"Happy Golden Birthday Yami!"
Thank you for all reading this story and reviewing. You don't know how happy you've made me! Thank You. Enjoy the final chapter and stick around for the Author Note and if you got any sorta of questions that you want answered send them by PM or Review. Now here at long last is the final chapter in this story!
Samira watched with amusement as her son's friends woke up looking both tired and extremely confused. "Ugh did anyone get the number of that bus that hit us?" Tristan asked holding his throbbing head in his hand.
"We're back on Earth, but how?" Bakura asked confused. Noticing his girlfriend was staggering to her feet he decided to be a gentlemen and assist her.
"I don't get it. We helped destroy that demented prick so why are we back here and not with his Royal Highness? Speaking of Yami where is the new king?" Kaiba demanded angrily. He wasn't use to being helpless and right now he felt as weak as a kitten.
"Please calm yourselves; it will take a few moments for the weakness and nausea to pass. Your bodies are trying to reintegrate your souls back inside you and it's a difficult process. To answer your question Yami is still on Xanadu helping everyone leave. Once your task was completed there was no further need for you to be there so you returned to Earth. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness to assist my people in their time of need. Since it will be about fifteen minutes before my son will be returning to Earth why don't we drink a quick cup of tea? The drink will help you recover faster," Samira said handing each member of the group some jasmine tea.
"This stuff is great!" Mokuba exclaimed as he took a sip. Instantly he felt a whole lot better. Like he had just be reborn boy was his energy up!
"The kid's right, this stuff is great. I would love to know what your secret is," Mai added finishing her tea. It tickled her cute nose as she sipped up every last drop causing her to giggle.
"No secret, just love and maybe a touch of Hope Tree Root. It's a shame how that beautiful plant can't be transplanted on Earth. Now that everyone's finished their tea I suggest that we head for Lover's Horizon. Bring your decks with you because I have a strong feeling that you'll need them," Samira told them with a queer smile.
While everyone looked at her puzzled, she used her magic, to transport the entire group to the cliff, where they'd been forced to say the two most hate words in any language to Yami. Good-bye. Just after he finally managed to say the three hardest to Yugi, I love you.
"So why did we've to come here Your Majesty? I'm sorry I mean Mrs. Keeper," Serenity said quickly trying to cover up her mistake while attempting not go red in the face so much.
"It's alright Serenity; I will always be royalty until I die. The reason we're here is because my son said he'd meet us here. Now turn your attention to the sky, what you're about to witness will never take place again. Ah it's starting."
Everyone looked up and were surprised as the most dazzling light show appeared in the sky. Rainbow lights danced and darted about. It was like the Northern Lights only instead of just lights you could see stars flashing, hear a strange humming, and feel the presence of goodness. All of a sudden a million shooting stars started falling towards Earth, many of them heading right for the group.
"Ouch! Hey what's happening my cards are glowing?" Joey exclaimed in a nervous panic.
"So are mine," Mai added as she and Joey where clutching one another tightly out of fear.
Around the world all of the cards of the duelist with pure-hearts were experiencing the same baffling phenomenon. There cards magical flew from their decks and hovered in midair glowing intensely. No one understood at first what was about to happen but no one would forget it.
"All of our cards are reacting to those shooting stars. But why unless those aren't shooting stars we're seeing, but Samira are those Divine Beasts?" Yugi asked is awe. Samira nodded to the Heart of the Earth and then everyone turned back to watch the show.
When the brilliant electric blue stars had fallen far enough from the Heavens they all saw what they really were. They were Divine Beasts! Real Duel Monsters! They'll were semitransparent in addition to that each and everyone was smiling elated. Everyone was just render mute for a few amazing moments as all their precious and beloved monsters from their decks circled them one before merge with their cards. There was a blinding flash as a protective seal was now coating the cards making them indestructible.
However to everyone shock there was one Beast who didn't merge itself with the cards, despite it had three to choose from! After all of the three Egyptians Gods in addition to Exoida had merged with Yugi's cards, everyone watched as something unforeseen occurred.
Just as they were about to find their voices again, the Blue Eyes White Dragon descended from Heavens. The Queen of the Dragons circled the group until it was hovering over both Kisara and Kaiba. The Blue Eyes looked right at Kisara as if into her very soul. The fair skin young woman for a few moments became dead white as she was overcome by paralyzing fear. Then a shower of blue sparkles engulfed her body and she was lifted high into skies above, even despite the fact that Kaibutt tried in vain to stop her.
She all but stopped breathing as the Blue Eyes looked at her then it let loose it White Lightning attack. Kisara cringed as the attack hit her body, but instead of hurting her it just strengthen her. With one final word the Blue Eye White Dragon transformed into a ball of light and entered the girl's mouth. Kisara was then caught in an explosion of magical blue energy. Her dress lengthened changing colors from white to blue with a wrap on it and wings sticking out from the back along with a tattoo of the Beast now appeared on her right shoulder. She was finally released and Kaiba got her bridal style and hugged her to his chest not even noticing residual traces of the mighty dragon's power entering his cards. "Are you okay?"
"I feel fine, better then fine. Oh Seto for a moment I was the Blue Eyes White Dragon. I could feel her power, her wisdom, and especially her love. I don't know why, but she felt that I was the best person to host her essences. I feel so honored and I love what the transformation did to my outfit. I'm still confused by why this has happened. Um you can put me down now," Kisara pointed out and embarrassed Kaiba put her down on the ground and everyone turned to Samira waiting for her to put in plain words what had just occurred.
"The Divine Beasts heard through the grapevine about the magnificent game of Duel Monsters. They've embraced young Yugi's philosophy "Heart of the Cards" Thus they've merged their essences with the cards of Duelist who truly love them; furthermore they needed not fear death for two reasons. One, the cards that now host their essences are protected by my son's special seal that he once use to keep the Vixens at bay now will forever and day protect the Divine Beasts within the cards they've chosen to resided in. The second reason they needed not fear death? Duel Monsters seems to be the one craze that won't die out ever. However, there're few select Divine Beasts that desire a different place for their spiritual essences to dwell for all eternity. Like how Halakti chose certain individuals to be Hearts or the Oracle, so the Queen of Dragons chose to reside forever in young Kisara," smiling at the bewildered young woman.
