ch. 17

Confessions and Sacrifices of the Heart

“This goes out to another Youtube friend Yugi25A. I love her work a lot and the song “I still believe” from Cinderella III was well done with her amazing slide show to them. That song will be mention in this chapter. You should though check the video out for yourselves I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

Yami was sleeping peacefully, having his dream of Yugi once more playing through his mind. This time, however, he knew when the dream reached it’s zenith of happiness he wouldn’t lose Yugi to the Shadow Realm. That fear had been purged from him when Yugi and Aziza defeated the Vixens along with the Darklight Item and helped him find the light of his heart to forever banish them away.

Samir had told him something he had all but forgotten after he’d been saved. It was a lesson his grandmother had taught him before she passed away. He hadn’t thought about it much at the time what she been telling, yet when they’d saved Yami’s soul from a place worse then Hell he immediately recalled his grandmother final words. He shared them with his soon to be son over some jasmine tea.

He had told him that his grandmother life motto was this, “Shine the light from your heart. It will banish fear and evil with its bright light of warmth and love. Remember courage means heart.” Yami quickly understood what his real father was telling him. With those wise words the newest addition to his arsenal, he was feeling like he could fulfill the Prophecy and save his people at last. Then he’d have his heart desires. To live forever surround by the people who loved him and that he loved in turn. Yugi would be forever his for he knew in his heart that what they had wasn’t just make-believe.

The smile on his face showed how he felt unmistakably. If he could live to tell the tale after being a victim of the Darklight Ritual, then he was ready to face this fate. Still as Samira gazed upon her slumbering son’s form she could only be racked with concern for him. She knew it was a real miracle that she hadn’t lost her son like she’d lost her mother to the Darklight Item. Yet it only proved how far Aknamkanon was willing to sink to make sure Yami couldn’t dethrone him. Nevertheless a smile found its way on her face at the same time as Yugi unknowingly laid his arms around Yami. They really looked adorable sleeping side by side.

Ever since Sunday, Yami, along with Yugi and Aziza had been inseparable. None of them had been very far from the other. Samira could sense all of their powers were near their zenith. While her son was expecting this the others weren’t. It was funny how fate worked every now and then. How fate, destiny, free will, and choice all mixed together in this universe full of possibilities. Still one thing was clear and that was the morel of the story in the movie “Lady in the Water,” meaning not a soul was meant to know who they really were.

Yami had known he was a prince, but had learned unknowingly throughout this quest of self-discovery all the different parts that made up who he was. Far more importantly he had in addition learned who he wasn’t. Yugi still didn’t fully understand that he was the Heart of Earth and his powers where just as great as his aibou. Even her daughter Aziza didn’t fully understand quite yet her part as the mortal form of the Oracle. All she could hope for that the last night before her son turned 18 didn’t end in the Earth being burn to ashes.

None of the characters in this story that was told to her on her forced marriage day to that basterd understood who they were or the significant of their value. She prayed that tonight after all been explained to them, that they could at last write the happy ending they so long desired. Life for anyone was both a game as it was a story.

Each soul born into this universe or any for that matter, wrote their own unique as well as breathtaking chronicle that then was added to the tome that held all the universe magnificent stories safe within its pages. She hoped that when this story was finished, that her people story didn’t end in a bloody page of tragedy, instead she hoped that it would end in golden letters spelling blissfully “Happily ever after.”

Perhaps just once that didn’t just have to be a little kid’s fairy tale line in their nightly bedtime story. Maybe just this once it could be the people of Xanadu’s fate? Just one fairy tale dream come true? Samira pondered as she gazed at the horizon before her while holding her necklace tightly.

“Mom?” called a voice softly to her. Turning around she saw her son. He was handsomely dressed, but still didn’t look a hundred percent. The Ritual had taken a lot out of him and his recovery was going slowly.

“Yami, sweetie you should be in bed. You’ve been through an ordeal worse then Hell,” she told him as she walked over to him and placed a blanket around him. It was bit unpleasantly cold on that St. Patrick Day morning. He hugged the blanket around his sexy figure tightly. It was as if someone was wrapping up in the arms of a soothing angel.

“This is a really beautiful blanket, Mom. It soft as the clouds in the heavens and warm as a mother’s touch. It’s a beautiful as the dreams of innocent children and the design embroider onto it amazing. I love it. It must have cost a pretty penny,” he remarked as he continue to gaze at the blanket in awe. It was the colors of the sunset with golden tassels at each corner. Embroider in many different as well as unusual colors where roses, celestial sirens, and charms, with a huge picture of a golden winged heart of Xanadu in the center. It was extremely lovely without a doubt.

“It was made by your grandmother Solmina, Yami. She made it when she was pregnant with me. It was one of the few possessions I still have of hers. I managed to sneak it to Earth before I left Xanadu for good. I used to lie out on that blanket and gaze up at the heavens and dream the day away,” pausing for a moment to remember her mother one the fallen heroes of Xanadu. She wanted her son to understand that a true miracle had happened to him.

“Yami you don’t realize how blessed you are to be standing at this very moment. Your grandmother was the only other victim of that sick ritual. Your grandfather and I never got over how she was stolen from us in such a detestable in addition to malicious manner. All because she was trying to save me from the fate I still ended up enduring,” Samira told him in a heartbreaking tone.

Yami now looked at the blanket with new eyes. This magnificent blanket had been woven by his grandmother? He closed his beautiful eyes of melted amethyst and tried to evoke an image of her. He almost immediately saw in his mind how she worked long and hard in painstaking amounts of time to weave into the threads her love to protect her unborn child. This was an extremely special blanket and he’d make sure it was never ruined ever!

“Mom, I love you. But I’ve got to go now. I promised I tell Yugi the whole story today and I can’t break that promise. I swear I’ll be home and tomorrow after I’ve fully Ascend I will beat that son of bitch back to the Shadow Realm where he along with all the other monsters belong!” Yami vowed to his beloved mother.

Hugging him tightly she let her tears run down his face. He still hadn’t cried or bled once yet. He would like too more then anything, but still even after all he’d gained since arriving on this planet, he was still not capable to do that. They held each other tightly not wanting to be separated once more.

