Yami to Hikari (Darkness and Light)

Yami to Hiakari 2: Yami no Yume (Dream of Darkness)

Yami to Hikari 2: Yami no Yume (Dream of Darkness)
By Sunsinger and Heather MacCloud
 
 
 
The numbers on Yugi's clock announced 4:51 am, and Yami shifted, still asleep. A small moan escaped the long-dead Pharaoh's lips as he turned on his side roughly.
 
Yugi snuggled in closer, wrapping his arms around the disturbed Yami.
 
Yami hugged Yugi almost painfully tight, words coming out of his mouth in Ancient Egyptian as the tips of his fingers dug into Yugi's back.
 
Yugi pressed his face into Yami's chest. He groggily winced as Yami's fingers pressed hard into his flesh. //I am not gonna get punished for these marks! Maybe I can punish him... //
 
The spirit winced in his sleep, a soft and almost pained hiss escaping his lips. He turned on his back, one arm still tightly around the boy.
 
Yugi opened his eyes and stroked his Nushi's face. Closing his eyes, he continued to stroke Yami's chest.
 
Yami made a sound surprising like a whimper, his turned into Yugi's hand. His arm shifted and his grip around the boy tightened, fingers all but bruising the soft flesh on Yugi's side.
 
Yugi eyes opened wide as he felt the fingers dig into him. He tried to sit up, but Yami's grip wouldn't let him. Sighing, he reached out to shake Yami. He had to wake him
 
Yami turned back on his side, moaning in pain. He mumbled softly, one word standing out amongst the Egyptian syllables "Sanahkt".
 
Yugi squeezed his eyes closed in sudden pain, then shook him hard. "Wake up, Yami. Wake up!"
 
Crimson eyes snapped open and the Pharaoh jumped about a foot. "Yu-Yugi?"
 
"Yami, you were having a nightmare about... your... son &nb  
Yami pulled the boy into a gentle hug. "Yes, and about the Dark Games."
 
"You know, no one ever explained why they are called the Dark games. Why didn't you want Sanakhet to play them."
 
Yami chuckled, kissing the boy's nose. "It's pronounced Sanahkt, Yugi." Then the spirit grew more serious. "We called them Dark Games, because that's what they were. We played them in a Shadow Realm with the spirits of monsters that had at one time nearly destroyed the world."
 
"Then who brought them out again. Why did Pegasus create this game, If they are so dangerous?"
 
"That happened long before I was born, Yugi. I don't know who started them, or why, but it has something to do with the Sennen items."
 
"Now we just have to figure out what."
 
Yami nodded, hugging Yugi again. "And as for why I kept my son from playing them; They're an addiction, Yugi. For someone that literally ruled the world, there are few power trips, but that game was one of them."
 
Yugi eyes widened... "But you played them? Perhaps that's the repayment that was spoken of? I can't believe that you went mad with power but could you perhaps gotten, hooked? Perhaps that's why you were sealed in the puzzle?"
 
"I know I was "hooked" on them, Yugi. The dream told me that much."
 
"The games are a drug? Then... whoever started the game again, wants people to be hooked. They control the cards, they control the deck, they... control the players. " Yugi fell back on the bed and covered his face with his hands. "Yami, haven't we done enough?"
 
Yami pulled the boy to him, rubbing his back. "No, Aibou, not yet. Not until the games are sealed forever."
 
"When we do, do we have to seal you back? If we do... I don't want to. Unless I can go with you."
 
"I don't know, Yugi. I really don't."
 
Ok, Nushi, now sleep... tomorrow we go back to the museum." Yugi whispered softly, trying to convince Yami that he wasn't worried.
 
Yami smiled, laying down with Yugi in his arms. "All right Aibou, go to sleep.."
 
Yugi looked at the clock, it was 5:37 a.m. "If you want to stay up and talk, then that’s ok. We can catch the early train into Domino station. Be at the museum, first thing."
 
Yami opened his mouth to say something, then shook his head. Hugging Yugi he smiled.
 
Yugi looked up at his Yami. "I know it was about your son, and I can’t help but feel a little jealous about that part of your life I can’t know. But I have this need in me, this love, which tells me that I can’t be happy if you’re not happy. Talk to me. I need to help you."
 
Yami reached up, stroking Yugi's cheek. "That's why I love you, Aibou. You always put others before yourself. You have no need to be jealous, though. I left that life behind 5000 years before you were born. I'm remembering it now, but that doesn't mean I'll ever love you any less. You're the other half of my soul, my Hikari. My life was just a dark prison before you completed the puzzle and set me free. You brought light, and happiness to me. I love you, and I always will."
 
Yugi nodded, "So tell me about the dream..."
 
Yami nodded. "It was in Egypt, I was at a table. A boy, my son, was sitting across from me. We were playing cards..."
 
