Chapter 35

Spectrum of the Game

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.

This chapter will coincide with the 32st chapter of A Star Among Darkness, with each chapter focusing on a different POV.

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.

Yami and Tima stared hard at the blackened screen. Yami demanded, "What did you do?"

Bakura peeked at his hourglass. "Relax, will ya?"

Yima put her head in her hands and drummed her fingers on her cheeks. "See? You can see again."

The screen lightened until Kul Elna was seen. Yami and Tima quickly realized what happened: Mana was in one part of the village, Shada and Shimon were in another part, and Isis and Karim were hiding in yet another part. Tima glared at the villains. **What are you up to?!**

After Yami translated, Yima shrugged and drummed her fingers faster. "What? We were bored and just sitting around waiting is even worse."

Bakura looked very pleased with himself. "So we thought we would be nice to you and show you a tiny portion of the dark power that's coming."

Yami and Tima glared and Yami hissed, "Bastards!"

Yima rolled her eyes and looked at her nails. "I prefer bitch, thank you."

Bakura's smirk grew. "Now…shall we begin?"

Mana walked along the dilapidated buildings, both confused and concerned. "Where is everyone?"

Suddenly a shadow flew over her and the building in front of her collapsed.

The gang looked at the tomb entrance before them. Tea smiled. "Bobasa must have been here to help us come here."

Merina agreed. "True. Without his help, we would have never found this place."

Joey stepped forward and looked at the siblings. "Let's go."

The siblings nodded and both took deep breaths. Tiki thought, 'This is it…'

Yugi took Tiki's hand. 'Yami's true name is inside. Please wait…we will find it!'

With that, they went inside.

In the center of Kul Elna, Yami and Hasan stayed on high alert. When Dark Magician Mahado and Tarra came back, Yami asked, "Where are the others?"

Tarra shook her head and Dark Magician Mahado regretfully said, "They are not nearby."

Yami was disappointed. "I hope they're okay."

Dark Magician Mahado agreed. "This was probably his plan all along: separating us and then killing us off one by one. He's even more dangerous now that he has a very strong force on his side. We must quickly find everyone and then find Seth."

Yami agreed but something troubled him. 'Is this where Kaiba—no, Seth met Blue Eyes? Just like me meeting Mahado, who became Dark Magician?'

Dark Magician Mahado and Tarra suddenly turned around and Hasan looked up. Yami followed their eyes and saw a large cloud of locusts heading their way.

The dust settled, revealing the Skeleton Fiend. Mana screamed in terror and waved her magical staff around frantically.

Karim woke up, to Isis' relief. "Are you all right?"

Karim answered with, "Don't worry about me. Find the Pharaoh."

He grunted in pain, making Isis firmly tell him, "I'm not leaving you behind."

Karim revealed his Ba gauge, which was extremely low. "I don't have enough Ba to even summon my Ka. My Millennium Scales were stolen. I will not become your burden."

Before Isis could answer, she heard a noise behind her. She looked and saw Giant Axe Mummy.

On top of one of the buildings, Thief King Bakura giggled. "Now…for a little fun…"

Dark Magician Mahado and Tarra attacked the locusts but they only managed to destroy a small number of them. The rest went around them and headed for Yami. Hasan wrapped the Pharaoh up in his cloak, protecting him. Tarra and Dark Magician Mahado continued to attack but the insects continued to come.

Yima chuckled. "I don't think you can defeat those bugs with your powers…or lack thereof."

As she stretched her arms mockingly, Bakura sneered, "And don't forget: we took some Ba from Kaiba so we still have strength to spare."

Yima grinned at Yami and Tima. "So what will you two do now?"

Tima glared while Yami's eyes were on the hourglass. 'Throughout this mess, that sand keeps falling. If this keeps up, no matter what happens after, I will lose.'

Tima looked at Yami and saw what he was looking at. Getting his attention, she suggested, **The only option we have right now is to retreat.**

Yami got close to her and asked quietly, "Do you really think retreating is our best bet?"

Before Tima could respond, Bakura grinned wickedly, having heard him. "Come now, do you really think you can escape my Ka? Shame on you for forgetting: when an NPC dies, that's the end of them. They can't be revived like me."

Yami paled as Tima started to shake in anger. 'That's cheating!'

She was about to sign something vulgar when Yima looked at the screen and noticed, "Hey, Bakura!"

Bakura growled, "What is it now, woman?!"

Yima ignored the growl. "Where's the over-sized crow?"

Everyone looked at the screen. The screen showed everyone battling the different Kas but they then realized that Itami was missing.

