A/N: Here it is! The chapter you've all been waiting for. The awaited and anticipated duel of the century! It's going to be Mina vs. Yugi!

Disclaimer: Not written for this chapter due to the awesomeness that's about to occur.

Chapter 20

Mina vs. Yugi Part 1

On the cliff by the sea

Mina P.O.V.

"How…how…"

A hint of a smile was on the corner of my lips as the dueling platform lowered me back down to the ground. However, the duel I'd just won hadn't been very satisfying. It's true that it was only a practice match for me, but I'd wanted a bit more of a challenge to prepare me for Yugi.

"How can this be!" Mako Tsunami shouted. "There's no way I could have been beaten so easily!"

"I am an eliminator," I replied briskly as my feet touched the ground, "and you my friend have been eliminated from the game. Have a fun ride back home."

"I still don't understand," Mako continued. "Even Yugi had a hard time beating me! How is that you…"

I stopped dead in my tracks the second Mako uttered his name. "Did you say Yugi, as in Yugi Muto? He was here?"

Mako landed on the ground as I turned to face him. His expression was somber, but he nodded.

"Do you know where he could have gone?" I asked.

"No, and even if I did I wouldn't tell you," Mako replied. "You've ruined everything for me."

"Save me your sob story," I stated as I turned away. "I'll find Yugi with or without your help."

"You heartless witch! Because of you, I'll never be able to find my father!"

The cold words hurt, but I tried my best not to show any emotion on my face as I inclined my head in his direction. He was obviously angry about what I'd done even after I'd heard how he needed the prize money to find his father. I'll admit that I can relate to how desperate he feels. I'm desperate myself. That's why I had to defeat him. My own desperation was too great for me to have a conscious.

"You shouldn't give up so easily," I told him. "You don't need three million dollars to find your father. If he's really out there somewhere…I'm sure he'll find you if you can't find him. You should have more faith in him."

It was with those words that I departed from the cliff. I don't need Mako to tell me where Yugi is anyway. I know he couldn't have gone far from here if he had just dueled Mako.

"I'll find you Yugi," I thought as I began to walk through the forests. "And I'll defeat you."

For the sake of my own father, I have to push ahead. Cold words can't bring me down now. I have a reason to fight and a reason to duel. No matter what, I'll do what I have to in order to save my father's life. Then maybe…maybe I can finally get my life back. I can finally go back home and my mother won't be insane anymore. I just have to defeat Yugi and everything will be okay.

No one will stand in the way of that. I won't let my father down. I won't lose.

After a few minutes I finally saw them up ahead. One of Pegasus's guards was holding Kaiba's brother, Mokuba, against his will. Yugi and his other friends were trying to stop him. And…was that Artemis I saw in Tea's arms?

My own cat, turned against me. No matter, I finally found them. It was only a matter of time now.

Yugi P.O.V.

This has been a really rough day. No, it's been a rough week really. Ever since my grandfather's soul was stolen things have been tough. Now I'm left with consequences to actions that weren't mine.

One of those consequences being that I just lost two of my five star-chips thanks to this sleazy guard in front of us. Instead of holding the boat until a half-hour had actually past, he decides to make the boat leave early. And when Mokuba tried to explain, he knocked the star-chips out of his hand and into the ocean.

It was definitely pretty maddening, but there wasn't much I could do at this moment. I was in control of myself but…well lets just say I'm not in complete control right now. There's this…other prescience. I can't really explain it.

Even so, this guy was trying to take Mokuba back to Pegasus's castle. I couldn't let that happen under any circumstances.

"I still have three star-chips left," I stated. "So, I challenge you to a duel. If I win, Mokuba comes with us."

The thug laughed. "I don't know why you'd risk your star-chips for this little brat, but if that's how you want to waste your last star-chips then meet me back at Arena 146 in exactly four hours. You'll have your duel."

"Fine, it's a deal," I replied as I watched the guard take Mokuba away.

"Yugi!"

"Don't worry Mokuba, I promise I'll save you."

The two were soon gone and now we're forced to come up with something to do for four hours. It seemed like too long of a time to wait for a duel, especially with such high stakes.

"Do you think we should stake out that arena in case they come back early?" Tristan asked after walking off the dock.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Joey replied, "but waiting for four hours seems suspicious don't you think. Pegasus could be planning something bad up there."

Tea sighed as she pet Artemis's head. "We don't have any other choice but to wait."

"That's not true Tea."

We all paused for a moment.

"Who's voice was that?" Joey asked.

"Try looking right behind you."

