Go me, I found a way to get the Shadow Realm involved. Well, kinda... a bit different here.
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
Legacy of Kain characters, setting and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.
The frigid air seeped into everything, any doubts they had of being able to remember Dumah's gate symbol fade once they left the gate room.
"Man, he wasn't kiddin on that frozen thing. I think my hair has turned to icicles," Joey shivered violently again. His jacket was heavier than Yugi's and had let the smaller teen use the extra shirt. Not like it would fit him anyway, had come from Yugi's bag after all. They trudged through the mid-calf deep snow as more flakes innocently fell, the spears had been returned to the slings they wore so their hands could be tucked into pockets. The wind kicked them up into small flurries that stung the eyes from time to time.
"We can't stay in this for long, the snow is caked on boots and pants now. I'm going numb, we'll have severe frostbite before long."
"We're inda middle of nowhere, Yuug, how do we get out of it?"
"Turn back and hope the snowfall lessens?" Yami replied. He was forced to raise an arm as wind howled through the mountains bringing heavier snow.
"Sounds good to me, get outta this mess," Joey yelled over the wind. Moving as best they could, both boys backtracked to the gate room. They slumped to the ground for a moment's rest.
"Best get this ice and snow offa us 'fore it melts," Joey muttered as he looked at himself.
"Not just yet, there was a torch burning just beyond the room. And some wood scattered. I doubt it will burn, but some heat is better than none," Yami tried to say through chattering teeth.
"And why not take the ice off?" Joey inquired.
"We're going back out into the cold, it can act as a sort of shield. We're wet under the ice, and cold on it won't feel none too great," Yami replied as got to his feet.
"Er, I guess." Joey shrugged.
A quick run back out into the immediate area turned up a small amount of tender. They set the fire up right in the gate room, it was the warmest place and shielded enough from the cold. Reluctantly, clothing had been removed to dry over the fire, luckily it was just shoes, pants and jackets. The two sat huddled in undershirts and shorts.
"Didja happen ta see the sky when we were out? It was almost black, couldn't see the tops of the cliffs."
Yami nodded as he placed his back against the wall. They had set the fire up close to it, allowing it to warm the stone. It would take a while before their garments were dried, the fire was so small; most of the tender was too wet to be of use.
"The air was also more sulfuric, we must be close to the smoke stake The Oracle spoke of." Yami wondered aloud. He closed his eyes and slowly his features melted back into the younger and smaller visage of Yugi.
"Yami said he wished to think about something while we get warmed and dried," Yugi piped once he was in control. He wriggled his toes near the fire, hoping to dry his socks quicker. They were damp, and not soaked so it wouldn't take too long. Joey sighed as he settled against the warm stone, a slight smile crossing his lips as he got comfortable.
"Hey," Yugi said suddenly, "remember the talk of magic earlier?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Joey asked, his eyes were half lidded.
"Well, you think we could tap into it?"
"Huh?" Joey's eyes shot open at the comment. "How so?"
"I don't know, something that would help us. Like, how in the Shadow Realm the monsters on the cards were real..."
"OH! I see what yer gettin at. Heh, Yuug, that would make things so much easier on us if we could. But, how would it work? You just pull out a card an summon? I mean, just draw from the deck or can ya pick the card yourself?"
Yugi shrugged as he pulled his deck out. "It's just an idea, not even sure if it would work."
"Heart of the cards, gotta mean something more than just being useful in a regular Duel," Joey raised an eyebrow.
What about trying to travel in the Shadow Realm itself? We could use it to get past dangers. I doubt any threats could use the method to follow us. Yami spoke to Yugi mentally.
Joey caught the thoughtful expression on Yugi's face and inquired about what was on his mind.
"Joey, would you care to try traveling in the Shadow Realm?" he stopped, he had more to say but wanted to get Joey's reaction first.
The blonde stared at him unblinking for a moment. "Yugi, no offence, but I hate that place. I have nuthin but bad memories from it, I don't wanna think of goin back."
"And if it's better than what we have come across so far, would you reconsider?"
"Maybe," he shrugged.
"The snow wouldn't affect us, it would be cold but not this cold," Yugi reminded him.
"I dunno Yuug, this place is different an all... you sure it would work the same?"
"Yami says he and I can test it and tell you about it."
Joey's eye widened. "You can't just leave me here! What happens if you don't make it back, what do I do?"
"We will make it back. You have Yami's and my word."
"Wait, you ain't tryin it now, are ya?"
"Once clothing is dried, we are."
Joey only nodded and brought his knees to his chest, he didn't like the idea but was curious to see if it would work. He tilted his head forward and allowed his hair to obscure his face and glanced sideways at where Yugi sat, thumbing through his deck and looking at monsters. Apparently that idea was still fresh in his mind, Joey'd rather they tried that but didn't want to seem pushy. Not now at least, nothing too hard had befallen them and Joey didn't wish to start a small rift that might cause trouble later.
