Memoria

Sorry guys I only got internet at my apartment today. On with the reading...

Chapter 19: Goodbye Yugi

Yugi, Mai and Bakura entered Tristan’s apartment and found Tristan, Isis and Tea. “Welcome back you guys.” Tristan greeted. Isis nodded to them and pat Yugi on the shoulder but Tea remained silent.

Isis knelt down before the haggard looking Yugi and smiled softly at him. “You have them all Yugi.” She said gently.

Yugi let the words wash over him. They had them all. His hand clutched the small pouch tighter in his hand and he sighed. He could do the ritual. “We did it…”

“We’re almost there Yugi, now you just need to do the ritual.” Mai said her voice hoarse.

Yugi looked up at her apologetically. “I don’t know how I’m going to repay you for all of this Mai.”

“I’ll think of something.” She laughed.

Bakura didn’t miss the dark look on Tea’s face. He noticed a tendril of Shadow about her and his eyes narrowed. “Perhaps you should begin soon, Yugi. There’s no knowing when Seth will strike.”

Yugi nodded up at him and Tristan led them into his small kitchen where the other items rested. Yugi looked over them all and lay the pouch among them. Yugi shut his eyes and paused. “This is it…” He whispered to himself.

“You should eat something first Yugi. You need to replenish and relax yourself for the ritual.” Isis said.

As if on cue Malik entered carrying bags of groceries along with Duke. “Here you go sister. Excuse us.” Malik said and dragged Bakura behind him out of the kitchen to somewhere.

“No sex in my place!” Tristan called after them making Yugi’s, Tea’s and Duke’s faces all flush with embarrassment.

“You won’t have a problem with that!” Malik called back.

“Sorry guys.” Tristan said after noting the incredulous looks sent his way. Mai however was laughing as she picked through the bags and Isis was rubbing her temples.

Not long after they had begun eating Seto showed up. “You haven’t started yet?”

“Yugi needs his strength for the ritual Kaiba.” Tristan said before anyone else could. “So I suggest you sit down, shut up and grab a bite.” Everyone was shocked as the young CEO complied without comment, above all Tristan who was too stunned to continue eating.

“He’s already got you whipped huh?” Mai said with a smirk.

“Shut up.”

*

Malik pulled Bakura tightly into his arms and breathed in his scent. “Why couldn’t you have just told me?” He asked quietly.

“I’m sorry…” Bakura apologized. “But, this was something that I had to deal with…I know it wasn’t right to exclude you from this, but I couldn’t bring you into it, I hope you’ll forgive me.” He continued and closed his eyes. “It is something I need to do in order to make the past right within my own eyes.”

“You’re so selfish sometimes.”

Bakura smirked. “So are you.” He teased.

Malik sighed and rested his hands on Bakura’s cheeks. “That’s why we work together so well…but please consider telling me about these kinds of things from now on so I don’t throw fits around my sister.”

Bakura chuckled and kissed Malik lightly, “I’ll do my best.”

“She’s reeking with Shadow Magic…” Malik whispered.

“Has anything happened?”

“I’ve been having more intense visions but that’s all.” Malik said basking in the comfort of his lovers arms. “I keep seeing it again and again, that day…that day between Seth and Atem.” Bakura’s eyes widened in shock and his hold on Malik loosened. “It wasn’t your fault. You are not him.” Bakura’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Don’t beat yourself up over this anymore. You may have the memory but yes we do have the power to stop him and help Yugi. If this helps you let go then it is what we must do, together.”

Bakura nodded. “Have you seen anything else?” Malik went silent as if in deep thought. “What is it?”

“I don’t know why but I constantly see the Change of Heart.” Malik said looking deep into the dark chocolate brown eyes. “I’m half tempted to think she’s had a hand in this.”

Bakura shut his eyes and lowered his head.

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s moving.” Bakura said and pulled Malik back into the kitchen. The others had eaten and Isis was with Yugi beside the items. Bakura looked over Tea and then around the room. There were tendrils seeping into the boundaries of Isis’ protective shields. “You had better get started Isis, Yugi.”

*

Yugi nodded and was once again by the items. “When you take hold or touch the items you must allow your thoughts to permeate the energies within the items. This is what is required in order to bring Yami back.” Yugi nodded once more. Isis continued. “Open the helmet of the suit and place the mirror facing downwards inside.” Yugi did so with slight difficulty. The suit was made to be touched only by women after all. He hoped what happened with Ian didn’t happen with him. He lay the mirror within gently. “Close it.” As soon as it shut a light blue light filtered through the crevices of the helmet. “Place the earrings on either side of the head and make sure they are set neatly. Place them as close as possible.”

Yugi did so, first the left and then the right. His heart was hammering in his chest. “Okay…”

Isis cleared her throat. Even she was nervous. “Take up the bottle of perfume and drop two drops onto the face of the helmet.”

Yugi took up the bottle and opened it. The aroma flared about him and made his eyes water a little. The smell filtered into his nose and in its concentration overpowered his senses. He dropped two drops in anxiety hoping no more than that would hit the armour. He released the breath he had been holding and quickly put away the perfume.

