Chapter 139

Illidan stared at Gozaburo with a look of pure determination. At all costs, Illidan knew he had to win, no matter what. Letting Gozaburo win and take over the world was not an option. Even if it was at the cost of losing Marie, Illidan seemed determined to end this one way or another.

Illidan then clenched his right hand tight, knowing he was about to win, and to finish Gozaburo off once and for all. Still, it was hard to do, knowing that Marie would fall with him. He then hid his eyes underneath his bangs as tears began to form in the corner of his eyes. He was realizing now what he would have to do in order to finish Gozaburo. He knew he had no choice though. If he gave up, it was over for the world. Still, this didn't make it any easier for him to know that if he didn't give up, Marie would disappear into the Shadow Realm.

Finally drawing up what courage he had, he then looked up at Gozaburo with a look that said it all. It was a look of pure determination to do what he knew was right.

With that pure determination clearly in his voice, he then said "Now you will answer for all those souls you destroyed. Dark Magician of Chaos, attack Anubis, The God of Life and Death with Chaos Scepter Blast!" Gozaburo watched wide eyed as the powerful mage then pointed his staff at the Egyptian God. The mage's aura then began to flare up. The dark energy surrounding him continued to glow as power began to pour into his staff.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS! I WILL NOT LOSE TO THE LIKES OF YOU ILLIDAN STORMRAGE!" screamed Gozaburo.

Illidan only replied with "It's over Gozaburo. Now Dark Magician of Chaos, finish it and set the others free!"

At last, the mage had enough power to finish the job. He then took aim with his staff and fired a powerful blast of dark energy at Anubis. Anubis stood his ground and didn't do a thing as he was hit by the powerful blast. The blast engulfed Anubis completely on contact and yet there was no reaction from Anubis. The Egyptian God just stood there like a statue still till he was finally obliterated.

Gozaburo then felt the backwash of the blast as it struck him, making him fall to his knees. His final life point then ran out, thus ending the duel. As he fell to his knees and his life points had run out, his eyes seemed to change.

Once he was down, the judge then cleared his throat and said "The winner of this duel is Illidan Stormrage!"

Illidan didn't care about that though. He quickly ran over to where what was left of Marie was. Tears were filling his eyes, for he knew she'd be gone soon.

Gozaburo then let out a scream, which made everyone that was left look over. He stood, screaming "WHAT HAVE I DONE?"

Illidan suddenly realized what it was that had happened. "He has finally broken free of the crown's evil. It only took him five millennia, but he finally did it. I guess the thought of Marie finally being destroyed by his own hands has finally sunk in."

Gozaburo then looked up at Marie and saw her slowly fading into the Shadows. He then screamed "I won't harm Marie! Hear me now Shadows, I change the rules! Instead of taking Marie, take me!"

The Shadow Realm seemed to answer quickly as it released it's grasp on Marie, thus restoring her body. The bonds holding her to the wall then released her and she fell into Illidan's waiting arms. Illidan looked at her, knowing she was exhausted from this whole ordeal. She was awake, but barely.

Then both looked up to see that Gozaburo had begun to fade away into the Shadows.

His face then softened and he said "I'm sorry Marie. I know I've never had a chance to win your love, but this is my last gesture of my love for you that I could give to you. Remember, I shall always love you!"

Then his body completely disappeared with those last words, causing the Millennium Crown to land on the ground with a loud clang. As he disappeared, all of the people that had been on the wall reappeared on the wall.

Yami exclaimed "YUGI! You're back!"

Slowly, each of their friends reappeared. Illidan smiled at the fact that they were all back. Each one then cheered on Illidan, realizing it was he that set them free. He only looked around while holding Marie in his arms.

Finally, the bonds holding them to the wall disappeared and each dropped to the floor. Most of the group landed gracefully on their feet, if not on their knees, but Joey fell on his butt for comic relief. Everyone couldn't help but laugh, and even Seto let a smile pass over his face. Joey got up rubbing his rump in order to sooth the pain.

