I own nothing.
Chapter 17: Game Over

The crowd cheered as the champion faced Joey.
"Huh, I knew guys could be dirty as pigs, but didn't know they dressed the part. Hope you duel better than you smell, you swine. You know what I like about butterflies? They don't talk!"
The two growled at each other before squaring up to duel.
Rain tilted her head. "Is it just me or does that girl sound familiar?"
Yugi nodded as Joey drew his card. "Yeah, I've definitely heard that voice before."
Joey summoned his Flame Swordsman to the field while the champion summoned a Harpy Lady. When Flame Swordsman charged, she immediately activated Mirror Wall, alerting the Wayfarer that her instinct was indeed correct.
"Is that Mai!?"
"What is she doing here?" Yugi asked as the champion mocked Joey with a laugh, confirming their suspicions.
"Ready for the big finish? Rose Whip attack!"
"Hold on!" Joey yelled, removing his mask.
"Stop!" Mai ordered, removing her mask as the attack was called off. "Joey? Is that you?"
"Mai, how did you get here?" Rain called from the crowd as she and the boys vaulted over the wall.
She blinked at them. "Rain, Yugi, Mokuba! I'm testing this game for some suits at KaibaCorp."
"Listen, you could be in danger, Mai." Joey warned.
Mokuba nodded. "Yeah, those suits kidnapped my big brother."
"We came in here to bust him out, but we need to get across the desert to reach the temple." Rain explained as Mai looked shocked.
"Kaiba's here?"
Yugi confirmed it. "Yes, and we need the Niwatori card to cross the desert to save him."
"The prize for this match?" Mai asked, now understanding the situation.
The crowd, seeing the fight was wholly interrupted, began yelling in a disgruntled mob. Joey was a bit concerned about their growing hostilities.
"Uh, I know this crowd's a fake, but they look really mad to me. We might have a problem gettin' outta here without finishin' the duel. Besides, even if we do escape, we still can't find Kaiba without that card."
"Well, I'm not so sure about crossing a desert, but I'm over this place." Mai admitted before winking. "Plus, I'm positive that I can get that Niwatori card."
Rain held up her cardholder. "We should also conserve our lifepoints as much as possible."
"An excellent point. Harpy Lady, Rose Whip attack!"
This time, instead of Flame Swordsman, Mai's monster grappled the Niwatori card from toad man. Of course, this meant they all had to run for their lives, ditching the costumes and booking it for the desert. Joey, to his credit, used his Trap Hole card to slow the crowd down, buying them time to make it to the outskirts, mount the chicken like monsters, and race into the sand storm.
"So the Big 5 paid you to test this game out?" Rain called to Mai over the roar of the wind.
"That's right."
"Wonder why." Joey thought aloud.
"Probably to make sure everything went according to plan when they used it on my brother." Mokuba reasoned. "Still, they couldn't have planned on all of us."
Suddenly, the earth began shaking as pillars of sand shot into the sky and cracks formed beneath their feet. A dinosaur shaped monster composed of stone rose up from the desert and roared at them.
"Sand Stone monster!" Rained yelled as it stalked towards them.
"We're never gonna get past that!" Mokuba said Joey drew a card.
"Never say never. I'll kick over this sand castle! Go Red Eyes Black Dragon! Inferno Fire Blast!" The draconic being roared as it was summoned before blasting Sand Stone to dust. "Heh, buh-bye!"
The sandstorm finally subsided, revealing the sky and the temple in distance. Not wanting to risk getting caught in another storm, the group rushed over.
"Whew!" Mai sighed. "Here at last."
Mokuba hopped off his mount and immediately began racing inside.
"Mokuba!" Rain yelled, hot on his tail.
The others followed suit, catching up to the boy and heading inside.
"This temple has seen better days." Joey joked, seeing the interior being more cave-like than temple. "Definitely creepy."
"Yeah, let's try and stick together." Yugi suggested.
Rain tossed Mokuba a look. "That means no running off on your own."
"Yes ma'am..."
They all came to two large, wooden doors at the end of the tunnel. Joey pushed the doors open, revealing a maze on the other side.
"It's a labyrinth dungeon! It's like where we dueled them weirdo Paradox Brothers, huh, Yuge?"
As they all stepped through the doors, they immediately shut behind them, sealing them in.
Rain sighed. "Looks like we're solving the maze."
"I'm totally freaked." Mai said.
"It's all right." Yugi reassured her. "Remember, this is all a game and we'd never reach the end of this adventure by going backwards. Rain's right, we've gotta go through the maze."
A cry came up from up the path, causing Joey to bolt after it. Mai complained about Joey bolting headlong into danger, but an emerging Labyrinth Tank immediately shut her up and got the whole group running. Joey was caught up at a split in the path as the other ran at him with the tank on their tails. They all headed left before two more tanks appeared from both paths.
"We're boxed in!" Rain yelled.
They all backed into each other.
"Anybody got a plan?" Joey asked.
"Get pass the tanks?" Yugi said almost sarcastically.
"Got a plan B? Otherwise, we're gonna have more holes in us than Swiss cheese!"
"I have a plan, but I don't know if there's enough room." Rain said, pulling out a card. "Or if she'll be in a good mood..."
Yugi pulled out his own card. "I'll use my Magical Hats. Rain, get ready."
