Author's Notes
Peacenikky: Okay, okay, I'm back! I have Chapter Seven up!
Judi: (Ducking from various objects being thrown at the Authoresses) You can stop trying to kill us now!
Rebecca: I'm not surprised they are. You locked us all in our favorite cards and left it there! Do you realize how crazy that sort of thing makes the readers?
Leanna: Well, we're back, so don't worry!
Peacenikky: There is one thing I'd like to get out of the way before I continue. The battle that ensues in this chapter makes almost no sense when it comes to the way the game works, but as I have no access to actual cards of my own, I'm making up a slight variation of the rules. I hope these twists won't be too implausible. On a lighter note, let's go on to the reviews!
PrincessSaphire: Good question. Well, Kaiba's been kinda off on his own, being the anti-social butterfly he is. Goku has been busy chaperoning the trip, though he will make a somewhat bigger appearance in the next chapter.
Random Rockstar: Well, I'm always happy to update for you guys!
Crazy Assed Person: Thank you SOO much for the tips!
Europa: Yeah, I know about Rebecca Hawkins, but I had no idea she existed until I read her bio on Pojo.com.
Floradaine: Okay, here's the next chapter!
The Person Who Didn't Leave a Name: All right, I'm updating!
Orenji-chan: Thank you very much for telling me about "Solemn Judgement!" It really helped me out!
Burning-Yami-Rain: You really added this to your Favorites? Thank you! ^_^
Leanna: What about the disclaimer?
Peacenikky: Oh yeah...
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything except Rebecca, Cye, "Guardian Angel," "Warrior of Light," and "Ninja Queen." "Guardian Angel" might also appear in Murakumo's "Isle of Lost Illusions" fic. Are all the lawyers happy now? Good.
LEGEND: /Hikari to Yami/
//Yami to Hikari//
"Spoken"
'Thoughts'
***Scene Change
Judi: On with the fic! Yipes! (Ducks from a tomato) You can stop throwing things now!
CHAPTER SEVEN
"Uh... Where the heck are we?" asked a very groggy Gohan.
"Are we dead yet?" Rebecca asked.
"Hey, who turned out the lights?" Videl asked, rubbing the side of her head. "And what's this thing over my mouth?" Videl quickly pulled down the bandanna-like mask to around her neck. In doing so, she got a good look at the rest of her outfit. "What the? I'm dressed as the Ninja Queen!"
"Don't tell me we're where I think we are..." Tristan said before looking at what he was currently wearing, which was army fatigues, a machine gun, and some sort of psuedo-gas mask. "Yep, we're here."
"Ack! I'm the Flame Swordsman again!" Joey cried.
"Why am I dressed as the Warrior of Light?" Gohan asked.
"Well guys, it looks like Bakura sent us to the Shadow Realm as our favorite cards again." Yugi said as he got up. "And this time, he's brought you three along for the ride."
"Not again! I hate this place! It's so cold and dark and clammy and... YIKES!" Tea screamed as Joey snuck up behind her and grabbed her shoulder. "You're gonna pay for that, Joey!" she said as she began to smack him over the head with her staff.
"Hold on, Tea! Bakura's most likely going to make us duel, and we'll all need to be at our top strength for this." Yugi said quickly.
"Well, I don't look that different... Just the fact that I now have boots, there's no crest on my chest plate, and I have these cool-looking gauntlets..." Rebecca said as she slowly turned around.
"Duh, Beck! You're the Guardian Angel card! You could pass for her sister in your angel form!" Videl said. Rebecca grinned sheepishly.
"Oh, yeah! Good point... Wait a second! Where's Ryou?"
"Uh oh... I don't see him anywhere..." Yugi said nervously.
"Looking for the wimp?" a familiar voice asked. Bakura stepped into the teens' view.
"I figured you'd show your mug sooner or later, ya psycho!" Joey said.
"Where's Ryou? What did you do to him?" Rebecca asked.
"Why, I haven't done anything to him. He's right over there." Bakura answered, pointing to a spot a few feet away from him. Ryou laid there as the Change of Heart, unconscious. Rebecca gasped and flew toward him, but was stopped halfway when a force field threw her back. "Oops! Did I forget to mention that you can't go near my cards unless it's your turn?"
"No, you left that one out..." Rebecca muttered as she got up.
"Where's Yami?" Yugi asked worriedly, looking around in all directions.
"I'm right here, Aibou. Don't worry." Yami stepped up behind the group. "Well Bakura, I'm here, so what's going on?"
"Your little friends are going to play a variation of a duel, Pharaoh. This time however, there are a few changes, making things quite unlike your last duel with me."
Yugi shuddered as he remembered the last time this had happened, and how he had nearly been forced to attack his friends. "Your seven monsters will fight my seven monsters. If they can defeat them, then they'll take a shot at me. But on the other hand, if your friends all fall, my monsters can attack you, sending you to the Graveyard and securing the Millennium Puzzle for me!"
"I have a better idea!" Gohan shouted as he brought his wrists together at his side. "KA... ME... HA... ME... HA!" Gohan brought his hands to the front, expecting a blast of energy to hit Bakura and send him to the Other World. Nothing happened. "Hey, what gives?" Bakura smirked.
"Fool. I sensed a great power within you in your world, but as long as you are your favorite card, your strength is bound by its limits."
"Oh, this is just great!" Rebecca said, rolling her eyes. "What's next, some giant bug-thing from who-knows-where?"
