Transcending Memories: A Bond Unsealed- Chapter 7

A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction

Oh! And for those interested in canon, I made a slight reference to the "Man Eater Bug" which was the "Ka" that was extracted from the criminal in the last chapter. I thought it fitting to have it be a monster that fans would be familiar with, and it seemed like such a beast would most definitely take refuge in such a man, given his attitude and what not. 
 
As I mentioned in my previous installment, I hope very much to continue with this story, delving deeper into not ONLY the relationship of Yami and Teana, but many of the events of the canon Yu-Gi-Oh storyline (both the anime and the manga) and elaborate on a number of plot elements that I had wished very much were touched upon further.  In terms of what exactly, I suppose I'll let the story speak for itself, but I hope that all of you will like what I ultimately came up with, as I felt that it really could have been an interesting turn of events!  I felt that one, in particular, could have actually explain things in terms of Yami Yugi's, at times, confusing character....  This is especially apparent in terms of how he originally began in the manga, in comparison to how he would eventually behave in the story's conclusion.  I suppose I'll leave it at that for the time being, but once more I TRULY thank you for continuing to read this story, especially given how long it's been since I first began it!  I hope you're enjoying the newest chapters and that I can continue to produce more!  Feel free to comment or even critique them, as any feedback is very much appreciated! Take care now and until next time then!
  
************************************************
 
Chapter 7
 

            For Simon Muran, the six priests, and even the number of murmuring, uncertain guards, the vision that was now before them consisted of an encircling field of dark energy, a crackling violet and black sphere, that had been created almost instantaneously when the prince had advanced towards the prisoner; swallowing them both deep within it!  Even those who had been close enough to restrain the man, had been immediately repelled on contact, as they were quite literally shocked several feet away; bouncing off the consistency of such powerful forces!
  

                        “He has invoked the energy of the shadows...”  Mahado gasped in disbelief.

                        “So, his highness finally decided to heed my words to deal with the criminal, in a more severe fashion.”  Seto remarked simply.  “His mode of punishment is not what I expected, nor what I suggested previously, I might add; but I suppose it will do...”  He then shrugged.

                        “No, it's more than that...”  Karim replied skeptically.  “Though it is true that his highness had every right to be angry, enraged over such vile deception, somehow...  I feel that he-”

                        “I felt it too.”  Shada interjected.  “I can't be certain, but what I sensed from him was not anger....  Rather, I sensed a disturbing change in him; in his demeanor....”

            Unbeknownst to the others, the priest Akunadin, was now lost in thought, reliving haunting, deplorable memories that he had hoped to never again address; ones that he wished to take with him to his very grave....  Contemplating, he then secretly drew his own conclusions for what he had witnessed, for what he could surely sense that the others could not...  Nervously, he said nothing, as he could only finger the outer rim of his Millennium Eye...

                        “None of that matters!”  Isis cried indignantly.  “ We must first concern ourselves with his highness's safety!  That man wounded him!  He mustn't engage in the manipulation of such energies now!”

                        “I don't understand...  How?  How could such a thing have happened!”  Mahado exclaimed as his fists clenched tightly at his sides.  “What were we-  What was I doing!  It was my sworn duty to protect him!!”

                        “Do not blame yourselves!”  Simon said at last.  “The prince was tricked by that hateful rogue!  He was physically harmed, yes.  But what I am even more fearful of, is what is now transpiring in that dark realm...  And though there is no mistake that that man deserves even the harshest of punishments, to be sent to the dreadful twelve hours of night even, Isis is right...  Our prince is not in sound mind or body to make such judgments now; particularly in his attempt to harness the dark powers that could potentially damage them both!”

                        “I will enter this shadow realm.”  Mahado resolved.  “I will bring him back to us, unharmed."

                        “Do you think that's wise?”  Seto challenged, as he incredulously crossed his arms.  “It was a purposeful choice to expel all but the two of them within that barrier of dark matter.  You could certainly attempt to force your way in, but it could prove difficult, impossible even; or rather, extremely dangerous to go against such a powerful will.”   

