Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh still. Why must you make me admit that? I don't remember who owns the friendship quote, but it isn't me either.
*…* - visionary speaking
~ Much thanks for all the encouraging reviews. I am glad everyone likes the story so far. Oh, a just a little preview here, a secret is revealed. Lavender Wonder, your question is answered in this chapter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi stared out the window hoping to see any sign of Bakura or Raya. They had been gone an awful long time. Yami and Seto even longer. He wish that he could help, but he understood Raya's reasoning for not taking him. Too much was at stake here.
Suddenly, he saw two shadowy figures coming up the path to the front door. Stretching out his abilities, he tried to sense who was coming up the path. Jumping off his chair, he ran out the door.
"Yug? Where you going?" Joey followed close behind.
Yugi ran down the path, but stopped short when the two figures came into sight. "Bakura, Raya what happened?"
Raya was leaning heavily on Bakura's side. "Got into a small scuffle. Unfortunately, we lost, sort of."
Joey came up behind Yugi. At seeing Bakura's discomfort, he moved over to help support Raya's weight.
"Come on, lets go inside."
"Can I sleep?"
"Not right away. We need to talk first."
Raya nodded, and let herself be carried into the house. Tea and Tristan met them at the door.
"Hey, whoa, what happened to you two?"
"I'll explain, just let us sit down."
The group walked into the living room, where Mokuba joined them. "Did you find them? Did you see my brother and Yami?"
Raya put her hand to her forehead and rubbed hard. "No we didn't. But I know where they are, Jarha and Yami Bakura told me."
"Yami Bakura? How? I, Yami sent him to the Graveyard."
"Like the rest of you, Yami Bakura was present in Ancient Egypt. His name was Ryou. And from the brief conversation we had with him, we learned that he met Jarha and Satire while in prison. Apparently before his capture, Ryou went to visit his twin, High Priest Bakura. While there, he either discovered or overheard the time spell, which he wrote down. When he heard of Satire's and Jarha's hatred for the Royals, he gave them that spell, which is how the got here. Later, Satire called him the graveyard."
"But how can she do that?"
"Easy Tea, she is my double. My alter ego so to speak. See, my abilities lay in the region of the souls, as does Satires. Where my abilities heal, hers kill. But since she is also a spell caster, she can conjure up all type of wicked spells."
"Is that because her abilities are dark?"
"No, she could control light spells, but she doesn't. Probably because they don't serve her purpose."
"And Jarha, is he Yami's double?" asked Mokuba.
"Yes, he controls the lighter side of the mind. Hypnotics is what he uses."
"Is that why you acted so dazed there? When he talked to you and almost kissed you?"
"HE DID WHAT?" exclaimed Joey.
"Tried to kiss me and bring me to their side. It would have worked to if Yami Bakura hadn't stepped in."
"He saved you?"
"Yup. I have no idea why though. Maybe he does have conscience. Anyway, what I don't understand is why he was more powerful than I was. We both have light energy, he shouldn't have been more powerful than me there, but he was. It doesn't make sense."
Tea grimaced. "If he was more powerful there, would he be here?"
"Possibly."
"You said that Jarha told you were Yami and my brother were, can we go after them?"
Raya turned away. How can she tell them. "No we can't. There is no way we can get to them. Both your brother and Yami are going through the Trials of Ptah. It is a series of three tests, which no one is sure about. See back in Egypt, these trials were used as punishment for thieves and murderers. If a person passed all the tests, they lived and were set free, fortunately that never happened. No one ever passed them."
"You mean Seto and Yami are undergoing these same tests!!" Tea exclaimed, shaking.
Raya nodded, her voice failing her at the moment.
Yugi turned to look at everyone in the room. "Then Yami isn't coming back is he?"
Raya whipped around. "Of course he is…"
"Stop it Raya! Stop lying. You know the truth. No one ever lived. NO ONE. Yami isn't coming back." He fled from the room.
"Yugi, wait." Raya started after him, but Bakura grabbed her arm.
"Let him think and cool down."
"Yeah Raya. He knows that big brother and Yami will be okay. The news just upset him, that is all. He knows that Yami will come back for him."
Raya sat back down in frustration. 'Yugi, I know what you are feeling, believe me I do. But we have to trust in Yami, trust in our love for him. He'll return to us, I swear he will. But you have to believe. That is the only way he will come back to us.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Fifty -five bottles of beer on the wall…"
"That is really getting annoying, you know that right?"
"Really? I wasn't aware." Thankfully, the darkness hid Seto's smirk.
"Like hell you didn't know. You not that stupid."
"I'll take that as a compliment. So where is that third test. I want to get out of here. Mokuba and the others have to be worried sick about us."
"If it is like the others, it will find us."
Seto sighed. That meant the could be here forever, which wasn't a good thing at all. He knew that Mokuba would be safe with Raya and the others. She, Tristan and even the dog would risk their lives to save him. And that was a strong possibility, death that is. With Yami stuck here with him, it was Raya vs. the siblings. He wasn't sure how strong her abilities were, but he doubted she could fight both on her own. After all, she fled America for help, didn't she?
"Out of curiosity here, how far are we into this pyramid?"
"Well, if I had to take a guess, I would say near the center. Mainly because the paths we keep taking have been dead ends. So somewhere in this maze, is the path to the main room, where the Pharaoh's body would rest."
