Hello once more everyone. Sorry I didn't post Friday or yesterday. Unfortunately, I didn't get internet service till late Friday night due that I was gone all day. When I finally got it, my coy kitty pulled me away kicking and screaming to the bedroom, which followed by more screaming, lol. But anyways, I'm back today, so it's all good. Last week, oi, it was harsh. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Marie's mom's house Wednesday night. We had it again at her grandparents on Thursday morning, nearly at noon, and then once more at my parents' house that afternoon. Friday, we got my spare bed moved into the apartment and washed clothes, and then met her sister at the mall for a while, along with her boyfriend. Grr, I still don't like him terribly much, but oh well, the girl loves him. There are more reasons why I don't like him, but I won't discuss them. Let's just say, he'd better watch himself or he'll have to deal with a transformed half dog demon.

Last time, Vash finally won against Toboe, but passed out after winning. The story then flashed over to Illidan, who is now facing Kiba, who has revealed that they have Marie's body by showing Illidan her engagement ring. Furious, Illidan of course dashed in, fighting full of anger. Kiba instantly noticed the small pendant that Illidan picked up from Kouga was glowing, which is what happened with Yami when he was angry. What is Kiba setting Illidan up for? And can Illidan survive and remain on the path to saving Marie? Those questions and more are to be answered.

For now though, it's my favorite time once more, so let's get down to answering the reviews.

Ultimate Legendary Master: Lol, yeah, you would have, but it was Thanksgiving/300th post. I figured we needed some kind of double chapter posting. Yeah, Vash managed to pull it out at the end, but barely. Illidan as you can tell is rather angry, but is playing with his anger, rather than his usual calmness. Yes, it is up in the air if Illidan can manage to pull it together. It's cool about the no turkey. But yeah, I haven't been getting my emails on reviews either. It's very odd, and is slowly pissing me off due that I have to go the long way around to read the reviews as I get them. Hopefully, hopefully, they fix it soon.

Tomb Robber Vicky: Very true, Illidan is seemingly getting darker as the duel progresses. Illidan hopefully can contain it, but as the pendant is showing, possibly not. (//Sweat drops at Bakura's comments.\\) Yeah…

pink-kiss-candy: That's alright. It's doing the same thing to me on the reviews. (//Turns up the volts on the shock therapy.\\) Yes you are crazy Ryon. This is for your own good. It'll hurt us more than it hurts you.

Metal Overlord 2.0: Yep, I updated early so everyone would have a chance to read. I knew I wouldn't get a chance to post from home, due the lack of internet at the time, plus the lack of time to post. But yes, everyone stuffs themselves thoroughly on Thanksgiving. I'm rather glad it's over though. One more holiday off the menu for turkey. Thanks about Vash. Very true, Illidan is so angry right now, who knows what he'll do. Yeah, if Illidan combines the most powerful Egyptian God Card along with the Seal, it's end game for anyone. Yep, Illidan is so mad over the fact they stole Marie's body that nothing could stop him right now probably. Yes, if anything is left of Kiba, it'll be a miracle. One thing is clear though if Illidan plays the Seal, or gets hold of it I should say: he'll be impossible for Kiba to most likely stop, no matter what he thinks he has planned. Thanks though for the review, and now that I have internet, I'll try to get to your story and review it. I hope sooner or later I can catch up on everyone's stories.

x-knight20: Thanks, and don't worry, Illidan maybe fine. Maybe…

Isis the Sphinx: I know what you mean about the updates. Thanks for the comments though, and yep, it was tied, then it broke, lol.

Alright, that's it. Actually, the reviews for the chapter before that, I am going to kind of let go, since it's everyone's that has already reviews. Only reason is, due that I'm pressed for time this morning. But I thank you all for your reviews, and thanks for helping me achieve 300 reviews. I am pretty sure this story won't top ToP's review numbers, but that's alright. I'm just so happy that everyone likes this story.

I apologize again for not posting, but there was a very good reason really. The main reason why I didn't do this Saturday was when I went to post, nothing happened. I couldn't load my document for some reason, and help wouldn't allow me to login for some reason. I had the same problem till today. Anyways, I'm back, so that's the good news. Since I missed both days, I'm posting two chapters at once, so I hope that helps appease everyone.

