Chapter 31: Soul Room

Chapter 31: Soul Room



[Yuna's POV]

Once the duel was over, the light turned back on, revealing our mess. Cards were everywhere, and several decorated vases in the room were knocked over, crooked paintings and dark marks staining the walls. I turned to Pegasus, still staring at me in a daze.

I nervously cleared my throat, and he snapped out of his thoughts and blinked his eyes in astonishment. Pegasus then pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply, and I felt his pupils glaring into my soul.

I fidgeted in my seat as multiple strange thoughts entered my head. No way he's not completing his end of the bargain, right? What if he took my soul anyway?! I don't want to die!

Noticing my thought, Pegasus and I stared at each other in an uncomfortable silence. Eventually, he burst into laughter.

"Ah, Yuna Sano, it's intriguing how you have such absurd imaginations." He said and wiped the tears from his face.

"There's nothing to fear, despite what you think of me. I'm a man of my word," Pegasus assured while picking up the cards on the floor.

He grabbed the Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand with curiosity: "To think a card like this existed, it's truly a mystery."

Thankfully, he returned the card, and I swiftly packed my deck away: "Now that it's over, you must be wondering why I did all this?"

When I didn't respond, Pegasus told me about his past passionately. At a young age, he fell in love with a woman named Cecilia. According to him, it was love at first sight, and Pegasus was sure they were soulmates. However, tragedy struck when Cecilia died due to an illness right after their marriage.

Distraught, Pegasus tries many ways to resurrect his past lover, eventually obtaining the Millenium Eye. He didn't delve into the details, but watching the anime, I know that in Egypt, Pegasus encountered a man named Shadi, later revealed in the show as a ghost that guards the Millenium Items.

Recalling Shadi, I remember that he will appear today at the end of the tournament. Then Shadi will use his Millenium Key on Yugi to search his mind and stuff. I hope he won't go after me, and I got too much embarrassing stuff that needs to stay hidden!

With the discovery of Shadi and the Millenium Items, Pegasus began studying Egyptian Sorcery and learned that he could revive Cecilia. Still, he needed something called Spirit Energy, which can be found in souls. Pegasus also needed the Millenium Puzzle as well so that's why he created this tournament.

"Nonetheless, that's the end of my story. I must thank you for not interrupting me until the end," Pegasus said gratefully.

I nodded while awkwardly averting his gaze: "W... what now?"

He smiled and stood up, and I complied in doing the same. Pegasus then gracefully bowed: "I should congratulate you on winning the duel and earning yourself the title of King of Games."

I felt my lips loosen and form into a smile, causing Pegasus to chuckle and straighten his tie: "This was a very entertaining duel, and I hope we can battle like this someday. Of course, without the consequences of Shadow Games."

Pegasus reached into his shirt pocket, revealing the two soul cards of Seto Kaiba and Solomon Mutou. His Millennium Eye emits a bright glow, and the picture on the cards becomes blank: "I have released their souls as promised. They should wake up shortly."

"Tha... thanks," I said, and he shrugged.

Pegasus turned his back towards me and quietly walked to the other exit across the room: "Oh," he stopped: "The check for the prize money will be delivered to you later."

"Wa... wait..." I hurriedly stopped him and stared at the floor.

Remembering what happens to Pegasus soon after he leaves, I suddenly felt inclined to do something about it. Bakura, one of Yugi's friends and the user of the Millenium Ring will be possessed by the spirit living inside the ring.

Then he would challenge Pegasus in a shadow game and eventually take his Millenium Eye. In the anime, Pegasus falls into a coma, while his fate is much worse in the manga. So shouldn't it be best if I at least warn him? It wouldn't be so bad to have the President of Industrial Illusions, the creator of Duel Monsters, as an ally.

"Be... be careful," I muttered, pointing at his Millenium Eye: "In danger."

Pegasus heard me and smiled wryly: "I wonder why you say something like that?" He tilted his head and laughed: "Very well, I will keep your warning in mind."

Also, I asked him about the woman I had seen in the middle of the duel. However, to my surprise, Pegasus was confused and said he hadn't seen anyone else. He deduced that it must be my hallucinations during my soul momentarily detaching from my body.

His hypothesis sounds believable, but the woman looks way too real...

[3rd POV]

In another part of the castle...