                        “Maybe.  Maybe so.  But my will to protect him, to save his highness is just as strong, if not stronger!”  Mahado replied, with determination.

                        “Mahado....  I beg you...  Please, please be careful.”  Isis pleaded.

                        “I will, Isis.  You mustn't worry...  I will take every precaution, and I will return.  We both will.”

                        “I have faith in you, Mahado.”  Simon nodded.

                        “As do I.”  Karim agreed, as he smiled slightly at his colleague and friend.

                        “And I as well.”  Shada added.

                        “Don't fail.”  Seto retorted, with the raise of an eyebrow.  “Even if you do manage to succeed somehow, I would worry about your priestly position or even your head if something were to happen to his highness.  You would do well to remember that.”

                        “I will take that as your own unique way of showing concern, Seto.”  Mahado grinned awkwardly, somehow feeling comforted by the priest's arrogant and almost condescending words.   “Nevertheless, I thank you.  And I will make a promise to you now, that I will not fail his highness, or you.  Any of you.”

                        “May the gods keep you safe...”  Simon said.

                        “I thank you as well, Master Simon....” Mahado replied, as he prepared himself.


            Stepping closer, the young priest had made a point to advance as far as he possibly could towards the sphere of dark energy; what he believed to be the very brink of the repelling wave that surrounded it.  As it continued to crackle with moving, sustaining power,  Mahado then struggled to look deep within it's center, to see any sign of the young prince or even the vicious man that was trapped inside.  But he could see nothing and no one, but an endless abyss and the color of blackest night. 

            Mahado's next course of action was to encircle the entirety of the barrier in an attempt to study it, to gauge it's depth and consistency, in the hope of  locating any unforeseen weaknesses in it's structure.  Finally, he believed that he had found it!  His best and perhaps only chance to penetrate the precarious field of energy. 

            Breathing deeply, he then made an effort to concentrate, to focus solely on his desire to enter; and to project that desire on the magic that had originally been used to create it.  Suddenly, his Millennium Ring had begun to glow, as one of it's many dangling extensions pointed directly in front of him!  Whether the ring was pointing towards the similar energy signature of the Millennium Puzzle, (yet another of it's abilities, which allowed the user to hone in on the location of any one of the seven relics), or, alternately, as a warning of a nearby sinner, Mahado could not be certain...  What was a certainty was that the time to take action was now!  With each new and cautious step, the energy field had begun to release even more potent and resisting waves, powerful sparks that resembled tiny bolts of lighting; ones that had begun to singe and even burn the priest's skin as he proceeded onward!

                        “Mahado!!”  Isis cried fearfully, as Karim prevented her from moving towards him.

                        “I'll be fine!  I will penetrate this darkness!!”  Mahado cried, with ever strengthening resolve.

             Finally, with one mighty thrust, an unyielding, laborious exertion, comparable only to the ramming of a doorway, Mahado had at last managed to break through the uncompromising force field...as he entered into another world entirely!

            Upon accessing this new dimension, the priest was momentarily stunned by the stifling, nearly suffocating nature of the darkened, surrounding atmosphere.  Though Mahado was quite familiar with the power to create such an expansive realm himself, the execution of such an act varied greatly depending on the user of such magics.  Anything from power level, intention, and even mind set could affect and influence the severity of such a feat.  And given the disturbing state of mind that Mahado had only briefly seen in the young prince, it was now painfully apparent that such emotions had most certainly played a part in the manifestation of this particular domain!
 
           As Mahado walked on and on, relying on both of his outstretched arms, in order to feel his way through the deceptively vast and shrouded terrain, he thought back to the very moment that the prince had chosen to create such a world; hiding himself away, with only the malicious, provoking criminal for company.... 

