Episode #25- Dark Rage, Part 3
As it stood, The Winged Dragon of Ra was uncontrollable by its restrictions. Mai had no other monsters on the field while Yami Marik still had Holding Arms. The Duel's points were Mai with her 7100 and Yami Marik with a count of 5750. The worst was yet to come, but my 'sixth sense' didn't get influenced by Ra.
Still, I couldn't just stand by and watch, what Yami Marik did in the last Duel was uncalled for. There had to be something I could do to get Kaiba out of the Shadow Realm.
"So now that you've stolen my Winged Dragon of Ra, why don't you try and use it against me?" Yami Marik taunted as the gold sphere floated overhead.
"That's The Winged Dragon of Ra?" Mai questioned.
I felt a burning feeling on my right hand. Few of my nerves felt like they were scorched by an ember, but at tracking each nerve was hit and which weren't, I could picture the pain's mark-the Chinese symbol of Dragon. 'Wait, Dragon?' I thought, 'Dragons are impervious to Magic. But my Pisces half is sensitive to ghosts and that so that's why I'm in the Shadow Realm. Maybe I can use the Dragon to free Kaiba. It may be risky, but if it frees one more soul from Yami Marik...' I thought and let the pain be, 'I'll just have to time it right.'
"What's the deal?" Tristan asked.
"What's in that sphere?" Tea followed.
"Somehow the Dragon is locked in that sphere." Yami answered.
"Well, Mai hasta figure out how to open it and quick." said Joey.
"Or Mai will be in major trouble." Tea concluded.
'How the heck did I wind up with them?' I thought with doubt behind me, 'They're practically like Ashley and me, one thought after another.'
"If you're going to use that card, try reading the ancient text at the bottom of the card." Yami Marik said. Mai looked to the card and gasped.
"What is this?" Mai questioned.
"That is the chant used to summon The Winged Dragon of Ra." answered Yami Marik.
'But I didn't see that when the card was in my hand.' Mai thought in denial, 'Is this real or is this one of Marik's mind tricks.'
Yami Marik went into a small lecture, "The words are written in a special hieroglyphic that can only be read by high-ranking individuals in ancient Egypt. I'm sure Kaiba could read it. In fact, several people aboard this vessel can decipher the text. Some of us can trace our history back to ancient Egypt, a time were sorcerers and kings waged great wars with each other. At that time, the powers of the Shadows was everywhere. And the world quaked in fear to those who can control the powers." He ended.
"Blah, blah, blah. I don't need a history lesson to control the actions of my monsters." Mai mocked.
"Maximillion Pegasus did, and even he couldn't read the text when he created the card," Yami Marik kept going, "but he knew that in ancient times, The Winged Dragon of Ra would only obey those who could recite the words. So he printed the words in a special ink that can only be displayed once the monster is summoned." He paused to let Mai gather her thoughts, 'Miranda, perhaps you can read the text as well.' He turned attention towards me.
'I can't trace my history to Egypt, only to Japan.' I denied.
'But it has been that since Mirandragon brought forth the Zodiac tradition, each Zodiac should know some of our customs.' He fired back, 'For example, hieroglyphic deciphering, I'm sure the both of you, Mirandragon and yourself, could read the text. Or for being such the skilled author you are, remember the chant by heart.' He returned focus back to the Duel. For one, I thought he'd feel the phenomenon revolving around my right hand. "Now I'm going to ask you again. Are you going to read the chant, or are you in need of a lesson in the art of the ancient scriptures?"
"I'll play one card faced down and end my turn." Mai announced. 'My trap card, Gravity Bind, will protect me. Once activated, it's stop the attack of any powerful monsters. So whether Marik uses Holding Arms, or summon The Winged Dragon of Ra, I'll be ready.'
"It's over..." Yami Marik drew his card, "Heh. Now I summon Holding Legs." He paused to show everyone another grappler monster, "So sorry, my dear. But say 'Goodbye' to that faced down card. For when Holding Legs is summoned, all of the magic and trap cards on the field are returned to the player's hand." Yami Marik advised and Mai's trap was returned. "And it has another ability. When played along side Holding Arms, it summons the Sacred Stone of Oujah." He announced. Behind Mai appeared what looked like a giant tomb stone.
