Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Fly Away Home ❯ Tabula Rossa ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: Plain and simple. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.

A/N: My goodness, everyone! I am so sorry this took me so long to get out! For whatever reason, this chapter refused to be written! It wasn't writer's block, I just couldn't get it out. Thanks for being patient! I'll end this here so you can go read.

Oh, and `Tabula Rossa' means `blank slate' in Latin. I think. I'm too lazy to go check the Reader's Digest to make sure right now.

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Fly Away Home

By Ocean

Chapter Eight: Tabula Rossa

It was... quiet here.

So very quiet.

Yuugi groaned as he tried to open his eyes, surprised by the sheer effort the small action required. He blinked a few times, trying to clear his vision of the darkness before him with little success. As his mind reluctantly crawled into awareness, he noticed that there was a great weight on top of him. Yuugi shifted his eyes to the side to see long strands of golden hair framing Yami's face. He sighed as he realized that Yami was still unconscious.

Bracing his arms as best he could beneath him, Yuugi tried to push himself up but only succeeded in shifting himself over onto his back. Rolling his eyes in agitation, Yuugi placed an arm around Yami's waist and rolled to the side, easing the larger man onto the ground and off of him. Now free of Yami's weight, Yuugi was able to raise himself from the ground and sit beside Yami, unconsciously rubbing his hand in small circles on his stomach.

Looking around, Yuugi was startled to notice that he couldn't discern the difference between the dark floor he was sitting on or the darkness in front of him or the darkness above him or the darkness on either side of him. Everything was just... black. There were no defining features of any sort to help distinguish any sense of dimension or orientation. It was like they were sitting in the middle of a vast ocean, completely submerged within depths that even the strongest of lights could not penetrate. It was very unnerving, and Yuugi found himself becoming dizzy without having any focal point on which to orient himself.

A ball of light shot past Yuugi's face, dancing on unseen air currents in intricate and delicate patterns. It was all colors and yet it was colorless, every pigment imaginable twisting and turning and colliding within the small confines of the sphere that dictated its shape. The ball of light circled Yuugi's head a couple of times before halting above Yami's face, just inches from his nose. Immediately a single color engulfed the small ball of light. Yellow.

Yuugi tilted his head to the side, his hand stilling on Yami's stomach as he observed the ball of yellow light. It was bouncing up and down in place, as much as a ball of light could, and seemed extremely excited to have found Yami. Yuugi reached out his hand toward the light, curious to see if it was as solid as it appeared to be.

Upon reaching the light, however, the brilliant yellow bled into a vibrant green as it lurched away from Yuugi's touch. The light grew to a blinding intensity before vanishing from sight, leaving a confused and blinking Yuugi in its absence. A small groan brought his attention back to Yami, whose eyes were beginning to flutter as he woke.

Yami slowly rolled over onto his side, using every ounce of strength to do so. Pausing for a moment to regain his energy, he was then able to turn completely onto his stomach from where he was able to bring his knees under him and brace himself on all fours. His mind felt heavy, as though it was being wrenched beneath quicksand and slowly suffocated. His body ached profusely and protested against all attempts at movement, so Yami decided it best for him to remain perfectly still.

"Yami?" Yuugi ventured as he crawled over to his side. "Are you okay?"

Yami responded by reaching out and pulling Yuugi in front of him. Thoroughly he checked Yuugi for injury, starting with his head and working his fingers down his neck, shoulders, chest, arms and waist. Yuugi's face crinkled in concern. Yami's eyes were dull and listless, their luminous quality shrouded in a cloak of fatigue that seemed to bleed out over his body. Smiling gently, Yuugi took hold of Yami's hands and held them in his own. "I'm okay. Nothing's broken."

Yami studied Yuugi for a moment before closing his eyes and sighing. "If you are certain," he said quietly. He took a deep breath before standing, leaning heavily against Yuugi to support himself.

