Kaiba couldnt rest,Isis defeat kept haunting him,every minute here is an hour spend in that place of darkness and terror,nobody lives in that place,they only exist to suffer
as the insects enter their victims brain and devour it.
"No!..I have to get her out there now!" Kaiba vowed and made his way out of his office,grabbing the device that could end this duel before time runs out.
"That Bastard has gone to far" Kaiba panted as he took a sprint.
he searched the whole building until he reached towards the top of the zeppelin.
a duel took place between Yami Marik and..wait is that his Hikari"? Kaiba mused.
Yami Marik was laughing hysterically as usual and Kaiba observed the duel from a distance,
Both of his challengers have been send to the shadow realm,and Yami Marik strolled over to the Millenium ring that only remained behind.
Marik shot a death glare behind his shoulder as his third eye started to glow.
"Marik!" Kaiba beamed. Marik eyed Kaiba amused he could tell why he came all the way here,for some reason he knew Kaiba would face him sooner than expected.
"You and me!" Kaiba ordered. "Let's go"
"I must decline,..The Millenium is the only thing that interst me me,but If the Pharaoh is finally dead.. feel free to challenge me" Yami Marik said.
"The Pharaoh will defeat you.." Kaiba said."But I don't have the time to wait that long,Because You have something I want"
"The 3rd Egyptian God card"
"You are here to save that wretched Witch aren't you?" Marik was almost sure that was the case.
Kaiba clenched his fist to the side in response,
"Enough you creep!.." Kaiba barked activating the duel disk "I'm not going to ask you again.!"
"Or else what?" Yami Marik said Dark.
"Face me and If you Win you can have these" Kaiba said showing his blue eyes White dragons, crystal dragon. "and this one" Kaiba said he moving the card to the side to reveal the Obelisk the tormentor card in his hand.
Mariks eyes grew a bit big that card catcher his attention right away,It must have been that vile witch Isis who gave that to him,
"But that's not all..I will give up my life as a Duelist forgood" Kaiba said as his final attempt to make Marik budge.
Marik gave a slow nod in agreement,he didn't care about the blue eyes white dragons or that Kaiba won't ever duel again because where he will be going won't be any duels to play,The only reason he agrees is to snatch that God card away from him.
"Very well Kaiba" Marik said and a purple fog started to appeared. It traveled past Marik and it cloaked the ground. Kaiba felt his vital organs throb,Because Kaiba doesn't have a melenium item like Yugi he'll be less resistant to the effects of the realm.
"No!" Kaiba shouted. "Face me like a real Duelist would,..
"For once be a real opponent instead of using the shadow realm to increase your chance of winning"
"You're wrong..I just enjoy making you suffer before I end you..but as you wish no shadow game" Marik said and the dark clouds started to disappear.
"But I'll still cast your soul to the Shadow realm when this duel is over" Marik said.
"And If I win you will release everyone you've put in the shadow realm or I'll swear our next fight won't revolve around Duel monsters" Kaiba said furious.
Kaiba's hands felt numb,he wanted to beat Marik to a pulp for what he did to Isis,if he fails to bring back the two Women Marik casted to the shadow realm then Kaiba will make him pay dearly.
Yugi woke up with a weakened gasp,sweat trickled down his face like he woke up from a nightmare. Stings was felt in his heart.
"You felt it too did you?" Yami Yugi said conserned.
"Yes" Yugi said scared, clutching the fabric of his shirt where his heart is "Kaiba we have to help him before it's too late"
Yugi left his blue coat hanging and made his way to the top battle tower,he alarmed his friends and tried to stop Kaiba from entering the shadow realm.
The millenium puzzle glowed and Yugi turned into Yami Yugi within a split second. The Pharaoh ran much faster than Yugi did and made his way to his friends bedrooms.
-/-
Yami Marik made his first move, " I Summon Giant Germs and place 2 cards down, now I end my turn.
"Better run while you still can little Kaiba" Marik taunted.
