Chapter 37

That was quite the adventure, Marik mused.

I leaned against the wall of Yugi's room, eyes closed. Yugi was out talking to our friends about something, but he had locked me inside to keep Dark Marik away from me. You can say that again.

I am glad you are safe.

I opened my eyes to look at the transparent form of Marik. I'm glad you're safe too. I paused. Do you really think Noah will be alright?

I do not know. He made his choice. There was nothing you could have done to help him.

Yeah, I know. I gazed up at the ceiling. At least he found redemption in the end. Hopefully that made it all worth it for him.

Your friends were impressive as well. They were able to change their minds and sympathize with him quickly. Perhaps I have been wrong about them.

They may be slow, but they do learn eventually. They're good people. I glanced at Marik. I'm sure they'll give you a chance too. They just don't understand this whole split mind thing. I doubt they fully comprehend the existence of Yami - even though Yugi and I have tried to explain it them multiple times.

Yes, they're not the brightest in the bunch. But it does not matter if they give me a chance. I want to help end this evil as well.

Hope rose in my chest. Really?

Yes. To that end, the only ones I wish to speak with are Yugi and Yami. Can you help me?

Yes, of course. We can talk when they return.

We did not have to wait long. Minutes later, Yugi entered the room. He gave me a friendly smile. "Hi, Samia," he said. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," I said. "How are things with everyone?"

"About as well as can be expected."

I nodded. "That's good. Hey, listen, Marik would like to speak to you and Yami. Is that alright?"

Yugi appeared surprised. "That's fine with us. Let's sit down." I followed him to the bed, where we sat beside each other. We both concentrated on connecting all of our minds. After a moment, Yami and Marik appeared before us.

What is this about, Marik? Yami said carefully.

I wanted to apologize for everything I have done, said Marik.

Apologize? Yami was guarded but not angry.

Let's hear him out, said Yugi.

Right, I said. Noah realized he was wrong, and so can Marik. Try to forget about the crimes that were the fault of the other Marik. This one is separate.

Yeah. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Thank you, Samia, Yugi, said Marik. I am not looking for forgiveness. I want you to know that I will do everything within my power to defeat my darker half. I realize he is my responsibility. Even when he was influencing me, the choices I made were mine. I thought the world was divided into victims and perpetrators. I was tired of being in the former category and wanted to be in the latter. You all have shown me that is not true. There is another way. There are people who respect others who are still strong. I would like to be one of those people.

I understand, said Yami. I used to abide by similar thinking myself.

Yes, that is what I assumed. It it why I thought you to be my enemy. Marik paused. But you have changed.

Yugi and Samia have helped me see the alternative as they have helped you. I now understand that just means to a goal are just as important as having a just goal.

Indeed. I did not truly realize how much trouble I caused until I saw the destruction Noah wrought. He too thought he was doing what was best for himself but ended up harming innocent people. His demands seemed as crazy to me as mine must have to you.

But I can understand them, said Yugi. You didn't think you had a choice.

Now I know I do, and I choose to be on your side. I will help in any way I can.

Thank you. We will try our best to defeat your evil side without destroying you.

That may not be possible, but I appreciate the thought.

Of course it's possible, I said. We'll find a way.

Yes, said Yami. We protect our friends.

Marik felt surprised. Thank you...

If there's anything specific you think we should do, please let us know, said Yugi.

We'll accommodate if we can, said Yami.

Alright, said Marik.

I'm glad we got that sorted out, I said. I felt much lighter knowing we were all on the same page.

Me too. That is all I had to say. Yugi, I think we should allow Samia and Yami to speak alone.

Good idea, said Yugi.

Huh? I said. Why would we need that?

Yes, said Yami. What are you- Suddenly, I felt a jolt of magic, and Yami took over Yugi's body. He gave me an apologetic look. "I don't know what he was going on about. We do not have anything to discuss, do we?"

I thought back to how Marik described our relationship. "Well, Marik thinks we are able to comfort and strengthen each other through our bond. We've been through a lot recently, so maybe that's what they have in mind?"

"I see. Do you want to be comforted?"

I hesitated. "Well..."

Yami smiled at me. "Come here."

