Percy Jackson Trapped in YuGiOh?

by J.M.Weezy

What do you think would happen if Fem!Percy Jackson got stuck in Yugioh by the Fates? And what's this, who said anything about having a past life in Anceint Egypt that involved being MARRIED to the Pharaoh? She was Greek for Gods' sakes! Oh, and let's not forget Aphrodite's promise to make Percy's love life 'interesting'. *DISCONTINUED. REWRITTEN STORY, DREAMING OF REALITY, IS UP*

12. Chapter 12 PS Really Really Long!

We stood in the hallway trying to find which door was Kaiba's and I blinked at each door, not finding any difference.

"Attention Battle City Finalists," Roland's voice said on the intercom, which made me jump from surprise. Yugi looked at me and chuckled, which I glared playfully at him in return. "with the completion of the opening duel, there will be an half hour intermention. At the end of this intermention all remaining finalist are requested to report to the main concourse for the next Battle City match up."

"We have to help Bakura." Yugi said.

Joey looked over his shoulder and held up a thumb. "So let's land this thing," Joey said. "let's find Kaiba. He has to be in one of those rooms."

I looked over and saw Mokuba. "Hey you guys," Mokuba said. "this is a resricted area."

"Hey Mokuba!" Joey called.

"Where is your brother?" Yugi asked.

Mokuba pointed to the door with the '1' on it and I face palmed. Why didn't I think of that?... "That's his room," Mokuba said. "but you don't want to disturb him."

Joey sprinted forward and began pounding on the door. "Hey Kaiba!" Joey shouted, still pounding. "Open Up!"

Mokuba flailed his arms all around. "Are you nuts!" Mokuba shouted. "He's preparing for a duel, stop it!"

Joey kept pounding. "I'm talking to you Kaiba" Joey shouted. "Get out here now!"-At that time it was funny because Kaiba had opened his door and Joey pounded on his shoulder twice.

I face palmed again then removed the hand. "If it isn't Wheeler?" Kaiba taunted. "Your lucky to even be in my tournament and yet you insist on making a nuisance of yourself over and over again."

Joey growled. "That did it!" Joey shouted bawling up his fists.

Tristan blocked Joey. "Hey, this is no time to pick a fight," Tristan said. "so just calm down man."

Yugi stepped forward, dragging me with him, considering he was still holding my hand. "Kaiba," Yugi said. "you've got to help us."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes in disgust. "Now what?" Kaiba demanded.

I glared at him. "Bakura's hurt," I said. "we have to land now."

"He needs to see a doctor right away Kaiba." Yugi said.

"Your asking me to do the impossible," Kaiba said, sitting down in a chair in his room, considering we were invited in by him. "we can't make an unplanned stop."

"Don't you understand?" Yugi demanded. "Bakura needs help."

"He's been unconscious since he lost the duel." Tristan supplied.

"And if he gets worse than he already is now," Joey said. "you'll be responsible."

"That's a risk," Kaiba said. "I'm willing to take."

Serenity put her hands together. "Please Kaiba, this is really important," Serenity begged. "show some compassion, pretty please?"

"How can you say no to that face?" Tristan demanded

"Serenity's right!" Duke shouted over Tristan. I face palmed again. Like that is going to convince Kaiba...

"Your friend shouldn't have left the hospital in the first place," Kaiba said. "this is Bakura's own fault."

Serenity bowed her head. "Kaiba please," Serenity pleaded again. "isn't someone's health more important than your silly game?"

Wrong thing to say Serenity... "Listen to her will ya?" Tristan demanded.

"She's got a good point," Duke shouted over Tristan again. "What's wrong with you?"

Joey growled. "I've had enough of this attitude Kaiba," Joey snarled. "find a way to land this thing pronto or get ready to meet the business end of my fist!"

Kaiba got up. "I told you," Kaiba said. "we're not landing Wheeler."

Joey growled again. "Then let's dance." Joey said.

I felt my eyes go emerald and I slammed my hands on the table, making a loud sound that made everyone freeze. I glared up at Kaiba, and he looked down at me emotionless, but eyes were a bit different, they held some emotion, but I couldn't tell what. "I've had enough of this," I snarled. "if you won't land Kaiba, you must have some medical staff on this blimp. Send that staff to Bakura's room."

Kaiba looked at me and walked to an intercom. "What gives?" Tristan asked.

"Send at medical team to Bakura's room." Kaiba ordered. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"Good call Seto, Percy," Mokuba praised. "the Kaiba Corp. medical staff has better medical training than the doctors at most hospital do. Bakura's in good hands here."

We all walked out and Yugi grabbed my hand again. "I hope Mokuba is right about the medical team on board." Serenity said.

"It was great how you stood up to Kaiba, Serenity." Tristan complemented. "I felt the same way you did back there."

Duke launched forward and grabbed Serenity's hands. "And I have never been so moved by a speech in my life," Duke said. "Serenity its like your words came right out of the mouth of an angel."

I sweat dropped at the scene and turned to see Joey and Yugi looking at me. "What?" I blinked.

"Thanks for what you said to Kaiba," Joey said. "how did you know there was medical staff on board."

I blinked. "It's common sense Joey," I said. "to be able to fly any type of aircraft there as to be someone on board who some type of medical training... I hope."

Joey looked down at Yugi. "So do you think Bakura will be alright," Joey paused. "in the hands of Kaiba's quakes or what Yuge?"

Yugi nodded and played with my fingers a bit. "I hope so." Yugi said.

Tristan came over. "Hey," Tristan said. "we still have to find Bakura's missing Millennium Ring."

Yugi smiled up at Tristan. "It shouldn't be that difficult if we spilt up, right?" Yugi asked.

Tristan smirked. "Don't you three worry about it," Tristan said. "you just leave the Millennium Ring to me and Devlin."-Joey,Yugi, and I gasped.-"You two focus on the next round of the finals, and Percy you stay with Yugi."

I blinked. "It's okay Tristan," I said. "really."

Tristan held up hands up. "No," Tristan said. "I'm not going to let my friends get distracted before the biggest duels of they lives, and take away from Yugi and Percy time. Plus it will give me and Duke something to do."

"Perfect" Duke grinned. "Serenity and I will search upstairs."

"Forget it," Tristan shouted, pulling Duke away from Serenity, which made her breath out a sigh of relief. "your coming with me Devlin."

"But I-" Duke tried

"Zip it." Tristan said. "The Millennium Ring won't find itself. So you and I have to work together dude, come on, we have work to do." Tristan drug Duke into the elivator and covered Duke's mouth so his protests were muffled, which made me cover my mouth to hide my laughter.

"It's nice to see they are getting along," Joey said, making me stop laughing and stare at him oddly with a sweatdrop. "you know?" He thinks that is getting along? Wow...

"Yeah sure," Yugi said. "I just hope they have luck finding the Millennium Ring."

Soon we started walking back to our assigned rooms and walked into them. I plopped on the bed and began thinking about today's occurences. I started to laugh nervously just at the thought of the elevator moment. Yugi looked at me and titled his head in confusion.

"You okay Percy?" Yugi asked concerned.

I sat up and looked at him. "Kind of..." I said. "just thinking how awkward it was for me without you there..."

Yugi blinked. "What?" Yugi asked.

"In the elevator," I started. "when we were heading to the dueling arena. Mai, Serenity, and Tea all cornered me and began asking me questions..." I shivered at the thought of it.

"What kind of questions?" Yugi asked getting up and sitting next to me on the bed.

I blushed. "Uh..." I mumbled. "ones about you..."

Yugi blinked a few times. "Come again, Percy?" Yugi asked. "I didn't hear you."

I took in a deep breath. "They asked questions about you, Yugi." I answered.

Yugi titled his head. "I don't know why," he said. "Tea and I have been friends for years, she knows almost everything about me. She just doesn't understand the Millennium Items."

I blinked. Okay maybe I should be more specific... "They we're asking odd questions..." I struggled. "like if you are a good kisser..."

Yugi blushed beet red and looked down at his lap. "Why would they ask that?" Yugi mumbled embarrassed.

"Because," I took a deep breath. "they think we're dating."

Yugi looked at me, and I turned the same color as him, probably more red. "Percy," Yugi took a deep breath now. "there is something I need to ask you."

I looked into is violet eyes. "Yeah?" I asked, kind of in a trance with his eyes.

"W-well," Yugi stuttered.. "m-me and the sp-spirit have li-liked you for a-a wh-while and woul-ld you li-like to go o-out with m-me?"

I blinked for a moment trying to understand what he had just asked, when a big smiled appeared on my face. I wrapped my arms around his shoulder and buried my face in his chest. "Yeah," I said. "I would."

Yugi smiled and wrapped his arms around me and we stayed like that for a while when he suddenly pulled back, but kept me in arm's length. I looked into his eyes again and got lost like last time. Yugi looked down for a moment then back up to my eyes, and slowly moved forward. I smiled slightly and did the same, there was a centimeter between our lips and I could feel his breath on my lips, when I closed the gap. He lips were soft, gentle, full of love, and unexperienced, which was fine since, hopefully mine was the same way. Our lips moved in unison and I felt him smile in the kiss, which made me smile too. I pulled away first and smiled brightly at him, which made him do the same while blushing really hard. I pulled him up and walked to a chair. I grabbed his arm that had the duel disk on it, grabbed the deck, took it out and spread it out on the table.

"Come on silly," I giggled. "you need to prepare for the next duel, you never know if your going to go again."

Yugi nodded and began going through his deck. I smiled at him and pecked his cheek, which made him blush harder. I looked around through his deck and Yugi looked at me oddly. Where is it?...

I looked around and finally found the Kuriboh card. I picked it up and showed it to him. Yugi smiled at me then titled his head. "What about Kuriboh?" Yugi asked taking the card out of my hands and placing it on the table.

I looked at the card. "Jaden has one like it," I said. "good thing too, it gets him out some serious situations. The best thing?"-I looked at him straight in the eyes.-"You gave it to him... or will at least."

Yugi blinked for a couple of seconds then shrugged, going through his cards again. Yugi picked up his cards and started placing them in a weird places, making me turn around boredly, only to see a person inside the room. I jumped up and Yugi did too.

I reached for Riptide when Yugi stopped me. "I remember you," Yugi said. "your Shadi."

I vaguely remembered a good person named Shadi, then stopped wanting to get Riptide, and just held Yugi's hand.

"Yes," Shadi said. "and you've learned much since when we first met in Duelist Kingdom, Yugi. Your beginning to understand your fate and its relation to the past, a fate that intertwines with the spirit that dwells within in the Millennium Puzzle."

"Well," Yugi said, squeezing my hand."I know a little bit. Yami was an ancient pharaoh."

"That is correct," Shadi said. "and together you must save the Earth."

"From an ancient evil," Yugi said. "I know, but are you here to explain how? 'Cause I'm still confused."

Shadi held the the Millennium Key. "I am but the Guardian of the Seven Millennium Items," Shadi said. "I am here because I sensed a disturbance in the mystical illinement once again."

I blinked and squeezed Yugi's hand. What a cliffhanger... Yugi gasped while Shadi continued. "All seven items are aboard this vessel," Shadi said. "as well as the three Egyptian God Cards, which means all the objects that are capable saving or destroying the world are right here."

Yugi stepped forward slightly and I look at him, then stepped forward as well. "Really?" Yugi asked.

Shadi nodded. "The Earth's safety rests with you Yugi." Shadi said, then sent a knowing glance at me, which made me blink. "Heed my words, if the wrong individual gains control of all the Millennium items and the Egyptian God Cards, results could be catasphofic. It nearly happened once when Pegasus created duel monsters."

Yugi squeezed my hand again, then laced our fingers. "It did," Yugi asked. "but how?"

"Well," Shadi started. "it all began when Maximillion Pegasus first arrived in Egypt, he was searching for a method that would reunite him with his lost love. His quest brought him to me and I presented him with the Millennium Eye, for he was destined to pocess it. Soon after, he discovered the origins of the ancient Egyptian Shadow Games. Pegasus became obsessed with these games, and became to deaditcate his life to recreating these games. He sought to reseret these ancient powers, and to his surprise, it almost destroyed him."

Yugi and I gasped. "Pegasus didn't know his limits," Shadi continued. "but he would discover he released a power far beyond his control."

Yugi frowned in determination. "Please," Yugi said. "tell me more. Shadi how did duel monsters start?"

Slowly I felt the ADHD start to kick in, and I fiddled with Riptide, but did try to listen to Shadi. "Pegasus grew more obsessed." Shadi said. "determined to recreate the Shadow Games, he discovered the Egyptian God Monsters. "

Yugi blinked. "And that almost destroyed him?" Yugi asked.

Shadi nodded. "It all began when one of his early trips where Pegasus planned on locating the ancient stones that he had read about," Shadi said. I started to zone out, but was able to catch bits and pieces of the story. I mean come on, I already know this!

I felt Yugi nudge me in the side gently after five minutes, which made me focus on Shadi again. "And with the help of Ishizu, Pegasus sealed away the cards."

"Then Marik tied to seal them?" Yugi asked, which made me blink. We are already this far into the story now? Oh wow, curse my ADHD...

"And if he were to get his hands on all three," Shadi nodded and said. "The results would be devastating."

Suddenly, the Millennium Puzzle glowed and Yami was there, which made me blush for some reason. "I can assure you," Yami said, with a slight smile. "Marik will never hold all three Egyptian God Cards."

Shadi got down on his left knee in front of him. "My Pharaoh and Queen," Shadi said, which made me blink. Who's the Queen?... "it is an honor for me to in both of your presences, and I have great confidence in you. I know that you will restore order in the world and put an end to this chaos, just as you did 5,000 years ago. My complete faiths lies within you two."

As I was trying to process, that he called me Queen, Roland's voice went through the intercom. "All remaining finalist must now report the main concourse."

