Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story except Raya, Satire and Jarha. That is it.
Kris: (walks in and see Anya's searching under desk and bed) What are you doing?
Anya: Searching for poodles.
Kris: Poodles!?!
Anya Yes, rabid green, pink, and blue ones. AH!
Kris: (now hanging on the ceiling fan) WHAT?
Anya: Dust bunny.
Kris: Don't do that!
Anya: Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and a special thanks to Sparky16 for reviewing every chapter (including my others stories as well ^_^ ) and giving me the motives to write faster. (looks behind her for the poodles)
Also, The Dragon Master, I must credit you with part of this chapter. Your question about mutating light to darkness gave me a whole new issue to tackle, one I hope people will like. Thank you.
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"Oh my god…" Yami muttered. "Exodia, Yugi's guardian is Exodia." It was inconceivable. But yet, the evidence was there. Exodia stood behind Yugi in his glories form.
Across the room, Raya and Satire were having similar reactions. Raya stood speechless, in awe of the great powers that Yugi posed. Not even she realized how great her son's powers were. 'Amon - Ra, thank you. I know that it was you who blessed Yugi with these gifts. I understand now why so many people feared my son. To have Exodia as your guardian means you granted my son with the powers of a god. Thank you.'
"No, this can't be…" Satire whispered. "We have worked too hard to get to this point. And I will not let some child defeat me." Quietly, Satire conjured up her abilities. She would eliminate the young heir before he had a chance to test his powers on her.
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Seto stared at the illusion of Exodia. 'Yugi did it, I can't believe it. Then again, yes I can. The kid never gave up, never said die. And the fact that Exodia is Yugi's guardian shouldn't surprise me either. Yugi was and still is the only duelist to ever call forth Exodia in a duel.' The memory of being defeat by Exodia and Yugi still rang clear in Seto's mind. 'It makes sense that he would be Yugi's guardian as well. That is why Yugi was able to assemble Exodia, a god card. Because he and Yugi are one in the same. I bet that is why the cards react so well to Yugi too. Sure the heart of the cards plays a dominate role in the reaction, but I bet Yugi's power influence the cards too. They sensed when Yugi, the heir was in danger, and protected him. Because they all knew what an important role he would play one day. Simply amazing.'
Next to him, Joey had face faulted. He too never excepted such a powerful and all dominating card to be Yugi's protector, as well as sharer of the realm. 'This is it, the turning of the tide. This is where we take control of the ball and never look back. This is where we win.' Fighting against the pain, but not allowing it to show on his face, Joey climbed to his feet. Holding his sword, he moved over to stand next to his best friend. It was time to end everything.
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Yugi didn't even flinch when the room gasped when his guardian appeared nor when Joey moved to stand beside him. In that moment, all Yugi could fear was anger and rage. No longer was the innocence, the purity, and the light he once posed was there. Instead, he felt well destructive. He stared at Satire and Jarha. The two people who threatened to take away all the happiness in his life, who endangered his parents, his friends, and his grandfather. The people who would stop at nothing to destroy everyone's happiness, just for there own selfish wish. Who would destroy the past, present, and future, just to get what they want. He couldn't let that happen, wouldn't let that happen. Not now, not ever.
"Satire, Jarha. You tried to take my family and friends from me. You tried to deny the world the futures they have grown accustom too. All in the name of some selfish dream. What do you have to say for yourselves? What possible explanation do you have? Do you have any at all? Why would you ruin so many lives, ones that have nothing to do with this at all? WHY!" Yugi shouted, trying to control his temper, but not succeeding at all.
Jarha was the first one to take a small step back intimidation. Subconscious of course, or so he tried to convince himself. Never had he seen the young heir so vicious, so driven, so willing to do whatever it took to win. Yugi was almost acting like his sister and he. He had no answer for the Divine Son, well none that he would like.
Satire on the other hand, did. "Because foolish one, we always get what we want and deserve." She threw the magic ball towards Yugi with disturbing speed.
The purple ball zipped towards Yugi, who just stared at the ball. Emotion was absent from his face. He made no movement to stop the ball or to retaliate.
"Yugi! Do something!" Raya screamed from her position. 'I have to do something, anything. My son's life is in danger, again. And I can not do a thing about it. My magic can't reach him in time, besides it can't counter a magic spell.' "YUGI!" Raya closed her eyes, she couldn't watch this again. 'Noooo.'
Dimly, Yugi heard Raya's shouts, but only in the back of his mind. Time slowed as the ball neared him. 'Please Raya, just trust me. I am not going to die here today, not when I just got my family back.' At the last moment, the ball of energy flew back towards Satire.
"How, you didn't even move!" Satire screamed in rage.
Yugi smirked. "Please, you think your powers can match that of a gods? I can't believe you have the nerve to insult Ra - Amon and Exodia like that. Wow, you do want to die, don't you?"
Satire stomped her foot in frustration and screamed loudly. "You may be able to protect yourself from my powers, but there is one person in this room that you can't protect, no matter how hard you try." She brought her hands together and chanted softly. Soon, the words rang clear.
"Ying, Yang.
You and I.
Sisters by magic
Enemies by fate.
Bounded by the soul.
You and I.
One of light
One of darkness.
Together we are one
Apart we are deadly.
My Ying
To your Yang.
Light is strong,
But Darkness is stronger
And the sisters are no more
As the Yang rebels.
And the Ying is no more.
Forever lost
In the realm of the Yang.
Darkness."
Raya inched backwards. 'Not good, not good. I have been beaten by Satire's powers at every turn. There is no way I can beat her. Yugi's power can't override Satire's, can it?' Unknown to Raya, a black vortex was creeping up behind her. She had no idea she was backing right into it.
Yami felt his throat dry up. His wife was backing right into Satire's spell and he was no position to save her. She would hit the apparition before he could reach her. 'Ruia…'
"RAYA! BEHIND YOU!" someone shouted.
Raya whipped around. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came, only a small squeak. The darkness came crashing down around Raya. She was done for, no doubt about it. She felt something slam into her and then nothing but darkness.
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Groggily, Raya opened her eyes. 'Check, one massive headache.' She blinked her eyes and then screamed. "TEA! No!"
Tea stood in front of her, only her friend didn't respond. Tea was still as death, only the light shallow sounds of her breathing gave it away that she was still alive. Raya turned to face her enemy. "What the hell did you do to her?"
Satire shrugged. "It was supposed to kill you, but since that girl had to go and be all noble and save you, I have no idea what the little spell will do to a non - soul realm poser. Not that it matters much. It is just one less person to deal with.. No sweat of my back."
If Raya was mad, Seto was furious. "Does anyone mean anything to you at all? Do you even care about your own brother!" Seto lunged for the girl, only to be restrained by Yugi.
"We'll save her Seto, I promise you. But know is not the time to lose our heads." Yugi stated wisely. Even as he spoke the words, he knew that neither Seto or himself believe them. Yugi's eyes never wavered from Tea. 'I promise you Tea. I will save you. You risked your life for us, for Raya. Thank you. You have my vow, I will save you, somehow.'
Across the floor, Yami finally had enough of the running. 'No more will I run and let my friends stand in the line of fire. It is time to stop cowering in the background.' Carefully, Yami moved towards Jarha and his sister. Neither was watching the once Pharaoh. 'There is your fatal mistake.' Gathering his powers inside of him, Yami shout out his hand and called out "Obliterate!"
Leaping into the air, Jarha flipped over the beam, landing behind the king of games. "Now that isn't very nice Pharaoh. Attacking my sister and I when our backs are to you. Why, you are becoming more like us with each passing moment." Jarha said, grabbing the back of Yami's cape and pulling him to the floor.
