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.
WARNING 2: This chapter is rated M for horrific torture and violence.
Title: Rematch! Percy VS Spencer, Part 1
The second and final duel of the Battle City semi-finals was over and done with. Spencer Gresley's three prized 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' each let out a final roar before shattering/collapsing into glass/dust. Spencer himself was stunned beyond belief over his defeat.
"Not again!" thought Spencer, looking on in great shock (LP: 1900 → 0).
And on the other end of the platform with both his monsters ('Dark Paladin' and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon') standing triumphantly was Thomas Billinton.
"The duel is over!" Thomas announced victoriously (LP: 500), "I have won!"
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
The entire Sky Duel Coliseum faded away as Roland announced the victor of the duel.
"And the winner is Thomas Billinton!" proclaimed Roland, feeling bad that his boss lost, "He will go on to face Marik Ishtar for the Battle City crown!"
The platform began to lower back down as the nearby spectators watched with joy.
"He did it!" cried Emily happily.
"That's taking it to him!" came from Percy.
"That's our friend!" cheered Gordon.
The moment the platform lowered down enough Thomas turned around and saw many of his friends watching—but one person there made him smile the most.
"Percy!" realized Thomas, overjoyed.
"We saw you wipe the floor with Spencer!" said Percy proudly, giving a thumbs up, "Of course, I knew you'd be able to win! You beat him once before, and I knew you'd be able to do it again," He looked at his friends, "By the way, did you see the way my 'Red-Eyes' helped Thomas out?"
"Correction, it's not your card anymore," reminded James.
"No worries, I'll have 'Red-Eyes' back soon enough."
It was a joyous reunion for the friends… Meanwhile, Spencer still couldn't believe everything he worked so hard to obtain was now all for nothing.
"My Battle City…" thought Spencer, "My hatred for that man Gozaburo… Standing atop of this tower, I was supposed to become the Duel King and rid my family of his curse forever… But now…" He (Spencer) envisioned Thomas standing atop of the Duel Tower in triumph, "Billinton… all I ever wanted was to defeat you fairly…"
The poor silver-haired boy tried reaching out to the tower, but it faded away before he could touch it. Before long, the ground beneath his feet collapsed and suddenly caused him to snap out of his vision.
"I-I've lost… everything…" Spencer muttered in complete defeat.
Below the platform, Skiff was left very disappointed that his older brother had lost. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) didn't know whether to feel happy or sad, however.
"Spencer…" uttered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) quietly.
"So, he lost," added Mr. Gresley (Boxford), "Maybe this could be the wake-up call he needs?"
On the platform…
"My Deck… my unstoppable servants…" Spencer ranted, looking down at his Duel Disk, "There weren't any flaws in my carefully planned strategies… it should have been perfect!" he looked back up, still denying the reality in-front of him, "But I still lost to him!"
It was then Thomas, Emily, and Percy each walked over to the shocked Spencer Gresley.
"Spencer…" began Thomas, "You fought like a True Duelist. You should be proud—but now, I'll be taking 'Obelisk' as my prize."
"I'll admit you've put up a great fight today," Emily added, "But in the end you lost to Thomas because of one thing."
Spencer grew furious, "And what's that?!"
"It was your own rage and ego that did you in," accused Emily, "You were so determined to win in your own way that you never realized Thomas was waiting for you to make specific moves."
That did it for Spencer; who was practically shaking with anger as he had finally felt something inside snapped.
"Are you…" whispered Spencer, before raising his voice, "ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME?!"
It was then Thomas realized that Spencer still wasn't accepting the results of the duel and sighed with disappointment.
"You didn't learn anything from our duel, did you?" asked Thomas firmly.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?! All my life I've wanted to help my parents forget their blasted past!" shouted Spencer, as Thomas and the rest of the group listened to the rant, "The past where they were raised by that monster of a man named Gozaburo!" He swung his right arm about, "Now that I'm out of the tournament, that will never happen!"
