When You Believe

By: DJ Rodriguez

(Author's Notes: Hi, everyone! How are you? I hope you all had a good 4th of July weekend. By the way, this little songfic here reminds me on the journey Yugi and Co. are in now against Malik. If you have listened to this piece of music, cool! If not, you need to hear it as soon as possible. Just listen to the words with your mind, and heart, and you will know on how I compare this to Yugi.

I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or When You Believe by Mariah Carey from the movie The Prince of Egypt.

Now, on with the songfic!)

It was June 21st, 2005. A year has passed since the events of Battle City Tournament. The winner of the tournament was Yami, but victory came at a high price. The world was safe, and Mai and Marik's souls had returned to their rightful places.

However, the price of victory was this… Yugi sacrificed his life to save Yami and the rest. Now, all of his friends were at a special memorial service in Domino City Church.

Some months before the events that took place at Battle City, a friend of Yugi's introduced him to Christianity. Although Yugi was Japanese, and bonded with an ancient pharaoh who held different beliefs and views, Yugi was hooked and was interested in it. His friend also gave Yugi is own Bible, titled Promise Keepers: Men's Study Bible.

In fact, Yugi started to pray everyday to God. Yami did not understand it, yet after prayer, he saw Yugi standing tall and also strong. It amazed the pharaoh to no end on how Yugi transformed like that.

All of Yugi's friend's were there; Mai Valentine, Joey Wheeler, Serenity Wheeler, Téa Gardner, Tristen Taylor, Weevil Underwood, Rex Raptor, Mako Tsunami, Ishizu Istar, Marik Ishtar, Odion Ishtar, Duke Devillin, Maximillion Pegasus, Seto Kaiba, Mokuba Kaiba, Solomon Moto, Nathaniel Hawkins, Rebecca Hawkins, and of course Yami Moto.

Ryou Bakura arrived as well, and was feeling bad as Yami was. You see, Yugi's death changed something deep inside the young man. When he saw Yugi sacrificing himself without fear of death, it made him think on how he was acting with his yami.

"If Yugi had the courage to meet Death head on, I should have the courage the stand up to my yami!", he told himself. Thus, over the next few months after Yugi's demise, he started to stand up to his evil side. Of course, Yami B. tried to intimidate Ryou back into submission. However, unlike most other times, he failed to do so.

All Ryou had to do was remember on how Yugi accepted his fate without fear, and that gave him the confidence and courage to resist and control Yami B. Now, he had complete control over his evil side! He gained confidence and courage… but he lost a dear friend.

"Yugi, thank you, dear chap. You helped me gain a life now, a life without fear.", he whispered to himself.

The front stage of the large church showed various pictures of Yugi; back before he sacrificed his life to save the world and his friends. Soon, it began. Yami called for everyone's attention, and they gave it after being seated.

"Everyone, thank you for coming here today. You know this means a lot to me… and to Yugi.", he started to say. Everyone nodded his or her heads in agreement.

"As you know, we are here to honor and pay respect to the one who saved us all. If it were not for him coming into our lives, we would have been off much worse then now.", he continued.

All of them agreed on that. Without Yugi, things would not have played out like it did and they would be in a very dire situation.

"I hope you all remember on what happened that day, one year ago.", Yami said.

{Flashback: The duel between Mailk and Yami was long and enduring, both nearly out of breath. Now, on what seemed to be the final draw, Malik was ready to use The Winged Dragon of Ra's true form to incinerate Yami and win the match.

"No!!", Yugi shouted out from his Soul Room as he saw the firebird make its way towards Yami. Without a second thought, he switched places with Yami. He was going to take the force of the blow!

"Yugi, what are you doing?!", Yami exclaimed as Yugi forced him out of his body.

Yugi smiled at Yami, although it was a sad one. He said, "I'm going to sacrifice myself, in order to spare you from being hurt.".

Yami was about to protest, but Yugi continued on gently. He said, "It has to be this way, Yami. You are the one who is to save the world, not me. I have been merely a vessel for you, and now… my task is complete.".

Before the firebird hit, Yugi requested with the smile still on, "Please, take care of my friends for me.".

Then, it happened. The Winged Dragon of Ra hit Yugi dead-on, and everyone screamed in terror as flames engulfed the young man! However, the young boy did not scream or make any kind of sound. Instead, he went out with a brave, knowing smile.