We all turned around to see Mina standing on the edge of the dock. She wore a thin red jacket over a black t-shirt and denim Capri pants with red sneakers. And obviously she was wearing her signature red ribbon in her hair.

"Mina!" we all gasped, not knowing how she'd gotten there in without us noticing.

A smirk lit up her face as she walked toward us and off the dock. She continued to walk until she'd passed us and then she stopped and turned around. "I'm sure you're wondering why I am here."

"That thought crossed my mind," Joey commented as he smiled. "Still, its good to see you Mina."

"It's unfortunate that the feeling isn't mutual," Mina stated as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out a card. "I am glad to see Yugi though. I want to show him something."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Tristan asked.

"Why do I have that same feeling?" Tea added.

I watched as Mina flipped the card around in her hand. On the card was…

"Grandpa!" I shouted.

"Thought you'd recognize it," Mina replied with a sinister laugh. "I swiped it from Pegasus's castle."

"Well, that's a relief," Tea stated as she sat Artemis back on the ground.

"By the way, thanks for finding my cat," Mina said while continuing to hold the card in her hand. I didn't understand why she hadn't given it to me yet.

"Meow!"

Mina's smile turned grim as Artemis hissed. "Good to see you too Artemis."

"May I have that card Mina?" I asked finally while extending out my hand to her.

Mina's smile returned. "You'd like that wouldn't you? I'm sorry, but I can't grant your wish Yugi. Not unless you do something for me first."

"Mina, what are you doing?" Joey asked, clear anger in his voice. I still didn't understand. Why was Mina acting like this?

"You all don't seem to realize that I've been deceiving you from the start," Mina replied. "Don't you get it? I work for Pegasus."

"You what!" I exclaimed in shock.

"Mina, stop it," Tea ordered. "This joke isn't funny at all."

"Do you honestly think that I'm kidding around?" Mina asked. "I'm dead serious. I work for Pegasus and I have a job to do."

"Then why'd you swipe that card?"

"Oh, Joey, you naïve fool," Mina answered. "I swiped the card in order to ensure that I get what I want."

"Well, what is it that you want?" I asked angrily. "Tell me!"

Mina's smile widened. "All I want from you is a fair and honest duel."

"This doesn't seem fair and honest!" Tristan shouted.

"Won't you duel me Yugi?" Mina asked while ignoring Tristan altogether. "I'll gladly give you this card if you win."

"And if I refuse?"

"I'll destroy the card and by doing so, I'll destroy your grandfather's soul," Mina replied. "It's your call."

"I don't understand Mina!" I sneered. "Why?"

Mina's gaze seemed to soften as I waited for her response. Unfortunately, she didn't give a response. The only thing that resembled one was the defiant glare in her eyes.

"We treated you like a part of our group!" Tea shouted. "How can you do this to Yugi and to us!"

"I don't feel any attachments to you four," Mina stated. "I'm in this for the money understand. It's not personal."

"You better believe it's personal!" Joey exclaimed as he glared at Mina. "You made us believe that you were our friend!"

He seemed angrier than any of us.

Mina waved her fingers through her hair with a bored expression on her face. "Are you finished Wheeler? If so, then I advise you to shut up from now on."

"I'll do no such thing!" Joey fired back, his Brooklin accent shining through. "You lied to us. You betrayed us and you're holding the soul of Yugi's grandpa as a hostage to force Yugi into a duel. That's just not cool."

"Do you agree to the terms Yugi?" Mina asked, turning her attention directly on me. "Will you duel me?"

"I will," I replied immediately. "Still, Mina, this isn't like you at all."

"I agree with Yugi," Joey stated.

Mina was shocked, but she was trying not to show it. "Weren't you just saying that I'm a liar and a backstabber?"

"Yeah, but…I know you Mina," Joey explained. "You aren't an evil person. I can't explain why I still feel that way after everything you've just said…but I still believe in you."

"How foolish," Mina replied.

"Foolish or not, I know that you once gave me hope," Joey told her. "Based on that and what I feel in my gut, I know you can't truly be doing this for yourself."

Mina's fists clenched at her sides, but her face showed no emotion. "Yugi, I believe we should proceed onto the duel arena prepared for us."

The ground began to shake as a duel arena rose from the ground behind Mina. Once it rose, she went to her designated side. I followed suit and traveled to my designated side. As the duel platform brought me up, I began to realize that this duel was going to be one of the most important duels of my life. My grandfather's soul was truly at stake.

"What happens if you win?" I asked.

"I'm wagering three of my eight star-chips," Mina replied. "If I win I'll officially kick you out of the tournament, just as my job entitles me to do. I'll also have entry to Pegasus's castle."

"And my grandpa?"

