Drake cursed as the pain hit him, his knight vanished. He said “I can’t trust that guy…he doesn’t even know who she is…and she will do everything to protect him! I won’t let it happen!” He pulled another card and said “I summon Bone Dragon!” The huge creature appeared and roared. 

Serena nodded and pulled a card free. “Hound of the Guardian” he appeared and she jumped onto his back and said “get me close to the core while the guardian is being attacked” the hound woofed and started running. 

Guardian of the King yelled and launched her attack, Mahad covering her as the other monsters attacked. 

Yugi was breathing hard as he leaned on Joey, his vision blurring. “Mana…make sure…Serena is…safe…” 

When the attacked landed Serena made it around the back and saw the item. She pulled her staff out and ran forward. She moved to grab the gem floating where the core had been and she said “just have to” then she touched it and the whole room flashed white. Serena’s and Yamis items flashed gold and suddenly they were all in a new space. It was the same alter room but during the night and in the past. The room was filled with men in dark hoods and chanting. 

In the alter was young Atem. Chained down and fighting weakly against the bonds as a black mass was gathering above him. Red eyes laughing darkly above him. But suddenly an arrow flew in and landed into the stone above the god, flashing gold. Three young figures ran into the room. Two attacking those who tried to stop them, the light flashing to show a young Seto and Mahad, Mana by the doors waiting. The three was running towards the alter and called “my prince!” She swung a gold staff and shadows shot out, reaching and breaking the chains on the prince. The girl jumped onto the alter and said “I am the Princes Shadow! You shall not harm him while I am here!” She swung her staff again and sent the god back, the mass hitting the far wall. She picked Atem up and pulled him onto her back, the others clearing the path for them as the alter was filled with a red light. The red eyes roared “no! I must have the pure soul!” 

The teens escaped as mana made a barrier to block the entrance. They raced for the horses close by and Atem opened his eyes weakly. “Zahra…Mahad…” Zhara smiled back at him and said “don’t worry my prince, we have you. Your safe…”

The scene changed to a day light scene and to the palace years later. It was the room of the kings. 

They all could see a hooded figure walk into the space and lower her hood. Zahara stood before the alter and bowed her head in respect when she heard steps. “Lady Zahara” she turned to see Priest Seto behind her. “Master Seto. You called me here. I should be protecting our king” 

Seto nodded and walked to her and said “I must ask you something. These rumors of the cult from before…the dark god…have you looked into it?” Zahra smiled and said “of course I have. I am the kings shadow. They are the same as the ones who took the king as a young boy. The same ones you, Mahad and I saved him from all those years ago. And I don’t plan letting them take him now. I will die to keep him safe” 

Seto sighed and said “is it out of duty? Or your feelings for him?” Zahara paused then smiled a knowing smile and said “does it matter my reason? Both are the right path to lead me here. Besides…” the shadow behind Zahara shifted and took the form of a huge wolf with gold eyes. “I am the Keeper of Shadows and the host of the God of Shadows. And his will is mine. But yes…to your question you won’t say. I love our king with all my heart. The rest matters little to me” she turned to leave and pulled her hood up. 

“The god of lost realm will never touch the king. In this life…or any other. I will be there in any life our king takes. No matter the challenges…” she walked outside, the shadows wrapping around her like a cloak. Her staff in hand now as she walked into the sunlight. 

The light faded and soon they were back in the street, the portal in front of them now the guardian was gone. 

Yugi suddenly collapsed and was aiming for the ground. Serena was close to the portal, holding a strange item in her hand as she panted from the whole thing. But the job wasn’t finished yet.