"Sisters of the Moon"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
The Three Egyptian Gods flew through the dark swirling clouds of the Shadow Realm; the clouds changing colors slightly as they descended levels, heading to the heart of the Shadow Realm.
A flash of black lightning streaked by Slypher, and the red dragon quickly moved before he and his riders were struck. Tristen yelped at the sudden movement and he flung his arms around the two in front of him.
"Tristen!" screamed Tea. "Get your hands off me!"
"I'm not letting go until we land!" he yelled back, keeping his eyes closed.
"Tristen… I can't breathe…" Yugi gasped.
"Um, Tristen!" Cheri called. "I think you should know exactly what you're holding onto!"
"There's two in that area!" Bakura shouted with a grin.
Tristen's eyes snapped open and he quickly released his hold on Tea's front. "I-uh-um… sorry!"
Yugi breathed in air as fast as his lungs would allow. When he caught his breath again, Yami took over and the Pharaoh gave the taller boy a frown.
"Tristen, if you ever grab me like that again," Tea hissed, "I'll make Slypher seen like an iguana after I get through with you!"
"I didn't want to in the first place it was an accident!" he said with wide eyes.
Joey was trying very hard not to laugh his head off but biting his bottom lip sharply as his shoulders shook. "Way to go man!"
"Look we can fight later but we have to escape that!" Seto shouted as he pointed ahead. Similar lightning flashed around the group but the gods were nimble in dodging. Tristen almost grabbed onto the youths but instead held onto the dragon tighter.
"We have to find a place to try and land, it's too risky in the air!" Keriam shouted to her other sisters, petting Ra as he shrieked. A bolt had come a bit too close for comfort even for him.
"Down there!" Marik pointed to a gray land mass. The gods descended towards the area and landed. Obelisk lowered his riders to the ground as the other six jumped off the two dragons.
Keriam took her two curved swords into her hands and looked around. "Seto, it would be wise to take out the Millennium Rod."
Seto looked at her. "How did you... why do I bother asking?" he sighed and removed the Rod from under his long coat.
"Who are we?" Cheri turned a sly smile on him.
"Don't start," he said with a grin, holding the golden object.
Tristen looked around, trying to be brave but he was scared. "Okay we're safe here right? Right!"
"Tristen, quit talking to yourself," Yami said with a frown.
"I just have one question and one only: where's Perjiem?" Tea asked, holding her staff in both hands as she looked around warily.
"I'd be more than happy to give you the answer," said Marik as he glanced around. There was something in the air that didn't sit right with him. Malik felt it as well; he wanted to retreat back into the room within his mind he had created in his childhood but not this time. He wasn't going to run.
Keriam felt the uneasy feeling coming from them. Walking over to the tanned boy, she held both blades in her right hand as she touched Marik's shoulder with her left. "What is it?"
"Something's here," he whispered.
~You don't think...~ Malik's voice wavered.
A rush of cold wind blew by, making everyone jump. Marik gasped and turned to the direction of the wind; his eyes grew wide.
Keriam followed his terrified gaze, still holding onto him. She felt what he was thinking. No, it can't be! Keriam moved in front of Marik, holding her swords up.
Reflexively Tea and Cheri moved to stand before their loved ones as a figure stood before Keriam. His robes were a dusky brown with a hood hiding his face but when he looked up Marik seemed to pale as he backed up a step. The figure was a man with deeply tanned skin and white blonde hair with a mustache/beard combination though it was clear to see that he was related to Malik. But the others could only wonder why he looked ready to bolt.
"Malik..." he said in a low tone, gazing at him from his dark eyes. "My son..."
By the name of Anubis... Cheri's eyes widen as she heard it even from her position. Marik was born when Malik and Ishizu watched their father beat Rashid with a heated cane repeatedly just because they left the underground caves to see the outside... Marik would have killed Rashid also but Malik was given back control... Her hand gripped the double-bladed staff tighter as she remembered full well what had happened. Then that damn idiot Shadi said it was Yami's fault they lived a life away from the sun and light. If I ever see him I'll knock his block off!
Marik slowly shook his head as he felt Malik trembleing inside. "No... You're dead... I killed you myself!"
Keriam dropped her blades and faced Marik. "Listen to me," she caught his face with her hands, "he can't hurt you. Remember in the building? You were there for me. I'm here for you."
Marik shut his eyes before the tears could escape and leaned his head on Keriam's shoulder, holding onto her arms. She ran her hand over his hair then narrowed her eyes at the spirit. "What do you want?"
"Only to deliver a message," said Ishtar.
"So say it and go back to whatever black hole you crawled out of," Cheri glared at him.
"I cannot give it to you; only to my son."
"Right now, I don't think he wants to listen to anything you say," said Joey.
"If you want to stop Perjiem," Ishtar said, "he has to listen."
Everyone stared at the spirit and then looked at the shaking boy. Keriam leaned closer to his ear. "Malik," she whispered, "you can do this. I know you can."
For a few moments, he was quiet then Keriam felt the two switch. Malik raised his head and stepped back from Keriam, wiping away the tears. He turned and faced his father. The spirit said nothing as he started to walk off just out of range from the group and stood silently. Slowly, Malik followed him and stopped a few feet behind the robed man. "What is it?" Malik asked.
"First... I am sorry for forcing you into following my footsteps but it had to be done. As my son you had to lead our family in our duties," he said without looking at him.
