Chapter 13
Lindsey POV
My internal alarm clock says wake up, but this bed says keep sleeping. Story of my life… I guess I'll get up…
Lindsey opened her eyes and looked around. She was alone. In Yugi's room.
Where the hell did he go? And what time is it?
She checked her phone. It was nearly noon.
WTF?! It's almost noon! I should head back to my room and get dressed.
She grabbed her room key and phone and went back to her room for a shower and got dressed. She decided to stay casual till the duels later that night, so she went with skinny jeans and a sweatshirt that said 'Domino' across the front. She pulled her hair in a messy bun.
Okay. Now where is everyone?
She walked around the blimp until she found everyone in a beautiful dining hall. There were chandeliers and white walls. A couple of beautifully draped tables, and a large buffet, complete with a chocolate fountain.
Woah. This is amazing.
"Lindsey!" Mai was waving Lindsey over to come sit at their table. She walked over to the table and greeted them with a good morning.
"Morning guys. How's it going?" Joey, Tristan and Duke were gorging themselves with food. Everyone else was staring at them in awe.
"It's going great." Mai responded. "We're just wondering which one of them is going to tap out first." She pointed to the three boys and Lindsey laughed.
"We're going to be here a while."
"Here Lindsey," a shrill voice said. It was Yugi. "I saved you a seat."
She walked over and sat down. "Thanks Yug!"
He smiled. "Not a problem. Would you like to talk to Yami?"
"No. That's okay. Let him rest a little before the duels tonight. Besides, I haven't talked to you in forever! It was always Yami."
"Yea you're right! By the way, sorry for leaving you alone in the room this morning. Yami refused to let me wake you up." Lindsey blushed, as Joey, Tristan and Duke stopped eating and looked up at them.
With a mouthful of food, Tristan said, "She slept in your room Yug?" Yugi slowly nodded. All three boys quickly swallowed their food and then in unison triumphantly cheered.
"ATTA BOY YUG!"
"I AM SO PROUD OF YOU MAN!"
Yugi was frantically waving his hands. "Guys no! It's not like that. Lindsey slept in bed while I slept on a chair. Yami just didn't want her to be alone."
Duke's faced dropped. "You had a girl in your bed, and you slept on the chair? Are you an idiot!?" Yugi had a nervous smile.
"Duke, in my defense, she isn't my girlfriend, she's Yami's and he's resting at the moment."
"Ok then, Lindsey." She looked at Duke afraid of what he was going to ask her. "You were in Yami's bed and he slept on the chair. Would you prefer that or would you like him to sleep with you?"
"Um…" Lindsey wasn't exactly sure how to answer that. I honestly don't know… this is kinda embarrassing. "I don't really know Duke, and I don't feel comfortable answering that."
"I'm going to take that as a yes, she does prefer you to sleep with her." Duke had a wicked smile.
"That's not what I said!"
"Too bad!" He turned to Yugi. "Relay that message to the pharaoh, will you?" Yugi was blushing. He slowly nodded.
Lindsey groaned. "You guys are so embarrassing."
Duke, Joey and Tristan laughed. "But you know we love you Linds! Embarrassing you is our job. Were like the annoying brothers you never wanted."
She smiled. "And I love you guys too, but just remember, I can be the annoying sister you never wanted." Their faces fell. "So Duke, Tristan, which one of you has more brownie points with Serenity?" Their faces froze except for Joey who looked at them with a death stare.
"You're both dead." Joey said. Then all in a quick motion, Duke, and Tristan had launched themselves out of their seats, and were running from a furious Joey.
The gang wildly laughed. "Well played Lindsey." Mai said as she high fived her.
Still laughing Lindsey said. "I don't feel like they'll bother me anymore."
"Dark Magician, attack Harpie Lady." Mai's lifepoints fell to zero. "I win again girly." Mai groaned.
Lindsey, Mai, Serenity, and Tea were hanging out in Lindsey's room. Mai and Lindsey had been mock dueling to test Mai's new dueling strategies, but she never won against Lindsey.
"How am I supposed to win with this strategy if I can't beat even beat you?" She was frowning.
"Mai, the only person on this blimp that can beat me in a duel is Seto."
"And Yugi!" Tea quickly added.
LOL no he can't!
Lindsey smiled. "Right. And Yugi. Don't beat yourself up Mai. It's a good strategy. I've just had a little more practice with getting myself out of sticky situations."
"You really think it's a good strategy?"
"I would tell you if it wasn't good enough. You'll be fine. You're a good duelist. Just have confidence! Besides, you might not even be dueling tonight so stop stressing!"
Mai laughed. "Yea you're right, but that doesn't mean I should look frumpy! I need to get dressed! The finals start in an hour!" She got up and left the room.
"I'm gonna go too." Tea said. "Maybe I can lend some fashion knowledge to Mai!"
"See ya later." Tea left the room.
"So, Serenity. We haven't really gotten to know each other. Tell me, how old are you? Where do you go to school? Favorite food? Etc.
"Well, I'm turning 14 in a couple months, and I'll be a freshman in high school. Hopefully I can go to Domino High with all of you." Lindsey smiled. "My favorite food is Lasagna, and I like the color blue. What's your story Lindsey?"
"Hmm… turning 16 soon. I'll be a junior. Favorite food is enchiladas, favorite color is gold, and my boyfriend stripped me of my number two rank. Now I'm a loser." She looked over to see a horrified expression on Serenity's face. "I'm kidding." Lindsey laughed and Serenity relaxed. "Well, not really. But I'm not a loser. I'm still loved."
"So why aren't you in this tournament? You know competing? Did you get eliminated?"
