Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
Legacy of Kain characters and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.




Raziel wasn't a talkative individual, it suited me just fine. Sometimes silence can tell you more about a person that talking can. Raziel wouldn't be distracted by my questions so I could stand aside and watch him as we moved across the cliffs. There were times he forgot I was there and moved ahead quickly. His inhuman speed would greatly help him against Malik and everyone else. He had incredible strength as well, all of this came naturally to him and didn't stem from an outside source. I envied him for that, all it took was someone to block the Ring from me and I was just like any mortal. I had to change my train of thought, this creature I was with also had the ability to sense changes in mood. A change of mine might set him off and snap him out of the slight persuasion my Ring was providing. It didn't take much to win him over, his mind was already in chaos, my Ring had introduced a bit of order to thoughts and made him see more of the ups than downs. So I wasn't brain washing him, just keeping more of the negative thoughts out. He had to think this was all his decision.

"The mountain retreat is a fair amount away still. We can cut the time down to almost nothing, there's a warp gate near here. You will need to move quickly; we are going to cut through a nest of Turelim," Raziel warned and he perched on the edge of a cliff.
"I can handle myself just fine, no worries," Bakura snorted. Raziel motioned for the Spirit to go ahead of him while he kept to his post. Once Bakura had settled at the bottom of the cliff, Raziel leapt off it. He grabbed the tattered remains of wings from his back and drifted down gracefully, Bakura wanted to ask about his appearance and all that surrounded it but didn't have the time.
"The gate's door will be hard to open. If need be you go through first while I keep the vampires at bay. I will follow once they are taken care of. Does the object you wear around your neck sense who you need or is it something else?" Raziel questioned when the glow became apparent again.
"The vampires, I can feel them and only them now. There's just under a dozen of them. They're ravenous and angry, normal for them?" the snowy-haired teen asked.
"For anyone it is normal to be in such a mood," the fiend replied darkly.
"I don't doubt my ability to quickly mow through them, providing you can be just as quick in your actions," Bakura said over his shoulder.
"I can, you have a plan then?"
"Well it's more involved than hacking and slashing, but yes. You will understand when you see." Bakura took off into a dead run then, heading straight for the direction the Ring was pulling him. As he ran he once again un-shouldered the crossbow and loaded it. He had no plans to use it, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. Within a few moments the Turelim nest came into view. The brutes were fighting amongst themselves over a scrap of something. They growled and slashed viciously at one another; teeth and claws alike found their mark in the hides of others. Content with the fact he nor Raziel had been seen yet, Bakura stopped and dropped to one knee behind a rock. He closed his eyes and focused all his willpower on the Ring, through it he picked a random Turelim to attack. The beast fell over without warning, it wasn't even involved in a fray. With one of their own down the others turned to tear into the carcass. Out of the corner of his eye Bakura saw Raziel remove the cloth around his face. He indeed was missing his lower jaw, most of his neck was gone as well. Long fangs glinted hungrily as the Eater of Souls drew the freshly released vampire soul to him. Bakura was able to see what the normal mortal eye could not. A screaming ball of light and energy raced towards Raziel, the fiend eagerly devoured it. The soul vanished and melted with his being, Raziel quickly replaced the cowl once he had finished feeding.
"I have never seen a person release a vampire's soul so easily before. They are rooted deeper and stronger than any human's."
"I pride myself on my tactics. I believe I can claim two more before they suspect something is up. From there the plan will be to just reach the door."

Bakura was able to release the souls of four on top of the predicted two, that took the Turelim's numbers down to four remaining individuals. They had paired off, two went for Bakura and two took to Raziel. Unable to take the time to concentrate properly, Bakura resorted to the crossbow. The first shot found it's mark in the black heart of one beast. The other didn't even turn to watch it's brood mate fall, instead it kept chasing the traveler. Bakura's second shot had failed when an unexpected rock slide marred his aim and claimed the crossbow. Left undefended the Tomb Raider had no choice but to fight hand-to-hand with the beast. His punches and kicks did nothing, the best didn't even flinch. Bakura scowled when a slash from the vampire left a diagonal mark across his chest. The wind stung the open wound and Bakura lost his temper. The Spirit grabbed a rock and flung it at the charging Turelim, the vampire stumbled backwards in a daze allowing Bakura to wrench it's soul free. He tossed the resulting card to the side and moved further into the canyon in search of the door. The Spirit's heart skipped a beat when the air in front of him rippled and tore to reveal a blue figure. Raziel righted himself and looked back to the human. "Not many could take on two adult Turelim in such a close range. I am indeed impressed," he said without a change of tone.
"How far is the gate?"
"Not far, just beyond the bend."