Well, that's all for me today. I hope you all enjoy your day, and I'll post more on Wednesday as always. Till then, enjoy the chapter, and remember, leave me some reviews so we can have some more fun discussion. I truly do love answering them, in case people are curious. Later everyone.

Chapter 44

Kiba drew and smirked, saying "You sure are a sloppy duelist Illidan. Here I thought you were a great one, but so far, you've made mistake after mistake. Now you'll pay for them."

Slightly growling, Illidan irritably said "Just make your move."

Nodding, Kiba replied "Oh, I will, I promise you that! I now play the spell card Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying your face down card!" A cyclone then appeared on the field and struck Illidan's face down card, revealing it as it was shattered.

"Not my Call of the Haunted!" he growled.

Laughing, Kiba said "Too bad you won't be able to enlist some help, aye Illidan? That should be the least of your worries though, for now I sacrifice both my Nimble Momonga to summon Behemoth King of all Animals (2700/1500) in attack mode!" Both face down monsters vanished and a large purple creature with a long purple mane, sharp clawed feet, a large purple tail, a large horn on it's forehead, and a small amount of fur on it's front paws then appeared on the field. It let out a mighty roar, claiming it's strength.

"Now for his ability, which is activated when summoned. I can now return two Beast type monsters to my hand from my Graveyard when he's tribute summoned, so I return both Nimble Momonga's to my hand. Next, I'll play the spell card Reasoning, which forces you to guess a monster level. I then draw from my deck till I find a monster, while I discard any spell or trap cards along the way. Guess right, and the monster I draw is discarded. Guess wrong though, and I get to special summon that monster. So go ahead, guess a monster level."

Without thinking, Illidan said "I guess level four."

Slightly smirking, Kiba replied "Very nice choice. Now I draw, and guess what the monster level is. It isn't four! I special summon Manticore of Darkness (2300/1000) in attack mode!" A blacked winged monster with a lion like head, powerful chest, large arms with sharp clawed hands, and powerful legs with a slim tail smacking the ground appeared with a roar.

Illidan viewed his new competition and wished for the second time now that he had played smarter. Sighing, he prepared for the worst, for he knew the worst was about to hit him.

Smirking, Kiba continued and said "Now Manticore of Darkness, attack Illidan with Darkness Swipe!" With lightning fast speed, the winged creature was in front of Illidan and struck him hard with a clawed hand, making Illidan slide backwards.

"And for another lesson in pain, I'll have Behemoth attack with King Fury Swipe!" The large purple beast bounded across the field gracefully and then swiped Illidan hard with it's front paw, sending Illidan skidding backwards before he fell to one knee. He was panting hard, trying desperately to catch his breath.

"You seem to not be worth my time now Illidan. How sad that woman of yours will now no longer be able to count on you." Kiba said smugly.

This got Illidan furious, causing his temper to rise up once more. Again, the green stone around his neck glowed brightly, causing him to stand back up as he angrily spat "I will defeat you, and save Marie! I won't let anyone stop me from saving her!"

Smirking at the results, Kiba tauntingly replied "We'll see, won't we? After all, it is your fault in the first place that she was captured. Had you been there with her that night, maybe Blue wouldn't have gotten to her. Maybe you'd have saved her."

This infuriated Illidan further, causing the stone to glow brighter. His anger was boiling strongly, as he yelled "Shut up!"

Laughing at the results of his comment, Kiba smugly said "It hurts, doesn't it? Knowing that the one person you swore to protect is gone due to your own inability to protect them. How you must hate yourself for not saving her."

Growling loudly at this, the stone glowed brighter yet again. Illidan was shaking with tremendous anger, and yelled "JUST SHUT UP!"

Chuckling, Kiba calmly said "You know it's true Illidan. Don't worry, soon you'll be with her and be able to tell her how big a failure you are. I place two cards face down and end my turn." (Kiba 9000, Illidan 3000)

Ryou only sighed as he saw his ally's anger taking over. "He's so blind he hasn't noticed yet what Kiba has done to him. If Illidan wants to save Marie and win this duel, he'd better pull it together."

