Clearing: Midday…
Thunder walked into the clearing, panting and drenched in sweat before he collapsed to the ground. He still only had two-star chips to his name. Arctic walked on over and stared down at his brother as he took a long drink from a canteen.

“I tried to tell you running like some duel crazed lunatic wouldn’t get results.” Arctic chided. “If anything, it likely drove potential opponents to move away from you.”

“Can…it…Water.” Thunder managed.

“Since I didn’t hear your manners, I’m going to put this right here.” Arctic set the canteen about an arm’s length away. “If you really want the water, it’ll be right here for you.”

“You…suck.” Thunder panted.

Arctic smiled. “Love you to, bro.” He then walked back to the rock where Sonata sat observing the interaction. “Once Thunder recovers, we’ll be on the move again.”

“Uhm, is he okay?” Sonata asked.

“Don’t worry, that’s Thunder for you.” Arctic shook his head. “Prepared or not for the deadline, he tends to tucker himself out. Should have seen him during last track season. Everyone in our neighborhood saw him run past their house at least ten times over on the daily.”

“Well, you would know him best.” Sonata shrugged at that. “So, do you really think he has a shot at making it into the castle?”

“Hard to say at this point.” Arctic responded. “Pegasus only invited forty duelists and gave them two star chips each. At eighty star chips in play, only a maximum of eight duelist should make it. On the off chance those rumors of eliminators being a thing is real; his chances do improve.”

“Do you have faith in your brother to pull this off?” Sonata asked.

“Provided we find someone he can challenge, I’m positive Thunder can do this.” Arctic voiced. “As long as he still has even one star chip, there’s always a chance. If that chance is there, I’m content waiting until the last, possible minute to reach the castle.”

Sonata looked from Arctic to Thunder, who had managed to scramble to the canteen and began downing it, in thought. This was simply confusing to her. While her sisters never abandoned her after all these years, the three of them didn’t really support one another like this.

It was just as strange as the way in which Luthor seemed to support his own brother. That said, even though Luthor and Maxwell seemed to have a bond like this, those two were still prone to fighting with each other.

Still, their bond being like Arctic and Thunder’s in any way was strange all the same. That’s probably how the Siren would describe her time with this pair. Even with all the time she’s had, circumstance never put her in this position before. She’s never seen something this normal.

“Alright!” Thunder had finished off the canteen and now lept to his feet feeling reinvigorated. “Let’s get moving you two because I got a lot of ground to…”

Arctic had walked over and chopped the top of his head hard enough to get his attention. “Nope. First, you’re going to go fill all the canteens.” He handed over the second one. “Once they’re full, we’ll see about finding your next opponent.”

Thunder muttered to himself in annoyance while still going off to do the task.

“Better get ready to move when he gets back Sonata.” Arctic voiced. “After filling those canteens, he’s not going to want to waste a second more.”

“Right.” Sonata stated.

Pegasus’ Dungeon
“Well, Kaiba?” Pegasus asked as he was met with silence. “Do you care enough to save your brother’s soul?”

Kaiba was internally enraged at the mere thought of what Pegasus would do to that card if he acted up. “You’re not…human.”

“I assure you I am merely human.” Pegasus dug into his pockets. “It is simply my extra ordinary gifts that must be tripping you up.” He threw five star chips at Kaiba’s feet. “Here, you’ll need these for your duel with Yugi.”

Kaiba didn’t understand. “Why are you doing this?”

“My reasons are none of your concern.” Pegasus responded. “Maybe I wish to enjoy a duel between you and Yugi-boy. Perhaps it’s all about something you couldn’t comprehend.”

“Enough.” Kaiba declared firmly. “Just tell me what you want.”

“Want?” Pegasus crossed his arms. “I want to see if you can beat little Yugi in a duel. He has five extra star chips, so I want you to crush him in a duel with them on the line. If you succeed, you’ll have your duel with me. Beat me, and you have my word I’ll restore Mokuba’s soul.”

“For now, I have no choice but to play your game.” Kaiba declared. “As soon as I beat Yugi, I’ll be back, and you better make good on your promise to restore my brother’s soul.” He pointed at him. “If you don’t, I’ll separate yours in my own way.”

