Chapter 22

Lindsey POV

Lindsey stood on the balcony of her apartment leaning against the rail, looking out on the city. Everything had been arranged. The gang would fly to the island in the evening, giving Lindsey adequate time to get things ready.

It was nearly time. She was dressed in her white trench outfit. Her deck, now including the Crystal Magician, was in a deck box fastened to her thigh, and her duel disk was at the ready.

The wind gently blew her hair. She closed her eyes as the breeze came through.

This is going to be the toughest duel of my life isn't it?

"Yes."

Will you stay by my side?

"More than you think."

A ghost of a smile graced Lindsey's lips. She found comfort knowing Lyris would be there with her, more comfort than having the gang by her side.

"You can't be scared. You must never show a sign of weakness. That is exactly when he will attack. Keep in mind that this is a different duel than any you will experience."

Different how?

"I can't tell you that. That would give you too much of an advantage and you have to win on your own. I can tell you one last thing. Please keep your friends close. Never let them out of your sight."

Lindsey didn't respond. It gave her more to think about. She was terrified, but Lyris said not to show fear. She had to stay strong.

A knock at the door broke her from her train of thought. She walked over to the front door and opened it to reveal Seto.

"Ready?" He asked, no emotion in his voice. Though he would never show it, Lindsey knew that he was nervous for her.

"Yeah. Let's do this." Seto put his hand on the small of her back and guided her out.

Head up. The time has come.

The chopper they took to the island was big enough to seat the nine of them. Lindsey sat in-between Seto and Yami and hadn't said a word the entire flight. Yami at one point reached over to grab her hand, but she withdrew, wanting to be to herself.

"You shouldn't alienate yourself. Let him comfort you."

I don't want comfort. What I want is to get this over with. I want everyone to be safe, and I want my sister away from dad and Lucian. Who knows what they're doing to her.

"Lucian said they wouldn't harm her if you go to her before the week was up."

No he said he wouldn't kill her, not hurt. Not even a devil like her deserves this.

"Lindsey?" Yami whispered in her ear.

She turned her head towards him, but not completely. She had no desire to speak but knew a conversation was coming on.

"Please talk to me." Seto could hear the murmurs and tried to listen. "I know you're feeling…."

"You don't know how I feel at all." Lindsey snapped. "I know you want to understand, or you want to help me in some way, but you cant. Nobody can help me but myself, Lucian said so himself. This is my battle and my battle alone. Please accept it." Her electric green eyes stared straight into his violet eyes. She held his gaze and didn't notice the tear that escaped her eye.

Yami reached up and wiped the tear from her face. To react, Lindsey grabbed his head and held it to her face. She was crying hard now.

"I'm sorry." She barely whispered. He responded by hugging her close to him. They sat there in silence as she cried.

"Lindsey. I told you to stay strong. You need to pull yourself together. We're nearly there."

I know, but I need this. I've kept everything bottled up for to long. I think it's best if I let it out.

"Just finish fast."

Several moments passed by until Lindsey lifted her head. The tears had finally stopped and they were quickly approaching the island.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. You didn't deserve that." Yami rubbed her arm.

"It's alright. Just do what needs to be done." She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you."

They sat in silence for a moment until Seto spoke. "We're here." Lindsey lifted her head from Yami's shoulder to look out the window. She saw the familiar island looking just the same as it had so many years ago.

She saw the thick dense forest that her family would camp in, as well as the beach she and Lili would play at. The volcano they would hike up was just the same, dormant and beautiful.

"This is definitely it." She said to herself. The rest of the gang was all looking down at the island in awe as they landed.

The helicopter touched down and the gang quickly filed out. They all stood around looking clueless until Seto took control.

"Alright. We need to split up and find this so called cabin that could be a potential hide out for Lucian." Lindsey cleared her throat and Seto gave her an annoyed look.

"I should probably mention that this cabin is more of a mansion." A couple of jaws dropped and eyes widened. "It was more of a vacation home if anything, we just called it the cabin. It was castle like and stunning. You'll know it when you see it, but we shouldn't split up. I'm sure I'll be able to find it, just follow me." Lindsey started to walk into the forest. Seto followed immediately but the gang was reluctant.

"Either follow or go back home." Seto snapped.

"Asshole." Tea murmured.