Yami and I looked up at the intercom at Roland's voice, then when Roland voice stopped we both looked at where Shadi was, but he was gone. "Shadi?" Yami asked.

"He's gone..." I trailed off.

"The next to duelist will now be chosen." Roland's voice said again.

Yugi appeared behind Yami. "It's time," Yugi said. "let's go join the others."

Yami smirked, while Yugi went back to the puzzle. "Alright," Yami said. "the future of mankind is depending on us."

I nodded. "I think that is obvious..." I said with a sarcastic smile.

Yami turned to me and smiled with a strong emotion burning in his eyes. "Hello Percy." Yami said.

I smiled a normal smile. "Hey Yami!" I said.

Yami looked at me with a strong emotion, that I tried my best to identify it, but failed. I stared into Yami's and got lost within them just like I did with Yugi, but they enhancement was stronger. Yami's eyes stared into mine, then suddenly flickered down, then back up.

"May I?" Yami asked. I blinked in confusion and nodded my head. Yami stepped closer to me and a thought popped in my head. Ah, he must want a hug!... Yami wrapped his arms around my waist, and I returned the favor, by wrapping my arms around his neck, smiling happily. Yami smiled and gently pressing his lips to mine. I widened my eyes in surprise at the sudden kiss, then closed them soundly. Yami's lips were slightly different, they were soft, gentle, and loving like Yugi's, but Yami's was more experienced like he knew how to kiss me. Our lips moved in sync, just like Yugi's too, but Yami was defiantly more dominant than Yugi was. While we were kissing Yami moved one of his hands from my waist to my left cheek/neck and left it there, which made me start playing with the hair on his neck. Yami tightened his grip on my waist and gently licked my bottom lip.

Before I could open my mouth to let him enter, Roland's voice appeared on the intercom again, making up jump and pull apart slightly, and start to pant. Yami pressed his forehead against mine and pecked my lips and we began listening to Roland's voice. "This is your two minute warning," Roland said. "all finalist must be on deck in two minutes."

Yami and I looked at each other and slowly released each other. Yami grabbed my hand within his, laced our fingers and walked to the door, which automatically opened for us. Yami and I walked out of his room, and turned to the sound of Tristan's voice.

It was an odd sight, I would say. Tristan had Duke in an arm lock and Joey and Serenity were standing in front of them talking. "No joke," Tristan said. "there was this freaky guy in a bathrobe. He saved our lives, just ask Duke."

Yami and I shared a glance and came to a conclusion in our minds as we began to walk to the others. Shadi saved there lifes...

"I didn't actually see him," Duke said, still in the arm lock. "but someone had to pull us up."

Joey closed his eyes and elbowed Tristan in the rubs jokingly. "Knock it off you guys," Joey said. "if your trying to detract me from my duel, it's not going to work."

Serenity tapped her chin. "But Joey," Serenity said. "what if there was some type of ghost?"

Joey got a sweat drop on his head. "Come on," Joey said. "ghosts don't exist."

At that moment, Yami let go of my hand, and placed it on Joey's shoulder, which made him stand straight up. "Are you ready for the next duel?" Yami asked Joey.

Joey sighed in relief and turned around knocking Yami's hand down gently. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" Joey shouted. I busted out laughing and soon clutched my stomach and leaned on Yami for support. Joey glared at me and clenched his fists with an anime angry mark on the side of his head, which only made me laugh harder. Serenity began to giggle along with me, and soon everyone joined in the laughter, even Joey! Once everyone calmed down, Tristan looked at the both of us. "Okay, here's what happened..."

---

Soon enough we were all standing where we once was, which I have named Great Hall. Ronald and Mokuba was next to the Blue Eyes random selector thingy, and I was standing nest to Namu. I smiled up at him, which he returned with a smile down at me. I saw Yugi turn and beckon me over next to him, which I complied after I sent Namu an apologetic smile. I stood next to Yugi, which made him grab my hand and lace our fingers. Mai sent me a sly wink and mouthed 'We girls will talk about this later.' I widened my eyes and looked away embarrassed with a light blush on my cheeks. Yugi looked at me confused and I shook my head in return. I saw Joey nudge Yugi in the ribs and wink towards me, which made Yugi blush and look away in embarrassment too. Well, at least I'm not alone now...

"Finalist and Guests," Roland said. "can I have your attention please, the second duel of the Battle City Finals is about to begin."

Mokuba stepped forward. "That's right," Mokuba said. "now the selector will now randomly pick the next two duelist." The Blue Eyes machine began to toss the numbers and the Roland reminded everyone to remember their numbers. Once again Kaiba emotionless face, but slightly emotional eyes flashed through my mind: 1, Joey's laughing face flashed through my mind: 2, Mai's sly winking face flashed through my mind: 4, Namu amused smirking face flashed through my mind: 5, Marik's emotionless face, but eyes full of secrets flashed through my mind: 7, and for the final one there was a question mark: 8.

"If you are selected," Roland said. "you will be participating in the second round of the Battle City Finals, and the first duelist chosen is... Number 2, Joey Wheeler!"

A sign lit up that said 'No 2' and Serenity smiled. "Awesome!" Serenity cheered.

Joey fist pumped the air and Yugi and I smiled. "Yeah," Joey cheered. "time to kick some major butt!"

"And Mr. Wheeler's opponent in this duel is," Roland continued as another ball exited the machine. "number 7, Marik Ishtar!" Everyone turned to look at the emotionless Marik and a growl escaped from my lips. Yugi squeezed my and played with my fingers and I some what calmed down, but not that much...

Now it was Joey's turn to growl. "It's go time!" Joey snarled. Yugi frowned in worry and anger, probably thinking Marik was going to use his Millennium Rod. "I hope you brought a parachute, cause I'm knocking you right off this blimp, got that Marik?"

Soon we were all on the Stratus Deck and I was standing next to Yugi. I suddenly got a headache and my muscles felt sore. I craned my neck in hope to get rid of the headache and started to lose my balance. I stumble to the left and grabbed Yugi's arm to keep me steady. Yugi grabbed my hands with both of his and wrapped an arm around my waist. I leaned against him for support and breathed heavily for a moment.

Yugi looked at me worriedly. "Are you okay Percy?" Yugi whispered.

I nodded weakly. "Yeah," I whispered. "I feel suddenly weak, probably cause I've been in Uncle Zues's domain for so long... and the horrible feeling about this duel is giving me a headache..."

Yugi frowned in worry. "Maybe you should go lay down," Yugi suggested. "or get a glass of water."

I shook my head as I felt the ache of my head disappear. "Nah," I whispered, still leaning against him, considering I was very comfortable in his arms. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, and plus I'll be better soon..."

I pecked Yugi's cheek when I saw no one looking, and then we both looked at Roland in unison. "Alright," Roland said, his voice echoing slightly. "Now both duelist will take their places in the arena, elevate the field."

Tristan smiled or smirked, I couldn't tell. "Come on Joey!" Tristan yelled.

Roland ignored Tristan. "The winner of this duel will advance to the next round of the Battle City Finals," Roland said. "the loser will be dismissed. Alright gentlemen it's time to begin, so if you please take your places at either end of the playing field we can get this duel underway."

Marik and Joey shuffled each other's decks, but they shuffled differently. Marik did three shuffles and crossed his arms emotionless, while Joey kept shuffling, glaring his hardest at Marik. Roland raised an eyebrow, a little confused. "Uh," Roland said. "gentlemen?"

"Yeah," Tristan said. "show Tatoo Face what dueling is all about Joey!"

Yugi smiled and I placed my head on his shoulder. "Wow," Yugi said. "You looks really fired up to duel Marik!"

"I would be too!" I smiled.

"Of course," Tristan said. "when Joey gets really steamed, he tends to shoot his mouth off. He better watch what he says to this guy, Marik is mean enough, without Joey's lip."

I nodded my head in agreement, then looked at Yugi, and saw him smiling at me already. I smiled in embarrassment and Yugi looked around quickly, and seeing no one looking at us, he pecked my lips quickly then pulled away like nothing happened, no one noticed. Who knew the sweet little innocent Yugi Muto could be a daredevil?...

"I hope Joey will be okay..." Serenity trailed of in worry, making us all look at her.

I blinked. "Oh yeah," I said. "I forgot, this is your first time seeing your brother duel, huh?"

She looked at me and nodded. "That's right Percy." She said.

Tea smiled. "Well," Tea said. "I'm sure with you here cheering him on, there is no way he'll lose."

We all looked back up and Joey was still shuffling the deck! "Let's go," Roland snapped impatient. "you shuffled enough cards for ten duels! Now both of you take your positions." Joey and Marik exchanged decks, well more like snatched his deck... Anyway, they both went to their respective places on the field, Joey suddenly turned around and pointed at Marik.

"Yo! Listen up ya bald-headed freak," Joey shouted. "according to my math, you'll be all washed up in nine turns! That's if ya can count!"

I blinked with a sweatdrop. "Where did he come up with nine?" Duke wondered, practically voicing my thoughts.

"Look with Joey," Tristan deadpanned. "you don't ask."

Serenity smiled in awe. "My brother is so awesome," Serenity said. "he's got this whole duel calculated in his head already."

Mai looked at Joey deadpanned. "That's right Serenity," Mai said not even looking at her. "you just keep believing everything he says."

I shook my head and looked at Marik once again. Marik closed his eyes and brought out the Millennium Rod, and Joey did this odd move and weird freak out face, that made me want to laugh, but I resisted the action. Yugi gasped and Yami appeared slightly and copied Yugi's facial expression, then frowned in anger.

Joey looked at Marik. "Point that thing somewhere else," Joey said. "and duel like a man!"

Marik closed his eyes and placed it back in his cap thing. "Very well." Marik said.

"Look Marik," Joey said. "I'm gonna- wait, did ya say 'Very well'?"

Yugi and I let out a sigh of relief and Yami still had the same expression on his face, just a bit less anger than before. I felt my body pulse four times like it did once before when Marik used the Millennium Rod, but this pulse was different, it was a bit slower. Like it was a warning pulse, and I knew Yugi could feel it cause on the second pulse he began to look at me curiously. When the pulsing stopped, I waved him off and turned back to Joey. We can worry about my pulsing body later Yugi, cause something big is about to happen, and we need to pay attention...

I looked over and Mokuba leaned forward. "Hey Seto," Mokuba said. "if Marik is really the leader of the Rare Hunters, he have a ton of rare cards in his deck."

"There is only card in his deck I care about," Kaiba said, not even looking down at his brother. "and that's his Egyptian God Card: The Winged Dragon of Ra. Hopefully that hack Joey Wheeler will last long enough in this duel, so I can see how Marik's card works, so I can win it for myself."

I glared at Kaiba and leaned against Yugi in hope to block him out, no success.

"Let's do this," Joey said. "Marik."

Marik stayed emotionless, as him and Joey slid there decks in the slots on the duel disks. "It's time to duel," Marik said. I growled under my breath and Yugi tightened his grip on my waist, no one noticed. You, Marik, are horrible at saying that line.. it's Yami's catch phrase.. and you suck at saying it... "and destroy you!" Marik finished. I blinked and sweatdropped. Okay now that really doesn't sound good when he says it...

"Gentlemen," Roland shouted, throwing a hand up in the air dramatically. "let the duel begin!"

"Prepare for defeat!" Marik shouted, which I rolled my eyes too.

"Don't count on it Marik, I ain't scared of you! I'll start," Joey hollered back, drawing his card. "ya freak."

Tristan threw one of his arms up. "Yeah," Tristan shouted. "you're the man Joey!"

Mai stepped forward. "Show this robbed weirdo whose boss!" Mai shouted.

"Hey Yugi," Duke said. "did Joey ever take back his Red Eyes Black Dragon card?"

Yugi quickly let go of my waist, and thankfully no one noticed, while Yugi shook his head. "He'll be alright," Tristan said. "come on Joey, you've come this far man. You can beat him!"

I looked at Tristan for a couple of seconds then shrugged. Yugi grabbed my fingertips and played with them slightly. "Yeah," Duke said, making me turn my head to look at him. "but I bet he's never faced an opponent as unpredictable as this guy."

I shook my head. "Well it's pretty obvious this guy isn't meant to be trusted." I stated.

Yugi nodded his head in agreement. "And we've all seen the evil this guy is capable of..." Yugi trailed off.

Tristan looked at the two duelists warily. "Joey just has to keep his cool..." Tristan trailed off.

I looked at him. "And how is that possible," I asked. "when he is so fired up to duel Marik?"

Tristan ignored me and Duke shrugged at my question. We all looked at Joey to see him smirking at Marik, thinking. He suddenly started grinning happily and held up his cards. Uh-oh he is starting to act cocky... never a good sign for Joey... oh gods, please help us.. and why do I have such a bad feeling about this duel? I know for a fact Joey doesn't lose, but then where is that feeling coming from.. and more importantly what is it for?...

I focused on Joey again once, after I snapped myself out of my thoughts, just in time to see a gust of wind blow Joey's cards right out of his hand. We all yelled (I gasped) in shock and Joey did this odd motion thing where he caught four cards with his hands and one in his mouth, and wrapped one if his legs on the rail for balance. Joey panted in relief and I face palmed.

"Hey Joey," Duke called. "you might actually want to hold on to your cards for this duel." Oh that's amazing advice Duke... not...

Serenity crossed his arms, and I removed my hand. "You guys, he needs support..." Serenity said then cupped her hands around her mouth. "nice catch big brother!"

We all did they 'really?' face (along with the noise) and stepped back/side. (I stepped to the side with Yugi). Joey stepped back into his correct position on the playing field, probably why in the Hades did Kaiba make the duelist duel on the top of a blimp. I wish I could tell you Joey, but no one knows when it comes to Kaiba... please Joey stay focus!..

