Sorry about the delay. For some reason, this one took three drafts before it would come together. Special thanks to hinatagirl18 and cyberbee15 for being willing to bounce ideas back and forth during my writer's block. Also thanks to my beta battousaisgirl16 for proofreading and reassuring me this chapter wasn't horrible.

Most of all, thank you, readers, for still reading and favoriting. I've really had a hard time being motivated lately so thank you so much for reviewing and holding on this long. I honestly couldn't do this without all of you. (bows). Millions of thanks to each of you.

Legal stuff, Airi and other OCs are mine. Yugioh is not. Oh, also i have a random question at the end of this chapter for anyone who has time to give their opinion on something.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 69

Yami led the small group from the palace's underground caverns to find the sky covered in masses of clouds blocking the sun. Darkness stretched out before them in an unrelenting wave. Yami felt Kana's arms tighten around his neck as she surveyed the scene. Behind them, Mana leaned heavily on Geb, the past hours taking their toll on her.

Yami led the way to the palace steps. Below them in the courtyard, the priests were already assembling to leave to join the soldiers sent out. Shimon shouted most of the orders, but Seth had taken up his past responsibilities bossing everyone around.

Shimon saw the small group standing on the steps and approached.

"My pharaoh, we are ready to move on your command."

Yami nodded.

Shimon looked past him to see his granddaughter and the slave. "Mana, you need to rest. You look about to fall over."

"I'm fine, grandfather." Mana's tone wasn't convincing to any of them.

Yami turned to his friend. "Mana, please pushing yourself won't help anyone."

"But it's not fair." she looked around. "What about everyone else? You look about to collapse too, Pharaoh. If you can keep moving forward then I can too." she tried to straighten up, but only succeeded in falling into a coughing fit.

"Mani." Kana slid from Yami's grasp and ran over to her. Grasping Mana's hand she turned back to Yami. "Abba, can I stay and take care of Mani?"

Yami smiled down at the little girl. "I couldn't think of anyone better for the job."

Kana beamed. Mana looked from her to Yami, realizing there was no way out of this. Everyone knew Kana unsupervised was not an option and entrusting her safety to just anyone was out of the question. Mana sighed and nodded. "Fine."

"I leave you and Geb in charge of Kana then." Yami said.

Geb opened his mouth but was interrupted by the arrival of a scout riding through the gates. The horse stopped below the steps.

"My Pharaoh, on the horizon. Something is approaching the city."

"How far away is it?" Yami asked.

"It is a massive monster. With its strides, it should be to the city in a matter of hours."

"We will be there to meet it then." Yami turned to Shimon. "Take the remainder of the priests to the outskirts of the city."

The priest bowed, turning to give his granddaughter one last hug before turning and departing to share the orders with the others. Yami looked towards the horizon. The darkness did seem concentrated at one certain spot on the horizon.

"Master."

Yami turned to see Geb standing next to him. He looked nervous but he refused to look down like he usually did.

"Master, I, I request permission to accompany you into battle."

Yami glanced at Mana who looked just as surprised as he did.

"You are asking to shirk your duties to protect my daughter?" Yami asked.

Geb shook his head. "Forgive me pharaoh, but I am your slave. The reason I am in your service is for your use is it not? My life is yours to use."

"No, it's not." Mana interrupted. "It's not, you know it's not. Stop talking about yourself like that."

Geb refused to look at her, violet eyes still watching Yami closely. "I am indebted to you, master. Saving me from that pit of death and allowing me to keep my spirit monster." he held out his wrists, slave cuffs stand out against his tan skin. "Even without these I would serve you." he let his hands fall to his sides as he sank to his knees. "I only ask this. I will ask for nothing else for the rest of my life. Please, let me use my spirit monster in your service." he bowed his head, black hair falling to obscure his face.

Yami stood speechless. Why couldn't he get the memories of what he'd done to earn this loyalty? He again looked at Mana. She stood, eyes shining with tears, looking at the kneeling youth with a mix of pride and grief. Kana gripped the older girl's hand, looking confused at what the adults were talking about.

Yami considered the kneeling boy before him. He considered ordering him to stay. Then again if Geb was connected to the Muto family he might have Yugi and Airi's habit of doing drastic things despite warnings. Mana clearly didn't want him to go, but after her earlier outburst, she wasn't giving any arguments why this was a bad decision. Yami sighed. This was getting them nowhere.

"Answer me this." Yami said. "Are you completely sure this is what you want?"