"Actually, yes." Bakura said as he pulled a card from his pocket and threw it to the ground. "Arise, my Man-Eater Bug!" Everyone stepped back as the huge green and brown insect rose from the confines of the card. Gohan gulped.
"Somehow, I don't think a can of Raid is gonna kill this thing..." Bakura laughed as the Man-Eater Bug came closer and closer to the terrified teens.
"That's it. We're dead. See ya in the Graveyard, Tristan." Joey said grimly.
'We're bound by the powers of the cards we're in, huh? Wait a second...' Videl ran toward the monster. "Time to squash this bug!"
"Videl! Are you crazy?" Gohan asked.
"Don't do it! It's not worth it!" Rebecca added.
"Don't worry! I've got an idea!" Videl pulled out the six daggers resting at her belt and fanned them out. She quickly threw the daggers at the insect, crying out, "Night Dagger Slash!" The Man-Eater Bug let out a horrible scream as it was destroyed.
"What? No! How is that possible?" Bakura cried. Videl laughed.
"You said it yourself. We're bound by the limits of the cards we're in. I'm the Ninja Queen, a very swift card. Since this is supposedly unlike a regular duel, I figured there'd be more variables to consider besides Attack and Defense Points, like the agility and stealth of a ninja. It looks like I was right."
"All right, Videl! You got it!" Gohan cheered.
"Well Bakura, that's one monster down, and it was one of your deadliest. Maybe you should just surrender now." Yami said. Bakura started to laugh again.
"Give up? You expect me to give up? I'm just getting started!" Bakura quickly pulled out six other cards and threw them to the ground.
"We have to fight the others all at once? Oh, great, just great..." Tea muttered as the White Magical Hat, Lady of Faith, Electric Lizard, Crawling Dragon, Dark Elf, and the Red Eyes Black Dragon appeared. Joey gasped.
"Hey, wait a second! That's my..."
"Correct. I decided to 'borrow' this while I was getting your Flame Swordsman. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I mind, you bozo! When I get outta here, I'm gonna pulverize you!"
"You'll have to wait 'til I'm done with him first!" Gohan said.
"Yeah, well, I call the first shot. He and I have a score to settle." Rebecca said disdainfully. "Besides, we were supposed to meet after the dance anyway."
"What!?" Gohan asked incredulously. "You knew about him?"
"Yeah, we've met."
"Hey, can we please focus on getting out of here alive?" Tristan asked.
"Good idea." Yugi said. "All right Bakura! Bring it on!"
"If you insist." 'Now, let's see here. Videl destroyed my Man-Eater Bug, so maybe I should go after her first. But I do want to make Rebecca pay for her interference. However, little Yugi would make a good first target. So, who do I attack first?'
"Any day now would be nice." Videl said. The spirit smirked.
"Go, Dark Elf! Attack the Warrior of Light!" The Elf's smirk matched her master's as she charged up a ball of black energy and prepared to throw it at Gohan.
"Not if I can help it!" Rebecca shouted as she flew in front of Gohan and clasped her hands together. "Heaven's Shield!" A light blue dome appeared just in time to receive and absorb the attack. "Booyah! In your face, Bakura!"
Bakura was far from looking upset, however.
"Ah, thank you for doing that, Becky. Now I can do THIS!" Bakura pulled out another card and held it up. "Chain Energy! Bind the Guardian Angel!" Two thick golden cords materialized and wrapped themselves around Rebecca.
"Hey, what-Ouch! They're cutting into my wings!"
"Rebecca, watch out!" Yugi shouted.
"It's too late for her, boy! Dark Elf! Attack the Guardian Angel!" The
Dark Elf cackled and threw a second ball of energy at Rebecca. The angel screamed in pain before Bakura snapped his fingers, causing the ball to vanish. The chains quickly faded as Rebecca fell to the ground, unconscious. "That's enough. I want to see her suffer a little more before sending her to the Graveyard."
"Oh, no!" Gohan cried.
"What did you do to her?" Tea asked.
"It was all Bakura's plan. He guessed Rebecca was assigned to protect Gohan and used that against her. Once she used Heaven's Shield, she became vulnerable to his Trap Card." Yami said. "You never said Magic and Trap Cards could be used,
Tomb Robber!"
"Well, you never asked."
"You're gonna pay for what you did to her!" Gohan shouted.
"Stay cool, Gohan. You won't be able to help her if you can't think straight." Yugi reasoned. Gohan curled his hand into a fist, but that was it.
"You're right. I've got to stay in control."
"We'll get him back for her, don't worry." Videl said reassuringly.
"It's our turn now. Joey, attack the Crawling Dragon!"
"No problem! Flaming Sword of Battle!" Joey rushed forth and slashed his sword through the Crawling Dragon, reducing it to ashes. Bakura smirked.
"No big deal. I have five other monsters remaining, and they're all ready to attack your puny little friends!"
"You'll pay for what you did to Rebecca!" Tristan shouted.
"Well, this next attack'll be a blast from the past for you. Go, White Magical Hat! Attack the Cyber Commander!" The white-clad figure leaped into the air while pulling out a long staff and pointing it at Tristan.
"Uh oh... I've been through this scenario before..."
"No! Tristan!" Yugi shouted, but it was too late. The staff had struck Tristan, rendering him unconscious as well.
"Aw man, my best bud! You no-good jerk!" Joey said, trying not to cry.
"Sticks and stones, Joey." Bakura said.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Tea asked. "Well, guess what? We're going to avenge our friends! You can count on it!"
