Welcome back duel fans!

It's the finals, duel number two!

Expect a small bit of OoC in this chapter, mainly because a ship I'm integrating into this story, and something to do with my main character as well.

Disclaimer: RDF1 doesn't own anything in this fic, technically not even the original content.

One more thing: For those that do not know, my general writing style is rewriting canon, changing dialogue to fit my ideas of a story. So if I'm skipping a bunch of dialogue, it's because of who I'm focusing on and how much I want to rattle through the duels themselves, since Dialogue is actually 60 percent of these episodes. I write under the assumption you have seen the show before, so if you haven't, why are you reading this beforehand?

(Chapter Begin)

(Recap)

Yami was severely hesitating at attacking his friend. He didn't deserve this, not to be controlled by the Spirit, let alone Marik, and being injured just added to the insult. His hesitation was so bad, he received a warning from the Official Judge to continue his move or forfeit.

"Yugi, I promise you we'll get him proper care immediately once the duel is done," promised Maria, "Now please, end the duel so Ryou can get some help."

"I might hurt him beyond recovery though, Maria," countered Yami.

"One person vs. the world, Yugi," stated a resigned Maria, taking a deep breath, "It's your move."

One thing that she failed to mention to anyone right now was that she saw both the real Marik and Yami Bakura in spirit form over Ryou. Her Magic may be limited, but given the current situation, she felt the need to use Magic Sight. It came in handy because to many people's shock, including her own, Yami Bakura forcibly took over Ryou's body again, thereby protecting him from further health complications from Slifer's incoming attack.

Yugi seemed to realize this as well, and ordered Slifer to attack, ending the duel.

Bakura: 1200-0

Winner: Yugi Muto

Maria took that cue to contact the doctor onboard.

"Doctor, report to Ryou Bakura's room. Beyond duel exhaustion, he seems to have a fractured if not broken left humerus," informed Maria.

"Understood, Ma'am," replied the Doctor.

While Seto was initially against it, Maria's argument for having a Doctor on board was logical and sound, and given the current circumstances, it was the right move to have a Doctor onboard.

Things were heating up, and the next duel might be even tougher.

(Recap End)

After several minutes, it was determined that Ryou Bakura was in a coma due to the combined stress of the duel, the Evil Bakura, and Slifer taking its toll on him. The Doctor had set him up with an IV Drip and monitor for his vitals. Bakura's friends were still worried, however, and wanted him to be moved to a Hospital. Joey led the group out the door to find Kaiba to get him to land the Blimp so Ryou could be taken to the Hospital. Meeting them in the hallway was Mokuba and Maria, both unimpressed with their actions.

Joey banged on Kaiba's door, against Mokuba's warnings.

"Wheeler, you have five seconds to explain why banging on my door is a good idea," said Kaiba, once he opened his door.

Joey's mind went blank seeing Kaiba so close abruptly.

"I thought so," said Kaiba, "Now, unless you actually have something worth talking about, I believe you need to prepare for your next duel, Wheeler."

"It's about Bakura, Kaiba," said Yugi, trying to keep the peace between the two.

Kaiba sighed and allowed them in, knowing this would be better hashed out at length.

"Yugi, I know what you're going to ask, and I'm afraid I can't do that," explained Kaiba.

"Guys, even though Mr. Kaiba is the host of this tournament and owner of this blimp, he is here as a contestant, nothing more," added Maria, "Even then, I can assure you 100% that Bakura is being given the best of care. Yugi, you and that Evil Bakura weren't in a Shadow Game, so Bakura's soul is safe. And most Hospitals don't have the training the Doctors we have at Kaiba Corp go through. Outside of maybe resources and equipment, which we still have plenty of, there's nothing a Hospital can do for Bakura that we aren't already doing."

This calmed them mostly, but the fact that they can't get Bakura to be safe away from the Blimp is still a bit bothersome.

"Are you sure we can't get him to a Hospital?" asked Serenity.

"The Finals have already started. To Deviate, even for this, would delay those finals. Sorry, Serenity, but there's nothing more to be done at this time," said Kaiba, in an somewhat uncharacteristically nice way, "You are just going to have to trust us that we have the best people to look after him."

(AN1)

Serenity, while still sad, could tell the sincerity in his voice, and nodded while smiling, choosing to believe in him.

Joey was a bit weirded out by this, but given that Bakura was going to be look after to the best of their ability was enough for him. Though he didn't like the way his sister interacted with Kaiba.

