Hi, Sorry for the long pause from the last chapter, but trying to get down the emotions in this one was difficult. I hope they came through.

OCs are mine, Yugioh is not. battousaisgirl16 beta read.

Thank you for reading.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 84 Return of the Pharaoh

It only lasted only moments, but to Atem time slowed.

At his command, the flame figure's red eyes closed, disappearing into the void of black. The forehead's eye gold hue bled into the flames until all parts of the figure were consumed by fire gold. The form lost any semblance of human shape and blended into the gold piece in Atem's hand, turning it into a glowing mass of rippling light. The puzzle, now resting in his other hand, also began glowing with the same intensity. The pharaoh took this glowing ball and placed it over his heart.

To outside viewers, such as Mokuba, Yugi, and the spirits observing from the portal, they would only see an explosion of gold flames engulfing the two figures and giving off intense enough light to cause blindness. The light circled Atem in a fire-intense embrace. The puzzle and diadem light enveloped him in sunlight intensity blinding anyone outside. The burn engulfed him spreading from his core to his limbs and finally ending at his head eating away at the shadows he'd lived with for millennia.

The light completely submerged him in its embrace but to Atem, it was like breaking free from a dark passage. If he could he would have breathed in the power he'd forgotten he'd possessed. It all came flooding back. His memories became clearer and his power burned inside him as the puzzle fused him back together into a complete being.

No longer the fragment of his former self.

No longer the Nameless Pharaoh.

Atem.

I am Atem

"The pharaoh has returned."

The shock in the monster's voice snapped Atem's eyes open. Now he was whole, the creature seemed less intimidating. But a threat nonetheless. He could hear the gasps of the remaining spectators, including the Yugioh. They didn't have much time.

Gold remained in his hand and his lip lifted in a triumphant smirk at the familiar feeling of Mahad's soul pulsing in his palm. His next move appeared clear in his mind.

It was time to end this.

Once and for all.


Yugi stared at the figure standing before him, awe temporarily eclipsing grief. Gold jewelry flashed in the light of the millennium puzzle resting in the man's hand. Purple cape rippled in the breeze also causing the spiky gold-streaked hair to flow. Wordlessly, the pharaoh raised the smaller gold piece in his other hand. In a swift motion, the piece turned into a card before he tossed it before him. All eyes watched as the card grew, transforming into a gold door before morphing into a familiar figure.

The magician's appearance had changed again; purple clothes were replaced with priestly white robes and gold accents shining in the light. He knelt on one knee facing the pharaoh waiting for his instructions.

"That's it?" Zorc-Diva's scoff had an obvious waver in it. The creature tried to back away from the magician but was stopped by the gold barrier still held in place by the millennium puzzle. Atem's eyes narrowed and he motioned with two fingers towards the creature across the field. The former priest rose, lifting his gold staff before him before launching into the air.

Yugi's eyes narrowed in an attempt to watch the attack. The explosion of light forced his eyes shut. Even then the light threatened to burn through his lids.

Then the light went out.

Yugi blinked several times, trying to see past the dark circles blocking his vision. From what he could see the gold barrier around the field began to fade, taking the purple plana remnants with it.

Remembering Diva, he turned to see the monster, but there was no one there, not even a body, just the cube resting where the monster had once stood.

The figure of Atem remained before him looking at the millennium puzzle in his hand. It was intact and no longer glowing. The pharaoh studied the object carefully as if judging its fate.

Yami.

Desperation consumed Yugi and he stumbled forward, his legs giving out making him pitch forward. He reached out grasping the pharaoh's arm.

The man rounded on him and Yugi met the steel gaze of Pharaoh Atem. The regal irises pierce through Yugi's soul and for a moment he was afraid the pharaoh would destroy him like he had Zorc. Even then he didn't let go of the man's wrist. The flesh was airy, similar to how he had been in the American desert trying to stop Yami from playing the orichalcos. However, this air seemed to crackle with electricity, dangerous and powerful.

