Author's Notes: Well, guess what? *coughs loudly for a while, and then
continues in a nasal voice* I'm sick. *grumbles*
Yami Cassie: Which is why you should be drinking lots and lots of fluid!
Author: *good-natured glare* I already finished off the big huge jug of Gatorade. What more do you want?
Yami Cassie: *pauses reflectively for a moment, ad then sends Ryou to go get something from downstairs*
Author: *blink, blink* Nani?
Y.C.: *smirks smugly as Ryou comes back up with a bowl of chicken noodle soup and sets it before author* You WILL eat!!!
Author: *was already eating the soup before Yami C. began talking* *looks up innocently, showing her yami that she's been eating and has now stuffed her face so that she can't talk*
Y.C.: *sighs, sweatdropping* I guess I'll be the one doing the disclaimer. My aibou doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh or its characters. The only things she owns are Yuumei, Mikomi, Naomi, and some other original chars you'll see in this chapter. *gives sidelong look to author* You have 56 reviews now...want me to answer them...?
Author: *eyes bug out* NONONONONONONONO- *begins coughing in the middle of shouting* I mean...NO, I'll do them.
Y.C.: *chuckles*
Author: *peers at screen* Wow...12 reviews in only one night. *sniffle* I feel so loved.
AnimeQueen- Every day?!?!? *blushes worse than Yugi* Wow! I didn't realize this story was THAT good! ^.^ Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Bakura: *begins gagging*
Author: *Death Glare*
AnimeQueen- Now then, before I was so RUDELY interrupted...I'm glad you liked my two chappies! This one will be even better! Maybe I'll let Bakura find out this chapter. Then again, maybe not... MWUAHAHAH!
Y.C.: O_O Um...I thought I was supposed to be the Yami here...
KawaiiBlackMoon- Heheh. That's okay. I haven't been going to school since this past Sunday. (Sunday is when I got sick) It was weird. I was perfectly fine the night before -especially cause my boyfriend said he loved me! Teehee- and then when I woke up the next morning, I was really sick! 100.8 temperature yesterday! I dare not see what my temperature today is...oh, my mom isn't done yet. She's gonna call the book Evurmur: The Secret In The Attic. By the way, it's pronounced Ever-more. Oh, and this is just between me, you, and the rest of my reviewers/readers. I dun want her to know I've been giving her secret away. (HA! Get it?! Secret in the Attic/giving her secret away? *silence* Yeah. Right. I can take a hint...)
Sarina Fannel- Oh, don't worry. You know I don't torture Bakura for too long.
Bakura: I plead the-
Author: *'nother Death Glare*
Akemi- I know! Teehee! When I first saw that episode where Yami Yugi banished Bakura to the Shadow Realm I was like NOOOOO!!!! When I saw him come back recently -and to protect his hikari, no less (heheh)- I was like WOOHOOO!!! *jumps around* Ugh...dizzy... @_@
Y.C.: What did I tell you about moving around too fast?
Author: *grumbles*
Akemi- (continued) I didn't give the translation?!??!? Ah, shimatta! Oops...well, Akemi, here they are! This song is Suteki Da Ne from the video game Final Fantasy X! Akemi, you've gotta play that game! It's so awesome! But the ending was really sad...(which is why I wrote my own counter-ending- MWUAHAH!) By the way, this is just a direct translation:
(My) heart is swimming in words
formed by the wind.
(My) voice carried
by a cloudy tomorrow.
A mirror moved
by the moon, trembled my heart.
Soft tears
filled with a stream of stars.
Isn't it beautiful?
Two of us walking hand in hand.
I want to go to
your town, your home, your arms.
I dream of lying
against your chest.
My body in your clasp,
disappearing into the evening.
Words stopped by the wind
are a gentle illusion.
A cloud-torned tomorrow is
a far-away voice.
My heart has been
in a moon-blocked flowing mirror.
Stars that swayed and flowed
can't hide my tears.
Isn't it beautiful?
Two of us walking hand in hand.
I want to go to
your town, your home, your arms.
I dream of your face
that softly melts in the
morning.
*dreamy sigh* Now wasn't that just beautiful? No wonder Bakura-kun cried.
Jen- Okay, Okay! ^_^
Vampire Huntress D- Yep, I'm back! Even though I'm sick, nothing can keep me from writing for my fans! MWUAHAHAHAH!! *cough* yeah, um, anyways.