"And to miss out the chance to humiliate you? No thanks"!" Kaiba said choosing his cards,
"Crushing you will be more satifying that defeating the Pharaoh"
" Here goes!I demension summon!"Kaiba yelled and a golden light appeared around him to strengthen his blue eyes white dragon.
Kaiba draws another monster on the field his blue eyes white dragon in attack mode
"Send his monster to the grave yard"!
Marik wasn't alarmed at all and activates the trapcard.
"I activate Nightmare wheel, This card will make your dragon completely useless,but not only that but 500 of your life points will vansih.
electric shocks tormented Kaiba as he fell to his knees.
"Just give up Kaiba.."
"Never!" Kaiba breathed "You have something I want!
Kaiba regained his composure and sets a face down card ending his turn.
Yami Marik summons Drillago in attack mode and sets one face down,but
Kaiba could feel ice cold sweat travel down his face,he was nervous,not because of this freak but because time is running out,It won't Ben long until Isis is gone forgood.
Kaiba activates his face down card Inter-dimensional Matter Transporter
to remove his Dragon from play until the end phase,therefore destroying Nightmare Wheel.
Yami Marik ends his turn and Spear Dragon returns to the field.
Kaiba is starting to become shaky from the nerves and tried not to focus on his fears and drawed more spell/trap cards.
Kaiba eyed the Soul Exchange card,"That's it" Kaiba thought.
"My turn! I activate Soul exchange!"
"Which allows me to tribute a monster on your side of the field!"
Yami Marik didn't care about losing more life points, since he drawed The Winged Dragon of Ra.
"Pray to whatever God you believe in because this time,you've run out of you Luck!"
He started to chant and Ra woke up from his slumber but the chant continiued,
Kaiba was confused,this chant was Egyptian but he could understand it like its spoken in Japanese.
Yami Marik merged with the Winged Dragon of Ra to end this Duel once and for all, wiping out all of his monsters on the field,Kaiba stared at the energy blast from Ra.
It was like being close to the heat of the sun,and If Kaiba doesn't do something quick he'll die on the spot,
Marik used dimension summon to strengthen Ra for the final attack.
Kaiba only had monster reborn and a few lousy cards,his heart literally pounded in his throat,If he doesn't draw a good card now then Marik will win.
Kaiba brought a shaky hand to his deck drawing a card,he was almost too nervous to look,
"Yes!" Kaiba said as a shot of adrenaline went through his veins,He could sense that Isis was with him in spirit and he couldn't thank her enough right now.
Kaiba uses Monster reborn to bring back the blue eyes white dragons and sacrifice his 3 dragons to put his strongest monster on the field.
"Here goes"! I dimension summon!"
I bring forth Obelisk the tormentor!" Kaiba said while placing one spellcard down.
From the ground the masterful beast emerged with a powerful growl that made ground beneath their feet cower.
Kaiba knew summoning it won't save him,Kaiba worried about the face down card and If his predictions are correct that card will prevent him to use this beast.
Yami Marik wasn't conserned at all, and smiled a bit. "There is no way a weakling like you can summon a God. "Admit it Kaiba you are finished"
"Why won't you just hand over that card and let me kill you or I'll take it from you" Marik said facing a trap card down. With that card he'll make Obelisk turn around before It attacks his life points and it will Marik the winner.
"hehe" Kaiba smiled "I beg to differ"
Marik eyed Kaiba with surprise when he made Obelisk obey him,Marik didn't understand how this is possible.
"There is more to you than meets the eye,but it won't matter!" Marik said eying the card that remained face down.
Kaiba gave almost all of his life energy to Obelisk giving it unmeasurable strength.
"Kaiba.."Yugi said conserned,If Kaiba collapses then it's over,too many people have been casted to the shadow realm by this freak
"My turn!..Obelisk attack with your fist of fury!,"Kaiba beamed.
"I knew you would do that,.." Marik said activating his trap card making Obelisk turn towards kaiba making him attack his life points. "Say goodbye you little worm!"
