When Yami woke up he was met with darkness. The only light coming from torches and the moonlight shining in through the window. As Yami sat up he found himself on a bed inside of a prison cell. Yami stood up and winced as his head complained of a headache. Yami found near the edge of the cell door sat a bowl of what looked to be soup and a piece of bread on a tray. The soup was green and brown on the edges. Shivering Yami turned away not wanting to even think about how the bread tasted if the soup looked that bad.

A door opened down the hallway and slammed shut. Footsteps were heard, the sound of heeled boots hitting the floor came closer. Yami looked up only to find Mai along with two other guards. The door was unlocked a moment later and in walked Mai followed by the guards.

"Come on, the Emperor wishes to see you," Yami rolled his eyes and stood up, one guard pulled out a pair of handcuffs while the other held Yami's wrists behind him. Yami followed behind Mai as they walked down the hallway and out a door. The two guards followed behind closely just in case Yami decided to run, their hands on their swords sending a quiet signal to cooperate.

Mai led them down a long hallway until they reached golden doors which held the Eye of Wdjat. Mai knocked on the doors and a moment later the doors opened to reveal the throne room. Yami followed Mai inside, he found Atem sitting on the throne with his Royal Court beside him, on the other side stood his younger brother, Heba Sennen. Heba reminded Yami of Yugi, except Heba's skin was tan and his eyes were crimson. Meanwhile, Yugi's skin was pale and his eyes were purple, the hair was the same though.

Yami was forced to stand in front of the throne room. The two guards had left, Mai and Anzu stood behind Yami watching carefully. The room went quiet as everyone waited. Atem had noticed the handcuffs when Yami had walked into the room.

"Take off those handcuffs."

"But your majesty" Mai spoke trying to reason with him. Atem's eyes glowed red in anger.

"Mai I will not ask again, take off those handcuffs," Mai nodded not wanting to anger Atem further. Mai uncuffed Yami's hands and handed them to a nearby guard. Atem nodded pleased "that's better isn't it?" the question was clearly directed towards Yami. However, Yami refused to answer and instead rubbed his wrists which had red lines that dug into his skin from how tight the cuffs had been. Atem frowned and turned to Isis which a nod, Isis nodded and stepped towards Yami. Yami tensed and stepped back.

"Relax I'm going to heal your wounds," Isis said calmly. Yami nodded and allowed Isis to help. Isis grabbed his wrists and poured some of her magic into Yami and the lines soon disappeared leaving no trace behind.

"Thank you," Yami said pulling his wrists back.

"You're quite welcome," Isis said going back to her spot beside Mahad. Atem cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention.

"Now since that little matter is settled let's get down to business shall we?" Yami could feel all eyes on him at the moment and grew uncomfortable. "You are the son of Thomas and Estelle Motou are you not?" Yami nodded.

"I am, what is it to you?" Atem chuckled

"You'll soon find out," Atem said with a small smile on his face. "After all, I've kept you alive until now for a reason."

"What do my parents have to do with this?" Yami asked glaring up at the Emperor.

"Did your parents tell you what they did before leading the resistance?" Atem asked, to which Yami frowned.

"No, they kept it a secret," Yami answered.

"What if I said, they used to work for my parents in the palace?" Atem asked, causing Yami's eyes to widen.

"The palace? That's impossible."

"Not so," Atem said getting off his throne and heading towards the resistance leader, his guards and Court watching in case he tried something. "Your mother used to work as a healer and your father was the captain of my father's guard."

"No, you're wrong," Yami said as Atem circled around him.

"I'm afraid that's the truth," Atem stepped down and circled around Yami.

"You're lying!" Yami shouted as the voices of his parents filled his head. His headache came back and Yami grabbed his head in pain and fell to the ground. "Shut up!" Isis had started to get worried and moved forward stepping in front of Yami.

"Yami it's alright calm down," Isis's voice cut through the echoing voices in his head, and then suddenly, the voices stopped. Isis kneeled down and opened her arms. Yami fell into her waiting arms and burst out sobbing, Atem felt a little guilty about what happened. Isis turned to Atem with a soft glare.