The hat immediately fell on top of them, teleporting them away as the tank fired on the hat.
Joey grinned.
"Heh heh. I love that trick." The labyrinth shook as ear piercing screeches and the sound of metal begin torn apart echoed throughout the corridors. "Geez, Rain, what did you leave back there!?"
"My most fearsome monster." She answered. "Now, let's get out of here before more show up! Which way?"
Suddenly, a tiny form appeared with a welcoming smile.
"Look, another fairy." Yugi said. "Let's follow here."
The little guy flew off, letting the others chase after her. Eventually, they came across another person in the maze wearing an elegant dress.
"Earu, you're back!" A feminine voice greeted.
"Who's that?" Joey asked. "Where did...hey..."
They all stopped and studied the newcomer. Despite her clearly feminine features, she looked just like Mokuba in a dress and crown, something Joey found all too hilarious.
"Check it out, Mokuba. Looks like that fairy's turned you into a girl."
The small boy glared at him. "Great. Can she make you smart?"
"I mean, she does look like your twin, Mokuba." Rain pointed out.
"Not you too, Rain!" He then turned to his doppelgänger. "We heard someone scream. Are you all right?"
"I lost Earu, my guide." She explained.
"Well, we're all here now." Joey said. "So, can you get us outta this rat trap?"
The girl shook her head.
"I'm lost, too." Everyone sighed. "But Earu will find a way out for us."
The fairy pulled her weight, leading everyone to the end of the maze just as the girl said. However, that didn't mean much when a massive Gate Guardian stood in their way.
"I can't think of anything that'll beat a monster that strong!" Mai said as they all began to back up.
"Those crooks must've put it here to stop us!" Joey yelled as the Guardian prepared to attack.
A shriek suddenly rose up as powerful gusts of wind began forcing the monster back. A dark form descended from the sky, revealing a massive owl with dark indigo feathers and a pale face. Its orange eyes narrowed as it shrieked at Gate Guardian, bits of the Labyrinth Tanks clinging to its feathers.
"Ah, great another one!" Joey yelled.
"No, she's mine." Rain said before the owl glared at her, forcing the Wayfarer to give her her proper dues. "Kuro is one of my most powerful monsters."

Kuro the Relentless
3000 ATK/1500 DEF

"That bird of yours is scary, Rain, but she's still not a match for Gate Guardian!" Mai pointed out.
"Not alone. Joey, you and me. Get Red Eyes ready!"
Joey grinned. "You got it, Stormy!"
Rain pulled out Polymerization. "From the darkest depths of the forest, I fuse Kuro the Relentless with Red Eyes Black Dragon to form Dark Feathered Dragon!"
The two beasts fused, creating a new black dragon, one with the talons and feathered wings of Kuro and the build of Red Eyes. The dragon's maw came to a sharp point and curved downward, like a beak.

Dark Feathered Dragon
3500 ATK/2000 DEF

"Great try, you two, but we still need more power!" Mai pointed out.
"Just wait." Joey said smugly, pulling out his equip card. "I've still got Dragon Nails."
Dark Feathered Dragon got a nice 600 attack boost.
"That's all we need." Rain said, holding out her hand. "Attack, Dark Feathered Dragon! Ceaseless Barrage!"
The monster took the air on silent wings, descending upon Gate Guardian with speed so frightening, that the enemy was torn to shreds in a blink of an eye.
"That's amazing!" The girl said. "You're all so brave, so much like the heroes of legend."
"Ah, it was nothin'." Joey said as their fusion monster vanished.
"Ah, what was that about heroes of legend?" Rain asked before several voices came from the end of the tunnel.
"Oh, milady, is that you?"
"Lady Adena!"
"Is everything all right?"
"Grandma!" Adena said as a kind looking, elderly woman appeared with a group of soldiers.
"Milady, we've been worried sick about you! Oh." She saw the group behind the girl. "I see you've made some new friends."
Adena smiled and nodded.
"They saved me. They're the bravest warriors I've ever seen!" They all grinned bashfully, chuckling nervously. "As thanks, I'd like to invite them as guests to the palace."
"Palace?" Yugi repeated.

(Timeskip)

After their previous excursions, a covered carriage ride was much more pleasant to the group as they rode to this palace.
"Well, I still don't know what to make of this crazy game world." Joey said. "But I like this part a lot better than that crazy maze."
"I like Adena." Mai said. "At least she knows how to travel in high style."
"Very true." Rain agreed, grinning at Mokuba. "You should be flattered that your character's so cool, Mokuba."
"Yeah, milady." Joey teased.
"Stop it, both of you!" Mokuba pleaded.
"I'm just teasing." Rain assured him. "She has different characteristics that make her look more feminine."
Yugi chuckled at Rain's playfulness before glancing out the window. "Oh, look at that!"
The others turned and were awed by the sight of a village built into a mountainous forest, and at the summit, a beautiful castle.
"Excellent!" Joey exclaimed. "Hope they got food in this game."
"I just hope they can help us." Mokuba said. "We still need to find Seto."
Rain ruffled his hair. "And we will, Mokuba. I promise."
Arriving at the palace, they were given a royal welcome. Rain was awestruck by its beauty, her eyes only stopping as Earu made herself comfy in Yugi's hair. She giggled at the sight as Adena smiled.
"It seems Earu has taken a liking to you."