I moved closer to him on the bed, and he wrapped his arms around me. I did the same, leaning into him. His presence did soothe me and settle my heart. "Thank you."

"It's going to be alright, Samia. We're going to defeat the evil that faces us. We'll get our friends back, including Marik."

His emotions never swayed, telling me he believed everything he said. "And then what?"

"And then... I need to find out about my past and why I'm here."

I swallowed hard. "R-Right." I did not want to think about that. The closer he got to the answer, the sooner he would have to leave. But I understood how frustrating it would be to not understand those things, so I had to help him. It was my duty to help him. "You'll figure it out. I'm sure Marik will help you with that once this tournament is over. He has no more reason to reject his job."

"Yes, that is true. We were always meant to be allies, weren't me?"

I smiled slightly. "Yeah."

"The tournament will not continue until tomorrow. We should take this time to rest and prepare."

I closed my eyes as I focused on absorbing Yami's emotions. "That is where the real struggle begins."

Yami tightened his hold on me. "Yes. And then we win."

"And then we win."

"Attention, duelists!" Roland said through the loud speakers. "We are miles from Kaiba Corp island! Preparing for descent!"

"I suppose we should get going and meet up with the others," Yugi said.

I nodded. Last night had been quite peaceful, but we agreed to get up early to get ready for the finals. Now we left the room together and headed down the hall. Yugi paused by Bakura's door, and my heart dropped with him. He partially opened the door so we could peer inside. It was empty, of course.

This tournament is getting too dangerous, Yugi said to all of us through our mind link. Now Bakura's in the Shadow Realm, thanks to Dark Marik!

It's true, said Yami. Everyone who's dueled with Dark Marik has paid a large price. First Odion was struck down, then Mai's mind was trapped in the Shadow Realm, and now Bakura's gone. Bakura lost a Shadow Game to Dark Marik, and he can't return unless the man who established the Shadow Game is defeated.

There have been too many sacrifices in this tournament.

I'm sorry, I said. This is my fault. I convinced Bakura to help us.

No, it's my fault, said Marik. It was my plan.

But I should said something. I didn't know I was risking both of them. I should have protected the innocent Bakura.

You could not have known the Shadow Realm would take them both, said Yami. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. His spirit form looked at Marik's. Your dark side was created from your hatred for me. I agree with Samia that you have not been treated right. I must be responsible.

No, said Marik. My choices were my own.

Yeah, it's not your fault! said Yugi. You can't be blamed for things you don't remember.

Right, I agreed. It doesn't matter what you did in the past or who you were then. We know who you are now, and it's the choices you make now that matter.

And you've been making very good choices lately. Haven't you been trying to protect everyone? Besides, we still have a chance to save everyone. So, keep on fighting! I know we can do this!

You're right... said Yami. When we work together, there's no stopping us! Just as Ishizu told us, we have to win this tournament and save the world!

Then let's do it! I said.

I'm with you, said Marik.

"Uh, hey, Yugi!" said Duke, coming up to us with Tristan and Tea. "It's almost that time, dude! So, grab your dueling deck, and let's go!"

"Hey, wait," said Tristan. "Bakura's in no shape to be out of bed, guys!"

"Yeah, he was lookin' pretty bad!" said Tea.

Yugi and I exchanged guilty glances. "He's... uh... just getting some air," said Yugi. "Now... Joey and I have some duels to win, and we need your help!"

"You bet! We'll be right there on the sidelines!"

"You can count on us!" said Tristan.

"For sure!" said Duke.

"We are now beginning our descent upon Kaiba Corp island for the conclusion of the Battle City finals," Roland said over the loud speaker. " When we touch down, please exit the aircraft and await further instructions!"

My friends and I made our way to the main area of the blimp where everyone else awaited us. "Whoa, check it out, guys!" Yugi said, looking out the window at a giant tower on a small island.

"That must be the duel tower Kaiba was yappin about!" said Joey.

"Now what?" said Tea.

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough," said Tristan. The ship landed, and we exited it, stepping foot onto the island.

"Look," said Kaiba. "The island we're standing on is the site of the original Kaiba Corporation, but I tore it down."

"And is that-" said Yugi.