Duelist Kingdom: Later…
The gang, with Mektaveus, finally emerged back on the surface of Duelist Kingdom.

“We’re out!” Joey cheered. “Fresh air at last!”

“Could not have said it better myself!” Mektaveus voiced.

Bakura’s ring was glowing once more. “My Millennium Ring is pointing to…”

“…There!” Tea finished as she pointed to the castle. “We’re right near the stairs that lead up to the castle.”

“It’s only been a day and a half, yet a lot has happened to the point it feels much longer.” Sunset voiced. “In the end, all of us came out the other end with enough star chips to make it in.”

For the moment, discounting Pegasus and Blue Blood, the elemental hero user could have only pictured herself in a tournament like this back when she was that delusional person she’d been. After being shown a new path, Sunset never thought she’d get this far.

Tea was staring at Yugi, marveling at just how far he managed to come in this. It was to the point she almost felt like there were two Yugis. Upon thinking along those lines, she remembered the shadow game with the two Bakaras and Yugis.

Yugi looked at her. “Is something wrong?”

Tea shook her head. “I just wondered if you…”

By this point, the rest had started the climb up the stairs before realizing their friends weren’t following.

“Hey, you two!” Joey called out, interrupting her. “What’s the hold up!?”

“Hurry up or we’ll go on without you!” Tristan added.

“You know, I don’t think you or I have much of a leg to stand on.” Bakura smiled. “We’re not supposed to be here after all, so maybe we should wait for him.”

Tristan chuckled. “Good point.”

“Grandpa, here I come.” Yugi declared before attempting to run after them, only to end up tripping on a rock.

“Ouch.” Tea smiled. “This is how you’re going to rescue your grandpa?”

Yugi got to his knees and looked back at her. “I rescued you, remember?”

That was the truth, and back then they barely knew each other. If anything, she had been a real jerk. Nothing like how Joey or Tristan had been, nor how Sunset says she was. Still, Tea regretted how she’d treated them. Especially after Yugi and Joey didn’t laugh at her dream.

In fact, they encouraged her to pursue saving enough to study dance in America. That didn’t even compare to what Yugi did when she was lured into a trap set by their prior gym teacher. She had been knocked out in the ensuing altercation, so she didn’t know how he did it exactly.

“Tea, I asked if you remembered?” Yugi asked.

“Yeah, I remember.” Tea nodded. “But I got to ask, what was it you did to our old gym teacher?”

“I don’t know.” Yugi rubbed his head. “When I came to, he was already on the ground. I don’t remember a thing about it.”

“You’re a mysterious guy, Yugi.” Tea smiled. “Do you ever feel like there’s something going on? Sometimes you feel like a completely different person. Does what I’m saying make any sense to you?”

“I know what you mean.” Yugi nodded with some concern. “It feels like there is someone else inside of me. I hope I’m not losing it.”

“Whatever’s going on with you, both of you are really good guys.” Tea assured. “Trust me.”

Yugi smiled. “Thanks Tea.”

“Come on you two!” Mektaveus called out. “I’m considering leaving your group in the dust at this point!”

“If it’s gotten to that point, maybe we should head on back and carry them up!” Sunset joked.

“We should hurry because I think Sunset’s only half joking.” Tea laughed.

Yugi nodded. “Yeah.”

Stairs
As they neared the top, the group saw a particular duelist standing there.

“Whoa, are my eyes deceiving me or is that Seto Kaiba?” Mektaveus questioned stunned.

“No, that’s Kaiba.” Joey responded firmly. “The question is, what’s he doing waiting up there?”

Kaiba only cared about one person among them. “Yugi, I can’t let you pass.”

“I won enough star chips, so step aside.” Yugi ordered.

“You may have won enough star chips to qualify for the Duelist Kingdom playoffs, but I can’t allow you to face Pegasus.” Kaiba declared. “He’s mine. You and I are going to duel, and when you lose, I want all five of those extra star chips you have.”

“Can’t say this isn’t something Kaiba would do.” Sunset noted.

