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Darkness Before Dawn	By : SangoHuntress1977 Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 3356 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: YuGiOh and the characters thereof are the sole domain of Kazuki Takahashi and all rightsholders. I'm only borrowing them for entertainment purposes and am deriving no profit.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
Saturday, July 30, 2005

Click click click click

This was the only sound to be heard as two tricolors worked slowly and carefully on fitting the remaining puzzle pieces together. Sitting side by side, each tricolor picked a piece to click into the partially finished puzzle that reposed on Atem’s computer desk. First Atem would attempt to fit a piece in and if that didn’t work, Yugi would try. If neither one worked, they would discard those pieces and pick up two more. Slowly, but surely the puzzle was taking shape.
Saturday, August 7, 2005
Click click clickity click

At Atem’s computer desk as they had been every evening since his birthday, two tricolors gazed in amazement at the almost complete puzzle. Reaching into the box, Atem pulled out the final piece: the Eye of Wadjet centerpiece.

While Yugi held the puzzle up, Atem slipped it into place with a good, satisfying… click.

“You did it!” cried Yugi happily at the sight of the complete, solid gold, 3D pyramid.

“We did it, habibi. Thank you for your help,” corrected Atem, wrapping an arm around Yugi and squeezing him.

“Put it on! I wanna see how it looks!” cried Yugi in excitement.

With a nod, Atem slipped the leather cord around his neck and stood before his mirror, admiring the gold pendant that leaned so gracefully against his chest.

Yugi gasped at how awesome Atem looked with the puzzle around his neck. Suddenly, the Pharaoh from his dreams was standing before him in the flesh.

“I think Grandpa was right about you and the Pharaoh,” he mused as he wrapped his arms around Atem’s waist.

“Perhaps, but I wouldn’t switch places with the ancient pharaoh,” declared Atem.

“Why not?” asked Yugi incredulously.

“Because, he didn’t have you,” answered Atem, wrapping his arms around Yugi and hugging his habibi to himself.

“Atem… can I tell you about something I’ve never told you about before? Nothing bad,” Yugi asked, even as he felt the tingling heat in his cheeks.

“Please do,” answered Atem, giving a final hug before leading Yugi over to his bed and sitting down.

Yugi took a deep breath, gaze darting between the puzzle and Atem’s expectant face.

“Ever since I started working on the puzzle, I’ve been having these dreams, that I think are more than dreams,” he began.

Atem cocked his head in puzzlement at this statement.

“I dream… I’m in Ancient Egypt and I’m still me, except my skin’s darker and everyone calls me… He-bai,” Yugi started.

“Hebai is Ancient Egyptian for ‘playful’ or ‘frolicsome’,” Atem explained.

“Kinda like my name is Japanese for ‘game’,” put in Yugi.

Atem smiled.

“And then there’s this Pharaoh. And I’m in love with him. He’s always calling me meriu, holding and kissing me, doing more…” Yugi trailed off, cheeks tinging even redder.

“And what does this Pharaoh look like?” Atem asked, seemingly neither amused nor offended, for which Yugi was grateful.

“Exactly like you,” Yugi answered solemnly. “Except he’s always dressed in Ancient Egyptian clothes, the white skirt…”

“The shenti is more of a kilt than a skirt,” Atem reproved a bit stiffly.

“... enough gold to make a statue of himself, and the puzzle. He wears it in every single dream, well except the ones where he’s not… fully dressed,” Yugi blushed again.

Atem’s eyebrows raised and his lips quirked up in amusement as a blushing Yugi could only bury his face in Atem’s shirt, careful not to hit the puzzle.
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Domino University Library

“Well, gents, that time of year is coming. As the top duelists in this circle…” Bakura began.

“More like only duelists,” snickered Jou, only to receive a whap and a glare from Atem.

“Really, Jou,” the Egyptian glowered.

“Ha ha ha ha!”

Yugi giggled at the sight of his boyfriend reprimanding his best friend.

“Ahem!” Bakura emphatically cleared his throat. “As the top duelists in this circle, we have the honor of representing Domino University in the regional championship this year. Since you two were at your high school regionals last year, you won’t need to register. Atem, since you’ve never competed, you’ll need to register. However, that won’t be a problem because this year, I2 is offering online registration!”

“Cool!” cried Yugi and Jou in unison.

Atem’s eyes widened at Bakura’s invitation. For years, he had longed to compete in a Duel Monsters tournament, but he had never allowed it. Now that his life was his to do as he pleased with, should he go to the I2 site and enter?

“I…” he began.

Then he stopped. As badly as he wanted to enter, when he closed his eyes, he saw that sneering face with the single brown eye glaring disapprovingly at him having anything to do with Duel Monsters and he felt his insides clench up. A broken breath escaped his lips.

“Uh, we’ll think about it and get back to you,” said Yugi, quickly stepping into the breach for Atem.

“Very well,” replied Bakura, a note of disappointment in his voice.
That night…
As Yugi and Atem relaxed into their bath together, Yugi felt the lingering tension in Atem’s embrace and frowned.

“You still thinking about the tournament?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” Atem answered sadly. “I want to join, but…”

He trailed off and shut his eyes.

“Those memories won’t leave you alone?” Yugi asked.

Atem opened his eyes and smiled sadly at Yugi. How well his habibi read him now. A nod was his answer.

“Don’t worry about it, Atem. When you’re ready to compete, you will,” advised Yugi simply.

“Thank you, Yugi,” sighed Atem, hugging the younger man to himself.
September 24, 2005
Autumnal Equinox Day

Yugi and Atem made their way toward the small graveyard that was the last home of Yugi’s parents, Atem carrying a wooden bucket laden with flowers and incense sticks.

The graveyard was a peaceful place, full of trees with long branches of dark green leaves that would soon begin changing for autumn. The trees helped to cut them off from the noise and clangor of the city just beyond the wall that surrounded the cemetery.
After taking the pitcher from Atem, Yugi knelt down and poured water on the graves, then scrubbed the accumulated dirt and cobwebs from their smooth stone surfaces. He then laid his flowers on the graves. After two sets of incense sticks were ensconced in the ground and lit, Yugi folded his hands, closed his eyes and lowered his head in prayer.

