Disclaimer: Nope, no ownership here. Just borrowing.
Anya: Sorry it took so long for this chapter to be posted, I had to move back into my place at college. (ewww, school) And unfortunately, I don't have the internet yet, so getting this chapter up (as well as the next ones) prove difficult. But don't worry, I'll find a way! Also, some of you have been asking when I post, if there is any method to my madness. I have no timeline of when I post, but if you would like, you could give me your email in either a review or send me an email, (my email address is in the directory) and I can send everyone a short email saying that the stories been updated.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm sorry, for a minute there I thought she said she was going to unlock the Shadow Games." Joey said, rubbing his head. "I must be tired."
"Well you may be tired and all, but you heard correctly. I want to unlock the Shadow Games."
"Are you crazy Raya? Wait, don't answer that." Seto said, rolling his eyes. 'She can't unlock that type of power, image what the consequences would be.'
"Yami, a little help here would be appreciated."
"I'm not sure I can help, I agree with the gang. We can't unlock the Shadow Games, can you just imagine the havoc it would cause? No, I wouldn't do it."
Raya rolled her eyes. "Okay, maybe I shouldn't have said I was going to unlock the Shadow Games, bad choice of words. I can't unlock the whole game, one I don't have that type of power, no one does. The only way to do that is to have all seven millennium items, which we don't. And two, never would I even consider doing something that stupid. What I meant when I said that I was going to unlock the games was tap into the games, use a fraction of the power it posses."
"Why Raya? Why even risk unlocking the game at all? Isn't there another way to save Yugi?"
"Unless you know the time spell to get us there Seto, then no. This is the only way. Believe me, if I could, I would do this another way. But I can't. It has to be this way. Now, I'll ask again. Are you going to help me?" Raya said desperately, praying that others would see her reasoning. 'I know this sounds extreme, but there is no other way.'
She meet everyone in the eye.
Mokuba was the first to speak. He was willing to do anything and everything to save his friend. "I'll go. Big Brother?"
"If Mokuba goes, I am definitely in. Besides, we have to save Yugi and if you are sure this is the only way Raya, then what choice do we really have?" Seto replied. 'I still don't like this, but with the fate of the free world on all of shoulders, we may have to risks that we normally wouldn't even consider.'
"Joey? Tristan?" Raya asked, turning to face them, giving them a puppy look.
"Where ever you go Raya, I'm behind you. Consider me your bodyguard once again."
"And that means someone will have to watch Joey, so that means I'm in too."
"If it will save Yugi, count me in as well." Tea added.
"Bakura?" Raya's whole plan revolved around him.
Bakura took a deep breathe and called forth his ring. "Good enough answer?"
Raya grinned. "Yami?"
"I don't like this, but you're right, it is the only way. Besides, you're going to need all the magic you can get. You know I am in."
"Great. Bakura? Will you please do the honors?
Bakura closed his eye tightly, deep in concentration. When he opened them again, the surroundings had changed. Everything was a bluish-black color. The Shadow Realm.
"Raya, are you sure this is going to work?" Yami asked nervously. He still had no idea what his wife was planning to do.
"Um, I'm not a hundred percent sure." Raya grimaced, waiting for the shouts of doubt to come. She didn't have to wait too long.
"WHAT!"
"Seto, calm down. We have to trust in her judgment. We have no other way to save aibou right now. This is the only option we have right now."
"Alright Yami. Raya what are you going to do?"
"Just watch. Yami, come here. The rest of you, stay behind us. And no matter what, don't break the concentration of magic. Even if it looks like I'm or Yami is going to pass out."
"What do you need me to do?" Yami asked, moving to where Raya was standing.
"Pull out the Dark Magician from Yugi's deck, will you?"
"Okay, care to tell me what you are doing?"
"Just trust me, please." She pulled out her own deck, taking two cards out. The Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts.
Yami handed her his card and watch as Raya arranged the two monsters in front of her, placing the magic card between the two. 'Ra, please let this work.'
Raya knelt in front of the cards. Softly she chanted, while the others stared on, waiting to see what happened.
Yami strained to hear what his wife was saying. She wasn't a magician, so what could she be doing? And then, the words rang clear.
"Soul of the cards, hear my call. I, Ruia, ask for your guidance. Blessed by the powers of Sekhmet, I decree, help me in my time of need."
The Dark Magician and Mystic Elf glowed softly. Yami knelt next to his wife, lending her some of his power.
"Mind of the cards, hear my wife's call. I, Yugioh, King of Games, ask for assistance. Exalted by the abilities of Ra, God of all Egypt, I beset you. Grant us with your presence."
The glow around the cards intensified.
Raya could feel herself growing weaker, but pushed on. 'I have to save Yugi. I can't give up.
"Mystic Elf, grace ourselves with your presence. You're knowledge and soulful insight is needed"
"Dark Magician, your courage and wisdom is needed as well. Come forth so we may save Yugi."
The white light burst from the cards, causing Yami and Raya to fall backwards. Shielding their eyes from the light, no one noticed the two figures before them. When the light died down, hovering above their cards, was the Dark Magician and the Mystic Elf.
"Are you alright Mistress?"
Raya grinned, not wanting to break her magic concentration. "Yes Mystic Elf, I am fine."
Seto stared in amazement. "The cards, they're solid."
"And what did he think the Shadow Games we're like?" Yami answered back. "Dark Magician."
Dark Magician nodded slightly, not responding.
"Guardians of the Divine Family, we call on your protection and wisdom once again. No longer are we in an era of peaceful times. Our only son , Yugi, has been kidnapped by the High Priest Jarha and his sister Satire."
The Dark Magician turned to the Mystic Elf. The two stared at one another in silence and then dropped to their knees. "Master, Mistress. You have our solemn promise. We will help you in any way to get your son back. Ask and it shall be down." Dark Magician pledged.
"Thank you my friends. I'll tell you now, this will be no easy task. Aibou has been taken to the past, Ancient Egypt. We have no way to get there."
"Mystic Elf can you consult the Book of Secret Arts and find the time spell that we desperately need?" Raya felt her magic flickering. Sweat glistened in her hair and brow.
"Of course." She untwined her hands and open the book. "It may take some time to find the particular spell you are looking for however."
"We may not have that time." Raya's breath came out short. 'I must last a bit longer.'
"Are you okay Raya?" Joey knelt next to her.
"Her power is light energy. It is taking double the amount of energy it normally would to ask for us to come here. To awaken our souls. It is the Shadow Realms doing." Dark Magician answered.
"Raya, maybe you should let me help." Yami said.
"It would do no good Master. It is her powers that called us here, her soul willed us here. If she blacks out or loses concentration, we will go back to our Realm once again, sealed back into the Shadow Games. Once again, we will only be cards."
