Author's Note : Phew! *wipes sweat from forehead* That was long. This is
where all the action and drama come in. I can't believe I used myself in
this story as the person being kidnapped. Oh, well.
Again, a disclaimer. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.
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Chapter 3 - Yugi's Past
The next day, Grandpa called Yugi and Yami to his room. When Yugi and Yami got there, Grandpa told them to sit down on the bed. Grandpa then pulled up a chair and sat down in front of them.
"So, Grandpa, what do you have to tell us that is so really important?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, what is it, Sugoroku?" Yami added.
"First thing is that Yami, I feel uncomfortable when you call me by my real name. You can still just call me Grandpa, even though you're not my real grandson. We can't jeopardize your identity, remember?"
Yami nodded. "Okay. I'll stick to my old ways."
"Second end of business, Grandpa?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, the second part. Yugi, I don't know how you'll take this news, so that's why I asked Yami to stay here with you. I know you clearly stated yesterday that you were old enough to understand the truth, so I decided to tell you what you want to know."
"But what is it? It's okay, I know I'll be able to handle it." Yugi said. "Go on."
Grandpa hesitated and then started to speak. "Yugi, this is about your parents and your true identity."
"What do you know about my parents, Grandpa? Please tell me!" Yugi persuaded.
"Well, you do know that your father was my son. You also know that you look more like your father, but you had your mother's spirit and personality."
"Yes.." Yugi said.
"Ah, what were their names? I don't know who your parents were, Yugi, because you never told me about them. Even the smallest piece of information, you never told me." Yami added.
"Their names were Miyako and Hiroshi. Yugi, your mother was the most beautiful woman in town. Everyone envied your father because he got the prettiest girl. But he didn't take your mother as his wife because of her beauty. He married her because they were so in love. I remember that he always came home to me and your grandmother when he was 16 telling me many things about Miyako. Everyday was unbearable. Your mother and your father were lovers since they were 10, but never started dating until they were 14. Anyway, they were both 25 when they were married. A year after they were married, Miyako announced she was pregnant. And, obviously, that baby was you, Yugi."
Yami kept such a firm grip on Yugi that Yugi thought that he was about to crack, more like a lemon having the juice squeezed out of it. He then added, "That means that his father is my great great great great great great great.oh you know. But he was a grandson of mine then."
Grandpa continued. "Your parents were so excited. As was I. Since your father was the oldest of my two sons, you were my first grandchild. But you turned out to be my only. 8 months after, my younger son, your uncle Miroku, died in a car accident. Your parents were extremely devastated because he was basically their best friend. But when you were born, all of our sorrow left us. I believe that is all you need to know about why and when they married and what happened...oh. Your mother had beautiful dark black hair that had a slight wave to it and fell to her waist. She had brilliant violet eyes, same as your father, and was very smart. Your father, on the other hand, he looked just you. No changes. You are the living image of your father. Only you are smarter. Good thing you didn't inherit his stupidity." Grandpa said. He laughed and went back to his serious self.
"Grandpa, why aren't they here now, then?" Yugi asked.
"I was kind of afraid you would ask that. Yugi, when you were 5 months old, someone broke into your house while you were all sleeping. Your father heard something and got up to see what happened. Your father had caught the burglar and fought with him. The burglar turned out to be your father's enemy, Mikosha Crawford. In the confusion, Crawford pulled out a gun he had hidden in his pocket and shot your father. His original plan was to kidnap you, but your father risked his life to save you. Sadly, he died the next day. Your mother was devastated at your father's death. When he died, it seemed like he took your mom's soul with him when he died. But she couldn't give up her life because she was the only one left for you. 3 months later, she could bear it no longer. She accidentally took an overdose of one of her medications for her emotional stability and died in her sleep. I remember that she left a note in your crib for you and said in the note she left for me to give it to you when you were older. Here." Grandpa gave the envelope he was holding to Yugi. Yugi noted that it was still in good condition. "I never even read this note. She wanted you to try and find out about your parents. She wanted you to learn about your past. Please open it. Even I am eager to find out what she said."
"Yugi, do you want me to do it instead of you?" Yami asked.
"No. It's all right. I can do this." Yugi opened the envelope and unfolded a letter written on cream-colored stationary that had the monogram "M" on it. A picture fell out of the letter and onto the floor but Yugi didn't bother to pick it up. He started to read the letter out loud.
" 'Dear Yugi, I'm so sorry about what I'm about to do. I can no longer bear living without your father. It has been only 8 months..but I can't take it anymore. I've left you in the care of your grandfather and I know he will raise you to be a young man. I'm so sorry that I won't be able to be there for you. You are my hope, pride, and joy. I have cherished the short time we had together. Even though I won't be around, my spirit will be within you. I know that in the future you will find this letter. Don't worry, someone will come to guide you in the future. Remember me. You'll always be in my heart. Like my song says, "When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on." I'll be watching you grow into the man that your father and I dreamed you would become. I love you, Yugi. Signed, Mother." Yugi looked up from reading the letter and was already crying when he finished. He handed the note to his grandfather and Yami then wrapped his arms around Yugi and held him tight. Yugi cried on Yami's shoulder, staining the navy blue uniform he was wearing with his tears while Yami stroked his hair and 'shhh' ed him. Yugi broke away from Yami and wiped away his tears. Grandpa then got up and gave his grandson a hug.
"Well..at least I know what happened to my mother and father." Yugi said. Yami and Grandpa nodded. Yugi bent down to pick up the picture on the floor. It was a picture of him when he was a baby with his parents. Yugi stared at it and another tear fell down his face. He took out his wallet and placed it beside the pictures with his friends, the single picture of Yami, and the picture of his grandfather.
"I know it is shocking, Yugi, to find out this way, but your mother and father would have wanted you to know sooner or later." Grandpa said.
"I know it'll be hard for you to deal with what you just heard, Yugi. But don't forget that you have you friends, me and Grandpa to help you get through this. We're here for you-always." Yami said. Yugi nodded and the three of them embraced, Yami and Grandpa trying to assure Yugi that it'll be all right. Yugi thought, "I finally found a piece of the puzzle Yami was talking about. I just hope I can put it all together soon." He sighed and sank into Yami's arms, wondering what he should do from there.
Yami let go of Yugi and then said, "Come on, Yugi. We have to go to school. Everyone is probably waiting for us. Excuse us, S-I mean, Grandpa." Grandpa nodded to them and said, "Okay. Yugi, we'll talk more later and I'll answer all of your questions. I promise." Yugi nodded back to him and followed Yami out of the room.
