Once again, OC duels.
I own nothing.
Chapter 31: Wrath of Ra vs the Fury of the Forest

Yugi was humming quite the merry tune as the rest of the group headed up to see who would be chosen to duel Rain, bouncing on the balls of his feet. They all looked at him knowingly, Serenity and Tea smiling and giggling at how sweet it was, and the guys all looking like they wanted to take a playful jab.
"Someone's in a good mood." Tea noted with a smile. "I take it the talk went well?"
"Oh, you could say that." Yugi replied, refusing to elaborate.
Joey smirked, putting his hands behind his head. "Hey, Yug, where'd ya jacket go?"
"Where it needs to be." He answered, strolling out the elevator without a second glance.
That made everyone double take. They had never seen Yugi so on top of the world.
"We sure that was Yugi and not the Pharaoh?" Tristan asked as Serenity squealed.
"I think it's so romantic! Yami and (Y/N) are lovers who found each other again, and Yugi and Rain also have feelings for each other! It's like a romance novel!"
"Well, if you're looking for romance, Serenity-,"
Joey shot Duke a stink eye. "Watch it, Devlin."
"Yeah, show some respect!" Tristan piled in as Joey crossed his arms.
"That means you too."
Yami appeared beside Yugi who was still in his spectacular mood, smiling as he saw just how happy his partner was.
"If I can make a suggestion: perhaps you should take this moment to tell Rain your feelings? At least while you're walking on air?"
"Baby steps, Yami." Yugi immediately shot back. "Let me enjoy this."
The Pharaoh immediately backed off and let Yugi have his victory. He knew that eventually he or Rain would work up the courage to confess. He just prayed it wouldn't take a life threatening and traumatizing event to bring that on like it had for him. Eventually, they all reached the main hub, Rain standing next to the machine with Roland and Mokuba on the other side. Kaiba almost immediately gave Yugi a dirty look, likely because Rain was in fact wearing his jacket with a smile on her face. Joey, Duke, and Tristan looked prepared to mercilessly tease their shorter companion, but Tea and Serenity immediately shut that down. Yugi just brightly smiled back at her, with both their spirit partners looking amused with this whole situation. Unfortunately, the entire mood died as the doors opened again and Rain glared at the person who entered. Yugi didn't even need to turn to know it was Marik who walked in, unconsciously clenching his fists as the male lurked in the back. Joey was less suddenly, glaring daggers at Marik while being held back by Duke and Tristan.
"Let's get this over with." Kaiba ordered.
Roland nodded. "We will only have one draw to determine who will be Ms. (L/N) opponent for a spot in the semifinals. This draw will be pulled from the victors to keep an even number of duelists for the final rounds of the tournament. Remember your numbers. Now, begin!"
The machine whirled to life and began to shuffle the balls when Yugi felt dread seep into him. At that moment, the lot was drawn: number 5.
"Duelist Number 5, Marik Ishtar, will be Rain (L/N)'s opponent. Duelists, to the field."
The friend group was all horrified as Yami Marik was quite pleased with this outcome, sending the Wayfarer a threatening smirk. Rain only glared back at him, refusing to back down from this challenge. He then stalked to the elevator as Yugi looked over at Kaiba.
"Kaiba, don't do this! You can't let Rain duel Marik! You saw what he did to Mai!"
"Calm down, will you?" Kaiba snapped, rolling his eyes. "Rain is here because of her own skill. I'm surprised you have so little confidence in her abilities."
"That's not what I'm worried about!"
"Yugi, it's fine." Rain insisted. "It's better if I'm the one who faces Marik. I'm the only one with a counter to the Millennium Rod."
"Rain, protecting us from Ra almost killed you." Tea pointed out. "Besides, you heard what Ishizu told you. Marik's darkness is out to kill you!"
"He what?" Mokuba said as the Wayfarer shook her head.
"He can try, but I'm not so easy to get rid of. I'll be okay."
Yugi and Yami were both absolutely against this, but before they could further protest, Joey stepped in.
"Stormy, you show that creep who's in charge. Ya got it?"
She smirked. "Gladly."
"Joey!" Serenity protested as her brother crossed his arms.
"Guys, Stormy and (Y/N) are as clever and tough as they come. If anyone can put Marik in his place, it's those two. If Stormy says they can take him down, I say we trust her."
