1Who am I?

(Yugi's POV)

I felt myself shiver as cold air swept down my back. It was dark everywhere around me. I couldn't see a thing. What happened? The last thing that I can remember, I was having a fight—, "Yami." I almost whispered to myself. I opened my eyes, though nothing could be seen.. I had been fighting with Yami. Then the headache, then...here. I was lying down on a cold floor with nothing but a veil of darkness in my presence.

A sudden creaking noise made me turn my head. A door had been opened, allowing a tiny crack of light to illuminate my surroundings. I gazed around, squinting my eyes to see where I was. A stone room? There was nothing in the room but me and whomever had just entered. My confusion must have been obvious for the figure that now stood before me. A deep chuckle made a chill run down my spine. "Yami?" I asked, unsure of whom I was speaking to. Shadows covered the man's face, blocking my view.

"Sorry to disappoint you, young one." the young man knelt down before me and his face became unveiled. Crimson. His eyes were crimson, but that was about the only thing that would link him to Yami. His hair color was also a fine crimson and dangled slightly lower then his shoulders. His features were elegant and mysterious all at once. "How are you feeling?"

"Where are we? How did we get here? Who are you?" I asked, avoiding his question entirely. I hadn't meant to be rude, but confusion always seems to get the best of me.

Another chuckle made me feel less vulnerable and more relaxed though I was uncertain why. "So many questions. Patience, young one. You shouldn't stress yourself so. You've been through enough as it is." He smiled and carefully placed his hand on my shoulder.

I sat up slightly and took another gander around. After several moments I finally turned back to him. "I don't understand. I'm not suppose to be here. I'm suppose to be with Yami. How did I get...here? What did you do to me? What is your name?"

Amusement flickered in crimson eyes and I felt myself grow annoyed. However, patience resided when my new stranger answered. "My name is Irakih. I have done nothing that will not benefit you in some way. As for where you are, well take a look around. Does this place seem at all familiar to you?"

I, again, glanced in several directions trying in some way to find my bearings. After a moment I said, "This place kinda reminds me of the maze in my—,"

"Puzzle?" Irakih answered for me. "Little one, we are in the labyrinth of your mind."

I winced for several reasons. He called me little one. Yami was the only one who ever called me that, hearing a complete stranger say it made me uneasy. Second, I never remembered my mind being so dark. Third, he knew about the puzzle. Having experience, I have learned that anyone who knew about the puzzle was usually an enemy to me. I concentrated. If I was in my own mind, then I could easily get out right? I shut my eyes and waited to see the outside world.

Images flashed before at an alarming rate. It was like I could only see parts of what was going on around me. Blood. Screams. Pleads. Music. Flashing Lights. I tried to gain control of my body but something was blocking my access. I opened my eyes to see Irakih kneeling next to me with his hand still on my shoulder. Terror crept through me. The only time this had ever happened before was when someone else was using my body. Yami. But Yami had a body of his own, he wouldn't be using me. My eyes rested on Irakih who was watching me intently.

"You know I can't let you do that." He smiled softly.

Quickly I reeled back from him. "What have you done? What do you want from me?" I asked immediately. I waited for a response but never got any. After several moments of watching him stare at me with a quiet fire in his eyes, I raced toward the door. I don't know why. Logically it wouldn't have gotten me anywhere but it was still better than being locked up with this man.

I was almost in the light when something tightly clamped around my ankle. I fell to the ground harshly and looked at my sore foot. An iron chain had made its way around my ankle. I looked up at Irakih who had his hand outstretched toward me. I scrambled to make it out the door when a second piece of cold iron made its way around my waist. I panicked as together, they pulled back into that freezing room.

Another shackle, this time around my left wrist. I could do nothing but struggle as the chains pulled me to the opposite wall they were attached to. Irakih made his way over to me as a shackle wrapped around me right wrist. "Stay away from me!" I shouted.

Irakih sighed. "I hate seeing you like this. But don't worry. After this, you'll feel better, I promise. I'll answer all the questions you have. But I can't help you until they do their work." Irakih stated.

"They?!" I screamed, still struggled against my bonds. "Who are they?"