Yuugi's mouth fell open and he blinked in confusion as he stood with Yami, supporting his weight the best he could. He continued to stare at him even though Yami appeared to not be aware of the remarkable thing that had just occurred, instead focusing his attention on their lack of surroundings. Yami turned his tired eyes back to Yuugi.

"Language is inconsequential here," he explained.

"I can understand you..." Yuugi whispered, still caught in the awe of being able to understand Yami's words. Yami raised a single eyebrow in contemplation before a small smile momentarily graced his lips. He nodded his head in affirmation, anticipating Yuugi's next question.

Now that he was able to communicate with this handsome man, Yuugi suddenly found himself at a loss for words. It was all so sudden. There was so much he wanted to say. So much to ask. So much he didn't know. So much he would never know if he didn't hurry and follow Yami who had started to walk away while Yuugi was caught up in his wonder.

Yuugi quickly jogged up to Yami, falling in step with him when Yami quickened his pace so that he was one step ahead of Yuugi. Yuugi tilted his head to the side in confusion, and was about to increase his pace when Yami's voice halted him.

"Stay behind me," Yami commanded, his tone soft but not without authority. He continued to walk in what Yuugi assumed was a straight path, his eyes unwaveringly focused in front of him. Yuugi was about to protest when Yami spoke again. "I cannot protect you unless you remain behind me."

Yuugi pursed his lips in both contemplation and annoyance. He wasn't sure if he should be impressed that Yami was able to predict his questions, or irked that he wasn't being allowed to speak. There was a very fine line that even Yuugi couldn't distinguish.

Lamenting, Yuugi decided that it would be best for him to follow Yami's suggestion and remain a step behind him. Having nothing else to look at, or to do for that matter, he let his eyes roam over the smoothly striding man beside him. Yami held his shoulders back; his posture tall and proud as each step was placed with confidence. His arms remained, for the most part, still against his sides, swaying only slightly to help with his balance. Yuugi shoved both his hands into his pants' pockets and sighed again, letting his chin fall to his chest.

The two men continued to walk in silence, time slipping past them as easily as oil over water. Yuugi couldn't stand the silence. It was dark and cold wherever the hell they were and his only companion was the gorgeous man of his dreams who had fallen into his arms, spoke an odd language he couldn't understand, played with him, teased him, and remarkably had kissed him. And neither of them was speaking to the other.

What was wrong with this picture?

"There is no need to be silent. You may speak your mind," Yami said as he stole a glance at Yuugi's irritated form. He fought the smirk that threatened to form as Yuugi snorted softly at his suggestion.

Yuugi raised his head to answer Yami when an arm was placed stiffly in front of him, halting his steps. The arm remained extended as Yuugi turned his eyes to Yami, questioning his sudden movement. Yami had his head tilted to the side, his brows furrowed as he intently listened to the deafening silence. Yuugi placed a hand on Yami's arm, momentarily forgetting that he could ask Yami what he was listening for.

A familiar ball of light appeared from the darkness, flying up to Yami's face and continuing its seemingly joyous bouncing as Yami turned to face it. He snarled at the intrusive light, waving his hand dismissively in its direction as he stepped to the side and continued walking, grabbing Yuugi's wrist and pulling him in tow.

"What is that thing?" Yuugi asked as he stumbled forward from Yami's insistent tug. "It was here when I woke up," he added as the ball of light danced around both of them.

"That..." Yami began as he glared at the yellow light, "is nothing more than a vexation."

"Must be more than that if it has you this irritated," Yuugi observed.

Yami didn't respond as the ball of light came in front of him again, dancing in place as it swirled its multitude of colors in an attempt to impress him. When Yami failed to respond the light increased its brightness to an almost blinding intensity, twin coils of light extending from the sphere and reaching out to tap Yami on the side of his head.

