Farewell, my Beloved
The royals escaped the terror of the shrine without waiting for any more surprises from their enemies. But looking around, some of the royals found that they were on their own. They wandered the streets hoping to reunite with their friends and even find their Magical Creatures who were still in the streets. But that was already proving to be easier said than done.
Atem summons the Dark Magician to search the village for their friends. In less than a few minutes, the mage returns, saying he found no sign of the others. But Atem knew that they couldn't be too far. At the same time, he knew that this separation was no accident. This was a trick caused by Bakura and Max to weaken their defenses. Atem also feared that the thieves were doing this to buy time for their biggest attack. For now, everyone would just have to take whatever was coming their way.
In other corners of the village, Magical Creatures reunited with their human companions and began helping them to fight off the Shadow Creatures attackng them. Mana was fighting Skeleton Fiend with help from Jirachi, Gardevoir, and Dark Magician Girl. Shada came to Isis and Karim's rescue from a mummy holding an axe. Karim was still too weak from fighting Max and Bakura and Isis' monster Spiria wasn't the offensive type. There was even so little that their guardian beasts Xatu, Liepard, and Hawlucha could do. Shada's beast, Two-Headed Jackal Warrior, was holding off the attacks from the Wandering Axe Mummy, but was not strong enough to defeat it.
Weakly, Karim called his friend over. "Shada, before I enter the Shadow Realm, please take my strength and use it to protect our king." Shada understood the condition of his friend and wanted to help him, but seeing that there was nothing he could do, he carried out Karim's wish. The men held hands as Karim's energy was being transferred to Shada; strengthening his monster and destroying the Mummy.
Finally, everyone was reunited at last. With all the commotion of the battles being heard throughout the village, all the monsters and humans were able to find and protect each other. "My king," Karim was saying, "I know you'll defeat Bakura and Max and the darkness over Egypt will be no more. Millennia's light will shine through and protect you and your family."
"And you'll return," added Atem.
Karim groaned again, but smiled weakly in agreement. "Until then, I wish you all the best of luck. And please, give the queen and princess my love and continue to protect them. Farewell, my friends." Then he loses his grip and becomes motionless like he had drawn his last breath. Isis holds him and starts crying. Even Liepard meows and rubs his head against his master.
"I've seen enough," growled Atem. He stands up and decides that the madness Max and Bakura were causing must come to an end. But he also remembered that the rest of his friends who weren't present were still in danger. The Great Shadow Negas was still keeping Seto as his prisoner and using him to lure Kisara and Freya into a trap that would force them to sacrifice their powers and themselves. Atem climbs on Salamence's back and takes the reins. Being Seto's dragon, Atem hoped that Salamence would help him find their friends. "All of you stay here and protect each other. I'm going to look for Seto. In the name of the Great Goddess Millennia, I will not allow another friend to fall victim to the Dark Lord."
But Mana wanted to come along and help. All of the Children of Millennia were in danger now and it was time to reunite and fight together. Like the king, she didn't want to lose the rest of her friends.
Atem nods and lets Mana have her way. She climbs up and sits behind Atem and Salamence gets above the village and starts flying away. Amused by how things are working in their favor, Bakura and Max decide that they've had enough of toying with Atem's guardians. They follow him and agree to break his spirit by crushing his beloved childhood friends and their lovers.
The pharaoh wasn't the only one looking for his friend. Kisara and Freya both learned from their Dragons that something terrible was afoot. Kisara, however, knew that Seto was in danger and needed help. Freya had the same dream about Joseph and the two cousins knew that their lovers always faced whatever danger they were in together. That dream was already coming true considering the fact that Joseph had been watching over Kisara and Freya as they were resting. After hearing about their dreams, he knew right away that the White and Black Dragons were conveying a message that their friends were in danger and they all had to rescue them. Even Mystery, who couldn't wait any longer after feeling a strong dark presence, left the palace to join Joseph and the cousins to rescue their friends. Joseph and the cousins agreed to rescue Seto while Mystery would head for the outskirts and find her husband.
"The age of darkness is upon us and our kingdom needs a new leader," said Aknadin. "Now rise, my son, and embrace your destiny." Seto regains consciousness and finds that he's at one of the royal temples. Aknadin speaks up once again and tells him, "Before you can become the new king, you must seize the powers of new Egyptian Gods and as we speak, two messengers come bearing these gifts." Seto and the wicked knight look and see the cousins riding on Kirara and Joseph riding on Flygon as they come to the temple. "Only by accepting their offering can you become the new pharaoh."
