Chapter 23

When Illidan awoke, he was for once not waking in a cold sweat. Another vision of the past had come though. This one was gentler at the least. He had dreamed of the aftermath of the battle with Gozaburo over the Millennium Crown.

After Illidan had passed out from his battle with Gozaburo, all the Millennium Item holders had been taken to be healed.

Set, the holder of the Millennium Rod, had lost his arm in the battle due to a powerful blast of Shadow Magic from Gozaburo.

Bakura, the Millennium Ring's owner, was still unconscious from the horrible blast he had been hit by.

Shadi, the holder of the Millennium Scales, was already up and able to limp around. He had injuries, but they weren't as serious as the others.

Pegasus, the owner of the Millennium Eye, had been blinded by the attacks. True, he still possessed the Millennium Eye, but he could no longer see out of it for some reason.

Yami was the worst of the all the item holders. Gozaburo had struck a fatal blow in on him, causing Yami to slowly die.

Illidan woke up suddenly, sensing that his friend, as well as brother in law, was dying. Slowly, Illidan dragged himself to Yami's side. He looked down at the young ruler and noticed Yami was concentrating his energies on the Millennium Puzzle.

After a moment longer, Yami finally opened his eyes and looked at his friend with a smile.

Illidan quietly said "Yami, please don't leave us. We need you so much."

With a weak smile, Yami replied "I'm sorry Illidan, but I can't. My time is almost at an end. But before I die, I want to do one last thing. I will transfer my soul into the Millennium Puzzle."

Curious, Illidan asked "Why?"

"This way I'll be able to help in the future. There is not much time left. I will transfer my soul, but I won't keep my memories with me. Before I finish, I'll wipe my memories out. I do have a way to reawaken my memories though. I left myself a way to remember. It may take me a while to remember once I return, but that isn't a problem. The reason I do this is I don't want someone to use my memories for evil. I only hope I can remember when a vessel takes up the power of the Millennium Puzzle. Also, I want you to take my puzzle apart after I die. That way whoever can put the puzzle together is the one destined to be my vessel."

Nodding, Illidan let tears run down his face and said "I understand. I only wish I'd been able to keep you from dying. Forgive me for my failure to protect you."

Lightly smiling, Yami said "You have nothing to be sorry for Illidan. You did all you could do against Gozaburo. Don't worry Illidan, for we'll meet once again in the future."

Sadly nodding, Illidan then asked "What is to be done with the forger of the items? You know, Gozaburo."

Thinking for a moment, Yami responded "His soulless body is to be destroyed. That way he can never return to this world."

"Alright, I will carry out that final order soon. Yami, I wish you the best till we meet again one day."

Smiling softly, Yami said "We will meet each other again, I promise. Good bye."

With that said, Yami concentrated once again and the puzzle began to glow. The light coming from it was rather blinding, making Illidan turn his head away. After the blinding light died down, Illidan noticed that Yami was dead now. "No, his soul lives on."

Illidan then slowly took the Millennium Puzzle from his friend's hands and walked over to Shadi. He then said "Shadi, it is your responsibility to watch over this for now. I put you in charge of watching over this item till I'm able to take care of it myself."

Nodding, Shadi replied "Of course, I will guard it with my life."

"Also, it needs separated into it's pieces. That way when it is time for Yami to be brought back, the vessel that puts the puzzle together will become infused with Yami's spirit."

Nodding again, Shadi responded "I see. I'll break it apart soon."

Turning away, Illidan said "Good."

Illidan then hobbled on over to the bed where Marie still rested. He looked at her, seeing that the wound inflicted on her by Gozaburo was slowly healing. Sighing, he was happy that she wasn't seriously hurt.

Standing there looking at the beautiful figure before him, he thought "I don't know what I'd do without her. Losing Yami was tough, but losing her would leave no real meaning to my life."

Illidan turned and then hobbled over to his bed and laid back down. Slowly, he fell into a deep healing sleep.

That was about the time Illidan woke up. Looking down, he noticed that the Millennium Key was glowing as usual. He silently thought "What are you trying to tell me I wonder."

Illidan decided then that there was no point in laying in bed anymore. He got up and began his usual morning routine. Once getting back from his shower, he ate some Pop-Tarts and then checked the list of duels for the day. Much to his surprise, he saw he'd be facing Marik, and both of his titles were on the line.

Smirking, he thought "I see Gozaburo is trying to get me taken down as fast as possible now."

He then glanced at the clock and saw he had five more minutes before he had to go. Hurriedly, he grabbed his deck and Duel Disk and prepared to leave. When he got to the door, he quickly realized he had his Millennium Key unconcealed still. Quickly, he put it's concealment back on and then ran for the elevator.

Luckily, he was right on time to get on. Marik was already there, waiting patiently with the judge. Once Illidan arrived, the judge directed the two onto the elevator. Within a few moments, they were at the top of the tower. The three walked out of the elevator and onto the field as usual.

Clearing his throat, the judge said "The following duel is a match for the Intercontinental Title and the World Championship Title. It is a duel between Illidan Stormrage and Marik Ishtar. Now, duelists, step forward and shake hands. Then shuffle each others decks."

Illidan and Marik each shook hands.

Smiling, Marik said "Illidan, this will be an honorable duel. I promise you that much."

Staring into Marik's eyes, Illidan realized he was being quite honest and said "Good to hear that. This should be a good duel."

They then each handed one another their decks and each shuffled. Then the two returned their respected decks and stuck them in their Duel Disk's deck slot.

"Marik, since you have a higher rank than Illidan, you get to choose who shall go first." called out the judge.

Not even thinking about it, Marik said "I shall go first."

Nodding, the judge said "Very well. Now duelists, take your marks."

Both Illidan and Marik went to their marks on the field and turned towards one another.

Staring at Marik, Illidan quickly thought "So, he is the holder of The Winged Dragon of Ra. I'm going to have to be extra careful of that monster. It was the toughest Egyptian God of the three."

"Activate your Duel Disks and bring out your Deck Masters. Then draw your first five cards to begin!" commanded the judge.

Simultaneously, Illidan and Marik fired their holo projectors. Then their Duel Disks both unfolded and lit up.

Smiling, Marik said "Alright Illidan, prepare to meet my Puppet Master (0/0)!" An odd looking puppet appeared beside Marik.

Smiling, Illidan said "Meet my Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning (3000/2500) Marik!" The soldier with black shiny armor and a powerful sword and shield then appeared beside of Illidan.

Each duelist then drew their first five cards and shouted "Time to duel!"