Disclaimer: I refuse to admit anything.
Anya: Free at last!
Kris: Last day of work I take it?
Anya: Yup.
Kris: This means major concentration on the story? And that we can go home since no one is threatening to kill us?
Anya: Definitely, anyway. many of you have been asking how I came up with this plot, it is actually a neat little story (Kris: or so she thinks). I started thinking about this idea after the epsiode where Yami Bakura and Yami were battling in the Shadow Realm. I couldn't get over the nototion that Bakura and Yami Bakura looked almost perfectly alike and Yami and Yugi didn't, so the initial idea came from there. (didn't a lot of stories though?). Now Raya, she isn't based off me or anyone I know. She, the siblings and their roles came from a dream I'd had one night. And since that night, I could't get the idea of Yami and Raya being Yugi's parents out of my head. So, that is how the story came to be, through a dream. Strange I know.
Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I really do appreicate it.
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"So where do we begin?" Ruia asked eagerly. Time was of the essences. She had to remember who she was and quickly, or else her only son was lost.
"Unfortunately, we don't know much about Raya, she, you, only moved here a two weeks ago. But, I think I may have an idea." Bakura said, thoughtfully and sorrowfully. Sorry because they didn't know that much about the girl sitting before them.
"Anything Bakura, I am willing to do anything to regain my future."
"I think we should take you to places that Raya has been too, to see if that jogs your memory any. All of us will take you there, but say nothing about what occurred there. Instead you will tell us."
"I think I understand. So where do we go first?"
Tea stood, "I think I have an idea where to start this process. Come on all, it is time to visit an old friend."
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"SCHOOL is your idea of an old friend? Tea, sweetie, we have to discuss that later."
"Seto, think about it. This is the first place that Raya met everyone, including her son. Go with me on this." Tea whispered.
Seto nodded in understanding. 'Please let this work.' His eyes followed Ruia as she cautiously moved about the grounds, taking in every little detail of the structure.
"Ruia, does anything look familiar?"
She didn't respond, rather moved to the back of the building. It was there she saw the hill. A quick memory flashed in her head, a can of pop, a skirt, and the number 305. But as fast as the vision came, it left, leaving her even more confused.
Yami moved behind his wife, placing a hand on her shoulder giving it a soft, comforting squeeze. "Anything?"
"Maybe. Something about that hill. I saw a pop can and a blue skirt. And I recalled the number 305. Whatever all that means, I am not sure."
"Cough"
Ruia and Yami turned to the sound. "Tristan, what is the matter?"
"I know what that means. The day after Yugi was first attacked and was in the hospital, Joey and I told Raya about Yugi up there on the hill."
Joey nodded. "That's right, she was drinking pop, that spilled on her uniform."
"And 305 was Yugi's room number." Yami added.
"Why did you tell me up there?"
"Because, you, Joey, Tea, Yugi, and I have lunch up there every afternoon. We have the same lunch period. However, our class schedules are different in the morning, we only have one class together, and we came in late that day since we had spent the night at the hospital. So we had to wait till lunch to tell you. And the reason why you weren't informed earlier of your son's condition was because no one knew who you were yet. You hadn't met Yami yet."
"Ruia, does any of this help?" Mokuba asked hopefully.
"I can't recall any of what Tristan was saying, but it feels right., like I should know it. But something is blocking me from it. If I could just get over that hurdle, then I think I could remember my time here."
"Don't worry Ruia, we'll help you get your mind back, not that you had one to begin with." Joey almost smacked himself as soon as the words left him. 'Idiot, you can't joke with Ruia like you did Raya.'
"Well at least I can always take pleasure in knowing that I will be smarter than you." Raya gasped. "I'm sorry, that wasn't a nice thing to say at all."
It took everything Yami had not to hug the young woman to death. "It's okay, Raya and even you in Egypt did that to Joey all the time. It is reflexive for you too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you and me joked all the time. I miss that, but I think I have a place that may help you remember some more, that is if you're up to it." Joey said, placing a comforting hand on Ruia's shoulder, knowing full well what a toll this ordeal must be taking on the young woman.
"I want to recall my life. Lead on."
Joey lead the gang to the warehouses. He stopped well before the entrance to the one he and Raya had hid at. "I know this seems like a weird place for Raya to have been, but she was here for a good reason."
"There are so many different places, I…I…don't know if I have been in any of them."
"Ruia, it is okay, deep breathes. Relax. That is the only way to remember." Tea explained. "It's okay if nothing seems familiar. We'll keep going till something does."
Finally, Ruia responded. "Nothing, I don't recall ever being here. I'm sorry Joey…" she stopped mid sentence, listening to Joey hum softly to himself. Without realizing it, she nodded her head to the beat, "If there's a time when the tears should fill your eyes, And you can't see past the shadows, To the sun on the other side, Don't despair because there always will be someone there, Don't lose faith, love won't let you lose your way."
Joey grinned, his humming had served it's purpose.
"Where did that come from? I didn't compose that did I?"
"No, it is song from a modern day singer. But you sung it here to Yugi…" Joey trailed off, hoping that she could fill in the rest of the blanks.
"Because he was scared and felt alone because his connection to Yami was severed."
"RIGHT!"
"And I sung it to him to explain that he'd never be alone. And we were that building over there, sitting in that window that overlooks the yard."
"Exactly Ruia. You nailed it. Do you remember anything else? Anything at all?" Joey replied, grinning that his friend was remembering. Granted it was small things, but it was a start.
"Nothing really big like that, but the word Turtle comes to mind."
"She must mean your grandpa's game shop Yami." Mokuba piped up.
"Why would turtle have anything to do with that?"
"It's called the Turtle Game Shop, and I do believe that will be our next destination."
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"Wakie Wakie boy."
Yugi slowly raised his head, squinting from the brightness from the candle.
"So you're finally awake. I must say, my sister really did a number on you."
"What do you want Jarha?"
"Nothing you can give me, not yet at least."
"Stay away from my mother."
Jarha laughed, causing wax to land on Yugi's already battered skin. "You hardly seem in the position to make threats."
"What do you want from me?"
"Nothing more than to see you and your family suffer for the pain they caused me and my sister. To feel the same burning sensation we felt in our hearts. Yami will pay by seeing his wife with me and his son dead. Raya will pay by watching her son die by Yami's hands."
"Yami would never harm me. NEVER do you hear me! He is my friend, my brother, my father."
"He will have no choice in the matter. My hypnotic powers are very strong. You know of the Change of Hearts in Duel Monsters do you not?"
Yugi flinched from the memory.
"I thought as much," Jarha answered, noting the chord he had stuck. " My powers are just like that card, Yami will have no choice but to obey me."