'Oi, that'll mark her grave in the Shadow Realm.' I cocked in thought. The burning in my right hand began to felt like it caught fire, the Dragon within grew restless.
"Holding Arms and Holding Legs, seize her." Yami Marik commanded. Both monster charged in with both cuffs opened and their targets set. Mai defended herself but both Holding Sets hit their marks. The Oujah Stone's largest symbol shined brightly and drew the monsters in.
"Uh, er." Mai grunted as she tried to resist their pull. She was slammed against the tablet and the monster sunk into the clay, "Uh, oh no." Both of the monsters welded into the tablet like hot metal.
"Uncomfortable? The worst is yet to come, my dear. With no monsters on the field, I can attack your Life Points." Yami Marik briefed.
__________
"Hey, I can't move. What kind of hologram is this?" Mai barked while struggling to break free of the bonds.
"This is no hologram." Yami Marik replied, "We're Dueling in the Shadow Realm, everything is real. You do remember how much damage Ashley took in the last Duel, correct? That sudden downfall in her Life Points nearly knocked her unconscious." He explained, "Now Holding Arms and Holding Legs, attack her Life Points immediately!" He commanded. A jolt went through Mai as her Life Points decreased by 1300. Her head fell by the joint after the quick shock.
"Mai!" Joey called out.
"Who...who is that?" Mai heard him but still couldn't recognize him.
The elevator doors opened and Ashley appeared with a content look on her face. "Hey guys, I'm-WHAT IN THE GUTTERBALL IS THAT!?!" She shrieked at the top of her lungs and jumped to see the immense orb floating above the Dueling arena.
"Now to summon The Winged Dragon of Ra by reciting the ancient chant." Yami Marik looked up to the orb.
"The Winged Dragon of Ra?" Ashley questioned with both eyes staring at the orb.
"It's the third Egyptian God Card!" I hollered back.
"If Marik gets control of that thing, Mai's gonna be in major trouble." Tea panicked.
"Great beast of the sky, please hear my cry. Transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight." Yami Marik began the chant and the orb began to open slowly, as did my 'sixth sense' gradually got influenced by its strength.
"Hey, check it out." Joey pointed upwards towards the sphere.
At this point, the burning sensation in my hand could no longer be ignored. I clutched my right hand by the palm and tried to push down on the nerves that seemed to translate a sign of some sort. 'Miranda...you must free Kaiba.' I heard a deep bellow from the back of my mind, Yin-Yang. He was trying to communicate with me, 'I will offer you my power, for you are the rightful wielder of my Chakras. Use them bravely and fearless of your consequences.' I understood and slowly released my right palm.
"Envelope the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my vow. Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win." He continued. The rays streaming from Ra's body grew in intensity.
I trusted the feeling in my right hand as the burning went into a warm magic whirlwind. I opened the palm of my hand, a small, red spirit flame formed inside. It levitated out of my hand and I quickly withdrew back into my cloak. It went unnoticed by Yami Marik as it floated to Kaiba's shackles.
"Appear in the Shadow Game as I call your name, WINGED DRAGON OF RA!" He finished the chant and a blinding light flashed on all of us. It lasted an extent of time until it faded. All of us looked onto the newly revealed God Card. A Dragon-form with gold plates lined out and fitting like full armor, "Behold, my great beast!"
With an attack of 5400 and an energy output twice as powerful, it was hard to maintain focus. But now was the time. In two swift strikes, the shattering of the shackles made contact with Yami Marik. He jolted his head to see the shackles break and the spirit flame disappear.
"You!" Yami Marik barked and revealed the Millennium Rod, "How did you escape?" Kaiba didn't reply. Instead, his image transformed into a sphere of light and retreated through the elevator.
'Good, he's out. But I doubt I can help Mai.' I thought; feeling drained from both the crushing energy signature of the God Card and using Yin- Yang's power. I looked down back to the floor, now puzzled with another question, 'Why am I still conscious? I nearly lost it when I first saw Slifer. Maybe the Shadow Realm is backing me up. Eh, shouldn't be THAT thankful...'
Yami Marik huffed and turned back towards Mai, and his God Card awaiting the orders to strike. "It's a pity the Duel's going to end like this. But it is time to end this game once and for all!"
"Marik!" Yami cried.