No one else wanted this to happen given what had happened to Mai and Yami Marik had a reason to try and kill Rain, but the expression on the Wayfarer's face proved her mind was set. Still, she gave a comforting smile as she walked towards the elevator.
"Don't worry, guys. I'm going anywhere. Promise."
The doors then closed and Rain then let out a nervous sigh. Despite her confident facade, of course she was nervous to duel against this murderous maniac, but this was something she had to do. She turned, facing the doors that would open to the dueling arena.
"(Y/N), let me take the lead on this."
Her partner appeared behind her. "Rain, no. It's too dangerous."
"I have to test something."
"And risk your life? Absolutely not! This isn't the time to play games!"
"I'm not playing." Rain shot back. "I need to know for sure if Marik, the real Marik, is still in there. If he is, I'm the only one who might be able to reach him, but it has to be me. Just let me try."
"...if I think the duel is becoming too dangerous, we switch immediately. Understood?"
She smiled. "Deal. Thanks, (Y/N)."
The female spirit sighed. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"Yeah, me too."
The doors opened and Rain stepped out into the night sky, Yami Marik waiting for her on the other side of the field. The others filed out as the two duelists glared down each other. Yami, who was now in control, crossed his arms as Yugi appeared beside him, panicked.
"Why is Rain still in control? Shouldn't (Y/N) have already taken over!?"
Yami glanced, seeing his wife appeared beside her vessel. He motioned his head to Rain, asking what was going on. She shook her head before vanishing again.
Yami sighed. "It seems they have a plan. Yugi, I'm just as worried about them as you are, but Joey is right. We need to trust them."
"...I know."
"Is the great Wayfarer Queen so afraid she sends her servant to fight her place?" Yami Marik mocked, grinning sadistically.
Rain smirked back. "You're the one who made this personal. I'm not gonna make (Y/N) clean up my problems, so you have me to deal with."
"How brave for a Wayfarer who hasn't earned her sigil. I'd start begging the Queen for help. You have no idea the horrors that await you."
"Really? From where I'm standing, seems like you're more afraid of me than (Y/N)."
That made the dark spirit grit his teeth and growl, raising the Millennium Rod up in a threatening manner, Rain responding with raising the Millennium Bracelet, which glowed.
"Ah ah, don't even think about it. This is no Shadow Game. You're playing without your tricks."
Yami Marik smirked once more. "Are you certain? My powers were a bit much for you and the Queen last time."
"Ra's power, you mean." Rain corrected. "I've had the Millennium Bracelet longer than you've had the Millennium Rod, so I'm game to match you, and if it means we both get burnt out, I'm willing to take you down with me."
Marik looked like he wanted to murder her on the spot, but Rain held her ground, her resolve strengthened by the presence of her spirit partner and, oddly enough, the scent of Yugi's jacket, which she was still wearing.
"Duelists, approach and shuffle." Roland ordered as the two approached.
Everyone tensed as the opponents came within reaching distance of each other, Yami digging his fingers into his arms as they traded off decks and shuffled, neither of them breaking eye contact. When the deed was done, they returned the decks, but as Rain turned to walk back, Marik grabbed her arm. Yami tried to surge forward instinctively, but shockingly, it was Joey who stopped him.
"I get it, man, but let Stormy do her thing."
Yami growled, but nodded, turning to watch the scene unfold. Yami Marik glared down at Rain, but the Wayfarer did not flinch or speak, her eyes alone daring him to try something as both their Millennium Items glowed. Rain could feel (Y/N) barely stopping herself from forcing a switch and from the corner her eyes, she could see Yami and Yugi also struggling not intervene. Fortunately, Roland was still the ref.
"Mr. Ishtar, you have 5 seconds to remove your hands from Ms. (L/N) or you will be disqualified!"
"No tricks, girl." He growled.
Rain huffed. "Like you have room to talk."
The dark spirit released her arm and the two marched away to their respective sides of the field, (Y/N) waiting for her there.
"One more like that, Rain."
"I know, and I won't fight you. Just let me do this."
"Duelists, prepare your decks." Both duelists drew their hands as Roland raised his. "Begin!"

