Star: HELLO AGAIN! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update. School has been a major pain, and then comes my laziness. Ah, but you have heard this enough. OMG! My birthday is in 6 days! This coming Saturday! ;dances with Estafo;
Yugi: Good for you! ;blows noise maker;
Yami: You're getting old.
Star: Shut up! No cake for you! But omg! Guess what else! I now own Cross Soul volumes 1, 2, and 4! I AM SO HAPPY! I LOVE CROSS SOUL! ;dies repeatedly; Ah, life is wonderfullness! Anyway, this is the most controversial, and shocking chapter so far. So enjoy!
Disclaimer: I'm too happy to argue! ;dances;
"speech"
'thoughts'
Dedicated to my awesome friend Khrystal! I HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY NOW! MAKING ME RUIN THE WHOLE PLOT JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE OBSESSED WITH THINGS LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT! AND IF THE READERS KILL ME, I'LL COME BACK AND HAUNT YOU FOREVER! SO DEAL WITH IT! Love ya!
p.s. I will explain something at the bottom.
------------Reunion------------
It was six fifteen on a Wednesday morning, and Yugi was getting ready for school. Four days had gone by since Yugi had talked to Isis and revealed why he was acting so strangely. Strangely, he felt a bit better. But he felt as if the hole in his heart was getting bigger. It had been twelve days since he had seen Yami. Twelve days! It didn't seem possible that time had moved that fast, but here he was, a week and a half later. He didn't know if it was a good or bad thing that time had gone by so quickly.
Picking up his brush, he ran it through his hair as he stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Today the mirror wasn't foggy, so there was no way for him to confuse his reflection with Yami. Ever since that incident Yugi had avoided looking into the mirror when it was fogged up. There was no way he was going to do that again. Once was enough. With a sigh he put down the brush and looked at himself in the mirror. Jou had made a comment two days ago saying that he looked different as well. Yugi just didn't see it. Sure he looked a bit more tired than usual, he had small bags under his eyes, and he didn't have that 'glow' about him, as Jou had put it. But he had every right to look as bad as he wanted to.
He stuck his tongue out at his reflection, then turned and walked downstairs where he collapsed on the couch. He had a lot of time left before he had to leave for school, so now he could be lazy. And lately, he had been extremely lazy. Yugi heard a noise in the kitchen, but didn't feel like getting up. "Good morning, jii-chan."
"Yugi! Why are you up so early?" Sugoroku asked, coming out of the kitchen.
"I couldn't sleep anymore."
"Are you feeling ok? You love to sleep late, and you haven't been doing that recently." Sugoroku placed a hand on Yugi's forehead, but Yugi pushed it off.
"I'm fine. I'm just…not so sleepy nowadays."
"Well, you've been going to bed so late. And you don't seem to have as much energy as before. Is something wrong?"
Gods, did Yugi hate that question! He'd been asked that by everyone since the day after Yami left. His friends, the teachers, Isis, and now jii-chan. Why couldn't they just leave him alone to wallow in his depression? "I'm fine," he replied coldly before getting up. "I'm going to take a walk." He grabbed his school bag, which was by his foot, and walked out the door, leaving his jii-chan to wonder what had caused such a change in his grandson.
Outside, Yugi felt much better. The cool morning air felt nice against his skin, and it was quiet. With a sigh, he headed towards the park. It was close to school, and he had enough time to relax. At least here no one would bother him with stupid questions. But he did feel bad for snapping at his jii-chan. He was only caring for him. 'Great! Now I feel bad' But whatever, he would apologize later.
Yugi walked through the park slowly, taking a look at the scenery. There weren't many people around, save the joggers. The flower buds were closed, and the birds were silent. Even the fish in the large pond and the streams were barely moving. Walking onto a bridge, Yugi leaned against the railing and looked down at the water. A small fish swam slowly under the bridge, and Yugi followed it with his eyes. Letting out a sigh, he looked up at the sky. 'Damn, everything is a mess. Everyday I seem to pull away farther from my friends. I don't have energy to do anything, and…I CAN'T STOP SIGHING!'
The teen groaned and walked off the bridge, heading towards a tree. Not just any tree, it was the tree where he had first seen Yami. It was easy to recognize; some branches were missing or broken, and a bit of the bark had been scraped off from Yami's wings. The tree was damaged, and yet it was the place where Yugi felt the best. Being here, it was as if he could sense Yami's spirit. Closing his eyes, Yugi thought back to that day.
It started off like usual. He had gone to school, where he met up with his friends. He found out he passed a test that he hadn't studied for, so he was in a good mood that day. Ushio even left him alone. After school, he had gone with Honda to the library to do research on a project. Around nine the two had gone to the arcade. It was well after eleven when they parted to go home.
That was when he decided to walk through the park. It was the best decision he had ever made. Everything was normal for the first five minutes, when he suddenly heard a bunch of loud crashes and someone crying out. It was silent for a minute until someone yelled out 'damn trees'. At first, Yugi had wanted to turn around and find a different way home, but something inside him refused to let him walk away. So he had taken a deep breath and slowly walked towards the noise.
And then he saw him.
Yami.
Lying there on the ground, covered in blood, his wings spread out. Yugi couldn't help but let out a surprised gasp. What else should he have done? Scream? Run away? But no, he couldn't. Despite the obvious fact that this was not a human, he just couldn't leave the other there all alone to bleed. Sure he was a bit scared, but he just had to do something. After Yami had passed out, Yugi decided that it would be best to get home to treat the other's wounds. Boy, was it hard carrying Yami all the way from the park. And those wings certainly didn't help. But the whole time, Yugi knew that he was doing the right thing.
Opening his eyes, Yugi smiled and played with the bracelet on his wrist. 'Even though I'm depressed now, I'm glad that I met him. He made me so happy for that short week, but that was enough. I'll always miss him, but…at least I have some good memories. I'll have to settle for that.' Looking down at his watch, Yugi gasped when he realized he would be late. 'Oops! I'll have to wait till later to get lost in my thoughts.' He ran through the park all the way to school, because the last thing he wanted was to get yelled at by the teachers.
--------
'Work work work. That's all I've been doing for the past few days!' thought Yami as he wandered the halls of his palace. 'I didn't realize that I had missed so much during the three weeks I was away. Of course, thinking about Yugi non-stop isn't really helping my work get done faster either.' The King stopped at a window and stared out at the gardens. It looked so peaceful out there. 'Why can't things be like that in my life?' Since Saturday Yami had dedicated himself to his work. He didn't do anything else but work and sleep. He was trying to keep his mind from wandering to Yugi and to his decision. If he didn't keep himself busy then he would start to question if his decision to erase the human's memories of him was for the best. 'I just don't know what to do! I don't want to do it, but I have no choice.'
"Yami!" someone called from the other end of the hall. The Shadow King turned and saw Marik walking towards him. "What are you doing?"
"Tying to escape Seto so I can have a break," Yami replied, looking back out the window.
"You really should focus on your work," the blonde said. "But it's probably best that you take a break. I definitely don't want to have a repeat of Saturday."
"I said I was sorry," Yami mumbled.
"Yea, well, you are lucky my hand healed quickly," Marik said, flexing his right hand. "Otherwise I would have kicked your ass."
"You wish."
"So why are you wandering the halls?"
"Because I'm bored, there is nothing else to do, and I wanted some time to myself to think," replied Yami as he started to walk down the hall. "With so many people surrounding me all the time, I can never find time to relax."
"Well, that's what happens when you go missing for so long. But even though you say you want to relax, you can't, can you?"
"I'm stressed out. What do you expect?"
Marik shook his head. "You are worried about something." Yami glanced at him, then masked his scent. The other rolled his eyes. "Don't think that masking your scent will keep me from finding out what's wrong. I can still sense your worry, even if I can't smell it."
"It doesn't concern you, so forget about it." Yami headed towards his bedroom where hopefully he could be alone.
"It's about the human kid."
Yami stopped in his tracks and looked at Marik. "It doesn't concern you," Yami repeated sternly.
"See, that is where you are wrong. It does concern me. It concerns all of us, because you are putting that boy's safety before your people's."
"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore," the King responded as he entered his bedroom. "I've decided to erase Yugi's memories."
"You have?" Marik asked in surprise, closing the door behind him.
"Why do you seem so surprised? Isn't that what you wanted?" Yami asked bitterly. "I would think you would be happy."
"Well…I am, but I didn't expect you to actually cave."
"I'm not doing this for you, or for the others. I'm doing this for my own reasons. So don't think that I've caved or anything."
"What reasons would you have that would make you go against everything you've been saying for the past week and a half?"
"That is my business." With a sigh Yami lay down on his bed, burying his face in a pillow.
"And you are ok with this?" Marik asked, sitting down next to him.
Yami didn't answer. He couldn't answer, because he didn't know the answer. Well…he did. He wasn't ok with the decision. He would never be ok with it. Erasing the memories of the person he loved was hard. Just thinking about it hurt. Was he supposed to lie and say he didn't care what happened? Should he lie? No, Marik would see right through it. The other probably already knew that he didn't really want to do it. He felt a hand rest on his back, and he sighed. Yep, Marik knew.
"It's for the best, you know."
