I own nothing.
Chapter 11: An Understanding

The competitors and guests were all gathered in the dining hall for dinner.  It was only after a giant feast was laid out in front of them did the gang realize they were starving, having not been able to eat all day. Tristan and Joey took one look at the spread and did not hesitate to shovel food into their mouths. Across the table, Tea gave them both a disappointed stare at their poor manners.
"I'd like to congratulate the 4 finalists and welcome them to this final phase of the Duelist Kingdom competition." Croquet announced to the table. "I trust you all have your playoff entry cards."
"Huh?" Everyone said in unison.
"In your invitation to Duelist Kingdom, you received these 2 cards: Glory of the King's Hand and Glory of the King's Opposite Hand. You must have one of these to participate in the finals. Those without them are disqualified."
"So that's what they're for." Yugi said, recognizing the two cards from the entry pack.
"Each card provides unique prizes. The Glory of the King's Hand card is needed to claim the $3 million cash prize. The Opposite Hand card allows the winner to challenge Pegasus."
Joey immediately looked panicked as he had neither card.
"To make tomorrow's tournament interesting, your host has added a special ingredient to your soup."
Everyone looked down at the dish as replicas of the Millennium eye floated to the surface of the duelists' soup. Everyone rightfully freaked out as Rain shoved her food away.
"Well, I'm not eating tonight."
"I highly doubt he poisoned it." (Y/N) assured her, appearing beside her.
"Somehow that doesn't make me feel better."
"It's staring at me." Tea said while holding her new friend's arm.
Tristan then tested his soup. "Hey, Rain, Tea, I think ours are fine."
"I'm still not touching it." The Wayfarer said firmly.
Everyone glared at Croquet, appetites now completely gone.
"Open up the eyes and look inside them, if you will. Each of you has been randomly assigned a letter." Everyone followed the instructions and Rain glanced at the paper Yugi had gotten from his, finding the letter A written on it. "The island's computer will pair up the letters to determine tomorrow's duel match-ups."
Everyone held their breaths as the monitor came down and began calculating, eventually pairing A and B, then C and D.
Joey stood up. "Who has C?"
"Me, runt." Keith grunted.
"All right! It's payback for trapping us in that cave."
Keith just smirked. "Once I crush you, you'll wish you were still in that cave."
Joey growled, looking ready to kill the bigger male. Yugi and Mai decided against interfering and politely smiled at one another.
"Looks like it's you and me, Mai."
She nodded. "I'm looking forward to it. Rain, don't think you're off the hook just because you're not a finalist. I expect a duel after this tournament."
The younger girl grinned. "You name the time and place."
"The duels are set." Croquet said. "Yugi Moto vs Mai Valentine and Bandit Keith vs Joey Wheeler. Please enjoy the rest of the feast, because for 3 of you tomorrow, your long journey will end in failure."
(Timeskip)
With some coaxing from Mai and Tea, Rain was able to eventually get her fill. Joey and Tristan, of course gored themselves and were completely shameless about it, even drinking the eyeball soup.
"I think we should all get to bed." Yugi suggested. "If we're all gonna be in top shape for the tournament tomorrow."
Joey became crestfallen. "Yuge, what's the point? Since I don't have that card-,"
"Oh, you mean this card?" Rain said mischievously as she held up her copy of Glory of the King's Hand for Joey. "Not like I'll be needing it. Consider it my apology for keeping so much from you guys. Plus, it's always better odds to have more of your team in the finals."
"You're really something, Rain." Joey said, taking the card. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. Like I said, it's not doing me any good besides novelty."
"All this lovey-dovey stuff is making my skin crawl!" Mai teased as Rain playfully stuck her tongue out at their friend. "Good night, boys and girls, and catch you tomorrow, Yugi."
As everyone began to go their separate ways, Joey stopped Rain as she headed for her room.
"Rain, seriously, I owe you, way more than just one. You saved me from drowning, then you bailed me out of being disqualified. And giving up your spot for Yugi, that meant a lot for all of us."
"Hey, what are friends for?" She said nonchalantly before holding out her hand for a fist bump. "You can pay me back by kicking Keith's butt tomorrow."