"Yes! That's my Duel Tower, and I plan to defeat you on the very top, Yugi!" Kaiba smirked. I felt Yugi tensed, and then Yami took over.

"Look, rich boy!" said Joey. "In case you forgot, I'm in this tournament, too! And you won't be gettin' past me! I'll duel so many circles around ya, you won't know ya trap cards from ya graveyard, punk!"

"Must you insist on embarrassing yourself, Wheeler? You shouldn't even be in my tournament, you amateur!"

Joey appeared outraged. "What?!"

"Hey!" Tristan exclaimed, holding Joey back from going after Kaiba. "Calm down, champ!"

"That's it, man! You want a piece a this? Let's go!"

"Save it for your duel, man!"

"Yeah!" said Tea. "Use all of that anger to beat Kaiba in the finals!"

"Whatever," said Kaiba. "We're wasting time, so let's go!"

"It's such a lovely day, isn't it, pharaoh?" Dark Marik said with a chuckle. "Too bad some of your friends can't enjoy it from all the way in the Shadow Realm!"

"Hey, artichoke head!" said Joey. "You're goin' down!"

"Then let's get on with these duels. When do I find out who my next victim is?"

"Just chill out!" said Mokuba. "We'll tell you inside the tower, is that clear?!"

Dark Marik chuckled. "Then why don't we proceed so the fun can begin?"

"So, what's inside this thing?" said Joey.

"Why don't you try listening for a change, Wheeler?" Kaiba said before leading us into the base of the tower, where Roland stood waiting.

"Your attention, please!" said Roland. "Step to the center of the tower. The second half of the Battle City finals will take place right here!"

"So far, it's not so impressive," said Tea. "This place doesn't look like a dueling arena."

"Oh, yeah?" said Mokuba. "Just wait and see."

"As you know, there are four finalists remaining," said Roland, "Yugi, Joey, Marik, and, of course, Mr. Kaiba. You'll notice we're surrounded by doors. Each finalist must choose a door through which to enter. Choose wisely."

"What's behind them?!" said Joey.

"Before we may proceed with the next round of the Battle City finals, each participant must choose one of the doors that surround us!" Slowly, everyone chose a door. "Everyone else, come on and follow me!"

Roland and Mokuba led us along a moving walkway to the spectator's area. We arrived inside an octagonal structure that rose as far as I could see. "So, what gives, Mokuba?" said Tristan.

"Yeah," said Tea. "You mind telling us where the duelists are?"

"Why, here they come right now!" said Roland. The duelists stood on platforms that moved up the tower, stopping at a place marked 4000.

"It's Joey!" said Tristan.

"Well, it looks like the gang's all here!" said Duke.

"So, what's the deal?" said Joey. "Is this some kind of a four-way duel?!"

"Roland will explain the rules," said Kaiba. "And I've asked him to speak slowly so you can follow..."

Joey glared at him. "You're lucky I'm over here!"

"Before the winner of the Battle City tournament can be crowned, we must first narrow down the finalists!" said Roland. "So, in the semifinal round, the remaining duelists will be reduced to two. But first, gentlemen... The preliminary duel must be played. This special duel will determine who faces who in the semifinals, and all duelists will participate at one time! As you lose life points, your terminal will climb higher. The first two duelists to reach the top will face each other in round one."

"Hear that? It's a duel to see who duels!"

"Each duelist will begin with 4,000 life points, and when it's your turn, you can attack any of the other players. And now for some new regulations! You must all limit your dueling decks to no more than 40 cards, so take this time to prepare your decks. Now, connect your duel disks to the monitor in front of you. This screen will display the images of the cards you play. Remember, winning or losing this duel has no effect on how you place in the finals. This is simply a strategic way to determine who your opponent will be in the semifinal round. Again, this duel will not affect your overall placement!"

"That's good," said Tea. "So, at least all the pressure's off! 'Cause it doesn't really matter who wins and who loses in this duel, right, guys?"

"That's not exactly true," said Duke. "This could be the most important duel these guys play!"

He has a point, said Marik.

"And how do you figure that, Duke?" said Tristan.

"They can control who their opponent will be!" said Duke. "So, they might change their strategies depending on who they want to face In the semifinal round! Two duelists can even gang up on one if they want!"