"There wouldn't be a body in this temple, will there?"
"Doubt it. But we still need to find that room. I have a feeling that is where the third and final test is."
"We've passed life and power right?"
"Yup, so that means stability is final one." Yami turned left, heading down a narrow path. "I think this is the one, notice how narrow it is."
"Great, the faster we get out of here, the better."
"Agreed. I don't ever want to be in another dark place again. I now understand that saying, fear the darkness."
"For one does not know what may lurk and attack in that darkness."
"Huh?"
"That is the rest of the saying. I forget where I heard it or who told me it. But after all this, do I ever believe it too."
"As do I."
The two shuffled down the tunnel. Finally, the path gave way to a large, high decorative room.
"Welcome to the burial room."
"Are you getting the sense of death?"
"You are just getting the sensation now?"
"Point taken, so where is that third test?"
Yami moved around the room, searching as if. "Not sure."
"What are you looking for?"
"Nothing solid, more like trying to trigger the final test."
"Oh." Seto began to explore as well. Minutes later, he sat down in the chair that was in the room. "Nothing is here Yami, maybe we should head back to the front of the pyramid."
"Maybe, I guess it doesn't matter where we are. The trial is bound to find us."
Nodding, Seto rose, heading for the door. "I wonder who we'll face this time."
*Me*
Seto and Yami whipped around. Sitting in the chair that Seto had just occupied was Raya.
After closer gapping, Seto realized it wasn't Raya, but Ruia instead. Her clothes were that of Egyptian attire. She bore a long white gown, that flowed at the bottom. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back, resting just at her waist. On top of her head was a bright gold crown, crested with blue and purple stones. Her ring finger bore a ring with the same colored stone.
*Greeting Yami and Seto. I do believe congratulations are in order.*
"So what do you have planned for us Ruia? I mean, Mokuba convinced Seto he was an unfit brother, my mother tried to hint that by ending my life people would be better off. So I will ask again, what lies do you have for us?"
*None dear. I have no lies or anything like that at all.*
"Un huh, sure. Like we really believe that one. Besides, we both know that you're not the real Ruia. She is now Raya and is back in Domino City, protecting Yugi."
Ruia grinned and waved her hand. *Even now, you are very observant Seto. You are correct, I am not Raya. But I am Ruia. Everything you have seen today has been a projection of your own darkest fears. Seto, your biggest fear is losing your brother to your own misdoings. Yami yours is living up to your parents expectations. And yes, even I am a projection of your fears.*
"And what fear is that?"
*I can not say. That is something you to have to learn and beat. I can not give any hints or clues to the answer.*
"So when does this wonderful experience begin my wife?"
*Now.* Ruia raised her palm up to the sky. The pyramid began to shake. The floor near Yami and Seto cracked and started to crumble.
"Earthquake!" screamed Yami. He stole a quick glance toward Ruia. Her expression was calm, but he could just detect a hint of nervousness under it.
Seto jumped back, narrowly escaping from a falling piece of debris. The floor continued to shake violently, causing him to fall to his knees. A few steps away, Yami had done the same. "Yami, we have to get out of here!"
Yami started to reply, but then disaster struck. The ground beneath Yami collapsed, causing the young man to fall with the dirt.
"YAMI!"
Seto moved as fast as he could to where he last saw Yami. Carefully he leaned over the cliff. His breathe caught in his throat at what he saw. Yami, cling to the side of the cliff, with boiling magma right below him!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea paced the library of Seto's mansion. It was now 2 in the morning, with no sign from either of the two missing boys. Things weren't looking good.
"Tea, would you please sit down, you're making me dizzy."
"Sorry Tristan. I'm just scared. This helps."
"Why don't you get some sleep?"
"I don't think I can. I guarantee that Mokuba isn't sleeping, even though he is in his room."
"Then take a lesson from Raya and Bakura."
"Both are exhausted though. Poor Raya, can you imagine what almost happened to her?"
"I know, but I don't think she in concerned with that anymore. I think she is more concerned with Yami, Seto, and Yugi now."
Tea nodded in agreement. "Did Joey go to check on him?"
"I don't think so, I think he went to get something to eat."
"Someone should go check on him."
"I'll go." Raya answered drowsily.
"Maybe you should sleep Raya, you look exhausted.
"Can't, job to do. Sleep is for the weak anyway." She swung her legs off the couch and sat up. "Where is he?"
Tristan pointed to the den.
"Gotcha. I'll be back soon."
Raya walked into the room, looking around for Yugi. She found him curled up in the corner, facing the far wall. Gently she placed her hand on his back, causing him to jump.
"Raya, you scared me."
"Sorry. It wasn't my intention."
"I'm sorry about what I said before. When I called you a liar, I didn't mean it."
Raya crossed her legs and sat down next to him. "I know you didn't mean, but I also know why you said it. Your connection to Yami is strong, very strong. I can understand why you said that he may not return."
"Everything is so empty, so incomplete."
"It must be scary."
"Un huh. I mean, every since I put that puzzle together, Yami has been there, a part of me. I forgot what it was like for him not to be there."
"Yugi, let me ask you some questions, but answer then with your heart, not your head, ok?"
"Sure."
"Do you trust Yami?"