Geb looked up, staring at Yami as if he'd asked him to jump to the moon. "Master?"

Yami motioned to the young man's wrists. "Without those, are you sure following me is what you want? Consider carefully before you speak."

Geb looked down at his slave cuffs then to the dark horizon. Yami could see the fear in his eyes as he looked at the darkness. Finally, the boy looked back at the two girls behind him. Mana shook her head, eyes pleading him to stay. Geb managed a small smile before turning back to Yami.

"I am certain." he said. "I want to serve you."

Yami nodded. "That settled then."

Geb smiled, bowing his head touched the stones. "Thank you, my pharaoh."

Mana let out a small sob. Geb rose, going to the two girls. Kana let go of Mana's hand and though both arms around the slave's middle. Geb gently stroked the little girl's hair before gently detaching her grip from his torso. Whispering something to her he motioned towards Yami. Kana nodded before running towards Yami. he knelt catching her in his arms as she threw her arms around his neck.

"You'll win, Abba. I know you will," she whispered in his ear.

He held her closer.

Over her shoulder, he watched the other two stand facing each other. Both seemed at a loss for words. Mana looked undecided on whether to hit him or hug him. Geb looked at the ground, hands clasping and unclasping.

"Mana I-"

She cut him off with her lips against his.

Kana giggled, watching this exchange.

Mana pulled away arms still tightly around Geb, whispering something in his ear.

Finally, they separated. Mana walked over to Yami. He stood, barely having a chance to brace himself before she pulled him into a hug.

"Promise you won't die." she whispered into his shoulder.

"I will come back," Yami whispered.

She let go, taking Kana's hand and he and Geb walked towards the remaining priests. Seth was already mounted on his horse, Kisara sitting behind him.

A servant approached leading a fresh horse towards them. Yami mounted turning to hold a hand towards Geb. the slave hesitated, glancing at the priest.

"Hurry," Yami said.

Geb grabbed his hand and Yami pulled him up to sit behind him. Yami spurred his horse forward, leading the way out of the gates.


Black.

Everything around Yugi was black. He shook his head several times to try to clear it. Blinking didn't make the darkness go away either. Fear gripped his heart. He tried talking but the fear choked the words back. He began shaking uncontrollably. He was soul snatched. He had to be. Moving his hand out he felt around. Rubble shifted under his fingers. Huh? He shouldn't be able to feel anything if he was in a soul chamber. His relief was short-lived as his mind began to clear. So he wasn't soul snatched, but he was still in complete darkness in a tomb; Trapped either way.

He heard a moan and something shifting on rubble nearby. Swallowing, Yugi pushed himself up, facing the sounds.

"H-Hello?" Yugi called.

"Yug?" a voice came from the shadows.

"Joey?"

"Yeah, it's me. You alright?"

"I think so."

"Keep talking, I'm coming over there."

"I don't think that was part of the past." Yugi said. "I think we were attacked as part of the game.

He felt something grip his upper arm. "That's you right?"

"Yeah."

"Oh good." Joey said. "You ok?"

Yugi nodded, then remembered it was dark. "As far as I can tell."

"Good." Joey said. "I haven't heard anything from the others."

Yugi looked around the dark like that would help.

"Tristan!" he shouted. "Tea!"

No answer.

"TEA! TRISTAN!"

He felt Joey grip his arm tighter. "Yug, they're not there."

The shaking started up again. Yugi's mind clouded over. They weren't there. No, they had to be. Maybe they were hurt. Maybe they were dead. The black crept back into his mind, crushing all reason.

"Yugi!" He felt Joey shake him. "Don't lose it, ok. I need you thinking if we're getting out of here."

Yugi tried to get a grip.

"That's it." Joey's voice became calmer. "There you go. It's going to be ok."

Yugi closed his eyes. It was easier to ignore the darkness this way. He took a calming breath. This wasn't a soul tablet. Joey was here. This was a shadow game. Tristan and Tea were probably bounced back to the tomb to wait out the rest of the shadow game. Monster spirits did so why not people. He latched onto that thought. It was all he had.

"You good?" Joey said.

"Yeah." Yugi said. "Thanks, Joey. Sorry, I lost it there."

"No sweat. So you think we were attacked?"

"It makes sense."

"Must mean we were on the right track with the pharaoh's name."

Yugi began muttering the symbols again making sure he remembered them correctly. Thankfully they hadn't been knocked out of him.