Unfortunately, Irakih wasn't the one who answered my question. I could feel just who they were. I sensed their cold chill and their cruel growls. I could hear them everywhere though I couldn't see them. The only other time I had felt this was when I had blacked out during the battle with Pegasus during duelist kingdom finals. I had felt their cold sting and torture that day more than any other time. The shadows.

I must have paled because Irakih once agin knelt at my side but this time, lifted away the blond locks in front of my eyes. "They are going to make you better. He has contaminated you. But they will make you the way you were before."

I looked at him terrified. The way I was before? "What are you talking—?" I didn't get to finish before a metal collar wrapped itself around my neck. I struggled to get it off but to no avail. Tears were starting to well up in my eyes. I had seen what the shadows could do to people. I didn't want to be one of them. "Please." I pleaded. I was actually pleading with a complete stranger.

Irakih's eyes harshened. "You know that pleading never gets you anywhere my little one. It is only for the weak. You're not one of them. And they," Irakih turned to the darkness, knowing that the shadows were there ready to feast as soon as the light from the door was extinguished, "will help you regain that sense of power."

He rose and started to leave. I squirmed as the sounds of growling and nails on the stone floor grew louder. "You can't do this to me! Please!" I screamed as he turned around one last time to look at me. For an instant, there almost seemed to be hurt or concern in his eyes. But that view was obstructed by the closing door. "No!" I yelled.

I was hikari. A creature of light. The shadows enjoyed feeding on a creature of light. As soon as the outside light was gone, they feasted. It wasn't like anything that I had felt before. Sure, I had been to the Shadow realm once but it had been different. My link with Yami had been strong enough to keep the shadows from touching me though they had scared me. This time, it was a full blow attack. I felt like my bones were breaking and at the same time my flesh being burned off of me. But I was cold. Their breath was like ice cubes and I started to shiver violently.

My screams were clouded with growls from the hungry beasts around me. Tears slowly made their way down my face, or was it blood? I wasn't sure. I felt my body fall to the floor as I began to whimper helplessly. Yami had taught me to be strong. To be brave, but this time there was no Yami around. It was just me and the darkness. "Yami." I sobbed, still shaking from the cold. "Yami."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Warmth. It was all around me. I felt so tired. I couldn't even get enough strength to open my eyes. I didn't even have enough energy to remember what happened. I was too busy concentrating on the warmth all around me. Something shifted. Two delicate arms were around me. Holding me tightly to a warm body. A felt a smile start to form on my face. "Yami." I whispered .

"Sorry again, young one." A dark voice made my surrounding and the harsh memories come zipping back to me. I tried to get up but found that I only had enough energy to open my eyes. I wasn't in that cold stone room anymore. I was in a candle lite room with a bed against the farthest wall. Wooden chairs and a table stood in the corner. Anything else wasn't able to be seen. I was laying with my head on Irakih's chest. His arms were wrapped tightly around me. I was comfortable. I had to admit that it was better than the stone room, but it wasn't right. Yami should be the only one holding him.

"How.. How did.. I ..get here?" I managed, exhausted.

Irakih took one of his arms back and started to run his fingers gently through my hair. It was relaxing and it made my tense muscles relax. "I told you that once the shadows were through with you I would take you out of there. You know that I would never do anything that wasn't good for you."

I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. Irakih's hand starting to rub circles on my back. I felt myself melting into his warmth. I whined slightly and he took his hand away. He lifted me carefully off of him and leaned me up against the wall. He smiled kindly at me.

"You have no reason to fear me." Irakih stated. "Don't worry. I won't let him hurt you anymore. He took away all of your great qualities but I returned them to you. I knew that making that pact with him was a terrible idea. Can you ever forgive me?"

Confusion pooled in my eyes as I nodded. I had no idea why but it seemed unfair to blame someone for something I didn't even know that they did wrong. "Why are you doing this to me?" I must have asked this question a thousand times. This stranger seemed so friendly and concerned, much like Yami when I first met him. But how could someone who cared about me leave me in such a horrible place? "Who is him?"

"I know you don't remember anything yet. His spell was stronger than I had thought, as is his hold on you, but don't fret. I'll explain everything. You need to rest first though." Irakih whispered softly. He once again pulled me into his lap and cradled me. I felt like a little kid, yet it seemed to be so relaxing.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes I saw the ceiling of the room I was in before. I sat up quickly, relieved that my energy had been given back to me. I looked around. There was no sign of Irakih anywhere. I slid my legs out of the warm bed and shuddered. The room was freezing. I was about to get up and walk to the opposite door when it opened and Irakih came in.