"I'll do as I please with the card."

"Very well then. I won't lose."

"We'll see Yugi."

"LETS DUEL!"

Joey P.O.V.

My mind was giving me more of a headache than it had been before. Of course, that pain was a picnic compared to how I felt right now. I couldn't remember a time when I'd been so angry. In some ways, I didn't understand why I was so angry. That in itself wasn't too big of a surprise. I've gone through most of my life without understanding anything of real importance. That's just how things have been.

But now, this hurt seemed to cut deeper than anything I'd experienced. Now that was a surprise. I've been through plenty of horrors before. I've watched my dad beat my mom. I've watched Serenity cry after getting bad news from a doctor. I've lived through my parents divorce. I've lived through being mercilessly beaten by my dad.

Basically, my life has been full of pain and terror. It was not something new and by this time, I'd become nearly numb to it. My mind had convinced itself that pain was just part of the program. It was something I had to deal with.

So, things didn't hurt as much. Sure, I lost my cool sometimes, but I didn't feel sadness anymore. And now that I'm older, my father can't beat me with as much ease because I can fight back. My fists became my defense.

I gained friends after learning what strength really is. My defenses weren't as high. That was when Mina walked into my life.

She seemed like a fun loving girl who just had a lot on her mind. Still, that day at McDonalds is etched into my brain. I can't forget the sadness that had been in her eyes.

And as I look up at her now, I can still see that sadness. Even when she was saying all those horrible things…I could see it. That's how I know…she isn't doing this for herself. She's doing all this out of desperation to help someone else.

Maybe it's because I'm desperate to save my sister. That must be the reason why I can see that Mina isn't the horrible person that the others now believe her to be. Though, I believe Yugi can see it too. He's got the Millennium puzzle after all. He has to know that Mina isn't evil.

I watched Mina as she drew her five cards. Her crystal blue eyes were focused and determined.

"My first card shall be Sailor Iron Mouse!" she exclaimed while setting the card onto the field. A short, sailor soldier with greyish hair tied in two buns on the sides of her head and dimmed violet eyes appeared on the field. She wore a white corset top that was trimmed in black with a white miniskirt over white pants. To top that all off she wore whitle ankle boots and white gloves that went a little past her wrists.

Sailor Iron Mouse Attack: 1300

Sailor Iron Mouse Defense: 1300

"I place one card face down and end my turn."

Yugi gazed at his hand before looking up at Mina.

"I play Gaia, the fierce knight!"

Gaia Attack: 2300

"Now, attack!" Yugi shouted.

"Predictable," Mina muttered. "I reveal my trap card, Sailor Mouse Trap!"

"Sailor Mouse Trap?" Yugi asked.

"This card allows Sailor Iron Mouse to trap your monster," Mina replied. A magical golden rope appeared in her monster's hands and she used it to rope Yugi's monster.

"But that isn't all Yugi. Now I get to choose if Gaia loses five hundred attack points or if you lose five hundred life points."

"She gets to choose?" Tristan asked.

"Yeah, and since Gaia would still be stronger if she lowered his attack points, well it's obvious," I told him.

"Say goodbye to five hundred life points!"

Mina: 2000

Yugi: 1500

"This is bad," Tea stated worriedly. "Yugi lost life points on his first turn."

"But now, Gaia is free and with 2300 attack points he can take out 1000 of Mina's," I told her.

"Attack Gaia!"

Sailor Iron Mouse was destroyed in an instant.

Yugi: 1500

Mina: 1000

Mina didn't seem fazed by losing half her life points as she drew a card. "When Sailor Iron Mouse is sent to the graveyard, I can summon any monster I choose from my deck."

Mina picked up her deck and went through it. "This one should do. I summon Sailor Star Fighter!"

Another sailor soldier appeared on the field. This one was a lot taller than the previous one and it was wearing black instead of white. This sailor scout had violet eyes also, but her hair was short and black.

Sailor Star Fighter Attack: 2150

Sailor Star Fighter Defense: 1600

"That monster still isn't strong enough to face Gaia," Yugi stated.

"That's why I play this equip spell, Golden Microphone" Mina replied. " This raises Fighter's attack points by four hundred.

Attack: 2550

"Now, attack with Star Serious Laser!"

Gaia was defeated in ten seconds flat. Mina clearly had the advantage right now. It was like Yugi wasn't even putting up a fight.

Yugi: 1250

Mina: 1000

"And when Sailor Star Fighter destroys a monster I automatically gain two hundred life points."

Yugi: 1250

Mina: 1200

"Come on Yugi!" I shouted. "Don't let Mina beat you around. Don't' forget what you're fighting for."

