Ta da I did get it done. Thanks to Dark Rose Princess, Sky65, Princess de la Luna, superotakufan, SlayingMoon7, Sakurafan12, and dream lighting for answering my cries for help and giving me suggestions. they were what i needed to figure out what to do. This chapter is dedicated to you. I hope you like what i came up with.

thanks also goes to battousaisgirl16 for reading this over and making sure it was clear and most of the spelling errors were taken out.

I did change up the duel a bit so i hope it still makes sense. I expect lots of comments from all of you.

I hope you enjoy

Chapter 35

Evil Marik to look even more like a demon, if that was possible. His grin seemed to show all of his teeth and he was watching Yami with and expression similar to ravenous wolves. Airi hoped her face didn't show the fear she felt. Experiencing his evil first hand, made her damaged nerves tingle uncomfortably.

"I've been waiting for this moment my whole existence, Pharaoh." Evil Marik said. "Soon I'll have your puzzle and all of the power of the Nameless Pharaoh with it."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Yami sounded calm, but his stance told Airi how much he wanted to go and add another bruise to the one on his opponent's jaw.

"If you're talking about Kaiba's act of charity, forget it. Whatever card he gave you isn't going to help."

"This is going to be rough for Yuge." Joey said to Airi. "I mean, he might have two god cards, but Creep-face only needs Monster Reborn to play his. Believe me that thing is one tough dragon."

Remembering Joey had face Marik himself Airi squeezed his arm reassuringly. "It's going to be fine. Yami and Yugi together make a strong team." Glancing back and her ex she added. "Besides, knowing Seto he figured out his own way to beat it."

"Ya mean the card?" Joey's expression brightened. "That must be one important card for him for Money-Bags to say it is the key to the duel." he faced the field again, confidence again prominent on his face.

Roland told the duelists to shuffle each others decks. Neither player looked away from the others hands as the cards were mixed. Airi kept an eye on Evil Marik as well, even if it was hard to get a clear view from the side lines. He didn't add any cards or take any, but she did see his finger trace the oval on the back of the top card on the newly shuffled deck. A tremor went through her and she suspected this was some sort of trick. The duelists took back their decks and returned to their halves of the field. Yami didn't look concerned as he slid the deck into his duel-disk, indicating he didn't sense anything wrong with them. Maybe she was over reacting again.

They faced each other.

"Any request before we start, Pharaoh." Evil Marik leered.

"If I win this duel, you must agree to restore all my friends from the shadow and to their original health."

"I can't promise it will be all at once." his eyes fell on Airi. "Some might take a while to heal."

"Restore my friends and leave this world, monster." Yami growled.

Evil Marik grinned. "Agreed. And if I win, then your host goes to the shadows and your puzzle is mine."

Airi swallowed hard. How was she supposed to be strong when her brother's soul was on the line as well as her closest friend's liberty? Yami's agreeing to the terms only made her feel worse.

"Don't worry." Yami's voice came through the mind link. "I will not lose."

"I know you won't" Airi told him. It wasn't his skill she was afraid for. It was more what his opponent would try to do she was scared about.

"If you two are finished yakking," Kaiba said impatiently from behind her. "It's time to finish my tournament."

"Commence duel." Roland said.

The all too familiar cloud of the shadow realm appeared around them. Airi heard the others give slight groans as they were again surrounded for the shadow game. Tremors threatened to shake Airi again, but she fought to keep them down.

"You'll enjoy this game, Pharaoh." Marik said. "I have several surprises just for you."

Yugi suddenly appeared detached and suspended in midair by maniacal on his wrists and ankles. Airi couldn't keep back the scream of horror

"Marik!" Yami's shouted. "Leave him out of this."

"But you agreed to the terms, or don't you remember." Evil Marik jabbed at the space next to him as his other self appeared, bound in the same fashion. "We agreed if you lost, your host would go to the shadows. I decided to raise the stakes. If you lose, poor Yugi disappears, but if you win, my worthless other half will go to the shadows."

"You're one sick dog." Tristan shouted.

"It will be up to you, Pharaoh." Evil Marik said. "One innocent soul will go to the shadows, but you get the choice to pick which one."

Yami was shaking with rage, but didn't speak.

Airi stared at the real Marik Ishtar. He was slumped, apparently unconscious. Compared to his other half he didn't look like the evil man who had started all of this. He only looked like someone who had gotten in more than he could handle. Now she could see the person Ishizu was hoping to be returned to her. Airi hoped for the other older sister's sake it could be possible.

"You look worried, Host's sister." Evil Marik's voice caught her attention. "I have some special tricks for you too."

"Leave the Muto's out of this." Yami said. "It is me you are after, not them and not him." he indicated the unconscious Marik. "If you want to do damage to anyone, I'm your target."

"You really don't get it." Marik sounded board. "That is the whole point. The best way to hurt you is to hurt the two people which mean the most to you. Enough talk." Evil Marik drew a card. "I play Vampiric Leech." a disgusting monster appeared on the field. "Nice thing about this monster is it can attack when it is summoned. Attack!"

Yami stood firm as the insect attacked, but couldn't stop it from taking some of his life points. Yugi's scream and a mirrored pain shot through Airi. Without thinking she took a step toward the field, but Joey stopped her.

