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.
"I can have men out looking for signs of her or Malik. It won't do us any good to go in tonight, not with all that's happened today," Seto said as he pulled his cell phone out.
"What about..." Ryou stopped and simply tilted his head towards Raziel. The blue skinned creature was perched atop a lamp post, he looked out at the ocean and seemed totally oblivious to the others behind him.
"Leave him, he won't go far. We can't make him do a thing," Yami replied.
"I require no rest, I will look and I will bring her back here when I find her. And from there she will get me home. When I get home she must be destroyed, so she cannot lead anyone else to Nosgoth," Raziel said without turning around.
"You can't do that! She's not even from this world! She's from another altogether, and there are more like her there," Ryou protested.
"Then once Nosgoth has been restored I will set out to make sure no one from her world remains to give me trouble. I wish to be rid of the trouble I have found here as well," he growled.
"I won't allow any harm to come to her nor will I allow you to meddle in issues here. I'm to return you to Nosgoth and prevent anyone from any of our worlds from meddling with the others," Yami stated loudly.
"The plans have been made," Kaiba grunted as he put his phone back up. "They'll be out all night, I'll call you first thing in the morning and we will resume the search then. My chopper will be here soon to drop you gentlemen off."
"Progress is slow, my patients are beginning to wear thin," Kain growled as he stalked into the room Yugi was in.
"It's a duel with magic, it's not easy! But they will return Raziel, I know it. My other half will not fail."
"And if what he said was true? The body he had been granted was temporary? Do you really think the woman can carry on in his place?"
"It won't come to that," Yugi replied. He paused for a moment then sighed. "But if it does, I know the Spirit of the Puzzle will allow her to carry on in my stead until they can come through with Raziel."
"Your faith in him is admirable. Perhaps in places other than Nosgoth it is possible to find a person you can trust with every fiber of your being."
"I take it you haven't had luck with alliances?" Yugi asked as he looked up to the towering figure.
"My past is of no concern to you," Kain snorted.
"I won't press, then." Yugi lowered his head as he turned away. Absently he drew his arms in around him from the deep chill the night air gave him.
"In the wardrobe there are cloaks," Kain said simply as he left the room. The small teen looked to the corner of the room where the free-standing closet was. Experimentally he opened it, hanging on a rod were robes as Kain had said. Yugi tugged on one until it came free, he happily wrapped himself up in the thick material. When he turned around he noticed a small basket with strange fruits in it, his stomach growled at the sight and Yugi picked one up. It didn't have a rind like an orange or lemon so he bit into it. The teen kept the small taste on his tongue as he rolled it around in his mouth. The item was sweet, the fruit itself was much like a peach and nectar was running over his hand. Satisfied that the fruit was safe, he took another, larger bite. Yugi looked about the room he was in, he had noticed the large padded chair earlier and was now considering it for sleep. He was hoping to have gotten out of Nosgoth by now but it didn't look like it was going to happen any time soon. He sighed as he ate alone, he'd never been more terrified in his life. So far Kain had been hospitable. So far.
"While in my company you will keep your head bowed and remain mute unless I ask otherwise," Malik announced as the woman arrived in the room. She was now garbed in dark purple robes, a gold colored cord tied loosely about her waist; her hair had been drawn back and tied by three bands, another one sat atop her forehead and wrapped to the back of her head where small chains connected it and all three hair bands together. A similar chain dangled in the front, reaching just above the bridge of her nose it had a single tiny gold ball on the tip. The robes themselves where longer in the back than front. The sandals she wore could be seen under the hem in the front, long tresses trailed behind her. A vibrant golden eye symbol was in the middle of her chest. Simple gold clasps decorated her ear lobs, her fingers held none of the rings she usually had.
"Understood, Master Malik," she said softly.
"Sit, child. Join me for dinner. Tonight you will rest, tomorrow we'll work on what you can do for me." He had a dangerous glint in his eye, the woman just barely caught it out of the corner of her own. She took her place where he had motioned, directly in front of him at the long table. Hesitantly she picked up a utensil and poked about what sat on the plate before her. It had an odd look to it, but she said nothing. Instead she raised an experimental bite to her mouth and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Malik chuckled softly as he watched her eat more comfortably. "I can be generous when it pleases me. Serve me well and you shall see more." She nodded and continued to eat along with him.
Ryou sighed heavily as he flopped down on his bed. He nudged the sack the woman had left in the room as he remembered the one he had was left somewhere in Nosgoth. He wasn't particularly fond of the clothing he had on that day so he didn't worry himself about it. He had avoided his family when he arrived, and rightfully so. He didn't wish to explain his strange clothing or the fish and salt smell they bore. Bakura had simply been left in the warehouse, Yami said he would free himself soon enough and there was really nothing they could do to him. Ryou didn't expect his other half to pay him a visit, now that he had his own body Bakura had no use for him. Ryou cringed slightly when he remembered Yami Yugi's words. It's only temporary. Ryou wouldn't be rid of his counterpart forever. He was both glad and disappointed by it. While happy to finally be free, Ryou knew that at times he was the only thing keeping Bakura at bay.
