"Love will find a way"
Happy 17th birthday Yugi. May all your wishes come true today on June 4th your special day!
It was extremely late in truth it was almost first light. Whereas both Grandpa and Yugi were sound asleep all cozy in their beds, Yami was busy trying to figure out where a gazillion wires went along with humming "Love will find a way" from LK2. The magical dance and moonlight walk from a few hours ago still very fresh in his mind. More then ever he wanted to tell Yugi the truth and now he was at last ready to. He knew in his heart that Yugi would never reject him and perhaps he would soon have the courage to tell the rest of his human friends.
He wanted to show Yugi how much he meant to him. Just how much he'd given him, but how does someone express gratitude to a seraph for rescuing them? How does one show appreciation to somebody who rescued you in the nick of time before you lost your mind? Who liberated you from a loveless existence? Who was your sanctuary and you never do anything else in your life without them?
Aziza had told him her life motto. "To save one life you need not keep the heart beating, rather you give it a reason to beat," Now he finally understood what she meant and been trying to tell him. Yugi was the reason his heart was beating. He had got his heart to beat and with the help of all the lives around them Yami heart would continue to beat strongly.
He'd had at last discovered the perfect gift, to really show Yugi, that he did love him more then the air he breathed. Yugi, in addition to all of their friends, were the reason he wished to become mortal. He never felt something this strong before and no matter what he was going to protect it. Now that he'd live through love, he never wished to go back to being Atem ever again even if it meant giving up his ability to fly! His only wish for his birthday was to remain eternally Yami in addition to that what he now felt the whole universe could experience as well.
Yugi didn't know yet, but with Yami getting so close to his birthday his Ascending was really starting to get close to its zenith. It was the 11th so he only had a week remaining. His powers where growing in addition to getting more powerful as well as unpredictable. So without Yugi even telling him he knew what his true love heart yearned for more then anything else in this endless universe at this moment.
Yugi was an incredibly self-sacrificing soul and that was an extremely attractive trait to possess. However it had also proven to be double edge sword as well. Whilst all their friends had all this family time lately with their parents or phones calls and letters if they were away, Yugi sadly didn't.
He hadn't learned the lesson Guidan off Star Trek TNG had taught young Wesley Crusher in the beginning of season two. The lesson of when it's ok to be selfish and put your desires ahead of those of others. Right now all Yugi wanted was to hear or see his mother and father Ashita and Sho Moto whom he'd not heard or seen in almost 3 years since they'd been sent to the United States for his dad's corporation.
Yami had unintentionally obtained an extremely heartbreaking memory of Yugi in a fetal position in his bedroom with the lights off crying his heart out while holding a photograph of his family. He got it when they came home last night, Yugi had been extremely exhausted so he'd carried him to bed and tucked him in. Yugi fell dead to the world the second his head touched the pillow. Yami had kissed his forehead and obtained that heartrending recollection.
So he'd been up the rest of the hours of darkness trying to get this surprise ready for when his beloved woke from his sleep. Even with his powers, he knew he could just snap his fingers and bring Yugi parent's home. But he didn't do that. That was the easy way and he didn't want use magic for this. If this was to be a true gift to show his love it had to come from his heart. So he picked up the instruction manual on how to set up a webcam and continued to slave away.
The golden sweet sunrays awoke Yugi once again from his dream of the singing heart. He was just stretching when he'd heard a woman singing. "Uh? What the?" Yugi stuttered as Yami came in with the same tray he'd used to make him breakfast in bed weeks ago. It was piled sky high with all his favorite foods. The singing was Melissa Eithridge singing on Yami's I-pod. She was sing "Welcome to this day, Brother Bear 2"
"Life is simple and clear, when you make the right choice its truth that you hear when you find your own voice oh my brothers and sisters believe you're just what you're meant to be. Oh great spirits hear my voice today. LOOK all around you! Welcome, welcome magic. Welcome sweet sunray welcome sweet sunray. Love is no secret look all around you! Love is no secret look all around you. Welcome to this day!" he switched off the I-pod and sat down on the bed.
"Here Yugi, you better eat it fast. But don't chock please, I don't know the Heimlich yet. I meet you in the living room as soon as you're done. Oh I suggest you throw something special on," he told him with a weird yet wonderful smile as well as look in his eyes.
"Yami what's…" but he already left the room leaving Yugi to eat his wonderful home cooked feast by himself. He ate as quickly as he could before changing into some stylish threads. Why's Yami being so nice? Did he suspect that everyone was planning him a huge surprise party for his birthday and trying to get the dirt from him? No that couldn't be it didn't fit his character. It had to be something else but what?
Yami was standing in front of the TV in the living room. There was a very comfortable heating massage chair set up with a tray of goodies from the bakery in front of the TV. What was going on? He took the seat as he assumed he was supposed too. A look of utter confusion covered his face as he looked at his best friend questioningly. "Okay Yami what's up? Why am I here?"
"Yugi I've something to say. Before I met you all I was just an animated statue that my false father liked to use as a punching bag. I didn't know what feelings or emotions were nor did I possess the ability to think. I was prisoner and was doomed like all the people in my country of Xanadu to suffer till kingdom come."
"I ran away to escape that fate, to escape marrying a woman picked for me before I was born. Yet just escaping wasn't enough I wasn't free yet. Far from it in fact. I'd never had made it one day if you my angel hadn't saved me. You've saved me in everyway a person can be saved. You and all our friends have saved me from myself. You gave me the gift of life, a real one. So on Saturday you and me along with Aziza will go to Lovers Horizon and I'll tell you all my secrets at dawn and then when the rest of the gang gets there at sundown I'll share them with them as well."
Yugi was amazed by the words of such eulogize emanating from the lips of the angel, he'd long to kiss. To have the breath of such an amazing man on his lips and his soothing touch on his finger tips was more then he could hope for and yet still was only a dream. He had done all this for Yami? Did Yami comprehend he'd done that and so much more for him in turn?
"Yami, I'm touched deeply. To be honest I've never felt happier in my life since I met you. There are words I like to say at this moment but my tongue won't let them out of my lips. I want to know you better then anyone else has or will. There is just so much to say and do."
"Yugi, the time is approaching fast. In a little while we both can sing our hearts out to one another. But till that time comes I like to give you a gift from my heart to make yours fly high in the heavens tonight," as he stepped sideways to reveal his surprise.
"MOM! DAD!" Yugi cried in delightful surprise with his huge adorable amethyst eyes bursting with beads of moisture. He was extremely rapturous as was his parents on the TV screen in the course of the webcam link up. Yugi was the spiting image of his father Sho. He got his hair and height from his dad. His mom was not tall but not short either she had short bushy dark red hair and the same adorable eyes as her son.
"Oh Yugi! How are you doing, honey?" asked Ashita with a huge smile on her attractive face. She had longed to see her son face for so long. But one complication after another had prevented her and her husband from any means of communication with their son. They'd been incredibly shocked when Yami had by hook or by crook managed to set this up and they couldn't express their gratitude to the young man whom looked like their son an adequate amount.
"I'm doing really good Mom. In fact I've never been happier! Things are great. Though I've missed you both terrible," he confessed at the same time as the family began a long overdo reunion. Yami slipped out quietly telling Grandpa he'd be with his mother tying up some loose ends with his tribulations back home, but he'd be back in time for dinner.
His mom was outside waiting with the Pontiac. She was so swollen with both pride and happiness from watching her son, gesture of love. He had truly gained a heart if he could give such a tremendous gift of love. In view of the fact that he hadn't used his magic to give this gift made it a real gift of love. Her son had truly become a human being.
