Wow, that took longer than I expected. I really hope this came out clearly and was worth the wait. Literally went though around 5 drafts to get to this point. I really hope you enjoy and if there's a part I didn't write clearly enough please let me know.

OCs are mine, Yugioh is Not. battousaisgirl16 proof read.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 85 Friend's Never Say Goodbye

Timaeus kept his eyes closed. It was easier to face the darkness with a semblance of choice. Despite being sealed in a small enclosed place he had one thing to be grateful for. Even in the void, he could move; Being stuck in a dragon encased in crystal he'd only had blackouts to give him relief from his restricted movement. Here the simple ability to step from side to side gave him something to do while he waited.

Ignorance of the events taking place was true torture. Was Rika safe? Did Yami stay out of trouble? What was Mahad's plan? Whatever it was, he simultaneously wanted and dreaded to discover what was happening on the other side of his prison. He couldn't even claim being in here was a chance for him to recover his strength. Voids of pitch-black nothing were the antithesis of a restful vacation.

A sudden tug barely gave him enough time to brace himself before being deposited on the stone floor of Saku's sanctuary. His knees gave out and he crumpled to the floor. Covering his eye at the sudden change in light Timaeus barely had time to comprehend he was out of his torment before becoming aware of the cloaked figure watching him. Even with the lack of features, it was obvious the spirit was very disgruntled.

"So, you are back." Saku's tone was disgruntled. "Enjoy your rest?"

Timaeus stood, shakily. He wouldn't give the monster the satisfaction of seeing him weak. Thankfully, he didn't appear weaker than he'd been before entering the seal. He blinked rapidly, attempting to force his vision to adjust to the light more quickly. Darkness clung still to his vision, flicking in his peripheral vision and it took all his will not to look for it. Experience taught him it would fade in time.

"I would hurry if I were you." Saku chided. "Your friend might not make it much longer."

The knight froze. Friend?

"You really did miss a spectacle of futile heroism." Saku continued, clearly enjoying the knight's confusion. "So much sacrifice for so little return."

"But the pharaoh succeeded."

"I did not say which friend remains."

Rage fueled Timaeus' energy and his hand shot out and grabbed the spirit by the throat slamming him against the dais the portal rested on. "Tell me, slime."

"Careful." Saku's usually even tone gave away his fear. "I can-"

"Do what your master tells you." Timaeus leaned forward, his eye seeming to become more lizard-like as he spoke. "Would your masters like to know what you've been up to? Hunting down Millenium spirits and terrorizing spirits outside your limits. That would be something Anubis would like to know, wouldn't he?"

The pin prick's eyes shifted slightly to the side as if expecting one of the gods to appear at his side. "You have nothing on me."

Timaeus bared his teeth, his canines seeming to sharpen with each word. "Where are my friends?"

"Spirit of the pharaoh is no more."

Timaeus' heart froze in his chest. "Yami."

Some of Saku's condescending tone returned in his answer. "Your Yami is gone. You failed again. He was more heroic than you'd ever be." he gloated, intending it to cut deep into the knight's heart.

Timaeus' grip loosened in shock. Yami was gone.

"Your trade was for nothing." Saku gloated. "Your meddling killed him. If you had kept yourself out of my bus-" he coughed as the grip tightened again.

"You'd prefer that wouldn't you." Timaeus's voice dripped with venom. "Free reign to do what you want. Yami was more of a spirit than you'll ever be."

"May I remind you." Saku wheezed, "but threatening me is wasting time for you to see your love."

"Rika." Timaeus loosened his grip, slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Being stabbed by dimension magic is no simple wound. Knowing her she won't allow herself to rest until she sees you again. Loyalty is sweet madness."

With a snarl, Timaeus tossed the robed figure to the ground before turning on his heel and marching for the door.

"You'll pay for that, Timaeus Ilmitar!" Saku shrieked after him.

Timaeus ignored him. The moment he crossed the threshold of the building he transformed, his scream of pain masked by the rage and fear coursing through him came out in a defiant roar. He launched himself into the air, snout pointed towards the barrier.

He didn't care if he could change back. He didn't care if transforming broke any rules. He didn't care that he was weak from the sealing. He had to get back.

