Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or anything related to it what-so-ever. The only characters in this fic that are truly mine are:

Lady Aurora Phoenix

Lady Natara Fear

Lady Sapphira Star

Dorian "Chaos"

Bryant "Havoc"

Sanura

Zahara

Adais

A/N: This is a fantasy as you can tell. It is part 2 to the Eternal Love fanfic that I ended a little while ago as it was getting to be too long. The story of the Pharaoh and his family is far from over however. His children are still around and they will incorporate themselves in the lives of little Yugi and his friends in one way or another. Fair warning, I am not one for writing out duels so you may not see a lot of them- barely any actually, as the fic is about the events that happened outside the duel arena. There will be some familiar scenes to fans of the show but most of those scenes will have a small twist or two in order for it to fit with the plot being laid out.

I understand many will not agree with a lot of what is written but that is why this is in the fantasy genera and not in just the general one. This is purely a concoction out of my own head and I am just going where the ideas lead me.

Just want to thank my faithful readers and reviewers again for continuing along on this little journey. DDCfreak, Atemu Fangurl, Ishizusan, Pastelblue, Lady of Perfection and her Yami- Yami Nefera, Luna Dusk, and mugen thank you all!

Mailbox:

Luna Dusk: I am glad you liked the last chapter as much as you did. I admit this one isn't as good, but it is to lead into a few things dealing with a few pairings that will be explored more in the 3rd part. It also is leading to the reason Aurora came back home after Duelist Kingdom instead of staying behind with Pegasus.

Lady of Perfection and Yami Nefera: I think this chapter helps to raise the rating even if it is just a little bit. I guess I am attempting to keep them all in the same area as best as I can. Just an annoying little aspect of me (grins). Glad you are still an avid fan.

Pastelblue: um… yeah- the part I am ducking and running from you from is in this chapter (sheepish grin). Then again what happens to Bakura is kind of funny… and well deserved (giggles)

Anyway- enjoy the last chapter and see you in the next part! (waves)

What the Heart Wants

Sanura groaned as she poured over the transcripts for the damage done by the executives of Kaiba Corp. when they redid Seto's Virtual Reality Simulator game in an attempt to trap him so they could gain control. It would set them back thousands as they tried to reconfigure everything again. Fortunately, technology was not foreign to her. She knew what would be needed and set about getting the figures down on paper for her boss. It had been a few weeks since he was trapped in his game and he became withdrawn from everyone except his brother. And herself. She paused in her work long enough to reflect how he had sent a limousine to fetch her for work every morning since the Duelist Kingdom incident. He never said why, exactly, and she did not bother to ask. She had a ride to and from that was all she cared about. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening.

"Do you have those transcripts ready, Miss. Hart?" Seto's voice seemed strained even for him. She doubted he had been getting much sleep lately.

"Yes, sir," she said, standing and turning to hand them to him. Instead he stood aside to let her into his office. She looked at him cautiously for a moment before entering without a word.

"Go ahead and spread them out on the desk. You helped me put this thing together once, you will help me do so again." She bit her tongue on a sharp witted remark she desperately wanted to return with. She knew that would be a problem, however, and she set about to complete the request. She knew it was as close to a request she may ever get out of him. He did not ask. He ordered and you obeyed. No questions asked, or you were without a job. She swallowed hard when she became acutely aware of his body standing near her own as he leaned over the desk with her to go over the papers.

"Okay, we are going to have to change this and switch these," he began telling her as she grabbed her notebook and pen to begin scribbling down his notes.

It was another hour before they had made their way through even half of the transcripts. There had been more changes than they had even realized and they had to practically redo the entire thing. Seto scowled in frustration and Sanura sighed. Her legs were getting tired of standing and she let her eyes trail to a chair in the corner of the room. She had not realized he had noticed this as well until he motioned tothe larger desk chair.

"We are going to be here a while longer. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable." She blinked at him. He never gave out his chair to anyone.

"What about you, sir?"

"I am used to standing. I will be fine." He looked up at her and nodded to the chair again. "You going to sit or not?" She slipped into the comfortable chair and swung it slowly around to face the desk, her legs crossed and pen ready for more notes. "Good, now we can get back to this…" Mokuba entered at that moment with a tray of drinks and some food from the local take out restaurant.

"Rolland just had this delivered for us." Mokuba set the tray down on another table and slowly made his way over to the desk, stopping when he saw Sanura in his brother's chair. He looked up and gave his brother an odd look. Instead of asking why, he decided to give it up and went to sit at another table to eat his meal in peace. He knew he would be lucky if he made it back to their home to sleep that night. Though as he watched the two work, he could not help but begin to think things could get very interesting. He noticed a small change in his brother when he was around Sanura. It was very subtle as, of course, his brother had an image to uphold and he would let his guard down for no one. But Mokuba knew his brother better than anyone.