"This has become an even bigger mess than the first time," Ryou said quietly as he got up to move the woman's possessions. The sack only held what she had worn in Nosgoth, everything else was with her, where ever she was. "I'm so sorry," he whimpered suddenly as he hugged the bundle. "If I hadn't of stayed behind none of this would be happening right now. Yugi wouldn't be trapped in my place, his Yami wouldn't be running on borrowed time and you wouldn't be in the hands of a madman." Ryou fought back the tears that stung his eyes. He needed sleep, he had to be ready for tomorrow when they went back out to find Sarah. With a sniffle he got to his feet and pulled a change of clothing out, he had to bathe first so the smell would go away. Never in his life did he ever expect anything that had befallen him and his friends these past few months and year. Once that became the norm, he hadn't expected what was happening now. What else would the future hold?
"Yugi, is something bothering you?" Mr. Mutou asked from where he leaned on the bedroom door. Yami looked back from where he stood, Yugi's grandfather knew half but not all. Yami didn't have the heart to tell him the other part, not yet at least.
"It's my fault, you know," he said quietly. Only to him did the statement have a double meaning.
"No it's not and you know it."
"If only I had of been more watchful, more careful. This whole thing could have been avoided."
"No one can be everywhere at once, prevent all the bad that happens every second," Mr. Mutou said softly.
"I don't expect to, just stop what happens close to me. That's all I ask," he replied.
"And it's hard when part of who's close to you happens to be from another world. I know the two of you developed a psuedo-sibling bond. You'll come through for her in the end, and she'll come through for you."
Yami spun around and gave the old man a questioning look, his eyes told all. "So you're aware of the other half?"
"I know my grandson and you well enough to tell when something is amiss. I'm not angry with you for what must have happened, I know Yugi put you up to it. Everything will work out in the end. You'll see. Now get some rest, that young Kaiba will have someone here at the crack of dawn and you know it."
"Just what was that all about?" Mokuba asked Seto as the brunette finally settled in one place longer than a second.
"I'm not entirely sure myself," Seto murmured. "I only know half the story, we've got a situation on our hands that spans farther than anything I've ever seen or dealt with."
"Oh?" the boy asked his older brother.
"Mokuba, you've witnessed a lot recently as have I. Though despite all we've been through I still hold my skepticism for things. I don't know what to make of the current situation I allowed myself to get drawn into. The concept of other worlds crossing seems too much like a science fiction movie plot."
"Worlds crossing?" Mokuba's interest had been perked.
"A woman and a demon, neither from here and both from their own worlds supposedly. The demon is a destructive force, the woman was only the key to getting the demon. How she got here, how anything happened is a mystery. It's gnawing at me, I don't know what to make of it. Could there be anything of use for me in this whole situation or should I just concern myself with setting things straight?"
"Up to you, big brother." Mokuba shrugged.
"I'll settle for getting this whole mess cleared. I needn't worry myself with the what-ifs. Once things are back to normal I can go about my business."
"Can I come with you tomorrow? I know you're going out again."
"No," Seto said firmly. "From what I can gather with each step of the way certain sacrifices are made. I will not allow you to become one of them."
"I... understand," Mokuba sighed in a defeated manner.
Sarah walked silently alongside her captor, he said nothing himself as he lead her through another corridor. He stopped momentarily at a door before it slid open. Sarah gasped and tried to back up before Malik grabbed her by the arm. "You assume too much so soon," he hissed as he forced her into the bedroom. "I don't trust you to be anywhere else or with anyone else. You'll remain here with me when you retire each night." He closed the door and led her to where a simple pallet lay on the floor, she sighed mentally when she realized this would be where she slept, Malik alone would have the bed in the center of the room. She cast a glance at the taller and darker skinned individual, he hadn't moved from her side yet and she didn't know why. "Should you need it, the washroom is there next to the closet. You will not leave this room unless I allow it." With that he finally left her. Sarah assumed he had showed her to the room because he felt it was time for them to turn in, so she removed her sandals. Next she let her hair down and set the jewelry on top of her sandals. The woman lowered herself to the pallet, she refused to remove her robes and averted her eyes when Malik removed all he wore before slipping under the sheets.
