Disclaimer I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh


Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:2000

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady ATK:1300-2100/DEF:1400, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2300/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Mirror Wall, Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"Mai's really got Yugi on the ropes." Joey said. "She's knocked him down to 300 life points while she hasn't lost a single thing."

Yami Yugi sweat nervously. 'As long as Mai's Shadow of Eyes is on the field I can't defend and if I attack my monsters will only attack themselves and will be vulnerable to a counterattack.'

{Yugi Please let me help you!}

'No, I can't risk setting you loose.' Yugi replied.

'Yugi-boy seems to have a lot on his mind.' Pegasus thought. 'It seems instead of embracing the powers of his millennium item, he seems he's struggling against it, too bad that will be his undoing.'

"What's the problem Yugi?" Tristan asked.

"Mai, is." Sonia answered. "I knew she was good, but she's played this game flawlessly."

"Who knew she was this good." Joey said, sweat dripping down his face. "Maybe it was a fluke that I beat her?"

"No Joey." Mai said, gaining their attention. "I lost that duel to you because you had something I didn't."

"I learned more from that duel than any other I ever faced. It's true Joey, I didn't know it then, but it changed me and the way I looked at dueling." Mai admitted. "I had to take a hard look at myself and admit the reason I relied on tricks and I could trust in no one but myself was because I was afraid. Afraid to trust in my own abilities, afraid to trust in myself. Like you trusted in yourself, Joey, and facing up to that wasn't easy, believe me."

"You really changed Mai." Yami Yugi said.

"Joey, do you know how you made it this far in the Tournament?" Mai asked.

"Of course, it's because I had my friends cheering me on, and helping through those tough times." Joey answered with Tristan and Sonia nodded in agreement.

"That's true, that's very true, your friends had been there for you all the way, but you had the guts to look inside yourself and faced up to what was in front of you, you looked your demons in the eye and dealt with them."

That caught Yami Yugi's attention.

"And that's a lesson everyone should learn." Mai added.

"I did that?" Joey asked, pointing at himself.

"That's right, and in that duel you taught me that a duelist can learn more from his defeats than her victories, you taught me to face my fears and not bottle them up." Mai said

Yami Yugi's eyes widened, as Mai continued. "So tell me Yugi, have you faced up to your fear? Whatever freaked you out in your battle with Kaiba, have you come to grips with it?"

'How can I? Kaiba was willing to risk anything in our duel and the spirit of my puzzle was willing to do anything to win. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself, no matter who much I wanted to save Mom and grandpa.'

In Yami Yugi's mind Yugi was on the ground while Yami Yugi stood behind him with his back turned {I meant no harm, I was only trying to help and I vow to never to go against your wishes again.}

Yugi turned and looked at him. {but how can I trust you?}

{Your mother and grandfather once urged you and Tea to trust in the power of the Millenium Items, Tea and her spirit have learned to trust in each other and I believe it's our turn.}

Yugi got to his feet. {Maybe you're right.}

Hikari Tea sensed something inside of Yami Yugi and smirked. 'They've finally agreed to work with each other, well done Yami.'

"Mai, thanks for reminding me that a true duelist faces his problems." Yami Yugi said. "You're right, I was holding back, but not any longer."

"Hmm, you're a little late to the party." Mai thought. "I've been dueling for real all along."

"Here we go." Yami said but before he drew, Yugi talked to him through their mental link with each other.

{Just remember, we promised to do this my way. Right?} Yugi asked

{Yes, I did. And my word is my bond.} Yami replied.

{Okay.} Yugi said as Yami drew from his deck

As soon as Yami drew and looked at the card he drew, he got an idea "Hmm." Yami said as he looked at the card he drew. "I play the Magic Card Brain Control!" Yami said as he played the card he drew

"Brain Control, what's that?" Mai questioned.

"With this card, I'm able to take control of an enemy monster for one turn." Yami Yugi explained as a Giant Brain appeared before it sent waves which caused Harpie's Pet Dragon to turn around which shocked Harpie Lady and Mai.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:2000

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone: Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2300/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady ATK:1300-2100/DEF:1400,

S/T Zone:Mirror Wall, Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"It's a nice move, but also a Big Mistake Yugi, Harpie's pet Dragon even under brainwashing is a servant of Harpie Lady, and would never attack her master." Mai said.

