"Two Hearts, One Song"
"This is the second to last chapter folks. There is one more story chapter then I'm going to write an author note to explain everything about this story we'll love so much. So if you got any questions send by PM and I'll answer them! Now let's begin!"
Though they had left Earth quickly as possible, the rest of trek back to Xanadu was very slow. King Aknamkanon wanted to break Atem as much as possible so when he'd challenged him to the Millennium Duel he would be at his weakest. He knew by his son's actions there could be no other outcome from this little stunt of his.
It had become very obvious that Atem was far to contaminated by poisonous lies that had snatched his beautiful Samira away from him. Atem was still being influenced by them as he was no longer wearing his splendid prince clothes which had transformed back to the filthy Earth rags after he calmed down from his tantrum. Those MONSTERS had now completely brainwashed, rinsed and dried him so bad, that his offspring was now of little use to him. That had become perfectly clear when he destroyed the Darklight Item. He refused to let the fucking youth steal his power away! Aknamkanon had along with all loyal to the memory of their world won't let this boy foil a lifetime of planning with his foolishness!
So when it became obvious that all attempts to bring back his offspring before the deadline so he'd be decontaminated would fail, they'd used their last resort to solve their problems, the evil Black Card. During Atem's little play date with the Vixens keeping an eye on him and his two cursed little playmates, he along with all those loyal to the real Xanadu had executed their final plan. They'd had finished using The Black Card in the Starlight Tower just before the sunset. Then the three of them just left for Earth to retrieve the traitors and the final piece of the puzzle.
He yanked harder on his disobedient offspring chain that was chocking him so bad. The Shadow Manacles dug deeper into his flawless skin, yet though he was still shedding tears he wasn't bleeding. Atem looked sadly back at Earth with his beautiful amethyst eyes full of tears and pain. Atem's mind was full of thoughts of hopelessness, which now was pouring throughout the rest of his body. It was as if the song "End of all Hope," by Nightwish was now his heart's song for the song that Yugi had bestowed him was all but lost to him now. Never in his life had he felt this low.
They finally reached Xanadu and the minute his feet touched that cursed beautified hell golden streets, Yami ceased to exist and he was once more Atem or was he? He didn't get much of chance to think about it as he watched in silent horror as his father barked a great deal of orders out. What he said chilled him to the bone.
"Camille! Go and get your daughter ready for tomorrow's wedding, will you? It will happen at dawn as planned! Send your husband and few others to get the chapel ready while you're at?"
With a murderous sneer on her demonic face she replied, "It will be my pleasure oh great King Aknamkanon. Seraphim must be done doing all the housework by now. Don't worry my Serafina will be perfect for her wedding tomorrow! See you later!" Camille said laughing wickedly as she flew off.
"My beloved brother, please take these traitors and attempt to remove if at all possible the filthy humans lies that infected their minds will you? Don't go easy on them at all. Give them all your utmost attention while you use your powers to purge their minds. I don't want any human ideals lingering in their heads."
"My pleasure brother, you won't be disappointed! C'mon all of you! Let's get a move on! Seto I can't believe you would think of dishonoring me in such a shameful manner! Have you no pride in your wonderful heritage?!" he demanded furiously as he kicked his own son hard in the back. Seto glared at him hatefully. He chanced a glance at his cousin praying that he wasn't completely broken inside. If he was all their hopes and dreams were for nothing.
"Now you will follow me, son. I think your way overdo for your punishment for your childish actions!" Aknamkanon said in the most threatening of voice. He started back to Atem's room dragging the poor boy when the Vixens intercepted him. He looked at them annoyed. "What do you three want?" he barked at them.
"We cannot permit you to go one step further, King Aknamkanon," they said in one voice as he burned a look that only could have been seen in the Ghost Rider movie at them. However, the Vixens had no souls to burn anymore then the Devil's Son did. They held their ground and demanded loudly, "We want our reward now just like you promised. Admit it without our help your little offspring would still be running rampant. We softened him up enough to be captured. So give us our cocaine already!" they growled at him.
He held out his left hand and a large shadow flame erupted from it. When the inferno at last died away standing before them was Cole Turner/Balthazar in sleek skintight black leather. The Vixens squealed loudly enough to break glass as they made their own shadow chain and dragged the bewildered man away. The sounds of a cat fight were soon heard ringing out from who got to sleep with him first! Shaking his head at the Vixens foolishness the King of Xanadu continued until he reached his desired location.
Atem looked up dejectedly as the doors to his room or cell were opened up and they entered the room. The glass from his skylight hadn't been cleaned up although bars had been installed in the window to keep him locked inside and it was a generally mess. It had been virtually left untouched since the last time he had been in here. His father then picked him up and swung him on the chain around very rapidly. Atem was then slammed into everything in his room that could cause the most pain. The walls, the bed, the balcony rail and finally dragged through the shards of glass on the floor!
Aknamkanon then threw him on his bed hard enough to give him a concussion. "Now I'm leaving to attend to some matters of business. You're to get ready for your wedding tomorrow starting by discarding those filthy humans' rags and changing into the proper attire I left on your bed. Don't try to leave this room, I've got guards posted everywhere and I'll destroy the Earth and its entire people if you don't keep your word. Now prepare for your wedding!" Aknamkanon shouted at him as he slammed the door shut leaving Atem crying tearfully on his bed.
