Disclaimer: Do I have to say this again? (Kris: YES!) Fine, I do not own Yugioh, the characters or anything related to Duel Monsters.
~Thanks for all the wonderful reviews, it makes writing this story so much more enjoyable, as well as it makes me write faster.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi rubbed his eyes hard. "I must be dreaming still because I swear you just said Yami that Raya here was my mother."
Raya's eyes misted up. "Wake the others, they'll want to hear this story as well."
Tea gasped, "Then it is true, you two are related."
Joey ran from the room. Minutes later, he returned with Bakura, Tristan, Seto, and Mokuba.
"What's going on? This has better be good." Tristan muttered. "Yami! Seto!. Ok, I take it back, this is good."
"This isn't why we woke all of you. We just learned that Raya and Yugi are related."
"WHAT?"
Yami shifted Yugi some. "Now listen, all of you are over exaggerating this. Raya is not Yugi's mother."
"But…but you said." Tea started.
"I said they are mother and son. But not in a literal sense."
"Oh you mean they act like mother and son." Bakura asked, "It makes sense."
"Not quite. I am a mother, remember that."
Yugi's head spun. And then the answer came to him. "I'm your child, the reincarnation of your baby son."
Tears fell down the side of Raya's face. "Ai, you are."
"But then why say I was the son of a servant, why lie to me like that?'
"A bunch of reasons aibou. One being for protection. Another was that we didn't want you to think you had to act a certain way around us. To live up our expectations for our son. Things like that."
"And then there was Satire and Jarha. Remember, they feared our son. The power he wielded. We thought by not telling everyone that you were our son, that we could protect you better from the siblings. If no one here knew that you were the reincarnation, then there was a lower chance of a slip up and Satire not learning the truth. It's not like I didn't trust all of you, I just felt it was in our best interests to keep it quiet. Protect everyone."
"But Satire did know, Jarha as well. The note about the youngest of all, it is Yugi. He was the baby of the group."
"Yes Seto. Once we knew that they knew, I realize that all my actions had been in vain. I don't know why I didn't say anything then. Maybe it was because, no I know, I was scared. Scared that you Yugi would hate me because I failed to protect you then and now. I guess I never fully recovered from my son's death. And then I met you, I sensed who you were. I was shocked, scared. I didn't know what to do. But I knew one thing had to be different. I wasn't going to be weak. I promised myself that I was going to protect you from them this time. I wasn't going to fail you. I know none of my reasons seem like a good reason to lie to you, but at the time, they did. I acted without thinking. I'm sorry Yugi."
"I'm not mad, just confused a bit. This whole reincarnation stuff is still hard to swallow. I never believed in it before, but the more I am around all of you, the more I am." He turned to Raya. "So you were my mother in Ancient Egypt and Yami was my father?"
"Yes. You were the heir to all Egypt. But then that faithful day came when all went to hell. You were killed in the nursery and no one's lives were ever the same. Mine sure wasn't."
"I don't blame you for that night. I know you Raya, you probably did everything you could. But I have another question. Before, you said I was the son of a servant, obviously that isn't true, but was there another baby?"
Yami laughed. "Actually aibou, there was three babies born within two weeks of one another. First, there was you, then came the twins, a girl and a boy. Sadly, the girl was still born. And the woman, our servant, died later, an after affect from giving birth. I never found out what happened to the son."
"So the son was the one I was raised with?"
"Sure was. Athena, the mother, was ready to go back to work once she had the child, but we wouldn't let her. So she spent many mornings and afternoons with me and you. And the seize came and we all know what happened there."
Yami paused and then turned to Raya. "Do you know anything about a trinity?"
"Trinity?" Raya's face scrunched up in thought. "Not that I am ware of, why?"
"Ptah and Ruia told Yami and I that the siblings fear the trinity."
"You saw Ptah? Not to mention me?"
Yami and Seto relayed their story to everyone, from the first trial to the very last.
"Ptah told you to tell me to take care of myself?"
"He did." Seto replied. "Why, do you find that strange?"
"A little, okay actually a lot. Sure I left offerings at his temple in Memphis, but I was more closely associated with Sekhmet. I was under her realm of influence, the lighter side, of protection. Sure I had artistic talents that related to Ptah, but I was never a close follower of his."
"Then maybe it wasn't a simple request like you two thought. Maybe it is more."
"Come again Mokuba?"
"I mean, maybe he is trying to warn you Raya, the only way he knew how, through Ruia. Maybe it is a sign to be on guard, that something is going to happen."
"To me you mean." Raya laid her head back against the couch. "I barely could hold my own in the Shadow Realm, I don't think I could handle much else."
"You were in the Shadow Realm?"
Raya flinched at Yami's tone. "Yes, Bakura and I went to see if you and Seto were there."
"What happened, is that why you and Bakura look battered and bruised?"
"Bad choice of words there, Seto."
"Raya, what happened."
"We confronted Jarha and Yami Bakura."
Fifteen minutes later, Raya finished explaining what had happened.
"Jarha is dead when I see him again. Are you sure you're okay Ruia?"
"Tired, physically, mentally, and a little emotionally. But I'll be ready for tomorrow. Thank god it is Saturday."
"I can't believe Yami Bakura went good, no offense Raya, I am glad he saved you in all, but I am still a little shocked." Seto said, giving his friend a quick hug.
"Everyone has a line they refuse to cross Seto, just like when you dueled Yami and Yugi. They refused to take the chance to harm you. That was their line. I guess Yami Bakura's was seeing innocence lost."
"You're not innocent, by far."
"Shut up Joey." Raya responded, laughing. "What I meant was that if I fell under that spell, I would never me the same person again. My personality, traits, and beliefs would all be gone."
