A/N: Darned chapter. It refused to be written. -_-; I apologize for the delay, the bad ending, and the lousiness of
the first few scenes. XD All in all... I don't like anything but the middle of this chapter.
Silvie: It seems that reviews are eaten if they're really large. @_@ Or at least that's what I've noticed... And as ye notice, I shall now call ye Silvie! It is easier to type. XD Oh, and the reply to your review should be up now, in chapter 25.
*Giggles* Nebenkharu's motives and stuff'll be revealed more in the sequel... Or at least they should. XD And the parallel between Yami and Tutankhamen is sorta' scary. XD Though I've heard that there is a mention of a Pharaoh with no name in someone's tomb (I think it was Tutankhamen's, actually) that existed around the time that Yugioh's AE arc takes place. I think. @_@
Mwee, yes, Eien is almost over. However, we've got Itsumo and Fumetsu still to come. XD
Ryuujin Dragon King: ^_^ Sankyuu. And of course I'll continue. XD I ain't just gonna leave it like that. (Though the end of this story may annoy people since it's going to lead directly into Itsumo and not really give a nice resolved ending. XD) Thanks for the review!
Starlit Hope: *Giggles* I thought Joey would be more fun to kill. XD
The sidestories are coming eventually. @_@ I've been writing the one where Yami meets Sugoroku. XD It's fun. And Nah, I'm not leaving Joey like that. He'll be back, don't worry.
*Grins and gives thumbs up* Someday there will be a sidestory with Yami teaching Yuugi to ride a horse. XD Thanks for the review!
Borath: I was hoping killing Joey wouldn't be as predictable, even if killing Bekhura would have been fun. XD (And you can call him whatever you want. XD I'll know who you're talking about. Hopefully. XD) And yeah, Joey comes back this chapter. XD But not with the Mystical Elf because, well, that'd be boring right?
Well, Seto and Yami are (cannonly) cousins and people still pair them. XD
^_^ Glad you liked the chapter and such. Thanks for the review!
Wingleader Sora Jade: ^_^ Glad you liked. And don't worry about Jou', it'll all get worked out in this chapter. *Nodnod* Anyway, thanks. ^_^
Shadow Hopesong: ^_^ I glad you like my fic, and thanks a bunch for the compliments. ^_^ I'm also glad you like that there're no really set couples. *Nods cheerfully* Your review made me all happy! ^_^ Thanks!
Ashita II: You're welcome. ^_^ Wasn't sure if you knew about the updates cause I hadn't heard from you for awhile. XD
As for Jou', read on. ^_^
*Nods* Yesyes, the yamis aren't doing so well this time. XD Couldn't have them breeze through like they had been. They're figure something out eventually... Hopefully. XD
Ooh, I'm glad you liked the conversation between Yami and Nebenkharu! You were the only one to mention it, and I'm happy you liked it since I was trying to give a little more insight into Nebenkharu's personality.
Thanks for the review! ^_^
C.A.: Ye live! XD Shall do review in parts for the different chapters you reviewed.
(22) ^_^ Glad you liked, even if the angst threatened to eat everyone. @_@
(23) Glad you liked this one too. It was fun to write. XD
Anyway, thanks for the review!
Dragoness of Fire: *Sparkly eyes* Yeee, you're another of my favorite authors! I'm so proud to have a gotten a review from you! *Dances*
Ahem... Glad you like my fic. ^_^ And I'm pleased that you think the characters are incharacter and the plot is something besides entirely flat. XD And that it made you laugh, to. ^_^ Thank you for the review!
Other notes: Erm... Not much to say, really. Except that you can all donate me some money for a puppy I want! XD *Gets smacked*
Disclaimer: Yugioh ain't mine.
Warning: A little more violence and language. I think.
Summary of last time: The group found sarcophagi for themselves in their past lives and then went to confront Nebenkharu. And Jou got... Deaded. Yesyes.
Preview of this chapter: ... Can't form thought, and the chapter's pretty lousily. Just read. XD
Japanese:
Jiichan - Grandfather
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Eien; part 26
by: Amiasha
It only took a few moments for the group to reenter the room, joining up with the others, and to receive a very confused welcome.
