Chapter 15

Joey POV

"I hope you're prepared to be swallowed up by the darkness!" Marik laughed menacingly.

"Keep dreamin' psycho!" Joey was grinding his teeth.

The four-way duel had ended. Joey was against Marik, and Yami was against Seto. Joey and Marik were now zooming up to the top of the tower to face off. Marik was laughing as they emerged into the open air.

"Alright chump! I'm gonna enjoy taking you apart!" Joey looked around to see no one standing around him. "Hey! Where's my fan club?"

"Why would you want them here? To witness your defeat?" Marik laughed. Just then, Yami and Seto had emerged up top.

"This shouldn't take long." Seto said smugly in reference to the upcoming duel. Though he was finding it hard to hide the fact he was pleased he would soon be facing Yami.

"Joey, this is going to be the most difficult and most dangerous duel you've ever fought." Yami's tone was serious.

"Nah! Marik's got no chance! I'm gonna crush dat creep! Just wait and see!"

"You couldn't beat Marik if he was blindfolded and handcuffed you idiot!" Seto had his arms crossed and he looked amused.

"I don't rememba asking you!"

"Wake up Wheeler! You're no match for his Egyptian God card."

"Kaiba! You may not remember this, but I went up against Ra before, and I did just fine!" His arms were flailing and his frustration grew as Kaiba grew more amused.

"If memory served me, that Egyptian God card knocked you out cold. You don't have what it takes to win. I'm the only one who can defeat Ra!

"So lowly you speak of me Seto." The three boys turned towards the tower elevator to see Lindsey, Mokuba, Tristan, Duke, and Tea emerge. Lindsey walked past Joey and Yami to stand in front of Seto.

"What are you talking about Lindsey?" Seto questioned.

"You think I don't have what it takes to defeat Ra? I'm slightly offended."

"And I care why?"

"Asshole."

"Whatever." Seto walked away over to where Mokuba was standing.

"I hate that guy!" Joey growled.

"We all hate that guy." Lindsey responded. Tea snorted.

"Aren't you supposed to be his friend?"

"Yes, but 99.9% of the time, I cant stand him." She said the last four words a little louder and emphasized them so Seto would hear. He smirked.

Joey walked away from the gang in silence and made way to the dueling platform. Roland announced the duelists, and the duel had begun!

Lindsey POV

Joey was shrouded in flames due to Ra's attack. He was shouting in fury.

"When the smoke clears, you'll be nothing! At least your friend Mai wont be alone. You'll be with her in the shadows." Marik's laugh was cut off quickly. He growled as the smoke cleared and Joey stood standing, weakly. "No one can withstand an attack from a God card! No one!"

"Lindsey, it's true. Joey should be out cold!"

He's a fighter Lyris. I have faith in him.

"You know just as well as I do he won't win this duel. Fate wont allow it."

Seto changed his fate in his duel against Ishizu; maybe the same rule applies here.

"Seto isn't the Pharaoh."

"Time to put an end to Marik's evil reign for good." Joey uttered weakly. Marik groaned.

"If he succeeds in this attack, I'll lose the duel and my Egyptian God card!

"This is it. My move." Joey was shaking. Lindsey looked across the filed to see a wide -eyed Seto. She smirked.

"I summon Gearfried the Iron Knight!" He stared to shake and groan before he collapsed to the ground.

"Joey!"

"No!"

"Get up man!"

"Joey needs help!"

"No!" Kaiba's voice boomed from across the fields. "This duel is still going on. Wheeler has 30 seconds to get up or he's disqualified." Lindsey twisted her face in disgust.

"Kaiba! Forget your rules! Joey needs help!" Yami was frustrated.

"The duel is over!" Roland retorted. The entire gang rushed up onto the dueling platform, ignoring Roland's announcement of the winner.

"There goes another soul into the shadow realm." Marik uttered this as he walked away smiling. "You're next pharaoh."

