Chapter 29
Journey to Memories
Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.
When a sentence is **like this**, it's sign language. When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.
Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.
After participating in the KC Grand Prix to help Kaiba, the group came home to Japan. As soon as they settled, Yugi and Tiki went online to see when they could go to Egypt to help Yami and Tima. To their disappointment, they had to wait a month for financial reasons; thankfully, Yami and Tima understood. While they waited, they had an unexpected adventure: Joey won tickets to India in a raffle. Tiki and Merina told everyone to have fun as they would be in New York looking at universities that week. But, when everyone came home, they learned the group never made it to India because they sucked into a real-life version of Capsule Monsters. While they were disappointed they did not experience it as well, Tiki and Merina enjoyed the story.
As the date of their trip grew closer, the siblings tried to ignore the fact that Yami and Tima would be leaving soon. However, it was a fact they could not ignore, especially the night before…
Under a blood-red full moon, two teenagers were running. The albino tripped and the reddish-brown haired girl checked on him. "Ryou, are you okay?"
Where are you two going?
Hearing a male and female voice speaking as one, Ryou and Rose kept running. Growing more scared by the second, they ran into a church. Ryou shuddered. "Are we safe here?"
Rose nodded. "Demons can't enter sacred ground. They can't reach us here."
Suddenly the candles lit up, spooking them. Ryou whimpered. "Leave us…leave us alone!"
Rose held Ryou close and clutched her cross necklace. "God, help us. Protect us from this evil—"
She was cut off by the voices. You think your God can save you? You cannot escape. You still have a mission. The Millennium Items are now with the Pharaoh and Queen, you two, and Shadi. It won't be long before Shadi hands over his items to the two royals. That means you two and they will have all the Millennium Items. The time is now. Unfortunately, all seven Millennium Items is not enough to open the Underworld. The Millennium Items are needed but the Eighth Key is also needed and must be found. The Eighth Key will open the Door of the Underworld. It is hidden in the Pharaoh's Memory World.
Shaking, Ryou pleaded, "We know nothing about this!"
Rose tried to be strong for her brother but was also shaking. "Please! Leave us alone!"
But their words were drowned out by a ringing that had been growing in crescendo until it was ear-piercing. It became so loud, the organ rocked and the stain-glass windows shattered, making the siblings scream. Relishing in their screams, the voices gleefully said, Nameless Pharaoh! When the door to the Memory World opens, the Ultimate Shadow Game from 3000 years ago will begin again!
The voices laughed in sinister delight.
The year was 1960: two guides and a distinguished man were riding camels in the Egyptian desert. The man, a young Solomon, asked, "Is this it?"
The nervous guide, Mushara, said, "No one would fault you for turning back, sir."
The stern guide, Ahmet, agreed. "From this point, this is the territory of the dead. When the sun goes down, everything will be devoured by darkness…even the souls of the living."
Young Solomon just grinned. 'The Valley of the Kings…the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh burial grounds. Here, I hope to find the ultimate game.'
Mushara said, "More than 60 graves have been discovered in this valley alone. But it is said that no one has been able to reach the inner chambers."
Ahmet added, "Before the world was at war, there was British Royal Archaeological Team that perished here. One member's final words were 'Shadow Games…' supposedly."
Young Solomon grinned. "Shadow Games…an interesting name."
Ahmet continued. "That tomb you seek has many unsolvable traps. That must mean there are wondrous treasures in that tomb." He turned to Young Solomon. "We did make a promise, as we are different than people who seek their death like you. We will lead you no further than the tomb's entrance; however, from there, you will lead us to the treasures."
Young Solomon agreed. "I do not care for treasures."
The three headed down the ravine, agreeing to wait until night to start.
When the moon was high in the sky, the two guides looked at Young Solomon, who was relaxing with a cigarette. He spoke up, "It's time…"
The guides agreed. As they each grabbed a torch, Ahmet said, "Sir, if it pleases you, we have been wondering about your strange attire. With all due respect, it looks like you're about to propose rather than raid a tomb."
Young Solomon smirked. "You're almost right. You see, all I live for are games. Therefore, I must show the utmost respect towards my opponents. If there comes a day when I lose, I will gladly trade my tux for jeans and overalls and collect years instead of chips."
While confused, Ahmet said in an amused voice, "Tonight's game is putting at stake more than just the clothes on your back. Best be careful."