The wine-colored eyes narrowed, not in anger but as if trying to remember Yugi's face. Yugi swore he saw the blood-red flecks in the eyes glowing as the gaze finally relaxed. The arm Yugi grasped readjusted, allowing the pharaoh to grip Yugi's wrist in return allowing him to help him to his feet. Yugi's legs trembled but held. He was sure his body would make him pay for the beating he'd been through, but he couldn't look away from the puzzle, still in the pharaoh's other hand. It was still in one piece. Maybe Yami . . . the thought died before it was fully formed. Turning back to Atem affirmed Yugi's fears. The red flecks in the pharaoh's eyes seem to intensify, revealing that Yami had indeed rejoined his other half. Yugi averted his eyes, the grief forcing his movements.

"Forgive me."

Yugi's heart skipped a beat as the pharaoh finally spoke. It sounded so much like Yami it was hard to not look around to make sure his friend hadn't detached from the puzzle to apologize for a bad prank. But it was just the two of them. Forcing himself to look in Atem's eyes he realized the pharaoh watched him closely. His expression was questioning; Not asking, just waiting. Again Yugi's gaze turned to the puzzle. The eye also seemed to be waiting. The puzzle had been such a part of his life, but now somehow it was just an object, a shell without an occupant.

Yugi opened his mouth to respond to the pharaoh's question, but his emotions choked any semblance of voice. Abandoning the attempt, Yugi took a steadying breath and nodded. His fists clenched, failing to stop them from trembling.

Atem gave a single nod in return before placing two fingers on the eye of the puzzle. A note sounded in the air, and the puzzle dissolved. From across the field, the millennium ring made a similar sound and dissolved as well. Yugi's gaze snapped to Atem's eyes, but the red flecks were gone, blended in with the rest of the wine-colored irises.

The pharaoh gave one final nod before vanishing.

Yugi stood transfixed to the spot watching the sunlight break through the barrier warming the field around him, but not the numbness spreading through his body.

He'd failed. Yami had appeared and now he was gone. Yugi had failed.

Esset struggled to stand, the persistent tingling in her hands making it hard for her to rise to her feet without the help of Dark Magician Girl. She watched the portal, anticipation distracting her from her pain. She would be standing when Mahad and Atem returned. She would not appear weak when they returned victorious.

Mahad returned first. Esset's heart leaped for joy at the sight of him. The white and gold robes, so similar to how he'd been in life, remained as he rejoined them in the arena. The powerful stance and warmth she'd remembered in Egypt returned. It had been so long since she'd seen him complete she hesitated to greet him, afraid it was some shadow illusion. Manya had no such problem, jumping up and hugging the magician in the familiarity of old friends. Mahad didn't even seem annoyed by the very informal way he was greeted instead twirling his fellow magician around, in joy or just to prevent her momentum from knocking him over; no one cared. Esset took the opportunity to collect herself, the grin not leaving her face.

At last, the magicians broke apart. Manya flipped her blond hair over her shoulder as she spun to face the queen.

"Oops," she giggled. "Just like me to butt in. Sorry. You should have greeted him first."

Esset's reply turned to a surprised squeal as Mahad gathered her into his arms. His height allowed him to lift her completely off her feet and spin her around holding her close to his chest.

"You'll make me sick." she giggled, feeling like a kid again. All the years apart came flooding at once topped by the knowledge that he was still a duel spirit and wouldn't be coming back to paradise with her. Even with this piece of his soul back, he still had Illusion Magician inside him, and even if there was a chance to separate the two, knowing her brother, he wouldn't take the offer; He'd defend his master Yugi to the end. She squeezed him tighter; It wouldn't make up for the millennia, but she would make this moment count.

Finally, the siblings separated and other spirits crowded around to welcome Mahad back and congratulate him for his blasting Zorc, hopefully for the last time. Esset beamed with pride at the group, massaging her arms, hoping the discomfort would leave soon.

Silence suddenly fell and Esset looked up to see Atem had arrived. Her heart threatened to leap out of her at the sight of him. Every spirit around her knelt in respect. Mahad approached the pharaoh, kneeling before the pharaoh and saying something that Esset couldn't hear. Atem shook his head, lifting the magician to his feet before embracing his loyal friend. Esset hovered on the outskirts, not wanting to interrupt the moment. Her mind wandered to Yami and her heart ached for Airi and the others for losing their friend forever.

The two men separated and Mahad stepped aside leaving a clear view between the couple. When Atem's eyes rested on her everything fell away. Who moved first, she didn't know, but the next moment she was in his arms.

