Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or anything related to it what-so-ever. The only characters in this fic that are truly mine are:

Lady Aurora Phoenix, Lady Natara Fear (Cooper), Lady Sapphira Star (Raine), Dorian "Chaos" (Stanson), Bryant "Havoc" (Westbrook), Sanura, Zahara, Adais, Shadow, Panther, Lord Theron (yup… they're back… and all the characters beginning with Lady Aurora Phoenix are copyrighted to me)

A/N: I understand many will not agree with a lot of what is written but that is why this is in the fantasy genre and not in just the general one. This is purely a concoction out of my own head and I am just going where the ideas lead me.

Bakura's Choice

Yugi's friends looked at the dark red and black shadows surrounding them. Serenity whimpered in fear as she continued to cling to Joey. Yami stood tense on the field as Bakura laughed at him.

"Yugi, you fool! By enabling me to release the power of Dark Sanctuary, I have created a dark cloud that will keep you in constant fear the rest of this duel," Bakura boasted. "It will eventually destroy you!" Yami gave a hard, but cool look at the spirit of the Millennium Ring.

"I'm afraid you're wrong. You see, it is you who should be afraid," he returned evenly. "There are no monsters left on your field and you are down to your last one hundred and fifty life points. Bakura smirked at his rival.

"That may be true for now, however the dark ghost of Dark Sanctuary is also protecting me. This will change my fortune dramatically," he informed Yami. Everyone watched as the ghost began to circle and swirl around Yami's Gamma, the Magnetic Warrior. Though Yami eyed it cautiously, he turned a bold look at the spirit.

"Your ghosts don't frighten me," he told him. Bakura's smirk turned to an evil sneer. "I can remove you from the Battle City finals by defeating you in this duel with one attack."

"You can only wish, Yugi. The powers of Dark Sanctuary are far beyond your understanding. But since you are so confident, then go ahead and attack me."

"Gamma, The Magnet Warrior! Attack his life points directly!"

"No!" Aurora gasped as Bakura's evil laugh rang throughout the arena. Bakura's ghost appeared right through Gamma and Yami's eyes widened in shock.

"Evil Ghost, counter attack!" Bakura shouted. The ghost shot away from the magnet warrior and crashed into Yami, forcing him to take a step back.

"What have you done!" The spirit laughed.

"My evil ghost possessed your monster."

"Possessed?"

"Yes, which is why I was able to turn your warrior against you."

"Are they all possessed?"

"Why don't you attack me again and find out? Or haven't you the nerve? However, I suppose I should forewarn you that possession is only one of my card's powers. I will show you more, soon enough. In the meantime, I believe we have a slight situation at hand. You see, since your monster was possessed when it attacked me, half of your monster's attack points get deducted from your life points. But don't you worry. They are for a good cause. You see, they don't just simply go away. Your lost life points are added to my own," the spirit explained with a laugh.

"No matter, they are still low. They will be gone soon."

"He is trying to rush this duel," Aurora murmured.

"But that isn't very wise," Sanura commented. Aurora nodded and looked around. Bakura's laugh came to her senses again.

"You have no idea the power that lurks in my deck. Are you sure you are ready for what is to come?" Bakura drew his next card and placed it in his hand as he retrieved a different one form his hand. "I play Destiny Board," he announced. "Confused, Yugi?" Yami stared at the card showing in front of him. He had no idea what it was. But Aurora knew. She had seen boards like that used countless times throughout the centuries. She knew the powers they could hold in real life. She wondered exactly what Bakura planned to do with it there in the duel.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"You know," Duke said suddenly. "I saw one of those in a haunted fun house…"

"You mean there's gonna be more ghosts?" Joey asked him with a shudder.

"But, Joey, I thought this was all just a game," Serenitycommented with a confused look on her face.

"I hope so," Téa answered as she returned her gaze to the duel.

"Answer me, Spirit. What does this card do?" Yami demanded.

"With this board I may communicate with lost souls of the Shadow Realm," Bakura returned with a sneer. "Using the letters on this board they shall spell out a message for you." The planchet on the board began to move. "The first letter to your message shall be: F."

"F? What is it going to spell out?" Bakura chuckled softly.

"You will see, Yugi. With each passing turn, the Destiny Board reveals a letter. At the end of five turns the word shall be revealed and you shall lose everything! With Dark Sanctuary possessing your monsters and Destiny Board on the field. It is finally over for you."

"This duel's not over yet," Yami growled in response.

Aurora, I think I am getting close to where Zahara is. The voice was clear and sudden in her mind. She started slightly and turned toward the exit.