Chisa and Neko- Where, where, where?!?!? ^.^ Oh, that reminds me! Guess what, Neko-chan?! Me'n my friends are gonna dress all in black and ride around on horses doing screechy noises on Halloween! We're gonna be the Nazgul!! WAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Bakura: *glares at Yami Cassie* You let her have ice cream, didn't you?
Y.C.: *sheepishly* It helps her sore throat...
Bakura: Oh, dear Ra...
Zheyta- Um, actually, the funniest part about that is that there really WERE tons and tons of bubblegum on the floor!! HAHAHAH!!! I rode the Superman twice with my dad and my friend Hailey (one who came up with the Ryou-breaking-glass thing), and both times we saw all these dried globs of bubblegum and we were like "Euuuuuwwwww........" But I will try to make it more funny. ^.^
Blue diamond- WOAH! BIG review! WOOHOO!! YAY! I'm glad you like this fic so much! Makes me feel inspired to write! ^__^ Oh, don't worry, I'll have my Yami come and sedate your Bakura so he doesn't sue you. ^_^
Y.C.: And when did we agree on this?
Author: Oh, come on, you know you wanna get back at Bakura for the ice cream comment.
Y.C.: *evil glint in eyes* Oh yeah.
LOL-im-so-funny- It won't quite be just a kiss and make up for Bakura and Ryou, if ya know what I mean. Heheheh. Sure, I'll read your stuff. Hmmm... LOL! HA! Bakura would be the one to laugh at Barbie girl's scare by Malik. *snicker* *busts out laughing moments later at Ryou running like mad and drinking whole bowl of fruit punch* Whoooo...THAT was some funny stuff, I'll tell you that much. *busts out laughing and rolling around on the floor at bottom of fic author notes* Bakura seduced Malik, WAHAHAHAH!!!! Well, it seems to be like you need to put a little more adjectives in your beginning. In the first paragraph, you could've said something like:
I looked up at the dark sky, breathing in the scent of Fall. Halloween had come. I eagerly put on the finishing touches for my costume. My teacher Mr. Mizuki had said it would be really fun if everyone dressed up in a costume for the dance. Every year, a dance was held on Halloween night for kids in grades 7 and 8. I adjusted my cape and wiggled my fangs.
Perfect. I looked just like a vampire.
As I stood there in front of my mirror, I desperately hoped Kayla Peterson, the girl I had a crush on, noticed me tonight. After all, most of the guys in my class would be dressed up as "Death", complete with a scythe and a skeleton mask. It wouldn't be too hard to spot a vampire amidst loads of Deaths. Kayla Peterson was a charming girl, with dark brown eyes framed by honey colored glass, and smooth skin encircled by long, elegant black hair. (etc, etc.)
How was that? Did I give you some good advice? I hope so, cause I like your story a LOT!! ^.^ It's so funny!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!!! AUUUGGGHHH!!!
*eyes bug out at the fic where everybody is in the park with all of these weird pairings* *rolls around on the floor laughing her ass off* WHAHAHAHAHAH!!
Hn. I like the fic with Ryou + Malik pairing. It's funny! I loved the part where Isis throws Malik outta the house and screams that he can't come back until he's kissed Ryou. It's funny as hell!! HAHAHAH! Even though I still love the Ryou and Bakura pairing, that Ryou + Malik pairing in both of your stories is hilarious. I still love the fruit punch thing.
Author: *cries* Guess what?!?!? FF.Net says that they're gonna remove all NC-17 fics from FF.Net! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! *cries infinitely*
Y.C.: *comforts author as best she can* So sorry, aibou...
Yu-Gi-Oh: Soulmates
Chapter Seven: Pyramid of Mochidzuki
Ryou and Bakura traveled on towards the pyramid, only stopping once when Ryou began to become hungry. Bakura had found some fruit on a large tree, and gave it to Ryou. Ryou smiled cheerfully at him, and Bakura began to question whether becoming mean again was a good thing or not. Before he had reached a conclusion, Ryou was done and they began to travel on once more.
Abruptly they found themselves in an open space, void of trees or any type of plant. Only sand.
And the Pyramid of Mochidzuki.
"Wow..." Ryou commented, craning his neck to try and see the top of the pyramid. "Isn't this cool, Bakura? It's so high!"
"I've seen higher ones," Bakura snapped, and Ryou fell silent, discouraged from trying to make conversation.
Are you insulting me, Ancient One?
Bakura and Ryou jumped three feet into the air.