"I'm all alone, there's no way out of this. Everyone is going to suffer because of my selfishness. If only I hadn't run away then my friends on the Court wouldn't about to be getting a lobotomy, the citizens wouldn't have their hopes crushed, and my friends on Earth wouldn't have nearly died! What was I thinking putting Yugi in such danger? If anything happened to him I wouldn't be able to forgive myself! Some hero of destiny I turned out to be. I can't even save myself and now I've doomed not one, but two worlds! Oh Mom, Yugi, Aziza I wish you were here," Atem sobbed. He was so confused he didn't know what to think. Almost automatically he stripped off his human clothes and wrapped himself up in his princely attire. He looked at himself in his full length mirror gazing at his reflection. "If there was ever a time I needed a miracle, now is it the time," he whispered.
He went back to his bed and continued to sob. His mind was full of images of his aibou, sister, mother, and his friends. He relived all the memories of his time on Earth. Both the good and bad made him swell with pride before he remembered his great sacrifice for them. While he knew he'd done what was right and saved them it seemed he'd only delayed the inevitable. He suddenly felt something lightly nip at his neck. He reached into his shirt and pulled out Faith's Guardian Angel Pendent. Like the Puzzle he'd worn it so long now he forgot at times it was around his neck even.
As held the precious angel in his palms, he remembered Faith's words. That God always helped those in need. He was in each soul the source of hope and he'd help him if he asked for it and meant it. Atem struggled to pull himself together to remember the pray of help from the pray book she left him. He then got in a kneeling position and prayed in a broken voice, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46.1"
"Father, You are here with me in my time of need. I choose to place my trust in You. You are my safe Place, My Refuge from the storms of life. You are here with me now. I can rest safely in Your love, believing that You will act on my behalf. You make a way where there is no way. You are my Strength. I hold onto Your promises and claim them by faith. You do no leave me alone in my trouble – You rescue me. Amen"
Taking a deep breath after reciting the prayer from the book he said his own. "Dear God of Earth. I know I'm not one of your children yet I'm in desperate need of your help. Please I beg you Spirit of everlasting hope and faith. Please send me someone to help me do the miracle expected of me. Please send me someone to aid me, I beg you," the winged prince of Xanadu begged to the heavens outside his prison cell.
For a few moments nothing happened, and Atem fell further into a never ending cycle of despair as he buried himself in his pillows. Then the room was full of soft gold light and the sound of silver bells filled the room, but he failed to notice as he continued to cry. Atem still didn't look up till he felt someone rubbing his back and singing a tune he vaguely recalled. Slowly he looked up and gasped!
Sitting at the edge of his bed was Faith! She looked different then when he last saw her on her deathbed. She was dressed in a very nice cranberry jumper and hoodie and around her neck was a silver bell. "Hello Yami. How have you been my friend?"
"Faith! Am I dreaming or are you a hallucination?"
"Are you so shocked that the Almighty Father, the Creator of Earth wouldn't send an angel to answer your prayers?" Faith asked him giggling a bit at the surprised expression on his face.
"You're a real angel? Wow, well I guess it is a surprise seeing as how I'm not from Earth and well I guess a part of me didn't really believe that God cared enough to listen to me, after all I was so faithful and this is how he rewarded me? Having my dreams dashed and destroying my one chance at happiness. Why would God do that to me," Atem snapped at Faith.
Faith didn't even flinch. Instead she stood up and looked at him. "I want you to listen to me closely young Prince. I may be new at this angel counseling business, but that doesn't mean I'm not the right angel for the job. Now don't interrupt because I got a message from God that you need to hear understand?"
"Crystal clear, but I don't see how it's going to fix my situation."
"Yami, do you really have so little faith in God that you think he'd abandon you? That couldn't be further from the truth. God loves you so much Yami and he has always had. From the moment of your conception God had a purpose for you. The trials and hardships you have endured were not God's doing. God doesn't create abusers or liars. He doesn't damm his children by separating you from your mother. God wants to be there to help you when you're on the floor broken and crying your heart out. God answered your prayers once by giving you the strength to leave this hell and find happiness, friendship, and even love on Earth. Throughout your time on Earth God's grace opened your heart up and by accepting him you were able to grow into a noble and handsome young man you were meant to be," Faith told him as she glowed from God's love.
"If God was protecting me then why have I lost everything? Why I am once again trapped here while my friends and family are suffering. If God created me for the sole purpose to free my people why am I being condemned?" Atem argued back at her.
"God can't live your life for you Yami and he can't make choices for you. You chose to come back here to save the lives of the people who cared about you. You knew that by returning here you would face terrible hardships yet you trusted in God enough to know that He wouldn't give you more then you could handle. We all lose faith in God one time or another especially when it seems he has forgotten us, but he never will. If you're willing to put your faith and trust in Him, God's love will help you find the strength to overcome any obstacle and fulfill the purpose both your Oracle and my God created you for. Will you trust Him now Yami to pick you up and accept his love?" Faith asked holding out her hands.
"Yes, I will trust God. Thank you for reminding me of my faith. I missed you Faith," Atem said accepting her hands and feeling God's loving presence engulf him and erase all his doubts and fears.
"I know you do Yami and I'm glad I could help. Now I must go my young friend. My new friends and I must do a lot more work before we become full fledge angels."
"Friends? You've friends? What are their names? What is Heaven like anyway? Are you happy? I've been wondering that since you died in my arms," Atem confessed to Faith as she smiled at him.
"My friend's names are Hannah Gobrightly and her friend Figgian Firewings. We along with our Ark Angels or animal angels Ruby a puppy and Sputters a kitten are training to be real Angels. Our teacher is a wise man named Gabriel at the moment. So I must really be going, Yami. There are others who need my help right now. Don't worry we shall see each other again one day. Good byes Prince Yami never forget that God loves you," Faith whispered as she vanished from sight leaving Atem feeling happier then he'd felt in hours.