After that was sorted out, it was decided that the group would split up. Duke and Tristan would head up to the duel platform and look for the Millennium Ring, something that caught Maria's interest. She did notice that it flew off of Bakura's neck, but if it fell off the blimp entirely, then fate would wield it to its next wearer. Maria headed after the two so they didn't do anything too stupid, like actually fall off the blimp. The paperwork would be a nightmare regardless of legal issues.

When she got up there, she heard both of them arguing, being macho guys and who should get a chance with Serenity. Maria sighed, the idiots aren't going to learn this way. Before she could respond, however, Tristan attempted to tackle Duke, only to trip and nearly send both of them over the side. Maria raced over there to help pull them up, but while neither of the boys were overtly heavy, trying to pull both of them up by herself wasn't actually doable.

"Maria!" called out Tristan, seeing who grabbed onto his hand before he fell over the side with Duke.

"You idiots, we're Four Thousand Feet in the air, and you try to get physical with each other! I have half a mind to just let you two fall!" reprimanded Maria, even though she had no real intention of doing so.

Her strength started to give when she noticed another figure approach her, one very familiar, and yet unknown to her. She looked to her right to see a robed figure kneel next to her and grab Tristan's hand alongside her. Together, the two of them pulled the two stooges back to safety. Though as quickly as he appeared, the robed figure disappeared just as quickly, leaving Maria, and Tristan who had also seen him, confused as to where he went.

(AN2)

"Thanks Maria, that was a close one," said a grateful Duke as the three of them caught their breath.

"Yeah, well, stop trying to be macho next to a four thousand foot drop and it won't have to be a close one," rebutted Maria.

"Blame the male cheerleader," retorted Duke, still feeling a bit petty.

"Why you!" groused Tristan.

"Enough! Neither of you are worthy of Serenity, so shut up about her!" reprimanded Maria, swatting both of them upside the head, "Now, I overheard why you two came up here in the first place. And I'll tell you now, you're not going to find the Millennium Ring up here. It's not here. It's either been found already by someone who doesn't want to say anything, or it fell off, and it's up to fate as to what happens to it next. So let's get you two back downstairs before I decide to lock you two in a room by yourselves."

(AN3)

Duke and Tristan felt a bit dour at that point, but Tristan felt curious about something.

"How exactly do you know it's not up here? We haven't exactly checked every nook and cranny, Maria."

"Let's just say, like the Pharaoh, I have a connection with Egypt and leave it at that. Now, start moving before I hit you two again," replied Maria, before giving them a stern look.

Duke and Tristan gulped while marching back downstairs. When they got there, they met up with Joey, Serenity, and Téa.

"Did you manage to find it?" asked Joey.

"These idiots were too busy arguing and nearly fell off the side," explained Maria.

"Yeah, Maria managed to hold on long enough for this robed guy to help pull us up," added Tristan.

"Wait, really?" asked Téa.

"Yes, I did have help, but he came and went so fast, it's like he teleported," said Maria, pursing her lips. She needed to know why he felt so familiar.

"Teleported? So he wasn't a ghost or something?" asked Joey, a little on edge.

"Nope. Not a ghost, though the Teleporting thing is something I may have to get back to you on," smiled Maria, reassuring Joey, "Oh, Hey Yugi."

"Maria, everyone," said Yami, as he approached the group, "Are you ready for your duel, Joey?"

"Oh yeah! I'm ready to kick some keister!" grinned Joey, excited to be proving his chops.

"You guys go on ahead, I need to ask Yugi something," suggested Maria, giving a pointed look to Yami at that statement.

"We won't be long," said Yami, allowing the others to get a head start.

"Did you have a visitor, Yami?" asked Maria, "I only ask, because the guy who helped me save Tristan and Duke had the Millennium Key around his neck."

"His name is Shadi, and he serves me as Pharaoh, his words, not mine," said Yami, "Additionally, he said all seven Millennium Items are aboard this as are the Three Egyptian God Cards. The fate of the world will be determined by this Tournament."

"Shadi," mused Maria, "He feels familiar, but I know I haven't met him. That aside, let's see if Joey gets picked and how he does."

Yami nodded and reverted back to Yugi as they entered the selection room.

(AN4)

The Selection had the usual fanfare. And as if Maria spoke it into existence, Joey was selected for the next duel, against 'Marik Ishtar', known only to two other people on the vessel as Odion. Also a third who did not know his name, but knew he wasn't the real Marik.

