I told you I'd be able to post after the holidays and Ta-dah! Here it is!

I now present The long awaited third chapter to "Walk with me in Starlight"!

Thank you to everyone who was patient!

Cody- Wow I can't believe I made it to chapter three, my stuff has never made it past chapter one! I just might finish something I started, that's a first.

Yugi- Do I get my Yaoi shake in this chapter? I've been really good!

Yami- I'm sure she'll give it to you since she has been keeping us on hold and it is supposed to be our fic!

Cody- Well kinda yes, kinda no.

Yami Yugi- WHAT!

Cody- This was always supposed to have both couples in it, not just you two you know.

Yami- So our lemon IS in this chapter?

Cody- Well, no. There's a rather nice shounen-ai scene that has the possibility of becoming a lemon, we'll see where it ends up. Your full lemon is in chapter five.

(Yugi tries sneaking off to check it out)

Cody- And I haven't written it yet so there is no point in trying to peek at it Yugi-Chan.

Yugi- Kuso!

Yami- Yugi! Where did you learn such language?

Yugi- I heard Bakura say it.

Cody- You should know better than to listen to that filthy mouth of his, let alone repeat any of it!

Yugi- Sorry. You aren't mad at me are you Cody-San, Yami-Kun? vv

Both- (Melt) No, We are mad at Bakura!

Bakura- (Wanders by, calmly eating an apple) Hmm, someone call me?

Yami- (Pounces on Bakura and starts beating him up and trying to choke him.) How dare you teach my hikari such terrible things!

Bakura- AHH! What the FK are you talking about Pharaoh?

Yami- THAT'S what I'm talking about!

Bakura- Cody-San, help me! Get this crazed…Ra…Damned…Pharaoh…off…of…me!

Cody- Stop it boys, before I let Anzu out to play with you both.

Yami and Bakura- ACK!

Yami- Here pal, uh let me help you up. I'm so sorry about that. (Dusts off Bakura's back.)

Bakura- No problem ol' buddy, thanks.

Both- (Wrap an arm about each other's shoulders and grin widely) See Cody, We are the best of friends! No problems here! (Hurry off to go kill each other behind closed doors.)

Yugi- Cody, that was scary! (Huggles Cody) I'd feel much better if I could have a hentai shake.

Cody- We'll see ok?

Yugi- But you are the author you could give it to me if you wanted to.

Cody- Yes, and I want to give you your lemons but I simply don't know if the plot demon is going to hold me hostage and prolong the story.

Yugi- Oh yeah. Ok can I at least read over your shoulder while you write?

Cody- Sure. You can be my muse this chapter. Wanna do the disclaimer?

Yugi- OK! She doesn't own Yugioh so don't sue. We are her willing sex slaves, don't call the authorities. There is lots of Yaoi in this story, please read and review, flames are used to keep my fireplace going. Neil Gaiman has sole ownership of The Dreaming, The Fiddler's Green, and any random mention she might make about The Endless, Coraline, or any other characters from Sandman. However, this is NOT an A/U or a crossover fic. Now, on with the story. (Snuggles next to Cody while she types)

Dedications

My best friend MysticRice receives this chapter's dedication and gets full credit for brainstorming assistance and lots of the information about Egypt. It really is wonderful to have a friend who knows so much about a place and time shrouded in such deep mystery. Thanks for all your help Mystic; I hope I do this justice.

My favorite Yaoi author Miko No Hoshi receives my undying thanks for beta reading this entire story for me and has done more than enough to deserve a shameless story promotion. If you like Yaoi even a little bit, go read her stuff and visit her website, you will definitely like it even more. She even turned one of my anal-retentive Yaoi hating guy friends into a fan, now THAT'S talent!

WARNING! This story contains YAOI! If you are unfamiliar with this term it means two beautiful boys who love each other romantically. If you find yourself uncomfortable, or disgusted with this idea/concept/reality of life, then GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! THANK YOU!

Walk With Me In Starlight.

Chapter 3

I want to walk with you in starlight,

He began walking through the land of Mist, always forward, never stopping. Even though there were no true paths here, just endless, endless mist, if he went to the side he would not end up in the part of the Dreaming that he wanted. The paths in the Realm of Dreams were confusing, if you followed one without knowing where it would lead you, then you would end up back where you had started…if you were lucky. If not so fortunate, you might end up lost forever. He would need to ask for directions once he got out of this mist. It almost seemed to be clearing, but he didn't pick up his pace, this place had many traps and he couldn't afford to fall into any of them.

A whisper of a breeze picked up, carrying with it the tantalizing scent of fruit and exotic spices, it tickled at the back of his memory, begging him to remember it. But he didn't have time right now, he needed to find Yugi, that was all that mattered to him. A swift gust rushed past, pulling the mist with it, and Yami was left wearing the royal garb of Pharaohs from days gone by and standing on top of a moonlit dune in the middle of a sea of sand.

He was at the outer edge of the Dreamscape, the wastelands outside of the dreamworld, where there is infinite dust, infinite dark. It is where the minds of those who had died continued to exist, forever dreaming, after their souls had gone on to the next world. He knelt and reverently scooped up a handful of the crystalline sand. If he looked closely he could see the sleeping forms of those who rested within. This was all that was left of his people, his kingdom, his world. All of them were now just memories being eternally windswept on this lonely, forgotten sea. He was Pharaoh no more.

He let the sand gently flow through his fingers, each grain a memory of a forgotten soul, he hoped their dreams were beautiful and happy.

"Meow."

The sudden sound broke through the peaceful silence and his thoughts. Glancing up he saw the dream image of a royal sand cat sitting in front of him with its head cocked to the side. It was looking at him as if to say 'What are you doing?'

"Greetings Wise Cat. I was remembering the forgotten people of my land. By the look of your beautiful necklace I can see you have been there as well."

The Cat lay down and began purring, giving Yami the distinct feeling it was saying 'Flattery shall get you everywhere human.'