"Come now, you can't possibly be comfortable like that," he chuckled as he leaned over his knees. Despite being under the sheets, Sarah still wouldn't look up to him. "If you must have it, you'll find a simple gown in the closet. It is of lighter and thinner material. You'll sleep better without that robe, I assure you." Silently the woman rose to her feet, as he said a gown of white material hung next to various other foreign garments. She made a face at just how thin it was, virtually see-through. Not having much of a choice she slipped into the bathroom to change. Thankfully she could remain in her undergarments. The woman emerged from the bathroom and hung her robe where the gown had been. Malik chuckled once more before he turned the lights out. "Rest well," he said as the woman settled down in the dark.
Raziel sat atop the highest building he could find. The blue skinned figure survey the land below him. Tall buildings of metal and glass made it hard to see the streets. Sights and sounds he had never before seen assaulted him from all sides. He summoned the Reaver and watched the energy snake and wind around his arm. With a mental laugh he was reminded of the fonts and forges of Nosgoth, all held the power to temporarily enhance the Reaver so he could easily solve a puzzle or move further on a quest. While he had hated the connection he and the Reaver had, now he found himself missing the enhancements. He could certainly use one now, but what would the enhancement be? Elemental law was what he had become accustomed to with enhancements. Fire, Light, Dark and Wind. None were attuned to finding a person who emanated no special or magical signature. He regretted now not trying to mark the woman with a wisp of the Reaver's energy. He shifted his weight as another thought came to him. Why track her when her captor would be easier? He could sense the magical properties the Millennium Items had. It seemed much more feasible. However, he couldn't distinguish one signature from another, he may end up tracking the wrong one. And if he remembered correctly, Bakura had claimed there were seven in all, and he already had two. Only five more to home in on, if Raziel could determine which pull was made by two he could at least avoid tracking Bakura. The creature sighed inwardly as he thought of what may be going on in Nosgoth. He'd never felt more connected to it than now when he was so far away. Despite the fact it was a dead and decaying world it was his home. And if he could possibly save it or at least find his peace then he would try. He just had to get back first of all. The blue fiend rose to his feet and banished the Reaver as he grabbed the ruined tips of his frail wings. He jumped off the edge of the building and glided silently down into the streetlamp lit street. The action didn't go unnoticed as he had landed in the open near were pedestrians walked. He got frightened stares from some as others simply turned to run, screaming in the language he had learned to be native. Raziel ignored them as he walked along, vehicles at times swerved out of control at the sight of him, the Reaver of Souls didn't even give so much as a glance in their direction. As he strode through the busy street, Raziel concentrated on the tendrils of magic he felt, the Item signatures. One seemed to be on the move and he scowled with the thought it could be Bakura, the Spirit did threaten to enslave Raziel in a way he might not be able to fight. Unsure just what he was capable of, Raziel didn't want to risk the possibility of his doom. If he could track an Item then he was sure one could be used to track him. In this strange place Raziel was at a disadvantage. If he moved into a more populated area his looks would draw attention and word would spread of a walking demon. If he stayed in less populated areas then singling him out wouldn't take too much effort. He was lost and in desperate need of help, something he would never openly admit to.
Raziel did the only thing he could think of doing, continue on despite the looming fear of dread. The faster he found the woman the faster this would all end.
Sleep deprived and hungry, Bakura was left in a foul mood. He couldn't stand the fact his plan had been foiled. It had taken him so long to hatch it, a plan that never would have come to fruition or been born if not for what he had learned months ago. The information he had sought was a flop, this however had so much more potential, potential that now lie in the hands of who he had wished to eliminate firstly. He had spent all night tearing through all he knew, pouring all his will into the Ring. He knew if he made a physical appearance at Ryou's side they could restrain him. Instead he tried in vain to pour himself back through the bond they had once shared. The time and most likely distance between them had severed any and all ties he once held with his former host. He couldn't cull any information from his mind if he couldn't reach it. For the first time Bakura loathed being shut out and disconnected. Everything seemed to be falling apart around him. Worse, he was falling apart. Already at random intervals he found himself unable to interact physically with the surrounding world. The Ring, Eye and clothing he acquired in Nosgoth would fall from his being as he reverted back to a spirit. The effects were short lived and he soon became frustrated with the reoccurring need to redress. He was getting desperate yet reveled in the idea the Pharaoh would soon be going through the same thing if he wasn't already. All Bakura needed to do was get the Ring around someone's neck and he could effectively claim a new host. The Pharaoh wouldn't do the same, he couldn't tear himself from his first host. He could take temporary residence, but his bond with Yugi was far greater than the one Bakura had so recently shared with Ryou. Bakura's heart sank when a group of Malik's servants found him. He had been tapping into the power of the Ring enough for him to be pinpointed. Bakura hissed as they removed both it and the Eye from his possession. The two were locked away in a case, cutting him off from getting it around someone's neck. Forcefully bound, Bakura eagerly awaited the next moment in which his corporeal form would flicker and fall away, allowing him to escape. Until then he would just have to go wherever they took him.