"Thank you Faith for reminding me to never forget what I believe in. I can't give up hope just yet. I know my friends will help me out no matter what the outcome. I have to keep believing they'll be able to pull off a miracle," Atem whispered as he sat back on his bed counting the hours until he would by tying the knot to Serafina.
Meanwhile on Earth Yugi along with everyone were trying to figure out how to save Yami from his abusive father and the forces of evil. Yugi was very drained from teleporting so many people with his new powers. He didn't understand everything about his own magic but he knew one thing for sure. To use them he had to feel something. Emotions were the key to their use and the love he felt right now for Yami was giving him a major power boost! Yet Yugi was very unfamiliar with his abilities and not trained in their proper use yet. He was acting mostly on instinct.
He had barely managed to get everyone to Yami's mother home before he passed out. Aziza also acting on instinct scooped up her friend in her arms and a healing aura began to surround the small boy. They didn't even need to knock. Samira came outside and took one look at their faces and she knew what had happened.
"Come inside quickly! There isn't much time if we our going to save two worlds and this universe from Zork's evil influence!" she said gravely as everyone filled in. Even with the memory transfer they'd received no one full understood what the hell was going on.
"Ok Lady! Start talking and give us the answer straight! Just what the hell is going on? What's with the damn wings, magic and all the rest of the shit from the skies that was rained down on us in the form of the Apocalypse! What is wrong with Yugi and Aziza, what does your son have to do with all this and who is Zork?" Joey yelled loudly before Aziza, who was still healing Yugi, kicked him in the groin to shut him up.
"Joseph, will you please shut up for five minute that annoying trap of yours?! All of you will you please remain quite until my mother explains everything! Because it just got even worse as well as more complicated because that Cyclops and Bitch mention something called the Black Card and I have a bad feeling about it!" Aziza screamed at the top of her voice at everyone was then render quiet.
"Thank you, Basest. That is one way to get everyone to calm down and be quite. Now Samira my love, please, if you can tell them the rest of the story. They all are a part of it now and they have a right to know their parts. It also maybe the only way to save our son," Samir told his wife who was white as a ghost and shaking. He knew that this was a difficult time for her, but she needed to be strong if she wanted save her only son.
"Give me a moment, I'll be right back. I'm going to get something from the safe. We'll need it," as she ran to her studio and soon she returned with the Millennium Crown on her head and a thick sketch pad under her arm. Taking a deep breath she slipped the Millennium Crown on. At once a golden aura surrounded her as her remaining divinity flooded back to her. "I'm going to tell you a story about the beginning of one universe and how its destruction opened the gateway for evil. When I'm done you will understand why all of you play a part in saving this universe. Observe," she said using her magic to bring her sketches to life around them like a 3D movie.
"Thanks to my son you already know the beginning of this tale, but now you will learn the whole story. It has taken many eons to get this close to fulfilling an ancient, but powerful Prophecy. One that once fulfilled will save what good remains of a once great world. I've waited a great deal of time for this day to arrive. Now that it has I won't have it ruined by the same evil that destroyed mine. I won't let another universe fall into the clutches of Zork's influence and lose the two most powerful Hearts ever to the Lord of Darkness! No I will not watch this world with the jewel of life known as Earth die like Xanadu did. Not when a small part can still be saved from damnation!" she told and as each word escaped her glitter magenta lips. The images around them fast word to the present. Samira began to glow brighter and they watched in shock as from her back a pair of beautiful wings regrew and she once more became the Queen of Xanadu!
"You're smoking hot babe!" all the guys except Yugi said at once and the girls hit them all really hard. "FOCUES YOU PERVERT DOLTS!" they snapped as Samira giggled.
"It's alright, let me explain the origin of the Hearts as well as a few other things that play a part in my son's destiny," as she used her reserve magic to show them a huge lovely woman dressed in beautiful gold armor and big blue eyes bathed in this heavenly golden light. She was so beautiful there were no words to describe her as she stole your breath. You just knew she was pure and good.
"This woman is known as Halakti or the Light of Hope. She gave life to the many different universes and became known as the Mother of all Hearts. For you see she was each worlds' mystical source of energy, a Heart. By using the power of her Heart's powers the universal flourished under Halakti's guidance's as a kingdom of good. But one day a being known as Zork came and started trying to corrupt the Hearts turning worlds evil. He was from another universe, one were only evil dwells. His only desire was to consume all the light and makes his Shadow Realm the only universe to exist, which is why he tried to corrupt the Hearts. There was huge war and both sides fought fiercely. Many worlds both good and evil were destroyed and some universes ceased to exist at all. It took all of Halakti's power, but she finally managed to seal him and his evil influences away, but it was at a great cost. No longer could she protect the remaining universes or their worlds from danger and she feared that Zork would return. So she came up with a daring plan to save all she loved from destruction."
"First, she dived up her remaining powers and distributed them to all the different worlds. The powers became each worlds Heart. As long as the Heart remained pure and the light shone bright the world need not fear the Darkness that Zork sent to destroy them," Samira explained to her captivated audience. She smiled at their amazement before continuing with her tale. "Xanadu was one the most thriving and prospering society with one of the two legendary Hearts that were rumored to be more powerful then any other Heart. It seemed that our society was perfect and would remain that way that way forever. Then little by little the people fell victim to Zork's wraths. These wraths poisoned the minds and souls and killed the people hearts. Soon the evils of Shadows that can be found anywhere consumed us and we all but died and Zork would have claimed our Heart as his own. That's if the real Heart of Xanadu had been around at the time, which it wasn't. Only the symbol existed not the true Heart."