"I told you that anger will get you nowhere in life," continued Thomas, "Once again, I truly do recognize your skill as a duelist… but like I've also said; you will need to defeat the one true monster inside your heart; 'Hatred'."
"Hatred? What nonsense are you saying?" scoffed Spencer coldly.
That didn't deter Thomas the slightest as he continued to speak and reason with his friend/rival.
"Hatred is what is clouding your judgment, Spencer," Thomas calmly pointed out, "It's turning you into the very thing you said you absolutely despise."
"He's right," agreed Emily, staring long and hard at Spencer, "The Monster Cards we duelists wield in battle aren't the only demon in a duel! The anger in our hearts… Hatred… Greed… Our own worst enemies are often inside us! Only when you overcome all of that…can you walk the road to becoming a True Duelist!"
"True Duelist!?" spat Spencer.
"Like for me… my goal to become a True Duelist…is Battle City! Percy, for instance, is still fighting to find that very place," recalled Thomas.
He cast a quick glance to his best friend, who looked a bit puzzled at first, but quickly flashed a smile. Thomas then took a quick glance down to his Duel Disk, where both the 'Dark Paladin' Fusion Monster Card and the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card remained. He picked up the latter card and held it up.
"'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' is no ordinary card," explained Thomas fondly, "its strength comes from the bond of my friendship with Percy, and it means that I never duel alone. To be frank, I would have lost to you if I didn't have it in my hand when you played your 'The Flute of Summoning Dragon'."
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
The duel was still going on, and Flashback Spencer was about to declare an attack with his three monsters.
"It's all over for you, Billinton!" threatened Flashback 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. Flashback Thomas closed his eyes as he felt everything around him darken.
(new location…)
"I'm sorry, Percy," apologized Flashback 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.
Flashback Thomas opened his eyes and looked to his right. Talking to him was…
"Percy?" Flashback Thomas whispered mentally.
"Something the matter?" grinned Flashback Percy, speaking mentally in a good-natured tone.
"I'm about to lose the duel!" admitted Flashback Thomas mentally, distressed.
Flashback Percy mentally chuckled, "Are you? Or are you forgetting your options?"
"My options?" repeated Flashback Thomas mentally.
"There is always a possibility in your cards," advised Flashback Percy, looking quite serious, "Show me the spirit of a True Duelist."
With that said, Flashback Percy began to fade away.
"WAIT!" argued Flashback Thomas, mentally and desperately.
Too late, Flashback Percy was gone.
"My…options?" thought Flashback 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!" cackled Flashback Spencer. Just then, his face displayed shock, "What in the-?!"
Appearing onto Flashback 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 Flashback Spencer.
Below the platform…
"Rumble my legs!" gulped Flashback Emily, upon seeing the dragon appearing and roaring.
"Wasn't that Percy's card?" quizzed Flashback Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"That is why I won," revealed Thomas, "Because I had the support of my friends, along with the belief in the Heart of the Cards."
"Thomas…" Percy thought to himself.
Unfortunately, Spencer clenched his fist in anger from hearing what Thomas had just told him.
"The power of friendship?! What rubbish!" snapped Spencer stubbornly, "Every single person is alone in this cruel world! I've never asked anybody for help."
"But aren't we friends?" Emily asked, "If I remember correctly, you did join us when we all went out for ice cream months before this tournament began."
"That's different," Spencer rebutted, trying his hardest to deny any feelings he might have, "I merely owed you guys for rescuing my parents from Sailor John."
"Spencer…" thought Thomas, as he envisioned himself and Spencer engaging in their first ever duel—plus their rematch in San Francisco, "I was able to get this far in my dueling career because I have you as a rival. Striving for a higher place… I know deep down you feel the same. Not only as my rival, but also as my friend."
Spencer sneered, "The power of friendship, you say?" he spat hatefully, "You know I'll never officially accept any of that! I'll grasp the glory of the future I believe in with my own power! No… it will all be meaningless unless I can! On my road of battle, I don't need anyone else's strength but my own!"
