Hey guys I'm back! I know you're probably thinking where I've been but to be honest I decided to take a break, but I also didn't want you all to wait forever. I didn't give up on the story because I knew it would have too many unanswered questions and I actually liked writing this. Sorry it's short but I wanted to surprise you with a chapter at least. Hope you enjoy! :) *wave*

Chapter 9

Atem stood motionless in horror and shock from watching part of Yugi's soul seep quickly into the Puzzle. It was like deja vu all over again when he dueled against Yami Marik in Battle City when parts of Yugi were being sent to the Shadow Realm. This time was different though. A part of Yugi literally went inside the Puzzle, rather his soul instead of his body. If this continues, Yugi would struggle finishing the duel as he loses parts of himself.

"Yugi, are you alright?!" Tea cried. Yugi just slowly straightened his stance, but with some difficulty.

"What the hell are you getting at here?!" Atem shouted in outrage. Mr. Ishtar just laughed wickedly.

"I told you before. All you have to do to stop this is to bring my son here. I just want to talk to him." He's lying, Atem thought. He just wants his revenge.

"I'm okay. This is nothing," Yugi responded clearly trying to endure the pain. Everyone wasn't convinced.

"This is bad Pharaoh. What should we do?" Bakura asked with concern.

"I don't want any more of Yugi's soul to be taken. That's my top priority. The problem is, Marik is involved in this unknowingly."

"Maybe Marik should decide for himself for once and take care of this nonsense here. It's getting ridiculous." Kaiba said with great exasperation.

"Yugi won't go for it," Atem said, "He'll do anything it takes to protect those close to him. Even if it's risking his own life."

"We'll somebody has to deal with this freak so we can focus on those souls destroying the world."

As the they were thinking over what to do, the duel continued on.

"But he doesn't know the Istar siblings are still in town, " Tea mentioned, " In fact, he thinks they're back home right now."

"So what are you suggesting?" Kaiba asked, "It's not like that stubborn brain of his is going to involve Marik in this."

Great. Another secret to keep from him. This means we have no choice but to include Marik without Yugi having to interfere. Atem thought this as he was watching the duel. Yugi wasn't doing so well. More parts of his soul were seeping into the Puzzle. He turned to Tea.

"Tea, do you know what Marik is doing right now?"

She looked into the near future for a moment.

"He's currently staying at a hotel with Ishizu near the center of town." Great, he knew where that was.

"What are you going to do Pharaoh?" Bakura asked.

"I'm going to talk to Marik about this and bring him here."

"Are you sure he will when he finds out the truth about his father being back?" Tea asked worriedly.

"I'm sure he will when he finds out Yugi is in great danger. I'll be back. Give Yugi an excuse for my absence," Atem called out as he ran off. As soon as the Pharaoh was out of earshot Yugi asked where he was.

"Poor little Yugi, I bet your best friend was so distraught seeing you like this he left and abandoned you, " Mr. Ishtar tauntingly said as he laughed wickedly. Yugi was shaking in anger despite the turmoil he's in.

"Shut up! You don't know anything! Just get to dueling already!" He looked at the group with a worried and concerned look.

"He's fine Yugi. He remembered something and hurried off! It'll be okay." Tea assured him. Yugi then nodded and the duel commenced.

It was a bit of a run to get to the hotel since it's somewhere in the center of town. After getting their room from the receptionist he then took the elevator to go to their floor. Ishizu was the one who answered when Atem was about to knock.

"My Pharaoh, I'm glad you're here. I had a feeling you were coming here," Ishizu said as she let him inside the hotel room.

"I'm glad you're both here. I have something...unpleasant and upsetting for you. I'm not even sure if you need to know this, but we're running out of options."

"What is it?" Marik asked. Atem looked at him with sympathy.

"I'm...not sure how to say this so I'll just get to the point. I'm sorry Marik, but your father has returned." A look of surprise covered his face, then despair.

"How is this-?"

"The gateway to the spirit world opened and he came back to get revenge on you. He blames you for sending him to the Shadow Realm."

"Marik, please don't think this was ever your fault!" Ishizu pleaded to her brother.

"But it was sister. I used the Millennium Rod myself to do it."

"That wasn't you! You know I was there myself and I know you wouldn't ever do that no matter how our father was."

"That may be true, but it was my hands that used it. I have to take care of this." His look was firm so Ishizu would no longer object. She heaved a big sigh.

"Brother, I hope you know the risks you're taking. So I will go with you. You're my family and Father will no longer say any nonsense about his beliefs on 'family'." Marik nodded gratefully and turned to Atem.

"Let's go Pharaoh."