"With my life."
"Love him?"
"Of course."
"Believe in him?"
"Without a doubt."
"Then you have to believe that he is alive and will come back. That believe Yugi, that you have in him, can single handedly bring him back to all of us. But you have to believe."
Yugi stared off into space. 'My heart says Yami is alive, but the evidence says differently. But like the heart of the cards, I have to believe and trust in my own heart, which says he is ok and trying to get back to me. But am I just alluding myself to false hope?'
"Yugi, I know this is hard to do, but sometimes you have to disregard common sense and just go with your feelings. Hope against all hope, even in the most impossible circumstances."
"I want to believe that he is coming back, but I'm scared Raya. Scared that I have lost him."
"If and I stress if Yugi, Yami is dead, you will never lose him. He will always be a part of your life. He will always be here, in your heart and memories. And knowing him, he will be here spiritually, protecting and guiding you."
Leaning back against the wall, he sighed. "Maybe. Do you think we'll here from Satire and Jarha in the morning?"
"Without a doubt. Our backs are against the wall, no pun intended."
"Then maybe we should get some sleep, especially you missy. You look like your going to fall over any minute."
"That obvious?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll go back to bed, I'll be in the living room. Okay?"
"Sure." Yugi watched Raya stand and head out the door. "Raya!" She turned wearily around. "I do believe he'll come back."
Raya smiled, a real and genuine one, not forced like her other one had been. Without a word, she turned on the back of her heels and head out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yami! Are you hurt?" Seto screamed. He had to do something, before Yami fell to his death.
"Just got the wind knocked out of me."
"Can you climb up?"
Yami raised his head upward, trying to ignore the hissing and popping sounds of magma just below him. The steam that rose upward left him hot and difficult to see. "A little, but not much, the walls are practically smooth."
Seto swore under his breath. Things were not looking good. "Ruia, get over here and help, will you"
* I can not interfere.*
"You can't what? That is bull and you know it!"
*I wish with all my heart I could help, but I can not.*
"Fine, act like Satire for all I care." Thrusting down a hand, he tried to reach Yami. "Grab my hand."
Stretching one hand up, Yami tried to grab a hold of his life line. Keeping his balance proved difficult. Rocks beneath his hand cracked and crumbled away. 'No.' Yami screamed as he slipped down the cliff even farther.
"Yami!"
He could hear Seto yell out to him, but panic clouded his mind. He couldn't think, couldn't breathe. His hand smacked against a sharper piece of stone. Digging in, Yami clung on to the stone with all his strength. Blood ran down his arm, causing his grip to slip more. "I can't hang on much longer!"
"I'm coming, just hold on." Laying flat on his stomach, Seto inched his way over the edge of the cliff. 'Got to get to Yami, have to save him.' Leaning as far over as he could, without falling over himself, Seto was still a good four inches away.
"Yami, you're going to have to help me some. You have to climb or stretch up to grab my hand, I can't reach you."
"I can't climb, my hand was injured when I fell."
"Ruia, I could really use your help here."
*Bound by this magic, I can not help. For I am not real, only a projection of what is real.*
"I'll take that as a no. Yami, buddy, you're going to have to trust me here. I know it is going to hurt, but you have to climb or really reach."
Yami reached with his left hand, trying desperately to grab onto Seto's. A sweet, soft voice filled his head as he neared the outstretched hand.
*Can you trust him Yami? How do you know whether he'll pull you up or drop you to your death? He has always been envious of you. Jealous even. Do you really want to put your life into his hand?*
Yami wretched his hand away.
"Yami, what are you doing? Are you okay?"
'I'm not sure. I can trust Seto, not even he would drop me into this magma.' "Fine, just lost my balance for a second."
Seto inched over a little more, trying to make it easier for Yami. *Finally, you can get your revenge. It wouldn't take much. Accidentally dropping him in the lava and everyone would assume he fell. Think of the possibilities. You can regain you title as number one duelist in the country. Gain the respect you so righteously deserve. Do it Seto, drop him.*
Seto whipped his head towards Ruia. The young woman glanced at him. Nervousness was etched into her features. Could she have just spoken? The voice couldn't have been have been hers, too deep. 'No time to ponder that, I have to save Yami.' When Seto glanced back down, he gasped. The distance between he and Yami had double!
"What happened? Did you fall?"
"No, the cliff got taller. I don't understand it."
"Now you really have to trust me."
"I can't you'll drop me."
"What! Yami, I'm not evil, I wouldn't do that." *But you would Seto. Look deep into your heart, you know you would. *
Staring into Seto's icy blue ices, Yami saw the confusion, the desperation, and the deceit. *Can you see the truth Yami? Look into his eyes, he wants to drop you and end your life. And once you are out of the way, he'll go after Yugi. Do you want that Yami? For Seto to destroy not only you, but your light too?*
"Yugi…"
*Yes Yugi. Don't let Seto win, beat him at his own game. Throw him into the lake instead.*
"I couldn't….wouldn't…"
"Wouldn't what Yami?"
"Nothing Seto."
"Un huh sure. Are you going to trust me or not?"
"I…I…I"
"Fine be like that. Just to clear the air here, I don't trust you much either."