"I'm looking for someone and I wonder if a Cat as wise as you are, would mind guiding a silly human like me through this confusing realm? Or if you don't wish to go the whole trip with me, perhaps you could take me to someone who will give me directions?"

'Perhaps.'

Yami stood quietly. "I would offer a bribe, but I know respectable Cats would never lower themselves to turning tricks for treats like a dog would."

'Wise thinking, human.'

The Cat rose and twined itself around Yami's ankles as if in agreement. Then began walking off across the dunes, Yami following close behind.

Through the desert they walked, past ghost images of memories and deadly creatures far worse than any nightmare, the Dream Eaters. These monsters were trapped forever on the outskirts of the dream realm, forever stealing the dreams of others and hoping to find a path to the entrance of the Dreaming. They would lay in wait, trying to catch a traveler as he made his way through this land, then feast upon the mind of the unlucky soul if they did manage to catch them. Once the mind was consumed the dreamer would never wake up again and its soul was left to wander the edge of this realm for all eternity.

Without their minds, dreamers couldn't find the portal into the realm of sleep, so they remained lost in this endless wasteland neither alive nor truly dead. Fortunately it rarely happened, perhaps only one time a night, since dreamers made their way to the edge of the realm very quickly, most wouldn't even know they had gone through these deadly wastelands.

People had no idea what they got themselves into each night as they willingly crossed into this land without fear. If they had but known, very few would ever wish to fall asleep again. Yami had no reason to be afraid; he knew his puzzle and the one his little hikari owned would forever protect the both of them from any danger that threatened.

As if to prove his point, one of the hideous things tried lunging at him, its ebon black claws raking through the air and its gaping maw dripping with acrid yellow venom. The Millennium Puzzle glowed bright instantly, driving the creature back as Yami stepped to the side. The creature turned around and began a second attack.

"I haven't the time to play a Shadow Game with you right now little pet, so for attempting to not only trespass on my soul but consume it as well…Penalty Game! Karmatic Justice!"

The Sennen Eye appeared on Yami's forehead and shot out towards the monster hitting it straight in the chest.

The Dream Eater stopped dead in its tracks, unsure of what had just happened. Whatever the puny one had done, it didn't seem to have affected him in any way that he could tell. It moved to lunge again when a shuffling sound off to the left caught its attention. A dreamer was moving very slowly across the sand, right towards him. He couldn't resist the delicious temptation so wonderfully close by, and there were no others near him to try and steal it. The Dream Eater turned and began to stalk towards the unaware and helpless morsel, leaving Yami alone. At least THIS prey didn't try fighting back.

Right as the creature closed in for the kill something unexpected happened, the dream image attacked the monster, going for its throat! Within seconds a second dreamer appeared and also attacked then a third and fourth also joined in. Their numbers were growing so rapidly that soon the seething mass was so large you couldn't make out a single entity anymore.

(Yami's POV)

In moments it was over and the crowd of souls gradually dispersed, all of them traveling towards the gate as they had before, except now they went quickly, ready to escape into the world of the mind. All that was left of the Dream Eater was a single ebon claw piercing the soft white sands of the dream desert, the moonlight becoming lost in its inky surface. It reminded me of myself in a way. A dark deadly protrusion surrounded by a soft sea of light, desperately longing to become one with it, but the light can never fully touch it. Is this what it would be like for my little angel and I? I'm willing to do anything, anything at all to be with him, but was it even possible? Could his light accept my darkness, or would I be forced to remain as I am now: a black, foreign object painfully noticeable against the surrounding white?

I stooped over and picked up the curved and gleaming talon and placed it in my hidden pocket, something about it was calling to me and I simply couldn't resist. A meowing around my ankle reminded me of my guides' presence, and before long we had continued on our way.

(End Yami POV)

Little Yugi ran the rest of the way up the gently sloping, grassy hill, merrily pulling his smiling yet teasingly reluctant Dream Yami along by the hand. A warm breeze happily welcomed them as they crested the top of the hill and looked out on the beautiful landscape below them. Trees encircled the flower filled meadow and had a small brook that bubbled along, curving through the whole place. Large round rocks appeared here and there, perfect for climbing, or for playing hide and seek. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and multicolored butterflies flitted from flower to flower, adding their brilliant colors to the peaceful summertime landscape. They had made their way to one of his favorite spots. It was rather hard to get to, but definitely worth the trip.

"Come on Yami we are almost there! Just a little bit further! Hurry up!"

Yugi began running down to it, arms spread wide, trying to see if he had remembered how to fly. He could remember sometimes if he didn't try thinking about it. But he always forgot again when he woke up. Upon reaching the end of the embankment he let himself fall forward and roll through the longish grass laughing with glee. When he opened his eyes again Yami was standing over him smiling slightly. He looked at his Dark, outlined against the cerulean blue sky scattered here and there with white, puffy, cotton candy clouds. As he stared at his Yami, Yugi's voice became wistful and tinged with disappointment. "I didn't remember…"

"It's alright, maybe you will later my Aibou. Besides I don't want you flying away from me." The crimson-eyed dream image knelt and gently kissed Yugi's forehead. "You try to fly every night…" He said with a grin.

"Yes, but I really wanted to remember tonight. I wanted to catch a cloud and give it to you."

"I don't need clouds precious hikari, all I need is you."

Yugi pulled the dream image down with him into the tall grass and gave him a sweet, tender kiss before rolling over and on top of the taller soul and resting his head on Yami's chest.

"Keep me?" He asked. Those large, innocent, violet eyes making him impossible to refuse.

"Forever, my little angel."

"Only forever?"

"I shall keep you safely in my heart as long as you wish to be kept dear Yugi."

"Beyond eternity Yami. I want to be yours even after time ceases to exist."

"You already are, my Love."

He went to kiss Yugi again but the little tenshi only permitted a quick peck on the cheek before he rolled away and jumped to his feet giggling.

"Oh no you don't, my kisses aren't free you know. If you want that kiss, you're going to have to earn it…that is, if you can catch me first!"

