Sorry for the wait everyone. I've been extremely busy. Well, I finally finished chapter 30 and there are some things I need to say before I start the story.
To Crossover Authoress, I was wondering if anyone was ever going to ask about Jonas being with Daniel. And I'm going to tell you, and don't worry there are no spoilers. Daniel is one of my favorite characters, if not my favorite. So, I can't see SG1 without him. But I've seen a lot of episodes with Jonas and found I now can't see SG1 without him. So, I solved my dilemma by simply using my power as author to make Daniel unascended, and place this story sometime after the episodes that have aired. There, that's my explanation. And as to the cape-bleeding thing, I have actually never seen Spawn. But, I will explain that whole thing next chapter, but no; it has nothing to do with Spawn.
Okay, that's enough from me.
Enjoy
"Nothing can ever be easy, can it?" Yugi declared, pressing as close to the wall as possible. The tunnel had been straight, not one turn or even bend. Then he had reached this place. The cavern was huge, and there were no torches in it, but he could see just fine. The reason being the light emanating from the giant sleeping in the center of the cavern.
Examining the room he was pleased to see that the path was indeed clear, he knew exactly where he had to go. Of course, that was if he could get past the hand blocking the entrance, or even step away from the wall. Every time he did the giant had begun to stir.
He considered making a run for it, but the speed at which that giant kept starting to wake pretty much shot that idea down. He couldn't think of anything he had to distract the giant, so he needed to find a way to be able to walk forward without disturbing that things slumber.
A sense of heat from the puzzle grabbed his attention. Looking down he noticed the puzzle was pulsing. He checked on the giant again, a new possibility coming to his mind. If Yami were correct in what he had been trying to get him to do, then the puzzle would act on his wishes. So, with a strong determination that he wasn't sure was enough, he lifted his foot and stepped forward.
Nothing happened. So he took another. Still nothing, and another step. He was halfway across and feeling quite pleased with himself when the giant moved. He froze. The sensation of heat from the puzzle increased, and the movement of the giant ceased. Worried that this wouldn't last he hurried across the space that was left, looking with dismay at the tiny space between the hand and the wall of the tunnel he had to enter.
With as much caution as he could muster he squeezed between the wall and hand, shuffling along not daring to breath. He almost fell when he reached the end of the wall but he managed to catch himself in the last instant. Breathing in relief he wasn't too surprised when the puzzle stopped radiating heat. He took it to mean that was over with. Walking along he was in yet another tunnel, this one was straight as well, only he could see the end not too far ahead.
Entering the next chamber he found an underground lake. The water was clear, and looked very cold. Testing the water with one finger concluded that yes, the water was cold, it was liquid ice. Examining the room closer he saw that the path he needed to take was on the other side of the lake, and there was no solid path around the water, so he had to go across.
But there was no way he was swimming in that; he'd freeze before he went two feet. Sighing he sat down, thinking that relaxing might clear his head a bit. He needed to get across, but there were no supplies to use, so he had to do it completely on his own. Unless he wished to go back and ask the giant for a lift.
"Hmmmm. It's been awhile since I had a visitor. Maybe I'll wait before making you my supper. But then, you would barely make an appetizer." Yugi jumped up and stared in surprise at the figure hovering not ten feet in front of him over the lake.
He was tall, with green and blue scales over his entire body, his feet ended in two deadly looking curved claws, while his hands had three each and a thumb. Orange cat-like eyes looked out from behind green bangs, and a simple green cloth was folded across his waist.
"W who a are you?" Yugi stuttered. The being tilted his head, floating over until he was standing next to Yugi, looking down at him.
"Me? Oh, I'm just a hermit. Please join me for dinner." He murmured, a feral grin covering his face. Backing up Yugi's mind raced.
/I've gotta get across, which means I have to go through him./
~~~~~**~~~~~
"Saph, what's wrong?" Celt questioned as he moved to sit next to her.
"I was just wondering how everything turned upside down so quickly. Was it really just yesterday when I thought I knew what I was doing and what was going on?"
"Funny how that happens. I think I can help though."
"Really, and what do you have in mind?"
"Come on." Celt grinned, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet. Once they were both standing he took off down the path, never letting go of her hand.
"Celt, what are you doing?"
"You'll see." Was all he said. He dragged her along suspiciously dark corridors. She knew that they conserved on the energy but there was usually a few people in these areas, of which there were none now. She pushed that thought aside though when Celt came to an abrupt halt in an empty room. "All right, tell me what is going on." Celt turned to face her, releasing her hand as he seemed to deliberate on what to say. "Celt, if you don't tell me right now..."
"You won't do anything, but I'll tell you. You should have stuck around after waking up after that battle. Some very interesting things have been happening."
"Really?"
