Author's Note: This might be the last chapter. We'll see how it works out.
I don't want it to be 5000 words or anything, so we'll see...
~
The Spirit of the Millennium Ring lifted the top card from his deck, tentatively adding it to his hand. He glanced up at the field, glaring at the three monsters and the trap card facing him: Cosmo Queen, Dark Magician Girl, Angel of the Flame, and Love and Hate. A thin, proud grin spread across his lips, curling into a malevolent smirk. He deftly removed a card from his hand, holding it apart from the others.
"Ryou Bakura," the Spirit hissed, "I hold in my hand the card that will destroy you once and for all! Good-bye!"
He slapped the card down, storm clouds gathering about the field. Through the rumbling of thunder, the Spirit's laugh was audible, echoing through the arena.
".what?" Bakura cried, "No!"
"Behold!" the Spirit cackled, "Raigeki!"
A single lightning bolt struck the field, wiping out all three monsters instantly. In a moment, the storm was gone, leaving the only one monster on the field; Agile Marauder.
"And now I play Harpie's Feather Duster, sending Love and Hate to the graveyard!"
A shower of feathers was cast across the field. As they passed, the judge wielding the scale faded, disappearing.
"So you see, Bakura," the Spirit began, "I easily defeated your most powerful monsters. If that is all you have, then I am afraid that there is little hope for you...much less, now that I play the Magic card Mirage!"
Agile Marauder disappeared. Bakura blinked, staring blankly at the empty field. Before he could say anything, question this maneuver, another monster began to appear, larger than the Agile Marauder.
"What is this?" Bakura asked, a massive mastodon appearing on the field.
"This is the Stampeding Marauder," the Spirit explained, "It has 3200 Attack and Defense Points. Although, while it is on the field, I may only have one monster in play."
"...3200 points? What level is it?"
"Seven."
"...then tell me," Bakura continued, "What does Mirage do?"
"You couldn't figure it out?" the Spirit replied, "It merely switches one monster on the field with one in my hand!
"Now, then, attack, Stampeding Marauder! Inflict your damage directly to Bakura's Life Points!"
The behemoth of a creature crashed into Bakura's empty field, pouring all of its power and might into the attack. It met no resistance, as Bakura had nothing to resist with.
-Spirit: 7900, Bakura: 3600
Bakura drew a card, sweat trickling down his forehead. His hand shook as he took a deep breath, placing a monster face-down, "I now end my turn."
The Spirit drew, all eyes in the room following his every move. His eyes were cold as he placed a Magic card beneath his Marauder.
"I play the Magic card Fair Meteor Crush," the Spirit declared icily, "Giving my monster the ability to inflict the difference between my monster's Attack Points and your monster's Defense Points to your Life Points!"
The audience seemed to all gasp at the same time. They could only watch as the creature leapt forth, smashing through Bakura's monster, an Asura Priest, which was instantly destroyed.
-Spirit: 7900, Bakura: 1600
Bakura took a deep breath, lifting a card from his deck. He sighed sorrowfully, frowning. His eyes darted up, seeing the Spirit's wicked stare.
"You didn't draw the card you need?" the Spirit mocked, "That is because there is no card in your deck that could save you!"
"...I don't know, Spirit..." Bakura retorted, hesitating for only a moment before playing the Magic card he had drawn, "...for I play...I play Exchange!"
The Spirit was shocked, but also confused. Both duelists' hands appeared visible for the other. Each one selected a card to take to their hand.
"I will take Airknight Parshath," the Spirit sighed, "Though it really makes no difference. What will you take?"
"...I don't know..." Bakura murmured, "...I don't even know what these cards do..."
'...there's Agile Marauder...' Bakura thought, '...but that can't win me the duel...there are so many Magic cards I don't recognize...I guess I have to take my chances...'
"I choose that one!" Bakura shouted, pointing at the middle card, the image of the card showing a laughing magician.
"Hmm...An interesting choice..." the Spirit spat, placing the card on the field, which transferred it to Bakura.
Bakura swallowed dryly, picking up the card, "...I may as well play it now..."
The magician appeared, casting a bright light into the air. Soon, the light exploded and the magician was gone.
"...did that do anything?" Bakura sighed.
"Yes."
"What?"
"The card was Illusionist's Masterpiece, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit hissed, "It is a Magic card that switches the Life Points of each duelist with that of their opponent."
