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.

Chapter 17 – Letter

Yugi pushed his horse hard as he rode towards the rocky outcrop in the distance. He was exhausted and his horse was in desperate need of water. Despite this his hard travel had paid off and he had made good time. Being smaller and lighter he had crossed the stretch of desert behind him fast, faster than Yami he was sure. Yami, travelling in a larger party would be slower. At least that's what Yugi hoped. He caught sight of a green oasis ahead and altered his course. Despite his desperate hurry water was scarce in the desert and he would be a fool to pass up the opportunity to water both himself and his horse.

Yugi slid to a halt at the waters edge and almost dived into the cool water, drinking as much as he could. His horse did likewise. He couldn't stay long if he hoped to catch Yami. Yugi was sure he was gaining on him. After only a few minutes he reluctantly lifted himself from the water and made to mount his exhausted horse again. It was then that he spotted something shiny, lying on the ground under the shade of one of the trees. Yugi walked over and picked it up. He gave a small cry. The object was a ring and Yugi recognised it as belonging to Yami. Yugi had given it to him on his twentieth birthday. Yugi wore one similar. The hieroglyphics around the band read 'soul mate'. Yugi stood there for a few moments holding the ring in his hand lost in his memories before he clenched it tightly in his fist. He would save Yami. He would get him back again no matter what the cost. It was then that he remembered the letter Danota had given him. Deciding he had a little time to spare, he pulled out the letter and broke the seal. Yami's familiar writing lay before him.

Yugi,

You will have realised by now that I have left to confront Seto this one last time. I hope after all is done that I can proclaim myself the victor and return to you as I promised but I must be realistic. Without the millennium puzzle it will be difficult. Know this though, should I die trying to protect my people I will be confident in the knowledge that you shall succeed me as Pharaoh. Although we are cousins I have always thought of you as the brother I never had. My life changed a great deal when you came into my life and if time should turn back I would not change a thing. Before I met you Yugi I never had any friends and was always very much alone in this world. You filled my world with light and happiness and I know that I can never fully explain to you how much that has meant to me. I wish I could tell you these things to your face but it would seem time has caught me up. I know times have been hard and should I fail times will be harder still but I also know you will stand tall and rule and guide my people well. You have a strain of selflessness in you Yugi that I have always admired. You will do anything for someone but ask nothing for yourself in return.

I have one last request of you Yugi. Do not follow me. The dangers to yourself are far greater than you could ever imagine. However, if you should follow me the world itself will be in a much greater danger. Please do not be alarmed at this. I know the fear you are feeling and it is not a sign of weakness. Believe me when I say I understand. The fear of what might happen should you follow fills me with dread. The choices I may be faced with too horrible to bear.

I love you Yugi. You have filled my once dark world with light and I cherish that light. I cannot contemplate that light being extinguished, possibly by my own hand. All I ask is that you accept your responsibilities and face the future with strength. Remember, I will always be with you whether in this life or the next.

Remember me always.

Yami

Yugi stood in the sweltering desert with tears streaming down his face as he finished reading the letter. Yami was not expecting to return, he was going to die and he knew it. Yami was saying goodbye. Yugi gently folded the letter and placed it back in his robes. He looked out at the desert, at the distant rocky outcrop. He was facing the hardest decision of his life. He knew of the dangers to himself that Yami referred to and knew that Yami was right. He should turn round and go back. However, the vision was still fresh in his mind and the thought that he was just going to leave Yami to his fate filled Yugi with fear again. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he struggled with his choices. He knew what he should do. He should return to the palace, to his people, if things turned out badly for Yami but he couldn't do it. Yami was his friend, his soul mate and just as Yami had said Yugi had brought light into his life Yami had done the same for Yugi. He had given him a life, a home, friendship and love. Apart from Jou as a friend, Yugi had had none of these things before. Yami had treated him as an equal even before he had learnt he was his cousin. With one final glance at the desert Yugi mounted his horse. His mind was made up. Making the first selfish decision of his life Yugi turned his horse and continued his journey towards the rocky outcrop. He would save Yami or die trying. Yugi owed him too much not to try.

The anticipation was high as the group approached the outcrop. As they entered its shadow Yami felt a feeling of foreboding creep over him. The time of his final battle was close. He could sense the presence of the puzzle and he tipped his head back and looked up the steep rocky wall to where the top was just visible. Ishizu moved to stand beside him.

"The puzzle is close," he said simply.

Ishizu nodded and touched her own millennium item around her neck.

"I know, I can feel it as well, along with the millennium ring. Bakura and Seto are here...and Marik."

