Atem grits his teeth as he stares into the eyes of an old foe from his memories. The one responsible for numerous deaths and the partial destruction of Egypt. The reason he had to go great lengths to seal him away, which also involved sacrificing himself. The reason Cairo went on a rampage of her own after he infused her with his dark abilities.

Cairo squints her eyes, not breaking contact from Zorc. On the outside, she appears calm and and unaffected by his presence. But on the inside, she is filled with rage. He ruined her life. Stole her childhood. Made her do horrific things that still affects her today. Even going as far as nearly killing her own parents.

Mana clenches her wand tightly as she stands beside her daughter. She knows Zorc is well aware of the pain he has caused her family and friends. And she also knows he doesn't care. He practically ripped Atem and Cairo away from her, leaving her to pick up the pieces and stay strong for what remained of Egypt. She was left feeling alone in life and the afterlife for centuries.

"This isn't good you guys," Tristan says as he and the others watch at a distance.

"Yeah, the last time the pharaoh and crew went against Zorc, he nearly took everyone out!" Joey exclaims.

"But don't you guys notice something different about him?" Yugi questions, noting the appearance of Zorc. Though he still has the same appearance and towers over Atem, Mana and Cairo, he isn't nearly as big as he was in the past.

"Does this mean there's hope?" Téa asks.

Atem looks forward to his wife and daughter who both stand with their guard up, ready to fight. He can practically see their anger building despite their backs being toward him. And who can blame them? But he has to remain strong and level headed. Overhearing Yugi's conversation, his partner certainly does bring up a good point. Why isn't Zorc larger in size like before?

"How much of your dark abilities did you take back?" Atem asks Cairo.

"Over half," she replies. "Why?"

"Perhaps that explains his appearance…"

Mana glances back. "So you think he might be weaker this time around?"

"It's definitely a possibility. Regardless, I need you both to stay on guard. I cannot lose you two."

"I'm afraid that is inevitable," Zorc cuts in, taking a step forward that causes the ground to shake. "In fact, all of you will die!" Out of the dragon located on his abdomen, it shoots out a large ball of fire as Mana and Cairo stand side by side.

"Ready Cairo?" Mana asks.

Cairo silently nods her head.

Mere seconds later, they are seemingly engulfed by the flames, causing Yugi and the others to worry about their wellbeing. But Atem stands calmly with his arms crossed over his chest, knowing better. As the flames subside, it reveals that Cairo has placed a protective shield around them, standing with her arms outstretched. But there is no sign of Mana.

Zorc immediately takes notice of this and looks from left to right until he finally looks up, seeing Mana coming at him with a glowing pink fist and eyes to match. The blast nearly knocks Zorc of his feet as he grunts.

And the attack doesn't end there. With her wand in her other hand, Mana whips around and shoots yet another attack while Cairo jumps up from behind her mother, reinforcing the attack with a blast of her own, knocking Zorc off his feet.

"Aw yeah! What a combo!" Joey cheers, raising his fist.

"Cairo and her mom sure do make a great team!" Téa commends with a smile.

"Keep it up you guys!" Yugi shouts encouragingly.

Not wanting to let up, Mana and Cairo shoot a barrage of attacks that causes smoke to surround Zorc and rise into the air. After several more rounds, they cease their onslaught of magical blasts, waiting for the smoke to clear.

"Did they do it?" Tristan asks.

"It's hard to tell," Yugi responds.

Atem narrows his eyes, feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he is glad Zorc is down for the count. There is definitely a significant difference in strength from when they first fought. On the other hand, this seems far too easy and he's sure Zorc may have a trick or two up his sleeve.

Noticing a smirk appear on her daughter's lips, Mana looks over to Cairo, tilting her head with curiosity. "What's up?"

Cairo turns her head slightly in Mana's direction. "I've always wanted to fight side by side with you. It's really…cool!"

Mana's eyes widen briefly with surprise before she smiles as well. "To be honest, I've felt the same," she replies before muttering, "But don't tell your dad."

They both giggle amongst themselves. With only half of the darkness within Cairo, a little of her original personality is shining through it seems. While they joke with each other, two large, beastly claws suddenly come right at them.

Atem's eyes go big with horror. "Mana! Cairo! Watch out!"

Mana manages to move out of the way in time, but Cairo has no such luck and soon, her screams fill the air as Zorc squeezes her in his grasp.

