A/N: This chapter is going to be very-
All: DON'T SAY IT-
Alpha: Interesting.
Drake: So this is a halfway point? This fic is half done?
Alpha: Now where did you get that idea?
Drake: From your spoiler for this chapter!
Alpha: Ummm, wellllll............
Drake: *angry* Let me guess, your secret plan to send me to the Digimon universe early backfired, thanks to your "Brilliant" inspiration, and now I have even more to worry about?
Dracomon: And I won't make an appearance until this fic is completely over!
Alpha: I...er...well...
Drake: Tell you what: You have until the end of this chapter to run, and then we kill you.
Alpha: Deal. *starts running, VERY quickly*
Disclaimer: Shade and Martin are the property of Gema J. Gall.
Claimer: You're reading this, aren't you?
***************************************************************
The insane fusion of Zera and Buster rode across the plains, flying atop the Dragon Seeker's back.
"Our monster will track the Dragoon down, and then we can both acquire several Millennium Items, and get our revenge!" The creature spoke with its joint voice.
The Buster-half smiled mentally, eager to annihilate Drake.
The Zera-half bared its mental teeth in a similar grin. With one more Millennium Item, he would not require the armor pieces or sacrifices.
*By the way," Zera asked his host. "Where did you acquire this remarkable blade?"
He fingered the golden dagger. *Same place I got everything I own. From some store window. *
*For a purchase as low a price as that, you found some bargain. And what does its special ability do? *
*It recreates the old saying "A blade to the heart is more painful than a blade through the heart". Whoever I injure with this weapon, their loved ones, as well as the ones who care for them, feel the same pain! *
*Remarkable. I should very much love to use that soon. *
*Don't worry." The Buster part smirked. * We will. *
***************************************************************
Drake looked through his deck, worried. The tournament was tomorrow, and he needed it to be perfect.
Somehow, though, he felt there was something wrong about it. It's not that it wasn't good enough. It was just... too good.
*Too good? * Lance asked, confused.
*Yes. I mean, how could anyone short of Kaiba, Mokuba, or Yugi stand up to this? *
*And that's a bad thing? *
*There's… there just isn't enough challenge. *
*Oh. I see; your deck is too good, too strong. *
*Exactly, but I don't know what to do that could make it more challenging and still win! *
*You could start by correcting it a little. Most of the cards with over 2500 ATK are not really dragons; they just have the name. And you could leave the Dragon Champion out, since it's still half warrior. *
*Good idea. * Drake said, taking the cards out.
*There is one more thing you could remove that would benefit another. *
"Drake?" came Lara's voice, entering the room. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just thinking." Drake said, pulling out a card. "Lara, I want you to have this."
Lara gasped as she saw the card: Drake's Blue Eyes.
"But, why?"
"Several reasons." Drake said. "One, I don't have enough challenge. Two, since an enemy gave them to me, I really don't think I should use it. Three, I don't need it. Four-"
"Okay, I get it!" Lara said, though smiling as she took the card. "I still think I should pay you back for these good cards you keep giving me-"
"Don't. It's reward enough to be able to give you these things." Drake said, smiling.
Lara flushed, which slightly shocked Drake. "Any more reasons?" She said with interest.
"Yes. I know it would help your deck, and, somehow, I feel like you'll still find a way to thank me; whether I like it or not."
Lara blushed slightly again, but smiled happily.
***************************************************************
Later that night, Lara opened her eyes and smiled. Her arms had found a way to Drake again.
Ever since that first night, Drake had actually loosened up incredibly. While they both agreed not to go too far, Lara still basked in the romantic atmosphere. Drake was even comfortable with her request not to wear a shirt while sleeping, although she wasn't sure why he had done that in the first place. She didn't really understand how Drake had suddenly lost his embarrassment surplus, but she appreciated the fact that it was gone.
Shifting closer to Drake, she nearly fell back asleep in his arms, but she realized something.
