"The troops are all ready Yami!" Said Joey, standing by the King who was
crouched by a large fire. The army had travelled all day and were now
resting for the night about two miles from Dark Rock where Marik lived.
Yami was sitting by a large fire in the centre of the camp. Around him the
army soldiers had smaller fires over which cooked mediocre rations for
food. Yami did not reply to Joey.
"Yami?" Joey said, sitting next to his friend, who snapped back to reality.
"Are we ready to go on then?" He asked, standing up.
"No." Said Joey, pulling Yami back down and sighing. "I meant that all the men are ready to fight for you tomorrow. They know the risks and they know the plan. Everyone is behind you Yami. It's about time that we showed that Marik and Bakura who is the boss!"
"Alright then, thank you Joey." Said Yami, hunching over and hugging his knees.
"Yami?" Asked Joey, moving closer to his friend. "What is wrong?"
"Oh, not, I'm just worried about Lara." Yami admitted.
"She will be fine!" Reassured Joey as he got up to go back to his own fire. "You two will be reunited in no time at all!"
Yami nodded as he lay down, wrapping a blanket around himself as he fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming of Lara and the battle ahead.
In his dream Yami was fighting Marik and Bakura on his own. No one was protecting him or assisting him in his battle. He fell to the ground as one blow from Bakura struck him unawares. Expecting the end of come he crouched on the ground, but no blade sliced his head from his shoulders and no dagger pierced his heart. He looked up to see the dark magician towering over him, protecting him from Marik and Bakura. With the magician on his side Yami now had the advantage. The magician took out Bakura with a single blow but left Yami to fight Marik. The fight was bitter and bloody, with the adversaries using whatever they could find as weapons. Swords, daggers, clubs, even their bare hands.
Yami awoke, sweating before he dreamt the outcome of the battle. Deep in his heart he knew that his dream had been some kind of premonition or warning. Yami sighed and got up. He noticed that the camp was already a hive of activity. Dawn was breaking and most of the soldiers were ready for the order to advance. Yami ate what he could manage for breakfast, allowed Joey to help him to put his gold armour on before Yami walked to the front of the camp. Instantly the men formed regimented lines in front of him as Yami gave them one final talk.
"I know that this has been hard on you all. But the time has come for us to defeat the traitor, Marik. This battle will be hard, I am not denying it. Marik's castle is well guarded and some of you may not make it back alive. But we will win! Anyone who does not wish to fight may leave now and face no prejudice or punishment for his actions. I am sure that you understand how vital it is that this battle is short and is won quickly. Thank you for your support."
The men cheered as Yami stepped down from his boulder from which he had given his speech. Suddenly a noise was heard from the east. Galloping towards them was a small army, about a quarter of the size of Yami's army of men. As the soldiers prepared to draw their swords to fight Yami held up a hand to stop them.
"These appear to be friends!" Said Yami, a smile briefly crossing his face. The oncoming group of around two hundred people stopped and dismounted their horses. Tea and Serenity walked over to Yami.
"We have come as aid!" Tea said. Some of us will remain here to tend to the wounded. However the rest of us wish to fight too!"
Yami looked at the group and saw that they were mainly women. He had no objection to this equality on this occasion.
"You are all welcome to join us, as long as you know the risks!" He said. He noticed Galena, Lara's friend among the warriors. "Who are these people though?" He asked Tea.
"Lady Mai Valentine heard of you plight and sent her best warriors." Explain Tea. "Some of the others are servants who know Lara and want to help you to overcome Marik."
"I am grateful for you help!" Yami said, addressing the crowds who cheered wildly.
"RIGHT THEN! LINE UP, ORDERLY FASHION!" Shouted Joey, now firmly in command of the huge army. Obediently they formed disciplined lines facing Yami and Joey.
"Go for it Joey!" Whispered Yami, letting Joey address the army.
"OK!" Shouted Joey. "Platoon leaders, you will each take your group on a separate conquest. Group One, attack the castle from the south wall, groups two and three take the east and west walls respectively. Group four will attack via the front north wall. Groups five through eight will cover the groups with arrow crossfire, aim to kill any enemies. Groups nine and ten be back up, prepare to assist any team that are struggling. Groups eleven and twelve, when the first group break through the barricade join them. Group thirteen, medical group, stay out of range of fire and only enter to collect casualties. Finally, group fourteen will remain at camp until high noon before advancing. Group fourteen leader Tristan, I trust you to assess the situation before making a decision as to your course of action." Joey smiled at the waiting army. "Lets get them!"
The army advance, row on row. Soldiers at Castle Dark Rock knew that they were outnumbered from the moment that they set eyes on the advancing army. They fought valiantly, but Yami's side was stronger and better organised. The groups on the south and west walls broke through at the same moment, making their way through the grounds and killing anyone who stood in their way.
