Chao- By the look of the title, it seems as though the strongly awaited epic battle is about to commence.
YChao- Psh, finally.
Chao- Yep, took a bit to figure out some scenes. Prepare for suspense!
"Talking."
"Thinking."
Chapter 14: Fight for Freedom
A young boy with thick, black hair awoke in a mysterious room constructed out of sandy bricks. He grew startled hearing something creak. To his right were black steel bars. He also saw another room with similar bars completely wide open.
He was about to stand when he noticed he had bands around his wrists. Looking around, he perceived he was chained to one of the walls. He didn't understand why he was here or how he arrived. He was only making his way towards the Turtle Game Shop when he suddenly lost consciousness.
"What's going on?" he questioned.
Xxx
Yami and the group arrived in his room. Even though everyone came safely, they all felt a tad tired. They glanced around and detected how unappealing the atmosphere was.
The teen with powers looked over at his mattress. The Dark Stone was still in place. Hesitantly, he reached over for it. He examined the rock carefully. He was full of curiosity, namely because he wondered why the magical gravel was not taken.
"Now what?" Joey questioned.
Yami glanced over towards the other adolescents. They were a bit nervous but were determined to rescue their small companion. He bustled passed them and looked carefully down the hallway. There was only silence. He felt suspicious; he believed Bakar had located Kaiba and Mai down to the bottom of the malicious architecture. He now knew where everyone was to travel to next.
Turning back to the group with fierce eyes, he warned in a hardheaded tone, "We are about to embark on a dangerous journey down to the bottom. Everyone will need to be prepared to face Bakar and his atrocious tricks."
"Yeah, no kidding!" Joey heavily agreed, recalling the horrible bamboozles the insane man had done to the three boys before the overall event took place. He slammed one fist into his other hand as he was prepared this time around.
Tea and Tristan nodded. They may not have experience with the past affair, but they braced themselves and were willing to do all they could.
Yami felt more confident this time around since he now had more support with him.
The group driven to save Yugi dashed off. They raced down many long corridors filled with creepy chandeliers with candles that gave off dim lighting. They shifted from running to stepping down a spiral-like staircase made of sandy stone.
Yami felt his heart beating fast. He knew it was not only caused by the running, but he was also anxious about the fight he was about to have, as well as the fear of what Bakar may have done to his friend. He tried his best to find his own place, but he finally learned it was not here. He understood his heart belonged with Yugi and everyone else.
The adolescents stopped when they came to a wooden door. Yami knew what was behind it as everyone else took an educated guess. The leader took his step forward first as he stared down the entrance. Anger boiled. He clinched the rock tightly in his firm grip. He glanced at his hands and noticed his rage took form once more. However, rather than allow his emotion to get the best of him, he did all he could to control his power. He did not wish to harm the innocent anymore, especially those around him.
He raised his arm up and with one shot the door was burnt to a crisp. His close pals were impressed by the attack and use of magic. There wasn't much that could be said as Yami took off towards the opening. He was done playing Bakar's game and was impelled to win.
He dashed in and stood in the center of the room. The two males and one female were both fascinated and crept out by the interior. Far above was an ominous, vast chandelier with a heinous symbol on the ground. All were filled with rage when they placed together it was the same one burnt onto Yugi's bear skin.
Yami stared directly at a large chair with many encrusted jewels. A man sat haughtily with his eyes shut. He did not at all appear afraid.
"Bakar!" Yami bellowed with great abhorrence.
The villain remained in his spot as he greeted breezily, "Ah, Yami, it's about time you arrived."
"Where's Yugi!" the teen demanded right away.
"What makes you think he's still around?" Bakar taunted.
"Where. Is. He." the young adult with gold bangs repeated in an aversion tone.
"You know, Yami, there may be a chance for him to be fine. Just reinstate our original contract and all can be well."
"I had enough! I refuse to continue to work for anyone as horrible as you!"
"Oh, is that so…"
Bakar grew impatient. He decided to end this as well. He figured only be one path existed in order for him to gain his way. He snapped his fingers.
The group lowered their eyes towards the floor. They all gasped seeing a light shining through created by the symbol on the ground. A small figure came out from the floor. He was curled into a ball-like position and had his back turned against everyone. He wore a sapphire uniform torn in various parts.
"Yugi!" everyone called out.
Immediately Yami sped over to his impaired friend. He knelt on the ground and examined his companion. He gingerly rolled the body towards him. He carefully picked up the petite adolescent and gazed at his childlike face with his closed eyes.
