Chapter 12: Written in Stone


First of all, I am SO sorry for not putting up more of this in the longest time! It's been weeks... but it's not entirely my fault. My dad crashed the disk drive on our home computer, so I couldn't work on my stories. That, and the standard load of work... *sigh* I'll try to do better! I know you guys don't like to be kept in suspense.

Second of all, THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR 100 REVIEWS! Ha, I feel special now. Thank you guys! Hope you keep enjoying this! ^_^

Okay... my knowledge on the whole Duel-Monsters-sealing thing is a bit limited, so bear with me. ^_^ If I messed anything up, tell me, people! ^_^

Disclaimer: I own Yu-Gi-Oh! now. Kazuki Takahashi died and left it to me in his will. NOT. *rolls eyes* I still don't own anything, people... and Mr. Takahashi's alive and well, making the fourth season of Yu-Gi-Oh!...

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My brother smiled, my answer pleasing him. Good, good... then it's all settled. To the Shadow Realm, then. My priests will meet us there.

I nodded my head as Pharaoh Yami began the transition. I bit my lip; something about this whole business didn't feel right. Still, what other choice did I have?

The arena materialized around us; I noted with interest that my brother had picked the same simple arena that he had Dueled Mariku on. I noticed that the priests my little brother had mentioned were, in fact, present. Not to mention, in the middle of the field, there were two a huge piles of stone slabs.

I sucked in my breath when I saw what one of the priests - a younger one, maybe fifteen? - was holding. It was the Sennen Rod. Mariku's Sennen Rod. He must have been the priest that my brother had mentioned when he had taken it...

He was walking up to us now. I opened my mouth to speak, but he began first. His tone was friendly, but his eyes were cold. Good morning. I am the High Priest of the Temple of Set and the Blue Eyes White Dragons. Please, call me Seto. I assume that our Pharaoh has told you of the plan?

I was about to reply, but he cut me off again. Good, then all is in order. I trust that you have already chosen which monsters and magic you will be using in this match?

I figured that he wouldn't take no' for an answer, so I nodded my head. Excellent. The match will begin shortly.

Thank you, Seto, the Pharaoh said. Turning to me, he continued, The monsters that I am to use have already been placed in their respective tablets. Seto will teach you how to do the spell that will seal your monsters into your stones. Your pile is over there- he pointed to the left stack, of fifty or so tablets -but don't take too long. I can't wait for this match to begin.

I sighed, then followed Priest Seto over to the stack of awaiting rocks. We mages and the Royal Sculptors worked together to make these, he explained. Right now, they're all blank - but once the soul of their monster is stored inside of it, an impression of that monster will be in the tablet. Through your mind's eye, you will still be able to see which monsters you have, just like before. It's quite an intricate plan that we came up with, actually.

I raised my eyebrows in interest at his choice of wording. We'? But I thought that this whole thing was my brother's idea...

Seto's eyes narrowed. Typical... taking all of the credit...

I noted the undertone of bitterness in his voice, and smiled inwardly. This priest didn't seem that bad, really. After all... not too many people could see the Pharaoh for what he really is...

I resolved to inquire further into the matter. Keeping my eyes widened in innocence, I asked, You mean, it was your idea as well?

It was mostly my idea... he answered. I have always been a powerful mage, with the most powerful weapons. And my mind is no exception. I have come up with many ideas and inventions for his Highness, over the years... and now, I am not even credited for them at all? His icy anger grew with every word.

Then, why is he taking your credit from you? That's not fair. I answered, becoming genuinely interested.

It isn't. But in this kingdom, the Pharaoh is supreme. There is little I can do about the situation; who would believe me, anyway? I would be destroyed in an instant, for even speaking to my Pharaoh so, he pointed out.

Well, I'm sure you're not the first person that's been cheated. He used to gyp me all the time - I mean, I'm not even a part of the Royal Family anymore. I was supposed to be Pharaoh, you know. And my rule would have been much different...

I know. But the King of Games was born to take your place. They would not let you rule... because of how you look, correct?

I lowered my head. Yes... that's right... Suddenly, a thought occurred to me. Why are you not frightened by my appearance?

Seto chuckled. Why should I be afraid? I am a servant of Set.

Ah. That made sense; Set was the god of many of the eviler' things in the world. I noted smugly to myself that the god Set had murdered his brother, Osiris... and that Osiris was the Pharaoh's reincarnation...

Hold out your hand. I snapped out of my thoughts at Seto's words. We were standing in front of the looming pillar of stones. It was time to transfer the monsters' souls... swallowing a lump in my throat, I obeyed his command.

He continued, Now... all you have to do is picture which monsters and magics you are going to use. Picture them coming forward from the Shadow Realm. Summon their souls, but not their bodies.

I nodded my head. This wouldn't be so hard... closing my eyes, I pictured my Man-Eater Bug. Calling it forward, I imagined it becoming one with the first tablet.

I heard a sharp roar of protest in my mind. Apparently, my Man-Eater Bug didn't really like the idea of being separated from its body. I sighed. Maybe the spell wasn't hard, but actually getting the monsters to do what I wanted them to do might be more difficult than I had thought.

I know, I know... I'm not too keen on this whole business, myself. I thought at my monster. Sending waves of calmness, I continued, But the transition's not supposed to hurt. And if this whole idea doesn't work out, I can release you, no problem. It'll be okay, don't worry. This isn't permanent, I don't think... This is a big match for me, you know. I really need your help...

My Man-Eater Bug roared at me again, but more softly this time. It bobbed its head in understanding; after a second, I felt its soul enter the first of the stone slabs in front of me. I sighed. One down, fourty-four more to go...

After what seemed like forever - though in the outside time, it was probably closer to about five minutes - the transition was complete. The Pharaoh had assumed ready position on his side of the field; his tablets were all lined up in a row in front of him, waiting to be used. I noticed that Seto and a couple other mages had already started lining up my slabs on my side of the arena, as well. I sighed, then started helping them, channeling my own energy through the Ring. My power added to their own levitation spell, making it stronger. Pharaoh Yami looked glad that the job was getting done faster, though he certainly wasn't doing anything to help. I guess my high-and-mighty little brother considered himself above manual labour. Typical...

All right, are you done!? he asked me, almost exploding with impatience as I took my place on the other side of the arena.

Yes, I'm finished, I responded, refusing to be provoked.

Our eyes met. My little brother smiled slyly, suddenly a lot more serious. Good. I hope that this Duel will be worth the wait...

I smiled back, feeling my heartbeat quicken with exhilaration. I, too, would enjoy this match - and my victory. Oh, don't you worry, my brother... it will be.

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Yay! The Duel begins next chapter! In the meantime, review!!!!