He fist bumped her back. "You got it."
(Timeskip)
Considering she gave up any stakes she had in the tournament, Rain was free to sleep to her heart's content. Despite him being a psychopath, she was certain their little showdown in the dungeon was more than enough proof trying to steal the bracelet from her was a bad idea. So, the Wayfarer got to sleep soundly. The others (Tea, Tristan, and Bakura suspiciously looking tired) picked her up so they could head to the arena. Yugi's other half was in control, but (Y/N) didn't push for them to switch, so Rain remained herself as they all headed out. At the crossroads, the duelists and the spectators face each other.
"Well, guys, guess this is it." Tea said.
Rain nodded. "Yugi, you give Mai the best duel she's ever had. Joey, squash the creep."
Joey was more than happy with those orders and nodded with a grin. Other Yugi was obviously more calm with his nod.  As the finalists headed off to prepare, the remainder of the group headed towards the viewing area. On the whole walk there, Rain felt this itch beneath her skin, like she was being watched. She'd glanced back, only to see Bakura being his usual chipper self with Tristan. Slightly suspicious, Rain caught Tea yawning.
"Did you guys get any sleep last night?"
"Not really." She admitted. "I had this really weird dream about us sneaking around the castle."
Rain crossed her arms. "Really hope that was a dream. It's way too dangerous to wander off with a creep like Pegasus around."
"Yeah...yeah, you're right."
Rain then grinned. "Next time, be sure to invite me. I laugh in the face of dark arts, hahaha!"
"Rain..." (Y/N) said warningly.
"Let me have this."
The group settled themselves above the arena as the duelists walked in and Pegasus made his grand appearance. Rain clenched her fists as the man sauntered in without a care in the world, half tempted to strangle the pompous creep. She felt (Y/N)'s hand on her shoulder.
"Rain, it's out of our hands now. We need to have faith in Yugi and Joey."
"I know...doesn't mean I'm not angry."
"Yugi, Joey, Mai, and Bandit Keith." Pegasus greeted. "I welcome all of you to the playoff arena. Here is where the last great Duel Monsters duels shall be waged to determine the Champion of Duelist Kingdom. Only one of you shall emerge victorious. Only one of you shall win the $3 million prize, and, of course, the victor of the playoffs shall also earn the right to challenge me to a final duel."
"Challenge you?" Tristan shouted. "Well, isn't that special! And what does the playoff winner get for defeating you in the final duel?"
Pegasus narrowed his eye at them, clearly wanting to hurt them, but Rain held up her bracelet as a warning.
He relented. "The victor will be granted one request, whatever their heart most desires, and if it is within my vast power to do so, their wish will be granted. The victor will be declared the  Duelist Kingdom Champion, ranked number one in the world, the undisputed King of Games. Surely any duelist who has come this far must realize that the title, and not the money, is the real prize. Is that not so?"
"You're a regular comedian." Joey growled. "Listen you, the money's all I need for my sister's operation."
Pegasus waved him off. "Yes, yes, I'm sure some of you have more riding on this tournament than others, hmm, Yugi? And Rain, such a shame you can't join us. I'm sure the Kaiba brothers would appreciate another champion."
Rain growled, her fury starting to boil over. Worried the Wayfarer would vault over the wall and try to attack Pegasus, (Y/N) took control, sending a sharp look at Pegasus.
"Calm yourself, Rain." She said under her breath. "He's just trying to goad you."
"All right, let's get this show on the road." Pegasus said. "Only one of you will emerge victorious from these playoffs, but I wish you all good fortune. Now, shuffle your decks and may the best duelist win!"
"The first duel will now begin!" Croquet said. "Mai Valentine vs Yugi Moto. Duelists, please proceed to the arena. Before we begin the match, show me the card required for your participation." Both duelists did as asked. "Both qualify. The duel may proceed."
"Good luck." Tea yelled, slightly nervous as Joey came barreling in.
"Go, Yugi!"
"Joey!?" Tristan shouted as he and (Y/N) were pushed out the way to make room for the blonde.
"What? I was just gettin' a bird's eye view of the action. Go, Yuge! Wipe her out, man!"
"Here I come, hotshot!" Mai declared as the duel started.
"Duel!" They both shouted.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 2000LP