The distance between them double again. 'That is it. The more Seto and I distrust one another, the farther apart we get. But how can I trust one of my biggest enemies?' Yami glanced downward. He gasped at what he saw. A large magma bubble had formed beneath him. If he didn't drop, then the bubble would surly fry him when it popped. 'I have to trust in Seto and our friendship.'
"Seto, I trust you. Do you trust me?"
Seto closed his eyes. They didn't have much time, but the voice, it brought up points he never considered. But did he really feel that way? 'No, I trust Yami. I have too. It is the only way we can get out of here, back to our families.' "I trust you too Yami."
The gap started to close and Seto grabbed Yami's wrist, hoisting him up. The bubble below erupted, spaying red hot lava everywhere, including on the two boys. When they looked down, there was no lava, no cracks in the floor. Everything was perfectly normal, just how they found when they came.
"What happened?" Seto asked in shock.
*That is easy.* Ruia moved toward Yami and Seto. Her purple eyes shown with praise.
"And that is."
Ruia opened a scroll. *The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust in him.*
Yami and Seto smiled. "That sounds like our friendship."
*It should. After all, it was the third test. The test of stability and friendship.*
"Did we pass?"
*Yes children, you have defeated my trials.* A large image of a man appeared behind Ruia. His face was blurry, hidden by the light that surrounded him.
*Ptah, I was not expecting you to make an appearance.*
Yami let out a small puff. "That voice, it was the same one I heard talking to me."
"As did I."
*The person you heard was I. If a person makes it to my final test, I am the one they have to overcome.*
"Then why have Ruia appear?"
*I am here for emotional support I guess you can say. I have no real part in this test at all.*
*She is here on my request. Both of you are friends with the real Raya. She is here to remind you of that person. She also represents all your friendships you have ever made in your life, whether it be with family or non family members.* Ptah paused, then continued. *Yugioh, my son, Satire has put forth a challenge to you and Setto. Congratulations my sons, you have passed. The first and the last people to do so. Both of you have exemplified the necessary characteristics and traits that you will need to beat Satire and Jarha.*
*Love, Wisdom, and Friendship is the key to beating them my husband. They fear the trinity, only that can beat them. I know you and the others can beat them and restore order to the future ones.*
"The trinity? What is that?"
*We can not say.*
Seto grumbled. "Figures."
Ruia smiled softly. *It is not that we don't want to tell you, it is just we're not sure what it means either. Remember, what held true for our time, does not mean it holds true for yours.*
The imagine of Ptah turned to Yugioh. *You need to get back to your light Yami, he needs you right now.*
"Yugi? What is wrong with Yugi?"
*He is fine Yami, physically that is. Emotionally, he just misses you. Remember who is he.*
Yami smiled. "I know."
Ptah turned to Ruia. *I need to head back to the world above. I know you are just an image made real by their imagination, but you are still one of my children. Take care of yourself in the future.*
"I too will give Raya that message too."
Ptah nodded and disappeared.
"So Ruia, how do we get back home?"
*Just say, there's no place like home three times and click your heels together.*
"RUIA" Both men exclaimed.
*Okay, Okay. Just listen to your hearts. It will show you the way home.*
Yami closed his eyes and listened. /Yami, Yami. Come home. I miss you. Please Yami, come home./
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joey and Tea stood in the doorway of the living room. Raya was sleeping on the couch, with Yugi at her feet.
"Those two have such a close relationship, don't they?"
"They do Tea, it reminds me of another relationship we've all had in our lives."
"What's that Joey?"
"I mean, don't you find it strange that all of us played an important role in Egypt, but Yugi?"
"Tristan mentioned that earlier, it is strange."
"What's strange?"
The two teens whipped around. "Yami, Seto" gasped Tea. "You're back! You passed the tests. Thank God." She hugged both boys. She was surprised when Seto not only hugged her back, but lingered as well.
""Where is my brother and the others?"
"Mokuba is upstairs, Tristan and Bakura crashed in the den. And Raya and Yugi are in there."
"Be back then." Seto ran up the steps. Yami moved towards Yugi. Gently, he pulled Yugi into his lap.
Yugi stirred in Yami's embrace. "Yami?"
"Yes Yugi."
Yugi wrapped his arms around his older brother. "Raya was right, you did come back. Oh Yami, I missed you so much."
"I miss you too Yugi. More than you can ever imagine."
Raya moaned in her sleep. "Move the party else where, would you?"
A mischievous grin crossed Yami's face. "Sure Raya, will move our victory party next door to your place."
Raya bolted up, wide awake. "Like hell you will….Yami!" In the next moment, Yami had another body next to him. "Ra, I was so worried."
Placing an arm around her shoulder he pulled Raya close. Yugi snuggled down into both of their embraces. "Everything will be okay. We're alive and well. I got my family by my side again and nothing will take you all away from me again."
Joey stared at his friends. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to what he was seeing. "You're family Yami, you mean Raya and Yugi right?"
"As well as all of you."
"But Raya and Yugi are you family right?"
"In some sense, yes. Why do you ask?"
"It is stupid, forget I said anything."
Raya turned to him. "Joey, spill it."
"I was just noticing yours and Yugi's relationship earlier. For people who just met this week, you two are really close. And it remind me of something, I just couldn't put my finger on it, ya know? And then it dawn on me. You two act like a mother and son."