During the commotion, Illidan saw Yugi and Yami become one once again, thus meaning their spirits had re-intertwined.

As well, the darkness of the Shadow Realm then faded away, revealing a beautiful sunset.

As everyone looked up and enjoyed the sun light, Illidan then knew that there was one more thing left. That's when everyone then looked at the Millennium Crown that was left on the ground. Beside the crown laid the fourth Egyptian God Card, Anubis, The God of Life and Death. Illidan continued to stare at both, knowing that he had one last thing to do before it was truly over.

He then turned to Yami and said "Do you think you can take care of Marie while I take care of this?"

Yami nodded slowly, replying with "Yes, I can. Be careful Illidan. You yourself said that thing was dangerous. Don't let it take you over!"

Illidan nodded and gently laid Marie on the ground. She stared at him with sad, pleading brown eyes. Illidan knew what she was going to say, and gently kissed her. Then he gently said "It's alright. I promise I'll be back." She slightly nodded as he stood.

Illidan then slowly walked over to where the Millennium Crown laid. Cautiously, he placed a hand on the crown, feeling the evil that surrounded it. He then began to invoke the power of his Millennium Key in order to combat the evil. Then he slowly picked it up with one hand. He was barely able to hold it. The veil of evil surrounding the crown was so thick. Slowly, Illidan looked within the crown for the seal he had created.

Upon finding it, he then yelled out "Millennium Crown, I now activate the power that was sealed away within you long ago! I have won a duel against the man who wielded you, and I beat him using the three Egyptian Gods, thus releasing your power! Now, hear my wish!"

The crown then glowed golden, knowing it had no choice but to respond to whatever wish Illidan had. Illidan still held tight to the crown, trying hard to not let go. The evil escaping from the crown was extremely powerful, but he dared not to let go.

When he felt the crown was ready, he then said "Now for the wish I want. I wish for the Shadow Magic within the Millennium Crown to be completely destroyed!"

The crown seemed to reluctantly glow and Illidan dropped it to the floor. The Millennium Crown then began to glow brighter and brighter. The evil aura surrounding it then became apparent by a dark black glow. It twisted around the crown and seemed to slowly be fading. Little by little, the darkness surrounding the crown dissipated, till finally the darkness vanished. With that, the Millennium Crown then let out one last bright golden glow and then grew dark. As it grew dark, the crown then shattered into many pieces.

Illidan slowly walked over to the broken pieces, examining them to make sure the evil that had once inhabited the Millennium Crown was gone once and for all. Slowly, he picked up a piece and examined it close up. At last satisfied that the Millennium Crown was truly gone, he threw the piece back down. He then stooped over and picked up the fourth Egyptian God Card. He stared at it for a moment and turned to the others, saying "It's finished. The Millennium Crown is no more."

With those words, he then finally succumbed to his lack of energy and passed out.

Before he could hit the floor though, Joey and Tristan caught Illidan, with Joey saying "Well, he sure is exhausted."

Yami only chuckled, saying "It's no wonder. After all, he just stood up to the most powerful Egyptian God Card ever, as well as fought a tough Shadow Game. He deserves a good long rest."

Yami then looked down at Marie, seeing that when Illidan had passed out, she had as well. Gently, the two were then packed back inside of the tower and placed in their rooms to rest and recover.

Two days later, Illidan finally reawakened to find what he thought was an angel sitting beside his bed. In his own mind, it was, for it was Marie sitting there. She smiled at seeing that he was finally awake.

He smiled back and mumbled "This is a change. Usually it's me waiting for you to awaken."

She couldn't help but laugh at him, and say "I figured it was time for a change I guess. After all, I can't be knocked out all the time and have you waiting on me your whole life."

Illidan could only chuckle and say "True."

Slowly, he then sat up in the bed. He glanced around and noticed they were still in the Duel Tower. Looking around the room, he saw his Duel Disk and deck were in their usual spot, and now another card was beside of his deck. Slowly, he realized that more than likely, it was the fourth God Card.

