Hey there everyone. Well, yesterday was a pretty decent day. I saw my grandfather, who was doing well, other than he was a bit sleepy. My grandmother said he stayed up to 3 in the morning the night before, so both were exhausted, unfortunately, lol. Anyways, other than that, both were well.
Well, everyone that guessed at what is so special about the second of February was somewhat correct, so I'll give it to you all. Saturday (the second) is mine and my mate's anniversary of when we began courting (dating). We started back in 2001, right when we were seniors in high school. It's been seven fun filled years, and I still feel the same as I've always felt for her. We've had bumps in the road, but all around, we've had a very fun time. Heh, so many good times…
At any rate, congrats to Nathan and Raymond Barrett to guessing right. You guys were right, although our actual wedding anniversary isn't till August 18th, but I didn't say you had to be specific, lol. So, this chapter is dedicated to the two of you.
Ok, now let's do some reviews!
Knives91: Lol, really strong stuff? I wish some people were made of that stuff too. That way I could slash them more than normal… I mean they'd live longer! Yeah, that's what I meant… Yep, another villain down. Heh, no rest for the wicked is right, hehe. Thanks for the review!
Ultimate Legendary Master: Thanks. Yes, Illidan's behavior is a bit disturbing I suppose. Marie did win at least. That sucks that the link didn't make it. I suppose I could email it to you maybe. That would work hopefully. Thanks for the review!
Nathan: LOL! I figured I may have gave it away, heh. Yes, she turned the tables and won it out with the help of Tyrant Dragon. Wow, you got the symbolism too! Very nicely done. I wondered if anyone would catch that or not, lol. Thanks for guessing the right thing, and for the review!
pink-kiss-candy: Yep, hehe. Ah, that sucks that your inbox didn't tell you what was going on. Nah, I won't suck your blood. Hell, I won't even slash you for it, lol. I'm in a generous mood I suppose, hehe. Thanks for the review.
Raymond Barrett: Yep, Marie won. Nah, I didn't want Marie to lose that battle. Heh, a zombie Marie with no memories of Illidan would suck. Yes, you got things right about our anniversary, so congrats. Thanks for the review!
JudaiAsuka-fan: Yep, Marie won and Zell is gone. I figured I might scare a few people by having him try to enter the baby. You know, your worst enemy raised up in your own child would suck. And yes, Jaden can heal now, so go him! Thanks for the review!
x-knight20: Thanks. Heh, yeah, car trouble sucks, lol. She might be alright, hopefully. Yes, Zell is gone… Thanks for the review!
sirbj: Heh, why is it is so surprising that Marie won? She's strong. Yep, Tyrant Dragon helped her out. Heh, I really liked the concept on the Tyrant Rage card myself. It was the only way I really could think for her to beat Zell head on. LOL! Yeah, it'd be nice if it was real, and if they had good anime cards for OCG. Thanks for the review!
Ok, that's it for today. Thanks everyone for the reviews! I hope you all enjoy this special chapter I've put out. I will give you all this much of a hint on the story. The end is nearing, so be prepared.
Alright, I'm done for today, so enjoy!
Chapter 87
Slowly, Marie began to wake and instantly realized she was no longer standing, but laying down. She also noticed she wasn't on the ground either, but instead on a soft bed, which she quickly realized was her own bed. Her eyes finally fluttered open to glance around. She immediately saw Illidan staring down at her with a warm smile.
Softly smiling back, she mumbled "Hello."
"Hello to you too." Illidan said with a soft voice. "How are you feeling?"
Thinking for a moment, she finally said the first thing that came to mind. "Like a couple of monsters decided to use me for a punching bag. What time is it?"
"Stuck in the past, now are we?" Illidan teasingly asked.
Lightly chuckling, Marie replied "I guess so. Seriously, I feel much better. What time is it really?"
"It's afternoon; you've been out of it for two whole days. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever wake up."
"Very funny." she mumbled in response. Suddenly, she jerked the covers up and began feeling her stomach. "Is our …"
"From what I can tell, our child is fine." Illidan interjected with reassurance. "Your barrier seemed to have protected it, although the barrier remains intact and I can't figure out anything else."