"Now then," Joey said. "where was I?"

Marik smirked slightly. "Acting like a fool." Marik supplied.

Joey glared. "That's enough out of you Marik," Joey snapped as he picked up a card. "so check this out. Now, I summon Gilford the Iron Knight in attack mode!"

Tristan smiled. "Ah," Tristan said. "now this is looking like a duel."

I smiled. "'A duel'?" I echoed. "This is looking like Marik's end."

Yugi smiled, took my within his and laced his fingers through mine in agreement. "And there is more where that came from," Joey said, making Yugi and I focus back on him. "now let's see what you've got, Tough Guy."

Marik drew his card, and looked at his deck, not saying a word. "I'm waiting." Joey said, a bit impatient.

A slot opened on the Marik's duel disk and he slid a card inside it. "I'll play Temple of The Kings," Marik said. "a card like you've never seen!"

A temple began to rise behind Marik and Joey looked at in annoyance and confusion. "What's that?" Joey asked. "What's the deal with that building Marik?"

Marik was still emotionless. "The structure behind me is the Ancient Temple of the Kings," Mairk said/explained. "within the 5,000 year old sanctuary lay the greatest treasures of the Kings of Egypt."

Joey rolled his eyes, obviously wanting a different answer. "And what does that big shack do?" Joey demanded.

"To protect the kings' treasure," Marik said. "it limits the amount of magic and trap cards you can play in one turn."

Joey groaned. "Ah man..."

Marik remained emotionless. "And in front of the temple," Marik said. "I'll lay two cards face down as an extra boundary of protect, and with this move I end my turn. Try to attack me if you dare, you have no idea what danger lerks through these temple walls."

Tea frowned in confusion. "Marik hasn't even summoned one monster." Tea said.

Tristan stepped forward. "Attack his life points!" Tristan shouted.

"That's stupid." Duke said, making me nod in agreement.

Tristan looked at Duke annoyed. "Oh," Tristan said. "why's that?"

Duke rolled his eyes. "Because Marik wants him to attack," Duke said slightly annoyed as well. "so he can activate one of his face down cards and put a serious hurting on Joey. It's way too risky, Dummy."

"Good point..." Tristan said a bit defeated.

We all turned to see Joey still looking at his cards, just a bit freaked out. When he didn't play a card for a couple of seconds, Serenity grew concerned. "Everything alright Big Brother?" Serenity asked.

"You look pretty scared man!" Tristan commented.

Joey blushed slightly and held his cards up, then went back to normal. "What's the delay?" Marik taunted. "Don't you realize no matter what you play, your finished Mr. Wheeler? Your move."

Joey looked at his cards, and began thinking, well I hope he was thinking. "Say goodnight Marik," Joey smirked, as he drew a card. "I summon Tiny Guardian in attack mode, and that's all I'm going to do for now, Crome Dome."

Tristan frowned slightly. "Joey's gotta attack him sometime..." Tristan trailed off.

Serenity shook her head. "I'm sure my big brother has some kind of plan." Serenity reassured.

Marik grabbed two cards. "Observe Fool," Marik said. "I place two more cards face down on the field, and now my move is complete."

Yugi blinked. "Now Marik has four cards face down."

Mai glared. "That spineless snake is just going to sit back," Mai said. "and wait for Joey to attack him."

I huffed in annoyance and my eyes went a shade darker. "Once he does, Marik is going to spring one of his traps on him," I said annoyed. "It's the oddest and wimpiest trick in the book..."

Joey drew his card. "Alright Q Ball," Joey said. (A/N: not sure that's what he said.. it's hard to understand him sometimes...) "take this! I summon Hayabusa Knight!"-Joey paused for a bit then pulled a card.-"It's time for me to demolish that ancient palace of yours. I play Giant Trunade!"

Giant Trunade created some type of whirl wind and started to accelerate towards Marik's face down cards. Mai fist pumped the air slightly. "Yes," Mai said. "now Marik will have nothing on the field to protect himself!"

Yugi smiled, but I frowned slightly. I know for a fact this duel isn't over... never in any of the Yugioh series a duel has been this short... "It looks like Joey's the winner!" Yugi cheered. I squeezed his hand in worry, he didn't notice, which made me feel a little annoyed and sad, but I ignored it. I turned my focus at the whirl wind to see it stop and disovle right in front of the cards.

Joey stepped back. "What?" Joey shouted. "Why'd it stop? Your cards should have been history!"

Mai frowned and stepped forward. "What's going on?"

Marik smirked slightly. "Your Giant Trunade is no more," Mairk said. "and your troubles have only just begun."

Joey went wide-eyed. "I don't get what just happened with my magic card," Joey said. "it was supposed to get rid of every card you had on the field."

Yugi stepped forward, anger and confusion clear in his eyes. "What's the deal?" Yugi asked, then he looked at me, which made me put my hand up in surrender.

"Don't ask me," I said. "I don't remember this part of the season..."

Marik ignored me, slightly, he glanced down at me and his eyes flashed then returned to normal. "When you made the very foolish decision to activate your Giant Trunade," Marik said. "you in turn triggered one of the most dangerous traps I've placed on the field to protect myself."

Joey rolled his eyes. "Is that so?" Joey taunted. Dude, not the time to do that...

Marik was unaffected. "Now it's time for you to pay the price of such a foolish mistake," Marik said. "You see, with all my trap cards in play I knew you wouldn't attack me with a monster, you would try to destroy my cards with a magic card."

I blinked, while Joey nodded his head. "Oh," Joey said. "You played a trap card that destroys magic cards?"

Marik smirked slightly. "But that's not all that it does," Marik said. "the trap you just triggered is about to devastate not only your monsters, but an extremely large number of your life points! So prepare to feel its wrath, now.. Judgement of Anubis!"

A giant dog head appeared and my body pulsed again. I felt weak once again and felt the head ache come back. I placed a hand on my head and closed my eyes tightly. Yugi placed a hand on my shoulder, which made me look at him. Yugi titled his head confused and I shook my head weakly, already feeling the aching of my muscles and head disappearing, then grabbed Yugi's hand quickly. What is going on?... I'll have to worry about it later.. Joey's in trouble...

Marik continued. "Never have you experienced a trap with such destructive for such as this!" Marik exclaimed. "Judgement of Anubis will now destroy ever monster you have on the field and take away half of that monsters attack points from your life points!"

I blinked. "That reminds me of my magic card..." I trailed off, making Mai and the others look at me.

Duke raised an eyebrow. "What card?" Duke asked.

I looked up at him. "My Artemis's Maidens card..." I said, then a flash back came to me.

Flashback

"Yay!" I cheered, drawing a card. "My turn." I looked at the card I drew, then my deck.

"Well," I said. "That's a good draw, I summon Artemis Goddess of The Hunt in attack mode!" A woman who looked like Mai appeared on the field in a whirl wind. Unlike Mai, Artemis had straight brown hair with sliver highlights. Artemis's sliver eyes glowed dangerously at Dumber as she notched an arrow and drew it back on the bow, preparing to let the arrow fly.

"And now I play the magic card Artemis's Maidens!" I shouted, placing the card in the slot. Four transparent copies of Artemis appeared behind Artemis and copied her posture, notching an arrow and pointing it at Dumber. "This card it allows Artemis and her Hunters to shoot two times at a player directly, the first time withdrawing 800 life points to whoever I choose for Artemis to shot at first."

I glanced at Kaiba. He's gonna kill me... "And I choose Kaiba!" I shouted

"What?" Kaiba and Yami exclaimed.

"Huntresses attack Kaiba directly with Moonshine Arrow!" I finished. Artemis jumped into the air, twisted mid-jump and shot at Kaiba, the Hunters follow her moves. Kaiba grunted in pain, and stumbled back two steps.

"What are you think-" Kaiba started.

"Trust me," I interrupted. "I know what I'm doing."

"Then prove it." Kaiba hissed back

"I will," I smirked. "Now, the second shot is different from the first one. This shot has a different amount of points that would be drained from whoever I choose to shoot at, and it all depends whoever I shot at first number of monsters they have on the field. Since I shot at Kaiba first, sorry about that,"-Kaiba glared-"and he has five monsters on the field I can multiply five times the original points that came out of his life points, which was 800. Any one know what 5 times 800 is?" I smirked, my tips flicking the ends of my cards.

"4,000." Kaiba gasped after three flicks. "The product is 4,000."

"Correct," I said. "now whoever I choose, will be drained of 4,000 life points, and I choose Dumbest over there! Huntresses attack Dumbest directly with Midnight Kill!" Artemis's arrow glowed a dark white with power as she leapt into the air and shot at Dumbest, the Hunters copying her actions. Dumbest cried out in pain as the arrows struck him and his life point dropped down to zero instantly. Dumbest was blow backwards at the attack, and his head smacked the pavement, knocking him out.

"Ha!" I said, fist pumping the air. "I knew that strategy would work! Oh, and since Dumbest is now out of the duel, it is automatically Yugi's turn!"

"Awesome dueling, Percy!" Yami complemented. I blushed slightly and covered my cheeks with my hair, so he couldn't see. "Where did you come up with that combo?"

I smiled and winked at him, my hair sweeping out of my face. "My deck is full of surprises, " I said. "and don't thank me.. thank Kaiba! He's the one who had five monsters, I just happened to have the cards to use those monsters to my advantage."

Flashback end

Mai gasped after I told her what happened with my card. "You got rid of an opponent in one turn?" Mai said shocked.

I smiled proudly then glanced at Kaiba, to see him looking at me interested. I shivered at the look slightly. "Yeah," I said, trying to ignore Kaiba's stare, when I felt Yugi squeeze my hand and I smiled to myself. "if it wasn't for Kaiba, the strategy would never have worked..."

Mai smiled and patted my shoulder. "But you were the one who came up with the strategy, not Kaiba." Mai said, then smiled down at me more. "We really need to have that duel."

I smiled. "Yeah, we do.." I said. "but right now.. we need to pay attention to Joey's!"

Duke nodded in agreement and winked at me. "I should probably teach you how to play my game.." Duke said.

I looked at him oddly. "Nah," I said. "I'm good. Plus, If I ever needed someone to teach me, I will get Yugi."

Tristan blinked. "Why?" he asked.

I smirked and squeezed Yugi's hand. "Who better than the King of Games?" I laughed, then smiled at Yugi. Yugi blushed slightly then smiled at me happily. We all turned to the duel again and it continued like it was paused.

"What?" Joey yelled angrily. "No way!"

Marik smirked. "Anubis destroy!" Marik ordered. Anubis opened his mouth and rays of purple smoke struct Joey's monsters and they burst into pieces.

"Building up your army of powerful monsters was a grave miscalculation," Marik said, going back to emotionless. "because they are about to disappear, along with more than two thousand of your life points!"

Joey growled. "You just wasted some of my best guys!" Joey snarled as his life points dropped to 1,900. I flinched and put my head in Yugi's arm. Yugi wrapped an arm around my waist and I took a breath, calming myself down.

"When you see the horrors that await you," Marik said. "your monsters will be the last thing on your mind!"

Tea held a hand near her heart in worry. "By thinking he had the duel won," Tea said. "Joey fell right into Marik's trap!"

Yugi nodded and squeezed my hand. "That's right Tea," Yugi said. "Joey thought by not attacking with monsters, he was safe from his traps."

I nodded in agreement. "The trickiest and most dangerous cards in duel monsters are trap cards," I said. "and now Marik's field is full of them!"

Mai nodded in agreement and Yugi winked at me, which I smiled back at him. "Let's just hope Joey learned his lesson," Mai said. "cause one more mistake like that and he can kiss the finals good-bye, and he's come too far to lose it to a creep with a bad attitude, not to mention a bad hairdo, it's more of a hair don't..."

I rolled my eyes and nodded in agreement. I swear, Mai is another Aphrodite child.. the last name 'Valentine' doesn't help her case either... "You still think Joey can win, right guys?" Serenity asked.

Tea looked at her. "Yeah," Tea said. "sure..."

Tristan scoffed. "Think he can win?" Tristan scoffed. "I know he can, right Yuge, Percy?"

Serenity looked at us, Yugi smiled at each other and then at Serenity. "Don't worry Serenity," Yugi said. "Joey's been in tougher situations than this. He just needs a little more support from us and he'll be crushing Marik in no time!"

Serenity smiled, nodded, and cupped her hands around her mouth. "Come on Joey," Serenity yelled. "you can do it!"

Tristan smiled. "Hang in their man!" Tristan shouted.

Marik smirked, ignoring us. "Have you realized you can't win," Marik asked. "or do you want more punishment Mr. Wheeler?"

I felt my eyes go emerald and I muttered a couple of curses at him in Greek, then took a couple of breaths and calmed myself down. Yugi squeezed my hand and I nodded at him to show him I was fine.

Joey smirked. "I got you good," Joey said. "you may not realize this 'cause your ponytail is tied to tight, but I fell into your trap on purpose. Yeah, that's the ticket, I was just testing you to see if your dueling is any better than your sense of style, and it looks like you passed my exam! Now I'll kick my dueling up a notch, and open a tub of duel whip all over you!"

Tristan sweatdropped. "Okay," Tristan said. "he's got to be kidding."

Serenity smiled. "I knew it," Serenity cheered. "Joey had this planned the whole time!"

I looked at her sadly with a large sweatdrop. Poor girl, I think she was brainwashed... or she just needs a clue...

"I don't think Marik is buying his story," Mokuba's voice said, making me snap my head over to him. "but you got to give Joey credit for staying strong and not giving up!"

Kaiba rolled his eyes. "The only thing I give Wheeler credit for," Kaiba said. "is being on talk."

I growled under my breath, and glared at him, which Kaiba smirked at me in return. I shook my head and looked at Joey, not noticing Kaiba look at me a bit longer then look at Joey as well.

