Disclaimer: Don't own Yugioh, but maybe that is a good thing. I would probably mess up the show more so than the dubbers. Again, the quotes "We thought" is credited to Stephan Vincent Bonet and "Wisdom is" is credited to Sophocles.
Author's Note: This chapter is a little darker than my other ones. Nothing too seriously though, it is more up to the readers to decide what it means.
* …* visionary speaking
~Thanks for all the reviews, oh and Midori iro, thanks for reviewing nearly every chapter, it means alot to me.
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"Didn't we already pass this wall?"
"They look all the same and we're in totally blackness Seto. How the hell can you tell?"
"I guess I can't, but it seems like we've been walking forever and not finding any path out."
"There is no path out, not until we beat all the trials."
"Great. This is your fault you know."
"My fault? How is it my fault?"
"You brought these two here, after all of us. Sure, Raya may have brought them over here, but if she hadn't, they would have come anyway. Once they killed her in America, they would have come for you. Don't you see, we are all in this mess because of you. Mokuba, Yugi, the dog, Tea, Tristan, and Bakura are all in danger because of you ignorance. You could have prevented all of this in Egypt, seen that they were planning to escape, but no. You were too wrapped up your own greed for power. All of this could have stop, heeded, but it wasn't. And now the ones we love most have to suffer because of it."
"I did stop them, we did. They were captured and sent to prison. Don't accuse me of not punishing them because I did. I don't know how they got here, but it wasn't through any action of mine or Raya's or Yugi's."
"Then how are they here?"
"The next time we see them, how about we ask instead of playing the blame game?"
"Fine by me."
"I wonder what ever happened to that truce of ours." Yami muttered under his breath. "Should have known that wouldn't last."
"What was that?"
"Nothing at all. Just thinking aloud."
"There's a laugh."
A loud rumble answered Seto.
"I wasn't expecting that loud of a response Yami."
"That wasn't me."
"Then what was…"
Seto yelled when he saw what entered the passage. A large black bull blocked their path, a large angry bull. No one missed the knot just under its tongue.
"Apis."
"A what?"
"Apis. According to the legends, he is the reincarnation of either Ptah or Osiris."
"Is it friend or foe?"
Yami's face clouded over. "The legend never said. But by the look in it's eye, I would say foe."
"I think so too. So what do we do?"
"Head back the way we came." Yami slowly stared to back up.
Apis kneed his hoof into the ground, staring intensely at the two intruders. Before either could react, Apis charged.
"RUN"
Yami and Seto speed out of the room, with Apis close behind. The darkness made it difficult to choose what paths to take. One wrong decision and it was over. Taking the corners at lightening speeds, Apis stayed right on the boys heels.
"How is he keeping up with us?"
"He is a god Seto, they can do anything."
"Great. Hey give that back." Seto ripped his back part of his coat out of the bulls mouth.
Apis reared in anger.
"Oh good move now is he even madder."
"It's not my fault."
"Quick, this way." Yami answered, pulling Seto down a flight of steps. They were met with a brick wall, and two path ways. One to the left and one to the right.
"Which way?"
"I don't know."
"What?!"
They could hear Apis charging down the stairs, gaining speed.
Finally, Seto ended it. He pushed Yami down the path to the left. "Go, we'll meet up later." He turned and ran down the right one.
"Seto wait." Before he could move, Apis entered. Yami held his breath. If Apis turned his way, he was dead, no doubt about it. Instead it turned right, heading after Seto. Yami was at a lost at what to do now. Go down the path and follow the bull and Seto? Stay where he was and wait for Seto? The bull? Or another one of Satire's gifts? His final option was to go down the path.
Summoning up his courage, he went after the bull. Maybe, just maybe he could catch up to it, before it managed to kill Seto. He had no idea how to stop it, but he had to try. Or they would never get out of here. But as he ran, one thought ran through his mind…how do you bring down a god?'
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*THUD*
"A little unsure how to control that ring eh?"
"Sorry, I am new at this."
"It's okay Bakura."
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't see them."
Raya sigh. "Well I doubt the ring would drop us off where Yami was exactly. I think we better explore."
"Alright. We'd better be careful though. No telling who or what is here."
"Quite right dear light."
Both Bakura and Raya froze and turned to see who was behind them.
"Yami Bakura!"
"Ryou!"
"Hello Bakura, Ruia. It's been some time since I have seen you both has it not?"
"Too short if you ask me." Raya shot back.
"You know my yami?"
"Unfortunately. He was your brother, twin brother Ryou in Ancient Egypt. Only you two were as different as day and night. You were good, he was evil. Still is I bet."
"I was misunderstood in the past. I have amended my ways."
"Sure, that is why you tried to trap our souls here." Bakura muttered.
"That was then, I have moved on to bigger things now."
Raya raised her eyebrow. "Do tell."
"Do the names Satire and Jarha mean anything to you?"
"How do you know of them?"
