I don't own Yugioh.
Chapter 24
Ryou winced, preparing for the blow.
"Yami! Stop!" Yugi grabbed the other's hand, dangling in the air a bit when Yami raised his arm.
Yami glanced at him, "Yugi! Don't you remember!?"
"Stop!" Yugi just shook his head, tears running down his face.
"This is Bakura!" Yami snarled, "Which means he probably has the Millennium Ring! The Bakura I know was a tomb raider and a thief. He's also a stealer of souls! You can't trust a Bakura! Some of the Shadow Games going wild was because of Bakura! He should be punished!"
"Don't hurt him!" Yugi sobbed, holding onto Yami's arm, "Please!"
"Don't you know what he's done?!" Yami shouted at the boy, "Don't you know what he's capable of…?!"
"It doesn't matter what he's done in the past!" Yugi cried, "The past is the past, Yami!"
"Well, the past seems to have a lot to do with our little encounters," Yami shot another glare at Yugi.
"But…," Yugi protested weakly.
"Stop this!" Anzu shouted.
They looked at her.
"Yami, please let go of Ryou. Yugi, let go of Yami," Anzu glared at them.
Yugi glanced at Yami, then let go.
Yami pushed Ryou back, letting go as well.
Ryou stumbled and fell backwards, breathing hard in fear, his eyes wide.
Anzu walked over to him, "Are you alright, Ryou? I'm sorry about that. Here…" She helped him up.
Yugi didn't know why, but he felt his heart constrict in guilt and pain. He looked at the ground.
"If you let him explain," Anzu glared at Yami, "Then you'll learn about the Millennium Ring…"
"I know all about it," Yami whispered dangerously, "More so then you do."
Yugi had sunk to his knees in the sand, his eyes wide and his head bent down. Did I make Anzu mad…? Is it my fault? Is Yami mad at me? It's gotta be my fault…the darkness was after Yami because of me…it had to be because of me. Nobody would have ever gotten hurt or mixed up in this if it wasn't for me!
Yami and Anzu continued their bickering, while Ryou stayed obediently out of it, but monitoring the conversation, trying to add in a comment here and there on either side.
Yugi pressed his hands over his ears. Flashes ran through his mind. Shike and Takada arguing…a young Yugi crying for them to stop fighting…then turning on him……the same young boy cowering as the two argued, staying out of it this time as the volume went higher and higher…
"STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Yami, Anzu, and Ryou glanced at Yugi, surprised.
Yugi was crying, his hands pressed to his ears. He was shaking and trembling from memories he tried to suppress being released again. His eyes were wide as if he was seeing something they weren't.
"Yugi…?" Yami whispered.
"Yugi?" Anzu frowned.
Ryou blinked, not understanding.
"Stop…stop…," Yugi repeated, tears running down his face, "You have to stop fighting!" He let his arms drop to his sides, and sunk down a bit, sobbing so hard that his shoulder shook with the tears.
Yami recognized the haunted look in Yugi's eyes from when he would comfort him after his parents were done yelling at each other, Yugi, or finished beating on another up. He instantly went over and embraced the boy.
"I'm sorry," Yami whispered, "Yugi, concentrate on my voice. They can't hurt you. They will never hurt you again."
Anzu realized what was going on, and instantly went to Yugi's side, placing a hand on Yugi's back. "Please don't cry. I'm sorry, too."
Yugi clung to Yami, burying his head in the other boy's shoulder, and crying.
Yami felt his heart clench painfully upon seeing it. He hadn't seen Yugi cry and shake like that since he stopped living with his adopted parents.
"Be strong, Yugi," Anzu whispered, "Calm down. Take a deep breath."
Yugi tried, and eventually, calmed down. He rested against Yami.
"Right," Anzu nodded, "Let's take a break here."
"What just happened?" Ryou asked, sitting down.
"Yugi was abused by his foster parents," Anzu explained.
Yami was rocking the small boy back and forth, stroking the boy's hair in a comforting way and whispering gentle things to him.
Ryou looked apologetic, "I'm so sorry to hear that…was it resolved?"
Anzu started to answer a 'no', since to her knowledge, the guilty parents were still awaiting trial, when Yami interrupted.
"Yes."
Anzu blinked at him.
"That's good," Ryou blew out his breath.
"I'm sorry," Yugi whispered, pulling away from Yami, but only a little, "I don't know why I let it get to me…I tried to forget what happened…but…"
"It's alright," Yami assured him.