Mai took the first turn, drawing her card. Other Yugi chuckled.
"If you're playing honorably, you can't try your psychic act on me the way you did with Joey." His tone assured that he didn't believe Mai was playing tricks.
She shook her head. "Uh-uh, no tricks this time, Yugi. I play Harpy Lady in attack mode!"
Mai's signature monster took to the field.

Harpy Lady
1300 ATK/1400 DEF

"That move is Mai's standard opening." Tristan noted.
"Yugi, be careful!" Tea shouted.
Joey waved her off. "Nothin' to worry about. Yugi knows what's comin'. He's seen Mai's Harpy Lady in action like a billion times already."
(Y/N) pursed her lips. "Something Mai's very aware of."
"What do ya mean?"
She turned to face the others. "Mai is a skilled duelist. She's well aware that Yugi knows her deck. Something tells me we'll be seeing some new tricks from her."
Mai smirked, affirming the female spirit's thoughts. "And now, I'll lay down a second card, and end my turn."

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 2000LP

Yugi drew, setting down the card immediately, revealing it to be Gaia.

Gaia, the Fierce Knight
2300 ATK/2100 DEF

"Gaia, the Fierce Knight, attack Harpy Lady!"
The knight charged, leaping into the air.
Mai smirked. "Thanks, Yugi, I wanted you to attack. You just set off my trap."
A crystal sprouted between the two monsters, stopping Gaia in its tracks.
"A wall!?" Yugi said.
"Your Gaia ran smack into my Mirror Wall." Mai explained. "It cuts the attack of all your monsters in half. Pretty darn slick, huh, Yugi?"
With the attack negated, Yugi was forced to end his turn.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 2000LP

Mai drew.
"Guess it's my turn again. High fashion for Harpy Lady, Cyber Shield!" The female monster dawned the gilded armor, boosting her attack by 500 points. "Harpy Lady, attack Gaia! Cyber Slash!"
With sharp talons, Harpy Lady tore Gaia to pieces, dealing the first blow of the duel.
"Well, like they say, nice Gaias finish last." This little pun earned a resounding boo from Rain in her spirit form, something only (Y/N) was lucky enough to hear. "I'm amazed you fell for that trap, Yugi. Don't tell me you're losing your edge in a championship match. Ha! If I didn't know better, I'd say you're holding back."
(Y/N) blinked, mulling over the words. That move was rather reckless for Yugi as well as the spirit of the puzzle. Something was off.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

Yugi drew again.
"I lay one card facedown and then I'll attack with this."
Summoned Skull appeared on the field, charging up a lightning strike.

Summoned Skull
2500 ATK/1200 DEF

"What is he doing!?" Rain yelled. "Mirror Wall is still on the field!"
Mai agreed. "You're really off your game today, Yugi. You make the same mistake twice?"
"Mirror Wall!?" Yugi shouted as Summoned Skull's attack was cut in half. "Ugh, it's a permanent trap?!"
"Very good! A couple of turns too late, but now you're catching on. Better hurry and get that little brain of yours in gear, Yugi."
"Rai- er, are ya Rain? Whichever one you are, what just happened?" Joey asked.
"I'm (Y/N), currently." The spirit said. "While most trap cards are sent to the graveyard after their activation, permanent or continuous traps remain on the field unless something removes them. Unfortunately for Yugi, so long as Mirror Wall is in effect, Harpy Lady's untouchable. Still, Yugi should have known that."
"Yeah, Yugi's game seems off." Bakura said.
Joey nodded. "His strategy is whack, man! He can't just attack! Why isn't he thinkin' through his moves like he's always tellin' me?"
"Yugi, what are you think?" Tea said.
(Y/N) bit the nail of her thumb, trying to pinpoint what was happening, when it struck her.
"Oh no."
"Oh no?" Rain repeated. "I hate it when you're the one saying that! What's oh no?"
"Rain, answer me this: which Yugi is in control currently?"
She gave her partner a look. "Obviously it's Other Yugi."
"Are you certain? Does he truly seem in control right now?"
Rain blinked, taking a closer look before she understood. "Don't tell me."
(Y/N) crossed her arms. "Yugi is fighting the Spirit of the Puzzle. No wonder he's barely paying attention, they're too busy fighting each other."
"If they're this out of sync, how are they supposed to win!?"
Mai put her hands on her waist. "What's with you today? I expected a real battle from you, and all I get is this lame frontal assault. The only reason I duel, Yugi, aside from the island trips, the clothes, the cars, the prize money, is the thrill of trouncing a worthy opponent."
"Oh boy." Both female spirit and host said in unison.
"Are you saying I'm not worthy?" Yugi demanded.
"Not today, kiddo." His opponent answered. "Your body may be in this arena, but your head and your heart are at odds. It's really a letdown."
"You're questioning my fighting spirit as well?"
"Bingo! It seems like you're still shell-shocked about the trouncing you got from Kaiba in your last duel. Well, get over it! I'm your opponent now, and I want to beat someone battling at his best, not some duelist who acts like he's afraid of his own shadow. Get your act in gear, or I'm gonna knock you out of this tournament!"
"You don't understand, it's not about Kaiba."
"Oh it's definitely about Kaiba." Rain said angrily. "And after we save that idiot, I'm gonna kill him."
Pegasus, from his throne, chuckled. "Ah, Yugi, I can sense your fear. For some reason, you're afraid to fully tap into the powers of your Millennium Puzzle."
Mai rolled her eyes. "Well, whatever's going on, it's boring."
"I can't let you win, Mai!" Yugi insisted.
"Let me win? Listen, hon, the way you've been playing today, I don't think there's a single thing you can do to stop me! I promised you an honorable duel, Yugi, and I thought you'd give me the same. You ready to duel for real now? Are you gonna put your heart in it? Or did Rain waste her star chip on you?"
"I wish she'd zip it." Tristan said.
"Yugi! Don't let her psych you out!" Joey yelled. "You just gotta ignore her!"
"No, Yugi needs to hear this." (Y/N) insisted.
"What are ya talking about, Rai- (Y/N)?"
"Yugi may have found the will to duel again, but he's still too afraid to use his full power." She explained. "Mai knows that too."
Tea backed the spirit up. "I think she's right, guys. Mai's trying to help him. She wants to face him at his best."

