Chapter 12
Yami Bakura POV
I sense a familiar dark energy…. The same force that took over Bandit Keith… and my ring senses another Millennium item approaching. I'll be sure to add it to my collection. Soon I shall possess all seven.
"Hey Bakura!"
"Huh?" It was Joey, Grandpa, Tea, and Tristan. "Oh hey guys! So tell me, how is the tournament progressing so far?"
"Great!" Joey replied. "I already scored four locater cards. All I need is two more and I'll be in da finals."
"That's quite impressive." Bakura smiled. "And where's Yugi?"
"We've been looking all over for him." Tea answered. "I bet he's somewhere kicking some serious butt!"
"Can't ya see it? Me and Yugi in da finals, battling da rematch of the century."
"Aren't you getting ahead of yourself there champ?" Tristan smirked.
"Hey guys," Tea said. "Isn't that Mako Tsunami on this poster?"
"Your right! Lets go find him! I'll Challenge him to a duel!" Joey ran off toward the aquarium where Mako was and the others followed, except Bakura. He was now alone.
Play your foolish games while I become the most powerful being in the world!
Bakura was walking through the back alleys of Battle City searching for the location of the detected Millennium item. Eventually he crossed its path, and stopped a man on a motorcycle.
"You're in my way!" The man said.
"You have something I seek." Bakura replied. His Millennium Ring then flashed.
"The Millennium Ring!"
"It seems you're the dark force whose presence I've been sensing. Give me your Millennium item and you may pass by."
The man got off his motorcycle. "You are somewhat familiar with the ancient ways. Why do you want my item?"
"If you must know, I'm a collector of sorts, and once I possess all seven Millennium items, I'll control ancient powers strong enough to rule the entire world. So, I'll ask you again to hand over your Millennium Rod."
"My name is Marik."
"I don't care."
"What if I told you I had knowledge of certain secrets? You can have my Millennium Rod, but before I hand it over, you have to do something for me in exchange. For I am somewhat a collector myself, and once I possess what I desire, the Millennium Rod will mean nothing to me!"
Bakura narrowed his eyes. "Why should I help? I can take your item by force as I have done to others in the past."
"Because I know the whereabouts of the other Millennium items, including the Millennium Necklace worn by my sister!"
Bakura slightly smiled. "Perhaps there is a way we can work together, and help each other get what we want."
"You have made a wise choice. With our combined power, no one in the entire world will be able to stop us!"
Joey POV
Joey, Tea, Tristan, and Grandpa were outside the aquarium. Joey had just won his duel against Mako, and gained all six locator cards. He had used Tea's cell phone to call Serenity who was now clear to leave the hospital. He had hung up and was so full of glee, that he threw Tea's phone up in the air while rejoicing. Tea watched in horror as her phone flew through the air.
"JOEY!" She ran and caught her phone just before it hit the ground. "Joey! Easy with the technology dumbass! You're using your own phone next time!"
Joey laughed. "Sorry! My phone died! But on another note, Serenity takes her bandages off tonight!"
Tea softened a little and smiled. "That's awesome!"
"And She is coming to da finals wit us!"
"What wonderful news!" Grandpa added.
Joey thought a moment. "I just need someone ta go pick her up. Someone I can really depend on. But where am I gonna find someone of such short notice?..." Tristan walked up to Joey and got in his face with a big grin. He was pointing to himself. Joey's face fell into a grimace. Then Tristan brought him into a headlock.
"I'll go get her!"
"You!? NO way!" But before Tristan heard Joey's reply, he had already taken off. "Hey! Tristan! Get back here!" But it was useless. Joey sighed. "Oh well…."
"Oh no!" Tea shrieked. Grandpa and Joey turned to see Bakura, barely conscious and being supported by some stranger. They ran up to him.
"What happened?"
"I just found him lying on the ground." The stranger replied. "I tried to take care of his injuries… You know him?"
"He's a buddy. Who do ya think coulda done dis?"
"Joey." Bakura weakly said.
"Bakura! What happened?"
"It happened so quickly. I can't remember."
"I'm lucky I found you all. He needs a hospital." The stranger said.
"I'll take him now." Grandpa said. They called a cab and off Grandpa went with Bakura.
Joey extended a hand to the stranger. "Hey thanks a lot… um?"
Tea interjected with loving eyes. She definitely thought he was cute. "What Joey means is we haven't introduced ourselves!"
"I'm Namu. You are?"
"I'm Joey Wheeler."
"The names Tea. Thanks for all your help!"
"Of course!" The three of them conversed for a while before Tea and Joey walked away. While they walked away, Namu evilly smiled, enjoying the fact that they had no idea he was really Marik.
"Hey wait up!" Marik called. He distracted them as his Rare Hunters closed in to kidnap them. He pretended like he didn't know what was going on. The hunters then took Joey and Tea to an unknown location.
Lindsey POV
Lindsey walked into Kaiba Corp with utmost confidence. She knew Seto wouldn't be there, but she might be able to convince someone to give her a duel disk. She walked to the front desk and saw Missy typing away.
Ugh. She's still here? I am so not in the mood for miss attitude…
Lindsey cleared her throat. "Ahem." Missy looked up and scowled.
"Can I help you?" Lindsey's eyebrows raised at the tone of Missy's voice.
Bitchy as usual…
"Yes. Is Roland around?"
"So what if he is? Only Mr. Kaiba speaks to him."