"I sensed your awakening." He smiled. I was finally able to get a nice look at him now that I didn't feel like I was doped up by sleeping medication. He wore tight black leather pants and a red shirt that much resembled his crimson eyes and hair. He was a little taller than Yami but with a nice build. He carried a steaming cup and sat next to me. "Chi Tea?" he asked.

Blushing, I nodded. Taking the cup and taking a sip I smiled. Grateful for the warmth in such a cold room. "Thanks, this is my—,"

"Favorite." He answered. "I know. That's why I made it for you." Irakih watched me for a few moments. I glanced over at him every few seconds. He watched me with passion in his eyes. It was creepy at first but somehow familiar. It was the look that Yami used to give me whenever we had dinner together. Irakih's smile faded. "Stop thinking about him." he demanded.

Startled, I starred at him. Did he just read my mind? "Sorry?" was all that come out of my mouth.

"You're thinking about him. The more you do, the more of a hold he will have on you. Promise that you'll try to forget about him?" Irakih explained.

I was shocked. Forget about Yami? How could I? He was everything to me. My past, present, and future. I loved him.

"You do not love him!" Irakih shouted, making me jump and pull back. His eyes softened. "I hate seeing you like this. I just want it to be the way it was before. No more weak minds, no more pharaohs, no more of him poisoning your power. I promise, love, you'll get better."

I blushed. He called my love. Why? I should have been angry. Embarrassed even, but it made me feel whole again. "How do you know about Yami? How do you know so much about me?" I guess that was more of the important question. How did he get access to my mind and body?

Irakih smiled. "It is time that you learn who you really are." He out-stretched his hand. I looked at him timidly but eventually placed my hand in his. What else did I have left to lose? A bright light swirled around us as I felt myself grow weak. Irakih disappeared from my view causing me to panic.

The light grew brighter and brighter. It started to make my head hurt. I heard a man talking. The voice kept getting louder and louder until finally it was clear and everything was dark. I realized that my eyes were closed. I tried to open them but found that I was too tired. I concentrated on the man's voice instead.

"Prince Angel of Bethaming, for every action in this world there must be a consequence. For every killer in this world there must be a savior. You have murder that savior. Your kingdom was brought to ash due to your treachery! For that you must pay!" Shouts were accompanies by the man's voice. They scared me.

My eyes flew open as I took a look at my surroundings. People were everywhere, starring up at me. Some had tears in their eyes but most had a look of disgust. Why were they all looking at me? I tried to back away when I finally noticed that this wasn't going to be a possibility. My arms and legs were tightly bound to a wooden pole on a platform. Sticks and logs surrounded my feet. "What is going on?" I accidently said out loud.

There was a man standing on the platform with me. He continued his speech. "Due to your crime, you will be sentenced to death by fire. Upon your death we will be able to release our savior from his prison." I began to struggle. Another man was holding a torch and was heading my way. Not again.

"No!" A cry sounded and everyone gasped turning towards the speaker. Irakih stood in all black wearing clothing that belonged in the 10th century. Then again everyone was. I sighed in relief when the man holding the torch halted. Irakih continued. "He has done noting wrong. The pharaoh deserved his punishment for killing the king. Prince Angel should not be held accountable!"

Pharaoh? My Pharaoh? Yami? "I haven't done anything wrong. Irakih! How did I get up here? What's happening?!" I screamed.

"Silence! Both of you have shamed your country." The man announcing my death proclaimed. "Prince Angel killed a man that was trying to bring your kingdom back from ruins. The Pharaoh only wished to help our cause not harm it. This beast has forsaken him! For that he must pay!" He nodded towards the man holding the torch and he advanced.

I didn't know what to do. What Pharaoh were they speaking of? It couldn't have been Yami. Yami only existed in Egypt. Even if he had existed where ever we were, there was no way I would have ever hurt him. The man lite four corners of my log prison and fire grew in a ring around me. I looked over at Irakih desperately. He had tears streaming down his face. "Help me" I whispered to no one in particular.