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

"I promise you, Mai, I'm not about to lose this duel!" Yugi insisted. "Now, make your next move!"
She nodded and drew. "No attack this time. Instead, I'm gonna sweep your trap away with Harpy's Feather Duster!"
(Y/N) flinched as the card equipped itself onto Harpy Lady, sending a whirlwind to blow away Yugi's facedown. "Well played."
"Keep your eyes on me, Yugi. I might teach you a thing or two."

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

With Mirror Wall, Yugi decided it was time to change tactics.
"I'll switch Skull to defense mode. In addition, I'll also play Feral Imp in defense."

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

Mai was unimpressed. "Not much else you can do, is there, Yugi? My turn now. I play Rose Whip to raise my monster's attack power."
Once again, Harpy Lady's attack rose, growing to 2100. Now your Imp's gonna feel my Harpy's sting! Whiplash attack!"
Poor Feral Imp was struck across the face with the whip, bursting into a flurry of rose petals.
"Careful, Yugi!" Joey called. "Mai's gonna try to multiply her Harpy Lady next! Don't let her!"
"Don't give up, Yugi!" Tea encouraged.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

Unfortunately, either because he had no cards to play or he was too distracted, Yugi was forced to pass his turn.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

Mai drew and smirked. "Well, with this card, my Harpy combo won't be quite complete, but it'll give me more than enough power to vaporize that grungy old Skull. Allow me to introduce the ever-faithful servant of Harpy Lady!"
In a blast of fire, a large, red, wyvern-like creature with a golden chain around its neck rose up with a fearsome roar.

Harpy's Pet Dragon
2000 ATK/2500 DEF

"What is that!?" Yugi yelled.
"Harpy's oh-so-cuddly Pet Dragon." Mai answered. "Sweet as a kitten, isn't he?"
"Can we please stop referring to the vengeful reptiles as cuddly?" Rain said, even though she knew (Y/N) would not pass it along.
"Since I have a Harpy Lady out on the field, he gets 300 more attack points. Now, blast that Skull to ashes! Fearsome Fire Blast!" The fire blast could only be described as overkill as Summon Skull was practically incinerated. "Ha! I told you, you've gotta concentrate if you're gonna stand a chance against me! Why are you playing so poorly, Yugi? I've got you on the ropes, and you're barely putting up a fight! I want to duel you at your best, but there's only so far I'm willing to go. You know, I remember Joey once asked me an important question about why I duel. The answer I gave him was frivolous, but honest. Can you answer the question, Yugi?"
"I'm dueling for my grandfather, Mai."
"He's got a heck of a better answer than you do, Mai!" Joey argued in defense of best friend. "I told you, me and Yugi aren't dueling for ourselves!"
"Well, that's what you say." Mai countered. "But tell me, could it be your motives aren't entirely unselfish?"
"Huh? What are ya sayin' Mai, that we should be more like you!? Well I can do that!" Joey began a long tirade and mocking dance of Mai, ending him nearly falling over the railing.
(Y/N), starting to develop a head from all this, didn't even look as she grabbed the blonde by the collar of shirt as Tea and Tristan dragged him back up.
Tea knocked him in the head. "Will you control yourself!?"
Mai, to her credit, took this in stride, instead looking at (Y/N). "Rain, you wanna get down here and smack some sense into your boyfriend? You gave up your spot so he could be here, and he's wasting it!"
The female did not respond, sending a worried look over to her male counterpart as he drew.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

"I'll lay one card facedown and summon Dark Magician in defense mode! That will end my turn."