"Who are you?" Ryou inquired in awe.
I am the Mochidzuki, little one, Holder of the Millennium Ring.
Ryou blinked. He didn't see any eyes, so how could the pyramid know what Ryou wore around his neck?
"Good. We were told to come find you," Bakura said with authority. There was a considering rumble. Where it came from, no one knew. (not even the almighty Author or her Yami!)
Ah, that meddlesome Judge...I suppose she wants you to enter here, does she?
"But of course," the ethereal voice they had heard when they first entered this place returned to their minds. And also, apparently, Mochidzuki. "They may pass the test. You never know, you old grump."
Are you insulting me too? Mochidzuki gave an irritable sigh. Young people...
"E-Excuse me, s-sir...m-ma'am..." Ryou began hesitantly. Bakura glared at him for speaking, but Ryou, feeling strangely confident, pretended not to notice.
Yes, Ringbearer? (Ryou's Frodo now! WAHAHAH!)
"Yes, little one?" came the majestic voice within Ryou and Bakura's mind.
"What is this...test?" Ryou tentatively asked.
"Well, little one, it is a test for you and your yami. It is a test to see whether Bakura is worthy of being your yami, despite any problems that may have recently happened between you two. You two will enter Mochidzuki if the lovable old grouch will let you in, and your trust between each other will be tested."
"Whether I'M worthy of being this weakling's yami?! You should be testing to see whether HE is worthy of HAVING the Ring!" Bakura replied indignantly.
SILENCE, IMPERTINENT ONE! Mochidzuki roared, making both albino boys cringe.
"I shall leave you two now. If you survive through all of the tests, for good or ill, I shall judge you both."
Now then, enter if you are brave enough to face the challenges that may end in either one of your deaths. Or maybe even both of your deaths.
Both boys shuddered, and Bakura dragged Ryou inside the small gap in the pyramid that had just opened up in front of them. Ryou whimpered that he was scared.
"Shut up!" Bakura snapped. "You have nothing to fear from this place, because-"
Bakura stopped, for he had been about to say that he was with Ryou, and he hastily thought of something to try and cover it up. Lucky for him, he didn't have to, for an arrow whizzed past him, barely missing him and Ryou. Ryou cried out in horror as more arrows began to shoot towards them. Bakura, without thinking, instinctively hefted Ryou up into his arms, and carried him through the hallway until they both emerged into an open room. Bakura collapsed to the ground, still holding Ryou, breathing heavily.
Ryou was speechless. One moment, his yami had been yelling at him, the next, Bakura was saving him. And now Ryou was in his arms.
"Bakura-kun?"
Ryou felt Bakura tense beneath him.
"Don't ask. It was reflex."
"Well, then. We ought to test those reflexes, ne?" an odd, intelligent voice inquired. Bakura and Ryou looked up to find the Celtic Guardian eyeing them thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?" Bakura asked slowly, moving Ryou off of his lap onto the floor.
"This is the first test of Mochidzuki-sama and the Empress Judge. I am to test your reflexes to protect your hikari."
"Why should I protect this pinprick?!?!?" Bakura demanded indignantly.
The Celtic Guardian regarded Bakura thoughtfully. "Then why did you save him twice before now?"
Bakura fell silent, avoiding both Ryou and the Celtic Guardian's eyes.
"You see?" the Celtic Guardian inquired softly. "It's a yami's natural reflex to protect his hikari. See here!"
The Celtic Guardian lunged at Ryou, who gasped in horror, frozen like a deer in headlights.
"I can't move!" Ryou shrieked, and Bakura dive-bombed the boy, scooping Ryou up into his arms and dodging the revived Celtic Guardian's attacks. Bakura realized after a while of dodging, that the Celtic Guardian was aiming for Ryou, not Bakura.
'Idea,' Bakura thought maliciously, grinning. He tossed Ryou to the ground away from both him and the Celtic Guardian, and just as predicted, the Celtic Guardian swiveled around and began to move towards Ryou.
'And that will be your downfall,' Bakura thought as he leaped upon the Celtic Guardian, forcing the previously sealed card to the ground. Bakura snatched the sword from the Guardian's hands, and positioned it just above the Celtic Guardian's neck.
"I won," Bakura hissed. "Now you let us pass, with Ryou unfrozen, or you die here."
