Chapter 14

Evil Awakening

Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.

Kaiba's duel with Ishizu will chapter 12 of A Star Among Darkness.

What Ryou calls Rose falls into the same category as Nii-sama and Oniichan.

When a sentence is **like this**, it's sign language. When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.

When everyone arrived at the stadium, they found Kaiba. Joey, Yugi, and Mai showed their locater cards and were given key cards. Soon the other finalists arrived. The first was Marik but Joey and Tea recognized him as Namu, the guy who helped them when Ryou was stabbed. Merina strangely felt déjà vu and asked him if they had met before; Marik hesitated before saying no. Joey was a little suspicious since "Namu" got away from the Rare Hunters when he and Tea did not but Tea seemed unaware, introducing "Namu" to Yugi and Tiki. The siblings shook hands with him but Tiki also felt déjà vu when their hands touched. Because she had never met him before now, she was about to talk to Tima about it when the next finalist arrived.

To everyone's surprise, it was Ryou, accompanied by Rose. Everyone demanded to know why he was out of the hospital, especially since his bandaged arm was still bleeding, but he claimed he was fine, especially since he had six locater cards. Yugi was very suspicious: Ryou was not a duelist but Bakura was. Ignoring everyone's questions, Rose pointed out the seventh duelist: it was Odion. Everyone assumed he was Marik and Odion verified their suspicions. The three phoenixes hissed at him and Tiki clutched her necklace as if to hide Tima. Himself furious over everything Marik did, Kaiba considered disqualifying him but decided against it because Marik held the Winged Dragon of Ra. With seven of the eight finalists present, Kaiba's assistant Roland announced Domino Stadium was not the real location for the semi-finals. Just then, a huge blimp lowered down, making Mokuba announce with pride the finals would take place in the sky. Everyone was surprised but accepted it.

Everyone got on the blimp (Kaiba did not care if the non-duelists were present so they were allowed on) and the blimp took off after the final eighth duelist arrived. After Kaiba suggested/demanded Yugi use Slifer so Kaiba could achieve it, everyone settled in their rooms (Tea, Tristan, Duke, and Merina with Torru hung out in Joey and Serenity's room, to Joey's annoyance and Earthzina's amusement) and focused on their goals: Joey wanted to become a true duelist, Kaiba wanted the God Cards and the title King of Games, Mai wanted what she could not achieve in Duelist Kingdom, Odion wanted to do right by Marik, and Marik wanted to kill Yugi and Yami and have Tima back in his arms. They knew this tournament was the place to get those things.

In their room, Yugi was looking at Slifer. "Yami and Tima are looking for their memories. We must win to accomplish that."

Tarra looked at Yugi. ~This will be a difficult battle but it needs to be done.~

Tiki agreed as Yugi put Slifer in his deck. "It's finally starting, Yugi…the fateful battle for Yami and Tima."

Yami agreed. "Yes. But the question is will I regain my memory when the battle is won?"

Tima nodded. I believe so.

Tarra nodded but Yami was not sure. "We have to fight a Millennium Item holder and owner of the Winged Dragon of Ra, Marik, and the owner of Obelisk, Kaiba! A battle of the gods! I must win!"

Yugi pointed out, "There are two things that are bothering me. Ryou, for one thing."

Tiki nodded. "Yeah. Ryou seemed pretty bad by how everyone reacted."

Yugi added, "And why did he enter the finals?"

Tiki asked, "First off, how did he get a Duel Disk? I doubt he can afford one since he and Rose are living on their own."

Tarra asked, ~Is he a duelist at all?~

Tiki shook her head as Yugi admitted, "When he arrived, he did seem like he was being controlled by his dark personality."

Yami agreed but Tiki pointed out, "Rose didn't seem that way. She seemed like her normal self."

Hearing that, Yugi started to think. "Even with Rose that way…but it can't be the being that was in the Millennium Ring; Tristan said he chucked it into the forest at Duelist Kingdom."

Yami stated, "Never underestimate the dark powers of the Millennium Items."

Tarra's eyes widened slightly. ~Did you say Millennium Ring?~

Tiki nodded. Yami wanted to ask Tarra what she knew when Tima suggested, Maybe it has something to do with the necklace Rose was wearing. It wasn't thrown away.

Tiki was confused. "Why would an ordinary necklace have connections to the Millennium Ring?"

Tima hesitated. Not seeing this, Yami stated, "Nonetheless, Ryou may be under the control of that being again. Aibou, what was the other thing that's bothering you?"

Yugi simply said, "The eighth duelist."

Tarra tilted her head a little. ~What about that duelist?~

Yugi explained, "No one knows who it is."

Tiki nodded. "You got a good point."

Yami admitted, "I was thinking the same thing."

Tima sighed. Let's hope it's a friend and not a foe.

Everyone agreed as the screen in the room lit up, showing Roland. "All participating duelist and guests, please assemble in the central assembly hall for the start of the finals!"

Yugi put the deck in the Duel Disk and allowed Yami to take over. As Tarra flew to Yami's shoulder, Tima looked at Yami. **Good luck.**

Yami nodded. As he turned to leave, he remembered something and took Tima's hand, making her blush. "My promise still stands: I will protect you."

Tima smiled softly. **Thank you.**

He nodded and led her out to the assembly hall. It was a ballroom with tables of refreshments. Tarra joined Torru and Earthzina on the chandelier. Yami went to talk to Mai while Tima went to get some food. Looking up, Tima saw Odion leaning against the wall. She paled, making Tiki pat her shoulder. "Don't worry. He can't get you."