"I hate it though."
"But you can't deny that it'll help everyone. Including him. He will no longer have to worry about keeping such a big secret to himself."
"Yugi would never have told anyone."
"But still, it's a big burden to put on the kid. This will make things easier for him. You want him to have a good, easy life, right?"
"Of course I do, but still…for once I want something for myself. I want to keep my friendship with him without worrying about how it will affect the rest of the Shadow race."
"That's a bit selfish for the King to say."
"And that's why I'm so torn. If I don't do it, my people might be in danger because of my selfishness, but I still don't want to do it." Yami sighed, and flipped over onto his back. "What do you think I should do?"
"No way am I answering that!" Marik said. "If you can't think of an answer, then there is no way I'm going to attempt to think of one."
"Some help you are," Yami said, rolling his eyes.
"If you want advice, go see Seto. Does he know what you have decided?"
"No. You are the first person I've told. I'll tell the others later."
"Well, I feel special," the blonde said, and in reply Yami hit him on the chest. "So when are you going to do it?"
"I don't know. When I feel as if I can deal with it." The Shadow King sighed, then closed his eyes. 'I'm never going to be able to deal with this well. No one in my position would. I hate having to be the strong one in these situations.' It was always expected of him to deal with things like this, when many times he just wanted to be left alone. Why couldn't he just have a normal life? He loved being King, but sometimes he felt as if he weren't emotionally or mentally mature enough to handle things. He never told anyone, and as far as he could tell no one knew. But seriously! He was still young. He wasn't even ten thousand years old! How could anyone expect him to handle these things well?
"Who knows, maybe things will work themselves out," Marik replied. 'If not then everything breaks apart.'
Yami just 'hmm-ed' in reply then fell silent. He just didn't know what to do. This was the most important decision he had ever made in his life, and he just didn't have a clue as to what to do. Erase Yugi's memories, protect his people, and be miserable for the rest of his life? Or don't erase Yugi's memories, put his people in danger, and feel guilty for the rest of his life? Such wonderful options. Too bad there was no third option. If there was it should be 'hide in a cave and let the others deal with it'.
It was silent in the room for a while. The two teens just lay there on the bed, each wondering how this situation would end up. Good? Bad? Somewhere in between? It was obvious this whole ordeal wasn't as black and white as it sounded. Either way, someone would end up hurt, betrayed, abandoned, alone and heartbroken. Whether it was one person, or the entire Shadow population. "Why does my life have to be so hard?" Yami asked quietly.
"Because you are the King, and you have to deal with things like this."
"Why can't I have something for myself? Why can't I be happy?" Yami draped his right arm across his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He felt the mattress shift next to him, and sensed Marik leaning over him. Moving his arm away, he opened his eyes and looked into Marik's dark, lavender orbs.
"Why did we break up?" the blonde asked.
"Because you were a jackass and an arrogant bastard," Yami replied, rolling his eyes.
"Because your duties as King got in the way. You had to deal with the threat of war between two nations. The people expected you to solve it, and in order for you to focus on finding a peaceful solution, you had to sacrifice many things. Our relationship was one of them."
"So as long as I stay King, I'll never have a lasting relationship with anyone?" asked Yami.
"I'm not saying that. But it does make it hard to have one at all. If you weren't King, you would be able to stay friends with the human kid."
"But that's not the case."
"No, but it does add to the problem. This crown," Marik said, tapping the golden, winged crown on Yami's head, "and the responsibilities that come with it will always add to the problem, no matter how you look at it."
"So then what should I do?"
"For now," the blonde responded, slowly slipping a hand up Yami's shirt, "don't think of the problem."
"Easier said than done," the teenage King replied, his eyes flickering shut.
"You just need a little distraction. And I'd be happy to provide it."
---------
'Let's see…to find this answer I need…uh…the opposite of 'b' plus or minus the square root of 'b' squared minus…uh…damn!' "Ryou, what comes after this?" It was currently homeroom, and Yugi was desperately trying to remember formulas for his algebra test next period. 'Damn algebra!' he thought.
"Well, it's 'b' squared minus four times 'a' times 'c' over 2 times 'a'," the silver haired teen responded quickly, taking a bite of the apple he held in his hand.
"I hate you and your knowledge of math!" the smaller teen responded. "And I still see no point in learning this stuff. When will I ever need to know the stupid quadratic formulas?"
"Well, if someone randomly comes up to you on the street years from now and asks you, you'll know," Ryou replied with a chuckle.
"You are such a comedian," said Yugi sarcastically. "But seriously, if I get even one right, I'll die of shock." With a mental sigh, the teen reached down and started to twirl the silver bracelet around. He was extremely glad he had the bracelet on, or he would have had no confidence at all. Thanks again, Yami!
Ryou noticed that Yugi had once again reached for the bracelet, but didn't say anything about it. After a long talk with the others, they had all decided to drop the subject of the mysterious man and Yugi's strange personality changes. For now anyway. He seemed to be slowly getting back to normal, so the boys didn't want to ruin it by bringing the issues back up. They'd let some time pass, then broach the subject again. "So, why didn't you study last night?"
"Because I had to help jii-chan set up some new items in the store, and it took longer than I thought. Besides, I never study for a math test."
"And then you complain about not knowing things," Ryou said with a shake of his head.
"I know things! Just not when it comes to math! Not everyone studies non stop like you," Yugi replied, glaring at the other.
"Well, you know Ryou isn't happy unless he has a textbook with him," said Honda as he approached the two, Malik behind him.
"Shut it. Just because I'd rather study and make good grades, than goof off and get in trouble doesn't mean you can pick on me," Ryou replied.
"But you know it's true," Malik commented, earning him a punch in the stomach from the British teen. "You're the little bookworm of our group."
"Right now the bookworm has to help me study for my test before the bell rings," said Yugi.
"Don't worry, you'll do fine!" Malik said, taking Ryou's apple and shoving it in Yugi's mouth. "You always do."
"My apple!" Ryou cried.
"By the way, where is Jou?" asked Malik.
"Hms wiphf ah inciahl," Yugi answered, the apple still in his mouth.
"Why's he with the principal?" Yugi just shrugged, and Malik sighed. "Well, that's not helpful at all." Yugi glared at him, and Malik just ruffled his hair.
"We'll see him at lunch," Honda said. "Besides, he probably got in trouble again, or something."
"Probably."
Just then the bell rang, and Yugi gasped. "Oh no!" he cried, spitting out the apple. "I didn't finish studying! Malik this is your fault! You aren't getting my desert today!"
"No!"
------
Outside the principal's office, Jou looked over at the clock. 'Damn, guess I'm late for class. Ah well, who really needs chemistry? Stupid principal, calling me in fa no reason. If he's gonna start blamin' me for something I didn't do, den I'm just gonna leave!' Jou sighed, and ran a hand through his messy hair, and looked out the window at the hall. He watched as all the students walked and pushed their way through the crowd to make it to their classes on time.
'Dere's so many people. Dat's why da halls are always crowded. Why can't dey just use a different stairway?' From where he was sitting he saw a boy head towards his locker. The boy was tall, with broad shoulders, and brown hair. 'Hmm…from the back, he looks like dat guy I saw at da gate. I wonder what happened ta him.' Jou leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes. 'I neva saw him after dat day. At least not physically.'
Ever since the meeting with that stranger at the front gate, Jou had been thinking of him non-stop. It wasn't usual for him to think about random strangers for so long, but there was just something about that guy that made him stick in Jou's mind. What it was, the blonde couldn't begin to guess. But it was almost two weeks later, and Jou could remember the man clearly. His dark sapphire eyes, and his chestnut brown hair. His slim, muscular frame, and his soft pale skin. The air of confidence and cockiness around him. He remembered everything clearly.
Why? Jou didn't know why. It wasn't as if he was attracted to the guy or anything. He had only seen him for a total of five minutes, and talked to him for about two. Definitely not enough time to become attracted to the guy. And even if he was, there was nothing he could do about it. It wasn't as if he was going to see the guy ever again. For all Jou knew he could be on the other side of the world at this moment. 'Probably with a girlfriend or something,' the blonde thought, suddenly bitter and jealous. 'Ok, enough thinking of dat guy. I don't even know his name!'
"Katsuya?" a deep male voice called, snapping Jou from his thoughts. The blonde looked around, and saw the principal, a middle-aged man with thinning black hair, standing in front of him. Quickly looking out the window, he tried to find the brunette in the hall, but the hall was empty. Jou sighed and hung his head. Ah well, it wasn't the guy anyway. "It's nice to see you again, Katsuya."
"Yea, same here. But stop callin' me Katsuya," Jou said as he followed the man into his office.
"You know I call everyone by their first names. I figure we know each other well enough to drop the formalities," the principal replied, adjusting the glasses that covered his brown eyes.
"Don't think so, Tomokazu-san. So what am I in for?"
"Well, Jounouchi-kun, I'd like to talk to you about your father." At the mention of his father, Jou stiffened. "How is everything between you two."
"Ok. Nothing special happening." 'Damn dis old bastard! Why does he always have ta bring dis subject up?'
"Are you sure? Is he treating you ok?"
"Yes…why do ya ask?"
"Because…well, a teacher saw a large bruise on your back one day."
