Finding the Light

Chapter 3 - Truths

By Tsubasa no Yami

Disclaimer: "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and all its characters, settings, the seven Millennium Items (Puzzle, Ring, Eye, Key/Ankh, Necklace/Tauk, Scale, Rod) and Duel Monsters do not belong to me. They belong to Kazuki Takahashi, the creator. Kimberly, Kahina, and the Aeon Items are mine alone.

There is a list of the dubbed and Japanese names at the top of the first chapter.

Also, there may be (well, probably are) discrepancies with the card uses. Please, tell me. It'd be greatly appreciated.

This leaves canon (the anime) after the Duelist Kingdom arc. The duelists have returned and Grandpa is out of the hospital, but Rebecca Hawkins never challenged any of them to a duel.

Oh, and the song that is featured is my own. Please, tell me what you think.

And, I hope this isn't a Mary Sue. I would be extremely happy if someone told me what a Mary Sue is, so I can warn readers or take this down.

##YuGiOh##

##change scene##

"normal dialogue"

'thoughts'

/dialogue between hikaris and their yamis/

$$flashback$$

"dialogue within flashback"

/narration outside of flashback/

(author's note)

##KingOfGames##

Summary –

Chapter 2: Dining and a Duel

After being ambushed by Yugi and the crew in the Turtle Game Shop, Kimberly reveals the fact that she worked as an Eliminator on Duelist Kingdom and agrees to duel (Yami) Yugi at Kaiba Corp. after lunch. The ensuing duel drew the attention of the Kaiba brothers and Mai later joined the spectators. Kimberly came amazing close to defeating Yugi with the Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, but was stopped by the ritual summoning of the Black Luster Soldier.

##YuGiOh#

Kimberly Chan gathered her deck and the podium descended. She jumped off before it reached the floor. "Bakura, walk with me please." She set off toward the Kaiba brothers.

"Um… alright." Ryou Bakura rushed over to her side.

"Yo, wait for us!" Tristan Taylor ran over to them, the others close behind him.

Yami Yugi also collected his cards and descended from the podium. He met up with Kimberly, Bakura, and the Kaibas. "Well, did you enjoy the show?"

"Yeah!" Mokuba Kaiba smiled. "It was really close. I didn't know who was going to win. You were winning, then Kim was winning, and then you were in the lead, and then you won. Wow, Yugi, I hope I get to watch you and Seto duel. It's gonna be even more exciting than this."

"Don't worry, little brother, the time will come." Seto Kaiba looked at the two other duelists. "So, what's going to happen now that the duel is over?"

"I keep my promise." Kimberly turned her attention to Yami. "What do you request of me, Yugi Mutou?"

/Well, Yugi?/ Yami asked, mentally prodding him for a quick reply.

/Uh… How about she answers all our questions truthfully? She seems like an honorable person./ Yugi Mutou nodded to himself in his soul room. /Yeah, I think that'll work fine./

/As you wish./ Yami looked at her doubtfully. "Kimberly, we want you to answer all of our questions truthfully. Will you do that?"

"You have my word." Kimberly looked over at the others, who had just come over. "But of course, can you trust my word?" She looked at Tristan in particular.

"I trust you, and that is all that matters." Yami caught her eye and gave her a hard stare. "You knew that you were going to lose, didn't you?"

Kimberly smiled bitterly. "The stories are true, after all. But don't think I didn't try to cheat fate; I did and, as usual, failed."

Yami looked at his friends, then back at her. /What is she talking about, Yugi? Does she know something we don't?/

Yugi shrugged. /She's been acting kinda weird since we met her./

/I know./ Yami mentally nodded. "I don't understand. Why would there be any tales about me?"

"'Stories'" was a poor choice of words on my part. 'Legends' is a more appropriate term. Perhaps even 'myths" fits." The green-eyed girl laughed mirthlessly. "Yami… Would you expect anything less for the Pharaoh of the Two Lands?"