“Pegasus may be forcing me to duel, but this is also a rematch I’ve wanted.” Kaiba thought.

“Step aside Kaiba.” Yugi declared.

“Not until you agree to duel me.” Kaiba retorted.

“I’m not dueling you.” Yugi returned. “I don’t have to.”

“No longer confident your heart of the cards can win, or are you fearful since you no longer have Exodia?” Kaiba questioned. “That’s it, isn’t Yugi? You’re just afraid you can’t win a second time, coward.”

“Back off.” Tea declared. “He doesn’t need to prove a thing.”

“You want to duel smart mouth, I’ll take you!” Joey declared. “Come on, let’s duel.” Kaiba chuckled at that, which riled Joey up. “Don’t laugh!”

Bakura and Tristan held him back once more.

“Down boy.” Tristan stated.

“Don’t forget the last time you dueled him.” Bakura reminded. “He defeated you without losing a single life point.”

Joey deflated over being reminded of that.

Mektaveus went wide eyed upon hearing the guy he’d just partnered with couldn’t even touch one life point of Kaiba’s. “Okay, I’m not liking who Seto Kaiba is in person but hearing that confirms he’s at least overconfident with good reason.”

Even if Mektaveus liked dueling skilled guys, Seto Kaiba was starting to sound like he was on a whole other level.

At this point, Kaiba noticed Joey’s full duel gauntlet. “Heh, I can’t believe the barking Chihuahua has ten star chips. You earn them yourself, or did Yugi throw you a few bones?”

Now Joey was riled up again. “Don’t call me any kind of dog!”

“I think that’s enough talking down to my friends Kaiba.” Sunset took a step forward. “As for a duel, I’ve wanted my chance to deflate that ego of yours, so why don’t you take me on?”

“Someone like you would only serve as a marginal challenge in comparison to Wheeler.” Kaiba retorted. “To me, the only duelist I want is Yugi. He said he won by tapping into the heart of the cards. Well, I didn’t understand what that meant for the longest time.

Now, I think I do, and it took Pegasus to show me.” He took out his pendant. “He gave me a reason to put my heart in the deck I have crafted. For the first time, I can duel with fire and passion within my heart.”

“I can…see it.” Yugi stated surprised. “Kaiba has gone through a great change. This time, he’s not just dueling for himself, and that is allowing him to put his faith in his deck.”

“Yugi, it’s your call.” Sunset relented. “I mean, he is just asking you to wager those extra star chips you accumulated, so losing here won’t prevent you from having just as much a shot at Pegasus as any of us.”

“I’ve changed.” Kaiba declared. “Give me a chance to play you for the right reason.”

“After everything Grandpa taught me, how could I deny the heart of the cards?” Yugi thought before the puzzle glowed. “Kaiba, I accept your challenge. We’ll see just what you have really learned. Name your place!”

Kaiba smiled. “Our dueling field has been prepared. Follow me.”

Annex Roof
They ended up following Kaiba to a side of the castle where he and Yugi came to stand across from one another. Everyone else stood to the side.

Entrance
Bandit Keith arrived before Kemo, who was guarding the door. “I’m here for the duelist playoffs. I only need ten star chips, right?” He showed his gauntlet. “If so, I got them.”

“You qualify, but the real fun is on the annex roof.” Kemo informed. “You got to check it out.”

“Some action on the roof?” Keith walked on in. “Maybe I will.”

Annex Roof
“Here’s the deal Yugi.” Kaiba showed his five star chips. “I’m wagering my five star chips against the extra five I recall you starting to tell me about before.”

“Done.” Yugi declared.

They each tossed the five wagered to the other side.

“That means Yugi will have double the star chips needed when he wins.” Joey declared happily.

Since the duel was happening, Joey figured he might as well embrace it.

“We’ll also be using my duel disk system.” Kaiba continued. “I’ll assume you remember how these were used when it came to the mutt and I’s duel.”

“Kaiba.” Joey growled angrily.

“Hm, there’s some real tension between Joey and Seto.” Mektaveus noted.

“Take him down Yugi!” Sunset called out. “You beat Kaiba before, you can do it again!”