"You're powers are weak, that is why you feared the Royal Family. You could not match our abilities."
"At one time boy, that was true. But my sister has found a way to level the playing field so to speak. Give us that added bonus."
"How?"
"Location and allies. But enough chit chat. It's time we got down to business, my sister isn't the only one going to make you suffer, of course, mine isn't physical."
Yugi backed up against the wall, knowing full well at what was coming.
"Sweet visions, little prince."
Jarha left, just as Yugi's anguished filled screams echoed after him.
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"So this is dad's store?"
"Correct. This is the legendary Turtle Game Shop, home to the great Yugi Motou and his Grandpa." Seto stated, as if reading it off a card or brochure. Tea poked him in the back. "Owww, sorry."
The teens filed into the shop, meeting Grandpa at the counter.
"Hi dad."
"Welcome all. What brings you by? I thought you would be researching a way to defeat the siblings."
"We are Grandpa, by trying to get Ruia here to remember being Raya." Yami answered. So many memories of Yugi being in that same shop filled Yami's mind, suffocating him some. 'Oh Yugi, I promise, We'll save you, just hold on.'
"I see. Well go ahead and take a look around daughter. Anything to help get Yugi back."
"Thanks dad."
Bakura didn't miss Grandpa's reaction to the word dad. As the others lead Ruia around, he hung back. "Grandpa, what's wrong? Beside the obvious that is. Why do react strangely to Ruia calling you dad?"
"She never called me that, not since Egypt. As her time as Raya, it was always father, but hearing her call me dad, it brings back such happy memories. But I know once she goes back to Raya, she will go back to calling me father. She'll go back to a time of distrusting me."
"You don't know that. After everything that has happened, that has been discovered, I really can't see her not forgiving you. Just be patient, things will work out, I know it."
Grandpa grinned. "And here I thought you were the pessimist of the group. But just between you and me, I have something that may make Raya feel like my daughter again"
"What's that?" Bakura asked eagerly. Finally some good news.
"This." Grandpa held up an envelope.
"What is it?"
"It is…"
Just then, Ruia reentered the room.
"Anything?" Grandpa asked, placing the envelope under the counter.
"Nope, just a craving for eggs though." No one noted Yami blushing furiously in the background. "Hey, Duel Monster cards."
"Yes, these are Yugi's. I never gave them back to him after that night in the hospital. It totally slipped my mind."
Ruia shuffle through the cards. "Reborn the Monster, Curse of Dragon, Swords of Revealing Light, Dark Magician, Celtic Guardian, hey he even has Mystic Elf. She was always my guardian when we played in the Shadow Realm."
"Guardian?"
"That's right Mokuba. Despite her weaker abilities, I always played her because she was one of my favorite allies. Not only that, but she was my protector in that world. She always made sure I was safe."
"Sounds like Yugi and the Dark Magician. It is his favorite card too. Would that make the Dark Magician his guardian Ruia?" Mokuba asked, curious about what Duel Monsters was like in Ancient days.
"Well, it is hard to judge now a days. Duel Monsters here is not like it was in Egypt from what all of you have told me. I think now, any card of Yugi's would protect him with their life."
"But in Egypt, only one would?" Joey asked in shock.
"No, no. Back then it was an honor, granted by the holder of the games. And since Dark Magician was Yami's guardian, it is unlikely that Yugi would choose him as well. It was better to have a variety of protectors than duplicates."
"So, who would have been Yugi's?"
"I'm not sure. Sometimes, like in my case, I choose the Mystic Elf because she could control the spirit of any card. She could help raise or lower life forces. Since I had just learned that I could control the lighter side of the soul, I thought that by choosing her, she could help train me."
"It was the same with me, only I was guided to choose the Dark Magician by Ra. I felt he was a worthy choice to protect not only myself, but the game itself. He was powerful and wise. And come to think of it, that does play a role in my powers of the mind. I have to be smart, but forceful when needed. I never thought about that before."
"So if what Ruia said is true, and not only do our favorite cards show what characteristics we posses, but what magically ability would might have had?" Seto asked, a bit confused. 'Of course, Duel Monsters was so real at one point, why wouldn't it play a more direct role in our everyday lives and not just in the Shadow Realm?'
"Sure sounds like it. Take you for example Seto." Ruia stated. "The legendary Blue Eyed White Dragon. Powerful and Commanding. Your abilities would like in Air I bet. Ever strong is the wind, ever powerful it is."
"What would the rest of us be?" Tristan asked, intrigued.
"It is hard to say. I'm not sure if I am even correct guessing Seto's." Ruia explained. "But if you want, I'll try to guess. Bakura would be Health, since his favorite is the Change of Heart. I know of you think soul, but that isn't the case. That card control people, like a virus, not personality. That is why it would be health."
"Which could explain why Bakura was our physician in Egypt." Yami replied.
"Right. Joey here would be fire. Ever courageous, but still knowing when and where to fight. Tea would be faith. Tristan would be earth. It all depends on the card I guess."
"Then what would Yugi be, if the Dark Magician isn't his?"
"I'm not sure Dad." Ruia, closed her eyes and shuffled through the cards again. "That's strange."
"What?" everyone asked.
"I was going through the cards again, try to get a feel for which one it might be. And a magic card came up. But that can't be right."
"Why not?"
"Joey think. How can a magic card protect you?" Seto responded, rolling his eyes some.
"Oh."
"What card is it Ruia?" Grandpa asked. 'This could be the key to Yugi's powers.'
"Reborn the Monster."
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"Reborn the Monster?" Yami stood in thought. "Maybe death then?"
"No, death is darker, Yugi is light. Besides, wouldn't death be associated with the Reaper of the Cards?"
"Touché Mokuba." The group replied. Everyone stood deep in thought at what mystical guardian and realm their young friend could posse.
"Beside, Reborn the Monster doesn't complete the triad properly." Ruia answered. "So it can't be it."
"The triad?"
"Yugioh, don't tell me you don't remember the triad."
"Ummm, I don't."
"The triad is conception that every town or village in Egypt had. Basically, the triad represents the divine mother, father, and son. It differed who those gods and goddess were from town to town."
"Okay, I am confused here." Tristan stated. "How does that relate to the Shadow Games?"
"It's silly really. I don't think it is really of any relevance now that I think about it. But some of the girls in the village thought that Dark Magician and either the Mystic Elf or Magician of Faith acted as Divine Father and the Divine Mother in Duel Monsters."
"Why the discrepancy between the two girl cards?" Tea asked. She was most curious, since the Magician of Faith was her favorite card.