People who did things without doing the hard work or struggling through trail and error didn't really accomplish anything at all. Those whom didn't fail and learn from their mistake didn't really earn their prize if they didn't do it the right way. That was one of the lesson she'd learned from her parents as a young girl. It was these values as well as virtues bestowed to her as a child that had played a big part in saving her soul from the corruption that claimed so many of her people. She was extremely relieved that Yami had learned them as well. Furthermore his heart and soul weren't corrupted, in the face of how he was brought up and by whom.
"That was very compassionate along with selfless of you, my Little Angel," Samira said at the same time as they buckled up and she slipped the pop version of Shania Twain UP! CD in the car player. "I'm so proud with the man you've become," as she reached over and kissed him gently before turning the keys and starting the car.
"Thank you Mom. I'm extremely happy with who I've become, that I can't even remember who I was once upon a time. "Atem" seems nothing more then a lost memory in the winds of yesteryear. I at long last am able to see the bright light of hope, shining its radiant light down us and leading us to the future we've only dreamed of," he proclaimed in a euphoric tone at the same time as he took one of his pills with some Diet Caffeine Free Coke he'd brought along.
With his birthday just around the corner those Athena headaches where hammering away at his skull like jackhammers at a construction site! He pressed the button to lower the window and let his beautiful hair gently sway in the zephyr. The fresh air lessened the headaches, but it didn't get rid of them.
Samira gazed for a moment at her son, although she was smiling it was one of pain. She became lost in the turmoil that she so long had carried she forgot she was supposed to be watching the road. "MOM RED LIGHT!"
"Huh? AH!" she slammed the brakes just in time. Though the both for a moment looked like bobble heads about to toss their cookies from the sudden halt! They'd to thank God for two things. One they stop in time and didn't get a ticket because they were at a crossroad right next to the police station. And two being Sunday the roads were almost completely vacant!
"Mom? Perhaps I should drive as an alternative? Somehow I don't think you've the mental or emotional capability at the moment to do it," Yami suggested carefully to his mom. She didn't look like she could drive any further and they're still were 15 minutes away from their desired location.
For a moment she was quiet, and then she pushed the gear into park and turned off the car. They traded places and she asked him if he had his driver licenses. He told her carried in his wallet and he was certified to drive both motorcycles and cars. He had admitted he wanted to be a donor and get that fixed once he could to that.
Adjusting the seat, he turned to her to check too see if she was ok. She looked like she had a double aliment. One parts a headache and the other heartache. He knew he could help with her headache but not sure with the heartache. Still he quickly started the car up for a second time and went following 4th street over an overpass till he came to the turn off on Pulaski. As they climbed the hill he'd asked his mother what was troubling her.
"Mom? You ok? I mean really ok? I know Aknamkanon is even worse the Lucifer or Hitler even! We've both suffered beyond description maltreatment as well as witnessed horrors that no soul should've to witness, but if there is something else. Something you want to do or say before my birthday. Then do it now I beg you, Mother. I can't stand seeing you or anyone I love in any kind of pain," he said as he hit his turn single to show he was going to go right on Shooting Park Rd.
"Yami I love you my son. I never want to lose you again. I've lost a great deal over my long lifetime already. I lost my world, I lost my innocents, I lost my mother in a way you can't possible ever hoped to comprehend. I lost my virginity in the most dishonorable manner, I lost my best friend, and because of that beast I've almost lost the only two remaining members of my family."
"I don't know if I've the strength to endure the impeding fate that now been woven in the universe grand design. The fate that intertwines all of the people of Xanadu with the people of Earth or the three threads that connect you, your sister and Yugi together in a unknown fate. My head is so full of memories of the past and my heart being assault by an onslaught of unmanageable sensations. So I'm experiencing a great deal of pain, my son," Samira told him in a voice so full of pain and sorrowfulness you think she was stuck at a funeral.
Yami made an impulse decision and turned into Baker Lake Parking Lot. They had turned onto Airport road to get to their location anyway. The apartment's complexes were on 23rd St. That wasn't far so they could be a little late. It was also near the North Central building. He and Aziza had walked a lot yesterday. It'd been good exercise and not enough people got exercise.
Mother and son began to walk around the lake silently. Both just were listening to the earth and all its wonders surrounding them. It had a healing effect on Samira who was reminded of the lake from her childhood. When they were half around near the playground section that was near a neighborhood with highly expensive houses, she ran too the swings as did he.
Giggling blissfully as they tried to go higher then other and both leapt off with doing perfect mid-air summersaults. They got back on the pathway and she rubbed her temples for a second time. He reached in his jean pocket and pulled out his pills. "Here it will get rid of the pain, Mom. I guarantied it," he said as he offered her the painkiller. However despite the fact her headache was just as bad as his was, she bluntly refused to take them.
"Mom if you're feeling like you've goddess using diamond tip jackhammers on the inside of your skull, you should take one. They've helped greatly with my Ascending. I've taken one pill every morning and one before I sleep. This combined with this entire planet wonderful music helped me throughout this cursed divine puberty I've had to undergo. Why won't you take one?" Yami asked as they sat down on the fresh spring grass for few minutes to catch their breaths.
"I don't want to forget," she replied simply without even looking at him.
"I don't understand. You don't want to forget what?" as a number of waterfowls gracefully landed on the glass smooth waters below them.
"You've heard the phrase, 'Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it?'" she asked him and he nodded so she continued. "People don't understand how true that little phrase is. When something bad or embarrassing happens people have a great tendency to force themselves to forget it. That's a mistake even the people of Xanadu made."
A strange look was now etching its way across her face as she enlighten him on a very important and vital lesson. "In school or in the real world many souls don't want to hear about the past. You kids whine and say things like "We already know this! We've heard a million time! It's done and over with! Let's move on!" But answer me this, Yami? How can you move on if you truly don't understand what happened before? You can't have a future if you don't have a past. I've been told you can say the whole movie of "Titanic" by heart, Yami. Tell me why do you think it sold so well?"
"Beside great actors and well execute I guess because of the story itself," he replied uncertainly. He'd had like it a great deal but his mom was trying to tell him something. He for moment recalled what Aziza had discussed the day they'd all gone to the Sin Park. She had discovered a great deal of wisdom from animated shows so he guessed his mom was trying to acquaint with him some lesson she had learned from something as well.
"Yami when EGSs or Events of Great Significant come to pass we should commit to memory them. Whether they are of a negative nature like 9-11, Katrina, Tsunami, Holocaustic or any War that has been fought. Or good nature when we've the Olympics, save lives, when a child is born, when hate is dissolved. It doesn't matter whether is good or bad we need to remember it all."
"To truly see it all from everyone point of view. To understand why these things happened and how we can prevent several of them occurring for a second time. If we willingly go on like this, and don't beyond doubt gain knowledge of from the mistakes of those who came before us, then even Earth will eventual share the fate of Xanadu. We've got to learn by heart the past. I mean all of it both the good and bad. Then we must really learn from it. Only after all that has been done may we have a chance at a better future."
"Mahad asked me if I was on any medication. I've been repeatedly prescribed anti-depressed but I don't utilize them. I don't want to forget because once I forget I won't be all to help make the future better. So I willingly endure this pain of years of abuse and pain and I'm not going to numb with drugs, booze or anything," she explained to her son who was very astounded by her explanation.
The more he thought about it as they continue to walk back to the car, the more he realized she did have a point. One can't forget the past and even he couldn't forget his own either. Regardless of it being nothing but years of unyielding torment along with maltreatment. If he acted like it didn't happen that'd be a lie and lying wasn't good either. Lying wouldn't change the fact it had happened. Furthermore lying about his ordeals wouldn't stop it from happening again either. If he didn't wish for what'd happen to him to come to pass to anyone else, he'd have to be brave enough to say it had occur to him as well as that he overcame it.