"Because of you I nearly killed my friends as well," he retorted angrily. "Just tell me how to stop Perjiem and get out of my life."
"... The battle will not be easy even with the three gods at your disposal. If you all fail... Perjiem will merge the two worlds together and nothing will be able to stop him."
"You still haven't answered my question, how are we going to beat him?"
Ishtar slowly tuned to face him, eyes dark with guilt and sorrow. "Despite having the power here, Perjiem still fears the Millennium Items. They have the power to banish one's soul here but even so he may turn around and possess one of your friends."
Malik's eyes widened. No, he couldn't let Perjiem take control of any of them. He'd rather die than to see anyone lose their body. Especially Keriam. Where did that come from? Malik thought.
~Not from me,~ Marik answered, from you. ~Seems that you've fallen for her after all.~
~She's just a friend. Besides, she and Joey are a tight item.~
"Malik... I am sorry but I thought I was helping our family. The Ancient scriptures had to be preserved, even your mother knew that."
"... Wonder what mother would think of you now if she knew how you treated us." He turned quickly on his heels and practically marched to his friends, missing the look of hurt and pain flashing across his father's eyes as he faded from view.
The group said nothing when he came back. He closed his eyes, letting Marik take control once more but fought off the urge to retreat back into the body. He would not run from the pain or anger of seeing his father again. He had to be strong, he had to be here for everyone.
Especially Keriam.
"It's not gonna be easy but we can defeat Perjiem," Marik said. "Because Perjiem still has his mortal body he can be killed and have his soul banished here to the Shadow Realm."
Bakura frowned a bit though. He had been banished to the Shadow Realms countless times but it never stopped him before. "Anything else?" he asked.
The Egyptian leveled a glare at him, shooting daggers but growled out the rest of the warning. "Since we still retain our mortal bodies here Perjiem can posses any one of you."
"Us?! Why not you?!" Tristen shouted, turning pale and growing even more nervous.
"Yami, Bakura and I are already sharing bodies with Yugi, Ryou and Malik so there's no more room; the Sisters of the Moon are protected due to the gods; Joey is a guardian but he can still be possessed, if only for just a moment and you have nothing to protect yourself from."
"What about Seto?" Cheri asked as she held his arm. "Can't he use the Millennium Rod to protect himself?"
"He didn't say," said Marik. "Just you three keep your guard up and be careful."
Yami couldn't help but frown. Then anyone of us could be an enemy… he thought to himself before shaking the thought back. "We're not going to find anything here though. I suggest we split up and search for Perjiem. Let's stick with the groups we had earlier."
"What do we do if we find him?" Tea asked, looking a bit worried but tried to will her fears away.
"ESP. It's a very nice gift to have," Cheri smiled as she tapped her temple. "If we find him, we'll just contact the others."
"Or create some kind of signal flare," Keriam added.
The ground began to shake and they did their best to keep balance. The three gods cried out as the surface began to split and waves of green fire spewed from the cracks.
"I'll take this as a signal!" Joey shouted.
"Slypher!" Tea called and the red dragon quickly encircled them. The Winged Dragon took to the air as Obelisk stood beside Slypher in a defensive position.
"W-What's going on??" Tristen asked as he tried to keep from falling.
"It's either Perjiem or the magical properties of the area are becoming unstable!" Yami said as he watched more of the ground begin to break.
"More like both. Remember what Perjiem said? He wants the heart of the power and with it... well figure it out for yourself!" Bakura snapped and dropped to his knee. "We have to get out of here!"
Cheri looked around before looking up at the golden god. "Keriam! What do you see from your vantage point?"
"Now would be a very good time to fly!" Keriam pointed and everyone's eyes turned to the direction she was making known. Slowly the ground was crumbling away, turning into dust and leaving nothing but turbulent space.
~Not good!~ Yugi said.
Obelisk lowered his hand, gathering up Cheri, Seto, and Bakura before jumping into the air. Tea, Yami, and Tristen climbed onto Slypher's neck and the Saint Dragon took flight. The Winged Dragon flew down and gently snatched Keriam and Joey in his right front talons and Marik in his left. The golden beast soared up next to the other gods, while the nine riders watched in horror as the ground they once stood on vanished.
Tea sighed in relief. "Thanks for the warning Keriam," she called out to her.
"Hey I couldn't watch my Sisters go down like that," she called back.
"So let's find Perjiem and teach him why it's not a good idea to get on our bad side!" Joey shouted.
"Good idea but where do we begin to looking?" Cheri asked, looking around carefully. He's out there somewhere, but how are we going to find him?
"Over there!" Seto pointed at a strange light coming from the left.
"That's the Heart of the Shadow Realm!" Tea shouted. "Let's go!" Roaring in response, the three gods turned and flew towards the Heart.
"Seto!" Marik called out. "Toss me the Millennium Rod!"
"What?!" the CEO looked at him.
~Marik, what are you up to?~ asked his light.
"You'll see, Malik." The Egyptian held out his hand. "Well?"
With great reluctance, Seto tossed the golden object to Marik. He caught it and grinned, then he looked at Keriam and Joey. Both were regarding him suspicion. "It's alright," said Marik. "Trust me."
"Should I bring out the list of why I shouldn't?" Joey asked.
"Joey," Keriam looked at him then to Marik. "Whatever it is, you two be careful."
