Hey there everyone. Well, this weekend wasn't too bad. I saw grandpa Saturday and spent the day with him. Heh, he was pretty tired all day, and the nurses mentioned that might have been due that his sugar (He has diabetes, but he's always controlled it through diet. No insulin for him, hehe) was a little low for once. They finally got it back up to normal, but he still slept. Before I left, I asked him about what he told my sister earlier in the week, about her being too young for him. Heh, he replied that he was just kidding with her, which I figured, lol. But it was good to see him. I saw him again tonight, and he was doing pretty good. Heh, he thought he could get out of bed and go to the bathroom, but I got him stopped and had the nurse take care of him. He should be moving to the skilled nursing home this week since they took his trachea out last week. Other than that, life was decent this weekend. Not much really happened. I had intentions of working on my story, but eh, that never happened, lol.

For my story update, not much to report on it currently. I'm trying to work on it, but eh, I keep getting sidetracked. I had to fight with my home computer most of the weekend, with it getting the better of me. I finally got it back to normal last night, but it had taken all weekend to get to that point… But I'm trying to get it finished up for sure. For now though, I'm going to post 3 chapters till I deem I should stop. I hope not to, but it may happen, just so you all know.

Also, I'm sorry I didn't post earlier, but I was having difficulties in posting. For some odd reason, I couldn't get my doc to upload, but now that I'm at home, it seems to be working alright.

Last time, Illidan and Marie's home was bombarded with old friends coming in for the holidays. Many familiar faces showed up, many with their children included. Tea was last to show up, but seemed offbeat (imagine that, lol). The question is, what now?

Alright, time to get down to business. Man, this story is getting closer and closer to 200 reviews each time. If I hit the mark, I'll most definitely throw in an extra chapter. At any rate, it's REVIEW TIME!

pink-kiss-candy: Thank you. Cool about seeing Shippuden. I liked it so far, but eh, I got to where I figured I'd wait a bit longer, although I know what happens in the near future with Naruto and Sasuke. Lol, Ryon lives! Barely, hehe. Maybe your favorite is… Gara!?

Knives91: Yep, hehe, the game is definitely afoot! Or is it getting it on? Too many phrases dealing with game! But thank you for the comments.

x-knight20: Thank you. I'd say you're lucky you had a potion. Nope, no Yugi, no Bakura, yet… Ok, I'll say hi to grandpa for you. (/Watches Marie slashed motorcycle to ribbons and you take a tumble over a cliff.\) Uh, I'd watch her. She's a bit dangerous…

Ultimate Legendary Master: Yeah, the chapter was a bit slow, but eh, I'm reintroducing old faces back into the picture, which takes a chapter I suppose. Yes, my visit went well, and the busy part, heh, it never seems to end, lol.

Isis the Sphinx: Yes, there is some backstory that hasn't been explained yet. Actually, there was a part of this story that a certain half cat demon was to write up for me, but she never got to it… Oh well, I had to improvise and do it myself, lol. Thank you. Yes, poor Jaden is being bombarded with hugs and love from people he doesn't know, but at least he got to meet some rather famous faces. Thanks again.

Alright, that's it for this round. I'm glad everyone liked this chapter, for the most part. Heh, I kind of added it due that I realized I hadn't ever had a Christmas chapter, lol. Not really though, hehe. I did it mostly to bring back some old faces and show where they were 10 years later, plus it was good to have them interact with Jaden.

Thank you everyone for your reviews this last time around. Also, thank you to the Raymond, who added me to their favorites. Once again, thank you everyone for all the support and comments I get from you all. I helps me truly. I look forward to seeing the next batch of reviews. Till then, later everyone!

Chapter 35

Quietly, Illidan and Tea slipped outside and walked away from the house where laughter could be heard. Together, the pair silently moved into the woods where Illidan found the spot where he usually meditated or worked out. The sky had darkened a bit since the early morning and threatened to possibly snow, but that didn't bother either person.

Finally stopping, Tea broke the silence with a dejected voice. "Things used to be so simple."

Stopping in his tracks, Illidan turned to face Tea and sadly nodded, saying "Yeah, they used to be."

"Illidan, why does he stay away?" she asked with a broken hearted look.

Sighing, Illidan ran a hand through his long hair and finally said "He's trying to make sure the Shadow Games never return."

Tears began to form, seemingly threatening to fall as she sniffled a bit to hold them back. With a touch of sadness and anger in her voice, she said "But he has a family to be with! He should be home with us, not out fighting. This is the reason we fought for all those years, so we could finally have a life together."