            Though Mahado could not be certain if the others had been observing his highness as closely as he had been, the priest had received the first taste of his gnawing suspicions by the probing, disconcerting questions that the young man had asked; ones that he had so desperately desired answers for...almost as if he had wanted them more for his own sake, rather than that of the accused.  And then, when the man had bitterly betrayed him, callously rejecting the prince's offer to grant him mercy, Mahado had sensed a change...  He had seen a noticeable shift in both his stance, and upon his face....  He did not wish to believe it....  Mahado wanted to deny it with each and every fiber of his being!  But he could swear that he had witnessed-

            There!  In the distance!  At last, Mahado had found him!  He could see the prince directly ahead, as he stood unmoving, with his back to him.  Mahado could also see the prisoner....  He had remained bound, yet he was now writhing in agony; shrieking and struggling like a helpless bug upon the ground!  The priest was unable to see exactly what was being done to him, as he knew from his own experience, that such dreadful, punishing visions could only be seen within the eyes of the inflicted and the one who had originally begun the torture itself!  And though a part of him wished to put a stop to such brutality, whether or not it was deserved, in that moment, Mahado's primary concern was that of Prince Yami...

                        “My prince!”  Mahado called, as he slowly, yet cautiously made his approach.  “I've come for you.” 

            However, Yami had refused to acknowledge the priest's words, as he remained still; appearing to look down at the now quieting, twitching man who lay at his feet.

                        “My prince?  Are you all right...?”  Mahado asked again, as he stepped even closer.  “My prince!”  Mahado exclaimed, as he at last grabbed the shoulder of the young man, who continued to face away.

                        “You...”  Yami breathed.  “You are the one that now possesses the Millennium Ring....”

            In that instant, Yami had finally maneuvered himself to confront the priest!  With his eyes alternating from their standard violet color, to a deep glowing red, Mahado found himself startled, as he could only stare in disbelief!  Before the priest could react further, Yami's arm had shot out, as he tightly gripped the ring upon Mahado's neck, refusing to  let go!  And even with his unwavering grasp, Yami closed his eyes.

                        “Ah....  Now that is much much better.”  Yami exhaled, as he opened his now fully crimson colored eyes.

                        “You...  You are not the prince!”  Mahado cried, still struggling to break free.

                        “And you are the one that had managed to seal away the part of my soul that exists within that ring.” 

                        “I should have known...  It is you!  You are Zorc Necrophades!”   Mahado gasped.

                        “Alas...  If it were only that simple...”  Zorc within Yami replied, as he, at last, purposefully, and even irritatingly took his hands off the ring.

                        “Monster!  Release the prince this instant!!”  Mahado proclaimed. 

                        “There is no...immediate need for concern....”  Zorc replied, with a deliberate half smile.  “I can not fully take control of this youth yet.  I am only able to speak through him, temporarily, due to my fluctuating influences, prior to your arrival here; as well as my contact with the Millennium Item around your neck.  I truly must commend you,  mortal.  The seal that you placed upon that ring is indeed a powerful; albeit inconvenient one.”

                        “Silence demon!  I demand that you free the prince at once!”

                        “I will also admit that I under estimated you, human!”  Zorc said as his eyes narrowed.  “I thought it would be a simple task to overtake one such as you.  I had nearly done so with your predecessor, but though he resisted, I was able to absorb his dark desires into the Millennium Ring itself, making the part of my soul that resides there even more powerful; more enticing for the one who possesses it!  But you!”  Zorc paused as Yami's body had begun to shake in his escalating fury. 

                        “You certainly surprised me....  You were able to access my memories, somehow learning of my existence!  You were even able to learn the truth of how the Millennium Items were forged, in that forgotten village of the damned; the village Kul Elna!  You rejected my power, you fool!  You rejected me!  You could have been a part of my greatness!  You could have become my High Priest of Darkness, my avatar!  You could have even ruled the entire world as the King of Shadows, if you had only gathered the seven relics and returned them to the tablet in which they were created!  I could have long since been free to roam the earth, in my true form; as I covered the very heavens in endless night....  But instead, a mere, insignificant  human chose to defy me; to seal me away with such feeble, infuriating magic!  My final admission to you is that I found your actions to be quite....vexing....”   