As the flames grew around me, smoke started to make my eyes tear and I began to cough. This wasn't happening. People were shouting as the fire crept closer to me. They were happy shouts. These people were happy I was going to die. I screamed as fire licked my heels. Wind suddenly swirled around me and people started screaming. I heard a women shout. "There he is! Our savior has returned to us to watch his killer burn!"

I opened my eyes and sobbed as the figure came into view. The soul taking the shape in the flames was none other than Yami. Anger sketched into his features, he looked at me as if I was a dog that needed to be put out of its misery. "Yami!" I shouted. He said nothing and watched as the flames made their way up the pole I was tied to. I felt myself growing faint. I tried to keep my eyes open but the smoke forced me to close them. I slumped forward and waited for my death.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

"Young one?" A voice rang from my dark prison. My eyes shot open. We were back. Irakih held me close to him, concern spilling from his eyes. "Are you well? I am truly sorry for showing you that. It wasn't the memory that I was searching for but your soul seemed to want to remember that one the most." Irakih explained.

"Memory?" I asked. Tears formed in my eyes and down my face. "I don't understand. Where were we just then?"

Irakih frowned. "Our past lives together. The year was 1040 A.D. You killed the Pharaoh that killed your father...Yami, as you like to call him. He took everything from you and all you tried to do was get it back."

I wiped the tears from my eyes. "I didn't kill Yami. I wouldn't! I love him."

"At one time yes. But he betrayed you. Power ran through his veins. He tried to rule over your kingdom by killing your father. He had the same grip on you then as he does now. He promised you love and kindness. As we all know, these kind of emotions are shallow. Hate and anger are the only emotions that actually get us anywhere. They are what drive us." Irakih explained.

I shook my head. "You're wrong. Yami loves me now. I know it." I stood rapidly and shouted. "I want out of here. Let me out!"

Irakih's softened features faded. "Afraid not, love."

"Don't call me that! I don't love you, I love Yami and only him!"

Irakih stood and before I could blink, I felt his hand slap my cheek. I gasped as I fell to the floor and looked up at him in terror. He grabbed my collar and forced me up. "My, he does have a tight hold on you. Don't worry, love breaks, it is a fragile emotion. You will learn to love me the way that you love him."

"Never!" I shouted. "I'll never love you like I love him! You could never show me—," I didn't get a chance to finish. He pressed his lips against mine and pulled my body harshly up against his. At first I didn't move. But quickly the shock ended and I squirmed. He held tightly to me so that I didn't move. Finally he left me and shoved me to the floor. Lust brewed in his eyes as I looked up at him with disgust. Tears again spilled out of my eyes. I wiped my mouth over the sleeve of my shirt. "Don't ever touch me!" I yelled.

Irakih kneeled down and before I could wriggle away tried to plant another kiss on me. A sudden knock at the door interrupted him. My thoughts immediately flew to Yami. I hoped above all odds that it would be him at that door waiting to rescue me. However, my hopes were shot down slightly when the door opened.

Mahado stood at the door frowning at the seen before him. Joy filled my body as I jumped up and ran towards him. "Mahado!" I yelled gratefully. He shut the door behind him and glared down at me. This made me freeze. "Mahado? What's wrong?"

Irakih was by my side in what seemed like an instant. "Is everything alright?"

Mahado stood for a moment glancing at me and then back at Irakih.

"Mahado." I whispered. Irakih pulled me into a hug and I struggled to get free. "Get your hands off of me! Mahado help!" I cried but he didn't move. I looked at him in anguish and stopped my struggles.

Mahado was silent a bit more before he looked up at Irakih. "How can you be around such a monster?"

My heart fell. Monster. Me?

Irakih smirked. As he gazed down at me. "I equally in his darkness. I ruled the darkness, and I have created it. I created him. I love him though it is an emotion of light." He looked back up at Mahado. "I assume things are going according to plan?"

Plan. I looked up at Mahado. He was in on this? "Mahado?! What's happening. Where is my Yami?"

"Pharaoh Atem has returned to his place in the afterlife. You won't be seeing him again. As soon as we found out who you were and what you did to him we made sure to make all the precautions necessary to protect our king." Mahado answered in a monotone voice. He looked at Irakih. "As for you, our deal is still sealed. You may rule this world now that our king has returned to his."