"That coulda come from anything. You know I get into fights," Jou defended. No way was he going to tell this man the truth. All the teachers already knew that his father was an unemployed drunk who loved to beat up on his son. That's why his mother and younger sister, Shizuka, had left. But why did the principal make it his mission to pry further into his life?
"Well, according to your friends, you haven't been in any fights recently."
"You talked ta my friends about dis?" Jou asked, now getting mad. "What gives you da right ta do that?"
"It is my responsibility to make sure that all my students are safe."
"That's only during school. Whatever happens outside school is none of your business!" Jou yelled.
"If it affects your education, then it becomes my business!" the principal yelled back, before he sighed. "I just want to know if everything is ok at home."
"It's fine," Jou snapped. "So stop bothering me about dis stuff. I'm going ta class." He stood up and grabbed his bag, and headed for the door.
"Jounouchi, we are not finished here!" the principal yelled.
"Yes, we are. And next time ya want to waste my time with something, make sure it's important." Jou then threw open the door and stalked out of the room, hoping to make it out of the office before the principal could catch him. But in his hurry to leave he failed to see the person turning the corner in front of him. The two crashed into each other, and fell to the ground, papers and books littering the floor. 'Ow! Damn, shoulda looked out.' A sudden gasp caught his attention, and he looked up and was shocked at what he saw. It was a pale face with blue eyes and brown hair.
"Jou-kun!"
"Anzu!"
-------
'Man, I'm bored!' Bakura thought as he walked through the courtyard of the castle. It was a little after nine thirty, and there was absolutely nothing to do. He had wanted to go the arcade with Marik, but apparently Marik and Yami were 'busy', so now he had nothing to do. And Seto was at a meeting, and Otogi was nowhere to be found. 'I hate being bored!' With an annoyed sigh, Bakura unfurled his wings and took off into the sky. He didn't feel like going to the city alone, so he chose to fly towards the lake that was half a mile behind the castle.
After three minutes, the silver haired Shadow touched down on the ground in front of the body of water. This lake was huge, the dark blue waters shimmering brightly in the sun light. It was surrounded by gigantic, green trees, with flowers blooming everywhere. As a kid, he and the others would always come here for picnics with their families. It was here where he had some of the best memories of his life. Like the time he pulled off Yami's bathing trunks underwater. Or the time he and Marik dunked Seto. Ah, good times.
Lying down on a concrete bench under one of the trees, Bakura looked around at the scenery and spotted a cluster of white flowers. With a smile, he reached over and picked one. White roses. They were his aunt's favorite flowers. They were all around the palace, and the grounds that surrounded it. He remembered that she once told him that even though she couldn't see the flowers, she could sense their beauty and serenity. Incidentally, they became Bakura's favorite flowers as well.But thinking of his aunt made Bakura think back to the talk he had with Reika the last time he went to visit the temple. What he heard worried him a bit. It was not only unexpected, it was also unusual.
000flashback000
"My Lord, there is something I must speak to you about," the High Priestess said, sitting down at a table in the courtyard. "It concerns some recent visions I have had."
"You know I don't deal with that. Yami is the one you have to tell your visions to," Bakura replied, taking a sip of the tea that was offered to him.
"Yes, but…these visions are strange. Everything is just a black blur, with occasional streaks of color. I hear mumbles and echoing whispers, but they are just noises. There are no words attached to these voices. Then there is one that is particularly frightening. All I can see is red. Nothing else, but a dark red the color of blood, and…someone is screaming. A loud, piercing scream, full of pain and fear and despair. Every time I hear it I feel an enormous pain in my heart and I begin to cry."
"Do you know who is screaming?" Bakura asked her, but Reika shook her head.
"No. I don't even know if it is a male or female. It's just red with a white dot here and there. But it is definitely a bad omen."
"Could it be that something will happen to Yami?" This was bad. Reika's visions were always decipherable. If her divinations came like that, then something was wrong.
"I do not know. I have spent every day trying to contact Lady Aine, but she will not reply to me. It's as if our connection has been cut."
"What!" Bakura yelled, standing up. "Reika, this is serious! If you can't contact my aunt, then there is no way we can prevent things like that vision from happening!"
"I'm sorry, my Lord. I have tried many times to decipher these visions, but I have come up with nothing. There are no scrolls that talk about this, no ancient prophecies, and without solid images, I can't find any symbolism to connect with these visions."
"How long has this been going on?"
"I received the first vision four days before you rescued the Master."
"Four days? That was a Monday. Why didn't you come tell Yami earlier?"
"Because I didn't want to burden the Master so soon after being rescued from the human city. I knew he would have much to do."
"Well he's been back for eight days. In that time you could have come to see him!" Bakura yelled.
"I'm sorry, my Lord," Reika replied as she bowed her head, her blue eyes shimmering with tears. "I have failed you and the Master."
Bakura sighed, then sat back down. "You have not failed, Reika. It's just that this has never happened before, so I don't know how to react to this. Isn't there anything, anything, that you can figure out from these visions?"
Reika sighed, then bit her lip as she thought. "Well…there are many colors. The black I see in most of the visions can represent evil, or despair. The dark red can represent blood. The white is purity and innocence. Then I see…there are just too many colors all mixed up for me to pick them all out. I'm sorry."
"Is the person screaming saying anything?"
"No…but I feel…as if he or she is screaming for help. I feel that person's pain and terror and, though there are no words, there is no mistaking a cry for help." Reika shook her head, and started to tremble. "It hurts to think of that one. Whatever is happening in that scene is not right, I know it. Someone innocent is being hurt, tortured maybe. He or she cries for help, and I wish I could do something, but I never can and it breaks my heart."
Bakura frowned but didn't answer. He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. There was nothing else he could do. Reika was the only person who could talk to his aunt, and no matter if he went back to the chamber, he couldn't change anything. Either his aunt was sending these blurred visions for a reason, or something else was interfering. What that thing could be was a mystery, because the connection between Aine and Reika was a gift from the gods. Unless the gods had something to do with it. But why would they suddenly interfere? They had never done anything like this before. "Reika, try as hard as you can to contact my aunt. Our entire race might be in danger."
"Don't worry, my Lord. You can count on me."
000end000
Bakura hadn't spoken to Reika since that day. But according to one of the priestesses, she had not left the burial chamber at all. Apparently, she had still not been able to speak with Aine, and still had no break through in what the visions could mean. After three weeks, she had still not been able to figure out anything. It had never taken her that long to decipher her visions. Of course, never before had she received visions that were just blurs of colors and wordless noises.
'What could be happening, Aunt? Is something bad going to happen? I have a bad feeling that the answer is yes.' Closing his eyes, Bakura breathed in deeply the scent of the flowers around him. He still had not told anyone of what Reika had said. He was hoping that she would be able to contact Aine or figure something out before anything happened. Until then, he was keeping it to himself. No need to get everyone worried…yet.
He opened his eyes when he heard the sound of wings approaching him. Looking at the sky in the direction of the castle, he spotted Otogi flying towards him. Sitting up, Bakura reopened his wings, and took off into the air. "Where have you been all day," he asked the other.
"Sorry, had to talk with the French ambassador. They are still mad at me that I skipped out of the conference the week before you found Yami."
"Fun."
"Yea, well now I'm bored. And seeing how Seto is busy, and the others are 'busy' I came looking for you. What are you doing out here?"
"Thinking. And if you make one joke on that, I'll have you demoted to equipment manager," Bakura replied, sending a small glare to Otogi who just rolled his eyes.
"Fine, fine. But as I'm bored, I'm going to the city. Wanna come?"
"Why not?" Bakura replied, and the two took off towards Kyall Arie.
--------
"Yes! Lunchtime! I'm starving!" Honda said, walking towards the cherry tree. He had just turned in a hard as hell paper on the history of Japanese literature, and now just wanted some time to relax. Looking around, he didn't see any of his friends. Well, they were all coming from different parts of the school. And while he waited, he could start eating. Cold pizza, yum! While he was eating, he wondered why Jou had looked so shocked earlier. He had passed Jou's class while he went to get some water last period, and the blonde looked even more out of it than usual. 'Wonder if the principal said anything. Well it's his fault for getting into so much trouble.'
Leaning against the trunk of the tree, he pushed a random strand of brown hair behind his ear. "It's such a nice day," he said, looking up at the sky. "Too bad I'm stuck in school." He then heard someone call his name, and he looked towards the building to see Yugi and Malik walk up. "About time you got here."
"Sorry. Malik wouldn't stop clinging to me," Yugi said, motioning to Malik who was indeed clutching the shorter boy's arm tightly.
"So where are the others?" Malik asked.
"Ryou's coming now," Honda said, pointing to the British teen that was currently walking towards them. "As for Jou, I don't know."
"He's not still in the principal's office, is he?" asked Yugi, as he attempted to pry the Egyptian off himself.
"No, he was in class," Ryou said, dropping his bag on the ground. "He wouldn't stop dazing off though. The teacher had to lecture him four times. But when the bell rang, he ran off. Don't know where he went."
"Isn't that him over there by the doors?" Malik asked as he clung to Yugi's arm tighter. The other three looked over, and sure enough, they saw Jou at the doors talking to some girl.