"What if we changed out these figures for these ones?" Sanura was asking as she peered down at the paperwork. Seto stared down at them as well before he began to drum his fingers on the desk.

"Yes, that would make it even better than it was before those jerks ruined it," he agreed. They reached forward with pencils at the same time to make the change, their hands brushing each other and causing a blush to creep over their faces as they jerked their hands back.

"Go ahead, sir. I am sorry," Sanura said as she went back to her notepad to make mention of it with the other scribbles for the game. He turned his head slightly to look at her as she wrote, before returning to his own task. Mokuba could not help but smirk at them. Yeah, he thought. Things are definitely going to be interesting around here form now on.

Aurora stood at the doorway to Pegasus' room. He had hardly spoken since the medical team removed his final bandages. He was lost inside his own head. Not sure what to do or how to act anymore. He had lived accordingly to what the Millennium Eye had shown him. Now that he was without it, he was left with only one eye and a new outlook on life. She sighed and stepped inside the room to close the drapes as she always did at that time of day. His eye grew sensitive of the light at certain times of the day as he made an attempt to get used to the difference.

"I would have expected some kind of harsh words from you, yet you hardly speak, Ms. Hart." She looked up at him, startled.

"You have been through enough, Pegasus. I, in now way, am about to make a horrible experience worse."

"You and I both know I am not deserving of your kindness now."

"Perhaps. But that does not mean I have to dish it out." She turned around to leave the room when he stopped her.

"Ms. Hart, there is something you should know." A curious look crossed her face as she half-turned back to face him.

"What is it?"

"There are three cards to the game that have been hidden for some time now. Three cards I worked on for a long time to create and get perfect. But they were too powerful for the game as we play itnow. I had to see to it they were hidden away, never to be used." He had her attention now.

"So powerful you did not even want to keep them? But that isn't like you, Pegasus. No monster in Duel Monsters could be that powerful unless…" Her voice trailed off as her mind went on overdrive. A vision came to her head of three ancient monsters. One in particular stood out form the rest. A golden dragon with fire behind it. She gasped and turned to face him completely. "You. Did. Not, Pegasus. Tell me you did not create cards of the god monsters…" He looked away. Her fists closed at her side. "You did."

"I did."

"Where did you stash them?" Her mind continued to work ahead of her words. There were two reasons she wanted to know this answer. One, it could help Yami regain his memories faster than she had thought possible, and two, after that task, they had to be destroyed so no one else could get their hands on that kind of power.

"I gave them to Ishizu Ishtar. A tomb keeper I met in Egypt the last time I was there doing research." Dread washed over Aurora in waves. A knock at the door made that feeling even worse.

"Phone call for you, Ms. Hart." She swallowed and made her way after the servant to get the phone.

"This is Ms. Aurora Hart. Can I help you?"

"Mother, I am going to be in Domino City. We need to talk."

"Adais? What is going on?"

"There is a big problem over here in Egypt that has made its way to you."

"How so, please explain."

"Ishizu just told me about the god cards Pegasus gave her to separate and hide. She told me because she went to check on them and found two of them missing. Marik is after them. His rare hunters are growing in numbers, taking down every duelist they come across to gather the most rarest of cards."

"You said he already has two?"

"Yes. He knows Ishizu has the third one in her possession and he wants it in a bad way. He threatened to use the Millennium Rod against her to gain it as well."

"This is bad. He must not get his hands on that third card. Do you know which one she has?"

"Obelisk." The phone nearly fell out of her hand. That meant Dragon of Ra was in Marik's possession already. This was going to be worse than bad. "Mother?"

"When will you be getting to Domino City?"

"We should be there in two days time. We are heading up the Egyptian exhibit being shown at Domino Museum."

"'We?'"

"Ishizu had a vision. She said she had to be there as well. That there was someone she had to speak to. And she said something about the Pharaoh needing her help." Aurora lowered her gaze to the floor. Ishizu had been given the Millennium Necklace. She was a lot like her ancestor Isis. But if she had seen something, Aurora knew she had to learn more about it herself.

"I will be there by the time you arrive. We will talk more then."

"Yes, Mother. See you then."

"And, Adais?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful. Marik will try anything to get that god card. Do not let him have it at any cost." He agreed and they hung up the phones. Slowly, she made her way back to Pegasus' room. "Mr. Pegasus, something has come up that could spell trouble for everyone. The god cards have been found. Two of them are gone. The third one is on its way to Domino City now. I am to be there to meet with Ishizu and my son."