"Oh, be quiet!"
"It's my turn, and I use the Book of Secret Arts magic card to power up my Magician of Faith's Attack and Defense Points by 300!" Yami said, holding up the card. Tea glowed briefly as its magic worked on her.
"La di da, Pharaoh. She's still your weakest monster, and she's still unable to withstand my attacks!"
"I also set this card out, face-down. I would attack, but knowing you, you've got another dirty trick up your sleeve, so I end my turn here."
"All right. I'll set this card out as well, and I'll have my Lady of Faith attack your Magician of Faith! Go!" The cleric prepared a ball of energy and shot it at Tea.
"Not so fast! I activate the card I set out, Mirror Force!" A force field suddenly appeared and reflected the attack back to the Lady of Faith, who was destroyed on impact.
"All right! Three down, four to go!" Videl said.
"Don't start celebrating yet. Remember that card I set out? Well, your Mirror Force activated it. You're in for quite a nasty surprise..." Bakura pointed at Tea as the card flipped over. "It's called Solemn Judgment, and it comes into effect when my opponent uses a Magic Card, Trap Card, or a monster's magic effect." A wizened man with a long gray beard and a cream- colored robe and two blond women, also wearing robes, appeared as Bakura spoke. "This card allows me to destroy the Monster Card and Magic Card affected by your turn." Tea took a step back and gulped.
"Uh oh... I know where this is going..."
"That's right, little girl! But don't worry. I won't send you to the Graveyard just yet. Now, Solemn Judgment, go!" The old man extended his hand and sent a blast of energy hurtling towards Tea. When it passed, she too was lying on the ground, unconscious.
"No, not her too!" Yugi fought back tears as he saw her prone form.
"I'm sorry..." Yami said as he hung his head. He knew how much Tea meant to Yugi, and it was his fault she had been hurt.
"You can't blame yourself, Yami. You couldn't have known about that card." Yugi said as a tear escaped and hit the ground.
"Okay, that tears it!" Videl cried as she pulled out her daggers again. "Night Dagger Slash!" she shouted as she threw them at Bakura's Electric Lizard, destroying it as well.
"No, Videl! Don't you realize what you've just done?" Yugi called.
"What? I just-YEARGH!" Videl doubled over as electrical waves coursed through her body.
"Oh, jeez... Videl, attacking the Electric Lizard causes you to become paralyzed for a turn!" Joey said.
"Yeah, I kinda noticed..." Videl said weakly. Bakura smirked.
"Well, it seems I've found my next target. White Magical Hat! Attack the Ninja Queen!" The Hat nodded before leaping into the air again, cane ready to strike.
"Oh, no ya don't!" Joey yelled as he ran forth and knocked Videl out of the way. In doing so, he was the one who took the hit in her stead.
"Joey!" Yugi cried. Joey stood on one knee, moaning in pain.
"Joey, why'd you have to go and do that?" Videl asked shakily.
"Well, you're a stronger card. I figured that if you survived, we might still have a chance. Don't worry about me, I don't think the blow was- ugh..." Joey fell over as he lost consciousness.
"Oh man... When will this stop?" Gohan asked, trembling in anger.
"We've got to destroy the rest of Bakura's monsters. It's the only was we can get out of here." Yami said. Yugi blinked away his tears and extended his staff.
"It's our turn again! Dark Magic Attack!" A wave of dark magic blasted from the staff and hit the Dark Elf, who shrieked before she was destroyed. Bakura shrugged nonchalantly.
"Oh well. I've still got the White Magical Hat and the Red Eyes Black Dragon. I think I'll just pass this turn. Your move." Videl nodded in Gohan's direction as she got up. Gohan raised his hands over his head.
"This one's for Joey! Blazing Energy!" A sphere of white energy appeared in the space between Gohan's hands as he threw it at the White Magical Hat, which was destroyed instantly. Yami smirked as he totaled the odds of their winning the duel. Gohan, Videl, and Yugi were still standing, while all Bakura had left was the Red Eyes Black Dragon... Bakura laughed, seemingly unfazed by all of this.
"So, you've realized that the Red Eyes I took from Joey's deck can be defeated. That little problem won't last long, though. I'm using another Magic Card from Joey's deck, Dragon Nails!" The dragon roared as silver nails appeared over its own, bringing it Attack Power up to 3100. "Now! Red Eyes Black Dragon! Use Fireball Attack on the Ninja Queen!" The dragon, under Bakura's control, opened its mouth as a large fireball blasted Videl. Gohan gasped and caught her as she fell.
"Videl, are you okay? Speak to me." Videl slowly opened her eyes and smiled sadly.
"Sorry, Gohan. I don't think I'll be able to fight any more after this..." Videl shuddered before speaking again. "Help take that overgrown lizard out for me, okay? Be careful..." Videl whispered just before she passed out. Gohan bit his lip as he set her gently on the ground. Yugi bowed his head as Gohan got up.
"You will pay for what you did to her and to all our other friends!" Yugi nodded.
"Their sacrifices won't be in vain, Bakura!"
"You fools! The Red Eyes Black Dragon will crush you both! Now, attack the Warrior of Light!" The dragon opened its mouth a second time and shot out another fireball. Gohan barely had enough time to raise his arms in defense before the blast hit him. Yugi looked on in horror as the taller teen fell to the ground, unconscious like all the others. Rebecca twitched slightly.
"That was our turn, Bakura! You weren't supposed to attack then!" Yami called across the battlefield.