"Is being his bitch more enjoyable for you?" Bakura snarled as he laid eyes on Sarah. Bakura hadn't any luck with losing his form, Malik's servants managed to get him back to their master. Sarah refused to acknowledge the Spirit's presence when Malik put a warning hand up.
"I've treated her better thus far, so I would have to go with yes," Malik replied coolly. He had a twisted grin on his face as he watched Bakura writhe under the restraints. "You aren't doing so well, my former ally. What troubles you?"
"You know damned well. I never trusted you from the start and you never trusted me. This is the end result."
"And it just tears you up knowing I have the upper hand, does it not?" Malik chuckled.
"I can still get out of this," Bakura snarled.
"And how do you plan to accomplish that?" Malik asked as he took the box that held the Ring and Eye from a servant. He opened the container and sat it on the floor, basking in the anger that flowed off the bound Spirit at his inability to take them up. The anger faded quickly from Bakura's face before he threw his head back into a laugh. He looked back with eyes wild, locked with Malik's before his figure vanished. Clothing and restraints fell to the floor with his vanishing act.
"What the devil?" Malik screeched as he knelt down to the pile of abandoned garments. Servants around him murmured as attention was draw to the spot.
All but Sarah's, in a blind moment of panic she grabbed both the Ring and the Eye as she made a mad dash down the halls. She claimed the bag that had her normal clothing in it and flung it over her shoulder as she ran. Juggling the two Items and sack was a chore, so she slipped the Eye into the bag. The Ring couldn't go in without untying it, and she didn't have the time. Instead she slipped the cord over her head as she moved.
"Find her!" Malik boomed as he threw the empty box against the wall. "Find her and bring her back to me along with the Items!" The servant scattered as they poured through the halls, separating into groups to better hunt down the woman.
"I'll find you next, Bakura," Malik scowled. "And I'll skin you alive for this!"
She had a feeling it had been a boat she was on, the subtle rocking was the tell tale sign. Luckily they were pulled up to a dock, so she was able to get out onto it and continue her run. She weaved her way through crowds as she ran, not sure where she was going but determined to get there. She saw flashes of Malik's servants and began to panic. She dashed into a building just beyond the docks in hopes no one had seen her. It was a bait and tackle shop, she ran into the back of the store and right into the restroom. Her only hope was to abandon the robes and change back, she could blend in a bit better. Frantically she tied her boot laces before racing out, leaving the robes behind. The Eye was in her pocket and the Ring still around her neck as she ran madly away from the docks and into the city. As she turned a corner she slammed into someone, with a scream she fought as they grabbed a hold of her.
"You can't take me back! I won't go!" she growled as she tried to pull away and see who it was.
"I have no plans of letting you go back," the voice replied.
"Raziel!" she cried. "Oh god!" She flung her arms around him and gave him the biggest hug she could muster. "Thank you so much!" she choked. Raziel didn't know what to make of the motion and picked her up, he turned to run with her flung over his shoulder. As he ran Sarah finally allowed herself to calm down. Her heart beat slowed a bit as she regained her breath, she relaxed as best she could while being flung over the blue fiend's shoulder. Her face twisted in discomfort suddenly, but not from her current position. Her eyes about popped out of her skull when she realized what it was.
"Of all the persons it could have been, I had to end up with you!" Bakura's angry voice called out from inside her own mind.
"It can't be!" she gasped as her heart skipped a beat. She had spoken aloud, causing Raziel to hear.
"What?" he asked as he began to slow. Confident enough space was between him and Malik's men, Raziel stopped and set the woman down. Her eyes were glassed over and she didn't seem to hear him.
"Get out of my head!" she howled as she was pulled inwards to a room that represented her mind.
"As much as I would love to, I'm stuck with you for the time being. And I thought Ryou was bad," Bakura spat.
"You can't stay here, you shouldn't be here!" she screamed at him. "How!?"
"The Ring you idiot! You put the Ring on! My tie with Ryou has been cut, we've been apart far too long. And now I'm stuck within a woman!"
"I hate you!" she hissed as she lunged at the Spirit. He easily avoided her and gave her a kick in the back that sent her sprawling.
"Enough of this, mortal. I'm going to put an end to things. Starting with our blue devil friend," Bakura scowled as he turned his back.
"Where are you going?" the woman hissed as she tried to stand. Bakura snarled at her and shoved her back into a room that appeared from out of nowhere, he slammed the door and walked down the corridor of her mind. She could be heard pounding on the door behind him, Bakura paid it no attention as he went about claiming control of her body.
