A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back to YGO-DD. In this chapter the gang will be up against the spirit of the Millennium Ring. As always, there will be some changes to the story and perhaps a familiar face will appear. And now for the Disclaimer. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! or any of its spinoffs, If I did GX, 5Ds and the other series wouldn't have had their final seasons censored out entirely. It's time to Duel!

Chapter 13, Dark Spirit of the Ring

The day went on with the usual dueling, with Joey beating Rex Raptor and winning not only two Star Chips, but also the powerful Red Eyes Black Dragon card. Later that night, they encountered Mai again, and they had dinner with her. Eventually she got tired of being near them and left, then somebody was rustling through the bushes. Yugi and the others were surprised when it turned out to be Ryou Bakura from school.

They all conversed with each other on which card they best identified with. Joey perceived himself as the Flame Swordsman, Tristan fancied the Cyber Commander, Téa viewed herself as the Magician of Faith and Yugi felt the same concerning the Dark Magician "What about you four? I've seen you in class, but we never really got to speak much..." Lizzie forced a smile and took out her Gagagigo card to show everyone, something didn't seem right here, and Lizzie wasn't liking it.

"Mine is the Marauding Captain, but most of you already know that." Draco said proudly. Akane looked through her deck and took out a card "Shiki, Fox Spirit Tactician, I rarely leave home without her." 'figured as much, Akane just so happens to have a deck fitting to her true self.' Lizzie thought with laughter in her eyes.

Maki looked a little shy for once when she was asked to show them her favorite card, but eventually relented and showed them Kira the Lucky Magic Archivist, a card that could prevent the destruction of a monster once per turn if there were no traps in the graveyard. Then it was Bakura's turn to choose a card, which was Change of Heart, a spell card "If you want to see how it works, we could have a duel right now. Not for Star Chips, just for a little fun...

The others agreed, and while Lizzie agreed with them, she could have sworn she saw a sinister look in the white haired boy's eyes. Bakura suggested for everyone to put their favorite cards into Yugi's deck, a harmless idea, right? "Before we get started, there's something I would like to share with you all, especially you, Yugi..." he started humming a strange tune, which gave Lizzie and Draco bad vibes, and even the normal people like Joey and Tristan were getting creeped out.

When he was done a golden ring with five spike like objects hanging from it and a triangle with an eye in it at the center "No, it can't be. A Millennium Item!" Yugi said apprehensively. Bakura spoke up again, in a much darker tone of voice "Yes and with its magic I shall take us to the Shadow Realm." When asked why he was doing this he replied "You have something I want Yugi, and I intend to take it!"

a powerful surge of magic pulsed through Lizzie as her and everyone else's souls were torn out of their bodies and into cards. Bakura laughed "That wasn't too difficult, and now that their souls are locked away, the Millennium Puzzle is mine! But before he could take it, the Millennium Puzzle flashed with light and Yugi got up "You want my Millennium Puzzle? You'll have to duel me for it, and if I win, you have to send us all back!" Bakura, confident that he would win, accepted the terms, and the duel started.

after a brief conversation about the Millennium Items and the identity of "Bakura", the spirit of the Millennium Ring stated "The first move is yours" Yugi drew his hand then summoned the Cyber Commander, but to his shock Tristan appeared as his favorite card instead (Level 2, Dark. Machine. Atk/Def: 750/700) Tristan was about as shocked about this as Yugi was, only he half believed it to be a dream.

Bakura chuckled and started his turn, summoning the White Magical Hat monster, a magician in a purple tuxedo with a white and red cloak and his signature hat (Level 3, Light. Spellcaster/Effect. Atk/Def: 1000/700.) "White Magical Hat, Attack!" Tristan continued to panic as his card was destroyed. Worried, Yugi demanded to know what happened to his friend, to which Yami Bakura explained that Tristan was sent to the Graveyard then ended his turn (Yugi -250 LP = 1750.).

Yugi was afraid that he would lose his friends if he lost, but found that he had no choice but to summon Joey in the form of the Flame Swordsman (Level 5, Fire. Warrior/Fusion. Atk/Def: 1800/1600.) Joey was naturally disoriented at first, but with Yugi's help he came to his senses and gladly avenged Tristan's defeat by slicing Yami Bakura's monster in two, Yugi then ended his turn.

Yami Bakura started his next turn "I'll set one monster and place a facedown card then end my turn. Attack my monster if you dare..." he said ominously. Joey, still highly confident that he could beat the hidden monster, ignored Yugi's Warning and attacked, revealing a Morphing Jar which sent both duelists' hands to the graveyard, along with Akane's card "Oh no, I'm so sorry Yug'! now Akane's gone too..." Joey hung his head in guilt until Yugi comforted him

"Don't worry Joey, because Shiki's effect now activates; when Shiki, Fox Spirit Tactician is sent from the hand to the graveyard by an effect, I can special summon her and shuffle one card in the graveyard into the deck!" Yugi shuffled Cyber Commander into the deck and Akane appeared and yawned, stretching her limbs as though she just woke up "Well, looks like I'm up aren't I? at least I get to look a bit more like ma in this getup..." Yugi blinked and Joey voiced his thoughts (Level 4, Light. Spellcaster/Spirit/Effect. Atk/Def: 1050/1200.)