"...then that means."
"You have the lead," the Spirit cut him off, "But rest assured, Bakura, it will not last for long."
-Spirit: 1600, Bakura: 7900
"Then I will set one monster and end my turn," Bakura stated firmly.
Almost angrily, the Spirit drew a card. Suddenly, without warning, he burst out into a loud, drawn-out laugh. His voice filled the arena, and Bakura recoiled in horror. After a moment, the Spirit stopped, a confident smile upon his lips.
"This is it, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit declared, "For I have drawn the card that will defeat you, strong enough to render a duelist's Life Points far below 0 with a single attack!"
"What is it?" Bakura whispered.
"I play the Ritual Magic card Millennia!" the Spirit yelled, holding it up into the air, "By offering Stampeding Marauder as a tribute, I summon my Magician onto the field!"
A robed figure became visible, hunched over. Eyes protruded from beneath the folds of its clothing. It barely seemed powerful enough to defeat a Skull Servant.
"And now watch as a Millennia passes, though only upon my Magician!"
The monster grew rabidly. It became middle-aged. Then an elderly man. Then it dropped to its knees, passing away. It disappeared, seemingly destroyed.
"You defeated your own monsters?" Bakura asked.
"No, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit answered, "For with death comes knowledge! And my monster, the Seer, has gain limitless knowledge!"
A specter appeared, staring blankly at Bakura. It seemed to be of the robed monster that was on the field before. Its eyes burned with a dark force. A black flame burned, engulfing its entire body, though not damaging it at all.
"This is the most powerful creature known to Duel Monsters," the Spirit cried, "This is Seer!"
"What?"
"Seer has 10000 Attack and Defense Points. It is a Dark- and Fairy-type monster. Behold as it demolishes your puny monster with a single attack!"
"...10000..." Bakura echoed.
The Seer outstretched a single arm, its palm facing the face-down card. A blaze of fire unleashed itself upon the card, burning the Mystical Elf within to ashes.
"It is your turn, Bakura."
Bakura drew, immediately setting a monster. On the Spirit's turn, it was destroyed. Bakura set another, watching as it was sent to the graveyard moments later. Another monster. Another defeat. Nothing seemed to be able to stop this monster.
"Come now, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit challenged, "I thought you had placed first. What is this second-rate dueling? Is it fear?"
"No."
"Now, now," the Spirit smirked, "My Millennium Eye tells me that you have no more monster cards in your hand."
'He's right,' Bakura thought, '...All I have that could last me to next turn is Monster Reborn...but I can't waste it on a single defense...
'What's in my graveyard? I have my weak monsters. There's Cosmo Queen.and Dark Magician Girl...wait! There's another!'
"Spirit of the Millennium Ring," Bakura replied, "I play Monster Reborn!"
The cross appeared on the field, emitting a pure, white light. Through the light came a fairy. In the fairy's right hand was a sword engulfed in fire. Unlike its opponent, the fire burned red, not black. Though, now, while facing this monster, it seemed to turn white.
"One last defense, Ryou Bakura?"
"No," Bakura stated, gritting his teeth, "This monster is in Attack Position."
"Suicide?"
"No."
"Then...what?"
"This card has an ability, too, Spirit," Bakura explained, "Or have you forgotten?
"You created it. You should know. Remember? This monster wields a sword that pierces through darkness, saving those in need."
"...no..." the Spirit murmured, eyes widening in shock.
"Yes," Bakura smiled, "While Angel of the Flame is on the field, all Dark monsters have 0 Attack and Defense Points, and that includes your 10000/10000 monster.
"Angel of the Flame, attack and destroy Seer, winning me the duel and my life!"
The monster flew forward, donning its flaming blade. It slashed down, cutting through the body of the Seer. It cut cleanly, leaving the body lying on the ground. The Angel did not move any more, the arena fading to black a moment later. The black fog in the room faded, returning it to its previous appearance.
"No!" the Spirit shouted out, "It can't end! Not now! Not when I was so close!"
Suddenly, he turned, running away. Ryou watched, staring blankly. He was too stunned to say anything.
A moment passed. The Spirit returned, now on the balcony. He was dashing straight for Yugi Moto. The youth took a few steps back, but was too slow to stop the Spirit from grabbing the Millennium Puzzle, a red glow surrounding it.
"It is mine!" the Spirit cried.