When they got to school, Joey, Tristan, and Bakura were waiting for them. Joey was the first to speak up.
"Where were you guys? We've been waiting here for an hour!"
"Hey, take it easy, Joey. We were just having a talk with Grandpa. That's all. Where's Téa?" Yugi asked, noticing that his girlfriend was missing.
"Dunno. Maybe she's sick or something." Tristan said. He looked at Bakura and said, "Have you seen her anywhere, Bakura?" Bakura just shrugged. At that moment, Yugi got a call on his cell phone from Téa. The problem was, it wasn't Téa who was speaking when he answered.
"Hello, Téa? Where are you?"
"Yugi! Don't listen to him! Ahhhh!" she screamed. A voice was laughing in the background.
"Téa!" Everyone jumped at Yugi's words. They all turned to look at him. "Téa, ANSWER ME!"
"Ha. Téa. Téa's no longer here!" Yugi recognized the voice. 'But it can't be.' he thought. 'He was sealed into the Shadow Realm!' He stood there, petrified and stuttered into the phone, "YAMI BAKURA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!?" Everyone gasped. Yami stood, frozen in fear, his eyes turning cold.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't little Yugi. I thought I had finished you all off before. Yami is dead and you don't have anyone to protect you anymore. Now I will eliminate you all, one by one, starting with your most beloved friend, or should I say.girlfriend." He laughed menacingly while Téa screamed. Yami Bakura still didn't know that Yami was still alive.
"What do you want from me? Don't hurt Téa. I'll do anything.."
"Anything? Give up your life to save her? Fine, so be it. Come to the old warehouse tonight. Bring nothing but the Millennium Puzzle. One more word to you, Yugi. I may be known as Yami Bakura and as a thief, but I am also known as...none other than Mikosha Crawford, Maximillion Pegasus' evil brother. Yes, I am Pegasus' brother. His real name is Pegasus J. Crawford, and that's why I'm just like him. Sadly, my brother didn't finish the job that I asked him to do to you while his Duelist Tournament was underway. But I have something different planned. I've finished off your parents and your so called 'brother' and now I will finish you once and for all!!!! Now if you want to see your friend again, meet me at the designated time and place with my prize or she will die. Hear her last words now!"
"NO! YUGI! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! IT'S A TRAP!" Yugi heard Téa's voice, then Yami Bakura's voice. "Be quiet, you silly girl, or you friend will suffer." But she wouldn't give in. "YUGI! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! HE'S GOING TO..ohhhh." Unknowingly to them, Téa had fainted, inhaling the chloroform that Yami Bakura had poured onto the cloth that he cupped around her nose and mouth. "Now you see what will happen. See you later. Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Yugi stood there, shaking in fear. There was nothing in his eyes, he looked like his soul had just been extracted from his body. Yami was the most concerned. He ran to Yugi and started to shake him out of it.
"YUGI! WHAT HAPPENED??? What does that foul simpering devil want from you again? What did he do to Téa?? Yugi, please answer me!" Yami said. Yugi didn't say anything. Joey stepped forward and knelt down next to his best friend and said in his gentle voice, "Yugi, can you hear me? Please tell us what happened. We are here to help you. Remember what you told me, best friends are always there for each other. Please let us help you." Yugi came out of his trance and said, "Yami Bakura wants to kill all of us. Yami, he doesn't know that you're still alive. He has Téa. He wants me to give up my Millennium Puzzle in exchange for her life. What am I going to do? Téa is in danger." Yugi said, sobbing into Yami's shoulder once again. 'I have to admit, Yami is right. I am too over emotional.' he thought. He quickly pulled away from his 'brother'.
"Don't worry, Yugi. We can figure this out." Yami reassured him.
"Yes, and you won't be alone." a voice said. They all turned and saw Seto Kaiba and his brother standing there behind them all. Joey was not at all pleased.
"What do you want, Kaiba? You wanna cause more trouble?" Joey asked, threatening him.
"No Joey. I want to help look for Téa. I promised that you would be compensated for all of your trouble for saving me and my brother." He put his arm around Mokuba, who was looking up at Seto, smiling at his brother for his generosity. "And now I will. So, can I help?"
Yugi looked up at Yami. Yami nodded and said, "Okay, Kaiba. We'll need all the help we can get." All of a sudden, they just noticed that Joey was gone because it was too quiet. Everyone started searching around the school, inside and out, but no sign of him. Five minutes later, Yugi and Yami were patrolling the outside, looking behind trees and bushes, but they found no sign of Joey.
"Yami, I don't see him. Great. First Téa and now Joey. It can't get any worse." Yugi said.
"I'm not so sure, Yugi.." Yami said.
"What do you mean? What can't be." and all of a sudden, Yugi tripped over a rock and landed face down, "worse?!" Yami ran up to him and tried to help him get back on his feet. When Yugi got up, he looked down to see what he tripped on. A rock and ...
"Yami! A letter!" Yugi picked it up and read it to Yami. " 'My first attack failed, my second won't. The pharaoh may be alive, but he won't live longer. Prepare yourselves, because I have gotten much stronger. You will all fall, starting with the stupidest of all.'" Yugi looked up from the letter and saw Yami put his finger up on his chin, trying to think.
"Yugi, if Yami Bakura has Téa in the warehouse, then Joey must be there too. We have to tell the others!" Yami and Yugi ran to find the others and agreed to meet each other at Kaiba's mansion.
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Téa woke from her deep sleep and thought she was still dreaming when she saw Joey tied up in a chair next to her. "Joey?"
Joey turned to her and said, "Téa! Finally, you came around."
Téa nodded to him and suddenly started asking many questions to him. "Why are you here? How did you get here? What happened to the others? How is Yugi? Did he have an emotional breakdown? How is Yami? Is he under any stress? In a nutshell.how and where is everyone?"
"Oh, Téa. You worry to much. Yami Bakura put chloroform on a cloth and I inhaled it. That was an accident. Before I passed out, Kaiba showed up with his brother and offered to help us search for you. Or should I say us. But, they're probably looking around the school by now. Yugi's fine, but, yes, he did have an emotional breakdown. Everyone is worried about you, especially Yami and Yugi." Téa saw he was trying to break the ropes that tied him up to a chair connected to a post. Téa's hands were tied up and hanging above her head. She didn't know what to do and was worried. Worried what would happen to them, worried about what Yami Bakura would do to them, and most of all, worried about her friends. Téa then looked at Joey and said, "Hey! Where's Yami Bakura?"