Stay there, I am on my way. Silently, she turned and left, her cloak drifting behind her. Good luck Yami, be careful and watchful at all times. I shall return. She knew he did not hear her, or if he did, he did not let her know it. She was fine with that as she knew he had to concentrate on the matter at hand. She wished she could stay when she heard Bakura's next play.

"I play Dark Door, which means you are only allowed to attack once per turn." The last thing she heard was the startled gasp that left Yami's lips. She knew he would win. It would take some quick strategy, but he would succeed.

Sanura turned whena small sliver of shaking crept into her vision. She saw Mokuba standing as tall as he could, but fear was trapped within his eyes as he looked around at the cloud of shadows around them.

"Mokuba, sir. Are you all right? Do you need to lie down?" She asked him.

"No, it's just that all these ghosts and shadows are starting to freak me out." Seto cast a look down at his brother. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and the cold look in his eyes showed him to be untouched by the fear that the shadows were meant to bring to him.

"It will be all right, sir," Sanura said in an attempt to calm him down. "This duel will be over soon."

"I sure hope so," Mokuba told her.

"If he really thinks he can keep me trapped in here forever, he is about to get a rude awakening," Zahara muttered as she paced in her room. She was tired. No. Not tired. Exhausted. Since being on the aircraft, she had done nothing but think as she contemplated her escape from Marik. So far, her thoughts had turned up nothing. The Rod had weakened her ability to use her mental connection with anyone to let them know she was there. She could not even sense if anyone who could help her had even been on the aircraft when it left.

"Princess…"

"Go away, Odion. You have done enough." Her tone was hard and cold. The piercing look in her eyes to match. She wanted nothing to do with the Ishtar family at the moment. Her body ached and scratches on her skin were barely beginning to clear up. It had been a while, but the thought of what had happened filled her with a darkness that could hardly be matched. She wanted to lash out. To make everyone suffer as she had. But she was not strong enough at the moment and she knew that. Turning to face Odion, she noticed he was carrying the Millennium Rod. "What are you doing with that?"

"Part of Master Marik's plan. I am to pretend to be him when the time comes."

"Then be ready. The time is near." Odion stared at her in shock.

"How do you know? I thought the Rod blocked your abilities?"

"It did." She said nothing more as she turned to face her window. Odion watched her for a moment before turning and exiting the room. Her words concerned him, but he did not have time to think about their meaning.

"Sir, I am afraid that is not your room." He looked at the guard who had stopped him. His gaze alook that would have made a tiger run in fear, but the guard only held himself straighter.

"Is there a problem?" Both men turned toward a woman with long dark hair that was stripped with red highlights. Odion turned on his heel and left the area. The guard looked at her.

"He was coming out of a room that wasn't his. Mr. Kaiba wants everything in order."

"I can understand that you are just doing your job, Aiden was it?" The guard nodded. "But there is something you should know about that man in particular. You see, he is someone who can deal out some major trouble. A small piece of advice, know the person you are speaking to." Aiden just stared at her.

"You are telling me how to do the job I have been trained to do for several years, are you?"

"No, she is trying to save your soul from being sent to the shadows."

"Ms. Aurora, I had not realized you had come back from the duel upstairs. Is it over?"

"Far from it. Something else called to my attention that was of greater importance." She glanced at her friend who nodded toward the room in question.

"I was getting a feeling about this room. It grew stronger when the man calling himself Marik left it."

"So you get the feeling he isn't Marik either, eh?" Her friend nodded and Aurora turned toward the door. "I remembered him after I saw the boy called Namu. I knew he was the real Marik. But I have to allow this to play out. Even Ishizu knows that."

"What does Miss. Ishizu have to do with this?" Aiden asked.

"She is the mystery duelist on board, is she not? Even Mr. Kaiba does not know who the final duelist was to enter his tournament."

"That is correct. My men were unable to let Mr. Kaiba know."

"For the best. Mr. Kaiba has a history lesson due to him. Ishizu is the one to give it. Or at least start it. It will be some time before he comes to realize the truth of what she has been telling him all this time." She started forward and rested her hand on the door. "You were right about this room, Sapphira. She is here."

"Who is inthere?" Aiden asked.

"My daughter. The one taken from me during the course of the tournament."

"Here," Sapphira started as she stepped forward. Quickly, and almost unseen, she lifted the set of keycards from Aiden's belt and selected one. It slid easily into the reader and a green light appeared. The door made a hissing sound as it slid open.

"I thought I told you to leave me alone!"

