A/N: Hey, everyone. I'm back! I am sorry for being away for so long. I am re-watching Yu-Gi-Oh!, and it is giving me inspiration to continue this story. I don't know how often I will be able to update, but I'll try to make it consistent even if it's infrequent. I promise it won't take two years to update again. Thank you for returning if you've stuck with me from the beginning, and welcome to the new readers.

Chapter 24

Marik and I returned to the ship. He led me into a dining hall that was empty of people but packed with food. "You must be hungry," he said. "Take whatever you like. I will be back shortly. I have some business to attend to."

"Okay," I said. I hoped I would not run into rare hunters in here. I knew they had orders not to harm me, but they still creeped me out. I scanned the buffet style assortment of food even though I did not feel very hungry. I would have to eat something to keep up my strength. I snatched a sandwich and took a seat at the closest table.

Marik was gone for a long while. I supposed he was enacting his backup plan after the horrible duel that afternoon. I wondered if there was anything I could do to stop him. I seemed pretty useless so far. Marik was counting on me though, so I had to figure out some way I could help him. After I finished my food, I brought out my empath book and began to scan it.

The book entranced my so much that I did not notice Marik's presence until he was right beside me. I gave a little jump when I realized he was there. "Don't mind me," he said with a smirk. "I'd hate to interrupt."

"No, I was just waiting for you." I placed my book in my backpack and then glanced at him. "What's going on?"

"I needed to contact Bakura - or, rather, the Spirit of the Millennium Ring - to advance my plan."

Uneasiness settled in my stomach. "You called him."

"No." Marik held up his Millennium Rod. "I entered his mind when we met. It makes everything more convenient, doesn't it?"

I frowned. "I bet he didn't like that." Even if it was convenient. "What do you need from him now?" I really hoped he did not need to harm my friend further. Bakura had been through enough.

"I simply need him to duel for me in the Battle City Finals."

"Oh." I bit my lip and averted my gaze.

Marik sat perpendicular to me at the corner of the table. "Is something wrong, Samia?"

I hesitated before looking at him. "I just wish you would leave Bakura out of all of this. He is - was - my best friend. He's the first person I met after my parents died, and he's always been there for me. Then this spirit comes around and ruins everything. It would have been fine if we didn't get involved."

Marik eyed me carefully. "I told you, you can't avoid fate. Have you not stopped to think that you never would have met Bakura if you were not an empath and he was not meant to have the Millennium Ring? Perhaps it was not him you needed to meet but the spirit."

I shook my head. "That doesn't make any sense at all. Why would I be connected to him?"

"He seems to be pretty interested in you."

"He knew an empath in ancient Egypt. He probably wants to use my powers somehow for his evil ends."

Marik gave me a pointed look. "Empaths cannot be used for evil. He may justify his interest that way, but it necessarily points to something good."

I considered that for a moment. The Spirit's actions were quite confusing. While they logically made sense, I could feel there was something deeper in play. "Maybe that's right. I wish I understood his motives."

"He won't hurt you. However, that does not mean he is not dangerous. You should stay with me during the finals. Odion and I will both be competing." Marik stood. "We should leave now."

I nodded. "Alright." I could worry about the Spirit of the Ring later. Right now, Marik was my concern.

Marik led me to his motorcycle once again. This time, I did not hesitate to climb on after him. Night had fallen, creating a chill as we rode through the streets. We stopped a few blocks from the stadium where the finals would be held. It was there we met up with Odion. We climbed into the stadium from the back of the stands. For some reason, Marik wanted to scope out the field. In the center of the stadium stood Kaiba, Mokuba, and several of Kaiba's men.

"Look at that fool standing there," Marik said. "Soon he will become a pawn in his own pathetic game."

"That's right, Marik," Odion said.

"Listen closely... The time has come to put the final part of my plan into motion, and I'll need your help."

Odion nodded. "Mmm."

"This is it. The Battle City finals are about to begin. And everything that I need to gain infinite power will be in one place. All we have to do now is win! For five thousand years, the world has waited for the ancient pharaoh to return. As the scriptures state, he will use his boundless power to rescue the world from evil as he did before. Wielding the strength of the Egyptian gods, his spirit shall emerge from within the chambers of the Millennium Puzzle to rule mankind once again. Well, I shall fulfill that prophecy! By seizing the Millennium Puzzle and draining the pharaoh's power. But as you know, Odion, the Puzzle isn't all I need. According to the ancient scriptures, in order to possess the pharaoh's power, one must also hold all three Egyptian god cards. Once I accomplish this task, I will be pharaoh... And the former ruler will wander the Shadow Realm for eternity!" Marik paused. "What is it, Samia?"