Skeleton Fiend attacked the ground Mana was standing on, knocking her down. The creature then tried to jump on her but she got out of the way just in time.

Yami was horrified; Bakura was amused. "Run, run, as fast as you can, little girl!"

Yima giggled sadistically. "Though it would be funny to see you become flat."

Mana stood up and faced the Ka. "I will not give up!"

With her proclamation, her Ka Dark Magician Girl appeared.

Tima lit up at the sight of the Ka. But her smile soured when Bakura sneered, "Despite her plain appearance, she's surprisingly sprightly."

Yima put her head on Bakura's shoulder and gave him a mockingly-loving look. "But how long will she last?"

Bakura pushed her head off and looked at Yami. "So what now, you two royals? Will you abandon your priests to find the Millennium Tablet? Or are you two foolish enough to save these pathetics? Or maybe you want to go where that crow is and find Seth and the Dark Priest?"

Yami clenched his teeth, making Yima shudder with delight. "Ooh…what a look. I think you made him mad, Bakura. Keep it up!"

Bakura erupted with laughter.

A new lizard-like Ka jumped down and tried to attack Shada. The priest summoned Two-Headed Jackal Warrior, who quickly disposed of the lizard monster. Shimon approached Shada and asked, "Are you all right?"

Shada nodded. "We need to find the Pharaoh."

Shimon agreed. "I just pray he's all right."

Yima scoffed. "They're persistent. What annoying pawns."

Yami looked up, insulted. "What did you call them?"

Tima glared. **They're not—**

Yima grinned. "You heard me: pawns or rather pieces."

Bakura smirked. "Indeed. In the end, they are simply pieces of the game whose only purpose is to fulfill their role. Once they've outlived their usefulness, they will be thrown away. Such is their fate."

Yami slammed his fists onto the table, feeling his blood boil. "That's not true! They're my friends!"

Bakura scoffed in a mocking tone. "So fired up for people you don't remember."

Yima sat up and pointed to the screen. "Besides, you only know the game versions of them. In reality, their bodies are no more than dust…just like your memories."

Tima clenched her fist and started to shake in anger. 'How dare she?!'

She was about to sign something when Yami touched her fist. She looked at him, whose head was lowered to shadow his eyes. "It is true…I do not remember my days with them. I do not remember our conversations or our plans for the future." He lifted his head. "But…!"

Determined to protect Karim, Isis summoned Spiria. Seeing her, Giant Axe Mummy started to swing at her. Spiria kept out of its reach and tried to lure the monster away from her host. But Giant Axe Mummy managed to get a hit, knocking Spiria into a building and making Isis drop to her knees. With Karim watching helplessly, Giant Axe Mummy loomed forward and started to attack Isis. Suddenly Two-Headed Jackal Warrior knocked the monster away. Isis looked up and saw Shada and Shimon running up to her. After checking on her, Shada asked, "Where's Karim?"

Isis gestured with her head. With Two-Headed Jackal Warrior battling Giant Axe Mummy, Shada and Shimon helped Isis back to Karim. Karim weakly asked, "The Pharaoh…"

Shada gently sat Isis down next to Karim. "Let us handle this."

Karim quickly got Shada's attention. "Take my Ba. I want you to have my last bit of energy…so you can protect the Pharaoh in my place!"

Shada wanted to remind Karim what giving up his Ba would do but he could tell the Priest's mind was made up. "Very well…and I will."

They gripped each other's hands and did a transfer spell. As Shada's gauge rose, Shada looked at his comrade. "Karim…your gift of life has been honorably accepted."

Karim weakly smiled. Shada left the house and told his Ka, "Now!"

Now powered up, Two-Headed Jackal Warrior knocked Giant Axe Mummy's axe out of its hand and cut it in half, reducing the monster to sand. Just then, Yami with Tarra, Mana and her Ka, Dark Magician Mahado, and Hasan ran up to them. Shada smiled. "Pharaoh! You're safe!"

Karim looked up with dull eyes. Seeing everyone with him, he whispered to Yami, "Pharaoh…stop Seth. He cannot…make the mistake…Lord Aknadin did…"

Yami knew Karim was inches from death but he still nodded. "I will."

Karim smiled. "Pharaoh…it's been an honor…to serve you…"

Tarra lowered her head in mourning. Karim then looked at Isis and reached out to her. But, before she could take his hand, he passed away, dropping his hand. Everyone's heart broke; Isis started to cry and hugged her fallen comrade and friend. Yami stood up. "No more…"

He turned and quickly ran out to his horse. "No more! No one else will die! Hasan, please stay here and protect everyone. I'm going to find Seth!" Hasan started to protest but Yami cut him off: "They are the most important people to me. So please!"