"Is this your palace?" Yugi asked.
"Why, yes. I am the princess of this land, Sin Lau, Princess Adena."
"Princess!?" They all repeated.
Not long later, the group was seated in the royal dining area, a grand dinner laid out before them. Joey, of course, was inhaling everything on his plate.
Mai stink eyed his bad manners. "Careful, everyone, keep your hands and feet away from Joey's mouth.
The blonde began choking, causing his Wayfarer friend punch his back to get him to swallow.
"Chew your food, will you?"
"Nah, happens all the time."
"Disgusting." Mai muttered.
"Princess Adena." Mokuba spoke up. "Do you have any news of my brother, Seto?"
The princess looked down. "Well, I didn't want to say anything before, but people often disappear when it is time for the offerings."
"Offerings?" Yugi said as Rain gulped.
"Please tell me we didn't walk into a human sacrifice plot line."
"Every year at this time, offerings are collected from this and another kingdom so that the Mythic Dragon can be resurrected."
Yugi gasped. "Mythic Dragon!?"
"If that's our final boss, we're gonna need more than just Dark Feathered Dragon." Rain whispered to him as the princess continued to explain.
"The other kingdom has already put up their offering, some stranger from a distant land."
"That's Seto!" Mokuba stated. "Please! Tell me where he is!"
"He's in a dark castle floating in the sky."
"Why does that sound familiar?" Joey asked as Yugi and Rain clenched their fists.
"The Castle of Dark Illusions?" The star haired boy surmised.
The princess nodded and motioned to her left. "That painting tells the tale. We have passed down the legend for generations."
The group turned to see a small painting on the wall behind them.
"Long ago, a hero escaped that dreaded castle on a flying machine. It is said he hid his vessel in Sin Lau a thousand years ago. His ship was never found, and there's no other way to reach the dark castle."
"We could fly there on Joey's dragon or Rain's owl." Mai suggested.
Rain gave her a look. "Kuro's temperamental on a good day. I'm not asking her for a piggyback ride into the sky."
"In addition, a magic barrier protects the castle." Adena added. "No Duel Monsters can penetrate it."
Mokuba was distraught at these words.
"Mokuba." Rain called, seeing this. "Listen to me. I promised we'd get him back. Do I ever break my promises?"
"No..."
"Just listen to her, kid." Mai assured before looking at the princess. "So, what are you going to do about your kingdom's offering?"
Adena stiffened. "Oh, well...I've...volunteered." They all gasped. "But don't worry about my fate, for with the legend comes a prophecy. It predicts a band of noble heroes will journey to Sin Lau from beyond the distant mountains. United, these great heroes would create a power strong enough to destroy the Mythic Dragon."
Rain nodded, rubbing her chin. "So, Kaiba went with the classic 'slay the dragon' story. Seriously, he could've asked me for at least some inspiration. I could've written him one. Heck, I've told him some good Wayfarer stories he could've used!"
"Sorry, Rain." Mokuba said. "You know he prefers gameplay over story."
"That's not an excuse!"
Yugi nudged his friend gently to get her back on track before looking at Adena. "Are you saying you think that the heroes from the legend are us?"
She nodded with a smile. "Yes. On your shoulders rests the fate of our kingdom."
"All right now!" Joey cheered. "Super Joey is here to save the day!"
Mai gave him a look. "Super dork's more like it. This isn't an eating contest, Joey. This is dangerous."
"Whatever. We gotta go through that Mythic Dragon to rescue Kaiba anyway, right? Way I see it, there's no choice."
Yugi nodded as Rain grinned at him.
"You and I already have one prophecy to manage. What's one more?"
Adena looked relieved. "To properly prepare you, we will adorn you in the manner of our greatest heroes."
Getting their armor was more of a fun time for some. Mai absolutely rocked her swordswoman outfit, complete with stylish cape.
"A girl like me could get used to this. How's you make out, Yugi?"
The male stepped into the open, garbed in an armored set that was truly fit for a knightly hero.
"Well, I feel a bit silly."
"Silly?" Mai repeated. "I think you look great! I'm sure Rain will like it."
Yugi blushed slightly, scratching his cheek. "Y-you think so?"
"Positive."
Yugi a little more confident after hearing that and sat on a nearby crate to wait for the rest of their party. "You know, Mai, KaibaCorp's execs have reprogrammed this game. You could be putting yourself in danger."
"Yugi, did you check me out? I look way too good to be sittin' at home." She winked at him. "If you're gonna be worried about a girl, worry about Rain. What's been going on with you two since Duelist Kingdom?"
The male's stuttering returned. "W-well, it's kinda...complicated. She actually moved to our city and transferred to our school, so now we can hang whenever. I'm...really looking forward to that. But, she's also got important stuff to worry about with her tribe."
Mai shook her head. "Oh, you poor, innocent souls. Neither of you can take a hint to save your lives, could you?"
"What?"
She shrugged. "Oh, never mind. Speaking of Rain, where is she? And Joey for that matter?"
The mentioned male peaked his head out from behind a set of curtains. "Back here, and back here's just where I'm stayin', too."
"Oh, come on." Mai taunted. "Don't be such a wimp."
Joey pulled the curtain aside, revealing himself to be in cavemen rags, arm biddings, a dragon skull helmet, and wielding a wooden mace. He was incredibly embarrassed.
