Security ties to safety and trust

(Narrative)

He looked broken….he looked crushed…in an instant, his whole body became heavy; making himself sink slowly down to his knees. Once when they finally met the ground, his head followed suit, revealing that his head was lowered, as well as his hair covering most of his face in utter shame. Words could probably describe to how he was feeling but, it ultimately wasn't close to what he was enduring. This pain, this unknown feeling…was far worse than anything he could ever imagine. In this state, it looked like he couldn't function at all. He didn't have the strength to move, and with what he just experienced, his heart may have even skipped a beat. Even the wind didn't do much good either as it breezed through his hair; his skin was already cold and numb enough to not even feel its gentle touch. In the end, it was clear to say that his whole world came crashing down on him. In his eyes, there was nothing to do, but to remember him…to remember his mistake.

"I let him down...

I broke my promise…" he thought.

Still having that gentle smile fresh in his mind, he couldn't help, but slowly pick up his hand, and rest it against his pendant. It was brief, but, he remembered the first time when his friend put it together, and always kept it close by his side, keeping him close. But now, since the boy was gone, coldness, and hollowness were the only things he was able to muster from within the item. It was really hard to accept it…to accept that their bond was broken, to accept that their link was gone, and for what he also feared, maybe even their trust was as well.

It was something that was rarely seen, but, he couldn't bottle up these feelings, not this time. It wasn't worth keeping them locked up since it would probably give a vibe that he doesn't care, but he does…he really does. So, he let it happen, he let his tears fall, showing that he was crying.

He regretted his actions….he regretted going against his friend's wish.

All that he wanted now…was for his friend's safe return.

As his mind remained stuck on this matter, unexpectedly, a piece of the pendant suddenly broke off. Noticing that it fell, he still didn't do anything; he just continued to keep his gaze to the ground. Though, by the look of his eyes, them being empty, and lifeless, it was revealed that his sense of reality was now gone.

"Aibou…."


(Point-of-View)

I shouldn't prolong my fate he said, I should just surrender my soul as punishment he continued. His words, they were like poison, him trying to corrupt my mind, and sadly, due to the state that I'm in, he was probably succeeding. I know for a fact that I couldn't give in, that I had to fight back and set everything right, but, for some strange reason, something, something was holding me back; making me second guess myself; and thinking that I couldn't fulfill such a task. Why, why was I acting this way? Is…is it because I'm afraid? Is it because of Yugi?

Even the slightest thought of his name made my heart ache. After all, I can never really get that horrible memory out of my head, even if I tried.

As long as I could remember, it has always been my primary goal to protect the one that released me, which turned out to be Yugi, and, even though he was never aware of my existence from the beginning, I've always looked after him. Though, being the smart boy that he is, he was soon aware of me. It was a bit of a shock at the time, but, after noticing and surpassing over the fear of my presence, we both ended up becoming very close friends. I always trusted him, and within time, I received his trust in return. But, seeing what happened between us, I feel deeply ashamed of myself. Not only did I endanger his well-being, but, I also threw his trust in his face, and took his body as my own.

I want to make everything right again, to save him and everybody else, and in the long-run, apologize, but, the fear of seeing Yugi again, not knowing of how he'll react, makes me wonder. If I do apologize, will he accept it, or, will he finally do what he intended to do from the start… keeping me locked in the dark. Hmm…knowing of my mistake, I'll probably accept this fate, even if I don't get my memories back, I'll still feel the slightest comfort that Yugi is safe, being in the dark, wouldn't matter to me.

This is one matter, while the other, is whether if I'm already too late; thinking that the monster had already devoured his soul. After all, the creature only needs three more for his awakening, and I happen to be one of those three that it needs. Again, I know I shouldn't do this, to give in, then Dartz would definitely succeed, but, going back to what I've done, and how unstable my mind is getting, I probably won't even get far into saving Yugi or the others. Maybe the only way to see him, is to surrender my soul, and be sealed along with him. This was the punishment that I originally intended, but now the sinister voice is reinforcing it. I don't want to turn my friend away, to betray him again, but, if he's still mad at me, then this deed would probably satisfy him, being pleased that I suffered the same fate he did. So, not knowing what awaits, the reunion could go either one of two ways, sweet, or bitter. But, what-ever the outcome, I will always love Yugi and remain loyal to him, no matter what.