Hasan nodded. "If the Pharaoh wishes this…"

Yami smiled. "Thank you." He then looked at his phoenix. "Tarra, you stay here too."

Tarra ruffled her feathers in protest. ~Absolutely not! You need me to protect you! Besides, I can look for Itami, which will help you find Seth.~

He took one more look at everyone before heading back. "Tarra, where is Itami?"

Tarra flew above him and said, ~I sense her…on the outskirts of the village…towards one of the temples.~

Curious, Tea reached out and realized, "Huh…I can touch this wall."

Joey and Merina acknowledged what she said. Yugi and Tiki, however, had their focus ahead. Tiki asked, "Yugi…you think this place…?"

Yugi nodded. "It has to be. This has to be the place Grandpa mentioned…the place where the Millennium Puzzle was held."

Joey raised his eyebrow. "So…wait, what?"

Merina looked up at the two snake statues with ruby eyes. "So the Millennium Puzzle was here?"

Before either sibling could respond, Joey loudly declared, "All right! Let's get going!"

Joey charged forward, making Tiki yelp, "Joey, stop!"

Suddenly the snake statues shot out two spears, just missing Joey's feet. Tiki sighed in relief and Yugi sheepishly admitted, "Grandpa told us there were many traps here."

Joey yelled, "Now you tell me!"

Merina rolled her eyes and yelled back, "Will you use your brain for once?! Why did you think we could come in willy-willy?! The Ancient Egyptians were geniuses with booby traps!"

Joey ran up to her and yelled back, "Well, use your knowledge to help us out!"

Merina puffed up in anger. "I would have if you hadn't charged forward!"

The two blondes glared at each other, making Tiki get in between them and tried to push them away. While Yugi was amused by their fight, his attention was diverted when "Tristan" asked, "Did your grandfather happen to tell you how to proceed from there?"

Yugi smiled. "Of course! So, if everything is like how it was when Grandpa came, they shouldn't be a problem."

Tiki agreed. "Plus, he told both of us so we have two brains leading the way."

With that, they trekked on. The first room they came to was a maze littered with statues of guards holding real swords. Merina asked, "So how do we do this part?"

Yugi thought for a moment and was about to admit he could not remember when Tiki stated, "'Ye who dares to disturb him, the gods will punish you.'"

Hearing that made Yugi snap his fingers. "Pharaoh was God in Ancient Egypt. So to show respect to the statues, we must keep our left foot forward at all times."

Merina's head lifted a little. "That makes sense. Dad told me Egyptians believed the heart was on the left side so presenting your left foot was basically offering your heart."

The gang walked down the winding path, keeping their left foot forward. In doing so, the statues remained still. Once they made it to the other side, they went to the next room, which had a single bridge with carvings on it. Tiki crossed her arms a little. "Hmm…what was this room again? I can't…"

Merina teased, "You remember a warning but not a room?"

Tiki glared a little as Yugi stated, "'The Ka in the stone slabs will judge you. The cowardly will be eaten by demons and the courageous will be shown the way.'"

Joey shuddered. "Wait…you mean…?"

Tea finished, "…if we show the slightest fear, we'll be eaten?"

The siblings looked at each other. Taking each other's hand, they nodded and walked over the bridge. Their friends called out to them but they were still determined. Yugi explained, "Yami's true name is in this tomb. If finding his name will help him…"

Tiki ended with, "We will not be afraid."

Hearing those words, their friends quickly followed them, all not showing any fear. Once they were on the other side, Yugi looked at the altar before them. "This is where the box with the Millennium Puzzle and Queen's Necklace was."

Seeing the altar was empty, Tiki wondered, "Maybe the box was put here after."

Joey looked around, confused, and went up to the wall of hieroglyphics. "So where exactly is his name?"

Tea joined Joey's side. "Nothing stands out in the carvings."

Joey looked at the hieroglyphics and scoffed. "As if any of us can read this."

Tiki looked at Merina. "Merina?"

Merina shook her head. "Sorry. Even Dad needs help when working with these."

Yugi continued to look at the altar, as if hoping an answer would appear out of thin air. "Maybe there's another room here that even Grandpa couldn't find."

Joey stood up and leaned his hand against the pillar. "Good luck finding that."

As he said that, his hand pressed a secret panel, which revealed the wall of hieroglyphics to be a secret door. "What the hell?!"

Yugi and Tiki said at the same time, "A door!"

Merina shook her head. "I can't believe it! The Goddess of Luck really is in love with Joey!"

When the door fully opened, the friends were almost blinded by the bright light on the other side. Yugi guessed, "That has to be the Pharaoh's tomb."

