DISCLAIMER: If you recognise it from somewhere else, it isn't mine.

Awakening of Evil Part III

'You don't scare me!' Joey stated. 'I'll find a way to squash your oversized scorpion, Marik.'

'That would be quite an achievement considering my Mystical Beast Serpents is more powerful than all three of your monsters, Mr. Wheeler. The only question is, which is the first one it should devour? And it's pointless for you to try and stop my ancient creature, because there's not a card in your deck powerful enough to do it.'

Joey looked at his deck, genuinely worried. He glanced up to see Marik looking down to the side of the arena again. But he soon refocused on Joey again. Whatever that was.

'Now, Mr. Wheeler, it's time for you to make your final move before my Mystical Beast annihilates you! And thanks to my Swords of Revealing Light, you still can't attack.'

'You're going down. So here goes. I play.' Joey drew…not what he was hoping for. Aw man! A Polymerisation card? That's no help now. I gotta find someway to waste his Mystical Beast before it knocks me out of the finals. 'I'll keep all my monsters in defence mode and take my chances.' As he ended his turn, the Swords vanished.

'A desperate move,' Marik remarked. He drew. 'And now, say goodbye. My Beast can't be stopped, so feel his ancient fury!' He issued the command. 'Attack his Jinzo now!' The Beast reached out with its pinchers and grabbed Jinzo. After a small and futile struggle, Jinzo disintegrated.

Joey blanched.

'My Mystical Beat not only destroys the monsters it attacks, it also absorbs their power – making it even stronger!'

'It can't be,' Joey murmured.

Marik heard him anyway. 'Oh, but it can.' It rose up onto its hind legs and a second head became visible from its back, sporting one of those millennium eye symbols. 'And now half of Jinzo's attack power is added to my Beast.' The Beast's attack strength rose up to 3700.'

'And that wasn't the only side effect,' Joey said. 'It's bigger and uglier too.' He grunted and swallowed his fear. 'Doesn't scare me.' He drew. No good again. He added the card to his hand. 'All right. Well, it looks like I gotta pass. So just go.'

'I will,' Marik said. 'The pleasure is all mine.' He pointed across the field. 'Now, Mystical Beast, attack his Insect Queen!' The Beast surged forward. It grasped the Queen with its pincers. She screamed as she was destroyed. 'By absorbing the power of your Queen, my creature grows even stronger.' It suddenly had insect-like wings as its attack strength flew up to 4900. 'There's no stopping me, Mr. Wheeler. You're finished!'

'Joey!' Téa called. 'Hang in there!'

'Yeah,' Mai agreed with her, 'this joker has nothing on you!'

'Farewell.'

Joey's attention was drawn as he noticed his sister, overwhelmed, begin to flee. 'Serenity, come back!' She stopped and turned. 'Don't leave me now.' He knew she was scared of him losing. 'I need you. I can't get through this duel without you here. You're my biggest inspiration, Serenity.'

'Do you mean that?' Serenity asked.

'Absolutely. Where do you think I get all my courage from? From you! You're my family!'

YGO

Shamee saw something shift on Odion's face when Joey said that. She knew why too. She knew exactly why. It was a terrible thing, but was what had happened. It had been years in coming – millennia, in fact.

'So you gotta stay here and cheer me on,' Joey went on. 'It's the only way I can win this thing.'

Serenity nodded. 'You got it, big brother.'

Joey pumped his fist. Shamee reflected on a time, so long ago, when Odion had known comfort like that.

YGO

When Mrs. Ishtar had picked up Odion for the first time, she gave him shelter from the cold and gave him a home, deep below the desert sands of Egypt. She raised him as if he was her own child. But, of course, her husband had not been quite so willing to accept the boy his wife had brought in. He wanted his own flesh and blood.

'For generations, our clan has served the Great Pharaoh by guarding his ancient tomb,' he said one night within Odion's earshot. 'But now, our destiny is in jeopardy. Who will watch over the Millennium Rod and Necklace if we have no children? For 5000 years we've waited in the darkness for the Pharaoh's return. We cannot fail him now.'

'But we have Odion,' Mrs. Ishtar said. 'He can carry on our legacy. Why don't you give him the Tomb Keeper's Initiation?'

'I already told you. Odion is not our flesh and blood.'

'He's our only hope. It was fate that brought him to us on that day. Please Initiate Odion by his 12th birthday.'

At the time, Mr. Ishtar had nodded. It had made Odion happy to be part of the family. It made him feel as though he belonged. That was all he really ever wanted, but it would not happy that way. Soon, though, Mrs. Ishtar became pregnant. She gave birth to the first of two children, a daughter.

