Welcome back duel fans!

It's the finals, duel number three!

And now, Ra makes its TRUE appearance.

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)

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.

(Recap End)

After getting Odion back to his room, the Doctor came in and checked all his vitals. Maria joined Yami and his friends, because she probably needed to explain what was going on.

"So what's the diagnosis, Doc?" asked Joey after the Doctor finished his examination.

"His heart rate is now steady. Outside from the physical exhaustion that comes from dueling in such conditions if one is not careful, the mental stress has left him unconscious," explained the Doctor.

"I could definitely use a nap myself after going through all that," commented Joey.

"He means he's knocked out," said Téa.

"You're lucky you're not in the same state, Joey," added Mai.

"You're not wrong," said Joey, in a very serious tone, "I was hit by the same lightning from that Fake Ra. I had a weird dream while I was unconscious. If you guys weren't there in that dream, supporting me, like you were when trying to wake me up, I would still be like this guy."

"Joey, you had someone protecting you from the worst of it," smiled Maria, "You managed to gain favor with someone very powerful. If not for that, this Odion would have won. He had you dead to rights with Serket, but Marik's insistence on keeping up the charade is what caused Odion to summon Ra, when he wasn't worthy."

"Is that why you collapsed?" asked Téa.

"For those of you that don't know, I am a reincarnation of an Ancient Egyptian. I have memories of my past life. A life that knew Yugi's alternate personality, the Pharaoh. The Three Egyptian Cards are far more than just monsters like most of the card game you know. We worshiped them. The Winged Dragon of Ra was angry that someone unworthy had directly called upon him in such a way. 'The NEXT Pharaoh, Marik,' as if the Gods could be swayed so easily," explained Maria, as the Doctor left, "Ra's anger was so overwhelming that someone like me, who's previous life held Ra so highly, couldn't stay standing in his presence. I too am unworthy of calling upon the Egyptians Gods. I am sorry for worrying you guys."

"I'm just glad you're alright, Maria," said Yami, "Unfortunately Odion wasn't so lucky. He gave his all to protecting Marik."

"And for what? Marik is worse than ever," complained Joey, only to be cut short by a glare from Maria.

"Odion couldn't completely protect Marik from his darker side," informed Maria, "Those markings on his face aren't just for show. They are a suppression spell that's powered by the wearer and can mostly suppress evil forces. This one was directed at Marik. Unfortunately, Marik had already been corrupted enough to start all of this without his Darker self making things worse. If this was a Shadow Game, Odion wouldn't even have his soul. That said, it will be several hours before he has a chance of waking up. His issues are more than likely far worse than Joey's were, considering he didn't have protection that Joey did."

"And I'm glad for it. That powerful force had a voice, one I couldn't describe to you, but he was telling me what I told you guys," frowned Joey, "That Odion wasn't Marik and that I wasn't going to lose the duel."

"Speaking of duels, you guys should head on to watch the next duel. I'll catch up later," remarked Maria.

"Are you sure?" asked Yami, concerned for his former best friend, even if he didn't remember their time as friends.

"Honestly, I just need a few minutes to clear my head," said Maria, giving a reassuring smile, though for whom, not even Maria was sure, "Best of luck, Mai!"

"My opponent's the one who's gonna need luck to defeat me," smirked Mai in reply, before leading the way out of Odion's room.

(AN1)

Maira sighed as she sat down, there were still things she didn't understand about Odion. If she understood it right, Marik and Ishizu appear to be Tomb Keepers from Egypt. And since Marik gained an obsession to overthrow Yami, Ishizu did her best to stonewall him. Odion didn't have Tomb Keeper Blood, but obviously knew Marik and Ishizu if Marik's story was to be believed. Though Marik had no reason to lie, given his demeanor. Did Odion understand what he was doing with the Suppression seal, or did he get lucky that the engraving he did was a suppression seal that miraculously helped out Marik from going too far too soon?

The Doctor soon returned to get an update on his vitals before leaving again. Maria stood up with the intention of meeting up with her friends when the door opened, revealing Yami Marik. Maria froze for a second, before glaring at him and moving between him and Odion.

"Little girl, I would recommend you step away from Odion, before things get... unpleasant for you," warned Yami Marik, holding the Millennium Rod in both hands.