"I remember Ess," he whispered in her ear, his voice choking. "I remember everything. Oh, Ess."

Esset pressed her face into his shoulder, words failing to express the joy in her heart. She'd been in denial for so long about his soul not being complete, telling herself that being with him was all that mattered to her. She hadn't allowed herself to imagine what this moment would be like. But seeing him like this nearly made her sing to the sky with joy. The blue of the sky mimicked Mystical Elf's Skin so perfectly it was like the elf was smiling down at them.

Mystical Elf.

She suddenly gasped, breaking away from her husband.; How could she forget her friend at this time? She turned and froze in her tracks. A familiar green glow at the edge of the crowd alerted her to the elf's location away from everyone else. Celtic Guardian must have moved her over there to give her some air away from the others. But when the queen arrived at the spot she found the elf not resting. She'd put up one of her protective barriers, similar to the one she'd used to shield Essst from the priests back in Egypt, but only with herself inside and translucent enough to show the elf silhouette kneeling inside.

"Mystical Elf," Esset called to her but the elf either wouldn't or couldn't respond.

A hand rested on Esset's shoulder preventing her from touching the barrier. "She's too deep in her trance." her brother said. "We have to wait for her to come out herself."


The official statement from Kaiba Corp was that it was a VR sabotage from a third party. The majority of the audience came from the experience unharmed besides being shaken and some sporting a headache. A small group was tended to on the site by medics called for by KaibaCorp. Only two were taken to the hospital directly, the Muto siblings, followed by their friends, who were driven in a separate car after they'd bothered Mokuba enough to send them to the place where Airi and Yugi were taken.

Airi hadn't woken up after she'd come back from the Plana causing Mokuba to call KaibaCorp Security to take the two Muto's to Domino General Hospital. Yugi refused to leave her side even as his own scrapes were bandaged and he was checked for a concussion. Airi had to be within his sight the entire time. Even when she was taken away for tests he'd only settle to be outside the doors of the examination rooms. Through it all, he continued to hold the diadem Mokuba had handed him during the drive.

At last Yugi and Airi were left alone in their hospital room. Airi still hadn't stirred. Despite all tests showing she was healthy except for the odd burns on her hand. Yugi had been assured they'd heal but may leave the hand scared. Yugi figured a mortal holding a soul fragment, not to mention summoning spirits with it, would leave some trace. He also guessed that summoning her duel spirit had completely drained her strength. Though worried, he was grateful. He dreaded when she woke.

Time ticked by with only the beeps of the monitors and the shifting light outside the window showing the passage of time. The nurse said that only family would be allowed to visit, but grandpa, who'd seen part of the duels on the news, wouldn't be back from his trip until later that evening. Several times Yugi thought maybe he could invite his friends up to keep him company but rejected the thought. He wasn't in much of a mood for company. For once in his life, he enjoyed the near silence of a hospital room.

Hours passed and except for the arrival of nurses to check on Airi's condition, no one disturbed them. Yugi waited, turning the diadem over in his hands as the events of the duel played over and over in his mind, wanting to find a way where he could have played the right card and won the duel without having to be saved by Yami. No matter how he looked at it there wasn't.

He pushed his bangs out of his face and realized he still hasn't cried over losing his friend. A humorless chuckle escaped his lips; he'd had the same problem when Airi had been attacked by evil Marik. He hadn't been able to cry then and even though the chasm in his heart threatened to swallow him no tears fell. Yami would probably find it amusing, having commented that he couldn't cry at all. A real smile teased Yugi's lips, but it didn't last long.

A quiet groan came from the bed. Yugi rose from his chair, but Airi's eyes were still closed. Grandpa entered the room at that moment. He started demanding an explanation but stopped when he noticed the look in his grandson's eyes. After a moment of silence, he told Yugi to go home and sleep. Yugi at last relented and gave the diadem to his care, telling Grandpa to give it to Airi when she woke.

Yugi entered the hallway but wasn't sure which way to go. Signs pointed towards the waiting room, but he instead headed in the opposite direction. Knowing his friends they'd probably be camped out there waiting for news. He wasn't up for Joey and Tristan's boisterous personalities at that moment. Moreover, he dreaded confessing what happened inside the millennium barrier, knowing when he told them, it would banish any possibility that he misremembered the events and Yami still lived somehow.

