Disclaimer: ^points to sign that she hung up in the previous chapter and thinks 'Now, why didn't I do that earlier?'^
Unknown Identity
Chapter Twenty-Two
"I cannot thank you enough," Yami said to the Chaos Mage. "Without your help, Yugi would be dead and I would be little better."
"And that yami of mine would be much more vocal," Ryou said with more than a hint of a grin.
"You are most welcome," the mage replied, "both of you. And," he added, leaning close and whispering in Yami's ear, "don't tell my apprentice this, but I've got something of a soft spot for young duelists, Yugi in particular. If you ever have trouble with that soul-stealer again, I'd be more than happy to take care of him for you." His eyes glinted.
"I'll keep that in mind," Yami laughed. "But I'm afraid I have to leave – I've got a very confused young duelist to take care of."
"Then farewell, Pharaoh," the Chaos Mage said, bowing.
"Farewell, Chaos Mage," Yami replied in kind. The mage disappeared, returning to the Shadow Realm. "That is, until next time."
"What?" Jounouchi said, raising an eyebrow. "Did I just hear you say 'next time'?"
"Oh, no," Honda said, shaking his head. "This isn't happening again, Yami."
"I hope you're right," the spirit replied. "If you'll excuse me…" He closed his eyes for a moment, and when they opened again it was a very tired Yugi peering out.
"Jounouchi, Honda!" he exclaimed in surprise. Then he blinked. "Wait a second…how…"
Yes, Yugi, Yami said, his smile evident in his voice. Those are your friends, from before.
But…how do I know them? Yugi asked, confused. Suddenly I know so much more – all of these memories I didn't know I had…I don't understand, Yami!
I suppose I should have told you earlier, Yugi, and I apologize, the spirit replied. Before he left, the Chaos Mage used another ancient spell to restore your memories.
There was a shocked silence. Yugi blinked.
"Hey, man, wake up!" Jounouchi said, waving his hand in front of the young duelist's face. "Phone call."
"Oh…thanks, Jounouchi," Yugi said, but his thoughts were still on the miraculous return of his memory. So much that I thought was lost forever… But his thoughts ground to a halt as the voice on the other end of the line spoke up.
"Welcome back, Yugi. In the light of the somewhat inconclusive end to our last duel, it has been decided that another duel is needed to decide your identity – this one a bit more private than the last. Come to my mansion tomorrow at eleven o'clock."
"Sounds great," Yugi said. "I'll be there."
I'm sure you will be, Kaiba thought as he placed the phone on the receiver.
"Another duel?" Mokuba asked from behind him. "But, Seto, I thought you had already decided that he is Yugi!"
"Of course he is, Mokuba," the young CEO replied with a tight grin. "It's just that I have a new card that I want to test, and Yugi is the perfect duelist to test it on." Kaiba toyed with the card, glancing only occasionally at the strange image on its face – an upside-down pyramid hung on a chain, a perfect representation of the young duelist's Millennium Puzzle. Indeed, who better?
Yes, who better? Yami Bakura thought with a smug smile.
A/N: Well, more of an epilogue than a chapter, but then again I suppose Dark Duels was closer to a prologue, anyway…oh well. The first page or so of a sequel to this is written, but it may never get finished – it all depends on what the Plot Bunnies want. (And at the moment, they want me to get off the computer and go read The Hobbit.) Don't forget, chapter title suggestions are gratefully accepted!
Reviews are also appreciated (especially criticism, but I won't demand that since I have a hard time giving it myself), flames will be used to burn various schoolwork and the occasional building…