Hello once more everyone! Well, this week has been a strange one. Yesterday, when I got to work, I made the discovery we had no phone or internet. We were pretty much dead in the water the whole day, so joy. Apparently, from what I've heard, someone stole 50 ft. of telephone wire right off of the poles for the copper. Eh, 50 ft. could be a stretch, but apparently there was some wire stolen, thus screwing everyone's phone lines. We got phone service back though last night around 8 or so, so I'm back to the grind again today.

Also, Tuesday evening, I went up to see my grandfather. He was out of ICU and in a step down room as they called it. He was doing wonderful from what I could see. He opened his eyes a good bit, and knew who I was. He smiled when I first came in, which made me rather happy. From what my grandmother told me, the speech therapist came around that morning and put a device up to his trake. He said a few words, which was cool. The nurse also told us while there he was moving his left leg, and even slightly gripped a bit with his left hand. There wasn't too much movement in his left hand, but there was some, which is still pretty good all things considered. He was to be moved to a rehab facility yesterday sometime, where he'll spend about 6 hours a day being worked on. Before I left, I said my goodbyes to him, and told him I loved him. He mouthed the words back, which kind of hit me hard. It was just sort of shocking to see him trying to say them back I guess. Anyways, I told him I'd come back this weekend, and went home. So, he's doing much better, but he still has a ways to go.

Ok, back to the story. Last time, the battle continued to rage on between Crowler and Illidan, with Illidan seemingly pulling ahead for a while, only to have Crowler make a small comeback. Now Illidan faces down the Ancient Gear Golem, Crowler's prized monster. Can he win this duel, or will Crowler become the victor in this fight?

It's once more time! That's right, it's review time!

ardee: It's all good. I know that feeling when the alerts don't work. The 6th anniversary thing, heh, I don't care for it. It's over now, plus, it's just used as propaganda to spur on the war in Iraq, so I kind of ignore it. Eh, I won't get into it now. But anyways, about Crowler doing well, there is a reason. Last time, he fought both Illidan and Curry Mask, hence he had difficulties. This time, it's only Illidan, so he can focus more. Thanks for the comments.

Isis the Sphinx: LOL! I know, some just have big egos. The plot, it shall thicken, in time, lol.

Very Swampeh: Lol, yes, there are a few traps in Illidan's deck. Very true, Illidan is somewhat dancing circles around Crowler, but Crowler is still there and a threat. Heh, it may not take Illidan long to finish this one off, or he could go down in flames.

Ultimate Legendary Master: Thanks. Heh, I thought about ending it this chapter, but there was some more going on, so I didn't. Besides, my chapters weren't as long back in the early chapters, so I kept them reasonably long enough. Thanks about my grandfather, and he is doing better.

x-knight20: Thanks. Yep, grandpa is getting better. In time I'm sure he'll hopefully fully recover, but it'll be a long road.

Alright, that's all for me this time. Thank you everyone for your reviews. Till next time, take care. Enjoy!

Chapter 24

Simply shrugging, Illidan replied "No big deal to me. Now, as I was saying, I play the spell card Pot of Avarice, which allows me to send five monsters from my Graveyard to my deck. I get to shuffle them in and then draw two new cards. The five monsters I'll send back are Apprentice Magician, Magician of Faith, Cybernetic Magician, Chaos Command Magician, and Magician's Valkyrie."

Each of the five named monsters slowly slid out of the Graveyard slot. Once all five were there, Illidan took the five and pulled his deck out. He placed all five on top of his deck and began to shuffle. Once finished, he placed it back into the deck slot and drew two cards.

Smiling at the sight, he declared "You're finished Crowler!"

Bristling up, Crowler quickly shot back "We'll see about that! It's you who are finished!"

Shaking his head, Illidan replied "You'll see. First, I activate the spell card Level Up! This card allows me to sacrifice one LV monster on my field and play it's next form from my deck or hand. So, farewell Silent Magician LV4 and hello Silent Magician LV8 (3500/1000)!"

Slapping the card to his Duel Disk, the young white robed mage vanished, but a new mage, who looked like the younger one that had just vanished, but more mature and older appeared in his place. He had grown in height, and his body showed the many changes.

"Big deal! That mage still can't touch my Ancient Gear Golem!" squawked Crowler with pride at the fact.

Nodding, Illidan replied "True, he can't destroy your Ancient Gear Golem, but that's not what I'm trying to do with him."

"Then what are you trying to do? Lose on purpose!?" snapped a confused Crowler.