But Seto pays no attention. He heads for the stairs and makes it to the lower level of the temple. At the same time, his friends descend and get off their beasts. Seto and Joseph raise their hands and slap them together; happy to see that they're all right. Kisara jumps on her fiancé and begins embracing him. But as happy as Seto was to see his friends, he couldn't ignore the situation everyone was in. "You all shouldn't be here. It isn't safe."
Kisara shakes her head. "You risked your life to save mine many times all those years ago. It's time I risked my life to save my friends." Freya agrees and says the same thing.
"Whatever danger you're in, Master Seto, it's our problem now too. What does it matter anyway? We're always in it together and this time's no different," said Joseph.
Aknadin begins cackling once again. Everyone looks up and sees him at the top of the temple. "Don't be fooled by their innocence, Seto. Kisara and Freya each hold a power that belong to you." The ground below them begins to quake. "Zorc's arrival is taking place. You must act swiftly and seize the White and Black Dragons, my son."
Seto had enough. "I am not your son. My father left me when he pledged his allegiance to the Dark Lord." He takes Kisara's hand and starts running. Joseph does the same thing with Freya. Flygon, Kirara, and Sakuya stay on their guard to protect their companions.
"How dare you disrespect me!" Aknadin roared. "After all I've done for you!" He leaps from the temple and uses his magic to surround everybody with boulders. To free themselves, Seto and Joseph summon Duos and Flame Swordsman to shatter the boulders. They were free, but still unable to escape as the Great Shadow Negas continued to attack them with his magic.
"Two questions," Joseph yelled. "Who is that monster and why is he attacking us!?" But Seto couldn't answer. The wicked knight summoned a large shadowy being and used it to crush Duos and the Swordsman. The two friends groaned and placed their hands against their chests. Kirara and Sakuya try to fight also. They pounce on Aknadin and try to bite him, but he fends them off and weakens them with his dark magic.
"If you will not take their powers, then I will!" decreed Aknadin. He gets in front of the cousins and demands, "You girls will surrender your powers to my son at once!"
Kisara and Freya face each other and nod with determination. They knew that if they wanted to protect the men they loved, they had to be strong and brave. Their amulets glow and so do their outlines. Gathering their courage, they call forth the White and Black Dragons. But as much as they wanted to protect their fiancés, they also knew that they had to be careful. They had never faced an adversary like this monster before.
Watching from another corner of the temple's grounds, Bakura and Max kept behind a pillar and made their peeks short. Without the Millennium Items, Seto couldn't sense their evil presence. But they weren't going to take their chances. Bakura was amused by how things were going, but Max felt differently about the fight. She couldn't help but feel that something about this was familiar to her.
The White and Black Dragons were fighting well, but even their might was no match against this evil magic. The Shadow Creature easily escaped their attacks and even managed to use a magical ring to trap them. Aknadin even made two stone tablets rise from the ground to capture the beasts. "Now your fates are sealed; sealed in stone, that is."
As the Dragons try to resist being captured, the cousins get on their feet. "You mustn't do this," Seto begged. "You no longer have the strength to fight."
"We know what we're doing," Freya assured him.
Kisara agrees and adds, "No matter what it takes, we will not allow him to continue to hurt you or the rest of our friends, Seto."
"Hurt him?" questioned Aknadin. "Haven't any of you been listening? I plan to transform him into the most powerful king that ever lived."
"But at what cost?" inquired Seto. "So I can become like you? A puppet of Cobalt? Kisara, Freya, the pharaoh and queen, even Joseph - all of my friends have helped me to realize something. The Great Goddess Millennia has blessed me with her grace and wisdom. For that, I would sooner be a peasant in a world that is still shining with hope than a pharaoh ruling a world contaminated with darkness."
All of his friends smile at him with shining eyes. They knew he meant what he had just said. They even saw that his amulet was glowing. Their beloved friend was thinking with his heart and not just his head and they knew that the heart was where true wisdom lied. He even said it so himself that his wisdom was a blessing from Millennia.
"So you choose this riffraff over your own flesh and blood?" The wicked knight removes his mask and reveals his wicked dark features. "I brought you into this world and if I must, I shall remove you from it."
Finally, Joseph starts to catch on as he recognizes his master's face. He's surprised by his transformation, but is mostly shocked by all that he had been hearing. "Does he speak the truth, Master Seto? Is he really your father?"
Seto shakes his head. "No, Joseph. The part of this monster that was my father is long gone." He looks down and silently adds, "And now I see what's been left in his place: a weak old man with a heart full of darkness."
Aknadin had enough. Strengthening his creature with his rage, he launches a blast of dark magic for Seto and Joseph. The young men steady themselves, ready to take the attack, but Kisara and Freya get in front of them and take the blasts instead. Seto and Joseph watch in shock as their fiancés fall back. They catch the girls in their arms and place their heads in laps as they fall on their knees.
