A/N: Ooph these are hard. Sadly necessary though. I hope you enjoy it though cause the good stuff is COMING!
I'd like to also take this moment to plug my other current WIP A Whole New World. If you haven't checked it out I think a few of you will DEFINITELY like it.
Aight, lets get this chapter out of the way so the good stuff can commence!
Two days later.
Joey flopped tiredly onto a soft red lounge, his legs hanging off the sides without a single care. He was so tired after running around all day with Mana. He was confident he'd be able to keep up with her but she proved to be more energetic than even he could match. Still, they completed a lot of errands today and she was confident that Mahaad and Pharaoh both would be pleased. Now the sun was setting and his stomach was well and truly shrivelling with how hungry he was. Soon though Rajah would tend to him and he would bring him anything he wanted like honey'd pork, or roasted chicken, a full plate of falafels, seasoned lamb… he was drooling thinking about it.
But then his thoughts took an unexpected turn. For the past few days they keep returning to a single direction, even with Mana's energy it was hard to not think about it: Yugi.
He's been enjoying this food for a while now but while he's gone, Joey and everyone else has been working tirelessly to prepare for something they don't even know when or if will happen, and in the meantime Yugi wasn't there to enjoy these meals with them, to hear their stories of what they did or to just generally be in their presence. They worked so hard to get here only to spend most of their time with Yugi worried about him or unable to talk with him. He missed the good old days, where they could hang out without something looming overhead.
But he supposed now, when Yugi gets back, they might not even be able to do that. He supports Yugi's decision to stay but what hurt the most is that his decision meant that he was prepared to say goodbye to them...forever. No more dueling. No more late night movies. No more club hangout or beach trips. No more random shopping visits. He knew he'd be happier here but he couldn't help but mourn him already. He didn't want to say goodbye if he could choose to. Yugi was his best friend in the whole world and even though he knows he will live on here, this is absolutely no different to him spontaneously dying in the real world.
Darkly, having considered it that way, this was no different because that's exactly what has happened. Yugi did die. He was right here with them in the same living, flesh and blood they were and he did, in fact die. That's why this hurt so much. Because they would be returning without him. He's going to come back, with lively eyes and a beating heart but it's not real. He'll be a spirit, just like every other person here.
"Ah Joey's here." Tristan said happily, springing him immediately from his thoughts. He was followed by Tea and Bakura - the only other live souls here save from that lunatic in the desert. He was glad to see them, at least they were coming back with him.
"Hey guys." He waved to them happily.
"Hey how are you?" Tea asked.
"Starving and tired. How are you?"
"Same." They all said at once.
"Dinner will be soon I think. Atem is retiring soon and I believe Rajah will serve him first before he comes here." Bakura said.
"Good to be the King." Tristan grinned.
"How are they going? With their training?" Tea asked.
"Good I think. Some of them are making more progress than others but it all depends on the souls they're connecting to. Its gonna take them a long time but hopefully all of this will pay off." Bakura said.
"For when the real battle begins?" Joey asked quietly.
They sighed together in agreement, all of them wishing this next battle would just not come.
"Has there been any word on Thomas?" Tea asked Tristan.
"We're starting to get told of whats happening to our missing scouts now. Some of them are being found dead in the sands with no injuries, others managed to get a message back detailing seeing Thomas in action at a village here or there. Apparently the Jewel is taking their lives away but we don't know how… unfortunately the scouts that manage to get a message out don't usually come with."
"Thats awful!" Tea said horrified.
"So this creep is killing people this way and that… for what?" Joey asked.
"I don't know but according to the maps he's moving closer. Every town and outpost on the way to this city is not safe. We're evacuating the towns that remain as quickly as we can but I don't know how many we can save." Tristan said.
"What if they make it to the city?" Tea asked.
"Atem has ordered the preliminary evacuations of the outer reaches and directed them south east, across the Nile. He has another city further down the river and plenty of towns and temples in between he'd like to direct his people too. Thats where all these other towns will be heading to after coming here, they won't be staying long. Simply to be accounted for, restock on supplies and move together in the caravan." Tristan said.