"What's going on!?"
"Did you win!?"
"Why are you back here!?"
"Where's the guy!?"
"What happened to my brother!?"
"Shut the hell up, damn it!" Bekhura snarled loudly at the group, laying Joey on the altar/sarcophagi and watching with dismay as Yami sank down to the floor, pulling his knees up to his chin and hiding his face from view.
"Please, Yami Bakura, what happened to by brother?" Serenity asked in as calm a voice as she could. "Is he alright?"
Bekhura frowned. "I don't know." He replied truthfully. He knelt down next to Yami. "Pharaoh?"
"Th-that..." The younger spirit stuttered quietly, shaking slightly though for what reason Bekhura couldn't tell. "Th-that damn advisor... He said that he was dead; that the spell he was hit with was some sort of death spell."
Yuugi stared at his dark in shock, his eyes starting to fill up with tears. "No, that can't be true. He has to have been lying."
Bekhura stood up, looking over the faces of the members of the group. Casting his gaze back towards Joey, Bekhura touched the side of his neck to feel for a pulse. A few seconds later, he swore loudly.
Serenity burst into tears. "Please tell me he's alright!" She cried, leaning on Tristan who was just staring, wideeyed.
Bekhura looked at her. "If you want me to lie to you..." He said emotionlessly, shrugging and looking down at the marble floor. Oddly, the white haired thief found himself upset over the blond's death.
Yuugi gave a loud sob from behind Bekhura, putting his hands over his face and sinking to the floor next to his dark. "This isn't fair..."
At those words Yami rose to his feet again, sniffling slightly and wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, and turned around to face the others. He looked around with cloudy eyes for a moment until he saw the Mystical Elf. "Can't you do something?" He asked quietly, his voice hollow.
"No; I'm sorry. I can't bring back the dead." The Mystical Elf sad softly, looking away from the boy's eyes.
Yami shook his head angrily, tears threatening to fall again as Yuugi, who had stood again as well, sobbed next to him. "You healed me, and I was close. Why can't you...?"
"Because putting a soul back in the body is different than healing or driving away poisoning magic." The Elf explained, looking at Joey's still form. "It can't be done."
"Why not?" Yami asked softly, head tilted slightly to one side and his bangs lying limply in his face.
"Because you just can't." The Mystical Elf said, looking back at the spirit and not having a better explanation. "It's never been done, even by people who tried to figure it out for a good portion of their lives. It takes more magic than someone has."
Yami closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply a few times. Slowly he reopened them. "It can't be impossible." He said, eyes hardening in determination.
Bekhura stared at him, mouth slightly open. "Pharaoh, you aren't going to be stupid again, are you?"
Yami smiled humorlessly at him. "Depends what you qualify stupid. Joey has saved my life at least twice I can think of off the top of my head, and I'm going to see if it's possible I can repay the favor."
"Not to be rude or cynical, Pharaoh," Bekhura said, continuing to stare at the boy as if he was off his rocker, "But you're no where near full power. Even if you were, resurrection has never worked."
Yami shrugged sadly, looking at Joey. "Then I'll be the first to make it do so." He decided. Standing up straight and taking a deep breath, the spirit shut his eyes and placed both hands over Joey's heart, the right hand over the left. Steadying himself, he prayed that he knew what he was doing and started to gather his magic. 'This has to work.' He thought firmly.
A soft gold glow began to form around his hands, the way a silver one had around the Mystical Elf's. Surprised, Yami's eyes snapped open and the glow began to fade.
Nearly frantically, Yami shut his eyes again and concentrated. 'No, no, please stay here...' He thought, knowing that the gold light was good and something he wanted. Swallowing, he tried to block out the fact that Mahaado and Mana's ward was the only thing holding off Nebenkharu and that the reason he was trying so hard to cast this spell was because Joey, his best friend, was dead.
That was easier said than done. The facts and Yami's doubts about being able to cast the spell began to cloud his concentration, and the glow started to flicker sadly.