It watched as Yugi dashed away across the field of flowers before quickly scrambling up and chasing after him. This little one always had such lovely dreams. It almost wished it could have been the real Yami he thought so highly of. If it had a will of its own it probably would have fallen deeply in love with this young one long ago. It wondered if the physical Yami was anything like what it played every night as a dream companion, with the games and laughing and open talking about everything under the sun. It truly hoped this little one hadn't created it to look and act as it did because this was his idealistic version of the true game king. It liked to believe that the Yami that existed in the waking world cared deeply for his 'Aibou', treated him kindly, and protected him from harm.

The Dream Yami playfully chased the little hikari around the Fiddler's Green before finally tackling him and sending them both rolling through the flowers in a tangle of arms, legs, and laughter. Gracefully pinning Yugi under him while he had the chance, the Dream Pharaoh hovered close to Yugi's face.

"Now tenshi, about that kiss…"

"This kiss?" he asked softly, trailing innocent feather light kisses all over his Yami's face who reveled in the touch of the little one's silken lips. But they pulled away all too soon for his liking. "Or maybe this one…" He said, kissing Yami forcefully, his tongue demanding entrance into his Koi's mouth as he pulled himself against the taller image of his soul. Again Yugi pulled back, leaving the dream companion wanting more. "Or perhaps you prefer this one, my Dark Pharaoh…" He questioned seductively. The little light reached up tenderly and pulled his dream Yami into a passionate kiss, playfully licking at his dark half's bottom lip before he teasingly broke away, resulting in a pleading whimper from the duel king.

"What I prefer my bright angel, is for you not to stop…ever." Yami tipped Yugi's chin up a bit as he leaned down and captured his hikari's lips again, claiming them for his own. He let his hand wander lower, stroking the little angel's chest, then sides, and behind his back, pulling him into his embrace tightly as they continued.

This time Yugi didn't pull away, he moaned softly into the kiss and arched his back, suggestively rubbing his hips against his Yami's. It was so right when Yami touched him like this; it was the closest he ever felt to really being complete. Yami traveled away from his sweet light's lips to continue kissing other places: his jaw, his neck, behind his ear, then nipping softly at his collarbone. Yugi knew what Yami wanted, it was exactly what he wanted as well, but for some reason beyond his comprehension he was in the mood to be incredibly coy and play hard to get until he couldn't stand it any longer. Wrapping his arms around Yami's shoulders and his legs about his dark half's waist he rolled his hips quickly before the dream image could react so that he was straddling the other teen. Yugi continued to kiss him fervently, not giving any clue as to what he was going to do.

Glancing quickly around the landscape he planned the best way to run and not be caught quickly. Yami was faster than he was when it came to running, but he was stronger in other areas of escape. He saw his opportunity and smiled a bit. He really enjoyed these playtimes with his Dark, but he wanted something more tonight and was going to keep teasing Yami until he figured out what it was.

He moved back and forth, stroking the sensitive areas of the unsuspecting teen with his own, causing Yami to groan in unsatisfied arousal and grip the little ones hips, desperate for further contact. Yugi softly guided the fantasy's hands away from his thighs and up to his lips kissing every finger before slowly drawing each digit into his mouth one by one and sucking. He could have sworn he heard the former Pharaoh purr. He gradually started kissing and rubbing his way down Yami's body, eventually ending up kneeling between Yami's legs. The mischievous hikari smilingly nuzzled the dream Yami's most sensitive area, purring slightly before looking up with a halfway decent attempt at his darkness' cool, devil-may-care glance.

"I think you want something Yami…"

"Really? I wonder what it could possibly be?"

"I think you want something very badly, you're trembling you want it so much." He undid Yami's pants, sliding them down to his ankles and buckling Yami's belt again without his dark half even noticing, he then resumed his previous place between Yami's thighs.

"Tell me what it is…maybe I can help…" he asked innocently, lightly trailing his fingers almost lazily in circles across the thin material of Yami's boxers, successfully torturing the crimson eyed dream image as he closed his eyes in pleasure.

"I know you could. Now let me think of what I really want…hmmm. You."

There was no response from Yugi and the dream Yami opened his eyes. Yugi wasn't between his legs anymore. Looking around he saw his little love standing about 10 feet away smiling at him.

"You aren't very good at keeping your valuables close to you are you Yami? It was incredibly easy for me to slip away. Why is that?"

"Why you coy little…" Yami attempted getting to his feet only to realize a moment before colliding with the ground again that his ankles were securely tied together with his own belt! But when had Yugi done it? He began fighting with the latch on his belt trying to undo it and still pull his pants up at the same time, failing miserably at both attempts.

"It's such a lovely day isn't it Yami? I think I'll go for a swim in the stream…oh wait, I forgot my swimsuit… oh well…looks like I'll just have to go swimming the 'natural' way."

And with that Yugi took off running towards the nearest meandering bend of the small river, discarding his shirt over his shoulder as he ran, letting Yami know he was serious. Meanwhile Yami comically continued to 'bunny hop fight' with his pants. He was eventually successful and he took off after the little light, unaware that nearby something sinister was watching the two tri-color haired teens.

The pale, angular man stood there stealthily in the cool shade of one of the many trees surrounding the grassy glade, watching the young innocent playing happily in the rich green summer landscape with a pathetically weak dream companion as his only protection. His elegant charcoal and crimson suit with a silver stemmed black rose in the breast pocket should have made him stand out, yet he remained unnoticed. Silently observing the tender scene, he glanced over the tops of his shades before allowing a sadistic smirk to cross his blood stained lips, revealing too many overly sharp teeth. His eyes were completely black and sent shudders up the spine.

