Of Mages and Elves: Tension's Pinnacle
Author's notes: Alo again. I hope you're all enjoying ^_~ Now on with the show! *strange theme music*
*mass rolling of eyes*
Warnings: Yaoi, AU, possible OOCness
Disclaimer: I think you get the idea…
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Isis awoke a few hours later, much to Ryou's relief, and when asked related the story of Mokuba's soul. Malik had watched her intently throughout the story, growing more and more certain. This was his sister Isis, even if she had no memory, she carried the same calming presence, the same sense of mystery and power. The blond apprentice smiled, leaning into Ishtal's chest.
"It's really her," he murmured. Ishtal smirked at his comment. "I've missed her."
"Many did when she vanished," the mage answered. "But now we have to think ahead. We're still in this Tower, and Pegasus is still alive. We have to destroy him." Malik nodded, as did Bakura who had been eavesdropping.
"I agree. I still owe that freak for what he did to me," he snarled. Ryou laid a hand on his arm.
"We'll find a way Bakura. Don't worry," he murmured. Bakura smirked, russet eyes glinting.
"Who said I was worried?" he cackled. Yami raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He was becoming increasingly confident that the thief wasn't mentally stable, but since Ryou trusted him Yami finally decided to give Bakura a chance.
"So what exactly are we going to do?" Joey asked. "We've got Kaiba's brother, but he still won't trust us that easily." Yami nodded in agreement. He was impressed by the clever mind the young servant boy hid behind his extroverted demeanor. The blond was a lot smarter then he let on and had a lucky streak to rival the best.
"I agree. We've never given Kaiba a reason to trust us and yet most of Pegasus' defeat depends on him. If Kaiba sides with Pegasus we very well may loose," Yami stated, eyes narrowed in thought. Ishtal nodded.
"I don't know Kaiba well, but he hates Pegasus as much as I do. He won't trust full-blooded humans or elves though," he told them. Bakura looked up.
"He's a half-blood?" the thief asked.
"He was trained in secret. There has never been a half-blood Master Mage in this Tower. The administration won't allow it. Kaiba hates those who consider him inferior." Bakura smirked.
"I know how he feels. Half-bloods barely survive living the streets. We can't hide what we are for long," he stated. His voice was edged with regret and anger. Ryou slid his arms around the thief's neck, holding him close.
I don't care if you're a half-blood Bakura, he reassured the thief. Bakura leaned back in Ryou's arms, eyes closed.
Thank you love, he replied. Ryou kissed the top of his head gently. Joey eyed the two carefully. Did that elf know Bakura was a half-blood? The thief seemed just as Joey had imagined half-bloods to be, cold, unfeeling, ruthless, but this one held an unusual calm and gentleness when around the healer. Was Yugi right? Were half-bloods the way they were because of how they were treated. Could Kaiba, a half-blood mage who had been unwillingly manipulated for more than a decade, have the same kindness lurking within him?
"Yami just ignored the two. He couldn't deny that he was slightly disturbed, knowing his most trusted healer was bonded to a half-blood thief, but then what really could he do? The prince glanced at Yugi. Why was mingling between their races so forbidden? They were alike in so many ways, so why were they forbidden to love?
*I guess I know what others in the past have felt now, to be forbidden from love because of race. How did they manage? How did their children manage?* he thought. And yet somehow they survived. Against all odds these sets of star-crossed lovers had endured. He smiled softly when he say Yugi grin at him. *Some how we'll make it too.*
"So what are we going to do?" Honda asked. He had woken up a few minutes ago and had been eavesdropping on the conversation.
"What else is there to do?" Yami asked with a shrug. "We go after Pegasus." Ishtal and Bakura both nodded in agreement.
"Honda-san, could I ask you a favor?" Ryou asked timidly. The look on Bakura's face told the brunette that if he refused he was in for it. Honda nodded shortly. "Will you stay with Isis-san and watch over the boy? I'm worried that Pegasus will come after him," the healer explained. Honda nodded in agreement, as did Isis. Ryou smiled brightly.
