Really sorry for the long silence. I had to have surgery (nothing too crazy) and I was out flat for a bit so I only just got to finish this. Thank you so much for coming back despite my long absences.
Important note: I've received a few messages of people being confused by the way I'm writing Atem/Yami in this story. This is probably a problem on my part in not writing clearly, but I'll put this note here to make it official. Yami and Atem, in this story, are SEPARATE people. This is very important going into the next few chapters.
Also, I'm going off the DSOD movie in these next few chapters and I'm going to try and write it clear enough so you don't have to have watched the film, though I will suggest doing so just because the movie is awesome.
Disclaimer: Don't own Yugioh, just my OCs. Thanks to battousaisgirl16 for reading this over first.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 76
Yami wandered through the streets not paying attention to where he was going. Most spirits he passed talked about seeing Kaiba's new simulation duels. Yami didn't pause in his steps. He wasn't interested in watching Kaiba shout at a hologram of 'the pharaoh' and being told how he'd ruined Kaiba's life for the millionth time. Now he had the option to walk away, Yami took every opportunity. All of his days slid into each other enough without being stuck in a Kaiba monologue as well.
Yami tried to keep track of time between spirit and the mortal planes; trying to remember the remaining days of Yugi's senior year and predicting the time of year and what Airi would be doing now. All he succeeded in was going cross-eyed. Timeaus offered to smack his eyes back in place if they got stuck, but Yami gave up on trying to line up the two timelines. It didn't keep him from wondering about what Yugi and Airi were doing.
He knew Yugi was going to graduate soon, though Yami still didn't really understand what that meant. Something about finishing a group of requirements and progressing to another level. The closest thing he could compare it to was learning magic and progressing to a priest, but he had sat through some of Yugi's classes and none of them seemed to be teaching anything like magic. Whatever it was, it seemed to be a big deal to Yugi and his friends so he hoped they were all successful in their endeavors.
Then there was Airi. Unbidden his hand went to the cartouche pendant around his neck. It was the only thing besides memories he had to remind him of her. Why he had this reminder he still didn't know but he was thankful he had it. Atem's name had faded leaving the cartouche blank as it had been before. Rubbing his finger along the smooth surface remembering their kiss. He missed Airi so much.
He mainly spent time with members of Yugi and Airi's decks. They were the easiest to talk to, having been there or watched most of the events of the past years. But even then he couldn't really talk to them about funny stunts Joey and Tristan did or teasing Yugi about his crush on Tea or even what fall colors looked like. The closest to a normal conversion he ever had was with Mahad, but he suspected the former guardian was just happy to have someone who spoke ancient Egyptian to talk to him.
Yami's fists clenched as his mind again wandered back to his one time being summoned. Allowing himself to be pulled down into the arena and sliding into the form of the hologram. The first thing he saw was her. Her expression was burned into his mind. Confusion, fear and hope flooded her gaze. He wanted to say something, to reassure her, to explain why he was there, to say he loved her. But then he was jerked back and couldn't go back because he was a niche spell card. The rules of who could interact with the real world added to his frustration. Maybe he should go haunt Pegasus for giving him a crappy card.
Her expression surfaced in his mind. Had his going down there made things worse? Maybe he should have just been a bystander. Mystical Elf had offered to show him Airi; as her spirit monsters she could check in on her through portals or something, but he'd refused. He didn't trust himself not to try to reach out to Airi if he could see her again.
Airi; every time he thought of her his chest ached. He shouldn't even have the heart to ache, right? He could ask Mahad, but the more he learned about being a duel spirit the more he realized he was an anomaly. Everyone he met had always been a spirit or had been a living person who'd merged or been appointed. So far, none had been a soul fragment. Also the more he found out about his limitations the less he liked it. He was lucky to be here instead of his other two options, but this didn't make him feel less trapped.
