Disclaimer: Yeah right, like I own anything but bills.
Anya: Okay this is just a quick apologue, for two reasons. One for leaving with a mean cliff hanger last time and a the second in is in advance for something in this chapter. Also, I had no idea what Mokuba's favorite card was, so I just made up one. If it isn't right, my bad. Anyway, onto the story.
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"Yami!" Yugi screamed, eyes filled with unshed tears. He couldn't be trapped under all that rubble, he just couldn't. Yugi tried to run forward, he had to find Yami, only to be restrained by Raya. Her distraught expression confirmed Yugi's deepest fear, things were not looking good for Yami.
Joey raced over to the mother and son who appeared to be in sheer panic. "Can you feel him? Feel him at all?" he asked desperately. He fought the urge to shake the two, hoping to snap them out of whatever daze they were in.
To anyone else, the words meant very little, but to Raya and Yugi, they meant a lot, those little words meant life and death.
Yugi was barely able to whisper a no and then turned to Raya, hoping against hope that she could sense anything, but if he couldn't….
Raya lowered her gaze, so not to look any of them in the eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, she slowly shook her head no. 'Oh Yami!'
All the composure Yugi had managed to muster was lost in that millisecond of time. Unable to control his tears, he flung his arms tightly around Raya's neck, sobbing into her shoulders. He felt her arms wrap around his waist and felt water droplets hit his head.. Raya too, was crying.
'What do I do? I can't leave these too here like this. Someone needs to stay with them, but the others need my help as well. Oh man, what do I do?' Joey thought desperately. He watched as Tristan moved another stone. Confused at who needed more help, Joey nearly jumped when hand tap his shoulder.
"Go and help find the Pharaoh. I'll stay and watch the Queen and Young Prince. It is the least I can do. After all I have done…" Satire trailed off, voice failing her.
"You're right…" Joey started to yell, temper rising. It was this woman's fault that one of his best friends was fighting for his life under all those rocks. But as soon as his temper turned red hot, it suddenly cooled. His voice trailed off as he noticed Satire's features a little more. The young spell caster was crying softly to herself. Joey lowered his gaze. Maybe just maybe, the woman was sorry. "Alright. I'll help the others find Yami, you stay with these two." Joey started forward, then turned around. "Thank you Satire."
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Raya wasn't very aware of what was going on around her. All her thoughts were concentrated on one statement. Was Yami still alive? She gripped at her son tightly, afraid that somehow she was going to lose him too.
"The Pharaoh is strong Ruia. You'll see. He is a survivor. And also, I'm sorry, for everything."
"Satire." Raya whispered softly, startled that Satire was able to sit next to her without realizing it.
Satire cringed, waiting for the smack and the sharp words to come her way, but yet, nothing came. Gulping, she raised her head back to eye level with Raya. This was a lot worse than not getting a verbal beating. She and her brother had done a lot to the Queen and her family, it was too much to ask for forgiveness. She opened her hazel eyes and stared at her once ruler and then blinked.
Raya was smiling. Granted small, but still smiling, at her no the less. This had to be some kind of trick, to build up some hope, only to crush it later.
"You have my forgiveness Satire, you and your brother both. I understand now that you had no control over your actions, that the darkness was fueling you and Jarha."
Stuttering in shock, Satire managed to reply. "Thank you." She never expected to be forgiven by her worst enemy. After all the pain and suffering she and her brother had caused, never did she expect Raya to openly forgive her. Hurt her yes, punish her for all her terrible crimes, definitely. But to absolve everything that had ever exist between them just like that…no.
Yugi raised his head off Raya's shoulder. Inwardly, Satire flinched. If there was one person in the world that she feared more than Raya, it was the Divine Son. He was pure light, pure goodness and she had almost destroyed everything and everyone he stood for. It broke her heart to see Yugi so upset and knowing that she had caused this, it was almost to much to watch.
"I forgive you too Satire." Yugi whispered, but never making eye contact. He may have forgiven Satire and Jarha, but that didn't mean that he wasn't still upset with them. He understood that the darkness had been toying with their emotions, but that didn't give him back the time he lost with his parents and it didn't give him back Yami.
"What? I don't understand. You of all people Yugi should hate me and want me to suffer as you have."
"At one time Satire, I did. But I remembered something Ruia had told me. That sometimes people act a certain way because they can not control it. That I should never judge a person or people before all the facts had come in. I didn't understand at the time what that had meant, but now I do. I have seen in first hand in you and your brother. Your character was overridden by the darkness, your true nature could not be seen. But when Yami, Raya, and I expelled that darkness, you were back to your original state. And that is why I forgave you. It is the darkness I can not forgive. It is for the very same reason why I couldn't let you die. It wasn't your fault." Yugi lowered his head back onto Raya's shoulders, eyes filling with tears once again. 'Yami, Yami, please answer me.'
Satire sat pondering the heir's words. Nothing made sense to her. The Royal Family should be furious with her, but yet they refused to let the darkness claim them as pawns. If only she and her brother had been that strong. She understood now that Life was too short, too pure to be wasted on revenge. You only had a small amount of time with the ones you loved and if you didn't make something of it in that time, then it was lost forever, never to come again.
'And Jarha and myself may have done just that to the Royal Family. I may have killed Yugi's father. Maybe he and Raya can forgive me, but I doubt that I can ever forgive myself if something killed Yami.'
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Tristan grunted as he lifted another stone off the pile. Beside him, Seto groaned as he lifted another smaller stone from the rubble. It was apparent to the human eye that Seto was in pain, the white face and sweat glistening down his face confirmed it.
"Maybe you shouldn't be pushing yourself like this Seto." Tristan cautioned as he struggled to move a larger boulder.
"I have to do this Tristan. Yami risked his life for all of us, my brother and I included. And this isn't the first time either. He did it when he battle Pegasus for our souls. I don't care how much pain I am in, I am going to help Yami if it kills me."
Tristan didn't dare argue Seto. The set determination in his face convinced him of this. Some battles were worth fighting, and this wasn't one of them. Tristan turned to glance at his other friends, hoping against hope that they had found Yami. Bakura and Joey dug off to one side, hope falling with each toss of a stone. Mokuba dug to the other side, moving the smaller, lighter stones, but still contributing none the less. Tea was there as well. But the most surprising had to be the individual in front of him. It was no other than the enemy himself, Jarha.
Tristan was the last person to believe that the siblings could suddenly turn good after being evil for so long. But the same incident occurred with Seto, had it not? After everything he had seen, it was hard to say what he did and did not believe in. So much had happened to change his believes and way of thinking. Just maybe, it changed his perception of the world too.
"Guys! Come quick, I found something!"
Tristan jerked his head in the sound of Bakura's voice. He moved cautiously towards his friend. "What did you find Bakura?" he asked, loudly enough for Bakura to hear, but soft enough to hide it from Raya and Yugi.
Bakura didn't answer, but rather continued to dig deeper, with the aid of Joey and Seto.
First, they uncovered a hand, one with minor scratches and bruise. After much digging, they finally uncovered the battered and bruised body of Yami.
"How is he?" Joey asked, concerned as well as disheartened. Yami had made no attempt to responded to any of the questions they had asked. Blood was caked to the side of face and in his blond hair. Dark blue and purple spots had started to form on his skin. However, they had no idea what type of injuries Yami had suffered internally.
Bakura tested his pulse. "It is very weak. He is alive, but barely. He needs medical attention immediately."
Inwardly, Seto cursed. "In other words, we need to get Yami home. No way he can get the medical attention he desperately needs here. The technology, it is limited, where at home, he could get the best possible care."
"But, how are we going to get home big brother?" Mokuba asked suddenly.
Seto opened his mouth then shut it tightly, lips drawn back into a thin line. He didn't know how to answer Mokuba question. He wasn't a spell caster, nor was Raya and Yugi. But maybe….
Bakura shook his head no, as if he knew what Seto was planning to ask. "I'm not sure Mokuba. But no matter what, I'll find a way. And if not me, definitely Raya."
"I think I may be able to help."
Everyone turned to face Jarha, who refused to look any of them in the eyes. "How can you help us?" Tea asked cautiously.
"My sister is a spell caster and if we can find the original time spell, we should be able to all of you back to your correct time period." Jarha replied, still refusing to glance at any of them.
"And why should we trust you, Jarha? After everything you and your sister did to us, how do we know that you aren't planning to lose us in time forever? Huh? Well answer me!" Tristan yelled, taking a threatening steps towards the shorter man.
