Hi, sorry for the long silence. Finals and working retail for the holidays takes lots of times.

To all new readers. WELCOME and thank you for the all the reviews. and really honored you enjoy this story so much. :)

to Holly. Don't worry i'm not offended, but please if you want a straight answer, don't tell me to tell you in a story. to answer your question, Airi's wears the daidem like Tohph's, or Belgum's if you watch Hetalia. oh, and your e-mail address didn't go through the reviews so that's why i didn't answer back. Maybe you should get an account on this site so you can PM.

Housekeeping, Only Airi and Cerys are mine. Thanks to battousaisgril16 for the edits.

Enjoy :)


Chapter 44

Dartz was furious. He had gained a soul in his collection, but it wasn't the pharaoh's. Not that he expected the little insect to defeat the pharaoh. Collecting the two souls, he couldn't even remember their names, was a win. But now he couldn't locate the pharaoh. He had been able to visualize location, but now there was nothing. Something was blocking his visions.

Footsteps behind him caused him to turn. The girl Cerys stood there waiting for him to speak. She was a friend of Rafael and claimed to be committed to the cause, but he wasn't sure of her loyalty. Still, her technical skills had proven useful so far.

"Do you have the Pharaoh's location?" he asked.

Cerys nodded. "The phone signal is still coming through clear."

"That doesn't help me." Dartz snapped. "The pharaoh has separated from his friends, all except that Muto girl."

"My apologies, master." Cerys fiddled nervously with her black hair. "I was not aware of this change." She continued relaying what she could about possible locations where the pharaoh could be.

Dartz wasn't listening. He was looking at one of his new additions. It wasn't the Pharaoh, but could have been a brother. Dartz's eyes narrowed in frustration. The host was a poor substitute, and only served to mock Dartz on how close he had been to collecting his true goal. Now the pharaoh was gone again running around with this brat's sister.

Something tugged at Dartz's memory. That girl had looked familiar. Then it hit him. She could have been the duplicate of the queen, or at least her face matched. His memories of Egypt were hazy, but he never forgot a face. He began to pace. If this girl did look like the queen, the maybe this one was special to the pharaoh as well. It could explain why she'd jump between moving train cars to be with him. Turning her against the Pharaoh would definantly be a crushing blow. He glanced at the stone slab with the host. No, convincing her would take too much time, and she might be smart enough to realize he'd never let her brother go after she defeated the pharaoh. Still, her soul would make a strong contribution to his collection.

"Cerys." He turned to her suddenly, making the girl jump. "You want to help our cause, don't you?"

"Yes, Master." Cerys said. "Anyway I can."

"You do know roughly where the pharaoh might be?"

"I do have the track route, sir. On bike it shouldn't be too hard to find them."

"I knew you were clever, Cerys. Now, I need you to do a special task for me." He stood in front of her. "I need you to collect a soul for me."

Cerys' eyes widened. "I-I . . . don't you want someone with experience, like Rafael to collect the Pharaoh's soul for you, Master?"

"I'm not asking for the Pharaoh's soul. I want the Airi Muto's soul."

"But master, I've never done this before."

"I know, but this is a great opportunity for you." His voice grew deadly serious. "The world we're fighting for is almost in our grasp. This girl is the only thing standing between us and the Pharaoh. She's strong and most importantly taking her will be a blow in the pharaoh's moral. You will bring me her soul, Cerys. Everything we're working for depends on this." He paused. "It would help Rafael as well."

Cerys perked up. "What do you mean?"

"When you collect the girl's soul, the Pharaoh will let his darkness come out again. This will be a perfect opportunity for Rafael to finish what he failed to accomplish."

Dartz knew he had her. Cerys was devoted to Rafael. Helping him was all the motivation she needed. He could practically see the girl's mind working under her ink black hair. Taking out the girl would weaken the Pharaoh and would make it easier for Rafael to collect his soul and regain his good standing with Dartz.

"I accept, Master."

Dartz smiled, handing her a card. "No time like the present." The girl was almost to the door when Dartz called after her. "Oh, and Cerys. If you fail. Well, don't bother coming back."

