Disclaimer: I admit to nothing. If you really want to see the disclaimer, go back a few chapters. Also the quote "Life is Love" is credited to Leo Tolstoy, and the song You'll Never Stand Alone belongs to Whitney Houston.
Author's Note: The Trials of Ptah are just a thing I made up, but Ptah and his information are all true.
*…* visionary speaking
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"Joey, take Yugi. I am going back after Yami and Seto."
"Like hell you are. I know Yami and Seto will be okay, but if you go back, you are giving Satire an edge."
"But my abilities…."
"Later Raya, right now we need to get Yugi and Mokuba here out of danger."
Raya sighed in defeat. "Okay. But let's not go back to Seto's so quickly. If the siblings give up fighting Yami, they will come after us. Let's not give them clues to where we are at."
"Okay, then where do we go?"
"Actually, it will be safer if we split up. Only one of the siblings will come after us, leaving the other to fight off Yami and Seto. So if we split into two groups, they can't follow the both of us."
"Good idea Bakura. I'll take Yugi with me, since he is sort of attached to me."
"I'll go with Raya too. Tristan, you better stay with Mokuba, you too Bakura."
"I will go with them too, seeing they need all the help they can get. At least Raya has her powers, they don't."
Raya turned to Joey. "Let's go." The trio headed down a side street, disappearing around the back.
"Where should we go? It has to be somewhere safe?"
"Let's go to my brother's office. There is a lot of security and people there."
"Good thinking Mokuba. Let's go gang."
Tea ran to keep up with the boys. Her thoughts turned to Yami and Seto, who were battling the siblings. Then it turned to Joey and Raya, who were running for their lives. 'Be careful everyone. There is no telling how many of us will make it back alive and who won't.'
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Seto groaned and opened his eyes. He blinked once, twice still not believing what he saw, a pyramid.
"It's an illusion, don't worry."
"Yami, where are we?"
"If I had to take a guess, the Shadow Realm. That spell Satire chanted brought us here, though I don't know what the deal with the pyramid is."
A chuckle echoed through the plain. "You of all people should know what this place is my King."
"Satire. Why don't you show your lovely face and join us?"
"As much as I would too, I can not. I am bounded by my magic not to."
"You, follow the rules? Excuse me while I laugh."
"I wouldn't laugh Setto. Yugioh, have you ever heard of the Trials of Ptah?"
"It is a series of three tests that a person undergoes to determine if they posse a life of light or a life of darkness. Only if a person's intentions are pure, they survive, am I correct?"
"Ai, you are. The spell I cast was the Trials enchantment. Together you will have to work to maneuver through my pyramid. It will not be easy as it sounds. Not only will you face the trials, but several other wonderful surprises I have hidden throughout the maze. I would wish you luck, but you know, that goes against my beliefs."
"Satire, you'll pay for this. SATIRE!"
"It's no use Yami, we are going to have to play her game."
"You don't understand Seto, no one has survived the Trials of Ptah. Normally, thieves and murderers were sent to him and this was their punishment."
"But we aren't thieves or murderers, so we can do this. No sweat."
"It won't be that simple. If we were brought here, that means each of us has something dark in our past. Something we don't want to be judge on."
"Everyone does. So what type of tests are we looking at here?"
"Ptah was another higher up god. He wasn't on the level of Ra or Osiris, but still many people saw him as the 'creator of the earth.' He was also highly regarded among artists and metalworkers. Ruia sometimes left offerings at one of his temples when she need inspiration. Today however, most people refer to him with three symbols: life, power, and stability. So, I figure the tests have to do with those three symbols."
"What are our chances of making it through this twisted game?"
"Slim to none. But what worries me more is that Raya is on her own now, until we get out. And knowing Jarha, he'll play on her weakness, that being us."
"Then Mokuba and everyone is in danger while we are standing here talking?"
"With only Raya's abilities to protect them."
"Shit. Well what are we waiting for, let's go."
"Stay close, I don't like the idea of hidden surprises."
"And I don't like the idea of being forced to work together, but if it get us back, then I say truce."
"Agreed."
The two nodded and walked into the temple, wondering what surprises and fears they had to face.
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"Where are we going?" panted Joey as he and Raya ran through the town.
"I have no idea. I was just running. Any idea where to go?" Raya adjusted Yugi, who was riding on her back.
"How about the game shop? They won't think we would head back there do they?"
"Nada, too risky to travel back across town like that. Is there anything located on this side of town?"
"It's just the warehouse."
"Of course, come on. I know of a place where we can hide for the time being. Follow me."
Joey led the trio to an abandon warehouse. He motioned for Raya to climb under a board, while he held it in place. Once she was through, he followed. Walking across the floor, he headed for a ladder. "Raya, put Yugi down. He'll go up the ladder first, but since it is dusty and slippery, I'll be his anchor, that way if he slips, I can brace him. I'll come back for you in a moment."
"Okay, be careful."
A few minutes later, everyone was upstairs. Yugi had moved over to the window, staring silently out it.
"How did you find this place Joey? It is so concealed."