"I don't expect you to believe me Honda. But I beg of you, if you want to return home in time to save the Pharaoh then you have to trust my sister and myself."
Tristan fumed. "I don't know."
"Tristan, we have to trust him." Yugi whispered suddenly. No one had heard he and Raya approach. Though Yugi had spoken the words to the group, he didn't dare face any of them at the moment. Rather his eyes never wavered from Yami, who was cradled in Joey's arms. Yugi continued to stare, then suddenly turned and sobbed into Raya's waist.
Gently, Raya bent down and lifted Yugi into her arms, trying desperately to calm him down. 'Yeah right, how can I calm him down, when I can't calm myself down?' She rocked Yugi back and forth, hoping that at least the movement would soothe one of them.
"I'm still not sure…"
Sighing Raya responded. "We don't have a choice in the matter Tristan. Yami needs help now. And the only way to return home is to trust the siblings and I do. Do you really doubt the Divine families powers that much?"
Tristan shook his head no. "Satire, do you think you can help?" he answered finally. Raya and Yugi was right. Then only way to get home and save Yami's live was to trust the ones that had tried to kill them all. It was a dangerous
Satire stepped forward and clasped her hands together. "I can hold the portal open for all of you, but I do not remember the spell at all. I doubt the spell book still exists here anyway. So unless you can find the spell another way…then no. I am deeply sorry."
"Raya, you can help. Call forth the Mystic Elf again. Get the book of spells and let Satire use that spell to open the portal." Bakura responded suddenly. "It worked before, why not now?"
Raya's face lit up, then fell. "It would have worked, however there are two conditions that your not taking into account. One we're not in the Shadow Realm and two," Raya stopped suddenly, gasping for air. After several seconds, she regained control. "And two you just saw. I don't have the energy to will the cards here. I am still under the affect of the divine light." Raya trailed off then started again. "But, I will try anyway."
"Mom no!" Yugi's head snapped up. He remembered what happened to him when he used to much power in the Shadow Realm, the result was less then pleasing. It felt like he had died, he had died in a way. "You can't, you'll die. Your soul will be trapped there forever."
"Yugi, we have to get home." She brushed her free hand against the side of his cheek, to wipe away a stray tear. "This is the only way. For Satire to have full control over her powers, she must be in the Shadow Realm. The time spell will be stronger there, giving us a better chance of returning to our correct time period. Bakura can get us to the Shadow Realm with his ring and I will have to call forth the Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts. Luckily this time I don't have to call forth the Dark Magician, that took a lot more energy."
Yugi paused. "Can I help? Call forth the guardians in anyway?"
Raya placed her check against Yugi's. "You can't call forth the Dark Magician as easily as Yami did, he is not your realm guardian. Plus I'm afraid of letting you try after using your full powers. You haven't been totally trained, even with the Millennium Puzzle to help you. I can't take that risk. No, it is best to let me summon the monsters." She turn to Satire. "And trust in our new friends to get us home."
"You have our word my Queen that Jarha and I will get you home. We will do everything in our abilities, both natural and magical."
"Um, I hate to break this conversation up, but Yami's getting worse." Joey broke in. Panic was written across his face.
Yami's breathing had become more labored, more raspy. His normal complexion had turned a paste white, eyes red with fever.
Raya snapped to attention. "Bakura, call forth your ring and transport us quickly." She sent her son down and reached into her sash where she had stored her cards. She flipped through them and then cursed, loudly.
"Raya, what's wrong?" Tristan asked.
Shaking, Raya replied. "It's gone. The Mystic Elf, she's gone."
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"Raya, please tell me your joking." Jarha stated, eyes wide. Even as he spoke the words, he knew Raya would never kid in such a serious matter, but still he had to hope. They all did.
"No, Ra I wish I was. But the card, it isn't here. It must have fallen out sometime while I was here in Egypt." Raya collapsed to the ground. "Dear Ra, how are we going to get home now?" She brushed a piece of Yami's hair out of his eyes. 'What do we do now?'
"What about my Mystic Elf? Can you use her?" Yugi asked hopefully. Maybe things weren't lost just yet.
"Unfortunately Yugi, no." Raya sobbed. "That card was given to me by Sekhmet herself. There was something differently about my Mystic Elf that no other card had. I can't use yours, Yugi for that very reason. It isn't the same card in a magical sense. It doesn't posse something, I am not sure what. Maybe it is more powerful or maybe it has to do with being chosen of Sekhmet. But whatever it is, your card can't help! I could ask for your card's soul to come and help us, but there is no guarantee that it would work. Or if she could even perform the tasks that we would ask of her. The only reason why the Dark Magician came when I asked is because Yami was here to help."
"Then how do we get home?" Mokuba asked softly.
Raya blinked. "I'm honestly not sure Mokuba. I'm really not. But I promise you, I will get all of us home, one way or another."
Mokuba nodded. 'There must be a way I can help. But I am neither a spell caster or a magic wielder. I am just a little kid, but that doesn't mean very much. Even in this time I was helpful. So how can I be of assistance again?' Then an idea popped in his head. "Raya, explain the role of Duel Monsters in Ancient times to me again."
"Little brother, we don't have time for trivial matters."
"Seto, hush. Nothing is ever trivial. Everything, though it may seem insignificant, does have a real purpose in life." Raya replied sharply. Then she answered Mokuba's question. "Back in these days Mokuba, the shadow games were real. The monsters were real and the fighting was very much so too. Death was a constant threat, which is why people had their guardians to watch over them. Everyone had a monster guardian, even the common people like myself. Now sometimes if you posed magic, your guardian would be chosen for you, like in the case of Yami, Yugi, and myself. Now, why do you ask?"
"You said the monsters were real, right?"
"Correct, they were real monsters before Yugioh locked the games away into the shadow realm."
"But, what is stopping you from contacting their bodies now? Isn't Yugi's influence the body? Can't he will the body of the lost cards here, without you having the card?"
It took everything in Raya's powers not to squeeze Mokuba to death. "Mokuba, that is it! You're absolutely correct. Between my willing of the soul and Yugi's of the body, we should be able to reach my guardian." She paused to look down at Yugi. "This is going to take a lot of magic, maybe too much. Are you up to it?"
Yugi nodded. "We have to save Yami. Let's try it."
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Yugi reached into his puzzle and shuffled through them, searching for a card.
Raya cocked her head in confusion. "Yugi, what are you doing?"
"Getting a card to help us."
"And what card is that?"
Yugi flipped a card up for Raya to see between his fingers.
"The Dark Magician?" Seto responded, confused. "I thought you and Raya couldn't summon him."
"That's true Seto, we can't. However, the Dark Magician has a very strong bond with Yami and myself. And just because we can't see him, doesn't mean he can't help. I bet anything if one card hears our call for Raya's Mystic Elf to appear, that all the cards everywhere can. Maybe just maybe, the cards can help find her." Yugi stated. He placed the card between him and Raya.
"I follow you." Seto stated. Then he did something unexpected. He reached into his deck and drew three cards, his Blue Eyes. "The more cards to hear the call, the better the chances." He arranged them around the Dark Magician.
Mokuba tugged on his brother's tunic and ask for the deck. He ran through the cards until he came across what he was looking for. He placed Saggi the Clown down. "I like clowns." he replied as he say the shock looks for Yugi and Raya.
Bakura stepped up, not offering any words. Just placed his card down, the Change of Hearts next to Saggi.
"Everyone needs a little faith." Tea said smiling as the Magician of Faith took her position between 2 blue eyes white dragons.
Tristan strolled up next. "Maybe my guy can send up flares or something," he said with a small grin. He placed the Cyber Commander on the stone floor and quickly turned away.
Joey nudge Tristan and handed him something. Tristan moved back up to the mother and son. "Joey says that everyone needs to courage to undergo the most difficult of tasks." He handed them the Flame Swordsman.
"I did not…I said…"
"Okay, or more or less words that is what he said."
Raya grinned, then turned serious. "Ready to go everyone?"
"WAIT!"
Yugi look up to see Satire towering over him. "Take this." She handed him another duel monsters card.
"Sorcerer of the Doom?" he whispered.
Raya raised an eyebrow at the young woman. "You're guardian card I take it?"
Satire nodded. "Darker powers, spell caster I guess Sekhmet has a sense of humor. That or she foresaw what would happen to me." She shrugged.
"You can use this card as well." Jarha hand Raya his guardian guard, the Black Night Gaia.
"Jarha, how? Black Night Gaia is one of the strongest and rarest cards in all of Duel Monsters."
