I don't own Yu-gi-oh but like every other fanfic writer I kind of wish I did...
Four years ago from the start of the events of Yu-gi-oh GX…
The room was lit only by the small lamp on the right side of a cluttered desk. Upon the desk sat a number of items, most of them where mundane but the one thing the light seemed to focus on was a stack of paper that sat in the middle of the desk. 'The Pharaoh Atemu' was type in large black bold font across the cover. Just under the large lettering it was signed Yugi Mutuo.
This paper was the last step for the author of the paper. Tomorrow, he would hand his report in and if everything went according to plan he would graduate Tokyo University with a major in Egyptian archeology. He had slaved so long to put that report together it was by far his greatest work. He only hoped that Yami would be proud if he ever saw the report. After all it was about him…
Getting up from his desk, the author scanned his small attic bedroom. His room was a disaster, a testament to his state of mind for the last few nights. Things had been littered across the floor carelessly and only now did he realize it. Piles of open books he had use as references had created a fortress just around his chair alone. Next to the report sat a laptop with website open about the ancient Pharaoh.
Getting up, he placed a Kuriboh paperweight upon the stack of papers and shut down the laptop. KaibaCorp logo could be seen blazoned across the top of the laptop. It had been a graduation gift from Mokuba when he graduated high school and it had served him well during his time in college. Reaching over he also turned off the small table side lamp, causing darkness to flood the room. Except for the moonlight that filtered in through the window giving everything it touched a silver glow. A good stretch worked the stiffness out of his muscles as he moved over his pile of books. Good thing he had grown a good half foot since his time with Yami or he wouldn't have been able to make it across his fortress.
Purple eyes scanned the bedside clock. 2:30 in the morning the analog digits read. A yawn escaped his mouth as let himself fall into his bed. He would have to awake in four hours time, but for now he should get as much sleep as he could. He curled up on the bed throwing the blanket over his tired form and closed his eyes. Even though his body was on the verge of collapse, it meant nothing to his mind. His mind refused to give into the gentle lull of sleep as it was too focused on his report and thoughts of the Pharaoh that inspired him to write it.
He squeezed his eyes shut; banishing the thoughts to the back of his mind trying to save himself from the lonely feeling he got when ever he thought about Yami to much. His life had always felt empty after Yami left. Like a piece of his life's puzzle had been lost. Sure his friends did a good job filling the gap, but when he was alone with no one else around he really missed the spirit of the puzzle the most. His only comfort for this loss, he now reached for. Tugging at the one of his bedside drawer, he pulled it open and reached for a small box inside.
Two duel monster decks resided in the small golden box that he now hugged close to his chest. His days as a duelist were over now, but being able to hold the deck that Yami and himself used during those days made him feel at ease. Now that Yami was gone, he kind of considered the deck more so belonging to the Spirit then it did to him. So maybe that why it always gave him such comfort, it was the only thing of Yami's he had left.
This was going to be his last night sleeping like this, he told himself. Industrial Illusions had asked to take Yami's deck and put it on display around the world for all duelist to see only a few days ago. He had agreed to this after Pegasus had offered to pay off the rest of his college tuition and set him up with a job working on excavation project near the spot were they had unearth the Millennium Puzzle. He only needed to pass his last class in college and the spot was his. He had no doubt that his report would give him a passing grade and earn him this spot on the excavation team. His dreams of doing what his father and grandfather did where finally going to come true.
A smile appeared on the young mans lips as he was lulled to sleep, his dreams of the future dancing through his head….
1 week later….
"Heh, Ya think that's enough ta stop Joey Wheeler? I activate my trap card Chasm of Spikes. Now your super monster is toast and ya take damage equal a quarter of your monster attack points! That brings ya down to 500. Guess what it's now my turn" The smirk on the current champion face only seemed to widen as he drew his next card.
His eyes seemed to dance with delight as he realized the card he was holding. The red eyes black dragon seemed to glimmer in the lights of the stadium. This was it, next move it was all over. His eyes flashed across the dueling field to his opponent. A part of him felt badly about this but a title was at stake, and they had both promised each other to give it their all. His opponent only had one monster on the field and no face downs to protect the single monster.
His Panther warrior, fairly useless with out his scapegoats now, along with his alligator sword would be all the tribute he needed to summon the mighty black beast to the field. Taking a deep breath his eyes glanced over the crowd. His sister was up on her feet cheering for him along with a very happy Tristan at her side. Serenity had always been his biggest fan and he was happy to have such support from his friends as well. Not far from his obnoxious cheering sister sat Tea. She was a bit more reserved in her cheering but the smile on her face was for him. True friends they all where and Joey was happy to have them.
He was about to turn back to the duel when a tuft of black, red, and blond hair caught his eye. 'No way' his mind scowled him. Yugi was supposta be in college right now, having given up duel monster to focus on his studies. It took a few minutes before it clicked in his brain.