Joey was carried down to the medical room and the gang followed. Yami and Seto's duel was set to begin in one hour. Serenity was by Joey's side, as he lay lifeless in bed. She was hysterical. Lindsey was rubbing her back trying to console her. Yami left the room.

Private conversation with Yugi. He must be really upset.

Lindsey waited about ten minutes then went to go check on him. She found him, head and fist against the wall, shaking with anger.

"Yami?" He didn't move. She walked closer to him and touched his shoulder. "I know you're upset, but you got to pull it together. Your duel is starting soon, and the only way to save Joey is to defeat Marik. But you gotta get through Seto first. That alone will be challenging enough." He still didn't move. She took her hand off his shoulder. She slowly walked backwards. "Please be careful out there. And if you need somebody to talk to, I'll be here."

She was still slowly walking when Yami finally spoke. She sighed in relief as he turned to face her. "How did you deal with Mai being taken into the shadows?"

Lindsey pondered a moment. "Honestly, I didn't. I locked myself in my room and cried like a baby. I felt so alone. Like I had nothing left. Lyris is the one who made me realize that I'm the farthest thing from alone. I think the only reason why I'm not still locked in my room is because I'm spending all my time worrying about you and everyone else. Joey's bad enough, but if you were ever trapped in the shadow realm, I'd be…" She choked on her words as tears started to form in her eyes. Yami rushed to her and embraced her tightly.

He rubbed her back and held her. "I know you're going to defeat Marik, but I can't help but think about what happens if you don't." She was sobbing in his chest. "And it's not just you, if anyone else gets taken into the shadows, even Tea, I don't know what I'll do. I can't take any of this anymore. I want him to just take me and stop hurting everyone else."

"I would never let that happen. And Kaiba would be serving him for dinner if he sent you to the shadows." Lindsey laughed through tears. "There's that laugh I know and love."

"The next duel between Yugi Muto and Seto Kaiba will start in five minutes." Roland's voice came over the P.A.

Yami sighed. "You're right about this duel Lindsey. Defeating Kaiba wont be easy. But I must win to save Joey."

"And the world." Lindsey added. They broke apart and stared into each other's eyes. "I'm pretty sure everyone is going to stay in Joey's room, but I'll be up there with you. Supporting you. There's no way you're facing off against Seto alone. He's kind of an asshole and I'm the only one who keeps him in line." Yami chuckled. He held out his hand.

"Time to duel." She took his hand.

"I'll be right here next to you." He kissed her cheek and they made their way to the dueling platform.

"I surrender this duel to the pharaoh!" The gang gasped.

Yami had won in his duel against Seto and he went on to face Marik in the final round. The good Marik had finally managed to break free from his dark side and the evil side is now gone for good. Joey and Odion had broken free from the shadows on their own free will, making it possible for the pharaoh to win this duel. It was all over. After over a month of pain and suffering, the evil is finally gone.

"Its finally over Pharaoh." Marik said.

"And the winner of the Battle City championship crown is, Yugi Muto!"

"Yeah!"

"Way ta go Yug!"

The gang rushed up onto the platform to embrace him and congratulate him. Joey, Tristan, and Duke had him in a brotherly headlock while Lindsey and Tea laughed and cheered.

"I hate to interrupt," Seto walked up onto the platform. "But as Battle City Commissioner, I believe I should congratulate the winner, even though you only won that duel due to Marik's forfeit." His eyes were narrowed. Joey and Lindsey had a smirk on their faces. They were trying not to laugh at Seto.

"Great duel Yugi!" Mokuba came running up. "And as winner, you get to keep your opponents rarest card!"

Marik walked up to Yugi about to hand him Ra. "Make sure he doesn't give ya da fake one." Joey whispered. Tristan, Duke and Lindsey clamped their hands over their mouths to keep from laughing while Tea elbowed Joey in the ribs.

"Pharaoh. As I complete my final mission, rest assured that everyone who was banished to the shadow realm by my dark side will return."