Maria's eyes widened for a moment, realizing what he meant. Marik smirked as he noticed that look of realization. He began to step forward, until the intercom blared to life.

"The Next Two Duelists have been decided. Mai Valentine vs Marik Ishtar!" informed Roland, "Both Duelists will need to report to the Duel Field immediately."

"Tch," grunted Yami Marik, "You got lucky. But, maybe you can witness first hand what I'm like when it comes to a Shadow Game!"

Yami Marik laughed as he exited the room, causing Maria to release a breath she didn't realizing she had been holding. She silently cursed her weakness since she didn't have the Millennium Necklace. Her reserves were a fraction of what they could be, even as a Reincarnation.

Taking one more steadying breath, she looked at Odion one more time before leaving the room. The Duel was about to start, and she wasn't going to miss it.

(AN2)


Meanwhile, Mai was preparing herself for the duel. Yugi and friends attempted to help her and give her advice, but she politely turned them down. As flattered as she was with the support, she requested that she be allowed to duel without a handicap. She smiled as she thanked them for wanting to help her, but she wanted to face Marik without backseat dueling.

"Marik isn't your normal duelist, Mai," warned Yami, "He's far more dangerous than you can imagine."

"And I acknowledge that, Yugi," replied Mai, giving him a serious look, "But I'm not like you guys. I've dueled on my own so far and I haven't needed help. I understand you like to help out, but I'm asking that you respect that I duel by myself."

Suddenly, Joey smirked as he stood between his friends and Mai, holding out his hand.

"Alright Mai. We won't give you help," informed Joey, "However, Know that we will still be there, rooting for you. You have friends now. Friends who wish for you to succeed and win. We'll be there, but you won't hear advice or anything like that from us."

Mai's eyes widened as Joey's sudden boldness, and was doing all she could to not let a blush take over her face. She managed to nod and shake Joey's hand before heading out.

"Are you sure about this, Joey?" asked Téa.

"Mai's a strong duelist. She can handle herself," reaffirmed Joey, as they headed to the other elevator.

(AN3)


By the time Maria arrived on top and joined the Kaiba Brothers in watching the duel, it had already started. Marik had attempted a Revival Jam and Slime Token Strategy, the same one he had Strings use against Yami, but Mai, being a seasoned duelist, recognized that plan for what it was and used Harpie's Feather Duster in order to dismantle it, and taking the lead in the duel.

Marik: 4000-2700

Mai: 4000

Marik, not phased in the slightest, countered with Des Gardius, only to be stopped by Mirror Wall. Unfortunately, Mai's Dunames was now being controlled by Marik and he even destroyed Mirror Wall.

'Not good,' thought Maria, 'And it looks like it's getting worse.'

Indeed, Marik then decided to use his Millennium Rod and turn the duel into a Shadow Game, freaking Mai out.

"Mai, this isn't like other duels," called out Maria, "This is for keeps, so play smart and you can win!"

"That's easier said than done Maria," replied Mai, though she wasn't going to back down.

Mai took her next turn and used Unfriendly Amazon to take out her Dark Witch. Unfortunately, Marik made this Shadow Game one of memories, and since Dunames was destroyed, Mai lost her memory of Téa, removing her from Mai's sight, even though she was still there.

'It's not that Mai can't see Téa; it's that her mind can't register her,' thought Maria, cursing her inability to do something. Without the Millennium Ring, her own powers were limited at the best of times, and useless now, 'Mai, defeat him and this can all be over.'

Things weren't going to be easy, nor quick, as Marik summoned Makyura and added in the Black Pendant Equip Spell. Mai countered with Amazon Archers, but with Makyura's destruction came 500 points of damage from Black Pendant's effect, plus Makyura's allowing Marik to activate a trap immediately. Rope of Life brought back Makyura and decimated Unfriendly Amazon, causing Mai to lose her memory of Joey next. A huge blow for Mai as all fight in her seemed to wilt away with her memory of Joey.

(AN4)

Maria clinched her fists in frustration, getting the Kaiba bros attention.

"Maria, stay calm. It's just a duel," said Seto.