He was Erebus, a being that many nightmares shied away from, one of the reasons darkness itself was feared, he was more than a nightmare, he was a night terror. He was created for one purpose and one purpose only, and he did his job REMARKABLY well. Among the legions of nightmares in the Dreamscape he was of the uppermost ranks, one of the few powerful enough to even tread here into this dreamer's paradise of the Fiddlers Green and not be expelled by the purity in a mere moment. But he could not only just glimpse this place, he could also use his terrible power, power which would soon be unmercifully released onto the youth who was so blissfully oblivious of the unbridled terror so close by. Just as soon as he obliterated that faceless, formless waste of dream matter that could rat him out to Morpheus, the little Innocent would be completely his. He licked his lips at the tempting thought.

"Soon little one, quite soon, your deepest fears shall be made real. I'll have those PRECIOUS cries of joy turn into the screams of ultimate horror for my pleasure. Your fear shall taste so very sweet as I drain the life force from you, rendering your soul too weak to return to the waking world. Then you shall become mine. I'll take you to the furthest regions of the dreamscape, places where even Morpheus himself has forgotten about, and make sure you never wake up. Your delectable innocence shall be slowly torn away from you as I haunt you with horrors and tortures beyond your comprehension until I see that wonderful hollowed look, the look of an empty shell, someone who has given up on all hope. And the worst of it for you shall be knowing that you are completely trapped, unable to be reached or saved by anyone, not even a god…until you stop wanting to be rescued. Then when I get bored of you, I shall turn you loose on the wastelands as I watch you hopelessly try and find your way back to the real world, not even knowing where you should try and get to or if you even want to wake up. I'll continue to watch until finally, one of the Dream Eaters will spot you and decide on a snack. Sweet Innocent, wait for me like a good little Terrors toy, it shall not be long before I will torture the purity out of you and simply drive you insane."

With a sickening chuckle Erebus glanced a final time at his soon to be victim before disappearing from sight to go and prepare his torture room for it's newest arrival, while Yugi and Yami continued to play happily, completely oblivious to the danger.

Saiji woke up and sat straight up in bed. He had finally fallen asleep in his lover's arms blissfully content just to have him back with him, but now his heart was pounding in fear for an unknown reason. No, not unknown, his little one was in terrible danger, somehow he just knew it. Magus had woken up with his sudden movement and had tenderly wrapped his arms about his waist and began kissing his shoulder softly.

"Bad dream love?"

"No Magus, not a dream, don't you feel it?"

Magus sat up fully, more alert now and trying to feel whatever Saiji was talking about. His lover's feelings had never been wrong yet and he wouldn't start doubting him now. He concentrated for a moment, looking within for what he was talking about. There. Fear, pain, danger. His eyes snapped open.

"Shit, they're in danger and they don't have their cards to summon us!"

Magus practically flew out of the bed, racing to put his clothes back on. He didn't have time for full battle garb; it was only for show anyway. All he really needed was his staff. Saiji was right behind him, pulling on a pair of jeans and a simple white dress shirt and black boots. Strapping his sword around his hips he and Magus dashed for the door. As they rushed down the stairs Saiji tried getting some questions answered.

"I think it's only Yugi who is in danger right now, but how can we help? Where are they?"

"The dream realm. I sent Yami to the dream realm to find Yugi so he could tell him the truth before actually telling him how he feels. Damnit! Why didn't I remember how dangerous that place is? It's filled with monsters too horrible to imagine and things that are far worse than any monster. Dreamers are relatively safe because if things get too bad they can always just wake up. Yami isn't asleep though; he no longer has a physical body, so his actual mind and soul arein the dreamscape! If any of those things catch him, he could die all over again! Come on, we have to pull him out before he gets hurt!"

"I'm right behind you love."

They ran out of the gates of the Stone Citadel, towards a secluded hut off the end of the gardens. Magus frantically pounded on the door, pleading for entrance.

"Syrius! Syrius open up it's important! Come on Syrius wake up and open the door! Syrius don't make me break your door down, you know I'll do it! You have three seconds to open this door before I shatter it into splinters! Syrius are you listening to me? Three…Two…"

The door swung open and there stood the Summoned Skull, looking quite annoyed (which really was nothing out of the ordinary) and only half conscious.

"What in the bloody blazes is goin' on that you have to wake me up in the middle of the night for? I don't see either my gardens or the castle in flames and I can feel there isn't a duel going on, so what the hell do you two want?"

"The little one is in trouble and our Master might be walking into the same place in a very short amount of time! We need your abilities. Since the door is closed to the outside world we need your lightning energy to open a portal for us. Into the labyrinth at least so we can reach their soul rooms and pull them out!" Saiji yelled frantically. Yugioh was like a son to him and the little one was just as dear. He had to protect them.

"Their soul rooms? They are shielded from anything in there. They are perfectly safe within those walls, nothing can touch them."

"Only the little one remains within those walls. Yugioh has let his mind and soul depart and go to the little one's dreamland and now the little one is in danger…"

"And the Pharaoh has no idea…shimatta! You were right to get me. Let's go."

Syrius hoisted the couple up, settling one in each arm. Magus gave him an energy boost permitting him to fly easily with the extra weight. Off they took towards the portal door, hoping that because of the time change they would have plenty of time.

The Cat led him to a grand Egyptian style tent that was set up near an oasis. It darted inside meowing loudly, then stuck its head back out and simply stared at Yami seeming to say 'Well, what are you waiting for?'

"There is such intelligence in your eyes, I'm sure you can talk, you just choose not to."

'Of course I can.'

Yami made his way over; wondering who exactly dwelt within the elaborate enclosure. It almost seemed to be a movable palace. But why would someone wish to set up anything here instead of beyond the dream gate where it would be safer? He stopped at the entrance, for he didn't wish to be rude, and politely called a greeting. A moment later an Egyptian woman more beautiful than he could describe came to meet him. Elegant and refined, she wore a traditional white linen dress with golden trim, along with golden bracelets, rings, and armbands. But her necklaces told the story of her true rank: cut and highly polished turquoise set in the finest gold. It was a sacred stone, worn only by the women of the royal house and some of the priests. This woman was very important.

