Disclaimer: I am really being to dislike these. I don't own Yugioh and you won't get any money from me if you sued because I don't have any.
~Just a little warning here, there is going to be a little character angst and self doubt here. Nothing major, let's just say all the revelations haven't been taken as easily as supposed. Also, thanks for all the reviews!
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The sun rose high into the sky, chasing the shadows away. Seto stared out his kitchen window watching the gorgeous site. 'If only the real world worked like that. Then Satire and Jarha would disappear and never come back.' Taking a quick glance at the clock, he noted it was 5:58. 'Way to early to be awake. But maybe it is a good thing to be awake. The siblings didn't attack yesterday, which means they most certainly will today. Maybe I better check on the others and make sure everyone is accounted for.'
He walked down the hallway that led to the living room where Raya and the others were camped out. Quietly as possible, he pushed open the large doors. The site before him shocked, but amused him as well. Yami was laying in his blue tilt back chair, holding a semi-awake Raya in his strong arms. Between them, was Yugi. 'Kodak Moment. Where is that camera?'
Sneaking back into the room, once he found the camera, Seto snapped off two quick pictures. The second flash fully aroused Raya.
"Seto? Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"6:15."
"Way to early for me. Wake me in 10 hours."
"You know Mokuba will never allow you to sleep that late." Seto replied laughing. He took a seat on the couch, near Raya's chair.
"Good point."
"Interesting night last night huh?"
Raya smiled and glanced down at her son. Gently she brushed a piece of his golden hair out of his face, watching his chest slowly rise and fall as he slept. "Interesting does not even begin to describe it."
"I don't doubt that." He replied with a small grin. If he thought that Raya would smile as well, he had another thing coming. He watched as she swiftly, effortless, slipped out of Yami's embrace, without waking father and son. She hurried out of the room. 'What was that about?' Just as fast, Seto was on his feet, following where ever Raya had fled too.
He caught up with moments later in the kitchen. She was sitting on top of the counter, having a stare down contest with the coffee pot.
"Winning?"
"Oh, yeah. The pot has finally meet match. I will win."
"Just don't give it an inferiority complex, I don't want to buy another one. I happen to like this machine just fine." 'I swear, this girl has the fastest mood swings I ever saw. One minute depressed, next insane.'
"You're a strange one Seto."
"I am? You're the one staring at the pot. Didn't your mother ever tell you that staring at a pot of water never makes it boil faster?"
"My mother wasn't around to teach me much."
Grimacing, he mumbled an apology. Finally the coffee was made. Seto turned to stare back out the window, when the crash was heard. Spinning around, he saw Raya on the floor, next to a shattered coffee mug. What worried him, wasn't the chips and pieces, but the condition Raya was in, shaking and crying.
"Raya, it is a mug, don't worry about it." He moved over to help her clean up the mess, when he got a better look at his young friend. "Hey, what is it?"
"It's nothing." She wiped away her tears with her sleeve and picked up the pieces. Grabbing for a larger piece, she silt the palm of her hand. Blood flowed from the newly opened wound, but Raya didn't even notice.
"You're bleeding sweetie." Seto couldn't understand why Raya was being so distant all of a sudden. Pulling her to her feet, Seto led her to the sink and carefully washed out the cut. Running upstairs, he found the bandages and applied them to the injury.
"Thanks."
"Welcome. Now what is wrong? Don't say nothing either. You're really out of it right now, not to mention you were crying, so I know something is wrong."
"It's silly."
"Somehow I doubt that if it has gotten you that worked up." He poured her a cup of the brewed coffee and then himself another.
Sighing, she looked outside. "It's a nice day. Feel like a walk on the grounds?"
Seto caught on instantly. 'She doesn't want my camera's picking up on the conversation.' "Sure. Better stick close though. No telling what we may face out their. Revenge seeking siblings, time spells, or worse a hyper active Mokuba."
"The siblings I can handle, Mokuba hyper is another story." Raya walked outside an took a deep breathe. "Gorgeous isn't it?"
"Very."
"I always loved the mornings. I saw them as a new beginning, not just as a new day. A chance to change oneself, to start anew. Crazy I know."
"Not really. It is an interesting way to think."
Taking a long sip of coffee, Raya finally answered. "Maybe. I did a lot of thinking last night."
"Let me guess, about your family?"
"Sort of."
"Sort of?" He led her over the back swing. Together they sat down, facing one another. He watched as Raya rested her head against the chains and played with the red roses just behind her.
"It's more complicated than just my family. I've accepted the fact the my father is alive, as is my son. I'll even go as far to say I have forgiven him as well. I did a lot of soul searching last night and I decided that all that anger I held towards father wasn't healthy. I needed to let go of it, let it stay in the past. We were given a second chance and I need to act on that. But at the same time, I am afraid of becoming like him."
"Grandpa is a pretty wise old man. Why wouldn't you want to be like him? He's intelligent and honorable."
"Now he is, because he learned from past mistakes. But have I? Do I have what it takes to be a mother in this century?"
And there it was. Her deepest fear. What had been plaguing her all morning. "Of course you do, why would you ever doubt yourself? You're brave, honest, and true. You never back down for what is right. And most of all, you love your son."
