Woo. Two chapters! Fair warning: I was half asleep when I finished these chapters, so if something is wrong, please let me know.
With a scowl, Seto snatched his phone from his pocket and proceeded to call the King of Games. "I can't believe we're entertaining this," he muttered.
Sometimes we're forced to do things we believe are foolish for the greater good, Set supplied. Those are usually the better decisions we make.
Yuugi paced as quietly as he could while Mana and Marik worked. Sugoroku had tried to calm the boy, but it was fruitless, and eventually the older man sat down and watched. It had been close to an hour since Yuugi had called Seto, and there had been no word from the young CEO as to their progress with Akefia. Meanwhile, Mana and Marik were still working, and Yuugi was beginning to doubt Mana remembered the spell as well as she claimed.
"Done!" Marik exclaimed, smiling.
"You are?" Yuugi asked, excited smile spreading across his face.
Yes! Mana grinned. Pharaoh should be here in no time!
As if her words were the trigger, Yuugi's spine became rigid as he felt the pressure of a soul so powerful, it could only belong to one being.
"Atem."
Just as Yuugi turned to run out of the tomb, his cellphone rang, stopping him. With a sigh, the teen picked up the call.
"Seto?"
"So, I'm Seto now?" the other side replied.
"Ah! S-Sorry, Kaiba kun, I—"
"Forget about it. I don't care about propriety at this point. I'm calling because we have a small problem and we want to make sure you're okay with it. For the record, I'm against it."
"Would you just shut up and tell him already, money bags!" Yuugi heard Jou's disgruntled voice yell.
"Fine! Listen, Yuugi…Akefia is willing to tell us where the Book is…"
"That's great!" Yuugi smiled.
"But he wants us to do something for him in return."
Yuugi frowned. Of course, it was never easy for them. "What does he want?"
There was muttering on the other side of the phone for a bit, further confusing Yuugi. Finally, after what sounded like a small argument, Seto sighed.
"I'm putting us on speaker phone. He wants to talk to you."
Yuugi's eyes widened—only to widen more when the Thief King himself addressed Yuugi.
"Mutou Yuugi?" his deceptively light, collected voice asked.
Yuugi swallowed. He never quite got over how similar Ryou's and Akefia's voices were. For such a dangerous, insane man, it always seemed to Yuugi that Akefia's voice should be deeper than it was. Without all the madness and malice behind his words, Akefia's voice could actually be pleasant.
"Thief King?" he replied.
"My name is Akefia."
"I thought your name was Bakura, also," Yuugi muttered, aware that he was stalling.
It seemed Akefia was in a mood to indulge the younger duelist. "It was the name I chose in the Millennium World. I did not want you to know my real name."
"Why not?"
"That person, 'Akefia,' had been dead for a long time. He'd been dead since Kul Elna. I didn't want to be that child anymore."
"And now?"
"And now Akefia wants to live. Do you wish to keep stalling, Mutou Yuugi?"
Yuugi winced. "N-No. What did you want from us?"
"I just told you. I want to live."
Yuugi's eyes bulged in understanding. Akefia wanted to come back to life—like Atem. But would it be possible? Did Akefia also have a body waiting for his ankh? Where was his tomb? His Book of the Dead? Would they be able to bring back two people when they were struggling with one?
"Don't fret so much," Akefia snorted. "I can hear the synapses in your brain firing from here. I don't ask that you do—only that you try. I promise to reveal where the Pharaoh's real Book is in return for your word."
"You're going to take me at my word?" Yuugi asked skeptically.
"Your word is better than mine," the thief admitted, "And what other choice do I have but to trust you?"
Yuugi frowned sadly. Akefia sounded so…resigned; he resembled nothing of the cocky, dangerous man Yuugi had battled for so long. He sounded like he fully expected Yuugi to betray him. Mouth set in a determined line, Yuugi decided it was time someone show Akefia kindness and understanding.
"Ryou kun, can you hear me?"
"I can, Yuugi kun."
"Are you okay with this? With Akefia coming back?"
There was a pregnant pause, and then, "Yes. I want to help him."
Yuugi smiled. He wasn't the only one who wanted to give Akefia another chance, it seemed. "Then I give you my word, Thief King Akefia, that I will do my best to bring you back with Atem."
A surprised silence followed—ignoring Seto's growling admonitions—but it seemed the thief had collected himself enough to respond finally.
"I…Yes. Well. I…thank…Anyway, I should tell you where the Pharaoh's Book is. We've wasted enough time."
