Had enough yet? Mr. Scary and the squid still have more coming up, not just yet but they will =B
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.
Here the snow was mixed with blood, it was coppery in many places and the stench was all around. Between it and the unseen sulfur, the two teens weren't sure if they wanted to be breathing at the moment.
"Ergh, we went too far. Ain't that a sundial?" Joey pointed with his spear. Yugi had to strain to see through the hazy area, but he spotted it as well.
"Well where else is there to go? I didn't see any way to get up into some of those stone rooms. And they looked to be pretty shallow."
Cursing from Joey caused Yugi to turn around quickly, the taller teen caught the boy's surprise and apologized.
"Didn't see anything, well, not a vampire. But look, I think that is where we gotta go," he extended a slender arm up to a cliff face far above their heads. It was so tall, the haze of the air around almost didn't allow them to see the top of the structure that lined the cliff side mountain pass.
"How do we get up there?" Yugi wondered aloud as he almost fell back in his effort to see the top.
"Climb, how else?" Joey grumbled at the idea.
"But, it's cold, foot and hand holds are almost non existent and, well, just look at it," Yugi tried to organize all his excuses into one sentence.
"But on the other side lies a possible way home, Yuug. We don't have anything else to go off of, it's better'n nothing..."
"Yeah, it is," Yugi sighed. He looked back up the cliff, dreading the climb. But at the same time he knew it had to be done.
Looking back down, he almost couldn't believe they had made it. Hands were numb and scraped, chests rose and fell quickly in an effort to regain breath. The thick, cold air wasn't helping much in that effort, but at least the climb was over. Joey leaned over the edge and looked back down, he didn't relish the idea of climbing back down later. Everything was surrounded by cliffs in this dead world, so he was sure they hadn't seen the last of the them. His stomach reminded him they had yet to eat.
"Yours too, huh?" Yugi asked as he heard.
"Yeah, least we got somethin though," Joey replied as he dug through the animal skin bag he carried. Everything he had was dried foods, but it would keep much better than fresh. The blonde divided a few items between the two of them and sat in silence as they ate slowly. After finishing, the two cautiously made their way through the high pass. As they traveled the air became more sulfuric and stale. It stung the eyes and got into the lungs. Thick smoke greeted them once they emerged, they were forced to find a way down. The cliff slopped, the first area that was designed as such. Eventually they were under the smoke. The cold had rapidly vanished, and it wasn't until they were almost upon the reason did they find out why. The land was scared, lava flows ran like veins through it; casting a harsh and unforgiving red glow on everything. Trees that had managed to survive were nothing more than hideous skeletal frames with gnarled branches twisting in horrifying ways. The heat rising off the lava made it almost unbearable.
"From icecap to shores of hell, how fun," Joey complained as he removed his jacket and put it in his bag. Yugi followed suit and removed his blue one. The heat wasn't enough to harm bare flesh, but enough to make sleeves uncomfortable.
"So this is Dark Eden?" Yugi said aloud.
"I guess, hey, Yami's been quiet. Something up?"
Yugi frowned at his comment, he had been so busy with things he hadn't noticed Yami had raised a shield, cutting their mental link off.
"Yuug?"
"Yami's not answering, I can't reach him."
He'd been talking to the clithu for a while now, prodding deep into things and upsetting the Elder a great deal. It was no wonder Yami didn't wish Yugi to know of the events.
"I don't understand why we have to do something. It isn't our problem to begin with, and why won't you give me a straight answer as to why we were brought here? I'm beginning to think that you yourself do not know," Yami growled.
You will know what I want you to, and how you got here is not important. You are here and if you wish to leave you will complete the task at hand, the voice said vehemently.
"I grow tired of messing with you, clithu. I don't trust you further than I could throw you. And judging by your visage, that would be not at all."
Who could you trust? And who would you let trust you? Tell me, how do you think the township would react if they found you to be a fraud? You and your simple friend used your misbegotten status to benefit yourselves, you played them for fools.
"We only took what was needed, no more. They will be understanding."
Will they? Nosgoth has been hard on them, they are not as quick to forgive and forget as you seem to think. Would you care to test your thesis? I could easily send your corporeal counterpart and his companion back to the humans armed with the knowledge you are not of this world. The only beings they know of that are not of this world are demons; they are treated no better than the vampire menace.
"And what would that accomplish? You would lose your tools against Kain."
Would I? Do you not think I would have another method should the first fail?
"Then why haven't you used them instead of us?"
He has not arrived yet, and if you complete the task at hand there will be no need for him.
"Something tells me you were counting on us being the easier persons to manipulate. If we refuse we simply get sent back to the township which will learn the truth about us. Worse fates could be handed out."
And they will, I will steal you from your corporeal counterpart and leave the two of them unarmed. You will helplessly watch the humans punish them and you shall remain mine for all of eternity.
"You wouldn't dare!" Yami hissed.
Do you need a reason to complete the task or not?
"I have dealt with persons like you before and in the end I will triumph."
