Hello once again. I'm glad everyone liked my last chapter. Well, onto the reviews for now.

Brianna Ishtar: Yeah, he's a jerk, and thanks for the comment about the chapter. 'Watches poor Ryou running for his life.' Run man, run! Man, he's lucky, all the women want him, lol.

pink-kiss-candy: Lol, yes, poor everyone. Illidan took a beating, and Marie found out a psychopath, nut job loves her like a certain psychopath, nut job did in the past. And about Ryou, just cover your eyes, or go free him, lol.

Metal Overlord 2.0: Yeah, his powers are really showing through now. It's possible that there is a spirit, or it's possible it's just the memories of the crown's former owner. Hehe, you'll find out in time. I know, that's a really nice smartass answer. Thanks for the comment about this getting complex. I wanted it to have many twists and turns, so I thought why not. And yeah, it's more dramatic.

Alright, quick question to you all, which I asked yesterday, but will ask again today, lol. I was wondering if anyone knew how much time has supposedly passed between the end of the Yugioh series and the beginning of Yugioh GX. I've searched high and low, and have yet to find that answer, so if anyone has any clue, or could point me in the right direction, feel free to tell me.

Also, good news has arrived as well. My fiancé, real life Marie (her real name isn't Marie. Lol, it's just her middle one) has begun work finally on her story that goes along with this story. Her piece is about the lives of Illidan and Marie in the past. So, if anyone is interested in reading up on their pasts, check my profile and find where I mentioned her. In it you'll find a link to Cartoon Protector, which is her account. It should be up Saturday night, hopefully. This is of course if she finishes up some of it, hehe. She's been working on it for quite a while. Actually, she was working on it while I was writing this very story, but I finished first. It is shorter by far, but I managed to beat her, lol. I even finished my sequel too, hehe. Now, if only I can finish my other story before she completely finishes. Anyways, check out her story this weekend. I believe it's going to be called The History of the Millennium Items. It gives you a better look into the lives of the two at the least.

Well, that's all for now. I'll post again Sunday, so till then, enjoy the chapter. Again, thanks for the reviews guys, and anyone else who reads, feel free to review. I enjoy feedback, good or bad, so let me know how you feel about this story. Thanks again people, and enjoy.

Chapter 56

After Gozaburo left, Illidan's eyes went blank as he fell forward into the floor. He was completely unconscious. Marie, Yami, Bakura, and Marik all four quickly picked Illidan up and took him to his room and set him down on his bed. Marie quickly grabbed a wash cloth from his bathroom and wet it. She then placed it on Illidan's forehead. All four stood there, unsure of what to do for Illidan now.

Suddenly, Marie remembered something about Bakura's Millennium Ring and said "Bakura, quickly use your Millennium Ring's healing power on Illidan."

Puzzled, Bakura answered her with "I have no idea what you are talking about Marie. My ring has never ever had that kind of power, or at least never been shown to me."

Shocked, Marie thought for a moment and came up with an idea. Grabbing Bakura's hand, she said "I'll show you how to use its power then."

She then activated her Millennium Necklace, taking Bakura back into the past with her. Marie slowly took them back to ancient Egypt, to where the spirit of the Millennium Ring once lived. There in a village stood the spirit of the Millennium Ring, except as his past good self. The past spirit was shown walking through the village when he saw a child that had just broke his leg. Walking over, the spirit asked for the people to clear and he then got down on his knees and put his hands up to his Millennium Ring. Power began to slightly flare out and little by little, the child's leg was healed. Finally, the child's leg was completely healed. The kid then stood up and thanked the spirit and ran off to play with the other kids of the village.

Bakura had closely watched how the spirit used the Millennium Ring and once he understood, he nodded to Marie. She then ended the vision to return them to the present. Bakura then walked over to Illidan and sat down next to the bed. He held his hands up to his Millennium Ring, the same way he had seen the spirit of the Millennium Ring in the vision. The ring began to softly glow as it's healing powers began to heal Illidan's internal and external wounds. One by one, they were healed till finally there were no bruises or wounds left on Illidan's body. Illidan was still unconscious though, but the others figured he just needed rest.