"Well some thought the Magician of Faith was the more motherly of cards since she was more powerful than the Mystic Elf. But others, like myself thought it was Mystic Elf because she aided others, rather than use violence. But it was just a silly childhood game. It holds no importance today."
"It may though." Seto slowly replied. "Think about is. We all know Duel Monsters isn't just a game, that is played an important role in every day life back in Ancient times. Maybe this whole triad in the games isn't as far fetched as it seems. Does anyone else find it strange that the two most regard individuals in Egypt had the Divine Father and Divine Mother as their protectors, not only that but the sharing of their realms?"
"Of course. The triad is the trinity. That is what Ptah meant by what held true for our time, doesn't mean that is holds true now. We were thinking that statement referred to the trinity itself. But it didn't. It meant the triad, another word for trinity." Yami exclaimed
"Wait, I am confused. From that statement alone, it says the triad is not what we are looking for."
"Because we're not. The triad isn't the answer. But the principals are. The Divine Mother, Father, and Son are not what we are looking for, why, because they are gods and goddesses. But we want the equivalent. Make the triad modernized."
"Like the Catholic belief. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Tristan added.
"But, one of those is a god, another a ghost. How can that fit in with our battle?" Tea countered.
Yami opened his mouth, then closed it again.
"We can't." Ruia replied. "This is all just speculation. But I can't help think we are on the right path here. And that this card holds the answer."
Reborn the Monster fluttered softly to the counter.
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[ Yugi ran through the streets of Domino City, not sure where he was going. All he knew was that he had to get away, far away. Footsteps slapped against the pavement, not far behind him.
'Have to hide.' Ducking into the nearest alley, Yugi hid behind a large crate, inching out slowing to see if his tormentor had ran past.
Footstep drew closer, causing the young boy to shrink back in fear. The noise stopped at the entrance to the alley.
"Now where is that little good for nothing runt? I'll teach him for disobeying me."
Glancing around the box, Yugi could just see the tail end of his nemesis' blue coat.
"He couldn't have gotten far, that worthless boy. ER. He is so dead when I find him."
Yugi held his breathe. He couldn't get caught. Not now, not ever. The air trapped in his lungs burned, but nothing would make Yugi let it out. The price was too high, way to high.
"When I fund that boy………"
Yugi slowly let out his breath, thankfully. He could just hear his tormentor head down the street. He had escaped, for now. Carefully, he turned to head back the way he came. He turned the corner and promptly smacked into a individual.
"So there you are, you little monster."
Yugi's eyes went wide with fear. 'Should have known the other would come for me too.' "Please don't hurt me."
"Please don't hurt me." mocked the unknown assailant. "I should lock you in a room and throw away the key for the amount of trouble you cause me. Why did we even have you? You're nothing but a problem. God, I wish we never had you."
"Please mom, don't say that."
"MOM? I told you never to call me that. It is Raya to you. Come on, Yami is looking for you. I'll let him deal with problematic children like you. He'll find a way to make you never want to runaway again."
"No, please Raya?" Yugi shook in fear. It was bad enough to deal with Raya, but not Yami too.
"Don't beg or I'll tell Yami to double your punishment. NOW WALK."
Yugi did as he was told, thinking at what his father would do to him. 'It can't be as bad as it was the last time I ran away. Nothing could top that.' The verbal beating that Yugi received was nothing like he had ever experienced. It had last over 2 hours, with both Raya and Yami telling him what a worthless failure he had become. Things got worse though when Raya called over their closet friends, and they told him what a pain he was to his parents. 'It a daily routine anymore. Parents yell, I run, I get caught, more yell, repeat.'
Yugi stopped short at the sight of his house. 'No, I won't go in there. I'll just run. Mom won't be able to catch me. I'm too fast for her.'
As if Raya had sensed what Yugi was thinking, she grabbed the collar of the boy's jacket, lifting him into the air. Yugi choked at the sudden moment and loss of air.
"Oh hush up."
Raya opened the front door and toss Yugi to the floor in front of Yami. "Look who just happened to collide into me."
Yami kicked the smaller boy in the ribs. "I still think we should let the runt stay out in the cold, would serve him right."
"Can't let him have what he most desires, freedom."
"So true my wife." He kicked Yugi in the ribs again.
Yugi didn't cry out. He knew what would happen if he did.
"What should we do with the freak?"
"I say a trip to the Shadow Realm would be in order. Maybe this time, we'll just leave him there."
Yugi cringle. 'Not the Shadow Realm. I can't go back there. I almost died the last time.'
"Yes, I do believe that would be the perfect place for such a dark one."
"Agreed. Have a good time son. I'll get you when I feel like it."
Yugi squeezed his eyes tightly, waiting for another blow from his father. Nothing came. When he opened them, he was in the Shadow Realm. 'Wonderful, well at least there is not fire breathing dragon chasing me this time.'
"Oh, it is much worse than that son."
Yugi whipped around, coming face to face with Yami.
"I always wanted a son, one who would follow in his father's footsteps. Instead, I got you. A coward, a freak, a useless human being who will never amount to anything at all. You are a waste, a mistake."
Yugi lowered his head, tears flowing down his cheeks.
"You don't even deserve this." Yami ripped the Millennium Puzzle off his neck and tossed it in and out of his hand. "This represents loyalty, courage, and heart. Everything you're not." He tossed it over a nearby cliff.
"NOOO" Yugi scooted over to the edge, watching the delicate puzzle bounce off the wall and shatter into thousand of pieces.
"Don't worry, you'll be joining it soon." Yami picked up his son, holding him out over the ledge. "Happy landings son."
Yugi screamed as fell. The ground got closer and closer until…]
Yugi awoke with a start. He was alive, Jarha's dream still very much on his mind. This one had been the worse yet. 'It's not true, it's not true. Yami and Raya would never act like that. It's not true'
But the seed had been planted. Even as Yugi repeat the phrase over and over again, he found himself doubting it more and more with each passing moment.
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Ruia hung back from the group as they walked back from Seto's. She couldn't help but feel disappointed and upset. She was no closer in discovering her future than she was this morning. And because of her, Yugi was still in Satire and Jarha's clutches. Ruia glanced up and realized that they were taking a different path back home. The others were still a good distance ahead of her, but she wasn't concerned. She could catch up with them on the next block if need be. Instead, she gawked at her surroundings, in hope to take her mind off her son. She was amazed at the advances that humans had made over the years.