Letting out a small sigh of relief, Marie closed her eyes. Her stomach immediately lightly glowed from the reaction. Opening her eyes, she placed a hand on her stomach again and softly smiled.
"She's fine." she mumbled with a relieved look.
"She?"
Smiling, Marie warmly replied "Yes, she. I can sense that it's a girl already. I hope I didn't spoil your hopes of having a boy."
"No, it's not that. I'm just surprised you can sense the baby's sex already. Most people in the nomads I was with couldn't figure it out till after nearly six months or so." Illidan admitted.
"Well, I can sense our child, and she is fine. I guess my barrier did the trick."
Nodding, Illidan smiled, saying "Yes, I suppose so."
Sitting up in bed, Marie looked down at her lap and sighed lightly. In a humbled voice, she mumbled "I'm sorry…"
Sighing himself, Illidan sat down on the bed beside of Marie. Putting a comforting arm around her shoulders, he kindly said "It's alright."
Somewhat shocked, Marie craned her neck around to look at Illidan's face. Shrugging his arm off, she placed her palm on his forehead and frowned. "Are you feeling alright?"
Lightly chuckling, he nodded and said "I'm fine. I'm alright with what you did."
Exasperated, Marie stared wide-eyed at Illidan, saying "But you were so mad at me about possibly doing this! Now after I've done it, you're alright with what I did!?"
Gently running his hand through her silken brown locks, Illidan lightly nodded. "I'm fine with it. All that matters to me now is you're alive, and our daughter is too."
Frowning, Marie turned her body around to face Illidan completely and said "I don't understand."
"I came to the realization that you were being loyal to Zane." he calmly explained. "You felt as a friend you should help Zane. Thinking back on it, I realize that I was trying to keep you from displaying that loyalty. I was asking you to sacrifice friendship for your own wellbeing, and that wasn't fair of me."
Letting out a small sigh, he softly smiled and added "Besides, I realize now that I can't always protect you, no matter how badly I want to. You can protect yourself, that much I know for sure. I've known forever, but it's been hard for me to accept it."
Lifting her chin up to look him in the eye, Illidan smiled, saying "I love you Marie, with all my heart and soul. I'm just happy that you are safe."
Leaning in, Illidan gave her a light feathery kiss before he began to pull back. Instead of pulling back, Marie reached up and pulled him in closer and kissed him long and deep. After a minute, the two came up for air and smiled at one another.
"So, you forgive me?" she asked innocently.
Frowning, Illidan replied "Somewhat. I have to punish you though for disobeying."
"WHAT?!" she squeaked out. "You're kidding, right?"
Calmly, he replied "I don't jest my lovely wife. You will be punished according to the crime."
"And what, exactly, is my crime?" she timidly asked.
"Disobeying your husband and endangering your life, along with our child's." he flatly responded.
Bristling up, she growled out "You told me that what I did was alright, but now you're punishing me! Why you…"
Stopping, she softly began chuckling. Smirking at him, she remarked "You're quoting that fan fiction story you liked so much, aren't you?"
Mischief twinkled in Illidan's eyes, as he huskily asked "Why whatever are you talking about? Don't you remember, it's time for your punishment."
Quickly leaping on top of her and pinning her to the bed, Illidan kissed Marie hard and pulled back to look into her eyes. Lightly smiling, she said "I suppose I deserve what's coming to me."
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A few weeks later, Syrus was walking alone in the woods back towards the Ra Dorm when he heard something creeping up behind him. Stopping in the middle of the path, he quickly turned around to find Hinata shyly looking away.
Unsure of himself, Syrus asked "Hinata, why are you following me?"
Looking at the ground with a light blush spreading across her face, Hinata finally spoke up in a small voice. "I… I wanted to thank you for... for finding me."
"Oh, that. It was no problem Hinata." Syrus cheerfully responded.
Softly smiling back, Hinata lowly mumbled in a whisper "I… I wanted to… ask you… something."
Barely hearing her, Syrus lightly frowned and asked "What did you want to ask?"
Shyly looking at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world, she quickly said in a very low whisper "Wouldyouliketogooutwithme!?"