"You should feel incredibly honored, White Lady. You must be extremely out of the ordinary without a doubt, if a Divine Beasts chose to live forever in your soul. I can sense you wish to know if I had magic all this time why I didn't use it before now. Why I didn't fly back to Xanadu and get my son before now. To answer your unvoiced inquires it's like this," pausing for a moment to collected herself as she held her Crown.
"The choices we make in life are really important and the kind of choice we make will determine whether they have a positive or negative outcome on events yet to come. I chose on my own free will to give up my Immortality thus I've retained as will all my people a small portion of our Divinity. This will mostly consist of the following, longevity, youthfulness, excellent health, and tiny portion of magic," she enlightened everyone who was still trying to warp their heads around this.
"But Mom since Yami's is the Heart of Xanadu, what will become mortal mean for him?" Aziza asked concerned for her brother wellbeing. Yugi, who was holding her hand reassuringly, was also curious as well. Yami was his aibou! He wanted to know he'd be ok.
"I'm not sure, I assume he be just like the rest of the Divine Beings who've chosen Mortality, but stronger because he's the Heart," Samira replied unsure herself of her son ultimate fate.
"Why don't we ask him when he arrives love? Your people should be arriving soon if that rainbow over there is an indication of anything," Samir suggested reassuringly to his wife with an angelic smile.
He was right. Out of the lightshow still going on the show a huge brightly colored rainbow weaved its way through the sky. Everyone took a step back as one end of the rainbow landed just a few feet from them. Sliding down the rainbow changing from Divine Being into plain old human were all the people of Xanadu.
"Look at them all! There must be hundreds of them," Rebecca whispered with one arm around her teddy bear and the other all but breaking her grandpa's hand.
"Maybe even a thousand of them! I hope that Samira's friends were able to come up with a suitable place for them to live and got their identities situated," Tea replied in a hush tone.
"Yeah, but if these guys are just ordinary citizens where is Mana and the other members of the Court?" Duke asked worriedly. He was anxious to see if Mana was okay.
"I don't think you have to worry about them anymore. Here they are now and I must say even in human clothes they all look splendid," Grandpa said as everyone stood up straighter and bowed respectfully to the Court.
While they no longer had on their royal outfits they were wearing sophisticated and chic clothing. Their immortal items glowed with a new light in their now mortal hands. It appeared it was impossible to separate a Divine Being from their Item. As it seemed they were an extension of themselves even as a mortal. The eight of them formed two lines of four and waited patiently for the arrival of the Prince.
They didn't have to wait long. Everyone's looked up and Yugi heart nearly leapt out his throat as he watched his aibou descend gracefully towards the Earth on his rainbow colored wings. The second he touched the ground his wings disappeared and his clothes were restored to his normal human attire. He grinned as everyone bowed to him. "Um you don't really have to do that anymore. It makes me feel kind of silly. I mean hello I'm only an eighteen year old kid who needs to finish high school! I'm 18 but I'm not an adult yet!"
"You're much more then that my King. Thanks to you our people are finally free from the false king of Xanadu's rule," Shada informed him.
"Thanks to you we've truly found a place that we can call Xanadu. I know that I speak for everyone when I say thank you for bringing us to Earth," Karim added.
"You've done well my King," Shadi voiced.
"Yes, no matter how bad things got you never gave up on the Prophecy my King. I know that you will never abuse your position or your power as you're seeing as you are now the Heart of Xanadu," Shimon stated.
"You should feel great pride in your accomplishments so far my King. Without you our people would have been lost and have nothing when they immigrated to Earth. Thanks to your insight we have nothing to worry about," Isis pointed out.
"Yes, not to mention your other accomplishments practically your decision to allow Isis and I to wed. By coming to Earth you were able to learn everything about being human. That will help you greatly my King as you rule us from this new domain." Mahad said most gratefully to the young man before him.
"Under your guidance my King I know that none of us will ever have to live in fear or abuse or endure never ending suffering as we did before," Mana added.
"Your rule marks a new age for all of cousin. You're the first King to rule over all of Xanadu when we aren't even living in Xanadu. You've your work cut out for you my King," Seto told him.
That's when all the members of the Court bowed to him and held up their Items high above their heads. The Items glistened and whatever remaining power they had was emitting intensely from them. "We forever pledge our allegiance to King Yami of Xanadu."
"Long live King Yami!" The citizens exclaimed clapping widely and waiting patiently for their new King to speak. All of Yami's friends just looked at them wondering if they hadn't all gone crazy and forgotten they were humans on Earth now. Still they supposed the Xanduaions had to follow someone and it might as well be Yami.
Yami cleared his throat and waved his hands to get their attention. Once everything had died down he began to speak," Thank you all, I'm honored that you all have so much faith in me. I will do my best to lead us into a new era as we explore our newfound humanity. Even though we will now be subjected to the laws of this country I still consider myself your leader and will do my best to rule you all in a fair manner that allows us to enjoy the best of Earth. While we start new lives on this wonderful world let us not forgot our past or where we come from. To have a future one must have a past and we must remember all of it both the good and bad. I shall never be your king but I'm forever your friend and I'll remain Prince Yami Keeper so I can aid us in anyway possible on Earth," Yami informed everyone who all nodded their heads in agreement to their eternal Prince. Yami smiled at his people who where finally feeling true happiness at the same time as he turned to face his mother.
"Mom," he said as he fell into her waiting arms as a mortal for the first time. Tears of joy streamed down his smoking sexy face and all his friends and the Court smiled seeing the site before them.