“Yeah!” Tristan added.

Keith walked out onto a pathway. “Might as well kill some time by checking this out.” He was surprised by who he saw. “It’s those punks I trapped underground! How’d they get out? I thought I trapped them forever.” He then looked at who Yugi was dueling. “Seto Kaiba!” He smiled. “This is a match I got to see.”

He went about moving into a primo spot.

“Are you ready to duel, Kaiba?” Yugi questioned.

“Whoever wins faces Pegasus first.” Kaiba declared. “When I face him, you won’t get the chance after me.”

“Let’s duel!”

(Yugi 2000/Kaiba 2000)

Kaiba drew. “I’ll start by activating Card of Consonance to discard any 1 Dragon-type tuner, with 1000 or less ATK, to draw two cards. The monster I sent was White Stone of Legend. When it’s sent to the grave, I can add a Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to my hand.

Rather than summon that, I’ll activate Trade-In to discard a Level 8 monster from my hand to the grave and draw two more cards. Then, I activate Dragon’s Shrine to send any Dragon-type monster I wish from my deck to the grave.

Provided the card I sent was a Normal monster, I can send an additional Dragon-type monster from my deck to the grave. Finally, I’ll summon Familiar Knight(LV 3/1200/1400).” A warrior in pristine, full armor appeared. “Your move Yugi.”

“Whoa, Kaiba went about a lot of discarding and drawing.” Joey noted. “What is he up to?”

“I’d like to know that as well.” Mektaveus stated. “Especially since he discarded at least one of those Blue-Eyes White Dragons I hear he has.”

“Well, Blue-Eyes White Dragon isn’t the only Blue-Eyes card Kaiba has.” Sunset vividly remembered Joey’s duel with the guy. “In fact, his deck is likely chalk full of various Blue-Eyes cards, meaning he must be planning something.”

“On your guard.” Yugi drew. “I’ll summon my Celtic Guardian(LV 4/1400/1200).” An elf warrior in green armor appeared.

“Hm, well done.” Kaiba mocked. “You monster has a superior ATK rather than a simple effect.”

“Don’t patronize me.” Yugi retorted.

“Yugi, I know you’re talented, but you’re not as good as I am.” Kaiba raised his head a bit. “Listen up because only one duelist is going to face Pegasus first, and that will be.”

“Wrong.” Yugi returned.

“Then attack and find out.” Kaiba retorted. “What’s the matter, Yugi? No faith in your monster?”

“You’ll see.” Yugi stated. “He’s mightier than yours. Go Celtic Guardian! Attack Familiar Knight!” Celtic Guardian sliced through Familiar Knight, destroying him (Yugi 2000/Kaiba 1800). “There, you’re monster is no more.”

“You’re good yet easily persuaded.” Kaiba smiled. “Destroying my knight was what I wanted.”

“He’s bluffing!” Joey called out. “You already got Kaiba on the ropes! Go Yugi!”

“It’s not a bluff because my Knight had a special ability.” Kaiba declared. “When he’s destroyed by battle and sent to the grave, both players can special summon any one Level 4 monster from our hands. I choose Rare Metal Dragon(LV 4/2400/1200).”

“That’s a Level 4 monster!?” Joey exclaimed, shocked. “It’s got just as much ATK as my Red-Eyes!”

“That effect might have gifted you a strong monster, but it also allows me to summon a second monster.” Yugi declared. “You’re not the only one with a strong Level 4. I summon Zombyra the Dark(LV 4/2100/500).” A warrior in black armor with a red and purple cape appeared.

“A strong monster that might be, but it’s not strong enough to overcome my dragon.” Kaiba declared.

“You are right; however, I am not without options.” Yugi stated. “I set two cards.”

“My turn!” Kaiba drew. “I will have my dragon destroy Zombyra.”

“During damage calculations, I activate my first face down, Ambush Shield.” Yugi countered. “With this, I can tribute my Celtic Guardian and grant Zombyra the Dark(LV 4/3300/500 effect) a permanent ATK increase equal to the tributed monster’s DEF.”