            Zorc had then turned his attention towards the Millennium Puzzle, which still hung from the young prince's neck.  Holding it in both hands, he grinned largely, almost unnaturally, as he had begun to snicker to himself.... 

                       “But truly, in the grand scheme of things, it is of no consequence.  I will have another opportunity.  There is always another who craves the power of darkness, the power that will allow them to pursue whatever earthly desires that they possess.  And I can grant them this power, if they sacrifice their souls and become one with me.  This one now....  The crown prince Yami, is it?”

                      “No!  Stay away!  I will not let you corrupt him with your evil!”  Mahado threatened.

                      “This one has great power, a power that even he is not fully aware...  Certainly more power than you possess, wretched priest!”  Zorc leered.   “He has attempted to resist me...  It's true.  But the difference now is that he has no knowledge of what I am...that I can reach him, that I can subconsciously guide his courses...  Such subtle whispers will ultimately lead him to me and me alone....  And it has already begun!  He yearns for the power of darkness!  He has even acknowledged this truth!  With such adept capabilities, he finds new and thrilling ways to use such power, for his own pleasures, for his prideful victories, or for the sake of a most satisfying revenge.  Yes....  What potential indeed.....  He needs only to give himself to me willingly, and he will become the slave of my soul!  He will become my avatar and become the King of Shadows, if he so desires!”  Zorc declared triumphantly.
 
                       “That will never come to pass, foul creature!  Just as I had fought against you and won, so will he!  He will choose light over your darkness and he will banish you deep within the item, just as I did!  He may even have the power to do what I could not!  He will vanquish you completely from this earth!  And I will do everything in my power to ensure it!” 
 
                       “Such spirited words....”  Zorc sneered in amusement. “In due time, all will become clear...  The darkness grows steadily within him.  And like the humans that came before him, my influence is only strengthened by his pain, his sorrow, and the sheer intensity of his rage...   Oh, and I will make the bold assumption that you have no intention of telling him of my existence?  No, of course you won't...   Even if the portion of my soul is sealed away, I can still feel the full extent of your pitiful guilt, how you rightfully blame yourself for what you had disclosed to the prince's father, as it, even now, continues to eat away at you...” 

            Feeling himself faltering from Zorc's implication, Mahado had momentarily and shamefully looked away.... 

                        “Yes, you do remember....  You confessed it all, that day, didn't you?  You told him about me, the creation of  the items, and certainly the grandest of all, how it led to the bloodied massacre of an entire village!  And you know quite well that it was this admission, this horrible truth, that is now leading your king to his death.  You fear that the prince will despise you for what you have done....  Or you risk history repeating itself; that this youth will follow that same crippling path!  I know this to be true....  Then again, you could surprise me further still!  Perhaps you will tell him!  It is no concern of mine and frankly, it makes no difference.  If that is your decision, as he succumbs to the same despair and sorrow that your mighty ruler did, it could make it that much simpler for me to appeal to the darkness within him; so that he may free himself from his suffering.  In the end, it is your choice.”  Zorc concluded.

                        *This mortal foolishly believes that he knows all there is to know....*  Zorc thought inwardly.  *But he deludes himself!  I could feel the presence of another, one who's very blood had called out to me!  Perhaps.... there is even more than one...     And how could I forget?  There is still the existence of that embittered old man to consider....  Oh yes, the possibilities truly are endless....*

                        “It will occur one day.”  Zorc began again.  “It would only take one man...or woman....to gather the items, so that I may finally emerge from the doorway; the connecting tablet of the after world!  One lowly human.....  That is all I need.”

                         "You're wrong, demon!”  Mahado argued, regaining his composure.  “That choice has not been made!  Not by anyone!  And I assure you, the prince will never be yours!”

