Has it really been that long since I have updated this story? I'm so sorry, everyone. I really don't blame you all if you are angry with me, trust me I'm seriously angry with myself. Anyway, thank you everyone for the reviews, here is the next chapter:
LivingLegends
shadow-fox313
Tears Of Us All
King Severian
takerschick
fantasia-49
Koragirl
dancers of the night
Atem-Tea love 4ever
darkmagiciangirl13
Atem's Sister Atea
Divinitas
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Summary: In a world thousands of years ago, there lived mystical creatures who lived peacefully, that was until a dark presence threaten to take over. He almost succeeded until he was stopped by a beautiful princess who saved the creatures from his evil wrath. Now 10,000 years later into the present time, he has come back to finish what he started and also get revenge on the one who stopped him.
Chapter 12
Darkness...once again; here she stood on top of a tall skyscraper gazing over all of Domino City. There was no ounce of light shining anywhere; not in the streets or any of the buildings. The only source of light that existed was the glowing sphere of the moon floating in the night sky, but even with the moon, it still didn't give off enough light to shine over this dark city. It was windy...extremely windy, but she still stayed in her spot and it felt as if she was waiting for something...or someone.
The wind howled like the sound of wolves, her hair blew against her face and yet she didn't bother to pull it back. Her blue cloak was blowing behind her like a curtain in the breeze. Her staff...was held firmly in her hand, waiting to use in case there was a sign of any attack. There was something strange being here like this, but she couldn't understand why. She doesn't even know what her purpose was for being here in the first place.
Footsteps could be heard from behind, but she continued to face forward. This presence was not a friendly one, she knew that, which made her grip on the staff even tighter. Once the person stopped walking, she turned around facing yet another figure in black. You could barely see his form, it was as if he was camouflaged in the darkness. "So...have you decided?" he asked.
"I have..." she felt herself say, but what was she deciding too? Before she had time to even wonder, her thoughts were interrupted by a sinister chuckle.
"And what is your decision? Although, I think I already know." She took a deep, slow breath...knowing that what she will say next will change everything. There were risks, but she was willing to take them. So her answer was....
"Miss? Miss?"
Tea was completely brought out of her thoughts when she heard a voice calling to her. She was currently standing in front of the cashier purchasing her items and without realizing it, she went into a deep thought about the recent dream she had. The clerk gave Tea a bit of a worried expression since she has yet to accept the change that she was offering back to her. Placing on a smile to cover up what was bothering her, Tea kindly accepted her change and muttered a thank-you to the clerk.
Coming out of the store, Tea started to shiver from the brisk, cold air. A month has passed since the defeat of Nagaharu and things have been very quiet. The fall season was changing as well, the leaves have fallen from the trees leaving them bare for when the snow covered their branches. It was still a little too early, but signs were showing that snow would appear very soon. It was the time of the season that Tea cherished the most. She always took in the beauty of the fall and winter season. Most people love the sunny weather and Tea couldn't argue with that, but being surrounded by falling leaves or sparkling snowflakes made her feel like she was dancing along with them.
Tea was on her way to the Game Shop for a little relaxing, laid back time with the gang. It was Joey's idea actually and everyone didn't protest it one second since it was exactly what they all needed, especially Tea. She had been training very hard after the last battle. One reason for which to strengthen her powers and the other reason was because she didn't want what almost happened to Atem happen again to him or anyone else. It was a silent vow she made to herself, which was where the intense training came in. She worked herself night and day until she couldn't push anymore or when Atem stepped in and forced her to stop. Indeed it was taking a toll on her, yes, but it also meant that she would be strong enough when danger comes again.
Speaking of Atem, since the night on the hill, her relationship with him became much stronger. It was as if they could tell what the other is thinking and feeling; and it wasn't just because of her new powers that gave her the ability...Tea felt, that all along, she could always feel a connection between Atem and herself. Even when it wasn't known in the beginning. It was the best thing she ever felt, but it was also frightening. Frightening because with Gyousei still tracking her down, it meant danger for him as well.
