Hey everyone! I am so sorry for the long wait on the update for the chapter, but I have finally finished the first part of this duel. I am sorry that life got in the way and other things took priority over the story. Now that things have calmed down, I am able to write more. I hope you enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think! Happy reading!
Chapter 14: Friends til the end
As the chopper was making its decent to the dock, Marik was making sure everything was in place for his plan to continue.
"Everything is in place. Kaiba, little Yugi, and Serena should be arriving soon with the hopeless plan of rescuing you two. However with both of you as my mind slaves, they will have no choice but to play by my rules. Their Egyptian God cards, Yugi's puzzle, and Serena will be mine for the taking. And soon I'll rule the whole world." Marik said. "Isn't that right my friends?'
Marik looked over his shoulder and smirked as Joey and Mina didn't answer back and walked. They were quiet like they didn't have a mind of their own. He knew that once Yugi and Serena saw their friends under his control, they would have to obey him.
Marik stopped walking when Odion kneeled down calling out to him, "Master Marik, I beg your pardon."
"What now?" Marik asked.
"As you requested sir, I've secured 12 locator cards for the battle city finals." Odion answered.
"Excellent Odion, you've done well. Now we both qualify for the finals if we need to, hopefully that won't be required." Marik chuckled, "In which case you've wasted a great deal of time. Buut hand them over anyways, entering the finals may be necessary if today's plan fails."
Odion handed Marik six of the twelve locator cards and kept the other six for himself. Mairk always had a backup plan to get what he wanted, but it seemed that the set up that he had for the day was full proof. Odion handed Joey the deck that was prepared for him for the duel, mentioning that Joey's deck was pathetic and was replaced with an deck that was full of extremely powerful magic cards and how it was an excellent idea.
Marik laughed, "This is my most ingenious scheme yet. I took the things most precious to Yugi and Serena, their friends."
"Brilliant plan master." Odion said.
"I know." Marik replied, "Now little Yugi and Serena come and find me, for the last duel you'll ever fight."
Back on the chopper, they were getting closer.
"As soon as we land, Mokuba will lead us to our friends." Yami said.
"Right, we'll break in and get them out." Serena finished.
"Look Yugi, Serena, I brought you here and I'll be calling all the shots today, and the first task on my agenda is to track down the third Egyptian God card." Kaiba said. "After that, we'll find your friends."
This made Serena, Yami, and Rini look over at Kaiba. Thye couldn't believe what thye just heard.
"Kaiba, Joey and Mina are in great danger and have to rescue them right away!" Serena yelled.
"Sorry, but it's obvious that you and I have very different priorities Serena. So why don't we split up and fend for ourselves when we land?" Kaiba mentioned.
"That's foolish." Rini snorted.
"Maybe it is to you. But I have always worked better on my own, haven't you realized by now that teamwork is not my things."
Kaiba mentioned that it was because of him that they won the duel against Lumis and Umbra without much help from Yami. He brought them there and they could take care of the rest by themselves, he had done enough for them. Yami and Serena looked at each other and knew that thye would have to save Joey and Mina without Kaiba's help.
The chopper was approaching the docks and Mokuba looked out the window. He saw someone on the pier and it kinda looked like Joey. Everyone one else looked out and noticed that it was Joey and that he was all-alone.
Get ready my mind slave, the fun is about to begin. Marik told Joey.
"Kaiba we could be heading into a trap." Yami mentioned.
"Please Yugi. I've heard enough out of you for one day." Kaiba remarked.
Marik smirked as the chopper came down, thinking that Yugi will be devastated as he turned his best friend against him. The chopper landed on the ground and everyone got out.
"Welcome." Joey/Marik said.
"Joey?" Yami asked.
"Not exactly. Joey is not present, he's gone away."
"It's Marik." Serena realized.
"Correct, and if you want your friends back, you will listen to me." Marik said.
Mokuba was confused, saying that didn't sound like Joey. Kaiba said that it must have been another one of Marik's tricks.
"Joey you have to be in there!" Serena cried.
"It's pointless." Marik smirked, "Now listen Yugi, we are playing by my regulations. I'll release your friends as soon as I get what I want. Of course since I want your puzzle, Egyptian God card, and your Queen, there's only one way to do this. You and I are going to duel."
"You're insane!" Yami exclaimed.
"Refuse and your friends are mine forever."
"Release Joey from your control Marik." Yami demanded.