"Now, I seriously doubt you would wish that of me." Zahara spun around with wide and disbelieving eyes.

"Mother!" Aurora almost went crashing backwards at the force of Zahara crashing into herwith a hug. She saw the tears in her daughter's eyes and held her gingerly as they slid to their knees on the floor.

"Daughter, what has happened? Were you hurt?" Gently, she pulled back and brushed Zahara's bangs form her eyes to get a better look at her face. No words needed to be said. The answers were written in her eyes, and Aurora saw red.

How dare he touch her! The thought remained in her head, but the vionlet fury could be seen in her eyes as she brought her daughter closer to her and held her tightly. "It will be all right, my daughter. Somehow what has been done will be made right again."

"You know as well as I do that it cannot be. What has been done cannot be undone." Aurora pulled back again and understood the conviction she saw there.

"I am here for you now. I only wish I had found you before…"

"It's okay. Really, Mother. I will survive this." Aurora nodded and helped her daughter to stand.

"Come on. Let's get you out of this room." Gratefully, Zahara allowed her mother to help her out and they made their way slowly back to Aurora's room. "You should be safe now."

"Ever since you came aboard this aircraft, I have been safe. My purpose was served." Zahara gingerly sat down on a couch in the room and took a deep breath. The weight that had been on her shoulders lifted and she began to feel free again. It did not take long however before thoughts of revenge crept back into her mind. She may have been found and freed, but there was still a debt to be paid. She would see to it that Marik paid for what had been done. Her mother sensed these thoughts.

"I know this may be hard to accept, Zahara. But revenge will only hold you back in this life. Going after him could make things worse as long as he has the Millennium Rod."

"He won't have that Rod forever. In fact, I happen to know he doesn't have it on him now." The darkness around the aircraft seemed to lift and Aurora gazed out the window.

"His Dark Sanctuary has been removed," she murmured. Zahara gave her an odd look.

"What? Who's Dark Sanctuary?"

"The Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle is dueling your father at this very moment."

"No! Ryou!" Tears filled Zahara's eyes and she stood. "That spirit has toyed with him long enough."

"Zahara? What are you talking about?"

"The spirit is there because of a deal he made with Marik. He would do something for Marik and in return, Marik would give him all the Millennium Items." Aurora narrowed her eyes.

"I figured as much." She stood and they made their way toward the door. "Then back to the duel we go." Quickly they made their way to the elevator that would take them to the observation deck. Zahara kept her gaze upward as she watched the levels pass by them through the glass walls of the elevator. When the doors opened, her eyes widened and she stepped back only slightly at the sight of the one named Namu. Knowing no one other than Zahara and her mother could see him, he offered a playful smirk. Aurora and Sapphira felt the surge of fury within her and both reached a hand out to catch her arms.

"Soon enough, Zahara. Soon enough, but not now," Aurora whispered as they stepped onto the deck. Zahara decided to ignore his presence by turning toward the duel. Above Bakura's head was a board with letters. Above the board the letters F-I-N and A were showing.

"Seems as if this duel is done in one turn," Sapphira commented.

"Possibly, but I would not bet on it just yet." Aurora stared hard at the scene before them. Bakura had a plan and he was about to put it into action.

"You got lucky when you destroyed my Dark Sanctuary and took out its magic. But I assure you that was just a temporary set back. A magic that power will not fade so easily." Bakura placed a card on his duel deck. When his next monster appeared Yami looked hard at it. Even Joey seemed confused.

"I don't get it, what's dat card supposed ta do?" He asked.

"You tell us, Mr. Expert," Tristan shot back. Joey turned a glare at his friend.

"Back off, I've never seen it before, all right?" Tristan muttered back another response but it was lost to Aurora's ears. Bakura's laughter only served to further prove that her prediction was correct.

"By sacrificing a monster, my new one's special ability can remove all specially summoned monsters from play," Bakura explained.

"No way!" Joey shouted.

"Way," Mai returned. "Since Yugi summoned Dark Necrofear using the magic card Monster Reborn, Bakura can remove it to bring back his Dark Sanctuary."

"Which means he will be able to play more than five magic or traps cards again," Sanura continued.

"Meaning, if Yugi doesn't end this in his next turn, then Bakura will win when the Destiny Board shows the last letter," Mai finished.

"So I sacrifice this card to activate it now!" A flash of light could be seen and Dark Necrofear was removed from Yami's side of the arena. Zahara shivered as the field was surrounded once again in the red and black cloud of shadows. Eyes opened all around them and it took all she could manage to stay calm. "Now I will be able to play the last letter of the Destiny board. Spelling out your demise!"