Lindsey gasped. "I am offended you would even think that!" She said it in a mocking way to let Serenity know she wasn't serious. "Actually, I'm not in this tournament due to my over protective BFF Seto Kaiba."
"He would be attractive if he wasn't so mean." Lindsey uncontrollably laughed till tears came out. Serenity just looked confused.
"I'm sorry. It's just weird to hear someone say that. It's also funny because you're the only one who's had enough balls to say that."
"I don't have balls." Lindsey just stared at Serenity with a look that said she thought Serenity was a clueless moron.
"Why don't you go check on Joey." Serenity nodded and left the room.
Ahh… Seto attractive. It's still funny. I mean it's completely true, but that's the last word people use to describe him. They usually use words like, ass, or rude, or bitchy…. Idk… still funny. I should get dressed.
She dug in her suitcase and decided to go with a long sleeve tight crimson red blouse that bared her shoulders, and waist high black shorts with gold button accents. She wore black heels. She let her hair fall in its ringlets and did dramatic makeup.
Pretty basic, but it's just the first round.
Lindsey had half an hour left before they announced who would be dueling who. She hid her deck and duel disk and decided to go find Yugi. She found him in his room.
"Hey Lindsey!" He greeted her with a smile.
"What's up?" She said as she went to go sit in a chair. Lindsey wondered if it was the chair Yugi slept in last night.
"Just doing some last minute preparations. You come to talk to Yami?"
"No." she shook her head. "Just came to hang out." Why does he keep asking that everytime I see him!?
"Oh. I'm sorry." He was blushing.
"Yugi. I will let you know when I want to talk to Yami. For now, you and I should catch up."
"Yea. Sounds good, but I will have to switch over in about 5 minutes." He smiled nervously.
Lindsey was staring at him. "Why are you so nervous?" He blushed. "Stop blushing. It's weird." He blushed more. "Yugi! Stop!" He looked away and turned beet red. "Oh dear lord. Switch over. Yami!" The millennium puzzle flashed and Yami appeared. He smiled warmly at her. "Tell Yugi to stop being so nervous around me. He's freaking me out."
Yami laughed. "He gets like that around beautiful women." Lindsey's eyes lit up.
"You think I'm beautiful?" She waggled her eyebrows.
He smirked. "Very." They held each other's gaze till Lindsey spoke up.
"Okay! We need to get you to the dining hall because that's where they're announcing the duels!" She got up to go past him but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his arms. He kissed her forehead.
"Stay safe while I'm dueling."
"You don't even know if you're dueling for sure tonight." She mumbled into his chest.
"Something tells me I am." She pulled back and looked him in the eye.
"Please be careful." He nodded and she wrapped her arms around him. They broke apart and she grabbed his hand. "Ready?" He nodded again and they walked out of the room into the hall.
"Winners first, monkey boy." Seto laughed under his breath as he made his way down the hallway.
"What did ya say tough guy? Yea. You betta walk away!" Joey walked behind Kaiba giving him an evil stare. The rest of the gang walked behind Joey. Lindsey shook her head.
"Can't those two stop trying to bite each others heads off for more than two seconds?" Yami laughed and they made their way to the dining hall.
When they arrived, it was decorated differently than before. Rather than white, it was decorated in Reds, Gold's, and Blues. Lindsey let go of Yami's hand and walked up to Seto. "Place looks great Seto."
"Well, I designed it so it should." Lindsey rolled her eyes. "The design got me thinking of making an entire building with this color scheme. Like a school maybe."
"What? Like a dueling academy?" Lindsey joked.
"We'll see." She chuckled, and swore there was a hint of a smile on Seto's face.
Roland stood up in front of the dining hall to make an announcement. "Attention Battle City finalists and guests. You will see that each table has four name cards on it. Find yours, and take your seats." Lindsey looked at Seto with wide eyes. He must have understood what it meant because he answered her question.
"Don't worry. You're with Mokuba, Roland, and I." He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the table. Lindsey noticed Yami eyeing her carefully. She gave him a reassuring smile. Everyone had taken their seats. At table one, Lindsey, Mokuba, Seto, and Roland. Table two, Yami, Joey, Tristan, and Tea. Table three, Serenity, Duke, Mai, and one of Seto's guards. Table four, Bakura, Marik, Odion, and an empty seat where the eighth duelist should have been.
What's the point of this? I'm glad Seto put a guard with Serenity though… I don't like being separated from Yami… I want to sit with Mai… Why are my thoughts all over the place?
Roland continued to speak. "Before we announce the duels, we have prepared a special dinner in your honor. Please take this time to enjoy some last moments of relaxation, as well as a dinner prepared by some of the best five star chefs around. We will start dinner with the first course." The servers brought out an amazing salad to start off. While eating, Lindsey looked over at Yami who was just picking at his salad. He didn't look happy.
The second course was Steak, with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. It was perfectly cooked and Lindsey savored every bite. Lindsey looked over to see Yami still picking at his food.
"Seto I'll be right back." She scooted out of her chair and walked over to him. She put her hands on his shoulders and started massaging them. "Okay grumpy pants. What's wrong? You're not eating."
He shrugged. "Just not hungry. To much to think about." She walked next to him and knelt down to look him in the eye.
"Stop worrying. Everything will be fine." He smiled at her but it wasn't very convincing. He looked away and continued to pick at his food.
Okay then…
She got up and walked back to her seat. "Everything okay?" Mokuba asked.
"I'm not sure. But I'm sure it will be! Let's just enjoy that dessert coming out!" Mokuba turned around and beamed at the triple chocolate cake being served.