Mokuba was still confused by what was going on, so Kaiba explained that it looked like Marik turned Joey against Yugi, and now Wheeler wanted to do. Kaiba believed that it would be interesting, but Mokuba didn't know why. Kaiba told his little brother that if Wheeler was fighting on the side of Marik and the Rare Hinters now, then he could possibly be holding the third Egyptian God card. Kaiba wanted to be there if it was played since he wanted it in his deck.
Marik knew that is was time to seize the power that should have been his all along. Yami however was trying to reach Joey by making him remember his promise to him when Joey gave Yami his Red Eyes. Yami knew that Marik couldn't defeat him in a duel so he turned him again Yugi. Yami believed that Joey was in and that he was going to set him free with the power of their friendship.
"Say something Joey." Serena begged.
"You'll never set him free unless you follow me Yugi." Marik said as he walked off.
/What do I do? Following Joey may lead to another one of Marik's traps/ Yugi thought
/./Right and if we don't go then how can we rescue Joey and Mina././ Yami questioned.
"Yugi, you had better do exactly as I say." They heard.
Yami and Serena turned around and saw Mina walking down the stair of the ship.
"Mina!" Serena cried.
"This may come as an unpleasant surprise, but like your friend Joey, Mina to is under my control." Marik/Mina laughed.
"Marik leave her alone! She's done nothing to you!" Serena yelled.
Marik/Mina laughed, "Looks like I've turned your closest friends into your worst enemies. You're at my mercy."
Knowing there was no choice but to follow, Yami and Serena headed to where Joey and Mina were standing. They looked at the arena that Yami would be dueling in. There were metal beams supporting an anchor over the ocean in the middle of a four-sided dock. Joey stood on one side while Yami stood on the other.
"If you choose to duel, then you'll be dueling your best friend for the highest stakes imaginable." Marik/Mina said.
"If it means saving my friends, then fine." Yami said.
"Let's begin." Marik/Mina said. "Why don't you both try these on for size."
She held up two metal cuffs that went around their ankles.
"Notice that you're both securely fastened to a chain that leads to a large anchor hanging above you. Thirty seconds after a player's life points reach zero, the anchor will drop to the bottom of the sea." Marik/Mina explained.
"That's right. Now look down." Marik/Joey mentioned, "That small yellow box is your life point counter, but it's also the key to your survival. When one players life points hit zero, the other players box opens revealing a key to remove his shackles. Remember, you'll have thirty seconds to free yourself before the anchor drops."
"So the loser of this duel will be dragged to the bottom of the ocean, while the winner frees himself at the last minute?" Yami questioned.
"That's right, quite ingenious isn't it?" Marik/Joey asked.
"But wait if I win this duel, will you set my friends free from your control Marik?" Yami asked.
"You'll have to fish little Joey out of the sea first. And don't think that I left Mina out of all fun, but I'll get to her rule shortly. But just incase you had any plans not to duel, think again, if there's no winner after an hour, then the anchor will drop and send both of them to the bottom of the sea." Marik/Joey laughed.
"But you will lose Yugi. Before that anchor drops, I'll take your Egyptian God Card, Millennium Puzzle, and your Queen." Marik/Mina laughed.
"You're not going to get away with any of this Marik!" Serena yelled.
Kaiba couldn't believe what was happening. Mina was strapped to a chair with no way to escape. Marik told him that he wasn't a spectator in all of this, once he was done with Yugi and his little friend, he was going after his Egyptian God Card.
Mokuba had it, "I've heard enough, this duel is getting way out of hand, Seto. You need to put a stop to it before someone gets hurt. Plus Marik might try something like this on us next."
Kaiba balled his fist, "As head of the Battle City Tournament, I demand this duel be stopped now!"
"Sorry, but the duel will continue as planned. And speaking of plans, here's the final piece of my plot." Marik/Mina said.
A truck holding a crate drove forward on the dock and stopped when the crate was hanging over Mina's head. Serena couldn't believe it her cousin was in danger.
"What is the meaning of this Marik?" Serena yelled.
I'm afraid that anchor isn't the only thing getting dropped. Marik thought as he smirked.
"I've taken extra precautions to make sure no one interferes, so don't try. If you attempt to stop this duel, the crate you see hanging above my head will fall." This shocked everyone, "You wouldn't want to put poor Mina in danger now, would you?
The rare hunter showed the device mentioning that if anyone made one false move he would push the button, that would release the crate above the girls head. Kaiba knew that he was cornered and couldn't stop the duel.