In a few moments, the attack was over. The firebird went back to Malik, and hovered over the smirking psycho. Yugi was on the ground, not moving at all. His eyes were closed, and a small smile was on his face. His chest was not moving, and it was confirmed. He… was dead.}

Yami tried to blink the tears from his eyes, but it was no use. They came forth, and made their presence known. He was not the only one crying. Nearly all of them were in tears. Marik held his head down in shame, still blaming himself for the incident.

'After the attack, I was able to take over Yugi's body. I was able to defeat Malik, and also acquire a body of my own.', he thought.

However, the price was just too high for them all. Yami and the rest felt that it was not right that their most-respected friend… was gone.

"After all that we've been through together, it amazed me on how strong and brave Yugi was.", he said. Then, he bent down slightly and inserted something into the podium he was standing at.

"I… I wanted to play this song today, for it best represents on how Yugi was to all of us.", he stated quietly. He added that during the song, if they wanted to, they could go up to the pictures and do what they need to do.

Everyone listened carefully, while preparing for his or her actions.

Many nights we prayed

With no proof anyone could hear

In our hearts a hope for a song

We barely understood

Téa was the first to stand up slowly, Mai following her. The two ladies each carried a single red rose, and went up to the picture that had Yugi in front of Duelist Castle. Both ladies shed tears of sorrow, seeing the warm smile on the young man's face.

They remembered on how Yugi radically changed their lives; for Téa, he convinced her to follow her dreams and also never give up hope. For Mai, he convinced her that friendship and trust were more important then money or being the best. The two ladies knew that without Yugi coming into their lives, they would still be in dead-end lives.

Now we are not afraid

Although we know there is much to fear

We were moving mountains

Long before we knew we could

After they touched his face, and whispered some warming words, the duo left. Shortly, Joey and Serenity walked to the stage. Joey knew he owed Yugi more then anything. He remembered on when they first met, he and Tristen picking on him a lot. Yet, when they were up against Ushio, Yugi's old bully, they cowered like mice.

But, when Yugi stood up to him, he showed no fear. Joey knew that Yugi was scared, but he didn't show it. The brave warrior took Ushio's hits, not once backing down. It was then that Joey and Tristen saw the true meaning of courage and strength; going up against a very fearsome threat, yet not backing down.

There can be miracles

When you believe

Though hope is frail

It's hard to kill

Serenity was sad too, much like her brother. After Yugi's death, she asked him on what Yugi had done in the past. It was then shown that it was Yugi and Solomon that taught Joey how to duel, how to be a true friend, and also that it was he who gave her brother the $3 million dollars at Duelist Kingdom!

'Tristen told me it was he that did all of those things, yet Joey said that it was Yugi who did.', she thought. Yugi gave Joey the money for her surgery, and it was because of that, that she was able to see again. Now, she felt she owed Yugi a debt that she could never repay in a lifetime.

Who know what miracles

You can achieve

When you believe, somehow you will

You will when you believe

Both siblings laid some flowers beside the picture of Yugi at Domino City harbor, where Yugi risked his life without question in order to save Joey when he was brain-controlled by Marik. Joey said softly, "Yug, I… I wish it wasn't like this.". He missed his pal greatly, and he wasn't ashamed to let it show.

Serenity comforted her big brother, holding him gently and whispering, "So do I, Joey. So do I.". After staying with eth picture for some time, they left to go back to their seats. It was hard on both of them, but even more so for Joey.

In this time of fear

When prayer so often proves in vain

Hope seems like the summer bird

Too swiftly flown away

Next up was Tristen, Duke following him. They went to, and touched the picture of Yugi that showed him, with everyone else, after Duke's defeat at Duel Dice Dungeon. Tristen remembered on how Yugi stood up for Joey, after he was forced to wear the dog suit. When Duke told him the consequences of losing the match to him (as Yami), he still accepted.

Duke remembered that memory too. He thought Yugi was a cheater, and dueled against him… him cheating at not telling Yugi the rules of the game, and also omitting some parts as well. 'He showed me what it was like to duel for honor and truth, and not for revenge.', he told himself.