"Aren't you at all surprised about this, Akane? we're stuck in another world as our favorite cards, and from what Yugi said this game's gonna be dangerous!" the red haired girl laughed and said "You kidding me? Being stuck in this body makes me feel so alive! Hey Yugi, Use my effect to summon one of our friends, would you? You won't regret it!" She grinned toothily. (Level 4, Light. Spellcaster/Spirit/Effect. Atk/Def: 1050/1200.)Yugi nodded in agreement, but waited for his opponent to take his turn.

Bakura's Turn started and ended with him placing another facedown monster and facedown spell or trap when Yugi decided to make his next move "I activate Shiki's effect, by returning her to the hand I can special summon one level three or lower monster from my hand or deck to the field, come out, Marauding Captain!" Akane was replaced with Draco's human form dressed as the Marauding Captain "You called, Yugi?" (Level 3, Earth. Warrior/Effect. Atk/Def: 1200/400.) Yugi acknowledged his friend and continued his turn

"I activate Shiki's third effect; by revealing her card in my hand, I can trade in one monster on the field for another in my hand with a level equal to or less than the returned monster's level plus two. Come forth, Gagagigo" Draco blinked then his eyes widened "What? oh gods no, not that! dangiiiiiit!" he returned to the hand and Draco's monster form appeared, but something was a bit off...

Lizzie's POV

It was the most awkward feeling I have had yet. Unlike my friends, who had no contact with their duel spirits besides using and believing in their cards, I have a close connection to the Duel Spirit World and its inhabitants, especially Draco. As a result, not only was I trapped in my best friend's body, I also was sharing every thought, feeling and emotion we each had at the time between the two of our souls.

Then there's the embarrassing fact that we both were too nervous to admit our true feelings for each other. With every thought passing between us, every detail about that subject became crystal clear to both of us; we now not only know each other better than anyone, we can now confirm that one fact. We both love the other more than anything in all the worlds, consequences be da**ed. Perhaps we knew it all along; we were destined to meet, to become friends and eventually fall for each other.

We will always be together, through good, bad and hard times... forever... We both knew it and embraced it.

Normal POV

After a short while, Lizzie's voice came from the reptilian monster "Sorry for the wait, what's going on guys?" Yugi explained the situation to her and she chuckled good-naturedly "Is it just me or do we keep getting into these weird supernatural situations on a regular basis? Hey Yugi, could you summon the Dark Magician to help us? I know he's in your hand so please hurry it up!" Yugi looked at his favorite card and reluctantly played it.

This was where things got confusing with everyone. Yugi appeared as the Dark Magician, but his body kept dueling like he wasn't trapped in a card "If you're here, then who's that up there?" Joey asked, Yugi started "Well, I don't know..." the other Yugi urged "Don't you?" then Yugi continued "Well I have noticed that sometimes when I duel it feels like someone is guiding me" the second Yugi nodded in confirmation "And sometimes I hear a strong voice coming from my Puzzle... an ancient powerful voice."

Joey looked a little surprised, and so did Lizzie, although she had a better time processing what her friend said "I'm not sure what this is about, but I think we can trust him!" he finished, and her friends agreed. Yugi/Dark Magician attacked the facedown monster, but it turned out to be another Morphing Jar, resulting in their hands being discarded. Yugi unfortunately couldn't save Akane this time, as there were no monsters in the graveyard this time. They could only hope that she would be okay after the duel was over.

Yami Bakura set another facedown monster then played Just Desserts, taking five hundred life points from Yugi for each of his monsters (-1500 LP= 200.) he ended his turn and let Yugi start his turn. He set Magician of Faith, Téa's card, facedown. Everyone explained to her as best they could about their current problem. Yugi/Dark Magician attacked the facedown card and destroyed it, but it turned out to be the Electric Lizard, paralyzing him for the time being. Yugi placed a facedown card and ended his turn.

Bakura next openly announced that he would set Man Eater Bug facedown, then ended his turn Yugi explained what the card does and the facedown card the other Yugi played, but in the end, Joey sacrificed himself so Horn of Heaven could activate. Téa used her effect to add Monster Reborn to Yugi's hand so he could revive Joey. After that, Bakura's turn started.

"I summon Lady of Faith in attack position, then play monster reborn to bring back an old friend of yours. rise, Skilled Red Magician, or rather Michael Nidhoggr!" Everyone was shocked that they would have to face their lost friend again in combat. When he emerged, Michael looked confusedly at Joey "Joey, what are all of you doing here?" he glared venomously at Bakura "You said you would use me against Pegasus, not my friends you liar!" he accused.

Yami Bakura chuckled darkly "Yes I did say that, but I never said I wouldn't use you before then, did I? Skilled Red Magician, attack Magician of Faith and end this!" everyone half expected him to attack against his will, but the Tartarus Shackles glowed ominously, signifying Yami Michael's appearance, and he was absolutely livid "Bakura, you made the worst mistake possible! In manipulating that brat Michael, you were using me as well, and I resent that greatly, so guess what?"