"Yami," she smiled then she pulled out of the embrace and spoke too him in a manner he was very unaccustomed too. "Yami Keeper, you may be 18 as of today. But my Little Angel we're going to lay down some rules right here and now and I expect them to be followed to the letter," she told him as he looked at her confused.
"1, you're curfew is 10:30 extended to 11:00 on the weekends. 2. You'll do all your chores on time without complaint, 3. I NEVER want to hear that you got drunk EVER again! You here me?! I mean it no smokes, no drugs, and no drinks ever or so help me you'll be more black and blue then that lame school uniform! 4. You cannot get a tattoo till you're 21! 5. Also you are not to sleep with Yugi or anyone for that matter, till you're out this house, you hear me?! 6. You can't do anything unless your homework is done on time and that include being the Prince! 7. You'll take care of your belongings and pay for what happens to them and that includes your own vehicles if you ever get one! So have I made myself clear, My Little Angel?" she asked him sternly.
This was like the first time she had address him as parent! Yami was blushing redder then the crimson in his hair as everyone around him was snickering at him. Well he was mortal now and being embarrassed by your mother was far better then being abuse by your false father. "I understand, Mom. I swear to uphold all the rules you've laid down for me. Even if I've got to wait to have sex with Yugi," he muttered disappointedly. He had learned you never make a woman angry or jealous because you'll be looking for a plot for your body if you do.
"Good Yami, I'm glad we understand each other. Now let's introduce every one of our friends shall we?"
Smiling as he and his mother then introduced everyone both humans and former Immortals to one another. Almost immediately they'll were having conversations as the land around them was restored to its former beauty as well. Samira seemed to be looking for someone in sea of chaos in particular. She kept hunting till she found who she was looking for. Standing 2 feet from the Queen was Shimon who was resting his old bones under the shade of the cherry blossom tree.
Aziza along with Yugi and Yami had been wondering why Samira seemed so bent on finding this one particular soul. They all looked or listen as Samira approached Grandpa's look alike. He was dressed like Solomon although Shimon colors were different. He wore his Millennium Cap as a bandana around his head. All of them were sharing the exact same thought in their heads, "Why was this man so important to her?" They're about to find out.
He looked up at Samira who had a hopeful smile on her face. "Hello, old man. You remember me?" she asked hopefully to him. Her face faulted when he shook his face and told the young Queen, "No I don't remember you," he said with his amethyst eyes half closed. Then a wicked grin etched its way across his face, "How do you expect me to remember you when you've gained so much weight?" he told her with a laugh.
For a moment Samira and the trio said nothing then she whacked the old man across the head hard, "Oh Daddy! That joke was not funny when I was 16 it isn't funny now!"
"Ha, Ha, I couldn't resist, daughter. I've missed you so much my Angel of Dreams," as Shimon hugged his beloved daughter tightly as she did the same. It had been a very long time since father and daughter had been together as they cried as they're finally was reunited.
It took about all five seconds to realize the startling little revolution! Shimon was YAMI"S GRANDFATHER! Shimon was his mom Samira father so he was Yami maternal grandpa! Yami thought his heart was going to stop beating from finding this out. It now made sense why his sire had relentlessly harassed Shimon. Killing him would be far too easy, so letting his grandfather suffer for all eternity was better suite to him!
Yami relived yet again in his mind how nice Shimon was too him when Samira first disappeared. How he was so kindhearted as well as compassionate and now he looked back at those memories in a new light. His grandpa taught him so much and played a huge part in saving him from the Darklight, which had claimed his grandmother Solmina! This was incredible!
"Looks like you got more family then you realized Yami," Yugi remarked. He was a tad freaked out that both his and Yami's grandpa were just as much twin look alike as he and Yami were!
"Yeah I know. Isn't it great?"
"Hey here's a thought. It's still your birthday brother! Why don't we go some place and celebrate it? I heard Kaiba's new Club has an awesome sound system and dance floor. Hey everyone why don't we head off to Kaiba's Club to celebrate?" Aziza suggested with a twinkle to her sightless eyes.
In next to no time everyone had arrived at the humongous club. The club itself took up two blocks. It was a great mix of, nightclub, karaoke, internet café, dueling arena, and just hangout. It even had a few make-out rooms and a huge stress room where you go to release stress by smashing as many plates as you wanted too!
"Hey, Yami? Since you're the birthday boy why don't you go in first?" Kaibutt told him in almost nice manner. Yami thanked him kindly as he went into the building, but it was pitch black like a black hole. He couldn't see anything at all.
"Where's the light switch, Kaiba? Hello Kaiba? Anyone?" he called frantically into the darkness. Someone then flipped the lights on and he nearly jumped out of his skin. An explosion of fireworks and party poppers was heard as huge golden balloons fell on top of him along with confetti. There were streamers, Duel Monster Cut outs, and bubbles on the ceiling. Standing in front of him underneath a huge banner with the words "HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY YAMI!" was all the people who loved him! There was tons of food and presents everywhere and he was thoroughly shocked!
"HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY PRINCE YAMI! HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY TO YOU! MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE ON YOUR SPEICAL DAY!" they sang as Yugi slipped a party hat on his love head and kissed him.
"Well did we surprise you or what?" Yugi asked.
"I'm very surprised and happy! No one has ever celebrated my birthday like this before. Thank you aibou it means the world to me. So what does one do at a surprise party?"
"Well we've got lots of music and dancing scheduled, not to mention some dueling later. Right now it's time to eat this delicious smorgasbord and then later open up your gifts," Mai said steering him to the front of the table. His eyes went wide as he saw all the food and with a nod from his mother began to pile his plate sky high.
The food had been donated by both Hooters and Sweet Dreams Palace so you had a lot of good food! Also everyone had made their own homemade contribution for food as well. Samira was hiding the cake she had made till it was time for it.