“Next you clip the pendant around the neck.” Isis said beads of sweat forming on her brow. The tendrils of Shadow Magic were increasing. Behind her Malik was chanting under his breath and Bakura’s aura flared into the shields.

Yugi made to grab the pendant but another hand snatched it. Yugi’s whole world plummeted and he turned to face Tea. Seto and Mai were on their feet and Isis’ brow creased into a frown. “Tea, you need to give me the pendant.”

Her vacant eyes bored into his vibrant amethyst ones. ~I do not want you to have him back.~ Yugi was taken aback by the hollowed voice.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“I’m Tea…who else would I be?” She asked.

“Tea let go of the pendant.” Mai urged.

“I don’t need to hear that from you. You’ve just barged in and taken a place that was mine.”

“Tea you’re being childish.”

“You’re not Tea Gardener.” Came Bakura’s sharp deep voice, Tea’s body winced. “I can see you clearly.”

The shining from the armour began to dim.

“Change of Heart…”

Tea’s body fell and the Change of Heart stood idly with the pendant hanging from her hand. Yugi froze. “I do not want you to have him back.”

Before Yugi could respond threads and ropes of Shadow Magic flared up and snagged the Change of Heart. Bakura stepped forward and took the pendant from her. He didn’t touch her and lay the pendant in Yugi’s hand. “He’s going to get him back and you will be returned to the Shadow Realm to rot there.”

“Seth will come. My powers have extended far into his being. He’ll never change back.”

“Then we’ll stop him.” Seto barged in and nodded to Yugi. “Continue Yugi, Seth needs Yami in order to get the Shadow Powers. If he is here, his chances will be slim.”

Yugi nodded and looked up at the Change of Heart. “I don’t know why…you would want to stop me. I don’t know what happened…but I’m sorry if it hurt you.”

The girl went quiet and her eyes stayed on Yugi intently until he turned away. He clasped the pendant around the armour’s neck. It sank through the metal into the armour and he heard a small clink as it landed. The earrings began to glow now and the light from the helmet intensified. He turned to Isis.

“Rest the diamond on top of the forehead.”

“What is driving you to get him back?” Change of Heart asked him which halted his actions. “How do you know the ritual will work, or that you will be left unscathed?”

“Don’t listen to her Yugi!” Mai reprimanded. “She’s just trying to stop you to buy her and Seth time!”

*

Yami walked silently with Dark Magician. “You always know when I need protecting don’t you?”

“It is because it was-no, is my duty. I intend to carry it out until you no longer wish it to be so…but even then I will remain watching over you.” Dark Magician said sternly. “There are rifts now surrounding us. I will need to fight. Please do not use your strength. You will need it once you get back to your world.”

“But I could help you.”

“No…you need to go back. Although your Hikari is doing this out of love, if you do not go back Seth will claim your powers and cause unnecessary destruction. Without you here we can deal with his presence easier, and his defeat in your world will be swifter. He has been changed by the Change of Heart, willingly, wanting more power. He wanted it to overthrow you. I hope you understand me when I say I do not want you here, but I wish you all the best in your new life, my master.”

Yami saddened. “Thank you for telling me.” Yami gasped in shock when Dark Magician pulled him out of the way of a blast of Shadow Magic. He turned and found a Blue Eyes and Seth. “You’re not strong enough-.”

“Here balance of power is not what is written on your silly cards in your world. I am insulted that you think I am weaker.” Dark Magician said with a smirk.

“Sorry, it’s a part of my new life.” Yami murmured.

“Already used to it huh? You better not forget us.” Yami turned to Mana and Siamun. He smiled and nodded. They turned away and stood with Dark Magician prepared for the battle.

*

Yugi shook his head. “I’ve had enough of you and Seth getting in the way.”

“After you place it on the forehead Yugi you have to say Memoria Aeternus.”

Yugi nodded and placed the diamond on the forehead. He was engulfed in the light. It was warm and inviting. “Memoria Aeternus.” He said softly.

*

Yami covered his face as a flare of white lightening shot over head. ~Memoria Aeternus~ He heard in his ear and found himself falling again. The sensation was different this time and the sounds of the battle and Seth screaming in pain vanished. He found himself submerged in water. There was nothing around him but water. Light filtered in from above him. He looked to his right and noticed Yugi and the gang oddly dressed. Mai and Tea were in dresses and Joey and Seto in suits. Yami’s eyes strayed in Yugi and he smiled. ‘You look like a kid Yugi.’

*

Yugi opened his eyes. The armour was standing before him the items illuminated softly. “You have gathered all with courage and determination. Who is it that you seek?”

Yugi smiled and said without pause, “Yami.”

“Your journey has been hard and you have been riddled with much toil. May your life be filled with happiness and that you live long, and do make many memories for they are beautiful.” The armour walked forward and pressed it’s fingertip gently to Yugi’s forhead and he lost consciousness.