Yami Bakura laughed. "I met them in Ancient days. Right after they were captured for the seize on the palace. I had been in jail for a few days then, when they were assigned to my cell. There I learned about their hated for the Royal Family. Satire thirsted for revenge and would do anything to get it on you Ruia. Jarha was the same way. And I could give them that wish. Luckily, before my latest robbery, I went to see my brother Bakura. I convinced the fool that I had changed my ways and he told me of a spell he discovered. A time spell. I copied the spell and took it with me for later use. Imagine the heists I could pull. However, unlike my twin, I wasn't a spell caster or magic wielder. So the spell meant nothing to me. That was until I met Satire, who was. Together with her brother, we planned to escape to the future where we would extract our revenge on the future ones. By this time, Yugioh was already making plans to be sealed into the puzzle. And since we knew which item he was in, he would be the first to fall. But our plans went wrong. The siblings were able to escape, but I couldn't. They made it to the future while I was sealed away into that ring. And then Yami and I were awaken before Satire and Jarha could get to us. And I was sent to the Graveyard…to die. Thankfully, Satire saved me, to help her kill the ones who stood in her way in the past. That includes you two."
'So that is how they got here…you told them the spell. Don't you see what you have done? Innocent people are suffering because of you. Don't you care at all?"
"Not when it is Yami or Yugi. They deserve to die."
Raya lunged for the other white haired boy, only to be restrained by Bakura.
"Feisty one you are. I like that in a girl."
"She is taken Yami Bakura, by me." Jarha said, walking up next to him.
"I'm not yours and never will be. I would rather spend my life in the pits of hell then to spend one second with you."
"Still the same Ruia I know and love."
"Let me go Bakura, I'm going to kill both of them."
"Raya, calm down. We need your level head."
"Fine. Jarha, where is Yami and Seto."
"Let me think, should I tell you or not. I choose not." He tugged on his green sweater in thought.
Raya lunged again, her coolness turning red hot again.
Bakura grabbed her and pulled her back. Jarha and Yami Bakura laughed. "I can let her go you know."
"Her powers are weak here, she can't do a thing."
"Then we are even Jarha. You abilities are light. Your sister got the dark ones."
"You would think that, wouldn't you Raya. Well you are in for a little surprise then."
"Gee, I just love surprises."
"Then you'll love this one." Ryou grinned. "Your husband and friend are in a series of tests."
Jarha smiled. "Ones that no one have ever passed."
Raya stopped struggling in Bakura's arm. "What?"
Jarha moved closer to his obsession. His eyes fixated on hers, drawing her in. "They are taking a series of trials, my dear." Raya stared into Jarha own green eyes. He almost had her totally under his control now. "Would you like to join them? I could take you there." He reached out to take her hand. Raya raised her own. Closer…Closer… until
Bakura stepped in front of Raya, snapping the hypnotic gaze. "You'll have to go through me first to get to this Royal."
"It can be arranged." Yami Bakura shouted, tackling Bakura to the ground.
Raya jumped back, shaking her head clear of what just happened. 'Shit, Jarha powers are stronger here. Gotta get away.'
Jarha move towards Raya. He almost had her. Soon, very soon. "Come my dear. Let us leave this retched place.'
"Don't dear me. I know your tricks now. Now answer my question jaja, where is Yami? And consider you answer wisely, you don't want to tick me off more."
"Does the Trials of Ptah mean anything to you?"
Raya gasped. They couldn't have, there was no way. "NO!"
"Yes."
A hand grasped her shoulder tightly. Spinning around, she came face to face with Jarha. His green eyes probed her. She raised her left hand to strike him. Grabbing both her wrists, he held her hands above her head, leaving Raya defenseless. She couldn't even recall her abilities at the moment. She was trapped, with no one to help her.
"I told you one day I would have you."
"Raya! No!" Bakura fought with his double, trying desperately to get to his friend.
"I can feel your fear, my dear Ruia. You don't have anything to worry about, I am here now. Finally your destiny can come alive."
'He is insane, literally insane.' Raya had little time to attack. Jarha wasn't going to wait much longer to leave. There was only one thing to do. Quickly, she raised her leg, kicking him right in the knee.
Jarha fell in pain, releasing Raya temporarily. She scrambled away, hoping to reach Bakura. They had to get out…now. But before she could take three steps, she had the sensation of falling herself. She hit the ground hard. A rush of air exited her lungs, leaving her shaken and unable to move.
"You always did think you were better than me, didn't you Raya? Well now that tables have turned. He knelt down and turned Raya over so she was on her back. Again, he took hold of her hands. "You will be mine."
"No. Jarha, let her go." Bakura screamed 'This can't be happening. No.'
Yami Bakura smacked him across his face. "Worry about yourself, double."
"Let me go, Yami Bakura. Raya needs my help."
"She'll be fine."
"Does she look fine to you? Look at her!"
Yami Bakura had never seen such command in his double voice. He felt himself turning to the once Queen. Her eyes were wide in fear. Tears streamed down her face, in panic and regret. Her whole body was shaking. A dim light flickered on her forehead. In an instant, Yami Bakura felt a pang of guilt. "What's wrong with her?"
"She terrified. Jarha is going to do something to her, a spell most likely."
"And what is wrong with that? I see nothing the matter with it."
"It is against her will. He has hypnotic powers or something. Whatever he does to her, she won't be able to break it, don't you see she would be his slave."