Rain 4000LP/Marik 4000LP

Rain was given the first turn. Drawing, she looked down at her hand and saw she had Mokk, Howl, Ori, Eki's Dash, Rite of Renewal, and Dwellers of the Forest. Seeing a couple of combos she could already start setting up, Rain took two of the cards.
"I summon Mokk the Courageous in Defense mode. Then I'll set one card facedown and end my turn."
The small beast-type monster materialized on the field with a cute cry, its tail curling around itself.

Courageous Mokk
100 ATK/800 DEF

"Not exactly a frightening opening." Duke muttered before Tea elbowed him.
"Rain knows what she's doing! I'm just happy that this isn't a Shadow Game."
"That doesn't mean Marik can't hurt her with Ra." Yami reminded. "But Tea's right. Rain's deck is all about having her monsters flow into each other. She'll be fine."

Rain 4000LP/Marik 4000LP

Yami Marik smirked as he drew. "What a paltry opening for the chosen heir of the Wayfarers. I see now why you haven't earned your sigil."
"If you're so sure, why don't you attack then? Or are you just not as comfortable when you can't use your magic to hurt your opponents?"
The dark spirit growled as he began his turn. "I summon Dark Jeroid into attack mode."
The unholy amalgamation of blue limbs, claws, and faces rose up onto the field drooling either because of bloodlust or its mere existence caused it pain.

Dark Jeroid
1200 ATK/1500 DEF

"That pathetic rodent of yours will make a fine meal for my monster. Dark Jeroid, devour that puny excuse for a monster!" The fiend type pounced, biting into small beasts. "Next, I'll activate the effect of Juragedo, summoning it to the field from my hand, raising my lifepoints by 1000."
A second fiend type appeared on the field, eyes trained on Rain.

Juragedo
1700 ATK/1300 DEF

Yami Marik smirked. "With your field wide open, you're easy prey for my Juragedo!"
Rain smirked right back. "Looks like you forgot my facedown. I reveal Dwellers of the Forests! Since you were kind enough to destroy Mokk, I can summon a beast type from my hand to replace him, and who better than my best pal, Ori?"
The trap card flipped up as Ori jumped through it, standing in the path of Juragedo, his fur flared up.

Ori the Forest Guardian
2000 ATK/1000 DEF

Dark Marik growled, knowing his monster couldn't match Rain's ace monster, instead opting for two facedowns.
"Atta girl, Stormy!" Joey cheered.
Tristan joined in. "Show that creep who's in charge!"
"I feel a lot better with Ori on the field." Yugi said to Yami, his sigh of relief audible. "The girls always feel untouchable with him there."
"While I agree, this duel is far from over." Yami said as Rain drew.

Rain 4000LP/Marik 5000LP

"Come on, that set up was obvious!" Rain taunted. "I thought someone who made it to the finals would know about strategy and caution. What, did Odion do all the work for you?"
"Watch that arrogant tongue or I will remove it." He growled, but Rain just kept on smiling.
"I think I told you back then that every game has a strategy. Guess it didn't sink in for you. Or I'm just a bad teacher."
Yami Marik clicked his tongue. "You taught that to the pathetic version of myself."
"Clearly since it seems you're only capable of cheating to get your way."
Duke whistled. "She is laying it on thick. This girl does not fear death."
"Why is Rain trying to provoke him?" Tea asked. "I know he can't use his dark magic on her, but isn't this still dangerous?"
"Stormy's got a plan." Joey assured her.
"Hope it's a good one." Tristan said as Yami sighed.
"I doubt (Y/N) would let her do it if it wasn't."
"First off, I activate Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. Next, I'm summoning Howl the Nightcrawler in attack mode!" Rain declared as the rotten wolf appeared alongside Ori.