Within moments, the two were on the ground, punches flying. Seto and Tristan felt compelled to help, but both knew that they couldn't. The injuries they had sustained would give Jarha the edge he would need over Yami. They couldn't do that to Yami, not when so much was at stake. No, it was best to remain and protect Yugi, even if they didn't like it much.
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Satire and Raya watched each other intently. Both waited for the other to make the first move. Well, Satire was at least. Raya watched as Joey crept his way over towards Satire, sword outward, waiting to strike at the right moment.
"So your highness, are you ready to die? I killed you once before. I can surly do it again. Only this time, things will be a lot better. I have an audience this time, including your son!"
"I was weak before Satire. I let your mind games get to me. Not this time. I am stronger, wiser and definitely trained better to fight you. Go ahead and try to beat me. It won't work. I will never be defeated as long as someone threatens my friends, my family. And you definitely fit that profile."
"That's what you think Raya." Satire stepped out of the way, just as Joey's sword came crashing down. It hit the ground just centimeters from Raya's face.
The two locked eyes. Joey gasped at what he almost did. The sword fell from his hands, trembling at the thought at almost killing his friend. 'I almost killed her, I almost killed Raya.'
Raya stared at the metal in front of her. 'That was close, too close.' Before she could comfort Joey, the two flew through the air into the back wall. The two looked up to see Satire hovering just above them, purple energy ball in hand.
"Any last words?"
Raya smiled. "Just one…die!"
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Tea opened her eyes and blinked. Battles were going on all around her. Joey and Raya facing off with Satire, Yami battling Jarha. She moved to help Raya. The girl was in a lot danger if what Satire said was true, that darkness was indeed stronger. But that couldn't be the case, could it? Tea moved forward, and then gasped. She couldn't move. She tried again. Nothing.
'What the hell?'
Desperately, Tea struggled to move her limbs, but nothing worked. She remained frozen to her spot. Tears formed behind her eyes, but didn't fall. 'What happened to me?'
The darkness that had to be it.
'Whatever that spell Satire summed, it was meant to kill, but yet, here I am trapped in limbo. Why? Is it because I don't pose the realm of soul? That must be it. But how do I break the spell? I have to get back to the real world. Yami and Raya need all the help they can get.'
Tea tried everything so could think of, but nothing broke the spell. She was trapped, for now. Even though everything was dull gray, the images before her was perfectly clear, to much of her dismay. Joey and Raya trapped, Yami pinned to the ground, and Yugi looking more like Jarha than she cared to admit. Is this what it was going to take to save the future? Raya, Yami, and Yugi changing for the worse? To become something that they weren't? The rage they held in their eyes, it wasn't normal. But if this is what it took to save the world, it was worth it, right?
Even as she thought the words, she knew that it wasn't true. 'I have to get back there, stop them from giving into the darkness that they are heading for. But with me here trapped in limbo, I can't warn them. But the family is wavering closely to the evil they swore to defeat, I must try. Because if all three fall, then the future is doomed forever.'
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Raya parried every attack that Satire threw her way. Despite the overwhelming exhaustion, Raya knew that she couldn't quit, couldn't give into the fatigue she was feeling. Emotion was a weakness, one she couldn't afford to plummet too. 'No, I have to win, I have to stop Satire and Jarha. Make them pay for the pain and suffering they put my son through. Nothing will prevent me from the revenge they deserve, absolutely nothing. I will make them pay.'
"So my Queen, how does it fear to embrace the dark side?"
"I haven't embrace the dark side Satire, you need to check a mirror. I am nothing like you or your brother. NOTHING. I fight to protect that future that we all have come to know, to protect the love and harmony we have established. And I won't let some sadistic magician like you ruin that for my friends and family. I'll kill you first."
Satire grinned. 'The longer the fight draws out, the closer Raya steps into the darker side of her magic. Granted, her powers are light, but it never went unsaid that she couldn't be evil anyway. Yes, that would be a fitting punishment for Yugi. He has no problems fighting my brother and I, but if he had to fight his mother, well then, things could turn out very different. I must convince Raya to accept her new found powers.'
"Kill me if you will, I have no fear. I know you could never defeat me. My powers are strong, after all, look what I did to your precious baby. So defenseless, so vulnerable. It was almost too easily to break his will. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy making him suffer. To make him bleed, to make him doubt in his parents love, in fact, it was one of the biggest thrills of my young life. I would do it all again too." Satire said, smiling sweetly.
Fire grew in Raya's eye. "You forget one thing Satire, Yugi was stronger than you in the end. He broke your spells and found the truth. And as for ever hurting him again, go ahead and try it. I will stop you first."
Inwardly, Satire grinned. 'Oh I may not be able to beat your son's magic Ruia, but I can beat him emotionally. And if you and your family falls to the darkness, well, that would just about kill poor little Yugi.'
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Yugi felt his patience thinning. 'Raya, Yami get out of the way. I can't risk using my powers with you two there. The chance of me hitting you is too great. Please move.' As Yugi thought that, he knew his parents would never back down from the fight. Like he, they were driven by their emotions. They wanted nothing more than revenge. He was just going to have to wait and pick his moment of attack. 'Just leave some for me.'
Behind him, his friends had gathered, mostly to recover. Seto was having more and more trouble breathing with each passing moment. It wasn't looking good for the once High Priest, something was seriously wrong. Tristan's cut was still bleeding, but at least Bakura's make shift bandage slowed it some. Even still, it was going to need stitches and soon. Tristan was losing too much blood. Mokuba, clinging to his brother, hoping against hope that Seto would be okay, that everyone would be okay. But as the seconds past, a little bit more of that faith diminished. Bakura, who was more hurt than he was letting on. It had taken a lot of energy to defeat Jarha's magic, and maybe too much. Every step he took, Bakura swayed. Joey, who stood next to Yugi, waiting for the right moment to strike. Even in his exhausted state, there was Joey ever present and willing to protect. Even if he killed himself doing it. And finally there was Tea…
'Oh Tea…'
Yugi gulped as he stared at his friend, frozen in some hell. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall. The young woman had risked her life, to ensure that the Royal Family would be able to battle. In the back of his mind, Yugi couldn't help but wonder if Tea was the first of his friends to fall. He wanted to believe that she was still alive, but after everything that had happened, it was hard not to think the worst.
'No, I refuse to believe that one of my best friends is gone. I will save her and the rest of my friends. They have risked everything to save me. Their lives, their futures, their dreams. I will not let someone like Satire and Jarha defeat me. I will have my revenge, for my friends.'
"Joey, stand down. This is a battle between the royals, please protect the others."
"Are you sure Yugi?" Joey asked. "I mean, is it safe?"
"Probably not, but I ask you, when has it ever?"
Joey paused. "I guess never, but not much else can surprise me at this point. Just promise me Yug, that you'll be careful. You're my best friend after all."
"I will, don't worry." Yugi ran to join his parents in battle. 'Gotta help.' Yugi was able to make it half way across the floor when he felt the beam of light hit into his tiny chest.
"YUGI!" Everyone screamed. Yami and Raya desperately tried to get to their son, who was lying motionless on the ground. But neither could get around the siblings.
'Well, that hurt.' Yugi thought as he brought his hand up to his head. He could feel the hot sticky liquid between his fingers. 'What happened?' Sitting up, Yugi saw what happened.
Standing in the middle of the room was a tall man, with black curly hair. He was dressed all in black. Turning to face Joey, he mouthed. 'It just got a lot worse.' Gingerly getting to his feet, Yugi stared at the man. Then he spoke.
