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A Cat's Promise

Yugi staggered homeward, hunched over in the rain. A bunch of boys from school had detained him looking for money. When they had learned he had none, well they hadn't been happy. Yugi sighed. Sure the Spirit of the Puzzle had offered to step in but he probably would have sent them to the Shadow Realm and even bullies didn't deserve a fate like that. It was far easier to just give in to them. He just hoped he could find enough money in time.

"Ah…" he winced as he gingerly touched the cut on his cheek. It wasn't too deep but it stung. He started to quicken his pace, hoping to arrive home before his gramps and clean it up a bit. Even as he sped up, a small noise sounded off to his left.

"What the…?" he managed, eyeing the alley from which the sound had originated.

'Be careful Yugi,' Yami cautioned, phasing out of the Puzzle worriedly. Yugi nodded still keeping an eye on the alley as he started too edged around it. Suddenly, there was a clanging noise. Yugi was preparing to run when he noticed the thing behind the noise. He blinked and stared before his entire face began to light up. A scrawny black cat peered back at him. For a minute there was silence and then the cat meowed.

"What are you doing out in this weather? Don't you have a home?" asked Yugi with a slight laugh of joy. He had always wanted a cat but his grandfather worried that it would mess up the house. Moving slowly, Yugi inched his way over to the cat and scooped it up. Rather than running off like most strays, the cat purred as he lifted it into his arms. It seemed content, as if Yugi were someone it knew and trusted. Yugi ran his fingers through its rain slicked fur as he examined it for a tag or collar. Much to his confusion, it lacked one despite its perfect manners.

"Why would someone abandon a cat like you?" he asked it. The cat purred, almost knowingly. Looking into its lilac eyes, Yugi got the impression that it was a lot smarter than it first seemed. Then again, knowing all the odd stuff that had been going on lately, maybe it could understand him.

"Now, I know I'm going crazy," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head slightly, "Let's get home and out of the rain." The cat purred as if in agreement and Yugi grinned happily.

Yugi pushed open the door to the Kame Game Shop. The bell overhead tinkled at the movement, the sound filling the darkened store.

"Hello? Gramps? I'm home," called Yugi, praying that his grandfather was still at the game convention. When no response came, he gave a sigh of relief and clutching the cat to his chest, headed for the stairs after removing his shoes and placing them by the door. He carefully mounted the stairs, not wanting to trip and fall on his newest friend. The cat purred contentedly in his arms almost as if he knew him. Yugi smiled slightly. At least one good thing had come out of being beaten up again. If he hadn't been heading back that way in order to avoid the rest of the bullies, he would have never met the cat. He could only pray that no one would respond to the found cat ads that he was going to have to put up and that his Gramps would let him keep the cat to begin with. Then again the cat would probably be happier with its own owner. Still Yugi thought with a smile, he could enjoy the time he had with the cat until its owners came to pick it up.

Yugi carried the cat into the bathroom where he carefully set it down on the ground.

"Please don't run off somewhere," he murmured to it as he opened the medicine cabinet. His gramps would definitely not be happy if the cat made a mess in the store. The cat however just sat there, watching Yugi with its unsettling gaze. Yugi smiled slightly at it but as he turned back to rummaging around in the cabinet he couldn't help but shiver slightly. There was something all too human in that look, an intelligence lurking beneath the surface. He laughed nervously. It was just a cat, nothing to be paranoid about.

"You're right, aibou." Yugi almost jumped out of his skin at the sound of Yami's voice but the spirit didn't seem to notice as he examined their little friend. "In ancient Eygpt, cats were worshiped as gods on Earth," the Pharaoh chuckled, "Perhaps, this cat is one of those 'gods'." Yugi frowned and was starting to reply, when he realized something.

"Hey, Yami. Move to the left a little," he asked, carefully setting down the roll of bandages and focusing his full attention on the cat, which continued to sit innocently on the tile floor. The spirit shot him a confused glance but did as he asked. Yugi gasped.

"What is it, aibou?" questioned Yami curiously, moving over to join his friend and 'host'.

"Th… the cat. It's wa...watching you!" the poor boy exclaimed, too shocked to even realize or care that he was speaking out loud. Yami was by now starting to look seriously concerned about the mental welfare of his 'partner'. He glanced down at himself, then at Yugi, and finally at the cat. Amethyst eyes met and held lilac. Carefully he moved from side to side keeping his piercing gaze on the cat the entire time. The lilac orbs never left his.

"Yugi, I think you're on to something there. It appears to be able to see or at least sense my presence," the former Pharaoh wondered out loud in awe. Kneeling down, he stretched out a ghostly hand. The cat purred loudly, moving forward as if to rub against the extended fingers. Yami's face lightened into a small smile.

