Yugi's POV
"Yugi."
… no. I'm tired.
"Yugi, wake up."
… why?
"Yugi. Yugi please."
I'm so tired. Why is Tea waking me? Am I late for school? But Temmy would wake me… or Grandpa.
"I dun wanna." I mumble, turning over away from her and taking the blanket with me. Just as I settle though I feel a rumble so strong it shakes the house. The earth is trembling. What in the world is happening?! An earthquake?
I jolt up quickly, looking around hastily with my heart pounding. I remember now too. I'm in Kaiba's house. I was napping and Atem told me he would wake me if anything happened. Now the world is trembling … ah! But where is Atem?
"What's happening?" I ask urgently.
"About time. Come on. We have to go." She says quickly, grabbing my arm and forcing me to get up.
"Whats going on?" I ask again only before she can answer there's another quake and we both fall over. I help her but its not until the tremors stop are we able to get back up.
This is bad. Whatever is happening sounds awful. I just want to know where everyone else is. What is happening?
"Its… Bakura. We think. Everyone else is waiting for us but there are monsters everywhere. We're not safe here."
Wait… what?!
"Monsters? What?" I ask but she grabs my arm and drags me with her.
We run towards the front door when a deafeningly loud crash paralyses us both and the world shakes out from under us. It all happens so quickly. Instinct has me pulling her to me and protectively shielding her from any debris falling around us. Squeezing my eyes closed I hold her, praying and hoping that we'll be okay because there's nothing else I can do. The rumbling goes on forever and I feel so exposed to anything. We could be crushed at any moment but soon the violent air around us slows down and the dust settles on top of us. The rumbling whittles down to nothing and slowly I look around us, coughing against the dust I'm forced to breathe.
I can't believe my eyes. I my hand over my mouth because I can't close it. My mind is racing to catch up with whats around us… or rather whats left.
We're safe. Whatever happened upstairs fell before us but not close enough for the debris to hit us. The second floor has just fallen down, leaving a large hole in the roof and the sky above visible to us. Our way is blocked. We can't get to the front door from here but we can still get out of the house but still we're frozen. The sky… its dark but not because if the night. In fact with how light the sky itself is it must be hearing late afternoon… but the monsters. The smoke and the monsters flying around are blanketing the sun and making it appear later than it is.
Looking around us now I can see the rest of the house seems fine but given the state of the room above us it might not stay that way for long. We have no idea how that happened, and I dont know where everyone else is. We can't stay here gawking. We need to move.
"Tea, are you okay?" I ask her, helping her to stand. She seems shaken but not injured. Good.
"Yes. I can't believe what's happening." She says, her voice shaking a little bit.
"We have to find everyone. Where are they?" I ask.
"They were outside. The explosions started not long ago. We went outside to see thousands of monsters flying around. They started attacking everything. Marik used the Rod to protect us and Atem made a portal to help get everyone somewhere safe. I came back to get you."
"Then let's find another way through." I say strongly. We should be able to get around the front from the back I'm sure but as I turn to run I hear a voice shouting from the other side of the debris. A voice my heart responds to immediately and together we run to the blockade. Part of the floor and ceiling has completely blocked our way. We could climb this but it'd be too dangerous. If we were struck or the debris collapsed. Its too dangerous to climb over. But Atems on the other side calling for us. At least he's okay.
"TEA?! YUGI!?"
"ATEM!" We call back, trying to find the weakest area.
"YUGI! ARE YOU OKAY?"
"WE'RE FINE! NOT HURT. ARE YOU OKAY?" I call back. I think its weakest here but we're not safe. If the house is attacked again we're gonna have to move.
"YES, WE'RE FINE. YUGI I NEED YOU TO FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE. I CAN OPEN A PORTAL TO YOU BUT I NEED TO GET EVERYONE SAFE FIRST. CAN YOU LOOK AFTER YOURSELVES FOR A BIT?"
"YES OF COURSE. GO. WE'LL BE FINE. JUST BE CAREFUL. PLEASE. PLEASE BE CAREFUL." I call out to him and wait for his response anxiously.
"WE WILL. I'LL SEE YOU SOON. I PROMISE JUST HANG TIGHT." He calls back. I wish I could see him but I need to be patient.
