Hey there everybody! Well, this week seems to be dragging on. Not much is really new though. Mostly waiting for Friday, which is the day my mate finally comes home to stay. I can't wait! We'll finally be together in the same place and living together at long last. I've been listening to a song called "Till Nothing Comes Between Us Anymore," and it makes me think so much about us. In it, the guy is traveling to get back home, and won't stop till there is nothing between the two at all. I always listen to it when going to see Marie, and it seems to really hit home with me. (//Wakes up to reality.\\) Oh sorry, got lost in thoughts.

Last time, Illidan and Ryou were struggling to hold Darcia's powerful forces back. Darcia also revealed that he is indeed one of two ancient Atlantians that are still alive. Now the true question is can the two survive this confrontation, or will Darcia continue to prove to be too much for both to handle?

Now, time to start answering the reviews! Hurray, lol!

ardee: Thank you. They're both in a lot of trouble, mostly due that Darcia is pressing hard, and none of their monsters are even close to that strength. Possibly Anubis could come out, but you never know. Illidan has only needed him twice so far. Actually, in real life, you don't have to pay any points for A Deal with a Dark Ruler. You just have to lose an 8-star monster and then you can activate it. Thanks again.

Ultimate Legendary Master: Yeah, Darcia is old like Dartz. Very true about wiping out monsters. Seems like no matter what, Illidan and Ryou can't make any headway on this duel. No, I didn't actually read the novels. My mate has read some of them, but I don't think many. I'm not really any help with them, so sorry about that. But yes, the duel is still heating up, and you never know what Darcia has planned.

Isis the Sphinx: Yep, he's not the only Atlantian alive. Actually, it's not really that out the window, possibly. Yeah, moving has been ALRIGHT, as in, it's not too bad, but not that great either. Cool you got new windows. My windows you can tell are there, plus there are bugs there, lol.

Metal Overlord 2.0: Lol, true, but villains always have to monologue. If they didn't, they wouldn't be villains, hehe. Thanks for the comment. Yeah, with that powerhouse combo out, there isn't much Illidan or Ryou can do really. Lol, yep, it'll be fun to watch.

x-knight20: Thanks. I thought I'd throw the three sphinxes in and the pyramid. I have all the movie cards as well, but I haven't really ever used them. They're good, in theory, but bad in reality in a way. Still, I've seen some good sphinx decks, so there is hope.

Well, that's all for today my friends. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. As always, leave me some reviews, and I'll happily reply to them. (//Sighs\\) Only two more days to go. Well, actually, a little less. Anyways, till next time, have fun reading. Later.

Chapter 49

Both Ryou and Illidan gasped at this statement, and Ryou quickly asked "How can that be?!"

Laughing, Darcia said "You fools know it's a possibility since your friend Shadi has survived five millennia. As for how I did it, me and my master used the power of the Orichalcos Stone to keep ourselves alive."

Understanding slightly now, Illidan said "So, you and your master lived out ten millennia. If from what I understood from your one lackey, Kouga, you need our souls to reenergize this creature known as the Great Leviathan. My question for you is, if you needed us so badly, why didn't you two try five millennia ago?"

Slightly chuckling, Darcia replied "It was not yet time, plus the three Egyptian Gods were sealed away, thus making it impossible for us to fully restore the Great Leviathan. Thus, we had to wait till your souls were reincarnated again, and the three Egyptian Gods were back. But we did get something to boot for waiting, which is the fourth Egyptian God. We had no idea that it was even around. Now with Anubis back, we can fully restore and add even more power to our Great Beast!"

Growling, Illidan said "That's not going to happen as long as I'm around."

Smirking, Darcia replied "Yes, as long as you are around, it won't happen, but it will soon be time once more. Now watch as I prepare to annihilate you both!"

He then drew his next card and smirked, saying "I summon Enraged Battle Ox (1700 + 500 2200/1000) in attack mode, but place him on my back row." An ox dressed in red armor, carrying a large axe like sword then appeared on the field and let out a small battle roar.

"As long as Enraged Battle Ox is on the field, all my Beast, Beast-Warrior, and Winged Beast type monsters can do trample damage."

Illidan and Ryou both had their eyes wide, realizing that meant they would lose too many points in a single shot each.

"First, I'll clear out Illidan's field with Berserk Dragon. You see, Berserk Dragon's special ability allows it to attack all monsters on his field in the same turn. Berserk Dragon, attack with Berserk Blaze!" The brown, nearly black dragon roared loudly and fired a stream of black flames straight at the weaker grim reaper creature first. It was easily blown away, next followed by the large orange dragon. All that was left was the samurai monster.