After a while, the sinister voice that resided in my head, soon began to fade, leaving me alone once again. Though, as I picked up my head, witnessing a glimmer of light growing, I sensed another presence was with me. At first, I didn't know if it was my imagination playing tricks on me, but, as I remained focused, I saw that a shadow really was there. Weird…the outline of the person looked rather familiar. If I had more time to process in what I was seeing, I probably would have figured out who that person was, but, due to the fact that the light was growing more rapidly, especially in my direction, I couldn't really see much of anything. As the strong light finally washed over me, my vision became rather limited. The only thing I was able to see now…was the color green; nothing more…nothing less.

"No, don't do it, don't activate the card, I'm begging you!"

"I have to, there's no other way out of this!"

"Of course there's another way out of this, there's always another way. Just please don't use the card, its evil, you've seen what it's capable of."

"Well if I don't do something now, I'll lose, and I cannot allow that. I have to win!

NOW, LET ME GO!"

Our conversation…our words…they were echoing in the back of my head as I was still engulfed in the light. And, just by hearing my own voice, hearing the anger, hearing the cold-hearted and bitterness of my tone, it wanted to bring me into tears again. Honestly, the voice was so unrecognizable, that I couldn't believe that the voice belonged to me; I couldn't believe that I treated Yugi this way. At this point, it was like if a mirror was being held up to me, seeing another side of myself, a side that I was never really conscious about. I wonder…if my mind becomes completely unstable, will I turn into this person…this darker side of me? I fear that I probably will without Yugi for guidance.

As the voices disappeared, I soon started to hear faint sobs after. No doubt, those cries were from him.

"No, I can't believe he did this….

He promised me that he would never use that card…."

Within hearing what he said, guilt instantly washed over me...

At this moment, I just wanted to see my partner. I wanted to apologize, to comfort him…to reassure the fact that I still care for him...

As the light finally descended, I noticed that I was no longer chained, and saw that I was in another place. Hmm…if only if I knew where exactly this place was? After all, as I got up and looked around, this place didn't really have much going on. Truthfully, there was nothing but heavy fog and mist that surrounded the environment. After a while of standing, I finally decided that it might be best to explore, though due to the fog, I would have to be cautious, enemies could easily use this element to their advantage to hide. As I started to explore, walking a few steps forward, I noticed some-thing rather odd ahead of me. At first, I didn't know what it could've been, but, as I continued to focus, I noticed that it was the same shadow that I witnessed earlier. Don't know if this could be a good thing, or a bad thing.

I wasn't planning to walk blindly towards the mysterious shadow, in fact, I wanted to be sneaky, but, after a second, I noticed that the figure spotted me. Hmm…I guess the element of surprise just went out the window didn't it. Though, still being cautious, I remained where I was, and let the shadow come to me, hopefully by the time it approaches me, I can identify who this person is. And, after a few seconds of waiting, still seeing the person come closer and closer, I then started to see the outline of the person more clearly. Realizing who I was seeing, I instantly felt like if my heart stopped. Could…could this be real, or, is all this just a mere illusion?

The person was finally out of the fog, and was standing inches away in front of me.

"Y-Yugi," I said; my eyes widening in shock.

Though, he didn't say a word, he just kept staring at me with those unreadable eyes.

Normally, I would have wanted him to say something, but, I then figured that he was probably giving me the cold shoulder. Hmm…it's understandable, but regardless, I was still happy to see him.

At first I was a bit hesitant, due to him being mad, but, in the end, I couldn't help myself. So, I slowly walked up to him, and wrapped my arms around him; embracing my partner.

At this moment, I knew this wasn't an illusion, Yugi was really here…

"I missed you, I was looking every-where for you," I said; still hugging him.

"You…you were looking every-where …for me?" I heard him ask; his voice dripping with uncertainty.

I know I shouldn't be acting like this, considering how I was preparing for the worst, but, I guess I didn't want to believe that it would come true, my heart immediately sank, feeling guilty once more. At this point, I knew what my partner was probably thinking…he probably thought that I abandon him; that I wasn't looking for him anymore.

I then pulled out of the hug, though still had my hands on his shoulders.

"Of course I was looking for you.

You're my partner after all," I said to him; giving a warm smile.

Though, by the look in his eyes, Yugi still wasn't convinced.

"Partner...?." he uttered coldly.

And then, by my surprise, he then pushed me. He obviously didn't want me any-where near him.

"You sure didn't treat me like I was your partner before!

As I could recall by your actions, you didn't care WHAT would happen to me. All you really cared about was winning that game. And in the end you still lost!"