//||\
 
Yami sat at a small table, cards spread out before him. He looked at the boy sitting across from him and laid another card down, face down. "Your move, Sanahkt."
 
Sanahkt looked at his cards and then at the rule sheet his father had given him. "It's likely to be a trap card so I’ll play this card. Your move, Tef."
 
Yami smiled, placing a card with a picture of a monster on it on the table. "You're learning quickly. Maybe soon you can come with me to play the Games for real."
 
Sanahkt bounced with joy at pleasing his tef and played his card. "Thank you, Tef."
 
Yami looked over the cards on the table, then at the ones in his hand. Two monsters stared back at him: One, the Dark Magician, could decimate the boy's monsters and win him the game, but the other, a phantom, would be destroyed, costing him the game. The Pharaoh smirked and lay down his card... The Phantom.
 
Sana giggled and put down The Earth Warrior (now Gaia the Fierce Night). "Slashing Swords Attack."
 
Yami's smirk turned to a full smile. He stood up and lifted the boy in the air, tossing him gently. "You win, Sanahkt!"
 
Sanahkt laughed and hugged his father, it was the best day of his life.
 
//||\
 
Yugi pressed himself closer and rubbed Yami's stomach. "So you made the first duel monsters deck? You loved your kids that much. But I thought you didn't want... Sanakht to play?"
 
Yami hugged him tight, rubbing his arm comfortingly. "Then I wanted him to, it was a family tradition. That was before I learned how dangerous the Games were."
 
"So your father played it too? What about your mother? Any brothers or sisters you can remember?"
 
"No, the girls didn't play, usually. I had a younger sister, though, she was a twin. Her and her brother were inseparable. They both played."
 
"Do you remember what it was like to grow up with them?"
 
"No, I just remember they were there. I can't remember their names, or what they looked like."
 
Yugi snuggled in and kissed Yami's chest. Rolling off him, he got up and walked towards his closet. "Hmmm time to get up, let's make breakfast, then off to Domino."
 
Yami looked at the clock, it read barely 5:30. "In a rush, Aibou? The museum doesn't open until 9."
 
"Ano... well, I thought perhaps wecouldgototheparkandwatchthesunrisebeforegoingtodomino." Yugi squeaked out. "Or we could... stay in bed."
 
Yami chuckled, smiling. "Whatever you want to do, Aibou. We can go to the museum at any time."
 
Yugi blushed and turned away. Slipping off his nightshirt, he winced. His eyes opened wide and he spun around. "I am not hurt."
 
It was too late though. Yami saw the wince and the marks along Yugi's back and side. "Yugi, what are those?"
 
"Nushi, it's nothing... nothing important. Come on, let's clean the house before Ji-chan wakes." Yugi pulled on a black muscle shirt and looked for a pair of pants.
 
Yami got up and walked up to the boy, taking his arm in a firm but gentle grip. "Nothing? What happened to you, Aibou?"
 
Yugi looked down and bit his lip again, the sharp pain almost brought tears to his eyes. "Nothing, Nushi. Trust me?"
 
Yami sighed, pulling the boy close. "All right, Aibou, I trust you."
 
"Thanks, now what do you want to do?"
 
"Get dressed, then we'll decide."
 
"Ok," Yugi posed in front of the mirror, "Hmmm I don't think I’ll take a jacket today but what if I wear the black mesh shirt and the leather shorts... hmmm…"
 
Yami chuckled softly at Yugi, looking for an outfit of his own to wear.
 
Finally Yugi dressed his comfortable white shirt, his favorite one with the huge red star, and black leather shorts, slinging a silver belt with black studs around his waist. He picked the pair of shoes he wanted to wear and sat on the bed. "Ready Yami?" //He takes so long to get dressed. //
 
Yami was pulling a shirt over his head, tight black leather pants clung to his legs like a second skin. The shirt he'd chose looked like it'd come from Yugi's closet, showing the Pharaoh's stomach as he moved.
 
Yugi got up and pulled out a long shirt. Tossing it to Yami, he grabbed his shoes and walked out to the kitchen.
 
Yami caught the shirt, slipping it on, then followed Yugi downstairs.
 
Yugi sat on the couch and waited for Yami to sit down. Once he did, he turned towards Yami, "Well, what do you want to do... we have a couple hours before the museum opens."
 
Yami sat next to him, pulling the boy close. "Well, we could go to the station and catch the early train. It's usually empty."
 
"K, first breakfast." Yugi went into the kitchen and pulled out four pieces of white bread out of the bag. "Breakfast done. Grab my wallet off the table and let's go."
 
Yami got the wallet, sighing. "You're testing your limits ordering me around, Hikari."
 
Yugi tried not to smile and took the wallet from Yami, pressing two slices of bread into Yami's hands, "Eat up, you need your... strength."
 
Yami took the bread, rolling his eyes. "I'm a spirit, Aibou. I don't have to eat."
 
