We sat in Yugi's room attempting to play a game, but I could tell that Yugi's mind was somewhere else, he had been like this all day, and I had a feeling I knew what he was thinking about. That man, Shadi, the one who we had met in the museum yesterday and the one that knew about the 'Other Yugi.' I frowned and placed down the cards in my hand as I saw his focus leave again. We were actually just playing a simple game of cards, nothing complicated, so seeing him distracted was obvious. He looked at the puzzle for a while and that made me know for sure. Yugi was upset, confused, and didn't know about 'Other Yugi' at all.
I, on the other hand, thought about what else Shadi had said. There is one more man to judge. The other man who intruded upon the land of the gods. What could he mean by that? Had Shadi done something? What did this 'judging' mean? Suddenly I looked up hearing Yugi make a noise.
"Ow, my head hurts. Enough thinking!" He said then blinked and chuckle to me. "Sorry Maria-chan, it's just-" I held up my hand an nodded to him.
"I know." I signed seeing him smile to me.
"Yugi! Maria-chan! It's awful! On the news!" Yugi's Grandpa yelled startling us.
"EH!?" Yugi made a noise as we both quickly followed the older man to the table downstairs where the tv was on.
It was awful.. ..
On the news the reporter was talking about how the museum curator's dead body had been found in his office. The cause of his death had apparently been shock, enough to make his heart burst. However according to the coroner's report it said that this was a very unusual way to die . . . and . . .
"Could this be the 'Curse of the Pharaoh's Tomb?' The reporter had ended with that line while a picture of Kanekura's dead body at his desk was on the screen. It sent an uncomfortable up my spin as I turned my head not really wanting to look at it anymore. I wasn't good at seeing dead bodies anymore. People can say what they want, but there is a difference seeing a dead body on tv and seeing one in real life.
"We just met him yesterday, and now he's gone . . ." Yugi's Grandpa said sadly while we sat there.
"Grandpa, you don't think it's a curse, do you?" Yugi was still watching the screen when he asked the question.
"Well . . . they said the same thing when people related to the opening of Tutankhamen's tomb started dying mysteriously back then, saying something like that would draw attention, but in this case, everyone has already thought of it! I don't know the truth, but what I'm worried about is the other . . . the second person to enter the tomb, Professor Yoshimori!" He answered making my eyes widen and the same look came from Yugi. We must have been thinking the same thing.
"Well of course, he doesn't believe in a curse. So what if someone on his team dies!? He'll keep going. Yugi, I'm going to visit his office and encourage him." Mr. Motou continued making me smile.
"Grandpa, can I go too?" Yugi asked him. I looked to Yugi's Grandpa and he seemed anxious before answering.
"Oh . . . sure let's go!" He said then looked to me. "Maria-chan will you be alright to-" I held up my hand to stop him.
"I'm going too." I signed and this time Yugi seemed a bit worried.
"Maria-chan you don't have to come too." He said but I simply shook my head. I was worried about if the professor was the other person Shadi was talking about. This could be dangerous and I didn't want Yugi going alone, well even if 'Other Yugi' was there. We all stood from the table and Mr. Motou went and got his coat then we headed out only to pause when Jounouchi and Anzu showed up.
"Yo, Yugi!" Jounouchi said as he waved.
"Hey Maria." Anzu smiled to me.
"Ah, Anzu, Jounouchi-kun." Yugi said while I simply waved to them.
"We heard about the curator on the news!" Jounouchi said.
"And we just met him! I was so shocked." Anzu added.
"We were going to go comfort the professor!" Yugi told them quickly. "He'll know all about this."
"We'll come too." Anzu said as she stood next to Yugi. I smiled at the two then heard Yugi's Grandfather.
"Hoho well then, let's go."
"This whole thing smells like a curse." Jounouchi said making me roll my eyes. This guy . . . puts on a brave face but in the end is scared of things just like everyone else. I smiled looking to him shaking my head.
"Anzu, Jounouchi-kun, Maria-chan." Yugi started making the three of us turn to look at him. "Maybe you three shouldn't go. I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Eh?" The two others said while we all looked at him confused for a moment.
"It's okay, Yugi!" Anzu said happily. "Jounouchi worries about a curse, but he knows that it's not real!"
"Not scared at all!" Jounouchi cheered. "I owe Professor Yoshimori for showing us around the museum. I'm just as worried about him as you are. Besides, he's a nice guy." Jounouchi said then Yugi turned to me.