Suddenly "Tristan" ran in, surprising everyone. They quickly followed, only to see "Tristan" standing in the middle of an empty room. Joey looked around. "Um…what?"

Merina shook her head. "There's nothing here!"

Tea sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Is his name really here?"

Yugi almost shouted, "It has to be!"

Tiki agreed. "We can't give up yet! It's here somewhere, I know it!"

Looking down, "Tristan" exclaimed, "Found it!"

Everyone looked at "him," making "him" point to the ground. They looked and found a sign with hieroglyphics on the floor. Merina squatted lower to the ground. "Well, now that we found it….what does it say?"

Joey shrugged. "None of us can read it."

Forgetting that Tristan could not read hieroglyphics, "Tristan" read, "'Ye who hath solved the Millennium Puzzle, thou must return thy wish thine wished upon the Millennium Puzzle. Only then shall the door open.'"

The gang was suspicious at "Tristan's" sudden ability. Joey asked, "Since when can you read this junk?"

"Tristan" glared, more upset with "himself" for the slip. "Who cares about that right now?!" "He" went to the siblings and got down to their levels. "Yugi, Tiki, the Millennium Puzzle supposedly has the power to grant its solver one wish."

While Tiki was nervous at the change in "Tristan," Yugi was turning pale but for a different reason. "Tristan…is that…the truth?"

"Tristan" grinned. "All you have to do is return it! Or do you suddenly not care about Yami and Tima?"

Tiki tried to roll her shoulder enough to get "Tristan's" hand off it. "That wish we made…"

Yugi remained quiet, still white as a sheet.

Yami continued to ride. "Tarra, any luck?"

Tarra was about to answer when the roar of Blue Eyes White Dragon erupted from a nearby temple. "Seth has to be there!"

Tarra closed her eyes for a second. ~I sense Itami! She's close!~

Yami prayed, 'Let me get there in time.'

Minutes later, Yami rode his horse right up the stairs to the temple. He found Seth on his knees, next to Kisara. Tarra went to Kisara and let out a sad coo. ~We're too late…~

Yami saw Itami off to the side and told her, "Go check on her."

Looking up, Tarra went to Itami as Yami got off the horse and went to Seth. "Seth, are you all right?"

Without turning around, "Seth" answered. "I have been waiting for you, Pharaoh. The Great Wicked God Zorc's resurrection is all but complete. Until then, I will defeat you here and now and become the new Pharaoh!"

Yami tensed up in surprise. "What is this, Seth?"

As "Seth" stood up, Tarra got Itami awake. At the same time, Yami noticed Kisara and the tablet with Blue Eyes White Dragon. "What happened? Where is Aknadin?!"

The dark phoenix looked at "Seth" and cried out, ~No!~

"Seth" turned around and started to laugh. Yami almost stepped back in fright: "Seth's" eyes were dull with possession. "He" leered at Yami and sneered, "I will defeat you and become the Pharaoh of Darkness!"

Yami tensed up, almost immediately figuring it out. 'It's clear by his eyes: that's not Seth. Aknadin must have…' He said out loud, "Don't do this, Seth! You are being controlled!"

"Seth" ignored him. "Behold! Even the Heavens shake from the power of my god!"

The skies darkened as "Seth" summoned Blue Eyes. Yami felt stuck. "Is the only way to save him a duel?"

Itami looked at Yami. ~Pharaoh! Please save Seth! Only you can do it!~

Taking a deep breath, Yami summoned Dark Magician Mahado. "Seth" laughed. "Accept our attack of hatred!"

Dark Magician Mahado powered up his body. "I will use all my heka in this attack!"

In the back of his mind, Yami thought about the Tablet of Memories. 'This is it…!'

Blue Eyes and Dark Magician Mahado attacked at the same time but Blue Eyes easily snuffed out the attack and Dark Magician Mahado himself, severely weakening Yami. "Seth" laughed. "Well, well, well…Pharaoh…you truly are a pitiful sight for a king."

Though low on Ba, Yami ignored the insult and looked at Seth. "Seth…can you hear me in there? Have you forgotten the hope inside your heart? Your duty to protect this land? Do you want to live as a king imprisoned in the dungeons of your heart?"

"Seth" scoffed. "Nothing you say will help! White Dragon, kill the Pharaoh!"

The dragon roared in response. Using what little strength she had, Itami flew in front of Yami to protect him. ~Seth!~

Believing he had failed, Yami closed his eyes and braced himself. But, when the attack never came, he looked up and saw the White Dragon unmoving. "Seth" demanded, "Why do you not obey me?!"