Maria once again joined Kaiba and Mokuba as everyone was prepared to start... except Joey, who was focusing so much on shuffling his deck that he ignored the judge of the duel constantly trying to get his attention.

"Hey Seto," remarked Mokuba, "If Marik really is the leader of the Rare Hunters, he must have a bunch of rare cards."

"There's only one card in his deck I care about, Mokuba, and it's his Egyptian God Card," replied Seto.

"Rare cards are only useful if they work together, Mokuba," added Maria, "But I get the feeling that his cards will be a sight to behold."

(AN5)

Finally, Joey stopped shuffling and got into place. 'Marik' made a display of his Millennium Rod, which Maria knew was a fake since she knew who the real Marik was. It was decided that Joey would go first, and after a bit of SNAFU with the high winds, making Joey nearly fall off the Dueling platform to catch all six of them, he started his turn.

Joey: 4000

'Marik': 4000

"I'll start if off by summoned Gearfried the Iron Knight," stated Joey, before ending his turn.

'Marik' took his turn.

"I play the Field Spell 'Temple of the Kings,'" declared 'Marik', "This card holds Secrets of the Ancient Past. To protect those secrets, my opponent is only allowed to set one Spell or Trap at any given time. To protect myself and those secrets, I will add two more cards facedown and end my turn."

Maria's eyes narrowed at that card. Despite no inherent protection, that card was powerful enough to slow the game down to 'Marik's' pace. Meaning he had early control over the duel.

Joey took his turn and Summoned Little Winguard, before passing. 'Marik' added two more facedowns before passing as well. Joey summoned Hayabusa Knight and attempted to go on the offensive by activating Giant Trunade.

'Not a bad plan, Joey,' though Maria, 'A lesser duelist would actually lose to this combo.'

Giant Trunade was unable to resolve its effect thanks to 'Marik' activating "Judgement of Anubis." Not only was Giant Trunade negated, but all of Joey's Monsters were destroyed, and he was down to less than half of his lifepoints.

Joey: 4000-1900

From there, the Duel stayed in 'Marik's' favor. 'Marik' set two more cards facedown, while Joey summoned Alligator Sword and added one card facedown. From there, both players passed their turn, and 'Marik' did the same for a second turn. Joey, bless his heart, decided to force 'Marik's' hand by summoning Rocket Warrior. Using his effect, he would be able to attack without losing his monster. Unfortunately 'Marik' had a trap ready.

"I play my trap: Eye of Ujat!" declared 'Marik', revealing his trap, "This lets me redirect your Rocket Warrior into your Alligator Sword!"

"Hold on, I have a trap of my own!" countered Joey, revealing Fairy Box, "Now, you've got a fifty-fifty shot!"

Rocket Warrior missed Alligator Sword, saving both of them.

"I see the weakness of your deck now," called out Joey, getting everyone's attention, "You're deck is full of Traps. I bet you don't even have a single monster! Once I dismantle your traps, you'll have nothing left to defend your life points!"

This actually impressed most of the group, including Mokuba. Even Kaiba can't deny Joey had a point.

"I'm afraid you're wrong about one thing," said 'Marik', "My deck is far from weak, Mr. Wheeler. You've just activated another trap on my field. A trap that's also a monster!"

"Wait, is there such a card?" asked Mai, loud enough to be heard from across the platform.

"He's right," said Maria, calling out to everyone,"Pegasus did indeed design a Trap Card to also act as a Monster card. It was the first of it's kind, unlike any other Trap or Monster card alone."

"And here it is, meet the 'Embodiment of Apophis'!" announced 'Marik', revealing another Trap Card.

Embodiment of Apophis

Attribute: Earth

Type: Reptile

Level: 4

Atk: 1600

Def: 1800

(AN6)

But it wasn't just one trap card, 'Marik' revealed two more Apophis's, so he now had Three Monsters on the field.

"The drawback of using a Trap Monster is that he can't use one Spell/Trap Zone per Trap Monster in play," revealed Maria, "This limits his backfield to only two zones, since he also has a Field Spell active."

Joey wasn't done yet, while his Fairy Box expired he switched Alligator Sword to defense mode while placing a card facedown.

'Marik' took his turn and immediately went into the battle phase, prompting Joey to activate Scapegoat.

"Joey might not have a lot of skill, but that doesn't mean his strategies aren't sound, right Seto?" proposed Maria.