“I love you, my son. Go tell your aibou all that is in your heart. Share with him and your sister all that you’re willing to give for them and this world. But be safe, Yami. I can’t lose you again or I’ll die right on the spot. I don’t want to be made to wait in Heaven for you after 14 years already been stolen from us. I want you here with me. I missed so much of your life already and I don’t wish to be deprived of the rest of it. So please in the name of the Heart of Xanadu be safe,” she told him as she kissed his forehead.

“I will Mommy, I will. I love you so much and just so you know. You’re my hero and my wish for you Mom is that we can live together happily in this wonderful life. I love that song too. I never thought I hear anyone sing it more beautifully then Rascal Flats themselves but you did magnificently that night,” he told proudly at the same time as he kissed her forehead in turn and left to tell Yugi everything!

Yugi just got off the phone with Joey. He and the rest of the gang were at Kaibutt’s Duel Monster Duel Club getting things ready for Yami’s surprise birthday party tomorrow. He was reminding them to be at Lovers Horizons at sundown that day for whatever surprise Yami had in store for them. When Yami came in he quickly said good-bye and left with Aziza and Yami unaware what was about to happen would change his life forever.

The three of the raced off happily to this sacred spot of love. Aziza was overjoyed that soon all Yami’s dreams would come true. She could tell that both Yugi and Yami were holding the others hands as they raced to the spot he’d chosen to confess everything. Her sharp hearing was picking up a very special sound coming from them as they raced faster.

While the two Hearts of both Xanadu and Earth held hands in blissful love, the hearts beating in their chest now beat in tune with one another as their heart’s song start to slowly intertwine and produced a beautiful new song. The song was the one from both of their dreams in fact. It was the most beautiful song you’ve ever heard even your dreams never held this beautiful of a song.

Both were singing yet another Disney song they both liked in their heads. Just like the last time the held hands on that magical moonlit walk last Saturday this song now playing in their minds was from a sequel as well. This time it wasn’t from “Lady and the Tramp 2 Scamp’s Adventure,” No this was from “Brother Bear 2,” it was called “It Feels like Home,” They both unknowing began to sing the beautiful song in their minds as they made the journey that would lead them to their home. Their home was in the other’s heart forever and always.

Yugi started off first as they reached the first intersection they had to cross to get to the desired location. “Funny how it turns out everything can change, what I feel right now is not the same as yesterday,”

Yami looked at Yugi as they hurried across the street he was singing in his mind, “There’s more then I imaged deep inside my heart, emotions I never knew and this is just the start,”

“So many things I’ve been missing not watching, but that was all in the past! Now I realize! There is so much more to learn! I’m ready for the world not scared of letting go! Now I realize there so much more to feel! And my heart knows it real. The part of me so long forgotten is calling and this feels like home, home this feels like home! Feels just like home!” Both of them thought as they hurried up the dirt path laughing with Aziza just on their heels.

“Right from the start been friends forever!” Yugi thought as Yami helped him and Aziza over a fallen log. “But somehow we’re meant to be together,” Yami thought as he did a flip off the log and they continue up the steep incline.

“I’ve feel like you’ve shown me how to find my way home! Find my way home! Now I realize there is so much more to learn! I’m ready for the world not scared of letting go! Now I realize there so much more to feel! And my heart knows it real. The part of me so long forgotten is calling and this feels like home, home. This feels like home!”

“NOW I REALIZE THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN! I’M READY FOR THE WORLD NOT SCARED OF LETTING GO! NOW I REALZIE THERE SO MUCH MORE TO FEEL! AND MY HEART KNOWS IT REAL! THE PART OF ME SO LONG FORGOTTEN IS CALLING AND THIS FEELS LIKE HOME, HOME. THIS FEELS LIKE HOME!” as the trio finally reached their desired location, Lovers Horizon and just in time to watch the sunrise. Even if Aziza couldn’t see it she could feel it just the same.

Lovers Horizon was a cliff that over looked the whole city of Domino. It seemed no matter what time of the year or the weather this place was eternal blessed to look like the first day of spring. The grass was soft as a mother soothing touch and more green then a first time duelist. The cherry blossoms were forever in bloom with the most beautiful shade of pink in all of their blooms. All around them the most beautiful red roses you’ve ever laid eyes on. It was truly the perfect romantic spot in the whole city.

Each of them each one way or another watch the golden sky fire orb ascends into the heavens. How is sweet sunrays shined their radiant beams of hope onto the beautiful city below them. It was so perfect.

Perfect? That word had new meaning to Yami after all that had happened. He knew that all living beings weren’t ever going to be perfect. People whether they be immortal or mortal just had to live each day and do the best they could. Also every world had its problems and it might not ever happen that all of them would be resolved. So in fact nothing in this universe or any was ever really perfect. For the simple reason that perfect was an illusion. Not even God could possible be perfect as Faith had told him before she passed. No what really perfection was simple doing your best and being happy how things were at that moment in time.

He gazed into his sister sightless eyes and she nodded. It was time, time to tell his aibou the truth all of it. He wasn’t afraid anymore. Yugi had put his soul on the line for him even after he hadn’t told him that he was a prince. It was clear that Yugi loved him for him and he been waiting so long to tell him.

Aziza on the other hand was getting extremely impatience with their pace in things. There were a lot of things she learned to not aggravate her as much as they had in the past. Such as the idiots and bitches at school, the faceless navies who insulted her online. People who mocked her for her blindness and those infuriating therapist she been drag to see most of her life due to her bi-polar. But there was one thing she never really learned not to get aggravated and blow her stack at. That was how long and hard it was for boys to say “I love you.” It just drove her around the bend and then some. It didn’t matter to her if the boys in questions where from her favorite TV shows, books, and movies anything! It just drove her nuts. It didn’t seem that hard to her at all. She’d been starting to believe she get her wish to hear the, Ninja Turtles tell their father Master Splinter, that they loved him, before these two got down to lip locking! Gezze even Danny and Sam finally kissed for real! And that was with a giant asteroid going to 86’s the planet too! Even Robin and Starfire finally did it and that was with a mob going to kill the writers if they didn’t do it soon.