Marik nodded and looked forward.
"At last," Perjiem breathed as he floated around the glowing black sphere. "The Heart of the Shadow Realm. Even the gods of Egypt would bow to it. And it's mine." Perjiem grunted and placed his hands on his chest where the black snake's head and tail met. "Forgive me, master… thank you… My lord, Set…"
"What's he doing?" Marik whispered. Taking advantage of Perjiem's bewildered state, Marik moved out between the Winged Dragon's claws and stood on top of the talons.
"Marik?" Keriam and Joey were looking at him, slightly confused.
"Take good care of Keriam, Joey," Marik said and he jumped.
"MARIK!" the couple shouted.
He fell towards Perjiem, holding the Millennium Rod tightly in his hands and raised it behind his right shoulder. Perjiem looked up and before he could move, Marik swung the Rod and struck the scarred man's face.
Perjiem yelled in pain and grabbed Marik's arm. "You little bastard!"
Marik went to stab Perjiem in his chest but he was blocked. The edge of the Rod caught part of Perjiem's robe and tore when he shoved Marik's hand away. The younger one's eyes grew wide at the sight of a black snake encircling the man's chest.
~… The mark of Set…~ said Malik.
Perjiem laughed and threw Marik, sending him spinning backwards through the Shadow Realm.
Joey and Keriam had moved up to the Winged Dragon's back and watched Marik fight Perjiem. When Perjiem tossed Marik, Joey's wings sprouted from his back and he flew to Marik, catching the Egyptian boy and brought him back to the golden beast. Joey held him up as the tanned youth didn't look too well.
"Marik? Malik?" Keriam asked as she held onto his other side.
"That..." Marik said slowly, "was a rough... ride..."
~I'm gonna be sick...~ Malik groaned.
"Not while I'm in control." Marik finally opened his eyes and glared at Perjiem. "Set; Perjiem has the Mark of Set on him."
"What?!" Keriam couldn't believe what he said.
"Set? Wait wasn't he like the god of evil or something?" Joey asked, frowning.
"Close. Osiris' evil brother he's always trying to spread chaos and destruction over Egypt," Marik growled angrily. "His minions always have the image of a black snake around their chest as his symbol."
"In the past Set tried to get rid of the pharaoh by possessing a guard. Tea was able to drive his presence out," Keriam spoke up. "Cheri! Tea! Watch it, Perjiem's working under Set!"
The brunette's eyes went wide as a past memory surfaced. "With the heart of the Shadow Realm he can reshape the world to his liking!"
"We're not going to let him!" The young woman narrowed her eyes as she held onto her weapon tightly and glared down at him. I am afraid to die but if it's to protect my friends and family... then it must be done. Taking a deep breathe she twisted her staff until it separated into two weapons of equal length.
Seto looked at her, seeing how quiet she was. "Cheri?"
"Obelisk. Protect Seto and Bakura," she said simply before following Marik's lead earlier. She ignored everything around her as she brought her arm to the side and let the bladed staff fly. Perjiem tried reaching for the sphere once more but cursed and jumped back. A silver blade slashed his palms open, knocking the sphere further away from his reach.
"You bitch!" Perjiem turned to Cheri. Holding up his bleeding hands, a field of dark lightning surrounded Cheri and she screamed.
"NO!" Keriam threw one of her swords at Perjiem. It struck him in his back and the lightning vanished.
"CHERI!" Seto yelled as she started to fall. He jumped off Obelisk's shoulder, falling towards his beloved. He caught her and held her close as they continued to descend into the darkness. "Come what may," Seto whispered in her ear, "I am not losing you."
"No!!" Bakura called out even as the blue demon seemed to cry out in fear.
"We'll never reach them in time!" Tea cried out.
All my life I wanted to share my life with someone, for better or worse, richer or poor. I just wanted a soul mate... Cheri thought to herself as she opened her eyes to mere slits as she wrapped her arms around Seto tightly. Now that I found him I don't want to ever let go. Anubis... Her prayer was answered by an unexpected source.
A flash of light appeared, taking form as it caught the falling couple before flying up to the others, roaring loud and proud. The blue eyes flew like a living arrow, coming up to Perjiem's level as it released a blast of it's own lightning at him.
Perjiem held his arms in front of him, creating a shield to deflect the blast. It waved then shattered; the lightning slammed into his right side.
"Blue Eyes White Dragon!" Tristen exclaimed. "But how?!"
"Remember when Seto and Ishizu battled?" Yami grinned. "She had a trap card that infected Obelisk when he was summoned. But he used Obelisk and his other monster to summon his Blue Eyes instead. Seto has always relied on strength but in that duel the Blue Eyes called out to him and Seto went with his instincts."
"The Blue Eyes White Dragons have never let him down," Tea smiled as the smaller dragon flew to Obelisk.
Bakura let out the breath he didn't notice he'd been holding. "That was a close one," he said. "You two alright?"
Cheri nodded and grinned. "Much better than Perjiem right now."
They looked at the man, smoke now streaming from his injured side. Perjiem glared up at them. "Don't think that you've won just yet," he hissed and the snake around his chest began to move. "You may have deities, but I have the power of a true god of Egypt at my disposal! Lord Set! I invoke the oath I have made with you! Grant me your power to destroy these rodents and merge the Mortal and Shadow Realms together!"
