Friends 'Til the End, Part 1. Friend as Marik mind controls Joey to duel against Yugi! The loser will be dragged into the ocean to sleep with the fishes! Marik ensnares Joey in a Shadow Game where each duelist’s heart is linked with his monsters. Every time a monster received damage, the duelist feels the pain instead! Can Joey survive, much less win, a duel where he’s actually losing life points? Season 3: Episode 28.
With the writers discretion, Joey coulda lost within the 1st 5 moves, but it was written to be as dramatic as possible, to show how evil Marik can be, to give yugi more motivation to defeat marik, and to show a side of kaiba we've never seen before. Joey redeemed himself by getting his Red-Eyes back, off-screen. Joey Vs Evil Mairk Part 1. Biography of Joe Biden, Former Vice President of USA and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
Ok, I'm really sorry I'm taking so long but besides the fact my life is nuts right now, i hate rewriting duels so it takes longer.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE REVIEWS! welcome new readers and hugs to the old.
Thanks goes to Noel for taking time out of her schedule to beta this.
TELL ME IF THIS WAS GOOD! i didn't get any ok if the content was good so tell me if it fits.
I don't own Yugioh or Charlotte, but Airi is mine.
Alright, here we go. Just know I didn't tell most of the duel so sorry if it is choppy. Also Airi has already meet Shadi, see chapter 18 if you forgot.
Enjoy!
Chapter 27
It was nice to have a few minutes of relaxation even though Airi was sure none of them actually relaxed. Unable to stay sitting for more than a few minutes she had gone to check on Bakura. He slept so soundly she almost called for more professional medical help, but decided it was only his body's way of healing after the stress he had gone through. Tea offered to remain with him until the next duel, which Airi was grateful for. After making sure everything was somewhat stable she returned to the room. She hurried, not wanting to be gone too long in case something happened. Besides that she didn't like being Bakura's room. Even with the Evil Bakura gone for the moment, she still felt something of his presence.
The room she came back to was quiet with an underline of worry affecting the atmosphere. Yugi sat at the table, staring at one his cards. The rest of his desk was spread out over the table. It was likely he wouldn't be dueling soon but going through his deck was his way of relaxing. He didn't look up when she walk behind him to see the card he was looking at. It was Slifer. Even just looking at it gave her shivers up her spine. Seeing that monster twice in action had been quite an experience.
Yami stood detached at the window looking out at the blackness outside. She couldn't see his reflection in the glass but the stiff way he held himself was enough to tell her he was engrossed thought. She walked quietly up beside him, her feet barely making a sound on the carpet. His eyes were closed, and he was gripping his arms to tightly she was sure his knuckles would have been white if his fingers had been flesh.
She placed her hand on one of his transparent left. At her touch his eyes snapped open. He turned, their eyes meeting. The darkness in his sunset eyes refected the troubles of his mind.
'Are you alright?' she said.
His smile was bitter, but the darkness in his eyes lessened.
'Just thinking.' he said.
His tired tone made her heart clench with frustration at how much he and Yugi were going through. She gently slipped her hand under his, heart quickening at her forwardness. 'That's some pretty hard thinking.'
His fingers gently squeezed hers, filling her hand with warmth. 'We have a hard problem.'
She smiled, hoping she looked reassuring. 'Don't ware yourself out.'
He raised an eye brow. 'Was that another old joke?'
'Touchy.' She smiled. 'Just don't overdo it.' She squeezed back, before letting go. Turning so he wouldn't see anything in the window if her expression slipped, she walked over the couch across from Yugi. Her brother hadn't moved at all.
'Yugi, your face is going to freeze like that if you don't stop glaring at the card.' Airi said.
'Sorry.' Yugi finally looked up from Slifer. 'It's just hard to get used to.'
'What is?'
'The power in this card.'
Airi frowned. 'I know heart of the cards is power, but I'm guessing this is different.'