He rounded the corner and nearly crashed with someone attempting to sneak around the corner.

"Excuse me," he mumbled, attempting to step around them.

"Yugi?"

He looked up and met Tea's bright blue gaze. The usually chatty brunette waited, watching him with concern. Something snapped into place in Yugi's mind as he looked at his friend. She called his name in fear when the Zorc-possessed Diva appeared. He'd received a text on the way to the hospital telling him they were all alright, and asking where he was, but he'd never respond. Now seeing her in person brought back all the fear he'd felt during the battle and he inwardly kicked himself for causing her worry.

In one step he was to her, pulling her into a firm embrace. She gave a slight gasp at his sudden movements but didn't push him away. Her arms encircled him back, seemingly holding him together in a way only she could. He hugged tighter and hoped it would convey everything his throat failed to express; his worry, his grief, and relief.

She carefully pulled away. Taking his hand, she led him down the hall. Instead of the main entrance, where they'd have to pass the waiting room, they exited through the back by way of the emergency room exit. They walked in silence, Yugi only half wondered how she'd gotten this far without security noticing her. He'd not realize how drained he was as he allowed her to lead him down the street until they reached her car.

He must have dozed off because the next thing he realized was they were at the game shop and Tea was gently shaking him awake.

"I'll pick you up here for school." Tea said.

"You don't have to," Yugi said. "I can walk."

"It will give you more time to sleep before graduation."

The mention of graduation made Yugi let out a half-hearted "oh." he'd completely forgotten about it and at the moment seemed rather trivial.

"If you don't want to." Tea began.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Yugi cut in. "Can't let giving a speech scare me, can I?"

Tea nodded, a slight smile teasing at the corner of her mouth. "So tomorrow then."

Yugi nodded, opening the door. He paused, turning back at the feeling of her hand in his.

"Yugi . . .Thanks." she finally said. "For saving us."

Yugi only nodded before leaving the car. He didn't feel like correcting her. Yami had saved them. Not him.

Graduation day found Yugi staring up at the slight cloud cover through his skylight. His sleep had been plagued with the fading of the red in Atem's eyes over and over until he'd given up on sleep. The alarm on his phone went off. Unable to avoid it any longer, Yugi got up. There wasn't much to do besides getting in his best uniform for the last time. He dawdled in front of the mirror. It was still early, at least by Joey's standards.

He checked the buttons to make sure he could fasten it up to the collar. Wearing it open the majority of the time meant most of them hadn't been used. Thankfully the collar buttons did fit, and he immediately undid the jacket all the way, no need to choke himself before the ceremony. He slipped his arms out allowing the jacket to drape across his shoulders as Yami had worn it so often. It looked so odd to wear without the red eyes looking back at him in the mirror. He shook his head, smiling at the thought of what the principal would look like if he tried reading his speech looking like this.

A knock on the door made him jump. Yugi slipped his arms back into the sleeves and headed for the door, confused about who would be here this early. Gramps shouldn't be home yet and Tea wouldn't be here for a while yet. Leaving his bag by the door he opened it to find Ryu standing there. He looked pale but healthy despite his ordeal.

"Yugi, you're up. Sorry if I disturbed you."

"No, I couldn't sleep. And Tea's picking me up, so I need to be up. I'm the speaker after all, so I probably should get there early." Yugi smiled. "We can give you a lift too if you'd like."

"That would be nice, thanks." Ryu shifted a little self-conscious.

"How are you doing?" Yugi asked. "I haven't seen you since, ya know, the duel."

"I don't remember much, but from what Joey's told me that might be a good thing."

The hair on the back of Yugi's neck prickled at the thought of soul snatching. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, right." Ryu took a studying breath. "I just wanted to thank you for saving me. Tea told me how you faced Diva first to bring me back."

"It's what friends do," Yugi said.

The British boy continued as if he hadn't heard. "I mean, considering all that, you know I've, or rather he's done to you and your friends over the years, I wouldn't blame you if you weren't so quick to-"

"Ryu" Yugi interrupted. "You're not the Spirit of the Ring. You're my friend, and I will do anything for my friends."

