A/n: This little short story is gonna be Yugi's POV during the Orichalcos crisis. It's short, but I might add other parts like Yami's POV or something, if I'm up to it. Remember to R & R and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: Ha ha! Bow to my feet! I have-…my lunch money for school. Nope, I don't have any ownership to Yu-Gi-Oh or it's characters.

Silent Recollections

Chapter 1: Still Believe

He's betrayed us, and yet I don't understand.

And although I've seen some pretty odd things in my life, I've never gotten completely used to it. I'm used to ancient symbols and monsters with hearts; I'm used to having villains try to conquer the world, or at least stir up a little trouble. I have a 5000—year--old pharaoh occupying part of my soul, for crying out loud. I should be used to everything…

Dammit, and no matter what we go through, I still love my Yami.

I still…

He's betrayed our promise to the Dark Magician Girl.

He's ignored my pleas to not use that cursed card.

He's cast aside our monsters; sacrificed their souls to gain more power to defeat Raphael.

And yet I still…

The pharaoh isn't usually like this. My pharaoh is always kind and compassionate, and whatever the seal is messing with, I'll make sure it won't succeed.

If worse comes to worse, I can always use myself.

But first, what am I going to do?

I'm stuck under this seal. Is this a side-effect of having two souls in one body, or is it something else? To prevent outside interference? I can see you, hear the horrid duel, listen to the silent cries of the monsters the seal has perverted and defiled. I'm worried, yes. Worried for my Yami, worried for my monsters. The poor Black Magician Girl must feel so betrayed now…and I can't help but feel sorry for Raphael.

I'm only half a soul right now…and without me balancing Yami's dark side, I know it's taking a toll. He doesn't sacrifice monsters left and right without something being wrong-and of course, something is. But one thing is clear right now. No matter how common sense is saying he double-crossed me, my heart knows better.

I've been protected by Yami ever since we met. He's always been there when I fell, always took his life on the line when I was in danger. He even vowed to me that he would protect me. I felt so helpless at times when Yami fretted over me. He's done so much for me than I can ever pay him back for…

I cannot and will not fail!

All his, no, our monsters, turned on him now, due to Raphael's strategy. It's the end; I feel it. I quickly try to find any source of energy to break the seal…the puzzle! Here goes nothing!

I poured all my strength into the puzzle and slammed it against the glowing hex. It reacted violently in a shower of eerie green light, and I heard the seal crack and shatter into pieces. I'm free! Now, for the next part…

Seeing my precious pharaoh's back, I quickly push him out of the circle. His shocked face strikes something deep within my heart.

"Aibou!"

It's funny, how passive one feels when death is upon you. It's how I feel right now; calm, collected, glad that Yami's safe for now. I gave him a loving smile, as I try to express all my feelings into one, solid look.

Don't worry about me, it's okay.

I know you can do this, please don't lose hope.

I love you…

But it seems he can only repeat my name in horror and fear, with the Orichalcos seal still etched onto his handsome face. He knows what happens after this. He knows the outcome of our twisted game.

"It only needs one of us, so I'm letting it take me instead." I still said with a smile, but seeing him in pain like this…is almost too much to bear. Leaving him with half a soul would be cruel, but I know he'll make it in the end. Because my pharaoh is strong.

"Yugi!"

Too late.

It's odd. I've had my grandpa's soul taken away in a card. I had an ancient Tomb robber try to kill me numerous times. My once-bullies Jounochi and Honda are now my best friends. I've seen a lot of things in my lifetime that shouldn't normally have happened.

"I believe in you." I called one last time, before the Great Beast snatched me up from my other half. I don't care; let it take me and rip my soul to shreds. It'll come as no surprise to me.

But I still can't believe I love my pharaoh.