"I know that Mai, but I never intended to attack your Harpie." Yami Yugi said, which confused Mai.

"Huh?" Mai said, confused.

"First I placed this card face-down. "Yami Yugi said as he placed a card in the spell/trap zone. "And then I summon Catapult Turtle." Yami continued as he summon Catapult Turtle who appeared

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:2000

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone: Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2300/DEF:2500, Catapult Turtle ATK:1000/DEF:2000

S/T Zone:?

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady ATK:1300-2100/DEF:1400,

S/T Zone:Mirror Wall, Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"And now let's put Harpie's Pet Dragon on the Catapult." Yami said as Harpie's Pet Dragon landed on the catapult as the turtle adjusted the aim towards Harpie Lady "Because I called an attack, the Mirror Wall appeared and I'm going to knock it down with your own dragon." Yami explained as right on cue Mirror Wall appeared, protecting Harpie Lady.

"Oh, no." Mai thought as she saw the situation. "The Catapult Turtle has the power to destroy walls and fortresses."

"Well played Yugi." Hikari Tea smirked.

"Catapult Launch!" Yami Yugi ordered

As soon as Yami gave the command, Catapult Turtle launched Harpie's Pet Dragon like a bullet. The fired Harpie's Pet Dragon destroyed Mirror Wall, shattering it the moment it crashed through, while Harpie Lady braced herself from the force of the impact from the destruction of Mirror Wall as it screeched in horror from seeing its defense shattered as well as seeing its pet dragon destroyed as the gang on the Balcony cheered at Yugi's comeback.

"Alright Yugi, great job!" Joey said.

"Keep your head on Yugi, there's still a long way to go." Hikari Tea cheered.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:2000

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Catapult Turtle ATK:1000/DEF:2000

S/T Zone:?

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady ATK:1300-2100/DEF:1400,

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"My Mirror Wall was shattered to pieces…" Mai said in disbelief.

"My assault has done more than shatter your defenses Mai, since Harpie's Pet Dragon was your monster, half your monster's ATK points are deducted from your life points." Yami Yugi added. "The tide of this battle is turning, Mai."

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Catapult Turtle ATK:1000/DEF:2000

S/T Zone:?

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady ATK:1300-2100/DEF:1400,

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"Alright Yugi, that's socking it to her." Joey cheered.

'Hmm, most interesting, it would seem Yugi has recovered his inner strength.' Pegasus thought as he observed the duel.

'If it's a fight you want Mai? Then you're going to get your wish. If I can trust the spirit of the Millenium Puzzle and we can really work together then there's nothing we can't accomplish.'

"It's my turn now." Mai said as she drew a card. 'Hmm, the only monster Yugi has on the field is that reptilian launch pad, I could attack with Harpie Lady and win but there's that other card if it's a trap, then it will finish me." Mai thought. "Ohh this is the toughest decision I've ever had to make all game, to attack or not attack?'

Mai looked at Yami Yugi who showed an unwavering resolve in his eyes that startled Mai making it even more difficult for her to make her decision.

"Bring on your assault Mai!" Yami Yugi taunted.

Mai looked at the card Yami had face-down.. "Hmm." Mai muttered to herself before glancing at the steely look on Yami Yugi's face that is urging her to bring on her assault before finally making a decision. "Now I'll not attack." Mai said "I'm not falling for your trap, and there are other moves that I can make." Mai said as she played a card from her hand. "For example, I could use this card to triple my Harpie attack force." Mai said as she activated Elegant Egotist. "I play the magic card, Elegant Egotist which will turn one Harpie into three."

As soon as Elegant Egotist was activated, Harpie Lady was engulfed in a stream of energy as she screeched before two More Harpie Ladies with a different hairstyle from the main one appeared, side by side, before the energy split into three as the Harpe Lady Sisters appeared.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Catapult Turtle ATK:1000/DEF:2000

S/T Zone:?

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"Not bad huh." Mai asked "That ends my turn Yugi, but next time around you'll get a taste of my Harpie Ladies claws and I promised that you won't enjoy it."

Yami Yugi just smirked. "Hmm, that's too bad Mai. you really should have attacked."

"Well that's your opinion." Mai countered.

"No, it's a fact, if you declared an attack I would have lost." Yami Yugi said.

"But your Trap?" Mai said.