"So, how do we get out of here?" Joey said.

Yugi considered their options. We're in the passage right?"

"Yeah,"

"Maybe the whole thing wasn't blocked off."

He felt Joey stand next to him.

"Ow," he heard Joey mutter. "Watch your head."

Yugi stood, hand lifted above his head to feel the rock. Being short lucked out again as he was able to stand upright. Putting his hand in front of him he felt more of the void.

"Here." he felt around in the dark until he found Joey's hand and put it on his shoulder. "Hold on. I'm going to walk forward to find the entrance."

"How'd you know it's the entrance?"

Yugi paused. "I was facing this way when I was running. Just hoping I guess."

"Better than nothing," Joey admitted.

They started forward. Feet connected with stones and they had to climb over larger chunks. It seemed that it was only part of the cavern that had collapsed. Finally, they reached a part that was completely blocked with massive stones over the entrance. Either a rockslide had appeared over the entrance or this was the roof of the cavern. The rocks felt big enough to crush a person. Yugi's stomach twisted at the idea of Tristan and Tea being under that and he pushed the idea down before it clouded his mind again.

"So, what now?" Joey said. "I don't think we can move these."

Yugi felt the rocks again. No way they would be moving any of these. It was a puzzle alright.

"Do you think we could blast our way out?" Joey said. "You have a turtle cannon right?"

"I don't have my deck, Joey. And it's a catapult."

"Right. Dang it. I just want some light around here."

Yugi didn't respond. His mind spun. Think of it as a puzzle, he told himself. That seemed to help his mind at ease. In the dark with a friend with an impenetrable wall before them. What would they need to do? But what if this wasn't a puzzle, what if it was a game? He grasped on to this though. This was a shadow game. The opponent had made their move and blocked his path. Now he had to get through.

"Think through the problem. Consider all the angles before you give up." he could almost hear Air in his head telling him. Yami would tell him the same thing, probably adding he trusted Yugi to choose wisely. Yugi smiled. They were really similar. He'd been an idiot to suspect there was something between them. If there was a trap card based on their ability to divert suspicion it would be unbeatable.

Divert.

That was it!

"Joey, I have an idea. This might sound crazy but it's worth a shot."

"Try it already."

Yugi concentrated. This was harder without cards. He raised his arm; imagining his duel-disk helped. "I summon Magic Cylinder!"

The light flash caused both of them to cover their eyes. Squinting, Yugi found a glowing circle opening big enough for them to climb inside sticking out of the wall of rubble. The opening lead to what looked like a slide. No way to tell where it would lead.

"This is just nuts." Joey muttered.

Another rumble seemed to come from the darkness. More tremors?

Yugi felt Joey grip his shoulder. Next thing he knew he was sliding down a tube.

The trip was short and Yugi landed face first in some sand. Tumbling end over end he finally stopped. Groaning he pushed himself up just in time to have Joey plow into him. Both landed in a heap with Joey onto and Yugi's face pressed into the sand.

"Wow." he heard Joey says. "I didn't think that would actually work. Oh, sorry, Yug."

The weight on his back lessoned and Yugi was lifted to his feet by the back of his jacket.

"That was close." Yugi said.

"Wow, we must have been there a long time." Joey motioned at the darkening sky.

Yugi looked up. Clouds covered the sky but they nothing like rain or any weather he'd ever seen before. The landscape was desolate, sand stretching out in every direction. Looking around Yugi noticed the clouds thickly condensed towards one horizon.

"It must be the darkness." suddenly Yugi's legs went weak.

"Yug, what's wrong?" Joey held his friend up by his jacket.

"I'm fine. I guess summoning took more out of me than I figured." a horrible thought occurred to Yugi. if he was tired after summoning an inanimate object portal, how was Yami going to summon Egyptian gods by himself?

"Joey, we need to get back. Yami will need my help." he raised his arm.

"Don't try summoning." Joey said.

"Huh, how did you-?"

"If you're the one he needs then it's no use wearing yourself out now. I've got this one."


Airi and Kaiba landed in the city on what appeared to be on the roof of a house. The box-like structures stretched out before them with the walls of the palace rising up above the rest. Seeing all these ancient buildings in one piece around her was mind-blowing. Only the dark clouds and flashes of lights from distant monster attacks ruined her geek out moment.

She heard Kaiba mutter something about this being ridiculous. He probably didn't want to admit this could be 'real'.