He was eased in his mind seeing the teen still had his soul and was breathing fine. He grew relieved no other scars or bruises laid anywhere. The sentiment did not last long, for his eyes became inflamed seeing a smaller version of the deadly symbol on the boy's bear chest. He took his finger and gently traced around the curves. He felt how deep the scar was. He could tell the way Yugi received it was no joy at all. He stopped when he touched not only the spell but the stitches as well.
Yami swallowed hard as he called quietly, "Yugi, can you hear me?"
The young adult felt someone holding him with a warm and caring touch. The voice he heard was compassionate and familiar. Slowly, he opened his eyes. Through his blurry vision, he saw another set of violet irises. He questioned in a weary tone, "Ya… Yami?"
"Yugi!" Yami cried with joy as he pulled his friend closer to him. He was overjoyed the boy had his memories revived.
Yugi had accepted the embrace as well.
The other companions were glad to have their circle completed once more.
Yugi then flashed his eyes open. He remembered everyone would be in danger because of him. He did not want anyone of his friends to suffer because of him. He tried to push Yami away.
"Yugi, what's wrong?" Yami questioned, confused about the unkind gesture he received.
"Ya… Yami, you… you need to get away!" Yugi replied as he struggled to move.
"Leave? No! I won't! Not without you!"
"No! You have to!"
"I refuse!"
"You have to before-"
Yugi was cut off as a great, unbearable burn entered his chest. He quickly released his grip from his companion as he titled his head back and placed both fists on his chest. His voice ripped out from his throat as he cried out in complete agony.
Yami's eyes enlarged seeing an eerie green glow appear on his friend's upper body. He pulled the younger one closer to him for protection. He stared at the man he knew was causing this. He called out angrily, "Bakar! Cease this at once!"
Surprisingly, the villain did what was ordered.
Tiredly, Yugi placed his head against Yami's chest. He panted heavily as he became exhausted. Nearly all his energy was stolen when the symbol on him blared. Yami was sick of the way Yugi was treated. He wanted to do all he could to set Yugi free of him being a puppet.
"Yugi!" everyone called out once more as they rushed over.
Yami carefully handed the boy to both Tristan and Tea. Joey stood out in protection of the group like last time. Yami stood up and went to join his brave pal. The two glared at Bakar.
"Such a shame," the man began. "I kept my side of the bargain; I kept that young one from feeling any ache in his heart all this time. Why must you have gone and broke your end?"
Yami remained silent as Joey spat, "You asshole! You may have stopped Yug's pain, but you can't stop him from missing all of us and being separated!"
"Besides," Yami joined in, "how exactly could you keep your end when you planned to sacrifice his soul for your own gain?"
The item in the teen's hand changed form as it went from the black rock to a special sword. The friends were impressed once more by how much Yami had learned while he was away.
Bakar's arrogant attitude dwindled. He understood there wasn't more he could do other than fight. He sighed, "I suppose I could always defeat you all and find some new people."
Yami narrowed his eyes with disgust. He wanted to finish the battle, so no one would continue to be underneath the man's control.
"I don't think so," he disagreed greatly. "I shall end this once and for all!"
He charged towards his enemy relentlessly. He quickly stopped when he was shot by a blast of something blue. He landed on the ground but was helped back up by Joey. The two gasped, seeing a tall adolescent with brown hair.
"Kaiba!" Yami called.
Joey stared down at the teen. He figured he would need to take down the cold young adult and allow Yami to fight Bakar. The battle appeared one on one.
However, Yami sought out a different action. He yelled, "Kaiba! We don't need to fight each other! With your help, we can take Bakar down and set your brother free!"
"Are you sure about that?" Bakar questioned. He snapped his fingers and by him stood another small boy. This one had long, thick black hair.
Kaiba's eyes widened as he gasped, "Mokuba?"
The child opened his eyes. He looked around and saw he was in a completely different area. When his eyes reached someone genial, the spell over him broke in an instant. He tried to stand up, but he was kept from running as he was now chained to the wall. The imprisonment did not stop his heart from beating with joy. He did his best to call out with a smile, "Seto!"
Yugi slowly unlocked his own vision. He was concerned hearing a young, acquainted voice. He gazed tiredly towards Bakar and the new arrival. He gasped with shock, "Mokuba?"
"Are you quite positive you can go with them, Kaiba?" Bakar inquired. "After all, your brother is right here. You wouldn't want something bad to happen to him, would you?"