"I should tell you will every life point each of us lose, our other hosts disappear into the shadows." he gave Airi another grin. "And if anyone interferes than I will send both of them their directly."

"Coward." Airi desperately trying not to cry with anger. "You're scared of us so you're pulling all your tricks. And what are you planning to do to me?"

Evil Marik's smile only grew.

"I won't duel." Yami's voice was low.

"No you must." Yugi said. "You can't let him get away with this."

"Yugi, you're going to get hurt."

"You think that will make a difference. Forfeit is like losing. I'll be gone anyway."

Evil Marik laughed. "Have you figured the benefits of losing, Pharaoh?" his tone quieted, but Airi could still hear every word. "If you sacrifice your host then you get his body. You wouldn't have to share and with it you could-"

"ENOUGH!" Yami's screamed. "No more of your mind games! I was sent here to defeat demons like you and I will not allow you to send anyone to the shadows!"

"Wow." Joey muttered. Airi had to agree. Good thing she was never on the receiving end of wrath like that.

Yami's speech only seemed to amuse Evil Marik. "It will be fun to see you carry out that statement. I now activate Vampiric Leech's other special ability. By discarding a card from by hand I can put my leech in defense mode. I place a card face down and end my turn."

Airi was grateful he didn't take any more of Yami's life points. She and Yugi's eyes met and he tried to smile, but she could still see the fear in his eyes. Watching him disappear in front of her was going to be imposable to tolerate. She glanced at Yami, who despite his appearance couldn't hide the sense internal panic. She would have to stay strong, for all their sakes.

Yami drew, summoning Queen's Knight to the field. He ordered his monster to attack the Leech, more out of getting back for hurting Yugi than actual damage to Marik's points. Queen's Knight's sword slashed though monster and Airi gasped as pain shot through her.

"Are you alright?" Joey said.

"Yeah, Just after affects." Airi smiled, but tremors of fear made her heart race. What was that about? What was the trigger? What was Evil Marik's trick?

"Airi, what happened?" Yami demanded.

"I'm fine. Just keep going."

Neither he nor Yugi looked convinced. Yami placed two cards faced down and ended his turn.

Evil Marik drew; face lighting up when he saw the card. "I have everything I need now, but first I summon Juragedo, and destroy your Queen's Knight."

Airi closed her eyes but couldn't block the resulting jolt though her and Yugi's groan of pain. She opened her eyes to see part of his arm was missing.

"I'm fine." He said through gritted teeth.

Evil Marik only snorted in pleasure and placed two cards face down. Yami drew, but doing so activated a trap card; Left Arm Offering.

"Now I can add any magic card from by deck to my hand. And the one I choose is Monster Reborn." Evil Marik drew with a flourish.

"I activated Exchange!" Yami said. "Now we exchange cards from each other. I choose your Monster Reborn." Yami took the card from his opponent. Looking annoyed at the delay, Evil Marik snatched a card from Yami's hand.

"That was close." Tea said.

"As it is still my turn," Yami said, returning to his side of the field. "I play your Monster Reborn to bring back Queen's Knight to the field. I also summon King's Knight, and know because I have both of them on the field I can special summon Jack's Knight." the complete set stood in an intimidating line, waiting for orders.

"Good Job, now get him!" Tristan called from the side. Everyone knew it took three sacrifices to summon one of the god cards. Airi noticed Yami glance towards her. What was wrong? He never hesitated when he had a chance to attack.

"What's the matter, Pharaoh?" Evil Marik taunted. "Attack me already. Or have you figured out my second trick and are letting your softness rule your mind?"

Yami ended his turn, without summoning Slifer or attacking. Airi was confused. What did they know she didn't?

"What's wrong with him?" Duke said. "He had all the opportunity in the world."

"Don't doubt the guy." Joey said. "He has instincts."

"Looks like you need some encouraging, Pharaoh." Evil Marik drew. "I'll end this soon, but I'm feeling generous. I play Card of Sanctity, letting us draw until we have six cards in our hands. Now I put my Juragedo to defense mode and end my turn. All yours."

Yami drew his cards without comment.

"Yami you have to attack." Airi insisted.

"I know."

"Why are you so hesitant?"

"I have an idea about what he's doing to you."

"What?"

Yami didn't answer.

"Yami, unless you want to lose you'll have to attack. It won't be with Queen's Knight, so maybe his plan will be like with Bakura and will only be linked to female monsters."

The idea didn't cheer him, but he did give a slight nod of acceptance. He turned his attention again to Evil Marik. "I sacrifice my three monsters to summon Slifer the Sky Dragon!" Slifer's red coils appeared around him accompanied by cheers from the group. "Slifer attack!"

Pain erupted through Airi and she hugged herself tightly in an attempt to keep from screaming.

"Airi!" Yugi strained against his bindings.

"I activate Dark Spell Regeneration, letting me take any card which has been played." Evil Marik grinned. "With the Monster Reborn I summon Winged Dragon of Ra in Phoenix Form."

The attack was worthless and bounced off the flame like dragon as easily as feathers.

"If that is the best you can do then I will have no trouble burning you and your host to ashes."

"Become you summoned a monster, Slifer's special ability takes effect." there was a desperate edge to Yami's voice. Slifer's second head shot an energy ball at Ra which exploded to the side of Ra with no effect. Another wave of pain surged through Airi, a squeak escaping through her clenched teeth.