She scowls one more time, I'm gonna lose it.
"Mr. Kaiba, and Miss Walsh speak to Roland. Now you listen to me Missy. I don't like your attitude and I have no patience for anyone right now. You are going to tell me where Roland is, and you are going to be a pleasant person from here on out or so help me god you are going right through that fucking wall!" Lindsey pointed at the wall as Missy's eyes widened in fear. "Now, lets try this again. Where is Roland?"
Missy was trembling. "16th floor. In his office."
Roland has an office? Cool.
"Thank you. Now was that so hard?" Missy didn't answer. "Excuse me. I asked you a question!"
"N-No." Missy stammered. Lindsey smiled.
"Have a great day, Missy." She walked off without another word.
"Miss Walsh, I would love to help you out, but I just can give you a duel disk. Mr. Kaiba would have a fit."
Roland's office looked like any other office would. Neutral colors. Boring neutral colors. It was a huge snooze fest.
"Oh dear. God forbid Seto throws yet another fit. It's not like we have to tell him you gave it to me. We could say that Missy chick did it. I never liked her."
"No one does. Mr. Kaiba keeps her around because other businessmen find her pleasant to look at."
"Considering Seto is only 16 and all his other business partners are much older, EWW!"
"He knows how to do business." Lindsey nodded.
"Apparently. Anyway, do you know how I can acquire a duel disk?"
"Ask Mr. Kaiba?" Roland suggested.
Lindsey snorted. "Yea. I'm sure that'll go over well. Cause we're on such great terms right now."
Roland sighed. "Alright. I'll make an exception." Lindsey was slightly taken aback. "But if Mr. Kaiba asks, just use your usual attitude and refuse to tell him." Lindsey grinned.
"Not a problem at all! Thank you Roland!" He left his office and returned a moment later with a duel disk.
"Unfortunately, we will have to register it in your name, meaning Mr. Kaiba can find you at any time." He walked over to his computer and began to type.
"No big deal. I wear an anklet with a tracker in it. He would find me either way."
"I'll never understand why you wear that knowing he can watch your every move."
Lindsey laughed. "It can be a bit annoying, but it gives Seto a little bit of peace. He would never admit it, especially now cause he's pretty pissed at me, but I know he worries about me."
"You have no idea Miss Walsh."
She laughed. "Roland, there's one more thing I need to do while I'm here."
Roland had finished registering Lindsey's Duel Disk, and she had finally returned home. She checked on Mai to make sure she was ok and she was fine, so now Lindsey was back in her apartment forming a new, lethal spell caster deck. She was kneeling in front of her living room coffee table with a mass variety of Duel Monster cards spread across.
Okay, I get 40 cards. Now, because I am a master of the spell casters, my deck is similar to Yugi's. The difference is, I know how to use them better, but if we were to ever duel together, it would be best to build a deck that could win on its own, but still be useful to Yugi. Okay here goes.
Obviously the dynamic duo is in. Dark Magician, and Dark Magician Girl, check. Obviously Magician's Valkyria is going in and Magician of Black Chaos. Okay four down.
Lindsey looked through her mass pile of cards, and found a mass amount of magic and trap cards that would help greatly.
Alright! Ancient Rules, Mirror Force, Magical Dimension, Book of Moon, Magicians Unite, Dark Magic Attack, Magic Cylinder, Polymerization, Monster Reborn and of course Black Magic Ritual for my Magician of Black Chaos. Hmm… Thousand Knives could be useful as well. I'll put it in. Lets go with Emergency Provisions and Ego Boost as well. Shoot, lets kick it up a notch, Swords of Revealing Light, and Spellbinding circle are in to. Dark Hole would be a quick comeback as well. Ok. Enough trap and spell cards.
She sifted through the cards on the table and revealed quite the prize.
Red Eyes Black Dragon. Joey thought he was the only one. But lets not forget I have cards just as rare as Seto's. This card stands alone great, but even better with Yugi's Summoned Skull. Alright. It's going in. Skilled Dark Magician is in, as well as Skilled White Magician and its partner Buster Blader. Old Vindictive Magician is good to. Okay how many is that? 25? Okay 15 left.
Lindsey found 14 more cards to put in her deck. Monster, Magic, and Trap, including a few more dragons.
Breaker the Magical Warrior, Gemini Elf, Alexandrite Dragon, Marshmallon, Miracles Wake, Forbidden Lance, Magical Hats, Mystic Box, Waboku, Magic Formula, Sage's Stone, Zolga, Blizzard Dragon, and Vanguard of the Dragon. Okay that makes 39… now for number 40.
She walked over to a small safe on the counter and opened it. She pulled out the Crystal Magician.
Thank You Roland for letting me into the vault! This makes 40! Alright! Now for the final touch. New deck equals new outfit!
She dug deep into her closet for her tournament clothing. Lindsey had a certain bin full of showy tournament clothes only worn during televised events. But she made helping her friends defeat Marik an exception. She chose black leather skinny jeans, with a matching leather jacket. Underneath her jacket she wore a skintight deep red tube top that bared most of her midriff, and she topped it off with a black choker with a dangling gold L, and sparkly gold stilettos. She let her hair fall in its perfect waist length ringlets. She did a smoky eye with dramatic black liner, and finished off with a dark red lip color. Her piercing green eyes had never stood out so much. She strapped her gold deck box to her black belt that hung off her waist, and fastened her Duel Disk to her wrist.