Sighing in defeat, Yami stopped walking and lowered his head, his eyes closing slowly as his body stilled. He did not release his grip on Yuugi's wrist, instead tightening it as a slight wind appeared from nowhere to tousle his long hair about his face. The two offshoots of light that protruded from the parent sphere circled around Yami's body, incasing him in a wall of deeply shaded blue light. Smoke filled in the spaces left vacant by the light, shielding Yami's form completely from Yuugi's view.

And then it was gone. The smoke and the deep blue light disappeared with the suddenness of a summer storm. Yami took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes, raising his head as he once again continued walking.

Yuugi blindly obeyed the gentle tug on his wrist, his mind preoccupied with the sight before him. Where once Yami had been clothed in a tight fitting blue shirt and black jeans, he was now wearing... well, the clothing of an Egyptian pharaoh. A white headdress adorned his head, falling past his shoulders and halfway down his back. A golden headpiece rested on his forehead, matching the smooth gold necklace that lay on his bare chest. Two bands of gold encircled Yami's left arm, one on his bicep and the other encompassing his wrist. The jewelry concluded with golden ankle bands on his legs and sandals on his feet.

Around Yami's waist was an emerald sash, tied in such a manner that it hung neatly down his front. A white cloth was held in place by the sash, falling to his knees. Three blue pieces of fabric flowed down his side, adding a contrast of color against the stark white of the headdress and wrap.

Yami raised his free hand and removed the cumbersome headdress, holding it in front of him a moment before moving to throw it to the ground when Yuugi stopped him. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Yami handed Yuugi the headdress before returning his gaze forward. Yuugi held the piece delicately in his hand, surprised by its weight. After a short examination he tossed the headdress behind him, not noticing when it disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Well... This explains a lot," Yuugi stated casually. Yami snorted at the comment. Yuugi smirked at the expected reaction and lowered his eyes to his imprisoned wrist. "So, are you going to lead me around all day?"

Yami loosened his grip on Yuugi's wrist and slid his hand down, gently settling his hand around Yuugi's smaller one. Yuugi's eyes widened in surprise as his fingers instinctively curled around Yami's, holding his hand close. That certainly wasn't the reaction he was expecting, though it wasn't unwelcome either. Yami's hand provided a comforting warmth against the surrounding cold.

"So, it's all true then," Yuugi said quietly to himself.

"Depends on what you have heard," Yami replied just as softly.

"It's funny, you know. All of this. Me finding you, everything that has happened since then, this place. I wasn't even surprised when Ji-chan told me the history of the puzzle. It just all seems to... fit. Make some sort of crazy sense." Yuugi paused, a small and embarrassed smile painting his lips. "I sound silly, don't I? I'm sorry. I tend to ramble when I'm nervous."

"Nervous for what reason?"

"Well, you have to admit, it's been an interesting day," Yuugi said shyly. Yami responded by lacing his fingers with Yuugi's, rubbing his thumb lightly along the back of his hand. A smile returned to Yuugi's face as his confidence was renewed by Yami's gentle action.

"So that is what you wore all day?" Yuugi asked cheekily.

"For the most part," Yami confirmed.

There was a short pause as Yuugi trailed his eyes over the length of Yami's body.

"Nice."

This comment did earn Yuugi a smirk from the pharaoh.

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Yami closed his eyes as he ran his fingers through Yuugi's hair. He didn't know how long they had been walking, but the time must have been significant. Yuugi's energetic talking had ceased all together and his grip on Yami's hand had fallen lax. By the time Yami had turned to look at him Yuugi was already asleep on his feet, eyes closed and head lowered as he blindly followed Yami's lead.

Yami had decided that perhaps it was a good idea for both of them to rest. Up until this point they had been safe, his acceptance of the Shadows' commands providing for their smooth travel. Pulling Yuugi over to him, Yami had set them both down onto the floor. He braced himself and pulled Yuugi part way into his lap where Yuugi immediately cuddled against him and fell asleep, their legs intertwined as they found comfort in each other's presence.

