Dear Readers, I had a look at this chapter and discovered that I never took the chance to edit it. I was such a hurry to upload it yhat it never occured to me to edit. I am very sorry.

Anyways, enjoy.


Chapter 3: The Journey Begins

Two years ago he was just a normal boy with great friends and family.

Two years ago he was full of innocence that was hard to find in any soul.

Two years ago he was kidnapped and disappeared without a trace.

Now he has returned… changed… and as a Claymore.

Atem couldn't believe his eyes. There he is; right in front of him. Yugi Motou has returned. But as a Claymore? Why? How is that possible? The pale-star-head warrior swung his sword to shake the blood off and placed it in his sheath. He turned to leave until…

"Yugi, wait!" Atem was able to find his voice as he tried to stop his long lost brother. But the young warrior continued to move forward as if he didn't hear him. But Atem will not be ignored. He ran up and stood in front of the warrior; blocking his path. For two years, he lost his brother. For two years, he berated himself for not keeping his brother safe. For two whole years, he longed for his brother's presence, to hear him laugh; to see his smile… that innocent soul is the very thing that brings Atem peace in his soul. Now that that lost light is here, Atem will not let him go.

The warrior stopped walking, but had a blank stare at his face. It was quiet for all three souls. Joey stood where he was; not moving an inch, while the two brothers were staring at each other not budging. Finally after what feels like an eternity, Atem spoke as he slowly advances to his brother.

"Yugi…" he started.

The warrior blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"

The blonde teen and the tri-colored hair teen blinked at the warrior's response. Joey took this chance to speak.

"Yugi," said the blonde. "Are you alright?"

The warrior looked at the blonde for a second and then turned his gaze back at the spiky-haired teen. Finally he spoke.

"Sorry, but I'm afraid that you're mistaken."

Atem's eyes widen with shock at this response. Joey was stunned for a minute before regaining his composure. "Yuge," he started. "You're Yugi Motou." He gestured a hand at Atem. "That there is your brother, Atem."

"Brother…?" the young warrior repeated. He looked back at the spiky-haired teen, which had become silent. He faced the blonde teen again. "I'm afraid I've never seen him before."

The whole scene became very tense with silence for a long time. How can this be? How can Yugi not remember Atem? His own brother? After everything they've been through together? That's just…impossible! Finally, the warrior turned to leave. Joey tried to stop his long-lost friend; but the warrior continued to press on without turning back. Joey turned to Atem for him to say something; anything that would stop the pale-haired warrior. But Atem just stood there; frozen, unable to move or even speak. He just stood there as he watched the young pale-haired, silver-eyed imitation of himself leaving again.

His brother is leaving again.

He's leaving again.

He's leaving again.

Again…

"WAIT!" Atem finally shouted. He was finally able to even move again. He dashed right in front of the warrior, blocking his path.

"So," said the Claymore as he glared at Atem with a half-lidded gaze. "You've finally decided to speak."

Clearly, the warrior is getting irritated of being stopped. But to Atem, that's not his concern. He lost his brother once; he'll be damned to lose him again. "Yugi," he started. "Please; tell me what happened to you?"

The warrior lifted his chin slightly upward as if he was looking down on the spiky-haired adolescent. "I have nothing to share with you," he stated. "Now if you will excuse me, I have another mission to attend." He tried to walk around the teen, but Atem stopped him again.

"Not until you explain what happened." Atem said firmly. Suddenly, he felt a hand grabbing the neck of his shirt. Next thing he knows, he feels himself being lifted off the ground and is tossed over the warrior's shoulder.

"Hey!" Joey shouted. He ran and was able to catch his flung friend before he hit the ground. He then glared at the warrior who has his back on him fiercely. Before he was able to say anything, the warrior spoke.

"Like I said, I don't have to explain myself to you," the warrior said emotionlessly. "I'd preferred not to use force, but you had to make this hard on yourself." He started to leave until…

"Hold it!" Joey shouted causing the warrior to stop again. "What is wrong with you? Just 'cause people stand in your way, doesn't mean you can toss 'em around like rag dolls!"

