YUGIOH: It's Time to Duel!

[3rd POV]

Three Egyptian Gods...

The mere thought of fighting against them all at once would drive anyone insane. Smiling, Atem stood proudly as the three monstrosities stood behind him, each one extruding a sheer presence that could not be ignored.

"Since the battle phase has already ended, I will pass my turn here," Atem said, and Yugi grimaced.

"It's my turn..." Yugi replied and glanced at his hand. "Since another turn has passed, Silent Swordsman LV3 will transform into Silent Swordsman LV4!"

[Silent Swordsman LV4: 3000 Attack]

"First, I will activate the effect of Berserkion, the Electromagna Warrior, and banish Beta, the Magnet Warrior, to destroy your King's Sarcophagus! Next, I will set Valkyrion, Berserkion and Silent Swordsman all to a defensive position!"

[Valkyrion, the Magnet Warrior: 3850 Defence]

[Berserkion, the Magna Warrior: 2800 Defence]

[Silent Swordsman LV4: 1000 Defence]

"I will set one card and end my turn..." Yugi muttered in frustration as he was forced onto the defensive.

"Then it's my turn. Because I drew another card, Slifer the Sky Dragon will gain an additional one thousand attack points!"

[Slifer the Sky Dragon: 2000 -> 3000 Attack]

"I will immediately enter the battle phase!" Atem declared, and the three Egyptian Gods stirred. "Obelisk the Tormentor, attack the Silent Swordsman!"

Obelisk surged forward, its colossal frame struggling against the thick mud that clung to its legs. Undeterred, the mighty deity seized the Silent Swordsman in its massive hands. A surge of fury erupted as Obelisk's titanic fists came crashing down, the force shattering the valiant warrior in an instant. 

"Slifer, the Sky Dragon, destroy Berserkion, the Electromagna Warrior!" With a thunderous roar, Slifer plunged from the heavens, its colossal serpentine form coiling around the mechanical soldier. The dragon's immense jaws snapped shut over Berserkion's head, crushing it with devastating force before crushing what was left within its coil, similar to that of a snake.

"When Berserkion the Electromagna Warrior is destroyed, I can target the three Electromagnet Warriors in my banish zone and summon them onto the field!" Yugi shouted, and three robots were formed from Berserkion's remains.

[Gamma, the Electromagnet Warrior: 800 Attack]

[Alpha, the Electromagnet Warrior: 1700 Attack]

[Beta, the Electromagnet Warrior: 1500 Attack]

"Slifer the Sky Dragon will then proceed to activate, and all of your Electromagnet Warriors will lose two thousand attacks! If any of your monsters' attacks drop to zero, they will be destroyed!"

[Gamma, the Electromagnet Warrior: 800 -> 0 Attack]

[Alpha, the Electromagnet Warrior: 1700 -> 0 Attack]

[Beta, the Electromagnet Warrior: 1500 -> 0 Attack]

The moment they materialized, the three robots erupted in an explosion, engulfing the battlefield in a fiery burst. When the smoke cleared, only a lone Gadget Trio remained on Yugi's field.

Yugi's hand trembled as dread crept into his heart. His will to fight wavered, the crushing weight of the battle pressing down on him. Clenching his fists, he shut his eyes tightly, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill. 

What was he supposed to do? How could he possibly stand against the might of three Egyptian Gods? 

Doubt coiled around his heart like a vice, suffocating his resolve. His arms fell to his sides, the weight of despair pressing down on him. His once-burning determination flickered like a dying ember.

Atem's eyes narrowed as he watched Yugi falter. His voice cut through the silence, firm and commanding. "What are you doing? Are you really going to give up now?"

Yugi: "I... I..."

"Stop giving me excuses." Atem scolded harshly, "Isn't this what you wanted, to send me to the afterlife?"

"Yes, but..."

"Then keep fighting!" The Pharaoh's voice thundered through the cavern, his words carrying both command and urgency. "Prove to me that once I'm gone, you'll have the strength to stand on your own!"