The snake on Perjiem's chest moved off his skin. It reared its head up and sank its fangs into the man's neck causing him to yell. Grabbing the serpent, he tried pulling it away. Dark malicious laughter echoed all around as the snake continued to feast on Perjiem's blood.
"I thank you, mortal, for bringing me to the Shadow Realm."
The Sisters of the Moon gasp at the voice. "It's Set!" Keriam shouted.
"My lord..." Perjiem coughed up blood. "Wha-what are y-you do... ing...?"
"Fool," said the dark god, "I could not enter the Shadow Realm for my powers as a god were stripped away by Ra. To enter here, I must have a mortal merge with my envoy--the snake now devouring your life force."
"That's sick," said Joey.
"What did you expect from a dark god?" Marik asked.
"B-But I serve-ed you faith… fully…" Perjiem's words began to slur together as he fell to his knees, skin paling as the snake refused to let go.
"You did as I commanded but you wanted the power for yourself," Set hissed a bit angrily. "Did you honestly think a mere mortal such as yourself would be able to control that much power?"
Tea swallowed twice as she felt a strong urge to be sick at the sight before them. "We banished you once and we can do it again!" she declared as the gods voice their agreement.
"You may try, Sisters of the Moon. You may try." The snake seemed to laugh as it finally let Perjiem go, letting the man fall to the ground face first. His skin was a sickly pale and his eyes glazed but the snake didn't care. It's form grew wider and taller, arms sprouting from it's sides as it's tail separated into two legs. Magic surged around him as it formed into clothing and gold to appear on his body. His clothing was as old as Egypt with the gold made into images of cobras bearing ruby eyes but his head… it was still snakelike with glowing red eyes and slitted black pupils staring up at them hatefully. If one looked closer they could make out patches of skin that were actually reptilian scales.
"One more I live!!" he shouted gloriously, baring his needle sharp fangs as a hood flared to life, making him look like cross of a cobra and a human. Holding out his hands multiple black snakes came alive from his body, baring their fangs as they flew at the gods and their riders.
Tea's eyes widen as she quickly held her staff before her and shouted a simple chant. It glowed and formed a shield before them, burning the snakes before it dispatched. But the snakes were just a diversion. "No he's going to get the heart!"
Set laughed as he calmly walked to the gleaming orb of power. "Soon all will bow before me as their king and I will have no equal. I will destroy all the gods until only I am left!"
Keriam knew that if they didn't stop him then all life as they knew it would be destroyed. Holding her sword tightly she turned to her lover. "Joey, I hate to do this but-"
"It's your duty. I don't like it… but give him one for me."
"Better believe it." Ra swooped down, swiping at the snakeman, knocking him off balance that Keriam quickly landed and stood before the power sphere. Holding her hand out the sword she had used on Perjiem wavered before coming to her hand. Soon she was joined by her other Sisters as they stood around the sphere protectively.
The dark god hissed angrily, getting to his feet. His eyes glowed as he began to chant under his breathe. No one knew what he was saying but suddenly from his mouth came hundreds of desert cobras and black asps, all nearly the length of a grown man and all held the same eyes as their master. He hissed a command and before anyone could say anything the snakes hissed and launched themselves at the gods and riders!
Slypher spun around several times, hitting the flying reptiles away from his riders. Yami looked at Tristen. "Are you alright?" the Pharaoh asked.
"Would this be a bad time to mention I hate flying?" the taller boy groaned.
~Then why do you go on roller coasters?~ asked Yugi.
Obelisk held up his hand and sent a blast of energy, destroying the snakes that dared come near his master.
~Now I see why you always liked to use him to finish off your opponent,~ said Ryou.
"Yikes!" Joey yelped as the Winged Dragon quickly maneuvered to avoid the snakes. Looking down at the Sisters of the Moon, Joey knew that they wouldn't last long against Set. He may not have his status as a god like Osiris but he could still harm the girls.
There's gotta be something we can do! Joey thought and looked at Ra. A smile quickly spread across his face. "That's it!"
"Huh?" Marik turned to Joey and decided that the other blonde had lost it just by seeing the look on his face.
"Set had to use Perjiem with his envoy to enter the Shadow Realm," Joey's grin widened and he patted the gold dragon. "Why don't we have a little family reunion?"
"Are you crazy?!" Marik yelled at him.
~Joey, to summon Ra himself into the Shadow Realm, you have to merge with the Winged Dragon!~ said Malik. ~Perjiem's dead!~
"And his soul might be floating around nearby," Joey said, "he won't be able to possess us if we merge with the gods."
Marik stared at him, but Joey was right. They had to do something to keep the remaining trio safe. Seto might go along with it, but Tristen would be somewhat reluctant.
~Its worth a shot and really it's the only option left open to us,~ Malik pointed out.
"Fine. Seto! Get over here!" Marik shouted at the CEO.
"I'm a bit busy right now!" he yelled back, holding on as more black snakes tried to find a way around Obelisk.
"Make time! You too, pharaoh!"
Yami growled but leaned over to tell Slypher to move closer to Ra. The dragon rumbled deeply as it followed his command. "What are you yelling about?"
"I think it's time Set be reunited with his family," Joey said with a smirk. "We have to become one with the Gods so they can be summoned. I'll join with Ra, Seto with Obelisk, and Tristen with Slypher."
"Are you crazy?!?!" he almost screamed. "I can't merge with this thing!!!" Slypher growled beneath him even as the former king patted his scaly hide.