"I used to come here all the time when dad got into one of his moods. It was the perfect place to think. I used to sit where Yugi is now and watch everyone pass by."
"I'm worried about him. He seems so distant right now."
"He's concerned about Yami and even Seto I imagine."
"I need to go back and help them."
Joey grabbed her wrist. "You know you can't." He lowered his voice. "If something happened to them, you are our only hope. If you go now, before we can plan, then all is lost."
"I don't know if I can do it on my own."
"You're not, what about Yugi?"
"He does posse a great power, I can sense it, just underneath another feeling."
"What feeling is that?"
"Well the ones I can name are worry, fear, and doubt. But there is something else, buried beneath all of that. I don't understand it though, it makes no sense."
"What's that."
"Loneliness. That's the other emotion. But I can't understand why he is feeling it, you and me, we are here. Seto and the others are with him too. And of course we can't forget Yami and his Grandpa. I mean, he has a lot of people who love and care for him, why is feeling that now?"
Joey turned to face Yugi. "Maybe it isn't loneliness you felt."
"No, it is a feeling I know all too well. I just wish I knew what was bothering him so much."
"Ask him."
"He's trying to hide the feeling. I'm not sure he would tell."
"If anyone can get the story out of him, it is you Raya."
She nodded and crept over to where Yugi was sitting. Crouching down, she gazes into Yugi's iris eyes. She didn't say anything at first, just smiled at the boy hoping he would relax.
"I can't feel him."
That statement gripped at her heart. He couldn't mean what she thought he did. "Yugi, what do you mean?"
"I can't sense Yami. His spirit is simply not there. I've tried to reach him through the puzzle, but there is nothing, just darkness." Yugi started to sob. "I can't feel him Raya. I feel so empty, so alone."
Raya gathered the small child into her arms. Gently she rocked Yugi, hoping she would calm down. She stole a quick glance at Joey. His expression said everything. If Yugi couldn't sense Yami, did that mean he was gone?
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"Can we walk a little faster? I'd like to get out of this pyramid sometime this century."
"If I could see then I would hurry. But since we are in total darkness here, I decided to take my time. Sorry I didn't consult with the committee."
"I am not a committee. All I was saying what that the longer we are in here, the more likely is it that one of Satire's presents will attack us."
"But if we hurry, then we are not as alert or cautious, so we are more likely to fall."
"Whatever, just walk faster."
"Fine."
The two continued down the dark path in silence.
*hahaha hahaha*
"What was that?"
"I'm not sure."
*Seto! Seto, where are you big brother?*
"Mokuba? Mokuba, where are you?" Seto charged past Yami, following the sound of his baby brother's voice.
"Kaiba, wait. It's not Mokuba."
"Like hell it isn't. I know my own brother."
*Seto, why aren't you coming. Don't you love me anymore?*
"Let's me go Yami, I am going to save my brother." Seto ran off again, with Yami close behind.
Yami almost lost Seto twice, but finally caught up to him. He gasped at what he saw. It was Duelist Island. There was Pegasus' castle, the playing fields, and the docks. But how did they get here? It didn't add up. He had to find Seto and fast. The most logic place to look would be the castle. There, he found the brothers. Seto had fallen to the ground, in front of Mokuba.
"MOKUBA."
*Hello Yami, you're just in time. I was just telling my brother what a failure he really is.*
"Seto, don't listen to him, he is lying."
*Am I really? Was it not my brother who failed to protect me? Was it he who abandoned me and allowed Pegasus to capture and trap my soul into a card? Did he save me? No, he didn't. He let Pegasus win, defeat him in a game where he was a champion. To be honest, I am not sure he came to save me at all. I think he came to show both Pegasus and you who the best in the game was. His cocky attitude was his down fall. I was happy to see him fall. Taught him a lesson that family should come first and not your reputation.*
"Stop it. Seto, you know that isn't true. You even told me and Yugi that nothing would prevent you from saving your brother. NOTHING."
*Who are you going to believe? Me, your family or Yami, your enemy?*
"I…I…I don't know."
*Even when we were younger, you didn't care about me. Sure, you promised that we would be together forever, but are we really? I mean, you are always at the office or at tournaments. Never do you have time for just me, only you. Your selfish Seto Kaiba, selfish.*
Yami stalked closer to the fake Mokuba. "You'll will stop these lies, right now."
*But are they really lies? Even you Yami have felt that Seto was nothing more than a cold blood human who cared for nothing but himself. I am only confirming your suspicion. You know what my biggest wish is Yami? That you were my brother instead of that loser over there. I've seen how you care for your family, like Yugi and your Grandfather and even Raya. I wish I had someone who loved me like that. In fact, I don't want this piece of trash anymore* Mokuba reached around his neck and yanked off a string. He tossed the necklace down. The locket popped open, revealing a younger picture of Seto.
Seto grabbed the necklace and hung his head in shame. "It's true, every word of it."
Yami whirled across, smacking the taller boy across the face. Seto touched his check and then raised his eyes to face Yami.
