Chapter 25: Homeward Bound

Disclaimer: This is a nonprofit, fan-based fictional work. Moi-moi819 does not own Inuyasha, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or any of the titles therein. Please and thank you for not suing.

Moi-Moi: Things are finally slowing down. I spend my days working on an art project to pass the time. It's really cool and it's coming along nicely. I used an old text book as a journal of sorts and I put whatever I want all over the pages. I paint all over the pages and stick all sorts of decorations in the book. It's a lot of fun. Thanks for reviewing: xxoikilluoxx, TsukiyoTenshi, kawaiishiella, redangel2463, k-popluver4eva, Mistress of Darkness Katana, RebornRose1992, MichelleTaisho, Foxluna, nier, gome, sesshi, yashi, kohi, kogi, phar ioh, and many guests.

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She decided then that she would never leave his side. She would do anything to keep him safe and happy- even give her own life. Taking his small wrist in her hand, she kissed his fist. She watched him stare up at her before getting distracted by her jewelry. She was giving him one of her many bangles when her bedroom door opened loudly and an out of breath servant rushed in.

"My queen, come quickly! It is urgent!" the servant exclaimed. Kagome sat up at once, her eyes widening in hope. She clutched Yugi to her and willed her wand to her as she left the room. 'Pharaoh!?'

Kagome held Yugi's head to her collar to keep him from jostling too much as she ran. Her breath came in loud gasps as she took the palace in long strides. She was barely aware of the tears rolling down her cheeks and the grin conquering her face. A giddy laugh almost tore out of her as she turned the last corner before rushing down the staircase that would lead her into the courtyard.

As she touched the ground outside the palace, the grin fell and her laugh morphed into a shocked gasp. There were men in hooded cloaks moving about the palace grounds as well as outside the palace. She noticed the black clouds of smoke rising beyond the walls. How had she missed the smell?

Women were shrieking. Horses were being forced to trample everything-and everyone- in their way. Swords and spears were clashing in loud pings. She noticed the walls of the palace being rammed and cracked. The war cries of men would rise and drown out all the noise before those same cries died out in choked gurgles. She noticed the armed guards as well as the high priests, fending off the attackers.

Kagome took a step backwards. The only thought ringing out in her mind was the infant cradled tightly to her body. She had to protect her son with all that she could.

"Get me a bow and as many arrows as you can find," she said in a firm voice to the servant still at her side. The woman stared at her queen with wide eyes. Kagome turned and retreated back into the palace. She had to get to higher ground.

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Kagome opened the balcony doors before staring down at the chaos below her. Fury filled her at the sight. Aknadin had more than struck a nerve with his latest escapade. He had infiltrated her home and threatened the safety of her loved ones. She now understood the former Pharaoh's anger.

Gripping the arrow, she charged it with her Heka. Chanting a quick spell that she had learned from one of Mahad's more advanced books, she let the arrow fly. It was extremely advanced magic. She was sure that even Mahad wasn't using the spells in the tome. Kagome watched as the arrow struck one of Aknadin's minions before knocking him off his horse and pinning him to the far-off palace wall.

She went about this for some time picking off the minions one at a time, some being pinned to the wall or combusting on impact. Once her supply of arrows had dwindled, she paused. Quickly, she used her wand to manifest some more of the wooden weapons.

Kagome drew another arrow, aiming for a minion that had backed Shada into a corner. She let the arrow fly before reaching for another one. Before she could notch it, Kagome felt something hard collide with the side of her head. The sharp pain that came with the blow was quick. She barely felt it as her eyes closed on their own and she lost control of her body. Even the sound of someone screaming her name was muffled. All her energy dissipated as she collapsed to the ground.

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She was resting on something warm and solid. She could hear the sound of birds chirping as well as a nearby water source gurgling- a brook? She began to shift with a groan. Where was she?

Once the spots cleared from her vision, Kagome noticed her surroundings. She was in a grass-covered clearing with a river running though the middle. Trees surrounded the clearing and shaded it from the sun. She tried to sit up and noticed the grass shifting under her legs.

