//------------------------------// // Bakura // Story: An Equestrian Element // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// Forest: Night… After getting everything out in the open, and being allowed to get all her feelings out, things began to settle down for the gang. Tea helped Sunset clear out the redness around her eyes before the later went about answering any clarification questions her friends might have had. Eventually, the conversation turned away from that topic as they told ghost stories with Tristan coming to the end of his. “…and when they finally pulled over to look in the back seat of the car, there were over twenty peperoni pizzas with meatballs.” “Please, what kind of a ghost story was that supposed to be?” Tea responded with a sweat drop. “Gaaah!” Joey stood up. “If I don’t get some food in me, I’ll turn into a ghost!” “Heh, those two and their stomachs.” Tea commented. “I don’t know, I could go for a pizza right about now.” Sunset commented. “We should all get one when this is over, and we got grandpa back.” Yugi offered. “Eh, my meal ticket.” Joey had spotted a large mushroom and moved to eat it. “Joey, no!” Tristan yelled as he restrained his fried. The others joined them. “Wild mushrooms are poisonous Joey.” Yugi stated. “I say do us all a favor and let him eat it.” A familiar voice called out. The group turned to see Mai had arrived. Sunset crossed her arms. “What do you want now Mai?” Mai ate from a stick of jerky in front of them. “Really, you’re that petty to eat in front of hungry people?” “Relax Sunset, all you have to do is give me your star chips, and your group can have some food.” Mai retorted. “Not happening.” Sunset retorted quickly. “Star chips are worth more than any amount of food you could offer.” “You really need to ease up.” Mai smirked. “I was merely joking. All I really want is for you specifically to ask politely. Then, I’ll feed you and your little group.” The Hero user glared at her. “Come on, tomorrow I get into the castle, so it’s not like I’ll need all this food.” Sunset crossed her arms. “It would be nice not to duel tomorrow on an empty stomach.” Yugi commented. Sunset sighed. “Mai, may we please share your food?” “Of course.” Mai smiled smugly. “I mean, all you had to do was ask.” Sunset turned to her friends with a firm expression that left no room for argument as she whispered, “I get dibs on anything I want first.” Everyone quickly nodded at that. Mai then spread out a wide assortment of food and drink from her bag. “Look at all this stuff.” Yugi marveled. “I call dibs on the candy bars and soda.” Joey declared. “I call dibs on the chips.” Tristan added. “You’re both out of luck until I get at least one of each.” Sunset retorted. “Sorry, no dibs for the lot of you until you complete your chores.” Mai declared. “Yugi, you and Sunset can go look for fire wood.” “Sure.” Yugi stated. Sunset snatched a soda. “I’ll do it, but I’m taking one of these with me.” Mai ignored that and looked to Joey and Tristan. “You two can fetch us water.” “You bet.” Tristan agreed. Joey followed reluctantly as he muttered, “She sure can bark orders.” Once they were gone, Mai looked to the remaining member of the gang. “Your name is Tea, right?” Tea nodded. “Well Tea, if you’d like to freshen up a bit, there’s a makeshift shower over there.” “Oh, thanks Mai.” Tea responded. “Hanging out with those boys and a punk like Sunset is no reason to smell like them.” Mai responded. Later… Everyone soon returned with what they were sent to get, and while it was prepared, Tea had a shower with Mai standing guard. By the time she was done, the food was ready, and everyone sat around the fire to chow down. “So, how many star chips do you have Mai?” Yugi questioned. “Was it eight or nine? No matter how many you have, it sure looks like you’re in the zone.” “Heh, don’t think you’re going to fool me with that nice guy routine, Yugi.” Mai retorted. “It’s only a matter of time before you…” “Can’t we all just forget about the tournament for one night?” Tea asked pleadingly. “Alright, provided everyone