"What happened to keeping him calm?"

"He deserved to know that truth, if this is what it takes to break him, then it's what happens," Isis sighed and ran her fingers through Yami's hair as he shook, he kept whispering "it's not true" quietly to himself. Isis frowned and hugged Yami tighter.

"That's enough for today," Isis said standing up, Yami still huddled in her arms. "I will watch him, he can stay in the medical wing."

"Very well," Atem said with a nod, before turning and heading back to his throne.

"Mai? May I request your help?" Isis asked turning to the blonde guard who nodded.

"Of course," Mai said moving to help Isis half carry Yami to the medical wing.

"Isis," Atem called out, making the healer stop in her tracks. "Do what I asked of you earlier." Isis' eyes widened, she remembered what Atem had told her the hour after Yami had been captured and brought to the palace.

"Yes My Lord," Isis said quietly before she and Mai left the room. Atem excused himself stating the meeting was over and left the throne room. Everyone left the room, however, Heba followed after his brother.

"Atem," Heba called out as Atem headed towards his room.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure this was the wisest decision?" Atem sighed.

"Yami deserved to know the truth about his parents, I just hope he recovers from his breakdown," Heba nodded.

"It was a little cruel you know," Heba muttered under his breath.

"It was the best way to break him down, before we really start to dive in," Atem explained as he opened his bedroom door.

"Right," Heba left and Atem headed into his room and closed the door behind him.

Meanwhile, Isis and Mai lay Yami down on one of the medical beds in a closed-off room, one used for privacy. This way, Yami could have some privacy but Isis could still keep an eye on him. Isis muttered something Mai couldn't hear and she watched as the healer pressed her fingers on Yami's forehead, her fingers glowing for a moment before they faded out.

"Let's let him rest," Isis said ushering Mai out of the room. Mai dare not ask Isis what she did to Yami, that business was between the Emperor and her.

"You sure you can handle him by yourself? I can stay here with you," Mai offered glancing at the room as Isis closed the door behind her.

"I'll be fine, you have other duties to attend to," Isis said with a smile.

"If you're sure," Maid said with a nod. "I'll take my leave now."

As Mai left, Isis cast a spell on the door, so that only she could enter and leave the room. While she may be stronger than Yami, it was best to take precautions.

In the meantime, Yami was fast asleep, he had passed out halfway to the medical wing. However, his sleep was anything but normal.

It was a nightmare.

Yami found himself in a room that looked like the throne room.

"Yami," Yami turned around and found his mother and father standing. Amara was dressed in a black dress with a bronze bet around her waist and a crimson red sash around her hips, the dress also had a bronze trim with black short sheer sleeves. Her hair was tied in a rolled bun which sat at the back of her neck with bronze earrings, a bronze necklace, and bronze cuffs. Thomas was dressed in a guard's uniform, his hair was slicked back with gel.

"Mother, Father," the two smiled.

"Yami you've come home to us," his father said with a smile on his face.

"What do you mean?" Estelle frowned.

"Yami don't you remember? We work at the palace," Yami's eyes widened.

"N-no that can't be."

"Yami it's true my son, you're to inherit my title as head guard to the Emperor's army, it was decided when you were born." Yami backed up shaking his head.

"Yami if you don't accept your destiny then the punishment is death by your loved ones," Yami shook his head in fear.

"I can't, I don't belong here, I belong with Yugi and the resistance," Estelle sighed.

"I was afraid you'd say that," suddenly both his parents turned their heads up. Yami gasped and shook with fear both his parents had purple eyes, however, both eyes were glowing a soft red.

"You're-" Yami whispered, Estelle chuckled along with Thomas

"You'll understand one day my son, but today is not that day."

Suddenly both his parents lunged at him and then.