"Go then. I will be fine here." She nodded and left to pack up her things in her room. Before she left to meet the helicopter she had waiting to return her to the mainland, she reached for the phone. She had to at least let Zahara know she was on her way back home.

Zahara groaned as the sound of the phone woke her from her peaceful slumber. She fumbled over the top of her bedside table to find it. She cursed when she sent her clock falling to the floor.

"Here." The phone met her hand and she looked up to see Ryou sitting up beside her bed. He had been staying with her since their return from the island. A cot had been set up beside her bed for him to sleep on. She knew she was taking a real chance and dancing with danger, but she found she no longer really cared. Things were progressing greatly between them and she could not have been happier. He had begun to lower his guard more and give in to showing his feelings for her as well.

"Moshi moshi?"

"Zahara? It's me. I just got off the phone with your brother. He is on his way to Domino City."

"He is?" She sat up straighter, suddenly more awake. "That's great!" She noticed the darker tone in her mother's voice. "That is great, isn't it?"

"Not exactly. Pegasus made another mistake. One he had no idea would come back and could possibly destroy everything."

"How? What did he do?"

"He created cards for the gods only your father had once been able to control. He knew how powerful they would be so he decided to hide them. He gave them to Ishizu."

"I think I know where you are headed with this. Marik's darker side decided he wanted them?"

"Yes." Zahara sighed.

"I would make up a room for Adais, but I am betting he will be staying with Yugi and his mother, right?"

"I would say as much, yes."

"Why is he coming anyway?"

"An Egyptian exhibit has been scheduled for the museum. He and Ishizu are going to be overseeing it."

"Are you going to be coming home, then?" Zahara asked her. Ryou looked up with a sad look hidden in his eyes. He had enjoyed spending all the extra time with her since her mother had been gone. He knew that would come to an end when Aurora returned and he was not looking forward to going back to his home to deal with the evil spirit on his own.

"I am meeting my flight now. I will be home by morning."

"Okay. See you then." She hung up the phone and noticed that Ryou had turned away. She felt the distance growing between them. She sighed and quietly left her bed to kneel behind him, placing her arms loosely around his neck. He reached up and rested a hand on one of her arms. "What's wrong?" she asked him.

"I am going to have to go back home." She swallowed and leaned her chin on his shoulder so she could rest her head against his.

"Maybe so, but that does not mean we cannot keep seeing each other as we have. There is still school as long as we keep things quiet. And we can meet after as we have been doing. I refuse to let you feel like you are alone. You are not. Not anymore."

"I know." They grew silent a moment and she moved to kneel in front of him.

"Ryou?"

"Yes?"

"Let's not worry about it right now, okay? We still have tonight." Ryou looked down into her deep blue eyes and reached up to touch her face. He had struggled so hard against his feelings because of his fear of Bakura taking over, but he knew he could not keep it up. He cared too deeply for her. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. He felt her breath as it sighed against his wrist, causing a stir of emotions within him.

"Yes, we do," he whispered to her, not trusting his voice. She nervously nipped down on the inside of her lower lip as she opened her eyes again. Warm brown eyes was all she saw. No sign of evil within them at all. She hoped it would stay that was as she leaned forward to lightly kiss his lips. He met hers and the kiss did not remain light. They had both been holding back for so long. There was no duel to watch, no impending danger that they were aware of. Just the two of them, alone, with no one to bother them. Unless Bakura decided to come out and play, that is. Ryou pleaded silently that he did not as he wrapped his arms possessively around her, leaning her back onto the small cot as the kiss intensified.

Take her…

Ryou started a moment, his lips stilling. Zahara looked up at him, a small frown on her face.

"Is everything all right?"

You know you want her… take her. He swallowed hard and mentally shook the voice away. "Everything is fine," he told her leaning down to kiss her again. She sighed and lightly brushed her hands up his arms sending a shiver through him. He could feel the spirit's sly presence in his mind. He could hear its taunting laughter.

Shall I show you how it's done, Hikari?

NO! His eyes shut tighter as he struggled against the presence, trying hard not to let her see the mental war being waged.

You could not stop me if I truly wished it, you know that, fool.

I won't let you. I won't let you hurt her.

Who said anything about hurting her? The spirit smirked. Zahara had noticed the hesitation and figured it had something to do with the spirit. She in no way wished to be interrupted by him though and decided to try something.

"Ryou? I know he is fighting to come out. Will you let me try something?" He looked at her, startled.

"You want to see him?"

"No," she answered, shaking her head. "But I may be able to by us a few hours alone if you let me try." Ryou smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Can you really?" She shrugged.