"Well, that's great. He blows us off to go flirt with some chick," Honda said, annoyed that Jou hadn't told him he liked someone.
"Well, he's coming over now," stated Yugi. "Malik, I can't feel my arm!"
"So?"
"Clinging to me won't get you my desert."
"…I love you?"
"No."
Before Malik could start begging, Jou walked up to them with a sly smile on his face. The mysterious girl was following behind, a textbook in front of her head so the others couldn't tell who she was. "Hey guys," Jou said. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," Ryou responded slowly. "What's up with you?"
"Nothin' much. Got a surprise, though."
"Really now? What is it?" asked Honda.
The girl then moved the textbook, and the four boys gasped. "Hi guys! Long time no see."
"A-Anzu! It's you!" Yugi exclaimed. He ran up to her and pulled her in a hug, as did the others. "When did you get back?"
"Sunday," the girl replied. "I never thought I'd get to come back though."
"I thought you moved to Tokyo for good," Malik said, finally having let go of Yugi's arm.
"So did I, but my mom and I missed Domino so much, we decided to move back. My dad is still there, but he's going to come stay with us on the weekends."
"That's awesome!" Honda said. "Now the whole group is back together."
"I missed you guys a lot," Anzu said with a smile. "None of you have changed a bit."
"Well, you have definitely changed. You've grown out," Jou commented, with a smirk.
"Yep. You haven't changed a bit, Jou," Anzu said, rolling her eyes. "Still getting in trouble and getting called to the principal's office." Jou semi glared at her, but Anzu brushed it off. "So, I want to know everything that's been happening while I've been gone. And don't leave out any of Jou's most embarrassing moments."
"Oi!"
The group spent all of lunch catching up, and by the time lunch had finished they had made plans for about a month to hang out. When the bell rang, Yugi and Anzu were walking to their last class, which, coincidentally, they had together. "So Yugi, everything going ok with you and your jii-chan?"
"Yep. The store is doing ok, and things have been going great." 'At least that's what I want everyone to think.'
"That's good to hear. You know, out of everyone I think I missed you the most," Anzu said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Me? Why?"
"Well, we've been friends since day care. I've known you longest, so I feel as if I have a stronger connection with you. Besides, no one in Tokyo was as kind as you."
"You're just saying that," Yugi replied, a blush covering his cheeks.
"No seriously," Anzu said with a shake of her head. "Everyone there was always concerned with looks, and clothes, and expensive cars. They were all so materialistic. Not like you, who accepts people for who they are, not for what they can buy."
Yugi smiled at her. "It's great having you back, Anzu."
"It's great to be back."
-----
'Thank the gods for chocolate,' Yami thought as he took a bite of his chocolate bar. It was his favorite food in the world. Nothing beats chocolate, especially when it's filled with caramel. He had a habit of bingeing on it whenever he was having trouble making a big decision. 'Some people bite their lips, others pace, I engorge myself on chocolate. But who cares, it's good.' Yes, the wonderfully sweet confection was the king's biggest weakness. Well…that and Yugi.
Ah, yes. Yugi. That was the reason why he was currently stuffing his face with chocolate. He just couldn't make a final decision. Erase the memories? Don't erase the memories? The action itself was so simple, but it wasn't the action that he was having trouble with. He could erase Yugi's memories in a second with his eyes closed. It was actually finding the will to perform said action that had him so messed up. He just couldn't find a single part of himself that wanted to do it. Just thinking of himself erasing Yugi's memories made his heart ache. There was no way he would be able to do it in his current position. Once the memories were gone, they could never come back. And Yugi would forget him forever.
Yami shifted his left leg, and let it hang to the floor. He was currently lying on the bench outside his balcony, dressed in nothing but a white, silk robe. Marik had left a while ago, and since he had nothing better to do, he decided to think some more on the subject. What to do? What to do! Damnit, one would think it would get easier. But nope, it was still hard as ever to think of an answer. But the Shadow didn't want to think of an answer. He just wanted to keep everything as they were now. Yet he had to make a choice. The safety of his people depended on it. And as King, his people came first.
'Marik was right. If I weren't King, I wouldn't have to bother with this shit. In times like this, I wish someone else were King. So that they can deal with this stuff. If I wasn't King, I could be as selfish as I want. Sometimes…sometimes I wish I could just give up the crown.' Yami just wasn't happy. He looked at others and saw how happy they were, living a carefree life, and he was jealous. He wanted to have that. He wanted to act like a normal seventeen year old boy, and not like the Great Master of the Shadow Race. He wanted a normal life, and…he wanted to share it with someone. Someone special. Someone like Yugi.
No. Not 'like' Yugi. Definitely Yugi. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with the human, but it was impossible. There were so many reasons why it couldn't be between them. One: Yugi was a human. Two: His knowledge of the Shadow race was a threat, even though Yami knew that Yugi would never tell anyone. Three: Shadow laws forbid interaction between races. Four: Seto and the others wouldn't let him. Five: Yugi would most likely not want that. No matter how close they became as friends, the human probably wouldn't want to spend all his time with the Shadow. And that knowledge hurt a lot.
'He's probably happier now that I'm gone. He can spend time with his friends, and not worry over me. If I went back, I'd just be a burden. I want him to be happy, and not have to worry about anything. But for him to be happy, I have to be unhappy. That is completely not fair, but…if it's for Yugi, I'll do it. I'd do anything just to make him happy. It is better that he forgets me. To make him happy.' Yami ran a hand through his hair, sat up and let out a long whistle. A second later, one of his messenger birds landed next to him. It chirped in greeting, and Yami let it hop on his hand.
"I want to know when he goes out. To the movies, the arcade, whatever. I need to know it." The bird cocked its head to the left, and let out a few chirps. Yami closed his eyes, and sighed. "He's going out tonight?" An affirmative chirp. "Fine. I'll go see him tonight. Then I'll erase his memories." The bird bowed its head and took off. Yami just sat there, placing his head in his hands.'So, it's time. I really don't want to do this, but…it is for the best. Tonight, I'll say goodbye for the last time.'
-------
The phone rang in the Mouto residence, but no one answered it. Once, twice, ten times it rang. Upstairs, footsteps could be heard running back and forth, and Yugi suddenly burst from his room. Jumping down the stairs two at a time, he rushed into the living room where he dived over the couch to grab the phone. "Hello?" he answered, very out of breath.
"Well, thanks for keeping me waiting," Ryou's voice teased.
"Sorry, I was getting dressed," Yugi replied, slipping his light blue, tank top over his head.
"Are you almost ready?" Honda asked when he took the phone away from Ryou.
"Yea. Just gotta put on my shoes and brush my hair." Another night out with friends. They hung out at least twice a week. And while normal people would go on the weekends, this group went out whenever they pleased. Originally, it was Jou's idea as a way to skip out on doing his homework. A typical Jou plan.
This time they were heading to see a movie. Since Anzu was back, they were going out to celebrate. They'd see a movie, then head to their favorite restaurant for a really late dinner. A perfect welcome home celebration. And what movie were they going to see? Why, Scary Movie 4 of course. Anzu loved comedies, so it was fitting that she chose the movie. In reality, Yugi had been dying to see this movie as well.
"Ok, we'll be over in twenty minutes. If Malik ever decides on a shirt," Honda complained.
Yugi chuckled and shook his head. "He's as bad as Anzu."
"Yea, but she's ready. Malik isn't. There's the difference."
"What about Jou?"
"He's coming. After he gets here, we'll leave Ryou's house to pick up Malik then you. Then we'll go as a group to get Anzu."
"Sounds good. Call me when you're coming. Bye." Yugi hung up, then dashed back upstairs. Ok, so he was sort of lying when he said he was almost ready. The only thing that he had gotten done was putting on his shirt. He wanted to look nice tonight. After all, he hadn't seen Anzu in half a year. It wasn't often that a friend, not to mention your former crush, moves back after being away for so long. He had seriously thought he would never see her again, and he was immensely happy that he was wrong.
Putting on a pair of baggy black pants, Yugi thought back to the first time he realized he had a crush on the brunette. It was a normal Saturday during summer two years ago, and the group was at Honda's house since he had a pool. It was nighttime, and the moon was shining brightly in the cloudless sky. Malik was chasing Ryou with a water gun, Jou and Honda were pigging out at the barbeque, and he and Anzu were racing in the pool. It was just a normal Saturday like any other. Or it started out that way.
Anzu had said something to him. Yugi couldn't remember what it was or what his reply was, but he remembered she laughed. He always loved her laughter. Light and sweet. Very contagious. If she was laughing, you laughed too. He remembered she pulled herself out of the pool and sat on the edge, her legs still in the water. It was at that moment. The moonlight glistened off her pale skin, the water drops reflecting the light and making her glow. Her blue eyes were full of happiness, and she smiled at him. A special smile that she had just for him, just for her oldest friend.
It was at that moment he started to like her. That one, seemingly normal moment changed how he thought of her completely. That was two years ago. During those two years, though, his crush had started to fade. She was still one of his best friends, and he loved her like a sister, but that was all. There was no deep-rooted affection for the girl. He didn't know when it was that his feelings once again began to change, but it didn't matter. No one ever knew he liked Anzu, and it was ok. It was no longer a big deal.