Drake had told her of the cards he had removed from his deck: Barrel Dragon, Twin-headed Thunder Dragon, Blue Eyes White Dragon, and Gaia [which he said he was grateful to own, since she had given it to him, but felt it was unfair to other duelists who used it].
She knew he had a card in his deck, the Tri-Horned Dragon, with 2850/2350.
But aside from that, she realized the most powerful card in his deck was the Seiyaryu she had given him.
***************************************************************
[Flashback sequence.]
It was back on the island, when the others had gone to search for Joey, who was at the time dueling Bonze.
"Lara, there's something I want to give you."
As he reached into his pocket, Lara blushed. [A/N: Can you guess what she's thinking? ^-^]
"Drake I-"
She gasped as she realized what he was holding.
"A-a-a-a...a-a ...a Blue Eyes White Dragon?! But you told me years ago that-"
"My father sent them to me," Drake said in an embarrassed tone. "I think he wants me to win the tournament for some reason, but I don't want to win it with his help. And, I...I want to apologize for anything that must have happened, when he-"he turned away here, to ashamed to go on.
Here, Lara ran her hand through his spiky hair; something she had always done to reassure him, and see the reaction. [Drake=pfft X1.5]
"Nothing happened Drake. "She lied, being thrown of a boat was hardly nothing." I was perfectly all right. But I do want to get back at your dad for separating us, and this really helps. Besides," here she threw her arms around his neck [Drake= pfft X 10],"this may be the most expensive thing anyone's ever given me. You're too good, Drake."
"I'm not the only one that's good..."Drake said, embarrassed, but enjoying it.
[Lara=pfft X 3]
"So, are you going to keep the other two?" She asked, still holding on to him.
"No. It's a little too boring using these to win. No challenge at all. I might give them to Yugi, one for him, and one for his grandfather."
"Why his grandpa?" She asked, letting go.
{Darn!} thought Drake.
"Seto Kaiba ripped his Blue Eyes card. I may be trying to help save his company, but I can't forgive him for destroying a dragon."
{Same old Drake.} Lara thought happily. {Always puts his honor on dragons.Hey, wait!}
"There's something I want to give you, too." Lara said." Two things, actually."
"And they would be-"he didn't finish because Lara already had her lips on his.
"The second," she breathed when they finally finished, out of breath, "Is this."
She pulled a card out of her pocket, and Drake gasped.
It was the one dragon card his father never gave him, a Seiyaryu.
Its stats were an impressive 2500/2300, shining, pink, armor-like skin, which was cool, even for the color, and a promising bio.
"Fights with the energy of righteousness." He read happily. "I'll always keep it in my deck. Thank you Lara. Heh, I guess I have another new favorite card."
***************************************************************
[End flashback]
She felt her heart going in somersaults. Drake had unconsciously made her card one of the strongest in his deck.
She smiled again, and wrapped her arms around his neck once more.
***************************************************************
The day had finally come. The group met down in the lobby, ready for the tournament. The one's not competing: Tea, Tristan, and Yugi were already at the coliseum. The same was to be said for Shade, Mike, and Mai, who were competing, and Martin, the Harpy's Pet, and Zeph, who were in the audience.
"This is it," Drake said.
"Precisely, "Yami agreed. "Today is what we've all prepared for. If the strongest duelists came to this tournament, there's a high chance that Helios is here."
"Which means that this is what it all comes down to," Joey said. "My sister, Yugi's grandpa, Drake's dad, heck, our lives, as well as the world, depend on us!"
"As if they haven't from the beginning?" Lara asked.
"I don't know about you guys, but I like these odds!" Ryo said enthusiastically.
"Don't think you're the only one," Seto said with his Seto Smirk™.
"Enough talking, let's go out there and win!" Mokuba said, gripping his deck.
"At last it's time!" Seto said. "Time for us to receive our dues!"
"And to defeat and punish those that have wronged us!" Bakura said, grinning in that strange way once more.