Yami stared at his wife. Her words and her eyes were saying to very different stories. But, he knew why she didn't speak her true fears. It was too terrifying of a thought. He was so close to losing her, again. The next time he saw Jarha, he would make him pay for what he put Raya through.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi tossed in his sleep. Sweat poured down his small face.
[ Jarha stood in the middle of a large field. In his arms was an unconscious Raya.
Finally my dear, the time has come. We can finally be together, forever.
"Put her down."
Yami appeared in front of Jarha, whispering the words menacingly.
"And why would I do that? She is mine Yugioh, mine. She never loved you. She was forced to marry you because you got her pregnant. Why else would she flee now? Run straight to me?"
"She didn't run. You tricked her, making her believe…"
Jarha cut him off. "My hypnotic powers are strong aren't they?" No matter. She is mine Yami, say goodbye to your wife, you'll never see her again. And soon, your son will follow."]
Yugi woke with a start. 'Raya'
//Yugi? What is it aibou?//
/Raya, another vision. Jarha captured her./
//…//
/Yami?/
//Sorry, I am still upset at how close he got to her earlier. And now this vision scares me more. We thought you were in the greatest danger, but now Jarha is really getting anxious to get Raya, instead of us two.//
/Should we warn her?/
//Not yet, she was pretty shaken after this last experience. I don't want to worry her more. We'll just have to keep an eye on her.//
/Yami, what was Raya like in Egypt?/
//You mean, as a mother?//
/Un huh. I mean, I feel really safe around her, comforted. I never felt like that around anyone but you and Grandpa./
//She was very loving, hated to upset anyone or anything. But if you got on her bad side, so help you. She did have a temper. But normally, she was very gentle. I see a lot of her nature in you.//
/I wish I remembered what my parents were like. I don't even remember you two from my past life. My time then was cut short./
//Life can be cruel, too cruel if you ask me.//
/Yeah, Yami?/
//Yes Yugi?//
/Was it scary?/
//Being a young father, pharaoh? The trials?//
/All of it I guess./
//It was a little overwhelming to be a father, I was only 15. But at the same time, I couldn't wait either. Not only was I getting an heir to my throne, but more important, a child who I could care for, love, protect, and be with. But even more, you helped people see that Ruia and I belong together. You helped me realize how important she was. After I proposed, I worried about whether I was doing the right thing, I bet Raya did too, but after you were born, seeing what we had created, we knew we had been correct. I loved every minute of being a father. And at the same time I had a country to run. But being Pharaoh wasn't nearly as hard as it was to be a good father.. I had been trained since I was born to be it. I was more concerned with being a husband and father. And the tests, yes they were terrifying. There were times I wasn't sure if I was going to make it back.//
/What brought you home?/
//My friends, my wife, and of course, my brother.//
/I was so worried that you weren't coming home./
//I almost didn't. If Seto wasn't there, things would have been different. I wouldn't be here.//
/You two have gotten closer./
//We've reached an understanding.//
/Finally./
Yami chuckled. // I know, I know.//
Yugi yawned.
//Get some sleep aibou. Knowing the siblings, they will be waiting for us in the morning.//
/Comforting. Night Yami. Love you./
//Love you too.//
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yami stumbled down the stairs fairly early the next morning. He met up with Seto and Bakura in the kitchen.
"Coffee?"
"Only if it is strong enough to walk away."
Seto pushed him a cup. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Are the others awake yet?"
"Joey, Mokuba, and Tristan are not, but Tea and Raya left a note saying they were next door researching the trinity."
"She called my computer an over modified, impossible piece of junk."
"Who Tea?"
"No, your girlfriend. But I took it as a compliment."
"Do you think it is safe for the girls to be over there alone like that?"
Yami sipped his coffee, ignoring how hot it was. "Probably, I doubt the siblings will try attacking Raya again so soon. But I'll run over in a bit to check on them, I'm a little concerned too."
"Meanwhile, I started searching what I can on this trinity, as well as what other connection Ptah may have had to Ruia. I think Mokuba was right about it being another warning, but maybe I can uncover something else, like an event or something that Satire may use to lure Raya out."
"That's not a bad idea, do that."
"I'll stay around here and wait for the others to awake. I'll make lunch or something. I wouldn't be much help on researching, technology and I never got along."
Standing up, Yami head for the door. "I'll go check on the girls. Knowing them, they've gotten into some mess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You know, you should really keep your doors locked when people are out to murder you."
"I knew you would be over. I sensed you coming so I unlocked the door."
"Un huh. Interesting typing position there."
Raya laughed. She was laying upside down on her couch, with her lap top on the floor. "What ever works. It is comfy."
"Where's Tea?"
"Upstairs, showering I think. We've been at this researching since seven this morning."
Yami studied Raya's features. She looked beat. "You look tired as hell."
She shrugged. "I am but I really can't sleep. Too much swirling around in my head, too much going on around me."
"You need to rest. That spell really took it out of you and that trip to the Shadow Realm couldn't have helped."
"I'll survive…wanna know what we've found?"
"Subtle. Sure."
"Basically, nothing. All we have managed to dig up was a religious belief held by the Christians. The trinity represents the Father, or God, the son, who was Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It is also represented in their faith by the sign of the cross. But I couldn't find anything really that the siblings would fear. This was the only thing so far, but I could find no real connection, unless you think out of the box for a moment. The Catholic trinity symbolizes the three most powerful beings in their faith, maybe that is the trinity Satire and Jarha fear, the three most powerful beings. Now is that our gods or something completely else? I'm not too sure."
"Interesting theory. But who would be the three most powerful beings? Ra, Osiris, and whom? A lot of our gods could fit that third spot. I mean different regions held some gods higher up then others."
"Well Satire and Jarha are from Memphis like we are, but that doesn't really help. Memphis was home to a lot of gods and goddess temples. Ptah being one of them."