But Tima was not looking at Odion: she was looking at Marik who was in the same line of sight as Odion. With Tiki comforting her friend, she did not see Marik look at Tima with a glint of lust in his eyes. He put his finger (conveniently covered with whipped cream from the dessert in his other hand) to his lips in a hushing motion before seductively licking his finger clean. Shuddering, Tima looked at Tiki. Can you take over? I can't be near him.

Tiki nodded and took over. "It's all right, Tima. Nothing will happen to you."

Tima nodded, though still scared. She wanted to tell everyone that "Namu" was Marik but she was scared of him retaliating: her arm was still slightly bruised from him accidentally gripping it too hard. Coming up from behind, Merina got a shrimp. "Everything okay with the other Tiki?"

Tiki nodded. "Yeah…she's just too spooked to be around Marik."

Merina glared at Odion. "I don't blame her. To think of what that creep did to her…he's lucky I don't stick Torru on him."

Tiki stated, "If he does anything, Yami may get Tarra to do something before you can." Merina chuckled before Tiki asked, "How come you haven't told us about Torru before?"

Merina shrugged. "Phoenixes are extremely rare. Usually only their guardians know about them. Besides, I didn't know that Yami and Joey were guardians; I thought the only ones were at my old school."

Tiki nodded before registering what Merina said. "You know other phoenix holders?"

Merina said nothing. Tiki was about to demand an answer when the lights went out and the stage lit up, revealing Roland and a Blue Eyes White Dragon designed bingo machine. "We will now draw lots to determine the first round! Every match will be determined this way, using this bingo machine. The next draw will be held when the winners of each duel are determined. That way, you won't know your opponent's identity until moments before your duel."

Tristan asked, "Why use a bingo machine?"

Duke speculated, "No mistakes."

Roland continued, "This machine has been equipped with each number we assigned you. It will randomly choose two."

With that, the machine started, eventually spitting ball 6 (Ryou) and ball 3 (Yami). Everyone tried to persuade Ryou to rest, especially since he looked pale, but he and Rose insisted he was fine. Roland announced that the duel would take place on a special ring. He told Ryou and Yami to take the center elevator to the arena and had everyone else take another elevator. Ryou and Yami were led by Roland to the top of the blimp, where a duel ring was waiting for them. When they got to their spots, the arena raised, high enough for everyone to see everything. Before the duel started, Rose joined Ryou's side. Roland tried to stop her but she insisted; Kaiba let her, wanting to get the duel out of the way. They soon found out why: Yima wanted to be by Bakura's side.

The duel started one-sided with Yami significantly lowering Bakura's life points. But that was all a ruse to summon Dark Necrofear (it could only be summoned when three demon monsters were sacrificed in battle). Despite kicking himself for letting his guard down (and ignoring the déjà vu he felt towards the monster), Yami recovered by summoning Dark Magician Girl and destroying Dark Necrofear. But it was still according to Bakura's plans: with Dark Necrofear gone, he was allowed to play the field card Dark Sanctuary, which came with a ghost that could possess any of Yami's monsters it wished and attack Yami if Yami happened to choose the possessed monster; the added bonus was that Yami lost half of the possessed monster's ATK from his life points and Bakura received them. With Dark Sanctuary, Ouija Board (guaranteeing Yami's defeat in four turns), Dark Door (making Yami attack only once per turn), and Dark Spirit of the Silent (used once to force the possessed Dark Magician Girl to attack, thereby hurting Yami and benefiting Bakura) it appeared Bakura was going to win.

However, Yami started to turn things around with Collected Power (transferring all equipment cards, including Dark Sanctuary's ghost, to Kuriboh), Exile of the Wicked (destroying Kuriboh and the ghost with it), and Monster Reborn (resurrecting Dark Necrofear and cancelling Dark Sanctuary). While Bakura managed to destroy Dark Necrofear and get Dark Sanctuary back with Jowgen the Spiritualist's special ability and teased he was going to use another Dark Spirit of the Silent, it was all for naught: Yami summoned Slifer the Sky Dragon. Bakura and Yima were frightened by the sight of the God and believed they could not win, especially when Dark Sanctuary's spirit was snuffed out when it tried to possess Slifer. But Marik had an idea…

Just as Yami was about to have Slifer attack, the Millennium Puzzle reacted, making him pause. Looking behind him, he saw Odion walk out with the "Millennium Rod." The three phoenixes hissed at him as Tiki clutched her necklace. Seeing that, Merina said, "Tima, come out."

Ignoring what was going on with everyone else, Tiki looked at Merina, a little confused. "What did you say? You want Tima to be around the guy who violated her?"

Merina looked at Tiki with a strong look. "Yes. Look, I know she's afraid of him; I don't blame her. But the more she fears him, the more power he has over her. If she comes out, she'll take control back."

Tiki was about to protest but Tima stopped her. No…she's right.

Tiki hesitated but Tima took control. At the same time, Odion "severed his control" of Ryou and Rose, letting the hosts take over and letting Ryou feel every ounce of pain from his arm injury. Panicked for her brother, Rose tried to comfort him. "Ryou! Hang on!"

Very scared, Ryou looked up and say Yami. "Yugi! Where am I?! Why am I here?!"

Rose looked down at Ryou's bandaged arm. "What happened to you?!"

Ryou looked. "I don't know…Ane, I'm scared!"

Rose hugged Ryou, trembling, as Odion explained, "The boy is badly wounded. Yugi, an attack from God will have you win…but the damage could take his life…and I do not believe girl could live with her precious brother dying in her arms. Are you willing to take such a step?"

Tarra screeched with anger as Yami glared. "You are using their lives as shields?!"

Joey was also furious. "You bastard!"

Tristan looked at the siblings. "Hang in there, you two!"