"Mystic Elf, then you must hurry before she loses the battle." Yami exclaimed, realizing that this was the only chance they had to save Yugi. If Raya was to lose control over her magic, it would be days before she would be recovered enough to try again. And even then, there was no guarantee that she could even will the souls back. No this was the only chance that they had.
"I will try." The soul card replied.
"I'll hold out, don't be concerned."
Mystic Elf frantically flipped through the book, desperate to find the right magic spell. Her Mistress would not last much longer, no matter what she said. 'Where is that spell, Yugi is counting on it.' "I've found it!"
"Good job Mystic Elf. Quickly Dark Magician, cast the spell. Your dark power is the only way to open the gate."
Mystic Elf held the book open wide. The Dark Magician read in a loud and clear voice. "Long is the time forget where Kings and Pharaohs once ruled the land. Cronus, open your gates of time and send us back, back to Ancient Egypt!" He pointed his staff forward, opening a portal. "Quickly my friends, into the gate. Save my youngest master."
Mystic Elf stepped forward. "If you need us again Mistress, don't hesitate. It is our duty to protect."
Raya nodded, watching the Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts return to their card forms. "Everyone through the gates. I'll follow last." She grabbed her two cards.
"Come on Mokuba, let's go." Seto and his brother jumped through the gate, followed closely by Bakura, Tea, Joey, and Tristan.
"Ready Raya?" Yami asked.
"Of course. Thank you Dark Magician."
He grinned, and turned back into a card.
"Quick Yami, through the gate before it closes!"
Yami grabbed his card and then Raya. Hand in hand, they jumped into the portal, right before it closed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ugh, who turned on the heater?" Joey groggily asked. He opened his eyes and gasped. In front of him, was a pyramid. "Wow, we're in Egypt. Hey everyone, wake up. The spell, it worked!"
Beside him, Seto groaned. "Joey, what are you wearing?"
Joey glanced down. "AHHH! I'm in a skirt. And so is Tristan."
"That not a skirt Joey, it is what all guards wear."
"Raya? Where are you?" Tea asked.
"Right here." She stepped out behind the pyramid, with Yami in tow.
Tea gasped. "Raya, Yami, you…you're…"
"We know, look like Royalty." The two replied in unison. Yami tossed his red cape behind him. "At least I'm not in full armor this time."
Raya laughed lightly. "Walking is a necessity right now." She wasn't liking this much either. Gracefully, she sat on the sand, legs wrapped behind her. Her white gown settled around her. Absentmindedly, she played with the silk blue sash around her waist.
Yami smirked, then turned serious. "Aibou is here, I can sense him strongly. Can you Raya?"
"Very, but something isn't right with him."
"Something happened to Yugi?" Joey stood quickly. "Let's go."
"Joey, sit down." Raya replied. She cringed at the sound of her voice. It wasn't sharp, just commanding. Yup, she was definitely back in Egypt. The royal command voice was back.
What was more amazing, he listened.
"We can't just sit here while Yugi is in those two clutches. If you're right Raya, then he is in danger." Seto countered. He too was in Egyptian attire. Unlike Joey or Tristan, he had a long blue robe on, tied at the waist with a white sash. Despite the overwhelming heat, he felt perfectly at ease with the clothing.
"We're not, but we have to be smart Seto. Raya and I can't go around the town looking like royals, especially if we are here right after the locking of the Shadow Games. People would know all of us, ask questions we can't answer."
"Then what do we do?"
"Well one of us is going to have to go into town, try to figure out what time we are in. It can't be Raya or Yami, obviously. They look too important to be strolling around a bazaar. Joey and Tristan can't either; nor can Bakura and Seto. So I guess that leaves Mokuba and I to do the work."
"If you think I am letting you and Mokuba go out alone, with the siblings roaming around, think again Tea."
"We'll be fine Seto, don't worry. No one else can go, all of you are too important. At least Mokuba and I look different than we did in ancient, now times. Raya's painting confirms that. We'd be the perfect ones to search."
"She's right big brother. It has to be us." Mokuba stood, dusting off his green robe. Beside him, Tea did the same.
"Tea, please be careful. Just because the siblings are waiting for Yami and I, it doesn't mean they won't attack."
"I know Raya, we'll be careful. Promise." Tea bent down and grabbed Mokuba's hand. "Come on Mokuba, we have work to do."
"The nearest town should be up stream from here. Most of our cities were North, towards the source of the Nile." Yami told the duo. "Stick by the river, you'll bound to run into someone."
Tea nodded and the headed upstream. Nervousness nipped at her subconscious. 'How am I going to learn what time we are in without drawing suspicion to Mokuba and myself? What if I run into the siblings, how can I protect Mokuba? Seto would never forgive me if I let something happen to his brother. I would never forgive myself either.'
Mokuba tugged on Tea's ivory robe. "Tea, do you think Yugi is alright?"
Tea smiled. "Of course he is. Yugi is strong, just like his parents." Even as she spoke the words, she knew neither Mokuba or herself believed the words. Like Raya had said, something felt wrong. And even though she had no real connection to Yugi, she could feel something as well. 'It's like, we've lost Yugi to the darkness. But that would never happen. Would it?' Without realizing it, Tea quickened her pace. The faster they learned what year they were in, what town, the faster they could save Yugi.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The darkness was becoming a familiar sight to Yugi. At one time, the darkness had been a bother, a nuisance. However, now, it was a comfort. One of the few things that hadn't abandoned him.
"Yami, where are you? Was everything you told me a lie? Do you really hate me this badly? To leave me here, alone and cold? I'm sorry for what I have done. I'm sorry I ran away. Please don't hurt me. Momma, don't say you didn't want me. I promise, I'll be good. Please don't hate me." Yugi sobbed.
From the corner of the room, two shadowy figures stood.
"Amazing brother, your powers have completely convinced little Yugi his parents hate him. He will be defenseless when dear Raya and Yami come visiting."
"I know, the verbal beatings had nearly sent him to the edge of destruction, not to mention the physical. I must admit Satire, you do know how to strike fear into a person's heart."
Satire grinned menacingly. "But our work is far from over Jarha. Our prince still have a role to play in our plan. To bring the down fall of his parents."
"Speaking of which, I have felt their arrival. It is only a matter of time before Yugioh and Ruia come looking for their son."
Satire waved her hand absentmindedly through the air. "All is going to plan dear brother. By the time our dearest friends realize where we are, Yugi will have totally given in to his fears."
"And that means…"
"The complete destruction of the Royal Family."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seto sat on the banks of the Nile River. It was amazing, so calm, so serene. Even though he had no real memories of his past life, it felt right to be there, like he had been in this same spot a hundred times before. Just a little way down stream, Raya sat on perched on some rocks. Even from the distance, Seto could understand why Yami had fallen in love with her. When they had arrived, Yami confirmed that he and Raya had reverted to their past life, meaning they looked the same they did then, now. Her hair was longer, down past her waist. Some of it had been braided, others weren't. Nonetheless, to anyone else, she looked like a royal, the tiara gave it away, who didn't have a care in the world. 'If only that was true.'