She was extremely jubilant to have her son and father back in her life in addition to that her people were at last free. So she felt like celebrate just as much as her son did. He was currently doing the Cha Cha Slide lead by the talented Tea. So she went with her father to join everyone in dancing to some of the greatest music ever!
"OK follows my lead people! Now to slide to the left! Slide to the right! One hop! One hop! Take it back now! Two hops this time!" cried Tea as she busted out her moves and showed why she was the queen of the dance! They did just about every kinda of dancing you can think of from conga to break dancing! They even did limbo and Mana won that!
Mana then decided to do something she had secretly been wishing to do for a long time. With a few quick words with her parents along with telling them to get a fire extinguisher just in case this went south, she disappeared for a moment into the ladies room. When she remerged she was dressed as the Dark Magician Girl clutching tightly a thin cloth bundle. With all eyes watching her curiously she got on the stage, and took a look in her father eyes and he smiled. With a deep breath she removed what appeared to be two wands. She then hit the karaoke machine and program two songs to play "I'm a Hex Girl & Do you believe in Magic?"
"For your own safety I advised all of you too back up away from the stage. I don't want to get anyone hurt with what I'm about too. I've practice this secretly for a very long time and now I'm ready to strut my stuff. Still for your own safety back away please thank you very much," Mana warned the audience as the song "I'm a Hex Girl, from Scooby Doo and The Witch's Ghost" began to play loudly.
Mana really couldn't sing or dance well thus was one of the reason her birth mom Oralee had abandon her. But she had learned a few steps and could like most people sing better with the music and lyrics around her. Still she had gain a lot of courage over a short amount of time so she was finally ready to show her stuff. With a look of pure confident on her adorable face she began. She began to do cheerleading like acrobats that made her look like a brunette Kim Possible as she really took it up a notch when her wands burst into flames! She began to simultaneously do the acrobats along with sing karaoke while expertly twirling flaming wands! She winked at Duke who was stuck dumb as she went into the song "Do You Believe in Magic?" She ended her routine with unbelievable flip and twirls while doing "Dark Magic Attack!" and landed flawlessly on the stage with golden explosion of fireworks.
Everyone was clapping and Duke let loose a wolf whistle at his girlfriend stellar performance. She really had set his heart aflame with that stunt! No doubt about it! Mana was hugging her parents happily before she turned to her Prince and told him that was her present to him. He was very thankful for it even more that her self-esteem had greatly improved.
"Thank you Yami! I never felt as alive as I just did now! I've wanted to do that my whole life! During the time before we're thinking of escaping here I spent a lot of my free time watching cheerleading on the TV. I also saw this movie one day while Seto was sick at your mother's where a blond young woman twirls batons for a talent in a beauty pageant. So I just started practicing. I really glad you like it," Mana told Yami who was smiling proudly at her. Only Mahad smile of pride was bigger he was overjoyed that his daughter had worked so hard and done so well.
"We're very proud of you, Mana. This was indeed a moment of triumph for you my daughter. You've done well as we all have. We'll all should feel great pride and a sense of humility when we achieve a dream," Isis spoke softly as hugged her daughter tightly as well.
"Well I think now a good time as any to open the rest of my presents! So let me at them!" Yami spoke eagerly as he looked at the mountain just waiting for him to take apart. He ran right over to them about to tear them all apart when his mother gave him a look.
'Yami, before you open your present and make a huge mess, remember to say thank you to everyone for their gifts, even if you don't like them, ok? I don't want you too be rude at all," Samira told him in her parenting tone of voice. She was just being a good mother and he knew it.
"Yes Mom I will remember my manners," Yami told his mother when his grandpa spoke to him "You should also help with the clean up later on. It was very nice gesture all your friends here, did for you, throwing you a party. You ought to be kind enough to help clean up as well grandson."
"Yes Shim… Grandpa I will assist with the clean up as well," he informed him with a sheepish smile. It was going to take some serious adjusting to get use to the idea of calling Shimon "Grandpa" but if he could see Samir as his father and Aziza as his sister it won't be too hard.
The Court decided to give him there gifts first. Shada and Karim had combined their talents to write a beautifully illustrated book on the legends of all the many different worlds in the universe. He thanked them happily and was impressed by how detailed and well written the book was. He suggested they get jobs as a writer/illustrator team for children books. They both agreed to take him up on his suggestion.
Shadi's gift was very special. The Spirit of Law decided to give his Prince glass figurines of all his favorite duel monsters and there was even one of him and Yugi. "I thought you might like them. Glass blowing is a secret hobby of mine and I hope you enjoy them."
"Thank you Shadi I promise to take very good care of them. Whose next? I think I'll open the one from Mahad and Isis. I wonder what you guys got me, Oh wow where did you get these!" Yami exclaimed as he unwrapped not one, but two beautiful laminated wooden plaques. One of them showed an angel flying through the heavens while the other was of the Egyptian Gods surrounding him protectively.
"We used a little magic on the second one, but the first one we bought at a religion store. I thought it was lovely, but Mahad insisted we give make one showing you with your favorite Divine Beings. Your welcome my Prince," Isis said smiling while Mahad just laughed at Yami's enthusiasm.
"Here Yami this is my gift. I hope you like it," Shimon said handing his grandson a small box. Gingerly he took the box and was surprised by what he saw. Inside were two platinum rings with a small cluster of canary diamonds on them. Inside the rings were the words "Forever mine". Yami gulped and quickly hid the gift slightly embarrassed that his grandfather would give him a promise/wedding ring set. Noticing the grin on the old man face he knew that Shimon had done this on purpose. "Thank you Grandpa I'm sure that I'll make use of them some day."
"Why are you blushing redder then a tomato cuz? Well I hope you enjoy my gift it's not much, but I think you'll like it still," Seto said giving him his gift. Yami smiled as he saw that it was a picture of him and Seto carved in driftwood. The scene dictated them battling while Seto was kicking his butt. (Think the tablet from the show).