"The mind is a powerful tool for everyone. It needs strong guardians to protect it, like mine and Yami's."
"Thank you." Yugi whispered in awe.
Turning, he gave a brisk nod to Bakura, who closed his eyes and concentrated. The scene around the friends and once enemies slowly changed from being inside of a collapsed temple, to that of a bluish realm, the Shadow Realm.
"Ready Yugi?" Raya asked as she sat on one side of the cards.
"No, but I don't think I ever will be. Let's do it." he replied, sitting across from Raya.
Together they stretched out their hands, palm barely touching each others. Under them, was the cards that all their friends had given them, arranged in a circle, an unbreakable bond.
Together, Yugi and Raya concentrated their powers on the circle, causing a yellowish glow to appear around both of them. Obvious to the pain both were feeling, Raya and Yugi opened their eyes and started to speak.
"Guide by the light, Protectors of the weak
We the Divine Family decree
Protectors of the Dark games
Here us in our time of need.
Gone is the age of darkness
And yet your presence is needed still.
Here us and find the Guardian we seek
Hear our call Mystic Elf,
Your knowledge insight is needed.
One the light has fallen
We need to return from which we came.
Aid us Heart of the Cards in our time of need."
Together, Yugi and Raya closed their eyes and doubled their efforts in their magic, searching the realm for the spirit or body of the one they so desperately needed to find.
'I…I'm not sure how much longer I can do this." Yugi thought. His eyelids were starting to feel heavy, his mind swimming. The Shadow Realm was starting to take it's affect on the young prince. 'I have to hold on, for Yami's sake. He has done so much for me numerous times. I can do this….I have too.'
Across from him, Raya could sense the inter turmoil her son was undergoing. Carefully, she tried to stretch her magic more, to take some of the strain off Yugi. She was train at least in her magic, she could survive a little longer in the Shadow Realm than Yugi, but not much longer. 'Come on Mystic Elf, here my call. I need you….my family needs you.'
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Joey shifted Yami's weight as he watched the scene in front of him. The Pharaoh was practically dead weight, dead being a poor choice of words. Joey wasn't much of a big worrier, but this was scaring him big time. Yami was getting worse with each passing moment. His breathing was shallower with each passing breath. Seto wasn't much better, though the genius thought he was hiding it well. He was pale, almost looked like was turning green, and every once in a while, coughed up blood. Though Seto had thought he had hid it from everyone, Joey had seen it. Dimly he wondered how he and Tristan didn't pass out from exhausted or in Tristan's case, a lack of blood. His wound was still bleeding. They had to get home….now.
He watched as Raya and Yugi continued to chant. The two of them weren't looking much better than the rest of the gang. Joey gave a slight shiver in remembrance at the last time someone had used to much of their magic in the Shadow Realm. He was so sure he had lost his best friend, practically had. And now, here they were again, risking the same thing as before, only there was a lot more to lose here. More lives were at stake. Inwardly, he gasped when he saw Yugi involuntarily lurch forward, only to snap back to his originally position.
'God Yugi. Don't do that. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. You're my best friend buddy. Be careful.'
He glanced at Raya, hoping to find her in better condition, but that hope was in vain. She seemed to really be pushing her magic, maybe too hard. In was obvious to all that were watching that she had reached her limit and had gone well over it. Shaking furiously, Raya refused to break the concentration. No one dared to step in and stop her. Everyone knew that this was a risk they had to take, or else, adios home and Yami. If they didn't return to the future, it was certain death for the once King.
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'Why isn't this working? Is my guardian gone forever? No, I can't think negatively. My family and friends need me. I can't fail them.' Raya continued to pour all her energy into calling forth her protector. Even as she did it, she could feel the emotion strain it was doing to her body. Never had she felt she weak, even when she had supposedly died. This feeling was indescribable. 'Can't be weak. I just can't.' Even as she thought the words, she could feel her powers giving out to the darkness. She just couldn't fight it anymore. Barely having enough time, Raya opened her eyes just in time to see Yugi doing the same.
"Sorry Yugi…" she whispered, before giving into the darkness of unconsciousness.
Simultaneously, Yugi whispered. "Sorry everyone," and crumpled to the ground.
"NOOOOO!!!!!" Tea screamed. Her friends couldn't be gone, not yet. She started to move forward, only to be stopped by the purity of a light. 'Their souls are gone, I know it. That is what that light must represent. Oh Yugi, oh Raya.'
But as the light dimmed, a shocking scene unfolded.
The Flame Swordsman, cradling a unconscious Raya in his arms.
The Cyber Commander holding a slumbering Yugi in his.
Three Blue Eyes White Dragons around the perimeter of the group, protecting them from any upcoming dangers.
The Change of Hearts tending to Yugi, while Saggi the Clown looked over Raya.
And into the center of it all, was the most peculiar of all. Six figures stood, the Black Night Gaia, the Sorcerer of Doom, the Magician of Faith, the Dark Magician, and finally, the Mystic Elf. The sixth figure was what made the sight all but unbelievable. It was Clio.
Finally, the Mystic Elf spoke. She had moved over to where Raya was cradled in the Flame Swordsman arms. She placed a delicate hand on her charges check. *I heard your call Mistress and I pray that we are all not too late.*
*Don't worry Mystic, Ruia is strong.* The Magician of Faith responded. *But that doesn't mean we should relax, I have a feeling our young charges here would like to return to their homes if I am not mistaken.*
"I…I…still can't get over it." Tea whispered. "The cards are really real people."
*In this era we were. In your time, we are nothing more than cards. But if you are in the Shadow Realm, that all changes. We are living beings just like the rest of you.* Saggi replied, for once not looking like an excited clown.
"Can you really get us home?" Mokuba asked hopefully.
*It's is going to take all of us here to do it since Raya and Yugi exerted too much energy to help, but I believe it is very possible still Mokuba. Don't you agree Mystic?* said the Sorcerer of Doom.
*Ai, it can and will be done. I will not fail my Mistress. Come all of you. I am going to need all the help I can get. Clio, can you please watch over our charges, they must not try and help us.*
*I will, but somehow I doubt they will awake for some time. They over did it, maybe too much.* Clio replied, moving out of the way so the monster could do what they needed.
*Are they…* The Charge of Hearts asked, lowering his voice some as not to alarm the others.
*No, not yet. But for the Pharaoh, his future is the most unclear at the moment.*
At the mention of his protégé being dead, the Dark Magician tensioned.
Noticing his fear, the Cyber Commander broke in. *Come let us get them home then were they can get the help they all desperately need. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can feel that all of them are in need of medical help.*
All the monsters and Clio nodded in response. Together, they clasped their hands together, even the all mighty Blue Eyes. At first nothing happened, then a rip appeared in the Shadow Realm. The Mystic Elf turned to her Mistress' friends. *Through the portal, all of you.*
Not wasting any time, Joey jumped through, still holding Yami. Tea came next with Seto supported between her and Mokuba.
Bakura bent down and picked up all the cards that were still on the ground. As he stuck them into his pocket, he moved over the Dark Magician, who was now rocking Yugi in his arms. The Mystic Elf loomed over his shoulder. When Bakura moved in front of him, the Dark Magician placed the boy into the ex High Priest's arms. *Take care of this one for us. He is very special to all of us.*
"You have my word." With that, he jumped through the portal.
Tristan limped up to the Flame Swordsman. "Thank you."
*It was nothing. Now hurry, you two both need to heal and then only way to do that is to get home.* He started to hand Raya over, when he suddenly stop. Gently, he placed her on the ground and removed his cape. Wrapping it around the Queen, who was still shaking, he lifted her back into Tristan's arms. *Get going.*
Tristan nodded, then turned to Satire and Jarha. "You two coming?"
Jarha turned to his sister then turned back to Tristan. "No, this is are time. We have a lot to amend and we both feel that our repentance needs to start here."
*Don't worry about Jarha and Satire, Tristan. Their fates are intertwined with the past, they are needed here. You however are needed in the future. You and Raya both. You better go before your friends wonder what has happened to you two.*
"Of course Clio. Thank you everyone." With that, Tristan and Raya moved through the portal. Once they were through, the gateway closed.
*You think they will be okay?* Mystic asked to no one in particular. She felt the Dark Magician embrace her from behind.
*I don't know Mystic. They are all strong individuals, but this is something that even we can not help them with.*'
*They will be fine.* Saggi replied as the Blue Eyes roared in agreement.
*How can you be so sure?* Flame Swordsman asked with a confused look on his face.