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 1350LP

"My turn then." Mai said, drawing. "I play the equip spell, Shadow of Eyes!"
Yugi gave her a confused look. "Shadow of Eyes?"
"Watch the arena. I really don't think you're gonna like this at all." Dark Magician suddenly switched positions, taking aim at Mai's monsters. "Shadow of Eyes exudes an irresistible force that can lure even the mightiest of monsters to battle."
"Not only that, but Mirror Eyes also forces monsters under its effects to battle." (Y/N) added.
Tea turned to her. "But that means Dark Magician will run straight into Mirror Wall!"
"And with it, Dark Magician will be an open target for Harpy's Pet Dragon."
Everything the spirit said came to pass, with the stinger being Mai using another Harpy's Feather Duster to destroy Yugi's Mirror Force, leading to his ace being destroyed and his lifepoints dropping to 300.

Mai 2000LP/Yugi 300LP

"Mai's really upped her game." Tea said.
"Who would have thought she was this good?" Joey added.
(Y/N) crossed her arms. "I had a feeling. She was invited to this tournament for a reason."
"Then, was it just dumb luck that I beat her before?"
"It wasn't luck, Joey." Mai assured him. "I lost that duel to you because you knew something I didn't. I learned more from that duel than any other I've ever played. It's true, Joey. I didn't know it then, but it changed the way I looked at dueling. I had to take a hard look at myself and admit that the reason I relied on tricks was because I was afraid, afraid to trust in my own abilities, afraid to trust in myself, like you trusted in yourself, Joey. Facing that wasn't easy, believe me."
"You've really changed, Mai." Yugi admitted.
She nodded her head. "Joey, do you know how you made it all the way to the final round of this tournament?"
"Huh?" The male hummed. "Heck yeah I do! I made it this far because I got my friends Yugi, Tea, Tristan, Bakura, and Rain behind me cheering me on!"
(Y/N) blinked at him, Rain also doing so in spirit form. "We're a part of that?"
"Heck yeah, you are! What, ya think after all you've done for us, we don't consider you part of the gang? Come on!"
Mai glanced down. "That's true, that's very true. Your friends were with you all the way, but you also have the guts to look inside and face what you saw there. You looked your demons in the eye and dealt with them. And that's a lesson everyone should learn."
(Y/N) caught a look of realization flash on Yugi's face.
Joey was too dumbfounded to even catch it. "I did that?"
Mai nodded. "That's right. In that game, you taught me that a duelist can learn more from her defeats than from her victories. You taught me to face my fears, not bottle them up. So, Yugi, have you faced up to your fears? Whatever freaked you out in your battle with Kaiba, have you come to grips with it?"
Yugi closed his eyes, still conflicted. Even from her spot on the balcony, (Y/N) could sense something happening between Yugi and the male spirit.
"(Y/N)." Rain spoke. "Switch with me. Let me say something to Yugi."
"Are you certain?" She asked.
"Yeah. I don't why...but, I think this has to come from me. I think I can reach him."
She smiled and nodded. "Do your best then, young Wayfarer."
In a flash, Rain took back control of her body.
"Gah! I definitely noticed that time!" Joey suddenly shouted as the group backed off due to the sudden change.
"Yugi!" Rain's voice was strong and confident. "I know you can hear me in there. Listen: this isn't about control, or power, or any of that. This is about finding a balance between the two of you."
He looked up at her, confused as she continued to explain.
"Like it or not, you two aren't the same person, you're separate individuals, and you may have different views about what needs to be done. But you're also linked to each other, united in your goals and wants. The only way this works is if you both come to an agreement with each other and fight as a single unit. You got that? Find your equilibrium!"
With that bizarre bit of advice that thoroughly confused the not supernaturally affected people in the room, Yugi closed his eyes yet again, this time finding himself floating in a void, facing away from the Spirit of the Puzzle.
"Hurting someone else is something I will not do."
"I meant no harm." The spirit said apologetically. "I only wanted to help, and I vow never to go against your wishes again."
The two faced each other.
"How can I believe you?" Yugi asked.
"Your grandfather once urged you to trust in the power of the Millennium Item, remember?"
"...maybe you're right."
In the waking world, Other Yugi opened his eyes again, looking better than he had for this entire duel.
(Y/N) appeared in spirit form, smiling at her vessel. "I think your words reached them."
Rain grinned.
"Mai, thank you for reminding me that a true duelist faces his problems. You're right. I was holding, but not any longer! Rain." He looked at the Wayfarer girl and nodded. "Thank you for your words as well. They were more helpful than you know."
She smirked. "Don't think for a second you aren't getting a good ol' fashion Wayfarer lesson after this duel! Clearly, you need all the help you can get."
He chuckled. "I look forward to it. Mai, let's continue this, no more holding back. I draw!"
"Just remember, you promised we'd do this my way, right?" The spirit heard Yugi's voice.
"Yes, I did." He confirmed as he drew. "And my word is my bond."
(Y/N) sighed in relief. "Seems they're finally communicating."
Rain pumped her fists. "If it's any like when we started working together, this duel's about to get wild!"
"I draw, and I play Brain Control! With this card, I can brainwash one enemy monster and control for a turn. I'll use it to seize control of Harpy's Pet Dragon."
A holographic brain appeared on the field, sending out sound waves towards the dragon. Harpy's Pet Dragon roared as it fell under its control.
Mai smiled, happy to see Yugi back on his game. "Nice move, Yugi, but Harpy's Pet Dragon is only a servant of Harpy Lady, and even brainwashed, it would never think of turning on its master. Yugi, you just made your final mistake."
He smiled back. "I know that, Mai, but I don't intend to attack your Harpy Lady. First, I play this card facedown and add Catapult Turtle to my field."
The artillery reptile joined the fight with a low groan.