"CAIRO!" Mana and Atem scream simultaneously.

"No!" Yugi yells.

"Let her go!" Joey exclaims with anger.

Mana puts all her strength into one attack and blasts Zorc with her wand, only for Zorc to quickly retaliate and swipe her down to the ground, forming a small crater. Atem gasps as he clenches his chest while making his way over to Mana's side. She sits up just as he reaches her and she rubs her head.

"Mana…"

"Atem, we have to do something."

"I know," Atem replies before glaring up at Zorc.

"You've had centuries to grow acquainted with the darkness," Zorc says to Cairo. "Now it's time to return it all so that I may finish what I started!"

Cairo can feel the darkness beginning to be drawn out of her as she sits in a daze, trapped in Zorc's grasp. A purple aura surrounds them both and she can sense he is getting stronger. If he succeeds in taking it all, the world will be done for. And she refuses to allow that to happen.

Grunting she tries to fight back, stalling the transfer of the darkness and bringing it to a halt. The ground begins to shake. The windows of nearby buildings shatter and the buildings themselves start to crack under the pressure of two powerful forces fighting for dominance.

"What's this?!" Zorc growls, squeezing her even harder, only making her scream louder in pain and agony. "You dare resist me?!"

"I…won't let you…win…" Cairo groans, her eyes starting to glow purple and a dark portal appears behind Zorc. With the amount of damage they're causing, she doesn't want to put anyone else in harm's way. But at least in the shadows, she'll have full reign on defeating him and sealing Yami Marik up for good.

There is a strong gust of wind, except, it's pushing Zorc toward the portal leading into the Shadow Realm. While the others take cover, Mana raises a shield around her and Atem to avoid being sucked in as well.

"She's trying to trap him again," Mana comments, looking on with shock.

"Yes, but with Zorc still holding her, she'll be trapped as well," Atem says.

"No! Cairo!" Mana calls out to her.

"Just what do you think you're doing?!" Zorc snarls.

Her glowing purple eyes suddenly turn pitch black as they move closer to the portal. A grin appears on her lips. "You're right…I have had centuries with the darkness. Unfortunately for you, the body you're using to attempt to carry out your revenge is in a weak state. So your time is running out in more ways than one."

"No! I refuse to fail again!" But regardless of him trying to fight it, he is getting weaker and weaker by the moment and the back of his heel is right at the entrance of the shadow realm. Then it hits him and he laughs, tightening his grip again. "Fool! You'll be a prisoner too!"

"If it means keeping evil like you away from this world, then so be it…"

Atem and Mana's eyes go wide with horror after hearing that. "Cairo, don't!" Mana cries out.

Zorc's grin grows bigger, his eyes glowing red. "Then how about we all fall to the shadows?"

Cairo's jaw drops as Zorc makes the portal grow even bigger, causing the suction to become stronger. She turns her head as Yugi and the others struggle to hold onto something. Mana whips her free hand back in their direction, trying to shield them as well as sweat begins to trickle down her face. Feeling a wave of exhaustion from Mana exerting herself, Atem drops down to one knee, clenching his chest.

"Atem!" Mana exclaims with worry.

"Don't worry about me," he grunts. "Just do what you can."

"Your attempts are futile!" Zorc yells.

There is another strong gust of wind that is strong enough to shift the shields Mana and the others are in, toward the portal. But despite her best efforts, it is not enough.

And soon, their world goes completely black.

YGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGO

Téa groans as her eyes flutter open. A blurred silhouette hovering above her calls out her name worriedly. As her vision clears, she sees Yugi with a tearful expression initially, but it soon goes to relief when he sees that she has completely come to. She slowly looks over, seeing Joey, Tristan, Ishizu and Marik standing nearby, all appearing to be seriously gazing at something.

"Y-Yugi…" she mutters softly.

"Are you okay?" he asks as she sits up.

"Where are we?"

He only frowns and looks up in the same direction as the others. The first thing she sees is Atem and Mana standing side by side, with Mana taking a more defensive stance. And standing not too far from them is Zorc with Cairo still in his grasp.

"Have we really been transported to the Shadow Realm?" Tristan asks.

"Yes," Marik replies knowingly.

"Great! Now that that's established, how the heck are we gonna get out?!"

"I'm more concerned about Cairo," Joey says with a serious expression.