"Alright Marik," Joey shouted, pointing at him. "enough standing around, let's finish this duel!"

Mairk drew his card. "You're in quite a rush to lose," Marik said. "watch as I place two more cards face down."

"Again?" Joey groaned impatient and annoyed.

Marik ignored his comment. "And now I end my turn."

Joey bawled up a fist. "I'm getting real tired of this," Joey said. "you know they call this game 'Duel Monsters', cause your supposed to fight your opponent with monster cards, not hiding behind your little trap cards like a coward!"

Marik was unfazed. "If you can find the rule that prevents me from playing trap cards," Marik said. "I'll stop Mr. Wheeler."

Joey growled. "That does it Marik," Joey shouted angrily. "I guess it's time for me to show you how this game is supposed to be played, with monsters! So, now"-Joey drew and looked at his hand.-"I summon Alligator Sword in attack mode!"

There was a moment of silence, until Marik broke it. "I'm waiting," Marik taunted. "I thought you were going to show me how this game is played? Well, go on!"

Joey gritted his teeth in frustration, pulled a card out of his hand and placed it in the slot. "I'm going to let you off easy and hold back my attack," Joey said. "and place this card face down."

Yugi bawled his free hand in frustration and worry. I gritted my teeth in annoyance, worry, and frustration as well. That's a good move for now.. but Joey's going to have to attack him sometime.. and once he does.. it wont' be pretty!...

"'Kay let's go!" Joey snapped impatient.

"Actually," Marik smirked. "I choose to end my turn, not making any move."

Joey got a mini anime angry mark on the side of his head. Marik's is trying to force him to attack!... "Two can play at that game," Joey shouted, drawing a card. "I'll pass also!"

Marik drew his card. "Prehaps I will draw a card worth using," Marik said, then looked at his card. ".. no this one won't do at all, I'll pass again."

Joey growled, and Mokuba sweatdropped. "Okay now this is getting out of hand Seto," Mokuba said. "if neither one of them plays a card, then this is going to be a long duel, a boring one too."

Kaiba smirked. "I wouldn't worry about that," Kaiba said. "knowing Wheeler's amateur style, he'll crack long before Marik does."

Joey growled. "That's it Marik!" Joey shouted.

Yugi widened his eyes. "Oh-no Joey!"

Mai frowned in worry. "Come on Joey, don't attack!" Mai shouted. "That's exactly what he wants you to do!"

I glared at Kaiba. "Thanks for jinxing it!" I yelled at him.

Kaiba smirked at me. "Your welcome Little Miss." Kaiba said.

I felt my eye twitch and an anime angry mark appeared on the side of my head, then looked to Joey trying to calm myself down. "Your not going to know what hit you," Joey yelled as he drew his card. "here it comes right now! I summon Rocket Warrior in attack mode! I don't care how many trap cards you have on the field, cause I didn't come to the finals to watch. I fought my way here to duel like a man, and to win this Marik! Now Rocket Warrior attack his life points directly, seek and destroy!"

Yugi widened his eyes. "Joey this is a big mistake!" Yugi shouted.

Marik smirked. "Activate," Marik shouted. "trap card: Eye of Wdjat!"

A flashed eye of Wdjat (A/N: that is exactly how you spell it, I looked..) and struck the flying or attacking Rocket Warrior. "Now that the Eye of Wdjat appears on the front of your Rocket Warrior, it is under my control, and I shall redirect your attack to one of your monsters!" Marik shouted.

"What?" Joey gasped. "No way!"

Marik smirked again. "Rocket Warrior attack his Alligator Sword!" Marik ordered.

Joey smirked as well. "I don't think that is going to work," Joey said. "I have a face down card too! Activate Fairy Box!"

Fairy Box appeared on the field and Alligator Sword was sucked inside and Marik widened his eyes in shock. "Thanks to Fairy Box," Joey smirked. "Rocket Warrior's plan of attack has been short circuited, time to play peek a boo!"

Alligator Sword popped his head in the far left corner and Marik pointed at him. "Rocket Warrior at once!"-Rocket Warriro aimed for the circle and Marik smirked.-"So much for that!"

Alligator Sword popped up his head up in the circle on the opposite side of box and Marik gasped. "What?" Marik gasped. "I missed?"

Joey laughed tauntingly. "Haha!" Joey laughed. "I guess you haven't hung out in the arcade in a while! I'm on to you and I've found out the weaknesses in your trap strategy!"

We all gasped and Kaiba and I gritted our teeth so we wouldn't. Joey held up a finger, like a professor. "You don't have one signal monster," Joey said. "just a deck over loaded with trap cards Marik. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket, you Egg Head! So once I clear the field of your trap cards, there will be nothing left to defend your life points. That's why I'm Joey Wheeler, future Battle City Champion and your just an ugly bald freak wearing a cape right?"

"You can insult me all you want," Marik said. "but already fallen into another one of my traps!"

Joey raised an eyebrow along with me. "What?" Joey and I asked, then we looked at each other and blinked confusedly. I shook my head and gestured to the duel, which he nodded slowly and looked at Marik again. Well, you would figure Serenity and Joey would say things in unison.. considering they are siblings...

"What do you mean I've fallen into another one of your traps?" Joey demanded.

Marik chuckled. "You're about to see what I mean first hand," Marik said. "you see while i might be short on monsters, I possess a trap card that is both a trap card and a monster!"

Joey blinked. "I think the barbare clipped some on your brain when he was cutting your hair!"

Marik ignored the comment. "Prepare to feel the wrath of a very rare card, known as a trap monster." Marik said.

Yugi gasped. "But is there such a card?"

Mai blinked. "Well," Mai said. "I've never heard of it!"

I blinked at the both of them and reached into my deck. I pulled it out and looked through them and pulled out one of my least used cards. "Yeah," I said. "I have one like it..."

Mai and Yugi looked at me, then at the card, I flipped the card and showed them my Raging Sea.(A/N: Not sure if this a real card, and if it is and that's not the effects.. don't kill me please!) "That's it?" Mai asked. "Is that the one Marik has?"

I shook my head. "No," I said. "not this type of card.. This card is one my least used. I can't really use it at all, I must have the right situation to use it, and I know for a fact he doesn't have my gods or goddesses in his deck, so it's certainly not this card."

"What do you mean 'right situation'?" Duke asked.

I smirked slightly. "If a opponent orders an attack one of my gods, Poseidon god of seas, and the monster has less attack points than 2,500, this trap card will activate and create a monster to take the hit instead. The monster itself with have 2,500 attack and defense points. If the monster that tried to attack Poseidon has 2,500 as well, they both are destroyed but I lose no life points, if the monster has less attack points like 1,900, the trap card monster will destroy my opponent's monster, and take the number of attack points of my trap card out of their life points!.. Thanks to that certain situation I can't use this card a lot.. but it's one of my favorite cards..."

Yugi smiled at me and squeezed my as I put my card in my deck holder along with my deck. "Your deck really is full of surprises, huh?" Yugi chuckled, which I nodded and giggling along.

"I would label that card as one of mine too Percy," Mai said. "we really need to duel soon."

I nodded in return and looked at Marik, the others following my lead. "Not only do I possess a rare trap monster card," Marik said. "but when you attacked you activated it! And now feel the rage of a card like you've never seen before!"

Joey gasped. "It can't be!"

"It is!" Marik shouted. "There is no escaping Embodiment of Apophis! My card activates like a trap, but attacks like a monster! I'd say this card disproves you theory about my deck Mr. Wheeler!"

"So it's true," Mai gasped, which made me look at her oddly. Didn't she just see my card, or did she forget?... "Marik has a card that does the job or a trap and a monster at the exact same time?"

Yugi nodded. "I guess so Mai," Yugi said. "I'm just worried about how powerful it's attack strength it is."

I frowned in worry. "If Marik's card is anything like mine," I said. "the attack strength is large enough, well, this could be the end of Joey!"

"And it gets worse Mr. Wheeler," Marik said. "you triggered not one, but three of my Apophis cards! Now it's time to meet your doom! Come forth my beasts!"

A giant could of hit the playing field then cleared to show the monsters. "What am I going to do?" Joey said wide-eyed. "He can attack me with three monsters!"

Mokuba stepped forward. "That's insane!" Mokuba said.

Kaiba smirked again. "I must say I'm impressed." Kaiba said.

Serenity covered her mouth and Yugi bawled a fist. "You can do this Joey!" Yugi yelled. "Be strong!"

Marik ignored Yugi. "You're at the end of your rope Mr. Wheeler," Marik said. "now then, for someone who was so vocal before, you seem to be very silent! Prehaps you realized talk doesn't win duels, it takes skill and power, and as soon as my three creatures attack, you'll see what I mean! Your finished!"

Joey growled under his breath and Tristan stepped forward. "Come on man!" Tristan shouted.

Yugi frowned in worry. "Joey's life points are low," Yugi said. "so he's gotta protect himself!"

I glared at Marik then gritted my teeth. "Marik may with his three serpents in his next turn," I said. "and Joey has to be ready!"

Yugi nodded in agreement and squeezed my hand. "Hey guys," Serenity said, making us turn to her. "what can Joey do to get rid of the gross things?"

Mai looked at her. "It's not easy," Mai said. "the first thing that boy has to do is keep his life points safe."

Marik ignored us. "Your chances of defeating me have vanished," Marik said. "you'll never recover from the triple onslaught from my Embodiments of Apophis!"

Joey looked at him. "Oh yeah," Joey said. "I'm going to have to disagree with you. Take this, I play one card face down and switch Alligator Sword from attack to defense mode."

Marik smirked. "That seems likea final desperate move to me." Marik said.

Joey rolled his eyes. "Well," Joey said. "we'll just see..."

"Your about to feel what real power feels like Mr. Wheeler," Marik said. "now my three beasts attack!"

Yugi stepped forward, along with me. "Joey! No!" We shouted.

"Marik, you're in for a surprise!" Joey shouted. "Go Scapegoat! My Scapegoat will absorb all three of your snakes attacks!"

Tristan stepped forward. "Yeah!" Tristan cheered.

Mai raised an eyebrow impressed. "Joey's smarter than I thought." Mai said.

"I see, good move..." Marik said, closing his eyes, then opened them quickly. "but not good enough!"

"Eh?" Joey gasped.

"Observe my Magic Jammer!" Marik shouted.

Joey's widened his eyes. "No way..."

Mai frowned slightly. "Bad news guys," Mai said. "thanks to Marik's Magic Jammer it cancels out he effect of Joey's Scapegoat magic card."

Tea glared. "That evil creep can't win this!" Tea shouted.

"It's time so say goodbye to your furry friends and hello to my serpents!" Marik shouted.

Joey gritted his teeth. "Then I'm toast!"

"Apophis attack," Marik ordered. "destroy Rocket Warrior and Alligator Sword, now attack his life points directly!"

The monster slashed at Joey and I flinched. Serenity lunged forward slightly. "Joey!" Serenity shouted as Joey fell to his knees, his life points dropping to 200.

"Get up pal!" yugi commanded.

"He almost lost the rest of his life points!" Tristan yelled.

"You've lost all your monsters," Marik taunted. "and now your down to 200 life points, one more attack and it's over."

Yugi frowned. "You can do this Joey," Yugi shouted. "you promised to help me get rid of Marik and if you win this duel, he's finished!"

Marik closed his eyes. "The end is near..." Marik said. "what a shame, you've come all to the Battle City Finals just to lose on your knees, well you might as well stay down, cause I'm about to take away the rest of your life points!"

I bit my lip nervously. "Joey..." I muttered to myself worriedly.

"One more turn," Marik said. "and your life points will be gone!"

"Don't give up!" Tristan commanded.

Serenity turned and stared at him. "Tristan," Serenity said. "Joey can still win this duel, right?"

Tristan looked at her. "Sure he can." Tristan reassured.

Mai closed her eyes. "Well if you say so" Mai said, which made my eyes go emerald and my blood boil.

"What do you mean?" Serenity asked.

"Yeah Mai!" Tea demanded.

Mai opened her eyes. "Look guys, I want Joey to win," Mai said. "but the odds of this duel is completely agaisnt him! Face it Serenity, Marik still has all his life points, and your brother is down to his final 200."

Serenity trembled slightly. "But Mai..." Serenity trailed off.

Mai lightened up. "Well," Mai said. "there is a slim chance, but Joey might have lost hope. Your brother needs a serious confidence boost!"

"I suggest forfeiting," Marik smirked. "to avoid further humiliation!"

Joey started to place his hand on his deck and Mai stepped forward. "No way!" Mai shouted. "don't you even think about listening to this nut job!"

Joey looked at Mai. "Why not?" Joey asked.

Mai rolled his eyes. "Is that how you got here?" Mai said exasperated. "by just giving up when the odds were against you, or did you keep on fighting to the very end? Just think about it."

Joey nodded. "You've got a good point there." Joey said as he straightened up but remained on his knees.

"Now that you're a Battle City Finalist," Mai continued. "your just going to throw it away? I guess you'll always be a runner-up instead of a champion, and your sister will always remember how you wimped out!"

Joey froze. "Yeah..." Joey agreed quietly.

Serenity stepped forward. "Joey," She shouted. "you can still win!"

Joey blinked shocked. "Serenity!"

"I don't know anyone stronger than you," Serenity said. "and you inspire me every signal day. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gotten my sight back, not because you payed for my surgery, but because you gave me the courage to go through it. Then it was over, you gave the strength I needed to take of my bandages and face the world. When everything was dark, you gave me light. You've never given up before and you shouldn't start today!"

Joey nodded. "I won't," Joey said. "bet you've never had someone who cared about you like that pal!"

Marik muttered something and looked towards the sky. He must be having a flashback or something...

After a tense silence, Serenity decied to continue. "Joey," Serenity yelled. "you always pull through, and I know you can beat him!"