"What does it matter to you?" the warrior asked without facing them.

"'Cause this ain't like you, Yugi," Joey said as he still had Atem in his arms. "Why are you like this? Is it because… we haven't found you?" Atem turned his gaze to the blonde teen when he said that question. "Are you angry with us because after all these years we never found you? Trust me, I can understand how someone can get mad about 'dat, but for you to throw your own brother like he was trash? How can you be like 'dat, Yugi?" As he said this, the blonde teen had a look of anger and hurt on his face.

Another tense silence filled the air until finally the warrior spoke. "Because, I'm not Yugi." After that he finally took his leave.


The next morning, Tea and Tristan showed up to the Motou home. Joey had called them over for an urgent meeting. Everyone is now in the elder Motou's room. Everyone except for Atem. Earlier, Joey tried to convince his friend to come out of his room; but he would always receive no answer. The troubled teen even kept the door locked. After a while he decided to let the distressed adolescent alone. The meeting began when Joey started telling them about what happened.

When Joey finished, they all sat in shock. Tea had tears falling down her face; Tristan just sat there staring at his blonde friend, while Mr. Motou sat there with a sad and confused expression on his face. He held a picture of his grandsons in his lap.

'Yugi is a Claymore now?' He wondered. 'How is that possible? And why didn't he come home?' He and everyone else is very happy to know that Yugi is still alive; but they all couldn't help but be concerned. They never thought that Yugi would even become a warrior; let alone a Claymore. For all they know, Yugi wouldn't even hurt a fly.

Joey looks around at everybody after a moment of silence. He took a deep breath and spoke again. "So now our friend is a Claymore; but the worst part is that he forgotten who I was or who Atem was. In fact, he doesn't even think that he is Yugi." As he said that, he had a hint of anger in his voice. Obviously, he was also upset that his best friend is going through amnesia. He wants to find his friend as much as the others do; but where would he start? How will he find him? Not only that, but there are also Yoma lurking around in the woods. He was lucky enough to dodge the attacking Yoma from last night; but there is no way he could fight one off.

"So now what?" said Tristan.

The blonde teen shook his head. "I don't know."

Just then, a thought occurred to the brunette male teen. "Hey, when is Atem gonna come in?

Joey just shook his head. "It's gonna be a while, 'T,'" he replied solemnly. "Just give him time."


Meanwhile in his room, Atem sat on his bed with his elbows resting on his knees, hands laced together in front of his lips, in deep thought. The events of the day his brother getting kidnapped and the ruefully reunion from last night were running through his mind. He could not believe all that has happened. Yugi disappeared for two years, he finally returns; but as a Claymore, and his callous behavior towards him and Joey. But most of all, his amnesia. Yugi did not recognize Atem as his brother; or Joey as his best friend. Who is to say that he would recognize his own grandfather and the rest of the group?

Atem shook that thought from his head. He refused to believe that his own brother would forget his family and friends. He would do anything to get his brother back and get rid of his amnesia; and that is what he intends to do. He stood up and headed towards his door. Once he opened it, he was surprised to see Tea on the other side; ready to knock.

"Tea…" he breathed.

Tea smiled a sad smile. "Hey, Atem," she said softly.

Silence thickened the air between the two. Tea fidgeted underneath Atem's gaze. Finally Tea spoke again.

"I just… wanted to see if… you were ok." she said quietly.

"I'm fine," he replied softly. After a while, he excused himself to leave and went out the door.

"Wait," Tea said making him stop. "Where are you going?"

"To the Town Hall."


In the Town Hall, the Mayor and his followers are having a serious briefing about the Yomas and the Claymores.

"Sir, do you think another Yoma will show up in town again?" said a male follower.

"I'm not sure," said the Mayor. Then he added pensively, "but I highly doubt it."

A female follower decided to share her thoughts. "I don't think that another Yoma will come into town again; due to the fact that the last two were easily subdued and so soon."

"That may be true," said another male follower. "but don't forget; only Claymores are the ones who can identify a Yoma instantly. Not to mention that the last two times we had discovered these monsters in town, it had resulted a couple fatalities."