"Huh?" Syrus asked. "What did you just ask?"
Cringing at the thought of asking again, Hinata started to turn away, only to be stopped by Syrus putting a kind hand on her shoulder. Turning to look up, she saw that he had a kind expression, plus he was lightly blushing. Blushing even deeper herself, Hinata immediately moved her eyes to the ground, hoping to get out of Syrus's sight.
"I think I know what you just asked." he slowly said. Taking a big gulp, Syrus croaked out "Would you like to go out with me?"
Instantly, the shy look faded from Hinata, who blushed even deeper. With a slow nod, she replied quietly "Yes."
Smiling, Syrus offered his hand to Hinata, who looked at it with a deep blush. After a moment, she finally took it in her hand and the two walked back towards the dorms in complete silence, each simply enjoying the others company.
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"Hard to believe the year is almost over." Marie softly said to Illidan.
Laying behind her in bed with his arms encircling her in a warm embrace, Illidan softly smiled, saying "Yeah, it is. The last few months have been peaceful ones at the least."
"Very true, which I'm thankful for."
Moving his hands to rub her stomach, Illidan kissed the back of her neck, saying "Soon, this little one will be with us."
"Not for six or seven months though." she quickly replied.
Lightly chuckling, he remarked "True. I guess we'll have a little bit of peace till then."
Snuggling back into Illidan, Marie contently sighed and closed her eyes. After a moment, she finally reopened them and said "You know, the Graduation Duel is coming up."
"Yeah, Chancellor Shepherd mentioned that to me. Apparently, Jaden will get to pick an opponent this year." Illidan retorted.
"Who do you think he'll pick?"
Thinking for a moment, Illidan finally replied "I don't know. He can duel anyone on the island, so it's hard to tell. Maybe he'll rematch with Chazz."
"Doubtful." Marie sleepily said.
Kissing her once more on the neck, Illidan yawned, saying "Whoever it is will have their hands full."
"Uh huh…"
Slightly smiling, Illidan glanced down to see Marie was already almost asleep. Sighing happily, he snuggled in closer to her and lazily closed his own eyes.
"I love you Marie." Illidan whispered gently into her ear.
In a faint murmur, Marie replied "I love you too Illidan."
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The next day, Illidan was talking with Chancellor Shepherd in the Chancellor's office when Jaden suddenly walked in.
Both Illidan and the Chancellor stopped chatting immediately. Smiling, the Chancellor warmly said "Jaden, it's good to see you."
Returning the smile, Jaden replied "Hey, good to see you too Chancellor Shepherd. Hey there Professor Illidan."
"Hello Jaden." Illidan calmly acknowledged.
"So, what brings you here Jaden?" the Chancellor asked.
Smiling, Jaden remarked "I've come to tell you my choice for the Graduation Duel."
Brightening up a bit, the Chancellor asked "And who might your opponent be?"
"I had one question first before I say. You said I could duel anyone on the island, right?" Jaden eagerly asked.
Nodding in reply, the Chancellor added "Anyone on this island is open for your choice."
"Sweetness!" Jaden enthusiastically replied. "My choice is easy then. I wish to duel Professor Illidan!"
"Huh?" both Illidan and the Chancellor asked in shock.
Smiling once more, Jaden excitedly said "I want to duel you Professor Illidan for the Graduation Duel."
Frowning, the Chancellor asked "Are you sure? I thought you would be dueling a student, not a teacher."
"I'm very sure! I definitely want to duel Professor Illidan." Jaden repeated.
Turning to Illidan, the Chancellor asked "Do you have a problem with this?"
Allowing a smile to cross his face, Illidan shook his head, replying with "No, I have no problems with this duel. In fact, I'm kind of excited about it."
Sighing slightly, the Chancellor finally smiled, saying "Very well, then I'll make the announcement today. Next Friday, the two of you will duel it out in the Graduation Duel."
"Thanks Chancellor, you're the best!" Jaden happily said. Turning to Illidan, Jaden added "I'll see you at the duel Illidan!"
Smiling, Illidan responded "Yes, you will. Till then."
"Later guys." Jaden said and turned around and left the room.
