As the smoke cleared after the battle, Yami turned back to spirit, exhausted. He started to fall, unable to keep stand any longer.
Hey Pharaoh, are you ok? I've got you. Yugi said catching Yami just in time.
Yes, I'm fine. Yami replied weakly in his mind. The evil is gone from this world.
Thank goodness. Yugi smiled sighing in relief. I'm so proud of you.
Let's go home. Can you help me?
Of course, come on let's go. I can't wait to get home. Yugi chuckled as he helped Yami up.
Yami let him help him to the portal that had just opened up. They disappeared through it and all went black.
Relaxing on a beach in California with her family Loretta looked up when something caught her eye "What on earth is that down near the shore?" she said to herself as she got up out of her seat.
Yami lay unconscious on the beach on his stomach, head turned to the side, breathing evenly.
"Oh my goodness! Hey, can you hear me, are you ok?" Loretta asked as she knelt down next to him, giving him a small shake.
Yami stirred and opened his eyes, the blurry view of her knees appearing. "Uh..."
"Thank goodness your awake, what happened to you?"
As Loretta helped him sit up, he shook his head and winced. His hand flew to his chest and felt, realizing he was missing the Puzzle. "Where's-?" he searched around the sand, in a panic.
"Hey what's wrong, what are you looking for?" Loretta asked as her concern for him grew.
"My Puzzle...It hangs around my neck...It's gotta be here..."
"Puzzle? What sort of puzzle" Loretta asked raising an eyebrow.
"It's about this big." Yami gestured with his hands. "And gold. Shaped like a pyramid." He swayed a little with a groan.
"I-I'm sorry, I've never seen it. Woah easy there, I've got you." Loretta said as she stabilized him.
"I need to find it. Where's Yugi?"
"Who's Yugi?" Loretta asked looking confused.
"My partner. He is always with me."
"Oh, is Yugi your boyfriend? Well where did you see him last?"
"Not my boyfriend...uh..."Yami's eyes rolled back as he fainted, the realization overwhelming him.
"What did I say? Did I say something wrong?" Loretta asked herself as she caught him once again, fanning her hand over his face
"Hey look you guys, there's Yugi!" Tea exclaimed, pointing out the helicopter window.
Yugi was walking down the beach, head down, shoulders shaking.
Landing in the chopper Tea jumped out and rushed over to Yugi. "Yugi, Im so glad you are ok...Hey what's wrong?" Tea asked as she approached him.
"Yami's gone!" Yugi choked out as he looked up at them, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"What? No way, what do you mean the Pharaoh's gone? You still have the puzzle around your neck, he must be in there, somewhere." Joey said trying to cheer his best friend up.
"No, even when he's in there I can still hear his thoughts. I can't hear anything but my own thoughts bouncing around my head saying 'He's gone, he's gone, he's gone.' I knew he was weak when we left, but..."
"What happened to you two, where did you go after Kaiba and I jumped through the portal?" Joey asked.
"We fought Leviathan and he was weak so I helped him to the portal and I wound up here."
"Well he must here somewhere. Yo! Pharaoh you here buddy? Hey Yami!" Joey and Tea called together.
"I don't think he's here. I've tried calling through our mind link. I've never had to test how far it reaches since he's always nearby. And since the Puzzle is here, clearly he's not."
"I'm really sorry Yuge, I dont know what else to do." Joey frowned putting his hand on Yugi's shoulder.
"He can't be gone...Not after all he did to get me back. He still has to get his memories back."
"We are all really sorry Yugi. Come on we better get going home."
Yugi cast a long anxious look down the beach before following the group to the helicopter.
Yami woke up slowly and found himself on a soft bed. He turned his head a little with a groan. "Where am I...?"
"Hey, about time u woke up. How are you feeling? I brought you home."
Yami looked up at Loretta. "Weak...Where am I exactly?"
"You're at my house, but you're ok. Just relax, you're safe here." Loretta smiled.
"I need to find Yugi."
"Where did you see him last?"
Yami hesitaed, unsure what to say.
"Hey what's your name anyway? i didn't ask you."
"People call me Yami."
"Nice to meet you Yami, I'm Loretta."
"Nice to meet you too...How long was I out?"
"Only a few hours. I'm sorry I made you faint by asking you such a personal question."
Yami's shoulders shook as the memory of their conversation came back to him. "The thought of him being gone brought back some unpleasant memories."
"I'm so sorry Yami. I won't talk about it anymore if it's upsetting you so much."
"It was my fault..." Yami said quietly in a choked voice.