Howl the Nightcrawler
1700 ATK/1400 DEF

"Next, I activate Kuro's Feather to boost Howl's attack by 500! Now, Howl, attack Juragedo, and Ori, attack Dark Joeroid!"
Howl let out a cry as the feather became embedded in his dark fur. With a cry, Ori sent a barrage of flaming orbs crashing into the beast, drawing first blood, Howl following close behind with a killing bite.
"I'll wrap this up with two facedowns. Your move, Marik."

Rain 4000LP/Marik 3700LP

"Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do, girl." Yami Marik hissed as he drew.
"Enlighten me." She challenged back.
"Don't think for a moment my other half will be drawn out to save you. That pathetic child is long gone!"
Rain shook her head. "Seems like you're the one in need of saving, or maybe the real Marik's the one who got you to activate my trap. Either way, I'm not exactly shaking in my boots."
"So that's their plan!" Yugi shouted as Yami nodded.
"That explains it then. If anyone was going to draw out the real Marik, it had to be Rain."
Yami Marik clicked his tongue. "I summon Viser Des to the field."
A monster shaped like a medieval torture device appeared on the field.

Viser Des
500 ATK/1200 DEF

"Now my monster attaches itself to your precious forest guardian, not only preventing you from targeting it in battle, but destroying your monster after three turns!" Ori cried in pain as the device latched onto him, digging the pins into his head. "Next, I activate my trap card: Nightmare Wheel!" A giant spiked wheel crashed down on top of Howl, pinning the wolf. "Now, not only is your hound muzzled, for every standby phase Nightmare Wheel is active, you'll take 500 points of damage. Which I think I'll let you feel now. I end my turn."
Both Howl and Ori cried in pain as Marik's devices began to torture them. However, Rain was having none of it.
"Go, Eki's Dash!"
The trap card flipped up and Marik looked ready to strangle her.
"What!?"
"If you think I'm gonna let you get under my skin by hurting my monsters, you're dead wrong! Since Ori's out on my field and your Nightmare Wheel causes damage, I can bounce Ori back to my hand and destroy your trap, freeing Howl and making your Viser Des vulnerable to attack again!"
Ori broke free of Viser Des and leapt at Nightmare Wheel, kicking off Howl before bouncing back to Rain's hand.
"Wait, why get rid of Ori!?" Tristan yelled. "I get Howl's stronger, but isn't that like Rain's best monster?"
"Nightmare Wheel would have become a problem due to residual damage." Yami explained. "Besides, Ori will be back at the end of Rain's next turn. She also has cards in her deck that need a specially summoned light monster to activate, meaning she was likely betting on Ori bouncing back to her hand."
"Think so?" Duke asked, before Tea crossed her arms.
"Hey guys? Is it just me, or does Marik feel...off?"
"Uh, gonna have to specify that, Tea." Joey commented.
"What I mean is, when he was dueling Mai, he kept mouthing off and taunting her. Here, he's been quiet, and sprung every trap Rain's set up for him."
"Maybe Rain was right when she said he was a lousy duelist." Tristan suggested. "Not so easy When he can't rely on his toys."
"Or maybe she really is getting through to the real Marik." Yami suggested. "The real Marik sees Rain as his first friend. He never wanted to hurt her."
"He's got a lousy way of showing it." Tristan huffed as Yami Marik set two facedowns.