"Come on! I know you can get out of this mess, buddy!" Joey shouted out, his fear forgotten for a moment.

"Are you sure?" Serenity asked him.

"No matter how tough the fight, Yugi always pulls through," Joey assured her. "It won't be easy, but he will do dis."

"I suggest giving up now, Yugi. Nothing you do will stop me from completing the Destiny Board's message." Zahara shook her head but kept her mouth shut. She was not ready to reveal herself to him again just yet. Plus she knew this duel had to play out as it needed to in order for fate to play its hand. Bakura sacrificed his monster to keep his Dark Sanctuary in play before placing one card face down and ending his turn.

"This is it," Aurora said softly. "This is the time that Yami must take control or else Bakura's promises will be made real." They watched as Bakura's Dark Ghost circled the field as it waited for Bakura to choose which of Yami's monsters to possess. They knew a target had been chosen when it suddenly disappeared.

"I have no intention of losing," Yami told him with a grin but determined look on his face. "I was able to outsmart your spirit once before and I will do so again!" Everyone watched as Bakura explained about the trap card resting on the field. It was the one he had used to turn Yami's monster's attack on him earlier in the duel. He had plans to do so again. Yami struggled with his thoughts as he tried to bring a new strategy to his mind.

"Last turn, Yugi. Just one more move and I shall win," Bakura taunted him. A scowl passed over Yami's face. "Face it. You're done, once and for all! There is no way you can win!"

"Guys, I hate to say this, but I think he is right," Duke commented. Tristan turned on him, but it was Zahara's voice that spoke.

"You are wrong. He can still do this."

"She's right, show a little faith will yeah?" Tristan told him.

"I'm sorry, I hate to say this, but I think he is right about this. Yugi can only attack once. It is next to impossible."

"She can't be right, can she?" Serenity asked, looking up at her brother. Joey's face turned fierce and he raised a fist to his chest.

"No way! Yugi's gonna win dis!" Zahara smiled at Joey's spirit as everyone turned to face him in shock.

"But, Joey," Mai started to say.

"But nothing, Mai. He can do it!" He turned back to the arena. "We believe in ya, Yugi! I have seen ya get outta way tougher spots dan dis before! So win dis!" Aurora caught the smile on Mai's face and suppressed one of her own. She had to admit, she, too, was impressed by Joey's enthusiasm.

"You're right, Joey." Mai turned to face Yugi as well. "You can do it, Yugi! Pull the sheet of his ghost!"

"Hang in there, Yugi!" Téa added to the cheering.

"Come on and beat this guy back to the grave, Yugi!" Tristan hollered out after them.

"I have already defeated you, Yugi. Give up," Bakura continued with his taunting. Yami stared across at him for a moment before looking down at his duel disk. Bakura gave a sly smile as he thought Yami was about to forfeit the duel. Aurora watched closely as Yami bowed his head and closed his eyes.

You can still do this, Yami, her mind whispered to him. He made no move to acknowledge he had heard her from where he stood. But his mind touched hers.

But the card that can save me may be too dangerous to play.

That monster was once only to be controlled by a chosen Pharaoh, Yami. No one else had ever been able to call on that creature before. But you did. You were able to call upon its strength and power. You could control him. You can still control him now. You have to play it in order to continue and follow on with your destiny to stop Marik from destroying the world. There was a pause as he contemplated his words. She could hear Yugi telling him that he agreed with her. She heard him tell Yami that he had faith in his actions and was ready for what had to be done. All he had to do was draw the fated card.

We have got to win to save the world, Yami, Yugi told him. There is only one way, like she said. We have to draw Slifer now. Yami looked up and glanced over toward Aurora. There was a new determination in his eyes and she offered him a supportive smile with a nod of her head. He nodded back and faced Bakura once again.

"Prepare to face a force like no other!" Yami shouted out to him. He drew his card and the night sky crackled with electric lightning. Black clouds covered any other trace of the starry sky that Bakura's Dark Sanctuary had left to view. A streak of light blue lightning struck form the clouds and crashed to Yami's hand causing Bakura to shout out. Aurora placed an arm on Zahara as she took a worried step toward the field. She then looked up and saw Dorian watching in awe at the power. He was the one member of her team that could control electricity and lightning. He was used to that kind of power, but the force he was witnessing was even beyond his comprehension.