And this is where it brought her back to the recent dream she had. For the past few nights, Tea has been having the same dream and she knew that it meant trouble ahead. She didn't speak of her dream to the others, hoping that it was just her subconscious mind and that it would suddenly pass...but it didn't. The dream always turned out the same; the city of darkness, the howling wind, the cloaked figure and a decision that she made, but always waking up before she gave an answer. This dream meant something, but the question was, what exactly did it mean?
It was decided that Tea would worry about the dream when the time was right. Turning the corner, she saw the park up ahead and took the shortcut to the Game Shop. It was the same park that she dreamt about and where she had her first encounter with Jouta. Usually around this time, there would be a lot of outdoor activity going on. The children would be playing, the birds would be chirping, and sometimes, Tea would find a guitarist just playing songs while sitting under a random tree.
This time...she didn't.
The entire park was deserted; not a single, solitary soul could be found anywhere...which was quite bizarre seeing that this park is the most popular and the most enjoyable place in the city of Domino. Suddenly, the wind began to pick up and blow very strongly, causing her to grip her bags tightly with one hand and keep her jacket closed with the other. Winds blew in the autumn time, but this was the strongest ever. Tea knew that it wasn't just the weather that was doing this...there was another cause for it, she could feel it...sense it even, like something was breathing down her neck.
"Lovely day today, isn't it, princess?" Tea quickly turned to where the voice was heard and saw none other than Jouta standing behind her. She immediately put her guard up and started to charge up one of her energy orbs, but Jouta raised his hand, gesturing her to stop. "No need for violence, princess...I have not come here to fight."
This only made Tea increase her powers even more while glaring at the wind demon in front of her. "Really? And what makes you think I believe you? Ever since you and your creeps have been here, that's all you have been doing. Fighting against me and my friends; trying your hardest to capture me for my powers."
"I believe you are referring to those brainless, incompetent fools that I was forced to put up with. Their egos and stupidity is what cost them their demise. You were just lucky enough to have defeated them. I, on the other hand, gave you an offer of surrendering peacefully and you refused to take it. I had no other choice, but to attack."
"So, what now? Are you here to make another "offer"? Because if you are, then just save your breath."
Jouta just sighed and shook his head. "No, no more offers, princess. I just came to have a civilized conversation with you. Surely, we can do that, can we not?"
"Depends on how civilized it will be..." Tea refused to let down her guard and now the orb in her hand was growing more stronger; ready to attack if Jouta decided to make the wrong move. However, he wasn't intimidated in the least. All he did was raise both of his hands to prove that he was not going to be a threat in any way possible.
"No fighting, just a simple little talk." Tea didn't believe Jouta for one single second, but she had to wonder what it was that he came here to talk to her about. Reluctantly, she called off her attack, but also taking extra precautions to whatever he might have up his sleeve.
It was complete silence for a while, Tea was waiting for Jouta to speak. Instead of starting the conversation, he just walked around a bit to stare around the park. She felt the need to protect herself, the night of when she had her first encounter with him came flooding back to her head. She couldn't trust him, and when the sound of chuckling interrupted her thoughts, she went into an attack stance.
"Your powers seem to be getting stronger everyday. After witnessing your battle against Nagaharu last, it shows that you control them well. I didn't expect such force this soon...but then, it's a good thing. The stronger you are, the stronger Lord Gyousei will be when he absorbs your energy and rule this world."
Tea had the urge to charge up her powers again and take down this wind demon. "You seem so confident that I'm just going to surrender myself over to you without a fight. That I'm just going to let my powers be drained away for your twisted evil."
Jouta just gave a cocky smirk. "Well, technically it's for Lord Gyousei's revenge against you. Your powers are just the key he needs to finally succeed in his plan for world domination. The fighting is just a waste of energy, don't you agree? Kiyori and Nagaharu did not quite understand it, which is why they were destroyed. They were never considered being the smartest anyway." He turned to face Tea, completely unfazed by the cold glare that she was giving to him. "Such beauty, with such tremendous power...no wonder Lord Gyousei wants you." As he was talking, he began to walk closer to Tea, but she just backed away.