So far the only changes recently were the Kaiba duels. According to the other spirits, Kaiba had been dueling in simulations for a while, but right after the tournament, he'd been dragged over to a portal by Dark Magician Girl to watch a duel. Everything seemed like a regular duel with Kaiba in his over-starched coats until Yami saw the opponent standing across from him. Seeing a computer-generated version of him fused with Yugi standing across the field was unnerving. It was like one of the other duels back home, with the spirits around him talking about how good the 'Yugi' dueled; At least something never changed. Yami watched a few of the duels, but only in the slight chance of seeing Airi. Maybe she'd taken his suggestions and given Kaiba a chance, but he secretly hoped he'd never see the two together.
Eventually, Yami couldn't watch the duels anymore and left the others to enjoy. It wasn't seeing 'himself' getting pitted over and over against Kaiba but remembering he couldn't participate.
He spent most of his time now wandering around the buildings around the arena. Smaller structures surrounded the large arena, mainly built by duel spirits who wanted to have some illusion of normal lives with homes for those who wanted them. They were spaced out to make room for the size of different duel spirits.
Yami made his way down one of the streets, his feet trodding along an unfamiliar path. He knew he wasn't supposed to take this route but didn't listen to the voice in his head that sounded strangely like Mahad. He could guess where this way led: to the barrier to the duel spirit realm. He'd seen the barrier when he'd first been created as a duel spirit, being led in by Mahad, Timeaus, and Mystical Elf into his new life.
"I suggest you don't wander outside the boundary." Mahad had said. "The only ones who can navigate the shadow." he motioned to swearing smoky tendrils lapping at the edge of Mystical Elf's protective barrier. "The only ones who can safely navigate this are Duel Spirits and Gods; those of us who were once human have to be careful because the shadows might mistake us as just souls."
"What about fragments?" Yami had asked.
The three looked at each other. "I do not know." Mahad had finally said. "I have never met one before."
Yami gritted his teeth at the memory. He'd have guessed his existence still had too many questions.
His speculations became reality as he found himself facing the barrier to the duel spirit realm. A thick translucent line in the ground kept back the swirling tendrils of grey shadows stretching out towards the horizon. Not many spirits came down here. Only the spirits that didn't have cards and low power levels hung out down there. He heard the others talking about some spirits getting jumped and energy being stolen. Yami avoided them as best he could, but for some reason today he didn't care.
He stood on the line, toes close to the barrier. So far he hadn't crossed the line. He kept telling himself nothing would happen if he attempted to leave. And if he did, it wasn't like anyone would notice. He was just a spell card that probably would never get played again. He wasn't the great Pharaoh Atem, he wasn't even the Spirit of the Puzzle anymore. Who would really notice if he disappeared?
"You never surrender." Airi's voice came from his memories almost as clear as the mind link. "I'm sure you'll find a way. You always do."
He looked into the swirling grey tendril almost expecting to see them back in the middle of the Orichalcos seal.
"And if I don't," his memory asked.
" . . . know I love you."
Again, Airi's face from her duel with Yugi resurfaced, but now he saw something he'd missed before. The other thing he'd seen on her face at that moment was relief. Relief. The relief he was alright. He took a step back. All she wanted was for him to be safe. He wouldn't disrespect her wishes like that.
A sound behind him made him turn around. A group of five spirits watched him. He'd never seen them on a card and they looked emaciated like skeletal remains moving the skin of trash bags. The leader was the biggest and his only other differencing feature was the presence of a hooked beak and disheveled feathers clinging to his body.
"You're new." the leader said. "only fools come down here."
The other spread out, spacing apart evenly to create a half-circle blocking Yami's path. Yami did his best to remain calm. He didn't know what his power level was. In the game he could summon gods, but could he hold his own in a fight?
Beak-face seemed to guess his thoughts as his grin grew wider. "Mind if we chat."
The way all five of them hungrily looked at him, Yami could guess what they wanted. He'd have to risk it.
He dashed to the side. The first goon blocked his path. Yami threw all his weight behind his punch, sending the goon sprawling. The next one came up and wrapped Yami around the middle and pulled Yami onto the ground. The rest of them were there in seconds, holding down his limb so he couldn't rise. Beak-face stood over him watching Yami struggle against the surprisingly strong bone bags.
"Hey, big and ugly." a shout came from a spot out of Yami's range of sight. Beak-face turned, and Yami's skin crawled at the grin that spread across his face. Beak-face made a series of clicking noises at his minions and two of them detached from Yami's legs to go forward with Beak-face towards the shout. Yami took a chance and shoved at the left creature, breaking its grip. Before he could turn, a fist connected with Yami's face.
