Chapter 27

Where Dreams Come True

It was early in the morning and Yugi waited outside the Game Shop for Anna to pick him up. She had said she wanted to take the Pharaoh somewhere special to apologize for the way she had treated him in the past. Yugi had no idea what she had planned, but knowing her it would be interesting.

The image of Pharaoh appeared beside Yugi. "Partner."

"Yes, other me."

"Are you okay with this?"

"Sure, why wouldn't I be?"

"I am going to spend the whole day alone with your fiancee."

"It's not like you two are going to be alone; I'll be there."

Yugi's words made Pharaoh feel guilty. He had been hiding the fact that he really wanted to spend this time with Anna, without Yugi around.

"Besides," Yugi said. "I trust you."

That didn't make Pharaoh feel any better.

"We should switch; Anna will be here any minute." Yugi added.

Pharaoh agreed and they changed places just as Anna drove around the corner. Pharaoh got into the passenger seat and Anna continued driving.

Pharaoh looked around the interior of the car. "I've never seen a car like this."

"That's because it's an American classic. You don't see these kinds of cars in Japan. Of course it's a gas-guzzler and doesn't meet modern air efficiency standards, but I love it."

Pharaoh liked Anna's smile. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

"Then will you at least tell me why we had to meet so early?"

"Because it's a little bit of a drive to where we are going and we want to get there early," Anna hinted. That didn't shed any new light on the situation for Pharaoh. "But I brought you some reading material for the drive. Look in my bag."

Pharaoh reached into the bag and pulled out several heavy books about Egypt.

"I thought if you looked through them that something might jog your memory." Anna explained.

"This is great, thank you." Pharaoh said as he starting flipping through the pages.

"Well, it's the least I can do considering how rotten I've treated you. I'm really sorry about that. I was a little freaked out that the person I was engaged to was really two people. But I know that you couldn't control that. It's not like you purposely possessed him nor are you able to just get up and leave. So, for the time being, the three of us are in this together. That's why I want to clean the slate between us."

"I know that what happened to Yugi and me isn't easy to understand or accept. But I want you to know that I have never felt any ill will toward you. In fact, I consider you my friend."

"I'm glad." Anna smiled as she glanced over at him. "Besides, it's not a good idea to anger a Pharaoh."

That made Pharaoh smile.

"We are going to a pretty public place," Anna began. "And I think if I call you Pharaoh that might attract some attention. Do you mind if I call you Yugi, just for today?"

"You could have done that from the beginning. The others call me 'Yugi', so we are accustomed to it." Pharaoh explained. "Why is it that you refuse to call me 'Yugi'?"

"Because you're not Yugi." Anna said. "I guess in my mind I have to keep the two of you separate. But if you're going to be around for a while, which it looks like you are, then perhaps I should start thinking of you as one person."

"We would like that."

The pair chatted the entire way. Not knowing their destination, Yugi took every opportunity to check out the road signs for clues. And when it was getting clearer, he decided to test his theory.

"We're going to Tokyo?"

"Well, sort of."

"Then we are getting close?"

"Yes..." Anna teased. "That's all the hints you're getting for now, so don't try to weasel any more info out of me. I'm not going to tell you."

Already this day was getting interesting, or so Pharaoh thought. He had seen many amazing things since he joined with Yugi, and they had been many places together, but this was his first trip to Tokyo. He paid close attention as they by-passed the main parts of the city. So that meant they weren't going to any of the famous sites located in the capital itself. The name on the freeway exit confused him, he had never heard of such a thing before. All he could do was stare in wonder as they entered a parking area and took a 'tram', or so it was called by the controller. As they stood outside the gates of the huge complex Pharaoh had to ask.

"What is this place?"

"It's Disneyland! Well, Tokyo Disneyland to be exact." Anna saw the astonished look on Yugi's face. "Don't tell me you've never heard of Disney?"

Yugi shook his head.

"I can't believe Yugi's never told you about this? I would think it would be right up his alley."

"I can't say he's ever mentioned it."

"Well, then I'm going to give you an education."

Anna explained the basis behind the company and theme parks to Yugi as they waited in line to enter.

"So, there are four parks like this one?" Yugi asked. "How many have you been to?"

"This one will be number four."

"You must really like them."

"Are you kidding? The food, the shopping, the rides...The Coasters! What's not to love?"

"Coasters? Aren't those the things you put drinks on?"

Anna laughed. "Not 'coasters'! Roller Coasters." An evil smile formed across her face. "This is going to be so much fun!"

Anna took him by the hand and dragged him off to parts unknown. She wanted to test his mantle, but decided it would be best to start small. Considering he didn't even know what a roller coaster was, it would be pointless to ask him if he liked riding them. So she immediately took him to Splash Mountain and the neighboring Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In size and seer drop power these two rides were babies, and Yugi seemed to handle them well. And beyond that, he looked as though he was enjoying the speed and g-forces. With the small hurdles out of the way she knew she could finally concentrate on the big obstacles. And if he could handle Space Mountain, he could handle anything else this park had to throw at them.