Odion left, having done his job. Tima looked at him but was looking at Marik out of the corner of her eye. Seeing that, Marik winked at her, making her look back at the duel. Marik almost chuckled. 'What a good girl to not tell them the truth…there's hope for us, my sweet.'

Ryou continued to clutch his arm. "It hurts…it hurts, Ane…!"

Yami started to go to the siblings but Roland stopped him. "It is strictly forbidden to have contact with your opponent! If you leave your platform, you are admitting defeat!"

Yami growled but stayed. 'If I attack, I win…but I can't!'

Tea pleaded, "Stop the duel!"

Merina agreed. "We need to get Ryou some help! He'll die if we don't!"

Roland ignored them and ordered Yami to continue the duel. Yami hesitated, trying to figure out how to both win the duel and make sure Ryou and Rose were safe. Kaiba and Roland ordered him to attack but Yami still hesitated. After a minute, however, Bakura and Yima took control again. Bakura sneered, "I'll admit defeat this time! Go ahead and attack us!"

Yami was surprised, making Yima laugh. "Stop worrying about your pathetic little friends! They won't die so attack already! I'm bored up here!"

Bakura agreed. "Look, I won't lie; this host is important to me! I simply can't allow him to die!"

Yima peeked at Bakura. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you had feelings for this child."

Bakura muttered, "Shut up, bitch." Yima smirked with amusement as Bakura declared, "Come at us! I dare you!"

With no hesitation, Yami had Slifer attack and destroy the rest of Bakura's life points. As they were attacked, they both had messages. Bakura yelled, "I'LL BE THE ONE WHO WILL WIN IN THE END!"

Yima looked at Tima out of the corner of her eye. "I'M STILL COMING FOR YOU!"

When the light cleared, Ryou and Rose were passed out but alive, without the Millennium Ring and the necklace. The duel ring lowered and everyone was allowed to take Ryou and Rose to their room, where Tea elected to stay and watch them while everyone else went to try and convince Kaiba to land the blimp to get Ryou and Rose to the hospital. When Kaiba refused but had his doctors go check on the siblings, everyone had no choice but to accept Kaiba's decision.

During the break, everyone went their separate ways: the siblings went to their respected rooms and Tristan and (a reluctant) Duke went to look for the missing Millennium Ring and necklace. Yugi spread out his deck and then put it back together. Tarra blinked in confusion. ~What was the point of shuffling like that?~

Tiki giggled. "Tarra, I learned a long time ago to never question my brother's motives. You should just accept them."

Yugi gave Tiki a playful glare as Tarra looked at the window and screeched in surprise. Yugi and Tiki looked and were surprised: Shadi was in their doorway. Tarra tensed up. ~Who are you?!~

Tiki patted her head. "Don't worry. We know Shadi."

Tarra looked at Shadi and noticed he had the Millennium Key. Deciding to trust him, the phoenix settled down as Shadi stated, "In my investigation of Duelist Kingdom, I learned the Millennium Puzzle's seal had been broken. Based on what has happened since, it would appear you two have learned the identities of your other selves."

Yugi stood. "Yes. Yami is the soul of a Pharaoh."

Tiki added, "And Tima was his queen."

Shadi stared at them. "Correct, young ones."

Yugi was confused. "How did you get here?"

Tiki looked at Yugi. "Did you forget how we first met him?"

Yugi remembered Shadi appearing in the stairwell of Pegasus' castle. "True…you do always appear in incredible ways."

Shadi looked at his Millennium Item. "I am a guardian of Millennium Items. As of now, all seven items are on this ship…along with the God Cards. Everything that is required to open the door to the Pharaoh's memories are here."

The siblings said at the same time, "Really?"

Shadi nodded. "But listen well, young ones: the Millennium Items and the God Cards may only be used by those chosen. If someone who is not chosen attempts to use them…they will suffer God's wrath."

Tiki shuddered. "That's creepy."

Yugi asked, "Why are you telling us this?"

Shadi stated, "In the past, Pegasus traveled to Egypt, trying to resurrect his lover. Soon after he was chosen by the Millennium Eye, he discovered palettes with images of monsters. He was being tempted by the palettes; thus, he visited Egypt several more times; what he truly sought after was the stones depicting the truth about the Pharaoh and his Royal Court. That was the beginning of the creation of Duel Monsters. Pegasus studied the palettes for years; through his studies, he learned of the God Cards. It was then that he decided to locate them himself."

He told the story of how Pegasus got the God Cards: he searched everywhere but found nothing. Seeing Pegasus' dedication, Shadi decided to show Pegasus where the God Cards were. He took Pegasus and a few of his workers to the tomb guardians' underground village, shielding them from sight with the power of the Millennium Key. Finding the palette with the Gods on them (the same palette that was currently in the museum), Pegasus was ecstatic, especially as his two companions took video and pictures of the palette for later. As he remembered Pegasus leaving for America, he admitted, "Even I had no idea of the terror to come. At that moment, I thought…whether those chosen by Millennium Items could control the Gods as well. Pegasus did complete the three God Cards himself, but he personally experienced the terrible power of the Gods. After that, he decided to seal the cards. When he came back to Egypt to do so, he received a visit from the woman the Pharaoh and Queen met."

Yugi looked up. "You mean Ishizu?"

Shadi nodded. "Young vessels, please deliver my words to them."

Tiki chuckled. "Tell them yourself."

With that, Yami and Tima came out. Seeing the two, Shadi got down on one knee. "My sincerest apologies. All the Millennium Items are on this ship. All that needs to be done now is win the duels and open the gate." He looked at Tima. "My Queen. I have a message for you personally…from Ra himself."