is crystal clear about one thing.” Mai declared. “Any duelist in my way is going down.” Sunset choose to remain silent out of respect for Tea’s wishes. “Now, I’m going to take a walk.” Cliff Mai had arrived at a cliff and looked out over the water. “I never should have sat with all those losers… even if they seem like kind of nice losers. Even that Sunset isn’t all that bad…” She shook her head. “…No, I can’t afford to go soft.” Unfortunately, she never noticed the hulking figure stepping up behind her until it was too late. They covered her mouth and proceeded to abscond with her into the brush. Forest: Later… Man oh man.” Joey yawned and stretched. “I’m fading fast here.” “Don’t you think we should check on Mai?” Tea asked. Yugi nodded. “Good idea.” Tristan crossed his arms. “She has been gone for a while.” “If she is in trouble, we should help her.” Sunset sighed. “If she’s found another duelist to…” Suddenly, the brush shook causing Tea to scream. Yugi and Sunset both stood on either side of her while joey and Tristan moved in front of all three of them ready to defend the group. “Eh, whoever you are, come out of the brush.” Joey called out. Bakura stepped out to the surprise of everyone. “Bakura!” Yugi exclaimed. “See, I told you all.” Tea declared. “I haven’t just been seeing things.” “What are you doing out here Bakura?” Joey asked. “Same as you guys, I guess.” Bakura responded. “He’s competing in the tournament or following someone who does?” Sunset glanced at either of his hands. “If that were true, where’s his gauntlet or the group he game with?” At this point, Bakura wasn’t really raising any alarms with Sunset like other people have, but what he said was certainly strange given context. “You gave us quite the scare sneaking around in the bushes.” Tristan commented. “Yeah, for a moment there we thought we had something to worry about.” Joey added. “Pretty silly, huh?” The gang ended up sitting around the fire with Bakura. They talked duel monsters until Tristan noticed something about Joey. “Joey, you’ve been transfixed on that one card in your hand. What’s up?” “I’ll tell ya, just don’t laugh.” Joey responded. “Sometimes, when I’m in a duel, I pretend it’s me out there swapping blows with whatever card my opponent has out.” He chuckled. “Isn’t that dumb?” “Well if you were, what card would you want to be?” Bakura asked. “This one.” Joey indicated the card he was holding as he stood. “Blue Flame Swordsman kicks everybody’s butt.” “Not my guys.” Tristan stood. “Cyber Commander!” Tea smiled. “You boys and your cards are hilarious.” “I think everyone has that one card they can identify with.” Yugi responded. “You and Sunset should see if you can pick one for yourselves.” Sunset took out her deck and had a look through it. She’d honestly never really thought about it before, but it couldn’t hurt to do so now. “Okay, I pick this one.” Tea picked hers easily and plucked the card out. “Magician of Faith.” “What?” Tristan questioned. “You’ve got to be kidding me?” “More like the Magician of Freaks if you ask me.” Joey added. “Shut up!” Tea snapped angrily. Yugi chuckled before looking at Sunset. “Have you found one yet, Sunset?” “When you look at my deck, it’s all about bringing Heroes together to summon a monster stronger than their parts.” Sunset responded. “So, one of my favorite cards is Polymerization. In line with that, I suppose some of my favorite heroes would be any that make getting it easy.” “Oh, your favorite monster must be Elemental Hero Woodsman then.” Joey smiled. “That guy fetches you a Polymerization every Stand-By Phase.” “I was initially thinking about picking him, but I think I got to go with Elemental Hero Blazeman.” She plucked the card out. “You and Yugi saw one of his effects back when I dueled Duke, but that second effect I mentioned can add Polymerization whenever he’s summoned.” “It’s also a Fire Attribute monster which fits your really well.” Tea stated. “I’ve thought that before, but I couldn’t really see myself utilizing an all Fire Attribute deck.” Sunset looked at her deck. “Like I