"Well, I was beginning to wonder when you would show your face Ares."
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The Greek God gave Yugi a snide glance before speaking. "You are the boy that everyone feared? The baby that was to pose great and unlimited powers? Please, I've seen mortals stronger than you. I'll crush you like a grape."
Yugi gulped, but didn't back down. This was his battle to fight, no one else's. He waved back his friends, no need for them to fight in a battle that they could never defend themselves in. No, this was a battle between gods. Egyptian and Greek alike. And it was up to Yugi to do so. Raya had Satire to deal with and Yami had Jarha. He was on his own. His powers versus the god of war. Somehow, it just didn't seem like a fair battle. Ares had immortality on his side, not to mention years of combat under his belt and Yugi? He just learned of his powers.
'I won't fail you Amon - Ra. You gave me these powers to protect Egypt and the future. I will fight. Even if it costs me my life again. I understand that this is my role in life, even if it seems unfair. I will battle, for love, for peace, for revenge on the ones who threaten to destroy all we have every worked for. I won't fail you, you have my promise as the Divine Son, heir to ancient Egypt. I will not let you down.'
Yugi took a fighter's stance in front of Ares. 'I maybe tiny, but I pose more power than you ever will. Sure, you may have immortality on your side, and that means I can't kill you, but I promise you, I will win this fight. And make you pay for what you have done to this family, my family and country. You will regret the day you met the Royal Family and the Divine Son.'
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Yami watched the battle between his son and Ares out of the corner of his eyes. Unable to help, Yami doubled his effort and rage against Jarha. Nothing matter anymore, except making the siblings pay for what they had done. In the back of his mind, Yami felt the warning signals go off. Something about the way he was acting, it was familiar, but yet, he continued to ignore them. Right now, all his concentration went to either protecting himself from Jarha or hitting his once High Priest.
"You should quit now Yugioh, you don't have the powers or the mind set to beat me."
Yami gave no reply, but rather shot out his mind breaker towards Jarha. The High Priest skipped out of harms way. "Is that the best you can do Yami? Surly someone with your rank would have more control over his abilities, why you're no stronger than a infant."
Inwardly, Jarha laughed. Even though he had no idea how his sister was fairing with Ruia, he could tell Satire was winning the mental battle. He could feel Ruia slipping, giving into the darkness she swore to fight against. And if she could be turned so easily, he might be able to do the same to Yami. Say the right key words and Yami would fall just as well. Granted, it was a risky move, but the rewards were greater. 'Imagine, the Pharaoh and the Queen could rule again, only this time with damped spirits and clouded minds. Their lives would never be the same again. No one's would. It is a risk I have to take.'
"And once I defeat you, I will have my ultimate prize, your soul mate, your wife. She will be mine…forever. And there won't be a single thing you can do to stop it from happening."
"I'll kill you first before you ever lay hands on my family again!" Yami yelled. He raised his sword high and then brought it crashing down towards Jarha.
Jarha jumped backwards, but still managed to be hit by Yami's latest attack. His forest green robe now had a large slash in the front, but more than that, Yami had managed to draw blood. He stared into the King of Games' eyes. They were void of any color, any emotion, except one. Hatred.
'Welcome to our side Yami.'
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Mentally, Tea screamed in frustration. She had tried everything she could think of to get out the void she was in, begging gods to help, asking the Dark Magician, the Mystic Elf, anything that popped into her head. But for the moment, she was at a lost for ideas.
'There must be a way, I will not give up. Think Tea think. What is the key to breaking this spell? Time is of the utmost in importance. I have to get back there and help in anyway that I can. The boys are pretty much done, two out of the four were seriously injured and the other two looked like they were going to pass out at any moment. And Mokuba is too little to fight. There is no way he could protect his brother and everyone else. I know he would try, but still….'
Again Tea screamed, louder this time. It didn't really matter though. No one could hear her in the gray vortex.
'The siblings can't win. This can't be the way the future is supposed to be. We're all supposed to grow old and have happier days. Not die here in a time long past. This can't be our futures. I refuse to believe it. I have faith that we will get out of this situation. I know it.'
In front of Tea, a tiny speck of purple light shone. At first, she assumed it to be from the real world.
'That doesn't make sense, everything there is gray. Could it be? Could that speck be in this world with me? And if it is, is it friend or foe?'
She didn't have to wait long. As the speck moved closer, it grew in size. First to the size of a ping pong ball, then a baseball, soccer ball, and so on. Finally, when it reached Tea, it was just taller than she. The bubble burst suddenly, with a loud bang. When the light cleared, another person was standing before Tea.
"Magician of Faith? But…But how?"
The girl smiled and lowered her staff. "Is it not clear to you child?"
"No, not really. I mean, aren't you a card?"
"In your time, that is correct. But here, in this time, I was not. Like the Royal Family, commoners had protectors too. The shadow games were dangerous for everyone. I was your guardian." The Magician of Faith replied softly.
"But how did you get here, in this void?"
"That is easy, you called me here."
"I did?" Tea replied, confused at how she could will a card to whatever realm she was in.
"Ai, that you did. You said that you had the faith that you would get out of this situation. Well, here I am. Faith has come."
"You can really override Satire's magic like that?"
Faith shrugged. "Normally no, but since you are not a soul realm bearer, the full magic of her spell did not affect you. The spell is weak, so together we should be able to over ride it."
"But I am not magic wielder. I have no powers like Yugi, Yami, and Raya."
"Tea, having faith is not magic. Sure it is a realm of influence, but not in the way you think. Faith is having confidence in yourself, your friends, your family, whatever. That is not magic, that is something everyone can have and control."
Tea grinned, realizing what her guardian was saying was all perfectly true. "Alright then, how do we get out of here?"
"Close your eyes and concentrate on your faith."
Tea did as she was told. Images pounded into her head, of defeat and doubt. But she heeded no attention to those pictures. Rather she kept repeating over and over again one simple little phrase.
I have the faith. I have the faith. I have the faith.
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'I guess it is my job to take down Ares. Wonderful.' Yugi thought as he eyed up his opponent. 'Taller, stronger, bigger, heavier than me, but at least I am more powerful….I hope.'
From his position in the center of the room, Ares watched the other battles with semi amusement. They weren't bloody enough for him in his utmost opinion. "Satire, Jarha. I am counting on you two to live up to your end of the deal. I will handle this little runt."
Falling to the ground, Ares had no time to brace himself from the sudden attack. Flipping to his back, he glared at Yugi, eyes narrowing.
Fighting the tingling sensation from his hands, his magic still hurt a bit to use, Yugi spoke. "I may be little Ares, but that doesn't mean my powers are. I was granted ultimate powers, ones that can take even you down."
From his position on the ground, the god of war laughed. "Please, you are starting to sound like my half brother and sisters. Before I know it, you'll be talking about love and family."
Yugi grinned. "I knew there had to be relatives in your family that I would like Ares. But thanks for telling me what exasperates you. I'll make sure to use the information wisely."
"You won't have the chance boy." Moving at inhuman speed, Ares ran at Yugi.
Flying back through the air, Yugi crashed into the altar, shattering the once great structure into a pile of dust. 'Okay, he is stronger than I thought, but that doesn't matter, I'll beat him.'
Shaking the dust off his clothes, Yugi pushed himself gingerly to his feet. "Is that the best you got Ares? Please, Jarha's visions punched harder than that and they aren't even REAL!"
Growling, Ares stood, energy ball in hand. "You just signed your own death warrant, kid."