"Mai!"

"It's about time!" Lindsey had a tear in her eye while Joey hugged her to his side. Both of them counting down the seconds till they could see Mai.

"Take this. My rarest card." Marik handed Ra over to Yami and he took it with gratitude. "You're going to need it Pharaoh." Finally, all three Egyptian God cards were in the Pharaohs possession.

Marik spoke again. "I have one more task before my tomb keepers mission is complete. Observe." In a swift motion, Marik stripped off his shirt to reveal the ancient scriptures tattooed on his back, as well as some nicely toned abs. Tea and Lindsey were in a daze.

"Oh my…."

"Back off Lindsey. I call dibs."

"Hey, he's all yours." She put up her hands as if to surrender. Tea smiled triumphantly.

"These are the ancient scriptures passed down in my family from generation to generation for 5,000 years." Marik said.

Ishizu spoke next. "We were told that the pharaoh had wiped his memory clean, but we knew someday he would return and would need his memory back. Now that you posses all the Egyptian God cards, all you need to do is read the scriptures on Marik's back."

Yami tried to read them but couldn't do so. Lindsey noticed the look on Yami's face. It was a look saying Yami and Yugi had come to a realization together. She would ask him later.

"It's time for us to leave now, but first take these." Marik handed over the Millennium Rod, and the Millennium Ring. Yami now had 4 of the 7 items in his possession.

"Thank you." Yami nodded at Marik.

"Alright you geeks! This celebration has gone on long enough!"

"Oh Seto…." Lindsey rolled her eyes.

"Always the charmer." Duke chimed in. She snorted.

"The Battle City tournament is over! So if you'd like a free ride home, I suggest you board my aircraft right now! And if I were you, I'd go now, because in one hour, this island will explode!"

"Say what!?" Joey roared.

"You're kidding right? Please say yes!" Tristan was infuriated.

"I don't kid."

"Can you believe dat sore loser!"

"I know! Kaiba loses the tournament so he decides to trash the place."

The gang now stood at the base of the tower, hurriedly making their way towards the tower. Lindsey knew Seto was upset about losing, but trashing the island was a little extreme.

"Hey Lindsey." Duke started, "Anyway you can get Kaiba to NOT destroy the island." She nodded solemnly.

"I wish I could, but once Seto makes up his mind there's no changing it. But never mind that, we need to hurry back to the ship. I haven't spoken to my best friend in days!" She broke off into a sprint towards the ship.

"Wait up Linds! I'm Coming too!" Joey ran to catch up.

"Serenity!" Joey bursted into the room. "How's Mai doing?" Lindsey ran in a second later. Her eyes locked on Mai, still lifeless in bed.

"Why is she still motionless?" There was no emotion in Lindsey's voice and her eyes were colorless.

"She hasn't moved." Serenity replied.

"What gives!" The rest of the gang walked in at that point. They all gasped a little when they saw Mai. Tears were spilling out of Lindsey's eyes, but she was silent. Yami came up and tried to embrace her, but she shrugged him off.

"You were supposed to be okay! Yugi beat Marik and saved ya! Your mind shoulda been released form da shadow realm!" He cupped her face. "Please wake up. I'd give anything in da world to have ya back! Please Mai!"

"Maybe you should kiss her like in Snow White. She might wake up." Lindsey suggested. She was smirking and Yami gave her a shocked look. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

"I'll do whateva it takes!" He started to lean in for a kiss until Mai started uncontrollably laughing. Joey was speechless as Mai, Lindsey, and Serenity howled with laughter.

"Lindsey, how did you know she was ok?" Yami asked.

"Serenity texted me." She had a huge grin on her face.

"Some reason we haven't taken off yet?" Lindsey and the boys walked into the main control room.

"The Kaiba's haven't come back yet. We can't leave without them." Roland answered.

"This whole island is gonna blow!" Tristan said. "We have to go!"

"Not without the Kaiba's!"