He'd learned a little of this in Mrs. Kalel class when guest speakers came in on one occasion. They'd talk to the students about the subjects concerning Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence and so on. But one point they'd made perfectly clear was pretending a problem doesn't exist will never make the problem go away. You can't avoid something like abuse.
He'd thought while listening to these ladies that he could no more lie about his abusive past anymore then Long Feng could lie about the Fire Nation War on Avatar. Pretending that there was no war didn't change the fact the war was going on and that they lost city because of not doing something about it. He had to give Aziza credit. She was right you could obtain great insight for life in just about anything.
The remainder of the drive was uneventful. They continue down the street till just before an intersection. They made a right turn onto a side road called Edwards. Then went two more blocks over till turning left on Malcolm, till coming to a road marked 23rd St. Turning right they went down it till the reached the end of the street and on the left was a large set of apartment's complex.
Even if the whole street had signs on both sides that read in red letters "No Parking" a great deal of cars where parked on the street. The reason? No other parking space was available! The parking lots for the apartments where so tight in addition to small even a soap box car couldn't hope to get out of them!
Yami smartly parked in a dead end street across from the middle driveway of the apartments. All he needed to do was look both ways as he backed out and go back the way he came. You'd less of a chance of running into some type of road construction that way.
The car automatic locked up as they got out. Waiting for them across the street where Samir, Aziza, the Court along with three other adults. One was Mr. Carles from school seeing how he was the property specialist. Another was a young woman cinnamon skin tone and long crimped dark cerulean tresses and ocean blue eyes in a navy DKNY mini dress suit. She was holding the kind of metal briefcase one sees in the movies with handcuffs. The last one was another guy. He looked like a MIB dude the way he was dressed up.
The lady was Deborah Jackson. She was a lawyer and very good and honest one. Long time friend of Samir and his late wife Efra she was in charge of her own firm and they helped everyone and everything. She was told in confidence the truth about the situation and this girl never lied in her life. With 4 generations of legal representative in the family it was impossible to. The man was her fiancée and high level government agent named Hudson Asner. He worked with the government on a global scale and was also a long time and decent individual and addition to cherished friend to Samir.
They had been roommates in college. On one particularly occasion they both gotten extremely intoxicated together on their first Frat Party aka Hell Night. Deborah along with her roommate as well as best friend Efra ended up doing what Aziza had done for Yami. Needless to say the women hadn't been happy with the boys getting that smashed. They'd made each of them hang a total of 8 bottles for how much liquid poison they'd willingly ingested into their bodies. It was a miracle they hadn't overdosed and died. They'd straightened up afterwards. After that the four had become fast friends and when they heard the fantastic story about winged beings searching for homes they jumped at the chance to return the favor from so long ago.
"Hello, Samira. So nice to see you again, it's been awhile. You must be Yami, it a great pleasure to meet you young man. I'm Deborah and this is my soon-too-be husband Hudson. We've been dealing with the pressing matters for helping your people to emigrated and establish legal statues for quite some time. Let me tell you it wasn't easy, but I think we've managed a winning combination," Deborah informed Yami as she shook his hand.
"I thank you deeply, all of you for helping me and the rest of Xanadu. You are true heroes for helping us. If I may be frank for a moment I have a confession to make," he told her as he let go of her hand and clutched his Puzzle tightly.
"Yes Prince Yami? What do you wish to say? We've all sworn a vow of confidents till it's all over. So you can say whatever you wish and it won't leave this circle of trust. I assure you on that young man," Hudson told the young immortal prince in a reassuring and trusting tone. He wanted Yami to have faith in him.
"I never in my life, which was too go on forever, imaged this is where I'd be standing a week from my 18th birthday. You've agreed to help us in a way that even all the magic we posses cannot aid us. You wish to share this world with us. I've learned so much and I'm grateful for all that I've learned and that soon all the people whom been trapped so long will be free. Earth is no more perfect then Xanadu because perfect is nothing more then an illusion. I now understand that along with so much else. However with your help my people will be able to start of fresh with no worries and that's the best gift anyone could ask for."
"Before I came here I thought at this time I'd be preparing for my wedding which would be next week. Ha! Wedding! A marriage done for everything, but love is not marriage at all. Like I said Earth isn't perfect and that is how it should be. Life doesn't have to be perfect and beauty is truly in the eyes of beholder. So no matter the evils of this world there is still far too much good. Very soon my people will be able to make their own choices in life and make their own destiny. So thank you all of you helping in making that dream come true."
"That was extremely full of meaning, Prince Yami. C'mon let us see our new dwellings, shall we? If would you be so kind Professor Carles to show us the property?" Mahad request to the math teacher/real-estate man.
"Please call me John. C'mon this place maybe a little noisy and a little cramp but it's great for starting a new life. It was recently renovated with some of the latest environment and energy saving modifications. It should be able to accommodate all your basic needs. The necklaces you've offered up as payment will cover you and your people for the next ten years no problem," as he unlocked one of the door marked 631B and showed them into the apartment that was too be for the four them.
It had a tiny kitchen space, a living room and a half bathroom. There was a door by the steps leading to the laundry room. The steps lead to the bedrooms, upstairs bathroom and attic. They spent over an hour looking over the property and surrounding area.
The adults sent the kids away for awhile so they could do the mind-numbing stuff in peace. So they went to a field next the building and began to fool around with Aziza's neon green ball. She liked balls and carried one around on occasions. So the three of them just chatted and climbed trees while the whole thing was finalized. No one could believe this was really happening.
Mana was super ecstatic to get her own room and in a little while start a new school. She hoped when she attend the human school it wouldn't be a repeat of what she had to endure back in Xanadu. Yami promised with his friends around they make sure no hurt her again. Aziza then deliberately lost the ball in some bramble and made Yami go get it. This was done so she could talk with Mana about the party and few other matters with Yami out of earshot.
Around a quarter to noon they finally finished with everything. The Court was getting a lift back to the hotel to pack up and get ready to leave. They didn't say how but they assured them they had figure out a way to leave without fearing for their lives. Everyone promised to keep everyone informed about the other condition and call immediately if danger should happen to arise. Samir drove the four them home. Yami thanked his stepfather for the ride and asked him to help his mom get a nap in, seeing how desperately she needed one. Aziza offered to walk him back the Game Shop and she want to see how Yugi was enjoying his gift. So the brother and sister walked the short walk to the game shop.
They hadn't even gone a block before Yami stopped abruptly. "Yami you ok?" Aziza inquired with her sweet voice full of concern. Her acute hearing told her brother was somewhat disheartened along with ecstatic at the same time.
"Aziza I've a question. Do you think you'll be able to answer it?" he asked in a very unsure tone as he leaned against a telephone pole. He'd come to depend on her in times of needing wisdom and just someone to listen to him. He knew he had a special unique bond with all the lives that had touched him and that he'd had touch in turn. But right now the question he had was one only she could answer.
"I'll try. I can't guarantee I can answer it but I'll give it my best shot."
"My question is actually related to my gift to Yugi actually," he began to enlighten before she interjected.
"Yugi's gift? You allowed him to talk to his family for a few hours. What does that have to do with you?"
"Yugi's selfness is the reason he can't see his parents as frequently as he like. He never learned to be selfish. I know there's a time and a place to be self-centered. So how will I know when it's ok? Have I been too selfish already? I left my world to come here and for the past 3 months lived a wonderful life while the rest of my people have suffered," he began to explain pausing for a moment as the wonderful memories of his life on Earth played through his mind. He sighed with satisfaction as a wistful expression etched its way upon his sexy features before he continued to explain his problem.