“Boys! Is really just me or does any person with testosterone lack the ability to act upon their hearts? Is it really that hard to say I love you? Or is it just against their DNA? Ugh!” Aziza vented in a muttering tone of voice at the two Hearts before her. She loved them both so much, yet she was fed up with how men just lacked in the love department.

Yami sensing his sister was going to find way to kill him, if he didn’t hurry up sat Yugi down on the bench. “Yugi I want to once again thank you for saving my life,” he started to say before Yugi interrupt him.

“Yami I do anything for you. You’re the best thing in my life. I would gladly sacrifice everything even my life for you. That’s how much I care for you. You’ve saved me in everyway a person can be saved. I can’t even really remember what life was like before this. Before you,” Yugi confessed to him as he bit his lip with Yami mimicking him.

They both gazed into the pools of loving amethyst and said at the same time, “I love you!” Then both blushed as red as the roses around them. But just smiled and fell into the other’s arms.

Yugi want to kiss him at that moment but the look on his aibou face showed he had a lot more to tell him then he first thought. “Yugi I do love you. More then anything in this universe, even more the air I breathe. It’s because I love you that I wish to give up something very important. I can’t make this sacrifice unless you know how much I willing to give up for you, Aziza and this entire world,” he told him in a serious tone that didn’t fit him too well.

“You’re going to abdicate the throne? You’re mother told me you’re a prince and your country is on the verge of civil war. That your real name is Atem but you rather be called by the name your mother gave you. Yami no matter what you’re going, no matter what the problem is I’ll be there to help you. The moon and stars would’ve to give up the heavens before I abandon you, my aibou.”

“Yugi, my brother’s past is a lot more complex then you realizes. Sunday alone should’ve been able to tell you that. It wasn’t a dream my friend. You’ve know in your own heart that your different from the rest of humanity as I’ve. We didn’t image those magic powers and you’re going to want to sit down for the rest of the story, trust me it’s a real doozey,” Aziza calmly explained to the young boy. He did as he was told and wondered what more could he be shocked with?

“Thank you, Aziza.”

‘No problem.”

Yami took a deep breath. There was no going back now. He been 18 at 10:30 A.M. tomorrow and he be fully Ascended and he would’ve have to face both his ‘father’ and his destiny. A destiny that had been foretold on the day the world from which his people came had ended. He felt he understood what the Oracle had been trying to tell his mom. He understood why the Oracle had chosen to be reborn in his sister soul. He also understood why Yugi was The Heart of the Earth.

“Yugi Moto, as I said I love you so much. Now the story I’m about to tell you may seem to be unreal at times but every word of its true. This is the story of my world, the Legend of Xanadu,” he began as his Puzzle glow and a huge magical hologram showed the world that Yugi only seen in his dreams.

Yugi was lost for words for a few moments. Aziza took a seat on the bench as well and held his hand. Yami began to beautiful narrator his world and its people history.

“Long time ago before even the Earth and its universe came into existences there was another universe, the Xanadu Universe. It was truly a paradise full of beautiful immortal winged beings knows as Divine Beings. They lived in bliss and happiness in this beautiful thriving utopia. For a long time the Divine Beings were satisfied. All the evils we know of today didn’t existence,” as the Golden Age of Xanadu played before Yugi’s eyes and he realized that this is what he’d been dreaming of. But why? Why would he dream of this place and why did that Star-Heart thing keep calling out to him?

“The source of all the magic and life in this world was the Heart of Xanadu. It bestowed many wonderful gifts to all its children and those of royal lineage had an aibou like relationship with the Heart. It was no ordinary Heart for it was just as alive as you or I. That is why it’s so strange when Shadow Age descended upon the Xanadu Universe,” as the image showed the world slowly becoming engulfed into chaos and pandemonium.

“Why? Why did a whole thriving society begin to start a self-induce genocide? What brought these horrible immoral acts into this world?” demanded Yugi as he saw something so horrible he knew he wouldn’t forget it even in his grave. This was so bad even if it was just a magical hologram he could feel it as if was there. The rotting flesh, the nightmare screams the panic and chaos all of it!

“The same evil reasons of this planet had now taken root within the souls of my people. The seeds of evil became rooted deep within them, as time passed the seeds sprouted into thick weeds chocking them from within till their hearts had been killed. This corruption of the hearts of the Xanduaions spread like a plague and escalated to do our abilities till we killed ourselves until all that remained of Xanadu was one huge scene of carnage. When you have amazing power and you crave more this is what you get the whole universe fell and ceased to continue living. Only handful survivors remained after that Xanadu fell. Thus they survivors began a long odyssey to this world,” Yami continued to explain and showed them arriving to this world.

“We met the Divine Beasts or as you known them as Duel Monsters,” Yami informed as Yugi eyes bugged out big time. Duel Monster where real? Yami lived with real Duel Monsters? No wonder he was so good when it came to Dueling! Yugi still had overlooked the obvious fact about Yami. He wasn’t stupid by far but it was a classic combination of simple too much information to process at once and that common sense never worked when it was supposed too.

“My mother who’d been force to marry, my sire against her will due to the absurd laws of my culture suffered more then anyone knew. Like me, she suffered having Aknamkanon abusing her day in and day out. But as much he hit her like he hit me she couldn’t cry or bleed nor could I,” he started to explain when Yugi interrupted again.

‘Not cry or bleed? But she cried when she saw you for the first time! I don’t understand, what do you mean by that, Yami? That you’ve never cried or bled in your life?”

“You probably would if you let him finish his story, Yugi,” Aziza told him with a light slap on his adorable head. Not really hard enough to doing other then makes his blond bangs jiggle but he got her point. So he let Yami finish telling him his story.