The Celtic Guardian was silent, apparently limp. The light in the room brightened, and an opening in the wall opposite the one Bakura and Ryou had come through appeared. Out of the corner of Bakura's eye, he saw Ryou move testily, and then stand. Bakura also stood, keeping the sword. When Ryou sent him a questioning look, Bakura replied that they might need it later.
======
"So they've passed the first test," Yami concluded. The Empress Judge, named Faia, nodded. Doragon had flown everyone up to the top of Mochidzuki, where Faia's Judgment Room was. Faia had let them watch Bakura and Ryou's progress in honor of Yami, the former Pharaoh of Egypt, and the one who had sent Bakura and Ryou to this place. Since Yami had been the one to send both hikari and yami to the Realm of Mochidzuki, he was given the right to allow himself and any other people he brought along with him to watch the two being tested as they progressed through the testing as long as they didn't try to help.
"The next one will be harder," Faia replied. Suddenly, the Celtic Guardian appeared in the room.
"I failed, Faia-sama," the Celtic Guardian replied, smiling cheerfully. Everyone except Yami and Faia looked at each other in confusion. Why would the Guardian be smiling if he lost?
"Good," Faia replied. "I want you to train some more."
The Guardian bowed. "Yes, ma'am."
He disappeared, and Anzu peered at Faia questioningly. "Why is it good that he failed?"
"Because it reminds him that he is not the most powerful Elfin warrior, and he needs to train. Also, it means that the two being tested have a chance at passing Judgment."
A collective murmur of "ohhhhhh" spread throughout the group gathered in Faia's Judgment Room.
======
"Bakura-kun?"
"Quit calling me -kun, dammit!"
"Y-Yes sir!"
"Well?!" Bakura snapped after a moment of silence. "What do you want?!"
"U-Um...I wanted to know...why you're mad at me all of a sudden...we were getting along so well..."
"Because I had turned weak and soft!" Bakura roared. "And never question me again!"
Ryou flinched as a punch connected with his cheek, and he fell silent. (Meanwhile, in the Judgment Room, Yami has turned into a raving lunatic trying to kill Bakura for hurting his friend)
The two albino boys ended up in yet another large room, only this time, the opening in the wall they had come through closed up. Both boys froze, immediately looking around for a way out.
"Uh...B-Bakura..."
"What is it NOW?!"
"L-L-Look..."
Bakura followed Ryou's pointing finger, and paled in horror. The floor of the room was slowly crumbling away to reveal lava below them.
"Oh, shit..." Bakura muttered. "How do we get outta this one...?"
Ryou looked around frantically. "Hey, Bakura, look! There's an inscription in Egyptian!"
Bakura hastily ran over to the wall, reading through the inscription as fast as he could while still understanding it. He stared at it, puzzled.
"Well, what's it say?" Ryou inquired.
"Don't rush me!" Bakura snapped, but he answered the question anyway. "It says that the only way to avoid death by raging flames is to combine the two separated souls into one, and to have faith as one leaps over the bridge of trust."
"Huh?" Ryou murmured, thinking. "Hey, it's a riddle!" (now he really is Frodo! HAH!)
"Well, then, solve it, dammit! We don't exactly have much time!"
"It means for you to go back into the Millennium Ring, and for both of us to have trust in one another so that when we leap across the opening in the floor we survive...somehow."
"That sounds like doubt, ne? And why should I trust you, weakling?!" Bakura shrieked indignantly.
"Because it's the only fucking way we're gonna get out of here alive!" Ryou screamed right back into Bakura's face. Bakura was flabbergasted. When had Ryou learned to cuss and to stand up for himself?
"WELL?!?!"
"Fine," Bakura muttered, and with a flash of light, he was back within the Ring. Ryou clutched desperately at the Ring hanging from his neck.
/Do you trust me, Bakura?/ Ryou questioned silently, and was met with silence for a moment or so.
//Yes, aibou, I trust you.//
Ryou could barely conceal the joy in his heart from his yami at those words.
/Then let's jump./
Strangely enough, Ryou felt as if Bakura was right behind him, grabbing hold of him. As if they were one.
They leaped.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Author's Notes: MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! Cliffhanger extraordinaire! HAHAHAHAHAH!!! *is hit with Filia's mace-sama* Itaiiiiiiiiii... *falls over* X_X
Y.C.: Filia-sama! What'd you do that for?! Now she can't write the sequel to this chapter!
Filia: *blush* Oops.
Y.C.: By the way, sorry this was short. It's still over the promised minimal limit my aibou gave herself (3,000 words per chap.) so no flames! The next chapter will be better. Heheheheheheheheh...