Perfect. I should call Yami and find out where he's at.
The phone rang and rang, and no answer.
I hope he's okay… I'll try Joey.
Joey didn't answer his phone either.
It's a long shot, but Seto always answers so….
Except Seto didn't answer either. In fact, no one answered their phone. Mai was the only one and she was right across the hall so Lindsey didn't worry about her.
Well, there isn't really much I can do except wait for one to call back. I'm sure everything is fine. They're probably just dueling or watching a current duel. Yea. That's it.
She waited for about an hour before her phone rang, and the caller ID said Yugi. She picked up first ring, knowing it would be Yami on the other side.
"Yami! What's going on? Literally no one is answering their phones and I don't know why! Is everything okay?"
"Kaiba, Mokuba and I are on our way to Domino pier right now. It seems Marik has my friends held captive there. We were temporarily delayed with a duel but we managed to defeat them."
"Good. How close are you to the pier?"
"We're landing now. And it looks like Joey is standing on some sort of wooden arena!"
"Arena?! You mean a dueling arena?"
"Exactly. He doesn't look like himself though. I'm going to go see what's going on. I'll call you later."
"Please be carful. If you don't call me, or at least text me within ten minutes I'm going to assume you're in trouble. Just saying."
"Alright. I'll see you soon. Stay safe." He hung up without another word.
If Yami thinks I am going to miss this he's insane…
"MAI! GET DRESSED! SHITS GOING DOWN AT DOMINO PIER!"
Tristan POV
"Well, we finally made it Serenity."
"Great!"
After picking up Serenity from the Hospital, Tristan had brought her back to Battle City so she could finally see her brother Joey. Though the bandages were still on, the first time she would take them off is to see her big brother duel.
"So lets say we go find Joey now!"
"Sounds great!" Serenity beamed.
If only I knew where Joey was…
They walked through Battle City searching for Joey. "I messed up big time Serenity. If only I had asked the guys before I left where they would be."
"It's fine. I'm sure we'll find everyone. Think about it, they've gotta be in Battle City, right? So how far could they have gone? I'm sure I'll see Joey in no time!"
Just then a bunch of Marik's goons emerged from the shadows. Tristan immediately pulled Serenity closer. "Hey! Who are you punks and what do you want? We don't want any trouble."
"You don't, but we do." The goons all laughed in unison.
"Tristan, I'm Scared!" Serenity whimpered.
"Get on my back!" She did as she was told, and Tristan Ran.
"You can't run forever!" One of the goons yelled.
"Wanna bet?" Tristan shouted in response as he ran into a tunnel. He stopped in his tracks when he saw yet another goon blocking the other side.
"Yes I do. Nice try kid. You're going to take a little trip with us." Tristan put Serenity down, and got ready to fight.
"We're not going anywhere."
"I guess we'll do this the hard way."
"You guessed right, so bring it!" The goons all together went after Tristan until dozens of Dice slammed into the goon's faces.
"And there's more where that came from!"
"Woah! Duke!" Where the hell has he been?
Duke threw more dice at the goons and Tristan lifted Serenity on his back and ran.
As Tristan ran by Duke asked, "So how's it going Tristan?"
"Talk later, run now!"
Tristan, Serenity, and Duke all hid in the back of a pickup truck, and watched the goons run right past them.
"Finally a chance to catch our breath." Tristan sighed in relief. "And also catch up. We haven't seen ya since this tournament started two weeks ago! Where ya been?"
"Just getting some Dungeon Dice monsters stuff situated. Sorry I haven't been in touch, but I have been following the duels online! Congrats to Joey by the way on his big win against Mako Tsunami! Now he's in the finals!"
"Yea! He'll do great."
"Uh Tristan." Duke whispered. "Whose that?" He pointed at Serenity siting quietly in the corner.
"To you? Off limits. That's Joey's sister."
"Ah. Gotcha. By the way. Who were those punks chasing us?"
"No idea. But I don't like the looks of them. I wonder what they were after?"
"Who knows. But I can tell you one thing, they weren't very found of you guys."
"No shit Sherlock. Did you figure that out all on your own?"
"Funny."
"Hey guys!" Serenity interjected. "If those guys are after us then does that mean they're after the others to?"
"You're right." Tristan agreed. "Joey, Tea, Yugi, Mai, Lindsey, and Bakura, wherever he is, might be in more trouble."
The three of them got out of the truck and went in search of the rest of the gang.
While walking they met some old friends. Marik's goons. They ran the opposite way but they followed.
"Wait a sec guys!"
"Are you nuts Tristan they'll catch us!"
"Take Serenity and run! I got some unfinished business."
"But what about you?"
"Just go!" Duke nodded and took Serenity and Ran. Tristan ran straight for the goons.
He was prepared to fight. "Lets do this." He said as he cracked his knuckles.
Lindsey POV
"So elaborate Lindsey. What's going down at the pier?"
"I honestly have no clue.."
They were driving in Mai's Purple BMW with the top popped down. It was silent most of the way. Mai had taken a quick second to check her phone and was paying no attention to road until Lindsey Screamed.
"MAI STOP!" Mai looked up and slammed on her brakes to avoid hitting the two pedestrians crossing the street.
She yelled at them! "Cross on the green, not in between!"
"Mai wait, Duke is that you?"
"Lindsey? Oh my God! Am I glad to see you."
"Please help us!" The girl in Duke's arms said.