"I'm worried about him for the same reason you are. You aren't doing this alone." I signed seeing him smile.
"Y-yeah! That's true. Sorry for saying something weird." He said then we continued on our way to the museum. We were walking for a bit just simply chatting about different things when we turned a corner and came to a very large building that had a plaque on the wall saying 'Domino University'.
"Here we are!" Yugi's Grandpa said while we headed to the doors.
"The sky is already so dark." Anzu mentioned while I nodded to her looking up. It had gotten late from how long we were walking. We entered the building and headed down a few halls and up some stairs trying to find his office.
"I hate the feeling of a school at night!" Jounouchi said clearly uncomfortable.
"Really Jounouchi, you're such a coward." Anzu huffed placing her hands on her hips in frustration. A few moments later we found a sign above a door that read. 'Archeology Professor's office'.
"Creepy." I heard Jounouchi say. I looked over to him seeing him looking at a skull in a cabinet.
"Jounouchi. If you look like that when we meet the professor you'll only depress him more!" Anzu yelled to him.
"Yeah! He must already feel bad about the curator's death." Yugi spoke up making Jounouchi turn to them.
"Okay I get it!" He yelled then smiled brightly. "Let's go cheer him up!"
"The professor and I can share a drink." Mr. Motou said while holding up a bottle.
"And don't mention the museum." Yugi said while he and Jounouchi opened the door.
"Hey there! Professor Yoshimori! Sorry to bother you!" They all yelled as we walked into the room.
"Professor sorry to show up so late." Mr. Motou apologized. The professor turned around slowly to look at us. The moment he did a shiver ran up my spine. Something was wrong.
"Oh, I'm so glad you came! Now, come in come in! Come in, come in!" He told us walking closer.
"Glad to be here!" Jounouchi answered.
"I've been waiting for you all." The professor said then started to chuckle.
"Wow you're pretty cheerful." Jounouchi started. "We brought some souvenirs! Look from when you showed us around the museum." I blinked at him and smacked my forehead. Oh Jounouchi . . .
"Moron! You already screwed up!?" Anzu yelled at him while the others just looked at him.
"Yes, yes the museum. Sadly, I killed him . . the curator!" The Professor said turning to look at us with a sadistic odd look on his face. Yeah, something was really wrong.
"Hey . . . He's acting weird . . ." Jounouchi said sounding shocked and confused.
"Professor Yoshimori! What's wrong?!" Yugi's Grandpa said concerned for his friend.
"Nothing is wrong. I was just waiting . . . waiting for Yugi-kun!" He said chuckling darkly again. I glared slightly. Shadi . . . you have to be behind this. I was pulled out of my thoughts when the professor charged at us and started to strangle Jounouchi!
"Jounouchi-kun!" Yugi yelled while Anzu and I looked on in silent horror. What was happening?
"I want to meet the other Yugi." The professor said making my glare return. This was Shadi's doing. I turned as my eyes widened seeing Shadi standing behind us! Just watching?!
"Please excuse the impoliteness of my puppet." He said calmly while Jounouchi choked trying to get air into his lungs.
"Jounouchi-kun! Shadi, what have you done to him!?" Yugi yelled to the man trying to pull the professor away from Jounouchi.
"If my theory is correct . . . I will soon meet him. The Other Yugi-kun!" Shadi said making me glare even harder at him. I always hated judging others, but this was just wrong! We were all trying to get the professor off of Jounouchi.
"The professor actually wants to kill Jounouchi!" Anzu shouted pulling his arm.
"Professor Yoshimori! What's wrong with you?" Mr. Motou yelled. I pulled on the professors arm but he shifted making me stumble back and falled causing me to cringe when my back hit a book shelf. "His grip is too strong! His arms are like iron!"
Yugi looked frantic as the others continued to try and pull the Professor off of Jounouchi as I tried to stand back up. I looked up seeing Anzu run over and pick up a globe and then turn with a determined look on her face.
"Professor! Please forgive me!" She yelled as she slammed the globe into the man's head sending him flying back and knocking out three of his teeth. I blinked and then smile to Anzu standing fully once again rubbing my back.
"GAAH GAAAH!" Jounouchi gasped in air trying to fill his lungs again.
"Good job, Anzu!" Yugi cheered smiling to her. I gave her a thumbs up but froze feeling something odd happening, and then suddenly I couldn't feel anything. It was like everything was a silent movie for a moment and in slow motion. The others were talking to each other about Anzu's brave deed. Then it went black.