Darkness

~Resistance Camp~

Yugi woke up to the sun shining through the fabric of the tent. Yugi looked towards Yami's bed and sighed still seeing it empty. He had hoped that Yami would be there as if he hadn't really been kidnapped. Sighing, Yugi climbed out of bed and slid on his boots and cape still dressed in his clothes from yesterday. Stepping out into the sunlight Yugi made his way towards the mess hall. Everyone was eating breakfast, Yugi caught sight of Joey, Ryou, and Malik. The three were sitting at a table at the far end, Yugi made his way towards his friends. Joey noticed him first and waved to him, Ryou and Malik looked behind them to find Yugi. Yugi sat down next to Joey and winced.

"What's wrong Yugi?" Ryou asked noticing Yugi winced when he sat down, Yugi smiled.

"It's nothing serious just a sore shoulder from when I fell yesterday," Ryou nodded.

"Okay, if it bothers you anymore let me know."

"So Yug, how are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess," all three could tell that Yugi was hurting, however, all of them kept quiet.

After breakfast, Yugi headed down to the lake near their camp for some peace and quiet. As Yugi reached the lake he noticed Joey, Ryou, and Marik swimming around. Joey noticed Yugi and waved.

"Hey Yug!" Marik turned around stopping his splash fight with Ryou.

"Why don't you come and join us?" Yugi shrugged with a smile.

"Sure why not?" Yugi headed back to his tent and changed into a pair of swimming shorts and brought a pair of spare clothes. Heading back, Yugi jumped into the lake but he was almost drowned by Joey. Ryou scolded Joey only to be splashed in the face by both Yugi and Joey.

Glaring at the two Ryou splashed the two back and Malik joined in. It was a splash fight. By the time the four finished, their fight their hair was soaking wet. Yugi smiled as he remembered the last time he and his friends came back from a lake. Yami had scolded Yugi about his hair still being drenched even after waiting an hour in the sun afterward. Yami had put Joey on cleaning duty since it was his idea, Ryou and Malik has been let off with a warning.

By the time they got out of the lake, the sun was setting. Yugi dried off and changed into his spare clothes. His hair was still wet so he put his towel around his shoulders to keep his shirt dry. The four headed back only to bump into Leah.

"And where have you four been?"

"Down at the lake," Malik answered. Leah rolled her eyes with a sigh, yet a smile graced her face.

"Boys will be boys I suppose. Well hurry up dinner was served 10 minutes ago," the four nodded and hung up their towels in their tents before heading towards the mess hall to sit.

After dinner, Yugi headed back to his tent. His hair had finally dried off after an hour of waiting. Yugi laid in bed smiling as he remembered how much fun he had with his friends. He was grateful that they tried to take his mind off what had happened yesterday. Yugi closed his eyes and fell asleep.

'I will find you Yami.

I promise'

The next time Yami woke up, he found himself in a room with plain white walls. There was nothing in the room he was in except for a small shelf on the wall with a rounded wooden table beneath it, there was also the plush bed he woke up on with a plain dresser beside it.

A moment later, the door opened and in walked Isis holding a tray in her hands. She noticed Yami was awake and shut the door behind her with her foot.

"You're awake," Isis said placing the tray down on the table beneath the shelf.

"Where am I?" Yami asked rubbing his forehead, small traces of a headache lingering from the day before.

"The medical wing, you passed out on your way here," Isis explained as she filled a cup with water and handed it to Yami. He stared at it for a moment before Isis let out a soft sigh. "It's not poisoned."

"Thank you," Yami muttered softly as he took a sip of the cool water.

"Isis!" a voice called outside of the room. Isis let out a soft sigh and turned to Yami.

"Excuse me," Isis said before exiting the room, closing the door behind her.

Yami placed his empty cup on the dresser beside the bed and stood up. Softly stepping towards the door, he tried to open the door. However, the knob on the door was stiff and would not turn. What was worse, was the small shock Yami received causing him to step back with a shiver and a small hiss. It seemed that only Isis was able to open the door, she must have sealed the door with a spell.

A moment later, Isis walked back into the door, followed by two guards Yami recognized as Bakura and Marik. Two of Emperor Atem's personal guards as well as the two in charge of torturing his prisoners.