The girl stiffened. "I won't fail you, Master."


Gradually Yami's mind began to rise out of the blackness swirling all around him. Slowly, feeling seeped back into his limbs. What in the world had happened? He never felt like this unless he'd been in a dangerous duel, and then Yugi usually was in charge of the body as his host got some sleep. Something must have happened for Yugi to leave him in charge. Memories hit him with the force of a shadow blast. Yugi was gone, and Yami was alone. It suddenly felt hard to breath. More memory seeped through the blackness. Rafael's challenge. Losing control his temper. The power of the Orichalcos. Yugi's sacrifice. Airi's look of horror. The train. The firing monsters at Weevil. Airi's scream as they fell.

His eyes snapped open. The train. He didn't know where Airi was. She could be anywhere. She could be dead. He sat up, and then gritted his teeth in pain. Every limb ached. He looked around the building, but it was more of a tent. His bed was made of roughly made blankets. Beside him was another bed of blankets, rumpled from a recent occupant. In the corner was Airi's bag and his duel-disk, in one piece despite the fall. From outside there was the sound of voices. It sounded like two girls, or at least one talking animatedly about something. He started to stand, but paused as he heard Airi's laugh. It was only a giggle, but he know it anywhere. She was alright.

He leaned back, heart still pounding. Frowning, he put his head on his chest, feeling the strange sensation. Beneath his fingers he felt the constant tapping, like the tapping of a foot to a beat. He'd never noticed it before. He was really inexperienced being alive. Guilt twisted his inside. Yugi should be here, alive and in his own body.

Movement at the flap of the door made him look up. The next instant he was knocked over and lay looking up into the face of the largest wolf he'd ever seen. The gold eyes stared into his, hot breath on his face. Yami didn't know what to do. Moving might mean getting his head bitten off, and so might calling for help. The wolf's mouth opened and a large red tung licked Yami's face. Stunned, Yami just lay there. The wolf's tail flicked back and forth, expectantly waiting for some kind of response.

"Sky, get off our guest." came a voice from the door.

The wolf complied, and Yami felt it easier to breath again. He pushed himself up and found Airi and a girl standing in the doorway. The wolf went straight to the girl, tail wagging. It didn't look scary now. Airi looked about to laugh, and Yami felt his face growing warm.

"Sorry, about that." the girl said. "Sky must really like you."

"I'm assuming that's a good thing." Yami tried to get up but the soreness had intensified.

Airi was next to him a moment. "Take it slow. You did fall of a train."

"I'll make you something for the stiffness." the girl disappeared, Sky following close behind.

"How are you doing?" Airi asked.

He wouldn't meet her gaze. "I'm alright."

"You're lucky." Airi said. "When Sky greeted me I was standing up."

Yami glanced at her, but she seemed alright. There were only a few scrapes on her face and the sadness in her eyes to testify to the resent events. Her cheerful manor couldn't hide everything.

"Are you sure you're alright?" she was watching him.

He didn't feel like hiding his emotions so voicing them seemed pointless. He only nodded.

She held out her hand. "Come one. Chris' mixture really does help."

Yami allowed her to help him up and followed her out into the sunlight. Only another tent and a fire made up the camp. Chris was spooning a mixture out of a pot into a mug. Sky lay near her feet, watching for her to drop something. Yami and Airi sat on a log near the fire which served as a seat. Chris handed the mug to Yami.

"Drink all of it." she instructed.

Yami looked at the liquid. It was thick and green and the steam rising from it smelled like basil. Still it didn't look too bad. He took a gulp, and almost at once the soreness began seeping away. Airi and Chris were talking again, or more accurately the younger girl talked while the other listened. The sound was too normal in their current situation, but strangely relaxing at the same time. Airi did seem more relaxed listening to the girl's chatter. Yami caught himself staring and concentrated on his drink.

"Grandpa!" Chris suddenly called out. Yami turned to see an older man in a animal hide coat and woven head band. He held a walking stick, but seemed very mobile without it. When he came into the camp Yami could sense a power coming from him, but he couldn't place it.