"Yugi we should move." Tea says, tugging at my arm. I agree. We need to go. Atem….please be careful.
I take her hand and together we run away. No where we go is completely safe. The house runs a risk of collapsing but outside we run the risk of getting directly attacked. The house is safer but where?
"The basement?" Tea suggests. Its not a bad idea but if we get trapped… Atem will need to find us. He's going to anyway… okay.
I let her take the lead. I've got no idea where it is but as we run the house rattles again and more of the roof collapses before us, blocking our way yet again. I shield her of course but more and more I think the house won't last much longer. Sure Kaiba's mansion is big but clearly its a target for these monsters. We need to get out.
"We have to get outside." I say, grabbing her hand and making a run for the back door. No matter what happens I must protect her and I must have faith in my friends. Atem will rescue us and we'll be together again to figure out what the hell is happening.
Another crash and my puzzle vibrates violently. Instantly I come to a sudden halt with enough speed Tea crashes into me but I force her to crouch down just in time for me to raise my shield. Immediately I feel something collide with the top of it and for a moment it puts a strain on my mind but I must keep it up.
"Yugi!" Tea squeals, clearly frightened but it serves to make my shield stronger. I need to protect her.
"We're okay." I reassure her, cracking my eyes open to gaze upon the golden shield that is quickly becoming familiar to me. Whatever happened though left us with nowhere to run. All around is debris and fire. The mansion is barely standing but here, in this pyramid shield we are okay. Bricks, concrete, furniture and god knows what else falls onto the shield and slides down around us until there's nothing above us to fall. Our only way out now is to either wait for Atem or climb but I can't risk us getting separated. I can't protect her if I'm not with her.
"What do we do now?" She asks, getting up to stand. Its safe enough now, but I dont let the shield down. Its too dangerous to let my guard down.
"We should stay here. Atem won't be long and I can't protect you if we start climbing."
"But Yugi… how long can you keep the shield up?" She asks me. Her eyes are wide and I can see how frightened she is. My heart goes out to her and for the first time ever I actually feel like her protector. She's always got my back no matter what and I've always had someone else protecting us but now, in this moment, I'm protecting her. I can do this. This shield isn't as stressful on my mind as it has been in the past. It only hurts when something tests it. We should be okay…
"We'll be fine. I promise." I say to her, giving her a reassuring squeeze of her shoulder.
"It's cute you think so!"
My skin chills. My spine tingles. My nerves leave me at the sound of that voice. We turn to it and see Bakura being carried by DiaBound where the roof used to be. They're hovering over us menacingly. We're safe in my shield but still I put myself between him and Tea. If anything happens to us I will not be letting her get hurt.
"Bakura." I growl.
"Yugi…" Tea whimpers behind me.
"You stole something of mine and I've come to collect." Bakura snarls. Does he not realise the other Items aren't here anymore? Or has something happened to them? Is Atem unable to get them out?
"If you want them you're gonna have to go through me first." I bark at him. If they need more time I will give it to them. There's no chance I'm letting him get them, or my puzzle. This ends now.
"That's the idea." He sneers before DiaBound raises his fists and slams them down upon my shield. My head feels like I've just been smacked with them but I put all my spirit into maintaining the shield as he pushes on its edges. He's so strong I am quickly forced to my knees but I am not giving up. I can't give in.
"Yugi!" Tea's frightened. I need to keep her safe. Atem, where are you? I really need you right now.
All of a sudden the pressure is released as some form of heat races over the shield to collide with DiaBound. I can breathe again and let my mind relax a little bit. The shield remains but I can look to where it came from to see Atem and Marik standing in the entrance of a white shimmering portal. Thank the Gods they're here!
Marik is holding out the Rod, eyes square on Bakura but it occurs to me now they aren't protected. If I can get over there we'll be safe.
"Tea, run to them." I order her. She hesitates but I need to concentrate.
"What?! Yugi, you're coming with me." She argues. I don't have time for this.
"I am but I need you to run now." I snap at her. I feel the energy of my shield swirling as I imagine its flow. It originates from each of the 5 points but I need it to travel faster. I need to speed up its course.
