Shadow Realm

Hey everybody! Chapter 25 is finally here for reading! I am desperate to get Battle City finished because I have great ideas for the Waking the Dragons saga! One more chapter and Battle City will finally be over! But for now, a fresh chapter for you all to enjoy! I own nothing expect my girl, Rori Moto! Now...on with the story!

'Aurora... Aurora...'

My eyes snap open in fear.

'Aurora...'

There it is again. Someone is calling me.

'Who's there?' I call into the blackness around me.

'Aurora...'

Who is it? Who is calling me?

'Show yourself! Who are you?' I call.

But all I hear is my name being whispered towards me in the darkness.

'Aurora...'

Then I hear a cruel sickening laugh behind me.

I narrow my eyes.

'You...' I hiss.

It's Marik.

'Welcome to the Shadow Realm, Aurora Moto!' he laughs. 'Now you shall stay here for all eternity!'

No.

No...No...No...

'You're lying you sick bastard!' I tell him.

'Oh, am I dear? Take a look around you. Look at the shadows wallowing around you left to suffer in the darkness for all eternity! Think of your poor friend Mai and that pathetic Joey Wheeler. They are both left to wander in the darkness for all eternity! And now you will join them!' he laughs sickeningly.

'Now you shall wander in the darkness for the end of your days Aurora Moto. But don't worry- you won't be alone for long. Soon your brother and the rest of your pitiful friends shall join you in the Shadow Realm!' shouts Marik. And then he's gone and I'm all alone.

I can't believe this. I just can't believe this.

I'm trapped in the Shadow Realm.

I'm all alone.

'You are not alone.'

Huh? Am I hearing things? Now who's there?

'Aurora, sweetheart, I'm over here.' the voice says again. It's coming from behind me...

I turn around...and gasp and who it is.

'Mom?' I whisper.

Is it really her? She looks exactly the way she was before she died. Her blonde hair tumbling down her shoulders, her beautiful violet eyes and her soft, sweet smile.

And now here she is again.

'Mama...' I say. I haven't called her Mama since I was four.

'My sweet Aurora. Don't be afraid of this. You can overcome this darkness.' she tells me.

'How can I overcome this Mama? I'm...' I trail off. 'What is it?' she asks. 'I'm not sure if I can.' I admit.

'Yes you can my daughter. You've overcome so much already in your life. I have no doubt you will overcome this as well.' Mom says taking my hand and grasping it tight.

'Look behind you now sweetheart.' she tells me, pointing behind me. I look over my shoulder.

There is a light, very dim I must admit but there is a light. 'Where does that light lead to Mama?' I ask. 'The light leads back to your brother, your friends...and your love.' she says with a smile.

Wait a second...did she just say my love?

'You mean you know about...?' I start to ask. I can't finish, I'm just too embarrassed. Mom just smiles at me, her eyes shining. 'Yes, I know all about you and your boyfriend sweetheart. And you've found a lovely man in Seto Kaiba. You both will be extremely happy darling. Let me tell you that.' she says.

'Now sweetheart, you must return to the real world. Yugi needs you and so do the rest of your friends. You must help them stop this sick bastard Marik. Otherwise...I don't think you need me to tell you what would happen.' she says.

I start to turn towards the light. But then I stop. 'Aurora, what is it sweetheart?' asks Mom. I turn to her with tears in my eyes. 'Mama...I lost you once before. And now I'm gonna lose you again.' I say. She reaches out and touches my cheek, smiling softly.

'Don't be upset darling. We'll see each other again soon. I promise you that.' she whispers.

Mom kisses my cheek softly and then we share a long everlasting hug. I breathe in her warm rose scent once more. 'I love you my darling girl.' she whispers.

I open my eyes and Mom is gone. But I'm not sad anymore. She's still here. I turn and walk towards the light, back towards the real world.

My eyes snap open and I sit up in bed. I hear a gasp beside me. 'Rori! You're awake!' cries Serenity happily. I smile at her. 'I'm alright sweetie, don't worry.' I grin.

Mai is still in bed...but where's Joey? 'Joey woke up too! He and the others are up at the tower.' explains Serenity. 'It's Yugi versus Marik now.'

So Yugi's battling Marik. I know what I have to do.

I slowly climb out of bed. My side is bandaged up and is a little sore but I don't care.

'I'm going up to the duel Serenity.' I tell her. I expect her to object but to my surprise, she nods in encouragement. 'You have to go Rori. Yugi will need your support. And he'll need it badly.' she says.

I smile and nod and head towards the door. 'I'll see you later then sweetie.' I say. 'See you later Ro.' smiles Serenity.

I walk out of the blimp. My side is giving me great agony but I don't give a damn. I look up at the top of the tower.

Oh no. I should have guessed Yugi and Marik were going to be dueling in yet another Shadow Game.

I have to go.

Yugi needs me.

'You're in for a big surprise Marik. Big time.' I whisper, a smirk creeping up on my face. With a little laugh, I walk towards the tower.

Watch out Marik - I'm back. And you're going down to hell.

To Be Continued! Next chapter- Yugi vs Marik and then it's time to leave the island. Until next time...please review!