Legacy of Kain characters and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.
"I can have men out looking for signs of her or Malik. It won't do us any good to go in tonight, not with all that's happened today," Seto said as he pulled his cell phone out.
"What about..." Ryou stopped and simply tilted his head towards Raziel. The blue skinned creature was perched atop a lamp post, he looked out at the ocean and seemed totally oblivious to the others behind him.
"Leave him, he won't go far. We can't make him do a thing," Yami replied.
"I require no rest, I will look and I will bring her back here when I find her. And from there she will get me home. When I get home she must be destroyed, so she cannot lead anyone else to Nosgoth," Raziel said without turning around.
"You can't do that! She's not even from this world! She's from another altogether, and there are more like her there," Ryou protested.
"Then once Nosgoth has been restored I will set out to make sure no one from her world remains to give me trouble. I wish to be rid of the trouble I have found here as well," he growled.
"I won't allow any harm to come to her nor will I allow you to meddle in issues here. I'm to return you to Nosgoth and prevent anyone from any of our worlds from meddling with the others," Yami stated loudly.
"The plans have been made," Kaiba grunted as he put his phone back up. "They'll be out all night, I'll call you first thing in the morning and we will resume the search then. My chopper will be here soon to drop you gentlemen off."
"Progress is slow, my patients are beginning to wear thin," Kain growled as he stalked into the room Yugi was in.
"It's a duel with magic, it's not easy! But they will return Raziel, I know it. My other half will not fail."
"And if what he said was true? The body he had been granted was temporary? Do you really think the woman can carry on in his place?"
"It won't come to that," Yugi replied. He paused for a moment then sighed. "But if it does, I know the Spirit of the Puzzle will allow her to carry on in my stead until they can come through with Raziel."
"Your faith in him is admirable. Perhaps in places other than Nosgoth it is possible to find a person you can trust with every fiber of your being."
"I take it you haven't had luck with alliances?" Yugi asked as he looked up to the towering figure.
"My past is of no concern to you," Kain snorted.
"I won't press, then." Yugi lowered his head as he turned away. Absently he drew his arms in around him from the deep chill the night air gave him.
"In the wardrobe there are cloaks," Kain said simply as he left the room. The small teen looked to the corner of the room where the free-standing closet was. Experimentally he opened it, hanging on a rod were robes as Kain had said. Yugi tugged on one until it came free, he happily wrapped himself up in the thick material. When he turned around he noticed a small basket with strange fruits in it, his stomach growled at the sight and Yugi picked one up. It didn't have a rind like an orange or lemon so he bit into it. The teen kept the small taste on his tongue as he rolled it around in his mouth. The item was sweet, the fruit itself was much like a peach and nectar was running over his hand. Satisfied that the fruit was safe, he took another, larger bite. Yugi looked about the room he was in, he had noticed the large padded chair earlier and was now considering it for sleep. He was hoping to have gotten out of Nosgoth by now but it didn't look like it was going to happen any time soon. He sighed as he ate alone, he'd never been more terrified in his life. So far Kain had been hospitable. So far.
"While in my company you will keep your head bowed and remain mute unless I ask otherwise," Malik announced as the woman arrived in the room. She was now garbed in dark purple robes, a gold colored cord tied loosely about her waist; her hair had been drawn back and tied by three bands, another one sat atop her forehead and wrapped to the back of her head where small chains connected it and all three hair bands together. A similar chain dangled in the front, reaching just above the bridge of her nose it had a single tiny gold ball on the tip. The robes themselves where longer in the back than front. The sandals she wore could be seen under the hem in the front, long tresses trailed behind her. A vibrant golden eye symbol was in the middle of her chest. Simple gold clasps decorated her ear lobs, her fingers held none of the rings she usually had.
"Understood, Master Malik," she said softly.
"Sit, child. Join me for dinner. Tonight you will rest, tomorrow we'll work on what you can do for me." He had a dangerous glint in his eye, the woman just barely caught it out of the corner of her own. She took her place where he had motioned, directly in front of him at the long table. Hesitantly she picked up a utensil and poked about what sat on the plate before her. It had an odd look to it, but she said nothing. Instead she raised an experimental bite to her mouth and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Malik chuckled softly as he watched her eat more comfortably. "I can be generous when it pleases me. Serve me well and you shall see more." She nodded and continued to eat along with him.