"Stay away from me...I'm warning you. If you don't want to get attacked, then I suggest you tell me what you want!"
"As I have said, I am here to have a conversation with you, princess-"
"Stop calling me that, my name is Tea! Not princess and not Anzu, you got that?!" She was getting tired of him and everyone else from that dark dimension calling her something that she wasn't. Sure, she was the reincarnation of Princess Anzu and she harbored these powers, but that did not mean they were the same. Anzu even said that herself, she wanted Tea to be her own person and not see herself as just a ten-thousand year old princess.
"Of course, Tea...but you must know that you're not just an ordinary human. You do possess the spirit of Princess Anzu, no matter what your identity may be now." Tea didn't want to hear his voice anymore, so she pretended not to listen to his words. Jouta, however, just kept talking. "You possess her powers, her abilities, her visions...you ARE Princess Anzu."
"NO!"
"And it just makes me wonder...will your friends be safe around you with this power you have?" This caught Tea's attention. Just what exactly did Jouta mean when he said that? As if reading her thoughts, he continued. "I notice that your friends fight along side you time and time again."
"It's not just me, we are ALL there for each other, and are willing to fight for one another whenever we need it."
"Even if it means them having to lose their lives?" he replied. Tea gasped...she never thought of that. Since she has possessed these powers, her friends have been doing everything they could to protect her. Jouta continued without even giving her a chance to reply. "Why don't we take a trip down memory lane? Back to where your battle with Nagaharu took place. The pharaoh was fighting his hardest to keep you safe, his energy was nearly gone. He didn't even have the strength to stand, but he was willing to do everything he could to protect you...even if it cost him his life. What if he didn't discover his new powers? The fall would have meant his death and there would have been nothing you could have done to bring him back."
What Tea was hearing was everything that she was fearing before. If Atem never found a way to stop his fall, she would have lost him forever. She would have lost the one man that she has ever loved. When she watched Nagaharu drop Atem into the thick fog, she felt herself go along with him. It was like her whole world was destroyed. "He...would be gone now. I wouldn't have been able to save him." she muttered to herself. It was then that she felt Jouta's hand on her shoulder. She glanced up at his emotionless stare, feeling so much evil radiating from him.
"Why waste pointless energy trying to stop my lord...when you can easily save your world and everyone in it by surrendering yourself to him? I can make sure that you never lose your pharaoh or any of your friends, but you need to be willing to cooperate. You do care about your friends, don't you?"
"I do..." Tea whispered.
"Then you know what you must do." Jouta turned around to walk ahead, keeping his back turned to Tea. Without looking back, he said one more thing before he left. "Meet me tonight on the city tower when you have made your decision. I will be waiting for your arrival." With that, Jouta disappeared into a dark cloud of demonic smoke leaving no trace of him at all. Just like magic, the park was filled with civilians who had no idea of what happened here.
Tea stood there thinking about everything that has been said. She didn't know what to do, but she must decide before tonight. For the safety of her friends, she must make the right decision. 'What should I do? I don't want this world taken over by Gyousei...but I don't want my friends or anyone else to get hurt because of me. I almost lost Atem because of it...' She turned to walk out of the park to continue her way. She didn't notice that she was being watched by Jouta, who was standing on a branch in the tallest tree.
"My plan is working perfectly, soon Lord Gyousei will have you and your powers. It won't be long before this world is covered in eternal darkness."
After the five minute walk, Tea finally arrived at the shop. She was just about to open the door when she suddenly stopped, her conversation with Jouta just would not leave her mind. What exactly was she suppose to do and how would she make this decision? Whatever she decided would affect the entire world, including her friends...and the only man that she will ever love. The thought of them being in danger because of her, it was enough to make her wish she never had this power. For so long, Tea wanted to be seen as more than just a cheerleader on the sidelines, now she finally had the strength to protect them...protect them. She had some thinking to do and she didn't have a lot of time to do it.