In a flash of inhuman speed, Illidan pulled Tea into a warm embrace. Surprised, but somewhat relieved, she put her head onto his shoulder and gripped his coat tightly with her two fists while sobbing out. Gently rubbing her back in a circular motion, he gently said "I know, but there is still evil out there that wishes to destroy the world. True, there is very little, but there is some, and that is what Yugi is trying to track down."

"It's not fair." she mumbled into his coat.

Sadly smiling, Illidan replied "It isn't, but unfortunately, that's the way things are for now."

Slowly, she released her grip on him and broke up the embrace to turn her back to Illidan. With her coat sleeve, she began wiping away the tears, but mumbled "Yoshi is getting bigger. She often asks about Yugi, wondering where he is."

Sadly sighing, Illidan put a kind hand on her shoulder, saying "I wish there was a way to bring him home, but as you've seen, he has things to do. I was very surprised that he came to our graduation this spring actually."

Pondering over what to say next, Illidan paused for a moment before saying "If I could take his place, I would. I bet more than anything he feels like how I did when I had to go my own way from Marie: sad, lonely, and miserable. I highly doubt that this journey is anything but pure misery for him."

Sniffling a bit, Tea responded sadly with "I know… I just wish there was another way. He's been forced away from home for so long. We fought all those years to finally start our life, and for a few years we had it."

Letting out a ragged sigh, Tea continued with "Maybe it was a foolish dream to hope peace would remain."

Walking to the front of Tea, Illidan grabbed hold of her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. In a sure voice, he said "It's never foolish Tea to believe in a dream like that, so never think that it was. Those who struggle for a dream often achieve it. Don't give up on it yet, and especially don't give up on him. He'll come back, I promise."

Softly smiling, she hugged Illidan, saying "Thank you."

Returning the hug, he softly replied "No problem."

The pair finally turned back towards the dorm and began their trek back.

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Upon arriving back at the house, Tea went her own way to check on Yoshi. Meanwhile, Illidan came face to face with a scowling Marie.

"Something wrong?" he asked innocently, unsure why his wife was glaring at him.

Lightly growling at him, she asked "Where were you with Tea?"

Casually, Illidan replied "Talking to her. She's a bit upset that Yugi isn't around."

Still glaring at him, she replied "I hope that's all you were doing."

"Are you accusing me of …" Illidan said in total shock.

Giggling innocently, her demeanor instantly changed. She quickly finished his sentence, saying "Nothing. I know you wouldn't do that sort of thing Illidan. I figured I'd just see how you'd react."

"Sheesh…" Illidan muttered with a long sigh.

Looking towards the main room, he broke out of his small sigh and asked "How is everyone?"

Smiling, she replied "Perfectly fine. The children are still playing in the other room. Jaden and Odion are in there watching the kids. As for the adults, most of the women are in the kitchen talking. Well, all but Gabriel. The others are in the main room."

"Good to hear. Well, I suppose we should get in there."

Nodding, Marie offered her hand, which Illidan took without hesitation. With hands intertwined, the pair walked towards the main room, each smiling as they were surrounded by their friends and family.

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Just as nightfall reached the home of Illidan and Marie, there was a knock on the door. Unsure who it was, Illidan left the group to check on it.

Opening the door, he was shocked to find a familiar young man with hardened dark blue eyes with short brown hair. Beside him stood another young man, his younger brother, with raven black long hair and violet eyes. In behind him stood a young woman with shoulder length blonde hair that was put up in a pony tail. She had beautiful emerald eyes that seemed to gleam in the small amount of light coming into the room.

Coming from the kitchen, Jaden saw Illidan standing at the door. He heard him exclaim "Guys, wow, I didn't think you were coming this year!"

Finally breaking away from his shock, Illidan said "Well, come on in!"

Seeing Jaden standing in the room, Illidan smiled and led the new group into the house. Clearing his throat, he said "Jaden, I'd like to introduce to you to one of my good friends. This is …"

"SETO KAIBA!" Jaden interrupted with shock washing over his face.

Chuckling, Seto remarked "I see I'm still as popular as ever."

The other person beside of him with black hair groaned, saying "And I'm as unpopular as ever."

Looking at the one that spoke, Jaden thought for a moment, and finally said in a clueless voice "Alright, I give up, I have no idea who you are."

The woman behind him giggled, and even Seto chuckled. Seeing Jaden had no idea at all who the person was, Illidan remarked "Jaden, this is Mokuba Kaiba, Seto's brother."

Smacking his fist in his open palm, Jaden said "Oh yeah, now I remember. You're the guy who was always on the stage near Seto at the beginning of the duel or the end."