"Pharaoh?!" Yami froze; in shock or fear, he could not tell. /How did she know?/

/I didn't tell anyone. Come on; let's switch./ Yugi took over his body again as the spirit returned to the Puzzle. "Er… My name's Yugi. You know that, so why call me 'Yami'?" He scratched the back of his head nervously. "And also, I'm just a high-school student who likes to duel, not this 'Pharaoh of the Two Lands'. What two lands?"

"King of Games… Yu-Gi-Oh… Pharaoh… He has been known by many aliases." Kimberly smirked. "As have others present here. But there is more to you than meets the eye, Yugi Mutou. You cannot deceive the mistress of deception." She glared sharply at Bakura. "Neither can you."

Bakura's hair spiked up and his eyes narrowed, filled with a malicious gleam. "It seems I pulled the wool over your eyes quite easily." Yami Bakura snarled. "Now, reveal your true agenda!"

"What is going on here?" Mai asked, confused. "You keep talking above our heads."

"Oh no! It's the evil Bakura from before!" Téa hid behind Joey and Tristan while she pulled Mai Valentine away from Yami Bakura. The quartet started to inch away from the tomb robber.

"Mokuba, go with them. It might not be safe to stay here." Kaiba gave his brother a gentle push in the right direction.

"But, big brother…" Mokuba pleaded.

"No, Mokuba." Surprisingly, Kaiba picked up Mokuba and gave him to Tristan. "If even one hair on his head is harmed, I will personally hunt you down."

'Why do I always end up carrying him?' Tristan thought. He gave Mokuba a piggyback ride. "Don't worry, Kaiba. Let's go, guys." Tristan led the group out of the arena.

"Agendas… You are the authority on those, aren't you, Yami Bakura? You go about masquerading as your light side, watching and waiting during our duel for a chance to snatch away Yugi's Millennium Puzzle. You shall never claim it." Kimberly looked at Yugi. "They will not allow it. Neither shall I. And don't think of using your parlor tricks on me; you'll find that your decks have been frozen."

'She's right! The cards I was dueling with less than five minutes ago have turned into a block of ice!' Yugi started to panic. "What do you want with us?" He demanded.

"I will answer that question when the last one gets here. If he ever gets here…" Kimberly muttered that last part. She looked at the cell phone Kaiba was trying to call security on. Her emerald eyes flashed pale blue and the phone froze. "Don't try anything, Seto Kaiba. I'm not one you should mess with. And, if you were wondering, I was the reason you couldn't move on the rooftop that afternoon."

Kaiba glared at her and pocketed his cell phone. "You're not human."

"I am no more divine than Yugi is, though we have both been mistaken for deities." Her voice did not carry any smugness in its tone. The floor started to ripple and a figure rose out of it. "It took you long enough… Shadi."

"Who are you, and why have you summoned these Millennium Item holders?" Shadi fixed her with a cool stare.

The American duelist dropped a few cards on the floor, then looked at Yami Bakura. Her eyes flashed again.

"My legs!" Yami Bakura's sneakers were frozen to the tile. "What did you do that for?!"

"You haven't regained my trust, Yami Bakura." Kimberly turned back to the Egyptian man. "Shadi, I require your… assistance. I did not think they would believe me, so I need your Key's particular expertise. But it is likely that you'd like to use your Scale. Am I correct?"

Shadi nodded his turbaned head. "Yes, but do you understand the risks?"

"As always, and I am prepared. Do what you must." Kimberly closed her eyes and the cards she had dropped earlier scattered into a roughly a circular shape around them.

Shadi reached into the folds of his linen cloak and pulled out a golden scale embellished with the Eye of Horus. The scale began to glow. "It is too late to turn back now." A heart made of crystal-clear ice appeared in one of the dishes. "Her heart, with the weight of her deeds." A snow-white feather materialized in the other. "The feather of Truth, Maat. If her heart weights more than the feather, then her deeds have been wicked and she shall suffer a terrible fate. If her heart proves lighter of the two, then her life has been led virtuously."

Yugi waited anxiously. 'This is it. This makes all the difference.'