Back on the field, Illidan angrily drew his card and said "I first play the spell card Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two new cards. Next, I summon the Armed Dragon LV3 (1200/900) in attack mode!" A small orange skinned dragon with dull grey metal armor appeared on the field. It's stubby wings slightly twitched as it brought it's two clawed hands forward for a fight.

"I next play the spell card Level Up, allowing me to trade in Armed Dragon LV3 for Armed Dragon LV5 (2400/1700) in attack mode!" The smaller dragon glowed as it grew larger and a darker colored orange skinned dragon with dull grey armor appeared. It's small stubby wings slightly grew larger and it's clawed hands were brought out in fists as before. It's spiked tail swished slightly as it prepared for a battle.

"Armed Dragon, attack his pathetic Manticore of Darkness with Infernal Roar!" The powerful orange skinned dragon prepared to attack as it brought it's two clawed hands forward.

Before it could attack though, Kiba smartly said "Forget something Illidan? I have a trap, and it's called Threatening Roar! Now you can't declare an attack this turn. Too bad Illidan, you almost had me." A loud roaring sound was made, causing the large dragon to stay it's ground.

Growling loudly, Illidan snarled "I'll end my turn." (Kiba 9000, Illidan 3000)

Kiba drew his next card and laughed evilly, saying "This turn, you will be the beginning of your end. I first play the spell card The Cheerful Coffin. Now I can discard up to three monsters from my hand, but I'll only discard one Nimble Momonga. Next I set a monster in defense mode, and then play the spell card Exchange! Now we each pick a card from our opponent's hand, and add it to our own hands. Since we each have only one card though, it makes things much easier. So, let's do this."

Slowly, the two walked towards one another. Kiba was wearing a smirk as he approached Illidan, as Illidan wore a glare of anger still. They met in the middle and Illidan simply handed over his card, not really caring.

Lightly chuckling, Kiba said "I see you had The Graveyard in the Fourth Dimension. It was useless to you at the moment, but oh well. Here, take this card. It'll make you feel better."

"Whatever." Illidan grumbled as he swiped the card and walked back towards his side of the field. Along the way, he glanced at it and gasped out loud.

Kiba laughed evilly at the gasp as he heard Illidan yell "I CAN'T USE THIS CARD!"

Finally arriving back at his position, he turned to face Illidan, whom was standing in the same spot where he had finally looked at the card. Sweat was pouring off his face as his eyes were wide.

Turning back towards Kiba, he screamed "WHY?!"

Laughing evilly, Kiba replied "You needed a card to turn things around, didn't you? Well, I just handed it to you."

"I can't use it though!" Illidan exclaimed again.

Ryou was curious at Illidan's claim. "What in the bloody world couldn't he use now?" he pondered in his mind.

It was obvious to Ryou that Illidan was visibly shaken by the card, but what it was he had no clue. "Illidan, just use it." Ryou simply said, thinking it was some useless card.

Growling loudly, Illidan screamed "You idiot, I can't! Look!"

That said, Illidan flashed the card he held at Ryou. Ryou gasped loudly as he saw why Illidan professed he couldn't use the card. It was the one card no one could use, or dare to use. It was the Seal of Orichalcos.

"See now why I can't use it!?" Illidan screamed back at Ryou, which disturbed his shock.

Ryou slightly nodded, knowing now why Illidan refused to use it. "It's too dangerous for him to use. He'll never play it, or will he? Wait, why is that green stone glowing green?"

Illidan growled in frustration and backed up to where he had been standing behind his large orange skinned dragon. He stared at the card in his hand, his mind racing about what he should do with it. "If I use this card… No! I can't use it! It's evil!"

Laughing at Illidan's disturbed look, Kiba said "I now move to attack! Behemoth, mow down that pathetic Armed Dragon LV5 with King Fury Swipe!" The strong purple monster rushed forward, slashing the large orange skinned dragon hard, making it roar loudly as it blew up.

"And now Illidan, you're wide open again. Attack him directly Manticore of Darkness with Darkness Swipe!" The winged monster quickly crossed the field and then struck Illidan hard with it's sharp claws, instantly making Illidan fly backwards to the ground on his back.

"I think that's enough punishment for this turn. I place one card face down and I'll end my move. Now, let the real fun begin!" (Kiba 9000, Illidan 400)

Slowly, Illidan stood back up, trying desperately to catch his breath, but also trying hard to gather his wits. His mind was full of worry, as he glanced at the evil card he held in his hand. Slightly growling, Illidan drew his next card, but still was looking at the evil card.