"True, but what if we are looking from the wrong time? What if the trinity is from this time period, not ancient Egypt?"
"That could explain why neither of us have heard of this trinity." Raya stifled a yawn.
"I knew you were tired."
"Can't be helped."
"Sit up. I'll do some researching, you just sleep."
"Easier said then done." Raya replied, pulling herself upright.
Yami moved to sit down on the couch. "I'll stick close by okay? Make you feel better?"
"I'd be better if I knew Satire and Jarha weren't around to harm everyone."
"Due time, I swear on it."
Leaning her head down on his shoulder, she sighed. "But is time really on our side?"
"I'm not sure." Yami rested his head on top of hers and wrapped his arms around her. "But no matter what, we will win and protect the future ones."
"Promise me something Yami."
"What's that?"
"That no matter what, you'll stop Jarha. If something happens and I do turn, promise me you'll stop me at all costs. Promise me."
Yami swallowed hard. How could he promise to kill his own wife? "I…I…it won't come to that."
Raya tilted her head up. Her eyes shown with wisdom and force. "Promise me."
Yami recognized that face. The narrow eyes, the tight, thin line of her lips, and a small crease on her forehead. Raya or Ruia had used it often when she was dead serious. "Okay, I promise."
Staring into his crimson eyes, she finally nodded, sensing he was being truthfully.
"Okay, shall I get to work then, your highness?"
"Nah, I am comfy. You make a decent pillow Yami."
Laughing, he grabbed a small blanket and wrapped it around Raya. Gently he rocked her and held her close. Silently he pondered her words. 'Promise me you'll stop me at all costs , promise me.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Isn't it a little hard to use the internet in that position?" Tea asked, coming done the stair behind Yami.
"Not really searching anymore, just reading."
"She was really tired, wasn't she?"
Yami glanced down at the sleeping figure in his lap. "Tired doesn't begin to explain it. She's still recovering from that trap, not to mention that trip to the Shadow Realm. She was going to crash sooner or later. I am just glad it was now."
Sitting down in an over sized chair, Tea agreed. "So what are you reading? Find anything we missed?"
"Maybe, not sure. This site I found has nothing to do with a trinity, but is interesting none the less."
"Oh, what's it about?"
"My reign in Egypt. And what is shocking, it is pretty detailed and lengthy."
"Detailed how? Accurate you mean?"
"Exactly, I mean it includes everything, even my marriage to Ruia."
"But I thought people now a days didn't know about that."
"They don't, Ruia was a commoner and in many people's eyes, didn't deserve the recognition that other Queens got. She wasn't royalty."
"Then how?"
"Either it is a really lucky guess or it is Jarha's doing."
"You sound hesitate."
"Because there are details about Ruia's past here that I didn't know. How would Jarha?"
Tea pursed her lips together. "What does the site say?"
"In 2875 BC, Pharaoh Yugioh wed commoner Ruia, daughter of the local bursar in Memphis. While the marriage was heavily disapproved, it was necessary since the young woman was believed to be pregnant with the future heir to the throne. After being expelled from her father's house for being pregnant and not wed, Yugioh and Ruia were married and she moved into the palace. Approximately, eight and half months later, Ruia gave birth to a son, which they named Yugioh II.
Much is not known about the young woman that the Pharaoh wed, other than a few simple facts. Ruia was born in the year 2890 and was wed at the age of 15. Her mother Aristae died when Ruia was only two and was left to be raised by her father. No name was ever found for Aristae's husband. It was never known whether Ruia had any siblings, though it is suspected that she had a brother who was 16 years her senior. However, no records have ever been found to prove such an existence.
In her youth, Ruia was found to be a talented artist and musician. Her soft angelic voice could soothe anyone, drawing them into the song itself. She was once accused of being a siren, but was quickly dismissed since sirens tended to live in the Adriatic Sea near Greece and her music appealed to woman as well. Her drawings were well sought after and the money was used to help support her father and herself.
In her teen years, Ruia quickly gained the reputation as a follower of Sekhmet. Though the goddess was known for war, she also known for love and protection, two strong characteristics in Ruia. It was believed that Ruia was such a close follower due to her abilities, which many people believed Sekhmet bestowed upon her. Her powers to seemed to lay in the region of the soul, the light side.
It is unclear how Yugioh and Ruia met, but their romance is not the only relationship to blossom from their meeting. Apparently, Ruia's best friend Anzu and Yugioh's High Priest Setto also joined the young couple in their meetings. Like the Pharaoh, Setto found himself falling in love with a commoner, Anzu. Anzu was often found with Ruia on the banks of Nile River. The two were best of friends and often performed original pieces the two composed. Ruia would sing while Anzu would dance. After the revolt on the palace, Setto and Anzu were married and a constant source of companionship to Pharaoh. It is unknown what happened to Ruia."
"I see your point about it not being Jarha, he knew what happen to Raya and besides, he would have mentioned himself, not you."
"Right and it can't be any of you, some of those facts no one would know, even me. I didn't know she had a brother."
"Did she? The site said it was never determined."
"Everything else was pretty accurate Tea, even you have to admit that."
Tapping a finger against her chin, she sat in thought. "Well if it isn't any of us, Satire or Jarha, who does that leave?"
"A really good psychic."
"Are you sure there is no information about Raya?"
"Positive. Nothing was constructed or written when I was around."
"How about after? Maybe Anzu or Setto did something or Jou."
"But how would they know all this: the brother, the siren, her mother's name?"
"Maybe Raya's dad?"
"Nope, after he kicked Raya out, he forgot he even had a daughter."
"People change Yami. Maybe late in his life, he felt sorry and wrote about his forgotten daughter."
"Then why isn't she more well known then?"