"I unexpectedly along the way received some extraordinary gifts of my own. I've gotten friends and a family, all of them our irreplaceable as well as priceless. All which the Divine Beings and Beasts of my country only can dream of! I for so long didn't understand the pain and now that I do, I can only wonder if I've been too selfish," Yami confessed his feelings of guilt. He had been harboring them for a long time now. Aziza was quiet for a few moments, then at last spoke to her brother.
"That is a very deep and hard one to answer. I don't think even a philosophizer could give you the answer you're seeking. I however will tell you what I think might help. That is if you really wish to hear it. You can listen to it and you can disagree with it but it's just my thoughts on that doozey of a question."
"Anything you have to say I'll listen to. I just so confused, I could use all the advice and help I can get right now. So please share what's on your mind with me. I want to know Aziza, please tell me."
"From what I've observed in my life and from all I know of Xanadu I can only draw one conclusion. In life the one thing all people want is freedom. It isn't selfish to desire to have a life where freedom exists. It would be if you didn't bestow that luxury to the people you care about, if you've the ability to do so. I believe for those who suffered something worse then Hell, are entitled to be selfish for a little while. Just as so long as they bear in mind, to be of assistance to those innocent souls, still trapped in Hell escape, to freedom as well. You want to save your kingdom I hardly call that selfish. Furthermore you haven't forgotten your people. All you've been doing here is so your people can have a real life. I don't think any of your past actions would be consider selfish, it facts makes you magnanimous. It makes you human to want things for yourself, at the same time you still have enough of a conscious to think of others," Aziza pointed out.
"Thank you, Aziza. I needed to hear that."
"Um look I know I'm the one whom talked about trust and secrets and so forth. But I've got to tell you this. When your mom first married my dad she went to my mom's grave for her permission," Aziza started to tell him.
"I know she spoke with your mom spirit and received her permission as well as blessing."
"She didn't just ask permission to marry Daddy, Yami. She asked my mom Efra is she could've permission to raise me as her own. My mom told her she'd be extremely honored to have an angel raise her daughter in her place. So your mom adopted me. Now Daddy wants to do the same to you. He wants you to be his real son and not his stepson. That's what he wants to give you for your 18th birthday. He'd like the privilege in addition to honor to have you for a son and try to be a father to you," Aziza told the winged prince. He was thoroughly shocked to the point he couldn't speak.
"Yami?" Aziza spoke hesitantly. She hoped she hadn't killed him in some manner by springing him with the shocking news. It was supposed to be a surprise on the other hand she felt, perhaps just this once she could let a secret slip. Given the circumstances and everything else.
He then snapped out of his funk and picked up his sister and spun her around. Then he hugged her tightly all while laughing happily. "So I take it that as a yes?"
"You bet my soon to be mortal life it's a yes! C'mon let's go tell Yugi! The sooner I tell him this good news the sooner I'll get to tell him everything else!" as they raced off like cheetahs to the game shop.
At Eden the Vixens had been waiting to for the King say-so to commence with the second part of the ritual. The three malevolent sisters had their hands joined as if they're the Charmed Ones ready to kick demon ass. Only instead of the Book of Shadows in the center of them was the Pyramid of Darklight.
(You know from the movie. You've got to freeze it when Yugi running away from the mummies it so cute the look on his face! Oh Kaibutt I hate to tell you but you couldn't win anyway since Pyramid of Light wasn't a real card it was only use to drain Atem. Kill Kaibutt he is sick! Oh speaking of cards? There over a billion of them so I think's its impossible to remember what every single one of the can and can't do!)
The Trio was so euphoric to learn they'd finished the Ritual. Camille said they ought to do the second half of the spell immediately. This perhaps would be the only time that Aknadin see eye to eye with her. However surprisingly Aknamkanon told them to wait, this shocked everyone a great deal. They all did the stupid thing and asked the question for not doing the second half immediately.
"Don't question my motives or you'll be going on a one-way trip to the necropolis!" he bellowed in a fury of black rose petals. He held the Heart of Xanadu in beastly grasp at the same time with a look of repugnance. The Heart was now so bright it almost blocked out the sunrays and it was even more brilliant gold then all the sun gold in universe combined.
He wanted to wait for the moment of his progeny greatest happiness. If Atem wished to destroy his father dreams of happiness, it was only fair to return the act of kindness now wasn't it? He'd wait a little longer till his son thought he'd know no more of this spurious pleasure and then he'd take it from him.
That was how Aknamkanon own father King Mordecai; the last King of the Xanadu Universe had trained him to be. Aknamkanon and Aknadin had been taught a great deal of lessons from their parents that had prepared them for the moment at hand. They didn't bother with insignificant travails such as compassion or love. No that only made you weak. Their father had taught his sons to be strong and not weak. He'd along with their beautiful mother had raised them right. You want something you take it! By any means necessary! They were better then gods even! They didn't baby them as Samira parents had been so foolish to do. Samira could've been a great queen, if she hadn't been crippled by those fools! His father had the last laugh on the subject hadn't he?
After all the only other time the Darklight Ritual had been used on Samira's mother, Solmina, putting her into an eternal torment she'd never wake up from that he'd gotten his way. The Ritual left the victim forever comatose, but their soul was eternally raped in a way that no words could ever hope to describe. There was no putting one out of their misery for even death didn't release the victim from this evil. That is why it had been outlawed. This had been enough for Aknamkanon to take Samira as his own with little resistance from her father.
So with very little to do but wait for him to say the magic word, the Vixens used the Rose Whip taken from the condemn Harpies to beat their slaves up. When someone was made mortal their powers and tools were dividing up amongst those loyal to the King. They had the worthless peons get them some crystal chalices full of icy-cold Fireblood, chocolate éclairs and a plasma TV. They thought the kill time by watching their favorite moments in Charmed. They loved the sisters, as in Piper, Phoebe and Paige that is. It was one the few human things they'd acquired a likening to since been given this hunting assignment. They'd become their idols seeing how very much alike they were. All three of the Vixens were enamored with Cole/Belthazor played by dream boat Julian McMahon whom they'd found to be irresistible. The Vixens were wondering if they could ask King Aknamkanon to bring him to life for themselves as a reward for accomplishing this easier said than done undertaking for him.
They were just enjoying watching a possessed Cole and Phoebe having a make-out session in Piper's kitchen. The Vixens surprisingly had stopped being lethal one-tracked minded hunters and became normal young lovesick girls. Their hormones and endorphins were going up and past the moon that's how much this stud was turning them on!
"Oh it must be a crime to be that fine!" Oba, the youngest squealed happily while drooling. She was the Vixen who was a die hard evil romantic.
"Show us some skin! Oh man I wish he was kissing my lips! I love his ebony coiffed hair! Hmm, he is so delicious!" Pomona exclaimed. She was just as hyped up and a lot of belladonnas were spring up to show how happy she was.
"He is so perfect! Dark, edgy and one of the most handsome mortals! He's got devilish good look and he's even more adorable as the demon! That's settles it ladies! Once this hunt is over and we deliver the master his rabbit he gives us this dark god for our prize or else!" Shakti screamed holding a Belthazor doll she made tightly.
All of the sisters screamed like the love struck fangirls they were at that thought. All of them had a t-shirt with Julian Mcaulion face on the front with his demon face on the back. They all had a two-face doll as well. It was official; they had finally found someone they all could love! As much as the three she devils were capable of that emotion anyway.