Just then, he stopped. He did not move. His eyes were empty. He collapsed, sprawling out on the ground, dropping the Puzzle. The red light disappeared, leaving nothing but the Puzzle.
An agonizing scream echoed through Castle Pegasus. Soon after, Richard Pegasus rose to his feet, a little dizzy. He stumbled back and forth for a few moments before anyone could rush to his aid.
"Richard Pegasus," Gavin murmured.
"He's back!" Yugi cheered.
"Alright!" Joey grinned.
"Wait...please, listen..." Pegasus coughed, shaking his head vigorously before continuing, "We must go to my uncle's sanctuary..."
"Why?" Rathje asked.
"...the loser of that duel was to be sent to the Shadow Realm in return for Maxmillion's soul..." Richard explained, "...my uncle would be there, if anywhere. Wasn't that where the Spirit sent him to the Shadow Realm in the first place?"
Yugi thought back, remembering Croquet telling him that Pegasus was not well. That was the same day he had first met Shadi.
"Yes," Yugi nodded.
They ran off, meeting Bakura in the hallway. After explaining where they were going, he joined them. Richard led them, knowing his way around the castle the best, not to mention being the only one with a key to the room. They made it there within a few minutes, though they were exhausted from running.
After unlocking the door, the group burst in, seeing a figure lying, hunched over a desk. He turned, staring in fascination at the group.
"...Richard..." he murmured, standing. He walked over to them, pain shooting up through his legs. He fell, Joey and Tristan catching him.
"...thank you..." Pegasus sighed, "...all of you...but...I fear this life will be a hollow one without my darling Cecilia..."
"Pegasus," Yugi said, "Um...you returned my Grandfather's soul, and the souls of the Kaiba brothers, with your Millennium Eye, right?"
"Yes," Pegasus replied, "Why?"
"...then couldn't Bakura return Cecilia's soul with the Millennium Ring?" Yugi pointed out, "Isn't the soul card in your diary?"
"Yes!" Pegasus smiled, "Yes! Of course!"
He ran to the desk, pulling the diary out from a drawer. He handed the card to Bakura, and Richard gave Bakura his Millennium Ring.
"Go for it, Bakura!" Joey grinned, giving his friend a thumbs up.
"...alright..." Bakura swallowed dryly, "...but I've never done this before...it was the Spirit..."
"Focus on the Ring and the card," Pegasus reassured, "Then think about Cecilia..."
Bakura closed his eyes, his hands held about the Millennium Ring's sides. It started faintly, a blue glow surrounding the Ring and the card. Beads of sweat dotted Bakura's forehead, the strain excruciating. His thoughts faltered, the concept of dropping to the ground and embracing the relaxing sleep that it would promise seemed so welcoming, so soothing.
No.
He couldn't give in. He was so close to returning happiness to Maxmillion Pegasus, and thus righting the wrongs of the Spirit of the Millennium Ring. It wouldn't be all of the wrongs, but it was a start. If he couldn't do this, then what were his chances of upholding some form of ability to control the Ring itself?
Then, suddenly, he seemed to breathe. He hadn't noticed, but he was holding his breath before. He fell, landing on his back. His vision faded, all becoming black.
Is this failure?
~
"He's coming to."
"Good, get a glass of cold water."
"I hope he's okay."
"He should be."
Bakura opened his eyes, seeing Yugi. He smiled weakly, then sadly. Tears brewed in his eyes, but he held them back. He bit his lip, turning to Pegasus.
"I...I'm sorry..." he murmured.
Joey and Tristan were standing at the back of the room, which appeared to be a bedroom. Tea sat beside Yugi, who had his head cocked slightly to the right. Richard Pegasus stood behind his uncle, who sat next to the bed that Bakura was lying on. Rathje and Yasumi stood behind Yugi and Tea. Gavin was leaning against a wall a few feet to the right of Joey and Tristan. Mai was standing in front of Joey and Tristan, glancing at them every so often.
Then another person entered the room. She seemed to glide across the room, holding a cup of water. She handed it to Bakura, smiling happily.
"Thank you, Bakura," she said, "for saving me."
"Cecilia?" Bakura blinked.
"Yes," Maxmillion replied, "I cannot thank you enough for saving Cecilia, Bakura. If you ever need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask!"
"...uh..." Bakura rubbed the back of his neck anxiously, sitting up, "...could you give us transportation home?"
"Consider it done."
