AN:

Okay, I know everyone has waited an absolute age for this chapter. I have suffered a huge case of writer's block and a serious lack of time. However, I have finally gotten past said problems. So now to end this story, and its been a long time in the writing. I do have a bonus chapter/epilogue planned, but who knows when I will actually get to write it. For now I am glad I have the ending this piece needs.

So this is the point I need to thank you all for your patience in waiting, in reviewing and supporting the writing of this story. I feel kind of sad as this was my first ever fanfiction and it kind of feels like end of an era. But that is the way it goes. So to all of you, enjoy, and thank you.

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By the time that Gabriel came to fetch Bakura, things were already in motion. Down on the earthly plane, in Domino particularly, it was the early hours of the morning when very little went on, though tonight the streets were unnaturally quiet and still. Ryou was sleeping peacefully at last, or at least he was until someone gently shook him. He frowned, opening his eyes slowly, sleep dazed and confused. While some of the sleepiness was shocked out of his system by who he saw leaning over him, his confusion only got worse.

"Seto?"

Unless he was hallucinating, the Left Hand of God was kneeling by the sofa, wings and all, gently shaking him awake. And even more bizarrely, looking at him with fondness. That would make sense when factored in that he was the vessel of what remained of Kisara's soul, but sense is often in short supply when only half awake.

"Is this a dream?" he asked softly, not knowing what to make of it.

"No it is not. Come, we do not have much time, and you may want to dress first," the angel said kindly, getting to his feet.

He wasn't used to seeing Seto like this, and a quick pinch of his leg confirmed that he wasn't dreaming either, though the action had caused the angel to laugh at him. Oh well, there were worse things, the smile suited Seto and the laugh was kind at least. So while Seto remained in his living room he made a quick exit to his bedroom to dress. Yawning and rubbing sleep out of his eyes he rejoined the angel.

"Where are we going?" he asked as he put on some shoes.

By Seto's attire they were going out of the apartment. He was essentially in a white suit, the coat long, lined the same shade of blue as his eyes and that tipped his feathers, the sword strapped to his side, though seeing the blade sent a shiver down Ryou's spine. It was quite the striking image to look at. He was assuming Seto would hide his wings before they walked out.

"You will see."

Well, it was cryptic, but it was the only answer he was going to get, but that was Seto. In fact Seto was leading the way out, Ryou expecting to see how angels and daemons hid their wings. What he did get to see was the unusual way those wings had to fold to get through a doorway as Seto stepped out into the corridor waiting for Ryou to follow. Startled and confused Ryou did so, wanting to say something about Seto being seen like this, but didn't really get chance as he had a little difficulty keeping up with the tall angel's strides. Though one thing struck him as they walked out into the street. Not only was it so very still, but the giveaway to what was going on was that there was no sound at all. No traffic noise, no night wildlife, nothing.

"Time has been stopped," he said softly recognising the absolute silence from when Bakura had brought him back to his body in the hospital.

It was a surreal feeling, though not as much as seeing his friends frozen in time had been, or seeing himself lying there. Seto simply smiled, and it was a wonder to see the expression on his face. He was always so stern: it made his eyes soft, lit his face up. He got a glimpse into what Kisara had seen in him, and wondered if that feeling came from the remnants of the angel within his own soul. But one thing was clear, something big was about to happen. He'd actually stopped in the street as he considered things, but Seto hadn't stopped walking, and he suddenly had to run to catch him up.

Just what was going on?

~*~*~*~*~*~

But Ryou was not the only one being woken up to a surprise. A sleepy Malik was woken gently by his lover, who was swiftly pounced on by the ecstatic youth. Laughing, Marik had to peel him off, which was then followed by Malik being fascinated by his wings, this being the first time he'd seen them. And he was not the only one to get a shock.

Yugi had squealed in a rather amusing manner when he was woken, or it was amusing to Yami at the very least, who thought it was damned cute. The squeal might have been due to the fact that Yugi had woken to find the daemon straddling his hips with a lascivious grin on his face. And he was the one with the biggest eyeful to take in. Yami complete with daemon wings and spiked tail. In his case it was the tail hewas fascinated by.