Yami sat quietly in his Soul Room, he could hear everything going on outside, part through the mental link and part just through the Puzzle walls. On top of hearing conversation, he could feel emotions. Naturally, Yugi's were strongest, but he could get some from others as well. He had to be careful about how he felt, as Yugi could feel his emotions in return. He wasn't sure if the bond was strong enough to allow Yugi to pick up on others' emotions or not. Somehow Yami doubted it, else Yugi might have mentioned what he had been feeling. Something about Nosgoth, he could feel the land itself. It seemed to cry out for help, it was, well, malnourished and uncared for. It had been strongest in the Pillars' building, Yami didn't pay too much mind to it until he learned about the Pillars. It was a bit unsettling to be able to feel something that great. Could there be a reason they were sent to Nosgoth? The Oracle seemed adamant about them finding Kain. But why? As much as they had learned of him, nothing about his power was listed. There was minor bits of information about his vampire "sons", but Yami nor Joey thought it important enough to look further into. After all, it was Kain they had dealt with; no one else.
He didn't know why, but he felt a strong urge to venture into the Shadow Realm now, after the idea was pitched it was almost as if something was drawing him there. When he thought about it, it did make him want to pass the idea off. But curiosity was winning out. He would wait for clothing to dry first, he didn't relish the idea of being stuck in something wet. On the upside, at least in the Shadow Realm he and Yugi could stand as two persons, Yami wasn't sure he was strong enough to do it in the normal realm, he could appear as a ghost image but hadn't learned how to solidify himself yet. There were times when he would wish with all his soul he could walk among everyone again, without having to push Yugi into his Soul Room. And times in which he was glad he had no material form.
Yugi, if you'll warn Joey I'll take us to the Shadow Realm now. Yami warned once both boys had reclaimed their dried clothing.
"I guess this means yer gonna try it now, huh?" Joey asked before Yugi could say a word. The smaller teen shook his head and took Joey by the arm.
"We'll be back, I promise." He turned Joey's hand over and placed something in his open palm. "And when I get back I'll be expecting you to hand that back to me."
Joey didn't need to look to know what it was, he held Yugi's Duel Monsters deck gingerly and stepped back as Yami took over once more.
"I'll bring him back safe and sound, don't worry at all," he assured the other teen.
"Yeah yeah, now go. 'Fore you change my mind about allowin this."
Joey watched as reality warped then Yami's figure faded away. He snorted and kicked a rock before sitting down next to the fire. "You better come back," he growled.
Yugi's head spun and he felt weak, he took a step and faltered. Strong hands caught him before he fell, Yugi turned back and smiled to Yami, "Thank you," he said as he righted himself.
Yami frowned a bit as he looked around, Yugi felt it too. "It's not cold..." the latter said.
"How odd, then again I suppose the Shadow Realm might be different here. It's still in muted tones, at least." He waved a hand to the blue and green colors that made up everything. The fire was still there, burning in eerie blue and purple shades. But Joey was no where to be seen.
"He won't show here, living breathing organisms won't show unless they accompany those in a shift," Yami replied before Yugi could ask the question.
"This is interesting," Yugi chimed as he ran his hand over the fire. "Can't feel it."
"Because it's not 'real.' Things are a bit different here. In fact, I forgot we wouldn't be able to open the door," Yami scowled.
"Why not?"
"This is only a cold mirror image of the other realm. Things change in it, not here. We can't open doors; they have to be open when we get here."
"What if Joey opens it while we remain here?"
"I don't know, really. We might see a change or we might not."
"Sounds confusing," Yugi wrinkled his nose.
"I try not to think about it, really. It can give you quite the headache," Yami chuckled.
"Yeah, I believe you," Yugi sighed and rubbed his head.
"However, I wonder..." Yami mused as he walked up to the gate. Yugi followed, letting his taller counterpart lead the way. Always in his mind they would look about the same, now was no different. Every detail down to the backpack and spear sling was copied, only the hair, undershirt and naturally height was different. Yugi was startled out of his thoughts when the gate hummed to life.
"That was unexpected," Yami blinked.
"Wait, why can it work if the door won't?"
"I... don't know. But look," Yami pointed.
"Hey, it's that stone face thing. But now it looks lit up like all the other doors were. Should we?"
"Why not? It's worth a look. It might be a door that's only open in this realm," Yami turned to him without stepping off the rune. "After you," he motioned.
Joey was on his feet now, pressed up against the wall as much as he could be. The gate had turned itself on, he kept expecting someone or something to come through. It was set on the weird greyed out image of the stone face, Joey had no idea what to expect. Just as it occurred to him to get his spear ready, the gate shut itself off. Confused, he drew the spear anyway and waved it around on the slightly raised gate platform. He found nothing but still wasn't satisfied. He sat back down, carefully clutching the weapon. "That better of been you two," he said even though no one could hear him.
The other side of the gate was the same as the previous. All except the fact that the gate room itself was vastly different. The walls weren't the grey carved stone, but looked more water worn. There was a pattern of swirls repeating all over the place. It was only interrupted by the stone face, it too had the swirl motif going. The forehead and chin eventually faded into swirls. Tentacle-like swirls. On either side of each carved face, near the ceiling, was a hook-like fixture, it too was carved as a tentacle. All around the muted sounds similar to the Lake of he Dead drifted about.