"All Hearts have two things in common. 1, they are meant to help their worlds in anyway possible and 2, they all are protected by Halakti's daughter, the Oracle who is known as the Guardian of the Hearts. When my world fell and the Prophecy was revealed it meant that the real Heart of Xanadu wasn't the Crystal, which was just the symbol, it was a person, my future son to be exact! When you combine Yami's power with the Heart of Earth's power, the second legendary power, you've got more power then the Egyptian Gods cards you have."
"Unbelievable, but I still don't get understand something Samira. How can I be the Heart of Earth and Aziza be the mortal incarnation of the Oracle?" Yugi asked confused.
"Yeah and what about that Black Card I mentioned. How does that play into all this?" Aziza demanded.
"Yugi, you are a rare type of human being. You're pure, full of innocence and love. Instead of acting out in anger, fear, and aggression you respond with friendship, compassion, and forgiveness. All of your life you have acted selfless and never once asked for anything in return. These are qualities that Halakti is drawn to so she bestowed her gift upon you. Aziza became the mortal form of her daughter because she also demonstrates similar qualities' and because she had ties to the two Hearts. Didn't you two ever wonder about your gifts before? Aziza your exceptional senses are to superhuman even for one coping with blindness and Yugi, hasn't always felt like someone was aiding you in dueling? Whether you two admit or not you've always been using your magical gifts your whole life. It's only because you met Yami that your true power is coming to show although that might be coming to an end if Aknadin and Camille have their way," Samira said sadly.
"What does this Black Card do exactly? I don't understand how a piece of paper could cause such trouble," Rebecca remarked.
"The Black Card is pure evil, a relic from Zork's time. If it used on the crystal which contains the power of the Heart of Xanadu, it will kill it. The power will cease to exist and my son won't be able to absorb it and defeat his bastard father. That's why we need to act fast before all is lost."
"So what do you have in mind, because in case you didn't notice us none of can fly to your former home and rescue your son," Tristan said.
"Your bodies can't go to Xanadu. It's impossible for mortals to touch it, but your souls can," Samira told them in a sly voice as they looked at her like she lost her mind.
"C'mon again lady? How can our souls get to Xanadu and stop your ex who clearly nothing more then unknowing disciple of Zork's evil from fulfilling his plans for him? How are we gonna stop him from killing Yami and save the whole freaking universe?" Bakura spoke for the first time. Some reason he felt uneasy hearing the name Zork, he didn't know why but it made him think of when he was little and scared the boogie man was going to get him. Wakana squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"If you all would take out the feathers I could explain. Don't look at me that way I know all of you have received feathers from my son," Samira said knowingly as everyone then removed the feathers that had been given to them. They all for some reason couldn't just throw them away. They looked at her wanting an explanation. What could a few stray feathers do?
"You've all received a small amount of Divinity from my son because each of you has given him a piece of humanity. You've all bestowed to him important gifts that he needs to in order to fulfill the Prophecy," she said as she held out her hand and it glowed and she told them exactly what they taught her son.
"Solomon Moto, you gave Yami the gifts of Hard Work and Determination. Joey the gift of Survival, Tristan the gift of Manners, Bakura and Wakana the gift of Nature, Tea the Gift of Dance, Serenity gift of Understanding Death and Grief, Mokuba the gift of Forgiveness, Kaiba the gift of Charity," everyone got a snicker fit of giggles but shut up quickly. "Kisara the gift of Patience, Rebecca the gift of Imagination, Mai the gift of Courage to deal with Fear, Duke the gift of taking a Risk. Yugi you and Aziza have given more then any one can hope to give him. Do you understand now? When you taught Yami a lesson in Humanity he gave you each a piece of his Divinity. We can use that Divinity to help him now. If you all of you are ready that is to face your destiny."
"We're ready! Let's do it!" they all cried in unison. None of them seemed aware of the fact that this was the first time any of them had agreed on one thing without trying to kill one another.
"OK everyone hold your feathers to your heart and think of Yami. Think of him and how he makes you feel then let him become you. Let a part of him become a part of you as you did to him," Samira instructed them as they all thought about Yami and all that he made them feel." Everyone closed their eyes and concentrated on her words. They knew that it was important to cast away any doubts they had and put their faith in the Heart of Xanadu.
Soon all their heart's started beating in tune with the song that Yugi's and Yami's made together and the feathers sank into their skins. Then all of sudden they started to itch all over, really, really bad! Then to everyone's surprise they were lifted into the air and a chrysalis of magic encased them. For a few moments Yugi along with Aziza and her parents stood silently waiting to see what emerged. Then each of the chrysalis' burst open and all of their friends where now Divine Beings! Each had their own unique wings and auras!
"Now you two summon your powers," Samira prodded them gently. "Let go of all the worries and focus only on Yami." Closing their eyes Yugi and Aziza mange to summon their not only their own divinity, but their zenith forms.
"This is way freaky, yet these wings are so pretty!" Tea giggled as she let her butterfly style wings flutter.