The gang had been walking for almost an hour. They were in the middle of the thick, dense forest and they were completely lost. People were growing restless. They were hungry and wanted to go home. The gangs constant complaining made things worse.

"Are we almost there?" Duke complained. "I think I speak for everyone when I say, I'm starving."

"I agree with Duke. I could go for dat turkey sandwich in da fridge back home." Joey added.

"Dibs on half." Tristan chimed in.

"Will you all shut up!? Lindsey is doing the best she can!" Seto was highly irritated and knew Lindsey was too. He glanced over to see her holding Yami's hand but still looking vigorously around for the cabin. "Lindsey is there anything that can give us a clue as to where it might be?"

She stopped walking and thought a moment. "There was a path. A dirt path. It led from the cabin to what I think was a pier, with a light house."

"So we're supposed to wait till dark to see this lighthouse that will supposedly guide the way?" Tea snapped.

"Actually Tea," Bakura started. "That's not a bad idea."

"Does this light house even work anymore?" Serenity questioned.

"Well it's nearly dark. The Worst that can happen is it doesn't work. Then we just keep walking towards the other side of the island and walk along the coast." Mai was proud of her idea.

"Guess we have no choice since Lindsey decided she was a damn navigator." Tea rolled her eyes.

"You know what Tea, you didn't have to come along. In fact, I prefer you weren't here to begin with." Yami stepped in front of Lindsey to attempt to calm her down.

"Fighting won't solve anything." He looked deep into her eyes.

"I know that. I'm sick of her attitude. She…." Lindsey kept bickering to Yami while Seto worked some of his CEO magic. Within seconds, he had the cabin located thanks to his team patrolling the skies.

"Cabin located." He said aloud. "Follow me." The gang all stopped what they were doing and immediately followed.

After about 15 minutes of walking, a huge castle like building stood in front of them. A black wrought iron gate surrounded it. The building was definitely worn from the years, but still usable. The front doors were broken in, barely hanging off the hinges. The quick approaching of the night made it look eerie and creepy.

"Well, who volunteers ta go first?" Joey said nervously.

"Me of course." Lindsey pushed open the gate and started towards the cabin.

"Lindsey wait!" Yami demanded. She whirled around to face him. "Are you completely positive you're ready?"

"Ready or not, I don't have a choice." She responded. "My sister could be in there, and I couldn't avoid Lucian forever. If Lucian is inside, this all ends tonight. No more running away. Just stay out here till I give you all the okay." Yami said nothing. He gave a simple nod. Lindsey turned and walked towards the cabin. She entered through the broken doors to see the horror inside.

It was fully dark outside, making the cabin even darker inside. Even with the lack of light, Lindsey could still see all her family belongings destroyed inside the large foyer. The floorboards were missing and parts of the walls had caved in.

At the end of the foyer, Lindsey could see a huge white blob. She couldn't make out what it was but something drew her to it. The closer she got the stronger an unknown stench got. She crept closer, till she was able to make out that it was a white chair, facing away from her. She walked around to the front of the chair.

What she saw next was enough to make her cry out. Her hands flew to her nose and mouth, as it was clear where the stench came from. Sitting in the chair was her mothers decaying body. Tears started to pool in Lindsey's eyes.

"Lindsey no! This is exactly what he wants. He wants you to be scared. He wants to throw you off guard. You can't let him have the advantage. You knew your mother was dead. You can't change that. Walk away from the body Lindsey."

Lyris I can't she's my mother. I can't leave her like this.

"We'll get her later. Find Lucian."

Yami and Seto came running in worry filling their eyes.

"We heard a cry." Seto said.

"Everything okay?" Yami added. Lindsey said nothing. Both boys noticed where she was looking and soon saw the horror for themselves. Yami tried to pull Lindsey into a hug, but she shook him off. She walked away from her mother's body to the center of the foyer.

"Seto, get your team to guide the rest of the group back to the chopper. This is going to be so much more dangerous than I thought. From now on, it's just us three." Seto muttered something into his collar, obliging to Lindsey's orders. They didn't hear from the rest of the group, which means they were safely out of the area.

"Okay Lindsey, where do you think Lucian would be in here. This place is huge. He could be anywhere."

"My guess is the creepiest part of the house Seto. That would be either the basement or…." She gasped at her realization.