The hit propelled Yami over the boundary. Shadows disbursed at the sudden disturbance as he rolled head over heels to a stop among them. Pushing himself up he looked around to see the shadows creeping back towards him. One tendril licked at his ankle. Yami winced at the electric shock. Encouraged at his pain the other shadows moved closer. A commotion off the side made him look up back to the barrier. Dark Magician Girl was still fighting the gang. Two were splayed unmoving on the ground, but she was still outnumbered and seemed overwhelmed despite her power level.
Anger ripped through him and something inside of him snapped. Energy ripped out a place inside his body and culminated at his fingertips. He rose, and the shadows dispersed. Collecting as much power as he could summon to his fingers dashed back across the boundary.
Suddenly it was hard to hold onto his power. Gritting his teeth he focused on the fight before him. Dark Magician Girl looked at him, her eyes widened and she launched into the air. Surprised the gang looked around and Yami hurled the ball of energy at the group. Causing a shock wave that knocked several of them over. Yami fell to his knees, energy drained.
"You."
The word came from the leader. Some of them looked fearful but the leader's beak split into a gleeful grin as if he'd found the best energy stash. Yami struggled to stand again but his limbs refused to move.
A roar shook the ground. Yami's head turned to see a turquoise dragon landing between him and the goons. Yami's energy completely drained and he fell back, not seeing a figure in a green dress kneeling beside him as he blacked out.
Mokuba checked the reports again. The flight was smooth and he was expected to arrive in Egypt within the hour to oversee the excavation. This time had to be it. Months of setbacks had to pay off. His brother was getting more irritated if that was possible. They had to find it this time. It was like the elements were trying to keep them from recovering this puzzle. If it was up to him, Mokuba would have left this all alone, but Seto knew best, so digging continued.
He tapped his pen on the table, gazing out the window at the expense of clouds. He didn't know how he felt about all of this. He'd had plenty of time to contemplate over these several months. Neither Seto nor Airi would explain what had happened in the Kul Elna temple, but he'd begun to piece it together.
Airi had told him Yugi had shared a body with a spirit of someone Seto kept calling the Pharaoh and he'd been sent back to the afterlife via this temple, and judging by his brother's angry dialogue during his simulations Seto wanted to bring this Pharoah back. Neither really said why, but Mokuba figured it out. He'd know Airi long enough to realize when she was masking emotions. The pauses while she spoke and a twitch at the corner of her mouth. She's basically said she and this pharaoh had a relationship. Put that with how ferocious Seto was in his simulations and Mokuba knew exactly why they were digging up the puzzle.
Mokuba could think of one good thing the pharaoh had done; he'd gotten Airi and Seto to talk again. Right after the breakup Seto basically shut down and only spent any time outside the office with Mokuba and wouldn't mention her name or let her be mentioned at all.
Had he caused it? The question again surfaced in his mind. Had he planted the seeds for the breakup? Unbidden the gnawing guilt turned him inside despite the lack of turbulence. He'd ask her about how the two of them were doing. It was childish curiosity wanting to know what a relationship was like.
"Do you kiss a lot?" Mokuba and Airi walked down the path in the park near the KaibaCorp Headquarters. Seto was in a meeting so the two decided to enjoy the sunny day.
"None of your business Mr. Nosy." she laughed messing up his hair.
"That's what all the couples on the TV do." Mokuba persisted. "And you have all those events together. You make them all jealous, don't you."
"When I get a chance to see him, maybe." Airi said.
Mokuba slowed, suddenly realizing something. "When you two get married, do I have to move out?"
Airi stopped walking. "What are you talking about?" she looked confused.
"You're going to get married one day right?" Mokuba shuffled his foot. "So when you do, do I have to move out?"
Airi considered the younger Kaiba carefully. "Why would you have to move out?"
"Your brother would be moving in, wouldn't he? You wouldn't leave him behind, right? So would I have to give him my room?"
Airi's lip twitched, but she didn't laugh. She pulled Mokuba into a hug. "There will be room for everyone, Mokuba. You won't have to give up your room."