"I told you long ago that this was no ordinary duel. The rules have changed...
"So, little Yugi, how does it feel? Your friends have all fallen around you, and now it's just you versus the Red Eyes. Are you scared? Hmm?" Bakura asked tauntingly. Yugi looked at the former tomb robber with rage.
"I'm not afraid of you!"
"You should be!" Yami shut his eyes as he tried to think of a way to get out of this situation. Alone, Yugi was no match for the dragon.
"Since you have no moves left, Pharaoh, I'll go again! Attack the Dark Magician!"
"NO!" Yami cried out, but it was too late. A third fireball had been launched, and now Yugi was on the ground, unconscious and helpless.
"The last of your forces, sleeping like a baby... They'll all be in for a rude awakening as soon as the Red Eyes Black Dragon annihilates them once and for all! And then you're up on the chopping block! There's no escape!" Yami curled his hands into fists. All of his friends were out cold, and one more blast would send them to the Graveyard... Yugi's nightmare was coming true. "So, how does it feel, knowing there's no way you can possibly win? Well? I've waited for this moment for countless centuries, and now you shall-huh?" A soft moaning coming from behind him interrupted Bakura. Ryou, who had up until now been unconscious, was waking up.
"Where am I? What happened? The last thing I remember was waiting for Rebecca to return, and then..." Ryou's voice trailed off as he realized where he was.
"What are you doing up? You weren't supposed to regain consciousness!" Bakura screamed. Ryou slowly got up and gasped in horror as he saw Yugi, Gohan, and the others, and then turned to face Bakura.
"What did you do to them?"
"That's none of your concern!" Ryou only shook his head, tears of rage forming in his eyes.
"Bakura, I have dealt with you and your abuse for years, but I can never forgive you for hurting my friends! You will pay!" Ryou shouted a war cry and lunged at Bakura, aiming punches and kicks at his tormenter. He had managed to score several hits before Bakura delivered a swift chop to Ryou's abdomen, which stunned the teen.
"You'll live to regret that, fool!" Bakura dealt a kick to the same spot, causing Ryou to fall.
"I'm sorry, guys... I guess I couldn't help..." Ryou whispered before he hit the ground.
A soft glow surrounded his body as he passed out, which quickly divided into seven sections and flew over to Yugi and his fallen comrades. Each glow went into a different teen. Bakura could only look on in horror as the seven began to awaken.
"No, that's not possible! This can't be happening!"
"Hey, we're alive!" Tristan exclaimed.
"But how?" Videl asked.
"Wait a second... Ryou wasn't in that spot a while ago." Rebecca noted. She turned to face the tomb robber. "And how in the world did Bakura get those marks, unless..." Rebecca gasped in realization. "I don't believe it! Ryou stood up to him! All right!"
"I get it! It was his bond of friendship to us that gave us the power we needed to return to our full strength!" Tea said as she picked up her staff.
"Then it's time to take out Bakura once and for all!" Yugi said. Gohan nodded.
"We're back and stronger than before, Bakura!"
"Say goodbye to my Red Eyes!" Joey said. The teens got into their fighting stances.
"Flaming Sword of Battle!"
"Holy Magic!"
"Electronic Barrage!"
"Blazing Energy!"
"Night Dagger Slash!"
"Armageddon's Fire!"
"Dark Magic Attack!"
The seven attacks combined and charged straight toward the Red Eyes Black Dragon. When the dust cleared, there wasn't a trace of the dragon left.
"Yeah! That makes seven monsters we've destroyed! You know what that means!" Yugi said happily.
"Get ready for judgment, Bakura!" Rebecca said as she prepared another attack. The others followed suit.
"No! This can't be happening! I couldn't lose!" Bakura said, taking a step back.
"Now, everyone! Attack!" Yami cried as the seven unleashed their power.
"I'll be back! You just wait! You haven't seen the last of MEEEEE!" Bakura shouted as he was sent to the Graveyard. When it was over, there was silence for a few moments. Then...
"We did it!" Yugi shouted.
"Woohoo! We beat that loser at his own game!" Videl said.
"All right!" Tristan shouted as he and Joey high-fived each other. Tea hugged Yugi while Gohan placed a hand on Videl's shoulder. They had won.
Rebecca sighed happily and walked toward the other half of the battlefield. When she reached the halfway point, she put out a hand to test for the force field. When it passed through, she walked over and bent down and gently picked Ryou up.
"You did it, Ryou. You stood up to Bakura, and because of that, we won. Thank you."
"All right Beck, you've had your sappy little romance scene. Can we get going now?" Joey asked impatiently.
"Romance scene? For the millionth time, Ryou is NOT my boyfriend! And how can you call a simple 'thank-you' romantic?"
"Hey, knock it off, you two! The point is, we've all won. So, can we just go home now?" Yugi asked. Yami nodded and focused his energy. The space around them began to twist and become distorted as the group passed back into their world.
Author's notes
Peacenikky: Voila! Another chapter is done!
Judi: Well gang, it's been fun writing this, but the next chapter's gonna be the last.
Peacenikky: But don't worry! I'm trying to think up a sequel, and there's gonna be a special surprise coming with the final chapter.
Leanna: What is it? You'll just have to wait to find out!
Rebecca: But we will give you guys a clue. "Five Iron Frenzy." Think about it, and see if you can guess what we'll do!
Peacenikky: Peace, love, and marshmallow bunnies, y'all! Bye!