'I'm surprised this card even exists.' Yugi said. 'I mean, with what I've seen of this and seeing Kaiba play Obelisk, these monsters are much too powerful.'
'No wonder Seto wants it.' Airi sat across from him, folding her arms as she thought.
'What do you think, Yami?' Yugi said.
Yami finally turned from the window, expression still grim. 'These defiantly are the tools to unlocking something, but what it is I'm afraid I have no answers.'
'So these have something to do with the past of the Nameless Pharaoh.' Yugi said.
'You have learned much, Yugioh.' A voice said from the direction of the door.
All looked up to see a familiar spirit in a turban standing near the closed door of the room.
'Shadi.' Airi and Yugi said in unison.
'We meet again.' Shadi gave a ridged bow. 'I am sorry it has to be under such circumstances.'
'Have you come to tell us more?' Yugi said, standing. 'I mean, I'm sure you know more about what is going on here then we do.'
'I am limited in what information I can reveal at this time.'
'At this point, I think we'll take what we can get.' Airi said, also rising. She didn't know if having Shadi there helped anything or made it worse. There better be a good reason he was here.
'I have felt the activations of the Millennium Items.' Shadi's voice was grave. The Key around his neck seemed to flash. 'I have been instructed to tell you only what is relevant to your mission.'
Yami and Airi shared a look. This probably meant they weren't going to hear anything really satisfying.
'What can you tell us about the God Cards?' Yugi said. The way he placed the card down on the table reflected his uncertainty towards it.
'I was sent to help you understand this very thing.' Shadi inclined his head to Yugi. 'These cards are an important key to the destruction of great evil. The past is seeking revenge.'
'You mean Marik?' Airi said.
'An even greater power.' Shadi's voice became even graver. 'Marik is a great threat, but he was not in the past. His family was in charge of protecting some of the Millennium Items, but instead decided to use the power for himself. However, even his collecting the cards is not as grave as the prospect of the Dark Spirit of the Ring coming into power of the Millennium Items.'
'How so?' Yami said, forgetting only the Muto's could hear him. Airi repeated the question out loud.
'The Millennium Items are their own key to unlocking a power, which must not be awakened. I cannot tell you more at this time.'
Airi tried not to show her disappointment. 'Then what do the God Cards open?'
'The true strength of the God Cards can only be revealed when all three of them are together. At the proper location, in the correct circumstances and using the powerful word, can they reach their full potential. Only someone who has a link to the past can use these combined cards without suffering the wrath of the gods themselves. On this ship there are four who have the destiny to hold these cards, but only one will succeed. Depending on who succeeds transcribes the rest of world history.'
Yugi looked down at the card again, hands balling into fists. He must have guessed like her he and Yami were part of those destined to hold the cards, or the world was in danger. Airi bit her lip, keeping the bitter emotions she felt towards fate to herself. Yami came up and placed a hand on her brother's shoulder. Smiling his thanks, Yugi turned back to Shadi. 'So, because I have the spirit of the pharaoh with me, I am one of these contestants.'
'Partially true.' Shadi's eyes seemed to look through the both of them with his unblinking stare. 'You were chosen to have these cards, Yugioh. It was seen millennia ago that you would rise to the challenge or refuse and let the darkness come again. These cards are the only way to find out how to destroy the evil which the Spirit of the Ring is trying to bring back. However this sword had two blades. I showed the power of the tablets to Pegasus so he could create the tools to help this modern age face the danger, but having this power at such easy access to anyone has consequences. If the cards are possessed by the wrong person, the power will consume them and destroy the world.'
'Like Marik.' Airi whispered.
'Well spoken. It is very important the Pharaoh's Spirit has these cards or what he was sent to do will be nothing.'
'Yugi, let me take over.' Yami said.
Yugi closed his eyes and the puzzle flashed. When his eyes opened again, Yami's red ones shone in the florescent lights. Shadi dropped down to one knee in respect.