Ignoring him, Airi took in their surroundings. The palace looked deserted. It looked like modern ruins expect more put together. She walked to the side of the wall and looked over. The courtyard below had lines of soldiers but it still looked stark. Looking past the wall she saw fires and rubles and bodies. How were they going to find Yami or Yugi in this mess?

Airi ran her fingers through her hair and realized the diadem was gone. She felt her head to make sure but there was no headpiece. Crap. Without her diadem how was she going to find them?

Calm down, she told herself. This was Yami and Yugi. they would probably be running right at the danger head on; not comforting.

In the distance, she saw what looked like a mass of shadows that had taken the form of some kind of monster. That was probably the direction Yami was. But there was still an entire city to search. As she watched a crack of lightning illuminated the figure. A monster larger than any she'd seen in her life stood out against the sky. Skull like features pulled at sallow purple skin flanked by ram's horns. A second head stuck out of the monster's middle, fangs seeming to glow.

Airi swallowed.

"That's Zorc then." Kaiba said.

She could only nod. She hoped by whatever forces were in control Yami would succeed.


Evil Bakura watched the destruction, eyes glowing in the fire and carnage.

"It's so nice. I don't have to do any of the work." his eyes rose to the man across the board. "Oh, I'm so inconsiderate. You aren't enjoying yourself, are you? You can surrender any time, pharaoh."

Nameless Pharaoh remained silent. The scene on the board playing out before him was foreign and yet familiar. The fighters were different; Seth on his side this early in the battle was a pleasant surprise. Exzodia's raw power shone against the darkness. Seeing the monsters of his loyal priests appear in full force gave him hope.

However, the rest of the destruction was all too familiar; the city in flames, monsters, and men blasted by Zork, the screams . . . the screams.

"Wake up." Evil Bakura's voice broke through his thoughts. "I want to see your eyes when you lose."

He blinked, forcing himself to look at the board again. Though the smoke he could make out Yami. He was still standing, despite leaning on Geb for support. Doubt begins creeping into the Nameless Pharaoh's mind; Did he give Yami the right skills? Without his memories, could he defeat Zorc on his own?

Exzodia's defeat sent shock waves through the city. The Nameless Pharaoh bowed his head to the respect of Shimon. He didn't know what was worse; reliving the destruction or forced to watch from a distance.

"Here it comes." he heard Evil Bakura say.

Nameless Pharaoh looked down at the field and stared at all three Egyptian gods erupted onto the field. Yami stood on his own, arms raised as he directed his monsters. Lights flashed all around from the monsters lending their strength to the pharaoh's monsters.

Hope erupted through the pharaoh's chest. Had Yami figured out the move?

The Egyptian gods charged Zorc together. Slifer slithered around the demon's body like a python, crushing his body. Obelisk grabbed the two heads of the monsters in chokeholds. Ra erupted into the sky, blasting a gold blast on the monsters. Zorc disintegrated, ashes seeping into the ground.

"No,"

"Something you wish to share?" Evil Bakura said.

Nameless Pharaoh ignored him, eyes fixed on the field. He remembered this; he'd tried this first. All the most powerful monsters he controlled. But it hadn't been enough.

It still wasn't enough.

A black figure erupted from the ground. Reforming until the demon again stood before them. The Nameless Pharaoh leaned back, watching in numb horror as Zorc took down the Egyptian gods one by one. He knew the order of destruction of his monsters, the screams as monsters and their priests, the fires spreading farther into the city.

This was the end. There was no way a spirit on his own would survive three Egyptian gods being destroyed. He had barely survived, only thanks to Mana quick thinking. How could a mear fragment survive?

Slifer shattered after Obelisk. Zorc paused looking around for another target. There was no one else.

Evil Bakura's laugh rang through the stone chamber. "Glorious!"


Airi felt the explosion before she saw it. An explosion that big was hard to miss. Kaiba jerked her behind a building as a shock wave ripped through the streets. Using his coat as a shield to her from the dust wave. Even after the dust settled Kaiba held her pressed against his chest.

"Airi if we die here, I'm holding you responsible." Kaiba said.

"You didn't have to come." she reminded.

He snorted but released her from his grip. "Now where?"

Airi motioned forward. "This way."

"Towards the blast, of course."

Scrambling around the piles of debris and flames the two of them made their way through the messed up streets. Airi's head spun with all the events bombarding her mind.

She realized Kaiba was no longer next to her. Looking around Airi saw he was standing beside one of the burning piles of rubble.