                        “Yes, yes....   We have been over this before....  If it pleases you, I will permit you to declare that those are rules of this little game of ours.  Wouldn't you agree?  But in the end, none of it will matter....  I am part of each of the seven relics.  And if not this youth, it will most certainly be one of you that will complete the dark contract and bring forth my power!  For I can call to the darkness of any mortal!  No matter how long it takes....  Days, years, centuries....  I can wait an eternity if need be, but I suspect that it will be much much sooner....sooner than you can possibly imagine....!”

            As he looked into the prince's eyes again, Mahado could now see their violet shade gradually returning, as Zorc had begun to stagger before him.

                        “It would seem that our time together is coming to an end....”  Zorc laughed, as he struggled to regain his bearings.  “Oh, and if you care to know, it would  appear that this one has reached his limit as well.”  He then said, as he looked down at the wide eyed, seemingly hollowed criminal, who was now only capable of making the slightest of movements.  “What a pity it is....  This human may have been useful to me, if only he had been the one to possess one of the seven items.  I must say, that I rather enjoyed the extremity of his madness.  Perhaps I will find another who equally relishes in his psychosis, to play the part of my pawn....  Hmm....  Or better yet, I may even have the great pleasure of driving your precious prince to the brink of insanity!”

                        “That is enough!!”  Mahado growled, as he finally shook Zorc, or rather the vessel of the prince, by both arms. 

                        “As you wish, mortal.  But remember this....  I will see you again, on that glorious day, when I burn this world to ashes....!”  Zorc vowed with one final sneer.

            With those haunting words, the crimson coloring of Yami's eyes had at last faded away, as his body fell limp within Mahado's arms.  Catching the young man, the priest slowly eased him down, until they were both positioned upon their knees.  With Zorc gone, and the prince now unconscious, the darkened realm in which they had existed had also begun to dissipate, as the priest could now see streaks of relief-inducing illumination emerging from the enclosing shadows.  Soon, he was able to see the familiarity of the palace structure and to his tremendous comfort, the approaching forms of the others who were now calling out to him; their features gradually coming into focus!
 
                       “Mahado!  You did it!”  Isis cried, as she ran to his side.
 
                      “Yes...”  Mahado breathed.   “I was able to...bring him back....”

                        “I'm proud of you, Mahado!”  Simon beamed.  “You managed to save his highness, just as you had promised!  Truly, you are nothing short of a hero!”

                        “No, Master Simon...  I am not...  I am nothing of the sort.”  Mahado said grimly, as he gazed down upon the prince's slumbering form.  

                        “You are too humble, my old friend!”  Karim protested.

                        “I must agree.”  Shada added.  “It took great courage to even face such  adversity, let alone conquer it!”

                        “Well, I would commend you, Mahado....  But given his highness's state, or even that of this pitiful man's,”  Seto began, gesturing towards the whimpering shell of what was once the accused,  “I don't know for certain if I could consider your mission a success.”

                        “Tell me Mahado!  What exactly occurred when you entered the shadow realm?  Did his highness say anything?!”  Akunadin inquired suddenly, after his long introspective silence.

                        “Master Akunadin?”  Mahado asked, attempting to stifle both his surprise and apprehension...   

            Fearfully wondering if the elder priest, or any of his peers had even the slightest inkling of what had just transpired, he paused momentarily, carefully considering what he should or should not disclose.... 

                        “The prince....the prince only spoke of-”   


            Now beginning to stir, Yami had uttered a slight groan, as he placed a wavering  hand upon his throbbing forehead.  

                        “Your highness!  Your highness, are you all right?!”  Mahado exclaimed, as the others worriedly, and expectantly closed in upon them both.

            Having retained their kneeling positions, Mahado attempted to help steady the groggy young man, who's upper body swayed briefly in his disorientation. 

                        “Your highness?”  Mahado asked again, as he anxiously, and uneasily, waited for the prince to open his eyes....

                        “Mahado....”  Yami said at last, as his eyelids fluttered.

            The priest breathed yet another sigh of relief as he looked into the violet colored, yet clearly confused eyes of the young royal.