I flinched upon realizing my emotions must have shown through. "I - I think you're wrong about Yami. Maybe he does want to stop evil from taking over, but he doesn't want to rule anyone."

"You think he doesn't want power? Than you are wholly naive of people - especially those who lived in ancient Egypt."

I had to admit he had a point there. From what I knew of ancient Egypt, people could be quite cruel. Yami had been willing to harm Kaiba to win a duel, after all. However, I doubted he would make the same choice today. "He's changed. Yugi has had a positive influence on him. And hopefully I have as well..."

Marik closed his eyes and lowered his head. "Only because he does not remember who he is. He's a pharaoh, Samia. The pharaohs built pyramids as a symbol of their authority. Do you understand the past? Worshipers of darkness arose and dueled with each other. Magicians created the seven Millennium Items to seal the darkness."

"Is that why I feel darkness in each of them?"

Marik nodded. He opened his eyes, looking straight ahead. "The Millennium Puzzle is the form of a reverse pyramid, which is a symbol of darkness. My tribe has made many sacrifices to protect the dark seal. In our book of prophecies, it is recorded that, when thousands of years have passed, evil power will awaken again. The soul of the pharaoh has also awakened, and he is seeking his memory. I know the location of that memory, but I won't give it to him."

I looked at him in surprise. "Wh-what?"

Marik smirked. "I told you, I will send him and Yugi to the Shadow Realm. That is the only way I can regain my freedom."

I touched his arm and gazed at him sadly. "That's not true, Marik. That can't be right. I'll help you find another way to be free. A way that follows the light."

"I wish you were right." For a moment, the sadness in his eyes mirrored mine. Then his expression hardened as he glanced at Odion. "I will need your help, Odion. I must hide my identity. Everyone shall think you are me. As for myself, those fools already believe me to be a friend named Namu. I'll gain their trust then crush them with the Winged Dragon of Ra!" He looked back at me. "And you, Samia, you must not tell them anything."

I swallowed hard. "R-Right." I hated lying, but I was already committed. And this might be the best way for me to help Marik return to himself.

We hid in an alley until Marik sensed the presence of the Millennium Puzzle. After waiting a few minutes, the two of us headed into the stadium. Soon, I caught sight of my friends: Yugi, Joey, Tea, Tristan, Serenity, Duke, and Mai. They all wandered over to greet us.

"Hey, Samia!" Yugi said brightly. "I'm glad you made it. I was about to go looking for you."

"Good thing she was with me," Marik said with a fake smile.

Yugi nodded. "Thanks for keeping her safe, Namu."

Are you doing well? Yami asked through our bond.

I'm fine, I said. You don't need to worry about me. I was enjoying my time with my friend. It was not entirely a lie.

Good. I am glad. It is probably safer with you to stay with him.

I swallowed hard. I knew he was not trying to push my away, but it still felt like he was saying he did not need me. I'll remain with him, but I'll still be there to support you when you duel.

Thank you.

"So, Joey, it looks like we both made it to the battle city finals, didn't we?" Marik said. "I never thought I'd get this far. But since the day I met you and Tea, I've been winning every duel."

"Uh, good job," Joey said. He eyed Marik with something close to suspicion.

"Is something wrong, Joey?" I asked.

Joey waved his hands back and forth. "Not at all! I was just wondering, how long did you say you've known this guy?"

"Since we were kids. We were separated for a long time, but we're still good friends."

"That's right," said Marik.

"Hey, like you and me, Joey," Serenity said.

Joey relaxed. "Well, if he's your friend, he has to be a good guy."

I bit my lip and looked away. "Right."

"Hey!" Yugi said, looking past Marik and me. "That's Bakura!" I turned to see Bakura slowly walking into the stadium, a duel disk on his harm. He looked normal, but I could slightly feel the Spirit's presence.

"What's he doing here!?" Joey said.

"Bakura!" Yugi ran to meet him.

"You should get back to the hospital!"