"Now that everything seems to be in place, and everyone is familiar with all the rules, why don't we start the show?" Marik/Mina asked, "Oh wait I almost forgot, I wouldn't want Miss Mina to miss all this.
However before Marik released his hold on Mina, it broke, surprising him. He was pushed out of her mind by a powerful force.
What is going on? Marik thought. Nothing should be able to force me out of a mind slave.
In Mina's Mind while she is under Marik's control
It was just another day and Mina was on her way to her tutoring session with Serena. The two girls were talking about Mina's boyfriend, Duke Devlin and how lucky she was to be with him.
"Mina, how could you think that? Duke loves you." Serena said.
"I know he does, but with his company and his game taking off, something doesn't feel right." Mina answered.
"Just talk to him, everything will be fine."
Mina nodded as the two girls arrived to their tutor.
About an hour later, Mina couldn't take anymore. She became frustrated with her work and decided to talk a walk. Serena looked at her cousin with concern.
"I'll be fine, something is just off today." Mina answered, "I'm going to get some air."
Serena nodded and then went back to her work, while Mina took a stroll outside. She was lost in her thoughts about everything and ended up in front of a game shop. Something about it caught her attention and it felt like déjà vu. As she went in the small bell on the door rang as she entered and looked around the tiny shop.
"I'll be with you in a moment. Feel free to look around." Mina heard someone say.
Mina looked at the store and then noticed a glass case with cards in it. She walked up to the case and noticed the Blue Eyes White Dragon and she smiled softly at it. She just stared at it wondering why she felt connected with it.
"I see you have taken a liking to the Blue Eyes White Dragon."
Mina looked up and saw what could have been an exact twin of herself except the lady of the game shop had sharper features and her hair was darker.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare it at for so long." Mina apologized.
"Do not worry child. It is quite alright. This card does belong to you after all." The owner said.
This confused Mina, "What do you mean? I don't play duel monsters."
"You do, in a different reality. You are not yourself right now."
"You're crazy. How is this not reality?"
"Your consciousness is being forced out of your mind and being controlled by someone else. It's time for you to wake up."
There was a bright light and Mina was standing in the dark in an unknown space with the owner of the game shop next to her.
"Wait who are you?" Mina asked.
"Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. My name is…" Mena stated.
"So it was you I was feeling priestess." They heard.
They turned to the voice and saw Marik standing there with the Millennium rod in his hands.
"Why are you in my head?" Mina asked.
"I needed you to get to the Pharaoh and the Queen, you are their trusted priestess."
Before anything else could be said, an arrow was shot, surprising Marik.
"You're lucky that I decided to miss. You will not get the Pharaoh and Queen. Their power is not yours." The priestess said.
Marik laughed, "Their power is rightfully mine, Priestess Mena. Besides I already have some power over them."
Marik showed a crystal with the eye of horus on it and the symbol of the temple on it. Seeing that around Marik's neck, made Mena see red.
"That does not belong to you!" Mena yelled. "That is rightfully Mina's. How did you get that?"
Marik smirked, "That is for me to know."
Mena grabbed another arrow, cocking her bow, "You are no longer welcomed here."
Mena released her arrow, aiming straight at the crystal. Once the arrow hit, a surge of power pushed Marik out of Mina's head. Mena walked over and picked the crystal up holding it for a few moments before heading back to Mina.
"This is yours. You are a dear friend to the Pharaoh and the Queen and they relied on you a lot in the past, same with the High Priest. They need you in order to help fight this evil. You are more powerful than you believe."
Mina smiled, "Thank you Mena."
Mena smiled back, "now it's time for you to wake up."
In Reality
Mina was beginning to wake up. She immediately became alert to what was going on when she found she couldn't move from the chair. Mina looked over and noticed that Yugi and Joey were dueling.
"Now then, there is one last matter." Joey/Marik said, "Yugi, your Egyptian God Card is off limits. So if you were planning on using it against me, you're out of luck. Now remove the card from your deck, so I can claim it when I win."
"As you wish Marik." Yami replied as he took his dueling belt off.
I wasn't planning on using Slifer anyways. It's too powerful and dangerous. Yugi thought, but then caught sight of Joey's favorite card. This could help. This red eyes meant so much to Joey and I know the real Joey is in there somewhere and maybe there is a way I can use it to free him from Marik.
"Now put Slifer on the ground, Yugi." Marik said, which made Yami throw the belt away from him. "Now the winner will retrieve that card while the other goes swimming.
Marik laughed, Now I will win Slifer and Yugi's puzzle. My plan won't fail!