He stared at her for she seemed very familiar to Yami for some reason. It only took him another second to remember where he knew her from, and he bowed as quickly as he could, his head resting in the soft sand, and pure panic welling up inside of him while he desperately prayed he hadn't angered her.

The Ancient Language came to his mind and his lips as if he had not gone five thousand years without speaking a word of it.

"Gracious Lady, forgive my impudence I didn't mean to stare at your exquisite beauty without permission. I didn't realize it was you at first for I fear my memories of Egypt are rather scarce most times, but even so I could not forget your beauty and grace. I also fear I have no tribute, or offering to give to you, for I didn't realize that I would meet you tonight."

"Arise Pharaoh, how could you have known? Come out of the night and rest for a time before you continue your journey to the Dreaming."

Yami did as he was told and followed her inside, keeping his eyes lowered in respect for the most beautiful goddess in Egypt, the Lady Hathor, Egyptian Goddess of love and beer. She led him inside and bade him sit on an extremely large pillow that could have easily doubled as a bed for two, while she offered him a cool bowl of fruit and a golden goblet of her sacred drink.

(A/N: Egyptian beer was considered sacred because of the story of how Sekmet was returned to her form of Hathor only after she was tricked by Toth into thinking a valley filled with beer which had been colored red was actually blood and she drank the valley dry. Pharaohs wereusually buried with several large jars of it so they could enjoy it on the other side.)

"You needn't lower your eyes to me Pharaoh, while in my home everyone is equal. Servants, kings and gods are all the same here. They are all just people."

" If you don't mind my asking Honored Lady, why are you in this dangerous land instead of deeper inside the dream realm? "

" It somewhat reminds me of Egypt. I do miss it, how I used to walk along the dunes at night with an ocean of stars above me and the sea of sand beneath, glistening in the light of the pale moon. I would travel until I would come to a place that caught my fancy and I would sit and watch the stars until dawn. "

" I would do the same, only I watched from one of the balconies overlooking the gardens. It comforted me and made me feel like I wasn't as lonely as I thought. "

She sat beside him on the cushion and refilled his drink, silently observing her guest. He drank slowly and quietly, enjoying the friendly company as if she were simply a good friend he hadn't seen in awhile. She liked that. He didn't seem uncomfortable at all in her home. Perhaps he could stay for a while, it had been so very long since she had had any company, and this Pharaoh had recognized her and treated her with respect. He was so handsome and polite; she must find a way to keep him for a while!

" Are you the present day Pharaoh? Perhaps the world hasn't changed as much as I thought it had. "

" No Gracious Lady, over five thousand years have passed since I was Pharaoh of the Lower Kingdom. The world has changed much and the land I once ruled no longer exists in any way I recognize. They have forgotten me even though I tried to do as much good as possible and I was loved and respected by my people. "

" Time has a way of erasing men's memories Great Pharaoh until even gods and goddesses are forgotten and replaced with others and the old ones cease to exist. Don't look so surprised, even gods can die. The outside world has forgotten me for the most part. Here in the Dreaming we deities of a past that time itself has nearly stopped remembering aren't safer than those who decided to try and live as if they are mortals, for we will eventually fade away if we are ever truly forgotten. I stay in the Realm of Night so that when I return to being nothing more than one of men's many dreams I can look out on a place that reminds me of when I was happiest. It is nice to be remembered. My power has waned to near nothingness, but as long as one soul remembers me or worships me, I never fade. "

" Then you will not fade for a very long time My Lady. As long as this ornament around my neck exists, either whole or in pieces, my spirit remains, and my spirit remembers you no matter how much time passes by. "

" I am grateful kind Pharaoh. Please remember the others as well. "

" I shall, although I could possibly be persuaded to forget Set… " He said with a grin.

She smiled back. " Even Set served a purpose. He may have been treacherous, but Anubis had use for him in the end. "

" I really wonder how my Ka would have weighed against the feather, but now that it is split in two it would probably tip in favor of Set since I am the dark half. "

" How is it possible for a soul to be split? I've never heard of it. "

She scooted a bit closer to the regal Pharaoh. He was a very interesting young man; perhaps he'd even be willing to be her bedmate. He probably knew the old customs and wouldn't take offense at her request, and she would give him whatever he wished if he was a little hesitant.

" I am not entirely sure HOW exactly, but I know that the Sennen Items have something to do with it. They seem to split the Ka into light and dark and each half becomes a whole person with only half a soul. It has happened to at least two others that I know of, the ones who carry the Sennen ring and the Sennen rod. I am the darker half of the 'Puzzle Pair', as Yugi, my light half, likes to call us. "

" And why are you still on this plane instead of the Land of Osiris? "

" When I died trying to save my kingdom from a great evil during the Duel Wars, my soul became trapped and I never crossed to the underworld or to the judgement of souls. I awoke not too long ago to find that not only am I bound to this puzzle, but also to the soul of the person who assembled it again. He is the one I am searching for this night, but I know not where to find him. "

Hathor realized the hidden meaning behind Yami's words, even if the crimson-eyed man hadn't realized he had said it. He was searching the dreamscape for his soulmate. She immediately forgot about trying to seduce the young Pharaoh into her bed. It would be an insult to herself as a love goddess to try and keep two soulmates apart. Was she supposed to help him look? Glancing to the plush carpeted floor she saw two emerald feral eyes staring directly at her. A dream guide, a familiar one. She smiled slightly and stared right back, connecting their minds.

/Still protecting Ra from danger I see. /

Of course

/He searches for his soulmate/

Yes, and he won't ask for directions to the dreamscape like he should. Stubborn man.

/You haven't spoken to him/

…

/Alright, I understand. /

Hathor looked away, halfway turning her attention back to her guest. She reached down and scratched the Cat under its chin, who accepted the silent invitation, and jumped onto Hathor's lap where it promptly curled up and began purring under the gentle ministrations of the goddess.