He himself was not fatigued. Yami had traveled these blank passages many times before. There was no end to the vastness of empty space, no corners or curves or forks to offer any sort of variety. Yami continued to string his fingers through Yuugi's petal-soft hair as he listened to the slow and rhythmic breathing of sleep. It was dangerous here for him. They couldn't remain in the Shadows much longer if he wanted his Hikari to survive. Yami had never been so grateful of an action as he was when Yuugi agreed to wear the puzzle around his waist.

A fleeting hum snapped Yami to attention as he opened his eyes to glare at the ball of light that had once again appeared in front of him. The swirling colors increased their speed when they realized they had Yami's attention, flashing intricate and complex patterns at the man.

Yami lowered his hand from Yuugi's hair to cover his eyes so that the flashes of light would not wake him. His eyes narrowed as he studied the patterns of light before him, in a sense listening to what the light had to say. The Shadows could not take physical form, so instead they manifested themselves in a ball of light that was capable of displaying every color ever known to the world. It had taken Yami many centuries to learn the obscure language of the Shadows, and he soon regretted the knowledge once he had. The Shadows, never being able to communicate directly before, found themselves at no loss for conversation.

`No,' Yami mouthed so he would not wake Yuugi. `Just leave me be.'

The Shadows repeated their question, the colors brighter and more urgent than before.

`I will not. I have found my reason,' Yami gave as his reply.

The Shadows were not happy with this response. They had found their son just as they had sought out to do, but now that he had been rescued from the living world they found him to be tainted by it. He was being uncooperative as he never had been before. He must be under the influence of the poison of the mortal world. It was not safe for him to return there until they had purged all that could harm him.

Yuugi shifted in his sleep, his movements catching the attention of both Yami and the Shadows. The Shadows solidified their color, turning a red so deeply hued that it nearly matched the blackness that comprised their realm. There was an example of the poison they needed to purge from their son. They rushed forward towards Yuugi, intent on killing him.

Yami instantly rolled both himself and Yuugi to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The Shadows were not affected as they altered their charge and proceeded to follow their target. Holding Yuugi tightly against his body Yami flipped himself backwards and out of reach of the light, landing on his feet as he fell into a defensive position.

"Cease this at once!" he shouted, and the Shadows momentarily halted.

Yuugi squeaked with the sudden jarring of Yami's movements, grasping tightly onto Yami's arms once he stopped moving. He shook his head vigorously to wake himself up and clear his head of the dizziness that clouded his thoughts. He heard Yami shout, and only then did he realize how tense his body was. As though he was preparing for an attack...

Yuugi turned his head to look at the ball of light hovering dangerously close to both him and Yami. He watched Yami out of the corner of his eye, noticing the seriously irate expression his face held. The light caught his attention again as it began to cycle through its colors in an agitated manner. "Yami, what is-"

"Silence!" Yami ordered, and Yuugi quieted immediately. Yami could not afford to be distracted while the Shadows were talking to him. Even though he had centuries of experience, it was still difficult for him to comprehend their language. And right now the Shadows were not pleased.

Sensing Yami's momentary distraction the Shadows attacked again, flinging themselves directly at Yuugi's chest. Yuugi instinctively turned into Yami, in doing so bringing the puzzle tied around his waist into view. The Shadows stopped abruptly.

Yami pulled Yuugi closer and took a step backward, making sure that he kept the puzzle in full view of the Shadows. "He is the one who solved the puzzle. Therefor, you will not harm him," Yami said coldly.

The Shadows cycled through their colors again, giving Yami a final message before disappearing completely. Yami waited a good three minutes before releasing the breath he had been holding and loosening his grip on Yuugi so he could pull away.

Yuugi watched him as Yami fisted both hands into his hair before taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly. "What is going on?" Yuugi asked softly. When Yami did not answer he went and stood in front of him, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Tell me," he demanded. Yami refused to meet Yuugi's stern gaze and turned away from him.

