Chapter 132

Illidan looked at his deck and hoped something good was about to come up. He needed something in order to knock Gozaburo's life points completely out. Slowly, he drew and then looked at the card. He was shocked at the card he held. He grinned, knowing this might help Marie more than anything else he could say or do.

"Marie, I hope you're listening, because I don't want you to miss this. Now I sacrifice my Perfect Machine King and Cyber Harpie Lady in order to summon Marie's favorite monster. I summon Tyrant Dragon (2900/2500)!" The large machine monster and the lady bird disappeared and a huge orange dragon appeared. It roared as it spread its wings.

It then stared straight at Marie and roared again, seemingly saying "WAKE UP!" Marie's eyes went wide, for she saw the monster that had been her own soul monster.

Something inside of her sparked, as memories of the past flooded into her. She remembered when she had just started training back in ancient times. Illidan had showed her his soul monster, his Dark Magician of Chaos, and told her she probably had a soul monster as well. She was looking along a wall that had all the monsters carved into stone when she saw the large dragon on that wall.

She had asked Illidan what monster that was, and he simply said "That my dear Marie is a monster known as Tyrant Dragon. It's a rather powerful dragon, even stronger than my Dark Magician of Chaos. The problem is it's choosy with who controls it. Few here in Egypt can control it. Even I have had trouble trying to summon and control it. I can summon it, but controlling it is difficult."

She stared at the carving for a moment, and finally said "That dragon seems to be calling out to me."

Illidan was shocked by that comment, and said "Possibly it wishes for you to be its master. It could be your soul monster, but who knows. It's a strong monster is the problem, so I'd wait a while before trying to summon it."

She did wait, for almost three years. Finally, desperate in her duel against Illidan to get on the Shadow Court, she tried summoning Tyrant Dragon. Everyone had thought she was far too weak to, but she proved she wasn't. That day she successfully summoned that monster, and defeated Illidan's own Dark Magician of Chaos with it.

Then she remembered that it was only a few days later that Illidan declared his love for her, and she declared hers for him. Suddenly, memories of times with Illidan started filling up her head. Memories of Illidan showing his love for her began to appear.

Slowly, it made her realize that she was being controlled by Gozaburo. This caused her to try and break free of Gozaburo's control. She struggled against the sheer might of the Millennium Crown, calling forth all the power within her Millennium Necklace. About this time, Gozaburo realized what Illidan had done. He had tried to set Marie free again from his control.

Growling, he screamed "SHE ISN'T YOURS ANYMORE ILLIDAN, SO LEAVE HER ALONE!"

With the power of his Millennium Crown, he began to force his way back into Marie's mind. Marie screamed in pain as Gozaburo was attempting to retake control of her mind.

Rather than stand for this, Illidan powered up his Millennium Key and entered her mind as well. There he saw Gozaburo attempting to encircle her mind with his darkness as he had before. Quickly, like last time, Illidan ran into the darkness and found Marie, who was desperately trying to keep herself from being taken control of by pouring out a light energy.

Illidan quickly pulled her into his arms and said "Don't be afraid Marie, it's me."

She slowly brought her own hands up to his arms and felt them, making sure it was him. "Illidan, I'm so scared. I can't fight him off. Get out of here while you still can!"

Illidan shook his head and said "No, I won't leave you in this torment. Together we can get him out of your mind. Are you with me?"

She thought for a second before finally she said "Yes, I am."

Illidan then powered up his Millennium Key again and began to make a barrier of light. Slowly, he pushed Gozaburo's darkness back as he had before. Marie then joined him, allowing her power to flare from her Millennium Necklace. Slowly, the two pushed Gozaburo's darkness back further and further, till they couldn't push no further. Gozaburo growled in frustration and called forth all the power in his Millennium Crown, pushing the darkness in closer and closer to the two.

"I CAN'T HOLD HIM MUCH LONGER ILLIDAN! I'm so sorry!" Marie cried out to Illidan.

It was all Illidan could do though to hold his own barrier up, and he knew once she gave out, they'd be finished.

Struggling to summon all his power, he screamed "I WON'T LET HIM HURT YOU ANYMORE!"

Marie then saw Illidan stand and pour all his power out in a magnificent display. His power flared out, banishing a good bit of the darkness in her mind, but it was costly to him. As soon as he had pushed all the darkness back, his power began to crumble. Marie watched in horror as Illidan went to one knee beside her. He no longer had enough power to save them.

Horrified, Marie realized this was it, but then Illidan said "Don't give up… You can still do it. You can beat him, I know it!"

She looked at him in shock, but didn't have long to stare. Suddenly Gozaburo's darkness lashed out against the small barrier of light she had. It struck it, nearly destroying it. She tried to continue to hold it up, but it wasn't much use. She suddenly then realized both her and Illidan would be destroyed if she didn't do something quick. She had so much left to do with Illidan though. She couldn't give up, but things weren't looking good. As she felt the darkness closing in, she felt his hand find hers. Looking down, she saw him give a slight smile at her. Suddenly it just happened like before. Her power began to flare out, forcing the darkness to back away.