"What?!" I screamed. Terror, sadness, anger, frustration, and desperation running through my blood. Take over the world. Yami gone? "Mahado! Let me speak to him! I want to say I'm sorry for everything!" I pleaded but Mahado shook his head.

Irakih was quiet a minute. "Well, I guess there is no other reason for you to be around." With that Mahado nodded and turned around to leave. I screamed for him to come back but he didn't acknowledge me. There were no more tears left to cry. My yami was gone. He had left me, for good this time.

Irakih waited for Mahado to leave before he dragged me back into the cold stone room I had woke up in the first place. I didn't struggle. I didn't care anymore. He chained me to the wall opposite the door and knelt down next to me. "I guess the shadows didn't do their job of cleaning your soul. But maybe round two will clear the air for you." He kissed my cheek and walked out of the room.

They were just as hungry as last time. They were just as cold, angry, and sad as last time. The only difference was I could no longer feel their fangs and claws. I couldn't feel anything anymore. "Yami." I whispered as I closed my eyes and rested my head on the floor.

TBC

A/N Sorry for the long update. I have school and I am really busy. Just to let you know I don't plan to killing the story. I do plan on continueing it. So don't give up hope yet! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If it seems confusing that's okay. It will get cleared up in the other chapters. Now to thank the reviewers! YES I CHANGED THE SUMMARY SORRY!

Nina Neglection- this is going to be a sad story so brace yourself. My stories have been known to end unhappily but I haven't decided quite what I am going to do with the end yet. Thanks for the support!

1st Yami Lover- Aw! I'm so glad that you love my story. Like I said, it may take a while between updates but I don't plan on killing the story so keep checking back! Thanks for the words of lovin! Glad you reviewed!

Sliders245- I UPDATED! Thanks for dropping the reivew!

Lady Alexas- That is what happens next. Sorry if my story is getting confusing but next chapter will be better.

Yugiyami luver 1669- Thanks for the review. I hope this story just got cooler for you!

Rapid Puzzleshipper Saiko- you're pretty good at predicting the story! See if you can predict what happens next! XP Thanks for dropping a review! It is always loved!

Yami-Yugi3- Well that was what Mahado wanted to do. But how will the story end? Only time will tell! THANKIES!

Rock Livez On- you're the first flame that I have gotten from the story. Sorry you don't like the yaoi but it did warn you. Thanks for your feedback anyway. It is always loved. I was actually thinking about creating a Yami and Yugi story with just like a savior and protector theme like Trikki did with one of her stories. No Yaoi in it but I'm not sure. Look out for it sometime if you don't want to read this story anymore.

Atemu Yuugi Lover34- Yup this is Yami's Mahado. Its okay to question. I bet you have a lot of them now. Your amazing! When are you going to update your story? (I'm one to talk XP) Hope you like this chapter and as always thanks for brightening my day!

Aurora Tenchi- Sorry this really wasn't the sort that you were hoping for when it come to updating time. I try my best to get them out here as soon as possible but it is a little hard. I have a lot of studying to do with all the AP classes so yeah. Thanks for your review though. It made me smile!

YamiKoi- Tacos and nachos huh? Your review made me laugh. Glad to see you are so happy with the fic. I think my writing skills coul improve a little bit but oh well. Practice makes perfect right? Hope you enjoyed my twists this chapter!

Redconvoy- Thanks for the review. Glad to know that some people have the time to drop by a little feedback in their busy schdule. Sorry this wasn't quick but I had a lot to deal with. My grandmother is in the hospital with heart failure and they say she has about 6 months left. It has been really hard on my dad. Anyways, thankies!

Protector of the Nameless- have I mention that absolutely adore your pen name?And I have no idea what you were alking about with being rude about your last story. Maybe you were thinking of someone else. But by all means, if you find any mistakes with this story let me know. I'm sure that there is a lot of them!

Dragonlady222- as always my most loyal reviewer! Thanks fo always reviewing even if it is just a little 'good job'. I like it very much. Sorry for the long update but I think that now the semester is changing I will be able to update a little more quickly!

Sea Queen- THANKS SO MUCH! Sorry for the long update. I hope that won't be the case next time. I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for taking the time to review. A lot of people don't but it doesn't bother me too much.

Shamise-Thanks for the review! I hope this chapter satisfied you!