As he watched his habibi pray for the souls of his parents, Atem closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to rove back over the years to his beloved parents, who had taken him around the world with them and taught him the many wonderful things that he had treasured in his heart to help himself stay sane during his six years of hell at that man’s hands.

‘Mama, Papa. I miss you both so much,’ Atem thought. ‘I know you’re looking after me from the afterlife. Thank you for sending Yugi to me. He has been the light of my life and my saving grace. I love both of you and will see you again one day.’

Presently, Yugi scrubbed his forearm across his eyes, then stood up and turned to Atem with a sad smile.

“Wanna get outta here? This place is way too depressing,” he asked.

“Of course, habibi. Would you like to stop at Burger World on the way back? My treat,” offered Atem as he reached and squeezed Yugi’s hand.

“OK,” smiled Yugi, allowing Atem to lead him from the graveyard.
Saturday, October 1, 2005
Kame Game Shop

“Guess what?!” said Sugoroku when Yugi and Atem walked in.

“What?” answered Yugi.

“Another panel with Pharaoh Atem on it was discovered,” announced Sugoroku, opening his magazine to a picture of the ancient pharaoh and what appeared to be a smaller version of himself standing next to him.

Yugi and Atem gasped and stared in awe at this newest picture.

“Hebai!” Yugi breathed.

“You’ve already read the article?” asked Sugoroku.

“Yes. We’ve been researching the pharaoh,” answered Atem quickly.

“That smaller version of the Pharaoh, Hebai, was his only lover for 70 years,” explained Sugoroku as they gazed at the tablet. “They were so close that they died within two days of each other and were supposed to have been buried in the same tomb…”

“Supposed to have been?” echoed Yugi, eyes darting up from the page to his grandfather.

“Apparently, the high priest wasn’t fond of the pairing and after both were dead, had Hebai’s body desecrated and fed to the vultures while the Pharaoh’s was properly entombed,” ended Sugoroku with a frown.

“What?! Why?!” cried Yugi, tears springing into his eyes.

“The Pharaoh’s duty was to produce an heir to continue his dynasty. For all his might and prowess, Pharaoh Atem never took a wife and never produced an heir. After he died, the high priest, who was actually his cousin, took the throne,” Sugoroku explained.

“But if Hebai wasn’t buried with the Pharaoh, that means he didn’t get to enter the afterlife with him!” Yugi cried, voice raising an octave.

Atem and Sugoroku exchanged a grim glance. Yugi had been doing his homework.

“That’s correct, Yugi,” Sugoroku said softly.

“Well, that’s bullshit! Fuck that homophobic High Priest! Hebai and the Pharaoh shoulda been together!” Yugi blurted out, causing Atem to gasp in shock and Sugoroku’s eyebrows to shoot up.

“Mutou-san, please excuse us a moment,” asked Atem, gripping Yugi’s shoulders and ushering him into the stock room.

Atem frowned resolutely at Yugi.

“To speak so in front of your grandfather,” he growled, glaring at the smaller.

“S-Sorry,” stuttered Yugi.

Atem’s gaze softened just a bit at the sight of Yugi’s sad little face and the tears in his lilacs. Kneeling down before him, Atem gently thumbed the tears from Yugi’s cheeks.

“Yugi, there’s no reason to be sad for Hebai and the Pharaoh,” he said.

“W-why?” asked Yugi.

“Well, you and your grandpa believe I’m the Pharaoh’s reincarnation, right?” asked Atem.

Yugi nodded.

“And you’ve told me of your Egyptian dreams where people call you Hebai, yes?” continued Atem.

Yugi nodded.

Atem smiled warmly, caressing Yugi’s cherubic face between his hands.

“Don’t you see? Our souls found each other again after a thousand life times. No matter how many lives we cycle through or how many High Priests try to sever our bond, we will always find each other eventually,” Atem said passionately.

Yugi looked up into Atem’s smiling face and warm rubies.

“You’re right, Até. Thanks,” he sniffled, throwing his arms around Atem’s neck.

“Any time, habibi,” purred Atem, returning Yugi’s hug.

Yugi couldn’t help but smile as he rested trustingly in Atem’s strong and loving embrace, just as Hebai had once rested in the Pharaoh’s.

Presently, Atem pulled back and fixed Yugi with a playfully stern gaze.

“Now, I believe you’ve something to say to your grandfather?” he said.

“Oh, shit!” yelped Yugi, jumping to his feet and running back into the main room.

“Sorry for swearing in front of you, Grandpa!” he yelped, bowing from the waist in apology.

“Don’t worry about it, Yugi. You have every right to feel the way you do. Just take heart in knowing that death isn’t necessarily the end of a soul’s journey,” replied Sugoroku comfortingly.

“Yes, Grandpa,” smiled Yugi.

“Now that that’s settled, lemme get you boys some lunch. No, Atem, I won’t need any help. I’ve food already made,” said Sugoroku.
“So, are you boys signed up for the regional tournament yet?” Sugoroku asked as he laid three plates of kurigohan and saba misoni on the table.

“Yup! It’s gonna be awesome!” declared Yugi.

Atem looked down silently.

“What about you, Atemu-kun? Have you stocked up on booster packs for your deck?” asked Sugoroku.

Atem’s shoulders slumped as he lowered his head further.

“Uh, Atem isn’t ready to compete this year, Grandpa. Maybe next,” Yugi quickly put in.

“Oh, dear. I seem to have forgotten the soy sauce! Yugi, would you help an old man by fetching it from the kitchen, please?” Sugoroku asked.

“Uh, OK,” said Yugi, a bit nonplussed at having been dismissed, but deciding not to worry about it as he ran to do Grandpa’s bidding.

Sugoroku turned to Atem, who sat with his arms crossed over his chest, staring down at his lap.

“Atemu-kun, you’re one of the most talented gamesmen I’ve ever met, let alone duelists. There’s a reason I gave you Exodia. You have greatness in you, more than I’ve seen in many a year,” Sugoroku said gently, but firmly.

Atem raised a pained gaze to Sugoroku.

“Thank you, Mutou-san. I… I do want to duel in the tournament, but I…”

“Atemu-kun, Yugi never told me exactly what your life was like before the two of you met. That’s none of my business. However, this old man can read between the lines and it sounds like things were quite difficult for you,” Sugoroku ventured.