"It's not a Trap." Yami Yugi said as he revealed his face-down to her. "It's a Magic card known as Monster Recovery." Yami Yugi revealed. "You fell for my bluff." much to Mai's surprise and shock.

"It's a whole new Duel now Mai." Yami Yugi said as his turn came and he drew a card from his deck. "For this turn, I'll play the magic card Monster Recovery." Yami Yugi said as he activated Monster Recovery.

"It has me put all my monsters on my field back into my deck along with my hand, shuffled and redraw five new cards." Yami Yugi said as he returned Catapult Turtle back to his hand before shuffling his hand into his deck and redrawing a new hand of five cards.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

As soon as Yami Yugi looked at his new hand, he was disappointed.

"Oh no, not one of these cards is strong enough to take down Mai's Harpie's." Yugi thought as he looked at his hand which consisted of Celtic Guardian, Monster Reborn, Kuriboh, Griffore, and Mystical Elf.

"Each of my three Harpies has an ATK power of 2450 and when they attack together, their attack is 2700." Mai explained. "There are only a handful of cards in all of Duel Monsters that can stand up against that and from the look on your face, you haven't drawn one."

"Yugi, don't give up, believe in the heart of cards!" Hikari Tea called out.

'Without a monster on the field, I'll automatically lose the duel, if I never survive this turn, but maybe.' Yami Yugi thought, as he picked a card.

"I place a monster in defense mode." Yami Yugi declared.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:?

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"But you can't, Shadow of Eyes lures all monsters into battle." Mai said.

"Not all monsters Mai." Yami Yugi said, flipping his defense monsters into Face-up Defense Mode, revealing its identity "Mystical Elf!"

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Mystical Elf DEF:2000/ATK:800

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"As I thought, Shadow of Eyes lure male monsters into battle but it doesn't work on female monsters." Hikari Tea smirked.

"No! I forgot about that." Mai said in shock.

"You'll have to attack her to get to me." Yami Yugi stated.

"Phew, at least his life points are safe for now." Sonia sighed.

"Hehehe, way to go man." Joey cheered.

"But it'll only protect him for so long, once Mai declares an attack, he'll be defenseless." Bakura stated.

'He's right, but I wouldn't count Yugi out yet.' Hikari Tea thought, putting faith in her friend.

"Ok, now let's see where you stand, I have three monsters and you only have one defending your life points." Mai said, picking a card from her hand. "First I play Monster Reborn, to bring back an old friend."

"Monster Reborn!" Yami Yugi exclaimed.

Harpie's Pet Dragon roared as he was revived as he stood besides his master

"Oh no, it's back." Joey said.

"And even stronger than last time." Hikari Tea commented

"Remember Harpie's Pet Dragon? He's ba-a-ack." Mai said. "And he gains 300 ATK points raising his attack power." Mai explained as Harpie's Pet Dragon roared as he grew stronger, with his ATK raising to 2900

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Mystical Elf DEF:2000/ATK:800

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"Oh no, Harpie's Pet Dragon now has 2900 ATK." Yami Yugi said in shock. "Even if I revived Caliban with Monster Reborn, he would be no match for Harpie's Pet Dragon now." Yami thought

"And every single one aimed right at you!" Mai said, as all three Harpies started charging up a sphere of energy in their talons. "Harpie Ladies combined your power." Mai said as their formation resembled a triangle with the three spheres of energy being linked to each other forming a triangle shape with an X-shaped symbol in the center. "Triangle Ecstasy Spark!" Mai called out as the three Harpie's launched the X towards Mystical Elf which vaporized her.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Everyone on the balcony gasped.

"She's wiped out his last defense." Sonia said.

"One more hit and it's over." Joey added.

"Times run out Yugi." Mai stated. "Next turn and I'll eliminate the rest of your life points."

Yami Yugi just growled in frustration.

"And then look, I will go on to the finals." 'Mai smirked. 'He has to accept I'm unstoppable, and there is nothing he can do against my monsters.' Mai thought.

'No, there must be something I can do. But I need more time.' Yugi thought as he looked at his deck. 'The next card I draw will decide the fate of everyone, Mom, Grandpa, Joey and his sister, Kaiba and Mokuba, I can't do this.'

{We can do this, trust me. And in the heart of the cards.} Yami Yugi said, as he drew from his deck.