"It's worth a shot." He helped her to sit up and she closed her eyes to concentrate. She had been thinking about the power she had that knocked him out cold in the castle while saving Tristan and Mokuba. She had a feeling if she could harness it just right, she could shut Bakura away for a little while. "Do you trust me?" she asked Ryou. He nodded and watched as she lifted a hand to his head. "Then allow me access to your mind."

He did not fight her. There was a bright mental flash of light and Zahara found herself in a dark hallway. There were two rooms, one on each side. A lighter, brighter room on one side that she thought had to be Ryou's soul room, and the darker one she was certain was Bakura's. Standing in the hall and leaning near the darker doorway, Bakura watched her approach with his arms crossed in front of his chest. She knew he could sense her thoughts so she did her best to mask them with new thoughts. Sensual thoughts she knew would attract a greater response from him. She was right. He stood up straight as she drew nearer and faced her.

"The voice of Darkness that strong you had to come find me after all, huh?"

"Something like that," she responded evenly. He flashed his wolfish grin.

"I knew you would come to me. The boy is to weak for someone like you."

"Is he really?" She stopped just inches from Bakura, her hand resting on the knob to his soul room. "Then perhaps you would like to show me what real power and strength is like? What a lover of your caliber can be like?" She flashed him a sly and seductive grin as she turned the knob and pushed the door open. He blinked for a moment, watching her as she disappeared into his darkness of his soul room. Casually, he strode in after her.

"Perhaps I will," he returned, his voice a lust-filled growl. He looked around when he entered, allowing his eyes to grow accustomed to the blackness around him. But she did not wait. She slammed the door shut and leapt up to grab his head in her hands, sending a burst of energy at him. He tried to throw her off, but her grip would not allow it. He shouted and fell to his knees, vowing vengeance before he was overcome by the darkness and his eyes closed. When he was no longer moving, Zahara stood and went back to the door.

"Now, to get back to Ryou for some peace and quiet." She left the room and used her magic one last time to seal the soul door shut. "It will only last for a little while, but at least during that time, Ryou will be free to be his only master without any problems from the spirit." Another mental flash of light brought them out of the trance she had placed them under and Ryou looked at her.

"What did you do to him?"

"Locked him in his room for a little while. My powers won't hold him forever. But they will grant you some freedom for few hours at least." She gasped as he grabbed her and held her tightly against him.

"Thank you!" he said over and over again as he began placing kisses on her cheeks and neck, not entirely aware of what his actions were doing to her. He had lost himself in the knowledge that he had even a few hours of freedom. He pulled back slightly to finally gaze down into her deep blue eyes which were heavily clouded over with the lust in her heart.

"Ryou?" She tried to shake he head as if to clear it, but she could not. She found herself trapped within the gaze of his warm brown eyes.

"Zahara," Ryou breathed. His voice sounded strange, even to him. It betrayed his heart. The feelings he had been fighting since Bakura's return threatened to take control. And what was more; he wanted them to. He wanted to bear his heart to her. To have her see him for whom he really was. He knew he was ready.

Her eyes closed as he lowered his lips to hers again. She allowed his tongue access to explore her mouth as their tongues battled back and forth. Their hands carefully mapped out each other's bodies and she did not fight him when his feather-light touch was suddenly felt at the hem of her shirt. His lips went to her throat and she arched back to allow him more freedom as the tender lips created their trail of fire across her skin. A soft moan escaped her lips causing Ryou to shiver with the knowledge of what his touch was doing to her. One of her hands sank into the silky strands of his hair as she pressed his lips closer to her neck, urging him to continue. Her body had never felt so alive. It scared her and frightened her at the same time.

"Ryou!" She gasped out when he lightly nipped at her neck, causing her to arch up again. He looked down at her. Amazed by the darkness of her eyes as they filled with her passion.

"Zahara?" He grew hesitant. Suddenly, his shyness got the better of him. "I've never…" She placed two fingers over his lips.

"Hush… you were doing just fine," she whispered.

"So, you are okay with this?" She nodded in a dazed, dreamlike state. "And if I wanted to try more?" She smiled then.

"As far as you wish. As far as you are ready to go. It matters not what happens or does not happen here tonight. I will still feel the same toward you." He breathed her name and came down to capture her lips again. She had said the words he had been wanting to hear. And thanks to her, he did not have his evil spirit of the Ring there to interfere.

Zahara's lapis blue eyes fluttered open a short time after and she stretched slightly, not wanting to disturb him while he slept. Carefully, she detached herself from him and found her robe in the dark. Quietly she made her way to the dresser to retrieve her cordless phone and went into the hall. She mentally kicked herself when Yugi's sleepy voice answered the phone.

"Moshi moshi?"

"Oh! Sorry, Yugi, I lost track of the time."

