Author's Note: Hey everyone! All excited for this new chapter? I hope so. And don't forget to review when you're finished;) Also, this chapter is once again dedicated to Sansi, you rock!

Thanks and note: puffin, YxYstoriesROCK, michelaski, Charlotte, Yugi's-Gal, and Vampiress24. As for my note, I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I worked hard on it. And it would really cheer me up to read some reviews for this because I have a huge research report to work on today. I would love to see at least 6 reviews for this chapter:) So, think of me while I'm slaving away for school...

Key

"Normal speech"

/Yami's thoughts/

Yugi's thoughts

'Mind link'

"Deadly Deception- Chapter 12"- By Cherise Wheeler

Last time: Darkness enveloped them both, the Shadow Game had begun...

(Setting: Shadow Realm)

General POV

"All right Pharaoh, choose your weapon, for it will be your last! Hahahahahaha! Although, you don't really stand a chance, anyway, whatever you choose won't save you. I have experience in various weapons, although there are a few I'm lacking skill in. Choose wisely." Said Marik with a grin. Right after Marik finished speaking, he chose his weapon: a long, curved sword that was definitely sharp.

Yami didn't know what the hell he'd choose for a weapon, he'd never really had the time to practice as Pharaoh, at least he thought. He still didn't have most of his memories. So Yami, using his faith in himself and his friends, decided he would use a sword. It was long and curved, much like Marik's, except Yami's had a few jagged edges on the blade. He hoped that this blade would show Marik the pain he deserved and prayed to Ra that he'd be able to use it well.

"Ah, so I see you have chosen I weapon much like my own, too bad for you, I am quite skilled with a blade. And with this being the Shadow Realm, it going to hurt a lot more than normal when I strike you! Ahahaha!" Marik said as he lunged his first attack at Yami.

Yami reacted quickly and in a flash, parried the blow, thus beginning the dance of their blades. Metal clashed with metal, shadows hissed as their strikes met...both showing surprising skill and both holding their own. Yami was proud of himself, he was doing well at matching Marik's attacks and he seemed confident of his victory that is until Marik landed his first blow upon the Pharaoh...

Marik's blade cut a clean slice right in Yami's upper right arm. Yami felt immense pain shoot through his entire arm and saw stars dance across his vision, but he quickly recovered once he saw Marik's blade coming toward him again. Yami lashed out quickly and in a burst of rage, began charging Marik with thrust after thrust. He had Marik on the retreat and with fear in his eyes. Yami gave a smirk and then thrust his sword, slicing Marik along his chest. Marik gave a grunt of pain, and retaliated with a force to be reckoned with. Now both fighters were giving each other everything they had, swords crashing together with a force that made the shadows tremble, but Marik was growing tired of this game and decided to up the stakes...

"Pharaoh, I don't know how you're lasting this long or how you acquired such skill with a blade, but I'm growing bored of this game. How about we up the stakes eh? Yes, that will be fun!" Marik said with a gleam in his eyes. Before Yami had time to react, they were both standing upon a thin bridge, made of pure darkness, and below them was a pit of never-ending oblivion.

Marik gave an evil smirk and said, "I wouldn't mess up if I were you, hahaha! One wrong move and you'll be banished for eternity! Hahahaha! Now, wouldn't that be a shame? Both the Pharaoh and his light gone, hmmmm, I like that idea very much. Now, let's see how well your balance is, shall we?"

Marik began his ruthless onslaught again and Yami found himself backing up and on a constant defensive. He knew this wasn't looking good for him and that he had to do something fast...

Yami, who was backing further and further away from the center of the bridge, suddenly swept his sword out and caught Marik by surprise, slashing his right arm. Marik, who was indeed surprised, certainly didn't expect Yami's next move either. Yami stabbed Marik deep in his stomach; Marik coughed blood and looked up at the Pharaoh with such rage. Yami felt fear curl around his very spine...he knew he was in trouble. Marik lunged up and stabbed Yami in a similar fashion, deep into his stomach. Yami screamed in agony and now both Egyptians were in serious pain. It looked like it would be a draw...but then Marik stood and slashed Yami again, this time in his left shoulder. Marik dragged the blade from Yami's shoulder all the way to his waist. Yami screamed and dropped to the ground in pain. Tears pooled in his eyes as he brought his hand to try and stop the bleeding, but the blood just poured right through his long, slender fingertips. Yami collapsed and fought to stay conscious. Marik, who was standing above him, chuckled in triumph.

"Look at the mighty Pharaoh now! Hahahaha! Huddled on the ground, at my feet, what a wonderful place for you to be, and even better, the pain you're in is marvelous! Here's a thought, why don't you stay down Pharaoh? Hahahaha!" Marik said as he raised his foot and kicked Yami straight in the ribs. Yami coughed as he felt immense pain, and unconsciousness seemed very likely now...

"Why don't you give up, you can't even stand anymore! Just face it, I've won and you've lost. Sure you got in a few good shots, but you were beaten when this match began! So why don't you make this simple for yourself and hand over your puzzle to me?" Marik said while crouching down to Yami's level.

Yami mumbled something and Marik struggled to hear him. "What did you say Pharaoh? Why don't you speak up? I couldn't hear you with all that blood in your mouth! Hahaha!"

"I said never. I will never admit defeat to you Marik. You better start saying your prayers because I will not lose to the likes of you!" Yami said while feeling the force of adrenaline fill his veins. Yami stood like lightning and began the power struggle once more. But this time, there was hope. Yami remembered that he was fighting for not only himself and the world, but also for the safety of his friends and most of all, Yugi. Whatever happens to him, he will not lose Yugi...

So, what did you all think? I hope I did a fairly good job on that battle. I've never really written one before, but never fear, the conclusion of the battle will take place in the next chapter! Until then, ja ne!