Shaadi watched as the feather sank down. "Maiden, you have passed the test of the Scale." He replaced the Item.

"So I hoped." The girl fixed the others with a stare. "Your bodies shall be safe while you are… not occupying them."

"'Not occupying them'? What is that supposed to mean?" Kaiba had the least experience with the Millennium Items of the four young men, and was plainly annoyed with the fact he could not comprehend what was going on.

"I'll explain on the way." She looked at the robed figure.

"Prepare yourselves. When I unlock her mind, anything may come." Shaadi took out his Key, raised it to Kimberly's forehead and turned it.

##KingOfGames##

There was a bright flash of light. The five found themselves on a wide path in the middle of a lush green forest, though their number had increased.

"There are two Yugi's… and two Bakura's. How is that possible?" Kaiba stared at them incredulously.

Kimberly looked at the taller Yugi. "Though you are Pharaoh, do not dare to harm Yami Bakura; I remember your temper. This is my realm, so do not toy with me." The girl turned to the evil Bakura. "Yami Bakura, do not try to steal any of their Items. And if you think that I'm powerful out there, think of what I can do here, in my own domain, so do not cross me if you value your freedom."

Yami Yugi ignored her caveat. "Why have you brought us here, into your mind?"

Finally reaching the purpose of her presence in Domino City, her façade began to crumble. "I-I need your help." Kimberly stuttered. "Only the powers of your Millennium Items may aid my search." Shaking her head, she composed herself once more. "But we should get moving. My Soul Room is further down this trail."

"Soul Room?!" Yugi, Bakura, and their Yamis looked at each other meaningfully.

"Your theory? It is true." Kimberly briskly started down the path, leaving the others in her wake. "I share Kimberly's body. My name, one I was known by so long ago, is Neferamaat, but I am now known as Kahina." She stopped beside a meadow by the side of the road. "This is Kimberly's Soul Room."

The boys turned and saw a large scarlet tent in the clearing, alongside a small brook. The grass grew thick and soft, filled with wildflowers. "Kimberly likes flowers?" Kaiba burst out laughing. "That's ridiculous! A serious duelist like her? Impossible. I would expect that of a child."

Kahina glared at him. "When it comes down to it, aren't we all serious duelists? Even Rebecca Hawkins, the eight-year old US National Champion. That is, when she's not conferring with her teddy bear. A childish ploy used to throw off an opponent's train of thought." She began walking again.

"Alright, I get the picture." The CEO growled. "But why am I here? I don't possess a Millennium Item like the rest of you, and I have an internationally successful company I should be running right now."

The sunlit forest began to change, growing darker and more menacing. The air brought with it a chill. Yugi jogged up to Kahina. "Uh, Kahina, right? Well, I was wondering, since you are a Yami and all, what's your Millennium Item?" He looked at her, his amethyst eyes filled with curiosity.

"My Millennium Item? I do not have one. My Item is one of seven talismans, created soon after your Millennium Puzzle was wrought. Think of them as a back-up system for yours. The seven Aeon Items, when maintained in perfect harmony, separate this world and the Shadow Realm. But as you have noticed, people have been able to open portals into that dark dimension." Kahina shook her head discontentedly. "I have failed in my duty as guardian of these Items, thus allowing your duels in the Shadow Realm. And I have failed Kimberly."

Shadi, who had been walking ahead and following his Millennium Key, stopped in front of a pair of metal doors emblazoned with the Eye of Horus. "This is your home?" He asked Kahina.

"Yes, it is my place of residence." She strode over and the doors opened to admit her. "Follow me, and you shall learn the history of the Items, both Millennium and Aeon."

##YuGiOh##

The group entered, finding themselves in a hallway carved of crystal or ice. Hieroglyphics covered the walls, shining in an unidentifiable light source.

