Hey guys and girls. Glad everyone liked that chapter. No one answered my question I had earlier. I'm so sad. Dog ears droop. Oh well, I guess I'll get over it, hehe. Anyways, I was looking, and I think that I'll post the last chapter of this story on a special day. It'll be the day me and Cindy hopefully get married. I guess that way I can make it a special two for one day, lol. At any rate, time to get down to answering some reviews.

Isis the Sphinx: No problem, and I didn't mind at all. I'm just glad you liked what I wrote. Btw, I'd beware of Cindy (Marie). She'll transform and kill you if you're not careful, lol. Kidding of course though, for she understands. She knows no one can resist me. It's the ears. Chicks dig the ears. Looks over shoulder to see an angry Marie. I mean, no, I turn down every offer! Chicks shouldn't dig the ears!

sweetxokissesxo: Lol, watch out for the rabid British boy! He'll hurt you, possibly.

Strawberry Cake: Ah, true Ryon, but you forgot one thing. He got soft after he lost that evil side. Sad how excellent villains lose their edge when they lose the evil mojo.

Fire Princess: Lol, that's alright. Just make sure I'm paid, eventually. I'll just have to charge interest, hehe.

Brianna Ishtar: True, very random for Crump. He probably kept track of how many times someone went to the bathroom. Ok, that'd just be an odd record to keep. Wow! That's an excellent dress. I'll have to get Marie one for our wedding, hehe. Gets smacked in the back of the head for suggesting that. Damn woman and that stern hand. Why I ought to… Marie: "SIT BOY!" Smacks ground. Why, oh why I ever allowed her to buy me this necklace, and why oh why I allowed her to put it on me is a mystery still!

Ryon Nakura: Yes, pretty pink wings that are not meant for flying. I should have warned you about that. Actually, they have a warning tag on the back of them. I just forgot to mention that, hehe.

pink-kiss-candy: Ok… Evil judgey thingy it is. He's the one that lost. Actually, I think he could be both. I would have to guess they both did, lol.

Metal Overlord 2.0: Yep, self absorbed and a prick. You see more and more of those in the real world anymore, hehe. True, he's a transsexual as well, lol. I had forgotten about that. Oh well, at least he didn't make out with Joey while in the form of Mai. Then that would be rather odd. Yeah, he's causing lots of trouble for Illidan. True, his deck had no central theme, although I tried my best to fix that. And yes, Illidan has a few surprise witnesses left to call. I have a feeling the case will be closed once they're called.

Tomb Robber Vicky: Yeah, I made this Shadow Game a bit more evil. The other two were show inspired, but this one I wanted a real good game. After all, as Illidan said, Gozaburo was playing games that he had played when he was training with the nomads, which was long before he got good. Yep, it's a tough Deck Master, but it'll be alright. Hopefully, lol.

Ultimate Legendary Master: Yeah, you're right about that. I kind of forgot about that. I didn't read the text of the card very well. Then again, I've not used that card since very early in my dueling years, plus I just remembered it due to memory, so I didn't read the fine print. Yep, the two of them are rather cruel. Yes, I wrote my entire story, but it was in four separate files. When I was writing it on my laptop originally, after a certain number of chapters, it started acting up for some odd reason. So, to solve that, I made 35 chapter sized files. I had three and a fourth one with one less than thirty-five. But as for posting it on yes, I had to make them single files. So far, I have 124 files. That's rather annoying, but oh well, I'll deal with it, for now…

Yawn Must stay awake for work. Anyways, that's all the reviews. I'll probably not be posting on the weekends for a short time due that I'll be rather busy on them, but no worries, they'll always be at least five chapters a week coming out, if not more. Well, I'm done, so I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Later.

Chapter 124

Illidan began to reach for his next card when he stopped to think. "If I keep this up, they'll only get hurt worse. What should I do? If I continue on, my friends could seriously get hurt, or worse. What do I do?"