She understands and runs, easily passing through its walls and making a run for them. I sense the Rings intent. I sense Bakura reeling to strike. Just a few more seconds.
…
Now!
Mentally grasping at the inner walls of the shield I force it to turn itself inside out, making its energy burst from its faces to blast Bakura with pure golden energy. The bright, hot light is enough to blind him and his pet and it gives me enough time to run back to them safely.
Yes! We're safe!
"NOT THIS TIME!" Bakura screams just as my fingers brush and slide off Atems! No! My legs come out from under me and as I fall I'm rapidly swept up into the air by my ankle.
"YUGI!" I hear Atem shriek, his voice ringing loudly among the rushing air. Screaming as the world races past me I feel whatever it is that has my leg let me go and I continue flying.
I manage to see enough to know I'm flying outside, hurtling towards trees at an alarming rate. I cant stop myself! I'm going too fast! I'm gonna die here! Oh my god!
"NOOOOO ATEHHHMMMMM!" I scream at the top of my lungs. Everythings merging together! I'm pretty sure my hearts no longer beating! I'm gonna die! No no no no no no.
I brace myself on instinct but the collision with the tree knocks every ounce of air out of my lungs. I wrap around the trunk brutally and feel my body crumpling painfully before I roll down and land upon the ground with a heavy thud.
My body hurts and it takes a moment to get my breath back but to my relief I'm not as hurt as I thought I'd be. I was dead for sure but thankfully the Puzzle came through for me again and softened the blow.
"Yugi!" I hear Atem scream and see him climbing the debris but Bakura and DiaBound is already closing in on me. He's got one target and I'm it! I need to run.
Hastily I pick myself up only I'm struck with a jolt of pain in my side that forces me back down. This isn't good. If I can't run I can't escape.
"TIME TO GIVE UP YOUR PUZZLE YUGI!" Bakura shrieks. DiaBound lifts his fists to smash down upon me and I force myself to fight through the pain and roll away from the attack. The ground trembles but I can't stop now. I roll onto my legs and sprint off. Every right step stings like I've been stuck with something. Its difficult to breathe but I need to keep running. I don't know where but I can't fight him like this.
"RUN AS FAR AS YOU LIKE, YUGI! I WILL STILL KILL YOU!" Bakura's too close.
DiaBounds tail comes crashing down before me, stopping me in my tracks and forcing me to turn only he grabs me in his fist, squeezing me like I was some kind of cloth! Whatever pain I felt before gets worse and again I can't breathe. It doesn't last long as he throws me again, this time tossing me straight to the ground. Like before my Puzzle is there for me, softening the blow but its getting difficult to remain coherent. The world is spinning and my legs are heavy. It hurts so much to breathe and I'm starting to taste copper in my mouth. This isn't good. If I don't take refuge soon at least to pull myself together I'm screwed. Bakura means business. He's not here to play games. He's here to kill. He is not getting his hands on my Puzzle. No matter what happens I must keep it from him. If I die here, I need to make sure he doesn't take it.
"BAKURA, ENOUGH!" Atem shouts loud enough the heavens roar. That's it! Atem! If I can get my Puzzle to him then he teleport out of here and the Key should protect him from being detected. Even if I die here then the Puzzle should re-ally itself to Atem. Of course I'm not hoping to die here but its not looking good.
"ATEM!" I shout to him. Kicking off the ground I try to reach him. He's sliding off the debris and onto the field. I just need to get close enough to him.
"YUGI!"
"WAIT YOUR TURN PHARAOH! I'LL BE WATCHING YOUR LIFE FADE FROM YOU SOON ENOUGH!" Bakura screams.
"YUGI LOOK OUT!" Atem's scream makes me turn. DiaBound is right above me. I can't escape this one. Puzzle, don't fail me now. Protect me!
I protect myself behind my arms and just as I'd hoped my Puzzles shield blocks his attack but the force is immense. I'm forced to my knees almost instantly and I can feel the ground beneath me being pushed by my shield. I can't… keep this up. I could push another attack at him but this pain… its too hard. I can't move. I need help.
"ATEM HELP ME!" I shout out desperately. I dont know what he can do but even if it's a distraction. Please! I don't want to die here!