Yami took a step towards her, but she shook her head. "I'm fine." she lied.

"Now it's my move." Marik said. "I pay 1000 life points," part of other Marik's arm faded. "Now feel the wrath of Ra!"

Fire exploded down, covering the field. Yami tried to shield Yugi, but the blast engulfed them both. Slifer's screech blended with the two boy's screams as the dragon was consumed by flame. Airi had to be helped back by Joey to keep her from running to the field.

"There's nothing you can do, Airi." Joey said. "Trust me that bird is one bad turkey. You can't get in its way."

"This has to stop." Airi wiped her eyes, and shouted at Evil Marik. "If you want power that badly why don't you just finish us now!"

"With all the trouble I've gone through for this moment?" Evil Marik scoffed. "I'm going to enjoy this as long as possible."

Yami stepped away from Yugi, obviously shaken.

"Yami, you have to keep going." Yugi was saying. "We're all depending on you."

Ra faded from the field, his stay only temporary because he was summoned with Monster Reborn.

"Don't be relieved by his leaving." Evil Marik said. "I'll make sure you agonize and question every move you make, prolonging your agony until you plead for mercy. I activate one more card, Zombie's Jewel, allowing me to take an magic card from your grave yard, and you know what I want." he strode confidently towards Yami, who deftly handed him the card. Walking back to his spot Evil Marik added over his shoulder. "It also allows you to draw another card, not that it will do you any good."

During all of this Yami hadn't reacted. He stood starting at this duel-disk. He looked hopeless and that scared Airi more than whatever was casing her pain.

"Yami you can't give up."

"What am I suppose to do." his voice shook. "Every time I lose life point Yugi fades to shadow, I take some of his, Marik will fade, and if I attack, you get hurt." Airi swallowed but didn't comment. "Airi, there's no move I can make that will not hurt someone."

"Yami it doesn't matter." Yugi said. "I can handle it. We have to end this."

Yugi's words didn't seem to be getting through.

"I can't even attack. There is nothing I can do." Slowly Yami's hand moved towards his deck clearly intending to cover it and surrender.

"Yami, you promised!" Airi shouted. The others looked around in surprise but she ignored them. "You promised me that no matter what happened to me you would get rid of this threat."

His hand hovered and encouraged she hurried on. "You've faced impossible situations. This isn't any different."

"But-"

"No buts," she swallowed. "You have to attack to win, there is no way around it. I'll be fine. Just win."

His hand shook. "You're sure?"

"I know you can win. There is always a loop hole. If there is a way of saving everyone then you'll find it."

His eyes met hers and she saw hope slowly returning. "I will end this. Forgive me."

"Just do what you need to do."

"Draw already." Kaiba said. "If you're lucky you'll get the card you need."

Yami drew, and without looking at the card placed it face down on the field. "I end my turn."

"But he didn't even look at the card." Tea said. "How is that going to help?" the other also looked confused.

"Over so quickly?" Evil Marik scoffed. "I was enjoying that little pep talk. Seeing you three go down will be even more enjoyable."

"Airi" Yugi's voice was low and urgent. "Take off your diadem."

She gaped at him. "But you said not to-"

"When you have it you get a clear reception to my pain. If you take it off then the times I lose point it won't hurt you as badly." he tried to smile. "You'll have enough to worry about without having to share my discomfort."

A tear slid down her face. "You'll be alright. We all will." she slipped the gold piece slowly off her head. It felt strange not to have the pressure against her temples. Carefully she slid it into her belt.

"Airi, what are you doing?" Joey whispered. "You need that."

She shook her head. "Joey, I need you to keep me from falling. Can you do that?"

"Sure, but what's going on?"

"Just make sure I don't collapse."

Evil Marik drew. "It's time for you to be finished. I play Monster Reborn." Ra again appeared on his side of the field. "Make sure you don't miss this show."

Evil Marik's body started to devolve. It wasn't long before only an eye was left suspended on his side of the field. The rest of him appeared standing on the head of the monster. "I'm transferring my life points into Ra's attack points pharaoh. By giving him all of my life point but one I will raise Ra to 2999, and by sacrificing Juragedo I can absorb his point so the total becomes 4699."

Airi felt he jaw drop. This attack was enough to take Yugi out in a flaming torrent.

"That face down better be my card or he's done for." Kaiba muttered.

Airi glanced back at him and then at the field. That card better be worth it, or she was going to take her frustrations on him instead.

"Ra, attack directly!"

"I activate Field Sanctuary!" Yami shouted.

"How did he know?" Kaiba said, uncharacteristically surprised. "He never looked at it, how did he know that was the card I gave him?"

"That's my Yami." Airi said, but not loud enough for anyone to hear.

A magical circle appeared on Yami's side of the field. From the middle of it came a small shiny monster which looked like it was made out of connected beads. "Because your reflection is in this monster, it will attack you. You will destroy yourself."

Evil Marik screamed in rage as his monster attacked the small token. It bounced back at him, engulfing them in a enormous blast. Airi cheered along with the others. Yugi wouldn't be hit and they wouldn't lose. They won.

But the smoked cleared and the small token was still standing unharmed. Furthermore Evil Marik was still standing in front of his monster in one piece."