Up head was a stone wall and a gate. Ruia stared in at the entrance. 'Local Park. Seems real pretty.' As Ruia stared, a shadow figure walked into her sight. Ruia squinted her eyes. 'Why does that individual seem familiar?' The figured turned and faced Ruia. It was then she realized who the figure was…it was herself. 'How, how can that be? I'm right here.' Ruia watched as another person joined her counterpart. She could tell, even from far way that this figure wasn't one to mess with. The two got into a argument, when another man came in, only Raya didn't see him. And then it happened, the attack. Ruia screamed at the top of her lungs, praying to reach herself in time. She slumped to the ground, sobbing, again she had failed. 'No, no not again.'
Then next thing she felt was being pulled into someone's warm embrace. "Ruia, what happed?"
Ruia tried to form words to answer Yami's question, but nothing came, only more tears.
"Ruia, are you okay. Nod your head yes or no." Seto yelled, trying desperately to reach Ruia, who was all but in another world.
"When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I might not be with you, but you got to hold on." Ruia whispered.
Yami gasped silently to himself. 'How did she know the words to the vows? Is Raya coming back?'
Ruia snuggled up closer to Yami. So many picture ran through her head: a horrible attack on the palace, of senseless deaths, an attack on a school, fleeing for her life, feelings of abandonment, loneness, a sense of renewal, courage, faith and hope. Nothing made sense, except one small thing.
"Let's get her home, obviously something scared her out of her mind." Seto said. He bent down to help Yami pick Raya up. He stopped short when Ruia answered him.
"You of all people should know Seto Kaiba, that I do not get scared."
"Yeah right, wait, you called me Kaiba."
"Yeah, that is your last name."
Yami glanced down at his wife. "Raya?"
Raya smirked. "You were expecting Ruia maybe?"
Yami laughed an hug his wife tightly. "Raya, you're back. Thank god."
"Feels good to be back, where did I go again?" Raya responded, obviously confused.
"Raya, you lost your memory earlier." Tea explained.
"I did? I guess that would make sense, the last thing I remember was fighting with Jarha, right over there." She pointed up the hill.
Tea grinned. "The site of the battle must of jogged her memory."
"Hey, where is Yugi?"
Everyone stared at one another. How could they break this to Raya? Finally Joey spoke the horrible news. "Raya, Yugi is gone. Satire and Jarha took him."
"WHAT!"
"Right after you lost consciousness. They used you to get to Yugi." Yami finished.
Raya paled. "What are we waiting for then. Let's go save Yugi." She stood up. "Where's are they?"
"We're not sure. Satire shouted at us to go back to where this all began, whatever that means." Joey stated.
"But there is some good news, sort of." Seto explained. "We, you figured out the trinity riddle."
"I did?"
The group went on to retell Raya what Ruia had told them earlier, about the triad and the Divine family in Duel Monsters.
"I had forgotten about the Divine Family. But Ruia was wrong on a point. The divine family wasn't just limited to gods and goddesses. During Yami's father's reign, I remember people calling his family divine."
"The you, Yami, and Yugi could be a divine family as well. And that still leads us back to the original problem, what is Yugi's powers. That is probably the key to all of this." Tristan explained.
"It is the key and this card Reborn the Monster is the only way to unlock it."
"Do you feel it pull you to it?"
"Yes Bakura, I do. The feeling is very strong. I can't make the connection though. I think only Yugi could do that. We must get this card to Yugi."
"But the only way to do that, is to solve the next riddle. And time is wasting, Aibou's stability is hanging in the balance."
'Back to where it all began, what can that mean. Does Satire mean the states? That is where is began, with me in America.' Raya sat in concentration. An idea popped into her head. "Yami, can you sense Yugi any?"
"None what so ever."
"What causes that?" Raya asked. Everyone gave her a confused look. Wondering how all this had to do with finding Yugi. "I know it seems random, but please, answer me."
"If the puzzle isn't with Yugi, I can't feel him and death."
"We both know he is still alive though, so the first one is probably the cause right?"
"Sure." Yami replied, still not understanding where this was going. 'What is going on in Raya's mind?'
"Let me ask you this, if Yugi is near the puzzle, but doesn't have it on, can you sense him?"
"Sometimes, depends on the distance."
Raya nodded. "I can't believe it. The idiots stumbled on the answer. They got lucky." At the confused and blank stares, Raya gasped. "Sorry, I'll explain in rational sentences. I think I know where Yugi is. Satire and Jarha obviously would take the puzzle away from Yugi, to stop the telepathic link between the two. But, the dummies wouldn't know to keep it a great distance from Yugi so Yami couldn't sense him. They stumbled on that by accident."
"Then where is Yugi." Joey asked. "You know right?"
"Yes, and the answer is right in front of us. There is only one possible answer to the riddle. The place where is all began was Egypt. Ancient Egypt."
"Raya, get real. How could the siblings travel back in time?" Seto answered. Time travel was out of the question, impossible even. There was no way Yugi could be in Egypt, let alone ancient days. 'Could it?'
"How could I, Yugi, and the siblings travel forward in time? A magic spell. Think about it Seto, it is the only way why neither Yami or I can sense our son. He isn't in this time. He is thousands and thousands of years in the past, a really great distance away. I know it makes very little sense, but what has in this crazy adventure?"
"Raya does have a point big brother. Where else would Satire and Jarha want to battle, but in the place where they had their greatest triumph?"
"But aren't they taking a risk? Wouldn't Yami's and Raya's powers be stronger in the past?" Tristan asked. "Aren't the siblings asking to be beaten?"
"Depending how far back they went, not necessarily. If they go back to the time before I had Yugi, well no. I wouldn't have been trained yet."
"Can they really go back that far though? Imagine how bad history would change. They could kill Raya before she even had Yugi. Then their problems wouldn't even exist."
"Oh my god, Joey is right."
"Raya, don't worry. They obviously haven't gone that far back or you wouldn't be here right now. They must be a few years ahead of that, remember if they were, they would run the risk of running into themselves."
"Thanks for that picture, instead of dealing with one Satire, we can have two!"
"Okay, let's just assume for a minute that Yugi is in Ancient Egypt. How do we get there? Raya you're not a spell caster and neither is Yami." Seto pointed out.
Raya bit her lip. It was a good question. Then she brighten up. "I know, the Book of Secret Arts."
"Isn't that a duel monster card?" Bakura asked, "I know I have heard of that book before."
"Haven't all of you been paying attention to details? Duel Monsters was real at one point right?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then why can't magic cards be too?"
"You're telling me that the Book of Secret Arts is a real book?" Yami asked. He had never heard of it.
"Sort of. Bakura, I am going to have to ask you to transport us to the Shadow Realm once again. And Yami, I am going to need your help as well. It's going to take a lot of magic to pull of what I am planning to do."
"What are you planning to do Raya?"
