Hey guys. Yay, more reviews! Lol, I'm silly. Could be due to the empty stomach, lack of sleep, or a combo of those things, hehe. Anyways, onto the reviews!

Brianna Ishtar: Good question. Probably not till he loses to him, lol, if that happens at all. Poor Bakura, no more love for him. "Run Ryou, run!" 'Watches him run for his life with Brianna in hot pursuit.'

Divine Weapon: I thought about it, but since him and Noa were so out of sync, I thought I'd let it go this time. And yes, poor Illidan…

Isis the Sphinx: He's hardly won much since his loss to Illidan. Lol, possibly like his continuous losses to Yugi, or Yami I should say. As for him not teasing Joey, doubtful. Lol, he'd tease him till the end of time if he could. Yes, a fun quote from that chapter btw. My fiancé, the real life Marie, loved it when I had her take out Seto. Noa was all friendly about it, which isn't too unreasonable. There is a possibility of Gozaburo using the Pharaoh to take out Illidan. After all, there are still three people left to face Illidan, and Yami happens to be one of them.

Metal Overlord 2.0: Oh well, it's alright. I'll respond to your last post this time also, lol. About Illidan meeting the GX crew, that's something I've been thinking about, and decided to maybe work on for a second sequel, which would come after The Wolves Seal, which is the sequel to this story. Only problem is, how much time passes between the two shows. Anwyas, as for your other review, yes, Seto got his ass handed to him and then some. Yep, Gozaburo has something cooking in his mind, and you'll find out today.

Ok, big question for anyone who might know. How much time passes between the end of the Yugioh series and the start of GX? That question is killing me, and I've yet to find an answer. It's kind of necessary for the sequel I'm going to be writing after The Wolves Seal. If anyone has a clue, please, let me know, and I'll eternally be thankful.

Without further ado though, here is the next chapter. I'll post again tomorrow, so till then.

Chapter 55

After the tag team duel, Yugi asked all of the Millennium Item holders to meet him back at his room at 9:30. He told each he had something important to talk to them about. Once the night had died down at last, all five snuck in to meet in Yugi's room. After everyone was accounted for in the room, Yugi transformed into Yami.

In a serious tone, Yami said "I'm glad you all could come. I have something of great importance for us to discuss." All stared at Yami, pondering what he would want to discuss.

"Earlier this evening, I felt a terrible power being released within the tower. I believe it was Gozaburo's Millennium Crown. I'm sure all of you felt it as well, but what intrigues me is the fact another power was there, one that seemed as strong. I'm almost sure that the two powers were coming from your room Illidan. Tell us, was it you and Gozaburo making those strong energies we sensed?"

Illidan only honestly nodded, saying "Yes, it was me and him, Yami."

Nodding, Yami asked "What was happening? Why was Gozaburo there to see you, and more importantly, why were both of you putting on that display of power?"

Illidan turned to look out the window and let out a sigh. He didn't want to involve or endanger the others, but he knew they deserved answers. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see it was Marie. She was looking at him with curious eyes.

"Illidan?" she calmly said, as if saying tell us what happened.

Sighing again, he turned to face the entire group, and in a calm voice, said "Gozaburo confronted me today after our duels were all over. He knows now that I'm the true reincarnation of Illidan from ancient Egypt. He had guessed I was the reincarnation even before the tournament. He had no real evidence to confirm that I was though till he saw my Millennium Key. He now knows who I truly am, and said he was there for me to ask him a few questions."

Pausing when he saw the curiosity on everyone's faces, Illidan then continued, saying "I asked him if he was the true reincarnation of Gozaburo Tark, the one that once wielded the Millennium Crown in ancient times. He told me no, saying that he had the past Gozaburo's memories due to the Millennium Crown, but that he was not the reincarnation of the Gozaburo from ancient times. At least he believes he's not."

Yami interrupted him, saying "But you don't believe so?"

Turning to Yami, Illidan nodded, responding with "No, I don't Yami. He's too much like the past version of himself to not be a reincarnation. Like the past version, he loves power, and again like his past version, he's obsessed with the Millennium Crown's power. I do honestly think he's the true reincarnation of Gozaburo of the past. It could be the only explanation to why..."

Curious, Marik asked "Why what?"

Sighing, Illidan looked away. He didn't wish for Marie to know what he was going to say. Illidan knew deep down that he had to tell them all what Gozaburo had said, but still, in his heart, he feared for Marie. If Gozaburo got past him, all would be lost for her.

Sighing once again, he turned back towards the others, saying "It would explain why he's still so obsessed with Marie. He knows that Marie is here as well, and that is what makes me think he's truly the reincarnation of Gozaburo. He's still deeply in love with her in his own twisted way. He said if he can't have her, no one can."

Marie was shocked by what she'd heard. Illidan could tell by the worried look on her face that she could almost break down and cry. To be truthful, Illidan deep down was more worried that he wouldn't be able to protect her.

Walking to her, he gently held her closer to him and said softly in her ear "Don't worry Marie; I'll protect you."

Yami slowly said "Illidan, if he's after her like last time, then maybe she should drop out of the tournament. It's dangerous to put Marie in danger like this."

Sighing slightly, Illidan released Marie and then walked over to Yami, saying "I agree. Marie, you should leave the island as soon as possible."

Marie was furious at this, partially at what Illidan had said due to their past, plus what he was now suggesting. She protested, saying "No, you can't do that! I'll be fine here. After all, I can protect myself, remember!"

The last word was left with a tint of anger from her, making Illidan remember the many fights he had with her when they were first together in ancient times. Back then, she had always argued she could protect herself, and to an extent, she could, but Illidan still watched out for her, making sure she was never hurt.