Joey was the only one who woke up to an unfamiliar face, though for a moment he had thought he was looking at Ryou, until he took in the tanned skin and scarred cheek. That was when the wings and tail came into view. Okay, this was pretty damned strange, but he could handle it, yeah he could. It was just a shock to have an angel… daemon… one or the other, wake him in the middle of the night. But with a soft tone the unfamiliar being had suggested he get up or miss the action. That prompted him to ask what action, though the Ryou look-alike merely smiled, evidently amused, and gave no answer.

So all over Domino the four friends were being woken and gathered, but as yet the purpose was not clear. The fact that the four divine beings were so obviously displaying just what they were was enough to keep them all distracted from the bigger picture. Well that was all apart from Ryou. Ryou was more aware of such things anyway, and of course as they reached their destination, his natural curiosity could not be suppressed any longer.

"Why are we at the park?"

"My guess is space," came Marik's gruff voice from behind them, Ryou turning to see Malik beside the Adversary.

"Hey Ry'," Malik said softly, looking uncomfortable, but that might have been because of the arm wrapped tightly round his waist and the big black wing enclosing him. "Marik won't tell me what's going on."

"Well that would be because I haven't got a fucking clue. I've just got my orders."

Seto nodded at Marik, though his eyes had hardened in his presence. The two just about tolerated each other but that was it.

"Things will become clear when we are all here," Seto said calmly.

"Well it's just like you to be cryptic," was all Marik could say.

But they didn't have to wait long, Yugi was the next to appear beside Yami's side. He appeared to be blushing a fair bit as they stood waiting for who they could only assume was Joey, though that could have a lot to do with the tail that was silently ghosting up and down his leg from behind, unseen by the others. It kind of tickled, but not only that, it was rather suggestive and Yugi just did not know what to make of it, and he certainly wasn't going to say anything as that would alert everyone else to what the daemon was doing, which would only cause further embarrassment. But he was spared the torment for too long as Joey turned up with Akeifa at his side.

Akeifa was of course an unfamiliar face to the humans, all except Ryou who smiled broadly as he saw him.

"I never expected to see you here," he said brightly to the Fallen angel, "though I don't think anyone expected any of this to tell the truth."

Akeifa chuckled.

"That goes for all of us too, this has been rather sudden to be honest."

He stepped up close to Ryou, taking his face in his hand and getting a good look at him.

"You are looking well Ryou, it's good to see," he said softly with fondness.

Pretty much all of them were fidgeting, and it was Joey who lost patience first.

"Not to be a pain or nothin' but is there any chance of someone telling us what is goin' on here?"

Well it was definitely the question of the moment, for human and divine being alike. Marik was turning with a smirk.

"Would you believe it kid, but none of us have a clue. Except I think for him," he pointed at Seto. "I know that look Avenger, you as usual know God's mind better than all of us."

Seto made a sound of disapproval at Marik, but that was just because he didn't like him in the first place.

"The Lord's will is not for me to discuss. All will become clear in time," he said coolly.

He did not like to be questioned, and to tell the truth he wasn't entirely comfortable with what he knew. In some ways that was not helped by the way Joey was looking at him, and the emotions that was causing in turn. Though of course what he said raised new questions, or specifically one: how long would they have to wait? The answer was not long in coming at all, as with a sudden flash of golden light, a figure with outstretched wings appeared above them. The humans all shielded their eyes while Marik shook his head.

"Show off."

But as the light faded, Ryou's heart leapt as he saw who it was.

"Bakura!"

He ran joyfully into the angel's open arms, flinging his own round him and holding him tightly, his grip like a vice, not wanting to let go lest this not be real or Bakura would be gone again. But firm hands forced him to let go, only to draw him into a passionate kiss, into which Ryou melted, feeling like his heart would burst from all that he was feeling. He had completely forgotten that they were not alone, something that was evidenced by the polite cough from behind him.

"I know you two have missed each other, but save it for privacy will you," Joey teased.

Even with the tease Bakura held the kiss a moment longer before letting his beloved go, who by now was blushing a little, though was refusing to be ashamed.

"I don't understand," he said softly, "I thought I wouldn't see you again, not till… well you know."

He didn't like to say it, not in front of the others. Bakura chuckled.

"It looks like the Lord has seen fit to change his mind."

"Indeed."

They all turned at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, well unfamiliar to the humans amongst them anyway: for the divine beings, all apart from Bakura and possibly Seto, the owner's presence was a surprise.

"Gabriel?" Yami was shocked. "Now I know something is up."