Joey jerked his head to the left at the room where Yami Bakura was located. "He's making another letter to them and another threatening phone call. It won't be long now, Téa, 'til they rescue us. Don't worry."
Téa sighed and said, "I hope that you're right, Joey." She began wondering what was taking them so long. Meanwhile, Yami, Yugi and the others were discussing their plan to rescue Téa and Joey.
"We can't be sure. He might take one of us next." Seto pointed out.
"Big brother, I'm afraid. Don't let him get me." Mokuba said. He then shook his head and gave it a second thought and replied back, "No! I'm not afraid! We can get them back without no one getting hurt. Right?"
"I'm not so sure, Mokuba, but I won't let them get you!" Seto said.
"Okay. We have a plan. We stay here until he tries to make a move on us. Then, we attack and rescue." Yami said. Yugi nodded at him.
"Why don't we take watch? This way we'll know if anyone is coming." Tristan suggested.
"No way! I already have bodyguards who are guarding this house. No one gets in here unless they get past them first." Seto countered.
The phone rang. It was Yugi who answered it. "Hello?"
"So, little Yugi, will you come? I'll give you until tomorrow night and after that, say goodbye to your friends."
"Wait!" Yugi yelled, but Yami Bakura hung up on him. Yugi slammed the phone down on its charger and sat back down in his chair with an angry look on his face.
"We have until tomorrow night to carry out our plan. This is it, you guys." Yugi said.
"Don't worry, Yugi. I'm trained to fight." Tristan and Seto said together.
"Just fighting alone won't work." Yami spoke up. "Yugi, you saw my first battle with him. It took more than just fighting for me to beat him. The only way is to learn your skills that you possessed in ancient Egypt. In more simple words, my time."
"What do you mean?" Tristan asked.
"What I'm saying is that for example, I already know my powers and I possess magic. You, Tristan, were my bodyguard in my past life. You were known as Honda then. You need to discover your specific fighting skills. You have to remember your training." Yami turned to face Seto and Bakura. "You two were my best friends in my past life. Seto, you were known as High Priest P. Seto and you too possessed fighting skills. By the way, Téa was your wife at that time." Seto began to blush a deep red. Yami then continued. "She was known as High Priestess Anzu after she married you."
Seto gulped and managed to croak, "What? She married me?" The young man wasn't caught off guard too often, and this was one of those times.
"Yes, she did. Ahem. She possessed the power to meditate and levitate because she and my wife Leah always practiced with each other and Anzu developed that power. Bakura, you were known as High Priest Bakura and although you too were a high priest, you possessed a different power. Yours was similar to my magic. You had the power to heal anyone automatically and had the power of summoning and having visions for the future." Yami said.
"Hey! How come Bakura gets better powers than me?" Seto complained.
"Because he had a realm. The gods had chosen him. You were still very special then, Seto, with or without powers like Bakura's." He turned to face Mokuba and Yugi. "Mokuba, you had no power at that time, but you were High Priest P. Seto's brother." Mokuba smiled at his brother and said, "Hear that, Seto? I was your brother, even in ancient times."
Yami then turned to face Yugi and said, "Yugi. You too didn't possess any powers then, but you were my son in that time. You were still a baby then. In my past life, that is." he added hastily, suddenly remembering what they had talked about that morning. "But your expected power is body, courage, and heart. Unlike the others, you have already discovered your powers now. The Millennium Puzzle helped you do that. By the way, Joey was my wife's bodyguard, known as Jou, and he possessed the same skills as Tristan did."
"So you're saying that we have to discover our powers again to defeat Yami Bakura." Tristan asked. Yami nodded.
Yugi got up and clenched his fists and spoke to all of them "Yami Bakura will pay. He killed my father and took my mother's faith and hope away. I will count on it and see to it personally." Yami looked at his brother and said, "Yugi, what are you talking about?"
"Yami, do you remember what Grandpa said about Mikosha Crawford? Yami Bakura is Mikosha Crawford and Pegasus is his brother. That's right, Pegasus. Pegasus' real name is Pegasus J. Crawford and that's why they both want to kill me so much."
Just then, one of the windows shattered and a note attached to a rock landed on the floor with a loud crash. Yami ripped off the note from the rock and skimmed through it quickly while Tristan muttered, "So much for an expensive window." Yugi then grabbed the note away from Yami and read it out loud.
" 'Watch out, you fools, for my next victim is not tall, but he is the youngest of them all.' Very ironic." Yami stifled a laugh after listening to what Yugi read. "Shut up, Yami." Yugi said. "So, who is the youngest?" he asked sarcastically.
"Well, there are two possibilities. One, it could be you, Yugi, because you were the youngest in Egypt and because you are the youngest in the our regular group. Two, Mokuba could also be a possibility, since he is the youngest one here. So this means we have to protect you both." Yami said. Everyone nodded and continued with their planning. As the minutes went by, Yugi thought about his two friends. 'I hope they're okay. I just couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of them. You'll pay for this, Yami Bakura. This will be my revenge for my friends and my parents. I swear on it.' he thought, staring out of the window.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- Outside of Kaiba mansion, a shadow emerged from behind the tree. "Little Yugi. You are such a fool, just like your meddling father. You and the pharaoh will meet your doom tomorrow. Enjoy yourselves while you can, for I'll be back!" With that, the figure then vanished into the night. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
//Aibou, why don't you get some sleep? You need your rest.//
/But Yami, I'm not tired yet./
//You're acting like you're two years old again.//
/Oh no, I feel a story coming up./
//Oh, Yugi. But I mean it. I remember you were always telling your grandpa that you're not tired and when you always refused to take a nap, Grandpa wound up carrying you. I guess it was against your will.//
/Yeah, but that was when I was three. I'm fifteen, so can't you let me choose when I go to sleep?/
//I agree with you, but I insist. You have to do a lot of things tomorrow and you need your energy.// /But, Yami./
//See? You're doing it again. Don't make me carry you out of here in front of everyone.//
/../
//So?//
/Oh, all right. I might be next tomorrow, so if I don't have enough energy to fight back at Yami Bakura for my revenge, then I'm doomed./
//Don't worry. I'll protect you. He won't lay even a finger on you while I'm still alive.//
/Yeah, but make sure you don't get hurt. You haven't fully recovered yet./
//My injury will definitely not slow me down. Not while my brother and his friends' lives are at stake.//
/Thank you, Yami. You know, I kinda like having an older brother. Especially if it was you, Yami. It was never fun to be alone. Unless I was solving a puzzle or mastering another game. That was my companion./
//But you got me, now. I'm actually starting to consider really being your older brother, especially when I have to keep my cover. Oh, shoot, I just blew it today.//
/Blew what?/
//I told Seto, Bakura, Tristan, and Mokuba that I had a past life. They didn't know what I was talking about, but they understood what we had to do to defeat Yami Bakura.//
/Oh, okay. Well, I'll take your word for it./
Yugi yawned.