"This is getting real isn't it?" Tea asked nervously.
"Yeah and we're gonna be in the thick of it." Joey said grimly.
"Actually…" Tristan said stiffly. They all looked at him. "I don't think Atem intends for us to stay here during the battle."
"What?!" They exclaimed.
"We have to!" Tea said sharply.
"Yeah man, he's our friend, we have to stay and help." Joey said.
"Exactly and Yugi's body's here! We can't leave without him!" Tea continued.
"Not to mention -" Joey began but Bakura cut him off with a single raised hand.
"What are we going to do against Thomas's Jewel?"
"That's why Atem doesn't want us here. He's not sending us home, just going to ask us to help with the evacuation. We don't have monsters at our commands or weapons to use. Thomas's Jewel is formidable even for Millenium Item wielders… what are we going to do against them?" Tristan asked.
"Yeah but…"
"No buts. I can't risk your lives." Atem said from the doorway, surprising all of them.
"Atem!"
He came in to join them, Rajah close at his heels.
"Buddy! After all we've been through…" Joey began but a single hand silenced him.
"You had a duel disk at your disposal to protect yourself. Here, Thomas could kill you with a wave of his hand. I will not have you all throwing your lives away like Yugi did. He expects me to keep you all safe and thats exactly what I intend to do."
"But… what about you guys?" Tea asked.
"Thats why we've been training. We also have our army of monsters at our call and an actual army."
"Not to mention if Yugi comes back he can use all of the Millennium Items to beat the crap out of him." Bakura smiled.
"Hopefully it will not come to that." Atem said.
They all sighed tiredly. They agreed but they didn't like it. "Actually, I've come with some news." Atem said after a short while.
"You did?" Bakura asked curiously.
"Mm. I went to the temple and Osiris answered my calls this time."
This perked them all up, hoping beyond hope it meant Yugi was returning.
"So? What happened?"
"Is he coming back? Soon?"
"Did he pass?"
They swarmed him with questions, all of which he grinned in sad amusement and small giggles.
"Yes he passed, yes he's coming back soon and I don't know when. Osiris returned to tell me he needs to do one last thing before his spirit can be allowed to pass."
"What more does he need to do?" Tristan asked desperately.
"Yeah hasn't the guy done enough?" Joey asked, almost angry at the notion.
"This is for him. He can't pass on peacefully until he's said goodbye to his grandfather. Osiris is taking him there to say his final goodbyes and then he may return without regrets."
"Wait… does that mean he'll be back tonight?!" Tea asked excitedly.
"I don't know. It could take a while to traverse the ways here, or he may be escorted by Osiris. I don't know. He might return tonight or it might be a few more days yet. All I know is that after this one task he will be heading here. And that kind of news is better than none." Atem said tiredly.
"Yeah… you're right." They all said and sighed. They were hoping their little man would be back real soon. His optimism and light would be very much appreciated in these dark times. Not to mention his power would be very encouraging to have on their side.
"That aside I also have decided to dine with you all tonight, so please tell Rajah what you would like. Don't keep a King waiting on his meal." He said with a tired smile, lounging heavily on one of the sofa's.
Early morning. The light of Ra had barely risen over the distant blue mountains and shimmering ocean of sand. The clouds were painted with oranges and pinks while the desert below had stolen what blue the sky would later retain. The heat hadn't climbed yet, leaving the world feeling pleasantly cool as the King of Egypt watched over his beloved city.
He had managed to gain a few hours of sleep but his dreams were cold and troubled and dark, leaving him to wake afraid and lonely. He hadn't slept much at all since Yugi left but more in the past short nights than previously. He had the support of a special little girl to thank for that but …
He sighed tiredly. When Yugi returns he will finally be able to sleep properly. In the meantime he spent his time with his Puzzle, trying to gain the trust of the souls within so that he might be able to protect his people against Thomas's encroaching assault. His puzzle vibrated uncomfortably at the thought. Even it knew of the danger that was fast approaching them. This realm had been shaking for days, growing more and more tense as Thomas continued to devour the souls in his charge. There was nought he could do to stop him for any that got near never returned. What information they did have was information they were lucky to receive. Not even Isis could tell him more for her necklace continued to keep it's eye closed.