"So he can play a few cards correctly," replied Seto, rolling his eyes, "It's still not enough to make him a competent duelist."

"Considering Joey properly earned his way into the finals, he has his moments," countered Maria.

Seto stayed silent at that, as Maria was right. Joey had proper duels recorded that he won. The same couldn't be said for three of the Finalists.

Unfortunately, 'Marik' was still one step ahead and activated 'Magic Jammer', negating Scapegoat and continuing with his attack.

Joey: 1900-1800-200

(AN7)

Joey was actually shaken by more than just the attack. Everything he was doing was being countered left and right. And because 'Marik' wasn't using his Millennium Rod to control Joey's Mind to look at his cards, 'Marik' wasn't actually cheating, so this was pure skill.

"Joey, get up!" called out Serenity, "I believe in you!"

Joey's other friends were also giving their encouragement, even Yami made an appearance. Maria smiled, but she was a bit more practical than the others.

"Joseph Wheeler, I told you before and I will tell you again: The Duel isn't over until the last card is played!" informed Maria, "Will you let this Duel end as it is, or do you have another card to play?"

As much contempt Seto had for Joey, he was, in a way, rooting for Joey to keep going, even if it was for his own selfish reasons. Even he couldn't deny the Luck Duelist's tenacity.

Joey stood back up, just as ready as he was when he started the duel. He drew his next card, smiled, and placed two cards facedown while adding in Swordsman of Landstar in defense mode. He was ready, all it took was 'Marik' to take HIS bait for a change.

'Marik', like many other duelists, was getting a bit arrogant since they were one step away from victory. After drawing his card, he immediately went into battle phase again, ready to end the duel. Unfortunately, Joey was prepared now, activating his Foolish Burial and Graverobber in tandem. 'Marik' was caught off guard, he didn't expect this play from Joey, and it was gonna hurt.

Joey summoned Jinzo, a Monster who destroys Traps, and since the Apophis were 'Trap' Monsters, they were destroyed, leaving 'Marik's' field barren of monsters.

"Jinzo is a card I won from my first official duel here in Battle City, and there's more where he came from!" declared Joey, as 'Marik' was forced to end his turn.

Joey summoned Battle Warrior, a monster Maria wondered why he kept in his deck, and proceed to even the playing field on Life Points.

'Marik': 4000-1600-1100-400

'Marik' wasn't done yet. Maria's words held true, because 'Marik' had another card to play and he played Swords of Revealing Light, stopping Joey from attacking for three turns. Joey was a bit upset, but shook it off as he traded Battle Warrior for Legendary Fisherman, and he had all three of his monsters now in defense mode to protect his remaining life points. 'Marik' drew his next card, and looked surprised, as if he wasn't expecting the card he was holding. He kept looking to the side, as if conversing with someone.

'He's talking with the real Marik,' realized Maria, her fear beginning to grow a bit, 'That must be the Winged Dragon of Ra in this guy's hand.'

After a few minutes of silent debating, he finally placed that card on top of his Field Spell, sealing it inside the burial coffin before ending his turn. Joey revived Alligator Sword before tributing it and Landstar for Insect Queen. He finally had all three Rare Cards he won in battle city on the field.

"Hn," smirked Seto, "Looks like my tournament did wonders for Wheeler's Deck."

"Yeah, too bad none of them synergize with each other. Joey may just keep Jinzo in after this., but not the Queen or Fisherman," added Maria.

'Marik' managed to find the card he needed, and played 'Cup of Sealed Soul' while adding in 'Seal of Serket', which when activated on the field alongside 'Temple of the Kings' allowed him to summon 'Mystical Beast of Serket' from his deck.

Mystical Beast of Serket

Attribute: Earth

Type: Fairy

Level: 6

Atk: 2500

Def: 2000

Serket was the strongest monster on the field, and beyond that, his ability would make him even stronger. Maria felt a strong pulse of magic coming from Joey of all people. Even over the next three turns as Serket devoured each of his monsters and gaining half of their combined attack points, Joey remained strong, and the Pulse of Magic coming off of him was enough for Maria to activate her Magic Sight to see what was up.

'No way,' gasped Maria, 'It can't be.'

"What is it, Maria?" asked Seto quietly, feeling a bit concerned.

"I don't know if I can put it into words, but... Joey will win this duel. This isn't some friendship or Heart of the Cards talk either," whispered Maria back, shocked at what she was seeing, "Joey is being watched over by a powerful force, a force that's willing destiny to shift in his favor."