"Is it enough Seto? Is it enough to protect Yugi not only from the siblings, but other threats as well? I can't raise him like a son, the age difference is too close. How can I be a mother to him, when I am still learning myself? I almost wish father never made that announcement that Yugi was Yami's and mine's son."
"Don't say that, you know you don't mean that. I've known Yugi for awhile, from school to the Duelist Kingdom. And even though he has had a stable childhood, he only wanted one thing in his life, to have parents that loved and protected him. And now he has gotten that wish, in you and Yami. He couldn't have gotten two better parents."
"But the age differences, it makes everything so complicated, so messed up. We can't act like a normal family. Not that we would ever be normal anyway, not which the powers and all, but you know what I mean."
"I do, but age does not mean anything to Yugi. You are his parents through and through, no matter what your age says. And even though in public, he can never call you mom or mother, you are still that to him. You are still the woman who brought him into this world, you are still the one who cared for him in Egypt, and you are still the one who can care for him here. Granted, not as a mom per say, but as an elder sister, who just happens to be his mother."
"I'm so scared though."
Seto stared in shock. It was enough to see Raya cry, but to admit that she was terrified, that was something else. "Of what? The siblings?"
"Of course, but not in the way you think. They promise Yami and I that they would attack the youngest first, which as we all know is Yugi. I was always worried about his safety, but now that feeling has tripled since I learned he's my son. I know that sounds horrible, that I am more concerned now, but it isn't like that. I was always concerned. It is just now, I am worried that I am going to fail him again, let Satire get to him, like I did in Egypt. I couldn't live with myself if I did that to my son again. I couldn't handle watching him die again in that witches' hand. She would do it too, if she got the chance. I just don't want to be a failure. I…I.."
Seto gathered Raya into a hug. She was crying so hard that she couldn't even finish speaking, "You're not a failure. That word never entered into anyone's thoughts concerning you. And I know that you won't let anyone that even thinks of harming Yugi or Yami or anyone of your friends near them. You're too determined."
"Is it enough though?"
"It has to be. Or else, all is lost. And failure is not an option right?"
Sniffling, she replied no.
"That's what I thought. Are you going to be alright?"
"I think so. All of this is going to take time to get used to you know? I'm not used to being a mother anymore, nor is Yami used to being a father. Plus Yugi is going to have to get adjusted to the fact that he has parents, young ones at that. Not to mention all of you must be freaked out by all the revelations we've had this past week."
"A little yeah, but it doesn't matter to me. What matters is if everyone is happy. I know you are, even though you don't act it right now. I've never seen Yami so exuberant in his life, and Yugi, well I think he is pretty much adjusted. That picture I took proves it."
"He is a little sweetheart isn't he?"
"I'm just glad he takes after his mother. The world couldn't handle two Yami's running around." Stealing a quick glance down at his watch, he stood up. "Come on, let's fix everyone breakfast. Have you seen how much Tristan and Joey can eat? I think if we start now, we should have enough for when they wake."
Raya nodded and they started heading for the door. She stopped at the bottom of the steps the lead up to the porch.
"What's wrong?"
"I just thought of something."
"What's that?"
"Can the world really handle two Raya's?" She replied with a mischievous grin.
"Probably not, but the world is just going to have to deal. Because I am not going to let either of you go."
"Thanks, I mean it too."
"I know. Come on, let's set out some dog food for the Chihuahua."
"Stop call him that. This why you two never will get along well. You keep calling him a dog." Raya walked up the steps, only to be grabbed on the wrist. "What?"
"Could you just imagine what the world would be like if Joey and I were best friends and not just friends?"
"Bad mental pictures. Scary."
"It won't be that bad would it?"
Biting her lip, Raya stood in deep concentration. "Not as bad as if you, Joey, and Yami became best friends. If that ever happened, I'd flee the country."
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Breakfast was somber at best. Everyone knew what today was, the day all hell broke loose. If the siblings hadn't attacked yesterday, that meant they had something huge planned for today. No one wanted to think what that could be, the possibilities and horrors were endless.
"If only we had a plan, strategize some, I would feel a lot better about today." Bakura said, taking a seat at the dinning table next to Seto.
"How can we plan? We don't know where they intend to attack us, how or when Yami. I don't want to say it is pointless, because it isn't, but um, really difficult to do." Raya stated, flipping pancakes in a skillet. Joey stood behind her, trying desperately to grab one, before she caught them.
"There must be something we could do. We can't just stay here like sitting ducks." Seto pointed out.
"I like ducks though, big brother."
"You wouldn't like these kinds, believe me Mokuba." Raya replied. She paused briefly, then answered the second question. "I know what you are saying Seto, but how can we go out into public? If we do, we are risking innocent lives. We can't split up either for the same reason. We are safer if we are together."
Yugi sat at the table in silence. He saw both point of views perfectly. But in the end, neither were right. They couldn't stay at the house, in fear of being trapped, but couldn't go out into public in fear of innocent people being caught in the crossfire. "Maybe we should just stay put until it is clearer which way we should go."
Raya turned to her son, allowing Joey to grab the pancake that she had forgotten about when she heard Yugi's response. Just as quickly though, she remembered, bopping Joey on the head with her spatula.
"Oww."
"Careful Raya, you probably just killed Joey's last brain cells."