At these words, Atem raised a pair of eyes to Sugoroku containing so much bitterness, that the elder had to look away.

“Did Yugi ever tell you how he came to be a duelist?” Sugoroku asked after a moment.

“He said that you taught him the game,” Atem answered, again staring down at his lap.

Sugoroku nodded.

“The thing of it is, I taught him how to play Duel Monsters to give him something to focus on besides his parents’ deaths. When he was dueling, Yugi was able to smile and forget his parents’ deaths, even if just for a few hours,” Sugoroku relayed to Atem.

“I see. Now it makes sense why Duel Monsters is so important to Yugi,” replied Atem with just a glance upward.

“My point, Atem, is a duelist with a great spirit like yours can break any bonds, including the bonds to an unpleasant past, if he is willing to put his heart into his deck and play the game with all his strength,” declared Sugoroku, gently laying a hand on Atem’s shoulder.

Atem flinched, but raised an even gaze to communicate with Sugoroku’s and nodded.

“Very well. I shall enter,” he declared.

“That’s the amazing young duelist whom I gave Exodia to talking,” smiled Sugoroku as he stood up.

“After all, I wouldn’t want Exodia to feel ill used,” smiled Atem.

“No, indeed,” smirked Sugoroku.

“That kurigohan smells awesome!” declared Yugi, just now returning with the bottle of soy sauce. "Sorry I took so long, but I couldn't find the soy sauce."

Atem and Sugoroku exchanged a smile.
Later...
“Yugi, I’ve changed my mind. I will enter the tournament,” Atem announced after he and Yugi had sat down on the bus.

“What? Really? That’s so awesome!” gushed Yugi. “Grandpa talk you into it while I was gone?”

“That is between me and your grandfather,” was Atem’s answer as he crossed his arms and stared forward, thus shutting down the conversation.

“Pfffft!” was Yugi’s response to that. ‘Thanks, Grandpa!’
Friday, October 14, 2005

“Regionals, here we come!” cheered Jou as he threw the convertible into gear and peeled out.

“I hope you and Ryuzaki go head to head again. I bet he’d do anything to get his Red Eyes back,” posited Yugi.

“He aint’ doin’ shit t’ git mah Red Eyes. B’tween him ‘n Baby Dragon, I’ma waste ‘m all,” declared Jou.

“Ryuzaki isn’t the only one who has a bone to pick with you from last year,” Mai reminded Jou.

“I’m lookin’ forward t’ dat too. Maybe Hahpie’s Pet Dragon kin be buds wit’ Red Eyes ‘n Baby Dragon,” grinned Jou.

“Don’t be stupid. That card is meant to work with the Harpy Ladies. It would be completely ineffectual in your deck,” sniffed Mai.

Yugi and Atem exchanged an amused glance, more interested in each other than in bandying about witticisms with Jou and Mai. Seeing as they had a long drive ahead of them, Atem leaned into Yugi, pillowing his head on Yugi’s shoulder and closed his eyes, letting the motion and sound wash over him.

/
c 1270 BC
Waset, Kemet

“Osiris, come forth!” Pharaoh Atem shouted, the Eye of Wadjet glowing from pyramid that adorned his neck.

The ground shook and a great roar was heard as the long red dragon spiraled down from the sky, its two mouths opening and closing as it breathed flame.

“Ah!” yelped the smaller, cuter version of the Pharaoh as he fell down on his rump.

“Come, Hebai. There’s nothing to fear. Osiris is my loyalest spirit beast. How would you like to see Kemet from on high?” asked Atem, holding out his hand.

Hebai blinked, then put his hand into Atem’s, permitting the Pharaoh to pull him to his feet. The couple climbed on top of Osiris, sitting at the base of its neck, Hebai safely nestled in Atem’s arms.

“Osiris, take flight!” Atem commanded.

“ROOOOAAAAARRRRRR!!!”

With this mighty cry, Osiris flapped its huge wings and mounted the wind, spiraling up until they danced amongst the clouds, Ra’s white light hitting their faces and the wind whipping their hair about.

“Atem!” cried Hebai.

Atem didn’t respond, except by hugging Hebai close to him as the dragon flew forward.
/

“Wake up, Até. We’re here. You slept through the whole drive.”

Yugi’s voice pierced the veil of sleep that surrounded Atem’s mind, dragging leaden eyelids open.

“Hmm?” was all he managed to croak out.

“I know. Sorry, buddy. But we’re at the hotel. We gotta get checked in. You can go back to sleep once we’re in our room, OK?” Yugi’s voice soothed as a gentle hand brushed at his bangs.

“Mmmm… OK,” Atem rumbled as he stretched before moving to exit the car.
After checkin, Atem and Yugi retreated to their room, where Atem immediately went for the bath, in need of a long, hot soak after their journey. Stripping out of his own clothes, Yugi rushed in after him.

After quickly washing and rinsing each other off, Yugi and Atem relaxed into the hot, steamy bathtub, Yugi resting in Atem’s arms as always.

“How’re you holding up?” Yugi asked, a bit anxious at Atem’s extended silence.

“Hm? Oh, I’m alright. A bit nervous perhaps,” Atem admitted.

“Yeah. I was nervous my first time competing. There were so many duelists and I thought they’d all kick my ass,” sympathized Yugi.

“Heh heh. That’s true as well, but that’s not what I’m nervous about,” said Atem with a sigh right after.

“What is it, Até?” Yugi asked when he heard the sigh.

“This will sound utterly ridiculous to you,” Atem rumbled.

“No, it won’t,” Yugi quickly promised.

With a sigh, Atem revealed what was bothering him.

“When we first moved here and I heard of the Duel Monsters tournaments, I dreamed of competing in them,” Atem spoke. “When I asked him, his reaction was…”

Atem fell silent and raised his right arm to Yugi, revealing three faded scars that Yugi had never noticed before.

“Akh… he cut you?!” Yugi yelped.

Lowering his arm, Atem nodded.