"It's either that or get possessed by Perjiem's soul," Bakura pointed to the dead body of their enemy.
~And you're joining with gods that the girls were chosen by,~ said Ryou.
"That's one plus," Seto said. "So what do we do?"
"Leave that to me," Joey stripped off his shirt and looked over the passage, smiling when he found the correct marking he needed. "Okay... Marik, Bakura, Yami--you three gotta get off. We'll get as close to the girls as possible."
"Right," Yami nodded.
~Good luck, you guys,~ said Yugi.
The three gods flew down towards the Sisters of the Moon and Marik, Yami, and Bakura jumped off, landing beside the girls.
"What are you doing here?!" Cheri yelled.
"Helping you three ladies," Bakura grinned as he kept his eyes on Set.
"No offense but how are you going to help?" Tea asked with a quick look, chewing her bottom lip worriedly.
"Just watch. Hey Set!" Marik called out to him.
"Marik... such an honor to meet you," he hissed sarcastically.
"Spare me the greetings. It's time you answered for your crimes."
"And who shall be my judge. That mere girl who follows that bastard child?" Cheri growled at the insult to her god.
Yami shook his head as he smirked. "No. By those you feared the most."
"Let's do this guys," Joey said and began to concentrate on the passage.
Man, I hope you know what you're doing, Tristen thought nervously.
Joey found the hieroglyphics he needed. Shutting his eyes, he took a deep breath and recited the words.
"What's going on?" Keriam asked as the three gods began to glow. "He didn't..."
~Sorry, Keriam,~ said Malik. ~He did.~
"Gods of Egypt please hear me," Joey prayed. "Ra, Osiris, Anubis, we need your help. Set has entered the Shadow Realm and seeks the power of the Heart. The Sisters of the Moon cannot protect it alone even though Set is no longer a true god. Use us, your servants, to enter the Shadow Realm and defeat Set forever."
The dark god's eyes widen as he realized what the other youths were doing. "No!! I will not let you do this!!" he raised his hands to summons more serpents but he didn't get a chance.
"Don't even think about it!!" Tea screamed as she ran up and swung her staff as hard as she could. He stumbled to the ground but before he could get up. Cheri and Keriam ran up and using their weapons and weight tried to keep him down.
"We need some help!!" Cheri yelled at the others as she pinned his arm down, ignoring the angry hissing sounds he made. Yami, Bakura, and Marik joined and used their body weight to keep him down but even with their combined weight he still struggled.
The three gods began to glow brightly, each their significant color that slowly spread to the three young men. They could feel a kind of warmth and light fill their bodies form within, chasing away fears and doubts as they felt their bodies changing. The gods cried out as their forms slowly vanished and in their placed were three young men, dressed in similar clothing pf cloth wrapped around their waists, sandals upon their feet, decked in gold with headdresses as Set but also vastly different.
Anubis slowly landed before the group, the body of a man with deeply tanned skin yet the head of a black jackal with gold kohl traced eyes. His clothing was of a vibrant, sapphire blue with gold along his arms and even around his neck, embedded with blue stones as the belt resembled a dragon biting its own tail yet in one hand he held a tall, very slender of gold with the tip shaped like bird and the other held an ankh. Osiris landed next to him, a few feet away, dressed in clothing red as blood. A heavy belt of gold with ruby chips embedded all around yet the crown he wore resembled that of Slypher, hiding his eyes from view. He too, was deeply tanned and in his hands with his arms crossed over his chest was two small specters to show his role as pharaoh of Egypt and Lord of the Underworld. Ra landed between them and seemed to outshine them all. His clothing seemed to be made of gold itself and the jewelry he wore bore no gems or stones but his crown was that of a bird with gold feathers and eyes. Although it was pulled low over his face his eyes seemed to glow as brightly as the sun itself. He held no weapons that were visible in his hands. They were the three gods, having used the forms of Seto, Tristen, and Joey as their vessels but unlike Set, these boys were still alive and gave up their mortal shells willingly.
Set threw the six mortals off of him and stood, glowering at his brother. "Is it not enough that you had taken my wife from me and bear your bastard that you must continue to torment me?"
"How dare you speak of torment!" Anubis stepped forward. "If there was anyone you tormented, it was Isis. Suffocating my father in a chest, cutting and scattering his body across Egypt. You should be grateful that Horus ended it quickly."
Set sneered at the younger god and looked at Osiris. "Have you nothing to say, brother?"
"You are not worth speaking to," Osiris said in a deep tone.
"Ha! You are fools!" Set shouted at them. "All of you! You let the humans live their lives without the gods commanding them as we did thousands of years ago!"
"We commanded, yes," said Ra. "You, Set, did nothing more than play with their lives and destroyed what they had been blessed with. That is why I never granted you back your place as a god of Egypt. I cannot allow you to repeat what you had done.
"When you were born from the void, Ra," Set stared at the sun god, "did you really care about us? You had us trapped in mother's womb until Thoth gambled against you and won five days!"
"You were rather inpatient, though, my brother," said Osiris. "Piercing Mother's side to be free."
"Perhaps that's why I killed Horus the first time," Set hissed in a malicious tone. "Pity that I didn't have the opportunity to kill him again after Isis gave birth to him for his second life as a god."