"BAKURA!" I recognise that voice. It's Marik!
I feel his attack falter and the explosions come from balls of golden light. It's not enough though. My shield… is breaking! What?! Its cracking! No! I didn't know it could break! Shit what do I do?!
Atem… I'm… sorry.
The shield shatters into millions of glittery stars. The blast is bright and after a slight delay the force of it sends me flying.
Every ounce of my body is in pain. I feel my mind slipping. My spirit feels like it's been scorched and torn to ribbons. I can barely see the world or feel if I've landed or not. I can't make sense of anything. One moment I'm fleeing Bakura, the next I'm floating in water with the sun shining brightly and Atem by my side. We're at a beach… the sky is so blue… and the water feels so nice. We should stay here. Forever.
"...gi."
He sounds so far away. I can see him hanging above me, smiling sweetly. He's wet. Water drips down his face onto mine. He must have been swimming. I wish … I could see that.
"Yu.." I watch his lips move, but he's not using his voice. Why isn't he talking to me? Is he playing a game with me? Am I supposed to guess?
All of a sudden he hugs me. I feel like I could drown but if its with him I'm not afraid. I feel so safe here in his arms. What could possibly threaten us here? Its beautiful here.
"Temmy?" Strange… why do I taste metal and why do I feel heavy? Is it cause he's on me? He lifts himself up and smiles down on me. His eyes are so gorgeous. "Stay here… with me. Forever. Lets just stay here." I say. Its difficult for some reason. It feels like I'm wearing a brace around my chest.
"Yugi no… stay with me." He sings to me. He sounds… strange. Why is he sad? I thought he'd like this. A beautiful beach, no threats, just us… its perfect. We'll live here forever. We'll grow old together. I can see us clearly, dueling well into our older years. He'll get to have a good life. I'm going to graduate and design games while he makes a living off duelling. He'll propose to me in Egypt, his homeland and we'll marry in some other romantic country. Our friends will be there and we'll be happy. Forever. We'll be so happy. Finally. He'll live in peace with me by his side and we'll prosper together.
So… why is he sad? The smile he wore is now a look of horror. He looks so afraid. The water dripping from his face isn't from the oceans water … they're his tears. Why is he crying?
I reach for him but my hand feels like it's made of iron. It's so heavy. His cheek feels so far away.
"Yugi…"
"Why… are you… crying?" I ask him. I feel so tired. I don't know if I'll be awake to hear him.
"Yugi, please. Stay strong. Stay with me." He cries, almost desperately.
I feel pain. My ribs… my lungs. They hurt. But not as bad as his tears. He can't cry now. It hurts more than anything. I don't want him hurt. I want that future. I want to live with him until we're old. I want him to marry me. I want him!
Ow… ow! Oh my god what's happening? I feel so much heat filling me up. It's like I swallowed the sun! What is this?! Atem! Help me!
Atem's POV
All of a sudden the light that bursts through his Puzzle is blinding. It forces me off him never mind how much I need to hold him but as the light fades I see him… standing. He...he's standing. But how? He was so injured. He shouldn't be standing.
"Yu-Yugi." I whimper. I quickly rise to face him but I'm so afraid of what I see. Or what I don't see. He's… his eyes. They're pure gold and burning like white fire. His hair is also a flame and he radiates such power I've never felt before. Its likely he's not even my Yugi anymore but his pure spirit. No! No he can't be a spirit! He can't die here! No!
"No matter what power you tap into, it will never be enough to save the ones you -"
"Be silent." Yugi's voice is gentle but firm, echoing off the heavens to ring in my mind. Several voices join his melody as if he is not alone in his body. Given the souls within the Puzzle its possible but … no I just want my Yugi back.
"HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME!" Bakura shouts angrily. He shoots a beam of light from his Ring but Yugi's not able to bring up a shield. I must protect him!
"NO!"
I shove him out of the way as the beam fast approaches. I dont want to die here but I must protect him. His life is worth a thousand of mine. I vowed I will protect him and I will! Yugi! Please forgive me!