Yami Bakura stared at the girl. 'Why do I feel so guilty about that. I've robbed, I've stole. Why does this trouble me so much? Is this the line I refused to cross?'
Jarha leaned down to kiss the sweet lips that he had so long to for over a millennia. Soon, Raya would totally be his. Finally the day had come. He bent down, leaning close to Raya who try squirming away. "Give in to destiny my sweet."
"I don't think so"
Jarha felt himself flying backwards from a punch. He looked up. "Ryou? Why?"
"Not even my enemies deserve that. She doesn't love you Jarha. Get over it." He turned to his double. "Get her out of here, now."
Bakura didn't hesitate. He hoisted Raya up, called forth his ring and disappeared.
Jarha screamed. "You'll pay for your interference boy." He chanted over and over "Send him back from which he came. Send him back from which he came."
Yami Bakura let out an anguished scream as he vaporized.
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Seto ran as fast as he feet would carry him. Apis was right behind him. 'At least Yami got away.' Now all he had to worry about was saving himself. Only if there was light.
*bang*
Reeling back in pain, Seto realized he ran into a wall. Checking both sides, he found that he was in a dead end. Dead, yup that about summed it up. Deep breathing behind him caused the hair on his neck to rise. Slowly turning around he came face to face with Apis.
"Nice Apis. I'm Seto, a good guy. Of course if Satire planted you, I'm the enemy huh?
Apis growled, eyes narrowing.
"Hey now, no need to get hostile. I am no threat to you, no matter what Satire said."
"He's right." A bright light filled the room, driving the darkness away.
"Yami?"
"You were expecting…?" He asked smugly . His third eye shown brightly on his forehead.
"Not you, get out before this bull kills both of us."
"Unfortunately, if I returned without you, either your brother or Raya will kill me."
Apis turned its mass head at Yami, then back to Seto. It snorted once, then twice trying to make up its mind at which human looked more appealing. Finally Apis turned back to Seto and started to advance.
Yami saw his chance. He leaped onto Apis' back, clinging desperately to his thick black fur.
Apis bucked in rage, trying to toss the Pharaoh from his back. He had all but forgotten of Seto.
At seeing his chance, Seto slipped out of the corner and back to the safety of an exit. "What are you thinking Yami? Get off! You're not a cowboy, believe me."
"If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it. Right now, I have a much more difficult problem of control this beast."
Apis bucked again, this time causing Yami to fly into the air, back into the same corner that Seto had just left. His head connected with the brick wall.
"Yami!"
Yami shook the daze from his head. 'Can't pass out, can't leave Seto alone with that god. Gotta stay awake, can't let Satire win.'
Apis charged towards his helpless victim.
"YAMI! MOVE!"
Seto covered his eyes as a brighter light filled the room. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion., except for one perfectly loud and clear word…Obliterate.
When the light had cleared, Apis was gone. Seto moved to over to Yami.
"What happened?"
"I… am…still…move…powerful…than…she…is" Yami said, breathing deeply.
"You okay?"
"I…will…be" Yami's eyes rolled to the back of his head. He slumped against Seto.
'I guess we both can use a short rest.'
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*Yugioh, Yugioh. Open your eyes*
Yami blinked open his eyes. Beside him, Seto was doing the same.
*Are you two okay?*
Standing before the two teens was an older woman. She looked no older than twenty one. Her icy blue eyes held a bit of sympathy as well as nervous to them. She pushed back a piece of her wavy long blond hair from her face.
"We're both fine. Who are you?"
*I don't expect you to remember who I am High Priest Setto, I died before you came to power. But Yugioh here should know who I am, at least in name.*
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea who you are."
*My name is Cleo but you know me better as…*
"Mother." Yami replied. "But how? You died giving birth to me."
*I'm not here physically, just spiritually.*
"Why mom? Why are you here?" Yami blinked back his tears. The mother he never knew was right there before him. So many questions pounded through his head.
*I am here to give you a message.*
Warning bells sounded in Seto's mind. Something about that comment made him leery.
"What's that mother?"
*My dear son. How can you not know the truth? Even though I died right after you birth, I watched you grow into the man you have become. Such power you yielded, even as a small child. I just wish you learned to control them better. Unfortunately, you didn't. You used your abilities to control and harm others. You didn't care who you hurt, whether it was your people or your own wife. Did my death affect you that much? Did your father raise you that badly that you turn to evilness? What happened my child?*
"I…I…I"
*It pained me deeply to see my own son, my only son, be so ruthless, so cunning. You didn't care about your family, your job, or your people. All you cared about was power.*
"That's not true Yami and you know it."
*Is it really Setto? You must know of my son's involvement in the Shadow Games. He killed innocent people. He helped murder his own wife and child. Granted it wasn't in a literal sense, but his actions caused them to parish. All he cared about was power. Nothing else mattered to him. Only power and control. How could you do this to your own family Yugioh?*
"I didn't. I loved my family and did everything in my power to protect them."