//You should get to bed now.//
/But I'm not tired./
//You're doing it again.//
/Aww, Yami./
//I'm your brother and I command you. If I don't see you in your assigned room in five minutes, you are in big trouble, mister.//
/Aren't I always? I'll go now, but I gotta say, you're beginning to act like Seto now./
//I've learned from him, so what can I say? Now scoot.//
/Okay. Goodnight, Yami./ Yugi paused and said something else to him that he never said to Yami ever. /Love you./ 'Why did I say that?' he thought.
//I heard that. Your link to me is still on, so I know what you're thinking. You said that because you meant it. It was from your heart. And, Yugi, I love you too. Goodnight. I'll be doing some patrolling tonight, it's my shift first, so if you need anything, just call on me here.//
/Okay. Thanks, Yami. Goodnight./ Yugi broke the link and then told everyone, "I think I'll turn in now. I got a long day ahead of me."
Seto then spoke up. "Maybe Mokuba should go with you, Yugi. He has to have his rest to gain enough energy for tomorrow. Just in case." Seto looked at Mokuba.
"But, Seto, I'm not tired yet." Mokuba replied. Yugi looked at Yami and smiled at each other.
"You heard me, young man. Now get to bed." Seto turned to Yugi and added, "You don't mind do you, Yugi? Can you just escort him to his room?"
"No problem. Come on Mokuba, our brothers want us to go to bed, so let's go." Yugi took a hold of Mokuba's hand and he and Mokuba smirked at Yami and Seto, who looked at each other and then replied at the same time, "It's for your own good. We'll be on guard duty just in case tonight, so if you need anything, just call on us."
"Okay." The two proceeded upstairs and continued to walk through the long hallway when Mokuba suddenly broke the silence by asking Yugi a question that he wasn't expecting to be asked.
"Yugi, do you remember your parents?" Yugi suddenly stopped walking and let go of Mokuba's hand.
"What makes you ask that?"
"Well, see that picture over there?" Mokuba pointed to the paining over to Yugi's left. "Seto told me that the man and woman there were our parents." Yugi observed the painting and looked at the two people in it. Mokuba's father looked extremely like Seto, with the same hair, blue eyes, and same look on his face, only much nicer, and Mokuba's mother had black hair that curved at the end and the same dark eyes and gentleness that Mokuba had.
"Wow. I see where the resemblance comes in." Yugi said. He and Mokuba sat down on the chaise lounge on the other side of the hallway that faced the painting.
"I know. But that painting was painted by Pegasus himself. He used to be good, not evil, and without his Millennium Eye. He was really handsome then when he was younger and every single girl fell for his good looks and smarts. But he only loved one girl and she loved him back. Her name was Cecelia, and she was a beauty because she looked like Mai, but only with much fairer blonde hair. Like Pegasus, all of the men wanted her hand, but she only loved Pegasus. He painted many pictures of her and his family happened to be a friend of ours. One day, Pegasus proposed to her and they got married. They were a happy couple but one day Pegasus' beloved Cecelia took ill and died five days later. That's when Pegasus changed sides. He had lost the one woman he loved and she was his light, soul, and heart. That's what happened. That painting over there is the couple." Mokuba pointed to the painting next to it. Pegasus was wearing a tuxedo and looked so handsome at that time. His wife was wearing a blue silk dress with pink lining. Mokuba was right, she did look a lot like Mai.
"Mokuba, how do you know about this?"
"Seto knew the young Pegasus and knew his girlfriend, too. He told me this story. So, do you remember your parents?"
"Well.." Yugi took out his wallet and pulled out the picture he had received earlier. He gave it to Mokuba to look at it. "These are my parents. When I was less than one year old, Yami Bakura, otherwise known as Mikosha Crawford, murdered my father and my mother died of heartache three months after my father died. She didn't want to leave me, but she couldn't take the pain anymore. "
"I'm sorry, Yugi. My parents are dead, too, remember? I know how it feels only having your brother or other relative taking care of you instead of your real parents." Mokuba said. Yugi nodded. "Come on, Mokuba. Let's get to sleep before those two look for us again." They proceeded down the hallway and went their separate ways. When Yugi got to the room, he wondered what his parents were like when they were alive. 'I don't know that, so maybe I'll ask Grandpa about it after all of this is over.' he thought to himself. Yugi then drifted into an uneasy sleep, wondering if his two best friends were okay.
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"Hey, Yami?" Seto poked him in the shoulder because he was falling asleep.
"Mmmm?" Yami answered.
"I'm just wondering.what would you do if Yugi was next to be kidnapped by Yami Bakura?"
"Me? Of course, I'm going to go after him. I'll kill Yami Bakura for any harm he placed on Yugi. I made a promise to him that I would never leave him, that I would always be there for him, that I would protect him always and everywhere. So far, I haven't failed him. That's why I have this injury. Does my promise sound familiar?" Yami said.
"Yeah. I made the same promise to Mokuba. I only failed him once." Seto clutched the card locket he was wearing around his neck and continued, "But Mokuba wasn't disappointed in me. He knew I had done my best to get him back and he was still proud of me."
Yami nodded. "If Yugi was out of my life, I would die. He is one of my most treasured. If I ever failed him, I would be so upset that I couldn't do anything to help him that I would be as stiff as a statue. But I swear to never let him out of my sight, especially at a time like this when all of our lives are at stake. No one who tries to kill Yugi will ever lay a finger on him, not while I'm alive."
Seto nodded to him back. "Same here. I admit, Yami, that I admire you for your courage and determination. Let us put aside all of our differences and call a truce. Friends?" He held out his hand and Yami shook it.
"Yes, Seto. Now we are friends. But promise me that you'll try to be friends with Joey." Yami gave him a look.
"Okay. I'm starting to like him." Seto and Yami smiled at each other. "I hope we'll be able to stop Yami Bakura before he gets our brothers."
