Chapter 49

Epilogue

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 43nd chapter of A Star Among Darkness, with each chapter focusing on a different POV.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend, and thank you to all my readers.

Years came and went and everyone was blessed in their own way.


Yugi became a successful game developer, even occasionally teaming up with Pegasus and Kaiba to make additions to Duel Monsters. Merina became the leading soprano at the Domino Opera Theater. As busy as their professional lives were, their lives were also happy thanks to their children. Yuichi was full of energy and took a strong interest in Duel Monsters, eventually making a deck built on strategy with a light theme. The young boy told anyone he could that he wanted to be like his father, a statement that made Yugi proud. When Yuichi turned five, the family was blessed with another child, a girl named Leila named after a character in an opera Merina did when she found out she was pregnant. Torru and Tarra were extremely proud of their family and bonded with the children, knowing they would one day go to Leila and Yuichi respectively.


Atem and Tima became celebrities in their own right. Atem continued his reign as King of Games, sometimes actively participating in tournaments and sometimes being the duelist the tournament's winner would face. Tima finished her Ripples book series and helped the books become a second movie and then a TV series. With the movie casts returning, the series took the characters into the modern world and Tima was very proud. When she was not writing and Atem was not dueling, they were happily busy with their surprise blessing: their twins Takako and Takashi who were born when Aziza was 12. They also made sure to make time for their two eldest. Aziza loved to read like in the past; however, she was not a scholar, inheriting her family's love for dueling with a magician themed deck. When Atem learned of her deck, he offered to give his Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl; Aziza said no, saying Mahado and Mana were closer to him than to her. Akihiko found a passion for music making. After learning about DJs, he threw himself into that world, often bragging about becoming as big as mainstream DJs. While his parents knew that was a difficult and winding road, they never discouraged him.


Joey and Kiko found their own paths and happiness came with them. After they married, Joey tried to make it in dueling but found himself going another way. He kept in contact with Mai, though their communications were not frequent due to her travels. While he still dueled whenever he could, he realized that his destiny was that of a police officer, especially after learning everything his father did. Kiko supported him and inherited her family's flower shop. They tried to have children of their own and had some struggles until, one day, Kiko found an amaryllis flower blooming out of season. Taking it as a sign from the planet, they tried again and, nine months later, their daughter Amaryllis was born. A year later, they had another child, a son named Sora. Joey proudly showed everyone their pictures and even named Mai their godmother, a title she held with pride. Their children became little versions of their parents: Amaryllis was mysterious with a kind heart while Sora was the personification of energy and ambition. They also inherited their father's love for Duel Monsters. Amaryllis developed a plant deck in honor of her mother; Sora made his own gamble deck to idolize his father. Earthzina and Nayru loved the children and bonded with their future guardians.


Tristan and Serenity enjoyed their lives. Because of the circumstances of Michael's birth, they could not have any more children but loved their son very much. Tristan became a motorcycle mechanic while Serenity became a stay-at-home mom, something Michael needed as he had asthma because of his premature birth. Like his father, he liked Duel Monsters but was not as dedicated as his friends'. He made a deck with his main runner being Injection Fairy Lily, feeling a special connection with the monster and his asthma.


Marik and Kamilah enjoyed their lives in Egypt. After Marik learned how extravagant weddings were and deciding with Kamilah that it was not for them, they got a marriage license and performed the tomb guardians' union ceremony. Marik opened a garage that specialized in motorcycle repair and custom bikes. Kamilah was hired at the library but also became an artist, specializing in Egyptian scenery. They soon were blessed with a little girl named Femi, who grew up to be an energetic girl. Marik was grateful that his daughter got a happy childhood and proud that Femi became a duelist with a fire deck with the Nephthys cards as her main force.


The Seien girls enjoyed their lives as well, both when they were around their friends and when they were working. Tsuki took over her family's business with Ukino as her personal assistant. She got an exclusive contract with Kaiba to provide him and his family with clothes for major events; Kisa especially enjoyed this. Crystal ran her family's shrine as a miko (shrine maiden). She often got visits from her friends' children and enjoyed their visits and questions.


Ryou and Rose happily stayed in England but still visited Japan from time to time for friends and family. Rose became a pianist, joining a studio orchestra. After realizing she was asexual, she remained single and put all potential relationship energy into her family. Ryou became a university professor, focusing on psychology and occultism. Whenever someone asked him why he chose those subjects, he always told them it was because of someone he lived with for a few years; only Rose knew he was talking about Bakura. She often asked Ryou if there was a part of him that liked the evil spirit, especially after Ryou came out as gay, but he never gave her a straight answer. Deep down, there was a part of him that did miss Bakura but he was not sure if it was genuine feelings or Stockholm syndrome. Rose suspected it was the former because, when Ryou got a relationship, it was with a guy with a dominant personality.


One day, 16-year-old Aziza was arranging her pink bangs around her face. Dressed in ripped pants and a grey crop top, she became satisfied with her hair and put on her Duel Disk. Today was the 20th anniversary of Battle City. "I'm going to win New Battle City."

Just then, 14-year-oldAkihiko stuck his head in. With his black pants, colorful shirt, and black jacket, he looked like a DJ even without the headphones around his neck. "Yo, we should get going. I need to set up."

Aziza remembered that Kaiba hired Akihiko to entertain everyone before the tournament and stood up. "All right, I'm ready to go."

She got up and followed her younger brother, smelling breakfast downstairs. As they went down the stairs, they heard happy squeals behind them. Recognizing the usual routine, Aziza and Akihiko pressed themselves against the wall. Not a second later, the 3-year-old twins Takako and Takashi ran down the stairs, yelling their heads off. Tima quickly followed them, greeting the two teenagers. Akihiko grinned. "Good times, good times."