"That's easy…unlock the Shadow Games."
Anya: Free at last!
Kris: Last day of work I take it?
Anya: Yup.
Kris: This means major concentration on the story? And that we can go home since no one is threatening to kill us?
Anya: Definitely, anyway. many of you have been asking how I came up with this plot, it is actually a neat little story (Kris: or so she thinks). I started thinking about this idea after the epsiode where Yami Bakura and Yami were battling in the Shadow Realm. I couldn't get over the nototion that Bakura and Yami Bakura looked almost perfectly alike and Yami and Yugi didn't, so the initial idea came from there. (didn't a lot of stories though?). Now Raya, she isn't based off me or anyone I know. She, the siblings and their roles came from a dream I'd had one night. And since that night, I could't get the idea of Yami and Raya being Yugi's parents out of my head. So, that is how the story came to be, through a dream. Strange I know.
Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I really do appreicate it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So where do we begin?" Ruia asked eagerly. Time was of the essences. She had to remember who she was and quickly, or else her only son was lost.
"Unfortunately, we don't know much about Raya, she, you, only moved here a two weeks ago. But, I think I may have an idea." Bakura said, thoughtfully and sorrowfully. Sorry because they didn't know that much about the girl sitting before them.
"Anything Bakura, I am willing to do anything to regain my future."
"I think we should take you to places that Raya has been too, to see if that jogs your memory any. All of us will take you there, but say nothing about what occurred there. Instead you will tell us."
"I think I understand. So where do we go first?"
Tea stood, "I think I have an idea where to start this process. Come on all, it is time to visit an old friend."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"SCHOOL is your idea of an old friend? Tea, sweetie, we have to discuss that later."
"Seto, think about it. This is the first place that Raya met everyone, including her son. Go with me on this." Tea whispered.
Seto nodded in understanding. 'Please let this work.' His eyes followed Ruia as she cautiously moved about the grounds, taking in every little detail of the structure.
"Ruia, does anything look familiar?"
She didn't respond, rather moved to the back of the building. It was there she saw the hill. A quick memory flashed in her head, a can of pop, a skirt, and the number 305. But as fast as the vision came, it left, leaving her even more confused.
Yami moved behind his wife, placing a hand on her shoulder giving it a soft, comforting squeeze. "Anything?"
"Maybe. Something about that hill. I saw a pop can and a blue skirt. And I recalled the number 305. Whatever all that means, I am not sure."
"Cough"
Ruia and Yami turned to the sound. "Tristan, what is the matter?"
"I know what that means. The day after Yugi was first attacked and was in the hospital, Joey and I told Raya about Yugi up there on the hill."
Joey nodded. "That's right, she was drinking pop, that spilled on her uniform."
"And 305 was Yugi's room number." Yami added.
"Why did you tell me up there?"
"Because, you, Joey, Tea, Yugi, and I have lunch up there every afternoon. We have the same lunch period. However, our class schedules are different in the morning, we only have one class together, and we came in late that day since we had spent the night at the hospital. So we had to wait till lunch to tell you. And the reason why you weren't informed earlier of your son's condition was because no one knew who you were yet. You hadn't met Yami yet."
"Ruia, does any of this help?" Mokuba asked hopefully.
"I can't recall any of what Tristan was saying, but it feels right., like I should know it. But something is blocking me from it. If I could just get over that hurdle, then I think I could remember my time here."
"Don't worry Ruia, we'll help you get your mind back, not that you had one to begin with." Joey almost smacked himself as soon as the words left him. 'Idiot, you can't joke with Ruia like you did Raya.'
"Well at least I can always take pleasure in knowing that I will be smarter than you." Raya gasped. "I'm sorry, that wasn't a nice thing to say at all."
It took everything Yami had not to hug the young woman to death. "It's okay, Raya and even you in Egypt did that to Joey all the time. It is reflexive for you too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you and me joked all the time. I miss that, but I think I have a place that may help you remember some more, that is if you're up to it." Joey said, placing a comforting hand on Ruia's shoulder, knowing full well what a toll this ordeal must be taking on the young woman.
"I want to recall my life. Lead on."
Joey lead the gang to the warehouses. He stopped well before the entrance to the one he and Raya had hid at. "I know this seems like a weird place for Raya to have been, but she was here for a good reason."
"There are so many different places, I…I…don't know if I have been in any of them."
"Ruia, it is okay, deep breathes. Relax. That is the only way to remember." Tea explained. "It's okay if nothing seems familiar. We'll keep going till something does."
Finally, Ruia responded. "Nothing, I don't recall ever being here. I'm sorry Joey…" she stopped mid sentence, listening to Joey hum softly to himself. Without realizing it, she nodded her head to the beat, "If there's a time when the tears should fill your eyes, And you can't see past the shadows, To the sun on the other side, Don't despair because there always will be someone there, Don't lose faith, love won't let you lose your way."
Joey grinned, his humming had served it's purpose.
"Where did that come from? I didn't compose that did I?"
"No, it is song from a modern day singer. But you sung it here to Yugi…" Joey trailed off, hoping that she could fill in the rest of the blanks.
"Because he was scared and felt alone because his connection to Yami was severed."
"RIGHT!"
"And I sung it to him to explain that he'd never be alone. And we were that building over there, sitting in that window that overlooks the yard."
"Exactly Ruia. You nailed it. Do you remember anything else? Anything at all?" Joey replied, grinning that his friend was remembering. Granted it was small things, but it was a start.
"Nothing really big like that, but the word Turtle comes to mind."
"She must mean your grandpa's game shop Yami." Mokuba piped up.
"Why would turtle have anything to do with that?"
"It's called the Turtle Game Shop, and I do believe that will be our next destination."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wakie Wakie boy."
Yugi slowly raised his head, squinting from the brightness from the candle.
"So you're finally awake. I must say, my sister really did a number on you."
"What do you want Jarha?"
"Nothing you can give me, not yet at least."
"Stay away from my mother."
Jarha laughed, causing wax to land on Yugi's already battered skin. "You hardly seem in the position to make threats."
"What do you want from me?"
"Nothing more than to see you and your family suffer for the pain they caused me and my sister. To feel the same burning sensation we felt in our hearts. Yami will pay by seeing his wife with me and his son dead. Raya will pay by watching her son die by Yami's hands."
"Yami would never harm me. NEVER do you hear me! He is my friend, my brother, my father."
"He will have no choice in the matter. My hypnotic powers are very strong. You know of the Change of Hearts in Duel Monsters do you not?"
Yugi flinched from the memory.
"I thought as much," Jarha answered, noting the chord he had stuck. " My powers are just like that card, Yami will have no choice but to obey me."