'You have my word and that of my host. We will not fail.' Yami said. Yugi appeared detached behind him, nodding at this statement.
'I meant no disrespect, Spirit of the Pharaoh.' Shadi said, still looking at the carpet.
'None taken.' Yami said 'Is there anything else you can tell us about the past?'
'Forgive me, but I cannot.' Shadi stood again. 'Anything more would be too dangerous to you and the others.'
Afraid Shadi was about to disappear Airi blurted out. 'Can you tell me about my diadem?' She flushed at the stares of the others but pressed on. 'We found out it is not all powerful, which I'm not surprised. Is there anything more about it you can say?'
Shadi studied her with his penetrating gaze. 'I cannot tell you who possessed it for I have been told not to reveal. You are correct it is not all powerful, defensive or offensive. The true power is hidden, and I am afraid even I have not been told what this is. This I can assure you; It will protect your mind from being controlled or damage from shadows and the Millennium Items.'
Airi nodded, even with her head seeming to buzz from other questions this information prompted.
'My time is nearly up.' Shadi remained on bended knee as he addressed Yami again. 'I am sure you will succeed, Spirit of the Pharaoh.'
'I can assure you the God Cards will not fall into the hands of the enemy; any of them.' Yami's words helped to banish the uncertainty from the room. His sounded more regal then Airi had ever heard.
'Attention' Roland's voice came over the loud speaker, making everyone look up in surprise. 'The next round of the Battle City Finals will accrue in ten minutes.'
'So soon.' Airi said. She looked back and found Shadi had vanished. 'Oh, great. What is it with him and his vanishing trick?'
'At least he told us something.' Yugi said.
'Still wish we knew more.' Airi said. She sat back down, watching the two boys gather up the scattered cards. 'What do we know now?'
'There are too many factors we have to worry about.' Yami sighed, letting a bit of his confident mask to slip. 'Now there are too evil forces, which seem to want different things, after us.'
'Only those with a link to the past can have a claim on the God Cards.' Airi repeated Shadi's words. She frowned, trying to decipher the meaning. 'I guess that includes Marik, both of you, Seto, and Ishizu.'
'That's five.' Yugi said. 'He said four.'
'I was grouping you and Yami.'
'Oh.'
'It's odd.' Airi said. 'I mean, Yugi getting chosen. Don't we have to be special or something?'
'Aren't you?' Yami's voice was soft, his eyes not looking up from the cards. She looked up at the ceiling, her face suddenly seemed warmer.
'I mean, everyone else has some kind of link to Egypt. I don't think we have any Egyptian blood, do we?' she said.
'We could ask gramps.' Yugi said. 'I'm sure he can dig up something.'
'Horrible pun.' Airi smiled. 'I don't think birth records go back that far.'
'There has to be more to it than that.' Yami was thoughtful. 'Kaiba's image did appear on the stone tablet in the museum and he has a god card. I don't think he has any blood link.'
Marik Vs Yugi
'Maybe it is just look-a-likes.' Airi said.
'Well I look like you.' Yugi said to Yami. 'Seto looks like a rock.'
'In more ways than one.' Airi muttered.
'Also,' Yugi continued. 'Bakura and his Spirit might look alike.'
'That has to stink.' Airi said. 'I mean, being possessed it one thing, but to look like them is another thing.'
'Thanks.' Yami pretended to be offended.
'Sorry for damaging your ego.' Airi smiled despite her pretended interference.
'But then who does Marik look like?' Yugi said.
No one could think of an answer.
'Maybe he's just an imposter to the power like Shadi said.' Airi said with a shrug.
'But if he can control the power of the God Cards, then he is as dangerous and the Spirit of the Ring.' Yami said.
'Great.' Airi leaned back in her chair. 'Right when I thought we had figured something out.'
'At least we know your Diadem still has some power.' Yugi said. 'I mean, not being mind controlled is a good thing.'