Mana narrows her eyes, taking in her surroundings. To think this is the place her daughter had to roam for thousands of years. The thought of it just makes her upset all over again. She forms a ball of energy in her palm, preparing to strike until Atem places his hand in front of her.

"We need to be cautious. This isn't our territory anymore," he warns her.

"I can't stand by while Cairo is still in that monster's hold."

Atem studies Cairo's calm facial expression as Zorc continues to taunt her while attempting to steal her remaining dark energy. He can tell she still has a lot in her, but may possibly be holding back in fear of everyone's safety. It's probably the reason she opened the portal to begin with.

Cairo glances over to her father and they lock eyes for a moment before he nods and she nods back subtly.

"Mana," he mutters to her. "I need you to put a shield around everyone."

Mana looks at him questionably. "Going on the defensive? Why, when Cairo is—"

"Don't you sense it? She's holding back."

Mana slowly looks over to Cairo, not only taking note of the same thing Atem has, but with the current power struggle, there is a faint hint that Cairo is winning. Mana nods before her eyes glow pink, forming a large shield around everyone.

"What are you up to?" Zorc questions suspiciously, looking over to Mana and Atem.

Cairo smirks. "Eyes on me," she says, abruptly activating her power that sends shockwaves through Zorc. He lets out a loud howl, feeling the darkness being drained from him and growing weaker by the second.

He growls, slamming her down to the ground to attempt to stop her, but to his surprise, she doesn't stop. He tries slamming her down again. And again. And once more. Until a pink blast of magic hits him from overhead, making him cry out and look for the source.

With one hand holding up the shield, Mana's other hand is aimed upward as she glares at Zorc. "There's more where that came from," she says lowly.

"I suggest you heed her warning," Atem tells him.

"NO!" Zorc snarls. "I GAVE YOU THAT POWER! IT BELONGS TO ME!" From his body, he emits several blasts that shoot out sporadically, hitting invisible walls and exploding on contact. But all of his attempts to stop Cairo end in failure as he begins to fade away.

"Good thing Mana has this shield around us or we'd be done for!" Joey exclaims as the explosions hit all around them.

"No kidding," Yugi agrees.

"It may belong to you. But I would be foolish to allow it to stay with someone as dangerous as you." Cairo closes her eyes, feeling the darkness re-entering her to the sound of Zorc's agonizing screams. Unlike the first time the darkness has ever entered her body, this is far less painless. Her body truly has become accustomed to it after all these years. "I may have this…evil inside me…but that doesn't make me evil. All of those evil acts that I carried out centuries ago was not my doing. I know that now. I'm a good person. And I intend to use the darkness within me…for good things…to protect people…"

"Cairo…" Atem says softly, looking on as her hair goes back to shoulder length and her eyes are naturally narrowed once she reopens them. He is proud of her for accepting this part of herself and turning it around for a good purpose. She could have very well continued to allow the darkness to influence her when they first reunited in the present world. But deep down, despite her circumstances, she has always been good.

Cairo can feel her body drop after Zorc finally disappears, only leaving Yami Marik's body behind. Mana removes the shield around everyone once the coast is clear and she immediately runs over to Cairo along with Atem.

"Is she alright?" Ishizu ask as she and the others join them.

Atem lifts Cairo up in his arms and gazes down at her. Her eyes slowly blink open and he sighs with relief.

"Cairo," Mana says. "Are you okay?"

All of a sudden, laughter rings out all around them, putting everyone on alert once more.

"Oh no…you're telling me it's not over yet?" Téa asks with a frown.

The laughter is almost deafening as they grow louder and louder until evil souls suddenly surround them, flying in different directions above them.

"What's happening?" Yugi asks.

Atem looks upward, seeing open gaps within the darkness from Zorc's last minute explosions in attempt to stop Cairo. "Not good…"

"The souls are looking to escape," Cairo tells them as she stands to her feet. "I have to stop them."

"Now's our chance!" one of the souls says.

"Let's get out of here!" says another as they head for the openings.

Cairo shoots out a magical blast to one group of souls to deter them briefly. But it's not too long before they're going for another opening. Mana does the same, going in multiple directions in an attempt to stop them along with Cairo.

"This method won't work," Atem quickly concludes.

"Yeah!" Yugi agrees. "Is there any way to seal up the openings?"

"There is," Cairo replies, blasting another group. "But not only are there too many for me to seal at once, sealing them all will trap you guys in here forever."