"It may be your bias against Joey, but he meant a lot to Mai," said Maria, "Just looking at Mai's expression, she feels devastated about losing Joey from her memory."

"So what. I would be better off without remembering him," scoffed Seto.

"And that's you, not Mai," retorted Maria, "We weren't there during the Duelist Kingdom Tournament. You only went there for Mokuba, so you don't know what happened there."

"Neither do you," countered Seto, "You weren't there at all, so don't presume."

"I don't need to know the details to know someone's reaction," replied Maria, "I may not know Mai, but I know the Shadow Realm. Mai doesn't deserve this..."

(AN5)

Maria suddenly stopped as Yami's Third Eye and Millennium Puzzle glowed. Mai seemed to regain some sense of self before continuing the duel. Mai summoned Amazoness Chain Master and set a card before ending. Marik summoned Holding Arms and used it to bind Amazoness Chain Master to prevent her from attacking, but Mai used her facedown spell to tribute it off, saving her own memory in the process, and as a bonus, obtained The Winged Dragon of Ra.

Maria's eyes widened, sure Marik couldn't summon it now, but that didn't mean Mai had won yet. And Maria knew Mai wasn't worthy. But unlike Odion, who tried to invoke a new king over Yami, Mai was simply too unimportant for the Gods to care, especially Ra. Mai had summoned Amazoness Fighter with two facedowns. Marik attempted to attack again, but Mai turned the tables to destroy Makiyura with Amazoness Spellcaster, trading attack points. Marik, prepared for that outcome, activated Card of Last Will, drawing five new cards and Makiyura's effect triggered again, thus allowing him to activate Nightmare Wheel. Mai managed to have a backup for this as well, trading Amazoness Fighter for Cyper Harpie Lady. She then proclaimed she would Summon Ra to win the duel.

"Mai, you don't need Ra to win!" called out Maria, "You're strong enough without it!"

"No, let her summon Ra," said Kaiba, grabbing onto her shoulder, "It's the perfect way to defeat Marik and prove herself better than him."

"That's not the point!" protested Maria.

"Maria, it's fine," stated Mai, "I gave my word and I will do so!"

Mai drew her next card. She then used Graceful Charity to go deeper in her deck in order to get the card she needed. She used Elegant Egotist to triple her Harpie Lady and used all three as Tribute to Summon Ra, but Ra wasn't going to be so willing to help Mai that easily. Ra was in its Sphere Mode, and the card's bottom section changed to lines of text in the Ancient Egyptian text, which was unreadable by Mai.

"It might be a good idea to get a closer look at that card, Seto," suggested Mokuba.

"Good idea," agreed Seto, "Get a Satellite to take an image of the card and start working on translating it."

"You got it, bro!" smiled Mokuba, before running off to do just that.

"You don't need a computer to read that, Seto," said Maria after Mokuba left, "Or have you forgotten, you have an Ancient Egyptian counterpart yourself?"

"Well I certainly can't read anything from where I'm standing, Maria," countered Seto, "Plus, the more information I get about it, the better chance I have of winning it from Marik."

"Too bad Mai doesn't have any chance of winning now," sighed Maria.

Marik, after giving Mai plenty of opportunity to summon Ra, took his turn. He summoned Holding Legs, which bounced Gravity Bind back to Mai's hand, before using both it and Holding Arms to pin Mai against the Ancient Tablet of Udjat, which held the Symbol of the Millennium Items. He then began his version of the Ancient Chant to unlock Ra in all it's glory.

Since Ra wasn't overcome with anger, Maria resisted the urge to fall to her knees before Ra this time. But she did bow her head both to look away from Mai and to give reverence to Ra all the same. She did raise her head again once she heard Joey's voice as he jumped onto the Duel Platform in an attempt to help Mai. Maria's eyes widened as Joey managed to get through to Mai, reawakening her memory of him.

'No way,' thought Maria, having never felt so impressed by someone before, 'Joey managed to counter the Rod's Magic again!? Not just for himself, but now for Mai too!? Just how much favor does Joey have with Lord Ra?'