"Not today." Closing his eyes, Yugi concentrated. Looking deep into his heart, he drew upon the powers granted to him oh so long ago. In the back of his mind, he remembered the speech he gave Jarha and Satire. He could controlled both the light and the darkness. 'That means I can kill as well as preserve life, but does that mean I could kill another god? Do I have that type of power?' As soon as he thought the question, the answer came to him. He did and more shockingly, he was willing to use that power. Ares, Satire, and Jarha had to pay, for all the pain they had havocked. For all the pain they were willing to cause. Yes, he was willing to kill.
Opening his iris eyes, Yugi felt nothing but coldness. No longer could he feel Raya, Yami, or any one in the room. It was like he was disconnected from the world. Blood no longer ran through his veins, only ice. Drawing his arms back into a fighter's stance, Yugi could feel Exodia become part of him. 'Thank you my guardian, for seeing me through this. Together, we will overcome this threat.'
Across from him, Ares stood. 'I don't understand it. The boy stands for everything that I hated, but yet, he acts like any other villain. The coldness, the hatred, it is all there, counted and present for. The young heir has no idea that he is walking on the border of the darkness. Even if he manages to destroy me, I still will have won. For if Yugi kills me, he kills the light in him. Wonderful. But if I can stay alive, maybe I can convince him to join up with me.'
Cackling Ares shot bolts of electricity at Yugi.
Gasping, Yugi rolled to his side, narrowing missing the beams, though strands of his blond hair were now singed. "Big Mistake Ares." Leaping into the air, Yugi tackled the god to the ground.
Ares was shocked at the smaller boy's strength. Though, he was still stronger. He was the god of war after all. No way was he going to let some fifteen year old upstage him. Kicking up with his legs, he tossed aside Yugi.
Flipping to his feet, Yugi was back in his fighter's stance. This time however, he clasped his hand in front of him. "You should have gone back to Greece when you had the chance Ares. I tried to warn you that by threatening my family and I that I would kill you. You repeatedly ignored my warnings. Now prepare to face the consequences."
Ares laughed. "Aren't you forgetting something Yugi? A mortal can't kill a god, even a mortal with powers. The only way to do that is if you have the blood of a Hines. And you don't."
Yugi smirked. "That is all very true Ares, but you are forgetting one very important detail. I have the powers of a god. I am your equal. And even though it is an unspoken rule that gods don't kill other gods, I am willing to make an exception."
Ares stopped laughing. 'Damn it. The boy is right. Gods can kill gods.' "But you are an Egyptian God. Everyone knows that the Greeks were stronger." Ares stated, though his confidence was slipping.
Yugi shrugged. "If you say so. I guess we will just have to test that theory know won't will?"
The eye of Horus appeared, but this time it wasn't on Yugi's forehead, rather it was on the ground beneath him. "It is time to end this Ares" Yugi shouted. Shooting out his hand, Yugi screamed with rage and hatred.
"Body Annihilation!"
The golden beam shot towards Ares. With a small laugh, Ares disappeared, before the beam hit him.
Screaming in frustration that Ares got away, Yugi moved to help his parents. Ares may have gotten away, but Satire and Jarha won't. He would make sure of that one.
*You would have really killed him wouldn't you?*
Yugi whipped around, eyes narrowing. Who dared question his motives? A beautiful woman with long dark brown hair stood before him. "Of course. He threaten my family, my friends, and the future. He needs to be eliminated."
*This isn't the way to do it Prince. This isn't the way the future was intended to be.*
"And how would you know what history and the future has intended?"
*I am Clio, the muse of History. I know all that has been and will be.*
"Then you of all people should understand what my family and I are doing. We are saving the future."
*But that is where you are incorrect. I have seen it. The future is not returning to its correct timeline, it fact, it is changing as we speak.*
"I don't understand." Yugi turned and watched his parents fight. A tear cascaded down his face. "We're are risking our lives out there, and I pretty sure we are winning. Why isn't history correcting itself?"
*Yes, you are winning Prince Yugi, but so is the darkness.*
"How can both the light and the darkness be winning? That is physically impossible."
*Is it really though? Your family represents light, but yet all three of you are giving into the darkness. You've forgot what you are fighting for. Instead, all of you are fighting for vengeance, revenge, and hatred. This is why history is not returning to what it was.*
"I don't believe you. This is the only way to defeat the siblings. How do I know you're not on Ares side? Trying to lure me into false assumptions so you can get the upper hand?"
*I am not a pawn in Ares' game. In fact, he is being dealt with by Zeus as we speak. But I can understand your hesitation. Please, you have to believe me young Yugi, I mean you no harm.*
"You act as if you speak the truth, but yet I am not sure. Now I bid you adieu, I have traitors to deal with." With that, Yugi turned and walked from the girl.
*No, if you kill the siblings in darkness…then everything you fought for will be lost!" Clio shouted, but Yugi continued to walk away, diminishing the light totally.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea blinked once, then twice. Slowing she flexed her fingers. Watching them wiggling, a huge grin broke across her face. She was back. But, was she in time?
Glancing around her surrounding, she saw Satire and Raya in a fight to death. Raya's eyes held no emotion, her face blank of any expression. Tea realized that her friend had given into the darkness of her own heart.
Turning away, she locked onto Yami and Jarha. Looking at Yami made Tea sick. He had to same posture as Raya. He too was lost, with no hope of her reaching him.
'I have to get to Yugi before he is lost as well.' She found him in the middle of the room, talking to a beautiful young woman. Moving around the battles, hoping not to be noticed, she stranded to over hear the conversation between the girl and her friend.
'Clio, eh? That sounds familiar. Duh, Tristan made mention of her earlier. She helped Yami and Tristan reach Yugi by destroying what ever trapped Satire had planned for them. Oh my lord, she speaks the truth then. History, the future, whatever it is, it's changing, and not for the better. I have to do something. Yugi doesn't believe her.'
She watched as Yugi moved away from Clio, going to join his parents in the fight. 'No this is wrong. Things can't end like this.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"YUGI!"
Yugi stopped cold. That voice, it couldn't be, could it? He turned the right and came face to face with…Tea.
"Tea, how?"
"Not now. Yugi listen to me. Clio is telling the truth. She is on our side. You have to believe her."
"Tea…I don't know if I can. Satire and Jarha must pay."
"There must be a better way then using the darkness Yugi."
Yugi pushed around Tea. "There isn't. Now I have to help before the siblings kill Raya and Yami."
*I wish I didn't have to does this young heir, but you leave me no choice in the matter.* Clio moved to Yugi, placing a tightening grip on his forearm.
"Let go, what the hell do you think you are doing. Clio, I am trying to save your future here."
*I'm going to show you that future that you are giving all of us.*
Closing her eyes, Clio whispered a small spell, causing a silver vortex to open. *Come Yugi, it is time to return home.* With that, Clio pulled Yugi into the portal.
Tea watched as the portal closed behind them. 'I pray that Clio can show Yugi the error of his way, but how bad could the future gotten?'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi groaned and opened his eyes. Beside him, Clio stood, brown hair waving in an non existent breeze.
"I demand you take me back. I have to help my family, don't you understand Clio?"
*I understand better than most.* She waved her hands around the place they were standing. *Is this what you want the future to be Yugi?*
Finally, Yugi took notice of his surroundings. Everything was a wasteland. Buildings were crumbling, people were fighting on the streets, either for money or a place to sleep, fires burned everywhere. Trash littered the streets. Smoke rose, blotting out the sun. Graffiti covered the walls and signs. Cars were overturned and on fire as well. Yugi closed his eyes when he saw two people start fist fighting over a small piece of cloth. "Clio, where are we?"