The White Dragon trembled before dissolving itself into light particles. Itami and Yami watched in amazement. Tarra flew to Yami's shoulder. ~What's happening?~

Yami did not understand but Itami did, causing a tear to fall. ~Kisara…~

When the dragon disappeared, "Seth" collapsed with a shout. Yami and Tarra almost went to him but Itami turned to look at them. ~No…you don't have to worry.~

Tarra asked, ~How do you know?~

Itami's eyes sparkled sadly. ~I just do…~

She flew to Seth and landed on his chest. Seconds later, Seth opened his eyes. "Kisara…"

Itami cooed sadly. ~You're back. I was so worried.~

Seth sat up and looked at Itami. "Please…tell me…"

Sensing what Seth was about to ask, Itami lowered her head and looked at Kisara's body. Getting up, Seth picked up Kisara's body and stood before the Blue Eyes tablet. Knowing she was dead protecting him brought tears to his eyes. Itami flew to his shoulder and saw the tears. ~Seth…I'm so sorry…~

He collapsed to his knees and the two silently mourned. Watching, Yami told Tarra, "Go on a perimeter."

Tarra asked, ~Is that really necessary? I don't think Aknadin had followers.~

Yami gave her a look, making her realize he was telling her to give them space. She nodded and flew off. Just then, Yami heard a surprisingly familiar voice behind him. "Yugi."

Yami looked behind him and saw, "Kaiba!" He approached his rival. "What are you doing here?"

Kaiba explained, "I saw the bonkotsu and my star collapsed in front of that stone slab. With that idiotic occult speech from Bakura and his sister and the vision I saw when we dueled on top of the Duel Tower…if I had to hypothesize with all the occult nonsense you and your friends have been preaching, I would say this is the world from 3,000 years ago you all won't shut up about." He looked at the mourning Seth. "However, the vision I saw had some differences."

Yami looked at Seth as well. "You are correct. This is a Shadow Game formed from my memories from 3,000 years ago. It wouldn't surprise me that some things may be different from what actually happened."

Kaiba scoffed. "A Shadow Game?"

Yami had no time to deal with Kaiba's persistent skepticism. "Whether or not you believe is up to you. But know this: a god of evil named Zorc is coming. It is wise to escape this world as soon as possible. Knowing you, you can find a way out of here on your own!"

Kaiba turned his back to Yami. "I don't care who you are in this world: I take orders from no one." He turned back. "Show me just how powerful this 'god of evil' you fear truly is."

Yami wanted to protest but knew how stubborn Kaiba was. "Kaiba…"

Kaiba then thought of something. "Answer me this: where is Tiki?"

Yami knew Kaiba would not accept the truth (that he had no real idea where she was) but carefully considered his answer before saying, "She is safe with Yugi and the others."

Kaiba remained silent, accepting the answer.

Having had watched the whole thing, Bakura and Yima were laughing. Yima said through giggles, "Unbelievable!"

Bakura scoffed in amusement. "You mean useless. Who would have predicted at the High Priest of Darkness would actually lose?"

Yami crossed his arms. "With that defeat, your plan to enslave Seth was a failure."

Tima nodded in agreement. **Nothing would very truly turn him against us!**

Once Yami translated, Yima rolled her eyes. "Don't get so cocky! It's disgusting."

Tima raised her eyebrow. **Says the pot calling the kettle black.**

Yami almost translated but Tima touched his shoulder and shook her head. Yima glared and almost demanded him to translate when Bakura pointed out, "Need we remind you? The Hourglass of Isolated Desperation's sand is still falling. With each speck of sand, the countdown to your death also gets closer. You may win battles but we will win the war."

Neither Yami nor Tima responded but they knew their time was limited. Yami thought, 'Zorc…when the sand runs out…that's when the real horror will begin. No one knows how strong he truly is. But if Zorc is revived, there must be some way to defeat him. And that…'

He looked at the blank cartouche and Tima's eyes followed. 'His name…'

Following their eyes, Yima giggled and put her head on her hands. "Look at that, Bakura."

Bakura smirked. "Looks like you two figured out the secret to Zorc's seal."

Yami glared. "As this is a Shadow Game, there is a way to defeat him. As of now, there is only one key we have not found, despite being so far into the game: my name!" He looked up at the Millennium Puzzle. "Yes…I used my name and soul to seal Zorc away 3,000 years ago. That means my name is the key to the seal."

Bakura scoffed. "Too bad for you: you're no closer to learning your name than you were when we started."

Yima lifted her index finger off her cheek. "But don't forget: you two do have a tiny bit of hope."