"Gang up, huh? I wonder which one of those guys is in danger of getting double-teamed, Tea?"

"Knowing Joey's luck, they'll go after him," said Tea.

"Hey!" Joey called.

"Yes?" Tristan said nervously.

"You talkin' about me?"

"We were, uh, just making up a cheer for you." Tristan rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, that's it..."

"Okay... but it better have lots of cool rhymes!"

Who do you think the best match ups are? I asked Marik.

The pharaoh will need all three Egyptian god cards to fulfill his destiny, and Kaiba will not give his over unless he loses a duel, said Marik. Considering he must also defeat my dark side, it makes sense for him to face Kaiba first. That gives him the advantage of having two Egyptian god cards in the finals.

That makes sense, but that means allowing Joey to face your dark side in the first round. Do you really think he will let that happen?

If he's smart, he should. It's true that Joey will be hurt in the duel, but Yugi can save him like he can save everyone else by defeating my dark half. It is the best strategy.

Well, we'll see what happens.

"Prepare yourselves, duelists!" said Roland. "The four-way battle is about to begin! Remember, the first two duelists to lose their life points will face each other in the semifinals. It's time to begin!"

The duelists drew cards to determine the order of play. Kaiba went first, followed by Marik, Yugi, and Joey. Kaiba began by setting a card face down and summoning Vorse Raider. Marik played Newdoria in defense. Yami played Big Shield Gardna in defense. Joey apparently didn't have a monster he could summon, for he merely placed a card face down.

"Which brings it back to me!" said Kaiba. "Just as I suspected... You don't belong here, Wheeler! So, I think I'll do us all a favor and eliminate you from this duel. Vorse Raider, attack his life points now!" I felt Joey's fear and grit my teeth.

"Joey doesn't have any monsters on the field to protect him!" Tristan said, tensing.

"That's not good!" said Duke.

"Ha ha ha!" Kaiba bellowed. "Say goodbye to those life points!"

"I'll protect you!" said Yami. "And I'll do it by activating my trap card - the Regulation of Tribe!"

Joey braced himself for the impact but then looked on in surprise when it never came. "Huh?"

"Oh, no!" said Kaiba.

"Oh, yes!" said Yami. "Thanks to this trap card, I can stop the attack of one type of monster. I choose beast warriors like Vorse Raider!"

Joey grinned at him. "Thanks, Yug!"

Yami smiled back. "Joey, you and I are a team, and I'll always protect you!"

"This four-way duel is nuts!" said Tristan. "Each duelist can attack any of the other three!"

"True, but each duelist can also defend any of the other three," said Duke. "That's how Yugi saved Joey from Kaiba's attack."

"Hey, Wheeler!" said Kaiba. "Next time you won't be so lucky!"

"Thanks for the help, Yug," said Joey.

"Kaiba!" Yami said with a hint of anger. "This tournament of yours is far more dangerous than you could ever understand."

Kaiba did not respond, but his emotions told me he thought the idea preposterous. I doubted there was anything that could change his mind at this point, so why bother? He was much too silent. Everyone was silent for awhile, probably thinking up strategies.

"Wake up, Wheeler!" Kaiba said eventually. "An amateur duelist like you can't afford to be daydreaming!"

"I was strategizing!" Joey said angrily.

"But to do that you have to understand how to play the game, Wheeler."

Joey glared at him. "Oh yeah? Well, I got a game for ya right here!" He waved his fist at him.

"When are you going to realize that you don't have what it takes to compete in my tournament, and you never will? And there's only one reason that you made it this far. And that's because your little friend Yugi keeps bailing you out! You're hopeless! And if you ask me, I'd say that Yugi knows that as well!"

"What?!"

"Think about it! Why else would Yugi waste his trap card to protect you, Wheeler? Because he doesn't believe you can protect yourself! And he's right. Not only don't you have the skills to get through this... You're also the only finalist without an Egyptian god card! And Yugi knows that the only way you'll ever make it past the semifinals is if he duels for you. Or perhaps he wants to duel against you next round because he knows it's an easy victory."

"That's a lie!" Yami shouted.