told most of you, even when I attempted to discard this deck, I couldn’t do it. Still not sure why, but I’m glad I didn’t.” “What about you Yugi?” Bakura asked. “Oh, that’s easy.” Yugi pulled out his ace. “Dark Magician hands down.” “Maybe I’m just out of the loop, but don’t you guys think it’s a little silly to be comparing ourselves to playing cards?” Tea asked. “Maybe, but it’s as grandpa always says.” Yugi responded. “It’s not about the trading cards; it’s about putting a little bit of your heart into anything you care about.” Everyone else could agree with that. “What about you Bakura? What’s your favorite card?” “This one is my favorite.” Bakura held up a spell card. “Isn’t that Change of Heart?” Yugi questioned. “If you want to see how it works, we could have a duel right now.” Bakura responded. “Not for star chips; simply for a little fun.” “Where exactly are your star chips, Bakura?” Sunset questioned. “Why, I’ve simply put them away for the night.” Bakura smiled. “I didn’t want anyone insisting on a duel if they happened upon me tonight.” “I suppose that makes sense.” Sunset stated. “Regardless, I think a duel with no star chips will be perfect.” Tea stated. “I agree.” Yugi smiled. “I think a regular duel, with no stakes, sounds like a great idea.” “Why don’t the rest of you put your favorite card into Yugi’s deck?” Bakura offered. “That way it’ll be like we’re all playing.” “That sounds like a great idea.” Joey declared. “Great.” Yugi stated. “I should warn you that with this all-star line up, we’ll be tough to beat.” “True, but maybe I’ll surprise you.” Bakura responded. So, Yugi was given Cyber Commander, Blue Flame Swordsman, Magician of Faith, and Elemental Hero Blazeman which he shuffled into his deck. The rest of the gang then crowded around Yugi on one side of the stump while Bakura sat across from them. “Alright, I’m all shuffled.” Yugi declared. “Now, you’re sure you don’t mind playing alone?” Tea asked Bakura. “Don’t you worry about a thing Bakura.” Joey gave a thumbs up. “We’ll go easy on ya.” “Thanks.” Bakura stated. “Now, let’s get this duel on the road.” Joey declared. “Before we get started, there’s a little something I’d like to share with you all, but mostly Yugi.” Bakura stated. Upon looking at Bakura now, Sunset was starting to get that feeling sort of like she did around Blue Blood. Him speaking now didn’t do anything to dissuade such a feeling. “What’s that?” Joey asked. “You’ll see.” Bakura responded. Bakura began to hum with his eyes closed and hands around his chest. Soon enough, a Millennium Item appeared around his neck. “It can’t be.” Yugi sweated. “A Millennium Item.” “This is not good.” Sunset added. “It’s only about to get worse as the magic of my Millennium Ring takes us all to the Shadow Realm.” Bakura informed. They were transported there which resulted in Sunset glowing a dull white just like when Pegasus did the same before. “Why are you doing this Bakura?” Yugi questioned. “I don’t think that’s Bakura…” Sunset commented. “What do you mean?” Joey asked. “I think this is something like what she found herself in.” Tea commented. “It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about, nor that one of you seems to have magic all their own.” Bakura’s ring glowed. “In the end, you have something I want Yugi, and I aim to take it. Your little friends minuscule magic won’t stop someone like me.” Eveyrone’s souls, including Sunset’s, were taken from their bodies, and put into Yugi’s deck. In the case of Sunset’s magic, it slowly began to fade; however, it managed to flow into Yugi’s extra deck, briefly glowing black, before fading entirely. “That wasn’t too difficult.” Bakura stood and approached Yugi’s body. “Their souls have been locked away. Now, after waiting centuries, the legendary Millennium Puzzle is mine.” Just as he was going to touch it, the puzzle emitted a blinding, white light as Yugi’s body came back to consciousness. “No, it can’t be!” “You want my Millennium Puzzle?” Yugi’s body stood. “Then, you’ll duel me for it. If I win, you’ll release my friends and send