"I don't know. This puts an interesting spin on everything though. Maybe this is what Ptah meant in his warning to Ruia. That someone else, not just Satire and Jarha, knows who she really is."
"Just because they know about her past, doesn't mean they know Ruia and Raya are one in the same."
"Yami think about it, if they know things you didn't, that means this person had to be there, in Ancient Egypt with us. And now, they are here too. That is the only explanation for the website."
"Then Raya is in more danger than we thought, a lot more."
"Not just her, but you and Yugi too. They must know you were the Pharaoh and that Yugi is your son reincarnated."
"We better print this out and let the others see this. We may be dealing with another foe."
"Print what out?" Raya asked, groggy.
"This website about your life Raya."
"How can that be, no one knew I was alive."
"Well some one does and they are here too." Tea grimly responded.
Raya sat up, alarm written all over her face. "You mean some besides Satire and Jarha are after me, us?"
"It is a strong possibility Ruia. I'm ready to lock you in a closet somewhere were no one can find you and Yugi."
"I'd like to see you try that one. Where ever you go, I go. I don't care about the danger." She shrugged off the blanket. "And don't even try to change my mind. I'm tired of running, of hiding, of showing fear. I want to help. I promised myself when I came here from America that I would not run, that I would help protect the future ones. Don't even try and make me sit this one out."
"Alright, I promise. When the time comes, you'll be by my side. I don't like it, but I won't deny you the chance."
"It's not that I seek vengeance, well maybe that is part of it, but I want closure. I want the nightmares, the feeling of doubt, and what ifs to be over. And the only way to do that is to fight my fear and that is to confront Satire and Jarha."
"Not to argue with you here Raya, because I understand why you want to do this, but after every thing that has happened, can you handle it? I mean, can you survive another attack from the siblings? The trap Satire set for you, and Jarha's hypnotics are both more powerful than your abilities are right now. Do you really think that it is safe?"
"No, I don't. However Tea, this is something I feel that I have to do. I know that I am weaker than the siblings. I know that I shouldn't be, that Jarha and I should be equal in strength, but we're not. I know I will be going in with a disadvantage, but there is no other way. This is something I have to do."
Raya stood and stalked out of the room, heading towards the stairs. Minutes later, the sound of tinkling keys filter down the stairs.
"She's upset."
"What was your first clue Yami?"
"She's playing music. Anytime she was upset she either composed or sketched. Let out all her frustrations you know?"
"Yeah, should one of us go check on her? I mean we need to get back to Seto's and show everyone this website."
"Let's give her a couple. It will only take a couple for her to work through her frustrations. We just can't let her get into her zone."
"How come?"
"Ever here the phrase, practice makes perfect?"
"Of course."
"Raya could be the spokes model for it."
"That bad?"
"Worse. I remember one time she had a bad fight with her father and by the time all of us caught up with her at the Nile, she had composed 4 songs. And the funny thing was, even though she had four good songs, she was going over the first one trying to improve it."
"I wasn't that bad, was I?"
"Raya! Back so soon? And yes, you were."
"I had to work out some frustration before I blew up on someone. Safer you know? This whole thing with the website scares me. Who would know all about me? I didn't even know I had an older brother. So how can it be Jarha and Satire?"
Tea stared at Raya. "You mean you didn't know you had a sibling."
"Exactly."
The trio headed out the door. They quickly walked up the driveway that led to Seto's mansion. Raya couldn't help but notice the day. It was bright and sunny. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 'Why is it that the weather can never match my mood?'
The front door swung open. "Morning!"
"Hey Bakura, where is everyone?"
"Seto is out to prove you two wrong, that his computer isn't over modified. Tristan and Mokuba are researching what they can in the library. Joey is checking on the game shop with Yugi. They called not long ago, your Grandpa is home Yami. They are going to bring him by to meet Raya, if that is okay."
"I have no problem with it. From the way everyone has talked about him, he is a great man."
Yami smiled. "He is, wise and fair. He was at a convention all week. I forgot that it ended today. After Sunday, it is going to be hard to explain why Yugi and I have to stay at Seto's."
"We'd be split though. That can't be safe."
"We'll have to cross that bridge when we get there, right now, I hear you three have some papers for the rest of us to read"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"This isn't good."
"Understatement of the year there Seto."
"There is just one thing in paper I don't understand."
Yami choked on his coffee. "One thing? That whole paper is confusing."
"Well the content is, but what I was talking about was the page itself. The web address isn't a company or business, it is a homepage. More importantly, the web supporter is out of this very town, Domino City."
"You mean the creator is in this very city right now?"
Seto nodded his head. "I can try hacking my way into the company's database and see whether or not they have a record of who owns this page. But if I had to take a wild guess, I'd say this is no ordinary teenager. If I had to guess, they are more around our parent's ages."
"Or maybe they are a reincarnation who just remembers the past and isn't a threat to me at all."
"Odds of that are slim. I mean Ptah did warn Seto and Yami to keep an eye on you."
"Thank you Bakura, ruin my hope that someone isn't out to kill me and my family."
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
"But the question still remains. Who created the website about Ruia?"
"I can answer that."
The group turned towards the door, standing there was Yugi, Joey, and Grandpa.
"Grandpa, you can tell us about that page?" Yami asked, shocked.
Sugoroku didn't reply, rather stared at something just behind Yami. Yami turned to see what Grandpa was so fixated on. What he saw, scared him. Raya was sitting on the couch, froze in shock. Her eyes were wide and gazed over. Her hands shook in her lap. "Raya, what is wrong?"
"I can answer that my grandson or maybe I should say son - in - law. You see, Raya there is my daughter."
Anya: So Grandpa's secret from chapter 2 is finally out. I love the plot twists way too much.
Kris: You're readers are going to kill you one day.