"Do not waste your precious magic, child. You will only have this gift of Divinity for one night. After that you'll never have it again. Do you each understand that? You only have enough power to get your souls to Xanadu and then give what remains to Yami who gonna need all he can get to end Aknamkanon's cruelty, furthermore prevent Zork claiming this universe as he did Xanadu," Samira warned them as her teal eyes gazed at the fast approaching dawn. In minutes it would be the Day. Her son 18th birthday and his golden birthday at that! They must work quickly and act now or all was loss for sure!
"Now understand this! We cannot I repeat cannot send your souls to help Yami in Xanadu unless you all are united in perfect harmony, that is where your true power lies. Do you understand unless you act as one and understand your powers we can't unite and help fulfill the Prophecy? So are you ready?" she asked them all seriously. Each of them looked at each other and nodded and to prove that they meant it the friendship mark now was glowing brightly on each and every one of their hands. Seeing that mark appearing on their hands showed the Queen that beyond a doubt that these people could help her in her quest. A quest to save her son and what remained of her world from evil of the shadows that had all but consumed them. It was time.
"Now all of you please lay your hands on my crown and focus. Let your heart sing the Song, the Song of Love and Healing that Yugi's and Yami's hearts beating as one make," as everyone did as she said and they all began to really glow and soon all their hearts did beat as one. "Now all at once say Millennium Magic Soul Release!" she commanded to them. All of them took a deep breath and then screamed to the heavens "MILLENIUM MAGIC SOUL RELEASE!" As all of their bodies now glowed brightly gold and bursting from their bodies were their souls!
Without a second to lose their souls took to the air and began to follow the Queen back to her old prison Xanadu all hoping that it wasn't too late. Samira spoke very softly as they took off like shooting stars back to the one place she swore she never set foot again. "Please let the entire pain end tonight and that my son will be alright. I ask for your help God and yours as well Halakti please help all the dreams come true tonight!"
Meanwhile a great deal had been going on in Xanadu as Yami's friends on Earth unlocked their powers. He had renewed faith since Faith had come and was ready to do everything and anything in his power to help all the lives of his people. So far it hadn't exactly been going his way. He had dressed up like a Pharaoh and allowed himself to be forcefully dragged to the chapel where all of Xanadu was waiting to see him tie the knot with a bigger bimbo then Paris Hilton if that were possible. Serafina was already waiting at the altar wearing clothes as beautiful as ever yet she was just stupid as ever!
"Can we please hurry this up? I've got a manicure appointment in like 10 minutes. Oh what kinda fabric is this? I so don't need another skin complaint if it one of those silly cheap synthetics. What color is this again and does it go with my nail polish?" she whined in chipmunk helium tone of voice. Really how dumb could one person be?
Shadi, who was after all the Spirit of Law and Order, gazed at the ridicules brat in bewilderment. He was of course supposed to forever bind Atem to this thing in marriage. But the very thought appalled him and if he was corporal he'd thrown up at it. This was far to nauseating! But he had no choice in the matter. The King was using the full power of his Staff to control the spirit so he couldn't rebel and save the prince from this unholy matrimony.
The chapel was split down the middle by where ones loyalties resided. All those loyal to the Prince were on the right while all those loyal to the King and his madness were on the left. It was sick to think that the evil corruption that Zork had sent to destroy Xanadu eons ago where still so very much alive. It was unlikely any of the people on the left side realized it, but if you worshiped any form of evil, and have allowed the devil on the left to consume you from within, then you were nothing more the one of Zork soulless as well as heartless wraiths. He owned you if you allowed yourself to become evil. The King truly didn't see his dream to bring about a new Xanadu was nothing more then what Zork wanted him to do his dirty work for him. Yet it was safe to say that the King, his brother and Camille all were very much evil on their own that they didn't require much of Zork's dark influencing helping them.
Atem walked like he was a corpse down the aisle with the Heart of Xanadu banging lightly at his chest. His father had given it to him as the custom demanded. He saw out of the corner of his eye that all the good souls were bound in Shadow Manacles and Crowns. He wanted to rip them off with his bare hands, but he kept going. It seemed as if he had no control over his feet. He reached the Millennium Stone and he felt his insides feel very sick.
As the ceremony began he wasn't paying attention at all. The only thing he was thinking of was what his heart was telling him to do. He could no longer let his fear of his father rule him. He knew what he had to do even if it seemed impossible to do it. When Shadi asked if he take Serafina as his wife forever he screamed loud and clear. "I WON'T! I WON'T MARRY SERAFINA NOT NOW NOT EVER! NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL I'LL MARRY HER!"
A great hush fall upon on the crowd. For a moment no one spoke or moved then Aknamkanon, who despite the fact that he knew this would happen, didn't make him any less angry reacted. He then hit Atem so hard it sent the prince flying all the way to the end of the aisle. As Atem struggled to his feet he noticed everyone's eyes were on his father. Many were shocked and gasping at the strange sight before them. Staining Aknamkanon hand was a bright red liquid.
"What?! What the Hell is this stuff?!" he screamed bewildered as he continued to stare at the red on his hands in horror. The strange substance dripped from his fingers onto the marble floor staining it bright crimson.
"It's called blood and its type O if I'm not mistaking taking into consideration Mom is type O," Atem told him as he slowly got to his feet. His face was covered in blood, but it didn't bother him. He knew he'd at last achieved true humanity. His sire at a loss for words demanded an explanation. In fact everyone both good and evil were wondering what the heck was going on.
"How is it possible for you to bleed?! You're still an Immortal since you haven't clipped your wings! How is it possible you can be Human and an Immortal at once?!" he demanded angrily at his son who was smiling.