Peacenikky: Okay, okay, I'm back! I have Chapter Seven up!
Judi: (Ducking from various objects being thrown at the Authoresses) You can stop trying to kill us now!
Rebecca: I'm not surprised they are. You locked us all in our favorite cards and left it there! Do you realize how crazy that sort of thing makes the readers?
Leanna: Well, we're back, so don't worry!
Peacenikky: There is one thing I'd like to get out of the way before I continue. The battle that ensues in this chapter makes almost no sense when it comes to the way the game works, but as I have no access to actual cards of my own, I'm making up a slight variation of the rules. I hope these twists won't be too implausible. On a lighter note, let's go on to the reviews!
PrincessSaphire: Good question. Well, Kaiba's been kinda off on his own, being the anti-social butterfly he is. Goku has been busy chaperoning the trip, though he will make a somewhat bigger appearance in the next chapter.
Random Rockstar: Well, I'm always happy to update for you guys!
Crazy Assed Person: Thank you SOO much for the tips!
Europa: Yeah, I know about Rebecca Hawkins, but I had no idea she existed until I read her bio on Pojo.com.
Floradaine: Okay, here's the next chapter!
The Person Who Didn't Leave a Name: All right, I'm updating!
Orenji-chan: Thank you very much for telling me about "Solemn Judgement!" It really helped me out!
Burning-Yami-Rain: You really added this to your Favorites? Thank you! ^_^
Leanna: What about the disclaimer?
Peacenikky: Oh yeah...
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything except Rebecca, Cye, "Guardian Angel," "Warrior of Light," and "Ninja Queen." "Guardian Angel" might also appear in Murakumo's "Isle of Lost Illusions" fic. Are all the lawyers happy now? Good.
LEGEND: /Hikari to Yami/
//Yami to Hikari//
"Spoken"
'Thoughts'
***Scene Change
Judi: On with the fic! Yipes! (Ducks from a tomato) You can stop throwing things now!
CHAPTER SEVEN
"Uh... Where the heck are we?" asked a very groggy Gohan.
"Are we dead yet?" Rebecca asked.
"Hey, who turned out the lights?" Videl asked, rubbing the side of her head. "And what's this thing over my mouth?" Videl quickly pulled down the bandanna-like mask to around her neck. In doing so, she got a good look at the rest of her outfit. "What the? I'm dressed as the Ninja Queen!"
"Don't tell me we're where I think we are..." Tristan said before looking at what he was currently wearing, which was army fatigues, a machine gun, and some sort of psuedo-gas mask. "Yep, we're here."
"Ack! I'm the Flame Swordsman again!" Joey cried.
"Why am I dressed as the Warrior of Light?" Gohan asked.
"Well guys, it looks like Bakura sent us to the Shadow Realm as our favorite cards again." Yugi said as he got up. "And this time, he's brought you three along for the ride."
"Not again! I hate this place! It's so cold and dark and clammy and... YIKES!" Tea screamed as Joey snuck up behind her and grabbed her shoulder. "You're gonna pay for that, Joey!" she said as she began to smack him over the head with her staff.
"Hold on, Tea! Bakura's most likely going to make us duel, and we'll all need to be at our top strength for this." Yugi said quickly.
"Well, I don't look that different... Just the fact that I now have boots, there's no crest on my chest plate, and I have these cool-looking gauntlets..." Rebecca said as she slowly turned around.
"Duh, Beck! You're the Guardian Angel card! You could pass for her sister in your angel form!" Videl said. Rebecca grinned sheepishly.
"Oh, yeah! Good point... Wait a second! Where's Ryou?"
"Uh oh... I don't see him anywhere..." Yugi said nervously.
"Looking for the wimp?" a familiar voice asked. Bakura stepped into the teens' view.
"I figured you'd show your mug sooner or later, ya psycho!" Joey said.
"Where's Ryou? What did you do to him?" Rebecca asked.
"Why, I haven't done anything to him. He's right over there." Bakura answered, pointing to a spot a few feet away from him. Ryou laid there as the Change of Heart, unconscious. Rebecca gasped and flew toward him, but was stopped halfway when a force field threw her back. "Oops! Did I forget to mention that you can't go near my cards unless it's your turn?"
"No, you left that one out..." Rebecca muttered as she got up.
"Where's Yami?" Yugi asked worriedly, looking around in all directions.
"I'm right here, Aibou. Don't worry." Yami stepped up behind the group. "Well Bakura, I'm here, so what's going on?"
"Your little friends are going to play a variation of a duel, Pharaoh. This time however, there are a few changes, making things quite unlike your last duel with me."
Yugi shuddered as he remembered the last time this had happened, and how he had nearly been forced to attack his friends. "Your seven monsters will fight my seven monsters. If they can defeat them, then they'll take a shot at me. But on the other hand, if your friends all fall, my monsters can attack you, sending you to the Graveyard and securing the Millennium Puzzle for me!"
"I have a better idea!" Gohan shouted as he brought his wrists together at his side. "KA... ME... HA... ME... HA!" Gohan brought his hands to the front, expecting a blast of energy to hit Bakura and send him to the Other World. Nothing happened. "Hey, what gives?" Bakura smirked.
"Fool. I sensed a great power within you in your world, but as long as you are your favorite card, your strength is bound by its limits."
"Oh, this is just great!" Rebecca said, rolling her eyes. "What's next, some giant bug-thing from who-knows-where?"
