Back again, sorry for the delay! Lately I've had tons of homework and no time to write fics:-( But the important part is, I found a weekend to write this chapter. Actually, this chapter was one of my favs to write, because there's a lot of action etc. :-) And at the end- CLIFFHANGER! Enjoy, and as always..R&R!
The food hadn't lasted him long. It had taken Yami just as long to open the parcel as it took for him to eat the food. Now he sat against the cold stone with his eyes closed. He had lost track of time. Was it night? Or was it day? At least it wasn't hot. In this little cell, however dark, it was always cool. All of the temples in ancient Egypt had been designed that way, to keep in as much cool air as possible. But Yami could not dwell on the past. The present was now and he was in mortal danger. And he knew that Meera would be back for him, but he did not know when or what was in store for him when she returned. Perhaps, to pass the time, he could try to find a way out? Yami stood up and walked along the wall, touching the stone with his fingers, trying to find a crack, or a secret door or something. But that would be stupid of Meera to leave him in a room where he could get out. His eyes were adjusted to the darkness now and he could see the faint outline of the stone door, illuminated very faintly by the firelight outside. But he was unable to find any door handle. It was hopeless. Sitting back down, he waited and listened for someone to come and free him.
After what seemed like a millenia, Yami heard the sound of voices, in Ancient Egyptian, outside his door. It slid open and he was instantly blinded by the light of firelight and, unbelievably, sunlight from outside his prison. Meera, illuminated like an angel, stood in the door way. The guards stood around her, like statues, without emotion or pity. Yami saw Hapsheti far behind her, hidden in the shadows of the big men. A faint glimpse of hope shot through him, like a shiver, when seeing her face. She could be his ticket out. But then Meera's voice broke the hope, ripping his mind back to the situation at hand.
"Come out here."
Yami glared at her and stood. Slowly, he walked towards her and she smiled.
"Oh, you are obeying now?"
"Even if I don't listen, I'll be dragged. I might as well just do as you say, and cause myself less pain."
"That's the smart pharoah I knew." Meera smirked and motioned for him to follow. As soon as he stepped out of the cell, the men pulled around him like a wall, blocking all exits. He stole a glance at Hapsheti who kept looking straight ahead. She couldn't look at him, she wasn't allowed to talk to the captive. But that rule had already been broken. Meera lead them back to the giant dueling arena, and the men splayed out on all sides of the entrance. Yami noticed that they all carried guns. But they didn't even look over. Meera turned to him and then used her magic to pull him to her.
"What-what are you doing?" asked Yami, worried and confused.
"I've arranged a little entertainment."
"What is it?"
"You. I want to see your strength, pharaoh. You look at me as if there is still hope for you, you still fight back against everything. Let's just see how you stand up against my monsters."
Yami's stomach turned into a knot.
"Now go!"
The magic pulled Yami down, more like FLOATED him over the banister onto the ground twenty feet below Meera and the guards. As soon as he was on the ground, free of the magic, he looked around. There was no exits except for the two tunnels where the dragons had emerged from before. And he didn't want to know what was down there. Looking back up at his captor, he gritted his teeth.
"Are you scared?" she taunted.
He refused to answer and just watched the dark tunnel in front of him. Which beast would he fight? If it was anything as powerful as the dragons summoned earlier, he would be dead as quick as it had taken him to finish the food that Hapsheti had given him earlier. But he couldn't show weakness. He had to stay strong. Finally, the dreaded thudding came from the tunnel behind him. He turned around, expecting the worst. The dueling ground was about as long as a baseball field so he could run, but the beast would surely catch him. And why was he thinking of running?
Meera watched contentedly from the balcony above. Hapsheti stood next to her, with a solemn look on her face.
"Meera?"
"What is it?" snapped the sorcereress, still smiling over the banister.
"What beast will he fight?"
"You'll see."
Suddenly a loud noise, like that of a wild and angry bull came from the tunnel and filled the room. Yami stepped back as the Battle Ox emerged from the darkness, weilding a sharp and powerful ax, swinging his head from side to side as if he were plagued with madness. The beast saw Yami, snorted and started to charge. The pharaoh froze. He had no idea how to fight something like that. But the beast was closing in the distance fast and he had to decide. Run, or fight? Before he could choose, the Battle Ox was before him, pulling it's ax above it's armored head, ready to split him in two. Yami jumped back just as the blade sliced through the air where he had stood. The Ox roared in anger and ran forward again, body slamming Yami onto the ground, following it up by grazing Yami's cheek with his ax. The King of Games felt pain flood through him and blood come down his face but he got up as the blade once again barely missed him. It was now stuck in the dirt ground and the Battle Ox pulled with all of it's strength to wrench it back out.
Meera laughed with delight from the banister.