"Then let's get going," Bakura growled. "I want that bastard dead!" Ishtal nodded, a low growl echoing in his throat.
"Let's go."
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Pegasus smirked, sitting back on his throne-like chair, his eyes slightly glazed.
"They're on their way?" Seto asked with an air of disinterest. The silver haired mage nodded.
"It's time this amusing little game ended," he replied.
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Ishtal, Bakura and Yami stood abreast in front of their small group facing the large intricately carved mahogany doors that marked the entrance to the main audience chamber of the Tower of Illusions and the opening of the finale of their battle.
"Well?" Bakura asked, sticking his hands in his pockets. Ishtal smirked.
"Here we go!" And with a flick of the mage's hand, the great double doors flew open, revealing the darkened chamber within. Pegasus sat atop his dais, waiting as if to welcome them to their final demise. Seto Kaiba stood at the mage's side, a bored expression crossing his face.
Joey bit his lip as he watched the half-blood. Now that his brother was safe, Kaiba had no reason to stand at Pegasus' side, but somehow the blond doubted that the sapphire-eyed mage knew his brother was safe.
"Welcome Prince, Master Ishtal, Bakura," Pegasus spoke with a gallant gesture. The man really was welcoming them to their doom! "Ah, and the young healer and your little pet are here as well," the mage said with a sneer. Ishtal growled at Pegasus' words. Malik was no pet! "But the other two I do not know. You may as well introduce me, Ishtal. I'll learn who they are soon anyway," Pegasus stated, tapping his temple. Ishtal glared at him, daggers in his eyes.
"Find out on your own you prick!" he snarled. Pegasus waved a finger at him.
"Language Ishtal…" he warned. A deadly smile placed across his face. "Kaiba-kun, will you take care of this little problem?" Seto's expression didn't change as he stepped forward, ice blue power gathering around him.
"So it begins," Yami muttered. Yugi nodded.
"So it begins."
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Isis' head snapped up suddenly, an ominous feeling overtaking her. Honda glanced up.
"What is it?" he asked. Isis' eyes narrowed.
"They need my help," she murmured distantly, standing. Honda nodded.
"Go. I can take care of the boy on my own," he said. Isis nodded.
"Thank you," she said, before hurrying out the door.
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Ishtal and Seto squared off, both shimmering with their unique powers, one lit with dark gold and the other with ice blue. Two Master Mages, one a half-blood trained in secret, and the other considered the most ruthless being the Tower ever produced. Pegasus sat back on his high-backed chair, amusement playing over his face. The group surrounding Ishtal displayed expressions varying from confidence from both the Prince and the thief to extreme worry from the healer and the young blond apprentice boy.
Pegasus' eyes lingered on Malik, taking in the boy's grim expression. He had never actually seen the boy in person and now that he had, he understood Ishtal's attraction to him. The tan blond was beautiful, to say the least, and the perfect weakness to complement Ishtal's strength. Pegasus smirked. Yes, the mage's love for Malik would be Ishtal's downfall.
The mage next focused on Bakura and the small healer by his side. Ah yes, the very reason that Ishtal had returned to health in such a short time. Pegasus glared at the young elf, though Ryou didn't see him as he was too focused on Ishtal and Seto. Yes, he would have to punish the boy for his actions. It was the healer's fault that his plans were going so badly… his and that damned Prince's. Maybe he could make the elf watch his bond-mage, that damned thief Bakura, die a slow painful death. Yes, that would defiantly be amusing.
The Prince was Pegasus' next focused. The elf was known for his iron control and unique power. In fact, Prince Yami would probably be more than a match for Seto if the two actually managed to finish a fight. And the little human beside him… now that boy was interesting. Pegasus smirked at the thought. Like Malik, that boy would be a severe weakness to the Prince. But what of the blond standing beside the boy? Pegasus' eyes narrowed. He knew absolutely nothing about that boy with the exception of his powers. He could sense the blonde's fire magic deep within him, an untrained, wild magic that if trained had incredible potential. Perhaps he could use that boy, wipe his memories and then use his power to further the his own goals.