Yet now I'm standing here

My heart so full, I can't explain

Seeking faith and speaking words

I never thought I say

After going back to their seats, Mokuba and Seto walked up. The Kaiba brothers approached one particularly large picture that showed Yugi with the entire gang in front of Kaiba Tower. It was before… the matches started, and destiny playing out over again like a cruel joke.

Seto and Mokuba remembered clearly on how Yugi was in the Virtual World, when Noah tried to trap them in there. The two brothers were amazed on how Yugi trusted Noah, even when he betrayed them all. And also, when he and Yami took Kaiba's place when Seto lost to him as Shinto- King of a Higher Plane.

There can be miracles

When you believe

Though hope is frail

It's hard to kill

Seto bowed his head, and whispered to the picture, "Yugi, I'm very… sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't treat you with the respect you deserved.". To him, it was true. Yugi held no grudge or malice whatsoever towards the billionaire, yet he held and disrespected Yugi for a long time.

Mokuba sighed and replied in a low voice, "He knows that, big brother. He knows that…". Seto let a single tear roll down his cheek, but quickly wiped it away before anyone else could see. He thanked his little brother, then both went back to their seats.

Who knows what miracles

You can achieve

When you believe somehow you will

You will when you believe

Next up was Ishizu, Marik, and Odion. The trio were now together, as a family now. Marik was given his body back, after Yami defeated his evil self. Even though he was a spirit, the young Ishtar saw the noble sacrifice Yugi made. He saw everything; on how Yugi accepted death without hesitation, and without no regret.

It was that event that forced Marik to change his views on himself and on his life/destiny. Ishizu and Odion helped him through his post-trials, and Ishizu was able to make Odion a true stepbrother to Marik. Both owed a great debt to Yugi, more so then even the Wheelers. 'Yugi promised to save Marik, when I first met him.', the young woman remembered.

They don't always happen when you ask

And it's easy to give in to your fears

But when you're blinded by your pain

Can't see the way, get through the rain

Marik remembered on when he first met Yugi; he showed no fear, and true courage brightly gleamed in his eyes. 'He was truly afraid, yet he showed no fear.', he thought. In the past, he saw that it was easy for one to give into one's own fears. However, Yugi was vastly different.

He met fear head-on, and stood up against its various forms. When he used all of his Shadow mind tricks and powers to have Yugi fearful submit, the young man and Yami did not give in. "I'm very sorry Yugi. I wish… I wish I had more control over my dark spirit. Maybe then… this wouldn't have happen.", he whispered.

A small but still, resilient voice

Says hope is very near, oh

There can be miracles

When you believe

After the Ishtar's went back to their seats, more people stood up and went up to pay their respects to Yugi Moto. As Yami watched, he saw up in the rafters other Duel Monsters. Although they were in astral form, and nobody could see them except him, he was slightly surprised to see that they were there.

Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, Celtic Guardian, Kuriboh, Mystical Elf, and more were there to also pay their respects to Yugi. Although Yugi was considered by all to be the quiet hero in the background, the impact he had on their lives was unbelievable.

Though hope is frail

It's hard to kill

Who knows what miracles

You can achieve

Pegasus was the last one to come forth, pay his respects, then sat back down. As the song was preparing for the final piece, Yami went back up and saw the tears and sadness in everyone's eyes. He spoke up, "Its truly amazing, on what one small teenager… made all the difference in our lives.".

They nodded, agreeing with him. Yugi, although small, was resilient and unbreakable. He doubted himself at some times, but when it came to a dire and serious challenge, he rose up to the occasion. In doing so, he inspired most of them to become who they are now. That is something you don't need special powers or items for.

When you believe somehow you will

Somehow you will

You will when you believe

You will when you believe

As the ceremony came to a close, something wondrous happened. Rebecca saw a bright light shining from outside, and was curious as to what it was. She quietly got up from her seat and went over to check out on what it was. When the song came to an end, her eyes widened greatly on what she saw.

Clothed in simple white cloth, with a golden rope around his waist, stood Yugi Moto. It was like grace and might combined, he was exactly like the way he was when he died. He smiled warmly at Rebecca, who just gaped like a fish out of water. She squeaked, "Y-Yugi?".

The first to find out on what was going on as Ishizu, and her eyes tripled in size on what she saw. "Y-Yugi?!", she exclaimed. It snapped everyone out of his or her reverie, and all turned to see the person they came to pay their respects to… was now alive and seemingly well.