*Name one time in our charges' lives were they have all rolled over and gave up.* Saggi replied smugly.
*Not once.* The Change of Hearts replied, feeling a bit better. *Come we better return home, there is nothing more we can do here. It is out of all our hands.*
With that, the monsters disappeared, leaving Satire, Jarha and Clio behind.
'They will be okay, right Clio?" Satire replied. Even though she knew the group to be strong willed, death eventually claimed everyone.
*Unclear in the present right now Satire, but I wouldn't worry that much.*
Satire's and Jarha's face lit up with that bit of news. "So what is going to happen to us now?" Jarha asked.
*Come, we have a lot of work to do young ones.* With that Clio snapped her fingers, sending the siblings out of the shadow realm. Turning her head to where the portal once was Clio thought. *Unclear is the present and even though I told the siblings not to worry, even I can't see whether they live or die.*
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Raya woke with a muffled groan. Ra she ached all over. All she wanted to do was sleep, but in the back of her mind something told her that it was imperative that she woke up.
"Ruia?"
"Father?" she responded softly. Her voice sounded weird to her, as if it had been used in some time. She tried opening her eyes, but the light was just too intense. "Kill the lights for a minute will you?"
Sugoroku obliged, then brought them back up gently, so Raya eye's could adjust to the sudden change. Finally he moved back to his daughter's side. "Do you know where you are?"
Raya paused before answering the question. "The future I hope."
Grandpa stiffed a laugh. "Well you're right, but do know anything else?"
"That I am really really tired, but not much else. I know we were all in the past and that….OH MY GOD. Yami and the others? Are they okay?" Raya tried to sit up only to be coxed back down by Grandpa.
"So you do remember." He whispered. "Ruia, I know this is hard, but you must rest. You've been asleep for four days."
Raya blinked. "Four days? What? How?"
Grandpa brushed a piece of Raya's hair behind her delicate face. She looked so weak that he wanted to protect her, but he knew he couldn't. "You were found with your friends four days ago unconscious at the park. The police assumed that all of you had been beaten by a gang or something like that since all of you had sustained some form of injuries, Yami being the worse of the group. However when the found all of you, you kept muttering something about Shadows which they had no idea what it meant, but I did. I figured that you must have been in the Shadow Realm which was why you and Yugi were in the shape that you were…pure exhaustion.
Anyway, the brought all of you to the hospital, which is where you are know, for evaluation. Tea and Mokuba were released the same day that they were brought in, with orders to rest. Tea and her family have been taking care of Mokuba while Seto is in the hospital. Bakura and Joey were released the following day, Bakura had a broken wrist that required a surgery to fix up and Joey had himself a nice little concussion, so they kept him over night to observe. But like I said, they both are doing okay.
Tristan and Seto are recovering together down the hall. Tristan was a very lucky young fellow. He had lost a great deal of blood, and by some small miracle of god, the hospital had enough of his type here to do a transfusion. If they hadn't….. Anyway, he is fine and resting done the hall. The doctors figure he can go home either tomorrow or the following day.
Seto is a walking miracle too. I figure you know that he had broken ribs, but once of those broken ribs punctured a small hole in his lung, which caused him a great deal of discomfort, not to mention coughing up blood every now and then. Before you ask, yes they did surgery on the lung and after many hours of work, they finally repaired it. They set the bones in his ribs as well and I gather it is going to be hard for him to keep his breathe for some time. He too should be released fairly soon."
"And what of Yugi and Yami father?" Raya asked, eyes wide with hope.
"Yugi is much like yourself. He has been asleep for the past four days too. Tea and Joey are in with him right now. Mokuba and Bakura are probably with Seto and Tristan right now. The doctors figure that Yugi will make a full recovery once he awakes. His body just has to recover from the exhaustion."
"I'm glad he is not alone right now." Raya smiled.
"Why do you say that daughter?"
Raya brushed her son's spirit again, just to make sure. "He's awake now. I can sense him."
Sugoroku grin grew, then fell once again.
"Father, what is it? It's Yami isn't it? What is wrong with him. Please, tell me." Raya pleaded desperately. Even though she could sense her son's soul, Yami's she couldn't. And if she couldn't sense Yami, that could only mean one thing. And it scared her deeply.
"Ruia Ana. I don't know how to tell you this."
Raya gulped. Her father had used her middle name. Never had that happened unless it was serious.
"Yami wasn't breathing when they found all of you." Grandfather choked out. He tried to calm himself down before continuing. Even though Yami wasn't his natural grandson, rather son - in - law, he still considered him his child. "They thought he was dead Ruia. But luckily the got him breathing again before they arrived at hospital. To make a very long story short, he has a broken leg and swelling on the brain. Ruia, he is in a coma right now and the doctors aren't sure he will wake up."
Raya stared at her father in shock, not reacting to the words she had just heard. Instead a small phrase was repeating over and over in her mind. 'Lose your soul mate once and the pain is overwhelming. Lose your soul mate twice and never live again.'
"YAMI!" she screamed.
Sugoroku embraced his daughter as she sobbed. Gently, he rubbed her back, not even trying to calm her down. He knew nothing he said or did would even come close to consoling her, not even if he said her mother was alive and well. Instead, he just held her close, letting her cry.
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From the doorway, Joey watched as Raya heard the news of Yami's condition. His heart broke to see her so upset. Realizing now was not the best time to tell Grandpa that Yugi was awake, Joey slipped out of the room. In the back of his mind, Joey figured that they already knew Yugi was okay. After all Yugi had been correct in his statement that Raya was awake.
He walked back into his best friend's room and forced a smile on his face. Yugi didn't know about Yami yet and he didn't want to be the one to tell him. One it wasn't his place and two it would kill Yugi, literally.
"You were right Yugi. Raya is up. Your grandpa is with her. I figured that I would let them have their reunion in private. You don't mind do ya? I could go back and get your grandfather if you really want him here."
"No Joey, it is fine. How is everyone else?"
Tea and Joey exchanged quick glances. "Everyone is fine." Tea replied, hoping that Yugi wouldn't ask her to elaborate.
Yugi nodded, then whimpered in pain.
Joey and Tea leaped to their feet surrounding their friend's bed. "YUGI!"
"It's Raya. It is like her heart has broken into a thousand pieces. You're both lying to me. Something has happened to Yami. That is the only explanation. Tell me, what has happened to him."
"I'm going to get your grandfather." Tea said, running out of the room quickly.
"Joey?"
"It is better than your grandfather tells you Yugi. It isn't our place."
Just then, Grandpa enter the room. "Yugi! I am so happy to see you awake."
"Grandpa what happened to Yami?"
"Joey, why don't you go tell Seto and the others that Raya and Yugi have awaken. Tea is staying with Raya."
"Um, sure." Joey fled from the room, making sure to close the door on the way out. He had no idea how Yugi was going to react, but it couldn't be good. Joey sighed. 'Okay God, I know I haven't been the best person in the world here. But please don't take Yami away from Raya or Yugi. They just got their family back neither one could handle it if they were broken up again please.'
Joey ended his little plea and walked into Seto's and Tristan's room.
"Hey it is the dog."
"HAHA. Glad to see you're feeling better Seto." Joey sat in the empty chair next to the beds.
"What's up?" Tristan asked.
"Yugi and Raya just woke up a few minutes ago."
Bakura, Mokuba, and Tristan all grinned. Seto did as well, the his face clouded over. "Do they know?"
"Raya does. Gramps is telling Yugi now. And from what Yugi said or felt, Raya wasn't taking it too well at all. He said it felt like Raya's heart had shattered."
"Poor Raya and Yugi" Mokuba commented, who was sitting on his brother's bed. He had tears running down his face. Seto noticed this and gather his brother into a hug. Seto too, had to fight back the tears that threatened to flow. They all did.
And for the first times in their lives, they all felt helpless. There was nothing they could do, for Raya, for Yugi, and most of all for Yami.
They were helpless. They couldn't do anything, except wait and pray.
It was up to the fates now.
Anya: I wasn't going to leave it off there, but since I was already over 18 pages, I had to end the chapter. I swear.
Kris: You are evil you know that.
Anya: I'm sorry!!!! Don't worry though, the next chapter is already written so it should be up really soon. Please don't kill me.
Kris: I say they should kill you.
Anya: Quiet you. One more thing, about picking Saggi as Mokuba's guardian, I don't know if Mokuba had his own deck, so I just picked one from Seto's deck and at 2 in the morning, Saggi was the only one I could think of.