Illidan then stretched out and said "So, how long was I out? A few hours?"

Marie only laughed at his comment and said "It's been two days." Illidan only chuckled at this.

"Figures." he finally said.

She smiled and then picked up some clothes that were piled next to the bed. She then handed them to him, saying "Here are some clothes for you to wear. I figured I'd have some ready for whenever you'd wake up."

He gladly took them and slowly stood. As he stood, he slowly tried to figure out if he had anything on. Looking down, he saw he had on his shorts that he slept in all the time on still. He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he didn't just show his body by accident.

Marie only giggled, knowing what he was thinking. He then headed towards the bathroom.

Before he got there, he stopped and looked over his shoulder and said "I'm going to take a shower. I'll be back soon. Wait for me."

She smiled and said "I will, I promise." Illidan smiled and then entered.

About twenty minutes later, he came out feeling clean yet again and in his fresh clean clothes. He then walked in to find Marie still waiting for him, and a bowl of Ramen Noodles. He smiled, realizing she had fixed him a bowl, knowing that he'd be hungry.

Hungrily, he ate them as Marie started talking about what had happened after she woke up the day before.

It seemed that Seto and Mokuba, along with Noa, were working on something on the island. The others had taken the time to catch up on things, and some used the time to practice dueling with one another. When he finally finished, Illidan placed his bowl in his sink.

Then he turned to Marie and said "So, where is Yugi?"

She looked at him with her gorgeous brown eyes and said "He is on the top of the Duel Tower, waiting for you."

Illidan nodded and then picked up his deck and Duel Disk. Then he grabbed the fourth Egyptian God Card and placed it on top of his deck, and then slid his deck in his pocket.

Then he turned to her and said "I'm headed up there. There is something I have to do before we leave this island."

She nodded and walked over to Illidan, placing a small kiss on his cheek, saying "I know. Remember, I love you."

Illidan then returned the kiss with one on her lips. It was more of a chastising kiss than anything and said "I know, and I love you as well. I'll be back soon."

With that, he turned and left the room. Slowly, he wandered down the hallway to the elevator. Finally reaching it, he entered and headed for the top floor. Once arriving, he slowly walked out to see Yugi standing on the opposite side of the tower. He was looking off into the distance, like he was trying to see something in specific.

Illidan then walked out of the elevator and towards Yugi. Yugi then said "Good to see you're up Illidan. I was wondering when you'd wake up."

Yugi then turned around and had a smile on his face. His violet eyes showed so much innocence. You'd never guess by the way he looked and how kind his eyes were that he was a person who had immense power within himself and was one of the fiercest duelists out in the world.

Illidan smiled and slowly walked to Yugi, saying "Well, I needed a good nap. Haven't had one in five millennia after all."

Yugi could only laugh as Yami appeared beside him in spirit form.

Yami appeared smiling at Illidan, and then said "I'm glad you're alright. I'm very grateful to you for saving the world Illidan, and for saving all of us. I know it was hard to do, but you did the right thing."

Illidan nodded and said "I knew I had to save the world and you all, even at the cost of what I wanted. Also, I know it's what Marie would have wanted too, as bad as I like to admit it. At least in the end, Gozaburo returned to his true self and freed Marie from harm. For that, I will forever be in debt to him over."

Yami nodded at this comment. Illidan then took his deck out of it's holder and sorted through it for four cards.

Then he said "Here, these are yours I believe."

Illidan handed all four Egyptian God Cards to Yugi. Yugi took them and looked at all four, marveling at them. He smiled as Yami stared at the four as well. Slowly though, Yami picked up one of the four from Yugi's hand and handed it to Illidan.

"This one belongs to you Illidan." Yami kindly said. Illidan looked at the card Yami had handed him and saw it was Anubis.

Illidan looked puzzled and then said "Are you sure Yami? You are after all the pharaoh, and should be the one to have all four."