*Don't you recognize the place Yugi? It's Domino City.*
Kris: (walks in and see Anya's searching under desk and bed) What are you doing?
Anya: Searching for poodles.
Kris: Poodles!?!
Anya Yes, rabid green, pink, and blue ones. AH!
Kris: (now hanging on the ceiling fan) WHAT?
Anya: Dust bunny.
Kris: Don't do that!
Anya: Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and a special thanks to Sparky16 for reviewing every chapter (including my others stories as well ^_^ ) and giving me the motives to write faster. (looks behind her for the poodles)
Also, The Dragon Master, I must credit you with part of this chapter. Your question about mutating light to darkness gave me a whole new issue to tackle, one I hope people will like. Thank you.
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"Oh my god…" Yami muttered. "Exodia, Yugi's guardian is Exodia." It was inconceivable. But yet, the evidence was there. Exodia stood behind Yugi in his glories form.
Across the room, Raya and Satire were having similar reactions. Raya stood speechless, in awe of the great powers that Yugi posed. Not even she realized how great her son's powers were. 'Amon - Ra, thank you. I know that it was you who blessed Yugi with these gifts. I understand now why so many people feared my son. To have Exodia as your guardian means you granted my son with the powers of a god. Thank you.'
"No, this can't be…" Satire whispered. "We have worked too hard to get to this point. And I will not let some child defeat me." Quietly, Satire conjured up her abilities. She would eliminate the young heir before he had a chance to test his powers on her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seto stared at the illusion of Exodia. 'Yugi did it, I can't believe it. Then again, yes I can. The kid never gave up, never said die. And the fact that Exodia is Yugi's guardian shouldn't surprise me either. Yugi was and still is the only duelist to ever call forth Exodia in a duel.' The memory of being defeat by Exodia and Yugi still rang clear in Seto's mind. 'It makes sense that he would be Yugi's guardian as well. That is why Yugi was able to assemble Exodia, a god card. Because he and Yugi are one in the same. I bet that is why the cards react so well to Yugi too. Sure the heart of the cards plays a dominate role in the reaction, but I bet Yugi's power influence the cards too. They sensed when Yugi, the heir was in danger, and protected him. Because they all knew what an important role he would play one day. Simply amazing.'
Next to him, Joey had face faulted. He too never excepted such a powerful and all dominating card to be Yugi's protector, as well as sharer of the realm. 'This is it, the turning of the tide. This is where we take control of the ball and never look back. This is where we win.' Fighting against the pain, but not allowing it to show on his face, Joey climbed to his feet. Holding his sword, he moved over to stand next to his best friend. It was time to end everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi didn't even flinch when the room gasped when his guardian appeared nor when Joey moved to stand beside him. In that moment, all Yugi could fear was anger and rage. No longer was the innocence, the purity, and the light he once posed was there. Instead, he felt well destructive. He stared at Satire and Jarha. The two people who threatened to take away all the happiness in his life, who endangered his parents, his friends, and his grandfather. The people who would stop at nothing to destroy everyone's happiness, just for there own selfish wish. Who would destroy the past, present, and future, just to get what they want. He couldn't let that happen, wouldn't let that happen. Not now, not ever.
"Satire, Jarha. You tried to take my family and friends from me. You tried to deny the world the futures they have grown accustom too. All in the name of some selfish dream. What do you have to say for yourselves? What possible explanation do you have? Do you have any at all? Why would you ruin so many lives, ones that have nothing to do with this at all? WHY!" Yugi shouted, trying to control his temper, but not succeeding at all.
Jarha was the first one to take a small step back intimidation. Subconscious of course, or so he tried to convince himself. Never had he seen the young heir so vicious, so driven, so willing to do whatever it took to win. Yugi was almost acting like his sister and he. He had no answer for the Divine Son, well none that he would like.
Satire on the other hand, did. "Because foolish one, we always get what we want and deserve." She threw the magic ball towards Yugi with disturbing speed.
The purple ball zipped towards Yugi, who just stared at the ball. Emotion was absent from his face. He made no movement to stop the ball or to retaliate.
"Yugi! Do something!" Raya screamed from her position. 'I have to do something, anything. My son's life is in danger, again. And I can not do a thing about it. My magic can't reach him in time, besides it can't counter a magic spell.' "YUGI!" Raya closed her eyes, she couldn't watch this again. 'Noooo.'
Dimly, Yugi heard Raya's shouts, but only in the back of his mind. Time slowed as the ball neared him. 'Please Raya, just trust me. I am not going to die here today, not when I just got my family back.' At the last moment, the ball of energy flew back towards Satire.
"How, you didn't even move!" Satire screamed in rage.
Yugi smirked. "Please, you think your powers can match that of a gods? I can't believe you have the nerve to insult Ra - Amon and Exodia like that. Wow, you do want to die, don't you?"
Satire stomped her foot in frustration and screamed loudly. "You may be able to protect yourself from my powers, but there is one person in this room that you can't protect, no matter how hard you try." She brought her hands together and chanted softly. Soon, the words rang clear.
"Ying, Yang.
You and I.
Sisters by magic
Enemies by fate.
Bounded by the soul.
You and I.
One of light
One of darkness.
Together we are one
Apart we are deadly.
My Ying
To your Yang.
Light is strong,
But Darkness is stronger
And the sisters are no more
As the Yang rebels.
And the Ying is no more.
Forever lost
In the realm of the Yang.
Darkness."
Raya inched backwards. 'Not good, not good. I have been beaten by Satire's powers at every turn. There is no way I can beat her. Yugi's power can't override Satire's, can it?' Unknown to Raya, a black vortex was creeping up behind her. She had no idea she was backing right into it.
Yami felt his throat dry up. His wife was backing right into Satire's spell and he was no position to save her. She would hit the apparition before he could reach her. 'Ruia…'
"RAYA! BEHIND YOU!" someone shouted.
Raya whipped around. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came, only a small squeak. The darkness came crashing down around Raya. She was done for, no doubt about it. She felt something slam into her and then nothing but darkness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Groggily, Raya opened her eyes. 'Check, one massive headache.' She blinked her eyes and then screamed. "TEA! No!"
Tea stood in front of her, only her friend didn't respond. Tea was still as death, only the light shallow sounds of her breathing gave it away that she was still alive. Raya turned to face her enemy. "What the hell did you do to her?"
Satire shrugged. "It was supposed to kill you, but since that girl had to go and be all noble and save you, I have no idea what the little spell will do to a non - soul realm poser. Not that it matters much. It is just one less person to deal with.. No sweat of my back."
If Raya was mad, Seto was furious. "Does anyone mean anything to you at all? Do you even care about your own brother!" Seto lunged for the girl, only to be restrained by Yugi.
"We'll save her Seto, I promise you. But know is not the time to lose our heads." Yugi stated wisely. Even as he spoke the words, he knew that neither Seto or himself believe them. Yugi's eyes never wavered from Tea. 'I promise you Tea. I will save you. You risked your life for us, for Raya. Thank you. You have my vow, I will save you, somehow.'
Across the floor, Yami finally had enough of the running. 'No more will I run and let my friends stand in the line of fire. It is time to stop cowering in the background.' Carefully, Yami moved towards Jarha and his sister. Neither was watching the once Pharaoh. 'There is your fatal mistake.' Gathering his powers inside of him, Yami shout out his hand and called out "Obliterate!"
Leaping into the air, Jarha flipped over the beam, landing behind the king of games. "Now that isn't very nice Pharaoh. Attacking my sister and I when our backs are to you. Why, you are becoming more like us with each passing moment." Jarha said, grabbing the back of Yami's cape and pulling him to the floor.