As if reading his mind, Yugi called down to Illidan. "Illidan, don't give up! You can still turn this thing around! Just believe in the Heart of the Cards! We believe in you and know you can save us!"

Illidan looked up, seeing how confident Yugi seemed in him. "But… You all are suffering due to me. If I quit, the suffering will end."

Yugi only shook his head. Joey then interjected and said "If you quit now, we'll all lose in the end. You know yourself that Gozaburo said if you lost, we'd all be taking a permanent vacation to the Shadow Realm, so giving up isn't an option! Not matter the cost, you have to fight!"

Illidan only nodded to Joey, knowing he was right. With a renewed confidence, he drew his card. Looking at it, Illidan let off a small smile.

"I play the magic card known as Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two new cards." Illidan then quickly drew his 2 new cards and glanced at them.

He smiled and then said "I now play the magic card known as Cost Down! This magic card allows me to discard one card from my hand in order to lower all the monsters in my hand by two stars. That means an eight star monster becomes a six star monster and so on. Of course, this only lasts this turn, but it's well worth it. Now I discard Dark Magician of Chaos in order to use Cost Down."

Johnson only chuckled. "You just wasted a good monster to use a good card. By the way, if you're planning on using a level six monster as a level four, you're wasting your time. The two monsters that I know of that you have that are level six are a waste of time due that they have less attack points than my Catapult Turtle's defense points."

Illidan only lightly chuckled. "Who said anything about summoning a level six monster? I never planned on using one right now. I plan on using a higher level monster. Now watch as I play Monster Reborn, bringing back my Dark Magician of Chaos (2800/2600 + 500 3100)!" A fiery pentagram then appeared on the field. In the center appeared a blue skinned mage with tight fighting black armor that wielded a mighty staff. Slowly, he rose from the flames. Once fully on the field, he opened his eyes to reveal yellow corneas with red irises. Then he swept his staff in front of him, instantly destroying the flames around him.

"Thanks to my special summoning my Dark Magician of Chaos, I can now return one magic card from my Graveyard, so I choose… my Cost Down!"

Johnson seemed shocked by Illidan picking that card. He then started chuckling, saying "You must be loosing it Mr. Stormrage. You could have brought back Monster Reborn, but instead you decided to get Cost Down. What a fool you are!"

Illidan only smiled and then said "Why bother with Monster Reborn when I can play something better. Now I play Cost Down, and I discard my Perfect Machine King in order to lower the level of all my monsters in my hand by another two stars. Now I summon a powerful monster that I won from Noa. I summon Yamata Dragon (2600/3100 + 500 3600) in attack mode!" Suddenly in a huge blaze appeared on the field and a 12 headed snake appeared.

"It's time I show you just how strong my faith is in my friends Johnson! Dark Magician of Chaos, attack his Catapult Turtle with Chaos Scepter Blast!" The mighty mage then pointed his staff at the reptilian launch pad. He then shot a huge blast of dark energy at the turtle, which was easily blown away by the powerful attack.

"Next I'll invoke my Deck Master's special ability. Dark Magician of Chaos, direct attack his life points with Chaos Slice! This one's for Mai!" Again, the mage brought his staff up into an attack position. He then made a sweeping motion and an energy blade came flying from it. The blade easily struck Johnson, making him slide back a little. Lightening then formed around Johnson and began to strike him. He cried out in pain, screaming in anguish from the torture. Finally, the lightening died down, leaving him smoking in his business suit.

The then chuckled and straightened his glasses. "Is that it Mr. Stormrage?" he said in a confident voice.

Illidan only smiled and said "No, it's not. Now Yamata Dragon, attack him directly with Ancient Flame!" The twelve heads of the snake then opened up. Fire appeared in each mouth and finally each fired their blast. The flames combined to become a large flaming ball. The blast struck Johnson, making him yet again slide back. Then the lightening started forming, instantly shocking him greatly. Johnson cried out in pain, but finally the bolts died down. Johnson was on his knees, still smoking.

Slowly, he rose and smiled, saying "That was interesting, but I'm far from done Mr. Stormrage. Have any closing arguments?"