Pegasus? You compare me to him? a deep laugh rumbled through Yami's Soul Room. There are things worse than him. And do not look so surprised, I have looked into your soul and mind as well as Yugi's. I know all you know and you know only what I or another tells you.
"I will find Kain, but what I do at that point shall be of my own doing."
We shall see, Dark one.
The terrain hadn't changed since they arrived in the forsaken place. It was hazardous, areas that looked solid were merely frail coverings to the lava veins below. Yugi had almost fallen into once such hole, if not for Joey he might be down one foot. It wasn't surprising that once they found a building they made a wild dash for it, anything to get out of the lava fields. The building was old and in somewhat decent condition. It looked like a cathedral of some sort, ornate doorways and windows. Most had been long since broken, allowing the sulfur laden air to seep in and taint everything.
"I'm gonna gag, I swear," Joey hissed as he held his shirt over his nose.
"I think I understand the name Dark Eden, it's the opposite of everything Eden stood for," Yugi coughed. He too had pulled his shirt up so the collar sat over the bridge of his nose. It helped somewhat, but still the stench of sulfur and something else hung around.
"Whoa, cool it Yuug," Joey warned as his hand shot out in front of the other teen. "Look down there," he pointed down a stairwell to a figure that stalked about.
"What... is that?" Yugi squinted, whatever it was, it was huge. Well muscled with large horns, no ears? They flopped about lightly as cloven feet stamped out the rhythm of movement. It's massive head bobbed and swung slightly with each step. Suddenly the creature stopped and tipped it's face to the air. Teeth glinted in the light, even though it's mouth was closed. the nose worked frantically and eventually brought it's gaze to the two teens.
"Um, oops. Guess we're upwind..." Joey stuttered as the creature lowered itself into an attack position. It made a sound akin to a bark and a few more like it scuttled out of shadows, one behind the two.
"This looks grim," Yugi bit his lip as he pulled his spear out.
"We can take em," Joey said confidently.
"Yami, where are you?" Yugi asked inwardly, he received no answer.
The vampire behind them was the first to do anything, it charged and slashed at Joey. He managed to dodge the attack, but the follow through hit Yugi. The smaller boy was sent sprawling across the floor by the tremendous force. He ended up at the feet of one of the other vampires. It snorted and kicked at him but did nothing else. Yugi scrambled away from it and back to the center. Much to his horror he found they were closing in on himself and Joey, it left no room for escape.
He swore the fiend had a smile on it's thick lips. Joey swung again and landed a blow to the massive figure's chest. The vampire snorted and knocked the spear out of the blonde's hand. Joey dropped to his knees and performed a leg sweep, it knocked the bigger figure over. While it struggled to get up, Joey lunged for his spear only to watch as another of the brutes kicked it behind the circle of vampires. As his eyes followed it, Joey caught site of a green banner with a familiar symbol on it.
"Turel's territory!" he cried as Yugi ran past him. The second most powerful of Kain's Lieutenants, the vampiric offspring certainly did hold their title well.
With a yell, Yugi let lose his spear. It sailed neatly through the air and found it's mark in the vampire's heart. The monster screamed and clawed at the shaft, trying to get it out. He failed and eventually flopped over lifelessly. The other vampires closed in.
"Where the hell is Yami?" Joey yelled as he pressed his back against Yugi's.
"He won't answer me!" the smaller teen was almost in tears at this point, he couldn't believe it was about to end for him and his friend.
"I'm gonna try something," Joey murmured as he dug through the bag slung across his chest. His eyes lit up a bit as he found what he was looking for. "Heart of the cards, don't fail me now. Let's see what you can really do."
"Joey, WHAT?" Yugi spun around as his friend drew a card out. A card, what could it possibly do? They hadn't tried what they spoke of earlier and it seemed like the dumbest idea in the world at the moment. Joey held the card over his head and closed his eyes, he willed the monster into existence and much to his and everyone's surprise; it worked.
The Turelim scattered as one of their own fell lifeless to the ground. It's head had been neatly sliced off along with part of an arm. The Flame Swordsman stood ready to attack again, his fingers gripping the hilt of his blade tightly. The blue of his attire complimenting the orange of his head piece and armor plating. The broad sword shone brightly in the reddish glow that lit everything.
"No way," Joey stared on dumbfounded. That was the last thing he expected to happen, he thought the card would give them luck somehow, despite how much he had wished the image would come to life. The living card stared forward, watching the perplexed vampires. With one swift movement, he decapitated the vampire Yugi had staked, allowing the boy to retrieve his spear. Joey did the same and reclaimed his from where it had been kicked.
"How long do ya suppose we can keep a card summoned?" Joey asked, half expecting the Flame Swordsman to vanish.
"If it's anything like the game, once destroyed I assume," Yugi replied.
"I'm glad it worked, I can't tell ya how hard my heart was beating when I pulled the card out. Had nothing else to fall back on..."
"I'm just wondering how you summoned him," Yugi shook his head.