"And when this is over, things can go back to the way they were supposed to be, right?" Lara asked, but silently knowing the answer to be no. Though Helios would be gone, and she could finally be with Drake, she could never forget the harsh years she had spent alone because of the mad Yami.
Drake turned around, facing the group. "I want to thank you all, guys."
"Huh?" The group asked.
"If it weren't for you guys, I would probably not even have lasted this long," Drake said, looking at the floor. "Most of you I've only known for one or two weeks, at the most, but I have no shame in saying you're all the best friends I've ever had!"
"Isn't that what this has all been about?" Mokuba asked, slightly irritated. "We've done all of this for our friends, our family! What kind of people would we have been, otherwise?"
{Way to be a pessimist, little bro.} Seto thought. {And only after two of my lessons!}
"It's about our belief." Yami said." Our faith in each other. Our feelings towards our loved ones." He eyed Drake and Seto." I know I must sound like a broken record, but it's not about our obligations. It's about our hearts. Whether we put them in the cards or in each other, they're what brought us this far!"
"Exactly!" Drake said, looking up. For once, Seto didn't have a look of annoyed disbelief.
"Enough talk!"Drake said, smiling."Are we gonna save the world, or stand here thinking about it for the next few years?"
"The former, of course!"Ryo said, pushing his fist into the air.
Turning around again, Drake felt Lara tap into her Locket.
*Forgive me for adding to the word roadblock, but are you ready?* Lance asked.
*Ready to save the world? No.* Drake said.*Ready to kick major butt and help those I care about, YES!*
*Then, as everyone else has said, LET'S DO THIS!*
Drake extended his right arm, housing the Gauntlet, and once more felt the power flush into him.
[Transformation Music plays.]
"Dra-gi-ooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"
Feeling the slight extension of hair, the increase in strength, the slightly evident addition of more muscle mass, and of course, increase of courage, Drake smiled.
"Time to end this."He said, Lance's mature voice coming from his mouth.
***************************************************************
The Coliseum was large, and very wonderful to behold.
Murals depicting epic battles between powerful monsters covered nearly every inch of the walls.
The ceiling, however, was the most breath-taking.
High above them, the four Blue Eyes White Dragons were seen, each positioned in a far edge of the dome. In the perfect centering of the legendary creatures, there were three sillouettes, vaguely recognized as monsters, but somehow giving off a sense of power, of destruction, of divinity.
"The Gods' children and grandchildren."Bakura said with a wistful look.
As the others looked at him in confusion, he explained,"In ancient times, there was an Egyptian demon named Darknight who created the game we know and love, Duel Monsters. He was revered as the God of Challenge from that day forth. Eventually, three other gods created their own monsters, using theirselves as a base. In a way, you could say these "God Monsters," were the human gods' sons."
He pointed to the ceiling, indicating each space,"Obelisk, the Tormentor, created by Set, god of destruction."
He moved his finger to another shadow."Slifer, the Sky Dragon, created by Osiris, god of the dead."
He pointed his finger to one final space, which was larger than both of the others combined."And the Winged Dragon of Ra, created by Ra, god of the sun and king of all the other gods."
"How do you know all this, Bakura?" Lara asked, interested.
"My yami bragged about his superior knowledge all the time."Bakura lied."He was really quite the genius."
He turned and continued.
"Eventually, the gods gave their monsters to mortals who were gifted in the Shadow Games. Obelisk was received by a High Priest. The Pharaoh himself got Slifer. And legend says that a mysterious stranger, robed in black but surviving the desert sun, received Ra's creation."
Bakura looked down."Darknight became obsessed with the power he created. He tried to take control of the universe by channeling the energy of the Blue Eyes White Dragons into negative power. Eventually, the entire species was destroyed, except for-"
"Four." Seto said on instinct.
"Exactly!" Bakura said, smiling.
At that moment, their was a voice."All participants, please enter the tournament gates."
