DECLARAION: - This story has been written and produced by Cathrath (FanFiction. net ID: 609465). Distribution of any kind is prohibited without the written consent of Cathrath. If you should see this story posted anywhere other than FanFiction .net or under any other name it has been stolen so please notify the author. I do not own Yu-gi-oh.

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Chapter 9 – Final Moments

Yugi lay on the floor, his head resting on his arm. He wasn't really asleep. After all, how could he sleep after what had happened. He still couldn't believe he was under arrest and sentence of death for attempted murder.

'How could Yami possibly think I attacked him?'

His thoughts drifted back to Yami's promise to him all those many months ago.

I promise you Yugi, no one shall ever hurt you again.

And now here he was, alone and frightened, locked in the palace dungeon knowing that the next time the door to his cell opened he could be led to his execution. He was so scared and he wished Jou or Yami were with him, realising how ridiculous the last thought was. His mind instantly leapt to Yami's defence.

'No, Yami would not hurt me on purpose. He must genuinely think that it was me who attacked him'.

Poor Yami how would he feel if Yugi was executed and he discovered his mistake. Tears rolled down his face as he thought of Yami.

"I'm sorry Yami, I promise I will be brave for you when they come for me".

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The sound of footsteps coming down the corridor woke Yugi from his fitful slumber and he sat up. Would they go past he wondered? The footsteps got louder and stopped outside the door to his cell. Yugi got to his feet determined to face whoever, or whatever was to come. The door creaked loudly as it was unlocked and pushed open. Seto walked in followed by several guards.

"Well boy, it would seem the Pharaoh does not value your life. He has placed his seal on a warrant for your execution and I'm only to happy to carry out the Pharaoh's orders".

A slow cruel smile crept across his face and he turned to address the guards.

"Prepare him and bring him to the chamber," he ordered as he swept out of the room.

One of the guards held up a piece of rope and approached Yugi. It was Honda, one of Yami's bodyguards. Honda could not look the boy in the face as he approached.

'He's so young. Does he fully understand what is about to happen to him?' he thought.

"I'm, sorry," was all he could say.

Yugi nodded and bowed his head, placing his hands behind his back for Honda to bind.

'So brave and yet so sacred,' Honda thought.

'How could this boy have tried to kill the Pharaoh?'

Yugi was led out of the cell and down the corridor. It seemed to Yugi like they were walking forever.

'Maybe it will never end,' he thought.

The longer he walked the harder it became to maintain his courage. He stumbled and felt strong arms reach out to steady him. He looked up into the sad face of Honda. He wanted to thank him but his throat was so tight. He returned his eyes to the floor, his heart pounding in his chest.

They finally stopped in front of a large iron door, which was swung open. Yugi was led to the centre of the room. His eyes swept the room taking in the racks of swords, knives, axes and all manner of other strange devices. All of them looked like they were designed to cause pain and suffering. Yugi began to shiver. Sensing the boys distress Honda laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. The High Priest emerged from the shadows across the room followed by another man wearing a black hood to hide his face. He nodded and the two guards each laid a hand on Yugi's shoulders and gently pushed him to his knees.

"You are dismissed, return to your post", he indicated to one guard.

He then pointed to Honda.

"You, wait outside and guard the door."

Honda nodded and gratefully left. He did not want to see this. It felt wrong.

Yugi knelt in the centre of the room trembling. This was it. He was going to die, and he bowed his head as silent tears rolled down his face. The High Priest turned to the man in the hood.

"Proceed", he said in a cold voice.

The hooded man walked over to the racks and slowly drew a sword, testing the edge with his thumb. He knew this was his job but he didn't want the boy to suffer anymore than was necessary. He slowly walked over to the small trembling figure.

'I promise it will be quick,' he thought as he rested the edge of the blade against the youth's neck.

'I'm sorry Yami,' thought Yugi as he felt the cold edge of the blade against the back of his neck.

The blade lifted away and he braced himself for the fatal blow he knew was to come.

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Honda hugged his arms across his chest tying to contain his sobs of anguish. He screwed his eyes shut at the sound of the small cry and the gentle thud from inside the chamber. His sobs grew more intense and tears poured down his face.

'How could the Pharaoh let this happen? He was only a boy.' he thought.

But it was too late the deed was done. Honda continued to sob into the darkness.