Tristan moved to sit down next to him. "Does this seem familiar to you as well?"
"The more I see, the more I am here, the more I feel connected to this place."
"Glad I'm not alone. It's funny, I didn't buy this whole past life non sense at first, but now, I can't deny it. Everything about this place, it feels normal. The clothes, the location, everything." Tristan stated.
Seto turned back to Raya, who was now joined by Yami. "Too bad we couldn't be here under better circumstances."
Tristan followed Seto's gaze to the two royals. "Do you think it is true, what they said about Yugi, that something happened to him?"
"I'm not sure. I don't think Satire and Jarha would kill Yugi, they would save that until Yami and Raya could witness it. But I know they have done something to him, something just as bad as death. What that is, I'm not sure. But it definitely has Raya and Yami scared."
"Can you blame them? Their son is with Satire and Jarha. I'd be scared if any of us were hostage to those two, but Yugi especially."
"Why?"
Tristan shrugged. "A variety of reasons I guess. One being that he, like Mokuba, are so innocent, pure. And two being, he's defenseless. Before, he had Yami helping him through the puzzle. But now, he has nothing. Sure he has his own abilities, but he's never used them, never was trained. What happens if he uses them without Yami or Raya around? I'm terrified to think was could happen to him if he does try it."
"I never thought about it like that. I just assumed that he would know how to use them, no harm, no foul. But if what you say is true, then…"
"Yugi is in more danger than we thought. Not only from the siblings, but from his powers as well."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea walked through the town bazaar, gawking at the hustle and bustle of everyday life. "Mokuba, have you ever seen such a sight as this?"
"Once before. At the Cherry Blossom Festival. Seto took me there when I was younger. There were a lot of people there as well."
"A festival? Of course. That is why everyone is out and about. There's must be something going on."
"Don't you know young lady? Today is a day of celebration!"
Tea turned around, coming face to face with an elderly man. "No sir, my brother and I are not from around here. Tell me, what is all the celebrating about?" She tilted her head. 'Why do I feel as if I know this person?'
"Today is the second triad generation of the locking of the Shadow Games! Pharaoh Yugioh gave up his life for his people, to save us all from the games! Today, we honor him for his noble deed. It is a day of revere, but of fun too. Later tonight, the whole village will meet at the old palace and pray for the late Pharaoh's soul."
"The old Palace?"
"Oh yes, a few years after the late Pharaoh's death, the palace was destroyed by enemies. It is in ruins now, expect for the west wing. It still stands. But no one goes there. It is haunted they say."
"Haunted? By what?" Mokuba hid behind Tea.
The Elderly man laughed. "It is nothing but a story, passed on from generation to generation. There is no truth to it. But the story says that Yugioh's son haunted the west wing, the place where he was murdered."
It took everything Tea had not to laugh. 'If only they knew the truth.' "If the old palace is located here, I am assuming my brother and I have final made it to Memphis?"
The man smiled. "You have, welcome my friends to Memphis. May I ask, is this a business or pleasure trip?"
Tea grimaced. How to answer such a question. "A little both. We have friends here that we came to see. On top of that, we do have some minor business to accomplish as well."
"Well, I do hope you stay for the ceremonies. It is a wonderful time."
"I'd like to, however, we have to meet with our friends. It was nice talking with you." Tea ushered Mokuba around the man. They'd take the long way back to camp.
The man turned and watch Tea and Mokuba walk away. 'Perfect. Run little ones. Run back to Yugioh and tell them what you learned. It is only a matter of time before you walk right into our trap.' With that, Jarha changed back and disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm afraid Yami, afraid that our son has fallen to the darkness." Raya said, breaking the stony silence. She picked up a stone and skipped it across the Nile, a skill Yugioh himself had taught her one day.
"Yugi is strong, he wouldn't fall." Yami countered.
Raya sighed. "I wish I had your confidence. I just can't shake the feeling in the pit of my stomach. And it just isn't my abilities telling me that. Call it a mother's instinct, call it whatever. I feel our son slipping and we are just sitting here doing nothing!"
"Raya, Raya look at me."
She turned. Her eyes brimming with tears.
"Don't cry Raya. Yugi will be alright. We have to trust in him. I sense it too, that Yugi is falling from us. I want to do nothing more than run in and save him, but we can't. Not yet. We have to know what time we are in, before you and I can travel. No offensive sweetie, but you look like you own the place. We can't risk someone thinking that we are trying to take over and kill us."
"Or think we are visiting royals and take us to meet the latest Pharaoh. I know, I understand, it's just frustrating. I have never been the patient type and I am not about to start now."
"You patient? That is like calling me rational." Yami laughed. He followed Raya's suit and threw a stone into the Nile too.
"Do you miss it?"
"Miss what? Yugi? Of course."
"No, I know you miss Yugi, we both do. And I want nothing more than to kill both Satire and Jarha. No, what I meant was, do you miss it here? Do you miss living in Egypt?"
Yami paused. As much as he agreed with Raya in wanting to track down the siblings, they couldn't yet. If talking helped take out her frustrations, then so be it. "Sure, times were more peaceful. I miss the people, I miss the thrill of seeing my people happy. I long for the days when you and I could stroll on the Nile and worry about nothing. I wish we could go back to the times where we didn't worry about our son's safety, where we could go outside and not worry about being attacked or not. Yes, there are times I wish we could live here again. But Ruia, think about what we have in the present." Gently, he caressed her cheek. "Could you really give that up? Friends, a second chance with your father and son, your music?"
"And a second chance with you? No, I don't think I could. But, there are times, I wish I could go back to these times. We were born into this age, not the future."
"Raya, tell me your not thinking what I am."
"Thinking what?"
"That your not thinking of staying in this time once we rescue Yugi."
Raya opened her mouth then closed it.
"Raya, you were sent to the future to protect Yugi, you can't stay here. What of Yugi, what of us? You can't stay here. He needs you, I need you."
"Yami, stop it. I have no intention of staying here. Your question just caught me off guard. As much as I want to stay in this time, my life here is over. You're in the future, Yugi, Father, our friends. My foster family is there as well. I can't turn my back on that for some selfish wish."
Yami let out the breath that he had been holding. "Had more worried for a minute Raya."
"Like I said before, my, our time is finished here." She stood and gaze at the water below her. Yami did the same. Together, they started at image. A Pharaoh and his Queen stared back.
"You're right, this chapter closed long ago." He dropped a final rock into the river, causing the image to ripple and disappear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea and Mokuba ran back to where the others were waiting.
Quickly Yami jumped down from the rocks, reaching a hand up to help Raya down. Together they scrambled over to where Mokuba and Tea were.