Believing Shadi was talking about God, Tima nodded. Shadi stood up and looked her in the eyes. "He has spoken: listen to your feelings…those that tell you to act…and those that tell you to retreat."

Tima looked confused but nodded. Yami was just as confused. "What does that mean?"

Shadi said nothing. Just then, there was an announcement for everyone to report back to the main lobby. The two looked up for a brief moment but, when they turned back, saw Shadi had disappeared. Yami asked, "What do you suppose his message meant?"

Tima shook her head. **I wish I knew…but God has spoken.**

Yugi smiled at Yami. "We're counting on you, Yami!"

Yami smirked. "Yes! I will gather all three!"

Tarra squawked in agreement.

The second duel was Joey and Odion as Marik. With Earthzina by his side, Joey was glad he could finally take his anger out on the man who brainwashed him, especially after Odion scared him with the fake Millennium Rod. While the duel started rocky (Joey almost lost his cards in the wind, embarrassing the earth phoenix, and Odion had trap strategies and a calm demeanor that kept angering and hurting Joey), Joey managed to get his bearings back for a moment when he assumed Odion had nothing but trap and magic cards. However, Odion revealed the big surprise in his deck: he had trap monsters. Three of the trap cards he played were his Embodiment of Apophis cards. Joey did his best to hang on in the duel but it was easier said than done. The blonde almost surrendered but it was the combination of Earthzina pecking his temple, Mai reminding him of the three he defeated in Battle City, Serenity's passionate words, Odion asking Joey what he was searching for in Battle City, and Yami reminding Joey of the riddle (what you can show but you can't see) that relit the fire in Joey's heart. Thanks to a couple of cards, he summoned the one monster that could destroy the trap monsters and stop Odion's trap strategy: Espa Roba's Jinzo. With Jinzo, Swordsman of Landstar, and Battle Warrior, Joey almost completely destroyed Odion's life points. Odion was impressed and congratulated Joey for such a victory, which made Yami pause. 'Is this really the same Marik that made Tima and my life hell during Battle City?'

Tima looked at Odion but was really looking at Marik out of the corner of her eye. He winked at her, making her shudder and focus on the duel. Odion played Swords of Revealing Lights, saving himself from attack; that did not stop Joey from summoning Mako's Legendary Fisherman and Weevil's Insect Queen, keeping all his monsters in DEF. After taking a moment from drawing a card, Odion played a card inside the ark of his field card and played a ritual card to summon Mystical Beast of Selket, all to protect the card in the ark: the Winged Dragon of Ra. Joey started to panic, especially when Selket ate his three monsters, taking on half of their ATK until it was 5825. Joey ended his turn but had something to say: "'What you can show but you can't see…' You know, I have a funny feeling. I knew and accepted a while ago that I was going to lose. When winning and losing didn't matter…that's when I could see…something I couldn't see before. I'm kicking myself for not figuring it out sooner. Hell, could have been the heat of battle. Marik brainwashed me and forced me to fight my best friend in a death duel…a duel that will haunt us forever. I can't forgive that bastard for what he did!"

Odion stated, "Curse me all you want. Your anger towards me can't defeat me."

Joey growled, "Will you shut up and let me talk?! When this duel started, I hated you! But…I don't anymore; I even tried to remember how it felt when that bastard took over my mind and infected me with his anger!" Tima peeked over her shoulder at Marik and gave him a slight glare as Joey continued, "But you…you didn't use any cheap tricks; you fought me fair and square! If I lose to you, fine; doesn't mean this hasn't been one of my best duels! You truly are a true duelist! I may not know your reasons but one thing is clear: you, sir, are not Marik!"

Yami himself agreed. Tarra looked at Tima. ~Pharaoh…what is the Queen looking at?~

Yami turned to Tima and where she was looking, at "Namu." Odion took out his fake Millennium Rod. "Enough with this bullshit! The Millennium Rod is proof of my name! This duel will continue and no one will listen to a loser!"

He had Selket attack a very calm Joey and Earthzina but stopped at the last minute, deciding to use a different tactic instead. Sacrificing Selket and half his life points, he summoned the Winged Dragon of Ra from the ark in the temple. It was a frighteningly beautiful and fiery sight, especially with its special ability to absorb the ATK of its sacrifice, giving it now 5825 ATK. But as soon as Odion ordered Ra to attack, Ra disintegrated with a scream and lightening started to attack the duel ring. Odion (and his fake Millennium Rod) and Joey were struck, knocking them out; Earthzina was spared because Joey pushed her away in time. Off Kaiba's order (Kaiba knew his hologram had a safety feature), Roland gave them five minutes to stand up, thus allowing the stander to win. Odion almost stood up but could not. Earthzina did her best to try and push Joey up but he was too heavy. While worried about Joey, Tima froze when she heard a familiar voice in her head: Tima…help me…

She looked behind her and saw Marik clutching his head, groaning loudly in pain. She was worried but still scared. 'No…this is a trick…it has to be!'

Marik looked at her through pained eyes and whispered, "Help…me…"

Tima hesitated but her attention was drawn to Joey standing up. A little confused, Joey asked, "Is this the City Tournament?"

Merina raised her eyebrow. "How hard did you hit your head?"

Mai snapped, "Why the hell are you spacing out?!"

Earthzina pecked his head. ~Don't you scare us like that again!~

Joey blinked and looked at Odion. "What happened to him?" He then remembered. "Oh yeah…when he summoned Ra…we both were attacked." Roland announced Joey as the winner, making him blink again. "Wait, I won?"

As the duel ring lowered, Joey and Yami with their phoenixes went to Odion to check on him. Joey propped up Odion. "Hey, come on! Pull yourself together!"