Yami turned to his friend and counsellor.

"I may have to fight Marik."

Ishizu nodded sadly.

"I know Yami. You must do what you have to."

Yami turned to those gathered behind him.

"My friends, we have arrived. I don't know what is to come but I know I must face it. You, however, do not. I cannot ask you to follow me to what may be certain death. All I ask is that if I should fail you will try to hold back the evil for as long as possible with the power of your millennium items. Thank you all for coming this far with me but I cannot ask you to go any further. I must face this alone."

Yami was glad that the light was starting to fade as his eyes glistened with unshed tears as he said goodbye to his friends. A part of him hoped for victory but a more realistic side of him and an unwanted voice in his head told him that this would be his final journey. He had said as much in his letter to Yugi.

'I wish I had more time,' he though sadly.

He turned his horse in the direction of the rocky path, which led to the top of the outcrop but stopped as a firm hand clasped his shoulder. He turned to face Jou.

"Uh, ah Your Highness I'm coming with you."

Yami lifted his sad eyes to Jou.

"You can't Jou. This is my responsibility."

Jou shook his head.

"Blow responsibility. I'm not going to watch or let a friend of mine go to his death without a fight. We're coming with you."

Jou indicated to the group behind. They all had the same resolute look on their faces as they moved their horses closer. Yami was about to protest when Jou cut in again.

"There's no point arguing with us, were coming."

Despite everything Yami smiled.

"Thank you Jou. Thank you everyone. I will never forget this."

He clasped Jou's hand warmly in his own.

"Shall we? We have an appointment to keep and I wouldn't want to be late."

Jou smiled at Yami.

"Lets, I'm feeling a sudden urge to kick Seto's butt straight back to shadow realm."

With that the party began the slow climb up the path.

Yugi pushed his horse as hard as he dared. The outcrop was in view now. He had made good time and he knew he was close to catching Yami. He was still too far away to see the base of the outcrop so he never saw Yami and the group start their ascent to the top.

'I must hurry. Time is running out,' he thought and kicked the last few ounces of speed out of his tired horse.

The climb up was slow but they finally crested the top and dismounted. Yami drew his sword as he moved cautiously forwards. The top of the outcrop looked deserted but Yami knew differently he could feel the presence of the ring and puzzle growing stronger. He stopped suddenly as three figures detached themselves from the shadows in front of him. He tightened his grip on his sword as Seto, Bakura and Marik stepped into the moonlight.

"I've been expecting you" Seto's said in a cold, calm voice.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you wait," Yami said sarcastically as he assumed a defensive half crouch, his sword held tightly ready to attack or be attacked.

"That's alright Yami. I always crave your company. Timing is of little importance," Seto's voice this time had a mockingly lilt to it.

Not taking his eyes of the targets in front of him but seeing that the three of them were alone Yami signalled for the rest of the party to fan out behind him. Seto smiled as he noticed Yami's companions.

"I must thank you Yami. You have done my work for me," he said, a small smirk crossing his face.

"What do you mean?" Yami asked but didn't really want to know the answer.

"I thought I might have to hunt down the other guardians but here they are, all present and correct."

Yami watched as the Seto controlled form of Mokuba moved slowly across the top of the outcrop. As he moved further into the moonlight Yami could see the millennium puzzle hanging around his neck. Seto was planning something. Yami could feel it. He took a step forward and raised his sword in a move to attack but Seto, with lightening speed, raised his hand and fired a bolt of energy straight at Yami. Unprepared for the attack Yami was thrown off his feet as it hit him in the chest.

"Now, now Yami you don't attend a party unless you've been invited," Seto's said laughing and wagging his finger in a mocking fashion.

Startled at the power and speed of Seto's attack Yami struggled to get back on his feet.

"Yami be careful," Ishizu warned.

"Something is very wrong here. Seto shouldn't have that kind of power he's getting help from somewhere."

Listening to Ishizu's warning but undeterred Yami once more made to move forwards but to his alarm he found he couldn't. He couldn't move at all he was frozen and from the cries of alarm from behind him the others were in the same situation. Seto turned to his immobile foe.

"I think you can stay there for a while Yami. Even in your weakened state and without the puzzle I'm not sure what you're capable of so I think it best if you just watch for now. You see were not quite ready for the finale yet. We're one short".

Yugi slid to a halt at the base of the outcrop and without stopping dropped from his horse and started to run up the slope to the top. He pulled the millennium rod free from within his robes and clasped it tightly in his fist as he ran. Yami was close and so was Seto. He could feel the puzzle calling out to him from above.