Seto leaned over to whisper in Lindsey's ear. "Way to change the subject." She elbowed him and he winced. She devoured her cake and came to the conclusion she was stuffed.
Ugh. This food baby is huge!
"Seto, are we going to announce the duels now?" Lindsey asked.
"Not just yet." Lindsey frowned.
"Why not? Let's just get this over with."
"Well, we decided to let their food settle a little." Lindsey looked confused. "You'll know why when you see the dueling arena." She raised a brow.
"Okay… I'm gonna go talk to Mai." She walked over to Mai's table.
"I'm just saying these finals would be ten million times cooler if they played dungeon dice monsters."
"Give it up Duke. It's not going to happen."
"Aww, come on Mai. I'm sure Duke will live his dream someday!"
"Thank you Serenity." Lindsey cleared her throat.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Mai snorted. "Just Duke trying to impress the pretty girl." Pretty girl being Serenity. Duke blushed a little. "What's up with you?" Lindsey shrugged.
"I'm worried about Yami. He won't eat, and he hardly spoke to me. He was fine an hour ago." Lindsey wondered if he was upset because she had to sit with Seto at dinner.
"I'm sure it's just nerves." Duke chimed. "He would be crazy not to be a little nervous. Are you nervous Mai?"
"Petrified. Though I'm trying really hard not to show it." She gave a thumbs up.
"Well you're doing a good job. I guess I just worry a lot." Mai tried to comfort her by rubbing her back.
"He'll be fine Linds." She nodded.
"Attention everyone." Roland spoke again. "While we set up the machine to determine the duels, please proceed to the ballroom side of the hall for refreshments." Everyone got up and walked to the ballroom.
Mai squealed with excitement. "Lindsey! They're serving appletini's!"
No way are any of us finalists 21…. Oh well… guess I better savor the moment rather than complain.
She and Mai both got their complementary Appletini's and joined the group to chat. Lindsey however pulled Yami aside for a private chat. He was still glum.
"Okay. Talk to me. Whatever is on your mind, get it out now." He was staring at her drink.
"What is that?" He rose his brow.
"Confidence in a fancy glass," She joked. "Start talking."
He sighed. "There is just so much at stake. I have to win. I have to defeat Marik. The world is depending on me. What if I fail?"
"Then we are all royally fucked." He wasn't amused. He had genuine worry in his eyes. "Sorry." She muttered. "Yami you won't fail. I know you wont. You never lose."
"Except to you…"
"I'm not Marik. I'm you're loving girlfriend who is here to support you through anything. You've faced his minions before, how is this any different? He controlled them. Just think of this as a rematch, just with a different deck, and with the most powerful Egyptian God card." He winced as she said this. Trying to reassure him she said. "But he can only control Ra if he can read the Ancient Egyptian scriptures on the card, so there is still hope he cant use it. Maybe you'll get lucky and he won't be able to decipher the message…" She smiled nervously.
"How do you know that?" it seemed as if every word she said went over his head and he only focused on her newfound knowledge.
"I… I honestly don't know." And it was true. She didn't know. She didn't know where a lot of her knowledge was coming from. "Oh by the way, Bakura isn't what he seems. He's being controlled by some evil spirit in his millennium item." Yami looked over at Bakura who was talking to the gang and laughing. He looked like innocent old Bakura.
"Are you okay Lindsey? Something in your confidence juice making you loopy?"
"You don't believe me do you?" He shook his head. "Fine then. You and Bakura will be the first duel and you'll see what I'm talking about. You'll also struggle in the duel a great deal." He had almost a scowl on his face. "When they announce the first duel, you'll see I'm right." She sipped her drink. "Ahh. Good shit." Yami stared at her in disbelief.
She took another sip of her drink, then her eyes grew wide. She looked at Yami. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I said those things. You'll do great in your duel." He just stared. "I'm gonna go now…" She kissed him on the cheek and walked away.
What the hell just happened? It's like that wasn't even me talking. I'm not drunk, I've had two sips. How could I have known who Yami would be dueling, or that he would struggle? Simple… I don't know. I was just babbling. I can't predict the future. Can I?
Oh shit. I predicted the future.
Sure enough, Yami was up against Bakura, and he brought out his evil side. And even more sure enough, he was struggling half way through his duel with the evil spirit of the Millennium ring. Seto had been right about letting the food settle. They were dueling on top of the blimp, thousands of miles in the air, with fast wind speeds. It was the ultimate test.
While Yami had cornered him by destroying Dark sanctuary and disenabling him to play the final letter of Destiny board, Bakura had another trick up his sleeve. Bakura had 1200 lifepoints left, with no monsters on the field. Yami was up in lifepoints but had three monsters on the field.
This duel isn't over… it's the farthest thing from over.
"I Summon Jowgen the Spiritualist!" Bakura said from across the field.
"I'm Stumped. What does dat do?" Joey said puzzled.
"You tell us Mr. Expert!" Tristan snapped.
"His special ability you idiots! Now pay attention to the damn duel!"
"Dang Linds. Sorry I asked…" Joey grumbled.
"By sacrificing one monster, I can use Jowgen's special ability to destroy all specially summoned monsters on the field!" Bakura laughed.
"No way!" Joey yelled.
"Way." Mai answered. "Since Yugi summoned Dark necrofear with a magic card, Bakura can destroy it."
"But doesn't that mean that thing with all the eyeballs will come back?" Tea asked. Mai nodded and Lindsey rolled her eyes.
"It's called Dark Sanctuary, Tea." Bakura sacrificed a monster and Jowgen's ability activated. Dark Necrofear left the field and Dark Sanctuary returned.