'Idiots! They're underestimating Yami Marik's full power!' I thought to myself, biting my bottom lip.
"I don't need you ruining my Shadow Game again, Pharaoh. But don't worry, we'll Duel soon once I'm through with this girl." Yami Marik grinned, "There's nothing that I like more than toying with someone's mind. As for you, why should I be obeying you? I despised this even before I was forced to carry the Ishtar tradition by bearing the Pharaoh's power on my back."
"The Pharaoh's secret?" Yami questioned.
"Though this tradition has given great honor to the Ishtar name, it has brought me nothing but great suffering and despair. For generations my family have waited hopelessly for the Pharaoh's return, waiting in the Pharaoh's tomb itself." He covered his face and looked away, then turning around with an insane smile carved out in his face, "HA HA HAAA! Everyone except for me. Why would I play servant to a 5000-year old pharaoh? When all along I have the key to his great power? I will become the King and everyone will tremble in fear before me!"
'I have to figure out the secret written on Marik's back!' Yugi cried from within.
__________
"We're in the Shadow Realm again, aren't we?" Ashley asked the others.
"No question." Joey answered, staring hopelessly into the one-sided Duel.
"Where's Kaiba?" She questioned more.
"Somehow his mind was set free." Yami answered, "But Mai won't be so fortunate." Joey sprinted under the platform.
'I've got to stop this, before it's too late.' Joey appeared on the other side and turned towards Roland, "Hey, judge, pull the plug on this Duel."
"Winged Dragon of Ra, direct attack." Yami Marik stated. The Dragon opened its jaws and a gold sphere of energy began to burn in between the teeth.
"That will be against the rules." stated Roland. Joey ignored him and jumped up.
"Then I'll do it for you." He answered and ran to Mai's side of the platform.
"Then you'll be disqualified." Roland advised.
"Big deal."
"It's all over." Mai mumbled.
"Well put, my dear." Yami Marik commented.
"Mai!" Joey cried. He rushed up and began to pull on the shackles. 'No, this is what happened to Miranda in my dream.' He thought. I could actually read this thoughts selectively.
'His dream? I do remember getting forced to a stone wall, but only to save Serenity from being Yami Marik's next host. Joey, I'm doing all I can to prevent Yami Marik from spreading his evil.' I thought to myself.
"Who's there?" Mai asked in a quiet voice.
"Joey, be careful." Tea advised from the sidelines.
In the rush of the chaos, the elevator doors slid opened and Kaiba paced out with dignity. He pushed down on the KC emblem for radio, "Mokuba, take a picture of The Winged Dragon of Ra with our satellite camera and then translate the text using the Kaiba Computer network." He commanded.
"Bro, you're all right!" Mokuba cheered over the intercom.
"I'm fine, Mokuba. Just get that text translated." He commanded again.
"Right, Bro." Mokuba answered. Yami and the other took a quick glimpse at him in shock
"Mai, it's me." Joey tried to get Mai back to her senses.
"You sound familiar, like an old friend." She muttered.
'Talk to her all you want. She won't remember you at all.' Yami Marik thought as Ra continued to charge for its attack.
"Mai, look at me. It's Joey." Joey tried to remind her.
"Joey?" Mai repeated.
"That's right. Mai, listen. Remember Duelist Kingdom when Keith took my card? And you were there and gave me your card?" He questioned rhetorically, "I would have been disqualified if it wasn't for you, Mai. You're one of my best friends and I'm not going to let you lose this Duel."
"Joey?" Mai looked up towards his face. She lost the dazed look instantly, "Joey!"
"Mai, you remember!" Joey cheered.
'He broke my Shadow spell.' Yami Marik thought, 'But now I can destroy them both.' "Winged Dragon of Ra, attack now!" He declared with more than a hint of insanity. Ra finally fired its attack, a blazing ray of a solar flare-I can feel the intensity of the heat.
Joey gave up trying to break the shackles and went to full body cover Mai.
"Joey, just get out of here!" Mai cried.
"No way, Mai. I'm not going to break a promise to a friend, I still owe ya." Joey answered as the blast closed in.
"No." Yami quickly jumped to the platform, his body thrown in as a shield.
"Get the hell out of there! She'll still have 1700 Life Points left!" I cried in the uproar.
