Chao- This was one of the earliest parts written for this story. But since the original content became corrupted, Chao had to type this up ALL over again. Sorry if this isn't completely suspenseful.

"Talking."

"Thinking."

/Yami and Yugi's mind link./

Chapter 11: Daddy Rescue Part 2

The match trudged on. The two amateur duelists grew weary from the effect of battle within the horrid Shadows.

Izumi had lost his Dark Magician girl. But before the giggly wizard was forced into the graveyard, she smiled over towards him. He was unsure of what happened, but he felt the female blonde was telling him to keep moving forward.

Zuri and Izumi had managed to lose a good amount of life points as well. Whenever a monster fell victim and was destroyed, both endured a harsh crash of affliction within their bodies. And as the fierce game went on, Yugi's father felt something else was else was pulling at him. Whenever he stared across the field, he saw a pair of greedy eyes behind many monsters, which included the man's former boss as well.

"Well, Izumi, are you ready to just surrender?" Zuri would ask the same question every few moves.

"Heck no." Yugi's father answered sternly.

"Suit yourself." the man with selfish intentions replied.

"I will." Izumi boldly stated. "And after this, count on me looking for another job."

"Good luck with that." Zuri taunted. "But let's not forget, if this company does fail all the way through, you can kiss a recommendation goodbye."

Izumi grunted. It took him awhile before he found a place he could work. He may not like having to be away from his family or wear proper attire, but money was money. He was at once content with calling over to his family and chatting for the past few years, but now everything had altered in one day. He did not want his paycheck to reek with his own desire for work over the safety of his son.

He prepared to draw a card when his turn arrived.

With great disbelief, he gasped at the card he held in his hands. In the shiny image stood a purple wizard wielding a very powerful staff. The human-like creature's stats were quite high, a very potent card indeed. Not only was Izumi impressed with what had been found, but he also was aware of the particular monster being his son's favorite.

"I activate my face down card, Soul Exchange!" he declared. "This allows me to use one of my opponent's monsters in place for one of my own monsters to be sacrificed. I will now summon Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"

The strong magic user appeared on the field. He turned and stared at the one who had summoned him. He knew his master for the current round was not his usual. As he scanned Izumi's soul, he noticed compelling similarities within the man. He felt the agony of Yugi's father for his son and the will to fight on. Pleased he had been brought into the game by such a brave and caring man made Dark Magician want to fight by his side.

"How impressive." Zuri praised as his eyes narrowed.

"Please Dark Magician." Izumi pleaded. "I know you belong to my son, but please help me win this battle for him."

Xxx

As the spirit stood alone in the empty room, he remembered the weeks his lighter half spent preparing for the Sports Festival. Despite having a huge battle within his heart, Yugi did his best to overcome his own weakness to be with his friends. He also recalled the night the teen spilt his deepest fears and saddest moments towards him. Great amounts of grief may have surfaced, but Yami had assisted his companion to feeling better.

He wondered how the match between Izumi and Zuri went. A chill had raced down his spine as the bitter sentiment of the start of Shadow Game swept through him hard like a gust of wind. He could only hope for the safety of his light and his partner's parent. He had witnessed just how strong Izumi was, and perhaps even Yugi was able to gain a little courage from his father.

Suddenly, the handle to the only exit in the area jiggled. Startled, the pharaoh turned to see the door slowly open. In the doorway stood a small teen with tri-color hair.

"Yugi!" Yami shouted with glee as the two were finally reunited. After a closer examination, his face turned from pure joy to true anxiety. His partner appeared very pale and panted as he leaned against the doorway rail on his back for support.

The teen was glad he found his transparent friend. He smiled the best he could muster. Step by step, he painstakingly pushed himself towards his treasure that glistened on the table from the setting sun. He appeared to be using all of his strength just to keep himself from falling. His heart squeezed hard in his throbbing chest with every beat his overly worked muscles pumped. But he couldn't stop. He hoped by reuniting with his other half, the spirit would be able to do something.

"Almost… there…" he mumbled faintly.

He only had a few more steps, but every stride appeared like a miles worth of running. Unlike his competition with his friends, for his friends, Yugi failed in keeping up with the harsh demand. Darkness engulfed the poisoned victim.