*Protect them? You left them for death. If you were anything like your father, you would have ruled with wisdom, not power. He was a great and wonderful Pharaoh, unlike you. First, you married a commoner. I know you loved her, but she had no real training to rule Egypt, that was your first down fall. Secondly, you abused your abilities to intimidate others into your control. I will never understand why Ra saw you as a important protégé of his. Never.*
Yami hung his head in shame as his mother lectured him. Seto stared at the woman in awe. 'This has to be a test, but how do I snap Yami out of it?'
*Wisdom my son, that is what makes a great leader. And it is wisdom that you are lacking. How do you expect to protect your light from harm, when you don't understand his needs or feelings? All you want to do it control him, shelter him. Is that right? Of course not. But that is all you know, how to control, not feel.*
"Shut up. I don't care if you were Queen of Egypt. No mother would treat her son like this. Even if it was true, which it isn't. Yami, think back. You are a good person, who leads with example and wisdom. Our duel outside Pegasus' castle, you could have killed me right then and there, but you stopped. I know you will argue that Yugi stopped you, but I know that you couldn't do it either. You're too good of a person for that. Beside, with your wisdom and insight, you knew you could find another way in to save your grandpa. And speaking of him, if you were so bent on power, it would have been all about beating Pegasus, but it wasn't. It was about the heart of the cards, trusting in them and save your grandpa. And wisdom helped there as well. You knew the value of trusting the cards and that could only come from wisdom, not power. The cards wouldn't have responded to that, power is evil. The cards aren't. And they helped you, so that proves you are not all about power."
*The boy is misguided in his beliefs Yugioh. He spreads lies, only to allude you from the truth. Remember, mother knows best.*
"You of all people should know Yami, I don't lie. Sure I have tricked people in the past, but I always had a good reason."
*There is another lie. Remember, this friend of yours kidnapped your Grandfather, injured him, all in the name of the card. You are just a pawn in his game. Or maybe he is a pawn in yours. A clever scheme to gather more power.*
Seto gulped. He always regretted that day, the day he harmed Yugi's Grandfather.
"She's right, you did. How can I trust you Seto? You play for power, just like me."
"NO!"
*But you do. Power is all that you care about, isn't it Yugioh?*
"Yes."
"No, Yami. Listen to me. That day, it was my darker side that did that. You helped me repeal that darkness. Don't you remember? And besides, you don't battle for power. You battle for righteousness, love. And do you really think Yugi would stand by your side if you were evil? That kid represents love. He would know if you were all about power. He never would have joined sides with you if you were."
"Yugi…"
"Yes, your little brother. Your light. Your wisdom has guided him through numerous battles. From bullies to Duel Monsters. If it was power, he would have been a much darker individual, but he isn't."
Cleo knelt down next to her son. *Lies, all of it. Here my boy. End your pain. End this troublesome cycle.* She handed him a small dagger.
"Pain, my whole life. Nothing but pain. Caused from my own misdoings." Yami rotated the blade.
"Yami no. Give me the knife right now. If you kill yourself here, that would be giving into power, Satire's power. You have wisdom. Clear your head and think about what the hell you are doing."
'Clear head' Yami blocked everything from his mind. Memories, however, he couldn't block. Yugi running to him, asking about Ancient Egypt. The day at the castle, not allowing Seto to die. Protecting Yugi, instead of fighting. Preventing a war in earlier times. 'All of these show wisdom, not power. If I was all powerful, each one would have a darker outcome, not the ones they actually did.'
"Sorry mother, I chose life."
Cleo smiled. *I knew your father raised you well, I just wasn't sure how well. Now I am." She faded from their view.
"That was close." Seto whispered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"It was. Thank you, if you weren't here I would have…"
"I know, don't mention it."
"Oh look, another scroll."
"What's this one say?"
"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom.
However
Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.
Power does not bring happiness or control, only wisdom can do that. And when a person is truly happy, do they have that wisdom.
Test Two: Of Power and Wisdom - Passed.
Seto turned to Yami "Two down and one to go."
"Why does that scare me more than it comforts me?"
"Because, the last one is bound to be impossible."
"What more can they throw at us? I had my mother appear and you had your brother. That is painful enough to hear them say what failures we are. What else could Ptah and Satire have planned?"
"Yami, if there is one thing I have learned being friends with all of you, it is this. Expect the impossible. We have to be on guard, or else it is certain death."
Yami smile. "Well with Life, Love, Power, and Wisdom on our side, what can't we accomplish?"
"Don't say that out loud, knowing Satire, she will use that against us."
"Well, in that case, shall we continue on our trek or just sit here?"
"Continue, I'd rather met up with test 3 in a more open place than in this corner."
"Agreed. Come on."
"Right behind you." Seto fell in step behind Yami, then a mischievous grin crossed his face. "Ninety - nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety - nine bottles of beer, take one down pass it around, ninety - eight of bottles of beer left on the wall."
"You're no Raya." Yami grimaced, covering his ears. Through he was grateful for the distraction. Anything to prevent him from thinking what he almost did and the predicament they were in.
Just for that Seto started over, singing louder and in a more annoying voice. 'Anything to pass time and annoying Yami is a plus in my book.'