And in a way, he was happy that he no longer had feelings for her. Because if he did, it would make loving Yami hard. But even if he did still like her, it would in no way compare to the way he felt about the Shadow King. Yugi glanced at his bracelet as he put on a plain, white vest, and smiled. The difference to how he felt about Anzu and how he felt about Yami was immense. While he liked Anzu and thought she was very pretty, he absolutely LOVED Yami and thought he was…well…perfect. Really, there was no room for anyone else in his heart.
Yugi walked over to his mirror to look over his outfit. He buttoned up the single button in the middle of his vest, and smiled. Not bad. Opting to go without his usual leather choker, he put on two simple chain necklaces with a single blue bead in the center of each. Black sneakers completed his outfit, and he rushed to the bathroom to do his hair. He had to hurry or else the others would arrive before he was done. Normally, it wasn't his outfit that took a while. It was his hair. Darn his hair and it's refusal to be tamed! But whatever. No matter how well he brushed it now, it would end up a tangled mess by the end of the night. It always did.
The doorbell rang a few minutes later. "Yugi, your friends are here!" Sugoroku called, letting the others in.
"Ok! I'm ready," the teen replied as he bounded down the stairs. He and the others rushed out into the night, vaguely hearing Sugoroku telling them to be careful. They had more important things to think of. The group hurried along, taking familiar paths and streets till they finally reached Anzu's house. It was the same as they all remembered. A two story, white walled house with a large front yard full of rose bushes. They ran up the driveway, and rang the bell. A minute later Anzu rushed out, eager to start the fun. With a wave to her mother they headed towards the theater. Tonight would be great!
------
Tonight would so not be great. Yami sat on his bed staring at his crown that was beside him. Tonight was the night. The night where he would erase Yugi's memories of him and his people forever. The night where he would lose the person he loved forever. But there was no turning back. He had finally made his decision, and he never changed his mind once he was set on something. This was it. The final act. And gods, did he hate his life right now.
A fluttering by the window caught his attention, and he turned to see one of his birds perched on the railing of the balcony. The bird's crimson eyes stared into his own before taking off again. Silently, Yami got up and walked over to his dresser, and placed the crown on top. He didn't want to go as the King. He wanted to go as a teenager. To see the only person who ever thought of and treated him like a normal person.
Turning around, he looked at the night sky, and took a deep breath. It was early spring, and the air was so clean and crisp. It was still cool from winter, and yet he could sense the light warmth on the air, the hint that summer would come soon. He loved spring, when everything was in bloom. It was all brand new, starting over from the beginning to make itself beautiful again. The flowers, the trees, the animals, all starting over to grow strong. It was really an incredible time of year.
The King headed towards the balcony, the black cape he was wearing billowing out behind him. He was in all black that night. Black boots, black pants, black shirt. He had to blend in with the night, lest anyone other than Yugi saw him. He spread out his wings, a few black feathers flying about, and was about to take off when a cough caught his attention. Yami turned around to see Seto, Marik, Bakura, and Otogi standing by his bed.
"Going somewhere?" asked Seto.
"You know what I'm doing," Yami said, turning back around.
"So this is it?" Bakura asked. "You are really going to do it?"
"Of course I am. I always stick to my plans, you know that."
"Yami…are you really ok with this?" questioned Otogi.
"…Do you want the truth?"
"It would be best."
"I am not ok with this. I don't want to do this for anything in the world, but I have no choice," the King said, leaning against the railing.
"But you know this is for the best," Seto said. "You do this to protect your people."
"I know! But…I just can't stand the thought of loosing someone important to me."
"There is no other way, you know that," Otogi commented.
"I know. I wish there was, but it's pointless to wish for something like that."
"So what will you do?" Bakura asked him.
"I'm not going to tell him what I'll do. If I told him, he would start protesting, and I know I wouldn't be able to argue."
"So…"
"So I'll just act as if I've come to see him, then when he least expects it, I'll do it."
"And you think you'll be able to pull it off?" Seto asked.
Yami didn't answer. He just stood at the balcony with his back turned to the other four. If he answered 'yes' it would probably be a lie. He would try to do it, he really would. But…in the end his whole plan might break apart. There were just so many things that could happen. So many thoughts that might pop up just as he was about to do it. So many feelings that may stop him. He would try to follow through with the plan, but there was no guarantee that in the end he would. So he wasn't going to answer them. He wasn't sure, and they knew it as well.
"Try to come back soon," Otogi said. "It's almost eleven thirty."
Yami nodded, then took off into the sky, flying away quickly just because he didn't want to be anywhere near the palace at the moment. The others stood there and watched as he disappeared into the night, then turned and walked out of the room. All except Marik, who continued to watch the skies. 'Good luck, Yami,' he thought with a smirk before walking out. Hopefully tonight everything would go according to plan.
------
"That was the funniest movie I've seen in forever!" Ryou laughed as the group walked out of the restaurant. They were all cracking up as they thought back to the movie. Watching Scary Movie 4 was definitely a good idea. It was so funny, they were laughing during the whole thing.
"Hey, Honda!" Jou said as he tried to calm his laughter. "Did it have a nose?"
"Yes."
"That sounds like a face!" the whole group said at the same time, before bursting out in laughter again.
"Man, I missed hanging out with you guys," Anzu said, wiping away the tears from her eyes. "It was so boring in Tokyo. The people there would never do something like this."
"What? Go to a movie then dinner?" Malik asked.
"No, they did that. They just wouldn't have as much fun. And they wouldn't see something like Scary Movie 4."
"But it's such an awesome movie!" Yugi said. "Although it was a bit annoying to hear them making fun of Japanese."
"I found it amusing," Honda said. "Especially when the kid disappeared and said 'Sashimi!'"
"That was funny," Malik commented with a chuckle. "But then again, I'm not Japanese, so it doesn't bother me."
"Oh man!" Anzu cried, looking at her watch. "It's almost midnight! I have to get home, or my mom will be angry!"
"I should get home too," Ryou said. "We have school tomorrow, and Malik and I have a test in history."
"That's tomorrow!" Malik yelled. "I thought it was Friday! Crap, we gotta go!" He grabbed Ryou and Anzu's hands and the three of them ran off, yelling out goodbye before disappearing in the crowd.
"I should head home too," Honda said. "Before my parents yell at me. Bye."
Jou and Yugi said goodbye, before they headed towards the park. The two friends decided to just hang out for a while longer, and what better place to do that than the park? The place was almost deserted at this time, save the few couples that walked along. The park at night was great. They walked on for a while, just talking about random stuff. "Man, today was great!" Jou said.
"Yea. It was definitely a change. I still can't believe she's back," Yugi replied. "At least now things will be more interesting."
"I bet you're really happy dat she's back," Jou said with a smirk.
"What do you mean?"
"Nuttin'. I just figured, ya know, now dat she's back you would…"
"…I would what?"
"Ya know, ask her out."
"WHAT!" Yugi stopped in his tracks to stare at his friend. What the hell brought that on? Did Jou know that he used to like Anzu? Was he that obvious back then?
"You sound so surprised," Jou said, chuckling at Yugi's shocked expression. "I always knew you had a thing for her."
"But…how?"
"Ya think ya can keep something like dat from your best friend? So, are ya gonna ask her out?"
"No."
"Aw. Why not?" the blonde asked as they headed over towards a drink machine. Putting in a dollar, two cans fell out and Jou handed one to Yugi.
"Because I don't like her like that anymore. I haven't for a long time."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I guess in the end I realized she wasn't the one."
"And have you found the one?"
"…no. I haven't." 'That's complete bull, but…then again, maybe it isn't. If Yami was the one, then we would be able to be together. But we can't, so he must not be it.'
"Well, I'm sure ya will one day. But ya know, ya can always date Anzu while ya are waitin'," said Jou.
"No. I'm happy with being friends." Yugi sighed, and looked at the sky. 'I don't want to date anyone. I don't want to be with anyone but Yami. I guess that means I'll be alone forever."
"Yea, I guess you're right. Besides, it would be awkward if ya two got in a fight." Jou then took a sip a drink. "Damn, I'm finished."
"Me too. There was a trashcan a few minutes back," Yugi said, pointing behind him.
"I'll go throw dem away. You keep goin', but be careful," Jou warned as he ran off in the opposite direction.
'I'll be careful, but then again I really don't need to be. I know I'll always be safe,' Yugi thought with a smile, holding the bracelet to his heart. He walked along in silence for a few minutes, just listening to the wind blow softly in the trees. It was a nice night, the waxing moon was shining brightly in the cloudless sky. 'It's almost time for the full moon again. I remember Yami saying that the moon gave him strength. So a full moon must help a lot. I hope it does. His wing should be healed by now. He's probably always flying.'
Yugi smiled, and started to twist the bracelet around. 'He better be careful that he doesn't hurt it again. If he couldn't fly again, he'd probably go crazy.' He chuckled softly, and continued to walk along. 'Where is Jou? It can't take that long to throw away two cans. He probably got lost on his way back, or something shiny distracted him. No wait…that would be Malik.'