"Yep, first of all,
Siris explained some things. I'll tell
you that later. But the most
interesting thing has been what Dark and Blue have managed to figure out since
getting back. Everyone has been looking
for you, since you would want to know, but you were nowhere to be found. But I knew where to look."
"Uhuh."
"Well, you're here because I found you, didn't I? Anyway, we might have increased our advantage, and it will be even better when Yugi returns. Now come on." Sapphire was thoroughly confused but refused to show it. She didn't protest when Celt took her hand again and led her through the door to the next room.
Ah, so this is where everyone went. But why are they all here? Dark saw them and waved them through. Nodding briefly to Dark, Celt led her into yet another room. It was what she saw inside that caused her to freeze. She didn't notice Celt closing the door quietly behind her and she barely felt the slight push he gave her from behind.
Mokuba and Azul rushed over and each took a hand, dragging her forward.
"Isn't it great sis? It's amazing, isn't it?" Azul exclaimed, practically bouncing in excitement. It was almost in slow motion that she freed her hands and stepped up to the bed in the room.
"Master Kaiba? You're all right?" She asked hesitantly. An amused smile appeared on the elder Kaiba's face and he silently took hold of her hand, giving a small kiss before answering.
"I am much better now, tired but better." He declared, releasing her hand.
"You are more than tired master. But with Dark's help, you will be fine."
"I am going to have to find out, Blue, why it is always Yugi and his friends that keep helping me. Even when I don't want it." Kaiba muttered.
"Perhaps because he's you friend. Even if you refuse to admit it." Laughing at Kabia's look Celt winked at the group and retreated to the outer room.
"Big brother, do you need anything?"
"Not at the moment. All I really want is to be filled in on what has been happening."
"You
should rest. We can have someone fill
you in later."
"Sapphire, I would
rather be filled in by you four. I
promise to rest afterwards."
"Very well, but you should know that our version is going to have holes. We only recently arrived to help out and even we do not know the whole story yet."
"Don't worry bro. I've been getting the scoop from Celt and Sol. I can fill Master in." With that Azul jumped onto the bed and began a very animated version of events. The others only broke in to tone down the story and add some info here and there.
~~~~~**~~~~~
His chest was burning with each breath he took, his legs screaming in protest with each step, but he kept running. He could still hear them behind him, he couldn't let them catch up. But despite his determination he knew he could not outrun them, he didn't have the speed or stamina. He needed to find a place to stop and rest and let them get in front of him.
The tunnel was curvy but there were no sidetracks or even pockets to hide in.
/Wait a second. If I concentrate, I should be able to create an illusion with the puzzle. It has helped me out so far./ Without missing a step Yugi started to think hard on a place to hide. Even so, he almost ran past a shallow depression in the wall.
Slamming to a halt he pushed up into the depression and changed his concentration to not being noticed. He did his best to quiet his breathing and slow down his heart. In moments the four of his pursuers turned round the closest bend, and approached. Closing his eyes he half expected to be hauled out by the collar and slammed into the wall, only it didn't happen. The four ran right by, and soon their footsteps faded until they could be heard no more.
Even so, Yugi waited, hoping they didn't realize what he had done and turn back. When it seemed he was safe he stepped back out onto the tunnel and stood on his shaking knees. Taking a deep breath he started walking. He just wanted to get out of there and see his friends and find a way to fix what he should have stopped in the beginning.
But, he kept running into problems. First there was the giant, then the hermit, and of course that lovely skywalk ordeal, and lastly these blasted people chasing him like there was no tomorrow. He was tired, sore, hungry, and missed his friends. He was getting cranky.
After a while he noticed something. Up ahead he could see something. Yes! Trees, and the swirling gloom of the shadow realm, which he had never thought he would be so happy to see. However, his brief glimpse of freedom was spoiled when the four he had let run by showed up and blocked the exit.
/Mental note, next time do not let crazy people get in front of you. But, since I did it this time I think I gotta figure something out and solve this./
'The path to take is clear. The rest is but illusion.' Now why was he thinking that now. Unless. Taking a step forward he gathered some of his power into his hand, much like Yami had in the fight. The four also stepped forward, but they stopped quickly enough when Yugi let the power shoot forward.
It quickly enveloped them in a pale light before fading. When the light was completely gone, Yugi was pleased to note, so where the four.
/So that's what she meant by 'the rest is but illusion.' I'll thank her when I see her. Now to get out of here and get something to eat./ He hurried out of the tunnel, breathing deeply. He was barely two steps from the exit when an intricately carved staff shot out and blocked his way. It took a moment for this to register but when it did he managed to follow the length of the staff with his eyes until he was looking at the owner. All he could manage when he saw who it was, was a small squeak that received a light chuckle and grin from the wielder of the staff.