This gate room was different, not as ornate as the others I had seen. It showed a different symbol on the wall than I had seen in the others, in fact it's destinations were different. I came to the conclusion there were at least two different gate systems, why I didn't know. More importantly I didn't care, minor details such as this didn't need my concern. My heart began to race as the Ring picked up the woman's life force. All I needed her for now was insurance Raziel would cooperate. She would be the only one that could get him back here, not that I planed to return him but I had to make him believe I would least he turn on me. I was slightly afraid he would, but at the same time I knew the woman wouldn't let him or no one would get home. She would play along and would make sure the Soul Stealer would too if anyone wanted things to go back to normal for them. I scowled mentally at myself for how complicated this scheme had become, all it took was for one thing to go wrong and the whole thing would come crashing down upon me.

"She's here, but where?" Bakura growled as the blue demon lead him through the halls.
"Mortal?" Raziel asked. "I can smell her if so."
"Most likely that scented perfume crap so many of them are fond of," Bakura snorted.
"No, I can smell her gender and race as well as the boy with her."
"Handy feature, should have figured Ryou wouldn't be far away."
"I am worried about something," Raziel said as he slowed to a cautious pace. Bakura became agitated with the lessened pace and made his distaste known. "Where is the resistance I would get from Kain? From anyone for that matter, since my resurrection everyone has put me as a key point of their plans. Both sides need me, if I'm gone what happens? Who wins?"
"You won't be gone forever," Bakura growled. "The sooner we get the woman, the sooner we get to my world where you can work then I'll return you."
"No, I'm no longer sure I'm willing to do this," Raziel said sourly as he stepped away from Bakura.
"My journey here will not be for naught," Bakura growled. "Fool, you would dare to play with me now? When I'm so close to the outcome I want? This I cannot allow," the Spirit said as his Ring's glow became harsh and unforgiving. Raziel make a sound akin to a gasp as his right arm developed a will of it's own. The wraith blade materialized itself and pointed itself as best it could at Raziel's chest.
"While you hold more will of resistance than your parasite does, it is easier to persuade. It wants to be released, Raziel. It's torment has lasted longer than yours. If you fail to come with me I will let it destroy the both of you. What will happen then? Possibly something very unpleasant for all of Nosgoth."
"It cannot destroy me! The paradox will not allow my soul to destroy itself, it has tried before and failed," Raziel snapped as he tried to move his right arm.
"On it's own perhaps it would fail. Need I remind you I'm not Nosgothic in origin? This world has affected me differently, I may be keenly equipped with the means to get beyond the paradox. Would you care to try?"
Raziel narrowed his eyes in disgust at the Spirit before bowing his head in defeat. Bakura kept his arm where it was for insurance. "Follow," he commanded simply.

"Ryou! Damnit, let me go!" the woman growled when the teen wouldn't release her. He had his arms wrapped tightly around her waist and showed no signs of listening.
"You can't go out there! When Bakura is in that kind of mood people die, and I'm not letting you be a victim, Sarah."
"Fine," she sighed in defeat. "Fine." She slumped in his arms and made a face as she just waited for the Spirit to come to them.
"You promised not to leave me," he said softly.
"Oh, Ryou," she said as she straightened her posture. "I'm not, god you poor boy. You're scared to death of this place aren't you?" she asked as she turned to hug him.
"Yes."

I felt the need to vomit when I entered the room, there the twerps were in an embrace. Ryou looked about ready to cry and Sarah was trying to sooth his nerves or such. It was a sickening scene, I felt no remorse for what I did next.

