-down card, open!" The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Spell Duplication', activate!"
"What?! 'Spell Duplication'?" gasped Spencer.
"That's right!" confirmed Thomas, "I must target any number of Spell(s) in my opponent's GY that were activated this turn or the previous turn; I must activate their effects as my own," One Spell Card was 'Monster Reborn', and the second Spell Card was 'Astonish Fusion'. "'Monster Reborn' and 'Astonish Fusion'!" From there, 'Buster Blader' started to appear on the field, "Using 'Monster Reborn', I Special Summon 'Buster Blader' from my GY!" From there, the blue-haired boy pointed forth towards his opponent's field, "And now… I'll activate 'Astonish Fusion'!"
The face-up 'Astonish Fusion' Spell Card on Spencer's field activated, much to his shock. It was then both 'Dark Magician' and 'Buster Blader' rose into the air.
"I fuse 'Dark Magician' with 'Buster Blader'!" The voice of Thomas exclaimed, as the above scenario played out.
Both monsters began to combine in a great shining light.
"Go ahead and fuse them!" shouted Spencer in denial, "My 'Ultimate Dragon' cannot be stopped! Your Spell Card didn't help you at all!"
But truthfully, he was scared. Scared because what his friend/rival was about to Fusion Summon was the exact same monster that resulted in his first defeat.
"On the contrary, this new monster will be a good match for your monster," countered Thomas, "This is a monster that can't be Summoned except by Fusion Summon. It gains 500 ATK for each Dragon monster on the field and in the GY," He remembered two Dragon monsters ('Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon') being on the field, "Both 'Ultimate Dragon' and 'Red-Eyes' are present on the field, along with the Dragons in our respective GYs!" The light in the sky soon grew brighter and brighter, "Let me show you! 'Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin'!"
When the Fusion Summon finished, a new monster emerged from the fading light and gave a mighty battle cry while leaping into the sky. This new monster resembled a blue-skinned, dragon-slaying version of 'Dark Magician'. Soon, 'Dark Paladin' let out another battle cry and posed with his weapon for an upcoming battle as his ATK went way up to the point of immediately surpassing that of 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 2900 → 5900/DEF: 2400).
"You're always the type to entertain until the very end, Billinton," huffed Spencer, "I always expected you'd try resorting to 'Dark Paladin' if faced with 'Ultimate Dragon'. Thanks to 'Astonish Fusion', since I used three Fusion Materials, neither of us can declare an attack until the end of your next turn—which means I have more than enough time to plan and defeat this dragon slayer!"
"I know that," countered Thomas, "But I can do the same thing—planning your 'Ultimate Dragon's' destruction!"
"Tch! I end my turn!" concluded Spencer.
"It's my turn!" announced Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twenty-Three: Thomas Billinton (LP: 1500)
Deck: 2
Current Hand (1): "De-Fusion"
Looking at his drawn card ('De-Fusion') briefly, he (Thomas) looked at Spencer with studying eyes.
"Spencer's 'Ultimate Dragon' is weaker, but I can't attack it at this time thanks to 'Astonish Fusion'," thought Thomas, "It will give Spencer time to draw something that will further strengthen it, but this card will help me with defeating it," He then narrowed his eyes, "Spencer… Your hatred… Your anger… This will dispose of it all!"
"Well, Billinton?" taunted Spencer, "I'm waiting for your 'so-called' big play!"
"It's all up to fate now… Either I win…or lose," thought Thomas, before slotting the card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field near his (Thomas) feet, which wasn't lost on Spencer.
"So, I guess that's it?" grunted Spencer, not looking all that impressed at the face-down card that was appearing on the field beside the first one, "I guess there isn't anything you can do since you can't go on the defensive!"
Below the duel platform, Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) both watched their son draw his card.
"It looks like Spencer looks fated to win," sighed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), who had finally calmed down.
"So far… unless Thomas can do something about it," Mr. Gresley (Boxford) pointed out.
"You can do it, Big Brother!" cheered Skiff.
"Thomas…" whispered Emily.
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" said Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Twenty-Four: Spencer Gresley (LP: 1900)
Deck: 1
Current Hand (1): "Battle Fusion"
Card of Demise: 2 Standby Phases Left
He had drawn a Spell Card called 'Battle Fusion' before looking back at his friend/rival with a scornful laugh.
"It's time, Billinton! I will defeat you, and bury the past for good… Make peace with yourself!" The silver-haired boy shouted, before entering his thoughts, "I will surpass everything! I will become the Duel King… and rise to a higher plane of being!"