'She's beautiful,' Mrs. Ishtar had proclaimed, 'and her name shall be Ishizu.'

Mr. Ishtar looked down at his new daughter, but not with the fondness that a father should. 'Finally, after all these years, a child of our own.' He turned away though. 'All we need now is a boy.'

He disappointed his wife with that statement.

'My dear Odion,' she said to the boy sometime later, 'you know I've always thought of you as my son, but you cannot assume the family legacy until you've been through the Tomb Keeper's Initiation, and you shall receive this sacred rite on your 12th birthday.'

Odion had smiled at that, but he was still somewhat concerned. 'How will this change me?'

'You will bear the ancient scriptures, my child,' Mrs. Ishtar said. 'You'll see. That is if you still want to become a Tomb Keeper.'

'Of course,' Odion said. 'Mother, does this mean I'll be exactly like you and father?'

'Yes, dear. You will truly be our son.'

That statement had brought tears of happiness to Odion's eyes. However, he would never receive the Tomb Keeper's Initiation, for shortly after that conversation Mrs. Ishtar gave birth to another baby. This one was exactly what her husband wanted, but the consequences of his birth would be dire.

'Look, dear,' Mrs. Ishtar said to her husband, despite her failing husband. 'It's a boy. Hold him, dear.'

'A true heir!' Mr. Ishtar proclaimed. 'We shall call him Marik. Finally! Come, my son.' He turned and carried Marik off to a ceremony that was held for each Guardian of the Tomb when they were born. He was so wrapped up in this boy, that he failed to see his wife fall back in exhaustion. Odion and Ishizu rushed over to her though.

'Mother?' Odion asked. 'Are you all right?'

Mrs. Ishtar reached out a hand to him. 'Just tired.' It was a lie and they all knew it. Her hand was shaking. 'Promise me you'll always look out for your brother and sister. Oh…'

'I promise, mother!' Odion quickly assured her.

Completely careless to his dying wife, Mr. Ishtar lifted the new baby up to the only source of sunlight in the tomb. 'Marik, someday you shall receive the Tomb Keeper's Initiation, as a lasting reminder of your destiny my son!'

So his wife died and Marik grew, under the guardianship of Odion. Their roles were well defined: Marik was the chosen one and Odion was his protector. No matter what, Odion would be responsible for what happened to him. He would be held completely responsible for anything that happened – even something as unpredictable as a snake bite. One such incident had Marik in bed with a fever and Odion thrown up against the wall and held by the throat as Mr. Ishtar snarled at him.

'You've disappointed me again, Odion, and that is unacceptable! You vowed to us that you would protect Marik and now look at him, Odion! He's my family's future!'

Odion forced his words out. 'I-I'm sorry, master.'

'Sorry's not enough! Marik's my flesh and blood!' He slammed Odion into the wall again. 'He must carry on my legacy!' He growled and dropped him. 'Don't you dare leave Marik's side until his fever has passed and he is well. I command you!'

Odion had been angry at Mr. Ishtar, of course, but not Marik. He was never angry at Marik. He just walked over and sat down. Unfortunately, the little boy had been awake throughout this whole thing. Marik opened his eyes a little, despite the fever raging through his body.

'I'm sorry,' he said. 'It was all my fault, big brother.'

'Huh?' Odion asked. 'Don't let your father hear you say that!'

Marik opened his eyes and reached out for Odion. 'Forget him. You will always be my big brother, Odion.'

'Thank you,' Odion said, and he took his hand. Tears fell. 'I'll never let you down again, Master Marik.' He put his head down. 'Please forgive me. I promise to always protect you.'

But there was something much, much bigger on the horizon for Marik.

The Tomb Keeper's Initiation.

Marik was forced to devote his life to the Ancient Scriptures. But since when had that meant he wanted it. Quite the opposite, really. This boy was a free spirit trapped in a tomb. In fact, one day as he was studying, per his father's demands, Odion brought him something to eat.

'Your dinner.'

'I'm not hungry,' Marik said tightly.

'But you need to eat. At least have some soup.'

Marik turned and lashed out. 'I said I'm not hungry!' He knocked the whole tray to the floor. He froze and dropped his head.

Odion had known something was wrong. 'What is it?'

'I'm sorry, Odion,' Marik said. He looked back at him. 'Soon I'll receive the Tomb Keeper's Initiation.'

Odion began cleaning up the mess. 'Yes?'

'Then it will be my job to wait here for the Pharaoh to return. I'll be stuck down here the rest of my life.' He turned back around, tears in his eyes.