Rika. Please hang on. Not again. Not again. Rika please, please hang on. He had to find her.

Timeaus' wings beat the air with such force he soared across the shadows in moments. He flew over the barrier and immediately found himself flanked by familiar wings. Red-Eyes circled him to get his attention. When the dragon-knight glanced at him the black dragon sped off in the direction of the arena. Realizing the destination, Timaeus followed and soon outpaced the other, not caring if the other dragon kept up.

The arena was nearly empty except for a small group of people around a glowing green orb. From the sky, Timeaus recognized Rika's magic. She was still alive. He let out a roar to alert the assembled spirits below to get out of his way. He landed and immediately began the process of changing back. Cries of pain escaped him as his body contorted and spazzed, finally shrinking down to its true form. He crouched on all fours willing his body to stop trembling from the effort.

A black muzzle came into his view and he looked up to see Red-eyes leaning over him. The dragon's red eyes watched him carefully. Nodding in gratitude, Timeaus leaned on the boney muzzle and allowed the lizard to help him to his feet. Once he regained his balance, Red-eye pulled back, standing at the back of the knight as if his personal guardian.

Again, Timaeus' gaze snapped to the green orb surrounded by a few members of Yugi's deck. He staggered forwards, his human appearance marked by the blue scales running down his face and neck but his gaze never left the elf in the green orb.

Rika knelt in the barrier holding something in her hands that was giving off a glow. From what he could see she seemed to be chanting silently over the glowing object. Even with the barrier obstructing his view he could make out the gashes from the attack clearly on her chest that, though closed, looked irritated.

He sank to his knees on the ground before the orb, body pleading for rest after his ordeal but he ignored it. His eyes looked around the orb trying to find a way inside. He looked up to realize Manya and Celtic Guardian stood next to him.

"She won't respond to any of us," Manya answered his unvoiced question. "She needs rest to recover but she won't. She keeps doing whatever she's doing there."

Celtic Guardian nodded. "Maybe she'll listen to you."

Timaeus turned his attention back to the orb. He wasn't sure what he could do. He'd made enough noise transforming back to disturb the deaf and that hadn't stirred her, but he had to try.

"Rika." His voice sounded gravelly; he doubted it would carry inside the orb.

Rika's eyes snapped open. The barrier evaporated away leaving her with the glow in her hands, which she pressed protectively to her chest as she pitched forward. Timaeus caught her, cradling her gently as he helped her layout more comfortably. She winced in pain, the gashes on her chest continuing to pulse sickly.

"Rika," he called in a desperate tone. "Darling, please. I'm right here."

She shifted, and her eyes opened. She smiled, and one of her hands reached for his face. He leaned forward so she wouldn't have to reach so far. her delicate skin caught on some of the scales remaining on his face.

"Darling." her words came through, stinging his tired mind. He leaned into her touch, tolerating the pain to hear her. "It is you." her soundless words broke his heart. She seemed to realize her projection hurt him because she didn't say anymore.

A light touch on his other hand made him look down to find Rika had taken his hand and slipped the small object inside. The moment the amulet touched his skin he knew what it was; How? Here? So many questions filled his mind. The amulet still glowed even as it left her grip and his fingers closed around it. He turned to ask her where she got this but stopped at the look in her eyes. Desperation in her gaze killed any question except one.

"Yami?"

She gripped his hand tightly and her gaze pleaded for him to understand. Her lips moved, but she wouldn't project into his mind.

He gently squeezed her hand. "I'll save him,".

Relief showed on her face, and he could feel her hands shaking in his.

Timaeus leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep now, you need to rest."

Her hand gripped his again as if afraid he'd leave her.

"I'll be here when you wake up. '' he reassured her. "I swear it."

Seemingly reassured she leaned back, listening to her grip enough to allow him to transfer her into Celtic Guardian's arms. He gave the other elf a meaningful look.

"She will be safe." Celtic Guardian promised.

Timaeus waited until they left the arena before he stood. The glint insisted eye hardened and the scales finally faded from his skin as he turned to face the small crowd watching him.

"Where is the pharaoh," Timaeus growled.

All except Manya recoil at the intensity of his voice. "The pharaoh and the queen are being escorted back to paradise," she said.