"Not even your own parents or brother?" pressed Thomas.
"Shut up!" snarled Spencer, just before calming down a little bit, "Besides, my Battle City is over and done with," A card suddenly slipped out from his GY, and he took hold of it with a look of disgust on his face, "As per the rules of the tournament, I…hereby surrender this card to you."
From there, Spencer tossed the card over to Thomas, who caught it and looked at it with a neutral expression.
"'Obelisk the Tormentor'…" thought Thomas, "This gives me…" He also had the 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' Effect Monster Card with him, right next to the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card, "…two 'Egyptian God' monsters."
From there, both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) approached their son, along with Skiff.
"My Battle City is over," Spencer simply said, "Come! We're leaving for the Island of Sodor."
With that said, he began to walk away.
"Big Brother!" called Skiff.
As Spencer walked past the rest of the group, Ben could see a certain look on Percy's face.
"Umm, what's up with the look on your face, Percy?" he asked curiously.
"Oh, Percy… you're not thinking of-!" acknowledged Toby fearfully.
Too late…
"Hey, Spencer!" called Percy.
Spencer stopped walking and agreed to listen. He remained in a bad mood regardless.
"Yeah?" Spencer grunted with disinterest.
"Why don't we have ourselves a duel to see who deserves to win the bronze medal?" suggested Percy, "Thomas and Marik both already have the gold and silver lined up for grabs!"
Spencer snorted and started to walk away again, much to Percy's annoyance.
"H-Hey!" protested Percy.
"Sorry, Percy," apologized Skiff calmly, "It might be best to just leave him alone for a little bit."
Did that stop Percy? Not at all. He (Percy) immediately ran up until he was standing right in-front of Spencer.
"I said stop, Spencer!" exclaimed Percy, "I demand that you duel me, you coward!"
"This had better be a joke," sighed Spencer, "Why would I waste my time dueling you, Percy?"
"Thomas has helped me many times before," remarked Percy, "And I've stuck my neck out for him in return. Yet he helps you, and you almost don't even thank him! Take away your money, your machines, your flunkies, and you have nothing left!"
"Percy…" whispered Thomas.
"I'm going to defeat Thomas in a fair duel to prove my friendship to him," assured Percy, as Emily, Mavis, and Toby each listened, "That's what a True Duelist would do! It's also how 'I' duel! Unlike you, here you seem to duel almost exclusively for selfish reasons!" He remained determined, "I feel bad that you lost, but you should learn to stop acting like such a sore loser when someone like Thomas beats you! Your Battle City is over, but, at the same time, it isn't!"
Spencer rolled his eyes, "Please tell me you're done," he groaned, "Your talk of friendship is really getting on my nerves."
"He's right, Percy," said Skiff, not trying to annoy or anger anyone, "The last thing he needs is a lecture after losing. Please, just let it go before something bad happens."
"Sorry, Skiff," replied Percy, "But Spencer here needs a wake-up call. A big wake-up call FROM me!"
"Wake-up call?" The younger boy quizzed.
"Please explain, Percy dear," suggested Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Well, if Spencer's really happy being alone," figured Percy, "then why would he still be with you three? I thought Spencer was a better man than this."
Skiff and his parents were left speechless. Spencer, however, was getting upset with Percy seemingly insulting his (Spencer) parents and adopted younger brother like that.
"I'm warning you, Percy," threatened Spencer, "Say anything more, and I'll make you regret it!"
"Well, then it would seem I got your attention, now!" smirked Percy, very pleased that Spencer was angry, "Face me in a duel, and you can try your luck in shutting me up!"
"Dueling you, now, would do nothing but waste my time! Especially since I've completely thrashed you back when the game was first released on the Island of Sodor!" dismissed Spencer, "A second win against an ordinary duelist like you would earn me nothing."
"I've gotten much stronger since then!" cut in Percy, "Otherwise, I never would have gotten this far. You're just scared that you'd actually lose to me!"