"Good." Mokuba hugged back. "I have to be the best man. I'm Seto's brother after all."
"Slow down, Bestman." Airi chuckled. "Seto has to ask me first. Let's just enjoy today."
Airi had been very open about how she felt, but then, about several months before the breakup, she seemed to get more and more reluctant, as if not sure about it herself. She'd spent more time dueling then, and Mokuba had just assumed she was just training, but maybe he'd said something to upset her.
One thing he knew for certain. If they found the puzzle, if they brought the pharaoh back, if Seto beat the pharaoh, then maybe his brother would finally, finally reach his goals of being the greatest duelist in the world.
The other thing Mokuba knew for certain was when Airi learned what they'd done she'd probably never speak to Seto again. Or him for that matter.
The seatbelt light flashed waking him up from his musing. Mokuba looked out the window to see the vast desert below them. Letting out a long breath, he gathered up the papers he'd been working on. He didn't have time to worry about her reaction night now. Seto had a job for him to complete.
Slowly, the dark around Yami's mind lessoned. He forced his eyes open but he still couldn't focus. Shapes moved above him and Dark Magician Girl's voice chatted above him, but he couldn't focus on the words. Turning his head slightly he stared blankly off to the side trying to convince his eyes to focus. He focused on a point in the distance and stared at it, blinking every few seconds in an attempt to reset his senses. Movement stepped into his line of sight and he turned his attention to it to focus on it.
At first, he thought his vision was getting worse. The blue-green thing kept spazzing and jerking to the side. Yami blinked again and things finally focused. A few yards away a figure he finally realized was Timeaus kept 'glitching' for lack of a better term. The figure was a chimera combination of dragon scales and a man. As Yami watched Timeaus spazzed out again; hands switched to claws and scales to the skin and then back again.
Yami's stomach twisted and he closed his eyes and turned away; The dragon knights' comment about trouble changing armor suddenly made sense. He realized he hadn't seen many different costume changes for duel spirits. He hadn't picked an outfit to match his card, keeping his black tunic. Now he really didn't want to change things.
He realized Dark Magician Girl was still talking. "I'm surprised we didn't attract any attention. Sure, no one is going to miss those weirdos, but you'd think someone would notice Timeaus transforming. Not to mention having Millennium magic one the barrier. There's not a new prophecy I don't know of is there?"
Yami cracked his eyes open in time to see Mystical Elf shrug.
"Still doesn't make sense." Dark Magician Girl mused. "Tapping into past powers. That's pretty reckless. Wait . . . you awake, Yami?"
Yami tried to respond but indeed ended up groaning. He tried pushing himself up, but that only made his insides churn even more. A light squeeze on his shoulder was followed by warmth flowing through his shoulder to the tip of his limbs. The churning was lessened enough for him to sit up. Mystical Elf helped him sit up, and she gave him another look over. Yami met her eyes and she gave his arm another light squeeze.
He shook his head. "I'm alright now. Thank you."
She nodded, letting go but not moving away.
A flash of turquoise moved from his peripheral vision and he looked up in time to have Timaeus stick his face inches from Yami.
"What were you thinking?" he growled
Yami tried responding but his gaze was locked on the knight's good eye. The human iris was replaced by a gold iris split by a diamond-shaped pupil surrounded by turquoise scales spreading down his face and neck.
Mystical Elf put her hand on Timeaus' shoulder and when he looked at her she tapped her face. Grumbling Timaeus put his hand over his face and after a moment he removed his hand, his skin, and eye returned to normal, though some of the scales remained. His gaze locked back on Yami.
"What were you thinking, kid?" he repeated.
"Defending myself and Dark Magician Girl from goons."
"I saw that," Timeaus said. "I mean the glow and the eye on your forehead."
Yami's hand went to his head as if that would find the eye still there.
The dragon knight continued. "You have any idea what that means? This is supposed to be impossible. You were transformed into a duel spirit."
"But I'm still me aren't I?" Yami snapped. "You can still be a dragon when you want."
Timeaus glared at him. The girls glanced at each other.
Yami glanced around trying to change the subject. "Where are the goons?"