Within moments, the two were on the ground, punches flying. Seto and Tristan felt compelled to help, but both knew that they couldn't. The injuries they had sustained would give Jarha the edge he would need over Yami. They couldn't do that to Yami, not when so much was at stake. No, it was best to remain and protect Yugi, even if they didn't like it much.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Satire and Raya watched each other intently. Both waited for the other to make the first move. Well, Satire was at least. Raya watched as Joey crept his way over towards Satire, sword outward, waiting to strike at the right moment.
"So your highness, are you ready to die? I killed you once before. I can surly do it again. Only this time, things will be a lot better. I have an audience this time, including your son!"
"I was weak before Satire. I let your mind games get to me. Not this time. I am stronger, wiser and definitely trained better to fight you. Go ahead and try to beat me. It won't work. I will never be defeated as long as someone threatens my friends, my family. And you definitely fit that profile."
"That's what you think Raya." Satire stepped out of the way, just as Joey's sword came crashing down. It hit the ground just centimeters from Raya's face.
The two locked eyes. Joey gasped at what he almost did. The sword fell from his hands, trembling at the thought at almost killing his friend. 'I almost killed her, I almost killed Raya.'
Raya stared at the metal in front of her. 'That was close, too close.' Before she could comfort Joey, the two flew through the air into the back wall. The two looked up to see Satire hovering just above them, purple energy ball in hand.
"Any last words?"
Raya smiled. "Just one…die!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea opened her eyes and blinked. Battles were going on all around her. Joey and Raya facing off with Satire, Yami battling Jarha. She moved to help Raya. The girl was in a lot danger if what Satire said was true, that darkness was indeed stronger. But that couldn't be the case, could it? Tea moved forward, and then gasped. She couldn't move. She tried again. Nothing.
'What the hell?'
Desperately, Tea struggled to move her limbs, but nothing worked. She remained frozen to her spot. Tears formed behind her eyes, but didn't fall. 'What happened to me?'
The darkness that had to be it.
'Whatever that spell Satire summed, it was meant to kill, but yet, here I am trapped in limbo. Why? Is it because I don't pose the realm of soul? That must be it. But how do I break the spell? I have to get back to the real world. Yami and Raya need all the help they can get.'
Tea tried everything so could think of, but nothing broke the spell. She was trapped, for now. Even though everything was dull gray, the images before her was perfectly clear, to much of her dismay. Joey and Raya trapped, Yami pinned to the ground, and Yugi looking more like Jarha than she cared to admit. Is this what it was going to take to save the future? Raya, Yami, and Yugi changing for the worse? To become something that they weren't? The rage they held in their eyes, it wasn't normal. But if this is what it took to save the world, it was worth it, right?
Even as she thought the words, she knew that it wasn't true. 'I have to get back there, stop them from giving into the darkness that they are heading for. But with me here trapped in limbo, I can't warn them. But the family is wavering closely to the evil they swore to defeat, I must try. Because if all three fall, then the future is doomed forever.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Raya parried every attack that Satire threw her way. Despite the overwhelming exhaustion, Raya knew that she couldn't quit, couldn't give into the fatigue she was feeling. Emotion was a weakness, one she couldn't afford to plummet too. 'No, I have to win, I have to stop Satire and Jarha. Make them pay for the pain and suffering they put my son through. Nothing will prevent me from the revenge they deserve, absolutely nothing. I will make them pay.'
"So my Queen, how does it fear to embrace the dark side?"
"I haven't embrace the dark side Satire, you need to check a mirror. I am nothing like you or your brother. NOTHING. I fight to protect that future that we all have come to know, to protect the love and harmony we have established. And I won't let some sadistic magician like you ruin that for my friends and family. I'll kill you first."
Satire grinned. 'The longer the fight draws out, the closer Raya steps into the darker side of her magic. Granted, her powers are light, but it never went unsaid that she couldn't be evil anyway. Yes, that would be a fitting punishment for Yugi. He has no problems fighting my brother and I, but if he had to fight his mother, well then, things could turn out very different. I must convince Raya to accept her new found powers.'
"Kill me if you will, I have no fear. I know you could never defeat me. My powers are strong, after all, look what I did to your precious baby. So defenseless, so vulnerable. It was almost too easily to break his will. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy making him suffer. To make him bleed, to make him doubt in his parents love, in fact, it was one of the biggest thrills of my young life. I would do it all again too." Satire said, smiling sweetly.
Fire grew in Raya's eye. "You forget one thing Satire, Yugi was stronger than you in the end. He broke your spells and found the truth. And as for ever hurting him again, go ahead and try it. I will stop you first."
Inwardly, Satire grinned. 'Oh I may not be able to beat your son's magic Ruia, but I can beat him emotionally. And if you and your family falls to the darkness, well, that would just about kill poor little Yugi.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi felt his patience thinning. 'Raya, Yami get out of the way. I can't risk using my powers with you two there. The chance of me hitting you is too great. Please move.' As Yugi thought that, he knew his parents would never back down from the fight. Like he, they were driven by their emotions. They wanted nothing more than revenge. He was just going to have to wait and pick his moment of attack. 'Just leave some for me.'
Behind him, his friends had gathered, mostly to recover. Seto was having more and more trouble breathing with each passing moment. It wasn't looking good for the once High Priest, something was seriously wrong. Tristan's cut was still bleeding, but at least Bakura's make shift bandage slowed it some. Even still, it was going to need stitches and soon. Tristan was losing too much blood. Mokuba, clinging to his brother, hoping against hope that Seto would be okay, that everyone would be okay. But as the seconds past, a little bit more of that faith diminished. Bakura, who was more hurt than he was letting on. It had taken a lot of energy to defeat Jarha's magic, and maybe too much. Every step he took, Bakura swayed. Joey, who stood next to Yugi, waiting for the right moment to strike. Even in his exhausted state, there was Joey ever present and willing to protect. Even if he killed himself doing it. And finally there was Tea…
'Oh Tea…'
Yugi gulped as he stared at his friend, frozen in some hell. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall. The young woman had risked her life, to ensure that the Royal Family would be able to battle. In the back of his mind, Yugi couldn't help but wonder if Tea was the first of his friends to fall. He wanted to believe that she was still alive, but after everything that had happened, it was hard not to think the worst.
'No, I refuse to believe that one of my best friends is gone. I will save her and the rest of my friends. They have risked everything to save me. Their lives, their futures, their dreams. I will not let someone like Satire and Jarha defeat me. I will have my revenge, for my friends.'
"Joey, stand down. This is a battle between the royals, please protect the others."
"Are you sure Yugi?" Joey asked. "I mean, is it safe?"
"Probably not, but I ask you, when has it ever?"
Joey paused. "I guess never, but not much else can surprise me at this point. Just promise me Yug, that you'll be careful. You're my best friend after all."
"I will, don't worry." Yugi ran to join his parents in battle. 'Gotta help.' Yugi was able to make it half way across the floor when he felt the beam of light hit into his tiny chest.
"YUGI!" Everyone screamed. Yami and Raya desperately tried to get to their son, who was lying motionless on the ground. But neither could get around the siblings.
'Well, that hurt.' Yugi thought as he brought his hand up to his head. He could feel the hot sticky liquid between his fingers. 'What happened?' Sitting up, Yugi saw what happened.
Standing in the middle of the room was a tall man, with black curly hair. He was dressed all in black. Turning to face Joey, he mouthed. 'It just got a lot worse.' Gingerly getting to his feet, Yugi stared at the man. Then he spoke.