Airi took off the gold ornament, frowning as she studied it. The band was till the most beautiful thing she owned. The gold ankh in the center of the crown glittered up at her in the light. It didn't seem as mysterious as before, but she was still glad she had it. Any kind of reassurance was welcome in this crazy mess they were in. she touched the ankh with a finger, surprisingly warm for not having direct contact with her skin.
'If only.' Yami's voice was only a whisper, but made Yugi and Airi look up.
'Sorry?' Airi said.
'I only wished I knew what all this was about.' Frustration was evident in his tone. 'If I knew it might give me an advantage.'
'I guess we'll have to trust.' Yugi said.
'Trust?' Yami said.
'That whatever happened in the past was worth fighting for and is still worth it now.' The tone in Yugi's voice was serious, even with his reassuring smile.
'Five minutes.' Roland's voice barged again into the silence. 'Contestants and guests are asked to make their way to the main hall.'
Airi slipped the diadem back over her hair. It was time to go back into the fray.
'Think we'll get to just watch this time?' Yugi said following close behind Yami.
Airi didn't get a chance to answer before she nearly ran into Tristan and Duke coming down the hall with Joey and Serenity.
'I'm serious.' Tristan was saying. 'There was this weird guy and he pulled us up. We could have died.'
'Right, I haven't seen any guys in a bathrobe and a turban on this ship.' Joey said.
'Not kidding, Joey.' Tristan said.
'What is all this racket?' Charlotte came up the hall behind them.
'Tristan and Duke were saved by a ghost in a turban on the dueling deck.' Serenity said.
'Ghost, host.' Joey said. 'There are no such things as ghosts.'
At that precise moment Yugi tripped. Stumbling he put out a hand to steady himself, and pushed Joey in the back. The blond nearly jumped through the roof. Yami gripped his host by the back of his jacket before he could fall over again. The hall rang with laughter.
'Who did that?' Joey said.
'What's the matter Joey?' Tristan said. 'Ghost give you a shove?'
Airi had to grip Yami's arm, she was laughing so hard.
'What?' Tristan said. 'I didn't think it was that funny.'
'What's all this noise about?' Tea came out of Bakura's room.
Nearly everyone started explaining, trying to speak over Joey who was trying to defend himself.
'Come on.' Charlotte said. 'We don't need money bags thinking of an excuse to disqualify us.'
'Especially for Joeys yelling in the halls.' Duke said.
The teasing didn't stop until they got to the main hall. Tea, who usually would have been one of the most vocal in teasing Joey, wasn't as lively as normal. Airi remembered how subdued she had been when she had checked on Bakura earlier. Something about the brunette was off, but maybe she was just as worried at the rest of them. Her mood didn't approve when Namu arrived soon after. The glance he gave Tea wasn't lost on Yugi. She short boys glared at him, even though he was invisible. Giving Airi a wink, Yami gave control back to his host. When the younger boy stood there blinking in shock, the spirit told him it was so he could defend her better. Yugi went pink and stammered something. He got even redder when Tea came over to talk to him. Airi shared a look with Yami, both smiling as they took a few steps away to give them some room. Airi mentally promised herself she was going to make sure her brother asked Tea. After all this, he would need to have some real teenager experiences.
'Ready for the next round?' Mai appeared next to Airi. 'You seem really anxious girl, is something wrong?'
Airi shrugged. 'Last duel was really intense. I guess I'm just getting overwhelmed.'
'Hate missing out on the action, huh?' Mai said. 'Don't worry, hun. I'm sure you'll get a shot in a later tournament.'
'If I feel like dueling after this.' Airi thought. Dueling was still fun, but after the last few days, it was a lot more trouble than it was worth.
'The next round of the Battle City Finals will now begin.' Roland announced.
The numbered balls bounced around the clear dome, one of them being swallowed up by one of the Blue-eye's heads.
'Number 2, Joey Wheeler.'
'Oh Yeah!' Joey punched the air. 'Look out, Wheeler's in the house!'