“That was the last time I dared mention competing to him. It was also why I became so angry with you when you mentioned joining the circle upon our first meeting. No tournaments, no circles, nothing was permitted me. I was just lucky he didn’t burn my dueling deck,” Atem said sadly. “Even now, when I know intellectually that he’s dead and can no longer hurt me, part of me feels as though he might burst through that door and start beating on me…”

Atem trailed off and looked down with a shuddering breath.

Yugi frowned, heart feeling heavy at seeing Atem so somber for the first time in months. Then, a smile spread across his features as he wrapped his hands around Atem’s and gave a squeeze.

“Then go out there and duel tomorrow just to spite his ghost,” he suggested with an impish smirk.

Atem looked up and blinked.

“Spite his ghost?” he chuckled.

Yugi nodded.

“You’re right, habibi. The only one who can stop me from competing at this point is myself. I’ve come this far and will not turn back now!” Atem declared.

“That’s my Até,” smiled Yugi as he snuggled up against Atem’s chest.

“Thank you, Yugi,” Atem’s voice rumbled.

“Love ya…”

“And I, you…”
Atem was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips as he felt Yugi’s fingers combing through his hair.

‘You’re so tired. Poor guy,’ Yugi thought as he smiled tenderly down at the bronze god sleeping next to him. He spent the next few minutes combing his fingers through Atem’s thick hair, enjoying the feeling of it under his hands and the sound of Atem’s steady, rhythmic breathing as he slept.

/
c 1270 BC
Waset, Kemet

As they flew along, Hebai chanced a glimpse to the ground far below them. Upon seeing how high up they were, he immediately closed his eyes, clinging to Atem with all his strength.

“No need to fear, Hebai. I’ll not let you fall,” promised Atem, deep voice rumbling through Hebai’s whole being at their close proximity.

At these comforting words, Hebai relaxed and looked about, enjoying the ability to see the clouds up close.

“Atem?” he asked.

“Yes?” returned Atem.

“Can we touch the clouds? I’ve always wanted to because they look so soft,” entreated Hebai.

“Ha ha! But of course!” laughed the Pharaoh, giving Osiris a smack on its left side so that it turned to the right.

The red dragon took them straight through a cloud, its chilly moisture hitting their skin, making goose bumps well up on their arms and the backs of their necks.

“Brrrrr! It’s cold and wet! Not at all what it looks like,” cried the rather disillusioned Hebai.

“Things aren’t always as they seem at first glimpse, Hebai,” remarked Atem wisely.

Falling silent, they flew onward.
/
Regional Tournament

The convention center the tournament was held at was packed wall to wall with duelists from all over the Kantou region.

Atem just looked about the large building in awe of all the people milling about. Never had he felt so small and insignificant. Heart racing in his chest, his hand rapidly grasped and clung to Yugi’s. Only upon feeling that squeeze did he feel his racing heart begin to slow a bit.

“Who'da t’ought jus’ one region’d have so many duelists?” Jou declared.

“I swear it’s twice the crowd of last year,” agreed Mai.

“Hullo, all!” the familiar, lilting voice of Bakura Ryou reached their ears as the white haired teen walked toward the group, hand raised in greeting.

“Hey, man!” greeted Jou.

“I just need you to come with me and get photos taken for your badges,” Bakura instructed.

Each duelist got their photo taken. Mai smiled coyly at the camera, winking just as the flash went off. Jou sported a cheesy grin and peace sign. Yugi was all bright eyes and smiles. When Atem’s turn came, he just stared into the camera with a look of affable, wide-eyed confusion written on his features. In fact, he looked so adorable that Yugi couldn’t help but pull out his phone and surreptitiously get his own photo of Atem just as the ID picture camera went off. Finally, all the duelists set out again, ID badges dangling from their necks.

Atem looked down at the laminated badge bearing his name and photo, which he wore proudly around his neck, the lanyard intertwining with the puzzle’s leather rope.

“Well, you’re officially official,” joked Yugi as they walked.

“I still feel like an outsider,” rumbled Atem, even as he fingered his badge.

“You’re not, Até. You belong here, trust me,” was Yugi’s emphatic answer.

“I do, habibi,” was Atem’s answer as his hand once against clasped Yugi’s.

Thud!

“Ow! Watch where you’re going, you stupid lummox!” growled a high pitched, grainy voice.

Atem looked and saw a boy perhaps two years younger than himself with light blue hair in a bowl cut, beady green eyes framed by glasses, standing there glaring at him and Yugi while he rubbed his shoulder.

“I admit I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I apologize,” said Atem quickly, with a bow from the waist.

“Spare me your apologies, foreigner!” snapped the boy. “If we ever duel, I’ll feed your twitching corpse to my insects!”

Then he turned and stalked off into the crowd.

“Wh… That rude little…!” huffed Atem, crossing his arms and frowning.

“That’s Insector Haga. He has a real bad rap in the dueling community,” said Yugi.

“With a demeanor like that, I can see why,” glowered Atem.

“C’mon, Até. Let’s get back to the others,” advised Yugi, taking Atem’s hand and gently leading him along.
Later…

“Domino University Student, Ishutaru Atemu vs Tokyo University champion Insector Haga!” the PA announced.

“Haga? Apparently the gods are feeling humorous today,” rumbled Atem as he looked to Yugi and Jou, who fixed him with warm smiles.

“Go out there and do your best, Atem!” cheered Mai.

“Remember, dedicated room for our circle,” encouraged Bakura.

“Kick dat buggy bastahd’s ass!” crowed Jou, pumping his hand.

“You can do it, Até,” said Yugi, giving Atem’s hand a squeeze. “If you get nervous, just look down here. We all got your back.”

With a smile and a nod, Atem strode up to the dueling platform and stood on it. As the platforms were raised, he took stock of his opponent, and the arrogant little grin that he just wanted to slap off his face.

“Hyuk hyuk! Just as I said, I’ll feed you to my insects!” Haga declared.

Atem stood up straight and focused a cold glare on Haga. This little bug was really beginning to get under his skin!

“Save your bragging for after your victory!” he barked back at the insect wielder.

“By luck of the draw, Insector Haga goes first!” the PA announced.

“Duel!”

“Hyuk hyuk! I play Killer Needle in attack mode!” declared Haga as he slapped down his card, worth 1200 ATK.

