I know what you're thinking: "Wow! This chapter was up quick! I wonder why…"

Well, this chapter is a lot shorter than the other chapters, and it was easier to write. I'm sorry it's so short, but I hope you still enjoy it!

Now, to put the wonderful reviewers into the spotlight:

Greater Lights

Applegrape

trekker4life

Priestess-one-shot

Crystallynne

Domo arigatou! Your reviews give me the determination to continue writing.

Right, lets get on with the next chapter, shall we? Let's see what Yuugi is up to…

'Thoughts'

Dream/flashback

"Speaking in dreams/flashbacks"

"Speaking (normal)"

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but if I did, I would have Yuugi/ Anzu an official couple! Peachshipping rules!

-I-

Another World

Chapter 9: Stealth In The Night

-I-

Nightfall. A peaceful time when the world was covered in a cool darkness. In the violet sky stars sparkle like small glimmers of hope in the soul, and the Gods fly across, watching over their people. Not a soul in Kemet was awake…except for the guards guarding the palace in Illuminarta. Most of the people in Kemet were asleep in their beds, resting after a hard days work.

And Pharaoh Atemu was no exception. After reading the letter from the Empire of Dark Souls, he had spent the rest of the day preparing for his journey. He and his Priest's had come up with a plan to ensure his safety, and a victory over the Empire of Dark Souls. It was almost perfect, but it had taken them a long time to come up with it.

Atemu's anger had quickly subsided as the afternoon had progressed, and it was soon replaced by guilt. He felt terrible for shouting at Yuugi like that. Yuugi had only wanted to help him, but Atemu let his anger take control of him. Something both he and Yuugi had inherited from their father. He had tried to speak to Yuugi later that day to apologise, but Yuugi refused to open the room to his door, and he refused to speak to anyone. He wouldn't even speak to Anzu when she tried to talk to him.

And now, because Atemu hadn't been able to get rid of this guilt, it haunted him in his dreams. As he lay in his large bed, he twisted and turned in agony, the horrible images of an evil and angry Yuugi formed by his guilt rushing through his mind. But not matter how horrible the dreams were, he would not wake. He was too deep in sleep. The Millennium Puzzle around his neck glowed dimly, reacting to it's master's troubled heart and mind.

However, there was another in the room whom, unlike Atemu, was awake. A person that at first glance you would have thought was the Pharaoh himself, but those who knew him well could easily tell the difference between the Pharaoh and this second person.

Yuugi looked down at his brother. He was dressed in clothes only Atemu would normally wear, and wore jewellery only meant for his brother. He had managed to sneak into Atemu's room earlier and take the clothes and jewellery without anyone noticing. He looked even more like his brother than ever before.

In his hand, he held a dagger.

Choosing his moment carefully, Yuugi's grip on the dagger tightened as he brought it up. He quietly took a few steps towards his brother's bed. He looked down at his target. Atemu's back was facing him, but he could still easily reach the target. Slowly, he brought his dagger down to Atemu's neck…

"Yuugi!"

Yuugi froze, surprised at Atemu's sudden shout. He felt his hand shake in fear, his heart beat now racing in his chest. Atemu began to move in his bed again, turning to face Yuugi…

Yuugi swallowed. He was in for it now.

Atemu turned completely, and Yuugi relaxed. He was still asleep. He had only shouted Yuugi's name in his sleep. Yuugi couldn't help but give a quiet chuckle at his brother's behaviour.

'Some brave and powerful Pharaoh he is.'

But now that Atemu was facing Yuugi, Yuugi could now easily reach his target. Double checking that Atemu was still asleep, Yuugi began to move again.

He brought the dagger closer and closer to Atemu's neck, never taking his eyes off his target. He had to get this right. He only had one chance. He felt the sweat trickle down his face. He could hear his fast heart beat in his ears.

Closer and closer the dagger came, until it was only a few inches away from Atemu's neck. As Atemu continued to dream, Yuugi put the dagger on top of his target. Holding his breath, he cut…

…The Millennium Puzzle fell onto the bed.