"It's okay, Zahara. Is something wrong?" He was beginning to sound more awake.

"No, you wanted me to let you know when my mother was returning. I just got a call from her. She will be here in the morning." There was a slight pause before he spoke again.

"He really wants to meet with her as soon as he can. When would be okay?" Zahara nibbled on her lower lip for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"I have to get Ryou home before she arrives. Meet me here at six, maybe? That way I can let you in. You can be here when she is and will have the home to yourselves to talk."

"Are you sure?" Zahara nodded even though she knew he could not see her.

"Yes. I am sure. Otherwise, you may not be able to get a hold of her for a little while. My bro… A family friend is coming into town and needs her assistance at the museum." She realized it was not a complete lie. Ishizu was a good friend of theirs.

"Okay, then. We will be there." She found it amusing he was already adapting to Yami's spirit so well. Instead of it just being Yugi, himself, going anywhere, he now acknowledged Yami's presence and included him. "Arigato, Zahara. Good night."

"Good night, Yugi. And tell Yami I said good night as well, would you?"

"He says the same." They hung up and she leaned against the wall. She looked at the clock and realized she would have to wake Ryou in a couple hours so they could get ready to head back to his place. She was about to return to the bedroom when she felt a light touch on her shoulder.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes, Ryou. It is. For once in a very long time it is finally all right. At least for now." She grinned up at him and they returned to the room to gather clothes. Ryou took a shower in one bathroom while Zahara took one in a different one. Her mind did eventually wander to thinking about Bakura still sealed in his soul room for the moment. She wondered how long it would take for him to make his way out and come after her for her trick. "I better remain more on my guard than ever now," she whispered as she redressed and toweled off her hair.

She reentered her room to find Ryou standing there staring out the window. His hands were in his pockets and he wore a tense look on his face. She could sense a struggle. A struggle that told her Bakura was awake. She walked up to him and encircled her arms around his waist to pull him close to her, resting her cheek against his back. He moved one hand from his pocket to cover hers.

"He's angry," he told her softly.

"I know. I never doubted he would be." Her voice was equally just as soft. She wished there was something she could do to rid him of this spirit. Someway she could better help him.

"This can't be real." She pulled upright and looked at him.

"What can't be real?"

"I am waiting to wake up. I was free of him. Free from him long enough to do what I have been wanting to do for a long time. Now it is time for me to wake up. This dream can't last forever. Not for me." His voice carried a bitter sound to it. She gently turned him to face her.

"It can. It will just take a little more time."

"And in the mean time? His favorite pastime was hurting those close to me. Those I loved." Zahara was stunned. She tried to mentally go over what he had just told her. Was he saying…? His arms wrapped around her, pulling her tightly against him. His face buried in her shoulder. "It means so much to me that you have stayed beside me, even when he is here. I have waited for so long to have you to hold, and now that I've got you, I never want to let go. I- Zahara… I- I love you." He shuddered as the words came out. It felt as though he was ripping them from his soul. It was dangerous for him to love. Bakura had always made sure of that. Not dangerous to him. Dangerous to the one he loved.

Zahara closed her eyes. This was one step in her life she feared would one day come. He did love her. She could feel it. It was not an ordinary kind of love, either. It felt like a love that had reached out over the sands of time. One that could not, would not be denied. She held him tighter, as if afraid to let him go.

"I am not going anywhere, Ryou. I promised you that back on the island. I promise you that now. I will stay by your side no matter what fate must befall me as a result. Ryou?" She pulled back slightly, forcing him to look at her. His fear filled his eyes. Reaching up, she brushed a few strands of his white hair away from them. "Ryou, I promise this, to stay beside you, because I love you as well. A part of me always knew I did. Now I am certain." She leaned up to kiss him lightly and she felt a recoil. She knew it was not Ryou recoiling though. Their pure hearted emotions were too much for him and he locked himself away for the time being. At least I know how to get rid of him, she thought with a mental smirk as she pulled back again. "Come on. Let's get you home." He nodded but stopped her as she began to turn.

"Do you think… maybe… We could go get something to eat first?" She smiled brightly at him.

"Yes, I think that would be great!" The doorbell rang at that moment and Ryou gave her a curious look.

"Expecting someone?" She nodded.

"Yes. Yugi wanted to speak to my mother. Since Sanura never came home last night, I gather that Seto kept her at the office. I had to take you back home anyway, so I told him that he could meet me here. I would let him in the house before you and I left and he could be here when my mother came home." Ryou followed her as she went to the door. "Good morning, Yugi."

"Good morning, Zahara." She allowed him to enter before grabbing her jacket and keys.