"What's the big deal?" the woman hissed as Bakura forcefully separated the two. He tossed Ryou back and wrapped an arm around the woman's neck before giving Ryou the dirtiest and nasty look he could muster. The look was broken with an ear-to-ear wicked grin as their three forms shimmered and melted away.
"You can't leave!" Ryou screamed at the top of his lungs. Sarah only gave him a bug eyed look as Bakura tightened the grip he had on her throat. She stretched a hand out, her fingers only managing to brush Ryou's before she and the other two were gone, shifted between realms.

Ryou dropped to his knees in the room. Sound seemed to have faded, feeling numbed and a hard lump formed in his throat. He looked up glassy eyed as Kain stormed into the room. The ancient vampire's face was etched in pain and fear. Before Ryou had blacked out he noted the ugly wounds Kain bore, not of Bakura's doing either. Who, then? Had this all been planned by someone else? Something else was there, but Ryou would never know what it had been.

"Monster!" the woman's voiced echoed violently against the spectral walls. "You cold hearted filthy demon!" she shrieked as she pounded her fists into the Spirit's chest. He scowled and backhanded her.
"Raziel, keep her from moving," he commanded. Raziel lowered his head and did as commanded. He placed the woman's arms by her sides then wrapped his around her. She was in a fit of sobs, calling the Tomb Raider all the colorful words she could think of as she tried to swing the bag she still carried. Silently she hoped the Reaver that had her bound would do something, take her back to where Ryou had been left. Her heart stopped when Bakura had found his destination, with a sneer he ordered Raziel to take the woman through first. She fought the Reaver as best she could, her efforts being futile.

"You may release her now," Bakura said as they returned to the Material Realm in the room that had been Ryou's. "She can't go anywhere now, we can find her when it's time to send you back."
"He's not going to do it!" Sarah screamed at the blue fiend. "He's going to trap you here, just like he won't let me go home," she sobbed.
"Pathetic wretch," the Spirit sneered as he backhanded her again. The woman's head snapped to the side and a thin trickle of blood showed in the corner of her mouth. She slowly turned back around and glared at the teen, before she opened her mouth to talk she turned away. "Exactly," Bakura laughed. "We will return for you later. For your sake you had better stay put. Raziel will be none to pleased should we find you gone. I'll send him to look for you, he may do whatever he pleases should we return to find you gone." Bakura dropped the bag he carried and removed the sling that held the arrows for the crossbow he left in Nosgoth. He pondered getting a shirt but decided against it, his eagerness to test Raziel's effectiveness changed his mind.

Sarah ran through the house, searching for signs of anyone that could help her. It was empty, tears streamed steadily down her face as her thoughts turned back to Ryou. She tore through the bag she managed to hold onto and dug her normal clothing and jewelry out. Once dressed she snatched the phone up and prayed she could remember the number to the Game Shop.
"Mr. Mutou!" she practically screamed down the line once the older man's voice answered.
"Good heavens, what's wrong child?" he asked, unsure of what to make of the strange call.
"Mr. Mutou, it's Sarah," she sobbed into the receiver.
"Sarah!" he exclaimed. "How, where?" he asked quickly.
"Send Yugi over to Ryou's, I'm alone. I need him," she managed to choke out.
"Oh sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked gently.
"I'll have Yugi fill you in later, please?" she asked in a whine.
"Alright," Mr. Mutou agreed slowly. "Yugi's in his room at the moment, I'll go tell him you're asking for him."
"Thank you," Sarah sniffled as she hung up.

The woman paced through the house as she waited for the other teen, the moment she saw his small form running to the door she flew out of the house. She tackled the smaller body and held him close as she sobbed.
"We have to get Ryou! He left him behind!" she cried.
"Ryou's where?" Yugi asked bewildered.
"Bakura," she sniffled as she pulled away. "Bakura came and got me from home again. He took me to another world to get someone to steal the souls of all the people that hold Millennium Items. When we were there he-he and Ryou became two people. He left Ryou there! I promised him I wouldn't let it happen. I promised him and he's still there!" she cried again. She shook violently as the smaller boy drew her into a hug.
"We'll get him back, I need you to calm down for me, ok?" Yugi cooed gently. Sarah nodded and sniffled a few more times before she dried her eyes.
"I'm ready," she said as she stood and tried to look strong. "I'm ready." Yugi gave her a nod before letting Yami take over. The Spirit waited for the woman to give him the ok before they shifted to the Shadow Realm.
"Hurry, please. Ryou was terrified of Nosgoth, he didn't want to be left behind. I hope he can forgive me," the woman whimpered.
"Nosgoth!?" Yami's head snapped up. "Why didn't you say so sooner? Child it'll be faster to go through your Shadow Realm to get there. We don't have the time I need to pick the portal to the world out of thin air," he said. Sarah nodded as she helped Yami find her room.