"The place seems to scream squid," Yugi murmured. Yami nodded in agreement.
"It makes sense, notice the shimmer of colors on the wall? It's caused by water."
"So, we're in water?" Yugi gasped.
"I don't know, it might be reflecting from somewhere else," Yami tried to comfort his Light.
No, there is no reflection or trickery at hand. You are indeed submerged. Here, water has neither heft nor lift. It is as if it was air. The voice came from everywhere and nowhere at once, it was old, powerful and full of wisdom. Something else was there, Yami could only pick up hints of it. The harder he tried to figure out what it was, the more it slipped away and faded.
"Where are you?" Yugi cried as he spun around.
You will not find me that way. And are you positive you wish to see me? You would be the first mortals to do so. First that were still alive at the time.
Yami narrowed his eyes and pointed down one of two halls, he stalked down it with Yugi in tow.
Persistent one you are. But you have nothing to worry over. You have met my Oracle? The voice questioned. Yami stopped in his tracks and scowled.
No, I am not him. He is merely my servant. Are you not following his word to find Kain? The voice inquired.
"Should we?" Yami demanded as he and Yugi walked down a slight incline through a twisting hall, the floor too had the swirl pattern on it.
Well I cannot see why not. He holds the means for you to return to your home.
"Does he now? I'm not so sure that he does know," Yami said defiantly.
You dare to question me child? The voice picked up a hostile tone. Yugi had remained quiet, he didn't know what to say.
"We arrive here mysteriously, we first meet Kain who assumes we stand against him and now two other persons and a whole township are urging us to do something. The township may not have said anything, but it was the general air while we were there," Yami replied. He slowed his pace as the hall ended and opened into a large cavern. Yugi yelped and ran ahead of him, when Yami turned to see what had startled his Light, he was met with a massive tentacle.
Not what you were expecting? the voice chuckled deeply.
"Clithu Elder God," Yami hissed sharply. Yugi suddenly knew why the tentacle motif had been in used, it was symbolic of the being they were talking to.
Such resentment for one you know nothing about, the Elder said lowly.
"Where is the rest of you?" Yami questioned as he looked around the room, only more tentacles were found.
The rest of me? Not here, I span throughout the whole of Nosgoth. There is much more to me than you could possibly see.
"All of Nosgoth?" Yami raised a brow. There was silence, the Elder seemed to know what he was getting at.
Are you accusing me of being the curse this land is suffering from? the Elder rumbled.
"What else could it be?" Yami shot back.
Kain's defiance, have you learned nothing of him? His life is a cancer to this land. As long as he lives Nosgoth will be damned to this sullen state.
"Sounds to me like you are suggesting we do something about Kain."
You think he would willingly send you back to your dimension?
"If you are an God, why have you not stopped him if he's such a threat?" Yugi finally spoke up.
I am bound here with his life force, unable to do what I must. I can watch, but never participate.
Yami didn't like that answer, more was going on that this Elder would let on. For the time being, he would drop everything. He didn't feel like getting on the bad side of a God of the Underworld.
"What is this place?" Yugi asked as he stepped further into the room.
The bowels of the Lake of the Dead.
"The swirling vortex of water we saw?" Yami cocked his head to the side.
One and the same.
So that explained the blue funnel in the middle of the room, it was the tip of the whirlpool. But the idea of where it put the two was rather unsettling.
Souls that find their way here never leave. It is the end of life, a collection of silenced beings.
"Are we dead?" Yugi asked, his eyes growing wide.
Hardly, you are only visiting. But be warned, prolonged stay in this realm will weaken your hold on life. If you value it, you will not dwell in the Spectral Realm but return to the Material one instead.
"Spectral Realm, is that what you call the Shadow Realm?" Yugi questioned.
Spectral Realm, Spectral Plane or the Underworld are common phrases. Your Shadow Realm has not been used to name this plane before.
"A name is a name. But we will not be staying to discuss it further. My Light and I will return to meet our friend, clithu," Yami announced loudly.
You will not be beyond my reach if that is what you believe. You have made contact here and I can reach you there from hereon out.
"Well that's just great," Yami grumbled.
You will need my guidance, child, the Elder said forcefully.
"That's about all you can offer," Yami hissed in reply.
Mind your tongue, you are after all simply a spirit. I could easily claim you if I wished so. You have no flesh with which you are bound to.
Yami froze in his tracks, but ushered Yugi onto the gate.
"How do you know what I am?" he demanded.
You enter my domain and question how I know what I do? I could not hold my title if I was not omnipotent.
"Omnipotent? But yet you are forced to get someone else to do your dirty work, how does that work?"
Do not anger me or I will claim your soul and that of your Light as well.
Yami's eyes narrowed and he balled his hands into fists. What could he do? This was a god he was dealing with. While Yugi and Joey might remain unharmed, the Elder's reach could easily claim Yami. And this was not where he wanted everything to end for him.