Bakura nodded. "Your six friends are in your tomb as we speak. It appears they are here to find out the Pharaoh's name. In this world, only those you allow can enter your tomb."

Yami's eyes slightly widened. "Why are you telling us this?"

Bakura's smirk turned darker. "If I give you a glimmer of hope, you will be that much more devastated when it comes crumbling down."

Yima smirked darkly. "That makes this even more fun."

Tima glared narrowly and mouthed, "Bitch."

Catching her, Yima sat up, her smirk widening. "Oh, I'm the bitch? Really? Pharaoh, did you know that Tima has all her—?"

Tima's eyes widened, not hearing Yami cut off Yima by saying, "Stop. I don't need to hear this."

Seeing Tima's panicked look, Bakura chuckled darkly. "Oh, but you do. You need to know your love has been lying to you from day one."

Tima paled and looked at Yami, as if to defend herself, when she saw the smirk on his face. 'Yami…'

The smirk annoyed the villainous couple. Bakura demanded, "What are you smirking about?"

Yami's smirk widened. "You two make quite a pair…telling me something I already know! I never pegged you two for the dense type!"

Yima growled, "Why you…!"

Tima looked at Yami in surprise and mouthed, "How…?"

Yami looked at Tima and smiled, taking her hand. "Forgive me, my love…" he kissed her hand, "…but you're not as good of an actress as you think you are."

He remembered…

At Duelist Kingdom, Yugi chirped, "Thank you! This was all thanks to you!"

"Yugi" chuckled. "We did it. Well…not just us."

Yugi nodded. "Victory belongs to everyone: my friends, my sister…"

Tiki nodded. "Yep!" She then looked at "Tiki." "And…um…"

Tiki blushed, realizing she did not know "hers" or "his" name. "Tiki" smiled and spoke using her mind: 'Tima.'

Yami said, "I knew you two were going to ask us this one day. Know this: we will not lie to you. I don't know where I came from…or even my own name. The past is nonexistent."

Tima smiled sadly. 'So you ask us who we are. I don't know.'

Tiki grew confused. "Wait, time out. How do you know your name, Tima?"

Tima shook her head. 'I don't know. Maybe it's the one thing that hasn't faded yet. But that's all I got.'

When Malik awakened, Tima paled and ran behind Yami, as if afraid of this new person.

Tima turned to Yami to thank him but he smiled nostalgically and asked, "Tima…who are you?"

She surprised him by giving him a gentle look and signing, **You're going to find out very soon now. And I'm sorry...but that's when things will get difficult.**

Yami smiled and leaned in to kiss her. She started to lean in too but turned her head, making him kiss her facial scar. He pulled back, hurt. "Why did you look away?"

Tima took his hand and kissed it a few times. 'I'm sorry…but I'm hearing someone telling me…it's not the right time. Believe me…I do want to.'

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.

Sensing Bakura's anger, Yima snapped her fingers. Gripping its scythe, Belial charged forward with a scream. Just before it could cut down the priests with its scythe, Tima stood up and activated her DiaDhank. "Seraphita!"

A bright light came from within Tima and attacked Belial. When the light faded, an angel-like Ka was blocking the scythe with a sword. Wearing angelic armor and a metallic tiara keeping her grain-colored hair out of her face, her six white wings were stretched to full display. Yami looked at Tima in shock. "You have a Ka too?!"

Tima smiled as her Ka kicked Belial back to Diabound's side. "My guardian angel Seraphita…"

Yami wanted to ask her how she knew about her Ka but had to focus.

Yami's mind started to wander. 'Everyone here knows who Tima and I are. But I do not know them. Did I know the real them when I was Pharaoh? Did they know the real me?' He looked at Tima. 'Tima…she seems at ease with everything…too much at ease. She knew about her Ka…seems disturbed by some things…could she…?'

Tima lowered her eyes in shame, making Yami lift her head. "It's all right, Tima. I'm glad you believe in me, that I can find my own memories. I'm sorry if it pained you to know everything and being unable to tell me…especially since I believe you do not know why you know."

Tima's eyes shone with forgiveness. Yami was about to kiss her forehead when he was interrupted by Yima gagging. "Ugh, this is disgusting! I'm going to hurl!"

Yami and Tima glared as Bakura rolled his eyes. "It doesn't matter either way!"

Yami's glare narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Bakura's dark smirk returned. "When your friends learn your name…my henchman will kill them."

Yami's eyes widened. "Your henchman?!"

Tima paled. **What?!**

Yima smirked with pride as Bakura explained, "Someone whose mind I corrupted…with Parasite Mind."

