Chapter 23

The atmosphere was electric, to say that the spectators were excited was an understatement. Everyone was clock watching, desperately praying that the minutes would tick by faster. The grand final of the Kaiba Corp tournament was a mere hour away. Yugi Muto, King of Games, would face his rival Seto Kaiba for the title. Nobody could wait. The Kaiba Dome was a busle of activity. Crowds were forming outside ready to watch the duel on huge screens which had been placed out there for those without tickets. There were shouts and chants as the spectators proudly declared their support for their favourite duelist. It was difficult to tell whether Yugi or Kaiba had the edge with the crowd, the shouts were evenly matched. But the bookies favourite to win was Yugi. How could it not be? He was the King of Games after all. The press swarmed the lobby of the Kaiba Dome, taking as many photographs and videos as they could. They captured the fans buying merchandise or captured their moments of vocal support for the duelists. They also captured the other duellists who'd taken part in the tournament as they arrived to show their support.

As for the King of Games himself, he was in a quiet room quite far inside the Kaiba Dome. He was sat on a rather comfy sofa, shuffling through his deck for a final time. This was probably the hundredth time he'd shuffled the deck but he kept doing it, partly from nerves partly because he wanted to be sure he'd thought of every possibility. Kaiba was going to come at him with everything he had and Yugi had every intention of doing the same. His attention on his deck was broken by the television nearby which was showing a news presenter talking about the upcoming duel.

'It's not only fans of Yugi and Kaiba that are here, many of the tournaments participants are here as well. In fact, I believe I see… Yes it is!'

Yugi looked up, curious about what the presenter had seen. The camera was focused on the main doors to the Kaiba Dome which had burst open. A blond-haired young man walked through, his fists in the air and very loudly declared his support for the King of Games. Yugi smiled.

'It is!' The presenter continued, 'Joey Wheeler, who was defeated by Seto Kaiba in the last duel has just arrived. Fans will know that Joey and Yugi are good friends so it's obvious he's here to support his friend along with their other friends.'

Following behind Joey, looking half amused half embarrassed were Tristan, Tea and the former Pharaoh. Yugi smiled as the cameras found Atem despite his best efforts to try and hide.

'Viewers might just be able to see Yugi's cousin with their friends there. I think we all remember that he was involved in a very unfortunate incident a few weeks ago where he was taken and held for undisclosed reasons for almost a week. Well, he certainly looks as though he's recovering well which I'm sure we're all glad to see.'

The camera was still focused on the once King as he watched what could only be described as a very bizarre cheer from both Tristan and Joey. He was wearing a rather bewildered look whilst next to him Tea looked downright embarrassed. Though his face still bore a few cuts and scrapes, which were almost healed, he looked healthy which was important. When Atem had agreed to come and watch the duel with the others he'd been concerned how he'd be seen as he was well aware he'd get attention after everything that had happened. Luckily, this appeared to be the most the reporters would report on the former Pharaoh which Yugi was thankful for.

'Ah! Look Yugi's grandfather, Solomon Muto has just arrived too! Mister Muto was the one who taught Yugi everything he knows about Duel Monsters, so I'm sure there are many out there who would love to get a lesson or two from him.'

Yugi watched as his grandfather joined the group, laughing at his grandfather's complete look of startled shock when he saw what Joey and Tristan were doing. Tea had seemingly had enough of the two boys embarrassing them as she marched over and pushed between them, forcing them to stop. He might not be able to hear what she was saying but Yugi was pretty sure he could guess as the three of them then looked directly at the camera, grinned and waved before walking away towards the arena. Yugi saw his grandfather put a supportive hand to the once King's back as they followed the other three towards the arena. Atem was still limping but obviously trying to do his best to disguise this. He couldn't help but smile fondly as the group retreated, he really was very lucky to have them all here to support him. As the presenter moved on to discuss other things Yugi went back to his deck. He considered it for a moment before shuffling the cards again. One more time then he'd be ready.