"I'm wearin' a bathroom rug, Mai!"
Granny stepped into the room. "But, Joey, this is the traditional garb of our greatest national hero."
"Okay, we're missing one more." Mai said, ignoring Joey's embarrassment. "Rain, you done yet?"
"I'm not coming out!" She called from a closet. "I look ridiculous!"
"Come on, Rain, I'm sure you look fine." Yugi tried to encourage as Joey groaned.
"Trust me, Stormy, you can't look as bad as me."
"Yes I can!"
"Suck it up, Wayfarer girl." Mai snapped. "You're the one who promised Mokuba you'd save Kaiba."
"...fine. But any of you make fun of me, I will chuck you out the window!"
The Wayfarer stepped out, revealing herself to be dressed as what appeared to be a sorceress. Her attire was quite form fitting while still appearing like armor, a skirt, boots, and a spiral hat that seemed more like a helmet. She was also rocking an impressive magical staff (basically, you're dressed up as a Magician Girl; which one is up to you). Yugi blushed harder and Mai was delighted, though Rain misinterpreted their silence.
"See? I told you! I don't mind being the mage of the group, I just can't pull off this outfit!"
"I disagree vehemently!" Mai perked up. "You are rocking the seductive sorceress look, Rain. You might be lacking in the height department, but you clearly got it where it counts."
Rain's face exploded with red. "MAI!"
"What? It's the truth." She then smirked at Yugi. "Go on, tell her, Yugi."
"I-I-!" Yugi's words caught in his throat before he stood straight. "You look great, Rain! I promise!"
That did nothing to settle Rain's blush, but it did get her to small softly. "Thanks, Yugi. Y-You look really good in that armor. Very heroic."
Despite his embarrassment, that very much pleased Yugi to hear. As Mai stared at the two as they bashfully stumbled about, she realized that this was A: a serotonin boost that bordered on the diabetic, and B: the slow burn soap opera that was likely to be the death of her before it finally came into fruition.
Oh well, she adored those types of dramas.
Outside, a storm suddenly whipped up, making lightning crash around them. Sensing something was wrong, the party walked out onto the balcony to get a better look.
Yugi looked up at the storm. "I've got a really bad feeling about this..."
Rain crossed her arms. "You and me both."
Adena then joined them, Mokuba at her side in his new hero attire.
"Princess, it's far too dangerous for you out here!" Granny insisted.
Just then, a shadow emerged from the clouds.
"A castle floating in the sky." Yugi noted. "The Castle of Dark Illusions!"
"Never mind the castle!" Mai yelled. "Look!"
A swarm of Duel Monsters approached the town, screeching into the air.
Joey gritted his teeth. "It looks like they've come to get their offering."
"Get ready, everyone." Yugi warned.
"Leave it to me." Mai said, pulling out a card. "Dark Witch, attack!"
Mai's monster dove into the fray, carving up several monsters as they approached, but there were simply too many.
"This won't work." Rain said. "There's just too many. Mai, call back Dark Witch and save your lifepoints, we'll figure something else out."
"All right." Mai agreed, calling back her monster as Yugi pulled out a card.
"I've got an idea. Go, Dark Hole!"
The card was immediately knocked from his hand as a kunai pinned it to the ground. Rain looked up to see a dark figure on the tower. "Armed Ninja!"
The monster fired off a net, capturing Adena and pulling her in. Rain immediately grabbed onto the net and started getting dragged off herself.
"Princess!" Granny yelled.
"Hang on, Rain!" Yugi yelled as Mai joined in.
"Don't let him get away!"
"Go, Axe Raider!" Joey called. "Use Kunai with Chain to attack!"
Axe Raider followed orders, destroying the ninja and causing the girls to plummet. Unfortunately, a Whiptail Crow grabbed the net and dragged the princess away as Rain lost her grip and fell. Yugi ran to catch her, the two of them falling to the ground as he did so.
"You okay, Rain?"
She rubbed her head then nodded. "I think so. Thanks for the save."
"Adena!" Everyone else yelled as the monsters vanished with the princess in tow.
"Oh no!" A familiar voice yelled. "What have I done?"
Rain eyes shot open as she turned to 'Mokuba'. "Wait, Adena!? Then that means who they took was-,"
The girl nodded. "Mokuba. He wanted to go."
"He pulled the switcheroo trick on me!" Rain yelled. "I can't believe I fell for it! Now he's gone!"
"I'm so sorry, Rain." The princess apologized. "I'm the one meant to be offered, not him. Please, you must save him!"
"I intend to." The Wayfarer said surely. "Well, if we're following a typical plot line, then we need to find the hero's airship."
"Hey, look!" Yugi said, pointing at a set of ruins in the distance, now sporting a bird symbol. "It must have been uncovered by the storm!"
"That symbol." Adena recognized. "The legendary flying machine!"
"So this is where your ancient hero hid it."
"But, even if it's buried under there, it must be a fossil by now." Joey pointed out. "How could we ever restore it?"
"I don't know, but it's our best shot at saving the brothers." Rain insisted. "Let's go check it out."

(Timeskip)

"Rain, this is hopeless." Joey insisted as they scavenged the ruins. "There's no way a plane that old is gonna fly."