"Maybe there is some magic left in this dead land yet," the all too familiar voice called out. "Impressive, you summon creatures as if you were a sorcerer. Yet, I know you hold no such rank," Kain said as he strode over the floor. The Turelim tucked themselves into shadows, moving far away from the Lord of Nosgoth. Strangely enough, Yugi felt more comfortable in the old vampire's presence than he had before. Kain seemed to pick up on the feeling and raised his eyebrow.
"You seem different child. Earlier I felt another soul within you and now I feel nothing," he drawled on.
"Yami is speaking to someone and has shut himself off to everyone," Yugi replied. He was surprised that Kain had seen that.
The vampire's features darkened. "Who?" he asked simply.
Yugi opened his mouth to reply but closed it again, he didn't know if he should answer.
Kain frowned and stepped closer. The Flame Swordsman raised his blade and Kain stopped.
"Call your attack dog off. For the time being I am of no threat to you. This place, however, is. As soon as I leave those vampires will come out again and resume what they started. No one happens upon this place; you have come on a mission."
"So what if we are?" Joey scowled.
"You are being mislead, boy," Kain snapped back. He furrowed his brow for a moment then pulled his disappearing act. He reappeared right in between the boys, he clamped a clawed hand on a shoulder of each and took them with him.
Joey's head was spinning madly, he fell to his knees about the same time Yugi did. The clatter of retreating footsteps was all the two could hear. Once he felt safe enough, Joey opened his eyes. Much to his surprise he was in the Pillar room.
"Did you really think I would take you to were I reside?" Kain asked as he lowered himself into his throne. Before he had done so, he drew the oddly warped and wavelike blade that had been secured to his back. The hilt was decorated with a fanged skull, protrusions like thick bat wings stretched out on either side of it. He tapped the hilt with one claw, the clicking sound echoed throughout the empty room.
"Tell me what he has told you," Kain said at length.
"Who?" Yugi asked as he got to his feet.
"The squid," came the tart reply.
"I don't know nuthin," Joey muttered.
"I did not ask you, I was speaking to unique haired one," Kain snarled. "As I said before, no one dares venture to Dark Eden unless they are on a mission."
"We were told you held the key to getting us back to where we came from," Yugi said slowly.
"Hmm, interesting seeing as how I have not a clue as to how you got here in the first place."
"We had no other option, it seemed doable," Yugi sighed.
"Yes, about as doable as traveling back through time and getting the Guardian of Dimension, Azimuth the Planar, to send you back. And, that was not a suggestion. I will not be one to put false ideas in your head. You wouldn't know where to start and I do not relish the idea of helping you when you are still very much an enigma."
"Then who will help us?" Joey demanded.
"In Nosgoth, no one. Deception has been staple for as long as I can remember. It is almost as if everyone is born knowing how to wield it."
"And how do we know you aren't lying right now?" Yugi hissed.
"How do you?" Kain chuckled. "I will be honest with you, manipulation only occurs when you can be of use to someone. Ring a bell?" he quirked a brow.
"So you know what the Elder wanted us to do, then?" Yugi answered with a question.
"Always, it never changes. But you were willing to accept this without much thought, were you not?"
"Well, kind of. He said you were the cause for everything that has happened to this land and by destroying you we would find our way home as well as save Nosgoth. I'll be honest, if I'm going home I don't really care about this land. It isn't my worry."
"Tell me though, how can you be sure my death would right things? Yes, I was responsible for the decay you see. But, not solely. I too was manipulated, and through that this happened. I rule the land and I am immortal. Do you really think I would pride myself on a damned land? What would there be for me to rule? No, I just have to wait for the correct moment and I will right things. However, your presence here is unsettling. You could throw everything off and I will not settle for it. I hold power over Nosgoth, but not in the way you have been lead to believe. There is nothing I can do for you, you are on your own."
In the time you have been here with me you have missed much. Lower your shields and see what your Light is up to, the Elder said in a deadly tone.
Yami scowled and lowered them a small amount. He had totally cut himself off from Yugi and had returned to the Spectral Realm and the chamber under the Abyss. His eyes grew wide once he learned the current situation.
Tell me, are you not his protector? And yet you have left him at the mercy of that fiend. You will fail him yet, Dark Soul.
"He is innocent, you cannot bend his will to your liking. He will not do what I had refused to," Yami growled as he began to walk out of the chamber.
Perhaps he will do nothing. But you have left him alone and unguarded. Stay away much longer and he might forget you; disown you and cast you aside. Let him down, and you are mine.
Yami took off running, right to the gate. He had to get to the Pillars were his Light and Joey were, he couldn't forgive himself if anything happened to his charge.
Run little soul, run! Fulfill your task and earn your passage home.
"We will find a way home, Mr. Scary." Joey had chosen to make that the name he used to insult Kain with.
"I am not doubting that you will, you managed to surprise me there in that pack of Turelim. Perhaps your cards are your way out. The sooner you are gone, the better."
"Then these cards might also hold power to do something about you," Yugi stated as he shuffled his deck.
"Try anything, and I will destroy them. I want you gone; that is why I am allowing you to keep them. First sign I see that you intend to use them against me and I will not hesitate." Kain stiffened in his throne a bit, only Yugi knew why. He felt Yami return and fully lower his shields, finally Yugi could communicate with him once more.