"We'll finish this story later."Yami said, eager for battle.
As they walked into the doorway, they noticed something strange. All the other competitors seemed to slow down, not entering the gates.
"Odd."Mokuba said, confused."Why isn't everyone going in?"
Only a few people besides them made their way in, Shade and Mike included, before they heard the gates closing.
It was then Yami realized the obvious."IT'S A TRAP!"
The gates closed.
"Okay, what's going on here?" Seto demanded, yelling to the darkness around them.
"Don't feel so annoyed. Kaiba-boy."Came a familier voice." This IS of course, a tournament for the best."
The group turned aaround. In front of them was the monster that had caused all this, that had made their lives, especially Drake's, chaos.
Helios stood before them, the familier grin that they had come to place Pegasus with firmly on his face.
"You!" Drake exclaimed, readying his Gauntlet."I had a feeling you would be here! Then again, this is perfect. Now we can take you on, without any disturbances!"
"Do not be so quick ot say that, young one."Came a new, egyptian accented voice."Most everyone here has come to fight him."
The speaker was a thickly robed man with deeply tanned skin. He wore a turban, and around his neck was-
"A Millennium Item!" Bakura exclaimed, suddenly gripping his fists.
"Yes, my Millennium Key."The man said, showing it." My name is Shadi. I am a guardian of the Millennium Items. I make sure they are only recieved by those destined to own them, and protect them from evil."
"Well, great job so far." Seto said, glancing at both Bakura and Helios.
"Enough with this pointless banter!"Came the voice of another Egyptian accented male, a young boy with pure-white hair."We must continue with this tournament!"
Shade gasped."Your voice, you're that kid I met a few days ago, Marik!"
"Yes."He said, slyly." And you, are the owner of the Millennium Scales!"
"WHAT!?"Came the voice of everyone but Marik, Shadi, and Helios.
"What do you mean?"Shade asked, confused."I don't even know what these, Millennium Items, are!"
Shadi smiled sadly." That isn't surprising. Many of the Millenium Items are hard to differentiate, but the Scales try to keep every thing balanced, including right from wrong; although usually wrong seems to be heavier than right."
Shade gasped again. She whispered something inaudible, but from her silent voice, it was easy to see she was slightly disturbed about something.
"Indeed."Helios said, smirking."This tournament is only for those who posess Millennium Items, and those considered worthy to own them."
"Which is why we've brought the strongest duelists there are to this tournament." Came a raven-haired girl, robed in white.
"My name is Isis Ishtar, by the way."She said, and suddenly her necklace glowed."And I believe we have much turmoil ahead of us."
"Indeed there is."
Buster walked up, and everyone braced themselves."What are YOU doing here?"Drake demanded.
Buster showed his Dagger."They asked for everyone with a Millenium Item, didn't they?"
"And there are here who's dueling skills deserve an Item, whether those skills be luck, heart, or dishonesty."Shadi said, sullenly."They are in the back quarters, waiting to begin the tournament."
"Then what are we waiting for."Yami stated, rather than asked."Let's start this!"
***************************************************************
A/N: And so, the Millenium Tournament has begun. All the Holders have been gathered to the same location, as well as some who have skills enough to own an Item. Since the tournament will take a while, I'm debating whether to have it in this fic or start an "in-between fic" to show the tournament. Since this concerns you, dear reader, please review to show your preference.
What I have planned for the tournament's first round:
Drake vs. Bakura
Joey vs. Mike
Bandit Keith vs. Lara
Yami vs. Buster
Marik vs. Mokuba
Ryo vs. Isis
Seto vs. Helios
Shade vs. Shadi
Next chapter, or fic, depending on reviewers' preference: Drake goes head to head with Bakura, who likewise reveals that he's actually Ryou, Bakura's yami. While Ryou's monsters are basically weak, Drake may have a tough time dealing with the multiple effects that give the name "Occult" to Ryou's deck....