Smirking, Illidan called out "Hold on one minute, you've triggered my Sasuke Samurai #4's special ability! When he's in a battle with a monster, I get to flip a coin. If I call it right, the monster he's battling is destroyed. If I call it wrong though, nothing happens and the battle continues. So, here goes."

Pulling out a coin, Illidan said "I'll call heads!" He then flipped it up into the air and then caught it when it fell back down. He then revealed it to Darcia, who saw it was sadly tails.

Knowing he was in trouble now, Illidan watched as his samurai was then burnt up by the black flames. "Not good, not good at all! Without Sasuke, I'm a sitting duck. Sure, I have Scapegoat, but with that Enraged Battle Ox out, I'd lose points still."

Sighing slightly, Illidan then said "Since you destroyed my Emissary of the Afterlife, it's effect kicks in. Now me and you each get to add a level three monster to our hand from our decks. I'll add Silent Swordsman LV3 to my hand."

Darcia looked through his deck and finally said "I pick Silver Fang to add to my hand. This has been an interesting duel with you Illidan, but all good things must come to an end. Say goodbye! Attack him directly now Theinen with Great Sphinx Slash!" The large combo sphinx roared loudly and sent forward a large clawed hand to strike Illidan.

Just as Illidan was about to play a trap card, he heard Ryou call out "I activate the trap card Dark Spirit of the Silent! Now your attack is negated, forcing you to attack with Enraged Battle Ox instead!"

Illidan then watched as ox creature came charging forward. "I don't want to waste my trap on this thing! Darn it Ryou, why couldn't you let me fend for myself!"

Before Illidan was hit though, he then heard Ryou call out "Earthbound Spirit, defend Illidan now!" The dirt covered creature then leapt in front of Illidan, taking up a defensive stance. The ox easily slashed it's axe like sword through it, instantly crushing the creature.

Looking over at Ryou, Illidan asked "Why did you just step in twice?"

Smirking, Ryou replied "I can't have you losing this duel. I need your help in order to win back Bakura's soul, and if you fall, I won't be able to do that. Why else should I care?"

Nodding, Illidan replied "Thank you…"

Darcia soon interrupted, saying "Since you fools wish to fall together, then very well. Now in my End Phase, my Berserk Dragon loses 500 attack points due to it's ability (3500/0). I now end my move." (Ryou 3800, Illidan 3200, Darcia 6800)

Ryou drew his next card and said "I activate my trap card, Multiple Destruction! Now we each get to discard our entire hands and draw five new cards each. The only catch is, I lose 100 life points per a card I discard, so I'm discarding five cards, which means I take 500 points of damage."

Both Illidan and Ryou sent their cards in their hands to the Graveyard and then all three picked up five new cards. Illidan examined his five new cards, which consisted of three Cyber Dragons, Polymerization, De-Fusion.

Ryou then spoke up, saying "Since I just sent five cards to the Graveyard, I'll now activate the effects of three that were sent. You see, two were Broww, Huntsman of Dark World, which allows me to draw two more cards from my deck. The next was Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World, which is now special summoned back to the field. So rise up again Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World (1600/1300) in defense mode!" A grey skinned creature with a golden chest plate and a sphere then appeared.

"Next, I'll set a monster in defense mode and end my turn." (Ryou 3300, Illidan 3200, Darcia 6800)

Nodding, Illidan drew and said "I'll now play the spell card Polymerization, fusing together my three Cyber Dragons to form the Cyber End Dragon (4000/2800) in attack mode!" Three metallic snake like dragons then appeared and swirled together to form a three headed dragon with massive metallic wings. The three heads let out a mighty mechanical cry, showing it's new power.

"Go Cyber End Dragon, attack his Berserk Dragon with Super Strident Blaze!" The three headed dragon then roared and sent out a burst of golden energy from each head. The three beams combined and finally struck the weaker dragon, easily incinerating it.

"I'll finally place two cards face down and end my turn." (Ryou 3300, Illidan 3200, Darcia 6300)

Smirking, Darcia drew and said "You're a fool Illidan to think you can stop me! Watch as I summon Pitch-Black Warwolf (1600 + 500 2100/600) in attack mode on my back row!" A black wolf/man like creature with a sword in one hand, silver arm and leg pads, and a small silver belt around his waste then appeared on the field with a vicious growl.

"In case you two are wondering what my Warwolf can do, it's simple. He keeps you from activating traps in the Battle Phase!"

Both Illidan and Ryou gulped, for now they were truly in trouble. "Three out of four of my face down cards are traps. None of them are chainable either, which means Ryou is dead if he's attacked."