"Or what?" Seto urged. Lindsey remained silent.

"Babe?" Seto scowled at Yami.

"The passage way." Both boys got confused looks on their faces.

"Passage?" Yami questioned.

Lindsey broke into a run across the cabin, and both boys quickly ran after. After some time they ended up in a large library. Lindsey stopped in the dead center and took in her surroundings.

"Mind explaining Linds?" Seto and Yami were looking around in confusion.

"This was daddy's study. Somewhere in this room is an entrance to an underground room. I discovered it by accident when I was 6 and I've never seen dad so mad before. I'm willing to bet everything that's where they are. Problem is, I don't remember where the switch is, but I do know that it's not a book so we don't have to take every book off the shelves."

"I'll try the desk. Secret switches on desks are always a must." Seto smirked.

Yami started feeling the walls and Lindsey checked the objects in the room. Seto found no secret switches and started to look elsewhere around the room.

Lindsey walked over to a trophy case on the wall and pondered a moment. She closed her eyes, trying to think how she opened the room the first time.

"Lili! Give me back my doll!" Four-year-old Lili was running wildly through the cabin with Lindsey's favorite doll. What was supposed to be an afternoon of peace turned into absolute chaos.

"Catch me and it's all yours!" Lili taunted. Both girls continued to run through the cabin until they found themselves in their fathers study. Lili stopped and her eyes widened. Lindsey caught up and snatched the doll out of Lili's hand.

"Don't ever touch her again you brat!" Lili slapped Lindsey's arm. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"Shh! This is daddy's study. He said we're not supposed to be in here. We could get in trouble."

Lindsey smirked. "Daddy would never yell at me. I'm his favorite." Lili stuck her tongue out as Lindsey proceeded to walk about the room. "Look at all this neat stuff." Lindsey was looking at a glass trophy case filled with all kinds of goods. She began to pick them up and examine them.

"Lindsey! Are you trying to get us killed?" Lindsey rolled her eyes. She kept on picking up random items until she came across a mini replica of the Great Sphinx. She grabbed it but it wouldn't budge. It seemed as if it was stuck. She pulled harder but it never lifted.

"Stupid statue." Lindsey muttered. Lili was tugging on her sleeve. Annoyed Lindsey slapped her hand away but Lili was persistent. "What do you want?" Lili pointed. Lindsey whirled around and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

One of the bookcases had disappeared to reveal a flame lit stone spiral staircase leading down into the earth. Lindsey slowly approached the staircase. Lili was scared, while she was intrigued. She almost had her foot on the steps, until a very livid Lance interrupted her.

"The Sphinx!"

"Son of a Bitch, not more Egypt shit."

"No Seto. The statue of the Sphinx is the key to the staircase." Lindsey walked up to the Sphinx and tugged it. It didn't budge, instead the bookcase moved and the flame lit staircase was revealed. Seto and Yami looked Awe struck. "Well, let's go." Lindsey made her way to the top of the staircase and the boys followed. They descended together.

"How far do you think we've gone down?" Yami asked. Lindsey shrugged her shoulders as a response. They had been climbing down stairs for ages. Lindsey was leading the way, trying to keep her courage up.

"I don't know. Can't be much longer though." Lindsey was right. They came upon the last step and soon a long hallway loomed in front of them. It was illuminated by wall torches, making it eerie looking. The three of them stopped at the bottom of the staircase. They stared down the hallway in silence.

"You have to go down there."

Yeah….

"Let's go." Lindsey started walking and the boys hesitantly followed. "I swear if Lucian isn't at the end of this hall I'm gonna lose it."

"Calm yourself Linds."

The three of them walked all the way to the end of the hall until they came across two wooden double doors that were as tall as the ceiling and had iron handles.

"Lance didn't mess around when it came to being dramatic did he?" Lindsey glared at Seto's remark.

"Now is not the time to be cracking jokes. Help me get this door open." But the doors slowly started to open on their own. They creaked as they opened. Lindsey peered in to see a large flame lit room. There were two statues in the room on the left and right side. One was a statue of the Crystal Magician, the other The Dragon of desolate shadows. At the end of the room, perfectly lined up with the doors was a large mirror. Lindsey stared at the mirror as she walked towards it.

She stood just inches from the mirror when the flames in the room went out. She gasped and her heart started to race.

