Between My Brother and Me: When the World Falls

by Green Phantom Queen

A BMBAM Spinoff: What would've happened if Yami defeated Raphael in his duel? May, Max and Mokuba, the three chosen to save the world are now thrust into a future dystopia where the people they could trust hate them and the world is ruled with corruption and anger. To survive, the three must learn their powers, fight with people from the past, and save the world from armageddon.

10. IX: When the World Remembered Pain

Between My Brother and Me: When the World Falls Down

Rated: T

Author: Green Phantom Queen

Summary: What would have happened if Yami won the duel against Raphael? The Chosen are soon warped to a future where the Pharaoh rules with an iron fist, and their allies have turned against them. Their only hope is their reliance to each other and their determination to return to old times past.

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Chapter 9-When the World Remembered Pain

The world suffered like never before. People were feeling pain and suffering and were unable to cope with it. The pain they felt was unlike anything they experienced.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". That idiom was mocking them. How could they become stronger when the world was falling apart? It didn't make any sense at all.

People would hole themselves up to block out any type of influence—influences that would hurt them even more than they already had. They were afraid to ask for help, and it only made the pain they suffer even worse.

0-0-0-0-0-

Max was on the top of the world as he talked to Syrus, Chumley and Bastion about his duel with Dimitri. Max tried to hide the blush he got from everyone praising him, but these guys were just so very modest that it didn't matter.

"Those magicians were pretty 'licious," said Chumley. "Where did you even get those?"

"They're...special cards found in my Academy," Max replied. "They're pretty picky on who uses them and...what the heck?"

Max saw a figure descend onto the ground, Mokuba wrapped in his arms. Syrus, Chumley and Bastion stepped back when they saw the figure. Those spikes down his arms, the slit-pupils, the black wings and scythe...the all screamed one word.

"DEMON!" Syrus screamed. "Run to the dorms!"

Bastion and Chumley also began to run, not even noticing Max slowly approaching the monster. Mokuba had an expression of sorrow on his face as he approached the Prince of Wisdom.

"What happened back there?" asked Max. "Where's Jaden?"

"He got captured by Yugi and Yami," Mokuba explained. "I tried to fight back, but I ended up nearly being brainwashed by the Orichalcos."

"That's not good," Max took a glance at the winged being next to Mokuba. "Um, who is he?"

"I am Aliastro, Guardian of the Vessel for the Moon God." The being explained, bowing to Max. "It is nice to meet you at long last, Prince of Wisdom."

"You're the real Aliastro?" asked Max. "How did you appear?"

"My soul was sealed within the pages of the Book of Secret Arts. When you went to the page that kept my soul and said my name, I was able to wake up for the first time in years. I gathered my strength and then came to protect the Defender of the King before he was taken away."

"But we lost Jaden," said Mokuba. "And Yami told me something during the fight."

"What was that?" asked Max.

"He said there are more Chosen out there and we have to find them. Apparently, the Chosen are a group of beings descended from the original who fought different aspects of darkness throughout time. You, May and I are the descendants of the one who saved Egypt from destruction..."

"But now Yugi must be looking for other Chosen to fight against us!" said Max. "What else did you find out?"

"He really hates his friends—he was the one who made Joey become that dragon rider we saw in the sky, and was responsible for causing the rift between everyone. I bet he's causing Mai and Duke back in Domino City to become crazed psychos by feeding on their negative thoughts."

"That's not good! May's in trouble!"

"We must plan out our next move," said Aliastro. "The world is already in trouble now that they have their first prize."

"Something's bugging me, though." said Mokuba. "Why is Jaden the first victim? What type of power does he have that they want to exploit?"

"He is the savior against the Light of Destruction," Aliastro answered. "He is the Supreme King of Darkness..."

0-0-0-0-0-

"Look at him, Yami!" said Yugi, dressing Jaden up in a black coat and red shirt. "He is so cute!"

Jaden, now sitting on a chair as the King of Games started dressing up, didn't even move an inch. He was just sitting there, letting his mind absorb the programming from the stone. Yami was sitting at the table with the Senet board, tossing the sticks into the air.

"The Orichalcos told me about the Supreme King of Darkness," said the Pharaoh. "However, his power was too weak when I gained power. But now," Yami just laughed as he kept an eye on the crystal in his hand. "He's ours for the taking..."