Illidan only chuckled and replied with "In fact, I do. Thanks to Yamata Dragon's special ability, I can now draw till I hold five cards in my hand. Now I draw three new cards. Next I'll set two cards face down. Since I'm ending my move, Yamata Dragon's other special effect kicks in. He returns to my hand at the end phase, so return my dragon!" The large dragon then returned to the card image on Illidan's Duel Disk. Illidan then picked up the card and returned it to his hand.

"That shall end my turn." (Johnson 2100, Illidan 3300)

"Good, cause it's my move. First, I gain 500 life points for drawing thanks to my Solemn Wishes. Next, I gain another 500 life points thanks to my Life Absorbing Machine since I used my Deck Master last turn."

Illidan slightly chuckled. "Almost even now aren't we Johnson?"

Johnson only smirked and said "Not for long though. Now I play Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw 2 new cards, but also I gain 500 life points thanks to my Solemn Wishes. Next I play the magic card known as Poison of the Old Man. This magic card grants me yet another 1200 life points."

Marie only let out a small gasp as she watched Johnson's life points go up slowly. Now Illidan once again had less life points than Johnson. Now he had 1500 more life points than Illidan.

"Come on Illidan, hang in there." she said silently.

Johnson only laughed as his life points rose to a total of 4800. "Well Mr. Stormrage, you're at a disadvantage once again. Now to drive another nail in your coffin. I summon Granadora (1900/700 + 500 1200) in attack mode." A monster with an odd looking face appeared. It looked like a huge lizard with large spikes sticking out of it in odd places.

"Now Granadora's special effect kicks in. When summoned, I gain 1000 life points." The monster started glowing with a white light, which caused Johnson's life points to increase by 1000.

"It's time I put you in your place Mr. Stormrage. I pay 1000 life points to activate my Deck Master's special ability, which as you know is called Clear the Courtroom!" Johnson's life point counter then dropped by 1000. This triggered the bolts of lightening. They began to sizzle on Johnson's body, causing him to scream out in pain. Finally, the bolts died down, leaving a smoking Johnson. Part of his suit was slightly even burnt this time.

He smiled and straightened his glasses. He then proceeded to say "Well, now that that's over, Judge Man, blow away Illidan's pathetic Dark Magician of Chaos with Clear the Courtroom!" The powerful judge then threw his gavel at the mage. The mage was easily struck and yelled in pain as he was blown away. Illidan growled lightly as his favorite monster was taken down.

"Now for Clear the Courtroom's second effect. You lose 500 life points due to that move." bragged Johnson. Illidan's life points then dropped and sweat formed on his forehead. He knew that meant one of his friends was about to suffer more torture.

"I shall choose Joey himself to suffer this pain, muwhahaha!" said Johnson as he pointed at Joey himself.

Bolts of lightening began to form around Joey then. Joey yelled in agony as he was struck repeatedly by the bolts. Finally, the bolts of lightening died down. Joey was twitching still from the electricity.

He finally looked up with half glazed eyes and said "You can still win Illidan! I believe in you!" Illidan nodded while Johnson laughed.

"You win? You should be more concerned about how you'll be spending your days in the Shadow Realm! Now Granadora, attack him directly with Spike Tail Strike!" The huge lizard then charged Illidan.

Illidan only chuckled. "What's so funny Mr. Stormrage?" asked Johnson.

Illidan only laughed again and said "Your foolishness Johnson. It's unbelievable that you'd attack me when I have two face down cards. Now I reveal my trap, Waboku! This will protect my life points for this turn." Three female mages in blue then appeared. They held out their hands and the lizard stopped in it's tracks, being forced back to Johnson's side of the field.

Johnson slightly growled and said "I end my move then. Give it your best shot Mr. Stormrage." (Johnson 4800, Illidan 2800)

Looking at his deck, Illidan only hoped something good would appear. He drew his card and brought it up to look at it. He let out a gasp when he saw The Winged Dragon of Ra was the card he had picked up. He then looked at his field and hand. He had Blade Knight in his hand, but summoning him wouldn't help too much. He had a face down card as well, but it wouldn't be enough to help summon Ra.

