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Fanfic Chapter 90: Countdown to Destruction Pt 2: Great Balls of Fire
Episode Basis: Friends Til the End Pt 1 & 2

Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh! Yugi, Kaiba, and Mokuba arrived at the docks to rescue Joey and Tea (and maybe even find the third Egyptian God Card). But it was too late, for Joey and Tea have already fallen under Marik's control. Using his friends, Marik lured Yami-Yugi into a no-win duel against Joey and Tea. Harold showed up and volunteered to team up with Yugi to free Joey and Tea from their captors. Meanwhile, Tristan and Serenity are being hounded by Rare Hunters. Can't anything ever be easy?


The Hinotama fireball struck Yami-Yugi head on engulfing him in holographic fire. Yami-Yugi tried telling himself that it was just a hologram, just a 3-D image. But it felt so real, the heat felt so real.

(Y: 2000)
(J: 4000)

Nearby, Tea's hand shook as she played Pot of Greed. That's strange, the moment Yugi got hit with that fireball, it looked like Marik's control over Tea slipped. Maybe it's the strain of having to control two minds, both dueling. Maybe I can use this to my advantage, Harold thought. If I keep up the attacks and show Tea how much she's hurting her friends, I might be able to break Marik's control. A good plan, but difficult, especially since she now has more life points than what she started off with.

(T: 4450)
(H: 4000)


I have to maintain my control over Joey and Tea, Marik thought.

"Excuse me, Master Marik," Odion addressed. "But I think I should let you know that Joey Wheeler's sister has arrived in Battle City."

"Sister? How interesting, she might make a good pawn. Bring her to me."

"I've already sent Cirrus and a team of Rare Hunters after her."

"Excellent," Marik said and addressed Joey and Tea. "You're doing well in destroying your former friends' life points, my mind slaves, keep up the good work."


"I'll set a card face-down and end my turn."

"That Wingweaver may be the strongest card you have, but it'll take more than strength to win this duel," Tea-Marik said as she drew a card. "I play Monster Reborn to revive my Brain Jacker in defense mode. Next I summon Dark Jeroid (2) in attack mode! Dark Jeroid has the ability to lower a monster's attack points by 800 and I choose your Wingweaver!"

(WW: 2750-1950)

"I also play the magic card Heart of Dark Water, which allows me to keep Dark Jeroid on the field "


"Stop stalling, Pharaoh," Joey-Marik snapped.

I have to do something, Yami-Yugi thought again. My Big Shield Gardna can protect my life points from his Alligator Sword, but I need to find a way to win without hurting Joey. Maybe my trap card can help me. "I set one card face-down and play Kuriboh in attack mode."

"Why would you play a worthless monster like Kuriboh?" Joey-Marik asked making Kuriboh upset. "Unless you're trying to lose the duel on purpose, well if that's what you want, allow me to help you. Alligator Sword, attack his Kuriboh!"

"Not so fast, Marik, I reveal my face-down card Spellbinding Circle!" The circle ensnared the Alligator Sword and reducing its attack points making Kuriboh breathe a sigh of relief.

(AS: 1500-800)

"Yugi may have weakened Wheeler's monster but he still doesn't have anything strong enough to beat it," Kaiba commented.

"It's Joey's turn now," Mokuba said.

"You'll pay for that, Pharaoh, I play another Hinotama magic card!" Once again Yami-Yugi was pummeled with fire.

(Y: 1500)
(J: 4000)


Tea looked like she was about to put a card face-down but she stopped. "Huh… what…"

The real Tea is trying to break free. "Tea, snap out of it, do you realize what you're doing?"


This isn't possible, my Millennium Rod can control entire armies, controlling two little kids should be a cinch unless… it's Yugi! She's responding to the direct attacks on Yugi! Marik used his Millennium Rod to communicate directly to Tea. "Tea, listen very carefully, forget everything that's happening around you, just concentrate on winning the duel! Throw yourself into the ocean if you have to but win at all costs!"

"I know precisely what I'm doing," Tea-Marik said. "I'm going to win your Armlet!"