"I'm not afraid of you!" exclaimed Spencer. His anger had reached its breaking point once more, "Especially since I never back down from a challenge! I'll annihilate you so fast that you'll NEVER play Duel Monsters ever again!"
"But, Spencer…" began Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"All the friendship in the world won't save you from the thrashing I'm about to lay down onto you!" The voice of Spencer raged hotly.
"Bring it on!" The voice of Percy dared.
"Spencer!" Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) spoke up.
"Sorry, Mother, but Percy needs to be taught a lesson!" Spencer stated seriously.
Over with the rest of the gang.
"Percy VS. Spencer…" commented James R..
"It's a rematch Percy's been waiting for," added Henry.
"But is he ready for it?" worried Mavis.
"I hope so," Edward answered, "Percy may have gotten better, but I don't know if he can match Spencer's level."
With that all said and more, the group left the top of tower and made their way to the staircase leading down the tower.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ishizu's room aboard the blimp, the woman had heard that Thomas will face Dark Marik in the final duel of the tournament. How? Likely from overhearing an announcement of some sort.
"The final battle will feature Thomas against my brother's dark side," thought Ishizu, "The moment of destiny is approaching."
Nearby, Odion was still in bed and in a coma. Just then, a knock came on Ishizu's door.
"Who is it?" wondered Ishizu.
"It's Liz, Ms. Ishizu," The voice of Liz responded, "I'm here with my husband."
The door opened… and there was Liz along with Ryan.
"Ms. Elizabeth? Mr. Ryan? What brings you both here?" blinked Ishizu.
"Could you look after Duck and Lady in the medical room for a little bit longer, please?" asked Liz politely, "My husband and I got a call from Emily…"
"Percy is about to face Spencer in an exhibition duel," Ryan added, "And we'd like to go and support him."
"Of course," nodded Ishizu, giving them both a kind smile, "Wish him luck for me."
"We will!" Liz accepted, leaving.
"Wait for me!" protested Ryan, following behind.
(outside…)
Meanwhile, somewhere on the island, some voices were heard coming from near the Duel Tower.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing, Percy?" The voice of Henry pondered.
Over near the tower grounds, Percy and Spencer were facing each other.
"I sure do," reassured Percy, activating his Duel Disk.
"I don't need an 'Egyptian God' Card to crush the likes of you, Percy!" proclaimed Spencer, activating his Duel Disk.
"We'll see about that," The voice of Percy retorted, as he was shown holding up his shuffled Deck, "I won't let you beat me so easily."
Once both Decks were placed in the Deck Zones, both LP counters activated until they reached the base amount (LP: 0 → 4000) x2. Both players also drew five cards for their opening hands.
"Duel!" Percy and Spencer announced at the same time.
In the audience…
"Here they go," Michael commented.
"Hey, are we late?" The voice of Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) echoed.
Coming over was Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) along with Skiff.
"You're just in time," answered Emily, before looking over to the duel field, "They've just started."
Over with Spencer, he was looking over his starting hand.
"Percy stands no chance," thought Spencer, as his hand consisted of 'Crush Card Virus', 'Ryu-Kishin Powered', 'Paladin of White Dragon', 'Shrink', and 'Blade Knight'. "I've already gotten my game winning combo on my first draw!"
"Well?" interrupted Percy, tapping his foot impatiently, "I'm waaaaiting!"
"You'll regret giving me the first move!" Spencer teased, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Crush Card Virus", "Ryu-Kishin Powered", "Paladin of White Dragon", "Shrink", "Blade Knight", and "Hidden Armory"
He placed a card ('Ryu-Kishin Powered') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' in Attack Position!" declared Spencer, as his Duel Disk lit up and a reddish gargoyle-like monster appeared onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200). That was followed by two face-down cards materializing on the field behind 'Ryu-Kishin Powered', "Then, I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"Is that all? How absolutely lame! I'll show you something better!" yawned Percy.