"Spencer…" Thomas spoke up, "Even if you do win this match, you will only find an endless chain of hate. I've tried to tell you time and time again, but until you finally listen to reason, you will never escape from the darkness!"
"Hmph! Did it ever occur to you that hatred and anger give me power?!" demanded Spencer hatefully, "The power to dominate everything! They've always had, and always will!"
"Then hit me with all your hatred!" dared Thomas, "If you think you can defeat me with that alone, then show me right now!"
Spencer frowned, but said nothing in response, believing what Thomas was saying to be nonsense. Even so, Thomas didn't give up in trying to get Spencer to see sense and the error of his (Spencer) ways.
"But no matter how much hatred and anger you may have," Thomas went on, as focus went towards Skiff, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) below the platform, "if you didn't have your company and money, you would have nothing left in your sad life!" On the platform, he kept on talking, "Spencer Gresley, I will defeat you. I will free you from your hated past, not only as a rival who walked the path of battle with me, but also…as a friend!"
"Heh! Say whatever you want," snorted Spencer, "However, in the end, I'm still going to win!"
Below the platform, Emily, Skiff, and both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) all overheard Thomas's vow to win to save Spencer from the clouds of anger and hatred.
"Thomas…" mumbled Skiff quietly.
"I know you can win this duel, Tommy, I just know it…" Emily added to herself, quietly.
Back on the platform, the Battle Phase commenced.
"'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', get ready to attack!" commanded Spencer, as 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' started to charge a devastating three-way attack, "This is how it ends! I win!"
"Spencer, no matter what you claim, I KNOW you're my friend," Thomas thought to himself, "But in order for me to save you from the darkness of anger and hatred in your heart, I must defeat you in this duel!"
"Neutron Blast!" roared Spencer, motioning out his left hand (with the Duel Disk).
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' let loose its signature move towards the far stronger 'Dark Paladin', and Thomas knew it was now or never.
"I have to make this play count—whatever Spencer's planning to do, I'll try tricking him first!" thought Thomas, just before talking aloud, "Spell Card, activate! The Equip Spell, 'Magic Formula'!"
The first face-down card flipped up and revealed itself—but Spencer was immediately ready for it.
"How pathetic," scoffed Spencer, before readying his drawn card ('Battle Fusion') for about two seconds before holding it out, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Battle Fusion', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, causing Thomas, and everyone else below the platform, to react in shock. The 'Battle Fusion' Spell Card was extremely rare and powerful, being support for Fusion Monsters.
"When an attack is declared involving a Fusion Monster I control and an opponent's monster: That monster I control gains ATK equal to the ATK of the opponent's monster, until the end of the Damage Step," explained Spencer, as focus went to 'Dark Paladin' first gaining power (ATK: 5900 → 6400), all thanks to the face-up 'Magic Formula' Spell Card, "With 'Dark Paladin' having 6400 ATK, my 'Ultimate Dragon' now gains that much power for this battle only!"
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' got supercharged with power (ATK: 4500 → 10900), which made it even stronger than 'Dark Paladin' (ATK: 6400).
"He read through my strategy like a book!" thought Thomas worriedly, "This just can't be the end for me!"
"Now, you're history!" declared Spencer, laughing evilly, "Your 'Red-Eyes' and 'Dark Paladin' were never a match for my 'Blue-Eyes'! They can now just disappear into darkness along with you and your hopes! Farewell."
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon's' Neutron Blast seemingly collided with 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', 'Dark Paladin', and Thomas Billinton. Below the platform, Dark Marik, with his arms folded, was cackling over the duel's end results.
"And now, it's the end for Thomas Billinton!" screeched Dark Marik.
Emily could only watch in horror, while Skiff was happy his older brother had seemingly won. It was right around then Percy and the rest of the gang ran into the arena, just in time to see their friend seemingly lose the duel to Spencer.
"Thomas!" panicked Percy.
Light filled the entire platform, and Spencer was smiling gleefully at his seeming victory.
"I'm the winner!" whispered Spencer.
"Is that what you believe?" The voice of Thomas cut in harshly.
Losing his victorious smile, Spencer appeared to gasp at the voice. On the other end of the field, Thomas narrowed his eyes fiercely over his opponent believing to have won.
"You can pile hatred on hatred, but it's…fragile!" he was saying scornfully.
"W-What do you mean by that?" wondered Spencer.
"Did you honestly think you could win the duel while bearing a burden of hatred and anger?!" scolded Thomas, cutting to the chase.
"Shut up!" cried Spencer in anger, "You have nothing that can defeat me or my 'Ultimate Dragon'!"