Just standing here….listening to his words, listening to the cold-hearted truth, it made me feel like if Yugi himself was piercing jagged knives into my skin. And, instead of screaming, rejecting the pain, not facing the truth, I embraced the pain, staying silent. I've already come this far knowing of my crime, and that I couldn't escape it, I couldn't escape the truth. My anger and pride blinded me enough to push my partner away, and with the influence of the card added as more fuel to the fire, everything from that point on ended up burning down into flames, leaving me in this position.

"So, what do you have to say for yourself?" Yugi continued; crossing his arms.

Still being silent, I then immediately took a breath, and slowly closed my eyes.

This was it, though, seeing how it's not going well, he probably won't accept it. But, it's worth a shot. So, having my thoughts in order, I then opened my eyes and faced my partner once again.

"Yugi, I understand you have every right to be mad at me. Instead of being good, and listening to you like I've always done, I instead shun you and did what I pleased. My emotions clouded my better judgment, and in the end, it did severe damage to our friendship…to your trust. I hurt you and I'm truly heartfelt about it, since I know that what I've done is unforgivable. In finality, I should have known better, I should have listened to you, my partner.

That's why I've been searching for you, to tell you this. I'm not asking for forgiveness, deep down really, I just want to say… that I'm sorry. And for the most part, to also tell you that I still cherish our friendship. Even if you might not believe, or trust me anymore, what I'm about to say will always be true, no matter what. And, it's the fact that I'll never abandon you. I'll always look out for you.

This is a promise that I'll never break…."

After finishing in what I had to say, I then waited for Yugi to speak.

"Hmm…wow, I'll admit, that's a pretty good apology, but, it seems like you're forgetting something else," he said; still being cold.

At first I was a bit baffled to what he could mean, but then, after taking a closer look at his appearance, it then suddenly hit me.

"No…" I whispered; putting my hand over the Millennium Puzzle.

"Sadly, your actions were even more severe than you thought," he spoke again; stretching out his arm.

And, once when he opened his palm, it revealed that he had a separate piece of the Millennium Puzzle itself.

"Even if you feared facing me, you also had another fear, and judging by your face, I'm definitely sure you're aware of it.

You fear that you'll turn evil, embracing your inner darkness."

Yugi then held the piece with two fingers, showing the object fully.

"Don't worry, this piece is nothing but a mere illusion, in truth, it just represents how your mind is slowly coming apart, even though the real Millennium Puzzle still stays complete…well…at least it is for now…

Anyway, this piece mainly came apart during that time when the seal took me away. I believe you when you said you felt sorry for your actions, but, since you were, or maybe, are, so lost without me, you were vulnerable enough to believe that you will turn evil, resulting for this to happen," he said; waving the piece.

"You fear the unknown; you fear that you'll continue to hurt others. You may had the courage to come up and apologize, but, you still need to use that courage and conquer that other fear; the fear of your dark side. Oh, and you're probably not going to like this but, since we technically share the same mind, and body, all that darkness, had transferred to me. I'm the one who has been truly affected in this situation.

Hmph…so congrats, thanks to your actions, I'm no longer the person you once knew," he said.

Realizing the situation too late, and in truth, not liking what I was hearing, I then gripped the chain around my neck and gritted my teeth. I know that this whole mess was my fault, but, I never considered the thought that the darkness within me would influence Yugi to be this cold-hearted. As I gazed into his once innocent eyes, I immediately recognized that look. It was the look of anger, and possible thirst for vengeance as well. This…this wasn't good; his emotions were blinding him, clouding his mind. And, if this plays out the same way, Yugi will definitely do something careless, and will regret it later, or…maybe not since the darkness already has a hold on him.

"Yugi….I know where this is heading….you should stop now before it begins…" I spoke as calmly as possible.

Though, he just closed his eyes and turned his head to the side.

"Hmph, funny that you're saying that," he then put the piece back into his pocket, "But, I'm just doing what is right," he continued; returning his gaze.

"Tell you what, I'll accept your apology if you do this one thing. And that one thing…is to duel me. If you're truly sorry, then you'll accept this challenge; facing your crime, facing your dark side.

So, what do you say, partner?"

I didn't like this; I didn't like this one bit. Normally, I would never deny a challenge, but, with the possibility of hurting him, not knowing what will happen, I was hesitant to accept the match. But since he figuratively backed me into a corner, saying that if I don't accept, then it would point out that I don't care about him, and that I'm still running from my mistake. It was clear; words wouldn't help this case, only actions, so…I guess I didn't have much of a choice.