“Shortly after the current city of Xanadu was erected, Aknamkanon wanted to have my mother give him an heir. She refused knowing he only wanted to use me as a tool and not love me as a son. Mom refused to give birth to a child that’d be forced into this false world he was creating. His threats didn’t scare her even as his fury grew more intense. It was shortly after Camille was expecting Serafina, my betrothed he came to a sick decision,” he saw Yugi was glued to his seat with this, “My mother was beaten senseless and then raped. I’m a son of a marriage rape. Things continue to slide further downhill from the time I was born. Mom almost immediately realized she needed to get herself and me out. She came here and met my real father you know that story. However the night she tried to leave with me went terrible awire. She was merciless attacked by my cousin Seto’s sire Aknadin, my sire, and in addition to Camille.”

“Aknadin is just as evil if not worse at times then my false father. He a greedy pig no matter if its candy or power he’s greed has no end. He loves fire and plays with it often and is very much a demon in his own right. Camille? She in fact can be worse then both of them! She is a bitch who can’t make up her conniving mind how she wants to look and is more insane then Hexadecimal ever was! Camille loves to break people and throws a lot of tantrums and is a known drinker. She is deadly as a black widow and vicious as a cobra. Not what one wants in a mother-in-law, let me be perfectly clear on that! It is she who commands the deadly trio of Vixens with an iron fist.”

“Mom had drugged me unknowingly so I wouldn’t make a sound as she attempted to get me and herself to freedom. My life was the one she was more worried about because of a Prophecy told to her before the Xanadu Universe fell. It’s what’s written on her studio door. I’ve been trying to figure it out and know I understand what it means,” Yami said as he was slowly taking off his leather coat.

“Yami?” Yugi asked unsure what was going on. He didn’t understand at all what was going on. He wasn’t ready at all for what he was about to see. His heart beat quicken with each breath that escaped his angelic lips. His loving eyes gazed at his aibou in silent wonder.

“Yugi before I turn 18 tomorrow and face my destiny I want you to know who and what I am,” as the jacket fell to the grass with a loud thud. He removed the magical harness, throwing it away over the side of the cliff. With one final deep breath he displayed his beautiful rainbow-colored wings. The glowed even more brightly the usual in the early sunlight. A bright golden aura surrounded his entire body and his puzzle shone intensely. He was the most beautiful thing Yugi eyes had ever laid eyes on!

‘Yami?!” was all Yugi could say as Yami hung his head for a moment, “I’m not human Yugi. I’m an immortal prince from another world, a Divine Being. The land of my birth Xanadu isn’t an unknown country. It is a godlike flouting metropolis! It’s hidden away from Earth high in the celestial heavens. A flouting hell which many souls, no longer wish to be forced to live in. Like me they decided they rather give up their immortality and have a real life then live forever in that half-life lie that they’ve to endure for so long,” he explained as he allowed Yugi to touch his wings. He smiled seeing how Yugi wasn’t rejecting him. The young boy was far more curious then he was afraid of him. That felt more comforting then he if flat-out mocked or hated him. This was a good sign a very good one indeed.

“Is it because your immortal you can’t cry or bleed? Since Xanadu isn’t on Earth it also explains your lack of knowledge as well. Can you do magic as well? Is that what your Puzzle for?” he asked speaking a mile a minute. Aziza herself although she knew of the wings still felt the irresistible urge to feel them. So she was also stroking them gently.

“Yes my wings bestow the gifts of great magic in addition to immortality at the same time, they make it impossible to cry or bleed. My Puzzle does help me with my magic yet it didn’t give me warning when it came to my Ascending. Yet no Immortal Object can do that even if it will help us thorough Ascending at times,” Yami explained to Yugi who was about to ask what the hell Ascending was when Yami continue. “All this madness that been going on since my second day of high school is a result of my Ascending. Ascending means my powers are nearing their zenith and are growing exponential. Basically it’s Divine Puberty, Yugi,” Yami chuckled embarrassedly with bright red cheeks.

“You mean to say all this weird and wonderful as well as out of the ordinary inexplicable phenomenon is because you’re going through puberty?” he stated in skepticism then joked, “I thought the worst think a teenager had to deal with was acne! This by far takes the cake!” All of them laughed at that as Yami continue to explain everything to his aibou.

“Yes, I’ve been listening to so much music and taken my own painkillers to keep it under control. But when I’m with you two I feel like I don’t need that stuff at all. Yugi please say something,” Yami begged him at the same time as he gave Yugi a certain look. Yami looked at him with a look that greatly resemble how sad Puss in Boots from Shrek did. It was cute even sexy given how naturally sexy both Yami and Yugi were anyway.

“lease don’t try any sucker tactics, Yami. You too good for that brother,” Aziza whispered to him as she flicked his earring.

“It’s ok, Aziza I like it. Yami I love you! I could care less if you’re an immortal winged prince or a spirit of a nameless pharaoh or just some bum on the street. I love you for you and that won’t ever change!” told him from the bottom of his golden heart.

For a moment no one spoke then Yami hoisted him onto his back and then swept up his sister in bridal fashion. “What’s going on?” Yugi inquired nervously as Yami was now balancing on the thin metal rail on the edge of the cliff.

“Yeah, Yami what’s going on in that bird brain of yours?” Aziza asked in a slight panic. She knew Yami was going to tell Yugi the whole truth but this wasn’t part of the agenda she got!

“You’ve shown me your world, so now let me show you mine. I know my aibou that you are sincere on how much you along with all the rest of our friends with how much you sacrifice for me. Now allow me to show you what I’m going to willing give up! Hold on tight and don’t look down!” he said as he dived bombed off the railing and they plummet to the city below.

You couldn’t tell who was screaming louder Yugi or Aziza. It was a surprise that they didn’t scream themselves horse from all of the screaming. Yami was just smiling and wait till the last moment possible. Then he opened his wings and they shot high in the sky.

“You can open your eyes Yugi. I won’t let you fall. Check out how your city looks from the air! Look it so beautiful and all the hearts of its inhabitants singing so happily. This is truly blissful indeed!” he told him as Yugi opened one of his huge adorable eyes and saw how true Yami’s words were. Even the lushes’ obsidian sea before them was very elegantly dotted with a billion goldish red sparkles dancing merrily on its smooth surface.