"You listen to me and listen well. That monster is not your brother. This is the work of Satire. Remember her? Your brother loves you Seto, worships you even. I know you love him with all your heart. The day you battled for his soul proves that. Sure you lost, but Pegasus had the unfair advantage with his millennium eye. If he didn't have that, you would have won for sure. Why, because you believed in the heart of the cards. They wouldn't have responded to you if you didn't. They sensed your unconditional love for your brother. And Mokuba knows that you did ever thing in your ability to save him. Pegasus cheated, CHEATED. The only reason why I beat him is because I leveled the playing field with my puzzle. Does that make me a better, more loving person that you? Not hardly. You faced him with a disadvantage and still almost came away the victor. The real Mokuba knows you fought your hardest to save him. He never gave up on you, even when we all thought you had died. He kept believing. Maybe you aren't home much, but your true brother knows you love him. He had the faith that you would come from him, and you did. And you did help save him. Because of your battle, I learned what edge Pegasus had over all of us, which enabled me to win. You saved your brother. Don't believe this fake."
Seto closed his eyes. 'Fake, he is only a fake.' Memories pounded through his head. Mokuba and he with his parents playing outside. His father picking them up and tossing them into the air. A promise between brothers to always be there for each other. Mokuba running to him when the other boys in the orphanage threatened him. Teaching his brother how to play Duel Monsters, enjoying the time they had with one another. Mokuba tell Seto how much he loved him as he went to bed. "Liar."
*What was that dear brother?*
Seto clenched his fist. "Don't call me that, I am not your brother. You are a fake, a pretender. You are not Mokuba. I would do anything for my brother, even give up my life. No longer will I be persuaded by your trickery. I love my brother and I know he loves me. We are family. Sure, things can be rough and there are times I wish I could spend more time with him. But never would Mokuba turn his back on me like you say. Never, do you hear me. NEVER!"
The image smiled. *Family and love is an important asset. Never forget that.*
Seto and Yami blinked. No longer were they on the Duelist Island, but rather, back inside the pyramid.
"What just happened?"
"I'm not too sure. A test I think."
"Maybe…hello what is this?" The locket that Seto had been holding was gone, in it's place, was a scroll.
"What does it say?"
Life is love.
All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love
Everything is, everything exists, only because I love
Everything is united by it alone.
Love is a great and powerful emotion. One we must embrace and never forget. For a life without love, is not a life at all.
Test one: Of Life and Love - Passed.
"So it was a test."
"I can see why people didn't pass in Ancient Times. It was so real, so convincing. I never would have passed, if your weren't there."
"And if that one was the first of tests, the others are bound to be harder."
Seto gave a small shiver. "The first one was bad enough, thank you."
"It wasn't true though."
"I think it was though. Granted Mokuba doesn't resent me now, but what about later in life? I know I am not there enough for the kid, this test helped me realize that. It is like the scroll said, we can never forget love. And you have to remember Yami, love comes in all shapes. I didn't forget the feeling of love, but I had forgotten how to express that feeling. But now, seeing what that Mokuba was like, I know that I have to change, show more emotion towards people. That test was a real eye opener."
"Now I understand why these tests were used a punishment. Not only did it show what the person had become, but how is affect others as well. No wonder people didn't survive. Even if they liked what they became, they couldn't survive knowing what they did to their family for example."
"Comforting. These trials were meant to kill."
"We managed to pass one, I wonder how many people actually got past that. Wait, don't answer. I think I would rather not know,"
"Me either. So where now Yami?"
"Onward. The only way out is to defeat the tests. And what ever horrible surprises Satire left for us to find."
"As long as it isn't bunnies. Toon bunnies," Seto muttered, following Yami down the tunnels.
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Raya rocked Yugi gently, softly humming to him.
*Ring Ring*
She reached into her jacket pocket and tossed her silver phone to Joey.
"Yeah?"
"Joey? Is Raya and Yugi still with you?"
"Hey Tea, they are. What's up?
"Our group is back at Seto's. We were at the office, but when it closed, we had to leave. The main reason why I called though, um, Seto and Yami aren't here."
"Come again?"
"They're not here. I sent Tristan and Bakura back to where we were confronted as well. They weren't there either."
"Where are they then?"
"I don't know. Did Raya or Yugi feel anything?"
"Yugi did. He couldn't feel Yami anymore."
Joey could hear Tea trying desperately not to cry. "I think you three better get back here then, we have to regroup."
"Hold on a second Tea." Joey lowered the phone. "Raya, Tea wants us to meet at the house, asap. When should we go?"
"Nightfall, it will be the safest time to go. The darkness will give us added cover."
"Tea, we'll be there within an hour. Right, the darkness will provided us with the invisibility that we'll need."
He clicked off the phone and tossed it back to Raya.
"Yami wasn't at the house was he?"
"No Yug, he wasn't."
"I knew it, he is gone. If he wasn't, he be back already."
"Maybe they went looking for us."