Raya paled. Yami gave a small cough. "They act like that Joey, because they are."
*…* - visionary speaking
~ Much thanks for all the encouraging reviews. I am glad everyone likes the story so far. Oh, a just a little preview here, a secret is revealed. Lavender Wonder, your question is answered in this chapter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi stared out the window hoping to see any sign of Bakura or Raya. They had been gone an awful long time. Yami and Seto even longer. He wish that he could help, but he understood Raya's reasoning for not taking him. Too much was at stake here.
Suddenly, he saw two shadowy figures coming up the path to the front door. Stretching out his abilities, he tried to sense who was coming up the path. Jumping off his chair, he ran out the door.
"Yug? Where you going?" Joey followed close behind.
Yugi ran down the path, but stopped short when the two figures came into sight. "Bakura, Raya what happened?"
Raya was leaning heavily on Bakura's side. "Got into a small scuffle. Unfortunately, we lost, sort of."
Joey came up behind Yugi. At seeing Bakura's discomfort, he moved over to help support Raya's weight.
"Come on, lets go inside."
"Can I sleep?"
"Not right away. We need to talk first."
Raya nodded, and let herself be carried into the house. Tea and Tristan met them at the door.
"Hey, whoa, what happened to you two?"
"I'll explain, just let us sit down."
The group walked into the living room, where Mokuba joined them. "Did you find them? Did you see my brother and Yami?"
Raya put her hand to her forehead and rubbed hard. "No we didn't. But I know where they are, Jarha and Yami Bakura told me."
"Yami Bakura? How? I, Yami sent him to the Graveyard."
"Like the rest of you, Yami Bakura was present in Ancient Egypt. His name was Ryou. And from the brief conversation we had with him, we learned that he met Jarha and Satire while in prison. Apparently before his capture, Ryou went to visit his twin, High Priest Bakura. While there, he either discovered or overheard the time spell, which he wrote down. When he heard of Satire's and Jarha's hatred for the Royals, he gave them that spell, which is how the got here. Later, Satire called him the graveyard."
"But how can she do that?"
"Easy Tea, she is my double. My alter ego so to speak. See, my abilities lay in the region of the souls, as does Satires. Where my abilities heal, hers kill. But since she is also a spell caster, she can conjure up all type of wicked spells."
"Is that because her abilities are dark?"
"No, she could control light spells, but she doesn't. Probably because they don't serve her purpose."
"And Jarha, is he Yami's double?" asked Mokuba.
"Yes, he controls the lighter side of the mind. Hypnotics is what he uses."
"Is that why you acted so dazed there? When he talked to you and almost kissed you?"
"HE DID WHAT?" exclaimed Joey.
"Tried to kiss me and bring me to their side. It would have worked to if Yami Bakura hadn't stepped in."
"He saved you?"
"Yup. I have no idea why though. Maybe he does have conscience. Anyway, what I don't understand is why he was more powerful than I was. We both have light energy, he shouldn't have been more powerful than me there, but he was. It doesn't make sense."
Tea grimaced. "If he was more powerful there, would he be here?"
"Possibly."
"You said that Jarha told you were Yami and my brother were, can we go after them?"
Raya turned away. How can she tell them. "No we can't. There is no way we can get to them. Both your brother and Yami are going through the Trials of Ptah. It is a series of three tests, which no one is sure about. See back in Egypt, these trials were used as punishment for thieves and murderers. If a person passed all the tests, they lived and were set free, fortunately that never happened. No one ever passed them."
"You mean Seto and Yami are undergoing these same tests!!" Tea exclaimed, shaking.
Raya nodded, her voice failing her at the moment.
Yugi turned to look at everyone in the room. "Then Yami isn't coming back is he?"
Raya whipped around. "Of course he is…"
"Stop it Raya! Stop lying. You know the truth. No one ever lived. NO ONE. Yami isn't coming back." He fled from the room.
"Yugi, wait." Raya started after him, but Bakura grabbed her arm.
"Let him think and cool down."
"Yeah Raya. He knows that big brother and Yami will be okay. The news just upset him, that is all. He knows that Yami will come back for him."
Raya sat back down in frustration. 'Yugi, I know what you are feeling, believe me I do. But we have to trust in Yami, trust in our love for him. He'll return to us, I swear he will. But you have to believe. That is the only way he will come back to us.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Fifty -five bottles of beer on the wall…"
"That is really getting annoying, you know that right?"
"Really? I wasn't aware." Thankfully, the darkness hid Seto's smirk.
"Like hell you didn't know. You not that stupid."
"I'll take that as a compliment. So where is that third test. I want to get out of here. Mokuba and the others have to be worried sick about us."
"If it is like the others, it will find us."
Seto sighed. That meant the could be here forever, which wasn't a good thing at all. He knew that Mokuba would be safe with Raya and the others. She, Tristan and even the dog would risk their lives to save him. And that was a strong possibility, death that is. With Yami stuck here with him, it was Raya vs. the siblings. He wasn't sure how strong her abilities were, but he doubted she could fight both on her own. After all, she fled America for help, didn't she?
"Out of curiosity here, how far are we into this pyramid?"
"Well, if I had to take a guess, I would say near the center. Mainly because the paths we keep taking have been dead ends. So somewhere in this maze, is the path to the main room, where the Pharaoh's body would rest."