"Tristan" started to get more forceful with "his" asking. "Yugi, Tiki, tell us what you got when you put the Millennium Puzzle together!"

The siblings lowered their heads. Tiki murmured, "It was you guys…"

Merina lifted her head. "What?"

Tears forming, Yugi loudly admitted, "We wished for friends…and…"

No one had to ask him for clarification: the silence made it clear. Getting go of Tiki, "Tristan" pulled Yugi forward, as if to give him a hug, and pushed him away, making him land on one of the eye designs. Tiki went to her brother as Joey demanded, "What the hell, man?!"

"Tristan" silently and smugly turned around and pushed the three friends to the other eye. When "he" joined them, Merina asked, "What's your problem, you jackass?!"

"Tristan" did not respond as the floor around them crumbled, revealing a deep ravine. The design on the floor was perfectly balanced on the needle of a stone; the slightest change in weight would make it fall. As the design started to spin, one of the doorways brightened up, revealing a passageway. "Tristan" smirked, "That is the Room of Truth, where you will find the Pharaoh's name."

Joey figured it out. "So, to return the wish that was granted…"

Merina grimaced as well. "If Yugi and Tiki go in that room, then…since we're on the other side…"

Joey did not even hesitate. "Yugi, Tiki, get going!"

Tiki protested, "Absolutely not!"

Yugi lowered his head. "How can…we possibly do that?"

"Tristan" sneered. "Indeed, little ones. How can two people as kind and innocent as you two possibly think of sacrificing their friends, even if it is for the greater good?"

Joey glared. "Tristan!"

Merina raised her eyebrow. "…I don't think that's Tristan, Joey."

Before anyone could demand a clear explanation, "Tristan" smugly said, "Then allow me."

When their side reached the open door, "Tristan" jumped off and ran through the open door. The balance beam started to topple. Joey and Merina shouted, "Run!"

Joey, Tea, and Merina managed to jump off and grab the edge of the ledge. Yugi and Tiki ran up the beam and managed to jump off before the beam fell into the abyss. Jumping towards their friends, Yugi grabbed onto Joey and Tiki onto Merina. Merina sighed in relief. "That was too close."

As Tea climbed up first (she did not have anyone on her back and could help her friends), Joey jokingly said, "I never thought I would miss Earthzina this much."

Merina playfully rolled her eyes as Tea helped the siblings and then Joey and Merina up. Once on their feet, they wasted little time running into the next room. The room was covered with gold but their eyes went to the golden panel in front of them. The panel had a cartouche on it with four symbols. Merina sighed. "If only I had my Dad's translation book…"

Joey shook his head. "Never mind that. Just memorize it!" As he stared at the symbols, he realized, "Wait, where did Tristan go?"

Tea looked around and find golden stairs that lead underground. All confident they memorized the symbols, they ran down the stairs and found a cavern with a stone bridge. Seconds later, "Tristan" came into the view on the other side of the bridge with a dark look on "his" face. "I thought you losers were dead! You're even more persistent than I thought."

Joey growled. "That's it! You're dead, Tristan!"

Merina looked at Joey. "You probably didn't hear me but…" she looked at "Tristan," "…I don't think that's Tristan."

"Tristan" smirked darkly. "Looks like at least one of you has brains."

"Tristan" morphed into the parasite version of Bakura. Everyone was shocked but Parasite Bakura grinned insanely. "Took you too long to notice."

Yima leaned back in her chair, arching her back. "It's a pity for us to admit this…"

Bakura finished, "…but even we don't know what's going on in the royal tomb."

Tima glared. **I don't believe you.**

Yami agreed and said the same thing verbally. Yima gave the couple a look. "The one time we're being honest and you don't believe us."

Bakura shrugged with his crossed arms. "Who cares, anyway? Even without knowing, it's clear that Yugi can't beat my parasite…especially since he doesn't have you anymore."

Yami glared and Tima gritted her teeth, making Yima smile. "Getting angry again?"

Bakura scoffed smugly. "Your thoughts are as obvious as your hair: you want to get the Pharaoh to the royal tomb to help."

Yima teased, "Too bad you can't send your wife there to help."

Tima almost stood up in anger but Yami kept her down as Bakura pointed out, "What you want is impossible. Because…" he looked at the hourglass as the top half ran out of sand, "…it is time for Zorc's revival."

The hourglass shattered, horrifying Yami and Tima. They were too late.

Yami and Kaiba felt the ground shake. They looked up to see the world darken.

In the cavern, the friends felt the world shake as well. Tiki asked in a scared tone, "What's happening?"