"Tea, please tell me you have news."
"We do Yami. Sort of. Mokuba and I learned that we are near your home village of Memphis."
"Tea, tell them about the celebration and the haunted house."
"Haunted house? Mokuba, what are you talking about?"
"He means the haunted palace Seto. I'll explain that in a minute. First the celebration. Today is the second triad generation of the locking of the Shadow Games. Every year the people of Memphis and the surrounding areas celebrate Pharaoh Yugioh's heroics. And we've arrived just in time. And the haunted palace is your old living quarters. A few years after your departure, some enemies attacked and the palace was destroyed, except the west wing where Yugi was supposedly killed. The people here feel that it is haunted by Yugi's spirit."
Raya stiffed a giggle. "If only they knew the truth."
"That is what I thought too. But one thing still remains unanswered, okay two. One, what time are we really in, I never got a straight answer, and two were is Yugi being held?"
"I think I can answer the one question."
"Which one Bakura?"
"The time one. Tea, you said that this celebration is the second triad generation?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well a triad is 3, but since it is the second triad, that means it is 6. So we are in the time of the 6 generation of the locking of the Shadow Games."
"Which means, it is the time of our great - great - great - great grandchildren." Raya slowly added.
Bakura nodded. "Right, which means, you two should be able to move freely, no one would recognize you."
"One problem, the tiara would give me away in an instant."
"Cover it. Place something over it." Joey answered. "Now, we're do we think Yugi is being held? Did any of the town people mention any suspicious activity?"
"None."
"Damn it, my best friend is out there, cold and alone and we can't do anything about it!"
Everyone jumped at Joey's outburst.
"I know where to go." Raya stated. She turned to Yami. "You do too, don't you?"
"Back to where it all began, it fits."
"Um, hello, care to fill the rest of us in here?"
"Sorry Seto. She means the palace. That is where the siblings are holding our son."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A large crumbling stone structure rose in the horizon. Bakura gazed at the decaying palace in awe and in horror. The site itself was breath taking, but at the same time, it was a horrid as well. His friend was being held captive in those very walls, against his will. Despite the sun, he could tell that very little light seeped through the cracks. What shape would they find Yugi in?
Raya stopped short at the entrance to her once home. She was suddenly overcome by fear and apprehension.
"Raya, are you alright?"
She hesitated before answering. "I think so, yes I am alright."
Joey came up beside her, not saying a word. He knew full well that his presence would do enough to help calm her down. With everyone with her, he knew Raya would be able to confront the siblings.
Timidly, she stepped forward, then took a more confident stride. Yami and the others quickly followed her lead. At the so called entrance to the West Wing, a torch was hanging, lit and waiting.
"Ironic." Yami said, grabbing the torch. Grabbing Raya's hand, he lead the pack into the dark hallways.
"Where do you think Yugi is being held?" Tristan asked. He glanced around the castle walls. Nothing appeared to been touched or move in years.
Yami shrugged. "There where only bedrooms and servant quarters in the West Wing. I have no idea which room they would hold Yugi in."
'Something is not right here. This has been too easy. Where is Satire and Jarha? I figured that they would greet us at the door, wanting to fight, but instead, we walk right in. This must be a trap.' Raya moved closer to Yami, taking comfort in his confidence.
"Straight or right?" Seto said, breaking Raya's thought process.
"I say right." Tea answered.
"Then right we go."
The light from the torch danced on the walls, giving the hallway an even more creeper feeling.
"What was that?" Raya said suddenly, breaking the stony silence.
"Come again Raya?" asked Mokuba.
"I thought I saw something up ahead, shine the light back up the hallway again."
Light shined back up the hallway, giving away another presence. Up ahead, in the middle of the hallway, laid a shadowy figure.
"YUGI!" Raya ran up the path, leaving Yami and the others behind. Gently she rolled her son over. She gasped when Yami's light shined on his body. Blood clung to her son everywhere. 'Oh Yugi.'
"They'll pay, I'll kill Satire and Jarha for what they did to aibou."
Raya brushed Yugi's hair out of his eyes. "Yugi, sweetie open your eyes. Dad and Mom are here now. Please, open your eyes and left us know you are okay."
Yugi groaned, flinching from the noise and the sudden light. "Momma?"
Smiling, Raya replied yes.
Yugi's eyes snapped open in fear. "No, no. I'm so sorry." He scooted out of Raya's arms.
"Yug, what's wrong?" Joey took a step towards his friend.
"No, get away from me. I won't suffer from your abuse anymore!"
"Abuse? Aibou, what are you taking about?"
"I know you hate me and never wanted me. All you want to do is hurt me!"
Raya gasped. "Yugi, that isn't true. We would never hurt you."
"Lies, all of it."
Yami and Raya stepped closer to their son.
"NO! I said to get away from me! I don't want to be hit and hurt anymore!" Yugi turned and ran down the hall.
"Yugi, come back." Raya shouted, running after her son. She stopped short at the sight before her. "Satire."
Satire stood in tall in the hallway, holding a struggling Yugi in her arms. "Greetings my King, Queen."
Yami unshed his sword, pointing it towards Satire. "Let my son go, NOW"
"There's a laugh. If I let Yugi go, he'll run from all of us."
"What did you do to my son?" Raya asked, taking another step forward. 'I have to be careful here, one wrong word, one wrong step and Yugi's life could end. No, I won't let that happen. I will not fail him again.'
"Nothing, just destroyed his faith in his parents."
Yami and Raya gasped. "No, never. Yugi would never give up on either of us."
Satire smirked. "Oh really? Did he not run from you when he saw you? Tell you he didn't want to be around you?"
"I don't believe it. Aibou would never think that, you're making him say that."
"It's true dad, I saw everything, heard everything you ever told me. You promised you would protect me, and where has that left me? Alone in a cold place trapped with the siblings. Why didn't you come sooner? Why did you come at all? You don't love me, you probably wanted to make sure I was dead. Sorry to disappoint."
"Yugi, I never…" he trailed off.
"Give it up father, I know my fate. I know you won't save me."
"So true little Yugi." Satire turned to group. "If you want your son back Raya, head to the temple. We'll be waiting." With that, she and Yugi disappeared.
Raya stared at the spot where her son just was. Dimly, she felt herself fall to the ground. Seto and Joey leaped forward, catching her before she hit the ground.
Burring her face into her hands, Raya sobbed uncontrollably. "We've lost him, we've lost Yugi to the darkness. Satire turned him against us, don't you understand? My son, he's gone and there is nothing we can do to save him!"
Kris: Emotional Crisis, check.
Anya: Nothing like a little emotional downfall to kick off the school year.
Kris: (dressed in PSU gear) I like college.
Anya: Fine, you may go to my 8am for me.
Kris: On second thought…..
Anya: Figures. I promise, I will try to get the next chapter of asap, but it all depends on finding a computer with the internet hook up.