Yami wielded his sword expertly as he fought his way forwards, towards the central building. Together with a small group of around ten warriors he managed to infiltrate the central building. His warriors marvelled at how Yami seemed to know exactly where to go, but Yami had help. The dark magician strode in front of his, disposing of any threats 6o the Pharaoh as he guided Yami to where Lara was. When they reached a large oak door Yami turned to his fighters.
"Return to the courtyards and join the fight there. When that battle had been won send Joey and some other experienced warriors and officials back here!" He ordered.
"What about you?" Asked Ryou, one of the group who had stayed with Yami.
"This is my battle now. It is my destiny to face Marik alone. I will be fine, for I am not totally alone however." Said Yami. Ryou nodded and led the party back the way they had come, leaving Yami alone in the corridor. He waited for a moment before knocking down the large door, with the help of the dark magician. The room inside appeared empty at first, until Yami got used to the darkness. As his eyes focused he saw Lara lying chained to the wall in a corner, slumped over and huddled up.
"Lara!" Exclaimed Yami, rushing to her side. Laying his sword down next to him he knelt by her side and pulled her limp body towards him. He turned her over so that she was face up to him and gasped at the cuts and bruises on her body, she had obviously not given in without a fight. Stroking her hair he rocked her gently, trying to wake her up. Her eyes flickered and she opened them wearily. They were not bright and full of life anymore but dull and dim.
"Yami?" She asked weakly, trying to focus.
"Yes Lara, I'm here. You are safe now!" He soothed.
"Not for long!" Came a voice from the shadows. Yami looked up to see Marik and Bakura standing on the other side of the room. Yami felt Lara pass out again and he put her down gently. He then stood up and picked up his sword.
"You will pay for what you have done Marik!" Shouted Yami.
"Prove it to me porcupine head!" Laughed Marik, raising his own sword. Bakura laughed too, raising a long staff with a spear on the end of it. They both advanced on Yami, who ran to meet them. Yami used his sword to deflect their attacks, but he was outnumbered two to one and could only defend and not attack. Just like in his dream he found himself knocked to the group after a double attack, his sword knocked out of his hand.
Looking up Yami saw the dark magician fighting Bakura, Yami was left to battle Marik. As Marik advanced Yami caught Bakura's staff, sent flying over to him by the dark magician. As Yami battled with Marik he saw the dark magician use one burst of energy to send Bakura to the shadow realm. Then the mage disappeared, exhausted from the activity. Now was what Yami had waited for. The showdown between himself and Marik.
Fighting bravely Yami gained an advantage, despite having to use Bakura's staff. He brought the end crashing down on Marik's hand, forcing Marik to drop the sword. Yami hit Marik behind the knees expertly, causing Marik to fall heavily to the ground. Yami raised the spear over his head and was about to bring it crashing down into Marik when he stopped.
"No." Yami said. "Death is too good for you. Let your mind be sent to the shadow realm when the dark mage returns. I will not soil my hands further with you blood." He said, throwing aside the spear and walking away. Breathing heavily Marik sat up slowly, as if resigned to his fate. Then swiftly he picked up the staff and threw it at the retreating Yami. His aim was not true and the spear only hit Yami in the shoulder, rather than the heart, but it caused Yami to fall to the ground.
"Haha!" Laughed Marik, standing up and picking up his sword. He walked over to Yami who had removed the spear from his arm and was lying on the cold stone floor in pain. "A foolish mistake by a foolish King. Now King Yami, I will kill you and take your throne, and your girlfriend over there shall become my bride!" With another wicked laugh Marik plunged the sword downwards. Suddenly he gave a cry and looked at his chest. He was impaled on the spear that had pierced Yami, and Yami had hold of the spear. Somehow Yami had turned the tables on Marik, and had impaled Marik on the spear that Marik had hurled at Yami.
"He who laughs first Marik." Scorned Yami as Marik blinked as he realised that he was dying.
"Damn you Yami!" Gulped Marik, coughing up blood as his eyes closed and he slumped downwards, on top of Yami. Yami kicked him off in disgust and picked himself up. Cradling his wounded arm he crawled over to where Lara lay. She had regained consciousness in time to see Yami defeat Marik. Fresh tears rolled down her face as Yami held her tightly in his arms, ignoring the searing pain running through his right shoulder and arm.
"Is it over?" Lara asked as Joey, Seto, Tristan and a handful of guards burst into the room.
"Yes Lara." Said Yami. "It is over."
And they allowed themselves to be helped up and led out of the room by the guards. Too weak to walk Lara had to be carried by Seto, whilst Tristan and Joey support Yami on either side, leading him out of the dark room that stank of blood, leaving the two bodies of Marik and Bakura inside.