"Now I think it's time to start this duel." Joey/Marik said. "Are you ready to duel Yugi?"
"I am." Yami said.
"Prepare to loose." Joey/Marik said.
Yami: 4000
Joey/Marik: 4000
As the duel was starting to get underway, Tristan and Serenity had finally arrived in Domino. It had been ages since Serenity had been back, as she remembered hanging out with Joey when they were little. Now the only thing left to do was find Joey and Tristan had no idea where to find them. Tristan spotted a phone booth and decided to give Tea a call. However, Tea's phone lay broken where the rare hunter had grabbed them.
"Huh, that's weird. Tea isn't picking up. That girl always has her phone on." Tristan muttered.
He ran back to Serenity and told her he couldn't get through. Trying to decided where they needed to go, they decided to walk down the street. The one thing they didn't expect was to be followed.
"I'm sorry for not agreeing on a meeting place with Joey and others before I left to come get you Serenity." Tristan apologized.
"It's fine. They have to be somewhere in Battle City." Serenity said.
As Serenity and Tristan were walking, the duel was just beginning with Yami starting it off.
"Yugi, you draw the first card." Joey/Marik said, "It's the beginning of the end for you."
I've to figure out a way to stop this duel. When that anchor falls down it's taking one or both of us with it. Yugi thought.
"What's the matter Yugi?" Joey/Marik taunted, "To afraid to play a card."
"I don't think so Marik." Yami said. "I play Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts (1500/1200) in defense mode. That ends my turn."
"Very well." Joey/ Marik began as he drew his first card, "Say goodbye to your Gazelle. I play Raigeki, which destroys your King of Mythical Beasts."
Yami's Gazelle was destroyed and then Joey/Marik summoned Alligator Sword (1500/1200) and had it attack Yami directly.
Yami: 2500
Joey/Marik: 4000
Joey/Marik laughed, "Surrender yet or do you want more? I hope you're not going easy on me because we're old friends Yugi."
"We're not friends Marik." Yami said.
Yami drew his card and played Big Shield Gardna (100/2600) in defense mode. Joey/Marik smirked as he drew his next card and told Yami that he is naïve to think that his monster is enough to protect his life points. Joey/Marik played his Hinotama magic card, which gives Yami 500 points of direct damage. Everyone watched as the fireball comes down and hits Yami directly.
"Yami!" Serena yelled.
Yami: 2000
Joey/Marik: 4000
/./That's the second time he's attacked us directly././ Yami thought.
/How did he get all these powerful cards?"/ Yugi asked.
"That third-rate duelist Wheeler never had cards that powerful in his deck." Kaiba said, "It does look like he's being helped.
From the safety of this ship, Marik laughed, "Yugi's starting to panic already after getting a taste of the power of my deck. Enhanced with cards from my rare hunters, Joey's deck is practically unbeatable. Yugi will be out of my way shortly, leaving me his puzzle and Egyptian God card, along with Serena and her crystal."
"Pardon me Master Marik." Odion interrupted, "But I have just learned that Joey's sister has just arrived in Battle City."
"Did you say Joey's sister?" Marik asked.
"Yes, master."
"This sister of his may be an excellent pawn in my game." Marik said, "Bring the girl to me immediately."
Excellent work my mind slave. I'll continue to use my millennium rod on his precious friend until his life points run out. Marik smirked.
/./I need to figure out who to win this duel. If I loose then the whole world is in danger as is Serena, and I promised to protect her././ Yami thought.
/But if we loose then my best friend will be dragged to the bottom of the ocean/ Yugi said, /There has to be a way to win this/
"Time is running out Yugi." Joey/Marik reminded.
/He's right, in less than an hour and were both doomed./ Yugi said.
"It's my move." Yami said as he drew his card.
While Yami tried to find a solution to his dilemma, Serenity and Tristan were still walking around the city. However before they could get any further, they were stopped by three of the rare hunters.
"Who are you punks and what do you want?" Tristan demanded as he pulled Serenity closer to protect her.
"Tristan what's going on?" Serenity asked.
"Why don't you keep moving? We don't want any trouble." Tristan said as the three moved closer.
"You may want any trouble, but we do." The rare hunters laughed.
Tristan knew that he could take the three, but he needed to protect Serenity first. He had her jump on his back and ran into the alley behind him.
Back at the docks, Mina was confused on what was going on. Mokuba explained that Marik had brainwashed Joey and forced him into a duel.
"Why would he do that?" Mina asked.