Yugi rolled his eyes and stared at Yami. "Ever since we have been collecting the Millennium Items you have grown stronger. Your heart beats, you breathe. A few more and you will truly live. So see this as practice, Shuujin no Sennen. Soon to be no more such."
 
Yami shook his head and ate the bread. "Happy now, Aibou?"
 
Yugi rolled his eyes. "Yes oh Pharaoh, if thou has finished your stately repast, they humble servant shall escort thee to the magic horseless carriages."
 
Yami mock glared at Yugi. "I'm from Egypt, not Olde England." Yami shook his head and picked up the boy tossing him over one shoulder. "Now, little light, let's go to the trains."
 
Yugi muttered imprecations against old dethroned spirit pharaohs under his breath being careful not to name any names. Once they arrived at the train station, Yugi bought one ticket and waited.
 
"Aibou, one ticket?"
 
Yugi slid off Yami's shoulder and stood there looking at his Nushi, "Spirits don't need to eat, and they don't need tickets, they don't need to shower with their lovers or even carry them, I guess. At least that's what my 5000 year old dethroned Shuujin no Sennen spirit told me."
 
Yami put one hand on Yugi's face, stroking his cheek. "You're so stubborn sometimes, Aibou. I'm sorry I was condescending."
 
Sighing happily after teaching his Nushi a lesson, Yugi bought another ticket, "I may look ten, but I’m not."
 
"I know, Aibou."
 
Yugi wrapped his arm around Yami and when the train pulled up, he pulled them to the back of the car. There was no one in this car. Happy, Yugi pulled Yami into his arms.
 
Yami sat next to Yugi, smiling. He pulled the boy into his lap and nuzzled his hair. "What do we do now?"
 
Yugi could feel he train pull out from the station. Sighing, he said "Yami, Koi, do you want to tell me more about your dream?"
 
Yami leaned back against the window, stretching out and cuddling Yugi close to him. "If you want to hear it, Aibou."
 
Yugi bit his tongue before he let off with a wise crack. Taking a deep breath he stared at Yami, "Of course I do. How else could I help you?"
 
Yami smiled warmly back, kissing him lightly. "I was just coming back from playing the Games. It was late, I didn't know how long I played, but I was exhausted. I stumbled into the room and collapsed on the bed. I was just about to fall asleep when my wife walked in..."
 
//||\
 
"Yami. Sanakht is waiting for you. You promisim."im." Nefert bit her words off piece by brittle piece.
 
The Pharaoh groaned in his sleep, making a weak shooing motion. "I'll play with him in the morning."
 
"Like you did today. Or yesterday? Or the day BEFORE that?" Nefert yanked the covers off him and pushed him out of bed. "I refuse to hear my son cry because his father broke his word, AGAIN."
 
Yami glared at her. "I said I will play with him in the morning. I've been gone all day and I would like to sleep."
 
"Yes, well sleep... alone." Nefert gathered her combs and left.
 
Yami groaned, then fell back on the bed again. Of all the women in Egypt, why did his wife have to be so obstinate. He turned on his side, exhaustion from playing the Dark Games that had started to take over him.
 
Nefert walked down the hall to her son's room. She could see him playing with those exasperating cards his father had made him. Smiling, she picked him up and tickled him. "Tef is sleepy, but he asked me to bring you to him. You can sleep with him tonight, Sanahkt."
 
Once at the room, she laid him next to his father and covered her son. Perhaps if he woke up next to his child, he'd have time for him.
 
By this time, Yami was sleeping deeply, giving no indication he realized his son was next to him.
 
Nefert sighed and turned away. Picking up a monster card that had fallen on the floor, she placed it on a table before she ripped it to shreds.
 
Yami groaned and turned on his other side as Sanahkt snuggled up to him.
 
Nefert struggled not to strangle her... //husband// as he turned /away/ from their son. Ready to scream, she left.
 
* * *
 
Yami woke up the next morning, head pounding. He sat up slowly, realizing he was still in same clothes he'd worn yesterday. How long had he been in the Shadow Realm? There was no way to tell. Time didn't seem to move at all there.
 
"I see you are finally up, /husband/. It's surprising to see you up before sun high. Sanahkt is at classes. He asked me again if you would play with him tonight. Understand something /husband/, you will play with Sana tonight or your bed will be cold and empty until death." Nefert smiled cheekily and walked out the room.
 
Yami looked out the window. The sun was fully risen, but not yet at it's highest.
 
The thought crossed his mind that something must be wrong with him. He was usually up with the sun, not after it, and how long had it been since he'd played with Sana? Or any of his children for that matter. But those thoughts were pushed aside as stood up. He had a kingdom to run, and he had to get back to the games...
 
//||\
 
"Wow... you really pissed her off. How could it get that bad before you realized what was happening?"
 