"Kisara, Freya," Joseph whimpers. "Are you girls all right?" But he knew the answer very well. The cousins weren't all right. In fact, by taking that attack, the shadows started consuming their spirits. Their souls were drifting into the darkness.
Seto faces them with tears. "You saved us," he sobbed. "I'm… I'm sorry."
Freya opens her eyes and groans. "For what?"
He sniffles and answers, "I'm sorry I got you involved."
Kisara weakly smiles and shakes her head. "Don't be. We don't have any regrets," she said sincerely. "If we hadn't made so many wonderful friends, our lives would have had no meaning."
Freya smiles in agreement. "It's true. We're so glad that we got to be friends with you."
"That's forever," Seto sobs. Then the Dragons are sealed completely inside their tablets and the cousins lose consciousness.
Tears fall from Joseph's eyes as he tightly holds Freya. "Kisara, Freya," he sobs. "Oh, please stay with us. Girls? Please, don't do this!"
As Max was watching this tragic scene, she knew for certain that she had seen this kind of sacrifice before long ago. But she didn't have time to think. The Cobalt Star was becoming wild inside of her, meaning that the Dark Lord had been angered. But it was not his children he wanted to take his rage out on. He wanted to take it on his new servant for considering his selfish ambitions. Max released the Cobalt Star and watched its trail of darkness make its way towards the Great Shadow Negas. The wicked knight screeched in pain as he felt the dark presence surrounding his spirit.
Joseph and Seto were still feeling broken, but they got back on their guard. Gently, they set Kisara and Freya down and get on their feet. "Master Aknadin?" Joseph wonders.
"No," the wicked knight answers with a much deeper voice. "Aknadin is no longer of this world. He ceased to exist after surrendering his soul to me. You now stand before me, the lord of evil and darkness."
Seto and Joseph gasp with wide eyes. "Lord Cobalt!?"
"At ease, sons of Millennia," he softly demands. "Believe me when I say I mean you no harm. You see, while my children and servants take pleasure in torturing and assaulting your family, I do not. I have not been satisfied with all that they have brought upon you these past few days."
Neither of the young men could believe that the Dark Lord was speaking directly to them. But they did not know this evil deity the same way they knew his true heir, so they had to be careful with their words as well as their emotions. Joseph was strong-willed, but he was also very strong-hearted. He even wondered if the Dark Lord could undo the damage that had been done and maybe free the friends they lost from the Shadow Realm. "Lord Cobalt, you're the lord of evil and darkness. Surely you must know all the powers of the Shadow Realm. Maybe you could bring back our friends." He truly didn't want to trust Cobalt, but if there was a way for him to get back his lost love, he would take his chances.
But it was too good to be true. The evil entity shakes his head. "There is nothing I can do. Your friends have sacrificed themselves and now their souls are lost in the Shadow Realm." He turns his attention to the tablets. "I also see that those beasts had bonded with their souls; which had brought greater pain upon them both. But it is not completely tragic. Parts of their spirits live inside the White and Black Dragons, so they are not completely gone."
But Seto and Joseph were still too devastated to comprehend what the Dark Lord was saying. "Why, Cobalt?" Seto demanded. "If this was not what you wished, why did you just stand by?"
"Seto, you know there is only so much Millennia and I can do as stars. But this is the cruel reality of life and fate. Nothing has worked in my favor or Millennia's, but we both had to embrace that these events were destined to occur. We may not have lived in this world for long, but we have always been watching over our children. Just when we think we know you humans well, you surprise us. And you think you know us very well, but truly, your ambitions get in the way of our wishes."
Seto found himself agreeing with Cobalt's words. Humans truly were the most simple-minded creatures on the planet, but also the most strong-hearted. Dreams and wishes were the key to finding happiness not just for oneself, but for others. But Millennia and Cobalt could never reveal their true wishes because after living within the hearts of their children for so long and seeing all that had been going on, their wishes had changed.
The Dark Lord spoke again. "I cannot heal the pain in your hearts, but if there is a way for you to reunite with your lost loves, you must discover it on your own. I know not if defeating Max and Bakura will save them either."
Joseph sniffles and asks, "Why are you telling us these things?"
"Because now that my ultimate creation is loose, war has begun," answered Cobalt. "You call it the Battle of the Gods because this conflict will now decide the fate of the world. But Millennia and I see it differently. We view it as a hope for the both of us; that our children will find happiness and we may no longer have to fight. Because now, our freedom is the least of our desires." He turns away and adds, "And as mentioned before, we did not intend for any of these disasters to befall our children. All that Bakura and Max had done, I did not wish for."