"He's trying to get his hands on Yugi's Egyptian God Card." Mokuba answered.
He must be the one that Ishizu warned us about back at the museum. Mina realized.
"Hey you stop making a fuss will you." The rare hunter in the crane said. "If you don't keep quiet, you're done, so don't test me."
Mina looked up and noticed the crate. She then glared at the rare hunter, "Do it, I dare you. You don't have the guts."
"Oh yea, you wanna bet." The rare hunter said.
"Kaiba you have to stop this duel or the whole world might be destroyed." Mina said. "Do it now."
"We can't, it's too risky." Mokuba said.
"If you stop this, you're putting Mina in danger Kaiba." Serena said.
Kaiba watched on as he gritted his teeth in frustration.
Joey/Marik told Yami that time was of the essence and stalling was not an option. Yami analyzed the situation and he needed to figure out a way to stop this duel without hurting Joey. So he decided to play one card face down and then summon Kuriboh (300/200) in attack mode.
"Are you playing some sort of a joke?" Joey/Marik asked, "Kuriboh is weak. Why would you play it in attack mode? Unless you're trying to loose this duel on purpose to try and save your friend. Alright then, if that's your goal allow me to help you."
"I won't loose. I will defeat you and free Joey from your control." Yami said.
"Wrong. I'm afraid this time you're in over your head Yugi." Marik said, "So now, Alligator sword attack his Kuriboh."
Yami activated his trap card, spellbinding circle, encircling the Alligator sword.
"He weakened it, but he still has nothing powerful enough to defeat it." Kaiba said.
"Joey don't attack!" Tea said.
"Alright Yugi, I've had enough of your childish games. Now it's time for me to take control of this duel. Ready?" Joey/ Marik said.
Since it worked so well last time, Joey/Marik used Hinotama once again. The fire surrounded Yami and the strength of the attack blew away Yami's jacket. Joey/Marik laughed saying farwell forever Yugi.
Yami: 1500
Joey/Marik: 4000
"I've attacked your life points yet again Yugi." Joey/Marik laughed, "You're finished. As soon as I wipe out the rest, that anchor will drag you to the sea."
"You'll never get away with your plan." Yami said.
"hmm, is that so Yugi? You're no position to make threats."
"I know the real Joey is in there and I'm going to set him free no matter what it takes."
"Oh?"
"There is no way you'll win my puzzle, Egyptian God Card, or Serena."
We'll just see about that Yugi. Joey belongs to me now. Thanks to my millennium rod. Marik thought, "Now destroy your former best friend and strip him of all that he has, so that I may rule the world as Pharaoh."
"Yugi, your friend is gone." Joey/Marik said.
"I don't think so." Yami said.
"Then make your move. Not that it matters, neither one of your monster can destroy my Alligator sword." Joey/Marik laughed.
"Joey, snap out it. We're your friends remember!" Tea yelled.
/Mina's right. I have an idea./ Yugi said.
/./What is it?/./ Yami asked.
/I may have found a way to save Joey and get us out of this mess./
/./What's that?/./
/It's just came to me when Tea reminded us of our friendship. There is a chance to break through to the real Joey. I think you should let me duel in your place./
/./But why?/./
/Because through thick and thin, Joey and I have always shared a really strong bond, a bond that I think that might break through to him now. We've been through so much together, like the time he rescued me from that fire, Joey and Tristan risked their lives for us. Now it's my turn./
/./This is a very dangerous match Yugi././
/I know it is, but I can't let that stop me. I feel in my heart, if there is anyone in the whole world who can get through to Joey it's me./
/./But Yugi…/./
/././Yami you have to believe in Yugi. He knows what is at stake. Joey is his best friend and knows that Joey would do the exact same thing for him./././ Serena chimed in.
/Please understand Yami. This isn't just something that I have to do, it's something that I feel I have to do./
Yami sighed, /./Well Yugi, if you feel that strongly, then go. Go and rescue your best friend. And should you need me I will be right here././
Serena smiled as Yami and yugi switched places. You're doing the right thing Yami.
"Okay Joey it's just us now." Yugi said.
Marik realized what happened and wasn't happy about it. He wanted the Pharaoh not this little runt.
"That spineless coward. He sends little Yugi to protect himself." Marik yelled, "That cheat! I wanted to destroy the Pharaoh!"
But then again, this just might be what I needed. Marik thought, "I can win this duel with ease now that I'm up against little Yugi. It doesn't matter which one I defeat, I can still win the millennium puzzle, Slifer the Sky Dragon, and her Majesty.