"We understand," Anzu smiled.
Ryou nodded in agreement, "When my father is possessed by the Millennium Ring, he often beats me…"
"Your father?" Yami's head snapped towards him, "Where is he?"
"I-in Egypt…it's a few days from here by camel…we've already traveled for quiet some distance…," Ryou stammered.
"Damn," Yami hissed, "It may be too late by then…that ring has an evil spirit in it. And that evil spirit must never be allowed out! We must stop it!"
"But what about Yugi's grandpa?!" Anzu exclaimed.
Yami gritted his teeth.
"It's okay," Yugi wiped his eyes and stood up.
"Yugi…?"
"If it's anything like the guy from my dreams," Yugi pulled a card out of his deck, "Then we can't just let him wander around, free." He closed his eyes, then threw the card in front of him. A soft white glow emanated from him and went into the card. The card became the Curse of Dragon.
The Curse of Dragon bent down so they could get on.
Yugi pointed, "Come on……," he frowned, "Anzu? Ryou? What are you waiting for…?"
Anzu and Ryou were staring, their jaws dropped open in shock.
Yami had already climbed on, and helped Yugi on in front of him. "Come on!"
"What about the camel…?" Ryou stammered.
"Let it go free," Yami bit out, "They were born to survive in the desert. In fact, it's probably better off here."
Ryou looked uncertain.
"Stop it," Anzu glared at Yami, "Can't you be civil towards him?"
"Just get on," Yami crossed his arms angrily.
Anzu shook her head and climbed on, Ryou following.
"Sa," Yugi whispered to the dragon, "Start off slow. Anzu and Ryou haven't ridden you yet."
The dragon seemed to nod, and lifted up into the air.
"Gyaa…!" Anzu gripped onto Ryou, who was in front of her.
Ryou clung to the dragon.
"Hold on tight," Yugi wiped his eyes, smiling, "Here we go…!" They started off towards Egypt.
They landed a little ways from the village in an oasis so not to attract attention. The Curse of Dragon went back.
Yugi sunk to his knees, breathing hard.
"Are you alright?" Anzu went over.
Yugi nodded.
Yami helped him up, "Can you walk?"
Yugi nodded again, "Yea…I'm alright…" he started to sink back down to the ground, placing a hand over his mouth and coughing. Crimson trickled down his fingers.
Yami shook his head, "No…you're not okay. You need rest."
Yugi shook his head, wiping the blood from his mouth, "I…I'll be okay in a minute…"
Yami stood up, "Anzu, can you stay with him?"
"Another order?" Anzu huffed, "I want to help out, you know…!"
"You will be helping!" Yami snapped, "Ra, what the hell is up with you!? You're being so fucking selfish!"
"I want to help Ryou!" Anzu narrowed her eyes at him.
"You are powerless against the Millennium Ring!" Yami growled, "This is something that only Ryou and I can do!"
"I don't trust you to go alone with Ryou!" Anzu shot back, "You'll try to hurt him!"
"Nonsense!" Yami growled. "Ra, get over yourself, Anzu! Maybe you took too much heat! What the hell is wrong with you!? You can't help out against Yami Bakura! So stay here with Yugi…"
"I'm coming!" Anzu stomped a foot into the sand, "Ryou was nice enough to help me out and give me shelter and food! He's kind and gentle, and I'm not going to let his father keep on doing this! I couldn't help that much against Yugi's parents because I was afraid. But I'm not anymore!"
"Damn it, Anzu!" Yami growled, "Yami Bakura is much worse then those two fucking bastards of 'parents' that Yugi had! Even Jou's father looks like a saint compared to this guy! He controls powers that you can't even dream of. If you thought it was impressive that Yugi could control the Curse of Dragon…wait until you see what Yami Bakura controls. Souls. The more people who go with us, the more people will be in danger. As it is, the entire town is in danger should it get loose."
"You lie!" Anzu hissed, "You're just trying to get me to stay!"
"For Ra's sake, Anzu! Can't you see that I don't want you or Yugi hurt?!" Yami shot at her.
While Anzu and Yami continued to argue, Ryou went over and knelt down next to Yugi as the boy coughed.
Ryou rubbed Yugi's back, "Easy does it, there."
Yugi gasped in air, forcing himself to get his coughing under control. But for some reason, he was having trouble doing so, and started to cough up more blood.
Ryou steadied him when he started to double over even more. "Are you alright? If you keep on crying, then it'll be harder to breathe."