"Does a drunkard realize his problem is ‘that bad’ as he drinks? When I started to play the Games they were harmless. It was something my family and the other nobles did to settle disputes, or just have fun. I never realized it was addicting until I was addicted myself."
 
"I see... and now someone wants to bring the old game back... not just this version." Yugi lay back and thought.
 
Yami rested his chin against Yugi's head. "As long as it's merely cards, they're safe, Yugi. It's the Shadow Realm that makes it addictive."
 
"Pegasus..."
 
"Is dead, and without the Eye. He can cause us no more pain."
 
"He got into the shadow realm by using his eye. There are more items out there... perhaps one of them... "
 
Yami rubbed slow circles on Yugi's back. "We will find them before anything happens."
 
"Unless something has." Yugi closed his eyes and petted Yami's long shirt.
 
"If it has, then we will stop it. Together."
 
"Hai."
 
Yami lifted the teen's chin and kissed him quickly. "Hearing about my dreams are putting you too ill at ease, Aibou."
 
"Nushi, they make me think is all. I like you sharing your dreams... I'm just worried."
 
"You worry too much, Aibou. Let's handle one dilemma before we bring up another. We don't even know who has the rest of the Sennen items yet."
 
Yugi arched one eyebrow then closed his eyes. "Yes, Shuujin."
 
Yami sighed deeply, his hand falling from Yugi's back, his voice had an almost sad tone to it. "Yes, Yugi, I know I’m a prisoner of that Ra-forsaken Puzzle. It's a fact I'm reminded of every time I see our deck, every time I have to return to it because I'm not strong enough to keep myself separate from you any longer, and every time I look at the damn thing eternally bound around my neck."
 
Yugi winced and wrapped his arms around Yami's neck, "Nushi, Shujin has two meanings. I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you. I... ai shiteru, Nushi. Don't be angry with me."
 
Yami hugged Yugi tight, kissed his cheek. "I forgive you."
 
Yugi flushed at the love in his Nushi's voice and licked his neck. Sucking gently he stroked patterns on the back of Yami's neck.
 
Yami shivered, sliding one hand up Yugi's shirt. He pulled the boy up and kissed him deeply.
 
Yugi pulled back a little, "Ai shiteru, Nushi. One day I will free you and then you will never have to go back!"
 
Yugi pressed forward and sucked the sweet tender salty flesh right below Yami's ear.
 
Yami smiled, sitting up and pulling Yugi into his lap so he was straddling him.
 
Yugi slid his hand under Yami's shirt, and brushed his finger over nipples that jumped to hardness, those luscious peaks pebbling and tightening.
 
Yami moaned softly, pulling Yugi's head over and kissing him. Both hands slid up the back of Yugi's shirt, revealing his lightly muscled stomach.
 
Yugi slid one leg up onto the seat and moved his head down, and, lipping the nipple through that see through shirt, he bit it.
 
Grinning, he tugged Yami around and pushed him flat against the seat. Twisting his legs around Yami, he ground his hips into Yami's.
 
Suddenly Yami groaned and pushed him away.
 
"Wha...?" Yugi realized the train had stopped. The door had opened because he could hear voices in the car. It couldn't be... it couldn't...
 
"Yip." Yugi peeked over the top of the seat and saw some very familiar faces looking back at him. "Téa, Joey, Tristan... ano... Hi!"
 
Téa's face almost visibly fell as she saw Yugi and Yami tangled up together. 'No, they're not THAT way" she thought frantically. "They can't be, Yami's got to be in love with me.'
 
Tristan did a double take at what he saw. "Hel... hello, Yugi. Yami."
 
"Hey, Surprise Yuge! So you two are a couple and you didn't tell us? How'd you like that Tristan, they didn't tell us." Joey turned to Tristan and nudged him in the elbow.
 
Tristan blinked, shrugged and grinned back.
 
"Joey! I'm sorry... it's just... after duelist's Kingdom and finding out someone took Pegasus' eye... we sorta talked and found out we liked each other, then I kissed him, and we never thought about having to tell anyone and..." Yugi blushed and cut off his rambling.
 
Yami rolled his eyes. "What my Aibou is trying to say is that we're sorry we didn't tell you, but we had no idea how to bring the subject up."
 
"Not a prob. Just teasing ya Yuge, Yami. So ah, where ya going?"
 
Tea looked stunned, glancing first at Joey then Tristan. "No big deal? What if someone else finds out, huh?"
 
Tristan stared at her. "So what. Tea, they're our friends. We don't have to like it. No one really has to, except them. It's not worth losing two good friends over. Right Joey?"
 
"Yeah, lighten up Tea. I thought you want your friends to be happy?"
 
"I do... but what if someone sees them? Not everyone is as understanding as y... us."
 
Yugi looked sideways at Yami and nodded. "Well, actually that already happened..."
 
"It did?" Tristan asked, looking at Yugi and Yami questioningly.
 