"Then I would be able to feel him. Besides one of them would have thought to call Raya." Yugi sobbed. /Yami, where are you? Why won't you answer?/
Raya glanced at Joey. Things weren't looking promising.
"I feel so alone."
"You're not Yugi, Raya and I are here."
"Not in that sense Joey, but without Yami, I feel incomplete, like something is missing. He is part of me, even though we are two separate people. So with him gone, I am alone."
"Yugi, regardless of what has happened, you're not alone. We're here and even if the impossible has happened and Yami is gone, he is still with you…right here." She pointed right at his heart.
"I wish I could sense him though. My heart is so heavy right now."
Raya nodded and motioned for Joey to take a seat next to her and Yugi. Gently, she cupped a hand under Yugi's chin, using her other hand to brace his back. She tilted his head upwards, so his eyes could stare into hers. Smiling, she whispered "Close your eyes and listen to heart."
Yugi did, then heard Raya sing.
"If there's a time when the tears should fill your eyes,
And you can't see past the shadows,
To the sun on the other side,
Don't despair because there always will be someone there,
Don't lose faith love won't let you lose your way,
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is yes,
If there's a day when the rain should find your heart,
And your cold inside and lonely'
And this world has you in the dark,
Don't be scared you can just reach for me and I'll be there,
Don't lose hope love will see you through you know
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is yes,
Standing by to lift you up from the hurt and pain,
Oh yeah hmmm standing by to carry you through
All the tears and rain reach from me,
(I'll be with you) oh reach for my baaay
(I'll see you through) see I'll be the one to hold you.
The one to show you that you,
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is
Raya hugged the boy tightly. "Come on, it's dark enough to head out."
Joey nodded, following the two toward the ladder. He still got shivers at Raya's voice. It was simply amazing. But what was more incredible, was hers and Yugi's relationship. It was a pretty deep friendship. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen it before, in his own life. That was a laugh though. He never had a closeness like that before with someone, even when his mother and sister lived with him. And then it hit him. 'Oh my lord. Raya is, no it couldn't be. Man Joey, you must be losing it.'
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Tea opened the door for the trio as they scurried in. "Any trouble getting here?"
"None, which worries me. Satire and Jarha aren't around."
"Maybe they went to bed. Where I'd like to be, I miss sleep."
"Sleep, I remember that. It's that thing where I lay on a comfy bed and pillow right?"
"Drop it you two. We have more pressing matters to worry about."
"Sorry Tea."
Raya turned to friend. "I take it you haven't heard from Yami and Seto?"
"Nothing, I am really worried about them."
"As am I. Neither Yugi or I can sense them."
"You can't feel them either?" exclaimed Joey.
"Shush, I don't want Yugi to hear, but no I can't feel them either."
"Does that mean they are um, dead?" Tristan asked, lowering his voice so neither Mokuba or Yugi could hear them.
"I don't know what to think, but I keep telling myself that if something had happened to Yami, Yugi would have felt it through puzzle."
"Then they are alive?"
Raya shrugged. "Anything is possible right now."
"Then where are they?"
"I can only think of one place that can block both mine and Yugi's abilities enough that we wouldn't feel Yami or Seto, Tea."
"That being?"
"The Shadow Realm. See both Yugi and I posse light energy. When Yami was still fully apart of the puzzle, he was Yugi's darker half, thus he had dark energy. So it is obvious that Yugi would have light energy since he is Yami's light. And since the Shadow Realm is controlled by darker magic, my light energy would not be as powerful there. It is like a field power bonus in duel monsters. Certain fields give certain monsters an edge. Possessing dark magic and being in the Shadow realm increase the users control, making it more powerful than mine. So if Yami and Seto are there, I may not be able to feel them."
"Can we go there and help them?"
"No, neither Yugi or I can open a pathway there. Only Yami could do that out of us. He had the darker magic. And before you ask, no the Millennium Puzzle can not help."
"How about my Ring though? It can open the way to the Shadow Realm. My yami did it before and neither one of us posse magic, not that I know of at least."
"I don't know…"
"Raya, it may be our only chance."
After much debate, she answered. "Alright, Bakura let's try it."
"Let's go."
"Yugi! How long have you been there?"
"The entire time. I am coming with you Raya."
"No way. You are staying here. Only Bakura and I are going."
"WHAT? Are you crazy Raya?"
"Listen, all of you have to stay here and protect Yugi. I can't risk taking him or any of you to the Shadow Realm. If Yami and Seto are there, so is Satire and Jarha. They want Yugi more than anything, and won't hand him over like that. Beside, the rest of you wouldn't be able to defend yourself there. That world is control by magic. The only reason I am letting Bakura come is because I need him for passage to and from."
Yugi latched himself around Raya's waste. "But, what if Yami or you need me?"
Raya knelt down. "Yugi, you will be helping me more if you stay here, where you will be protected. Please."
He nodded and backed away. Raya stood and turned to Bakura. "let's go."
Bakura called out his ring and concentrated hard.
Raya turned to her friends. "We'll be back soon, I promise."
'We're coming Yami, Seto. Just hold on.'