He wished Yugi were here; beyond the obvious reasons but if he were then perhaps he would be able to determine why it was not cooperating. It had been cryptic since he arrived here and now he was gone it was completely unresponsive. She had been having no luck getting to know the souls within too. It was completely shut down.
He heard some minor movement at one of his city gates then but to his relief it was his guards preparing to open them for the days events. If his war room was correct then Thomas was not stopping and heading directly for the city. It was not unexpected for him to do so. He is gaining power from every soul on the way and his city would have been a free banquet of souls to dine on. Thus while nearby towns were evacuating here, the people who lived here would be evacuating today. They would go down the Nile to the temple of Karnak before moving on should they need to. He didn't want his city overrun and impossible to abandon were they too full. After his people are successfully safe then his evacuating refugees would follow, hopefully leaving a very disappointing feast for Thomas when he does arrive.
He was running out of time though. If Yugi did not return today then he doubted very much he would return before Thomas attacks. With his current movements he would not be surprised if he attacked within the next 48 hours. He hoped it would be longer but he was moving fast and with purpose. He was confident in his guardians and the Egyptian Gods to be able to defend against him but not forever. He could only pray they were strong enough to last long enough for Yugi to return. But even then… how much stronger is he getting? The Millennium Ring sacrificed itself in order to wound the Jewel and Yugi had mastered it's strength. He was afraid the Jewel was stronger now than even his puzzle … and if he could not master it in time.
He should have evacuated his people long ago. He was so absorbed in his own grief to act but he should have seen the bigger picture.
Another more frustrated sigh later and he let himself calm down. There was nought to be done about that now. All he could do was as much as he could to control the damage and pray Yugi would return soon.
Souls….
The sand shifted beneath his feet, threatening to take his balance but he did not falter.
Souls….
He could see the blazing beacons calling him home, beckoning him to the feast that awaits.
Souls….
He felt it pulse in his palm, eager to get closer and closer, almost pulling on him to hurry up.
Souls….
His legs were so heavy, his lungs on fire but his blood bubbled with power and a rumbling laugh rolled through his chest.
Souls….
Almost there. One more stop and then the feast of dreams.
And then….
Yugi.
"About 40% of the cities populace has been evacuated, my King." A guard said.
"We predict another 20% by sun down tonight." Another said.
"Can we increase that number?" Atem asked.
"Not by much with one gate. We could make use of the southern gate and divert our people but that will require time to prepare."
He was right but he felt the tension of this realm growing fast.
"See it done." He commanded and left his Guard to see to their tasks.
His people moved for him as he made his way to the South western outpost. He should be returning to his meditation but he felt an urgency he could not ignore. He tried this morning to communicate to his Puzzle and while they came to his call quickly now none spoke to him as he expected. They expected more and more from him and with the limited time he had he needed to take a break from them and take control of his people. So he did and so far it was going slowly but going.
He walked his bustling streets accompanied by a very small guard. It was unlikely that he would be attacked and his guardians were training their Items. Should he be attacked he would defend himself but his own safety was far from his mind.
During all their stressful movements his people still parted for him, bowing low and whispering praise for protecting them. He did not feel he deserved it but he accepted and moved on.
He found Mahaad overlooking the movements of the people atop the great stairs and as he approached he bowed in respect.
"Mahaad." Atem regarded him.
"My Pharaoh. Is all well below?"
"Its progressing. How are you?"
"Progressing. Bakura tells me of the torture Yugis Ring endured. It seems while mine has seen battle it did not experience such atrocious ownership. However upon the sacrifice of Yugi's ring, many of its memories were given to my own Ring. It does not feel the emotional attachment but it knows of Yugi and it trusts him."
"Already? Yugi's attachment to the Items is surely impressive." Atem said in thought.
"Was it not so when you were with him?"
"Not nearly. We shared the Puzzle but neither of us knew of its power. The remaining Items were only ever in our possession once and that was shortly before I returned here. Since I returned Yugi focused on gathering them and studying them… everything he's learned extends beyond even our current understanding."