Rain 3750LP/Marik 3700LP

Rain drew, noting how the dark spirit was subtly looking pale, as if struggling to maintain his facade.
"It's working."
"It is." (Y/N) admitted. "But we can't celebrate just yet. He could very well regain complete control at any moment."
"Then I'll just have to wrap this up quickly." Rain declared. "All right, Marik, since Ori's left the field, Viser Des is no longer protected by its ability, so I think Howl deserves a little payback for Nightmare Wheel! Howl, dismantlement that bucket of bolts!"
The wolf pounced, shaking the torture device like a chew toy before tossing it at the feet of Marik, dealing significant damage.
"Lucky for you, that's all I've got for this turn. Which means, I'll end with this facedown and I'll have Ori return to my field!"
Ori jumped back onto the field as the turn ended, leaving Yami Marik facing down her two monsters once more, with an open field.

Rain 3750LP/Marik 2000LP

"Come on, Stormy!" Joey yelled. "A few more hits like that and he's toast!"
"Go, Rain!" Duke joined in. "You show him how a real duelist does it!"
Yami saw Yugi fidgeting nervously. Though the Wayfarer had been in complete control of the duel, he could help but also feel an impending dread sneak in. He couldn't be sure, but he had a bad feeling things were going to go horribly wrong soon.
"Is that truly your best?" Yami Marik snarled, though he was looking worse for wear. "What do you hope to accomplish with such pitiful plays?!"
"I'm trying to help you, Marik." Rain finally admitted. "Ishizu still believes you're in there, and I want to believe that too. I want to believe that the boy I made friends with that day is still in there!"
"He is gone!" The dark spirit spat. "Banished to the shadows just as you and all you care about will be!"
"I went back." Rain said in a dead calm. "Every day on that trip, I went back to the market to try to find you. Marik, I want to help you, but you need to give me a sign!"
Yami Marik gripped his head, shaking violently as everyone held their breath. Throughout this whole conversation, the Millennium Bracelet had been glowing subtlety. As her opponent's body seized up, Rain saw a single purple eye gaze at her, no longer consumed by the dark or insanity.
"Rain...help...me..."
"Marik!" She shouted, trying to step forward.
"Ms. (L/N), you are not allowed to interfere with your opponent." Roland reminded her. "Step back."
"Are you kidding me, Roland!?" Rain yelled, motioning at her struggling opponent. Marik let out a terrifying scream before a dark wave pulsed, pushing Rain back slightly. "Marik, no! Keep fighting it!"
The dark spirit seemed to regain control as the Millennium Rod burst into light and he glared daggers at Rain. The Wayfarer girl managed to put up the barrier right as he launched another dark wave at her, but the force of the attack pushed her further back and caused her body to ache. This seemed to be the breaking point as Rain felt (Y/N) forcibly begin to take over.
"Wait, (Y/N)!"
"He's lost control again, Rain! You'll only make yourself a target at this point. You've proven enough, now let me handle this."
"...fine."
The dark waves were unable to push her back anymore as (Y/N) took control of the duel from then on, as everyone else recovered from the violent wind.
"Guess Rain couldn't break through." Tristan said, noting the change in the line up.
"She managed to reach him though." Tea pointed out. "Ishizu was right. The real Marik is still in there."
"Yeah, but what good is knowing that?" Duke asked as Yami sighed.
"Rain just proved Marik is still trying to fight. She is not ready to give up on him just yet."
Yami Marik seemed to regain his sadistic composure, though it was clear he was still furious.
"Your highness, so glad you could finally join us."
The queen narrowed her eyes at him. "It seems your grip on Marik isn't as ironclad as you thought."
His rage was almost palpable as he drew. "That hardly matters now. The boy is gone, and you and your pathetic vessel will not interfere any longer! Firstly, I activate Pot of Greed and now, I shall summon your demise!"
(Y/N) could feel the very air around her go cold and she immediately knew what was coming as Ori and Howl had their hackles raised.
"He's got nothing on the field!" Joey yelled as everyone immediately went into panic mode. "There's no way he can summon out his god card!"
"Wrong." The dark spirit said manically. "I play Left Arm Offering to discard my entire hand and select a spell card of my choosing from my deck. I chose Monster Reborn."
"I see where this is going." (Y/N) muttered. "I reveal one of my facedowns: Eyes of the Forest! With Ori on my field, I am allowed to summon Sein from my deck and equip them to Ori!"
"It won't save you!" Yami Marik declared as Ori roared as he powered up. "I play Monster Reborn to summon the all powerful Winged Dragon of Ra!"
The blimp shuddered violently as a giant golden claw dragged itself out of the depths of the darkness. (Y/N) kept her composure as she felt her head pound as the god creature was summoned, its roar summoning endless lightning.