The Tartarus Shackles glowed white hot with heat as time and space distorted around the spirit of the shackles, placing him on Yugi's side of the field "I've decided to place my bet on these whelps, you filthy soul thief!" everyone gaped at the spirit's apparent change of heart until he noticed and snapped "Let's make one thing straight; I am still going to hunt you down and destroy you, I'm only helping because I currently hate this thief more than I do you, are we clear!?"

the group uneasily agreed with him, but then Bakura continued his turn "It doesn't matter how many of you are on the field, your time is up. I play the spell card; Change of Heart, which allows me to take control of one of your monsters for a turn, turning you against each other. And I choose you, Yugi!"

Bakura was apparently sealed in his favorite card as well, much to Yugi and friends' surprise. Ryou rushed towards the Lady of Faith "I want to help, but we must act quickly Yugi!" Ryou merged with the monster, taking control of it "I've taken control of one of his monsters instead!" both Yami Bakura and the Yugi were genuinely shocked at this, the former more so

"I'll control her while you attack me... you can defeat the evil Bakura!" Yugi flat out refused to destroy his friend, and Lizzie actually felt bad for Ryou, realizing it wasn't him she was afraid of, but the Millennium Ring's spirit. Ryou stated how he would rather be destroyed than be a slave to the Ring Spirit and begged him to attack, but Yugi's counterpart had another idea as his Puzzle shone with light

"Your Millennium Ring can steal souls and trap them in cards, so I bet my Millennium Puzzle can return them to where they belong!" Yami Bakura and Ryou Bakura had switched places when the light dispersed "This can't be!" Yami Bakura/Lady of Faith cried out before Yugi struck him down with Dark Magic Attack, sending him screaming to the graveyard.

Scene Change, the Graveyard

'I had been so close to acquiring the Millennium Puzzle, it was almost mine! Now look at the mess I'm in...' Yami Bakura roamed through the graveyard for what seemed like hours when he came across a very strange sight. The girl, Akane, was still alive after being stuck in the graveyard for so long. And to top It all off, she had apparently been playing Twenty-One with the Reaper of Cards the whole time.

Before he could sneak away, Akane looked towards him, then back at the Reaper "Hey Ripley, you know that thirty ninth favor you owe me? Could you reap this scrub's sorry a** for me please? He's a waste of space in your home, you know?" she grinned deviously at the spirit of the ring as he screamed prior to getting slashed by the Reaper's scythe then disappeared.

Akane pouted "awww, he escaped, he's no fun... Oh well, same time as always Rip?" the Reaper silently agreed, then waved farewell as Akane vanished as well.

Scene Change, Normal POV

Everyone had woken up by now, except for Akane, and while Michael had not shown up after the Shadow Duel, they weren't too worried about him with his dark half protecting him. Lizzie was afraid she had lost another friend for good, that is until a foxfire shot into Akane's body. She woke up almost immediately "He didn't want me..." she mocked cried, then everyone shared a laugh at that. Maki was relieved that she didn't have to be used in the Shadow Duel, while later Lizzie and Draco were nowhere to be seen.

They were actually out by the sea discussing what happened. Lizzie was gazing out at the waves "You know, that whole mess with Bakura opened my eyes on a lot of things." Draco stood there with his arms folded, his eyes never looking away from Lizzie "Really? How so, Liz?" he queried. Lizzie picked up a stone and tossed it into the sea "Well for starters, I had always felt uncomfortable around Bakura for some reason I could never place, but it turned out he was just possessed by an evil spirit. He's really not that bad."

Draco agreed with this but was convinced that this wasn't all she had to say "I guess The thing I realized the most is..." she started when Draco, know what she would say responded "I... love you too, Lizzie." Tears of joy fell from Lizzie's eyes, then the two hugged each other tightly for a minute or so before letting go. Draco was the first to speak "Well, I guess we should make us being a couple official, but how... say, maybe we can have a date after this tournament is over, sound good?"

Lizzie agreed joyfully, then said with a cheeky grin "I guess we should tell the others the news, huh Draco?" the teal haired youth nodded his head and said "Aye, and I have something else to tell them as well. something I should have done a month ago..." Lizzie knew what he was about to say, but listened anyway "I have to tell them everything, about me and where we both came from. It's not safe for them to not know anymore, Bakura's Millennium Ring Spirit proved that much.

And so the newly formed couple went to tell their friends the news, and the truth about their origins. Joey and Tristan were outright amazed at the fact that they were friends with a real, living Duel Monster Spirit and while Téa was surprised that Lizzie came from a parallel world, it only made them even closer friends. And everyone congratulated the two of them on finally getting together.

Then they heard Mai scream in fear, so they rushed to her aid as fast as they could.

Chapter End

A/N: There's another chapter for you. And it is now confirmed that there will be shipping between Lizzie and Draco. As always, I don't know when I'll update again, though I will try to get it done as soon as I am able. Thank you for reading! Duel Standby...