Smirking, Illidan replied "You don't know me well enough Crowler. I don't lose on purpose, and that's not my plan right now."

Pulling another card from his hand, he slapped it to his Duel Disk, saying "I summon Element Magician (1500/1200)!"

A young woman with blue long hair that was for the most part flowing freely, but semi bound up in small rolls on the side of her head, and wore a light green shirt that went to right above her stomach and a matching skirt that went above her knees and green gloves appeared onto the field. The air surrounding her had small traces of fog as well, giving her an even stranger appearance.

Raising an eyebrow, Crowler curiously asked "Why summon that creature? She's useless against my Ancient Gear Golem!"

Nodding in reply, Illidan replied "True, she can't compete with your monster, but she has another reason to be here."

"What, for comic relief?!" Crowler arrogantly joked.

Lightly chuckling, Illidan held out a card, saying "Nah, just so I can play this card. Ready to show him a magic trick Element Magician?"

The blue haired girl smiled and nodded. Seeing this, Illidan called out "I play the spell card Mystic Box! Prepare to be amazed Crowler!"

"I'll be amazed when your life points are depleted." Crowler gruffly replied.

Lightly chuckling, Illidan waved Crowler off, saying "Well, that trick won't be happening, but I do have another. Alright Element Magician, let's give him a show!"

Waving her hand in a show like manner, a puff of smoke appeared beside the young mage. As the smoke vanished, a grey box with gold trim, three sections with each having a blue question mark in the middle and a small patch of red surrounding it, appeared onto the field.

"What is that for?!" questioned Crowler.

Smirking, Illidan replied "You sure ask a lot of questions. Oh yeah, that's not the only box to be on the field. Take a look. Your monster is getting into the act also!"

Looking over, Crowler shrieked as he watched a large box that was similar to the one the mage was standing beside appeared around his machine monster.

"LEAVE MY ANCIENT GEAR GOLEM OUT OF YOUR TRICK!" demanded Crowler.

Lightly chuckling, Illidan shook his head, wagging a finger, saying "Now, now, don't be that way. Besides, we needed a volunteer from your field, and you only had one. Time for the fun part. Element Magician, if you please."

The young female mage nodded in reply. The door to the box beside her opened, and she quickly stepped in. Immediately, the door closed up, locking the young mage in.

"Watch carefully, because you might miss the trick." Illidan commented as he snapped his fingers.

Six swords, three on the right side of the box and three on the left, suddenly appeared in mid-air, hovering just above the box. They then pointed down at the box and rained down on it, with each sliding into a section of the box.

Crowler's mouth gaped open in shock, saying "What is wrong with you!? You just skewered your own monster!"

Smirking, Illidan replied "Are you sure?"

Slowly, the door on the skewered box opened, revealing a monster card.

"HOW DID MY ANCIENT GEAR GOLEM GET IN THERE!?" screamed Crowler in complete shock.

Smirking once more, Illidan replied "That's part of the trick. Oh, and speaking of the trick!"

The door on the larger box opened, with the blue haired mage jumping out, saying "Tada!" In a puff of smoke, the two boxes vanished, leaving Crowler with his mouth wide open.

After finally waking up from the shock, Crowler screamed "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

Chuckling, Illidan replied "Pretty easy really. My spell card allowed me to pick one monster on each of our fields. Since you only had one, I had to pick your Ancient Gear Golem. Of course, I picked my Element Magician. As you saw, our monsters were then put in boxes. How they switched sides, well, that's part of the trick, so can't tell you that. Anyways, the consequences are quite evident. Your monster was destroyed, while I donated you my Element Magician. Not too shabby if I say so myself."

Crowler didn't reply, for he was so infuriated, he had his teeth grinding loudly. Steam almost seemed to form above his head as he growled loudly and finally let out a primitive roar.

"HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!? I AM DR. VELLIAN CROWLER, HEADMASTER OF OBELISK BLUE DORM! I WILL NOT BE EMBARRASED BY A SLIFER RED SLACKER!" roared Crowler with extreme anger.

"Actually, I'm a Slifer Red Headmaster Slacker. Try and get it right." Illidan chided with a smirk.

Crowler about blew his stack at the comment, but Illidan only smirked once again, saying "At any rate, this duel is over. I switch my Magician's Valkyrie into attack mode."

The female mage with chestnut colored hair stood up from her one knee position and took an offensive stance. She smiled and winked at Crowler, seemingly saying what was about to happen.

