Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Split Personality; Spilt Emotions ❯ Split Personality; Split Emotions ( One-Shot )

Split Personality; Split Emotions.

~By Ryou-chan~

I sat on an armchair in the corner of the darkened room, the only light coming from the flickering of flames which reflected on the walls. How could I do this alone? But I had no other choice...It was only yesterday that I received my invitation to the Duelist Kingdom from Pegasus, and only yesterday that he stole my Grandpa's soul. Now I had no other alternative; I had to go and duel Pegasus for my Grandpa's sake...I had to get him back!

I tossed another log on the fire, still lost in thought. Jounouchi had said he would go with me...and I wanted him to, but it seemed impossible! What kind of plan did he have? It seems strange that he's my best friend when I think about it; we're so different. I guess that's why he picked on me when we first met.

I picked up the dueling glove that had arrived in the mail and put it on, studying its design in the firelight. What purpose did the star shaped grooves have? Must be quite significant; something to do with the two tiny star chips that came with the glove. I sighed, laying my head back against the soft fabric of the armchair and shutting my eyes wearily.

There was a knock on the door. Who would be visiting me at this time? It was past midnight...

I tiredly made my way over to the door, the dark shadows making everything look more sinister than it really was. I cautiously opened the door a crack, but then seeing who stood before me made a smile touch my lips, and I opened the door fully.

"Ryou!" I reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him inside out of the cold darkness. "What are you doing here?" He smiled at me, but there was concern showing in his eyes.

"I was worried about you." I allowed myself to be drawn into his arms and hugged gently. "What's going on Yugi? I haven't seen you for a few days, and..." His voice was low and quiet.

I cast my gaze downwards, not certain what to say to him.

"...Come inside...I'll, I'll tell you everything in a minute."I mumbled the words softly, but like always he heard me; leading me into the front room, his hand still gripping mine gently. We quietly sat on the sofa, and I laid my head against his shoulder. It felt so good not to be alone...

His arm circled around my waist, and he pulled me closer against him.

"Yugi." His voice wasn't forceful or persuasive, just...expectant and caring.

"I...I have to go away." My voice came out quieter than I had intended. I felt his grip tighten, but his expression remained calm.

"...What's happened?" My eyes glittered with unshed tears as the events of the previous days came flooding back to me, along with the pain of loss.

"Pegasus...he, he has my Grandpa. And in order to get him back, I'm being forced to take part in his Duel Monsters tournament on some island. I could be gone for weeks, even months!" Ryou's delicate features were consumed with worry, and his eyebrows were drawn together in consternation.

"But...but surely I could go with you, Yugi? So you wouldn't have to go alone?" I shook my head sadly, one frustrated tear escaping the corner of my eye.

"No...it's by invitation only. Jounouchi already said he'd try to find a way to come, but I just don't know if it's possible..."

At the mention of Jounouchi, Ryou frowned slightly and almost seemed as though he was pouting.

"Oh...and I suppose if *Jounouchi's* going, you won't need me around, right?" His voice had a bitter edge to it that I wasn't used to hearing from him.

"Ryou! You know that's not it - Jounouchi...Jounouchi's my best friend." I was almost shocked; Ryou seemed jealous! But why? He knew...he knew how I felt about Jounouchi was different to my feelings for him, right? How could he doubt me?

"I see...then, what am I?" His eyes now had a distant look to them, and he turned away from me.

"Please...don't." I reached out and touched the side of his face, bringing him around to look at me. His skin was so pale and soft...and his amazing white hair glowing in the firelight only made him look more hauntingly beautiful. "Ryou...you know...you know that I..." I swallowed, and then released the long trapped words which I had wanted to say for months. "I love you..." They came out in a whisper, and the happiness that I saw in his eyes let me know that I had done the right thing in telling him my true feelings.

"I love you too, Yugi-chan." I buried my face in his neck, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

I knew then that, even if I had to go to the Duelist Kingdom alone, Ryou's strength and love would go with me and support me when I needed it.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

I woke up slowly, not wanting to open my eyes to the harsh realities which I knew I would soon face. Warmth...I snuggled closer into the comforting form which I was sleeping against, until it suddenly struck me that there *was* a form next to me. I blinked sleepily and looked up at the person who had been acting as my pillow. Ah of course...it was Ryou. I hadn't meant to fall asleep like this last night, but it had just felt so nice...He was leaning back and slightly to the side, resting on the arm of the sofa; his expression was so peaceful, I didn't want to disturb him.