Gozaburo realized suddenly what was happening. Her hidden power was coming out of hiding as it had always done in desperate times. Then without warning, her power doubled, pushing all the darkness out of her mind and forcing Gozaburo to take a feedback blast. He dizzily stepped back as his mind was sent reeling.

In Marie's mind, Illidan then stood up with Marie's help. The two looked at one another, and Illidan hugged her, and said "I'm so thankful you're alright." She returned the hug, with tears in her eyes.

She then said "Thank you for saving me. Now, you still have something left to do."

Illidan slowly released his hug on her. He looked in her eyes, knowing what was left to do. "I know… I just wish I didn't have to do it…" he said sadly.

Marie then looked at him with tears in her own eyes. "Illidan, I understand. Do what you know you have to do. Remember, I can be saved after you win, but the others can't be saved if you lose. Save them all, and save the world. And remember one thing always. I will always love you, forever and always."

Tears slightly fell from his eyes as he said "I will always love you forever and always as well. I promise, no matter what, I'll find a way to bring you back." He then gently kissed her, and then left the presence of her mind.

Returning to his body on the field, he then looked up to see Marie finally free from Gozaburo's control. She nodded to him, letting him know what to do. "Gozaburo, you're finished! Tyrant Dragon, attack Exodia Necross with Tyrant Flame!" called out Illidan. The powerful orange dragon roared and let loose a huge stream of fire from his mouth at the large black monster. Moans of pain could be heard from Exodia Necross as the fire scorched his skin. Once the fire was over though, Exodia Necross still stood tall.

"Now Tyrant Dragon's special ability is activated. Due that there is one monster on the field, Tyrant Dragon can attack again! Tyrant Dragon, attack his face down monster with Tyrant Flame!" Gozaburo looked up as the large dragon let loose yet another stream of hot fire at his face down monster. Gozaburo had now recovered from his feedback and grinned evilly as the card image was smashed. Out of the image came a woman in black robes. She looked like Gravekeeper's Curse, except female.

Gozaburo only laughed and said "You've attacked my Gravekeeper's Spy (1200 + 500 1700/2000 + 500 2500), which has an effect. When she's flipped face up, I'm allowed to special summon one Gravekeeper from my deck with 1500 or less attack points in either attack or defense mode! And I choose another Gravekeeper's Curse (1300/1300) in defense mode!" Suddenly another man in black robes appeared. He then glowed and focused the glow into his hands, which he pointed at Illidan.

"As you remember Illidan, Gravekeeper's Curse automatically reduces your life points by 500 thanks to it's special summoning. Also, you lose 300 more due to Dark Room of Nightmare!" bragged Gozaburo. Suddenly the blast in the man's hand fired directly at Illidan, striking him hard and making him fall to one knee.

Gozaburo only laughed manically and said "Now the roulette activates! Let's see which two shall go to the Shadow Realm!"

The flaming sphere started to slowly circle the field. Little by little, it slowed down after it's first round. Finally, it stopped on Noa. Everyone let out a bit of a gasp, for they knew Noa was Gozaburo's son.

Gozaburo sneered at Noa and said "Well, well son, it's your turn to go. If you hadn't betrayed me, you could have helped rule this new world I'm creating. Too bad you were such a fool. Now be gone you traitor!"

Noa screamed in pain as he was slowly dissolved. Before he was gone, he looked down at Illidan and screamed "TAKE HIM DOWN ILLIDAN!" Illidan nodded as Noa smiled as he finally disappeared.

Once he was gone, the roulette began again. Slowly, it circled the field till it stopped right on Duke.

Serenity cried out "Oh no, not Duke!"

Duke then began to disappear, letting out a small scream of pain as he slowly faded away. He then called down to Illidan and said "You can win Illidan! I know you can."

Illidan nodded and said "I will, and I will get you back. I give my word."

Duke nodded and then said to Serenity, who had tears in her eyes "Don't cry Serenity. I'll be back before you know it with Illidan on the job. Goodbye till then."

Finally, he faded into the Shadow Realm, making Serenity sob even more. Illidan then turned his attention to a smiling Gozaburo. "Forget about my attack? Now Tyrant Dragon destroys your pathetic Gravekeeper's Spy!" called out Illidan. The fire stream then struck the monster, instantly incinerating it.

Gozaburo only shrugged. "I didn't need her. Besides, she served her purpose."

Illidan only said "You're going to pay for what you did to Noa and Duke! Now my Deck Master's special ability kicks in, allowing Tyrant Dragon to attack again. Tyrant Dragon, attack Gravekeeper's Curse with Tyrant Flame!" Yet another stream of fire poured out of the orange dragon's mouth, instantly vaporizing the weaker black robed man.

"That's not all Gozaburo. Now Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon, attack Exodia Necross with Flash Flare Blast! This one is for Noa!" screamed Illidan. The metal dragon then took aim and fired a powerful beam out of it's mouth.