Kaiba glared while the others smiled and told Joey good luck. Airi was sure he wanted to be the one to beat Joey out of the tournament.
Again the balls rattled around and the other head spat out a ball.
'Number 7, Marik Ishtar.'
As one they all turned to look at the tall figure standing in the doorway.
'You're going down, big guy.' Joey said.
'Marik' looked at him with dark calculating eyes, but didn't answer. Airi didn't know how Joey could be so confident towards a holder of a Millennium Item. He was either brave or acting stupid.
'Contestants please follow me.' Roland led the way to the elevator.
'Good luck Joey.' Mai said.
Giving everyone thumbs up, Joey disappeared into the elevator behind the others.
'Do you think Joey is going to be ok?' Serenity said as the group entered the other elevator.
'Don't worry about your brother?' Mai said. 'He can take care of himself.'
'Yeah, or his big mouth will keep them at bay.' Charlotte said.
Yami and the Mutos didn't join in with the laughs following this statment. Yugi also looked worried.
'Marik has the third Egyptian God Card.' He said. 'Do you think he'll use it on Joey?'
'I'm sure.' Yami said. 'Those cards almost guarantee a victory and besides, they have more life in them than most other cards so the damage will be greater.'
Face grave, Yugi nodded in agreement.
'Don't worry about Joey.' Airi said, glaring at Yami for not helping the situation. 'He'll be fine. You know him. It takes a lot to get to him.'
Again Yugi nodded, but still looked worried.
The platform was still cold when they appeared. Again the contestants and Kaibas waited for them. Joey was again saying things to Marik, who didn't seem to notice. Behind her Airi was sure she could hear the kid Namu snort at the blonds ranting. She moved to stand closer to Yami. Even if she wasn't sure who Marik really was she didn't like this Namu kid.
'The second round in the Battle City Finals will now begin.' Roland announced.
'The duelist drew and the life point meters beeped as the life points counters were set to 4000.
'Just watch this Marik.' Joey said. 'I'll beat you in nine turns.'
Yugi gowned softly so no one but Airi could hear. She squeezed his shoulder in reassurance, but felt like smacking Joey upside the head. After all this he was still letting his ego drown his cautiousness.
'Nine turns, where did he get that number?' Duke said to Charlotte.
'It's Joey.' she said. 'Just be glad he can count.'
'He already has everything worked out.' Serenity was obviously proud of her brother.
Airi and Yami glanced at each other. Only time would tell if Marik called Joey's bluff.
Marik reached behind him and pulled out the Milleium Rod he had place somewhere for safe keeping. Everyone instantly became on edge. Even Kaiba lifted an eyebrow.
'Point that thing somewhere else.' Joey said. Airi was impressed he was able to sound calm when he said it.
Marik complied and again the Rod disappeared.
'Something is wrong.' Yami said.
'In what way?' Yugi said.
'I'm not sure.' Yami was looked at Marik, as if he was trying to look at the no longer present rod. 'The power coming from him seems different somehow.'
Airi looked back up at the duel, which had finally started with Joey placing a monster on the field. There was something different, but she was less experienced with these things then Yami.
Whether he was Marik or not, Joey's oponents was good. His field spells cause limitations to the cards Joey could play. Kaiba's face went from smug satisfaction when he looked at Joey to intent study as he watched Marik. Airi made sure the group continued to vocally back Joey up. After all that hot air he had built up for himself, Joey couldn't afford to back down.
Joey's work was even more complicated when Marik produced a card which was a trap card which could attack as a monster. Airi had never seen a card like this, but from the smug look on Seto's face it was a legal move. The card, Embodiments of Apophis, became the most powerful monster on the field. The grotesque monster with a snake head emerging from the back of the humanoid body stared Joey with a featureless face.
'Can he still win?' Serenity hadn't doubted her brother until the point, but even she could see things just got really bad.
'He'll make it.' Airi told her.