Anya: Okay this is just a quick apologue, for two reasons. One for leaving with a mean cliff hanger last time and a the second in is in advance for something in this chapter. Also, I had no idea what Mokuba's favorite card was, so I just made up one. If it isn't right, my bad. Anyway, onto the story.
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"Yami!" Yugi screamed, eyes filled with unshed tears. He couldn't be trapped under all that rubble, he just couldn't. Yugi tried to run forward, he had to find Yami, only to be restrained by Raya. Her distraught expression confirmed Yugi's deepest fear, things were not looking good for Yami.
Joey raced over to the mother and son who appeared to be in sheer panic. "Can you feel him? Feel him at all?" he asked desperately. He fought the urge to shake the two, hoping to snap them out of whatever daze they were in.
To anyone else, the words meant very little, but to Raya and Yugi, they meant a lot, those little words meant life and death.
Yugi was barely able to whisper a no and then turned to Raya, hoping against hope that she could sense anything, but if he couldn't….
Raya lowered her gaze, so not to look any of them in the eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, she slowly shook her head no. 'Oh Yami!'
All the composure Yugi had managed to muster was lost in that millisecond of time. Unable to control his tears, he flung his arms tightly around Raya's neck, sobbing into her shoulders. He felt her arms wrap around his waist and felt water droplets hit his head.. Raya too, was crying.
'What do I do? I can't leave these too here like this. Someone needs to stay with them, but the others need my help as well. Oh man, what do I do?' Joey thought desperately. He watched as Tristan moved another stone. Confused at who needed more help, Joey nearly jumped when hand tap his shoulder.
"Go and help find the Pharaoh. I'll stay and watch the Queen and Young Prince. It is the least I can do. After all I have done…" Satire trailed off, voice failing her.
"You're right…" Joey started to yell, temper rising. It was this woman's fault that one of his best friends was fighting for his life under all those rocks. But as soon as his temper turned red hot, it suddenly cooled. His voice trailed off as he noticed Satire's features a little more. The young spell caster was crying softly to herself. Joey lowered his gaze. Maybe just maybe, the woman was sorry. "Alright. I'll help the others find Yami, you stay with these two." Joey started forward, then turned around. "Thank you Satire."
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Raya wasn't very aware of what was going on around her. All her thoughts were concentrated on one statement. Was Yami still alive? She gripped at her son tightly, afraid that somehow she was going to lose him too.
"The Pharaoh is strong Ruia. You'll see. He is a survivor. And also, I'm sorry, for everything."
"Satire." Raya whispered softly, startled that Satire was able to sit next to her without realizing it.
Satire cringed, waiting for the smack and the sharp words to come her way, but yet, nothing came. Gulping, she raised her head back to eye level with Raya. This was a lot worse than not getting a verbal beating. She and her brother had done a lot to the Queen and her family, it was too much to ask for forgiveness. She opened her hazel eyes and stared at her once ruler and then blinked.
Raya was smiling. Granted small, but still smiling, at her no the less. This had to be some kind of trick, to build up some hope, only to crush it later.
"You have my forgiveness Satire, you and your brother both. I understand now that you had no control over your actions, that the darkness was fueling you and Jarha."
Stuttering in shock, Satire managed to reply. "Thank you." She never expected to be forgiven by her worst enemy. After all the pain and suffering she and her brother had caused, never did she expect Raya to openly forgive her. Hurt her yes, punish her for all her terrible crimes, definitely. But to absolve everything that had ever exist between them just like that…no.
Yugi raised his head off Raya's shoulder. Inwardly, Satire flinched. If there was one person in the world that she feared more than Raya, it was the Divine Son. He was pure light, pure goodness and she had almost destroyed everything and everyone he stood for. It broke her heart to see Yugi so upset and knowing that she had caused this, it was almost to much to watch.
"I forgive you too Satire." Yugi whispered, but never making eye contact. He may have forgiven Satire and Jarha, but that didn't mean that he wasn't still upset with them. He understood that the darkness had been toying with their emotions, but that didn't give him back the time he lost with his parents and it didn't give him back Yami.
"What? I don't understand. You of all people Yugi should hate me and want me to suffer as you have."
"At one time Satire, I did. But I remembered something Ruia had told me. That sometimes people act a certain way because they can not control it. That I should never judge a person or people before all the facts had come in. I didn't understand at the time what that had meant, but now I do. I have seen in first hand in you and your brother. Your character was overridden by the darkness, your true nature could not be seen. But when Yami, Raya, and I expelled that darkness, you were back to your original state. And that is why I forgave you. It is the darkness I can not forgive. It is for the very same reason why I couldn't let you die. It wasn't your fault." Yugi lowered his head back onto Raya's shoulders, eyes filling with tears once again. 'Yami, Yami, please answer me.'
Satire sat pondering the heir's words. Nothing made sense to her. The Royal Family should be furious with her, but yet they refused to let the darkness claim them as pawns. If only she and her brother had been that strong. She understood now that Life was too short, too pure to be wasted on revenge. You only had a small amount of time with the ones you loved and if you didn't make something of it in that time, then it was lost forever, never to come again.
'And Jarha and myself may have done just that to the Royal Family. I may have killed Yugi's father. Maybe he and Raya can forgive me, but I doubt that I can ever forgive myself if something killed Yami.'
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Tristan grunted as he lifted another stone off the pile. Beside him, Seto groaned as he lifted another smaller stone from the rubble. It was apparent to the human eye that Seto was in pain, the white face and sweat glistening down his face confirmed it.
"Maybe you shouldn't be pushing yourself like this Seto." Tristan cautioned as he struggled to move a larger boulder.
"I have to do this Tristan. Yami risked his life for all of us, my brother and I included. And this isn't the first time either. He did it when he battle Pegasus for our souls. I don't care how much pain I am in, I am going to help Yami if it kills me."
Tristan didn't dare argue Seto. The set determination in his face convinced him of this. Some battles were worth fighting, and this wasn't one of them. Tristan turned to glance at his other friends, hoping against hope that they had found Yami. Bakura and Joey dug off to one side, hope falling with each toss of a stone. Mokuba dug to the other side, moving the smaller, lighter stones, but still contributing none the less. Tea was there as well. But the most surprising had to be the individual in front of him. It was no other than the enemy himself, Jarha.
Tristan was the last person to believe that the siblings could suddenly turn good after being evil for so long. But the same incident occurred with Seto, had it not? After everything he had seen, it was hard to say what he did and did not believe in. So much had happened to change his believes and way of thinking. Just maybe, it changed his perception of the world too.
"Guys! Come quick, I found something!"
Tristan jerked his head in the sound of Bakura's voice. He moved cautiously towards his friend. "What did you find Bakura?" he asked, loudly enough for Bakura to hear, but soft enough to hide it from Raya and Yugi.
Bakura didn't answer, but rather continued to dig deeper, with the aid of Joey and Seto.
First, they uncovered a hand, one with minor scratches and bruise. After much digging, they finally uncovered the battered and bruised body of Yami.
"How is he?" Joey asked, concerned as well as disheartened. Yami had made no attempt to responded to any of the questions they had asked. Blood was caked to the side of face and in his blond hair. Dark blue and purple spots had started to form on his skin. However, they had no idea what type of injuries Yami had suffered internally.
Bakura tested his pulse. "It is very weak. He is alive, but barely. He needs medical attention immediately."
Inwardly, Seto cursed. "In other words, we need to get Yami home. No way he can get the medical attention he desperately needs here. The technology, it is limited, where at home, he could get the best possible care."
"But, how are we going to get home big brother?" Mokuba asked suddenly.
Seto opened his mouth then shut it tightly, lips drawn back into a thin line. He didn't know how to answer Mokuba question. He wasn't a spell caster, nor was Raya and Yugi. But maybe….
Bakura shook his head no, as if he knew what Seto was planning to ask. "I'm not sure Mokuba. But no matter what, I'll find a way. And if not me, definitely Raya."
"I think I may be able to help."
Everyone turned to face Jarha, who refused to look any of them in the eyes. "How can you help us?" Tea asked cautiously.
"My sister is a spell caster and if we can find the original time spell, we should be able to all of you back to your correct time period." Jarha replied, still refusing to glance at any of them.
"And why should we trust you, Jarha? After everything you and your sister did to us, how do we know that you aren't planning to lose us in time forever? Huh? Well answer me!" Tristan yelled, taking a threatening steps towards the shorter man.