"What are you talking about?" Yami said through gritted teeth as he struggled to break free of the invisible force holding him.

Seto crossed his arms in a relaxed fashion as he moved closer.

"You see Yami I need all of the millennium items present in order to free myself from the shadow realm. I was worried that only you would come to confront me and I would have to work for my freedom but here you are handing it to me on a plate."

Yami gave a snort of triumph as he listened to Seto.

"Then I have beaten you Seto and without having to lift a finger. Not all of the items are here."

"Ah, now that's where you're wrong Yami."

"No, Seto you're the one who's wrong the millennium rod is still secure in my palace, away from your grasp."

Seto turned round and the manic grin on his face made Yami feel sick. Something was terribly wrong. Seto was laughing as he moved towards Yami.

"Ah, but that's the ironic thing, the rod is no longer secure in your palace. It's here," Seto said as he approached Yami.

Yami struggled against his bonds but it was no use.

"What do you mean? How can it be here? Only if someone........."

Yami stopped, a cold feeling of dread settling in his stomach. He could feel the presence of another millennium item approaching.

'No, it can't be,' he thought.

He could feel the presence of the millennium rod. He could also sense another familiar presence.

"Yugi," he said out loud in a quiet, terrified voice.

Yugi could hear voices above him and he slowed to a walk before creeping forwards. As he reached the top of the path he saw Yami, Jou and the others standing still like statues. Seto was standing in front of them laughing.

'Why don't they move?' Yugi thought as he took in the scene before him.

He moved a little closer trying to hear what was being said.

Seto continued to laugh as he moved away from Yami and out into the open.

"Shall I invite our guest to the party Yami?"

"NO," Yami shouted as Seto raised his hand.

Yugi cried out in surprise as bands of energy wrapped around him, pinning his arms to his sides. He struggled against the grip of the unseen force but to no avail as he was lifted into the air and floated towards the group of people in front of him.

"YUGI," Yami shouted in anguish as Yugi drifted past him and came to halt on his knees in front of Seto.

Yugi looked up in fear at his enemy. He could hear Yami struggling even more behind him trying to break free from his restraints and the cries of his friends as Mokuba's small hand cupped his chin.

"Welcome Yugi. I've missed your company."

Yugi tore his face away from Seto's grasp in defiance. Seto snarled and brought his hand down across Yugi's face.

"You'll regret that you little brat. I'm going to make you suffer like you've never suffered before. When I'm done with you you're going to beg for death."

"I very much doubt that Seto. Pain is something I'm familiar with," Yugi said bravely as he spat blood from his mouth.

Seto snarled and grabbed his throat.

"LET HIM GO," Yami cried out behind them.

"What are you going to do about it Yami?" Seto spat as he turned his attention back to Yugi, who was starting to go blue as Seto tightened his grip.

In desperation Yami reached out with all his might to the shadow realm, willing the power to come to him. His whole body shook with the effort and he cried out in pain but he was rewarded with a surge of power like he had never felt before. The millennium eye began to glow on his forehead as power flowed through him. He threw off the invisible bonds that held him and fired a blast of energy towards his enemy.

Seto raised his head and released Yugi at hearing the cry of pain from his rival but was unprepared for the powerful blast that threw him back.

Seto skidded across the floor at the force from the blast and Yami began to advance towards him. With Seto's concentration broken Yugi had been released from his bonds and now raised himself shakily from the floor where he had fallen.

Yami towered over Seto, his clenched and still smoking fist raised in front of him.

"I said, leave him alone."

Yami was panting and sweating heavily at the effort of using his shadow powers without aid from the puzzle and could not react quickly enough as Seto's leg swept out and knocked his feet out from under him. He exhaled sharply as the air was forced from his lungs when he hit the floor. Seto dragged himself to his feet and stumbled towards the very edge of the outcrop.

"I was right to be wary of you Yami. It would seem you have found a way to use your powers without the aid of your puzzle. You have been a worthy opponent and I will enjoy destroying you but I think a more suitable and fitting form is needed for the task."

Seto raised his arms to the sky and the clouds above him began to darken.

Finding themselves free of Seto's control Honda, Jou and the others began to move towards their fallen friends. Yugi was still struggling to get to his feet and Yami looked dazed from his fall. Jou and the others rushed to Yami's side but Ishizu stopped to watch Seto. She could feel a power building, a power like she had never felt before. She watched as Seto raised his arms to the sky. Suddenly she gasped as she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She saw the other guardians do the same. Then the pain came again, stronger this time and she fell to her knees. The millennium necklace around her neck was glowing fiercely as if its power was being called upon. She looked up and saw that the same was happening to the millennium scales and Ankh.