Author's Note: The Trials of Ptah are just a thing I made up, but Ptah and his information are all true.
*…* visionary speaking
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"Joey, take Yugi. I am going back after Yami and Seto."
"Like hell you are. I know Yami and Seto will be okay, but if you go back, you are giving Satire an edge."
"But my abilities…."
"Later Raya, right now we need to get Yugi and Mokuba here out of danger."
Raya sighed in defeat. "Okay. But let's not go back to Seto's so quickly. If the siblings give up fighting Yami, they will come after us. Let's not give them clues to where we are at."
"Okay, then where do we go?"
"Actually, it will be safer if we split up. Only one of the siblings will come after us, leaving the other to fight off Yami and Seto. So if we split into two groups, they can't follow the both of us."
"Good idea Bakura. I'll take Yugi with me, since he is sort of attached to me."
"I'll go with Raya too. Tristan, you better stay with Mokuba, you too Bakura."
"I will go with them too, seeing they need all the help they can get. At least Raya has her powers, they don't."
Raya turned to Joey. "Let's go." The trio headed down a side street, disappearing around the back.
"Where should we go? It has to be somewhere safe?"
"Let's go to my brother's office. There is a lot of security and people there."
"Good thinking Mokuba. Let's go gang."
Tea ran to keep up with the boys. Her thoughts turned to Yami and Seto, who were battling the siblings. Then it turned to Joey and Raya, who were running for their lives. 'Be careful everyone. There is no telling how many of us will make it back alive and who won't.'
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Seto groaned and opened his eyes. He blinked once, twice still not believing what he saw, a pyramid.
"It's an illusion, don't worry."
"Yami, where are we?"
"If I had to take a guess, the Shadow Realm. That spell Satire chanted brought us here, though I don't know what the deal with the pyramid is."
A chuckle echoed through the plain. "You of all people should know what this place is my King."
"Satire. Why don't you show your lovely face and join us?"
"As much as I would too, I can not. I am bounded by my magic not to."
"You, follow the rules? Excuse me while I laugh."
"I wouldn't laugh Setto. Yugioh, have you ever heard of the Trials of Ptah?"
"It is a series of three tests that a person undergoes to determine if they posse a life of light or a life of darkness. Only if a person's intentions are pure, they survive, am I correct?"
"Ai, you are. The spell I cast was the Trials enchantment. Together you will have to work to maneuver through my pyramid. It will not be easy as it sounds. Not only will you face the trials, but several other wonderful surprises I have hidden throughout the maze. I would wish you luck, but you know, that goes against my beliefs."
"Satire, you'll pay for this. SATIRE!"
"It's no use Yami, we are going to have to play her game."
"You don't understand Seto, no one has survived the Trials of Ptah. Normally, thieves and murderers were sent to him and this was their punishment."
"But we aren't thieves or murderers, so we can do this. No sweat."
"It won't be that simple. If we were brought here, that means each of us has something dark in our past. Something we don't want to be judge on."
"Everyone does. So what type of tests are we looking at here?"
"Ptah was another higher up god. He wasn't on the level of Ra or Osiris, but still many people saw him as the 'creator of the earth.' He was also highly regarded among artists and metalworkers. Ruia sometimes left offerings at one of his temples when she need inspiration. Today however, most people refer to him with three symbols: life, power, and stability. So, I figure the tests have to do with those three symbols."
"What are our chances of making it through this twisted game?"
"Slim to none. But what worries me more is that Raya is on her own now, until we get out. And knowing Jarha, he'll play on her weakness, that being us."
"Then Mokuba and everyone is in danger while we are standing here talking?"
"With only Raya's abilities to protect them."
"Shit. Well what are we waiting for, let's go."
"Stay close, I don't like the idea of hidden surprises."
"And I don't like the idea of being forced to work together, but if it get us back, then I say truce."
"Agreed."
The two nodded and walked into the temple, wondering what surprises and fears they had to face.
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"Where are we going?" panted Joey as he and Raya ran through the town.
"I have no idea. I was just running. Any idea where to go?" Raya adjusted Yugi, who was riding on her back.
"How about the game shop? They won't think we would head back there do they?"
"Nada, too risky to travel back across town like that. Is there anything located on this side of town?"
"It's just the warehouse."
"Of course, come on. I know of a place where we can hide for the time being. Follow me."
Joey led the trio to an abandon warehouse. He motioned for Raya to climb under a board, while he held it in place. Once she was through, he followed. Walking across the floor, he headed for a ladder. "Raya, put Yugi down. He'll go up the ladder first, but since it is dusty and slippery, I'll be his anchor, that way if he slips, I can brace him. I'll come back for you in a moment."
"Okay, be careful."
A few minutes later, everyone was upstairs. Yugi had moved over to the window, staring silently out it.
"How did you find this place Joey? It is so concealed."
"I used to come here all the time when dad got into one of his moods. It was the perfect place to think. I used to sit where Yugi is now and watch everyone pass by."
"I'm worried about him. He seems so distant right now."
"He's concerned about Yami and even Seto I imagine."