"These walls tell the story of the great war waged between the Pharaoh and his high priest over the control of the Shadow Realm." Kahina began. "Millennia ago, the leaders of the world played an ancient form of Duel Monsters. The winners of the duels gained power and territory. The losers lost the lives of their followers, and sometimes their own. The greatest duelist of that era was the Pharaoh, you, Yami. Under your reign, the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were at peace. But a powerful sorcerer, the Pharaoh's own high priest, cousin, and friend, rose up and challenged Yami's claim to the throne. They fought an enormous battle, sacrificing monsters and followers and putting the fate of the world up as the prize. Luckily, the talented Pharaoh won and locked the powers of the Shadow Realm in the seven Millennium Items."

"Yes, that is true." Shadi agreed. "If it was not for that brave young Pharaoh, we would not be here speaking."

"So Yami's the Pharaoh. Who cares?" Kaiba dismissed. "I want to know who this priest was, the one who dueled the Pharaoh."

"Haven't you guessed it, Seto Kaiba? Who has been challenging Yugi and Yami at every turn? Who has been obsessed with winning since that fateful duel?" Kahina looked at him. "They say you are a genius; do you live up to that title?"

"Are you mocking me? I have won all of the duels we have fought, you and I." Kaiba glared at her. "If I really was that high priest, I wouldn't have lost."

"But you were, and you did." She returned the glare with equal intensity, her emerald eyes clashing with his navy blue ones. "You overestimate your own skill and underestimate Yami and Yugi's." The girl led them into a large, round room. In the center stood three statues: the Dark Magician Girl, the Princess of Tsukagi, and the Wingweaver "Now that you know of the Millennium Items, you shall learn of the Aeon Items."

Yami Bakura, bored with all the talk, looked around. There were huge Duel Monsters cards impaled on crystal daggers. "A girl after my own heart." He muttered.

"You mean I don't have it?" Someone whispered.

He jumped and turned around. Kahina had crept up behind him without him noticing. "What are you talking about?!" Yami Bakura snapped back in irritation.

"Nothing…" Kahina drew back and silently sighed. She turned back to the others. "These Duel Monsters represent all of the opponents I have defeated. You may recognize some of them."

Yugi wandered over. "There's the Cyber Commander, the Magician of Faith, and the Flame Swordsman. Those are Tristan's, Téa's, and Joey's cards."

"Here's the Change of Heart card." Bakura waved toward it, his favorite.

Yami stared at one of the cards. "This is the Dark Magician."

"Yes, it is. But notice that there are no daggers through it, Pharaoh. We dueled in another lifetime, and you won. Always." Kahina added softly. "But enough of this. You must hear my tale."

"That is why we're here." Yami replied.

"Succinct as ever, I see. Shortly after the Millennium Items were sealed, the Aeon Items were wrought by my adopted clan, the Chaos Guardians. Imbued with control of the elements, the Items locked the gates of the Shadow Realm and guarded those of the Millennium. Each Item was bestowed upon a different owner, who in turn journeyed across the face of the Earth." Kahina paused, organizing her thoughts. "On the eve of their sixteenth birthday, their souls were sealed within their Items, waiting for the day the Millennium Items were found again. Since that day, I, Kahina, holder of the Aeon Diadem and mistress of water, have been searching, seeking a way to restore the balance, so that fate may have its way."

"So that's why you wanted our help?" Bakura asked.

Kahina shook her head. "No, not for that reason."

"If you do not desire the power of the Millennium Items, why did you summon us?" Shadi wondered. "And who are these 'Chaos Guardians'?"

"The Chaos Guardians are a group of magicians devoted to protecting the balance of life and death, thus preventing the world from being thrown into chaos, hence the name. As long as the world survives, the Chaos Guardians will remain. And I called you here, Shadi, because I need your help. My light half, Kimberly, is missing."

Yugi was shocked. "Isn't that losing half of yourself?"

"Yes." Kahina nodded. "I need her back."

"My, that must be distressing." Bakura said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I promise to do whatever is in my power to help you find her."

Kahina smiled slightly and patted his hand. "Thank you, Bakura. That means a lot."

Yami nodded in agreement. "I remember how badly I felt when I had thought Yugi was gone in our duel with Pegasus. I vowed never to let another experience that."