'But…' Odion started to say, but then stopped. It was different for them.

'Why did I have to be born the son of a Tomb Keeper?' Marik demanded. He dropped his head onto folded arms. 'Once I have the Initiation, there's no escaping my future. Just thinking about it terrifies me.'

'Master…'

'I know that I was born into this tradition, that it's my destiny. But why?' He broke down crying. 'Why do I have to give up so much for this Pharaoh? It isn't fair!'

Odion laid his hand on Marik's shoulder. 'Let me do it. Your family saved me. Now I can repay them by saving you from a life of darkness inside the Pharaoh's tomb.'

Marik stopped crying and lifted his head. 'Huh?' He looked back at him. 'Really?'

'I'd be honoured.' Odion nodded. 'I shall ask for your father's consent right now.'

So he did but Mr. Ishtar had reacted in rage, as if such a request was sacrilege. He beat Odion for daring to so much as suggest it. He was insensitive to his own son's fears and wishes. All he saw was the tradition he sought to continue. And so Marik's initiation went ahead.

Marik was dragged through the tombs to the room where it would be done, crying and screaming for Odion the whole way. Ishizu knelt at the edge of her bed, praying for her little brother. As his own father carved the scriptures into Marik's back with the Millennium Rod – a foolish move, considering – Odion took a sharp knife and heated it over a flame.

After, Marik laid on his bed with his torso all bandaged up. He waited until Odion came in, face bandaged up and wearing a cloak. Then he spoke. 'My life has changed forever.'

'Yes,' Odion said. 'You're a Tomb Keeper now.'

Marik spun and jerked his arm. 'Go!' The movement caused pain to shoot all through his back though and he grunted. He dropped back down on the bed. 'I'm sorry. I feel so alone.' He turned back to Odion and his voice took on a strange timbre. 'Why should I have to pledge my life to some Pharaoh?'

Odion lifted his head, showing his bandages. 'As you know, I'm forbidden to join this clan so I…' He hesitated.

'Go on,' Marik said.

Odion lowered his hood. 'So I performed my own ritual.' He removed the bandages. 'I hope this mark proves my loyalty to your family, sir.' He had carved his own set of hieroglyphs in the side of his face. 'You're not alone.'

YGO

Marik glanced down at the sidelines again.

'Here I come.' Joey called his attention back to the field again.

'Surrender,' Marik said. 'You're helpless against my Mystical Beast Serpent. No matter what you draw, it will never match the power of my ancient creature. And once I destroy your final monster, I'll wipe out the rest of your life points.'

'I'm still in this, Marik.' Joey drew. He wasn't impressed at what he saw. Oh, great! How am I supposed to beat that thing with three useless magic cards? 'I'll leave my Fisherman in defence mode and sit tight.'

'Smart move,' Marik said. Although Joey was really sceptical now. Certainly, he was trying but he wasn't quite getting it. 'But forfeiting this duel would have been an even smarter move!'

'Zip it, Marik!' Joey snapped. 'You may look creepy, but I'm not scared. And there's absolutely no way I'll lose. My little sister can finally see me duel, and I'll make sure she'll see me win.'

'Is that so, Mr. Wheeler? How very touching, but nothing can save you now!'

YGO

Shamee turned her head as Mai spoke. 'Too bad. He's made some great comebacks, but I think his streak will finally end here on this blimp. He's definitely come a long way since the last time I duelled him. Oh, well. He did the best that he could.'

'Wait, Mai,' the Pharaoh said. 'Look at Joey's eyes.'

They were steely and determined. He meant exactly what he said. 'Your turn.'

Mai's eyes widened. 'You're right! They burn with a fire that I've never seen in him before!'

Well, Shamee wouldn't go into that much detail but…okay.

'It's like he knows he's going to win,' she said. 'But how? I can't think of a move that can save him.'

The Pharaoh calmly explained. 'What matters is what Joey feels in his heart, Mai. His determination to beat Marik is very strong. And so, Joey believes he is going to win this duel even though the likelihood of his victory over Marik is extremely small. He vowed to help me put an end to Marik's scheme and he's keeping his promise.'

'But how's Joey gonna stop this guy?' Mai asked.

'If he trusts himself and the Heart of the Cards, he'll find a way.'

Joey spoke up. 'Let's go, Marik. If you're so confident you'll win this then make your move already.'