Yugi continued to laugh as someone entered the room. It was the knight wielding the claymore, his helm no longer covering his face.

"My Lords," He said. "I have sensed a power that you must be wary of."

"What is it?" asked Yugi, turning around. "What have you found?"

"The Book of Secret Arts has been discovered. The spirits locked within those pages are waiting to be unleashed. They might contain the answer to defeating us."

"That can't happen!" said Yugi, shaking his head. "I won't let it happen! No!"

"That explains where that monster came from," Yami said to himself, looking at the orb. "That red-haired bastard..."

"Pardon?" asked the knight.

"He wasn't talking about you, Alister." Yugi laughed. "But you have grown since our time together."

The claymore-wielding knight just nodded his head. His once grey eyes were empty and lifeless, his short red hair past his shoulders and frayed at the edges. Aside from the black knight's armor, shining on his forehead was a shard of the Orichalcos stone that fueled his body with its dark energy.

"It is all because of you, my Lords." Alister replied. "I shall get Valon and we will prepare for the next phase of attack."

"Not yet, Alister." said Yami. "We'll get our new pawn all dressed up and let him toy with the Chosen for a while. Once we know that he's perfect, we'll start unlocking his powers. For now, try and see if you can find where the owner of the Millennium Ring is going."

"As you wish, my Lord." said Alister. "I obey."

As the claymore-wielding knight walked off, Yugi laughed once more as he hugged onto Jaden. The Slifer Red was still off in space, still ignorant of the voices of his beloved Duel Spirits crying out for help.

"This is so much fun!" said Yugi. "Tomorrow, everyone will see the new you and will love it! They'll be our servants to the Supreme King of Darkness!"

"Supreme King..." Jaden murmured, his eyes slowly becoming gold.

0-0-0-0-0-

While Max and Mokuba were in Duel Academy, May was riding St. Joan all across the empty streets of Domino. Miho explained that Tristan would do a nightly patrol to make sure no one was abusing the power of the darkness to harm innocent townsfolk. As Miho talked, May began to ask questions.

"How did Tristan become a Weapons Vessel?" She asked, leaning towards the right. The motorcycle made a sharp right turn into an empty street.

"He said that it happened once he touched the Millennium Puzzle pieces," Miho explained. "It was tainted with the magic of the Orichalcos, but his willpower was stronger than it. With his power, he had monsters drawn toward him so they could kill him, but at the same time he could use them to fight. I don't know whether or not Serenity has that power, though."

"She probably does," said May. "Now, what say we-"

Before she could finish the sentence, a blast of fire struck a building. May pressed on the brakes on the motorcycle and looked up. Standing on a building top was Mai Valentine and Harpie's Pet Dragon.

"Mai..." Miho hissed. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm getting the bounty on your new leader's head," Mai answered coolly. "You better go home to your mommy and wait for your prince charming to send you a letter. This is for big girls only."

"I have no time for this," said May, revving the motorcycle. "Now get going before I feed you to Dark Horus."

"I'm so scared..." said Mai. "Well, it looks like you need a lesson in respecting your elders. Harpie's Pet Dragon, destroy her!"

Harpie's Pet Dragon swooped down, its wings ready to slice anything in half. Miho brought out a Duel Disk that was colored bronze and the trey looking similar to a copper sword.

"Go, Amazon Fighter!" She cried. "Stop the attack!"

A woman with her black hair in a ponytail and dressed in a green bikini with belts appeared. She grasped onto the Harpie's Pet Dragon and gave it a mighty punch, sending it flying back to its owner.

"How dare you..." Mai snarled, seeing Miho smirk at her. "HOW DARE YOU!"

The Harpie Duelist let out a terrible roar as the Seal of Orichalcos appeared underneath her feet. Mai's amethyst eyes were completely awash with green of the Orichalcos.

"You are going to die, bitch!" Mai screeched. "How dare you use that monster against me!"

"What does she mean by that?" May asked Miho. "Mai used to play that type of monster?"

"These are the Amazoness monsters of legend," Miho explained. "At first, Mai used to be their leader. But then, I stepped in and beat her."

"Really? How so?"