They were quiet a while, pondering and dwelling, musing in their own minds the knowledge Yugi must contain. If only he were here now.
"I believe it amusing." Mahaad said finally.
"What is that?"
"The Millennium Ring, Yugi's that is, was tortured so brutally that it became Yugis greatest challenge to overcome. But in the end it was the one to sacrifice itself to save him."
"Indeed. Yugi held a strong bond with each of them."
"I can only pray our bonds with our items can be so strong."
"I have faith they will be. The question is how much will they trust us when Thomas attacks." Atem said solemnly. Truth be told he did believe he would gain in knowledge and understanding now that he was aware of how much there was to gain, but he did not believe it would be soon enough. He feared it in fact, that they would not be strong enough to overcome this before Yugi returns. Not only did he fear that but he also was concerned with how much Yugi would be able to handle. Ideally defeating Thomas before his return would be better because then he wouldn't be putting Yugi in danger upon his arrival… but even if Yugi is involved in the battle he feared Thomas was gaining in strength too quickly. The Veil was thinning, the wall between worlds, different afterlives, the world of the living and with every ounce of damage Thomas is doing, the more chaotic it would become. He was jeopardizing existence and he must be stopped. But he feared it not being possible.
"I hear that Seto is having much luck with his. He shares common interests with those within the Rod." Mahaad said, in an almost gruff tone but to Atem this pleased him. It is relieving to hear of such success.
"Good. The Rod is one of the more powerful afterall after mine. To have it cooperating willingly will surely help us."
"Yes. I only hope the others have as much luck. I am making progress with the Ring but it is slow, weary. It would trust Yugi in a heatbeat but mine own it is undecided."
"Mine is much the same. It remembers an instance in which I once trapped a great evil within it. It seems to remember that and often has the question behind it's questions of whether I intend to do that with Thomas." Atem said. It hadn't voiced the words so much but he felt it lingering behind every curious prod and weary glance.
"I do not know of that you speak, my King. Was this before your return?"
Of course. He had spoken without thought. Mahaad was somewhat aware of how this world worked but there was much of his soul that had been guarded by the Gods. He does not completely know of the events that transpired when they were alive. He knew they had died and this was the afterlife, but in his memory the Thief King, Zorc and his King had disappeared and he did not sacrifice himself to become the Dark Magician. It was so to protect him... perhaps this was why the Ring did not trust him as such yet.
"Yes. Before I returned here. It is the reason I had disappeared. But I do not believe I would be able to do that again. In the afterlife we are our truest forms. I do not believe it would be possible to seal this evil and myself into the puzzle like last time. We would need to be in the land of the living to do so." Atem answered him wisely and he seemed to accept this without much convincing.
"I see. At the very least that means we will not be Kingless." He said lightly, bringing a smile to both of them.
"Yes..."
"My Pharaoh." A panicked voice behind them startled them. They turned to see a messenger boy baring the crest of the eastern gate. He had run here, evident by the sweat dripping down his brow. "Movement. In the eastern horizon." He panted.
"Speak clearly boy. Is it Thomas?" Mahaad asked.
"It... we think... maybe. It is a sandstorm, but there is a lone man, walking before it. We received word from, a city scout." He breathed.
"Mahaad." Atem said and at once Mahaad bowed to him.
"I will see to it." He said at once.
"I will warn the other Guardians. If it is Thomas we must stall him until the city can be evacuated." Atem said hurriedly.
It was storming. Lightning cracked like a whip and thunder threatened to rip open the night sky as rain pelted down over the city of Domino. It had been storming like this for several weeks now, non stop. Flash flooding had destroyed homes already across the world and the southern islands of Japan had already been warned several times of potential tsunami's. In other parts of the world volcano's had begun tremoring, the earth was shifting and fires raged in Australia, threatening to burn the entire east coast of the island.
In Domino though an old man sat by his grandson's bed, praying to any who would listen that he was safe and this he and his friends would return soon. It had been months since he had seen his grandson and with the world destroying itself he missed him terribly.