Yami Cassie: Which is why you should be drinking lots and lots of fluid!
Author: *good-natured glare* I already finished off the big huge jug of Gatorade. What more do you want?
Yami Cassie: *pauses reflectively for a moment, ad then sends Ryou to go get something from downstairs*
Author: *blink, blink* Nani?
Y.C.: *smirks smugly as Ryou comes back up with a bowl of chicken noodle soup and sets it before author* You WILL eat!!!
Author: *was already eating the soup before Yami C. began talking* *looks up innocently, showing her yami that she's been eating and has now stuffed her face so that she can't talk*
Y.C.: *sighs, sweatdropping* I guess I'll be the one doing the disclaimer. My aibou doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh or its characters. The only things she owns are Yuumei, Mikomi, Naomi, and some other original chars you'll see in this chapter. *gives sidelong look to author* You have 56 reviews now...want me to answer them...?
Author: *eyes bug out* NONONONONONONONO- *begins coughing in the middle of shouting* I mean...NO, I'll do them.
Y.C.: *chuckles*
Author: *peers at screen* Wow...12 reviews in only one night. *sniffle* I feel so loved.
AnimeQueen- Every day?!?!? *blushes worse than Yugi* Wow! I didn't realize this story was THAT good! ^.^ Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Bakura: *begins gagging*
Author: *Death Glare*
AnimeQueen- Now then, before I was so RUDELY interrupted...I'm glad you liked my two chappies! This one will be even better! Maybe I'll let Bakura find out this chapter. Then again, maybe not... MWUAHAHAH!
Y.C.: O_O Um...I thought I was supposed to be the Yami here...
KawaiiBlackMoon- Heheh. That's okay. I haven't been going to school since this past Sunday. (Sunday is when I got sick) It was weird. I was perfectly fine the night before -especially cause my boyfriend said he loved me! Teehee- and then when I woke up the next morning, I was really sick! 100.8 temperature yesterday! I dare not see what my temperature today is...oh, my mom isn't done yet. She's gonna call the book Evurmur: The Secret In The Attic. By the way, it's pronounced Ever-more. Oh, and this is just between me, you, and the rest of my reviewers/readers. I dun want her to know I've been giving her secret away. (HA! Get it?! Secret in the Attic/giving her secret away? *silence* Yeah. Right. I can take a hint...)
Sarina Fannel- Oh, don't worry. You know I don't torture Bakura for too long.
Bakura: I plead the-
Author: *'nother Death Glare*
Akemi- I know! Teehee! When I first saw that episode where Yami Yugi banished Bakura to the Shadow Realm I was like NOOOOO!!!! When I saw him come back recently -and to protect his hikari, no less (heheh)- I was like WOOHOOO!!! *jumps around* Ugh...dizzy... @_@
Y.C.: What did I tell you about moving around too fast?
Author: *grumbles*
Akemi- (continued) I didn't give the translation?!??!? Ah, shimatta! Oops...well, Akemi, here they are! This song is Suteki Da Ne from the video game Final Fantasy X! Akemi, you've gotta play that game! It's so awesome! But the ending was really sad...(which is why I wrote my own counter-ending- MWUAHAH!) By the way, this is just a direct translation:
(My) heart is swimming in words
formed by the wind.
(My) voice carried
by a cloudy tomorrow.
A mirror moved
by the moon, trembled my heart.
Soft tears
filled with a stream of stars.
Isn't it beautiful?
Two of us walking hand in hand.
I want to go to
your town, your home, your arms.
I dream of lying
against your chest.
My body in your clasp,
disappearing into the evening.
Words stopped by the wind
are a gentle illusion.
A cloud-torned tomorrow is
a far-away voice.
My heart has been
in a moon-blocked flowing mirror.
Stars that swayed and flowed
can't hide my tears.
Isn't it beautiful?
Two of us walking hand in hand.
I want to go to
your town, your home, your arms.
I dream of your face
that softly melts in the
morning.
*dreamy sigh* Now wasn't that just beautiful? No wonder Bakura-kun cried.
Jen- Okay, Okay! ^_^
Vampire Huntress D- Yep, I'm back! Even though I'm sick, nothing can keep me from writing for my fans! MWUAHAHAHAH!! *cough* yeah, um, anyways.