Yugi took Yami's hand. "Yesterday, on the Domino Pier, we were kissing. Yami was being so sweet and..."
 
"Some people didn't take too kindly too it." Yami finished.
 
"Man! That just sucks! Who were they Yuge? Let me get my hands on them!. Yami you did do something, right?"
 
"Of course, I taught them a lesson they won't soon forget."
 
"AW RIGHT!"
 
Tea frowned, "Joseph Wheeler! That's what I mean! I hate to think that either of you two would get hurt."
 
"I won't allow anything to happen to Yugi." Yami replied.
 
" I know but how can you protect yourself while protecting him?"
 
"I don't get hurt."
 
"That's right," noted Yugi "don't worry Tea. Now how long before we get there?"
 
"Two or three more stops." Said Tristan
 
Tea sat silently fuming, this was going to be harder than she thought. She knew this was wrong… but how to get Yami to see it? She worried at her fingernail and frowned.
 
"We called the game shop and you're grandfather said you were already headed to the Museum, so we thought we'd catch up with you." Tristan said.
 
Téa was quiet, silently brooding. 'Yugi and Yami?' her mind screamed, 'No, no, that's just GROSS. I'll make Yami see he loves me.'
 
Yugi looked at his Nushi and shrugged. Turning around, he pulled Yami's long shirt back into place and started buttoning it. "Sure."
 
//Remember when I told you that Téa had a crush on you? I made you take a long shirt today... I like seeing you in my shirts but I don't want Téa seeing you. She might get the wrong idea. Then I will have to be un-nice.//
 
Tristan walked over and sat down in the seat next to the two, Téa walked over also, sitting right next to Yami and Yugi.
 
Yami hugged Yugi slightly. //Don't worry, Aibou. No matter what she thinks, I'm yours and yours alone.//
 
//I know but that doesn't mean she won't try to make trouble. When she saw us, she... //
 
"Cool, you saw the article about the Egyptian exhibit?" Joey asked, laying on around on the chair back.
 
//She what, Aibou?// "Yes, we went there last night, but our visit was cut short."
 
"So did you find anything interestin'?"
 
"The article said there was a whole bunch of stuff about Duel Monsters in the exhibit," Tristan pointed out.
 
"We left before we could find out too much, but there's quite a bit of information there." Yami said.
 
Yugi lay back against Yami's hand, "We didn't get to see anything but there was a lot of stuff. Some of the wall carvings show Yami's battle against the evil sorcerer."
 
"That sounds interesting. Yami, do you remember any of it?" Téa asked, flirting a bit.
 
"No, I don't."
 
"Yami and I, have been trying to help his memory, unfortunately no luck but we keep... trying." Yugi smiled at Téa
 
Téa smiled at Yugi. "I'm sure you two will find a way to bring it back."
 
"Of course we will. We'll never stop trying because we have faith in each other."
 
Yami nodded, hugging Yugi with one arm. Téa humphed silently and leaned back against the seat.
 
Yugi shook his head. //I'm letting her get to me, Nushi, and I'm trying not to. She's my friend, I don't want to fight. //
 
Yami stood up as the train stopped, taking hold of Yugi's hand. Téa and Tristan also stood up.
 
The group walked off the train and into the station. The halls were pretty empty for being morning.
 
Joey stood up quickly chasing after them. "Hey wait up... where is everyone. It's not a holiday is it?"
 
"Not that I know of." Tristan said.
 
Yugi shook his head, "No... but it is only about 7..."
 
Yugi smiled at Tristan. Yugi looked at the clock in the station. //Nushi, it's been four months since we met.// Laughing Yugi slipped his hand over Yami’s ass. Patting one cheek, he rested the hand on Yami's far hip. Pulling his lover closer, Yugi slipped under his arm.
 
Yami hugged the boy close, smiling. //Yes, it has.//
 
Téa crossed her arms, and shot the couple a death glare.
 
//||\
 
The group got to the museum and bought their tickets, then headed down to the Egyptian exhibit.
 
"So, it's a bunch of pictures on rocks or something?" Joey asked
 
"They're called Heiroglyphs, Joey." Téa said, matter-of-factly.
 
"Oh, yeah I knew that. So we're just gonna stare at them? Hey Yam, can you read those Hieroglyphics?" Joey said, sticking his tongue out at Téa at pronouncing it right.
 
"Yes, Joey, I can read them." The Spirit answered.
 
"Cool!" Joey poked Tristan. "Well let's see what wonders are there."
 
Tristan poked Joey back. "You might not like it Joey, you'll actually have to read instead of just look at the pictures."
 
"Why you!" Joey swung at Tristan and missed.
 
//Glad not much has changed.// Yugi said to Yami.
 
Yami smiled, nodding. //Yes, it is nice//
 
They entered the exhibit room. Joey tapped Téa on the shoulder and pointed to a glass case.
 
"Maybe we should check them out?"
 
