"Everywhere I turn, I hurt someone
But there's nothing I can say to change
The things I've done
Of all the things I hid from you
I cannot hide the shame
And I pray someone, something will come
To take away the pain"

- "No Way Out" by Phil Collins

Chapter 25

I jumped onto the dueling arena and ran to Bakura as soon as soon as his life points hit zero. I found the Millennium Ring flung to the side and grabbed it. I returned it to my friend when I reached him. I did not think the Ring was good for him except that he probably needed the Spirit's strength. Slifer's attack must have taken a lot out of the Spirit, though, for I did not feel his presence even with the Ring around Bakura's neck.

"How is he doing?" Yami asked, standing over me as I knelt beside my friend. Within a moment, the others were crowded around us.

"I - I don't know," I said truthfully. I helped Bakura sit up, and his eyes blinked open.

"Samia?" he said. "So, where am I?"

"That's a long story."

"You're with your friends now, Bakura," Yami said.

"He doesn't look very good," said Serenity. "I think we need to get him to a doctor."

"So, why don't we get Kaiba to land this thing?" said Joey.

"Yeah!" Tristan said. "But first-" He crouched down with his back to Bakura. "-help him onto my back so we can get him to his room." Yami and I assisted in getting Bakura onto Tristan's back. Tristan then stood up and headed for the exit. Marik fell in step beside me as I followed.

Samia, Yami said as we walked, why did you appeal to the Spirit of the Ring instead of me? Did you really think I would attack Bakura?

No, I knew you wouldn't. But I wanted you to win. I had to get the Spirit to back down.

I see.

Once inside, Tristan carefully lay Bakura on his bed. My friend had lost consciousness again and did not appear in good shape. The sorrow from the others nearly overwhelmed me, and I unconsciously moved closer to Marik to get away from it.

"Bakura's been through a lot," Duke said, "and he definitely needs rest, but we gotta land this blimp and get him to a hospital."

"Yeah," Tea said.

"Some crazy stuff went down in that duel," Joey said, "especially when Marik showed up. What exactly happened back there?" I kept my gaze fixed on Bakura.

"For some reason, Marik didn't want the Spirit of the Ring to lose," Yugi said. "So, when I was about to play my Egyptian god card and win the duel, Marik used his Millennium Rod to free the real Bakura. Since he was injured, Marik knew I would forfeit the duel instead of attacking him."

"But the Spirit took control again," Tea said.

"Yeah, how did you get through to him, Samia?" Joey asked. "It's like you knew just what to say."

I hesitated. "I just told him the truth. I made him think about the consequences of his actions, and he chose correctly."

"Well, good thing you did," Yugi said. "You were great out there."

I smiled slightly. "Thanks."

"Do you think that Spirit will come back?" Serenity asked.

"If he does, I'm sure Samia can take care of him," Joey said, causing me to blush at the attention.

"All right, I think it's time to talk to Kaiba about getting Bakura back into the hospital as soon as possible," Tristan said.

"Yeah, Tristan's right," said Yugi. "Let's get some help for Bakura!"

"Then let's stop talking about it already and go!"

"I'll stay here with Bakura," I offered.

"And I'll stay with Samia," said Marik.

Yugi nodded. "Alright. We'll be back soon."

Once they were gone, I returned my gaze to Bakura, who was still out of it. I let out a heavy sigh. Although I knew he had to lose, it hurt to know that he was suffering. I had not been able to do anything to protect him.

"He will be fine," Marik said dismissively. "You don't need to worry."

"He's my friend," I said. Even if he wanted distance between us. "Of course I'm worried. He had no part in this; he shouldn't have to pay the price. The Spirit should be in control to take it. But then, I suppose he's in pain as well."

"Slifer's attack was too much for him." Marik paused. "You can help him if you really want to."

I looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"You have the ability to offer a type of healing to those you are close to." Marik's eyes flickered to Bakura's arm. "You can't heal his wound, but you can transfer some of your mystical energy to give him relief. It's like sharing emotions but stronger. Perhaps you have done it before."