"True, I was envious of my daughter's children but seeing the pain I had caused on your mother I saw the errors of my way," Ra spoke softly yet his voice rumbled as thunder itself. "While we worked and strived to help humans you did nothing but hunt wild boars. Each one of us sacrificed something and the humans honored us with temples and shrines. Tell me Set, did anyone honor you willingly?"
"We did not have to earn their respect we should have demanded it!!" he yelled at him angrily, his hood flaring to life as he bared his fangs. "Egypt was ours for the taking and instead you let the land be infested by those worthless humans."
"Do not speak that way of them!" Anubis snarled angrily, baring his teeth like a mad dog. "You despite humans only because they despise you. The reason I was born was because mother wanted a child but you would not grant her one but even then she knew you would destroy me so Isis became my mother. Even as a god you did nothing to deserve such a title."
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner you insolent cur!!" Set lunged at him; venom dripped from his fangs but cried out in pain when a sharp blade slammed into his side then a fist struck under his jaw.
Cheri watched as he landed away from the gods, her fists shaking slightly from suppressed anger. "Don't you dare speak to Lord Anubis or any of the gods in such a manner! They have all contributed many things while you have spread nothing but treachery!"
"Silence, you little vermin!" Set dragged himself to his feet and glared at Anubis. "Interesting that your Chosen loves the incarnation of the High Priest who was named after me--and again in this lifetime."
"I gave him that name," Osiris stepped forward, "out of respect for you. We are still brothers. This is now between you and I, Set." The Lord of the Underworld turned to Ra. "Father, whoever wins, I leave the fate of the one bested in your hands."
"As you wish, Osiris," Ra nodded and raised his left hand. A red glow surrounded Osiris momentarily, and then Ra stepped back with Anubis until the stood beside the Sisters of the Moon and the others.
"What happened?" Bakura asked.
"Ra stripped Osiris of some of his power," answered Keriam. "Osiris and Set are going to fight--they have to be of even strength."
~Wait!~ Yugi cried. ~What about Tristen?! What's going to happen if Osiris loses?!~
"Tristen dies," Tea said solemnly. But that won't happen, she thought, I have faith in you, Tristen, Slypher, Osiris. Tap into each other and you will defeat Set permanently.
"No one shall interfere in this fight," Ra proclaimed as the two brothers faced one another. "They shall receive no outside help and must rely upon their own skills to best the other. I shall decide the fate after the winner has been proclaimed. Begin!"
Set hissed as they stared at one another, flexing his arms readily. "You will lose this fight, brother!"
"We shall see, brother," Osiris said calmly, studying his form carefully.
The dark one hissed as he lunged forward, fully intent on sucking the blood from his brother as he did that pitiful human but the young man saw this and quickly moved to the side. He knew Set would fight with no honor but he would drop down to his level. No matter how much everyone despised him he was still family.
The group of six watched the two gods battle. Set tried to make some quick cheap shots, but Osiris blocked them. The two brothers sent each other punches and kicks, Osiris giving Set more damaging one than his brother did.
Set jumped back, his hood flaring in aggravation but a serpentine smile crossed his face and he laughed. "I will be the victor of this battle! You have a human inside you but I have something that will aid me greatly." He held up a small white swirling orb.
~What is that?~ Ryou couldn't help asking.
"That's... a soul," Yami said, frowning a little then his eyes widened. "It's Perjiem!"
With another laugh, Set brought the orb to his mouth and swallowed it.
"Fitting end," Marik whispered.
~No one deserves that!~ Yugi yelled.
Osiris frowned as he knew what that meant. With the human's soul he would hold all his memories as well as his skills and talents. "The only difference is I did not have to kill the human. He was willing."
"A soul is a soul, Osiris. It does not matter if they are willing or not but how you use them!" Set laughed as memories of fighting filled his mind.
~That... is a sick way of thinking,~ Malik said with a grimace.
"That is where you are gravely mistaken, Set," Osiris closed his eyes, feeling Tristen's memories of street fighting enter his mind. But it wasn't just the memories, it was also the strength, the burning of what the human boy had felt. The god reached out to Slypher, feeling the red dragon's power flow into him. Osiris opened his eyes. "Your move, brother."
"So that's where that line came from," Keriam grinned and elbowed Cheri gently.
"You are so funny," she murmured to her but was smiling lightly. She would never hear that song the same way again.
"It will be my honor, to dispose of you." Set laughed/hissed as he straightened. Holding out his hand another black snake appeared but it lengthened until it was a tall staff.
"Hey that's cheating!" Bakura yelled but Ra held his hand up.
"They can summon a weapon of their own but not from the outside," he explained. "It is within their rights and power."
"I wish to fight with what I now have," he said calmly.
"Then you shall die where you stand!" Set issued a battle cry as he ran at him, holding his staff tightly as he held it ready to attack.
Everyone tensed, even Anubis--Cheri felt it. Ra was motionless but Keriam could feel the strong energy coming from him as Set ran towards Osiris. The dark god raised his staff, bringing it down to strike his brother. Osiris suddenly moved and he had done so quickly, Set didn't realize his brother was behind him until Osiris struck his back with both scepters.
Stumbling for a moment, Set regained his balance and went to attack Osiris again, but the other god quickly jumped back and sent a powerful beam of light as bright as the sun towards his brother. It slammed into Set and he went flying backwards. When the light was gone, Set was on the ground, barely moving. The skin on his chest was smoldering and black blood seeped out in several placed. His staff had been destroyed.