Atem’s eyes widened as the arena between him and Haga glowed and a 3D image of Haga’s insect card appeared before his eyes.

‘By Ra!’ the astounded Egyptian thought.

“Quit gaping at the arena and play your card, newbie!” screeched Haga across the arena.

Atem flashed Haga a glare as he reached into his deck.

“I play Mammoth Graveyard!” he declared as he slapped down his, also worth 1200 ATK.

“Keh heh! Battle!” shouted Haga.

Atem’s Mammoth attempted to gore the bee, which responded with Killer Needle Counter, thus destroying the Mammoth.

‘Their attack points were equal, but my Mammoth was destroyed…’ Atem thought in consternation.

“Ah, the newbie is confused,” mocked Haga. “Look down at the display!”

Atem looked down and saw that there was a landscape under their monsters, consisting of trees.

“This landscape is 80% forest and 20% wasteland! My insect cards receive a power boost from the forest!” declared Haga.

‘I see. Of course insects would be most at home in the forest,’ Atem thought, lips turned down in a frown.

“YOU CAN’T BEAT MY INSECT CARDS BECAUSE I HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF THE TERRAIN!” shouted Haga.

Crossing his arms, Atem glared at Haga, even as his lips turned up in an arrogant little smirk.

“Heh heh!”

“What’s so funny?” asked Haga.

“Look at your monsters,” instructed Atem.

Haga looked and saw his Killer Bee disintegrating with the Mammoth’s tusks embedded in its body.

“Ah! My Killer Bee is dying!” he cried. ‘Oh, no! Ishtar’s Mammoth gets a powerup from wasteland and it was standing on it!’

“Listen, Haga! I had that setup figured out the moment I set foot on this platform! What a shame for you, a mere insect next to me!” Atem gloated.

In the audience, Yugi’s eyes widened at Atem’s bold words.

‘Wow! I’ve never seen Atem like this before. This must be his true duelist spirit, finally shining through. He’s so awesome!’ he thought.

“Nevah woulda thought Temu had dat in’m,” said Jou.

“I always knew he could; he just needed a little help,” declared Yugi, watching his boyfriend with shining eyes.

“Battle restart!” cried Haga, sweat shining on his brow. “I play Hercules Beetle, Level Five!”

‘Hmmm. The field is 80% forest and 20% wasteland,’ thought Atem as he quickly analyzed his situation. ‘I have no wasteland monsters in my hand right now. Best to go with a combo.’

“I play the Feral Imp!” Atem said as he laid down his card. “Followed by Horn of the Unicorn for an attack powerup!”

“Battle!”

The Feral Imp with its ATK of 2000 faced off against the Hercules Beetle with its ATK of 1950.

“My Hercules Beetle attacks with Scissors Boomerang!” called Haga.

“My Feral Imp att…”

Atem’s words trailed off as the green creature remained motionless in the face of the beetle’s attack. He could only watch helplessly as the imp disappeared and his life points dropped.

“That makes one less imp in the world!” boasted Haga. “

‘Why couldn’t the Imp attack?’ Atem thought, gritting his teeth in frustration. ‘Could it be because the monster that gets the field powerup also gets first attack?’

“Hyuk hyuk! My monsters have the advantage in this duel because of the terrain!” crowed Haga.

“No way! Temu can’t be losin’ to Bug Boy!” yelped Jou in disbelief.

“Aw. I’m sure he has some kind of counter strategy,” soothed Yugi. ‘At least I hope he does.’

“Hmmm. I haven’t a card in my hand that can counter the Hercules Beetle,” declared Atem as he drew. “So I play Griffor in defense mode and end my turn.”

“Now I attack with my special combo!” cried Haga. “First, I play the Basic Insect! Second, I equip it with Laser Cannon Armor. And when I add its terrain power up, it gains 2,600 ATK! Attack!”

Atem sighed in frustration as his defensive monster was blown away, just glad that his life points wouldn’t be reduced.

‘I can’t let him get to me,’ Atem thought as he played Saiga in defense mode.

“Your low level monsters aren’t even worth bothering with. I’ll just lay a secret card down and end my turn,” sneered Haga.

‘Damn! I can’t risk an attack, so I’ll have to play my own facedown card,’ thought Atem as he laid a card.

“Let me guess, a trap card,” grinned Haga. “Well, it’s useless against me! My insect army is filling the field!”

This as Haga laid down Pillroach (ATK 1200/DEF 400).

‘Damn!’ thought the scowling Atem.

“Each turn you wait, I’ll just keep adding insect cards!” gloated Haga. “Prepare to die!”

Atem stared across the arena at Haga’s army of insects.

‘More and more of them, like the plagues that used to attack Ancient Egyptian crops! But if I attack, I’ll fall right into his hands,’ he thought.

“How does it feel, newbie? You’re caught in my two layer trap!” gloated Haga.

Atem pulled a card from his deck.

“I summon the Black Magician!” he announced as he set it down. ‘Much good it does me when I can’t even attack.’ “In defense mode.”

“Ah, the Black Magician, probably one of your best cards. Now you can watch me wipe it off the field,” sneered Haga. “Attack! Basic Insect Laser Cannon, target the Black Magician!”

The Basic Insect fired its laser cannon, the shot screaming toward Atem’s crouched mage.

“Hyuk hyuk! Die, Black Magician!” screeched Haga.

“Heh heh!” chuckled Atem, cocky smirk playing on his lips.

“Eh? What’s so funny?” cried Haga.

“You ordered it to attack. You can’t retract,” grinned Atem, jabbing a forefinger at Haga. “Remember my face down card?”

Haga’s look of triumph crumbled as Atem raised the card, to reveal Mirror Force.

“That’s right. When you attacked, you fell for it,” Atem smirked.

Now it was Haga’s turn to watch in horror as his Laser Cannon attack was deflected back on his insect army, wiping them all from the field.

“Who’s the newbie?” asked Atem.

“Hell, yeah!” cheered Jou.

“Astounding,” breathed Bakura.

“Smooth move,” smiled Mai.

“Haga can’t even begin to compare to Atem!” agreed Yugi.

“I’ll make you regret this, you starfish haired freak!” screamed Haga. “Now you’ve really pissed me off!”

