A/N: I hope you all appreciate how hard I worked on this chappie. The duel scene is a bit wordy, but bear with me, duel scenes usually suck anyway. I very much appreciate the reviews I keep getting, I didn't think this fanfic would become as like as it is. The sequel is a bit different----yeah, that's all I'm going to tell you on that one. In other words, the sequel has a different plot line and everything. When I do post the sequel, It'll be named Change of Heart.
// yami mentally talking //
/ hikari mentally talking /
Maya mentally talking
Bakura = yami
Ryou = hikari
Malik = yami
Marik = hikari
Chapter 15
Bakura's POV
When I was watching the seventh most embarrassing moment of Kit's, when she started choking on her spit during an assembly where she was speaking to the whole school, something was disrupting the mind connection between me and Kit. Everything around me swirled into black and what was originally Kit's soul room was now replaced by ----- nothing?
"What the hell is going on?" I yelled, half hoping someone would answer me. Then a room appeared before my eyes.
I was, yet again, in my soul room. How did that happen? Did Kit take off the Millennium Ring? I looked around, and indeed, I was back in my soul room again. ::sigh:: That was odd --- why did I get pulled out of Kit's soul room all of the sudden? I walked over to the door that would lead me out of my wretched soul room and reached to turn the doorknob. "Locked?! Damnit!"
After trying numerous times in vain, I finally gave up on opening that door. I slammed my back against the door and slid down to the ground. This was getting very aggravating! First, I'm locked in my soul room, then I enter Kit's soul room, and before I know it I'm pulled back and imprisoned in my own soul room again! I closed my eyes and decided it's best that I rest, for I don't have the energy to get pissed off at the moment.
Not even ten minutes into my peace, and I sensed the presence of something else. Opening my eyes, I notice that to my right, the door to the shadow realm was lit up. My Ring is in the shadow realm? But how? How did my Ring get to the shadow realm?
After realizing that I now have access to the shadow realm, I smirked to myself as I opened the door leading me to the shadow realm. I loved the shadow realm. I'd usually go there when Ryou was in school. The shadow realm was what some would call a Twilight Zone; it contained all of your inner fears. Though seldom do I fear anything, when I am taken by surprise I get an adrenaline rush. I could live on adrenaline rushes.
"What the ---" I started, but was so taken back by the sight that appeared before me, that I couldn't finish my sentence. I was transported to a place where a small dueling arena was surrounded by five other people. They all turned their heads towards my direction at the sound of my voice.
"So, Bakura, it took you long enough to get here." Malik had spoken. He was here, as well as his hikari, Ryou, Kit, and another girl.
"Damnit, Malik, why the hell did you trap me back in my Ring? We had a deal and that wasn't part of it!"
Kit's POV
Where was Bakura this whole time? Was he in the Ring I wore? Why didn't he come out before?
"Enough! I came here for a duel not for conversing!" Marik silenced everyone by his sudden outburst.
It was then that I felt the weight of the shadow realm fall upon me. My knees gave out and I stayed there kneeling on the ground holding my left arm and screaming out in pain as it felt as if someone kept tightening a vise grip that fit around my head. No wonder Yugi passed out in the shadow realm, the stress is unbearable!
"Kit!" Ryou struggled to speak.
Bakura's POV
So Marik brought Kit and the others for a duel? Why? He knows mortals in the shadow realm for their first time aren't strong enough to withstand the pressure! Or did he do that on purpose? Of course, because if Kit passed out, he would win by default.
Hello?
The voice of a telepathic one --- who could it be? I figured it was the other girl, the one that was kneeling beside Ryou. She was staring right at me, as if to tell me it was her. // Yes? //
Are you Ryou's yami?
// You can call me Bakura. And you? //
I'm Maya. I don't think Ryou will make it She thought to me with a slight quiver in her voice.
// ::sigh:: I can't believe Marik did this. I guess you could channel your energies to Ryou so he doesn't pass out. That is, if you can. //
Yes, I can.
// I would just bring Ryou out of here, but I can't since neither he nor I are wearing our Millennium Items.//
What about Kit? She's gonna pass out too!