"Thanks Tristan."
"That's what you get for trying to steal the pancakes before they are done. Anyway, I think Yugi maybe right. I don't think we really have a clear path to follow. If you excuse the term, it is not our move."
"Has it ever been though?" Tea asked, taking a bite of her pancake in the process. 'How can we plan when the siblings always seen to be three or four steps ahead of all of us?'
"Sometimes, I know in my case I've made a couple of wrong ones."
"That's not true mom, if you did, then you wouldn't have been here now. If you took the other option, things may have been very different."
"Never thought about it like that, I guess your right Yugi. Here everyone, eat up, before Joey gets to them." Raya placed a huge stack of pancakes on the table.
"Aren't you going to eat Raya?"
"Not right now Bakura, I'm not that hungry yet. I'll eat the leftovers. Actually, I should do is go back to my place and check something out on my computer. I remembered something last night that could be helpful to us, but I won't know for certain until I see that file."
"You can't go over alone, the siblings would surely use that to their advantage." Yami argued.
"We may need that file though, I'll go with her, if it makes you feel better Yami." Seto stated. "I've already eaten."
"Well…"
"I'll take that as a yes, come on Seto. The faster I get over there, the faster we get back."
The two rose and headed next door.
"So what is this file that you suddenly remembered about?"
"Egypt, what else? No, I did a report back in America on Egyptian Mythology. And it just dawned on me that I think I had something in there about this whole trinity."
"Really?"
"I think so, but I don't want to get any one's hopes up, I could be wrong you know."
"For all of our sakes, I hope not."
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"Well? Find it?"
"Hold on, I am reading. Let's see, beliefs, gods and goddesses, temples, Memphis, weighing of the heart, but nothing about a trinity." Raya sighed dejectedly. "I was so sure there was something in there too."
"Maybe it was in another file."
"Possibility. Between all my songs and other files, there has to be close to 50. Maybe I just conjured up this memory, you know talked myself into it."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Not in the least bit."
"So what are you going to do?" Seto asked, taking a seat behind her.
"Search every word document I have until I find it. Yes, I know that could take all day, but it something I have to do. We need that information. NOW."
"No argument there, but do we have all day?"
"Of course not, do we ever?"
"Touché."
"Then we better get looking, huh?"
"Of course." Raya turned to open another document when the phone rang. "It's probably Yami, hold on a second Seto."
"Sure."
Raya grabbed the phone in the kitchen. "Hello?"
"Raya, listen carefully. We have you father. If you want to see him alive, meet us in the park in ten minutes. Do not draw attention to this call or bring any of your friends with you to the park. If you do, we will kill your father. Would you like that Raya? To have another murder on your hands?"
Taking a quick glance around the room, seeing that Seto couldn't hear the call. Raya responded. "Jarha, you listen to me and listen well. Leave my father out of this. This is our battle, not his. He has nothing to do with this. And I am not a murderer. Don't lump me in with your kind."
"Brave words from a woman whose father's life lies in her hands. But you never did care about anyone else but you, do you Ruia? First you crush me, then you father, your son, your foster family, how do you live with yourself? And wouldn't Yami love to know your darkest secret?"
"And what is that?"
"That you killed someone while you were in America."
"I never, that was you and Satire and you know it."
"Caused by your misdoings. And soon another causality will be added to your total, your own flesh and blood, your father. How would you live with yourself Raya if you knew you could save him and didn't? Would you cry at night? Or gloat at the victory of killing someone who caused you so much pain? Admit it, you're more like me than you like to admit."
"Never, do you hear me, never! Besides, my father is fine, protected at the safe house."
"You mean Kaiba's mansion? Oh please, we've known you have been hiding there since day one. Do you really expect your friends to be safe there? Your son? Believe me, if we wanted to, we could kill him in an instant, just like we did before."
"Really? They why haven't you? If you two are so bent on revenge and have had the chance, why haven't you taken it?"
"You said it earlier Raya, can't be repetitive. Now you only have 7 minutes left before we kill you father, what's your choice Ruia? Can you save him? Or are you going to leave him for death? I'll be waiting for you my sweet."
Raya held the phone in her hand. 'There's no way they could have gotten to father, he was at Seto's still when we left. He's safe. No need to lure myself into their trap. But what if they aren't lying? Can I really take that chance? Risk my own father's life?'
Acting quickly, Raya dialed Seto's number. Yugi picked up on the second ring.
"Yugi, is my father still there?"
"No Raya, he left about two minutes ago."
'Two minutes? Not enough time to get to the game shop. What do I do? Meet the siblings? I can't, I know it is a trap, but at the same time, if they have my father..'
"Raya? Is everything okay?"
'No, not now, not ever.' "Sure Yugi. Tell Yami, I'll be out for awhile."
"Okay."
Raya hung up the phone. 'I have to do what my heart tells me. Okay Jarha, I'll play your game and I will save my father.' Exiting the kitchen, she walked past Seto in long strides, eyes never flicking, staring straight at the door.
"Raya?"
Opening the door, Raya ran outside, hoping to distance herself before Seto could catch on to where she was going.
"Raya, what the hell are you doing? Get back here! It is to dangerous to be out here! RAYA!" Seto started to give chase, then hesitated. Noting which direction she went, he headed back to his house. He had to inform the others…right away.