Catapult Turtle
1000 ATK/2000 DEF

Rain smirked evilly. "Oh I see where this is going. Might want to duck folks. Shards are gonna fly."
"I use Catapult Turtle's ability and tribute Harpy's Pet Dragon!" The dragon flew over and loaded itself into the catapult, which took aim at Mai's remaining monster. "Because I've issued an attack, your Mirror Wall appears, and I'm going to knock it down with your own dragon. Catapult, launch!"
Harpy's Pet Dragon was crashing into Mirror Wall, bringing it down as the crowd.
"Is there anything more satisfying than watching a magic wall get smashed to pieces with a dragon?" Rain asked no one in particular.
"I can assume there are, less specific things at the very least."
"That was a rhetorical question, (Y/N)."
Mai was shocked. "He smashed right through my Mirror Wall."
"And that's not all I've done, Mai." Other Yugi revealed. "Because it was your monster I fired from Catapult Turtle, half of Harpy's Pet Dragon attack points get deducted from your lifepoints. The tide of this battle is turning, Mai."
"All right!" Joey cheered as Mai's lifepoints plummeted. "Way to go! Now you're socking it to her, Yugi!"

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

"It's my turn." Mai declared.
As she drew, she seemed to ponder her option. If Harpy Lady destroyed Catapult Turtle, it was all over, but Rain knew as well as Mai that Other Yugi's facedown was probably a deadly trap. It all came down to one choice: attack or not. Mai looked up to see if she could read anything from Yugi, but his expression was fierce and concentrated.
"Bring on your assault, Mai." He challenged.
She smiled. "Nice try, I'm not falling for your trap, and there are other moves that I can make. For example, I can triple my Harpy's attack force."
Mai played Elegant Egotist, creating her trio of Harpy Lady, but locking her out of her attack.
"That ends my turn, Yugi, but next time around, you'll get a taste of my Ladies' claws, and I promise you won't enjoy it."

