Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or the character, Nick who is owned by Phoenix727.

I also wanted to let you all know if you remember how chapter 1 started, you know, the cliffhanger that started it this entire story, it will continue in this chapter.

Chapter 21: A Servant's Sacrifice

I can't believe what I am doing! This is what I get for playing hero. It's too late now, there's no way I can escape Pluto, and if I do, he'll hurt my friends.

"Pluto, you will not get away with this!" I yelled.

"I may have the final key to reawakening the Galactic Dragon but the two remaining Phoenix Dragons must be found." Pluto replied. "I also need to obtain the Millennium Items but that is not what I'm concerned about."

My friends and the Millennium Guardians glared daggers at Pluto, and I realized Artemis was missing. Where did she go?

"Brother, don't do this!" Yukai pleaded. "We have guarded the universe, making sure no harm is done, and now I see one of our own has betrayed us!"

"Listen," Pluto began. "We have been watching over these humans for nearly billions of years, and all I see is chaos in the Mortal World! These mortals must be destroyed!"

"Look, we may not be perfect but at least we have a heart, unlike you!" Nick bickered.

"Nick's right," Atem spoke. "Your goals are truly heartless. What you are destroying is nature, and you shouldn't be considered alive if you are destroying it!"

Pluto suddenly froze. His blue eyes were locked on Atem, and he didn't move. I felt someone tug on me, and I turned around to see Artemis.

"Artemis," I whispered. "Where were you?"

"I turned invisible," she answered softly. "Come on before Pluto gets back to reality." She grabbed my hand as her powers made us both invisible. I guess Atem's talk must have distracted Pluto long enough for Artemis to slip past Pluto and reach me.

Pluto remained immobilized as we finally came towards our friends. We reappeared behind them, startling Mokuba, Tristan, Joey and Ryou. The Millennium Guardians noticed us and then turned their direction towards Pluto.

"What's wrong with him?" Tea asked.

"The way Atem was talking to him is similar to what Misty was saying when we last confronted Pluto," Yukai explained. "Misty was telling Pluto that he was destroying the balance of nature, and he somewhat froze from that statement."

"Sounds like déjà vu." I replied.

"At least it gave me time to rescue you." Artemis said. She seemed worried for some reason.

Pluto finally moved and he realized what had happened. His eyes began to quiver in an angry manner as the same black aura was being emitted from his body. The Millennium Guardians saw this, and immediately summoned their Ka. "You think a mere mortal can deceive me!" Pluto growled. "I'll show you my hatred as I call upon my Ka!"

Lightning flashed as it quaked the earth. Something immense arose from the ground as the creature stood beside Pluto. This monster looked familiar. It couldn't be!

"The God of Destruction, Obelisk the Tormentor!" Yukai cried fearfully. "Most of our Ka won't stand a chance against it."

"Is there a way I can help?" Nick offered.

"Make sure the others are safe!" Nidoki replied. "We might not be able to protect you all!"

I noticed Atem's crimson eyes had a gleam of courage in them. There's no way we can stop Obelisk, even if we have Slifer on our side. Luckily we aren't facing The Winged Dragon of Ra.

"I wasn't planning on using Obelisk but at desperate times, comes for desperate measures." Pluto said.

"Pluto, please end this madness!" Artemis cried. "I don't want to hurt you…"

"Aibou," Atem replied.

"What is it?" I turned my direction to him.

"I want you and the others to get out of this horrible place."

"No, mou hitori no boku!" I protested. "I haven't come all this way to just end up going back!"

"Yeah, Atem," Joey said as he and the others came forward. "We'll help the Millennium Guardians any way we can."

"But you don't have Ka to protect yourselves!" Atem objected.

"Tea and I will be more than happy to assist since I believe I owe Artemis a favor for helping me defeat Shadow Phoenix." Nick replied.

"I'm not going anywhere if Joey stays here." Tristan said.

"I'm willing to help as much as I can!" Serenity insisted.

"I'll gladly help!" Ryou said happily. "Right, Bakura?" He nudged the tomb robber who began to sigh.

"I must stay in case my weaker half doesn't die." Bakura stated.

"Kaiba," I said.

"We've got you covered!" Mokuba replied.

"I wouldn't help you all but if Mokuba stays, then I will try to give some assistance." Kaiba said.

"How touching." Pluto watched us while we had our discussion. "I hope you wouldn't mind if I get rid of those humans once and for all." He grinned evilly as he ordered Obelisk to attack. The Millennium Guardians were surprised by Pluto's action, but they couldn't do a thing.

"EVERYONE, BACK AWAY!" Atem yelled out.

He stood in front of Obelisk's attack and he began walking towards it. Well, here's where I left off before taking a trip down memory lane. What you have just saw, took place in the past and allow me to continue.

(A/N: I suggest if you have forgotten what began this story, then go back to chapter 1)

Everything suddenly turned black. Smoke covered the air and I couldn't see anything. The dust cleared as I was able to see what was going on. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. Atem was fine, but… someone blocked Pluto's attack.

"Artemis," Atem cried bitterly.

She saved him before Obelisk could destroy Atem. I stared in shock as Artemis collapsed on the ground, but not before a silver light enshrouded her and a white sphere appeared from her limp body. The sphere flew over to Pluto as the Millennium Guardians had depressed looks on their faces.

"It seems as though Artemis sacrificed her life for you, Pharaoh," Pluto spoke whilst holding the sphere in his hands. "Just what I needed, the Millennium Puzzle's original owner."

"There's no way you can revive the Galactic Dragon!" Yukai spat.

"You think only Ra's power can awaken it, then you are truly mistaken," Pluto stated. "The reason why I stole the puzzle was to ensure nothing gets in the way of the resurrection."

"How could you know of all the secrets of summoning the Galactic Dragon?" Orpheus asked angrily.

"Let me just say Pluto is not really in control!" he laughed.

"Then I was right! Pluto is being controlled by someone else!" I shouted.

"Who are you?" Forseti demanded.

"That's not important right now. The only thing you all should worry about is the Galactic Dragon, and I can awaken it at this very moment!" Pluto replied.

I noticed Artemis was not moving at all. What is that sphere Pluto is holding, and it looks familiar.

"With Artemis's soul, all is lost." Yukai said sadly.

Her soul! What can we do without her? I noticed a dark aura appear by Pluto, and it seemed familiar too. The vision I had! This is what Artemis saw while we were at Pluto's castle, and that sphere was actually her soul! Our visions are coming true!

The Millennium Puzzle and Artemis's soul were engulfed by the dark aura that arose from Pluto. I could sense the evil in this aura as loud roars were heard.

"Once I find the Galactic Dragon's body, it will finally be able to create chaos!" Pluto declared.

The body of a huge winged dragon soon formed and its yellow eyes gleamed at us. We stared fearfully as the dragon roared.

"We're all doomed!" Yukai yelled. "There's nothing more we can do to stop it…"

This can't be happening! Artemis's gone and now the Galactic Dragon has been resurrected with the use of her soul and the Millennium Puzzle. I just wish it were all over, but the terror is just beginning.