The guides started to walk but Young Solomon paused. 'I have travelled the world, gambling on cards, chess, and any other games I could find. I have won more games than I can count. That was when I heard of a legend…the most dangerous game of the Valley of the Kings. That has a glory that no one else has claimed. I will take on this challenge for the ultimate honor…with my gaming life at stake."
Catching up with his guides, they reached the tomb's entrance and the guides let Young Solomon go first. The first room they found had skeletons laying in ripped-up clothing. Young Solomon speculated, "The remains of those who lost, perhaps…"
Mushara looked around and saw two giant rubies in a snake statue. "Brother, look!"
Ahmet looked and found another snake statue with ruby eyes. They grew excited by the treasure and stepped forward but Young Solomon stopped them. Mushara said, "What the hell? We found them!"
Using his cigarette, Young Solomon showed the statues shot out metal spikes to anyone in range. The guides were nervous but Young Solomon smirked. "The game is on."
Finding a way around, the three walked deeper into the tomb. In the next room, it appeared to be a dead-end with a large statue of Horus. Seeing a blank slab off to the side, the three approached it. As Young Solomon examined it, Mushara demanded, "Where's the treasure?!"
Looking down, Young Solomon saw the shelf was full of oil. Getting an idea, he lit it ablaze, causing hieroglyphs to light up. Young Solomon read aloud, "'Beyond this point lies the great Pharaoh. Ye who dares to disturb him, the gods will punish you. Your body will rot and your soul will be damned to eternal darkness.'"
Ahmt demanded, "Since when can you read hieroglyphs?"
Young Solomon said, "Never. I do not understand why I can. Nevertheless, I know where the real entrance is."
Confused, Mushara said, "I don't see it."
Suddenly the slab they were standing on moved, revealing stairs leading downwards. Young Solomon said, "This is the entrance. As you know, Horus represents the Pharaoh and is the Opener of the Way."
Going down the stairs, they found more bodies and a maze littered with statues of guards holding real swords. Young Solomon theorized, "This must be one of the main stages." Kicking a body's sword down, he said, "We can't climb down; it's too far. We have no choice but to face the maze."
Ahmet was growing impatient. "Then let's go already! There has to be treasure ahead!"
Mushara nervous said, "Brother, I change my mind; I want to go back. I don't want to die."
Ahmet grabbed his brother's clothes. "You listen to me! We're not the only ones in danger here! He just needs to clear the game and then we'll have the treasures."
Mushaira was nervous but Ahmet said something quietly that made his brother feel better. Ahmet stepped forward but, in doing, accidentally trigged a switch: the entrance shut and the wall started to come towards them with spikes. Young Solomon hesitated since he did not know what traps lay ahead but Ahmet pulled out a pistol and demanded, "Get going!"
Having no choice, Young Solomon ran onto the maze. He was stopped by a statue, who started to swing its sword at him. More statues started coming towards him as the two brothers panicked. Young Solomon, however, knew there had to be a solution. 'If this keeps going…!'
He took a step back. Suddenly the statue froze. Young Solomon took another step back and the statue started swinging again. Growling, Ahmet demanded, "Get going, you fraud! You're all talk and no bite with your respect towards games!"
Young Solomon suddenly remembered, 'In Ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh is God! All statues dedicated to the Pharaoh have their left foot forward, to symbolize presenting your heart to your god. In the territory of the gods, all must be humble or be put to death!'
He put his right foot back, making the statue stop. "I got it! Keep your left foot forward at all times! If your right foot is forward, you'll be attacked!"
Mushara said, "Who can do that?!"
Young Solomon demanded, "Just do it!"
Young Solomon went slowly, keeping his left foot forward at all times; he eventually made it to the end. Ahmet and Mushara followed. But Mushara grew scared and stepped back, presenting his right foot. The statue swung at him, causing him to fall to his death. Young Solomon looked at a furious Ahmet. "My apologies but the rules of the Shadow Games are absolute."
Ahmet aimed his gun at Young Solomon. "Just keep moving!"
They kept walking until they reached another doorway. Young Solomon read the slab by the door, "'The Ka in the stone slabs will judge you. The cowardly will be eaten by demons and the courageous will be shown the way.'"
They entered to find a room with a large chasm and a long bridge connecting the two sides. Ahmet was the first to spot what was on the other side: a small golden box. Ahmet greedily grinned, "There must be treasure inside! Now go!"
Looking at the bridge, Young Solomon wondered, 'What is this? It's like…I've been here before…'
Hearing Ahmet demand he move, Young Solomon started to walk. 'Almost…then I will have won the legendary game.'