"Bakura!" Tea said. "You should really be resting!"

"Yeah grandpa told me you were in pretty bad condition!" Yugi said. "They let you out?"

"I'm fine," Bakura said.

"Look, Bakura," said Tristan, "I don't know how you found us here, but you better get back to that hospital!"

"Wait!" Yugi said. "What are you doing wearing a duel disc?"

Bakura held up his arm with the disc. "How else could I win six locator cards and enter the finals?" The others recoiled in shock. "Just look." He held up the six locator cards in his free hand.

"Why would you enter this tournament? I thought you wanted to stay away from Samia."

"I have been thinking about that. I think I may have been wrong. After all, she has all of you to protect her, doesn't she?" Bakura looked at me, and I shivered. This was not him, and it was not fair. I preferred it much better when the Spirit acted like himself. That did not confuse my mind and my emotions.

"Rewind a sec!" Joey said. "When did you join the tournament?!"

"Join?" Tristan said. "How'd you make it all the way to the finals?!"

"This is freaking me out!"

"Hey, look!" Bakura said, pointing to the stadium entrance. "It's the seventh finalist!" It was Odion. He had an intimidating look about him as he stalked closer. I swallowed hard. This was it.

"This guy looks familiar," Joey said. "And that's a mug you don't forget." As soon as Odion neared the group, Joey's eyes widened in shock. "That's the guy!"

"He's the one who kidnapped me!" Mokuba said.

"State your name right now!" Kaiba ordered.

"I am Marik," said Odion.

"Ah, I'll kick your brain washing keister!" Joey exclaimed.

Odion glowered at him. "You are no match for me, fool."

"The only reason I'm not tossing you out by your cape right now is so I can save my energy to take you down in the finals! Got that, pal!?"

"I should disqualify you right now for capturing my little brother, Mokuba," Kaiba said, "but you have something that I want. And before the finals are over, your Egyptian god card'll be mine!"

"Doesn't look like you have too many friends around here, tattoo face!" Mokuba said.

This is Marik?

I was surprised by the question until I remembered I told him I met Marik in Egypt. Yes. I refused to look at Yugi.

Stay away from him. Even if you know him, he will not hesitate to use you against me.

Right.

"Alright, can I have your attention please!" said one of Kaiba's men. "Seven out of eight of you are here, so now it's time to announce that, although your locator cards led you here, this is not the site of the Battle City finals!"

"The actual tournament arena should be arriving here any second now, folks," said another man.

The arena turned out to be a huge blimp. I marveled at it, feeling grateful that I was not afraid of heights. This might actually be enjoyable if there was not so much at stake. The seven finalists boarded first. I led the group of spectators, but we were stopped by one of Kaiba's men. Apparently, only duelists were allowed on board. Fortunately, Mokuba vouched for us, and Kaiba agreed to let us on.

Once inside, I walked with Marik down the halls. This place almost seemed like a hotel. Marik stopped at a door and opened it with his ID card. Then we entered. I glanced around the room, taking in the expansive space and intricate designs.

"This will do," Marik said.

I caught sight of the window. "Oh, wow." I walked up to it and gaze out at the city below, lit up brilliantly with lights. "It's beautiful."

Marik stood beside me. "Indeed. I have never seen anything like it."

I glanced at him. "You've spent all your life underground, haven't you? You haven't had much of a chance to explore cities."

Marik's expression hardened slightly. "That is correct. It was forbidden for me to leave the tomb of the pharaoh." A smile twitched on his lips. "But that did not stop you from helping me escape."

I returned my gaze to the window. "I just thought it was wrong, you being stuck in there. Everyone should be free to choose how they want to live their life."

"And that is what I am fighting for."

I turned to him and found him watching me with a gentle expression. My heart squeezed as I wished there was something I could do for him. Some way to set him free. "I agree with your motives but not your methods."

Marik gave me a small smile. "That is enough for me." And it had to be enough for me too.

I left Marik alone to prepare for his duels while I brought out my book again. Soon enough, there was an announcement over the loudspeakers for everyone to meet in the main hall. Once there, I noticed a huge buffet, which the others had already started to scour. Marik made me take a plate and pile it with food.

"Hello, Samia," Bakura said, coming up next to me.

"Hello, Bakura," I said without looking at him. I did not want to play this game.