"Come on now, we both know you don't have a monster capable of defeating my Harpies so why not give up?" Mai said smugly.

Hikari Tea just frowned at that. 'Even when she helps him, she can still be such a jerk.'

"Swords of Revealing Light!" Yami Yugi called out shocking Mai as Swords of Light rained from the sky around Mai's Monsters.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:

S/T Zone:Swords of Revealing Light (3)

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

'He actually drew Swords of Revealing Light?! How can anyone be that lucky?' Mai thought.

"Yeah!" Sonia cheered.

"Alright, now Mai can't attack for three turns, it gives Yugi time to counter." Joey smiled.

Mai shook her head. "Deciding to go down fighting huh?" Mai said. "A surrender would be easier, but if you want to go out in a blaze of glory, then fine."

""No Mai." Yami Yugi spoke. "Intend to go out in a blaze of victory."

'Harpie's Pet Dragon is the strongest monster in play, unless we take it out we won't stand a chance.' Yugi thought.

{No there is a chance, but it involves the Black Luster Ritual and three turns might not be enough} Yami Yugi said.

{Black Luster Ritual? With that we might have a chance.} Yugi asked.

{Yes, with it, we could summon the Black Luster Soldier, but only if we draw the correct card.} Yami Yugi replied before continuing his turn. "For this turn, I'll summon Kuriboh." Yami Yugi said as he placed Kuriboh on the field.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200

S/T Zone:Swords of Revealing Light (3)

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Mai's eyes widened with bits of sweat dripping down her forehead. "Oh look, it's the attack of the giant 3-toed hairball." Mai sarcastically said, wondering if Yugi was even trying to win anymore.

Kuriboh began growling, but because of his appearance, it was too cute and not taken seriously by Mai.

"Look, it's totally ferocious, Yugi, I think it wants to attack Harpie's Pet Dragon single-handed." Mai said as she laughed

Yami Yugi's expression on his face didn't change.

After Mai was done laughing, she regained her composure and became serious again. "Hmm, what? You don't think that's funny?" Mai asked.

"It's not Mai." Yami Yugi replied. "Laugh all you want, but don't mistake Kuriboh for a joke when it's an important step on my way to victory in this duel."

Mai just smirked as if she heard a world class joke. "That hairball couldn't be an important step on the way to anything except maybe choking a cat." Mai replied, flicking her hair.."Anyway, I can't attack as long as Swords of Revealing Light is on the field, so-" Mai stated as she drew a card from her deck. "I'll draw this one card and that'll end my turn." Mai declared as her turn ended. "But soon you're going to be history." Mai stated

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200

S/T Zone:Swords of Revealing Light (2)

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Yami Yugi's expression didn't change, as he looked at his hand. 'Kuriboh was a start, but with just the cards in my hand's right now I can't initiate the Black Luster Ritual. I still need one more card.' Yami Yugi then drew from his deck, seeing that the card he drew was Polymerization. "But this isn't the card I needed." Yami Yugi thought.

"I don't know what kind of maneuver you're trying to pull, but go for it, if you gotta lose you might as well lose with some flair." Mai thought.

"This card worked for you! I use Monster Reborn to bring back Gaia the Fierce Knight!" Yami Yugi said, while in a flash of Light Gaia reappeared on the field.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200 Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK:2300/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Swords of Revealing Light (2)

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Mai just gave him an are you serious expression. "Oh Gaia, smaia. " Mai said before waving her finger. "I guess he's an improvement over the little Kuriboh, but he hardly registers as a threat to my Harpie's and their supercharged pet." Mai then drew from her deck. "Two turns to go."

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200 Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK:2300/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Swords of Revealing Light (1)

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"Two turns is enough Mai." Yami Yugi stated drawing from his deck, but it still wasn't what he needed. "Still not the card I need." Yami Yugi thought as his drawn card was Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress

"I don't think Yugi has a chance at all. One more turn and Mai's monsters are free to attack." Sonia said.

"Don't worry Sonia." Joey said. "Yugi's still got this, look at him, he's not about to give up yet."

'Joey's right, there's still hope. Yugi just has to believe in himself.' Hikari Tea thought

Pegasus had used his millennium eye to see what Yugi was attempting. 'Hmm, Yugi, you seem to be attempting to summon the Legendary Black Luster Soldier, but are you really daring to place your hopes on one draw?'