"Joseph if you aren't going to do something, I'll take my turn and destroy you" Came a feminine voice from the other side of the field.
This voice was basically ignored as Joey raised one shaky finger and pointed it at the duel monster champion that sat near the competitor entrance. His opponent gave him a questioning look before she to turned around and focused on where he was pointing. Suddenly the whole stadium went silent as they realized the King of games was there, and he just seemed to demanded respect.
"Yug!" The words seemed to come out dry from his mouth as if he hadn't had water in days.
A smile appeared Yugi's face as he motioned for Joey to continue the duel with a wave of his hand and a brief nod. Joey could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he nodded. Yugi had made it to see this. To Joey his world was as perfect as it came right now.
"Sorry Mai but this duel is over now! Sacrifice my Panther and my Alligator to bring out my one of my favorite cards. Mai I believe you know who he is." Joey said as he placed the red eyes black dragon upon his duel disk platform. "Say hello to my Red eyes black dragon!"
The sound of the hologram going in to over drive was heard as what looked like a living breathing Black dragon materialized on his side of the field. Mai smiled and nodded as if she expected this from Joey, her Harpy Lady just didn't stand a chance now. The dragon gave out a loud roar as it announced it's presence on the field.
"Red Eyes inferno fire blast, attack Harpy Lady and finish off the last of her life points!" Joey yelled as he pointed towards the defenseless Harpy Lady.
Red eyes seemed to need no further encouragement as it took a deep breath and sent a blazing ball of fire in the direction of the winged female. The instant the fireball hit the other hologram it exploded into fragment that seemed to rain down on Mia's side of the field. A lifepoint counter was heard clicking off the last of Mia's 500 life points before it reached 0 and all holograms faded away. He had won, but barely, his lifepoint counter had been reduced to a mere 250 before he had turned the duel around.
The crowd burst into a cheer many of them rising to their feet. The roar of the crowd dulled out almost everything else but Joey barely noticed as he took off towards his best friend. The glory of winning could wait, seeing his best friend quickly became first priority. Skidding to a stop, he wasted no time pulling his buddy into a back breaking hug.
"Yug, I can't believe yer here!" The thrill in Joey voice was etched into each word he spoke.
Yugi winced slightly as he felt his back crack in a few places before Joey let him go, but his smile had never left his face. He had barely made it in time to see Joey win his final duel of the International Duel Monster tournament. He was glad he did, the duel had been amazing with both competitor giving it their all.
"It's good to be here Joey, it really is. You're duel was amazing, and now you hold the title of Duel Monster Champion." Yugi said grinning with joy for his best friend.
Joey chuckled. "That's not all I won, but in my eyes yer still the Duel Monster champ 'round here, Yug. So when are ya gonna start playin' again? Ya have to be done with college by now if yer here!"
Yugi smile faltered a minute. "I was kind wanting to talk to you and the others about that..." Yugi voice seemed a bit quieter as he spoke.
"Eh?" Was the only intelligent thing Joey was able to muster as he saw a look of sadness flash across his best friend's eyes. Questions popped into Joey head as he got ready to ask about a million of them but the words fell dead in his mouth as Tea wrapped her arms around Yugi and pulled him into a hug of her own. This one seemed a lot gentler then his hug and suddenly Joey wished he could have given the two a moment alone so he stepped back a few paces.
Tea feeling for the smaller man Joey had known about since their days before the duelist kingdom. The only problem was neither of them really openly admitted these feelings and thus their relationship never really took off. The troubles that they got into during the time Yugi had the Millennium Puzzle didn't help further their relationship but it did strengthen it. So much had happen since they all had last seen Yami that it seemed like a life time ago since they had done all those things.
Joey felt Tristan put his hand on his shoulder as Serenity and Mai appeared by his side. Every one seemed more then willing to give Tea and Yugi a few minutes before they rushed to greet him as well. Mai put her hands on her hips and shook her head a smirk dancing on the tip of her lips.
"Now that Yugi had grown a few inches they kind of make a cute couple, he can now look her in the eye instead of needing a booster seat any more. Think they'll get together now that they are both back?" Mai asked as she turned to Joey.
A half hearted shrug was all Joey could do to reply. It was true, Tea had gone off to New York for the past 4 years and studied dance at some fancy dance college. Yugi studied hard for the past 4 years at college, he tried a lot to be around for his friends but studies pulled him away on more then one occasion. He wanted to say that they would get together but that look he saw in Yugi's eyes just before Tea had hugged him still gnawed at the edges of his mind. Something was wrong with his best pal and Joey didn't like that in the least bit.
"Joey you should head out there and claim your title. Lunch is on me guys, I have a lot of things to tell you and I'm sure you guys have a lot of things to tell me." He sounded like Yami used to but the way he spoke was purely Yugi.