Hiding any signs of sadness and worry, Tea opened the door to be greeted with sounds of yelling...from none other than Joey and Tristan, of course. She came inside to see them fighting over what looked like the last of the brownies that were on a platter. It was being used in a game of Tug-of-War. Yugi and Shirabe were following the movement of the platter with their heads, wondering which side would get it first. The war did end....and there was a victor....but it was NOT Joey or Tristan and they both knew it. Which is why they both had wide eyed expressions.
"Mmm-mmm, that was one of the best brownies I've ever had. Hey, let me know when you guys fight over any more sweets." The victor of the brownie was none other than Kiyo himself, in his smaller form, floating in midair while he rubbed his tummy after enjoying the delicious sensation of the fudge brownie. So, now the only thing that Tristan and Joey won...was and empty platter.
Tea smiled and laughed a little as she watched Joey and Tristan chase Kiyo around in a circle. Those two and their stomachs will never change. Yugi, of course, was trying to settle the two eating machines down, but it was a pretty funny sight and he couldn't help but let a few chuckles escape from him. Shirabe sat elegantly on the floor watching the four boys running, or in Kiyo's case, flying around the room. Well, there was something good that came out of discovering her powers; Tea had two more friends to call her own. Even though they came from a different time and dimension, she was happy to have them around.
Without being discovered, Tea entered into the kitchen to set down the bags she held. Without realizing it, her hand unconsciously moved up to the necklace that carried her staff. She had a few hours to figure out what she planned to do tonight. For now, Tea would not worry about it. This was the time to spend with her friends and she was going to make every second count...just in case, she may never see them again.
She then started to remove her jacket, but felt another set of hands doing the job for her. Turning around, Tea found that it was Atem who was responsible. She smiled, happy to see his face as she allowed him to help her shrug off her jacket. He placed it aside and his arms wrapped around her like a warm blanket. It was funny; she felt more warmth coming from Atem than her own jacket. Sure because of the body heat, but it wasn't just that. Maybe the comfort of his embrace is what brought such warmth.
"You took a little longer than expected to get the items, I was just about to come find you." he murmured against her hair. Tea smiled knowing how protective Atem gets when it comes to her.
"There was no need for that," Tea raised her head so that her eyes could meet with those mysterious, yet loving eyes of his, "I just decided to take a little walk before I came back." she said.
Atem stared at her carefully, she seemed to be acting a little off. There was something he couldn't quite grasp onto, she was being strangely...distant. Like there was something she was keeping from him. "Are you all right? You seem to be bothered by something...or am I wrong?"
"No, no...I'm fine, really." Tea tried to shake off what she was thinking about and continue to smile. She knew that Atem had the ability to pick up or sense if there was anything wrong with a person. She was right from the way he was looking at her. So, to avoid the subject, she reluctantly moved out of his arms to unpack everything she bought. "You should hear the noise coming from the other room. Kiyo ate the last of the brownies, so Joey and Tristan are trying the catch the little guy." she said laughing a bit from the sight she saw before coming into the kitchen while preparing another platter of snacks.
Atem didn't seem to be smiling at the moment. He was still wondering why Tea is suddenly so distant with him, and from how long it took her to come back, he guessed that something happened around the time she was out. She was not telling him something, but he was determined to find out what it is that's bothering her.
They both walked into where the others were currently sitting, well...the two eating machines were still chasing Kiyo around. "Guys, you can stop now. You know, it was a good thing that I decided to go out to get more stuff. The entire house would probably be in deep catastrophe." Tea said. Just like that, the running stopped, but it immediately turned into the direction where Tea was holding the platter. Before they could attack her, she quickly placed it down on the nearest table and moved out of the way, right when she was about to be trampled.
While those two occupied the platter, Tea was greeted by a flying Kiyo who sat upon her shoulder, giving her a purring hello. "Perfect timing as always, Tea." he said with a cheeky grin.