Joey looked at her. "Thanks sis." Joey said, then looked at Marik.

"Alright then," Marik said. "are you going to stay down on your knees and accept defeate?"-Marik chuckled evilly here.-" Or be a fool and prolong your suffering by making a move? I suggest you give in and face reality."

Joey looked down. "I can't," Joey said. "I've come to far to give up now. Because If I quit, I'll be letting down everyone whose ever believed in me!"-Yami came out of the puzzle and Yugi and I looked at him slighlty.-"Plus I would let myself down, it's true, I've been in tighter spots and I still pulled through.."-Joey bawled up a fist.-"Hey Marik, you think I'm going to lose to you? Then you better guess again, Tough Guy! I came to the finals for one reason, to win, and that's what I'm going to do!"Joey stood up determined.-"Joey Wheeler's back!"

Duke held up a fist. "Yeah!" Duke shouted.

Yugi smiled. "Way to go!" Yugi said.

"Listen," Joey shouted. "I've defeated some of the toughest duelist out there to get on this blimp, ya Light Bulb Head! And I'm not going to let you or your shining skull stop me from finishing what I started!"

Serenity nodded. "That's right!" Serenity yelled.

Mai smiled. "You tell him!" Mai said.

I smiled at him. "Nice insults too!" I laughed.

Joey looked down at us. "Thanks guys," Joey said. "and don't worry, I'll win this!"-Joey got into stance.-"Let's go!"

Marik frowned slightly. "It seems you're more foolish than I thought," Marik said. "time for you to lose shamefully, make your final pathetic move!"

Yami looked at Yugi. "Let's go!" Yami said, which made Yugi nodded in agreement and give my hand one final squeeze. The Millennium Puzzle sent out a ray of light and Yami was now in control. I blushed slightly and moved my head so my hair would hide it.

Yami opened his eyes, squeezed me hand quickly. "Save the world." Yami said.

Joey smiled down at us. "The power is in your hands." Yami said.

I raised an eyebrow. "No pressure there..." I muttered to myself, and Yami pulled me closer while sliding an arm around my waist, making me blush horribly.

Joey looked at Marik. "Right," Joey said. "your scheme ends hear, I promised Yugi I would help him stop you, and whatever sick and twister goals you and your rare hunters have, Marik. And I'm going to keep that promise, bye knocking you bald cranium out of the finals, got that Marik?"-Joey drew his card.-" Here it goes, alright let's see... hope your ready to say goodbye to everything!"

Maik was unfazed. "Your false threats don't frighten me!" Marik said.

Joey ignored Marik. "I place two cards face down," Joey said. "then I summon Swordsman of Landstar in defense mode, now back to you Sunshine!"

Marik narrowed his eyes slightly then drew a card. "I hope you enjoyed your brief experience as a Battle City Finalist," Marik said. "and now, my Embodiments of Apophis Triple Attack!"

Joey smirked. "Not so fast,"Joey said. "time to skin your snakes! So go now, my Foolish Burial magic card allows me to put one card from my hand into your grave yard! And next, I"m going to reveal this, my trap card: Graverobber!"

Marik raised an eyebrow. "Now you plan to rob my graveyard?" Marik asked.

"Wow," Joey said sarcastically. "did you figure that all by yourself or did some one hand you a cheat sheet?"-I blinked. He sounds like Tristan, that's not weird at all... Joey's tone went serious.-"Yes Smarty, I'm going to rob your grave, and look Ive taken back the card I just put in there. Now reveal, Jinzo!"

Marik stepped backwards slightly and a small gasp escaped his lips. "Oh-no," Marik said wide-eyed. "he's summoned an extremely powerful monster to the field."

I glared slightly. "Seriously," I muttered, not realizing the Pharaoh looked down at me, smiling amusedly. "like that wasn't obvious..." Yami chuckled quietly, kissed my cheek, and I looked around, not one of them noticed.

"That's right," Joey said. "I remember your snakes are actually trap cards, so they have all the strengths of trap cards, but they also have all the weaknesses too!

Marik widened his eyes more. "'Weaknesses'?" Marik echoed.

Joey smirked a little bit. "Jinzo's special ability allows me to destroy trap cards," Joey said. "Jinzo, wipe out his serpents,"-Jinzo let out a lazer beam and destroyed the three Apophis, and Marik growled slightly.-"you know I got Jinzo from my very first Battle City from a real opponent!" Joey finished.

Mai smiled. "That's the way Joey!" Mai cheered.

Serenity grinned. "Good job!" Serenity praised.

Yami smirked, and I swooned a little. I mentally slapped myself. Stop it Jackson! You need to focus... "Yes," Yami agreed. "Joey seems to be using what he has learned in his past victories."

Joey's smirk grew wider. "Now then," Joey said. "you still think I'm an aumtuer, or did you learn your lesson?"

Marik glared at Jinzo. "I'm not through with you yet Mr. Wheeler!" Marik shouted.

I raised an eyebrow. "Cause that so looks true Marik..." I said sarcastically, and Marik looked at me and his eyes flashed again, he shook his head, then he looked back at Jinzo. I blinked in confusion at his reaction then hesitantly looked at Joey.

"I still have all my life points." Marik reminded, ignoring my comment.

"Not for long Marik," Joey said. "you see, with my man Jinzo by my side, you and your trap cards are ancient history!"

Duke and Tristan cheered and I frowned slightly, and Yami noticed. "Percy?" Yami whispered to me. "What's wrong?"

I looked at him slightly. "Something's wrong," I struggled. "never once in the series a duel was this short.. but it could be though, I can't really remember the duels that much.. I just remember the winners..."

I forced a smile and looked at Joey. "Slice and dice him Joey!" I yelled.

"I know you could pull through!" Mai shouted happily.

Joey gritted his teeth. "Here we go," Joey shouted then drew a card. "now.. heh.. check it out Bald Wonder. Now I summon Battle Warrior in attack mode, but wait cause that's not all. I also switch my Swordsman of Landstar from defense mode to attack mode, and then there's Jinzo! Attack his life points directly!"-Jinzo made a ball of electricity and pushed it towards Marik, how growled in pain in return.-"Now, Battle Warrior and Swordsman of Landstar fall in with a direct attack!"

Battle Warrior struct him with a punch, and Swordsman of Landstar slashed at him with his sword. Marik slide backwards from the attacks and groaned slightly in pain as his life points dropped to 400.

Tea smiled. "Awesome," Tea cheered. "he got Marik's life points to 400!"

Mai placed a hand on her hip. "It's a good thing," Mai smirked. "I inspired him."

Tristan fist pumped the air. "You the man Joey," Tristan said. "now finish him off!"

Serenity clasped her hands together. "I knew it," Serenity smiled. "you rock!"

Joey smirked. "Now then," Joey said. "you don't feel so tough now do you? Maybe you should have protected yourself a little better!"

Marik looked up, still in pain a little bit. "Attack me all you want," Marik said. "you can't win."-Joeys mouth formed an 'o'.-"Remember I still possess my Temple of The Kings card, a card that has ancient powers so strong, it can't be stopped."-Yami gritted his teeth, along with me.-"Just wait until you feel its unparalel force."

Joey rolled his eyes. "Your palace doesn't scare me," Joey said. "I think I've already proven Joey Wheeler doesn't let people just walk all over him, so bring it on! Here me, I can take whatever you throw at me and dish it right back, buddy! So go ahead and make your big move!"

"With great pleasure," Marik said drawing his card. "foolish boy..."

I gritted my teeth again more when I felt my headache come back slightly. My muscles were fine unlike last time, and the headache wasn't as bad, but it was painful. I lifted my left hand and pressed it to my head and rubbed a small circle. Yami looked at me confused and concerned, then pulled me closer with his hand that was still wrapped around my waist. I smiled at the action and leaned against him slightly, and closed my eyes. The pain in my head slowly went away and I put my hand down and played with Yami's fingers that was on my hip. The bad thing is that Mai noticed this time and grinned slyly at me and did the 'I'm watching you' sign with her fingers then winked. I flushed red and looked at the duel, fighting the blush.

Joey rolled his eyes impatient. "Let's go Patata Head!" Joey yelled. "What's the hold up?"

"This should hold you up," Marik said and placed a card on the field. "I play my Swords of Revealing Light!"

A bunch of bright swords spread around Joey's side of the field and Joey's monsters growled or looked at them oddly like 'What in the Hades?'

Joey growled. "What's the deal Marik?"

Mai bawled a fist. "That's not good," Mai said. "Marik's Swords of Revealing Light traps Joey's monsters for three whole turns."

Tea glared at Marik. "Joey can still win," Tea paused. "right?"

Mai looked at her. "I hope so," Mai answered. "but not attacking for three turns won't help."

"That's true Mai," Yami joined in. "but Joey can still sacrifice his monsters for stronger ones."

I smiled, remembering his next line. "Although his Jinzo can't attack," I quoted, before Yami could go any further. "his special ability does remain in effect, that means Marik still can't use his trap cards."

Yami nodded in agreement. "Couldn't have said better myself," Yami whispered into my ear. "took the words out of my mouth."

I smiled and craned my neck to see him. "Yeah," I whispered back. "cause those are originally your words.. and do you and Yugi think a lot, cause you both said that..."

Yami chuckled and looked at Marik, a glare returning in his eyes. "Make your move." Marik commanded.

Joey drew his card. "Gladly," Joey said. "here it goes, I might be able to attack, but I can still do this! I sacrifice my Battle Warrior to summon the Legendary Fisherman!"

I smiled at the sea monster and the fisherman's head turned his head and his eyes met mine, the fisherman bowed his head slightly and turned back forwards. I blinked in surprise and shook my head, trying to convince myself that I just imagined that.

"And," Joey added. "before I end my turn, I switch all three of my monsters to defense mode."

Marik was unfazed. "Prepare to lose..." Marik said, chuckled, drew a card, looked at it and widened his eyes in shock. I blinked in surprise at his reaction. Shouldn't a duelist know his deck? Maybe someone slipped a card in his.. what did he draw? Gods dang it, why can't I remember these types of things!...

Joey, surprisingly, was the first to break the tense silence. "Hey Marik," Joey called. "I'm getting tired of waiting around."

Marik ignored him. "First," Marik said. "I'll place this card face down on the playing field. Now prepare yourself Mr. Wheeler, for the next card I play will be the final instrument of your destruction!"

Joey narrowed his eyes and I gritted my teeth together. I really don't like the sound of that... "Something strange is going up there guys," Tea said. "check out Marik, he looks really freaked out!"

Yami looked at the Scared Arch for a while then looked at Joey and gritted his teeth together. "Man," Joey complained. "this is like the longest move in history!"

Marik ignored him. "Good moves take time," Marik said. "but how would you know that? Now I seal this card in the Scared Arch of the temple!"

Joey raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Whoop-tee-doo." Joey said sarcastically.

Marik smirked a little bit. "You have no idea what I've just done by sealing this card in my ancient sanctuary. Bye sealing this card of the gods, I've also seen your fate!"

Yami's eyes widened along with mine. "'Card of the gods'" We echoed/gasped.

Marik bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes. "That," Marik paused. "ends my turn."

"Here I go," Joey said, while drawing his card. "I bring back a monster from my grave yard, with Monster Reborn! Bring back my Alligator Sword, and now I sacrifice my Alligator Sword and my Swordsman of Landstar, so I can summon this, my Insect Queen!"-The insect queen came out and screeched threatingly.-"I won this card from a feisty little germ named Weevil Underwood."

I looked at Kaiba for no apparent reason and saw his lips curl into a smirk. "My tournament has done wonders for Wheeler's deck."

Mai placed a hand on her hip and smiled proudly at Joey. "Look at that," Mai said. "Joey was able to summon every rare monster he won in the tournament all at once."

Yami smirked at Joey, but it was a proud smirk. "Yes," Marik said. "Joey has come a long way as a duelist since the tournaments began Mai."

I smiled at Joey. "Don't forget Duelist Kingdom either." I joined in.

Mai looked down at me shocked. "You know about Duelist Kingdom?" Mai asked. I gave her a 'really?' look. Did she forget where I come from all the sudden? Did she forget everything I told her and the others?... A look of realization came into her eyes. "Oh.. I remember now..." she muttered then looked at Joey, I followed suit.

Joey pointed at Marik. "Look out Marik," Joey shouted. "cause your Swords of Revealing Light run out of power next turn. And when those lights go out, there will be nothing hold my monsters back! And since you have nothing to protect you, you're finished."

Marik narrowed his eyes. "You think just because you acquired some strong monsters you can defeat me?" Marik taunted. "You're so nieve.. I'm about to summon a beast you can't destroy!"

A random beed of sweat ran down Joey's face. "What?" Joey gasped.

"While your monsters were trapped in my Swords of Revealing Light," Marik continued. "I was able to prepare for the arrival of my ancient creature. And this all-powerful entity will serve as guardian for my Temple of The Kings, protecting my ancient sanctuary and all its secrets that lie within!"

Joey blinked and stepped forward. "Say that again with small words." Joey said, which made me giggle quietly. That was a 'me' reaction...

"You can't win," Marik stated. "once I play this, Cup of Sealed Soul, and I reveal my face down card, Seal of Serket! When these two magic cards are played along with Temple of The Kings, they are able to awaken a great creature from its ancient slumber, a being like you've never seen before!"

"Patience," Marik said, which made me hold back a snort. Joey, being patient? Yeah, in your nightmares buddy... "your about to find out. Please here my call, Guardian of The Temple! Now, Mystical Beast of Serket, I summon the!"

A whirl wind of purple smoke appeared, and right in the middle two bright, sky blue eyes became visible. Serenity gasped and stepped back, and Tristan gritted his teeth and stepped closer to her. "I've got a bad feeling about this you guys." Tristan warned.