Yugi blinked, realizing that it was his crying that was making it hard to stop coughing. He slowly calmed down, then slumped a bit from exhaustion.
Ryou handed him the bottle of water, and Yugi thankfully drank a little more, then handed it back to Ryou, nodding in thanks since he didn't feel like he could talk.
"Anzu," Ryou looked up, "Can you please stay here with Yugi? I don't want you to get hurt, either, and Yugi needs someone to stay with him."
Anzu paused. "Oh…alright…but you be careful, okay?"
Ryou nodded, "I will. Thank you for your concern."
Yami glared at the two, then sighed, "Anzu, Yugi…don't leave the oasis. We'll come back to you. Don't come looking for us. Unless you're in danger, don't leave."
Anzu nodded.
Yugi curled up with his back to a tree, pulling his knees to his chest and linking his arms around his knees. He put his head down.
Yami softened up and placed a hand on Yugi's back, "Aibou? Will you be alright if we go now…?"
"Don't…worry about me," Yugi rasped. "I just…need some rest."
Yami nodded. He gently ruffled Yugi's hair, "Then get some rest."
Yugi nodded, weakly giving Yami's hand a squeeze, "You be careful……okay?"
Yami smiled and nodded, "I promise, aibou." He patted Yugi's hand, then let go and stood up, "Let's go, Ryou." He started to walk away.
"Be careful," Anzu called to them.
Ryou nodded, "You, too." With that, he followed Yami.
Anzu watched them at the edge of the oasis until they were out of sight. She then turned around and went back to Yugi, only to find him in the same position he was last time.
Anzu noticed that Ryou had left a couple bottles of water for them. Anzu smiled. That Ryou is so kind…sort of like Yugi. He's thoughtful and considerate. I hope he looks out for himself. And I wonder what got Yami so upset. He was acting so…stuck up. Anzu frowned when she heard a soft noise, and glanced at Yugi. He still hadn't moved. She remembered seeing him coughing blood, and suddenly remembered that he needed her help. Someone's help, at least.
Anzu went over to him, "Yugi?" She gently prodded him. Anzu grew worried when he didn't move, and so she gently lay him down, then noticed that he was asleep, some specks of blood still visible by the corner of his mouth and the path of tears lining his face.
Anzu winced a bit at seeing him like that. Yugi had cried himself to sleep.
* * *
Ryou glanced at Yami. The older boy hadn't said a word as they walked to the town.
Yami gritted his teeth. I can't believe I snapped at Anzu like that…again. I felt really bad for Yugi…and I felt like Anzu was suddenly not caring for him like she used to. Like she would before she met Ryou. Before, she would have been over in a second the instant she saw blood. I'm afraid for Yugi. He seems to have developed feelings for her, though he doesn't yet understand them fully. I would hate to see her break his heart. I can tell he's really upset about it. He doesn't understand why his heart hurts so much…he just knows it does, and it has to do with Anzu. I wish I could be there for him now and just hold him and comfort him. Tell him that things are alright and that it's all a bad dream.
Yami looked up as the town loomed into view. His eyes narrowed. But…this isn't a dream. This is reality.
* * *
Yugi winced in his sleep, sweat rolling down his face. He curled up, shivering.
***Dream***
He was 9 ½ years old, and he walked back into the house after a day of school. His father was there for some reason.
Yugi gulped, and tried to make it past the drunken man before he was caught.
Suddenly, with a loud 'crack' followed by blinding pain to the side of his face, Yugi went flying back and looked up. His father was leering over him.
"Damn sonnava bitch," Takada wavered, then pulled Yugi up, "So ya thought yash c'n jes' be get'n aways with sneak'n by me, didja?"
Yugi winced. He could tell by the smell in his father's breath that he was drunk. Tears rolled down his face.
His father grinned and threw him into the kitchen, slamming Yugi against the wall.
Yugi gasped for breath, and looked up in pain.
Takada grinned and reached behind himself, then grabbed an empty beer bottle and brought it down at Yugi.
Yugi yelped and instinctively ducked. The bottle smashed harmlessly against the wall, raining glass down onto Yugi.
"Why yash fucking brath!" Takada slurred his words, then grabbed the next available weapon. He brought the kitchen knife around, the blade gleaming.
Yugi froze, unable to move this time. He watched in horror as his father got a sadistic grin on his face. He could only watch, unable to move, as the knife descended. He cried out.