"I don't think so!" Kaiba snapped,
"I activate Mirror force!"..with this card I'll send every attack back at you no matter how powerful" and used his life energy to strengthen the mirror force trap.
"let's hope this works",kaiba mused as he felt his vison going blank,he can't die now,not without releasing the others from the Shadow realm first.
The mirror force did the trick started to cast the attack back,Kaiba blinked the blur away trying to hold onto his life.
The duel was over,and Kaiba got his strength back,
"You maggot!..Now we'll play on my turf" Yami marik growled and went against the rules taking them to the shadow realm, Kaiba became disorientated by the brain clouds the atmosphere causes and felt a lot of pressure on his vital organs.
Yami Marik just smiled as his third eye started to glow.
"Enough!" Yami Yugi said.
"I will not allow you to harm anyone here again" Yami yugi beamed as the Millenium puzzle started to rotate and glow brightly.
"Pharaoh!" Yami Marik said furious "Ill dig your heart out you pest!" Yami Marik wanted to kill him with the Millenium rod but Yami Yugi stunned him before he could do anything.
"Youve send blameless beings to a place of endless torture"
"Now it's time for you to receive the same fate!" Yami Yugi said in spite as his own third eye starts to glow,
Yami Marik got send to the shadow realm,his image broke like a mirror,and his own Hikari remained on the ground.
Kaiba just growled annoyed that Yugi had to save him again but the creep has disappeared from this Earth,thank goodness.
In the corner of his eyes he could see Yugi come up to the battle arena, And Kaiba's face curved into an interested smile.
"Look at that pathetic piece of waste" Kaiba thought as he turned his gaze towards Marik.
Kaiba waited until Yugi will send that scumbag to the shadow realm too but instead Yugi offered Marik his hand to help him up.
Marik weakly reached out,grabbing it. "Yugi..I'm so ashamed for everything I've done"
"Just don't hurt anyone ever again,you'll be well on your way to redemption." Yami Yugi said short,Yami isn't really feeling anything towards Mariks regret,but still he will show Marik mercy.
It felt like it's the right thing to do for now.
Kaiba was disappointed,after all this slimy fucker has done,Yugi still won't make him pay.
Sure his evil half took control but before he emerged all his wrong doing was his own decision. Soon he'll probably be best friends with Marik and this Anzu chick will brainwash him with friendship speeches.
"Isis!.."Kaiba said,forgetting about his annoyance,her gentle voice could be heard in his memory of her and made his way to the recovery chamber.
She was still there,his heart was beating in his throat as he approached the bed,
"Please whatever God is out there don't let me be too late" Kaiba's beliefs has always been on Atheistic grounds but for now he wished that some supernatural being can hear his plea.
Kaiba reached for her hand,it still felt warm and she started to move sensing a presence.
"Seto ?" Isis said waking up,she blinked but no one was there, she sat up in bed and walked outside hoping she might find him there but he wasn't.
she could have sworn she sensed Kaiba next to her or was it a hallucination?
the Eerie vibe from Yami Marik vanished,which means that Wicked spirit is finally where it belongs, Isis eyes gloomed with happy tears,if only she could split herself in two so that she could run to Odion and her brother,
But she knows that Odion is safe,she prayed to the Gods to thank them and to watch over him a little longer.
Isis braced herself for a sprint making her way to the battle tower. She couldn't wait to take her Brothers home.
-/-
Some time has passed and Isis gave her Tauk to the Pharaoh, Yugi and the gang were a tad dismissive towards Mariks wishes to have them visit Egypt as friends.
Marik understood they weren't interested at the moment,but maybe in the future their minds will change.
They departed but the Ishtar family stayed for a moment,wondering where they should go,Go back to Egypt near the city of Luxor or look for a house here in Domino.
Minutes later Kaiba appeared on the Dock too,Isis was watching the new sunrise before they decide to leave and start a new life,no longer in the shadows.
Isis spoke to her Brothers saying one of her inspirational sayings about all the wonderful things they could do now that their duties as Tombkeeper has been lifted.