"Yeah Wheeler, you should go claim you're prize while you still can. I'll be sure to take the title away from you in the next tournament Mutt" A low voice echoed from down the entertain hall.
Joey tensed in an instant as the lengthy figure of Kaiba came into view and stood a few feet from Yugi. The briefcase in his hand meant he was ready to duel at any moment if one dared challenge the great card shark. Joey growled under his breath as Tristan tightened his hold on his shoulder.
"What are you doin' here Rich boy? Last I recall you didn't compete in this tournament because you where scared ta face old Joey the Great!" Joey sneered as he felt his blood pressure rise.
"Me afraid of a dog like you? Hardly… I wasn't here because unlike you're pathetic lifestyle, I had to finish up a business deal. Real men have real jobs Wheeler." Kaiba shot back in cool tone.
Joey then felt Serenity and Mai take a hold of his arms as he tensed. Kaiba just had a way of pressing all of his buttons at once, and if his friend and sister weren't holding him back Joey would have lunged. Kaiba wanted to tick him off but Joey couldn't play his game or else he would end up the loser.
"Not all of us have a silver spoon in our mouths Kaiba, and if ya knew anything about me you'd know I have a real job too! And harrassin' an officer of the law is an offense that can get ya thrown in jail Moneybags." Joey replied venomously.
Kaiba smirked. "K-9 cop? I have to say the job fits you." Kaiba then turned his attention to Yugi, "I don't know why you gave it to me, but I'll keep it. Just don't expect it back… I just want to know what you plan to do with the other two cards" Kaiba said.
Yugi looked up at the taller man and nodded. "I don't think I'll ever need it back Kaiba. After all the rest of my deck is now property of Industrial Illusions. The card did belong to you at one point; I'm just returning it to you now. As for the other 2, Joey gets one as for the last one, I've been asked by Pegasus to keep that a mystery. All three god cards should never be in any ones deck again"
Joey froze and he felt collective gasps among his other friends. Did this mean Yugi was giving up Duel Monster for good? This couldn't be! Yugi was the King of Games, without him around playing what was the point of Joey playing any more?
"What are you talkin' about Yug? You just didn't give that slime ball one of yer three god card didja?" The desperation was clear in Joey voice.
Yugi turned to his best friend as well as the rest of his shocked friends. "Yes I did. Atemu's deck is too dangerous with the God cards in it and gave it an unfair advantage. I don't see the point of keeping the deck together with such an unfair advantage."
"I understand Yugi, you were a good rival. I look forward to our next match… And trust me there will be a next match" Kaiba tone got deadlier with each word he spoke, before he turned and disappeared back down the hall way.
"Yugi that look in your eyes… You're giving up Duel Monster aren't you?" Tea asked in a straight forward manor.
Yugi gave Tea a sad smile. "I think so; I'll explain it all later. Just drop it for now please…"
A look crossed Yugi's face that made Joey almost double take. It was a look that was that purely innocently Yugi look, and the fact that Yugi now looked like Yami it all made the Joey's head spin. Shaking his head Joey forced a smile on his face.
"Alright Yug, if you say so… Well now if ya'll excuse me. I have a title ta go claim. Looks like I won our little bet didn't I Mai?" Joey smirked before he walked back out onto the stadium floor.
All eyes turned to Mai as she crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. "It would appear so hon…"
"Thanks for meeting me like this every one" Yugi said as he sat down.
"No problem Yug. So are ya going ta tell us what's going on?" Joey asked as he took a seat on the other side of the table from Yugi.
"Yeah man what's going on? We haven't seen ya since you went off to the university and now that you're back you say you're quitting Duel Monster. What's up with that?" Tristan said as he took a seat on the far end of the table next to Serenity.
"We're your friend's Yugi. Even if this is the first time we all been together in forever that doesn't mean our bond has lessened" Tea said as she took a seat next to Yugi.
"Hey guys if this is the first time Yugi is back we should be celebrating not pestering him" Mai said as she also took a spot at the table.
Yugi looked up at Mai and smiled but the smile didn't seem to last long as Yugi's eyes dropped down to fix upon the table. "You're right but I'd rather get this over with now. Everyone, I'm moving to Egypt next week. I'm going to unravel Atemu's past from this time period." Yugi reached up, his hand hovering over his chest where once the Millennium Puzzle once used to dangle. "Yami is gone for good now. I know that all too well now. With out him playing Duel Monsters just isn't the same. I can be myself with out him, but that doesn't mean I don't feel complete. I want to know as much as I can about him so maybe that piece can be filled in my soul. You all have been such great friends to me; I really do hate to leave you all." Yugi paused as water welled in the corners of his eyes. "This is one of the hardest thing I've had to do, but if I don't do it now. I may never have the chance again. Please understand this is something I must do." Yugi finally looked up at the others. "I don't if I'm going to return to Duel Monster once I get back, but I know one thing…" Yugi reached behind him and ruffled through his pack before he pulled out a golden box and set it on the table in front of him.