"How are you feeling?" she shouted down. The pharaoh didn't hear. The Battle Ox was landing blow after blow into the air, barely missing everytime. Yami's movements were like a cat's, dodging stealthily and leaping out of harm's way, angering the great bull. Yami's mind had only focused on one thing, staying alive. His insticts took over and the adreniline in his nimble body made him quicker and stronger. The bull could see this and it's red eyes widened in rage. It was growing annoyed of swinging and missing.
"Tired?" Yami smirked. The bull's shoulders heaved up and down. Roaring, it charged forward and swung it's ax, to no avail. The Pharaoh narrowed his eyes. He saw something in the distance, near the entrance to the tunnel...a coiled chain. Darting forward he ran with all his speed to the chain and snatched it up, whirling around to face the bull. The creature was already apon him and it went for another slice. The Pharoah yelled and jumped back, swinging the chain out to wrap around the ax. He wrenched it from the bull's hands and the beast bellowed loudly. Yami pulled the ax loose from his chain and stood poised, ready to give the bull a taste of it's own medicine. But the Battle Ox lunged out physically, knocking the wind out of Yami with it's massive fist before he could swing. He crumpled onto the ground and gasped for breath. Even though he could barely breath his mind still worked and he knew that this was his chance. The bull was stupid, he could tell. He lay still, playing dead, closing his eyes.
Hapsheti stifled a gasp from the balcony. Was he dead!? Meera was still smiling, but she was surprised that the Pharoah had lasted so long. She knew he wasn't dead. Still, she watched. She didn't want him killed by the hand of the ox, so she WOULD stop it if it threatened to kill him. After all, this was only a test of strength. But it was almost over, she wold stop the beast, and just as she had expected, he would be broken and beaten.
Yami felt the hot breath of the monster on his body as the bull sought to find life still left in the Pharaoh. But Yami had to wait, his hand still clenched on the handle of the sharp ax, concealed under him. He was on his side and was laying on the hand with the ax. The beast seemed satisfied but wasn't going to just leave his prey. It bellowed again and then lifted it's fist. It would finish the job here. Just as it was about to give Yami the final blow, the Pharaoh rolled over and plunged the ax deep into the beast's exposed abdomen. It froze with a grunt and then fell slowly forward. Yami got out of the way and stood up panting, staring down coldly at the dead creature below him. He had won. Turning his gaze away from the Battle Ox, he stood facing the balcony, the blood still coming down his face.
"Meera! Now you see that you will not break me as easily as you think!" His strong voice struck Meera and she drew back from the banister angrily. The beast hadn't been half the challenge she had expected it to be. Grumbling she told Hapsheti to make sure that he got back to his cell, and to clean up the mess. She had to go see Seto Kaiba.
Yami smiled slowly. He had won, not only against the Battle Ox, but it was also a victory over Meera. Wiping the blood away from his cheek with the back of his hand, he looked up at Hapsheti. She glanced down and then went away from the banister. That was close...he could have been killed. Thank god... Even though Hapsheti was happy for the moment, she had to act loyal to Meera, and ordered the guards to retrieve Yami, and bring him back to his cell.
***
"Well? What happened?"
Meera stormed into Kaiba's chamber and paced angrily around.
"He killed it!"
"How did he do that?" Kaiba was talking on his cellphone to one of his executives.
Right now Kaiba was on a "temporary vacation in hawaii with a few of his highest in command." Everyone bought the stupid excuse. But what was he supposed to tell them? That he resurrected an ancient Egyptian sorceress who was trying to bring back some strange games that threatened to take over the world? And that he was trying to become the best duelist by eliminating competition that died hundreds of years ago?
"He found a chain that we used to tie the dragons down and pulled the ax from the thing's hands and then stabbed him with it after playing dead."
"I told you not to underestimate him."
Meera drew in a sharp breath, as if to snap back a comment but she let it out slowly.
"I'm well aware of everything he is capable of."
"If you're worried why don't you get it over with?"
"Time, Seto. When it is time..."
Now it was Kaiba's turn to be annoyed. He looked over with a displeased look on his face. No one told him what to do, or when to do it. He knew he was right.
The call was over and he snapped his cell phone shut and turned to look at Meera. She was tracing the lines on the pillar that held up the ceiling in his room.
"Seto..."
"Yes?"
"Even if I kill him..."
"What?"
"The Millenium Puzzle. We have to destroy it. And the darkness which he sealed away years ago in those seven items is still trapped. Without the seven items the monsters will never be as powerful."
"Meera...the Millenium items are scattered throughout the globe." That wasn't the only reason Kaiba couldn't let her get the items. Yugi had one, and Yugi was his friend, no matter how much he would deny it. Plus, how could these shadow games be real? He knew he was getting in over his head, but Kaiba's situation was tricky. His mind told him that something as great as an apocolypse was pure fiction. Surely, Meera could not cause this?
"I'll find them!"
"Meera, I can't allow you to do that."
She turned to look at him now, glaring. "What did you say? Has that fool been talking to you about the games? Don't be soft on me now, Seto. Don't betray me."