"I need to go back and help them."
Joey grabbed her wrist. "You know you can't." He lowered his voice. "If something happened to them, you are our only hope. If you go now, before we can plan, then all is lost."
"I don't know if I can do it on my own."
"You're not, what about Yugi?"
"He does posse a great power, I can sense it, just underneath another feeling."
"What feeling is that?"
"Well the ones I can name are worry, fear, and doubt. But there is something else, buried beneath all of that. I don't understand it though, it makes no sense."
"What's that."
"Loneliness. That's the other emotion. But I can't understand why he is feeling it, you and me, we are here. Seto and the others are with him too. And of course we can't forget Yami and his Grandpa. I mean, he has a lot of people who love and care for him, why is feeling that now?"
Joey turned to face Yugi. "Maybe it isn't loneliness you felt."
"No, it is a feeling I know all too well. I just wish I knew what was bothering him so much."
"Ask him."
"He's trying to hide the feeling. I'm not sure he would tell."
"If anyone can get the story out of him, it is you Raya."
She nodded and crept over to where Yugi was sitting. Crouching down, she gazes into Yugi's iris eyes. She didn't say anything at first, just smiled at the boy hoping he would relax.
"I can't feel him."
That statement gripped at her heart. He couldn't mean what she thought he did. "Yugi, what do you mean?"
"I can't sense Yami. His spirit is simply not there. I've tried to reach him through the puzzle, but there is nothing, just darkness." Yugi started to sob. "I can't feel him Raya. I feel so empty, so alone."
Raya gathered the small child into her arms. Gently she rocked Yugi, hoping she would calm down. She stole a quick glance at Joey. His expression said everything. If Yugi couldn't sense Yami, did that mean he was gone?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Can we walk a little faster? I'd like to get out of this pyramid sometime this century."
"If I could see then I would hurry. But since we are in total darkness here, I decided to take my time. Sorry I didn't consult with the committee."
"I am not a committee. All I was saying what that the longer we are in here, the more likely is it that one of Satire's presents will attack us."
"But if we hurry, then we are not as alert or cautious, so we are more likely to fall."
"Whatever, just walk faster."
"Fine."
The two continued down the dark path in silence.
*hahaha hahaha*
"What was that?"
"I'm not sure."
*Seto! Seto, where are you big brother?*
"Mokuba? Mokuba, where are you?" Seto charged past Yami, following the sound of his baby brother's voice.
"Kaiba, wait. It's not Mokuba."
"Like hell it isn't. I know my own brother."
*Seto, why aren't you coming. Don't you love me anymore?*
"Let's me go Yami, I am going to save my brother." Seto ran off again, with Yami close behind.
Yami almost lost Seto twice, but finally caught up to him. He gasped at what he saw. It was Duelist Island. There was Pegasus' castle, the playing fields, and the docks. But how did they get here? It didn't add up. He had to find Seto and fast. The most logic place to look would be the castle. There, he found the brothers. Seto had fallen to the ground, in front of Mokuba.
"MOKUBA."
*Hello Yami, you're just in time. I was just telling my brother what a failure he really is.*
"Seto, don't listen to him, he is lying."
*Am I really? Was it not my brother who failed to protect me? Was it he who abandoned me and allowed Pegasus to capture and trap my soul into a card? Did he save me? No, he didn't. He let Pegasus win, defeat him in a game where he was a champion. To be honest, I am not sure he came to save me at all. I think he came to show both Pegasus and you who the best in the game was. His cocky attitude was his down fall. I was happy to see him fall. Taught him a lesson that family should come first and not your reputation.*
"Stop it. Seto, you know that isn't true. You even told me and Yugi that nothing would prevent you from saving your brother. NOTHING."
*Who are you going to believe? Me, your family or Yami, your enemy?*
"I…I…I don't know."
*Even when we were younger, you didn't care about me. Sure, you promised that we would be together forever, but are we really? I mean, you are always at the office or at tournaments. Never do you have time for just me, only you. Your selfish Seto Kaiba, selfish.*
Yami stalked closer to the fake Mokuba. "You'll will stop these lies, right now."
*But are they really lies? Even you Yami have felt that Seto was nothing more than a cold blood human who cared for nothing but himself. I am only confirming your suspicion. You know what my biggest wish is Yami? That you were my brother instead of that loser over there. I've seen how you care for your family, like Yugi and your Grandfather and even Raya. I wish I had someone who loved me like that. In fact, I don't want this piece of trash anymore* Mokuba reached around his neck and yanked off a string. He tossed the necklace down. The locket popped open, revealing a younger picture of Seto.
Seto grabbed the necklace and hung his head in shame. "It's true, every word of it."
Yami whirled across, smacking the taller boy across the face. Seto touched his check and then raised his eyes to face Yami.