He then noticed the wind was dying down, and everything was quiet. Not even the crickets were chirping anymore. There was just silence, and Yugi didn't like it. 'Maybe I should go back and find Jou. This is getting a bit creepy.' The teen clutched the bracelet tightly with his right hand, and took a deep breath. 'No. I'm going to go on. Jou will catch up in a bit, and nothing can hurt me as long as I have this. Just calm down and go on…slowly.' So that was what he did, going along slowly and looking around for any movement.
For about a minute it was fine, when he noticed that the three lampposts in front of him were turned off. Now that was definitely not a good thing. Why should those three be off when the rest were on and shining brightly? And since each lamp was about eight feet apart, there was a HUGE area that was completely pitch black in front of him. And the moon didn't help any. What should he do? Go on? Turn around? 'Maybe I should call Jou. Find out where he is.' But just as he was about to grab his phone from his pocket, he heard a rustling in the trees. He stopped moving, and looked around.
'Ok, really not liking this. I'm going to walk away now.' Yugi made a move to head back, when suddenly a black figure dropped from one of the trees in front of him. It landed next to the middle lamppost that was turned off, and slowly stood up and looked at him. 'Ok, now that is my cue to walk away…so…why am I not walking away?' For some reason his body wouldn't move. No matter how much he willed his legs to run, they just stood there. It wasn't as if he couldn't, it was just…for some reason he didn't want to. 'What's going on? Why can't I leave?'
The figure started to walk towards him slowly, and Yugi's heart started to beat faster and faster. Was he scared? Hell yes! But at the same time there was something that seemed familiar about the person in front of him. What it was currently escaped him, because he was too busy staring at the other. Though staring really didn't help at all, because the person was dressed all in black. 'Very stalker like.' The person was even wearing a black cloak with the hood covering the head.
'Who is this person? Why can't I move? Why…does this person seem familiar?' The longer he stood there, the less afraid he was. It was like a voice whispering in the back of his mind, telling him not to be afraid. Telling him that he was safe, even though the rest of his mind screamed at him to get the hell out of there. But guess which voice was winning. And so while the person came closer and closer to him, Yugi just stood there and watched.
And then the person was six feet in front of him, standing next to the unlit lamppost. Body covered in black, surrounded by darkness. Neither said a word, nor moved a muscle. They just stood there, looking at each other. It was totally quiet, and the wind had finally died down completely. And while the other person looked calm, Yugi was freaking out inside. This was his last chance to run, and he still couldn't. All he could do was watch the other. And for a minute that was all they did, when suddenly the other person removed the hood.
"Hello, Yugi."
-----
There he was. Standing right in front of him. Yugi. The person that occupied his thoughts every waking moment. And yet Yami couldn't do a thing but look at him. Yugi was exactly as he remembered. Soft, pale skin, rosy cheeks, and those beautiful amethyst eyes. 'He's so beautiful.' He just wanted to take the boy in his arms again and never let go. But he couldn't. He was here for a reason, and he had to follow through with it. But it had just become harder to do so. 'Ok, let's just get this over with. The longer I take, the more it'll hurt once it's done.' So he removed his hood, and Yugi gasped in surprise. The boy just stood there, eyes wide as he stared.
"Y-Yami?" Yugi whispered. It wasn't possible. It just couldn't be real! He must have been imagining this, because Yami was far away now. He wouldn't come back…he couldn't! But…but…there was no way this was real! It was a dream. A dream! But then…why were tears starting to form?
"Long time no see," Yami replied with a soft smile. 'Please don't cry. Please don't cry because of me.'
"I…I must be dreaming," Yugi continued to whisper, shaking his head slowly. "You can't…you can't really be here." More tears started to build up in his eyes, and one started to flow down his cheek. 'Don't be a dream. Please don't be a dream. Please be real.'
"You aren't dreaming. I'm really here," Yami replied, holding out a hand.
Yugi looked at it warily, before slowly walking towards the other. More and more tears started to form, and they were streaming down his cheeks rapidly. This was crazy! It was just a dream…wasn't it? It just couldn't be real! But he just had to find out. So he walked up to the other, and stopped a few feet in front of him. He continued to look at the hand, before hesitantly lifting his own. This was it. The moment of truth. The moment that might break his heart beyond repair. Yugi took a deep, shuddering breath and reached over and brushed his fingers against Yami's.
And suddenly it was as if a lock burst open, and Yugi threw himself into Yami's arms, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. "It's you! It really is you!" he cried, holding onto the other tightly. "You're back, I can't believe it! You're came back! I thought I'd never see you again. I missed you so much! I missed you so so so so much!"
Yami smiled as he held Yugi close, tears of joy threatening to fall from his eyes. It had been far too long since he had held Yugi, and he never wanted to let go. "I missed you too, Yugi. More than anything. I missed you so much." 'I'm so glad I get to hold him once again, even if this is the last time.' The King breathed in the scent of strawberries and his heart fluttered.
"I can't believe you're back. I thought…I thought you were gone forever," Yugi said as he continued to cry. For once he didn't mind the tears. This wasn't a dream! Yami was really back! He was back! And even if it was a dream, Yugi never wanted to wake up. He didn't want to wake up to a world where Yami was gone, and he was alone. "You came back! You came back! I'm so happy you came back."
"No crying, Yugi," Yami said, gently wiping the tears away with his thumb. "I don't like it when you cry," he said with a smile, looking deep into the human's eyes.
Yugi sniffed and smiled back at him. His heart felt like it would burst from joy. It was a miracle, a perfectly wonderful miracle. He still couldn't believe that Yami had returned, and that this wasn't a dream. It was too wonderful for words. The tears kept falling silently, but he didn't bother with them. He was just content to be in Yami's arms again. "I never thought you would come back."
"I came to see you," Yami replied.
"Me? But why? You had finally gone home."
"I just had to see you again. I couldn't stop thinking about you, and there is something I need to tell you," the King said softly.
'He couldn't stop thinking about me? But why? I'm nothing special?' "What is it?"
"Not here," Yami said, shaking his head. "Come with me," he said, taking Yugi's hand gently.
Yugi's heart fluttered in his chest. Even though it wasn't a dream, it sure felt like one. Being reunited with the one he loved, with the person he thought was lost to him forever. It just seemed too perfect, and yet here he was. He didn't protest at all when Yami started to lead him towards the trees. He would follow the Shadow to the ends of the earth and beyond if it meant that they could be together. Just the two of them.
But trouble was about to happen as in that moment Jou turned the corner and saw the two. He had not seen what happened earlier. All he saw was a strange man holding Yugi, and Yugi crying. And Jou being Jou and being overly protective of his friend, he felt a surge of anger flow through him. "HEY!" he cried out.
Both Yami and Yugi stopped when they heard Jou shout out. They turned around, and saw him running towards them. Yugi was shocked and worried, and Yami was just pissed. 'Damn it,' the King thought. 'Why didn't I notice this human's scent before?'
"Jou! When did you get here?" Yugi asked, wondering how much his friend had seen.
"What da hell do ya think ya are doing?" Jou asked Yami. "Let 'im go!" he yelled, reaching to grab Yugi's other arm. But before he could, Yami pulled the boy close to him and wrapped his arms around him, growling lightly.
"Jou, please calm down! It's fine! He's my friend!" Yugi said, trying to prevent an argument. Jou wouldn't stand a chance against Yami if anything happened.
"Then how come I've never met 'im before?" Jou asked, glaring at the other. It was then that he realized this stranger and Yugi looked almost alike. Other than the height, the eyes, and the blonde bangs, they could have been twins. But there was something about this person that wasn't normal. It wasn't…human.
"I wouldn't want to be associated with you," Yami spat, holding Yugi closer. At this rate he would never get anything done. Maybe he should have put a barrier up. But it was too late for that.
"Who asked ya, jackass? What are ya gonna do with 'im?"
"That's none of your business! Now leave us!"
"Like hell I will! I'm not gonna let ya have 'im!"
"Jou, calm down. Everything's fine!" Yugi said. "Nothing will happen. Trust me!"
"And how do I know dat?" the blonde asked, still glaring at Yami. It wasn't that he didn't trust Yugi, he did. He just didn't trust this new guy at all.
Of course Yami felt the same. He recognized the boy from that picture in Yugi's living room, and knew that he was Yugi's friend. But at this moment he didn't care. He was here to see Yugi, not get in an argument with a stupid human. If it came to it, he would put this one under a spell. He would try not to for Yugi's sake, but he couldn't be blamed for it if it happened.
"Listen to me," Yugi continued. "He's my friend. He won't do anything, I swear. So calm down, please. He just wanted to talk."
"At midnight? Dat sounds a little fishy ta me."
"We just happened to run into each other. Everything is ok."
"I still don't trust him."
"Jou, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just go on home."
"Hell no! I'm not leaving ya alone with dis freak!"
"Watch who you are insulting," Yami growled, bearing his fangs slightly. Jou noticed them, and took a step back, feeling a chill creep down his spine. Yugi saw this and quickly covered Yami's mouth with his hands.
"Stop it, both of you. Jou, trust me. I'll be fine, so go on home."
Jou looked at Yugi for a minute, before sighing. "Fine. But leave your phone on, so I can call."
"I will, I promise. But please don't tell anyone else about this."