Odion weakly opened his eyes. "Joey Wheeler…it was…an honor…to have fought…against you…"

Earthzina cooed as Joey smiled. "Me too! You really are a true duelist…but you're not Marik. So who are you?!"

Odion weakly shook his head. "Forget…about me…just…please…! Help…Master Marik…!"

He pointed to a suffering Marik. Everyone was surprised at the revelation. As Marik continued to clutch his head and cry out in pain, Tea noticed what he was holding in his hand. "Wait! That Rod…!"

Taking a shaky deep breath, Marik turned and smirked at everyone, ignoring the sweat on his face. "Yes…I am Marik."

Tea backed up a little. "That means…that Namu…!"

Marik scoffed. "A name from a book…an alias to get close to you."

Joey growled, "That bastard!"

The phoenixes hissed at Marik, who laughed. "Just call it sacrificing your friends for a better cause…a cause that started 3,000 years ago. Yugi, in order to destroy you and take Tima as my own, I will do whatever it takes!"

He then clutched his forehead and continued to cry out in pain. Joey cursed him until Odion grabbed his shirt. "Please…! Stop him…! Marik's…other…! If I fall…that…thing…will gain power to…awaken…a…gai…"

He passed out before he could finish. Joey tried to revive him but was distracted by Marik's screams. Gasping for air and struggling, Marik looked at Tima with pleading eyes. "Please…help me! Keep me sane…keep me sane!"

Tima backed away. 'Is this a trick? It must—'

She suddenly remembered what Marik said on the yacht: "You're the only thing keeping me sane. You're the only one who keeps me sane." She looked at Marik, about to reach for him, when he threw his head back and screamed. When he stopped screaming, he lowered his head but he looked very different: his hair was wild, his eyes were dull and cruel, and there was a glowing Egyptian eye on his forehead. He sneered with a deep but chilling voice, "I'm finally free…"

Tima paled and ran behind Yami. 'No…no…why him? Why is he here?'

Yami touched her trembling hand as the new Marik said, "I don't need a shadow anymore…when he is here, I am hidden…"

Tima hid a little more as Yami asked, "Hidden?"

"Marik" chuckled. "Compared to me, Marik is a child…hence why he could finish a duel…properly." "He" leaned "his" head back and whispered to "himself," "He's just like he was back then…" "He" said a little louder, "That fool is afraid of the darkness. Me…" "he" gave Yami a creepy look, "…I love the darkness."

Yami felt a touch of fear from the look "Marik" gave him. 'Does Marik have another personality?' He felt Tima continued to tremble. 'She seem…genuinely afraid of him…'

"Marik" looked at all of them. "To me…every single one of you are shadows." "He" peeked at Odion. "That one…most convenient shadow to disappear."

Joey growled, "You bastard!"

"Marik" shuddered with delight at the foul word. "In your duel, that man proved something: the only ones capable of controlling the God Cards are who with connection to Millennium Items. Right Kaiba?"

Kaiba scoffed. "Ridiculous. Don't give me your occult nonsense; Obelisk obeys me as my loyal servant."

"Marik" chuckled darkly. "So you say…maybe your memories also stretch back 3,000 years."

Yami immediately thought back to the palette at the museum. He did think back then that the Pharaoh's opponent looked a lot like Kaiba. "Marik" scoffed. "Never mind. We'll know sooner or later. Yugi…the REAL Millennium Battle has begun. We are headed towards true darkness…where none of us can turn back."

"He" laughed evilly and walked away. Everyone backed away, giving "him" space, growing scared of "him." Once "he" left, everyone helped Joey get Odion down to his room. Once they were alone, Yami looked at Tima. "It's all right, he's gone."

Tarra looked at Tima. ~It's okay, my Queen. He can't hurt you.~

Tima nodded as Yami took her hand. "Whether it's one Marik or another, the promise still stands: I will protect you."

Tima smiled at him.

The third duel was between Mai and "Marik." Mai was furious with Joey for saying she was not in the dream that helped him stand up (she really was but he was too embarrassed to admit it) and told everyone to not cheer for her, falling back to her old ways of believing she needed only herself to win. Such an attitude made "Marik" cruelly intrigued to take apart piece by piece.

Mai took the first move but "Marik" wanted to get ready for more powerful monsters, starting with Revival Jam and Slime Breeding Machine. Yami recognized them and tried to warn Mai but Mai stopped him, reminding him it was against the rules to give advice. "Marik" chuckled darkly, especially when Mai attacked Revival Jam and it regenerated. Mai took care of the magic and trap cards "he" played and destroyed the slime token, damaging "his" life points. But it only made "Marik" even more insane with glee. After toying with her with "his" monsters, "he" decided to make things more interesting by covered the duel ring with darkness summoned by the Millennium Rod, starting a Shadow Game. Yami's friends recognized the clouds as similar to Pegasus' cloud at Duelist Kingdom. Mai was still determined to win, despite Yami warning her of how dangerous it was. She did not know that her words sent a tingle down "Marik's" spine.

Mai summoned a monster but was surprised by it glowing, something "Marik" teased was her very essence. "He" proved "his" point by letting her attack her monster "he" possessed a turn earlier. "Marik" did lost life points but, since it was originally her monster, she suffered the most: "Marik" revealed that each monster represented a human memory and the memory she just destroyed was Tea. Mai looked at Tea as "Marik" teased that "he" knew what she truly feared: being alone. She grew more scared, especially when she tried to remember Tea but could not; she even could not see Tea when she looked at the group. She could hear Tea but had no idea who it was. Everyone looked at Mai and grew very worried.