I remembered the way I had done something to help Yami when he dueled Pegasus. "I think I have."

"You won't be able to do much for your friend here, but you could help the Spirit of the Ring recover from his duel - if you wish."

Help the Spirit of the Ring? Did I want to do that? The answer came to me easily. "What do I do?"

"Place a hand on him and focus. Your intuition will take care of the rest."

I took a deep breath and placed a hand on Bakura's stomach. Then I closed my eyes and focused on transferring energy to him. It was surprisingly easy, and it did not drain me as much as I thought it would. I could feel power flowing from the rock in my necklace. I opened my eyes when I felt the Spirit stir. He took control and looked at me with a start. I understood his silent question: Why? I had no answer I could give with words.

"Very good," Marik said. "You can remove your hand now."

Suddenly, the door burst open, and I jumped, yanking my hand away from Bakura. I turned to see four doctors enter the room. "We're here to take over," one of them said. "Your friend is safe in our hands."

I nodded. "Thank you." I glanced back at Bakura. "Please let them help you." Then I left with Marik.

We only took a few steps down the hall when Marik stopped, tense and on edge. I immediately understood the problem. Ishizu stood several yards from us, her face hidden by a veil. Why was she here? Could it be... she was the eighth finalist?

"What are you doing here, sister?" Marik said harshly.

"I need to speak with you, Marik," Ishizu said, appearing calm and poised.

"I am not interested."

"It is about Samia."

Marik's eyes narrowed. "What about her?"

Ishizu looked at me. "You wish to know what happened to your parents."

My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, of course!"

"I believe it is time you both knew the truth."

"Then go ahead and tell us," Marik said.

"I need to speak to you alone, Marik."

"Why is that?"

"You will not believe the truth unless I show you. I cannot show Samia because it would overwhelm her sensitive spirit. Even hearing the details may be too much. But you know her better than me, Marik. You will know best how to deliver the news. I will show you what happened, and then you will tell Samia."

Marik crossed his arms. "And why should I trust you? What if this is a trick?"

"It's not," I said. "I can sense she's sincere." I still did not understand how I did that, but I knew it was true. Besides, I was certain Ishizu wanted to help her brother. There was no way she would do anything to hurt him. "Please, Marik." I held onto his upper arm, and he looked at me, startled. "I need to know what happened to my parents. I need the closure. Please help me."

Marik's expression softened, and then he dipped his head in agreement. "Very well." I released him, and he started down the hall again, stopping at his room. "Wait for me here. I will return shortly."

He waited until I approached the door and opened it. I looked back at him with a soft smile. "Thank you Marik." He nodded once and then disappeared with Ishizu.

Marik's room appeared lonely without him. I sat on his bed and let my my mind wander. I wondered where my friends were. Weariness from helping Dark Bakura overtook me, so I laid down and closed my eyes. The rest felt nice even if it could not last.

After awhile, I sat up and checked the clock. We had 30 minutes between each duel, and that time was almost up. Where was Marik? Right after the thought, there was a knock on the door, and Marik entered. He probably had not wanted to scare me, which I appreciated.

"Hi," I said with a small smile, "did you find everything out?"

"Yeah," Marik said. Something was wrong. His usual confidence was completely gone, replaced by a swarm of emotions that I could not entirely identify. He rubbed the back of his neck while his eyes darted around, "Listen, Samia, there's something I, uh-"

Apprehension clutched my stomach, but I pushed it back for now. "Tell me what's wrong." I patted the spot on the bed beside me. "What did Ishizu show you?" Part of me did not want to know, but I needed the truth.

Marik hesitated before slowly moving forward. He sat beside me but did not look at me. "This may be hard to believe, but it seems that I-" He stopped again, tightening his grip around his legs.

I reached over and placed my hand on his arm, but he pulled away from me. I gave him a concerned look. "Marik? You can talk to me."

He took a deep breath and lifted his head to stare at the wall. "There is a... darkness inside of me, Samia. A darkness I cannot control."