"Show me something better?" thought Spencer, smiling deviously, as moderate-sized images of the 'Shrink' Spell Card and the 'Crush Card Virus' Trap Card both loomed in the background behind him, "You'll be dead as soon as you attack me with a powerful monster."
"Here I go!" declared Percy, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Jinzo", "Swordsman of Landstar", "Polymerization", "Alligator's Sword", "Graceful Dice", and "Gearfried the Iron Knight"
Upon seeing his drawn 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' Effect Monster Card, he grinned widely, knowing he could use his monster to destroy 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' and inflict 200 damage.
"Oh, you're in for it now, Spencer," teased Percy, as he placed his drawn card ('Gearfried the Iron Knight') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Gearfried the Iron Knight'…" The 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' Effect Monster Card then materialized face-up on the field in-front of him, "…in Attack Position!"
Spencer merely watched on emotionlessly, just as the iron knight himself appeared from the face-up Monster Card and onto the field, all ready for battle (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600). Thomas, however, had a sinking feeling about what Spencer was going to do with those face-down cards.
"Is it…THAT combo?!" thought Thomas, greatly concerned.
Back on the field…
"Battle!" boomed Percy recklessly, as 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' swung his bladed left arm about, "'Gearfried', attack 'Ryu-Kishin Powered', now!" He (Percy) was confident that whatever Spencer had for Set cards, they would be useless, "If your cards are designed to weaken my monsters, they won't work due to 'Gearfried's' effect! If either player equips an Equip Card(s) to this card: I must destroy that Equip Card(s)!"
'Gearfried the Iron Knight', meanwhile, obeyed the command to attack, charging towards Spencer's monster. At last, Thomas realized that Spencer was aiming to use the Deck Devastation combo.
"Percy, stop!" cried Thomas, but was too late.
Back on the field, it was too late to stop the attack; as soon as 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' was about to slay 'Ryu-Kishin Powered', Spencer let out a scornful laugh.
"You idiot! You've fallen into the exact same trap of Hell that I'd used against Ishizu!" mocked Spencer.
"Wh-What!?" Percy exclaimed in shock, as his eyes became as wide as plates.
"Face-down Spell, activate!" began Spencer, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "'Shrink'!" The first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; its original ATK becomes halved until the end of this turn!"
As expected, the face-up 'Shrink' Spell Card began affecting 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' in a way, like shrinking it in size and power.
"You're weakening your own monster?" blinked Percy, knowing where this was going.
Sure enough, 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' grew much weaker thanks to the 'Shrink' Spell Card (ATK: 1600 → 800). The crowd also knew exactly where this was going, and they didn't like it one bit. Back on the field, the nightmare resumed.
"And now comes my favorite part…" smirked Spencer, holding his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out as his second Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Face-down Trap, activate! 'Crush Card Virus'!"
Everyone watched in horror as 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' thrust his left arm forth and impaled 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' through the chest. That, however, was not a good thing in the slightest.
"Oh, this is not good…" bemoaned Percy.
Spencer winced as he took 1000 damage from the battle (LP: 4000 → 3000), but grinned afterward because it was well worth the price.
"When a DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK I control is destroyed by battle: I must destroy all monsters with 1500 or more ATK from among my opponent's field, hand, and Deck," explained Spencer, as 'Ryu-Kishin Powered' growled weakly from being impaled, "Those monsters cannot be Special Summoned from the GY!"
'Ryu-Kishin Powered' shattered into dust—or, to be more specific, purple spores, that is. 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' immediately gripped his neck in agony due to suffocation before fading away.
"'Gearfried'!" called Percy, but then looked at his Deck and hand and purple smoke was coming from many of his cards as they became infected and the Duel Disk and raising an alarm in the form of repeated beeping, "Oh no! No!"
"All of your monsters with 1500 or more ATK have been infected!" laughed Spencer.
With the audience…
"Ooh, not off to a good start, is he?" winced James.
"Sadly, no," agreed Discord.