Aziza loved hearing all the new sounds from the air and was just as blown away by this. She was giggling happily as they hit the water and walked on it! Yugi watched as water and light became one and they shoot through a funnel of rainbow water lights high into the magenta and lavender clouds.

“This is amazing!” both said at the same time. Yami eyes twinkled he was just getting started. “This is nothing! We’re going up and away so hang on!” he informed him as they prepared to leave the Earth all together!

“Yami! We can’t breathe in space!” Yugi cried when he realized what his aibou objective was. Aziza nodded in agreement. Yami however wasn’t worried. He busted through the atmosphere no problem. He was now in the endless ebony blanket of space. He hovered for a moment and said at the top of his dreamy voice. “Yugi, Aziza let go of me now. Let your own wings carry now, on the celestial winds,” Yami instructed them calmly.

Yugi then realized he was just fine. He was once more in his ultimate form! He had wings and a divine aura just like Yami! So did Aziza! All of them looked like they’d when they sent those bitchy Vixens packing! With one small change, Yami calmly went over to Aziza who was still wearing her standard dark sunglasses and little by little removed them from her eye-catching features.

“Aziza, please gaze at me your loving brother along with Yugi your most precious friend,” he said as he stroked her pretty face reassuringly. She bit by bit opened her eyes and gasped. Her normal milky white eyes now looked like the colors of the sunset! She could see and she saw the two most smoking sexy guys ever before her! A single bead of moisture descended from her face to show how happy she was.

“Yami this is amazing! I can see you! I can see you and Yugi!” she said as she hugged them tightly. “It’s only for as long as the sun in the sky today. Come let me show my world!” as he took off flying while doing a lot of fancy mid-air tricks.

“He’s so showing off, C’mon Aziza!” smiled Yugi as they took off to catch him.

“I still believe” by Hayden Panettiere aka Claire Bennett of Heroes. Save the Cheerleader save the world! LOL! Couldn’t resist is now playing.

The two Hearts along with the Oracle spent the most amazing day together. Watching daybreak over the Earth, ice skating on the moon, getting candy from the core of the Sun, playing in the snow on Mars! Racing from one end of the solar system to the other and back, watching the birth of a star and making wish on shooting stars while holding them in the palm of their hands! They then rode bareback wild Comet Stallions, singing along with the Celestial Sirens, just fooling around with their magic at the same time as they chew the fat with the constellations. Seeing the whole universe from above it was just mind blowing!

They at last came to put their feet up at Harmony Bridge. It was the precise spot; Yami had been so long ago just before this whole adventure had started. The last time he was here, he’d hope to dream of his mother. Now he’d at his fingertips something far better then any daydream. He gazed contentedly around him enjoying what he saw very much. To the right was the Earth, above them danced the most beautiful Northern Lights show ever mixed with happy giggles of shooting stars. The only thing he found disdainful in the whole landscape was the fact he once more could see Xanadu which was on his left. He’d secretly hoped for so many nights, that he’d never have to gaze his attractive amethyst eyes, the eyes of his malevolent sire, at that hellhole ever again. Despite the fact he knew he had to return to save his people he still wished it just the same.

While both Yugi and Aziza where swapping their versions on this day, he bit his lip. He knew he had to say this right here and now. It was almost, sunset and they had to return to Earth and tell the rest of his human friends the truth. He was also expecting Mahad and the rest of the Court to be ready as well. No one really knew what was going to happen for sure tomorrow, but it was important they stick together!

“Yugi, Aziza! Come here for a moment. I’ve to show something,” he called to them softly. They came over and followed his gaze and saw Xanadu. There was no question that had to be Xanadu before them. It was a big surprise that something that gigantic as well as ostentatious didn’t show up on a satellite. On the other hand considering they had magic it wasn’t too hard to accept.

“That was your prison?” asked Yugi as he looked at it in wonder. He could hear even this far away with his heart the suffering of the souls trapped inside. His divine aura grew bright and he felt his powers grow to the more he thought about this unjust before his eyes.

Aziza was also experiencing the same thing and she for her one day worth of sight didn’t like seeing just how many innocent lives had been senselessly slaughter. They didn’t need to venture into Xanadu they could see and feel all the hell from where they stood it was that strong. Like a tidal wave of overwhelming malevolence hitting them head-on.

They all for a moment shared a vision of some kinda shadow crown and countless screams of pain filled their hearts In the vision the felt as bloody three inch thorns were being driven into their skulls forcedly as that sick feeling from the Darklight began to slowly course it way through their bodies causing them to go numb and lifeless. They were all a bit shaken up by that haunting vision but it only made their desire stronger to save Xanadu.

“This anguish has gone on long enough. I don’t know how, but Yami all of us will help you set free the innocent souls still trapped in the beautified hell! I promise you that on my life!” Aziza informed her brother her hands were clutched tightly into white fists.

“You can count on me and all of our friends, Yami. Know that you don’t have to do this alone. You’re never alone when you’ve people who care about you. I won’t let your people suffer anymore. You’ve been a great friend to me Yami, and I love you so much that I’ll help in anyway I can. Fate played a part in this. It wasn’t just chance you and I meet and you took my heart,” Yugi said with his cheeks flushing.

“No it wasn’t Little One. It certainly wasn’t, fate indeed want us to meet. They wanted the Heart of the Earth to help the Heart of Xanadu by creating a new song. So that they could save what remained of Xanadu and then help save Earth as well,” Yami said as he turned and faced Yugi.

He then folded his wings over the young angel soothingly. He then began to fondle his face and hair affectionately. “Yugi, I never knew what love was till I met you. You’ve always been there for me. I didn’t realize it till you and Aziza saved me from the Darklight Ritual. I know what true love is now. I understand what is important in life is the people. All things in life can be replaced but never a life. And a life without love is no life at all. I’ve fallen helplessly hopelessly breathlessly in love with you. You are the reason my heart is beating and I want you to know this. No matter what happens I will always love you Yugi Moto. I Yami will always love you. The song of that our hearts make when they beat as one is the most beautiful thing I’ve heard and I know it will help me. From this moment on you and I are one now and forever,” he vowed as they finally locked lips!