"I stole her deck." Miho smiled. "My first assignment when I entered the Cyber Commanders was to get information from Mai. Mai accepted me into her wing and taught me everything I needed to know about being a biker. She looked to me like I was her little sister, probably the closest thing she had to a female companion in a long time. But she was still a ruthless soldier of the Orichalcos, so I did what I had to do. I stole her Amazoness deck and have used it ever since."

"Wow..." May whispered. "That's amazing."

"That was cheap," Mai snarled. "I trusted you, Miho Nosaka. I trusted you!"

"You lost trust with everyone else, though." said Miho. "Now come down here so we can fight!"

"Fine!" said Mai, climbing onto her dragon's neck. "Let's go!"

"May," Miho whispered. "Get out of here and get the other bikers back at Domino High. I'll distract Mai before she takes the chance to seal more souls."

"What?" said May.

"Just go!" Miho activated her Duel Disk as she drew three more cards from her deck. May revved the motorcycle up once more and sped off, praying that her new friend would be fine. Miho looked into her cards and smiled.

"I play Amazoness Paladin, Amazoness Tiger and Amazoness Scouts!" She cried. "Let's go!"

Three bursts of light appeared, showing off Miho's monsters. One was a woman with blond hair and dressed in a white cotton dress with a hood. Another was a large tiger with a spike collar linked to a golden chain. The last were two young girls—one in yellow with red hair and wielding a sword, the other one in black with blue hair wielding a bow—who nodded their heads.

"I'm going to kill you!" Mai roared, activating her Chaos Duel Disk. "Time for you to DIE!"

"Bring it on!" said Miho.

0-0-0-0-0-

May drove down the streets, remembering the route that would lead her straight to Domino High. As she did, she recalled seeing Raphael at the gates of the school...but it wasn't possible. Raphael was last seen in Death Valley, his soul taken by the Orichalcos. So how was he there? What made him come back to life?

As she entered the gates of Domino High, she didn't see many of the bikers camping out. They were probably on patrol, just like Miho was.

"May!" cried a voice. "Over here!"

May turned to see a man in his twenties with a pair of red frames and light blond hair approach her. He panted for breath once he reached the Goddess of Joy.

"Hanasaki, was it?" She said. "What's going on?"

"There's this thug that's been beating people up in the shadows," Hanasaki explained. "I escaped just in time, but we have to stop that monster before innocent people are in danger."

"Where's everyone else?"

"Around the same time the thug appeared, monsters sightings tripled! Everyone's out trying to stop the monsters from doing anymore damage."

"And this thug? Was there anything special about him?"

"He keeps trying to say something, as if he's looking for someone." Hanasaki climbed onto St. Joan and added, "I can show you where he's at, but we need to hurry."

"Got your Duel Disk ready?"

"It's ready for action!"

"Then let's ride!" May screamed. "WAHOO!"

The two sped off into the night, hoping to catch their prey before it was too late.

0-0-0-0-0-

Max and Mokuba made a small fire for themselves outside the Slifer Red Dormitory. Aliastro stood guard, smiling to himself as he saw the two boys prepare blankets and pillows for themselves from Max's backpack. Once the two set up camp, Max spoke up.

"Aliastro," He began. "Why do you have that appearance? And what is your relationship to Mokuba?"

"It all happened when I was born," Aliastro explained. "My mother wished to Khonsu that I would be blessed with power in any shape or form. But somehow, Khonsu—or whomever was listening to my mother—decided that being a human child wasn't enough. When I was at least five, I saw my appearance change. I was no longer a boy...I was becoming a monster. My skin was paler than my mother's. I started to grow claws and my eyes were similar to a snake's. In no time, I was shunned for my appearance."

"That doesn't make sense," said Max. "What's wrong with pale skin and grey eyes?"

"The citizens believed that it was a bad omen," Aliastro answered back. "And they shunned me all the same. Then, when I was at least ten years old, I saved someone from being run over by a chariot."

"You did?" asked Mokuba. "Who did you save?"

"I saved the boy who would eventually become the Priest of Dragons. I saved Seth, cousin to Pharaoh Atem himself."

"No way," said Max. He then opened his backpack and pulled out the Book of Secret Arts. He flipped through the pages until he found a picture of Aliastro and Seth. "That's so cool..."

"I became Seth's loyal guard, despite the harsh criticisms of everyone in the Royal Palace. Those were the happiest days of my life," Aliastro closed his eyes as he recalled the memory. "Thanks to Seth, he introduced me to Moka and I swore to protect him from harm. Then...that happened."