Timaeus turned to face the horizon. If he transformed he might overtake them. He turned his mind to the task, and a few scales reappeared on his hand, but nothing else happened besides the pain burning as it ran down his spine in retaliation. His body spasmed and the amulet slipped from his grasp as he again fell to his knees. No, he couldn't fail now. He wouldn't. But still, his body refused to move and only responded with more pain.

Manya picked up the amulet, staring at the item in her hand.

"Where . . . how . . . Yami had this the whole time?" she spluttered.

Timaeus gritted his teeth past the pain. The scales faded. "He was probably afraid someone would take that from him as well."

Manya grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet. "Stop trying to transform. You don't have the time." she pulled him towards Red-Eyes. "Hurry up. We have to catch them before the gates close."


Mahad projected a protective barrier across the shadows allowing him, Atem, and Esset to travel in safety. All members of the group traveled in silence; Mahad due to concentration, and the others pondering on the events that transpired.

Atem held Esset's hand firmly and made sure she was in the middle of the circle far away from the shadow tendrils lapping at the barrier's edges. Her arms had stopped tingling, but the skin on her hands was still faded and gray. She insisted she was fine, but Atem and Mahad weren't leaving anything to chance and ensured she was far away from the threats of their final journey.

The journey gave Atem plenty of time to contemplate recent events. Even with the anticipation of finally putting all this behind him, there were still smoldering regrets in his heart. His mind, now complete, was able to notice discrepancies in his memories. Memories of a foreign horizon, faces he didn't recognize, and monsters on cards instead of stone. These memories skated at the edge of his mind flitting out of sight before he could focus on them. He knew he should ignore them, it was probably a side effect of his soul's restoration and would stop after a while, but it seemed disrespectful to dismiss the memories.

"Ata." Esset's voice broke into his thoughts. They'd arrived at the gates, and were already on the protected shore of the shadow sea. The god Anubis stood before the gates to welcome the small group back. Squeezing his wife's hand, Atem stepped forward kneeling before the god, waiting for the god's judgment.

"Well done," Anubis stated. "Your promise to the Council of Fate has been fulfilled. You have defeated Zorc the Dark One and dissolved the Millenium items as you vowed."

Atem only nodded. In the back of his mind, a memory that wasn't his floated to the front, of Yami being in a similar situation, standing before the gates awaiting his fate. It was gone before it could completely register.

"You requested favors from the gods upon your success." Anubis continued. "Speak to them now."

"I request, my lord, entrance for myself, Atem son of Anknamkomen, and my wife, Esset Daughter of Khafre, into paradise as we earned before this mission." He wished he could include Mahad in this request, but his loyal magician refused, saying he could do more outside eternal rest. Esset had been visibly sorrowful when he said this, but both royals respected his decision. "These were the requests I made before the council of fate."

"There was something else." the god pressed.

"There was," Atem admitted. "I requested to be the one to decide the fate of the Spirit of the Pharaoh, Yami, Spirit of the Puzzle. However, there is no longer a spirit of that name." he placed his hand on his chest as he spoke. "Because of him, this mission was a success."

Anubis gave the slightest of nods in agreement. "If there are no other requests . . ." the god paused, looking at something in the distance.

A rush of air grew louder and louder. Atem looked up just as a dragon's roar split the sky. Red-Eyes Black Dragon flew into view far above the gray tendrils lapping below. He descended close by and its two riders descended. The green-clothed knight nearly lost his balance but steadied himself with Dark Magician Girl's help. Atem had never met this spirit before but again from the darker part of his mind, a spark of recognition rose to tell him this was Timeaus, the Dragon Knight of Atlantis. He'd seen two such knights in paradise but hadn't conversed with them. The dragon knight's gaze snapped directly to Atem and he noticed he had only one eye. However, the single eye's gaze would have turned the smoke around them into flames.

In two strides Timaeus was before Atem brandishing an object before the former pharaoh's face. Atem observed it was a pendant, with writing inside, but the gesture was too close for him to read.

"Do you know what this is?" The knight demanded.

"Timaeus, your manors." Mahad chided, glancing from the pharaoh and the observing god.

