YEA! It's LEAP DAY!
Bakura: What's special about today anyways?
Let's see…This only happens once every four years and I'm planning on posting this and one other story before the day's over.
Yugi: Are you going to update any others?
Possibly. Bakura? Why are you snickering over there?
Bakura: Your penname and first name.
What about them?
Bakura: *Trying not to lose it* PB&J! *Snorts*
Me, Mokuba, & hikaris: *Sweatdrop* O.O
*Whispers* Run.
Atem had just played the card that Yugi had sealed away in the Gold Sarcophagus and lost the only chance that he had to win the Duel. Yugi attacked him directly and won, but the doors didn't open. Instead, Ra appeared in Flame Mode. "You can pass through, should you wish my child. But before you leave, we are offering you a chance to stay with those with whom you have come to care for. However, your decision also has consequences. The Thief and the one borne of the Rod will be allowed to stay."
"What if they attempt prior acts," Atem asked the Egyptian God.
"The darkness has been purged from their hearts and souls. No longer will they attempt such horrendous deeds. Zorc no longer has influence over the one called Bakura and the rage against the father of the youngest Ishtar has been quelled."
He thought for a moment, looking from Ra to Yugi and then to Ryou and Malik. Marik had changed his name since so many bad memories were attached to it and because the others were weary of him until he proved that he wasn't the same as 'Marik'. "Do you want them back," he asked them.
Ryou thought for a moment, "Since the evil that was controlling him is gone, I'd like to give my Dark another chance."
Malik said nothing, only nodded in agreement. Atem turned to Ra, "I wish to stay. Forgive my hesitation in answering; I wanted to be sure that their former vessels and victims of their cruelty wanted to have them back. I did not want them to be stuck with those that harmed them against their will."
"That was a wise decision, young Pharaoh. I am pleased that you sought the advice of their former hosts and victims. You may stay with your respective halves. You will still have access to the Items and your powers. Use them wisely."
When the fiery god finished speaking, two forms took shape in front of the group. We all stepped back as Bakura's and Marik's forms became solid. Their eyes opened and they saw everyone step back from reflex. Bakura looked around and spotted Joey trying to hide Ryou behind his back. "Let him go, Mortal! That's my landlord you're molesting," Bakura growled.
Joey let Ryou go as everyone stepped aside to let him past. Ryou was unsure since this was a side of his dark that he had never seen before. 'When Bakura snapped at Joey, it was almost as if he were being protective,' Yugi thought, not realizing that he left the link open,
**He is being protective, aibou. He no longer wants anything to happen to Ryou.**
Yugi looked up at Atem and smiled, "That's good. I don't think that Ryou could handle the old Bakura."
Yugi looked over at Malik and Marik. The pair was poking each other in the arm as if they were trying to see if this was all a dream. Malik got tired of the poking and pinched his dark who yelped in pain. Malik grinned, "So I'm not in a whacked-out, triple-chocolate brownie dipped in caramel and fudge and topped with ice cream and whipped cream-related dream."
"Malik Ishtar," Ishizu spoke, raising her voice. "I thought I told you not to eat your strange brownies before bed! No more sweets for a month!"
"But I'm nearly nineteen," Malik whined.
Everyone, including Ra, laughed at his response. "Take care of each other, my children."
After Ra vanished, the ground started shaking. Joey yelled for everyone to get out as several pillars collapsed. Yugi looked to Ryou and Malik as their yamis vanished.
*We need to get the Items before they're lost.*
{You're right. Our yamis need them to balance their powers. And because they belong to us}
~So let's get them and get out of here!~
They dashed towards the massive stone that housed the Items. Yugi grabbed the Puzzle and the Scales when he got to the stone. Ryou snatched the Ring and Eye from their places while Malik claimed the Rod, Key, and Necklace. Malik threw the Necklace to Ishizu and yelled at her to go. She ran from the collapsing room. The hikaris ran towards the exit, but were cut off as a large column broke and blocked the only way out. Malik tripped on a fragment of one of the columns. Ryou and Yugi grabbed Malik by the shoulders of his jacket and pulled him under their 'shelter', a large stone slab that was resting at an incline. Ryou grabbed a bag and went through it looking for something to stop them from inhaling the ancient dust. There were a couple of shirts and a pocket knife in the mess that the bag contained. Yugi grabbed and tossed Ryou the pocket knife and a couple of shirts. He cut a hole in one of the shirts and started tearing it into wide strips. Ryou then tossed one of the strips to Malik and a third to Yugi. They tied the makeshift bandanas over their mouths and noses, lowering the amount of dust they would inhale.