"Were being chased by a gang of robed weirdo's." Duke added. Mai and Lindsey gasped.
"Hop in." Mai said. They drove. "So whose the girl Duke?"
"This is Joey's sister Serenity."
"Oh. Nice to meet ya kid. The names Mai Valentine. This here is my best friend Lindsey Walsh." Lindsey waved.
Why did I just wave… she can't see….
"Wow. I'm not even a duelist and I know who you guys are. Pleasure to meet you." The girls smiled. "Um guys, I don't mean to pry, but my friend Tristan is still out there with those goons. We have to help him."
Lindsey slowly turned around. "Please don't tell me you mean Tristan Taylor?"
"Yea, why?"
"Nothing." Anything to impress a pretty girl Tristan….
Tristan POV
Tristan was out of breath. He had been fighting these goons for a long while. He had taken them all down with ease. He was about to punch another one until Mai and everybody pulled up.
"Need a lift Tristan?" Mai humorously asked.
"Hey Mai, hey Lindsey. How did you all end up together?
Lindsey replied, "No time for questions. Joey and everyone are at Domino Pier. Get in and let's go!"
"Right!" Tristan got in, and they sped off towards Domino Pier.
Lindsey POV
"WE'RE GONNA DIE!"
"I WANT MY MOMMY!"
Lindsey turned around and snapped, "Would you two stop acting like such babies. So Mai is a reckless driver. Point is you're still alive so stop screaming like little girls!" Serenity and Mai laughed and they boys turned beet red.
"Hey! Something's going on over there!" Duke shouted and pointed.
Lindsey gasped. "It's Yugi and Joey! And they're…. Dueling…" she scanned the scene. "Mai! Over there! It's Seto and Mokuba!" Mai stopped the car and everyone got out.
Lindsey could hear Tea from across the way. She was restrained in a chair with a crate hanging overhead. "They found us!"
Tristan responded. "Tea? What's going on?" He started to run towards her until Mokuba blocked his way.
"Don't get any closer! If we try to save her, that rare hunter will drop the crate on her head so we don't break up Joey and Yugi's duel."
"I'm willing to take that risk…." The gang all slowly turned towards Lindsey. "Did I say that out loud…?"
"Anyway…." Mokuba continued. "Look at the dueling setup. Marik took over Joey's mind and forced him to duel Yugi. Whoever loses will be plunged to the bottom of the sea, but if the duel isn't finished before the timer hits zero, they both go down!"
Lindsey stared in disbelief. This is sick. It needs to be stopped. There is only four minutes on the timer! She walked over to Seto. He emotionlessly stared at her.
"Yes?"
"Seto, I can't believe I'm saying this, but we gotta find a way to save Tea so we can stop this duel."
"Don't you think we've thought of that? The problem is how?"
"I know how…" She smirked and Seto raised a brow.
Yugi had 1000 lifepoints left and Joey had drew a card that could end the whole duel. He was fighting to break Marik's spell and regain control of his body, but it was a struggle like no other. Lindsey watched in pain and Joey yelled and cried out how he refuses to destroy Yugi.
"Fight him Joey!" Yugi yelled.
There was two minutes left in the duel, and Joey couldn't break the trance he was in. He played Meteor of Destruction. The attack was about to fire until Joey screamed, "Help me please!" and the trance broke just like that.
Yugi activated a trap card to counter Joey's attack. "Mystical Refpanel, activate! My trap card absorbed the effect of Meteor of Destruction. Now I can redirect the attack at anyone I want!"
Oh no… I know where this is going…
Just then one of Kaiba's choppers appeared and took out the machine holding the crate. Seto Charged at the guy who had the power to press the button. Lindsey ran over and released Tea from the chair.
"But Lindsey, why are you helping me?"
Lindsey laughed a little. "You helped me out when I was kidnapped by my father's men. I told you that I owed you. Now it's my turn to save you. No matter how much we dislike each other and how much I don't want to admit it, I'll always help you out if you need it." Tea smiled.
"Thank you."
"Lindsey, didn't you say like 5 minutes ago that it would be okay to drop a crate on Tea?"
"YOU'RE RUINING THE MOMENT TRISTAN!" Once Tea was safely out, they all turned to watch the duel.
Yugi was in tears. "Now it's time. Take care of my puzzle Joey."
"No!" Joey yelled.
Yugi you fool
"Refpanel, direct your attack at me!" The attack blasted Yugi and plunged his life points to zero. They box with the key on Joey's side opened.
"I can't just save myself…. I gotta get Yugi too! Wait, Meteor of destruction has another effect. Since Yugi has a monster on the field, it can attack me! Red Eyes attack me!" Red eyes attacked and his life points fell to zero. The box on Yugi's side opened.
Joey was about to save Yugi when the clock hit Zero and they both were drug into the sea. Joey managed to get Yugi's key before they both went under.
The whole gang screamed in terror.
"Joey NO!" Mai screeched.
Lindsey ran towards the end of the arena. "Yugi!" Tears were streaming down her face. God. Please no. Please don't let this be the end.
They waited helplessly on the arena for what felt like forever until Yugi surfaced. Lindsey gasped. "Yugi!" Tristan dove in after him.
"Where's Joey?" Mai asked breathlessly.
"His key," Mokuba replied. "It's still in the box!" Just then everyone watched as Serenity dove in with the key.
"Serenity!" Tristan gasped. A couple minutes later they both surfaced, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Once both boys were safe and on the pier, Joey endlessly apologized. Yugi tried to comfort him.