"Well, if it's okay with Yami, I'm with you all the way." Yugi smiled. "Anything for a friend."

"What's in it for me?" Kaiba asked, point blank.

"Another person for you to duel, and the ensured safety of your brother." Kahina replied, just as bluntly.

There was silence; the implied threat had not gone unnoticed. "Okay." Kaiba glared at her smug look. "But only for Mokuba's sake."

"I will accompany you, for your quest is worthy, and so I may watch over the Item holders." Shadi spoke.

Everyone seemed to look at Yami Bakura expectantly. "All right." He growled. 'Damn peer pressure.'

"Oh, thank you, Yami Bakura!" Kahina suddenly hugged him, overjoyed with his response. "I knew you never could resist an adventure."

Her victim blushed scarlet. "Stop; they'll think I'm getting soft, like my mortal." Yami Bakura's attempt at a caustic comment was only half-hearted.

Bakura laughed. "It's not so bad, is it?"

"It's time to go." Kahina let go of the tomb robber. "Your friends are worried."

There was another bright flash of light. Everyone was back in their bodies, though Yami was still in Yugi's place and Yami Bakura had retreated to the Ring in embarrassment.

Kahina smiled slyly. 'I may have my love yet again.'

Joey jogged over. "I saw the flash. Are ya okay?" He asked, concerned.

"We're fine, Joey. But I'd like you to meet someone." Yami looked to Kahina, silently asking for permission. He got it. "This is Kahina. She is Kimberly's other half, as I am Yugi's other half."

The blond made a face. "Well, that explains a lot." He looked at the girl. "Wish ya trusted us enough to tell us earlier."

"You would've thought she was insane." The Pharaoh calmly replied.

Joey laughed. "I know."

"Big brother! I'm so happy you're all right!" Mokuba hugged Kaiba, only able to reach the taller Kaiba's torso.

"I know, Mokuba, I know." Kaiba shot a meaningful look at Kahina.

She stooped and picked up her cards that she had dropped earlier. "Seto Kaiba, I never break my oaths. But, I am bound to my destiny, as are you."

Kaiba smirked. "I make my own destiny."

"That's what I thought once, 5000 years ago." Kahina turned to leave, but stopped. "Kaiba, are you still planning to have the Sadie Hawkins masquerade next week?"

"How did you know?!" The brown-haired CEO snapped. His navy eyes glittered dangerously in anticipation of her reply. "Invitations are only going out today." Kaiba continued, his voice low. "For you to know would involve illegal activities…"

She gave him a smirk of her own. "Along with being a great duelist, she's a talented hacker and thief. I suggest you add some better firewalls to the PR database." With that, Kahina walked out.

'Wow, what a girl.' Bakura thought, a silly grin on his face. 'I wonder what her light half is like.'

"'Sadie Hawkins'? Who's that?" Tristan asked, sauntering over.

"You doofus, a 'Sadie Hawkins dance' is one where the girls ask the guys out." Téa smiled. "Well, Kaiba, that's an amazingly clever idea you had, holding a dance here."

"Are you mocking me?" Kaiba asked, hackles raised.

"Oh, loosen up. Téa's just tryin' to give you a compliment." Mai draped herself on Joey's arm. "So, Joey, are you going to the dance with someone?"

"Nah. Unless you're a beautiful, blond babe. He he he." Joey grinned widely.

"Well, then, I guess I have to. Joseph Wheeler, will you go to the dance with me?" Mai gave him her best pleading look. "Please?"

"Of course I will." Joey held up a victory sign. "I'm so goin' to a dance with the most beautiful gal in Domino!"

"Just wait until Serenity asks me." Tristan butt in. "Then I'll be going with the most beautiful girl in the world."

"I'm not lettin' my lil' sis go out with a punk like you." Joey knocked his friend upside the head.

"Hey!" They got in a dustcloud fight.

Bakura sighed. "All right, you two, break it up." He went over to separate them.