"This is going to be an interesting night, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, very interesting."

"Hey, Bakura, let's all sit together," Marik said in his "Namu" voice. I really did not want to, but I had no choice. As we started for one of the round tables, Joey bumped into Bakura. Luckily, no food spilled.

"Huh?" said Joey. "Sorry, my bad."

"That's quite all right," said Bakura. "Everyone seems on edge."

"Yeah, pre-final jitters. By the way, how'd you qualify so fast, anyway?"

"Well, I won all six locator cards at once."

Joey appeared taken back. "Huh? No way, Bakura! You won six cards in one duel!? It can't be!"

"It was simple. I battled Bonz and his gang of zombie duelists in the cemetery. When I defeated them using some ghosts of my own, I got them to give up all their locator cards."

"But how!?"

Bakura smiled happily. "Well... Let's just say I didn't give those fellows much choice."

"You...forced...them?"

"Sort of." Now Joey really looked weird out. I resisted the urge to intervene. He chuckled nervously. "See you later."

"Right. Cheerio and good luck in your first duel."

"That wasn't suspicious," I said under my breath after Joey left.

Bakura smiled at me. "I was just having some fun with him."

"But everything you said was true."

"Of course."

I decided to leave it at that. I set my food down at the table but did not begin eating, unlike my companions. "You shouldn't let good food go to waste," said Marik.

"You need to make sure you are fit," said Bakura.

"What exactly do you think I'm going to be doing?" I asked, though I did take a bite.

"You never know," said Marik. "It is always best to be prepared."

Prepared for what, I did not want to know. I managed to eat some of the food before one of Kaiba's men caught our attention by saying, "May I have your attention please?" He stood beside what appeared to be a high-tech bingo machine. "Now, the first two duelists for round one will be chosen by lottery. To guarantee fairness, each pair of opponents will be selected completely at random. You've all been assigned a number from one through eight. The selector will now choose the first two numbers. The second pair of numbers will not be drawn until a winner is declared in the first duel. Thus you will not know your opponent's identity until just before you duel. All eight balls are of equal size and weight. The selector produces results that are 100% random. Does everyone remember his or her number?"

I took a deep breath. This was it. The first duel of the Battle City finals.

"We shall now begin selecting the first two duelists for the finals, round one!" the man said. "I'll engage the machine. Random select!" The balls in the machine began bouncing around. "Remember, if your number is chosen, you'll be participating in the first duel of the Battle City finals!" The Blue Eyes in the machine opened its mouth and caught a ball, which the man removed. "And the first duelist is... Number six! Bakura!"

"Me?" Bakura said. "I duel first?"

"You sure you're all right, man?" said Tristan. Bakura laughed nervously.

"Yeah, Bakura," said Tea. "You should really be in bed resting! You just got out of the hospital, remember?!"

"You shouldn't even be walking, let alone dueling."

"Oh, don't worry, I'm fine," said Bakura. "Being the first duelist chosen just took me by surprise."

"Stand by while we choose the next duelist," said Kaiba's man. The balls moved again until one was caught. "Please note the selection process is final. When the second duelist is chosen, both participants must proceed directly to the arena." He removed the ball. "Bakura's opponent in the first duel is... Duelist number three, Yugi Moto. The first duel of the Battle City finals will begin immediately in the Stratos Dueling Arena."

"I guess I'm battling Yugi!" said Bakura. "This should be fun."

"This duel will be played in accordance with Battle City rules and regulations. The loser will relinquish his rarest card to the winner as well as be expelled from the finals. The winner will advance to round two."

Samia, can you tell if that is really Bakura?

I hesitated. If I outright lied to him, he would know it once he discovered the truth. I don't know. The Spirit of the Ring is good at hiding his presence even from me, but something feels off.

I agree.

Be careful.

I always am.

Kaiba led Yugi and Bakura away while the rest of us headed to the top of the blimp a different way. I immediately shivered upon feeling the harsh wind. Apparently, this was an extra challenge for the duelists. I just thought Kaiba was crazy. I stood with my friends on the side of the dueling platform while Bakura and Yami faced off against each other.

"Are you prepared to lose it all?" Bakura said. Finally, the Spirit of the Millennium Ring took full control, showing his true self. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"I won't lose!" Yami declared. "Before we begin this duel, why don't you tell me who you really are and stop this charade?" Dark Bakura merely chuckled in response. "All right, have it your way then, but I think I know who you are." And with that, the Ring appeared around Bakura's neck. "It is you! The Spirit of the Millennium Ring!"