You have no choice, little soul. If you wish to return to your world you will seek out Kain and gain the method you need.
Yugi was waiting at the gate by the time Yami stalked up. He was scowling deeply, his features were hard and unforgiving. He sighed and ran a hand over his face, almost as if to help smooth his expression out.
"Let's go," he spat as he stood on the rune. At his signal, Yugi passed through the gate. Once both were on the other side and it shut off, Yami dropped to one knee and wrapped his arms around Yugi, willing the two into the Material Realm.
He hadn't even gotten over the rush of the gate starting the first time, and then it did it again. Joey hopped to his feet and held the spear as if it was a club, his eyes scanned the area and he tightened his grip on the
smooth wood. Movement caught his eyes and he swung. The figure caught his swing and held it. As he watched, Yami phased back into view, he was on one knee but stood quickly.
"Ah, sorry man. That gate scared the begeezus out of me," he sighed and relaxed tense muscles.
"You saw it activate?" The sour look on Yami's face faded some.
Joey nodded and clipped his spear back in the sling once Yami released it.
"So... What happened? You look a bit, I dunno."
"Ran into someone," he spat.
"What, who? Anyone we know?" Joey asked anxiously.
"No, damned clithu elder god," Yami muttered.
"Clithu, like squid?" Joey's posture straightened.
"Exactly," Yami growled, "and he wants us to find Kain. And destroy him to get our way home."
"Whoa, what? Can we do that? I only wanted to get him to let us go home. I didn't wanna hafta mess with him any further."
"Do you really think he would give us what we want willingly?"
There was silence then Joey shook his head slowly.
"You won't have to worry about going into the Spectral Realm, Joey. I don't want you to have to put up with his demands as well. Making contact that way allows us to be able to hear him in this realm," Yami said before he relinquished his command and let Yugi take over once more.
"You can still talk to him?" Joey asked.
"I think so at least, he hasn't said anything yet so I don't know."
"But, you weren't gone all that long," Joey scratched his head. "How could you have learned anything? I mean, the gate flashed on then off, I sat down and it turned back on and off again before you showed up..."
"Really? We had quite a walk before we found the Elder. That gate leads to the bottom of your Soul Soup Lake, by the way."
"Right, another reason not to go into the... Spectral Realm? I thought it was the Shadow Realm."
"The Elder called it the Spectral Realm and Plane, so I guess that's what it's called here," Yugi shrugged.
"Anyway, should we see if the snow has let up and move on?" Joey inquired.
"Sounds like a plan to me. We can get out of here sooner then."
"Oh, Yuug, here ya go," Joey brought his hand out of his coat pocket and placed Yugi's deck in his upturned hand. "Kept em like you asked," he smiled.
"Thank you, Joey."
They needed to open the heavy door anyway, the smoke was becoming too thick in the room and had no outlet. Tendrils raced out and swirled into the air outside. It was still frigid, but the snow was barely falling now. If they could walk where the snow was thinnest, they'd make it all right through the cold. Directly in front of the gate room stood the walled city, they saw no means of entry to it but didn't care, it wasn't where they wanted to be. The pass seemed longer than it really was, the cold chilling them to the bone and making movements slow. They had just past an area of stone rooms stacked on top of one another, according to what the Oracle told them they were getting close. Their luck didn't hold up much longer, a Dumahim vampire lunged out at them from around a turn.
"Didn't we throw onna ya into the Soul Soup?" Joey snarled as his cold fingers fumbled with his spear.
"Just get it dazed and run. We need to get out of the cold," Yugi cried out. He didn't want to face the vampire, but Yami was too busy brooding in his Soul Room and Yugi didn't have the heart to disturb him.
After leaving the vampire dazed, the two boys ducked into a small cave. It held a large fire in the back, perfect for warming themselves on. The vampire followed them, it now blocked the only way out.
"Didn't we learn fire could kill em?" Joey asked as he watched the creature.
"Fire can kill anything, Joey," Yugi replied.
"I know that, but we got fire here. Duh!"
"How do we get the fire to it?"
"No, we make it go to the fire."
Before Yugi could respond, Joey dashed forward and swung his spear at the vampire. He slashed and rammed it with the tip.
"A little help, Yuug!" Joey grunted as he ducked a swipe. The smaller teen ran up and stabbed the vampire in the calf. The large creature buckled and fell back. Joey tried to slide it across the cold stone floor with the butt of his spear, he moved it slightly before the vampire got back to it's feet. While off balance, Joey took a gamble and rammed it in the chest with his shoulder. It stumbled and reeled; the creature moved back and unwillingly stepped into the fire. It roared and thrashed flaming limbs as it ran past the two teens.
"It... caught easily," Joey muttered as he watched the whole figure become engulfed in flames.
"Odd, went up like it was covered in oil. Oh well, it's gone and that's all I care about," Yugi stared wide-eyed at the burning corpse.
Joey prodded it a few times with his spear to make sure it was dead. Once satisfied he and Yugi spent a little more time around the fire before moving on.
So much running around, and they're gonna be doing quite a bit more. Sent all over the place, whee. Such fun.
Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
Legacy of Kain characters, setting and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.
The frigid air seeped into everything, any doubts they had of being able to remember Dumah's gate symbol fade once they left the gate room.
"Man, he wasn't kiddin on that frozen thing. I think my hair has turned to icicles," Joey shivered violently again. His jacket was heavier than Yugi's and had let the smaller teen use the extra shirt. Not like it would fit him anyway, had come from Yugi's bag after all. They trudged through the mid-calf deep snow as more flakes innocently fell, the spears had been returned to the slings they wore so their hands could be tucked into pockets. The wind kicked them up into small flurries that stung the eyes from time to time.
"We can't stay in this for long, the snow is caked on boots and pants now. I'm going numb, we'll have severe frostbite before long."
"We're inda middle of nowhere, Yuug, how do we get out of it?"
"Turn back and hope the snowfall lessens?" Yami replied. He was forced to raise an arm as wind howled through the mountains bringing heavier snow.
"Sounds good to me, get outta this mess," Joey yelled over the wind. Moving as best they could, both boys backtracked to the gate room. They slumped to the ground for a moment's rest.
"Best get this ice and snow offa us 'fore it melts," Joey muttered as he looked at himself.
"Not just yet, there was a torch burning just beyond the room. And some wood scattered. I doubt it will burn, but some heat is better than none," Yami tried to say through chattering teeth.
"And why not take the ice off?" Joey inquired.
"We're going back out into the cold, it can act as a sort of shield. We're wet under the ice, and cold on it won't feel none too great," Yami replied as got to his feet.
"Er, I guess." Joey shrugged.
A quick run back out into the immediate area turned up a small amount of tender. They set the fire up right in the gate room, it was the warmest place and shielded enough from the cold. Reluctantly, clothing had been removed to dry over the fire, luckily it was just shoes, pants and jackets. The two sat huddled in undershirts and shorts.
"Didja happen ta see the sky when we were out? It was almost black, couldn't see the tops of the cliffs."
Yami nodded as he placed his back against the wall. They had set the fire up close to it, allowing it to warm the stone. It would take a while before their garments were dried, the fire was so small; most of the tender was too wet to be of use.
"The air was also more sulfuric, we must be close to the smoke stake The Oracle spoke of." Yami wondered aloud. He closed his eyes and slowly his features melted back into the younger and smaller visage of Yugi.
"Yami said he wished to think about something while we get warmed and dried," Yugi piped once he was in control. He wriggled his toes near the fire, hoping to dry his socks quicker. They were damp, and not soaked so it wouldn't take too long. Joey sighed as he settled against the warm stone, a slight smile crossing his lips as he got comfortable.
"Hey," Yugi said suddenly, "remember the talk of magic earlier?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Joey asked, his eyes were half lidded.
"Well, you think we could tap into it?"
"Huh?" Joey's eyes shot open at the comment. "How so?"
"I don't know, something that would help us. Like, how in the Shadow Realm the monsters on the cards were real..."
"OH! I see what yer gettin at. Heh, Yuug, that would make things so much easier on us if we could. But, how would it work? You just pull out a card an summon? I mean, just draw from the deck or can ya pick the card yourself?"
Yugi shrugged as he pulled his deck out. "It's just an idea, not even sure if it would work."
"Heart of the cards, gotta mean something more than just being useful in a regular Duel," Joey raised an eyebrow.
What about trying to travel in the Shadow Realm itself? We could use it to get past dangers. I doubt any threats could use the method to follow us. Yami spoke to Yugi mentally.
Joey caught the thoughtful expression on Yugi's face and inquired about what was on his mind.
"Joey, would you care to try traveling in the Shadow Realm?" he stopped, he had more to say but wanted to get Joey's reaction first.
The blonde stared at him unblinking for a moment. "Yugi, no offence, but I hate that place. I have nuthin but bad memories from it, I don't wanna think of goin back."
"And if it's better than what we have come across so far, would you reconsider?"
"Maybe," he shrugged.
"The snow wouldn't affect us, it would be cold but not this cold," Yugi reminded him.
"I dunno Yuug, this place is different an all... you sure it would work the same?"
"Yami says he and I can test it and tell you about it."
Joey's eye widened. "You can't just leave me here! What happens if you don't make it back, what do I do?"
"We will make it back. You have Yami's and my word."
"Wait, you ain't tryin it now, are ya?"
"Once clothing is dried, we are."
Joey only nodded and brought his knees to his chest, he didn't like the idea but was curious to see if it would work. He tilted his head forward and allowed his hair to obscure his face and glanced sideways at where Yugi sat, thumbing through his deck and looking at monsters. Apparently that idea was still fresh in his mind, Joey'd rather they tried that but didn't want to seem pushy. Not now at least, nothing too hard had befallen them and Joey didn't wish to start a small rift that might cause trouble later.