A wave of aching and pain it hit me out of no where and I stumbled forward in surprise and pain. I probably would have fallen if Yami didn't recover first and wrap his arm back around my waist and keep me study. i placed a hand on my temple and groaned quietly. I looked at Tristan. "Oh yeah," I said. "well I'm having worse..."

I hesitantly placed my arm down and slowly but surely the aching and pain dissolved away. The purple smoke began to clear and a giant red, white, and gold scorpion appeared behind Marik. I grimaced at the creature and rubbed my left palm absent mindedly. (A/N: For those who have read the books, I'm sure you remember that Percy got stung by a Pit Scorpion that Luke sent of Percy. I've researched where the sting was and found nothing so I assumed where the sting was) I felt my palm and I cringed when I felt the outline of the scar, where that scorpion stung me. I glared at the scorpion that Marik summoned, and resisted to to kill it with Riptide. Let's just say ever since that meeting with Luke, I've never been that fond of scorpions.

Marik ignored us. "That creature is nothing compared to what lurks within my Scared Temple." Marik stated.

Joey narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me now," Joey demanded. "what monster did you hide inside that arch Marik?"

Marik narrowed his eyes as well. "Within the Scared Arch," Marik said. "lies my Egyptian God Card: The Winged Dragon of Ra!"

Yami, Joey, me, and surprisingly Kaiba gritted our teeth. Come on Joey.. don't give up now.. you can do this...

"You don't scare me," Joey said. "I'll find a way to crush your over sized scorpion Marik!" I flinched slightly at the word 'scorpion' then shook my head in disgust and shame. Get a hold of yourself Persephone!...

"That would be quite of an achievement," Marik said. "considering my Mystical Beast Serket is more powerful than all three of your monsters Mr. Wheeler. The only question is, which is the first it shall devour? And it's pointless for you to stop my ancient creature, because there isn't a card powerful enough in your deck to do it."

Tea held a hand near her heart. "There must be some way that Joey can fight back." Tea said.

Mai crossed her arms. "Don't ask me." Mai stated.

Serenity turned around and looked at Yami and I. "Hey Yugi, Percy," Serenity said. "my brother can still win this right?"

Yami nodded. "Yes," Yami said. "even though Marik has the upper hand, Joey can still beat him."

I smiled at her gently. "He just needs to find the weakness of Marik's Mystical Beast," I said. "before it wipes out the rest of his life points."

Yami smiled at me and I sent a sly wink at him. "Your words..." I muttered to him, making him chuckle slightly.

"What abou the card locked inside the arch?" Mai asked. "The Winged Dragon of Ra?"

"Yes," Yami said, gritting his teeth slightly. "that's Marik's Egyptian God Card."

There was a tense silence when Marik suddenly broke it. "Now Mr. Wheeler," Marik said. "it's one more turn it my Mystical Beast destroys you, and thanks to my Swords of Revealing Light, you can't attack!"

"Your going down," Joey said as he drew a card. "so here it goes.. I play.."-Joey paused, looked at his card, groaned quietly, then looked at Marik again.-"I'll just keep my monsters in defense mode and take my chances!"

"What's his strategy Mia?" Tea asked.

"Right now all he can do is buy himself a little time." Mai answered.

"A despreate move," Marik said. "now say goodbye, my beast can't be stopped, so feel is ancient fury, so attack his Jinzo now!"-Serket launched at Jinzo and grabbed him with it snapper, making Jinzo glow bright white and burst into pieces. Joey got a grossed out face after looking at the attack.-"My Mystical Beast not only destroys the monster it attacks, it also absorbs their power, making it even stronger!"

"It can't be..." Joey gasped.

"Oh but it can," Marik said as the odd scorpion like creature stood up on its hind legs. "half of Jinzo's attack power is added to my beast."

The Mystical Beast Serket's attack point boosted up to 3,700. "That wasn't the only side effect," Joey commented. "It's bigger and uglier too."

"If it continues destroying Joey's monsters.." Tea struggled. "that means..."

"Marik's monsters attack points will continue to increase." Mai stated.

"Until it's too late." Yami and I finish in unison.

Joey growled. "Doesn't scare me," Joey said, looking at the card he drew. "looks like I have to pass, so just go!"

Marik smirked a little bit. "I will, the pleasure is all mine," Marik said. "now Mystical Beast attack his Insect Queen!"-Serket did the same thing it did to Jinzo and the girls (expect me) closed there eyes in digust.-"By absorbing the power of your queen, my creature grows even more stronger."-Serket's attack points raised to a 4,900.-"There is no stopping me Mr. Wheeler! You're finished!"

"Joey," Tea called. "hang in there!"

"Yeah," Mai agreed. "this joker has nothing on you!"

"My brother..." Serenity trembled. "I can't watch, It's just too much..."

Serenity began to run away when Joey's voice suddenly broke the air. "Serenity come back," Joey shouted. "don't leave me now! I need you, I can't get through this duel without you here, your my biggest inspiration Serenity!"

Serenity relaxed and the tears stopped welling in her eyes. "Do you mean that?" Serenity asked quietly.

"Absolutely," Joey said. "where do you think I get all my courage from? From you, you're my family!"-Marik's eyes flashed for some unknown reason.-"So you got to stay here and cheer me on, it's the only way I can win this thing!"

Serenity nodded determination filling her eyes. "You got it big brother." Serenity said.

I smiled at their love and sighed thinking of Tyson. Oh, how I miss him... "Come on Joey..." Tristan said.

"You can do it." Mai stated.

"Here I come..." Joey getting his hand ready to draw a card.

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

"I'm still in this Marik," Joey said as he drew. He looked at his card and gasped. "I'll leave my Fisherman in defense mode and sit tight."

"Smart move," Marik said. "but surrendering this duel would have been an even smarter move."

"Zip it Marik," Joey growled. "you may look creepy but I'm not scared. There is absolute no way I'll lose, my little sister can finally see me duel and I'll make sure she sees me win."

"Is that so Mr. Wheeler," Marik taunted. "how very touching, but nothing can save you now!"

"Too bad," Mai said. "he made some great come backs, but I think his streak will finally end here on this blimp. He's defiantly come a long way since the last time I dueled him, oh well, he did the best that he could..."

"Wait Mai," Yami interrupted. "look at Joey's eyes."

I looked up at Joey's eyes curiously and blinked in surprise. "Your turn." Joey stated. I widened my eyes at his, they were solid dark brown and a raging fire burned with in them full of determination and passion. I closed my eyes as the echoing of Annabeth's suddenly ringed throughout my head.

"You're such a Seaweed Brain," Annabeth laughed, making me pout and sit up from my position on the floor. Annabeth decided she was going to be my wake up call this morning. She snuck into my cabin, got really close to my ear and screamed on the top of her lungs 'Wake up! The camp is under attack!' which made me scream, roll off my bunk onto the cold hard floor. "come on Percy, it's time for training."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "You mean," I smirked. "'time for you to get your butt kicked once again'?"

Annabeth offered me a hand smiling at me still. I smiled, grabbed it a bit hesitantly, and hauled myself up. I looked at her eyes and blinked in surprise. There were a stone dark cloud grey color with determination and passion burning in her eyes. "We'll see Jackson," Annabeth said. "we'll see..."

I smiled at the memory and thinking of how many times I beat her in training that day. One time I beat her in less than ten minutes, I don't think I've ever seen her so frustration until then, but she only pushed her self harder and it kept taking longer to beat her, but each time I did. I pulled out Riptide and twirled it around my fingers gently in its pen form, it's been there since the beginning, and I don't think I would be alive today without it. I slipped the 'pen' back into my pocket just in time to hear Mai gasp and make me look at her.

"Your right," Mai gasped. "they burn with a fire I've never seen in him before. It's like he knows he going to win, but how? I can't think of a move that can save him!"

"What matters is what Joey feels in his heart Mai," Yami said. "his determination to beat Marik is very strong, and so Joey believes he's going to win, even though the likely hood of Joey's victory over Marik is extremely small."

I smiled. "He vowed to Yugi that he would help put an end to Marik's scheme," I said. "and he's keeping his promise." Yami smiled down at me and tightened his grip around my waist to pull my closer.

"But how's Joey going to stop this guy?" Mai asked.

"If he trusts himself and the heart of the cards," Yami said. "he'll find a way."

"Let's go Marik," Joey snapped impatient. "if you're so confident you're going to win, make your move already!"

"Very well then," Marik said. "stand back as my Mystical Beast swallows your last line of defense, your Legendary Fisherman is gone! But don't worry, it's power won't be wasted, it will be absorbed by my Mystical Beast!" Serket closed his wings, grew a shark tail thing or its pincher thing, and it's attack power bounced up too 5,825. I cringed at the number and closed my eyes, then reopened them.

"It's your last turn until I destroy you," Marik said. "so good luck, you'll need it."

Joey drew, looked at his card then sighed. "Looks like I pass," Joey said. "so make your big move."

"This is it." Tristan stated quietly, with small dection of shake in his voice.

"Poor Joey..." Serenity said trembling slightly.

"He fought well," Mai said. "only Marik fought even better."

"I'm not going to lose," Joey said, which made Marik, Mai, and Yami gasp slightly. "I can't explain how I know, but I got a strange feeling I'm going to win this duel. It's kinda like a voice inside my head, so go ahead and take your best shot Marik."

"Oh I will," Marik shouted. "and as soon as my Mystical Beast attacks your life points, it's over!"

I growled under my breath and played with Yami's fingers that were around my waist to calm myself down, it helped a little. "It's time to say goodbye now," Marik said. "good-bye to the finals."

"Before you make your final attack and try to win this duel," Joey interrupted. "I have something I want to say to you. I'll never forget when you controled my mind, and forced me to hurt my best friend in that crazy duel."-I flinched at the mention of that duel, I still felt guilty I couldn't do anything to keep Yugi or Yami safe. Yami noticed my flinch and rubbed my arm affectionately, letting me know it wasn't my fault. I nodded to him, but didn't believe it that much.-"You didn't have the courage to face Yugi yourself, so you made do my dirty work while you hid like a coward."

"I'm facing you now, aren't I?" Marik retorted.

"Yeah." Joey agreed.

"And look at the score," Marik said. "I'm destroying you in a duel face-to-face."

"Well it's funny you bring that up," Joey said. "you see, ever since we've 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 controled my mind. That Marik's a regular slime ball, but you played a really fair duel. And it's one of the toughest ones I've ever fought, just like I've got a little voice deep inside me that tells me I'm not going to lose, I've also got a voice telling me your not the rotten snake that took over my mind, and I'm sure of it! I always trust what I feel in my gut, and right now it's telling me two things. Your not who you're pretending to be, and you won't win."

I heard to different types of growls in the air. One was unfamiliar a the other was 'Marik'.

"Nonsense," Kaiba said. "Wheeler's insane! Of course that duelist is Marik!"

Judging my Yami's posture and the sudden protectness of me, as he pulled me close as possible, he agreed too, along with me.

"So where the real snake in the grass?" Mai asked. I did a mental check of all my friends I knew couldn't be suspects and there was only one who didn't make the list, Namu. I widened my eyes at the thought, and as if Yami had the same thought, we both turned and looked at him. Namu was glaring at the duel, but it was unclear which duelist the glare was directed too.

"Enough of this," 'Marik' shouted, as he pulled out the Millennium Rod. "only the true Marik wields the power of the Millennium Rod! Think of that before you listen to those senseless voices inside of you Mr. Wheeler! Now then, now it's time for me to finish this duel! Mystical Beast Serket attack his life points directly and end this duel immediately!"

Serket lurched forward and Yami stepped forward slightly. "This duel is over." Yami stated.

"This is it guys." Mai agreed, as Joey closed his eyes and braced himself for the attack. When the pinchers or snappers, what ever they are, were a few centimeters away from Joeys chest, it stopped.

"Hey," Tea called. "it stopped!"

Joey opened his eyes and stared at the beast oddly. "What's the deal?" Joey asked. "Why isn't he attacking?"

"Shouldn't Joey be a scorpion snack right about now?" Duke asked. I flinched at that statement and absent mindedly rubbed my left palm again.

"I don't get it guys," Tea said. "why isn't Marik attacking Joey?"

Yami looked at her and that feeling of jealousy slowly inched it's way into my chest again. I quickly pushed the feeling away. "I'm not sure," Yami said. "but I have a bad feeling."

"Alright Mr. Wheeler," 'Marik' said, pulling out his Millennium Rod. "prepare to feel an ancient power like you've never seen before, or will see again. I am Marik, and now I will play my Egyptian God Card to prove it."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "Didn't see that coming." Joey stated.

"Oh-no," Mai gasped. "Marik is going to play the Winged Dragon of Ra!"

"Now in order to release my Egyptian God Monster from the Scared Arch," 'Marik' shouted. "I must sacrifice my Mystical Beast Serket first, and once this giant Guardian of The Temple is no more, I can release the most powerful creature to ever walk the Earth from within the Scared Arch."

"Be very careful Joey!" Yami shouted.

'Marik' turned around and pointed the Millennium Rod at the Scared Arch. "Ancient One," 'Marik' said. "here my call. I now offer up my Mystical Beast and half my life points to release the!"-Serket burst into pieces and 'Mariks' life points dropped to 200, making them equal with Joey's.-"Come forth my Winged Dragon and reveal your awesome strength in the name of the next great pharaoh, King Marik!"

The Scared Arch got a eerily green glow around it and the lid removed itself from the box. The Winged Dragon of Ra card floated out of the Box and glowed brightly. A column of green light shot into the sky which created dark clouds all around us, suddenly the light expanded and the outline of Ra was visible.

"The..." Yami struggled. "The third card!" Yami and I finished together.

"What's going on?" Joey demanded.