“Talk is cheap. Show me your frustration with your cards,” demanded Atem. “And I will deflect it back to you once again.”

Haga fell into concentrating as he looked through his deck, before an oily smile broke out on his features.

“Your side looks a bit empty, Haga,” declared Atem. “Perhaps you should play some monsters!”

“I play Larvae Moth Level 2 in defense mode!” declared Haga as he set down his card.

Atem looked at Haga’s moth and the general layout of the field.

‘Larvae Moth is a two-star card. A strange choice, with both its weak attack and defense, so he must be planning to attack with a combo,’ he thought.

The oily smile and beady eyed glare from Haga confirmed Atem’s suspicions.

‘Nice try. But I won’t fall for your tricks,’ Atem thought, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. ‘His trap card is still on the field. If I attack, all of my monsters could potentially be destroyed. If I lose them all, I’ll be completely vulnerable. I must get rid of his trap!’

Atem pulled a card from his deck and glanced at it.

“I play this card!” he shouted as he laid the card down. “Monster Recovery! Return to your cards!”

At Atem’s command, his Black Magician and Griffor retreated into their cards.

Haga scowled at Atem from across the arena.

“I return all my cards to my deck, reshuffle and draw five new cards,” Atem explained as he did so. “From these, I pick my weakest card and sacrifice it to set off your trap.”

Said weakest card was Kuriboh, a little puffball with large round eyes and 300 ATK and 1200 DEF.

“Attack!” barked Atem.

The Kuriboh attacked and set off Haga’s trap, only reducing Atem’s lifepoints by 300.

“Now your trap is gone at minimal cost to me,” Atem gloated.

Haga spat and swore at him from across the arena.

“Next, I play Beaver Warrior and end my turn!” announced Atem as he laid out Beaver Warrior, which had ATK/1200 and DEF/1500.

He was rather startled when Haga’s irritating laugh sounded in his ears.

“HYUK HYUK HYUK! Idiot, that’s just what I wanted you to do!” the insect player called, pointing at Atem.

“What?” gasped Atem.

“This is my trump card!” barked Haga as he pulled a card from his deck. “The Cocoon of Evolution! I equip my Larvae Moth with it!”

‘Wh-what?!’ thought Atem in consternation.

Haga laid the new card down on his field. Immediately, the Larvae Moth disappeared and was replaced by a large, ugly cocoon.

“Hyuk hyuk yuk! Over the next five turns, the Larvae Moth will evolve into my Ultimate Perfect Great Moth! When that happens, the Great Moth will be invincible!”

Atem gasped. This was one card combo he had never heard of!

“On top of that, the power of the forest increases the Cocoon’s defense points. None of your cards can even touch it!” Haga gloated as the Cocoon’s defense points raised to 2600.

‘Damn!’ thought Atem with clenched teeth. ‘If that egg hatches, I’ll lose. I must destroy the Cocoon before it can hatch!’

Atem drew his card and saw that he had drawn Gaia the Fierce Knight (ATK/2300, DEF/2100), a formidable card indeed.

“Gaia, attack the Cocoon!” he shouted as he set the card down and Gaia and his horse came charging out.

“Useless!” shouted the maniacally grinning Haga.

“Spiral Saber!” Atem shouted.

Gaia charged and struck the Cocoon with his Spiral Saber, only to be deflected, knocking Atem’s life points down to 750.

“Damn! It just bounced off!” Atem cried.

‘With the help of the field powerup, the Cocoon’s defense power is too high to penetrate,’ Atem thought. ‘If I attack carelessly, I’ll lose life points.’

“Oh, shit! Atem!” cried Yugi.

“C’mon, man! Ya gotta beat dat t’ing!” called Jou.

“Give up! Your cards can’t beat my Cocoon!” barked Haga, pointing at Atem.

‘None of my monster cards are good with the forest. Even if I use a card combo, with my current hand, I can’t defeat the Cocoon’s defense points,’ Atem thought unhappily.

“While the Cocoon is still evolving on the field, I can’t play another card until the Moth reaches its perfect form. My turn is over, but my Cocoon continues to evolve steadily. What will you do, Ishtar?!” taunted Haga.

‘Damn! I’m wasting my turns and still haven’t found a solution!’ Atem thought as the light in his eyes dimmed a fraction.

It was seeing this despondent look on his lover’s face that spurred Yugi to action, standing up in his seat, he called to Atem.

“Don’t you give up! The Atem I know isn’t a quitter! Even if you have to burn the whole forest down, destroy that Cocoon!” he shouted.

Yugi’s words struck Atem’s mind like a bolt of lightning.

Yugi plopped back down into the seat next to Jou and closed his eyes to catch his breath. He could only hope that his words had reached Atem’s heart.

“Yuge…” came Jou’s voice, causing Yugi to open his eyes.

Atem was smiling down at them, giving a thumbs up.

“Here I come with Cursed Dragon!” Atem barked as he smacked the card down. “Combo attack: Flames of Hell!”

The green dragon gave a mighty screech as it breathed its flame over the field, incinerating the trees.

“What was the point of that attack?! Cursed Dragon’s attack power is 600 points below the Cocoon’s!” screeched Haga.

“Heh heh! Look again,” smirked Atem.

“Wh-what?!” yelped Haga.

“Who said I was attacking your precious Cocoon? That was your assumption only. My real target was the forest itself!” Atem announced.

Haga looked and beheld a great inferno consuming the trees.

“No! The forest!” Haga cried.

“Your Cocoon has lost its power up and extra defense points,” announced Atem. “Now, Gaia! Spiral Saber! Sunder the Cocoon!”

Gaia charged forward and struck the Cocoon with his lance once again.

“Oh, yeah! Dat Cocoon’s fucked!” cheered Jou.

“Dude, what’s that?!” yelped Yugi.

From the shredded remains of the Cocoon, a jointed leg stepped forth. The Great Moth (ATK/2600, DEF/2500) level 4 of the evolution, stood before Gaia.

“He may not have made it to level 5, but my Great Moth is more than enough to wipe out your puny monsters!” Haga crowed.

However, Atem remained totally composed, a smirk even playing on his lips.