~
Rathje Kiroishen stood alone, staring at the sea. He was on the boat Maxmillion Pegasus had assigned to take them back to shore. They would then meet a limousine that would transport them to the airport. They would take a plane back to the nearest airport to Domino City.
"Where are you going after this?"
Rathje turned, seeing Yasumi. She smiled, standing beside him. Rathje sighed, leaning forward to rest his arm on the railing.
"I don't know," Rathje murmured, "I'll be trapped in Japan. My Japanese is decent. I'd like to stay, but I don't know if I'll be able to survive...how about you?"
"...I think I'll stay in Japan. Who knows, maybe I'll enroll in a school, have a good life there..."
"Keep in touch."
"You, too."
"Excuse me, but I believe that should be done anyway."
Gavin stood beside Yasumi, joining them in staring at the ocean, "After all, we are the Millennium Guardians."
"I thought we all ready saved the Pharaoh and all that," Yasumi sighed, "Why do we need to keep in touch?"
"...I don't know..." Gavin muttered, "But the fact that we had no use for the Pharaoh's Items unnerves me. Perhaps there is a greater task for us. Perhaps the items have no abilities and are merely for show. Or maybe I'm wrong altogether."
"Where are the items?" Rathje asked.
"They are in your rooms on the ship."
"What are the items?" Rathje continued.
"You have received a staff, Rathje," Gavin answered, "Yasumi, a bracelet was sent to you. Keep in mind that I have no idea what these items are for, so do not ask."
"What do you have, Gavin?" Yasumi inquired.
"A sword," Gavin responded.
"Why didn't Bakura get one?" Rathje sighed, "He's a Millennium Guardian, right?"
"...yes..." Gavin replied, "But he has the Millennium Ring. He has his own abilities."
"...that implies that we have abilities..." Rathje pointed out.
"Sorry, that was unintentional."
"Darn. I want abilities," Rathje grinned jokingly.
~
THE END
~
Author's Note: Well, that's it. Thanks to everyone. If I forgot something, tell me and I'll edit it. Otherwise, sit tight until I get the motivation to write the first chapter of the sequel. On that note, look out for the sequel! It's going to be called "Oath to the Pharaoh". Thank you to everyone, especially Gabrielle Reed!
~
The Spirit of the Millennium Ring lifted the top card from his deck, tentatively adding it to his hand. He glanced up at the field, glaring at the three monsters and the trap card facing him: Cosmo Queen, Dark Magician Girl, Angel of the Flame, and Love and Hate. A thin, proud grin spread across his lips, curling into a malevolent smirk. He deftly removed a card from his hand, holding it apart from the others.
"Ryou Bakura," the Spirit hissed, "I hold in my hand the card that will destroy you once and for all! Good-bye!"
He slapped the card down, storm clouds gathering about the field. Through the rumbling of thunder, the Spirit's laugh was audible, echoing through the arena.
".what?" Bakura cried, "No!"
"Behold!" the Spirit cackled, "Raigeki!"
A single lightning bolt struck the field, wiping out all three monsters instantly. In a moment, the storm was gone, leaving the only one monster on the field; Agile Marauder.
"And now I play Harpie's Feather Duster, sending Love and Hate to the graveyard!"
A shower of feathers was cast across the field. As they passed, the judge wielding the scale faded, disappearing.
"So you see, Bakura," the Spirit began, "I easily defeated your most powerful monsters. If that is all you have, then I am afraid that there is little hope for you...much less, now that I play the Magic card Mirage!"
Agile Marauder disappeared. Bakura blinked, staring blankly at the empty field. Before he could say anything, question this maneuver, another monster began to appear, larger than the Agile Marauder.
"What is this?" Bakura asked, a massive mastodon appearing on the field.
"This is the Stampeding Marauder," the Spirit explained, "It has 3200 Attack and Defense Points. Although, while it is on the field, I may only have one monster in play."
"...3200 points? What level is it?"
"Seven."
"...then tell me," Bakura continued, "What does Mirage do?"
"You couldn't figure it out?" the Spirit replied, "It merely switches one monster on the field with one in my hand!
"Now, then, attack, Stampeding Marauder! Inflict your damage directly to Bakura's Life Points!"
The behemoth of a creature crashed into Bakura's empty field, pouring all of its power and might into the attack. It met no resistance, as Bakura had nothing to resist with.