Kaiba clamped his eyes and gritted his teeth. He couldn't risk losing his brother. He faced the team of friends and was ready to fight for the person he cared for.
Joey stood in front of his teammate, "Sorry, Yami; looks as though we're gonna hafta fight this round."
"It appears so." Yami agreed with resentment. "But be careful; Kaiba also has powers to strike."
"I'll worry about Kaiba while you take on Bakar." Joey stated.
Yami nodded.
The blonde raced towards the teen with brown hair. The two fought once more. Several tough punches and kicks were made. The one with shaggy hair grew surprised how well Kaiba fought.
The one with blue eyes quickly glanced over towards his brother. He understood he could not afford to lose this fight. He may not have wanted to, but he was preparing himself to use magic.
Tristan saw this. He gazed over at Tea quickly, who nodded as she understood. He raced over to assist his friend as the girl continued to hold their friend.
Yami was primed to face his foe. He had his sword in place and was ready for his part of the war.
Bakar smirked as he walked down from his seat. He was not at all worried. Before he went to join in, he ordered from the shadows, "Mai, watch over the boy."
A woman with blonde hair came out from her hiding spot. She did not want to take any action towards either one; her heart was dealing with her own conflict with herself. However, she did not want to see any harm come to the child. She grew shock hearing, "Mai! You don't have to obey Bakar anymore!"
She glanced down at Yami, who tried to persuade, "You should be free to find your own place of happiness! I almost gave up hope, but I continued to move on to rescue my friends! I know you'll be able to as well!"
The woman grew astonished. She stared into the teen's eyes with disbelief. She could tell the adolescent gained his courage for his drive to rescue his friend from the boy who did not give up hope. She questioned which path she should take.
"Enough of your crap!" Bakar scolded. "I tried to train you, but I can see you will refuse to change. You allow yourself to be held back because of that little brat of yours. If you wish to fight then you shall endure one!"
Yami braced himself. His became surprised seeing Bakar pull out a covered weapon. His heart pounded with anxiety once more; he was aware of what was about to be used against him once more. He also understood why the Dark Stone remained in his room. The first time was when he was given a reason to stay, and now he had to fight against a knife that could do serious damage to his inner organs.
The teen quickly looked back. He saw his friend was slightly awake. He turned forward and was prepared to give himself for someone who gave him so much.
"I accept!" Yami bellowed with courage.
He charged over once more. As many times he attempted to strike, he was blocked by the tiny knife. He knew Bakar would be tough opponent to beat, but he wasn't about to give up. He tried several more times and then even more after that. The fight between them grew heavier.
Bakar was able to keep up at first. But, as the contention trudged on, he experienced difficulty. He was aware his own energy was draining. When he had the chance, he glanced over at Yugi. He knew he needed the boy's soul soon; otherwise, all his powers and life force would slip away forever. He quickly lost his focus when the thought of his own death entered his mind. He fell to the floor with the sword pointed at his chest.
Yami gazed down at his enemy. He recalled the Dark Stone held a special liquid that could morph into anything he desired. He no longer cared; he only wished to annihilate his adversary and be free. He was about to strike when he saw Bakar grinning. He knew this would not be a good sign. The man did not move but merely snapped his fingers.
Yami's heart nearly stopped upon hearding a well-known scream. He turned and noticed Yugi clutching his chest once more. Yami quickly realized he could not rid Bakar so easily. He would need to remove the other spell placed on Yugi.
With one swift motion, Bakar kicked Yami to the ground. He stood up with ease and dusted himself off. He mumbled to himself, "Don't forget my pet, your bones, your flesh, and your soul… they all belong to me."
He snapped his fingers once more.
Yugi shrieked in pain when the same burning came to him once more. He tried his hardest to keep out the throbbing but was no match for it. Vaguely, he heard his friends call out to him. He soon felt strange as everything around him went black. His last thoughts were about saving the ones he cared about.
Yami tried to rid himself of his dizziness. He was caught off guard when Bakar had played his usual card. The teen knew he must stand up and continue on. The part where he would not cause harm to his companion was tough. He sensed someone charging for him. He placed up his sword for protection but was in shock seeing who was attacking him.
Using the same deadly knife was another teen with tri-color hair. Yami became bewildered seeing Yugi was trying to destroy him. He used his strength to push the boy slightly away and he cried out, "Yugi! What are you doing!"
"As I said before, Yami," Bakar answered, "that little boy belongs to me."