To be continued...
As it stood, The Winged Dragon of Ra was uncontrollable by its restrictions. Mai had no other monsters on the field while Yami Marik still had Holding Arms. The Duel's points were Mai with her 7100 and Yami Marik with a count of 5750. The worst was yet to come, but my 'sixth sense' didn't get influenced by Ra.
Still, I couldn't just stand by and watch, what Yami Marik did in the last Duel was uncalled for. There had to be something I could do to get Kaiba out of the Shadow Realm.
"So now that you've stolen my Winged Dragon of Ra, why don't you try and use it against me?" Yami Marik taunted as the gold sphere floated overhead.
"That's The Winged Dragon of Ra?" Mai questioned.
I felt a burning feeling on my right hand. Few of my nerves felt like they were scorched by an ember, but at tracking each nerve was hit and which weren't, I could picture the pain's mark-the Chinese symbol of Dragon. 'Wait, Dragon?' I thought, 'Dragons are impervious to Magic. But my Pisces half is sensitive to ghosts and that so that's why I'm in the Shadow Realm. Maybe I can use the Dragon to free Kaiba. It may be risky, but if it frees one more soul from Yami Marik...' I thought and let the pain be, 'I'll just have to time it right.'
"What's the deal?" Tristan asked.
"What's in that sphere?" Tea followed.
"Somehow the Dragon is locked in that sphere." Yami answered.
"Well, Mai hasta figure out how to open it and quick." said Joey.
"Or Mai will be in major trouble." Tea concluded.
'How the heck did I wind up with them?' I thought with doubt behind me, 'They're practically like Ashley and me, one thought after another.'
"If you're going to use that card, try reading the ancient text at the bottom of the card." Yami Marik said. Mai looked to the card and gasped.
"What is this?" Mai questioned.
"That is the chant used to summon The Winged Dragon of Ra." answered Yami Marik.
'But I didn't see that when the card was in my hand.' Mai thought in denial, 'Is this real or is this one of Marik's mind tricks.'
Yami Marik went into a small lecture, "The words are written in a special hieroglyphic that can only be read by high-ranking individuals in ancient Egypt. I'm sure Kaiba could read it. In fact, several people aboard this vessel can decipher the text. Some of us can trace our history back to ancient Egypt, a time were sorcerers and kings waged great wars with each other. At that time, the powers of the Shadows was everywhere. And the world quaked in fear to those who can control the powers." He ended.
"Blah, blah, blah. I don't need a history lesson to control the actions of my monsters." Mai mocked.
"Maximillion Pegasus did, and even he couldn't read the text when he created the card," Yami Marik kept going, "but he knew that in ancient times, The Winged Dragon of Ra would only obey those who could recite the words. So he printed the words in a special ink that can only be displayed once the monster is summoned." He paused to let Mai gather her thoughts, 'Miranda, perhaps you can read the text as well.' He turned attention towards me.
'I can't trace my history to Egypt, only to Japan.' I denied.
'But it has been that since Mirandragon brought forth the Zodiac tradition, each Zodiac should know some of our customs.' He fired back, 'For example, hieroglyphic deciphering, I'm sure the both of you, Mirandragon and yourself, could read the text. Or for being such the skilled author you are, remember the chant by heart.' He returned focus back to the Duel. For one, I thought he'd feel the phenomenon revolving around my right hand. "Now I'm going to ask you again. Are you going to read the chant, or are you in need of a lesson in the art of the ancient scriptures?"
"I'll play one card faced down and end my turn." Mai announced. 'My trap card, Gravity Bind, will protect me. Once activated, it's stop the attack of any powerful monsters. So whether Marik uses Holding Arms, or summon The Winged Dragon of Ra, I'll be ready.'
"It's over..." Yami Marik drew his card, "Heh. Now I summon Holding Legs." He paused to show everyone another grappler monster, "So sorry, my dear. But say 'Goodbye' to that faced down card. For when Holding Legs is summoned, all of the magic and trap cards on the field are returned to the player's hand." Yami Marik advised and Mai's trap was returned. "And it has another ability. When played along side Holding Arms, it summons the Sacred Stone of Oujah." He announced. Behind Mai appeared what looked like a giant tomb stone.