"That Marik made a fool outta me! How can I show my face at da finals now!" Mai ran over and slapped Joey across the face.
"Get a grip! You showed real courage out there Joey, so who cares how you looked. Look at Serenity, what she just did she did was cause of you! You're her idol. Idiot."
"What kind of idol gets turned into a zombie and almost destroys his best friend!?"
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself! Your sister gets her strength from you! That's why she waited till now to take her bandages off." Tristan said.
"Huh? Serenity! You can see now!"
"I made it through my operation because of you. Today it was my turn to be there for you." She began to cry and she launched herself at Joey in an embrace.
Lindsey and Tea watched and shed a couple happy tears. "I'm so happy." Tea said.
"So damn beautiful.." Lindsey added. The girls sniffled then awkwardly looked at each other. "Never speak of this."
"Deal." Tea agreed.
The gang was all standing on the pier together, happy to be altogether again. Minus Bakura of course.
Lindsey noticed Seto start to walk away. "Hey guys, give me a sec." Lindsey said as she ran towards Seto. "Seto!" He stopped and turned towards her. "Thanks for what you did. It was very, nice of you." She smiled.
He rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He started to walk away but Lindsey stopped him.
"Wait!" She grabbed his arm. "I know things didn't work out between us from a relationship standpoint, and I know you said you'd rather not be friends, but I miss you Seki." His eyes widened at the mention of his nickname. "I want everything to go back to how it was. When we were friends and could just hang out and mock duel and go out without it being weird."
"In all honesty, I miss it a little to." Lindsey slightly smiled. "But no more running off when ever you have your issues, at least try to accept my ways of keeping you safe and no more lying. Agree to that, and I'll make an effort to go back to how things used to be. Deal?"
"Deal."
"Quick question though. Where did you get that duel disk?" Lindsey's eyes widened.
Oh Shit! I forget I had my duel disk on! I promised Seto no more lies, but I promised Roland I wouldn't tell…. One more lie cant hurt."
"Missy gave it to me."
Seto groaned. "Idiot…" and he and Mokuba walked off without another word. Lindsey walked back towards the gang and grabbed Yugi by the arm.
"A word please." She dragged him behind the corned of the building and heard stifled laughs from behind. She also managed to hear a snide comment from Duke.
"Those two just need to hook up already!" She shot back a death glare and he recoiled.
Once behind the building Lindsey said two words. "Switch. Now." The Millennium puzzle flashed and Yami stood in front of her.
"Everything okay Lindsey?" She blinked and tears started to form. Before Yami could ask what was wrong, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace and began to cry. "Lindsey. Talk to me. What's wrong."
Through thick tears she replied, "Everything. This whole situation is just fucked up! You and Joey almost died back there. This needs to end."
"And it will. I will defeat Marik and save all of you. It is my destiny to do so." Lindsey just kept crying. "You don't need to cry. Joey and I are safe. Everything's okay." He stroked her hair in comfort.
"That's not why I'm crying." She said in his chest. Yami became confused. She pulled back to look at him. "Earlier when we talked and you said goodbye, I wondered if that was going to be the last goodbye. Then just now you were drug towards the bottom of the sea and I thought, that really was the last goodbye. I would never hear your voice again, see your face. I would never be held by you again." He tightened his grip. "I don't want to lose you Yami." He intently looked at her showing no emotion on his face.
"I know I push you away and I don't know why I do. I guess it's because I feel like I'm not good enough for you and-" She was cut off by a pair of soft lips dominating hers. It was a much different kiss than the one from Seto. This one was more gentle, more loving. This one felt right. There was no regret. Yami broke away and murmured against her lips.
"You are more than deserving miss Walsh. I wouldn't have fought so hard if you weren't." Lindsey smiled as tear rolled down her cheek. Yami wiped away the tear and looked deep into her eyes. "Well, all that's left are the Battle City Finals." He held out his hand to her. "Shall we?" She laughed and took his hand.
"We shall."
"Mai are ya sure we're going da right way?" Joey was pestering Mai and she was highly irritated. After stopping at their houses to pack their bags, they along with, Tea, Yami, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, and Lindsey were all on their way to the finals.
"Joey. You've asked me that three times already. Shut up! Were almost there."
"I just don't see anything that could be super secret. All I see is a giant stadium up ahead."
Lindsey laughed. "Joey, that stadium is where all the finalists are meeting, then we'll be taken to the secret location."
"And you know dat how?" Lindsey rolled her eyes.
"I don't even need to answer that Joey." It took Joey a moment to realize that Lindsey knows just about everything Seto plans.
"Ohhhhh….. Now I get it." Tea face palmed and everyone laughed. Yami and Lindsey were walking hand in hand. Even Joey's stupidity couldn't take the smile from Lindsey's face. She hadn't felt so content in a long time. She slowed her pace so she and Yami could walk behind everyone. Once they were a good distance away, she spoke.
"So, Yami." He looked down at her and she continued to speak. " Earlier you asked me about my ring." He nodded. "Well, according to the freak who gave it me, it possesses the power to control the Crystal Magician, hence the giant crystal on the ring." She showed him the ring and Yami raised a brow.
"How does a ring control a Duel Monster?"
"That's what I would like to know, but the only answer I got was, 'all will be revealed in time.' I just hope I actually can figure out how this ring and the magician coincide." She sighed.