"Pharaoh Atem came and killed Moka," Mokuba muttered, recalling Khonsu's story as he and Kaiba flew to Industrial Illusions. "He wanted Khonsu's power for his own, but got my ancestor instead."

"When I found Moka's body dead...I snapped. I went on a rampage as my demon powers were unleashed. I transformed and slaughtered anyone who were in my way, going to Seth to see if he can help heal his wounds. I found Jouno instead."

"Why was Jouno there?" asked Max. "He's only good for prophecies that come true..."

"He told me that I could see Moka again, but I would have to go to the City of the Dead and wait for resurrection." said Aliastro. "But in order to do so...I would have to die. Wanting to reunite with Moka as soon as I can, I took the dagger Jouno gave me and killed myself. Then, my soul waited in Hamunaptra, where the King of the Afterlife waited for me."

"Osiris?" asked Mokuba.

"No. The King doesn't have a name—but he was a kind, benevolent ruler to all souls who were going to be given a second chance in life. I reunited with Moka and we played games until it was time. My soul was split into two parts—my dark side and my light. I, the light, was sealed into the Book of Secret Arts. And my dark.."

"He became Alister," said Max, finishing the sentence. "Speaking of which...whatever happened to him?"

"...I think I figured it out," said Mokuba. "He's one of those knights that we met up with. The other one must've been Valon. But...that doesn't make any sense. The last time we saw them, the helicopter they piloted exploded!"

"Anything is possible with the Orichalcos," said Aliastro. "And that is why we must stop this madness before it spreads."

"Then let's go find these Chosen and help them out!" said Max. "Where do we start?"

"We start here." Aliastro looked behind him, seeing the majestic Duel Academy building under the moonlight. "I sense the power of some ancient beast slumbering here. We'll start our investigation tomorrow."

"Great!"

Mokuba nodded his head before he sensed something. He looked down as the crescent pendant began to glow. Appearing by his side was Khonsu, the Moon God.

"Khonsu," said the Defender of the King. "What's wrong?"

"The Supreme King of Darkness," Khonsu began. He turned to Aliastro and said, "If the Supreme King has been taken, wouldn't that mean..."

Aliastro nodded his head. "The Supreme King's spiritual guide is closeby. She will be wanting to take control of a person so she can be reunited with her beloved King."

"W-what's the spirit's name?" asked Max, a look on fear on his face.

"The spirit is named Yubel," Aliastro answered. "Otherwise known as the 'Maiden of Dreams'."

0-0-0-0-0-

"There he is!" said Hanasaki, pointing to an alley. "That's where the thug's at!"

May made a sharp to the left and placed the kickstand down. The motorcycle's engine purred as she and Hanasaki got off, stepping into the darkness. There was the sound of a moan that seemed to come from the shadows themselves.

"Who's there?" asked Hanasaki, drawing a card. "Where are you?"

Someone approached them. It was a being made out of shadows themselves, tall and imposing. Its 'eyes' turned toward May, and it had an 'expression' of relief.

"Guardian of the Sea..." It moaned, slowly approaching her. "You returned..."

"Oh no!" said May. "I was right! It's really him!"

"It's who?" asked Hanasaki.

"One of the original Swordsmen of the Orichalcos...Raphael."

"What?" Hanasaki looked at May then back at the shadows. "But how is that possible? That can't be a human!"

"I don't know what Yugi did but we have to do stop this." said May. "Are you ready?"

"Ready! Go Zombyra the Dark! Fuse with me!"

Hanasaki became wrapped in shadows before being covered in a purple and red cape. He was covered in a dark blue suit combined with the skeleton of a horned fiend, his eyes two pinpoints of light.

"Not bad," said May. "You look like a real superhero, Hanasaki."

"I've been called that a few times in my youth." Hanasaki replied with a laugh.

Raphael didn't understand what was going on—he took a few more steps forward as shadowy hands seemed to rise from the darkness.

"May," said Hanaaki, turning to the Goddess of Joy. "What's the battle plan?"

May looked a Raphael before looking at the Millennium Key dangling on her neck. As much as she hated to do this, what she had to do needed to be done.

"Try to pin him into submission," She said. "I'm going to do something reckless while that happens and...OW!"