Shirabe also greeted Tea with a purr, and also with a nuzzle when she felt her hand petting the top of her head. "So, were you able to find everything that was needed, Tea?" Yugi asked from his place next to Atem.
"Yeah, I did..." It was becoming hard for Tea to be cheerful in front of her friends, but she knew that if she showed the slightest ounce of sadness, they would start wondering. Which would lead her into explaining and that is something she just could not do. Protecting them was the only thing that was important to her.
Shirabe felt Tea's hand on her head stop suddenly and she looked to see what appeared to be a troubled look. "Is there something the matter, Tea?" she asked. She wasn't the only one who noticed; Yugi, Kiyo and now Joey and Tristan, who stopped their eating fest, turned to see their friend looking a bit sad. Atem noticed right away, sensing it the time he came into the room to greet her.
"Guys, come on relax, I'm fine." she said reassuring them.
"Well, we just want to make sure that nothing was bothering you. Plus...you did take a bit long to come back." Yugi replied.
"What is this, an interrogation? I said I'm fine, the reason I took so long to come back was because of the little walk I had. Is there a crime in me taking walks now?!" Everyone in the room was surprised by how Tea just suddenly blew up like that. Tea noticed the looks and took a deep breath to calm down. She wasn't doing a very good job in convincing them that she was okay at all. "Listen...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap off like that. Believe me, guys, I really am okay...I guess I'm just tired from the intense training. Which makes me glad that we're taking a break from everything, if only for a little while. I just want to feel like things are normal again; no Shadow Demons, no magic powers and definitely no Lord Gyousei. Hey, I'll even sit down to watch one of Joey's boring action movies."
"They aren't boring!" Joey said defending his lovable movies, then he turned to his fellow men to back him up, "Come on guys, help me out here."
The only response Joey got was silence from the three, "Actually Joey, after saving the world so many times, those movies don't seem to have that much suspense, but they are still fun to to watch." Yugi said.
"You guys are SO not getting Christmas gifts from me this year." Everyone in the room laughed as they watch Joey pouting his lip. Just by watching this, it made Tea know just how lucky she was to have her friends; thankful that she had the opportunity to enjoy her time with them. So, if this would be her final moment with them, then she would remember it always.
Amethyst eyes continued to watch Tea without her realizing and they could see that something was off with her. She may have done a good job convincing everyone that she was fine, but Atem knew better; he could tell there was more that she was not saying...and he was going to find out exactly what is was. For now, he just allowed himself to wind down and have fun; which was still foreign to him, but none the less, it was still great to relax once in a while.
The hours have passed, the daylights quickly changed into nightfall. The winds began to pick up and the clouds started to form together with the thunder being heard in the distance. Jouta had just arrived to the meeting place where he would be expecting Tea to show up. Judging from his conversation earlier with her, he knew that he had the advantage. His plan was going to work, all she had to do was show up and surrender.
When he left the park, Jouta went back to inform Gyousei of his success, but even if there was somehow a loophole in his plan, Jouta was already prepared should it fail. He was confident, however, that his master plan would do the exact opposite. Kiyori and Nagaharu were both too egotistical and too distracted in their interests when they fought against Tea, which is why they were destroyed.
So, now he was here, standing on top of the city tower looking down on all of the moving cars and people who are going home for the night. They have no idea on what will be happening in just a short period of time. How much their little happy world, will be brought down by one powerful sorcerer. 'Silly little humans, they are completely clueless to the change that will occur. Enjoy it while it lasts, because once this world is controlled by Lord Gyousei, he will be the only one that will take pleasure in watching you all suffer.'
Nightfall...the moment that Tea has been dreading, it was almost time to meet Jouta. The lights were out and the only thing that was glowing was the television screen with the DVD movie menu that was repeatedly playing over again. Everyone in the room was sleeping; Joey was sprawled out on the floor snoring away, Tristan and Yugi both took the two single chairs, also asleep, Shirabe was curled up peacefully with Kiyo on her back, just like she saw them before. It was like they were comfortable sleeping that way, knowing they were both with each other.