"Yes," said the first male follower. He then turned back to Mayor. "Do you think it's possible to have a Claymore near town to protect us?" he asked.

The Mayor frowned slightly. "No," he said dismissively. "There aren't that many Claymores in this world. Each one is assigned to protect a region; not a town. That idea is like protecting one person and leave others at risk. No town has a right to ask a Claymore to protect it personally."

The first follower remained silent while the others mumbled to each other about what to do when a Yoma appears again. The Mayor stands to capture the followers' attention. "For the time being, we shall keep and eye out for anything suspicious." He turned to the female follower. "Send word out to the town to stay alert and make a curfew at sunset."

"Yes sir," the female follower confirmed and left to complete the task. The briefing was adjourned.

As the followers left the room leaving the Mayor alone, an assistant came in with a report. "Sir, a Atem Motou is here to see you," she said.

The Mayor's brow furrowed slightly in thought. The name didn't seem to ring any bells. He then looked at the assistant. "Send him in," he said.

The assistant left and returned with an adolescent with unusual tri-colored hair. The Mayor raised an eyebrow at the young man's hair, but disregarded it. "Atem Motou, I presume?" said the elder as he held out a hand for the teen to shake.

"Yes, sir," said Atem as he accepted the gesture. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

"Of course," The Mayor offered Atem a seat and then he took his. "So, how can I help you?"

"I wanted to ask about the Claymore that came the other day."

The Mayor remained silent for awhile. His hands laced together as he rested his elbows on the table and his face rested behind them. He gave the tense adolescent a pensive gaze. "And what brought this about?" He finally asked.

Atem closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Then he opened them and answered. "I've lost someone. I believe that Claymore may know the whereabouts of him."

The Mayor's eyes flashed in realization. "Motou…" he breathed. "Do you by chance, have a brother?" he asked.

Atem closed his eyes at the question. "Yes," he said softly. He missed his brother dearly.

"I see," said the Mayor. "You're the brother of the 'lost' Yugi Motou."

Atem nodded his head; his eyes remained closed.

"And you wish to find him…" The elder closed his eyes; deep in thought. "You've come to me, but why is that?"

Atem opened his eyes. "I needed to know where the Claymore was heading. He has come to you to collect his debt, has he not?"

"He has. In fact now that you mentioned it, I believe he headed southwest from here. To our ally: Noirwood."

"Noirwood…" Atem breathed.

"Yes," the Mayor nodded. "I'm sure you're well aware; but I'm afraid that Noirwood is a very long ways away. You have to pass through the black forest and the devastating desert." He looked at the youth with such intensity. "Do you wish to find him?" he finally asked.

Atem looked at the elder with great determination. "Yes," he answered. He rise from his seat. "I would do anything to get my brother back."

"I see," said the Mayor. "So with that being said…" he rise from his own chair. "Follow me." He left the room with Atem following behind.

The men went down to a hidden basement of Town Hall. Atem wondered what the Mayor has planned as they went down to the darkest depth until they finally came to a doorway with double doors. The Mayor pulled out a set of keys locating the right one and unlocked the doors. Inside were swords, armor, almost everything one can find in a blacksmith's shop. The tri-colored haired adolescent could not help but be amazed at what was before him. As he gazed at the walls of the room, the Mayor went to a particular sword and lifts it from its stand. The sheath is jet black and it shines like stars of the night sky. He unsheathed the sword and gazed into the blade. A long four-point star is engraved on both sides of to the blade and is painted white. The elder turned his attention to the awaited youth .

"I can see that you have endured so much since the day you've lost your brother," he said as he approached the adolescent. "It's not just from your eyes, but from that scar that you try to hide with your hair." The elder pointed to the mark that was half way hidden by Atem's blonde bangs, whom had raised a hand to it in response. The Mayor held up the sword he picked in front of him. "It is known that these half-monster warriors are called Claymores because of their brand of sword. So such a blade like that, or this broadsword I hold here, is enough to bring a Yoma down." He sheathed the blade and held it to Atem. "Since you wish to find this warrior, you will need this for your protection."