The knight ignored him and continued to hold the pendant in front of the pharaoh's face. "Do you?"

"A cartouche?" Atem guessed.

"This is a True Name Charm. That idiot didn't know what kind of power he had."

The darkness at the back of his mind attempted to move forward to answer this accusation, but it couldn't take hold and faded back again.

"Yami?" Atem clarified.

"Who else?" Timaeus snapped.

"But what is it?" Esset asked

"True Name charms can restore damaged souls, like fragments,'' Timaeus emphasized the last word. "To make new spirits. That idiot could have created himself a real soul."

Atem stared at the charm again. "How did he get that?"

"I don't know. He had it on him the entire time he was a duel spirit and didn't tell anyone. Thank the gods he gave it to Rika."

Atem took the charm and examined it closer. Again the darkness reacted as he read the name but again faded.

"But if Yami was erased there might not be enough left." Dark Magician Girl said.

"You have to try." The knight's voice snapped Atem back from his musings.

"If the millennium items were able to keep traces of their possessions." Mahad mused. "Then maybe this charm might have some imprint of Yami left to reach him."

"But he was inside the puzzle for over millennia." Esset pointed out. "Yami's had this charm with him less than a year or so in human time."

"He's not completely gone. I can feel him." Atem noticed the hope in the knight's gaze.

"But you just got your soul back together," Esset placed her hand on his arm. "Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I owe him." Atem turned to Timaeus. "Tell me how this magic works."

Timaeus nodded, but everyone could still see was visibly drained.

Dark Magician Girl took Timaeus' hand. "I'll help."

"Thank you, but we need more than strength." Timaeus turned to Anubis, at last, acknowledging the god's presence with a bow. "My lord, thou know we can not do this alone. I request a favor, payable by any cost thou would desire."

"The presence of this charm is the payment required." The jackal-headed god made a sound that could have been confused for a chuckle. "Besides, from what the Council of Fate and I have viewed, we have a debt to this spirit as well. Proceed, Timaeus, Dragon Knight, with no payment."

Atem glanced at the god who stared back with the face of supposed innocence. He didn't voice his suspicions. He'd learned centuries ago trying to figure out gods only resulted in headaches.

Timaeus shook his head in shock before turning back to Atem. "I'm the least qualified person to tell you how, but we have no time to waste."

Atem nodded. "Tell me what to do."

Dark Magician Girl frowned. "It's going to be a bit harder now we don't know his true name."

"True," Mahad said. "The spirit of the puzzle was destroyed along with the millennium items and he's no longer a duel spirit. There may not be enough of him to bring back"

Atem held up the amulet, the symbols on the surface flashing in the light. "He still has a name. I'll start there."

Using the knight's instructions, Atem concentrated all of his attention on the pendant as he dug back into his mind. Concentrating on his former fragment's face he gripped the pendent tightly in his hand. In his mind's eye, he could almost see Yami suspended in the back of his mind, still in his black flame form, only with his red eyes staring blankly at nothing.

Atem began changing Yami's name over and over attempting to pull the image closer; he could feel the pendant in his hand grow warmer until it felt like the heat of the sun was contained in the small piece. Something snapped in his mind causing him to call out as the darkness in his mind broke free and escaped down his arm adding to the heat. Unbidden he let go, expecting to hear it clatter on the stone steps.

He heard the other's gasp and he opened his eyes in time to see the cartouche levitate in the air. The chain dissolved into nothing replaced by a shining light surrounding the pendant in a halo. Inside this loop, a form around the pendant bubbled and writhed as the black shadow substance attempted to form into a human form. As they watched the pendant again began to glow and the hieroglyphics inside moved together until they melted into a shining light. Once combined the mixture poured out of the cartouches pushing into the void of the shadow attempting to fill every crevice. It looked disjointed and disturbing. Atem watched, eyes transfixed, hoping, praying that whatever this charm was doing would be successful.