"I handled it."
Yami didn't dare ask him to elaborate.
The knight made a very fake sounding cough and straightened."I suggest not doing that very often. You are spit from your power source and recovery will take longer." Yami bristled at the condescending tone. Before he could think of a smart remark, Timeaus turned to Dark Magician Girl.
"Make sure he gets back to town." and he turned back to Yami. "You should talk to Mahad. He actually knows about these things." he turned and began walking away, walking along the barrier until he was out of sight.
Yami tried pushing himself up, and nearly fell over again. He had the strength but his balance was still off. Dark Magical Girl and Mystical Elf came to his side and slid under his arms. Yami didn't remember the walk talking this long to get back to the main center of town. Moving did help him get his balance and after a while, he could walk on his own though slower than he was used to.
After a while, Mystical Elf waved goodbye and walked back the way they came. Yami guessed she was going to make sure Timeaus didn't do something dumb. After walking in silence for a moment Dark Magician Girl let her breath out in a long whistle.
"Whoa. That was a crazy time wasn't it," she said.
Yami didn't say anything.
"Don't get angry with the knight." Dark Magician Girl said. "I think you scared him with that stunt you pulled."
"I wasn't pulling stunts," Yami growled. "I was trying to help you."
"I know, and thanks by the way. I think Timeaus knows that too, but he's worried about you doing something stupid."
"Why?"
"Don't quote me, but I think you remind him of him."
"How?"
"I've known him longer than you," she said. "He was pretty willing to run in the thick of it if someone was in danger. Though doing that cost him the fight." she put a hand over her eye and in a gruff voice said. "Tried to take on Dartz myself and I only succeeded in losing an eye and pausing the war for 10,000 years." she glanced around. "Don't tell him I did that."
"Did he really do that?"
"Pause the war?" she shrugged. "I think he's taking too much of the blame. I only heard him telling Mystical Elf about it once. I know, I know, I shouldn't have listened in. Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen him change into a dragon until now. I figure he couldn't do that."
"Don't you have the ability to change forms?"
"Some do. I don't, I like the way I look." she flicked her blond hair off her shoulder. "But I guess being stuck in one form for 10,000 years would have lasting effects. I don't even think I've seen Mahad change his appearance, except in his holograms of course. He always seems to have different card appearances every time he gets summoned."
Dark Magician Girl led him to a two-story building near the arena. The writing above the door frame marked it as the Magician House. Yami had been here several times but couldn't get used to the amount of noise that met them on the inside. Loud talking could be heard from several of the rooms off the main entrance coming from some of the lower-ranked 'dark magician class' spirits. Dark Magician Girl led the way up the stairs to the first door on the left and lightly tapped. Not waiting for a response she pushed it open. Yami hesitated a second until he heard the exclamation of 'knock next time' before he entered.
The room was covered in symbols and notes, some written directly on the wall, others on scraps of parchment or broken tablets. The magician's staff rested on a holder on the wall near the door along with his hat. Mahad's brown hair streamed down his back unhindered. Dark Magician Girl was already halfway through her version of the events at the barrier. Mahad's expression didn't change that much but even Yami could tell the magician wasn't pleased. Dark Magician Girl winked at Yami as she passed him disappearing out the door.
Mahad motioned for Yami to sit on one of the simple wooden stools near the wall. Yami accepted slumping down, not realizing how tired he still felt. Mahad pulled up his own stool and sat down watching his fellow spirit closely.
"Explain to me what happened," Mahad said.
Yami did his best to summarize the events of his attack and him passing him out. As he talked Mahad's brow grew more and more furrowed. When he finished, the former guardian walked over to one of the drawings on the wall. It just looked like a bunch of random symbols to Yami, but the Magician seemed to be able to derive meaning from them.
"I don't understand what happened," Yami said, mainly to himself. "I'm separated from the puzzle and my mission is over."
"We keep parts of our past self, even as duel spirits. I'm fortunate that my fusion didn't erase as much of myself as it could have."
Yami remembered the priest had fused himself with Illusion Magician. "How much of him is still in there."