The Spirit and woman passed the threshold with ease, once both were in her room Yami used his magic to take them to the Shadow Realm there. Quickly the woman lead him to the door she and Bakura had gone through earlier. She placed her hands in it to open it and Yami ducked in, once she passed through the woman made a mad dash down the dirt path.
"Come on!" she yelled as she moved. "We've got to catch someone's attention!" The woman took another step before she was blown back, Yami raced to her side and helped her stand. The woman groaned and shook her head as Yami searched for the source of the blast.
"I warned you of what would happen should you meddle!" the angry voice boomed. "You have stolen Raziel and with his absence Nosgoth is going to fall into oblivion!" The vampire lord nimbly jumped down off the cliff and landed on his feet. He stood and didn't even bother to brush the dust off himself before he stalked to the woman. He picked her up by the neck and held her before him. "I should kill you this instant, but no. I will take you back to the boy you left behind. Let you watch one another die."
The woman squirmed and tried to talk, Kain only tightened his grip on her. "You will speak only when I allow it, and now is not then." He turned down to look at Yami, the other Spirit seemed to be frozen until that moment, he threw a hand up and pointed at Kain.
"Let her go! We've come to reclaim Ryou and bring whoever you are missing back. We cannot find him without Ryou, Ryou and his captor share a bond which will allow us to easily track him. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can bring your wayward child back," he snapped.
"Do you take me for a fool? Why should I trust you? Forces inside Nosgoth have been plotting against me for centuries and now from out of nowhere new players arrive and blow everything I've fought for to Hell! Raziel is essential to everything, without him this land is doomed to remain in the state of decay you see. And he's gone, things have already started to fall apart," the ancient growled. He tossed aside the limp form of the woman, she squirmed slightly and gasped for breath.
"I know nothing of your plight, but if Raziel is as important a you say you should at least take the gamble that I can restore him to where he rightfully belongs," Yami spat. "I get who I came for and we can work on bringing Raziel back."
"I do not want to listen to you, yet what other chance do I have? If I leave Nosgoth then there is no one left behind to try and keep things together until Raziel's return. His very existence is what keeps everything from spinning into nothing. I will help you on one condition," the vampire said as he stabbed towards the sky with one finger. "The woman stays with me."
"Without her we can't find Nosgoth! She's the key in all of this, the beginning and the end. She needs to remain with me so we can get back!"
"You leave me with nothing of value with which to assure your word with?" Kain hissed.
"I have nothing!" Yami yelled in return. A look of pain came to his face when Yugi spoke up from inside him.

"Yugi! I can't take that risk!" Yami said once he pulled his attention inward.
"We have to, my other half! I'm not needed for this plan to work, but you, Sarah and Ryou are. I'm all you've got to bargain with!" the teen said strongly.
"But what if something should happen to you?" Yami questioned. "I could never live with myself."
"Did you already forget what Sarah had said? That thing with Bakura is supposed to steal the souls of anyone who possesses an Item. It is my duty to protect you as you protect me. Let me do this!" Yugi pleaded.
"Yugi..."
"I have to! For the good of everyone. For you, for everyone back home, for Sarah and for Nosgoth. Let me do this!"

"I... have something to bargain with," Yami said with his eyes downcast.
Kain chuckled as he paced around the Spirit. "I sensed it within you as I sensed it within the other. Your relationship is different. I accept the bargain. I will wait until you have found your party member to be in acceptable condition. Then we shall make the exchange."
"Yami..." Sarah croaked as she stood.
"Yugi wanted to do this," he replied.
"I understand," she nodded.