"You have a date with the dungeon," Bakura said with a smirk on his face as he pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his belt.

"And I refuse? What are you going to do? Kill me?" Yami asked glaring at the guard.

"No, heavily injure maybe," Marik said with a smile. "But we'll save the joy of killing you for the Emperor."

"We can either do this the easy way or the hard way," Bakura said twirling the cuffs around his finger. "Personally I would prefer the hard way."

"You two do know that Atem is waiting for you right?" a voice called out from behind them. Bakura and Marik turned around to see Heba standing there with his arms crossed. "You don't want to keep him waiting do you?"

"Fine," Bakura said before walking behind Yami and cuffing his wrists together. "We'll get to play eventually."

Heba stepped aside and allowed the pair of guards to walk Yami out of the medical wing, both holding an arm. Heba turned to Isis who bowed her head.

"Was he alright after last night?" Heba asked as he and Isis exited the room.

"He passed out halfway to the wing," Isis explained sitting down at her desk.

"And, you did what Atem asked?" Heba asked, to which Isis nodded with a frown. "How was he?"

"He had nightmares, of course, he screamed a few times," Isis explained with a shiver as she remembered the blood-curling screams from Yami last night. As to not wake anyone up, she soundproofed the medical wing.

"I don't like it any more than you do," Heba said with a frown. "But Ate said it was the easiest to break his mind without him fighting."

"I know, I just wish there was another way other than twisting his memories of his parents," Isis said with a sigh. There was silence before Heba spoke up again.

"I should get going, Atem wanted me to be there," Heba said with a sigh. "I would suggest you get some supplies together, who know how far Bakura and Marik will go."

"Yes Your Majesty," Isis responded with a nod. Heba gave her a nod before exiting the medical wing and heading down to the dungeons.

By the time Heba got down to the dungeon, Yami's wrists were already shackled above his head. His shirt had been torn off and he stood glaring at Atem who was leaning against the wall.

"And just what do you think torturing me will get you?" Yami asked Atem who just stared back at him.

"Information, after all, our species are at war," Atem explained as Marik picked up one of the whips from the table where all sorts of torture devices had been previously laid out by Bakura and Marik.

"You really think I'd tell you anything?" Yami asked glaring at the vampire.

"Maybe not right away but eventually you will," Atem said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I think we'll start with 20 flogs?" Atem asked turning to Marik who smiled. As the first crack of the whip struck his back, Yami bit his lip to keep from crying out as his legs nearly gave out beneath him, if not for the chains holding his wrists. He didn't have time to rest as the whip struck again, and again, and again.

Marik stepped back after the 20th strike and waited for the Emperor's next move. Yami had not once cried out and allowed the breaths he had been holding in to escape, his back aching and screaming in pain from the lashes.

"You'll have to do better than that," Yami said with a soft chuckle. Atem exhaled softly and walked forwards, grabbing Yami's chin in his fingers and tilting his head up.

"This is only the beginning, I have more planned for you," Atem said his eyes glowing a soft red. "You will eventually give me the information I want and I'll keep you alive until I do."

Atem stepped back with a smirk on his face before nodding at Bakura and Marik who stepped forward to unlock the chains holding Yami's wrists up. Yami collapsed to his knees briefly before being pulled up to stand, barely. Atem turned to Heba who had been watching by the dungeon door.

"Go and get Isis," Atem said, Heba nodded and gave one last look to Yami before heading up to go get the healer. Atem turned back to Bakura and Marik who were holding Yami up on shaky legs. "Bring him to the cell."

"Yes My Lord," the pair replied with a bow of their heads before they turned and walked out of the torture chamber and to the cell Yami had first woken up in. Atem walked out just as Isis and Heba were coming down.

"My Lord," Isis said bowing her head.

"He's with Bakura and Marik," Atem said pointing down the hall to the open cell door.

"I'll get started then," Isis said giving one last bow and heading off with Heba. Atem cast a last glance down the hall before heading back up to his study. He had plans to formulate after all.