"Yami?" Yugi asked nervously.

"Relax, but to have the Left and Right Hands of God right here, right now… God is up to something."

Gabriel chuckled, the sound melodious.

"Not quite how I would put it, but an explanation is in order, yes, especially for those amongst us who are not aware of the workings of the divine realms."

He smiled kindly at the humans, especially so at Ryou.

"This situation has been a complicated one for a very long time, as I am aware that you know. But none of the divine beings you see before you have come out of this experience untouched and unchanged. It's more marked in some than with others," he said gently. "It is causing change in the divine realms, something that it seems, the angels and the Fallen need a little while to get used to, say a human lifetime or so."

The group all looked at the angel puzzled. It was hardly surprising, he was still being cryptic. The only one not trying to figure it out was Seto, who was shifting a little uncomfortably. It was barely noticeable, this was Seto after all, not known for his emotional outbursts, but if it was looked for it could be seen. Fortunately he was spared the scrutiny as all attention was on Gabriel, who was chuckling as they all scrambled to understand.

"I can see I need to be clear. Simply put, the divine realms are not ready for the changes the eight of you are causing. We are divine beings, we have remained unchanged for millennia, things move slowly with us. Those of us touched by humanity no longer fit within the realms, and to be frank are not happy where they are."

All four humans looked at the divine beings they had lost their hearts to. For Ryou, Malik and Yugi, that seemed natural, and their partners, or would be partners shrugged or looked caught, as if refusing to be embarrassed by it. By far the most interesting reaction was Joey and Seto's. It was a moment never to be forgotten as Joey was staring at the tall avenger with hope, who in turn was looking away from the blond, unable to meet his gaze and looking uncomfortable, and was even blushing. Normally Marik or the other divine beings might tease Seto for it, but no-one wanted to spoil the realisation for Joey that his feelings were not as unrequited as he had thought. Something had stirred in the Avenger's heart the night the blond had kissed him, something that once freed, refused to be caged again. It was obvious he was struggling with those feelings, he had been carrying a torch for Kisara for millennia after all, but they were there and they were real.

But realisation was starting to dawn, though it was Ryou who picked up on it first.

"You mean?" He asked hesitantly, hardly daring to voice the question.

Gabriel smiled warmly at the youth.

"Yes, the Lord has seen fit to place his angel and daemons on Earth for a time, to live a human life time and to live it as they see fit. He feels it will make them happier, give the divine realms time to get used to the change. After seeing Bakura, he feels there is plenty to be learned from humanity and looks forward to you all returning with plenty to teach the rest of us."

The reaction to this pronouncement was ecstatic. Ryou had flung himself back into Bakura's arms, actually weeping with joy, the angel finally looking happy, really happy for the first time since his return to heaven. Malik was likewise wrapped round Marik, though without the tears, Marik grinning widely, his grin matched by Yami's. Yugi was looking at the daemon shyly, heart pounding in his chest. Well he had been right, though now it was happening he didn't know quite how to feel. Amidst all the obvious joy from the others Joey cautiously approached Seto.

"You know, I still have a spare room," he said gently. "It's yours if you want it."

Seto finally turned to look at Joey, expression hard to place, though if anything he looked a little lost. The angel took a moment to compose himself before daring to look Joey in the eye.

"I'd like that."

Joey smiled softly. He did feel like hugging Seto, but he also liked breathing. He was glad for the chance it seemed he had now, it was a case of take things slowly and carefully if he was any judge.

Akeifa moved beside Gabriel smiling warmly.

"So this was what you were up to," he said softly, unnoticed by the eight before them.

Gabriel's smile was warm, but had a smirk-like quality, mischief shining in his deep eyes.

"I did very little. I doubt it would surprise you if I said that the Lord had anticipated my visit, and my suggestions. He had made his decision a while ago I think, he had been waiting for the timing to be just right."

"Right for what?"

"For them to get the most joy out of it," Gabriel pointed out.

Akeifa chuckled. When looked at all together, it was obvious, even in the case of Joey and Seto, that this had made them all so very happy. And as Akeifa looked at Bakura particularly his heart eased. It had hurt to see Bakura in so much pain. He sighed, content that things were as they should be, in his mind at least. As an arm slid round his waist his eyes slid closed and he rested his head against a broad shoulder happily. Finally, for the first time since Bakura found redemption he felt at peace. Though as he enjoyed the feeling he was not paying attention. If he had been then he would have noticed how quiet the group had suddenly become. The nudge came from Gabriel, making him open his eyes, shocked to find them all looking at him.