(AN8)

Joey once he ended his turn, spoke directly to Marik, in a loud and clear voice that was heard by everyone.

"I always trust my gut, and my gut is telling me two things: One, you ain't the real Marik, and Two, I will not lose this duel!"

"Is he telling the truth, Maria?" asked Kaiba, not believing what he's hearing, but Maria already pointed out that a powerful force was helping Wheeler, but because it's not something that can be proven, he can't call Wheeler out on cheating, because it's mainly hearsay, plus Yugi has his Millennium Puzzle, which does have powers in its own right, "Everything we know points to this guy being Marik Ishtar."

"I can neither confirm nor deny Joey's statement," replied Maria, "Other than the fact that he believes it unquestionably."

'Marik' took his turn, and was prepared to attack Joey and win the duel... when something caused him to stop his attack short. Maria, using her Magic Sight, glanced between Marik and his impersonator and realized one thing: the 'Marik' that was dueling was not worthy to wield the God Cards. And he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.

"I will prove to you that I am Marik, by summoning the Winged Dragon of Ra!" declared 'Marik', "To do so, I must tribute my beast and half of my life points. Great Beast of the Sky, I summon thee to destroy my enemy! In the name of the NEXT Pharaoh, King Marik!"

"NO DON'T!" called out Maria, "YOU CAN'T SUMMON RA LIKE THAT!"

"It's too late, little girl," said Marik, as the Winged Dragon of Ra appeared in all his Majesty.

Maria felt as if she had lost control of her body and fell to her knees before Ra, tears falling down. Ra was angry that a fake had been played by an unworthy soul.

"MARIA!" called out Seto, Mokuba, and even Yami.

"What's wrong!" called out Yami, racing over to her.

"He is unworthy, and Lord Ra is angry," answered Maria in a distant and hollow voice, not moving from her spot on her knees.

And so it was, as the weather grew more and more dangerous and the heavens thundered with Ra's anger. 'Marik', who realized his sin and folly, accepted the punishment of the Gods as he apologized to the real Marik before Ra struck him down.

"Hey! We need to get him some help!" called out Joey, attempting to step forward.

"JOEY, STOP!" called out Yami, "DON'T MOVE!"

"JOEY, NO!" cried Serenity, not wanting her brother to get hurt.

Joey took his step forward, but was struck down by a lightning strike as well. Tristan, the good friend he was, tried to get on the platform to check on Joey, only to be stopped by the Judge.

"Oh come on man, they need help!" protested Tristan.

"They both still have life points. The game will continue until one of them is unable to do so," explained the judge.

"SCREW THE RULES, LIVES ARE IN DANGER!" cried out Tristan.

"Sir, should I declare a double forfeit?" asked the Judge to his boss.

"Not just yet," stated Kaiba, taking a step away from Maria to address the group at large, "Whatever this storm was, it had nothing to do with the Kaiba Corp Holographic technology, which means this was caused by Mother Nature herself. Because both of them have the same amount of life points, they have five minutes to stand up and continue dueling. Whoever is unable to stand up will be considered forfeit."

(AN9)

"Kaiba, I know you don't like Joey, but that's just being petty!" declared Yami, calling out Kaiba's personal dislike of Joey.

"You think I'm giving Wheeler any special treatment? I wouldn't care who's up there, I would do the same for any contestant. I would expect the same ruling even if I was one of the duelists," countered Seto, "So don't go accusing me of bringing personal feelings into this. All Wheeler needs to do is stand up and he will be the winner."

While Yami and friends were trying to reach Joey, Maria was slowly coming back to her senses. Ra had given his judgment and was now leaving the field. With his overwhelming emotional presence fading, Maria was able to bring herself together.

Maria noticed her tears and wiped them away before taking Mokuba's offered hand to stand up and thanking him. Noticing Joey, her Magic sight revealed that the force that was protecting him from losing the duel wasn't quite gone, but wasn't quite there either. Shifting over to the fake Marik, she now recognized the markings on his face. She realized what those sacred symbols meant and what was to happen now that he wasn't able to keep the markings strong. The markings on his face were a suppression seal. It was meant to keep Evil sealed and it's influence minimal. But now that he was in this condition, the seal was weakening.