As the blast neared, Illidan said "By the way, Metalmorph now grants my dragon half of your Exodia Necross's attack points when he attacks (2700 + 1150 3850/2300)!" The beam grew stronger in color as it neared.

Finally, it struck the large black monster, making it cry out in pain as Gozaburo went to his knees. Marie screamed out in pain as part of her body disappeared again, but she tried to stay strong. She knew how hard it was for Illidan to do this, so she would do all she could to stay strong for him.

After the smoke cleared, Illidan then said "I end my turn." (Gozaburo 2050, Illidan 5700)

Gozaburo then drew and smiled evilly. "My Exodia Necross now gains 500 additional attack points (2800/0) thanks to my Standby Phase." The large black monster then glowed with a black like light as it's strength increased.

"Now I'll place one monster in defense mode. Exodia Necross, attack his pathetic Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon with Obliteration Punch!" The large black monster let out a roar and lurched forward.

It prepared to strike the large metal dragon when Illidan smiled. "I don't think so Gozaburo! I reveal my trap card known as Draining Shield! This trap allows me to negate your attack, then add the attack points of your monster to my life points!" Suddenly a huge shield appeared in front of the metal dragon. The large black monster struck the shield, causing the shield to absorb all the damage. Once it did that, it began to glow. Then the glow flew over to Illidan, increasing his points.

"Since I just increased my life points by 2800, I now have 8400 life points! That means all the people you just sent to the Shadow Realm now return!" With that, Keith, Odion, Mokuba, Tristan, Noa, and Duke all returned to their positions on the wall where they had been hanging. Each gasped for air, as they finally realized they were back in the game.

"Way to go Illidan!" called out Yugi.

Tears were misting in Marik's eyes as he said "Thank you Illidan."

Illidan nodded and said "I won't let my friends down. I promise that I will keep you all safe!"

Gozaburo only chuckled, saying "That's a promise you'll soon break Illidan. Now I place one card face down. That ends my move." (Gozaburo 2050, Illidan 8500)

Illidan then drew his card. He stared at his Precious Cards from Beyond magic card. "Good card, bad time to draw it though." "I place two cards face down…"

Gozaburo then interjected, saying "I activate the face down card Light of Intervention! This trap card now flips all face down monsters face up. And the monster I set was Morphing Jar (700/600)!" A jar then appeared on the field. Inside of it was a creature with one eye, and then it popped out of the jar, making an odd noise.

"Being flipped up instantly activates his special effect. Now we must discard our hand and draw 5 new cards each. Since you have none, it was no problem, but I must discard Gravekeeper's Watcher. Now draw your five cards Illidan!"

Illidan drew quickly, receiving Dark Magician of Chaos, Graceful Charity, Luster Dragon, The Creator, and most surprisingly, Slifer the Sky Dragon. Illidan eyed it, knowing that Slifer could help him win this duel. "It's still my move Gozaburo, so I next play Graceful Charity, allowing me to draw 3 new cards, as long as I discard 2 from my hand."

Illidan drew his Change of Heart, Harpie's Feather Duster, and Magic Cylinder. Smiling, Illidan knew then that he had a shot to finish things off here and now. "Now I discard my Dark Magician of Chaos and Luster Dragon…"

Gozaburo lightly chuckled and said "Thanks to you playing a magic card, I gained 500 life points due to my Spell Absorption! Thank you Illidan, muwhahaha!" Slowly, a small piece of Marie's body returned thanks to the point boost.

Illidan slightly growled and said "Next I play the magic card Harpie's Feather Duster, which instantly destroys every magic and trap card on your field!" A huge feather then appeared and blew a gust of wind at Gozaburo's field. Every magic and trap card then instantly blew away. Suddenly the valley image was destroyed thanks to the gust.

Gozaburo only shrugged, saying "I didn't need those cards anyways. Hurry up and finish."

Illidan only smirked. "Careful what you ask for. Now I reveal my face down card, Precious Cards from Beyond! This card activates whenever I make two or more sacrifices. It allows me to draw 2 more cards after the successful summoning. Next I play Change of Heart, allowing me to take control of one of your monsters. And I choose your Exodia Necross!"

Gozaburo stood there in shock as his powerful monster switched sides. All he could do was watch in horror as his monster stared at him.

Illidan let out a small chuckle, saying "Now to put into the motion your end. I now sacrifice Tyrant Dragon, Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon, and Exodia Necross to summon the Egyptian God, Slifer the Sky Dragon (2000/2000)!"

Suddenly the Shadow Realm seemed to grow darker as all three monsters disappeared in a flash of light. Then the large red dragon appeared, encircling it's body around the tower itself. It's powerful head then appeared, letting off a mighty roar from it's one set of jaws. Slifer then stared down at Gozaburo. The two had met in ancient times during the rampage of the three Egyptian Gods, and it seemed the two would now get reacquainted.