Lightly chuckling, the Chancellor remarked "That boy, he sure knows how to pick his battles."
"He sure does." Illidan calmly added.
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The following Wednesday, the school was called into the auditorium. There, with all the students gathered up, the Chancellor called order to the assembly.
Smiling, the Chancellor said "Students, I'm happy to announce the results of this year's self titled Dorm Wars. I first of all commend all of you for the work you've done this year. Each of you have put forth your best effort, and it shows in the stats between the three dorms."
Smirking, Crowler whispered to Bonaparte "That trip is as good as ours!"
"Oui, oui Monsieur!" Bonaparte replied.
Nearby, Izumi lightly giggled, getting Dr. Satyr to ask "Problem Izumi?"
Shaking her head quickly, she smiled, saying "Just thinking about how much fun the Bahamas will be."
"Ah, sí, it will be wonderful. That is if we won." Dr. Satyr remarked.
"Of course we won." Izumi playfully replied with a small punch to his shoulder.
Gripping Marie's hand, Illidan whispered "Here is the moment of truth."
"Yep, to see if all our work really paid off or not." she quietly replied.
Smiling at all the students and teachers, the Chancellor warmly said "Now, for the results of the Dorm Wars. The dorm that won this year by only a slight margin, as in like five points, was… Slifer Dorm!"
All of the Slifer Red students instantly stood up and began cheering loudly. Many hugged, some gave high fives, and others patted one another on the back. Both Illidan and Marie smiled great big at the results and hugged one another.
"We did it!" Marie congratulated Illidan.
"Yes, we did. I can hardly believe it." he happily replied.
Smiling at the students' reaction, the Chancellor cleared his throat, saying "The Slifer Dorm shall receive their reward as promised earlier this year. All of you will be going to the Bahamas in one month, and shall spend two luxurious weeks. This entire trip is paid for by the school's owner. All you have to do is come packed up and prepared to leave. Congratulations once more Slifer Red Students! You've all earned it!"
Grumbling to himself, Crowler crossed his arms, saying "This sucks."
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"Illidan, watcha doing?" Marie asked.
Sitting at a large table, Illidan had his deck scattered out. "Just working on my deck."
"You're preparing still? Haven't you done this every night since last week?" she asked while stifling a yawn.
"Uh huh…" he simply replied without looking up.
Frowning, she said "Tomorrow is the duel honey. I think it's more than ready."
"I need my deck to be in top form to beat Jaden." Illidan remarked while still ignoring Marie's presence.
Lightly growling at being ignored, she whined "Come to bed."
"I will in a while." Illidan absently replied.
Placing her hands on her hips, Marie prepared to sound off on him, but stopped and smirked devilishly. Turning around, she walked into the pair's bedroom and closed the door, leaving Illidan to his deck.
Continuing to concentrate hard on his deck, Illidan didn't hear Marie return five minutes later. She softly padded up to him and asked "Still working on it?"
Not even looking up still, Illidan nodded.
"So, you have no time to play, do you?" she purred.
Furrowing his brow at Marie's words, Illidan glanced up and noticed she was wearing a sexy chocolate colored satin chemise with the outline of a thong coming through the fabric. Setting his card down instantly, he stared at her, taking in the way the fabric clung tightly to her breasts and how he could just make out the distinct outline of her panties. Continuing to stare, he noted how well the fabric accented her curves greatly. Immediately, Illidan felt the heat rising throughout his body, noticeable in his lower extremities.
"I see I finally have your attention." Marie purred with lust pouring out of her eyes.
Slyly smiling, Illidan held up his hands and said "I concede, I'm done with my deck tonight."
"Good." she said with a silky voice. Pulling out a pair of fuzzy white and black spotted hand cuffs from behind her back, she quickly strapped them onto him before he could react.
"I'm going to have to punish you." she said in a husky voice.
Feeling his mouth go dry, Illidan licked his lips and smiled, saying "Let the punishment begin."
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"Jaden, what are you doing up still? It's midnight for crying out loud!" a sleepy eyed Syrus said with a mighty yawn.
Stacking his cards together, Jaden smiled. "I'm working on my deck Sy."