Shadi
It seems that one professor along cannot do the job. I moved and saw the silent girl that had been with Yugi-kun when I had met him at the museum. She was away from the others and not in their view at the moment. I moved the Millennium Key and placed in on the girls forehead and moved into her mind's room.
I stood in the room and took a look around. The room was very dark and the only light was that of a fire in the far corner. The walls were cracked frames with pictures of others in them. I sensed a great amount of pain in this room. There were musical instruments tossed on the floor forgotten and in the center of the room was an old microphone that had cobwebs covering it. The floor was covered in grass and cobblestones leading to a well in the other far corner. She has many wishes in her life. There was a spiral staircase that had the steps missing. She does not feel that she can move up from where she is right now.
There is great pain and sadness, but I sense a kind heart and a calming spirit. It is a shame that she must be used for my plan.
I blinked when there was a bright flicker in the corner by the fire. It flickered again but this time brighter and I was stunned by what was happening to the room. When the fire flickered brightly enough the frames and everything would look new and well cared for, but when the fire would dim they would return to the way I had first glance, all but the microphone and a far corner. It was covered from my view by a cloth of some kind. I went to travel closer to look but something held me back. A warning? I looked around the room and frowned.
She is haunted by a pain that has been thrust on her yet the flame shows that it is healing. This girl is willful and kind, can I bring myself to remodel this room? At the very least, I will not make her into a pathetic zombie like the professor. She will instead become a lovely puppet with no memories. A Silent puppet.
I left the girls mind's room and sent her where I needed her. Her friends were busy with praising the other female, I would be able to use her too.
Anzu
I put the globe down feeling a bit bad for knocking out the professors teeth, but it needed to be done! A moment later the professor stood back up and was heading right for us again!
"He's still acing crazy!" Yugi yelled.
"He's a zombie!" Jounouchi actually looked terrified. "Everyone scatter!" He yelled as we all ran around the room trying to avoid the professor.
"Be careful everyone!" I yelled not wanting anyone else to be hurt. I gasped hearing something behind me but before I could turn to look everything went black.
Shadi
This is her 'mind's room'? I thought looking at the brightly lit room. It held plants and the sky was bright with a fake sun that was smiling. It was very different from the other females.
This room is walled by mirrors, like a dance studio. I can see myself reflected in them. Only a very confident person would line their room with mirrors! She is very sure of herself. Her dream. I looked at a picture that held the Statue of Liberty on it. I glance around once more seeing a photo. A photograph of a faceless man? I have no idea what that means. ((A/N: We interrupt this story to point out Shadi's inability to understand women.)) This girl is amiable and innocent . . . to remodel two rooms like this would be a pathetic thing to do . . . but I must force that boy into action. She will also become a silent puppet, for now.
Yugi
We all continued to move about the room avoiding the professor. He was currently over by Grandpa and Jounouchi-kun.
"He's coming this way!" Jounouchi yelled avoiding the professor once again.
"What's wrong with you!? Don't you know who I am?! We're friends!" Grandpa yelled looking right at the professor.
"Hey, Gramps! It's useless! You'll just get hurt!" Jounouchi-kun yelled trying to get Grandpa out of the way. I watched in horror as the professor punched Grandpa sending him back into a bookshelf with enough force to knock him unconscious.
"Grandpa!" I yelled moving over to where he was. "Run Jounouchi!" The professor was heading right for him.
"Hey, Brid-brain! Yeah, you, the dumb professor! If it makes you mad, Bit me! Moron!" I stared seeing Jounouchi trying to draw the professor attention by making rude gestures and insulting him. When the professor started to chase him he ran out of the room yelling so the professor would follow him.
"Jounouchi-kun!" I scream moving out the door to see where he was going. I was about to run after him when I heard Shadi.
"You have a good friend. Without pause, he decided to save you, possibly at the cost of his own life." I heard spinning around.
"Shadi!" I said looking at him surprised.
"And here. . ." My eyes widened in shock as Anzu stood next to him but her look was wrong. What was going on? ANZU!
"What have you done to her!?" I asked horrified.
"I did a little remodeling in her 'Mind's Room'. This girl is now a puppet with no voice, and no memories. She cannot even move, unless I will it!" He said making me gasp in shock. "Yes, boy! Let your body shake with rage . . . or tremble with sorrow! AND AWAKEN HIM! THE OTHER YUGI!" Shadi shouted at me. I was really confused. He kept talking about this other me. What other me? How can I save Anzu?My teeth gritted together and I looked at him. I didn't know what he wanted, but I had to save Anzu!