Chisa and Neko- Where, where, where?!?!? ^.^ Oh, that reminds me! Guess what, Neko-chan?! Me'n my friends are gonna dress all in black and ride around on horses doing screechy noises on Halloween! We're gonna be the Nazgul!! WAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Bakura: *glares at Yami Cassie* You let her have ice cream, didn't you?
Y.C.: *sheepishly* It helps her sore throat...
Bakura: Oh, dear Ra...
Zheyta- Um, actually, the funniest part about that is that there really WERE tons and tons of bubblegum on the floor!! HAHAHAH!!! I rode the Superman twice with my dad and my friend Hailey (one who came up with the Ryou-breaking-glass thing), and both times we saw all these dried globs of bubblegum and we were like "Euuuuuwwwww........" But I will try to make it more funny. ^.^
Blue diamond- WOAH! BIG review! WOOHOO!! YAY! I'm glad you like this fic so much! Makes me feel inspired to write! ^__^ Oh, don't worry, I'll have my Yami come and sedate your Bakura so he doesn't sue you. ^_^
Y.C.: And when did we agree on this?
Author: Oh, come on, you know you wanna get back at Bakura for the ice cream comment.
Y.C.: *evil glint in eyes* Oh yeah.
LOL-im-so-funny- It won't quite be just a kiss and make up for Bakura and Ryou, if ya know what I mean. Heheheh. Sure, I'll read your stuff. Hmmm... LOL! HA! Bakura would be the one to laugh at Barbie girl's scare by Malik. *snicker* *busts out laughing moments later at Ryou running like mad and drinking whole bowl of fruit punch* Whoooo...THAT was some funny stuff, I'll tell you that much. *busts out laughing and rolling around on the floor at bottom of fic author notes* Bakura seduced Malik, WAHAHAHAH!!!! Well, it seems to be like you need to put a little more adjectives in your beginning. In the first paragraph, you could've said something like:
I looked up at the dark sky, breathing in the scent of Fall. Halloween had come. I eagerly put on the finishing touches for my costume. My teacher Mr. Mizuki had said it would be really fun if everyone dressed up in a costume for the dance. Every year, a dance was held on Halloween night for kids in grades 7 and 8. I adjusted my cape and wiggled my fangs.
Perfect. I looked just like a vampire.
As I stood there in front of my mirror, I desperately hoped Kayla Peterson, the girl I had a crush on, noticed me tonight. After all, most of the guys in my class would be dressed up as "Death", complete with a scythe and a skeleton mask. It wouldn't be too hard to spot a vampire amidst loads of Deaths. Kayla Peterson was a charming girl, with dark brown eyes framed by honey colored glass, and smooth skin encircled by long, elegant black hair. (etc, etc.)
How was that? Did I give you some good advice? I hope so, cause I like your story a LOT!! ^.^ It's so funny!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!!! AUUUGGGHHH!!!
*eyes bug out at the fic where everybody is in the park with all of these weird pairings* *rolls around on the floor laughing her ass off* WHAHAHAHAHAH!!
Hn. I like the fic with Ryou + Malik pairing. It's funny! I loved the part where Isis throws Malik outta the house and screams that he can't come back until he's kissed Ryou. It's funny as hell!! HAHAHAH! Even though I still love the Ryou and Bakura pairing, that Ryou + Malik pairing in both of your stories is hilarious. I still love the fruit punch thing.
Author: *cries* Guess what?!?!? FF.Net says that they're gonna remove all NC-17 fics from FF.Net! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! *cries infinitely*
Y.C.: *comforts author as best she can* So sorry, aibou...
Yu-Gi-Oh: Soulmates
Chapter Seven: Pyramid of Mochidzuki
Ryou and Bakura traveled on towards the pyramid, only stopping once when Ryou began to become hungry. Bakura had found some fruit on a large tree, and gave it to Ryou. Ryou smiled cheerfully at him, and Bakura began to question whether becoming mean again was a good thing or not. Before he had reached a conclusion, Ryou was done and they began to travel on once more.
Abruptly they found themselves in an open space, void of trees or any type of plant. Only sand.
And the Pyramid of Mochidzuki.
"Wow..." Ryou commented, craning his neck to try and see the top of the pyramid. "Isn't this cool, Bakura? It's so high!"
"I've seen higher ones," Bakura snapped, and Ryou fell silent, discouraged from trying to make conversation.
Are you insulting me, Ancient One?
Bakura and Ryou jumped three feet into the air.
"Who are you?" Ryou inquired in awe.