Meanwhile, Yugi and Yami left Tristan staring at the huge stone monoliths and headed for the far side of the room, to where they stopped yesterday. It was time for the next part.
 
"Hey Yami, you should come see this. According to the translation it's the journal of this pharaoh guy who sealed up the monsters of that Shadow place." Joey called.
 
"We know, Joey, we saw them yesterday. We're onto this one now." Yugi pointed to the glass case in front of them.
 
Yami nodded and walked up to the case. "This is where the interesting artifacts is."
 
Joey walked over to them. "So Yam, did it help? Do you remember the pharaoh guy?"
 
"I remember, fragments, near the end of my life, nothing of my childhood, my parents, or when I became Pharaoh."
 
Yugi turned to Joey, "He is the pharaoh that sealed the monsters into the shadow realm... and sealed himself into the puzzle too. It meant leaving his realm, his people, his wife, his kids. Everyone and everything. Now someone is trying to reawaken the monsters. Joey if they do, this time they may destroy the world."
 
"Wow. But Yam-man, why did you do that?"
 
"Because if I hadn't the world would've been destroyed."
 
Téa put her hand on Yami's shoulder. "But you lost your family, that's so horrible, Yami." She put her arms around him in a comforting hug. The Pharaoh stiffened at the sudden hug.
 
Yugi looked over at Téa. Reaching up, he brushed his thumb over Yami's bottom lip. "Yes, but when you have someone... close, a burden shared is a burden halved."
 
Yami smiled at Yugi, pulling out of Téa's embrace. "Yes, having someone by my side makes any pain my memories bring bearable."
 
Joey groaned. "Come on guys, if the security guard sees ya necking, he'll kick us out. Trust me, I saw the same thing happen to Tristan... or maybe that was because you almost broke that Greek vase when Hoshi slapped ya."
 
"I was nowhere near that vase!" Tristan argued.
 
"Uh huh." Joey reached out wrapped his arm around Tristan's neck and gave him a noogie, laughing.
 
Tristan flailed around, trying to free himself and nearly knocked over the display stand with the parchment. Yami caught it quickly, saving it from a shattering trip to the floor.
 
Yugi covered his face. //Why did I invite them to a museum?//
 
Yami set the case upright. //Perhaps we should get them out of here. //
 
//Yes. Early lunch, late breakfast? Did you read the journal? //
 
//Not yet, I was more worried about keeping the stand from breaking. //
 
Yugi slipped in between Yami and Téa.
 
//Read it quickly, I’ll distract them.// Yugi turned towards Téa. "Téa, why don't we let Yami study the journal, while we think of a place to eat. We didn't really have breakfast."
 
Téa looked mildly disappointed, but put on a fake smile before it could really show. "All right, there's a restaurant upstairs. We can go there."
 
"Wonderful. Yami and I will meet you there. Joey, you three save us a table."
&nbsT&eaTéa fought hard to hide her disappointment. "All right, come on, Tristan, Joey."
 
Yugi watched them leave. Turning back to Yami, he sighed. "I love Téa she's my friend but I want to... arghhhh. So let's read this thing."
 
Yami put his arms around Yugi, pulling the teen close to him, then he looked over his shoulder and started to read the page. "Anubis, make ready, because I am sending my brother to see you tonight, so help me! I can't believe that bastard took Sanahkt to the Games! I specifically told them all NOT to allow my children near those damned Games. I might be strong enough to handle them but my children, Sanahkt, it nearly killed him. That place almost ripped his soul apart, he was so sick. He collapsed in my arms, if I'd gotten there a little later, he'd be gone now. As I write this he's sleeping in my lap. He was so scared after I took him from the Shadow Realm, he refused to let me go. He said he didn't want me to leave him, that he wanted his ‘old father’ back. Havehanghanged so much? I have to stop those Games, I don't think I can stop playing them now. Even as I sit here, I feel the urge to go back to the Shadow Realm. I have to seal it off, somehow, some way. I have to stop the Dark Games, before they destroy me, or my family."
 
"I felt really weak after Pegasus took us there." Yugi said "I can't imagine what it did to a 5 or 6 year old. Your own brother? You didn't kill him. Tell me you didn't. //Please.//" Yugi asked, shivering with the thought of the Shadow Realm.
 
Yami hugged Yugi tightly. "No, Aibou, I didn't kill him. Sanahkt clung to me from the moment I took him home until his strength returned. By that time my rage had died down."
 
"Do you remember your brother's name? Maybe it's in the next one." Yugi pointed and walked over quickly.
 
"No, I don't remember his name, only that he was my youngest full brother. We never got along. Sanahkt had asked him to take him, and he defied my wishes and did it anyway." Yami explained as he walked over to the next case.
 
"He lived. He lived and he was probably the one who commissioned this. He probably knew where you went and left you a history. No matter what has happened. He lived and he loved you alot." Yugi took Yami's hand in his and squeezed it.
 