Something clattered onto the ground. May picked it up. It was a blue die. It was followed by a familiar laugh.

"Duke?" She exclaimed, looking at the emergency staircase. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see what all the fuss was about." Duke replied, tossing some die into the air. "And lo and behold, I found the blond brute himself. I thought I smelled something fishy around here."

"Are you with him?" asked Hanasaki. "If you are, we'll beat you too."

"Oh, heavens no. If anyone's going to rule this town, it's me. I'll help you out this time, but..." Duke turned to May and added, "I'll need you for a favor in the future. All you have to do is accept my offer, and you can do whatever you want with this monster. What do you say?"

May grasped onto the Millennium Key and thought. She didn't like the condition for the aid, but it was the best that Duke would offer right now. She nodded her head.

"Do what you want," She said. "I'm not stopping you."

"Good choice," said Duke, throwing his dice onto the ground. "Go Dice Roll!"

The dice fell to the ground with a clatter. Then, they opened up, revealing Orgoth the Relentless prepared for battle.

"I'm up!" said Hanasaki, glowing with power. "He who tears apart the dark knight...He who rises up out of the urban canyon and vanquishes evil...I am Zombyra the Dark!"

He rushed toward Raphael and gave him a powerful kick. Raphael sensed the attack and pulled a knife out of his boot, blocking the kick.

"Orgoth!" said Duke, pointing at the shadow man. "Diamond Blade Strike!"

The large knight rushed toward Raphael, sword in hand. Raphael caught the sword with his hand, the blade slicing through his palm.

"It...hurts..." Raphael gasped out. "Stop it...I...hate this..."

"Go, May!" said Hanasaki, grasping onto Raphael's knife. "Do what you need to do! We'll hold him off until you're done!"

May nodded her head as she brought out the Millennium Key. She slowly walked toward the Swordsman, ignoring the shadow hands that tried to grab onto her ankles. She ignored them as she tried to place the key on his forehead.

"No!" cried a voice. "Don't do it!"

May turned around, seeing someone approaching her. This person looked like Raphael—a look of fear and worry on his face as he grabbed onto her wrist.

"Don't do this!" He cried. "If you do, you'll hurt me!"

"Get off of me!" May exclaimed. "Don't make me use the Millennium Key on you!"

"You don't understand; that's my shadow! If you use the key on him, then you'll make me disappear!"

"Two Raphaels?" asked Duke, seeing the one that held onto May and the one composed of shadows. "What's going on?"

Hanasaki released his grip on the knife and placed a hand on the wrist; when it phased through, he gasped. "He's right...What do we do now?"

"I'm not believing in your lies, Raphael!" said May, placing a foot against Raphael's chest. "Not after you what you did to cause all of this to happen! Hanasaki, help me out! Duke, make sure Orgoth pins Raphael's shadow!"

"Right!" Hanasaki grabbed onto Raphael's free hand and rushed toward him, bringing an arm out to clothesline the taller man. Raphael fell to the ground as Hanasaki wrapped his arms around his neck, locking one of his legs around the older man's. "Go for it! I've locked him a submission hold!"

"Orgoth, pin that shadow down!" said Duke. "Keep him from escaping!"

The warrior monster brought his sword down on the shadow's foot. The shadow tried to pull away, but found himself immobilized. May approached Raphael and placed the Millennium Key on his forehead.

"Don't do this..." Raphael gasped, looking at the Goddess of Joy. "Please don't...I'm sorry..."

"Sorry, Raphael." She said. "This hurts me more than it should hurt you."

With a 'click', May found herself slowly entering Raphael's soul room.

0-0-0-0-0-

"I activate Harpie Lady Phoenix Formation!" Mai cried, playing the Magic Card. "Harpies, destroy that bitch!"

Six Harpie Ladies flew into the air as Mai and Miho's fight escalated to the town square. Mai had her six Cyber Harpie Ladies while Miho still had her original brigade of Amazoness monsters. Miho smirked as she pointed a finger at the blue phoenix.

"Amazoness Scounts, take the blow!" She cried.

The young girls jumped into the air and rushed toward the blue phoenix. The monsters collided as the phoenix disappeared. The Harpies flew to the ground, snarling in anger.

"How did that happen?" asked Mai. "Why is my phoenix gone?"