"What you failed to realize is what exactly humanity is and what immortally is, you son of a bitch! Humanity isn't about physical appearance. I've seen people who can't walk, have no arms or legs or not all of their organs. MY SISTER IS BLIND! But they aren't any less human! No what humanity and real immortally are is this. To have a real heart that can care more about others and other things then oneself! The ability to LOVE! LOVE IS HUAMINTY AND LOVE IS IMMORTALY YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH AND I LOVE MY PEOPLE AND THE LIVES ON EARTH MORE THEN YOU'LL EVER KNOW! IN THE NAME OF LOVE AND THE FUTURE OF BOTH XANADU AND EARTH I PRINCE YAMI CHALLENGE YOU KING ANKMOMKOAN TO A MILLEINUIM DUEL!"
"If it's a Millennium Duel you want Atem, then it's a Millennium Duel you shall get!" Aknamkanon said in a low and dangerous tone of voice. With a mighty roar he used a huge burst of power to send everyone flying up against the walls clearing the field. Glass shattered and the room shook as Aknamkanon tap into his full power to bring about a shadowy darkness that encompassed the two opponents. "Ready son?"
"It's time to duel!" Yami said taking to the sky quickly followed by his father. The crowd could only peer through the shadowy dome cheering on as the fight of the century begin between father and son.
Each of their Immortal Objects, were glowing intensely as they summoned up all their magic. This was going to be a fight to the finish alright. One thing was clear one person was going to wind up dead after this was over.
Aknamkanon fired the first shot nearly taking Yami's head off, which he counter with some of the dance moves Tea had showed him and fired off some of his power but missed as well. After a few more practice shots both opponents were ready to get the real duel started.
Yami circled behind Aknamkanon and threw an energy ball at him only to have the King use his Staff to deflect the shot. Yami barely had a chance to recover before he was bombarded by a barrage of dark energy blast. He wasn't fast enough at one of the shots grazed his right shoulder opening a new wound.
"Sucks feeling pain doesn't it? At least as true Immortal I'm not distracted by pain and exhaustion!" Aknamkanon snarled as the two opponents got locked into hand to hand combat. Yami landed some good blows and managed to toss Aknamkanon into the wall damaging one of his wings.
"You forget that I have that I'm younger then you! I have way more energy to burn!" Yami yelled releasing more power into his attacks. He used his telekinesis and hurled the alter at his father, but Aknamkanon was prepared and used his superior strength to obliterate the three ton piece of furniture. Yami grumbled, but knew he had to think of something. His ex father was a fully Ascended Divine Being, added to the fact he was a Royal and his Staff was one of the most powerful Items made him a tough opponent.
"Finally realizing that I'm more then a match for you son? Face it Atem your youth may give you an advantage, but you're at a great disadvantage. You're not fully Ascended yet and since my Shadow Manacles drained you of half your power you're fighting at half strength! Your Puzzle is strong, but after that little tantrum you threw I don't' that Item has enough divinity in it to keep you going for long. Oh and don't even think about using the Heart's power because I used the Black Card on it killing it! Face it Atem, your outgunned, out classed, and out of luck!" Aknamkanon informed his shocked son. Not giving Yami a chance to think he hurled a blast of energy straight at Yami.
Yami screamed as the energy wrapped itself around him and began electrocuting him. He couldn't fly and plummeted to the ground creating a massive crater. The Prince struggled to free himself from the prison when Aknamkanon used his power to try a rip his wings off with his telekinesis. When that didn't work he used his elemental attacks ranging from roasting Yami to trying to drown him.
With an explosive force Yami threw off the attacks and countered with his own. He was breathing heavily and it felt like his ankle was broken, but he didn't care. Ignoring the pain he felt he combined wind and earth together to send a massive rock filled tornado at his opponent. He pumped his fist in victory as his attack managed to get through and knock Aknamkanon Staff out of his hand. Quickly pressing his advantage he reached out with his mind and absorbed the cursed Item's power into himself healing his wounds. "Looks like I have the upper hand now don't I?"
"You will pay for your insolence child! Aknadin! Camille! Vixens! Loyal citizens of Xanadu I need your strength! Will me your power now!" Aknamkanon commanded. Everyone hesitated for a moment knowing that if they did as he ordered they lose all their powers for good. Seeing the murderous look on his face they did as he told them.
"We will our power to King Aknamkanon!" the evil loyalist said. The Court watched in horror as literally hundreds of Divine Beings and corrupted Divine Beast fell to the floor unconscious as their precious powers went streaming into the evil King. Aknamkanon laughed hysterically as he grew and grew with the more power he took in. Soon he was the size of an Egyptian God! Yami gazed up at him in disbelief. What was he going to do now?
"Oh my word," whispered Isis.
"Never in all my years did I see such blatant disregard for life," Karim muttered.
"What is the Prince going to do now? With Aknamkanon supercharged there's no way he can beat him now even if he Ascends!" Mana moaned.
"We can't give up hope yet Mana. My cousin is sure to pull something out of his sleeve," Seto told her.
"I don't know about his sleeve, but there is something we can do to even the playing field a bit," Shimon said. Everyone looked at the old man and knew what he meant. Still they ran the risk of losing their lives if they did what he was suggested in their weakened state.
"Before we give away our Divinity how about we get out of these shackles shall we?" Shada said surprising everyone as he stood up with his shackles dangling from his fingertips. As Shadi rushed over to help he had to ask how he had managed to get free. "When you work in the dungeons as long as I do you pick up a few tricks. Now where were we?"