Mokuba pranced around nervously in the waiting room, Yuna had left to duel Pegasus an hour ago, but he still hadn't heard from her. Yugi and his friends tried to comfort Mokuba, but he was cautious as the child had never interacted with them.

However, their friendly and warm atmosphere allowed Mokuba to relax, and they convinced him that Yuna would not be defeated. Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and Yuna entered while gasping for breath as she had run all the way there. Instantly, Mokuba threw himself at Yuna, and she caught him in her embrace.

"Big sister!" Mokuba yelled with relief: "If you're here, you must have won, right?!"

Yuna nodded, and Mokuba finally burst into tears: "That means big brother will be fine,

right?!!!"

"Yes..." She answered timidly.

"Then what are we waiting for?!" He said with enthusiasm: "Let's go!"

Mokuba sprinted out of the room at an unimaginable speed and left dust trails behind him. Yuna sighed tiredly, knowing she would be so exhausted chasing the boy.

"Wait, Sano-san," Yugi suddenly called to her: "Is my grandfather alright?"

She nodded, and Yugi's tense expression finally loosened. Just like Mokuba, he was extremely anxious about the outcome of her duel, as Yuna had promised to save his grandfather

beforehand.

"Thank you.." Yugi said with sincerity.

Yuna merely smiled as Yugi and his friends blushed: "Ahem, we shouldn't keep you here any longer." he said awkwardly, averting his gaze.

She waved goodbye to Yugi and his friends before fervently chasing after Mokuba. Yugi smiled as he watched her leave. Interacting with Yuna despite her aggravating reputation at

school was welcoming.

Well, as they all say, you will only know one's real personality with a duel!

"Hmph..."

Yugi glanced at Tea, pouting with her arm crossed: "So, you're into big chests, huh...."

"What are you talking about?!" The boy stuttered in shock.

However, Tea didn't answer and walked away while huffing with anger. Joey and Tristan

sighed, leaving Yugi even more confused.

Joey: "Geez Yugi, you really messed up..."

Tristan: "Yeah, even I won't fail that bad."

Yugi: ?????

Meanwhile...

Remembering the direction of Mokuba's room, Yuna moved hastily, not wanting to keep him

waiting any further. However...

"Big Sister!!!" Mokuba's panicky voice echoed in the castle.

Hearing his scream, Yuna dashed towards the sound and eventually found Mokuba in his

room. Beside him was the motionless Seto, and seeing this scene, Yuna realised something may have gone horribly wrong.

She knelt beside him with a troubled expression as Mokuba trembled in fear: "When I got back, big brother still hadn't awakened, and I couldn't feel a pulse!"

Yuna frowned and felt a sense of crisis. Has Pegasus lied? Seto was breathing before, even without his soul, so what's happening? Whatever, it was, Yuna knew that right now, she must get Seto's heart to start beating again.

Dragon Lord Felgrand and Starving Venom Fusion Dragon won't harm you under my watch." Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand grunted and lowered its head. She patted the dragon affectionately, and it wagged its tail like a pet. The woman then scratched the side of Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, and the beast snorted but didn't move away from her touch.

"You must have many questions; please come with me." The woman said and quietly walked towards the other end of the hallway.

With no options, Shadi followed, and he nervously passed the two intimidating spirits. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon gnashed its teeth while Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand paid him no attention.

As they walked side by side, only footsteps could be heard. Eventually, gathering his courage, Shadi asked: "Who are you?"

"Fu fu fu," The woman chuckled: "I'm merely an echo of history, a remnant that wanders in

this realm."

He frowned at the lack of an answer: "Then what's your purpose here." "My purpose," The woman muttered in thought: "I have been sentient for longer than I can

count. However, all I'm doing now is to keep this place from falling apart. Ah, speaking of.." A massive earthquake shook the hallway, and Shadi leaned against the wall for support. The

floor beyond them cracked and split apart, revealing an endless void of darkness. The woman spreads her arms, and a wave of white light emits from her body. Gradually, the earthquake became milder, and the structures repaired themselves. Shadi sweated anxiously as he stared at the walls: "I have heard of this phenomenon... This only meant that..."

"The soul is fragmented and broken." The woman affirmed with a sad smile: "Eventually, the damage will be irreversible."

"Come on, we're close." She continued, leaving Shadi speechless.

The two continued to walk until they reached a door. The woman opened it and gestured for

Shadi to enter. Inside, he held his breath at the majestic scene. It was an open landscape with a clear blue sky with soft grass beneath his feet.