"Hmmm . . . it seems that this girl is not enough to draw him forth. I suspected as much." I blinked when he looked down at her. "There is something you should know about my puppets. I give them trigger words. This girls is 'Sleep'." When he spoke the work looking at Anzu he made it sound like an order. My eyes widened as she fell forward with her eyes falling closed.
"ANZU!" I yelled running forward and caught her before she hit the ground laying her down looking at Shadi in anger. "What did you do to her!"
"I have spoken my trigger word and so she will sleep." He paused for a minute making me glare. "Have you not noticed yet Yugi-kun. There is one friend missing." He said making me gasp as I looked around. Maria-chan! "What did you do to Maria-chan, Shadi?" I asked fearing the answer.
"I have made her a puppet as well. She is off to where the game is set. Her trigger word is not as simple however. You have seen my power." He glared at me. "If I command the girl to 'Die!' She will die!" He yelled. I felt fear run up my spin but soon it was consumed with rage, more hate then I have ever felt in my life. Then everything went black.
'Other Yugi'
"SHADI!" I yelled in hate glaring at him. First he enters my 'Mind's Room' looking for answers that I do not even know. Then he attacks my friends, injures Grandpa, and casts Anzu into sleep, now he has Maria. He will pay.
"At last I meet the 'Other Yugi'." He said making me look to him. "Now, the second game shall begin." He spoke calmly. "Now that I have your attention, I wish to finish what we started earlier. A shadow game!" He said catching me by surprise. This was going to become difficult, but I needed to save Maria and Anzu from him.
"I have invaded your 'Mind's Room' and was not only humiliated, but never learned of your power, but now, I will see it in the safety of Reality!" He said explaining why he was doing this.
"It seems I can do nothing but accept your challenge." I said evenly trying to calm myself down. I needed a clear head to play this game, even if I was enraged at him.
"Yes, that is, of course, unless you don't mind this girl and the other spending the rest of their lives as dolls." He said motioning to Anzu on the ground. Anzu, Maria I will save you! "The game will begin in ten minutes on the roof! I will head there now to set up the game. Thankfully, everything I need is in this office." He said heading for the door. "At eight o'clock, come to the roof." He said making me glare as he left. Once he was gone I moved over to Anzu and sat her against a shelf to make her more comfortable with a glare on my face as I stood looking back to the door.
Shadi . . . He has gone to such lengths to learn of my power . . . I wonder if he and his 'family' want to capture and use it . . . or does he want to get rid of it? The Millennium Puzzle's power . . . even I don't know what it is. It sleeps in my 'True Mind's Room'. Other than its occasional pulses of power, it seems to be waiting for the right time! But . . . one thing is clear Shadi. As far as I'm concerned, you are my enemy! I'll play your game, but I won't lose. For Anzu and Maria's sake!
Ten minutes had passed so I made my way up to the roof quickly. I walked out the door but stopped at what I saw, horrified. Maria was standing at the edge of some board that was hanging off the edge of the building!
"MARIA!" I yelled seeing that she didn't respond to my voice.
"Let the game begin. It's called 'The Weighing of the Mind'!" I heard his voice but I ran over to the fence look out at her in horror. "Maira!" I tried again but still nothing. I turned to Shadi. "Shadi! How dare you put her into this sort of danger!? Is this part of your game?!" I yelled at him. My fear for her was clouding my judgment and my hold on my emotions.
"Yugi, if you lose this game, you lose the girl." He said making me glare at him. No!
"I do not know how or why the 'Millennium Puzzle' came into your possession. I have no idea how or why, after three thousand years, you were the one to solve it. You might think of it as a coincidence. But it was not . . .the 'Millennium Puzzle' chose you! After wating for three thousand years. I, and my family we are those chosen to use the power of the 'Millennium Items'!" He explained.
"Then leave me out of your little group! I don't want to hear about this! EXPLAIN THE RULES!" My anger was getting the better of me.
"You are frightened . . . Yugi." He said making my eyes widen.
"Why . . . what makes you think that?!" I asked not really understanding why he said it.
"You are frightened by the power hiding somewhere in you 'Mind'! The unknown power of the 'Millennium Puzzle'" He said making me gasp. "Yugi, that is your weakness. Look, over there." He said as I followed his gaze. Sudden one of the statues holding the board that Maria was on broke. MARIA! What in the world? The statue spontaneously cracked?!