"You're not going to win that easily." he scoffed at the crowd's confusion. "I played De-Fusion. I should thank you, since I took that card from you when you did your little Exchange trick earlier. Now all Ra's attack points are my life points and I'm stronger than before. You will fail."

"I thought he couldn't use it properly." Kaiba chuckled. "I guess giving him that card was a waste of time."

Airi spun on her heel, glaring at him. "Keep your ego to yourself." she snapped. "If it was you playing it he would have done the same thing to you."

Kaiba smirked, and then his expression changed. "What happened to your face?"

She realized during one of her agitated movements she had moved the hair back from her face, leaving her bruise exposed. She moved some more hair out of her eyes, wincing as she touched the tender area. "Ran into something."

It was a bad lie and he saw right through it. His eyes darted from her to where Evil Marik was standing, millennium rod looped in his belt. Anger flashed across his narrowed eyes. "There is one more way for your brother to use my card. He better figure it out."

She faced the field again. "Did you hear that?"

"Every word." Yami said. "And I think I know what he means." she didn't like the slight edge to his voice as he said it.

Ra again vanished and Evil Marik reluctantly sent his Monster Reborn to the graveyard.

"Come on, Yuge." Joey said.

"Beat this guy." Tristan shouted.

Airi saw Yami turn to Yugi, saying something in lowered tones. Yugi nodded.

"I pay 1000 life points to keep Metal Fiend Token on the field."

Yugi winced as body faded away.

"You're willing to let your host suffer?" Evil Marik laughed. "You must be desperate."

Yami didn't answer, but he didn't look intimidated. Maybe there was something else. Airi hoped this was true.

"I activate my face down, Multiply. With this I can make the number of tokens multiply from one to three."

Evil Marik's face paled. "No."

"I sacrifice the tokens to bring forth Obelisk the Tormenter." The third Egyptian God monster appeared, blue and dangerous.

"I knew he could do it." Tea said.

For a moment Yami hesitated. "Airi, I'm sorry."

She gripped Joey's arm,"Just get him."

"Obelisk, Attack directly!" Yami shouted.

Obelisk swung his giant fist, slamming it into Evil Marik head on. The pain caused Airi's breath to come out in shutters, but she refused to close her eyes. Evil Marik fell with a sickening thud. The point counter fell so he only had 700 points left. Yami's opponent lay sprawled on the floor.

"That's for hitting my sister, jerk!" Yugi shouted.

"With my compliments." Kaiba said from behind her. She felt her cheeks flush. She didn't know if hearing a statement from him made her feel flattered or uncomfortable.

Yami stood arms folded not celebrating the victory. Airi realized Obelisk's attack was too easy. She looked over and with a sickening feeling noticed that the real Marik's body was mostly gone. Her heart ached for Ishizu. She must have seen most of this and couldn't watch.

"I'm sorry." she said softly. She thought he couldn't hear her, but she saw his eye look up at her before closing again into unconscious state.

"Yami we have to do something." Yugi said. "We have to save him too."

Yami nodded.

Evil Marik got to his feat, grinning despite looking shaken. "You must be heartless, letting those you claim to care about suffer. In the ancient scriptures it was written you let people you cared about die around you in the name of a greater cause. You're more like me than I thought."

"I am nothing like you." Yami growled.

Evil Marik laughed. "We'll see. We haven't gotten to the good stuff yet."

Airi glanced down at his face down card. There must be something horrid under there.

"My trap card can stop your attack."

"That's impossible." Joey said. "Nothing can stop Obelisk."

"I activate Metal Reflection, creating a copy of your monster when I lose more than half my life points."

A slimy plasma version of Obelisk appeared, leering at the real one.

"Do you really think this hunk of slime can compete with the real monster?" Yami said, but even so his voice was guarded. "I place a card face down and end my turn."

Airi frowned at the copy Obelisk. Why did this situation look familiar?

Evil Marik drew. "I summon revival Jam to the field."

Now she remembered where she had seen slime monsters and Revival Jam. The duel where Yugi got Slifer, their first duel against Marik when he was controlling his mind servant Strings.

"I play Polymerization to fuse God Slime and Revival Jam."

Airi remember why she hated slime monsters. It would be nearly impossible to destroy a slime monster. Good thing fusion monsters couldn't attack in the same turn they were created. She wasn't excited for when Yami would have to face that thing. He nerves felt like they were throbbing and it was taking all her control not to physically tremble.

"I'll end my turn. Attack if you dare."

Drawing his next card Yami summoned Big Shield Gardna. "Airi I need to attack. Are you alright?"

Her nerves screamed no, but she didn't have a game face for nothing. "Do what you need to do, I'll manage."

He narrowed his eyes. Apparently her game face wasn't as convincing as she thought.

"No, tell me if you're alright." he said.

She gave him a look. "I'm still breathing."

"This isn't a joke."

"I know."

Seeing the argument was going nowhere, he turned back to the field. She braced herself, but still had to grit her teeth as Obelisk took a swipe and his slimy twin. She wanted to scream but she didn't think Yami could handle it. It was clear the idea of hurting her was agitating him the most. Suspicions of why this was kept coming to mind, but they were pushed down with all her concentration focused on not shaking.

The attack was again in vain. Evil Marik laughed, telling them this is what he had in mind. There was no way to get to his life points, and his monster was invincible.