"Ninety - nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety - nine bottles of beer, take one down pass it around, ninety - eight of bottles of beer left on the wall. Sing it Yami."
"Seto, for the love of Ra, shut up."
Author's Note: This chapter is a little darker than my other ones. Nothing too seriously though, it is more up to the readers to decide what it means.
* …* visionary speaking
~Thanks for all the reviews, oh and Midori iro, thanks for reviewing nearly every chapter, it means alot to me.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Didn't we already pass this wall?"
"They look all the same and we're in totally blackness Seto. How the hell can you tell?"
"I guess I can't, but it seems like we've been walking forever and not finding any path out."
"There is no path out, not until we beat all the trials."
"Great. This is your fault you know."
"My fault? How is it my fault?"
"You brought these two here, after all of us. Sure, Raya may have brought them over here, but if she hadn't, they would have come anyway. Once they killed her in America, they would have come for you. Don't you see, we are all in this mess because of you. Mokuba, Yugi, the dog, Tea, Tristan, and Bakura are all in danger because of you ignorance. You could have prevented all of this in Egypt, seen that they were planning to escape, but no. You were too wrapped up your own greed for power. All of this could have stop, heeded, but it wasn't. And now the ones we love most have to suffer because of it."
"I did stop them, we did. They were captured and sent to prison. Don't accuse me of not punishing them because I did. I don't know how they got here, but it wasn't through any action of mine or Raya's or Yugi's."
"Then how are they here?"
"The next time we see them, how about we ask instead of playing the blame game?"
"Fine by me."
"I wonder what ever happened to that truce of ours." Yami muttered under his breath. "Should have known that wouldn't last."
"What was that?"
"Nothing at all. Just thinking aloud."
"There's a laugh."
A loud rumble answered Seto.
"I wasn't expecting that loud of a response Yami."
"That wasn't me."
"Then what was…"
Seto yelled when he saw what entered the passage. A large black bull blocked their path, a large angry bull. No one missed the knot just under its tongue.
"Apis."
"A what?"
"Apis. According to the legends, he is the reincarnation of either Ptah or Osiris."
"Is it friend or foe?"
Yami's face clouded over. "The legend never said. But by the look in it's eye, I would say foe."
"I think so too. So what do we do?"
"Head back the way we came." Yami slowly stared to back up.
Apis kneed his hoof into the ground, staring intensely at the two intruders. Before either could react, Apis charged.
"RUN"
Yami and Seto speed out of the room, with Apis close behind. The darkness made it difficult to choose what paths to take. One wrong decision and it was over. Taking the corners at lightening speeds, Apis stayed right on the boys heels.
"How is he keeping up with us?"
"He is a god Seto, they can do anything."
"Great. Hey give that back." Seto ripped his back part of his coat out of the bulls mouth.
Apis reared in anger.
"Oh good move now is he even madder."
"It's not my fault."
"Quick, this way." Yami answered, pulling Seto down a flight of steps. They were met with a brick wall, and two path ways. One to the left and one to the right.
"Which way?"
"I don't know."
"What?!"
They could hear Apis charging down the stairs, gaining speed.
Finally, Seto ended it. He pushed Yami down the path to the left. "Go, we'll meet up later." He turned and ran down the right one.
"Seto wait." Before he could move, Apis entered. Yami held his breath. If Apis turned his way, he was dead, no doubt about it. Instead it turned right, heading after Seto. Yami was at a lost at what to do now. Go down the path and follow the bull and Seto? Stay where he was and wait for Seto? The bull? Or another one of Satire's gifts? His final option was to go down the path.
Summoning up his courage, he went after the bull. Maybe, just maybe he could catch up to it, before it managed to kill Seto. He had no idea how to stop it, but he had to try. Or they would never get out of here. But as he ran, one thought ran through his mind…how do you bring down a god?'
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*THUD*
"A little unsure how to control that ring eh?"
"Sorry, I am new at this."
"It's okay Bakura."
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't see them."
Raya sigh. "Well I doubt the ring would drop us off where Yami was exactly. I think we better explore."
"Alright. We'd better be careful though. No telling who or what is here."
"Quite right dear light."
Both Bakura and Raya froze and turned to see who was behind them.
"Yami Bakura!"
"Ryou!"
"Hello Bakura, Ruia. It's been some time since I have seen you both has it not?"
"Too short if you ask me." Raya shot back.
"You know my yami?"
"Unfortunately. He was your brother, twin brother Ryou in Ancient Egypt. Only you two were as different as day and night. You were good, he was evil. Still is I bet."
"I was misunderstood in the past. I have amended my ways."
"Sure, that is why you tried to trap our souls here." Bakura muttered.
"That was then, I have moved on to bigger things now."
Raya raised her eyebrow. "Do tell."
"Do the names Satire and Jarha mean anything to you?"
"How do you know of them?"