Yami nodded in agreement. "I hope so too."
Again, a disclaimer. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.
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Chapter 3 - Yugi's Past
The next day, Grandpa called Yugi and Yami to his room. When Yugi and Yami got there, Grandpa told them to sit down on the bed. Grandpa then pulled up a chair and sat down in front of them.
"So, Grandpa, what do you have to tell us that is so really important?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, what is it, Sugoroku?" Yami added.
"First thing is that Yami, I feel uncomfortable when you call me by my real name. You can still just call me Grandpa, even though you're not my real grandson. We can't jeopardize your identity, remember?"
Yami nodded. "Okay. I'll stick to my old ways."
"Second end of business, Grandpa?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, the second part. Yugi, I don't know how you'll take this news, so that's why I asked Yami to stay here with you. I know you clearly stated yesterday that you were old enough to understand the truth, so I decided to tell you what you want to know."
"But what is it? It's okay, I know I'll be able to handle it." Yugi said. "Go on."
Grandpa hesitated and then started to speak. "Yugi, this is about your parents and your true identity."
"What do you know about my parents, Grandpa? Please tell me!" Yugi persuaded.
"Well, you do know that your father was my son. You also know that you look more like your father, but you had your mother's spirit and personality."
"Yes.." Yugi said.
"Ah, what were their names? I don't know who your parents were, Yugi, because you never told me about them. Even the smallest piece of information, you never told me." Yami added.
"Their names were Miyako and Hiroshi. Yugi, your mother was the most beautiful woman in town. Everyone envied your father because he got the prettiest girl. But he didn't take your mother as his wife because of her beauty. He married her because they were so in love. I remember that he always came home to me and your grandmother when he was 16 telling me many things about Miyako. Everyday was unbearable. Your mother and your father were lovers since they were 10, but never started dating until they were 14. Anyway, they were both 25 when they were married. A year after they were married, Miyako announced she was pregnant. And, obviously, that baby was you, Yugi."
Yami kept such a firm grip on Yugi that Yugi thought that he was about to crack, more like a lemon having the juice squeezed out of it. He then added, "That means that his father is my great great great great great great great.oh you know. But he was a grandson of mine then."
Grandpa continued. "Your parents were so excited. As was I. Since your father was the oldest of my two sons, you were my first grandchild. But you turned out to be my only. 8 months after, my younger son, your uncle Miroku, died in a car accident. Your parents were extremely devastated because he was basically their best friend. But when you were born, all of our sorrow left us. I believe that is all you need to know about why and when they married and what happened...oh. Your mother had beautiful dark black hair that had a slight wave to it and fell to her waist. She had brilliant violet eyes, same as your father, and was very smart. Your father, on the other hand, he looked just you. No changes. You are the living image of your father. Only you are smarter. Good thing you didn't inherit his stupidity." Grandpa said. He laughed and went back to his serious self.
"Grandpa, why aren't they here now, then?" Yugi asked.
"I was kind of afraid you would ask that. Yugi, when you were 5 months old, someone broke into your house while you were all sleeping. Your father heard something and got up to see what happened. Your father had caught the burglar and fought with him. The burglar turned out to be your father's enemy, Mikosha Crawford. In the confusion, Crawford pulled out a gun he had hidden in his pocket and shot your father. His original plan was to kidnap you, but your father risked his life to save you. Sadly, he died the next day. Your mother was devastated at your father's death. When he died, it seemed like he took your mom's soul with him when he died. But she couldn't give up her life because she was the only one left for you. 3 months later, she could bear it no longer. She accidentally took an overdose of one of her medications for her emotional stability and died in her sleep. I remember that she left a note in your crib for you and said in the note she left for me to give it to you when you were older. Here." Grandpa gave the envelope he was holding to Yugi. Yugi noted that it was still in good condition. "I never even read this note. She wanted you to try and find out about your parents. She wanted you to learn about your past. Please open it. Even I am eager to find out what she said."
"Yugi, do you want me to do it instead of you?" Yami asked.
"No. It's all right. I can do this." Yugi opened the envelope and unfolded a letter written on cream-colored stationary that had the monogram "M" on it. A picture fell out of the letter and onto the floor but Yugi didn't bother to pick it up. He started to read the letter out loud.
" 'Dear Yugi, I'm so sorry about what I'm about to do. I can no longer bear living without your father. It has been only 8 months..but I can't take it anymore. I've left you in the care of your grandfather and I know he will raise you to be a young man. I'm so sorry that I won't be able to be there for you. You are my hope, pride, and joy. I have cherished the short time we had together. Even though I won't be around, my spirit will be within you. I know that in the future you will find this letter. Don't worry, someone will come to guide you in the future. Remember me. You'll always be in my heart. Like my song says, "When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on." I'll be watching you grow into the man that your father and I dreamed you would become. I love you, Yugi. Signed, Mother." Yugi looked up from reading the letter and was already crying when he finished. He handed the note to his grandfather and Yami then wrapped his arms around Yugi and held him tight. Yugi cried on Yami's shoulder, staining the navy blue uniform he was wearing with his tears while Yami stroked his hair and 'shhh' ed him. Yugi broke away from Yami and wiped away his tears. Grandpa then got up and gave his grandson a hug.
"Well..at least I know what happened to my mother and father." Yugi said. Yami and Grandpa nodded. Yugi bent down to pick up the picture on the floor. It was a picture of him when he was a baby with his parents. Yugi stared at it and another tear fell down his face. He took out his wallet and placed it beside the pictures with his friends, the single picture of Yami, and the picture of his grandfather.
"I know it is shocking, Yugi, to find out this way, but your mother and father would have wanted you to know sooner or later." Grandpa said.
"I know it'll be hard for you to deal with what you just heard, Yugi. But don't forget that you have you friends, me and Grandpa to help you get through this. We're here for you-always." Yami said. Yugi nodded and the three of them embraced, Yami and Grandpa trying to assure Yugi that it'll be all right. Yugi thought, "I finally found a piece of the puzzle Yami was talking about. I just hope I can put it all together soon." He sighed and sank into Yami's arms, wondering what he should do from there.
Yami let go of Yugi and then said, "Come on, Yugi. We have to go to school. Everyone is probably waiting for us. Excuse us, S-I mean, Grandpa." Grandpa nodded to them and said, "Okay. Yugi, we'll talk more later and I'll answer all of your questions. I promise." Yugi nodded back to him and followed Yami out of the room.