"Seto?"

He didn't respond, continuing to stare at the flames.

Backtracking she approached.

"Seto, what . . ."

The words died in her throat. In the pile of burning debris next to them, the bodies of two small young boys lay already being consumed in the fire. Despite this one of them had a close resemblance to Mokuba.

Airi gagged, turning away as she dry heaved. The sight remained burned in her retinas refusing to fade. Kaiba still stood frozen, eyes fixed on the melting bodies.

"Seto! Seto!" she tried to pull on his hand but he wasn't responding.

Desperately she looked around for something to distract him. Why did she have to be so short?

Kaiba jerked backward as if pulled by a string. He sank to his knees staring at his hands.

"Seto!" she knelt in front of him. "Seto!"

He didn't seem to hear her.

"Seto, look at me."

Kaiba's head turned back towards the fire. She grabbed his face, turning him back to face her.

"That's not Mokuba. Mokuba is alive and safe." she made herself sound calm. "He's waiting for you. Mokuba is alive."

Something seemed to clear in his eyes. His body relaxed and his face leaned into her touch.

"Seto?"

He stood, causing her to lose her balance. His hand shouts out grabbing her hand before she fell to the ground. Pulling her to her feet he looked down at her, his expression mixed, uncharacteristically silent. Without a word he started forward, hand still firmly gripping hers.

Both continued to move forward. Screams and roars came from the distance. Airi's mind was still clouded with the image of the boys' bodies. The sickening feeling seeping through her mind and down her spine refused to leave. She couldn't imagine how Kaiba was feeling right now. The sooner they got out of this nightmare the better.


Geb groaned, pushing himself up he looked around at the wreckage. All he remembered was the summoning of the Egyptian gods to attack Zorc and that it had failed. He shook his head trying to clear his mind. But why was he over here? The last thing he remembered was the pharaoh pushing him out of the way as a blast from one of Zorc's heads had come towards them. The rubble around him must have blocked him from the monster's view.

Peaking over the top of the rubble he couldn't see Zorc, but he could hear him; Growling words he couldn't understand toughening someone out of sight. At least there was someone else still fighting. Looking down at the street his breath died in his throat.

Laying in the street was the crumpled form of the pharaoh.

Fear froze Geb to the spot. His master couldn't be gone. He couldn't. Thoughts of what would happen to him now he didn't have a master crushed his mind leaving his mind numb. He dug his nails into his arm forcing his mind back to reality. This was the Pharaoh, representative of the gods. He wouldn't be taken out this easily. Right?

Legs shaking he forced himself forward until he collapsed beside the pharaoh's body. Pushing the pharaoh onto his back he looked for blood. Except for a few gashes across the face, he didn't seem to be seriously injured. Geb shook his master's shoulder. No response.

"Master! Master!"

Nothing. The pharaoh looked dead except for the faintest hint of rising and falling chest. Geb looked around to find they were alone. Why had they separated from the rest of the priests? The only person he could think could help him was Isis and he didn't know if she was still alive. Besides, he was too small to carry the pharaoh anywhere.

Gripping the pharaoh under his arms he pulled the unconscious man away from the middle of the marketplace to the side of the street behind one of the destroyed stalls. At least here he was out of the direct sight of that demon.

"I'm going to get help," he told the unconscious man. "It will be alright, master. You'll be alright." he swallowed the lump in his throat. "You can't leave like this. Please, just hold on, until I return."

He saw the queen's diadem still hooked inside the pharaoh's sash. He touched the inlaid stones, the memory of his lost mistress causing his eyes to burn. If she'd given so much he could push forward as well. He inclined his head before standing and making his way through the rubble.

"Mighty gods." he murmured to himself. "I know I'm nothing, but hear my plea. Send us help."


"A blast like that and your fragment should be dead." Evil Bakura observed.

Nameless Pharaoh stiffened, waiting for the sensation of being devoured by the shadows. but there was no pull from the shadows nor did the game fade from sight.

Surprised, he looked on the board. How was this not over? He's seen two Egyptian gods smashed. He realized it had been only two. Ra must have faded before Zorc killed him. Destroying the other gods must have knocked Yami unconscious. But where was he?

"It's not over yet." he told his opponent.

"He's still alive?" Evil Bakura swore. "What is your soul made of? Steel?"

"Maybe." Nameless pharaoh smirked.

"No matter." Evil Bakura's evil grin returned. "With a blast like that he won't have any strength left. Maybe he'll be stepped on. That would amuse me through eternity."