'It's not going to be easy.' Mai said. 'As long as he keeps his life points safe, he has a chance.'
Joey's next move was to use his Scapegoats. One of the little fuzz balls saved his life points from the attack. Everyone cheered, but it was a short lived victory.
'I discard a card from my hand and activate Magic Jammer.' Marik said.
The goats disappeared, destroyed by the spell card. After this Marik proceeded to destroy the two monsters which remained on Joey's side of the field. Airi closed her eyes to shut out the pixilated slaughtering. There had to be something Joey could do, but what?
'Get back up Joey!' Mai's voice snapped Airi's attention back to the field. Joey had fallen to his knees, hand hovering over his deck as he fought the urge to surrender. 'You're not a quitter! If you quit now you'll be a runner all your life.'
'Don't be a wash . . . I mean Wipeout.' Charlotte changed her statement halfway, glancing at Airi apologetically. Airi shrugged, refusing to look at Kaiba as she did so.
'You can do this Joey!' Tristan said.
'You promised me you would help!' Yugi said.
Yugi's comment seemed to be the jab which broke Joey's uncertainty. He stood, nodding to Yugi as he did so. Airi was most relieved he didn't look as cocky has he had been.
'You had your chance to give up honorably.' Marik said. 'Now you are going to lose. Apophis Attack!'
'I activate the trap card, Foolish Burial. I'm allowed to put a card into you're grave yard.' Joey's voice was not confident. 'I now play Grave Robber to take a card from you're grave yard.'
'Cleaver.' Yami said. Unable to see things as clearly as he did, Airi had to wait to see what was happening along with the others.
'I play my Jinzo.' Joey said, his monster appearing as he spoke. 'No trap cards are allowed to be in play while he is on the field, which mean's ya're part trap-monster has left the building.'
'Yes!' Yugi said.
Marik's card disappeared. Cheering along with the rest of the gang, Airi happened to look back at Namu. The youth was the only spectator, besides Kaiba, to be upset by the victory. He was looking intently at Marik as if he was telepathically giving orders. But how could that happen? Links with Millennium Items gave people the ability to us telepathy. Where Namu and Marik connected?
'What is it?' Yami said.
'Do you feel something strange about Namu?' Airi said.
Yami studied the other boy intently. Both of them ignored side comments from the group about the cards Joey was playing now. They probably
'There is something.' Yami said. 'It is stronger with him then it is with the one called Marik.'
Airi gulped, not looking up as gasps in response to what was happening on the field rose up around them. 'So what you saying, That Marik is really back here?'
'It could be.'Yami's attention was fully on Namu, even though from the sounds coming around them the tables again had been turned against Joey.
'But the one up there has the Rod.'Airi tried to hold on to some hope they hadn't been fooled. It was shattered by Yami's next words.
'It is possible they made an imitation.'
'Great. That means he's been standing behind us the whole time.'
'We don't have any proof, but I would say yes.' Yami turned to his host, who was completely engrossed with the duel. 'Yugi, let me have control.'
'Why?' Yugi glanced up, surprised.
'Trust me.'
The switch was maid and Yugi took his place between Yami and Airi.
'What's going on?' Yugi said.
Airi gave him a brief explanation, but was interrupted by a sharp, mental warning from Yami. The Mutos looked up to see 'Marik' looking at a card he just drew. Despite the clam expression there was a definite sign of fear in the man's eyes. He looked over towards the group. Airi didn't have to look back to guess he was looking at so called Namu.
'I place a card in the temple chest.' A gold box appeared behind him on the temple field spell image he had produced earlier. 'This card I have placed in there will be your undoing.' 'Marik' sent to other cards into his grave yard. 'I sacrifice these two cards to bring forth the Winged Dragon of Ra!'
The lid on the golden box lifted, blinding all the spectators with intense light. Airi shield her eyes with her hand, squinting to keep the field in focus. The light dimmed enough for all to see, and a soft gasp escaped from Airi's lips.