"Well, I was beginning to wonder when you would show your face Ares."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Greek God gave Yugi a snide glance before speaking. "You are the boy that everyone feared? The baby that was to pose great and unlimited powers? Please, I've seen mortals stronger than you. I'll crush you like a grape."
Yugi gulped, but didn't back down. This was his battle to fight, no one else's. He waved back his friends, no need for them to fight in a battle that they could never defend themselves in. No, this was a battle between gods. Egyptian and Greek alike. And it was up to Yugi to do so. Raya had Satire to deal with and Yami had Jarha. He was on his own. His powers versus the god of war. Somehow, it just didn't seem like a fair battle. Ares had immortality on his side, not to mention years of combat under his belt and Yugi? He just learned of his powers.
'I won't fail you Amon - Ra. You gave me these powers to protect Egypt and the future. I will fight. Even if it costs me my life again. I understand that this is my role in life, even if it seems unfair. I will battle, for love, for peace, for revenge on the ones who threaten to destroy all we have every worked for. I won't fail you, you have my promise as the Divine Son, heir to ancient Egypt. I will not let you down.'
Yugi took a fighter's stance in front of Ares. 'I maybe tiny, but I pose more power than you ever will. Sure, you may have immortality on your side, and that means I can't kill you, but I promise you, I will win this fight. And make you pay for what you have done to this family, my family and country. You will regret the day you met the Royal Family and the Divine Son.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yami watched the battle between his son and Ares out of the corner of his eyes. Unable to help, Yami doubled his effort and rage against Jarha. Nothing matter anymore, except making the siblings pay for what they had done. In the back of his mind, Yami felt the warning signals go off. Something about the way he was acting, it was familiar, but yet, he continued to ignore them. Right now, all his concentration went to either protecting himself from Jarha or hitting his once High Priest.
"You should quit now Yugioh, you don't have the powers or the mind set to beat me."
Yami gave no reply, but rather shot out his mind breaker towards Jarha. The High Priest skipped out of harms way. "Is that the best you can do Yami? Surly someone with your rank would have more control over his abilities, why you're no stronger than a infant."
Inwardly, Jarha laughed. Even though he had no idea how his sister was fairing with Ruia, he could tell Satire was winning the mental battle. He could feel Ruia slipping, giving into the darkness she swore to fight against. And if she could be turned so easily, he might be able to do the same to Yami. Say the right key words and Yami would fall just as well. Granted, it was a risky move, but the rewards were greater. 'Imagine, the Pharaoh and the Queen could rule again, only this time with damped spirits and clouded minds. Their lives would never be the same again. No one's would. It is a risk I have to take.'
"And once I defeat you, I will have my ultimate prize, your soul mate, your wife. She will be mine…forever. And there won't be a single thing you can do to stop it from happening."
"I'll kill you first before you ever lay hands on my family again!" Yami yelled. He raised his sword high and then brought it crashing down towards Jarha.
Jarha jumped backwards, but still managed to be hit by Yami's latest attack. His forest green robe now had a large slash in the front, but more than that, Yami had managed to draw blood. He stared into the King of Games' eyes. They were void of any color, any emotion, except one. Hatred.
'Welcome to our side Yami.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mentally, Tea screamed in frustration. She had tried everything she could think of to get out the void she was in, begging gods to help, asking the Dark Magician, the Mystic Elf, anything that popped into her head. But for the moment, she was at a lost for ideas.
'There must be a way, I will not give up. Think Tea think. What is the key to breaking this spell? Time is of the utmost in importance. I have to get back there and help in anyway that I can. The boys are pretty much done, two out of the four were seriously injured and the other two looked like they were going to pass out at any moment. And Mokuba is too little to fight. There is no way he could protect his brother and everyone else. I know he would try, but still….'
Again Tea screamed, louder this time. It didn't really matter though. No one could hear her in the gray vortex.
'The siblings can't win. This can't be the way the future is supposed to be. We're all supposed to grow old and have happier days. Not die here in a time long past. This can't be our futures. I refuse to believe it. I have faith that we will get out of this situation. I know it.'
In front of Tea, a tiny speck of purple light shone. At first, she assumed it to be from the real world.
'That doesn't make sense, everything there is gray. Could it be? Could that speck be in this world with me? And if it is, is it friend or foe?'
She didn't have to wait long. As the speck moved closer, it grew in size. First to the size of a ping pong ball, then a baseball, soccer ball, and so on. Finally, when it reached Tea, it was just taller than she. The bubble burst suddenly, with a loud bang. When the light cleared, another person was standing before Tea.
"Magician of Faith? But…But how?"
The girl smiled and lowered her staff. "Is it not clear to you child?"
"No, not really. I mean, aren't you a card?"
"In your time, that is correct. But here, in this time, I was not. Like the Royal Family, commoners had protectors too. The shadow games were dangerous for everyone. I was your guardian." The Magician of Faith replied softly.
"But how did you get here, in this void?"
"That is easy, you called me here."
"I did?" Tea replied, confused at how she could will a card to whatever realm she was in.
"Ai, that you did. You said that you had the faith that you would get out of this situation. Well, here I am. Faith has come."
"You can really override Satire's magic like that?"
Faith shrugged. "Normally no, but since you are not a soul realm bearer, the full magic of her spell did not affect you. The spell is weak, so together we should be able to over ride it."
"But I am not magic wielder. I have no powers like Yugi, Yami, and Raya."
"Tea, having faith is not magic. Sure it is a realm of influence, but not in the way you think. Faith is having confidence in yourself, your friends, your family, whatever. That is not magic, that is something everyone can have and control."
Tea grinned, realizing what her guardian was saying was all perfectly true. "Alright then, how do we get out of here?"
"Close your eyes and concentrate on your faith."
Tea did as she was told. Images pounded into her head, of defeat and doubt. But she heeded no attention to those pictures. Rather she kept repeating over and over again one simple little phrase.
I have the faith. I have the faith. I have the faith.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'I guess it is my job to take down Ares. Wonderful.' Yugi thought as he eyed up his opponent. 'Taller, stronger, bigger, heavier than me, but at least I am more powerful….I hope.'
From his position in the center of the room, Ares watched the other battles with semi amusement. They weren't bloody enough for him in his utmost opinion. "Satire, Jarha. I am counting on you two to live up to your end of the deal. I will handle this little runt."
Falling to the ground, Ares had no time to brace himself from the sudden attack. Flipping to his back, he glared at Yugi, eyes narrowing.
Fighting the tingling sensation from his hands, his magic still hurt a bit to use, Yugi spoke. "I may be little Ares, but that doesn't mean my powers are. I was granted ultimate powers, ones that can take even you down."
From his position on the ground, the god of war laughed. "Please, you are starting to sound like my half brother and sisters. Before I know it, you'll be talking about love and family."
Yugi grinned. "I knew there had to be relatives in your family that I would like Ares. But thanks for telling me what exasperates you. I'll make sure to use the information wisely."
"You won't have the chance boy." Moving at inhuman speed, Ares ran at Yugi.
Flying back through the air, Yugi crashed into the altar, shattering the once great structure into a pile of dust. 'Okay, he is stronger than I thought, but that doesn't matter, I'll beat him.'
Shaking the dust off his clothes, Yugi pushed himself gingerly to his feet. "Is that the best you got Ares? Please, Jarha's visions punched harder than that and they aren't even REAL!"
Growling, Ares stood, energy ball in hand. "You just signed your own death warrant, kid."