"Actually, yes." Bakura said as he pulled a card from his pocket and threw it to the ground. "Arise, my Man-Eater Bug!" Everyone stepped back as the huge green and brown insect rose from the confines of the card. Gohan gulped.
"Somehow, I don't think a can of Raid is gonna kill this thing..." Bakura laughed as the Man-Eater Bug came closer and closer to the terrified teens.
"That's it. We're dead. See ya in the Graveyard, Tristan." Joey said grimly.
'We're bound by the powers of the cards we're in, huh? Wait a second...' Videl ran toward the monster. "Time to squash this bug!"
"Videl! Are you crazy?" Gohan asked.
"Don't do it! It's not worth it!" Rebecca added.
"Don't worry! I've got an idea!" Videl pulled out the six daggers resting at her belt and fanned them out. She quickly threw the daggers at the insect, crying out, "Night Dagger Slash!" The Man-Eater Bug let out a horrible scream as it was destroyed.
"What? No! How is that possible?" Bakura cried. Videl laughed.
"You said it yourself. We're bound by the limits of the cards we're in. I'm the Ninja Queen, a very swift card. Since this is supposedly unlike a regular duel, I figured there'd be more variables to consider besides Attack and Defense Points, like the agility and stealth of a ninja. It looks like I was right."
"All right, Videl! You got it!" Gohan cheered.
"Well Bakura, that's one monster down, and it was one of your deadliest. Maybe you should just surrender now." Yami said. Bakura started to laugh again.
"Give up? You expect me to give up? I'm just getting started!" Bakura quickly pulled out six other cards and threw them to the ground.
"We have to fight the others all at once? Oh, great, just great..." Tea muttered as the White Magical Hat, Lady of Faith, Electric Lizard, Crawling Dragon, Dark Elf, and the Red Eyes Black Dragon appeared. Joey gasped.
"Hey, wait a second! That's my..."
"Correct. I decided to 'borrow' this while I was getting your Flame Swordsman. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I mind, you bozo! When I get outta here, I'm gonna pulverize you!"
"You'll have to wait 'til I'm done with him first!" Gohan said.
"Yeah, well, I call the first shot. He and I have a score to settle." Rebecca said disdainfully. "Besides, we were supposed to meet after the dance anyway."
"What!?" Gohan asked incredulously. "You knew about him?"
"Yeah, we've met."
"Hey, can we please focus on getting out of here alive?" Tristan asked.
"Good idea." Yugi said. "All right Bakura! Bring it on!"
"If you insist." 'Now, let's see here. Videl destroyed my Man-Eater Bug, so maybe I should go after her first. But I do want to make Rebecca pay for her interference. However, little Yugi would make a good first target. So, who do I attack first?'
"Any day now would be nice." Videl said. The spirit smirked.
"Go, Dark Elf! Attack the Warrior of Light!" The Elf's smirk matched her master's as she charged up a ball of black energy and prepared to throw it at Gohan.
"Not if I can help it!" Rebecca shouted as she flew in front of Gohan and clasped her hands together. "Heaven's Shield!" A light blue dome appeared just in time to receive and absorb the attack. "Booyah! In your face, Bakura!"
Bakura was far from looking upset, however.
"Ah, thank you for doing that, Becky. Now I can do THIS!" Bakura pulled out another card and held it up. "Chain Energy! Bind the Guardian Angel!" Two thick golden cords materialized and wrapped themselves around Rebecca.
"Hey, what-Ouch! They're cutting into my wings!"
"Rebecca, watch out!" Yugi shouted.
"It's too late for her, boy! Dark Elf! Attack the Guardian Angel!" The
Dark Elf cackled and threw a second ball of energy at Rebecca. The angel screamed in pain before Bakura snapped his fingers, causing the ball to vanish. The chains quickly faded as Rebecca fell to the ground, unconscious. "That's enough. I want to see her suffer a little more before sending her to the Graveyard."
"Oh, no!" Gohan cried.
"What did you do to her?" Tea asked.
"It was all Bakura's plan. He guessed Rebecca was assigned to protect Gohan and used that against her. Once she used Heaven's Shield, she became vulnerable to his Trap Card." Yami said. "You never said Magic and Trap Cards could be used,
Tomb Robber!"
"Well, you never asked."
"You're gonna pay for what you did to her!" Gohan shouted.
"Stay cool, Gohan. You won't be able to help her if you can't think straight." Yugi reasoned. Gohan curled his hand into a fist, but that was it.
"You're right. I've got to stay in control."
"We'll get him back for her, don't worry." Videl said reassuringly.
"It's our turn now. Joey, attack the Crawling Dragon!"
"No problem! Flaming Sword of Battle!" Joey rushed forth and slashed his sword through the Crawling Dragon, reducing it to ashes. Bakura smirked.
"No big deal. I have five other monsters remaining, and they're all ready to attack your puny little friends!"
"You'll pay for what you did to Rebecca!" Tristan shouted.
"Well, this next attack'll be a blast from the past for you. Go, White Magical Hat! Attack the Cyber Commander!" The white-clad figure leaped into the air while pulling out a long staff and pointing it at Tristan.
"Uh oh... I've been through this scenario before..."
"No! Tristan!" Yugi shouted, but it was too late. The staff had struck Tristan, rendering him unconscious as well.
"Aw man, my best bud! You no-good jerk!" Joey said, trying not to cry.
"Sticks and stones, Joey." Bakura said.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Tea asked. "Well, guess what? We're going to avenge our friends! You can count on it!"