Yami sat quietly in his Soul Room, he could hear everything going on outside, part through the mental link and part just through the Puzzle walls. On top of hearing conversation, he could feel emotions. Naturally, Yugi's were strongest, but he could get some from others as well. He had to be careful about how he felt, as Yugi could feel his emotions in return. He wasn't sure if the bond was strong enough to allow Yugi to pick up on others' emotions or not. Somehow Yami doubted it, else Yugi might have mentioned what he had been feeling. Something about Nosgoth, he could feel the land itself. It seemed to cry out for help, it was, well, malnourished and uncared for. It had been strongest in the Pillars' building, Yami didn't pay too much mind to it until he learned about the Pillars. It was a bit unsettling to be able to feel something that great. Could there be a reason they were sent to Nosgoth? The Oracle seemed adamant about them finding Kain. But why? As much as they had learned of him, nothing about his power was listed. There was minor bits of information about his vampire "sons", but Yami nor Joey thought it important enough to look further into. After all, it was Kain they had dealt with; no one else.
He didn't know why, but he felt a strong urge to venture into the Shadow Realm now, after the idea was pitched it was almost as if something was drawing him there. When he thought about it, it did make him want to pass the idea off. But curiosity was winning out. He would wait for clothing to dry first, he didn't relish the idea of being stuck in something wet. On the upside, at least in the Shadow Realm he and Yugi could stand as two persons, Yami wasn't sure he was strong enough to do it in the normal realm, he could appear as a ghost image but hadn't learned how to solidify himself yet. There were times when he would wish with all his soul he could walk among everyone again, without having to push Yugi into his Soul Room. And times in which he was glad he had no material form.
Yugi, if you'll warn Joey I'll take us to the Shadow Realm now. Yami warned once both boys had reclaimed their dried clothing.
"I guess this means yer gonna try it now, huh?" Joey asked before Yugi could say a word. The smaller teen shook his head and took Joey by the arm.
"We'll be back, I promise." He turned Joey's hand over and placed something in his open palm. "And when I get back I'll be expecting you to hand that back to me."
Joey didn't need to look to know what it was, he held Yugi's Duel Monsters deck gingerly and stepped back as Yami took over once more.
"I'll bring him back safe and sound, don't worry at all," he assured the other teen.
"Yeah yeah, now go. 'Fore you change my mind about allowin this."
Joey watched as reality warped then Yami's figure faded away. He snorted and kicked a rock before sitting down next to the fire. "You better come back," he growled.
Yugi's head spun and he felt weak, he took a step and faltered. Strong hands caught him before he fell, Yugi turned back and smiled to Yami, "Thank you," he said as he righted himself.
Yami frowned a bit as he looked around, Yugi felt it too. "It's not cold..." the latter said.
"How odd, then again I suppose the Shadow Realm might be different here. It's still in muted tones, at least." He waved a hand to the blue and green colors that made up everything. The fire was still there, burning in eerie blue and purple shades. But Joey was no where to be seen.
"He won't show here, living breathing organisms won't show unless they accompany those in a shift," Yami replied before Yugi could ask the question.
"This is interesting," Yugi chimed as he ran his hand over the fire. "Can't feel it."
"Because it's not 'real.' Things are a bit different here. In fact, I forgot we wouldn't be able to open the door," Yami scowled.
"Why not?"
"This is only a cold mirror image of the other realm. Things change in it, not here. We can't open doors; they have to be open when we get here."
"What if Joey opens it while we remain here?"
"I don't know, really. We might see a change or we might not."
"Sounds confusing," Yugi wrinkled his nose.
"I try not to think about it, really. It can give you quite the headache," Yami chuckled.
"Yeah, I believe you," Yugi sighed and rubbed his head.
"However, I wonder..." Yami mused as he walked up to the gate. Yugi followed, letting his taller counterpart lead the way. Always in his mind they would look about the same, now was no different. Every detail down to the backpack and spear sling was copied, only the hair, undershirt and naturally height was different. Yugi was startled out of his thoughts when the gate hummed to life.
"That was unexpected," Yami blinked.
"Wait, why can it work if the door won't?"
"I... don't know. But look," Yami pointed.
"Hey, it's that stone face thing. But now it looks lit up like all the other doors were. Should we?"
"Why not? It's worth a look. It might be a door that's only open in this realm," Yami turned to him without stepping off the rune. "After you," he motioned.
Joey was on his feet now, pressed up against the wall as much as he could be. The gate had turned itself on, he kept expecting someone or something to come through. It was set on the weird greyed out image of the stone face, Joey had no idea what to expect. Just as it occurred to him to get his spear ready, the gate shut itself off. Confused, he drew the spear anyway and waved it around on the slightly raised gate platform. He found nothing but still wasn't satisfied. He sat back down, carefully clutching the weapon. "That better of been you two," he said even though no one could hear him.
The other side of the gate was the same as the previous. All except the fact that the gate room itself was vastly different. The walls weren't the grey carved stone, but looked more water worn. There was a pattern of swirls repeating all over the place. It was only interrupted by the stone face, it too had the swirl motif going. The forehead and chin eventually faded into swirls. Tentacle-like swirls. On either side of each carved face, near the ceiling, was a hook-like fixture, it too was carved as a tentacle. All around the muted sounds similar to the Lake of he Dead drifted about.