Suddenly he was shot in the shoulder, causing him to fall. He managed to grab the ledge but his wound made him unable to pull himself up. Ahmet walk across the bridge and smirked at Young Solomon. "Congratulations, you solved the Shadow Games. Now you can die without regrets!"
Ahmet took a few more steps but a monster suddenly emerged and ate him. Feeling his grip loosen, Young Solomon wondered, "To come…this far…is this…the end…?"
He suddenly heard footsteps. Looking up, Young Solomon was surprised to see a Pharaoh walk to the ledge and offered his hand. "I've been waiting for you, Shimon…"
Minutes later, Young Solomon woke up to find himself on the bridge. Clutching his injured shoulder, he looked around and did not see the Pharaoh. Looking at the box, he saw a Queen standing next to it. "Who…?"
The Queen looked at him with her blue eyes and smiled before disappearing as the golden box started to glow. Walking up to it, Young Solomon gently picked up the box. "A symbol of glory…"
Solomon smiled. "And that's how I got the Millennium Puzzle."
Sitting on Yugi's bed in their pajamas, Yugi and Tiki smiled. Yugi marveled, "Grandpa, that's so cool."
Tiki asked, "Did you really do all that?"
Solomon laughed. "I might have exaggerated a few things. But why the sudden interest in my old adventures? Does it have to do with tomorrow's trip?"
Tiki nodded as Yugi said, "That stone slab is back in Egypt."
Tiki looked at her brother, knowing what tomorrow really meant. She then thought of something. "Grandpa, do you remember where the Pharaoh's tomb is?"
Solomon thought for a moment. "Sorry, no. I had to hire special guides to find it back then. The Valley of the Kings is enormous and all the caves look the same from the outside.
Yugi looked disappointed. "Man…while we were there, I was hoping to see where the Millennium Puzzle came from."
From her perch, Tarra looked up as Solomon quickly said, "Don't you dare! But, speaking of Egypt, can I see them again?"
Tarra gave a chirping laugh as Tiki rolled her eyes and Yugi moaned, "Again? This is the fifth time!"
Solomon teared up. "Just the thought of never seeing them again makes me depressed!"
Tiki snorted a laugh as Yugi pulled out the Millennium Puzzle box and retrieved the three God Cards. Solomon squealed with delight. "I want them!"
Yugi quickly tried to get them back. "No, you can't have them!"
Solomon protested, "But this is what we collectors dream of! If you don't want to sell them, that's fine; just keep them here while you two are away and let me display them!"
Tiki went over and got the cards. "No!"
Yugi took the cards. "Grandpa, you have no idea how much Yami and Tima need them."
Solomon sighed but agreed. "You're right. You two are the vessels for the Pharaoh and Queen and they need to start a new journey." Turning serious, Solomon touched his grandchildren's shoulders. "The owner of the Millennium Puzzle and the Queen's necklace inherit the Pharaoh and Queen. Because of that, you two have been tested all these years. There will be more to come so never give up! There are things you will get only when you overcome the trials, such as courage and glory. When the time comes, you two will understand."
Yugi smiled. "We won't lose."
Tiki agreed with a grin. "We'll face whatever comes our way."
Proud of them, Solomon left for bed. Tarra looked at them. Your grandfather has never spoken truer words.
Tiki smiled. "We'll do everything we can to help Yami and Tima."
Yugi sat on his bed. "We promised them, after all."
As Tiki left for bed and Tarra came over to cuddle with Yugi, Yugi remembered the conversation he and Yami had earlier.
Yami looked at Yugi. "What's wrong?"
Yugi hesitated but said, "Well…I have…some things to tell you. Are you…are you holding yourself back because of me? It's just…so many things have happened since we got the God Cards. And…I thought…maybe I was the reason…you've been holding off on finding your memories." He looked at the Puzzle. "Tiki and I met you and Tima when I solved the Millennium Puzzle. Since that day, she and I haven't been lonely. We gained so many friends and Tiki even found love. I have so many things to be grateful for and they're all because of you. But, if you're holding yourself back for my sake…the thought makes me depressed. So please, Yami…don't hold yourself back. I will be fine."
Yami was surprised but said, "I understand. No matter what happens in the future, I will never forget you and the others."
Yugi smiled. "Yami…just like putting the Millennium Puzzle together…it's time to put the pieces of yours and Tima's memory back together. But, until then, the four of us will stay together."
Yami agreed.