"Now, I sacrifice, Dark Magician Girl, Gamma the Magnet Warrior, and Big Shield Gardna in order to call forth the almighty, Slifer the Sky Dragon!" The aircraft shook and the power became interrupted for a brief moment as the dragon appeared. Its massive body wrapped around the aircraft several times like a boa constrictor snake that was about to squeeze the life out of its prey. Bakura stepped back several steps at the shock of the force he now faced.

"His Egyptian god card!" A drop of sweat slipped from his forehead as he continued to watch it.

"What's…that?" Serenity asked in a shaky voice, her hand coming to her chin.

"Uh…Joey?" Tristan prompted. Joey's eyes were wide with shock and fear.

"The hugest duel monster I've ever seen!" He exclaimed. Bakura made an attempt to get control of himself.

"Yugi, your god card may be powerful, but it will not guarantee you victory." Aurora half turned at the growl behind her.

"Something the matter, Namu," she whispered as she stepped to be nearer to him. It was a chance, but one she was willing to make. He scowled at her. You may have them fooled, Marik, but I am not so easily led, she continued mentally. His eyes widened only a moment before the guarded expression returned and he scowled again. He merely nodded at Zahara with a sly smirk before returning to the duel. Don't think you have gotten away with what you have done to her, either. This game is FAR from over. She returned to stand near Zahara as the duel began again, the shock finally wearing off.

"I've come much too far to lose now!" Bakura told Yami.

"I'm afraid it's over!" Yami returned.

"Never!" Bakura shouted. Aurora had a small suspicion he was not entirely talking to Yami alone with that one word. "You forget that my Ghost of Dark Sanctuary is still wandering the field. And now, my ghost, it is time to attack! Possess Slifer, the Sky Dragon." The ghost soared toward its target but never reached the dragon. It disappeared just before it could reach it. Bakura stepped forward, confused. "What happened? My Dark Ghost had no effect!" He gazed from the dragon to his empty hands, his eyes narrowed in thought, frustration, and anger. "I... can't... lose. There's too much at stake here for me. I must win!"

"You won't win!" Yami called out raising a fist into the air in front of him. "This duel is over!"

"All right! Nice goin', Yuge!" Joey cheered.

"Prepare to lose!"

"No! This can't be!" Bakura's heart hammered in his chest as he faced what was certain destruction.

"Slifer the Sky Dragon, attack his life points with…" Yami's eyes widened as he stopped in mid sentence. Aurora gasped as she too felt an odd presence.

"Something is wrong," she whispered. "Something is terribly wrong."

"Ryou," Zahara murmured softly as she bit down on her lower lip in fear. Aurora turned toward the door of the elevator.

"No," Aurora said with a tight look on her face. She glanced back at Marik and glared at him as Odion made his appearance holding the Millennium Rod. Zahara felt a crashing wave of dizziness and Aurora flinched but moved to catch her before she fell. She hated that Millennium Item. She still had no real idea why it affected her so much. Glancing up, she saw Sanura's face pale at the site of it and wondered briefly just how strongly it affected her as well.

"Marik," Yami said darkly as he turned to see the robed man he was led to believe was his nemesis. "What do you want?" Odion took a few more steps in silence before stopping and looking up at the arena.

"I advise you to wait before you attack with Slifer the Sky Dragon," Odion commented darkly to Yami. Several pairs of eyes turned and glared in his direction.

"How dare you! Come up here and get a piece a dis!" Joey shouted lunging forward. Duke, momentarily caught off guard, reached forward and grabbed Joey to hold him back, dodging flying arms and legs as Joey protested.

"Joey!" Tristan ran forward and pushed Joey back form the front.

"I don't think you wanna mess with him right now!" he said tightly, gritting his teeth when Joey's hand nicked his face.

"Hey, you! Just who do you think you are, anyway? You can't just come in here and interrupt a duel!" Mokuba shouted. Sanura spun around wide-eyes and shook her head in silent warning. He glanced at her in confusion but stepped back to be closer to Seto.

"Well, Marik? What is it? Why should I wait to attack?" Yami asked the robed man.

"Listen carefully, Pharaoh. Bakura is now under the control of the Millennium Rod!"

"No!" Zahara exclaimed as Odion held up the object that created such fear. Tears dripped from her eyes as she spun to look at Bakura who seemed frozen in his spot.

"He will do only what I tell him to do," Odion added.

"What do you mean? It cannot be. The Spirit of the Millennium Ring is the one controlling him." Yami prodded. His shook clearly registering in his eyes. Aurora blinked and gazed around the field. She stopped on Bakura and watched him carefully. He seemed poised as if he was listening to someone. This caused her to discreetly cast her gaze toward the real Marik. He wore a smug expression and nodded to her.