Yuugi chuckled. He could wait for that "thank you."
Isis' eyes snapped open once the pressure in the room magnified by a hundred fold. Smiling, she looked up at the regal form Pharaoh Atem. He smirked back in reply.
I apologize, Isis san, Atem chuckled. It seems I was a bit lost on the way. I assume my Book has been found?
"Not that I know of, Pharaoh," she replied. "I believe Mana may have helped in this instance. I would not suggest attempting to return to the other world until your Book is properly secured."
Atem inclined his head. A wise suggestion, and one I intend to follow, as always.
Priestess Isis scoffed. As always? Where was this willingness to listen when I was advising you?
Atem conveniently looked away, to the corporeal Isis' amusement.
"Much as I enjoy this, I would prefer this conversation with a living Pharaoh," she interrupted gently.
Atem nodded. You're right. I'll get straight to it, then. You need the Millennium Spellbook in order to restore my body.
Isis gasped. "The Spellbook?! That accursed tome?"
I'm afraid so, Atem's face was grim. Using the Millennium items and the Spellbook, I believe I've found a way to bring my body back and to restore my ankh to my body without the use of a sacrifice, as would be usually needed.
Isis' brow furrowed. "But a sacrifice is always needed—the gods demand balance."
And they shall have it. But it will be a sacrifice made long ago. Atem replied.
The Priestess Isis and her reincarnation gasped simultaneously at Atem's implications.
"Orisis help us," Isis whispered.
A quiet chirping sound disturbed the heavy silence; Isis grimaced, taking the small cellphone out of her purse and flipping it open.
"Hello?"
"Isis san!" Yuugi's voice was happy. "I have so much to tell you."
"Please, tell me everything," she replied.
With a sound of agreement, Yuugi proceeded to tell Isis about the lost tome; Akefia's reappearance; Mana's assistance; Akefia's help in finding the Book; and finally, Yuugi reported that the Book of the Dead—a thick scroll—was safely back in Atem's tomb. Jou, Seto, and Ryou had joined Yuugi and company in the tomb, where the ka of Atem's friends waited patiently for further orders from their king.
"I see. So, they have brought with them the Millennium items?" she asked once Yuugi finished.
"Yes. All seven of them are here with me. Akefia is here also, though obviously in ka form. I—is there a way to help him?"
"Does he have a tomb?" she asked.
A small murmur, then Yuugi replied. "Yes. It's not like Atem's—he doesn't have a ka statue, but he does have a Book of the Dead, a Book of Going Forth by Day, and a mummy to return to. It seems his statue was ruined."
Atem's eyes narrowed. Akefia? As in, the Thief King? He is with my aibou?
"Peace, Pharaoh," Isis replied. "From what I'm understanding, Thief King Akefia is quite subdued."
I believe I shall see this for myself. The monarch replied, wisping away towards his tomb. Priestess Isis shrugged; the ghostly woman decided she would be of more use to her reincarnation than to her possessive king.
Isis rolled her eyes, returning to her conversation with Yuugi. "I believe with Mahado, Shimon, Set, and my past self helping, we can create a quick statue for him. Marik should have the tools with him."
Priestess Isis nodded. It is possible and it shall be done. The Priestess frowned. However, being in this world is exhausting. As we have crossed worlds, our strength depletes more quickly.
"And Akefia?" Isis asked.
I believe we have enough energy to guide you in the making of his ka statue; this way, his ka and ba may rest. After that, we will retreat and begin afresh tomorrow.
"I agree. After we've located Akefia's tomb and we recreate his ka statue, I believe we should retire and continue in the morning. It is already evening, Yuugi kun."
"Good idea," Yuugi yawned. "I'll go meet Anzu chan and Otogi kun outside and let them know."
Isis smiled, "I'll meet you soon so we can go to Akefia's tomb."
Priestess Isis smiled as well. The strange things that happen when Pharaoh is involved…
Her counterpart laughed. "I believe we owe this strangeness to Mutou Yuugi, this time."
Yuugi grinned as he shut his phone, then looked to his companions—specifically, the transparent, white-haired thief. "Isis and the Priestess are on their way. We'll head back over to Kul Elna, work on your ka statue, and call it a day."
The stoic ka nodded back, every line of his hazy body taut with tension.
"I can't believe we're seriously doing this," Marik groaned. "I can't believe we're trusting this guy after everything he's put us through!"