"I brought you back from the dead Meera, but I can't help you do this. I just want to duel. Before, I thought that this was unreal. I was in shock. But now I'm actually believing that you might pull this off!"
"Seto, you underestimated me as well!"
"Yes! I never meant for it to come to this." Kaiba stood up and faced her.
"Foolish boy."
With that, Meera left. Kaiba stood completely dumbfounded. He was totally unsure as of what to do. He had to send her back. Somehow. He didn't want Yami's words to get to him but now everything was really sinking in. What was he doing?
****
Meera paced angrily around her room. It was nearing dusk, and the sun was just setting in the Egyptian sky. Lines of pink shot through the cloudless atmosphere, and the bright orange globe of sunlight was a beautiful site to be sceen. Meera was watching it through her window. He has passed the test. Now, I can do what I have been waiting for. The whole while she had preached about killing Yami, her real intentions were masked beneath her hate. Deep down, she wanted the life she once had. Perhaps, just perhaps, he had learned that he would never escape and if he wanted to live, he would join her. She would make him her king. Yes, that was it. They would revive the shadow games together and rule the earth with the long claws of her monsters. Seto had become a hazard. A mere inconvience. There is always a time for the baby bird to leave the nest. Tonight she would jump from her safety and get rid of Seto. She would work alone, or with Yami. That was the only way it could be done. The sky and the setting was perfect for her to ask him. Yami was worn down physically, after the battle, and she had made sure that he hadn't aquired any food or water. Also, he had been living in darkness on cold floors where sleep was hardly nourishing. He would see the predeciment he was in, and in his weakness, would join her. And then all would be well.
Meera made her way out of her room and down the hallway. It was an about two hours since the battle. Shoving a few groveling guards out of the way she strided quickly through the endless labyrinth of the temple until she came to Yami's cell. The grim, gray door was the only thing keeping him safe from her. Finally, with her magic swirling around her in an unseen heat, she ripped the stone from it's place and gazed upon her prey inside. He was sitting on the stone, dried blood on his face, glaring daggers at her from the floor. His hair was mussed up, and his clothes ripped in places. Meera smiled. The guards around her had backed up, for her magic could now be felt as if fire was scorching their hands and face. She was angry. Burning with hate, desire, and a thirst for power.
But Yami wasn't frightened. As if he knew what was coming he braced himself for the impact of the fiery hand of magic which pulled him from the ground onto his feet. Then, like a leash, it made him follow her through the passageways, outside.
***
As soon as the cooling desert air hit him, Yami was refreshed. The beautiful sceen which unfurled before him was almost more than he could take, after being locked in a black room for days with no fresh air. It was almost the same as the feeling he had had when he first emerged from the Millenium Puzzle after countless years...
The sun was nearly gone, but long finger-like rays were still clawing at the pink and orange sky, trying to hold on so that the sun would not slip away into the ground. There were no clouds and no stars just yet. But a faint outline of a white moon could be seen just northeast of the sun. The sand dunes stretched on for miles, gusts of cool wind blowing the yellowish grains through the air. There was no outline of a city. No buildings. Just desert. Miles and miles of it. Meera had brought him a few minutes away from the temple opening, to a large jutting rock which they had walked up. If he hadn't been forced to come out, it would have been a peaceful time. He had almost forgotten his hate for Meera when he had come out of the opening, and sceen the view from the top of this rock, but it still remained in the back of his head. Finally, she spoke. She was standing next to him, looking out. Her magic and her hate had died down as well.
"Do you know why I brought you out here?"
Her voice was softer, kinder. Yami felt instantly suspicious. The magical Egyptian setting had only been a temporary relief. Now he had to be on his toes again. As if a reminder that he was still a captive and still very much in danger, the cut on his face throbbed and made him cringe.
"I don't know." A thought suddenly struck him, as well as a mixture of fear and sadness. Perhaps she had brought him out here to kill him?
"Well, I'll tell you soon enough. But I supposed I should congratulate you. You fought well tonite. But that's what I expected."
Yami became instantly irritated. Her cocky tone bore into his soul and he narrowed his dark eyes. The setting couldn't keep him calm.
"Meera, I'm sick of this."
The sorceress turned to him now, staring into his eyes with a hurt look. She reached out to stroke his cheek but he pulled away, immediately feeling her magic hold him from moving much farther.
"Alright, I'll get to the point," she cooed, turning back to look out at the golden expanse. "Do you remember how it was when we were together? It was wonderful, Yami. I'm sure you remember. We used to sit for hours on your balcony and watch the clouds roll in front of the moon." She paused, as if trying to pull in lost bits of memory. "When I was revived my memory was still intact. But my first thoughts were to kill you. Now, I wish for you to join me." He gasped, taken aback by the ridiculous thought.
"Meera, why would I-"
"You are powerful, pharaoh. Mind, body and soul. And I need someone like you by my side. Seto is weak-willed. He changes his mind and plays with his thoughts. You are not like him. You want power, I can see it. And you could have it. Together we could restore the shadow games and you could rule like you once did."