Anya: Sorry it took so long for this chapter to be posted, I had to move back into my place at college. (ewww, school) And unfortunately, I don't have the internet yet, so getting this chapter up (as well as the next ones) prove difficult. But don't worry, I'll find a way! Also, some of you have been asking when I post, if there is any method to my madness. I have no timeline of when I post, but if you would like, you could give me your email in either a review or send me an email, (my email address is in the directory) and I can send everyone a short email saying that the stories been updated.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm sorry, for a minute there I thought she said she was going to unlock the Shadow Games." Joey said, rubbing his head. "I must be tired."
"Well you may be tired and all, but you heard correctly. I want to unlock the Shadow Games."
"Are you crazy Raya? Wait, don't answer that." Seto said, rolling his eyes. 'She can't unlock that type of power, image what the consequences would be.'
"Yami, a little help here would be appreciated."
"I'm not sure I can help, I agree with the gang. We can't unlock the Shadow Games, can you just imagine the havoc it would cause? No, I wouldn't do it."
Raya rolled her eyes. "Okay, maybe I shouldn't have said I was going to unlock the Shadow Games, bad choice of words. I can't unlock the whole game, one I don't have that type of power, no one does. The only way to do that is to have all seven millennium items, which we don't. And two, never would I even consider doing something that stupid. What I meant when I said that I was going to unlock the games was tap into the games, use a fraction of the power it posses."
"Why Raya? Why even risk unlocking the game at all? Isn't there another way to save Yugi?"
"Unless you know the time spell to get us there Seto, then no. This is the only way. Believe me, if I could, I would do this another way. But I can't. It has to be this way. Now, I'll ask again. Are you going to help me?" Raya said desperately, praying that others would see her reasoning. 'I know this sounds extreme, but there is no other way.'
She meet everyone in the eye.
Mokuba was the first to speak. He was willing to do anything and everything to save his friend. "I'll go. Big Brother?"
"If Mokuba goes, I am definitely in. Besides, we have to save Yugi and if you are sure this is the only way Raya, then what choice do we really have?" Seto replied. 'I still don't like this, but with the fate of the free world on all of shoulders, we may have to risks that we normally wouldn't even consider.'
"Joey? Tristan?" Raya asked, turning to face them, giving them a puppy look.
"Where ever you go Raya, I'm behind you. Consider me your bodyguard once again."
"And that means someone will have to watch Joey, so that means I'm in too."
"If it will save Yugi, count me in as well." Tea added.
"Bakura?" Raya's whole plan revolved around him.
Bakura took a deep breathe and called forth his ring. "Good enough answer?"
Raya grinned. "Yami?"
"I don't like this, but you're right, it is the only way. Besides, you're going to need all the magic you can get. You know I am in."
"Great. Bakura? Will you please do the honors?
Bakura closed his eye tightly, deep in concentration. When he opened them again, the surroundings had changed. Everything was a bluish-black color. The Shadow Realm.
"Raya, are you sure this is going to work?" Yami asked nervously. He still had no idea what his wife was planning to do.
"Um, I'm not a hundred percent sure." Raya grimaced, waiting for the shouts of doubt to come. She didn't have to wait too long.
"WHAT!"
"Seto, calm down. We have to trust in her judgment. We have no other way to save aibou right now. This is the only option we have right now."
"Alright Yami. Raya what are you going to do?"
"Just watch. Yami, come here. The rest of you, stay behind us. And no matter what, don't break the concentration of magic. Even if it looks like I'm or Yami is going to pass out."
"What do you need me to do?" Yami asked, moving to where Raya was standing.
"Pull out the Dark Magician from Yugi's deck, will you?"
"Okay, care to tell me what you are doing?"
"Just trust me, please." She pulled out her own deck, taking two cards out. The Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts.
Yami handed her his card and watch as Raya arranged the two monsters in front of her, placing the magic card between the two. 'Ra, please let this work.'
Raya knelt in front of the cards. Softly she chanted, while the others stared on, waiting to see what happened.
Yami strained to hear what his wife was saying. She wasn't a magician, so what could she be doing? And then, the words rang clear.
"Soul of the cards, hear my call. I, Ruia, ask for your guidance. Blessed by the powers of Sekhmet, I decree, help me in my time of need."
The Dark Magician and Mystic Elf glowed softly. Yami knelt next to his wife, lending her some of his power.
"Mind of the cards, hear my wife's call. I, Yugioh, King of Games, ask for assistance. Exalted by the abilities of Ra, God of all Egypt, I beset you. Grant us with your presence."
The glow around the cards intensified.
Raya could feel herself growing weaker, but pushed on. 'I have to save Yugi. I can't give up.
"Mystic Elf, grace ourselves with your presence. You're knowledge and soulful insight is needed"
"Dark Magician, your courage and wisdom is needed as well. Come forth so we may save Yugi."
The white light burst from the cards, causing Yami and Raya to fall backwards. Shielding their eyes from the light, no one noticed the two figures before them. When the light died down, hovering above their cards, was the Dark Magician and the Mystic Elf.
"Are you alright Mistress?"
Raya grinned, not wanting to break her magic concentration. "Yes Mystic Elf, I am fine."
Seto stared in amazement. "The cards, they're solid."
"And what did he think the Shadow Games we're like?" Yami answered back. "Dark Magician."
Dark Magician nodded slightly, not responding.
"Guardians of the Divine Family, we call on your protection and wisdom once again. No longer are we in an era of peaceful times. Our only son , Yugi, has been kidnapped by the High Priest Jarha and his sister Satire."
The Dark Magician turned to the Mystic Elf. The two stared at one another in silence and then dropped to their knees. "Master, Mistress. You have our solemn promise. We will help you in any way to get your son back. Ask and it shall be down." Dark Magician pledged.
"Thank you my friends. I'll tell you now, this will be no easy task. Aibou has been taken to the past, Ancient Egypt. We have no way to get there."
"Mystic Elf can you consult the Book of Secret Arts and find the time spell that we desperately need?" Raya felt her magic flickering. Sweat glistened in her hair and brow.
"Of course." She untwined her hands and open the book. "It may take some time to find the particular spell you are looking for however."
"We may not have that time." Raya's breath came out short. 'I must last a bit longer.'
"Are you okay Raya?" Joey knelt next to her.
"Her power is light energy. It is taking double the amount of energy it normally would to ask for us to come here. To awaken our souls. It is the Shadow Realms doing." Dark Magician answered.
"Raya, maybe you should let me help." Yami said.
"It would do no good Master. It is her powers that called us here, her soul willed us here. If she blacks out or loses concentration, we will go back to our Realm once again, sealed back into the Shadow Games. Once again, we will only be cards."