Odion didn't pay much attention to what Isis was saying so far only the years of abuse echoed in his mind.
Kaiba carefully walked towards her,She looks so beautiful,so spellbinding. A part of him just wants to walk up to her as soon as she woke up and just grab her,Time was ticking and he was almost too late to save her,but he did it.
Isis is finally free.
Isis felt a presence coming closer she looked behind her noticing Kaiba walking up to her.
Isis was lost with words she didn't really know what to say. Kaiba risked his wellbeing to bring her back in time.
Marik and Odion noticed Kaiba too, "Guys stay here We need to talk" Isis said.
Marik and Odion pretended that they had some arrant to do all of the sudden and hurried away. Isis chuckled a bit as her Brothers funny reaction and focused her attention on Kaiba.
"Hey" Isis greeted. Kaiba noticed she's being less formal with him and it's a nice change.
Isis remained silent for a moment
"Will you visit me in Egypt?" Isis carefully asked holding on to his wrist eying him warmly.
"Don't press your luck" Kaiba said aloof,with one hand he shoved Isis out of the way
coldly.
he walked towards the aircraft he couldn't wait to get out of this place,never once did he turn back.
Isis watched him leave a bit saddened,she didn't understand,
he saved her and it looks like they'll probably never meet again or become good friends.
But then through her disappointment a vision flashed before her eyes,Isis was shocked at first but then her face curved into smile,the vision was surprising but quite pleasant and Kaiba's cold rejection no longer stung.
Kaibas jet was set off to the sky,and Isis kept watching until it disappeared in the horizon.
Isis touched the area where her Tauk used to be," As my own Mother used to say..."
"Fate will decide not us" Isis said thankful,hopefully the Gods will Grand her more Visions.
-/-
The Ishtar family stayed in Domino for a day or two,but realized soon that their hearts belong in Egypt.
Isis had Kaiba in her thoughts and wondered if she should see him one last time before she leaves,but what if she ruins the possible future by taking matters into her own hands. It might make him feel uneasy,besides her vision always came true and decided it's for the best to leave things be.
They arrived in Egypt during night time,they had to get used to weather again,There was a gentle spring in Domino but here even during the night time it was very warm.
Odion couldn't stand seeing that old place that held him captive under the abusive power of Mariks Father, everytime he walks down the hall he could hear the sound of the whip tearing his skin open.
He left without saying a word and sat by himself near the local town where he usually goes when he's permitted to go outside.
Odion stared at the water fountain that remained in the center of the town,he listened to the water and it was so clear like diamonds pouring out of it.
It was a peaceful night,ppl walking by chattering, carrying bags to bring home,but Odion didn't feel like he had a home. If only he could start over.
Maybe then he could let go of the abuse he endured in his life.
as time passed the town became less crowded but spthere were still peace keepers around to make sure anyone outside is Behaving.
He didn't notice someone walking up to him from behind since he was so deep in thought.
"Odion"?
Odion snapped back to reality standing up fromwhere he was sitting.
"Yes?" Odion spoke up.
"Brother..why didn't you tell us you were leaving the house" Marik asked taking some steps closer.
"Im not a child..I don't no need anyones approval to go outside" Odion thought,but instead he just apologized. It was indeed very late and he should have returned sooner.
"Bandits are active around this hour I became so worried when you didn't return,"
"Bandits!" Odion repeated he completely forgot about these scum who rob defenseless elders and women.
"Gosh you didn't leave Isis alone did you"? Odion said becoming alarmed.
"I brought her with me but felt I should talk to you alone" Marik said gentle sitting next to him. Odion felt his anxiety leave,Isis could be seen in a restaurant ordering Tea and Odion felt at peace once more.
"When I almost faded away,I visited you to say my goodbye and to thank you for all you have done,for being such a great friend and Brother..
"Love you Odion," Marik said with a gentle tone. Trying to show him that he no longer is like his Yami nor even close to it.