"Ladies? I hope I'm not interrupting anything important. Seeing as how the only thing of importance is getting my worthless offspring back!"
"Oh you're Highness. Is it time?" they all asked as they quickly hid their fandom belongs. They didn't want to be seen displaying any human weakness to their boss.
"Yes it is time. Begin the second half now," he ordered them with a look that would give both Hades and Lucifer nightmares.
"Hold it, Kingie! You must swear to give us what we want when we complete this mission and you must promised it now!" the Vixens told him bluntly.
"What?! How dare you have the audacity to tell me what to do! You little bitches must be mad if you think I'm going to…" he stopped when they held out the Pyramid in front of him. He knew that if he angered them they would destroy it and he'd lose his chance of taking back his rebellious child.
"We'll destroy the Darklight Pyramid if you don't give us what we desire. You may have the Black Card handy should this fail, but it still won't be enough to get Atem back in line unless we weaken him first. So you better listen to our demands now or this will be destroyed got it? After all the hard work and suffering we've gone through we deserve a little compensation," Shakti told him icily.
"Fine what is it you want? I'll give you anything your heart desires. Power, riches, and all the slaves you could ever want. I'll grant you whatever your precious black hearts desire is. Name it now and it will be granted to you the moment Atem is back in Xanadu," he promised them seeing how they held his heart's desire in their perfectly manicured hands.
Smiling devilishly they all said at once what they wanted, "We want the being known as Cole Turner and Belthazor to be forever our lover!" they screamed happily.
"You're joking right? You desire a fictional character from HUMAN ENTERTAINMENT as your eternal concubine?" he looked at them like they lost their minds. Then he rolled his eyes and nodded. With such a ridiculous request he didn't see himself having to fulfill it anytime soon.
"YES!" they screamed happily before turning to face him, "We shall now break Atem!" The King nodded and signed off pleased that his plan was about to become a reality.
The Vixens smiled at one another savoring the moment. They then rejoined their hands and began to chant in the Shadow Language and called forth the Dark God Zork and asked him to grant them his lovely powers to kill the soul known as Prince Atem from within!
The Pyramid began to glow intensely bright and a large pillar of shadow fire engulfed the Item. Then a primal scream of the Dark God Zork rang out throughout the city as he bestowed them his powers. The Darklight now shot out faster then even light and began to make its way to the desired soul of the intended victim, Atem/Yami, the grandson of the only other victim this ritual ever claimed.
Yugi was just finishing up his chat with his parents. He'd told them everything, well almost everything. With only ten minutes remaining before they lost the signal, he confessed his greatest secret. "Mom, Dad. I want to say this one thing before we are separated once more. I'm in love. I love Yami more then the air I breathe. I give him my heart if I could. I love him so much and I just wish I could tell him that."
"Yugi I've got a strong feeling he feels the same way about you, son. Just tell him how you feel and if you can't say it, then show him," his mother told him kindly. She could see that her son was not simply experience a crush, but real love.
"Yes, Yugi I believe that Yami does love you too. Just tell him how you feel. I know you can do it. We'll try harder in the future to talk to you more. We love you, Yugi," Sho along with his wife Ashita told their son with tears in their eyes.
"I love you too, Mom, Dad. I miss you but you're always in my heart. See you soon," Yugi said with tears falling from his eyes. They just smiled and waved till the link was severed. It had only been good for a so many hours. Yet it had been enough for Yugi. He was still crying but these where tears of joy. He then looked out the window and saw coming up the street Yami and Aziza.
He blazed past Grandpa who didn't yell at him for running in the house or leaving a mess on the floor. He leapt off the banister to the floor below and kept running till he ran right into Yami's arms and knocked flat on his back.
"Thank you Yami! No one has ever done something like that for me. Thank you!" as he hugged him tightly. Yami returned the hug with the same amount of love and then they looked at each other beautiful eyes. Slowly they eased their way to the others about to kiss the lips of the angel that had saved them when all of sudden Yami shoved him to the ground hard.
"Yami? Yami?! What's wrong?!" Yugi cried as both he and Aziza in her own way watched Yami. He was screaming incoherently with pieces of his native tongue mixed into. He looked like he was having a heart attack yet his skin was now an odd mix of green and gray and he looked like corpse only worse! All around them all hell broke loose as chaos and pandemonium engulfed the entire city in seconds.
Yugi and Aziza tried to hold Yami down and calm him, but he threw them with enough strength that he rivaled Superman. Somehow for a few seconds they both recalled in the back of their mind the episode when Clark had been exposed to 'Silver Kryptonite' because this was just like that episode only they both felt this was going to be 1000 times worse!
He screamed one more time and they were able to get the word "Darklight" before he cut and run, leaving them in confusion as what just happened. Grandpa came running outside to see what the commotion was about. He caught a glimpse of Yami's retreating back before he noticed Yugi and Aziza sprawled out on the ground. "Yugi! Aziza! Are you two okay? What happened?"
"We're fine Grandpa, but Yami's not. Something is seriously wrong. One minute he was talking to us and then the next he was screaming his head off," Yugi told him as he shakingly got to his feet.
"It sounded like he was having some kind of fit. By the way his heart was racing I bet his skin changed color and his insides felt like they were being torn apart. We need to go talk Mom and see if she knows what he meant by 'Darklight'. Come on Yugi haul that butt of yours!" Aziza ordered as they took of down the street towards her home.
When they reached the gallery they nearly pulled the door of its hinges as they raced inside. They found Samira having tea with Mahad, his family, and Seto. Samir came in from the kitchen carrying a tray of cookies. He noticed the two teens right away. "Aziza, Yugi, what's the matter? Why are you two out of breath and where's Yami?"
"Something… gasp…happened…gasp… to Yami! We were talking and then all of sudden he started having some kind of attack. His skin changed color, he screamed in excruciating pain, and everything around us descends into chaos. He took off running and we don't where he is," Yugi gasped quickly gulping down some tea.
"Those symptoms sound familiar. Tell me child did Yami say anything before he took off?" Isis asked concerned. Her Necklace hadn't warned her of any danger and if the Prince was in trouble the hopes of all Xanduaions could be in jeopardy.
"He only said one word. It sounded like 'Darklight'. Okay why did everyone's heart start doing the fifty meter dash? Is my brother in danger or something? Mom please what's going on?" Aziza demanded.
Samira had nearly fainted upon hearing the word Darklight. Mahad and Isis guided her to the sofa. "Not again, please not again. Mahad, Isis, please you must find him before the full effects of the Vixens drug destroy him!"
"We will your Majesty, don't you worry. No harm shall come to Prince Atem. Isis, I need you and Mana to go the center of the town and perform a glamour before anyone notices what's going on. Samir, Aziza call up all your friends and start a dragnet search for the Prince. Tell them to approach with extreme caution. Seto and I will join them," Mahad commanded.
"No, I need Seto for a special mission. Nephew, please go to the Harmony Bridge and ask for Shimon. Give him the message 'Angel of Dreams needs his assistance. The Darklight has returned. That it's eclipsing Little Angel Heart and I need the Acornia Stone right away'. Go as fast as the winds permit time is off the essences," Samira instructed.
"Don't worry Aunt Samira, I won't let Atem down. You can count on me!" Seto told her before taking off.
"We best be going to. Who knows what damage has already been caused by those horrible Vixens?" Isis said.
"Yeah those ladies are going to pay with messing with Atem. You can count on me!" Mana told the Queen before the two ladies left.
"Don't worry love I'm sure that everything will work out. Aziza come into the kitchen and help me with those phone calls will you?" Samir asked. He glanced at his wife knowing that she was very frightened.