"Mystic Elf, then you must hurry before she loses the battle." Yami exclaimed, realizing that this was the only chance they had to save Yugi. If Raya was to lose control over her magic, it would be days before she would be recovered enough to try again. And even then, there was no guarantee that she could even will the souls back. No this was the only chance that they had.
"I will try." The soul card replied.
"I'll hold out, don't be concerned."
Mystic Elf frantically flipped through the book, desperate to find the right magic spell. Her Mistress would not last much longer, no matter what she said. 'Where is that spell, Yugi is counting on it.' "I've found it!"
"Good job Mystic Elf. Quickly Dark Magician, cast the spell. Your dark power is the only way to open the gate."
Mystic Elf held the book open wide. The Dark Magician read in a loud and clear voice. "Long is the time forget where Kings and Pharaohs once ruled the land. Cronus, open your gates of time and send us back, back to Ancient Egypt!" He pointed his staff forward, opening a portal. "Quickly my friends, into the gate. Save my youngest master."
Mystic Elf stepped forward. "If you need us again Mistress, don't hesitate. It is our duty to protect."
Raya nodded, watching the Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts return to their card forms. "Everyone through the gates. I'll follow last." She grabbed her two cards.
"Come on Mokuba, let's go." Seto and his brother jumped through the gate, followed closely by Bakura, Tea, Joey, and Tristan.
"Ready Raya?" Yami asked.
"Of course. Thank you Dark Magician."
He grinned, and turned back into a card.
"Quick Yami, through the gate before it closes!"
Yami grabbed his card and then Raya. Hand in hand, they jumped into the portal, right before it closed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ugh, who turned on the heater?" Joey groggily asked. He opened his eyes and gasped. In front of him, was a pyramid. "Wow, we're in Egypt. Hey everyone, wake up. The spell, it worked!"
Beside him, Seto groaned. "Joey, what are you wearing?"
Joey glanced down. "AHHH! I'm in a skirt. And so is Tristan."
"That not a skirt Joey, it is what all guards wear."
"Raya? Where are you?" Tea asked.
"Right here." She stepped out behind the pyramid, with Yami in tow.
Tea gasped. "Raya, Yami, you…you're…"
"We know, look like Royalty." The two replied in unison. Yami tossed his red cape behind him. "At least I'm not in full armor this time."
Raya laughed lightly. "Walking is a necessity right now." She wasn't liking this much either. Gracefully, she sat on the sand, legs wrapped behind her. Her white gown settled around her. Absentmindedly, she played with the silk blue sash around her waist.
Yami smirked, then turned serious. "Aibou is here, I can sense him strongly. Can you Raya?"
"Very, but something isn't right with him."
"Something happened to Yugi?" Joey stood quickly. "Let's go."
"Joey, sit down." Raya replied. She cringed at the sound of her voice. It wasn't sharp, just commanding. Yup, she was definitely back in Egypt. The royal command voice was back.
What was more amazing, he listened.
"We can't just sit here while Yugi is in those two clutches. If you're right Raya, then he is in danger." Seto countered. He too was in Egyptian attire. Unlike Joey or Tristan, he had a long blue robe on, tied at the waist with a white sash. Despite the overwhelming heat, he felt perfectly at ease with the clothing.
"We're not, but we have to be smart Seto. Raya and I can't go around the town looking like royals, especially if we are here right after the locking of the Shadow Games. People would know all of us, ask questions we can't answer."
"Then what do we do?"
"Well one of us is going to have to go into town, try to figure out what time we are in. It can't be Raya or Yami, obviously. They look too important to be strolling around a bazaar. Joey and Tristan can't either; nor can Bakura and Seto. So I guess that leaves Mokuba and I to do the work."
"If you think I am letting you and Mokuba go out alone, with the siblings roaming around, think again Tea."
"We'll be fine Seto, don't worry. No one else can go, all of you are too important. At least Mokuba and I look different than we did in ancient, now times. Raya's painting confirms that. We'd be the perfect ones to search."
"She's right big brother. It has to be us." Mokuba stood, dusting off his green robe. Beside him, Tea did the same.
"Tea, please be careful. Just because the siblings are waiting for Yami and I, it doesn't mean they won't attack."
"I know Raya, we'll be careful. Promise." Tea bent down and grabbed Mokuba's hand. "Come on Mokuba, we have work to do."
"The nearest town should be up stream from here. Most of our cities were North, towards the source of the Nile." Yami told the duo. "Stick by the river, you'll bound to run into someone."
Tea nodded and the headed upstream. Nervousness nipped at her subconscious. 'How am I going to learn what time we are in without drawing suspicion to Mokuba and myself? What if I run into the siblings, how can I protect Mokuba? Seto would never forgive me if I let something happen to his brother. I would never forgive myself either.'
Mokuba tugged on Tea's ivory robe. "Tea, do you think Yugi is alright?"
Tea smiled. "Of course he is. Yugi is strong, just like his parents." Even as she spoke the words, she knew neither Mokuba or herself believed the words. Like Raya had said, something felt wrong. And even though she had no real connection to Yugi, she could feel something as well. 'It's like, we've lost Yugi to the darkness. But that would never happen. Would it?' Without realizing it, Tea quickened her pace. The faster they learned what year they were in, what town, the faster they could save Yugi.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The darkness was becoming a familiar sight to Yugi. At one time, the darkness had been a bother, a nuisance. However, now, it was a comfort. One of the few things that hadn't abandoned him.
"Yami, where are you? Was everything you told me a lie? Do you really hate me this badly? To leave me here, alone and cold? I'm sorry for what I have done. I'm sorry I ran away. Please don't hurt me. Momma, don't say you didn't want me. I promise, I'll be good. Please don't hate me." Yugi sobbed.
From the corner of the room, two shadowy figures stood.
"Amazing brother, your powers have completely convinced little Yugi his parents hate him. He will be defenseless when dear Raya and Yami come visiting."
"I know, the verbal beatings had nearly sent him to the edge of destruction, not to mention the physical. I must admit Satire, you do know how to strike fear into a person's heart."
Satire grinned menacingly. "But our work is far from over Jarha. Our prince still have a role to play in our plan. To bring the down fall of his parents."
"Speaking of which, I have felt their arrival. It is only a matter of time before Yugioh and Ruia come looking for their son."
Satire waved her hand absentmindedly through the air. "All is going to plan dear brother. By the time our dearest friends realize where we are, Yugi will have totally given in to his fears."
"And that means…"
"The complete destruction of the Royal Family."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seto sat on the banks of the Nile River. It was amazing, so calm, so serene. Even though he had no real memories of his past life, it felt right to be there, like he had been in this same spot a hundred times before. Just a little way down stream, Raya sat on perched on some rocks. Even from the distance, Seto could understand why Yami had fallen in love with her. When they had arrived, Yami confirmed that he and Raya had reverted to their past life, meaning they looked the same they did then, now. Her hair was longer, down past her waist. Some of it had been braided, others weren't. Nonetheless, to anyone else, she looked like a royal, the tiara gave it away, who didn't have a care in the world. 'If only that was true.'