Odion looked him in the eyes, he bit his lower lip a bit like he doesn't know how to respond. Mariks features became slight serious.
Not because hes disappointed but because he knows that Odion is doubtful which is understandable for the way he has been treated.
"You don't believe me?" Marik asked coming closer.
"I don't know,..I don't like that word anymore"
"What?" Marik wondered.
"Love" Odion said. "I feel nothing when you say that word.. "You say you love me but.." Odion swallows finding it hard to continiue.
"Please continue I need to know" Marik said. What Odion will say might strike a nerve but this is the first time Odion is trying to be open.
"But how can I feel anything When you are the one who hurt me the most..out of all people." Odion said trearing up no longer caring about dropping his pokerface. And Marik eyed him with regret..and shame for what he allowed to happen.
After Marik repented he fell in a deep dark pit of Embarrassment and shame,for the way he treated Odion,not only that but allowing innocent people to get hurt for the sake of revenge while the Pharaoh was innocent,. Yugi and the others were still semi dismissive towards Mariks attempt to make amends and he could never blame them.
But what stings the most is that Odion's broken behavior is his fault and would do anything to hopefully reverse the damage.
"Isn't Love supposed to prevent you from harming another? Isn't it supposed to prevent you from yelling or do any form of disrespect?". Odion asked.
"Either Love is just as corrupt and destructive as hatred or..I never knew what love is".Odion said a disheartened.
"I never meant to hurt you or cause any harm" Marik said.
"But you did.. " Odion said adverting away.
"Let me finish" Marik kindly asked.
"I know..I know I've hurt you but I never wanted it to happen..I can't turn back the clock And there is only room for any healing If you can find it in you to forgive me"
"It's hard I know..but hopefully It will become easier with time, maybe I can forgive myself for all the moments I've made you feel like nothing"
"I'm Sorry Odion I truly am" Marik said.
There was a silence between the two,Odion didn't know what to say,sure his Yami isn't like the Marik he grew up with but that being came from him.
He wants to believe Marik but right now his abusive past made it difficult to do so.
"Odion say something" Marik said he didn't want Odion to shut him out again.
"Thank you" Odion said.
"Everything I said is true,from the bottom of my heart,I hope one day I can show you"Marik said.
Odion pressed his lips togther in response after a pause he eyed the repented Ishtar. "It hurts..the past when I walk down the halls I still can hear the whip slashes..I feel so lost" Odion said.
"Then we'll move away from the desert," Marik offered.
, "We can always build our house elsewhere..I'll do everything to ease your pain including those times I harmed you" Marik feels more guilty for hearing Odion explain in detail about how the abuse affected him.
"I love you..at times I've forgotten how much but I never stopped doing so..I never want to see you in pain again..and I hope we can go back to how it was..one day"
behind his shield of stoicism Odion does want to go back to how It was,but he doesn't know how,.
Marik moved closer "Can I..embrace you for a moment"? Marik asked the tensed up Odion,If only he knew what Odions was thinking,everytime Marik is trying to be kind to him he always stares into the distance,.
It looks quite adorable seeing a puzzled look on his face but also saddening,because eventhough it's Mariks fault he still feel hurt that Odion has a hard time to believe him.
Odion carefully nodded and Marik came closer standing up. Marik held him tight,like he was a small child.
Odion leaned against Mariks shoulder in silence,automatically a tear traveled down disappearing in Mariks robe.
It will be a long road to recovery but Odion will get there,..one day.
A/N: Instead of the shadow Game where ppls loved ones are fading away I've used dimension summoning from DSOD movie but trap cards can also gain a boost.
The duel between Kaiba and Marik was supposed to be longer because I had a good helping hand with this duel.
But it takes so much time to edit it in the story and I'm already over my "Update in 10 to 14 days " rule But I'll use the rest of the duel will be in future chapters since Kaiba has more ppl to duel with. cough cough Yami Yugi cough!
And about the vision of Isis. She briefly saw her and Kaiba standing close to eachother then the vision focused on their feet,and Isis tiptoed.