"Still?" an exasperated Hasselberry asked from the top bunk of Jaden's bed with heavy eyes.
"Yep, still am. I want my deck perfect for tomorrow." Jaden happy replied while spreading his cards out once more.
Frowning, Syrus mumbled "Jaden, you need to get some rest. You've worked on your deck since you told Chancellor Shepherd your choice last week. Give it rest already."
"Private Truesdale is right Serg. You need some R and R before tomorrow's duel, so hit the sack and get forty winks." Hasselberry added.
Thinking for a moment, Jaden finally remarked "Eh, I think I'll pass. I want to look at my deck one more time."
Both Hasselberry and Syrus sweat dropped at Jaden's words. Throwing his arms up in the air in surrender, Syrus cried out "I give up."
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"At last, it's ready." Jaden calmly said with a smile. Placing his deck within it's holder, he stood up and stretched. Glancing at the clock, he saw he only had thirty minutes before his duel with Illidan.
Smiling, he remarked "And not a moment too soon. Man, this is going to be one sweet duel."
Grabbing his Duel Disk and deck holder, Jaden quickly left his room and moved to the front of the dorm to surprisingly see Illidan waiting.
"Illidan…" he mumbled. Smiling, he called out "Professor Illidan, I didn't expect to see you before the duel."
"I know, but I thought I'd walk with you. Of course, that is if you don't mind." Illidan calmly said.
Lightly chuckling, Jaden smiled back. "Nah, I don't mind."
Nodding, Illidan quietly led the way. After leaving sight of the Slifer Dorm, he smiled at Jaden, saying "You've grown tremendously this year Jaden."
"Thanks." Jaden quickly replied. "I thought my height had gone up."
Chuckling, Illidan shook his head, saying "Not your height silly. I'm talking about how you've handled yourself. Jaden, to do the things you've done at such a young age is amazing. I know me and Marie are sort of the only family you have left, so I wanted to tell you this."
Turning to face Jaden, Illidan placed both hands on Jaden's shoulders and said "We're very proud of you."
Softly smiling, Jaden blushed lightly and replied "Thank you Illidan. You and Marie are great. You're not like parents, but you are at the same time. I'm happy to be your guys' descendant."
Smiling back, Illidan lightly said "You've done great things Jaden. Remember, we'll always consider your family, so never feel you can't come to us over anything."
"Right." Jaden remarked with a nod.
Looking towards the main campus building, Illidan said "Well, we'd better get going. The duel starts soon."
"Race you there!" Jaden called out as he went rocketing towards the building.
Frowning, Illidan raced after Jaden, yelling playfully "You cheater!"
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"Welcome students to this year's Graduation Duel!" the Chancellor announced with pride.
All of the students settled into their seats and turned their eyes to the Dueling Ring. Seeing he had their attention, the Chancellor smiled once more and gripped the microphone a bit more.
"This year's duel will be between Jaden Yuki, this year's top dueling student, and Professor Illidan Stormrage, headmaster of the Slifer Dorm!"
The students all cheered at the announcement. "Now then, will both contestants come forward." the Chancellor commanded.
Walking onto the stage, both Jaden and Illidan met in the middle where the Chancellor stood.
Smiling at the two, the Chancellor said "I congratulate the both of you for the accomplishments you've each made this year. I'm very proud of both of you."
Nodding to the Chancellor, both smiled and simultaneously said "Thanks."
"Now, exchange hand shakes and shuffle one another's deck." the Chancellor commanded.
Shaking Jaden's hand, Illidan smiled, saying "Good luck Jaden."
"You too Professor Illidan! Let's have a good game." Jaden responded.
Exchanging decks, both shuffled till finally satisfied. Once done, the two placed them within their Duel Disks.
Seeing this done, the Chancellor called out "Duelists, take your place!"
Moving into position, both Illidan and Jaden stared one another down. Getting off of the stage and into his seat, the Chancellor called out "Let the duel commence!"
Both Jaden and Illidan instantly activated their Duel Disks. Each Duel Disk lit up and fully extended. Together, the two drew their first five cards, saying "Game on!"