When they got to school, Joey, Tristan, and Bakura were waiting for them. Joey was the first to speak up.
"Where were you guys? We've been waiting here for an hour!"
"Hey, take it easy, Joey. We were just having a talk with Grandpa. That's all. Where's Téa?" Yugi asked, noticing that his girlfriend was missing.
"Dunno. Maybe she's sick or something." Tristan said. He looked at Bakura and said, "Have you seen her anywhere, Bakura?" Bakura just shrugged. At that moment, Yugi got a call on his cell phone from Téa. The problem was, it wasn't Téa who was speaking when he answered.
"Hello, Téa? Where are you?"
"Yugi! Don't listen to him! Ahhhh!" she screamed. A voice was laughing in the background.
"Téa!" Everyone jumped at Yugi's words. They all turned to look at him. "Téa, ANSWER ME!"
"Ha. Téa. Téa's no longer here!" Yugi recognized the voice. 'But it can't be.' he thought. 'He was sealed into the Shadow Realm!' He stood there, petrified and stuttered into the phone, "YAMI BAKURA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!?" Everyone gasped. Yami stood, frozen in fear, his eyes turning cold.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't little Yugi. I thought I had finished you all off before. Yami is dead and you don't have anyone to protect you anymore. Now I will eliminate you all, one by one, starting with your most beloved friend, or should I say.girlfriend." He laughed menacingly while Téa screamed. Yami Bakura still didn't know that Yami was still alive.
"What do you want from me? Don't hurt Téa. I'll do anything.."
"Anything? Give up your life to save her? Fine, so be it. Come to the old warehouse tonight. Bring nothing but the Millennium Puzzle. One more word to you, Yugi. I may be known as Yami Bakura and as a thief, but I am also known as...none other than Mikosha Crawford, Maximillion Pegasus' evil brother. Yes, I am Pegasus' brother. His real name is Pegasus J. Crawford, and that's why I'm just like him. Sadly, my brother didn't finish the job that I asked him to do to you while his Duelist Tournament was underway. But I have something different planned. I've finished off your parents and your so called 'brother' and now I will finish you once and for all!!!! Now if you want to see your friend again, meet me at the designated time and place with my prize or she will die. Hear her last words now!"
"NO! YUGI! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! IT'S A TRAP!" Yugi heard Téa's voice, then Yami Bakura's voice. "Be quiet, you silly girl, or you friend will suffer." But she wouldn't give in. "YUGI! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! HE'S GOING TO..ohhhh." Unknowingly to them, Téa had fainted, inhaling the chloroform that Yami Bakura had poured onto the cloth that he cupped around her nose and mouth. "Now you see what will happen. See you later. Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Yugi stood there, shaking in fear. There was nothing in his eyes, he looked like his soul had just been extracted from his body. Yami was the most concerned. He ran to Yugi and started to shake him out of it.
"YUGI! WHAT HAPPENED??? What does that foul simpering devil want from you again? What did he do to Téa?? Yugi, please answer me!" Yami said. Yugi didn't say anything. Joey stepped forward and knelt down next to his best friend and said in his gentle voice, "Yugi, can you hear me? Please tell us what happened. We are here to help you. Remember what you told me, best friends are always there for each other. Please let us help you." Yugi came out of his trance and said, "Yami Bakura wants to kill all of us. Yami, he doesn't know that you're still alive. He has Téa. He wants me to give up my Millennium Puzzle in exchange for her life. What am I going to do? Téa is in danger." Yugi said, sobbing into Yami's shoulder once again. 'I have to admit, Yami is right. I am too over emotional.' he thought. He quickly pulled away from his 'brother'.
"Don't worry, Yugi. We can figure this out." Yami reassured him.
"Yes, and you won't be alone." a voice said. They all turned and saw Seto Kaiba and his brother standing there behind them all. Joey was not at all pleased.
"What do you want, Kaiba? You wanna cause more trouble?" Joey asked, threatening him.
"No Joey. I want to help look for Téa. I promised that you would be compensated for all of your trouble for saving me and my brother." He put his arm around Mokuba, who was looking up at Seto, smiling at his brother for his generosity. "And now I will. So, can I help?"
Yugi looked up at Yami. Yami nodded and said, "Okay, Kaiba. We'll need all the help we can get." All of a sudden, they just noticed that Joey was gone because it was too quiet. Everyone started searching around the school, inside and out, but no sign of him. Five minutes later, Yugi and Yami were patrolling the outside, looking behind trees and bushes, but they found no sign of Joey.
"Yami, I don't see him. Great. First Téa and now Joey. It can't get any worse." Yugi said.
"I'm not so sure, Yugi.." Yami said.
"What do you mean? What can't be." and all of a sudden, Yugi tripped over a rock and landed face down, "worse?!" Yami ran up to him and tried to help him get back on his feet. When Yugi got up, he looked down to see what he tripped on. A rock and ...
"Yami! A letter!" Yugi picked it up and read it to Yami. " 'My first attack failed, my second won't. The pharaoh may be alive, but he won't live longer. Prepare yourselves, because I have gotten much stronger. You will all fall, starting with the stupidest of all.'" Yugi looked up from the letter and saw Yami put his finger up on his chin, trying to think.
"Yugi, if Yami Bakura has Téa in the warehouse, then Joey must be there too. We have to tell the others!" Yami and Yugi ran to find the others and agreed to meet each other at Kaiba's mansion.
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Téa woke from her deep sleep and thought she was still dreaming when she saw Joey tied up in a chair next to her. "Joey?"
Joey turned to her and said, "Téa! Finally, you came around."
Téa nodded to him and suddenly started asking many questions to him. "Why are you here? How did you get here? What happened to the others? How is Yugi? Did he have an emotional breakdown? How is Yami? Is he under any stress? In a nutshell.how and where is everyone?"
"Oh, Téa. You worry to much. Yami Bakura put chloroform on a cloth and I inhaled it. That was an accident. Before I passed out, Kaiba showed up with his brother and offered to help us search for you. Or should I say us. But, they're probably looking around the school by now. Yugi's fine, but, yes, he did have an emotional breakdown. Everyone is worried about you, especially Yami and Yugi." Téa saw he was trying to break the ropes that tied him up to a chair connected to a post. Téa's hands were tied up and hanging above her head. She didn't know what to do and was worried. Worried what would happen to them, worried about what Yami Bakura would do to them, and most of all, worried about her friends. Téa then looked at Joey and said, "Hey! Where's Yami Bakura?"