So it is just another of his plans, she thought angrily. She may not have cared much for the ancient spirit of the Ring, but no one deserved to be played as a pawn.

"That may have been true, but the Millennium Rod allows me to control both Bakura and the spirit within his Millennium Ring. If you do not believe me, I shall prove it, now by releasing your friend's mind!"

"What?" Yami turned and watched Bakura who seemed puzzled at first. He stood silently, staring straight ahead. Yami had remembered that same look on Joey's face and had begun to feel that this Marik was telling the truth. There was another brief moment before Ryou's eyes blinked and he grabbed his arm. With a soft moan, he fell to his knees.

"Ryou!" Zahara screamed out as Aurora grabbed for her.

"You can't go up there, Daughter! Not now. The duel is still in play."

"But he needs help, Mother," Zahara's tearful voice cried out. There was no stopping the tears that fell as she watched Ryou twitch in pain. His soft voice barely heard. His chocolate brown eyes not lifting from the ground as he lowered his head and closed them in pain.

"My arm… it… hurts," he gasped out, holding his arm tighter against him.

I will kill the Spirit of the Ring myself for this, Zahara thought furiously as she could do nothing but watch as Ryou pleaded for help.

"Bakura!" Yami, Joey and the others called out.

"Are you okay?" Téa asked him. Ryou looked up at Yami with eyes filled with tears of pain and confusion.

"Yugi, please help me. I…I don't know where I am." Ryou looked desperately around him. His vision fading in and out behind the curtain of darkness created by the pain. "What am I doing here in this duel?" He looked down at his bandaged arm. "What happened to my arm? Please, tell me. Help me!" Fear rang out in his voice and Zahara shook with grief and anger. Sanura and Sapphira appeared to help holdher back.

"It is him," Yami murmured in shock. Odion's voice cut through the sad scene.

"As you can see, he is in a great deal of pain, Pharaoh. Without the Spirit of the Ring he is weak. Because of this, you may wish to hold off on your attack. The devastation of Slifer's attack could very well make his condition worse."

"You snake!" Zahara shouted. Sapphira and Sanura redoubled their efforts to hold her as she struggled against them.

"Would you really risk the health of your friend to win this duel?" Yami spun back around to face him.

"Only a coward would stoop this low to win a duel!" Fire leapt in Yami's eyes as his anger doubled in strength.

"That's a cheap trick, Marik!" Joey shouted. Having calmed down slightly, Duke and Tristan had released him, but Tristan turned toward the duel again.

"Bakura, hang in there, we'll get you out!"

"Yugi! Please help him!" Téa pleaded as Odion turned and left the arena.

"Tomb keeper or not, I will see his head roll," Zahara seethed after him.

"Zahara!" Aurora whispered fiercely. "Temper in check, this will be all right in the end, I promise you."

"But Ryou is in danger now, Mother," she hissed back. Aurora turned to see the white haired boy still on his knees, shaking in pain and fear.

"I know, but there is nothing that can be done right now. He will be protected." Zahara scoffed at clamped her mouth tightly shut out of respect for her mother. The words echoing in her head were loud enough and Aurora closed her eyes to block them out.

"I don't feel very well, Yugi," Ryou called out to him again. Yami turned and started forward.

"Bakura!" He had reached mid way across the arena when Roland stepped up.

"Stop right there! You are not allowed to have contact with your opponent during a duel"

"Stupid rules," Sanura muttered.

"Should you take one more step, you will be disqualified." Yami stepped back one step in shock. Anger still clouded his gaze along with his concern for his friend.

"Please, stop the duel!" Téa begged.

"Bakura needs to get to a hospital!" Tristan added. Roland continued to stand and face Yami.

"If you do not return to your place and continue the duel, you will forfeit the match." Yami looked at Ryou again.

"Yugi, help!" Yami hesitated another moment and Seto decided to speak.

"Yugi, I will make this decision very easy for you," he told his long-time rival. "Finish him off!"

"Mr. Kaiba!" Sanura gasped, releasing her hold on Zahara long enough to turn her hard gaze at her boss.

"I give you one last warning, Mr. Motou. Make your move or lose your spot in the finals," Roland said gravely. Joey jumped up out of the spectator's box and started toward Roland.

"Chill out, buddy. Can't ya see da poor guy's injured? Come on!"

"One more step and you shall be disqualified as well," Roland told him as he turned to face Joey.