Geb leaned against a wall trying to gain his bearings. The city was nearly unrecognizable and he didn't know where to go to find the other priests. He could still hear the shrieks of dragons, hopefully meaning Seth and his companion were still alive, but he didn't know where to go. He didn't have must strength left. Maybe he could send his monster ahead to find someone, but what if it was destroyed by Zorc before it could lead any of the priests back.

The darkness and destruction reminded him too much of the pit. He shuddered. It had been years, but the memory remained fresh. The pain having his spirit monster destroyed; the laughs of greedy owners collected their winners; watching bodies of slaves removed from the field after a battle. If it hadn't been for the pharaoh he would have died in the blast of a stronger spirit monster. He shook himself. Dwelling on the past wouldn't help the pharaoh.

Voices approached and he looked up to see two figures coming towards them. They appeared to be a man pulling his female companion forward through the wreckage. Geb frowned. They didn't look Egyptian, but their clothes didn't look like any group of people he'd ever seen. As they came closer he noticed their faces. The man looked exactly like Priest Seth, except for the hair and some other details. The woman looked . . .

Geb blood froze in his veins. It couldn't be?

"Seto, wait." the woman spoke, her eyes locked on Geb. "Maybe he can help us."

"He doesn't look very helpful." her companion's voice sounded think as if he'd been in the dust for too long.

The woman came closer to Geb. His feet were rooted to the spot with his eyes fixed on her coming closer. She stopped a few steps away, expression uncertain.

"Ah, hello?" she smiled,

Geb's knees gave out and he sank to his knees. He pitched forward, forehead resting on the dirt before him. He didn't know what else to do. It looked so much like her. Demon or ghost the only solution was to show it the proper respect it until he found out what it wanted.

He felt a light touch on his shoulder but he refused to look up.

"Hey, I'm not going to hurt you." her voice didn't sound like a demon's. "We're just looking for someone."

"Who sent you, masters?" Geb spoke to the ground.

"We were sent by." she paused. "By Esset."

He sat up, causing her to jump back in shock. Eyes narrowing, he studied her closer, trying to gauge if she was lying to him. This might be a trick by the forces of darkness to send a look-alike of the queen, but why send a copy of Seth as well?

"Let me guess." the man called Seto now stood behind the queen's doppelganger. "He's your ancestors or something. At least you know where the eye color came from."

Geb's gaze snapped to this girl's eyes. He hadn't noticed the violet eyes before. He knew this eye color was rare. Mana had commented on it many times. Why would a demon use his eye color when creating a duplicate of the queen? Unless his mistress had used it to tell him she'd really sent this girl. Relief spread through him. It had to have been Esset to send these people to help. His prayers had been answered.

He gripped her hands. "She sent you. Queen Esset sent you."

She nodded. "We're looking for the pharaoh. Have you seen him?"

He nodded, expression growing grim. "He's hurt. Barely alive. Can you help him?"

She nodded. "Where is he?"

"Down that road, in the market." Geb motioned behind him.

The girl rose, pulling him up with her.

Zorc's roar erupted around them causing them all to jump. Another sound joined in, the dying screams of a dragon.

"Seto." the girl said. "Was that-?"

"Blue-eyes." he finished.

Geb's nerves froze again. He knew a spirit's death scream all too well. If that was the dragon, then Seth's female companion must have met her end. Another person down. If Zorc ran out of opponents then he would look for the pharaoh. They needed time.

"Go," he motioned towards a completely destroyed section of the city. "Go. Follow that alley until you reach an open area. That is the market. The Pharoah will be there."

She hesitated "Bu-"

"I will distract Zorc. You don't have much time. Go!"

The newcomers nodded. The queen's look-alike took the other's hand pulling him towards the flames.

Geb took in his surroundings. Zorc wouldn't pay him any attention if he was down on the ground. He needed to get higher.

Scrambling up broken steps of a ruined house he climbed onto the roof. He still wasn't close enough. More roofs stretched out in front of him. He could see Zorc swatting at some new monster opponents. Geb could jump across the roofs to join the frey and buy those strangers more time to help the pharaoh.

Jumping from roof to roof he drew closer to the fight.

Zorc loomed as large as a mountain. This was it. Time to use his power to help the pharaoh. He raised his hand in the air. With a flash his Guardian appeared, green cape standing out against the bleak surroundings. The flash drew the attention of Zorc's second head. The snake-like head swung around so the glowing eyes fixed on him.