Back to square one…
"This will allow me to play the final letter of the Destiny Board! It all happens in one turn, so prepare to say goodbye to the Battle City finals and so much more." He grinned evilly.
"Come on Yug! You can do it!" Joey cheered.
"Um…" Serenity started. "Are you sure Joey?"
"Absolutely. I'm not saying it will be easy, but Yugi always pulls through! No matta how tough da fight!"
Come on Yami…
"I'd suggest giving up now Yugi! Nothing you do will stop me from completing the destiny board. I shall reveal the last letter the next turn, and you will automatically lose everything! And since I must sacrifice a monster to maintain Dark sanctuary, farewell Jowgen." Jowgen left the field. "I'll set one card facedown and end my turn. Remember my ghost is back as well to possess one of your monsters, thanks to Dark Sanctuary."
"I'm well aware!" Yami growled.
"But which will I choose? You'll just have to guess. But attacking with a possessed monster could cost you your lifepoints, so choose wisely."
"Fine. I have no intention of losing. I outsmarted your spirit once before, and I'll do it again! The first thing I need to do is figure out which of my three monsters your spirit possessed."
Bakura grinned. "That wont help, thanks to my face down card. No matter what monster you choose, my card will shift the spirit to the attacking monster."
Mai leaned over to Lindsey. "Did that idiot just tell Yugi his strategy?"
"Apparently. Normally when you have a face down card you don't tell your opponent what it is. Guess the spirit of the ring didn't get that memo." Mai laughed.
"Yugi. You can't win!" Bakura said triumphantly.
"I hate to say it guys, but I think he's right." Duke said solemnly. Lindsay cleared her throat and walked right in front of duke. She smiled a sweet, innocent smile, and then decked him right in the nose. Duke fell to the ground whimpering.
"Wanna lose faith again Duke?" He shook his head. "Good. Now, shut the fuck up, and be positive! If I can think of way Yami can get out of this, he can! There is a way. He just needs to find it!" She extended her hand to Duke. "Now get up!" He took her hand and she brought him back to his feet. They turned back to the duel and started yelling out cheers of encouragement.
"Make your move Yugi!" Bakura snapped.
"Prepare to experience a power like no other!" Yami drew a card.
Lindsey gasped. He did it….
White light flashed around the blimp. I sacrifice my three monsters to summon the almighty, Slifer the Sky Dragon!" A large red dragon appeared and fiercely growled.
"What is that!?" Tristan yelped.
"Dat's the hugest duel monsta I've eva seen!"
Lindsey smirked. "That's an Egyptian God card, and his ticket to victory."
"I'm afraid it's over Bakura! Your Dark Ghost has no effect on Slifer! Slifer, attack with-" Yami gasped.
"Perhaps you should wait before you attack." Everyone looked over to see Odion. Well, Odion posing as Marik.
"What do you want Marik?" Yami asked.
"Joey no!" Tristan was holding Joey back as he tried to get at Marik.
"For once in your life Joey, Listen." Tea sighed.
"Bakura is under the control of the Millennium Rod, he does what I command." Marik said calmly.
"Impossible." Lindsey said. "Bakura is under control of the spirit of the Millennium Ring."
"Partially right Lyris."
Lindsey growled. "Don't call me that!" She snapped.
Ignoring her he stated, "I am now in control of both Bakura and the spirit, and now I'll prove it, by freeing your friends mind." Lindsey and Yami gasped.
They turned back to Bakura to see him on the ground gripping his arm. "My arm. It hurts!"
"That's the real Bakura!" Lindsey said.
"Yugi, help me. I don't know where I am! Why am I in a duel?"
"He is weak without the spirit of the ring." Marik started. "You may want to reconsider your attack. The devastation may make your friends condition worse. Would you really risk the health of your friend?" Marik left without another word.
"Stop the duel." Tea said. "Bakura needs a hospital now!"
Yami stood in disbelief, afraid to make another move. "If you don't continue the duel, you will be disqualified." Roland stated. Yami clenched his teeth as Bakura whimpered in pain.
"Yugi," Kaiba started. "I'll make this decision really easy for you. Finish him off." Lindsey narrowed her eyes at him and he scowled in return.
"I offer a second warning." Roland said. "Make your move or lose your spot as a finalist." Just then Joey climbed up on the dueling platform.
"Chill out buddy! Can't ya see da poor guys injured? What kinda show you guys running here?"
"Get down or you'll be disqualified to." Roland stated calmly.
"Are ya kidding me!" Joey scowled. "If I come down there, He's not the only one who's gonna need medical attention, you ar-!" Before Joey could finish, Duke and Tristan pulled him down and they crashed to the ground. Lindsey and Mai stared in disbelief before returning the duel.
Before Yami could make a decision, the spirit of the ring took back over. Yami gasped.
"Yugi, attack now!" Lindsey yelled.
"Alright, Slifer the Sky Dragon, Attack!" Slifer charged up an attack, and unleashed it, plunging Bakura lifepoints down to zero." As soon as they hit zero, everyone ran to help Bakura. They carried him to his room, and lay him down to rest.
They all stood around his bed. Joey Spoke, "Some crazy stuff went down in dat duel. What exactly happened when Marik showed."
Yugi answered. The spirit and him had switched places so it was just little Yugi now. "For some reason Marik didn't want Bakura to lose, so when I was about to win the duel, Marik used the Millennium rod to free the real Bakura. Marik though I'd forfeit since he was injured. But the spirit of the ring thought I would attack Bakura, so he took back over."
"Why would he do dat? Joey asked.
"Um.." Yugi looked puzzled.