Yami could only watch in horror as the petite adolescent descended from his height to the ground. The vibration of his crash caused the gold item to fall off the edge and land on the floor. The young adult dropped on his side with one arm stretched out. The Puzzle was only a few inches away from his reach.

"Yugi!" Yami bellowed as he rushed over to his partner. He knelt on the ground and tried to stay connected with his friend. The attachment the two souls shared dwindled.

"Yugi! No!" Yami shrieked with pain, for he could not switch places with his fading light.

Xxx

Several turns passed by in an instant. Izumi was able to uncover ways in keeping his Dark Magician alive. He was growing even wearier, but he was determined to save his offspring.

Zuri, on the other hand, was not at all pleased with the way events had happened. He wanted so much to rescue his company he had worked so hard, but now it appeared he was about to lose everything.

A strong shock slammed into Izumi's chest. The sensation was far different than what he had experienced earlier from his monsters. He shot a hateful glance towards his former boss. He knew his son was in danger. He believed he had to end the game before anything worse could partake.

"Dark Magician! Attack and take down the rest of Zuri's life points!" Izumi commanded with full force.

The human-like creature was not at all pleased his original master was harmed. He agreed the enemy needed to be finish off. With one swift movement, the purple wizard lifted his staff and executed a strong blast of magic.

"NO!" Zuri cried out.

The enemy had lost everything. He could only scream in terror as the Shadows grew in on him. With one final shriek, the man's soul and mind were gone. The men in suits had vanished as well.

Izumi rushed over. He caught his former boss before the body could hit the ground. With a great search, he went through the man's pocket. He knew what he needed to find that had been mentioned throughout the darkest match of Duel Monsters he had ever played. He soon found the little bag he had been searching for, the antidote for his son.

He quickly raced towards the area where his kidnapped offspring was kept.

Xxx

Yami knelt on the floor. He could only weep as he watched his partner lose his life in front of him. He felt the world around him turning cold and dark once more. He knew without his light he would no longer exist. He prayed with all his might someone would come and save the innocent teen, even at the cost of his own.

He reflected the few moments the boy was able to enjoy with his father. He wondered why his partner had to endure so much when he only wanted to spend time with his old man. The adolescent went beyond his limitation for his friends and wanted so much to save his father.

The spirit gingerly lifted his hand and wanted to place it on his weakened partner's face. He gasped with fear seeing he was far more transparent than before. He clearly saw he wouldn't be around much longer. He tightened his fists as several more droplets of salty water consumed with sorrow fell from his crestfallen eyes.

Despite all the ache in his heart, he begged deeply for the health of his light, /Yugi, don't give up!/

Suddenly, he sensed another soul. He knew the aura was Yugi's father. He stood up and shut his eyes, so he could concentrate his magic. He did his best to guide his friend's creator to the room where his son lied.

/Hold on Yugi!/ he pleaded. /Your father is on his way to see you! You had worked so hard just to see him! Keep fighting!/

A finger belonging to the adolescent twitched.

Xxx

Izumi was devastated to see his child was nowhere near the lobby. He sprinted up the flight of stairs and down the long corridor. He hurriedly checked as many rooms as he could, endlessly shouting the name of his child. His heart raced with anxiety as everywhere he searched came up a dead end. With the empty areas he came to, he wondered if anyone had relocated the group. He hoped he was not too late to save his son.

Soon enough, he developed a strange feeling in him. He stopped his motion and stared down towards the end of the hallway. Something within himself told him to skip to the last door. He didn't care if it was his parental intuition or not; he had to save his son!

Izumi ran.

He raced as fast as he could.

When he arrived, he stood in the doorway and gasped.

On the ground lied a small body next to a gold artifact.

He found who he had been looking for.

"Yugi!" he called with pure bliss.

Before entering, he saw someone else through the sunset from the window. The transparent figure looked similar to the fallen adolescent. The main difference found was in the eyes. Izumi ignored this as the being began to fade. He sprinted over and examined the boy. Yugi was becoming paler by the minute while his breathing and heartbeat were diminishing.

"Hang on, Yugi!" Izumi bellowed. He lifted up the teen's body and settled the boy's upper form against his chest. With the head in a good position, Izumi carefully placed the pill in the adolescent's mouth. He then hurriedly stretched out to the table for the canteen of water. He opened it up and placed the item by his son's lips. With great care, he gingerly poured the warm water into Yugi's mouth.