Aziza smiled at the sight glad that she’d gotten to see this with her one day worth of sight. She didn’t want her blindness fixed because there was nothing wrong with her. She accepted herself as she was. Her strengths, weakness, flaws, everything. She didn’t need to fix something that wasn’t broken. She firmly believed people shouldn’t needless try and ‘fix’ what wasn’t broken, nor should the try to assimilate them into another imagine of what they found ‘normal.” There was no real normal anymore then there was perfect. She believed it was wrong to change yourself to make others happy or accept you.

That was her problem with X3. That whole ‘cure’ was just a coward excuse out. If you took it meant you were ashamed of who you were. The only way things change, and racial discrimination in addition to ignorance will end is if people stand their ground and start wising up. You may be scared, however if you could face danger then you’re a hero not a coward.

It also annoyed her that people who had money to burn needless changed themselves. She couldn’t figure out why some women cared so much about their breast. Bigger wasn’t better it was a pain! Beside who really cared about the outside but stupid and shallow people anyway? In less you really need to fix yourself she didn’t believe you should.

That is why she wasn’t going use her newfound magic or get an operation. She didn’t really need it for she was happy with who she was and didn’t need to fix anything. So she just enjoyed as her brother and her best friend continued to kiss by the book. It amused her to think this was how she’d been described when Goliath was being intendment with Demona or Elisa on her “Gargoyles” DVDs. She wished to high heavens that they produce the rest of the second seasons. It was rather sweet and she enjoyed ever minute of the show.

“Already, that’s enough you two! Save some for later, let’s get going you knuckleheads! We still have a lot more people to tell the truth too! We also need to figure out how we going to send those bitches and their masters packing for good! So let’s go!”

“Aziza you do realize once we reach Earth, you’ll once again be sightless?” her brother asked concerned. He’d want her too see him just once but he didn’t want to break her heart either. Aziza just smiled warmly, and then kissed his cheek as well as Yugi.

“I’ve gotten my wish. To see you both smiling at me as well as to see you both happy. That’s all I need to see. I don’t need to see anything else, with my eyes that I’ve already seen with my heart. Don’t worry brother I’ll be fine! C’mon let’s go home and then win this fight, shall we?”

The three of them hugged tightly and with final gaze at the magnificent and breath stealing universe flew back to Earth to share the story with the rest of their loved ones. Yet none of them knew that they’re being followed by an ominous looking shadow smoke. Three pairs of sinister eyes all narrowed on the trio of young teens as they descend upon the planet Earth.

In the meantime everyone else was getting extremely anxious waiting. Everyone was at the prearranged location. They’d been up since 5 in the morning getting what remained for Yami’s surprise birthday party done. So it was understandable that each of them was exhausted and hunger. The Court had shown up as well. Each was doing something to kill the remaining time that was dragging on around. Seto was chatting with Kaiba, Mana along with Duke were having a make-out session. Mahad and his lovely wife were just cuddle up under the trees in silent happiness.

“Okay! This is getting ridicule! We’ve been waiting for 45 minutes! I mean where are they already?” demanded Joey as he continued to brush Mai golden tresses. She was purring like a kitten.

“Normally I never agree with you Wheeler but they are taking there sweet time. What is the guy waiting for anyway? Does he want to make a dramatic entrance?” asked Kaiba who was also very irritated as well.

“I think you children need to learn some more patience. They said they'd be here at sundown and I believe they’ll keep their word,” Grandpa spoke kindly as he nibbled on some Kisses he brought along.

“Let’s us hope that the Prince is alright. With his birthday so close I fear for him greatly,” spoke Isis in a worried tone.

“Well, I don’t think you’ve to worry any longer, Mrs. Magician. Because, here they come right now!” Tea shouted loudly pointing to the skies. Every single one of them was lost for words. They simply watched in wonder as Yami showed off a few more moves with his aibou and sister before they landed back on the cliff.

When Yugi and Aziza touched down their divinity vanished, yet Yami stood before his friends as his true self. He was smiling confidently, “Hello everyone. How has you’re day been? Mine has been one the best days of my life!”

No one said anything. They’d all lost their ability to verbalize; move about, even their breath was almost stilled. They didn’t know what to say or do. They just looked at Yami in shocked to see those wings!

“Guys don’t look at me like that. It’s very rude and unbecoming. I’m still the same guy you’ve know for three months. I’m not any different. I just got wings but they’ll soon be gone. Please I’m still the Yami you know and nothing changes that!” he assured them as they all continued to be lost for words.

Finally Rebecca walked up to him and hugged him. “You’re even cuter with the wings! This is so cool!”

In next to no time everyone knew the truth through the Court and Yami using something called the Millennium Mind Link. Meaning the Eye Emblem glowed on their forehead and transferred all their memories along with their feelings directly into the souls they chose. Though it was a great deal to swallow at once and even understand none of them rejected the Court or Yami. They’ll were enthusiastic to be of assistance to him in anyway they could. None of them were aware they’d already helped him a great deal. More then Yami or they realized.

All of sudden the moment of tranquility and hopeful was shattered! Mahad was screaming bloody murder as he fell to the ground twisted up in an odd position.

“Daddy!”

“Mahado!”

Everyone looked and saw in horror that a Shadow Crown was now trying to fuse itself on to the great mage’s forehead. But he was fighting it with all he had and some. “HE HERE!” That one sentence was enough to make your blood run as cold the waters of the Artic Sea. Before anyone could react all hell broke loose!

A huge explosion of magic power blew everyone every direction you could think of! The ideal place that had been a sanctuary of love was no more. It now was nothing but smoldering ashes with three heartless souls standing in the center of it.

“Father!” was all Yami could say as in hover in midair. His eyes frantically searched to see if everyone was ok. It was very obvious that everything wasn’t ok nor where the lives of his friends.