“Nice one Yugi!” Tristan cheered.

“A valiant attempt, but this spell will make that move a waste.” Kaiba declared. “I activate Shrink to half the original ATK of any monster on the field, and I’m targeting your Zombyra the Dark(LV 4/2250/500 effect).”

Rare Metal Dragon destroyed the warrior (Yugi 1850/Kaiba 1800).

“You managed to clear my field, but I’d still say we’re evenly matched due to the nearly tied life points and our field presence.” Yugi declared.

“Hm, Yugi doesn’t suspect my maneuvers, clever as they are, are done with purpose.” Kaiba thought. “Whether it be keeping Yugi in the dark or setting everything up, it’s all falling into place.”

“Man, this is one intense duel.” Tristan commented.

“Remember Tristan, Yugi beat Kaiba once before.” Bakura reminded.

“I want Yugi to win just as much as you do Bakura; however, Kaiba’s skills don’t compare to their first duel.” Sunset voiced. “That loss Yugi handed him only spurred the guy to new heights, so Yugi will need to match that if he wants to win.”

Keith had reached a tower and chuckled. “Man, look at these jokers.” He pushed his sunglasses up. “They’re really going at it. That’s fine by me because I got the best seat in the house for scooping out the competition.”

“Kaiba is trying to finish me off quickly.” Yugi was studying his opponent carefully. “That’s just not like him. He enjoys toying with his opponents almost as much as he enjoys winning. Since coming to this island, he’s all business.”

“What’s the matter Yugi?” Kaiba smiled. “You look a bit worried. Finally realize that without your precious Exodia, you don’t stand a chance against me?”

“I don’t need Exodia to beat you, Kaiba.” Yugi declared.

“We’ll see how you feel as I complete my turn.” Kaiba stated. “While my Battle Phase is through, I have yet to normal summon. While I will do that, I’ll first conduct a special summon by sending another Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to the grave.”

“Ah, that’s familiar.” Joey noted, a little worried.

Mektaveus picked up on it. “Hm, what’s coming?”

“A monster that contributed to Joey taking none of Kaiba’s life points when they dueled.” Sunset responded seriously.

Kaiba continued. “Here comes my Dictator of D.(LV 4/1200/1100).” A spellcaster in Blue-Eyes White Dragon armor appeared.

“That monster was able to contribute to a perfect duel on Kaiba’s part?” Mektaveus inquired. “It must have some effect beyond being special summoned.”

“This monster has plenty of effects, but neither of its remaining ones can be used without a certain card from my hand.” Kaiba smiled. “The thing is, I’d rather play the card I have in order to access a different play.

I summon Protector with Eyes of Blue(LV 1/0/0).” A man with white hair and blue eyes appeared. “When this monster is normal summoned, I can add any 1 Level 1 Light tuner monster I wish from my grave to my hand. I’ll add back my White Stone of Legend.”

“Wait, his effect adds back any 1 Level 1 Light Tuner, and it is also a Level 1 Light monster.” Yugi was putting the pieces together. “All your Level 1 Light monsters are tuner monsters!”

“Well done putting it together Yugi, but it hardly matters since I have every piece I need to perform an extra deck summon.” Kaiba declared. “Protector will tune up Rare Metal Dragon and Dictator of D. to Synchro for 9.

This monster rends your field, hand, and grave! Synchro summon Trishula Dragon of the Ice Barrier(LV 9/2700/2000).” A three headed ice white dragon appeared roaring as Yugi’s hand, only card on the field, being his set card, and grave began glowing an icy blue.

“That monster…” Yugi looked from it to the glowing sections of his field. “What have you summoned Kaiba!?”

“A monster that does as I described.” Kaiba declared. “When Trishula is Synchro summoned, she banishes one card on your field and from your grave. In addition, one last card is banished at random from your hand. Your set card, Zombyra, and a card form your hand are history!”

Yugi lost his set Nutrient Z, Zombyra in his grave, and Dark Magician from his hand.

“That dragon is huge trouble.” Bakura commented.

“Perhaps, but I think a monster with that kind of effect has nothing more to it.” Sunset stated. “While Yugi took a big hit, he still has cards to play and gets to draw come his next turn.”