"Crud," Harold said.


Meanwhile, Tristan was still running with Serenity on his back.

"Are they still behind us?" Serenity asked.

"I don't want to take the time to check," Tristan said. "This way." He carried Serenity down an alleyway but one of the Rare Hunters blocked the exit. The other two quickly caught up to them.

"You're coming with us," one of the Rare Hunters said.

"You're going to be Master Marik's new little playthings," another added.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Tristan said gently putting Serenity back on the ground. Looks like I have no choice, I'm going to have to take these punks on by myself. "Don't you worry, Serenity, I'm not going to give up without a fight!" He charged towards the Rare Hunters. Taking off his jacket, he flung it over two of the Rare Hunters' face. Without missing a beat, he landed a lethal uppercut to one. The second one tried to get in a good shot but Tristan got him in a sleeper hold.

"Tristan!" Tristan turned and saw that the third Rare Hunter had Serenity.

"Serenity!" That little distraction was all the second Rare Hunter needed to break free and slug Tristan sending him to the ground.

"Tirstan, no!" Serenity cried. She heard a cackle as a Rare Hunter who looked more like Quasimodo without the hump descends from the rooftop.

"And now you belong to Master Marik," he cackled.

Serenity screamed.

Something flew through the air and clonked the Rare Hunter on the head. More projectiles began pummeling the Rare Hunters.

One of the projectiles landed near Tristan.

It was a die.

"You like that? Well there's plenty more where those came from," a voice said. The Rare Hunters looked up to see a boy with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and dark eyes wearing a sleeveless black shirt under a red vest and black pants. He had several small dice in his hand.

"Who's there?" Cirrus asked as Tristan got to his feet.

"I suggest you leave them alone before I decide to get serious on you guys," the voice said. It was Duke Devlin!

Tristan took advantage of the Rare Hunters' surprise to grab Serenity and high-tail for it.

"You okay, Tristan?" Duke asked.

"Talk later, run now," he said. Duke joined the duo as the Rare Hunters started to give chase.


"I attacked your life points yet again, you fool," Joey-Marik said. "And as soon as I wipe away the last of your life points, that anchor will drop taking you to the bottom of the sea!"

"You'll never get away with it," Yami-Yugi said. "I know the real Joey's still in there and I'll free him no matter what it takes!"


From his ship, Marik said, "Joey and Tea belong to me, now and forever!"

"Excuse me, Master Marik," Odion said. "But Joey Wheeler's sister has eluded Cirrus and his squad."

With a roar of anger, Marik slapped Odion with his Millennium Rod. "Go and make sure she's captured, you fool!"

"Yes, Master."

As Odion left, Marik spoke to Joey and Tea, "Finish them off, my Mind Puppets, finish them off for good!"


"I play the magic card Nightmare Chains which removes your Wingweaver from play for three turns!" Chains bound Wingweaver and held her to the ground. "I end my turn."

This isn't good, Harold thought. I was counting on Wingweaver to help me win this duel and free Tea, but now I'm going to have to think of another plan. He drew a card. I can't tribute Wingweaver or switch her battle position and as long as Dark Jeroid is on the field, I can't bring Wingweaver's attack points back up. Looks like I'm just going to have to stall for now. "I summon Neo the Magic Swordsman in attack mode. That ends my turn."

"I'll sacrifice my Brain Jacker so I can summon Ushi Oni (1) in attack mode!" A Minotaur in battle armor appeared. "Ushi Oni, attack his Magic Swordsman!" The bull charged and destroyed Neo.

(T: 4450)
(H: 3550)

"I end my turn."

Harold gasped as he suddenly recalled his duel against Katy and how just because a monster couldn't be sent to the graveyard didn't mean it couldn't be attacked. "I summon Thunder Nyan Nyan in attack mode. Attack Dark Jeroid!" The cat woman slashed at the nightmarish monster.

(T: 3750)
(H: 3350)

"I end my turn."

"A futile effort," Tea-Marik said as she drew a card. "Ushi Oni, attack Thunder Nyan Nyan!" The bull rammed into her. Thunder Nyan Nyan actually gasped before she dissolved.