"But this is horrible. I never ruled with terror."
"Well, if it gets the job done..." She smiled lustfully and this time succeded in taking his face in her slender hand. Her lips found their way to his wound which ran straight across his cheek and she ran them lightly over it. Yami drew in his breath sharply as his face grew extremely cold directly along the cut. She pulled away and then looked at her handi-work. The Game King ran an unsure hand along his cheek, feeling nothing but smooth skin. The wound had sealed and closed without a mark, and no pain remained.
"Impressive. But I won't join you."
"I didn't think you would." Meera waved her hand in the air, sighed and looked back out at the sands again. "Oh well. If you don't join me, I can rule the Shadow Games on my own. But of course, I need the items. I'll need Yugi."
Yami narrowed his eyes. The look was venemous.
"What did you say?"
"I'll need Yugi." Meera didn't turn back to him. She simply smiled.
"Don't you dare touch him."
"I take what I want. I want the Puzzle. Yugi has it."
"Don't TOUCH him."
"Try and stop me." Meera turned around slowly and started to walk back towards her temple. Yami watched, his blood boiling and her magic nagging him along. She had gone too far. By threatening his Hikari, she had assured her fate.
"I said, DON'T TOUCH HIM!
Meera turned around, surprised by the outburst, just to see Yami running straight for her. She gasped as she was pushed off the edge of the rock outcropping, falling quickly. The sorceress hit the ground, HARD, which winded her. Losing her concentration, the magic lasso around Yami snapped and he jumped from the edge of the rock and landed nimbly on his feet. He knew that as soon as she regained her composure she could collect him with her magic again. And he couldn't let her ANYWHERE near Yugi. He had to escape. Had to find help. Had to get back to his Hikari, before she did.
Willing his feet to move, he ran as quickly as he could through the shifting sands, never turning around. He didn't know where he was going, but he had to go. Anywhere.
Meera groaned from the ground and looked up. How DARE he? She could see his thin form far ahead, running under the intense glint of the sun. The sorceress reached out with her magic, but he was too far ahead to grab. Swaying to her feet she concentrated all her magic on something.
In it's cage, the Blue Eyes stirred. Something was pounding on the barriers of it's mind. A shrill voice. Shouting.
The great dragon reared up and screeched, turning it's massive head from side to side, trying to shake out the annoyance. But it was getting stronger. A voice, in Ancient Egyptian. The chanting in the lizard's head was full of wrath. As it got louder, he could clearly understand what it said. "Kill the Pharaoh."
With all it's strength behind it, the Blue Eyes roared and threw it's mighty body against the metal bars of the cage. Now mad with fury and willing to obey the command, the Blue Eyes ripped viciously at the bars with it's teeth, wrenching two of them out. The sound of bending metal alarmed all of the guards, which came running, just to see a gigantic dragon, FREE, in the room. The dragon had no interest in them. It had to obey it's command. Focusing on the doorway, the Blue Eyes roared and charged straight ahead. It knew how to get out.
*
Meera cackled. Yami had gotten far, but her dragon would finally take care of him.
*
Yami felt the sun beating on his back and his legs screaming at him to stop. He had used all of his little strength to run this far and it wasn't even far enough. She couldn't touch Yugi. Just COULDN'T. In frustration at himself he felt the tears come to his eyes as he realised he had no strength in reserve and fell to his knees. The hot sand scorched the palms of his hands as he tried to crawl further. Now his body was running on sheer determination as the tears fell. There was no surrender to Meera.
**
The dragon had neared the great entrance to the temple. Pulling back his head, willed by Meera, he shot a barrage of magical attacks at the stone until it rumbled and fell. The hot air from outside rushed in. Through the dust, the Blue Eyes emerged from the temple, into the desert, triumphant in freeing itself. Stretching it's massive wings in the hot sun, it took flight. Below it, Meera watched as the beast went to finish what she had started.
**
Yami heard the roaring and the beat of wings. Meera wasn't going to just LET him get away. Turning his blurry gaze towards the sky, he saw the dragon. Screaming out of pure anger he rammed his fist into the sand.
The creature landed and the ground shuddered.
Meera turned slowly back towards the temple,confident in Yami's defeat.
"The tale of the Pharaoh comes to a close. Long live the king."
**
Blue Eyes stared down at it's prey, a deep, eerie growl emenating from it's throat. Yami stared back.
**
Yugi awoke with a start. It was early in the morning, but something had frightened him out of sleep. Closing his eyes he found the source of his fear. Something, or SOMEONE, was ripping at him. Trying, it seemed, to get his attention. He knew right away who it was. The puzzle glowed faintly. Yami needed him.
**
The Pharaoh watched, choking back a sob of fear and anger as the dragon's attack swelled in it's throat. It would soon, all be over. In silent defeat, he watched as the magical attack came right for him.