                         “What....  Why are we-  I don't understand.”  Yami had voiced, barely above a whisper.

                        “It's all right, your highness.”  Simon responded reassuringly.  “It's over now.  We must first attend to your injuries, and then-”

                        “My injuries...”  Yami echoed, as he struggled to make sense of what was  occurring around him.  Placing a hand upon his shoulder, he then winced, recalling the deep scratches, which had been inflicted....minutes ago...?

            Though a small amount of fresh blood still permeated from the wound, Yami was both shocked and bewildered to see that much of the once heavy bleeding had already ceased; having soaked through his white tunic, which now contained a large stain; one that was mostly dry as well..... 

                        “There was....a Millennium Trial....  And then I-”  Yami began again. 

              With dawning realization, Yami's eyes widened, as he now remembered every moment which had led to the prisoner’s assault! 

                        “That man!”  Yami exclaimed.  “What happened to-” 

            With a sharp turn of his head, Yami acknowledged the criminal, who was now lying upon his back, a few feet away from him!  Studying the man more closely, and with a strange sense of trepidation, Yami then saw that his eyes were indeed open, yet they appeared lifeless and glazed; twitching laboriously in an effort to even blink.  Similarly, his body also appeared incapacitated....   But most alarming of all, as a wave of creeping guilt had begun to overtake him, was the man's overall expression; a face frozen in what could very well be permanent petrification! 

                        “Am I the one responsible for this man's current state....?”  Yami asked solemnly. 

                        “The man was pure evil, my prince.”  Mahado insisted.  “After what he had done previously, for what he had done to you as well, he most certainly deserved to be punished!”

                        “So, it is true.”  Yami replied, shutting his eyes in anguished acceptance.  “Once again, I somehow managed to-”

                        “As I told you before, highness.”  Seto interjected.  “This reprehensible, murderous man, had without question, defied the order of the gods!  This was further substantiated indeed by his deceitful assault!  And if I may be so bold, I was rather impressed that you had chosen to exact such a fitting punishment.....though I still believe a public execution would have proved even more beneficial; in dissuading like behavior among the masses....”

                        “And because of who I am, I have the right, the supposed godly right, to decide such things; who lives, who dies, or who may be forever crushed in mind, body....even in soul....”  Yami continued. 

                        “You are quite weary, your highness.”  Isis remarked with concern.  “You should retire to your chamber.”

                        “She speaks the truth, my prince.  You need rest.”  Karim agreed.  “Your servants will assist you in properly dressing your wound.”

                        “Indeed.  You needn't worry.  We can conclude any remaining affairs here.  Isn't that right, Priest Akunadin?” Shada inquired.

                        “Y-yes...  Yes, of course.”  Akunadin responded.

                        “If you could please guide our young prince to his quarters, Mahado?”   Simon requested.

                        “I will do all that I can.”  Mahado declared, as he first raised himself from the ground.  Now regarding the young prince, who had remained seated, Mahado graciously offered him his hand.

            Still reeling from the strenuous, and admittedly clouded chain of events, Yami looked up at the young priest, who patiently stood waiting for his acceptance.  And though Yami's mind flashed briefly to the tense words that had been spoken between them, prior to the trial, to the days, the weeks and even years in which their bond had been tested, he allowed himself to hope again; to hope that the two of them could finally put the past behind them and regain their closeness....   As Yami extended his own hand, in order to reach for that of his friend's, he slowly and carefully attempted to raise himself.  In doing so, he then thought about the number of things that he wished to say to Mahado; questions such as-

            Just then, Yami could feel himself beginning to stumble, as his dizziness returned!  Instinctively, he reached forward to take hold of something, anything in which to orient himself!  He had, at first, grabbed on the material of Mahado's robes, and when he still could not regain his footing, he had then tried to secure a grip on the Millennium Ring; so that he could-

           Without warning, Mahado had immediately released his hold on Yami, abruptly stepping back, as the others and especially the young prince were startled by his perplexing and rather alarming retreat!