"YAMI! YUGI! Come quickly!"
"Seto, what's wrong? Where's Raya?"
"Took off, I have no idea where she is going."
"What? You let Ruia go off on her own?" Yami started for the door. "Get the others Seto, I'm going after her."
"She head towards the school, I lost sight of her when she turned the corner. Yami, I think it was the siblings. She got a phone call and then fled."
"She called me a minute ago, asking where Grandpa was." Yugi added.
And with that statement, the connection was made. "Yugi, call Grandpa and make sure he got back to the house okay. Seto, bring the others when he is done. I'm going after my wife."
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Raya entered the park with a sickening feeling her stomach. The wind blew her strands of hair on and off her face. Despite it being so warm earlier, Raya felt nothing but coldness. 'Must be the work of the siblings. Maybe this wasn't a smart idea, I should have told someone where I was coming. But then, they would have killed my father. I couldn't let that happen.' Carefully, she unzipped her jacket pocket, fingering her silver cell phone. All it would take was one quick call, then help would be on the way. Could she really risk her father's life like that though? Could she risk her friends? Was there a right answer at all?
"Raya, welcome."
"Don't welcome me." Raya narrowed her eyes as Satire came into view. Her long black shirt ruffled the ground. But something was different about it, she just couldn't place her finger on it. As if Satire was reading her mind, she pointed to her shirt, her blood red shirt. "NO!. You said you wouldn't harm if I came. I did."
"I must admit, the old man gives up a pretty good fight. But in the end, things went as planned. We got you here."
"Where's my father? I want to see him."
"I'd arrange that, if he was here."
"What? Satire, stop playing games, I know you have him."
Satire laughed, tossing her black locks behind her. "So gullible. My dear brother is a great actor is he not? Said the right key words and you came running, just like we knew you would."
The words slowly sank in. 'Not only was this a trap, but I was set up big time. This is so not good.' "Where is your dear brother?"
"Right behind you."
Raya whipped around, alarmed not only at how close Jarha was to her, but also at she never heard him approach. "Jarha!"
"That's right, my dear girl. Finally, I have you where I want, alone and way from that Yugioh."
"I'm not going anywhere with you. You would have to kill me first."
"That can be arranged." Satire whispered into Raya's ear. Before she could react, Satire cupped a cloth over Raya's nose and mouth.
'Have to get free, have too…so sleepy…NO I have to get…away.' Giving into the chloroform, Raya fell limply to the ground.
Jarha bent down and picked up his prize. "Finally, my dear the time has come. We can be together forever."
"Put her down." Yami whispered, 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 you had her father." 'This is just like Yugi's dream. Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?'
"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."
"We'd like to see you try to get to Yugi, Jarha. Now you heard Yami, put Raya down right now." Seto shouted, coming up behind Yami. With him was the rest of the gang, minus Joey.
"Do all of you really expect to beat me? The all powerful High Priest Jarha?"
Tristan smirked, "We did it once, we can do it again."
"Aren't you forgetting something? You're missing two people."
"Count again." From behind, Joey jumped on top of Jarha. At the same time, Seto sprung forward to grab Raya.
"I'm not giving her up that easily. Ancient spirits here my call, give me power to defeat the ones that deny me what is so righteously mine. Punish him for what he does!" Before Seto could take another step, he felt himself flying into the air, colliding with both Tristan and Bakura. The three toppled to the ground, grimacing in pain.
"Careful of him Yami, his magic packs a mean punch." Seto groaned. The pain was overwhelming, but nothing could overshadow the fear and panic that gripped at his mind and heart knowing that Raya was in Jarha's grasps.
"All ready ahead of you on that." Yami grabbed his son and pulled him close behind him. No way was he going to let Jarha have either Raya or Yugi. 'What can I do? How can I save my wife? I can't use magic, she'd be in the crossfire.'
Luckily, Joey had a plan. This time, he attacked low, taking Jarha's legs out from under him. Both he and Raya fell to the ground.
"Raya, no!" Tea watched in horror as the side of her head collide with a rock. Even from where Tea was standing, she could see the blood flowing out from the cut. Quickly as she could, she moved out from behind Yugi, rushing over to check on Raya, and to get her out of harms way. It never occurred to Tea that she was leaving Yugi defenseless from behind.
"You'll pay for trying to hurt my wife Jarha, I'll see to it personally." Yami yelled. Once Joey knocked the sibling down, he was over the ex - High Priest. He would pay for threatening his family, pay dearly.
"Who said anything about hurting Raya my King? It was never about her, she was just an added bonus."
"Stop speaking in riddles."
"I'm not, turn around."
Yami did, "AIBOU, NO!"
Satire laughed. "Did you forget about someone Yami? Maybe your son?"
Yami stared in horror at the sight. Satire levitating in the air, holding out a terrified Yugi by the collar of his jacket.
"Let him go right now Satire."
"And why would I do that? Come dear brother. We got what we came for."
"YAMI!"
"Satire! Let him go, this is between us.!"
"If you want your son back Yugioh, head back to the where this all began." With those words, Satire and Jarha disappeared, taking a terrified Yugi with them.
Yami sank to his knees in defeat. His eyes blank. And then the dam broke. Pounding his fists to the ground over and over again, he let out one utter cry. "AIBOU!"