"Calm yourself! And promise you wont freak out."

What?

The flames came back on. Lindsey turned to look at Seto and Yami. They were wide eyed and looked as if they just saw death.

"Guys what's wrong?"

"Y-You." Yami said with a shaky voice.

"Excuse me?" Lindsey said slightly offended.

The boys didn't respond but Seto pointed towards the mirror with a shaky hand. Lindsey whirled around and nearly fainted.

She was no longer Lindsey. She was Lyris. She had straight waist length blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. She touched her hair to make sure it wasn't just the mirror. She really was appearing as Lyris.

Explain.

"Time to duel."

That tells me nothing!

"Lyris." It was Lucian's voice, but he was nowhere in the room. His laugh echoed throughout the room.

"Stop hiding Lucian. Come out and fight. I didn't come here to talk." Lindsey looked back into the mirror. It was quiet. Finally, the silence was broken as the mirror in front of her shattered into thousands of pieces, and Lucian, Lance, and a tied up Lili emerged from behind. Lindsey didn't flinch, she held her ground trying her best to stay strong.

"Lyris. Still so beautiful, yet I'm afraid I'm going to have to dispose of you." He took a couple steps towards Lindsey. "Ironic isn't it? How the mirror shattered, eliminating your reflection, when I myself am about to eliminate the reflection herself! Lyris. You don't stand a chance."

"That's what you think. I'm fighting for someone other than myself. I already have the advantage. You're the one who doesn't stand a chance."

Lucian walked closer to Lindsey. "You're fighting for what? Your two little boyfriends? Please humor me some more."

Lindsey gritted her teeth. "Enough talk. Let's duel." She grabbed her deck and loaded into her duel disk. The disk activated.

Lucian began to laugh. "This is a different kind of duel you naïve child. You're skills will be put to the test like no other. I only need one card to destroy you, but I will allow you three."

"Impossible. There's a specific monster you have to use to defeat me, and you can't summon it without at least three sacrifices."

"Wrong. There are no sacrifices. Why waste more time than needed? There's a reason why this is a duel like no other. I make the rules."

Lindsey's face twisted into a scowl. "That's completely unfair. Why can't you duel me like a normal villain?"

"Fine. Your entire deck, against my Dragon, and a card of my choice. Fair?" A dark smile spread across his face.

"Don't agree. Take the first offer."

Stay out of this. This will make an easy win.

"Fine. But you just made this easier for me."

"You idiot! This is how I lost last time! By agreeing to his rules!"

Well, you're not me!

"Uh….. YES I AM!"

"Let the duel begin, and I think I'll be a gentleman and let you go first." A duel disk formed on Lucian's arm though it was all black not the standard design by Kaiba Corp.

"Duel!" They both cried. They both gained 4000 lifepoints. Lindsey drew five cards. She smirked.

Perfect. The Crystal Magician, and Dark Magician Girl on my first turn. And he did say no sacrifices needed.

"I'd play defensive if I were you."

I know how to duel!

I think I'll lay Swords of Revealing Light facedown and play Gemini elf in defense mode just to see what he's possibly got planned with one dragon.

"I play one card facedown, and I call Gemini Elf to the field in defense mode! I'll end it there."

"That was a shitty first move." Seto grumbled.

"I'm guessing she wants to see how Lucian is going to use this dragon of his Kaiba." Yami defended. Seto rolled his eyes in response.

Lucian began to laugh hysterically. "You fool. You should have never agreed to this."

"Here it comes."

"See, I said your entire deck against my dragon and a card of my choice." He smiled.

"I know what you said. I'm not an idiot." Lindsey snapped.

"You see, my dragon and a simple magic card will bring you to your demise. You thought you would only have to defeat one dragon. Well now, you'll have to defeat three!"

Lindsey gasped. "What!?"

"I play Dragon of Desolate Shadows and combine it with the magic card, Multiple Shadows!"

"I've never heard of that card!"

"Taking out one dragon was going to be tough enough, now she has three. This is almost impossible."

"Kaiba. Those dragons attack and defense is the same as your three Blue Eyes White Dragons. It will be tough, but there is a way. Have faith in Lindsey." Seto ignored Yami.

"Multiple Shadows gives my dragon the ability to duplicate into three! You stand no chance!"