Yami then decided that they needed to leave, and that Bakura should check on Illidan every hour so that if Illidan needed more healing, he could receive it. Everyone but Marie then prepared to leave.

Yami turned to Marie, and asked "Are you coming?"

She shook her head and replied "I'm staying to watch over him. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Nodding, Yami then ushered the others out and left Marie alone with Illidan. It had been a long day, so all the others returned to their rooms for much needed sleep.

Marie pulled up a chair to Illidan's bed and sat there staring at him. Silent tears slowly began streaming down her face, for Illidan had suffered once again like ancient times. He had protected everyone back in ancient times the same way. The realization of this made her think back to that horrible day in ancient times. The day that would forever be frozen in her mind as the worst day in Egypt's history.

It was the day the Millennium Crown was fully completed. That morning, Gozaburo had approached her as he always done about his feelings for her. As usual, she sighed at this.

"Marie, don't you see how deeply I love you? I would do anything for you, so please, tell me you love me and let us be together." spouted Gozaburo.

Looking at him with a serious look, she replied "Gozaburo, for the millionth time, I'm already married! I will never leave Illidan, for he is the only one I truly love with all my heart and soul. Please, just stop asking me this! I would like to remain friends with you still yet, but I don't love you. Illidan is the only one my heart yearns for, not you. I'm sorry, but you'll have to accept it."

Gozaburo grumbled and slowly walked off, seemingly slightly depressed at Marie's declaration that he was nothing more than a friend to her. Looking back now, Marie realized this may have what been the final push Gozaburo needed to lose his sanity.

Later on in the day, within the underground shop where the Millennium Items were constructed, the entire Shadow Court was gathered. The court was made up of eight, and consisted of Yami, Illidan, Set, Bakura, Pegasus, Shadi, Gozaburo, and Marie. She remembered how each had different positions within the court.

Yami of course was their pharaoh and leader. Illidan was granted title of the Royal Seal Master of Egypt. In essence, he was in charge of sealing away monsters and placing strong seals and so on, on things that threatened Egypt. Set was the High Priest of Egypt, who's job was to test the people for Shadow Powers, but due that the Shadow Powers were put into the Millennium Items, his job was not as busy as it once was. Bakura was the general of the armies of Egypt, but was also the best healer in Egypt. Pegasus was a teacher of Shadow Powers, but as well was a consular for Yami. Shadi was one of the High Judges of Egypt, for his item allowed him to judge people's souls for the evil and good in them. He also was keeper of the scrolls, which allowed him to constantly recopy scrolls from the past. Gozaburo was the Royal Blacksmith of Egypt who was in charge of creating the Millennium Items. Finally, Marie was an advisor for Yami, but as well was a strong healer and wise teacher.

Marie smirked in her mind as she remembered her humble beginnings. "Not bad for a little slave girl." she thought silently.

Back in the shop, Gozaburo was finishing a small inscription on the crown as instructed by Yami. Illidan had been commissioned a few days before to fully seal the crown, but unfortunately, Illidan was only able to seal away it's greatest amount of energy. It had taken a good bit of his energy to do just that, but at the least it was prepared for being put away, forever.

Gozaburo finished putting inscription and wiped the sweet off his brow. The others were looking on, happy that this business of creating items was about to end. Gozaburo looked back at them, but mostly at Marie. Marie refused to look away as always, for since she no longer was a slave, she had every right to glare at him.

Something seemed wrong with the look he gave her though. A glint of evil seemed to be in his eyes, but she wasn't sure what it meant. Then without a slight bit of hesitation, Gozaburo grabbed the Millennium Crown and placed it on his head. The others all screamed for him to take it off. It was mostly Illidan and Yami that were trying to reason with him. Even Pegasus, Bakura, Seto, Shadi, and even Marie tried to talk to Gozaburo, telling him that the crown was far too dangerous.