Not wanting to face the day, I laid my head back down and continued to sleep.

"Yugi?" A soft voice penetrated my dreams, gradually drawing me out into the real world. I felt a gentle kiss on my lips, and smiled slightly.

"Ryou..." My eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was the beautiful vision of my Ryou.

"Better get up Yugi; don't want to be late for school..." He offered me his hand, and pulled me up onto my feet.

"What time is it?" I yawned, and rubbed my eyes tiredly. He glanced at his watch before replying,

"Five past eight." The mention of the time jolted my memory - of course!

"Oh Ryou, J-" I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Ryou raised an eyebrow at me questioningly.

"Expecting someone then Yugi?" I nodded sheepishly.

"Yeah, I forgot. Jounouchi was coming over this morning, we were gonna walk to school together." He nodded, but even though he didn't say anything I knew it was all right - Ryou didn't particularly like Jounouchi, but he tolerated him for my sake.

"Let's go then."

"Right!" I lead the way to the door, and opened it cheerfully. "Hi Jounouchi!" I saw Jounouchi's expression change slightly as he noticed Ryou standing behind me. Oops...he was probably wondering what Ryou was doing here so early in the morning, as no one yet knew about us. We had always had an intention to tell everyone...but it had just never happened. Jounouchi looked vaguely surprised, and raised his eyebrows curiously. However he didn't comment, just greeted me like normal.

"Hi Yugi! Hi Bakura." Ryou inclined his head in acknowledgement, but said nothing.

The walk to school that morning was unusually quiet, and I couldn't help but feel the tension between Ryou and Jounouchi.

"So..." Jounouchi began casually, "I didn't know that you and Bakura were such good friends, Yugi." He glanced sideways at me, waiting for my response. I was quiet for a moment, not knowing how to reply - so much to my relief Ryou answered instead.

"Well we are." He stated matter of factly. I almost groaned out loud. The situation could hardly have been more awkward!

"I...see." Jounouchi merely accepted Ryou's answer, and didn't ask for any further explanation. Then he turned to me and asked quietly, "Hey Yugi, y'know what you're gonna do 'bout you-know-what yet?" Despite myself I smiled slightly;

"...It's all right Jounouchi, Ryou knows." Jounouchi looked at me in surprise.

"He does?! Why did you tell him?!" At this I noticed Ryou glance up quickly, anger dancing in his eyes.

"Jounouchi..." I sighed patiently, "Ryou already told you; we're...good friends." I could see that Jounouchi was still looking at Ryou somewhat suspiciously, as though he didn't trust him.

"Actually," Ryou began, slipping his arm around my waist defensively; "We're more than good friends." I stared up at him in shock - why had that come out all of a sudden?!

"Wha-?!" Jounouchi simply gaped, not knowing what to say. "What the *hell*?!"

I shut my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose wearily. Why was Ryou acting so possessive? I'd already *told* him he didn't need to be jealous of Jounouchi...Ah well, it was out now. At least that part was over.

"Is...is he telling the truth Yugi?! Please say no..." He trailed off as he saw that I made no move to remove the taller boy's arm from around my waist. I nodded, and smiled up slightly at Ryou. "H-How long..." Jounouchi whispered. I don't think I've ever seen him so much at a loss for words.

"...About five months, I think." I said speculatively, not exactly sure myself.

"Aa..." Jounouchi shook his head in disbelief, and started backing away from us. I tried to approach him, but he just kept moving away.

"Jounouchi!" But it was too late; he had already turned and started to sprint towards the school which had just come into sight. I started to go after him, but I felt Ryou's gentle hand on my shoulder; not so much holding me back, but reminding me that Jounouchi would need time to think things through by himself.

"You're right..." I sighed, and shut my eyes in despair as Ryou hugged me reassuringly.

"It's okay, Yugi. I'm sure with a little time...everything will be like it was before."

"I sure hope so..." I whispered, my voice full of regret.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As we had expected, once we walked in the front gates of the school we were confronted with strange glances, and saw the whispers spoken every time we passed someone by.