Anya: Nah, that won't happen for a few more chapters, I hope. ^_^
~Thanks for all the wonderful reviews, it makes writing this story so much more enjoyable, as well as it makes me write faster.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi rubbed his eyes hard. "I must be dreaming still because I swear you just said Yami that Raya here was my mother."
Raya's eyes misted up. "Wake the others, they'll want to hear this story as well."
Tea gasped, "Then it is true, you two are related."
Joey ran from the room. Minutes later, he returned with Bakura, Tristan, Seto, and Mokuba.
"What's going on? This has better be good." Tristan muttered. "Yami! Seto!. Ok, I take it back, this is good."
"This isn't why we woke all of you. We just learned that Raya and Yugi are related."
"WHAT?"
Yami shifted Yugi some. "Now listen, all of you are over exaggerating this. Raya is not Yugi's mother."
"But…but you said." Tea started.
"I said they are mother and son. But not in a literal sense."
"Oh you mean they act like mother and son." Bakura asked, "It makes sense."
"Not quite. I am a mother, remember that."
Yugi's head spun. And then the answer came to him. "I'm your child, the reincarnation of your baby son."
Tears fell down the side of Raya's face. "Ai, you are."
"But then why say I was the son of a servant, why lie to me like that?'
"A bunch of reasons aibou. One being for protection. Another was that we didn't want you to think you had to act a certain way around us. To live up our expectations for our son. Things like that."
"And then there was Satire and Jarha. Remember, they feared our son. The power he wielded. We thought by not telling everyone that you were our son, that we could protect you better from the siblings. If no one here knew that you were the reincarnation, then there was a lower chance of a slip up and Satire not learning the truth. It's not like I didn't trust all of you, I just felt it was in our best interests to keep it quiet. Protect everyone."
"But Satire did know, Jarha as well. The note about the youngest of all, it is Yugi. He was the baby of the group."
"Yes Seto. Once we knew that they knew, I realize that all my actions had been in vain. I don't know why I didn't say anything then. Maybe it was because, no I know, I was scared. Scared that you Yugi would hate me because I failed to protect you then and now. I guess I never fully recovered from my son's death. And then I met you, I sensed who you were. I was shocked, scared. I didn't know what to do. But I knew one thing had to be different. I wasn't going to be weak. I promised myself that I was going to protect you from them this time. I wasn't going to fail you. I know none of my reasons seem like a good reason to lie to you, but at the time, they did. I acted without thinking. I'm sorry Yugi."
"I'm not mad, just confused a bit. This whole reincarnation stuff is still hard to swallow. I never believed in it before, but the more I am around all of you, the more I am." He turned to Raya. "So you were my mother in Ancient Egypt and Yami was my father?"
"Yes. You were the heir to all Egypt. But then that faithful day came when all went to hell. You were killed in the nursery and no one's lives were ever the same. Mine sure wasn't."
"I don't blame you for that night. I know you Raya, you probably did everything you could. But I have another question. Before, you said I was the son of a servant, obviously that isn't true, but was there another baby?"
Yami laughed. "Actually aibou, there was three babies born within two weeks of one another. First, there was you, then came the twins, a girl and a boy. Sadly, the girl was still born. And the woman, our servant, died later, an after affect from giving birth. I never found out what happened to the son."
"So the son was the one I was raised with?"
"Sure was. Athena, the mother, was ready to go back to work once she had the child, but we wouldn't let her. So she spent many mornings and afternoons with me and you. And the seize came and we all know what happened there."
Yami paused and then turned to Raya. "Do you know anything about a trinity?"
"Trinity?" Raya's face scrunched up in thought. "Not that I am ware of, why?"
"Ptah and Ruia told Yami and I that the siblings fear the trinity."
"You saw Ptah? Not to mention me?"
Yami and Seto relayed their story to everyone, from the first trial to the very last.
"Ptah told you to tell me to take care of myself?"
"He did." Seto replied. "Why, do you find that strange?"
"A little, okay actually a lot. Sure I left offerings at his temple in Memphis, but I was more closely associated with Sekhmet. I was under her realm of influence, the lighter side, of protection. Sure I had artistic talents that related to Ptah, but I was never a close follower of his."
"Then maybe it wasn't a simple request like you two thought. Maybe it is more."
"Come again Mokuba?"
"I mean, maybe he is trying to warn you Raya, the only way he knew how, through Ruia. Maybe it is a sign to be on guard, that something is going to happen."
"To me you mean." Raya laid her head back against the couch. "I barely could hold my own in the Shadow Realm, I don't think I could handle much else."
"You were in the Shadow Realm?"
Raya flinched at Yami's tone. "Yes, Bakura and I went to see if you and Seto were there."
"What happened, is that why you and Bakura look battered and bruised?"
"Bad choice of words there, Seto."
"Raya, what happened."
"We confronted Jarha and Yami Bakura."
Fifteen minutes later, Raya finished explaining what had happened.
"Jarha is dead when I see him again. Are you sure you're okay Ruia?"
"Tired, physically, mentally, and a little emotionally. But I'll be ready for tomorrow. Thank god it is Saturday."
"I can't believe Yami Bakura went good, no offense Raya, I am glad he saved you in all, but I am still a little shocked." Seto said, giving his friend a quick hug.
"Everyone has a line they refuse to cross Seto, just like when you dueled Yami and Yugi. They refused to take the chance to harm you. That was their line. I guess Yami Bakura's was seeing innocence lost."
"You're not innocent, by far."
"Shut up Joey." Raya responded, laughing. "What I meant was that if I fell under that spell, I would never me the same person again. My personality, traits, and beliefs would all be gone."