Well, actually, make that the divine beings amongst them. Bakura particularly was looking at him questioningly and he hoped that wasn't hurt he saw in his eyes. But of the angels and Fallen here all were curious apart from Marik; he on the other hand was smiling smugly.

"Well finally you slip. Took me ages to work out what you were up to, but an angel's presence in Hell will not go unnoticed forever," he pointed out.

Akeifa actually blushed, proving that they hadn't imagined Seto doing it and that divine beings were capable of it too. He looked anxiously to Bakura.

"Please understand, I never…"

But Bakura cut him off.

"You think I don't get it? You were lonely for millennia, and with your capacity for love?" He approached Akeifa and took him in his arms, embracing him warmly. "Of course I get it, and I'm glad, happy for you." He said with a smile.

If anything, discovering that Akeifa had found love again with Gabriel eased the burden of his guilt some. He still felt a pang of it that he had chosen Ryou over Akeifa when the choice was before him. It felt less like he had rejected Akeifa in some way. Unfortunately the way that angels loved did not compare to the more complex human form of the emotion, and he was happy someone could return Akeifa's affections. And from the way he had seen him with Gabriel just now, the Fallen angel was obviously happy. That was all that mattered. Though as he returned to Ryou's side he looked to Marik.

"You knew?"

"Not long before Ryou's accident but yes."

"And you didn't tell me?" His tone was slightly berating, but only light so, knowing the way things had to be at that point.

"Couldn't go easy on you, against the rules and all that," Marik said with a wink.

Bakura chuckled. "Figures."

It would have made the decision easier but that was the point. It had to be the hardest decision of his life and realistically he knew that. He just didn't want to admit to it.

But the atmosphere between them all became heavy as it became obvious that something would need to happen to make all four divine beings fully human, and they all turned to Seto in this case. It would be his sword that would see God's will done. And so he drew it, about to instruct the other three to gather till a hand on his arm stayed him. He looked puzzled at Ryou who was looking down sheepishly.

"What is it? We do not have much time," he pointed out.

"I know, it's just…" he trailed off looking at Bakura. "I've always really wanted to fly," he admitted.

Bakura couldn't help but be amused by the wistful look that Ryou wore as he made that little admission. So Bakura looked at Seto in question. Seto rolled his eyes. Though then Marik and Yami added their gazes, Akeifa and Gabriel smiling softly at Seto.

"Oh all right." Seto agreed begrudgingly. "Just hurry it up."

With a grin Bakura turned to Ryou.

"Hold on tight."

Ryou had no time to process what Bakura meant before he was grabbed firmly round the waist and with a couple of tremendous flaps of those huge wings, his feet left the ground. He squealed in shock as with unexpected speed they flew high up over Domino, the ground falling away alarmingly, Ryou grabbing onto Bakura's shoulders in a panic making the angel laugh. The other three humans watched in awe as Bakura cartwheeled through the sky, Ryou's sounds of fear turning to sounds of joy. Marik and Yami winked at each other before quickly grabbing Malik and Yugi and taking to the air themselves. Joey chuckled as he watched them squealing and clinging to their daemons. Though Joey was being watched in turn. Seto could not ignore the wistful look in Joey's eyes, nor the encouraging look from Gabriel. With a sigh he sheathed the sword and quietly approached the blond.

Joey was more than a little surprised when an arm came round his waist.

"You had better hold on." Seto warned curtly.

Joey was shocked but did as he was told without question, and it was a good job as Seto was not waiting as he launched them into the air. Joey found, as did his friends, that flying was as exhilarating as it was scary, though there was a comfort being held safe and close by the object of your affections. Joey was a little unsure as well - the last time he had dare approach Seto it had blown up in his face.

"Why, I thought you didn't like me," he asked the angel as they flew.

"The problem was never not liking you, it was liking you more than I could handle." Seto admitted, not looking Joey in the eye.

In that moment Joey understood. He wasn't of this world and had feelings he didn't understand, not to mention he was pining after his dead love who had died at his hand. No wonder the guy had issues. He gently reached out to turn Seto's face to him.