"He sure didn't keep it to himself..." I remarked sadly; I had hoped that Jounouchi would respect our privacy and not tell people, but...obviously not.

"Don't worry." Ryou whispered, "Just ignore them Yugi, it doesn't matter what people think." He squeezed my hand lovingly, and it was thus that we entered the classroom together.

"OH MY GOD IT'S TRUE!!" That, not surprisingly, had come from Anzu and I flinched slightly as I saw Jounouchi standing in a corner leaning against the wall, glowering at us.

...Except it wasn't so much at me, as at Ryou. Ryou gazed back at him, but without malice or anger - his gentle personality still coming through even with all the treatment we were getting. The expressions on our fellow pupil's faces varied quite a lot; from some with flat out disgust, to others who only looked on in mild surprise.

The room had suddenly fallen silent, and our footsteps echoed as we made our way towards Anzu and Honda. Surprisingly, Honda didn't look that bothered; he only smiled at us warily, saying,

"Hi guys." I smiled back at him in relief, and Ryou looked around nervously. He didn't really have very many friends in our class, and was usually too quiet to stand out. I don't think he liked all the sudden attention.

What happened next though was totally unexpected - Anzu ran over and hugged us both excitedly!

"Oh my gosh!" She gushed happily; "You two are so cute together! I'm so happy for you..." Ryou and I looked at one another in surprise, but then turned and grinned at her.

"Thanks Anzu!" I smiled at her appreciatively - at least *someone* was happy for us. Ryou nodded and smiled at her too, and the spell of silence was broken as people began to turn away from us and start up their own conversations again. Of course, we still received many strange glances that day, but overall I think it turned out okay.

That is, except for Jounouchi.

I still don't know exactly how he feels about the matter - but I'm thinking he's not too pleased as he refuses to even talk to me.

Before I met Ryou, I was so confused about my emotions - I'm naturally shy, but I was even more so back then and it was Ryou who helped me find who I was; and sort through my feelings. We seemed to become closer naturally, and even though I was still spending time with Jounouchi, Honda and Anzu, Ryou and me had something different; something special.

He always manages to make me feel better, even when I'm depressed. My thoughts flicked back to Jounouchi.

But Jounouchi was one of my best friends...and I couldn't just watch as we lost what we once had.

I had to make things with him right again.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

He still wouldn't talk to me.

It was so *frustrating*! I didn't understand why...and no-one else could tell me either. Anzu and Honda had tried asking him about it, but he soon refused to talk to them as well.

I couldn't believe it...I thought he was my best friend. But if he had been, wouldn't he have been more understanding of how I feel about Ryou?

Oh, Ryou also received an invitation to the Duelist Kingdom! That meant he could go with me, for which I was extremely grateful. Anzu and Honda said they would come too...I'm not sure how, but I think they mentioned something about a plan to sneak on board the boat. I would have been happy...except that I wouldn't be able to forget that we were leaving Jounouchi behind. Even though he hadn't been very nice recently, deep down he was still my best friend; and I knew that one day he would understand and come through for me. We were scheduled to leave in a week.

...Soon after that, Yami surfaced again. He had been doing it more and more often since me and Ryou got together, and without provocation.

...He's made it quite clear that he doesn't approve of me and Ryou; and I still flinch at some of the things that he's said to Ryou when he's been in control of my body. It's strange, really....when Yami's in control, I mean. It's like I'm inside his head; trapped in a box with no way out. I can see and hear everything he does, but I just can't influence him in any way. Thankfully Ryou learned to tell when it's Yami and not me a long time ago, so he tries his best to ignore what Yami says.

...But a few nights before the boat was going to leave, Yami let something slip - he wanted Jounouchi. I couldn't believe it...surely me and Yami were like two halves of the same person, and yet I didn't like Jounouchi in that way at all! Just like Yami didn't like Ryou in that way either, I guess...

Yami never used to be like that. He used to help me out - he was like my more confident, courageous alter-ego. Not anymore though...I think he's sick of always being my shadow - he wants a life of his own. Unfortunately though, he's strong enough to take mine and doesn't seem to care anymore that I don't like what he's doing.

What I hate most though is the way he treats Ryou. It pains me everytime he insults him, or tells him how much I don't love him, or that he's worthless...I can see in Ryou's eyes that it hurts him too, even though he tries to tell himself that it's not me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yami's in control now...I don't know what to do. He's going to see Jounouchi, and I know what he has in mind....