"I love it cousin. With this hanging above my bed I will always remember to be humble. Thank you all my old friends for such lovely and wonderful gifts. I know you put a lot of thought into them and had only a little time to get them ready. Now let's see what my new friends have for me. I think I'll start with yours Tea."
"Here you go Yami. Its CD I made with all my favorite songs on it. That includes 'I hope you dance, Who Says You Can't Go Home, When I Grow Up, Go Figure, and Bad Boy"'. I know you love music so when you're practicing on improving what you call dancing I hope that this helps," Tea told him giggling a bit.
"Me next! Yami, you are way too serious my friend. Even when you were just pretending to be human it was like you Batman or something. So teach you how to relax I bought you this deluxe practical joke kit complete with whoopee cushion and joke book. Well what do you think man?" Joey demanded as he shoved the gift into his hands.
"Ugh thank you? I guess I never thought much about my sense of humor before, but I guess I could make some improvements. So Tristan what did you get me?"
"Well my gift is a little plain compared to the others. I was going to get you a Duel Monster poster, but the store was out so I got you one of this lush tropical jungle scene labeled Tropical Dreams. You got a waterfall, dolphins, birds, flowers everything!" Tristan admitted sheepishly as he handed the tube over.
"Your gift is very thoughtful and mature Tristan. I can't wait to hang it up in my room. So who's next? Um Gran…sorry Mr. Moto, (man this is confusing) may I open your gift next?"
"Here you go Yami boy and you can keep calling me Grandpa Solomon if that helps you out. This is a rare treat my boy. I picked up this little beauty on one of my archeological digs," Solomon told the boy as he tore off the wrapping to reveal an intact Senet game set. Yami knew from his studies it was sort of like an ancient version of chess. He gave Solomon a big hug thanking him for the gift.
"Well since Mr. Moto gave you a game I hope you like my game as well Yami. Here's your home version of Dungeon Dice Monsters for you to play. Maybe if you practice enough you'll beat me," Duke laughed as Yami shoved him gently for the gibe.
"Careful Devlin or I might forbid you from dating one of my subjects. Just kidding Duke really I love this. It should be fun learning a new game. So Wakana, Bakura I can sense you're both dying to give me my presents so why don't you go next?"
"Well I'll go first because I don't know how much longer I can control your gift. Prince Yami may I present to you your new pet. Meet Willie the Dalmatian pup. I took one look at him and knew he was for you," Bakura said as he desperately tried to control the rambunctious puppy. The little animal jerked the leash right out of Bakura's hand causing him to hit the ground face first. The pup didn't notice, but raced over and jumped into Yami's lap giving him big wet kisses. "Oh yeah he isn't exactly trained yet. Don't give me that look Kaiba I made sure he did his business outside before bring him inside so your club won't get soiled."
"Bakura I don't know how I can ever express my gratitude. Never before in my life have I had pet. I promise to train him and take very good care of him. I only hope he gets along with Aziza's cat Tess."
"I'm sure you'll think of something and if worse comes to worse you can use magic to discipline them. Here's my gift Yami, here are some hybrid orchids I developed in my spare time. You have to water them twice a day and make sure to give them regular cuttings every few days," Wakana told him as she handed a reddish purple flower in a ceramic pot.
"I'll be sure to attend to them daily. They remind me of the Hope Tree blossoms. I wish that we could have brought the tree here along with some of other fauna."
"Don't worry about grandson I took care of it. I brought some seeds and saplings to be transplanted here. In a few months times we'll have a beautiful garden just like the one you grew up with."
"Thank you Grandpa that means a lot to me. I'm sure with Wakana assisting you the work will precede quickly. Professor Hawkins, Rebecca would you like to go next?"
"Here Yami! Now that your going to be living on Earth your going to need to learn more about Earth's rich history. I have assembled a collection of books about Earths greatest philosophers, leaders, and other important people. Amongst those you will find great literary achievements, historical records, and a few fun books," Arthur explained handing him a very heavy box filled with tons of books.
"Mine is a gift to stimulate that genius mind of yours. I got you a Rubik cube! The goal is to line up all the colors on the same side. Once you master that you can practice doing behind your back at super speeds!"
"Thank you Rebecca I'll make sure to keep my brain stimulated so you can beat me next time we have a battle of the brains. Serenity, Mai may I please have your gifts?"
"Um well mine is a book of poetry. I hope you like them," Serenity told him shyly.
"I got you two things Yami. One is for fun. It's a ghost plushy I picked up at the fair a few weeks back. The second is a spirit board complete with a booklet on all things supernatural. Hope you don't accidentally upset anything evil with it," Mai informed him.
"You have my word I'll be very careful. So there are only a few more gifts to open so whose should I open next?" Yami mused.
"Yami? Could you close your eyes for a few minutes? I'll be right back with your gift," Kisara voiced. Yami did as she said and kept his eyes tightly shut. After a few moments Kisara told him he could open them. What he saw made him scream in delight. "Happy Birthday Yami, I hope you like it."
"Like it, I love it! My very own custom made motorcycle! Look it even has a matching pair of helmets!" Yami exclaimed as he ran his hand over the beautiful bike. It had fins in the back, streamline body, and a powerful engine. It was a beauty and it was all his!
"I guess you really are a guy if you're drooling over a vehicle. Well if you're a guy then you have to love magna. I got a few popular magna for you. If you like them then you can buy more," Mokuba told the Prince handing him a small bundle. Yami smiled thanking the boy for his thoughtfulness. He then turned to face Kaiba wondering what gift the CEO had decided to bestow on him if any.
"Normally I'm not one to give people gifts, but I decided to make an exception for you. Here, a pack of rare Duel Monster cards and your own personalized duel disk. I noticed you didn't have one. I expect to see you competing in the next Duel Monsters tournament. You and I are due for a rematch," Kaiba told him. He smiled at the confused prince who graciously accepted the gift.