Anna was wired when she exited the ride and walked into the departure area. "That was so cool!" She said in a giddy delight. "I still like the one in Paris better, but this is a really close second." She turned to see Yugi's reaction. He was using one hand to lean against a wall, and he was breathing heavy. She was a little concerned that she pushed him too far too fast. And she had no idea if what Pharaoh was doing with the body, could physically effect Yugi. She had always believed Yugi to be of a weak constitution, perhaps his spirit was sick and thus influencing Pharaoh. So she waited.

She didn't have to wait long. "I believe the proper term for that was...Awesome!"

Anna's face broke out in a smile.

"That was amazing. That's the kind of rush I get when I'm dueling a great opponent. It's the same thrill. I was never able to explain it before."

"I take it you liked it?" Anna teased.

"Can we go on this one again?"

"You bet!"

They went out the exit and immediately got back in line again. Before the day was over they would manage to ride it four times. It became like a drug for him; Yugi had to ride it every couple of hours. If they even walked past it he would insist they go again. Anna found all of this to be very amusing. She had always loved roller coasters, and now she found someone else who seemed to get the same rush out of them as she did. It made her wonder what else they had in common.

After a quick lunch from one of the numerous snack shops, Anna insisted that they slow down their pace and take in some of the tame and traditional attractions. Some of them she had always considered kiddy things, but they were fun. Besides, Yugi seemed to enjoy them. The effects and animatronics that were so routine to her were another modern marvel to him. It made her think about how many things had changed since his time, how the world had advanced. And considering how little he knew about some of these things, it made it clear to Anna what his relationship with Yugi was. She had always thought that they could read each other's minds, that they were connected in such a fashion. But that wasn't so. They could share information and talk, but only if one wanted to tell the other. And obviously Yugi hadn't gotten around to explaining everything to Pharaoh, how could he, there was so much to tell. And in that way Pharaoh was still like a child. He was learning everything as he experienced it. And when you live in that kind of world, everything is a wonder. Anna enjoyed watching him explore his new world, and she liked helping him even more.

"What is a pirate?" Yugi asked as they sat in the last row of the boat. It was floating quietly through the water and scenery.

"A pirate is a buccaneer. A robber. Basically a thief of the high seas. They used to pillage towns and rob ships for wealth or merchandise. They weren't known to be nice guys." Anna explained in a whisper.

"So they are like marauders?" Yugi deducted. "We had such a problem. They were attacking merchant vessels and stealing all the supplies and goods intended for distant lands. I ordered war ships to patrol the major ports, and I sent out a special squadron to hunt them down."

Anna just stared at him. "Did you read that in one of those books?"

Yugi paused. "No...I had an audience with the head of the merchant's guild and I gave the order. I remember!"

"That's great! Do you remember anything else?"

He took a moment to search his mind; "I'm afraid not"

Anna saw the disappointed look on his face, "but it's a start. Give it time. The important thing is that you're beginning to remember."

Yugi perked up. "I'm certain I have you to thank for it."

"What difference have I made?" Anna was embarrassed by his comment.

"I enjoy being around you. It's easier to think and my mind is clearer when you're near. I need that."

"That's not necessarily because of me." Anna tried to rationalize things.

"I think you underestimate the power you have on people."

Anna looked away shyly. She smiled and glanced back at him. "If we ride The Haunted Mansion, maybe you'll remember something else."

They wandered about the park for the rest of the afternoon. Where once Anna was the tour guide, Yugi now took over that position. He was feeling great and found every attraction in the park to be a new experience. To be honest, he wasn't as interested in the rides as he was being with Anna.

As it got later in the evening their stomachs made their intentions clear. So they decided to stop for Dinner.

"This place is pretty fancy." Yugi commented. He was unsure of Anna's choice in restaurants.

"It's the most elegant of all the restaurants in the park."

"And the most expensive." Yugi said under his breath as he looked over the menu.

Anna smiled, she had forgotten that she hadn't told Yugi about the money she inherited. Of course, for her to have done that she would have had to tell him about her birthday. Then he might have asked what she did on her birthday, and she didn't want to tell him she spent it with Seto. And then there was the car. She found out that they saw Seto and mysterious stranger driving a Lamborghini. So she thought it was in her best interest to not let them know that she owned a Lamborghini.

"Don't worry about the price. Like I said earlier, the whole day is my treat. Or have you forgotten that I'm loaded?" Anna teased.

"We don't want to take advantage of your wealth."

"What's the use of having money if you don't spend it on your friends? Besides, you're just going to have to get used to it. When you're with me it's first class all the way."

Yugi was uncomfortable in this kind of setting, but he didn't have time to dwell on it, for the waiter came to take their order. Anna was hungry and was interested in trying the entire menu, so she ordered nearly everything. Yugi was a little more conservative, but Anna knew that he would probably share what she didn't eat, so it would work out. The waiter left and they chatted briefly before a man accompanied by a young boy approached the table.