Yami smiled. "Yes, I'm sure that's who did this, the relative of my brother."
 
"Perhaps, but I meant your son... he loved you so much."
 
Yami nodded. "Yes, he did. He was my heir, I was closest to him."
 
Yugi wrapped his arm around Yami's waist. "Hai."
 
Yami hugged him, reading over his shoulder again. "I don't think there's any revelation more startling than waking up and realizing you don't know your own children. I used to be so close to them. Heqaib, Sahure, I could always tell them apart, even when they would pretend to be each other. I would always know them, but today... Today Sahure came to me and crawled into my lap, and I called him by his brother's name. Oh gods, the look of pain on his face was enough to rip my heart out. He was in tears almost, I thought he was going to run from me. Instead his hugged him and rested his head on my chest. He told me that it was okay, he understood that the Games had changed me and he forgave me."
 
Yugi pressed his forehead to Yami's shoulder. "Ouch, but you stopped the games. Remember that."
 
Yami kissed Yugi's forehead. "Yes, I remember." Then he started to read the rest. "He also told me the strangest thing. He said he had a dream that I left them to do a "secret thing" and I couldn't come back. He said I made the bad go away forever, so no more daddies would be hurt. Then he looked me right in the eyes and said, "Don't be afraid, Daddy, when you he she secret thing. You're gonna go to sleep and leave us forever, but when you wake up, you'll find the other half of your soul." Does Sahure know I plan to seal the Shadow Realm? His dreams have always been special, they show the future. I know sealing the Shadow Realm will kill me, Sahure all but confirmed it, but the other half of my soul? What did he mean by that? Am I to find a new lover? Start a new family? No, I don't want that. My wife, my children, I've hurt them so much already. I'll never defile them by loving another."
 
Yugi’s eyes opened wide. "Defile… //Defile//." He whispered and pushed the glass case over. Running out of the Museum, he knocked another display case off the wall. Something shiny rolled out of the case and into Yami's feet.
 
Yami stood stunned for a second, then reached down to pocket the shiny object before chasing after Yugi. "Defile? How could I write something like that. Oh, Yugi, I could never feel that way about you."
 
A blue suited security officer stepped in front of the fleeing young man. Looking around at the damage, he asked. "Excuse me but what just happened here? I just saw your friend run out? And who is gonna pay for this mess?"
 
Yami pushed passed him quickly. "Charge it to the Turtle Game Shop!" He shouted, running passed.
 
Yami skidded to a halt, falling to his knees not far the restaurant. Pain lanced through him and he bit back a scream, one word finding it's way through clenched teeth. "Yugi..."
 
* * *
 
Yugi couldn't think except tha that sentence. /I'll never defile them by loving another. Defile: dirty, disease, destroy./ Tears ran down his face. He couldn't see where he was going, he just had to get out of there, anywhere. Anywhere. Blaring horns surrounded him, right before a bright red stripe slammed into him, then came shadows.
 
//||\
 
Joey sat staring at the window. They had left the /lovebirds/ alone. Not that he could blame 'em after see how Téa reacted. //What did Yami gotta do, screw Yuge in front of her face. Speaking of Yuge--// "Yuge?"
 
Joey pressed up against the window. Below him, he could see Yugi running from the museum. Getting up, he pointed to Yugi below before running out. "Hey Tris, what's wrong with Yugi?
 
Tristan looking out also. "Man, he looks upset. Wonder what happened with him and Yami down there."
 
Téa looked out the window at Yugi. "We'd better go catch him."
 
Joey pounded down the stairs past the security guards and out the door. Suddenly he saw Yami stumble forward. Grabbing him, he could see Yami grinding his teeth.
 
Yami collapsed into Joey, a pained moan escaping him. Téa ran over putting her arms around Yami to support him also, while Tristan looked around for Yugi.
 
"Yami, where's Yugi? What happened?" Joey heard sirens in the background. He started to shake his head.
 
"He... ran off... pain... he's hurtami ami gasped.
 
"Hey Tristan, carry him, and let's head over toward the sirens. Something happened to the little guy." Joey handed Yami to Tristan and took off.
 
Yami groaned as Tristan and Téa got him situated on Tristan's back, then the three took off after the sirens.
 
Joey could feel his heart pumping, pushing his way through people so he could see... who it was. Yugi looked so small, there wasn't a lot of blood. There should have been a lot of blood.
 
Yami lifted up, trying to get away from Tristan. "Yugi? Where's Yugi? I can't feel him." Téa put a hand on Yami's back. "Stay still Yami."
 
"Hey coming through. Hey get out of the way. Coming through." Joey pushed people out of the way and lead Tristan over to Yami. Placing Yami's hand in Yugi's, he leaned down and whispered. "Hey, Pharaoh, can you use any of those special powers to help him?"
 