"Ssh its ok, I'm here. It's not your fault."
"Yes, I did it. I played that stupid evil card...!" Yami squeezed his eyes shut, hunching over in grief.
"Don't cry Yami, I will help you find your friend Yugi, I promise." Loretta said as she gently embraced him.
Yami hugged her tightly, fighting back tears. "No. He's gone. I can't sense him..."
"He must be alive though and if he is we will find him." Loretta soothed as she rubbed his back.
Yami pulled back, taking a breath. He swiped a hand under his eye. "Can I get some water?" he asked quietly, looking away.
"Of course, stay there I'll be back in a minute."
Yami leaned back against the headboard with a sigh, staring at the place where his Puzzle usually hung. "Where are you, Yugi? And why am I in my own body?"
"Sorry I took so long, here's your water. Everything ok?" Loretta asked as she returned five mins later.
Yami looked up at her and composed himself with a little effort. "Yes, I'm fine." he took the water and took a sip.
"That's bull, Yami. You're clearly no okay." Loretta glared momentarily at him before sighing. "This other boy Yugi really means a lot to you, doesn't he?" Loretta asked as she sat down next to him.
"You could say I wouldn't be existing without him."
"So what is your friend like? From the way you have spoken about him it seems like you have a very close relationship."
"Very, let's just say he knows my mind almost as much as I do."
"Wow you two must be close." Loretta smiled.
"I'm closer to him than anyone else. I...you wouldn't believe me if I told you the truth."
"You can tell me and if its a secret that needs to be kept I won't tell anyone."
"No, it's not really a secret, it's just an unbelievable tale. Everyone believes me to be Yugi, but i'm not."
"So? He looks like you? That is kinda unbelievable but possible." Loretta nodded.
"I shouldn't be here without him. I don't know what happened with Leviathan, but-"
"A levia- what? " Loretta asked interrupting him looking really confused
Yami blinked at her at the interruption. "Leviathan. The evil serpent that Dartz tried to use to destroy the world."
"Never heard of it."
"You probably think I'm crazy." Yami muttered, looking away. "I would, hearing this story."
"Not at all, I don't think you're crazy, I just don't know who and what you are talking about."
"Don't laugh, all right?" Yami asked, looking at her.
"Of course not, I'd never laugh at you." Loretta said sincerely.
"I'm the spirit of an Egyptian Pharaoh." Yami said, deadpan.
"Woah, you a Pharaoh...T-that's amazing Yami. But weren't pharaohs around a long time ago?" Loretta asked raising an eyebrow but still taking him seriously.
Yami gave her a look raising his own eyebrow, letting her draw her own conclusion.
"B-but that means y-your like...Over 5,000 years old or so." Loretta gasped as her jaw hit the floor
"3,000. I look great for my age, right?""
"Wow now that is hard to believe. But you only look like you are my age." Loretta said still looking at him wide eyed, blush appearing on her cheeks at his last comment.
"It's because I sacrificed myself for the good of the world when I was your age apparently."
"What do you mean by apparently, can you not remember your time as Pharaoh?" Loretta asked not looking saddened.
"No, nothing."
"Oh that must feel really horrible not being able to remember anything. That was very brave of you to sacrifice yourself at such a young age, I'd never be able to do that." Loretta shuddered.
"Thank you for hosting me but I have to go. Knowing what has been going on, I-" As Yami had spoke, he started to get up but swayed. "Woah..."
"Ah ah, no you don't. Sit down before you fall down. I don't want you hurting yourself. Beside you have no where else to go. I'm sure my mom won't mind you staying until we find our friend or your memories, whatever comes first." Loretta smiled at him before gently pushing him back down onto the bed. "I don't think my brother would mind lending you some clothes either."
"I doubt his clothes would fit." Yami chuckled weakly.
"They should, he's younger than you and about the same build." Loretta blushed slightly as she realized actually how muscular Yami's chest and arms were.
"I guess I can try it, but I might swim in it."
Giggling at Yami's response Loretta smiled at him. "Well since I don't go to school anymore we can go clothes shopping for you. By the way, what school's uniform is that? It looks really familiar."
"Domino High School. How I got it since I don't have a body normally unless I have the Puzzle. That worries me..."
"I've heard of that, it's in Japan isn't it? Don't worry Yami I will help you find Yugi and your puzzle, but in the mean time u need to rest." Loretta smirked.
"Will you stay with me?"
"Sure, I won't leave you. Well maybe to go to the bathroom but other than that." Loretta blushed and then giggled.
Yami rolled over on his side, leaving her enough room to lay beside him.