"Thank you Kaiba, I won't forget this. Rest assures when we duel again I plan to kick your butt again! Aziza sister why don't you give me your gift next," Yami suggested.
"My gifts are those two big boxes over there. Go ahead and open them," Aziza said with a bit of mischiefness to her voice. When Yami opened the boxes a flood of designer clothes buried him. Aziza was laughing as she helped him to his feet. "Try not to wrinkle them. Now that you're Earthbound I expect you to wear something besides that stupid school uniform."
"I don't understand where did you get the money for all of these outfits?" Yami asked as held up one of them. It was a black short sleeve shirt, silver jacket, gold belt, designer blue jeans, and sneakers.
"I have a credit card with great history. All it took was a few well placed calls and searching for bargains and I got you a brand new fashionable wardrobe for only five hundred dollars. Don't worry I've already paid off the balance. Oh I also made you a birthday card, hope you like it," she said handing him a drawing. Yami looked at the card smiling. It showed the two of them hugging one another. The details were perfect.
"Thanks sis I'll be sure to save this. Mom, Dad what did you get me?" Yami asked as he turned to them.
"Two things, my son. When I first came to Earth I knew deep in my heart that one day we'd be reunited. So I opened up an account for you at the bank. Every month I deposit a portion of my salary into it. Now after all this time the money has grown quite a bit with interest. It's about fifteen thousands dollars now. It should be enough to help send you to collage and be able to support yourself when you move out. Don't look so shocked I'm your mother after all. It's my job to take care of you," Samira told her shocked son and the crowd was still repeating the number under their breath.
"My gift is something a little more personal. It took awhile Yami, but we finally got all the paperwork taken care of. As of today I am your official father and I for one couldn't be happier to have you as my son," Samir said as Yami fell into his arms hugging him tightly. Tears streamed down his face. At last he had a real father.
After a few minutes he let go of Samir and turned to Yugi, the only person left to give him a gift. "Aibou, you have already given me so much. My life, my freedom, and my humanity. You even gave me your heart. What could you possibly have left to give me?"
"I can only give you this," Yugi said softly standing up on his tip toes and kissing Yami full on the lips. A little startled Yami quickly recovered and kissed him back. Neither boy notices the glow emitting from their bodies or the rainbow wings sprouting from their backs. When they stopped Yami looked shock to see his wings again wondering if was back to being an Immortal. "Aibou I know how much you love to fly and that your only regret about being human was that you would never fly again. Between my powers and yours I think we have enough to go flying anytime we want."
"Thank you Yugi. This is the best birthday gift I could ask for."
"Your welcome now how about that birthday cake? I'm starving!"
Everyone was laughing and all their stomachs were rumbling in agreement. They wanted cake! Cakes for birthdays and wedding always for some reason tasted so good. Yami took his seat of honor as the lights went out and then out of the pitch-black emerged his mom. She was carrying a huge cake on a tray. It was shaped like his Puzzle but instead of the Eye in the center it was the Crystal Heart of Xanadu with wings. In the center of it was screened picture of what made Yami's heart beat it was of all the ones he loved.
Snapping her fingers the 18 candles all lit up and she ready her digital camera. "Ok honey, now make a wish and blow out the candles. I suggest you do it quickly because a few of the natives look like hungry wolves," Samira said with a glance at the boys.
"A wish? I get to make a wish?" he asked out loud in a confused tone.
"That's right. It's a very long standing tradition, brother. Before you can have cake and ice cream you make a wish on your candles and then blow them out. But you cannot tell anyone what the wish was or it won't come true," Aziza informed her brother of the silly but time-honored tradition.
"I understand that Aziza, it's just I don't have a wish needing to be granted. I made my wish come true. So I don't have any wishes to make on these pretty candles. However I would like to bestow to others the opportunity to have their wishes granted. If anyone has wishes they like granted speak now and I'll see if I can grant it," Yami asked to everyone.
None of his human friends had any wishes that they like granted, and all the people who been sent free all agreed that their wish for freedom was all they wanted. However the Court did have a few wishes that they'd desire to be granted. After so many years of faithful service it was time to be a little selfish.
Shadi knew exactly what he is wish was, "My Prince I humbly ask if its in your great powers as the Heart of Xanadu if you may bestow onto me my own flesh and bone. I desire nothing else but to be corporal and not a spirit anymore. That is my wish, Prince Yami," Shadi informed him humble with a hopeful look in his big blue eyes. What he said shocked everyone, but the Court. They hadn't realized Shadi wasn't alive.
Yami simply smiled at Shadi and walked over to the Spirit and placed his right hand on his turban. With his eyes closed he took a deep breath and then released it, "I Prince Yami herby grant the individual known as Shadi his heart's desire," as a golden glow for a few moments flooded Shadi's spirit body. It tingled like his whole body was asleep, and then it shocked him like he got a static discharge.
"Arise Shadi, you now are human. Feel my hand on your face as proof of your newfound flesh," Yami told him as he graced his face soothingly. Shadi eyes wept tears of joy as he could feel his heartbeat and feel the soothing touch of his Prince hand.
"Thank You," was all he was able to say as Shada and Karim now wanted their heart's desire
"Our beloved Prince we both only desire to spend the rest of existence carrying out duties that we love and not the unspeakable ones we've been forced to do for countless eons. If you're able to give us honorable work we'd be content," they both said together as Yami promised that he get them employment at the library.
Mahad and Isis had no wish since he'd already granted them their desire of marriage. He still preformed a blessing on them that Faith had taught him. To ensure that they've a long in addition to happy life together furthermore they'd be safe from evil.
Mana had a wish but hers was something made him laugh! He reached beyond him and yanked Duke forward along with ripped out the band holding his hair in his ponytail. He then pushed him at Mana who then kissed him passionately with one of her feet up in the air. It was obvious to them that Mana had learned how the French kiss and she was doing it quite well! He wistfully used his magic to have a mix of cherry blossom, chrysanthemums, roses petals mixed with stardust rain on them.