" Trust your guide, The Cat People make very good allies. You couldn't ask for a guide such as she, she has chosen to lead you and protect you, and she will not fail. You are a Pharaoh, you are the human embodiment of Ra to your people, it matters not from which time you come. The Cats have never failed once in their protection of Ra, and they never shall. "

(A/N: The story goes that long ago the great serpent Apophis vowed to devour the sun and cast the world into eternal night. The Cats battle Apophis every night to keep Ra safe as he journeys across the desert to rise in the East again while the Lady Bast leads him. This never-ending battle has gone on since before the dawn of time, but the cat guardians have never failed, nor will they ever.)

" Of course my lady. "

" Tell me your name young Pharaoh. Who were you when you ruled the Lower Kingdom? "

" My name is now Yami, but I was called Suten-nu-heba. (A/N: The actual translation of 'Yugioh' in Arabic), or King of Games. It was a name given to me by someone I was very close to, but I no longer remember who they were. When I became Pharaoh my people called me by that as well since I ruled during the Shadow Games and I always won. Even the time it cost me my life, I still won. "

" Was winning the game truly worth your life? "

" It saved the lives of everyone in my world and sealed away the power of the Shadow Games forever so they could no longer hurt anyone. My people could always choose a new ruler, and never have to fear that extraordinary power ever again. It gave them a chance not to fear anymore. "

" Yes, but was it worth your life Yami? True the cause was noble and honorable, and you saved the lives of several thousands of people, and if you hadn't the Dark Game might still exist to this day. But was it worth your life? To give up everything for a people who had mostly never seen you and after a few generations would forget you and your noble sacrifice completely? Was it your choice to die? And if you had known, would you still do it again? "

" I did not wish to die, but I knew that I probably would. And yes I would do it again. Titles mean nothing to me, Pharaoh or not if I had been the lowliest slave in Egypt and I had found that scroll that let me seal the games away, I would have found a way to do it. The games needed to be sent back to a place where they couldn't do any more damage. I may have been trapped in a puzzle for 5000 years and the world has completely forgotten who I was, but now I have found the one thing I was desperately searching for when I was Pharaoh. I found someone to love. "

" With such selflessness in your heart, how could you possibly even think you could go to Set? Not many in any time period I have seen would do what you did for the world, they would hope someone else would do it instead. "

" I am nothing special, I just found what needed to be done and I did it. I regret only that I left my son so young and without the guidance of a father. "

" You had a family? "

" Not in the traditional sense. I kept pushing the idea of marriage off because I had no real interest in women, they were beautiful creatures and very interesting, however I just couldn't bring myself to marry one. But to keep up appearances, I occasionally would bring a slave girl to my bed for a night or two in addition to the youths I was actually interested in. One ended up becoming pregnant, and I claimed her as a concubine. I never married her but she did bear me a son. The child may not have even been mine, she could have been with any number of my guards, but it didn't matter, my word was truth, and I claimed the child was royal blood, so royal blood he became. I think he was 2 when I died…That's strange, I never remembered anything about him until just this moment. "

" You weren't trying to force yourself. Memories are fickle like that sometimes. Besides this is the world of the mind, memories flow like water here, you will probably remember a lot of things tonight. But as to how to find your other half, that I feel is a question someone else is better off answering. However I can tell you how to get to the Dreamscape. "

She rose then and Yami followed after her, the cat having gone to where Yami had left his goblet of beer on a low table and started helping herself to what was left.

When they arrived at the tent door Hathor extended her hand and a nearly transparent, shimmering, silverish trail appeared across the dunes of sand winding its way off to the horizon.

" My aunt shall lead you to the dreamscape from here. No one else may follow this path; her light will only reveal it to you. When you return from your quest with your other half she will show you the path back here, where you may again rest and refresh yourselves before going back to the waking world. Besides, I would like to meet this Yugi of yours. "

" Of course my Lady, I thank you. "

The Cat ran past Yami into the night then turned and sat down, waiting and watching him until he began to follow the moonlit path stretching out before him. He glanced up to the night sky and saw the gentle, smiling face of Nut suddenly appear. Her features delicately outlined in the stars, the shining moon her crown jewel.

As they walked, they passed Dream eaters, Soul stealers, formless nightmares, other safe houses, way stations, and dream souls. None of them paid him any heed; it was as if he didn't exist to them. A wandering Dream Eater had actually stepped right in front of him, but still never noticed him. When it tried walking towards Yami, it staggered back as if it had just run into a wall. The creature stumbled, confused, then simply wandered off in a different direction.

They had gone on this way for quite awhile, till something suddenly felt like it was happening. He became wary, for the silence of the wastelands was becoming quieter, much quieter. Dream eaters and soul stealers were fleeing back the way they had gone earlier, seemingly terrified. Nut's face disappeared back into stars, the path dimmed but remained visible beneath his feet. The cat raised her hackles hissing and spitting, then she did something unexpected, she turned around, facing away from the direction the whatever-it-is was coming from. It was clear she wished to be gone from that place by how she was shaking, but she refused to leave Yami's side no matter what. What was going on? The silence became deafening. A fierce wind rose up, also seeming to run away from whatever was coming; yet even it couldn't seem to stir up a sound as it rushed past his ears.

Yami looked behind him, the path he had already traveled had disappeared, he dare not leave the path in search of shelter, and it seemed very unwise to go on right then, so he stayed put, ready to mind crush anything that threatened. Moments later he wished he had run.

It appeared from between two dunes, walking slowly across the desert, about to pass right in front of Yami. Yami immediately became frozen with fear as he became trapped in her presence. He recognized her, yet at the same time wished he hadn't. An ancient description of her played through his mind.