***End Dream***
Yugi screamed and sat bolt upright, feeling around his middle as a wave of panic hit him. When he saw there was no blood, he started to cry. He could still feel the terror he felt that day, and could even feel the cold blade as it cut into his abdomen. He traced a line where the scar was, more tears running down his face.
"Yugi?"
Yugi's head snapped up, and he jumped to the side, frightened. Usually, when he woke up from his dreams, he would be comforted by a strong male voice. His brother. Yami. He wasn't rational right after waking up from them, and ended up somewhat disoriented. So, he backed up against the tree, crying hard.
"Yugi? Yugi, it's me," Anzu whispered, reaching out to him.
Still caught up in the dream, Yugi flinched, expecting to feel pain throughout his body. He wanted those strong arms around him and the steady voice to tell him that everything was going to be alright.
"Yugi?" Anzu whispered, "It was a dream…"
He wanted his brother to comfort him, and wipe his tears away. He wanted him. He needed him.
"Yami…," Yugi whispered, then shouted out, "I want Yami! I want Yami!" He started to cry harder, "I WANT YAMI!!!"
Anzu froze. She shook her head, "Yugi…Yami isn't here right now…"
"I want Yami! YAMI!" Yugi shouted, his voice pained and hoarse, "YAMI!! I NEED YOU!!" He started to cry again, and eventually, all sounds disappeared.
Anzu pulled out of her stupor and realized that he had passed out. She felt torn. Like how she wanted to be with Ryou to make sure he was alright, but she wanted to make sure that Yugi was alright.
Anzu went over and gently turned Yugi onto his back. She propped him up, and gently set his head on her lap so he was more comfortable.
Yugi snuggled up to her in his sleep, his shivering body seeking the warmth, and his scared soul seeking the comfort.
Anzu felt tears well up in her eyes. She felt guilty for not paying attention to Yugi when he obviously needed someone. She felt bad for trying to go with Ryou and Yami instead of staying back with Yugi. He was awake…he could hear it. She never thought that it my have hurt him. But then she remembered how Yugi is…kinda and gentle. And very sensitive. Of course it'd hurt him…it'd feel like she abandoned him.
"Like just about everyone else, huh?" Anzu whispered to him, brushing his sweat-locked bangs out of his face, "All you have left is Yami, Seto, Jou, and me to rely on." Tears ran down her face, "I'm so sorry, Yugi…" She held him to her, "Please forgive me. I just wish I had the courage to apologize to you when you're awake. You've gone through so much…you don't deserve more. All of your pain and suffering…I wish I could help you somehow. Not just sit by and watch. Not say things without thinking first. I wish I could take away your pain, Yugi."
Yugi just seemed to snuggle in closer to the gentle hand, seeking the comfort of another body nearby.
* * *
Yami glanced around as they walked through the town, "Is it always this quiet?"
"No," Ryou looked around nervously. He wasn't brave by any standards, and so he stuck close to Yami.
Yami looked around, the third eye on his forehead glowing slightly, "I feel a dark presence enveloping this town."
"A d-dark presence?" Ryou stammered.
Yami suddenly stopped, then jumped over and knocked Ryou down to the ground as a beam of something shot over their heads, destroying the building behind them.
Yami got to his knees, "Damn."
Ryou whimpered, pushing himself up a bit and staring.
"Bakura!" Yami shouted, standing up, "Enough games!"
Yami Bakura stepped out from the shadows. He sneered, "So, you saw through my trap, eh?"
"You're going to pay," Yami growled, "For what you did to Yugi all those years ago, for what you've done to Ryou, and for your reign of terror over this town!"
Yami Bakura snickered, "Oh? You don't even have any monsters. How are you going to stand up to my awesome power?" He snapped his fingers, and a creature stepped forward.
Yami's eyes widened, "The Summoned Skull!?"
Yami Bakura grinned, "That's right. But you don't have any. Defeating you will be easy!"
Yami clenched his hand into a fist, until a quiet voice spoke up.
"Yami? Here…you can use this deck," Ryou handed his deck over, "I'm no good at the game, and I feel that this belongs to you."
Yami nodded in thanks, and faced Yami Bakura.
"I've been waiting for this day," Yami Bakura laughed, and snapped his fingers.
Ryou yelped as they were transported to the Shadow Realm.
"Before we begin," Yami growled, "Where are the town people and Ryou's father?"