"You're powers are weak, that is why you feared the Royal Family. You could not match our abilities."
"At one time boy, that was true. But my sister has found a way to level the playing field so to speak. Give us that added bonus."
"How?"
"Location and allies. But enough chit chat. It's time we got down to business, my sister isn't the only one going to make you suffer, of course, mine isn't physical."
Yugi backed up against the wall, knowing full well at what was coming.
"Sweet visions, little prince."
Jarha left, just as Yugi's anguished filled screams echoed after him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So this is dad's store?"
"Correct. This is the legendary Turtle Game Shop, home to the great Yugi Motou and his Grandpa." Seto stated, as if reading it off a card or brochure. Tea poked him in the back. "Owww, sorry."
The teens filed into the shop, meeting Grandpa at the counter.
"Hi dad."
"Welcome all. What brings you by? I thought you would be researching a way to defeat the siblings."
"We are Grandpa, by trying to get Ruia here to remember being Raya." Yami answered. So many memories of Yugi being in that same shop filled Yami's mind, suffocating him some. 'Oh Yugi, I promise, We'll save you, just hold on.'
"I see. Well go ahead and take a look around daughter. Anything to help get Yugi back."
"Thanks dad."
Bakura didn't miss Grandpa's reaction to the word dad. As the others lead Ruia around, he hung back. "Grandpa, what's wrong? Beside the obvious that is. Why do react strangely to Ruia calling you dad?"
"She never called me that, not since Egypt. As her time as Raya, it was always father, but hearing her call me dad, it brings back such happy memories. But I know once she goes back to Raya, she will go back to calling me father. She'll go back to a time of distrusting me."
"You don't know that. After everything that has happened, that has been discovered, I really can't see her not forgiving you. Just be patient, things will work out, I know it."
Grandpa grinned. "And here I thought you were the pessimist of the group. But just between you and me, I have something that may make Raya feel like my daughter again"
"What's that?" Bakura asked eagerly. Finally some good news.
"This." Grandpa held up an envelope.
"What is it?"
"It is…"
Just then, Ruia reentered the room.
"Anything?" Grandpa asked, placing the envelope under the counter.
"Nope, just a craving for eggs though." No one noted Yami blushing furiously in the background. "Hey, Duel Monster cards."
"Yes, these are Yugi's. I never gave them back to him after that night in the hospital. It totally slipped my mind."
Ruia shuffle through the cards. "Reborn the Monster, Curse of Dragon, Swords of Revealing Light, Dark Magician, Celtic Guardian, hey he even has Mystic Elf. She was always my guardian when we played in the Shadow Realm."
"Guardian?"
"That's right Mokuba. Despite her weaker abilities, I always played her because she was one of my favorite allies. Not only that, but she was my protector in that world. She always made sure I was safe."
"Sounds like Yugi and the Dark Magician. It is his favorite card too. Would that make the Dark Magician his guardian Ruia?" Mokuba asked, curious about what Duel Monsters was like in Ancient days.
"Well, it is hard to judge now a days. Duel Monsters here is not like it was in Egypt from what all of you have told me. I think now, any card of Yugi's would protect him with their life."
"But in Egypt, only one would?" Joey asked in shock.
"No, no. Back then it was an honor, granted by the holder of the games. And since Dark Magician was Yami's guardian, it is unlikely that Yugi would choose him as well. It was better to have a variety of protectors than duplicates."
"So, who would have been Yugi's?"
"I'm not sure. Sometimes, like in my case, I choose the Mystic Elf because she could control the spirit of any card. She could help raise or lower life forces. Since I had just learned that I could control the lighter side of the soul, I thought that by choosing her, she could help train me."
"It was the same with me, only I was guided to choose the Dark Magician by Ra. I felt he was a worthy choice to protect not only myself, but the game itself. He was powerful and wise. And come to think of it, that does play a role in my powers of the mind. I have to be smart, but forceful when needed. I never thought about that before."
"So if what Ruia said is true, and not only do our favorite cards show what characteristics we posses, but what magically ability would might have had?" Seto asked, a bit confused. 'Of course, Duel Monsters was so real at one point, why wouldn't it play a more direct role in our everyday lives and not just in the Shadow Realm?'
"Sure sounds like it. Take you for example Seto." Ruia stated. "The legendary Blue Eyed White Dragon. Powerful and Commanding. Your abilities would like in Air I bet. Ever strong is the wind, ever powerful it is."
"What would the rest of us be?" Tristan asked, intrigued.
"It is hard to say. I'm not sure if I am even correct guessing Seto's." Ruia explained. "But if you want, I'll try to guess. Bakura would be Health, since his favorite is the Change of Heart. I know of you think soul, but that isn't the case. That card control people, like a virus, not personality. That is why it would be health."
"Which could explain why Bakura was our physician in Egypt." Yami replied.
"Right. Joey here would be fire. Ever courageous, but still knowing when and where to fight. Tea would be faith. Tristan would be earth. It all depends on the card I guess."
"Then what would Yugi be, if the Dark Magician isn't his?"
"I'm not sure Dad." Ruia, closed her eyes and shuffled through the cards again. "That's strange."
"What?" everyone asked.
"I was going through the cards again, try to get a feel for which one it might be. And a magic card came up. But that can't be right."
"Why not?"
"Joey think. How can a magic card protect you?" Seto responded, rolling his eyes some.
"Oh."
"What card is it Ruia?" Grandpa asked. 'This could be the key to Yugi's powers.'
"Reborn the Monster."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Reborn the Monster?" Yami stood in thought. "Maybe death then?"
"No, death is darker, Yugi is light. Besides, wouldn't death be associated with the Reaper of the Cards?"
"Touché Mokuba." The group replied. Everyone stood deep in thought at what mystical guardian and realm their young friend could posse.
"Beside, Reborn the Monster doesn't complete the triad properly." Ruia answered. "So it can't be it."
"The triad?"
"Yugioh, don't tell me you don't remember the triad."
"Ummm, I don't."
"The triad is conception that every town or village in Egypt had. Basically, the triad represents the divine mother, father, and son. It differed who those gods and goddess were from town to town."
"Okay, I am confused here." Tristan stated. "How does that relate to the Shadow Games?"
"It's silly really. I don't think it is really of any relevance now that I think about it. But some of the girls in the village thought that Dark Magician and either the Mystic Elf or Magician of Faith acted as Divine Father and the Divine Mother in Duel Monsters."
"Why the discrepancy between the two girl cards?" Tea asked. She was most curious, since the Magician of Faith was her favorite card.