"Don't get cocky, crazy hair." Joey said. "Yugi is going to beat you're big slime-ball." Only he and Airi seemed to believe in this statement. The others looked worried, glancing from one Obelisk to the other with uncertainty. Kaiba looked more concerned that Marik had abused the image of a powerful card with slime.

Yami ended his turn, glancing back to at Airi. He was doing that a lot, making Airi feel self conscious. She let go of Joey's arm so she didn't look as if she was leaning on him for support. Her nerves were screaming to be put our of their misery, but she couldn't let him know. He wasn't going to lose this duel on account of her.

"Hard for you to wait for your destruction?" Evil Marik gloated. "Even if you could do something it will be my other half who suffers. I know you're weak enough to be concerned about what happened to him."

For the second time during that duel real Marik moved. He was reduced to part of a face and his hands. "I'm not important Pharaoh. Don't spare me. Win this duel at all costs."

Yugi was shaking his head, but there wasn't much of him left either. This duel was costing more from them than any of the others. Airi was digging her fingers into her arm to keep her mind occupied.

Evil Marik set a card face down and played Boganian in defense mode. "As long as Boganian stays on the field, you lose 300 life points per turn."

Airi bit her lip. "Yugi."

"I'll be fine." Yugi smiled. "It takes a lot to take down us Mutos."

She nodded, managing a smile. If he could be brave she could hold on longer. Her nails moved to a less numb spot on her arm.

Yami drew. He placed a card face down and sacrificed Gardna to summon Dark Magician Girl. Seeing what he was going to do, Airi braced herself again. Magician Girl wasn't a god card so maybe the attack wouldn't hurt as much. She could have sworn the monster looked back apolitically before attacking. Even so she nearly drew blood as the monster attacked.

Again Evil Marik was prepared for the move. He activated Jam Defender, diverting the attack to God Slime. The back fire of the attack meant Yami's life points wend down to 1300, on top of that another 300 point disappeared. Even more of Yugi faded away. Airi was able to see through his chest, making her own insides churn. Now she couldn't stop the slight tremors. Why couldn't it just be over?

"Airi I'm fine." even over the mind link Yugi couldn't hide his fear.

She didn't answer, mostly because she couldn't think of anything optimistic. Keeping from crying in pain and worry was making it hard to think of anything cheerful.

"Your host is quite the snack for the shadows." Evil Marik commented. "I'm sure his sister is quite delicious as well."

Yami took a step towards him, but it was Kaiba who verbally responded.

"Keep your conversation on the duel, Ishtar or I'll end it now."

Yami looked back at Kaiba, realization clear on his face. Yugi was also staring at Kaiba, his mouth halfway open. Airi's blush increased, from Yami's action or Seto's statement it was hard to say. She hoped the duel would end soon. Both of them were acting odd.

Joey thankfully broke the tension. "I don't care what he says. He's going down and that's the end of it."

"You're all wasting your time." Evil Marik said. "There is now way for me to lose." He drew. "I play Mining for Magic Stones, allowing me to discard two cards in order to transfer one magic from his grave yard to his hand." Airi knew which one it was before he announced it. "Now that I have Monster Reborn, I will bring back Ra in one more turn."

"I knew it." Airi muttered.

"It's impossible to destroy." Yugi sounded hopeless for the first time.

"There is one chance." Yami said, but he didn't sound confident in it whatever it was.

"Face it Pharaoh, you're done for." Evil Marik looked bug eyed and crazed. "Victory is mine."

"You will not succeed." Yami said. "I will not allow you to send any more innocent people to the shadows, including your host."

"I am not innocent." Real Marik insisted. "I've done nothing but cause pain for you and your friends, you should be angry with me. I'm not worth saving."

"We were." Airi stated "But there are some people who care what happens to you. If nothing else hold on for your family, your sister. Yami will find a way. You don't deserve this."

"Inspiring words." Evil Marik said. "From a girl ready to collapse. I place a card face down, and summon Swallowtail Spike Lizard in defense mode. Every turn this monster is on the field my life points will increase by 1000."

Airi's heart sank. With the extra life points he could increase Ra's attack points when he was summoned and would be able to take out Obelisk.

"Are you alright, Airi?" Joey said.

"Just fine." she said, keeping the tremor out of her voice.

Yami hadn't moved. Airi guessed he and Yugi were in a conference of strategy. She hoped they would figure out a way soon. Anymore attacks from either side would be devastating to Yugi or Marik, and she didn't think she couldn't handle much more offense in strategy. It was getting harder for her to fully concentrate on the duel with her nerves in a constant state of vibration.

Yami drew and placed two cards face down. "I summon Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts in defense mode, and end my turn."

"Remember you lose 300 Life points while Boganian is on the field. Now you only have 700."

Yugi was practically gone, only a few bit of him suspended in mid air. Seeing her brother like this made it even harder for Airi to control the shutters threatening to take her over.

"He will not fade." Yami said. "I swear it."

"You have no choice." Evil Marik crowed. "In a few more moments little Yugi will be gone." he drew, laughing like a lunatic at the sight of his new card. Airi had a sickening feeling she knew what it was. "First things first, I gain 1000 life points from Spike Lizard's effect. Now I activate Monster reborn to call GOD PHOENIX!"