Yugi's pupils trembled as the weight of Atem's words settled over him. Slowly, he lifted his head, his gaze sweeping over his friends. Their faces were filled with worry, and Yugi felt embarrassed by their overly warm concerns.

Averting his gaze, his eyes subconsciously wandered towards Yuna, who was staring at him with an unreadable expression. Staring at her face, Yugi couldn't help but recall a conversation they had a couple of months ago...

[Two months earlier...]

"Would you like some tea?" Yugi asked when Yuna entered his room.

"No, it's alright." Yuna rejected his offer, and they both sat down in the centre of the room. 

It has been a week since Yuna visited his home. At this point, Yugi's family were accustomed to her visits, so the boy could finally avoid his mother's teasing. Already knowing what to do, Yugi handed Yuna his deck, and she quietly shifted through each card.

"You're on the right track, but maybe you could add some Spell Removal-type cards? It doesn't have to be a lot, but just in case there's something pesky on the field." Yuna explained.

"Thanks a lot, Sano-san," Yugi smiled wryly. "However, I'm also a little worried that this may not be enough."

"How so?" Yuna inquired.

"Well, how should I deal with the Egyptian Gods? Atem will definitely be using at least one, if not all, three." He explained, and Yuna grasped her chin.

"As you may already know, there are technically three ways to defeat an Egyptian God Card," Yuna said, raising three fingers.

"First, you can outpower the god through sheer attack power. Second, you fight a god with another god. Lastly, you can use cards that don't affect the Egyptian Gods directly. Since it's pretty difficult to outpower a god, and Atem will possess all three Egyptian Gods anyway, the third option is your best choice."

"Cards that affect the duellist or the field or any of the game phases can work. They all can bypass the protection effect of the Egyptian Gods, and some cards can even weaken or destroy them." Yuna explained with a confident smile.

"So never be afraid." Yuna spoke softly, "If you just remain patient and watch closely, even a god will eventually show its weakness..."

As he snapped out of his daze, Yugi slowed down his breathing, regaining his calm. His mind went into overdrive, and he quietly stared at the three Egyptian Gods, searching for anything he could exploit.

Then, his gaze fell upon Slifer, the Sky Dragon's massive, gaping jaw. Something clicked. A spark of realization flared in his mind, and in that instant, a plan began to take shape.

"Good. It seems you've regained your confidence," Atem observed, a hint of approval in his voice. "Then I shall continue! Winged Dragon of Ra, destroy Valkyrion, the Magna Warrior!"

A blinding orange beam erupted from the dragon, searing through the air with devastating force. The moment it struck, Valkyrion's armoured exterior melted like wax, and its form was reduced to scrap.

"I will set one card face-down and end my turn here," Atem said, crossing his arms. "Let's see what you can do."

"Right! I will draw!" Yugi yelled and nodded to himself, "I will first activate my Card of Sanctity, allowing both of us to draw until we have six cards!"

Frowning, Atem was caught off guard, and he stared at Yugi strangely, "If you play this spell, Slifer The Sky Dragon will only get stronger..."

"I'm perfectly aware! So draw!" Yugi retorted confidently, and the Pharaoh smirked.

Atem: "Very well, I shall do as you say."

[Slifer the Sky Dragon: 3000 -> 6000 Attack]

"Next, I'm activating my Burial from a Different Dimension. This spell allows me to bring Gamma and Beta, the Magnet Warrior, back from the banish zone to my graveyard! Next, I'm playing Foolish Burial, sending my second copy of Valkyrion to the grave!

"Then I'm activating Magnet Reverse, targeting my Valkyrion, the Magna Warrior that was sent to the graveyard this turn and reviving it in a defensive position!"

[Valkyrion, The Magna Warrior: 3850 Defence]

"When you summoned Valkyrion, Slifer the Sky Dragon's effect will be activated and lower your monster's attack by two thousand!"

"That won't be happening!" Yugi yelled back and activated the card that he had placed earlier, "You trigger the trap card, Magnet Force! Until this end phase, if any of my Rock or Machine-Type monsters are targeted for an opponent's effect, I can switch that target back to any appropriate monsters you control!"