"My turn Marik." Yugi said.
/./Remember Yugi, Joey and Mina are counting on you. If you believe in the Heart of the Cards, I know you can come through for them././ Yami reminded.
/Right/
Yugi looked at his deck beliving that the heart of the cards would come through for him. He drew Joey's Red Eyes Black Dragon. It was his only hope to save his friend.
Meanwhile, Serenity and Tristan were still running from the rare hunters. The rare hunters told him that they couldn't run forever, and when he replied wanna bet, the two were stopped by a rare hunter blocking their path.
"Tristan what are we going to do?" Serenity asked.
"You're going to take a little trip with us." One of the rare hunters said, cracking his knuckles.
"We suggest you come quietly." Another rare hunter said.
"Guess again Pal." Tristan said as he put Serenity down, "We're not going anywhere."
"You're even more foolish than you look." The third rare hunter said as they advanced even more. "I guess were going to have to do this the hard way."
"Be careful Tristan." Serenity said.
Tristan looked between the three and knew that he would be able to take these guys no problem, but he needed to protect Serenity first, or Joey would have his head for his little sister getting hurt. One of then got ahold of Serenity's wrist and she fought to get free. Then out of nowhere, the rare hunter who held Serenity was hit with a die.
"And there's more where that came from tough guy." They heard.
"What's going on Tristan?" Serenity asked.
Tristan looked over, "Whoa, is that Duke Devlin?"
"The one and only." Duke said as he threw a few more dice that hit the rare hunters.
Tristan picked Serenity back up and told her everything would be all right and to hang. Duke asked how they were but Tristan ignored and told him to run now and ask questions later. The rare hunters say that they were getting away and ran after them.
Back at the pier, Yugi is holding onto Joey's Red Eyes. He knew that it would save Joey, but how should he use it?
/./Yugi, you may be able to use that to save Joey, but you must play it wisely././ Yami said.
/You're right, this Red Eyes has always been special to Joey. He has to remember it./ Yugi replied.
Yugi knew that Joey gave him that Red Eyes so that a peace of Joey was always with him. Yugi hoped that Joey would remember and break through Marik's mind control.
"This had better work." Yugi mumbeled, "I know you're in there pal, I just hope you're paying close attention."
I'm about to jog your memory with an old friend who isn't easy to forget. Your Red Eyes Black Dragon. Yugi thought.
"Remember when time runs out, that anchor falls." Joey/Marik reminded. "So make your move."
In order to summon Red Eyes, Yugi needed to sacrifice two monsters, and he had Kuriboh and Big Shield Gardna on the field, and all he needed to do was send them to the graveyard and bring Red Eyes to the field. Yami stopped him asking if he was sure he wanted to summon Red Eyes now.
/./Marik might have something to destroy it. And with only 1500 life points left, we need to be careful. As soon as the life points hit zero and that anchor drops into the ocean then the whole world is in danger/./ Yami reminded.
Joey/Marik was getting impatient with the long move. Yugi knew that Yami was right and summoning Red Eyes was too risky. Yugi looked at his hand and noticed something. There had to be a way for Yugi to show Joey his Red Eyes without summoning it to the field, but it might be an even riskier move.
Alright Yugi, it's time to sink or swim. Quite literally. Kaiba thought as he watched.
There has to be a way to get through to Joey. He's our friend and we've been through so much together. Joey's always said that when he's down his friends give him the strength to get back up again and I know our friendship can save him now. Tea thought.
"Joey wake up! We're your friends. You gotta remember our bond!" Tea yelled.
Serena realized where Tea was going with this and joined in, "Remember our ring of friendship. You gotta remember that bond! Snap out of it Joey, please!"
Yugi realized that Serena and Tea were right. Yugi knew that he had to do whatever it takes to break Mariks control. They made a pact that they would always be there for each other. Yugi never broke a promise to a friend. It was time to show Mairk what friendship was all about.
"I play the magic card exchange." Yugi said.
"A foolish move." Joey/Marik said.
What are you thinking brother? Now Joey can see every card in your hand. Serena thought.
"Look at you. You must be desperate to play a card like that, but if you insist, I'd be glad to take a card from your hand, little Yugi." Joey/Marik chuckled. "Not that I need any help."
Yugi showed his hand to Joey/Marik and he noticed the Red Eyes.
My Red Eyes. Joey thought.
Silence Wheeler. You're under my control now. You have no mind of your own. I own you. Marik told Joey.