Just then, another new, but familiar, voice was heard…
"Is Percy winning?" The voice of Liz pleaded
The audience turned and saw both Ryan and Liz running in to join them in watching Percy duel Spencer.
"Liz! Ryan!" exclaimed Mavis.
Toby shook his head, "Afraid not."
"What?" gasped Ryan.
"What do you mean?" fretted Liz.
"Why not take a look for yourself," The voice of Carlie suggested.
The two young adults looked over and saw Percy's current predicament.
"What…just happened?" Liz asked, fearing for the worst.
"A deadly combo," replied Edward gravely, "A virus combo."
Ryan and Liz were both dismayed. Back on the field, an unhappy Percy took and slid all of his infected monsters (well over nineteen Monster Cards with 1500 or more ATK) into his GY.
"'Jinzo'… 'Gilford'…" he muttered in disbelief, "Many of my powerful monsters… They're all gone!"
"Now all you have is a Deck full of weaklings!" taunted Spencer, "Looks to me like I'll be destroying you just as badly as I did when we first faced each other!"
"I end my turn," grunted Percy irritably.
"Oh, Percy…" whispered Liz sadly.
"It's my turn!" announced Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Over with the crowd, Emily, starting to feel thirsty, suddenly looked over to the others.
"Guys, I'll be back," she stated
"Where are you going?" wondered Molly.
"Oh, I just need to get some water," Emily answered, looking a little bit stressed, "Don't worry, I won't be gone for too long."
With that said, Emily turned and set off towards the blimp.
"Emily…" thought Thomas.
Back on the field, Spencer had just begun his next turn.
Turn Three: Spencer Gresley (LP: 3000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "Paladin of White Dragon", "Blade Knight", "Hidden Armory", and "Ancient Lamp"
As Spencer added his drawn card ('Ancient Lamp') to his hand, Percy could only watch with great concern.
"With my Deck losing out on many cards, I'll have to play extra carefully," he thought to himself, seeing Spencer take another card, "He's got powerful monsters waiting in the wings."
"This is such a lame duel," complained Spencer, placing the next card onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Blade Knight' from my hand!" The 'Blade Knight' Effect Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, "Attack Position!"
The medieval-based knight wielding a sword and shield appeared from the face-up Monster Card and onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000). Back with the crowd, Toby finally noticed that someone else had just disappeared.
"Huh? Where did Mavis go?" The brown-haired boy peeped.
Everyone else noticed that their blonde-haired friend was gone.
"We didn't see her go anywhere," shrugged Gordon, "I wouldn't worry about her, though."
"Yeah," agreed James, "Mavis is a tough girl. She can take care of herself."
(elsewhere…)
Back outside the blimp, Ishizu had just stepped outside for a quick breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, that was when she (Ishizu) was met by Mavis.
"Mavis?" greeted Ishizu, a little surprised, "Why aren't you with your friends?"
Mavis didn't answer—although the dullness in her eyes was a vital clue as to what was wrong with her.
"Y-You're Marik?" whispered Ishizu.
"Yes, Big Sister," confirmed Mavis (possessed), which was then an image of regular Marik showed up beside his host, "It's me again."
"What is it?" demanded Ishizu.
"I have very little time to explain," said Marik slowly, "I need you to listen carefully."
Ishizu agreed to listen carefully as to what her younger brother was about to tell her.
(elsewhere…)
Back where Percy and Spencer were dueling, the Battle Phase had begun as 'Blade Knight' was charging towards Percy in a direct attack attempt.
"'Blade Knight', direct attack, now!" The voice of Spencer ordered, "Blade Attack!"
'Blade Knight' obeyed, slashing Percy with his blade, causing Percy to yell from getting hit and the damage he received from the blow (LP: 4000 → 2400).
"Percy!" cried out Liz.
"Hang in there!" added Zack.
Percy stood back up, "Don't worry, you guys," he grunted, "I'm still in the game."