~Just a little warning here, there is going to be a little character angst and self doubt here. Nothing major, let's just say all the revelations haven't been taken as easily as supposed. Also, thanks for all the reviews!
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The sun rose high into the sky, chasing the shadows away. Seto stared out his kitchen window watching the gorgeous site. 'If only the real world worked like that. Then Satire and Jarha would disappear and never come back.' Taking a quick glance at the clock, he noted it was 5:58. 'Way to early to be awake. But maybe it is a good thing to be awake. The siblings didn't attack yesterday, which means they most certainly will today. Maybe I better check on the others and make sure everyone is accounted for.'
He walked down the hallway that led to the living room where Raya and the others were camped out. Quietly as possible, he pushed open the large doors. The site before him shocked, but amused him as well. Yami was laying in his blue tilt back chair, holding a semi-awake Raya in his strong arms. Between them, was Yugi. 'Kodak Moment. Where is that camera?'
Sneaking back into the room, once he found the camera, Seto snapped off two quick pictures. The second flash fully aroused Raya.
"Seto? Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"6:15."
"Way to early for me. Wake me in 10 hours."
"You know Mokuba will never allow you to sleep that late." Seto replied laughing. He took a seat on the couch, near Raya's chair.
"Good point."
"Interesting night last night huh?"
Raya smiled and glanced down at her son. Gently she brushed a piece of his golden hair out of his face, watching his chest slowly rise and fall as he slept. "Interesting does not even begin to describe it."
"I don't doubt that." He replied with a small grin. If he thought that Raya would smile as well, he had another thing coming. He watched as she swiftly, effortless, slipped out of Yami's embrace, without waking father and son. She hurried out of the room. 'What was that about?' Just as fast, Seto was on his feet, following where ever Raya had fled too.
He caught up with moments later in the kitchen. She was sitting on top of the counter, having a stare down contest with the coffee pot.
"Winning?"
"Oh, yeah. The pot has finally meet match. I will win."
"Just don't give it an inferiority complex, I don't want to buy another one. I happen to like this machine just fine." 'I swear, this girl has the fastest mood swings I ever saw. One minute depressed, next insane.'
"You're a strange one Seto."
"I am? You're the one staring at the pot. Didn't your mother ever tell you that staring at a pot of water never makes it boil faster?"
"My mother wasn't around to teach me much."
Grimacing, he mumbled an apology. Finally the coffee was made. Seto turned to stare back out the window, when the crash was heard. Spinning around, he saw Raya on the floor, next to a shattered coffee mug. What worried him, wasn't the chips and pieces, but the condition Raya was in, shaking and crying.
"Raya, it is a mug, don't worry about it." He moved over to help her clean up the mess, when he got a better look at his young friend. "Hey, what is it?"
"It's nothing." She wiped away her tears with her sleeve and picked up the pieces. Grabbing for a larger piece, she silt the palm of her hand. Blood flowed from the newly opened wound, but Raya didn't even notice.
"You're bleeding sweetie." Seto couldn't understand why Raya was being so distant all of a sudden. Pulling her to her feet, Seto led her to the sink and carefully washed out the cut. Running upstairs, he found the bandages and applied them to the injury.
"Thanks."
"Welcome. Now what is wrong? Don't say nothing either. You're really out of it right now, not to mention you were crying, so I know something is wrong."
"It's silly."
"Somehow I doubt that if it has gotten you that worked up." He poured her a cup of the brewed coffee and then himself another.
Sighing, she looked outside. "It's a nice day. Feel like a walk on the grounds?"
Seto caught on instantly. 'She doesn't want my camera's picking up on the conversation.' "Sure. Better stick close though. No telling what we may face out their. Revenge seeking siblings, time spells, or worse a hyper active Mokuba."
"The siblings I can handle, Mokuba hyper is another story." Raya walked outside an took a deep breathe. "Gorgeous isn't it?"
"Very."
"I always loved the mornings. I saw them as a new beginning, not just as a new day. A chance to change oneself, to start anew. Crazy I know."
"Not really. It is an interesting way to think."
Taking a long sip of coffee, Raya finally answered. "Maybe. I did a lot of thinking last night."
"Let me guess, about your family?"
"Sort of."
"Sort of?" He led her over the back swing. Together they sat down, facing one another. He watched as Raya rested her head against the chains and played with the red roses just behind her.
"It's more complicated than just my family. I've accepted the fact the my father is alive, as is my son. I'll even go as far to say I have forgiven him as well. I did a lot of soul searching last night and I decided that all that anger I held towards father wasn't healthy. I needed to let go of it, let it stay in the past. We were given a second chance and I need to act on that. But at the same time, I am afraid of becoming like him."
"Grandpa is a pretty wise old man. Why wouldn't you want to be like him? He's intelligent and honorable."
"Now he is, because he learned from past mistakes. But have I? Do I have what it takes to be a mother in this century?"
And there it was. Her deepest fear. What had been plaguing her all morning. "Of course you do, why would you ever doubt yourself? You're brave, honest, and true. You never back down for what is right. And most of all, you love your son."