Ryou sighed heavily as he flopped down on his bed. He nudged the sack the woman had left in the room as he remembered the one he had was left somewhere in Nosgoth. He wasn't particularly fond of the clothing he had on that day so he didn't worry himself about it. He had avoided his family when he arrived, and rightfully so. He didn't wish to explain his strange clothing or the fish and salt smell they bore. Bakura had simply been left in the warehouse, Yami said he would free himself soon enough and there was really nothing they could do to him. Ryou didn't expect his other half to pay him a visit, now that he had his own body Bakura had no use for him. Ryou cringed slightly when he remembered Yami Yugi's words. It's only temporary. Ryou wouldn't be rid of his counterpart forever. He was both glad and disappointed by it. While happy to finally be free, Ryou knew that at times he was the only thing keeping Bakura at bay.
"This has become an even bigger mess than the first time," Ryou said quietly as he got up to move the woman's possessions. The sack only held what she had worn in Nosgoth, everything else was with her, where ever she was. "I'm so sorry," he whimpered suddenly as he hugged the bundle. "If I hadn't of stayed behind none of this would be happening right now. Yugi wouldn't be trapped in my place, his Yami wouldn't be running on borrowed time and you wouldn't be in the hands of a madman." Ryou fought back the tears that stung his eyes. He needed sleep, he had to be ready for tomorrow when they went back out to find Sarah. With a sniffle he got to his feet and pulled a change of clothing out, he had to bathe first so the smell would go away. Never in his life did he ever expect anything that had befallen him and his friends these past few months and year. Once that became the norm, he hadn't expected what was happening now. What else would the future hold?
"Yugi, is something bothering you?" Mr. Mutou asked from where he leaned on the bedroom door. Yami looked back from where he stood, Yugi's grandfather knew half but not all. Yami didn't have the heart to tell him the other part, not yet at least.
"It's my fault, you know," he said quietly. Only to him did the statement have a double meaning.
"No it's not and you know it."
"If only I had of been more watchful, more careful. This whole thing could have been avoided."
"No one can be everywhere at once, prevent all the bad that happens every second," Mr. Mutou said softly.
"I don't expect to, just stop what happens close to me. That's all I ask," he replied.
"And it's hard when part of who's close to you happens to be from another world. I know the two of you developed a psuedo-sibling bond. You'll come through for her in the end, and she'll come through for you."
Yami spun around and gave the old man a questioning look, his eyes told all. "So you're aware of the other half?"
"I know my grandson and you well enough to tell when something is amiss. I'm not angry with you for what must have happened, I know Yugi put you up to it. Everything will work out in the end. You'll see. Now get some rest, that young Kaiba will have someone here at the crack of dawn and you know it."
"Just what was that all about?" Mokuba asked Seto as the brunette finally settled in one place longer than a second.
"I'm not entirely sure myself," Seto murmured. "I only know half the story, we've got a situation on our hands that spans farther than anything I've ever seen or dealt with."
"Oh?" the boy asked his older brother.
"Mokuba, you've witnessed a lot recently as have I. Though despite all we've been through I still hold my skepticism for things. I don't know what to make of the current situation I allowed myself to get drawn into. The concept of other worlds crossing seems too much like a science fiction movie plot."
"Worlds crossing?" Mokuba's interest had been perked.
"A woman and a demon, neither from here and both from their own worlds supposedly. The demon is a destructive force, the woman was only the key to getting the demon. How she got here, how anything happened is a mystery. It's gnawing at me, I don't know what to make of it. Could there be anything of use for me in this whole situation or should I just concern myself with setting things straight?"
"Up to you, big brother." Mokuba shrugged.
"I'll settle for getting this whole mess cleared. I needn't worry myself with the what-ifs. Once things are back to normal I can go about my business."
"Can I come with you tomorrow? I know you're going out again."
"No," Seto said firmly. "From what I can gather with each step of the way certain sacrifices are made. I will not allow you to become one of them."
"I... understand," Mokuba sighed in a defeated manner.
Sarah walked silently alongside her captor, he said nothing himself as he lead her through another corridor. He stopped momentarily at a door before it slid open. Sarah gasped and tried to back up before Malik grabbed her by the arm. "You assume too much so soon," he hissed as he forced her into the bedroom. "I don't trust you to be anywhere else or with anyone else. You'll remain here with me when you retire each night." He closed the door and led her to where a simple pallet lay on the floor, she sighed mentally when she realized this would be where she slept, Malik alone would have the bed in the center of the room. She cast a glance at the taller and darker skinned individual, he hadn't moved from her side yet and she didn't know why. "Should you need it, the washroom is there next to the closet. You will not leave this room unless I allow it." With that he finally left her. Sarah assumed he had showed her to the room because he felt it was time for them to turn in, so she removed her sandals. Next she let her hair down and set the jewelry on top of her sandals. The woman lowered herself to the pallet, she refused to remove her robes and averted her eyes when Malik removed all he wore before slipping under the sheets.