"Hey, look at Bakura!" Tea said.

"Aw, man!" said Joey. "He's wearing that Millennium Ring again!"

"That can't be!" Tristan said. "I got rid of it at Duelist Kingdom." It looked like Yugi hadn't told the others about the Ring's reappearance. "I don't know how Bakura got it back, but I know it's not a good thing."

"So, why all the fuss?" Marik said. "What's around Bakura's neck?" Everyone looked at him.

"Namu..." Tea said. "It's kinda hard to explain, but that's not really Bakura."

"You lost me," Mai said.

"You see, Yugi and Bakura both have these real old objects that have magic powers," Joey said. "Yugi's item is good, but Bakura's item is bad." I did not think it was quite that simple but said nothing.

"'Cause an evil spirit lives inside it," Tea said.

Marik appeared oblivious. "So, you're telling me there's an evil spirit up there dueling Yugi? That's hard to believe."

"Yeah, I didn't believe it at first either," Tea said.

"I just hope he doesn't drag Yug to the Shadow Realm again," Joey said. "That's not a place you wanna be."

"Well, then," Dark Bakura said, "now that the introductions are over and done with, why don't we begin this duel?"

"First, tell me why you've entered the Battle City finals and what it is you hope to gain!" Yami said. "Is it about the Millennium Items?"

"Huh. Perhaps. Yugi... Perhaps there is something else that I'm planning to take away from you besides your Millennium Puzzle."

"What are you talking about!?"

Bakura smirked. "You ask a lot of questions, don't you? There is so much about this tournament that you are unaware of, so many secrets being kept from you. For instance, how do you know that I am working alone? And are you sure that one of the people you believe to be your friend isn't really your greatest enemy?" I felt Marik tense beside. The spirit was giving too much away. At least he did not mention anything about me.

"I don't believe you! Lies are a part of your game, but they won't help you in this duel!"

The duel began. Fortunately, Dark Bakura did not send us to the Shadow Realm. Yami seemed to have the upper hand at first. He destroyed three of Dark Bakura's monsters and directly attacked his life points twice, bringing his life points down to 450 points. Still, Dark Bakura did not appeared bothered. I knew he had to be up to something.

Sure enough, Dark Bakura needed three monsters in his graveyard to summon a powerful monster, Dark Necrofear. Yami used Dark Magician Girl to destroy it. Unfortunately, that was exactly what Dark Bakura wanted. He then activated the magic card Dark Sanctuary. The ghost of dark sanctuary randomly possessed one of Yami's monsters at the start of his turn, and if Yami attacked with the possessed monster, half of the monster's attack points was taken out of Yami's life points.

"Feeling nervous?" Marik asked in his innocent voice.

"Not at all," I said. "Yugi will win."

"I sure hope so." But I knew what he meant. With his acting, I could not do anything to influence him at the moment, so I focused on the duel.

Dark Bakura played Destiny Board, a trap card that produced a game board with the letter "F." After each of his turns, another letter would be added to the board. Once there were five letters, it spelled out a word, and he automatically won the duel. I shouted encouragement to Yami along with my friends. I wished there was something I could do to help him, but I knew he did not need me.

The odds appeared against Yami. He was restricted to attacking only once, and he had to choose the right monster. Even when he chose to attack with his non-possessed monster, Dark Bakura played a card that forced the possessed monster to attack. His life points were slowly dwindling. I was tense from feeling the emotions of everyone around me.

"Yugi's running out of life points pretty fast," Duke said. "He's a goner!"

Serenity gasped. "Oh, no! Are you saying Yugi's gonna lose?"

Duke looked at her nervously. "Uh..."

"Hey, you!" Tristan shouted, grabbing Duke by his shirt. When one of our buddies is dueling, we support them all the way! So think positive, or you're going overboard!"

Duke's eyes widened. "Yugi, Yugi! He's our man!"

"Hey, Joey," Serenity said, "I know Yugi's gonna get through this just like you always do."

"He will," I said. "It's not over until it's over. He'll figure out a way to pull through." Or else he would lose more than his place in the finals.