"Sure thing Dad, no one messes with my brother without getting beat up!" Aziza replied as they entered the kitchen leaving Yugi alone to comfort Samira. As much as he wanted to go and look for Yami he needed some answers first.
"Mrs. Keeper?"
"Please call me Samira Yugi."
"Okay Samira, I know this isn't the best time, but I have some questions. Questions that I think you have the answer to. Like why did you call Yami "Atem" and what this Darklight thing is? Why did Mahad call you Queen, and so many other questions? Please just answer what you can right now."
"I'll try Yugi, but it's a long complicate story and Yami should be the one telling it not me. Still I guess I can give you the cliff note version. First off Atem is Yami's real name that his sire branded him with. I've always called him Yami. His full name is Prince Atem of Xanadu, son of King Aknamkanon and Queen Samira. Heir to throne of Xanadu as well as the ancient relic known as the Heart of Xanadu."
"WHAT! Yami is a prince of a small country and he never told me! Well I guess that explains why he didn't know much when I first met him. If your home country is so isolated it's not a surprise that the citizens don't know much about the real world. So are Mahad and the others royalty to?"
"They're members of my ex-husbands court. You see Yugi my home country is not the paradise it's named after. It's more like a prison where the people are abused and taken advantage of by the ones in power. Aknamkanon is cruel and merciless. He beats Yami so that he can control him. Yugi, when Yami turns eighteen he automatically ascends the throne and gains control over the Heart of Xanadu. With the Heart, Yami could finally free our people from their prison and Aknamkanon won't allow that. That's why after he sent Mahad and friends after Yami he sent his elite task force known as the Vixens to bring my son back before he turns eighteen. If he can manage to break Yami's spirit and force him to wed, Aknamkanon won't have to give up his power."
"Why didn't you guys escape before it got this bad and what does this have to do with the Darklight thing Yami mentioned?"
"You have to understand that Xanadu is nearly impossible to escape. The defenses protecting it make it difficult to leave. Many have tried to use the power of their relics to disrupt the Heart's power, but have failed. I barely escaped with my life, but in the process I lost Yami. I want to show you something because it ties into your question about the Darklight ritual. Follow me," Samira instructed getting up and heading over to her safe. Yugi followed wondering what she wanted to show him.
From the safe Samira removed a dazzling golden Egyptian style crown with the same eye symbol on it that was on all the Items Yami's people had. "This is the Millennium Crown and my relic. Every Xanduaions has one. They have certain attributes that help us in our country. Normally they protect us, however evil relics such as the Darklight Items cause pain. I should know the last one destroyed my mother."
"You mean that your mother lost her mind? Those Vixens are using a weapon that can transmit pain to others over a distance? I guess when it's at full power it creates destruction in its wake. What's going to happen to Yami if we can't stop this Darklight item? Isn't there someway to block its effects?" Yugi demanded.
"No, the item is specifically tuned into Yami's DNA. It will harm no other. The only way to counter its effect is with the item I request Seto to retrieve. Until he returns with it I need you and Aziza to join the search for him. If you find Yami, hopefully the two of you can reach him and keep him sane long enough for the Acornia Stone's healing powers. Please be careful Yugi. Yami will attack anyone who gets to close and while's under attack his Puzzle will lash out against anyone it perceives as a threat."
"I will Samira, don't you worry. Aziza you finished with the phone calls?" Yugi asked as Aziza and Samir joined them.
"I called everyone and they've started scouring the city. I told them to check Yami's haunts and few places that he doesn't normally go incase in his crazed state he doesn't know where he is. Come on let's get a move on before the trail gets cold," Aziza said as the two teens ran out the house looking for the friend.
They had people looking all over the whole city, but they weren't having any luck so far. They'd broken off in groups and were keeping in contact with their cell phones. Even surprisingly Kaibutt was using his company satellites to try and find Yami! But they couldn't find him anywhere.
"Any news to report?" asked Yugi franticly as he paused for moment to answer his phone.
"Negative, Yugi. My family and I have combed every inch of the docks. He not here at all, I'm afraid, sorry. We looked in every warehouse and turned up zilch. We'll keep looking though," Marik giving his update.
"Serenity says he not at the hospital either nor is he at the dance studio. We've eliminated just about all the place he's ever been too! We're running out of places to look!" Aziza reported sadly.
"Yeah according to Kaiba's text that I got five minutes ago his satellites haven't found him either. Aziza what are we going to do? If this Darklight can drive Yami insane and make him a prisoner in his own body forever what hope is there? I can't lose him I just can't! Not now! Not ever!" Yugi spoke in a heartbreaking tone.
For once Aziza didn't know what too say. She wished she knew what to do. She was more worried about Yami's inability to control his magic. She had learned enough from her brother with his birthday so close his powers were very powerful at the same time unpredictable. If he didn't have the nessercary self control to keep it in check he risked killing his adoptive world without even knowing that he did!
That is why Isis and Mana now were climbing a billion flights of stairs. They had reached the building that was in the heart of the city. They knew what they had to do. The question was would they be able to pull it off and not kill themselves? They reached the top of the building and then began to try and remove the harnesses that kept their wings restrained. They shouldn't be able to remove them without their 'King' say-so. Yet they managed to rip them off because the love that they had for Yami was more powerful then the spell.
"You ready my daughter?" asked Isis as she resumed her Xanadu form as did Mana. The look in her daughter eyes told her that she was more then ready. Mana was no longer a klutzy scared little child. She was now a strong minded and compassionate young woman who does everything she could to help someone she loved.
"Mama I can do this don't worry about me. I'm a full fledged magician! Let's do this. This is for Xanadu, the Prince, and in the name of freedom!" she declared as she and her mom concentrated.
They slowly ascended into the skies in a shimmering aura of great magic. Between them was a golden sphere of magic. When they where high in the sky they released the magic and began the glamour spell. This would allow them to shield from non-divine eyes what was going on due to Yami's magic. It also at the same time would minimize it to a certain extent. This excessive amount of magic could easily force them into a comatose state or worse. Yet they weren't thinking of themselves only of Yami who need them right now.
Seto had also out the love for his people and cousin resumed his true form. The harness lay in ashes as he quickly flew faster then the comet stallions to the Harmony Bridge. He was greeted by one of the Celestial Sirens, the bird from Yami's dream. He gave the bird the parchment with the message and it took off to make the rest of the trek to Xanadu. There was nothing more to do than wait for a response.
Shimon was out in the garden by the Hope Tree. He seemed lost in a world of his own. He was greatly surprised when the Siren swooped in on him and gave him the parchment. He quickly read the elegant handwriting and his heart would've stopped if it could. His kind face now resembled how Samira was. He had for a moment a look of pure hatred that never had been on his face before. He then burned the note and flew faster then light to get the Acornia Stone.
He took a secret passage into the Archives not wanting to catch the attention of the Tyrant, Cyclops or Bitch. He quickly entered the Archives and went just to the spot where a safe similar to Samira's was. He opened it and quickly retrieved a golden box with a pegacorn carved on the lid. He only paused long enough to realize that the black box that contained the Black Card was missing. That was a seriously bad omen. Still saving the Prince from the fate that now trying to claim him was more important. He knew all too well what that fate was and he wouldn't let it happen ever again!
He gave the box to the Siren who flew faster then light back to Seto. Seto graciously thanked the bird and flew back to Earth. He telepathically called Mahad who report in a frustrated tone that they still hadn't located the Prince and they need to hurry! They were at their wits ends. They looked everywhere they could possible think Yami be and he wasn't! Time was quickly running out.