Tristan moved to sit down next to him. "Does this seem familiar to you as well?"
"The more I see, the more I am here, the more I feel connected to this place."
"Glad I'm not alone. It's funny, I didn't buy this whole past life non sense at first, but now, I can't deny it. Everything about this place, it feels normal. The clothes, the location, everything." Tristan stated.
Seto turned back to Raya, who was now joined by Yami. "Too bad we couldn't be here under better circumstances."
Tristan followed Seto's gaze to the two royals. "Do you think it is true, what they said about Yugi, that something happened to him?"
"I'm not sure. I don't think Satire and Jarha would kill Yugi, they would save that until Yami and Raya could witness it. But I know they have done something to him, something just as bad as death. What that is, I'm not sure. But it definitely has Raya and Yami scared."
"Can you blame them? Their son is with Satire and Jarha. I'd be scared if any of us were hostage to those two, but Yugi especially."
"Why?"
Tristan shrugged. "A variety of reasons I guess. One being that he, like Mokuba, are so innocent, pure. And two being, he's defenseless. Before, he had Yami helping him through the puzzle. But now, he has nothing. Sure he has his own abilities, but he's never used them, never was trained. What happens if he uses them without Yami or Raya around? I'm terrified to think was could happen to him if he does try it."
"I never thought about it like that. I just assumed that he would know how to use them, no harm, no foul. But if what you say is true, then…"
"Yugi is in more danger than we thought. Not only from the siblings, but from his powers as well."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea walked through the town bazaar, gawking at the hustle and bustle of everyday life. "Mokuba, have you ever seen such a sight as this?"
"Once before. At the Cherry Blossom Festival. Seto took me there when I was younger. There were a lot of people there as well."
"A festival? Of course. That is why everyone is out and about. There's must be something going on."
"Don't you know young lady? Today is a day of celebration!"
Tea turned around, coming face to face with an elderly man. "No sir, my brother and I are not from around here. Tell me, what is all the celebrating about?" She tilted her head. 'Why do I feel as if I know this person?'
"Today is the second triad generation of the locking of the Shadow Games! Pharaoh Yugioh gave up his life for his people, to save us all from the games! Today, we honor him for his noble deed. It is a day of revere, but of fun too. Later tonight, the whole village will meet at the old palace and pray for the late Pharaoh's soul."
"The old Palace?"
"Oh yes, a few years after the late Pharaoh's death, the palace was destroyed by enemies. It is in ruins now, expect for the west wing. It still stands. But no one goes there. It is haunted they say."
"Haunted? By what?" Mokuba hid behind Tea.
The Elderly man laughed. "It is nothing but a story, passed on from generation to generation. There is no truth to it. But the story says that Yugioh's son haunted the west wing, the place where he was murdered."
It took everything Tea had not to laugh. 'If only they knew the truth.' "If the old palace is located here, I am assuming my brother and I have final made it to Memphis?"
The man smiled. "You have, welcome my friends to Memphis. May I ask, is this a business or pleasure trip?"
Tea grimaced. How to answer such a question. "A little both. We have friends here that we came to see. On top of that, we do have some minor business to accomplish as well."
"Well, I do hope you stay for the ceremonies. It is a wonderful time."
"I'd like to, however, we have to meet with our friends. It was nice talking with you." Tea ushered Mokuba around the man. They'd take the long way back to camp.
The man turned and watch Tea and Mokuba walk away. 'Perfect. Run little ones. Run back to Yugioh and tell them what you learned. It is only a matter of time before you walk right into our trap.' With that, Jarha changed back and disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm afraid Yami, afraid that our son has fallen to the darkness." Raya said, breaking the stony silence. She picked up a stone and skipped it across the Nile, a skill Yugioh himself had taught her one day.
"Yugi is strong, he wouldn't fall." Yami countered.
Raya sighed. "I wish I had your confidence. I just can't shake the feeling in the pit of my stomach. And it just isn't my abilities telling me that. Call it a mother's instinct, call it whatever. I feel our son slipping and we are just sitting here doing nothing!"
"Raya, Raya look at me."
She turned. Her eyes brimming with tears.
"Don't cry Raya. Yugi will be alright. We have to trust in him. I sense it too, that Yugi is falling from us. I want to do nothing more than run in and save him, but we can't. Not yet. We have to know what time we are in, before you and I can travel. No offensive sweetie, but you look like you own the place. We can't risk someone thinking that we are trying to take over and kill us."
"Or think we are visiting royals and take us to meet the latest Pharaoh. I know, I understand, it's just frustrating. I have never been the patient type and I am not about to start now."
"You patient? That is like calling me rational." Yami laughed. He followed Raya's suit and threw a stone into the Nile too.
"Do you miss it?"
"Miss what? Yugi? Of course."
"No, I know you miss Yugi, we both do. And I want nothing more than to kill both Satire and Jarha. No, what I meant was, do you miss it here? Do you miss living in Egypt?"
Yami paused. As much as he agreed with Raya in wanting to track down the siblings, they couldn't yet. If talking helped take out her frustrations, then so be it. "Sure, times were more peaceful. I miss the people, I miss the thrill of seeing my people happy. I long for the days when you and I could stroll on the Nile and worry about nothing. I wish we could go back to the times where we didn't worry about our son's safety, where we could go outside and not worry about being attacked or not. Yes, there are times I wish we could live here again. But Ruia, think about what we have in the present." Gently, he caressed her cheek. "Could you really give that up? Friends, a second chance with your father and son, your music?"
"And a second chance with you? No, I don't think I could. But, there are times, I wish I could go back to these times. We were born into this age, not the future."
"Raya, tell me your not thinking what I am."
"Thinking what?"
"That your not thinking of staying in this time once we rescue Yugi."
Raya opened her mouth then closed it.
"Raya, you were sent to the future to protect Yugi, you can't stay here. What of Yugi, what of us? You can't stay here. He needs you, I need you."
"Yami, stop it. I have no intention of staying here. Your question just caught me off guard. As much as I want to stay in this time, my life here is over. You're in the future, Yugi, Father, our friends. My foster family is there as well. I can't turn my back on that for some selfish wish."
Yami let out the breath that he had been holding. "Had more worried for a minute Raya."
"Like I said before, my, our time is finished here." She stood and gaze at the water below her. Yami did the same. Together, they started at image. A Pharaoh and his Queen stared back.
"You're right, this chapter closed long ago." He dropped a final rock into the river, causing the image to ripple and disappear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea and Mokuba ran back to where the others were waiting.
Quickly Yami jumped down from the rocks, reaching a hand up to help Raya down. Together they scrambled over to where Mokuba and Tea were.
"Tea, please tell me you have news."