"Simple." Everyone stared at Lindsey. "The spirit needs Bakura to survive. If Bakura is to weak, the spirit is essentially helpless itself. He took back over at the end, because if Slifer attacked the spirit, Bakura would be spared, and the spirit would be okay."
"What she said." Yugi smiled at Lindsey.
"I think it's time to go ask Kaiba to land this thing and get Bakura some help." Tristan suggested. The gang agreed and started walking out until Yugi gasped.
"Hang on guys! It's gone. The Millennium Ring!"
"That Egyptian God card probably blasted it sky high!" Joey said. "Let's go!"
Yugi nodded and said goodbye to Tea, who was staying behind to watch Bakura. They all walked out into the hallway when an announcement came over the P.A System. "Attention duelists. With the conclusion of the first duel, there will be a half hour intermission. At the completion of this time, all remaining finalists are instructed to report to the main hall for the selection of the next match."
"We have to help Bakura." Yugi said as if he didn't even hear the announcement. They were looking for Kaiba's room when Mokuba came out of the elevator.
"Hey you guys, You can't be over here. It's restricted." Lindsey giggled.
"Mokuba please. It's me. Seto doesn't care what I do."
"You no, everyone else yes! That's my brothers room guys so keep it down!"
"Alright!" Joey started banging on the door. "Come out Kaiba Lets go!" Mokuba grew frantic.
"Are you nuts!?" He said. Lindsey's eyes were wide.
"Joey, for the love of all that is good, please stop! You're making a mistake." He continued pounding of the door. When it opened, he accidentally punched Kaiba. Joey's face fell.
"If it isn't Wheeler." Kaiba drew back a punch. Lindsey pushed Joey out of the way and then braced herself for the impact.
"Seto!" Mokuba yelped. Lindsey waited, but the pain never came. She opened her eyes and whimpered as a huge fist was frozen right in front of her. She looked up to a wide-eyed Seto.
"Way ta go rich boy! You almost knocked out a girl! Ya must be so proud."
"Joey!" Lindsey snapped. "Now isn't the time to pick a fight. I'm fine."
"Kaiba," Yugi started, "We need your help. Bakura's hurt! We need to land so he can see a doctor."
He regained his composure and answered Yugi. "You're asking me to do the impossible. We can't make unscheduled stops."
"I've had enough of your attitude Kaiba! Land dis blimp now, or be prepared to say hello to the business end of my fist!"
"Joey! Enough!" Lindsey was furious.
"Why are ya taking his side Linds?" Joey was getting mad to.
"I'm not on a side! If you would stop running your mouth, you would know we don't need to land the blimp!" She nudged Seto. "Go make the call." Seto got up and walked over to a wall speaker.
"Hey! Come back!" Joey yelled. Lindsey punched his arm.
Seto pressed a button on the speaker and spoke into it. "Send a medical team to Bakura's room."
The gang looked surprised except Lindsey. "Good call Bro." Mokuba said.
Joey looked at Lindsey and she scowled. "You should have known Seto would have an onboard medical team. He's not exactly stupid."
Joey grew solemn. "I'm sorry. You must hate me right now for the way I've been acting."
"I disapprove, yes, but if I hated you I wouldn't have been willing to take a punch in the face for you. If Seto wouldn't have stopped, I would need medical attention." Joey scratched his head with a nervous look. Lindsey smiled. "But I'm fine, so no worries. You all go check on Bakura again and I'll meet up with you shortly." They nodded and left, leaving Mokuba, Seto, and Lindsey in Kaiba's room. As soon as the door shut, Seto grabbed Lindsey into a tight hug.
"Never attempt to do something that stupid again. I could have seriously hurt you."
"Seto I'm fine. Don't beat yourself up." He let her go and narrowed his eyes.
"Just do as your told." She raised a brow. "Now leave. I have a duel to prepare for."
"Ok then?" She walked out and waved to Mokuba. "Later Moki."
"Bye Lindsey!" He said back.
Alright. There's about 20 min left until the announcement of the next match. I should probably go find Yami.
She found Yugi in his room. He was staring out the window. He's probably talking to Yami in his head…
"Yugi." He turned around and smiled when he saw her. "Switch over please?" He nodded and Yami took over a second later. She let out a sigh of relief and before he could speak she walked up to him, hooked her arm around his neck and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. They broke apart all too soon, but they were still holding each other. Lindsey closed her eyes as she rested her head on his chest. "I'm so glad you're okay." She whispered. He rested his chin on her head.
"I'm sorry I didn't believe you when you predicted I'd face Bakura. I'm sorry I didn't listen to your warning about this being a tough duel as well." He was rubbing her back.
"It's not me predicting this. It's Lyris." He pulled back to look her in the eye. He looked puzzled. "It sounds crazy but I know it's her. This is her ring on my finger. Her spirit is in the ring. It's not like the Millennium Puzzle. I can't control her. She takes over whenever she damn well pleases. I'm scared of her to be honest." Yami pulled her back into an embrace.
"I do not think she means you harm. This just might be her only form of communication."
"Maybe…" She took a deep breath.
"Attention duelists. This is your five-minute warning. All finalists report to the main hall for the announcement of the second Duel." Roland's voice came over the P.A and Lindsey could hear several doors opening, and battle cry from Joey.
"Alright! Round two. This one's gonna be me! Hopefully against rich boy so I can teach him a thing or two!" Joey voice faded as he walked to the main hall. Yami laughed but Lindsey tensed. Yami noticed.
"Something wrong. Why are you tensing up?" He was concerned.
"Joey will be dueling this round."
"Against Kaiba?"