Within minutes, Yugi and Tarra were asleep. But they were woken up by the window smashing. Having heard it as well, Tiki came in and Yugi looked up in time to see Rex and Weevil stealing Yugi's bag. Running out in their pajamas, the siblings and Tarra followed the two thieves. They found them in an alley, passed out with two people standing above them. The male was in jeans, a striped shirt, and a black trench coat. The female was wearing a black jumpsuit with long laced sleeves. The two turned around to reveal Bakura and Yima (who was sporting lipstick on her face that resembled a horrible scar). Bakura coldly stated, "Everyone on this planet knows you have the God Cards. So it's no surprise that some people would want to steal them."
Scratching her exposed collarbone, Yima scolded, "You two are so careless. Aren't you supposed to protect them? To allow them to be stolen…" she kicked Rex with her heeled sandal, "…by these losers!"
Tiki hissed, "If you've done anything to them…!"
Yima snapped, "Save your whining, little girl! We just knocked them out!"
Tiki bit her lip in anger as Tarra went to her to calm her down. Tiki heard Tima tell her, Don't let her get to you. She loves to bait people like that.
Bakura snapped, "You should be thanking us! You almost lost them!"
He tossed the bag to them. Yugi checked and saw the God Cards were safe (Weevil and Rex paused when they saw the Millennium Items). Tiki looked up at Bakura. "You…"
Bakura held up the Millennium Ring. "You want this? Sorry but you'll have to let us borrow them for now."
Yugi asked, "Them? Did you take another?"
Yima rolled her eyes and pulled out of her cleavage the Thief's Pendant. "Where the Ring goes, this goes."
Bakura smirked darkly. "After all, we were the original owners."
Tarra hissed and ruffled her feathers. Yima put the pendant back in her cleavage. "Rest assured, we know all the Millennium Items are needed for the Pharaoh and Queen to get their memories back."
Bakura added, "I'll give this back when you need it but not a second sooner."
But Yugi was thinking about something else. 'How much do they know about the Millennium Items? I mean, I know the Tablet of the Pharaoh's Memories is in a temple in Egypt and it has places for the Millennium Items.' Out loud, he said, "How much do you know?"
Knowing what Yugi was asking, Tiki added, "What happens when the Millennium Items go into the tablet?"
Yima smirked. "You mean the Slate of Memories in Kul Elna."
Bakura smugly stated, "It is the gateway between this world and the underworld. When all Millennium Items are placed in the tablet, the Door of the Underworld opens. I'm sure you children know what it means to open the door to the underworld."
Yugi looked at the Millennium Puzzle. "Yami and Tima have their souls sealed up in the Millennium Puzzle and the Queen's necklace."
Tiki touched her necklace. "And…their souls will return to the underworld."
Yima gave a mocking applause. "Well said, you two."
Bakura stated to the siblings' surprise, "If it means completing that mission, we're willing to lend a hand."
As if having enough, Yami and Tima took over. Yami immediately demanded, "What are your motives?"
Yima mockingly bowed. "Well, well, the king and queen are here!"
Bakura said to Yima, "I bet they were worried we'd trick their little vessels."
Yima licked her lips. "Well, those are legit concerns."
Tima glared at Yima and Tarra started to spark as Yami almost shouted, "Answer me!"
Yima rolled her eyes. "Will you three lay off?"
Bakura agreed. "After all, we're all in the same boat: souls sealed away 3000 years ago."
Still on the defensive, Yami asked, "What are your TRUE identities?"
Yima scoffed. "How do you expect us to remember that about ourselves after all that time?"
Bakura stated, "We just know the answers are probably in your memories somewhere."
Yima smirked. "How about it, you two? It's about time we settled things, don't you think?"
Bakura nodded. "And what better place to do so…than your memory world?"
Seeing Yami's slight confused look, Yima's smirk widened. "How sad…you really know nothing about yourself." She peeked at Tima. "Unlike someone…"
Tima tensed up in anger, making Yami hold her back. Bakura said, "If we trace your mysteries back to their roots, all roads lead to your memory world. To put it simply, the ultimate Shadow Games awaits us! You may not remember a thing but you and your precious Queen stated that game."
Tima pressed forward but Yami held her back. "We started it?"
Yima flipped her hair. "So what better place of us to finish this than where it all began?"
Yami looked at Tima and they nodded at each other. Yami declared, "We accept your challenge!"
Yima said, "Good."
Bakura agreed. "The game starts when the door to your memories opens." With that, the two left. "I look forward to that."
Yima hooked her arm with Bakura's. "We both are."
As the rain cleared up, Yami and Tima got someone to get Weevil and Rex to the hospital to get checked out. As they headed back, they thought about Bakura and Yima's challenge and what awaited in Egypt the next morning.