Ryu nodded and held out his hand. "I'm proud to be considered your friend, Yugi."

Yugi accepted the hand. "Likewise."

The ceremony went on without much incident. Yugi managed to finish the graduation remarks without a hitch. Looking at his friends helped steady him, even though he had to stop looking at Tristan and Joey since they spent most of the ceremony balling their eyes out. Tea and Ryu managed to keep it together through the whole thing, Tea giving him an encouraging smile every time their eyes met.

After the main ceremony, the assembled students were dismissed to meet up with friends and family and newly graduated students.

"Mai said she'd meet us up front," Joey said, doing his best to wipe his nose on his sleeve without the others noticing.

Yugi wasn't paying attention, shaking hands, and giving well wishes to his classmates. He hadn't realized his friends had stopped until Tristan grabbed the back of his jacket before he passed his locker to collect his things.

"Hurry up, we can't keep them waiting," he said.

"Who?"Yugi asked, but his friends had already headed for the door. Figuring they were talking about Mai, Yugi collected his things for the last time, pausing for a moment before closing the locker with a snap. He met up with his friend, missing the exchanges of excited glances between them. He only noticed when Joey nudged him.

The courtyard had cleared except for a group of people standing in the middle, clearly not students from his class, most, not even students at all. Some he could remember passing in the street, but the majority of them he'd never seen or spoken to in his life. They stood around as if waiting for someone.

He turned to look at his friends for an explanation. Ryu broke the silence. "Joey just told us a moment ago there were people who wanted to thank you for what you did.

Confused, Yugi turned to his best friend. Joey stood with a look on his face Yugi had never seen the blond have in his life. "While we waited for news of you and Airi I met a bunch of people who kept coming wanting to thank you for what you did."

"But I didn't-"

Joey raised his hand. "You saved Ryu, and because you held out as long as you did the pharaoh was summoned." Joey looked his friend square in the eye. "Yuge, even if you don't believe you did it, you need to hear them. Trust me."

Yugi glanced at his friends. Ryu nodded, along with Tristan, while Tea only motioned that Yugi should approach the group. Yugi swallowed before descending the steps, not sure what was getting himself into.

An elderly man with a cane, whom Yugi had never met before, stepped forward. The others hovered in the background as if waiting for instructions.

"Mr. Yugi Muto." the man said. "We apologize for encroaching on your time like this."

"No trouble at all." Yugi bowed in respect. "What can I help you with?"

"You've already helped us all, Mr. Muto." the man motioned around at his fellow observers. "We all witnessed your bravery at the KaibaDome the other day."

Yugi blushed. "I . . ." he trailed off when the old man lifted a hand.

"I've heard of your humility young man, but please allow us to thank you in person. No matter what KaibaCorp tells the press, I know real monsters when I see them. I was here in Domino for the duel spirit attacks last year and I know what my grandson and I saw at the KaibaDome was not computer trickery." his eyes suddenly became moist. "My grandson was one of the last still standing when the demon was vanquished. He saw you standing up there facing the monsters." he bowed as low as he was able "He'd be here himself to thank you but he's on a train returning home to his parents, thanks to you."

Yugi nodded, his voice failing him.

Another person stepped forward, a younger woman about Mai's age. "I was there too." She bowed low. "Thank you, I don't know how you did it, but thank you."

A teenager, Yugi is recognized as a member of Scud's gang. "We, we tried messing with that Diva kid, but we got banished with some strange purple stuff." he swallowed. "When I heard people talking about the tournament, it had to be the same. You defeated Agami, or whoever he was, saved my life." he shuffled his feet a bit before bowing. "Thanks," he mumbled.

Yugi nodded. Again and again, people came up to thank Yugi for saving them from the monster. Yugi could only bow in return and try in vain to say he wasn't the one they should be thanking. But no matter how he tried no one seemed to believe him. Realization finally hit him that Yami would never get to hear them. He straightened his shoulder. The least he could do was accept them in the name of his friend. After several moments the crowd bowed one last time before dispersing. Yugi watched them go, his heart much lighter than it had been.


