Epilogue
The shrill rings of a phone demanding to be picked up rang through the house, insistently echoing through the halls and rudely ending the still silence of the morning.
There was a muffled grunt, and a thump. As suddenly as it had began, the ringing stopped.
"Hello?"
"Hi," the person on the other end responded instantly. "It's been a while."
There was a brief sound of sleepy laughter. "Yes. How've you been?"
"Wonderful. I just called to make sure you know we'll be arriving tonight."
"Yeah. We've been getting things ready."
"You sound kinda sleepy."
"You do realize it's eight in the morning here, right?"
"Oh! That explains it…I'm sorry, I totally forgot about the time difference!"
"It's okay. So, you'll be here at seven? Our time?"
"Yep. I can't wait to see that place again."
"Things haven't changed that much."
A chuckle sounded through the line. "I hoped not. Anyway, I'll see you."
"Wait, hang on…"
"Yes? Is something wrong?"
A pause.
"I…I was just wondering…well…do you still miss…you know…"
Another pause…
"Why do you ask?"
"Uh…um…I..."
"No, it's ok. To tell you the truth, I don't think I'll ever forget him. But that night, you know which one I mean…that night, I was waiting for you. I fell asleep in the chair. That night – I've never told anyone this, but in my sleep, I sensed him. I would know that feeling anywhere. I sensed him near me, and I swear I felt…well, it might sound strange, but I swear I felt him hug me, just for a moment, and he whispered a good-bye." There was a sigh. "You think I'm just imagining things, don't you?"
"I don't. I know that it really happened."
"Really?" the voice sounded much happier.
"Yes. Well, I won't keep you too long. I just wanted to know…"
"Thank you, Bakura, for caring."
"Anytime, Yugi. Just don't tell anyone else about this, alright? Especially the psycho twins."
"Yes, wouldn't want to ruin your reputation. See you, then."
"See you."
And they hung up.
"Otou-sama!" the joyous cry of a child bounced of the walls. A short moment later, there was a crash.
"Owww! Goodness, you're awake already?"
"It's almost nine, 'Kura," another voice joined in. "We have lots to do."
"Oh, Mokuba, it's barely eight thirty. Do you know that you sound more like that brother of yours everyday? "
"Yes, I know. Thank you. Speaking of which, Seto's out for some business. He told me to keep you away from the kitchen appliances, so if you want breakfast, you better get down here now."
"Figures. He trusts a kid, but not me."
"I'm proud to say that I've never blown up a single microwave, or a toaster, for that matter. C'mon, Shadow-chan, let's go eat breakfast. Then we can decide on what to get for dinner tonight. The others will be here in time to eat with us."
"Toast! Mokie-niichan, I wanna have toast!"
"Toast it is then. Bakura, hurry out of bed."
"Go 'way."
"C'mon, Otou-sama, c'mon!"
"OH! Hey! Don't pull! Why you- come here!"
"Wha-? Don't, 'tou-sama! No -'niichan, help!"
"You're gonna get it now, kid!"
Three voices of laughter sounded through the house, mixing and weaving easily into one.
(The followingis theAuthour's Note from the original version of the story, written and published along with the original epilogue)
So…what do you think?
Did you like that I brought Mokuba back in at the last second? A little gift to all of you who wanted to see him. I'm sorry he doesn't have a bigger role…
The endnotes are gonna be longer than usual. If you don't like it, then skip it. I won't mind. But, everyone, PLEASE review! It's the last update! Let me know you're there! It can be just one word. You can be anonymous. I don't care, just let me know you're there, and I'll be forever in your debt. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Ok. You know, this story would never be where it is today if it weren't for all my reviewers. I really am amazed so many people liked it! It started out really small, as just an idea in my head, and I really wasn't sure how the readers would respond, if they respond at all. What a surprise it was when those reviews started to really come in! Every comment, every suggestion, every praise made me happy, and I took them all to heart. I give to each of you a thousand thank yous, and more.
Let's see…there was more I wanted to say…
Alright, here's a bunch of useless information I feel like putting down, just because I can…
"A Soul's Last Mission" has a little bit of everything that I like: angst, tragedy, drama, action/adventure, humor, and a cute, adorable, lovable little kid. I like little kids. Especially little Yami. Yami is my favorite character, Bakura's a close second. I love it when bad stuff happens to my favorite characters. It might sound weird, but it's true.
Why did I choose to make Bakura and Seto, Marik and Malik all so OCC? Because I like to bring out the softer sides of "tough" characters. Everyone has a softer, more sensitive side, and I think that these four never get to show it. I like it when they, and Yami, are all friends. I believe that Yugi should not always be the rescued, and Yami the rescuer.
Original characters profile:
Ikari: Remember Ikari? The little kid at the beginning? He was modeled after Joey. Notice the similarities in appearance and even in personality.
Koji: You remember Koji, right? The name was taken from the character in a season of Digimon (which I do not own). Koji's personality was a mix of a few things. He was partly based off what I think Seto would be like if he had never been adopted.
The Summoner (or "the bad guy" whatever you want to call him): I never gave him a name, or an accurate description of what he looked like. I never told you where exactly his power came from, or exactly who he was. For now, that's up to your imagination…I believe in letting the reader fill in the blanks, sometimes. Often, your picture is better than mine.
The Shadow Creatures: a strange fragment of my imagination…
Shadow: obviously, he was based off of Yami in appearance and personality. I love this kid. He's everything I look for in an original character. It's just so easy to care about him!
Hmm…anyone else?
Oh…Dr. Yuichi…not much to say about him. His name came from the Yu in Yugi added with the chi in Jounochi.
Moving on…
I know a couple of you want a sequel, or prequel. If you're in favor of a sequel or prequel, or a companion fic, review and let me know! If you're not, let me know that too! I'm thinking about it, trust me. Tell me what you think.
Hmm…well, I guess that's about it. Not as long as I thought it'd be.
Lastly – you guessed it – please review! Thank you!