Seto then walked over to his cousin. He had his blue eyes staring at the ground. He at first was having a very hard time speaking as he couldn't even get a syllable out of his mouth. He finally got some courage with a glance at Kisara whom he sensed his Soul Friend now resided in.
"Yami I only have one desire in my heart. But I don't know even if you, one of the Legendary Hearts could grant me what my heart yearns for the most," he said still looking at the floor.
"Seto? I cannot help you my cousin unless you tell me your wish," Yami told him as he made him face him.
"I want my mother Aida back. I want what was stolen from me when I was but three years old! I want her! That is all I want! That one-eyed basterd stole her from me with his cursed blue phoenix! Is their any way for you too bring her back?" he asked in a breaking voice as tears fell from his blue eyes that were consumed by such turmoil.
"I'm not sure cousin if I have the power to undo death, but seeing as how your mother was Immortal at the time of her death perhaps she isn't dead. It's possible your ex-father merely destroyed her body and her spirit is trapped in limbo. I will attempt to bring her back, but it will take your knowledge of the ancient arts to create a new body for her. Are you willing to try?"
"Of course I am Yami! Um there's just one slight problem with the spell. Um any body I make won't look like a person until they inhabit, but that's not the problem. The problem is the body will um be without clothes," Seto managed to squeak out in embarrassment.
"Excuse me, but the dragon inside me says that if I assist you then your mother's new body will be formed perfectly with clothes on her. I would be honored to help. Just tell me what to do," Kisara spoke up as she stood next to Seto.
"Just follow my lead and when I tell you to release your powers. I need absolute quite! Alright here goes nothing," Seto whispered. Focusing his energies he used his Rod to enhance his remaining divinity as he cast his spell. The words flowed smoothly from his lips and the group took a step back as lump of clay formed in mid air. The mass twisted and turned about as it started to take shape.
That was Kisara cue. Her eyes lit up and unearthly aura surrounded her body. A mighty roar was heard from her as she tapped into the Queen of the Dragons power. White lightening darted from her fingertips and laced across the sky. When her lighting and Seto's magic melded together the clay had been transformed into a beautiful woman wearing a stylish lavender dress. The woman was fairly tall, with bright blue eyes, long ebony hair and ivory skin. Her expression was vacant seeing as how there was no soul.
"Now it's my turn cousin. Heart of Xanadu give me the power to restore Aida to the realm of the living!" Yami commanded. His body lit up from the power of the Heart. Without knowing why he placed his hand on her forehead. The energy danced from his fingertips and into the clay body giving it life. The shock of actually accomplishing his goal was enough to make him step back. "Did it work?"
"Mother? Are you okay?" Seto asked anxiously.
"Seth? Is that you? Oh Seth I've missed you so much my son," Aida wept as she embraced her son for the first time in years. Seto hugged her back tightly tears of joy falling from his eyes. He looked up at his cousin and mouthed the words thank you.
"After that little miracle I wonder what else you can do Yami," Yugi whispered.
"I'm not sure, but I have a feeling I know what my grandfather's wish is. However to pull it off I need both yours and Aziza's help."
"You sure you have the energy to do whatever needs to be done now brother? Maybe you should rest."
"No, I might never get another chance like this. Together with your help we're going to free the only other victim of the Darklight Ritual, my grandmother Solmina. Aziza, I need you to use your powers to locate her body and bring it back here. Yugi and I will need to go to the Shadow Realm and reclaim her soul. Think you can handle it?"
"Does a dragon breathe fire? Don't answer that I'll see what I can do. You two, be careful. The Shadow Realm isn't a place you want to get lost in," Aziza told them before tapping into her Oracle powers and scanning the cosmos for Solmina's body. Combining her acute sense of hearing with her new powers she was able to locate her grandmother's body. It was currently flouting peacefully in its dream casket by the beautiful Orion Nebula. She then took off to get her back.
The two Hearts linked hands together and focused on projecting their souls into the Shadow Realm. Within seconds they found themselves once again in the cold, dark, and evil place. Yugi shivered in fear as he heard a wraith laughing manically nearby. "This place is so huge and it's so dark. How are we ever going to find your grandmother's soul?"
"I suggest we do as Father's says. We shine a light to banish the evil away. The light of our hearts will lead us to her I'm sure. Come remain focus and let the light of your golden heart lead the way," Yami told him as the pair spread their wings and flew rapidly off.
In the 'heart' of the Shadow Realm, where it was the darkest in addition to coldest was Zork. He was a massive revolting monster. He was known by countless names on limitless worlds, but all knew he was the very source of evil. Zork himself was a Heart, however, he was the Heart of Evil. He was extremely pissed off that after waiting eons he was now forever denied the Two Hearts of Legends. He'd been significantly satisfied when he had caused the extinction of the Xanadu universe, yet very pissed off he failed to get its Heart. He'd then been forced to wait patiently for his unknowing followers to fulfill his plans for him in this universe. But even his most powerful puppet King Aknamkanon of Neo Xanadu had proven to be nothing more then a pathetic little twit!
He was now sitting on his throne of bloody shadows as he attempted to rid himself of this fury in his favorite pastime. He, along with his two favorite pet wraiths, whom looked like an evil version of Bakura and Marik, were mercilessly attacking someone bound to a black crystal cross. It was the only soul that he was successfully given through his Darklight Ritual, Solmina.
Like her grandson, Solmina was completely naked held in place by the dead white hands of death. Her lovely form was bloody and severely bruised with greenish gray skin. Even her gold Millennium Earrings now seemed to at last loose their shine. She was still able to scream out in anguish as she was once more brutally attack. "Don't you ever tire of this Zork? Surely there must be some other souls you have to torment for all eternity?"