Airi woke the morning after graduation but didn't come back home until late that same day. The doctors couldn't find anything wrong but were concerned since they hadn't dealt with such odd burns or her passing out for so long for almost no reason. She overheard one doctor say they should make a wing just for 'strange comas', especially after major tournaments.

The burns were the part no one could understand. In the beginning, they had been completely red and splotchy like she'd stuck her arm directly in a fire, but after the second night in the hospital, they'd changed to a rash with gold streaks across her arm up to her elbow looking like a lightning blast had struck her. She was finally allowed to return home then, and they mentioned her condition was good enough to fly to England if her health remained stable.

When she returned home she avoided speaking to Yugi about what happened after she'd disappeared into the plana. She didn't dare question him more with the celebration going on and Grandpa also being there. The older Muto still didn't understand all the details of their relationship with the Pharaoh and Yami. Besides, Yugi had saved the world again; He deserved to have fun with his friends, while she mainly spectated, not wanting to interfere with the events more than she felt appropriate, using her arm as an excuse when they invited her to join in more.

Now it was the next day and hovered in the hallway outside Yugi's room, apprehension warring with herself as she debated knocking on his door. In her heart, she already suspected the answer; Him leaving her the diadem filled her with dread that she already knew the answer, but she wouldn't entertain the thought until she heard it from him.

As if hearing her thoughts, Yugi opened the door already dressed for the day in casual clothes, school clothes already packed away. Airi stuttered an apology for disturbing him, but Yugi only stepped to the side and motioned for her to come in. She perched on the edge of his bed, waiting.

Yugi hesitated, then went to his desk drawer. Confused, Airi watched as he shifted some papers before lifting them and retrieving a duel monster card from the bottom of the stack. Yug's hand shook as he stared at the face of the card. Airi suddenly realized what card he must be and her heart sank. Her eyes were already beginning to sting, but she refused to let them fall as she held out her hand to take the card. Yugi's loose grip made it easy to take it.

She remembered the artistic representation of Yami Pegasus had put there. Her blood ran cold as she looked at the Spirit of the Pharaoh card. She remembered the picture above the card description had little detail in it, but now the figure had lost all semblance of color. Only a black silhouette remained. She only had to look at Yugi for confirmation that Yami, her Yami, was gone.

Yugi stood motionless, eyes looking at the floor as if waiting for her to shout or hit or accuse him of killing Yami himself. She looked up at him, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"How?" her voice was barely a whisper.

"I summoned him. Yami." Yugi told the carpet. "I don't know how I did. But I know I did. My hand touched the puzzle and I said his name. I could feel him before he appeared." his voice rose as he went on. "I was weak. I couldn't figure out another way. I could have thought of any other name but it had to be his. Maybe if I . . . he'd still be . . . alive."

Airi let the card fall to the floor as she went to him and pulled him into a hug, ignoring the stings of protest as her injured arm was jostled at the motion. Yugi stood rigid, as if not sure how to respond.

"You did the right thing." She closed her eyes and continued even as her heart tore with each word. "He wanted you to summon him. He probably knew you'd think of him first. You saved the world." she gasped as her brother's arms encircled her in return, grasping her like a lifeline. She made herself continue. "You did what had to be done, Champ. You saved us all. And Yami . . .Yami . . . Oh, Yami" she gave up and broke down as Yugi held her.

Both siblings held each other, tears flowing freely from both sets of eyes.


Kaiba spent almost all his time since the tournament in his satellite working on his next plan. Almost a month and he was near completion. According to Mokuba's account of what happened during the final move of the duel, there had been three Yugi's like there had been in that one shadowy place in Egypt. During the events, Mokuba said, several times so Seto could make sure he was accurate, two of the Yugis had merged, making one that had taken out the Diva monster and brought everyone back. And they'd stayed together when they'd vanished.

It was obvious to Seto what this meant. The two halves had merged; if he was going to face the pharaoh he would need to go to where he was. Seto would have to go to the afterlife.

"Afterlife?" Mokuba had said when Seto had let it slip during one of his excursions back down to earth. "Are you crazy?"

"It will work."

"But you have to be dead."

"A minor inconvenience." Seto had only said that before heading back to his elevator.

What most people didn't know was he had a key to enter. Diva might have vanished, but his cube hadn't. Now it was plugged into one of the simulation pods Kaiba repurposed from his virtual game testing; The plan was near completion.