"Yugi, in case you hadn't noticed, the game has begun. That girl stands on the 'Bridge of Life'! It is supported by four ropes, each tied to an Ushabti figurine. And since Ushabti means 'Answerer' those statues will reveal the state of your mind!" He explained. "Yugi! Each time you show any weakness! One of the Ushabti will reflect it, by breaking! And if all of your remaining Ushabti shatter, the girl will fall to her death. There are three left!" He said making me glare return.
"However Yugi, should you win. The ropes supporting her 'Bridge of Life' also pass through the 'Millennium Key'. In other words, if you can break my Ushabti before all three of yours are broken. The 'Millennium Key' will slide down the rope and into her hand. If she takes hold of the 'Millennium Key', my remodeling will fade,, and her true nature will be restored. To save her, defeat me! Get it? He with the weaker mind will lose this game!" He finished making my eyes widen.
The game's purpose is to find the weaker mind! He's weighing my heart against Maria's life? This game is a 'Weighing of the Heart'! I prepared myself knowing it was about to begin.
"Let the games being." Shadi said smirking making me wonder. How on earth do you plan to test me Shadi? I looked down the ground seeing that it was beginning to crack. A moment later hands shot up from under the roof making my eyes widen as they grabbed me.
"What are these?! Hands from the ground!" I gasped seeing that the bodies of corpses were coming up and making their way towards me. They pooled at my feet and grabbed onto me trying to climb up or pull me down.
"This is the first game meant to test your minds." I heard Shadi say. "Yugi I ask you. 'I crawl from the earth and cling to a pillar! What am I?" It was a riddle! Crawl from the earth and . . .? What could it be?!
"Gah!" The corpses had reached my shoulders trying to pull me down. I cringed and then heard a cracking sound. Something that rises from the Earth and clings to a pillar?! I tried to think as the hands gripped at my face. Dammit . . . this is one of Shadi's Illusions! But . . . but now that I know, why isn't it disappearing? Does this mean that my mind is weak?! Shdi asked 'What am I' If I answer correctly, will the illusion disappear? Dammit! Concentrate. Try to remember the Riddle! It crawls out of the earth and clings to a pillar . . . the crawing things must be these corpses and . . and the pillar . . . IS ME! Think backwards . . . something that crawls from a pillar to the ground. I get it! That's the answer!
"The true form of this illusion is . . . MY SHADOW!" I yelled watching as the illusion vanished.
"Heh . . you have cleared the first stage. However, the true test begins now . .." Shadi started. "The next game will be much harder! Will you be able to stay strong?" He asked. I looked down once again seeing the ground cracking.
"What is this?!" I yelled seeing glowing eyes come from the darkness of the hole. "Something enormous is lurking there!" It's huge and might crawl up at any moment . . . I've got to get away from it! "WHAT!?" I yelled when two hands shot up and grabbed a tight hold of my arms locking me in place. "Damn!"" I turned looking behind me seeing a monster rise from the ground drool powering from its mouth as it opened its jaw, aiming at me.
"Yugi. . . you are not allowed to run away. You are now caught in the second game. This is a Shadow Game 'Deadly Shinkel Suijaku" He said making me gasp. "Yugi! There is only one way to escape Ammit's crucifixion. Win this second game." He answered. It's like a gigantic crocodile! It must be one of Shadi's illusions!
"Indeed. The demon you see is an illusion. Yet, even though it is a mere illusion, should it eat you, you will die. You will lose your soul. Though Ammit has already gorged on the soul of the Museum's Superintendent." I knew it! You killed the Curator! "Yugi, in order to survive this game you must dispell Ammit's illusion. Now I shall explain the rules." Shadi said as a tile appeared in front of me with question marks.
"What?! Nine slates appeared? What is this?" I asked not understanding.
"I suppose you don't know this game. In 'Shinkel Suijaku', you turn over the cards one at a time, trying to find a matching pairs of cards! Inscibed on the underside of these slates are different patterns, which can be paired!" Shadi started.
"Wait a second! There are nine slates! Even if I pair all the slates, there'll be one left." I countred. How would this work?
"That is correct. Only the center slate would remain. If you can solve this puzzle and guess what is inscribed on the center slate, Ammit's illusion will disappear, but you are not allower to turn any of the slates over!" Shadi finished.
"What!?" I yelled. How was I supposed to accomplish that?
"Yugi, you have five minutes! If you have not dispelled it in five minutes, the illusion of Ammit will eat your head!" Shadi declared. "I will give you the key to the riddle. Those slates are mirrors that reflect Ammit!" They reflect the monster? "Now Yugi, shake off your fear and solve the puzzle! What is drawn on the center slate?! Game Start!" He ended.