The Dark Lord goes deeper into the matter as he explains his story. It was true that when the Millennium Items were created, the border between the human world and Realm of Shadows opened. Both Millennia and Cobalt were angered with the process and the result itself because their powers had been tampered with and corrupted; thus causing a disturbance in the balance between light and darkness. Now the Gods want to find a way to even the odds by putting their differences aside and hopefully ending the feud between them once and for all.
"So that's it?" wondered Joseph. "There's a disturbance in the balance between light and darkness and now you and Millennia want to even the odds?" He never thought that two bitter rivals would find a way to cooperate and put mortals before themselves. To Joseph, he thought all that mattered to the Gods was ending the fight and deciding the world's fate. He always thought that darkness was evil after all that he had seen, but this direct conversation with Cobalt as well as his friendship with Luna was making him see it differently.
"That is our hope," Cobalt told him. "But I am afraid that once Zorc arrives and the ultimate war begins, the rest will be up to you. But heed my words, with all that has happened, I have no intention of giving Zorc my power. Bakura will have no choice but to use the Millennium Star. I have spoken to Millennia and she has already agreed to let Bakura use her power." That was the true reason Cobalt demanded his two children to obtain the Millennium Items and open the border again. He wanted the ultimate Shadow Game to begin not to dominate the world, but to find a way to make things right and fair. Millennia wanted to help just as much. Just as Cobalt's power had been used to carry out Millennia's will all those years ago, it was now time for Millennia's power to be used for Cobalt's deed.
"But make no mistake," assured Cobalt. "It is our fault and we are leaving it to you to decide the result of the fight. But we will still be with you."
"No," protested Seto. "As you mentioned before, Lord Cobalt, this all started becase we humans put our own selfish ambitions first before knowing what you and Millennia both truly wanted. That made us fail to see that none of what has been happening was your doing, but our own faults. We must correct our own mistakes." His amulet started glowing after he said that.
Seeing the glow of Seto's amulet, Cobalt finds himself curious to know what kind of person this son of Millennia is. Being a lord of evil and darkness, he had the power to see a mortal's darkest desires and their personal ideals. Gazing at Seto, Cobalt saw that the young man had kept so many dark secrets bottled inside. His inner struggles were more serious than the Dark Lord had thought. Cobalt had never shown empathy towards any follower of Millennia before, but he thought he could help Seto.
The Dark Lord clears his throat and grins. "Seto, forgive me for prying into personal matters, but I could not help but want to see your secrets. I have found that you have been struggling for so long. But you refuse to let your emotions get in your way and distract you. That is not good for you. You need to unlock your inner rage and let the people around you see your pain. Do not deny help when you know you need it most. At the same time, you must take your anger on those who have hurt you so that they will understand your pain."
Listening to Cobalt's words, Seto can't help but assume that he's trying to poison his mind just as the wicked knight had been doing. But a small part of him wanted to agree. But Seto still thought that he knew himself better and he wasn't going to let himself fall victim to any more head games. He softly chuckled and said so himself. "Cobalt, if you're trying to force me to attack the royal family on your behalf just as your foolish servant was trying to, then you don't know me as well as you think you do. I'm too wise for your tricks."
"This is no trick," assured Cobalt. "I want to help you unlock what you truly are. And I see that deep down, you want to accept my help. Seto, to unlock your inner rage and your true self, you must face the one whose shadow you have bound yourself to." Then the Dark Lord points to Seto's shadow and makes it take a new shape.
Seto looks down at the shadow and sees that it's taken on Atem's shape. "The pharaoh?" At first, Seto finds this to be another trick to take down Atem and assume the throne for when the age of darkness begins.
But Cobalt has different views of the matter. "You have lived in the shadow of your best friend for too long. You, a man older and more superior to him, but allowing your younger relative to be superior to you. You claim that it is where you belong, but even you know as well as I do that you deserve all that he has. As happy as you claim to be for him, you are jealous of him. And who could blame you? You had to work to get where you are, but everything was just given to his majesty."
Before Seto can speak up and protest, Cobalt carries on. "I know what you are about to say; this was all his birthright. But I told you, you are the eldest of the family and that makes you the rightful heir. All that he has, the throne and even the perfect family, it even seems to me that Millennia's light shines upon him more than you. It should all be yours."
Seto didn't want to admit it in words, but he was jealous of his king and little cousin. There was no need to explain it anyway since the Dark Lord saw it inside him. But Seto still thought he could argue and avoid Cobalt's words. "Nice try, Cobalt. But I told you, I'm too wise for all this. I know where I belong and I know what I truly desire. What I desire is my king's safety and happiness. He's always been a little brother to me and he still is even though I realize he's also my little cousin. But what difference does it make? He is still my family and family comes first for me."