"Playing that exchange card was a huge mistake little Yugi." Joey/Marik said.
"Well pick your Marik. You can have anyone you want, including he Red Eyes Black Dragon." Yugi said.
It's the card I gave Yuge. My Red Eyes. Joey thought.
Quiet you fool, I'm in control of your mind. Marik responded.
Yami saw what was going on and told Yugi that his strategy might be working. Joey was trying to stall.
Yugi needs that card. That's why I gave it to him. Joey said.
You will do as I say and take that Red Eyes Black Dragon from Yugi now. You have no mind of your own Joey. Say it! Marik commanded.
I have no mind of my own. Joey said.
Excellent. So take Yugi's Red Eyes right now! Marik said, That's right my obedient mind puppet, take it!
"Your friend is long gone, so I'll be taking that Red Eyes Black Dragon." Joey/marik said.
/It's not working. He's still under Marik's control./ Yugi thought.
/./Hold on Yugi, look again/./ Yami told him.
Yugi opened his eyes and saw that Joey was hesitating in taking the Red Eyes Black Dragon.
Can't take Red Eyes, it's Yugi's now. I made a promise. Joey thought.
No you fool, take that dragon. I command you. Take the Red Eyes from Yugi. Marik commanded.
Joey put his hand on his head, "No I can't not that card."
Obey me. Take that card so we can finish off Yugi now.
"No, Yugi needs it." Joey said.
Take it now.
Joey finally took a card and it wasn't the Red Eyes Black Dragon.
"Yea Joey, you didn't take it!" Yugi exclaimed.
How dare you disobey me. You'll pay for this. Marik told Joey.
"No, I told you Joey has gone away." Joey/Marik said, "I am here to defeat you with my arsenal of are magic cards, so I don't need you Red Eyes."
"That's what you think." Yugi replied, "Now I get to pick one of your cards Joey."
"I told you Joey is gone." Joey/Marik said as Yugi picked a card.
"You can deny it all you want, but I know my best friend is in there and I'm going to set him free Marik."
"You're fooling yourself."
"I don't think so. You didn't take my Red Eyes cause the real Joey is in there fighting to get out. He gave me that card as a promise to defeat you Marik!"
"That's enough."
"Admit it. As soon as he saw that card, the real Joey came through."
"What are you taking about? I'm controlling his mind!"
"Not for much longer." Yugi said, showing the Red Eyes Balck Dragon, "I know I can use this card to stop you, and get my best friend back."
"Don't hold your breath." Joey/Marik said as he walked back to the other side of the pier, "Now let's get back to this duel already so I can claim what is mine, and get rid of you once and for all."
Since it was still Yugi's turn he sacrificed his two monsters and summoned the Red Eyes Black Dragon (2400/2000). Joey saw the dragon and a small part of himself came through.
Marik couldn't believe what was happening. He was slowly loosing control over Joey's mind. His power was slipping away and he couldn't let little Yugi stop the power of the millennium rod.
"Sir," Odion said to get Marik's attention, "I'm afraid Joey's sister got away."
"Then why are you standing here, you fool. Go see to it that she is captured." Marik commanded.
Back on the pier, Joey was fighting to get free after seeing his Red Eyes on the field. Yugi was pushing for Joey to remember. Kaiba on the other hand was shocked to see how the Red Eyes was affecting Joey.
"Well you heard Yugi. It used to be Joey's card." Mokuba said, "It must be a hard spot to be in. A card that you care about being played against you."
"It's about to get harder." Kaiba muttered.
"Joey, Marik has taken over your mid and he's using you to defeat me." Yugi said. "I'm going to use your red eyes to blast you back to your senses. If it doesn't work, the you, me, Serena, and the entire world are in danger."
Yugi told Joey that he was only doing this because they were friends, as the Red Eyes attacked the alligator sword, destroying it."
Yugi: 1500
Joey/Marik: 2400
Yugi hoped that Joey was there after the attack, but Marik was still in control of Joey, and he wasn't happy. He planned to finish Yugi and take what belonged to him, and attack little Yugi with everything he had.
/./Yugi this getting to dangerous, I'm taking over././ Yami said.
/No, I can't let you Yami. I need to do this myself./ Yugi replied, /And I have one last idea./
Yugi took the millennium puzzle from around his neck.
/././Yugi you can't be serious./././ Serena piped in.