He's going to take what he wants - just like he always does. I wish I was in control of my body so I could cry and sob...I feel so awful! Before he left, Ryou tried to talk some sense into him...I love him for trying, but he shouldn't have. Yami hit him. And there was nothing I could do about it.

So why don't I take off the Millennium Puzzle? I can't.

Every time I try, Yami takes control - so I've found that it's more worthwhile just to let it be...at least that way I get more time as myself, and more time with Ryou and my friends.

I dread to think how Jounouchi's going to react when Yami reaches his house...what will Jounouchi think of me?! I'm not sure if Jounouchi can tell the difference between me and Yami - from what I understand we only look very slightly different...

Oh God...Yami's reached Jounouchi's house...we're going in. I'm scared of what Yami might do to Jounouchi - he's become gradually more unpredictable, and is also quicker to become angry. However, Jounouchi is still bigger than Yami, so he might be able to hold his own if things get violent. But...somehow I don't think that violence is quite what Yami has in mind.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

I wearily shut that door behind me, resting my back on it and closing my eyes tiredly. I flinched as someone started pounding on the door.

"Yugi! Let me in! Why did you run away?!" It was Jounouchi. I tried to speak, but my voice came out strained and slightly high pitched.

"Jounouchi! That....that wasn't me...I don't know what happened, but it was *Yami*! I don't...." I wasn't even sure what I was going to say, and let out a sigh of relief as Jounouchi fell silent, taking in what I had said.

"You mean..." His voice came out hesitant, "You mean that wasn't you? You don't really...."

"I don't really what?!" I was nearly hysterical, I couldn't take it anymore! "Jounouchi, somehow Yami found a way to block me; I couldn't see or hear what was going on! I'm totally just his puppet--" I flinched as I felt the familiar feeling of power rising within me. It was a feeling I had learned to loathe, as it signalled the onslaught of Yami taking over. "Just...just leave." I said quietly, but feeling desperate - he had to go before Yami came!

There was no answer. I think he left and I let out a sigh of relief, sliding down to the floor.

"Yugi...?" I heard Ryou's soft voice approach questioningly, as he came through from the living room where he must have been waiting for me. "...What happened? Are you alright?"

With a stifled sob I got up and stumbled towards him, relieved when he caught me in his arms and hugged me tightly.

"What's he done this time?" He whispered sadly into my hair, "...We have to stop him Yugi. This....it can't go on." I pulled away from him and looked up into his face.

"Ryou! He...he's found a way to stop me from seeing what he's doing! So...so now when he's in control, I'm totally trapped and there's nothing I can do..." I couldn't talk anymore as I started crying. Ryou led me to my room and sat me down on the bed beside him.

"...Yugi. When did it happen? Do you remember anything of what he did? Why was Jounouchi here?" He lifted up my chin to make me look at him, and gently wiped away my tears with his thumb. I sniffed and relaxed into his loving arms as I began to relate what I could remember.

"Well...at first it was like normal; he took control and and all I could do was watch. He...he started taking us towards Jounouchi's house...and then once we got there; that was when he blocked me." I squeezed my eyes shut as I came to the more confusing part. "When...when I became myself and I could see again, I was waking up and I was..." I fell silent, biting my lower lip.

"You were...?" Ryou pressed me on, a curious yet wary look in his eyes.

"...I was...in Jounouchi's bed with him. He was still asleep, but we..." My eyes filled with fresh tears as I continued, "We weren't wearing anything. I got scared and wanted to leave, so I got dressed as fast as I could and ran home...that's when Jounouchi started coming after me." I gripped Ryou tighter, not wanting to see his expression. "I...I didn't know what had happened and I just feel so awful!" I dared to glance up at him, and found his expression full of barely concealed anger. "I...I'm sorry, Ryou! I-" He cut me off with a kiss, and then looked at me strangely.

"It's not your fault, Yugi! I'm...I'm angry with Yami. And...with Jounouchi, too." I looked up at him, slightly puzzled.

"With Jounouchi...? What did he do?" Warmth filled Ryou's expression, and he kissed my forehead lovingly.