"Good, you two are up." the old man said. "When we picked you up I wasn't sure you'd make it.

"Thank you." Airi said. "We are in you debt."

Yami decided the power he felt wasn't a threat. If these people wanted them dead they could have left them by the tracks.

"I hope my granddaughter isn't wearing you out with her chattering."

"Grandpa."

"She's been wonderful sir." Airi said. "You should be very proud of her."

"I always am. And please non of this 'sir.' my name is Ironheart."

Yami looked up sharply. He wasn't one to judge, but that name wasn't normal.

"Pleased to meet you." if Airi thought the name was odd she didn't show it. "I'm Airi Muto, and this is." she paused. "My friend, Yami."

Ironheart stood in front of Yami, and held out his deck. "This was scattered all over where I found you. I do hope I found all the cards."

Yami's hand went instinctively to his side to find his card pouch was indeed empty. He accepted the cards Ironheart offered. "Thank you."

"I don't wish to pry." Ironheart sat on a rock close by. "But I am surprised to see the Eye of Temaeus in your deck."

Yami started. "You know that card?"

"I've been around for a long time." Ironheart said. "I've heard of lots of rare cards in my day. The Legendary Dragons are particularly special to me." He gave Yami a careful look. "I know only certain chosen people can truly use the power they poses."

'That isn't me.' Yami thought.

"You didn't happen to see another kid by the tracks did you?" Airi asked. "A little guy in glasses, looks like a bug?"

Ironheart shook his head. "No I didn't. He probably was able to follow the track to get help."

"I doubt he could get very far in his condition." Yami said.

There was a moment of silence. Ironheart was watching Yami now. Uncomfortable, Yami stared down at his deck.

"I've met many people in my life time." Ironheart said. "but I've never met someone like you, Yami. There's something different."

Yami didn't respond.

Ironheart continued. "I also sense both of you have a heaviness in your hearts."

"We've lost someone very important to us." Yami said. "It was my actions which . . . took him away."

Their hosts shared a look. Ironheart continued to watch the two young people carefully. "Tell me, Yami, if you could speak to your friend, what would you say.

Yami glanced at Airi. Her violet eyes, almost like Yugi's, were expectant, not accusing. This didn't reassure his guilt. He turned back to Ironheart. "I would tell him I was sorry. I betrayed his trust and abandoned him, and I hurt everyone around me with my actions."

Ironheart nodded. "There is a place near here where in the old days people would go to speak to the spirits. It's said drifting spirits are able to appear to those who seek them. If you wish to speak to his friend I could take you there."

Yami stood, but Ironheart motioned him to sit back down. "It's getting dark, and speaking to spirits is risky without the added danger of darkness. I will take you tomorrow."

Yami didn't like waiting,but he nodded and sat back down. Airi had also stood and she sat next to him again, obviously anxious to leave.

For the rest of the evening Chris and Ironheart did the talking, the former doing the majority, while Airi and Yami half listened. After a while they were dismissed to their tent, being told they needed more rest if they were going to be hiking around the mountains. In the tent Airi scooted the blankets farther apart with the pink rising in her face. Yami realized they'd been rather close and felt his own face heated up.

"Are you sure you'll make it tomorrow?" Airi said. "The hike I mean."

"I'll do what it takes." Yami thumbed through his deck without really seeing the cards. "I have to apologize."

Airi twisted her blanket in her hands. "You know, there's something about Ironheart and Chris I can't place, but I think he's right. You were chosen for this mission."

Yami didn't look up from the card in his hand. The Eye of Temaeus stared back at him. He could tell Airi was being sincere, but he still didn't believe it.

"Yugi was with me when Temaeus chose us. The only time I could use the card was with him. Without him, after what I've done, I don't have the right." he held the card out the Airi. "It doesn't want me to hold it anymore."

Airi hesitated, but Yami didn't retract the offer. Finally she took the card. "I'm only holding it until you're ready." she slid it into her own card pouch. She slid into her blankets and pulled them over her head. Yami did the same with his own, blowing out the small light.