"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt." Said the man. "But are you Yugi Mouto?"

Yugi nodded in response.

"My son is a huge Duel Monster fan and he wanted to know if he could meet you. That is if you don't mind."

"Not at all." Yugi turned to the young boy who was obviously very shy. "What's your name?"

"David" The boy spoke timidly.

"Do you like to play Duel Monsters, David?"

The boy nodded and a smile crept across his face as he realized how nice Yugi was.

Anna watched them as they talked about Duel Monsters and their favorite cards, anything that came into their heads. She was amazed at how at ease he was talking to this boy. He was very kind and gentle. She knew that was a trait that he inherited from Yugi. And in that sense she hoped that Yugi might pick up on some of Pharaoh's stronger personality. Then it occurred to her that if they stayed together long enough that they might merge personalities. She might even be witnessing the beginnings of it.

Suddenly Anna realized how rude she was being to the boy's father. "Please have a seat. This might take a while."

"Thank you." Said the man as he pulled up a chair and sat down. "I'm so sorry to interrupt your meal. But my son saw you sitting here and he begged me to come over and meet you. You see my son is very shy and he doesn't have a lot of friends. But he's changed since he started playing Duel Monsters. He's more outgoing and confident in himself. It's a miracle."

"There are no shy duelists." Anna commented.

"So you see why I couldn't refuse him when he asked to meet your friend."

"He's not my friend; he's my fiancé."

Although deep in conversation with the boy, Yugi heard what Anna said. He glanced over at her. She was looking at him in a way he had never seen before. What exactly it was he couldn't put into words, but in his soul he understood it.

"Congratulations." Said the man. His words cut off Anna and Yugi's connection.

When the waiter returned with the first part of their meal, the man took that as a sign for him and his son to leave. Yugi didn't let them go until they promised to come to the upcoming tournament. Yugi promised to save them front row seats. That made the boy extremely happy and he practically bounced all the way back to their table, where he proceeded to inform his mother of all the cool things they had talked about.

"You have a way with children." Anna observed.

"No, not really. Yugi is much better at it then me."

"I think you did very well."

"It's easier when they want to talk about Duel Monsters. At least, then I know what to say to them."

"I think you'd be a great father."

"Who knows, maybe I once was."

Anna smiled. "If you remember anything about us having children, please let me know."

"You'll be the first person I tell."

After gorging themselves they tried to walk off their meal. It was mutually decided that any more rides would be too much for them. They even fought off the urge to ride Space Mountain again, although it called to them with its siren's song. They wandered around a bit and stopped on a bridge on the edge of the park. Anna had an uncanny knack of finding the one place in a crowded theme park where there was no one around to see or hear them, or so Yugi thought. It was well past sunset now, and the night sky was so dark that it looked like you could see forever in it's black void. Anna leaned forward on the bridge railing as Yugi leaned back against it.

"It's getting late, should we be heading back?" Yugi wasn't sure why he even asked the question, he didn't want to go back.

"We will, but there is one more thing we have to see first."

As if on cue the night sky was filled with multi-colored light and loud bangs. Yugi turned to see fireworks exploding over the castle.

"I bet Yugi is loving this." Anna said.

Yugi paused for a moment, like he was in deep thought, then a smile ran across his face. "He's asleep."

"He's asleep?" Anna seemed surprised. "Should we wake him up?" She teased as she poked Yugi in the arm.

Yugi took hold of her hand to stop the poking. "Let him sleep, he's exhausted."

Yugi didn't let go of her hand. That fact didn't elude her, so she thought it was the right time to tell him what she had wanted to say.

"I've been thinking." She began timidly. "I've done you a great injustice."

"How so?"

"You asked me for my help and I refused." Yugi looked puzzled by her comment. "I had the chance to reunite you with your wife, your love, and I wouldn't do it. For that I am deeply sorry."

"Anna I..."

"No, please wait. Let me finish."

As she requested, Yugi fell silent.

"I want to make it right. So if you ask me to wear the Millennium Necklace I will."

Yugi was shocked at her offer. "I will never again ask you to wear the necklace. It wasn't right of me to ask you the first time."

"I don't understand. You loved her, I know you did. That's why Anck-su-namun sent me the vision, she wanted me to understand how much she meant to you."

"She has lived her life. I can't ask you to sacrifice your future for her past."

"There is no greater sacrifice than to give up everything for love."

"Maybe..." Yugi drew closer to her. "I'm destined to find a new love." His hand gentle caressed her cheek as his thumb trailed across her lips. He pulled her closer to him, and she didn't resist. As their lips met, Anna felt the same energy she had experienced in her dream. The same warmth and passion, and she knew that it wasn't just a dream or fanciful image, it was an omen, a sign, it was fate.

They kissed on that bridge while the fireworks painted colors in the sky.