Hanging on for dear life on the twisted remains of the rail where Mokuba, Serenity, and Grandpa! Duke along with Tristan was unconscious and were mangled up in the remains of a cherry tree still smoldering with blue flames! Tea, Kisara, and Rebecca were relatively unharmed hidden behind the some of the rose’s bushes out of the Trio line of sight. All of his friends that were Duelists were near the edge of the path. Their duel disks all glowing as where their decks. The Court was all in extreme pain and anguish as the Shadow Crowns dug deeper into them. They couldn’t help fight the Trio if they’re using what power they did have to hold off the evil power of those Crowns. Wakana was crawling over towards them to help while Arthur went to rescue Tristan and Duke. He didn’t know where Yugi or Aziza where at all!

Yami watched in horror as his father gazed his ominous eye at the world around him. He looked right at him into his soul and said the fatal words in a deathlike composed tone of voice “Kill them all.”

“Gladly brother,” Aknadin sneered as his deadly blue phoenix erupted from his chest with the song of death emanating from its beak. It soared into the air before dive bombing the Duelists.

“Thought you would never ask! My Vixens it’s time to party!” Camille chortled as she begun to spin around with the force of an F5 wind tunnel. When she was done she had splint into all 16 versions of herself! She and the Vixens who had detached themselves from the shadows were hell-bent on their own vengeance and still wanted their reward! With an evil laugh they pounced.

“We got to hold them off somehow. Use your Duel Monsters! Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon Attack!” Kaiba commanded summoning his most powerful monster. The awesome beast screeched loudly before attacking the evil phoenix with all its might. When it let loose a roar of pain as the phoenix’s talons raked it Kaiba grabbed his chest in response. “Be careful the attacks on your creatures are reflected back on you!”

“Thanks for the warning Kaiba! Flame Swordsman attack that bunch of crazy ladies!” Joey ordered relaying on his trusted friend to save him from five Camille duplicates.

“I handled the Vixens. Go Harpy Ladies! Use your Rose Whip, Feather Duster, and Cyber Shield attacks!” Mai shouted. Three Harpy Ladies appeared in the air and immediately went after the attacking Vixens. Mai winced as she felt her monsters pain as it was transferred to her.

“Change of Heart see if you can persuade some of these ladies to leave us alone!” Bakura cried out as he unleashed the power of his favorite card. He watched helplessly as his card was attacked viciously again and again.

Meanwhile Rebecca was using that big head of hers. “Grandpa, Serenity, and Mokuba won’t last much longer if you don’t pull them up. I’ll distract the big guy with my Shadow Ghoul while you rescue them. Once there safe see if you my Grandfather, Tristan, Duke, and Wakana have any luck getting those torture devices off our friends head okay?”

“Alright, but be careful. Those guys mean business!” Kisara told her as the two girls took off running towards the cliff edge as fast as they could. Aknamkanon saw them and turned his attention towards them. He raised his Staff intent on obliterating them when out of nowhere the Shadow Ghoul blocked the attack. “Come on ugly let’s see how you stand up to a certified genius!”

“I sure hope Rebecca knows what she’s doing!” Kisara panted as they reached the ledge.

“I just hope Yugi and Aziza are okay. I haven’t seen them since the explosion. You guys okay down there?” Tea called out as she assessed the situation.

“We’re a little worse for wear, but okay otherwise,” Grandpa called back.

“What’s going on? Who are those crazy people attacking us and is my big brother okay?” Mokuba demanded as he struggled to hold onto Grandpa Pant’s leg.

“Can we get the answers to that question later? Right now were about to fall and we need help getting up!” Serenity shrieked from her position. Her eyes were filled with fear as she gazed at the ground far down.

“Hold on will pull you up. Kisara grab my ankles and lower me down. When I tell you to start pulling me up. Okay here we go,” Tea said nervously as she was lowered towards the victims. Inch by inch Kisara lowered the dancer closer to their friends. Finally she was close enough for Grandpa to grab on. “ull us up fast!”

“I’m trying, but you’re too heavy! I don’t know if I have the strength to pull you all up!” Kisara grunted as she struggled. Digging deep inside herself she tried to reach the dragon strength Kaiba always joked she had. With a burst of energy she pulled them all up. They had just reached the safety of the ledge when Serenity slipped and fell!

“HELP MEEEEEEEEEE!” Serenity screamed as she fell towards certain doom. She closed her eyes imagining the end when she felt something break her fall. Opening her eyes she saw two creatures had a hold of her. Tea’s Magician of Faith and Kisara’s Blue Eye’s Shining Dragon brought the stunned girl to safety. “Thank you! Thank you so much I thought I was dead for sure.”

“Good thing my brother gave you that card Kisara otherwise things could have ended up a lot worse,” Mokuba remarked.

“Most boyfriends on your six month anniversary take you out for a night on the town. Mine gave me a one-of-kind Duel Monsters Card. Go Figure?! Now does anyone have a clue where Yugi, Aziza or Yami are in all this chaos?” Kisara inquired franticly as they hulled their butts trying to escape from being barbecued.

“Right now our biggest concern should be defeating those evil people. I think our only chance is if the Court get’s involved, but they can’t with those blasted crowns on them,” Grandpa remarked as they raced over to help the others with the Court.

“Man these things are stuck on tight! I won’t give up Isis until your free I promise!” Wakana told her struggling against the dark energy lashing out at her as she tugged with all her might to remove the deadly contraption.

“lease hurry, I can barely feel my magic anymore,” Isis whimpered.

“I’m not leaving until your free Mana. You can count on that ahh!” Duke screamed as he managed to move the crown a fraction of an inch from his beloved’s pretty head.

“DUKE! Please be careful! Ah oh Mommy Daddy please help!” Mana cried out. Never in her short life did she want to shed tears more then now. Even more then the time when she had witnessed her father lied to save her life so long ago. Now she wanted to feel tears not just in her heart but on her face!

“Are you sure you can’t use your Rod doohickey to help me out here Seth?” Tristan demanded as he started tugging the crown upward to try and slip it off Seto’s head.

“Even if I could concentrate on using my Items power I’m too weak. Please Tristan you have to free us so we can help Yami!” Seto told him desperately.

“I’m more of a scholar then a fighter, but right now I wish I wasn’t. This thing is jammed on tight,” remarked Arthur as he made little headway with getting the evil device off his friend’s skull.