Yami stared at his wife. Her words and her eyes were saying to very different stories. But, he knew why she didn't speak her true fears. It was too terrifying of a thought. He was so close to losing her, again. The next time he saw Jarha, he would make him pay for what he put Raya through.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi tossed in his sleep. Sweat poured down his small face.
[ Jarha stood in the middle of a large field. In his arms was an unconscious Raya.
Finally my dear, the time has come. We can finally be together, forever.
"Put her down."
Yami appeared in front of Jarha, whispering the words menacingly.
"And why would I do that? She is mine Yugioh, mine. She never loved you. She was forced to marry you because you got her pregnant. Why else would she flee now? Run straight to me?"
"She didn't run. You tricked her, making her believe…"
Jarha cut him off. "My hypnotic powers are strong aren't they?" No matter. She is mine Yami, say goodbye to your wife, you'll never see her again. And soon, your son will follow."]
Yugi woke with a start. 'Raya'
//Yugi? What is it aibou?//
/Raya, another vision. Jarha captured her./
//…//
/Yami?/
//Sorry, I am still upset at how close he got to her earlier. And now this vision scares me more. We thought you were in the greatest danger, but now Jarha is really getting anxious to get Raya, instead of us two.//
/Should we warn her?/
//Not yet, she was pretty shaken after this last experience. I don't want to worry her more. We'll just have to keep an eye on her.//
/Yami, what was Raya like in Egypt?/
//You mean, as a mother?//
/Un huh. I mean, I feel really safe around her, comforted. I never felt like that around anyone but you and Grandpa./
//She was very loving, hated to upset anyone or anything. But if you got on her bad side, so help you. She did have a temper. But normally, she was very gentle. I see a lot of her nature in you.//
/I wish I remembered what my parents were like. I don't even remember you two from my past life. My time then was cut short./
//Life can be cruel, too cruel if you ask me.//
/Yeah, Yami?/
//Yes Yugi?//
/Was it scary?/
//Being a young father, pharaoh? The trials?//
/All of it I guess./
//It was a little overwhelming to be a father, I was only 15. But at the same time, I couldn't wait either. Not only was I getting an heir to my throne, but more important, a child who I could care for, love, protect, and be with. But even more, you helped people see that Ruia and I belong together. You helped me realize how important she was. After I proposed, I worried about whether I was doing the right thing, I bet Raya did too, but after you were born, seeing what we had created, we knew we had been correct. I loved every minute of being a father. And at the same time I had a country to run. But being Pharaoh wasn't nearly as hard as it was to be a good father.. I had been trained since I was born to be it. I was more concerned with being a husband and father. And the tests, yes they were terrifying. There were times I wasn't sure if I was going to make it back.//
/What brought you home?/
//My friends, my wife, and of course, my brother.//
/I was so worried that you weren't coming home./
//I almost didn't. If Seto wasn't there, things would have been different. I wouldn't be here.//
/You two have gotten closer./
//We've reached an understanding.//
/Finally./
Yami chuckled. // I know, I know.//
Yugi yawned.
//Get some sleep aibou. Knowing the siblings, they will be waiting for us in the morning.//
/Comforting. Night Yami. Love you./
//Love you too.//
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yami stumbled down the stairs fairly early the next morning. He met up with Seto and Bakura in the kitchen.
"Coffee?"
"Only if it is strong enough to walk away."
Seto pushed him a cup. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Are the others awake yet?"
"Joey, Mokuba, and Tristan are not, but Tea and Raya left a note saying they were next door researching the trinity."
"She called my computer an over modified, impossible piece of junk."
"Who Tea?"
"No, your girlfriend. But I took it as a compliment."
"Do you think it is safe for the girls to be over there alone like that?"
Yami sipped his coffee, ignoring how hot it was. "Probably, I doubt the siblings will try attacking Raya again so soon. But I'll run over in a bit to check on them, I'm a little concerned too."
"Meanwhile, I started searching what I can on this trinity, as well as what other connection Ptah may have had to Ruia. I think Mokuba was right about it being another warning, but maybe I can uncover something else, like an event or something that Satire may use to lure Raya out."
"That's not a bad idea, do that."
"I'll stay around here and wait for the others to awake. I'll make lunch or something. I wouldn't be much help on researching, technology and I never got along."
Standing up, Yami head for the door. "I'll go check on the girls. Knowing them, they've gotten into some mess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You know, you should really keep your doors locked when people are out to murder you."
"I knew you would be over. I sensed you coming so I unlocked the door."
"Un huh. Interesting typing position there."
Raya laughed. She was laying upside down on her couch, with her lap top on the floor. "What ever works. It is comfy."
"Where's Tea?"
"Upstairs, showering I think. We've been at this researching since seven this morning."
Yami studied Raya's features. She looked beat. "You look tired as hell."
She shrugged. "I am but I really can't sleep. Too much swirling around in my head, too much going on around me."
"You need to rest. That spell really took it out of you and that trip to the Shadow Realm couldn't have helped."
"I'll survive…wanna know what we've found?"
"Subtle. Sure."
"Basically, nothing. All we have managed to dig up was a religious belief held by the Christians. The trinity represents the Father, or God, the son, who was Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It is also represented in their faith by the sign of the cross. But I couldn't find anything really that the siblings would fear. This was the only thing so far, but I could find no real connection, unless you think out of the box for a moment. The Catholic trinity symbolizes the three most powerful beings in their faith, maybe that is the trinity Satire and Jarha fear, the three most powerful beings. Now is that our gods or something completely else? I'm not too sure."
"Interesting theory. But who would be the three most powerful beings? Ra, Osiris, and whom? A lot of our gods could fit that third spot. I mean different regions held some gods higher up then others."
"Well Satire and Jarha are from Memphis like we are, but that doesn't really help. Memphis was home to a lot of gods and goddess temples. Ptah being one of them."