Yami watched everything. He decided to do something for the Moto family before he was gone for good. He knelt back to the ground and placed one hand on Yugi's chest. He closed his eyes and concentrated. A mysterious eye glowed on his forehead.

Both the spirit and Izumi grew relieved seeing the teen swallow. He slowly unlocked his innocent pupils. His vision was blurry, but he spotted his father.

"D… Dad?" Yugi questioned quietly.

Izumi smiled, relieved to find his son still alive.

"Don't worry, Yugi." he reassured in a calm voice. "Everything's gonna be all right. You don't need to worry about Zuri or anyone else. Just get some rest now."

"Ok," Yugi nodded his head.

With his remaining strength, he pulled himself closer to his father.

Carefully, Izumi embraced his son as he allowed some tears to cascade down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Yugi." he sobbed.

He pulled out his cell phone and dialed for help.

Xxx

Izumi remained in the Waiting Room while his son received emergency medical treatment. He sat on a green bench alone. The only ones passing by were busy doctors, nurses, and a few janitorial people. In his hands he clasped the Millennium Puzzle. He recalled how much the ancient artifact meant for Yugi and Zuri.

"Zuri was after this because of its grand power. But Yugi was given this by Solomon. Yugi really did all he could to keep it. But, why? Is he aware of the ancient power that lies inside? Is he the one who is supposed to put an end to the dark, evil, and mysterious powers? As a parent, am I supposed to allow this?"

The man entered reality seeing the elderly Moto found him. He smiled a bit. He had called both other members and told them the unfortunate situation Yugi was in once more. The old man took a seat next to his ex-son-in-law. He observed the other man was fixated on the old object.

"Where's Mitsuki?" Izumi asked with his eyes glued down.

"She went out to get some drinks." was the response he received.

He couldn't reply to that. He figured with the woman being troubled by her son being in the hospital once more she should get some fresh air alone. He believed if he were around the fiery woman he would only do damage. He returned his attention back to the Puzzle as the two of them sat and waited for the news about the young adult in care.

"So, you've seem fascinated by Yugi's pendant." Solomon began.

"Heh, more like some kind of strange item everyone wants to get their hands on." Izumi replied. "But there's more to it than it just being a gold necklace, right?"

"See, you can be sharp when you want to be."

"Zuri was only eager to meet Yugi since he knew about the magic in this thing."

"And what happened?"

"Zuri… challenged me to a round of Duel Monsters… But, it was different from any other time that I've played."

"Different how?"

"Like, the monsters were real, not holograms. And whenever they attacked, I felt great amounts of pain in my chest. I could only hope I didn't undergo a heart attack in the middle of the fight for my son's life."

"That would be the least of your problems."

"You sound like an expert on this, and not just Duel Monsters."

Solomon sighed as he could only assume the worst occurred. And yet strangely enough, his grandson was the one in care while Izumi was out. He sighed again as he answered, "More than you know."

"Then shine some light on my extremely dimmed mind."

"The game you entered was called a Shadow Game."

"Shadow Game? Is this some sort of new fade? Thought Duel Monsters was still in… Wait, does this mean I need to learn a whole new set of rules so I can be cool for my Yugi!?"

"Guess your son's opinion matters more to you than your life. No, a Shadow Game could be anything. It can be something as simple as a game of Go Fish, to a game of craps. From something completely made up, to a round of Duel Monsters. The only difference is a player's life is on the line."

"Life? How is that different from any other gamble in a casino?"

"The loser could forfeit his mind, sanity, or even his soul to the dark magic."

"Wow, guess that is a lot worse than earning a shit load of debt."

"Judging by how you won, perhaps you aren't a bad duelist after all."

"Oh, I don't know about that… I actually used Yugi's deck… When the game started, it was really hard at first… I was surrounded with nothing but darkness, monsters, and Zuri… but… I wanted so much to save my son… I was able to feel him…"

"And that light shined through. You were able to have victory and save him."

"This coming from experience?"

"Yes, plenty when I was in Egypt."