Yami Bakura blinked, then laughed, "Oh, their souls are enjoying the sites of the Shadow Realm. As for Ryou's father…" he pulled out a Duel Monsters card from his pocket, and held it face forward.
"Father!" Ryou exclaimed.
There was a picture of James Bakura there, and he looked shocked.
"His soul is mine to play with," Yami Bakura grinned, "So, let's play a game. It's simple, really. We summon creatures, one by one. Just draw from the top of our decks, and take the magic and trap cards out for now. They fight, and the monster with the higher attack power will win and stay. The destroyed monster is sent to the graveyard, and the difference is subtracted from the player's life points. Instead of starting off at 8000 Life points, we'll start at 2000. The first one to reach zero is the loser."
"Fine by me," Yami growled.
"One more thing," Yami Bakura sneered, putting James Bakura's soul card in with his deck, "I'm also putting Ryou's father's soul into the deck. His attack power and defense are both at 200 points. In other words, any creature, even a Kurubi, can destroy him. And once he is destroyed and sent to the graveyard…you'll never see him again!"
"Dammit!" Yami swore.
Ryou sunk to his knees in shock.
Yami Bakura shuffled his deck.
Yami did likewise.
"Better hope you defeat me before Ryou's father comes up," Yami Bakura sneered.
Yami growled.
* * *
Yugi sniffled and slowly woke up.
"Yugi?" Anzu whispered, brushing hair out of his face, "You awake?"
Yugi coughed, covering his mouth, and closed his eyes, not wanting to leave the safety of the warm body next to him.
"Yugi?"
Yugi opened his eyes slowly, and turned over to look up at Anzu. He slowly sat up, then leaned against the tree.
"Here," Anzu handed him some water, "Drink."
Yugi gulped down the water, gratefully. He put it down when he was done.
Anzu reached over and placed a hand to his forehead, then withdrew it, "I'm sorry about earlier, Yugi. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings by volunteering to go with Ryou. I just felt like I had to help. I wasn't thinking of you at all. I'm so sorry." She hugged him. "I promise to be more attentive towards you and your needs, like I was before."
Yugi leaned his head against her shoulder, "Anzu…it's alright. I understand. I just hope they're okay."
Anzu wrapped her arms around him, "I'm sure they are, Yugi."
"But…what if…"
"Do you believe in them?" Anzu whispered.
Yugi nodded, "Yea."
"Then you have nothing to worry about," Anzu smiled at him.
Yugi closed his eyes, feeling sleepy again. It's not the same as Yami, but…, "I'm glad you're here with me, Anzu."
Anzu blinked a bit surprised, then smiled, holding him, "I'm glad, too, Yugi."
Yugi smiled a bit and yawned.
Anzu looked down at him, "Yugi…I don't know how to say this…but I feel…safer with you."
"I feel the same way, Anzu," Yugi said after a minute, "I just…don't understand it."
"Neither do I," Anzu shook her head.
Yugi giggled, "Then we can be confused and then figure it out together!"
Anzu laughed, "Okay!"
The two looked at one another, then started to laugh.
* * *
"It's easy, really," Yami Bakura was holding up his deck carelessly, "Do you accept? Or are you going ot abandon this poor man?"
"On a condition," Yami stated, "I'm not stranger to the Shadow Games, or even the Shadow Duels. I'm not naïve like some of the people drawn into this realm. I'll make the terms of winning and losing."
Yami Bakura sneered, "Fine. I just get more out of it, then!"
Yami nodded, "If I lose, then you can have our souls for whatever purpose you want them."
Ryou glanced sharply at Yami in shock.
Yami Bakura even looked surprised.
"However," Yami held up his index finger, "Should I win, not only will James's soul and the townspeople's souls be restored and their memory cleared of what happened, but you will leave Ryou alone and suffer my soul punishment. You will be purified."
Yami Bakura paused. "I don't like those terms. This is my game."
"It may be your game," Yami smirked, "But you forget that the person that you are dealing with used to play the Game in the Shadow Realm every time someone broke a law. You're not the only one who can control these powers. You have no advantage or superiority over me when it comes to the Game."
Yami Bakura growled, looking uncertain.
"What? Don't think you can win?" Yami smirked. He held up his deck, "If you had forgotten already, I don't even know exactly what's in this deck. Ryou took out the magic cards and trap cards. The only thing I know is that he thinks the deck 'belongs' to me. You have the advantage when it comes to our decks."
"Fine!" Yami Bakura snapped, "I never back away from a challenge! Let's go!"