"We do Yami. Sort of. Mokuba and I learned that we are near your home village of Memphis."
"Tea, tell them about the celebration and the haunted house."
"Haunted house? Mokuba, what are you talking about?"
"He means the haunted palace Seto. I'll explain that in a minute. First the celebration. Today is the second triad generation of the locking of the Shadow Games. Every year the people of Memphis and the surrounding areas celebrate Pharaoh Yugioh's heroics. And we've arrived just in time. And the haunted palace is your old living quarters. A few years after your departure, some enemies attacked and the palace was destroyed, except the west wing where Yugi was supposedly killed. The people here feel that it is haunted by Yugi's spirit."
Raya stiffed a giggle. "If only they knew the truth."
"That is what I thought too. But one thing still remains unanswered, okay two. One, what time are we really in, I never got a straight answer, and two were is Yugi being held?"
"I think I can answer the one question."
"Which one Bakura?"
"The time one. Tea, you said that this celebration is the second triad generation?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well a triad is 3, but since it is the second triad, that means it is 6. So we are in the time of the 6 generation of the locking of the Shadow Games."
"Which means, it is the time of our great - great - great - great grandchildren." Raya slowly added.
Bakura nodded. "Right, which means, you two should be able to move freely, no one would recognize you."
"One problem, the tiara would give me away in an instant."
"Cover it. Place something over it." Joey answered. "Now, we're do we think Yugi is being held? Did any of the town people mention any suspicious activity?"
"None."
"Damn it, my best friend is out there, cold and alone and we can't do anything about it!"
Everyone jumped at Joey's outburst.
"I know where to go." Raya stated. She turned to Yami. "You do too, don't you?"
"Back to where it all began, it fits."
"Um, hello, care to fill the rest of us in here?"
"Sorry Seto. She means the palace. That is where the siblings are holding our son."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A large crumbling stone structure rose in the horizon. Bakura gazed at the decaying palace in awe and in horror. The site itself was breath taking, but at the same time, it was a horrid as well. His friend was being held captive in those very walls, against his will. Despite the sun, he could tell that very little light seeped through the cracks. What shape would they find Yugi in?
Raya stopped short at the entrance to her once home. She was suddenly overcome by fear and apprehension.
"Raya, are you alright?"
She hesitated before answering. "I think so, yes I am alright."
Joey came up beside her, not saying a word. He knew full well that his presence would do enough to help calm her down. With everyone with her, he knew Raya would be able to confront the siblings.
Timidly, she stepped forward, then took a more confident stride. Yami and the others quickly followed her lead. At the so called entrance to the West Wing, a torch was hanging, lit and waiting.
"Ironic." Yami said, grabbing the torch. Grabbing Raya's hand, he lead the pack into the dark hallways.
"Where do you think Yugi is being held?" Tristan asked. He glanced around the castle walls. Nothing appeared to been touched or move in years.
Yami shrugged. "There where only bedrooms and servant quarters in the West Wing. I have no idea which room they would hold Yugi in."
'Something is not right here. This has been too easy. Where is Satire and Jarha? I figured that they would greet us at the door, wanting to fight, but instead, we walk right in. This must be a trap.' Raya moved closer to Yami, taking comfort in his confidence.
"Straight or right?" Seto said, breaking Raya's thought process.
"I say right." Tea answered.
"Then right we go."
The light from the torch danced on the walls, giving the hallway an even more creeper feeling.
"What was that?" Raya said suddenly, breaking the stony silence.
"Come again Raya?" asked Mokuba.
"I thought I saw something up ahead, shine the light back up the hallway again."
Light shined back up the hallway, giving away another presence. Up ahead, in the middle of the hallway, laid a shadowy figure.
"YUGI!" Raya ran up the path, leaving Yami and the others behind. Gently she rolled her son over. She gasped when Yami's light shined on his body. Blood clung to her son everywhere. 'Oh Yugi.'
"They'll pay, I'll kill Satire and Jarha for what they did to aibou."
Raya brushed Yugi's hair out of his eyes. "Yugi, sweetie open your eyes. Dad and Mom are here now. Please, open your eyes and left us know you are okay."
Yugi groaned, flinching from the noise and the sudden light. "Momma?"
Smiling, Raya replied yes.
Yugi's eyes snapped open in fear. "No, no. I'm so sorry." He scooted out of Raya's arms.
"Yug, what's wrong?" Joey took a step towards his friend.
"No, get away from me. I won't suffer from your abuse anymore!"
"Abuse? Aibou, what are you taking about?"
"I know you hate me and never wanted me. All you want to do is hurt me!"
Raya gasped. "Yugi, that isn't true. We would never hurt you."
"Lies, all of it."
Yami and Raya stepped closer to their son.
"NO! I said to get away from me! I don't want to be hit and hurt anymore!" Yugi turned and ran down the hall.
"Yugi, come back." Raya shouted, running after her son. She stopped short at the sight before her. "Satire."
Satire stood in tall in the hallway, holding a struggling Yugi in her arms. "Greetings my King, Queen."
Yami unshed his sword, pointing it towards Satire. "Let my son go, NOW"
"There's a laugh. If I let Yugi go, he'll run from all of us."
"What did you do to my son?" Raya asked, taking another step forward. 'I have to be careful here, one wrong word, one wrong step and Yugi's life could end. No, I won't let that happen. I will not fail him again.'
"Nothing, just destroyed his faith in his parents."
Yami and Raya gasped. "No, never. Yugi would never give up on either of us."
Satire smirked. "Oh really? Did he not run from you when he saw you? Tell you he didn't want to be around you?"
"I don't believe it. Aibou would never think that, you're making him say that."
"It's true dad, I saw everything, heard everything you ever told me. You promised you would protect me, and where has that left me? Alone in a cold place trapped with the siblings. Why didn't you come sooner? Why did you come at all? You don't love me, you probably wanted to make sure I was dead. Sorry to disappoint."
"Yugi, I never…" he trailed off.
"Give it up father, I know my fate. I know you won't save me."
"So true little Yugi." Satire turned to group. "If you want your son back Raya, head to the temple. We'll be waiting." With that, she and Yugi disappeared.
Raya stared at the spot where her son just was. Dimly, she felt herself fall to the ground. Seto and Joey leaped forward, catching her before she hit the ground.
Burring her face into her hands, Raya sobbed uncontrollably. "We've lost him, we've lost Yugi to the darkness. Satire turned him against us, don't you understand? My son, he's gone and there is nothing we can do to save him!"
Kris: Emotional Crisis, check.
Anya: Nothing like a little emotional downfall to kick off the school year.
Kris: (dressed in PSU gear) I like college.
Anya: Fine, you may go to my 8am for me.
Kris: On second thought…..
Anya: Figures. I promise, I will try to get the next chapter of asap, but it all depends on finding a computer with the internet hook up.