"Is it enough Seto? Is it enough to protect Yugi not only from the siblings, but other threats as well? I can't raise him like a son, the age difference is too close. How can I be a mother to him, when I am still learning myself? I almost wish father never made that announcement that Yugi was Yami's and mine's son."
"Don't say that, you know you don't mean that. I've known Yugi for awhile, from school to the Duelist Kingdom. And even though he has had a stable childhood, he only wanted one thing in his life, to have parents that loved and protected him. And now he has gotten that wish, in you and Yami. He couldn't have gotten two better parents."
"But the age differences, it makes everything so complicated, so messed up. We can't act like a normal family. Not that we would ever be normal anyway, not which the powers and all, but you know what I mean."
"I do, but age does not mean anything to Yugi. You are his parents through and through, no matter what your age says. And even though in public, he can never call you mom or mother, you are still that to him. You are still the woman who brought him into this world, you are still the one who cared for him in Egypt, and you are still the one who can care for him here. Granted, not as a mom per say, but as an elder sister, who just happens to be his mother."
"I'm so scared though."
Seto stared in shock. It was enough to see Raya cry, but to admit that she was terrified, that was something else. "Of what? The siblings?"
"Of course, but not in the way you think. They promise Yami and I that they would attack the youngest first, which as we all know is Yugi. I was always worried about his safety, but now that feeling has tripled since I learned he's my son. I know that sounds horrible, that I am more concerned now, but it isn't like that. I was always concerned. It is just now, I am worried that I am going to fail him again, let Satire get to him, like I did in Egypt. I couldn't live with myself if I did that to my son again. I couldn't handle watching him die again in that witches' hand. She would do it too, if she got the chance. I just don't want to be a failure. I…I.."
Seto gathered Raya into a hug. She was crying so hard that she couldn't even finish speaking, "You're not a failure. That word never entered into anyone's thoughts concerning you. And I know that you won't let anyone that even thinks of harming Yugi or Yami or anyone of your friends near them. You're too determined."
"Is it enough though?"
"It has to be. Or else, all is lost. And failure is not an option right?"
Sniffling, she replied no.
"That's what I thought. Are you going to be alright?"
"I think so. All of this is going to take time to get used to you know? I'm not used to being a mother anymore, nor is Yami used to being a father. Plus Yugi is going to have to get adjusted to the fact that he has parents, young ones at that. Not to mention all of you must be freaked out by all the revelations we've had this past week."
"A little yeah, but it doesn't matter to me. What matters is if everyone is happy. I know you are, even though you don't act it right now. I've never seen Yami so exuberant in his life, and Yugi, well I think he is pretty much adjusted. That picture I took proves it."
"He is a little sweetheart isn't he?"
"I'm just glad he takes after his mother. The world couldn't handle two Yami's running around." Stealing a quick glance down at his watch, he stood up. "Come on, let's fix everyone breakfast. Have you seen how much Tristan and Joey can eat? I think if we start now, we should have enough for when they wake."
Raya nodded and they started heading for the door. She stopped at the bottom of the steps the lead up to the porch.
"What's wrong?"
"I just thought of something."
"What's that?"
"Can the world really handle two Raya's?" She replied with a mischievous grin.
"Probably not, but the world is just going to have to deal. Because I am not going to let either of you go."
"Thanks, I mean it too."
"I know. Come on, let's set out some dog food for the Chihuahua."
"Stop call him that. This why you two never will get along well. You keep calling him a dog." Raya walked up the steps, only to be grabbed on the wrist. "What?"
"Could you just imagine what the world would be like if Joey and I were best friends and not just friends?"
"Bad mental pictures. Scary."
"It won't be that bad would it?"
Biting her lip, Raya stood in deep concentration. "Not as bad as if you, Joey, and Yami became best friends. If that ever happened, I'd flee the country."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Breakfast was somber at best. Everyone knew what today was, the day all hell broke loose. If the siblings hadn't attacked yesterday, that meant they had something huge planned for today. No one wanted to think what that could be, the possibilities and horrors were endless.
"If only we had a plan, strategize some, I would feel a lot better about today." Bakura said, taking a seat at the dinning table next to Seto.
"How can we plan? We don't know where they intend to attack us, how or when Yami. I don't want to say it is pointless, because it isn't, but um, really difficult to do." Raya stated, flipping pancakes in a skillet. Joey stood behind her, trying desperately to grab one, before she caught them.
"There must be something we could do. We can't just stay here like sitting ducks." Seto pointed out.
"I like ducks though, big brother."
"You wouldn't like these kinds, believe me Mokuba." Raya replied. She paused briefly, then answered the second question. "I know what you are saying Seto, but how can we go out into public? If we do, we are risking innocent lives. We can't split up either for the same reason. We are safer if we are together."
Yugi sat at the table in silence. He saw both point of views perfectly. But in the end, neither were right. They couldn't stay at the house, in fear of being trapped, but couldn't go out into public in fear of innocent people being caught in the crossfire. "Maybe we should just stay put until it is clearer which way we should go."
Raya turned to her son, allowing Joey to grab the pancake that she had forgotten about when she heard Yugi's response. Just as quickly though, she remembered, bopping Joey on the head with her spatula.
"Oww."
"Careful Raya, you probably just killed Joey's last brain cells."
"Thanks Tristan."