"Ah, but none of them are as powerful or as interesting as yours my dear. Even after centuries of torture you still refuse to give in. Your fierce nature is very appealing, but soon enough you will surrender your soul to me. Once you have given in the real fun begins," Zork told her as he stroked her chin with one of his fingertips.
Solmina spit at him while glaring daggers. She would never surrender her soul to him. Once he had her power he would be strong enough to break free from this evil Shadow Realm. But that wasn't her worst he could do. What Zork wanted from her made her sick inside.
When she had first arrived in the Shadow Realm she had fought with all her might to get free. She wanted to see her daughter and husband once more. Whenever Zork beat her up she sensed there was something more to it. It was only after the wraiths Bakura and Marik got into a fight over who got to drink her blood first that she learned the awful truth. Zork was looking for a powerful soul to become his mate. He wanted Solmina to become his queen and bear him an heir powerful enough to take over the universe. It was for this reason she continued to fight and pray for a miracle. But after all this time she was beginning to weaken.
"Why don't you give up Lady Solmina? You can avoid further pain by just letting go," Bakura's evil double taunted.
"Instead of being your tortures we'd be your servants. You can't possibly believe that you'll be rescued from the Shadow Realm. It's impossible!" Marik's double informed her.
"They speak the truth my darling. Countless centuries have passed since you came to my kingdom and no one has ever attempted to rescue you. You've been forgotten why not embrace your destiny as Queen of the Shadows?" Zork asked her.
"I will never be yours Zork. My heart belongs to Shimon. You can do whatever you want to me, but I'm not going to ahh!" Solmina screamed as her soul was once again bombarded by shadow creatures trying to rip her apart.
"I grow weary of your continuous rejections so I will make this simple. Give yourself to me or I shall use my powers to decimate your beloved Shimon's soul. You have ten seconds to answer. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,"
Solmina open her mouth to tell him she'd given in when a brilliant light filled the room. She screamed along with Zork and his pets as the brilliance nearly blinded them. She had spent so much time in the darkness the light was nearly killing her. Squinting she was able to make out the outline of two boys with rainbow wings hovering in the air.
"Leave my grandmother's soul alone Zork! Release her and I will spare your miserable life," Yami commanded fiercely to the Lord of the Shadow Realm.
"So the Heart of Xanadu has decided to battle me on my own turf for one soul? How cute and looks like you brought the Heart of Earth with you. I thought I would never be able to take your powers for mine when your miserable father failed to kill you, but now your mine for the taking!" Zork shouted as he turned his attention to the two boys.
"I don't think so shadow creep. You aren't touching our Hearts or Solmina's soul anymore!" Yugi informed him shooting a ball of light at the two wraiths. The creatures withered on the floor in agony as the light ripped them apart. "I just destroyed your two pets so why don't you give up."
"Those pets hardly had any power. You'll find destroying me will be more difficult!" Zork said unleashing a massive shadow ball at them. The two Hearts dodged it and soon a fierce fight between light and dark began. Zork had the home field advantage, but he didn't know the true power of the Hearts of Legend until it was too late. Once Yami and Yugi became one it was all over. While they couldn't kill Zork they were able to weaken him significantly enough that he had to limp off to recover. Once that was done the two separated and freed Solmina.
"Grandmother it is good to finally meet you. If you come with us will take you back to Mother and Grandpa," Yami instructed her as the trio left the Shadow Realm for the final time.
Aziza had just returned from retrieving Solmina's body from the Orion Nebula when the boys appeared with her soul. Linking hands together the three of them managed to bring the battered soul and broken body back together to form a healthy and happy woman. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you've done for me."
Yami hugged his whole family lovingly happy that all the ones he loved were at last happy and safe. He went to his cake and blew out the candles. He then started to give the slice away one by one, however when it came to giving a slice to Aziza she wasn't happy.
"Hey! Your slice has more frosting then mine! I can smell it! And frosting the best part!" she yelled at him as she tired to yank his plate from him, "Hey it my slice and I want the one with the most frosting because it does taste so good, now give it back!" he demanded as they played tug of war for a few moments when Yugi broke them up.
"Hey! Here an idea, why don't you just give her a slice with more frosting? It's pretty silly if you ask me to fight over who cake has more frosting. Even if it's so delicious," Yugi said as he licked his fingertips.
"Fighting?" They both said at the same time as they looked at each other and began laughing. Everyone looked at them as if they'd lost their minds. Then they both said at the same time, "Gomenasai!"
"I can't believe it! We just had our first augment and it's over cake!"
"Well be glad it didn't escalate into WWIII! C'mon I'll get you a better piece, sister."
Later that night after cleaning up everything thing and all went home Yugi and Yami were on the roof of the club. Yami's parents were working out the last of the details with his people and his mom was enjoying spending time with her parents. They'd decided to come live with them. She planed to convert the store room into a bedroom.
Yami's thought's turned to his Court smiling as he thought about their new lives. Shadi was going to become a judge for family court so he could make up for all the evil rulings he had been force to make. Karim and Shad were happy at the library and had even decided to take up his suggestion and become a writer/illustrator team. Mahad and Isis had already settled in nicely with their new careers and Mana would be joining him at school starting tomorrow. Seto had gotten the best deal out of them all. He and his mom were moving in with the Kaiba's. Aida was to become head of the cafeteria at Kaiba Corp and would get to baby sit Mokuba. Meanwhile Seto became Kaiba's partner. In exchange for free room and board he would pose as Kaiba at the boring staff meetings so he and Kisara could make out more often. It was a sweet deal
As both boys gazed at the crystal blue heavens hand in hand they were both happy. They need not say any words to tell the other what the both felt in their hearts. They just smiled and jumped off the building only to fly up on their wings. They kissed in midair and soon were joined by Aziza enjoy a simple flight. As the ascended high into the heavens Yami was smiling big because at long last his heart had its wings.
The End.
"Please stick around for the author note and if you got any thing you like to ask about please let me know and I'll answer it! Thanks!