Disclaimer: I do not own the anime Yugioh or Blizzard, or any other animes I may have included within this story. I do however own some cards, hehe. I only claim ownership to the character Marie O'Dell.

Chapter 1

A young man was slowly walking down a nearly empty street in Kyoto, Japan. He had brown hair that was just above his mid-back and dark brown eyes. He was about six feet tall and semi muscular. His facial features were somewhat fair from what he'd heard, but he thought he just looked rather normal. This young man was known as Illidan Stormrage. Illidan was on his way home that night from the local Kaiba Corporation store. He had just picked up his official Duel Disk.

Marie, Illidan's girlfriend, had picked hers up the day before. Of all duelists in the world, Illidan was chosen to duel in the Tournament of Power, a tournament that was said to have a big surprise for the winner. Stakes were said to be high in this tournament. Many were surprised that even a common duelist like Illidan was picked. In all honestly, he had won small tournaments, and had a bit of a reputation as a good duelist, but to be put in the category he was being placed in was surprising.

What was even more surprising was that Marie was also chosen to enter the tournament. From what Illidan knew, there would be ten competitors altogether. The other nine where Marie O'Dell, Yugi Moto, Bandit Keith, Seto Kaiba, Noa Kaiba, Mai Valentine, Bakura Ryou, Marik Ishtar, and Joey Wheeler. Illidan had always heard about at least seven of the nine competitors as legendary duelists.

Yugi was the current number one ranked duelist in the world, Seto Kaiba being number two. Illidan wondered why then he was picked to enter. Sure he'd won tournaments, as well as Marie had, but neither was know world wide like Yugi and Seto. Illidan only figured that someone had found a way to get him and Marie in, or something like that.

About this time, Illidan saw a man in a cloak and turban standing in the middle of the sidewalk where there was no lights around. He was standing completely in Illidan's way.

"If it's a robber, I swear, he'll be rather sorry." thought Illidan. "Excuse me sir, could you please move out of my way?" Illidan asked politely.

"No, I can't. You may not pass till you've been tested in a duel with me." replied the mysterious man.

"What are you talking about? I'm not going to duel you now. I have things to do, and I have to get ready for the tournament that starts tomorrow." Illidan said in an irritated voice.

"You will duel me. And you must show me that you are worthy of entering such a dangerous tournament. Now, prepare yourself to duel!" responded the stranger.

Rather annoyed now, Illidan then said "Fine buddy, we'll duel. Now come out of those shadows into the street light."

Slowly, the figure appeared in the light. Illidan now noticed that the guy not only had a turban and tan cloak on, but he had huge golden earrings, as well as a huge golden key on around his neck. As well, he was darker colored, thus revealing he was not from Japan most likely. Also, his eyes seemed strange. They were a grayish color, like they were void of life. Illidan then finally noticed he wore one of Kaiba Corps Duel Disks.

"So, you have a Duel Disk too. Good to see that you do. Now, let's do this." Illidan said as he slowly pulled his new Duel Disk out of it's box.

"Since we are dueling to test your skills, we'll duel by the Tournament of Power's rules. We will both pick a Deck Master." the stranger replied.

Illidan finished putting his Duel Disk on and said "Fine, that's alright with me. Go ahead and pick yours."

Instantly, the stranger replied with "I'll pick Gravekeeper's Guard (1000/1900)." With that, the stranger opened up a slot on his Duel Disk and pushed the card in. Then a robed man with a staff appeared on the field. The man was bald, and for the most part looked like he was of Arabian decent.

Illidan then looked at his deck and thought about which monster he would choose. "I don't want to use Valkyrion the Magna Warrior, but I need something with a good effect. I think I know which monster I want now."

"I'll pick Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning as my Deck Master." Illidan finally said. He then placed his card in a slot on his Duel Disk and watched as his soldier in black shiny armor appeared beside him. He smiled at the sight of this monster, knowing he would be a good choice.

The stranger smiled and said "Ah, a good choice. Now, let's begin this duel."