“You lost your Dark Magician and quite the powerful set card with it.” Kaiba smiled. “What will you possibly do now against the might of Trishula?”

“End your turn and allow me to show you!” Yugi declared.

“Very well.” Kaiba stated. “I’ll set one card.”

“I draw!” Yugi nodded. “I activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards.” He smirked. “Two of these cards in my hand will show you what I plan to do about your Trishula. I summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500).” The white dragon with blue eyes rose on Yugi’s field.”

“Hm, seeing a copy of my dragon on your field is something I’ve moved past Yugi.” Kaiba smirked. “In fact, you’re probably the only duelist in this world worthy to wield such a card besides me. Even so, only one of us is a master of the Blue-Eyes.”

“You may be the master of the Blue-Eyes, but my deck is the Magician with Eyes of Blue.” Yugi declared. “When one-piece falls, the other can inherit some of the cards within this deck. Once such card is my Horn of the Unicorn.

This equip spell grants my Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3700/3200 equip) 700 more ATK and DEF. While she was enough to destroy Trishula before, this will ensure her attack truly hurts. Go, White Lighting!”

Blue-Eyes White Dragon blasted Trishula, destroying her (Yugi 1850/Kaiba 800).

“Oh yeah!” Joey declared happily. “Yugi just managed to take out Kaiba’s Synchro and has his own powerhouse on the field!”

“This puts Kaiba at a massive disadvantage.” Tristan added.

“I want to think that as well, but then why isn’t Kaiba worried?” Sunset thought concerned.

“I’ll set this last card in my hand.” Yugi declared. “Your move.”

“Everything falls into place with this draw!” Kaiba looked at what he got with a smirk. “I now activate Soul Release. This spell allows me to target up to five cards from either grave and banish them; however, all I need are two of my Blue-Eyes White Dragons.”

“Why would Kaiba banish some of his best cards?” Joey questioned before realizing something. “Why would he send them to the grave to begin with?”

“I’m not sure, but I got a bad feeling about this.” Sunset voiced.

“She’s right to feel that way because this card pairs well with the trap I set at the end of my last turn.” Kaiba declared. “I activate Return from the Different Dimension!”

Yugi eyes widened as he realized Kaiba had been setting this up from his first turn. “Oh no!”

“That’s right Yugi.” Kaiba voiced. “I set my grave for this very moment, with plenty of options. In the end, I only need these two. Now by paying half my life points, I can special summon my two Blue-Eyes White Dragons.”

“He thought so far ahead.” Mektaveus stated in shock.

“The downside to this card is any monster summoned through this effect will return to the banished zone at the End Phase; however, that won’t matter.” Kaiba declared (Yugi 1850/Kaiba 400). “I special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)x2.”

Two of Kaiba’s white dragons with blue-eyes appeared, roaring in challenge at Yugi’s one Blue-Eyes White Dragon with the horn of the unicorn atop its head.

“Both of Kaiba’s dragon have their original ATK while Yugi’s is 700 ATK stronger.” Joey voiced.

“I’m hardly done with my turn, Wheeler.” Kaiba declared. “I normal summon my White Stone of Legend(LV 1/300/250).” A white stone appeared. “With it, I give my first dragon a tune up to Synchro for 9. Descend, dragon which brings with it an illumining storm.

Synchro summon Lightstorm Dragon(LV 9/2700/3000).” A storm of light overtook the field before a white dragon with gold accents appeared from within it. “If this monster is special summoned, I can destroy spell/traps on the field.”

Upon hearing that, those who observed this duel were in shock while Yugi stared at his field. “How many of them can you destroy?”

“Up to the number of normal monsters within my grave, plus one.” Seto declared, seeing his opponent’s expression turn to devastation. “With three Blue-Eyes White Dragons, that’s up to four, but I only need to destroy Horn of the Unicorn and you set card. Go. Shinning storm!”

Lightstorm Dragon roared as a storm of light washed through Yugi’s backrow, obliterating Horn of the Unicorn and his set Soul Shield.