"What! You gotta bekiddin' me!" Joey growled. "If I come down dere, he's notda only one who's gonna need medical attention…" he was cut off as Duke and Tristan reached for, and grabbed, him, yanking him down off the platform.

"Continue the duel now!" Roland ordered.

"Yugi, do it!" Seto commanded. Yami returned to his side of the field, but he looked hard at his friend on the ground in front of him. He wanted to help him. Aurora could sense that, but he also knew the dangers that would come as a result of his forfeiture. He clenched his free hand into a fist.

"Please, someone help me, I don't feel well at all," Ryou begged.

I dealt with Bakura on a mental level once, I shall do it again, Zahara thought as she narrowed her eyes. There was a burst of energy and she saw her spiritual self projected into Bakura's soul chamber. She was not too surprised to see Marik standing there as well. I should have known you were behind this, she hissed at him mentally.

Of course, I need his god card and I can't very well have him win this duel now, can I? Marik sneered at her with a blown kiss. She saw red and Bakura glanced between the two of them wondering what was going on. She turned her attention to the Millennium Spirit.

Look at him, Bakura. Look hard at your light. Look at what your greed has gotten you. Bakura,you need him. You need him to survive to get what you want.

Shut up, you fool! Marik shouted at her. This time it was her turn to smirk.

Face it, Marik. Without the Rod by your side, your threats are meaningless to me. You can no longer do…What you did to me. She stopped herself short when Bakura raised his eyes toward her again, but he was lost in thought and did not speak.

Don't listen to her. The Pharaoh would not attack his friend.

He will, Bakura and you know it, Zahara insisted. He looked up at her again and when their eyes met there seemed to be a new kind of understanding. You know my father. You know he will to stop Marik in the end. And when he attacks, the attack could very well kill Ryou. Then you would be gone; your mission unfinished. Look at your Hikari, Spirit! He did look as Ryou pleaded to lay down and rest. Bakura could feel the pain he had caused his vessel and knew that Zahara was right. A sly smile curved his lips.

Sorry, Marik, but I must step in. I still need Ryou, and I can't risk his health! He still is the wearer of the Millennium Ring which holds my spirit. I must protect him at least for the moment. Marik shouted as a white light drove him and Zahara from the soul chamber. She cast a glance over her shoulder at Marik and winked at him as his eyes blazed with fury. The bright light could be seen on the field as the Millennium Ring activated and Ryou stood up stronger. Bakura's laughter could be heard.

"What's going on?" Yami gasped.

"I'm back, Yugi," the spirit replied darkly.

"It's you; the spirit!"

"That's right, I am back in control of your friend. I still need him. I know you plan to use your Egyptian god card, Yugi, so why don't you use it on me right now?" Yami hesitated another moment. "Come on, Yugi!" Bakura threw his arms up in the air and waited for the hit he knew was coming. He cast a glance down and saw Zahra standing near her mother. He gave a tight-lipped smile and faced Yami again.

"All right, then, go! Slifer the Sky Dragon, attack!" Bakura's laughter could barely be heard over the sound of the attack. The darkness lit up as if it were the middle of the day. When it was over, the Dragon disappeared and Ryou was left lying unconscious on the field.

"Ryou!" Zahara surged forward, breaking free of Aurora's, Sanura's, and Sapphira's grip as she leapt onto the arena. She and Yami reached Ryou at the same moment and she dropped to her kneesbesidehis unmoving body, her tears falling freely as she reached out and moved his hair from his face, gently touching his face as she reached for his uninjured hand.

"The winner is duelist number three, Yugi Motou!" Roland announced.

"That's just peachy, now lower that arena and get them all down from there!" Joey shouted. Yami cast a glance at Zahara and gently lifted Ryou'shead to better raise himtoward them. She wiped the tears from her eyes as Ryou opened his own and looked around in confusion.

"Are you all right?" Yami asked him. He swallowed and looked down a moment before his soft voice answered.

"So… just where am I?"

"You are with your friends now, Bakura," Yami answered with a smile. Ryou turned and looked as the others joined them. He took in each one in turn. His eyes widened when he saw Zahara and his otherhand reached out to hers. Gratefully, she took it and squeezed gently.

"You are going to be just fine, Ryou," she promised him softly. He nodded at her with a weak smile.

"That's right," Joey agreed. "All we gotta do is get Kaiba to land dis ding and get youda hospital again." Tristan turned and knelt so his back was facing Ryou.

"But first, help him onto my back so we can get him to his room." Yami watched as everyone left to tend to his friend. Aurora had stayed behind and approached him.