"That's what you get for trying to steal the pancakes before they are done. Anyway, I think Yugi maybe right. I don't think we really have a clear path to follow. If you excuse the term, it is not our move."
"Has it ever been though?" Tea asked, taking a bite of her pancake in the process. 'How can we plan when the siblings always seen to be three or four steps ahead of all of us?'
"Sometimes, I know in my case I've made a couple of wrong ones."
"That's not true mom, if you did, then you wouldn't have been here now. If you took the other option, things may have been very different."
"Never thought about it like that, I guess your right Yugi. Here everyone, eat up, before Joey gets to them." Raya placed a huge stack of pancakes on the table.
"Aren't you going to eat Raya?"
"Not right now Bakura, I'm not that hungry yet. I'll eat the leftovers. Actually, I should do is go back to my place and check something out on my computer. I remembered something last night that could be helpful to us, but I won't know for certain until I see that file."
"You can't go over alone, the siblings would surely use that to their advantage." Yami argued.
"We may need that file though, I'll go with her, if it makes you feel better Yami." Seto stated. "I've already eaten."
"Well…"
"I'll take that as a yes, come on Seto. The faster I get over there, the faster we get back."
The two rose and headed next door.
"So what is this file that you suddenly remembered about?"
"Egypt, what else? No, I did a report back in America on Egyptian Mythology. And it just dawned on me that I think I had something in there about this whole trinity."
"Really?"
"I think so, but I don't want to get any one's hopes up, I could be wrong you know."
"For all of our sakes, I hope not."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well? Find it?"
"Hold on, I am reading. Let's see, beliefs, gods and goddesses, temples, Memphis, weighing of the heart, but nothing about a trinity." Raya sighed dejectedly. "I was so sure there was something in there too."
"Maybe it was in another file."
"Possibility. Between all my songs and other files, there has to be close to 50. Maybe I just conjured up this memory, you know talked myself into it."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Not in the least bit."
"So what are you going to do?" Seto asked, taking a seat behind her.
"Search every word document I have until I find it. Yes, I know that could take all day, but it something I have to do. We need that information. NOW."
"No argument there, but do we have all day?"
"Of course not, do we ever?"
"Touché."
"Then we better get looking, huh?"
"Of course." Raya turned to open another document when the phone rang. "It's probably Yami, hold on a second Seto."
"Sure."
Raya grabbed the phone in the kitchen. "Hello?"
"Raya, listen carefully. We have you father. If you want to see him alive, meet us in the park in ten minutes. Do not draw attention to this call or bring any of your friends with you to the park. If you do, we will kill your father. Would you like that Raya? To have another murder on your hands?"
Taking a quick glance around the room, seeing that Seto couldn't hear the call. Raya responded. "Jarha, you listen to me and listen well. Leave my father out of this. This is our battle, not his. He has nothing to do with this. And I am not a murderer. Don't lump me in with your kind."
"Brave words from a woman whose father's life lies in her hands. But you never did care about anyone else but you, do you Ruia? First you crush me, then you father, your son, your foster family, how do you live with yourself? And wouldn't Yami love to know your darkest secret?"
"And what is that?"
"That you killed someone while you were in America."
"I never, that was you and Satire and you know it."
"Caused by your misdoings. And soon another causality will be added to your total, your own flesh and blood, your father. How would you live with yourself Raya if you knew you could save him and didn't? Would you cry at night? Or gloat at the victory of killing someone who caused you so much pain? Admit it, you're more like me than you like to admit."
"Never, do you hear me, never! Besides, my father is fine, protected at the safe house."
"You mean Kaiba's mansion? Oh please, we've known you have been hiding there since day one. Do you really expect your friends to be safe there? Your son? Believe me, if we wanted to, we could kill him in an instant, just like we did before."
"Really? They why haven't you? If you two are so bent on revenge and have had the chance, why haven't you taken it?"
"You said it earlier Raya, can't be repetitive. Now you only have 7 minutes left before we kill you father, what's your choice Ruia? Can you save him? Or are you going to leave him for death? I'll be waiting for you my sweet."
Raya held the phone in her hand. 'There's no way they could have gotten to father, he was at Seto's still when we left. He's safe. No need to lure myself into their trap. But what if they aren't lying? Can I really take that chance? Risk my own father's life?'
Acting quickly, Raya dialed Seto's number. Yugi picked up on the second ring.
"Yugi, is my father still there?"
"No Raya, he left about two minutes ago."
'Two minutes? Not enough time to get to the game shop. What do I do? Meet the siblings? I can't, I know it is a trap, but at the same time, if they have my father..'
"Raya? Is everything okay?"
'No, not now, not ever.' "Sure Yugi. Tell Yami, I'll be out for awhile."
"Okay."
Raya hung up the phone. 'I have to do what my heart tells me. Okay Jarha, I'll play your game and I will save my father.' Exiting the kitchen, she walked past Seto in long strides, eyes never flicking, staring straight at the door.
"Raya?"
Opening the door, Raya ran outside, hoping to distance herself before Seto could catch on to where she was going.
"Raya, what the hell are you doing? Get back here! It is to dangerous to be out here! RAYA!" Seto started to give chase, then hesitated. Noting which direction she went, he headed back to his house. He had to inform the others…right away.