"I think Yugi's just afraid to admit that he hasn't believed in you from the start! And I don't blame him!"

"Kaiba! This time your taunting has gone way over the line!"

"Is that so? If you really want to prove me wrong... Why don't you stop protecting your friend and let him finish this duel using his own pathetic skills for a change?"

Yami narrowed his eyes at him. "Kaiba!"

"Wait a second, Yug," said Joey.

Yami looked at him in surprise. "What's wrong, Joey?"

"Thanks for tryin' to help me out, but Kaiba's right! I gotta prove I can take care of myself if I'm gonna win this tournament and help ya save the world... I gotta do it on my own!" Joey's eyes blazed with determination.

Yami and Yugi were uncertain but acquiesced. "Just be careful."

And so, the duel continued. Dark Marik destroyed Kaiba's monster and reduced Joey's life points. It seemed he wanted to duel Yugi right away, which was not good. Yami tried to attack Kaiba, but after a series of trap cards from Kaiba, Yami, and Dark Marik, it was Dark Marik who ended up attacked.

"Wow!" said Mokuba. "This duel's intense! My brother redirected Yugi's attack to Marik, and then Marik tried to reflect that attack back to Yugi... But it didn't work, so Marik took the damage anyway!"

"Marik," said Kaiba. "Your life points just went down by seven hundred! So, go up there with the other chump!"

"I'm not the only one who loses life points," said Dark Marik as he moved up the tower. "You played seven tools of the bandit, pharaoh! That card costs you 1,000 life points! So your chair rises as well!"

"I'm aware of that!" said Yami.

"Yugi's in last place now!" Tea said.

"I know!" said Tristan. "But I think he lost those life points on purpose, Tea. Remember, the first two duelists to lose face each other in the semifinals!"

The fool, said Marik. If he loses to my dark side because he's not prepared, Joey will still be in danger. His strategy makes no sense.

It's hard to think strictly logically with strong emotions, I said.

Joey summoned a monster and attacked Kaiba directly. Then he played a card face down. Kaiba summoned a monster and attacked Dark Marik's life points directly, upsetting Joey. Dark Marik summoned a monster and attacked Joey to lower his monster's attack points, but Joey's trap card stopped him. Kaiba then intervened, and Joey's card was destroyed after all. Yugi hesitated on his turn. I sensed his conflicting emotions. I did not want to tell him what to do, so I decided to stay out of it.

"Yugi's in a really tight spot," said Tristan, "'cause his best bet is to duel Kaiba in the semifinals and win his Egyptian god card. But that would mean Joey would have to face Marik!"

"That would be a complete disaster!" said Tea.

"But by the look in Joey's eyes, he wants to duel Marik!" said Duke.

"You guys don't know the half of it," said Tea. "Joey told me his plan. He thinks that by defeating Marik, he can bring Mai back from the Shadow Realm. He told me so himself."

"That is true," I said. "That would do it."

"Then why doesn't he just let Yugi do it for him?" said Tristan. "It would work the same, right?"

"Joey believes he's responsible for Mai's condition," Tea said sadly. "He promised to protect her and failed. That's why he believes he has to save her by his own hands."

"Wow, that's pretty heavy," said Tristan.

"Talk about determination," said Duke. "I just hope he knows what he's doing out there!"

"Yeah," said Tea. "I'd hate to think of what'll happen if Joey faces Marik and loses!"

"I've made my choice!" said Yami. "Now, my Beast of Gilfer, attack! Your target is Marik's monster!"

"Hold on!" said Joey. "Don't do it! Listen to me. Please, Yug. You're makin' a mistake. And I can't let you go through with this. You're attackin' the wrong duelist, Yug! You shouldn't be attackin' Marik... You should be attackin' me! Trust me, Yug."

"I don't get it," said Tea. "What's Joey thinking?"

"I'd say he's not thinking," said Tristan. He cupped his hands over his mouth to yell up the tower. "Hey, Joey! I think the pressure's getting to you! Just relax and let Yugi make his move! "

"Just stay out of it, Tristan," said Joey. "This is something that I hafta do!" He looked back at Yami. "Yugi... I know you're just lookin' out for me pal, But you can't keep protectin' me for the rest of my life! I'll never learn to improve my duelin' skills If you keep goin' easy on me! Think about it! The reason I came this far is 'cause I faced the toughest opponents of my life in Battle City. They dueled against me with everything they had! And I defeated them all on my own.