Yami shook his head sadly. "I've been out of the puzzle too long, the injuries are sapping my strength."
 
"Oh man! Well when the ambulance comes, go into the puzzle. People will be distracted."
 
The Spirit nodded, squeezing Yugi's hand weakly. //Aibou? Can you hear me? //
 
Yugi wandered in the shadows. It was so cold. So cold.
 
Yami shut his eyes tight, screaming in his mind. //AIBOU?! YUGI?! ANSWER ME! //
 
Joey shook Yami's shoulder. Watching the ambulance back in, whispering, "Get ready. Go. NOW!"
 
Yami vanished back into the puzzle, running to Yugi's soul room and pounding on the door. "Yugi! Let me in, please?!"
 
Yugi shivered, he couldn't see anything in here. Somewhere far away he heard his Nushi, begging to be let in. But it couldn't be, his Nushi is a pharaoh and they don't /defile/ themselves. No he was alone in this darkness... all alone.
 
Yami threw himself against the door, pain in his voice. "Yugi, PLEASE, let me in! Open the door! I'm sorry, I didn't know when I wrote that what this life held for me. If I had I never would've wrote it. I love you! Let me in!"
 
Yugi leaned his head back... //defile...defile...defile...defile... //
 
Yami continued to beat on the door and shout, Tears pouring down his face.
 
Jumping to his feet, Yugi screamed out all his rage, all his anger before sitting down.
 
Yami heard the distant scream and shouted back at the top of his lungs. "YUGI?!"
 
Yami slumped against the door, fist resting gently against it, whispering. "Sahure told me I'd find the other half of my soul when I woke up. I found it, in Yugi. Please, anyone. Those Games took so much from me. Don't let them take him too. The other half of my soul, it hurts so much to know he's hurting."
 
A whisper flew through the void to Yugi. //Sahure told me I'd find the other half of my soul when I woke up. I found it, in Yugi. Please, anyone. Those Games took so much from me. Don't let them take him too. The other half of my soul, it hurts so much to know he's hurting.// Yugi lowered his head and saw Yami's face in his mind, those beautiful crimson eyes, "Nushi. Come in."
 
Yami hesitantly opened the door. "Yugi? Aibou?"
 
"Yami."
 
Yami walked into the room, looking for Yugi.
 
A single flame flower grew up, sitting on the far side of the room. His hair was hanging down limply. It was Yugi. He turned his face towards Yami. "Defile."
 
"Yugi, I had no idea what I'd find when I wrote that."
 
"I know. You wrote that. As man. As husband. As Pharaoh. And you are still two of those."
 
Yami shook his head. "I'm none of those now, Yugi. I'm a spirit, the spirit of this puzzle."
 
Yugi looked Yami up and down silently. Raising an eyebrow, "I was sure last night that you were a man."
 
Yami sighed. "I'm still male, but I have no real body, only a solid spirit."
 
"Really? Spirits don't have beating hearts. Where is that bread I gave you? Spirits aren't solid. Soon you will be completely solid, able to exist apart from m... the puzzle." Yugi turned to face out in the darkness. /I'll be all alone again. I hurt./
 
"You'll never be alone, Aibou. I'll never leave you."
 
"If the door is open, I shouldn't be here long. Otherwise I'll have to spend longer in the hospital, and we need to be looking for the Sennen Items." Yugi got up and started walking.
 
Yami grabbed a hold of Yugi, pulling him close. "No, Aibou. We need to talk. I need to stay here to regain my strength, so here we'll stay."
 
"We need to save the world. Everything else can wait."
 
"Screw the world. I gave up one family for the world, I will NOT give up you, too. I love you, more than anything and I'm not loosing you to anything."
 
"Yami, if she came back. If Nefert was alive. If there was someone who looked like her, talked like her, was in every way her. If you knew you could reincarnate your kids with her. All you have to do... is leave me. Tell me honestly, looking into my soul, that you wouldn't. If you could have another change with Sanakht, Sahure, Heqaib and the rest?"
 
"I had my chance with them, Yugi, it couldn't be the same in this world, this time. I loved them dearly, but they're gone now. I have a new life and I have you. I will never leave you. You're a part of me. When I hold you in my arms, I feel complete. I feel as long as you're with me, I can do anything, and every moment I can't feel you is agony. I'lver ver leave you, Hikari. You're my hope, my light. I’m nothing without you."
 
Yugi smiled faintly and took Yami's hand, "Come on, they'll start worrying about us."
 
Yami squeezed Yugi's hand. "I need to rest, Aibou. You go out, we'll talk through the Puzzle."
 
"Hai." Yugi faded away and opened his eyes. The white lights of a hospital room glared down at him.
 
Yami returned to his soul room for some much needed rest. As he lay down he was happy that at least he was able to slip the ring into Yugi's pocket.
 
 
 
To be continued in Yami to Hikari 3: Rei no Kataki (Soul of the Enemy)