**~*~**~*~**~*~*~*
Muha! Cliffie!!! What will happen to Yami? Stay tuned to find out;-) Ja!
The food hadn't lasted him long. It had taken Yami just as long to open the parcel as it took for him to eat the food. Now he sat against the cold stone with his eyes closed. He had lost track of time. Was it night? Or was it day? At least it wasn't hot. In this little cell, however dark, it was always cool. All of the temples in ancient Egypt had been designed that way, to keep in as much cool air as possible. But Yami could not dwell on the past. The present was now and he was in mortal danger. And he knew that Meera would be back for him, but he did not know when or what was in store for him when she returned. Perhaps, to pass the time, he could try to find a way out? Yami stood up and walked along the wall, touching the stone with his fingers, trying to find a crack, or a secret door or something. But that would be stupid of Meera to leave him in a room where he could get out. His eyes were adjusted to the darkness now and he could see the faint outline of the stone door, illuminated very faintly by the firelight outside. But he was unable to find any door handle. It was hopeless. Sitting back down, he waited and listened for someone to come and free him.
After what seemed like a millenia, Yami heard the sound of voices, in Ancient Egyptian, outside his door. It slid open and he was instantly blinded by the light of firelight and, unbelievably, sunlight from outside his prison. Meera, illuminated like an angel, stood in the door way. The guards stood around her, like statues, without emotion or pity. Yami saw Hapsheti far behind her, hidden in the shadows of the big men. A faint glimpse of hope shot through him, like a shiver, when seeing her face. She could be his ticket out. But then Meera's voice broke the hope, ripping his mind back to the situation at hand.
"Come out here."
Yami glared at her and stood. Slowly, he walked towards her and she smiled.
"Oh, you are obeying now?"
"Even if I don't listen, I'll be dragged. I might as well just do as you say, and cause myself less pain."
"That's the smart pharoah I knew." Meera smirked and motioned for him to follow. As soon as he stepped out of the cell, the men pulled around him like a wall, blocking all exits. He stole a glance at Hapsheti who kept looking straight ahead. She couldn't look at him, she wasn't allowed to talk to the captive. But that rule had already been broken. Meera lead them back to the giant dueling arena, and the men splayed out on all sides of the entrance. Yami noticed that they all carried guns. But they didn't even look over. Meera turned to him and then used her magic to pull him to her.
"What-what are you doing?" asked Yami, worried and confused.
"I've arranged a little entertainment."
"What is it?"
"You. I want to see your strength, pharaoh. You look at me as if there is still hope for you, you still fight back against everything. Let's just see how you stand up against my monsters."
Yami's stomach turned into a knot.
"Now go!"
The magic pulled Yami down, more like FLOATED him over the banister onto the ground twenty feet below Meera and the guards. As soon as he was on the ground, free of the magic, he looked around. There was no exits except for the two tunnels where the dragons had emerged from before. And he didn't want to know what was down there. Looking back up at his captor, he gritted his teeth.
"Are you scared?" she taunted.
He refused to answer and just watched the dark tunnel in front of him. Which beast would he fight? If it was anything as powerful as the dragons summoned earlier, he would be dead as quick as it had taken him to finish the food that Hapsheti had given him earlier. But he couldn't show weakness. He had to stay strong. Finally, the dreaded thudding came from the tunnel behind him. He turned around, expecting the worst. The dueling ground was about as long as a baseball field so he could run, but the beast would surely catch him. And why was he thinking of running?
Meera watched contentedly from the balcony above. Hapsheti stood next to her, with a solemn look on her face.
"Meera?"
"What is it?" snapped the sorcereress, still smiling over the banister.
"What beast will he fight?"
"You'll see."
Suddenly a loud noise, like that of a wild and angry bull came from the tunnel and filled the room. Yami stepped back as the Battle Ox emerged from the darkness, weilding a sharp and powerful ax, swinging his head from side to side as if he were plagued with madness. The beast saw Yami, snorted and started to charge. The pharaoh froze. He had no idea how to fight something like that. But the beast was closing in the distance fast and he had to decide. Run, or fight? Before he could choose, the Battle Ox was before him, pulling it's ax above it's armored head, ready to split him in two. Yami jumped back just as the blade sliced through the air where he had stood. The Ox roared in anger and ran forward again, body slamming Yami onto the ground, following it up by grazing Yami's cheek with his ax. The King of Games felt pain flood through him and blood come down his face but he got up as the blade once again barely missed him. It was now stuck in the dirt ground and the Battle Ox pulled with all of it's strength to wrench it back out.
Meera laughed with delight from the banister.
"How are you feeling?" she shouted down. The pharaoh didn't hear. The Battle Ox was landing blow after blow into the air, barely missing everytime. Yami's movements were like a cat's, dodging stealthily and leaping out of harm's way, angering the great bull. Yami's mind had only focused on one thing, staying alive. His insticts took over and the adreniline in his nimble body made him quicker and stronger. The bull could see this and it's red eyes widened in rage. It was growing annoyed of swinging and missing.