// I think I can conjure up enough strength for Kit so she'll be able to last a duel -- maybe -- // How ironic, I was trying to get rid of Kit in the first place and now I'm here trying to save her life.
It's worth a try.
Focusing on Kit, I was able to summon strength and keep it surging through Kit's body. I can't keep this going for a long time, hopefully the duel goes fast. It doesn't help with that wound that Kit has.
Kit has to win, or else I'll be stuck in the Millennium Ring again and Maya, Ryou, and Kit will become forced followers of the Rare Hunters. But if Kit wins, I still have to find another way to get rid of her from here. Kyah also, though she doesn't pose much of a threat to me, just a nuisance.
Kit's POV
After minutes feeling like hours passed, I suddenly felt rejuvenated, as if I just woke up after a deep sleep. There was still a tinge of pain, but it was amazing how more than half of the pain just up and left! I looked around, surely I was getting my energy from something --
"Concentrate on your duel and get it over with!" Bakura yelled at me making it apparent that he was the source of my much needed energy.
Turning back to begin the duel, I smirked when I saw the shocked look plastered on Marik's face. Obviously he was planning on the shadow realm to finish me off, not the duel.
Marik's POV
// Don't worry Marik, it was only one obstacle she overcame. //
/ But, now she can duel because of Bakura! The whole purpose of going to the shadow realm was because I knew I could last slightly longer than any other human who has never been to the shadow realm before. You know I can't last throughout a duel here! /
// You really are that weak? // My yami laughed.
/ It's not my fault. Mere everyday humans aren't meant to be in the shadow realm for very long, let alone hold the weight of a duel. / I said, trying to prove my point with out looking weak.
"What's wrong, Marik? Why are you stalling?" Kit taunted.
"Shut up!" I snapped back. "I need to think!" With that said, I could've sworn I heard Kit snicker, but Malik already engaged in conversation with me again, taking my concentration away from the ignorant bitch.
// Ra, you really are weak if you can't outlast a shadow game against this human. //
/ Malik --- / I already started to feel light headed. / I need to go back. /
// Feh. You're too weak to go back yourself? // Was all my yami had to say in response.
/ I don't have any energy. If my soul gets trapped in the shadow realm, your spirit will remain here as well. You'll be without a body, without your power. Without me, you're nothing! /
I sensed him hesitate to snap back, but that only lasted a few seconds. // Fine. We'll finish this argument later. //
At that said, a bright light exposed itself as we were all brought back. All except Bakura that is. Heh, it's much better without him interfering anyway.
Kit's POV
"Hey Marik, what's wrong? You assumed the shadow realm would finish me off?" I snickered, obviously Marik was surprised that Bakura would support me because of the look on his face.
But to my surprise, Marik just looked at me and smirked. "That was just one test of many to see if you are worthy of being a Rare Hunter." His statement took me by surprise as he kept up with his smart ass comments. "Oh, and did you not notice? Bakura isn't here anymore to save you."
He was right. I forgot that Bakura didn't have a body in this world unless Ryou had his Millennium Ring on. That means I have to win this duel. I pondered what would happen if I lost as I look over to Ryou and Maya. I felt horrible as I thought of how I was the cause of Ryou's pain from being dragged in and out of the shadow realm and the cause of Maya to use all of her energy to ensure Ryou's safety instead of ensuring her own safety first. I felt that I was the cause of all of this chaos.
"Who's stalling now, Kit?" Marik mocked. I didn't feel like starting a fight, so I stayed silent. It was then that I noticed Malik lurking in the shadows, keeping his distance. Sneaky bastard, he's probably hinting his hikari on to winning the duel. No matter, for Marik will get so caught up with the idea that he's going to win that he'll lose. He always did that on the show. Heh, I've got an advantage now.
"Let's get this over with." I said, as we both shuffle each others decks and set them next to its respective player on the floor.
Malik's POV
I watched them pick up five cards each and Marik let Kit start. Kit had better be new at this game, or Marik will lose. Even though Marik is a somewhat good strategist, he doesn't have his best cards in that deck. Knowing him, he'll get all cocky and give Kit the upper hand in no time. // Marik, don't forget, you don't have your normal deck! You left it back at the main headquarters. //
/ Heh, you think Kit has a chance of winning against me? Why do you doubt me? /
// Marik -- //
/ I don't want to hear it! You're just trying to scare me and make me back out of the duel. Then you'll never stop telling how weak and useless I am! Well, I'm not putting up with it anymore! /
That little shit put up a mental block! Oh, he will pay for this little rebellion of his.