No one said anything, and then Ra spoke, "Osiris."
He turned to Ra and bowed, walking towards his Anubis and touched his son's shoulder, giving him a nod. Anubis walked towards set and a small blade appeared in his hand.
"Before Ra decides your fate, I must take something from you, uncle." Anubis cut open Set's abdomen with the dagger and removed Perjiem's soul from the wounded entity. The white orb had darkened some and had a strange fluid surround it. Anubis walked away from Set.
"Your fate, Set," Ra spoke, "you are no longer a god, no longer a lesser deity." He held up his hands. "I remove from you the last of your powers that made you above a demon. Now you must walk with other demons. Ammit will always be watching you."
Set shrieked as what remained of his powers were taken away forever. His body spasmed and started to become smaller then he was gone, exiled into the netherworld.
Anubis presented Perjiem's soul before his father. Osiris took the soul and removed the sticky liquid that was on it. Staring at it for a moment, he then looked at Tea. "What do you think, my daughter?"
Before all of this Tea would have said to just get rid of it but now... "He has caused all of us harm, threaten our family, used us to gain the heart of the Shadow Realm, but in the end he was the one being used himself," she said calmly, choosing her words carefully. "His heart and mind were clouded with the thirst of revenge that Set fed upon." Looking at the soul she looked at Osiris and nodded once. "Let him be judged and his fate decided, my Lord."
Osiris smiled at her and returned his gaze to the orb. Holding it in one hand, the orb seemed to slowly split in two separate orbs--one was white and the other had the dark sticky mass. "This soul," Osiris held up the brighter soul, "will not remember what happened in this lifetime. May it be reborn and live a mortal life. And this one," he narrowed his eyes at the darker orb, "is for Ammit to devour."
"I hope Ammit doesn't have indigestion from that," said Bakura.
"I think he's going to enjoy this one though," Yami whispered.
"Allow me to call him here," Anubis spoke up. Holding up the golden ankh it began to glow and before the group a doorway of the same outline appeared. It slowly grew and a form could be made coming out. When it stepped into like it was huge, about the size of a small pony but had the body of a hippo, the head of a crocodile with a thick mane of a lion. Snarling it slowly approached the gods but Anubis reached up and ruffled the thick fur. Ammit growled deeply, happy for the attention but sniffing the souls he growled deeply in hunger.
Cheri gently took the white orb, stepping back so the black remained and all watched at the beast fairly pounced at it. The soul did try to escape and flee from the beast but trapped between Ammit's jaws it was no use. Within seconds the darkness had been devoured. Ammit looked at the white soul but Cheri slowly shook her head.
"This one has been given another chance so no harm will come to him," she said calmly. The beast wuffed but walked over to her, allowing her to reached down and pet him.
"Bakura," Marik said with a dark grin, "why don't you step out of Ryou and pet Ammit."
"After you," the thief replied with the same smile.
Keriam shook her head. "You two never stop, do you?"
"Ammit," Osiris said, "it's time for you to return now." The beast growled and vanished.
"As it is for us to let your friends return," said Ra.
The three gods slowly rose into the air and were surround with light. In their places were Joey and the Winged Dragon, Tristen and Slypher, and Seto and Obelisk. The three deities landed and the boys jumped to the ground.
"Joey!" Keriam ran to him. Catching her in his arms, Joey spun Keriam around, laughing.
Cheri ran straight into Seto's embrace and they held each other tightly.
"Tristen, are you okay?" Tea asked.
"You might not believe me," the tall brown-haired boy said, "but that was awesome!"
"I'm glad that you're alright," Cheri smiled, her arms still around Seto's waist. "Well... now what?"
"To the First Level, my daughters," said a soothing female voice.
"Isis..." Keriam said.
Everyone looked up as a light appeared before taking form. It was a young woman with dark skin and bony hair fall loosely down her back. At first everyone thought it was Ishizu but it wasn't. This woman held an air of elegance, grace, and the aura of another world. Her gown was made of the softest silk with gold adorning her body and even her hair but her eyes... Keriam, Tea, and Cheri all bowed before the young woman in respect that even Yami bowed as well. Glaring at the other two yamis they too, followed suit. Even Joey was on his knees!
Isis smiled as she told the girls to rise. "It is so good to see the three of you again," she said softly. "It broke my heart when you were separated but I knew that one day I would see you all again. You have undergone many trails, had made loyal friends, and have found love as well."
"We worked together, as a true family should," Tea smiled as she tried hard not to cry.
"Yes," Isis smiled. "Come now, to the First Level." She raised her arms and the three gods vanished, once again turning into the Duel Monster Cards. The cards floated to the Sisters and they gave them to their owners.
Orbs of light surrounded each person and slowly rose from the ground. Isis floated before them, leading the nine to the First Level of the Shadow Realm. When they arrived the orbs set down and vanished. Isis remained in the air, a sad expression on her face as she held out her hand. Light enveloped the Sisters of the Moon and the girls found themselves wearing normal clothes again.
"Keriam..." Cheri said and looked at her best friend. They were wearing the same outfits they had on when Keriam and Cheri arrived in Domino City.
"Mother, please, no," Keriam looked at Isis as tears started down.
"I am sorry, my daughters," the mother goddess closed her eyes, "but it is time."