Yami Bakura laughed. "I met them in Ancient days. Right after they were captured for the seize on the palace. I had been in jail for a few days then, when they were assigned to my cell. There I learned about their hated for the Royal Family. Satire thirsted for revenge and would do anything to get it on you Ruia. Jarha was the same way. And I could give them that wish. Luckily, before my latest robbery, I went to see my brother Bakura. I convinced the fool that I had changed my ways and he told me of a spell he discovered. A time spell. I copied the spell and took it with me for later use. Imagine the heists I could pull. However, unlike my twin, I wasn't a spell caster or magic wielder. So the spell meant nothing to me. That was until I met Satire, who was. Together with her brother, we planned to escape to the future where we would extract our revenge on the future ones. By this time, Yugioh was already making plans to be sealed into the puzzle. And since we knew which item he was in, he would be the first to fall. But our plans went wrong. The siblings were able to escape, but I couldn't. They made it to the future while I was sealed away into that ring. And then Yami and I were awaken before Satire and Jarha could get to us. And I was sent to the Graveyard…to die. Thankfully, Satire saved me, to help her kill the ones who stood in her way in the past. That includes you two."
'So that is how they got here…you told them the spell. Don't you see what you have done? Innocent people are suffering because of you. Don't you care at all?"
"Not when it is Yami or Yugi. They deserve to die."
Raya lunged for the other white haired boy, only to be restrained by Bakura.
"Feisty one you are. I like that in a girl."
"She is taken Yami Bakura, by me." Jarha said, walking up next to him.
"I'm not yours and never will be. I would rather spend my life in the pits of hell then to spend one second with you."
"Still the same Ruia I know and love."
"Let me go Bakura, I'm going to kill both of them."
"Raya, calm down. We need your level head."
"Fine. Jarha, where is Yami and Seto."
"Let me think, should I tell you or not. I choose not." He tugged on his green sweater in thought.
Raya lunged again, her coolness turning red hot again.
Bakura grabbed her and pulled her back. Jarha and Yami Bakura laughed. "I can let her go you know."
"Her powers are weak here, she can't do a thing."
"Then we are even Jarha. You abilities are light. Your sister got the dark ones."
"You would think that, wouldn't you Raya. Well you are in for a little surprise then."
"Gee, I just love surprises."
"Then you'll love this one." Ryou grinned. "Your husband and friend are in a series of tests."
Jarha smiled. "Ones that no one have ever passed."
Raya stopped struggling in Bakura's arm. "What?"
Jarha moved closer to his obsession. His eyes fixated on hers, drawing her in. "They are taking a series of trials, my dear." Raya stared into Jarha own green eyes. He almost had her totally under his control now. "Would you like to join them? I could take you there." He reached out to take her hand. Raya raised her own. Closer…Closer… until
Bakura stepped in front of Raya, snapping the hypnotic gaze. "You'll have to go through me first to get to this Royal."
"It can be arranged." Yami Bakura shouted, tackling Bakura to the ground.
Raya jumped back, shaking her head clear of what just happened. 'Shit, Jarha powers are stronger here. Gotta get away.'
Jarha move towards Raya. He almost had her. Soon, very soon. "Come my dear. Let us leave this retched place.'
"Don't dear me. I know your tricks now. Now answer my question jaja, where is Yami? And consider you answer wisely, you don't want to tick me off more."
"Does the Trials of Ptah mean anything to you?"
Raya gasped. They couldn't have, there was no way. "NO!"
"Yes."
A hand grasped her shoulder tightly. Spinning around, she came face to face with Jarha. His green eyes probed her. She raised her left hand to strike him. Grabbing both her wrists, he held her hands above her head, leaving Raya defenseless. She couldn't even recall her abilities at the moment. She was trapped, with no one to help her.
"I told you one day I would have you."
"Raya! No!" Bakura fought with his double, trying desperately to get to his friend.
"I can feel your fear, my dear Ruia. You don't have anything to worry about, I am here now. Finally your destiny can come alive."
'He is insane, literally insane.' Raya had little time to attack. Jarha wasn't going to wait much longer to leave. There was only one thing to do. Quickly, she raised her leg, kicking him right in the knee.
Jarha fell in pain, releasing Raya temporarily. She scrambled away, hoping to reach Bakura. They had to get out…now. But before she could take three steps, she had the sensation of falling herself. She hit the ground hard. A rush of air exited her lungs, leaving her shaken and unable to move.
"You always did think you were better than me, didn't you Raya? Well now that tables have turned. He knelt down and turned Raya over so she was on her back. Again, he took hold of her hands. "You will be mine."
"No. Jarha, let her go." Bakura screamed 'This can't be happening. No.'
Yami Bakura smacked him across his face. "Worry about yourself, double."
"Let me go, Yami Bakura. Raya needs my help."
"She'll be fine."
"Does she look fine to you? Look at her!"
Yami Bakura had never seen such command in his double voice. He felt himself turning to the once Queen. Her eyes were wide in fear. Tears streamed down her face, in panic and regret. Her whole body was shaking. A dim light flickered on her forehead. In an instant, Yami Bakura felt a pang of guilt. "What's wrong with her?"
"She terrified. Jarha is going to do something to her, a spell most likely."
"And what is wrong with that? I see nothing the matter with it."
"It is against her will. He has hypnotic powers or something. Whatever he does to her, she won't be able to break it, don't you see she would be his slave."