“Wonderful! When I see a difficult monster like that, it excites me!” he growled, eyes beginning to glitter. ‘I was able to destroy the Cocoon before it fully evolved, but how will I defeat this?’

“Watch out, Até!” called Yugi.

“Dat’s a scary as fuck lookin’ monstah!” agreed Jou.

“Hyuk hyuk! Look who’s laughing now, Ishtar! Has fear of my Great Moth caught your tongue in your throat?!” taunted Haga.

“Pfft! I was just imagining how to swat your big mosquito,” quipped Atem dismissively.

“I’d like to see you try!” sneered Haga. “My turn! Great Moth, take to the skies!”

The hulking insect flapped its wings and began its ascent.

‘An aerial attack!’ thought Atem.

Of all the monsters on his field, only Cursed Dragon could fly, but its power was nowhere near the Great Moth’s.

“First I’ll destroy your Knight and Beaver Warrior!” laughed Haga.

‘This is bad. Gaia is my main offense right now. Without him, I’ll have no attack power and lose!’

“It’s all over for you! Earthbound as he is, Gaia can’t raise a finger against my flying Moth!” Haga bragged.

“Everything rides on this card!” said Atem as he drew and looked.

“Your card is useless! Great Moth, attack!” ordered Haga. “Moth Hurricane!”

The Great Moth flapped its wings, generating tornadic winds that swirled around Gaia while Atem could only watch helplessly.

“Hurts doesn’t it? My Moth’s powerful winds reduce your earthbound monsters to dust in an instant!” boasted Haga.
The sound of a whinny was heard as Atem’s life points dropped to 600.

“Ha ha! Your knight is dead!” gloated Haga.

“Heh heh! Is that what you think?” Atem asked. “You misunderstand the card I just played.”

In Atem’s hand was Polymerization.

Haga’s eyes widened as he beheld Atem’s new monster: Gaia the Dragon Champion (ATK/2600, DEF/2100).

“That’s right, Haga. Polymerization combines my two monsters into one!” Atem shouted. “Heh heh! Polymerization increases the Dragon Champion’s attack power so that now it’s a match for your Moth. We can enjoy a dogfight now.”

Then, to Atem’s surprise, Haga started laughing.

“Hyuk hyuk yuk! His attack power increased, eh? I wonder about that, Ishtar!” he gloated.

“What?! What’s happening to my Dragon Champion?! Why is his attack power decreasing?!” cried Atem in consternation.

“I’ll be happy to explain: my Great Moth’s hurricane not only blows away flightless monsters, it scatters poison pollen from its wings, infecting all monsters on the field.”

Atem felt his heart turn to lead in his chest.

“If you don’t do something quickly, Gaia’s points will continue to degrade!” chortled Haga.

‘Damn it!’ thought Atem as he quickly reached for another card. ‘This is bad! If the points drop any lower, the Moth’s next attack will drop my life points to zero!’

Atem glanced at his card and quickly set it into play.

“I play this card: Magic Mist!”

Rain began to fall on the field, soaking both monsters.

“A drizzle?” cried Haga. “Oh! You think you’re so clever, using the mist to wash away the poison pollen from the air!”

‘At least I stopped my points from dropping,’ Atem thought.

“I guess that little trick is all you can come up with. Well, don’t worry. The Dragon Champion won’t die from the Greath Moth’s poison, so I’ll just kill him in one blow instead. GREAT MOTH ULTIMATE ATTACK: BURNING DEATH TORNADO! Your dragon is nothing but a pile of ashes!”

The moth flapped its wings, sending a firestorm toward the Dragon Champion, consuming it.

“Atem!” cried Yugi.

“Shit!” yelped Jou.

“Ha ha ha! I w…”

Haga’s words died in his mouth.

“‘Ha ha’, indeed,” smirked Atem, who had 100 life points to spare.

“What’s so funny this time?!” cried Haga in exasperation.

“You fell for my trap. Gaia the Dragon Champion was a decoy,” announced Atem.

“A decoy?!” echoed Haga.

“My turn. I attack your Moth with this card,” announced Atem, holding up the card Summoned Demon (ATK/2500, DEF/1200).

Of course, at first glance, this was a reckless move, as Summoned Demon’s points were well below the Great Moth’s.

“Heh heh! You still haven’t figured out why I used Magic Mist?” Atem asked.

Haga’s eyes bugged out of his skull.

“Damn! My Great Moth is all wet!” he cried.

“Correct. The Magic Mist was a stepping stone for a combo attack using the Summoned Demon. Because of the Magic Mist effect, Great Moth is more conducive to electricity and my demon’s attack power increases… DEMON LIGHTNING!” said Atem.

The Summoned Demon (ATK/3100) fried the Great Moth, which dropped to the arena like a stone.

“M-m-my Great Moth!” sobbed Haga as his life points dropped similarly to zero.

After the platforms had descended, Atem stepped down and rejoined his four friends.

“What a stupendous duel, Atem! You’re a credit to our circle!” gushed Bakura.

“Those were some pro moves!” agreed Mai.

“Dude, ya was all kindsa awesome! Dat Haga’s had it comin’ a long time!” crowed Jou.

“Congratulations, Até,” was all Yugi could trust himself to say.

“Thank you… and thank you for your wonderful advice, Yugi,” smiled Atem.

“Huh?” asked Yugi.

“Let’s get some food. Dueling at this level is hungry work,” said Atem, already walking away from his friends to the vending machines. “My treat.”

“I’m dere, dude!” called Jou, following after the Egyptian.

‘I wonder if this is how Grandpa felt the first time he saw me duel in a tournament,’ Yugi thought as he trailed behind the others.
So the tournament continued…

“Time Wizahd, time gamble!” Jou shouted.

The Time Wizard’s clock hand began whirling faster and faster. As the gambit continued, everyone waited with bated breath. At last, the hand slowed, then came to a stop, over the correct section.

“Booyah!” cheered Jou. “Time Wizahd, Time Magic!”

“Time Magic!” declared the monster as its hand began whirling again.

As the Wizard’s hand whirled, time folded in on itself, moving forward at an accelerated rate. Before everyone’s eyes, the monsters on the field grew larger and older. Soon an ancient dragon with large horns and wings stood proudly before the hunched over old man with his long gray beard.