"Amazoness Scouts' special ability kicked in when I sacrificed them." Miho explained. "During the turn I sacrifice them, my monsters can't be destroyed by your Phoenix Formation. And now," She drew a card and said, "I play Amazoness Fighting Spirit!"

A continuous Magic Card appeared, showing Amazoness Fighter surrounded by a yellow aura of power. The Amazoness monsters began to glow with that power also.

"That's not going to stop me!" said Mai. "I'm going to prove I'm the best and that no one can stop me! You little brat..."

"You lost sight of yourself when you gave up on everyone." said Miho. "Tristan told me all about you, how you were weak and helpless...now you're just pathetic. You turned your back on the people you loved."

"Loved? Ha! What do you know about love? You dumped Tristan after all he did to confess his feelings for you. I bet you did have feelings for him, and now you're jealous that he's going off for some skank after they had sex."

Miho grit her teeth in anger; it was true. When Tristan confessed, she felt like having the relationship was too soon and rejected it. As the world collapsed, she had to watch as Tristan slowly got close to Serenity and saw the two act like boyfriend and girlfriend. Then they made love, then Serenity left...she thought she could fill Tristan's heart but it was no use. Tristan loved Serenity Wheeler with all of his heart.

"How dare you..." She hissed. "HOW DARE YOU! Amazoness Tiger, eat one of those bird ladies now!"

Amazoness Tiger rushed toward a Harpie Lady biting down on it with its powerful fangs. The Winged-Beast gasped as she was destroyed.

"Amazoness Paladin and Amazoness Fighter, attack them too!" Miho drew more cards. "Amazoness Queen and Amazoness Blowpiper, help me out!"

A woman with long blue hair, a fur bikini with blue stripes, leg wrappings and a sword in hand appeared. Next to her was a young girl with violet hair in a ponytail, a green bikini with a green bamboo pipe in hand. The Queen pointed her sword as Blowpiper fired poisoned darts at the Cyber Harpies. Meanwhile, Amazoness Fighter and Amazoness Paladin slashed away at the Harpies.

"You'll regret that you made me remember that night," Miho snarled, her eyes burning with energy. "I'll destroy you and everything you hold dear! I'll make you wish you never said that!"

"And you thought I had problems," said Mai, drawing a card. "Harpie Lady Sparrow Formation! Come forth!"

The remaining Harpies transformed into a fiery bird that blocked any oncoming attacks. It exploded as smoke filled the area. Miho covered her eyes as the smoke filled the area. When it cleared, Mai was gone.

"Damn her," She snarled. "How dare she remind me about that night..." She felt the ribbon that tied her hair back and grit her teeth once more. She then raised her hand as her Amazoness monsters transformed into cards once more. Miho Nosaka walked off, returning to Domino High while trying not let the tears fall from her eyes.

0-0-0-0-0-

May opened her eyes as she found herself in a room filled with statues and fancy furniture. Surrounding the wall were five statues that represented Raphael's Guardian monsters: Guardian Eatos, Guardian Grarl, Guardian Kay'est, Guardian Elba and Backup Gardna. She then saw a picture on the wall, depicting Raphael and what looked like the members of his family. The only problem with the picture was that it was covered with soot.

"It's so lonely..." She said, sitting down on a chair. "I...really feel bad about doing this..."

Goddess...said a voice. You must do what is right to save the world...

May looked at her deck and pulled out a card. Emerging by her side was Seth, Priest of Dragons.

"You mean," She said. "I have to brainwash him?"

I know it is a difficult decision, but you must do what you need to do. I felt horrible for sealing my cousin into the Book of Secret Arts, but it was for the good of the kingdom of Egypt. Seth turned to May and placed a hand on her shoulder. It is a painful situation that must be done, for the good mankind.

May nodded her head as she stared at the room. For some reason, despite his nonsense about the Guardian of the Sea, there was nothing that would reflect that 'love' for her in his soul. She brushed the thought aside as she held the key to her heart and closed her eyes.

"Memory Makeover," She chanted. "Let me take over this man's mind for my own!"

Seth nodded his head as he grasped onto May's hand in comfort. The picture frame and statues began to erode until there was nothing left.