"What?!" Tristan and Joey exclaims frantically.

Téa slaps her forehead. "Will you two please chill out? Maybe there's another plan!"

"I'm afraid there is no other way," comes a familiar sinister voice, causing them to look for the source. "Not without my help anyway…"

Atem growls inwardly. "You…."

Yami Marik stands to his feet with his arms crossed. "She and I are the only ones capable of sealing it."

"So then help her!" Marik yells at his evil counterpart.

Yami Marik only snickers. "I'll do no such thing. There's nothing I want more than to see you all suffer."

Ishizu shakes her head. "Some things never change…"

Joey clenches his fists angrily. "Why you—"

"I've had enough," Cairo says, suddenly aiming her hand at him and he begins to glow to his horror. "Be gone."

"NO!" Yami Marik screams as his body disintegrates into sand to everyone's shock.

"No way…she just did away with him just like that!" Marik says with a surprised expression.

"So he's gone…for good?" Atem asks.

"I've rarely had to do that to a soul residing in the Shadow Realm. Only under extreme circumstances," Cairo tells them, folding her arms. "So to answer your question…yes. He is gone for good."

"If you ask me, serves him right," Tristan mutters.

"Um you guys?" Téa says, pointing at the souls still trying to escape. "What are we gonna do about them?"

"I can offer some assistance…" comes an older voice from the shadows, causing everyone to look around confusedly.

"Uh…who said that?" Joey asks.

Sensing someone approaching, Cairo turns around. But who she sees next is enough to make her heart drop into her stomach. With his long dark garments, grey hair that reaches near his waist and a grey beard to match, another old foe—and family member—reveals himself from the shadows.

Atem and Mana simultaneously turn around and their facial expressions go into a mixture of shock, horror, anger and every other negative emotion they can feel. Never did they think they would see him of all people, though it makes sense. He was nowhere to be seen in the afterlife. And no one, including his own son Seto, ever brought up his name.

As opposed to the last time Cairo saw him, he had long red hair, long black finger nails and a mask with the eye of Wdjat. But this time, she can see most of his face and a bloodshot eye while the other eye is covered by his hair.

"Aknadin!" Atem exclaims, balling up his fists at his sides.

Cairo takes a step back as her heart begins to pound, while Mana takes a step forward, her eyes narrowed with fury and she prepares to lung at him. "You MONSTER!" she yells.

"Mana, don't!" Atem shouts, quickly wrapping his arms around her to restrain her.

"Let me go! I'll never forgive him for what he did!" she screams, trying to break out his grasp.

"Any of you know who that guy is?" Tristan whispers to Yugi and Joey.

"I think that's Magus…or…Aknadin from what I heard Atem just say," Yugi guesses. "And if I'm correct, he's the one that captured Cairo and caused the darkness to be inflicted on her."

"Whoa…" Joey says.

Téa frowns. "No wonder Mana is so upset…"

"And Atem too…" Yugi adds. Though Atem is good at concealing his emotions, he can tell by the death stare in Atem's eyes that he is boiling with rage as well.

"Pharaoh…Queen…" Aknadin says taking a slight bow. "It has been far too long."

"You have some nerve!" Mana shouts as Atem continues to hold her back. "After everything you've done to our family, how dare you show your face!"

"You have every right to be upset."

"Upset isn't quite the word I'd use…" Atem says. "In fact, that is a huge understatement…"

"I understand…"

"You could never understand. So save your meaningless apologies."

"What are you doing here?" Cairo finally says with her eyes averted from his. "I have never sensed your presence here before."

"I have always been here," he reveals to her surprise. "But I have always concealed myself, unable to face you until now. I have felt immense guilt for the events that occurred all those years ago. I let my anger and jealousy get the best of me when I should have remained loyal."

"Why show yourself now?" Atem questions.

"Because I wish to help," he says, motioning to the swarming souls trying to break free. He then looks down to Cairo. "As you know, I also have a fragment of Zorc's dark abilities within me as well. Which will enable me to help you seal up the shadows."

"Why should we trust you?" Mana asks, still glaring at him.

"Because you really don't have a choice…"

Cairo sees another group of souls heading toward an opening and she quickly outstretches her hand to form a magical seal on it, keeping them from escaping. She grunts with frustration. "Seals take a while to close up. I can do multiple at a time, but I won't be able to get to all the openings in time."