But even the Dark Lord was too clever for Seto's simple intelligence and wits. "But he will never see you for what you truly are or what you want if you keep your emotions locked up. You push him away because you are afraid of hurting him when you know you want to hurt him. But you know he derserves to have pain inflicted upon him by you. He deserves it for letting you have your way and letting you continue to suffer when he saw it. You have been a devoted brother to him, but he has not returned that devotion in the same way."
Joseph was starting to have enough. "Listen up, Cobalt. I don't care how much you two try to match wits with each other. My master will make the right choice like he always has. Seto and the king are best friends and would never do anything to hurt each other." Joseph believed in Seto because he knew that a lot of the choices he made were always for the people he cared about. Seto admitted that he wasn't pround of every decision he made, but remembered that it was for his family and friends; to ensure better lives for them. Even though a lot of choices weren't good, some of them had good results.
Seto appreciated his friend's support, but he held up a hand to stop him. "Thank you, Joseph, but this is my fight now. Still, you're right. King Atem is my best friend. That is why I helped him to achieve all that he has now. Not because I knew he deserved it, but because it was all that I wanted for him. I wanted him to be happy with the one he loved and who loved him just as much." Seto even admitted that he loved Queen Mystery, but not in a romantic way like he wanted her to be his girl. He loved her like she was his sister and he wanted her to be happy just as much. It was Kisara who Seto's heart truly belonged to.
Cobalt wasn't going to give up. "Then I think it is time you proved to your best friend that you are his equal and that you deserve more than what you have now. Step out of his shadow and become your own man. Reveal to him who you truly are so that he can finally recognize you and return all that you have given him."
As much as Seto wanted to continue fighting, he found that the fight was starting to become strong inside his soul. He had been keeping his emotions contained for too long and wanted his brother to see him for what he was. But would it be possible to do it without hurting the family member he loved with all his heart? He felt that he should agree with the Dark Lord and fight Atem to prove he is not a mere servant and has more potential.
Joseph feared for his master and didn't want to lose another friend to the shadows. As much as the two didn't always get along and had petty arguments and disagreements, they were still brothers to each other as well as a great tag team. As afraid as he was, Joseph wasn't going to let fear get in his way. He steps in front of his master and sets his hands on his shoulders. "Look at me, Master Seto. You are not going to sell yourself to Cobalt and forget about us. We're your friends, your family. You said so yourself. I also know you have your own personal matters and don't want us to get involved, but we get ourselves involved because we love you and care about you. And though I don't always agree with your ways, I still force myself to stand by you all the way for the same reason. But this is a tough fight and you've got to make the correct choice. You've got a great battle going on inside and you're the only one who can face it. All I can do is stay with you and help you any way that I can. But like I said, you've got to listen to your own voice and decide for yourself. You can't listen to the Dark Lord, Master Aknadin, not even me. Don't let me influence you no matter what kind of help I offer."
Seto looks at Joseph and places his hands over his. "What do I do?"
Joseph shakes his head. "Find the answer on your own and whatever you decide, I won't interfere or try to change your mind."
"But what if I make the wrong decision?"
"Whatever you decide, I'm sure it'll be the right decision for you and for the rest of us. And know that I won't abandon you. I promise I'll stay beside you all the way as a true friend would. I tell you these things, Master Seto, because you are my friend," he finishes slowly and his amulet starts glowing. "Just promise me one thing. If you are certain that what you decide will make you happy, do not lose sight of what is important to you."
Seto softly gasps, then tightens his eyes and nods. "Thank you, Joseph, for being a true friend."
The young man nods back. "Let's go." And they both set Kisara and Freya beside the tablets of the Dragons and head for the stairs of the temple. Instead of descending down the steps, they face the horizon and see the rest of their friends coming. Joseph faces his master and tells him, "I meant what I said, Master. Cobalt was wrong. And I know you can prove it. And don't worry. I'm right here with you."
Without facing his friend, Seto nods and sighs with a small sense of gratitude.
Looking at the two men, Cobalt somewhat smiles. He didn't think Seto would be this stubborn. It took everything the Dark Lord had to break through to him. He also knew that there would be no point in doing the same thing to Joseph because he was just as stubborn and strong-willed despite being feeble-minded. But after having a direct conversation with two of Millennia's sons, he was beginning to see that wisdom and friendship were more than just words and that they were very real. But he would only believe that when he would see it. Finally, the Dark Lord condemns his host to the Shadow Realm and returns to Bakura and Max who are also waiting to see the show.