"I am a bit surprised that the squid failed to mention it is possible for your other half to walk beside you in this realm. He needs only to will himself here and he can do it. As to how he sustains himself, well that would be his own problem. I think your trinket might do it, though," Kain waved to the Millennium Puzzle. Yugi took a moment to speak to Yami about it before he took it off.
"Yuug, what are you doing?" Joey asked, he honestly thought Yugi was about to give the Puzzle to the Vampire Lord.
"Trying his suggestion."
Yugi let the Puzzle go, it seemed to hover in midair; slowly a figure took form. The first noticeable feature was the hand holding the Puzzle. Before long, Yami stood in the room solid as any life form. Being that he had willed himself into existence, he was allowed to alter his look as he saw fit. His clothing had changed to something a bit more rugged; he had chosen to somewhat copy the style of clothing the Vampire Lord was adorned in, thick leather pants meant to keep the elements out with metal plated boots and gauntlets. Unlike the vampire, he had also chosen to wear a leather covering over his chest. The one thing he didn't have was a weapon, as it wouldn't be a part of him he couldn't form one. He slid the strap that held the Puzzle over his head, letting the gold inverted pyramid rest on his chest, the color blended nicely with the browns and black of his ensemble.
"Oh, and you chose to dress like Mr. Scary, off all the things you coulda picked," Joey sighed.
"At least he has good taste," Kain chuckled. A ghost of a smile touched the corner of his lips.
"Your garment style goes well with the terrain, I deemed it worthy of copying because of that fact," Yami replied as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You spent more time with the Elder, has he filled your head with more lies?"
"A nuisance he was, so adamant about ending your life." Yami felt no need to mention the threats he had received if he didn't carry out the task.
"But, you do not seem to share his feelings on the matter. Either you are very stubborn, or are trying to pull a stunt yourself," the vampire said cautiously.
"I want nothing to do with your land, the clithu or anything else in Nosgoth. This is just as much an annoyance to me as it is to you. I don't wish to become involved in someone else's war."
Kain wanted to remind him that the longer he stayed, the greater his chances of doing just that would be. But, he held his tongue; he felt age and wisdom far beyond the boy's looks.
An awkward silence settled about the room, the three travelers stood unmoving as Kain idly toyed with his blade.
"I don't like that Mr. Skull Head sword at all," Joey whispered to Yugi, the other teen nodded in reply.
"The Soul Reaver," Kain said without looking at him. "Whispering will not do you any good, a vampire has excellent hearing and it is far too quiet in here for anything to drown out your voice," paused for a moment, allowing his comment to sink in. "The blade is said to be possessed, devouring the life force of it's fallen victims. And I warn you," he pointed to Yami, "that you are the most vulnerable to Nosgoth's surprises. You are a free soul, if your magic fails you this land will be your eternal resting place. Normally, I could find great use for a soul such as you in my ranks. But you are not easily controlled, all would be for naught."
"I feel honored," the sarcasm was practically dripping off Yami's statement.
"You should. I do not just randomly recruit vampires, there has to be a certain something there. You would make a fine Lieutenant, but I doubt my others would readily accept you."
Yami gave him a puzzled look, Joey and Yugi did the same.
"Just because you have not seen them is no reason to think they are not out there. You were rather close to Turel earlier, he had been the one to send that pack on you. I had not yet spoken to him or any of my other sons about you. You would have perished if I had no arrived then."
"Why are the not involved in all of this?" Yami questioned.
"No reason to involve them, and in a way they have all been... indisposed. Only Turel can freely leave his clan territory. The others are not so lucky, restrictions that evolution imposed on them prevents their departure. But, this is of no concern to you and I will go no further into it." Kain finished.
"Are we just gonna sit around here forever talking?" Joey grumbled.
"No, we won't. We should set out again," Yami said as he turned.
"Nightfall is not far away, Nosgoth is less pleasant at that time. I would suggest you remain here for the night," Kain said as he stood up. All three teens narrowed their eyes as they turned back to the Vampire Lord.
"Oh honestly, if I was going to kill you I would have done so by now. Enjoy the hospitality while you can. I will push you later into finding your way out. I will only put up with you for so long," he warned before he vanished.
"This will be our third night here, tomorrow the third day," Yugi sighed.
"We will get home, I swear to you," Yami replied.
"I wanna sleep up in that room beyond the ledge. I don't like being out here where it's all open," Joey said as he let his gaze shift to the tall dome ceiling.
"Do you think you could climb a support pillar to reach that ledge? I see no other means to reach it," Yami replied.
"We'll find some way up. I just don like it here..."
The most simple solution to getting on the ledge was to summon one of the taller monsters from the cards, once summoned the monster was to be on the defensive for the whole night; just in case. Even with the lingering uncertainty of their surroundings, the days events had made it easy for the three to fall asleep. Even Yami rested, while he didn't have a true body he had managed to expend a great deal of energy while dealing with the Elder and keeping himself cut off from Yugi for so long.
Summoning monsters now, wonder what else they'll have to use the cards for. Well, as soon as it goes you you can see ;B
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.