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

"That's too bad, Mai." He said. "You really should have attacked me."
"Well that's your opinion."
"It's a fact. If you had attacked, you would've won."
"But you trap card!"
He smirked as he flipped his facedown. "It's not a trap, Mai. It's a Monster Recovery card."
Mai gasped as Rain grinned madly.
"Oh, he was bluffing! That was amazing!"
(Y/N) chuckled. "I must admit, that was impressive."
"It's a whole new duel now, Mai." Other Yugi said as Catapult Turtle dissolved as the spell went into effect. "I activate Monster Recovery, placing all my Monsters back into my deck, reshuffle, and draw five new cards."
Mai remained confident. "Each of my Harpy Ladies now has an attack power of 2450. There are only a handful of cards in all of Duel Monsters that can stand up against that, and from the look on your face, you've haven't drawn one."
"Yugi, don't let up!" Tea shouted. "Keep fighting!"
"I play this card in defense mode." He declared.
"You can't, remember?" Mai reminded him. "Shadow of Eyes forces all monsters to attack!"
"Nope." Rain corrected. "Not all of them!"
Other Yugi smirked. "It's as Rain says, and that will save my lifepoints! Mystical Elf!"

Mystical Elf
800 ATK/2000 DEF

"Shadow of Eyes may lure men into battle, but it doesn't work on female monsters."
Mai bit her lip. "No! I forgot about that!"
"Whew, close one." Tea said with a breath of relief.
"Sure." Bakura said, not sounding convinced. "He may have gotten through this turn, but that doesn't mean he's out of the woods just yet. It won't take Mai long to destroy that Mystical Elf."

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

"Okay, so let's see where we stand." Mai said. "You're on the board with one measly elf, and it's my turn. First, I'll use Monster Reborn to bring back Harpy's Pet Dragon. And he gets 300 attack points for each Harpy Lady on the field!"
The dragon roared as it re-emerged, stronger than ever.
Rain winced at the number. "2900 ATK!? Even Kuro would barely edge out a victory on that thing!"
"Harpy Ladies, combine your power! Exterminator attack!"
Mystic Elf was vaporized in an instant, leaving Yugi's field empty.
"Your time's up, Yugi. Next turn, I'll eliminate the remainder of your lifepoints!"

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

Other Yugi took a breath, placing his hand on his deck. Both Rain and (Y/N) could see the real Yugi, in spirit form, acting in unison with the Spirit of the Puzzle.
"Come on, we both know I'll wipe out any card you play on my next turn."
Other Yugi then drew and smirked. "I play Swords of Revealing Light!"
"Except that one." Rain teased as Mai's field was blocked off by the glowing blades.
"Looks like Yugi just bought himself 3 turns!" Joey said. "Hopefully he can figure a way out of this mess."
Mai smiled, shaking her head. "Mm-mm, decided to go down fighting, huh? Well, all right. Surrendering would be easier, but if you're really determined to go out in a blaze of glory, I'll be only too happy to light the fire."
"No, Mai." Other Yugi said. "What I intend to do is to go out in a blaze of victory. For now, I play Kuriboh!"
The little furball popped onto the field.

Kuriboh
300 ATK/200 DEF

"Really hope Kuriboh part of a brilliant strategy I'm not seeing." Rain muttered.
(Y/N) crossed her arms. "Let's put our faith in them."

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

After Mai was done making several hairball jokes, she sighed. "Well, since I can't attack, I'll pass this turn for now, but soon, you're gonna be history."

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

Yugi drew, but from the expression on his face, it was clear he didn't get the card he needed.
"This card good enough for you? Monster Reborn! I bring back Gaia, the Fierce Knight!"
The knight was returned to the field, marking the end of the turn.

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

"Oh, fierce knight, schmierce knight." Mai mocked. "Though, I guess he's an improvement over little Kuriboh, but he's hardly a threat to my Harpies and their pet."
Again, Mai passed her turn.
Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

"That'll be enough, Mai." Yugi assured, still seemingly not drawing the right card and passing.

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

Mai drew and got a very concerning look on her face.
"She's not even trying to hide her next move." Joey complained. "She's got so much firepower, she thinks she's got it in the bag!"
"My turn's over." Mai said as Swords of Revealing Light vanished. "As are the effects of your Swords. Didn't get much help out of your three free turns, did you, Yugi?"