"I don't expect you to believe me Honda. But I beg of you, if you want to return home in time to save the Pharaoh then you have to trust my sister and myself."
Tristan fumed. "I don't know."
"Tristan, we have to trust him." Yugi whispered suddenly. No one had heard he and Raya approach. Though Yugi had spoken the words to the group, he didn't dare face any of them at the moment. Rather his eyes never wavered from Yami, who was cradled in Joey's arms. Yugi continued to stare, then suddenly turned and sobbed into Raya's waist.
Gently, Raya bent down and lifted Yugi into her arms, trying desperately to calm him down. 'Yeah right, how can I calm him down, when I can't calm myself down?' She rocked Yugi back and forth, hoping that at least the movement would soothe one of them.
"I'm still not sure…"
Sighing Raya responded. "We don't have a choice in the matter Tristan. Yami needs help now. And the only way to return home is to trust the siblings and I do. Do you really doubt the Divine families powers that much?"
Tristan shook his head no. "Satire, do you think you can help?" he answered finally. Raya and Yugi was right. Then only way to get home and save Yami's live was to trust the ones that had tried to kill them all. It was a dangerous
Satire stepped forward and clasped her hands together. "I can hold the portal open for all of you, but I do not remember the spell at all. I doubt the spell book still exists here anyway. So unless you can find the spell another way…then no. I am deeply sorry."
"Raya, you can help. Call forth the Mystic Elf again. Get the book of spells and let Satire use that spell to open the portal." Bakura responded suddenly. "It worked before, why not now?"
Raya's face lit up, then fell. "It would have worked, however there are two conditions that your not taking into account. One we're not in the Shadow Realm and two," Raya stopped suddenly, gasping for air. After several seconds, she regained control. "And two you just saw. I don't have the energy to will the cards here. I am still under the affect of the divine light." Raya trailed off then started again. "But, I will try anyway."
"Mom no!" Yugi's head snapped up. He remembered what happened to him when he used to much power in the Shadow Realm, the result was less then pleasing. It felt like he had died, he had died in a way. "You can't, you'll die. Your soul will be trapped there forever."
"Yugi, we have to get home." She brushed her free hand against the side of his cheek, to wipe away a stray tear. "This is the only way. For Satire to have full control over her powers, she must be in the Shadow Realm. The time spell will be stronger there, giving us a better chance of returning to our correct time period. Bakura can get us to the Shadow Realm with his ring and I will have to call forth the Mystic Elf and the Book of Secret Arts. Luckily this time I don't have to call forth the Dark Magician, that took a lot more energy."
Yugi paused. "Can I help? Call forth the guardians in anyway?"
Raya placed her check against Yugi's. "You can't call forth the Dark Magician as easily as Yami did, he is not your realm guardian. Plus I'm afraid of letting you try after using your full powers. You haven't been totally trained, even with the Millennium Puzzle to help you. I can't take that risk. No, it is best to let me summon the monsters." She turn to Satire. "And trust in our new friends to get us home."
"You have our word my Queen that Jarha and I will get you home. We will do everything in our abilities, both natural and magical."
"Um, I hate to break this conversation up, but Yami's getting worse." Joey broke in. Panic was written across his face.
Yami's breathing had become more labored, more raspy. His normal complexion had turned a paste white, eyes red with fever.
Raya snapped to attention. "Bakura, call forth your ring and transport us quickly." She sent her son down and reached into her sash where she had stored her cards. She flipped through them and then cursed, loudly.
"Raya, what's wrong?" Tristan asked.
Shaking, Raya replied. "It's gone. The Mystic Elf, she's gone."
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"Raya, please tell me your joking." Jarha stated, eyes wide. Even as he spoke the words, he knew Raya would never kid in such a serious matter, but still he had to hope. They all did.
"No, Ra I wish I was. But the card, it isn't here. It must have fallen out sometime while I was here in Egypt." Raya collapsed to the ground. "Dear Ra, how are we going to get home now?" She brushed a piece of Yami's hair out of his eyes. 'What do we do now?'
"What about my Mystic Elf? Can you use her?" Yugi asked hopefully. Maybe things weren't lost just yet.
"Unfortunately Yugi, no." Raya sobbed. "That card was given to me by Sekhmet herself. There was something differently about my Mystic Elf that no other card had. I can't use yours, Yugi for that very reason. It isn't the same card in a magical sense. It doesn't posse something, I am not sure what. Maybe it is more powerful or maybe it has to do with being chosen of Sekhmet. But whatever it is, your card can't help! I could ask for your card's soul to come and help us, but there is no guarantee that it would work. Or if she could even perform the tasks that we would ask of her. The only reason why the Dark Magician came when I asked is because Yami was here to help."
"Then how do we get home?" Mokuba asked softly.
Raya blinked. "I'm honestly not sure Mokuba. I'm really not. But I promise you, I will get all of us home, one way or another."
Mokuba nodded. 'There must be a way I can help. But I am neither a spell caster or a magic wielder. I am just a little kid, but that doesn't mean very much. Even in this time I was helpful. So how can I be of assistance again?' Then an idea popped in his head. "Raya, explain the role of Duel Monsters in Ancient times to me again."
"Little brother, we don't have time for trivial matters."
"Seto, hush. Nothing is ever trivial. Everything, though it may seem insignificant, does have a real purpose in life." Raya replied sharply. Then she answered Mokuba's question. "Back in these days Mokuba, the shadow games were real. The monsters were real and the fighting was very much so too. Death was a constant threat, which is why people had their guardians to watch over them. Everyone had a monster guardian, even the common people like myself. Now sometimes if you posed magic, your guardian would be chosen for you, like in the case of Yami, Yugi, and myself. Now, why do you ask?"
"You said the monsters were real, right?"
"Correct, they were real monsters before Yugioh locked the games away into the shadow realm."
"But, what is stopping you from contacting their bodies now? Isn't Yugi's influence the body? Can't he will the body of the lost cards here, without you having the card?"
It took everything in Raya's powers not to squeeze Mokuba to death. "Mokuba, that is it! You're absolutely correct. Between my willing of the soul and Yugi's of the body, we should be able to reach my guardian." She paused to look down at Yugi. "This is going to take a lot of magic, maybe too much. Are you up to it?"
Yugi nodded. "We have to save Yami. Let's try it."
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Yugi reached into his puzzle and shuffled through them, searching for a card.
Raya cocked her head in confusion. "Yugi, what are you doing?"
"Getting a card to help us."
"And what card is that?"
Yugi flipped a card up for Raya to see between his fingers.
"The Dark Magician?" Seto responded, confused. "I thought you and Raya couldn't summon him."
"That's true Seto, we can't. However, the Dark Magician has a very strong bond with Yami and myself. And just because we can't see him, doesn't mean he can't help. I bet anything if one card hears our call for Raya's Mystic Elf to appear, that all the cards everywhere can. Maybe just maybe, the cards can help find her." Yugi stated. He placed the card between him and Raya.
"I follow you." Seto stated. Then he did something unexpected. He reached into his deck and drew three cards, his Blue Eyes. "The more cards to hear the call, the better the chances." He arranged them around the Dark Magician.
Mokuba tugged on his brother's tunic and ask for the deck. He ran through the cards until he came across what he was looking for. He placed Saggi the Clown down. "I like clowns." he replied as he say the shock looks for Yugi and Raya.
Bakura stepped up, not offering any words. Just placed his card down, the Change of Hearts next to Saggi.
"Everyone needs a little faith." Tea said smiling as the Magician of Faith took her position between 2 blue eyes white dragons.
Tristan strolled up next. "Maybe my guy can send up flares or something," he said with a small grin. He placed the Cyber Commander on the stone floor and quickly turned away.
Joey nudge Tristan and handed him something. Tristan moved back up to the mother and son. "Joey says that everyone needs to courage to undergo the most difficult of tasks." He handed them the Flame Swordsman.
"I did not…I said…"
"Okay, or more or less words that is what he said."
Raya grinned, then turned serious. "Ready to go everyone?"
"WAIT!"
Yugi look up to see Satire towering over him. "Take this." She handed him another duel monsters card.
"Sorcerer of the Doom?" he whispered.
Raya raised an eyebrow at the young woman. "You're guardian card I take it?"
Satire nodded. "Darker powers, spell caster I guess Sekhmet has a sense of humor. That or she foresaw what would happen to me." She shrugged.
"You can use this card as well." Jarha hand Raya his guardian guard, the Black Night Gaia.
"Jarha, how? Black Night Gaia is one of the strongest and rarest cards in all of Duel Monsters."