/ She is a creature that eternally wanders through the endless dunes surrounded by deafening silence. She is forty times the size of a man, with the body of a lioness and the face of a woman. Her hair is woven out of night itself. We call her what we will but she has no true name. If she passes you, She can tell you anything, but the price is terrible to pay. Her purpose is to judge. Look away or become frozen by her silence and icy stare. Her gaze is absolute truth. She knows all that you have been, are, or will become. Fear her anger, fear not her truth, fear her completely, for She is the Sphinx. /

Unlike the others she noticed Yami was there and turned her gaze on him. He wanted to look away but knew he could not. She had paralyzed him and he was completely at her mercy. That unearthly blue gaze was reaching out for him, drawing him in. Even gods weren't immune to her all knowing stare. He was utterly trapped. His soul was being completely opened and carefully examined until every nuance of himself and who he was became known and laid bare to the world. It was the ultimate trespass on his soul, but even if he were free he would not try and seek vengeance for it, it would be a lost battle if he tried. Everything, from the moment of his birth, through this very moment was revealed to her. In her presence there is no such thing as secrets.

He could do nothing but watch as his long forgotten memories replayed themselves in her eyes, and in his mind, rushing back like a tsunami as if it had never been lost. Everything came back to him as if it had just occurred the day before. He relived it all in the blink of an eye: his parents, his childhood, his friends, his enemies, and his reign as Pharaoh. Anything he had ever done that he was ashamed of or proud of, anything deceitful or honest, every confession of love, every lie he had ever spoken, every pleasant moment with a lover, every heartbreak, anyone or anything he had ever lost or wanted. Names, faces, dates, his battles, his death, his imprisonment, his release, the duels, and his secret love for his hikari. He even saw himself as she saw him in front of her now: trapped, helpless, and afraid.

She saw his future, knew what would become of him and his soul in the rest of eternity. But those were things she would neither tell nor show through her eyes, they were now her secret, collected with care as she had done with countless others over the expanse of time.

When she had seen it all, now knowing him better than he would ever know himself, she blinked, releasing Yami from the paralyzing trance. He fell on hands and knees to the cool sand, crying uncontrollably, gasping for breath, yet silent, for sound could not exist in her presence unless she commanded it to. He was grateful beyond words to be released from her gaze, but also more terrified than ever, for now, now She would pass her judgement on him…and he wasn't sure if he would survive.

There was no ill intent tonight; this one would be spared from her claws. This was the price for her knowledge. He had paid her price and could ask any questions he wished if he could speak, even though she already knew what he wanted. One question, one request. Both she was more than willing to fulfill.

"Greetings, Pharaoh of the Dead Kingdom."

Her voice was powerful, yet devoid of emotion. The sand itself seemed to shrink away from the force of it. He trembled, unable to reply, completely in shock.

"A lesser man would have broken. You will find him to be in the Fiddler's Green, beware for another also seeks to claim him tonight for a purpose not of love. Follow the moons trail till you reach the Gates of Horn and Ivory. Only pass through the horned one. Take the path through the Trails of Cities into the Garden of Pleasure. Don't linger. Travel past the Sea of Memories into the Hilly Valley. Beyond the Unicorns Grove is where you will find Fiddlers Green to be tonight. As for your memories, they are again yours, remember them whenever you wish."

She continued to walk on as if she had never stopped. Long moments passed till finally the lingering effects of her silence drifted away and sound was alive again. Nut reappeared, the silver road glowed bright, and what life existed in the wasteland returned to its business. The cat rubbed against Yami comfortingly, purring and trying to get him to respond.

He knelt there, tears streaming across his normally stoic features, every sorrow or joy or shame he had ever known still playing through his mind. The slowly ebbing flood of feelings and memories was overwhelming, and nearly impossible to not get lost in. It took a little while before he was able to register where he was again and a few minutes later he felt the cat rubbing, and purring against him, as well as lightly nipping at his fingers, trying to get him to move. She was trying to comfort him. It didn't work, but he appreciated the gesture. He slowly was able to regain his composure and again move forward, but the experience would be one that he would never forget.

The trail took him directly to the two gates the Sphinx had told him of. They were huge, beautiful, ornate, and seemed heavy. They were also identical, he couldn't tell which one was made of horn and which was ivory. A voice came from nowhere. Then he realized it was the gates themselves that were speaking.

"Business?" Came a strong voice from the left side.

"I seek someone."

"Our Master?" said a softer tone from the right.

"No a young boy. A dreamer."

"Only one gate may open for you." Piped the right gate cheerfully.

"Don't listen to him, he only lies, it's rather a bad habit. Both gates may open but you may only pass through one. One of us leads to the dreamscape, the other leads to the wastelands again." Said the left gate in a booming voice.

"He's the one who is lying! "Only one of us leads to the Dreamscape" I've never heard such rubbish!" the right gate said indignantly. "We BOTH lead to the dreamscape, just to different parts. One to the realm of lies and nightmares, the other to the realm of dreams where only truth exists."

"See? See? There he goes again!" said the left gate.

"Which one leads to the realm of dreams?"

"I do!" the left gate replied quickly.

"OH SHUT UP ALREADY! He lies again! The truth is neither of us knows where we lead. We are after all, just a doorway to get to somewhere else. But we think we have figured out that the gate that lies is the one that leads to the path you don't want. It's a running theory mind you, but it's the best we've got. You have to choose which of us is lying. You can ask us any questions you like but you have to decide who is trying to deceive you."

"Liar, Liar springs on fire!"

"But you could be the one lying to me could you not?"

"That is for you to decide, however I know I speak truth so no I could not."

Yami considered the left and the right gate, neither one seemed particularly trustworthy. He had to think this through carefully. This was almost the same situation as with the Brothers Paradox, except they had been easier to read since they had faces. He couldn't look gates in the eye. But what worked in his favor was they weren't working with each other but against each other, meaning they wouldn't support each other by both lying like the brothers had. Then in an instant he knew how to pick which gate was the one he needed and to determine which gate was lying. It was so simple! Now which one to ask? He decided to ask the left first since it seemed more desperate to have him believe him.

"Which do you think is the better material, horn or ivory?"

"Why horn of course, it is much more durable."

"If you are the gate that speaks truth, then tell me what the right gate would tell me he is made out of if I asked?"