Izumi glanced back at the Puzzle. He took a short pause to allow the information to work a way into his over active brain. He was curious to know what more could exist within a children's card game created by an eccentric man.

"Have you met the spirit that lives within?" Solomon finally questioned.

Izumi shot a confused glance towards the old man. He wondered if the person he saw in a ghost-like form was just his imagination running wild once more.

Solomon smiled, "Yes, he does actually look quite similar to Yugi."

"Huh, maybe I have." the younger one chuckled.

He figured the reason his son risked his life for the ancient pendant would have been not only for the sentimental value of coming from the old man, but also since an actual soul was living within. A person was trapped between the pieces of an aged puzzle, a puzzle that no one else in the world had the ability to solve. Izumi couldn't help but wonder what type of person the spirit of the Puzzle was.

He took another stop to think. All these battles while Yugi was only a teenager seemed a bit much. Most people his age only deal with school and hanging out with friends. However, it appeared clear there was something more to the innocent boy with unknown origins of the puppy dog eyes.

Izumi recalled hearing his son saying it took him eight years before the Puzzle was completed. The man was depressed after he heard the news of his son being in a fire. He wondered how fearsome the matches his son endured for the sake of the world before darkness would engulf it. Suddenly, a thought shot a chill down his spine, far worse than the whole Shadow Realm experience.

"Does Mitsuki know about this?" he asked with his features hidden but had a worried smile plastered on his face.

Solomon couldn't help but howl with laughter. The fact that an adolescent with great power still obeyed his mother appeared strange. He could only snicker, "I don't know, Yugi still has his Puzzle, even after all this."

"I guess that's a no." Izumi answered himself. "And perhaps that is a good thing. We don't need her fainting over this."

"Have who faint over what?" asked an annoyed voice.

The two men gazed up to see a woman with short, maroon hair and brown eyes.

"M-Mitsuki!" Izumi nearly yelled with shock.

"Keep your voice down." the woman reminded harshly. "We're in a hospital."

She tossed a cold can towards the man. Izumi caught it with one hand easily. The woman took a seat on the bench opposite of the two men. She had her arms crossed and closed her eyes. She was distraught her son was in the hospital once more. She could only hope he would be all right.

Solomon and Izumi glanced at each other. They then nodded their heads in unison.

"Um… Mitsuki…" Izumi tried to begin.

"Don't talk to me!" she snapped.

The man carried a strong desire to speak with his ex-wife, especially now since their offspring was being treated. He stood up and took a seat next to her. To his surprise, the woman did not move. He looked at the ground as he went ahead, "Look, Mitsuki, I know I said I would take care of our baby… And I know I messed up big time… But, could we not fight in front of our son when we see him?"

"What makes you think I want to have fights with you." she replied as she glanced at her ex-spouse. Her eyes carried a sentiment appearing hurt rather than angry.

"Ok, you don't," Izumi echoed. "It's just that… I promised Yugi he would have a nice time with me. Perhaps he didn't, considering he's in the hospital once more."

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Solomon tried to comfort. "You'd be surprise how your son may actually feel about this all. To you, it seems your son's opinions mean more and is much harder to obtain than finding a new job."

"A new job!?" Mitsuki nearly screamed. "What happened!? What did you do!?"

"Um, basically the company is bankrupt." Izumi explained with a laugh.

"And did you have anything to do with it?"

"Surprisingly, no."

"How soon do you plan to start looking?"

"As soon as Yugi is said to be all right."

The family became quiet. The two parents of the teen did not want to cause a ruckus in public even if no one else but occasional employees roamed around.

Despite the problems, it appeared the woman in the Moto family had the power. She closed her eyes as she decreed, "Neither of us will mention the job loss, and we will not bicker about it considering how you want to stay 'cool' in his eyes."

Izumi smiled, "Thanks."

She shot her pupils and added with a fierce look, "But after all this is over, I'm going to have Yugi file a restraining order on you."

Solomon could only chuckle as Izumi shook his wife and whine in a childish manner, "Wha? Mitsuki! Don't be so mean!"

Yami kept to himself while viewing the outside world. He carried no connection with anyone but knew since his soul was still around, his light was still fighting. He continued on with his encouragement to his friend.

He glanced between the boy's parents. He couldn't help but smile in amusement. Despite their differences, the two only wanted to be sure their child was fine. He was glad his partner was able to have such wonderful folks.