"It's time," 'Marik' shouted. "show yourself my beast!"-Ra's claws and wings became visible until you could see all of Ra.-"Let anyone who doubts my power, feel the fire of the mighty Winged Dragon of Ra!"

"That things looks unstoppable!" Tristan commented, his voice shaking slightly.

"It is." Yami said, which made me elbow him gently in the ribs, and when he looked at me, I mouthed 'Not helping' to him.

"The final Egyptian God Card," Kaiba's voice rang out. "at last it's revealed."

"Behold the strongest of all the Egyptian God Monsters," 'Marik' yelled. "a being like no other, and remember my Mystical Beast had absorbed the power of your Jinzo, your Insect Queen, and your Legendary Fisherman! This increased my monsters overall attack power to a humongous 5,825, now those attack points are transferred to my Winged Dragon of Ra! And once it attacks you Mr. Wheeler you'll wish you've never entered this tournament! Brace yourself, because you're about to lose the rest of your life points!" 'Marik' finished with a laugh.

"So what are you waiting for?" Joey taunted. "Take your best shot Baldy!"

"Now what happens?" Mai asked no one if particular.

"Yeah Yugi," Tea agreed. "remember how your Egyptian God Card injured Bakrua? These things are dangerous!"

Joey put his arms down. "Well I'm waiting," Joey continued to taunt. "Come and get me already!"

"Your time has run out Mr. Wheeler." 'Marik' stated.

"This is it you guys." Tristan said.

"Poor Joey..." Serenity trembled.

"Dragon of Ra," 'Marik' shouted. "attack his life points directly!" Ra let out a threating roar but did not attack.

(A/N: Okay before I continue, you all probably wondering why I am making Percy weak, and get headaches randomly. Well, I'm making it to where she is connected with the Egyptian God Cards, and the Millennium Items. She can sense the 'mystical disturbances' as Shadi once put it. And she will only get the pain when watching a duel if sometime during the duel one of the Egyptian God Cards are going to be played. Now you are probably wondering why I didn't do that with the last duel, that's because it didn't involve Marik that much, so I saw no point... okay back to the story!)

Suddenly a wave of pain hit me and the strength of my legs disappeared. I colasped to my knees and held my head in pain. I groaned and held my head tighter and the pounding increased. I looked up and saw Yami already kneeling beside me scanning my face. "What's wrong?" Yami asked. "Percy?"

I felt my body pulse two times quickly and the aching slowly subsided. I held out an arm and Yami grabbed and gently hauled me to my feet. Yami wrapped both his arms around me and pulled me close, to where my back was pressed all the way to his chest. I saw Mai give me another sly wink and I hesitantly removed my hand from my head and craned my neck to look at Yami, not realizing the closeness between our faces. "Ra..." I muttered to him, turning my head back to the duel. "is very angry..."

"Looks like your dragon has other plans." Joey stated.

'Marik' turned around and faced Ra. "Obey me," 'Marik' shouted at the dragon. "and attack my opponent right now!"

Ra let out a threating growl and still refused to attack. "Why isn't it attacking Joey?" Tristan wondered.

Tea furrowed her eyebrows in worry. "What's happening?" Tea asked scared.

"Something's gone wrong!" Yami and I answered in unison, well the reason I answered is because I started to feel a lot better, but my arms felt a bit sore still though, and the headache wasn't all gone still, but it was bearable.

Ra let out another threating roar and black bubbles began to rise all around him. "It's like his card has a mind of its own." Tristan commented.

"It's more than a card." Yami stated.

"Now what?" 'Marik' demanded.

"What's going on?" Joey asked/demanded. "What's up with this storm? Either this is the best Duel Monsters' hologram I've ever seen or we'd better take cover!" Joey finished as lightning started to strike near him. I forced myself to remember that the Fates made Zues swear not to attack me with lightning as long as I'm here, so then it must have been Ra doing this.

"Joey!" Yami and I shouted.

"Get down from there!" Serenity pleaded.

'Marik' closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly, as if he was thinking. When suddenly a lightning bolt struck him straight on top of his head. The lightning shot through him and the Millennium Rod he was holding cracked, then shattered into hundreds of pieces as he colasped on the ground. That Millennium Rod was a fake, so it is true, he isn't the real Marik! Ah, focus Jackson!...

"Hey," Joey called to 'Marik' as he started to walk forward concerned. "you okay?" Joey let out a yell when a lightning bolt struck right in front of him.

"Don't move!" Yami yelled.

"Please," Serenity pleaded. "be careful!"

Another lightning bolt came down and struck Joey straight onto of the head too. Joey let out a yell of pain and surprise, then colasped as well. Serenity covered her mouth with shock and whimpered her brother's name. Tristan and I broke out to a run, but only Tristan got to continue, because Yami lurched forward and wrapped his arms around me to keep me secure. Tristan grabbed on to the steps and looked at the unconscious Joey.

"Joey?" Tristan asked. "You okay pal?"

Roland stepped forward. "Get down," Roland ordered. "there is a duel going on here."

"Open your eyes," Tristan snapped. "both duelist are out cold!"

Roland looked at the both of them. "Maybe so," Roland said. "but they both have two hundred life points remaining, so according to Battle City rules the duel is still in progress. Now get off the playing field!"

"Forget about he rules you suit," Tristan snapped at him again. "my friend needs help right away."

"Enough," Kaiba's voice rang out which mad me snap my head to him and my eyes immediately held a glare. "I don't know where that lightning came from, but it had nothing to do with the Kaiba Corporation Duel Disk System. Whatever it may have seemed to be, this lightning storm is a freak act of nature and nothing more."

"Who cares what it is," Mai shouted at Kaiba. "just end this duel now!"

Roland looked at them both again. "Should I declare the duel a double forfiet?" Roland asked. "Disqualify them both?"

"Not yet," Kaiba said. "since both duelists are tied with 200 life points each, we'll give them five minutes. Which ever duelists gets to their feet first will be declared the winner and will continue on in the finals."

Tristan gasped, Yami tightened his grip on me and pulled me closer, if that was possible. "Kaiba," Yami growled. "that's ridiculous!"

"Wake up Joey," Mai commanded. "you can do it!"

"Come one buddy!" Tristan joined.

"Please Joey," Tea pleaded. "snap out of it!"

I heard a pain groan from behind us, decided I was only hearing things, I ignored it.

"Come on big brother!" Serenity pleaded.

"Come on Joey," Mai ordered. "I know you've got what it takes to beat this joker!"

Roland looked at his watch. "Both duelists have three minutes," Roland said. "once time elaspes, both duelists will be immediately from the Battle City Finals."

I turned my glare for Kaiba onto Roland. "Shut it you old sot," I snapped at him. "you shut your mouth, or I will break it off!" I ignored all the mixed glances I got and focused on Joey. I saw 'Marik' start getting up, but once he got to his knees, he colasped back down.

Everyone shouted something at once and I blinked not understanding anything.

"If neither duelists wakes up in two minutes," Roland said, making me clench my fists, but close my eyes and forcing myself to calm down. "both players will be disqualified from the finals."

(A/N: this is like the dream that Joey has when he is unconscious. It's in no ones POV so yeah..)

---

Tea's voice echoed in the classroom on Domino High. "Joey? Joey?" Tea asked. "Earth to Joey?"

"Rise and shine!" Duke asked, while throwing a die at Joey's head. Joey groaned quietly and looked to see all of his friends that were at school, in their uniforms, and surrounding his desk.

"Wake up sleepy head." Tea ordered. "This is no time for napping!"

"Sorry," Joey said, as he began to rub his eyes. "I'm feeling kind of lazy..."

Tristan grabbed Joey's head. "Well snap out of it," Tristan shouted. "and start showing some life will ya?"

Tea slammed her hands on his desk, gently ish. "This is a big deal Joey," Tea snapped. "so get your butt in gear!"

Yugi looked at Joey worriedly. "She's right Joey," Yugi said. "time is running out!"

"For what?" Joey blinked.

"Don't you know?" Yugi asked/said. "It's your dream. Today's the most important duel of your entire life!"

"Remember when you said," Tea paused, probably not wanting to quote him or just wanting to breath. "'Ima show 'em all that Joey Wheeler's no amateur'!"

Joey blinked. "Sounds like me," Joey said as Tristan released his head. "but I'm really drawing a blank here Tea."

Joey turned around and grabbed a bag that is full of his monster cards. "Maybe preparing your deck will help." Tristan suggested. Joey unzipped the bag, dumped it over on his desk, and leaned forward to catch some before they fell off and ended up falling forwards with all the other cards.

"Joey," Tea sighed irritated. "will you get serious?"

Yugi kneeled down and picked up a card. "Let's put together the best dueling deck from this mess," Yugi said. "and then we can head out."

"Let's just hope you're a little less scatter brains when the competion begins." Tea sighed still annoyed.

"Gee," Joey said sarcastically. "thanks..."

Kaiba's scoffed echoed from the front of the classroom, and Joey turned to look at him. "Just give it up Wheeler." Kaiba stated for walking out of the classroom.

Joey got an anime angry mark on his head and held up a fist. "Kaiba," Joey growled. "how about you give up all your teeth?"

"Don't even waste you on energy that loser." Tristan stated.

"Tristan's right," Yugi said, glancing at Yugi. "you've got more important things to worry about."

"Like my deck," Joey said, then pulled out a piece of paper from his pant pocket. "I've got a list of all my best cards written down right here." Yugi grabbed the paper and Joey looked to the side slightly and saw Mai, Serenity, and Percy going through the cards.

Joey blinked. "Serenity, Mai, Shorty what are you guys doing here?" Joey asked.

"You're dreaming remember," Mai said. "and dreams don't have to make sense, so just be glad you aren't skiing in your underwear."

"Plus today's you big day Joey," Serenity added. "we had to be here."

Percy picked up Alligator Sword and gave it to Yugi, then looked at Joey. "You really think I'd miss this?" Percy teased. "Some faith you have in me Blondey. You should know I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Joey's eyes got big and they started to swirl. "Awe," Joey said. "thanks you guys."

Tristan threw an arm around Joey's shoulder and Joey looked at him. "Hey you got a sec?" Tristan asked. "Come her, slight problem dude."

So together they both edged away from the gang and sat across from each other. "Check it out," Tristan said, pulling out the list Joey gave Yugi. "the list is blank, no card names."

Joey looked at it and blinked. "Man," Joey said. "this dream just gets weirder and weirder. It's almost as nuts as that nightmare I had about the monkey and the bowl of banana pudding. Thank goodness I'm not in this by myself."

Tristan was unfazed by the 'monkey and the bowl of banana pudding' comment. "Why dude?" Tristan asked.

"If you guys weren't here," Joey said. "I'd be clueless."

Tristan smiled slightly. "What are friends for?" Tristan asked.

"I'm lucky," Joey said. "you guys are the best buds any guy could have."-Joey then turned to see every one gathered around the cards and looking through them.-"I've done some pretty dumb things before, but you guys have always stuck behind me no matter what. I won't forget that."

Tristan's smile increased a little bit. "Thanks Joey." Tristan said.

"We're finished!" Yugi's voice rang out, making Tristan and Joey look at them. "You'll be hard to beat with these cards."

"No doubt." Bakura agreed, his British accent obvious.

Joey turned all the way around and faced Yugi. "Awesome," Joey said. "let me check them out."

Yugi got up and walked to Joey and held them out. "Here." Yugi said.

Joey took them away gently, and strangely, kissed the deck. "Thanks Yuge." Joey said. "Sweet, with your support, there is no way I'm going to lose this duel."

Percy smiled, got up, walked up next to Yugi, grabbed his hand, and kissed his cheek, then smiled triumphantly at his blushing face. "It's time to go!" Percy said cheerfully.

Yugi smiled, laced their fingers together, kissed her cheek back, and smiled cheeky at her blushing face. "Yep." Yugi agreed, then together they walked back to the others.

"Le's do this!" Duke shouted, making Percy laugh.

Joey blinked at Yugi and Percy. "Are you two together?" Joey asked.

Percy stopped and faced him. "Yeah," she said slowly. "we have been for a while, now come on and let's get out of here Joey! I'm supposed to have that duel with Mai after yours!"

Joey grinned sheepishly. "The thing is," Joey said. "I would, but something's wrong, I don't have enough strength to stand up, little help guys?"

Mai and Tristan blinked at him confused, and Tea stepped forward. "Are you sure you're just not trying to get out of the duel?" Tea asked.

"No way," Mai denied before Joey open his mouth. "now stop joking around and come on."

"I'm serious," Joey insisted. "I need a hand here."-Then suddenly all their hands were in front of Joey, waiting for him to take.-"You guys are the best friends I've ever had, thank you."

Tristan smiled. "We'll always be there for you buddy, right guys?" Tristan asked, everyone said there agreements and hauled Joey to his feet, which made him go into a bright white light.

---

(A/N: Dream end!)

Percy's POV

I swear I literally blinked one time and when I opened my eyes, Joey was on his feet. I bit my lip to keep from screaming from surprise, but did stumble back slightly. Yami smiled at my clumsiness and looked back at Joey.

"You did it!" Yami and I said in unison.

"That means," Serenity paused. "you win the duel."

"Hey guys," Joey asked. "I'm lost, can you fill me in please?"

I got a sweatdropp. "You're dueling in the finals." I reminded slowly.

"And you scared us you dope," Mai shouted. "don't ever do that again!"

"I'm sorry," Joey said quickly, then looked at the unconscious 'Marik'. "but who's that guy?"-Joey narrowed his eyes and a spark of realization came into them.-"Oh yeah.. I remember.. his card went nuts and that's the last thing I remember."

Roland threw an arm out in Joey's direction. "And so the winner of this duel is," Roland paused, like he couldn't believe he was about to say this. "Joey Wheeler!"

Joey looked at him. "So I won?" Joey asked shocked.