Geb forced down his fear. Looking back towards the palace he pictured Mana and Kana in his mind's eye. Taking another deep breath he ordered his Guardian forward.


Airi led the way forward down the alley followed closely by Kaiba. She tried to block out the sounds of shrieking monsters in the distance. She had to get to Yami.

At long last, the narrow passage emptied out into a large open area. It possibly was a market, at some point but now looked like a cemetery with mounds of rocks and broken wood all around. All the mounds seemed to point to a still from under the shade of a destroyed stall.

She'd know that hair anywhere.

Airi passed Kaiba running forward. In a moment she was at his side. Grime covered his clothes, tan skin and hair. Even under the grime, she recognized the gold stripes in the black and red.

"Yami." Airi breathed.

"Is he dead?" Kaiba asked.

"No. but he's weak."

"I thought you said we were helping some pharaoh, not Yugi."

Airi ignored him still inspecting Yami. He was breathing, thank god, but it was irregular. Blood and ash-covered his clothes and skin.

She'd seen him in a weak state during a shadow game, but this was worse than she'd ever seen. Her eyes stung but she refused to cry.

"Yami,"

She saw the diadem in his belt. She took it. It nearly dropped from her shaking fingers. Sliding it onto her head she felt the feeling of power seep through her. Pulling Yami onto her lap she gripped his hand in hers. Closing her eyes, she leaned into him, resting her face in his hair.

"Please don't die." She whispered into it.

Clutching his hand she squeezed willing her strength to flow into him. It began slowly growing faster as more of her energy flowed between their hands. Warning bells rang in her head to not use too much, but she ignored them. Just a little more . . .

His hand suddenly jerked from her grasp. Surprised she looked down to see his eyes had opened. He pushed himself up, wincing. She opened her mouth to ask how he was but stopped as Yami cupped her face in his hands.

"Airi?"

She nodded.

"I thought . . . I thought. . ." he trailed off, a tear leaving a trail on his cheek.

"I'm right here." she smiled.

His face suddenly contorted with pain and he slumped forward. She held him close, his head resting on her shoulder.

"I didn't give you enough." she tried reaching for his hand but he pulled it away, balling it into a fist. "Yami?"

"Don't."

"But you need more to stand against Zorc."

"I have enough."

"But, you-"

"No." he turned to her. "I'm not taking any more of your energy. You need to live."

"It won't make much difference if we both die here."

"You have to live." he repeated.

"I'm fi-" she gripped her forehead. "Really? That was barely any," she muttered.

Yami smiled weakly. "Why are you so reckless?"

She rested her head against his. "You're asking me?"

Flashes of distant lights and explosions cracked the air. Thankfully Zorc's attention seemed to be distracted by some more distant flashing.

"Now what is your plan?" Kaiba asked.

Airi looked up at him. "We have to find Yugi."

"You've found him already."

"Seriously?" Yami muttered.

Airi ignored the comment, trying help Yami stand but neither of them could do more than sit up.

"We need to find the others," Airi told Kaiba.

"With how you two look we're in great hands." Kaiba looked around at the rubble. "How are we going to find anyone in a place like this?"

"We found Yami didn't we?"

The pounding of wings drowned out his response. Airi looked up to see a black dragon flying towards them.

"Yami!" Yugi's voice rang out.

She blinked. That was fortunate.

The wind rushed around them as the Red-eyes black dragon landed next to them. Yugi and Joey slid off it's back.

"Kaiba?" Joey said.

"Airi?" Yugi said.

"Two Yugis?" Kaiba said.

Yugi knelt beside Yami putting a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Yami nodded.

"What are you doing here, Airi?" Joey asked.

Airi raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I?"

"But-"

"Yami, we found your name," Yugi said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, it was written inside your tomb."

"What is it?" Airi said.

"Bird, lambchop, duck, and . . . ah." Joey said.

"Bird, rock, lamb chop, and bird" Yugi recited.

"That's what I said." Joey said.

Airi shook her head. "That doesn't help. What birds did they look like?"

"What doesn't it have to do with anything."

"Everything. There are over 5 birds in the alphabet and then just individuals sounds and not the multiple combinations of sounds."

"We need a name, not a language lesson," Joey said.

"I can't" Airi snapped. "Unless you can tell me what kind of birds they were. Think."

"I don't know." Yugi grabbed her arm. "You have to-"

Airi jerked back with a yelp.