Three dragons as dark as night came roaring onto the field, each with 3000 attack points and 2500 defense points.

"And now, it all ends here! Dragon number one, attack Gemini Elf, Dark Shadow Pulse!" The first shadow dragon launched a dark beam at Gemini Elf and she was destroyed. "My remain dragons! Wipe out the rest of her lifepoints!"

Yami and Seto gasped. "She's done for!"

The two dragons launched their attacks and the room was filled with a thick smoke.

Seto and Yami were coughing due to the smoke when Joey, Tristan, and the rest of the gang ran in. "Yug! Took forever ta outsmart dose Kaiba Corp minions. What did we miss?!

"Joey?" Yami questioned. "You're not supposed to be here."

"We wouldn't miss dis for the world!"

"Well you came at a bad time dog." Seto growled. "She just lost."

The gang was shocked speechless. They looked around as the smoke was starting to clear. It eventually got faint enough to see Lucian and Lindsey standing there. The grin on Lucian's face immediately disappeared.

"Impossible. How are you still standing?"

"Did you forget about my facedown?" Lindsey smirked. "I played it just in time before your second attack. I still have 1000 lifepoints, and you're stuck for three turns." Lucian gritted his teeth.

"Yugi?" Mai started. "What's up with Lindsey's eyes and hair?"

"It's still Lindsey, but she's taken on the appearance of Lyris for some reason."

"Humph. How dramatic."

The grin formed back on Lucian's face. "No matter. You're just stalling the inevitable. You still stand no chance against my three dragons."

He's right. I need a strategy and fast.

Lindsey drew.

Polymerization? No good.

"Judging by the look on your face, you didn't draw very good did you?" Lucian smirked. "Well, go ahead and draw again. I have no cards anyway."

"Wait." Tea began. "I'm no dueling expert, but when you run out of cards, don't you automatically lose?"

"Not according to Lucian's rules." Yami replied.

"It sounds like his rules are only in favor of himself." Duke said. "It's no wonder he has yet to be defeated."

Lindsey drew another card.

Dark Magician? Could be useful, but not what I need. Lindsey gritted her teeth. "I play Dark Magician, in attack mode!" Dark Magician gracefully came forth onto the field.

"Did she just summon Dark Magician without making a sacrifice?" Bakura exclaimed.

"Another one of Lucian's rules" Seto responded darkly.

"That's the best you can do? Humph. One more chance Lyris." Lucian gave a dark laugh.

Okay. I know this is kind of my boyfriends thing but, heart of the cards, please guide me.

Lindsey drew a final card. She took a look at it and began to beam.

"This duel's over Lucian."

"What makes you so certain little Lyris."

"My name isn't Lyris! It's Lindsey Walsh!" The smug look on Lucian's face vanished again, and stayed gone. "First I'll start by summoning my Crystal Magician to the field!" Lindsey threw the card onto her duel disk. The card and the ring began to glow so bright the room was filled with the blinding light.

The light dispersed and the gang gasped.

"Lindsey you're you!" Serenity chimed.

What's the gang doing here? And what does she mean I'm me? Lindsey looked down to see her brown ringlets gathered at her waist. I am me! Lyris! Why did we switch back?...Lyris?...Answer me?

She was so busy frantically searching in her head for a sign of Lyris that she just now noticed the new duel monster standing in front of her with an attack of 3000 and defense of 2500. She bore long blonde straight hair, with crystal blue eyes. She was holding a crystal staff with matching boots. Her outfit was similar to Dark Magician Girl's, only this one was all white and had a long flowing train. No doubt this was Lyris in her true form.

"Lyris?"

She smiled in response. "Finish him."

Lindsey nodded. "Now I play the spell card Dark Magic Attack!"

"No!" Lucian cried. The gang cheered.

"When I have a Dark Magician on the field, I can play this card and destroy all trap and magic cards on your side. Looks like you now only have one dragon!" Lucian growled as three dragons turned into one. "And it's still my turn! Crystal Magician, attack Dragon of Desolate Shadows!"

"You Fool! They'll both be destroyed!" Lucian began to panic.