"Fine," the blonde said before turning to glare at Yami once again. "If he has so much as a scratch on 'im, I'll hunt ya down and make ya pay, got dat!" Yami didn't answer him, but glared back. "Yug', be careful." Jou then turned and began to walk away, glancing back at them every now and then till he was out of sight.
"What an annoying human," Yami said.
"He's my friend, and he's just worried," Yugi said, turning around and hugging Yami. "Don't think badly of him. He's my best friend."
"Well, I'm glad he's gone. Now, come on. Let's go somewhere where no one else can bother us," the Shadow took Yugi's hand and led him into the trees, and away from the park. Soon they were in the forest, completely surrounded by trees. Yugi couldn't see any lights from the city anymore, but he wasn't scared. Yami was with him, and everything would be fine. A few minutes later they reached a clearing. It was just a large circle with no trees, and in the center was a boulder. Yami walked over to the boulder and sat down, Yugi sitting next to him. Yami just looked at him for a while, just memorizing the boy's features once again. He then pulled Yugi into a hug, holding the human tightly. "I missed you, Yugi."
"I missed you too, Yami," Yugi responded, hugging the other in return. "I was afraid you had forgotten me."
Hearing that, Yami bit his lip and closed his eyes tightly. 'I'm not the one who will be forgetting.' "I would never forget you, Yugi. Never." 'No matter what happens, I would never forget you.' The Shadow continued to hold the human close, wishing time would stop so that he could hold the boy forever. It was becoming much harder to go through with the plan. Just looking into Yugi's eyes made him want to change his mind.
"Yami, is everything ok?" Yugi asked, noticing that Yami seemed tense.
"I'm fine. Just…happy to see you. Have you been well?"
"Yes. Nothing's happened since…that day."
"I'm glad. I was worried that something might have happened to you."
"How is your wing?"
"It is fine," Yami replied with a smile. 'Figures he would ask about that.' "It's completely healed."
"That's great!" Yugi cheered. "I'm so glad it's better."
"Thanks to you."
"I didn't do anything useful. Just put some bandages on it."
"You took care of me. Showed me kindness and compassion despite the fact that I am not human. You didn't abandon me, and became a wonderful friend. You have done so much."
"W-well…I just did what was right," Yugi responded, looking away so that Yami wouldn't see the blush that was staining his cheeks. Yami sensed his embarrassment and smiled. Typical Yugi. The human really was cute when he blushed. "I'm sure you've been flying a lot."
"Of course. I can't stand to be earthbound for too long."
"Can…can I see them?"
Yami nodded and stood up, his large, black wings bursting from his back. Yugi watched in awe as the wings moved and folded together. Standing up, Yugi walked towards the other and slowly began to stroke the feathers. They were just as soft as before, and just as amazing. And now that the left wing was healed, Yugi could see how powerful they were together. Powerful and graceful. Strong and soft. Perfect.
The second Yugi began to stroke his wings, Yami felt all his tensions and worries drain away. Those soft hands gently caressing his feathers was an absolutely wonderful feeling, and once again he felt the urge to purr in content. Instead he let out a soft, content sigh and moved his wings softly against the human's hand. It was then that he remembered his promise to the boy. "Hey, Yugi."
"Yes?" Yugi asked as he continued to pet the Shadow's wings.
"Remember that promise I made to you?" Yami asked, wrapping his wings around the boy's frame and drawing him close.
"Which one?" Yugi asked, looking at the cocoon he was now in. And since the wings had encircled him completely, he was pressed against the King's chest. Cue another blush.
"When I promised to take you flying when my wing was healed."
"Yea? And?"
"You still up to it?"
"Are…are you serious!" Yugi asked excitedly. Yami smiled and nodded, and Yugi cheered. "That's so awesome! Of course I'm up to it!" Yugi then drew Yami into a tight hug. "I'm totally up to it!"
"Ok then," the Shadow said with a chuckle. "But you have to let go first." Yugi blushed and let go quickly. "Just climb on my back," Yami said, turning around and bending down.
"Are…Are you sure?" Yugi asked.
"You aren't scared are you?" Yami teased.
"NO! Just…can you carry me?"
"Of course I can. I think you are scared," Yami said with a smirk.
"I'm not scared!" Yugi defended. "I'm just-"
"Scared."
"Cautious."
"Whatever you say, scaredy cat."
"Jerk!" Yugi replied with a pout. "You are so mean!"
"And you are so fun to tease," Yami responded with a laugh. "Just get on. Nothing will happen to you. I promise." Yugi glared at him, but slowly walked over to the other. Reaching out, he softly stroked the left wing a bit before climbing on. He wrapped his arms around Yami's neck, and his legs around the other's waist, holding on tightly. "See, that wasn't hard."
"We aren't in the air yet."
"True," Yami said, standing up. "Let's fix that." He suddenly took off into the air, and Yugi squeaked in surprise, closing his eyes and holding on even tighter. He heard the wind rushing past, and could feel the wings moving at his sides. "Open your eyes, Yugi."
Slowly, the human cracked open an eye before they shot open in surprise. The view was amazing! They were currently flying on the edge of the city, and Yugi could see everything. The buildings shone so brightly, and the skyscrapers seemed like huge beams of light. The people were so small from up there. He could even see the ocean on his left, the mountains to the north, and the forest completely surrounding them below. "Wow! It's so beautiful."
They hovered in the air for a few minutes before heading towards a large skyscraper. They flew up the side of the building till they reached the top, then Yami stilled his wings and they nose dived down to the next building. "Yami, don't do that!" Yugi cried, shutting his eyes again. The Shadow King just laughed and headed to another building.
"Come on, that's what's so fun about flying!" Yami said.
"It's not fun if I get a heart attack!" What Yugi wouldn't admit though was that he did find it fun. No way was he going to prove the other right. "Let's head to the sea!" So Yami sped across the sky towards the ocean, where he flew low enough so that they could feel the spray on their cheeks. Yugi giggled when the water hit him, and let his hand skim the water. It was so cool to do this. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine this would ever happen to him.
Yami smiled when he heard Yugi's laughter. Yugi was happy and that was good. That was all Yami wanted. And he was glad he could fulfill his promise before he had to erase Yugi's memories. Thinking about what he had to do saddened him, and his wings drooped slightly. Thinking it was best that they got away from water, Yami flew up into the air and headed back towards the forest. 'I shouldn't waste too much time. I have to do this quickly or I'll loose my determination.'
"I really am glad that you are back, Yami," Yugi said, resting his head on the Shadow's shoulder. "Things just seemed bleak when you left."
'No, don't say that. Tell me that you were happier with me gone.'
"I…couldn't stop thinking of you either. I was always wishing that you would come back to me."
'Please don't say that. Tell me you wanted me to leave. Say you want me out of your life forever.'
"I wish you didn't have to leave again. I wish that we could always be like this. Just us two."
That was the last straw. Yami couldn't take it anymore. Yugi wanted them to stay friends. He wanted them to hang out always, to always spend time with each other. He didn't want anything to get in between them. It was everything Yami wanted. Exactly what Yami wanted. Now it had become impossible to erase the boy's memories. It hurt too much to think of it. How could he, knowing that Yugi wanted the opposite.
"Yami?" Yugi called. The King had stopped flying, and they were now hovering above the forest. The other had closed his eyes tightly, and hung his head. He was now silent, and Yugi sensed that something was worrying him. "Yami, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," the other replied, opening his eyes and beginning a slow glide above the treetops. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
"About…how things have been going since I returned home. Life seems more hectic. I have so much work, so little time, and I'm not concentrating on it at all. I immerse myself in work but rarely get anything done."
"Why?"
"You want the truth?" Yugi nodded. "I just couldn't stop thinking of you. I was always wondering what you were doing, where you were, if you were safe. The others were so angry with me, but I didn't care. Because no matter what I did, my thoughts went back to you."
"Oh," Yugi said, feeling a bit embarrassed. He didn't realize exactly how much he was on the other's mind. But it was the same for him. No matter what he did, he just couldn't forget the Shadow. "Why?" he asked.
"I don't know. I guess…I felt as if our time together had been cut too short," the Shadow King replied, pumping his wings to propel them upwards. "I felt this great need to see you again. Even if it was only once."
'Once? Does that mean…that he'll leave me again? I don't want him to leave. I would do anything to keep him in my life forever.' "Do your friends know that you are here?"
"Yes."
"Are they mad that you have come to see me again?" Yugi asked, closing his eyes and feeling the wind rush past them.
"A bit. They don't want me to see you again because they feel as if you are a threat to my people's safety. They think you will betray me and reveal our secret to the world."
"I would never do that!"
"I know that. I know that, but they don't. They can't trust humans. No matter what I tell them. But I don't care if they trust humans or not. I know that I can trust you no matter what."
"I hope that you and your friends aren't arguing because of me. I would hate to be the cause of your friendship breaking apart."
"No, we haven't gotten in fights." 'If you don't count the deal with Seto, and the arguments we have everyday.' "They wouldn't dare argue with me once I'm fed up with them."
"But still…" Yugi opened his eyes half way and looked at the other. 'I still can't believe this is real. It really does seem like a dream that he's back.' Yami caught his glance and smiled at him. Yugi returned the smile, then pressed his cheek against the other's. "I'm so glad you came back, Yami."