The woman walked towards the centre, where a figure lay there peacefully surrounded by

white and blue roses. Shadi approached the sleeping individual and noticed the familiarity:

"Sano..."

The woman nodded and gently held Yuna's hand: "I don't know how long she can live for... As

you know, it was only a matter of time before her body succumbed to the damage of her broken soul."

"How much time does she have?" Shadi asked. "Two more years at most..." The woman smiled bitterly.

"But I have faith," She said: "I believe Yuna'soul can repair herself before the worst

happens."

Shadi: "Why are you so sure?"

The woman merely smiled and said nothing. Shadi was momentarily at a loss and

remembered the purpose of his visit: "Recently, I sensed two Millenium Items clashed with

each other. Do you have any knowledge on the matter?"

She shook her head: "Yuna isn't the one you're looking for."

"I understand," Shaid responded when he deemed the woman wasn't lying: "My purpose here

is accomplished; I will be taking my leave."

The woman smiled and stood up: "That's a shame. I wish we could talk longer." Shadi nodded and, reactivating his Millenium Key, his body lit up and became transparent.

The woman waved in farewell, and Shadi left Yuna's mind. Once he was gone, the woman

returned to kneeling by Yuna's side.

"It would be hard, but I have faith you can make it." She whispered and gently stroked Yuna's

head: "Please live, for all our sakes..." [Yuna's POV]

A few hours later...

I opened my eyes and groggily sat up. I noticed Kaiba was still unconscious, and my face

instantly heated up. I clutched the side of my head in released an inward scream. I can't

believe we did that!!! It was supposed to be a simple CPR in which I would blow oxygen into

his mouth, but he had to wake up at that moment?!

While kicking the air in embarrassment, there was the sound of groaning beside me. I turned

my head and saw Mokuba also waking up. "Big Sister," He said while rubbing his eyes: "What happened?"

Huh, hold on, shouldn't I be the one to ask that question? First of all, why were you asleep,

Mokuba? When I inquired about this, he said he couldn't remember. Something else must have been at play, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what.

At this moment, Kaiba also woke up, and Mokuba hurriedly sprinted towards him. Like the

worried brother he was, Mokuba scolded Kaiba harshly, forcing him to apologise for doing something so foolish, and Kaiba could do nothing but nod.

Kaiba glanced at me as he calmed Mokuba down, and I instantly averted my gaze. I wish I

could crawl into a hole and never come out. I can't even look at him without thinking of what happened beforehand.

"Why are you two acting so weird?" Mokuba said, "Come on, let's get out of here! I can't stay in this dreadful place any longer!"

With Mokuba in the lead, we followed quietly out of the castle. Guards were waiting outside,

and they guided the three of us back to the port where a large cruise ship was docked. Yugi and

his friends were already on the ship, waving at us and standing by the entrance was Pegasus.

"Ah, Kaiba-boy, I'm glad to see you well," Pegasus exclaimed as if he wasn't the one that took his soul in the first place.

"I hope it wasn't that much of a surprise. After all, returning one's soul made the person's body temporarily shut down like a fresh corpse before their heart restarts automatically." Wait, I froze. Did he say what I think I heard? I don't have to do all that? Kaiba will wake up by himself? Oi oi, I lost my dignity because of you. Pay it back with a thousand cuts! "Anyway, here's the prize money I have promised," Pegasus said and handed me a check note.

I read the numbers and almost collapsed onto my knees in shock. There were six zeros! A whopping three million dollars! Look, it's not even in Yen but in American USD! If there weren't other people here right now I would've been dancing with joy.

Fine, I guess I would let you off the hook for now! I thought and glimpsed at Pegasus who was

smirking at me.

"The announcement of your victory will be posted later and I hope you had fun." Pegasus said: "It's time for me to go now, I still have other matters to attend to. Goodbye." He soon left with the rest of his bodyguards, leaving us alone. The horn of the cruise sounded,

signalling its departure and we quickly came aboard. I watched with bated breath as the ship slowly sailed away by the majestic site that was the Duelist Kingdom.

These two days have been short but the events were crazy enough to last me a lifetime. Now,

all I can hope was that the future would be kind to me, yet I already knew how unlikely that

would be.

[1] Imagine the scene in One Punch man with Saitama's death punch on Genos

I hope you enjoy