"Like there's another person," I breathed, remembering what Odion had told me.

"Yes, like that, but I don't have any memories of when he's in control. So, Ishizu - she showed me -" He took a deep breath, and, at that moment, I recognized one of his emotions: guilt. Oh no... "When your parents showed up, my dark side took over, and-" He broke off once more while my heart hammered in my chest.

I shook my head in denial. "No." I shifted the tiniest bit away from him. "It can't be true."

Marik gave me a pained look. "Samia, I killed your parents."

I moved away from him until there was no more bed left. My heart beat so hard it almost drowned out anything else. "No."

"I didn't know. I swear I didn't know."

"No!" I bolted from the bed and ran out of the room. Maybe it was not the right response, but I could not take it anymore. Visions of my parents flashed in my head followed by scenes of my difficult life after they passed. It was Marik's fault this entire time? My friend Marik who I wanted to help? I did not know how to deal with that, so I fled.

"Samia!"

My feet carried me back to Bakura's room, and I entered it without thinking. Luckily, the doctors were not there to witness my meltdown. Dark Bakura immediately leapt to his feet. "What's wrong?" he said. "Who hurt you?" Anger laced his voice, and I realized I was crying.

My rational thought process appeared dysfunctional, so I followed my intuition and ran to him, flinging my arms around him. His whole body tensed in surprise. "Marik," I managed to get out. "He killed my parents."

"Samia!" Marik shouted, at the door now.

Dark Bakura gently pulled me off him so he could storm to the door to confront Marik. "You really have some nerve, coming here after what you did, Marik," he sneered.

"You don't understand. I didn't know it was me. There's another part of me."

"It doesn't matter. It was still a part of you, which makes you responsible. Samia's mother was an empath like her, and killing an empath is a crime even I would never think of committing."

Marik tried to move past Bakura but was blocked. "Just let me talk to her. I need to explain. Samia!"

I clutched my head as his emotions warred with minds, creating an unbearable conflict. "Go away!" I shouted.

"She doesn't want to talk to you," Bakura growled.

"Samia!" Marik cried. "Please! I - I'm sorry!"

"She doesn't want to hear it. Leave before I make you!" I felt power from the Millennium Ring. Just then, an announcement played over the loudspeakers asking the duelists to reconvene.

Marik let out a heavy sigh. "Samia, I'm sorry." Finally, he left. Dark Bakura turned to look at me, arms crossed and a scowl on his face. Normally he had tight control over emotions, but his irritation rolled off like waves.

"I'm sorry if I'm bothering you," I said miserably.

"Don't be ridiculous," Bakura said. He dropped his arms to his side. "I'm just not the person you should turn to for comfort. I don't know what to do."

I did not understand why I had gone to him myself, but I heard the unspoken meaning behind his words. "Just hold me." This time, when I hugged him, he slowly moved his arms around me. I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes. "Thank you."

"Do you want me to challenge Marik? I can take care of him for you."

I knew exactly what he meant. "No. Please don't. I'd regret it tomorrow and probably today."

"I know, but I had to offer."

My mind was too muddled to wonder at his motivations. Instead, I focused on the relief he gave me. He held his emotions tightly again, so I was not swamped by them while I tried to deal with my own. For once, I let myself feel my emotions without concern that I would miss someone else's.

"He really roughed you up. I can feel everything you're feeling."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was sharing them with you. I don't mean to cause you trouble." I tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold on me and leaned his head against mine to trap me.

"You are never causing me trouble," he growled. "Do not think I am some weakling who cannot handle your emotions. You spend too much time concerned about everyone else. They all take from you because you offer, but you need to learn to look after yourself. Let it all out if it would help you."

His words shocked me. I was too tired to question him, so I relaxed against him. If his actions were odd, mine were as well. For some reason, I felt safe with him. I could say his presence was comforting because he occupied the body of my former best friend, but that was not quite it. I would have to figure it out at some later point. For now, I accepted what he offered me.