Yami nodded, then glanced at Ryou, "Stand back. This game can get dangerous."
Ryou nodded uncertainly.
"Trust me, Ryou," Yami looked at his opponent but spoke to the boy, "There's a lot at stake here. I'm not going to go down. Besides…I can feel Yugi's belief in me. He knows I can do it. You have to believe, too. There's only one thing I ask of you to do during this duel. Believe in me. That's all you have to do."
Ryou blinked.
"I know you're scared," Yami continued, shuffling his deck, "but you can do it. Someone's first time in a Game is scary. Yugi was afraid when he was first brought to the Shadow Realm. I still don't know how he got over it. But you have the power within yourself."
Yami Bakura finished shuffling and looked up with a smirk, "Ready?"
Yami glanced at Ryou.
Ryou stared, then nodded, determination crossing his features despite the fear in his eyes.
Yami smiled, then looked back at the evil one, "Let's Duel!"
* * *
Yugi yawned and looked at the sky through the exotic trees in the oasis. He lay on his back with his hands behind his head.
Anzu lay next to him, looking up as well. "…bird."
"I see a boat," Yugi stated.
"Hmm…I see a heart," Anzu whispered.
Yugi blinked.
"Sometimes, I don't understand how I feel," Anzu admitted, "It's hard to understand what exactly it is. I was so concerned when I woke up after the crash and you weren't there. But then when we finally got reunited, I paid more attention to Ryou then to you. I don't know why. I feel really bad about it, though. I don't understand."
Yugi sat up, "Anzu…I don't really understand any of this, either. All I know is that my heart is telling me something. I was worried when I didn't see you. Then when we finally found you…I was happy. But when I saw you talking to Ryou like you were…I felt…strange. Like my heart hurt. It's hard to describe."
Anzu nodded.
"But I do know one thing," Yugi smiled at her, "I'm really glad to be with you now."
Anzu hugged him suddenly.
Yugi blinked, but wrapped his arms around her. They stayed like that for a long time.
* * *
Yami Bakura looked across the field at Yami.
Yami pulled out a card from the top of his deck.
Yami Bakura followed suit.
Ryou watched without saying a word. Can I trust Yami? Someone who was ready to beat me up before? I have to…and I will. He's someone that kid Yugi can trust. And Yugi sounds like he knows who are his friends and who aren't. But why did he want me to come along? I can't do anything to help this situation.
"I pulled a Magic Pot," Yami Bakura growled and threw it out.
The thing actually appeared instead of the card. 500|300
Ryou's eyes went wide.
Yami threw his card onto the field, "And I drew the Luise card."
A small beaver-warrior creature with a shield and sword appeared on the field.
Yami Bakura growled as his Morphing Jar was destroyed, and 600 of his life points were taken.
Luise stayed on the field.
Yami Bakura drew a card and smirked, "Now…I send out Naga!" He threw down the card.
A green serpent like creature with the face and arms of a human came up, wielding a golden staff. 1400|2000
"Naga, crush that little rodent!" Yami Bakura ordered.
Naga raced out and got Luise in a strangle hold, then crushed the small beaver warrior to death.
Yami narrowed his eyes as his life points went down 200 points. He drew a card, and gritted his teeth. "Sandstone!"
A rock monster appeared, and roared. 1300|1600
Yami Bakura laughed. "Go, Naga! Destroy that Sandstone!"
The serpent gave a screech and destroyed the Sandstone with a water attack.
Yami shielded himself as water sprayed everywhere, except near Yami Bakura.
Ryou sputtered, getting drenched.
Yami's life points dropped another 100.
"Looks like you got a bad break," Yami Bakura sneered, "So tell me, pharaoh, what does your 'heart of the monsters' do for you now, hmm? Can you defeat me with a deck that doesn't belong to you?"
Yami shook his head to get some water droplets out and reached for another card. I believe in the cards. And Ryou does, too. This may be his deck…but just as he says, I feel a strange power coming from it. Something that says 'this is mine'. I guess I'll have to find out what it is. He pulled he card out and blinked. "Tomb Guardian!"
A creature appeared that looked like it used to be a mummy without all the bandages. It had a headdress on, and other ornaments decorating it. It wielded a spear. 1600|1700
"Attack!" Yami pointed.
The undead monster attacked the serpent, destroying it in one swoop.
Yami Bakura's life points dropped another 200 points, putting him at 1200.