"I understand, Ryou told me." He said softly.

For a moment he feared he'd said the wrong thing and that Seto would drop him, the sudden sadness in those blue eyes so strong. Then those eyes looked away.

"I have to try to stop living in the past."

Joey nodded.

"It's okay, there is no rush."

He would wait, now he knew he had a reason to. But Seto was looking at the blond in his arms nervously. Joey was a little puzzled, until hesitantly the tall angel leaned in to initiate a kiss. He simply wrapped his arms round Seto's neck, let his eyes close and enjoyed it as they soared above the world.

Ryou was likewise happily clinging onto his lover, grinning with delight at being airborne.

"Is it how you imagined?" Bakura asked.

"Yes, it's amazing!" He breathed.

"You'll have wings of your own one day."

Ryou smiled.

"Let's hope that's a long way away. I just want to enjoy having you." He said honestly.

Bakura grinned back at him.

"Oh I'll make sure you do." He promised.

The fun had to end at some point, and angels and daemons alike returned their giddy humans back to the earth. Malik particularly was looking windswept, and Yami looked seriously smug about the way his small partner clung to him so tightly. Though they had evidently all had fun, Yami and Marik practically elbowing each other and looking meaningfully at Seto who was having trouble not looking at Joey. Bakura rolled his eyes.

"You wouldn't believe they were as old as this world now, would you?"

But Seto did pull away, looking to the three of them.

"Now it really is time."

All three nodded, smiling at those whose sides they left and gathered before the Avenger. Once more he drew the flaming sword, though this time it would not mete out pain and destruction, this time it would bring joy to them all. At his command the blue flame engulfed the four, twining and wrapping around them in cerulean ribbons amidst the azure glow. And before their eyes, wings, and in one case a tail seemed to shimmer within the haze, before those ribbons danced and they winked out of existence, leaving them all looking very human. Four humans held their collective breath as the flames flickered and twisted, the expressions on the faces of the divine beings showing that other changes were happening beyond their outer forms, their very nature changing in this transformation. Then finally the flames were gone, Seto approaching Gabriel and handing him the sword.

"I will be glad not to need this for a while."

Gabriel nodded.

"Think of this as a holiday." He said warmly.

Seto looked a little doubtful, in his mind this time was hardly going to be easy for him. Though as he looked back at Joey, his amber eyes were calm and reassuring. Akeifa was likewise regarding him warmly.

"I think you shall enjoy life, if you are willing to."

On that note Bakura was approaching the white haired Fallen, taking him into his arms.

"Thank you. You were there when I needed you."

Akeifa smiled.

"What are good friends for?"

But time really was pressing, or rather they could not keep time frozen for very much longer.

"Go, live a full life, and we shall see each other again. Then you can tell me what love is really like." He encouraged the now human Bakura.

"Goodbye old friend."

"Take care of yourselves, and each other."

Then hand in hand, Akeifa and Gabriel spread their wings, and, like the others before them had, rose swiftly into the air, before disappearing in a golden flash of light. They all felt time restart. The world was hardly noisy at this time of night, but the night noises did return, the breeze danced through the trees in the park, and the world seemed alive. Joey approached Seto slowly.

"So, want to go get some sleep?"

Seto looked thoughtful for a minute.

"I think that I am hungry."

Joey grinned.

"Oh that ain't a problem, I know every late night takeaway joint in town. I'll tell you what, there is this really great place just round the corner from my house, you're going to love it, we can pick something on the way and…"

And Joey started walking, still talking, Seto rolling his eyes. He still thought Joey talked too much. The other six were amused as the couple walked away. Marik wasted no time and wrapped an arm round Malik's waist, and with a wink and a wave the two headed off too. Yugi on the other hand looked endearing as he looked at the ground before his feet, stammering an invitation to Yami, who chuckled and just steered him away. That left Ryou and Bakura looking at each other, happiness in both their gazes. Ryou reached out and slipped his hand into his lover's.

"So this is it, you're really human now."

"All the way this time. And all yours."

Ryou grinned.

"I'm pretty happy about that part."

"Well so am I, you know."

He stroked strands of snowy hair out of his lover's big brown eyes. He knew right then he couldn't be happier. He pulled Ryou close, arm tight round his waist, Ryou doing the same, both wanting to be close to each other right then.

"Come on. Let's go home."