Quickly and quietly, Yuugi replaced the dagger into its sheath, next to where he kept his sword and deck. He checked Atemu's neck to see if he had injured it. He sighed in relief when he couldn't find any wounds. He picked up the Millennium Puzzle, careful not to wake Atemu up. Tying the ends he had cut back together, he pulled the leather scrap over his head and let the Puzzle hang down around his neck. He held it in his hands, staring at the symbol on the front.

It didn't feel right that he should take this. The Millennium Puzzle wasn't meant for him. He dropped the Puzzle, feeling the weight around his neck, before continuing with his plan.

He removed the crown on top of his head, the one made especially for him to show his status as Prince of the Kingdom of Light. He placed it on Atemu's beside table, picking up Atemu's crown as he did so. Atemu's crown was more attractive that Yuugi's own. But that was to be expected. Atemu's crown showed his status at Pharaoh of the Kingdom of Light and was bound to have a more extravagant design.

Yuugi placed the new crown on top of his head. It fitted perfectly. Of course it did. Atemu and Yuugi were exactly the same; looks and sizes. When they were kids, they used to pretend to be one another all the time to confuse the Priests and their teachers. They had always managed to fool everyone, except their parents. Yuugi prayed their childhood trick still worked.

Before he left, Yuugi picked up the letter from the Empire of Dark Souls and placed it in his Duel Monsters pouched. Once he checked he had everything he needed, he looked back at his brother. He sighed sadly.

'I'm sorry, Atemu. This is the only way. I cannot let you go through with your plan. I cannot put you in danger.'

Before he changed his mind, Yuugi turned and walked towards the door. He opened it slowly, cringing when it creaked. He stepped outside and closed it slightly. He looked back at his brother with saddened eyes.

'Goodbye, my brother…'

He closed the door, silently.

Yuugi stood outside Atemu's room for a moment. He couldn't believe what he was about to do. But it had to be done. It was the only way. This way, if the Empire of Dark Souls tried anything, at least Atemu wouldn't suffer, and the Kingdom of Light would have a true and worthy Pharaoh.

Yuugi walked a few paces down the corridor, before he stopped. He turned around and looked at a second door. The door that led to Anzu's room. He felt his heart break. This was going to cause both of them so much pain. Before he really did change his mind, he quickly looked away and walked hastily down the stone corridor.

'I'm sorry Anzu. I hope you can forgive me. I did not mean to break my promise to you.'

A few tears fell onto the floor.

-I-

"Anzu…"

Anzu tossed and turned in her bed. Her head was in so much pain. She groaned in agony. The voice was getting louder…

"Anzu…"

'Who…who's there?' Anzu asked in her mind. 'Who are you?'

The voice in her vision continued, louder than it had been before.

"Anzu…he is gone…he has gone to them…"

'Who's gone? What are you talking about?'

"…Anzu…he needs you…he is in danger…"

'W-who's in danger?'

"He is in grave danger…Anzu…you must help him…"

'Who? Who must I help?'

"He needs you…he needs you to help him…Anzu…help him…help him before he is dead…"

'WHO?'

There was a dramatic pause, before the voice answered…

"Yuugi…"

Anzu bolted up in her bed with a scream, her breathing heavy. Cold sweat dripped from her forehead, falling onto the sheets and forming perfect circles. Her crystal necklace was just fading out of a glow.

The words from her vision/dream were still ringing in her head…

"Yuugi!"

Anzu pulled the covers out of her way and jumped out of bed. She felt panic rush through her body as she ran to the door. The visions were coming more and more frequently now. She seemed to be having them every other day. And since they all seemed to be coming true more frequently as well, she dreaded the outcome of this one.

She threw open her door and dashed out into the corridor. She ran to Yuugi's room and pushed open the door. She looked inside.

Her heart stopped.

Yuugi was gone.

"No…"

She bolted out the room, and headed towards Atemu's room.