Yami Bakura stared at the girl. 'Why do I feel so guilty about that. I've robbed, I've stole. Why does this trouble me so much? Is this the line I refused to cross?'
Jarha leaned down to kiss the sweet lips that he had so long to for over a millennia. Soon, Raya would totally be his. Finally the day had come. He bent down, leaning close to Raya who try squirming away. "Give in to destiny my sweet."
"I don't think so"
Jarha felt himself flying backwards from a punch. He looked up. "Ryou? Why?"
"Not even my enemies deserve that. She doesn't love you Jarha. Get over it." He turned to his double. "Get her out of here, now."
Bakura didn't hesitate. He hoisted Raya up, called forth his ring and disappeared.
Jarha screamed. "You'll pay for your interference boy." He chanted over and over "Send him back from which he came. Send him back from which he came."
Yami Bakura let out an anguished scream as he vaporized.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seto ran as fast as he feet would carry him. Apis was right behind him. 'At least Yami got away.' Now all he had to worry about was saving himself. Only if there was light.
*bang*
Reeling back in pain, Seto realized he ran into a wall. Checking both sides, he found that he was in a dead end. Dead, yup that about summed it up. Deep breathing behind him caused the hair on his neck to rise. Slowly turning around he came face to face with Apis.
"Nice Apis. I'm Seto, a good guy. Of course if Satire planted you, I'm the enemy huh?
Apis growled, eyes narrowing.
"Hey now, no need to get hostile. I am no threat to you, no matter what Satire said."
"He's right." A bright light filled the room, driving the darkness away.
"Yami?"
"You were expecting…?" He asked smugly . His third eye shown brightly on his forehead.
"Not you, get out before this bull kills both of us."
"Unfortunately, if I returned without you, either your brother or Raya will kill me."
Apis turned its mass head at Yami, then back to Seto. It snorted once, then twice trying to make up its mind at which human looked more appealing. Finally Apis turned back to Seto and started to advance.
Yami saw his chance. He leaped onto Apis' back, clinging desperately to his thick black fur.
Apis bucked in rage, trying to toss the Pharaoh from his back. He had all but forgotten of Seto.
At seeing his chance, Seto slipped out of the corner and back to the safety of an exit. "What are you thinking Yami? Get off! You're not a cowboy, believe me."
"If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it. Right now, I have a much more difficult problem of control this beast."
Apis bucked again, this time causing Yami to fly into the air, back into the same corner that Seto had just left. His head connected with the brick wall.
"Yami!"
Yami shook the daze from his head. 'Can't pass out, can't leave Seto alone with that god. Gotta stay awake, can't let Satire win.'
Apis charged towards his helpless victim.
"YAMI! MOVE!"
Seto covered his eyes as a brighter light filled the room. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion., except for one perfectly loud and clear word…Obliterate.
When the light had cleared, Apis was gone. Seto moved to over to Yami.
"What happened?"
"I… am…still…move…powerful…than…she…is" Yami said, breathing deeply.
"You okay?"
"I…will…be" Yami's eyes rolled to the back of his head. He slumped against Seto.
'I guess we both can use a short rest.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*Yugioh, Yugioh. Open your eyes*
Yami blinked open his eyes. Beside him, Seto was doing the same.
*Are you two okay?*
Standing before the two teens was an older woman. She looked no older than twenty one. Her icy blue eyes held a bit of sympathy as well as nervous to them. She pushed back a piece of her wavy long blond hair from her face.
"We're both fine. Who are you?"
*I don't expect you to remember who I am High Priest Setto, I died before you came to power. But Yugioh here should know who I am, at least in name.*
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea who you are."
*My name is Cleo but you know me better as…*
"Mother." Yami replied. "But how? You died giving birth to me."
*I'm not here physically, just spiritually.*
"Why mom? Why are you here?" Yami blinked back his tears. The mother he never knew was right there before him. So many questions pounded through his head.
*I am here to give you a message.*
Warning bells sounded in Seto's mind. Something about that comment made him leery.
"What's that mother?"
*My dear son. How can you not know the truth? Even though I died right after you birth, I watched you grow into the man you have become. Such power you yielded, even as a small child. I just wish you learned to control them better. Unfortunately, you didn't. You used your abilities to control and harm others. You didn't care who you hurt, whether it was your people or your own wife. Did my death affect you that much? Did your father raise you that badly that you turn to evilness? What happened my child?*
"I…I…I"
*It pained me deeply to see my own son, my only son, be so ruthless, so cunning. You didn't care about your family, your job, or your people. All you cared about was power.*
"That's not true Yami and you know it."
*Is it really Setto? You must know of my son's involvement in the Shadow Games. He killed innocent people. He helped murder his own wife and child. Granted it wasn't in a literal sense, but his actions caused them to parish. All he cared about was power. Nothing else mattered to him. Only power and control. How could you do this to your own family Yugioh?*
"I didn't. I loved my family and did everything in my power to protect them."