Suddenly, Yami felt hands over his own. Opening his eyes again, he looked down to see that Yuugi had placed his slightly smaller hands over his. The other boy looked up at Yami, tears shining on his face. /Come on Yami, I don't know why but I know that you can do this./
Yami shivered from worry and exhaustion but nodded, taking another deep breath and closing his eyes again. Slowly the gold light began to come back as the spirit concentrated. 'I need to put his soul back in his body.'
That was also easier said than done. The glow again flickered as Yami's energy, even combined with the power he was getting from Yuugi, began to wane considerably.
'I have to have more magic than this...' Yami thought, angry with himself. 'Like that bastard said, I'm supposed to be the most powerful sorcerer ever.' Narrowing his violet eyes, Yami focused harder on his spell and attempted to return his breathing back to normal from the near gasping it had become.
The gold light flared brightly as Bekhura put a hand gently on Yami's shoulder, lending his strength to the younger spirit as Sugoroku covered Yuugi's hands with his, and smiled encouragingly at his oldest grandson.
Tea, to the side, turned to the others. "Gather up." She said softly, not wanting to break what concentration Yami had.
Seeing that the others did as they were told, Tea put one of her hands in the center of the circle. "We're going to help." She said, leaving no room for argument. "This helped Yuugi and Yami once before, and it will again. Put your hands on mine and we'll concentrate."
One by one, everyone, even Seto, put a hand in the circle and closed their eyes.
Yami shivered as he felt the magic of everyone be combined with his, the gold glow brightening drastically. 'Come on, please work...' Focusing everything he could, Yami willed the spell to work, and it did.
Joey's eyes flew open, the blonde shooting upright and gasping. The sudden movement knocked Yuugi and Yami backwards, Yuugi being caught by Sugoroku and Yami by Bekhura.
The group broke their circle and rushed over, shocked and happy beyond belief. Besides Seto, of course, who seemed uninterested.
Tristan enveloped Joey in a hug. "You stupid guy..." He said, smiling as Serenity hugged her brother's arm tightly, crying in happiness. "I'm so glad you're okay, Joey..."
Yami watched the reunions, smiling lightly, trying to keep his eyes open. The boy blinked in confusion as he realized that Yuugi wasn't joining in the welcoming Joey back, until the boy appeared in his vision. "Are you okay, Yami!?" Yuugi asked frantically.
About to ask the boy what he was talking about and tell him that he was fine, Yami realized that he was still in Bekhura's arms. Shaking his head twice and then wincing at the heavy dizziness, Yami stood back up straight. //I'm fine, aibou. That just took so much energy...//
/But you did it! Yami, Joey's alright!/ Yuugi exclaimed, his mental voice filled with joy. /Yami, that was amazing!/
"I want some explanation." Joey's voice cut into Yami's mind. "What 'da hell happened. Is the fight over?"
"No, it's not." Bekhura said, locking eyes with Joey. "Nebenkharu is being held off by a spell of Mahaado and Mana's. You," He said, frowning, "Were being a hero and took a hit from a spell for the Pharaoh. It killed you."
The blond looked at him. "It did WHAT!?" Joey asked, shocked. "I'm still here, Yami B."
"You're here because the Pharaoh did the impossible." Bekhura said, glancing at Yami once with wide eyes before continuing. "He resurrected you."
Joey just stared, speechless.
"I guess we were wrong." Bekhura continued, turning fully toward the other spirit. "What you did has never been done before. Pharaoh, bringing back the dead was one of the last things that couldn't be attained. Do you realize just how big of a thing you've done?"
Yami smiled weakly at that, before looking at Joey. "I'm glad you're alright..." He said softly.
Joey gently reached out for Yami and hugged him, surprising the other boy. "Thanks Yami..." He said quietly, into the boy's long hair.
Yami shuddered slightly from exhaustion, but let Joey hug him.
"Sorry to break this up," Bekhura said, feeling like he'd said this before but then again, it had been a long few days and everything had begun to blend together, "But we've still got Old Man Ugly to worry about. Mahaado and Mana's shield can't hold him off forever."