Whilst Yugi prepared his deck for the final time, his friends had made their way into the arena and were climbing the stairs to take their seats. Mokuba had set them up with a private seating area to watch the duel. He'd told them it was because they were the friends and family of one of the finalists but they also had a suspicion it had to do with the former Pharaoh, keeping him away from prying eyes. They had certainly had a fair few people call out to them before they'd arrived at the Dome. Most were honest well-wishers that simply wanted to pass on the wishes for Atem to recover swiftly. Although he'd taken the wishes well his friends knew that he was uncomfortable with the attention, he'd always hated being seen in a weakened state which had made Mokuba's offer of a private area all the better. There was an impromptu race between Joey and Tristan to see who could reach the top of the stairs first but when they made it to the top, they were both so impressed with the view they forgot to declare victory. Their box was set with a perfect side view of the arena, they would be able to see both sides of the field with ease. Neither too close to one player's end nor too far from the other.

"With this view for it the duel is going to be even more thrilling." Joey said, gazing around.

"Reckon we'd be able to sneak a peak at the face down cards from here?" Tristan asked.

"No. But what would you do if you did see them? Yell at Yugi about Kaiba's plans?"

"Of course not!" Tristan protested, "That would get Yugi disqualified!"

"And make you look stupid when you get it wrong."

There was an audible thumping sound as Tristan whacked Joey on the shoulder. Joey mocked a stumble backwards, almost bumping into Tea as she made it to the top of the stairs.

"Guys let's not embarrass Yugi here." She said, settling herself into one of the seats, "He needs us to be dignified supporters."

Both Tristan and Joey gave her a look which clearly said that they thought what she had said was the most bizarre thing they'd ever heard.

"Fine, I'll be the dignified one and just pretend not to know you when you guys start."

"You? The dignified one?" Joey teased, "If any of us could claim to be a dignified supporter its Atem."

The three teens looked round just as the former Pharaoh finally appeared at the top of the stairs, only to stumble as his injured ankle protested and his balance faltered. He was only prevented from falling thanks to Joey who grabbed his arm. He cautiously regained his footing before smiling slightly at them.

"Not sure I can claim that title either after that."

The other three laughed. Joey clapped him on the back gently as he past, taking a seat and putting a hand to his injured ankle for a moment. Solomon, who'd been behind the former Pharaoh, paused in front of him. He gave him a certain look to which Atem just smiled and nodded. Satisfied the elder man seated himself beside Atem and looked around the arena. It was filling up fast, everyone who'd been lucky enough to get tickets were clearly eager to get ready for the duel. As more people appeared the volume level increased. Spectators called out to their friends or began chanting for the duellist they were supporting. Joey and Tristan joined in with the chanting, they stood proudly shouting Yugi's name as loudly as they could.

"I wonder how Yugi is feeling." Tea wondered, "Do you think he can hear this from wherever he is right now?"

"I would suspect Kaiba has put him somewhere quiet before this duel starts. He'll want Yugi to be at his best for this." Atem replied.

"Well, if I know my grandson he's probably laying his cards out one by one to ensure he's got everything he'll need. I would say this is going to be an intense match, these two have duelled one another so many times over the years so they each know the other's deck quite well." Solomon added.

Joey, who was standing on the metal railings that encased their viewing area, turned to them.

"Kaiba doesn't stand a chance; this is Yugi he'll know that Kaiba knows about his deck. I'd put money on Yugi having added somethings that we've never seen before to throw Kaiba off."

They pondered what Joey had said for a moment, before one by one their eyes fell onto the former Pharaoh. Atem looked at each of them in turn, keeping his face neutral. When none of them said anything, only continued to stare at him, he spoke.

"Why are you all looking at me?"

Joey scoffed, "Come on we know that you know what Yugi's planned. He tells you everything!"

"Perhaps, but as I'm sure you can understand if he did tell me anything then naturally, I would be sworn to secrecy."

"So, he has done something then." Joey pondered, a serious look washing over his face.