"Airi what's wrong?"

"I don't know. it just felt like my arm burns." she looked at her forearm. It shouldn't be hurting in this game. She turned it over. Her eyes widened. On the inside of her arm was a line of symbols. That's right, Esset had gripped her arm before she'd crossed into the shadow game. The symbols matched Yugi's description, sort of. How they got lamb chomp out of the third symobl was beyond her.

"Yugi, did they look like this?" she held out her arm.

His eyes widened. "Yes."

She turned to Yami. "Your name is-" Airi coughed as she felt something contract around her vocal cords.

"What's the matter?" Yami said.

"Your name. I can't say it."

"Use the mind link."

She tried, but one look told her that wasn't working either.

"Here." Yugi pulled her arm forward. Can you read this?"

Yami looked down, eyes narrowing. "Read what?"

Yugi cursed. "It was just like before."

"There has to be something." Airi looked around for something, anything.

Another growl rumbled through the air. Two sets of demon eyes appeared over them. Zorc found them.

"We got company." Joey shouted.

"Figure something out." Kaiba summons Blue-Eyes Ultimate dragon. "You know how to use that dragon, Wheeler."

"I'd ask you the same thing, Moneybags." Joey directed Red-Eyes to fly next to Blue-Eyes.

Both dragons looked like fleas compared to Zorc. They needed a better plan.

"Think," Airi muttered. "There has to be something."

"Wait," Yami reached down inside his tunic and brought out a silver object. "Try this."

Airi's eyes widened at the sight of the pendent. "How did that get-"

"Of course," Yugi said. "Airi, visualize the symbols. Maybe he'll be able to read it on the cartouche."

It sounded far fetched but she nodded. Both siblings closed their eyes. Trying to ignore the monster above them she imagined the name inside the pendant.

"It's working." she heard Yami say.

She squeezed her eyes tighter hand gripping Yami's.


Yami heard a click in his mind.

Everything faded around him and he stood again in the tomb. In front of him stood the pharaoh, his original self. Half healed cuts and burns speckled his body. In his hands was the millennium puzzle. He spoke in an even chanting tone, eyes narrowed in concentration.

"Losing is not an option. Failure is not an option." the pharaoh was saying. "The Yugioh has to make it to the final battle between the fragment of the ring and myself. You will win at all cost. When the seal is broken summon me and I will finish this once and for all."

Yami nodded. "I will."

The Pharaoh lifted the puzzle. "I call upon my life and seal with my name this spell and separate you from my soul. I take your memory and give you the name of Yami, the spirit of the puzzle."

The puzzle shattered on the floor.

Yami's eyes snapped open.

"He's found us." Joey's voice sounded miles away. "You got a plan moneybags?"

Yami became aware of two sets of violet eyes staring at him.

"Yami?" Yugi's voice was barely a whisper. Airi looked scared, eyes not leaving his face.

Gripping her shoulders Yami made himself stand. Both rose with him, Yugi gripping his friend's arm.

Yami sifted more weight onto his host. "Yugi, I need you to be brave."

Yugi nodded. Airi tried to follow but he shook his head.

"Watch out for those two." Yami motioned towards Kaiba and Joey. "I'm not sure what's going to happen."

She nodded. "Take care."

"Take care."

Yami and Yugi made their way forward. They passed Joey, who shouted at them they were being stupid. Airi ran forward, grabbing Joey's arm to keep him from interfering. All looked up to see the terrifying form of Zorc glaring down at them. Yami and Yugi stopped in unison both looking up at the demon before them.

"Back for more, pharaoh?" Zorc taunted.

Gripping Yugi's shoulder Yami stood on his own.

"I summon the Nameless Pharaoh. I summon Pharaoh Atem!"


Atem laughed. He'd done it, his soul fragment had done it.

"No!" Evil Bakura screamed. "It's impossible."

Atem grabbed the front of Bakura's collar.

"I've waited five thousand years for this moment."

Light erupted around them, dragging them into the shadow game.


A/N: Yahoo! Atem is in the building. And finally, Kaiba figures out there are two 'yugis'. oh man, Airi's got some 'splaning to do.

Oh right, the question. So writing this I got to work with my OC Geb and I realize I really like working with this character. I was thinking of maybe, if I have the brainpower after this story is over, to do a separate story writing this story's version of past events from Geb's POV. Would anyone be interested in reading that?

Anyway, thank you so much for reading. Please review. Take care and God bless.