*Protect them? You left them for death. If you were anything like your father, you would have ruled with wisdom, not power. He was a great and wonderful Pharaoh, unlike you. First, you married a commoner. I know you loved her, but she had no real training to rule Egypt, that was your first down fall. Secondly, you abused your abilities to intimidate others into your control. I will never understand why Ra saw you as a important protégé of his. Never.*
Yami hung his head in shame as his mother lectured him. Seto stared at the woman in awe. 'This has to be a test, but how do I snap Yami out of it?'
*Wisdom my son, that is what makes a great leader. And it is wisdom that you are lacking. How do you expect to protect your light from harm, when you don't understand his needs or feelings? All you want to do it control him, shelter him. Is that right? Of course not. But that is all you know, how to control, not feel.*
"Shut up. I don't care if you were Queen of Egypt. No mother would treat her son like this. Even if it was true, which it isn't. Yami, think back. You are a good person, who leads with example and wisdom. Our duel outside Pegasus' castle, you could have killed me right then and there, but you stopped. I know you will argue that Yugi stopped you, but I know that you couldn't do it either. You're too good of a person for that. Beside, with your wisdom and insight, you knew you could find another way in to save your grandpa. And speaking of him, if you were so bent on power, it would have been all about beating Pegasus, but it wasn't. It was about the heart of the cards, trusting in them and save your grandpa. And wisdom helped there as well. You knew the value of trusting the cards and that could only come from wisdom, not power. The cards wouldn't have responded to that, power is evil. The cards aren't. And they helped you, so that proves you are not all about power."
*The boy is misguided in his beliefs Yugioh. He spreads lies, only to allude you from the truth. Remember, mother knows best.*
"You of all people should know Yami, I don't lie. Sure I have tricked people in the past, but I always had a good reason."
*There is another lie. Remember, this friend of yours kidnapped your Grandfather, injured him, all in the name of the card. You are just a pawn in his game. Or maybe he is a pawn in yours. A clever scheme to gather more power.*
Seto gulped. He always regretted that day, the day he harmed Yugi's Grandfather.
"She's right, you did. How can I trust you Seto? You play for power, just like me."
"NO!"
*But you do. Power is all that you care about, isn't it Yugioh?*
"Yes."
"No, Yami. Listen to me. That day, it was my darker side that did that. You helped me repeal that darkness. Don't you remember? And besides, you don't battle for power. You battle for righteousness, love. And do you really think Yugi would stand by your side if you were evil? That kid represents love. He would know if you were all about power. He never would have joined sides with you if you were."
"Yugi…"
"Yes, your little brother. Your light. Your wisdom has guided him through numerous battles. From bullies to Duel Monsters. If it was power, he would have been a much darker individual, but he isn't."
Cleo knelt down next to her son. *Lies, all of it. Here my boy. End your pain. End this troublesome cycle.* She handed him a small dagger.
"Pain, my whole life. Nothing but pain. Caused from my own misdoings." Yami rotated the blade.
"Yami no. Give me the knife right now. If you kill yourself here, that would be giving into power, Satire's power. You have wisdom. Clear your head and think about what the hell you are doing."
'Clear head' Yami blocked everything from his mind. Memories, however, he couldn't block. Yugi running to him, asking about Ancient Egypt. The day at the castle, not allowing Seto to die. Protecting Yugi, instead of fighting. Preventing a war in earlier times. 'All of these show wisdom, not power. If I was all powerful, each one would have a darker outcome, not the ones they actually did.'
"Sorry mother, I chose life."
Cleo smiled. *I knew your father raised you well, I just wasn't sure how well. Now I am." She faded from their view.
"That was close." Seto whispered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"It was. Thank you, if you weren't here I would have…"
"I know, don't mention it."
"Oh look, another scroll."
"What's this one say?"
"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom.
However
Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.
Power does not bring happiness or control, only wisdom can do that. And when a person is truly happy, do they have that wisdom.
Test Two: Of Power and Wisdom - Passed.
Seto turned to Yami "Two down and one to go."
"Why does that scare me more than it comforts me?"
"Because, the last one is bound to be impossible."
"What more can they throw at us? I had my mother appear and you had your brother. That is painful enough to hear them say what failures we are. What else could Ptah and Satire have planned?"
"Yami, if there is one thing I have learned being friends with all of you, it is this. Expect the impossible. We have to be on guard, or else it is certain death."
Yami smile. "Well with Life, Love, Power, and Wisdom on our side, what can't we accomplish?"
"Don't say that out loud, knowing Satire, she will use that against us."
"Well, in that case, shall we continue on our trek or just sit here?"
"Continue, I'd rather met up with test 3 in a more open place than in this corner."
"Agreed. Come on."
"Right behind you." Seto fell in step behind Yami, then a mischievous grin crossed his face. "Ninety - nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety - nine bottles of beer, take one down pass it around, ninety - eight of bottles of beer left on the wall."
"You're no Raya." Yami grimaced, covering his ears. Through he was grateful for the distraction. Anything to prevent him from thinking what he almost did and the predicament they were in.
Just for that Seto started over, singing louder and in a more annoying voice. 'Anything to pass time and annoying Yami is a plus in my book.'
"Ninety - nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety - nine bottles of beer, take one down pass it around, ninety - eight of bottles of beer left on the wall. Sing it Yami."
"Seto, for the love of Ra, shut up."