"What do we do, Yami? Do you think it's dangerous?" Yugi demanded uneasily. He liked his new friend and didn't want to have to kick it out on the street again, especially not in this weather. Yami straightened to his feet in response to Yugi's query and turned to face him with a thoughtful expression on. Finally, he spoke, slowly as if carefully weighing each word.

"No, we can trust it. Somehow I know that it means us no harm," the spirit's expression darkened briefly then became lost, "It… it feels somehow… familiar. Like an old friend. I just wish that I could remember but it slips through my grasp like a cobweb, no matter how hard I try to hold it. All I get is a vague image… a face… of someone I knew long, long ago…" The spirit trailed off looking so sad and lonely that Yugi's heart ached. The Pharaoh had still yet to fully regain his memories though they were well on the way. Yugi longed to comfort his friend but before he could do so, the spirit's mask was back in place, his emotions sealed beneath an emotionless façade. The cat meowed and Yugi could almost swear that it sounded worried. It got to its feet and padded, panther-like over to Yami. Sitting directly in front of him, the cat met his gaze and began to purr, suddenly becoming galvanized. Yugi giggled slightly as the cat darted forward and back, chasing its own tail and batting at the Pharaoh's boots like a playful kitten rather than the full grown, mature cat that it was. This time the smile that appeared on Yami's face as he watched the cat's antics was full and bright. Yugi turned back to the task of bandaging his cuts and bruises, concealing a grin behind his hand. The cat had to be good, if it could cheer up Yami like that.

Yugi hugged the cat to his chest as he eyed the bullies. He was cornered. With the rain-swollen river at his back and the gang to his front and sides, he had nowhere left to run. And they knew it. If only he hadn't been so preoccupied, he would have realized that this was where they like to hang out. He was so foolish and now he was going to get a beating as punishment. The night before, he had toweled dry the cat and cuddled up with it on the couch, both to keep warm and as a type of security, until his grandfather had returned. They had reached an agreement that if no one responded to the posters that Yugi would set up, Yugi could keep it, providing of course, that it didn't damage anything in the house. Yugi had been setting up the Found posters that day. He had been so happy that he hadn't noticed that they were surrounded until that cat dug its claws into his arm slightly and hissed. It had been too late to run by then.

'Yugi, let me take over,' his yami pleaded but Yugi shook his head determinedly. He didn't want Yami to seal anyone in the Shadow Realm on his behalf. There were already enough rumors circulating around him regarding Yami's previous escapades.

"Well, punk? Do you have our money? Or are we goin' have to beat it out a' you?" asked the leader stepping forward and cracking his knuckles threateningly. Yugi swallowed hard, taking courage in the black bundle of fur nestled in his arms. If he focused hard enough, he could almost make himself believe that his voice didn't tremble when he addressed the group. Almost.

"Look, I'm really sorry but I don't have any money," he managed, adverting his eyes towards the ground. The cat bristled and spat as the leader stepped forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Didn't you hear that, boys? The so called king of games thinks he can fool us into believing that he hasn't won any prize money in any of his tournaments," he leaned in and Yugi cringed, bracing himself for what would come next. "Let me tell you, Yugi," the older teen continued, "This is one game that you're not goin' ta win."

"Aibou, no!" cried Yami from within the Puzzle as the bully's fist connected, sending Yugi flying. However, just as Yugi knew he would, he stuck to his word and didn't interfere. The cat sailed out of Yugi's arms as he hit the ground. It quickly recovered itself and lunged for the head of the group. He blinked as a bullet of black fur shot towards him and then, the cat was clinging to his jeans, sharp, white teeth imbedded into the teen's ankle. With a bellow of rage, Yugi's tormentor ripped the cat off, flinging it past Yugi where it hit the water with a soft, splash before vanishing beneath the surface.

"No!" Yugi screamed, relinquishing control to Yami, who instantly sprung into action. Without a second's thought or hesitation, he dove into the murky waters.

Yami plunged through the icy water, slicing through it like a knife. Already he could feel the cold sinking into his skin, but he could worry about that later. He had to find the cat otherwise Yugi would never forgive him and even if he did, Yami would not be able to forgive himself. He didn't know why he felt so strongly about this cat but he didn't have time to mull over it. Frantically, amethyst eyes scanned the dark depths of the river, barely able to penetrate the polluted waters.

'Yami, there,' Yugi cried, phasing out of the puzzle to join Yami as he floated almost peacefully in the current. Quickly, his eyes snapped to join over to where Yugi had pointed. Vaguely, amongst the shadowy waters of the canal, a small smudge of black floated downwards. Quickly Yami kicked out, speeding towards the figure, all the while praying he wasn't too late. He pinned his arms against his side in order to increase his speed. Blond bangs plastered against his face, threatening to obscure his view. However, no matter how strongly he kicked he couldn't seem to get any closer and the cold was making him drowsy. Yami shook his head slightly, trying to dislodge those weak thoughts. He could and would get both Yugi and the cat to safety, no matter what it took on his behalf.