"Make yourself at home, Yugi, please. I have a few things I need to pick up while I am out. It should give you and Mother plenty of time to talk."

"Thank you, Zahara. I really appreciate this." She ruffled his hair.

"Anytime." It was then, Yugi noticed Ryou standing near by.

"Ryou? I'm sorry, I had forgotten she said you were here. How are you?"

"Fine, thanks," Ryou told him with a ghost of a smile.

"Well, we had better get going. Talk to you later, Yugi?"

"Sure," he agreed with a nod. It was only a few moments later when the door was shut and he watched her car pull away. He was alone in the Hart's home. Well, not exactly alone.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Yami?" There was a slight flicker beside him and Yami appeared, looking solemnly at the floor. "You know what questions she won't answer. How can anything else she tell us help you?"

"I don't know, Yugi. But anything is better than knowing nothing at all." There was a silence before Yugi sighed.

"You want to greet her? Or shall I?" Yami looked over at his partner. He had figured Yugi would remain in control for this. He was not sure he wanted to be face to face with a woman who stirred so many emotions that were familiar and yet foreign to him at the same time.

"It makes no difference to me. She may react better to seeing you than me."

"But you are the one who wanted this meeting." Yami looked away and sighed. He stood and crossed his arms, peering out a window. A limousine pulled into the drive and the driver stepped out to open the door. "What ever you want to do, you might want to make up your mind and fast." Yami said nothing as he watched Aurora step out of the back of the limousine. She seemed tired. Her eyes showed she had several thoughts on her mind. Suddenly she blinked and looked up in the direction of the window Yami was standing in front of. He tried to return to the Puzzle, but Yugi stopped him. "You stay. I will retreat for this. I could use the extra sleep anyway."

"But, Yugi…" The argument fell on deaf ears as Yugi disappeared, leaving Yami in control of his body. The appearance was noticeable to those looking. Yugi's body suddenly seemed taller and more refined. Held with more poise than before. His eyes were no longer rounded, but crimson and cat-like. The blond bangs no longer fell in front of his eyes, but stood along the rest of his hair as they were meant to be. Yami sighed and returned to the chair he had left, sitting upright, yet looking down. He had absolutely no idea what he was going to do. Or say.

Aurora stared up at the window a moment before making her way to the door. She could have sworn she saw someone peering out at her. Someone she knew could not have been there. She swallowed hard and unlocked the door. Or at least she was going to unlock the door. It gave before her key even made it in the lock.

"Don't tell me she was fool enough to leave the door unlocked while she slept." She opened the door and quietly crept inside. She could never be too careful these days. Especially knowing Bakura's spirit was free to wreak havoc on anything he chose to. She scowled when she thought of Zahara being with Ryou. It was more than dangerous for her daughter, but she also knew there was nothing she could do about it. Zahara had made her choice, and made it very obvious.

Slowly making her way up the stairs, she became acutely aware of a presence humming in the back of her mind. A presence that made her stop still in her tracks. She knew she should not be feeling it. She was certain of it. Her steps became more controlled and cautious. Reaching the top she stopped and looked around. The shadows from the sunrise were still covering the front room. It shielded one part of the room completely. But the presence was there.

"I know you're here. Show yourself." Her voice was a quiet warning. Her eyes adjusted to the dimness and her heart stopped. He was sitting there in the darkness, looking down at the floor. Then in one fluid motion he uncrossed his arms and stood. She immediately lowered her gaze. "I should have known you would be here. Zahara let you in." He did not need to answer. It was not a question. She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She was not awake enough for that right then. Especially knowing that Marik had control of two of the three god cards. Unfortunately, his being there gave her no choice.

"I did not mean to startle you. Or intrude," he told her in his dark voice. She bit the inside of her lower lip. She had missed that voice. Dreamed of it. Craved to hear it again. She only wished it did not have to be under these circumstances.

"Do not worry about it. I told Yugi to find me when we all made it back. Zahara told him and he came. He just left you in his place." She knew her tone sounded colder than she meant, so she offered a sly smile. "She means well." He walked toward her and took her suitcase.

"At least allow me to help." She quirked an eyebrow at him, but said nothing as she nodded and led him up another flight of stairs to her room. He stopped at the doorway, not daring to enter further. She could not help but smile to herself as she remembered him doing the same thing after their first kiss in the Egyptian gardens back when he was alive. Then she kicked herself.