Yami was in extreme compunction. The person he was trying to save was the one he now had to fight. He kept his weapon close at hand as he tried to block the strikes he was receiving. His eyes were drawn to the radiant on the adolescent's chest. He understood the spell was taking a full effect.
"Yugi please!" he begged. "You must fight this!"
The two continued on with the unwanted battle.
Mai became absolutely horrified with what she saw. She did not want the one who carried hope in his heart to be turned against his friends. She figured now was her chance to do something. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her energy. A purple, vine like power grew from her and crawled over to the boy in chains.
Mokuba became fascinated with what was wrapping around the chains. Soon, the straps that bide him snapped off. He was free!
He looked at the woman confused. She merely pointed towards the one with brown hair. Mokuba understood the plan. He quietly ran past behind Bakar and sped over towards his brother. As he reached closer he called out, "Seto!"
The fight between the three adolescents came to a halt. Kaiba was in great disbelief his brother ran over to him. Joey and Tristan held back and allowed the brothers to be reunited. Kaiba turned his attention towards the other boys. They all agreed to stop. They glanced over and saw the other brothers were moving on with their own.
"Yugi!" Yami pleaded. "You must stop! You must fight this!"
He felt something hit his body. He looked down and noticed he had been cut. A sudden sting afflicted his arm, but it was not caused by the wound. The sensation was cold and small. Looked at his friend, he noticed tears cascading down Yugi's face. Yami understood his companion did not give up on the inside and was doing all he could.
"Everyone!" Yami instructed as he kept his defense up. "We all need to reach Yugi!"
"Yug! Fight this man!" Joey shouted.
"Yugi! You're not alone in this!" Tristan joined.
"Yugi! Don't give up!" Tea added.
The controlled teen was having difficulty persisting with his moves. His body attempted to keep moving, but his heart ordered him to stop. The evil voice within his head was scolding him, but it was slowly being drowned out by the cheers of his buddies.
"Yugi! You can do it!" Mokuba called out.
Kaiba looked at his brother surprised. He was unaware his brother knew the person Yami cared about. Once he saw this, he decided to assist Yami and everyone else. He silently ordered Joey and Tristan to watch over and protect his family. They obeyed. Kaiba carefully crept closer to Bakar. As the villain was distracted with his concentration over the boy, in one swift strike, Kaiba knocked Bakar to the ground.
The man fell but was still aware of his surroundings. He sat up as he rubbed the area he had been hit. He mumbled with anger, "Kaiba, you shall pay dearly for that."
"You don't have any power over me anymore." the teen stated coldly.
Unfortunately, the attack also came into contract with Yugi. The teen stopped his motion and fell to the hard, stone floor as well.
Yami raced towards his friend as he called, "Yugi!"
He examined his brother once more. He didn't know what else he could do to break Yugi of the wicked curse. He saw the boy waking up, appearing to not be underneath control of the evil person.
"Yugi, are you all right?" Yami asked.
Yugi nodded, "I'm fine."
The teen stared over at Bakar. He stood up and raced towards the villain. He snatched Bakar by his collar and demanded, "Tell me how to break the spell off of Yugi!"
"Never!" Bakar yelled. "So long as he and I are connected, you'll never be able to kill me! Once I gain control, the knife Yugi is using will be used to take out your heart in a single strike!"
Yami growled. He no longer cared about himself. He needed some way to beat this game. He was the main character facing the final boss on his last life. All would be well if he just found a way to beat Bakar and rescue his friend.
Yugi noticed the way Yami and Bakar had been talking. He glared at his chest. He spotted both the cursed symbol and his stitches. He then looked over at the knife. Picking it up, he examined it with awe. He was aware this was the weapon he had been using to fight against his friend. He looked up at everyone. All were controlled in some way by the one named Bakar, even Yami.
Yugi remembered how much heartache he had suffered when the two were first separated. Just when they had the chance to be together, they were torn apart. He looked at the knife once more. He realized how powerful the device was; it could cut through anyone in a single motion. He looked back over and saw a gash on his friend's arm. Yugi swallowed. He knew Yami was doing all he could to set everyone free.
Yugi gazed at his chest once more. He recalled the chilling feeling he encountered whenever he felt a strong, physical throbbing in his chest. He wanted to do all he could to keep it out. He matched the unwanted sensation to the voice of Bakar. He understood the two were connected because of the wicked enchantment placed on him.
"You can't take me down without him!" Bakar yelled, completely sure victory would be his.