She gave him a look. "I wield an ancient artifact of legendary magical power and share a body with an ancient spirit. I can manipulate a game world to get us up to the castle.we just need to restore the ship."
"Not just that!" Yugi realized. "Restore it to the way it was 1000 years ago!"
"How's that possible?" Joey asked.
Mai blinked, now understanding. "Of course! Your Time Wizard, Joey!"
"Oh right!" He said, pulling out the card. "But if we spin the roulette and it lands on skull, it'll take our lifepoints."
"We've got to risk it." Rain said. "Seto and Mokuba's lives hang in the balance."
Mai and Yugi nodded, agreeing to the risk as Joey held up the card.
"Here goes nothin'. Come on, Time Wizard, take these ruins back 1,000 years! Time Roulette!"
The clock sprang up and began to spin. Around them, the ruins began shifting, the broken pieces mending and reforming into ancient structures. They all took cover until eventually everything finally stopped, revealing a grand city.
"Old Sin Lau." Mai realized. "It's beautiful."
The ground began to rumble and cave beneath their feet, dropping them onto a massive flying machine which burst out of the ground. Rain had her fingers sunk into the ground as if she were a cat with claws.
"Good work, guys. Now let's never do that again."
As Yugi and Mai worked to pry the poor girl from the floorboards, Joey glanced around.
"Wow, we're actually flying." In the distance, they could hear the kingdom's citizens cheer for them. "Talk about a bon voyage."
"So long, everyone!" Yugi waved as they finally got Rain unstuck.
"Is that Earu flying towards us?" Rain asked as the little fairy circled around them both.
"I guess they went to come with us." The little fairy nodded, making themselves cozy again in Yugi's hair. "All right, Kaiba, Mokuba, we're on our way!"
"I'm driving!" Joey yelled, running to the steering wheel. "I called it!"
"Absolutely not!" Rain shot down, pulling out a card and summoning Gumo. "Let the mechanic drive!"
The dark monster took the helm and began to expertly steer them towards the Castle of Dark Illusions, Joey pouting and crossing his arms.
"Lucky."
With Gumo steering them directly into the eye of the storm, the group kept a look out for monsters in case a battle broke out.
"Uh, this is your copilot speaking." Joey said. "If you direct your attention to the left side of our aircraft, you can see that freaky floating castle, some clouds, and what appears to be a swarm of ferocious winged monsters ready to devour us!"
Gumo steadied the ship as the hoard charged.
"Here they come." Yugi said as he and Rain got their cards ready, the Wayfarer calling back her Gumo.
"And I couldn't be more ready." Mai, sicking her Harpy Ladies upon them.
"Attack, Giltia!" Joey jumped in.
Yugi and Rain stood side by side, holding up their ace cards together.
"Dark Magician/Ori, attack!"
Dark Magician and Ori cleaved through a line of monsters with a combo of dark and light magic. However, beneath them, the haul was getting bomb rushed. Yugi tripped, falling onto his back as a Whiptailed Crow dove for the kill.
"Yugi!" Rain called, running towards him even if she wouldn't be fast enough. Earu was though, jumping in front of the male and putting up a small barrier to prevent the monster from going forward. The beast responded by swatting the fairy away.
"Earu!" Both Yugi and Rain called out.
The little fairy's act was not in vain as Dark Magician swooped in and sniped the beast, allowing Yugi to hold up his next spell card.
"Swords of Revealing Light!"
The barrier erected halted the waves of monsters as Rain cradled Earu in her hands. Yugi was at her side, pleading with the fae to live.
"Are you okay? Earu, say something."
The fairy only smiled at them before disappearing. Heartbroken, the two felt a rage within them, one which resonated with their Millennium Items. With tears in their eyes, the two handed controls off to their spirit counterparts. (Y/N), enraged by Rain's sadness, pulled a new card from her deck.
"Joey, take the wheel and keep the ship heading straight ahead."
Joey, knowing better than to talk back, took control. "Ah, sure, but there's still an army ahead of us."
"Which is why I'll clear the way. Kuro! Come forth!"
The massive owl appeared in the sky with a piercing shriek and flew beside the ship. She glared at the spirit, but the sharp look in the female's eyes immediately made the bird back down. (Y/N) held out her hand.
"Kuro, clear the path! Relentless Power Dive!"
The owl shrieked, climbing into the sky before slamming into the horde in a black blur. What monsters weren't shattered from Kuro's attack, they were knocked clean out of the air. With a way forward, Joey rammed the ship into the magical barrier.
"All right!" Joey said. "We're almost at the Castle of Dark Illusions! We're home free!"
"Not quite yet." Yami interrupted, seeing something charging at the front of the castle. "Turn!"
Joey spun the wheel as a blast of fire barreled at them, grazing the wing and setting alight. Mai gritted her teeth, seeing a dragon composed of pure fire pop out from the hole in the castle.
"A Salamandara! Harpy, attack!"
As Harpy Lady made quick work of the drake, Joey turned his head back to the damage.
"We got hit!"
"This ship isn't going to be airborne for very long!" (Y/N) shouted, whistling for Kuro as the flames crept towards the engine.
The owl flew towards them as part of the engine exploded as debris came at them.
"Abandon ship!" Joey yelled.
Yami grabbed (Y/N)'s arm as they all leapt off, landing on Kuro as the ship exploded. (Y/N) slipped a second, but Yami immediately readjusted his grip and yanked her back up.