Inside his mind, he wrestled with a decision on what to do with the card. "If I play it…" he began to think.

"NO!!! You can't play it! That very same card took Marie's soul!" another part of his mind screamed.

"But I have no choice! With only 400 life points, and Kiba still having 9000, I'm trapped! If I want to survive, I'd better play that card!" another part of his mind screamed out.

"At a cost of your own soul! That'd be foolish, you idiot! Think about Marie. She wouldn't want you to take a soul on purpose!" the other side argued back.

This made the side screaming for him to use the card to stop and think. Finally, it said "If you ever want to see Marie again though, you'd better play that card! Once you lose, you lose everything!"

The other side quickly replied "Can't you realize that playing that card already makes you lose everything!"

Ryou watched as Illidan only stood there. Silently, he thought "He should play it. If he has the strength to play an Egyptian God Card, he should be able to handle one simple spell card. Then again, it's not that simple of a card. I think he should play it, but I doubt he has the courage to. Besides, that same card took Bakura's soul…"

Kiba only lightly smirked as he watched Illidan struggling to decide on what to do. He noticed the green stone pendant that Illidan had picked up from when he defeated Kouga was now glowing constantly green. "Soon he'll play the seal, and then he shall lose his soul. Yes, he'll lose his soul to me in this very duel. Then I shall reclaim the one I love and Paradise shall open. Very soon, all will be right again."

Back with Illidan, his hand was shaking as he continued to stare at the card he held still in his left hand. "I… I have no choice. If I don't play it, I'll lose the duel, and then lose all hope of finding Marie. I'm sorry… Marie."

Lowering his eyes to where his bangs covered them, he let a small tear out and closed his eyes as he prepared to play a field spell card. With a cold voice, he said "I now play the…"

Before he could finish, in his mind, a voice screamed "NO!!! Don't do it Illidan! Please, don't do it!"

"That voice…" his mind thought.

Suddenly, in his mind, he saw an image of the woman he loved, the one he had lost only a few days before. There she was, with tears in her eyes, calling out to him, saying "Please, don't do it Illidan!"

Curious, Illidan mentally said "Marie?"

She only nodded, and smiled at him, reaching out and touching his mental image of himself. Her soft hand caressed his cheek, making tears fall from his eyes. He grabbed hold of her and held her close, not ever wanting to let go.

In a temple on the island where Darcia had first visited before the whole hunt began, Dartz stood up in shock as he felt a powerful burst of energy within the temple. He looked over to the familiar carving that had been giving him trouble and saw the image of a young woman in it vanish once more as it had two previous times.

"Again, she has broken free! How is this possible! A soul shouldn't be able to freely escape imprisonment!" he said in shock.

He then thought for a moment and finally said "She has more power than I imagined. Even more than the three Egyptian God Cards combined it seems. Her soul is so strong, it can actually tear a small hole in the fabric that binds her within the seal and escape to the real world momentarily. This is the first person to ever do this though. I don't understand why she should be able to!"

Dartz then walked towards the small room where he had a phone, and called Darcia, hoping to find out a solution to the problem. He had to do something, and soon before the girl threw a wrench in his plans.

Back in Illidan's mind, he stood there, still embracing Marie's figure. Tears flowed down his face as he held on tight, afraid to let go. He slowly pulled back to look her in the face. He smiled at her wonderful eyes staring up at him. He then gently pulled her back in, but this time into a kiss. It had been a few days since he had last kissed her, and he wouldn't waste this opportunity.

The kiss was gentle, but powerful at the same time, somehow reflecting all the love he had for her. When he finally pulled back once more, she smiled at him and said "Don't give into the anger and hate. I know you can win without that card. Promise me Illidan that you won't play it."

Nodding, his mental form said "I promise, and you know I will never break a promise to you."

Smiling, she then slightly pulled back further, saying "I can't stay much longer. I'm only able to free myself on short bursts. Remember, I love you, and will forever. I'll be waiting for you to come for me."

With tears in his eyes, his mental form replied "I promise, I will save you. Wait for me, for I am coming, and soon."