"Are you comfortable enough? I don't want you being uncomfortable especially since you are up against the wall." Loretta asked as she laid down next to him but not laying too close.
"I've been living in a Puzzle for 3,000 years. More room than that is heaven." Yami sighed.
"Fair enough, have a good sleep Yami, you need plenty of rest." Loretta said as she gently rubbed his back.
Yami fell asleep quickly, breathing deep. But before long he shifted, a nightmare starting. "No...Yuge...don't go..."
Being that she hadn't quite fallen asleep yet, Loretta gasped as she was startled by the tossing and turning of his head "Yami, its ok wake up, ssh its just a nightmare." Loretta soothed continuing to rub his back.
Yami continued to sleep, disturbed. "I'm sorry...so sorry..."
"Yami...Yami wake up, its ok." Loretta said as she shook him a little.
Yami gasped as he woke up, his breaths coming in short pants.
"This whole thing really has shaken you up, hasn't it." Loretta whispered trying to calm him down again.
"What did I say?" Yami asked, keeping his back to her.
"You were telling Yugi not to go and that you were sorry." Loretta whispered wriggling closer to him for comfort.
"It's not about this time then..." Yami bowed his head in grief, closing his eyes.
"Yami, talk to me, what's wrong? I'm here for you."
"Just days ago I did the worst thing imaginable as his protector."
"Something to do with some evil card?" Loretta asked.
"Th seal of Orichalcos. It steals souls and...I played it."
"I'm sure u had a perfectly good reason though."
"It was purely selfish. I was wanting to do anything to save the world. Including risking my soul. It was Yugi who paid the price."
"I'm so sorry Yami. Hey let's not talk about it anymore. Try to get some more sleep and think of better things." Loretta said as her hand slid around to his chest and gently rubbing it.
"The fact that he's not here and I'm alone is bringing those bitter memories back."
"I promised you I would help u find him and I intend to keep that promise. Just rest now Yami, its going to be ok."
"I can't sleep."
"Could I give you a massage to help calm you down so you can try." Loretta asked.
"I must not have had one since Egypt."
"Wow that long, you really are overdue."
"No kidding."
"Would you lay on your stomach for me...Would you um...take your shirt off for me." Loretta blushed
A strange look came across Yami's face. "Are you asking me to undress for you?"
"It um...um makes it easier for me to massage your back." Loretta said feeling embarrased by what she just asked.
Yami slid his jacket off and then found the hem of his tank top, slipping it off.
Whistling in surprise Loretta took in the sight of his muscled back "Wow you are as muscley as I thought."
"Thank you. I don't know how I got it being that I just got this body." Atem gave a weak chuckle.
"Maybe it reflects back to your time as Pharaoh" Loretta smirked as she started to work on his back & shoulders
"That feels good."
"Good, just relax & try to fall asleep"
Yami sighed as his body relaxed, his breathing becoming more even.
"Thats good, close your eyes & relax" she soothed as she continue to work on his shoulders
Yami fell asleep, soothed by the massage.
"About time he went to sleep, he's really stressed over this whole thing, I have to help him anyway I can" Loretta whispered as her hands worked further down his back to his hips
Yami continued to slep but moaned softly, enjoying the massage.
"He's so gorgeous when he's asleep, who am I kidding he's gorgeous anyway" Loretta thought to herself with a giggle as she continued her massage on Yamis back
Yami stirred an hour later, lying on his back. He felt soft warm skin under his hand, which surprised him. He jerked his hand back, embarrassed.
"...Hmm, Yami are you ok" Loretta asked as she woke up seeing his blushing face
"I didn't mean to touch you..."
(you there?)
"Im sure you didnt mean to but your hand was nice & warm" Loretta smirked
"Oh? You want it back?" Atem arched a brow at her.
"If you dont mind"
"Remind me where it was. I was half asleep."
"You had your hand on my thigh I believe"
"Ah. Like this." Yami casually placed his hand on her thigh, his fingers squeezing a little.
"Your hands are really warm, it feels nice" Loretta smiled as she linked her fingers with his
"Now that I have your thigh what do you want me to do with it?" Yami gave her a smirk.
"Maybe u could give me a massage" Loretta smirked back
"I'm a newbie at it, you'll have to walk me through it.
"Just close your eyes & let your natural instincts do the rest."
Yami smirked, pulling her toward him for a kiss.
Yami rolled over, panting as he lay beside her. "That was amazing..."
"I love you Yami, thank you." Loretta smiled kissing his cheek.