"I'll help you figure this out in any way I can." Lindsey smiled.
"I appreciate that, but one thing at a time. You have a tournament to win." She looked at him and smirked. "Whatever happens I'll stay by your side. I believe in you Yami."
"I sense the worst has yet to come. You may be by my side, but don't worry about me. Worry about yourself and the others as well. Marik is only just getting started."
"We'll be fine. But if it comes down to it, Joey, Mai and I will take care of things."
"And what if they're preparing for a duel?"
"Yami! Stop worrying. At least try to make the best out of this experience. I know there's danger involved, but you're in the top 8. These are the best duelists around. Another opportunity like this wont come for a while. And besides, if I can beat you in a duel, I know I can beat Marik. He doesn't stand a chance."
"Dammit. I forgot you have beaten me in a duel before. I can't really win in that argument."
"Exactly. But I wont do anything stupid until I talk to you about it. Okay?"
"Fine." He wasn't smiling.
He needs to lighten up. I'm going to make him smile!
Lindsey stopped and let go of his hand. He turned around and got a confused look on his face. "Lindsey? What are you doing?" The rest of the gang noticed and turned to watch them.
"Are they fighting already?" Duke murmured.
"No you idiot." Mai answered. "Look at Lindsey's face. She's smiling." And it was true. Lindsey had a grin spread on her face.
"Smile for me Yami."
"Uh.. what?" Yami looked lost.
"Smile. I'm not moving till you do. And make it genuine."
"Lindsey I'm not really in a smiling mood."
"You were smiling pretty big when you were sucking my face 20 minutes ago!" Yami's jaw dropped and he looked back at the gang. He saw nothing but jaws dropped and eyes widened. Except for Joey who was yelling at him.
"Way ta go Yug! I'm so proud of ya! Must be all dat advice I gave ya!"
Mai snorted. "You mean the advice where it takes ten years to make a move on the girl? You must follow that advice yourself." Lindsey stifled a laugh.
"What da ya mean Mai?"
She smirked. "Oh nothing Joey. Nothing at all."
Yami turned back to Lindsey. "Lindsey can we just go? The stadium is right there."
Lindsey sighed. "But Yami, Seto is in that stadium. And I left him because I wanted to be with you. Now its awkward." A huge grin spread across Yami's face, and Lindsey squealed with delight. "You smiled! You're also an ass for taking pride in another's misery!" He was still smiling.
"I wont deny it." Lindsey laughed and walked up to him. He pulled her in a tight embrace.
"Seto and I don't actually hate each other. We agreed to be friends again. I just knew you would love to hear that."
"I did love it." He was still smiling. "Can we go now?" She replied yes, but instead of staying with Yami she skipped off towards Mai. The boys all went to Yami and gave him high fives and pats on the back.
Typical men…..
They gang walked into the stadium. Yami, Mai and Joey all walked in first, locator cards in hand. . "This is it?" Yami said.
"This place is still under construction." Duke added. Lindsey giggled and walked up to Seto. Yami carefully watched her.
One of Seto's men walked up and handed Mai, Joey and Yami their tournament IDs. "So, where is everyone?" Joey asked.
"On their way." Just then a gust of wind picked up, and someone walked in. It was Marik, but to Joey and Tea, it was Namu. Joey was very suspicious.
Lindsey leaned over to Seto. "Keep a close eye on him. There is something about him."
"Noted."
The next person to walk in the stadium was Bakura. Everyone was shocked. "Bakura," Yami started. "Why are you wearing a duel disk? I was told you were in the hospital."
Hospital? Where have I been… why was he in the hospital?
Bakura replied, "How else was I supposed to win six locator cards and make the finals." He held up his locator cards. The gang gasped and jaws dropped.
"Bakura! You don't even duel!" Lindsey wailed. "How is that possible?" He said nothing and just smiled. Unknowingly, her attention was brought to his chest. She kept staring and suddenly the outline of an object started to form. Silently Lindsey murmured, "The Millennium Ring…"
Millennium Ring? I don't even know what that is. How did I mange to identify it…. I'll talk to Yami later.
Bakura broke everyone's confusion by saying, "Look guys. The seventh finalist!" In walked a man in a hooded robe. He had no emotion his face. He handed his locator cards to Kaiba's men and stated him name. It was Marik's right hand man, Odion, posing as him.
"I am Marik."
Joey growled. "I'll kick ya brain washing kiester!"
"You are no match for me fool." Joey narrowed his eyes, and Odion walked away.
"I think I scared him Yug." Lindsey rolled her eyes and Odion approached her.
No way is he the real Marik.
Odion looked down at Lindsey's hand. "Nice ring." She silently gasped, but quickly recollected herself.
She looked at the Millennium Rod. "Nice Rod." She replied. She amusingly waggled her eyebrows to turn her remark dirty. Odion's eyes widened and he walked away. Lindsey snickered.
Roland appeared before the crowd to make an announcement. "Can I have your attention. Seven of eight of you are here. So I must say, although your locator cards led you here, this is not the site of the Battle City finals. The actual arena will be here shortly."
"Look up guys." Lindsey said. Everyone did and watched in awe as a huge blimp loomed over them.
Roland continued speaking. "We'll be boarding shortly. Kaiba craft 3, you're cleared for landing." They all watched as the blimp landed right in front of them.