"Marik" tried to have some more fun but Mai managed to hold her ground and destroy his new monster. Despite losing a memory, "he" openly admitted that "he" did not care, scaring Mai even more. "Marik" got "his" monster back and destroyed Mai's monster. To Mai's horror, the memory was Joey. When he was forgotten, Mai collapsed to her knees, traumatized; "Marik" enjoyed every second of Mai's torment. Tima looked at Yami. **Help her.**

Yami nodded and stepped into the shadow game. In the shadowy realm, he found Mai wandering aimlessly with "Marik" watching with sick glee. When he made his presence known, Mai turned around. "Who…? Yugi…?"

"Marik" growled, "Stay out of this, you bastard!"

Yami ignored "Marik." "Mai! Don't be brought down by Marik's illusions!"

Mai was hesitant. "You mean…I'm just…imagining this loneliness?"

Yami nodded. "That's correct. In a Shadow Game, the key to success is willpower! Such illusions are created by the fear and terror that lives in your heart!"

Mai lowered her head, her eyes watering. "Yugi…I feel…like I've lost something…something important to me…" she hugged herself, "…something deep within my heart…something I cherished…"

Suddenly Joey's voice rang out in the darkness. Mai! Mai, don't give up!

Mai looked around. "That voice…! I don't know who it is but…it warms my heart…so warm…"

Yami gently but firmly stated, "Mai, you have to win! If you do, Marik's illusion will disappear! Don't ever let the light of your heart go out! Take back your lost memories!"

Mai was touched and agreed, making "Marik" growl. Yami returned and looked at Mai, who resolved to continue thanks to Yami's words and Joey "anonymously" giving support. While "Marik" was furious that Yami interfered with "his" fun, "he" was almost turned on Mai's determination. 'She'll be fun to break.'

Mai summoned Amazoness Chain Master but it was captured and tortured by a new monster "Marik" had. Having enough again, Yami demanded, "Marik, stop this now!"

"Marik" leered at him and Tima, making Tima hide behind Yami, and teased, "Nothing can stop this now…the moment that bitch loses in this game, she'll fall into a deep slumber! Don't think this is meaningless. Torturing your friends like this…it's fun."

Yami shook with anger. "You bastard!"

"Marik" shuddered with delight. "Yes…yes, Yugi! Hate me! Tell me more! I've been wanting to fight you for 3,000 years! Let out your anger and let it attack me! Even better, that bitch of yours came with you! Ooh, the things I have in mind for her…!"

Tima shivered as Yami spat out, "You won't get away with this, Marik!"

Mai shouted, "Yugi, this is my fight so stay out of this! I am a duelist so I'll fight him to the end!"

Yami silently agreed, despite Joey worried by what "Marik" meant by "deep slumber." Mai used her trap card to send her monster to the graveyard. In doing so, she activated Amanozess Chain Master's special ability, stealing the Winged Dragon of Ra from "Marik." With it in hand, she felt invincible, despite "Marik" not worried. After using a magic card to help her destroy "Marik's" monster, "Marik" used a trap card to replenish "his" hand, capturing and torturing Mai's new monster. That, however, was part of Mai's plan: after rescuing her monster, she quickly summoned the Winged Dragon of Ra after sacrificing the three Harpie Sisters. But there was a very big problem: Ra was curled up into a sphere and its light revealed the previously hidden hieratic words needed to fully activate Ra and all its special abilities.

No matter how hard she stared at the card, Mai knew she had no chance of translating it. "Marik" revealed that even Pegasus himself could not decipher the text but "he himself" could because tomb guardians were taught the language. Laughing at her inability to control Ra, "Marik" summoned Holding Legs to accompany Holding Arms "he" played a couple turns earlier. Thanks to Holding Legs, Mai's face down card was returned to her hand; thanks to both monsters, the Sacred Stone of Ojhat was summoned behind Mai. "Marik" had Holding Arms and Holding Legs attached her to the stone, revealing they were not holograms, and had the two electrocute her, almost knocking her out. Tima looked away as Tarra screeched and Yami demanded, "Stop it, Marik!"

"Marik" looked to see the glowing eye on Yami's forehead. "He" scoffed. "Entertaining, isn't it? Now if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare my sacrifice of darkness! Listen: Ra has three special abilities! I'll be nice and reveal one!"

Staring up at the orb, "Marik" started to chant in hieratic, crossing "his" arms in respect. To everyone's shock, Ra unlocked itself and stood on "Marik's" side (the special ability "Marik" activated was Ra serving the player who could summon it via hieratic chant). The Winged Dragon of Ra was truly a terrifyingly beautiful sight, even more so than the fake Odion used. It was a dragon made of golden metal. It had feather-like ornament on each side of its brid of prey-like head and on its elbows. Its wings were long and feathered. Everyone felt afraid before it. Unable to even surrender thanks to Holding Arms pinning her, Mai lowered her head in defeat, making "Marik" grin insanely. "Burn to ash, bitch!"

Yami yelled, "Stop! This duel is over! You don't need to attack her!"

"Marik" glared at Yami. "Watch, you bastard! Watch me sacrifice this bitch to the darkness! Draw out all your hatred while you watch!" Yami grew angrier, giving "Marik" an idea. "Let me tell you a secret: carved on my back is the seal of memories. A secret my family has protected for thousands of years: the location of the Pharaoh's memories! All to present to the resurrected Pharaoh." That caught Yami's attention as "Marik" closed "his" eyes and covered them with "his" hand. "For that purpose…and that purpose alone…countless generations have lived and died. Our only birthright…was darkness…a deep scar…despair…pain…nothing more…"

"He" started to shake in sorrow until "he" revealed "he" was really laughing. "I could barely do that with a straight face! But that was the trauma that dominated my weaker self! Darkness robbed him of freedom and even more darkness was born from his pitiful heart! That pain and hatred in his dark heart…that was me. I found him, or came to be, when he was ten, when the Rite of the Tomb Guardians was performed on him. His father filled him with pain and sorrow; he was so pathetic he almost killed himself. That's how I found him: his sadness had the perfect scent for me to follow. He thinks he created me to keep on living. As soon as I latched onto his soul, I knew I would eventually take over. Still, there were two things standing in my way: I could only take over when he's filled with rage and…Odion…Tima…without knowing, those two sealed me away."