The female spirit sighed in relief. "Thank you for that."
"Don't mention it." Her male counterpart insisted. "Excellent thinking on your part."
Mai's harpies emerged from the clouds, carrying Giltia, Dark Magician, and Ori with them.
Mai grimaced as the ship plummeted in a fiery wreck. "Close call."
"Let's try to avoid making it any closer." (Y/N) replied, guiding Kuro towards the castle. Kuro landed on the outskirts, forcing the group to run to the castle on foot so as to not be spotted, much to Joey's annoyance.
"A floating castle with its own forest? I think maybe Kaiba ought to spend more time in reality."
"Keep your guard up." Yami warned.
Mai then came to a halt, pointing at a ravaged set of trees in the distance. "Look, Cocoon's of Evolution!"
"Why are they buzzing?" Joey asked as a whole swarm of Killer Needles rose into the air.
"That would be them." (Y/N) said. "Ori!"
The light spirit bounced from Harpy Lady's grasped, firing a barrage of spirit flames. Joey ordered Giltia to back up the small spirit, only for a different monster to latch on to the knight and explode. Fortunately, in a final brave act, Giltia grabbed Ori's tail and flung him back to the group.
"My knight!" Joey yelled as (Y/N) caught the light spirit.
Yami grimaced. "Man Eaters. This must be one giant bug nest."
"Incoming!" Joey yelled as the swarm dove at them.
"Go, Mirror Force!" Yami shouted, the trap card disintegrating the entire swarm.
Unfortunately, the blazing corpses of the bugs plummeted to the forest below, setting it ablaze, causing the cocoons to hatch into Great Moths.
"Either of you got a plan for the Great Moths?" Mai asked as they approached.
"I have one." (Y/N) said. "Ya-Yugi, I'll need Catapult Turtle and Kuriboh."
He nodded and summoned the two beasts as (Y/N) summoned Gumo, who immediately began tinkering with the turtle. Kuriboh loaded up into the catapult, preparing for launch.
"I'm still not follow this, you two!" Joey said as the moths got closer.
"An enhanced Catapult Turtle with pinpoint accuracy and a team of detonating Kuribohs should do the trick." (Y/N) explained. "On your cue Yugi."
Yami nodded, pulling out a spell card. "Right, go Multiply!"
Kuriboh was launched into the air and was cloned, becoming a blanket of bombs that went off the second they touched the moths, who fell into the flames below. (Y/N) sighed in relief before Yami smiled at her as Mai and Joey jumped excitedly together. Eventually, they managed to escape the forest to a nearby tunnel.
"Wow." Joey said, unimpressed. "From creepy forest to creepy cavern, and still no trace of Kaiba and Mokuba."
They all paused as a roar echoed through the tunnels.
"What was that?" (Y/N) asked.
"Most likely nothing good." Yami said as a bolt of lightning crashed in front of them.
In the brief instance the light had blinded them, the room transformed into an arena with a flight of stairs at the back. Just then, the familiar head of a certain dragon clawed it's way out the darkness.
"A Blue Eyes?!" Yami shouted as the Kaiba brothers descended from the opening made by the dragon.
"Kaiba, Mokuba, you're okay!" Joey said. "What a relief! We've been all worried."
"Wheeler, you look like an overgrown monkey in that outfit." Kaiba could not help but insult. "Rain, what are you wearing?"
(Y/N)'s eye twitched. "You designed this world, you tell me."
"This is the thanks we get for coming to-!"
Joey's ranting was cut off by cackling of familiar old men,
"Congratulations, gamers. You've made it to the final level."
Kaiba smirked. "Correction, you slime ball, we've beaten the game."
"Oh, is that what you think, Seto Kaiba?"
"That's right. I escaped the lava pool, therefore the Mythic Dragon wasn't summoned, and that means this game is over!"
(Y/N) sighed, having a sinking feeling where this was going.
"If only it were ever that simple, even in video games." Her male counterpart gave her a confused look. "Rain insisted I experience as much of the modern world as I can, including video games."
"Ah." He said while nodding.
As if to prove her point, another one of the Big Five laughed. "It will be game over, all right, but for you, not us."
The room around them dissolved, revealing the circuits making up the game world.
"Seto, what's happening?" (Y/N) asked.
"They've rewritten the program! They're summoning the Mythic Dragon themselves!"
In a flash, the five headed dragon appeared with a roar. Each head represented a different element and it towered over the entire group.
"Everyone, stay close." Yami encouraged. "We either win together or fall together."
"Man, have I had it with this virtual reality stuff." Joey complained. "Rescuing Kaiba was one thing, but now we gotta deal with this Mythic Dragon, too!? I'm really starting to miss my body."
"Suck it up!" Seto snapped. "There's only one way we can get out of this game."
"I agree." Yami said. "We have to slay the dragon."
Everyone nodded.
"Me first!" Mai said. "And I call out the Harpy Lady Sisters!"
Using her Elegant Egoist spell card, Mai summoned out her three Harpy Ladies, only for them to immediately be restricted.
"What!?"
One of the old men chuckled. "Just another bit of reprogramming that we did."
"We call it the Dragon's Seal and it makes this lair a sacred place where only dragons are allowed to attack. Every other monster is useless."