Kit's POV
I look down at my starting hand; Stop Defense, Maha Vailo, Shift, Trap Hole, Summoned Skull, and Black Pendant. Not the best cards to start out with, but because of Maha Vailo's effect, equipped with Black Pendant will not only give the monster a 500 point boost, but an additional 500 points on top of that as well. Making up my mind, I placed Maha Vailo equipped with Black Pendant (Atk-2550 Def-1400) on the field face up in attack position and my two traps, Shift and Trap Hole, face down. Not bad for an opening play.
Marik's POV
With my hand starting with Limiter Removal, Pot of Greed, Dark Elf, Guardian of the Throne Room, Shining Abyss, and Blue Eyes White Dragon, I was sure to win.
I played Pot of Greed, which gave me the two cards, La Jinn and Mask of Brutality. With the Guardian of the Throne Room and Limiter Removal now in play, "I attack your Maha Vailo with Guardian of the Throne Room (Atk-3300 Def-1600)." I said with the confidence of gaining the upper hand even though Limiter Removal eliminates my Guardian of the Throne Room at the end of my turn. But what confidence I had, soon faded as Kit turned over a card known as Trap Hole, destroying my monster before it could attack. Damnit! Well, at least I still have a back up plan.
Bakura's POV
Back in my soul room again? Damn. I guess I'll just sit here hoping that I'm not stuck in here for another Millennia or so. Wahoo ---- fun.
Maya's POV
I held Ryou across my lap as I sat against the wall. Poor thing, the stress on top of the wound he has is too much for him. At least my energy surging through him is keeping him in a stable condition. I brushed the hair away from his face, revealing his soft whit complexion. How does someone get as cute as this? I won't that bastard Marik for hurting him.
Kit's POV
The next card I picked up was Salamandra. Not much use to me now. All I do is attack Marik's life points with Maha Vailo, bringing him down to 5450 life points.
Marik's POV
Fortunately, the card I drew next was Tribute to the Doomed. Just what I needed. I played the newly drawn magic card, discarding Dark Elf to get the effect of destroying Maha Vailo. Although, because I destroyed Black Pendant as well, my life points are docked down to 4950. But that didn't matter because I knew my strategy would work as I saw the fear in Kit's eyes when I destroyed her monster. Heh, all I have to do soon is sacrifice two monsters for Blue Eyes White Dragon and equip it with Mask of Brutality and Kit loses in no more than two turns.
With that all thought out, I summoned La Jinn (Atk-1800 Def-1000) to my side of the field and attack Kit's life points, decreasing it to 6200.
Kit's POV
Shit, now Marik pretty much has the upper hand. I have no monsters I can summon and nothing that can help me. But at least I can buy time with the Magic Cylinder I drew. I put it face down of the field and end my turn. I better not lose.
Marik's POV
I drew Magic Drain as my next card. I place it face down, for it could serve a purpose to me in case Kit holds a surprise in her hand of cards. I summon Shining Abyss (Atk-1600 Def-1800) and attack with it and La Jinn.
I swore as I saw Kit, yet again, flip over a card on her side of the field; Magic Cylinder. She cancelled out La Jinn's attack, but deducted the 1800 points from my life points, which is now at 3150. But at the same time, I still had Shining Abyss attacking, which brought Kit's life points down to 4600.
Yes, I'm going to win! I only need my next turn to summon my Blue Eyes White Dragon.
Kit's POV
Damn Damn Damn DAMN! The one time I really need a four star monster, I get Ryu Ran, a monster I need to sacrifice in order to play it. Damn. Well, I'll put Stop Defense face down, although it's of no use to me. Hopefully I fooled him into thinking I have a trick up my sleeve.
Marik's POV
I didn't like the way Kit smirked as she placed that magic or trap card face down. But no need to worry since I drew Mystical Space Typhoon. Using that card, I destroyed the card that she just set down.
Stop Defense? Kit laughed. "What the hell was that for?"