"Come now, you can't possibly be comfortable like that," he chuckled as he leaned over his knees. Despite being under the sheets, Sarah still wouldn't look up to him. "If you must have it, you'll find a simple gown in the closet. It is of lighter and thinner material. You'll sleep better without that robe, I assure you." Silently the woman rose to her feet, as he said a gown of white material hung next to various other foreign garments. She made a face at just how thin it was, virtually see-through. Not having much of a choice she slipped into the bathroom to change. Thankfully she could remain in her undergarments. The woman emerged from the bathroom and hung her robe where the gown had been. Malik chuckled once more before he turned the lights out. "Rest well," he said as the woman settled down in the dark.
Raziel sat atop the highest building he could find. The blue skinned figure survey the land below him. Tall buildings of metal and glass made it hard to see the streets. Sights and sounds he had never before seen assaulted him from all sides. He summoned the Reaver and watched the energy snake and wind around his arm. With a mental laugh he was reminded of the fonts and forges of Nosgoth, all held the power to temporarily enhance the Reaver so he could easily solve a puzzle or move further on a quest. While he had hated the connection he and the Reaver had, now he found himself missing the enhancements. He could certainly use one now, but what would the enhancement be? Elemental law was what he had become accustomed to with enhancements. Fire, Light, Dark and Wind. None were attuned to finding a person who emanated no special or magical signature. He regretted now not trying to mark the woman with a wisp of the Reaver's energy. He shifted his weight as another thought came to him. Why track her when her captor would be easier? He could sense the magical properties the Millennium Items had. It seemed much more feasible. However, he couldn't distinguish one signature from another, he may end up tracking the wrong one. And if he remembered correctly, Bakura had claimed there were seven in all, and he already had two. Only five more to home in on, if Raziel could determine which pull was made by two he could at least avoid tracking Bakura. The creature sighed inwardly as he thought of what may be going on in Nosgoth. He'd never felt more connected to it than now when he was so far away. Despite the fact it was a dead and decaying world it was his home. And if he could possibly save it or at least find his peace then he would try. He just had to get back first of all. The blue fiend rose to his feet and banished the Reaver as he grabbed the ruined tips of his frail wings. He jumped off the edge of the building and glided silently down into the streetlamp lit street. The action didn't go unnoticed as he had landed in the open near were pedestrians walked. He got frightened stares from some as others simply turned to run, screaming in the language he had learned to be native. Raziel ignored them as he walked along, vehicles at times swerved out of control at the sight of him, the Reaver of Souls didn't even give so much as a glance in their direction. As he strode through the busy street, Raziel concentrated on the tendrils of magic he felt, the Item signatures. One seemed to be on the move and he scowled with the thought it could be Bakura, the Spirit did threaten to enslave Raziel in a way he might not be able to fight. Unsure just what he was capable of, Raziel didn't want to risk the possibility of his doom. If he could track an Item then he was sure one could be used to track him. In this strange place Raziel was at a disadvantage. If he moved into a more populated area his looks would draw attention and word would spread of a walking demon. If he stayed in less populated areas then singling him out wouldn't take too much effort. He was lost and in desperate need of help, something he would never openly admit to.
Raziel did the only thing he could think of doing, continue on despite the looming fear of dread. The faster he found the woman the faster this would all end.
Sleep deprived and hungry, Bakura was left in a foul mood. He couldn't stand the fact his plan had been foiled. It had taken him so long to hatch it, a plan that never would have come to fruition or been born if not for what he had learned months ago. The information he had sought was a flop, this however had so much more potential, potential that now lie in the hands of who he had wished to eliminate firstly. He had spent all night tearing through all he knew, pouring all his will into the Ring. He knew if he made a physical appearance at Ryou's side they could restrain him. Instead he tried in vain to pour himself back through the bond they had once shared. The time and most likely distance between them had severed any and all ties he once held with his former host. He couldn't cull any information from his mind if he couldn't reach it. For the first time Bakura loathed being shut out and disconnected. Everything seemed to be falling apart around him. Worse, he was falling apart. Already at random intervals he found himself unable to interact physically with the surrounding world. The Ring, Eye and clothing he acquired in Nosgoth would fall from his being as he reverted back to a spirit. The effects were short lived and he soon became frustrated with the reoccurring need to redress. He was getting desperate yet reveled in the idea the Pharaoh would soon be going through the same thing if he wasn't already. All Bakura needed to do was get the Ring around someone's neck and he could effectively claim a new host. The Pharaoh wouldn't do the same, he couldn't tear himself from his first host. He could take temporary residence, but his bond with Yugi was far greater than the one Bakura had so recently shared with Ryou. Bakura's heart sank when a group of Malik's servants found him. He had been tapping into the power of the Ring enough for him to be pinpointed. Bakura hissed as they removed both it and the Eye from his possession. The two were locked away in a case, cutting him off from getting it around someone's neck. Forcefully bound, Bakura eagerly awaited the next moment in which his corporeal form would flicker and fall away, allowing him to escape. Until then he would just have to go wherever they took him.