Roland continued. "We'll depart as soon as the eighth duelist arrives. Climb aboard everyone." Mai, Yugi, Joey, Bakura, Marik, and Odion climbed in with ease, but Tea, Duke, Serenity, and Tristan were stopped before they could get on. Kaiba's other employee spoke.
"I can't let you four board. Finalists only."
"But Fugata, you're letting me board and I'm not a finalist." Lindsey said mockingly.
"But… Miss Walsh… You're approved by Mr. Kaiba." He said nervously.
"So Surely if Seto approves of them, they can board as well, right?" She has an innocent smile.
"Uh… yes I guess."
She giggled and turned back to Seto. "Seto, these four are coming on board with us. Cool?"
"Whatever."
"Great! All right guys! Lets go!" The five of them ran onto the blimp with a cheer.
"Did da eighth duelist ever arrive?" Joey asked.
"Who cares." Tristan replied. "Less competition." They usual gang, minus Bakura, were hanging out in Lindsey's room which was the same luxury suite as Kaiba's. Everyone else had standard size rooms. They had the whole night to themselves until the first match the next night.
"FYI everyone, the eighth duelist did arrive. No clue who she is though." Joey looked at Lindsey with a pout. "Besides who cares about that. You all should be preparing for your duels tomorrow. I know you think that you'll have all day tomorrow, but odds are you'll want to sleep and relax. Stress yourself tonight, perfect your strategies, and take tomorrow to prepare mentally rather than physically."
"You're right Linds. Come on Serenity! You can help me prepare!" Serenity eyes lit up.
"Wow sounds like fun! Thanks Joey!" The two of them walked off towards their rooms.
"Tea, lets go." Mai said. Since the extra room went to Duke and Tristan to share, Mai offered to share her room with Tea. "Just be quiet and let me concentrate."
"No problem."
"Good luck Mai. Love you!" Lindsey called as she walked out. Tristan and Duke followed them out leaving Lindsey and Yami alone. Lindsey was sitting in a chair with a coffee table in front.
"I'm going to go as well. Goodnight Lindsey." Yami started to walk away.
"Yami wait." He stopped and Lindsey motioned for him to sit in the other chair. He did so and she took her deck out of her deck box. She spread her deck across the coffee table. His eyes widened in shock. "These are some of the rarest spell caster cards of all time, with a few dragons thrown in there. Obviously I expect them back, but they are yours to use for the duration of the tournament." He grabbed her hand.
"I appreciate this a lot, but Yugi and I have formed a deck that we work well with and believe in. While these cards are amazing and explain why you're so damn hard to defeat, I'm going to have to pass on your offer."
She smiled. "No worries. I understand. I don't think I would ever borrow someone's cards either. I just wanted to someway attempt to help you. Not much I can really do if I'm not dueling in the finals." He motioned for her to sit in his lap and she did so. He hugged her close.
"Why are you so perfect?" He was stroking her hair.
"I think the question is why wouldn't I be perfect?" She looked at him and innocently smiled while batting her eyelashes.
"You sarcastic little shit…" he lifted her up as he stood and she laughed with delight. He walked over to the bed and tossed her onto it. The sound of her laugh was like heaven to Yami. He pinned her down with his arms and claimed her mouth, silencing her, but she was still smiling. He broke away much to soon and inside Lindsey pouted. "I need to go now." She frowned. "Get some sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow." She nodded. He bent and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight Lindsey."
"Night," she replied in a small voice. She didn't want him to go, but she didn't want to distract him from the tournament. He walked out of her room and Lindsey was alone.
Well throwing me on the bed was a lost cause. I still need to shower and put on my pajamas.
She showered and chose her pj's. She decided on blue, pink, and green plaid flannel shorts with a matching blue tank top that showed her belly button. She tied her hair in a high ponytail still damp. She sat in bed for ten minutes before she decided she wasn't tired.
Well, I guess exploring this blimp would be okay. Not like anybody's out and about anyway. It's almost midnight, so they're either sleeping or duel prepping.
She grabbed her phone and room key and walked out. She walked by Yugi's room and heard talking.
Yami and Yugi are having another heart to heart. I suspect Yugi is worried about tomorrow. I'll talk to him tomorrow. I haven't seen him in a while… well, I've seen his body, but Yami was always there and…. Well, I know what I mean…
She kept walking, and approached Seto's room.
Do I dare? He might murder me…. Eh… why not?
She knocked on his door and disheveled Seto answered. "Woah." His hair was out of place and he looked exhausted. He took off his trench so it was just an all black outfit. No shoes.
"Can I help you Lindsey?"
"Um, just wanted to see how you're doing. Everything good?"
"Fine. I was about to go to bed until you bothered me." He didn't look happy.
"Sorry. I figured you would still be working on your deck. Thought I could lend a hand."
"I'm fine."
"Ok." Then, unexpectingly he pulled her into a hug.
"Goodnight Lindsey. Now leave me alone."
"Not exactly the nicest thing you can say but, I'll take it." She pulled away. "Night Seki!" She skipped back to her room without another word. When she got back to her room, before she could slip the key card through to open it she was stopped.
"Lindsey." She turned and backed against the wall with fear.
"Marik." Actually Odion as Marik, but Lindsey doesn't know that.
"That ring. It has great power in it."
"What do you know of this ring?" It was a long shot, but she was hoping Marik would tell her something.
Calmly he replied, "It is the ring that will give you the power to control an all powerful card." He didn't say the name, but Lindsey already knew it was the Crystal Magician. She figured best not to tell him she has the card on board the blimp.