Gah . . . what's drawn on the center slate? Shinkei Suijaku? They're reflecting that monster? That key isn't enough to solve the puzzle! I don't know! I'm too scared to think! I'm scared out of my wits! I was pulled out of my thoughts as another cracking sound was heard. Dammit! If I weaken, those statues will break and Maria will die! MARIA! . . . There are three Ushabti left! Maria, I won't allow you to die! I can't fail! I have to solve this puzzle!
"Yugi, you have one minute left!" Shadi said making me cringe. Dammit! At this rate, Maria and I . . . I shook my head not wanting to think about that. Think it over again. There are nine slates . . . what's the center one?! Shadi gave me a key. These slates are mirrors, reflecting, mirrors reflecting this monster's appearance! And if this is 'Shinkel Suijaku' . . . Then, since there are eight matching slates, there must be found pairs of images!
"Thirty seconds!" Shadi said. It the slates are mirrors, these pairs will reflect the monster! What things exist in pairs on this monster!? And what thing does it have only one of?
"The things in pairs are . . . its ears! Its eyes! Its nostrils! And its hands!" I said out loud.
"Five seconds!" Shadi warned.
"Yes, I know the answer!" I declared hearing Shadi count down. "The single thing is . . . its MOUTH!" I yelled seeing the slates flip over showing me that I was correct. The illusion vanished as I looked to Shadi.
"You have reached the final game. Prepare yourself, for it makes the others look easy by comparison!" He started. "Yugi. You passed the last two tests surprisingly easily. There are still three Ushabti supporting that firl. But this next game will break all of them."
He sounds pretty sure of himself. As if he can see my weak points. But, no matter what he has in store, I can't lose. Maria's life is on the line! Anzu's as well. In order to save them, I have to get the 'Millennium Key' into Maria's hand. The key will break Shadi's spell on them. But how can I break his Ushabti?! What's his weak point? Dammit . . I can't find it!
"If you are trying to find my weak point, give up. With my mental strength, that Ushabti is like a diamond. Yours are weak, like chalky alabaster! You will learn this well in the next game! Yugi! Allow me to introduce your opponent for the final game." He said while I waited. Smoke appeared behind me as I turned surprised by who I saw.
"Jounouchi-kun?!" I said seeing him standing there looking at me. He glared and reached forward grabbing the puzzle and taking it from me.
"This is an old version of the other yugi's best friend! It's a memory that lives in the other yugi's mind! His old bullying persona has been resurrected!" Shadi spoke quickly.
"What?" The old Jounouchi-kun?
"I caught a glimpse of the memory when I visited Yugi's mind! No matter how long you live, even if yu manage to forget, a bad memory will remain in your mind forever! Yugi. The final game is a 'Game to the Death', and you must play it with your friend.
"A game to the death!" I shouted then looked down in surprise seeing the floor beginning to fall away leaving Jounouchi and I standing in the center of a small area ((A/N: It looks like a plus sign but I didn't really want to say that and cross didn't really fit right either so yeah it looks like a plus sign.)) that broke off into darkness.
"Your playing field, the Valley of Cliffs! I shall explain the rules. The two of you will use the 'Millennium Puzzle' as a die. When a played drops the puzzle like a die, their opponent must walk two squares in the direction that it points to! The first to fall into the valley loses!" Shadi ended. "Now Yugi, you must destroy that bad memory."
This Jounouchi-kun is definitely Shadi's illusion . . . but . . . what if, could this be the real Jounouchi-kun, under Shadi's control.
"Jounouchi-kun, I'm not playing this game!" I said looking to him. "Jounouchi-Kun."
"Hey, this must be your treasure Yugi. Since you're acting like a girl about it, this must be pretty valuable." He said making me gasp. I felt my other's shock as well. Then I heard it. Two of the statues had broken.
"MARIA!" I shouted looking to see her shake slightly but not fall. "Yes . . . she's still safe." I still have one left. Jounouchi's kun's words cause the other me to react. Shadi's goal must be to shake up my other self. If I hesitate again, I'll lose!
"Yugi. If you want the puzzle back, you're gotta beat me." He said holding up the puzzle. "I'll go first." He dropped it as it pointed to the edge. "The puzzle is pointing that way! Walk two squares towards the valley." Jounouchi-kun said as I moved to where he pointed. "Your turn Yugi."
"I won't throw it. I don't want to play this game with you." I said simply.