A brilliant light and a loud explosion snapped Pegasus out of his thoughts. Seto and Ishtal's battle had begun. Pegasus watched it with narrowed eyes. Already, the stronger of the two was obvious. Ishtal had trained for years, learning spells so dark that most mages wouldn't dare even attempting them. He was ruthless as a fighter, the perfect ally to one he trusted, and the deadliest enemy to one he loathed.
Pegasus stood, gathering his own power around him. Yes, he would have to give Seto an edge… and that young apprentice would be the perfect target. A thin, almost needle-like dagger slipped from Pegasus' sleeve and into his hand as he silently approached the boy. The others were too focused on Ishtal and Seto to even notice him. Yes, Ishtal would pay dearly for betraying him… just like his own mother.
"Ishtal!" the mage froze and spun, completely dropping his guard at the voice. Taking advantage of the situation, Seto launched an attack at him, sending Ishtal to his knees. Pegasus stood before him laughing wildly, his thin steel blade pressed to Malik's neck.
"Did you think I'd let you have the upper hand Ishtal?" he smirked. Malik struggled futily, crying out when Pegasus twisted his arm further behind his back. Ishtal's eyes narrowed to deadly slits. Around them, everything seemed to stop. Bakura caught Ryou's wrist, stopping to boy from running forward.
"Wait Ryou," he whispered, pulling the boy to him. The elf shivered, not answering as he watched the scene from the confines of Bakura's arms. Yugi stood by Yami, a worried expression crossing his face. The Prince's teeth were clenched tightly. He had known Pegasus would notice Ishtal's weakness eventually but… Joey watched Seto's expression carefully, noting the grim expression of understanding on the half-blood's face.
"Well Ishtal," Pegasus noted with a dull smirk. "It seems that things have come full circle." Ishtal stood, suppressed fury darkening his eyes to near black. Images of ten years ago flashed through his mind, memories of a moment far to similar and far to meaningful for him to forget.
Pegasus! Let him go! I do not allow defiance among my mages! He has nothing to do with this! Say good bye Mai Pegasus! He heard a shriek, then silence. The image of a blond woman with brilliant, piercing violet eyes crossed his mind. *Mother…* he thought, squeezing his eyes shut. That had been the day. The day Ishtal had sworn Pegasus' death would be by his own hands. The day his mother Mai had died. He looked up at the silver-haired mage, a smirk playing across his face.
"So they have," he stated. Ishtal's eyes were narrowed, and displayed no emotion save detached amusement and fierce anger and hatred. Malik bit his lip. He knew what was coming. This was the Ishtal that all feared, the one who would destroy entire cities with out flinching, the dark being that had been born into the world's eye just less than a decade ago.
Ryou shook violently. Even his bond to Bakura wasn't enough to suppress the violent emotions swirling around them. Bakura held him tightly, a grim expression on his face. Pegasus smirked. This was what he had expected, that Ishtal's temper would be unleashed, making him unable to think strait. Suddenly the mage shoved Malik out of the way and launched a massive attack on Ishtal with his own powers. With a dull thud, Malik landed on his side and immediately pushed himself up.
"Ishtal!" he screamed, throwing a hand out. Ishtal didn't respond. Instead of striking the mage, Pegasus' attack froze in mid air, crystallizing and shattering into a million blood-red shards. Pegasus stared dumbfounded at the young apprentice.
"What did you do boy?" Malik stumbled back, not quite understanding himself. Ishtal snapped out of his trance and leapt forward, setting himself in front of Malik before Pegasus could reach him. Pegasus lips turned up in an obnoxiously knowing smirk. "Isis' brother. I should have known. She had a gift too you know, before I killed her," he sneered smoothly. "Ah yes, a powerful gift. I should have known her brother would be special as well." Malik snarled at the mage, hardly containing his fury. In the corner of the room, Isis stepped forward, lifting her dark cloak from over her head. She had been watching the battle closely since her arrival, waiting for the right time to reveal herself.