I did not know how long we stayed like that before a knock at the door interrupted us. "Go away!" Bakura shouted.

"I wish to speak with Samia," came a female voice.

"It's Ishizu," I said. "She's the one who told Marik what he did." And I was not quite sure how I felt about that.

"She doesn't want to talk to you," Bakura said.

"And who are you to make that judgment?" The door opened, and Ishizu stepped forward.

Bakura quickly released me and stood in Ishizu's way. "Me."

"It's you." Ishizu was surprised. "Samia, I have grave concerns about the company you choose to keep."

"I was about to say the same thing, but now she's ditched that Marik."

Ishizu turned sad. "That is what I wish to speak to her about. Please leave."

"I am not going anywhere."

By then, I had come to a decision of my own. I knew Ishizu wanted to help her brother, so I needed to find out why she sprung this at us at this time. "I'll talk to you, but he stays," I said, moving to the side so I could see her. "He's my friend."

Bakura smirked. "You heard her."

Ishizu frowned. "He is no friend of yours. I would much rather-" She placed a hand on his chest to push him away, and I instantly felt a wave of shock from her along with a surge of magic. After it passed, she dropped her hand and looked at me with a calm expression. "It appears I was wrong. I apologize. He may stay."

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "Did you see something?"

"That is not of the present concern." Ishizu walked past Bakura until she stood in front of me. "We need to talk about Marik."

I bit my lip and cast my gaze down. "Right."

"I am sorry for the pain it has caused you to learn the truth. I wanted to spare you, but it is important you have all the facts. You need to understand the danger of Marik's dark side."

"I - I know. You got your point across. He is dangerous and needs to be stopped."

"Yes, but there may be a chance to make that easier."

I looked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"You have seen how Marik's dark side can take control of him and cause him to act without his knowledge. This side has only broken through a few times. Odion is able to help Marik keep it at bay. The darkness still clearly influences him, but he is still acting from his own will. If his dark side took over and completely pushed out his good side, we would be left with something pure evil in control of his body."

"Anyone able to kill an empath is pure evil," Bakura said in agreement. "That kind of evil is dangerous to everyone and a threat to my plans."

Ishizu nodded. "Everyone has good and evil inside of them. Empaths are especially good at getting around the evil and appealing to the good. But if Marik's dark side takes over, you will not be able get through to him. He may appear like another person, but he is merely a manifestation of Marik's anger and hatred. He must prevent him from gaining control."

"You said this Odion was taking care of that."

"Yes, but Odion is currently dueling Joey while claiming he is Marik. My Millennium Necklace has shown me that, in order to keep up the ruse, Odion will summon a fake copy of the Egyptian god card, the Winged Dragon of Ra. This will anger the real Egyptian god and render Odion unconscious. This will give Marik's dark side the opportunity take him over. If that happens, everyone on this ship - everyone in the world - will be in grave danger."

I took in a deep breath as I thought about the implications. "That is bad, but what am I supposed to do?"

"You can appeal to Odion and stop him from playing that card."

"If you know the future, why can't you tell him?"

"It's not that simple." Ishizu gave me an earnest look. "Odion wishes to protect Marik. He is uncertain about me but knows that you care for him as well. You can use that to get through to him. Show him how to truly help Marik."

Bakura narrowed his eyes at her. "She's supposed to help him after learning what he did to her parents?"

"I - I need more time," I said.

Ishizu dipped her head. "I understand. I am not asking you to forgive him now, but I am asking you to understand Odion's position and use that to stop him. If you cannot do it for Marik, do it for your friends who will be harmed if Marik's dark side takes control. You can do this, Samia."

"Is that what your Millennium Necklace tells you?"

Ishizu gazed at me with sorrow once more. "No. I cannot see what difference you will make, but it is still good to try." I frowned as I thought about it.

Bakura scoffed. "You know what you are going to do. Just do it."

I looked at him. "Weill you come with me?"

"If I appeared as myself, I would become a distraction. If I appeared as your friend, everyone would tell me to go to bed."