He is still alive. Just missing his spirit. I must remember that. "It's all right. You may enter," she told him softly. He was hesitant at first. Then he made his way into the room, placing the suitcase on a bench near the foot of her bed and looking around. The room was lavish and royal looking. There was a tiara in a crystal case on her dresser. Hanging in a display case on the wall was a piece of Egyptian decoration. Yugi's voice whispered in his mind. He recognized it from pictures his grandfather had shown him. A neck piece worn by royalty back in ancient Egyptian times. More importantly, the women wore pieces like that one. His gaze fell upon more ancient-looking pieces. He would have been surprised except from what he had gathered from Yugi's memories of what Zahara had told them, as well as the veiled hints Aurora had given herself, he knew that she had always been surrounded by treasures such as this. His eyes rested on a covered spot on the wall. It looked like a portrait that was hidden behind a curtain. Before he knew what he was doing, he began to walk toward it. He stopped only when a light hand rested on his arm.

"No, that you cannot see. Not now. Not yet. When the time comes you can."

"Aurora, you confuse me. It is as if I know you and yet I cannot remember why or from where."

"That is because long ago, we did meet. But as I told Yugi, now is not the time for me to go into that. That is a memory you must seek on your own. There is greater danger approaching now. You must be careful."

"How so?"

"Your Puzzle is on the minds of many who wish access to its powers. Powers that could easily wipe out existence if the wrong person held it. Yugi was chosen for his pure soul to be the one to put it together. To release you. The world needs you again as it did several centuries ago."

"But why me? Why was I sealed in there?" Aurora turned her head. The memories flooding back to her as if they had only happened the day before. The last thing she wanted to bear that sorrow at this time. Not with him standing right there. He turned to face her, his crimson eyes trying to peer through her own lapis ones. Trying to find the answers he sought.

"Long ago a war was being waged. A man, a thief, was bent on destroying the royal family and in doing so he would have brought its dynasty down. He felt betrayed. Alone. His hatred consumed his soul. He took it to the grave. Or rather, he took it with him when he was bound inside a Millennium Item. But he is the least of the worries and problems you are to face, now. However you will have to face him in order to reclaim you past and missing memories." She heard his sharp intake of breath. She was bound by her duty not to reveal certain details, but that left other details wide open for her to discuss. Besides, she thought. Ishizu will be telling him something similar anyway.

"So this spirit. He is… like me? In the body of another?" She nodded.

"He has revealed himself to you already. You have faced him once, but the battle was a test for the both of you. And for the hikari's as well. To see how strong their souls and spirits were for this kind battle. It is a shame really. Two innocent boys trapped in a battle that has gone on several years before they were even thought to being born. But it was their destiny. One of them has agreed to accept it. The other fights it. He does want the evil. But he has no choice."

"Ryou." His was not a question. A stated fact. Aurora silently turned to leave the room. He followed her out of respect. "I remember how you entered the Shadow Realm to bring Yugi's friends during the duel with Pegasus. How are you able to? Do you have a Millennium Item?"

"No, I do not. My powers are of a greater source. Not of this Earth. The Millennium Items cannot touch me unless I will them to. And you can guess how often that has happened." The more she slowly revealed, the more he wanted to know more. But he knew he was pushing his luck.

"You still have not answered my question as to why I was sealed in the Puzzle."

"The Shadow Powers grew so great it was feared they would spin out of control. There was a creature that thrived on the darkness and no one had the power to destroy him. However it was learned that you as the Pharaoh had a greater destiny. To face this monster again. Only when your Puzzle was at its strongest. You see, your puzzle only works one true way. It is filled with the power of unity. When several people are bound to you in a common cause, the Puzzle grows stronger. Able to take out even the toughest of creatures. You were needed to return again. But only after you had acquired all that was needed. Already you are part way there by joining and accepting Yugi as he does the same for you."

They reached the living room by the time she had finished speaking. She had kept her back to him, trying to avoid him. It had been hard enough at the club when he had her against the wall. Having him in her home was more than unnerving to her. She struggled at keeping her needs under control.

"Aurora," he started, stopping when he heard a soft moan. He saw her head hang a little lower than before. "Does my presence bother you?" She shook her head.

"Not in the way you are thinking, Pharaoh," she answered, cringing as her voice cracked. He made an attempt to move toward her, but forced himself to stop.

"Then how? Please try to explain that to me at least."

How do I do that without giving away too much information?

"Does it have anything to do with the connection I feel toward you? The connection you refuse to explain?" Her silence gave him the information he needed. There was something about the two of them she was not revealing. Something she was duty bound not to. It had to be hidden for a reason or he was certain she would have broken by then and told him everything. She turned to face him then, tears in her eyes. His eyes widened in shock and he swallowed hard. "It does." She merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "Why can you not tell me? Relieve yourself of the burden of that secret?"

"Because I cannot. It is for you to learn. You once told me you would never forget. You may forget my name, but you would not forget …" Her eyes widened and she gasped, spinning back around, her hand to her mouth. She knew she had said too much. She mentally kicked herself again and prayed he did not press the subject more. She froze when his hand touched her shoulder.