Yami lightly chuckled and said "I'm sure. Anubis is yours to command Illidan. I only need the three to help awaken my memories of ancient times. Without them, I won't be able to do it, but I never needed Anubis to do this. That is why I wish for you to keep Anubis. Plus, I would feel safer it was with you."

Illidan nodded and then said "What about the others Millennium Items?"

Yami smiled and said "Marik returned the Millennium Rod to me, so that is not a problem. As for your Millennium Key, Marie's Millennium Necklace, Bakura's Millennium Ring, and Shadi's Millennium Scales, I'm not worried. The spirit of the Millennium Ring is safely trapped for now thanks to you, and I'm sure if I need the other three items from the three of you, I'm sure you'd be willing to allow me to borrow them."

Illidan nodded and said "Very well then."

"ILLIDAN STORMRAGE!"

Yami, Yugi, and Illidan all looked to see Seto Kaiba coming from the tower elevator then. He had been the one who had yelled. Illidan only smiled, knowing what this was about most likely.

"Illidan, I want our title duel now. I demand it!" huffed Seto.

Illidan only chuckled and said "Well, you're asking the wrong person. As of right this moment, I'm relinquishing hold over the World Championship Title to Yugi Moto. That makes him the official new champion. Congratulations Yugi!"

Yugi turned to Illidan with shock on his face. He then said "Huh!"

Illidan only chuckled as Seto then snarled at Yugi, saying "I want a duel for the World Championship when we get back to Domino!"

Yugi sighed and mentally said to Yami "What, for the millionth time again?"

Yami chuckled in their mental link back to Yugi.

Yugi then said "Sure, which works for me. Thanks Illidan."

The last words could definitely be heard with major sarcasm in it. Illidan only laughed at Yugi's little predicament.

Seto then interrupted and said "I'd run along now and prepare to leave the island. We're leaving in two hours, so be ready. If you're not, then the Kaiba Corporation will have no liability on what happens to you."

Illidan stopped laughing and said "What does that mean?"

Yugi then interrupted and said "It means, he's about to blow the island up again, right?"

Seto nodded and said "This time I'll demolish this dump to where it will never be resurfaced! We packed it full of explosives, so I'd get out of here while I still could."

Seto then walked off, leaving a speechless Illidan. "Well, I guess if you can't win, why not blow the arena up." he joked.

Yami and Yugi both laughed and the three of them headed for their rooms. All of the guests to the tower were quickly gathering all their cloths and things up for the ride home.

Before they left the Duel Tower though, Illidan returned the cards he had won from them. Each was very grateful for the return of their long time missing cards. Of course, the exception to the rule was Marik and Seto. Illidan apologized to both, telling them he had given all three God Cards to Yugi. Marik didn't care, but Seto was angry about it.

"Figures you'd stack the deck for my duel with him." he grumpily replied.

Finally, everyone was ready to go at the two hour mark. Illidan stood there with his duffle bag and was holding Marie's hand. He took one last look at the tower and then back at Marie.

He then said "Things will now hopefully be back to normal now."

Marie giggled and said "Why would you want them normal? After all, we're only a star struck set of lovers from five millennia ago. We'll never be normal."

Illidan couldn't help but laugh at that and together, hand in hand, they walked onto the ferry that was preparing to leave. Once they were about a mile away from the tower, they saw a ferocious explosion that engulfed the entire island and made it completely disappear into the sea, once and for all.

Illidan then looked at Marie and hugged her. He then remembered a quote that he had once heard Yami say when they were married in ancient times. He had said "My friends, always remember, time may turn the pages of life, but it is we that make life what it is! The greatest gift we can find in life is love, and love, it is immune to time!"

Staring at the beautiful woman he was now in love with, he realized how true it was. "I love you Marie, and no amount of time can ever change that." he whispered softly in her ear.

She then softly whispered back "I love you too Illidan, and I shall always be with you."