"Not much I'm afraid. I am forever grateful he offered himself to save my life against Akeifa. In your case, I can only assume because you were split from the pharaoh with the puzzle, stayed inside for 5,000 years, and then used it to channel your powers, you're still made up mainly by that magic." Mahad turned back to face Yami, his expression still thoughtful. "Turning you into a duel spirit has given you a form compatible with this world, but still you have this other side of you."
Yami considered this. Even when he'd been the puzzle, there had been two sides to him. There had been the version he considered himself, containing his desires, memories, and the side he shared with his friends, but there was the side that could Mind Crush and channel powers that just 'took over' sometimes."
"This doesn't explain how I'm able to tap into some of my old powers."
"You have low powers in your current form, but the magic that made you still have a charge inside you, but no puzzle to retreat to. You're fortunate Mystical Elf was there to help your recovery."
"So don't tap into my powers unless I want a very long nap?" Yami half-joked.
The Magician didn't smile. "That, but there are greater consequences."
Yami stiffened. "Such as."
"The millennium items are separate from us. Even though I was a guardian, I can not use that power outside of a shadow game, and even then I'm at the bidding of my master. If any of the enforcers of the shadow games sense 'millennium magic appearing outside a shadow game, then they might have to seal you away."
Images of the stones in the orichalcos chamber flashed across Yami's mind. "Then why didn't they come for me today?"
Mahad considered. "Perhaps it was because activating it to defend from spirits didn't interfere with the balance."
"The balance?"
"Most of the events we spirits are a part of, such as you being put in the millennium puzzle, are taken into account when the gods let things play out. Unless you're part of a prophecy or a shadow game, you can't use your magic to interfere with someone else's fate."
Yami's heart tightened in his chest. "So, if Yugi is attacked, gods forbid, I can't do anything about it?"
Mahad nodded. "Unless you're summoned."
Fist clenched, Yami glared out the window. "There's not a lot of risk of that happening, is there. I mean, I'm not there to attract threats." he tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough.
Mahad pretended to inspect an invisible spot on his robe. "You're welcome to stay here until you get the rest of your strength back."
Yami stood. "Thank you, but I'll head home." Inclining his head in farewell, Yami walked down the stairs and out to the streets, not looking up until he reached a small building which he entered. There wasn't a marking designating it as anything special. Glancing into the first room to make sure Timaeus hadn't returned, he went into the second room, closed the door, and slumped against it.
He didn't realize he'd dozed off until he heard sounds coming from the next room. Pushing himself up he listened. He made out Timeaus' voice and since there was no answer he guessed Mystical Elf was with him. He considered going out to talk to them but hesitated. Maybe they didn't want to be disturbed.
A knock on the door made him start. Recovering from the shock he opened it to find Mystical Elf standing before him.
"Hey, can I help you?" he asked.
She motioned towards him, expression concerned.
"I'm feeling much better. Thank you again," he said.
She inclined her head. He expected her to leave but instead inclined her head to the side in the direction of the second room.
"I don't want to disturb you two," Yami said.
She raised an eyebrow and again inclined her head to the other room. The realization hit Yami and he let out a sigh.
"How do you always know?" he muttered mostly to himself.
She smiled and this time held out her hand and motioned for him to go first. Giving in, he led the way to the next room where he found Timeaus standing looking out the front window. The knight turned when Yami entered. All traces of his scales were gone and he seemed in a better mood.
"Hey Kid." he greeted. "Sorry to bother you."
Yami shrugged. "No, bother."
Timeaus looked past Yami at Mystical Elf. "Fine, you were right, as always."
Yami turned back in time to see the elf give a smile before she disappeared out of the front door.
"Did I miss something?" Yami asked.
"Rika wanted to check on you." At Yami's confused expression, Timeaus motioned towards the front door. "It's her real name. She doesn't like a lot of people using it. She thinks it's too girlish or something. I told her you'd want to rest, but she was insistent on making sure."
Yami nodded.
"Are you going to stay in the doorway all day?" the knight asked.
Starting, Yami stepped inside. The room had almost no furnishings except for some scrolls and some cushions for chairs. Most spirits didn't need sleep unless of trying experiences like his, but still, no sleeping option always seemed to stand out.
