Thanks to Time Keeper, Feebeefi, IceBaby911, Masami Mistress of Fire, High Priestess Setha and MarshmellowDragon for reviewing
Time Keeper: Well, I was intending to do so! Heh heh, here's the update! Enjoy!
MarshmellowDragon: Copy and paste the memories? Hee hee, ah well! Anyway, thanks for the review!
Feebeefi: Ok, I'll send one to you then, all you have to do is take care of it and give it a name! Thanks for the review, I'm glad you think so!
IceBaby911: BWHAHAHA! Good luck trying to break Yami away from his aibou! It's damned near impossible, but if you want you can knock him out with my "Invincible Diamond Mallet", it usually works for me!
Masami Mistress of Fire: No problem, hee hee... Anyway here's the update, enjoy!
High Priestess Setha: Hee hee, I'd prefer two little Yugi's. I guess you like Seto, huh? Well anyway, thanks for the review!
Aerith: Disclaimer, disclaimer, who'll do the disclaimer?
Everyone but Bakura: (takes a step back)
Bakura: Huh? HEY! WHY I OUGHTA-
Aerith: YaBa! Good to see you...alive...
Bakura: Will you stop calling me that!
Aerith: Only if you do the disclaimer.
Bakura: Fine, anything to shut her up. The dumb baka over there (points at Aerith) doesn't own YuGiOh...(grins) but she does own the Pharaoh!
Aerith: REALLY? YAMI-CHAN! (glomps Yami)
Yami: Tomb Robber, I swear I'll get you for this!
Aerith: No he won't, thank you YaBa
Bakura: HEY! You said you weren't gonna call me that!
Aerith: When've you known me to tell the truth?
Bakura:...
Chapter 7: Caves of the Heart
A swift breeze swept through the world of Malkuth. The trees of the forest that surrounded the town of Ciunas swayed back and forth rhythmically within the breath of the world.
A few majestic white winged wolves quenched their thirsts from a beautiful sapphire river, whilst a figure wrapped within the shadows of the nearby trees watched with faint interest.
A sigh came from the figure as he walked out from the shade of the mighty tree and towards the river, being regarded curiously by the numerous sets of golden eyes.
One of the wolves walked over to the sorrow burdened Pharaoh and gently nudged his hand with the top of its head, gently brushing it's delicate fur off of Yami's skin.
Yami stared down at the creature with crimson eyes that were slightly red from crying, smiling slightly as the creature stared back with concern in its golden eyes.
He sat down beside the glistening river, the wolf following his example. He stroked the creature's fur as it laid its head on his lap, staring off at the waterfall with pain in his eyes.
For the past week this had been his routine. Sitting beside the river and staring at it, trying to think of a way to bring Yugi back, but as the days passed his hope for finding a way was slowly diminshing.
This same wolf that was currently keeping him company, had stayed with im during the week, trying to console him in whatever way it could.
The wolf gently whined to catch the Pharaoh's attention, staring up at Yami with sympathetic golden orbs.
"It's alright Tenshi, I'll be fine," he replied to the wolf, Tenshi, as he had dubbed it because of it's magnificent white wings.
He would always know Tenshi from the rest of the wolves by the small necklace around its neck. It was a vibrant sapphire stone, embedded in a silver case and held by a black string. Areisa had given it to him a few day after he met Tenshi to help him spot it out of all the wolves.
What am I going to do? I have to find a way to help Yugi. I just have to...
His eyes narrowed slightly upon the river, as if it held the answers but was reluctantly locking them away behind it's aquatic doors.
A lone figure walked gently through the forest, footsteps so light and ghostly that they made no sound as they padded against the ground.
A long white gown hovered slightly above the ground, giving the impression that the person was truly a ghost.
The person eventually reached the river, stopping under the shadows of the trees and watching the Pharaoh and Tenshi sitting on the bank.
The person frowned slightly as they stared at the Pharaoh, the young man sat bathed in both moonlight and shadow as if the two were battling to consume him: The Hope of Light and The Despair of Darkness.
Areisa sighed as she walked over to Yami, stopping directly behind him.
Yami blinked as he seen the approaching shadow and twisted his head around to meet the calm silver eyes of Areisa.
"I'm not giving up Areisa," he told her calmly turning his gaze back to the water. "I'll find a way to save Yugi and no one can stop me."
Her eyes narrowed slightly in determination as she walked over and stood by his side. Yami stared at her reflection and marvelled at her.
Her soft aqua blue and snow white hair fluttered gently in the breeze above her long silk dress. A small smile rested clearly on her features outshined only by her enchanting silver eyes.
She seemed so wise yet also so kind and caring, like within her caring demeanour lay a steely resolve and strong will. She reminded him slightly of himself as Pharaoh.
"Yugi means a lot to you, doesn't he Pharaoh?" she asked him, already knowing the answer deep within her heart.
Yami sighed deeply. Normally if someone said that to him, he would be shocked and stare at the person with accusingly wide eyes, or if it was the Tomb Robber or the High Priest, he would've glared intensely upon them, but Areisa was different.
She gave off a calm and knowing ambience that greatly intrigued yet perplexed him all at once, like within her mind she held a book of knowledge about each person that she could open at anytime.
"He does, more than you could ever know Areisa, I love him," he replied, a faint blush creeping on his features.
She smiled knowingly, before her eyes narrowed in worry. "Yami..."
His head twisted around again to stare at her as she called his name softly.
"I know of a way you may perhaps save Yugi."