"Well some thought the Magician of Faith was the more motherly of cards since she was more powerful than the Mystic Elf. But others, like myself thought it was Mystic Elf because she aided others, rather than use violence. But it was just a silly childhood game. It holds no importance today."
"It may though." Seto slowly replied. "Think about is. We all know Duel Monsters isn't just a game, that is played an important role in every day life back in Ancient times. Maybe this whole triad in the games isn't as far fetched as it seems. Does anyone else find it strange that the two most regard individuals in Egypt had the Divine Father and Divine Mother as their protectors, not only that but the sharing of their realms?"
"Of course. The triad is the trinity. That is what Ptah meant by what held true for our time, doesn't mean that is holds true now. We were thinking that statement referred to the trinity itself. But it didn't. It meant the triad, another word for trinity." Yami exclaimed
"Wait, I am confused. From that statement alone, it says the triad is not what we are looking for."
"Because we're not. The triad isn't the answer. But the principals are. The Divine Mother, Father, and Son are not what we are looking for, why, because they are gods and goddesses. But we want the equivalent. Make the triad modernized."
"Like the Catholic belief. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Tristan added.
"But, one of those is a god, another a ghost. How can that fit in with our battle?" Tea countered.
Yami opened his mouth, then closed it again.
"We can't." Ruia replied. "This is all just speculation. But I can't help think we are on the right path here. And that this card holds the answer."
Reborn the Monster fluttered softly to the counter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
[ Yugi ran through the streets of Domino City, not sure where he was going. All he knew was that he had to get away, far away. Footsteps slapped against the pavement, not far behind him.
'Have to hide.' Ducking into the nearest alley, Yugi hid behind a large crate, inching out slowing to see if his tormentor had ran past.
Footstep drew closer, causing the young boy to shrink back in fear. The noise stopped at the entrance to the alley.
"Now where is that little good for nothing runt? I'll teach him for disobeying me."
Glancing around the box, Yugi could just see the tail end of his nemesis' blue coat.
"He couldn't have gotten far, that worthless boy. ER. He is so dead when I find him."
Yugi held his breathe. He couldn't get caught. Not now, not ever. The air trapped in his lungs burned, but nothing would make Yugi let it out. The price was too high, way to high.
"When I fund that boy………"
Yugi slowly let out his breath, thankfully. He could just hear his tormentor head down the street. He had escaped, for now. Carefully, he turned to head back the way he came. He turned the corner and promptly smacked into a individual.
"So there you are, you little monster."
Yugi's eyes went wide with fear. 'Should have known the other would come for me too.' "Please don't hurt me."
"Please don't hurt me." mocked the unknown assailant. "I should lock you in a room and throw away the key for the amount of trouble you cause me. Why did we even have you? You're nothing but a problem. God, I wish we never had you."
"Please mom, don't say that."
"MOM? I told you never to call me that. It is Raya to you. Come on, Yami is looking for you. I'll let him deal with problematic children like you. He'll find a way to make you never want to runaway again."
"No, please Raya?" Yugi shook in fear. It was bad enough to deal with Raya, but not Yami too.
"Don't beg or I'll tell Yami to double your punishment. NOW WALK."
Yugi did as he was told, thinking at what his father would do to him. 'It can't be as bad as it was the last time I ran away. Nothing could top that.' The verbal beating that Yugi received was nothing like he had ever experienced. It had last over 2 hours, with both Raya and Yami telling him what a worthless failure he had become. Things got worse though when Raya called over their closet friends, and they told him what a pain he was to his parents. 'It a daily routine anymore. Parents yell, I run, I get caught, more yell, repeat.'
Yugi stopped short at the sight of his house. 'No, I won't go in there. I'll just run. Mom won't be able to catch me. I'm too fast for her.'
As if Raya had sensed what Yugi was thinking, she grabbed the collar of the boy's jacket, lifting him into the air. Yugi choked at the sudden moment and loss of air.
"Oh hush up."
Raya opened the front door and toss Yugi to the floor in front of Yami. "Look who just happened to collide into me."
Yami kicked the smaller boy in the ribs. "I still think we should let the runt stay out in the cold, would serve him right."
"Can't let him have what he most desires, freedom."
"So true my wife." He kicked Yugi in the ribs again.
Yugi didn't cry out. He knew what would happen if he did.
"What should we do with the freak?"
"I say a trip to the Shadow Realm would be in order. Maybe this time, we'll just leave him there."
Yugi cringle. 'Not the Shadow Realm. I can't go back there. I almost died the last time.'
"Yes, I do believe that would be the perfect place for such a dark one."
"Agreed. Have a good time son. I'll get you when I feel like it."
Yugi squeezed his eyes tightly, waiting for another blow from his father. Nothing came. When he opened them, he was in the Shadow Realm. 'Wonderful, well at least there is not fire breathing dragon chasing me this time.'
"Oh, it is much worse than that son."
Yugi whipped around, coming face to face with Yami.
"I always wanted a son, one who would follow in his father's footsteps. Instead, I got you. A coward, a freak, a useless human being who will never amount to anything at all. You are a waste, a mistake."
Yugi lowered his head, tears flowing down his cheeks.
"You don't even deserve this." Yami ripped the Millennium Puzzle off his neck and tossed it in and out of his hand. "This represents loyalty, courage, and heart. Everything you're not." He tossed it over a nearby cliff.
"NOOO" Yugi scooted over to the edge, watching the delicate puzzle bounce off the wall and shatter into thousand of pieces.
"Don't worry, you'll be joining it soon." Yami picked up his son, holding him out over the ledge. "Happy landings son."
Yugi screamed as fell. The ground got closer and closer until…]
Yugi awoke with a start. He was alive, Jarha's dream still very much on his mind. This one had been the worse yet. 'It's not true, it's not true. Yami and Raya would never act like that. It's not true'
But the seed had been planted. Even as Yugi repeat the phrase over and over again, he found himself doubting it more and more with each passing moment.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ruia hung back from the group as they walked back from Seto's. She couldn't help but feel disappointed and upset. She was no closer in discovering her future than she was this morning. And because of her, Yugi was still in Satire and Jarha's clutches. Ruia glanced up and realized that they were taking a different path back home. The others were still a good distance ahead of her, but she wasn't concerned. She could catch up with them on the next block if need be. Instead, she gawked at her surroundings, in hope to take her mind off her son. She was amazed at the advances that humans had made over the years.