Illidan needed at least three monsters to summon Ra. He could only muster one to two monsters at this point. Illidan sighed, but then realized he did have another option. This option though was dangerous and would cause his friends pain. "If I used my Deck Master to bring back Dark Magician of Chaos, I could return Monster Reborn, and then I'd be able to summon my three monsters. But if I use my Deck Master, I'll loose 1000 life points, and with my friends receiving the damage, I can't take that risk."

He sighed once again and looked up at his friends on the wall with a sorrowful look. He couldn't dare ask them to make that kind of sacrifice. He would have to find another way.

Suddenly, Illidan heard a mental calling that sounded like Joey's voice. It said "DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP NOW ILLIDAN!"

Illidan looked up to see Joey concentrating. It then hit Illidan. It was his mental link that him and Yami had set up before the final 10-way duel. It was still there, he'd just forgotten about it.

Illidan then concentrated and said back over the link "I can't do it though Joey. If I do, one of you all will get hurt. I don't want to accidentally hurt, or even possibly kill one of you. I couldn't forgive myself for doing that on purpose."

Joey replied back with "Illidan, if you don't fight with all you have, we'll be destroyed before you even get to Gozaburo. We want you to win, even if it does cost us pain, and possibly even our lives. Once you win that crown, you can fix all this, but it takes you winning in order to do that. So that means you have to beat this slime of a lawyer! Do what you have to do in order to win this duel!"

Illidan realized Joey was right. In order to fight Gozaburo, he had to defeat this associate. That meant doing whatever it took to win this duel. That was the worst part though, seeing how he hated to hurt his friends.

He thought for a moment and finally replied to Joey over the link with "Alright, I'll fight as hard as I can. I'll do what I can."

Joey replied with "You'd better, or we'll all kick your butt for not trying."

Illidan then returned his focus back to the duel. Johnson was impatiently tapping his foot.

"Are you going to take your turn today or not!" he said in an irritated voice.

Illidan looked at his hand and decided to make his move.

"Here goes. First I invoke my Deck Master's second special ability. At a cost of 1000 life points, I can revive my Dark Magician of Chaos from my Removed From Play pile."

Johnson only let loose a volley of laughter. "You'd actually give up life points, even though you know the consequences?"

Illidan sadly nodded his head.

"You're a fool!" declared Johnson then.

Illidan only then said "I give up my 1000 life points now."

"Very foolish Mr. Stormrage. Now the one that shall suffer for your foolishness is Marie!" Johnson declared while pointing a finger at her.

Illidan could only watch in horror as lightening bolts then formed around her, shocking her greatly. She screamed in pain, trying hard to withstand the bolts. Finally, the lightening subsided, but she was panting. Smoke was slightly pouring off her as her body slightly twitched from the electrical strikes.

She then looked up at Illidan and said "You can do it Illidan! I believe in you!"

Illidan nodded and then turned his attention back to the duel. "Marie's sacrifice wasn't in vain, for now I special summon my Dark Magician of Chaos (2800/2600 + 500 3100)!" The mighty mage in black armor then reappeared on the field.

"Now thanks to his return, I can return one magic card from my Graveyard, and I choose Monster Reborn! Next I play Monster Reborn, resurrecting a monster that you have no right to use at all! I bring back Guardian Angel Joan (2800/2000 + 500 2500)!"

Johnson only opened his mouth in shock as the powerful pink skinned angel reappeared on the field, except it was on Illidan's side this time.

"That's not all though Johnson. I now reveal my face down trap card, Call of the Haunted. I use this to resurrect the powerful monster I won from Keith. I revive Perfect Machine King (2700/1500 + 500 2000)!" The huge machine monster then made it's appearance on the field. It let loose a mechanical groan, which caused Johnson to slightly tremble.