"Allow me," Aknadin volunteers, using a spell to seal another opening. He then spreads it out to cover nearby ones as well and Cairo does the same. It progresses to where they have covered every seal except for one, leaving an opening for Atem and the others to escape.

"Everyone must leave now," Aknadin informs them.

"What? No way!" Joey protests.

"Yeah, we're not leaving Cairo down here!" Tristan chimes.

"He's right," Cairo tells them, earning shocked reactions before looking toward Yugi. "Yugi, when you, Joey, Tristan, Téa, Marik and Ishizu leave, you will be returned to your world."

"And the pharaoh and queen will be returned to the afterlife," Aknadin says.

"What?!" Mana exclaims with shock. "But what about you?!"

Cairo lowers her eyes. "I have to stay…I'm sorry mom."

"No! I'm not losing you again!" Mana cries with tears forming in her eyes. "There has to be some way that you can come with us!"

"Once the holes are sealed, I will be the only one trusted by the gods to keep watch of this place."

"No! You can't!" Mana continues to protest before looking at Atem for help. "Atem, do something!"

Instead, his head is lowered with his bangs covering his eyes. He had already came to the sad realization that Cairo would be trapped once again.

"Atem!" Mana sobs, standing a few inches from him. "You can't let her do this! You just can't!"

"…I'm…sorry, Mana," he apologizes in a shaky voice, making her heart plummet. "Unfortunately, it's the only way."

The tears start to fall freely from Mana's eyes as she collapses into Atem's chest, sobbing uncontrollably as he holds onto her. "No! Not again! This isn't fair!"

"Mana…you have to remain strong…for Cairo…"

"So this is it?" Tristan asks as he and the others go up to Cairo and Atem. "This is goodbye?"

Cairo manages to crack a smile. "Hey…at least we get to say goodbye to each other this time," she says halfway jokingly.

Joey growls. "Now is not the time to be cracking jokes!" he shouts before calming down and sighing. "Well…at least you still have a sense of humor despite all this."

"We're gonna miss you Cairo," Téa says, wiping a tear from her eye. "All of you."

"Yeah," Yugi says, using the back of his sleeve to wipe his face. "I wish it could end differently…but I'm glad I got to see you both again."

Atem nods his head. "Likewise, Yugi."

"Don't forget about us, okay?" Yugi sniffles.

Atem smiles warmly. "Never…how could I?"

Ishizu and Marik are the first to go through the open hole after saying their brief goodbyes. Followed by Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Téa who give one last wave before proceeding back to their world. Cairo continues to hold her hands up to seal off the holes alongside Aknadin, trying to put on a brave face as her parents stand in front of her. One last time.

Mana crouches down in front of her, pressing her head against her daughter's. It pains her knowing there is nothing else she can do. Once again, she feels like she has failed and she shuts her eyes to keep another wave of tears from falling. "I love you…so much…"

"I love you too, mom…" Cairo says, trying not to get emotional herself.

Atem looks over to Aknadin who returns his expression. It just doesn't feel right leaving Cairo there with someone that has caused their entire family so much pain. And if he could take Cairo's place, he would without a second thought.

"Pharaoh…" Aknadin says, unsure of what he might say.

"If anything…do right by Cairo," Atem tells his uncle before walking over to Cairo. Although vague with his request, Aknadin slowly nods his head, understanding fully what Atem means.

Cairo looks up to her father who places a hand on the crown of her head. She then lowers her eyes. "I'm…sorry…I—"

"We will see each other again," he says with faith to her and Mana's surprise.

But Cairo's look of surprise soon turns in a smile. For some reason, she feels a small glimmer of hope, just like she has before. Her father has never let her down. And she knows, even now, that he won't. Somehow, someway.

"Bye mom…Bye dad…" Cairo says as Atem helps Mana up and leads her to the exit.

He looks over his shoulder one last time, seeing her and Aknadin side by side as they seal up the remaining holes.

This isn't goodbye.

He is sure of it.

"See you later…"

And he intends on keeping the faith until they see each other again.

YGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGO

AN: So one thing to note…in the anime/manga, Aknadin is technically in the afterlife if you look at the one scene where Atem returns to the afterlife to everyone's open arms. Obviously I changed that in the first part of my story to allow an opening for Aknadin to reappear in this manner in the sequel.

I almost want to end it right here. But…I think one more chapter should do it!

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