-Spirit: 7900, Bakura: 3600
Bakura drew a card, sweat trickling down his forehead. His hand shook as he took a deep breath, placing a monster face-down, "I now end my turn."
The Spirit drew, all eyes in the room following his every move. His eyes were cold as he placed a Magic card beneath his Marauder.
"I play the Magic card Fair Meteor Crush," the Spirit declared icily, "Giving my monster the ability to inflict the difference between my monster's Attack Points and your monster's Defense Points to your Life Points!"
The audience seemed to all gasp at the same time. They could only watch as the creature leapt forth, smashing through Bakura's monster, an Asura Priest, which was instantly destroyed.
-Spirit: 7900, Bakura: 1600
Bakura took a deep breath, lifting a card from his deck. He sighed sorrowfully, frowning. His eyes darted up, seeing the Spirit's wicked stare.
"You didn't draw the card you need?" the Spirit mocked, "That is because there is no card in your deck that could save you!"
"...I don't know, Spirit..." Bakura retorted, hesitating for only a moment before playing the Magic card he had drawn, "...for I play...I play Exchange!"
The Spirit was shocked, but also confused. Both duelists' hands appeared visible for the other. Each one selected a card to take to their hand.
"I will take Airknight Parshath," the Spirit sighed, "Though it really makes no difference. What will you take?"
"...I don't know..." Bakura murmured, "...I don't even know what these cards do..."
'...there's Agile Marauder...' Bakura thought, '...but that can't win me the duel...there are so many Magic cards I don't recognize...I guess I have to take my chances...'
"I choose that one!" Bakura shouted, pointing at the middle card, the image of the card showing a laughing magician.
"Hmm...An interesting choice..." the Spirit spat, placing the card on the field, which transferred it to Bakura.
Bakura swallowed dryly, picking up the card, "...I may as well play it now..."
The magician appeared, casting a bright light into the air. Soon, the light exploded and the magician was gone.
"...did that do anything?" Bakura sighed.
"Yes."
"What?"
"The card was Illusionist's Masterpiece, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit hissed, "It is a Magic card that switches the Life Points of each duelist with that of their opponent."
"...then that means."
"You have the lead," the Spirit cut him off, "But rest assured, Bakura, it will not last for long."
-Spirit: 1600, Bakura: 7900
"Then I will set one monster and end my turn," Bakura stated firmly.
Almost angrily, the Spirit drew a card. Suddenly, without warning, he burst out into a loud, drawn-out laugh. His voice filled the arena, and Bakura recoiled in horror. After a moment, the Spirit stopped, a confident smile upon his lips.
"This is it, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit declared, "For I have drawn the card that will defeat you, strong enough to render a duelist's Life Points far below 0 with a single attack!"
"What is it?" Bakura whispered.
"I play the Ritual Magic card Millennia!" the Spirit yelled, holding it up into the air, "By offering Stampeding Marauder as a tribute, I summon my Magician onto the field!"
A robed figure became visible, hunched over. Eyes protruded from beneath the folds of its clothing. It barely seemed powerful enough to defeat a Skull Servant.
"And now watch as a Millennia passes, though only upon my Magician!"
The monster grew rabidly. It became middle-aged. Then an elderly man. Then it dropped to its knees, passing away. It disappeared, seemingly destroyed.
"You defeated your own monsters?" Bakura asked.
"No, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit answered, "For with death comes knowledge! And my monster, the Seer, has gain limitless knowledge!"
A specter appeared, staring blankly at Bakura. It seemed to be of the robed monster that was on the field before. Its eyes burned with a dark force. A black flame burned, engulfing its entire body, though not damaging it at all.
"This is the most powerful creature known to Duel Monsters," the Spirit cried, "This is Seer!"
"What?"
"Seer has 10000 Attack and Defense Points. It is a Dark- and Fairy-type monster. Behold as it demolishes your puny monster with a single attack!"
"...10000..." Bakura echoed.
The Seer outstretched a single arm, its palm facing the face-down card. A blaze of fire unleashed itself upon the card, burning the Mystical Elf within to ashes.
"It is your turn, Bakura."
Bakura drew, immediately setting a monster. On the Spirit's turn, it was destroyed. Bakura set another, watching as it was sent to the graveyard moments later. Another monster. Another defeat. Nothing seemed to be able to stop this monster.