All seven failed to reason with Gozaburo in the end. Anger was on his face as Gozaburo lashed out at Yami with a mental wave, knocking Yami across the room and into the wall hard. Gozaburo then mentally knocked the others back away as well, but didn't hit them all as hard as he had Yami. He then started walking towards Yami with intentions on ending the pharaoh. Marie quickly stood back up and ran in front of him, trying to make him stop.

"Please, stop! I won't let you harm my brother! Please, just stop before we have to make you stop." she said with signs of tears ready to fall.

Gozaburo lightly grunted and responded with a small mental wave that knocked her aside. He then slowly proceeded towards Yami to only be cut off by Illidan.

Illidan stood there with his arms stretched out, yelling "Stop this now Gozaburo! Don't make me do this."

Gozaburo only laughed at this and lashed out with a mental wave, knocking Illidan off his feet. Gozaburo then continued to walk towards Yami when Illidan quickly moved back in front of him.

Illidan's Millennium Key was glowing, showing he wasn't done yet. "I won't allow you to harm him. Please, don't make me do this. We are friends Gozaburo. I don't want to hurt you, but I'll not allow you to harm anyone here. Please, I'm begging you, stop this madness before we have to hurt you."

Gozaburo only laughed again, but this time with evil in his voice. Then he smacked Illidan with another wave of energy that sent Illidan back off his feet, but he was quick to recover again and blocked the path once more. Illidan tried sending out a wave of his own power, but the attack was easily blocked, causing Gozaburo to return fire with yet another mental wave. Again and again, Gozaburo smacked Illidan with mental waves, but time after time, Illidan got up to defend Yami. Finally bored, Gozaburo hit Illidan with a more powerful wave that sent Illidan flying across the room and into a wall. This time, Illidan didn't get up, for he had been knocked unconscious by the impact.

With no one to stop him, Gozaburo then made his way towards Yami. Marie tried again to stop him, but Gozaburo only knocked her away with small gentle mental waves. Once arriving at Yami, he said "You shall pay for all you've done to me, pharaoh."

Confused, Yami was about to speak, but was cut off by a powerful mental wave that struck him. Gozaburo hit Yami with about five more powerful waves and finally left Yami. Yami laid there bleeding profusely, already leaving a pool of blood on the floor.

Pegasus and Bakura finally got back on their feet from the initial knock down and charged Gozaburo. He easily saw them coming and knocked both away, even managing to hit them with mental waves before they hit the ground. Once on the ground, Gozaburo pummeled Pegasus with two waves, causing Pegasus to clutch his face. Blood was seen coming from it as he cried out in agony.

Set soon ran in, swinging wildly at Gozaburo with his Millennium Rod. He pulled out the small sword that was hidden with in it even, trying hard to make contact with Gozaburo, but never could make any contact. Finally bored, Gozaburo sent out mental wave that ripped Set's right arm off, making him scream in pain as he dropped to the floor with blood pouring from his wound.

Shadi came in wielding a sword he had, but the sword was simply batted away by Gozaburo, who then knocked Shadi hard into a wall. Shadi fell to the ground hard from the impact and remained laying there as a small trickle of blood ran from the back of his head.

That only left Marie to fend for herself. She slowly walked up to Gozaburo, saying "Please, stop! You know I refuse to send people to the Shadow Realm, even ones that deserve it! I'm begging you, stop this now."

Gozaburo turned towards her, with what looked like softness in his eyes returning. He asked "Do you love me Marie?"

She was shocked at the question, but answered with a simple no. Gozaburo lowered his head then, saying "Then I'm sorry for this Marie."

Tears in her eyes still, she said "I won't kill you Gozaburo, but I won't let you hurt them either."