-I-

Yuugi had made it outside the main palace, and was now entering the dark stables. He was thankful for the full moon and the cloudless sky tonight. It gave him just enough light to see where he was going. He silently sent a prayer of thanks to the Gods as he made his way to where his and Atemu's horses were kept at the back of the stable.

He was unaware that Anzu was now awake inside the palace, and still believed she was asleep. He past the chestnut brown horse he had given her the other day. Anzu had named the horse "Teana", after one of her ancestors. The horse gave a small whine when Yuugi passed.

He came to the back of the hall and saw the two white horses belonging to Atemu and himself. He couldn't help but laugh at the sight he saw.

The servants had messed up again. Since Yuugi and Atemu's horses looked alike, they had managed to saddle Yuugi's horse, instead of Atemu's. This was lucky for both him and the servants. If Atemu had seen this in the morning, he would have shouted at them like there was no tomorrow. And it also meant that Yuugi didn't have to waste time saddling up his own horse. He had never liked riding on Atemu's.

Much like the two royal brothers, there were only slight differences between Yuugi's horse and Atemu's. Atemu's horse was slightly taller than Yuugi's, just like the two brothers in real life. Though you had to stand at a certain distance to see the slight difference in height.

Yuugi walked over to his horse and stroked his head to greet him, just like he always did. He also did this to show that he was Yuugi and not Atemu. After all, he was dressed exactly like the young Pharaoh. But Yuugi's horse instantly recognised his master by his scent. It was one of the only things that could tell him and Atemu apart.

After giving him some food for energy, and after packing some food for both of them into the bags attached to his saddle, Yuugi led his horse outside into the courtyard. They walked over to the main gates that led out of the palace. One of them had been left open to let the guards in and out when they changed shifts. They were only open at certain times during the night, so Yuugi had had to plan his escape around one of these times.

When he reached the gate, he stopped his horse, patting him on the head. He walked to the side and mounted the horse in one swift movement. The horse adjusted to the extra weight, and snorted, indicating that he was ready to go. Yuugi turned his head to face back at the palace. His heart saddened. The last time he had left the palace and the city was when he was sent on his mission. That seemed so long ago now. Many things had happened during that short amount of time, both good and bad…

Yuugi was starting to have second thoughts. Should he really go through with this? Should he really disguise himself as Atemu and go to the Empire of Dark Souls in his place? It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that he thought about it, Yuugi could see there were a few flaws in his plan.

But it was too late to change his mind now.

Making his mind up, he pulled on the reigns and tapped his horse with his feet. The white horse reared up, before charging forward at full speed. They quickly made their way down the steps that led from the palace, and began rushing through the quiet streets of Illuminarta. Yuugi hoped no one had seen them leave.

-I-

"Yuugi…where are you?…"

Atemu looked around in the darkness. Panic consumed his body. His 'other half' was missing.

"Yuugi! Please!" Atemu tried calling into the darkness. "Answer me!"

Still there was nothing. Only a silent, empty void.

Until…

"…At…u…"

Atemu's head jerked up. Was that…a voice? A voice calling to him?

"…Atemu…"

There it was again! Only, it was clearer this time. Someone was calling him. Could it be…Was it Yuugi?

"Atemu…" the voice called again.

"Yuugi!" Atemu called into the darkness once again. "Yuugi, is that you?"

"Atemu!" Atemu could hear the voice perfectly now. His heart sank. It wasn't Yuugi's voice. It was someone else. Someone he did not wish to hear. "Atemu, please! Wake up!"

-I-

"Atemu, please! Wake up!" Anzu screamed. She was in the Pharaoh's room, shaking his shoulders to get him to wake. She didn't realise how shocking her actions were, entering the Pharaoh's chamber and touching him without his permission.

"Please!" Anzu continued to scream, tears in her eyes. "It's Yuugi! He's gone!"

And just as if these were the magic words, Atemu's eyes suddenly shot open, and he bolted up in bed. After taking a few seconds to recover from the shock of his sudden awakening, he looked at Anzu. He was not in the mood for a midnight talk.