"The place seems to scream squid," Yugi murmured. Yami nodded in agreement.
"It makes sense, notice the shimmer of colors on the wall? It's caused by water."
"So, we're in water?" Yugi gasped.
"I don't know, it might be reflecting from somewhere else," Yami tried to comfort his Light.
No, there is no reflection or trickery at hand. You are indeed submerged. Here, water has neither heft nor lift. It is as if it was air. The voice came from everywhere and nowhere at once, it was old, powerful and full of wisdom. Something else was there, Yami could only pick up hints of it. The harder he tried to figure out what it was, the more it slipped away and faded.
"Where are you?" Yugi cried as he spun around.
You will not find me that way. And are you positive you wish to see me? You would be the first mortals to do so. First that were still alive at the time.
Yami narrowed his eyes and pointed down one of two halls, he stalked down it with Yugi in tow.
Persistent one you are. But you have nothing to worry over. You have met my Oracle? The voice questioned. Yami stopped in his tracks and scowled.
No, I am not him. He is merely my servant. Are you not following his word to find Kain? The voice inquired.
"Should we?" Yami demanded as he and Yugi walked down a slight incline through a twisting hall, the floor too had the swirl pattern on it.
Well I cannot see why not. He holds the means for you to return to your home.
"Does he now? I'm not so sure that he does know," Yami said defiantly.
You dare to question me child? The voice picked up a hostile tone. Yugi had remained quiet, he didn't know what to say.
"We arrive here mysteriously, we first meet Kain who assumes we stand against him and now two other persons and a whole township are urging us to do something. The township may not have said anything, but it was the general air while we were there," Yami replied. He slowed his pace as the hall ended and opened into a large cavern. Yugi yelped and ran ahead of him, when Yami turned to see what had startled his Light, he was met with a massive tentacle.
Not what you were expecting? the voice chuckled deeply.
"Clithu Elder God," Yami hissed sharply. Yugi suddenly knew why the tentacle motif had been in used, it was symbolic of the being they were talking to.
Such resentment for one you know nothing about, the Elder said lowly.
"Where is the rest of you?" Yami questioned as he looked around the room, only more tentacles were found.
The rest of me? Not here, I span throughout the whole of Nosgoth. There is much more to me than you could possibly see.
"All of Nosgoth?" Yami raised a brow. There was silence, the Elder seemed to know what he was getting at.
Are you accusing me of being the curse this land is suffering from? the Elder rumbled.
"What else could it be?" Yami shot back.
Kain's defiance, have you learned nothing of him? His life is a cancer to this land. As long as he lives Nosgoth will be damned to this sullen state.
"Sounds to me like you are suggesting we do something about Kain."
You think he would willingly send you back to your dimension?
"If you are an God, why have you not stopped him if he's such a threat?" Yugi finally spoke up.
I am bound here with his life force, unable to do what I must. I can watch, but never participate.
Yami didn't like that answer, more was going on that this Elder would let on. For the time being, he would drop everything. He didn't feel like getting on the bad side of a God of the Underworld.
"What is this place?" Yugi asked as he stepped further into the room.
The bowels of the Lake of the Dead.
"The swirling vortex of water we saw?" Yami cocked his head to the side.
One and the same.
So that explained the blue funnel in the middle of the room, it was the tip of the whirlpool. But the idea of where it put the two was rather unsettling.
Souls that find their way here never leave. It is the end of life, a collection of silenced beings.
"Are we dead?" Yugi asked, his eyes growing wide.
Hardly, you are only visiting. But be warned, prolonged stay in this realm will weaken your hold on life. If you value it, you will not dwell in the Spectral Realm but return to the Material one instead.
"Spectral Realm, is that what you call the Shadow Realm?" Yugi questioned.
Spectral Realm, Spectral Plane or the Underworld are common phrases. Your Shadow Realm has not been used to name this plane before.
"A name is a name. But we will not be staying to discuss it further. My Light and I will return to meet our friend, clithu," Yami announced loudly.
You will not be beyond my reach if that is what you believe. You have made contact here and I can reach you there from hereon out.
"Well that's just great," Yami grumbled.
You will need my guidance, child, the Elder said forcefully.
"That's about all you can offer," Yami hissed in reply.
Mind your tongue, you are after all simply a spirit. I could easily claim you if I wished so. You have no flesh with which you are bound to.
Yami froze in his tracks, but ushered Yugi onto the gate.
"How do you know what I am?" he demanded.
You enter my domain and question how I know what I do? I could not hold my title if I was not omnipotent.
"Omnipotent? But yet you are forced to get someone else to do your dirty work, how does that work?"
Do not anger me or I will claim your soul and that of your Light as well.
Yami's eyes narrowed and he balled his hands into fists. What could he do? This was a god he was dealing with. While Yugi and Joey might remain unharmed, the Elder's reach could easily claim Yami. And this was not where he wanted everything to end for him.
You have no choice, little soul. If you wish to return to your world you will seek out Kain and gain the method you need.