Sighing, Mokuba darkly grumbled "Everyone remembers me for that. Why don't they remember me for my dueling career!?"

"Probably because it was extremely short and unremarkable." Seto sharply remarked with a smirk.

Again, the girl giggled at the joke, making Mokuba only shoot her a glare. Chuckling himself, Illidan glanced at the woman, and after a moment said "I believe the girl behind Mokuba, as I remember, hmm, was it Ms Long?"

The girl smiled and nodded, saying "You have a good memory. By the way, the name is Margaret Long."

Extending his hand, Illidan kindly smiled and said "Nice to meet you again."

Margaret took it graciously and shook it. Turning to Seto, Illidan said "I'm surprised you guys are here. I thought you all weren't coming this year."

Clearing his throat, Seto replied "Well, at the last minute, we decided…"

"More like you decided to interrupt us all and demanded we're leaving." Mokuba retorted with venom in his voice and a death glare.

Chuckling, Seto asked sarcastically "You're not mad that I interrupted what you two were…"

"Seto, let me remind you, there are young ears in the room!" Illidan growled out.

Jaden, who was clueless, asked "Interrupted what?"

Seeing a glare coming from Illidan, Seto rephrased his response and said "I just bothered them and told them we were coming."

After a moment of thinking, he then asked "By the way, why is this student here Illidan?"

"Oh yeah, I never told you. Jaden here is a …" Illidan began.

Mokuba interrupted, growling out "Guys, not now!"

Noting that Margaret stood there curious of what was going on, Illidan sighed, saying "Oh yeah, never mind. I'll tell you later. Anyways, come on in and make yourselves comfortable."

The group nodded and walked on into the next room, where everyone gasped to see Seto. Joey made his usual tough talk, while the others shook their heads at his behavior.

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Around midnight, everyone began heading for their beds. All of the children had been bedded for quite a while, and most of the adults had stayed up but a few, like a tired Ishizu, Serenity, and surprisingly Marie.

Once everyone had headed towards their rooms, Illidan nodded towards Seto to come with him. The two stepped outside into the brisk night air, each noting that the snow was beginning to fall.

Slowly, the pair walked away from the Slifer Dorm and towards a small secluded area in the woods where Illidan did most of his meditation and exercising.

"So, he's your descendant?" Seto asked, breaking the silence.

Turning in surprise, Illidan asked "You knew?"

Chuckling, Seto replied "I figured it out on my own. One, I noticed the Shadow Pendant around his neck. Two, he's very much like you from what I've seen of his record and heard about him. Three, he looks similar to your son, Fahd, plus he shares some of your mannerisms. Shall I continue?"

Lightly chuckling, Illidan remarked "No, you hit the nail on the head. He is my descendant from Fahd's side."

"So, yet another long lost relative comes into the family." Seto sarcastically said.

Chuckling once more, Illidan nodded. His demeanor instantly changed, as his body tensed. "Someone is watching us."

Sensing what Illidan did, Seto braced himself. "Where are they?" he asked while glancing around.

Running off towards a cliff area, Illidan called out "This way!"

The pair quickly crossed the small amount of forest to where a tall set of cliffs stood. Once there, Illidan saw a figure clad in a black robes and a black hood with black gloves standing there with his back to him. Sensing a bit of Shadow Magic coming from the figure, Illidan began running faster, pushing his body to it's limits.

Immediately, the figure sensed Illidan rushing towards him and let out a low evil chuckle. He remained with his back to Illidan, seemingly not concerned with him at all.

Slowing his approach, Illidan called out "Who are you!?"

"Someone who has been dead to this world for many years." the figure said with a muffled voice.

"Are you the one who attacked the Anubis Dorm nearly ten years ago!?" Illidan demanded.

The figure chuckled darkly, saying "No."

"Then who are you!?"

No answer came back, angering Illidan, who yelled "Answer me!"

"I answer to no one, especially you, boy." the figure finally said.

Growling in irritation, Illidan took a fighting stance, saying "You best tell me who you are, or I'll have to force you to. I know you have Shadow Powers, which makes you a suspect to what has happened on this island over the last ten years."

"I answer to no one." the figure repeated.

"Have it your way." Illidan said as he prepared to attack.

Shifting his weight to one foot, Illidan dashed forward, preparing to deliver a quickly front kick. Before he could arrive at his target though, it vanished.

"What the heck!?"

Looking around, Illidan saw no signs of his target. Using his Shadow Powers, Illidan searched the grounds for any signs of the robed assailant. Not picking up any residual Shadow Powers, Illidan growled with frustration.