"True, but what if we are looking from the wrong time? What if the trinity is from this time period, not ancient Egypt?"
"That could explain why neither of us have heard of this trinity." Raya stifled a yawn.
"I knew you were tired."
"Can't be helped."
"Sit up. I'll do some researching, you just sleep."
"Easier said then done." Raya replied, pulling herself upright.
Yami moved to sit down on the couch. "I'll stick close by okay? Make you feel better?"
"I'd be better if I knew Satire and Jarha weren't around to harm everyone."
"Due time, I swear on it."
Leaning her head down on his shoulder, she sighed. "But is time really on our side?"
"I'm not sure." Yami rested his head on top of hers and wrapped his arms around her. "But no matter what, we will win and protect the future ones."
"Promise me something Yami."
"What's that?"
"That no matter what, you'll stop Jarha. If something happens and I do turn, promise me you'll stop me at all costs. Promise me."
Yami swallowed hard. How could he promise to kill his own wife? "I…I…it won't come to that."
Raya tilted her head up. Her eyes shown with wisdom and force. "Promise me."
Yami recognized that face. The narrow eyes, the tight, thin line of her lips, and a small crease on her forehead. Raya or Ruia had used it often when she was dead serious. "Okay, I promise."
Staring into his crimson eyes, she finally nodded, sensing he was being truthfully.
"Okay, shall I get to work then, your highness?"
"Nah, I am comfy. You make a decent pillow Yami."
Laughing, he grabbed a small blanket and wrapped it around Raya. Gently he rocked her and held her close. Silently he pondered her words. 'Promise me you'll stop me at all costs , promise me.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Isn't it a little hard to use the internet in that position?" Tea asked, coming done the stair behind Yami.
"Not really searching anymore, just reading."
"She was really tired, wasn't she?"
Yami glanced down at the sleeping figure in his lap. "Tired doesn't begin to explain it. She's still recovering from that trap, not to mention that trip to the Shadow Realm. She was going to crash sooner or later. I am just glad it was now."
Sitting down in an over sized chair, Tea agreed. "So what are you reading? Find anything we missed?"
"Maybe, not sure. This site I found has nothing to do with a trinity, but is interesting none the less."
"Oh, what's it about?"
"My reign in Egypt. And what is shocking, it is pretty detailed and lengthy."
"Detailed how? Accurate you mean?"
"Exactly, I mean it includes everything, even my marriage to Ruia."
"But I thought people now a days didn't know about that."
"They don't, Ruia was a commoner and in many people's eyes, didn't deserve the recognition that other Queens got. She wasn't royalty."
"Then how?"
"Either it is a really lucky guess or it is Jarha's doing."
"You sound hesitate."
"Because there are details about Ruia's past here that I didn't know. How would Jarha?"
Tea pursed her lips together. "What does the site say?"
"In 2875 BC, Pharaoh Yugioh wed commoner Ruia, daughter of the local bursar in Memphis. While the marriage was heavily disapproved, it was necessary since the young woman was believed to be pregnant with the future heir to the throne. After being expelled from her father's house for being pregnant and not wed, Yugioh and Ruia were married and she moved into the palace. Approximately, eight and half months later, Ruia gave birth to a son, which they named Yugioh II.
Much is not known about the young woman that the Pharaoh wed, other than a few simple facts. Ruia was born in the year 2890 and was wed at the age of 15. Her mother Aristae died when Ruia was only two and was left to be raised by her father. No name was ever found for Aristae's husband. It was never known whether Ruia had any siblings, though it is suspected that she had a brother who was 16 years her senior. However, no records have ever been found to prove such an existence.
In her youth, Ruia was found to be a talented artist and musician. Her soft angelic voice could soothe anyone, drawing them into the song itself. She was once accused of being a siren, but was quickly dismissed since sirens tended to live in the Adriatic Sea near Greece and her music appealed to woman as well. Her drawings were well sought after and the money was used to help support her father and herself.
In her teen years, Ruia quickly gained the reputation as a follower of Sekhmet. Though the goddess was known for war, she also known for love and protection, two strong characteristics in Ruia. It was believed that Ruia was such a close follower due to her abilities, which many people believed Sekhmet bestowed upon her. Her powers to seemed to lay in the region of the soul, the light side.
It is unclear how Yugioh and Ruia met, but their romance is not the only relationship to blossom from their meeting. Apparently, Ruia's best friend Anzu and Yugioh's High Priest Setto also joined the young couple in their meetings. Like the Pharaoh, Setto found himself falling in love with a commoner, Anzu. Anzu was often found with Ruia on the banks of Nile River. The two were best of friends and often performed original pieces the two composed. Ruia would sing while Anzu would dance. After the revolt on the palace, Setto and Anzu were married and a constant source of companionship to Pharaoh. It is unknown what happened to Ruia."
"I see your point about it not being Jarha, he knew what happen to Raya and besides, he would have mentioned himself, not you."
"Right and it can't be any of you, some of those facts no one would know, even me. I didn't know she had a brother."
"Did she? The site said it was never determined."
"Everything else was pretty accurate Tea, even you have to admit that."
Tapping a finger against her chin, she sat in thought. "Well if it isn't any of us, Satire or Jarha, who does that leave?"
"A really good psychic."
"Are you sure there is no information about Raya?"
"Positive. Nothing was constructed or written when I was around."
"How about after? Maybe Anzu or Setto did something or Jou."
"But how would they know all this: the brother, the siren, her mother's name?"
"Maybe Raya's dad?"
"Nope, after he kicked Raya out, he forgot he even had a daughter."
"People change Yami. Maybe late in his life, he felt sorry and wrote about his forgotten daughter."
"Then why isn't she more well known then?"
"I don't know. This puts an interesting spin on everything though. Maybe this is what Ptah meant in his warning to Ruia. That someone else, not just Satire and Jarha, knows who she really is."