"You did what you knew you had to do, Pharaoh," she whispered.

"I can't help but wonder how things would have turned out had the Spirit not come back to regain control." He grew silent again before Yugi appeared beside her, letting Yami take his rest. Together they started after Ryou and the others. They were stopped however, when Roland's voice called out to them.

"Hold on! According to Battle City rules, as the winner of the duel you are able to take the rarest card from Bakura's deck. So it is time to claim your prize." Yugi turned. Surprise and then anger filled the innocent face.

"No way, I think Bakura's been through enough already," he told Roland before turning to rejoin his friends.

Ryou was laid out on his bed, his eyes closed in sleep. Zahara stood near the door with her head lowered as the others crowded near his bed. She could not help but notice how peaceful he looked when he slept. She bit down on her lip as thoughts of Ryou and thoughts of her anger toward the spirit and Marik passed through her mind. She hated that such evil had to fall upon such an innocent heart.

"Some crazy stuff went down in dat duel," Joey commented softly with a bowed head and closed eyes. "Especially when Marik showed up." Just the mere mention of his name caused Zahara's blood to boil. "I wonder what exactly happened back there?"

"For some reason, Marik did not want the spirit of the Ring to lose," Yugi replied easily. "Knowing Bakura was injured, Marik thought I would have forfeited the duel which would mean Bakura would gain my Egyptian god card. My guess is that the spirit had been afraid I would have attacked him and came back in the end. To protect him from the attack."

"But why would he do dat?" Joey asked.

"Because he depends on Ryou to survive," Zahara answered softly. The eyes of the others turned toward her and Yugi nodded.

"That's right. And if I had attacked Bakura with Slifer, the spirit may have been in danger, too."

"I'm still confused. The spirit may have been in control, but you still ended up attacking Bakura."

"No, Joey. That isn't how it works. With the spirit in control of Ryou's body when Yugi attacked, he took the hit, not Ryou. Sparing him from greater pain, if not a worse fate," Zahara stood up straighter and glanced up at Ryou.

"This sounds so confusing," Téa commented. "It almost sounds as if Marik and the evil spirit were in this together.

"I don't know how or why, but I know that we can't let Marik win this tournament," Yugi returned. "If we are lucky, that evil spirit won't be back again. I don't know about all of you, but I have had my fill of evil spirits." There was a chorus of nods and agreements behind him. They all stood and decided to talk to Seto about landing the aircraft. Zahara watched each carefully as they left. Yugi stopped short and glanced back at Ryou. Only Téa had mentioned staying behind. The thought did not sit too well with Zahara, though she was uncertain as to why.

"Hold on, guys!" Yugi exclaimed.

"What is it, Yugi?" Duke asked.

"Everything all right?" Joey added.

"It's gone," Yugi whispered. Zahara looked a little closer and realized what Yugi was talking about. Ryou's Millennium Ring was missing from around his neck.

"I don't get it guys. He had it around his neck right up through the end of the duel. Now it's… gone."

"You know, that thing's here one minute and gone the next, all the time," Tristan told him.

"Yeah, don't worry about it, let's get going and see about getting him some help," Joey suggested. Yugi hesitated a moment. Zahara half wondered what was going on in his mind. She half figured it was something along the lines of how he would feel if the Millennium Puzzle was to just vanish. With a small shrug, he turned and said good bye to Téa before leaving the room.

Zahara crept into the shadows where she would no longer be seen as she watched Téa. It was after the group had left when she heard the evil laughter in Téa's voice. The girl's head looked down as her arm raised, and Zahara saw the reason behind the laugher. In Téa's hand was Ryou's Millennium Ring.

So this is how you will play the game, she thought as she watched Téa stand and leave the room, a blank look in her eyes. Very well, she added as she approached Ryou's bed and sat beside him, brushing his hair tenderly away from his eyes and taking one of his hands in hers. I just hope you are prepared to lose, Marik.

I want to thank my faithful readers and reviewers again for continuing along on this little journey. DDCfreak, Atemu Fangurl, Ishizusan, Pastelblue, Change of Heart Twins, Luna Dusk, Marik 360, and mugen thank you all!

Sorry it is taking so long to get up new chapters... Life is just... being a pain and other factors have kept me from writing as often as I would like to- but, being a mother of 2 kids, that is likely to happen.

Anyway- I hope I will be making up for it with the longer chapters and I do hope the content is still to the liking of my readers. Thank you all again and enjoy- It may be at least another week or 2 before the next chapter goes up...

-LadyPhoenix99