The next morning, Yugi and Tiki arrived at the airport. Tarra was pouting in her cage. ~I still don't see why I have to be in the cage for this.~
Tiki smiled. "Just be grateful I had Seto pull some strings so you wouldn't be with the luggage."
Tarra gave a whining-chirp but went quiet. As the siblings started to head to the TSA, they heard their friends call out to them. To the siblings' surprise, everyone had luggage and Torru and Earthzina were in cages as well. Yugi asked, "What are you guys doing here?"
Joey smirked. "Um, duh! What do you think?"
Merina smiled. "We're coming with you!"
Tiki blurted out, "How can you afford that?!"
Joey chuckled. "Tea's covering us."
Tea gave Joey a look. "I told you, this is a loan from my college funds! I'm expecting you to pay me back!"
Joey winced at her tense tone. "Yes, ma'am! I'll pay you back as soon as we return!"
Tristan sheepishly explained, "Borrowed money from my sister."
Merina said, "Got my dad to advance my allowance."
Joey stepped up. "The point is, we're not letting you two take this trip alone."
Tea agreed and added, "Yami's our friend too!"
Tensing up, Merina said, "I'm sure Yami and Tima would appreciate us seeing them off too."
Yugi and Tiki smiled. In spirit form, Tima smiled but her smile faded when she saw how serious Yami looked. 'Time to finally open the door to my memories…and begin the Ultimate Shadow Game with Bakura and Yima.'
Tima thought about Yima's tease ("How sad…you really know nothing about yourself. Unlike someone…") 'Does she…?'
An hour later, everyone was on a plane, heading to Cairo.
14 hours later, they landed. After getting their luggage and letting the phoenixes out, the friends started to head to the airport's loading dock. Tristan groaned. "Damn, that flight was way too long."
Joey asked Yugi, "So what now?"
Before Yugi would answer, Tea sprinted off to the gift shop. "Hang on, guys!"
Tiki sighed in annoyance, in a bad mood from jet lag. "Tea, please buy your souvenir later!"
Tea ignored her and bought something before rejoining the group. "Sorry about that!"
"Yugi! Guys!"
They looked up and saw Odion, Marik, and Ishizu. Excited, the friends ran up to the Egyptians. Merina grinned, "How you guys doing?"
Joey stated, "You guys look great!"
Marik smiled. "Thanks. You guys are as energetic as ever."
Joey grinned. "Hell yeah! We came to Egypt with energy to spare!"
As Ishizu turned to Yugi, Marik caught Tiki's eye and gestured for her to talk in private. Blinking in surprise, Tiki nodded and followed Marik to a nearby pillar. "What's up, Marik?"
Marik blushed and scratched the back of his head. "Ah…Tiki…how do I say this…? Um…how is Tima? Is it…possible…to see her?"
Tiki looked at Marik's body language and figured it out. 'Marik's still in love with Tima.'
She hesitated but Tima came out in spirit form and nodded. Seeing the nod, Tiki nodded both to Marik and Tima. Tima took over, making Marik exhale, as if breathless. "Oh, Tima…you're just as beautiful as ever."
Tima smiled politely. **Thank you.**
Marik looked at Yami, who was talking with Ishizu, with respectful jealousy in his eyes. "He has no idea how lucky he is…to have you."
Tima looked at Yami and smiled wider. She turned back to Marik and saw he had a locket necklace around his neck. Tapping his shoulder, she pointed to the necklace. Looking down at it, Marik touched it gently. "Remember on the yacht…when I said the drawing did not do you justice?"
Realizing the drawing was in the locket, Tima's face turned guilty. Marik smiled softly and touched her shoulder. "Don't you worry about a thing, Tima. The three of us are here for you and the Pharaoh."
Tima smiled softly and nodded. Seeing the group starting to leave, they caught up.
Sometime later, everyone was in cars and heading to Kul Elna, their phoenixes following in the air to stretch their wings. In one car, Tima and Merina were enjoying the sights of Egypt. Yami, however, was distracted. While his Memory World was still on his mind, he looked at Marik. 'What was Marik talking to Tima about? I know he loved her in Battle City and possibly still does but…'
Turning away from the window, Tima saw the look on Yami's face. Seeing who he was looking at, she smiled and touched his hand, getting his attention. **I know what you're thinking. Let me tell you: my heart belongs to you. I know how Marik feels but he knows it is one-sided. I love only you.**
Yami felt relieved and pressed his forehead against her. At that moment, Marik looked in the rear-view mirror and saw them. Feeling his heart ache, he leaned his head against the window. 'I know I can never have Tima…especially since it is clear the Pharaoh loves her as much as I do. But…'
"Cheer up."