Looking down at herself, she saw that she was were her old, middle school sailor fuku. Her brown penny loafers were set aside along with her bow and arrows. Was she in the Sengoku Jidai?

Once she felt sifting behind her, Kagome turned. She gasped at the sight of the Pharaoh blinking awake. He offered her a lazy smile before sitting up fully. He was dressed in all his regal glory and not a bit disturbed at their surroundings.

He continued to smile at her while pulling her to him. She allowed him to move her before tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Good morning, Kagome," he said before capturing her lips with his. How was he here with her? Was this a dream? Kagome allowed her eyes to close with a mental sigh. If this were a dream, she hoped it would never end.

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The reawakening was painful. A dull throb racked her head and left her discombobulated. Even the slightest movement left her with a large migraine. Hesitantly, Kagome opened her eyes. What had happened? Flashes of the battle in her home came back in a rush. Had they won?

Kagome sat up slowly, gripping her head. She was in her bed, nestled warmly under the sheets. Yugi wasn't in his crib. A nervous panic ripped through her at the disappearance of her son. Disregarding her migraine, Kagome tossed away the sheets before stepping onto the floors. She found that she was already dressed, most likely due to her chamber maids.

Willing her wand to her, Kagome opened her chamber doors. She peered outside for any sign of life. Seeing no one, she began to search for Mana, Yugi, or her friends. How long had she been out? Her feet moved silently over the tiles as she tiptoed through the palace. Where would she search first?

Peering out a nearby window, she noticed several men cleaning up the courtyard as well as rebuilding the walls. They were nearing completion. She must have been out for some time.

Perhaps Mana would be with Mahad? After what happened, no one should be willing to leave the palace anytime soon. Kagome decided then that she would search the throne room for the priest and his apprentice. Yugi should be with them.

She abandoned her sneaky methods and chose to stride towards the throne room. Just as she was nearing the throne room doors, she noticed some servants moving about. They began to stop in their movement to stare at her with shocked eyes. Kagome nodded to them with a smile before pushing the doors open.

It was extremely quiet. The only sounds were the sound of the large doors opening as well as the echo that followed it. She could feel everyone's eyes turn to her at once in question before their gazes shifted to one of shock.

She quickly scanned them all and noticed Jounouchi, Honda, Anzu, and Yugi had slipped in with the crowd. Mana was standing with them without her son. She continued to look over the faces of the guards, priests, and servants before spotting her son. Relief flooded through her at once. She was about to take a step into the room towards her son, before she noticed who was holding him.

She slipped into a trance like state, staring back at his violet eyes. The rest of the world slipped away. The room could have been set on fire by Aknadin and she wouldn't have cared.

"Kagome, you're awake," Pharaoh spoke in a relieved tone.

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He had been hoping for better news once he had returned home.

Atem had awoken alongside the Nile riverbank covered in sand, dirt, blood, and water. His shoes, cape, Puzzle, and some of his jewelry were missing. He had spent some time laying at the river side simply staring up at the sky and trying to gain hold of his bearings. After some time, he began moving upriver.

He took shelter in caves at night while searching for anyone who could offer him aid during the day. It was not until his third day that he came upon a small farm. He had been farther from home than he had anticipated.

The husband and wife that he had met on the farm had been more than accommodating to him. After a day of required recuperation, he had set out for home. He had been able to borrow a horse from the man and his wife on the outskirts of the kingdom in order to get home. He made a mental note to fully compensate the couple for their kindness to him once he returned home.

It had taken several days, but he had made it back. He had seen his home was in shambles once he dismounted the brown horse. After seeing the poor condition of his home, he had been even more spurred to see his wife and child. He had to know they were safe. He had not been there to protect them from this tragedy.

His presence alone had alerted many. The high priests had been overjoyed with his survival and wanted nothing more than for him to lead them and the kingdom once more in the hunt for Aknadin. However, he had better things in mind.

Once he had entered his chambers with the high priests and several servants following him, he froze at the sight of Kagome unconscious in bed. He was at her side in an instant, pulling her limp body to him. He did not care if anyone had seen the tears he had openly wept. He was home.

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Moi-Moi: I want to get at least two tattoos.

Edited: 5/22/13