"He would say he is Ivory."

Yami turned to the right gate.

"And what are you made out of right gate?"

"I am made of Horn, not of Ivory."

"The left gate is the one who is lying. If he were the truth teller his answer would have matched yours but since it didn't he reveals himself as the liar."

"You are very clever human, so now you may choose which one of us you wish to pass through."

"I wish to pass through the right gate, the one of horn."

"So be it, good luck on your travels."

The doors to the gate opened before him. It simply looked like there was more sand ahead but the path shone on and Yami followed. The moment he had crossed the threshold he found himself in the middle of a large, incredibly busy city street filled with people, merchants and shops. But the city was very strange, it wasn't like a regular city, it was like all of the cities in the history of man and all the people who had ever lived in them had gathered in this one place. It looked like a place where Time had collected every aspect of itself to try and sort out. The buildings continually changed as he looked at them, as if time were passing very rapidly for them. He watched as they built themselves and were painted, repainted, signs were changed, damage slowly grew and then the whole place fell to dust and started over again. There were so many people dressed in the fashion of the time yet every time was different, and they were speaking their own language or dialect, no language the same, yet everyone was talking. They all blended together in a swirling mix of color and sound no one indistinguishable from the rest. This must be the Trail of Cities.

TBC

Cody- Thank you to EVERYONE who has been so incredibly patient while I got this chapter out! I am still having problems on chapter 4 but I simply shortened this chapter a bit so I could finally post it and fight with the damn writers block or rewite the entire damn thing on a more personal level.

Yami- You should have warned us the entire damn chappie was plot development! and you made me CRY! What kinda wimp do you take me for!

Yugi- Well, not the WHOLE thing I had that cute scene...

Yami- But I wasn't in it so it doesn't count!

Yugi- Cody, I don't like that guy hiding in the shadows, make him go away.

Cody- Umm well you see Yugi, I don't really like him either but he's the Bad Guy and in a story the Hero, not the authoress, has to get rid of the Bad Guy. But the Hero isn't allowed to save the day, or night in our case, until the Bad Guy does something Evil and gives him the motivation to rescue whoever is in danger.

Yugi- So who is in danger?

Cody- Eep! Uh that is, umm...you are.

Yugi- ...I'm gonna be kidnapped by a meanie! You're not being nice Cody-san! (watery eyes)

Yami- It's kind of hard for me to ride in and save the day if you aren't in trouble Yugi, it kinda takes away the whole point of the story.

Yugi- You WANT me to be in danger! You are both meanies! Starts crying

Cody and Yami- Oo! Please don't cry Yugi-chan! We love you, honest!

Yugi- WHAAAAAAA!

To each other

Yami- Distraction?

Cody- Yep how about a movie? The home video uh 'art film' you did last month?

Yami- That just might do it, but you had better hurry with that lemon, a video won't occupy him for long, he's sixteen!

Cody- I'm typing as fast as I can! You know I don't get much free time, and working retail during the holidays is hell!

Yami- Alright, alright! Come on before the others hear him!

Cody and Yami grab Yugi and run towards the TV room, making sure to lock the door behind them. Unaware that in the room to the left of them Seto is in a dark room alone with our two strangers. The larger of them is currently sitting on top of Seto (who's blindfolded) while the other slowly cuts his clothes off with a fierce looking knife.

Stranger 2- Aww our little multi billionaire feels left out does he? Well let's see what we can do about that.

Seto- You won't get away with this, just wait until I get my hands on you…

Stranger1- I think you're mistaken rich boy, we're the ones who are going to get our hands on YOU, not the other way around. Now if you listen and do what you're told, we'll let you go, resist and the longer you have to stay and put up with us. Understand?

Seto- You are going to regret this.

Stranger 1- Hardly. You're going to love playing with us; we're going to make sure of that.

Seto- This is rape you know, Cody is gonna kill you for playing with her toys.

Stranger 2- You'd like to think that wouldn't you? Well sorry to burst your bubble but Cody gave us permission to loosen you up.

Seto- THIS is your idea of loosening someone up? You freaks are sick!

Stranger 1- We never said we weren't…Seth.

Seto- MALIK! I should have known it was you you psycho!

Malik- Yea, he guessed! I win, I get to play first!

Seto- WHAT! You BET on that? I'll kill you both myself! Let me guess the other is Marik right?

Marik- Jeez genius how long did that one take ya?

Seto- About five seconds, you're the only one stupid enough to go along with his sadistic plans.

Marik- And how long is it going to take you to realize that you are in some seriously deep trouble Kaiba?

Malik begins stroking the now nude Seto Kaiba, giving extra attention to certain parts to wake them up.

Malik- A hell of a lot of trouble…lets begin with candles and work our way up from there…

Seto- GULP

A Yami and a psychopath grin wickedly as they begin to play with their new toy…

No children past this point please!

Last warning!

FINE you YAOI obsessed fan girls, have at it!

Bonus random Yaoi PWP insert!

In the very next room to the right, Ryou is gagged, blindfolded, and tied spread-eagled to the wall, while Bakura is sucking him off and a rather large dildo is sliding in and out of him while he can do nothing but stand there and take it.

Bakura- "Let's see how much you can take Hikari."

Ryou's only response is to bob his head a bit in assent. He tries to scream as Bakura slides the vibrator in almost all the way to the hilt, and gets very lightheaded as it slides out again. This continues for a few moments and the grin on Bakura's face only gets bigger.

Bakura- Well well, aren't we horny today? Looks like I get to keep going for a few more hours if this keeps up. Who would have guessed someone who looks so innocent could love playing such naughty games? Maybe I ought to teach you a lesson hmm? Show you what it's like to really get fucked hard?"

Ryou nods violently, whimpering and thrusting his hips in sexual frustration.

Bakura- We'll see hikari, we'll see.

In the main room…

Mokuba- removes blindfold Hey, where did everyone go?

Anzu- XX

Next chapter will be up soon! I promise! Thanks again for being patient!