Yami finally found a way to destroy Dark Bakura's ghost. He forced all equipped cards to be focused on Kuriboh, which meant the ghost possessed him. Then he played Exile of the Wicked, destroying Kuriboh along with the ghost. Next, he used Monster Reborn to bring back Dark Necrofear, making Dark Sanctuary unusable.

"I told you he would find a way," I said.

Serenity smiled at me. "You were right, Samia!"

But it was not over yet. Dark Bakura pulled a card that he claimed would win the duel for him: Jowgen the Spiritualist. By discarding a card from his hand, Jowgen allowed him to destroy all specially summoned monsters on the field, including Dark Necrofear. And with Dark Necrofear gone, Dark Sanctuary was back in play. Now he could play the final letter on his Destiny Board and win the duel. The ghost also returned to possess one of Yami's monsters, of course. He placed a card face down, admitting it would change the monster who was possessed if Yami chose a free one.

"It's your last turn, Yugi," Dark Bakura said. "Just one more move, and I shall win. You're done! Once and for all. You can't win, Yugi!"

"I think he's right," said Duke. "Yugi has no options left!"

"Come on, show some faith, will you?" said Tristan.

"Tristan," said Mai, "I really hate to say it, but I think Duke might be right about this. Yugi can only attack once, and when he does, that ghost is going to attack him."

"Joey, is she right?" asked Serenity.

"No way," said Joey. "Yugi is going to win this!"

"But, Joey-" Mai started.

"But nothing. He can do it! We believe in you, Yugi! I've seen you get out of tougher spots than this before, so win this!"

Mai smiled. "You're right, Joey. You can do it, Yugi! Pull the sheet off his ghost!" The others began to shout words of encouragement as well.

"There is one card he can play to win," I said. "A card unaffected by trap cards." And when I felt Yami and Yugi's hesitation, I knew they were thinking the same thing. I took a deep breath and connected my mind to Yami's. You have to play it. You have to win. The rest of us will be fine.

Alright. Brace yourself, Samia.

I moved closer to Marik. I felt his frustration, but he could not show it visibly. Only I understood his true feelings. I only hoped he did not have a way to interfere in this duel. I did not like his connection to the Spirit of the Millennium Ring.

"Prepare to experience a power like no other!" Yami said as he drew a card. Lightning erupted above us, and I flinched at the feeling of magic. He held up his card. "I sacrifice Dark Magician Girl, Gamma the Magnet Warrior, and Big Shield Gardna to summon the almighty Slifer the Sky Dragon!" A huge dragon appeared on the field, its long tail wrapping around the blimp several times. I clenched my teeth at the force of its power and from feeling Dark Bakura's fear.

"His Egyptian god card!" Dark Bakura said in horror.

"What's that?" Serenity said, shaking in fear. I wished I could help her, but I was overwhelmed by the magic.

"Ahh... Joey?" said Tristan.

"The hugest duel monster I've ever seen!" exclaimed Joey.

"Yugi," Dark Bakura said, "your Egyptian god card is powerful, but it does not guarantee your victory. I've come much too far to lose now!"

"I'm afraid it's over!" Yami said.

Dark Bakura was silent for a long minute. The he shouted, "Never! The ghost of Dark Sanctuary is still wandering the field, Yugi. And now, my evil ghost, it's time to attack! Possess Slifer the Sky Dragon!" The ghost attempted to fly into Slifer but was blocked by an invisible wall. "What happened? My dark ghost had no effect!"

"Trap cards are useless against Egyptian god cards," I explained.

"I can't lose," Dark Bakura muttered. "There's too much at stake for me. I must win!"

"You won't win!" Yami declared. "This duel is over!"

"All right!" Joey cheered. "Nice going, Yug!" I wanted to share in his enthusiasm, but I had an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Prepare to lose!"

"This can't be," Dark Bakura said.

"Slifer the Sky Dragon, attack his life points with-" Yami stopped suddenly just as I felt a simultaneous surge of magic from his Millennium Puzzle and Marik's Millennium Rod. I resisted the urge to look at my friend beside me. What was he up to? Then all eyes were on Odion as he approached with a fake Millennium Rod. "Marik!" Odion did not respond. "What does he want?"

"Perhaps you want to wait before you attack with Slifer the Sky Dragon," Odion said.

"What do you want, Marik?"