"My turn now." Mai stated as she drew and smirked. 'I did it! I drew another harpie lady, and on my next turn I'll have harpie lady cards, which will raise my pet dragon's attack power to 3200. As soon as Yugi's Swords of Revealing Light are gone it's all over.'

"Mai isn't even trying to hide her next move." Joey stated. "She's got so much fire power, she thinks she's got this in the bag."

"There's still a chance." Hikari Tea said. "But it depends on Yugi's last draw."

"My turn is over, and so are the effects of your Swords of Revealing Light. Didn't get much help out of your three turns huh Yugi?"

Once Mai ended her turn, the swords of light vanished, and Mai's monsters were freed and were ready to battle at Mai's command.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200 Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK:2300/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Yami Yugi looked at his deck. "This is it, one final draw." Yami Yugi said as he reached for a card, while everyone in the room held their breath in anticipation awaiting the result. Suddenly Yami Yugi stopped and began to sweat nervously. 'I-I don't think I can do this. Maybe Yugi was right, there is too much riding on the draw of a single card. Who am I to gamble with the lives of Yugi's friends and Family this way? It's too dangerous?"

{We can do it, together!} Yugi called out as his hand appeared on the door as well.

{Yugi?} Yami Yugi said.

{I'm with you, and we're not alone, we have the support of all my friends.} Yugi said, as images of Joey, Tristan, Sonia, Bakura, Tea and Hikari Tea appeared before them, he looked at Hikari Tea who smiled and nodded at him. {just like I had from the beginning.}

Yami Yugi smiled. {with all of you at my side, It was foolish to lose faith.}

{it's like you said before, we need to trust each other, and in the heart of the cards.} Yugi said as they both opened the door. {And once we put our hearts in the game, there's nothing we can't do.} Yugi said as the door was opened.

Pegasus then gasped in surprise. "Such power, I've never felt such tremendous strength, never." Pegasus thought as he could feel the power coming from the card that Yami Yugi drew.

Yami Yugi looked at the card that he drew before glancing at Mai. "Well Mai." Yami Yugi started.

Hmm." Mai murmured

"You've put up a good fight, but the duel ends." Yami Yugi declared.

"Huh?" Mai said in confusion.

"First I'll summon Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress." Yami Yugi said as Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress appeared.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Kuriboh ATK:300/DEF:200 Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK:2300/DEF:2100 Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress ATK:1400/DEF:1200

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

"And then I'll activate this card." Yami Yugi said as he revealed Black Luster Ritual

"What?" Mai stated in surprise.

As soon as Yami Yugi placed the Black Luster Ritual on the field. Two ritual vases and an image of a shield with two swords crossed on a block in between the Ritual vases appeared.

"Watch as the Black Luster Ritual sacrifices two of my monsters." Yami Yugi explained as both Kuriboh and Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress both turned into beams of light before entering the ritual vases before beams of energy shot out of them before creating a vortex of chaos in front of Gaia

"Between Light and Darkness, a gateway to chaos is opened." Yami Yugi said "Now charge Gaia." Yami Yugi commanded as Gaia galloped into the chaos gateway "Charge into the black pits of Chaos and be infused with absolute power."

As soon as Gaia exited the Chaos Gateway, the block with the image of a shield and the two crossed swords rose up as energy shot out of the image. The energy han faded away, revealing a warrior with long red-hair, wearing blue-green armor and wielding a mighty sword and shield.

"Bringing forth, the Black Luster Soldier." Yami Yugi declared as soon as the legendary Chaos soldier landed on his knee before rising up.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Black Luster Soldier ATK:3000/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK:2000-2900/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Mai gasped in disbelief. "Is that really the Legendary Black Luster Soldier?!"

"Now Black Luster Soldier, Chaos Blade Attack!" Yami declared as Black Luster Soldier swung his blade against the ground, creating a blade-wave that rushed towards Mai's monsters. Her Harpies were fast enough to get out of the way, but Harpie's Pet Dragon was completely obliterated by the attack. "Harpie's Pet Dragon is vanquished."

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Black Luster Soldier ATK:3000/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Mai gasped. "Just like that, my most powerful monster it's gone…"

"This is outrageous." Joey said in both surprise and relief. "Minute there. I thought Yugi was done for but I never thought there was a monster In Yugi's deck Stronger than Caliban?"