0-0-0-0-0-

May stepped back from the mind-wiped Swordsman. Noticing that Raphael was no longer struggling, Hanasaki let go of his submission hold and stepped back. Duke commanded Orgoth to removed the sword as the shadow disappeared. There was nothing but silence as May lightly tapped Raphael with her shoe. When there was no response, she nodded her head.

"Raphael," She said. "Stand up."

The Swordsman immediately stood up, his face empty of emotion. Hanasaki waved a hand over Raphael's face, but there was no reaction.

"What did you do?" He asked May.

"I wiped his mind clean," May answered, clutching onto the Millennium Key. "As long as he's like this, he won't do any harm. It's reversible; all he has to do is touch the Millennium Key and he'll be back to normal. Of course, I don't want him to be back to normal after what he caused."

"He's the one who made Yugi play the Orichalcos," Duke snarled. "That guy deserves this fate."

"Still, that's kinda harsh." said Hanasaki. "I hope it'll be temporary."

"Raphael," said May. "Call off the monster attacks and you'll follow us to Domino City High. That's all for now."

"And that's it for me," said Duke, calling Orgoth away. "I'll be going on my rounds and make sure that none of those stupid monsters hurt my citizens. But I'll have your head eventually; see you again soon..."

He laughed as he teleported away, his laugh echoing in the night sky. May ignored the laugh as she went back to the motorcycle. Hanasaki, still fused with Zombyra the Dark followed her onto the motorcycle.

"What good is Raphael going to do with us?" He asked May. "I mean...he's just an empty shell."

"Not anymore..." May and Hanasaki turned around, seeing a figure emerged from the wall, covered in a pair of white wings. The figure saw Raphael's body and nodded his head. "I have found a Vessel for my own."

The figure transformed into an orb of light before being absorbed into Raphael's body. The Swordsmen's clothing changed; he was now wearing a grey cloak over a light blue tunic, and his face was calm and relaxed. Hanasaki and May looked in awe as the figure bowed at the waist.

"Greetings, Goddess of Joy." said the figure. "My name is Rael, the Regent of the Ocean. I have waited to be by your side once more."

"This wasn't supposed to happen, was it?" asked Hanasaki.

"Not at all," May answered. "Not at all..."

0-0-0-0-0-

"This is so boring!" Yugi whined, seeing May and Hanasaki confronting Rael in the crystal ball. "I thought she'd use Raphael as her living doll for some fun!"

"Fate is always very fickle and tricky, little one." said Yami, stroking Yugi's chin like he was a kitten. "But...that spirit can only exist in that body as long as he doesn't touch the Millennium Key, so she's still a puppet master to that buffoon."

"Just like we're the masters of our new Supreme King!" Yugi squealed, turning to Jaden. "Isn't that right?"

"Yes...my Lords." Jaden replied, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "As you wish."

"Goody! Now, tomorrow morning you'll appear in your Academy and act like nothing's changed. But at night, you'll wander off to the deepest, darkest part of the island and absorb all of the dark magic you can hold. You'll be our Vessel of Darkness. Cool, huh?"

"Don't give him too much darkness," Yami laughed. "We'll need some left to fool those Chosen in the end."

"So, what do we do now?" asked Yugi, staring at their room in the Obelisk Blue Dorm. "I feel so bored!"

"How about we dress Jaden up some more?" asked Yami. "We need a better look to tell those students of the Academy to prepare for their new king. I know you've been wanting to play with your new doll."

"Yay!" Yugi cheered, jumping out of the bed. "Let's get started. Jaden, we're going to make you the next King of Games. Isn't that exciting?"

Deep within Jaden's mind, a part of him felt happy that he would reach his dream. For the first time since the Orichalcos took over his mind, he smiled...

And he began to plot his rule over the simple-minded students of the Academy.

0-0-0-0-0-

May: This is getting weirder and weirder by the minute.

Max: You're telling me; we don't have time to mess around now. We have to find the Chosen.

Mokuba: We don't know where to begin or who we have to save.

Kaiba: You better start searching though; there's evil afoot.

Yugi: This is so exciting! Today, everyone will know who you are, Jaden!

Jaden: Yes, my Lord. I am the Supreme King of Darkness!

Noah: And it looks like we're on thin ice. Next time, "Chapter 10-When the World Forgot Love"

Yubel: Jaden, why have you left me again? I must find you!

May: And we must find our next miracle.