A deep voice chuckled and all heads turned to the Pharaoh, who casually leaned against his coffin beside Akefia. I can believe it, the Pharaoh smirked. It has Yuugi's name written all over it.
Yuugi smiled nervously as the two former enemies sized each other up. On the bright side, there was a noted lack of animosity; if anything, they merely seemed like two very dangerous, very territorial wildcats who were curious about each other. But they're still very dangerous and very territorial, Yuugi thought to himself. Finally, after many tense minutes, Pharaoh and Thief nodded to each other, seemingly in good faith.
"Did we just get through this without either of those guys killin' each other?" Jou asked incredulously.
I don't sense the evil that was once in your heart, Atem crossed his arms.
I recognize that neither you, nor your father, were responsible for the death of my people. Akefia replied calmly. I…should not have reacted the way I did.
Atem frowned, and Yuugi noticed Atem's hands forming ever-tightening fists as the Pharaoh grew more uncomfortable. I understand that you were under the influence of the vengeful spirits of the people of Kul Elna.
I…am grateful for your understanding, the Thief King replied through gritted teeth.
Atem's eye began to twitch. I am g-glad that you have reformed.
Seto raised a brow. "I can just feel the love. Don't get too affectionate, or I'll start to wonder who you're in love with."
Atem's face noticeably flushed and Akefia promptly moved away from the Pharaoh to stand beside his former host body.
"Is there any reason you two are still so hostile to each other?" Anzu asked, arms akimbo in displeasure.
It is not in my nature to reveal so much, the Thief King muttered. But it was, unfortunately, something that had to be said.
And it is difficult for me to overcome years of anger and resentment. Atem sighed. But I see that Akefia is making a real effort and it would make aibou happy.
"Basically, they're mad they had to set aside their superiority complexes so they could talk out their feelings," Jou snickered.
"Rarer things are known to occur," a soft female voice replied; the others turned to regard Isis and her counterpart as they made themselves known to the tomb. "What an odd gathering we make."
"Considering our line of work, these gatherings should be expected," Rishid muttered, deadpan, as he followed closely behind Isis.
"What took so long?" Seto asked rudely. Isis graciously ignored his temper.
"Before we left, we thought it prudent to pray to Atum and Osiris as well," the brunette replied. She turned to her counterpart.
Atum has granted us a full week without interruption from Anubis, the Priestess continued. I had a vision. If we do not complete our task in that week, Pharaoh Atem will be forced to join the gods following his judgment.
Atem frowned. How do they know I will pass judgment for sure?
Otogi rolled his eyes. "You sort of gave up your life to save the world—twice."
"Now, do you mean a full business week, or…?" Seto trailed off. When the others stared at him curiously, he scowled back. "Better to know than to be caught off guard, thinking we have more time than we really do."
It is a valid point. Priestess Isis conceded. We have a full Egyptian week. That means we have ten days.
"Good!" Yuugi cheered. "We can totally do this in ten days! We've already got everything we need, right?"
Not quite, aibou. Now that we have the items, we need the Millennium Spellbook and the new and old holders of the Millennium items. Atem replied.
"Wait, what?" Yuugi's good mood immediately deteriorated. "But, we don't have contact with Pegasus. And Shadi is gone! What are we going to do?"
Don't fret, Master Mutou, Mahado smiled confidently. The items recognize when their former holders are no longer of this world or are no longer worthy. There are new holders of the Millennium items and they will become clear in time. When the items feel that the holder truly needs the item, the item will beckon them.
"But we only have ten days! And we also have to find the Spellbook!" Yuugi cried.
"Yuugi!" Anzu smiled, patting his shoulders. "Calm down! You have all of us! And we know at least three of the holders right now!"
Breathing deeply, Yuugi smiled shakily at his oldest friend. "Y-You're right."
"And, as we've done today, we can go our separate ways and rejoin once we've obtained the other items we are missing," Rishid supplied. "Priestess Isis, have you had any more visions that may aid us in our endeavors?"
The Priestess' eyes began to glow, a Millennium necklace appearing around her slender neck; in response, the solid Millennium necklace laid out on the floor began to glow as well.
The Puzzle belongs to the one true King; the Eye sees she who is blind; the Ring craves kindness; the Scale knows only those who suffer; the Key offers itself to those who grow wise; the Rod demands ancient knowledge; the Necklace desires one who can see; the Spellbook must be wielded by the heir; the Feather by someone loyal.
The glow faded and the Priestess collapsed to the floor, her incorporeal body fading.