Pegasus looked towards Mai and he could tell that Mai was finished. 'Mai's will is broken, she's lost the will to go on.'

Mai was left devastated as she looked at her harpie card. 'How? Just one more turn and I would have summoned another Harpie Lady and I would have defeated the Black Luster Soldier. I can't revive the Pet Dragon and there' no other cards in my deck that can defeat that ultimate warrior." Mai thought. Mai then placed her hand on her deck which caught Yami Yugi's attention.

Yami Yugi's Life Points:300

Mai's Life Points:850

Yami Yugi Hand:5

Mai Hand:5

Yami Yugi Field:Monster Zone:Black Luster Soldier ATK:3000/DEF:2500

S/T Zone:

Field Zone

Mai's Field:Monster Zone: Harpie Lady x3 (Harpie Lady Sisters) ATK:2450/DEF:2100

S/T Zone:Cyber Shield, Rose Whip, Shadow of Eyes

Field Zone

Winner Yami Yugi (Mai surrendered)

"Mai?" Yami Yugi spoke. "Does this mean, your surrender?"

"No way?" Joey stated.

"Looks like it's over." Hikari Tea said.

"What do you mean Tea?" Sonia asked.

"What Tea means is that when a duelist places a hand on their deck like that, it's a sign they surrender." Bakura answered. "Mai's conceded the duel."

"Poor Mai." Sonia uttered.

"Don't feel bad, Sonia." Hikari Tea smirked. "They both dueled with all they got, and that's all that counts."

"I would rather surrender than have my harpie ladies destroyed." Mai stated as she assembled her deck before turning back to Yami Yugi and began to walk away.

"Mai, wait!" Yami Yugi called out. "I want to say thank you."

Mai stopped mid step, her eyes widened for a moment.

"You were right, a duelist can learn more from defeat than anything." Yami Yugi said. "But you Mai, have taught me alot today, I had to confront my own fears and own weaknesses or I would have never had defeated you."

"That's awfully kind of you Yugi." Mai said. "But it seems I still have a lot to learn about dueling, and myself."

"But I suppose no duelist ever learns all there is to know, and I think the most important thing to know is that defeat isn't forever." Mai said. "You and I will duel again, and next time I'll be the winner." She said before she and Yami Yugi gave each other a thumbs up in mutual respect she left the room, she then remembers Duel she had with Kikyo.

Flashback.

Mai was devastated as Kikyo had defeated her without much trouble. Kikyo then got up and spoke. "You only duel for things Mai, and that's not what's important, you must find a real reason to duel." Kikyo said before turning her back. "Look inside yourself, and when you find your answer duel me again, learn from your defeat, find what's important to you, and seek me out."

End of flashback

'I'm still not ready to face you yet, but once I find my answer, I will duel you again, Kikyo.' Mai thought as she left the room.

Ending Scene - Play: Yu-Yu Hakusho the homework never ends

Yami Yugi, Hikari Téa, Kaiba, and Red-Eyes Queen stood in the dark frowning, hands in their pockets as different color spotlights shone over them before a yellow light shone over all of them. Yami Yugi smiled sadly as he stood in a yellow light. Before it faded out and switched to a figure in the back and revealed Kaiba who frowned, staring at the spot where his rival once stood. While Yami Yugi began to walk leaving two afterimages. In a red light, Hikari Téa was leaning against a rail in a staircase looking up, before the light faded out as a blue light revealed Red-Eyes Queen looking down and to the side from the top staircase. Yami Yugi drew a card and summoned his faithful companion, a dark magician while Hikari Téa summoned the dark magician girl, Kaiba summoned his blue-eyed white dragon, and Red-Eyes Queen summoned her red-eyes black dragon. Dark magician girl flew through the air and vanished as images of Yugi and Téa's friends and family appeared. As the sky turned dark both Yami Yugi and Hikari Téa who had scratches and bruises on them and their jackets missing as they slowly walked away from the tower on Kaiba corp island as the Silhouettes of the villains loomed over them. A spotlight shined on Kikyo as she smiled on them below as she faded, and reappeared to the side was a woman that looked exactly like Kikyo only dressed like an Egyptian queen who frowned sadly. At night Hikari Téa who was at the beach sitting on the ground while Yami Yugi stood up on the beach smiling as they stared at the ocean.


A/N: Review, Follow. and Favoite