Here the snow was mixed with blood, it was coppery in many places and the stench was all around. Between it and the unseen sulfur, the two teens weren't sure if they wanted to be breathing at the moment.
"Ergh, we went too far. Ain't that a sundial?" Joey pointed with his spear. Yugi had to strain to see through the hazy area, but he spotted it as well.
"Well where else is there to go? I didn't see any way to get up into some of those stone rooms. And they looked to be pretty shallow."
Cursing from Joey caused Yugi to turn around quickly, the taller teen caught the boy's surprise and apologized.
"Didn't see anything, well, not a vampire. But look, I think that is where we gotta go," he extended a slender arm up to a cliff face far above their heads. It was so tall, the haze of the air around almost didn't allow them to see the top of the structure that lined the cliff side mountain pass.
"How do we get up there?" Yugi wondered aloud as he almost fell back in his effort to see the top.
"Climb, how else?" Joey grumbled at the idea.
"But, it's cold, foot and hand holds are almost non existent and, well, just look at it," Yugi tried to organize all his excuses into one sentence.
"But on the other side lies a possible way home, Yuug. We don't have anything else to go off of, it's better'n nothing..."
"Yeah, it is," Yugi sighed. He looked back up the cliff, dreading the climb. But at the same time he knew it had to be done.
Looking back down, he almost couldn't believe they had made it. Hands were numb and scraped, chests rose and fell quickly in an effort to regain breath. The thick, cold air wasn't helping much in that effort, but at least the climb was over. Joey leaned over the edge and looked back down, he didn't relish the idea of climbing back down later. Everything was surrounded by cliffs in this dead world, so he was sure they hadn't seen the last of the them. His stomach reminded him they had yet to eat.
"Yours too, huh?" Yugi asked as he heard.
"Yeah, least we got somethin though," Joey replied as he dug through the animal skin bag he carried. Everything he had was dried foods, but it would keep much better than fresh. The blonde divided a few items between the two of them and sat in silence as they ate slowly. After finishing, the two cautiously made their way through the high pass. As they traveled the air became more sulfuric and stale. It stung the eyes and got into the lungs. Thick smoke greeted them once they emerged, they were forced to find a way down. The cliff slopped, the first area that was designed as such. Eventually they were under the smoke. The cold had rapidly vanished, and it wasn't until they were almost upon the reason did they find out why. The land was scared, lava flows ran like veins through it; casting a harsh and unforgiving red glow on everything. Trees that had managed to survive were nothing more than hideous skeletal frames with gnarled branches twisting in horrifying ways. The heat rising off the lava made it almost unbearable.
"From icecap to shores of hell, how fun," Joey complained as he removed his jacket and put it in his bag. Yugi followed suit and removed his blue one. The heat wasn't enough to harm bare flesh, but enough to make sleeves uncomfortable.
"So this is Dark Eden?" Yugi said aloud.
"I guess, hey, Yami's been quiet. Something up?"
Yugi frowned at his comment, he had been so busy with things he hadn't noticed Yami had raised a shield, cutting their mental link off.
"Yuug?"
"Yami's not answering, I can't reach him."
He'd been talking to the clithu for a while now, prodding deep into things and upsetting the Elder a great deal. It was no wonder Yami didn't wish Yugi to know of the events.
"I don't understand why we have to do something. It isn't our problem to begin with, and why won't you give me a straight answer as to why we were brought here? I'm beginning to think that you yourself do not know," Yami growled.
You will know what I want you to, and how you got here is not important. You are here and if you wish to leave you will complete the task at hand, the voice said vehemently.
"I grow tired of messing with you, clithu. I don't trust you further than I could throw you. And judging by your visage, that would be not at all."
Who could you trust? And who would you let trust you? Tell me, how do you think the township would react if they found you to be a fraud? You and your simple friend used your misbegotten status to benefit yourselves, you played them for fools.
"We only took what was needed, no more. They will be understanding."
Will they? Nosgoth has been hard on them, they are not as quick to forgive and forget as you seem to think. Would you care to test your thesis? I could easily send your corporeal counterpart and his companion back to the humans armed with the knowledge you are not of this world. The only beings they know of that are not of this world are demons; they are treated no better than the vampire menace.
"And what would that accomplish? You would lose your tools against Kain."
Would I? Do you not think I would have another method should the first fail?
"Then why haven't you used them instead of us?"
He has not arrived yet, and if you complete the task at hand there will be no need for him.
"Something tells me you were counting on us being the easier persons to manipulate. If we refuse we simply get sent back to the township which will learn the truth about us. Worse fates could be handed out."
And they will, I will steal you from your corporeal counterpart and leave the two of them unarmed. You will helplessly watch the humans punish them and you shall remain mine for all of eternity.
"You wouldn't dare!" Yami hissed.
Do you need a reason to complete the task or not?
"I have dealt with persons like you before and in the end I will triumph."
Pegasus? You compare me to him? a deep laugh rumbled through Yami's Soul Room. There are things worse than him. And do not look so surprised, I have looked into your soul and mind as well as Yugi's. I know all you know and you know only what I or another tells you.