I nodded. "You probably should stay here and rest." I turned to Ishizu. "I will do it."

Ishizu bowed her head. "Thank you, Samia."

I followed her to the door. I stopped before exiting the room and looked back at Bakura. "Thank you for being there." He looked away, and I smiled slightly.

"I will remain behind," Ishizu said once I closed the door. "I am not ready for my presence to be revealed. Good luck."

"Thank you." I took a moment to mentally prepare myself and then headed for the dueling arena.

The cold air struck my as soon as I was on top of the blimp. I ignored it and ran to my friends. Sure enough, I spotted Joey dueling Odion, who held a fake Millennium Rod. Joey had little life points with no monsters on the field, and it was Odion's turn.

"I don't get it guys," Tea said. "Why isn't Marik attacking Joey?"

"I'm not sure," Yami said, "but I have a bad feeling." He glanced at me as I approached. "Samia, you made it. How is Bakura?"

"He'll be fine," I said. "I don't have time to chat. I need to speak to Odion."

"Who's Odion?" Duke asked.

I pointed at the man dueling Joey. "He is."

"Alright, Mr. Wheeler," Odion said. "Prepare to experience an ancient power like nothing you've ever seen before or will see again! I am Marik. And I will now play my Egyptian god card to prove it!"

"Didn't see that coming," Joey said.

I gasped. "No!"

"Oh no!" Mai said. "Marik is going to play the Winged Dragon of Ra!"

Not if I could help it. "Joey!" I shouted. "That is not Marik!" From what Odion said, it sounded like Joey already suspected the truth. Good. That would make this easier.

"Huh?" Joey said.

"Samia," Yami said evenly, "you said this is Marik. If that's not true, then..."

My eyes flickered to Marik and back. "Yeah, I lied. I'm sorry."

"Did the real Marik threaten you?!"

He was worried about me, and I felt a surge of guilt. "No. I did everything willingly, but I can't explain now. I have to stop Odion." I returned my attention to the duelists. "Joey, you have to believe me! I met Marik before Battle City, and this is not him!"

"I believe you," Joey said, his eyes narrowed at Odion. "Just who are you anyway?"

"Enough of this!" Odion said. "That girl is trying to deceive you to help you win. I am Marik and I will play the Winged Dragon of Ra!"

"Odion!" I cried. "Odion, you mustn't do it! I know you're just trying to help Marik, and I understand. I get that you need to protect him, but this isn't the way. If you play a fake card, something terrible will happen, and he'll be in danger. You've got to believe me. I wouldn't tell you to do something that wasn't good for him. I love him too." I felt surprise from everyone around me, including Marik. As I said it, I knew it was true. Despite knowing what he did, I still cared for him and wanted to help him. Perhaps that was why the truth about what he did hurt so much.

I sensed hesitation from Odion like he was torn about what to do. His emotions were mixed, but I recognized fear among them. "No more lies!"

"That's exactly what I was thinking, Odion. It's time for the truth. That's the only way we can fix all this. I promise I'll help you save Marik. This just isn't the way. You can't play that card!"

"I must."

"No!" I tried my best to send my desperate emotions to him but sensed no effect. What would happen if I failed? "Please, just trust me on this. You don't know what you are doing!"

"Will you cut it out already?" Kaiba said from across the field. "You are delaying the duel."

"Some things are more important than a duel!"

"He is right," Odion said. "Your tricks will not work, Miss Samia. It is time to continue. Now! In order to release my Egyptian god monster from the ark, I must sacrifice my Mystical Beast Serket first! Once this giant guardian of the temple is no more, I can release the most powerful creature that ever walked the earth from within the sacred ark."

"Be very careful Joey!" Yami shouted.

"Ancient one, hear my call! I now offer up my mystical beast along with half my life points to release thee! Come forth my winged dragon and reveal your awesome strength in the name of the next great pharaoh - King Marik!"