And finally...Atem, who she was sitting next to on the sofa. His eyes were just like the others, closed and unknown to anything around them. Tea was the only one who was not under the sleeping spell, in fact, she was not able to close her eyes for even a second. She felt like the odd one out, but then again, it was good that sleep didn't take her over. She wanted to wait until everyone was out before she took off.
Slowly moving, without waking Atem, she stood up from the sofa and walked over to the window. Dark clouds were now starting to form, indicating that rain was coming it's way. It was like a dark blanket of despair covering the sky. It was ironic how this just suddenly came, it's as if the weather could sense how she was feeling at this very moment. But, no matter how much she just wanted to stay here and forget the conversation she had with Jouta, she had to go for the sake of her friends. Even if it's to take on Gyousei alone, then Tea was willing to take that risk.
Lifting her necklace, Tea magically transformed her staff, holding her weapon firmly in her hands. Her clothes were also transformed into her battle outfit when she tapped the star necklace around her neck. She was now ready to leave, but there was one last thing she wanted to do first. Turning back to the sofa, she walked back over to the sleeping Atem. She thought his face looked so handsome when he was fast asleep. What sort of dreams was he having, she wondered? Her hand reached out to caress his cheek.
"You know...I'm kind of hoping that you would wake up right now." she whispered as her hand crept up to his golden bangs. "You would stop me, wouldn't you? Just...tell me that this is a big mistake and I'm out of my mind for even thinking of doing this." She waited for a response, a movement...anything that would tell Tea that Atem could hear her, but there was nothing but silence. She sighed, but let out a little smile. "Maybe...it's best that you're not awake. Maybe, this is a sign that what I'm doing is the right decision. Please, my love, just try to understand that I'm doing this for you and the others." She leaned over to gently press her lips against his, wishing that he was awake to share, what may be, their final kiss.
"If I don't return...just promise me you won't forget me, and to remember that I will always love you." She reluctantly stood and walked to the door, pausing once more to glance at her beloved. Tears were desperately trying to spill out, but she pushed them back, knowing there was no room for weakness. She would not show weakness, no matter what obstacle came her way.
Once the door was closed, Tea failed to notice that as she was leaving, a pair amethyst eyes were wide awake. What he just heard...from the woman that he loves was slowly breaking his heart. He knew something was wrong, she was putting herself in danger and he had to stop her by any means necessary.
So, without making a sound, Atem prepared himself by summoning his sword and magically changing his attire. The others were still sound asleep, but he was sure to be back, with Tea, in time before any of them woke up. His main focus was catching up to Tea before it was too late.
The city was silent, all except for the sounds of rain pattering against the ground. The hood was covered over Tea's head as she jumped from building to building, getting to her destination in time. The tower was still a ways ahead and she had to hurry, fearing that if she was late, then there would be something else to worry about. Tea stopped for a second to catch her breath, the rain was beginning to come down a little harder, but she needed to keep going.
She wondered if Atem had noticed she was gone yet. Wondered what he could be thinking now. Would he be angry that she just left without even saying goodbye? Even if he was, at least now he and the others are safe. And that was all that really mattered to her.
There was no more time to waste, Tea had to hurry and arrive to the tower, though she didn't know why she had to hurry...since she doesn't even know what decision she would be making. It was almost as if something was pushing her to get there before...
She stopped again. She sensed another presence coming closer and closer...right behind her. "Jouta, I thought we were meeting on the tower. Are you that desperate to know my decision?" she asked holding her staff out, ready to use should she need to.
"And what decision do you need to make to him?" Tea gasped and felt herself grow stiff...that was not Jouta's voice. Her heart was beating rapidly as the person walked closer, the footsteps getting louder, even in the rain. She was not expecting him to be here.