"I will find Kain, but what I do at that point shall be of my own doing."
We shall see, Dark one.
The terrain hadn't changed since they arrived in the forsaken place. It was hazardous, areas that looked solid were merely frail coverings to the lava veins below. Yugi had almost fallen into once such hole, if not for Joey he might be down one foot. It wasn't surprising that once they found a building they made a wild dash for it, anything to get out of the lava fields. The building was old and in somewhat decent condition. It looked like a cathedral of some sort, ornate doorways and windows. Most had been long since broken, allowing the sulfur laden air to seep in and taint everything.
"I'm gonna gag, I swear," Joey hissed as he held his shirt over his nose.
"I think I understand the name Dark Eden, it's the opposite of everything Eden stood for," Yugi coughed. He too had pulled his shirt up so the collar sat over the bridge of his nose. It helped somewhat, but still the stench of sulfur and something else hung around.
"Whoa, cool it Yuug," Joey warned as his hand shot out in front of the other teen. "Look down there," he pointed down a stairwell to a figure that stalked about.
"What... is that?" Yugi squinted, whatever it was, it was huge. Well muscled with large horns, no ears? They flopped about lightly as cloven feet stamped out the rhythm of movement. It's massive head bobbed and swung slightly with each step. Suddenly the creature stopped and tipped it's face to the air. Teeth glinted in the light, even though it's mouth was closed. the nose worked frantically and eventually brought it's gaze to the two teens.
"Um, oops. Guess we're upwind..." Joey stuttered as the creature lowered itself into an attack position. It made a sound akin to a bark and a few more like it scuttled out of shadows, one behind the two.
"This looks grim," Yugi bit his lip as he pulled his spear out.
"We can take em," Joey said confidently.
"Yami, where are you?" Yugi asked inwardly, he received no answer.
The vampire behind them was the first to do anything, it charged and slashed at Joey. He managed to dodge the attack, but the follow through hit Yugi. The smaller boy was sent sprawling across the floor by the tremendous force. He ended up at the feet of one of the other vampires. It snorted and kicked at him but did nothing else. Yugi scrambled away from it and back to the center. Much to his horror he found they were closing in on himself and Joey, it left no room for escape.
He swore the fiend had a smile on it's thick lips. Joey swung again and landed a blow to the massive figure's chest. The vampire snorted and knocked the spear out of the blonde's hand. Joey dropped to his knees and performed a leg sweep, it knocked the bigger figure over. While it struggled to get up, Joey lunged for his spear only to watch as another of the brutes kicked it behind the circle of vampires. As his eyes followed it, Joey caught site of a green banner with a familiar symbol on it.
"Turel's territory!" he cried as Yugi ran past him. The second most powerful of Kain's Lieutenants, the vampiric offspring certainly did hold their title well.
With a yell, Yugi let lose his spear. It sailed neatly through the air and found it's mark in the vampire's heart. The monster screamed and clawed at the shaft, trying to get it out. He failed and eventually flopped over lifelessly. The other vampires closed in.
"Where the hell is Yami?" Joey yelled as he pressed his back against Yugi's.
"He won't answer me!" the smaller teen was almost in tears at this point, he couldn't believe it was about to end for him and his friend.
"I'm gonna try something," Joey murmured as he dug through the bag slung across his chest. His eyes lit up a bit as he found what he was looking for. "Heart of the cards, don't fail me now. Let's see what you can really do."
"Joey, WHAT?" Yugi spun around as his friend drew a card out. A card, what could it possibly do? They hadn't tried what they spoke of earlier and it seemed like the dumbest idea in the world at the moment. Joey held the card over his head and closed his eyes, he willed the monster into existence and much to his and everyone's surprise; it worked.
The Turelim scattered as one of their own fell lifeless to the ground. It's head had been neatly sliced off along with part of an arm. The Flame Swordsman stood ready to attack again, his fingers gripping the hilt of his blade tightly. The blue of his attire complimenting the orange of his head piece and armor plating. The broad sword shone brightly in the reddish glow that lit everything.
"No way," Joey stared on dumbfounded. That was the last thing he expected to happen, he thought the card would give them luck somehow, despite how much he had wished the image would come to life. The living card stared forward, watching the perplexed vampires. With one swift movement, he decapitated the vampire Yugi had staked, allowing the boy to retrieve his spear. Joey did the same and reclaimed his from where it had been kicked.
"How long do ya suppose we can keep a card summoned?" Joey asked, half expecting the Flame Swordsman to vanish.
"If it's anything like the game, once destroyed I assume," Yugi replied.
"I'm glad it worked, I can't tell ya how hard my heart was beating when I pulled the card out. Had nothing else to fall back on..."
"I'm just wondering how you summoned him," Yugi shook his head.
"Maybe there is some magic left in this dead land yet," the all too familiar voice called out. "Impressive, you summon creatures as if you were a sorcerer. Yet, I know you hold no such rank," Kain said as he strode over the floor. The Turelim tucked themselves into shadows, moving far away from the Lord of Nosgoth. Strangely enough, Yugi felt more comfortable in the old vampire's presence than he had before. Kain seemed to pick up on the feeling and raised his eyebrow.