"There wouldn't be a body in this temple, will there?"
"Doubt it. But we still need to find that room. I have a feeling that is where the third and final test is."
"We've passed life and power right?"
"Yup, so that means stability is final one." Yami turned left, heading down a narrow path. "I think this is the one, notice how narrow it is."
"Great, the faster we get out of here, the better."
"Agreed. I don't ever want to be in another dark place again. I now understand that saying, fear the darkness."
"For one does not know what may lurk and attack in that darkness."
"Huh?"
"That is the rest of the saying. I forget where I heard it or who told me it. But after all this, do I ever believe it too."
"As do I."
The two shuffled down the tunnel. Finally, the path gave way to a large, high decorative room.
"Welcome to the burial room."
"Are you getting the sense of death?"
"You are just getting the sensation now?"
"Point taken, so where is that third test?"
Yami moved around the room, searching as if. "Not sure."
"What are you looking for?"
"Nothing solid, more like trying to trigger the final test."
"Oh." Seto began to explore as well. Minutes later, he sat down in the chair that was in the room. "Nothing is here Yami, maybe we should head back to the front of the pyramid."
"Maybe, I guess it doesn't matter where we are. The trial is bound to find us."
Nodding, Seto rose, heading for the door. "I wonder who we'll face this time."
*Me*
Seto and Yami whipped around. Sitting in the chair that Seto had just occupied was Raya.
After closer gapping, Seto realized it wasn't Raya, but Ruia instead. Her clothes were that of Egyptian attire. She bore a long white gown, that flowed at the bottom. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back, resting just at her waist. On top of her head was a bright gold crown, crested with blue and purple stones. Her ring finger bore a ring with the same colored stone.
*Greeting Yami and Seto. I do believe congratulations are in order.*
"So what do you have planned for us Ruia? I mean, Mokuba convinced Seto he was an unfit brother, my mother tried to hint that by ending my life people would be better off. So I will ask again, what lies do you have for us?"
*None dear. I have no lies or anything like that at all.*
"Un huh, sure. Like we really believe that one. Besides, we both know that you're not the real Ruia. She is now Raya and is back in Domino City, protecting Yugi."
Ruia grinned and waved her hand. *Even now, you are very observant Seto. You are correct, I am not Raya. But I am Ruia. Everything you have seen today has been a projection of your own darkest fears. Seto, your biggest fear is losing your brother to your own misdoings. Yami yours is living up to your parents expectations. And yes, even I am a projection of your fears.*
"And what fear is that?"
*I can not say. That is something you to have to learn and beat. I can not give any hints or clues to the answer.*
"So when does this wonderful experience begin my wife?"
*Now.* Ruia raised her palm up to the sky. The pyramid began to shake. The floor near Yami and Seto cracked and started to crumble.
"Earthquake!" screamed Yami. He stole a quick glance toward Ruia. Her expression was calm, but he could just detect a hint of nervousness under it.
Seto jumped back, narrowly escaping from a falling piece of debris. The floor continued to shake violently, causing him to fall to his knees. A few steps away, Yami had done the same. "Yami, we have to get out of here!"
Yami started to reply, but then disaster struck. The ground beneath Yami collapsed, causing the young man to fall with the dirt.
"YAMI!"
Seto moved as fast as he could to where he last saw Yami. Carefully he leaned over the cliff. His breathe caught in his throat at what he saw. Yami, cling to the side of the cliff, with boiling magma right below him!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea paced the library of Seto's mansion. It was now 2 in the morning, with no sign from either of the two missing boys. Things weren't looking good.
"Tea, would you please sit down, you're making me dizzy."
"Sorry Tristan. I'm just scared. This helps."
"Why don't you get some sleep?"
"I don't think I can. I guarantee that Mokuba isn't sleeping, even though he is in his room."
"Then take a lesson from Raya and Bakura."
"Both are exhausted though. Poor Raya, can you imagine what almost happened to her?"
"I know, but I don't think she in concerned with that anymore. I think she is more concerned with Yami, Seto, and Yugi now."
Tea nodded in agreement. "Did Joey go to check on him?"
"I don't think so, I think he went to get something to eat."
"Someone should go check on him."
"I'll go." Raya answered drowsily.
"Maybe you should sleep Raya, you look exhausted.
"Can't, job to do. Sleep is for the weak anyway." She swung her legs off the couch and sat up. "Where is he?"
Tristan pointed to the den.
"Gotcha. I'll be back soon."
Raya walked into the room, looking around for Yugi. She found him curled up in the corner, facing the far wall. Gently she placed her hand on his back, causing him to jump.
"Raya, you scared me."
"Sorry. It wasn't my intention."
"I'm sorry about what I said before. When I called you a liar, I didn't mean it."
Raya crossed her legs and sat down next to him. "I know you didn't mean, but I also know why you said it. Your connection to Yami is strong, very strong. I can understand why you said that he may not return."
"Everything is so empty, so incomplete."
"It must be scary."
"Un huh. I mean, every since I put that puzzle together, Yami has been there, a part of me. I forgot what it was like for him not to be there."
"Yugi, let me ask you some questions, but answer then with your heart, not your head, ok?"
"Sure."
"Do you trust Yami?"
"With my life."
"Love him?"
"Of course."