Joey let go of Yami and stepped back, as Yami sighed heavily at Bekhura's words. "You're right..." The spirit said. "But... I'm afraid of what he'll have waiting for us when we go to fight him." He admitted, looking down. "I think it may actually be best to let him come to us, but I don't know where we'd go when he came."
Bekhura nodded, understanding of why the other boy was worried. "Yes, retreating sort of screwed us... But there really wasn't another choice." He said, adding the last sentence hurriedly because Yami's expression had changed to even more depressed after the first.
Yami sat down on the ground, bowing his head. Bekhura knelt down next to him. "You alright?"
The younger spirit raised his head. "Yes, just tired." He replied, smiling slightly. He sighed and looked back down. "And I'm lost as to what to do..."
Bekhura nodded understandingly, looking up at Mana who was floating nearby while Mahaado spoke to Sugoroku and Yuugi. "Oi, Mana. "He said.
The blond woman looked over at him. "Yes?"
"How long with that ward of yours and Mahaado's last?" The white haired thief asked.
"Not much longer." Mana replied, shaking her head. "Another ten minutes at the best."
Yami stood again, eyelids fluttering a few times as the boy did so. Sugoroku looked at him in concern. "Yami? What's wrong?" He asked, putting his hands on his grandson's shoulders gently.
The spirit leaned against him, laying his head on his grandfather's shoulder. "I'm tired, jiichan."
Sugoroku gently hugged the boy. "I know, Yami. This is almost over." He said softly.
Yami smiled and stood back straight, nodding to his grandfather determinedly. "Yes, you're right." He said, nodding again. He turned slowly towards Bekhura. "Let's seal this bastard away for good this time."
Bekhura nodded, smirking. "Or at least until it's so far in the future we're either dead in someway or don't care."
Yami laughed weakly, turning towards the others. "Everyone, you need to go back into the statue room. I want you all to get to the other side of it; through the main path. That'll give you time to run if Nebenkharu or his monsters come this way. The Tomb Robber and I will see what we can do about Nebenkharu."
At once, there was a vehement protest. Yuugi, Joey, Ryou, Mahaado, Mana, and surprisingly enough Seto, either shook their heads or voiced their objections. Yami and Bekhura blinked.
"Like I said earlier," Joey said, looking down at Yami, "That ain't gonna' go over. We here to help you, not stand in 'da background."
"B-But Joey..." Yami protested, voice faltering. "You just..."
Joey smirked and gave the thumbs up. "I won't get killed this time. Besides, you died once and you're still goin' to fight this guy, why's it different from me?"
Yami was not amused, but Bekhura snorted loudly. "He's got a point, Pharaoh."
Yami glared at him, but moved onto the next people. "Aibou, Bakura, I don't think-"
"Not to be offensive, Yami Yuugi..." Ryou interrupted softly. "But you don't have any power over me. Besides, I think I proved myself anyway earlier."
The younger of the two spirits just blinked at him, while again Bekhura snorted. "Ryou, way to tell the Pharaoh." He said, amused.
"And as for me, I don't listen to you all that often anyway." Yuugi added, grinning at his dark's flustered look. "You need all the help and energy that you can get. So I'm in."
Yami was not happy, but moved on. He and Bekhura didn't even bother with Mahaado and Mana, knowing they would come along anyway, but Yami was completely confused by Seto's desire to accompany them.
"Kaiba, why do you...?" Yami asked, the rest of his question obvious.
Seto smirked, and just tilted his head slightly. "Because," He said, "A few reasons. One, I don't have time to waste on this endeavor anymore than I already have. Two, like Yuugi said, you need all the help you can get. And third... Well, I always help my family, don't I?"
Yami blinked at him, but slowly began to smile. "Thank you..." He said in all honesty.
Seto nodded curtly, the smirk never fading.
"Let me come too." Mokuba spoke up, coming forward to stand beside his brother. "I want to help."
Seto immediately turned, looking somewhat worried. "No, Mokuba. It's not happening."
"I agree..." Yami said, nodding. "You can't come Mokuba."
Mokuba frowned at him, putting his hands on his hips. "I can and I will. He won't be expecting me around at all, and maybe I can help."