Seeya later!
All: DON'T SAY IT-
Alpha: Interesting.
Drake: So this is a halfway point? This fic is half done?
Alpha: Now where did you get that idea?
Drake: From your spoiler for this chapter!
Alpha: Ummm, wellllll............
Drake: *angry* Let me guess, your secret plan to send me to the Digimon universe early backfired, thanks to your "Brilliant" inspiration, and now I have even more to worry about?
Dracomon: And I won't make an appearance until this fic is completely over!
Alpha: I...er...well...
Drake: Tell you what: You have until the end of this chapter to run, and then we kill you.
Alpha: Deal. *starts running, VERY quickly*
Disclaimer: Shade and Martin are the property of Gema J. Gall.
Claimer: You're reading this, aren't you?
***************************************************************
The insane fusion of Zera and Buster rode across the plains, flying atop the Dragon Seeker's back.
"Our monster will track the Dragoon down, and then we can both acquire several Millennium Items, and get our revenge!" The creature spoke with its joint voice.
The Buster-half smiled mentally, eager to annihilate Drake.
The Zera-half bared its mental teeth in a similar grin. With one more Millennium Item, he would not require the armor pieces or sacrifices.
*By the way," Zera asked his host. "Where did you acquire this remarkable blade?"
He fingered the golden dagger. *Same place I got everything I own. From some store window. *
*For a purchase as low a price as that, you found some bargain. And what does its special ability do? *
*It recreates the old saying "A blade to the heart is more painful than a blade through the heart". Whoever I injure with this weapon, their loved ones, as well as the ones who care for them, feel the same pain! *
*Remarkable. I should very much love to use that soon. *
*Don't worry." The Buster part smirked. * We will. *
***************************************************************
Drake looked through his deck, worried. The tournament was tomorrow, and he needed it to be perfect.
Somehow, though, he felt there was something wrong about it. It's not that it wasn't good enough. It was just... too good.
*Too good? * Lance asked, confused.
*Yes. I mean, how could anyone short of Kaiba, Mokuba, or Yugi stand up to this? *
*And that's a bad thing? *
*There's… there just isn't enough challenge. *
*Oh. I see; your deck is too good, too strong. *
*Exactly, but I don't know what to do that could make it more challenging and still win! *
*You could start by correcting it a little. Most of the cards with over 2500 ATK are not really dragons; they just have the name. And you could leave the Dragon Champion out, since it's still half warrior. *
*Good idea. * Drake said, taking the cards out.
*There is one more thing you could remove that would benefit another. *
"Drake?" came Lara's voice, entering the room. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just thinking." Drake said, pulling out a card. "Lara, I want you to have this."
Lara gasped as she saw the card: Drake's Blue Eyes.
"But, why?"
"Several reasons." Drake said. "One, I don't have enough challenge. Two, since an enemy gave them to me, I really don't think I should use it. Three, I don't need it. Four-"
"Okay, I get it!" Lara said, though smiling as she took the card. "I still think I should pay you back for these good cards you keep giving me-"
"Don't. It's reward enough to be able to give you these things." Drake said, smiling.
Lara flushed, which slightly shocked Drake. "Any more reasons?" She said with interest.
"Yes. I know it would help your deck, and, somehow, I feel like you'll still find a way to thank me; whether I like it or not."
Lara blushed slightly again, but smiled happily.
***************************************************************
Later that night, Lara opened her eyes and smiled. Her arms had found a way to Drake again.
Ever since that first night, Drake had actually loosened up incredibly. While they both agreed not to go too far, Lara still basked in the romantic atmosphere. Drake was even comfortable with her request not to wear a shirt while sleeping, although she wasn't sure why he had done that in the first place. She didn't really understand how Drake had suddenly lost his embarrassment surplus, but she appreciated the fact that it was gone.
Shifting closer to Drake, she nearly fell back asleep in his arms, but she realized something.