"Tired?" Yami smirked. The bull's shoulders heaved up and down. Roaring, it charged forward and swung it's ax, to no avail. The Pharaoh narrowed his eyes. He saw something in the distance, near the entrance to the tunnel...a coiled chain. Darting forward he ran with all his speed to the chain and snatched it up, whirling around to face the bull. The creature was already apon him and it went for another slice. The Pharoah yelled and jumped back, swinging the chain out to wrap around the ax. He wrenched it from the bull's hands and the beast bellowed loudly. Yami pulled the ax loose from his chain and stood poised, ready to give the bull a taste of it's own medicine. But the Battle Ox lunged out physically, knocking the wind out of Yami with it's massive fist before he could swing. He crumpled onto the ground and gasped for breath. Even though he could barely breath his mind still worked and he knew that this was his chance. The bull was stupid, he could tell. He lay still, playing dead, closing his eyes.
Hapsheti stifled a gasp from the balcony. Was he dead!? Meera was still smiling, but she was surprised that the Pharoah had lasted so long. She knew he wasn't dead. Still, she watched. She didn't want him killed by the hand of the ox, so she WOULD stop it if it threatened to kill him. After all, this was only a test of strength. But it was almost over, she wold stop the beast, and just as she had expected, he would be broken and beaten.
Yami felt the hot breath of the monster on his body as the bull sought to find life still left in the Pharaoh. But Yami had to wait, his hand still clenched on the handle of the sharp ax, concealed under him. He was on his side and was laying on the hand with the ax. The beast seemed satisfied but wasn't going to just leave his prey. It bellowed again and then lifted it's fist. It would finish the job here. Just as it was about to give Yami the final blow, the Pharaoh rolled over and plunged the ax deep into the beast's exposed abdomen. It froze with a grunt and then fell slowly forward. Yami got out of the way and stood up panting, staring down coldly at the dead creature below him. He had won. Turning his gaze away from the Battle Ox, he stood facing the balcony, the blood still coming down his face.
"Meera! Now you see that you will not break me as easily as you think!" His strong voice struck Meera and she drew back from the banister angrily. The beast hadn't been half the challenge she had expected it to be. Grumbling she told Hapsheti to make sure that he got back to his cell, and to clean up the mess. She had to go see Seto Kaiba.
Yami smiled slowly. He had won, not only against the Battle Ox, but it was also a victory over Meera. Wiping the blood away from his cheek with the back of his hand, he looked up at Hapsheti. She glanced down and then went away from the banister. That was close...he could have been killed. Thank god... Even though Hapsheti was happy for the moment, she had to act loyal to Meera, and ordered the guards to retrieve Yami, and bring him back to his cell.
***
"Well? What happened?"
Meera stormed into Kaiba's chamber and paced angrily around.
"He killed it!"
"How did he do that?" Kaiba was talking on his cellphone to one of his executives.
Right now Kaiba was on a "temporary vacation in hawaii with a few of his highest in command." Everyone bought the stupid excuse. But what was he supposed to tell them? That he resurrected an ancient Egyptian sorceress who was trying to bring back some strange games that threatened to take over the world? And that he was trying to become the best duelist by eliminating competition that died hundreds of years ago?
"He found a chain that we used to tie the dragons down and pulled the ax from the thing's hands and then stabbed him with it after playing dead."
"I told you not to underestimate him."
Meera drew in a sharp breath, as if to snap back a comment but she let it out slowly.
"I'm well aware of everything he is capable of."
"If you're worried why don't you get it over with?"
"Time, Seto. When it is time..."
Now it was Kaiba's turn to be annoyed. He looked over with a displeased look on his face. No one told him what to do, or when to do it. He knew he was right.
The call was over and he snapped his cell phone shut and turned to look at Meera. She was tracing the lines on the pillar that held up the ceiling in his room.
"Seto..."
"Yes?"
"Even if I kill him..."
"What?"
"The Millenium Puzzle. We have to destroy it. And the darkness which he sealed away years ago in those seven items is still trapped. Without the seven items the monsters will never be as powerful."
"Meera...the Millenium items are scattered throughout the globe." That wasn't the only reason Kaiba couldn't let her get the items. Yugi had one, and Yugi was his friend, no matter how much he would deny it. Plus, how could these shadow games be real? He knew he was getting in over his head, but Kaiba's situation was tricky. His mind told him that something as great as an apocolypse was pure fiction. Surely, Meera could not cause this?
"I'll find them!"
"Meera, I can't allow you to do that."
She turned to look at him now, glaring. "What did you say? Has that fool been talking to you about the games? Don't be soft on me now, Seto. Don't betray me."
"I brought you back from the dead Meera, but I can't help you do this. I just want to duel. Before, I thought that this was unreal. I was in shock. But now I'm actually believing that you might pull this off!"