Bekhura laughed again. "He's got a point." He commented, earning stern glares from Seto and Yami. "The boy's old enough to take part, and he may be of help. Besides, even if you two say no I can't see you being able to do anything to stop him. If he really wants to come, let him."
"But we're already a big enough target..." Yami murmured, concerned. "With Mokuba, there will be eight of us." Mafdet yowled from Yami's feet, and he sighed. "Nine."
"Oh, wait a sec." Mokuba said, shaking his head. "You accepted your CAT without a moment's thought, and you wanna' leave ME out?" He asked indignantly.
Yami stared at him, and Bekhura snorted. "Again, he's got a point." The white haired thief said.
Seto frowned at him, and then turned to Mokuba. "Mokuba-"
"Sorry to interrupt!" Mana interjected, glancing around nervously from where she was hovering. "But our shield is going to come down!"
"Then everyone not coming, go back into the statue room." Yami ordered, giving up on convincing anyone else to stay back. "The rest of us, I think that going halfway into the hallway is the best idea. It's dark and he won't be able to see us, unless he has a light and in which case we're no worse of then we were. Maybe then we can slip back into the large room unnoticed."
"It's a plan, Pharaoh." Bekhura nodded his agreement. With that, the small band of adventurers ran towards the hallway.
Mahaado and Mana kept their staffs dark, so once the group got about halfway into the hall it was pitchblack. Taking up positions against the walls, the group waited.
Yami strained his eyes to see something besides black, but knew that it wasn't going to happen. So instead he tried to calm himself down, listening instead of trying to see.
At once there was a loud bang as, what the group guessed was the door, flew open. Loud swearing and a few snarls from monsters were heard, as well as footsteps.
Yami sensed that Nebenkharu was coming towards them, and patiently waited until he began to hear the soft noise of Nebenkharu's cloak sweeping across the floor. He had to be barely a few meters away, and so it was safe to assume had no light either. That would make things easier.
The spirit took Yuugi's hand quietly, beginning to take soft steps in time to Nebenkharu's, hoping that noise would mask the sound coming from the heels of his boots touching the ground. Yuugi silently followed in time as well, knowing what his yami wanted him to do.
Joey, meanwhile, was waiting quietly in place next to Seto and Mokuba. None of the three moved, trusting the two spirits and their others to work everything out. Seto nearly jumped as he felt the fur of some monster brush against his face, hoping the creature had a lot of the hair and wouldn't notice. Thankfully, the monster didn't notice and continued on.
Mana and Mahaado were floating up by the ceiling, pressed up against it, waiting for something to happen.
Yami, having gotten behind the precession of monsters and Nebenkharu, knew that he needed to do something now or the enemies would go out into the Mystical Elf room and then probably into the statue room, and run across the others. So, hoping he knew what he was doing, Yami told Yuugi through their link to go into large room Nebenkharu had come from, and began readying a fireball.
The spell was bright enough that Yami's friends could see what he was doing, but dark enough that since all the monsters and the advisor had their back to him they couldn't. Seto, Joey, Mokuba, and Ryou took the hint and ran after Yuugi, as Bekhura stepped up next to Yami.
Yami cast his spell, and it collided with the back of a Beaver Warrior. Something suddenly lit up, causing everyone to be able to see again. The rat/beaver turned, as did the rest of the monsters and Nebenkharu. Said advisor smirked, though the effect was somewhat ruined by his apparently broken nose.
Both spirits began backing up as the monsters and Nebenkharu started to advance on them.
Bekhura suddenly stopped, and looked at Yami. The younger spirit looked back, confused and somewhat worried that Bekhura had stopped moving. That was, until Bekhura smirked and simply disappeared.
Nebenkharu and the monsters stopped, looking confused. Yami blinked, until he realized what Bekhura had done. He'd returned to spirit form.
The former Pharaoh's mind quickly snapped back to the conversation he and Bekhura had had about their spirit forms in the first airport in China. Blinking again and then smiling, Yami mentally made a note to compliment Bekhura. Unfortunately, Yami knew he didn't have the energy needed to switch back and forth and so couldn't copy his fellow spirit's action, but he trusted Bekhura to make good use of his power.