"You are older than you appear, aren't you?" His voice was soft. Not pressing or demanding. Just soft. She nodded. "There was something between us long ago wasn't there?" She did not move. She could not move. She heard him breathe in, as if catching a scent and trying to figure out what it was. "I know that scent you wear. I wish I knew more, though. I won't deny you haunt me. Even in the darkness of the Puzzle. There are doors within that are locked even from me. But one is always partially open. I cannot open it enough to see inside though. But the scent is there. It is always there. Please…" She shook her head.

"I can't. I have already said too much." She turned then but avoided his eyes. "A-" she cut herselfoff again as she realized she was about to reveal his true name. "Yami, the answers you seek are within yourself. You just have to keep looking. That is all I can tell you, now. I am sorry."

"No, I am, for intruding. But I thank you for the knowledge you did give me." He turned to leave but she surprised them both by taking his hand. He looked from their joined hands to her face. Her eyes were still staring at their hands with a curious wonder shining from them. "Something wrong?"

"No," she whispered. "Yami, you won't understand this, I know. But I have to tell you. You have no idea how good it is to see you again. I only hope that the door begins to open a little wider for you soon. You know where to find me, if you ever need me." He lifted their hands chest high to stare at them. No, he did not completely understand, but he was beginning to get an idea. There had been something between them when he was more than just a spirit. He was growing more and more certain of that. It was how close they had been that still had him confused.

"I do. I will be sure to be seeing you again as well." She nodded.

"I would not expect anything different. Just never lose sight of your path, Yami. There will be those of us here to help guide you, but you alone are the only one to end the threat to this world this time." She closed her eyes when he place his lips against the back of her hand. She would have been willing to give up everything right then and there to feel his lips on hers. Her body craved his touch. Her eyes certainly gave that away so she hid them from him once again, her fingers tightening their grip on his hand. There was a swift movement and he brought her closer to him. Her heart froze the way it had at the club.

"If there was something between us in the past, why do you try to distance yourself now? It is clear to me you do not wish to be distant. You are fighting something. But what? Why?" She lowered her head, her body trembling because of the closeness of his body to hers.

"Because, of Yugi," she whispered. He realized then what had been preventing her from allowing herself closer. The fact that it was not his body exactly, but that of his younger light. He instantly pulled back and swallowed hard.

"That is a good reason. Sometimes it is hard not having my own form. This is just one of those times." She could not help but offer a small smile.

"One day, Yami. One day you will be whole once again. For now, you have a boy you need to protect, and I have a plane I must meet." The tension seemed to lift then. They each smiled warmly at each other. An unspoken alliance. He walked with her outside and to the limousine. "Do you need a ride back to the game shop? It is on the way." He thanked her and climbed in after her, gazing around at the elegance of the vehicle. "I can do without, typically. But every once in a while it is nice to have someone drive me around," she told him with a grin.

The limousine pulled up to the game shop and the driver stepped out to walk around and open the door closest to Yami. Aurora looked over at him to find he was looking at her as well. His fingers lightly brushed her hand and her breath quickened. She looked down at their hands again, not sure what to do. She knew what she wanted to do, but thought better of it.

"Thank you for speaking with me today. I am grateful you shared what information you did. It will help in the future, I have no doubt." The door clicked and opened. She looked up and saw he had leaned closer. She felt his lips brush her cheek and her head spun. "I will look forward to our next meeting," he whispered near her ear. Silently, he pulled back and climbed out of the vehicle, disappearing into the game shop.

"The airport, miss?" The driver received no answer as she stared after Yami. "Ms. Hart? The airport, correct?" She acknowledged the question by nodding her response. He shut the door and she sighed.

He may be Yami to everyone else. But he will always be Atem to me.

A/N: As you may know by now this was the crappy ending to EL2 lol. Now that Duelist Kingdom is done, we all know that Battle City came next. Meaning the introduction of a couple new characters. To those who may remember some characters from EL1, you will recognize a few others that will come into play in EL3. So if I haven't turned you away by the crapiness that was this last chapter… (grins) Be on the look out for:

Eternal Love Part 3: Battle for the Gods -

Summary- the grudge Seto has against Yugi and Yami is far from settled- but a new threat arrives that could destroy them both. And when the unthinkable happens to one character, she will never be the same again… -Rated M for violence and some very mild mature content

(genre-Fantasy/Romance)

And with that all said... I think I will duck and run from two of my readers for content in this chapter (grins and giggles while searching for a place to hide) Ryou and Seto plushies, maybe? (offers as a peace offering)...