Three Months Later…
Yugi woke up shaking, trying to shake of the memory of the day that they had been trapped in Atem's tomb. The memory refused to fade. They had gained powers of their own the day that Atem almost managed to beat Yugi in the Ceremonial Duel. Though they recovered from the cave-in quickly, the three hikaris opted to stay behind and practice their newly-discovered powers to get them under control. They were supposed to be here for about a month, but had hit a snag and were stuck here for a little longer.
About month ago, some petty thief cornered Yugi and demanded that he hand over the Puzzle. He refused and everything that happened between that point and a few moments later was a blur to him. Malik told him that the thief was rendered blind just long enough for the police to restrain him. The thief was rambling about bright lights and demonic angels. Yet, Yugi still had no idea of what had happened on his end of the light. Malik had since taken to saying that Yugi had gone Super Nova.
The ancient spirit appeared outside of the Puzzle, "Are you alright, aibou? I felt your stress and know that something's bothering you."
Yugi shrugged, "It's the same dream again, I'll be ok."
"Very well," Atem replied. "Is today not the day that you had planned to spend with Malik and Ryou before we all head back home?"
I'm not so sure that we should be here without letting Ishizu know first, Malik," Yugi pointed out to the Egyptian.
"Yugi's right. We should have let your sister know that we were coming out here," Ryou added.
Malik had dragged Yugi and Ryou to the site that the Tomb-keepers had guarded for generations. He thought that they should be one of the few 'outsiders' that were given the privilege to see the 'Tomb of the Nameless Pharaoh'. They had gotten a few laughs from this, Atem included. He thought it odd that the Tomb-keepers had insisted upon keeping the real name of the pharaoh a secret.
"It's alright," Malik stated. "Ishizu knows that we're out here. She knew before we left the house this morning.."
Yugi pouted, "She's using the Necklace again, isn't she?"
"Yeah," Malik sighed. "We can't sneak out to buy mine and Marik's junk food without her knowing anymore. So long my triple fudge delights, for alas, I know not when I shall enjoy your rich, chocolaty goodness."
Ryou and Yugi cracked up at his 'performance'. Malik looked over at them and grinned, "Thought that was funny? I must admit, I thought that it was too. We're here, so let's go inside and check out Atem's tomb. By the way, anything that he wants, feel free to take. It's his anyways."
As the three young men got out of Malik's jeep, they grabbed some packs and headed into Yami's ancient tomb. Once inside, Atem and Bakura left the Items. "I appreciate your bringing us here, Malik," the ancient Pharaoh said. He turned to Bakura, "Don't touch anything without permission."
Within the past few months, Yugi discovered that he was Yami's partial reincarnation. When he had sacrificed his soul and memories, the ritual left a fraction of himself behind. This was, in a sense, reborn thousands of years later with a body, soul, and personality of its own. This resulted in him. Yugi was 'recreated' to house Atem's spirit once the Millennium Puzzle was completed. Where he was the darker half of their shared soul, Yugi was the lighter half. In time, the two balanced each other out. But despite their experiences, Yugi was still the Light and he the Dark.
Ryou and Bakura are the same way. He was also a 'partial', the innocence that the King of Thieves had long thought buried. When Bakura found this out, he was pretty angry. He locked himself in the Ring for three days. Ryou's depression brought him out around that time. He was upset that his yami had reacted that way. They made up and Bakura vowed to protect Ryou no matter what.
Malik and Marik were actually one person that wound up being split into two by the Millennium Rod. Malik was the original 'Marik'. Atem defeated the darkness that was Marik. It was then that 'Marik', the original one mind you, took on the name of Malik. He didn't want to get confused with his dark side that had tried to sabotage the Battle City Tournament in order to obtain the God cards.
Malik led his friends through the tomb. "I'm not sure if the Pharaoh's body is in here somewhere, but even if it is, we aren't going to go anywhere near it." Malik directed this comment towards Bakura.
Bakura scoffed, "I wouldn't even think of that now, Malik. Besides, I know now that his accursed Uncle was the destroyer of my village. His remains I would set aflame if I ever had the chance."
The group split into three 'teams' and headed to explore the tomb.
They passed a replica throne-room and Atem turned back to check it out. "What is it, Yami," Yugi asked as he followed his other half.
He stopped for a second, "Something's not right. I saw something that was supposed to have been destroyed long ago when my father was still Pharaoh."