Parasite Bakura grinned sadistically. "It has finally begun: Zorc's revival. This is why I can't let you tell him his real name. Only I will be the one to know his name." He held up his arm and a Duel Disk formed on it. "What more fitting way to kill you nuisances?!" Once the ground stopped shaking, Parasite Bakura explained, "You will find the deck in your disk has exactly 40 cards that you want. Of course, neither of us will know which card we'll get until we draw it."

Yugi looked at his arm. "A deck formed from our imagination?"

A Duel Disk formed on his arm with a deck of 40 cards. Parasite Bakura smirked, "I'm pretty sure you know what lies ahead of us: this duel is a Shadow Game. When our life points hit zero, that person will die."

Tea protested, "Don't do this, Yugi! It's too dangerous!"

While he agreed, Joey's mind wanted to know something else. "Hang on, what did you do with Tristan?!"

Parasite Bakura grinned. "Remember when Tristan was stupid enough to punch me? When I grabbed him, I infected his mind with a parasite. He was a very useful spy for me to keep an eye on your guys."

Tea realized, "So, all this time…"

Tiki hissed, "That's low!"

Joey shouted, "You bastard, give Tristan back!"

Parasite Bakura scoffed. "You want him back, defeat me in a duel. So, Yugi, what say you?!"

Yugi answered by drawing five cards at the same time as Bakura.

The ruined city of Kul Elna crumbled even further with the ground shaking. Hasan started to lead what remained for the Royal Court and Mana. Isis looked back and was sickened by the sight of Karim being buried under the rubble. Shimon told her, "Isis, we need to go!"

Isis, however, still hesitated. In doing so, a part of a nearby building started to fall towards her and Shimon. Dark Magician Girl quickly destroyed it. Now safe, their attention went to Thief King Bakura, who was on the Millennium Tablet above them and laughing. "Serves you all right! There is nowhere left to hide!" Diabound rose up behind him as Thief King Bakura declared in an unsettling tone, "You all die here."

Thief King Bakura and Diabound merged into the Millennium Tablet.

Bakura and Yima watched with sick glee in their eyes. Yima shuddered, "He has arrived…!"

Bakura declared, "Arise, Great Wicked God Zorc!"

Yami and Tima watched in horror.

The Millennium Tablet sent a bolt of red lighting up into the sky. A red beam returned and destroyed the tablet, scattering the Millennium Items. The beam then struck the ground, causing the earth to open up in flames. From the chasm arose the Great Wicked God Zorc. The creature was a sight to behold. It had a huge black demonic head with red eyes that seemed to pierce the soul at everyone it gazed upon, curved horns on either side of its head, and four horns on its face, two at the top and two on either side of its mouth, which was nothing but sharp teeth like swords. Zorc looked to be the same size, if not bigger, than Obelisk. What was even more frightening than his size was how he looked; his demonic head was the least frightening part of him. Having large bat-like wings on his back, he also had a large appendage between his legs that was in the shape of a terrifying dragon.

Yima licked her lips as Bakura said, "Right now…I will control the piece known as Great Wicked God Zorc!"

Yima almost giggled. "Your pathetic priests don't have a chance against us!"

Bakura looked at Zorc. "Turn that city inside out and burn everything to ash!"

Yami looked at his enemies. 'If Zorc's power has returned, the world will end!'

When Zorc spoke, the earth trembled in response. I have been awoken from a deep slumber to bring this world to nil! None before me can even hope to touch me! All living, all dead…all shall perish in the fires of Hell!

To prove his point, Zorc created a giant fireball and hurled it at the group.

Yami's eyes widened with horror and Tima gave a silent scream.

Hasan jumped up and took the attack, saving the group. Hasan said in a weakened voice, "I can…take this…go!" Shada tried to protest but Hasan said, "You need to return and protect the city! Go!"

Everyone agreed and left quickly on horseback. Zorc looked down at Hasan. What a fool to think you can oppose me. You are nothing in comparison to my power!

Zorc added more fire from his mouth to that attack. Hasan fell to his death.

Yami and Kaiba went to the entrance of the ruined temple and saw a massive demon-like creature walking towards the kingdom. Yami cursed, "Zorc's already…"

Kaiba was less than impressed. "So that's the so-called god of evil you told me about…"

Yami turned back to see Seth lower Kisara to the ground and pray, "Kisara…lend me your power."

He covered her with a sheet before standing and looked at Yami. "Pharaoh!"

Yami nodded before looking at Kaiba. "What are you going to do?"

Kaiba slightly glared. "I already told you: I take orders from no one."

Yami muttered, "Whatever."

Yami joined Seth and left on horseback with Itami and Tarra following to try and stop Zorc.