"You listen to me and listen well. That monster is not your brother. This is the work of Satire. Remember her? Your brother loves you Seto, worships you even. I know you love him with all your heart. The day you battled for his soul proves that. Sure you lost, but Pegasus had the unfair advantage with his millennium eye. If he didn't have that, you would have won for sure. Why, because you believed in the heart of the cards. They wouldn't have responded to you if you didn't. They sensed your unconditional love for your brother. And Mokuba knows that you did ever thing in your ability to save him. Pegasus cheated, CHEATED. The only reason why I beat him is because I leveled the playing field with my puzzle. Does that make me a better, more loving person that you? Not hardly. You faced him with a disadvantage and still almost came away the victor. The real Mokuba knows you fought your hardest to save him. He never gave up on you, even when we all thought you had died. He kept believing. Maybe you aren't home much, but your true brother knows you love him. He had the faith that you would come from him, and you did. And you did help save him. Because of your battle, I learned what edge Pegasus had over all of us, which enabled me to win. You saved your brother. Don't believe this fake."
Seto closed his eyes. 'Fake, he is only a fake.' Memories pounded through his head. Mokuba and he with his parents playing outside. His father picking them up and tossing them into the air. A promise between brothers to always be there for each other. Mokuba running to him when the other boys in the orphanage threatened him. Teaching his brother how to play Duel Monsters, enjoying the time they had with one another. Mokuba tell Seto how much he loved him as he went to bed. "Liar."
*What was that dear brother?*
Seto clenched his fist. "Don't call me that, I am not your brother. You are a fake, a pretender. You are not Mokuba. I would do anything for my brother, even give up my life. No longer will I be persuaded by your trickery. I love my brother and I know he loves me. We are family. Sure, things can be rough and there are times I wish I could spend more time with him. But never would Mokuba turn his back on me like you say. Never, do you hear me. NEVER!"
The image smiled. *Family and love is an important asset. Never forget that.*
Seto and Yami blinked. No longer were they on the Duelist Island, but rather, back inside the pyramid.
"What just happened?"
"I'm not too sure. A test I think."
"Maybe…hello what is this?" The locket that Seto had been holding was gone, in it's place, was a scroll.
"What does it say?"
Life is love.
All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love
Everything is, everything exists, only because I love
Everything is united by it alone.
Love is a great and powerful emotion. One we must embrace and never forget. For a life without love, is not a life at all.
Test one: Of Life and Love - Passed.
"So it was a test."
"I can see why people didn't pass in Ancient Times. It was so real, so convincing. I never would have passed, if your weren't there."
"And if that one was the first of tests, the others are bound to be harder."
Seto gave a small shiver. "The first one was bad enough, thank you."
"It wasn't true though."
"I think it was though. Granted Mokuba doesn't resent me now, but what about later in life? I know I am not there enough for the kid, this test helped me realize that. It is like the scroll said, we can never forget love. And you have to remember Yami, love comes in all shapes. I didn't forget the feeling of love, but I had forgotten how to express that feeling. But now, seeing what that Mokuba was like, I know that I have to change, show more emotion towards people. That test was a real eye opener."
"Now I understand why these tests were used a punishment. Not only did it show what the person had become, but how is affect others as well. No wonder people didn't survive. Even if they liked what they became, they couldn't survive knowing what they did to their family for example."
"Comforting. These trials were meant to kill."
"We managed to pass one, I wonder how many people actually got past that. Wait, don't answer. I think I would rather not know,"
"Me either. So where now Yami?"
"Onward. The only way out is to defeat the tests. And what ever horrible surprises Satire left for us to find."
"As long as it isn't bunnies. Toon bunnies," Seto muttered, following Yami down the tunnels.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Raya rocked Yugi gently, softly humming to him.
*Ring Ring*
She reached into her jacket pocket and tossed her silver phone to Joey.
"Yeah?"
"Joey? Is Raya and Yugi still with you?"
"Hey Tea, they are. What's up?
"Our group is back at Seto's. We were at the office, but when it closed, we had to leave. The main reason why I called though, um, Seto and Yami aren't here."
"Come again?"
"They're not here. I sent Tristan and Bakura back to where we were confronted as well. They weren't there either."
"Where are they then?"
"I don't know. Did Raya or Yugi feel anything?"
"Yugi did. He couldn't feel Yami anymore."
Joey could hear Tea trying desperately not to cry. "I think you three better get back here then, we have to regroup."
"Hold on a second Tea." Joey lowered the phone. "Raya, Tea wants us to meet at the house, asap. When should we go?"
"Nightfall, it will be the safest time to go. The darkness will give us added cover."
"Tea, we'll be there within an hour. Right, the darkness will provided us with the invisibility that we'll need."
He clicked off the phone and tossed it back to Raya.
"Yami wasn't at the house was he?"
"No Yug, he wasn't."
"I knew it, he is gone. If he wasn't, he be back already."
"Maybe they went looking for us."
"Then I would be able to feel him. Besides one of them would have thought to call Raya." Yugi sobbed. /Yami, where are you? Why won't you answer?/
Raya glanced at Joey. Things weren't looking promising.
"I feel so alone."
"You're not Yugi, Raya and I are here."
"Not in that sense Joey, but without Yami, I feel incomplete, like something is missing. He is part of me, even though we are two separate people. So with him gone, I am alone."