Yami's eyes widened suddenly as he heard a familiar voice in his head calling his name. "Quiet!" he hissed urgently to her.
"What's wrong Yami?" Loretta asked laying her head on his chest.
Yami tilted his head as he listened. Yugi? he asked hesitantly in his head.
Yami, thank goodness, where are you? Yugi sighed in relief.
Someone found me on a beach and took care of me. Where are you?
I'm back in Domino with Grandpa, are you ok? I haven't been able to hear you through our link.
Yes, she took care of me. Hold on one second. Yami looked down at Loretta. "Exactly where are we?"
She? Who are you with, Yami?
"We are in California America"
Her name is Loretta and she says we're in California. Can you come pick me up? I have some news.
Pharaoh? Did you get a girlfriend while you were apart from me? Yugi asked.
Sort of. Yami's cheeks went pink at Yugi's thought. We haven't done much talking about what we are.
Well congrats anyway. I will try to get in touch with Kaiba so we can get to where you are.
Yeah, good luck with that. Yami glanced at Loretta. "We're going to have company."
He should be fine as long as I offer to compete in another one of his tournaments. Yugi chuckled.
Let whom compete? Yami reminded him.
Well either of us.
I don't think things are going to be quite the same now.
It might be for the better but you may have to explain your situation to Tea when she sees Loretta.
"Yami are you talking to Yugi again?"
Good idea. Yami looked down at Loretta. "Yes. For some reason the connection started working again."
"Might be to do with the rest that you had." Loretta giggled.
"You didn't give me that much rest." Yami smirked over at her.
"Yami, I was being sarcastic." Loretta said giving him a look.
"Oh." Yami's stomach rumbled loudly and he grinned sheepishly. "Not used to being hungry."
"Come on lets go down stairs now, it must be dinner time." Loretta giggled.
Yami got to his feet and looked down at his naked body. "Loretta? We might want to dress, though."
"Way ahead of you" Loretta giggled pulling a dress over her head 'stop stairing at his body Loretta'
Yami dressed, noticing with a smirk as she stared. "Like what you see?" he asked, arching his eyebrow.
Loretta looked away with a blush. "A little." She admitted. She cleared her throat as she finished dressing. "Let's go."
Yami followed her downstairs as her mom set the dishes on the table. "Everything smells delicious." Yami smiled.
"Thank you." Rosetta smiled. "Glad to see you on your feet. Now eat up, you're too skinny."
Yami chuckled and sat down, taking a dish from Loretta. "I don't usually get to eat this good. I don't get a good home cooked meal very often as a traveling duelist."
"Oh? I thought I recognized you. You're Yugi Mutou, right?" Loretta's brother piped up, eyes alight with excitement.
Yami hesitated before giving him a smile. "Yes, but people call me Yami. Your sister told me about you. You like Duel Monsters?"
"Like them, I love them! Dark Magician is my favorite monster." The boy smiled.
Yami chuckled. "What's your name?"
"Rafael, but everyone calls me Rafe." The boy grinned.
Yami's chuckle abruptly stopped and he forced the smile back in place. "Dark Magician is my favorite too. It's gotten me through a lot of tough spots. May I be excused?"
"Of course." Rosetta nodded, concerned.
Yami set down his fork and scooted his chair back, rising. He headed for the back door, his hands shaking.
"Mom, can I go see if he's okay?" Loretta asked, looking after Yami, concerned.
"Go ahead." Rosetta nodded.
Loretta hurried out of the house and found Yami sitting on the ground, his knees drawn up. "Hey, talk to me. What was that with my brother?" she asked, sitting next to him.
"It was his name." Yami responded hollowly, without looking at her. "It was the same as the man who tricked me into playing that card."
"So it brought back those memories." Loretta realized, nodding. "I get it. But you do realize my brother is not him, right?"
Yami gave her a look. "I realize he's not him, Loretta. It's just this is all new to me. I'm still adjusting. I feel like I'm going crazy with these new emotions. I don't remember feeling them before."
"What kind of emotions?" Loretta asked, curious.
"Well for one, my feelings for you. I'm confused because I've been so busy saving the world that I've never had time to stop and consider any girl as pretty before and it's made my head spin." Loretta suddenly giggled. "What?"
"You realize every teenager feels that way, right? At least with finding the opposite sex cute? You're just a typical teenager."
"I've never been a typical teenager. But I get your point." Yami chuckled.
"Come on, let's go inside and you can apologize to Rafe. He hates going by his full name anyway." Loretta stood up and held out a hand.
Yami took her hand and got to his feet. "Thanks, Loretta."
"No problem."