"We must leave this place," Yami said evenly as he began to walk again. He stopped when he noticed that Yuugi wasn't following him.

"I have been beyond patient with all of this," Yuugi said as he stood his ground. "I know you are uncomfortable here, your behavior tells me as much. I don't want to pry into your business, but I think you owe me at least a little explanation. Like what is that light that keeps coming around?" He paused for a moment, then interrupted Yami when he was about to speak. "And don't tell me it is nothing more than a vexation."

Yami finally turned his eyes to Yuugi, his blank expression contrasting greatly with Yuugi's emotive features. Slowly he made his way over to Yuugi, standing close enough so that when he tilted his head to look at the shorter man his hair brushed along Yuugi's face. Yuugi had to steal himself against the sensation and not allow Yami to distract him with his overpowering sexual allure. He took a deep breath and released it quietly, keeping his eyes locked on Yami's.

Yami bent his head forward so that his and Yuugi's foreheads touched. "You will die here if I do not find a way to release you from this place," he whispered, keeping his intense gaze focused on Yuugi.

Yuugi searched Yami's eyes with his own, seeing the truth and emotion behind his words. He took one of Yami's hands in his own and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently before entwining their fingers together. He lowered their hands and nodded once, signaling to Yami that he was ready to follow him again. Yami turned and began to lead Yuugi through the darkness again.

It was some time before Yuugi spoke again. If Yami was certain that he would die if he did not leave this place, and he was weary of whatever magic had brought them here, "... Then what happened to the people back at the zoo?"

"And yet another thing I cannot protect you from," Yami said distractedly.

Yuugi didn't like the sound of that at all.

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Kanaye had to fight the urge to vomit as he forced his way into the devastated building. The pungent smell alone was enough to keep most of his fellow officers outside, choosing to section of the area and keep spectators at bay rather than loose their lunch.

Agonizing screams had alerted the patrons of the zoo that something horrible was happening at the reptile house. Kanaye had been pulled from his post at the aviary to investigate the cause of the disturbance. Nothing could have prepared him for the site he was about to see.

The concrete building was charred black, looking like the scorched skeleton of a once mighty and powerful beast. Smoke billowed from the ruins and added to the already revolting smell coming from the enclosure. Kanaye ordered the other officers that had arrived on the scene to push the frightened people away from the building so that he and other emergency personal could search for survivors. Though he seriously doubted that there would be any. It looked as if several bombs had exploded all at once within the enclosure.

Finally able to force the door open, Kanaye gingerly stepped inside the darkened space. He reached for his belt and removed the small yet powerful flashlight that was a standard piece of equipment for all officers. Turning it on he slowly began to guide the penetrating beam of light around the room.

Broken glass was everywhere, the containers that had housed the reptiles having been decimated beyond recognition. The carcasses of reptiles littered the floor, a small movement here or there signaling that a few of the inhabitants had survived whatever had happened. There were burn marks on the wall, but no evidence of any fire that Kanaye could see. Electrical sparks popped and rained down from the ceiling, the exposed wiring of the fluorescent lights sputtering their final remnants of life-giving electricity.

Kanaye continued to probe deeper into the chaotic mass, his flashlight searching desperately for any possible sign of survivors. Bodies covered the floor, huddled together in masses in a final desperate attempt for survival. There was red everywhere, the coppery smell of blood wafting its way to Kanaye and forcing him to breathe through his mouth to avoid the pungent fragrance.

He tried not to focus on the fact that many of the bodies were children. He tried to ignore that many of the bodies were missing limbs. He tried to erase from his mind the image of a woman holding her child close in a fruitless effort to save his life.

Several gasps could be heard as the emergency crew entered the building, accompanied by the sound of someone vomiting. This too Kanaye tried to ignore as he continued searching for any remote signs of life. He was beginning to think that his efforts where in vain.