us all back!” “Heh, I’ll agree to your ridiculous terms, but I promise you that there’s more at stake here than you comprehend.” Bakura declared. “This is one Shadow Game you cannot win.” They both crouched on their respective sides. “Let the Shadow Game begin!” (Yugi 2000/Bakura 2000) “The first move is yours.” Bakura declared. “Very well.” Yugi drew. “My first move will be to use Double Summon allowing me to conduct two Normal Summons this turn. They’ll be used on Tristan and Sunset’s favorite cards, Cyber Commander(LV 2/750/700) and Elemental Hero Blazeman(LV 4/1200/1800).” Tristan appeared looking exactly like Cyber Commander while Sunset appeared looking exactly like a female version of Elemental Hero Blazeman. “Uh, what a weird dream.” Tristan looked around only to see Sunset. “Gah, what are you wearing Sunset!? What’s going on!?” “This can’t be a dream.” Sunset had her fair share of dealings with magic, so she was better able to keep her cool. “Tristan, I think this is magic.” She turned around resulting in Tristan following her lead and screaming. “This does beg the question of how that’s possible considering Yugi should have been affected to.” “Bakura must have used his ring Millennium Ring to capture all your souls within their favorite card.” Yugi stated shocked. “That’s right, Bakura mentioned a shadow game which means…” Sunset looked at Yugi not entirely caring why he retained his soul right now. “…this is a duel just like what Pegasus put us through. If that’s the case, activate my effect before it’s too late.” “Right.” Yugi nodded. “Since I managed to normal summon Elemental Hero Blazeman, I can add a Polymerization from my deck to the hand.” He did just that. “Now, I end my turn.” “A spell like that does you no good with monsters I know you should have no fusion for.” Bakura drew. “Additionally, neither monster on your field can deal with what I’m about to summon without at least crashing into it. I summon my Hitotsu-Me Giant(LV 4/1200/1000).” A green, one eyed monster appeared. “If this is one of those Shadow Games you and Yugi told us about, then that’s not good.” Tristan commented. “My giant will now destroy Cyber Commander.” Bakura declared. Hitotsu-Me Giant rushed forward and slashed into Tristan destroying him (Yugi 1550/Bakura 2000). “Tristan!/No Tristan!” Sunset/Yugi yelled in worry with the later gripping his chest. “Looks like that poor card was defeated, and your friend’s soul was trapped within it.” Bakura stated. “Where is he?” Yugi questioned firmly. “What have you done with Tristan?” “Your friend is gone.” Bakura responded. “Sent to the graveyard like all monsters who fall in battle.” “That… that can’t be.” Sunset stated in shock. “Tristan can’t just be gone.” “It is the simple truth.” Bakura retorted. “When you duel in the Shadow Realm, the stakes are higher than any other duel.” Yugi growled at that. “Yugi made a sloppy mistake, and his friend paid the price just as you and the rest will. Speaking of that, which will you sacrifice next?” Yugi drew. “I’d avoid using my friends if I could, but one of them is the only card that might protect Sunset.” Yugi was looking at his hand which consisted of: Blue Flame Swordsman, Mystical Elf, Polymerization, Silent Swordsman LV7, and Magician of Chaos. A spell he couldn’t use right now, two monsters that had requirements to be summoned at all, and two monsters he could summoned. Out of those two, only one monster was strong enough to turn the tides. “Don’t worry Sunset.” Yugi assured. “Tristan might be in the grave now, but there are always cards within my deck to bring monsters back. He won’t stay there long.” “Right.” Sunset stated firmly. “Do what you do best and duel Yugi.” Yugi nodded. “First, I will switch my Elemental Hero Blazeman to defense. Then, I normal summon Joey’s favorite card, Blue Flame Swordsman(LV 4/1800/1600).” Joey appeared wearing the attire of the Blue Flame Swordsman. “Hey, what gives?” Joey questioned as he looked around. “Sunset…” His eyes soon settled on the, to him, giant Yugi. “Gahhh! What the!? You’re a giant!? Man, I