"No!" I cried. But it was too late. A beam of light shot out from the ark, temporarily blinding me. Dark clouds gathered where the light hit the sky, and then a giant, golden, glowing dragon appeared on the field. My heart sunk. This was not good.

Odion pointed his fake Millennium Rod at the dragon. "It's time! Show yourself, my beast! Let anyone who doubts my power feel the fire of the mighty Winged Dragon of Ra!"

"Odion!" I shouted, but he ignored me.

"Behold the strongest of all the Egyptian god monsters - a being like no other! And remember, my mystical beast had absorbed the power of your Jinzo, your Insect Queen, and your Legendary Fisherman! This increased my monster's overall attack power to an enormous five thousand eight hundred and twenty five! Now those attack points are transferred to my Winged Dragon of Ra! And once it attacks you, Mr. Wheeler, you'll wish you'd never entered this tournament! Brace yourself, because you're about to lose the rest of your life points!"

"Odion! Don't do it! There's still time to stop this!"

"So, what are you waiting for!?" Joey said, feeling oddly calm. "Take your best shot, baldy!"

"Now what happens?" Mai said.

"Yeah, Yugi!" said Tea. "Remember how your Egyptian god card injured Bakura?! These things are dangerous!"

I swallowed hard. "I'm afraid that's the least of our worries, Tea. We may all be doomed."

"Well, I'm waiting," Joey said. "Come and get me already!"

"Your time has run out, Mr. Wheeler," Odion said.

"Here it comes, guys," Tristan said.

"Poor Joey!" said Serenity.

I clenched my teeth in frustration. There had to be a way to stop this! If I could not get through to Odion, then maybe... Luckily, my friends were too preoccupied with the duel to notice me run to Marik, who now stood apart from the others. Marik's eyes widened in surprise when I slammed into him, grabbing his arm for support. "You've got to stop this! Tell him not to attack!"

"What do you think you're doing?!" Marik said.

"Saving you!"

Marik's eyes narrowed. "You're trying to thwart me."

"No! I wouldn't do that." I wrapped my arms around him and moved closer to him so he could feel me trembling.

Marik's eyes flickered with recognition. "You're afraid... for your friend, Joey?"

"I'm afraid for you. Tell Odion to call off the attack now!"

Marik hesitated for a moment, but then Odion spoke: "Dragon of Ra! Attack his life points directly!"

"No!" I moaned. A sudden surge of magic caused me cry out in surprise and let go of Marik. Then we both stared at his deck when a strange power emanated from his deck.

"What's going on?!" Marik said.

"I tried to warn you... The real Winged Dragon of Ra is angry."

"Looks like your dragon's got other plans!" Joey said when Odion's monster did nothing.

"Obey me!" Odion shouted. "And attack my opponent right now!" Power surged around the dragon, but still it did not attack. I could sense Odion's fear even from here. "Now what!?"

Thunder roared and lightning flashed as the storm grew stronger. Marik stared at the scene in utter shock. "Are you alright?" I asked tentatively.

"I - I'm sorry," he said. "I never meant for this to happen."

"I know."

"They are both going to go down."

"Then do something!" I gripped his arm again in an attempt to break through his trance. "Marik!"

I jumped when the lighting struck Odion and the fake Millennium Rod shattered. As Odion fell, I felt a surge of emotions from Marik so strong that I almost let him go. "Oh no..." Not a minute later, Joe was struck and fell to the ground. Since both duelists were unconscious, Kaiba said the first one to rise in the next five minutes would be declared the winner.

Something dark stirred inside Marik, causing him pain. "Samia," he said, clutching his head with his free hand, "you need to get away from me now."

"No! I'm not leaving you." I could not abandon him when he was clearly suffering.

"It's too dangerous!"

"I don't care! I want to help you!" I released his arm and instead moved in closer to wrapped my arms around his waist. I pressed my body against his while I focused on giving him strength like I had Bakura. I felt him fighting himself, and I needed to aid him.

"Why would you want to help me after what I did to you?"

I swallowed hard. I had not wanted to think about that, but I needed to address it. "I forgive you, Marik. I forgive you for everything."