Drake had told her of the cards he had removed from his deck: Barrel Dragon, Twin-headed Thunder Dragon, Blue Eyes White Dragon, and Gaia [which he said he was grateful to own, since she had given it to him, but felt it was unfair to other duelists who used it].
She knew he had a card in his deck, the Tri-Horned Dragon, with 2850/2350.
But aside from that, she realized the most powerful card in his deck was the Seiyaryu she had given him.
***************************************************************
[Flashback sequence.]
It was back on the island, when the others had gone to search for Joey, who was at the time dueling Bonze.
"Lara, there's something I want to give you."
As he reached into his pocket, Lara blushed. [A/N: Can you guess what she's thinking? ^-^]
"Drake I-"
She gasped as she realized what he was holding.
"A-a-a-a...a-a ...a Blue Eyes White Dragon?! But you told me years ago that-"
"My father sent them to me," Drake said in an embarrassed tone. "I think he wants me to win the tournament for some reason, but I don't want to win it with his help. And, I...I want to apologize for anything that must have happened, when he-"he turned away here, to ashamed to go on.
Here, Lara ran her hand through his spiky hair; something she had always done to reassure him, and see the reaction. [Drake=pfft X1.5]
"Nothing happened Drake. "She lied, being thrown of a boat was hardly nothing." I was perfectly all right. But I do want to get back at your dad for separating us, and this really helps. Besides," here she threw her arms around his neck [Drake= pfft X 10],"this may be the most expensive thing anyone's ever given me. You're too good, Drake."
"I'm not the only one that's good..."Drake said, embarrassed, but enjoying it.
[Lara=pfft X 3]
"So, are you going to keep the other two?" She asked, still holding on to him.
"No. It's a little too boring using these to win. No challenge at all. I might give them to Yugi, one for him, and one for his grandfather."
"Why his grandpa?" She asked, letting go.
{Darn!} thought Drake.
"Seto Kaiba ripped his Blue Eyes card. I may be trying to help save his company, but I can't forgive him for destroying a dragon."
{Same old Drake.} Lara thought happily. {Always puts his honor on dragons.Hey, wait!}
"There's something I want to give you, too." Lara said." Two things, actually."
"And they would be-"he didn't finish because Lara already had her lips on his.
"The second," she breathed when they finally finished, out of breath, "Is this."
She pulled a card out of her pocket, and Drake gasped.
It was the one dragon card his father never gave him, a Seiyaryu.
Its stats were an impressive 2500/2300, shining, pink, armor-like skin, which was cool, even for the color, and a promising bio.
"Fights with the energy of righteousness." He read happily. "I'll always keep it in my deck. Thank you Lara. Heh, I guess I have another new favorite card."
***************************************************************
[End flashback]
She felt her heart going in somersaults. Drake had unconsciously made her card one of the strongest in his deck.
She smiled again, and wrapped her arms around his neck once more.
***************************************************************
The day had finally come. The group met down in the lobby, ready for the tournament. The one's not competing: Tea, Tristan, and Yugi were already at the coliseum. The same was to be said for Shade, Mike, and Mai, who were competing, and Martin, the Harpy's Pet, and Zeph, who were in the audience.
"This is it," Drake said.
"Precisely, "Yami agreed. "Today is what we've all prepared for. If the strongest duelists came to this tournament, there's a high chance that Helios is here."
"Which means that this is what it all comes down to," Joey said. "My sister, Yugi's grandpa, Drake's dad, heck, our lives, as well as the world, depend on us!"
"As if they haven't from the beginning?" Lara asked.
"I don't know about you guys, but I like these odds!" Ryo said enthusiastically.
"Don't think you're the only one," Seto said with his Seto Smirk™.
"Enough talking, let's go out there and win!" Mokuba said, gripping his deck.
"At last it's time!" Seto said. "Time for us to receive our dues!"
"And to defeat and punish those that have wronged us!" Bakura said, grinning in that strange way once more.