This god monster was truly the most unique dragon Airi had ever seen. With the head of a falcon with the headdress of a pharaoh and the body of a dragon it was like a sphinx from legend and twice and deadly.
Even with evidently the winning monster on the field, it was evident Joey's opponent was worried about the monster on his side of the field. He glanced back toward the spectators again, before seeming to come to a decision.
'Winged Dragon of Ra, Attack!'
The spectators stood helpless to stop the impending doom. Joey, knowing this was it, looked up at the monster, jaw clenched in an attempted to hide his fear.
Nothing happened. The monsters could not or would not attack. Storm clouds appeared over the duel site and thunder rumbled.
'What the heck.' Charlotte said.
The god monster still did nothing. A bolt of lightning struck the monster, causing it to explode into a million pieces with an defaning crash.
'Fake.' Airi said. 'That card was a fake.'
'And now the gods are angry.' Yami said.
As if in response the field was peppered with deadly flashes of lighting, dancing close to the duelists.
'Joey, get off of there!' Tristan yelled.
'The duel is still in progress.' Kaiba was the only one who didn't seem fazed by the events.
Screams from the others drew Airi's attention back to the field. One of the lighting had struck the fake Marik. The supposed Millennium Rod fell out of his robes as he fell and shattered on the dueling platform.'
'Wait, that wasn't Marik.' Duke said.
'So where is the real one?' Charlotte said.
A scream from Serenity shook any thoughts of Marik out of there mind. Joey was sprawled on the deck, also feeling the effects of an lightning bolt.
'This duel is still in progress.' Roland tried to keep order. 'No one is to get on the platform.' This last statement was directed to Tristan who had attempeted to climb onto the platform.
'Forget the duel, my best friends up there.' Tristan shouted at him.
Joey Vs Marik Part 1
'Both players still have life points. The first one to stand up is the winner of the duel.'
'After being struck by lightning.' Mai snapped. 'You have to be joking.'
'Joey!' Serenity was almost beside herself. Airi had to grip the girl's shoulders to keep her from running into the lighting.
'Come on Joey!' Tea yelled over the arguments. 'You've got to get up.'
'Yugi!' Yami's yell got Airi's attention. She looked up in time to see her brother, still transparent, run onto the platform. Ducking between the thinning bolts of lightning he knelt in front of his friend. She could see he was talking urgently to his friend, despite the fact Joey couldn't hear him in spirit form. Whatever had caused the lightning seemed to tire of pelting the field and the clouds drifted away. Still the two duelists lay sprawled on the field, apparently not heading the shouts coming from the terrified group.
'Yugi, get off of there!' she screamed at him, gripping Serenity's shoulders tighter to keep both of them from running up there. Yugi ignored her. He gripped Joey's shoulders, seeming to try and put energy into the other boy.
'Yugi there isn't anything you can do.' Yami's voice was lost amid the other's screams.
Suddenly Yugi stood, backing up slightly. Airi and Yami stared along with the others as Joey's still form started to move.
'There're both moving.' Tea said.
Both of the duelists showed signs of life, but neither seem willing to move.
'Come on Joey.' Tristan said, finally backing up. Serenity stepped forward and gripped his arm not taking her eyes off her brother. Letting go of Serenity, Airi found herself stepping forward. Some one gripped her arm and she didn't have to look up to know it was Yami. She knew there was nothing she could do. It was up to Joey to pull himself out of this.
'Yugi, is he going to make it?' she heard Tea say behind her.
'I don't know.' Yami's voice was low, afraid to break the silence that had descended on the field.
Yugi still stood in front of his friend eyes fixed on the unconscious blond. Everyone waited.
Suddenly Joey was on his feet, swaying slightly, rocking unsteadily.
'Joey Wheeler is the winner.' Roland announced.
The platform was stampeded with worried friends. Airi was one of the first and pulled her transparent brother out of the way of being tripped over.