Yami looked at Tima, who shook her head. **I don't know what he's talking about.**

"Marik" continued, "Odion did it with the carving on his face. As for the bitch queen…it was the drawing he stole from one of his books. He fantasized about her every second he could, eventually falling in love with her…though I can't say anything about his taste. Whenever he felt depressed or overwhelmed, he would take out that picture…keeping me at bay with his love for the Queen he could never have."

Tima's heart broke hearing that. Marik was not pretending when he acted lovingly to her and was not lying when he said she was the only thing keeping him sane. Her eyes watered as she lowered her head a little. 'I saved him…for so long…and when he needed me the most…'

Remembering Marik reaching for her before "he" came out, she closed her eyes as tears fell. Tarra noticed and nuzzled her head. ~Don't blame yourself, my Queen. You didn't know.~

Tima did not respond as "Marik" continued with a laugh, "But the moment Odion fell unconscious and the Queen turned her back on him, I took control!"

Tima lowered her head on Yami's shoulder, her guilt growing, as Yami growled, "What the hell do you want?!"

"Marik" smirked. "Want? I don't have any needs! But if you're so desperate for an answer…destruction of light…destruction of order…kill everyone but myself! That is the ultimate pleasure!" He laughed, scaring everyone. "But first I have to send this bitch to her death in the darkness!"

Before anyone could stop him, Joey ran to Kaiba's side and demanded to Roland, "Lower the Duel Ring!"

Roland stated, "Absolutely not! The duel is not over!"

Growling, Joey started to climb up the duel ring. Roland warned Joey he would be disqualified but Joey did not care. Before Roland could, Kaiba said, "Let the bonkotsu do what he wants."

Still trapped, Mai sank deeper and deeper into depression. "Is this…it?"

"Marik" chuckled. "It's all over. Ra! Kill that bitch!" Ra started to gather energy in its mouth, horrifying everyone. "Marik" whispered, "Die…"

Mai closed her eyes, numbly bracing herself. That's when she heard a voice. "Mai! Mai, you need to run!"

Mai looked up, seeing no one. "That voice…from before…"

The voice belonged to Joey. He and Earthzina struggled to get Holding Arms off her wrists. "What the hell?!"

Mai looked up a little. "Who…?"

With Earthzina continuing to try and break Holding Arms, Joey looked at Mai. "Mai…"

Mai sadly smiled. "I hear something…in my heart…a warmth…"

Joey's heart broke. "You mean…you really…don't know who I am?"

Mai smiled, still seeing nothing. "I hear…it again…"

Joey gently grabbed her face. "Mai…it's me! Joey! How could you forget me? We're friends who have fought together all this time!"

Mai whispered, "Friends…?"

Joey nodded. "Don't you remember?! You have to win to duel against me and Yugi! There's no way in hell I'm gonna to let you forget that! I owe you big time! When I was unconscious in my duel earlier, I had a dream about everyone; that helped save me! For some stupid reason, I didn't have the strength to stand up; that's when all you guys reached out to help me! You were there too! I didn't tell you before because I was embarrassed! But, Mai…you were there!"

Mai's eyes widened and finally saw, "Joey!"

Jeoy smiled in relief. "You remember me!"

While "Marik" was mad their friendship broke the power of darkness, "he" knew it was too late as the Winged Dragon of Ra prepared to attack. Seeing that, Mai demanded, "Out of the way! This is my fight!"

Joey continued to work on Holding Arms, especially since Earthzina was having no luck. "Are you crazy?! Not with you stuck here! Earthzina, why won't it budge?!"

Earthzina continued to work. ~I don't know! I'm trying!~

Mai was touched by this but knew it was futile. "Run, Joey!"

Joey ignored her request. "Don't even think I can do that!"

When the Winged Dragon of Ra attacked, Joey shielded Mai and Earthzina shielded Joey's back. Mai looked at Joey, stunned and scared. "You got another fight coming! Just leave me!"

Joey looked at Mai. "Hell no! I'm not going to stand here and watch my friend die!"

Mai's heart broke and soared at Joey's admission. The two braced themselves for impact but it never came. They looked up and were horrified at the sight" "YUGI!"

Pushing Tarra off his shoulder, Yami ran up and shielded all three of them, taking the attack in the back. Tarra screeched, especially when Yami told her, 'Don't interfere! I can take this!'

While he said that to make Tarra stay, the attack was so painful, it took all his willpower to not pass out right then and there. "Marik" laughed mockingly. "Aw…almost makes me cry, being a human shield for your friends and taking Ra's attack like that…"

Gritting his teeth and groaning in pain, Yami looked over his shoulder and glared. "Marik! Your anger…your hatred…I'll take it on my back! But I swear…I'll send you back to the darkness where you belong!"

He then cried out in pain. Shaking at the sight of Yami in pain, Tima looked at "Marik" and felt her anger grow. Without thinking and before Tarra could stop her, she climbed up onto the duel ring and headed for "Marik" with her fist ready. But, without even looking at her, "he" caught her punch and gripped it tightly, making her silently cry out. "He" looked down at her and smirked evilly, making her blood run cold. "Marik would never hurt you…I'm not Marik."