Yugi was waiting at the gate by the time Yami stalked up. He was scowling deeply, his features were hard and unforgiving. He sighed and ran a hand over his face, almost as if to help smooth his expression out.
"Let's go," he spat as he stood on the rune. At his signal, Yugi passed through the gate. Once both were on the other side and it shut off, Yami dropped to one knee and wrapped his arms around Yugi, willing the two into the Material Realm.
He hadn't even gotten over the rush of the gate starting the first time, and then it did it again. Joey hopped to his feet and held the spear as if it was a club, his eyes scanned the area and he tightened his grip on the
smooth wood. Movement caught his eyes and he swung. The figure caught his swing and held it. As he watched, Yami phased back into view, he was on one knee but stood quickly.
"Ah, sorry man. That gate scared the begeezus out of me," he sighed and relaxed tense muscles.
"You saw it activate?" The sour look on Yami's face faded some.
Joey nodded and clipped his spear back in the sling once Yami released it.
"So... What happened? You look a bit, I dunno."
"Ran into someone," he spat.
"What, who? Anyone we know?" Joey asked anxiously.
"No, damned clithu elder god," Yami muttered.
"Clithu, like squid?" Joey's posture straightened.
"Exactly," Yami growled, "and he wants us to find Kain. And destroy him to get our way home."
"Whoa, what? Can we do that? I only wanted to get him to let us go home. I didn't wanna hafta mess with him any further."
"Do you really think he would give us what we want willingly?"
There was silence then Joey shook his head slowly.
"You won't have to worry about going into the Spectral Realm, Joey. I don't want you to have to put up with his demands as well. Making contact that way allows us to be able to hear him in this realm," Yami said before he relinquished his command and let Yugi take over once more.
"You can still talk to him?" Joey asked.
"I think so at least, he hasn't said anything yet so I don't know."
"But, you weren't gone all that long," Joey scratched his head. "How could you have learned anything? I mean, the gate flashed on then off, I sat down and it turned back on and off again before you showed up..."
"Really? We had quite a walk before we found the Elder. That gate leads to the bottom of your Soul Soup Lake, by the way."
"Right, another reason not to go into the... Spectral Realm? I thought it was the Shadow Realm."
"The Elder called it the Spectral Realm and Plane, so I guess that's what it's called here," Yugi shrugged.
"Anyway, should we see if the snow has let up and move on?" Joey inquired.
"Sounds like a plan to me. We can get out of here sooner then."
"Oh, Yuug, here ya go," Joey brought his hand out of his coat pocket and placed Yugi's deck in his upturned hand. "Kept em like you asked," he smiled.
"Thank you, Joey."
They needed to open the heavy door anyway, the smoke was becoming too thick in the room and had no outlet. Tendrils raced out and swirled into the air outside. It was still frigid, but the snow was barely falling now. If they could walk where the snow was thinnest, they'd make it all right through the cold. Directly in front of the gate room stood the walled city, they saw no means of entry to it but didn't care, it wasn't where they wanted to be. The pass seemed longer than it really was, the cold chilling them to the bone and making movements slow. They had just past an area of stone rooms stacked on top of one another, according to what the Oracle told them they were getting close. Their luck didn't hold up much longer, a Dumahim vampire lunged out at them from around a turn.
"Didn't we throw onna ya into the Soul Soup?" Joey snarled as his cold fingers fumbled with his spear.
"Just get it dazed and run. We need to get out of the cold," Yugi cried out. He didn't want to face the vampire, but Yami was too busy brooding in his Soul Room and Yugi didn't have the heart to disturb him.
After leaving the vampire dazed, the two boys ducked into a small cave. It held a large fire in the back, perfect for warming themselves on. The vampire followed them, it now blocked the only way out.
"Didn't we learn fire could kill em?" Joey asked as he watched the creature.
"Fire can kill anything, Joey," Yugi replied.
"I know that, but we got fire here. Duh!"
"How do we get the fire to it?"
"No, we make it go to the fire."
Before Yugi could respond, Joey dashed forward and swung his spear at the vampire. He slashed and rammed it with the tip.
"A little help, Yuug!" Joey grunted as he ducked a swipe. The smaller teen ran up and stabbed the vampire in the calf. The large creature buckled and fell back. Joey tried to slide it across the cold stone floor with the butt of his spear, he moved it slightly before the vampire got back to it's feet. While off balance, Joey took a gamble and rammed it in the chest with his shoulder. It stumbled and reeled; the creature moved back and unwillingly stepped into the fire. It roared and thrashed flaming limbs as it ran past the two teens.
"It... caught easily," Joey muttered as he watched the whole figure become engulfed in flames.
"Odd, went up like it was covered in oil. Oh well, it's gone and that's all I care about," Yugi stared wide-eyed at the burning corpse.
Joey prodded it a few times with his spear to make sure it was dead. Once satisfied he and Yugi spent a little more time around the fire before moving on.
So much running around, and they're gonna be doing quite a bit more. Sent all over the place, whee. Such fun.