I am the Mochidzuki, little one, Holder of the Millennium Ring.
Ryou blinked. He didn't see any eyes, so how could the pyramid know what Ryou wore around his neck?
"Good. We were told to come find you," Bakura said with authority. There was a considering rumble. Where it came from, no one knew. (not even the almighty Author or her Yami!)
Ah, that meddlesome Judge...I suppose she wants you to enter here, does she?
"But of course," the ethereal voice they had heard when they first entered this place returned to their minds. And also, apparently, Mochidzuki. "They may pass the test. You never know, you old grump."
Are you insulting me too? Mochidzuki gave an irritable sigh. Young people...
"E-Excuse me, s-sir...m-ma'am..." Ryou began hesitantly. Bakura glared at him for speaking, but Ryou, feeling strangely confident, pretended not to notice.
Yes, Ringbearer? (Ryou's Frodo now! WAHAHAH!)
"Yes, little one?" came the majestic voice within Ryou and Bakura's mind.
"What is this...test?" Ryou tentatively asked.
"Well, little one, it is a test for you and your yami. It is a test to see whether Bakura is worthy of being your yami, despite any problems that may have recently happened between you two. You two will enter Mochidzuki if the lovable old grouch will let you in, and your trust between each other will be tested."
"Whether I'M worthy of being this weakling's yami?! You should be testing to see whether HE is worthy of HAVING the Ring!" Bakura replied indignantly.
SILENCE, IMPERTINENT ONE! Mochidzuki roared, making both albino boys cringe.
"I shall leave you two now. If you survive through all of the tests, for good or ill, I shall judge you both."
Now then, enter if you are brave enough to face the challenges that may end in either one of your deaths. Or maybe even both of your deaths.
Both boys shuddered, and Bakura dragged Ryou inside the small gap in the pyramid that had just opened up in front of them. Ryou whimpered that he was scared.
"Shut up!" Bakura snapped. "You have nothing to fear from this place, because-"
Bakura stopped, for he had been about to say that he was with Ryou, and he hastily thought of something to try and cover it up. Lucky for him, he didn't have to, for an arrow whizzed past him, barely missing him and Ryou. Ryou cried out in horror as more arrows began to shoot towards them. Bakura, without thinking, instinctively hefted Ryou up into his arms, and carried him through the hallway until they both emerged into an open room. Bakura collapsed to the ground, still holding Ryou, breathing heavily.
Ryou was speechless. One moment, his yami had been yelling at him, the next, Bakura was saving him. And now Ryou was in his arms.
"Bakura-kun?"
Ryou felt Bakura tense beneath him.
"Don't ask. It was reflex."
"Well, then. We ought to test those reflexes, ne?" an odd, intelligent voice inquired. Bakura and Ryou looked up to find the Celtic Guardian eyeing them thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?" Bakura asked slowly, moving Ryou off of his lap onto the floor.
"This is the first test of Mochidzuki-sama and the Empress Judge. I am to test your reflexes to protect your hikari."
"Why should I protect this pinprick?!?!?" Bakura demanded indignantly.
The Celtic Guardian regarded Bakura thoughtfully. "Then why did you save him twice before now?"
Bakura fell silent, avoiding both Ryou and the Celtic Guardian's eyes.
"You see?" the Celtic Guardian inquired softly. "It's a yami's natural reflex to protect his hikari. See here!"
The Celtic Guardian lunged at Ryou, who gasped in horror, frozen like a deer in headlights.
"I can't move!" Ryou shrieked, and Bakura dive-bombed the boy, scooping Ryou up into his arms and dodging the revived Celtic Guardian's attacks. Bakura realized after a while of dodging, that the Celtic Guardian was aiming for Ryou, not Bakura.
'Idea,' Bakura thought maliciously, grinning. He tossed Ryou to the ground away from both him and the Celtic Guardian, and just as predicted, the Celtic Guardian swiveled around and began to move towards Ryou.
'And that will be your downfall,' Bakura thought as he leaped upon the Celtic Guardian, forcing the previously sealed card to the ground. Bakura snatched the sword from the Guardian's hands, and positioned it just above the Celtic Guardian's neck.
"I won," Bakura hissed. "Now you let us pass, with Ryou unfrozen, or you die here."
The Celtic Guardian was silent, apparently limp. The light in the room brightened, and an opening in the wall opposite the one Bakura and Ryou had come through appeared. Out of the corner of Bakura's eye, he saw Ryou move testily, and then stand. Bakura also stood, keeping the sword. When Ryou sent him a questioning look, Bakura replied that they might need it later.