I believe I have used all I have for that vision. I should return to my ka statues before I exhaust myself completely. Mahado, may I trust Akefia's ka statues to you?
Mahado nodded and, with a smile, the Priestess disappeared.
"Where did she go?" Anzu gasped.
"Back to her ka statue," Yuugi replied. It's where the ka goes to rest so it doesn't have to wander around forever. Speaking of, let's go to Kul Elna. It's already almost midnight."
"Before we do," Marik said, looking at the floor where the Millennium items were laid, "we should probably sort out what we do know about who owns what."
Isis smiled and retrieved her Necklace. "I am the one who can see."
"I am the one with ancient knowledge," Marik declared, taking the Rod with a grimace.
Yuugi blinked, unaware if stating who they were was part of a ritual, but unwilling to break the cycle. With a small gulp, the teen walked over to the items and picked the Millennium Puzzle. Just as it did long ago, it felt comforting in his hands. Slipping the chain easily over his head, Yuugi smiled straight at the Pharaoh.
"I am the one true King."
Yuugi glanced over at a pale Ryou and nodded at him; the white-haired boy took a deep breath and nodded back. Slowly, Ryou collected the Millennium Ring and put it on his neck, as well. "I can offer kindness."
Ryou smiled towards Akefia and, though it was probably a figment of his imagination, Ryou imagined that the stony look in Akefia's eyes softened just slightly.
"Now we just need to figure out who gets the Eye, the Scale, the Key, the Spellbook, and the Feather," Jou grinned, then titled his head in bemusement. "Wait…Feather?"
Isis nodded, cradling her long-beloved Necklace. "The Feather of Ma'at. It is used in the judging of souls and is usually used in conjunction with the Scale. The Spellbook and Feather are not exactly Millennium items."
"Then what are they and why do we need them?" Seto's brow furrowed.
The Spellbook created the Millennium items, Shimon spoke quietly. The Scale does not work if you have nothing to judge someone's heart against—thus, the Feather.
"That's one tough test," Jou muttered.
"And it's been one long night," Yuugi groaned. "Let's go back to Kul Elna already."
I agree, Akefia sighed. It has been years since I've had something to go back to.
Mana smiled, elbowing the Thief King gently while magnanimously ignoring his scowl. Then let's hurry with that ka statue and get some rest! I feel like we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.
"But Honda!" Mokuba cried as Honda shoved him into Shizuka's house. "I wanna be with Seto!"
"Trust me, Mokuba," Honda groused. "You'll be doing Kaiba a huge favor by staying out of the fray, for once. He needs to concentrate and he won't be able to, knowing that you're in danger. Just this once, listen to us. Shizuka chan will take good care of you."
Shizuka smiled in response. "We can cheer them on from here, Mokuba kun. I miss my big brother also, and I really want to help, but I know I can do more here."
Mokuba pouted but acquiesced.
"Thank you, Shizuka chan." Honda grinned, "I know what Kaiba said, but I think Mokuba will be fine with you. I think the gang needs me back there, and there's no way I'm waiting this one out."
Shizuka tilted her head. "How did you guys get here so fast, anyway? You said your flight was only six hours. That's half the normal time."
Honda rolled his eyes. "You would not believe the money Kaiba puts into his jets. Either way, I better hurry back. I need to find a ride and hope I can con Kaiba's cronies into flying me back."
Shizuka nodded. "Go. And take care of onii chan for me."
Honda smiled, patting her shoulder, then ran off in the direction of Kaiba Corp. The unseasonable rain wasn't making things easier, Honda sneered to himself. Finally, at the last crosswalk before Kaiba Corp, the unmistakable squeal of wheels—of a car slamming on its breaks—shocked Honda into following instinct and dodging to the side.
Groaning, Honda picked himself up. Quick to glare at the purple convertible that nearly killed him, Honda opened his mouth to give the driver the most hateful speech he could imagine.
And then the window rolled down.
"Kujaku Mai?"
Mai, in reply, winked. "You look like you could use a lift."
Honda sighed in relief and jumped in. "It's good to see you, Kujaku san. How are you?"
Mai shrugged. "Looking for something to do. Why were you running through the streets like a maniac?"
As concisely as possible, Honda did his best to explain the situation to Mai. For a few moments, Mai sat in her seat, dumbfounded. Even as the light changed to green and drivers began beeping at her to move, Mai kept staring forward. After a long, awkward silence, Mai finally sighed.
"And I suppose you're on your way back?"
Honda nodded.
Mai gave him a small, determined smile. "Take me with you."