"Over here! I think this one's alive!" someone shouted. Kanaye hurriedly made his way over to the medic who had shouted. He was skeptical, but nevertheless enthused with the possibility that someone had survived the massacre.

He came upon two men on the floor, the larger man shielding the smaller with his own body. Kanaye paused for a moment before bending over to see which one the medic had been referring to. Neither of these men appeared to be harmed in any way... no cuts, no bruises, no dirt, no blood, nothing. They were as pristine as if they had just emerged from their homes, ready to begin a new day.

The smaller body shifted, and Kanaye immediately rolled the larger man away to provide himself with better access. He placed his fingers on the man's throat, elated to feel a strong pulse. "Oxygen, quick!" he shouted as he rolled the man over and cradled him in his arms. It was a miracle that he was alive. He turned his head slightly to look at the other man with admiration. "Good job, son," he said quietly.

A medic brought over the oxygen tank Kanaye had requested and positioned the mask over Yuugi's mouth. He then proceeded to check him for injury. The man in Kanaye's arms began to stir as the oxygen began to infiltrate his system, a small moan passing through his lips and his brows creasing in his effort to wake.

Yuugi jerked to sudden wakefulness, gasping for air as he tried to take in his surroundings. It was bright and loud and hot and he was confused and disoriented. He closed his eyes and slumped against the body that was holding him, allowing himself a moment to gather his senses.

"Hey son, you alright there?" Kanaye asked as he patted Yuugi's cheek, to which Yuugi nodded slightly in response. Kanaye sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. Maybe once you compose yourself a bit, you can tell us what happened here."

Yuugi wasn't listening to Kanaye's words. He was thankful that the man cared, but right now he needed to clear his head of its daze and figure out exactly what had just happened.

Kanaye started to stand and lift Yuugi onto the waiting stretcher when a loud shout was heard followed by the sound of people struggling to hold someone back. They did not succeed.

"Hey! Lemme through! My buddies are `n dere!"

A tall blonde burst through the group of officers that had tried to stop his progress and ran directly towards Kanaye. Kanaye was about to push him back when the man he was holding opened his eyes.

"Jou?" Yuugi asked quietly.

"I'm `ere Yug," Jou said as he reached out and took Yuugi into his arms despite Kanaye's protest. Jou shooed him away and set Yuugi on his feet, placing an arm around him to keep him upright.

Yuugi leaned heavily against Jou, feeling better now that his best friend was with him. He shook his head heartily. "You're late," he said softly.

"Heh, sorry `bout dat. I kinda got distracted by dis free doughnut stan'," Jou said sheepishly as he helped Yuugi stand on his own, ignoring the gruesomeness of his surroundings.

"Yeah, I bet you did," Yuugi said with a small hint of amusement.

"Okay boys, let's move on out of here. You don't need to be looking at all this," Kanaye said as he tried to heard Yuugi and Jou out the door. Yuugi dodged his attempts and ran in Yami's direction. "Leave him, son. He didn't make it," Kanaye said sympathetically.

Yuugi stopped short, but not because of Kanaye's words. The remaining snakes that had survived the assault had gathered themselves around Yami's body. Many of them were wounded, blood oozing from cuts along their body, but still they circled Yami protectively, creating a barrier that no one in their right mind would try to pass. Soft hisses and rattles could be heard from the ring of serpents.

Yuugi took a tentative step forward, determined not to startle the snakes into attacking him. The moment his foot hit the ground every snake ceased its patrol and raised its head, looking at the one that had caused the vibrations in the floor. A few hissed a warning at Yuugi not to come any closer.

"Please," Yuugi said quietly as he took another step forward, his arms raised at his sides. "I want to help him."

The serpents seemed unconvinced of Yuugi's sincerity, many of them raising themselves higher to create a more intimidating presence. A snake that looked remarkably like the one Yami had been handling what seemed like years ago approached Yuugi slowly.

"Careful dere Yug!" Jou shouted as the snake made its way to Yuugi's foot before deftly beginning to climb up his leg.