“You can’t give up my friend. I can feel the crown’s power weakening,” Mahad whispered. He was ready to pass out from all the pain.

Yami observed this all from the air as he hovered out of reach. All of his friends were getting hurt because of him. What was really killing him is he couldn’t see Yugi or Aziza anywhere. Where could they be? He gasped suddenly when he saw them. They had been thrown clear of the battle, but where now charging head on straight for his father ready to use their powers against him. They'd all be killed if he didn’t do something!

He didn’t know what do too. He flew fast too stop his father’s attack on them but didn’t realize it was a trap for him! Aziza acute hearing told her just as Yami was about to make a grab for them the Vixens, Shakti was going let loose some massive attack on him from behind! Yugi also realized that Yami was going to be all but dead from this attack! He was so busy focusing on his father he didn’t even realize he was about to wind up a barbecued winged corpse!

They had to act fast and they did! Just as he was about shield them from his father assumed attack they knocked him out of the way and took the full hit of both attacks at once! These attacks had been meant for him and now they both lay lifeless on the ground!

“Yugi?! Aziza?! No, No,” he gazed at them and saw his father was smiling with great satisfaction as the rest of the lives were about to be snuffed out like a candle. “No, No, stop it. Stop it. STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Yami screamed and all eyes turned on him!

Everyone one could only watch slightly at the spectacle that was now happening before their eyes. It was beyond words as they gazed upon the Prince of Xanadu.

On his forehead the Eye Emblem was glowing intensely as a golden light was being emitted from his body. It shot high in the sky and soon the whole world over was bathed in the magical golden glow! For a few moments all the evil was purged from the planet and the world was healed! All natural disasters cease to be and even death was halted for a few moments! All of humanity for a few moments could hear this song and this song was playing in all of their hearts and they truly understood what really matter. This was the most unbelievable amount of magical energy ever!

Both Yugi and Aziza awoke healed by Yami’s powers and were just as stunned as everyone else by them. Yami magic was for a few moments beyond the zenith! This was something more powerful then any magic! As it finally died away Yami’s clothing had reverted back to his Princely outfit. He was breathing very hard yet still had enough strength to walk to his father and fall to his knees. He then began to whisper something in a very broken up voice.

“lease I beg you, spare them. Spare my human friends lives. If you do I swear I’ll come back willingly to Xanadu. I’ll marry Serafina. I’ll once more become Atem and cease being Yami. Please I’ll once more be your obedient son and tool if you don’t hurt them. I’ll sacrifices everything even my own freedom if you let them live! I swear it!” he pleaded with the winged devil before him.

Everyone was render speechless. No way could he do that! Not even for them! He just couldn’t. They wanted to attack but a look from Yugi was all that stopped them from winding six feet under.

“You swear to uphold your duties and resume your role in the perfect Xanadu society? You’ll keep your word of honor if I allow these pestilences to continue breathing? You swear that you won’t cause anymore trouble, Prince Atem?” his father asked in a sadistically manner. He circled him like a wolf about to dine on its latest kill.

“Yes, I Prince Atem of Xanadu swear on the Heart of Xanadu to keep my vow, if you promise to allow all of this world to live,” Yami told him in a defeated deadpan tone with his head hung.

“Done! Vixens collected the rest of the trash and make sure it doesn’t leak as we take it back. Camille! Aknadin let’s get going! I don’t want to further subject my feet to touching this despicable soil!” barked Aknamkanon to his subordinates with glee.

“May I be allowed to say good bye, please Father?” Yami asked again in a deadpan tone.

“Very well, make it quick!” he snapped as hit him hard sending him forward face first into a pile of bloodstained ashes.

“Yami you can’t do this! You can’t let this happen!” Everyone said this at once. They couldn’t let him be so easily defeated yet Yami held up a hand.

“My friends listen to me. I don’t want to go back this way. But I can’t live one day or forever knowing that the people I love are dead because of me. I won’t let any of you die because of me! Even if I must sacrifices everything I make it willingly. I love all of you so much so don’t forget me because I won’t forget you, my loving family. I promise it will all work out in the end,” Yami told them reassuringly as he held Yugi’s hands and smiled at his sister knowingly.

Then he screamed as shadow mangles blinded his legs, arms, wings and a collar with a long chain was yanking him away from them.

“YAMI!” They all cried as they race to save him only to stop by both the blue phoenix and all 16 versions of Camille. She was sneering at them and told them mockingly, “Yami is no more. He is Atem again. Now I suggested all you leave now! The King has graciously spared your insignificant mortal lives; don’t think of making him mad. It doesn’t bother any of us if any you die. So I’d be very grateful at the fact I still have a life, I won’t go throwing it away!”

As she turned to follow her King back to their celestial hell she exchanged a few words in her native tongue with the Cyclops. No one not even Yami knew but Aziza knew Millennium Language and understood every word they’re saying. Because of the jobs of her parents being fluent in many different forms of communications was a must. Truthfully Millennium Language sound very much like Ancient Egyptian spoken backwards.

“This little brat fate is sealed already! You were able to retrieve the Black Card no problem weren’t you, Cyclops?”

“Yes it was so easy! That old fool is loosing his touch since he been on patrol with the rest of those fools! Now that we’ve used it nothing will stop us from achieving our dreams! Stupid Atem is in for a shock tomorrow. We know him too well now. His actions tomorrow are very easy to predict!”

“Yes there no way after this serious of a contamination he’ll wed Serafina and do as he was created to do. No he’ll challenge Aknamkanon to a Millennium Duel,” pausing to sinisterly chuckle, “Yet he won’t be able to count on the Heart to help him seeing how its dead! C’mon let’s go!”

Everyone watched helplessly as Yami was dragged helplessly back to Xanadu. But there was one thing only Yugi notice. It was something everyone else overlooked. His beautiful amethyst gazed right into the ones of his true love and saw a single bead of moisture fall from Yami right eye. That single teardrop landed on Yugi’s face and he knew they’d had to do something!

“C’mon there only one person who can help us help Yami now!” he said as he used his new powers to take them all to the one person who could save him, his mother Samira.