"Come now, Ryou Bakura," the Spirit challenged, "I thought you had placed first. What is this second-rate dueling? Is it fear?"
"No."
"Now, now," the Spirit smirked, "My Millennium Eye tells me that you have no more monster cards in your hand."
'He's right,' Bakura thought, '...All I have that could last me to next turn is Monster Reborn...but I can't waste it on a single defense...
'What's in my graveyard? I have my weak monsters. There's Cosmo Queen.and Dark Magician Girl...wait! There's another!'
"Spirit of the Millennium Ring," Bakura replied, "I play Monster Reborn!"
The cross appeared on the field, emitting a pure, white light. Through the light came a fairy. In the fairy's right hand was a sword engulfed in fire. Unlike its opponent, the fire burned red, not black. Though, now, while facing this monster, it seemed to turn white.
"One last defense, Ryou Bakura?"
"No," Bakura stated, gritting his teeth, "This monster is in Attack Position."
"Suicide?"
"No."
"Then...what?"
"This card has an ability, too, Spirit," Bakura explained, "Or have you forgotten?
"You created it. You should know. Remember? This monster wields a sword that pierces through darkness, saving those in need."
"...no..." the Spirit murmured, eyes widening in shock.
"Yes," Bakura smiled, "While Angel of the Flame is on the field, all Dark monsters have 0 Attack and Defense Points, and that includes your 10000/10000 monster.
"Angel of the Flame, attack and destroy Seer, winning me the duel and my life!"
The monster flew forward, donning its flaming blade. It slashed down, cutting through the body of the Seer. It cut cleanly, leaving the body lying on the ground. The Angel did not move any more, the arena fading to black a moment later. The black fog in the room faded, returning it to its previous appearance.
"No!" the Spirit shouted out, "It can't end! Not now! Not when I was so close!"
Suddenly, he turned, running away. Ryou watched, staring blankly. He was too stunned to say anything.
A moment passed. The Spirit returned, now on the balcony. He was dashing straight for Yugi Moto. The youth took a few steps back, but was too slow to stop the Spirit from grabbing the Millennium Puzzle, a red glow surrounding it.
"It is mine!" the Spirit cried.
Just then, he stopped. He did not move. His eyes were empty. He collapsed, sprawling out on the ground, dropping the Puzzle. The red light disappeared, leaving nothing but the Puzzle.
An agonizing scream echoed through Castle Pegasus. Soon after, Richard Pegasus rose to his feet, a little dizzy. He stumbled back and forth for a few moments before anyone could rush to his aid.
"Richard Pegasus," Gavin murmured.
"He's back!" Yugi cheered.
"Alright!" Joey grinned.
"Wait...please, listen..." Pegasus coughed, shaking his head vigorously before continuing, "We must go to my uncle's sanctuary..."
"Why?" Rathje asked.
"...the loser of that duel was to be sent to the Shadow Realm in return for Maxmillion's soul..." Richard explained, "...my uncle would be there, if anywhere. Wasn't that where the Spirit sent him to the Shadow Realm in the first place?"
Yugi thought back, remembering Croquet telling him that Pegasus was not well. That was the same day he had first met Shadi.
"Yes," Yugi nodded.
They ran off, meeting Bakura in the hallway. After explaining where they were going, he joined them. Richard led them, knowing his way around the castle the best, not to mention being the only one with a key to the room. They made it there within a few minutes, though they were exhausted from running.
After unlocking the door, the group burst in, seeing a figure lying, hunched over a desk. He turned, staring in fascination at the group.
"...Richard..." he murmured, standing. He walked over to them, pain shooting up through his legs. He fell, Joey and Tristan catching him.
"...thank you..." Pegasus sighed, "...all of you...but...I fear this life will be a hollow one without my darling Cecilia..."
"Pegasus," Yugi said, "Um...you returned my Grandfather's soul, and the souls of the Kaiba brothers, with your Millennium Eye, right?"
"Yes," Pegasus replied, "Why?"
"...then couldn't Bakura return Cecilia's soul with the Millennium Ring?" Yugi pointed out, "Isn't the soul card in your diary?"
"Yes!" Pegasus smiled, "Yes! Of course!"
He ran to the desk, pulling the diary out from a drawer. He handed the card to Bakura, and Richard gave Bakura his Millennium Ring.
"Go for it, Bakura!" Joey grinned, giving his friend a thumbs up.