Atem: !!!

To his shock, Slifer the Sky Dragon fired a yellowish beam from its second jaw. However, instead of striking the machine, the beam was suddenly redirected towards the Egyptian Gods.

[Slifer the Sky Dragon: 6000 -> 4000 Attack]

[Obelisk the Tormentor: 2500 -> 500 Attack]

[Winged Dragon of Ra: 9000 -> 7000 Attack]

"It actually worked..." Joey exclaimed in excitement. "The Egyptian Gods are weakening!"

"How is it possible? I thought Egyptian God Cards are not affected by any effects..." Tristan asked.

"It's simple," Yuna replied, and their eyes all turned towards her. Magnet Force does not target Slifer the Sky Dragon but its effect. Since the effect is originally from an Egyptian God, it can bypass their protection and affect the other gods as well." To everyone's surprise, Yugi continued to move and disassemble Atem's defences one by one.

"I will activate Valkyrion the Magna Warrior's effect to tribute it and summon back my three Magnet Warriors from my graveyard in Defence Positions!"

[Alpha, the Magnet Warrior: 1700 Defence]

[Gamma, the Magnet Warrior: 1800 Defence]

[Beta, the Magnet Warrior: 1600 Defence]

Once again, Slifer's ability instinctively activated before being redirected toward the three Egyptian Gods, and Atem stood helpless, trapped in this absurd loop.

[Slifer the Sky Dragon: 4000 -> 2000 -> 0 Attack]

[Obelisk the Tormentor: 500 -> 0 Attack]

[Winged Dragon of Ra: 7000 -> 5000 -> 3000 Attack]

Obelisk the Tormentor was the first to fall, and Slifer the Sky Dragon swiftly joined soon afterwards. Their bodies crumbled like broken statues, and the pieces turned into dust. 

Atem watched in astonishment. In mere moments, two of the mighty Egyptian Gods had been vanquished.

The Winged Dragon of Ra let out a strained cry as it dropped to its knees, its golden form dimming. The overwhelming energy it once radiated had been drained.

"Nice, Yugi did it!" Téa cheered, "There's only one god left!"

"It is quite fortunate he was able to escape his predicament. But the Winged Dragon of Ra still stood, and it's the strongest god of them all." Marik commented.

"But Yugi's in a much better position now!" Téa grinned. "Come on, Yugi, you've got this!"

Crossing his arms, Atem pinched the bridge of his nose and laughed, "You have exceeded my expectations once more... But it's not over, is it?"

"You're right," Yugi returned the smile, "Let's finish it once and for all! Since I control Shining Sarcophagus, I will special-summon Gandora-G, the Dragon of Destruction, from my hand!"

The Shining Sarcophagus reopened, and a massive dragon burst out. The monster has a beautiful black body and a gold underbelly. Red orbs glowed along its joints and skin, creating a terrifying and fierce appearance.

[Gandora-G, the Dragon of Destruction: 0 Attack]

"When Gandora is on the field, I can pay half of my life points and destroy as many cards as possible, and if I do, they will be banished, and Gandora will gain three hundred attacks for each card destroyed this way!"

Roaring, a red pulsating sphere began to form at the end of its jaw. Shooting the orb into the air, the sphere exploded, creating a massive shock wave that spread through the entire field, wiping everything but the Egyptian God and dragon.

[Gandora-G, the Dragon of Destruction: 0 -> 2400 Attack]

"Then, I'm able to special summon one level seven or lower monster that mentions Shining Sarcophagus and increase its level by the number of cards destroyed!"

"The one I will summon is Silent Magician Zero!" Yugi announced, and a young girl appeared on the field.

She was dressed in white robes and a large wizard hat on her head, showcasing her status as a young mage.

[Silent Magician Zero (Lvl 4): 1000 Attack]

[Silent Magician Zero (Lvl 4 -> 12): 1000 Attack]

"With Silent Magician Zero's effect, she can gain attacks equal to the difference of her original level multiplied by five hundred!"