(AN6)

Just then, as Ra fired its Blaze Cannon, Yami jumped up and protected both Joey and Mai from the direct flames. Maria felt her heart clinch, but kept her will strong. She had to remind herself why she was standing next to Seto Kaiba and not up there with her former best friend. She knew he would survive this, but she did pull out a card and stepped forward towards the edge of the dueling ring. She held up the card and, in combination with the Shadow Realm and her own Magical Reserves, she called upon Dian Keto The Cure Master to heal Yami before the Shadows faded. Maria felt the drain, but stood tall, knowing she did right.

Marik glared at her before freezing Joey in place and approached Mai, using his Rod to send her mind to the Shadow Realm. Maria immediately called a Medical team to transport Mai to her room to get her on Life Support, since she technically is unconscious and wouldn't wake up any time soon.

Maria stayed as Yami and friends went with the Medical Team to make sure Mai was looked after. She turned to Seto, who looked back, but said nothing. He had once asked her who she chose, and she answered him. Seto had not said anything because the current events had not yet led Seto and Yami to duel yet. He had been gracious enough to allow Maria to help Yami from time to time, especially since he knew it would lead to a duel between them. So he was patient, planning ahead for his next duel even though the immediate next duel had yet to happen. Soon, the time would come for everyone to know Obelisk up close and personal.

(Chapter End)

I decided to trim this duel down mainly because the last duel annoyed me to no end to type down. But, the next duel will definitely have a twist or two.

Alright, on to Author Notes...

AN1: Okay, steered away from Mai pressing Joey about her being in the dream too. Part of that was because Joey and Mai don't need that tension. Especially with what comes later for Mai. This felt like forced tension that Mai didn't need right before her duel. Also, Maria opening up to the others, not just Yugi, Seto, Mokuba, and Serenity. If someone wants to call her out for acting different... Well, apparently you can't imagine how it's like to live in a world with Super Powerful beings like Gods. If DC, Marvel, and Anime can have such powerful beings, you can't judge someone for acting like that around said deity. Just saying.

AN2: Marik holding the Rod with two hands is a reference to the hidden dagger inside the Millennium Rod's handle. It's completely censored from the Dub, which I'm using the naming convention for, so referencing it like this is about the closest I will get to actually showing said dagger. Even I have standards about showing certain things.

AN3: Same with AN1, wanting Joey and Mai to be open and clear with other. Joey being the first one to take that gamble fits right in with his character.

AN4: While I do ship Mai and Joey, the Anime itself shows just how important Joey is to Mai. Is this Love? Honestly, I don't think Mai even knows because she's never felt loved, as the flashbacks entail. But she does know Joey is not only very important to her, but also changed her as a person at her core. Mai even states as such when she dueled Yugi in the Duelist Kingdom Finals.

AN5: Okay, had to really tow a line here. Maria isn't omniscient, nor would Seto or Mokuba give a complete account of what happened during Duelist Kingdom. So, leaning on what I said in the first chapter, about the Magic of Memories, I'll explain it here: Maria may not know the details of Mai's Memories, but she can tell how strong those memories are, and how much they affected her. So interpreting the strength of her memories with her friends, Maria can determine just how important a person is thanks to the strength of the memories. Plus, having been in the War several thousand years ago and a wielder of the Millennium Necklace, she's more than familiar with the Shadow Games and what they can do.

AN6: This was something I didn't think too much about for years, but Joey managed to counter the Millennium Rod twice. It was one thing to just use Ra himself giving blessing to Joey for the last duel, but given what he does here, there's something more going on. Even Jono has never done anything this impressive. Though to be fair, Forbidden Memories is rather lacking in fleshing out characters and Seto will always defeat him in duels. That's just a sad fact of life. But never underestimate his faith and favor with Luck. Call it Lord Ra, call it Lady Luck, but some higher power was blessing Joey with the strength to counter the effects of the Millennium Rod. And I for one will not underestimate his innate power beyond just his dueling skills. And yes, Maria is feeling a bit jealous and a bit saddened by the fact that Joey managed to counter a Millennium Item on his own while Maria would have needed the Millennium Ring to do anything close to that.

Okay guys, you should understand by now that I am highly motivated to writing this over my other fanfics. Still, I'm not leaving them alone. The new chapters have been started, and I will do my best to continue/finish them to upload. All I ask for in return is patience.

So, until then...

Later,

RDF1