"Yugi, regardless of what has happened, you're not alone. We're here and even if the impossible has happened and Yami is gone, he is still with you…right here." She pointed right at his heart.
"I wish I could sense him though. My heart is so heavy right now."
Raya nodded and motioned for Joey to take a seat next to her and Yugi. Gently, she cupped a hand under Yugi's chin, using her other hand to brace his back. She tilted his head upwards, so his eyes could stare into hers. Smiling, she whispered "Close your eyes and listen to heart."
Yugi did, then heard Raya sing.
"If there's a time when the tears should fill your eyes,
And you can't see past the shadows,
To the sun on the other side,
Don't despair because there always will be someone there,
Don't lose faith love won't let you lose your way,
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is yes,
If there's a day when the rain should find your heart,
And your cold inside and lonely'
And this world has you in the dark,
Don't be scared you can just reach for me and I'll be there,
Don't lose hope love will see you through you know
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is yes,
Standing by to lift you up from the hurt and pain,
Oh yeah hmmm standing by to carry you through
All the tears and rain reach from me,
(I'll be with you) oh reach for my baaay
(I'll see you through) see I'll be the one to hold you.
The one to show you that you,
Because you
You'll never stand alone,
I'll be standing by,
I'll keep you from the cold,
I'll hold you when you cry,
I'll be there to be strong when you can't find the strength inside,
And you,
You'll always have a home in these arms of mine
You'll never stand alone, love is standing by
Hhmmmm oh yes it is
Raya hugged the boy tightly. "Come on, it's dark enough to head out."
Joey nodded, following the two toward the ladder. He still got shivers at Raya's voice. It was simply amazing. But what was more incredible, was hers and Yugi's relationship. It was a pretty deep friendship. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen it before, in his own life. That was a laugh though. He never had a closeness like that before with someone, even when his mother and sister lived with him. And then it hit him. 'Oh my lord. Raya is, no it couldn't be. Man Joey, you must be losing it.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea opened the door for the trio as they scurried in. "Any trouble getting here?"
"None, which worries me. Satire and Jarha aren't around."
"Maybe they went to bed. Where I'd like to be, I miss sleep."
"Sleep, I remember that. It's that thing where I lay on a comfy bed and pillow right?"
"Drop it you two. We have more pressing matters to worry about."
"Sorry Tea."
Raya turned to friend. "I take it you haven't heard from Yami and Seto?"
"Nothing, I am really worried about them."
"As am I. Neither Yugi or I can sense them."
"You can't feel them either?" exclaimed Joey.
"Shush, I don't want Yugi to hear, but no I can't feel them either."
"Does that mean they are um, dead?" Tristan asked, lowering his voice so neither Mokuba or Yugi could hear them.
"I don't know what to think, but I keep telling myself that if something had happened to Yami, Yugi would have felt it through puzzle."
"Then they are alive?"
Raya shrugged. "Anything is possible right now."
"Then where are they?"
"I can only think of one place that can block both mine and Yugi's abilities enough that we wouldn't feel Yami or Seto, Tea."
"That being?"
"The Shadow Realm. See both Yugi and I posse light energy. When Yami was still fully apart of the puzzle, he was Yugi's darker half, thus he had dark energy. So it is obvious that Yugi would have light energy since he is Yami's light. And since the Shadow Realm is controlled by darker magic, my light energy would not be as powerful there. It is like a field power bonus in duel monsters. Certain fields give certain monsters an edge. Possessing dark magic and being in the Shadow realm increase the users control, making it more powerful than mine. So if Yami and Seto are there, I may not be able to feel them."
"Can we go there and help them?"
"No, neither Yugi or I can open a pathway there. Only Yami could do that out of us. He had the darker magic. And before you ask, no the Millennium Puzzle can not help."
"How about my Ring though? It can open the way to the Shadow Realm. My yami did it before and neither one of us posse magic, not that I know of at least."
"I don't know…"
"Raya, it may be our only chance."
After much debate, she answered. "Alright, Bakura let's try it."
"Let's go."
"Yugi! How long have you been there?"
"The entire time. I am coming with you Raya."
"No way. You are staying here. Only Bakura and I are going."
"WHAT? Are you crazy Raya?"
"Listen, all of you have to stay here and protect Yugi. I can't risk taking him or any of you to the Shadow Realm. If Yami and Seto are there, so is Satire and Jarha. They want Yugi more than anything, and won't hand him over like that. Beside, the rest of you wouldn't be able to defend yourself there. That world is control by magic. The only reason I am letting Bakura come is because I need him for passage to and from."
Yugi latched himself around Raya's waste. "But, what if Yami or you need me?"
Raya knelt down. "Yugi, you will be helping me more if you stay here, where you will be protected. Please."
He nodded and backed away. Raya stood and turned to Bakura. "let's go."
Bakura called out his ring and concentrated hard.
Raya turned to her friends. "We'll be back soon, I promise."
'We're coming Yami, Seto. Just hold on.'