"Go on." She prompted.
"The ring is better known as 'The Reflection of Lyris'."
"Lyris?"
"In ancient Egyptian times, Lyris was said to be the loyal partner of the pharaoh, but she was killed before they wed, in the great battle of Egypt. Before she was killed at the hands of the great Thief King, she locked half her soul in this ring, the other half in her most trusted monster. She vowed to one day return and help the Pharaoh in battle. Lyris had great power. If only you knew how to use this power. You would be unstoppable."
"Well what does it matter now? That battle happened 5,000 years ago."
"History has a way of repeating itself, and I didn't say it had to be the battle of Egypt."
"So the power is in this ring?"
"Yes, but you need the other piece to use that power, and only an elite duelist can use that power. You're good Lindsey, but I think it would be much better if I had that power."
"Think again fuckwad." He started towards her a seized her wrists. She grunted. "Let me go!"
"That ring is mine!"
"No! Let go!" He pinned both her arms with one hand and slammed her face against the wall.
"And now my prize." He began to take the ring off until she let out the most ear-piercing screech she could manage. Within seconds Joey, Tristan, and Duke emerged and saw what was happening.
"Lindsey!" They said in unison. Then together, the three of them charged Odion and knocked him to the ground.
"Ya mess wit her, ya mess wit us!" Joey loomed over Odion and Duke stood right behind him. Tristan had carried Lindsey over to Mai, Tea, and Serenity, who were watching the event close by. Everyone was in pajamas, but Lindsey was too freaked out to find amusement in it.
Lindsey had also noticed that Namu, and Bakura were watching to.
Where is Seto and Yami?
Right as she thought this, Yami emerged from his room still in day clothes, he looked exhausted. Seto rounded the corner wearing just flannel pants that loosely hung off his hips. He was demanding to know what was going on.
Yami saw Lindsey on the ground and immediately went to her side. "What happened?" He was filled with concern.
"I'll explain in a minute. Just… just give me a moment to breathe." She was heavily breathing, still in shock.
Joey and Duke still had Odion on the ground and Seto approached. "Listen here. The only reason you're still here is because you possess something I want, but I won't say this again so listen clearly. Childish behavior will not be tolerated, and attempting to hurt Lindsey is certainly unacceptable. Learn to behave or I promise you, I'll teach you myself, and that isn't something you want to happen. Let him go." He snapped at Joey and Duke. They did as they were told and Odion got up. He smirked at Seto.
"Threaten me all you want. You wont be smug for long." And with that he left.
"Are you really keeping that freak on board Kaiba, all because you want some stupid Egyptian God card!?" It was Mai who spoke, and she was furious. "Who knows what he wanted with Lindsey. Its just not safe."
"Mai he doesn't have a choice." Lindsey said. Mai looked at her in shock. "Yami needs those God cards. Don't ask me how I know, I just do. Don't ask me how I know a lot of the things I do. I can identify all the Millennium items, and I know things of Egypt's past I didn't know before. All since I got this ring from Ishizu."
"Ishizu!" Yami said. "You never said that ring was from her." She looked at him apologetically.
"Yugi wont be the one to possess those cards, I will. Then I will take back my title as number one duelist in the world! Get to bed now. All of you." Kaiba didn't say another word and he went back to his room. Bakura and Namu made sure Lindsey was ok and went back to their rooms as well.
The gang all gathered in Yugi's room so she could explain what happened. She told the story.
Duke spoke. "So all this was about the Crystal Magician?"
"Yup. Apparently this ring is the key to controlling it. I've never summoned it before because I didn't think I could. Now I know I can."
"Okay. So, dat ring possesses da spirit of some ancient chick named Lyris, who is supposed to help the pharaoh in some battle?"
"I don't know which specific pharaoh it is, but yes. That is what Marik said.
"Lindsey, for all we know Marik could be lying." Mai suggested.
"I thought of that, but if he was lying, why would he want the ring?"
"Good point." Tea said.
"All of this seems to be connected." Tristan said. "The seven Millennium items. Your ring. The God cards. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the Pharaoh inside the Millennium Puzzle is the one that Lyris fought beside. I mean, it would make sense considering Lindsey is somehow acquiring knowledge of something she didn't even know existed."
"Wow Tristan." Tea started. "That actually makes perfect sense."
"Yea! I guess it does! Pretty good for it being almost two in the morning and me being dead tired!" He laughed and so did the others. Even Lindsey managed a smile.
"I didn't realize it was so late. You guys go on back to sleep. I'll be fine."
"You sure Lindsey?" Mai was worried. "You can stay with me and Tea tonight?"
"Thanks Mai, but I'll be okay. He can't get into my room anyway."
"Okay. Goodnight. Or good morning? Whatever you prefer…" Lindsey let out a small laugh. They all left Yami's room leaving the two of them alone. Lindsey started to leave to.
"I'm going back to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Lindsey. You're staying here tonight." She was taken aback.
"Yami, you need to prepare for tomorrow. I'm not about to distract you."
"You wont be. You'll be sleeping, therefor silent." She sighed.
"Fine." She walked over to the bed and got under the covers. Yami walked over and kissed her forehead.
"Sleep now. You're safe." She smiled and watched him walk over to the table where he was preparing his deck. She continued to watch him as he strategized and before she knew it, she had lulled into a deep dreamless sleep, not even realizing that today was the beginning of her very own destiny.