"Seto, you underestimated me as well!"
"Yes! I never meant for it to come to this." Kaiba stood up and faced her.
"Foolish boy."
With that, Meera left. Kaiba stood completely dumbfounded. He was totally unsure as of what to do. He had to send her back. Somehow. He didn't want Yami's words to get to him but now everything was really sinking in. What was he doing?
****
Meera paced angrily around her room. It was nearing dusk, and the sun was just setting in the Egyptian sky. Lines of pink shot through the cloudless atmosphere, and the bright orange globe of sunlight was a beautiful site to be sceen. Meera was watching it through her window. He has passed the test. Now, I can do what I have been waiting for. The whole while she had preached about killing Yami, her real intentions were masked beneath her hate. Deep down, she wanted the life she once had. Perhaps, just perhaps, he had learned that he would never escape and if he wanted to live, he would join her. She would make him her king. Yes, that was it. They would revive the shadow games together and rule the earth with the long claws of her monsters. Seto had become a hazard. A mere inconvience. There is always a time for the baby bird to leave the nest. Tonight she would jump from her safety and get rid of Seto. She would work alone, or with Yami. That was the only way it could be done. The sky and the setting was perfect for her to ask him. Yami was worn down physically, after the battle, and she had made sure that he hadn't aquired any food or water. Also, he had been living in darkness on cold floors where sleep was hardly nourishing. He would see the predeciment he was in, and in his weakness, would join her. And then all would be well.
Meera made her way out of her room and down the hallway. It was an about two hours since the battle. Shoving a few groveling guards out of the way she strided quickly through the endless labyrinth of the temple until she came to Yami's cell. The grim, gray door was the only thing keeping him safe from her. Finally, with her magic swirling around her in an unseen heat, she ripped the stone from it's place and gazed upon her prey inside. He was sitting on the stone, dried blood on his face, glaring daggers at her from the floor. His hair was mussed up, and his clothes ripped in places. Meera smiled. The guards around her had backed up, for her magic could now be felt as if fire was scorching their hands and face. She was angry. Burning with hate, desire, and a thirst for power.
But Yami wasn't frightened. As if he knew what was coming he braced himself for the impact of the fiery hand of magic which pulled him from the ground onto his feet. Then, like a leash, it made him follow her through the passageways, outside.
***
As soon as the cooling desert air hit him, Yami was refreshed. The beautiful sceen which unfurled before him was almost more than he could take, after being locked in a black room for days with no fresh air. It was almost the same as the feeling he had had when he first emerged from the Millenium Puzzle after countless years...
The sun was nearly gone, but long finger-like rays were still clawing at the pink and orange sky, trying to hold on so that the sun would not slip away into the ground. There were no clouds and no stars just yet. But a faint outline of a white moon could be seen just northeast of the sun. The sand dunes stretched on for miles, gusts of cool wind blowing the yellowish grains through the air. There was no outline of a city. No buildings. Just desert. Miles and miles of it. Meera had brought him a few minutes away from the temple opening, to a large jutting rock which they had walked up. If he hadn't been forced to come out, it would have been a peaceful time. He had almost forgotten his hate for Meera when he had come out of the opening, and sceen the view from the top of this rock, but it still remained in the back of his head. Finally, she spoke. She was standing next to him, looking out. Her magic and her hate had died down as well.
"Do you know why I brought you out here?"
Her voice was softer, kinder. Yami felt instantly suspicious. The magical Egyptian setting had only been a temporary relief. Now he had to be on his toes again. As if a reminder that he was still a captive and still very much in danger, the cut on his face throbbed and made him cringe.
"I don't know." A thought suddenly struck him, as well as a mixture of fear and sadness. Perhaps she had brought him out here to kill him?
"Well, I'll tell you soon enough. But I supposed I should congratulate you. You fought well tonite. But that's what I expected."
Yami became instantly irritated. Her cocky tone bore into his soul and he narrowed his dark eyes. The setting couldn't keep him calm.
"Meera, I'm sick of this."
The sorceress turned to him now, staring into his eyes with a hurt look. She reached out to stroke his cheek but he pulled away, immediately feeling her magic hold him from moving much farther.
"Alright, I'll get to the point," she cooed, turning back to look out at the golden expanse. "Do you remember how it was when we were together? It was wonderful, Yami. I'm sure you remember. We used to sit for hours on your balcony and watch the clouds roll in front of the moon." She paused, as if trying to pull in lost bits of memory. "When I was revived my memory was still intact. But my first thoughts were to kill you. Now, I wish for you to join me." He gasped, taken aback by the ridiculous thought.
"Meera, why would I-"
"You are powerful, pharaoh. Mind, body and soul. And I need someone like you by my side. Seto is weak-willed. He changes his mind and plays with his thoughts. You are not like him. You want power, I can see it. And you could have it. Together we could restore the shadow games and you could rule like you once did."
"But this is horrible. I never ruled with terror."