She shook her head and tears fell. "I wish it was against Seto. He'd have an easier time walking out alive." Yami's mouth dropped but before he could respond she ran out of the room.
Okay Lyris. I know this is you predicting the future and what not! You have five seconds to tell me how you know all this and is Joey going to be okay!... Answer me!... Lyris answer me n-….
Her internal conversation with herself was cut off due to Lindsey crashing into a body. That Body was the disguised Odion. "Marik."
"Evening Lyris."
"I said don't call me that!"
"Why deny your true identity?" Lindsey smirked.
"I'll stop denying mine when you stop denying yours Odion." She spat these words and watched the shock spread across his face. She ran off toward the main hall.
When she got to the hall they were just about to select the competitors for the second duel. Like Lindsey had predicted, Joey was dueling and his opponent, was Marik. Somehow Odion had beat her to the hall and he and Joey left for the playing field.
The rest of the gang began to follow until Lindsey's ring began glowing. She gasped.
"Lindsey!"
Lyris?
"Listen to me now. You seek answers, and those answers are on board. Go to room 8 and the person inside will answer any questions."
I Can't leave. My friend is about to duel!
"Go now. You won't want to miss Mai's duel tomorrow or Seto's."
And what makes you think I want to miss Joey's!? He's dueling Marik!
"It's not Marik! Just do as I say and trust me!"
ok…..
When they got into the hallway instead of turning left with everyone else, she went right towards the rooms. Yami caught her hand. "Where are you going?"
"Uh… No clue. But the spirit of Lyris told me to do this so I have to."
"Lindsey…"
"Just trust me. I'll be back soon. Hopefully." She ran off towards room eight.
She found room 8 and raised a hand to knock, but before she could, a voice said, "Come in."
She entered into the room and found the room owner. "Ishizu? You're the eighth finalist.?"
"Yes. I'm only here to ensure the safety of my brother and carry out some other plans."
"Brother?" This chick is weird.
"Marik is my brother. I'll explain later, but first, let me explain why Lyris brought you here."
"Woah! You can talk to Lyris?" Lindsey was confused as to how that was even possible.
"Of course I can." She smiled. "Anyway. I asked her to bring you here because I know you have questions. Especially since Odion confronted you last night. It's because of him that Lyris was able to make herself known to you. I apologize for him attacking you. That was my brothers doing. Odion didn't have a choice."
"Marik is controlling Odion isn't he?" Ishizu's mouth tightened.
"Something like that."
"So the guy who everyone thinks is Marik, is really Odion?" Ishizu nodded. "So who's Marik?"
"The guy who you all refer to as Namu is my brother." Lindsey's mouth dropped.
"But Namu is so nice! There is no way!" Ishizu shook her head.
"All an act. Let's get back to why you're here. What questions do you have?" She sat down in a chair and folded her hands in her lap. She motioned for Lindsey to sit across from her. She did.
"First off, Why can she predict the future?"
Ishizu cleared her throat. "Lyris has many magical powers and it isn't Lyris predicting the future, it is you. She cannot take over your body, but you can tap into her spirit. By doing this, you yourself will gain all her powers."
"But how? I don't will myself to predict the future, it just happens." Lindsey was confused. None of this was making sense to her.
"I Didn't say you could control these powers at first. You must learn. Just wait till you experience your first vision."
"Vision?" She asked nervously. Ishizu just smiled.
"Not like a vision into the future. It's a vision of the present. Lyris used it to locate the pharaoh when he turned up missing."
"So, I can see what a certain person is doing, anywhere in the world, at the exact time I will myself to see them?"
"Exactly."
Lindsey leaned forward in her chair. "So you mean to tell me, I can watch Ryan Reynolds shower in the morning?"
Ishizu's face twisted into a grimace. "It doesn't quite work like that. It is to be used to help people. Not for your own personal gain."
"Oh…. Yea… I totally knew that…" She twiddled her thumbs.
"I'm sure you did. Anything else?"
Lindsey thought a moment. "Does Lyris have any other powers?"
"A few. She's a protector for one. That would explain why you were willing to take that punch for Joey." Lindsey nodded. "I guess you could say she's a walking encyclopedia, that how you know all this knowledge about ancient Egypt and other things you can't explain. Her final power is the gift of voice." Lindsey opened her mouth to ask what it was but got cut off. "I'll explain. You can talk to others no matter where they are, but like vision, it only works if someone else is in need."
"Okay. So Lyris is good? Right?"
"She is not the enemy if that is what you mean." Lindsey shifted in her seat.
"No. I mean, is she good, evil? What is she like?"
Ishizu sighed. "Lyris was the type of girl who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, and what she wanted was the pharaoh to be safe. She wanted Egypt to be safe. She was very stubborn and temperamental."
"Okay so what do you mean by she stopped at nothing to get what she wanted?" Lindsey asked fearing the worst.
"I mean… Lyris has… killed people." Lindsey gasped. "But not anybody innocent. Only if she had probable cause. She has good intentions."
"Why me? Why was I chosen to hold this ring." She looked down at her ring that started to twinkle.
"You are the reincarnation of her. It's not chance that you obtained the Crystal Magician. Fate led that card to you."
"My dad gave me that card…"
"Did you ever ask him who gave him the card?" She stared into Lindsey's eyes.
She snorted. "Yea. Because my dads been around long enough to have a meaningful conversation." Lindsey then thought of another question. "Do you know anything about a man named Lucian? Why he wants the Crystal Magician so bad?"
She smiled. "I was wondering when you would ask. Lucian is dangerous. He has been a longtime enemy of Lyris'. Remember when Odion told you she sealed her soul in the ring?" Lindsey nodded.