"YAMI! YUGI! Come quickly!"
"Seto, what's wrong? Where's Raya?"
"Took off, I have no idea where she is going."
"What? You let Ruia go off on her own?" Yami started for the door. "Get the others Seto, I'm going after her."
"She head towards the school, I lost sight of her when she turned the corner. Yami, I think it was the siblings. She got a phone call and then fled."
"She called me a minute ago, asking where Grandpa was." Yugi added.
And with that statement, the connection was made. "Yugi, call Grandpa and make sure he got back to the house okay. Seto, bring the others when he is done. I'm going after my wife."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Raya entered the park with a sickening feeling her stomach. The wind blew her strands of hair on and off her face. Despite it being so warm earlier, Raya felt nothing but coldness. 'Must be the work of the siblings. Maybe this wasn't a smart idea, I should have told someone where I was coming. But then, they would have killed my father. I couldn't let that happen.' Carefully, she unzipped her jacket pocket, fingering her silver cell phone. All it would take was one quick call, then help would be on the way. Could she really risk her father's life like that though? Could she risk her friends? Was there a right answer at all?
"Raya, welcome."
"Don't welcome me." Raya narrowed her eyes as Satire came into view. Her long black shirt ruffled the ground. But something was different about it, she just couldn't place her finger on it. As if Satire was reading her mind, she pointed to her shirt, her blood red shirt. "NO!. You said you wouldn't harm if I came. I did."
"I must admit, the old man gives up a pretty good fight. But in the end, things went as planned. We got you here."
"Where's my father? I want to see him."
"I'd arrange that, if he was here."
"What? Satire, stop playing games, I know you have him."
Satire laughed, tossing her black locks behind her. "So gullible. My dear brother is a great actor is he not? Said the right key words and you came running, just like we knew you would."
The words slowly sank in. 'Not only was this a trap, but I was set up big time. This is so not good.' "Where is your dear brother?"
"Right behind you."
Raya whipped around, alarmed not only at how close Jarha was to her, but also at she never heard him approach. "Jarha!"
"That's right, my dear girl. Finally, I have you where I want, alone and way from that Yugioh."
"I'm not going anywhere with you. You would have to kill me first."
"That can be arranged." Satire whispered into Raya's ear. Before she could react, Satire cupped a cloth over Raya's nose and mouth.
'Have to get free, have too…so sleepy…NO I have to get…away.' Giving into the chloroform, Raya fell limply to the ground.
Jarha bent down and picked up his prize. "Finally, my dear the time has come. We can be together forever."
"Put her down." Yami whispered, 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 you had her father." 'This is just like Yugi's dream. Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?'
"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."
"We'd like to see you try to get to Yugi, Jarha. Now you heard Yami, put Raya down right now." Seto shouted, coming up behind Yami. With him was the rest of the gang, minus Joey.
"Do all of you really expect to beat me? The all powerful High Priest Jarha?"
Tristan smirked, "We did it once, we can do it again."
"Aren't you forgetting something? You're missing two people."
"Count again." From behind, Joey jumped on top of Jarha. At the same time, Seto sprung forward to grab Raya.
"I'm not giving her up that easily. Ancient spirits here my call, give me power to defeat the ones that deny me what is so righteously mine. Punish him for what he does!" Before Seto could take another step, he felt himself flying into the air, colliding with both Tristan and Bakura. The three toppled to the ground, grimacing in pain.
"Careful of him Yami, his magic packs a mean punch." Seto groaned. The pain was overwhelming, but nothing could overshadow the fear and panic that gripped at his mind and heart knowing that Raya was in Jarha's grasps.
"All ready ahead of you on that." Yami grabbed his son and pulled him close behind him. No way was he going to let Jarha have either Raya or Yugi. 'What can I do? How can I save my wife? I can't use magic, she'd be in the crossfire.'
Luckily, Joey had a plan. This time, he attacked low, taking Jarha's legs out from under him. Both he and Raya fell to the ground.
"Raya, no!" Tea watched in horror as the side of her head collide with a rock. Even from where Tea was standing, she could see the blood flowing out from the cut. Quickly as she could, she moved out from behind Yugi, rushing over to check on Raya, and to get her out of harms way. It never occurred to Tea that she was leaving Yugi defenseless from behind.
"You'll pay for trying to hurt my wife Jarha, I'll see to it personally." Yami yelled. Once Joey knocked the sibling down, he was over the ex - High Priest. He would pay for threatening his family, pay dearly.
"Who said anything about hurting Raya my King? It was never about her, she was just an added bonus."
"Stop speaking in riddles."
"I'm not, turn around."
Yami did, "AIBOU, NO!"
Satire laughed. "Did you forget about someone Yami? Maybe your son?"
Yami stared in horror at the sight. Satire levitating in the air, holding out a terrified Yugi by the collar of his jacket.
"Let him go right now Satire."
"And why would I do that? Come dear brother. We got what we came for."
"YAMI!"
"Satire! Let him go, this is between us.!"
"If you want your son back Yugioh, head back to the where this all began." With those words, Satire and Jarha disappeared, taking a terrified Yugi with them.
Yami sank to his knees in defeat. His eyes blank. And then the dam broke. Pounding his fists to the ground over and over again, he let out one utter cry. "AIBOU!"