must have finally cracked!” “Joey, he’s not giant.” Sunset retorted. “We’re actually just small.” “Joey, listen to me.” Yugi added. “Your soul has been sealed within your favorite card. You are the Blue Flame Swordsman.” “I’m the who?” Joey questioned shocked. “If I don’t win this duel, none of you will be restored to normal.” Yugi continued. “If you’re defeated in battle, you’ll be sent to the card graveyard just like Tristan.” “Graveyard!” Joey exclaimed. “In order for me to win this duel, restore you all back to your bodies, and get us out of the Shadow Realm, I’ll need your help.” Yugi stated. “If you want my help, then you got my help.” Joey stated firmly. “Are you sure you’re, okay?” Yugi asked concerned. “Okay?” Joey asked. “I figured I’d lost my mind, but I’m going to go with it.” He turned to the opposing field. “Now, who wants a beating?” Then, he spotted Bakura. “Whoa, giant Bakura! Now I know I’m nuts.” “Close.” Sunset stated. “From what I gather, that’s not Bakura, but rather an evil spirit that must inhabit the Millennium Ring. Also, you aren’t going crazy.” “Well, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but here goes nothing!” Joey rushed forward and slashed through the monster (Yugi 1550/Bakura 1600). “Say good-bye to that one-eyed freak. Alright, I did it.” He turned to the duelist. “Now what?” “Now, it’s his turn.” Yugi responded. “Your little swordsman got lucky, Yugi.” Bakura drew and set a monster. “This time will be much different. Your turn.” “Why’d he play that face down?” Yugi questioned. “It’s because he’s afraid of what Joey the swordsman will do to it.” Joey retorted. “Hold on Joey.” Sunset spoke up. “This might be a trap.” “I’m still going in.” Joey retorted before charging. “Wait!” Yugi called out. Upon seeing Morphing Jar flip face up, it was enough to make Joey pause. That quickly faded as the monster lunged at him, so he slashed it to pieces. “Oh, that’s not good.” Joey commented worriedly. “Now both hands are discarded, and five new cards are drawn.” “Yugi, please tell me you didn’t have Tea’s card in your hand.” Sunset pleaded. “No, fortunately I did not.” Yugi responded as he discarded his cards which resulted in him drawing his soul card. “Dark Magician! He’s my favorite card, but is he also my soul card? What happens when I play him?” Yugi didn’t know, but he did know he’d have to shore up his defenses. “I set two cards and end my turn.” Bakura chuckled. “With a whole new hand…” He set a monster followed by two traps. “…there comes a whole new perspective. The game, ever shifting. New dangers around every corner. It’s your move once more.” “He’s trying to freak me out, but I can’t figure out what he’s up to.” Yugi drew. “I’m just going to have to risk playing…” He plucked the monster form his hand and summoned him. “…Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100).” Another Yugi appeared as Dark Magician. “I’ll play another card that allows me to bring back a monster from the grave, Monster Reborn. With it I can bring back my Cyber Commander(LV 2/750/700).” Tristan reappeared. “Huh, what the?” He looked back at the field. “Joey and Yugi, you’re both now here with Sunset to?” “My delusion grows.” Joey stated. “Joey this isn’t a delusion.” Sunset reminded. “This is magic just like what we told you Pegasus used… well, the Shadow Game is different, but it’s the same magic that brought us here.” “Huh, no fooling.” Joey commented. “I don’t think that explains how one moment I was up there, yet now I’m down here.” Yugi commented. “That’s a good point.” Tristan stated. “If you’re down here, then who’s up there?” “I don’t know.” Yugi responded. “Don’t you?” Big Yugi prodded. “Well, I have noticed times where I duel and someone guides me.” Yugi replied only to get a nod from Big Yugi. “Sometimes it’s like I can hear a strong voice calling out from my Millennium Puzzle. I’m not sure what this is about, but I am positive we can trust him.” “Well, if the big guy is okay in your books, then he’s okay in mine.” Joey declared. “Yeah.” Tristan agreed. “Compared to whatever is