"Not so fast!" replied a voice.
All turned to see Yugi standing up.
Yami kept his grip on his enemy as he gasped, "Yugi?"
All saw the teen holding the knife. Their hearts pumped rapidly with anxiety, wondering who would be bold enough to make the next move in this game. Everyone gasped seeing Yugi placing the knife away from everyone and towards his chest.
"Ha! You honestly want us to believe you have the courage to do such an act!" Bakar mocked while finally losing his calm position.
"Maybe not," Yugi replied boldly. "But I have learned a lot from those around me, like never giving up hope and finding the courage to do what is hard."
All became quiet realizing how serious the situation had become.
"Yugi! No!" Yami shouted with all his might. He released from his grip Bakar, who also understood what the teen planned to do. Yami turned raced back towards his friend. Everything around him turned into slow motion.
Yugi looked around at the group of people. He smiled sweetly as water fell gently down his round cheeks.
He expressed gratitude with all his heart, "Thanks, everyone, for being my friend."
He closed his eyes but kept the smile on his face.
With one big swoop, he plunged the knife into his chest.
The man named Bakar screamed and fell to the floor with his own blood pumping out of his heart.
"No! Yugi!" Yami shrieked as he raced for his friend. He slid across the ground and caught the body before the small adolescent fell.
"Yugi!" Yami called desperately. "Please, can you hear me?"
The boy made no reply. He had his eyes closed and grew extremely pale. His breathing was incredibly light.
The older shook the younger one. He paid no attention to the tears that slip down his own face. He only begged, "YUGI! NO!"
He frantically did everything he could. He gingerly removed the knife submerged deep into Yugi's body. He looked at the weapon with disgust. He then gazed down at the teen's chest. Vaguely throughout the crimson liquid seeping out, he spotted the old stitches came apart. He placed his hand on Yugi's wound, but he couldn't stop the blood from flowing. Realizing there wasn't anything more he could do, he felt the world around him turning dark once more.
He pulled his brother closer as he sobbed softly, "Yugi."
He was lost. He no longer had a light with him. He didn't know any magic that could bring someone severely injured back to health. He also was aware of the other unbroken chant. If the teen with magic were to bring back his friend, his greatest enemy would be revived as well. If that were to happen, Yami may lose his companion once more to the madman who wished to sacrifice his soul.
All were in great amount of grief. Some were even in tears. A sweet, innocent boy had managed to change their outlook, even if it were only from a simple conversation or gesture. The smile on the angel may always be in danger, but the angel willingly gave up his own life for the sake of others.
All remembered the times they had with the one named Yugi. His cheerful laugh and happy smile had always brightened up his friend's days. And when he was feeling down, they spoke with him and help keep his spirits up. Even the ones who did not know him quite well felt lost as well.
Mai recalled the answer she had received. Although all around her was cold, she felt a bit warm when she had her brief moment with Yugi. She only wished she could have acted faster into a plan to assisting the boy escaping.
Mokuba was also in deep mourning. He was thrilled having a new friend to see and play games with after he lost his brother. He only wished he could do something. He glanced up at his older sibling with sad eyes. The taller one was looking at the ground. Just then, an idea occurred to the boy with black hair.
"Seto!" he called. Kaiba turned to his only family and saw a pair of metallic eyes with sadness but also hope. "You have the use of magic; can't you do anything to help?"
Kaiba turned back to the ground. He had an idea of what to do, but the cost may not be worth the result. He replied with a small voice, "Perhaps, but if we were to bring Yugi back, then we might end up bringing that bastard back as well."
Joey looked over at the adolescent with brown hair. "Wait, you're saying there might be a chance to save Yug?"
"Yes." Kaiba answered as he looked over to the blonde. He added in a cold tone, "But you may already know what else Bakar had done to him."
"But you're saying there's still a chance!" Joey stated with a new hope forming. "If there is, I say we take it!"
"But what about Bakar? He may be brought back as well, and he planned to kill your friend from the start."
"I know! I say we go ahead and take our chance! If we can get Yugi back, then we'll go ahead and take on whatever Bakar can throw at us!"
"Yeah!" agreed Tristan with a new flame in his eyes. "Yugi was ready to give himself up. I say we do the same."
Tea nodded from where she was.
Kaiba glanced over towards the two look-alikes. He knew what it was like to be in deep despair. He would do all he could to get his brother. He looked over at Mokuba, who was prepared to take some action. Within the boy's eyes, Kaiba understood the one named Yugi had touched his sibling's lonely life.