Again the gold dragon like bird appeared on the opposite end of the field. Airi folded her arms to attempt to keep from shaking. Everyone was too engrossed in the duel to notice.

"I pay 1000 life points and destroy Obelisk."

"YUGI" Airi screamed.

"I activate a face down" Yami shouted over the explosion.

Evil Marik laughed. "Your host is done for"

But Obelisk was still standing, and Slifer was standing in front of him acting as a shield. "I activate Monster Reborn to bring Slifer back to the field."

The friends cheered. Still the attack from Ra went through and Slifer was destroyed. Miraculously no points were lost. Ra returned again to the grave yard but Evil Marik wasn't fazed.

"I play the magic card Surprise Attack from the Beyond, allowing me to replay my attack!"

"Oy, that's cheep!" Joey shouted.

This time Ra appeared as a large ball hanging over the field. Confused Airi looked around at the others, all of whom seemed nervous by the ball's appearance. Evil Marik began to it being in Egyptian she could understand the words.

Mighty protector of sun, the sky

I bet of thee please, heed my cry

Transform thyself from orb of light

And bring me victory in this fight

The words and rhyme were enchanting even if the danger they brought.

I beseech thee, grace our humble game

But first I shall call out thy name

WINGED DRAON OF RA

The giant dragon appeared and Evil Marik again fused with it, giving all but one life point to the monster to increase it's attack. Fear made it hard for Airi to breath. If Yami was going to win this was the moment.

"Say good bye to your pathetic host, Pharaoh. No one can escape the fury of the Winged Dragon of Ra!"

"We'll see about that." Yami growled. "I play Soul Taker."

Hope started coming back to Airi's shuttering person. That card was able to take one of his opponent's monsters as a sacrifice. With several major threats on the other side of the field there were many to choose from.

"He's going to sacrifice Ra." Kaiba said confident at his judgment. "takes Marik with him."

It made sense, but that wasn't Yami's plan.

"I chose to take God Slime, using one monster for two." Yami said. "This will double Obelisk's attack points to infinite power."

Airi grinned. Now all of the monsters were free from those stupid slime monsters.

Evil Marik laughed. "You lost your chance to take me out Pharaoh."

"Airi, hang in there." Yami said. "Obelisk Attack!"

Fire shot through her nerves which felt like frayed wire. She almost didn't see Evil Marik's counter move through her blurring vision. The two gods clashed, seeming to rock the tower with the impact. When the smoke cleared it was Ra which stood on the field.

"Futile move Pharaoh." Evil Marik crowed. "Now I play Class System, making it so Ra can only be destroyed by a monster with as many stars as it."

"But there aren't any, are there?" Mokuba asked.

"Airi, you ok?" Joey said.

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

Evil Marik, still attached to Ra, attacks. Yami barely escaped by playing Mystical Dimension, allowing him to sacrifice his remaining monsters except for Dark Magician Girl to negate the attack.

"A slip of a girl monster is your only hope?" Evil Marik wasn't impressed. "Just like your little weak spot behind you she won't hold up much longer."

Both Yugi and Yami looked back at her. She smiled, praying it didn't look too forced. She braced her feet more firmly to keep from falling over. She struggled to keep her mind clear so he would guess how much it was clouding. Last thing she wanted was give Evil Marik the satisfaction of being right.

Yami turned back to the field, still frowning as if he wasn't convinced by her act. "Another ability of Magical Dimension allows me to summon any other Spellcasters from my hand to join Dark Magician Girl, and I choose Dark Magician."

The two Spellcasters looked across the field with matching glares of dislike. "I activated the magic card Ragnarock, which can only be activated when I have two Spellcasters on my side of the field. Now I have the ability to destroy all of the Monsters on your side of the field."

Evil Marik's grin only widened. "I'm sure your dear Airi is willing to be put out of the misery you've been causing her this entire duel."

Yami hesitated..

Airi desperately tried to control her trembling, to tell him everything was alright, but her voice was failing her and her mind was too hazy to clearly focus on the mind-link.

"Go ahead and attack me. It's clear the world is more important to you. You've done nothing but hurt her this entire time. Just like the ancient scriptures declare, you've done nothing but destroy everyone you've cared about."

Airi was alarmed to see Yami was shaking. These words in particular were affecting him more than the others. He turned to look at her and their was a haunted look in his eye. If she didn't do something Yami and Yugi would lose their determination and then all of them would be doomed.

"Yami this isn't true. I'm fine. You need to do this or we are all in danger. Do what needs to be done."

"I've done nothing but cause you pain since the moment I met you." Yami said. "Everyone I've known has died in painful ways. I know, I've seen it. There is no good I can do."

"Those are his words, not the truth." Airi snapped. "You've helped our family. Because of you Yugi has friends and I have conquered my fears. All because of you. Now the world is depending on you to make it."

From where he was suspended Yugi looked from one to another, fear and confusion on his face. Airi guessed Yami wasn't letting him on this link and was grateful. She was having enough trouble hiding the shake in her voice from one of them.

"I can't go through with this. Airi, I'm sorry. I can't keep letting you get hurt." Yami's voice shook, breaking her heart more than the shots of pain.

Anger erupted inside of her. Anger at the pain, anger at this duel, angers at not being the support she had promised she would be for him. Her mind seemed to clear with this new focus of energy.