Grabbing her by the throat, "Marik" lifted her up. Tarra tried to attack but froze thanks to the Millennium Rod's power. Looking at Yami taking the attack from Ra, "he" suddenly got an idea. "His" face twisted into a sick smirk and said with sick glee, "Burn with your friends and beloved Pharaoh, my Queen…"

Yami looked behind him and was horrified: as if in slow motion, "Marik" threw Tima by her throat into Ra's attack. Her back hit the attack, making her scream in silent pain. Yami's heart dropped. "Tima, no!"

Everyone yelled out, making "Marik" laugh out loud. "I will destroy you all! I will crush you into pieces with the Millennium Puzzle, burn your Queen to ashes after I have my way with her, and sentence you all to darkness!"

Ra's attack ended, making Tima and Yami fall to the ground face first, their backs smoking. Tarra was released from the spell and went to Tima. ~My Queen! Hold on!~

Joey and Earthzina checked on Yami. "Hang on!"

"Marik" chuckled darkly. "While I'm disappointed neither of them became ash, that blonde bitch lost all her life points. So, judge! I won so announce me the winner!"

While he was disturbed, Roland announced "Marik" the winner. As the holograms disappeared, releasing Mai from her bonds, "he" went to Tima and unsheathed the dagger in the Millennium Rod. "So…shall I have my way with you now?" Tarra shielded Tima and hissed loudly, electricity surrounding her body, so "Marik" pointed the dagger to Yami. "Or tear him apart?"

Joey growled. "You bastard! I oughta kill you!"

Earthzina joined Joey on his shoulder as "Marik" mockingly rolled "his" eyes. "Relax, you idiot. I'm allowed to have a sense of humor, you know. I'll take my time with them; they deserve to be taken apart piece by piece in a Shadow Game!"

"His" glowing third eye suddenly glowed brighter, freezing Joey and Earthzina. "Marik" chuckled. "Of course, I can kill you two whenever I wish. Blondes are my favorite to torture and I've always wondered what phoenix meat tastes like. But later. For now, remember this: I ALLOWED you two to live."

"He" went to Mai and got down to her level. "I want my God Card back, bitch." When Mai did not respond, "Marik" chuckled and made her look at "him." "Consider yourself lucky you got away with your life…but you'll curse that luck. You'll wish you died painlessly when I generously gave you that option. The rules stated that the loser of a Shadow Game must be punished; luckily, the winner can decide the punishment." Mai looked at him with a blank look as "Marik" stood up. "My sweet child…I'm going to let you enjoy the world of my mind to the fullest!"

With that, the Millennium Rod flashed and Mai fell forward, unconscious. Free from the spell, Joey paled. "What the hell did you to do to her?!"

"Marik" smirked proudly. "Left her in the perfect living hell. As we speak, she's falling deeper and deeper into darkness. With each passing second, she'll suffer extreme loneliness and suffering. In the end, she'll be an empty shell…with no memories of anything; hell, she'll even forget why she even exists. She'll wander aimlessly in loneliness…cursed to never regain consciousness." Seeing Joey and Earthzina tremble with anger, "Marik" scoffed. "All right, I'll be nice again, though it makes me sick: if (and that's a big if) you defeat me, she might (MIGHT) recover."

Earthzina hissed as Joey demanded, "How much are you going to hurt my friends?! I'll kill you!"

"Marik" scoffed. "First off, never ask someone to explain a hobby. Second, don't get your ass in a twist; I'll drown you in darkness soon enough."

With that, "he" left, tingling with power and darkness. Joey, Earthzina, and Tristan tended to Mai (though they could not wake her up, to Joey's despair) while Tarra, Tea, and Serenity tended to Yami and Duke, Merina, and Torru checked on Tima. Tea suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. "Yugi's awake!"

Yami struggled to get up, prompting Tarra to plead, ~Don't overdo it!~

While he was very sore, Yami shook his head. "I'm fine! What about Mai?!"

Earthzina shook her head as Joey looked at Mai. "Marik did this…"

Yami quietly growled. 'That bastard…! He won't get away with this!'

His friends told Yami to stop pushing himself but he needed to check on Tima. Ignoring the pain in his back, he went to her and shook her shoulders. "Tima! Tima, please!"

Her body stirred, making everyone sigh in relief. But, when she looked up, Yami grew worried: Tiki was in control. Merina hugged Tiki. "Are you all right?!"

Tiki nodded. "Yeah…I'm fine…but…" She closed her eyes before opening them wide. "I can't…I can't hear her! She's silent!"

Yami's eyes widened, knowing what Tiki meant: Tima was hurt, very hurt, if she was not talking to Tiki. His anger towards "Marik" grew but so did his guilt: he promised Tima he would keep her safe and he failed. Tiki was on the verge of a meltdown until Merina held her tight. "Calm down, Tiki! I'm sure she's fine! Settle down!"

Hearing Merina's voice, Tiki took a deep breath and concentrated. To her relief, she could sense Tima's presence but could also feel that Tima was hurt badly. Suddenly Kaiba spoke, "Clear the field!"

Yami glared as Merina hissed, "Couldn't you wait, Kaiba?!"

Kaiba placed his deck into his duel disk. "It's time for Obelisk to descend!"

After putting Mai in her room and Serenity offered to keep an eye on her, everyone returned to watch Kaiba battle the eighth duelist, which was revealed to be Ishizu. It was a difficult match for Kaiba, especially since Ishizu knew his every move thanks to the Millennium Necklace, but he won in the end, thanks to a little help from a vision he had. With the finals determined, the blimp continued its journey, with everyone drained by everything that happened.