Kaiba laughed. "You dare challenge me to a battle of dragons? You five should all know better than that. I call the Blue Eyes White Dragon!"
Joey followed suit as one of Kaiba's dragons appeared. "Only dragons, huh? Fine! Go, Red Eyes!"
"Harpy's Pet Dragon!" Mai jumped in.
"Lindworm of Nibel!" (Y/N) called, summoning a glowing white serpentine being with only front legs, spikes along its spine, a sharp pointed tail, and branch like antlers.
"And I summon, Curse of Dragon!" Yami finished. "Your Mythic Dragon will not stand against all we have set against it!"
"Attack!" Everyone ordered.
The five dragons fired in unison, but their attacks were blocked by each of the dragon's five heads.
"This isn't working!" (Y/N) said through gritted teeth. "They're just cancelling each other's attack!"
"How true, but there is one member of your party that has no dragon to attack or defend." One of the old men pointed out. "Isn't that right, Mokuba!"
"Wait." Kaiba spoke. "No, you wouldn't!"
The sand dragon fired a blast barreling at Mokuba.
"Block it, Red Eyes!" Joey ordered.
Red Eyes raced in, sacrificing itself for Mokuba as Joey's lifepoints plummeted to zero. The blonde collapsed.
"Joey!" Mai, Yami, and (Y/N) yelled as they raced to him.
"Yugi, so long. I'm done for."
"Don't say that!" Yami said, even as Joey began to disappear.
"Stay with us, please!" Mai pleaded.
Mokuba clung to (Y/N)'s side. "You can't go!"
The blonde only smiled as he vanished.
"We've lost him." (Y/N) said through gritted teeth.
"You creeps!" Mai screamed at Mythic Dragon. "What kind of sick, twisted game have your turned this into?!"
"Game? Hahaha! This ceased to be a game long ago."
"We need a new tactic." Kaiba growled as (Y/N) helped Yami back to his feet.
"Agreed. Our dragons alone can't win this."
"I think I know a way we can." Yami said.
Kaiba looked over at him. "What do you mean?"
"As strong as that Mythic Dragon might be, there's one creature that can beat it." Yami pulled out two cards. "Black Luster Soldier, I summon you by sacrificing the power of my dark knight and my Curse of Dragon!"
Black Luster Soldier emerged onto the field, though he too was incapable of attack. Mythic Dragon aimed to destroy the newly summoned monster.
Seeing the attack coming, (Y/N) held out her hand. "Lindwor-!"
"Save that ability for those boys, Rain!" Mai cut in. "Harpy's Pet Dragon is taking this one!"
"Then you shall pay the price!" The Big Five mocked as Harpy's Pet Dragon was annihilated and Mai's lifepoints were depleted.
"Mai!" Yami and (Y/N) shouted.
The female spirit caught her as she fell over. "Mai, you knew Lindworm's ability, why did you stop me!?"
"Because you're the only one who's gonna force those two to work together. I'm not gonna be around to see how this whole thing turns out, so it's up to you to make sure it wasn't in vain."
Mai vanished and (Y/N) growled, slamming her fist into the ground. Yami was there to help her back up.
"We will avenge her, I promise."
The female spirit nodded. "We have one chance. Yugi, Kaiba, you have to combine your strength now."
"No way." Kaiba rebuffed. "He doesn't even know what he's doing!"
Yami growled at him. "You just have to trust me, Kaiba!"
"I don't have to do anything, Yugi. I can win this battle in my own way."
"You'll win nothing!" The Big Five mocked. "Two of your group are already gone, and now, we'll make it three!"
The dragon fired upon them, not aiming at Blue Eyes, but Seto himself. Mokuba pushed Seto out of the way, however, (Y/N) refused to allow tragedy to strike again.
"Lindworm! I evoke your ability!"
In a flash, the spirit beast appeared before Mokuba, protecting him. However, as it was destroyed, the two spirits felt a surge of pain in their head. They saw images of two men facing each other, one brandishing a knife behind his back. A woman then appeared as he raced forward to stab his foe, plunging the knife into her chest instead as they heard a scream.
"(Y/N)!"
(Y/N) gasped and clutched her chest as she fell over. Yami caught her in time as she began to cough violently. Mokuba raced to her, tears in his eyes.
"It's...fine..." (Y/N) struggled to say from beneath her hand. "Lindworm's effect has the benefit of halving any battle damage. However, I'm afraid I can't be of any more help without him."
"Don't say that, Rain!" Mokuba said, hugging her.
Yami was particularly worried as that attack seemed to do far more damage than it should have.
"(Y/N), please, conserve your strength. We'll take it from here."
"That would likely-," She paused as she removed her hand from her mouth.
The two spirits stared in horror as her palm was covered in blood. (Y/N) immediately placed it to her chest, a deep puncture wound now there, and yet not.
"Will you two get a hold of yourselves!?" Kaiba shouted, making the two spirits blink.
In that instance, the blood was gone, as well as the lingering effects of the attack. Yami quickly put his cape around (Y/N) and stood in front of her and Mokuba, as if shielding them.
"Kaiba, enough of this. There are greater things at risk than pride. We must work together or we will all lose. Now, have faith and bring out your ultimate beast."
Seto, after nearly having Mokuba sacrifice himself to save him and to almost immediately lose Rain as well, seemed to finally get over himself as he called forth the power of his dragons.