In his thick, aged fingers he held his Grandson's Duel Monsters deck, thrumbing through the cards aimlessly, remembering each and every time he ever played one. He couldn't help but feel that wherever his grandson was, he would need his deck with him but this was the first time he had ever found himself in trouble without it.
Another thunderstruck overhead rumbled the house, shaking the skylight above and the room lit with the lightning that whipped past.
"Yugi…" He whispered, a single tear falling down his cheek.
Another light filled the room then, but this was golden and bright and did not resonate from the outside flashes of lightning. He felt warmth enter his soul and terrified at the same time as the light blinded him.
Shielding himself from the light until he felt the world around him slip away. He floated, feeling gravity lift from him and any pain he felt fade to nothing. Warmth filled his body and slowly he looked around but all around him was a bright, pure white light and he was indeed floating.
Did he die? Was this heaven? Is that what happened? But… what happened? He felt no pain, saw only light, seemingly floated… this certainly seemed like the concept of death but … how did it happen?
"Grandpa." He turned to the voice, his heart instantly recognising it to be the one voice he wished to hear most.
Before him stood his dearest grandson, dressed in white robes adorned with gold and seemingly glowing radiantly like the white void around them. His skin appeared healthy and supple, like the day he was born and his eyes sparkled with a life he missed so much.
His heart pulled and he reached for him, half surprised when he touched him because for some reason he had a primal fear he was not really here.
He hugged him tightly, feeling his young body against his for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. He almost didn't feel real, like this was a dream but he loved every moment because his grandson was here, after too long, he was here and safe in his arms.
"My boy. I missed you so much." He cried, smelling the sweet scent of his hair. He smelled like he always did, like sandalwood and tropical flowers, the scents of africa he knew his grandson loved so much.
"I missed you too Grandpa." He said, his voice soft and heavenly, singing to him a soft calming lullaby.
One more squeeze and he let him go slightly, pulling back to gaze at his grandsons face. It felt an eternity since he saw him and looking at him now he couldn't remember when he looked so young. His eyes were just as soft and warm as they always had been but such wisdom was within he almost didn't recognise. His smile was kind and sincere but sadness was embedded behind. His rosy cheeks were soft and plump, as they had been as a boy but something heavenly was beneath the surface of his skin, something otherworldly he could not place.
"Where have you been? I've been worried sick about you?" He asked, caressing his skin like he had never done so before. Yugi leaned into his palm, pressing the back of his hand closer to him and breathing in this moment.
"It's a long story Grandpa. One I don't think you'll like. But if you'll let me, I'll show you everything." He said softly.
"Show me?" It was half a question, half a request and one smile later Yugi pressed his head to his, nose to nose and eyes closed. He relayed to him everything thats happened to him these past few short weeks that felt a lifetime for his grandfather.
He showed him the moment he was taken to the afterlife, the troubles that followed. The people he met and shortly lost. He showed him the Pharaoh and his people, his city, the Palace and everything he's seen of Egypt when it was young. He was not ashamed to show him his blossoming love for him though he hinted at how strongly their relationship grew. He showed him the battles he fought with death, the conversations with children he saved, the dealings with Osiris. He showed him the final battle with Thomas and the bargain he made with the Egyptian god of Life and Death. Finally he showed him his binding with Atem, the moment he became one with him, and his last night alive up to his very last breath.
Releasing him his grandfather could only cry as the images before him lingered and once he made it through the haze of loss he saw his grandson for what he was: a beautiful, too young, spirit. He was not dead afterall...but his grandson was.
"Then you…?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry Grandpa."
"Yugi…" Grandpa cried, squeezing his grandsons hands and bringing them to his lips.
"I know this is hard. This wasn't an easy decision to make but I couldn't deny what my heart was calling for."
"I did always tell you to follow your heart." Grandpa said through the pain. But if he had passed, then why was he here? It looked as if that man still threatened them… if he was in the afterlife when he died why was he here?
"I'm here because I love you. I can't pass on until I know you're not worrying about me. I know how much you miss me because I can feel it in your prayers. I'm here to say … goodbye."
"Yugi." Grandpa cried again, closing his eyes as the tears fell freely.