“Too bad, Yuge, yer Black Magician’s nothin’ but a wrinkled ol’ man,” crowed Jou. “Thousand Dragon, Breath Destruction!”

As the ancient dragon, inhaled in order to execute its attack, Yugi’s old Black Magician began chanting in a low voice.

“Eh? What’s dat chantin’?” asked Jou.

In the audience, Atem’s eyes widened for a second, then narrowed as a smile crept across his features.

“Jou, it’s true your Baby Dragon got real strong as he aged into Thousand Dragon, but what you didn’t realize is the same is true for my Black Magician. After a thousand years, he’s gained great wisdom and is now known as… The Black Sage!” explained Yugi.

At this, the Black Sage looked up, his piercing gaze seeing through to Jou’s very soul.

‘Ah… shit…’ Jou thought as sweat broke out on his features.

“Black Sage, Millennial Black Magic Attack!” Yugi shouted, just as Thousand Dragon’s attack fired off.

The ancient dragon and sage’s attacks met each other in the middle of the arena. Even as this happened, the Black Sage continued his low chanting. This ancient, potent magic caused his attack to push through Thousand Dragon’s attack and obliterate the dragon with a dying gurgle.

Jou could only watch helplessly as his life points dropped to zero.

“Great game as always, Jou. You’re such an awesome duelist,” smiled Yugi as he and Jou shook hands.

“One a dese days, I’ma kick yer ass,” smiled Jou.

“One of these days,” returned Yugi.

“What a great duel!” Atem exclaimed as he and the others made their way over to the dueling friends. “I really had no idea who would win until the last minute!”

“Neither did I,” gasped Yugi.

“Heh!” grinned Jou.

“That duel was a beautiful symbol of Yugi and Jou’s friendship,” observed Bakura.

“Closer than most brothers,” agreed Mai.
Lunch break…

“You were so awesome!” said Yugi as he sank his teeth into his burger.

“As were you,” purred Atem.

“You were so strong and I was happy for you…” said Yugi as with a blush as he gazed up into Atem’s eyes.

“I feel as though I can do anything with you in my corner,” smiled Atem as he took a sip of iced tea.

“I’ll always be in your corner, Atem. Nothing will ever get between us,” agreed Yugi as he reached his hand under the table, seeking out Atem’s.

“Nothing,” agreed Atem as his hand met Yugi’s halfway and gave a gentle squeeze.
The finals…

“Domino University’s Ishutaru Atemu versus Defending Champion, Mutou Yugi!” the PA announced.

Atem gazed impassively at Yugi from across the arena. Who would have thought his final opponent would be his habibi? No matter, he would bring his all to this duel.

The signal was sent, giving Yugi the first turn.

“My turn! I draw! I summon Kuriboh in defense mode and Marshmallon in attack mode!” Yugi called as he slapped down his cards.

“My turn! I draw! I summon Celtic Guardian in defense mode and Gazelle the Mythical Beast in attack mode! Attack the Kuriboh, Claw of Destruction!” Atem bellowed.
Later…

Atem and Yugi had each dueled the other into a corner, only to come back and do the same to the opponent. Never were they more than 50 life points apart from each other. Finally though, it stood with Yugi having his faithful mage before him and Atem helpless with no cards on the field.

“Atem, this has been the coolest duel I’ve ever been in,” Yugi said with a sad smile. “But it’s over.”

Atem smiled coolly at his habibi.

“To quote a wise man, no duel is won or lost until the final move,” he said. “And for my final move…”

Yugi watched as Atem laid down five cards, each one part of a greater whole. His heart plummeted in his chest as the legendary monster stepped out onto the arena.

“EXODIA, HELLFIRE RAGE!” Atem commanded.

Yugi could only sigh as his single Black Magician was blown away by the powerful attack and his life points slipped to zero.

“WINNER OF THE MATCH AND REGIONAL CHAMPION, ISHUTARU ATEMU!”

With a heavy heart, Yugi gathered his cards and put them in their pouch as the dueling platforms were lowered. He watched as Atem was suddenly inundated with people, plying him with questions about where he came from, how long he had been dueling, etc.

Yugi tried to elbow his way through the crowd to get to Atem, but found himself shoved aside, stumbling back into the wall. From his place on the floor, he craned his head back, but couldn’t even see Atem anymore, pressed in on all sides by people as he was.

‘I guess last year’s champion is last year’s news,’ Yugi thought with a sad smile as he stood back and watched the sea of humanity that now swirled around Atem.

“C’mon, Yuge!” Yugi heard Jou’s voice call.

Before he could reply, he felt Jou’s hand on his arm, pulling him forward through the crowd, toward Atem.

“Temu’s gonna wan’ ‘s vict’ry smooch,” Jou teased.

“Jou!” Yugi yelped indignantly.

Thinking nothing of elbowing his way through the crowd, Jou cut a swathe through the sea of humanity for himself and Yugi, just in time to reach the platform on which Atem stood and the host just about to award him the trophy cup and prize money. Yugi’s heart skipped a beat when he saw that instead of looking happy and proud as he should have, Atem looked to be on the verge of tears, head swiveling about rapidly as if in search of something.

“Found ‘m, Temu!” Jou called at the top of his lungs.

Atem looked down at Jou and, upon seeing Yugi, his eyes lit and his whole face brightened with a huge smile.

“Congratulations, Até!” Yugi called up to his boyfriend.

With a smile and a nod, Atem turned to accept his prizes.
That evening…

Atem and Yugi sank gratefully into the tub’s hot water, allowing it to loosen taut muscles and soothe harrowed up spirits, for although exhilarated by their accomplishments, they were equally as exhausted by the efforts needed to obtain those accomplishments.

“Congratulations, Até. You were so awesome, pulling out Exodia like that,” said Yugi as he rested his head against Atem’s chest.

“Heh heh. Your own words condemned you in the end, habibi,” teased a smirking Atem.

“What words?” asked Yugi.

“That it’s so rare to draw all five cards, you weren’t worried about my using him against you,” Atem reminded Yugi.

“Oh, yeah. Heh heh! Guess I shoulda kept my mouth shut,” giggled Yugi.
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Darkness Before Dawn