AN - To anyone who loves Marik or Bakura I am eternally sorry that they died. But it is only a story. Just one or two more chapters to go, including an epilogue!
"Yami?" Joey said, sitting next to his friend, who snapped back to reality.
"Are we ready to go on then?" He asked, standing up.
"No." Said Joey, pulling Yami back down and sighing. "I meant that all the men are ready to fight for you tomorrow. They know the risks and they know the plan. Everyone is behind you Yami. It's about time that we showed that Marik and Bakura who is the boss!"
"Alright then, thank you Joey." Said Yami, hunching over and hugging his knees.
"Yami?" Asked Joey, moving closer to his friend. "What is wrong?"
"Oh, not, I'm just worried about Lara." Yami admitted.
"She will be fine!" Reassured Joey as he got up to go back to his own fire. "You two will be reunited in no time at all!"
Yami nodded as he lay down, wrapping a blanket around himself as he fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming of Lara and the battle ahead.
In his dream Yami was fighting Marik and Bakura on his own. No one was protecting him or assisting him in his battle. He fell to the ground as one blow from Bakura struck him unawares. Expecting the end of come he crouched on the ground, but no blade sliced his head from his shoulders and no dagger pierced his heart. He looked up to see the dark magician towering over him, protecting him from Marik and Bakura. With the magician on his side Yami now had the advantage. The magician took out Bakura with a single blow but left Yami to fight Marik. The fight was bitter and bloody, with the adversaries using whatever they could find as weapons. Swords, daggers, clubs, even their bare hands.
Yami awoke, sweating before he dreamt the outcome of the battle. Deep in his heart he knew that his dream had been some kind of premonition or warning. Yami sighed and got up. He noticed that the camp was already a hive of activity. Dawn was breaking and most of the soldiers were ready for the order to advance. Yami ate what he could manage for breakfast, allowed Joey to help him to put his gold armour on before Yami walked to the front of the camp. Instantly the men formed regimented lines in front of him as Yami gave them one final talk.
"I know that this has been hard on you all. But the time has come for us to defeat the traitor, Marik. This battle will be hard, I am not denying it. Marik's castle is well guarded and some of you may not make it back alive. But we will win! Anyone who does not wish to fight may leave now and face no prejudice or punishment for his actions. I am sure that you understand how vital it is that this battle is short and is won quickly. Thank you for your support."
The men cheered as Yami stepped down from his boulder from which he had given his speech. Suddenly a noise was heard from the east. Galloping towards them was a small army, about a quarter of the size of Yami's army of men. As the soldiers prepared to draw their swords to fight Yami held up a hand to stop them.
"These appear to be friends!" Said Yami, a smile briefly crossing his face. The oncoming group of around two hundred people stopped and dismounted their horses. Tea and Serenity walked over to Yami.
"We have come as aid!" Tea said. Some of us will remain here to tend to the wounded. However the rest of us wish to fight too!"
Yami looked at the group and saw that they were mainly women. He had no objection to this equality on this occasion.
"You are all welcome to join us, as long as you know the risks!" He said. He noticed Galena, Lara's friend among the warriors. "Who are these people though?" He asked Tea.
"Lady Mai Valentine heard of you plight and sent her best warriors." Explain Tea. "Some of the others are servants who know Lara and want to help you to overcome Marik."
"I am grateful for you help!" Yami said, addressing the crowds who cheered wildly.
"RIGHT THEN! LINE UP, ORDERLY FASHION!" Shouted Joey, now firmly in command of the huge army. Obediently they formed disciplined lines facing Yami and Joey.
"Go for it Joey!" Whispered Yami, letting Joey address the army.
"OK!" Shouted Joey. "Platoon leaders, you will each take your group on a separate conquest. Group One, attack the castle from the south wall, groups two and three take the east and west walls respectively. Group four will attack via the front north wall. Groups five through eight will cover the groups with arrow crossfire, aim to kill any enemies. Groups nine and ten be back up, prepare to assist any team that are struggling. Groups eleven and twelve, when the first group break through the barricade join them. Group thirteen, medical group, stay out of range of fire and only enter to collect casualties. Finally, group fourteen will remain at camp until high noon before advancing. Group fourteen leader Tristan, I trust you to assess the situation before making a decision as to your course of action." Joey smiled at the waiting army. "Lets get them!"
The army advance, row on row. Soldiers at Castle Dark Rock knew that they were outnumbered from the moment that they set eyes on the advancing army. They fought valiantly, but Yami's side was stronger and better organised. The groups on the south and west walls broke through at the same moment, making their way through the grounds and killing anyone who stood in their way.