*

Yami felt his body propelled forward through all of the memories and hit the surface. He gasped for air and found himself inside metal. His breathing was heavy and moist. Then all of the cold metal slipped away and he found himself staring at the ceiling.

“Yami?” He sat up and turned his head quickly to everyone. He smiled at them but found Yugi unconscious in Mai’s arms.

“Yugi?” He said quietly. He made to move but his limbs were burning. Even so, he slid off the table his knees nearly buckled under him and was helped by Tristan over to Yugi. He touched Yugi’s face gently and sighed.

“He probably won’t remember you.”

Yami in shock looked up at the Change of Heart. “I’m not going to worry about that. I’ll make new memories if need be.”

Change of Heart looked affronted. “You people irritate me. I don’t know why you’re so determined.”

Yami got up weakly his eyes fierce. “Because that is what life is all about, to do what you have set for yourself. Yugi wanted me back so he went through trial after trial and through whatever you and Seth threw his way. When you have a goal you go for it because that is what life is…”

“So different compared to a monster like me who just wants power.”

Yami took a step back a little surprised.

“Send me back, I do not wish to continue in this any longer.” She said nonchalantly. “I will aid the other side if necessary and deplete Seth’s energy source.”

Yami raised his arm. “Thank you.”

She smiled weakly, “your welcome.” She dissolved into nothingness and Yami collapsed to his knees.

“That took more out of me than I thought it would.” Yami turned his attention back to Yugi. He looked weak and forlorn. He sighed with exhaustion.

“I don’t know what will happen Yami. There is a chance that he will remember everything that happened or he will remember none of this and more. He may have had to sacrifice his memories in exchange for you.” Isis explained.

“Did he know this?” Yami asked as he took Yugi’s body into his arms.

“…Yes.” Isis said.

“All the more reason for me to finish what he started.” Yami said. “He brought me back and I’ll take him the rest of the way.”

Mai smiled and got up. “Glad to have you back sug'.”

Seto rubbed the back of his neck even more uncomfortable. “So what about Seth?”

“His presense is weakening.” Bakura answered.

“And so is Yugi’s.” Malik said worriedly.

Isis pressed her hand to Yugi’s forehead and checked his pulse. “He’s sleeping right now, but I think we should get him to the hospital. He’s probably really weak from all of this.”

*

Everyone sat in the waiting room of the hospital. Soon they were met with the doctor and Yami and Mai rose immediately. “His condition is fine although he is in an extreme state of exhaustion and malnutrition. He should wake up after he’s had a decent amount of sleep.”

“Someone needs to stay with him until we know that Seth is dealt with.” Isis said.

Bakura nodded. “I can, I’m probably the least exhausted one here.”

“You know I will.” Yami said.

“Well, that was a given Yami.” Mai teased.

*

Yami sat asleep at Yugi’s bedside. Bakura stood quietly before the windows ledge overlooking the city landscape. Malik had said that the visions had completely stopped. Seth’s presence still lingered however, Bakura expected him to show up sooner or later. Hearing the clear of a throat he turned and froze. Seated on the other side of the bed was the man himself. Bakura hadn’t even noticed the power currents shift. “How did you get in here?”

“When you’re at your weakest people tend not to notice you.”

Yami awoke quickly upon hearing Seth’s voice. His image was transparent and his eyes soft. “What’re you doing here?”

Seth gave him a small awkward smile. “Seems I don’t have much time…I came to apologize. I know that can’t excuse the things I have done.”

“You’re right.” Yami said viciously.

Seth nodded. “I wanted that power Yami. Craved for it…I can never step back from it. But I would be better banished and sent to whatever dark places I should be. I would fit in and probably be most welcomed.”

Bakura felt shadow currents channeling towards Seth. “What’re you doing?”

“Taking his happiness along with me,” Seth said darkly. The next few seconds were a blur for Yami. He didn’t know where the strength came from nor the speed but Bakura was already facing Seth and he himself was poised to banish his nightmare.

“I cannot let you do that.” Yami said protectively.

“I’m not letting you succeed this time.” Bakura said harshly.

Seth made to strike but Yami and Bakura both unleashed their shadow magic and Seth was no more. Yami once more collapsed.

“You shouldn’t exert your body so much.” Bakura said.

Harsh breathing began to come from Yugi however and both turned their attention to him. Yami was at his side in seconds, “Yugi?!” He called. Yami noticed black lines etching their way along Yugi’s skin and becoming thicker around his neck. “What’s going on?” Yami asked frantically. Yugi’s eyes opened as his breathing became weaker. Yami rested his hand on Yugi’s cheek. “Yugi?!” Vacant amethyst eyes bore into crimson.

In seconds Yugi’s breath stopped and Yami’s whole world came crashing down.

***tbc

Don't hurt me ha ha the last part will be out tomorrow, promise. Everyone probably knows of my hatred for Tea by now... I don't know what it is about her, she just irks me. But then again female characters in general irk me. Mai being an exception I suppose.

Later,
Frozen-Wings