Prepared to partake in action, Kaiba boldly said, "There's a little bottle in the shape of a heart over there on the bookshelf. I'll pour the remains on the wound, and Yugi will be healed up."
"Then let's do it!" Joey exclaimed.
Kaiba nodded. He dashed to the location of the mystical liquid. He found with ease of the heart shaped bottle. He then raced towards the fallen adolescent.
Yami looked up to see Kaiba. He barely heard the plan that was formed, but his heart was ready to take on any evil once more. He was desperate to do all he could to save his friend's life. He took the container from the other teen's hands as he wanted to pour the liquid for his friend. He recalled he had to do the same act he despised. He knocked that memory out of his head concentrating on his pal.
Mai glanced over at the fallen body of her former boss. She then gazed over at the group of people doing all they could to bring a friend back. She figured she could use this opportunity to finish up her task of assisting the one who gave her hope.
"Listen up, everyone else!" she ordered sternly. The rest of the group turned to see a strong willed woman. Mai stepped closer to everyone and instructed, "There may be a chance to get Yugi back and keep Bakar out."
All the friends listened with great attention. Mai had the adolescent's stand in a circle around the two main teens while Yami would retain his position with his brother. He had yet to pour any of the magical blue liquid, and his heart was pounding with anxiety. He kept a good grip on the smaller one and carried on with his hope flaming. He eyes drew over to his weapon.
"Wait, Mai," Yami called as an idea formed. "We need to break the Dark Stone as it has a magical property that can be transformed into my will!"
The woman and girl with brown hair quickly sped over. The two accepted the sword that reverted back into gravel.
Yami stayed in his position and explained, "Break the rock over Bakar! I command the liquid to place a curse on him!"
The two quickly went over and did the deed. Dripping from the magical stone came out a deep violet fluid. Mai added with great resentment, "Let's see how you like having a curse."
Tea did not want to see the woman drowned by revenge. Now was the time to allow light to enter her heart, not darkness. Mai nodded in understanding. They went back to their positions to continue with another hope.
Everyone joined hands and close their eyes. As the innocent soul was to be brought back, they would all need to concentrate hard to keep the evil one out. The group was ready for their mission. Yami looked around and was prepared. He glanced down at his buddy, who became extremely pale.
"Hold on, Yugi," Yami prayed.
He commenced the pouring of the blue liquid over the wound. The magical fluid flopped over on the red. Slowly, the scarlet color vanished. At a snail like pace, the gash was closing.
Everyone kept focus as the challenge became greater. All around them was a battle between light and darkness. They all tried to aim their attention towards the innocent soul that was their friend.
Yami placed one hand on Yugi's chest and did the same. He was determined having his light return to him once more. His heart was distressed at all the trouble the small boy had been in because of him. The taller one prayed deeply for the scars on the young one to heal.
Soon, all became fatigued. They turned silent as the light went through and the evil was kept out.
Yami opened his eyes and waited with great anxiety for his friend to do the same. His heart was broken when the boy had yet to awaken.
Yami pulled his brother closer as he sobbed once more, "Yugi."
Tears nearly came over everyone once more. They felt all they accomplished was done in vain. They all could only try and image one last time of the boy smiling.
However, all were shocked hearing a small voice, "What's everyone… crying about?"
Yami flashed his eyes open. He met with another pair of bliss, violet, puppy dog ones. His heart cried out with pure happiness. He was completely ecstatic having his friend all right. He may have wanted to say a lot, but he realized his pal was still exhausted.
In a calm matter, he answered, "We're all just happy to have you back."
"I'm glad… to still have… everyone." Yugi replied with a weak smile.
Yami continued to stand strong as he whispered, "Are you all right?"
Yugi nodded waveringly, "Yeah… I'm fine… I'm just… really tired… right now…"
With that, the boy closed his heavy eyes. Darkness may have been around him, but it felt different. He decided to welcome it as he went to sleep. He may have had his soul return to his body, but his physique was still recovering from his huge battle.
Yami examined the boy once more. He was in bliss seeing all appeared well. He looked down at the boy's chest and smiled. He was very pleased with what he saw - or rather - didn't see. He was very glad having a bright radiant in his life once more.
The older pulled the younger closer and whispered tenderly, "Go ahead and rest, my light."
To be continued…
Chao- Oh gosh, hopefully you all were able to feel as much a thrill as Chao had writing this!