'Oi, that'll mark her grave in the Shadow Realm.' I cocked in thought. The burning in my right hand began to felt like it caught fire, the Dragon within grew restless.
"Holding Arms and Holding Legs, seize her." Yami Marik commanded. Both monster charged in with both cuffs opened and their targets set. Mai defended herself but both Holding Sets hit their marks. The Oujah Stone's largest symbol shined brightly and drew the monsters in.
"Uh, er." Mai grunted as she tried to resist their pull. She was slammed against the tablet and the monster sunk into the clay, "Uh, oh no." Both of the monsters welded into the tablet like hot metal.
"Uncomfortable? The worst is yet to come, my dear. With no monsters on the field, I can attack your Life Points." Yami Marik briefed.
__________
"Hey, I can't move. What kind of hologram is this?" Mai barked while struggling to break free of the bonds.
"This is no hologram." Yami Marik replied, "We're Dueling in the Shadow Realm, everything is real. You do remember how much damage Ashley took in the last Duel, correct? That sudden downfall in her Life Points nearly knocked her unconscious." He explained, "Now Holding Arms and Holding Legs, attack her Life Points immediately!" He commanded. A jolt went through Mai as her Life Points decreased by 1300. Her head fell by the joint after the quick shock.
"Mai!" Joey called out.
"Who...who is that?" Mai heard him but still couldn't recognize him.
The elevator doors opened and Ashley appeared with a content look on her face. "Hey guys, I'm-WHAT IN THE GUTTERBALL IS THAT!?!" She shrieked at the top of her lungs and jumped to see the immense orb floating above the Dueling arena.
"Now to summon The Winged Dragon of Ra by reciting the ancient chant." Yami Marik looked up to the orb.
"The Winged Dragon of Ra?" Ashley questioned with both eyes staring at the orb.
"It's the third Egyptian God Card!" I hollered back.
"If Marik gets control of that thing, Mai's gonna be in major trouble." Tea panicked.
"Great beast of the sky, please hear my cry. Transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight." Yami Marik began the chant and the orb began to open slowly, as did my 'sixth sense' gradually got influenced by its strength.
"Hey, check it out." Joey pointed upwards towards the sphere.
At this point, the burning sensation in my hand could no longer be ignored. I clutched my right hand by the palm and tried to push down on the nerves that seemed to translate a sign of some sort. 'Miranda...you must free Kaiba.' I heard a deep bellow from the back of my mind, Yin-Yang. He was trying to communicate with me, 'I will offer you my power, for you are the rightful wielder of my Chakras. Use them bravely and fearless of your consequences.' I understood and slowly released my right palm.
"Envelope the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my vow. Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win." He continued. The rays streaming from Ra's body grew in intensity.
I trusted the feeling in my right hand as the burning went into a warm magic whirlwind. I opened the palm of my hand, a small, red spirit flame formed inside. It levitated out of my hand and I quickly withdrew back into my cloak. It went unnoticed by Yami Marik as it floated to Kaiba's shackles.
"Appear in the Shadow Game as I call your name, WINGED DRAGON OF RA!" He finished the chant and a blinding light flashed on all of us. It lasted an extent of time until it faded. All of us looked onto the newly revealed God Card. A Dragon-form with gold plates lined out and fitting like full armor, "Behold, my great beast!"
With an attack of 5400 and an energy output twice as powerful, it was hard to maintain focus. But now was the time. In two swift strikes, the shattering of the shackles made contact with Yami Marik. He jolted his head to see the shackles break and the spirit flame disappear.
"You!" Yami Marik barked and revealed the Millennium Rod, "How did you escape?" Kaiba didn't reply. Instead, his image transformed into a sphere of light and retreated through the elevator.
'Good, he's out. But I doubt I can help Mai.' I thought; feeling drained from both the crushing energy signature of the God Card and using Yin- Yang's power. I looked down back to the floor, now puzzled with another question, 'Why am I still conscious? I nearly lost it when I first saw Slifer. Maybe the Shadow Realm is backing me up. Eh, shouldn't be THAT thankful...'
Yami Marik huffed and turned back towards Mai, and his God Card awaiting the orders to strike. "It's a pity the Duel's going to end like this. But it is time to end this game once and for all!"
"Marik!" Yami cried.