"I'm sorry for this Element Magician, but I have to do it. Magician's Valkyrie, attack Element Magician with Misfit Scepter Blast!"

The young female mage with chestnut colored hair nodded and pointed her staff at the young blue haired mage. Smiling, the blue haired mage nodded, awaiting the attack. Her comrade smiled back at her and released a green sphere of energy from her staff. The blast struck the blue haired mage head on, easily destroying her in a green haze.

"Let's wrap this up Silent Magician. Attack directly with Silent Scepter Blast!"

Nodding, the white robed mage leapt into the air and aimed his staff at a panicking Crowler.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" screamed Crowler.

The mage only smirked and fired a blast of white energy straight at flailing Crowler, who was struck hard, knocking him backwards five feet. The remainder of his life points quickly drained away, causing the mages on the field to vanish, not before the one in white gave Illidan a curt nod.

Smiling back at him, Illidan returned the nod, and noted the female mage giving him a wink. The two soon vanished, and the Duel Disks powered down.

Seeing the duel was over, the Chancellor cleared his voice and stood, moving quickly to the ring, saying "The winner of this duel, Professor Illidan Stormrage!"

The entire arena stood and cheered on the winner. Meanwhile, Bonaparte was quick to run to Crowler, whom was still lying on the ground.

"What is wrong with you!? You had this duel won and threw it away!" reprimanded Bonaparte.

Glaring at him, Crowler quickly snapped back "Oh shut up!"

He was soon standing and glared daggers at Illidan, who was coming towards him. Not even wanting to bother, Crowler quickly turned on his heals and left the stage in a huff.

Letting out a small sigh, Illidan watched Crowler leave, but felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he noted it was the Chancellor, who said "Don't worry about him. He'll cool off eventually."

Nodding, Illidan turned back to the crowd, which was still cheering. Smiling, he gave a friendly wave at them.

"I told you guys he'd pull it out." Jaden said with a smile.

Folding his arms over his chest as usual, Chazz simply replied "Yeah, whatever."

"That was an excellent duel. Professor Illidan showed great patience, and plenty of strategy. I think he has his deck set up so that if a problem arises, he can always compensate. That's the mark of an excellent duelist." Bastion commented with enthusiasm.

"It's like nothing bothers him at all. He reminds me so much of my brother." Syrus added.

Smiling, Hasselberry said "He's a regular cool customer, but seems to be having fun at the same time. That's the most important thing in the world, right Serge?"

Jaden only lightly nodded, while Alexis replied "This year will be an interesting one, for sure."

On the field, Illidan only smiled as he saw Marie make her way into the ring. She rushed towards him, and he picked her up, swinging her around in a hug.

"Great job!" she said once they stopped spinning.

Giving her a quick peck on the lips, Illidan simply replied "Thanks. I hope that helps them."

Smiling back, she nodded, whispering "I think it already has."

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At the Slifer Dorm after the duel, all the students gathered in the common area, all cheering on their Headmaster as he returned. Illidan only smiled and walked towards the front so everyone could hear him.

Once he made it, he raised his hands, silently asking for their attention. The students immediately quieted, showing they were intent on hearing Illidan.

"Students, the duel I was in tonight is one I hope you all will remember. I hope I proved something to all of you, that even though we are the lowest ranked dorm, that doesn't mean we can't win against the highest ranked dorm. Sure, the Obelisk Blue Dorm has many students who are supposed to be the best of the best from Dueling Prep School and were able to buy their way in, but that doesn't mean they're better than any of you."

Taking a moment to look over the students, Illidan continued with "A duel can always go either way. It's not about who knows the most about the game. It's about the person who refuses to quit and has the desire to push on, no matter how bad the duel looks. And it's about having fun as well. So, even when a person loses, either way, they had a good game and had some fun also."

Looking over the group again, he smiled and said "Anyways, I hope that you all know now that the Obelisk Blue and Ra Yellow Dorms are not invincible. If you duel a student from either one, don't feel intimidated. You have as good a chance to win the duel as the other student. Everyone here maybe a Slifer Red Dorm member, but the coat don't matter. Coats don't rank your true dueling skills or passion for the game. So don't feel afraid of the other dorms. Show this school that the Slifer Red Dorm is truly as strong as any of the others!"

That said, all of the students cheered loudly and applauded Illidan. Marie and Zane both smiled happily as they applauded also.