"Just because they know about her past, doesn't mean they know Ruia and Raya are one in the same."
"Yami think about it, if they know things you didn't, that means this person had to be there, in Ancient Egypt with us. And now, they are here too. That is the only explanation for the website."
"Then Raya is in more danger than we thought, a lot more."
"Not just her, but you and Yugi too. They must know you were the Pharaoh and that Yugi is your son reincarnated."
"We better print this out and let the others see this. We may be dealing with another foe."
"Print what out?" Raya asked, groggy.
"This website about your life Raya."
"How can that be, no one knew I was alive."
"Well some one does and they are here too." Tea grimly responded.
Raya sat up, alarm written all over her face. "You mean some besides Satire and Jarha are after me, us?"
"It is a strong possibility Ruia. I'm ready to lock you in a closet somewhere were no one can find you and Yugi."
"I'd like to see you try that one. Where ever you go, I go. I don't care about the danger." She shrugged off the blanket. "And don't even try to change my mind. I'm tired of running, of hiding, of showing fear. I want to help. I promised myself when I came here from America that I would not run, that I would help protect the future ones. Don't even try and make me sit this one out."
"Alright, I promise. When the time comes, you'll be by my side. I don't like it, but I won't deny you the chance."
"It's not that I seek vengeance, well maybe that is part of it, but I want closure. I want the nightmares, the feeling of doubt, and what ifs to be over. And the only way to do that is to fight my fear and that is to confront Satire and Jarha."
"Not to argue with you here Raya, because I understand why you want to do this, but after every thing that has happened, can you handle it? I mean, can you survive another attack from the siblings? The trap Satire set for you, and Jarha's hypnotics are both more powerful than your abilities are right now. Do you really think that it is safe?"
"No, I don't. However Tea, this is something I feel that I have to do. I know that I am weaker than the siblings. I know that I shouldn't be, that Jarha and I should be equal in strength, but we're not. I know I will be going in with a disadvantage, but there is no other way. This is something I have to do."
Raya stood and stalked out of the room, heading towards the stairs. Minutes later, the sound of tinkling keys filter down the stairs.
"She's upset."
"What was your first clue Yami?"
"She's playing music. Anytime she was upset she either composed or sketched. Let out all her frustrations you know?"
"Yeah, should one of us go check on her? I mean we need to get back to Seto's and show everyone this website."
"Let's give her a couple. It will only take a couple for her to work through her frustrations. We just can't let her get into her zone."
"How come?"
"Ever here the phrase, practice makes perfect?"
"Of course."
"Raya could be the spokes model for it."
"That bad?"
"Worse. I remember one time she had a bad fight with her father and by the time all of us caught up with her at the Nile, she had composed 4 songs. And the funny thing was, even though she had four good songs, she was going over the first one trying to improve it."
"I wasn't that bad, was I?"
"Raya! Back so soon? And yes, you were."
"I had to work out some frustration before I blew up on someone. Safer you know? This whole thing with the website scares me. Who would know all about me? I didn't even know I had an older brother. So how can it be Jarha and Satire?"
Tea stared at Raya. "You mean you didn't know you had a sibling."
"Exactly."
The trio headed out the door. They quickly walked up the driveway that led to Seto's mansion. Raya couldn't help but notice the day. It was bright and sunny. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 'Why is it that the weather can never match my mood?'
The front door swung open. "Morning!"
"Hey Bakura, where is everyone?"
"Seto is out to prove you two wrong, that his computer isn't over modified. Tristan and Mokuba are researching what they can in the library. Joey is checking on the game shop with Yugi. They called not long ago, your Grandpa is home Yami. They are going to bring him by to meet Raya, if that is okay."
"I have no problem with it. From the way everyone has talked about him, he is a great man."
Yami smiled. "He is, wise and fair. He was at a convention all week. I forgot that it ended today. After Sunday, it is going to be hard to explain why Yugi and I have to stay at Seto's."
"We'd be split though. That can't be safe."
"We'll have to cross that bridge when we get there, right now, I hear you three have some papers for the rest of us to read"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"This isn't good."
"Understatement of the year there Seto."
"There is just one thing in paper I don't understand."
Yami choked on his coffee. "One thing? That whole paper is confusing."
"Well the content is, but what I was talking about was the page itself. The web address isn't a company or business, it is a homepage. More importantly, the web supporter is out of this very town, Domino City."
"You mean the creator is in this very city right now?"
Seto nodded his head. "I can try hacking my way into the company's database and see whether or not they have a record of who owns this page. But if I had to take a wild guess, I'd say this is no ordinary teenager. If I had to guess, they are more around our parent's ages."
"Or maybe they are a reincarnation who just remembers the past and isn't a threat to me at all."
"Odds of that are slim. I mean Ptah did warn Seto and Yami to keep an eye on you."
"Thank you Bakura, ruin my hope that someone isn't out to kill me and my family."
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
"But the question still remains. Who created the website about Ruia?"
"I can answer that."
The group turned towards the door, standing there was Yugi, Joey, and Grandpa.
"Grandpa, you can tell us about that page?" Yami asked, shocked.
Sugoroku didn't reply, rather stared at something just behind Yami. Yami turned to see what Grandpa was so fixated on. What he saw, scared him. Raya was sitting on the couch, froze in shock. Her eyes were wide and gazed over. Her hands shook in her lap. "Raya, what is wrong?"
"I can answer that my grandson or maybe I should say son - in - law. You see, Raya there is my daughter."
Anya: So Grandpa's secret from chapter 2 is finally out. I love the plot twists way too much.
Kris: You're readers are going to kill you one day.
Anya: Nah, that won't happen for a few more chapters, I hope. ^_^