He looked behind him and saw Merina smiled. "Merina…"
Merina smiled gently and patted Marik's shoulder. "I understand, Marik. But cheer up: something even better will happen to you."
Marik smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Merina."
When they arrived, they approached a stone entryway on the side of a cliff. Yami stared at it long and hard. 'Inside lies the stone tablet that unlocks Tima's and my memories.'
Ishizu said, "We cannot join you inside."
Marik looked at Yami, taking great care to not look at Tima. "When you reach the tablet, hold up the Egyptian God cards and the door to your memories will open."
Ishizu ended with, "From this point on, Nameless Pharaoh, Queen Tima, you must forge your own paths."
Yami nodded and led his friends inside. Moving on his own, Marik took a step forward and reached for Tima but Odion gently but firmly grabbed his shoulder. Ishizu sadly looked at her brother. "You need to let go, Marik. You know her heart has always belonged to the Pharaoh."
Marik stepped back and whispered, "If only it were that simple…" Speaking up, he said, "Kobra ukht, our task is now complete. Our ancestors have been waiting for this for three thousand years."
For a moment, he remembered Malik telling him that he was the reincarnation of the first tomb keeper but got distracted when Ishizu responded, "There is a place where every soul must eventually return to. The royal couple has begun their journey to their resting place."
Marik winced.
Having led their friends to the room, Tima, Yami, and Tarra looked at the stone tablet. Yami took Tima's hand as Tea approached him. "Um, I have something for you."
Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the souvenir she bought: a blank cartouche necklace. Tea explained, "I heard Pharaohs had their names written on them."
Yami took it and pointed out, "But it's blank."
Tea sadly smiled. "If you regain your memories and remember your real name, maybe you can carve it on there. Then you can't forget it again. After all, that part of the palette has been worn off. And…at the very least…I want to know your name."
Yami went quiet. 'That's very kind of you, Tea. But…' he peeked at Tima, who was frowning, '…why give only one to me and not one to Tima?'
Tarra ruffled her feathers in annoyance. ~She completely ignored Tima; it's almost as if it was on purpose! How rude!~
While Yami agreed it was rude, he wanted to give Tea the benefit of the doubt. 'She might not have meant to be rude. Tima remembers her name for some reason.'
Tarra's eyes narrowed. ~That's no excuse.~
Torru added, ~Tarra's not the only one pissed.~
He looked at Merina, who looked like she was fuming. Luckily, Joey grinned. "Great idea! Now you'll never forget it again!"
Tarra looked at Earthzina. ~Did you ask him to defuse the situation?~
Earthzina looked at Joey and told Tarra, ~No but I'm glad he did, even if it was unintentional.~
Yami smiled. "Thank you, Tea. When Tima and I get our memories back, we'll crave our names on both sides."
Everyone smiled at that as he put it on. He then pulled out the Egyptian God cards. 'Once again, I stand before the palette with the three God Cards. What will happen from this point?' He took Tima's hand. "You ready?"
Tima nodded and Yami showed the cards to the palette. Suddenly the Millennium Puzzle on the tablet lit up, blinding everyone. When the light died down, "Yami" and "Tima" were on their hands and knees. Tristan asked, "What the hell was that?"
Merina rubbed her eyes. "It happened right after he held up the God Cards."
Joey nodded. "And that sudden burst of light…"
Having been knocked to the air when he collapsed, Tarra checked on "Yami" and squawked. Yugi and Tiki sat up. Yugi said, "They're gone…"
Tristan asked, "What do you mean, gone?"
Tiki touched her necklace. "Them…Yami and Tima…our other selves…I can't feel her in my necklace or heart…"
Yugi held the Puzzle. "And he's not in the Puzzle or my heart either…"
Tarra cocked her head. ~So what does that mean?~
"The Pharaoh and the Queen's souls have left their hosts and have embarked on a journey to the Memory World."
Emerging out of thin air, Shadi walked up to the group. Tristan recognized him. "Hey! You saved me and Duke on the blimp!"
Joey was on edge but Yugi quickly said, "Don't worry, he's a Millennium Item holder too."
Tiki nodded. "We can trust him."
Yami and Tima travelled down a tunnel of darkness until they reached the end, high above Ancient Egypt. They marveled at the sight before turning into balls of light and separating.