"Anzu, what are you doing in here?" he asked sternly. He wiped away the sweat from his forehead. "You are not permitted in the Pharaoh's chamber. Why did you wake me?"

It was only then that Atemu noticed the tears streaming down Anzu's face. Something was terribly wrong, and he knew it involved his brother somehow.

"It's terrible, Atemu!" Anzu cried. Atemu cringed when she spoke his name. He was regretting giving her permission to call him by his given name. "I just had a vision-"

"What?" This grabbed Atemu's attention. "A vision?" He and Yuugi had figured out a while ago that Anzu had visions, though they did not tell her this. Yuugi had wanted Anzu to tell them in her own time. Atemu guessed that this was a better time than any to admit she suffered from visions.

"Yes. And when I went to look…oh Atemu! It's come true! My vision has come true!"

"Are you sure?" Atemu felt his suspicion of Anzu fade for the time being. He could clearly see how troubled she was.

"Yes," she whispered. Tears were now falling uncontrollably down her soft cheeks, landing on Atemu's sheets.

"What was your vision about?" Atemu asked calmly, though on the inside his heart was racing.

Anzu sniffed. "I heard…a voice. It was speaking to me, telling me someone had gone. It was telling me that someone was in danger. And when I went to look, he was gone! He was gone, Atemu! My vision came true!"

"Who is gone? Who is in danger?" Although Atemu asked these questions, deep down he already had the feeling that he knew the answer. He hoped against hope he was wrong.

Anzu gave a small sob before answering the Pharaoh's question.

"Yuugi."

Atemu gave a small gasp. He felt his blood run cold. Yuugi…was gone? No. That couldn't be. That couldn't be true. He refused to believe it!

It was only then that he noticed the Millennium Puzzle was missing from around his neck. Panicking, he desperately looked around for it, hoping somehow the strap had snapped whilst he was asleep, and the Puzzle had fallen to the floor.

Anzu continued. "He's gone to the Empire of Dark Souls in your place so you wouldn't get hurt. I just know he has! He's trying to protect us all."

Atemu looked up at these words. He looked at his beside table. The note was gone, and Yuugi's crown lay where his own crown should be. His eyes widened. His heart stopped. The shock of Yuugi's actions hit him like a great force.

"No…"

Jumping out of bed and ignoring Anzu's cries, Atemu bolted for the door. He threw it open with a great force, causing it to crash against the wall. He ran to the other side of the corridor and threw open Yuugi's door with the same force he used against his own. Fear pulsing through his veins, he looked all around his room, hoping to see some source of life…

But there was no one there…

…Anzu was right…

…Yuugi was gone…

Suddenly hearing a horse's whine in the distance, Atemu ran forward into his brother's room. He ran past his brother's belongings, past the tipped table, dodging the broken things on the floor, and headed for the balcony. Running through the archway, he ran to the edge of the balcony. He held onto the edge and leaned forward, trying to identify a figure on the horizon.

There was no doubt about it. That was him. Atemu could spot the familiar shape of his hair anyway.

But that didn't bring relief to the young Pharaoh. Yuugi had now almost completely disappeared from view. He was too far away for the guards to reach him in time. Atemu's worst fears were becoming a reality.

"YUGIIIII!"

-I-

Yuugi closed his eyes. Even though he was a great distance away from the palace, there was nothing for miles around besides a few oasis'. Atemu's cry echoed into the dark desert.

"I'm sorry Atemu, but I have to do this. This is the only way. Goodbye…"

Illuminarta disappeared into the night as Yuugi continued to ride on, the tears of pain and betrayal escaping his eyes. Without realising it, he and his steed crossed over into the blackened sand of evil. They had crossed into the land controlled by the Empire of Dark Souls.

There was no turning back now…

-I-

To be Continued…

-I-

So, there you have it. Chapter 9 all done. What did you guys think? I know it's…different from the other chapters, but hey. There's nothing wrong with that, right? What matters is what you think of it.

So please R&R.I love reading your reviews, and it only takes about 30 seconds! I'll update as soon as I can.