Aziza agreed and she and her brother followed. Atem was working on breakfast and Tima was able to get the black-haired twins to sit in their chairs. Takako was swinging her legs and giving her mother a cute smile; Takashi was slapping the table to make noises and sticking his tongue out like an imp. Turning, Atem saw Aziza and Akihiko and smiled. "Good morning. Have time for breakfast?"

Aziza looked at the clock and Akihiko shook his head. "I have to set up."

Atem nodded and gave the teenagers some pieces of toast. Aziza asked, "Are you in this tournament, Dad?"

Atem just smirked. Aziza was about to ask for more when Akihiko tugged on his sister's arm. "We gotta go."

Aziza wanted to protest but knew how important this opportunity was for his brother. Once they left, Tima asked, "You didn't tell her you'll be dueling the winner?"

Atem smirked with pride. "Well…it'll be a nice surprise."

Tima smiled as the toddlers giggled innocently.


Once at Domino Square, Akihiko set up his equipment and was performing music as duelists started to arrive. Aziza was walking around the square, looking around. She saw other duelists staring at her; she knew they recognized her as the daughter of King of Games. She held her head up high, silently challenging anyone to take her on. She then noticed a slightly tanned 16-year-old girl with red hair with blond streaks wearing black pants and a red short shirt, looking around for someone. Aziza's eyes lowered to the girl's wrist with her Duel Disk and recognized the tomb guardian's bracelet. She grinned and went up to the girl. Leaning in, she uttered a loud, "Hi!"

The girl jumped in fright and turned around, glaring at Aziza with her fierce purple eyes. "Aziza, don't do that!"

Aziza smirked and shrugged. "Couldn't help it, Femi. Besides, Noa isn't here yet."

Femi blushed and looked away. "I wasn't looking for Noa. What makes you think that?"

Aziza grinned. "Come on, it's so obvious."

Femi pouted. "Anyway, how you doing? Looking forward to the tournament?"

Aziza nodded. "Of course. I have to win the same tournament Dad did."

Femi looked at her Duel Disk. "But what about me? My father was Battle City runner-up."

Aziza said nothing to this. Both of them knew it was technically Malik who was the runner-up. Before they could say anything else, Femi looked up and waved. "Hey, guys! Over here!"

Aziza looked up as a group of five came up to them. 14-year-old Yuichi smiled and bowed to the girls. In doing so, he revealed his 9-year-old sister Leila behind him. Having inherited her father's hair colors and eyes, she looked up at Aziza, as if staring at a celebrity. Aziza smiled a little awkwardly as 12-year-old Sora looked around, wildly excited. "Caleb here yet?"

14-year-old Michael laughed at his friend, only stopping when he started to cough. 13-year-old Amaryllis rubbed her friend's back. "You okay, Michael?"

The brunette got out his inhaler and took his medicine, settling down. "Yeah…yeah, I'm fine."

Amaryllis gave her honey-blond brother a look. "You know you can't get Michael excited like that."

Michael blushed at the blonde's fussing as Sora quickly said, "Sorry, Michael. But where's Caleb? He said we would have a date while watching the first duel!"

Yuichi crossed his arms and teased, "I still can't believe your dads' haven't broken you two too."

Sora put his arms on his hips and puffed his chest. "No one can stop true love!"

Before Yuichi could answer, Leila tugged on his sleeve. "I'm going to Akihiko."

Yuichi nodded and kept an eye on her until he sat her sit on the platform. Michael looked at Akihiko and smiled. "He's getting good. That demo he gave us really rocked."

Everyone agreed. Amaryllis was about to say something when they could hear a motorcycle approaching. Aziza sighed in amused annoyance. "I guess Noa is coming."

Everyone laughed, knowing that Noa loved to make an entrance in his motorcycle. There was a certain sparkle in Femi's eyes, something only Aziza noticed. Yuichi decided to take his friends to hang out with Akihiko once the tournament started and joined Leila at the platform. Aziza looked up in time to see Noa pull up with Kisa and Caleb in the sidecar. "Shall we go say hi to your future hubby?"

As Caleb got out and ran up to kiss Sora, Femi blushed but followed Aziza up to the Kaiba teenagers. They came close enough to hear Noa say, "Akihiko is getting pretty cool."

Aziza said with pride, "Of course. He is my little brother after all."

Noa looked up to see Aziza and Femi. Aziza noticed the little blush on Noa's face, which she knew was because of Femi. Deciding to distract him, Aziza smirked. "So, Noa, ready to get your butt whipped?"

His blush fading, Noa smirked at his friendly rival. "Not today. Today is the day I finally beat you!"

Aziza scoffed. "As if!"

Kisa went up to Femi and had a small conversation; Noa and Aziza did not hear them, more focused on each other. Just then, fireworks went off, officially starting the tournament. Aziza and Noa stood tall and looked at each other. Noa stated, "You know what they say, Aziza. When two Duelists lock eyes…" he activated his Duel Disk, "…they must battle!"

Aziza smirked. "Taking a page out of your dad's book, huh?" She activated her own Duel Disk. "Then bring it on, Noa! I'll prove today once and for all that you will never beat me!"

As their Life Points were set at 4000, a crowd started to circle them. Aziza thought about her father and even got a small flashback to her family and Royal Court in Ancient Egypt. 'I will make you all proud today.'

Throughout the city, their parents and their parents' friends thought about them, now carrying on the tradition that brought them together all those years ago. As had happened many times before, the tournament truly started by Noa and Aziza shouting, "DUEL!"