"So you are," sighed Spencer, folding his arms while entering his End Phase, "Just enough for me to knock you down some more!"
"In your dreams, Spencer!" countered Percy, "I swear I'll beat you this time!" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
"That ordinary duelist is such a handful," muttered Spencer.
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 2400)
Deck: 35
Current Hand (4): "Swordsman of Landstar", "Polymerization", "Graceful Dice", and "Battle Warrior"
Unfortunately for Percy, he didn't draw a good card.
"Damn it!" thought Percy, "This wasn't a good draw!" Suddenly, he spotted two cards in his hand—which contained 'Swordsman of Landstar', 'Polymerization', 'Graceful Dice', and 'Battle Warrior'—that were worth playing, "On the other hand…" With a plan thought of, he took and placed one of the cards ('Swordsman of Landstar') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Swordsman of Landstar'!"
The 'Swordsman of Landstar' Normal Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, just before the little Warrior monster appeared from the card and onto the field (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200).
"Attack Position?" puzzled Skiff, "Why would he go and do something like that? Wouldn't Defense Position be better?"
"Next, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Graceful Dice'!" Percy went on, slotting another card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "I must target 1 face-up monster with 500 ATK or less, then roll a six-sided die. I must multiply the ATK by the number rolled until the end of this turn!"
With the audience…
"That's actually a good move!" Thomas was saying to the others, "Since Percy can't use any monster he owns that have a default ATK of 1500 or higher…!"
"It means he can make his weaker monsters stronger!" finished Matt.
"But 'Swordsman of Landstar' only has 500 ATK!" protested James R., "And 'Blade Knight' has 1600 ATK."
"It means Percy will need to roll at least a four if he wants to beat it," finished Carlie.
On cue, appearing from the face-up 'Graceful Dice' Spell Card came the little man with a large blue die.
"If I don't get a high enough number, I can't beat 'Blade Knight'!" thought Percy, before speaking aloud, "I trust my cards!" The little man threw the dice into the air, "And I know they will come through for me!"
Once the die landed on the ground, Percy panicked when it looked like the result would be a one—but it didn't land on one. It instead landed on a four.
"OH YEAH!" cheered Percy, "It's a four! Meaning my 'Swordsman of Landstar's' ATK is multiplied by that much!"
'Swordsman of Landstar' became stronger (ATK: 500 → 2000).
"An ATK of 2000!" admired Henry.
"Now, attack Spencer's 'Blade Knight'!" yelled Percy, having entered the Battle Phase.
'Swordsman of Landstar' obeyed and lunged forth, slashing 'Blade Knight' with his smaller sword. 'Blade Knight' fell onto the ground and shattered into pieces of glass.
"'Blade Knight' has been destroyed!" rejoiced Percy, "Do you see? Even your virus cards won't work on me!"
Spencer scowled (LP: 3000 → 2600), but quickly recovered from losing his monster in order to gloat.
"That's because ordinary duelists like you can't catch colds," huffed Spencer.
"Oh, boo hoo! You're just mad because I found a way around your Trap Card, 'Crush Card Virus'!" insulted Percy.
The duel was only going to get much hotter from there on.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room aboard the blimp, Emily finished filling a tall glass full of ice cold water.
"There we go," she sighed, relieved, "Some nice ice water."
Taking her glass, Emily knew she had to return to watch Percy's duel and began to approach the exit.
"I'd better go back to the duel," thought Emily, "Percy likely needs all the support he can get if he's facing a duelist like Spencer."
(outside…)
The door to the room opened, and Emily started to step outside of it, only to turn and bump into someone, knocking her over and spilling the glass of water onto her shirt.
"H-Hey! Watch it!" snapped Emily, "You made me spill my water!"
"My apologies, dear!" The voice of Dark Marik apologized remorselessly.
Emily started to gaze angrily at the person who bumped into her, but froze in immense fear at who it was.
"Y-You…!" spluttered Emily.