Marik's shock momentarily halted his battle. "Samia..." Then he darkness was back, and he held his head with both his hands. "I can't hold on much longer."

"Please, you've got to try. I'm here for you. I'm always here."

"Thank you."

Positive emotions from my friends caught my attention. With relief, I saw Joey standing and declared the winner. "Joey is fine."

"What about Odion?"

Sadness dampened my spirit. "No. I'm sorry." I could see Joey and the others crowded around Odion. At least they were not angry with him. "My friends will help him if they can." I had to focus on helping Marik. I could feel the darkness growing stronger, so I held him tighter. I could not let him go.

And then my friends were in front of us. "Samia?" Tea said. "What are you doing?"

My eyes met Yami's, and my heart sunk at his expression. He knew the truth. "He's Marik, isn't he?" he said in an even tone.

"That's Marik?!" Joey exclaimed. "What's going on, Samia? I thought you were on our side!"

"It's complicated," I said, pushing back feelings of guilt. "I can explain, but right now I need to help him."

"Help him? Why would you even think about helping him?"

"You don't understand-"

"Samia," Marik said, "leave now. There's nothing you can do to help me, and if you stay-"

"No." Tears stung my eyes from my wave of emotions. "I don't believe that. I can't give up on you. I won't lose you too."

This brought another flash of relief to Marik. "Fine. If you want to help me. do exactly as I say. I need you to touch the Millennium Rod."

"Samia, no!" Yami said.

"He won't hurt me!" I snapped. "Besides, I'm immune to the Millennium items."

"Yes, but you can connect to them like you did with the Millennium Puzzle," Marik said. "Connect to the Millennium Rod."

"You shouldn't trust him," Yami said.

I ignored him and placed my hand on the Millennium Rod. Taking a deep breath, I focused on connecting my spirit to the object. A spark of power in my mind told me it worked. "It's done," I said.

"Good," Marik said before whispering, "Bahebek, Samia." He then ripped me off of him and pushed me forward so I stumbled right into Yami, who caught me. Then he turned around and cried out. A moment later, all was still save for the dread in my heart.

"Marik?" I tried to step forward, but Yami held me back.

"Not exactly," said a voice that sounded like a distortion of Marik's. When he turned around to face us, my heart dropped at not recognizing any of the real Marik on his face. His emotions were completely absent, and darkness surrounded him.

"Oh no," I whispered. "Not him."

"I'm finally free again, which means I can do things my way. I was restrained for many years by that fool Odion!"

"Who are you?" Yami said.

"I'm the true Marik, and I'm not as kind as the one you've come to know. And soon I'll finish the job he couldn't complete and strip you of your powers. For I deserve to be pharaoh! Not you!"

"No!" I shouted. "You're not Marik! You don't represent who he truly is."

Dark Marik smirked at me. "You are so naive, empath, as is my other half. I know what he did before I took over, and it will not matter. Stay out of my way or I will come for you too."

I gasped and clung to Yami's shirt. Yami wrapped an arm around me protectively. "You will not harm her," he said, "or any of my friends."

"We'll see about that. Yugi, The battle for the pharaoh's power will begin right now. A conflict five thousand years in the making! And there's no turning back!" He laughed evilly. "The great Egyptian god monsters will serve and protect me while I rule the earth as the new pharaoh!" I flinched when he strode past us for the exit.

"Samia," someone said in a weak voice.

I pulled away from Yami, and this time he let me go. I approached Odion, who was being supported by Joey. "Odion," I said, fresh tears filling my eyes, "I'm sorry. I couldn't save him. I couldn't do anything to help Marik."

"You tried your best," Odion struggled to say.

"It wasn't good enough. Everything I do is useless."

"That's not true, miss Samia. You did have an effect on master Marik. He is different around you. And it's not too late. You can still help save him."

I shook my head as tears fell to the ground. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

"Believe in yourself like Marik believes in you. You are stronger than you think." Then he closed his eyes, finally losing consciousness.