They entered the room. Once he was near a table, Atem picked up some strange-looking jewelry, "I suppose that this was the best way to hide something that was forbidden."
Yugi looked at the object. It looked like some metallic glove. It gave the small hikari the creeps. "Can we get rid of it, Yami? It's really creeping me out," he pleaded.
"There are few ways to do that. One way would be to pry out the stone and melt the metal, aibou," the spirit replied as he slipped the thing into Yugi's pack. "I shall oversee that the Tomb-keepers have it properly destroyed when we return."
Yugi nodded as something caught his eye, "Hey Yami, look at this." He held up a medallion with a carving on it so that the ancient Pharaoh could see it.
"I see you've found my Slifer pendent," Atem laughed. "Now all we need to find are Obelisk and Ra to have the complete set. I wonder where they went. I know that they unlock something, but I seem to have forgotten."
Yugi nodded as they left the room. The two explored the tomb for a few hours and then returned to the group for dinner.
Atem had handed the strange jewelry to Ishizu who gave the go ahead to Odion to destroy it. "My lord, Pharaoh," Ishizu began, "At what time were you planning on returning to Domino?"
He looked to Yugi, who answered, "We were planning on being there in time for Grandpa's famous Chocolate chip muffins. So about 6:30 in the morning since we like the smell of them cooking. Grandpa only starts cooking at 7 when there's no school. And it's a Saturday back home. Besides, Monday's the last official day of school and I want to be there to get my diploma."
"So you should be ready to leave now in order to catch your plane," she stated. "Unless you're planning on going by Shadows."
Yugi paled at the thought of flying, "I think we'll go by Shadows. It'll be cheaper and faster. And much safer than a plane."
"Be careful and be safe," she replied. "I shall wake you, Ryou, and my brother at 10:30 tonight. You'll have an hour to wake and prepare for your journey."
Yugi nodded before following his Dark into the kitchen to find something light to eat.
Aibou, it's time to wake," Atem's baritone voice whispered through the darkness. "We need to be prepared to leave within the hour."
Yugi groaned and swatted at the air, "Sleepy, Yami. Five more minutes."
The spirit laughed at his Light's mumbled response, "I guess I'll just have to carry you." Upon receiving no reply, he summoned his Shadows to gently wrap the sleeping young man and lift him from the bed and into his arms. "Too bad that Grandfather's first vision of your return will be with you in your pajamas, aibou."
Yugi cracked his eyes open and he mumbled, "'Kura's sleep-talking and Marik's snores kept me up."
Atem chuckled at this as he sat the still half-asleep youth on the counter of the bathroom sink. "Let's see about waking you up enough to change into some decent clothing. I'm sure that Grandfather would appreciate it better than if we were to shop up on his doorstep with you in your holey pajama bottoms and that stained t-shirt."
Yugi looked down at his old sweats and back at his Dark, "There's nothing wrong with my sweats. The holes in the knees are from the time that we attempted to climb the Pyramid this last winter. And you were the one that spilled the fruit punch on this shirt. These have memories behind them."
"Well, now that you're awake, are you ready to dress so that we can leave," Atem questioned Yugi.
"Yeah," Yugi yawned as the ancient Pharaoh handed him a bundle of clothes. Atem left Yugi to change while he gathered the last of their things.
Once the three Lights were somewhat awake, they gave Ishizu one last hug. "Thank you for allowing us to stay," Yugi stated as he grabbed his backpack. "I, we, are grateful to have you as a friend."
Ishizu nodded, "You and Ryou are always welcomed here. Take care of each other and do not forget to visit now and again."
"Come on Runt," Bakura grumbled. "I want to get going. All your talk about your grandfather's cooking has got me wanting to test it."
Yugi nodded and joined the other five standing together. The Darks summoned the Shadows and stepped into them, holding their respective Light's arm. The Shadows deposited them at a bus stop not far from the Game Shop. Yugi led his fellow hikaris to the back door so that they could enter the kitchen and surprise Solomon the way that Yugi always did upon returning from some random, save-the-world adventure. Once inside, Yugi motioned for his friends to sit at the table. Malik sat in the one that was next to the window, causing Yugi to pout. "That's my chair, Malik," he whispered. Before Malik could say that he didn't see Yugi's name on it, Yugi pointed to an ornate carving, "My dad made that chair for me before I was even born. There are other parts to it, but they're in the attic."