Closing her eyes, Silent Magician felt a white aura surround Her. Her body and outfit began to grow. In a matter of seconds, Silent Magician transformed from a young girl to a beautiful woman. Gradually, her cheerful and naive smile faded as her expression matured and became serene.

[Silent Magician (Lvl 12): 1000 -> 5000 Attack]

"Now, I will enter the battle phase!" Yugi yelled loudly. This is the end, Pharaoh! Silent Magician, attack the Winged Dragon of Ra!"

Soaring towards the sky, Silent Magician raised her wand and lightning gathered at the gem on the tip of the weapon.

"Tsk, I will activate the effect of Winged Dragon of Ra by paying all of my life points of but one; I'm able to increase the Ra's attack with the power I lost", Atem screamed.

[Atem: 2500 LP -> 1 LP]

[Winged Dragon of Ra: 3000 -> 5499 Attack]

"Your Silent Magician is weaker! So it will be destroyed upon your attack!" The Pharoah refuted as the Egyptian God chased after the magician floating in the air. Flapping its massive wings, the dragon loomed over the mage and roared, eager to tear its challenger apart.

However, to the god's surprise, the lightning intensified as the white light completely blinded the room. Raising her staff, Silent Magician the lightning concentrated into a round ball.

"I will activate the spell, Turn Silence and increase Silent Magician's level three more times!"

[Silent Magician (Lvl 12 -> 15): 5000 -> 6500 Attack]

"This is the end, Atem! Silent Magician destroy Winged Dragon of Ra with Silent Burning Attack!"

Pointing her staff, Silent Magician fired a humongous laser. The Winged Dragon of Ra shrieked as its body was completely melted through its body and continued shooting towards the pharaoh in the distance.

Staring at the beam towards him, Atem sighed before closing his eyes with a smile, "Well played..."

*BOOOOOOOOOOM*

[Atem: 1 LP -> 0 LP]

Silence swept over the field as everyone held their breath. Yugi collapsed on his knees, his lips trembling in disbelief as a single tear slipped down his eyes.

"I won..."

His muttering brought everyone out of reality, and Atem laughed. His gaze filled with pride and admiration as he stared at his friend, "Congratulations, Yugi, I was thoroughly defeated." 

Atem sighed in relief and turned to the Millennium Stone. As if responding to his will, the Stone split open, revealing a white interior filled with light. Standing before the gate of the afterlife, Atem carefully took a step before stopping.

Hearing footsteps behind him, he smiled wryly as he was suddenly embraced by Téa, who cried.

"Do you really have to go?" she asked mournfully. I understand that you have a place to return to. But I hate that the wall of light is the only thing that separates you from us!"

"Téa ..." Atem muttered with a complicated expression.

"Stop it, Téa," Tristan mumbled with difficulty, "We can't guilt trip Atem about staying. It's his decision, and we must respect it."

"I know... But!" Tea broke down in tears, and she cried.

Leaning against Tristan, she wiped her face, and Atem smiled wryly. When he turned to Joey, the boy gritted his teeth, trying to control his emotions, "We won't forget you... You will always be our friend."

"Thanks, Joey..." Atem muttered in a moved tone, "I will never forget you all... Thank you for everything..."

Atem slowly approached the light. Gradually, his outfit began to change, and he found himself in the regal robes of his time as Pharaoh. As he gazed into the distance, his eyes widened in disbelief.

All of his friends and companions were smiling as they waited for him. His calm expression cracked, and he bit his lips in tears. The people who had once fought with him laughed with him and smiled with him, welcoming the Pharaoh with open arms.

There, waiting for him, were the faces of his friends and companions who had once fought alongside him. Their smiles were warm, and their eyes filled with love and understanding. Atem's calm demeanour faltered as emotions surged within him.

His heart ached as he realized that the people who had once fought, laughed, and suffered with him were now welcoming him home, their arms open wide in joyous reunion.

However, before he stepped further, Atem turned around when he sensed two familiar presences behind him, "So this is it."