"So," Timeaus broke the silence. "You're still in one piece."
"You too." Yami grimaced at the statement.
The knight laughed. "Yeah, thank goodness." his hand went to his face as if to make sure the scales were gone. "It's getting easier to change back."
Remembering all the glitching and shape-shifting he'd seen Yami inwardly shuddered. That was quicker?
"Thank you, for helping me out," Yami said.
Timeaus nodded. "I'm sure Manya would have whooped them if we hadn't found you in time. Dark Magician Girl." he clarified.
"The others have regular names?" Yami said. "Why doesn't anyone use them?"
"Not sure really? I knew most of them before they had their card names or even the names during ancient Egypt. I assume it's a kind of status. So many spirits don't get played that emphasizing their 'official card' names is a form of respect. Sometimes I forget they don't like their original names in public."
"Makes sense I guess." Yami realized other spirits he wasn't acquainted with had used his card name more often after his summoning.
"Timaeus is my real name if you're worried now." the knight said.
"Good to know."
Timeaus looked around the room as if to find the right words. "You should be careful out there. Next time . . . well, we might not be there." he brushed turquoise bangs out of his sewn shut socket.
Remembering Dark Magician Girl's comments about the knight Yami nodded. "That might be hard for me. I don't have the best track record of staying out of trouble."
"That's an understatement."
Shouting and pounding on the door made both of them turn in time to see Dark Magician Girl come skidding into the room.
"Yami, you need to see this. Mr. Kaiba's dueling."
"I've seen it." Yami said.
"Not this one. It's not a simulation. He's at Kul Elna."
The arena floor was packed with people. Timeaus leads the way pushing through the mob, Yami and Dark Magician Girl close behind. They broke the ring of people around the duel portal and Yami stared down at the all too familiar chamber.
The chamber had looked a lot better last time he was there. Crumbled stones and ruined pillars stood around the two duelists. An odd shimmer surrounded the duelists Yami could only describe as a form of shadow magic. Kaiba's opponent had a strange device floating before him that looked like a duel-disk made of glowing cubes. Kaiba looked about the same except he'd again updated his duel-disk, looked like he'd met his match in duel skill. Yami wasn't worried. This was Kaiba; he'd find a way.
Yami's gaze strayed to the area to the side of the duelists. The platform where the millennium stone had been was in shambles. Technology stood out in stark contrast to the carved stones. A large cylindrical container stood on the platform glowing as it contained some gold pieces.
"What is Kaiba doing?" Yami said.
"Getting his butt kicked." Dark Magician Girl said. "Oh, you mean why he's there. Digging up the past it looks like."
"Why would he dig up millennium items?" Celtic Guardian said.
A realization hit him and Yami and he again studied the container. It was hard to make out what was in the container at this angle. Unless he was collecting all of them, there was only one item that needed that much space.
"He wants the puzzle." Timeaus voiced Yami's realization.
"But why?" Dark Magician Girl said. "Yami's not even in it anymore."
"I don't think he cares," Yami growled.
Rumbles followed by shouts from the spirits around them. Yami looked down and gasped. Obelisk the Tormentor tore through the floor of the chamber on Kaiba's side of the field.
"How?" Timeaus shouted. "He doesn't have that card."
It was over in a matter of seconds. Obelisk's fist smashed into Kaiba's opponent's monster. There seemed like a moment where there were still life points left, but then the portal closed.
"I guess the opponent surrendered." Dark Magician Girl said.
The crowd dispersed, everyone buzzing over the appearance of an Egyptian god monster. Yami stayed where he was, staring down at the spot the portal had been. Events started to make sense but more questions appeared. Kaiba's obsessive training started to make sense. But why was there another person able to summon shadow magic? Was there another threat to Yugi and his friends?
A hand touched his shoulder and he looked up to see Mahad standing next to him.
"We'll keep an eye on Master Yugi and the others." the magician promised.
Yami nodded. Closing his eyes he pictured his friends' faces.
"Please," he mentally said to no one in particular. "Please, be safe."
A/N: Wow, we're finally getting into the movie. I really hope I wrote this clearly. Thank you so much for reading. Please review. Take care, be safe, and God bless.