Malik got up and took the chair next to him. They sat there in near-silence, waiting for Solomon to enter the kitchen. When the elderly man finally stepped into the room, he was surprised to see his only remaining family member sitting in his designated chair. "Welcome home, my boy. Malik, Ryou, welcome back."
Yugi and Ryou had to rush to get things together in order to get to school on time despite it being the last day. They were now officially finished with school, that is unless they made up their minds about college. They met up with the others under their usual tree and walked together, talking about what the three hikaris did in Egypt. After meeting up with Malik and spending time with their friends, the three hikaris and Joey headed to the game shop for dinner.
Little did the Lights know that the next few hours would throw them into yet another random, save-the-world adventure, but on a grander scale.
Breaking news. Yugi Mutou and two others are missing. They were last seen at the Kame Game Shop about 9pm last night. There were no signs of forced entry into the building and no evidence of their leaving. If anyone has any information on the missing Duelist and his two friends, please contact xxx-xxxx.-
Jack turned off the television, "Daniel, where'd you say that guy lived again?"
"Here in Domino," the reply came from the small hallway. "He runs a game store according to what Dr. Hawkins told me."
"Aw, yes, the old guy with the over-educated granddaughter," Jack stated.
There was a knock at the door and the third occupant of the room answered it. "Sir, our taxi is waiting for us. The driver says that he can only go so far as the corner of the street where we're headed. Something about the media taking up camp there."
Jack nodded, "Thank you Sam. Danny, you ready yet?"
"Just need to grab my bags and then I'll be set," replied Daniel. "I don't want to leave my books behind."
As the cab pulled to the corner of the street, Jack let out a low whistle at the sight. "That has got to be the biggest crowd of news-media I have ever seen."
"I wonder why they're surrounding that game store," Sam stated.
Jack looked at the store's name and paled, "Daniel, tell me what the name of the game shop was that that man you got your information from."
"It was," Daniel started as he looked through his book, "Kame Game. Why?"
"Because that's the building that's being blocked."
They got out of the car and walked to the shop, going the back way. Once at the door, Daniel knocked. A blonde teenaged boy answered, "If you're here about Yugi, he ain't here."
"Joseph Wheeler," a female voice scolded him, "That is not how you answer the door." A girl with brown hair shoved the teen aside, "Sorry about Joey. When it comes to Yugi, we all get protective about him. So why are you here?"
Daniel answered, "Is there a Dr. Solomon Mutou here? Dr. Arthur Hawkins said that he might be able to help me with some translations."
The girl nodded, "Yes, but he's a bit upset."
She led them into the building and into what looked like a house. "Someone's here to see you," she whispered to an elderly man.
He looked to the group. Jack noticed a lost look to his eyes, it was almost as if he were looking at himself years before when his son passed away. "Please forgive me for asking," Daniel started, "but what's happened?"
"My pals vanished last night," Joey snapped. "I swear that one second Malik had landed on me in the middle of the night and then he, Ryou and Yug vanished into thin air."
Ryou, Malik, and Yugi were huddled into a corner, hiding from their captor. They had woken up earlier than it had expected. When the creature approached, Yugi let loose a small burst of light, momentarily blinding it long enough for them to run.
*Do you think that it's gone?*
{I don't want to risk checking just to find out that that thing's followed us.}
~I agree with Ryou on this one. By the way, Yugi, good use of your Light Magic. Sister would be proud.~
*Thanks, but I have no idea how to control it just yet. That little burst was only because I was frightened and wanted to run. I wish we had the Items on us. Our yamis could handle this situation better.*
~Still, that was awesome!~
{I think we can leave. I saw our captor use some sort of technology to enter the area where we were earlier. I might be able to figure out how to use it.}
*Let's go then. I hate being here. Besides, that thing is really creepy.*
The three teens ran to the room that they had left nearly an hour and a half before. While Ryou tried to figure out the console, Malik and Yugi watched the room in case their kidnapper returned. Moments later they found themselves in the middle of a forest with strange trees.
Mokuba: Where'd Bakura come up with such a lame pun? I know that your name is Jos-*Muffled protests*
Yugi: Perhaps PhantomBrat wants to keep her identity secret.
*Another person appears behind Ryou and Malik*: You got that right.
*Everyone looks at newcomer* YAAAAAAAAAAA! *Runs*
Newcomer: Well, that was fun. Now where'd that girl go? I know she's got some awesome monsters that I want to sic on Baka-ra.
*Marik enters*
Marik: I found PhantomBrat's DARK!
Newcomer: ~.~ Drat.