"I tricked you! You're so stupid!" Kit laughed again.
"Fucking bitch ----" I mumbled. She'll pay once she's my mind slave. Oh yes, she'll wish she never even accepted the dueling challenge. Even my yami is laughing at me. Grrrr ----
Now, for some payback. I sacrificed La Jinn and Shining Abyss and summoned the Blue Eyes White Dragon equipped with Mask of Brutality(Atk-4000 Def-1500). I attacked her life points leaving her at 600. Who's laughing now, Kit?
Kit's POV
Oh god, I'm going to lose. Not only that, but I've failed Maya, Ryou, and Bakura. I draw my next card without any confidence in myself or my deck. Luckily, I drew Giant Soldier of Stone (Atk-1300 Def-2000)which I put in face down defense position. At least that would but me some time to realize the inevitable. I really don't have one card that can save me. Even if I did, what are the chances of me getting it on the next turn?
Marik's POV
"Ha! That's the best you've got? A card in face down defense?" I taunted. But instead a snotty comeback, she stayed silent and her face held no emotion. So what the hell is that supposed to mean? Perhaps she held a surprise within those cards of hers. I still had Magic Drain if she thought she could catch me off guard.
My next card, Summoned Skull, was useless to me. My Blue Eyes White Dragon has a higher attack anyway. Because of the effect of Mask of Brutality, I paid 1000 of my own life points, bringing it down to 2150, so I could keep the equip card on my monster. I attacked Kit's face down card, which was a pathetic Giant Soldier of Stone. If Kit doesn't have a monster to summon in her next turn, I can attack her directly and win!
Kit's POV
All the weight is on my shoulders. All the guilt for losing --- ::sigh:: I picked up the card anyway. I wasn't even going to look at it, but for some reason I did. Change of Heart!! I can turn this duel around in my favor, " I play Change of Heart ---"
"Not just yet." Marik answered. I suppressed a groan as he flipped over a trap card. This was my chance, my only chance ---- "Magic Drain."
"Magic Drain? Wait, but my Change of Heart is negated only if I don't have another magic card in my hand, right?" I asked, with hope.
"Right. But you don't have another magic card. Do you?"
"As a matter of fact, I do." I said, as I threw Salamandra in the graveyard and placed Marik's Blue Eyes White Dragon on my side of the field. " I attack your life points with the Blue Eyes White Dragon under my control. And -- and I WIN! YES!" I screamed with enthusiasm as I brought my deck together.
"What? NO!" I heard Marik yell out in disbelief.
I laughed to myself in amusement at Marik's grief. "Maya, Ryou, we can go!" Ryou looked up and gave me a weak smile as Maya lifted him up with her, as he was too weak to walk on his own.
"My -- Ring ---" Ryou said softly.
"Oh, right." I looked around to see Marik's back to me while he's swearing fluently to himself. I snuck up behind him and brought him into a headlock. "The Rings, please."
Marik mumbled as he hastily threw the Millennium Rings at me. I picked them up and walked out the door and out of the building with Maya. I brought both of the Rings around Ryou's neck as the one materialized and Bakura suddenly stood beside me. "I won the duel!" I said cheerily when I saw the confused look on his face.
We all finally began to walk away from the building, all safe. My only worry was Ryou, but he'll get better soon. Nothing too serious ---
Ryou's POV
I didn't see much of the duel, but I'm very glad Kit won the duel. Otherwise, I'd be back and chained up again. Also, I'm glad Maya freed me of those chains, although I don't know how she did it ---- oh well. All that matters is that we're all free and not being forced to do someone's dirty work.
Bakura's POV
Wahoo, I'm free! I suppose Kits can stay a bit longer now that she's proved herself useful.
I look behind me when I see Kit stop walking all of the sudden. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"I forgot to run some errands, so I'll catch up with you guys a bit later, ok?"
"Okay." We all reply as we watch Kit walk off in the other direction. I found her sudden behavior quite odd, but no matter, for that bastard Marik didn't even win at his own game.
A/N: I hope you all liked this part of the story. I'll post the first chapter soon and I don't know about the rest of the chapters since school is starting up again.
If you have any question regarding the story, I'll be happy to answer them through email.