Chapter 26: What's In A Name?

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: He's alive! Hooray! And so begins the thickening of the plot… I finished my art project. It looks better than I thought it would. I'm so proud. Also, I am officially done with high school! Now, I get ready for my next step: College. Thanks for reviewing: Mistress of Darkness Katana, TsukiyoTenshi, Wicken25, redangel2463, Kaddy16, xxoikilluoxx, MichelleTaisho, MissySelenity, kawaiishiella, sesshi, kogi, kohi, nier, noir, gome, kikyi, yashi, yasshi, kaedi, sangi, yaahi, phar ioh, kahi, soti, and many unnamed guests.

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Kagome had been reluctant to let her husband leave her sight the next morning. He had returned to the palace two days after she had been knocked unconscious by one of Aknadin's minions. She had been moved to her chambers to recover while Shimon and the High Priests took to leading the kingdom. Pharaoh had been able to take control of his kingdom and restore some sense of order within its borders. She was just happy to have him home.

"Aknadin's got to pay for this. There's got to be way to beat him," Jounouchi spoke as he paced the bedroom floors. Anzu sat with Yugi next to her as well as the infant Yugi napping on her lap. Honda watched his friend pace quickly before blinking to clear his eyes.

Pharaoh sat on the large bed with Kagome at his side. He tried to ignore the way her thumb was drawing lazy circles on the back of his hand. She rested her head on his shoulder while pulling his hand into her lap. He gave her hand a squeeze in return before allowing his thoughts to return to Aknadin.

"It's pointless to seek him out. Aknadin is well hidden. I do not like it, but all we can do is wait for Aknadin to make his move," Pharaoh said. Mahad watched his King speak, taking in every word.

"My king, may I have your permission to leave? I wish to travel to the Spell caster's Training Grounds. There is something I must do," Mahad spoke and bowed.

"Of course Mahad," Pharaoh watched Mahad go, his curiosity piqued.

"It took Aknadin months to recuperate the last time he was drained of all his energy. Either he's going to find a way to get stronger faster or he's going to wait it out to try again in a few months," Kagome said from Pharaoh's shoulder. Everyone looked at her, but she didn't sit up and relinquish her hold on him.

"Something tells me that Aknadin's going to be back real soon," Jounouchi said in a grave tone. Everyone aside from the infant in Anzu's arms felt the gravity of his words. A storm was definitely on the horizon. "Pharaoh, there's got to be something you remember. What about you Kagome? You beat Aknadin before. We just have to do I again."

"I'm afraid my past is still a mystery to me," Pharaoh answered.

"All we know is that he had to seal his soul away to seal away Aknadin and put stop to the evil that was threatening the world," Kagome spoke. Her brows furrowed as she bit her lip.

"What is it, Kagome-chan? You look like you had an idea," Anzu said, her eyes fixed on Kagome. The others looked to her as well, but Kagome avoided their eyes. She stared at the floor before sighing.

"When Urasuei tried to remove my soul from my body and place it into an artificial body for Kikyou, she used a spell. I don't remember much of the ritual, but I do know that Urasuei needed someone else to speak aloud Kikyou's name. I couldn't help but think that the spells were similar," Kagome hinted.

"That makes sense. It's the best chance we've got. We need to find out the Pharaoh's name," Yugi said firmly. Everyone nodded once before standing.

"Let's turn this palace upside-down!" Jounouchi exclaimed.

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Aknadin groaned and turned over on the warm, straw mat he laid on. He was nearly healed. He was sure that one more night of rest would have him fully restored to his proper glory and ready to take on the Pharaoh and his subjects.

Aknadin grinned at the stone ceiling at the thought of his son Seto on the throne where he belonged. However, his glee was short lived. The last time he had attempted to help Seto rise to the throne, his son had turned his back on him. Aknadin sneered at the ceiling. Perhaps Seto was not ready for the throne?

There was only one option. He would have to take the throne away from his nephew. He would become Pharaoh and raise Seto as the prince in order for him to take over once he was ready. Aknadin sat up as a grin made its way to his face.

The current prince and queen would prove to be a problem. He would have to murder them. Kagome would defend her son like she had done in the past, but her powers would not weaken his so greatly as they had done in the past. 'Not after I have my master's power in my hands.'

It was nearly time to release Zorc the Dark One from his slumber. Once his master was free, Aknadin would become unstoppable. He would slay his nephew, Kagome, and the young prince before assuming the throne with an iron fist. No one would stop him from achieving his goals.

He owed it to Seto. He had left his son at a young age. It had been his greatest regret. He owed it to his son to make up for the many years of neglect. There was no better gift than the throne of Egypt. Yes. Seto would be king.

"Aknadin, we have just received word that the priest Mahad has entered his temple in the Spell Caster's Training Grounds," a cloaked minion spoke in a raspy voice while bowing lowly.

Aknadin smirked. "He's attempting to release the portion of his spirit that he sealed away. I shall see how he is coming along with it," Aknadin spoke in a sickly sweet tone.

"My lord, are you sure? Your strength-" the minion started.

"I have enough strength for this. Prepare the ritual for my return. Zorc the Dark One shall rise tonight," Aknadin spoke while pulling on his dark robes. The minion watched him leave with a hesitant expression before leaving to set up the resurrection ritual.

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Mahad kneeled before the single, stone tablet in his temple. He placed the Millennium Rod at his side before closing his eyes and bowing his head.

He had sealed away this portion of his spirit long ago. But now, he required its strength. The kingdom was under attack by a force they couldn't hope to understand. He would do anything to protect his king along with Kagome and the young prince. He would fight for Mana, his home, and the other priests. This was his duty: to serve his king to the fullest extent of his abilities.

Speaking the sacred words that he had stored into the back of his mind for so long, Mahad waited for them to take effect. A purple aura surrounded him as the picture of his monster spirit faded away from the tablet.

For so long, he had been incomplete. But now, he was once again whole and powerful. He embraced the power overflowing within him, beckoning release. With wide eyes, Mahad inhaled deeply.

"I knew that you had hidden a portion of your soul away, but I had no idea how powerful it was."

Mahad turned and stood in one fluid movement, glaring at the intruder. Aknadin stepped out from beyond the shadows with a smirk in place. "Aknadin, now that I am at full power, I shall make you pay for your crimes," Mahad spoke with a venomous tone and harsh glare.

"I'm shaking, Mahad. I need another's life energy to restore my master's. Would you be so kind?" Aknadin spoke in a sweet tone.

"Never," Mahad answered and raised his staff. Aknadin felt the air shift. The temperature was rising and dropping haphazardly as well as whipping around him. The room was quaking causing some stones to shake loose and fall. Aknadin glared at Mahad.

It was time for this magician's final act.

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Moi-Moi: I want a tattoo of the kanji for "Free Spirit" and some sort of design… I feel like I ended that with such a cheesy line. Blech! Sorry for taking so long guys. I wanted to write, but I had writer's block and I got sick. I'm still sick acutally. *sniffs* See you next time!

Edited: 6/5/13