'Very well then.' Odion drew. 'Stand back as my Mystical Beast swallows your last line of defence!' As he spoke, the Beast reached out and grabbed the Fisherman with one pincer and the shark he was riding with the other. They were both disintegrated. 'Your Legendary Fisherman is gone.' The golden eye on the Beast glowed and it transformed again. 'But don't worry. Its power won't be wasted. He will be absorbed by my Mystical Beast!' The Beast gained fins. Its attack power shot up to 5825. 'It's your last turn before I destroy you. So good luck! You'll need it.'

Joey drew. His card was obviously of no use. 'Looks like I pass. So make your big move!'

The tension among those watching around her was so think it could be cut with a knife.

'This is it!' Tristan insisted.

'Poor Joey,' Serenity murmured.

'He fought well,' Mai said. 'Only Marik fought even better.'

Then Joey made a bold statement. 'I'm not gonna lose.'

Everyone, including the Pharaoh and Shamee, started in surprise. What? What?

'Can't explain how I know,' Joey went on. 'But I got this strange feeling that I'm gonna win this duel. It's kind of like a voice inside my head.' He lifted his eyes to look at Odion. 'So go ahead and take your best shot, Marik!'

'Oh, I will. And as soon as my Mystical Beast attacks your life points, it's over!' Odion took a moment to calm himself. 'It's time to lose now. So say goodbye to the Finals.'

'Before you make your final attack and try to win this duel, I got something I wanna say to you,' Joey said. 'I'll never forget when you controlled my mind and forced me to hurt my best friend in that crazy duel. You didn't have the courage to face Yugi yourself, so you made me do your dirty work while you hid like a coward.'

'I'm facing you now, aren't I?' Odion asked.

'Yeah,' Joey said, unconcerned.

'And look at the score,' Odion went on. 'I'm destroying you in a duel, face to face.'

'Well, it's funny you bring that up,' he said. 'See, ever since we started this duel, I've had a weird feeling about you. I can't put my finger on it, but you don't seem like the same guy that controlled my mind. That Marik's a regular slimeball. But you played a really fair duel, and it was one of the toughest ones I ever fought.'

Shamee smirked and met the Pharaoh's gaze. Joey's got it.

The Pharaoh nodded.

'Just like I got a little voice deep inside me that tells me there's no way I'm gonna lose,' he pointed at him, 'I also got a little voice that tells me you're not the rotten snake that took over my brain and forced me to duel Yugi. And I'm sure of it. You're not Marik! I always trust what I feel in my gut, and now it's telling me two things: you're not who you're pretending to be, and you won't win.'

Odion gritted his teeth.

Well done, Joey. Well done. Inside their mind, Sharee clapped.

YGO

Kaiba couldn't believe what he was hearing. 'Nonsense! Wheeler's insane! Of course that Duellist is Marik!'

'I don't know, Seto,' Mokuba said. 'Look at Sharee.'

'Huh?' Kaiba lowered his gaze to the archaeologist's daughter.

'Remember?' Mokuba asked. 'She's actually met Marik before. She told us in the chopper. If that wasn't Marik, she'd be the only one to know.'

Mokuba was right. There was a wide smirk on Sharee's face. It was the kind of smirk one would do if someone was trying to fool everyone and just got called out on it. Certainly, Sharee wouldn't say she'd met someone that she really hadn't. Of that much, Kaiba was sure.

Was it really possible that wasn't Marik?

YGO

The Pharaoh watched the look on Odion's face as their friends talked around him.

'So, where's the real snake in the grass?' Mai asked.

'Oh, he won't be far away,' Shamee said. He wasn't. As a matter of fact, he was standing right behind them. That was most likely why she continued. 'Thinks he's been clever and manipulated us all. People like that generally only show their faces when they reckon they've got everyone right where they want them.'

Both of them glanced back at him, almost self-consciously. It was enough that Mai also looked and, from the look on her face, it took very little effort for her to put two and two together. That was good. If Marik exposed himself when they weren't around, Mai would at least be wary enough not to let the others get too close.

YGO

'Enough of this!' Not-Marik pulled the Millennium Rod out from under his cloak. Joey suspected that was fake too. He held it out regardless. 'Only the real Marik wields the power of the Millennium Rod! Think of that before you listen to those senseless voices inside of you, Mr. Wheeler!' He tucked the Rod away again. 'Now, then, it's time for me to finish this duel.' He drew and called out the order. 'Mystical Beast Serpent, attack his life points directly, and end this duel immediately!'

The monster began to move.

Joey calmly watched it come. He closed his eyes and waited…but nothing hit.

'Hey!' He heard Téa call out. 'It stopped!'

'Hm?' Joey opened his eyes. The pincers were less than an inch from his throat. 'What's the deal? He's not attacking.'