"You seem different child. Earlier I felt another soul within you and now I feel nothing," he drawled on.
"Yami is speaking to someone and has shut himself off to everyone," Yugi replied. He was surprised that Kain had seen that.
The vampire's features darkened. "Who?" he asked simply.
Yugi opened his mouth to reply but closed it again, he didn't know if he should answer.
Kain frowned and stepped closer. The Flame Swordsman raised his blade and Kain stopped.
"Call your attack dog off. For the time being I am of no threat to you. This place, however, is. As soon as I leave those vampires will come out again and resume what they started. No one happens upon this place; you have come on a mission."
"So what if we are?" Joey scowled.
"You are being mislead, boy," Kain snapped back. He furrowed his brow for a moment then pulled his disappearing act. He reappeared right in between the boys, he clamped a clawed hand on a shoulder of each and took them with him.
Joey's head was spinning madly, he fell to his knees about the same time Yugi did. The clatter of retreating footsteps was all the two could hear. Once he felt safe enough, Joey opened his eyes. Much to his surprise he was in the Pillar room.
"Did you really think I would take you to were I reside?" Kain asked as he lowered himself into his throne. Before he had done so, he drew the oddly warped and wavelike blade that had been secured to his back. The hilt was decorated with a fanged skull, protrusions like thick bat wings stretched out on either side of it. He tapped the hilt with one claw, the clicking sound echoed throughout the empty room.
"Tell me what he has told you," Kain said at length.
"Who?" Yugi asked as he got to his feet.
"The squid," came the tart reply.
"I don't know nuthin," Joey muttered.
"I did not ask you, I was speaking to unique haired one," Kain snarled. "As I said before, no one dares venture to Dark Eden unless they are on a mission."
"We were told you held the key to getting us back to where we came from," Yugi said slowly.
"Hmm, interesting seeing as how I have not a clue as to how you got here in the first place."
"We had no other option, it seemed doable," Yugi sighed.
"Yes, about as doable as traveling back through time and getting the Guardian of Dimension, Azimuth the Planar, to send you back. And, that was not a suggestion. I will not be one to put false ideas in your head. You wouldn't know where to start and I do not relish the idea of helping you when you are still very much an enigma."
"Then who will help us?" Joey demanded.
"In Nosgoth, no one. Deception has been staple for as long as I can remember. It is almost as if everyone is born knowing how to wield it."
"And how do we know you aren't lying right now?" Yugi hissed.
"How do you?" Kain chuckled. "I will be honest with you, manipulation only occurs when you can be of use to someone. Ring a bell?" he quirked a brow.
"So you know what the Elder wanted us to do, then?" Yugi answered with a question.
"Always, it never changes. But you were willing to accept this without much thought, were you not?"
"Well, kind of. He said you were the cause for everything that has happened to this land and by destroying you we would find our way home as well as save Nosgoth. I'll be honest, if I'm going home I don't really care about this land. It isn't my worry."
"Tell me though, how can you be sure my death would right things? Yes, I was responsible for the decay you see. But, not solely. I too was manipulated, and through that this happened. I rule the land and I am immortal. Do you really think I would pride myself on a damned land? What would there be for me to rule? No, I just have to wait for the correct moment and I will right things. However, your presence here is unsettling. You could throw everything off and I will not settle for it. I hold power over Nosgoth, but not in the way you have been lead to believe. There is nothing I can do for you, you are on your own."
In the time you have been here with me you have missed much. Lower your shields and see what your Light is up to, the Elder said in a deadly tone.
Yami scowled and lowered them a small amount. He had totally cut himself off from Yugi and had returned to the Spectral Realm and the chamber under the Abyss. His eyes grew wide once he learned the current situation.
Tell me, are you not his protector? And yet you have left him at the mercy of that fiend. You will fail him yet, Dark Soul.
"He is innocent, you cannot bend his will to your liking. He will not do what I had refused to," Yami growled as he began to walk out of the chamber.
Perhaps he will do nothing. But you have left him alone and unguarded. Stay away much longer and he might forget you; disown you and cast you aside. Let him down, and you are mine.
Yami took off running, right to the gate. He had to get to the Pillars were his Light and Joey were, he couldn't forgive himself if anything happened to his charge.
Run little soul, run! Fulfill your task and earn your passage home.
"We will find a way home, Mr. Scary." Joey had chosen to make that the name he used to insult Kain with.
"I am not doubting that you will, you managed to surprise me there in that pack of Turelim. Perhaps your cards are your way out. The sooner you are gone, the better."
"Then these cards might also hold power to do something about you," Yugi stated as he shuffled his deck.
"Try anything, and I will destroy them. I want you gone; that is why I am allowing you to keep them. First sign I see that you intend to use them against me and I will not hesitate." Kain stiffened in his throne a bit, only Yugi knew why. He felt Yami return and fully lower his shields, finally Yugi could communicate with him once more.