"You're so precious to me Yugi..." He whispered, and tears welled up in his eyes. Then he drew back and fixed me with a firm gaze. "Don't worry. But...tell me one thing. Do you...do you hurt at all?" I shook my head, looking at him in confusion, "Why--"

"Then it doesn't matter." He interrupted me and brought me close to him once more. "It'll be all right Yugi...we just have to find a way to get rid of the Millennium Puzzle."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

I yawned and stretched out my arms, glancing out the window. It was a beautiful day for once, and even though it was bright and sunny I still felt the burden of the Millennium Puzzle and Yami weighing down on my heart.

...When would it end?

I heard light breathing behind me, and turned to glance down at where Ryou still lay sleeping on my bed.

As I saw his face I felt my insides freeze, and a sick feeling lodged itself within me.

What had Yami done to him?!

I hadn't been able to see properly last night, as it had been too dark and the shadows hid his face most of the time. But, now...

The was a large purple-grey bruise on his upper left cheek, just below the eye. That must have been where Yami hit him, and I couldn't help but feel incredibly guilty. How could...how could he put up with me?

Even though Yami treated him like this, he still managed to love me and tell me that it wasn't my fault!

At the thought of Yami hitting Ryou, I felt such anger and frustration build up inside me that I had never felt before - I *needed* to get rid of the Millennium Puzzle - and thus get rid of Yami once and for all. I grasped the large golden puzzle which hung from my neck, and tried to quickly pull it over my head. I had to-------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yami had come just in time to stop me; like he always did...

When I came back to being myself, I found that I was standing overlooking an unconscious Ryou - he had blood on his face and he was covered all over in bruises, and there was red seeping through other areas of his clothes. I couldn't believe it.

"No. Nonononono..." I whispered in shock, wanting it all just to go away. "Ryou!" I fell to my knees beside him and cradled his head in my arms, tracing the bruises lightly with my fingers. It was only then, though, that I noticed the dried blood on my knuckles and fists. "NO!" I shook with silent sobs as I held Ryou's unconscious form desperately; it was my fault. I shouldn't have tried to take off the Millennium Puzzle - I knew that it would make him angry...and he always took out his anger on my Ryou.

Tears of relief started to fall as Ryou shifted and slowly opened his eyes, gazing up at me. He didn't even look angry with me. How...

"Yugi..." I gently helped him sit up, and even though he struggled he still managed to do it with only a little pain showing on his face. And then he smiled at me, pulling me close.

He still amazes me...the depth of his forgiveness and understanding. I started sobbing and cried against his chest for at least five minutes, reapeating over and over 'I'm sorry' and 'Forgive me'... He sat and stroked my back soothingly - even though he was the one who was hurt, he was still comforting me!

I hiccupped and sat back, regarding him somberly.

"...You should stay away from me, Ryou. Yami will only continue to hur--" He shook his head firmly.

"Never. I'll never leave you Yugi, no matter what Yami does. He's not you and never will be, so stop blaming yourself." I wanted to laugh and cry and yell at him all at the same time, but settled for just supporting him as he sat. "I'll be fine, Yugi." He said, seeing my concern.

"Ryou..." I hesitated, "I tried to take off the puzzle. That's why he got angry. But I couldn't do it! And I tried so hard that time..."

He brushed a lock of blonde hair out of my eye and rested his soft hand on my neck.

"Yugi," He looked my directly in the eyes, and shifted his hands to that he held both my shoulders. "You...you can hold Yami back a bit, can't you?" I nodded, not quite sure what he was getting at. "What...what if you concentrated all your energy on keeping him down, and I tried to take off the puzzle?"

I know an expression of sheer terror crossed my face.

"No! Ryou, we can't...if we tried, Yami would kill you for sure! I couldn't....no." I shook my head hurriedly.

Ryou pressed his cheek to mine and whispered forcefully,

"But we have to *try* Yugi. I can't bear to see what this is doing to you!! You have to get your life back...it's not fair. I...I don't care what happens to me, I love you." I felt wetness against my cheek, and held on to Ryou as though my life depended on it. In a way though...I suppose my life did depend on him...

"I love you too, Ryou. I don't know what I'd do without you." And it was true.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Right." Ryou looked at me firmly, "Are you ready Yugi-chan?" I nodded, and took a deep breath, shutting my eyes. "Okay...start."