"One more thing Johnson. It's time now that I demonstrate to your boss that I do have what it takes to face him. I sacrifice Dark Magician of Chaos, Guardian Angel Joan, and Perfect Machine King to summon the most powerful Egyptian God Card, The Winged Dragon of Ra (2800 + 2800 + 2700 8300/3100 + 2500 + 2000 7600)!" The tower seemed to shake at this declaration. All three monsters then glowed and disappeared.

Suddenly, a blinding light then formed on the field. Slowly, through the darkness of the Shadow Realm lowered a large sphere of light. Johnson was standing there in shock and trembled with fear at this sight.

"Now I shall release Ra from that sphere to help me win this duel." Illidan said. He then closed his eyes and remembered the chant to summon Ra.

Slowly, he said "Great Beast of the sky please hear my cry, transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight. Envelope the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my foe. Appear in this shadow game as I call your name... Winged Dragon of Ra!" The huge sphere then began to transform as Illidan was reciting the chant. Slowly, the powerful Egyptian God made his appearance, finally fully unlocked from the sphere. It roared loudly at Johnson, striking terror into his heart.

"It's time I finish this duel once and for all. Farewell Johnson. Winged Dragon of Ra, attack Johnson's Granadora with your Blaze Cannon!" The large dragon roared as a ball of energy formed on it's back. Slowly, the energy transferred to his mouth and the huge blast began to form in Ra's mouth. Then Ra finally built up his power enough and spat the huge blast at the spiked lizard. The lizard was instantly blown away by Ra's awesome power.

The remainder of the blast then struck Johnson, causing him to scream in pain. At the same time, the rules of the Shadow Game kicked in, causing lightening to form around him as well. In essence, he was getting a double whammy. Johnson was screaming rather loudly till finally the flames of Ra's attack ended. About that time, the lightening finally stopped sizzling him. When the smoke cleared, there on the floor was Johnson, but his clothes were ripped, and it appeared he had metal.

"What is that?" Illidan asked in true curiosity.

Slowly, the remains of Johnson's body rose. There stood a robot like Johnson. It appeared like half of his face was missing and what was left was a robot's face.

Johnson only laughed and said with a metallic voice "What, does this frighten you Mr. Stormrage?"

Illidan was truly freaked out by the look.

Gozaburo only laughed though from his throne. "It appears you've failed me again Johnson. You know the price you must pay now." Gozaburo said with an evil grin on his face.

Johnson panicked and tried to explain himself, but before he could, he was grabbed by the darkness of the Shadow Realm. Slowly, he was dragged into the darkness, fully disappearing. Gozaburo only laughed evilly as Johnson finally slipped into the shadows.

"Well done Illidan. I see you can summon all three Egyptian God Cards. That is excellent to see. You will face your opponent tomorrow still though." Gozaburo said with a semi-pleased look on his face.

Illidan only had a stern look on his face. "How about you face me now so we can finish this up? Enough of this pussy footing around. I want my friends free, so face me now!" demanded Illidan.

Gozaburo only laughed and said "No, I'll make you wait a bit longer, muwhahahaha!"

Suddenly the Shadow Realm started fading away then. Illidan watched as all his friends were fading away with the Shadow Realm. He looked up at Marie and longed to have her free.

"I LOVE YOU MARIE! I WILL FREE YOU SOON!" he cried out to her.

She nodded and replied with tears in her eyes "I love you too Illidan. I know you'll free us all!"

Then she faded away. Gozaburo only laughed at Illidan who was nearly heartbroken that Marie was gone again. He turned angrily towards Gozaburo who was already lowering himself into the tower.

"YOU'LL FACE ME SOON ENOUGH GOZABURO, AND THEN YOU'LL PAY FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE TO THEM ALL!" he screamed at Gozaburo.

Gozaburo only let loose an insane laughter as he slowly disappeared. Then the remaining two associates and the judge stepped onto the other platform and were lowered in as well.

Illidan then slowly walked to the elevator and went back to his room.