"Believe in him?"
"Without a doubt."
"Then you have to believe that he is alive and will come back. That believe Yugi, that you have in him, can single handedly bring him back to all of us. But you have to believe."
Yugi stared off into space. 'My heart says Yami is alive, but the evidence says differently. But like the heart of the cards, I have to believe and trust in my own heart, which says he is ok and trying to get back to me. But am I just alluding myself to false hope?'
"Yugi, I know this is hard to do, but sometimes you have to disregard common sense and just go with your feelings. Hope against all hope, even in the most impossible circumstances."
"I want to believe that he is coming back, but I'm scared Raya. Scared that I have lost him."
"If and I stress if Yugi, Yami is dead, you will never lose him. He will always be a part of your life. He will always be here, in your heart and memories. And knowing him, he will be here spiritually, protecting and guiding you."
Leaning back against the wall, he sighed. "Maybe. Do you think we'll here from Satire and Jarha in the morning?"
"Without a doubt. Our backs are against the wall, no pun intended."
"Then maybe we should get some sleep, especially you missy. You look like your going to fall over any minute."
"That obvious?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll go back to bed, I'll be in the living room. Okay?"
"Sure." Yugi watched Raya stand and head out the door. "Raya!" She turned wearily around. "I do believe he'll come back."
Raya smiled, a real and genuine one, not forced like her other one had been. Without a word, she turned on the back of her heels and head out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yami! Are you hurt?" Seto screamed. He had to do something, before Yami fell to his death.
"Just got the wind knocked out of me."
"Can you climb up?"
Yami raised his head upward, trying to ignore the hissing and popping sounds of magma just below him. The steam that rose upward left him hot and difficult to see. "A little, but not much, the walls are practically smooth."
Seto swore under his breath. Things were not looking good. "Ruia, get over here and help, will you"
* I can not interfere.*
"You can't what? That is bull and you know it!"
*I wish with all my heart I could help, but I can not.*
"Fine, act like Satire for all I care." Thrusting down a hand, he tried to reach Yami. "Grab my hand."
Stretching one hand up, Yami tried to grab a hold of his life line. Keeping his balance proved difficult. Rocks beneath his hand cracked and crumbled away. 'No.' Yami screamed as he slipped down the cliff even farther.
"Yami!"
He could hear Seto yell out to him, but panic clouded his mind. He couldn't think, couldn't breathe. His hand smacked against a sharper piece of stone. Digging in, Yami clung on to the stone with all his strength. Blood ran down his arm, causing his grip to slip more. "I can't hang on much longer!"
"I'm coming, just hold on." Laying flat on his stomach, Seto inched his way over the edge of the cliff. 'Got to get to Yami, have to save him.' Leaning as far over as he could, without falling over himself, Seto was still a good four inches away.
"Yami, you're going to have to help me some. You have to climb or stretch up to grab my hand, I can't reach you."
"I can't climb, my hand was injured when I fell."
"Ruia, I could really use your help here."
*Bound by this magic, I can not help. For I am not real, only a projection of what is real.*
"I'll take that as a no. Yami, buddy, you're going to have to trust me here. I know it is going to hurt, but you have to climb or really reach."
Yami reached with his left hand, trying desperately to grab onto Seto's. A sweet, soft voice filled his head as he neared the outstretched hand.
*Can you trust him Yami? How do you know whether he'll pull you up or drop you to your death? He has always been envious of you. Jealous even. Do you really want to put your life into his hand?*
Yami wretched his hand away.
"Yami, what are you doing? Are you okay?"
'I'm not sure. I can trust Seto, not even he would drop me into this magma.' "Fine, just lost my balance for a second."
Seto inched over a little more, trying to make it easier for Yami. *Finally, you can get your revenge. It wouldn't take much. Accidentally dropping him in the lava and everyone would assume he fell. Think of the possibilities. You can regain you title as number one duelist in the country. Gain the respect you so righteously deserve. Do it Seto, drop him.*
Seto whipped his head towards Ruia. The young woman glanced at him. Nervousness was etched into her features. Could she have just spoken? The voice couldn't have been have been hers, too deep. 'No time to ponder that, I have to save Yami.' When Seto glanced back down, he gasped. The distance between he and Yami had double!
"What happened? Did you fall?"
"No, the cliff got taller. I don't understand it."
"Now you really have to trust me."
"I can't you'll drop me."
"What! Yami, I'm not evil, I wouldn't do that." *But you would Seto. Look deep into your heart, you know you would. *
Staring into Seto's icy blue ices, Yami saw the confusion, the desperation, and the deceit. *Can you see the truth Yami? Look into his eyes, he wants to drop you and end your life. And once you are out of the way, he'll go after Yugi. Do you want that Yami? For Seto to destroy not only you, but your light too?*
"Yugi…"
*Yes Yugi. Don't let Seto win, beat him at his own game. Throw him into the lake instead.*
"I couldn't….wouldn't…"
"Wouldn't what Yami?"
"Nothing Seto."
"Un huh sure. Are you going to trust me or not?"
"I…I…I"
"Fine be like that. Just to clear the air here, I don't trust you much either."