Up head was a stone wall and a gate. Ruia stared in at the entrance. 'Local Park. Seems real pretty.' As Ruia stared, a shadow figure walked into her sight. Ruia squinted her eyes. 'Why does that individual seem familiar?' The figured turned and faced Ruia. It was then she realized who the figure was…it was herself. 'How, how can that be? I'm right here.' Ruia watched as another person joined her counterpart. She could tell, even from far way that this figure wasn't one to mess with. The two got into a argument, when another man came in, only Raya didn't see him. And then it happened, the attack. Ruia screamed at the top of her lungs, praying to reach herself in time. She slumped to the ground, sobbing, again she had failed. 'No, no not again.'
Then next thing she felt was being pulled into someone's warm embrace. "Ruia, what happed?"
Ruia tried to form words to answer Yami's question, but nothing came, only more tears.
"Ruia, are you okay. Nod your head yes or no." Seto yelled, trying desperately to reach Ruia, who was all but in another world.
"When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I might not be with you, but you got to hold on." Ruia whispered.
Yami gasped silently to himself. 'How did she know the words to the vows? Is Raya coming back?'
Ruia snuggled up closer to Yami. So many picture ran through her head: a horrible attack on the palace, of senseless deaths, an attack on a school, fleeing for her life, feelings of abandonment, loneness, a sense of renewal, courage, faith and hope. Nothing made sense, except one small thing.
"Let's get her home, obviously something scared her out of her mind." Seto said. He bent down to help Yami pick Raya up. He stopped short when Ruia answered him.
"You of all people should know Seto Kaiba, that I do not get scared."
"Yeah right, wait, you called me Kaiba."
"Yeah, that is your last name."
Yami glanced down at his wife. "Raya?"
Raya smirked. "You were expecting Ruia maybe?"
Yami laughed an hug his wife tightly. "Raya, you're back. Thank god."
"Feels good to be back, where did I go again?" Raya responded, obviously confused.
"Raya, you lost your memory earlier." Tea explained.
"I did? I guess that would make sense, the last thing I remember was fighting with Jarha, right over there." She pointed up the hill.
Tea grinned. "The site of the battle must of jogged her memory."
"Hey, where is Yugi?"
Everyone stared at one another. How could they break this to Raya? Finally Joey spoke the horrible news. "Raya, Yugi is gone. Satire and Jarha took him."
"WHAT!"
"Right after you lost consciousness. They used you to get to Yugi." Yami finished.
Raya paled. "What are we waiting for then. Let's go save Yugi." She stood up. "Where's are they?"
"We're not sure. Satire shouted at us to go back to where this all began, whatever that means." Joey stated.
"But there is some good news, sort of." Seto explained. "We, you figured out the trinity riddle."
"I did?"
The group went on to retell Raya what Ruia had told them earlier, about the triad and the Divine family in Duel Monsters.
"I had forgotten about the Divine Family. But Ruia was wrong on a point. The divine family wasn't just limited to gods and goddesses. During Yami's father's reign, I remember people calling his family divine."
"The you, Yami, and Yugi could be a divine family as well. And that still leads us back to the original problem, what is Yugi's powers. That is probably the key to all of this." Tristan explained.
"It is the key and this card Reborn the Monster is the only way to unlock it."
"Do you feel it pull you to it?"
"Yes Bakura, I do. The feeling is very strong. I can't make the connection though. I think only Yugi could do that. We must get this card to Yugi."
"But the only way to do that, is to solve the next riddle. And time is wasting, Aibou's stability is hanging in the balance."
'Back to where it all began, what can that mean. Does Satire mean the states? That is where is began, with me in America.' Raya sat in concentration. An idea popped into her head. "Yami, can you sense Yugi any?"
"None what so ever."
"What causes that?" Raya asked. Everyone gave her a confused look. Wondering how all this had to do with finding Yugi. "I know it seems random, but please, answer me."
"If the puzzle isn't with Yugi, I can't feel him and death."
"We both know he is still alive though, so the first one is probably the cause right?"
"Sure." Yami replied, still not understanding where this was going. 'What is going on in Raya's mind?'
"Let me ask you this, if Yugi is near the puzzle, but doesn't have it on, can you sense him?"
"Sometimes, depends on the distance."
Raya nodded. "I can't believe it. The idiots stumbled on the answer. They got lucky." At the confused and blank stares, Raya gasped. "Sorry, I'll explain in rational sentences. I think I know where Yugi is. Satire and Jarha obviously would take the puzzle away from Yugi, to stop the telepathic link between the two. But, the dummies wouldn't know to keep it a great distance from Yugi so Yami couldn't sense him. They stumbled on that by accident."
"Then where is Yugi." Joey asked. "You know right?"
"Yes, and the answer is right in front of us. There is only one possible answer to the riddle. The place where is all began was Egypt. Ancient Egypt."
"Raya, get real. How could the siblings travel back in time?" Seto answered. Time travel was out of the question, impossible even. There was no way Yugi could be in Egypt, let alone ancient days. 'Could it?'
"How could I, Yugi, and the siblings travel forward in time? A magic spell. Think about it Seto, it is the only way why neither Yami or I can sense our son. He isn't in this time. He is thousands and thousands of years in the past, a really great distance away. I know it makes very little sense, but what has in this crazy adventure?"
"Raya does have a point big brother. Where else would Satire and Jarha want to battle, but in the place where they had their greatest triumph?"
"But aren't they taking a risk? Wouldn't Yami's and Raya's powers be stronger in the past?" Tristan asked. "Aren't the siblings asking to be beaten?"
"Depending how far back they went, not necessarily. If they go back to the time before I had Yugi, well no. I wouldn't have been trained yet."
"Can they really go back that far though? Imagine how bad history would change. They could kill Raya before she even had Yugi. Then their problems wouldn't even exist."
"Oh my god, Joey is right."
"Raya, don't worry. They obviously haven't gone that far back or you wouldn't be here right now. They must be a few years ahead of that, remember if they were, they would run the risk of running into themselves."
"Thanks for that picture, instead of dealing with one Satire, we can have two!"
"Okay, let's just assume for a minute that Yugi is in Ancient Egypt. How do we get there? Raya you're not a spell caster and neither is Yami." Seto pointed out.
Raya bit her lip. It was a good question. Then she brighten up. "I know, the Book of Secret Arts."
"Isn't that a duel monster card?" Bakura asked, "I know I have heard of that book before."
"Haven't all of you been paying attention to details? Duel Monsters was real at one point right?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then why can't magic cards be too?"
"You're telling me that the Book of Secret Arts is a real book?" Yami asked. He had never heard of it.
"Sort of. Bakura, I am going to have to ask you to transport us to the Shadow Realm once again. And Yami, I am going to need your help as well. It's going to take a lot of magic to pull of what I am planning to do."
"What are you planning to do Raya?"
"That's easy…unlock the Shadow Games."