"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. You were there for me when I had no one, you taught me to be the person I am, taught me to follow my heart and always fight for what I believe in. It's because of you I am the person I can be proud of. I love you so much Grandpa. I truly do. Thank you." Yugi said gently through his own tears, touching his grandfathers cheek and wiping away his tears with a gentle thumb.
"I am so proud of you Yugi. I always have been. I am sorry to let you go but I am so proud of you. I have so much I want to say but I can't convince you to come home can I?" He asked with a weak laugh. Yugi smiled but he knew the answer already.
"It's too late for me now. Even if I could… Atem."
"I always knew you loved him. I just never knew your journey would take you back to him. I am so happy for you Yugi. Terribly sad but happy that you have found him."
"Me too. I was content with living without him but he… he's given me life… as ironic as that is."
They both laughed but it was ridden with pain and hidden sadness.
"I'll never see you again?" Grandpa asked, unable to contain the sob that followed.
Yugi's smile faltered but with a single strong squeeze to his shoulder and he took a brave deep breath.
"You never know with the afterlife. We may yet see each other again. In fact I intend to, when the time comes." Yugi said.
Grandpa nodded firmly, agreeing wholeheartedly.
"I will find you. I swear this Yugi."
"And you will be welcome… I promise."
"It's almost exciting. To see Egypt young, to meet the Pharaoh properly and the life he'll be providing for you."
"It is. But not for a while yet. You've got the rest of your life to lead." He said happily, booping him on the nose playfully.
"What is left Yugi. Though, with how the world is doing right now it may be sooner than you'd like."
"What is happening?" He asks, concerned.
"Global warming? Who knows? Natural disasters are everywhere, Yugi. I barely remember what the sun looks like."
"Hmmm." Yugi hummed, clearly troubled by this.
"I believe the state of the living world is in direct correlation of the state of the departed." Osiris sang loudly over them. He appeared out of the light behind Yugi, striking fear and awe from the old man before him.
"It's okay. This is -" Yugi began to calm his grandfather but his grandfather knew. Eyes wide and mouth a jar, he knew the god before him.
"Osiris." He breathed, bowing his head in utmost respect.
"You may rise."
"You were saying about the living world?" Yugi prompted him and he bowed his head in confirmation.
"Thomas grows in strength. You are running out of time to stop him Yugi."
"I mustn't keep you much longer." Grandpa told him softly. Yugi turned back to him, taking in one last sight of his grandfather before he sank into his arms.
"I'll make this right Grandpa. You'll be okay. I promise." Yugi said.
"I know. I have the strongest guardian angel looking over me. I love you so much my boy."
"I love you too Grandpa."
One more squeeze, one lingering moment longer and they let go.
"And don't worry about the gang. I'll make sure they get home safely and in one piece." Yugi said.
"Good. Give my best to the Pharaoh. I'll see you soon."
"But not too soon. I still wanna enjoy my honeymoon period." Yugi winked cheekily, eliciting a joyful giggle from the old man.
"Go. Go save the world my boy. Be the brightest star in the sky."
Yugi smiled and as their hands brushed apart they and the bright world they stood in faded.
Too soon… much too soon, Grandpa found himself alone in his grandson's bedroom again, the raging storm outside continuing as if no time had passed.
But now he knew. He was incredibly sad to feel the weight of this permanency on his heart but he knew now: Yugi would never return, but he was safe and happy. He had found the missing piece of his heart and now he was complete.
He could not deny he wanted him back, he had raised him since he was a child, seen him through his life and guided him through his most troubling times; but he knew that Yugi had been missing something since the Pharaoh had left. If he returned he would never be truly happy. He would smile, but there would always be a hole he would never fill. Now, at the very least, he could feel comforted knowing that his grandson had found completion.
A rumble drew his attention to the storm outside and he stood defiantly against it, clutching his grandsons deck because he knew, in a different realm, his grandson would bring peace again. He would stop this madness that gripped this world and he would save them all, as he had done many times before. This was why he could stand and be proud, confident because his grandson's spirit burned brighter than any star and raged stronger than any storm.
A/N: I'll admit that last segment made me want to cry. Tried so hard not to incase hubby thought I was a weirdo lol 3