                        “Mahado?  Why did you-”  Yami began.

            As he questionably exchanged glances with the young priest again, Yami was both confounded and even hurt when he perceived Mahado's very recognizable and eerily familiar expression....  Though he had made an attempt to mask it, Mahado's face had clearly exhibited a sense of intense fear; one that Yami had certainly not expected, not from him....  Upon closer inspection, Yami had then noticed the existence of numerous burns upon Mahado's arms....injuries that he knew were not present before the proceeding....

                        *Am I also responsible for that....?*  Yami thought gravely.  *Without my knowing, am I now capable of inflicting harm on the innocent as well?  To those closest to me?*

            As the young prince looked away, unable to stand the sight of Mahado's wounds, or his fearful gaze, he then remembered the same expression, which had appeared on the faces of the three women he had frightened, earlier in the day.  It had surfaced again, and still remained upon that of the criminal's; the one that had apparently tortured to such extreme lengths!   And now.... 

                        “My sincerest apologies, my prince!”  Mahado protested, regaining his composure.  “It was not my intention to-”

                        “You needn't say another word.”  Yami sighed, now standing fully upright.  “If I may beg your pardon, I think that I would like to return to my quarters unattended.”

                        “Your highness, no.”  Simon insisted.  “I believe that it would be much better if you would allow-”

                        “Please, Simon.  It is my wish...and command....”  Yami proclaimed.     Unable to contest such a decree, the group simply bowed in accordance; all except Seto, who had, once again, simply nodded in acknowledgment. 

                        “I thank you all for your assistance this evening and I sincerely apologize, for my lack of....control....”  Yami trailed.  “I bid you good night then.”

                        “My prince I-”  Mahado began again.

                        “I bid you good night!  Priest Mahado...”  Yami said both forcefully, and sadly, as he proceeded to take his leave.                     
                         
 
                        “Don’t hurt us...   No…  Just stay away….  Stay away from us…!”


                        “You people can go on and on about whatever helps you sleep better, but everyone, everywhere has the makings of what you call a monster!  Even you, great prince of Egypt!”

                        “Maybe we're not so different after all, little prince.....   I can see it...  You do have a little monster in you, don't you?”


                        *Perhaps they're right....*  Yami thought, as he felt himself sinking into despair.
 

                        “In a single afternoon, I got to know what it was like to have someone that I could rely on again; in something so simple…with you just being here with me.  Do you remember what I said before?  When you first arrived?  It was true...  I really was happy to see you… and I still feel that way…  Aside of all of the great things that you did, all that you were able to accomplish, it was you, you coming here today that mattered most to me.  You came for me...” 

                        *Teana....*  Yami considered, vaguely wondering why he would think back on this curious woman now... 

            Nevertheless, he thought fondly of such a moment, one of the very few that could pacify him on such a woeful day and night, and somehow, he had managed a slight, yet weary smile....  And without another thought, or inkling, as he took much needed comfort in the young woman's words, he had instinctively placed his hand upon the Millennium Puzzle again.... 

                        *I wish to see you again, Teana.....   I need to see you again....*

---------------------------

Chapter 8a:  Transcending Memories: A Bond Unsealed-Chapter 8a
A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction
-------------------------------------

Author’s Note (April 2015): Greetings once more everyone! I'm so happy to see you here again, and relatively soon after my last few installments of this work! Even now, I'm sure it's still pretty shocking for me to be working so consistently on this treasured work of mine, isn't it? At least, that's how I feel myself! But what can I say? Even if it has been several years, when I set out to do something, I really do try to complete it, no matter how long it may take... And this story means far too much to me to simply disregard it in the state that it is. I really don't know how long it will take me to complete it, but I hope to, one day..... Though if I have a say in the matter, it will be done sooner rather than later....
Well now! I certainly revealed quite a few of my plot elements in my last chapter, didn't I? If you can believe it, many of those concepts have been with me ever since I ha