controlling Bakura’s body, he seems way more trustworthy.” Sunset voiced. “He’s got my vote of confidence.” Sunset wasn’t certain what this all was, but there’d be time to figure that out later. For now, it was enough to see that their opponent was darker compared to whatever was using Yugi’s body. Given how he’s appeared before, whatever he was had only helped Yugi. “So now what?” Yugi questioned. “Well, four of us are out already.” Tristan stated. “Maybe we should be looking for Tea.” “She must still be in the deck.” Yugi commented. “We should try to win this before her card gets played then.” Joey voiced. “Good idea.” Sunset agreed. “Alright, I’m going to bash me some Bakura.” Joey voiced. “Hold on, I was just summoned, so let me have this.” Yugi voiced. “Dark Magic Attack!” He fired his magic on the face down monster only to reveal a second Morphing Jar. “Oh no, another Morphing Jar!” Joey exclaimed. Bakura laughed. “Now, we send all the cards in our hands to the grave once more.” “Sorry.” Yugi stated. “Eh, it’s okay man.” Joey voiced. “I did the same thing.” Big Yugi drew his new hand. “No, Magician of Faith…” “Isn’t that Tea’s favorite card?” Bakura asked with a smirk. “Do you suppose her mortal soul is trapped within it. Hm, I wonder. Maybe you should play it and find out. Then again, you don’t know what I’m laying here, so you might put her in danger. A dilemma to be sure, but one you may not have to make as I activate Just Deserts. This deals you 500 life points of damage for every monster you control. Since you control four monsters, this is enough to wipe all your life points.” “I activate my first face down, the quick-play Emergency Provisions.” Yugi countered. “With this, I can target any other spell/trap I control and destroy it to gain 1000 life points. I’ll use it on my second face down.” Yugi’s life points were healed before his face was grabbed by an ethereal hand making him cry out in pain and grip his chest as his life points were lowered (Yugi 1550-2550-550/Bakura 1600). “You escaped for now, but how long can you last?” Bakura asked. “We’ll find out because it’s your turn now.” “Big Yugi, are you okay?” Tristan asked concerned. “Yes, but one more attack like that will be the end of this.” Big Yugi managed before drawing. “Right now, everything is telling me Tea’s card just won’t be safe in my hand.” He set Tea’s card face down, and she appeared on the field, underneath the card, in Magician of Faith’s robes. “Hey, what’s up!” The guys immediately attempted to cover her. “Uh guys, it’s a little early for Halloween.” “The attempt is nice, but I don’t think it’s fooling Bakura.” Sunset thought. “Tea, be quiet.” Joey whispered. “Look, Yugi and Bakura are big dueling giants, and they’re dueling it out for our souls.” “But Yugi’s right here.” Tea retorted. “Well, the big guy isn’t me, but it’s not like he isn’t also me.” Yugi tried to explain. “Look, it’s complicated, but I know it has something to do with the Millennium Items Bakura and I have. It’s some kind of magic.” “Oh, just like what Sunset was telling us about.” Tea understood. “Wait, then what’s this I hear about two Yugi’s?” “Just think of it this way, Tea.” Joey began. “There’s two Yugis. The cool one up there and the puny one down here.” Yugi face planted. “That’s not how this works at all!” He stood up clearly angry. “It was just a joke, relax.” Joey assured. “You forget that down here I got the powers of the Dark Magician.” Yugi retorted. “Yugi, I wouldn’t do that…” Tristan began. “I’ll show you who’s puny around here.” Yugi declared as he took aim at the face down monster. “Dark Magic Attack!” “Yugi, wait!” Big Yugi/Sunset exclaimed. “Someone’s a little overzealous, but all you’ve done is destroy my Man-Eater Bug(LV 2/450/600).” A large, green bug appeared before being destroyed. “This activates his flip effect.” “What exactly does that do?” Joey asked. “The Man-Eater Bug allows Bakura to destroy any one monster he wishes from the field.” Yugi replied devastated he’d attacked into it. “Just wait because it only gets worse.” Bakura laughed. “I’ll