Yugi's warm smile never wavered, as he slowly stepped into the building. Everyone shot of their seats and approached the young man. Téa shakily put a hand on his cheek, and tears were coming forth when she felt the warmth on his skin. "Y-You're real.", she whispered.

Yugi nodded and replied, "I am. But, I have little time here.". He then expressed his gratitude to everyone, thanking him or her for remembering him like this.

He admitted, "I never knew I made that big a difference in your lives.".

Yami was but a few feet from him, and he was visibly shaking. Then, out of the blue, he actually got on one knee and bowed to the tri-colored teenager. "You have Yugi, more then I can ever say. You were a miracle to us, and for that I will never forget.", he declared softly.

One by one, they all kneeled down to Yugi. He was a bit surprised at this, but only for a moment. He went over and patted Yami on his arm, gently asking him to rise. He did, and so did the rest. Yugi then said, "Thank you, Yami. This means a lot to me, knowing that you will never forget me.".

They all promised on the spot that they would never forget him, or let his memory fade by time. "Yugi, I would have to say that if you were still with us… you would have made one heck of a leader to everyone in the world.", Pegasus stated.

Yami nodded and added, "Perhaps you would have been a great king.". Yugi bowed his head to them, and said, "Thank you. Now, I must go. Take care, and know this… I will always be with you, watching over you all.".

As he left the building, someone soon appeared beside him. He had medium-brown skin, wavy brown hair, and also brown eyes that seemed to be so gentle and kind. He had a brown short beard, and seemed to radiate with an awesome presence like that of a king.

Mai then gasped out loud and stammered, "T-That's… that's… Him!". Yami took another look, examined the person more, and gasped in shock as well.

'It's… it's… The King of Kings!!', he exclaimed in his mind. From the chapters he read from Yugi's bible some time ago, he came to the conclusion that the man… was Jesus, the son of the One on High. It was easy for the rest to recognize the King as well, their jaws slamming to the ground hard.

As Yugi walked beside Jesus outside, all of the people scrambled out to see them off. Slowly, as they entered the street, they rose up to the sky! It was like they were walking on solid ground, but they were in the air! Cars stopped dead in their tracks, pedestrians froze solid as they saw the spectacle before them.

As the two beings walked side-by -side, the night sky seemed to open forth! Light burst forth like a river, and golden gates appeared out of thin air! Yami and the others soon came to see that it was the Kingdom of Heaven they were seeing… the Promised Land, also known as Paradise.

Yugi looked back, as did the Lord of Lords. They both smiled at the group, before turning around and going inside the city. Suddenly, the brightness of the light intensified like that of a thousand suns! It blinded all, but it only lasted for a few minutes. It dimmed down, and everyone saw that the things and beings they saw appear… was gone.

The group was still looking in awe at the clear, starry sky. Serenity then pointed to a star that had just popped up out of nowhere. It was small, but it gleamed brightly in most of the stars in the sky. They were all showing tears, but it were tears of joy and smiles graced their face. Seto then commented, "Yami, maybe you were right. Yugi would have been a good king, if he had the chance to become one.".

Yami nodded his head and thought, 'Yes, he would be. But, I think he was something like that in the first place. He was, like so many other heroes before him… a shepherd. He was the shepherd, and we were the flock he looked after.'.

(Author's Notes: I know it seemed philosophical, but it's just me. The friend that introduced Yugi to Christianity was… me. After all, I'm a Christian too. Although, I admit, I have much to learn and understand before I truly become one. Plus, the book I mentioned earlier. I have one, so I used it in here. It was gift from one of my cousins after a graduated from high school.

Yugi, in my opinion, had the qualities of most of the heroes in the Bible. He was like a shepherd as well; he looked out for his friends, and did what he had to do in order to protect them from harm. If any of you have different views and religious opinions, I respect them and you. I pray you don't take offence at this.

Here is a question before I go. Which do you think Yugi would most likely be, if he were still alive? Would he be a king, a fisherman, or a shepherd? This is both a question, and a riddle. Think carefully on it, and if you have read the Bible, you know on what I mean. And also, tell us why he would be that.

R&R, no flames, enjoy, and leave long reviews!)