"He sure knows how to give them courage. I hope this is the push they all needed in order to get them to face their fears of the other dorms. I know if the students face any outside dorms, they'll need to gather their wits about them. Still, I think this has truly helped them." Marie quietly thought.

Smiling, Zane mentally thought "This duel he has won has given more confidence than anything else could have. Not to mention, I've learned Illidan is truly a remarkable duelist. His dueling skills are semi-similar to my own, although he shows more emotion while dueling. He will truly be a tough opponent when I one day duel him."

The students soon enough after the speech left and went to their rooms, leaving Illidan, Marie, and Zane behind. The three closed up the common area and proceeded to the home behind the dorm. Each proceeded to lounge in the living room, resting comfortably.

"Excellent duel tonight Illidan." Zane commented casually.

Nodding in reply, Illidan simply said "Thanks. I hope that helps them."

"I bet it will. Illidan, you proved to the students that the color of your jacket isn't what matters." Marie stated with kindness in her voice.

"Yes, I believe you've given them hope, and that is something they need if we are to win this Dorm Cup." Zane added.

Smiling at the two, Illidan nodded, saying "True, they need a reason to fight. I know the students can win the Dorm Cup if they summon up their courage."

With an agreeing nod, Zane stood, saying "It's late, and we have class tomorrow. I shall take my leave now."

Both Illidan and Marie stood and bid Zane good night. As Zane left, both smiled, embracing one another.

"Illidan, you were great tonight."

Lightly blushing, Illidan simply replied "I only did what I always do. Go out, duel hard and have fun."

Placing a gentle hand on his cheek, Marie smiled, saying "Yes, that's what you always do. I think what you did by beating Crowler will set a great example for the students."

Leaning into her touch, Illidan lightly nodded, saying "Yeah, I think it will help them. They know now the Blue and Yellow dorms aren't invincible. I just hope they give dueling either dorm a try."

Smiling kindly at him, she pulled in closer and kissed Illidan gently, but made it a short kiss. Walking away towards the bedroom, Illidan lightly chuckled and followed, turning the lights off as he left the room.

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"She will die slowly and painfully unless you deliver Yami to me. You have till the end of tomorrow, and that is all. At the end of the tomorrow, she will die unless Yami is brought to me. Make no mistake Illidan, I will let it happen!"

Hearing those words, Illidan instantly sat up in bed, once again sweating profusely and slightly shaking. Putting his head in his hands, he took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

Seeing Marie was still sleeping, he quietly crept out of bed and went outside. Looking up at the night sky, he took a deep breath, trying hard to find his calmness once again.

"Why are these memories surfacing now?" he asked softly.

Sighing deeply, Illidan stared at a constellation his father had shown him many years before. Smiling softly, Illidan remembered the day his father had showed it to him.

"Son, do you see those stars there?" Shando asked his son.

A young Illidan of age three looked up at the night sky and nodded, making Shando smile. "Those stars form a constellation known as The Phoenix."

Frowning, Illidan asked "What is a phoenix?"

Lightly chuckling at his son, Shando ruffed up his hair and said "It is a mythical bird of fire, said to rise from the ashes no matter what you did to it. They are also supposed to be birds of hope, or at least I have always thought of them that way."

Looking back up at the sky, Shando softly smiled, saying "The night I met your mother, we saw that very constellation. Every time I see it, I think back to how our love burned as brightly as that constellation, or as a phoenix itself. And like the phoenix, our love is eternal, and will always rise up from the ashes."

Tears formed in Shando's eyes as he put an arm around his son's shoulders, saying "Even with her gone Illidan, our love continues on in the form of you."

Little Illidan only snuggled in closer to his father, embracing him closer. Shando finally dried his tears, and smiled softly, saying "Remember Illidan, that even though a person maybe gone, like the phoenix, their love will always be with you. It is something that cannot be destroyed."

Coming out of his memory, Illidan softly smiled once more and stared up at the sky. "Father, I'll never forget you or your love. Even though our time together was short, I won't let my memories of you die. I promise, I will always remember you and your love, and like the phoenix, that memory will never die."

Feeling much calmer, Illidan turned to leave the balcony when he stopped. For some reason, he felt as if someone was watching him. Turning back around, he looked off into the distance, but saw nothing.

Shrugging, he mumbled "It must be nothing."

Going back inside, Illidan climbed back into bed, oblivious that he had been wrong. In the distance, a figure stood on watching and smirking evilly underneath his hood.

"You will cooperate this time Illidan, or die." the figure said aloud.