"Stop this." Yugi's voice rings in my ears like a choir and when I look I see him standing defiantly against Bakura's attack. His hand is outstretched, seemingly collecting the power of Bakura's attack. He looks so calm though. He appears unharmed. In fact… wait. That glow. His chest is glowing. The wound is … healing. It burns just like his eyes and the fabric around it is disintegrating into the wind. His wounds are healing! This is… incredible! Is this the Puzzle? Please let it be the Puzzle, or the gods or something. Yes!
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT?!" Bakura shouts angrily. I've never seen him so rattled. He looks about ready to pop a vessel.
"You need to stop." Yugi says. He closes his fist and the attack stops. Bakura is paralysed in fear but Yugi is indifferent. He seems completely unmoved.
"Yugi?" I ask him. I'm almost afraid of his answer. Will he recognise me? It seems like everything about him is burning away.
He turns to me and smiles softly. His eyes though… I miss the purple. This gold is beautiful but it's not my Yugi. Who is this?!
"I want that future… with you." He says softly, almost dreamily. He brush his hand under my jaw lightly before turning his attention to Bakura.
"ATEM! IS EVERYTHING ALR-" Ryou's voice trails off. They must have found another way around but they clearly see what I see: Yugi trouncing towards Bakura calmly. Its almost terrifying, or would be had I been in Bakura's position. Calm, passive anger is the scariest and Yugi's visibly burning.
"What happened?" Joey asks me absently. We're all mesmerised by him now.
"He… umm… Bakura… "
"Right."
I'm glad he understands…
"What are you doing? STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Bakura shouts. He's panicking. He's actually terrified. I almost feel bad for him… almost. Behind me each of his friends mumble in awe and confusion, just watching as Yugi stalks his prey.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Bakura commands. DiaBound reels back to pounce on him only this time I'm not worried. The power Yugi exudes is beyond belief. I dont even think the Gods could stop him now. But I do worry. What will happen to him? Will he be okay? 'I want that future… with you.' … what did he mean by that?
"Yugi's gonna get squished!" Joey reels. Marik joins us now to watch.
"No… I think Yugi's fine." He says quietly.
And he is. DiaBound torpedos to him but Yugi merely waves his hand and he disappears into smoke. It was so effortless. Just like that DiaBound is no more. Bakura's panic is borderline hysteric. Desperately he activates the Ring to disappear but a single click of his fingers brings him right back. Bakura's at his feet now, scrambling to get back up but Yugi touches him: two fingers to his forehead and in that moment Bakura's freezes and a short moment later slowly falls to his knees. His hands fall limp beside him and the only thing keeping him up is Yugi's touch.
They remain there… unmoving and unnervingly still. I'm not sure what to do. I dont know whats happening or if it's safe to approach.
"Yugi…" Joey whispers.
"C'mon buddy." Tristan follows. Thats enough.
I race to him but as I get there I'm still unclear if I should touch him. He seems to be in a complete trance and Bakura's not much better. I'm afraid if I touch him I could hurt him but … what do I do? How do I stop this?
"What is happening?" Tea asks.
"I believe this might be the true might of the Puzzles Power all concentrated within Yugi." Marik says.
"My Pharaoh." Ishizu says beside me. Her tone brings me to look at her and her expression is unreadable. Her Millennium Neclace stops glowing and she gives me a kind smile.
"He needs you to guide him back or he may be lost to the Puzzle, forever."
Guide him back? I look back at him, at his vacant shining eyes and see now, indeed he looks lost. Disregarding his fire I touch his cheek and guide him to look at me. He's like a mannequin: easy to move and seemingly lifeless but that's not right. Reality is he is teeming with it. This fire, this power is life in its purest form. I just need to guide him back through it.
"Yugi." I say to him, reaching for his soul within. He flinches. He's listening but he's not here yet. "Come back to me. Let this go. Let this go and come back to me. We can chase that future, together." Tears form in my eyes but I push past them. I miss him so much, I just want him back to normal now. He sighs and Bakura falls limp to the ground. His eyes are closed and he seems… younger but Yugi's my concern. After a moment his light pulses and then ebbs away. Slowly his fiery hair loses its flame and his energy calms down. His eyes dim and close as his body falls into mine. I catch him and ease him down to lay against me. Soon the glow of the Puzzle fizzles out and he sleeps in my arms like a newborn baby. His breathing is calm and as I check him over I see no sign of bruising or stress. His ribs which had been bleeding badly earlier are scarless under his shirt. Even the blood staining his clothes had been burned away. He's completely unharmed. Incredible. Simply incredible!