"And when this is over, things can go back to the way they were supposed to be, right?" Lara asked, but silently knowing the answer to be no. Though Helios would be gone, and she could finally be with Drake, she could never forget the harsh years she had spent alone because of the mad Yami.
Drake turned around, facing the group. "I want to thank you all, guys."
"Huh?" The group asked.
"If it weren't for you guys, I would probably not even have lasted this long," Drake said, looking at the floor. "Most of you I've only known for one or two weeks, at the most, but I have no shame in saying you're all the best friends I've ever had!"
"Isn't that what this has all been about?" Mokuba asked, slightly irritated. "We've done all of this for our friends, our family! What kind of people would we have been, otherwise?"
{Way to be a pessimist, little bro.} Seto thought. {And only after two of my lessons!}
"It's about our belief." Yami said." Our faith in each other. Our feelings towards our loved ones." He eyed Drake and Seto." I know I must sound like a broken record, but it's not about our obligations. It's about our hearts. Whether we put them in the cards or in each other, they're what brought us this far!"
"Exactly!" Drake said, looking up. For once, Seto didn't have a look of annoyed disbelief.
"Enough talk!"Drake said, smiling."Are we gonna save the world, or stand here thinking about it for the next few years?"
"The former, of course!"Ryo said, pushing his fist into the air.
Turning around again, Drake felt Lara tap into her Locket.
*Forgive me for adding to the word roadblock, but are you ready?* Lance asked.
*Ready to save the world? No.* Drake said.*Ready to kick major butt and help those I care about, YES!*
*Then, as everyone else has said, LET'S DO THIS!*
Drake extended his right arm, housing the Gauntlet, and once more felt the power flush into him.
[Transformation Music plays.]
"Dra-gi-ooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"
Feeling the slight extension of hair, the increase in strength, the slightly evident addition of more muscle mass, and of course, increase of courage, Drake smiled.
"Time to end this."He said, Lance's mature voice coming from his mouth.
***************************************************************
The Coliseum was large, and very wonderful to behold.
Murals depicting epic battles between powerful monsters covered nearly every inch of the walls.
The ceiling, however, was the most breath-taking.
High above them, the four Blue Eyes White Dragons were seen, each positioned in a far edge of the dome. In the perfect centering of the legendary creatures, there were three sillouettes, vaguely recognized as monsters, but somehow giving off a sense of power, of destruction, of divinity.
"The Gods' children and grandchildren."Bakura said with a wistful look.
As the others looked at him in confusion, he explained,"In ancient times, there was an Egyptian demon named Darknight who created the game we know and love, Duel Monsters. He was revered as the God of Challenge from that day forth. Eventually, three other gods created their own monsters, using theirselves as a base. In a way, you could say these "God Monsters," were the human gods' sons."
He pointed to the ceiling, indicating each space,"Obelisk, the Tormentor, created by Set, god of destruction."
He moved his finger to another shadow."Slifer, the Sky Dragon, created by Osiris, god of the dead."
He pointed his finger to one final space, which was larger than both of the others combined."And the Winged Dragon of Ra, created by Ra, god of the sun and king of all the other gods."
"How do you know all this, Bakura?" Lara asked, interested.
"My yami bragged about his superior knowledge all the time."Bakura lied."He was really quite the genius."
He turned and continued.
"Eventually, the gods gave their monsters to mortals who were gifted in the Shadow Games. Obelisk was received by a High Priest. The Pharaoh himself got Slifer. And legend says that a mysterious stranger, robed in black but surviving the desert sun, received Ra's creation."
Bakura looked down."Darknight became obsessed with the power he created. He tried to take control of the universe by channeling the energy of the Blue Eyes White Dragons into negative power. Eventually, the entire species was destroyed, except for-"
"Four." Seto said on instinct.
"Exactly!" Bakura said, smiling.
At that moment, their was a voice."All participants, please enter the tournament gates."