Time slowly ticked by as Joey's friends were calling out to him. Meanwhile, the fake Marik was trying to get his bearings and nearly stood up, but fell back down at the last moment. Maria managed to calm herself long enough to look back to Joey. The force was fading, but not before Joey managed to stand up before regaining consciousness. Ra was looking out for Joey, even if Maria didn't know why. Joey wasn't exactly worthy to summon the god cards, but Jono was close friends with Yami, so maybe Ra recognized that and chose to help out one who favored Luck and Confidence. Maria shook her head, far be it from her to assume to understand the Gods.

"I believe we officially a winner here," she nodded to the Judge, who nodded in return, before officially declaring Joey the winner of the Duel.

Joey, while accepting the victory, was more concerned about his opponent. He went over to help up his opponent as the platform lowered down. Yami also approached to help as well. Maria felt a cold chill go down her spine as her magical sense went haywire. She turned to the Real Marik, only to find him holding his head like he had the mother of all headaches, and it had nothing to do with the altitude either. Soon enough, his appearance changed, though it was mostly his hair and the Eye of Udjat on his forehead.

This 'True' Marik explained how he was held back by Odion, who had pretended to be Marik for the finals, for years, but now with him in that state, he could finally achieve his dreams. His distorted voice giving off even more creepy vibes than Odion did. He also explained that Kaiba had a role in all this as well, though it was still unclear as to what. Even Maria didn't have all the details on that.

Marik then left, laughing at his newfound freedom, awaiting his turn to have some fun dueling. The stakes just got raised.

(Chapter End)

Dang that was long. A three, no FOUR episode duel following a filler episode. Not what I expected, but that dialogue... whoo!

Alright, on to Author Notes...

AN1: Yes, this is largely because I'm shipping Seto and Serenity, but more to the point, Seto has met Serenity away from her brother and is trying to ride a middling line between insulting Joey, as he feel is the norm, and not upsetting Serenity, something that would get him on the bad side of Maria, which he doesn't want because he realizes how valuable she is, outside of the whole Egyptain reincarnation thing. It was basically a miracle finding someone like her in the first place because she's been able to keep things together so easily.

AN2: Maria may be able to pull a door off its hinges, but that's with DMG's effect activated AND she's in a right mood to utilize said strength. She's not normally that strong, and Tristan and Duke together is well over 200 lbs that she's lifting up with just her arm strength. It's different than pulling sideways with your whole body being able to contribute. Shadi needed to help because no one else would have been able to make it in time, leaving Duke and Tristan dead. Even I am not that cruel. I actually like them in their goofy ways.

AN3: Okay, a bit harsh, but considering who I'm pairing Serenity with, give me a bit of leeway here. I'm sorry to anyone who ships Tristan or Duke with Serenity.

AN4: I'm gonna be honest here. I'm not entirely sure if Shadi is a reincarnation or not. Shada actually favors Odion in Reincarnations, not Shadi, so that doesn't work. And I'm not even sure I've seen a character that looks like Kareem. But still, a bit of a mystery even Maria can't figure out right away.

AN5: Slight bit of foreshadowing. Maria doesn't actually know the cards in Marik's or Odion's deck, minus Ra, but considering the circumstances, keeping it vague like this actually works, regardless of foreknowledge.

AN6: Not gonna lie, Odion's deck is what inspired me to make a Trap Monster Deck. It's a hybrid of Simorgh/Dark Simorgh, and Uria, under 5ds list of cards back when I first made it. Sure, there's far more it can be upgraded to, but I'm happy with the deck I made. Kinda wished I could have played it. If I won a locals and was able to play at regionals, it may have been weird enough to be a Jank deck! (sigh) Oh well!

AN7: Marik and Odion don't duel their way to the finals. Technically, I cheated Ishizu's duel to the finals by having Maria just give her the cards. But Yugi, Joey, Mai, Seto, and even Bakura won duels that earned them locator cards. Yes, Bakura stole one, but he earned the other five from Bones who was also cheating to get Locator cards, so what are you going to do?

AN8: Okay, some context here. Joey says something about a voice in his head telling him he will win this duel even though he literally has no outs to Serket and would lose once Serket attacked. Heck, I doubt Joey had another card in his deck that could actually stop it, outside of a mirror force or Sakuretsu Armor or something. But more to the point, Maria is seeing the Eye of Ra over Joey. The real world version of the Eye of Ra. Do a bit of google searching and it makes total sense. I was surprised how well that would fit and I came up with this on the spot.

AN9: And I went there. because... I literally don't have a reason.

Later,

RDF1