(T: 3750)
(H: 3100)

Only one more turn before Wingweaver returns to the field. I have to hold on until then. "I summon Mystical Elf in defense mode and activate the magic card Horn of Light raising her defense points."

(ME: 2000-2800)

"I'll place my remaining two cards face-down and end my turn." Wingweaver broke free of the chains and stood by her Duelist.

"This is nuts, Seto," Mokuba said again. "All of these guys are friends and yet Marik's turned them against one another. Isn't there anything we can do, Seto?"

"I don't think so, brain washing is hard to undo, it would take a monumental event to snap Wheeler back to the way he was before."

"Mokuba just gave me an idea," Little-Yugi said. "Yami, let me duel."

"Let you duel? But why?"

"Joey and I have always shared a special bond. You felt it too, when we dueled Joey at Duelist Kingdom. Remember when Joey and Tristan risked their lives to save me from the fire?"


Avatar leapt on to the duel ring. The archaic symbols appeared and began rotating in front of the flames.

"Call me crazy, but I think that overgrown chicken scratch is actually pushing back the flames," Tristan realized.

"This is our chance," Joey said. "Go get Yugi's deck, I'll try to free the puzzle." Joey grabbed the chain and braced his legs against the wall of the platform. He pulled with all his might but the puzzle wouldn't budge. "Yugi, come on!" But Yugi didn't reply, he had lost consciousness from the exposure to heat.

"I got Yugi's deck," Tristan reported. "Still no luck with the puzzle?"

"None, and it looks like that guy's not doing so well either." Joey saw Avatar drop to one knee but still keeping the invisible shield between them and the flames.

Tristan took a turn at trying to pull the chain out but also had no luck. They then each took a metal pipe and began knocking on the eye bolt trying to loosen it.

The puzzle activated.

Joey gasped, "Tristan, listen, I have an idea. Put the pipe through the hole and we'll both pull!"

"It's worth a shot." Joey poked the pipe through the hole of the eye bolt and they each took an end. "Okay, on the count of three…"

"Three!" They both shouted and pulled with all their might. Slowly, the bolt started to come out.

"Hurry," Avatar said.

Finally, the eye bolt came out. "It's out," Tristan called to Avatar. "Let's go!"

Joey was able to separate Yugi from the puzzle. He passed the puzzle on to Tristan as he picked up the unconscious Yugi. The boys started to run for the door.

Avatar lowered the shield and quickly grabbed Keith's body and followed just as the flames engulfed the dueling arena.


"They risked their lives to save me now it's my turn to do the same."

"But Yugi, this isn't your ordinary duel, the outcome could literally decide the fate of lives!"

"I know that, but I can't let that stop me. If anyone can get through to Joey and Tea, I can. They're my best friends! Please, Yami, let me do this!"

"All right, but I'll be right here if you need me."


The Millennium Puzzle flashed and Little-Yugi emerged.

Marik immediately noticed the change. "No, I wanted to duel the ancient Pharaoh, not this little runt!" He then realized that this might work out for him in the long run. "Little-Yugi had been relying on the Pharaoh for so long that I bet his own dueling skills have deteriorated. This'll make winning a lot easier."

"It doesn't matter who I'm dueling, I'll win all the same."

"I don't think so," Yugi said. "It's my move!"

"Yugi, Joey and Tea are counting on you," Yami pointed out. "But as long as you believe in the heart of the cards, I know you'll come through." Yugi took a deep breath and drew a card.

It was the Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

I did it, Yugi thought happily. Now I just need to summon it. "I…"

"Yugi, wait," Yami halted. "Don't summon Red-Eyes just yet."

"But why?"

"Because Marik might have something that can conquer it. Don't forget, he modified Joey's deck and with 1500 life points remaining, we can't afford to take any risky chances."

Yami's right, summoning Red-Eyes right now is too risky. But maybe there's a way I can show Joey the card without summoning it, but it's an even riskier move. I'm not sure what to do.

It's time for Yugi to sink or swim… literally, Kaiba thought.