Yami crossed his arms, his life meter reading at 1700. I have to finish this before he can draw the card with Ryou's father's soul in it. If he draws that, it's all over.
Yami Bakura drew a card, then put it out, "I call upon the Ansatsu ninja!"
The ninja appeared, throwing dagger in hand. 1700|1200
"Attack the Tomb Guardian!" Yami Bakura ordered.
Ansatsu threw the shuriken and throwing knives into the undead warrior, but they just stuck into the rotting flesh of the creature.
"What…?!" Yami Bakura exclaimed.
"Don't you remember?" Yami smirked, "You can't kill an undead monster with a weapon, because it'll just keep on getting back up."
The wounds in the Guardian healed.
"It's my turn now," Yami pulled out a card, "But since there's already a card in play, I can't summon this one. Your move." He glanced at the card and blanched. No way! It can't be…!
Yami Bakura drew another card, "But then, we're at a stalemate."
"Not necessarily," Yami responded, "You can't attack, but I can make a move." He threw down the card he was holding, and a little box appeared.
"What the hell is that!?" Yami Bakura growled.
"A secret," Yami smirked, "The box has no attack or defense, but protects it from whatever you put down. You can't attack a box. And, now I draw a card and end my turn." He pulled out a card, and blinked. Another one…
Yami Bakura drew a card, then grinned, "Feed the worms, Ansatsu! I play the Swordstalker! The Swordstalker has a unique ability. You see, it can be played even when I have another creature in play…because it kills them! I don't get harmed. Instead, the difference in the attack powers are added to the Swordstalker's attack!"
The monster, which looked like a purple version of the devil with wings and a golden sword stepped out from the card and sliced Ansatsu in half, giving it 300 extra points to its offense. 2300|1600
"I choose not to attack this turn," Yami Bakura stated, "After all, in its current state, it can't harm your undead monster."
Yami nodded and drew a card, then blinked. This isn't luck…the cards are helping me. I just hope I can survive long enough to play the monster… He threw one card on the field, then the other. Both turned into boxes.
Ryou stared. There were two monsters facing one another, waiting eagerly for the chance to pulverize each other to the dust. Then, there were three boxes on the ground near Yami, each with a sealing spell on it.
"Your move," Yami stated.
Yami Bakura drew a card, then shook his head, "Go."
Yami reached for a chard. I know that Yami Bakura has a card in his deck that will be sufficient food for the Swordstalker. That card can give the Swordstalker enough extra attack points to focus a magic attack at my Guardian. If he gets it before I finish assembling my monster…Yami shook his head. I won't think of that. He pulled out the cards, and his eyes widened. They went back to normal as he played it.
Yet another box appeared next to the other three. Now, there were four boxes with the same sealing spell on them.
Yami Bakura laughed, "What the hell are you doing, Yami!? Have you gone soft?" He drew a card, then grinned, "Your time has run out! I play the Kurama."
An evil looking cross between a pterodactyl and a bird colored blue appeared.
Yami Bakura grinned, "Since I already have a monster, it goes to the graveyard. The Swordstalker's previous bonus is discarded, and it now gets a bonus of power from the difference, bringing his power up to 3200!"
Yami flinched. No…!
"Now," Yami Bakura grinned, "Now that he has sufficient magic abilities from the Kurama's wind elemental, he can destroy your earth based creature! Go, Swordstalker! Destroy the Guardian!"
The Swordstalker grinned, and swung the sword. Instead of the sword going into the creature, the wind pressure slashed at it, turning it to dust.
Yami shielded his eyes from the currents of wind, occasionally getting nicked by one or two of them.
Ryou, too, tried to avoid the blasts, but ended up with a cut here and there.
Yami's life points dropped to 200.
Yami wiped blood off his cheek and turned to Ryou, "Are you alright!?"
Ryou nodded shakily.
Yami Bakura smirked, "Your move. But whatever you play, you will lose. That means that everyone's souls belong to me!"
Yami narrowed his eyes. I can't let him win. He closed his eyes. Cards…please guide me. Help me. Energy surrounded him, and he opened his eyes when he felt a strange tug. He took a deep breath, and drew the card. He looked at it, and smirked.
Yami Bakura's grin dropped, "Why are you smiling?! Are you going to laugh to your grave…?!"
Yami shook his head, "No. Because I'm not going to lose."
"But this duel is over!" Yami Bakura pointed, "Not even a Blue Eyes White Dragon can stand up to the power of my Swordstalker now! And creature effects like the Man Eater Bug have no effect in the Games!"