"Listen to me everyone! For far too long we have been imprisoned in this miserable place without any hope of escape. Today our Prince is willing to sacrifice his new found mortality for us! He needs our strength to overcome this darkness. Please lend him all the power you can so he can win this duel and re awaken our Heart's power!" Mahad pleaded to everyone. They all nodded and focused their energies on their beloved Prince giving him all the power they had.
Yami could feel the new power rushing into him like the cool waters of a waterfall cascading down him. The newfound energy was certainly a power boost, but it wasn't enough to overpower his father. Still it was better then nothing. Shouting with the joy of his newfound strength he blocked his father's attack right before it could pierce his heart. Flying to the top of the dome he unleashed a powerful beam of golden light that encountered Aknamkanon shadowy black one.
It was a power struggle as both the King and Prince fought with everything they had. Both beams of power struggling to overcome the other one. At first it seemed they were evenly matched and nothing would break them up. Then Yami's slowly started giving away. The Prince poured every ounce of power he had into the beam desperate to send the shadow beam back, but it was not to be. With a triumphant cry Aknamkanon's beam obliterated Yami's golden one and struck the Prince full on. Yami struggled to stay in the air, but it was too much for him and he crumbled to the ground with broken bones, torn clothes, and damaged wings.
"It's over Atem; you have nothing left to give! Once I've eliminated you the Heart's power will be mine forever and then I can destroy Earth! How does it feel to know that you've failed everyone you ever cared about? So much for your ridiculous prophecy! Say good bye son!" Aknamkanon bellowed unleashing his full power at Atem. The power came together in the shape of Zork before heading on a collusion course with the Prince.
"YAMI NO!" The Court yelled. Everyone closed their eyes not wishing to see the life sucked out of their beloved prince. Even Yami seemed to surrender to his fate. He watched through blurry tears as the end came to him. Closing his eyes he readied himself for death and whispered his last words, "Yugi, I need you."
The moment before the Zork shaped cloud struck a brilliant rainbow glow surrounded the Prince and with a tremendous show of power deflecting the shot and dissipated! Everyone opened their eyes stunned by what had just happened. Where had the shield come from? That's when they saw the most welcomed sight of Yami's friends' souls standing protectively in front of their friend. "If you want to kill Yami, you have to go through us first chump!" Joey shouted defiantly.
"It's inconceivable! It's just plain impossible! Mortals can't set foot in my perfect world! It's just not possible!" Aknamkanon stuttered in disbelief when he felt someone kick him hard in the balls and then a golden flame got between him and Atem.
"News Flash you basterd nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it! Now keep your filthy hands off my brother or I'll do a lot worse then kick you!" Aziza yelled in her own defiant manner. She was using her powers to protected all the innocent souls and heal her brother who Yugi was now holding in his arms. Aziza knew she had to buy them the time they needed so Yami could Ascended. Using all the love in her heart she kept up her scared flame.
"Yami! Yami C'mon wake up! It's me Yugi!" he said to Yami who had thought he was dead. He quickly realized he wasn't dead and that his aibou was holding him. "Yugi! You came!"
"You didn't think I leave you alone? I told you before. I love you and no matter what I'll be there for you, Yami. I promise. Now let's get rid of that basterd and go home and celebrated your birthday huh?" he said with a laugh.
"Yugi I don't have enough power. Even with you it's not enough. We need more, something more powerful then all the darkness inside him,' as his gazed looked at his father who Aziza was doing a valiant job at holding back.
"Maybe we can get enough power to bring the Heart back to life! The only thing that will fix a broken one is love. What if all of us from Earth gave you our power?" Tea inquired as she recalled what Samira had said to them.
"It's worth a shot. Go for it!" Yami said as he held the Heart in his hands. Everyone then did as those of Xanadu had done and willed their power into the Heart. Almost immediately something major occurred. Everyone watched stunned as the Heart undergo a metamorphous. It became more gold then the sun with a light even brighter then the sun as well. It grew wings and then Yami realized what he had to do. He swallowed the winged Heart and then a gong was heard.
Everyone at first didn't realize what the gong was and then it dawned on them. It was 10:30 am! Atem was now Ascending and he wasn't going to do it alone either! Both him and Yugi rose into the air together and their wings folded over each other as they kissed and all of the Scared Items in an energy form spun around them rapidly. Then after a supernova of an explosion everyone looked in awe.
The two Hearts had become One literally! They were now one celestial being of pure endless light! When they spoke both voices echoed. "Your reign of terror is over Aknamkanon. The Prophecy shall be fulfilled and the citizens of Xanadu will be freed."
"I like to see you try boy! Shadows attack!" he command as he drew on his full power and unleashed a wave of darkness so powerful it nearly engulfed the city. That's when the Celestial Being unleashed its own wave of light and the final battle began.
There comes a time
When you face the
Toughest of fights
Searching for a sign
Lost in the darkest of nights
"It seems that even with your newfound powers your still just a weakling Prince who doesn't know when to give up!" Aknamkanon shouted as another wave of darkness leapt from his body and darted towards the prince.
The wind blows so cold
Standing alone
Before the battle's begun
But deep in your soul
The future unfolds
As bright as the rays of the sun
"I'm not giving up just yet! The power of light and love will defeat you!" Yami/Yugi said as they poured more of their combined power into their attack.
You've got to believe
In the power of love
You've got to believe
In the power of love
The power of love
"Don't give up you two its working! He's weakening!" Aziza shouted encouraging them as did all of their loved ones.
"Don't listen to the crippled brother pulverize them!"