"I don't need your apology, I need you to not give up. I haven't been standing here enduring waves of agony to be the reason you couldn't finish your mission. If you want to help me, then win."

"Your life is more important to me." Yami said. Their eyes met, and she knew he meant it.

Her eyes softened. "It will be alright. I will be alright."

Tears shone in Yami's eyes. "Put your diadem back on."

"No, you'll be distracted." if she had it the link would be clear and he could feel her pain. He didn't need that.

He shook his head. "You need the strength. Please, for me."

She nodded. Carefully so she didn't drop it, she slide the gold headpiece out of her belt.

"Airi!" Yugi said alarmed. "What are you doing?"

"Yugi it's ok. I can handle this." with shaking hands she slide it back into place. It felt good to have it back on her head. It cleared her mind even if it didn't help the shakes.

"Why such a long silence, Pharaoh?" Evil Marik taunted. "Saying your goodbyes, Pharaoh, or admitting defeat?"

"Why don't you just shut it." Airi shouted. Her decleration was finished with a hacking cough and she swayed. Firm hands rested on her shoulders and she looked up to see Seto, steadying her.

He smirked at her surprise."Don't like being wrong?"

She couldn't answer. This was the strangest day in her life.

"Have you made your decision, Pharaoh." Evil Marik said.

Before Yami could answer a shout came from the doorway. All turned to see Odion, supported by Ishizu, emerge slowly from the entrance. He looked strained and not fully recovered, but didn't seem to be letting it bother him. Ishizu's face instantly went to her brother, face pale as her dress as she saw how much he had faded into the shadows. Airi's heart ached for her. Her face was a mirror of how she felt.

"Marik." Odion shouted. "Don't give up."

The remaining piece of Marik's face lifted slightly and his eye opened. "Odion?"

"You're too late, fool." Evil Marik said. "We have reached the finish, and I'm planning on taking both of us to the shadows when the Pharaoh attacks."

Odion and Ishizu didn't stop walking until they were at the edge of the duel ring. "Let him go, Devil." Ishizu's usually calm voice trembled. "Brother please, don't give in."

"You're too late." Evil Marik cheered. "There is nothing but watch as the Pharaoh attempts to destroy me along with your weak brother. He's too weak to live without me."

"It's not over yet." Odion said. "Marik you have to fight this. It is the only way to save yourself and the Pharaoh."

"Enough!" Evil Marik pulled out the Millennium Rod from his belt and waved it at Odion. The man went flying towards the edge of the platform.

"Odion!" Ishizu was at his side in a moment.

"I'm alright." Odion looked back at his younger brother. "Marik, you are the only one to mend the damage you have caused. Evil Marik is a split of your soul, only you have power over him. You can do this, you are strong."

"I've had enough of your meddling!" Evil Marik raised the rod and Airi was sure this time Odion would get the shadow realm. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that the spot where real Marik had been was empty. Had he finally faded?

Suddenly Evil Marik screamed in shock, dropping the rod as he gripped the side of his face. Because of combining with Ra part of his face was still on the side of field as the one life point not added to Ra's attack points. But now that empty part of his face was filled by a non blood shot crazed. Normal Marik it seemed was possessing his other self.

"That's a little disturbing." Joey said.

"If it lets us win, I don't care what you call it." Tristan said.

"Keep fighting Marik!" Ishizu shouted.

"No!" Evil Marik clawed at the other soul."I've come too far to give up now. I'm the true Marik!"

"Pharaoh!" Real Marik's voice called over the shouting. "Attack now!"

"I can't." Yami said. "You're in there. It will take you along with him."

"Please, you have to trust me. I need you to banish my other self. I'm sorry for all I have done to you, your host, and your friends. I'm ready to face whatever happens to me."

"Yami, please!" Airi urged. "This is your only chance."

"But-"

"I'll be fine. Trust him."

Yami took a deep breath as if to calm himself.

"We can't risk it." Yugi said. "We'll send them both to the shadow and Airi-"

"We have no choice." Yami said. "We have to trust them." he pointed at the fighting souls. "I activate Ragnarok. By removing all the monsters from my hand, grave yard, and deck from play I can destroy all of your monsters."

Lights appeared around them all as the spirits of all of Yugi's monsters rose from the shadows to join the attack. It was truly breathtaking. All of them were there, from Slifer to Keriboh. The arrangement of types and colors made the field glow with rainbow like light as they all faced the giant dragon and still fighting Mariks.

"I've never seen anything like this." Mokuba breathed. Glancing up Airi noticed Seto didn't look impressed. She shook her head. That was a little too much to hope for.

She noticed Yami hadn't shouted the attack. Meeting his eyes she made herself smile. This wasn't going to be pleasant, but if there was a chance of winning and saving all the others, she was willing to take it.

She nodded at the field. "Go get him."

He turned back to the field. "ATTACK"

The god monsters were the first to attack. Slifer wrapped his body around Ra's body while Obelisk grabbed it by the thought. Sparks were burning at Airi's nerves but she struggled not to give in to the pain. One by one Yugi's monsters launched their attacks at the two Mariks. Ra's screams mixed with the Mariks' as the light and smoke became too thick.

Airi tried to stay conscious, but with a blast from King's Knight she couldn't handle it anymore. Her nerves gave out and she embraced the prospect of painless nothing. She had held out this long. Now it was time for them to finish what they came to do. She felt her body slump and vaguely heard Seto and Yugi call her name.