"The mind is a powerful tool for everyone. It needs strong guardians to protect it, like mine and Yami's."
"Thank you." Yugi whispered in awe.
Turning, he gave a brisk nod to Bakura, who closed his eyes and concentrated. The scene around the friends and once enemies slowly changed from being inside of a collapsed temple, to that of a bluish realm, the Shadow Realm.
"Ready Yugi?" Raya asked as she sat on one side of the cards.
"No, but I don't think I ever will be. Let's do it." he replied, sitting across from Raya.
Together they stretched out their hands, palm barely touching each others. Under them, was the cards that all their friends had given them, arranged in a circle, an unbreakable bond.
Together, Yugi and Raya concentrated their powers on the circle, causing a yellowish glow to appear around both of them. Obvious to the pain both were feeling, Raya and Yugi opened their eyes and started to speak.
"Guide by the light, Protectors of the weak
We the Divine Family decree
Protectors of the Dark games
Here us in our time of need.
Gone is the age of darkness
And yet your presence is needed still.
Here us and find the Guardian we seek
Hear our call Mystic Elf,
Your knowledge insight is needed.
One the light has fallen
We need to return from which we came.
Aid us Heart of the Cards in our time of need."
Together, Yugi and Raya closed their eyes and doubled their efforts in their magic, searching the realm for the spirit or body of the one they so desperately needed to find.
'I…I'm not sure how much longer I can do this." Yugi thought. His eyelids were starting to feel heavy, his mind swimming. The Shadow Realm was starting to take it's affect on the young prince. 'I have to hold on, for Yami's sake. He has done so much for me numerous times. I can do this….I have too.'
Across from him, Raya could sense the inter turmoil her son was undergoing. Carefully, she tried to stretch her magic more, to take some of the strain off Yugi. She was train at least in her magic, she could survive a little longer in the Shadow Realm than Yugi, but not much longer. 'Come on Mystic Elf, here my call. I need you….my family needs you.'
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Joey shifted Yami's weight as he watched the scene in front of him. The Pharaoh was practically dead weight, dead being a poor choice of words. Joey wasn't much of a big worrier, but this was scaring him big time. Yami was getting worse with each passing moment. His breathing was shallower with each passing breath. Seto wasn't much better, though the genius thought he was hiding it well. He was pale, almost looked like was turning green, and every once in a while, coughed up blood. Though Seto had thought he had hid it from everyone, Joey had seen it. Dimly he wondered how he and Tristan didn't pass out from exhausted or in Tristan's case, a lack of blood. His wound was still bleeding. They had to get home….now.
He watched as Raya and Yugi continued to chant. The two of them weren't looking much better than the rest of the gang. Joey gave a slight shiver in remembrance at the last time someone had used to much of their magic in the Shadow Realm. He was so sure he had lost his best friend, practically had. And now, here they were again, risking the same thing as before, only there was a lot more to lose here. More lives were at stake. Inwardly, he gasped when he saw Yugi involuntarily lurch forward, only to snap back to his originally position.
'God Yugi. Don't do that. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. You're my best friend buddy. Be careful.'
He glanced at Raya, hoping to find her in better condition, but that hope was in vain. She seemed to really be pushing her magic, maybe too hard. In was obvious to all that were watching that she had reached her limit and had gone well over it. Shaking furiously, Raya refused to break the concentration. No one dared to step in and stop her. Everyone knew that this was a risk they had to take, or else, adios home and Yami. If they didn't return to the future, it was certain death for the once King.
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'Why isn't this working? Is my guardian gone forever? No, I can't think negatively. My family and friends need me. I can't fail them.' Raya continued to pour all her energy into calling forth her protector. Even as she did it, she could feel the emotion strain it was doing to her body. Never had she felt she weak, even when she had supposedly died. This feeling was indescribable. 'Can't be weak. I just can't.' Even as she thought the words, she could feel her powers giving out to the darkness. She just couldn't fight it anymore. Barely having enough time, Raya opened her eyes just in time to see Yugi doing the same.
"Sorry Yugi…" she whispered, before giving into the darkness of unconsciousness.
Simultaneously, Yugi whispered. "Sorry everyone," and crumpled to the ground.
"NOOOOO!!!!!" Tea screamed. Her friends couldn't be gone, not yet. She started to move forward, only to be stopped by the purity of a light. 'Their souls are gone, I know it. That is what that light must represent. Oh Yugi, oh Raya.'
But as the light dimmed, a shocking scene unfolded.
The Flame Swordsman, cradling a unconscious Raya in his arms.
The Cyber Commander holding a slumbering Yugi in his.
Three Blue Eyes White Dragons around the perimeter of the group, protecting them from any upcoming dangers.
The Change of Hearts tending to Yugi, while Saggi the Clown looked over Raya.
And into the center of it all, was the most peculiar of all. Six figures stood, the Black Night Gaia, the Sorcerer of Doom, the Magician of Faith, the Dark Magician, and finally, the Mystic Elf. The sixth figure was what made the sight all but unbelievable. It was Clio.
Finally, the Mystic Elf spoke. She had moved over to where Raya was cradled in the Flame Swordsman arms. She placed a delicate hand on her charges check. *I heard your call Mistress and I pray that we are all not too late.*
*Don't worry Mystic, Ruia is strong.* The Magician of Faith responded. *But that doesn't mean we should relax, I have a feeling our young charges here would like to return to their homes if I am not mistaken.*
"I…I…still can't get over it." Tea whispered. "The cards are really real people."
*In this era we were. In your time, we are nothing more than cards. But if you are in the Shadow Realm, that all changes. We are living beings just like the rest of you.* Saggi replied, for once not looking like an excited clown.
"Can you really get us home?" Mokuba asked hopefully.
*It's is going to take all of us here to do it since Raya and Yugi exerted too much energy to help, but I believe it is very possible still Mokuba. Don't you agree Mystic?* said the Sorcerer of Doom.
*Ai, it can and will be done. I will not fail my Mistress. Come all of you. I am going to need all the help I can get. Clio, can you please watch over our charges, they must not try and help us.*
*I will, but somehow I doubt they will awake for some time. They over did it, maybe too much.* Clio replied, moving out of the way so the monster could do what they needed.
*Are they…* The Charge of Hearts asked, lowering his voice some as not to alarm the others.
*No, not yet. But for the Pharaoh, his future is the most unclear at the moment.*
At the mention of his protégé being dead, the Dark Magician tensioned.
Noticing his fear, the Cyber Commander broke in. *Come let us get them home then were they can get the help they all desperately need. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can feel that all of them are in need of medical help.*
All the monsters and Clio nodded in response. Together, they clasped their hands together, even the all mighty Blue Eyes. At first nothing happened, then a rip appeared in the Shadow Realm. The Mystic Elf turned to her Mistress' friends. *Through the portal, all of you.*
Not wasting any time, Joey jumped through, still holding Yami. Tea came next with Seto supported between her and Mokuba.
Bakura bent down and picked up all the cards that were still on the ground. As he stuck them into his pocket, he moved over the Dark Magician, who was now rocking Yugi in his arms. The Mystic Elf loomed over his shoulder. When Bakura moved in front of him, the Dark Magician placed the boy into the ex High Priest's arms. *Take care of this one for us. He is very special to all of us.*
"You have my word." With that, he jumped through the portal.
Tristan limped up to the Flame Swordsman. "Thank you."
*It was nothing. Now hurry, you two both need to heal and then only way to do that is to get home.* He started to hand Raya over, when he suddenly stop. Gently, he placed her on the ground and removed his cape. Wrapping it around the Queen, who was still shaking, he lifted her back into Tristan's arms. *Get going.*
Tristan nodded, then turned to Satire and Jarha. "You two coming?"
Jarha turned to his sister then turned back to Tristan. "No, this is are time. We have a lot to amend and we both feel that our repentance needs to start here."
*Don't worry about Jarha and Satire, Tristan. Their fates are intertwined with the past, they are needed here. You however are needed in the future. You and Raya both. You better go before your friends wonder what has happened to you two.*
"Of course Clio. Thank you everyone." With that, Tristan and Raya moved through the portal. Once they were through, the gateway closed.
*You think they will be okay?* Mystic asked to no one in particular. She felt the Dark Magician embrace her from behind.
*I don't know Mystic. They are all strong individuals, but this is something that even we can not help them with.*'
*They will be fine.* Saggi replied as the Blue Eyes roared in agreement.
*How can you be so sure?* Flame Swordsman asked with a confused look on his face.