New found determination coursed through his veins, and he surged forward powerfully. Stretching out both hands, he was able to catch the cat as it floated gently downward. Its eyes were closed, like it was asleep, and its entire body was limp. Please, let it be alive, prayed Yami. His heart constricted as Yugi stifled a gasp, both fearing the worse. Then, suddenly Yami felt the faint beat of a heart, fluttering but sure. There was still time. He smiled slightly as he looked down at the sodden, black bundle in his arms. Just as quickly, the fantasy of the moment faded away and reality snapped into harsh prospective. He needed air, his lungs screamed at him. Tucking the cat tightly against his body in an effort to provide it with what little body heat remained, Yami headed for the surface. Dots scattered across his vision but he forced himself past them. He could feel Yugi's worry from inside the Puzzle and this drove him on. The knowledge that if he were unable to get to the surface in time, both Yugi and the cat would die spurred him on, returning strength to his limbs. He would not loss this game, this race against time. Just a little bit further, he chanted to himself, timing his strokes in time to his words. Time dragged on, like a living creature, threatening to pull him back into the depths. He gritted his teeth. Almost there… He could see the light, the blessed light of Ra.

With one final kick, Yami broke through the surface, gasping. He could feel the full strength of the current now, tossing him helplessly from side to side. The cat stirred, blue-gray eyes shooting open in alarm. Please don't let it struggle, oh Ra, don't let it struggle, thought Yami tiredly, I won't be able to keep hold of it. However, the cat relaxed, eyes meeting Yami's in a gesture of complete and utter faith. Instantly Yami felt overwhelmed with guilt. He did not deserve that trust, especially not from a creature that hardly knew him. At the rate things were going, neither he nor the cat were going anywhere anytime soon and hypothermia would start setting in any minute. Gritting his teeth, Yami struggled for the embankment. I will not lose, he repeated to himself. His movements were no longer coordinated into the smooth strokes of before; he was too tired for that now. Instead he floundered wildly, drawing closer to the side, inch by steady inch until at last he managed to brush the concrete with the tips of his numbed fingers. Carefully he gathered the cat in one hand and drew back. Steeling himself, he threw with all of his remaining strength. The cat cart wheeled through the air and up over the wall surrounding the river. Yami struggled to grab the edge of the bank in order to pull himself out but his hands were numb. His fingers scrambled desperately but the cold was pulling him down, relaxing him. Above him he could see the cat peering over the side. Despite its calm from before, it seemed panicked now that it was out of the water. A black paw extended towards him, as if the cat was trying to pull him out. His cold-deadened brain refused to comprehend that thought, determined that it made no sense. Oh well, at least the cat is safe. Yami's grip faltered and loosened. No… Yugi, I am so sorry. I failed you. He sank back into the water, the world seemingly silent and dark around him. The only noise was his heartbeat, echoing eerily as it beat slower and slower with each second. Flashes of color danced across his vision and an odd ringing noise sounded in his ears. He glanced up one final time, exhausted, only to blink in surprise. A purple-clad figure hovered over him extending a hand towards him. Perhaps he was hallucinating but even so, the former Pharaoh felt his frozen features relax into a smile. A strange name slipped from his between his chattering teeth.

"Mahad," he murmured, before sinking into oblivion.

What was that noise? The alarm clock? No, it was too constant for that, but then what? Yugi forced his eyes open feeling as if he was climbing out of a long, black tunnel. He was met with light, lots of it.

"W… what?" he managed, weakly lifting an arm to shield his eyes. His voice cracked, grating against his ears. Yugi blinked as he noticed the many tubes attached to him and his eyes traveled down their length to where they fed into a large machine, where the noise that had awoken him originated from. His other hand rested upon crisp, white sheets. All in all, he was definitely not in his room.

"What on Earth?" he cried. What was going on here? Where was he?

"Yug, you're awake," cheered a familiar voice. Yugi stared in surprise, then smiled.

"Joey! What's going on?" he asked, relieved to see his best friends perched by his bedside.

"Yugi, I'm so glad you're alright," exclaimed Tea, "When Mr. Muto called and told us that you were in the hospital, I was really worried."

Yugi blinked in confusion. "Hospital," he repeated, closing his eyes in concentration. They quickly snapped back open as his memories came flooding back.

"Oh, yeah! Those bullies tossed the cat in the water and we dove in after it," he called out, happy to remember. Just as quickly, his brow furrowed in a frown. He couldn't seemed to recalled any events after the moment he had relinquished control to Yami. He rounded on his friends, worry welling up inside of him as he opened his mouth to speak but before he could say anything, Tristan spoke up, seeming to guess what Yugi wanted to know.