The intercom sounded.

"Someone here to see you." the computer informed him.

"I'm not in," Seto said. "Tell them to leave."

"Miss Muto says she knows you're here." the emotionless machine stated. "Master Mokuba informed her of such."

Seto paused. He hadn't seen Airi since the duel and she'd looked bad then. But why was she here? She made it very clear during their last face-to-face meeting that she hated him for putting Yugi in another tournament over the puzzle. He'd deny it to anyone, but he was curious about what she wanted.

The elevator door opened to show the Muto sister standing with her arms covered in black arm warmers, with one arm sporting bandages up to the elbow. Her outfit was practical and simple, a t-shirt and jeans with flat sandals, implying she was about to travel. He reminded himself Mokuba mentioned something about her going away for grad school. The diadem stood out against the casual clothes, perched on her braided hair with two empty gaps in the setting obvious in the LED lighting. The only other thing more void-filled was her gaze as she stared at the blank panels of the wall.

Her gaze snapped to him at the sound of the doors opening, and the void was replaced by a hard glint as she regarded him.

"Make it quick." Seto couldn't make himself meet her gaze and settled for a spot slightly past her head. "I have a lot of work to do."

Airi got right to the point. "Mokuba told me you're going to travel to the afterlife."

"None of your business."

"He seems to think I have some ability to persuade you not to do it." Her matter-a-fact tone put him on edge.

"You're not going to stop me."

"No, I'm not."

"What?" he finally looked at her, hiding his surprise with narrowed eyes.

"You'd ignore my warning anyway, so I'm not wasting my breath." she kept watching him with an empty stare. "I wouldn't be here at all if it was up to me, but Mokuba is worried about you. If you need a reason to come back, do it for him."

"I won't abandon my brother."

Airi continued as if not hearing him. "Besides, I owe you for protecting Yugi against Diva." She took off the diadem with her non-bandaged hand. Giving it a sad smile she held it out to Seto. "It protected Mokuba so there must still be some power inside even without . . .'' Her voice failed and she cleared her throat. "Anyway, it should at least help in some way. You'll figure out how. You always do."

Seto accepted the headpiece, their fingers touching slightly as he took it from her. "You might not get this back," he pointed out.

"I don't need it anymore." She gave a half smile before turning. "Make sure you come back. Mokuba won't rest until you do."

"And you?" it slipped out before he could stop himself.

She paused, her good hand slipping into her pocket. "I have a plane to catch." she looked over her shoulder, eyes softening, "have a safe trip, Kaiba." and with that, she walked away.


Marik walked along the deck of the ship. Traveling down the Nile had been too rough to leave the cabin throughout most of the trip so he embraced the early morning stroll. The sun wouldn't be up for a few hours only a hint of blue on the horizon gave any semblance of the dawn. Traveling back from Kul Elna had been subdued. Ishizu had been very quiet and contemplative. Losing her item must have hit her harder than he thought. He, however, felt lighter knowing the Millenium Rod was gone for good.

The black shoreline stretched out before him with little light save the stars and a thin crescent moon blinking above them. The waving silhouettes of palm trees along the river bank were almost like spirits challenging the sky to a duel. A light breeze tousled his hair as an answer.

"It's over," he told the sky. "It's truly over."

"For us, it is."

He hadn't realized Ishizu had been standing looking over the Nile a few feet away.

"Huh?" he asked. "The items are gone, Zorc is gone, and now we can all move on with our lives.'' It was then he realized the boat had stopped moving. She was pulled up to a pier even in the dark he recognized as the one at Sennen Nefer Ra; It was a piece of land the family owned, but not their final destination.

"Sister, what are we doing stopping here."

Ishizu turned without answering and walked towards the gangplank. Confused, Marik followed but they stopped before disembarking the already extended plank. Odion also stood beside the gangplank but didn't descend.

"What's going on?" Marik demanded.

"I told you this duel had multiple outcomes." Ishizu finally turned to face him. "One will be decided very soon."

"What will?"

Ishizu only smiled.


A/N: Oh no, dear reader, this story is far from over. I may be mean, but even I am not mean enough to end it there. I'll do my best to get the next part up soon.

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