"Then you pass your turn to me. My turn." I could hear him drop it again. "Walk towards the Valley again." I did as he said. "You're on the edge. Next time I toss the puzzle, you'll fall. Pff are you going to keep passing?"
"I pass." I said turning to look at him from the corner of my eyes.
"Are you quitting the game?! Are you admitting defeat?!" Shadi asked.
"Defeat? Not quite, Shadi. I believe in my friend!" I said turing to look at him.
"You are unable to break away from the past, Yugi. You lose. That is the lesson of this final game. To believe in others too much is a weakness." HE said as I simply looked at him. "Turst others, and your trust will be broken like a fragile Ushabti! And only fools feel the need to gather together in friendship and comfort each other. If you had decided to force your friend into the Valley, you would hve found true strength. Now, toss the puzzle once more! Finish this game!" Shadi yelled. I smirked however seeing Jounouchi-kun stand there. Then he smiled and vanished.
"Friends don't exsit in the past or present. If you believe in yourself, your friends will believe in you." I told Shadi as I looked over to Maria. "What!? The rope is breaking!" I yelled seeing it begin to pull apart.
"Maria! I'm here! Everything's going to be alright!" I heard Jounouchi yell and watched as the board steadied itself from him holding it up. I looked back to Shadi seeing the surprised look on his face.
"Shadi, you still don't get it. To believe only in yourself. Is not the true path to strength. The power of trust between friends. That is true strength." I said and watched his reaction as his statue broke.
"My Ushabti shattered!" I heard him yell and turn to face it. I smiled watching the key break free.
"Shadi's statue broke! Now the 'Millennium key' can slide down the rope to Maria. I watched as it slid down the rope touching her hand breaking her out of her spell.
Anzu
I blinked looking around seeing that the room was empty besides Mr. Motou. I rushed over to him shaking him slightly to see if he woke up. After a few minutes he did and looked at me confused.
"What happened?" He asked. I shrugged and looked around.
"We need to find the others. Where could they be?" We both stood and look around when I heard sounds coming from the stairs. "The roof!" I said as we headed for the roof.
Maria (normal)
I blinked and looked around trying to remember what had happened. I looked in front of me seeing the city. What the? I looked down seeing that I was standing on some plank away from the building of the university. I screamed silently and took a step back loosing my balance.
"MARIA!" I heard a few voices yell as I fell catching the plank on my back with my arms able to keep my upper body on it as my legs dangled in front of me. It was a weird angle and I was slowly slipping.
"Maria turn over and pull yourself back up. You're too heavy like that! Climb down!" I heard Jounouchi yell as I turned my head looking back to see him. I slowly was able to flip over but I slipped and fell a few more inches.
"MARIA!" I knew that voice. That was 'Other Yugi's' voice. What did Shadi do? Egh it's so hard to hold on like this! I don't know if I can . .. climb up. Am I . . . going to die like this? I moved my forehead to the plank trying to hold on. Come on. . . I can do this. I tried pulling myself up but couldn't get it. Egh . . . it's pointless. I can't do this. I'm going to die!
"Maria hurry up! You can do it!" Jounouchi yelled. Come on try again, they believe in me, now believe in yourself Maria! You can do this! I nodded against the plank keeping my eyes shut tight. I pulled myself up slowly able to swing my legs to hoist the rest of me up. Once I was on the plank again I took a few deep breaths. "Maria move! Now!" Jounouchi yelled making me climb forward I stood slowly almost to the end when something went wrong. I felt the plank shift sideways making my eyes widen in shock and a silent scream leave me. I was going to die.
"MARIA!" I heard once again feeling someone grab my arm and pull me towards them. I looked up seeing 'Other Yugi' looking at me with fear as he helped me to hold onto the fence. "You're safe now princess." He said looking relieved as we both heard a noise from Jounouchi. "Jounouchi-kun. Touch his hand to that cross-shaped key!" He yelled. I looked to Jounouchi seeing that he seemed to really look at him. Did he notice the difference?
"Y-yeah. There!" He yelled grabbing the professors hand and making him touch the key.
"Huh?" The man asked making us all smile.
"Professor! You're back to normal!"
"Oh Jounouchi-kun." He said simply.
"Don't look down." Jounouchi yelled. I turned away from them feeling the 'Other Yugi' help me to stand. We climbed back over the fence and he helped me to steady myself once again. He looked at me still with worry in his eyes but I smiled to him.
"Are you alright?" He asked as I nodded.