"Fine, I will accept the challenge," I spoke; my voice still calm.

"Hmph, time to lock you away for good then," he spoke; getting his deck from underneath his jacket.

And once when he retrieved them, he then held up his arm. A duel disk instantly materialized as he then got into position. Wasting no time, I too retrieved my deck as well as summoning my own duel disk. Once I was ready, we both put our decks into the slot; the numbers on the device immediately calculated to four thousands. This was it, the match had officially begun.

"LET'S DUEL!"

As the duel progressed, and after a couple of turns, I was beginning to wonder what was the point of this match. After all, Yugi and I pretty much have the same deck, we were summoning the same monsters, and going about with the same strategy. Due to all this, I believed in this case that there would be no winner. This was probably my chance to try and reason with my "light."

"Yugi, we have the same hand, the monsters, magic, and traps cards are all the same in our decks, we both even know each other's tactics, it is clear that there probably won't be a winner. You should stop now while you still have a chance," I said to him.

Though, Yugi wasn't too bothered, he just continued to look at his cards.

"Well, I guess we have to fix that won't we. We may have the same deck, but it's the matter of how you play them. You think you figured me out. Hmph, you obviously don't know that I have a trick up my sleeve," he said; now pulling out a card.

After proceeding with his turn, Yugi managed to make us both discard our hands, and pick six new cards from our decks. This automatically "fixed" the situation, since now we both didn't know what cards we had in our new hand. This wasn't good, as the game stretched out longer, I was beginning to wonder what Yugi had in store, and, if what I'm thinking is true, then this game isn't going to end well at all.

As it was Yugi's turn again, he then drew a card from his deck, and once when he took a glimpse, a smirk suddenly sprouted upon his lips.

"Well then, I guess I finally drew the card that I wanted.

And I think you already know what it is," he said pleased.

"No…" I said.

"Yes.

I activate, 'The Seal of Orichalcos'!"

And, once when he laid the card down, activating it, dark aura instantly appeared, engulfing his body. Fully aware that the power was flowing within his veins, I then saw that the symbol appeared underneath us and sealed us into its unbreakable barrier. Once when the creation was complete, my focus was back to Yugi, and from what I was seeing, I couldn't really believe. The once kind, caring, and understanding boy that I knew, was now being completely overshadowed by the card's evil influence.

As the same symbol appeared on his forehead, Yugi kept his gaze planted on me.

"Now the fun will really begin," he said; seeing a glimmer of red in his eyes.

Knowing of the card's power, it just made it even more difficult to stay in the game. I still tried, being on the defensives and attacking when-ever I could, decreasing Yugi's life points, but, with the card's special ability, giving Yugi's monsters a power boost, he had more opportunities to attack and bring my life points down as well. This match was becoming very close, and, the closer that we were getting to the end, seeing the numbers sinking to zero, the more terrified I was becoming. After all, if I lose, then I'll never be able to save his soul, or free him from the dark, but, if I win, then who knows what will happen to Yugi, his soul is already at the card's mercy, so, it makes me wonder, what will happen to him if he loses, how far can his soul possibly fall?

Overall, I couldn't risk hurting him anymore. Maybe…maybe I should listen to what the voice told me from the beginning. Just surrender…it would be the best thing to do, so no harm could come to anyone else. And…Yugi did say that he wanted to lock me away. Maybe it's for the best…

Then without really realizing it, I saw that my hand was over my deck; ready to forfeit the match, though before I could touch the cards, my partner interrupted.

"Not a very wise move….

If you forfeit now, it will still show that you're running away, and no doubt, taking the easy way out.

I'm mean really, haven't you realized it yet."

At first, I didn't get what he meant, but then as I examined the field more closely, it suddenly made sense. The monsters, the strategy, it all came back to me as an unpleasant dose of déjà vu. Yugi was mirroring the exact same strategy that I was playing when I used the card. Now I know why he was saying that I would be running, my partner really does want me to face my mistake.

"It took time to see, but now I'm aware…"

"Maybe a little too late," I thought.

After all, this was it. If I didn't do something now, in my partner's next turn, he'll be able to attack me by doing the same foolish move I did. And that's using the Catapult Turtle to launch a monster, in this case, Dark Magician Girl, to finish me off. I couldn't let him do this; I didn't want him to selfishly sacrifice these monsters in order to win. No, it just wasn't right. At this point, I threw away my turn. I needed to talk some sense into him.

"Please Yugi, don't do this. This has to stop, I'm begging you," I pleaded.