Yami smirked at him proudly. "Yes you did." Yami agreed.

"I knew you would!" Serenity cheered.

Tristan pushed himself up and climbed the rest of the way and jumped onto the playing field, then wrapped a brotherly arm around Joey. "So," Tristan said. "who's my main man?"

Joey gently nudged him off and walked towards 'Marik'. "Wait," Joey said. "the other guy's still hurt."

When the playing field was low enough, Yami and I sprinted forward and kneeled beside 'Marik' and Joey. Joey sat him up gently and put an arm around his shoulders to keep him sitting up slightly. (no homo, just concern. lol)

"Come on man," Joey said. "wake up."

'Marik' gently opened his eyes and looked at him weakly. "Please forgive me Joey," 'Marik' said weakly. "I am sorry, it was an honor to duel with you."

Joey smiled. "Well same to you," Joey said. "and thanks to my lightning bolt, I won't forget this duel for a while."-I nodded my head in agreement here. Yep, you'll never forget when you are electrocuted...-"Now that's it done, you need to come clean, if you're not Marik, who are you pal?"

"I am only a servant," 'Marik' said. "of the real,"-'Marik' pointed towards Namu.-"Master Marik."

"That's Marik?" Yami, Joey, and I all asked at once. I blinked for a second, trying to register that we all just spoke at once, then shrugged it off.

"It's that rod," Tea cried, which made me snap my attention to Namu's hands, he was holding the real Millennium Rod. "it looks just like one that other guy had."

Yami narrowed his eyes. "Admit your true identity Marik!" Yami shouted.

Namu turned and nodded. "Yes it's true," Namu said. "I am indeed the real Marik you fools."

I growled and slipped Riptide out out from my pocket (in pen form). "So Namu was lieing to us all along?" Tea asked shocked or sad, I couldn't tell.

"'Namu'?" Marik echoed. "he was a disguise to get me closer to Yugi."

"You little worm." Joey said.

"He's the one who brain washed you." Yami told Joey.

I growled and clutched Riptide harder. "And the one I'm going to drag to my Uncle personally." I snarled, my eyes already harding to a deep glare.

Marik chuckled. "So Pharaoh," Marik said. "we finally meet face-to-face."

I stood up and I moved my hand to where I could uncap Riptide any second. "Master..." 'Marik' muttered weakly. I glanced down at him. I wish I knew his name... (A/N: she doesn't know Odion's name so I have to put 'Marik'.. but it doesn't have the quotation mark things, it's the real Marik.)

"At last," Marik said ignoring 'Marik'. "I can finish the job my pathetic servants couldn't! Yugi, you puzzle and power will soon be where they belong." Marik grabbed his head at the end, and probably for a good reason too, at the end his voice was a bit demonic. Then it hit me. He has a yami.. and it's not a good one either!...

"Oh-no," 'Marik' said. "I was afriad of this.. we're all in great danger.. beware the great evil hidden within..."

"What are you talking about?" Joey asked him.

'Marik' opened his eyes weakly again. "Master Marik has a darker side," 'Marik' said with a quiet voice. "and I'm unable to contain it anymore.. it's too late now..." With a pained groan 'Marik' closed his eyes and fell into some sort of coma probably.

"What's too late?" Joey tried, which made me roll my eyes at him, even though he couldn't see.

Marik let out another pain groan and the demonic voice said: "Let me out," it said. "you can't restrain me anymore."

Marik grabbed his head, then threw his head back, and let out a scream filled with pain. I flinched at the sound and gripped Riptide harder.

"I'm going to file this in the category of 'Not Good'" Joey said.

I looked down at him. "And put an 'important' stamp on it too!" I told him.

Yami stepped forward beside me, when I turned my attention back at Marik. "Marik," Yami yelled. "what's going on?"

Marik put his hands down and his head and chuckled darkly. One look at him and I knew for sure it was Yami Marik. Yami Marik's hair was spiked crazily and the glowing eye of Horus appeared on his forehead, the symbol on every Millennium Item.

"I'm finally free again," Yami Marik said, I blinked in confusion. His voice wasn't that different from regular Marik's, it was slightly deeper, but way more demonic, but it was smooth and worked for him. I would never like it though. "which means I can do things my way. I was restrained for many years by that fool Odion."

I glanced down at the man in Joey's arms. So that's his name.. Odion.. wait I think I know a little bit about him!..wait no I don't.. maybe I'll remember later...

"Who are you?" Yami demanded.

Yami Marik held up the Millennium Rod slightly. "I'm the true Marik," Yami Marik said. "and I'm not as kind as the one you've come to know, and soon I will finish the job he couldn't complete and stripe you of your power. For I deserve to be pharaoh, not you, so get ready for the real battle. When I'm through with you, your puzzle will be around my neck, where it belongs. And you, will be trapped forever in the realm of eternal darkness, along with your friends, and Odion as well."

Joey narrowed his eyes. "Hey pal," Joey said. "get a life."

"You fool," Yami Marik said. "thanks to Odion's failure I now have a life. Of course by failing Odion did prove one thing, only a chosen few can control the Egyptian God Cards, Kaiba you're one."

Kaiba scoffed. "Marik," Kaiba said. "I'm sick and tired of hearing these Egyptian Fairytales. I control Obelisk the Tormentor because I'm a master duelist."

Now it was Yami Marik's turn to scoff. "Don't deny your ancient past," Yami Marik said. "you'll find you can't escape your 5,000 year old memories. You'll learn in good time Kaiba,"-Yami and Kaiba shared a glance.-"your role in the game runs much deeper than you can imagine. However, that won't matter once I take over."-Yami Marik suddenly turned his attention to me.-"Ah, Persephone Jackson."

I growled and stepped forward in front of Joey and Odion. "What?" I snapped.

Yami Marik chuckled. "Such a pleasent girl aren't you," Yami Marik said. "once I take over, you'll be the only one not wondering in the Shadow Realm, Little Beauty."

I raised an eyebrow. "Explain?" I demanded.

Yami Marik smirked at me. "You'll be taken straight to me so I can perform a special ceremony." Yami Marik said, still smirking at me. "Who else better to rule by my side once I take over? A beautiful girl who radiates power where ever she goes, I wouldn't know anyone else better than you, my dear."

I narrowed my eyes and growled under my breath. I felt Yami's arms wrap around me and he pulled me closer. I couldn't tell if he was trying to show him I was his, or trying to protect me, either way I was half annoyed and half happy about it. "I'll send you to the depths of the Underworld myself before that ever happens!" I snarled at him.

Yami Marik chuckled darkly again, unfazed. "You'll complete the ceremony willing," Yami Marik paused and held the Millennium Rod tighter for emphasize. "or not..."

I growled and Yami took away my 'pen' before I could uncap it and slice his head off. (Not that would really do that). Yami Marik looked at Yami after he took away my weapon. "Yugi," Yami Marik said. "the battle for the pharaoh's power will begin right now. A conflict 5,000 years in the making, and there is no turning back."-Yami Marik started to laugh darkly.-"The great Egyptian God Monsters will serve and protect me, while I rule the Earth as the new pharaoh!"

---

After a while of getting Odion in his room, waiting for a doctor to run his tests, and me muttering every curse in Greek I could think of about Yami Marik, we all were standing behind a doctor waiting.

I was silent until Joey broke the silence. "So," Joey said. "what's the results Doc?"

"Well so far Odion's heartbeat is steady," The Doctor said, then turned to us. "his tests were fine, but all the mental stress he's gone through, has left him unconscious."

I nodded, understanding a little because of the Apollo campers. "That sounds about right." I agreed.

"I could use a nap too." Joey said, making me get a small sweatdropp from my position next to Yami.

"The doctor means he's been knocked out Joey," Tea said a bit irritated. "you should be really thankful you're not in the same state."

"You've got a good point there," Joey said. "I mean, me and him were both their when his Egyptian God Card went hang wire, but I'm perfectly fine."

"Aside from the brain damage you had going into it." Tristan commented innocently, as the doctor quietly left the room.

"Zip it!" Joey growled.

"I guess that means that means we're not going to find out who this guy is until he wakes up." Duke sighed.

"That's right," Yami agreed. "but there is one thing we know for sure. He was determined to protect Marik as long as he could."

"And for what," Joey said. "just look at him. Odion is laying in a hospital bed, and Marik couldn't care less if he ever wakes up again. That creep is as nasty as it gets!"

"What did you expect Marik to do?" Mai asked rolling her eyes. "Send flowers? Poor Odion, its times when you're down you need friends the most."

Joey looked at her and smiled slightly. "You guys," Joey said, making me jump slightly from surprise. "I figured it all out how I was able to get to my feet and win the duel."

"Huh?" Mai muttered.

"Cause you helped me," Joey said. "you see you guys, I had this dream, it reminded me that my friends were cheering for me all the way, and it was like you all were on the field with me, you know?"

Yami looked back at him. "Yes Joey." Yami told him.

"And having you all there gave me the strength to get back up," Joey said looking at all of us. "and win the duel."

Tristan put a hand in his pocket. "Wow," Tristan said. "that dream is almost as touching as the one where you were making banana pudding with that monkey."

Joey growled, lunged at him, and started shaking him. "That was a secret!" Joey shouted, making me laugh.

"Hey," Tristan said, making Joey stop. "Isn't it time for Kaiba to pick the next to duelist?"

Joey blinked. "Hey you're right," Joey said, let go of Tristan and looked at Yami. "what do you say we get a move on, eh Yugi?"

Yami nodded and laced our fingers together. "Let's go."

"I wonder who's dueling next." Tristan wondered as we walked to through the door. I heard Mai call Joey's name and turned to see them not exiting the room yet. I shrugged and started to swing our hands back and forth. Yami chuckled, looked in front of him to see Tristan, Duke, and Serenity chatting happily about something, then behind him and saw no one. Yami walked closer to me and pecked me on the lips. I pouted slightly and gained a smirk. I tugged him to me, wrapped an my arms around his neck, and crashed his lips to mine. Yami responded immediately and kissed me back. Yami placed his hands on my waist and licked my bottom lip. Letting him know fully well I felt him ask for entrance I pulled away from the kiss, stepped back, laced our fingers again, then smiled innocently at him, then began walking again.

"Oh," Yami said in mock threat. "Let the games begin."

I smiled at him. "This will be one game you can't win." I smirked at him

We suddenly heard Joey coming down the hall behind us and I looked behind me just in time to see Tea grab him by the ear. I busted out laughing at the sight, the others looked at my laughing form and I pointed to the sight and the others either laughed or chuckled.

---

Soon enough we were all back at the place where we started at, picking the next to duelists.

"Attention," Roland said. "it's time to pick the next two duelists for the third round of the Battle City Finals."

"Hey," Joey interrupted. "before we start, I was thinking since Marik entered this thing with a fake name, shouldn't he be disqualified?"

"Wishful thinking," Kaiba said, turning to Joey. "this contest is about skills and not names."

"What's that mean?" Joey demanded.

"It means to get rid of the competition," Kaiba said. "you should be man enough to use your deck and not some technicality."

Joey growled under his breath and turned back to Roland. "Begin." Kaiba ordered.

"This is it Roland," Mokuba said. "let her rip!"

"Yes sir," Roland said. "Duelist remember you numbers, selection start!"-the last four ball in the sphere began to bounce around inside, and one fell inside, then rolled out, and Roland picked it up.-"And the first duelist to participate in the next round of the Battle City Finals is.. number four, I repeat its duelist number four, Mai Valentine!"

Yami smiled at her, Joey said: "Alright!", and I did something the complete opposite of me. I squealed and hugged Mai, but pulled back hurt when she didn't through an arm around my shoulders just nudged me off gently.

"Let's see who Mai's dueling," Mokuba said, but I was looking at the ground still hurt. "and it's show time!"

"Random selection begin again!" Roland ordered.

I stared at my shoes, trying not to let any tears come to my eyes. I suddenly heard the heels of Mai boots start to click away. "Hey," Joey called. "Mai aren't you going to stay to see who you are going to duel against?"

"Like it matters who it is," Mai snapped back, which made me snap my head up and look at her. "as for you.. fellas.. I'll be seeing you in the finals."

Yami blinked. "But Mai." Yami said, slightly hurt as well but didn't show it.

"We'll still be here rooting for you." Joey said.

"Don't bother." Mai snapped at him.

"What?" Joey asked.

"Why not?" Tea asked.

"I don't need you guys to win," Mai said. "believe it or not, I was a good duelist before I met you, and quite ironically some blonde hair knuckle heads in your group are starting to get on my nerves."

Joey blinked. "Me?" Joey asked.

"That's right Joey," Mai snapped. "it was perfectly clear you don't consider me a friend, and I don't consider you one so let's just leave it at that, Monkey Boy!"

"That's completely not true," Joey snapped back. "and I'm no 'monkey boy'!"

"Relax Joey." Serenity said, grabbing his arm.

Mai started to walk away again and I bit my lip. "Later," Mai said. "I'm out of here."

"Mai!" I yelled starting to run forward, until Joey stepped forward and grabbed my arm preventing me from doing so.

Joey shook his head and I sent a glare towards him and gave up. "Duelist number five," Roland said, snapping attention back to him. "Duelist number five, Marik Ishtar, will be facing Mai Valentine, both duelist must report to the dueling arena immediately."

"Mai.." I muttered suddenly depressed, not noticing a tear slip from my left eye.

---

(A/N: Finally I'm done with this chapter! I'm so sorry it took me a long time! There has been a lot going on! I wanted to post this for Christmas but Fanfiction was being mean to me, so I had to retype all this like four times! Major thanks to all my reviewers, followers, favoritors and everyone else. Thank you so much. MERRY LATE CHRISTMAS OR WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE! DISCLAIMER: ALL RIGHTS GO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS! I OWN NOTHING!... I think I'm done.. J.J.