'What were you thinking?' she demanded.
He grinned. 'I didn't.'
'Obviously.' Yami's answer spoke for Airi.
'Hey, how is that guy?' Joey's voice snapped them back to now.
The fake Marik was still sprawled on the deck. Despite his condition Joey lead the way to the man's side, Airi and Yami close behind. The man was fighting for consciousness, and seemed to be slipping away as they watched. Whatever the affect the revenge of the gods had done it seemed to be an attack on the nervous system.
'Hey, what were ya thinking?' Joey said. 'Cards like that should be kept in a vault.'
'I apologize.' The man's voice was soft, like it was an effort to speak. 'It was an honor to duel you, Mr. Wheeler.'
'Hey, it's Joey.' Joey grinned. Apparently going through a lightning storm together had softened things between the former opponents. 'Would be nice to know who I was dueling, though.'
'Odion.' The man smiled, and then winced.
'Why were you pretending to me Marik?' Yami said.
'Ordered too.' He was starting to slip away now.
'We have to get him out of the cold.' Airi said.
Suddenly Odion gripped the front of Yami's jacket, pulling him closer. 'You have to watch out for Dark Marik.'
'Dark?' Airi's blood went as cold as the air around them.
'He is the true threat. You must defeat him. You have to save master Marik.'
'What do you mean?' Yami said.
A scream came from where they had been standing. Airi jumped. In excitement she had forgotten all about 'Namu'. He was standing, clutching his head, as if there was something threatening to burst from his skull.
'Please, save him.' Odion's grip slackened and he fainted.
The screams increase in volume. All attentions turned to the real Marik. He clutched his head with such ferocity Airi was surprised he wasn't bleeding.
A gold light started to carve its way over Marik's forehead, taking the shape of a Millennium Eye. Yami stood from his kneeling position besides Odion, taking a step forward in an attempt to shield the others from whatever was coming. Marik's hair began to go up like Evil Bakura's had, except all of it went up instead of two horns like sections. With one final jerk, he looked up. The face leered at them, eyes narrowed in an intimidating squint.
'Now, Spirit of the Pharaoh.' Evil Marik's voice sounded like the crushing of bones. 'The true fight for your power starts. My weaker self didn't have any of the ruthlessness needed to complete this task. I will defeat you and all your power will be mine.'
'You won't get it, creep.' Yugi said. Airi was grateful the demon before them couldn't hear her translucent brother.
'What make you so sure you'll take possession of what is mine?' Yami's voice was low, ferocity most of the group had never heard from him before.
'Only a few can use the god cards, or have you forgotten that as well.' Evil Marik said. 'I will have the power of all the cards, and gain what is rightfully mine.'
'You're wrong.' Nearly everyone forgot Kaiba was still there. 'I have Obelisk, and no one is going to win him from me.'
Joey Vs Marik Full Duel
'Oh, Kaiba.' Evil Marik's grin became toothier. 'You have a link to the cards as much as the host of the pharaoh and my family.' He lifted the real Millennium Rod and waved it threaten. 'Unlike you and this foolish spirit and host, I have no obvious connection to the past. I am not burdened with other's life, thus I am in the best position to make this era of history my own.' He pointed the Rod at the group. Light flashed.
Airi screamed, afraid for the others safety.
Mai Vs Marik
'Not here, Marik.' Yami's forehead shone with a similar Millennium Eye. 'If you are going to win the cards, you will do it through duels. If you try to hurt any of my friends like this again, you will answer to me.'
Marik shrugged, grinning as he lowered the Rod. 'As you wish. It will only take longer.' He turned and disappeared down the hall to the elevators.
A/N: Wow, that was a lot. Hopefully that made seance. I'm sorry if you didn't get to hear much more about the past, but you'll have to wait tell pharaoh's memories.
PLEASE REVIEW! I'm not kidding they help me write.
Joey Vs Marik Part 3
Thanks for reading and God bless you!