"Yugi?" I call to him but he remains asleep. His breathing comes out in short little rasps and looks to be completely at peace.
"Is it over?" Joey asks.
I notice Ryou approach Bakura and I watch nervously. If he wakes up now I'm not sure what we can do. But Ryou checks the pulse at his neck, then his wrists and then with more haste listens for a heartbeat and only when he sits back do I realise… he's gone. Bakura's… gone. Its over. Whatever Yugi did to him ended his life.
"He's dead guys." Ryou says absently and in disbelief. He laughs then, but it's pained and relieved all at once. Finally, after so many years of torment he is free of his haunting steps. Finally, after Millennia Bakura is no more.
"The Ring!" Joey exclaims quickly and Tristan is quick to snatch it up from around his neck.
Ishizu gently takes it from him and after a long moment sighs.
"I believe it is at peace. I sense no evil within it."
Thats it then. It's finally over. I … I dont know how to feel.
I feel like laughing.
I feel like crying.
I feel like jumping for joy.
I feel like going to sleep.
I feel like eating and I feel sick.
Yugi sleeps soundly in my arms. Completely limp like a rag doll. His head is lazily propped against my chest and he feels so nimble and small now compared to the strong being he was a moment ago.
"We should probably get him to the hospital. He might need help." Tea suggests though even she sounds unsure. I agree though. If anything their scans can tell us more about his condition.
"Hey guys. The monsters are going." Tristan shouts. Looking above us I see he's right. Their terrorism is over now that Bakura is dead and they're willingly leaving through portals of their own. I see smoke pillars rising from the city and an ominous orange glow too. The city was not left alone in this battle but at least they're leaving now. Kaibq certainly won't be happy when he finds his house like this.
"What's that?" Ryou asks. I see something black in the sky flying towards us and red blinking light beneath it. As it gets closer I can make out the whirling blades and the sound of its engine following it. Its a helicopter… Kaiba's!
We are either about to be in big trouble or saved and I dont know which one.
"HEY! DOWN HERE!" Joey shouts and the others help in waving it down.
I protect Yugi from the wind, shielding him from as much harsh gusts as possible until it finally lands on the lawn.
"Hey! Is everyone alright?" Mokuba calls loudly as the side door opens. Thank heavens its Mokuba, though his brother may yet be inside.
"Mokuba! Mind giving us a lift to the hospital? Yugi's hurt!" Tristan calls out to him.
"Sure, lets go!"
"Wait. Marik, Tristan. If I could ask for help. We mustn't leave Bakura here." Ishizu says. I see no reason we should bring him with us. He's dead and after all he's done doesn't deserve our kindness.
"Wait what? Why?" Tristan asks, appropriately uncomfortable.
"Sister, did you see something?" Marik asks.
"Yes. Yugi will require his presence in the near future."
Yugi will… that means he'll wake up and soon, right? Thats good. If Yugi needs him then so be it.
"Wait… Tristan. Take Yugi. I'll help with Bakura." I say to him before pushing Yugi into his arms. I feel no joy doing this as I lift Bakuras weighty arms around my neck but if it for Yugi … Marik helps me and we are off. We are settled in the helicopter and soon flying away from the mansion and over the glowing city of Domino.
I can see the destruction left in Bakura's wake. The buildings no longer there, the roads that are torn up. Car accidents and fires are dotted everywhere. There must have been many casualties and many more injuries. I wish there was more I could have done to prevent this but it all happened so quickly. We couldn't prepare for this sooner. We knew Bakura would strike but we didn't know he would attack the whole city.
For now all we can do is take solace that it is over now. Yugi ended it. He almost died… infact I think the reason the Puzzle activated the way it did is because maybe he did. But he's alive now and I'm going to get him the help he needs.
"We'll take him to KC clinic. He'll get the best and quickest help there. The hospitals are filling up fast … "
Mokuba keeps talking but I'm just glad he's going to get help.