She then let her power flare out and pushed him backwards with all her might. It knocked Gozaburo to the ground, but it seemed too easy. She realized then she needed to make sure the others were alright. She was especially worried about Illidan and Yami, but she knew Yami was the worst off. Slowly, she walked towards him when suddenly she felt a dagger go into her back. She screamed out Illidan's name as she was in pain, which awakened Illidan.

Looking up, he saw that Marie had been stabbed in the back by Gozaburo. He called out her name as he attempted to get up. Gozaburo then pulled the dagger out and let Marie fall to the ground.

He stared at her with cold eyes and said "I loved you with all my heart Marie. Now, no one can take you from me again."

Gozaburo then began to laugh with insanity in his voice. Slowly, Marie was losing consciousness, but felt Illidan move to her side. He checked to make sure she'd be alright, and after he was certain, he whispered to her that she'd be fine. With that knowledge being the last thing on her mind, she slipped into unconsciousness.

When she had awoken again, they were all in the royal infirmary. All six were being treated for their wounds. She noticed a sheet covering Yami, making her realize her worst fears for the man that made her his sister. She then looked over, seeing Illidan beside her, with tears flowing from his eyes. They had survived the nightmare, but had lost a good friend in the process, as well as many other things.

Marie then awakened from her memories. That was then, and this was now. Illidan had once again put himself in danger to protect the others. He could have let them fight it out, but he chose to protect them instead. She let tears to continue flowing down her face, letting them drop on top of Illidan's face.

Throughout the night, she watched over Illidan. Every hour or so, Bakura would come in to check on Illidan. At last at nearly 4:00 A.M., Illidan regained consciousness. He felt something wet falling on his face. He slightly opened one eye to see that it was Marie sitting there, crying for him.

In a voice as gentle as possible, he said "Please don't cry my sweet angel."

Marie realized immediately that he was conscious one more. He kissed his forehead, knowing all would be alright now.

Illidan slowly tried to sit up, but felt sore. With Marie's help, he finally sat up and asked "What happened?"

"After Gozaburo left, you collapsed. You slipped into an unconscious state. You've been that way since 11. Bakura healed you a few minutes after we got you into your room, but you never regained consciousness."

She then wrapped her arms around him, being careful to not squeeze too hard, saying "I'm just so glad you're alright."

She then gave him a gentle kiss and finally broke away, saying "You shouldn't have done that Illidan. What were you trying to prove?"

Sighing, he replied "Marie, I was trying to protect you all. That and I wanted to see how much stronger I was. I had hopes that maybe I'd gained enough strength to finally combat the Millennium Crown, but obviously, I don't have that kind of power still. Still, it's odd how I got stronger than before. I still don't understand how I got this strong."

Marie grabbed Illidan's hands within her own and said "Please, don't ever leave me like that again. I was worried that the same thing that happened in the past had happened again tonight. You almost gave your life away then, and would have done the same tonight. I don't know what I'd do if you were to leave me alone."

Smiling, Illidan shook his head and said "Nah, Gozaburo wanted to just see to what lengths I'd go to in protecting you all. He wouldn't have killed me. He needs me to face him in this tournament. Plus, he wanted to display that he was still the strongest. That was all. I won't ever leave you again Marie, as long as I can help it."

He then looked into her gorgeous brown eyes. Ever since he'd stared into those eyes five millennia ago, he'd been captured by them. Her beautiful face, with her nice mid back length brown hair and wonderful figure showed through the moonlight. She looked so much like an angel to him.

"I promise to never leave you Marie. I won't leave as long as I can help it." he finally said.

She sighed and hugged him again and gave him a chiding kiss. She then stood up, saying "I need to go to bed. I'll be no good tomorrow if I don't get some sleep. I'll see you then. I love you."

Smiling, he replied "I love you too Marie."

He pulled her in for one more kiss. This one was a deep, passionate one. At long last, he broke away, each coming up for air. She then smiled and walked out of his room. Slowly, Illidan set his alarm clock and went back to sleep, dreaming of the woman he loved.