Téa smiled knowingly. "Those two never change."

/Do you think she will ask you, Yugi?/ Yami asked, a smile creeping over his lips. /You would be a good choice. Not that I am biased, we sharing the same body and the like./ He added quickly.

Yugi mentally blushed. /No way! We're just friends. But haven't you noticed how she looks at you?/

/I haven't had my own body for 5000 years. I am merely another aspect of you, Yugi./ Yami mentally shook his head.

Téa moved closer to the Pharaoh, all the while keeping her sapphire eyes to the floor. "Hey, Yami?"

Yami gave his light side a last dubious look. "Yes, Téa?"

"Would you or Yugi go to the dance with me?" She asked tentatively, briefly meeting his eyes with her own.

/See. I told you that she likes you./ Yami thought.

/She's just being nice, like she always is./

/Right, Yugi. Keep telling yourself that./ Yami smirked.

"Well?" Téa was hurt by the delay in replying, and her face showed it. "I mean, it's okay if you don't want to go with me… Either of you…"

"Oh, Ra, I'm sorry to have been so discourteous. It would be an honor to attend the masquerade by your side." Yami returned to the Puzzle to allow Yugi to speak for himself.

Yugi took over his body once again. "Gee, Téa, I'd love to."

"Thanks, both of you." She hugged him.

Yugi blushed. "Aw… It's nothing." He scuffed the toe of his sneaker on the floor, embarrassed.

Téa grinned. "Well, I've gotta go. I'll call ya later, okay?"

"Sure." He waved goodbye. Yugi looked at his remaining friends, two of which were sitting in a disheveled heap. "Oh, good, you didn't kill each other." He smiled.

"Close to it, though." Bakura looked at them disapprovingly.

"As amusing as this is, I need to go back to work, so get out." Kaiba turned on his heel. "Let's go, Mokuba."

"Okay, big brother." Mokuba hurried after his older brother. "Bye, Yugi!"

"Guess that's our cue to leave. Come on, Joey, let's get our costumes." Mai grabbed his arm and basically dragged him out the door.

"Time to split, before Kaiba has us arrested or somethin'." Tristan suggested, brushing himself off. "So, Bakura, are you gonna go?" The three began to walk out.

"I suppose so, if I have a date. But I have a homicidal alter ego to keep in check." He smiled sadly. "It'd probably best for me not to go."

"Well, I, for one, think you need a break. Kahina seemed nice." Yugi said. "And she appears to like your yami. Why don't you let him go out with Kahina?"

"Interesting idea. She knows what she's getting into, and she can definitely defend herself." Bakura stood there for a second, indecision apparent in his chocolate-brown eyes. "Yes, I think that'd work quite well, actually. If she asks."

/If you think I'm going to some idiotic mortal social gathering, you've got another thing coming!/ Yami Bakura growled.

Bakura actually smirked, a gesture more characteristic of his yami. /You don't have a choice./

/We shall see…/ The tomb robber returned to his Soul Room.

/Yes, we shall./ The white-haired young man turned to his friends. "I'm going to choose my cos—Er, my yami's costume. Heh. This will be fun. I'll see you at school. Bye." With that, Bakura left.

"So, do you seriously think Joey'll let Serenity go with you?" Yugi asked Tristan, as they walked outside. "He hasn't even seen her in months."

"Well, it's worth a try. Besides—" Tristan grinned. "I can always ask Miho."

"Yeah." Yugi added. "She's too nice to turn you down." He laughed.

"Aw, man, not you, too." Tristan groaned. "Does no one respect my social skills?"

"Do you really want the answer to that question?"

"Um… No, actually." Tristan stated flatly.

Yugi smiled. "Good, because I wasn't going to tell you."

##KingOfGames##

Author's Comments –

Big thanks to everyone who reviewed. You're the reason why there's another chapter out. Also, with the end of the Battle City arc, I've begun another YamiTea. If you want, check it out under my profile.

What do you think? Creative criticism, comments, and compliments are welcome. Flames will be ignored. Please review.