Sneering, Darcia then said "Next, I play the spell card Polymerization, fusing from my hand Big Koala and Des Kangaroo to summon Master of Oz (4200 + 500 4700/3800 in attack mode on the front row!" A large blue fur colored koala and a green kangaroo with a purple vest and red boxing gloves then appeared and swirled together till a large green koala looking creature with a kangaroo pouch and tail, with red boxing gloves and purple vest, and a championship belt in it's pouch, then appeared on the field.

"Now to finish you fools! Attack Ryou's pathetic face down monster now Master of Oz with Outback Knockout Punch!" The large green monster leapt forward, fist pulled back, ready to strike the card image.

Before the attack could hit though, Illidan called out "I won't let you do it, I activate the spell card De-Fusion, separating your monster into it's two separate parts!"

The large green monster suddenly began to glow as it broke apart into the large koala and the kangaroo once more, each retaining their attack points (2300 + 500 2800/2000) (1500 + 500 2000/1700).

Darcia growled, but then laughed, saying "No matter, I can still finish things off. Theinen, destroy Ryou's pathetic facedown monster with Great Sphinx Slash!" The large sphinx rushed forward, claws raised and ready to destroy anything in his way.

Ryou only closed his eyes as the attack came, and silently said in his mind "I failed you my vessel. I'm sorry…"

Illidan could only scream "NO!!!" as he watched the face down card image shatter to reveal a jar with a small large single eyeball creature. It then exploded, and the remainder of the damage slammed into Ryou, knocking him up against the barrier of the seal.

As he fell, he chuckled darkly, saying "Thanks for flipping my Morphing Jar (700/600). When it's flipped, we each must discard our hands and draw five new cards."

He then coughed lightly and looked at Illidan with a smirk, saying "It's my final gift to you before I leave. Please, finish what I started. Save Bakura for me…"

With those final words, the seal then began to shrink around him till finally it glowed brighter. Ryou then fell to the ground, going completely limp.

Vash and Blue could only gasp at this. Blue buried her head into Vash's shoulder, slightly crying. She had lost yet another friend, and Vash had lost a person he didn't particularly like, but had grown to believe had some good left in him.

Darcia only let out a laugh as he discarded his remaining cards and drew five new ones, saying "That fool, what an idiot! He believes you can beat me, that's just rich. That will be your fate soon enough Illidan!"

Illidan only stood there with his fists clenched. His bangs shadowed his eyes, as he felt the pain of losing yet another friend. He then said in a cold voice "You will pay for this. I won't lose another friend to the seal, and I will defeat you!"

He then raised his face to reveal an icy glare that sent shivers up Darcia's back. Never had he seen a person give such a glare before. This glare made something deep within him afraid, for he knew somehow that Illidan was serious.

Illidan then drew his five new cards to find his Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning, Card of Sanctity, Spell Reproduction, Monster Reincarnation, and Dark Magician of Chaos. Slightly smiling, he silently said "Thank you Ryou. Now I can finish what you started."

Looking up at Darcia again, Illidan then said coldly "Finish your move."

Slightly gaining his courage back, Darcia said "I end my move. You're finished next turn though Illidan. You can't defeat me." (Ryou 0, Illidan 3200, Darcia 6800)

Drawing, Illidan called out "We'll see about that! It's time to begin your end. Now, meet your beginning! I remove from play my Emissary of the Afterlife and Silent Magician LV8 in order to special summon Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning (3000/2500) in attack mode!" A large warrior with black armor with some gold in it, a powerful sword and shield, and eyes full of determination then appeared on the field.

Darcia slightly laughed, saying "Why summon that weakling? He doesn't have nearly enough attack points to beat my Theinen."

Slightly smirking, Illidan replied "Because, he will help lead you to your down fall. Next, I play the spell card Spell Reproduction! This spell card allows me to discard two spell cards from my hand in order to bring one spell card back from my Graveyard, so I send Card of Sanctity and Monster Reincarnation to my Graveyard and bring back Graceful Charity. Now I play it, and draw three more cards, but I must then discard two cards from my hand when I'm done."

Picking up three new cards, Illidan saw his Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End, D.D. Survivor, and Monster Reborn. Smiling, he said "I now send Dark Magician of Chaos and D.D. Survivor to the Graveyard. Next, I'll play the spell card Monster Reborn, bringing back from my Graveyard my Dark Magician of Chaos (2800/2600) in attack mode!"

A flaming pentagram appeared on the field, and slowly up through the center of the pentagram rose a mage with blue skin clad in black tight fitting armor. His eyes were closed, and he held a long staff in his one hand. Once finally on the field, he opened his eyes to reveal yellow corneas and red irises. With a small glow from them, the flames dissipated instantly.