"Come forth, Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon! I hope you know what you're doing, Yugi!"
The three dragons fused together, creating their mighty three headed form.
"Fool, that name means nothing! Though that dragon is powerful, ours is the ultimate one!"
"For now, maybe." Yami stated. "But once he has combined himself with another, your dragon's reign will be through. According to legend, when the heroes are united, they will create a power strong enough to destroy the Mythic Dragon. We will fulfill that prophecy now! Go, Polymerization! Combine!"
"Mythic Dragon, obliterate them!"
All five of the heads attacked at once, only for the attack to fizzle as a new being emerged, Black Luster Soldier atop Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
"Behold, the supreme Dragon Master Knight! Now, see his awesome powers!" Dragon Master called upon the spirits of the fallen dragons and sapped power from Mythic Dragon. "The Dragon Master Knight gains the attack power of all dragons on the field and in the graveyard. Now, in the memory of Joey and Mai, we will topple your beast!"
"Attack, Dragon Master Knight!" Kaiba ordered.
"Dragon Saber Blast!" Yami finished.
Both the beam saber and the three blasts of Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon combined into one, tearing apart Mythic Dragon once and for all. The world around them collapsed as the four were left plummeting into the abyss. (Y/N) held Mokuba tight, covering him in the cape that still draped over her shoulders, shaking as she felt herself be pulled into a dark void once more. However, when she opened her eyes again, she saw no abyss, but sky. A crowd cheered, making her jerk up.
"We're okay!" Mokuba shouted.
(Y/N) sighed in relief. "Thank heavens."
Yami and Kaiba, who were also lying nearby, quickly ran over and got them to their feet.
"Are you all right?" Kaiba asked his brother.
Mokuba nodded and smiled. "Yeah, thanks to Rain."
"How are you feeling?" Yami asked her, still feeling his female counterpart leaning on him to steady herself.
"Exhausted. But, I think I managed." She then caught Yami studying the spot where the stab wound had been before. "It's gone. I don't know what that was, but it's gone."
"(Y/N), it clearly had an effect on you."
"As it did you, it would seem. We can discuss that later."
"Our heroes!" Adena greeted. "What you've done will keep my people and our land safe forevermore!"
"We're not the ones that you should be cheering for." Yami said somberly.
"Mai and Joey sacrificed themselves to save us." Mokuba choked up. "They should be here!"
"Fear not." Adena assured. "The losses you've suffered are too great for any hero to bear, no matter how strong they are."
They all looked at her in shock as the princess transformed into the Mystical Elf, singing a song of revival as Joey, Mai, and even little Earu appeared, unconscious.
The group all smiled as they were reunited.
"Ah, man, what just happened to us?" Joey asked.
Yami and (Y/N) just hugged the two as a portal opened.
"The exit portal." Kaiba said. "Let's go, Mokuba."
"Hey, hold it a sec, Kaiba." Joey intercepted. "Don't you think the very least you could do is say thank you or something?"
"I never asked for your help, and as far as I'm concerned, I never needed it."
"Ah, come on!"
"Yugi, you on the other hand I will offer some gratitude. We made a good team, you and I, but don't think it means we'll be partnering up in reality."
Yami smiled back. "Very well, but despite whatever grudge you may still hold against me and the others, perhaps you can at least begin to stop looking at us as just adversaries and more as friends."
Kaiba huffed. "Rain, my regards to your family."
She crossed her arms. "If this is your attempt to weasel out of family dinner on Friday, you are sorely mistaken. Grandfather will be expecting you both."
He sighed, but made no effort to retort. "Come on, Mokuba."
"Coming! See you later, Rain!"
Joey gritted his teeth as the brothers left.
"He's a pretty cheery guy, huh?" Mai joked.
"Thank you, our heroes." Adena interrupted. "Your brave deeds will always be remembered here."
"And we will always remember all of you." Yami insisted.
They waved their goodbyes and headed back into the real world. Rain was in control again when she opened her eyes, Soren and Yugi being there to greet her.
"Mistress Rain." Soren said and Yugi helped her out of the pod.
"Rain! I'm so happy you're okay! It took a bit for you to get up!"
Rain sighed. "I think that last attack did more to (Y/N) than she's willing to admit. Though I do wonder about that memory we saw. Anyways, why are you here, Soren?"
"Lady Tea and Sir Tristan required my assistance."
It was then that Rain noted the many KaibaCorp goons who littered the floor unconscious and her friends, besides Mokuba, all looking mortified.
"You didn't cause permanent damage this time, Soren!" Mokuba noted cheerfully. "That's a personal best for you!"
Soren clenched his fist. "It was difficult to restrain myself against savages who meant Mistress Rain harm, but I managed."
Rain sighed. "Tea, Tristan, I know that was probably traumatizing to see. You okay."
"Rain, next time you say someone will 'go for the throat', warn people when you mean it literally!" Tea scolded.
"You take students?" Tristan asked Soren genuinely as a yawn caught their attention.
"It's Mai!" Joey said as the blonde emerged from the other room.
She yawned. "In the flesh. Is everything cool?"
"Sure looks that way." Yugi said.
"'Cause of you." Mokuba said. "All of you, so thanks."
Rain smiled and hugged. "Any time, Mokuba. Now go find your brother before he kills someone."
"Thanks everyone!"
"Bye, Mokuba!"