"Odion said someone named the Thief King did it."
"Wrong. A close follower of the Thief King did it, everyone just assumed it was him. That follower was Lucian." Lindsey was taken aback.
"That's impossible. That happened over 5,000 years ago. No way is he still alive."
"His spirit lives on though. The day you were born, that spirit, along with Lyris' was awakened. History is going to repeat itself. Lyris and Lucian will battle once again, this time, only one spirit will remain. The one who prevails will take on a form of its own. It is your job to make sure that is Lyris taking on her true form. Which looks exactly like you I might add. The only difference is she has crystal blue eyes and white blonde hair. A prettier version of Kisara."
"Who is Kisara?" Lindsey asked.
"A bitch! I hate Kisara. Thinks she's all cool because she can turn into a dragon? F her! I turn into an equally stronger magician!"
Um…. Lyris….
"Is she speaking to you?" Ishizu asked.
Lindsey nodded. "Yea. She says Kisara is a bitch." Ishizu started laughing.
"I guess I should have mentioned Lyris was also quite the drama queen." Lindsey laughed in response.
"So why does he want the Crystal Magician card?"
"So it can't be used against him of course. Without that card, you can't beat him."
"So why did my father give it to me in the first place? He said I was supposed to keep it till he needed it."
"Well the only answer to that is your father is an idiot, and Lucian is furious with him." Lindsey laughed at that. "I think he hoped you wouldn't figure out your true destiny so soon. You'll be in grave danger when Lucian realizes Lyris has made contact with you."
"How do I defeat Lucian? Do you know?" Ishizu smirked.
"Well I think you know that answer. In a duel of course. You're not one of the best by chance. You, like Lyris are an amazing duelist. Everything you have learned up until the battle will be put to the test. I wish you the best of luck. Just be careful. Lucian likes to play dirty. He'll try to emotionally and psychologically destroy you. It's exactly how Lyris lost."
"What did he do?"
"That is for Lyris to tell you. When she is ready of course."
"I feel like I'm already connected to her."
"She means well. You'll just have to get used to her."
"Thank you Ishizu, for every-" Lindsey was interrupted by a huge crash. "What?! Lightning? What's going on?"
Ishizu stood up quickly. "The Gods are angry! How could my brother be so foolish!"
Lindsey ran to Ishizu and grabbed her shoulders. "Explain now."
"Marik had Odion play a counterfeit Winged Dragon of Ra card, and the Gods have grown angry and are striking back! Joey and Odion are in great danger!"
Lindsey gasped. "I have to help them!" She ran towards the door. Before she exited she turned around and thanked Ishizu for her help. With that she ran for the elevators.
She ran out of the elevators at the top deck and shrieked in horror. "Joey!" He and Odion lay unconscious on the dueling field. She ran over to Yami. "Yami. Is he okay?"
"I don't know Lindsey. I hope so." He pulled her to him by the waist.
"Lindsey. Look back. Ishizu forgot to mention the part where Odion is the only thing keeping Marik sane."
What?
Lindsey looked back to see who she thought was Namu clutching his forehead and grunting in pain. She broke from Yami and went to him. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Marik are you okay?" She whispered.
"Get away you idiot!"
NO!
Without Lindsey noticing, Odion started to get up on the dueling platform. He was about to be crowned winner of the duel until he collapsed again. The gang cheered for Joey to get up. "Mai elaborate?" Lindsey yelled out.
"The first duelist to get to their feet wins. If neither get up in two minutes, they both lose." Lindsey clenched her teeth.
"That's sick."
"Blame Kaiba." She groaned and turned back to Marik who was still clutching his head.
"He's up!" Lindsey whipped back around to see Joey standing on his feet..
"The winner of this duel is Joey Wheeler." Roland announced.
Well that's one way to win a duel… Joey you are one lucky punk. She smiled.
Marik began grunting louder and everyone turned to him. "Marik?" He grunted one last time until he thrust Lindsey off of him. She landed a few feet away and cried out in pain. "Lindsey!" Tristan, Tea, and Mai went to help her.
"I am the real Marik you fools." Marik manically laughed.
"So Namu lied to us?" Tea asked.
"There is no Namu you dumbshit!" Lindsey snapped.
"He was a disguise to get me closer to Yugi." Marik continued. "So we finally meet face to face pharaoh. Your puzzle and power will soon be where they belong!" His last few words took on a new voice. A deeper more menacing voice. He clutched his head again.
"It's Marik's dark side. Odion was the only thing keeping it at bay, and now with him being so weak, he can't!"
Oh no…
Marik groaned louder and eventually yelled out in pain.
"I'm gonna file dis is da category of, not good…."
Marik started laughing. Except it wasn't Marik. It was a new form. He was more evil. More menacing. He was spouting threats at Yami.
"Yugi. That battle for the pharaoh's power begins now. A battle 5,000 years in the making, and there is no turning back!" he left the dueling field while laughing maniacally.
Remember when I thought moving to Domino was a good idea? Yea… shoulda stayed in New York.
"Get Odion a doctor. Now." Lindsey said. Tristan and Joey picked him up and took him to his room for medical attention.
"Attention duelists. This concludes day one of the Battle City finals. We will continue tomorrow with the third and fourth duel of the finals. The remaining finalists are to report to the main hall at approximately 6:30 tomorrow evening. Good Night." The announcement ended.
Lindsey was in her room alone playing with her ring She was sitting in a chair looking out the window. Why me. Why can't I go back to my normal life in New York, where my father didn't bother me, and my mom hated me for being a duel monsters champ rather than a doctor….