Crimson eyes widened considerably at this as he nearly yelled, "What!"
Tenshi moved to one side and stared at the two as Yami shot up to face her. The creature tilted its head in confusion before padding over to Yami's side again.
"How can I save Yugi!" he asked impatiently, which Areisa noted with an inward smile.
"Pharaoh, there is a place on the far side of the castle known as the Caves of Aralos, if you enter there you will be administered a test. Should you pass this test, you will be granted new powers and abilities."
"Really? And that will help me save Yugi!" Yami asked, excitement building within him as he thought of bringing back Yugi.
"Perhaps," Yami's face fell slightly at this. "To this day, no mere mortal has entered the Caves and left with their life, and even if you are granted this power there is no way of telling if Yugi can be brought back at this stage or even if you are able to defeat him. The odds are against you," she spoke, voice becoming slightly downcast.
"I don't care! If there is even the slightest chance that I can save my aibou, then I'll take it without a second thought!" he exclaimed causing the older woman to smile in response.
"I should've known, I was considering telling you through the days that have past and I'm glad I chose to tell you. Now please proceed to the palace Pharaoh, arrangements need to be made."
Yami nodded in glee as he climbed atop the equally excited Tenshi. Tenshi howled joyfully in response before taking off into the air and towards the palace.
Areisa allowed a soft smile to cross her features at the sense of hope the Pharaoh held for his hikari but she also held a great sense of uncertainty because there was no telling if this would even work.
Shaking her head, she walked back into the forest and headed towards the palace.
Areisa entered the palace swiftly, brushing past the others to stand before her magnificent throne.
The six stood before her, each holding looks of determination and anxiety.
"As I am sure Yami has informed you all by now, I have discovered a way that you might be able to help your friend Yugi and that is the Caves of Aralos." She spoke seriously as the others nodded in response.
"Now I must warn you, no mortal has ever entered the Caves and survived, I'm giving you the chance to stand down now if you wish,"
Bakura stepped forward at this, smirking as he said, "And give the Pharaoh something else to gloat about? I think not! We're in!"
The others agreed with this, which caused Yami's resolve to strengthen and a smile to break through his prevously depressed features.
Areisa smiled softly at them as she turned around and waved a glowing hand towards the back of her throne.
The veils that covered the wall lifted back and a large symbol encased, metal door was revealled. The door suddenly split in a lightning shaped pattern and opened up to reveal a light purple vortex.
"This portal shall take you directly thorugh to the caves, be careful and come back safely," Areisa told them as she stepped aside, allowing the five warriors to enter.
Yokan and Areisa watched anxiously as each of the five disappeared in the portal before the door closed behind them, not to open again until they completed their task.
"Do you think they'll make it, Lady Areisa?" Yokan asked, walking to the bottom of the now green crystal steps and staring at her with rare concern in his emerald eyes.
"They have to, it may be our only chance," she whispered forlornly as she sat down on her throne to await their return.
Blood red eyes widened in shock as their owner clasped his chest tightly, teeth clenched in fury.
Two pairs of eyes, one gold, one crimson specked violet, stared upon their master in concern.
Takai growled in rage causing Tempest and Yugi to shrink back slightly in fear, they knew what their master was like when he was angry, it definetly wasn't a pretty site and they had the scars to prove it.
But then the Dark Master did something that surprised them both greatly, he laughed.
"Looks like things shall be more interesting than I first imagined," he told his most loyal followers with a smirk.
"Master Takai, forgive me for asking but, why is that?" Yugi asked unsurely, tilting his head slightly to one side in confusion.
Takai locked eyes with Yugi's and smirked again, "It is alright Kaze, though it seems that the Pharaoh is coming back soon."
Crimson specked violet narrowed in anger, "When!" he almost growled, causing Takai to narrow his eyes in satisfaction.
"As soon as he exits the Caves of Aralos."
Yugi's eyes widened, this time in fear, "Aralos!"
Tempest's eyes widened also as she clenched her tists tightly, almost shouting at Takai, "Master Takai how can we hope to defeat them, if they are infused with such power?"
"We can defeat them Tempest, Aralos are not, they still won't be able to defeat us." The cold yet certain voice of Ashi spoke as Sakura nodded her head beside him.
Tempest seemed to accept this answer and Takai changed his gaze from the three of them to Yugi, who seemed to be unnaturally calm at this change of events.
"And how do you feel about this Kaze?" Takai asked calmly, though he was pleasantly surprised as Yugi lifted his head and locked eyes again with his master. Yugi's eyes darkened and a smirk crossed his features as the light in the crystal earring he wore seemed to dim.
"It doesn't matter, he can go back into the Caves a thousand times and it'll make no difference, I will defeat him." With that confident proclaimation, Yugi left the group to their own thoughts as he prepared for battle.
He didn't notice Tempest watching him leave with anxious gold eyes. I hope you're right Kaze...
And with that, I end the chapter!
A bit of symbolism in this chapter for anyone who cares:
The Sapphire Stone: It's blue coloring symbolises a sense of understanding and concern so it was a perfect choice for the sympathetic "Tenshi"
The Green Crystal Steps: Green is the color of hope, the hope that Yami and the others have of rescueing Yugi and defeating Takai
The Light in Yugi's Crystal Earring: Kind of obvious but for anyone who doesn't know, it symbolises the light that once shone in Yugi's heart but is now consumed by shadow. It doesn't signify that he can still be saved though merely that he used to be a being of light.
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