"Not today." Closing his eyes, Yugi concentrated. Looking deep into his heart, he drew upon the powers granted to him oh so long ago. In the back of his mind, he remembered the speech he gave Jarha and Satire. He could controlled both the light and the darkness. 'That means I can kill as well as preserve life, but does that mean I could kill another god? Do I have that type of power?' As soon as he thought the question, the answer came to him. He did and more shockingly, he was willing to use that power. Ares, Satire, and Jarha had to pay, for all the pain they had havocked. For all the pain they were willing to cause. Yes, he was willing to kill.
Opening his iris eyes, Yugi felt nothing but coldness. No longer could he feel Raya, Yami, or any one in the room. It was like he was disconnected from the world. Blood no longer ran through his veins, only ice. Drawing his arms back into a fighter's stance, Yugi could feel Exodia become part of him. 'Thank you my guardian, for seeing me through this. Together, we will overcome this threat.'
Across from him, Ares stood. 'I don't understand it. The boy stands for everything that I hated, but yet, he acts like any other villain. The coldness, the hatred, it is all there, counted and present for. The young heir has no idea that he is walking on the border of the darkness. Even if he manages to destroy me, I still will have won. For if Yugi kills me, he kills the light in him. Wonderful. But if I can stay alive, maybe I can convince him to join up with me.'
Cackling Ares shot bolts of electricity at Yugi.
Gasping, Yugi rolled to his side, narrowing missing the beams, though strands of his blond hair were now singed. "Big Mistake Ares." Leaping into the air, Yugi tackled the god to the ground.
Ares was shocked at the smaller boy's strength. Though, he was still stronger. He was the god of war after all. No way was he going to let some fifteen year old upstage him. Kicking up with his legs, he tossed aside Yugi.
Flipping to his feet, Yugi was back in his fighter's stance. This time however, he clasped his hand in front of him. "You should have gone back to Greece when you had the chance Ares. I tried to warn you that by threatening my family and I that I would kill you. You repeatedly ignored my warnings. Now prepare to face the consequences."
Ares laughed. "Aren't you forgetting something Yugi? A mortal can't kill a god, even a mortal with powers. The only way to do that is if you have the blood of a Hines. And you don't."
Yugi smirked. "That is all very true Ares, but you are forgetting one very important detail. I have the powers of a god. I am your equal. And even though it is an unspoken rule that gods don't kill other gods, I am willing to make an exception."
Ares stopped laughing. 'Damn it. The boy is right. Gods can kill gods.' "But you are an Egyptian God. Everyone knows that the Greeks were stronger." Ares stated, though his confidence was slipping.
Yugi shrugged. "If you say so. I guess we will just have to test that theory know won't will?"
The eye of Horus appeared, but this time it wasn't on Yugi's forehead, rather it was on the ground beneath him. "It is time to end this Ares" Yugi shouted. Shooting out his hand, Yugi screamed with rage and hatred.
"Body Annihilation!"
The golden beam shot towards Ares. With a small laugh, Ares disappeared, before the beam hit him.
Screaming in frustration that Ares got away, Yugi moved to help his parents. Ares may have gotten away, but Satire and Jarha won't. He would make sure of that one.
*You would have really killed him wouldn't you?*
Yugi whipped around, eyes narrowing. Who dared question his motives? A beautiful woman with long dark brown hair stood before him. "Of course. He threaten my family, my friends, and the future. He needs to be eliminated."
*This isn't the way to do it Prince. This isn't the way the future was intended to be.*
"And how would you know what history and the future has intended?"
*I am Clio, the muse of History. I know all that has been and will be.*
"Then you of all people should understand what my family and I are doing. We are saving the future."
*But that is where you are incorrect. I have seen it. The future is not returning to its correct timeline, it fact, it is changing as we speak.*
"I don't understand." Yugi turned and watched his parents fight. A tear cascaded down his face. "We're are risking our lives out there, and I pretty sure we are winning. Why isn't history correcting itself?"
*Yes, you are winning Prince Yugi, but so is the darkness.*
"How can both the light and the darkness be winning? That is physically impossible."
*Is it really though? Your family represents light, but yet all three of you are giving into the darkness. You've forgot what you are fighting for. Instead, all of you are fighting for vengeance, revenge, and hatred. This is why history is not returning to what it was.*
"I don't believe you. This is the only way to defeat the siblings. How do I know you're not on Ares side? Trying to lure me into false assumptions so you can get the upper hand?"
*I am not a pawn in Ares' game. In fact, he is being dealt with by Zeus as we speak. But I can understand your hesitation. Please, you have to believe me young Yugi, I mean you no harm.*
"You act as if you speak the truth, but yet I am not sure. Now I bid you adieu, I have traitors to deal with." With that, Yugi turned and walked from the girl.
*No, if you kill the siblings in darkness…then everything you fought for will be lost!" Clio shouted, but Yugi continued to walk away, diminishing the light totally.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea blinked once, then twice. Slowing she flexed her fingers. Watching them wiggling, a huge grin broke across her face. She was back. But, was she in time?
Glancing around her surrounding, she saw Satire and Raya in a fight to death. Raya's eyes held no emotion, her face blank of any expression. Tea realized that her friend had given into the darkness of her own heart.
Turning away, she locked onto Yami and Jarha. Looking at Yami made Tea sick. He had to same posture as Raya. He too was lost, with no hope of her reaching him.
'I have to get to Yugi before he is lost as well.' She found him in the middle of the room, talking to a beautiful young woman. Moving around the battles, hoping not to be noticed, she stranded to over hear the conversation between the girl and her friend.
'Clio, eh? That sounds familiar. Duh, Tristan made mention of her earlier. She helped Yami and Tristan reach Yugi by destroying what ever trapped Satire had planned for them. Oh my lord, she speaks the truth then. History, the future, whatever it is, it's changing, and not for the better. I have to do something. Yugi doesn't believe her.'
She watched as Yugi moved away from Clio, going to join his parents in the fight. 'No this is wrong. Things can't end like this.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"YUGI!"
Yugi stopped cold. That voice, it couldn't be, could it? He turned the right and came face to face with…Tea.
"Tea, how?"
"Not now. Yugi listen to me. Clio is telling the truth. She is on our side. You have to believe her."
"Tea…I don't know if I can. Satire and Jarha must pay."
"There must be a better way then using the darkness Yugi."
Yugi pushed around Tea. "There isn't. Now I have to help before the siblings kill Raya and Yami."
*I wish I didn't have to does this young heir, but you leave me no choice in the matter.* Clio moved to Yugi, placing a tightening grip on his forearm.
"Let go, what the hell do you think you are doing. Clio, I am trying to save your future here."
*I'm going to show you that future that you are giving all of us.*
Closing her eyes, Clio whispered a small spell, causing a silver vortex to open. *Come Yugi, it is time to return home.* With that, Clio pulled Yugi into the portal.
Tea watched as the portal closed behind them. 'I pray that Clio can show Yugi the error of his way, but how bad could the future gotten?'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yugi groaned and opened his eyes. Beside him, Clio stood, brown hair waving in an non existent breeze.
"I demand you take me back. I have to help my family, don't you understand Clio?"
*I understand better than most.* She waved her hands around the place they were standing. *Is this what you want the future to be Yugi?*
Finally, Yugi took notice of his surroundings. Everything was a wasteland. Buildings were crumbling, people were fighting on the streets, either for money or a place to sleep, fires burned everywhere. Trash littered the streets. Smoke rose, blotting out the sun. Graffiti covered the walls and signs. Cars were overturned and on fire as well. Yugi closed his eyes when he saw two people start fist fighting over a small piece of cloth. "Clio, where are we?"
*Don't you recognize the place Yugi? It's Domino City.*