"Well, if it gets the job done..." She smiled lustfully and this time succeded in taking his face in her slender hand. Her lips found their way to his wound which ran straight across his cheek and she ran them lightly over it. Yami drew in his breath sharply as his face grew extremely cold directly along the cut. She pulled away and then looked at her handi-work. The Game King ran an unsure hand along his cheek, feeling nothing but smooth skin. The wound had sealed and closed without a mark, and no pain remained.
"Impressive. But I won't join you."
"I didn't think you would." Meera waved her hand in the air, sighed and looked back out at the sands again. "Oh well. If you don't join me, I can rule the Shadow Games on my own. But of course, I need the items. I'll need Yugi."
Yami narrowed his eyes. The look was venemous.
"What did you say?"
"I'll need Yugi." Meera didn't turn back to him. She simply smiled.
"Don't you dare touch him."
"I take what I want. I want the Puzzle. Yugi has it."
"Don't TOUCH him."
"Try and stop me." Meera turned around slowly and started to walk back towards her temple. Yami watched, his blood boiling and her magic nagging him along. She had gone too far. By threatening his Hikari, she had assured her fate.
"I said, DON'T TOUCH HIM!
Meera turned around, surprised by the outburst, just to see Yami running straight for her. She gasped as she was pushed off the edge of the rock outcropping, falling quickly. The sorceress hit the ground, HARD, which winded her. Losing her concentration, the magic lasso around Yami snapped and he jumped from the edge of the rock and landed nimbly on his feet. He knew that as soon as she regained her composure she could collect him with her magic again. And he couldn't let her ANYWHERE near Yugi. He had to escape. Had to find help. Had to get back to his Hikari, before she did.
Willing his feet to move, he ran as quickly as he could through the shifting sands, never turning around. He didn't know where he was going, but he had to go. Anywhere.
Meera groaned from the ground and looked up. How DARE he? She could see his thin form far ahead, running under the intense glint of the sun. The sorceress reached out with her magic, but he was too far ahead to grab. Swaying to her feet she concentrated all her magic on something.
In it's cage, the Blue Eyes stirred. Something was pounding on the barriers of it's mind. A shrill voice. Shouting.
The great dragon reared up and screeched, turning it's massive head from side to side, trying to shake out the annoyance. But it was getting stronger. A voice, in Ancient Egyptian. The chanting in the lizard's head was full of wrath. As it got louder, he could clearly understand what it said. "Kill the Pharaoh."
With all it's strength behind it, the Blue Eyes roared and threw it's mighty body against the metal bars of the cage. Now mad with fury and willing to obey the command, the Blue Eyes ripped viciously at the bars with it's teeth, wrenching two of them out. The sound of bending metal alarmed all of the guards, which came running, just to see a gigantic dragon, FREE, in the room. The dragon had no interest in them. It had to obey it's command. Focusing on the doorway, the Blue Eyes roared and charged straight ahead. It knew how to get out.
*
Meera cackled. Yami had gotten far, but her dragon would finally take care of him.
*
Yami felt the sun beating on his back and his legs screaming at him to stop. He had used all of his little strength to run this far and it wasn't even far enough. She couldn't touch Yugi. Just COULDN'T. In frustration at himself he felt the tears come to his eyes as he realised he had no strength in reserve and fell to his knees. The hot sand scorched the palms of his hands as he tried to crawl further. Now his body was running on sheer determination as the tears fell. There was no surrender to Meera.
**
The dragon had neared the great entrance to the temple. Pulling back his head, willed by Meera, he shot a barrage of magical attacks at the stone until it rumbled and fell. The hot air from outside rushed in. Through the dust, the Blue Eyes emerged from the temple, into the desert, triumphant in freeing itself. Stretching it's massive wings in the hot sun, it took flight. Below it, Meera watched as the beast went to finish what she had started.
**
Yami heard the roaring and the beat of wings. Meera wasn't going to just LET him get away. Turning his blurry gaze towards the sky, he saw the dragon. Screaming out of pure anger he rammed his fist into the sand.
The creature landed and the ground shuddered.
Meera turned slowly back towards the temple,confident in Yami's defeat.
"The tale of the Pharaoh comes to a close. Long live the king."
**
Blue Eyes stared down at it's prey, a deep, eerie growl emenating from it's throat. Yami stared back.
**
Yugi awoke with a start. It was early in the morning, but something had frightened him out of sleep. Closing his eyes he found the source of his fear. Something, or SOMEONE, was ripping at him. Trying, it seemed, to get his attention. He knew right away who it was. The puzzle glowed faintly. Yami needed him.
**
The Pharaoh watched, choking back a sob of fear and anger as the dragon's attack swelled in it's throat. It would soon, all be over. In silent defeat, he watched as the magical attack came right for him.
**~*~**~*~**~*~*~*
Muha! Cliffie!!! What will happen to Yami? Stay tuned to find out;-) Ja!