activate my remaining face down Raigeki Break.” “What’s that card do?” Tristan asked. “At the cost of discarding one card from his hand, Bakura can destroy any one monster on the field just like with Man-Eater Bug.” Sunset stated shocked. At this point, everyone was shocked at what they had to contend with. “Look at this.” Bakura laughed amused by what was happening. “Now, I can destroy any two of you but deciding myself wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable as making you decide. So, choose. Which two of you are willing to go to the grave. Whoever you choose will be my choice.” Joey and Tristan shared a mutual nod. “Guys, I-I’m sorry.” Yugi hung his head. “It’s because of me that this is happening, so I’ll…” Joey slammed the hilt of his sword into Yugi’s gut bringing the guy to his knees. “Don’t be too hard on yourself Yugs.” “Yeah, one of us would have ended up attacking into that monster or Bakura would have just flipped him next turn.” Tristan added. “Wait, don’t do this you two!” Sunset called out. “At the very least, you shouldn’t have to go back Tristan!” Joey/Tristan didn’t respond to her as they looked at Bakura. “We pick ourselves/Send us to the grave!” At that, both glowed red. “Joey! Tristan!” Yugi called out. “What’s happening to them?” Tea asked concerned. “They’re going to the grave.” Sunset responded worriedly. “Don’t worry about us!” Joey called out. “We believe you’ll find a way to bring us back!” Tristan added. Then, they were both destroyed which devastated those who remained. “They’re… They’re both gone.” Tea stated sadly. “Don’t worry.” Bakura chuckled. “You’ll soon join them. Then, you can all spend an eternity together.” He then addressed Big Yugi. “I hope you don’t harbor any illusions about getting them both back from the grave. After all, the next turn is all mine, and with the pitiful life points you have left, you won’t survive another turn to even think of a way to bring them back. In the end, this duel was all for naught on your end save causing more torment than you were already in for.” Big Yugi ground his teeth before noticing something within his extra deck. A card was glowing with a white light. Upon taking the card out, he noticed it was one he hadn’t put in there, yet it was just the card they needed. What’s more, he knew how to reach it. “I don’t need to wait until your turn concludes.” Big Yugi declared drawing surprised looks from everyone. “In fact, all the discarding you’ve done has given me every card I need to bring Tristan and Joey back right now!” “You’re bluffing.” Bakura called out. “Even with Magician of Faith’s effect, you can only bring back one spell card. That means you can only save 1 of them from the grave.” “No, you’re wrong.” Big Yugi looked down at the board. “There’s a monster in my extra deck that can rectify this turn, but I need help to reach it. Tea and Sunset, are you willing to lend me your trust in this next move?” “If it’ll get Joey and Tristan back, I’ll do whatever it takes.” Sunset declared firmly. “Agreed.” Tea added. “Do what you need to return our friends.” “Thank you.” Big Yugi stated genuinely. “First, I activate Book of Taiyou which allows me to flip 1 face down monster into face up attack position, and I choose Magician of Faith(LV 1/300/400).” Tea was flipped face up. “Whoa!” “When Magician of Faith is flipped, I can add any spell I wish from my grave to my hand.” Yugi declared. “The spell I choose is Polymerization, and I immediately activate it to fuse Magician of Faith and Elemental Hero Blazeman.” “Wait, we’re going to fuse!” Tea/Sunset called out in shock. “That’s right, you’re going to fuse!” Yugi declared. “Hero and Magician become one to create a power that goes beyond saving a situation. Together, they bring about a hero that can rectify situations. Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Blazing Faith(LV 5/2000/1500).” A heroine appeared wearing dark blue pants, a sleeveless, matching top, all with red accents, and wielded a golden staff with red lines all throughout it. She currently had medium length, red and brown hair with heterochromatic eyes. The left was light blue while the right was dark blue. “Whoa, this is weird.” Blazing Faith spoke with a perfect combination of Tea and Sunset’s voices. “I mean, even with us being friends, this is still really weird.” “Don’t worry because this won’t take long.” Yugi declared. “I activate Blazing Faith’s 1st effect allowing me to banish any spell card from my grave and make her effect that card’s effect until the end of the turn. I’ll banish Monster Reborn.” “Grr.” Bakura glared at Yugi. “Then, who will you bring back? Monster Reborn only allows for one monster to return.” “Maybe Monster Reborn does; however, Blazing Faith can activate her ability a total of three times provided I banish a Fusion Monster from the extra deck each time. Each time, you can counter this effect by banishing a Fusion Monster form your extra deck.” He smiled. “You don’t have one, so I’ll banish Blue-Eyes Light Dragoon and Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast to utilize this effect twice. With those special summons, I’ll return Blue Flame Swordsman(LV 4/1800/1600) and Cyber Commander(LV 2/750/700) to the field.” Joey and Tristan both reappeared. “Alright, we’re back!” “Joey! Tristan!” Blazing Faith exclaimed happily. “You’re back!” Yugi added happily. “Wait, where’s Sunset and Tea?” Tristan questioned worriedly. “They’re not here!?” Joey freaked out. “Were they destroyed?” “Actually, we’re both right here.” Blazing Faith responded. Joey and Tristan looked at the monster that spoke in shock. “What!?” “Big Yugi used Polymerization to fuse them into a new monster.” Yugi explained. “It’s through their effect that we were able to bring you back.” “Enough of this!” Bakura exclaimed drawing everyone’s attention. “All you’ve done is waste your time and turns filling your board with these foolish mortals.” “My friends are never a waste of time.” Big Yugi returned. “Make your move.” “Oh, I’ll make a move.” Bakura chuckled. “You’ll lose because this is the play that shall win me your Millennium Puzzle.” He drew. “First, I summon Lady of Faith(LV 3/1100/800).” A woman with blue hair and in a blue robe appeared. “Then, I’ll play Change of Heart.” “Wait, isn’t that Bakura’s favorite card?” Yugi questioned. “Quite the magical card it is.” Bakura responded. “It will turn you against your comrades even against your own will.” “Leave the young one out of this!” Big Yugi exclaimed. “Why should I?” Bakura asked. “With him on my field, it’ll only be a matter of time before all his friends fall, and you join them soon after. You’re here to guide and protect him!” He played the card. “Then, protect him against this!” “Yugi!” Joey, Tristan, and Blazing Faith cried out. Something was different about Change of Heart. “It’s Bakura!” Yugi exclaimed. “The Bakura we know!” Blazing Faith added. “I want to help, but we must move quickly.” Little Bakura flew into Lady of Faith taking control of her. “I’ve taken control of one of his cards rather than yours. That means I choose not to attack, and he has nothing more he can play. Now, you can end this by destroying me, Yugi!” “I can’t!” Yugi exclaimed. “Destroying you would send you to the graveyard.” “I don’t care!” Bakura yelled back. “Destroying me is better than being enslaved to some evil spirit! Just do it!” “Be quiet!” Evil Bakura roared. “I have a better idea.” Big Yugi declared as his puzzle glowed. “If the evil power of Bakura’s Millennium Ring can pull souls from people, perhaps my Millenium Puzzle can put them back.” Yugi switched the positions of Bakura and his evil half which put the evil half within Lady of Faith. “This can’t be!” “Listen closely Yugi!” Big Yugi exclaimed. “Use the power of the Dark Magician and send him to the grave now!” “You got it!” Yugi faced the monster. “Dark Magic Attack!” Yugi blasted the evil half of Bakura sending him to the grave (Yugi 550/Bakura 0). This meant the Shadow Game was over. As a result, Sunset and Tea were separated back into their original cards before everyone was placed back into their proper bodies.