Winged Dragon of Ra
0 ATK/0 DEF

"Okay, it's definitely imposing, but it doesn't have any attack points." Rain said. "Why go through the trouble of summoning it when it isn't even strong enough to beat Howl."
"Are you really going to underestimate a god card?" (Y/N) muttered, keeping her focus trained.
"What's the matter, your highness?" Yami Marik taunted. "Does Ra frighten you so that you have no witty remarks?"
"Hardly." (Y/N) huffed.
"Perhaps I should change that by revealing what the gods are really capable of. I activate one of Ra's abilities! Now by paying 1000 lifepoints, I can change my creature to its Immortal Phoenix Mode!"
As Marik's lifepoints dropped, Ra burst into flames, practically blinding everyone as it became more bird-like in shape.
"I'll admit your monster is impressive." (Y/N) said. "But I fail to see how it helps you against my monsters."
Ra screeched in a deafening manor, causing Howl to step back. Ori, on the other hand, shrieked back, refusing to be intimidated.
Yami Marik smirked. "You see, your highness, in this mode, not only is my monster indestructible and unaffected by all your tricks, it also completely obliterates your entire field! I hope your power is a bit more impressive than the last time, because you're about to know the true fury of the gods! Ra, strike them all down!"
"Everyone, get back!" (Y/N) screamed as Ra fired at the field.
Everyone hit the deck as Ori and Howl braced themselves and (Y/N) put up the barrier. An absolute fire storm engulfed the field, incinerating the monsters in terrifying fashion as a second column of fire came crashing at the Wayfarer Queen. Like before, (Y/N) struggled against the might of Ra, the barrier starting to crack against the god card's might. The two magics colliding eventually resulted in what could only be described as a flash bang, blinding everyone as the blimp lurched violently and Yami heard (Y/N) let out a yell and a crack. As everyone regained their vision, they saw that the field was littered with scorch marks, but more worryingly was that (Y/N) was now lying adjacent to the viewing area, having been flung from the platform.
"(Y/N)!" Yami shouted as he ran towards her, everyone following close behind.
Slowly, she sat up, gritting her teeth in obvious pain as her husband immediately knelt at her side.
"Are you all right?" He asked, absolutely petrified.
"N-no..." She admitted, her voice cracking from pain. "I...I can't move my arm."
Yami saw that (Y/N)'s left arm was indeed limp and when he tried to reach out to examine it, she immediately flinched.
"(Y/N), you need a doctor." Tea said.
"As much as it kills me, I don't think I have much of a choice." The queen admitted.
With the help of Joey and Yami, (Y/N) managed to rise to her feet, Yami doing his best to keep her injured arm from moving as Duke managed to scoop the cards from her remaining hand. Roland walked up to the edge of the dueling area, looking down at the as (Y/N) shook her head. He nodded and raised his arm.
"Duelist Rain (L/N) is no condition to continue the duel! By default, Marik Ishtar is the winner and will advance."
Kaiba crossed his arms with a huff as Mokuba had already run off to get the medical staff ready for (Y/N). He wasn't exactly happy with this outcome, but he had come too far to disqualify Marik for this reason. Speaking of, Yami Marik did not seem to revel in his victory, instead looking on the verge of collapsing himself. Perhaps Marik had been fighting him up until that final play. Either way, Yami couldn't help but spite the coward for his dirty tactics.
"Don't think for a moment you can gloat. We all know exactly what would've happened next turn. (Y/N) had you completely cornered."
Yami Marik glared at him, but he seemed to be in no condition to argue, instead stalking off as (Y/N) was rushed down to the infirmary.