They lay in silence. Yami couldn't seem to relax. The idea of seeing Yugi made his mind unable to settle down enough to sleep. The hard ground under him didn't help either. He glanced over at the darker lump which was Airi wrapped up in her blankets. She didn't seem to be having any trouble falling asleep. Maybe it was having a lifetime or practice. Exhausted he stared up at the black ceiling above him. His body was tired, but now his mind seemed to be going faster. What if Yugi didn't want to see him? What if he could switch his soul for Yugi's right there? What if Yugi wanted to speak to Airi's instead? He groaned, shifting again. Being alone in his own mind was frustrating, and lonely.

"You ok?"

He sat up. He could just make out her silhouette in the darkness. She was on her side, head resting on her arm.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you." Yami lay back down.

"I wasn't asleep. It is pretty hard on the ground, isn't it?"

"I guess so."

Silence again fell between them, but Yami still wasn't relaxed.

"I'm still here if you need to talk." Airi's voice came over the mind link.

He glanced over and was sure she was still watching him. He stared back at the ceiling.

"I didn't realize how empty this feels."

He didn't realize his hand was outside the blanket until she slid her hand into it.

"It is pretty hard at first." Airi said. "Losing someone you care about. Takes a bit of your own spirit with them."

"I shouldn't see Yugi. I put him there. If it were me, I wouldn't want to see me. It should be you."

It was a long time before she responded. "Yami, are you sorry?"

"Yes."

"Then you need to say it, to him. Even if he doesn't want to hear it." he heard her sniff. "and I don't want to see him, not like that. I sound horrible don't I?"

Yami squeezed her hand. "I'm sure he'd understand."

"Same with you. I can't judge, but I think you're the one he'll want to see." a few moments later he heard her even breaths as she slipped into sleep.

He gently stroked her hand with this thumb. "I hope you're right."

He didn't realize he'd fallen asleep until his eyes opened the next morning. He glanced over and realized their fingers had interlocked while they'd slept. He carefully slid his fingers out of her grip before gently shaking her awake.

The road up the mountain was windy and thin. No one spoke, concentrating on staying on the path. Ironheart lead the way, followed by Yami, Airi and Chris. Sky brought up the rear, pausing every so often. The usually cheerful animal was obviously nervous, causing Airi to notably glance about every time they heard a sound.

Finally they reached a ledge, which slopped away from them down into a large valley surrounded by hills and cliffs. Ironheart motioned to the middle of the valley. In the center plain of the valley was large circle.

"To communicate with lost spirits, you will have to be in the ring." Ironheart said. "the spirit can only come once. The entire valley is spirit territory and other spirits will try to approach you, but you can only interact with spirits inside of the ring. Again, a spirit can only come once."

Yami turned to Airi. She shook her head, eyes bright. She motioned towards the valley. "Go on."

Looking down, Yami thought the valley seemed menacing. The auras of many spirits tingled the air like electricity, making Yami's skin crawl. His eyes narrowed. He wasn't going to be scared of a few spirits. He started down the slope.

He reached the bottom without anything happening. The tingling in the air paused for a moment, then intensified to an excited hum. Probably excited for fresh meat, Yami thought bitterly. He started forward. A chilling laugh sounded, causing him to spin round. No one was there. Yami kept forward, checking to see his duel-disk was secure. What good it would do him here, he wasn't sure. He kept walking forward. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw figures flicker in and out of focus. Each of his former opponents he'd ether banished or other ways destroyed. There was Panik and the Paradox Brothers from Duelist Kingdom. Multiple opponents from Battle City also appeared. Yami tensed as he saw Dark Marik leering face, but didn't stop. Even Weevil was there. This gave Yami hope. Maybe Yugi would be near by.

He reached the circle and stepped inside. The humming in the air stopped, but the supernatural feeling remained. He looked around. there wasn't any indication what his next action was supposed to be.

"Yugi!" he called out. "It's Yami. If you can here me, please answer. Please."

Small lights began to appear around the circle, slowly at first, but increasing. They floated together, solidifying into a small, spiky haired silhouette. Slowly the lights lessened, creating a nearly solid Yugi standing in the middle of the circle. Yami took a step forward, but stopped. Maybe this was only a shadow of Yugi and not the real one at all.