A doctor finally came out of the room. She had shoulder length blonde hair and carried with her a clipboard. The family stood up and became serious as they waited for the news about the youngest member of the Moto family.

Izumi was about to speak when Mitsuki beat him to it, "How is Yugi?"

"He's fine." the blonde answered. "He's resting right now, but you may go on in and see him."

Yami turned ecstatic hearing his light's condition. The family, and the spirit, thanked the professional and began to walk with her towards the assigned room the boy was kept in. As everyone moved, the pharaoh glanced over and saw Izumi examining the Puzzle once more.

He understood the father of Yugi must have plenty on his mind and heart.

Xxx

As the group entered, they saw a tried form resting on the bed covered with snow sheets. Izumi walked over and placed the Puzzle by the hospital's dark brown nightstand.

Yami came out in his transparent state on the other side of the mattress. He smiled seeing his partner was well.

/Yugi?/ he called out gently.

The small teen with gold bangs started to mentally wake up. Despite still feeling groggy, he recognized who had said his name. Gathering his energy, he replied, /Ya… Yami?/

/Yes, it's me./ the spirit answered with a smile. /Are you all right?/

/Yeah, I'm fine… just a little tried./

/That's good to hear./

/Where… where am I?/

/The hospital./

/The… the hospital?/

/Yes, your father had called for an ambulance./

/He did? Is he ok!?/

The voice chuckled as he suggested, /Why don't you ask him? Your family is here and waiting for you./

/Thanks, Yami./

Yugi slowly opened his eyes. When he did he heard, "Hey, glad to see you're awake."

The teen looked and saw his father. He called with joy, "Dad!"

"My baby!" shrieked another voice.

Yugi turned surprise to suddenly feel a strong hold around his body. When his mind cleared, he saw his mother tightening her grip. She quickly gave her son several kisses on his forehead. She had been so worried about her son landing himself in the hospital once more. She was more than relived to find him all right.

The adolescent couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he heard all three men in the room chuckle.

"M-Mom!" he complained, his face becoming red.

/Don't be so ashamed,/ Yami tried to comfort while attempting to hold back his laughter. After what the two had been through on the adventure, he gained a better understanding of the mother holding affection for her son. /She's only demonstrating her love for you./

"Yugi, are you all right? Do you have a fever?" Mitsuki asked as she looked directly into her son's eyes, worried about his flushed face.

"Mom, I'm fine." Yugi tried to assure as he glanced away, still a little shy.

"What happened?" she questioned, still exasperated.

The teen looked over towards his father, unsure of how to answer.

The woman shot a hateful glance towards her ex-spouse. She quickly reached for an extra pillow behind her son and whacked Izumi with it.

"This is your fault, isn't it!" she assumed.

"Hey! We're in the hospital, aren't we?" the man jokingly retaliated as he placed up his arms for protection.

"Then it's a plus for you since you'll need one hundred doctors to make you well again!" Mitsuki replied angrily as she hit the man once more.

The teen was about to protest when he felt he shouldn't. Despite the small fighting, he saw a small spark within both of his parents' eyes. He couldn't help but smile a bit. He knew his father would be all right; it was just a pillow after all.

He turned his attention towards his grandpa. He could read his grandparent, who wanted to know what happened. Yugi gave a silent answer as he glanced down towards the Puzzle he held in his hands on his lap above the clean white sheets.

The spirit was about to allow the Moto family to have their time together when he felt the adolescent mentally telling him it was all right for him to stay out. He took a seat on his partner's mattress with his arms crossed. He was very glad he was able to share a special moment with his other self.

Yugi closed his eyes as he continued to smile. He had always been grateful for the family he was born into, even if nothing truly turned out in the way he expected.

To be continued…

Chao- Even though Chao had promised to write at least one duel in future stories, it just wasn't going to happen in this one… Chao could have written out a game, but then this whole set would have been told in three parts instead of two. And Chao would like to finish up already started fan fics.

YChao- So then how would you define a duel then? One that is actually written out or one that is just merely mentioned?

Chao- Um… Chao dunno… At least a round of Duel Monsters in the manga and anime were all drawn out and kinda served as the bases for the show so…