Only Joey, Tristan and Tea recognized the box and focused there attention upon it. It was the box the Millennium Puzzle had come in, and also a place where Yugi kept his dueling deck when he wasn't using it. The artifact still looked as pristine as the day they first saw Yugi with it. Clearly Yugi valued it and kept it well maintained. Taking off the cover a single Duel Deck could be seen inside along with Yugi's spare cards. Reaching into the box he removed all the cards and set them in 2 piles in front of himself with one pile holding only a single card. Reaching out he picked up the lone card and held it up. It was the Winged Dragon of Ra.
"Joey I want you to have this card" Yugi said as he reached over and presented the card to Joey.
"Yug… I can't take this! It's part of your deck and important part!" Joey's shock was clear in his tone.
Yugi shook his head. "It wasn't my deck Joey, it was the Pharaoh's. I have my own deck now if I ever do duel again. Please I need you to take it. Kaiba got Obelisk the Tormentor and with you having the Winged Dragon of Ra card, it will insure that all three Egyptian God cards are never in the same deck again. You and Kaiba are the two best duelists I know, and I know you'll both keep my cards safe. So please Joey take it."
Joey sighed and reached out taking the God card from Yugi. He stared at it before taking out his duel deck and placing it on top of his other cards. "Fine Yug, I'll take care of it for ya. But it's still your card. I'm just… Holdin' on ta it for ya! Yeah that sounds right."
Yugi smiled warmly this time. "Thanks Joey you're a real pal."
"We'll I suppose Joey is an alright duelist but are you sure you want him to have that card? I mean this is Joseph we are talking about" Mai seemed to be purposely goading Joey, but as far as any one knew that's how their relationship always worked.
"Wha-da-ya mean Mai?! I kicked yer sorry butt in the last tournament; show some respect for the awesomeness that is Joey Wheeler! Who-ha!" Joey boasted as he puffed out his chest.
"Sure you won but that doesn't mean you don't have the finesse of a dueling ape" Mai added.
"Finesse?! I got all the finesse ya need right here Mai!" Joey yelled and tried to get up if it hadn't been for Tristan holding back.
"Calm down man, can't you see she's trying to egg you on? If this is the way you act on duty I don't feel very safe" Tristan reasoned trying to get his blond haired friend to calm down.
"Thanks Joey" Mai had a pleased smile on her face.
"Eh? What for Mai?" Joey asked his tension instantly leaving his body.
Mai just smiled. "For everything…"
Joey blinked as if trying to piece together the meaning behind Mai's statement. It seemed to click for a soft smile appeared on his face as he nodded. "No problem Mai…" Joey turned his attention back to Yugi. "I'll treasure and keep this card safe Yug, ya can count on me! But now I'm curious where's Slifer the Sky Dragon?"
Yugi smiled. "I have it" The king of games picked up the pile of cards in front of him and sorted through it before he held up the legendary Sky Dragon. "It was the first card won by Yami in battle city, and it's kind of my favorite out of the 3. I don't know if I will let it go or not, but for now I'll bring it to Egypt with me. Maybe Ishizu and Marik will help me figure out what to do with it."
"Ishizu and Marik?" Tea let the question linger in the air.
"I got in touch with Marik well I was doing my thesis on Atemu. Once I got an offer to study Egyptology in Egypt, I told Marik and he offered to help me with my work and said his sister was also interested in helping me. With them both being tomb keepers of the Pharaoh I think I'll really get far in my work." The excitement was clear in Yugi's tone.
"Well don't let us stand in your way Yugi, we're your friends and whatever you do we'll support you. Clearly this is what you really want, but you have to promise to keep in touch with us while you are away!" Tea said as she placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder.
Yugi gave a light hearted chuckle. "Of course Tea! I'll be working on my laptop a lot. I figure with it connect to KaibaCorps satellite; I should have internet any where I go even in the desert." Again that excited tone echoed in Yugi's voice and by now every one understood that they couldn't talk Yugi out of this. It was something that the young man needed and wanted to do… They only wished that one day they would see him again after he had found the peace his soul was searching for…
Well I really don't know what to think of this little creation of mine. I have ideas where it can go but no real direction for the story just a vague direction. Is it worth continuing or does it need to burned and a word never uttered about it again? I had this story edited 2 by two good friends of mine so I hope it doesn't have many errors I also read it over before posting and it seemed alright. If there is anything remotely wrong with this fic please point it out, I'm trying to run it along side Yu-gi-oh GX with out crossing over to that story in less needed. If this story is any good I'll post another chapter but until then...
Zya!