/You both have to trust me on this. I know I can save him. Since the day I put the millennium puzzle together, you gave me hope, courage, and confidence. You even helped me make new friends. I can't go through my life depending on you. I need to know that even without the millennium puzzle hanging around my neck, I can be strong enough to help my friends. I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometimes that I need to prove to myself that I can be brave like you but without you. Do you two understand?/
Yami and Serena agreed and understood that Yugi needed to finish the duel himself.
/./ You do understand what happens if you loose this duel aren't you?/./
/I sure am, that's why I need to do this. I won't let that happen./
/./Alright if you believe that you can win, then I believe in you. Good luck Yugi/./
/I won't disappoint you or Serena, Yami./
Alright, it's time to save my best friend, and the world on my own. Yugi thought as he gripped the millennium puzzle.
"Well now have you given up or are you ready for more?" Joey/Marik asked.
There wasn't much time left and Yugi's life points were low. If he lost then Marik would gain the millennium puzzle, Slifer, and Serena. His only hope was to free Joey's mind.
"Alright, it's time to finish you off now and take the power I deserve as well as the queen. So say goodbye." Joey/Marik said.
Joey/Marik attacked Yugi's life points once again with another Himotama magic card.
Yugi: 1000
Joey/Marik: 2400
"Oh no, Yugi!" Serena yelled.
Meanwhile, the Rare Hunters were looking for Tristan, Duke, and Serenity. They were running around the city trying to figure out where the three were hiding, only to run right past their hiding place.
"Looks like they're the fools." Duke said.
"Finally a chance to catch our breath and catch up while were at it." Tristan sighed.
Tristan told Duke that the last time they saw each other was when Duke was showing off his game. Duke explained that he heard about Battle city and sounded like fun to check out. The dice master was hoping to run into Yugi and Serena, but Tristan would do.
"Speaking of which, who's she?" Duke asked looking at Serenity.
"To you she's off limits." Tristan answered.
Tristan explained that it was Joey's sister. Duke remembered that it was one who he had dressed up in the doggy costume. Tristan asked Duke not to mention that to Serenity, as it would upset her.
The other thing on their mind, were the guys chasing them. Tristan had no idea who they were or what they were after.
"I could definitely tell you one thing, they weren't fond of you." Duke said.
"Wow Sherlock, you're real smart. Did you figure that out all by yourself or did someone help you?" Tristan asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"Very funny. But if someone is after you need to figure out why." Duke mentioned.
Serenity on the other hand, got up and was ready to get out of the truck.
"Hey guys, if those jerks are after us, does that mean?" Serenity started.
"Mean what?" Duke asked.
This made Tristan realize that they could be after the others as well.
"Joey, Yugi, Tea, Serena, and Mina may be in even more trouble than we are now." Tristan said.
Little did they know that he was right. Yugi was getting up from the latest hinotama attack.
"Please Joey, come to your senses!" Mina yelled, "Kaiba, Mokuba, can't you do anything to stop this?"
"If we move, then Mina would be…" Mokuba started, "We've got to put a stop to this.
"I know." Kaiba said thinking of someway to stop what was happening.
Serena watched as her brother limped over to the other side of the pier holding the millennium puzzle. She grasped her millennium crystal in a her hands praying that everything would be okay.
Joey/Marik continued his turn and summoned Rocket Warrior (1500/1300). He explained that any monster it attacks would lose 500 attack points for the duration of the turn. Yugi told Joey to wait, but he continued on, playing a magic card known as Attrition.
"Joey I know you can hear me." Yugi said, "I know you remember, think Joey."
Joey/Marik had the Rocket Warrior go into invincible mode and attack the Red Eyes weakening it to 1900 attack points.
"Hang on Joey, I want to give you something of mine."
Joey/Marik activated his magic card, Attrition, causing the Red Eyes to lose 1500 more attack points, making it even weaker.
The one thing that Marik wasn't expecting was for his control to weaken again. After seeing his Red Eyes being weakened, Joey was trying to break through.
"Just like you gave me your Red Eyes, I want to give you something that is meaningful to me." Yugi said.
No forget about him. Marik told Joey.
What's happening to me? Joey thought as he sunk to his knees in pain.
"Joey, it's me. Please take this; it's my most precious possession, The millennium puzzle. Now a piece of me will always be with you." Yugi said as he put the millennium puzzle around Joey's neck with a small smile. "Take care of it, it's yours now."
Yay! first half of the duel is done and the next chapter will begin here shortly! I will try and update more often now, but I can't make any promises! Let me know what you think! Ja ne!