"So, I see that you're not taking your turn, well, I guess it's my turn then," he continued; clearly ignoring my plea.

"Now, I sacrifice my Dark Magician Girl."

She then got into position, getting ready to be launched.

"Yugi stop please!" I said again.

"Why, I'm just following what YOU did, and, if what I'm seeing on the field is what I think it is, then, it is perfectly clear that there's only one way to stop my attack."

I then formed my hand into a tight fist. I knew what he was talking about, though…I couldn't bear hurting him…but…

"Please don't go through with this…" I continued.

"Hmph, you're too late," he said coldly.

"NOW ATTACK!" he commanded; pointing.

Once when it was given, the monster launched the attack. And before I knew it, a great beam of light was coming in my direction in lightning speed. This was it…it was now or never, if I let the attack be successful, then I would be sealed within the Orichalcos. On the other hand, if I do counter attack, then…then….

Grrr….

No, I had to do this, even if I didn't like it…

"I activate my trap card 'Divine Wind,'" I said; revealing my face down card I already had on the field.

And, once when it activated, a great gust of wind deflected the attack; sending the beam of light right back to the opponent. At this point, everything happened so fast, that I couldn't really see what occurred, the counter attack was so great, that wind was blowing against my hair, as well as the growing light blinding my vision. After a few seconds, I then opened my eyes, and saw that everything cleared. Though, once when I saw my partner lying on the ground, I immediately ran to his aid.

"Yugi!" I called; collapsing to my knees.

Though there was no response.

I then picked him up, cradling him in my arms.

"Yugi!" I repeated.

Though his eyes still remained closed.

"No."

This was the very thing I tried to prevent.

"Aibou," I uttered softly.

And, as I kept my gaze towards him, I then suddenly saw that he finally opened his eyes; though very slowly.

Not saying a word, Yugi took one look at me, and surprisingly, gave a warm smile.

"You did it Yami, you passed the test," he said.

Test?

All this is was a test?

"I'm sorry that I had to put you through this, but, it was the only way for you to face the darkness within yourself, and, you did it…." he continued; still having his smile.

"Yugi…"

I honestly didn't know what to say. All this time, he was helping me, no matter how mean he was portraying to be. I would be happy, seeing him awake, and knowing that his heart is still pure, but, noticing the cuts and bruises all over his face and body, and knowing that his soul is still in captivity, I was starting to feel chocked up; wanting to cry. Though, for my partner's sake, I remained strong.

"Oh, and, I accept your apology…even if it wasn't really necessary…

After all, it was never your fault for what happened. I chose to be taken by the seal, in order to save you.

You always protected me, so this time, I wanted to protect you…." Yugi continued.

"But, if it wasn't for the fact that I used the card, than none of this would have happened in the first place…" I said.

"It was a mistake Yami, we all make mistakes, but, sooner or later, we learn to get pass them and move forward.

Truthfully, if I was really mad for what you did, then I would have let the seal take you with no hesitation, but I didn't. Deep down I knew…I know that you're a good person, so that's why I did what I did and sacrificed myself. You may have not realized it but, I still trusted you, I had faith that you would be strong enough to move forward and stop Dartz.

But, seeing that you were struggling, I had to find some-way to try and snap you out of it, and having the duel was the best option I could think of. "

He then motioned his hand to his pocket, and retrieved the broken piece.

"Your mind will no longer become undone; as long as you remember me and our friends… even if we're not together…we're always with one another in spirit, giving us courage...giving us strength...

Remember that Yami…"

Then, right before my eyes, the broken piece soon dissolved into nothing. And, pretty soon after, the symbol above his forehead followed. At this moment, I knew that we didn't have a lot of time left.

"Now go…and defeat Dartz….

In the meantime, I'll be waiting…."

His body was soon becoming transparent.

See you soon…Pharaoh…."

With those last words said, he then closed his eyes. Even though he was fading, I still held him close; I didn't want him to go, but, there was nothing I could've done. My friend…my partner…he was leaving me once more. Feeling a huge lump in my throat now, I probably would have cried, but, knowing that I've already had shed more than enough tears, I did my best to hold them in. At least for the moment, but, still feeling the need to do something, I then lowered my head, closer to his.

I've always said that I cared about him, but, up until now, I've never really showed it.

Still being close, I then closed my eyes, and kissed my partner on the forehead.

In truth, you never know a good thing, until it's taken from you.

"Don't worry, I will bring you back…..

And the countless other souls that remain trapped as well...

This I swear, on my very life..."