"We'll finish this story later."Yami said, eager for battle.
As they walked into the doorway, they noticed something strange. All the other competitors seemed to slow down, not entering the gates.
"Odd."Mokuba said, confused."Why isn't everyone going in?"
Only a few people besides them made their way in, Shade and Mike included, before they heard the gates closing.
It was then Yami realized the obvious."IT'S A TRAP!"
The gates closed.
"Okay, what's going on here?" Seto demanded, yelling to the darkness around them.
"Don't feel so annoyed. Kaiba-boy."Came a familier voice." This IS of course, a tournament for the best."
The group turned aaround. In front of them was the monster that had caused all this, that had made their lives, especially Drake's, chaos.
Helios stood before them, the familier grin that they had come to place Pegasus with firmly on his face.
"You!" Drake exclaimed, readying his Gauntlet."I had a feeling you would be here! Then again, this is perfect. Now we can take you on, without any disturbances!"
"Do not be so quick ot say that, young one."Came a new, egyptian accented voice."Most everyone here has come to fight him."
The speaker was a thickly robed man with deeply tanned skin. He wore a turban, and around his neck was-
"A Millennium Item!" Bakura exclaimed, suddenly gripping his fists.
"Yes, my Millennium Key."The man said, showing it." My name is Shadi. I am a guardian of the Millennium Items. I make sure they are only recieved by those destined to own them, and protect them from evil."
"Well, great job so far." Seto said, glancing at both Bakura and Helios.
"Enough with this pointless banter!"Came the voice of another Egyptian accented male, a young boy with pure-white hair."We must continue with this tournament!"
Shade gasped."Your voice, you're that kid I met a few days ago, Marik!"
"Yes."He said, slyly." And you, are the owner of the Millennium Scales!"
"WHAT!?"Came the voice of everyone but Marik, Shadi, and Helios.
"What do you mean?"Shade asked, confused."I don't even know what these, Millennium Items, are!"
Shadi smiled sadly." That isn't surprising. Many of the Millenium Items are hard to differentiate, but the Scales try to keep every thing balanced, including right from wrong; although usually wrong seems to be heavier than right."
Shade gasped again. She whispered something inaudible, but from her silent voice, it was easy to see she was slightly disturbed about something.
"Indeed."Helios said, smirking."This tournament is only for those who posess Millennium Items, and those considered worthy to own them."
"Which is why we've brought the strongest duelists there are to this tournament." Came a raven-haired girl, robed in white.
"My name is Isis Ishtar, by the way."She said, and suddenly her necklace glowed."And I believe we have much turmoil ahead of us."
"Indeed there is."
Buster walked up, and everyone braced themselves."What are YOU doing here?"Drake demanded.
Buster showed his Dagger."They asked for everyone with a Millenium Item, didn't they?"
"And there are here who's dueling skills deserve an Item, whether those skills be luck, heart, or dishonesty."Shadi said, sullenly."They are in the back quarters, waiting to begin the tournament."
"Then what are we waiting for."Yami stated, rather than asked."Let's start this!"
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A/N: And so, the Millenium Tournament has begun. All the Holders have been gathered to the same location, as well as some who have skills enough to own an Item. Since the tournament will take a while, I'm debating whether to have it in this fic or start an "in-between fic" to show the tournament. Since this concerns you, dear reader, please review to show your preference.
What I have planned for the tournament's first round:
Drake vs. Bakura
Joey vs. Mike
Bandit Keith vs. Lara
Yami vs. Buster
Marik vs. Mokuba
Ryo vs. Isis
Seto vs. Helios
Shade vs. Shadi
Next chapter, or fic, depending on reviewers' preference: Drake goes head to head with Bakura, who likewise reveals that he's actually Ryou, Bakura's yami. While Ryou's monsters are basically weak, Drake may have a tough time dealing with the multiple effects that give the name "Occult" to Ryou's deck....
Seeya later!