"I am a bit surprised that the squid failed to mention it is possible for your other half to walk beside you in this realm. He needs only to will himself here and he can do it. As to how he sustains himself, well that would be his own problem. I think your trinket might do it, though," Kain waved to the Millennium Puzzle. Yugi took a moment to speak to Yami about it before he took it off.
"Yuug, what are you doing?" Joey asked, he honestly thought Yugi was about to give the Puzzle to the Vampire Lord.
"Trying his suggestion."
Yugi let the Puzzle go, it seemed to hover in midair; slowly a figure took form. The first noticeable feature was the hand holding the Puzzle. Before long, Yami stood in the room solid as any life form. Being that he had willed himself into existence, he was allowed to alter his look as he saw fit. His clothing had changed to something a bit more rugged; he had chosen to somewhat copy the style of clothing the Vampire Lord was adorned in, thick leather pants meant to keep the elements out with metal plated boots and gauntlets. Unlike the vampire, he had also chosen to wear a leather covering over his chest. The one thing he didn't have was a weapon, as it wouldn't be a part of him he couldn't form one. He slid the strap that held the Puzzle over his head, letting the gold inverted pyramid rest on his chest, the color blended nicely with the browns and black of his ensemble.
"Oh, and you chose to dress like Mr. Scary, off all the things you coulda picked," Joey sighed.
"At least he has good taste," Kain chuckled. A ghost of a smile touched the corner of his lips.
"Your garment style goes well with the terrain, I deemed it worthy of copying because of that fact," Yami replied as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You spent more time with the Elder, has he filled your head with more lies?"
"A nuisance he was, so adamant about ending your life." Yami felt no need to mention the threats he had received if he didn't carry out the task.
"But, you do not seem to share his feelings on the matter. Either you are very stubborn, or are trying to pull a stunt yourself," the vampire said cautiously.
"I want nothing to do with your land, the clithu or anything else in Nosgoth. This is just as much an annoyance to me as it is to you. I don't wish to become involved in someone else's war."
Kain wanted to remind him that the longer he stayed, the greater his chances of doing just that would be. But, he held his tongue; he felt age and wisdom far beyond the boy's looks.
An awkward silence settled about the room, the three travelers stood unmoving as Kain idly toyed with his blade.
"I don't like that Mr. Skull Head sword at all," Joey whispered to Yugi, the other teen nodded in reply.
"The Soul Reaver," Kain said without looking at him. "Whispering will not do you any good, a vampire has excellent hearing and it is far too quiet in here for anything to drown out your voice," paused for a moment, allowing his comment to sink in. "The blade is said to be possessed, devouring the life force of it's fallen victims. And I warn you," he pointed to Yami, "that you are the most vulnerable to Nosgoth's surprises. You are a free soul, if your magic fails you this land will be your eternal resting place. Normally, I could find great use for a soul such as you in my ranks. But you are not easily controlled, all would be for naught."
"I feel honored," the sarcasm was practically dripping off Yami's statement.
"You should. I do not just randomly recruit vampires, there has to be a certain something there. You would make a fine Lieutenant, but I doubt my others would readily accept you."
Yami gave him a puzzled look, Joey and Yugi did the same.
"Just because you have not seen them is no reason to think they are not out there. You were rather close to Turel earlier, he had been the one to send that pack on you. I had not yet spoken to him or any of my other sons about you. You would have perished if I had no arrived then."
"Why are the not involved in all of this?" Yami questioned.
"No reason to involve them, and in a way they have all been... indisposed. Only Turel can freely leave his clan territory. The others are not so lucky, restrictions that evolution imposed on them prevents their departure. But, this is of no concern to you and I will go no further into it." Kain finished.
"Are we just gonna sit around here forever talking?" Joey grumbled.
"No, we won't. We should set out again," Yami said as he turned.
"Nightfall is not far away, Nosgoth is less pleasant at that time. I would suggest you remain here for the night," Kain said as he stood up. All three teens narrowed their eyes as they turned back to the Vampire Lord.
"Oh honestly, if I was going to kill you I would have done so by now. Enjoy the hospitality while you can. I will push you later into finding your way out. I will only put up with you for so long," he warned before he vanished.
"This will be our third night here, tomorrow the third day," Yugi sighed.
"We will get home, I swear to you," Yami replied.
"I wanna sleep up in that room beyond the ledge. I don't like being out here where it's all open," Joey said as he let his gaze shift to the tall dome ceiling.
"Do you think you could climb a support pillar to reach that ledge? I see no other means to reach it," Yami replied.
"We'll find some way up. I just don like it here..."
The most simple solution to getting on the ledge was to summon one of the taller monsters from the cards, once summoned the monster was to be on the defensive for the whole night; just in case. Even with the lingering uncertainty of their surroundings, the days events had made it easy for the three to fall asleep. Even Yami rested, while he didn't have a true body he had managed to expend a great deal of energy while dealing with the Elder and keeping himself cut off from Yugi for so long.
Summoning monsters now, wonder what else they'll have to use the cards for. Well, as soon as it goes you you can see ;B