Slowly, Yugi's head raised and he looked right at Yami. He looked tired."Yami? That really you?"

Yami let out the breath he'd been holding. "Yugi."

The corners of Yugi's lips twitched up. "You came all this way to see me?"

Yami nodded. "I had to tell you I'm sorry."

"Is Airi alright?"

"Yes, she's here." Yami pointed towards the ledge. He could see Airi standing right next to the edge, staring in their direction. Yami turned back to see Yugi squinting in the direction he pointed. "Can't you see her?"

Yugi shook his head. "I can only make out what's inside this barrier." he pointed at the ring. "outside that is blurred."

Yami kicked the ground angrily. "This is all my fault. I gave into my darkness, and you and Airi are suffering because of it. Maybe Rafael was right. Maybe I did destroy my family and kingdom. I'm no better than those souls out there I banished. I should be the one locked up."

Yugi was staring at him, frowning as he thought. "You honestly believe that?"

Yami nodded. "I'm the one Dartz wanted, but he got you instead. Now I don't even know if I'm I'm different enough from him to beat him."

"You're right." Yugi folded his arms. "You should be here instead of me."

Yami stared at him. "Yugi?"

"I shouldn't have sacrificed myself for such an evil and self-loathing failure. What did it get me? Stuck in a stone tablet, never able to see my family or friends again."

"Yugi, I'm sorry."

"I don't need you're pity." Yugi started to walk away to the other side of the circle. "If you're really sorry, you'll atone for what you did." he turned, a duel-disk appearing on his arm. "If I send you to Dartz, then he'll give me up."

"What are you talking about?" Yami was confused. This wasn't Yugi. "this won't change anything."

"Oh, so you really don't want to make things right?" Yugi activated his duel-disk. "Darkness like you doesn't belong here. I challenge you to a duel."

Yami's eyes narrowed. What had Dartz done to Yugi? Maybe a duel would snap him out of whatever it was. He activated is own duel-disk.


Airi was completely confused. She'd been relieved when Yami had made it to the center of the valley. The shadows she'd seen flitting around him had seemed pretty menacing. When Yugi had appeared she'd wanted to call out, but was afraid of ruining their reunion. Now it seemed like they'd already done that. Yugi was yelling at Yami. Really yelling? Yugi didn't do that, and now it seemed like he was challenging the latter to a duel. What in the world was going on?

"Good." Ironheart said. "The Pharaoh needs this."

Airi stared at him. "Hang on. How did you know Yami was a Pharaoh?"

Ironheart smiled. "Really, Miss Airi. After all you've been through you should recognize some things."

Airi's mouth dropped as some of the feeling she'd been getting made sense. "You're spirit's too?"

Chris nodded. "Not like the Nameless Pharaoh. But we're here for a reason too. Once we met you two we knew you'd be the ones to help us."

"Well, if my brother beats the pharaoh I'm not sure what help we'll be. What do you mean this is suppose to help Yami?"

A pillar of green light erupted from the circle, making Airi jump back in shock. Her blood froze as she recognized the orichalcos symbol. The sick green light spread across from where Yugi was standing. Her little brother has just played the orichalcos. Airi buried her face in her hands. What was happening? What had Dartz done to her brother? Was she going to lose Yami too?

A hand on her shoulder caused her to look up. Ironheart smiled down at her. "It will be alright. Trust them."

Trust them? How could she trust them? She could feel Yami's confusion and panic over the link. How could this be good. Wait. She could feel Yami? From what she'd learned about the orichalcos communication when the Seal was up was near imposable. She should be able to feel anything but darkness. She looked back at the duel. If that wasn't the real Seal, then what was her brother doing?

She tried to hold back her fear. Whatever was going on, she hoped they'd both be alright.


Yami was close to panicking. Whatever had happened to Yugi was going too far. Now the seal was up, and if he wasn't careful he'd lose everything all over again. He couldn't lose Yugi again.

"I should thank you, Pharaoh." Yugi was saying, playing another card. "I didn't realize how evil you really where."