Darcia only chuckled at the new monster, saying "You sure can be a foolish one Illidan. Your monster is just as weak as the other one you summoned."

Smiling at Darcia's overconfidence, Illidan replied "He's a rather special monster to me, and he'll help me win this duel. Now that he's been special summoned, his effect kicks in. I get to return one spell card from my Graveyard to my hand, so I pick Card of Sanctity. Next, I'll show you your end by removing from play D.D. Survivor and Cyber Dragon in order to special summon Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End (3000/2500) in attack mode!" A large black dragon with orange hair appeared on the field and let out a mighty roar. It had powerful black wings, strong arms, and a strong set of legs.

"Now I play the spell card known as Card of Sanctity, allowing us both to draw till we hold six cards in our hands!" Illidan picked up six new cards and saw the one he was looking for.

Lightly chuckling, he said "It's over for you Darcia. It's time I avenge my friend Ryou and put an end to this duel!"

Smirking, Darcia replied "Oh really? What makes you think you can beat me?"

With steel in his voice, Illidan replied "My friends for one, the support of the woman I love, and the fact I know I must do this to save my captured friends and loved one. Now you will feel the beginning and end of things, for judgment is upon you now."

Hearing that word, judgment, Darcia's face suddenly drained and he slowly asked "Did you draw it?"

Nodding, Illidan said with full emotion "And now I will play it! I summon the fourth Egyptian God Card, the mighty Anubis, The God of Life and Death (2000/2000) in attack mode!" The room darkened greatly, as did the sky outside. It was already night time, but the sky seemed to darken that much more. Lightning flashed and struck the building that the group could see out of. Finally, a single streak of lightning struck the field, and a white glow appeared. From the white glow appeared a figure of a creature with a dogs head, and black skin. It was robed in white and had white eyes. Each and every monster on the field then seemed to shrink back in fear, knowing that the creature they saw before them was truly strong.

Darcia could only stare at the monster before him with great fear. "Master Dartz warned me that this monster was powerful, but not that powerful! I'm… I'm finished…"

Seeing that Darcia was staring at his Egyptian God, Illidan said in a commanding voice "You're finished. Tell me now where Marie's body and soul are, as well as the others souls!"

Nodding, Darcia sighed and replied "In the next room, you will find a portal. It will take you to the island where your friends souls are, as well as the woman you seek. Just know that you'll have to face my master, who will not lose to the likes of you."

Slightly smirking, Illidan said "I see. I promise, once I finish him off, I'll free you. I now sacrifice all four of my monsters to Anubis to increase his power (2000 + 3000 + 3000 + 2800 + 4000 14800/2000 + 2500 + 2500 + 2600 + 2800 9800)!" The dog headed god glowed with a brilliantly bright white aura as all four monsters began to glow as well with the same aura. One by one, the vanished, till only the dog headed god was left. His aura then shown brighter, giving him much greater power.

With a cold voice, Illidan said "Anubis, attack his Theinen the Great Sphinx with Judgment of Death!" The powerful dog headed god put a hand in front of himself and a sphere of white light then formed. With a simple throwing motion, the sphere was launched straight at the large combo sphinx. It was hit head on, letting out a loud roar as it vanished in a flash of white light. The remainder of the white light then headed back towards Darcia, destroying each monster in it's way as well.

Darcia simply closed his eyes and sadly smiled, whispering "I'm sorry my master, I failed. More importantly, I failed you, my wife…"

That said, the blast then struck Darcia, throwing him back up against the barrier of the seal. He screamed in agony, as the blast continued to place him right up against it. Finally, he crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. The green seal then retracted from the field and formed around him. Not a sound was heard from this as it glowed brighter and then the seal vanished.

In the temple on the island, Dartz saw a stone etching on the wall glow and smirked at the sight of his former second in command. "Well, at least he got one out of two." he said playfully.

He then turned back to a person whom was looking at all the stone etchings. "He will be coming soon. You best go out to meet him." Dartz said with a bit of command in his voice.

The figure looked back at him and nodded, saying in a dark voice "It's time me and him to be reunited, and I will pay him back for all that has happened. I promise you that, my master."

Nodding, Dartz replied "Good, for you are the last line of defense. Should you fail, you know the price."

Slightly smirking, the figure said "Don't worry, I'll win. He would never hurt me, hence I've already won. Soon Illidan and his Egyptian God Card shall be yours."

That said then, the figure walked out of the room towards the front of the temple. The sound of heels tapping the ground could be heard all the way as they left to wait outside for a reunion with Illidan.