"Is being his bitch more enjoyable for you?" Bakura snarled as he laid eyes on Sarah. Bakura hadn't any luck with losing his form, Malik's servants managed to get him back to their master. Sarah refused to acknowledge the Spirit's presence when Malik put a warning hand up.
"I've treated her better thus far, so I would have to go with yes," Malik replied coolly. He had a twisted grin on his face as he watched Bakura writhe under the restraints. "You aren't doing so well, my former ally. What troubles you?"
"You know damned well. I never trusted you from the start and you never trusted me. This is the end result."
"And it just tears you up knowing I have the upper hand, does it not?" Malik chuckled.
"I can still get out of this," Bakura snarled.
"And how do you plan to accomplish that?" Malik asked as he took the box that held the Ring and Eye from a servant. He opened the container and sat it on the floor, basking in the anger that flowed off the bound Spirit at his inability to take them up. The anger faded quickly from Bakura's face before he threw his head back into a laugh. He looked back with eyes wild, locked with Malik's before his figure vanished. Clothing and restraints fell to the floor with his vanishing act.
"What the devil?" Malik screeched as he knelt down to the pile of abandoned garments. Servants around him murmured as attention was draw to the spot.
All but Sarah's, in a blind moment of panic she grabbed both the Ring and the Eye as she made a mad dash down the halls. She claimed the bag that had her normal clothing in it and flung it over her shoulder as she ran. Juggling the two Items and sack was a chore, so she slipped the Eye into the bag. The Ring couldn't go in without untying it, and she didn't have the time. Instead she slipped the cord over her head as she moved.
"Find her!" Malik boomed as he threw the empty box against the wall. "Find her and bring her back to me along with the Items!" The servant scattered as they poured through the halls, separating into groups to better hunt down the woman.
"I'll find you next, Bakura," Malik scowled. "And I'll skin you alive for this!"
She had a feeling it had been a boat she was on, the subtle rocking was the tell tale sign. Luckily they were pulled up to a dock, so she was able to get out onto it and continue her run. She weaved her way through crowds as she ran, not sure where she was going but determined to get there. She saw flashes of Malik's servants and began to panic. She dashed into a building just beyond the docks in hopes no one had seen her. It was a bait and tackle shop, she ran into the back of the store and right into the restroom. Her only hope was to abandon the robes and change back, she could blend in a bit better. Frantically she tied her boot laces before racing out, leaving the robes behind. The Eye was in her pocket and the Ring still around her neck as she ran madly away from the docks and into the city. As she turned a corner she slammed into someone, with a scream she fought as they grabbed a hold of her.
"You can't take me back! I won't go!" she growled as she tried to pull away and see who it was.
"I have no plans of letting you go back," the voice replied.
"Raziel!" she cried. "Oh god!" She flung her arms around him and gave him the biggest hug she could muster. "Thank you so much!" she choked. Raziel didn't know what to make of the motion and picked her up, he turned to run with her flung over his shoulder. As he ran Sarah finally allowed herself to calm down. Her heart beat slowed a bit as she regained her breath, she relaxed as best she could while being flung over the blue fiend's shoulder. Her face twisted in discomfort suddenly, but not from her current position. Her eyes about popped out of her skull when she realized what it was.
"Of all the persons it could have been, I had to end up with you!" Bakura's angry voice called out from inside her own mind.
"It can't be!" she gasped as her heart skipped a beat. She had spoken aloud, causing Raziel to hear.
"What?" he asked as he began to slow. Confident enough space was between him and Malik's men, Raziel stopped and set the woman down. Her eyes were glassed over and she didn't seem to hear him.
"Get out of my head!" she howled as she was pulled inwards to a room that represented her mind.
"As much as I would love to, I'm stuck with you for the time being. And I thought Ryou was bad," Bakura spat.
"You can't stay here, you shouldn't be here!" she screamed at him. "How!?"
"The Ring you idiot! You put the Ring on! My tie with Ryou has been cut, we've been apart far too long. And now I'm stuck within a woman!"
"I hate you!" she hissed as she lunged at the Spirit. He easily avoided her and gave her a kick in the back that sent her sprawling.
"Enough of this, mortal. I'm going to put an end to things. Starting with our blue devil friend," Bakura scowled as he turned his back.
"Where are you going?" the woman hissed as she tried to stand. Bakura snarled at her and shoved her back into a room that appeared from out of nowhere, he slammed the door and walked down the corridor of her mind. She could be heard pounding on the door behind him, Bakura paid it no attention as he went about claiming control of her body.