Joey jerked his head to the left at the room where Yami Bakura was located. "He's making another letter to them and another threatening phone call. It won't be long now, Téa, 'til they rescue us. Don't worry."
Téa sighed and said, "I hope that you're right, Joey." She began wondering what was taking them so long. Meanwhile, Yami, Yugi and the others were discussing their plan to rescue Téa and Joey.
"We can't be sure. He might take one of us next." Seto pointed out.
"Big brother, I'm afraid. Don't let him get me." Mokuba said. He then shook his head and gave it a second thought and replied back, "No! I'm not afraid! We can get them back without no one getting hurt. Right?"
"I'm not so sure, Mokuba, but I won't let them get you!" Seto said.
"Okay. We have a plan. We stay here until he tries to make a move on us. Then, we attack and rescue." Yami said. Yugi nodded at him.
"Why don't we take watch? This way we'll know if anyone is coming." Tristan suggested.
"No way! I already have bodyguards who are guarding this house. No one gets in here unless they get past them first." Seto countered.
The phone rang. It was Yugi who answered it. "Hello?"
"So, little Yugi, will you come? I'll give you until tomorrow night and after that, say goodbye to your friends."
"Wait!" Yugi yelled, but Yami Bakura hung up on him. Yugi slammed the phone down on its charger and sat back down in his chair with an angry look on his face.
"We have until tomorrow night to carry out our plan. This is it, you guys." Yugi said.
"Don't worry, Yugi. I'm trained to fight." Tristan and Seto said together.
"Just fighting alone won't work." Yami spoke up. "Yugi, you saw my first battle with him. It took more than just fighting for me to beat him. The only way is to learn your skills that you possessed in ancient Egypt. In more simple words, my time."
"What do you mean?" Tristan asked.
"What I'm saying is that for example, I already know my powers and I possess magic. You, Tristan, were my bodyguard in my past life. You were known as Honda then. You need to discover your specific fighting skills. You have to remember your training." Yami turned to face Seto and Bakura. "You two were my best friends in my past life. Seto, you were known as High Priest P. Seto and you too possessed fighting skills. By the way, Téa was your wife at that time." Seto began to blush a deep red. Yami then continued. "She was known as High Priestess Anzu after she married you."
Seto gulped and managed to croak, "What? She married me?" The young man wasn't caught off guard too often, and this was one of those times.
"Yes, she did. Ahem. She possessed the power to meditate and levitate because she and my wife Leah always practiced with each other and Anzu developed that power. Bakura, you were known as High Priest Bakura and although you too were a high priest, you possessed a different power. Yours was similar to my magic. You had the power to heal anyone automatically and had the power of summoning and having visions for the future." Yami said.
"Hey! How come Bakura gets better powers than me?" Seto complained.
"Because he had a realm. The gods had chosen him. You were still very special then, Seto, with or without powers like Bakura's." He turned to face Mokuba and Yugi. "Mokuba, you had no power at that time, but you were High Priest P. Seto's brother." Mokuba smiled at his brother and said, "Hear that, Seto? I was your brother, even in ancient times."
Yami then turned to face Yugi and said, "Yugi. You too didn't possess any powers then, but you were my son in that time. You were still a baby then. In my past life, that is." he added hastily, suddenly remembering what they had talked about that morning. "But your expected power is body, courage, and heart. Unlike the others, you have already discovered your powers now. The Millennium Puzzle helped you do that. By the way, Joey was my wife's bodyguard, known as Jou, and he possessed the same skills as Tristan did."
"So you're saying that we have to discover our powers again to defeat Yami Bakura." Tristan asked. Yami nodded.
Yugi got up and clenched his fists and spoke to all of them "Yami Bakura will pay. He killed my father and took my mother's faith and hope away. I will count on it and see to it personally." Yami looked at his brother and said, "Yugi, what are you talking about?"
"Yami, do you remember what Grandpa said about Mikosha Crawford? Yami Bakura is Mikosha Crawford and Pegasus is his brother. That's right, Pegasus. Pegasus' real name is Pegasus J. Crawford and that's why they both want to kill me so much."
Just then, one of the windows shattered and a note attached to a rock landed on the floor with a loud crash. Yami ripped off the note from the rock and skimmed through it quickly while Tristan muttered, "So much for an expensive window." Yugi then grabbed the note away from Yami and read it out loud.
" 'Watch out, you fools, for my next victim is not tall, but he is the youngest of them all.' Very ironic." Yami stifled a laugh after listening to what Yugi read. "Shut up, Yami." Yugi said. "So, who is the youngest?" he asked sarcastically.
"Well, there are two possibilities. One, it could be you, Yugi, because you were the youngest in Egypt and because you are the youngest in the our regular group. Two, Mokuba could also be a possibility, since he is the youngest one here. So this means we have to protect you both." Yami said. Everyone nodded and continued with their planning. As the minutes went by, Yugi thought about his two friends. 'I hope they're okay. I just couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of them. You'll pay for this, Yami Bakura. This will be my revenge for my friends and my parents. I swear on it.' he thought, staring out of the window.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- Outside of Kaiba mansion, a shadow emerged from behind the tree. "Little Yugi. You are such a fool, just like your meddling father. You and the pharaoh will meet your doom tomorrow. Enjoy yourselves while you can, for I'll be back!" With that, the figure then vanished into the night. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
//Aibou, why don't you get some sleep? You need your rest.//
/But Yami, I'm not tired yet./
//You're acting like you're two years old again.//
/Oh no, I feel a story coming up./
//Oh, Yugi. But I mean it. I remember you were always telling your grandpa that you're not tired and when you always refused to take a nap, Grandpa wound up carrying you. I guess it was against your will.//
/Yeah, but that was when I was three. I'm fifteen, so can't you let me choose when I go to sleep?/
//I agree with you, but I insist. You have to do a lot of things tomorrow and you need your energy.// /But, Yami./
//See? You're doing it again. Don't make me carry you out of here in front of everyone.//
/../
//So?//
/Oh, all right. I might be next tomorrow, so if I don't have enough energy to fight back at Yami Bakura for my revenge, then I'm doomed./
//Don't worry. I'll protect you. He won't lay even a finger on you while I'm still alive.//
/Yeah, but make sure you don't get hurt. You haven't fully recovered yet./
//My injury will definitely not slow me down. Not while my brother and his friends' lives are at stake.//
/Thank you, Yami. You know, I kinda like having an older brother. Especially if it was you, Yami. It was never fun to be alone. Unless I was solving a puzzle or mastering another game. That was my companion./
//But you got me, now. I'm actually starting to consider really being your older brother, especially when I have to keep my cover. Oh, shoot, I just blew it today.//
/Blew what?/
//I told Seto, Bakura, Tristan, and Mokuba that I had a past life. They didn't know what I was talking about, but they understood what we had to do to defeat Yami Bakura.//
/Oh, okay. Well, I'll take your word for it./
Yugi yawned.