I'm sorry


From the corner of his eye Yami saw her fall. Even in the explosions and crazed light he knew who it was. He turned to see her stretched out, Kaiba supporting her as she lay motionless. The rest of the group seemed too entranced by the attacks to have noticed. Yugi was yelling something above him, but his mind didn't comprehend anything except Airi.

The memories of his past played out with the dead queen and the Priest Seth which was suppose to have been responsible for her death. Evil Marik's words thundered against his numb mind "You've done nothing but hurt her this entire time. Just like the ancient scriptures declare, you've done nothing but destroy everyone you've cared about." he was doing it again. He was destroying what he loved. Without thinking he took a step towards the edge of the platform.

"Yami, No." Yugi was sobbing. "You can't, she wants us to finish."

Yami wanted to tell all of his monsters to stop, but he couldn't. They had to go through, but still the more attacks which went through would cause her more pain. Something caught his eye. His Dark Magician was suspended in mid attack, looking down at Airi's limp form. All the other monsters had already gone through their attacks and had faded. But still the purple clad Spellcaster didn't attack. He seemed undecided.

"Please don't." Yami whispered.

Dark Magician met his gaze and he could see the monster understood. He lowered his staff, refusing to attack. He bowed to Yami and disappeared. It wasn't a complete attack, but maybe the rest of the attacks would be enough to take out Ra. Even so he knew it had to be all of them to take out Ra. He had failed.

Near by and the others finally toke notice of what was around them. Joey, cursing his own unobservant watching, knelt next to Airi.

"MARIK!" Ishizu screamed.

Yami turned back to the field to see his god monsters lifting the now very battered Ra into the sky above them. The higher they got the brighter the light around them grew until they all exploded in a blinding flash of light.

Yami turned back to Airi to find Joey arguing with Kaiba

"I'm the one who was suppose to be supporting her." Joey said.

"She's fine where she is." Kaiba snapped. "Back off Wheeler."

"Joey, how is she?" Yami feared the response,but he had to know.

"She's alright, Yugi" Joey called up to him. "Just passed out. She's still breathing."

"Thank the gods." Yami said.

"But your Magician didn't attack." Tea said. "It wasn't complete. What happens to Marik?"

Hearing something behind him Yami turned back to face the other side of the field where smoke was swirling where Evil Marik had stood before.

"You stopped the magician, didn't you?" Yugi said softly.
Yami nodded. "I couldn't let him go through."

Yugi nodded, sad understanding in his eyes. "Do you think we got rid of him?"

"I don't know." Yami said. If the Marik's came back and attacked, there was nothing left for them to fight with.

The smoke cleared and a figure stood there. Ishizu and Odion's joyful shouts reassured them who it was. Real Marik stood, shuttering and holding on to his chest. Where he had been shackled during the majority of the duel floated a single bloodshot eyeball. Evil Marik.

"You failed Pharaoh." Evil Marik's voice came from the eye. "You have no more monsters and I have one life point left. You failed. Now my other side, attack and complete our mission."

Real Marik didn't move. He was looking from Yami to the remaining parts of Yugi's body to the unconscious Airi. Finally his gaze rested on his siblings, waiting to see what he would decide.

"You are correct." Marik said. "I have one life point left."

"Revenge, remember our revenge." Evil Marik sounded desperate. "Remember this is what you wanted."

"Not anymore." Real Marik said. He met Yami's gaze and there was none of the hatred he remembered from their last encounters. "My pharaoh, I surrender to you." he placed his hand over the deck.

Evil Marik screams and curses faded along with the rest of him. The life point counter hit zero. He was gone.

"The winner of the Battle City Tournament is Yugi Muto."

The purple clouds faded along with the shackles binding Yugi's now restored soul. The moment he hit the ground he rushed at Yami. "You did it," his voice rushed out with relief. "Thank you, thank you."

Yami didn't answer, but switched with his host. "You better go to your sister."

"You're coming." Yugi grabbed his transparent hand, pulling him behind him as they rushed off the platform. Kaiba looked up, still holding Airi against him. Yami did his best not to be upset by this scene. It was obvious Kaiba meant her no harm, but still images of his past threatened to overpower him again. He felt much better when Yugi gently pulled his sister onto his own lap.

"Airi, please wake up." Yugi said. "We won."

She stirred, slowly opening her eyes. "Yugi?" her eye cleared and she smiled. "Yugi!" she sat up, wincing slightly, but ignoring whatever pain she was going through throw her arms around her brother, nearly knocking him over. "You're alright! In one piece! Don't scare me like that again."

"Same to you." Yugi managed to gasp out, hugging her just as fiercely.

Smiling, Yami looked back towards the other side of the field. A similar reunion was taking place. Ishizu was tightly hugging her brother while Odion watch with a content smile.

"Yami."

He looked back to find Airi looking up at him from over the top of Yugi's head, holding out a hand towards him. He grasped it, surprised how firm it was despite the slight tremblings which still remained.

"You did it."

He gently squeezed. "We all did."


Oh, boy, that was a lot of work and emotional damage. I really hope you guys like it.

PLEASE REVIEW! I love hearing from you all.

Thank you for reading this story. Take care.