"C'mon there got to be someplace we've not looked! I mean guys c'mon! Think!" Yugi cried out in a fury that no one thought he was capable of. Even though everyone was talking on a cell phone they'll found it hard to image Yugi in this state. He just had such a great gift now this had to happen!
"I don't know Yugi. We've looked everywhere. I mean even Kaibutt is stumped. I don't know where else too look!" Joey said over his Flame Swordsman phone as he got off his six subway train.
"Yeah, man I don't know where else to look. Sorry dude," Tristan commented in defeat. "You think one drug crazed teenager running around screaming would be easy to find. So far it's like we've been searching for a needle in a haystack."
"We have to think about this. He's got to be in a place that feels safe and not where we expect to look," Tea reported from her phone.
"Safe and unexpected? I got it! I know where he is! Call Mahad and tell him to meet Aziza and me at Doom Alley ASAP!" Yugi instructed him as they took off running to the alley where Yami had first stepped onto this Earth.
"What… gasp… makes… you think… gasp… he'll be there?" Aziza panted as they ran. The normally fit teenager was exhausted. They had been searching for hours and all this running was wearing out her body fast.
"Think about it Aziza! No one goes near Doom Alley even after Yami made it safe! In his fractured state of mind it's the only logical place for him to go! I can only hope we find him before those Vixens cart him back home!" Yugi shouted as they raced across busy streets and darted in and out among people walking down the streets. He was so concerned for Yami's safety he didn't watch where he was going and tripped over something on the sidewalk. Down he went falling face first on the hard concrete.
"You okay Yugi? You didn't break anything did you?" Aziza asked helping him to his feet. She brushed him off and felt blood oozing from a huge cut on his palm. "Give me your hand. We have to clean this off before it gets infected. Good thing I carry a first aid kit in my backpack," she said as they sat down on a bench. However before she could get the kit out sparks emanated from her hand and healed the cut. "Okay what just happened?"
"Aziza, you want to tell me how you just magically healed my hand?" Yugi asked in a strangely tight voice. People arriving from unheard of countries, strange items that could hurt a person from far away, and now magical powers from his best friend. What next?
"I don't know Yugi I really don't. Hey what's that in your other hand? An I-pod? Is this what you trip ove…gasp!" Aziza started to say before a vision filled her mind's eye. In her mind she could actually see the dark alleyway. Garbage was strewn about and on all the walls was a strange green star like symbol with the word Oricaclious was sprayed on the walls. She let out a shriek as she felt another jolt of pain ravage her body. Gasping loudly she snapped out of the trance. "Your right Yugi, Yami is in Doom Alley and he's in deep trouble. I saw it!"
"You saw it? How could you see anything when you're blind unless you're clairvoyant or something?"
"Well most of my life I've been clairaudient. I hear the echoes of what once was. Not to mention I've always been sort of empathic and those strange healing abilities are a sure sign something crazy is up. You know I'm wondering if any of this has to do with the story of the Oracle of Xanadu my mothers told me. In the story, the Oracle has tremendous powers and one of its greatest responsibilities is to protect the mystical Hearts of the infinite worlds. Since my brother is supposed to receive the Heart of Xanadu, he must be a mystical heart. I bet I'm supposed to protect him! Well why are we just sitting here let's go find him and see if my new powers can heal him," Aziza called out as she took off once more with renewed energy.
While Aziza had figure out her part in this story, Yugi was still oblivious to the part he was to play in this story, however he was soon going to find out what his part was. They reached the Alley and the indeed found Yami in a fetal position in the exact spot where he first came to Earth. He was a mess! Half naked and screaming like a banshee with this look on his face that you never forget ever. The puzzle around his neck was glowing so brightly it nearly blinded them. It looked like he had left a path of destruction in his wake in his demented state of mind.
"Yami! It's me, Yugi! C'mon let me help! Please!" he said as he slowly approached the young prince. Aziza shouted a warning, but he didn't listen to her. The closer he got the more some unseen force was trying to keep him away from his true love. When he was only two feet from Yugi a powerful burst of energy shot out and sent him flying 20 feet in the air!
"Yugi!" cried Aziza who heard him go up and now about to become a pancake. However Yugi didn't even fall rather he simply flouted back to the ground below. He was now glowing with a divine aura of his own! He didn't even seem to notice it as he again tried to reach Yami and whatever hell was thrown in his way he counter with his own magical attack. Aziza then began to assist in any manner she could with her own new powers.
They both after five failed attempts managed to reach him and hold onto him. Despite the pain that shot through their bodies they refused to let go. "Yami, hold on just a bit longer! Mahad will arrive soon and then we can get the cure. Once that done then the Darklight Item will stop hurting you!" Aziza shouted as he sent another blast of energy at them.
"Get away from me you Vixens! I won't let you hurt my friends! Ah make it stop, make it stop!" Yami shrieked as he started jerking about. He banged his head into the wall leaving a sizeable dent, but still the pain raked through his body.
"Don't give up this fight Yami! I know the pain is nearly unbearable, but you have to find the strength to go on. All your friends and family are always here for you. Not to mention me! I'm always with you no matter what you're going through. I promise I will never leave you!" Yugi told him as he squeezed Yami's hand tightly.
Mahad had just arrived and was completely lost for words. It's not everyday when one is allowed to be in the presences of two Hearts or the mortal incarnation of the Oracle! Still he managed to knock out the prince and they carried him back to his mother who was waiting with Seto. She had just finished informing him what he had to do. "Thank goodness you found him. Please we must hurry there isn't much time left!"
They laid Yami out on his mother's bed, than told Aziza and Yugi each to lie on one side of him and to take his hands. They did as they were told and Seto then produce both his Rod and the Acornia Stone. The Stone was a golden crystal shaped in a trapezoid shape with a glowing feather inside it. He released the stone, which hovered over the youths and then spoke an ancient incantation and the crystal released its energy combined with the Rod's power was amplified as both Yugi and Aziza fell lifeless.
Samir came in with Solomon at his heels. Shortly afterwards the rest of Yami's friends entered the room and gasped at what they saw. Samir and Solomon both looked at their loved ones for a moment and then demanded what the hell was going on! None of the children appeared to moving or breathing for that matter. They wanted to understand what was going on!
"Solomon and my beloved husband Samir right now both Yugi and Aziza are now inside Yami's soul trying to rid him of the Darklight eclipsing the light of his heart. It's a rare form of hypnosis. We in a sense have forced a conjuring dream. They are all in Yami's dreams and they must help him defeat the demons threaten to kill him from within and quickly or we'll lose him the same way I lost my mother, Solmina."
Huge tears fell from her beautiful teal at that memory. How she woke up just before her 18th birthday and found her mother in this state. It had been punishment for not obeying the laws of marriage and refusing to fork over her daughter to the heir apparent. Her father all but died and was forced to put his beloved wife in a dream gemstone casket and send her to drift endlessly through space. She wasn't really dead more like a living dead still it was the most peaceful solution they could come up with. She wouldn't let the fate of her mother befall her son as well.
All in the room now fell to their knees and began to pray. Even as all the people who'd been looking for Yami came in and fell into prayer. Even Kaibutt surprisingly made the cross across his chest and began to pray for a miracle. No one wanted Yami to die.
Meanwhile both Yugi and Aziza were now descending into the world that was Yami's inner self. They had to first defeat the demon in his Mind, then Body, then Spirit and rescue his soul from the Shadow that wish to take it their realm where it be trapped forever!
They had arrived in a labyrinth that made up Yami's mind. They just knew that only one door led to their next location, but they also knew that one of the Vixens dwelled here and she won't let them ruin their plans. So they had to defeat her first then they could go on saving Yami! "Ready to go on?" Aziza asked.