//You should get to bed now.//
/But I'm not tired./
//You're doing it again.//
/Aww, Yami./
//I'm your brother and I command you. If I don't see you in your assigned room in five minutes, you are in big trouble, mister.//
/Aren't I always? I'll go now, but I gotta say, you're beginning to act like Seto now./
//I've learned from him, so what can I say? Now scoot.//
/Okay. Goodnight, Yami./ Yugi paused and said something else to him that he never said to Yami ever. /Love you./ 'Why did I say that?' he thought.
//I heard that. Your link to me is still on, so I know what you're thinking. You said that because you meant it. It was from your heart. And, Yugi, I love you too. Goodnight. I'll be doing some patrolling tonight, it's my shift first, so if you need anything, just call on me here.//
/Okay. Thanks, Yami. Goodnight./ Yugi broke the link and then told everyone, "I think I'll turn in now. I got a long day ahead of me."
Seto then spoke up. "Maybe Mokuba should go with you, Yugi. He has to have his rest to gain enough energy for tomorrow. Just in case." Seto looked at Mokuba.
"But, Seto, I'm not tired yet." Mokuba replied. Yugi looked at Yami and smiled at each other.
"You heard me, young man. Now get to bed." Seto turned to Yugi and added, "You don't mind do you, Yugi? Can you just escort him to his room?"
"No problem. Come on Mokuba, our brothers want us to go to bed, so let's go." Yugi took a hold of Mokuba's hand and he and Mokuba smirked at Yami and Seto, who looked at each other and then replied at the same time, "It's for your own good. We'll be on guard duty just in case tonight, so if you need anything, just call on us."
"Okay." The two proceeded upstairs and continued to walk through the long hallway when Mokuba suddenly broke the silence by asking Yugi a question that he wasn't expecting to be asked.
"Yugi, do you remember your parents?" Yugi suddenly stopped walking and let go of Mokuba's hand.
"What makes you ask that?"
"Well, see that picture over there?" Mokuba pointed to the paining over to Yugi's left. "Seto told me that the man and woman there were our parents." Yugi observed the painting and looked at the two people in it. Mokuba's father looked extremely like Seto, with the same hair, blue eyes, and same look on his face, only much nicer, and Mokuba's mother had black hair that curved at the end and the same dark eyes and gentleness that Mokuba had.
"Wow. I see where the resemblance comes in." Yugi said. He and Mokuba sat down on the chaise lounge on the other side of the hallway that faced the painting.
"I know. But that painting was painted by Pegasus himself. He used to be good, not evil, and without his Millennium Eye. He was really handsome then when he was younger and every single girl fell for his good looks and smarts. But he only loved one girl and she loved him back. Her name was Cecelia, and she was a beauty because she looked like Mai, but only with much fairer blonde hair. Like Pegasus, all of the men wanted her hand, but she only loved Pegasus. He painted many pictures of her and his family happened to be a friend of ours. One day, Pegasus proposed to her and they got married. They were a happy couple but one day Pegasus' beloved Cecelia took ill and died five days later. That's when Pegasus changed sides. He had lost the one woman he loved and she was his light, soul, and heart. That's what happened. That painting over there is the couple." Mokuba pointed to the painting next to it. Pegasus was wearing a tuxedo and looked so handsome at that time. His wife was wearing a blue silk dress with pink lining. Mokuba was right, she did look a lot like Mai.
"Mokuba, how do you know about this?"
"Seto knew the young Pegasus and knew his girlfriend, too. He told me this story. So, do you remember your parents?"
"Well.." Yugi took out his wallet and pulled out the picture he had received earlier. He gave it to Mokuba to look at it. "These are my parents. When I was less than one year old, Yami Bakura, otherwise known as Mikosha Crawford, murdered my father and my mother died of heartache three months after my father died. She didn't want to leave me, but she couldn't take the pain anymore. "
"I'm sorry, Yugi. My parents are dead, too, remember? I know how it feels only having your brother or other relative taking care of you instead of your real parents." Mokuba said. Yugi nodded. "Come on, Mokuba. Let's get to sleep before those two look for us again." They proceeded down the hallway and went their separate ways. When Yugi got to the room, he wondered what his parents were like when they were alive. 'I don't know that, so maybe I'll ask Grandpa about it after all of this is over.' he thought to himself. Yugi then drifted into an uneasy sleep, wondering if his two best friends were okay.
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"Hey, Yami?" Seto poked him in the shoulder because he was falling asleep.
"Mmmm?" Yami answered.
"I'm just wondering.what would you do if Yugi was next to be kidnapped by Yami Bakura?"
"Me? Of course, I'm going to go after him. I'll kill Yami Bakura for any harm he placed on Yugi. I made a promise to him that I would never leave him, that I would always be there for him, that I would protect him always and everywhere. So far, I haven't failed him. That's why I have this injury. Does my promise sound familiar?" Yami said.
"Yeah. I made the same promise to Mokuba. I only failed him once." Seto clutched the card locket he was wearing around his neck and continued, "But Mokuba wasn't disappointed in me. He knew I had done my best to get him back and he was still proud of me."
Yami nodded. "If Yugi was out of my life, I would die. He is one of my most treasured. If I ever failed him, I would be so upset that I couldn't do anything to help him that I would be as stiff as a statue. But I swear to never let him out of my sight, especially at a time like this when all of our lives are at stake. No one who tries to kill Yugi will ever lay a finger on him, not while I'm alive."
Seto nodded to him back. "Same here. I admit, Yami, that I admire you for your courage and determination. Let us put aside all of our differences and call a truce. Friends?" He held out his hand and Yami shook it.
"Yes, Seto. Now we are friends. But promise me that you'll try to be friends with Joey." Yami gave him a look.
"Okay. I'm starting to like him." Seto and Yami smiled at each other. "I hope we'll be able to stop Yami Bakura before he gets our brothers."
Yami nodded in agreement. "I hope so too."