(Timeskip)

"Two fractures to your left arm, Ms. (L/N)." The doctor explained as he showed an x-Ray to everyone. "Fortunately, no shattering. I give you a recovery time of 6 to 8 weeks given your age, which means no dueling until you've recovered."
(Y/N), who's arm was already in a cast and sling, was seated in on a bed, Yami at her side and his jacket in her lap. Everyone else was standing beside her, somewhat relieved, but a bit bitter about the outcome of the duel.
The queen just nodded. "I understand. Thank you, doctor."
The professional nodded and stepped out as Joey punched the wall.
"This is so unfair! You and Stormy had that creep on ropes and he can just do this and win!? Real circus Kaiba's running if ya ask me!"
"I'm sorry." (Y/N) said. "We thought we could-,"
"Don't apologize for a second." Yami cut her off, kissing her temple. "You and Rain defeated Marik without question. Your last facedown was Rite of Renewal, correct?"
She nodded. "With Gumo and Gumo's Tinkering in hand."
"Then there was no way for Marik to stop you from summoning Kirin to an open field. He knew he had lost, and that's why he had Ra attack the way it did."
"Yugi's right, (Y/N)." Duke jumped, holding onto their duel disk. "You had that creep licked and he knew it. He took the coward's way out."
She sighed. "It was more than that. I could feel it in that last attack, he was trying to kill me."
Yami growled under his breath.
"He won't get away with this."
"You said it!" Joey agreed. "(Y/N), you and Stormy leave it to us! We'll send that creep packing with his tail between his legs for the both of you!"
"Hold it, Joey." (Y/N) interrupted. "Regardless how frustrated I am with this outcome, we also need to acknowledge what we've learnt from this."
"That Marik's a psychopath that needs to go down?" Tristan asked. "Kinda already knew that."
The queen gave him a look. "First off: Marik can't win a duel fairly. He's completely reliant on dark magic, the Rod, and Ra. Without his tricks, he can't compete."
"And secondly?" Tea asked.
"Rain was right to do what she did. The real Marik is still fighting in there. Meaning-,"
Yami sighed, crossing his arms. "We have to at least try to help him."
"You serious!?" Joey yelled.
"He was fighting to not hurt Rain that whole duel, so some humanity is still in him." (Y/N) said. "I'm not asking you to risk yourselves. If it comes to it, protect your own lives by any means, but so long as there's a chance to try and save him, I think we have to try."
Yami sighed angrily. "I can't forgive him for what he did to you, shagngu, but we will try to save him, for Rain's sake."
"Grrr..." Joey grumbled. "I wouldn't try it for anyone else but Stormy."
The queen gave a sad smile and nodded. "It's late. We should all head back to our rooms and rest. We'll need it."
"I'm staying with you." Yami stated firmly.
"Kianga..."
"(Y/N), after what happened tonight, I don't trust Marik won't try to finish the job. Please, for my peace of mind, let me protect you."
She sighed, but smiled. "All right, but only for tonight."
Everyone said good night and departed back to their rooms, Yami and (Y/N) making the trek together back to her room. Almost immediately upon entering, (Y/N) felt a wave of exhaustion hit her as she crawled onto the bed and began to drift. She felt Yami slide next to her and pull her into his arms, kissing the crown of her head.
"I won't let anything else happen to you."
She kissed him under his chin. "Go to bed, kianga. You'll need your strength for tomorrow."

Did I jip the girls out of a victory or even a proper defeat because I was frustrated on how long this was taking and I just wanted to get to the next arc already? Partially, but I also wanted to reinforce that Marik, without magic, uses a deck that can only work against Yugi. I apologize guys, both for how long this took, and for the overall quality, but I swear I will make up for it in the next arc. See you then.