Blazing emotion
There's alight that flows
From your heart
It's a chain reaction
And nothing will keep us apart
Stand by my side
There's nothing to hide
Together we'll fight to the end
Take hold of my hand
And you'll understand
What it truly means to be friends!
"Is it just my imagination or does Aknamkanon's power seemed to be dwindling?" Shimon asked.
"You aren't imagining things old friend. I believe the power of the two Hearts is proving to be more then the King I mean Tyrant can handle," Shadi said quietly.
You've got to believe
In the power of love
You've got to believe
In the power of love
It gives meaning
To each moment
It's what our hearts
Are all made of
You've got to believe
In the power of love
"Yugi we need to use all the power we have in our reserves if we are to truly defeat him and win this duel," Yami thought to his lover.
"Won't we die if we do that?" Yugi asked
"Perhaps, but at least my people will be free."
"Then let's do it!" he shouted as they poured all their love and friendship into the attack.
You've got to believe
In the power of love
You've got to believe
In the power of love
It gives meaning
To each moment
It's what our hearts
Are all made of
You've got to believe
In the power of love
The power of love
The power of love!
The light wave broke through the shadows destroying them. The force of the blow struck Aknamkanon straight in the face with enough force to knock off his headdress. "Insolent child! How dare you treat your father like this! I should ahh!" he screamed as another beam of light hit him. The light started snaking around him forming rings of light and started draining him of his power.
"FATHER?! YOU'VE THE ADUCITY TO CALL YOURSELF A FATHER?! YOU'RE NOT A FATHER NOT BY A LONG SHOT AKNAMKAKANON!" Yami screamed at him as he hit him with a major energy blasted. Yugi had given up some of his control so that Yami could get off his chest this. While Yami was speaking Yugi was still helping him with the attacking by giving him the extra energy need to send the jackass packing.
With another great burst of energy Yami continued to denounce Aknamkanon and enlighten him. "A Real father is compassionate and sympathetic to his son. YOU! You only were cruel and only bestow pain not take it away! A Real father protects his child! You were until the end of time trying to slaughter me! You abused me in every conceivable manner as you've abuse all of our people! A Real father raises you and helps through life! You only made my life Hell and tried make impossible for me to live at all!" with each word he hit him with more of his energy. He was now crying in pain as they now flew over to him and looked at him straight in the eye.
"I was protected by my Mother, Queen Samira! I was raised by the Court and the people of Earth! Everyone I fought to save who can love and wants a bright and hopeful future make up my family! I and my Aibou won't allow you or anyone who sold their hearts and souls to the Shadow Realm Lord to darken this world of light! Now we'll fulfill the Prophecy at long last!"
As the two united Hearts flew to highest point in the heavens and then yelled "MILLENIUM LIGHT PURIFY!!!"
As a great golden light burst from them and sweep all off Xanadu. When it finally died away everyone looked. The veil of false beauty that had so long concealed Xanadu true nature was gone. Now the city looked as ugly and heartless as the beings that inhabited it! That is when a startling revelation was revealed by the Queen who was smugly smiling before her ex husband in triumph.
"What has happened to my city!? What has happened to me?! What's fucking is going on?" he bellowed in confusion as he looked himself over. He and all that been loyal to him whether they been Beings or Beasts no longer look even remotely like Gods. Each of the Beasts wonderful color had been drained and they looked very dull and highly unattractive. The Beings were dressed in rags with their skin covered in dried dirt and blood and their wings nothing but bloody stumps. Also not one of them had any kind of magic left.
"It is called Irony and Poetic Justice. You see Aknamkanon you're still an Immortal, on the other hand you no longer have magic or the ability to fly. Your precious city has been turned into the Living Hell and now all you and the rest of your heartless cohorts will be forever trapped in your own unyielding anguish and pain with no release. You get to live like this for the rest of time. Get it? You're basically an Immortal but you're condemned to live like a Mortal forever in Hell! While those with hearts will live free and happy on the true Xanadu, Earth!" she enlighten him and then she thump him unconscious before walking away.
Everyone looked at the skies they still hadn't seen either Yugi or Yami since they'd done what they were meant too do. Everyone was getting worried, practicably the humans because they could feel they were about to be pulled back to their bodies as their Divinity was almost up.
"I hope they're ok. If they died then all this will be meaningless," Mahad said as they continue to scan the Heavens.
"Don't worry, Mahad they're fine. They have fulfilled the Prophecy now they can have their heart desire each other. They'll be back in three two one!" Aziza said knowingly as both young boys descend from the heavens hand in hand.
"I'll see you soon Aibou. Don't worry about me. Just make sure you get everyone back home safely and I'll meet you at Lovers Horizon, ok?" Yami told Yugi who nodded and they had one more fleeting kiss before Yugi escorted his friends souls back to their bodies.
Yami turned to face his people. All of them both Divine Beings and Beasts now were clapping at him and he smiled. "Before we go to Earth I just want to say thank you. I couldn't have done this miracle without all of you. Thank you all for your help. Now let's go home our real home!" He said as they reached the edge of the city and got ready to make the big jump.
With one last look at their prisons all of the noble Divine Beasts leaped joyous to freedom of Earth with the promise of love and true immortally. They're soon followed by all the Divine Beings with the Court last. Mahad looked at the Prince who seemed to want to be last.
Yami looked for a moment at it all. Earth, Xanadu and thought about all that had happened to him. He was blessed and he was at last happy. So with one last look at Xanadu he leaped off and flew to Earth forever leaving behind Atem and all the misery of Xanadu. As he went off too his home with Yugi.