"Atem..." she whispered. Indeed, it was Atem. His hood was placed upon his head, but Tea was still able to recognize him. A part of her was a bit happy that he came to find her, but the logical side of her; the side that wanted to protect her friends, to protect him, was wishing that he just stayed back with the others. 'What is he doing here?' And she was about to ask him that out loud, but he spoke again.
"You did not answer my question...what decision do you suddenly need to make, Tea?" His voice was monotone, but that was still enough to know that Atem was angry. Angry at her? She wouldn't be surprised if he was, she would understand if he was angry too. She chose not to say anything just yet, not knowing what to do next. Before he came, Tea was already set out to do this without having to worry about anyone stopping her. "Let me ask this..." She waited for the next question Atem had, but had a guess on what he was planning on asking, "Is this the reason why you were suddenly so distant today? Why you were taking so long to come back?" The questions were too much for Tea and she did the one thing that came to mind.
She ran from him.
Into the direction of where the tower was. Maybe, if she was fast enough, then she would be able to lose Atem. It was not something she wanted to do, but it's what she HAD to do. For his sake, it was better this way. The rain was falling heavily now, but it was not a concern to Tea. The tower was still a long ways away and she needed to get there. The rain was blinding her vision, not to mention the tears that were trying to spill over. Though, it just made her want to run faster; to just wish she was like the wind.
She couldn't tell if Atem was running after her, one reason for being that the only thing she could hear was her breathing. Plus, she was putting all of her concentration on trying to reach her destination, and because of it, she bumped into something that caused her to fall backwards. That something was a hard chest of a hooded figure.
"Are you going to stop running now?"
'No way.' Tea couldn't believe that it was Atem again, but how did he manage to pass her so quickly? Then again, she wasn't surprised in the least. He was the pharaoh and his powers were indeed still questionable to anyone. She picked herself up and they stood face to face...no one said a word. It was like a staring contest, but it was to see who would talk first. Tea was getting tired of the silence though. "Atem, I have to do this...please, just understand."
"Understand what, Tea? You have yet to make me understand, because you won't tell me what it is that I need to understand. But judging by how you left...without even explaining your reason, I can just put it all together." he said.
"This is for the best, you may not agree, but it's a choice that I have to make." Without saying anymore, Tea walked around Atem to continue on her way to the tower.
"So, you're just going to quit? Give up? Or the phase that people say, "throw in the towel"? Atem had his arms folded and he turned to look at Tea, who had her back facing him. "Because that is NOT the Tea I know. She wouldn't quit when the odds are against her, she wouldn't give up when things seem hopeless to her."
Tea thought the the grip on her staff couldn't get any more tighter that it already was. "You don't understand." she muttered.
"You keep saying that, but you're not making any attempts to get me to. You're right, I don't understand why the woman that I love is surrendering herself to the enemy! I don't understand why she won't give me a DECENT explanation as to why she's suddenly giving up!" Atem was tired of standing in his spot and he walked around until he was in front of Tea. Grabbing her arms and shaking slightly, trying to get her to give him some answers. "I don't understand, Tea! So, MAKE ME UNDERSTAND!" he yelled.
"I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU!!" she yelled back and lightning began to strike the sky once she finally admitted what her reason was. Atem was speechless...she was doing this for him? But why? As if reading his mind, Tea continued. "When we fought against Nagaharu and when he purposely made you fall, my heart stopped. There was nothing I could do, but watch you disappear in that fog. I know we talked about this before, but I've never stopped thinking about it. You were fighting for ME, trying to protect ME and you almost lost your life because of ME! As long as I have these powers, you and the others are in danger, along with everyone else on this planet." Right now, the tears that Tea was holding back for so long were now streaming down her cheeks and the rain just made her face wetter than it was.
Atem helped her to wipe the tears away. His heart always clenches whenever he watches her cry, but now he knew the reason as to why she was leaving. He let her continue with explaining, sensing that she still had more to say. "Atem...believe me, I wasn't going to give up so easily. I had planned to tell Jouta that I was surrendering to Gyousei, so that I could have my chance to fight against him. If Anzu defeated him back then, I can do the same thing."