He stared at her with sad eyes and took her hands up in his own, saying "Marie, you have to go. As long as you're here, Gozaburo will be watching and waiting for the right moment to take you away. He's determined to make you his at any cost, and if you refuse, he'll try to kill you again. I pledge you my life to stop him and to always protect you, but I don't know if I'm even strong enough to stop him. If I knew you were safe, I could at least be less worried when I fight him."

Everyone stared at Illidan in surprise at his words. They had always seen the tough side of Illidan, the side that let nothing bother him ever, but now he was showing his soft side, the side that cared about Marie deeply and openly.

Staring at him, Marie soon realized he had tears in the corners of his eyes. This was the first time she had seen tears in his eyes since ancient times.

Seeing them, Marie softly said "Illidan …"

He placed a finger on her mouth and said "Marie, please leave the island. I don't want you to, but with Gozaburo as strong as he is, it will take all I have and then some to stop him. If he goes after you, I don't know if I'll be able to stop him. He's so fixed on you that he'll do anything to capture you and your love. I just don't want to possibly lose you again like I nearly did five millennia ago. That day… in itself was horrible enough, but to possibly relive it again and possibly lose you again, I won't let it happen if I can stop it."

Sighing, Marie laid her head on Illidan's chest and said "If it would make you feel better, I'll try to leave the island."

In a sad voice, Illidan replied "Yes, it would Marie. I don't mean to make you go, but you're not safe here. He intends to try and capture you, and to try to force you to love him. If you were captured, I don't know what I'd do. I promise though that I'll protect you till you can get off the island."

Suddenly, the door to Yugi's room was flung open to reveal Gozaburo. Gozaburo slowly walked towards the group and smirked, saying "I never said you could leave yet Marie."

All the item holders placed a hand on their items, holding them close and preparing for a real fight.

Laughing evilly, Gozaburo said "Please, don't even waste my time. None of you have the power to stop me. Even combined, all of you aren't strong enough to face me. Although, there is one that does concern me. You see, Illidan showed me today that he has new strengths as compared to ancient times. That is something that intrigues me."

The group was shocked by this statement. Yami turned to Illidan and asked "What does he mean?"

Illidan turned loose of Marie's hand and gathered himself up. He then moved to the front of the group, seemingly putting himself in the way. He then replied, saying "He means I've gotten stronger since five millennia ago, and he's right, I have. My item's power has increased greatly since the days of old. More than likely, it maybe just by chance, or that Shadi carried it for so long, or that my spirit became stronger while waiting for my reincarnation. Really, I'm not sure how I got stronger either, but I intend to use this new strength to defeat Gozaburo!"

Gozaburo smirked and slowly began to power up his Millennium Crown. The evil within the crown slowly began to resonate within the room.

Shocked, Yami exclaimed "I don't believe it! It's so strong. We have to stand together to beat him!"

Illidan only made a motion for Yami to stay back though. "No, stay back Yami. He's mine."

Slowly walking forward, Illidan stopped about five feet from Gozaburo and began to power up his Millennium Key. Power began to flare out of Illidan, making his body slightly glow golden. Illidan was building up his power, which matched Gozaburo's Millennium Crown perfectly. Both Illidan and Gozaburo's power was tremendous. They had each surpassed all of the other item holder's powers by leaps and bounds.

Gozaburo seemed frustrated at this fact and sent a mental blast of Shadow Magic at Illidan. Illidan placed his palm out and easily deflected the blast. Gozaburo growled at this and continued to increase his energy, which prompted Illidan to follow suit.

Angry that Illidan was still growing in strength, Gozaburo began lashing out at Illidan with mental waves of energy. Illidan only continued to block each blast coming at him, making Gozaburo that much more furious.

Finally, at long last, Illidan reached his power limit. Realizing it, Gozaburo began to laugh evilly, saying "Is that all you have Illidan?"

Seeing and hearing no response, Gozaburo then lashed out with yet another powerful mental wave. This one was stronger than Illidan had anticipated. The wave pushed him backwards, nearly making him topple over. Still, Illidan stood his ground and continued to block the path to the others.

Furious that Illidan continued to protect the others, Gozaburo said "I'll knock you out of the way yet!"

Once again, Gozaburo threw a powerful mental wave of energy at Illidan. Again, Illidan was knocked back by the wave, which caused him to scream from the intense pain of the wave. Still, he stood his ground, making sure he was in front of the others. He glared at Gozaburo with eyes of determination that said he wasn't moving anywhere.

Growling, Gozaburo said "Let's see you stop these then!"

Five mental waves then fired from the Millennium Crown. Each wave hit Illidan hard, knocking him down to his knees. Illidan sat there panting for a moment, but slowly got up and once again stood in the way of Gozaburo.

Thoroughly frustrated, Gozaburo fired another flurry of energy waves that belted Illidan. Once again, he was knocked to his knees, where he sat panting hard. Finally, he stood again, showing his resolve to protect his friends, no matter the cost. "You can destroy my body, but you'll never destroy my desire to protect my friends!" was the only thoughts coming from Illidan's mind.

Smirking at this action, Gozaburo powered down the Millennium Crown, saying "That should do it for now. I don't want you dead yet, now do I, Illidan? I'll kill you and the rest of you when I'm good and ready. Of course, Marie, you'll be spared, but if you don't join me, I'll destroy you too. Oh yeah, just so you know, nobody will be leaving this island. Attempt to, and I'll personally stop you and make sure you never move again."

Then Gozaburo laughed evilly and turned to leave the room. He left, letting his evil laughter continue down the halls.