At these words I clamped down as hard as I could on the perpetual presence of Yami that I always felt within me, and held on as hard as I could.

"Go..." I said through gritted teeth, feeling Yami trying to rise up and try to take my mind. Ryou quickly grabbed the puzzle, and as he was taking it over my head I felt a stab of pain within me. I gasped, but kept concentrating on keeping Yami away.

The pain built up...I held my head in my hands and screamed as the pressure kept building up and up in my mind --

And then all at once it was gone. A soothing, cleansing feeling of relief washed through me, and I cried with relief as I saw the puzzle lying broken on the floor.

I was free...

"Ryou--" I fell forward into his arms and shut my eyes wearily. "Thank you....so much....I love you..." And then I lost consciousness.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Th is time when I awoke, for the first time in over a year I felt completely free and as though I truly knew myself. Even though it was grey and dismal outside, the day still seemed more beautiful to me than it had in a long time. And all because I was now free of Yami.

I struggled to sit up, my head still aching a little from the battle of wills which I had gone through only a few hours previously with Yami. I reached up and rubbed the side of my head distractedly, suddenly noticing that I was alone in the room, and the Millennium Puzzle which had been on the floor next to me was gone. Where was Ryou?

I stood up and shakily walked out of the living room to find him. Why would he have left me there? I glanced down at my hands and noticed little crescent shaped cuts in my palms; while I was restraining Yami I must have been clenching my fists too hard...This immediately left my mind, however, as I peeped around the corner into the kitchen and saw Ryou sitting at the table, staring warily at a box in front of him.

My movements must have distracted him, as he suddenly said,

"Yugi! Are you all right?!" And hurriedly stood up from the table, knocking over his chair in the process of coming over to see me. As I let go of the wall and tried to approach him I stumbled, but luckily Ryou was there to catch me and he gently led me over to a chair. "Yugi...how are you feeling?"

I smiled up at him, and took his hand again.

"A little weak...but other than that, perfect - thanks to you..." He beamed at me, and I don't think I've ever seen him as happy as he was then.

"Oh Yugi...I'm just glad you're all right." He bent down and kissed me, but then pulled away, his expression solemn as he glanced over to the box on the table. "...What do we do with it?"

I too turned to gaze at what lay on the table, and swallowed hard.

Where could we put it where we could be sure that no one would ever find it again?

"I...I don't know." My throat had suddenly gone dry and I felt strange as I looked upon the box which contained a part of my life. Ideally we should destroy it...but I'm not sure if that was even possible.

"...You think we should throw it in the sea, Yugi?" He murmured questioningly, glancing at me to see how I felt about the idea.

"Yeah. Yeah I think that's a good idea, Ryou. What about on the way to the Duelist Kingdom?" He nodded and we fell into silence, both just contemplating all that had happened, and all that had just come to an end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hand in hand, me and Ryou boarded the boat, the Millennium Puzzle safely kept in his bag, as he had thoughtfully realised that I wouldn't really want to keep it anywhere near me.

We expected to meet up with Honda and Anzu soon; (they had stuck with their plan of sneaking on board), but of course there was something that Ryou and I had to take care of first.

I'm not sure where Jounouchi is though. I hadn't seen him since....since I ran away, and I hadn't dared to seek him out.

Ryou led me up to the front of the boat, and we stood side by side in quiet thought as he retrieved the box from his bag. He looked at me and smiled slightly, his beautiful hair being blown around carelessly in the wind as he offered the box to me. I shook my head, looking up at him seriously.

"Ryou...I...I want you to do it." His face registered slight surprise at my answer, but I really did want him to be the one to end it all. Without him, it wouldn't even have been possible for me to break free of Yami's hold.

He nodded though, and I held my arm loosely around his waist as the box fell from his delicate fingers into the thrashing foaming waves of the sea.

And then it was gone.

I shut my eyes and with a sigh of relief relaxed into Ryou's arms; he held me from behind, his quiet strength giving me the support I needed.

"Thank you..." I whispered softly, and my lips curved happily as I felt him lightly kiss the side of my neck, then rest his head on my shoulder.

And it was like this that I first saw the island where the tournament would be held; surrounded by the blood red glow of the sunset, the island looked strangely menacing yet enticing.

I would save my Grandpa's soul...and when I did, Ryou would be right there with me.

~Owari~