"Yugi, stop this now you don't know what you're doing."

"You don't care about me." Yugi shouted. "All you care about is the power. You were just using me and Airi to get power."

"Leave her out of this." Yami said.

"Why? You hurt her through me. All those duels, all those villains we had to take down for you. No more. This time, I'm the one who decides."

Yugi started flipping cards like crazy until he had Gazelle, Dark Magician Girl, Celtic Guardian, and Queens Knight on his side.

Yami had to stall him. He drew. "I play sword of reveling light, preventing you from playing for three turns."

"Oh really? I sacrifice Celtic Guardian to summon Catapult Turtle." Yugi grinned, the green seal on his forehead giving him a creepy tint. "Now I can stop you're evil right here. I sacrifice Queen's Knight to Catapult Turtle."

"No!" Yami flinched as the attack hit him. "Yugi stop it."

"Why?" Yugi stretched his arms out. "I'm evil now. I can stop you from hurting any one else. Once you lose, you'll be part of the Orichalcos too. I sacrifice Dark Magician Girl to Catapult Turtle."

Yami watched is moves reenacted before his eyes. His was going to lose. His life points wouldn't be able to take another hit. He was going to lose his soul. Yami's eyes narrowed. No. he wasn't going to lose. He was not going to give up his soul that easy. He promised he was going to get Yugi back. He would not fail again.

"I activate Divine Wind!" he shouted. Hurricane force winds swept across the field, redirecting the attack back at Yugi. Through the gust Yami could see just barley see Yugi's face. Yugi was smiling. Not an evil smile, but a Yugi smile.

When the wind's cleared up, Yugi was laying on the ground. Horror hit Yami. What had he done? If he lost the duel then Yugi would . . .

He ran to the other side of the green circle, gathering Yugi up in his arms. "Yugi! Yugi! Don't leave. I'm so sorry."

Yugi's eyes opened, and he smiled. "You did it. I knew you could."

"But. . ." Yami looked around. Instead of coming for a soul, the Seal faded away. The mark on Yugi's forehead was already gone.

"I'm sorry to do that to you." Yugi said. "But it was the only way to get through to you."

Yami gaped at him. "That was all a test?"

"Yeah. I had to show you you're not evil. You were able to do what was needed. Only the Yami I know can do that. You can complete your mission and not stop until this threat is over. I know you'll do whatever it take to beat Dartz." Yugi's eyes widened. "I'm being called back."

"No, Yugi." Yami's grip tightened, but could see Yugi was starting to fade. "I'm coming for you Yugi. I promise, I'll free you, for real. I swear."

Yugi nodded, hand squeezing his. "I know you will. And Yami, tell Airi I'm sorry. I'll see you both soon."

With one last smile, Yugi dissolve into separate balls of light. The lights drifted away until they too faded away. Yami stared at his hands until they were blocked with tears. His fingers closed into shaking fists. He sank to his knees. Yugi was gone, again. How was he supposed to do this alone. He looked up at the sky. He wasn't the real duelist. Yugi was the one with the courage, the strength, the heart. All he was a splintered soul with no memories. But he was the one left behind. If that is all he had, then he'd give it all of to get Yugi back. He owed him that much.


Airi was too shocked to cry, though her eyes were stinging. Yami was obviously upset, some of the darkness was gone. Airi could feel it. Whatever Yugi had done, if it had made Yami realize he could still go one despite what he'd done, then it was worth it. It still pained her to see Yami in pain. It had ripped her own heart to see Yugi fade away. Now she wished she'd been there to say good bye. She shook herself. It wasn't good bye. They'd get Yugi back. She'd make sure of that.

A loud cracking sound came from the valley. Airi looked down and saw something was happening down in the valley. She looked back at Ironheart. His eyes were narrowed as he said one word.

"Dartz"


A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but i decided posting faster was better than length. And my i just say writing Evil Yugi was fun, strange as it sounds. I guess it's a channel for my post finals stress.

Anyway, i hope you liked it. Please review. I'll try to update for Christmas, but no promises.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Take care and God Bless