"Yea…me too. But…I can't stay much longer," the King said, heading back towards the clearing in the forest.
"But, you will come back…right?" Yugi asked hopefully, but Yami didn't answer. "Yami?"
"…I don't know," Yami answered quietly.
"But…you can't leave forever. Not again," Yugi said, shutting his eyes tightly. "You can't leave forever."
"Yugi, I can't…I have a duty to my people as their King. I can't always be leaving them." Yami landed on the ground near the boulder, and Yugi jumped off and turned his back to the Shadow. "Yugi, please understand."
"Then why did you come back tonight?" Yugi asked, clutching the fabric of his jeans tightly in his hands. "If you knew that you could never return after this, why did you come?"
"Because I had to. I couldn't go on without seeing you again. I didn't care if it was only one time. I would be happy with that."
"But I'm not happy!" Yugi yelled, feeling tears build in his eyes. "Didn't you think that I might not be happy with just once? Didn't you think that maybe I wanted you to stay? Or at least come back often?"
"I did!" Yami yelled. "I did think about that! But I just couldn't stay away. I had to see you again, no matter what!"
"You are so selfish!" Yugi cried, the tears beginning their decent down his cheeks. "How could you only think about yourself! If you only came here to satisfy your needs, then you should never have come at all!"
"…You don't meant that," Yami said quietly.
"I don't know," Yugi sobbed. "I missed you so much. I never thought I would ever see you again. But then you came back. You came back to me, and I was so happy. But…now I find out that I'm going to lose you again. Maybe forever, and I don't want that."
"I don't want that either," Yami said, walking up to the human and pulling him into an embrace. "I don't want to go back and lose you forever. But there is nothing I can do. My people come first, and I have to be there for them."
"I don't care," Yugi replied, sobs racking his body. "I don't care about any of them. I just want you. I want to be the selfish one this time. I don't want you to leave me. I don't want to be alone again."
Yami closed his eyes and rest his chin on Yugi's head. 'What should I do? I have to erase his memories, but at the same time…I can't leave him. Knowing he wants me in his life, I just can't leave him.' "I just don't know what to do, Yugi. I don't want to leave you, but I have to rule over my people. I have to make a sacrifice to keep them safe."
"Why? Why do you have to make a sacrifice?"
"It's part of being the King. I have to do things I don't want."
"But why can't you come see me every once in a while? Why do you have to leave forever? I don't want to lose you! It's not fair!"
"Because it's for the best," Yami said, biting his lip to keep tears from building in his own eyes. 'Damn it! Why does this have to be so hard? Why does he want me around? Why can't he just hate me. Then things would be much easier.'
"Why is it for the best? Why can't you just be selfish again?" 'Don't do this. Please don't leave me again. I don't want to lose someone else I love.'
"Because…I can't. I want to be selfish, but I can't. I don't want to leave you, but I have no choice. Can't you understand? I have no choice. I'm sorry."
"But why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why did you come back? Why can't you stay? Why do you have to leave me?"
"It is my duty as King. And…I know that if I don't leave…I'll probably never go back to them." Yugi looked up at him with teary eyes, and Yami felt his heart break. "I don't want to go back. I want to stay here, but I can't. I can't abandon them, but I don't want to abandon you either." 'I should do it now. It would be best that I do it now, even though my heart will be ripped to shreds.'
"Yami, you are the most important person in my life. I just can't lose you. I don't want to be alone again. It's just not fair that I have to lose you! It's not fair!"
The Shadow bit his lip again. 'I…I can't do it. I can't leave him. I don't want to hurt him. I love him too much. But…' "Yugi, I promise you won't ever be alone. I'll stay with you always."
Yugi looked up at him in shock. "B-but you said…"
"I know, but…damnit, I don't care! I can't leave you. I could never leave you." Yami held him tightly, and buried his face in the boy's hair, breathing in the sweet scent of strawberries. "I can't be without you."
"P-promise?" Yugi asked, his amethyst eyes full of hope and trust
"I promise. But, I have to go back to them. You understand that I can't stay in this human city. But I'll come visit you every chance I get."
"But you promise to stay with me? Always?"
"Yes, I'll stay with you always."
"Don't lie. Please, don't lie," Yugi begged, shaking his head. "I don't want to lose you."
"You won't. I promise you won't." Just then Yugi's watch beeped one, and Yami sighed. It was very late, and the boy had to go to school tomorrow. This was it. The last chance he had to erase Yugi's memories. His promise…he would have to break it. As much as that thought bothered him, there was nothing else he could do. But…maybe he didn't have to break it completely. Maybe he could bend it. Watch over Yugi like he had been doing. It would be good enough. "It's getting late. You have to get home."
"I don't want to go home. I just want to stay here," Yugi replied, holding onto the other tighter.
"You have to. Your jii-chan is expecting you back, and the others are expecting me as well." Yugi just shook his head, and Yami sighed again. The Shadow could feel Yugi's sadness radiating off him in waves, and it hurt. To know he was the cause of the human's pain and heartache. That hurt more than anything. "Yugi, please don't be sad."
"How can you expect me not to be sad? Knowing that you might leave me again."
"Just relax," Yami said. Taking a deep breath, he placed two fingers on Yugi's forehead, and whispered a spell. A soft purple-blue light shone from his fingertips, and Yugi felt a warmth flow through him, then a wave of exhaustion. But he felt comforted, and calm. Like all his worries were being chased away. His eyes drooped shut, and he placed his head on Yami's shoulder. "When you wake up you'll be happy. I promise."
"I don't want to lose you," Yugi whispered, before sleep took over. His grip loosened, and he hung limply in the King's arms.
"You won't. I swear," Yami replied, softly. He held Yugi's limp body tightly, wishing he never had to let go. But it was time for him to leave. Time for them to be separated once again. He gently lifted Yugi's body into his arms, holding him close as he took off into the sky. He flew towards Yugi's house, going as slowly as possible. But it still seemed too soon when he reached the house. With a flick of his wrist, Yugi's bedroom window opened, and Yami flew in. He gently placed Yugi on the bed, and covered him.
Taking a step back, he just stood there and looked at the sleeping teen. It really wasn't fair that he was forced to leave the human. It was like a cruel punishment. He finally met someone he truly cared for, someone he wished to be with forever, and he wasn't allowed to even speak to him. Why was fate so horrible? What did he do to deserve such misery? What did Yugi do? "Goodbye, Yugi," the Shadow King said, bending down and brushing his lips against the human's forehead.
Yami walked over to the window, taking one last look at the teen before flying out. He hovered over Yugi's house for a minute, before flying away quickly. He wasn't heading home. He just needed some time alone, and he'd come back when he felt like it. 'I couldn't do it,' he thought as he flew around the trees in the forest. 'After everything, I couldn't erase his memories. I should have. I should have done it the second I saw him. But it's too late now. Knowing that he wants me to stay, I just can't do it. I'm being selfish again. I won't erase his memories because I want to stay in his life, but I'm going to hurt him again. I just know it. I'll make him cry again.'
He landed on a tree branch and sat down, placing a hand over his eyes. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself and to clear his head, lest he go back and do something he would forever regret. 'He won't be happy. He wants me around, but I can't make him happy. All I can do is bring tears to his eyes.' He felt a single tear make it's way down his face, but he didn't care. He really didn't care about anything now. Nothing really mattered anymore. 'I didn't even get to tell him I love him. Will I ever get another chance? Or have I lost the opportunity forever?'
---------tbc--------
Star: OMG! Doesn't that make you want to cry and rip your hair out? I had trouble writing it, because I just couldn't make it as angsty as I wanted. But oh well. I'm just not in an angsty mood.
Explanation 1: NO, ANZU IS NOT HERE TO RUIN ANY CHANCES OF YAMI AND YUGI GETTING TOGETHER! My friend is obsessed with Anzu, and she gets mad when writers bash her in yaoi fics. So she FORCED me to add Anzu into this one. Which completely ruins my plot, because she was never supposed to be in this story in the first place. But don't worry, she is only here as a friend. She's not going to steal anyone from anyone, and she's not going to develop a crush on anyone. SO DON'T FREAK OUT!
Explanation 2: I've been getting some questions on the time situation. It seems that people can't get it, so I'm here to clear up the confusion.
He was at Yugi's house for three weeks. The time starts from the first chapter.
Week one: Day of battle, and when Yugi found him. Unconscious at Yugi's house. (chapter 1)
Week two: Still unconscious at Yugi's
Week three: Now awake at Yugi's (chapters 2-5)
At the end of week three on Friday Seto and the others came and took him back. (chapter 6)
So week four starts the next day, which is Saturday.
Week four: back home (this is Saturday) (chapter 7)
Week five: back home (this is the following Saturday. Also the day that Yugi talked with Isis)
Now it is the Wednesday after Yugi talked with Isis. This is the day chapter 9 takes place.
Bah, that explanation confuses me. In simpler terms: Yami was with Yugi 3 weeks, but only awake for one. It's been 12 days since he went back home. So the whole story has taken place in 6 weeks.
If you still don't understand, feel free to email me. I'll try to explain better.