The former Pharaoh smiled as Joey turned away, clearly trying to imagine what Yugi may have done. Of course, Atem did indeed know what Yugi had planned but he wasn't about to spoil anything. As the others turned away, knowing they'd get nothing out of the former king, he shifted his position in his seat. The pain in his injured ankle was still causing him some discomfort but after everything he'd put them all through, he was not about to complain. The arena seemed to be full, everyone had taken their seats. The pure noise that thousands of people could make was remarkable, distant cheers and jeers were coming from all corners of the arena. Atem had never really taken any of this in before, he'd never really been on the side lines during duels. He'd always been with Yugi, they'd never had time to take in the atmosphere of duels as they'd been talking through their strategy one final time. But now, being his own person, being free he could take in this atmosphere, and it was truly remarkable.

With no warning the lights all around the arena turned off, plunging them into darkness. There were numerous startled shouts from the crowd but then all went quiet. For a few long seconds nothing happened but then one solitary spotlight appeared illuminating a small circle in the centre of the arena. A lone figure was standing in that spot, a figure which they all recognised. Mokuba looked up slowly, dramatically. Putting the microphone to his mouth he spoke.

"It is time. It has all come down to this."

There was a dramatic pause as Mokuba looked slowly around the arena. He milked the silence for a few moments longer before continuing.

"The final duel is about to begin, and we shall find out who is the number one duellist. Will the King of Games retain his title, or will it be passed to his contender, someone who he has battled many times."

Another pause.

"We are about to find out."

With that lights burst back into to life amongst a resounding roar from the crowd as the arena erupted once again with cheers. Atem had to wonder as he watched Mokuba milking the moment, why the Kaiba brothers felt the need to make everything so dramatic but then he supposed it was part of what made their tournaments so appealing. Mokuba could certainly work the crowd, knowing exactly when to milk a moment and when to move on.

"Now, I believe it is time to bring out our finalists." Mokuba continued, "Not that either of these two need introducing at this point. First, our contender for the title of King of Games. The organiser of this very tournament and my older brother, Seto Kaiba!"

A roar erupted from the crowd as Seto Kaiba emerged, strolling onto the pitch with his well-known confidence. Strolling over to where his younger brother stood waiting for him, Kaiba folded his arms and scanned the crowd with that signature smirk on his face. Grinning at his older brother's smirk Mokuba turned back to the crowd.

"And now, ready to defend his title at all costs. The reigning King of Games, Yugi Muto!"

Another roar, louder then the last, erupted from the crowd as Yugi appeared with a broad smile on his face. He walked towards the Kaiba brothers, holding himself tall and confident. The sight of Yugi's visible confidence made the former spirit of the Puzzle smile proudly. Yugi drew level with the two brothers before looking out to the crowd, immediately spotting his friends. Not that it was difficult to not spot them. Joey and Tristan were on their feet punching the air with their fists as they cheered. He could just see the other three behind them. Tea and Grandpa cheering and clapping while the former Pharaoh who was, typically, clapping in a much more regal way. He may not be a King of Egypt anymore but there was no way he'd lose those regal mannerisms. Yugi took his deck from his duel disk, handing it to Mokuba who promptly shuffled the deck before handing it back and proceeding to do the same with his brother's deck. Looking to Kaiba, Yugi nodded at him, Kaiba just narrowed his eyes at him in response. The cheers died down slowly as the two duellists looked at each other, Kaiba seemed to be attempting to psych Yugi out, but Yugi held his gaze with that visible confidence.

"Any last words Yugi?" Kaiba asked, as the arena fell silent, "Because today is the day that the title of King of Games finally goes where it belongs, which is with me."

Yugi smirked, "Bring it on Kaiba, I'm more then ready to take you down."

Kaiba scoffed, "Then may the best duellist win."

On those words both duellist turned and walked away from each other to take their marks as the arena once again exploded with noise. As Yugi and Kaiba reached their respective marks, they both turned and activated their duel disks. With both duellists ready Mokuba turned to the crowd.

"Let this grand final begin!"