Mai 850LP/Yugi 300LP

Hesitantly, Other Yugi reached out to draw, only to falter. It had been too risky to risk it all on one card.
"Come on, Yugi." Rain said under her breath.
Both she and (Y/N) closed their eyes, hoping their thoughts reached the boys. The Millennium Bracelet and the Millennium Puzzle seemed to react once more to each other as the girls found themselves floating, Yugi and the Spirit in front of them, their hands outstretched.
"You can do it." (Y/N) said.
The males turned to look at them in shock.
Rain smiled. "Just trust in yourselves and each other. Whatever happens, we've got your backs. All of us."
The images of the other friends appeared beside them. The two males smiled and nodded before drawing. Rain and (Y/N) were drawn out of their out of body experience (or in (Y/N)'s case an out of mind experience) as the Millennium Bracelet squeezed their wrist, glowing faintly.
"He got it!" Rain said without knowing what exactly it was.
Other Yugi held up the card. "Well, Mai, you've put up a good fight, but now the duel ends, starting with this card!"
"No way!" Rain yelled, fangirling. "He's got a Black Luster Ritual!? So lucky!"
Other Yugi placed the ritual spell down, starting the summon.
"I sacrifice both my monsters, combining their energies to open the Gates of Chaos and bring forth Black Luster Soldier!"
Mai blinked in shock as the tall knight, adorned in dark and gilded armor emerged from the ritual card in all his dark glory.

Black Luster Soldier
3000 ATK/2500 DEF

"So cool!" Rain squealed.
"Rain, compose yourself." (Y/N) said.
"I can't help it! I've always wanted to see this guy in action!"
Other Yugi held out his hand. "Now, Black Luster Soldier, Chaos Attack!"
The knight struck the ground, sending forth a shockwave that tore Harpy's Pet Dragon to pieces.
"Harpy's Pet Dragon is vanquished." Yugi declared.
"My most powerful monster..." Mai muttered.
Joey finished her sentence. "It's gone! That's amazing! For a minute there, I really didn't think that Yugi'd be able to pull it off."
"I don't think Mai did either." Tristan noted.
Rain was grinning madly. "I knew he could do it! I just never would've guessed Black Luster Ritual!"

Mai 750LP/Yugi 300LP

Mai just fell over. Facing down the legendary monster, and with her unbeatable combo just one turn short, Mai placed her left hand over her deck.
Tea looked over to Rain. "What's happening?"
"That's the gesture for surrender in a duel." She explained. "I guess she didn't have a card left to beat Black Luster Soldier."
Tea frowned sadly. "Poor Mai."
"I'd rather not see my Harpy Ladies destroyed." Mai explained. "The duel is yours, Yugi."
Mai turned to walk away.
"Wait, Mai." Other Yugi said, stopping her. "There's something I want to say to you. Thank you. You said a duelist can learn more from defeat than victory p, and you were correct. But you, Mai, taught me a lot today. I had to confront my own fears, my own weakness, or I could never have defeated you."
"It's awfully nice of you to say that, Yugi, but it seems to me I also still have a lot more to learn about dueling and about myself. But then I suppose no duelist ever learns all there is to know, and maybe the most important lesson is that defeat doesn't have to be forever. You won this duel, Yugi, but there'll be others. You and I will meet in the arena again, kiddo, and when we do, you better watch out."
Other Yugi smiled and gave her a thumbs up, which she returned.
"Hey, Mai!" Rain called out. "You still owe me a duel! I might not have something as flashy as Black Luster Soldier, but I've still got a few monsters that would shake your dragon down to its core!"
She smirked. "You're on any time, (L/N)."
As Mai walked away, Rain smiled down at Other Yugi as he was declared the winner.
"Seems like they're finally working together."
"It's a start." (Y/N) said. "But, they may need a helping hand before they're ready to face Pegasus."
"Well, that's our job, I suppose."
The two saw Yugi in his spirit form beside the spirit. Rain grinned widely and gave him a thumbs up, which he returned. The spirits smiled at their vessels before looking at each other. The Spirit of the Puzzle's smile seemed to soften as he looked at (Y/N), who also seemed to unconsciously wear an unguarded expression. Just then, a bolt of pain ripped through her head as images flashed through her mind of who she believed to be herself reaching out to a man whose face was covered by shadow as she was sinking into something. Again, she heard her name called.
"(Y/N)!"
This time it sounded so much more familiar, but she still couldn't place it. It was too distorted.
"You okay, Rain?" Bakura asked, breaking the spirit from her trance.
Given their connection, Rain toppled when the flashback began. She groaned, dragging herself back to her feet.
"Yeah, just...lost my balance." She then side eyed her spirit partner. "We need to get a warning system about these flashbacks of yours."
(Y/N) flinched. "Sorry."
The group headed off to congratulate Yugi, not noticing one of their own lingering behind, giving an envious glare as Rain and Yugi approached one another.