"I'm well aware! Crystal Magician, Reflection Aura Attack!" Lyris twirled her crystal staff and shot out a clear beam that sparkled like a crystal in the light. It engulfed Lucian's dragon, as the dragon shot out its own attack. Both monsters were destroyed with no damage to either duelist. Silence filled the air. It was quiet enough to hear the beating hearts of everyone in the room. "My turn isn't over." Lindsey said. Lucian gasped. "Dark Magician, Dark Magic Attack!" The Dark Magician attacked, leaving Lucian with 1500 lifepoints left. "And since you have no other means of defense, I might as well attack again." Lucian growled with anger. "Dark Magician, finish him!" The Dark Magician attacked once more and Lucian cried out as his lifepoints plummeted to zero.

The duel was over. All monsters were cleared from the field. Lyris walked up beside Lindsey and put a hand on her shoulder. She was dressed in the white magician attire.

"So this is the real you?" Lindsey asked.

"Yup. Sure is. Congratulations." Lyris' voice was similar to Lindsey's but a little higher pitched.

"This was almost too easy Ly. I feel like it's not nearly over." Lindsey was worried.

"Well, I've never beat him in a duel before, so you're kinda on your own from now on as far as guidance is concerned." She gave an apologetic smile.

Lindsey looked over to where Lucian was. He was kneeling down with his head hanging. She saw his body begin to shake. He was…. Laughing.

"You idiots think I can be defeated that easily?" He looked up at Lindsey. She gasped as she noticed his eyes were completely blacked out, no white at all. "Lance." Lindsey almost forgot about her father and sister standing off to the side. Lance brought the tied up Lili in front Lindsey. Fear was frozen on her face.

"Lili…" Lindsey whispered. "I came and I dueled you. I won fair and square. Let her go."

Lucian smirked. "What fun is that? I'm going to show you how a real duel is played. A shadow duel." Lindsey gasped. Lucian touched the black pendant he wore around his neck. It began to emit a black light.

"Lindsey! Look!" Seto was pointing at the statue of the Dragon of Desolate Shadows. It was emitting the same black light as the pendant. The stone on the statue began to crack and soon there was a pile of rubble on the ground. A black ball stood hovering where the statue stood. Lindsey turned to Lucian.

"What are you getting at Lucian? Explain. Now!" She was growing frustrated.

He chuckled darkly. "It works similar to Ra. Only you need this pendant," He dangled his pendant. "And the chant is far more simple." Lindsey gritted her teeth.

Lyris stepped in front of Lindsey. "This isn't a duel Linds. It's a battle. I'll be here to protect you."

"Lyris, I'm sure one of my magician's can do it. Get yourself out of here." Lyris snorted.

"I'm a duel monster Linds. I can't go anywhere. Besides, this a battle of light versus dark. I have to be the one to fight." Lyris had a determined look on her face.

"Dragon of Desolate Shadows, awaken from the darkness to serve thy master. Help me to shroud the light in darkness for all eternity!" The black ball begin to form into the familiar dragon. It soon emerged into a mini version of itself. Lindsey began to giggle.

"That's your impressive dragon Lucian?"

Lucian's smile grew wider. "Unleash your full potential my dragon." The dragon began to grow. It took up half of the room and stared to grow through the ceiling. Lindsey's smile faded. The room was starting to come apart and the gang had to act fast or they would be trapped under there.

"Lindsey, Lyris! We need to move!" Yami grabbed Lindsey's hand and pulled her and Seto did the same to Lyris.

"My sister!" Lindsey wailed.

"I got her!" Duke said. He quickly charged Lance and threw a punch. He hit the nose just right to where he broke it. Lance released her to clutch his bleeding nose. Duke grabbed Lili and guided her seeing as he had no time to untie her.

They quickly ran down the hall and ascended up the staircase., taking two, sometimes three stairs at a time. After what felt like forever they made it up the staircase, but the floor was giving out as the dragon grew.

"Outside!" Joey shouted. They quickly ran for the exit, careful to dodge any fallen flooring.

They emerged outside. It was as dark as night, yet they could see the red eyes of the dragon rising higher and higher. It was colossal. Fear was building inside Lindsey, but Lyris remained confident, ready to fight.

"No time to be scared Linds. This dragon may be out of our league, but we'll find a way."

"How was he defeated the first time?" Lindsey asked

"I don't know. My soul was already sealed inside the ring. The only person who could remember would be the pharaoh, and he doesn't even know his real name." Lyris looked apologetic.