*Name one time in our charges' lives were they have all rolled over and gave up.* Saggi replied smugly.
*Not once.* The Change of Hearts replied, feeling a bit better. *Come we better return home, there is nothing more we can do here. It is out of all our hands.*
With that, the monsters disappeared, leaving Satire, Jarha and Clio behind.
'They will be okay, right Clio?" Satire replied. Even though she knew the group to be strong willed, death eventually claimed everyone.
*Unclear in the present right now Satire, but I wouldn't worry that much.*
Satire's and Jarha's face lit up with that bit of news. "So what is going to happen to us now?" Jarha asked.
*Come, we have a lot of work to do young ones.* With that Clio snapped her fingers, sending the siblings out of the shadow realm. Turning her head to where the portal once was Clio thought. *Unclear is the present and even though I told the siblings not to worry, even I can't see whether they live or die.*
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Raya woke with a muffled groan. Ra she ached all over. All she wanted to do was sleep, but in the back of her mind something told her that it was imperative that she woke up.
"Ruia?"
"Father?" she responded softly. Her voice sounded weird to her, as if it had been used in some time. She tried opening her eyes, but the light was just too intense. "Kill the lights for a minute will you?"
Sugoroku obliged, then brought them back up gently, so Raya eye's could adjust to the sudden change. Finally he moved back to his daughter's side. "Do you know where you are?"
Raya paused before answering the question. "The future I hope."
Grandpa stiffed a laugh. "Well you're right, but do know anything else?"
"That I am really really tired, but not much else. I know we were all in the past and that….OH MY GOD. Yami and the others? Are they okay?" Raya tried to sit up only to be coxed back down by Grandpa.
"So you do remember." He whispered. "Ruia, I know this is hard, but you must rest. You've been asleep for four days."
Raya blinked. "Four days? What? How?"
Grandpa brushed a piece of Raya's hair behind her delicate face. She looked so weak that he wanted to protect her, but he knew he couldn't. "You were found with your friends four days ago unconscious at the park. The police assumed that all of you had been beaten by a gang or something like that since all of you had sustained some form of injuries, Yami being the worse of the group. However when the found all of you, you kept muttering something about Shadows which they had no idea what it meant, but I did. I figured that you must have been in the Shadow Realm which was why you and Yugi were in the shape that you were…pure exhaustion.
Anyway, the brought all of you to the hospital, which is where you are know, for evaluation. Tea and Mokuba were released the same day that they were brought in, with orders to rest. Tea and her family have been taking care of Mokuba while Seto is in the hospital. Bakura and Joey were released the following day, Bakura had a broken wrist that required a surgery to fix up and Joey had himself a nice little concussion, so they kept him over night to observe. But like I said, they both are doing okay.
Tristan and Seto are recovering together down the hall. Tristan was a very lucky young fellow. He had lost a great deal of blood, and by some small miracle of god, the hospital had enough of his type here to do a transfusion. If they hadn't….. Anyway, he is fine and resting done the hall. The doctors figure he can go home either tomorrow or the following day.
Seto is a walking miracle too. I figure you know that he had broken ribs, but once of those broken ribs punctured a small hole in his lung, which caused him a great deal of discomfort, not to mention coughing up blood every now and then. Before you ask, yes they did surgery on the lung and after many hours of work, they finally repaired it. They set the bones in his ribs as well and I gather it is going to be hard for him to keep his breathe for some time. He too should be released fairly soon."
"And what of Yugi and Yami father?" Raya asked, eyes wide with hope.
"Yugi is much like yourself. He has been asleep for the past four days too. Tea and Joey are in with him right now. Mokuba and Bakura are probably with Seto and Tristan right now. The doctors figure that Yugi will make a full recovery once he awakes. His body just has to recover from the exhaustion."
"I'm glad he is not alone right now." Raya smiled.
"Why do you say that daughter?"
Raya brushed her son's spirit again, just to make sure. "He's awake now. I can sense him."
Sugoroku grin grew, then fell once again.
"Father, what is it? It's Yami isn't it? What is wrong with him. Please, tell me." Raya pleaded desperately. Even though she could sense her son's soul, Yami's she couldn't. And if she couldn't sense Yami, that could only mean one thing. And it scared her deeply.
"Ruia Ana. I don't know how to tell you this."
Raya gulped. Her father had used her middle name. Never had that happened unless it was serious.
"Yami wasn't breathing when they found all of you." Grandfather choked out. He tried to calm himself down before continuing. Even though Yami wasn't his natural grandson, rather son - in - law, he still considered him his child. "They thought he was dead Ruia. But luckily the got him breathing again before they arrived at hospital. To make a very long story short, he has a broken leg and swelling on the brain. Ruia, he is in a coma right now and the doctors aren't sure he will wake up."
Raya stared at her father in shock, not reacting to the words she had just heard. Instead a small phrase was repeating over and over in her mind. 'Lose your soul mate once and the pain is overwhelming. Lose your soul mate twice and never live again.'
"YAMI!" she screamed.
Sugoroku embraced his daughter as she sobbed. Gently, he rubbed her back, not even trying to calm her down. He knew nothing he said or did would even come close to consoling her, not even if he said her mother was alive and well. Instead, he just held her close, letting her cry.
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From the doorway, Joey watched as Raya heard the news of Yami's condition. His heart broke to see her so upset. Realizing now was not the best time to tell Grandpa that Yugi was awake, Joey slipped out of the room. In the back of his mind, Joey figured that they already knew Yugi was okay. After all Yugi had been correct in his statement that Raya was awake.
He walked back into his best friend's room and forced a smile on his face. Yugi didn't know about Yami yet and he didn't want to be the one to tell him. One it wasn't his place and two it would kill Yugi, literally.
"You were right Yugi. Raya is up. Your grandpa is with her. I figured that I would let them have their reunion in private. You don't mind do ya? I could go back and get your grandfather if you really want him here."
"No Joey, it is fine. How is everyone else?"
Tea and Joey exchanged quick glances. "Everyone is fine." Tea replied, hoping that Yugi wouldn't ask her to elaborate.
Yugi nodded, then whimpered in pain.
Joey and Tea leaped to their feet surrounding their friend's bed. "YUGI!"
"It's Raya. It is like her heart has broken into a thousand pieces. You're both lying to me. Something has happened to Yami. That is the only explanation. Tell me, what has happened to him."
"I'm going to get your grandfather." Tea said, running out of the room quickly.
"Joey?"
"It is better than your grandfather tells you Yugi. It isn't our place."
Just then, Grandpa enter the room. "Yugi! I am so happy to see you awake."
"Grandpa what happened to Yami?"
"Joey, why don't you go tell Seto and the others that Raya and Yugi have awaken. Tea is staying with Raya."
"Um, sure." Joey fled from the room, making sure to close the door on the way out. He had no idea how Yugi was going to react, but it couldn't be good. Joey sighed. 'Okay God, I know I haven't been the best person in the world here. But please don't take Yami away from Raya or Yugi. They just got their family back neither one could handle it if they were broken up again please.'
Joey ended his little plea and walked into Seto's and Tristan's room.
"Hey it is the dog."
"HAHA. Glad to see you're feeling better Seto." Joey sat in the empty chair next to the beds.
"What's up?" Tristan asked.
"Yugi and Raya just woke up a few minutes ago."
Bakura, Mokuba, and Tristan all grinned. Seto did as well, the his face clouded over. "Do they know?"
"Raya does. Gramps is telling Yugi now. And from what Yugi said or felt, Raya wasn't taking it too well at all. He said it felt like Raya's heart had shattered."
"Poor Raya and Yugi" Mokuba commented, who was sitting on his brother's bed. He had tears running down his face. Seto noticed this and gather his brother into a hug. Seto too, had to fight back the tears that threatened to flow. They all did.
And for the first times in their lives, they all felt helpless. There was nothing they could do, for Raya, for Yugi, and most of all for Yami.
They were helpless. They couldn't do anything, except wait and pray.
It was up to the fates now.
Anya: I wasn't going to leave it off there, but since I was already over 18 pages, I had to end the chapter. I swear.
Kris: You are evil you know that.
Anya: I'm sorry!!!! Don't worry though, the next chapter is already written so it should be up really soon. Please don't kill me.
Kris: I say they should kill you.
Anya: Quiet you. One more thing, about picking Saggi as Mokuba's guardian, I don't know if Mokuba had his own deck, so I just picked one from Seto's deck and at 2 in the morning, Saggi was the only one I could think of.