Joey wrapped his arms around Keriam. "You promised!" he almost screamed, voice breaking with emotion.
"And I did promise you would be reunited," Isis looked at Joey. He shut his eyes and hugged Keriam tighter. She was right; Isis had promised Kasuyan that he would be reunited with Theliane. But she never said for how long.
"But we can't go back! I want to stay here!" Cheri cried out herself, running to Seto and embraced him tightly. "I don't want to leave!"
Seto himself shut his eyes tightly as he held her as tight as he could. "Surely there must be something you can do!" he demanded of the woman, refusing to let go without a fight.
"Seto, Joey..." Yami slowly shook his head. "They cannot stay here, it isn't their home."
"I don't care." For once in his life, the great Seto Kaiba found something he wanted more than anything in the world yet all of his wealth could not keep it.
Tea sniffed as tears ran down her cheeks before running forward. "Please Isis, don't take them away! They're my best friends and my sisters! I'll give up my power just please let them say!"
"I am sorry..." she said sadly even as she watched the young girl drop to her knees.
Yugi took control and ran to Tea, hugging her tightly.
"It's not fair..." she whimpered.
"You may say your goodbyes," Isis said.
Keriam turned around and looked at Joey. He picked her up into his arms, and then his wings sprouted from his back. Taking flight, Joey soared around the group a few times. Keriam smiled, now really feeling like they were Hitomi and Van. Joey landed and set Keriam on her feet. She hugged him, whispering, "Thank you."
"It was worth waiting a lifetime for," he said, pulling back to kiss her.
When they moved apart, Keriam looked at Marik. She walked over to him, hugging the Egyptian. "You guys behave," she said, "and take care of each other."
"We will," Marik said, hugging her tight and he then switching with Malik, wanting to always have the memory of holding Keriam and not letting go.
Malik let his tears fall. "I'll miss you," he said and released her, finding it very hard to and silently cursed at Marik.
"Me too." She tired to smile but it was no use.
Cheri didn't want to say good-bye but as she looked up at her love he pulled her close and kissed her softly.
"No one will ever replace you in my heart," he whispered to her, gently kissing the tear away. "Be strong."
"You too," she whispered before pulling her ring off. It was of two rings joined together in the center by a stylish knot. "To prove our love is ever lasting."
Bakura wasn't sure what to say but hugged her tightly. "I wish you could stay," he whispered softly.
"God so do I, but do me a favor? Take care of Seto for me?" he nodded and she smiled sadly.
Ryou took control and he tried to say something but couldn't. Cheri smiled and hugged him tightly. "I hate saying good-bye," he admitted as they slowly pulled back.
"Who doesn't? Hey, don't worry okay? We're gonna be fine and so will you guys." Smiling sadly she walked over to where Yugi and tea were.
Yugi stood, looking at the girls as he rubbed a fist over his eyes. "Keriam... Cheri... I don't know what to say."
"That's okay, Yugi," Cheri kissed his cheek.
"You're really a great friend," Keriam said and kissed his other cheek. "Yami, you take care of him and Tea."
~I will,~ Yami answered sadly.
"Tristen," Cheri looked at him, "try to slow down on the turns, okay?"
"No problem," he grinned.
Tea finally stood up and hugged Cheri and Keriam. "We kept our promise, didn't we?"
"Yeah," Keriam sniffed and hugged her. "Just remember to look at the stars, Tea."
"We'll always be with you," Cheri said. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Cheri turned and looked at Seto, the ring she'd given him now on the chain of the locket with Mokuba's picture. Smiling, she hugged him.
Joey waited until Yugi and Tea moved away from them before taking Keriam into his arms and hugged her. The two boys kissed their loves, and then they felt the two young women slowly float up from the ground and away from them. Joey quickly slipped something into Keriam's back pocket before she was too far away from him. She took it out. It was a ring--an Irish cladough.
"My mother's," he smiled.
Smiling, Keriam slipped the ring on, the heart facing towards her hand. "I love you."
"I love you, Keriam."
Cheri looked at Seto, smiling at him. "I love you, Cheri," he smiled at her, looking like the pic she had drawn of him.
"I love you, too," Cheri said.
The two girls floated next to Isis, and the goddess raised her arms. A bright light emitting from the mother goddess and causing everyone to shield their eyes.
When they opened their eyes, they found themselves standing on the roof of the empty building.
Keriam, Cheri, and Isis were gone.
Joey looked at himself, noticing that the hieroglyphics had vanished. Looking up at the crescent moon, Joey smiled a little at the two stars near the points. A tear ran down his cheek and he wiped it away. He noticed Seto also wiping his cheek but didn't say anything.
Yugi held Tea's hand tightly as everyone looked up at the night sky. The two girls may be gone but they would never forget them for as long as they lived. It was going to be hard to get on with heir lives but they would do it. Together. As friends.
"Always remember..." Tea whispered softly as she rubbed the rest of the tears away.
Author's Note:
Heikou: Chapter good?
Janime: Yes.
Heikou: Chapter long?
Janime: Yes.
Heikou: Chapter ending sad?
Janime: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Heikou: I'll say that's a yes.
Janime: But we're not done yet!
Heikou: Nope nope! We have the epilogue to go!
Janime: Did you think we would end it like this?
Heikou: No way! We couldn't do that! *holds box of tissues*
Janime: Ah, thank you. ::takes tissue and blows nose::
Heikou: ~.~'