"I believe you are very much mistaken Pegasus," she spoke, her voice clear and full of the ancient, mysterious power Malik remembered so well. "You see, I am very much alive." Pegasus froze, his eyes narrowing in fury.
"How? Your memory! I destroyed it!" he exclaimed. Isis smiled mysteriously.
"You can not break a person's memory, only hide it. Isn't that right Pegasus?" she asked in a mocking tone. With that she turned her smoky blue gaze on Seto, whose sapphire eyes remained narrowed. "Your brother is safe, Seto Kaiba. You need not worry for him any longer."
Pegasus snarled. All his careful planning and this! Seto's voice began at a low chuckle, then escalated slowly to a laugh that rivaled Bakura's. He turned his gaze to Pegasus, a devilish gleam in his eye.
"Then I guess you won't be needing me any longer," he chuckled. Pegasus stared at the enemies surrounding him. *How could I fail!* his mind screamed. Then a chuckle broke from his lips. *Of course… how could I forget?*
"You think you can defeat me?" he asked them, hysterical laughter echoing through the room. Blood-red magic collected around him, glittering ominously. "You will never defeat me!" With that the glowing power around him shot in every direction. Bakura spun, clutching Ryou in his arms and taking the blast at his back. He screamed as the power hit. Yami did the same for Yugi when the boy's shield shattered on contact. Ishtal gritted his teeth, focusing all his power into holding the shield surrounding him and Malik. Isis and Seto had formed twin shields around themselves, melding them together strengthen them and to protect Joey as well.
Bakura! Ryou screamed. The thief wasn't responding. Bakura please wake up! Tears ran down the elf's face as he buried his head into the unconscious half-blood's chest. Pale golden and midnight black tendrils of power began to wrap around the two. Please Bakura… Ryou whispered.
Ryou? the voice was faint, but it filled Ryou with relief beyond anything he had known before. Ryou… Bakura whispered again. The gold and black tendrils wrapped tighter around them, forming a translucent, globe shaped shield.
How? Ryou asked.
The bond? Bakura murmured. A shout snapped them out of their conversation. Ishtal's shield had shattered under the constant barrage, knocking the mage unconscious. Malik coughed, blood spattering into his hand. He had been hit badly, and the stream of power was not letting up.
We have to help them! Ryou exclaimed.
How? Bakura shot back frantically. What can we do? Ryou looked him in the eye with a determined expression.
You can fade out right? he asked. Bakura nodded, realizing what the elf meant. Ryou wanted him to use his shadow melding powers to get Malik and Ishtal to safety.
If I leave you the shield will break! he exclaimed. Ryou nodded.
I can distract Pegasus. You get them out of their!
But…
Please Bakura. I know I can do this. I'm not completely helpless, Ryou told him. Bakura sighed and relented.
I don't want you hurt Ryou… If I could help it… Ryou brushed his cheek with a pale hand.
I'll be fine Bakura. You can get them to safety, I can't. This shield won't completely shatter, but it will remain in place here as long as both of us are conscious. Get them in here. Once their safe I will return to heal them, he explained. Suddenly Bakura wrapped his arms tightly around the pale healer.
Be careful Ryou… my Ryou. If you get hurt, I don't think I'll end up completing my mission, he responded. Ryou pressed his lips to the thief's mouth, savoring their contact.
I will. Now go! With a burst of strength Bakura never knew he had, Ryou pushed Bakura back and leapt out of the shield, dodging the blasts of power. Bakura winced when one cut the boy across the cheek. He closed his eyes, resolving himself to complete Ryou's plan. *Alright,* he thought as he gathered his dark power around him. *It's time to finish this!*
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Author's note: Yipee!!! We're almost done! I hope you're all enjoying so far ^_^
Bakura: If Ryou gets hurt…
*innocent smile* He's already got a cut…
Bakura: *death glare* If you didn't have to finish this to get us out of here…
*whistles innocently*
Bakura: Damned author. Read and review… then maybe she'll release us sooner.