"Oh, be quiet!"
"It's my turn, and I use the Book of Secret Arts magic card to power up my Magician of Faith's Attack and Defense Points by 300!" Yami said, holding up the card. Tea glowed briefly as its magic worked on her.
"La di da, Pharaoh. She's still your weakest monster, and she's still unable to withstand my attacks!"
"I also set this card out, face-down. I would attack, but knowing you, you've got another dirty trick up your sleeve, so I end my turn here."
"All right. I'll set this card out as well, and I'll have my Lady of Faith attack your Magician of Faith! Go!" The cleric prepared a ball of energy and shot it at Tea.
"Not so fast! I activate the card I set out, Mirror Force!" A force field suddenly appeared and reflected the attack back to the Lady of Faith, who was destroyed on impact.
"All right! Three down, four to go!" Videl said.
"Don't start celebrating yet. Remember that card I set out? Well, your Mirror Force activated it. You're in for quite a nasty surprise..." Bakura pointed at Tea as the card flipped over. "It's called Solemn Judgment, and it comes into effect when my opponent uses a Magic Card, Trap Card, or a monster's magic effect." A wizened man with a long gray beard and a cream- colored robe and two blond women, also wearing robes, appeared as Bakura spoke. "This card allows me to destroy the Monster Card and Magic Card affected by your turn." Tea took a step back and gulped.
"Uh oh... I know where this is going..."
"That's right, little girl! But don't worry. I won't send you to the Graveyard just yet. Now, Solemn Judgment, go!" The old man extended his hand and sent a blast of energy hurtling towards Tea. When it passed, she too was lying on the ground, unconscious.
"No, not her too!" Yugi fought back tears as he saw her prone form.
"I'm sorry..." Yami said as he hung his head. He knew how much Tea meant to Yugi, and it was his fault she had been hurt.
"You can't blame yourself, Yami. You couldn't have known about that card." Yugi said as a tear escaped and hit the ground.
"Okay, that tears it!" Videl cried as she pulled out her daggers again. "Night Dagger Slash!" she shouted as she threw them at Bakura's Electric Lizard, destroying it as well.
"No, Videl! Don't you realize what you've just done?" Yugi called.
"What? I just-YEARGH!" Videl doubled over as electrical waves coursed through her body.
"Oh, jeez... Videl, attacking the Electric Lizard causes you to become paralyzed for a turn!" Joey said.
"Yeah, I kinda noticed..." Videl said weakly. Bakura smirked.
"Well, it seems I've found my next target. White Magical Hat! Attack the Ninja Queen!" The Hat nodded before leaping into the air again, cane ready to strike.
"Oh, no ya don't!" Joey yelled as he ran forth and knocked Videl out of the way. In doing so, he was the one who took the hit in her stead.
"Joey!" Yugi cried. Joey stood on one knee, moaning in pain.
"Joey, why'd you have to go and do that?" Videl asked shakily.
"Well, you're a stronger card. I figured that if you survived, we might still have a chance. Don't worry about me, I don't think the blow was- ugh..." Joey fell over as he lost consciousness.
"Oh man... When will this stop?" Gohan asked, trembling in anger.
"We've got to destroy the rest of Bakura's monsters. It's the only was we can get out of here." Yami said. Yugi blinked away his tears and extended his staff.
"It's our turn again! Dark Magic Attack!" A wave of dark magic blasted from the staff and hit the Dark Elf, who shrieked before she was destroyed. Bakura shrugged nonchalantly.
"Oh well. I've still got the White Magical Hat and the Red Eyes Black Dragon. I think I'll just pass this turn. Your move." Videl nodded in Gohan's direction as she got up. Gohan raised his hands over his head.
"This one's for Joey! Blazing Energy!" A sphere of white energy appeared in the space between Gohan's hands as he threw it at the White Magical Hat, which was destroyed instantly. Yami smirked as he totaled the odds of their winning the duel. Gohan, Videl, and Yugi were still standing, while all Bakura had left was the Red Eyes Black Dragon... Bakura laughed, seemingly unfazed by all of this.
"So, you've realized that the Red Eyes I took from Joey's deck can be defeated. That little problem won't last long, though. I'm using another Magic Card from Joey's deck, Dragon Nails!" The dragon roared as silver nails appeared over its own, bringing it Attack Power up to 3100. "Now! Red Eyes Black Dragon! Use Fireball Attack on the Ninja Queen!" The dragon, under Bakura's control, opened its mouth as a large fireball blasted Videl. Gohan gasped and caught her as she fell.
"Videl, are you okay? Speak to me." Videl slowly opened her eyes and smiled sadly.
"Sorry, Gohan. I don't think I'll be able to fight any more after this..." Videl shuddered before speaking again. "Help take that overgrown lizard out for me, okay? Be careful..." Videl whispered just before she passed out. Gohan bit his lip as he set her gently on the ground. Yugi bowed his head as Gohan got up.
"You will pay for what you did to her and to all our other friends!" Yugi nodded.
"Their sacrifices won't be in vain, Bakura!"
"You fools! The Red Eyes Black Dragon will crush you both! Now, attack the Warrior of Light!" The dragon opened its mouth a second time and shot out another fireball. Gohan barely had enough time to raise his arms in defense before the blast hit him. Yugi looked on in horror as the taller teen fell to the ground, unconscious like all the others. Rebecca twitched slightly.
"That was our turn, Bakura! You weren't supposed to attack then!" Yami called across the battlefield.