"The cat's just fine. Here, take it. It's been scratching up my arms trying to get to you," he said, shouldering Joey out of the way and depositing the furry, black heap into Yugi's lap. The teen's entire face lit up as he cuddled the cat closely, thankful that the cat was alright.

"You had a really bad case of hypothermia, you know. You could have died! Please, don't scare us like that again, Yugi," Tea pleaded, tears filling her expressive eyes.

"Don't worry, it won't happen again," Yugi hastily assured her, not wanting his friends to worry for his sake. Even as he finished speaking, Joey shoved Tristan out of the way and grabbed Yugi by his collar.

"Wait a minute, did ya say 'bullies'? Have those guys been botherin' ya, Yug," the blond demanded, pretty much lifting Yugi out of the bed.

"Joey, it's nothing really…" Yugi tried but his best friend was already fired up. Dropping Yugi back down onto the pillows, Joey shook his fist in the air.

"I'll teach those blokes that nobody messes wit' my pal," he declared.

"Joey, calm down," ordered Tristan leaning against the back of said teen's abandoned chair, "Besides, didn't you hear? Those guys just got admitted to the hospital. I heard a couple of the nurses chatting about it in the hall. Apparently, they've gone mad. Babbling about the Dark Magician coming to life and the like."

"Dats odd," muttered Joey, calming down slightly.

"You're odd," countered Tristan.

"Oh, dats it," yelled Joey, lunged for Tristan. Yugi eyed his friends as they scuffled with Tea trying to pull them apart before closing his eyes and entering the Millennium Puzzle. Yami glanced up at his entrance.

"Yes, Yugi? Is there something wrong?" he inquired tiredly. The previous day had really taken its toll on him, though that may just have been because they had effected Yugi and they were so closely connected. Dark bags colored the Pharaoh's eyes and his head drooped as if he was about to fall asleep any second now.

"Yami, I told you not to do anything to those bullies. You promised me that you would always listen to me. You promised!" Yugi cried, deeply upset and hurt at how his yami could betray him. He started to continue but was stopped by the spirit's facial expression. Yami shook his head, slowly at first but with increasing vigor.

"Yugi, I swear to you, I had no hand in this," the Pharaoh said, solemnly meeting the smaller teen's eyes. Yugi faltered.

"But, if you didn't, then who did?" he asked but the spirit had no answer.

Yugi shifted in the bed, nestling up against the warmth of the purring cat. The nurse had kicked Joey, Tristan, and Tea out about an hour ago and had been about to kick out the cat but one look from Yugi's big purple eyes and she had given in, provided it behaved itself. That had been followed by a strict lecture where she had informed that he had almost died and had only a kind passerby to thank for his survival. Yugi had asked her to describe him and she had told him that according to the police, he had appeared to be of Egyptian descent, had long, chestnut hair, blue-gray eyes, and was dressed in white robes rimmed with what seemed to be gold, even though that was impossible. Strangely enough she noted, he had accompanied Yugi to the hospital and then had disappeared into thin air around the time that the cat had shown up. "Perhaps he was your guardian angel, now take your medicine," was all she had said when Yugi inquired further.

"You know, if we're going to keep you we can't just keep calling you Cat," Yugi stated as he lifted the cat to eye level.

'How about Nehebkau?' suggested Yami. Yugi vaguely recognized the name from his history class where they had been studying ancient Egyptian deities.

"All right, Nehebkau it is then but we'll have to call him Kau for short," he decided with a yawn, stumbling over the foreign words.

"Well, now that that's settled, goodnight," he mumbled leaning back into his pillows.

'Goddnight, aibou,' replied Yami as he returned to the Puzzle.

Curled up beside his Pharaoh's host, Mahad reflected on how perfect his new name truly was. Nehebkau was a god of protection, one who protected the Pharaoh and his people both during life and in the afterlife. He was also a god of magic who was known for binding the ka to a person's physical form. It was almost ironic that the Pharaoh had chosen that name. With a sigh, Mahad wriggled out from under Yugi's arm and stared up at the moon. He followed its path to where it fell on the Millennium Puzzle, making it shine dimly.

'My Pharaoh, my soul is your eternal servant. This I swore to you so many millennia ago. Now I will renew my vows. No matter what the cost, I will guard both you and your partner until the time comes that we can enter the afterlife together, as is your right. Once again, you have protected me just as you have in the past. When I was lost in the rain you and your reincarnation offered me shelter, when I was drowning you gave me life. Now, it is time for me to return the favor. Know that I shall always be right there by your side just as you said all those years ago and maybe, at long last, I can finally repay my debt. I will always be there to protect you …this is my promise, made not only to my king but to my friend. Not even 5,000 years of time and space will prevent me from fulfilling it. I do not regret the path I have chosen so long as I can walk it beside you.'


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