"I'm not talking about a card like that," Yami smirked, "I have a card with unlimited power. And I've been playing them all along."
Yami Bakura blinked.
"The boxes, Bakura, aren't just for decoration," Yami explained, "Each one contains a part of a monster so powerful, that it had to be broken up into five parts. The left arm, the right arm, the left leg, the right leg, and the head. Each sealed away."
Yami Bakura's eyes widened, "Masaka…! There's no way that card can be in the deck…!"
"You know," Yami smiled.
Ryou frowned. He couldn't even remember a monster in his deck like that.
"Your rules are different," Yami turned to the boy as if he was able to hear the question that Ryou was thinking, "But in the Game, this monster is in a class where it had to be sealed into parts. There are other monsters like it. But with this one, victory is guaranteed to anyone who can assemble all five parts."
"But…," Ryou blinked.
"It was broken up and sealed because of its extreme power," Yami stated, "Only someone of enormous dark powers can control the creature."
Yami Bakura laughed, "So, by playing it, you take a risk! It may turn on you, and it may destroy everything here! Is that what you want?"
Yami chuckled, "I am well aware of the dangers, Bakura. However, I don't have a choice. I trust the monsters. I trust this one as well. Even though it is, by far, the most powerful card in the game save the God cards…I trust it. I know it will not turn on me."
Yami Bakura laughed, but it was nervous this time, "Then go ahead and play it! Watch as it destroys you and your friend! And the world…!"
Yami smiled, "Very well. I play it. I activate the boxes as I play the head of Exodia!"
The card vanished from Yami's hand in a ball of golden light. The boxes glowed the same color, and the seals popped off. The boxes opened, and they watched as the parts assembled themselves into a huge monster that looked almost like a pharaoh.
The creature looked up…strait at Yami Bakura.
"No…," Yami Bakura whispered as the creature just stood there.
Ryou watched in amazement. I don't even remember getting those cards…
Yami closed his eyes, then opened them, "It's time to end this. I have a prior commitment to Yugi's grandfather I have to hold up to. I have no time for these games. And neither does Exodia."
The creature nodded.
Yami Bakura's eyes widened, "He…he controls it…no…"
"Don't forget," Yami smirked, "I was one of the highest in the dark powers of the Games. That's why I had the job of putting down anyone who abused them. Now, enough talking. Exodia……obliterate them!"
Exodia gathered a golden energy into its hands, and unleashed it into the Shadowstalker. The creature was incinerated, and some of it went back and hit Yami Bakura, knocking him to the ground. His life points dropped to zero.
Final score:
Yami: 200
Yami Bakura: 0
Exodia disappeared with a command from Yami in ancient Egyptian language, and became five separate cards again.
Yami first walked over to Yami Bakura, his third eye on his forehead glowing. "Now, Bakura, it's time to hold up to the bargain."
There was a flash of light that enveloped Yami Bakura, who screamed and seemed to be transported far away, for he was no longer there.
When Ryou opened his eyes again, they were standing in the street where they were before. The only difference was that there were people walking around.
Ryou looked at Yami, who still bore some injuries from the duel. "Um…Yami…?"
Yami turned around and walked towards him, then offered his hand.
Ryou took it, standing up. "Th-thank you…"
"I should be thanking you," Yami smiled, placing the deck back in Ryou's hand, "If it wasn't for your belief in your cards and your deck aiding me, I never would have discovered Exodia."
"I don't remember having those cards…," Ryou blinked.
"You didn't," Yami shrugged, "They just…came." He held up the five cards, "I used to train Exodia. Or, attempt to. But I was too young to control it. So, my father had to break him up into five parts for me to learn how to control him. Exodia was my favorite of all of them, even if he was the most difficult of them all."
Ryou chuckled. Then, he grew serious, "What happened to Yami Bakura…?"
"He's in a place where he'll never get out again," Yami stated, "His soul is trapped forever in a section of the Shadow Realm specifically for lost souls."
"What does…?"
"Don't pry farther," Yami warned him.
Ryou nodded, then asked, "What about my father?"
"He'll be fine now," Yami stated, "Luckily, his soul card didn't come up, so we didn't have to worry about him getting hurt. He's been restored like the other people of this town."
"Thank goodness…," Ryou blew out his breath, placing a hand over his heart.
"Anyway, let's go," Yami started to walk out.
Ryou blinked, then followed.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Japanese – English
Masaka – No way/impossible