The person Emily Stirling bumped into was absolutely the worst one of them all; it was a smiling Dark Marik, indeed.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the blimp, Ishizu and the possessed Mavis were both talking.
"Odion is safe and sound, Marik," reassured Ishizu, "But last night, while you apologized for your actions, you've never told me why you've been hiding inside Mavis the entire time."
"I placed a portion of my soul in Mavis's mind just in case something were to happen to me," revealed Mavis (possessed), "But, now, I need to ask you something."
"What is it?" quizzed Ishizu, having a dreadful feeling that she knew what was about to be asked, "What do you need to ask me?"
"Did the Millennium Necklace show you my destiny? How I gave birth to my dark half… how it then murdered our Father… about Battle City… about the Pharaoh's descendant… about the Ishtar's tragedy… everything?!"
"Yes… it did," The young Egyptian woman confirmed.
"But, Big Sister, why?" frowned Mavis (possessed), "Why did you keep the truth from me all of these years?"
Ishizu remained silent, and ashamed, over the matter. Oh, if only she told him the truth over what had happened as soon as she was able to. Then, maybe all of these events could have been avoided.
"I was too afraid," Ishizu admitted quietly.
"Afraid?" repeated Mavis (possessed), "What's there to be afraid?! I wanted to know the truth!"
"Would that have changed your attitude towards the Pharaoh?" questioned Ishizu sternly, "Or prevent you from eventually attempting revenge?"
"The fact remains that my heart has been shadowed with more darkness ever since," argued Mavis (possessed), as a faded image of Marik reappeared, "I'm just not a strong human being! If Odion wasn't there for me, I… I…"
"Marik…" fretted Ishizu.
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
During that fateful day several years ago…
"From now on, we're going to be playing by my rules," remarked Young Dark Marik.
"Marik! I order you to put down that Millennium Item! You're not ready to use them!" raged Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
The Millennium Rod glowed all gold and Young Dark Marik laughed quietly to himself.
"Well now, this item seems to accept me," The possessed young boy said snidely.
"Put it down!" command Flashback Mr. Ishtar, "I command you!"
Fed up with being told what to do, Young Dark Marik turned and glared at his Father in nothing but anger and hate.
"Shut up already!" barked Young Dark Marik.
"Marik, you-!" snarled Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
Young Dark Marik responded by aiming the Millennium Rod at his Father. Suddenly, Flashback Mr. Ishtar, glowing gold, was thrown by the Millennium Item's power into a wall.
"My son," groaned Flashback Mr. Ishtar weakly.
Young Dark Marik snickered before turning his (Young Dark Marik) attention back to Flashback Mr. Ishtar, knowing the perfect way to kill the old fool.
"And now, Father, it's time for you to meet your fate," grinned Young Dark Marik.
Suddenly, he removed the handle of the Millennium Rod and revealed a terrible secret about the item. The Millennium Rod was actually half rod—half dagger. Young Dark Marik advanced sinisterly towards Flashback Mr. Ishtar and readied the weapon.
"No! Stop!" cried Flashback Mr. Ishtar.
Despite his horrified pleas, they were all in vain.
(outside…)
Outside the tomb, Flashback Mr. Ishtar's screams echoed followed by Young Dark Marik's insane laughter.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The incident was because of my dark side," remembered Marik, "And I blamed it on the Pharaoh!"
Mavis (possessed) then turned towards the Duel Tower.
"M-Marik! Where are you going!?" Ishizu yelled out in alarm.
"I have to stop my dark side before he puts any more lives in danger!" responded Mavis (possessed).
With that said, the possessed blonde-haired girl started making a run towards the Duel Tower.
"Marik!" cried Ishizu, reaching out in protest.
Mavis (possessed) did not stop running, however, and got closer and closer to the Duel Tower. Oh boy, that can't be a good sign, can it?
Spencer is out of the tournament, and now Percy is facing him in a rematch. Emily has a frightening encounter with Dark Marik, and Marik, still possessing Mavis's body, decides to go after Dark Marik.