Yugi’s Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)

“This can’t be happening.” Tea voiced.

“What’s going on?” Mektaveus asked, unaware of the problem.

“Yugi’s Horn of the Unicorn returns to the top of his deck upon being destroyed on the field.” Tristan informed, as said duelist was forced to put that spell there. “That means next turn he’ll have to draw that card.”

Mektaveus now realized the problem. “Seto still has one of his Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s on the field, meaning he can clash with Yugi’s.”

“Per the rules, as it’s known all Yugi can draw is Horn of the Unicorn and that will be the only car in his hand, he won’t have a monster on the field come his next turn.” Sunset voiced.

“Without a monster on the field, or the ability to get one out, Yugi loses.” Bakura stated.

“Blue-Eyes White Dragon, clash with the dragon across the field from you!” Seto declared. “White Lightning!”

Seto and Yugi’s dragons both fired a ball of blue-white energy at one another, seeing both dragons sent to the grave.

“I…lost.” Yugi muttered, collapsing to his knees in disbelief.

(Yugi 0/Kaiba 400)

Everyone who was watching this duel, was utterly stunned. Looking at Yugi’s face, his disbelief turned to shock. By the way he ended up looking, it seemed like shock at having felt that way.

Entrance
Kemo phoned Pegasus. “Master Pegasus, the battle between Yugi and Kaiba has been decided. Seto Kaiba came out the victor.”

“Thank you, Kemo.” Pegasus stated.

“Shall I allow Seto Kaiba to enter the castle, sir?” Kemo asked.

“Yes, a deal is a deal.” Pegasus responded.

Annex Roof
Mektaveus just stood back, still in shock over the duel he saw. “Seto Kaiba and Yugi Muto are multiple levels beyond any duelist I’ve ever seen!”

Tea, Bakura, Tristan, Joey, and Sunset ran to Yugi’s side.

“Whoa man, it’s okay.” Joey reassured. “Even though you lost, you put up one heck of duel.”

“Another presence.” Yugi was just in shock. “I’ve thought about him before, but this was the first time I’ve truly noticed him.”

“Another presence?” Joey questioned. “Inside you?”

“What are you talking about buddy?” Tristan asked.

“This is more like Bakura’s situation, but whoever is inside Yugi isn’t like that other Bakura.” Sunset pondered on this. “In that case, what did losing this duel do to that other Yugi? Why did it provoke such a strong emotion to the point Yugi truly noticed him?”

“Like me, Yugi has an ancient spirit in his puzzle.” Bakura voiced for Yugi.

“I don’t understand.” Yugi really couldn’t grasp how losing a duel with such low stakes affected this other version of himself like this. “I mean, Kaiba gets to face Pegasus first, but we still have ten star chips. Even if its Kaiba, this duel was for fun.”

“I have everything I need, so I no longer need to stick around.” Kaiba had gathered the star chips and left. “Now that I’ve beaten Yugi, it’s time I duel Pegasus into the ground and get my brother’s soul back.”

Author's Note

Let's talk about Seto Kaiba beating Yugi Muto. Maybe some of you can tell I had this outcome planned from the beginning since Yugi was five star chips over the ten needed to enter the castle. Regardless of whether you noticed, it still happened.

I'll be honest, I've been thinking over this duel since the very first chapter. I mulled over having it go like canon, Yugi wining as canon, or having it end in a draw. Ultimately, I decided on lowering the stakes for Yugi.

This gave Seto a legitimate win to enter the castle on while avoiding the Kaiba attempting to off himself plot point. I understand why he did it, but even when I saw it as a kid, I didn't like it. Beyond even that, it gives a reversal to this situation between Yugi and Atem.

Rather than Yugi being scared of Atem, Atem is in utter disbelief he lost a duel even though he doesn't have the memory to understand why he feels this way. This means Yugi will need to prop up Atem rather than Atem trying to convince Yugi to let him help.

It still plays into teaching kindness and gives Yugi earlier leeway as a protagonist in his own right. For those of you who might say this ends the rivalry between Kaiba and Yugi, I already know how it will continue after Duelist Kingdom. Don't you worry about that.