Yami wielded his sword expertly as he fought his way forwards, towards the central building. Together with a small group of around ten warriors he managed to infiltrate the central building. His warriors marvelled at how Yami seemed to know exactly where to go, but Yami had help. The dark magician strode in front of his, disposing of any threats 6o the Pharaoh as he guided Yami to where Lara was. When they reached a large oak door Yami turned to his fighters.
"Return to the courtyards and join the fight there. When that battle had been won send Joey and some other experienced warriors and officials back here!" He ordered.
"What about you?" Asked Ryou, one of the group who had stayed with Yami.
"This is my battle now. It is my destiny to face Marik alone. I will be fine, for I am not totally alone however." Said Yami. Ryou nodded and led the party back the way they had come, leaving Yami alone in the corridor. He waited for a moment before knocking down the large door, with the help of the dark magician. The room inside appeared empty at first, until Yami got used to the darkness. As his eyes focused he saw Lara lying chained to the wall in a corner, slumped over and huddled up.
"Lara!" Exclaimed Yami, rushing to her side. Laying his sword down next to him he knelt by her side and pulled her limp body towards him. He turned her over so that she was face up to him and gasped at the cuts and bruises on her body, she had obviously not given in without a fight. Stroking her hair he rocked her gently, trying to wake her up. Her eyes flickered and she opened them wearily. They were not bright and full of life anymore but dull and dim.
"Yami?" She asked weakly, trying to focus.
"Yes Lara, I'm here. You are safe now!" He soothed.
"Not for long!" Came a voice from the shadows. Yami looked up to see Marik and Bakura standing on the other side of the room. Yami felt Lara pass out again and he put her down gently. He then stood up and picked up his sword.
"You will pay for what you have done Marik!" Shouted Yami.
"Prove it to me porcupine head!" Laughed Marik, raising his own sword. Bakura laughed too, raising a long staff with a spear on the end of it. They both advanced on Yami, who ran to meet them. Yami used his sword to deflect their attacks, but he was outnumbered two to one and could only defend and not attack. Just like in his dream he found himself knocked to the group after a double attack, his sword knocked out of his hand.
Looking up Yami saw the dark magician fighting Bakura, Yami was left to battle Marik. As Marik advanced Yami caught Bakura's staff, sent flying over to him by the dark magician. As Yami battled with Marik he saw the dark magician use one burst of energy to send Bakura to the shadow realm. Then the mage disappeared, exhausted from the activity. Now was what Yami had waited for. The showdown between himself and Marik.
Fighting bravely Yami gained an advantage, despite having to use Bakura's staff. He brought the end crashing down on Marik's hand, forcing Marik to drop the sword. Yami hit Marik behind the knees expertly, causing Marik to fall heavily to the ground. Yami raised the spear over his head and was about to bring it crashing down into Marik when he stopped.
"No." Yami said. "Death is too good for you. Let your mind be sent to the shadow realm when the dark mage returns. I will not soil my hands further with you blood." He said, throwing aside the spear and walking away. Breathing heavily Marik sat up slowly, as if resigned to his fate. Then swiftly he picked up the staff and threw it at the retreating Yami. His aim was not true and the spear only hit Yami in the shoulder, rather than the heart, but it caused Yami to fall to the ground.
"Haha!" Laughed Marik, standing up and picking up his sword. He walked over to Yami who had removed the spear from his arm and was lying on the cold stone floor in pain. "A foolish mistake by a foolish King. Now King Yami, I will kill you and take your throne, and your girlfriend over there shall become my bride!" With another wicked laugh Marik plunged the sword downwards. Suddenly he gave a cry and looked at his chest. He was impaled on the spear that had pierced Yami, and Yami had hold of the spear. Somehow Yami had turned the tables on Marik, and had impaled Marik on the spear that Marik had hurled at Yami.
"He who laughs first Marik." Scorned Yami as Marik blinked as he realised that he was dying.
"Damn you Yami!" Gulped Marik, coughing up blood as his eyes closed and he slumped downwards, on top of Yami. Yami kicked him off in disgust and picked himself up. Cradling his wounded arm he crawled over to where Lara lay. She had regained consciousness in time to see Yami defeat Marik. Fresh tears rolled down her face as Yami held her tightly in his arms, ignoring the searing pain running through his right shoulder and arm.
"Is it over?" Lara asked as Joey, Seto, Tristan and a handful of guards burst into the room.
"Yes Lara." Said Yami. "It is over."
And they allowed themselves to be helped up and led out of the room by the guards. Too weak to walk Lara had to be carried by Seto, whilst Tristan and Joey support Yami on either side, leading him out of the dark room that stank of blood, leaving the two bodies of Marik and Bakura inside.
AN - To anyone who loves Marik or Bakura I am eternally sorry that they died. But it is only a story. Just one or two more chapters to go, including an epilogue!