======
"So they've passed the first test," Yami concluded. The Empress Judge, named Faia, nodded. Doragon had flown everyone up to the top of Mochidzuki, where Faia's Judgment Room was. Faia had let them watch Bakura and Ryou's progress in honor of Yami, the former Pharaoh of Egypt, and the one who had sent Bakura and Ryou to this place. Since Yami had been the one to send both hikari and yami to the Realm of Mochidzuki, he was given the right to allow himself and any other people he brought along with him to watch the two being tested as they progressed through the testing as long as they didn't try to help.
"The next one will be harder," Faia replied. Suddenly, the Celtic Guardian appeared in the room.
"I failed, Faia-sama," the Celtic Guardian replied, smiling cheerfully. Everyone except Yami and Faia looked at each other in confusion. Why would the Guardian be smiling if he lost?
"Good," Faia replied. "I want you to train some more."
The Guardian bowed. "Yes, ma'am."
He disappeared, and Anzu peered at Faia questioningly. "Why is it good that he failed?"
"Because it reminds him that he is not the most powerful Elfin warrior, and he needs to train. Also, it means that the two being tested have a chance at passing Judgment."
A collective murmur of "ohhhhhh" spread throughout the group gathered in Faia's Judgment Room.
======
"Bakura-kun?"
"Quit calling me -kun, dammit!"
"Y-Yes sir!"
"Well?!" Bakura snapped after a moment of silence. "What do you want?!"
"U-Um...I wanted to know...why you're mad at me all of a sudden...we were getting along so well..."
"Because I had turned weak and soft!" Bakura roared. "And never question me again!"
Ryou flinched as a punch connected with his cheek, and he fell silent. (Meanwhile, in the Judgment Room, Yami has turned into a raving lunatic trying to kill Bakura for hurting his friend)
The two albino boys ended up in yet another large room, only this time, the opening in the wall they had come through closed up. Both boys froze, immediately looking around for a way out.
"Uh...B-Bakura..."
"What is it NOW?!"
"L-L-Look..."
Bakura followed Ryou's pointing finger, and paled in horror. The floor of the room was slowly crumbling away to reveal lava below them.
"Oh, shit..." Bakura muttered. "How do we get outta this one...?"
Ryou looked around frantically. "Hey, Bakura, look! There's an inscription in Egyptian!"
Bakura hastily ran over to the wall, reading through the inscription as fast as he could while still understanding it. He stared at it, puzzled.
"Well, what's it say?" Ryou inquired.
"Don't rush me!" Bakura snapped, but he answered the question anyway. "It says that the only way to avoid death by raging flames is to combine the two separated souls into one, and to have faith as one leaps over the bridge of trust."
"Huh?" Ryou murmured, thinking. "Hey, it's a riddle!" (now he really is Frodo! HAH!)
"Well, then, solve it, dammit! We don't exactly have much time!"
"It means for you to go back into the Millennium Ring, and for both of us to have trust in one another so that when we leap across the opening in the floor we survive...somehow."
"That sounds like doubt, ne? And why should I trust you, weakling?!" Bakura shrieked indignantly.
"Because it's the only fucking way we're gonna get out of here alive!" Ryou screamed right back into Bakura's face. Bakura was flabbergasted. When had Ryou learned to cuss and to stand up for himself?
"WELL?!?!"
"Fine," Bakura muttered, and with a flash of light, he was back within the Ring. Ryou clutched desperately at the Ring hanging from his neck.
/Do you trust me, Bakura?/ Ryou questioned silently, and was met with silence for a moment or so.
//Yes, aibou, I trust you.//
Ryou could barely conceal the joy in his heart from his yami at those words.
/Then let's jump./
Strangely enough, Ryou felt as if Bakura was right behind him, grabbing hold of him. As if they were one.
They leaped.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Author's Notes: MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! Cliffhanger extraordinaire! HAHAHAHAHAH!!! *is hit with Filia's mace-sama* Itaiiiiiiiiii... *falls over* X_X
Y.C.: Filia-sama! What'd you do that for?! Now she can't write the sequel to this chapter!
Filia: *blush* Oops.
Y.C.: By the way, sorry this was short. It's still over the promised minimal limit my aibou gave herself (3,000 words per chap.) so no flames! The next chapter will be better. Heheheheheheheheh...