Cursing under his breath, he slowly walked back down the hill towards Seto, who was slowly walking up the hill. Both were sweeping the area with their Shadow Powers, but still were turning up no results.

"How did he do that?" Seto asked as the two walked up to one another.

Shaking his head, Illidan replied "I'm unsure."

After a moment of glancing around, Illidan frowned and said "Wait, I might have an idea. I saw a technique like that once."

"Where?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Illidan slowly recalled when he had seen it. "Back when I traveled with the nomads, the group I was with ran into another rival group. One member of that group had a technique that could conceal their entire body and their powers."

"That is quite a dangerous technique."

Lightly chuckling, Illidan replied "Not really. It had major flaws. One, it wouldn't last long, and two being it consumed a lot of Shadow Magic. If you didn't have very strong Shadow Powers, you were defenseless soon enough."

Nodding, Seto said "I see. So, did that guy give you any information?"

"If he isn't lying, then I suppose so. He told me he wasn't the one who attacked the Anubis Dorm ten years ago. Whoever this person is, I don't trust them. And I'm getting the feeling that he has more Shadow Powers than he's letting on. To pull off the technique he did to escape, he has to have a tremendous amount of power in order to not reappear immediately."

Again nodding, Seto said "Very true. Perhaps we had better get back before the others worry about us."

Slowly, the pair began their trek back towards the Slifer Dorm. Along the way, the pair continued to scan the area, hoping to maybe catch a hint of where the robed assailant was.

"Tell me Illidan, have you checked the shrines?" Seto asked.

Still glancing around, Illidan replied "Yes, I've checked all five. Seemingly, all four are fine, but there was something strange with the Sacred Beast Shrine."

"Oh?" Seto asked, curious.

Nodding, Illidan replied "The barrier surrounding the cards was shattered. I'd be guessing that it was shattered the day the cards were taken earlier this year."

"Hmm, could a Shadow Charm have shattered your barrier?"

Shaking his head, Illidan responded with "No. I made that barrier rather strong, like the other shrines. No Shadow Charm alone could break the barrier. I doubt even all eight of them could equal the power needed."

"So, that leaves one question. Who broke the barrier?" Seto questioned.

"I'd be guessing our mystery guest may have done it. His power wasn't much, but I think that was a strong front. My guess is he's at least my equal in power."

Frowning, Seto replied "That means we have a powerful new enemy."

"Yeah…"

After a moment of silence, Illidan said "Together we can win this."

"Without a doubt." Seto simply replied.

Reaching the house, Illidan yawned and remarked "Well, I believe this exercise has made me rather sleepy. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night Illidan."

The pair immediately went into the house and to their rooms, with Illidan going upstairs and Seto staying downstairs.

Slowly stripping out of his clothes, Illidan heard Marie wake up and look at him in the dim light, asking sleepily "Where have you been?"

"Out talking with Seto." he casually replied.

Yawning, she replied "Oh, ok. Goodnight."

Smiling softly as he watched her burrow deeper into the covers, Illidan finished readying himself for bed and slid in behind her. Wrapping his arms around her protectively, Illidan let out a content sigh and drifted off to sleep.

Off in the distance, a figure stood watching the house beside the Red Dorm, chuckling evilly. "Rest easy for now Illidan, for soon I shall bring down your world and bring forth a new one with your help."

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The rest of the week with everyone at the Stormrages continued on without anymore interruptions. Finally, the day after Christmas, everybody who had came left for their own homes. There were some tears shed, with many promising to get together again soon.

As the remaining weeks before Winter Break came to an end, Illidan remained vigilant in his search for the stranger. He told Marie of what happened that night with Seto, and warned her to be increasingly alert. The pair tried hard to flush out the stranger, but still, there were no signs of the person.

Unsure of where the stranger had vanished to, Illidan alerted the Chancellor about the danger, who said he would take measures to take care of the students. The two discussed several plans of action, and finally it was decided that a curfew would be enforced, and a few more patrols of the island would be added.

Otherwise, the campus was prepared for the return of all the students. The few students that remained helped get things set up, each seemingly slightly happier that their friends were returning soon.

During the last few weeks, Illidan began teaching Jaden about the Shadow Charms and about the past. Jaden was rather fascinated by Illidan's stories, as well as what he learned about the Shadow Charms. The pair grew closer and closer, till it seemed like the pair were actual brothers.

Illidan still trained and prepared himself, unsure of what the future held. He remembered Marie's dream from earlier in the year, about him losing while Anubis was out, and Zell laughing at him. He still couldn't make any sense of the dream, but Illidan wasn't about to take any chances. He continued his training, hoping that if the robed stranger showed up again, he would be ready to fight him.