"...alright..." Bakura swallowed dryly, "...but I've never done this before...it was the Spirit..."
"Focus on the Ring and the card," Pegasus reassured, "Then think about Cecilia..."
Bakura closed his eyes, his hands held about the Millennium Ring's sides. It started faintly, a blue glow surrounding the Ring and the card. Beads of sweat dotted Bakura's forehead, the strain excruciating. His thoughts faltered, the concept of dropping to the ground and embracing the relaxing sleep that it would promise seemed so welcoming, so soothing.
No.
He couldn't give in. He was so close to returning happiness to Maxmillion Pegasus, and thus righting the wrongs of the Spirit of the Millennium Ring. It wouldn't be all of the wrongs, but it was a start. If he couldn't do this, then what were his chances of upholding some form of ability to control the Ring itself?
Then, suddenly, he seemed to breathe. He hadn't noticed, but he was holding his breath before. He fell, landing on his back. His vision faded, all becoming black.
Is this failure?
~
"He's coming to."
"Good, get a glass of cold water."
"I hope he's okay."
"He should be."
Bakura opened his eyes, seeing Yugi. He smiled weakly, then sadly. Tears brewed in his eyes, but he held them back. He bit his lip, turning to Pegasus.
"I...I'm sorry..." he murmured.
Joey and Tristan were standing at the back of the room, which appeared to be a bedroom. Tea sat beside Yugi, who had his head cocked slightly to the right. Richard Pegasus stood behind his uncle, who sat next to the bed that Bakura was lying on. Rathje and Yasumi stood behind Yugi and Tea. Gavin was leaning against a wall a few feet to the right of Joey and Tristan. Mai was standing in front of Joey and Tristan, glancing at them every so often.
Then another person entered the room. She seemed to glide across the room, holding a cup of water. She handed it to Bakura, smiling happily.
"Thank you, Bakura," she said, "for saving me."
"Cecilia?" Bakura blinked.
"Yes," Maxmillion replied, "I cannot thank you enough for saving Cecilia, Bakura. If you ever need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask!"
"...uh..." Bakura rubbed the back of his neck anxiously, sitting up, "...could you give us transportation home?"
"Consider it done."
~
Rathje Kiroishen stood alone, staring at the sea. He was on the boat Maxmillion Pegasus had assigned to take them back to shore. They would then meet a limousine that would transport them to the airport. They would take a plane back to the nearest airport to Domino City.
"Where are you going after this?"
Rathje turned, seeing Yasumi. She smiled, standing beside him. Rathje sighed, leaning forward to rest his arm on the railing.
"I don't know," Rathje murmured, "I'll be trapped in Japan. My Japanese is decent. I'd like to stay, but I don't know if I'll be able to survive...how about you?"
"...I think I'll stay in Japan. Who knows, maybe I'll enroll in a school, have a good life there..."
"Keep in touch."
"You, too."
"Excuse me, but I believe that should be done anyway."
Gavin stood beside Yasumi, joining them in staring at the ocean, "After all, we are the Millennium Guardians."
"I thought we all ready saved the Pharaoh and all that," Yasumi sighed, "Why do we need to keep in touch?"
"...I don't know..." Gavin muttered, "But the fact that we had no use for the Pharaoh's Items unnerves me. Perhaps there is a greater task for us. Perhaps the items have no abilities and are merely for show. Or maybe I'm wrong altogether."
"Where are the items?" Rathje asked.
"They are in your rooms on the ship."
"What are the items?" Rathje continued.
"You have received a staff, Rathje," Gavin answered, "Yasumi, a bracelet was sent to you. Keep in mind that I have no idea what these items are for, so do not ask."
"What do you have, Gavin?" Yasumi inquired.
"A sword," Gavin responded.
"Why didn't Bakura get one?" Rathje sighed, "He's a Millennium Guardian, right?"
"...yes..." Gavin replied, "But he has the Millennium Ring. He has his own abilities."
"...that implies that we have abilities..." Rathje pointed out.
"Sorry, that was unintentional."
"Darn. I want abilities," Rathje grinned jokingly.
~
THE END
~
Author's Note: Well, that's it. Thanks to everyone. If I forgot something, tell me and I'll edit it. Otherwise, sit tight until I get the motivation to write the first chapter of the sequel. On that note, look out for the sequel! It's going to be called "Oath to the Pharaoh". Thank you to everyone, especially Gabrielle Reed!