"What's happening," Shadi exclaimed as he to fell to his knees in pain.

"Someone is calling on the power of the millennium items," Ishizu responded.

"But I thought only Yami or Yugi could do that," Jou questioned.

"It feels like my very soul is in fire," he said through gritted teeth.

She looked up in horror at the figure of Seto standing on the edge of the outcrop. The millennium puzzle around his neck was glowing with the same fierce light along with Bakura's ring and the millennium rod, which lay at arms reach from Yugi where he had dropped it.

"Seto has somehow found away to use the millennium items. He's getting help from the shadow realm," Ishizu shouted.

It was true she could feel the presence of something powerful probing at the edges of the shadow realm waiting for the opportunity to break free. She knew what it was. Seto was a minor evil compared to what had been sealed away in the form of the Blue Eyes White Dragon. Somehow it was channelling its energy through Seto but it still had one disadvantage. It was a monster and could only be summoned in a duel. She was about to shout out to Yami who had finally managed to get back to his feet with the help of Honda when the millennium item around her neck gave a violent jolt and the power that had been summoned broke free. At the same time she saw streaks of light fly from the other millennium items. However, they did not go towards Seto as she had expected but to Yugi instead. Yugi screamed as the energy streamed into him.

Yami ran towards Yugi as he screamed in pain but had to shield his eyes from the intense glow that Yugi was now giving off. Somehow Seto was using the power of the millennium items, channelling their power through Yugi. Yugi gave another pain filled cry and the combined energy of the items shot from him to disappear into the air beside Seto. Yugi collapsed to the floor. Seto lowered his arms and began to laugh.

"By using the seven millennium items and the chosen one I can now free myself from the accused shadow realm."

Concerned for Yugi but knowing he had to stop Seto Yami began to advance on his foe. He could see the beginnings of a portal opening and he knew he had to move fast. In one fluid movement he dashed forwards but Seto had been ready for it. With the sweep of his arm the clouds above him began to boil and flashes of lighting lit up the sky.

"There's nothing you can do Yami. It's already too late."

Suddenly a series of lightening bolts bolt struck the earth around Yami and he was thrown to the floor. However, unlike normal lightening they did not vanish instead they remained surrounding Yami like bars on a cage. Yami was trapped.

Yami lifted himself weakly to his elbows to look in horror from his prison as a black, swirling abyss began to open behind the small form of Mokuba. Seto looked down at Yami, his eyes glowing bright blood red.

"You will pay Yami for the humiliation and pain you have caused me. You have your little friend Yugi to thank for your destruction. I knew he would follow to try and save you. Friends are so predictable," he spat the words from his mouth as the portal behind him grew in size.

Yugi tried to crawl towards Yami but stopped as he saw something begin to emerge from the black depths of the portal. A tall figure cloaked in black robes emerged and towered over the smaller form of Mokuba. The robes were wrapped tightly around the form covering its face. The next words that were spoken were said in echoing unison as the two parts of Seto's mind came together.

"I knew your little friend would come and bring the millennium rod to me, after all how could he let you die, after seeing such a vivid vision of your fate."

Yugi looked up in horror at these words and realisation began to dawn on him. Seto's echoing laugh rebounded off the surrounding rocks.

"Yes, little Yugi, you were tricked. I sent the vision you saw of Yami's destruction, not far off the truth when I'm done with him. Once again I must thank you. I really couldn't have done any of this without your help. Instead of helping to save your precious Pharaoh as you had intended you have aided in his destruction and as a reward I am only to happy to provide you with a ringside seat".

With that both figures raised their hands and Yugi was suddenly encased in a clear box of energy. Yugi banged on the clear shield, which rippled but did not break, as the full meaning of Seto's words drilled into his soul. He had been tricked. He had played right into Seto's hands. Seto's was free and it was his fault.

The small form of Mokuba collapsed to the ground as Seto finally released his body and mind from his control. Returning to his true body now it was free. The black cloak slipped from the face it had been covering and billowed in the wind. Yugi gasped at seeing the face of his most hated enemy, the man who had wanted him dead on more than one occasion, the reason for his nightmares. The once deep blue eyes now glowed golden with power and sparks flew from around his feet as he moved forward, towards Yami's cage. Yugi cried out in fear and he banged on the walls of his prison as Seto advanced towards his fallen friend.

"And now Yami I think it is finally time for you to die," Seto said in glee as approached the fallen Pharaoh.