Atem, stunned at what is given to him, accepted the blade. "Sir, I-"

The Mayor held up his hand to stop him. " I understand that you're planning to find your brother by any means necessary," he said. "No one, not even I, have the power to stop you. Never have I seen anyone have such determination like you have right now, son. That is why I am willing to give you whatever you need for your journey. Anything you need, it's all here." He gestured to all the armor and weapons in the room.

Atem, utterly speechless but absolutely grateful, shook the Mayor's hand heartedly. "Thank you so much." he said as he finally found his voice.


Two hours later, Atem returns home with his new sword and armor. When the gang saw all the equipment, he tells them what happened between him and the Mayor and discusses his plan with everyone. Tea and Grandpa Motou were a bit uncertain but everyone understands what Atem plans to do. "At least let me and 'T' come with ya' man," Joey said as he suggested him and Tristan to go with Atem; but the tri-color haired adolescent shook his head.

"I have to do this alone," Atem said. "I'm the only one that can reach him. Besides…" He looked at his grandfather. "I need someone to watch over Grandfather and the house."

The elder Motou looked at his grandson, understanding what Atem would do for his brother. He hung his head slightly and closed his eyes. "I understand that you would do anything for Yugi," the elder Motou said softly. "But I don't want to loose both of my grandsons."

Atem walked to his grandfather's bedside and place a hand on his. "I understand, Grandfather, but I promise I will be fine," he said, trying to erase the elder's worries. Then he added with his voice laced with determination. "And I swear that I will bring Yugi back."

The elder nodded and accepted his grandson's decision. The others have decided to do the same. " I guess there is no stopping you," Joey said somberly. Then he added trying to sound cheerful. "But we support you all the way, pal! And don't you worry about Old Man Motou. He's in good- Ow!" He gets cut off by a pillow being hurled by a certain cranky elder.

"Who are you calling 'old' you young whippersnapper?" he snapped. Everyone laughed at the event.


Fifteen minutes later, Atem is in his room preparing himself for his journey. From his visit with the Mayor, he received shoulder plates, wristlets, and anklets. As he puts on his armor and packing his things, he heard a knock on his door. He turns to see Tea standing in the open door way. "Tea…" he said as he turns his attention to her. "Is everything alright?" he asked with concern.

"Yes," Tea said as she tries to smile for him. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"What is it?"

Tea took a deep breath before she began. "Well… I just want you to know that I support you all the way, and that… I pray for both yours and Yugi's safe return."

Atem gazed at her softly. He can clearly see that she is scared for him. It was bad enough to loose her childhood friend. She doesn't want to loose her closest friend. He walked up to her, watching her fidget under his gaze. He placed a hand on her right shoulder. "I can see that you're worried," he said softly. "but like I said to Grandfather; I promise I'll be fine." He gestures at the armor he is wearing. "The Mayor has provided me with all I need for this journey. I don't know how long I will be gone, but I will do everything in my power to bring him back."

As he said this, Tea gazed into his eyes. She could see the hurt and determination in his amethyst orbs. That's when she realized that there is nothing that will stop him from finding Yugi. Once he was finish speaking, she wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him. She then felt his arms wrap around her waist, hugging her back. They stayed that way in silence for a minute or two until she slightly pulled away for him to look him in the eyes again. "Just promise me you two will come back safely," she said with tears in her eyes.

Atem place a hand on her cheek as he gaze deeply in her eyes. "I promise."

Tea kissed him on the cheek and they hugged again.


Moments later, the gang are outside bidding Atem farewell.

"Just be sure you kick some Yoma butt while you're out there!" Joey said enthusiastically.

"You're granddad is in good hands," Tristan said while giving a thumb's up.

"Please be careful; and watch over Yugi," Tea said softly while wearing a small smile.

Atem looked at all of his friends; from Joey to Tristan to Tea. Grateful at them for being there for him in his and the elder Motou's time of need.

"Thank you; all of you," he said. He turns to leave. "Farewell, my friends."