"It's okay Jou," Yuugi said calmly as he stilled his body. He tried not to be frightened as the snake curled around his leg as it climbed, then circled his waist as it continued its assent.

"Don't move, son," Kanaye said in a rushed whisper as he began to make his way towards Yuugi. If he could just grab the head before the snake struck...

"No, don't! Stay back. It's okay," Yuugi said quickly. "He's only judging me, nothing will happen."

Kanaye reluctantly obeyed, though he did cast a worried glance at Jou. Jou returned the look, not quite sure what to make of Yuugi's statement.

The snake eventually made its way up to Yuugi's neck, coiling itself around his shoulders so that it could look him straight in the eye. Yuugi watched the snake coolly, careful not to make any sudden movements that might startle the serpent. The snake flicked its tongue against Yuugi's nose a couple of times before making its decision and sliding its way back down Yuugi's body.

Upon reaching the ground, the brown serpent slithered over to the ring of snakes. All of the snakes relaxed their bodies and moved themselves away from Yami, allowing Yuugi access to him. Yuugi released the breath he had been holding and ran over to Yami's side, falling to his knees and pulling him into his lap.

"Baka," Yuugi said bitterly as he stroked Yami's face. His brows furrowed in concentration as he focused on Yami, rocking him slightly. "Why did you do that?" he asked harshly, trying not to let the apprehension that was growing consume him.

Jou walked over to Yuugi and knelt beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. He glared at Kanaye when he tried to come over and pull Yuugi away, shaking his head once in warning that he was to leave his buddy be. Kanaye sighed and turned away, continuing his search for survivors.

"Come on, Yami," Yuugi continued to plead. "Come back to me. Please, come back to me. I need you."

Jou watched his friend as he pleaded with his stranger to wake up. It was not an uncommon thing to see someone plead with a loved one to come back to life, not to leave them. But Jou was worried about the manner in which Yuugi pleaded. His body was trembling slightly, and he had his head bent so that his forehead was pressed flushed against Yami's. He was stroking his face and hair and arms as if he was trying to coax him back to life with his touch.

Jou was becoming afraid of what might happen to Yuugi if Yami didn't open his eyes.

His fears were waylaid as he saw Yami raise his hand slowly and place it against Yuugi's chest, over his heart. With great effort Yami forced his eyes open so he could look at Yuugi's face. He twitched his fingers slightly, trying to signal to Yuugi that yes, he was back, and he was okay.

Yuugi sighed deeply and nuzzled his face against Yami's, the relief flooding through him almost too much to bear. "Don't you ever do that to me again," he whispered as he brought his hands up to cup Yami's face. "Never again."

Yami listened to him quietly, a slight sadness evident in his eyes. Yuugi looked at him intently, wondering why Yami hadn't replied with the reassuring words he was expecting and needing to hear.

"Htp pey-i mrwt," Yami breathed, almost too quietly to hear. He closed his eyes and rested his head against Yuugi's shoulder, the toll of his journey finally catching up with him.

Yuugi hugged Yami tightly as he felt his body fall limp against him as Yami fell unconscious. He shook his head in disappointment. They could not understand each other again. And it hurt, knowing that his opportunity to speak to his desert beauty was gone.

And though it was unimportant and rather trite, Yuugi wished that Yami had retained his revealing and alluring pharaoh clothing.

Yuugi raised his head and looked at Jou, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Jou?" he asked quietly, "Would you help me get him home?"

Jou immediately bent down and lifted Yami easily in answer to Yuugi's question. The smaller man stood and the two made their way towards the exit of the once proud reptile house.

"Hey! Where are you going with him? He needs to go to a hospital!" Kanaye shouted from the other side of the enclosure.

Yuugi and Jou ignored him as they started their journey home.

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Translations:

Htp - Be at peace

pey-i - my (not exactly, as html does not support the special characters that comprise the word)

mrwt - love (n)