"Tea, don't you realize how dangerous that would have been if you went there alone? It's too risky." Atem said trying to reason with her.
"It's better than losing you and the rest of our friends. I won't have you all risking your lives for me, I just won't allow it." She gasped when Atem pulled her into his arms...and if she wasn't mistaken, she could feel a bit of a tremble from him. Was it from the cold...or was he afraid for her?
"How do you think I would feel if something happened to you, Tea? Don't you think I would feel the same way? Wanting to risk everything, just to make sure that no harm comes to you. It's how I felt whenever I had a new evil to face, but what did you and the others do? You stood by me, even when I asked you all not to get involved or to stay back, you all never left me. And I think that's where I learned about true friendship." He pulled back so that he could stare into her sparkling blue eyes. "As I told you before, you're not alone. Let me help you, Tea. Let our friends help you...please, don't push us away...don't push me away and think you have to face this by yourself. You don't have put everything on the line for us, nothing will happen."
"You don't know that." she said.
Atem just smiled. "Maybe not, but what I DO know is that we have faith on our side. As long as we have that, Tea, then there's nothing we can't do. You believe that, don't you?" In her heart, Tea DID believe it and she knew that Atem was right. Which is why she threw her arms around him as if he was her last lifeline.
"You're so stubborn, but I'm glad that you are. Was I ever like this with you?" she asked. Atem chuckled.
"Yes, you had your moments. One of the reasons why I fell in love with you." Tea giggled a little while her face showed a small hint of a blush. They were becoming very soaked from the rain, but they had so much warmth, so it really didn't matter.
Their moment was interrupted when they both sensed something dark coming, only to find that it was Jouta appearing out of his dark portal. Atem took a protective stance in front of Tea, making sure that she was safely behind him. "I do remember saying that our meeting was to be held at the tower, Tea. You have me waiting for quite some time now...and I do not take likely for any of my time to be wasted." he said in the same cold, monotone voice. Atem was about to retort back, but when he felt Tea's hand on his shoulder and seeing her reassuring look, he knew that she could handle. So, the only thing he'll be doing is keeping an eye on Jouta. He's already gone too far.
"I haven't forgotten where we were suppose to meet...but I guess since you're here, I can tell you what I plan on doing." Jouta looked satisfied by her response, but wasn't very pleased with seeing Atem with her.
"You have brought your pharaoh along?" It was more of a statement that a question. Atem glared, he was seriously itching to take this demon down himself, but the only thing that was keeping him back was Tea. "Why don't we just cut to the chase, shall we? What is your decision?" Jouta's arms were folded, waiting for the words he wanted to hear.
"My decision...is that you can forget it, I'm not giving up anything for Gyousei. If he wants my powers so badly, then he's just going to have to fight me." Taking her staff, she pointed it forward with the orb glowing at the tip. Atem also drew his sword, preparing to fight as well. The glare in Jouta's eyes was extremely dangerous, his hand curled up into a tight fist. He was angry, but didn't show much of the emotion. Hid body language was enough to confirm it.
"What a shame...I had expected for you to come willingly, but it looks as if I have to force you after all." The wind began to grow so strongly that the hoods from Atem and Tea's cloaks blew off their heads. By the power they felt from Jouta, they could tell it was going to be a tough battle. Even more tougher than the battle with Nagaharu. Jouta summoned what appeared to be hilt from a samurai sword. It wasn't much of a weapon...if he didn't add his powers to it. Using the magic of the wind, Jouta was able to create a blade to connect with the hilt. He smirked slightly once he saw their shocked faces.
"Well, shall we begin?"
XxX
Chapter complete, things are now beginning to heat up. In the next chapter, Gyousei will make his appearance known to the gang. So, if you want to find out what happens, you must review. Again readers, I am so very sorry that you all had to wait so long. Since I have finished with this chapter, I am immediately going to get to work to start another one for the next story I need to update. I'm going to do my very best to get them posted in time. Until next time, guys. Teardrop Lotus signing off.