"Thank you." I signed and to my surprise I saw him nod. He picked up my hand and gently kissed it smiling to me.
"Don't scare me like that." He said seriously making me nod. I leaned forward and pecked his cheek again like I had the day he helped Honda and Miho from that pet obsessed kid. His eyes widened slightly but he smiled to me. His attention however moved to Shadi and he made his way over to him. I blinked however hearing footsteps and looked away seeing Anzu and Yugi's Grandpa come to the roof. Anzu looked around confused and ran over seeing me.
"Maria are you ok? You're shaking, and your face is all red." She said making me flush even more but I brushed her off signing that I was fine. I looked back seeing Jounouchi climbing over.
"Hey old man, you alright?" He asked as Yugi's Grandpa nodded.
"I was just knocked out. Anyway, it looks like everyone is alright." He said as we all nodded. We all headed over to where 'Other Yugi' and Shadi were speaking.
"Shadi. I think I finally understand the power of the 'Millennium Puzzle.' Even when separated my friends and I were working together. When combined, our group was greater than the sum of its parts. This must have been cause by the puzzle! The power of Unity! That is the millennium puzzle's power!" 'Other Yugi' said as we all stood behind him looking to Shadi.
"Hey, Turban Guy! This is our territory! You're not welcome here!" Jounouchi said while we nodded.
"That's true." Shadi said turning. "Yugi, you passed every test, despite my defeat, I am happy. Because, my family has been searching for a very long time for people like you." He spoke walking away. "I wonder if you can open that door." He left the roof then.
"What the. . . that Turban guy didn't even explain himself!" Jounouchi said but Anzu began to whisper to him, but I left them chat and moved over to 'Other Yugi' standing in front of him. He smiled to me making my cheeks flush for a moment.
"I owe you one." I signed seeing him chuckle.
"No, I'm just glad that I was able to win the game to save you, and the others." He said. I was about to say something when I noticed Jounouchi coming over. "Huh?" He made a noise turning but I blinked and there was normal Yugi.
"What's wrong Jounouchi-kun?" He asked as the two looked embarrassed. Oh I see. We're not really supposed to know about him then? Huh, I wonder why I'm so special? I really owe him though, and Jounouchi. Without those two I would be dead. Although . . . I suppose it wouldn't be so bad. I would at least have been able to be with my family. I blinked feeling a cool breeze blow against my face harshly as I looked to the side. Yeah . . . I know. I smiled but was brought out of my thoughts hearing everyone speaking.
"Everyone. . . . though you came to visit me, I haven't kept you entertained. I can't even recall . . . I hurt all over." The professor said making me frown. I let Shadi get control of me. Just like the professor. I put the others at risk from being careless.
"Anzu, you knocked out all his teeth!" Jounouchi whined.
"What are you talking about?! I knocked out three!" She yelled making me smile to them. What would I do without them?
"Okay! How about we all go get something to eat? My treat!" Mr. Motou said making everyone cheer.
Things sure have been different for me since I've gotten here. I looked to Yugi as we walked down the street frowning slightly. I wonder why Yugi doesn't know about 'Other Yugi.' Huh, I wanted to ask him about it, but if he doesn't even know he's there, then I won't get my answers.
"Are you okay Maria-chan?" Yugi asked look back at me while he walked next to Anzu.
Never better. . . .
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.
Well look at that I missed my own dead line . . . by 3 hours -_-
Yup 3 am here and the chapter is up.
A/N: The picture in Anzu's mind room is because at this point in the manga she's in love with the man who keeps saving her with is 'other Yugi' but she doesn't really know that and is confused about it. I just love makin fun of Shadi.
Oh one more thing! The microphone looks like a Shure 55SH Dynamic, cardioid.
Just copy the name and paste it into google images you'll see it ^^
Welp really important moment done and out of the way
Keep sending me your reviews it makes me know that you're actually reading this thing. Also I'm loving that you guys are asking me questions. Some I will respond to, others maybe not because I don't want to spoil anything. However I will answer some that have been popping up a few times.
No, Maria is not a princess lolz
The ring and the painting were important.
No, Maria is not Serket.
I think those are the main ones to answer right now that aren't huge spoilers and hopefully won't make you guys start guessing stuff and heading the wrong way.
THIS RATING MAY GO UP . . . just to warn you
Thinking a head this warning my need to go up to M because of swearing, violence, and adult content. So just keep a heads up. I'll let you know when I'm going to change it.
Anyway, send me some feed back ^^
~ DarkxSonata