"We'll go look for them!" Yami said, and in a quick second, all the boys, including a newly woken up Bakura, went to scavenge the island.

"Start the engines Roland." Lindsey said. Roland tried to start the engines, but they wouldn't budge.

"Um…." He looked panicked.

"Something wrong." She didn't like the look on Roland's face.

"Well, the engines aren't exactly starting up." The color drained from Lindsey's face.

"Excuse me! You better find a way!"

"Yes ma'am!" She sighed in frustration.

Seto. I hate you so much right now.

With Seto nowhere to be found, everyone aboard the ship decided to take the nearby chopper seeing as they had no other choice. Everyone ran to their rooms to grab their stuff, then boarded the chopper. It was crammed wall to wall.

"What about Mr. Kaiba?"

"We have no choice but to leave without them!" Lindsey gasped.

"Seto…" She buried her face into Yami who thankfully stood right next to her.

The chopper ascended into the air, and they took off as fast as they could go. The gang watched as the island exploded. In the midst of all the smoke a large Blue Eyes emerged. Except it wasn't a Blue Eyes, it was Kaiba's personal jet.

"Say WHAT!?" Joey was beyond shocked.

Lindsey's mouth was open to the floor. "Seto! You fucking asshole!" She flipped him off through the window.

"Easy there." Yami lowered her hand down.

A few hours later, the gang stood on Domino peer. The sun was setting and the gang never felt more relieved. Ishizu, Odion, and Marik had gone back home to Egypt. The original eight, plus Serenity said their goodbyes for the day.

"Well guys, it's time for me to go. I got some Dungeon dice monsters stuff to attend to. I wont be back till school starts up again."

'You're leaving for the rest of summer?" Tea asked. He nodded.

"Afraid so. I'm gonna pack tonight, then I'm off to California till August."

"I'll be gone for summer as well." Bakura added. "My parents and I are flying out to Belgium for a while."

"Well, I'm leaving now," Duke said. "Need a lift home?" Bakura nodded. They all hugged each other and Bakura and Duke left.

"Lindsey, you ready to go home? My car is parked around back."

"Mai, I have been ready to go home since we left Domino, but I think I'll walk home with Yami. Joey needs a ride home though." She pushed Joey towards Mai. "Tristan will take Serenity and Tea home." It was obvious she was pushing Joey to finally make a move on Mai. The real question was if Joey would catch on or not.

Joey scratched his head. "Uh… I guess I could use a ride home. Serenity, you gonna be ok?"

"I'll be fine. You go ahead!" She gave a sweet smile. Joey and Mai said goodbye to what was left of the gang and made their way to Mai's car.

When they were an adequate distance away Lindsey said, "Thank God Joey caught on!"

"Seriously. As his best friend, I don't think he would appreciate me punching some sense into him. Let's hope he's smart enough to make a move!" Tristan was crossing his fingers, praying Joey would do something. "Anyway I think it's time for us to head out as well. Tea, Serenity, ready to take off?" They both nodded and said goodbye, leaving Lindsey and Yami alone.

Lindsey turned to him. "You know, I don't think I ever said congratulations on winning the tournament."

"Thank you. Couldn't have done it without you by my side. You and everyone else gave me the courage to keep fighting till the end." He wrapped his arms around her waist and closely embraced her.

Lindsey breathed in his scent, happy they both could finally relax. She still held on to him but pulled away to look at him. "So what now?"

"Well, we have two more months of summer left, and dare I say things are back to normal, I think we should just enjoy ourselves." He tightened his hold on her waist. "Starting now." He bent down to kiss her. Sweetly, yet passionately.

A whole summer of Yami all to myself? Please and Thank You!

"Don't forget about me! Lyris is important to!"

….Shit….

AN: As y'all can tell I did a lot of jumping around and completely cut the Noah arc. We all know what happens and it's a lot to type out so for the sake of time, enjoy your summary. :) -GM