Hey guys, I know it's been forever since I updated a chapter. A lot's been going on and I kind of had a writer's block but everything seems to be okay now. I still plan to add more chapters so this story's far from over don't worry! :) I really do appreciate how patient you all are and have stuck around to read more and so I thank you! I hope you enjoy this and that it was worth the wait! I appreciate all reviews and adding me and my story! Until next time! *waves*
Chapter 8
Yugi just came home after a full busy day of classes and he was already exhausted by the time he came through the door. Usually Joey is usually on the couch watching TV when he has a light load of classes or taking a nap after a full class day. Today he wasn't on the couch so Yugi automatically assumed he was napping so he decided not to disturb him. He wanted to relax on the couch anyway so he put down his school stuff and started to chill down on it. He also noticed Atem wasn't here either. Probably on one of his investigations to figure out what to do about this new threat. Sometimes Yugi wished Atem would once in a while have a break and enjoy having a normal life he never got to have. He knew though, once the Pharaoh is committed to something, there's no point in changing his mind. The only thing that bothered him is why he hasn't called to keep him posted about what everyone was up to. Besides Joey, Atem was his closest friend so he assumed he would tell him everything. Maybe it was because of all the times Yugi's life has been in danger and was just looking out for him. But the thought of being left out drove him crazy. He really wanted to help so he picked up the phone.
"Hello, you reached the voice mailbox of-" Okay, Atem's not answering. He went to Joey's room and it turned out to be empty much to his surprise, so he tried to call him too.
"Hey you reached Joey! Leave a message!" Finally, he decided to call Bakura.
"Hello?"
"Bakura, it's me. I need your help. Something's not right."
After meeting up, Yugi asked Bakura to use his Millennium Ring to track down Atem and Joey. It eventually lead them outside in front of KaibaCorp where the Pharaoh and Joey were standing face-to-face. The standoff appeared to be very tense as curious onlookers were walking slowly by to see.
"Joey? Pharaoh? What's going on?" At his voice, Atem turned his head and saw Yugi much to his shock.
"Yugi, what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you guys the same question," Yugi responded with his arms folded. It was a clear indication that he expected answers. The Pharaoh hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Joey's not himself and he wants to duel me. Now what is it you want?" He asked to the possessed Joey.
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out Pharaoh. Either you tell me where my son is, or we will duel. And you won't like what my terms are very much."
"If I'm remembering correctly, this sounds like a Shadow Game to me. Why are you after Marik?"
"Simple. I deserve what has been taken from me years ago. I plan to avenge for what he did."
"That's not fair! Marik wasn't even himself when he used the Millennium Rod to banish you! That was someone else! And who the heck are you anyway?!" Yugi shouted.
"That's irrelevant. He chose to let his anger control him and because of that he ripped my life away to that cursed place you call the Shadow Realm! Who am I you ask? Who else would I call son? I only have the one." Yugi pondered for a short moment then figured it out.
"You mean you're-?"
"Yes I'm Marik's father. Now thanks to the door of the Spirit World and the Shadow Realm, I can reclaim the vengeance I've always wanted for years!"
"You'll never get to force your revenge on Marik. He's already been freed from the Rod's control." Mr. Ishtar shook his head.
"If you won't tell me where Marik is, I will have no choice but to challenge you to a duel."
"Fine, you're on!" Atem said with his duel disk raised up.
"No offense Pharaoh, but I don't think you're the right person to challenge Wheeler," a familiar male voice behind Yugi said. Yugi turned around to see Kaiba with his arms crossed.
"Kaiba? What are you doing here?" Yugi asked.
"What do you think dweeb? Does Pharaoh honestly think he can stand a chance against this guy? He practically signed himself up for defeat."
"Kaiba I really don't think this is the time to underestimate his dueling skill right now."
"I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying you already proved you can duel better. You're the King of Games remember? You should be the one to defeat this loser." Yugi looked taken aback. Atem didn't like this one bit. He tried to signal to him that clearly said, "What are you doing?!"
"Relax. Nothing's gonna happen. Whoever this loser is will regret who he's dealing with. So step aside Pharaoh and just let him do it." Yugi walked over to the already nervous Atem and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"He's right Pharaoh. I have to do it."
"Yugi, I don't like this."
"I know, but It's the best chance we got in freeing Joey and getting rid of this guy so he doesn't find Marik." Atem closed his eyes and thought hard for a moment.
"Alright Yugi, but be careful." As Yugi put his deck inside his duel disk, Mr. Ishtar spoke up.
"Now, in normal conditions, this would be a regular duel but as you know, this isn't one of them. I'm sure you are familiar with how my son played the game years ago?" He smirked as he held the Millennium Rod in his hand.
"Wait a minute, where did you get that?! That was in my office!" Kaiba shouted.
"Simple. I tricked your little brother into thinking I'm your friend Joey and told him you wanted me to get it for him. Your brother was played a fool," he said while laughing. Kaiba put his face in his hands. Everyone knows Kaiba can't stand Joey most of the time so it was strange that Mokuba fell for the fact that Kaiba would ask Joey to get the Rod for him.
"Now let us begin, shall we." Mr. Ishtar said as he raised the Rod and the familiar dark fog surrounded the entire dueling area trapping everyone in it. Everybody cried out in anger but it was Atem who was the loudest.
"Just what are you getting at here?! Enough of this and play an actual duel with no magic!"
"But what fun would that be? I'm simply raising the stakes here so at least one of us pays the price if my son's not going to be involved." Yugi didn't move an inch where he stood. Instead he looked serious and determined, which made Atem worry.
"Yugi let me do this. I can beat him!" Atem yelled out.
"Pharaoh I have to do this. For once, let me save everyone by winning this," Yugi said as he looked at the worried Pharaoh, "It'll be fine." He has no idea what he's in for, Atem thought, he nodded knowing he can't stop Yugi from doing this.
"Here's how it's going to work. When I win this duel, you will suffer the consequences."
"Leave Yugi out of this!" Atem shouted. Mr. Ishtar shook his head.
"You seem to be forgetting the point of a Shadow Game Pharaoh. It's far more entertaining to watch you both suffer as little Yugi here loses the duel. Now, let's duel shall we?"
"Okay, let's duel!" Yugi shouted full of determination as both of their duel disks got set up with 4,000 life points.
"You can do it Yugi! Go save Joey!" Tea shouted from the sidelines. Kaiba had his arms crossed with a look of annoyance on his face mixed with anger. Atem figured he was either because someone broke in his office and stole something of his, or the fact that his little brother was used and tricked into doing something for the enemy without his knowledge.
"Tea, do you know the outcome of this duel?" Atem asked. She looked unsure.
"Yes, but anything can change. Remember the duel between Kaiba and Ishizu in Battle City?" Of course, how could he forget? Kaiba practically outwitted the Millennium Necklace despite its ability to predict the future. Atem decided he'd rather not ask who wins the duel based in that fact. Besides, he should have faith in Yugi anyway.
Both of them drew their cards and started the game. Yugi started pretty good with a defense, but Mr. Ishtar was one step ahead and was able to attack his life points directly with a good card combination. Yugi's life points declined to 3,750. Immediately after Yugi recovered from the loss, he started crying out. The Puzzle started glowing as something began to transfer into the puzzle. When it was all over, Yugi looked over at his friends as he doubled over breathlessly and groaned in pain. They then all saw something they didn't expect to see. A part of Yugi had vanished.