"You still won't listen to reason? Then I want you to observe my next face-down card!" ordered Thomas, as he motioned his right hand to his last set card as it flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Face-down card, open! 'De-Fusion'!"
"No!" Spencer gasped, with his eyes going bloodshot once more, "Not 'De-Fusion'! NOT THAT CARD!"
"That's right!" confirmed Thomas, "I must target 1 Fusion Monster on the field; I must return that target to the Extra Deck, then, if all the materials that were used for its Fusion Summon are in the GY, I can Special Summon all of them to the controller's field."
"Did he know I was going to play my 'Ultimate'-?!" thought Spencer.
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', struggling to resist as it could, found itself splitting back into the three original monsters that were used to Summon it—in other words, they, once again on the field, were three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500) x3. Neutron Blast also stopped just in time, saving 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' from destruction.
"This cannot be! I needed 'Ultimate Dragon' to win the duel!" thought Spencer furiously, before exclaiming something aloud for Thomas to hear, "This can't be happening to me AGAIN!"
"I'm afraid it is," replied Thomas, "And with more Dragon monsters on the field," 'Dark Paladin' started to gain even more strength (ATK: 6400 → 5900), "'Dark Paladin' ATK becomes 5900 once more! This makes him the strongest monster on the field!"
"Just go!" Spencer growled, very unhappy that he had to end his turn, "I end my turn!"
Thomas drew his next card without saying a word back.
Turn Twenty-Five: Thomas Billinton (LP: 1500)
Deck: 1
Current Hand (1): "Diffusion Wave-Motion"
As soon as he saw what the draw card was, it was time to finish the duel here and now.
"I activate the Spell Card!" started Thomas, before making a promise to end the duel this turn, "Spencer, this is the card that will tear apart the darkness that controls your heart!" He slotted the card into his Duel Disk and made it materialize face-up on the field, "'Diffusion Wave-Motion'!"
"'Diffusion Wave-Motion', is it?!" freaked out Spencer.
"If my opponent controls a monster: I must pay 1000 LP, then target 1 Level 7 or higher Spellcaster monster I control; this turn, it must attack all monsters my opponent controls once each, also other monsters I control cannot attack. The effects of monsters destroyed by these attacks cannot activate and are negated!" stated Thomas, "In other news, my 'Dark Paladin' can strike all three 'Blue-Eyes' on your field!"
"Each of my 'Blue-Eyes' have 3000 ATK—but his 'Dark Paladin' has 5900 ATK!" thought Spencer in stunned horror, "It's enough to destroy my dragons and reduce my LP to 0!"
"'Dark Paladin', attack all of Spencer's monsters!" shouted Thomas (LP: 1500 → 500).
'Dark Paladin' raised and started charging his scepter. The power boost from all of the dragons, the face-up 'Magic Formula' Spell Card, and from the 'Diffusion Wave-Motion' Spell Card made him so strong that his staff started crackling with great power.
"BILLINTON!" The voice of Spencer screamed, as Thomas merely listened unfazed, "I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED AT MY OWN TOURNAMENT!"
"Spencer, hatred does not lead to true victory!" thought Thomas, before speaking aloud, "Spencer, you're too late!" He announced the attack name of his monster, "Super Magical Fierce Wave Slash!"
'Dark Paladin' finally slammed his scepter onto the ground, causing a shockwave of magical energy to fire forth to Spencer's side of the field. The three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' each let loose a final roar before the shockwaves cut into their white scales and they shattered into dust. Spencer, on the other hand, could only watch in horror as debris and shards of his destroyed monsters flew past him and his LP finally fell all the way to 0 (LP: 1900 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
The light and debris soon ceased as Spencer looked on in unexplained shock. Below the platform, Skiff fell to his knees in disbelief, while everyone else (especially Percy and Emily) cheered—all except for Dark Marik, who instead sneered in wicked delight. The other exceptions were Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), who remained silent and unsure of what to feel. Back on the platform, Thomas stared triumphantly at Spencer.
"You have lost, Spencer! I told you your anger and hatred would never prevail!" thought Thomas, "If you truly wish to defeat me, you must first defeat your own anger and hatred. Until you successfully do so, you will never prevail against me!"
And now… The final battle against Dark Marik laid straight ahead for our young hero.
Oh my freakin' God! Combining five straight chapters worth of content into a single chapter with massive changes to fix up mistakes and more! That was not too much fun to do. Sadly, we're gonna have to do the same thing for Thomas VS. Dark Marik when it comes time. That's gonna be a load of laughs(!), but whatever. However, it's something I feel needs to be done, but will never attempt to do again once it's completed.