"Yugi, take the chance," Harold whispered.

"Huh?"

"You're always telling me to trust in my deck and in my self. Now you need to heed your own advice. You're wondering whether to take a chance or play it safe. If you truly believe in your heart, then any chance you take will come out positively in the end. Trust me, I never steered you wrong before."

Harold's right, no matter what the risk is, I have to save Joey! We made a pact to protect one another and there's no way either of us will go back on that promise now! "It's time to show Marik what true friendship is all about! I play the magic card Exchange!" Yami was shocked at Yugi's move.

"What a foolish move," Joey-Marik commented.

Kaiba agreed, "What's Yugi thinking? Exchange allows Wheeler to take any card from Yugi's hand!"

"But isn't Yugi allowed to take a card from Joey's hand also?" Mokuba asked.

"Yes, but I don't see what Yugi's strategy is."

"You must be desperate to play such a pathetic card," Joey said as he walked around to Yugi's side of the field. Yugi just looked defeated as he held up his hand. Joey-Marik gasped upon seeing the dragon card.

"It's… my… Red-Eyes."

"Silence, Wheeler, you have no mind of your own, I control you!"

"Well go on," Yugi said casually. "You can have any card you want including the Red-Eyes Black Dragon."

Joey was struggling, his original personality temporarily emerging over Marik's control. Marik struggled to regain control and he did. "Wheeler, you are mine to control, you have no mind of your own!"

"Yes, I have no mind of my own."

"Now take that Red-Eyes!"

But Joey still struggled. "No… Yugi needs that card… I can't. I…" Marik regained control. "Your friend is gone and I'll be taking that Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

"It's not working," Yugi gasped.

"Look again," Yami corrected.

Joey's hand was tugging in two different directions as Joey fought with Marik's control. "I… made a promise… I won't take it… I won't… I WON'T!"

Joey took the magic card Card Destruction.

"Awesome, you didn't take it, way to go, Joey," Yugi cheered.

"Joey is gone," Joey-Marik said. "And I'll destroy you with my arsenal of rare magic cards so I don't need that stupid dragon."

"You can brag about control all you like, Marik," Yugi said as he took one of Joey's trap cards. "But I knew that Joey broke free the moment he saw that Red-Eyes and it won't be long before you will have no more control over him!"

"Good job, Yugi," Harold congratulated. "Now let's see what I can do." He drew a card. If Yugi can bring Joey back to normal with one of his cards, maybe I can do the same thing with Tea. "I summon Shining Friendship (2) in attack mode!" A little ball with wings and bright green eyes appeared.

"Shining… Friendship," Tea struggled to say.

"That's right, Tea, it's the card you used in your duel against Mai. Remember, you dueled for Yugi's star chips…"


"Maybe you're right, Mai, maybe I am scared. Dueling someone who's entirely out of my league for such high stakes overwhelming. But look at this monster. Your Harpie Lady won't stand a chance against it, and do you know why?"

"Enlighten me," Mai said sarcastically.

"Because, it has six times the strength of Harpie Lady!"

"What? That's impossible! What could possibly increase a monster's attack strength that much?"

"The hearts, Mai, it's the hearts of me and my friends are in this card. And this force is something no magic card can duplicate! Six hearts, bonded through friendship, shining through even the darkest times! And that's what helps me face the fear."

"Tea honors her friends more than she honors herself," Harold critiqued. "Sometimes, facing your fear is the best way to conquer it."


"And what a dark spirit like Marik fears the most is the power of my light! One way or another, Tea won't be in your control any longer! So come at me, Marik, and I'll show you the power of friendship!"

"As you wish," Tea-Marik said as she drew a card. "Ushi Oni, attack Shining Friendship now!"

This is it, if I don't break Tea free now, it's all over… for both of us!

To Be Continued


Duel Monster Database

(1)
Name: Ushi Oni
Level: 6
Type: Fiend
Attribute: Dark
ATK: 2150
DEF: 1950

(2)
Name: Shining Friendship
Level: 4
Type: Fairy
Attribute: Light
ATK: 1300
DEF: 1100