"Yeah, but how do we find the right door that will lead us to Yami's Mind?" Yugi questioned.
"We trust in our powers as well as our hearts. Focus your powers and combine it with mine. Hopefully we can create a guide in this crazy labyrinth," Aziza suggested as they followed her plan. With in seconds a glowing ball of light started guiding them through the maze until they came to a door.
They opened it and Yugi was shocked and Aziza hearing told her there was a young female standing before them and what they desired. The room was a huge room with two doors. The one they came in vanished behind them make the gold door the only way out. With disbelief written on their face they turned to face the girl once more ready to fight her if she prevent them from rushing to Yami's rescue.
"Hello, Mortals. Are you two prepared to face your doom? The only way I, Oba, will allow you out is if you beat me in a Duel," the youngest Vixen said as she flicked her hair. Clearly she didn't see them as much as threat.
"A duel, you're joking right? Do you know who you're talking to lady? That boy is the King of Games! Not mention I'm the Champion of the Handicapped Division!" Aziza proclaimed proudly. However Yugi being able to see could see Oba was talking about something slightly different in mind.
'A Duel with silly playing cards would be a waste of my time and energy. No we're doing a Duel the way we do it back home in Xanadu! We're doing a Millennium Duel so Little Yugi Moto you ready to die? Because this is one Duel you can't win!" Oba said as the diamond under right eye lit up red as blood and she began to glow. She then viciously attacked him with her magic. A huge burst of power leapt from her hands and hit Yugi straight on.
"Ahh!" screamed Yugi as he flung into the wall. He crumbled to the ground unable to move.
"YUGI!" cried Aziza as she rushed to his side. He was still breathing and she didn't think anything was broken.
Laughing at the pain with great pleasure was Oba. "In this Duel we duke it out with our magic. This is a fight to the finish whoever has the strongest magic wins. However since no human has magic I'll win this fight quickly and Prince Atem will fall. As a bonus sense your souls are inside his you both will die! Then I and my sister can have Cole/Balthazar all to ourselves till kingdom come!"
While she was busy shooting her mouth off Yugi got his second wind and hit her with a burst of unbelievable magic! "Wrong! This duel just got started and it won't end till the last move is made! And for the record his name is Prince Yami!" he declared. He just trusted his heart like he did with his cards. A faint golden aura surrounded him increasing his powers exponentially.
"What in the name of Xanadu is going on? Humans don't have magical powers!" Oba exclaimed as she started to back away.
"You might want to rethink that. Dark Magic Attack!" Yugi said as his collected powers struck Oba. The Vixen screamed as the powerful attack forced her out of the Prince's Mind all together. The teenager powered down and exited through the door that that magically appeared. They had freed his Mind and were moving onto his Body.
The door opened up to a desert of sorts. How was this a representation of Yami's body they wonder? Both the Heart of Earth and the Oracle continue to walk through the ruins of the barren wasteland till they came to an oasis where Pomona was finishing her death apple. "I don't know how you defeated Oba, but let me assure you cripple you won't defeat me. I'm twice as powerful as my sister. See if you can handle this!" she said snapping her fingers.
The sky became dark and lighting and heavy rain started to fall. Out of nowhere a huge sandstorm with lighting streaked across the desert straight at Aziza. Aziza stood her ground and with a snap of her fingers sent it right back at Pomona forcing the Vixen to ground. "Cute kid really cute, but not enough. You think that you can really beat me with that?"
"No, I plan to drag you out!" Aziza shouted transforming into a cheetah right in front of their eyes. With a huge growl she pounced on Pomona and with a swipe of her claws she was gone. Turning back human Aziza turned to her companion. "Come on we've freed his Mind and Body. Now we have to do the same for his Spirit," she told them as they went through another door to Yami's Spirit where the last Vixen awaited them.
Now they found themselves flouting in the rainbow heavens from Yugi's dreams. Now they had to face Shakti and she was the worst of the Vixens. She stood in front them emanating dark power. The way she was sneering told them she felt that victory was already hers. "I'm impressed that a runt of a mortal and defective being made it this far. But no duel will be fought here. You must beat me in a race and I've never lost one yet. My chariot was crafted for me by Zork himself and it shall not fail me. I fail to see how the one made by that putrid Halakti is going to help you. These chariots are powered by our magic. Seeing how much you fools have wasted from your Duels with my sisters you won't even have enough to get two feet let alone to the gateway to the soul. So say good bye to Atem and yourself. Because with you both inside him you go with him!" she chortled at the same time as her dark chariot zoomed from the starting gate.
Neither Yugi nor Aziza gave into the illusion of hopelessness that the Vixens were trying to weave into their minds. They wouldn't ever give up ever! They could hear the prayers of their loved ones and they knew in their hearts that they could save Yami. Calling forth the power of all who loved Yami they jumped into the chariot and raced her.
It was a close race and Shakti kept trying to run them over. At the final moment they pulled out a win forcing the final Vixen to leave and free Yami's Spirit. As they disembarked from the chariot they spied the final door, the one that would lead them to Yami. Racing over they tried to open it.
They were having a hard time getting the door shaped like his Puzzle open. As they kept struggling in vain they heard the Vixens haunted laugh taunting them. They continued to belittle their efforts to save the doomed Prince even though they were expelled from his body. When they managed to get the door open the Vixens followed only wishing to see their faces when they failed.
All this time Yami soul self had been imprisoned in the most evil fashions. His soul was stripped of his clothing; his wings were nothing but bloody stumps with blood staining his whole body. The pale hands of death bound him tight to the black crystal cross that was slowly sinking into the bloody abyss of shadows. The light from his puzzle had all but faded.
"YAMI!" as they both tried in vain to stop the cross from sinking any further into the Shadow Realm. They held back the screams as the deadly shadow magic was now coursing through their bodies. As humans they be killed almost instantly but they wouldn't leave to save themselves. The mark of friendship burned brightly on their hands as they struggled to undo the binds and free the Prince.
The Vixen were growing impatient for their prize. So then they used the last of their power to strike them with the power of an Atom Bomb! Laughing the whole way as all three souls descended into the Shadow Realm! At last they had won!
"YES! WE DID IT! WE DID IT! WE DID IT! WE HUH?" the sisters cried as they perform their victory dance. It was cut shot as a strange golden light shot out of the Gateway to the Shadow Realm blinding them. When they could see again what they saw shocked them. Three winged beings flew out of the abyss and stared at them. Yami now looked like he was a Pharaoh only with rainbow wings. Yugi looked like a smaller version of him and Aziza looked like the Oracle of the Heart!
"HOW DARE YOU THREE HURT ME LIKE THAT? YOU HAD THE ADUCITY TO TRY AND DAMN MY SOUL TO THE SHADOWS REALM. NO MERCY WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU WHEN WE MEET THE NEXT TIME. FOR NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY SOUL!" Yami bellowed at them as the three of the joined their powers and sent the last remaining essence of those bitches packing.
At Eden the Darklight Item exploded into a billon piece and sent them flying. All of them lost for words. How was this possible, what power could possible exist that was stronger then the magic of the Darklight? That how were they supposed to tell the King and still somehow get their reward? This was one conversation they didn't want to have. The only hope for them was if their Mistress, the Cyclops, and the King had a Plan B.
All three teenagers woke up and soon fell into their loved ones embrace. Samira was crying the hardest. Soon everyone was talking and laughing pleased that Yami was going to be okay. He would have to rest for a few days to completely recover his strength, but he should be better by the time his birthday arrived. Still Samira feared they hadn't heard the last of her ex-husband yet.