None noticed the god step forward until he was already in the midst of them. Anubis stretched out his hand and in a language, none of them understood he touched the cartouche in the center. The suspended cartouche seemed to freeze in the air. Then the darkness immediately spread itself out until it took a human shape. The cartouche rested in a spot on the chest, just below the collar bone and words on its surface reappeared and glowed again, though Atem didn't recognize them. Anubis again spoke a command in the strange language and the words on the amulet seemed to scatter breaking the restraints of the cartouche and spreading into the figure. As they spread the figure began to fill in, no longer a black void but a young man with black hair, bronze skin, and a white tunic. The cartouche itself changed from silver to bronze blending until becoming part of the young man's skin. The eyes were closed and the young man stood motionless as if waiting for a command.

For the final time Anubis spoke, but this time the spirits understood.

"Awake, Yamanu, the hidden," he commanded,

The figure jerked as if just hit with an electric current, Eyes still closed he began to pitch forward. Timaeus stepped forward to catch him as the spirit slumped forward into his arms. The knight held him up as the spirit regained footing.

The god stepped back taking his position away from the others to observe and judge the following events.

It was hard to tell if the new figure was sleeping or dazed. Still, he stood as they all waited, eyes still closed. Slowly he began to stir, like someone coming out of sleep.

"Kid?" Timaeus' tone was uncertain. Would this new figure remember him? Should he step back so someone else would be the first person he saw? Should . . .

The figure's eyes snapped open. Red iris stared back at him, still dazed as the pupils attempted to focus. Timaeus waited, apprehension causing his grip to shake. The spirit blinked a few times, squinting at the place around him as if not knowing where he was.

His gaze went down to his hands. "How?" he muttered to himself. Then he seemed to realize someone was holding him up and he met the knight's single-eye gaze.

"T-Timaeus?" His expression changed from confusion to relief "You're alright?"

The knight pulled him into a firm hug, words failing him.

"Don't crush him." Dark Magician Girl laughed.

Yami, or Yamanu now, looked around at the group assembled, confusion returning at his assembled welcome party. He knew all of them, but for some reason, everything felt different. This form felt like him but also a stranger as if he could finally think clearly for the first time. Gave up trying to figure it out and returned Timaeus' embrace.

At last, the dragon knight released him, helping him rise to his feet. Atem stepped forward, grasping Yamanu on the shoulder.

"Welcome back," he said. "Now I can properly thank you for saving the world."

Yamanu shook his head. "The Pharaoh did that. I am, was, only a part of your power." his face suddenly fell as he looked at his new body. "But I'm no longer part of you or a duel spirit. What else is there for me to be?"

All turned to face Anubis.

The god inclined his head. "The spirit speaks the truth. By the order of life, no spirit may enter paradise without his life being judged. However, the Spirit of the Pharaoh's actions with millennium magic bars him from becoming a duel spirit again. Furthermore, using a true name amulet is Millenium magic, further barring him from the duel spirit realm."

Yamanu's heart sank. What else was there?

Atem stepped forward. "Lord Anubis, I wish to submit my final request, the fate of this spirit, the former Spirit of the Pharaoh."

"Granted, speak your intentions."

Atem spoke, all the while looking directly at Yamanu. " I gave my life to help the Yugioh 5 millennia ago. This was not the initial plan for fighting Zorc. Sending a fragment of my soul into the future was an unexpected sacrifice and the gods remembered." Atem smiled. "Because I sacrificed my life, I never finished my time on earth. I requested the gods to give you the time I would have lived."

Yamanu gaped at the former pharaoh. How . . . Why . . . What? He could . . . live? Now that the option to return was before him he couldn't fathom it.

"Should you accept," Anubis warned. "You will live out the rest of your life on earth until death returns you to my judgment."

Yamanu looked around at the crowd assembled. Red-Eyes and Dark Magician Girl looked shocked and pleased. Esset and Mahad kept looking from Atem, to Anubis and back with confusion, clearly not knowing about any of these deals. Lastly, his gaze locked with Timaeus. The pride and peace were almost too much for Yamanu to take. Giving him one last nod, Yamanu turned back to Anubis knowing his answer.


The Ishtars waited for what seemed like an eternity. Marik was about to ask Ishizu if she somehow got the dates wrong when there was a glow of light and a portal appeared on the Nile bank.

Ishizu smiled. "It has been decided."


A/N: YAY! WHAT A TWIST. I really hope this was a satisfying way to bring Yami back. Please let me know if it was. Thank you so much for reading. Take care and God bless.