"I told you long ago that this was no ordinary duel. The rules have changed...
"So, little Yugi, how does it feel? Your friends have all fallen around you, and now it's just you versus the Red Eyes. Are you scared? Hmm?" Bakura asked tauntingly. Yugi looked at the former tomb robber with rage.
"I'm not afraid of you!"
"You should be!" Yami shut his eyes as he tried to think of a way to get out of this situation. Alone, Yugi was no match for the dragon.
"Since you have no moves left, Pharaoh, I'll go again! Attack the Dark Magician!"
"NO!" Yami cried out, but it was too late. A third fireball had been launched, and now Yugi was on the ground, unconscious and helpless.
"The last of your forces, sleeping like a baby... They'll all be in for a rude awakening as soon as the Red Eyes Black Dragon annihilates them once and for all! And then you're up on the chopping block! There's no escape!" Yami curled his hands into fists. All of his friends were out cold, and one more blast would send them to the Graveyard... Yugi's nightmare was coming true. "So, how does it feel, knowing there's no way you can possibly win? Well? I've waited for this moment for countless centuries, and now you shall-huh?" A soft moaning coming from behind him interrupted Bakura. Ryou, who had up until now been unconscious, was waking up.
"Where am I? What happened? The last thing I remember was waiting for Rebecca to return, and then..." Ryou's voice trailed off as he realized where he was.
"What are you doing up? You weren't supposed to regain consciousness!" Bakura screamed. Ryou slowly got up and gasped in horror as he saw Yugi, Gohan, and the others, and then turned to face Bakura.
"What did you do to them?"
"That's none of your concern!" Ryou only shook his head, tears of rage forming in his eyes.
"Bakura, I have dealt with you and your abuse for years, but I can never forgive you for hurting my friends! You will pay!" Ryou shouted a war cry and lunged at Bakura, aiming punches and kicks at his tormenter. He had managed to score several hits before Bakura delivered a swift chop to Ryou's abdomen, which stunned the teen.
"You'll live to regret that, fool!" Bakura dealt a kick to the same spot, causing Ryou to fall.
"I'm sorry, guys... I guess I couldn't help..." Ryou whispered before he hit the ground.
A soft glow surrounded his body as he passed out, which quickly divided into seven sections and flew over to Yugi and his fallen comrades. Each glow went into a different teen. Bakura could only look on in horror as the seven began to awaken.
"No, that's not possible! This can't be happening!"
"Hey, we're alive!" Tristan exclaimed.
"But how?" Videl asked.
"Wait a second... Ryou wasn't in that spot a while ago." Rebecca noted. She turned to face the tomb robber. "And how in the world did Bakura get those marks, unless..." Rebecca gasped in realization. "I don't believe it! Ryou stood up to him! All right!"
"I get it! It was his bond of friendship to us that gave us the power we needed to return to our full strength!" Tea said as she picked up her staff.
"Then it's time to take out Bakura once and for all!" Yugi said. Gohan nodded.
"We're back and stronger than before, Bakura!"
"Say goodbye to my Red Eyes!" Joey said. The teens got into their fighting stances.
"Flaming Sword of Battle!"
"Holy Magic!"
"Electronic Barrage!"
"Blazing Energy!"
"Night Dagger Slash!"
"Armageddon's Fire!"
"Dark Magic Attack!"
The seven attacks combined and charged straight toward the Red Eyes Black Dragon. When the dust cleared, there wasn't a trace of the dragon left.
"Yeah! That makes seven monsters we've destroyed! You know what that means!" Yugi said happily.
"Get ready for judgment, Bakura!" Rebecca said as she prepared another attack. The others followed suit.
"No! This can't be happening! I couldn't lose!" Bakura said, taking a step back.
"Now, everyone! Attack!" Yami cried as the seven unleashed their power.
"I'll be back! You just wait! You haven't seen the last of MEEEEE!" Bakura shouted as he was sent to the Graveyard. When it was over, there was silence for a few moments. Then...
"We did it!" Yugi shouted.
"Woohoo! We beat that loser at his own game!" Videl said.
"All right!" Tristan shouted as he and Joey high-fived each other. Tea hugged Yugi while Gohan placed a hand on Videl's shoulder. They had won.
Rebecca sighed happily and walked toward the other half of the battlefield. When she reached the halfway point, she put out a hand to test for the force field. When it passed through, she walked over and bent down and gently picked Ryou up.
"You did it, Ryou. You stood up to Bakura, and because of that, we won. Thank you."
"All right Beck, you've had your sappy little romance scene. Can we get going now?" Joey asked impatiently.
"Romance scene? For the millionth time, Ryou is NOT my boyfriend! And how can you call a simple 'thank-you' romantic?"
"Hey, knock it off, you two! The point is, we've all won. So, can we just go home now?" Yugi asked. Yami nodded and focused his energy. The space around them began to twist and become distorted as the group passed back into their world.
Author's notes
Peacenikky: Voila! Another chapter is done!
Judi: Well gang, it's been fun writing this, but the next chapter's gonna be the last.
Peacenikky: But don't worry! I'm trying to think up a sequel, and there's gonna be a special surprise coming with the final chapter.
Leanna: What is it? You'll just have to wait to find out!
Rebecca: But we will give you guys a clue. "Five Iron Frenzy." Think about it, and see if you can guess what we'll do!
Peacenikky: Peace, love, and marshmallow bunnies, y'all! Bye!