"Your mom hates you? That's rough. Any siblings?"
I have a little sister that I never speak of. I usually tell people I'm an only child.
"Why's that?"
Because I can't stand her. She doesn't really live with us anyway. She's the perfect child and mom still doesn't like her much. She stays with my aunt on the other side of Brooklyn.
"Your mom sounds pleasant…. What does she think of you moving away?"
She hated me more. I got her to agree by lying to her. I honestly don't even care if she finds out. When I turn 16 I'm claiming independence. I have more than enough money to do so.
"Wow. You really are me…"
Lindsey smiled. A very angry Mai interrupted her conversation with Lyris. She burst into Lindsey's room and quickly closed the door.
"I CANNOT believe Joey! Apparently before he woke up from being unconscious he had a dream about the gang helping him overcome fears and shit, and I wasn't in it! Am I not important enough to him to be in his damn dream! Bakura was in it for Gods sake!" She let out a sigh of frustration and sat down in a chair. She crossed her arms. "I am upset." She pouted.
"Uh…." Lindsey didn't know how to respond. "That's just Joey. I'm almost positive he likes you back, it's just, Joey doesn't have any game. He's not someone you can pursue. He's gotta go to you. I'll talk to him." Mai calmed down a little.
"That would be great, but until then, I am officially mad at him!" She got up and stomped out of Lindsey's room.
"You have weird friends Lindsey."
She's like you. You'll learn to love her.
"She has huge boobs. Don't you feel self conscious around her?"
Everyday Lyris. Everyday.
It was nearly eleven when Lindsey showered and changed into her plaid short pajamas. She left her hair down.
Is your hair curly like mine?
"Nope. Straight as a board. Only similarities are our facial features and body structure. People will think we're twins but were completely different. Can you do me a favor and use my vision power?"
Um… Why?
"To spy on the Pharaoh. I wanna see if he still looks good shirtless."
Ishizu said I can't use it for personal gain….
"The pharaoh is the one and only exception to the rules. Guess she didn't mention that part."
Well, I don't know how anyway. I'll just go to his room.
"YAY!"
Lindsey grabbed her phone and room key and went to Yami's room. He was inside, and as if Lyris predicted it, he was shirtless, and in a pair of black boxers.
How did you…?
"It amazes me you haven't figured out he's on the other side of you. You guys are wall buddies. I heard him undress."
Oh my…
"Something wrong?" Yami asked.
"Uh… no! I just wanted to say goodnight."
"Good save!"
Go away!
He pulled Lindsey into an embrace and she felt the warmth of his bare skin. "Goodnight Lindsey." He pulled away., and went back to whatever he was doing before. Lindsey remained in the doorway.
"I thought you two were a thing? Go get in his bed."
I will do no such thing!
"Look, back in my day when we were engaged, he loved nothing more than to come home to my sexy ass in his bed. Go get in his bed!"
Lyris!
"Lindsey!"
I hate you!
"No you don't! Now do as I say!"
Lindsey groaned and did what she was told. She walked over to his bed drew, back the covers and made herself comfortable. Yami looked at her questioningly. "What are you doing, Lindsey?"
"Act like a little girl. Bat your eyelashes and stuff."
Lindsey fluttered her lashes, and said in a small voice, "The real reason I came over here, is because I'm scared of Marik. He tried to hurt me before, and I think he'll do it again. I thought it would be okay, if I stayed here tonight?" She smiled innocently.
"I don't see why not. I'll just take the chair again." He sat in the chair and attempted to get comfortable.
"Stop him!"
"Um… Yami?"
"Yes?" he responded.
"I was actually hoping you would sleep here." She pointed to the bed. "With me. So I'm not alone. I would feel safer." She fluttered her lashes again.
"I am so proud of you!"
He smirked. He got up off the chair and went to his dresser. He pulled out a white T-Shirt and began to put it on.
"Oh you don't need a shirt." He looked her and she smiled.
"Alright then." He threw the shirt back in the dresser.
"Damn girl!"
He slid into bed with her and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her close. "Sleep now Lindsey." She snuggled into him and closed her eyes.
"Say you love me."
NO!
"Say it!"
Fine!
"I love you." Lindsey's eyes flew open when she realized she said these words out loud.
"What did you say?" Yami asked.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
"I said… um… I love…. You…..Tube…. They got some good shit on that cite."
"Oh okay."
Whew… dodged a bullet there… I'm not saying it till he says it first!
"Hey Lindsey?" Yami said.
"Yes?" She whispered. Yami craned his neck to kiss her on the lips and then whisper in her ear, "I love YouTube too." She laughed and snuggled closer to him.
Looks like we both love YouTube!
"You idiot! He just said he loved you!"
Oh….
"Go to sleep!"
And soon Lindsey did go to sleep, comfortable and content in Yami's arms.
Lindsey walked down a corridor. A black and endless corridor. She was in a building she didn't recognize.
Where am I? She thought. She saw a light at the end of the tunnel and ran to it. Beyond that light was a girl. White-blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. She looked exactly like Lindsey.
"Lyris?"
"Hey Lindsey. This is the only way you can see me. Sorry to disturb your dreams. BTW you might want to wake up. You're in bed alone."
"What!?"
She woke up and found out she was in bed alone. It was 9AM. "Yami?" She called. Nothing.
"I meant to tell you sooner, but I couldn't figure out how to contact you right away. Anyway, an hour ago he left. Went to breakfast with that Tea chick."
An Hour!? Lyris!
"I told you I couldn't figure it out!"
UGH!
Lindsey grabbed her phone and room key, and in her pajama's stomped off toward the dining hall.