"Every one of my Battle City victories is paying off right now. Those duels got me three incredible monsters. I've come a really long way since the Battle City tournament began, if I do say so myself. If you really wanna help me, Yugi, then treat me just like you would any other opponent! This is a four-way duel, and it's everyone for themselves. I don't want any special treatment."

"Let's go!" Dark Marik said impatiently. "It's time to move onward! I believe it's your move, pharaoh!"

"He's right, Yug. You're in the middle of an attack, so pick your target. And remember, if you really believe in me, then you'll stop babysittin' me And start treatin' me like your equal!"

Yami hesitated. "But, Joey, I-"

"Come on now, Yug, no 'buts!' I have no monsters to defend myself, so your smartest move is to attack me!"

"Joey, no!" said Tea.

"On the bright side, Joey does have the most life points so far," said Duke.

"Yeah, but since Joey is completely defenseless, Yugi's Beast of Gilfer will blast him halfway up the tower," said Mokuba. "He'll be in last place!"

"Yugi!" said Joey. "If you hold back I'll know you don't think I can take it! I'm askin' you as my best friend to attack me!"

"What if you lose?" Yami said. I sensed his fear.

"That may not be so bad. Remember, this duel only determines who faces who in the semifinals. And I need to face a certain someone to keep a promise I made to you and Mai!"

Yami dipped his head. "I understand, Joey. And I believe in you. Now, Beast of Gilfer, attack! Go straight for Joey's life points!" The monster attacked Joey, and I sucked in a sharp breath from the blow. "Are you alright?"

"Never better! Thanks, Yug. Blastin' my lights out was the nicest thing you've ever done for me. I'm in last place." Joey narrowed his eyes at Dark Marik. "And I'm takin' you down wit me pal! I'll see you up there!"

"Joey lost most of his life points to Yugi's attack!" said Tea.

"It will be alright," I said. "Just trust him."

Joey summoned Axe Raider... and attacked Kaiba. But Kaiba activated the trap card Ring of Destruction, which destroyed Joey's monster and inflicted damage to both of them equal to the monster's attack points. Kaiba also activated Ring of Defense to protect his own life points. Then Joey played the trap card Graverobber and used it to steal Spell of Pain from Dark Marik's graveyard to transfer his battle damage to Dark Marik.

"Awesome move, Joey!" said Duke.

"It looks like you were one step ahead of everyone else for a change, buddy!" said Tristan.

"Way to go, Joey!" said Tea. "Keep it up!"

"Good work!" I said.

Not bad, Marik admitted.

"Thanks, guys!" Joey said with a grin.

"Excellent strategy, Joey!" said Yami.

Thanks a lot, Yug!" Joey smirked at Dark Marik. "Looks like you're on the express elevator to loserville! Buh-bye, now!"

"I'll deal with you shortly!" Dark Marik said as his chair moved to the top of the tower.

"Marik's out!" said Roland.

"Hold on, you guys," said Tea. "Now Joey has no monsters to protect himself!"

"Plus, he has no face down cards, and it's my brother's turn," said Mokuba. "So, I'd say he's in big trouble now!"

"We'll see!" Tristan.

"I think this is his plan," I said.

"Alright," said Joey. "I think I've done enough for right now. So, I'm gonna go ahead and end my turn." He looked at Kaiba. "Let's see what you can do!"

"I can do quite a bit," Kaiba said haughtily. "So, watch this! You're done for. My move! You'll always be a second-rate duelist in my book, Wheeler. Blade Knight, go! Attack his life points directly!" He laughed. "It's all over, Wheeler!" I flinched at the force of the attack, but Joey's positive emotions quickly brought me back to normal.

"Fancy meetin' you here!" Dark Marik said when Joey's seat rose to his level. "Prepare to enter the shadows."

"I've been waitin' for this a long time," said Joey.

"This duel is over!" said Roland. "The semifinal bouts have now been determined!"

I took in a deep breath. "This is it."