"Yes..." Atem nodded solemnly, and his voice tinged with finality as he handed Yuna his deck. "Here, I have no use for this anymore."

Yuna took the deck, her fingers trembling as she held it. Her gaze drifted towards the figures waiting for Atem in the afterlife. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she recognized their faces.

Among the waiting figures were her teacher and her friends; her memories felt as fresh as though they had never left. The sight overwhelmed her, and before she could stop it, tears welled in her eyes. 

"This is goodbye," Yuna whispered, her voice trembling as she hugged Atem tightly.

The pharaoh awkwardly raised his hands in the air, trying to ignore the soft sensation pressing against his chest. He nervously averted his gaze from Seto's cold, piercing glare.

When Yuna finally broke away, Atem quietly sighed with relief before smiling wryly, "I assume both of you won't be coming with me."

"Well, we're thinking of staying for a while," Yuna admitted. There are still so many things we haven't done yet."

"Of course," Atem chuckled softly, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips as he turned away. "Goodbye, Kisara and Seto. We'll be awaiting your return."

With a final, lingering glance, he took one last look at the world he had known. Then, without another word, Atem stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the afterlife...

[Yuna's Pov]

As I watched Atem leave, I took a shaky breath. "Are you okay?" Seto asked, and I shrugged.

"Seeing Shada and Teacher again brought up some nostalgic feelings," I answered, smiling. "But don't worry; I'm not going anywhere."

Realizing I understood exactly what he was thinking, Seto coughed awkwardly before embracing me from the back. As Atem's figure vanished into the light, the Millennium Stone's glow faded, slowly losing its brilliance. 

Suddenly, the entire cavern rumbled loudly, snapping us out of our moment. Rocks and debris fell from the ceiling, and the earthquake created a massive sinkhole in the centre of the temple.

The Millennium Item in the stone shook, causing shockwaves that shook the cavern, and cracks ran along the Millennium Stone.

"Run!!" I shouted, and we rushed down the stairs and towards the exit. However, before we could reach it, the exit was suddenly blocked by a large boulder that fell from the sky.

"What do we do?!" Yugi screamed in terror, and I gritted my teeth.

"Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand, Blue Eyes White Dragon, Starving Venom Fusion Dragon and Dragonmaid Sheou, come out!" Channelling all of my available Ba, I called upon my spirits, and they appeared beside me.

"Destroy the ceiling!" I ordered, and in unison, the four dragons unleashed their breath towards the roof.

Unable to withstand the attack, the roof exploded, and sunlight shone through the large hole, "Everyone gets on!" Under my shouts, everyone scrambled to climb onto one of the dragons' backs.

Once Seto and I mounted the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, I made sure everyone had enough room before signalling the dragons to take flight. One by one, we ascended from the darkened hole, breaking free into the open sky. 

"That was too close..." I muttered tiredly; if we had even stayed a bit longer, we would've been crushed beneath all that rubble.

As I imagined myself suffering an unfortunate fate, I suddenly felt Seto's head behind my neck, his arms wrapping around my waist. "Is it over?" he asked.

"For now, yes..."

Answering, I stared absentmindedly into the distance. Although only a year had technically passed, it's safe to say this journey of mine felt painfully long. Throughout that time, I was able to smile, laugh, and cry. All these experiences will forever remain deep in my heart, but that adventure was finally coming to an end, and that feeling saddens me.

"Seto, for the past year, our lives have been filled with chaos. Despite how many times we both almost died, it sounds crazy, but I will miss this..." I quickly shook my head and smiled wryly. "You don't have to worry; it's just a stupid rambling of mine anyway."

"I think I feel the same way," Seto replied. "After all this, I will return to my normal life as the head of KaibaCorps. However, it will be different now."

"Oh yeah? And what would that be?" I teased, my voice light with amusement. Seto smirked in response, but before I could say another word, he leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, warmth spreading through me.

Though the story of Yu-Gi-Oh had ended, I knew at that moment that my new life was just beginning...

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I hope you enjoy it.