"I haven't Joey," Yugi replied.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Mina stated. "I'm going to defeat you no matter what you throw at me. Face it Yugi, you've failed."

"This duel isn't over until the last move is made!" Tea shouted. "Besides, I know that Yugi will win this duel. He isn't selfish like you and he has a real reason for fighting!"

"So do I," Mina muttered bitterly. "I end my turn Yugi."

"Mina, what is it that your fighting for anyway?" Yugi asked. "I know it isn't just for yourself, otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?" Mina cut in. "I wouldn't be defeating you right now. Maybe I'm just a better duelist."

"But Mina…"

"Don't bother Yugi," Tristan interrupted. "She isn't worth it. Just defeat her so we can help Mokuba."

Mina's gaze narrowed when she heard Mokuba's name. I watched her as she close her eyes. It was clear to me that there was something wrong. She just wasn't willing to tell us. She didn't trust us. She didn't trust me.

Knowing that hurt more than I care to admit, but no matter what…she can't win this duel. She has to lose for the sake of Yugi's grandpa.

Still, she said that she had a real reason for fighting too. Earlier she told us that she was only in this for the money. I doubt she'd be dueling this hard if it were just about cash. She'd be like Mai. So, obviously she's fighting for someone. She's trying to save someone.

"Now, I'll play the Summoned Skull!" Yugi shouted. "Then I'll place two cards face down."

Summoned Skull Attack: 2500

The summoned skull was probably a ploy. It was bait so that Mina will attack; however, Mina is a lot smarter than she lets on. Kind of like how I'm smarter than I let on.

(a/n: Yeah, keep telling yourself that Joey.)

"First, I summon Sailor Jupiter in attack mode!" Mina exclaimed.

Sailor Jupiter Attack: 1500

"Then, I'll play two cards face down and end my turn."

Darn it, she didn't take the bait.

Yugi suddenly laughed. Mina looked puzzled.

"I don't' see what could be so funny Yugi," Mina stated a bit irritably.

Yugi continued to laugh as he spoke. "I'm laughing because this is such a fun duel."

"Fun?" Mina questioned. "Are you kidding? You're dueling for your grandpa's soul!"

"Well, I feel better about that knowing that my grandpa's soul is in your hands," Yugi replied.

Mina scoffed. "Figures that you would say something like that in such a dire situation. I'm not amused or moved by your jokes."

"Well, if this isn't a personal duel for you," Yugi stated, "then I shouldn't see it as personal either. That is, if it really isn't personal for you."

"Just make your move!" Mina snapped.

Tristan looked confused when I glanced at him. "Something wrong Tristan."

"No, I'm just wondering if Yugi is trying to convince Mina to tell us something," Tristan replied. "I guess I wouldn't be surprised if she were lying about something else."

"Hey, that's not cool man," I stated defensively. "What's the matter with you."

"With me?" Tristan asked. "What's with you? Why are you trying to defend her. She lied to us and she betrayed us. She's working for Pegasus idiot!"

"Even so, I know that she wouldn't have done this if she didn't have a reason," I told him.

"It's not like you know her any more than the rest of us do," Tristan commented angrily.

"Why you…"

"He's right you know."

I turned away from Tristan and looked up at Mina. She was staring down at me with cold eyes.

"You don't know me, so stop defending me," she said as Yugi drew a card. "It's a wasted effort anyway."

I didn't think it was a wasted effort. Yugi didn't think so either. We both knew that deep down, Mina was a good person. She isn't evil. She's not like Pegasus.

Artemis P.O.V.

My time with Mina's friends has been short, but it's easy to see that they are good people. Still, even though I'm angry at Mina, I was hurt by the things Tristan and Tea said. However, this Joey guy was different. He and Yugi were the only ones defending her.

Yugi was doing so because he had beforehand knowledge. I'm not very familiar with the Millennium items, but I do know that they give the owner strange powers. Yugi must be using his item to see into Mina's heart and to what her true feelings are.

Joey was a different case. He didn't have an item to tell him that Mina wasn't evil. He already knew that for himself. In fact, I believe that he's the only one that still has genuine faith in her since Yugi's is based off of what his puzzle has told him.

Joey's belief is genuine and true. He must really value her as a friend, but I can't help wondering if he might feel something more for Mina. Somehow, I doubted it. Maybe it was just that he could relate to her. Their situations were similar after all, but then again he doesn't know that.

His words from before…

"You gave me hope once…"

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

A/N: That is the end of this chapter. Did you all enjoy it. I know I enjoyed writing it! Anyway, the epic duel continues in the next chapter. Stay tuned!