"Then I guess we're writing our own history." Lindsey said.

The dragon stopped growing. Lucian stood atop its head. "Attack." Lucian calmly commanded. The dragon began to launch its attack.

"Lyris!" Lindsey panicked.

"I've got this!" She waved her crystal staff and created a light barrier that stopped the attack.

"We can't keep defending. We need to fight back!" Lindsey began to think of a solution.

The dragon launched more and more attacks. The gang had taken cover in the trees while Seto, Yami, Lindsey and Lyris remained in the open.

"Lindsey! Ishizu didn't mention one power that I have."

Powers? I almost forgot about those. Never had a reason to use them… until now I guess.

"What power Lyris?" Lindsey asked frantically.

"I'm not really sure what it is, but it can only be done once, and you have to be the one to do it." Lindsey was trying to make sense of Lyris' words, but there was none. She didn't want to go into something so blind, but she didn't have a choice.

She nodded after a while of thinking. "Do it." Lyris grabbed Lindsey's hand and muttered some chant in ancient Egyptian. The crystal ring on Lindsey's hand began to glow so bright, it engulfed her whole body. Lyris let go of her hand as the glow intensified.

In a few short moments, the light had faded to reveal Lindsey wearing the same crystal magician costume as Lyris "What is this?" Lindsey asked.

"My reflection." Lyris answered. "I've never had the privilege to use this power before, until you came along." She smiled. "We defeat Lucian together." Lindsey nodded in response. "Ready?"

"Let's do it." They linked together their Crystal staffs and began to charge power.

"Concentrate." Lyris said calmly. "I'll tell you when." Lindsey began to focus all her energy into the staff. A beam of white light began to form at the tip of it, growing the more she concentrated.

The dragon began throwing more powerful attacks now, Lucian laughing wildly. "You can't stop me reflection. Nothing you do will work!" He ordered his dragon to attack more, and this time it was beginning to break down the light barrier shielding them.

"Lyris! Anytime would be great!" Lindsey could physically see the barrier cracking and she was panicking.

"Almost time." She was so serene looking, almost as if none of the events phased her at all."

"Dragon of Desolate Shadows," Lucian began. "Attack once more with your full power! Finish them!" The dragon opened its mouth wide and a black beam began to form. Slowly the attack grew bigger and bigger, until it was ready to be unleashed. Lucian cried out as the attack was launched.

"Now!" Lyris shouted.

"Reflection Aura!" They both shouted. Within seconds, both beams contacted each other and it was now a battle of light and dark.

"Focus all your energy Lindsey! We can win this."

Either we win, or I die. I need to remember what I'm fighting for. My sister, my friends, the man I love… the world…. I can't be scared. I need to succeed. I'm Lindsey fucking Walsh. I don't lose… and Lucian is no exception!

Lindsey put all her power into the staff. The white light began to push back the dark, and Lucian's smile began to fade while Lyris' grew. The dark light was pushed farther and farther back until it was inches from Lucian's dragon.

Panic began to set on his face. "You can't defeat me! This world is supposed to be mine. I've waited for 5,000 years. It won't end like this!"

Lyris smirked. "It's already over." She shrieked and threw one last bit of power into the attack, and it made contact with the dark dragon. It roared in agony as the white light slowly destroyed it.

Bright white light radiated across the entire island, blinding the gang. Lindsey and Lyris kept their eyes shielded until it faded enough for them to make out some distant shapes. Lucian stood weak kneed a few feet in front of them. Both she and Lyris were still dressed as the Crystal Magicians.

"This. Isn't. Over." Lucian chocked out. He held out a hand, palm out towards Lindsey. He then closed it into a fist, and Lindsey began to choke. Her hand flew to her throat as she gasped for air.

"Lindsey!" Yami shouted from behind the trees. He began to run towards her.

"No!" Lyris yelled. She waved her hand and Yami was frozen. "Stay back. I'll handle him."

"One last person to die before I myself go!" Lindsey's face was turning red and she was fading away.

"The only person leaving is you Lucian!" Lyris twirled her staff like a baton, the threw it like a spear, straight towards Lucian. It impacted in the center of his chest, piercing through his black pendent at the same time.

Lindsey immediately began to take air back into her body. She coughed and gasped as she quickly began to breathe. Lyris released Yami, allowing him to assist her. The rest of the gang followed behind.