She nodded and then vanished into thin air. His mental form fell to the ground in his mind, sobbing and weeping loudly. His mental image then wiped his tears and stood back up, saying "It's time I start keeping that promise. I must defeat Kiba. I'm coming Marie. Please, wait for me."

That said, he left his mind and returned to the duel. He first noticed tears were still trailing down his eyes, and he had his head bowed still with his eyes closed. His hand was still holding the evil card, poised to play it. He was right where he had left off.

Kiba impatiently said "Play it already!"

Illidan pulled the card back that he held out to his other hand and used his free hand to wipe his tears away. He then revealed his eyes once more as he stood back up straight. Now determination was beaming from his eyes, as well as confidence. The small green stone around his neck then stopped glowing and shattered, surprising Kiba.

With a small smile, he said "Sorry, wrong card. I meant to say I play this spell card. I play Card of Sanctity! Now we each draw till we hold six cards in our hands!" Both then picked up till they held six cards. Illidan eyed his new cards, seeing he had Tribe-Infecting Virus, Emergency Provisions, Monster Reborn, Mirage of Nightmare, and Covering Fire.

Smiling yet again, Illidan said "Now, it's time to show you my true power. I first play the spell card Monster Reborn! I bring back to my field Armed Dragon LV5 (2400/1700) in attack mode!" The orange skinned dragon with dull grey armor reappeared on the field and let out a mighty roar.

Kiba slightly growled, but mentally said "He's just setting up for when he plays the seal. I just have to be patient."

"Next, I'll play the monster known as Tribe-Infecting Virus (1600/1000) in attack mode!" A set of green and purple iguana like creatures then appeared, with one holding a small staff in it's hands.

"It's time I take out those creatures of yours now! I activate Tribe-Infecting Virus's special ability. I can now discard one card from my hand to the Graveyard, and then destroy one type of monster on the field."

With a smile, Illidan picked up the card he was going to discard, and kept it's backside to Kiba. He then said "I will discard this card to the Graveyard in order to destroy Beast type monsters. Oh, and so you know what the card is, I'll show you. After all, it's the one you gave me to use!"

In a simple motion, Illidan flipped it over to reveal the Seal of Orichalcos. Kiba was shocked, and screamed "YOU FOOL!" as Illidan threw it to Kiba to place in his Graveyard. Once the card flew over into Kiba's Graveyard, the iguana creatures sprayed some kind of green mist onto the field, which instantly caused the large purple monster to roar loudly as it exploded into millions of pieces.

Kiba growled loudly and spat "HOW COULD YOU WASTE SUCH A POWERFUL CARD!?"

Laughing, Illidan replied "It was simple. I didn't need that card. I realized that I had no need for it, and in order to save Marie, I won't need it. So, there is your explanation."

Angrily, Kiba yelled "You have sealed your fate then! I tried to give you a chance, but instead you mock me! You will fall now!"

Slightly grinning, Illidan replied "I only intend on winning now. And speaking of that, I now attack with Armed Dragon. Attack his Manticore of Darkness with Infernal Roar!" The orange skinned dragon rushed forward and slashed the winged creature with both razor sharp clawed hands, easily destroying the creature.

"Next, I'll have Tribe-Infecting Virus attack that face down with Infecting Staff Strike!" One iguana creature with the staff leapt across the field and smashed it's staff onto the card image, instantly destroying it and revealing the flying squirrel, which exploded as well.

"Of course, you gain 1000 life points due to that attack, but you have no more of those little rascals in your deck, so it's all good. Next I place two face down cards on the field and play the spell card Mirage of Nightmare. Now during your Standby Phase, I get to draw till I hold four cards in my hand, but I must discard the same number I drew during my Standby Phase. Finally, I move to my End Phase, in which I get to activate Armed Dragon's ability. Since he destroyed a monster this turn, I can trade him in for Armed Dragon LV7 (2800/1000) in attack mode!" The orange skinned dragon's body glowed as it became much larger and sleeker. It's skin was covered more now by dull grey armor, it's claws were now much sharper, it's wings now incased in steel, and it's tail sported what looked like a large spiked club on the end of it. It let out a horrifying roar, trying hard to instill fear.

"That ends my move, for now." (Kiba 9900, Illidan 400)