'Idiots! They're underestimating Yami Marik's full power!' I thought to myself, biting my bottom lip.
"I don't need you ruining my Shadow Game again, Pharaoh. But don't worry, we'll Duel soon once I'm through with this girl." Yami Marik grinned, "There's nothing that I like more than toying with someone's mind. As for you, why should I be obeying you? I despised this even before I was forced to carry the Ishtar tradition by bearing the Pharaoh's power on my back."
"The Pharaoh's secret?" Yami questioned.
"Though this tradition has given great honor to the Ishtar name, it has brought me nothing but great suffering and despair. For generations my family have waited hopelessly for the Pharaoh's return, waiting in the Pharaoh's tomb itself." He covered his face and looked away, then turning around with an insane smile carved out in his face, "HA HA HAAA! Everyone except for me. Why would I play servant to a 5000-year old pharaoh? When all along I have the key to his great power? I will become the King and everyone will tremble in fear before me!"
'I have to figure out the secret written on Marik's back!' Yugi cried from within.
__________
"We're in the Shadow Realm again, aren't we?" Ashley asked the others.
"No question." Joey answered, staring hopelessly into the one-sided Duel.
"Where's Kaiba?" She questioned more.
"Somehow his mind was set free." Yami answered, "But Mai won't be so fortunate." Joey sprinted under the platform.
'I've got to stop this, before it's too late.' Joey appeared on the other side and turned towards Roland, "Hey, judge, pull the plug on this Duel."
"Winged Dragon of Ra, direct attack." Yami Marik stated. The Dragon opened its jaws and a gold sphere of energy began to burn in between the teeth.
"That will be against the rules." stated Roland. Joey ignored him and jumped up.
"Then I'll do it for you." He answered and ran to Mai's side of the platform.
"Then you'll be disqualified." Roland advised.
"Big deal."
"It's all over." Mai mumbled.
"Well put, my dear." Yami Marik commented.
"Mai!" Joey cried. He rushed up and began to pull on the shackles. 'No, this is what happened to Miranda in my dream.' He thought. I could actually read this thoughts selectively.
'His dream? I do remember getting forced to a stone wall, but only to save Serenity from being Yami Marik's next host. Joey, I'm doing all I can to prevent Yami Marik from spreading his evil.' I thought to myself.
"Who's there?" Mai asked in a quiet voice.
"Joey, be careful." Tea advised from the sidelines.
In the rush of the chaos, the elevator doors slid opened and Kaiba paced out with dignity. He pushed down on the KC emblem for radio, "Mokuba, take a picture of The Winged Dragon of Ra with our satellite camera and then translate the text using the Kaiba Computer network." He commanded.
"Bro, you're all right!" Mokuba cheered over the intercom.
"I'm fine, Mokuba. Just get that text translated." He commanded again.
"Right, Bro." Mokuba answered. Yami and the other took a quick glimpse at him in shock
"Mai, it's me." Joey tried to get Mai back to her senses.
"You sound familiar, like an old friend." She muttered.
'Talk to her all you want. She won't remember you at all.' Yami Marik thought as Ra continued to charge for its attack.
"Mai, look at me. It's Joey." Joey tried to remind her.
"Joey?" Mai repeated.
"That's right. Mai, listen. Remember Duelist Kingdom when Keith took my card? And you were there and gave me your card?" He questioned rhetorically, "I would have been disqualified if it wasn't for you, Mai. You're one of my best friends and I'm not going to let you lose this Duel."
"Joey?" Mai looked up towards his face. She lost the dazed look instantly, "Joey!"
"Mai, you remember!" Joey cheered.
'He broke my Shadow spell.' Yami Marik thought, 'But now I can destroy them both.' "Winged Dragon of Ra, attack now!" He declared with more than a hint of insanity. Ra finally fired its attack, a blazing ray of a solar flare-I can feel the intensity of the heat.
Joey gave up trying to break the shackles and went to full body cover Mai.
"Joey, just get out of here!" Mai cried.
"No way, Mai. I'm not going to break a promise to a friend, I still owe ya." Joey answered as the blast closed in.
"No." Yami quickly jumped to the platform, his body thrown in as a shield.
"Get the hell out of there! She'll still have 1700 Life Points left!" I cried in the uproar.
To be continued...