"Kaiba." Lyris called. She motioned for him to follow her to Lucian. He did as he was told. They approached Lucian's body. He was sputtering blood out his mouth and writhing in pain. Seto kicked him in the side hard. "What was the point of that?" Lyris questioned

"I'm a very busy man. This asshole wasted a good portion of my time." Lyris raised a brow. "He also tried to kill the women I love." He said in a lowered voice. A small smile formed on Lyris' lips. "So do we just wait for him to die?" He was still bleeding but not quite dead. Lyris walked closer to the body. She placed both her hands on the top of her staff the impaled his body. She forced pressure on the staff and stabbed it further into his body. Lucia gave one last breath before his body went still.

Seto stared at Lyris wide eyed. She shrugged her shoulders in response. "I've killed before. One more isn't going to make much difference." Lucian's body began to turn into a black tar like substance as it soaked into the ground.

"What the?" Seto questioned. Soon nothing was left except the broken pendent. Lyris bent down to pick it up.

"The shadow is no more." She threw the pendent up into the air and waved her hand. She showed no emotion of the remains of the pendent exploded in a ball of white light.

Lyris stood motionless as the dust from the exploded pendent rained down upon her. She closed her eyes with a small smile, then fell to the ground.

Seto ran to her and picked up her fainted body. He carried her over to Lindsey and the rest of the gang. Lindsey was sitting upright with Yami holding her close, the gang huddled around with concerned looks on their faces. She Seto carrying a limp Lyris and began to panic.

"She'll be fine." Seto assured. Lindsey relaxed a little

"Linds?" A small voice was heard. Lindsey looked over to see Lili, now untied. Her black hair was a tangled mess, but her eyes radiated green. Even in the night Lindsey could tell she had circles under her eyes and looked sickly. "Mom's dead." She choked out. "She's really gone." Lindsey scrambled over to her sister and pulled her into an embrace as the sobs began. "Why did dad do this?"

Lindsey stroked Lili's head, fully crying herself. She never got along with her sister, but she knew Lili needed her more than ever. Lili was the only family she had left, and she would hold on to her as long as she needed to.

"Don't cry girls." Lindsey's head flew up to lock with the all to familiar green eyes. She immediately got to her feet to shield Lili. Lance chuckled. "I'm not here to hurt you."

Lindsey snorted. "Look where we are dad. Mom's dead body is in that pile of rubble," She pointed to the where the cabin once stood. "Lili was nearly killed at your hands as well. Who knows how long she'll be traumatized for. Both of us watched you kill our mother." She was beginning to choke on her own tears. "You almost let Lucian kill me, and for what? For power he wouldn't even give to you? He used you to get to me."

"That's not true. We we're going to rule together. I was going to make a better life for all of you. We could have all lived together happily, but you insisted on trying to stop us. We couldn't let you win." Lance began to walk towards Lindsey.

"We already won." Tears were flowing down her face.

"No. I'm still here."

"There's nothing more you can do Lance!" Seto was by Lindsey's side. "Lucian is gone. It's us against you. You can surrender yourself to a life in prison or well take you in the hard way."

"No." Seto looked at Lindsey in disbelief. She slowly crept towards Lance, fiddling with her ring.

She got close enough to reach out and caress her father's cheek. "You'll join me Lindsey?"

"You're my father, and for that I will always love you, but I will never forgive you." Lance got a confused expression on his face. Lindsey muttered a few words in Egyptian and before Lance could react, he was shrieking as his soul was being sealed inside the crystal ring.

The process was completed, and Lances body faded away. Lindsey's normal clothes returned to her body, and a white dress cloth belted with gold and accessorized with gold jewelry appeared on Lyris' body. Lindsey assumed it was the clothes she was in before her soul was sealed. Lindsey walked back over to the group, ring in hand.

She went up to Seto and placed the ring in his hand. "Lock it away, and take me home." Seto nodded. Lili ran up to Lindsey still crying and she quietly embraced her. Yami placed a hand on her shoulder and she nuzzled her face into it.

Seto walked over to the still faint Lyris and picked her up. He muttered something into his collar, and with seconds, a Kaiba Corp chopper was descending upon them.

The nightmare was over. They were finally on their way home.