"Hey, come up here and get a piece of this!" Joey said, balling his fists.

"Joey!" Duke exclaimed, holding him from the back while Tristan blocked him from the front.

"I don't think you want to mess with this guy, man!" Tristan said.

"Hey, you," said Mokuba, "just who do you think you are, anyway? You can't just bust in here and interrupt someone else's duel."

"What is it?" Yami said, looking down at Odion.

"Listen carefully," Odion said, unaffected by all the attention. "Bakura is now under the control of the Millennium Rod, and he will do only what I command him to do."

"What? How can that be? I thought the Spirit of the Millennium Ring was in control of Bakura."

"True, but now I am in control of both Bakura and the Spirit, and now I shall prove it by freeing your friend's mind!"

"What?"

I felt a change in Bakura as my friend was given control. He cried out and clutched his injured arm. "Oh, my arm, it hurts." He fell to his knees.

"Bakura!" Yami exclaimed.

"Yugi, help me. Do you know where I am? What am I doing here in this duel? What happened to my arm?"

"It is him."

"Bakura!" I cried. I wrapped my arms around myself to hold back the pain I felt from my friend. Why was Marik doing this?

"Samia?" Bakura said. "What's going on?"

I swallowed hard. "I-" I had let this happened. I had done nothing to stop the spirit... or Marik.

"He's in pain," Odion said. "Without the Spirit of the Ring, he is weak. Therefore, you may wish to reconsider your attack. The devastation caused by Slifer the Sky Dragon could make your friend's condition even worse."

"What?" Yami said.

"Would you risk the health of your friend?"

"Only a coward would do something like this to win a duel!"

"That's a cheap trick, Marik!" Joey said.

"Bakura, hang in there!" Tristan called.

"Yugi!" Tea cried. And then Odion turned and walked away.

"I don't feel very well, Yugi," Bakura said.

"Bakura!" Yami said. He started to run to him but was stopped by one of Kaiba's men.

"Stop right there," said the man. "You are not allowed to have contact with your opponent during a duel. Take one more step, and you'll be disqualified."

"Stop the duel right now!" Tea shouted.

"Bakura needs to see a doctor," Tristan said. "We've got to get him to a hospital now."

"If you don't continue to duel," said Kaiba's man, "you will forfeit the match!"

I could hardly take it from Bakura's pain to Yami and Yugi's frustration to Marik's smugness. Although they were conflicted, I did not believe Yami and Yugi would risk hurting Bakura. Yami might at some point, but he was different now. They had to win, though, so that meant I had to do something.

"Bakura!" I cried. I ran to the dueling arena to look up at him.

"Samia?" Bakura said weakly.

"Sorry. It's not you I need to talk to." I took a deep breath. "Spirit of the Millennium Ring, I know you can hear me! You have to take control of Bakura! You can't let him get hurt!"

"What are you doing, Samia?"

"If he gets hurt, then I get hurt too. And you'll be disadvantaged, won't you? You need him to survive. I need him to survive."

"Samia..." Yami said.

"Maybe you think Yugi won't do it. How can you be certain? He believes he needs to win this tournament to save the world. Are you really sure he won't do what it takes to achieve that goal?"

"What you say makes sense, Samia, but this nutcase isn't going to listen to you," Joey said.

"Please, Spirit." I focused on sending my desperate emotions to him, not having any idea if it would actually work. "I know this isn't the way you want to win. You want to defeat Yami to prove you're better, right? This proves nothing. Take your losses and try another time. This is not worth it."

A long minute of silence fell over the blimp. Then there was a flash of magic, and the spirit took control of Bakura's body and stood up. "What?!" Yami exclaimed.

I gave the spirit a weak smile. "Thank you."

"I'm back, Yugi," the Spirit said.

"It's you!"

"That's right! I'm back in control of your friend, Bakura. Samia was right; I still need him. So, if you plan on using your Egyptian god card, Yugi, why don't you use it on me right now?" Dark Bakura threw his arms in the air. "Come on, Yugi!"

"Alright! It's time! Now! Go, Slifer the Sky Dragon! Attack!"

I braced myself for Slifer's attack. Even though I felt his annoyance, Marik allowed me to lean against him as I absorbed the magic from the blow. I was breathing heavily by the end of it, but I would be fine. Yugi and Yami had won the duel, and that was all that mattered.