The distance between them double again. 'That is it. The more Seto and I distrust one another, the farther apart we get. But how can I trust one of my biggest enemies?' Yami glanced downward. He gasped at what he saw. A large magma bubble had formed beneath him. If he didn't drop, then the bubble would surly fry him when it popped. 'I have to trust in Seto and our friendship.'
"Seto, I trust you. Do you trust me?"
Seto closed his eyes. They didn't have much time, but the voice, it brought up points he never considered. But did he really feel that way? 'No, I trust Yami. I have too. It is the only way we can get out of here, back to our families.' "I trust you too Yami."
The gap started to close and Seto grabbed Yami's wrist, hoisting him up. The bubble below erupted, spaying red hot lava everywhere, including on the two boys. When they looked down, there was no lava, no cracks in the floor. Everything was perfectly normal, just how they found when they came.
"What happened?" Seto asked in shock.
*That is easy.* Ruia moved toward Yami and Seto. Her purple eyes shown with praise.
"And that is."
Ruia opened a scroll. *The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust in him.*
Yami and Seto smiled. "That sounds like our friendship."
*It should. After all, it was the third test. The test of stability and friendship.*
"Did we pass?"
*Yes children, you have defeated my trials.* A large image of a man appeared behind Ruia. His face was blurry, hidden by the light that surrounded him.
*Ptah, I was not expecting you to make an appearance.*
Yami let out a small puff. "That voice, it was the same one I heard talking to me."
"As did I."
*The person you heard was I. If a person makes it to my final test, I am the one they have to overcome.*
"Then why have Ruia appear?"
*I am here for emotional support I guess you can say. I have no real part in this test at all.*
*She is here on my request. Both of you are friends with the real Raya. She is here to remind you of that person. She also represents all your friendships you have ever made in your life, whether it be with family or non family members.* Ptah paused, then continued. *Yugioh, my son, Satire has put forth a challenge to you and Setto. Congratulations my sons, you have passed. The first and the last people to do so. Both of you have exemplified the necessary characteristics and traits that you will need to beat Satire and Jarha.*
*Love, Wisdom, and Friendship is the key to beating them my husband. They fear the trinity, only that can beat them. I know you and the others can beat them and restore order to the future ones.*
"The trinity? What is that?"
*We can not say.*
Seto grumbled. "Figures."
Ruia smiled softly. *It is not that we don't want to tell you, it is just we're not sure what it means either. Remember, what held true for our time, does not mean it holds true for yours.*
The imagine of Ptah turned to Yugioh. *You need to get back to your light Yami, he needs you right now.*
"Yugi? What is wrong with Yugi?"
*He is fine Yami, physically that is. Emotionally, he just misses you. Remember who is he.*
Yami smiled. "I know."
Ptah turned to Ruia. *I need to head back to the world above. I know you are just an image made real by their imagination, but you are still one of my children. Take care of yourself in the future.*
"I too will give Raya that message too."
Ptah nodded and disappeared.
"So Ruia, how do we get back home?"
*Just say, there's no place like home three times and click your heels together.*
"RUIA" Both men exclaimed.
*Okay, Okay. Just listen to your hearts. It will show you the way home.*
Yami closed his eyes and listened. /Yami, Yami. Come home. I miss you. Please Yami, come home./
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joey and Tea stood in the doorway of the living room. Raya was sleeping on the couch, with Yugi at her feet.
"Those two have such a close relationship, don't they?"
"They do Tea, it reminds me of another relationship we've all had in our lives."
"What's that Joey?"
"I mean, don't you find it strange that all of us played an important role in Egypt, but Yugi?"
"Tristan mentioned that earlier, it is strange."
"What's strange?"
The two teens whipped around. "Yami, Seto" gasped Tea. "You're back! You passed the tests. Thank God." She hugged both boys. She was surprised when Seto not only hugged her back, but lingered as well.
""Where is my brother and the others?"
"Mokuba is upstairs, Tristan and Bakura crashed in the den. And Raya and Yugi are in there."
"Be back then." Seto ran up the steps. Yami moved towards Yugi. Gently, he pulled Yugi into his lap.
Yugi stirred in Yami's embrace. "Yami?"
"Yes Yugi."
Yugi wrapped his arms around his older brother. "Raya was right, you did come back. Oh Yami, I missed you so much."
"I miss you too Yugi. More than you can ever imagine."
Raya moaned in her sleep. "Move the party else where, would you?"
A mischievous grin crossed Yami's face. "Sure Raya, will move our victory party next door to your place."
Raya bolted up, wide awake. "Like hell you will….Yami!" In the next moment, Yami had another body next to him. "Ra, I was so worried."
Placing an arm around her shoulder he pulled Raya close. Yugi snuggled down into both of their embraces. "Everything will be okay. We're alive and well. I got my family by my side again and nothing will take you all away from me again."
Joey stared at his friends. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to what he was seeing. "You're family Yami, you mean Raya and Yugi right?"
"As well as all of you."
"But Raya and Yugi are you family right?"
"In some sense, yes. Why do you ask?"
"It is stupid, forget I said anything."
Raya turned to him. "Joey, spill it."
"I was just noticing yours and Yugi's relationship earlier. For people who just met this week, you two are really close. And it remind me of something, I just couldn't put my finger on it, ya know? And then it dawn on me. You two act like a mother and son."
Raya paled. Yami gave a small cough. "They act like that Joey, because they are."