That, and Mahaado and Mana were still up by the ceiling. Both decided that would be a good time to cast spells of their own.
Mana fired a blast of energy from her staff, colliding with and destroying a Gadget Warrior. Mahaado did the same with Ryu-Ran.
Nebenkharu raised his own staff, pointing it at Yami, until he was hit in the back with something that appeared to be a lightning bolt. Most of it fizzled off the man's shields, but it still distracted him enough to turn around and catch a glimpse of Bekhura before he disappeared once again.
Yami, meanwhile, retreated for the large room that they had found Nebenkharu in. It only took a few moments of sprinting to reach the room and duck around the side of the door.
Bekhura soon appeared in the room as well, next to Yami. As he did, the hoard of monsters and Nebenkharu came through he door, but were caught by surprise as an annoyed looking Seto threw a throwing axe at them.
Bekhura and Yami both blinked at the brunette, wondering where he'd got the weapon, when they noticed that behind him was a before unseen weapon cabinet. Bekhura smirked widely and faded out.
The monsters of Nebenkharu's all scattered different directions, seeking out the group members, and Nebenkharu turned toward Yami.
Yami took a step back, holding out his hands to materialize his daggers. Much to his annoyance and surprise, nothing happened.
"Confused?" Nebenkharu taunted, smiling. "This room has a seal on it for that sort of summoning."
Yami frowned, but a sudden voice caught his attention. "Then catch!" Seto called, tossing a dagger towards Yami. The spirit easily caught it, turning back toward back to face Nebenkharu.
"I suppose you should have gotten rid of that." The spirit commented, smirking devilishly. "Because a seal does you no good if there's a weapon cabinet."
"You won't be able to save yourself with a dagger." Nebenkharu snarled back and raised his staff, causing Yami to duck away as the man shot a spell towards him.
Seto, Joey, and Mokuba, meanwhile, had armed themselves and were fighting of duel monsters. Seto was pretty good with a sword, Joey had some idea of what to do, but Mokuba was just doing more of swinging blindly than worrying about hitting. The sword was too big for him to wield anyway.
Yuugi and Ryou were hiding, trying to keep the monsters from noticing them as they made a plan. Mahaado and Mana had taken up their positions by the ceiling, out of the reach of all but the flying monsters.
Bekhura reappeared behind Nebenkharu, and the Ring flared to life as Bekhura activated it's magic to trap souls. Much to his dismay, Nebenkharu just turned around, unfazed.
"Really." The man said. "You'd think you'd realize that I took that into account."
"It was worth a shot..." Bekhura growled, annoyed.
Yami, Nebenkharu's back being turned to him, simply shot a spell forward. Almost immediately, he fell to his knees weakly as Nebenkharu turned back around, mostly unhurt from the low powered spell. "Aw, are you tired?" Nebenkharu asked, smiling. "That's too bad. You didn't have a chance anyway. Only thing I wonder is why you didn't just stab me."
Yami looked blankly at the dagger he held. He hadn't even considered it, but now that he'd remembered it was there he didn't think he could have brought himself to use it anyway. Stabbing someone in the back, literally, wasn't something he intended on doing.
Bekhura snarled, appearing at Yami's side and taking the dagger from the younger spirit's hand. "I will." He threatened, eyes narrowed.
Nebenkharu grinned at him. "If you get the chance, try it." He replied, pointing his staff at the two.
Yami ducked his head, too exhausted to do anything else, and Bekhura hovered uncertainly at what to do. That was, until both boys were saved by a little bundle of fur.
Mafdet had launched herself, again, onto Nebenkharu's head. Spitting and hissing the entire time, she clung to the man's hair tightly and clawed at his face.
Nebenkharu, momentarily distracted from his spell, reached up and tore the kitten off his head, tossing her away. Yami shot back to his feet, catching the cat and skittering across the polished floor with her held in his arms.
Bekhura looked both angry and shocked, turning his attention back from Yami and Mafdet toward Nebenkharu. "Some Egyptian you are!" He commented venomously.
Mafdet meowed her annoyance loudly, squirming out of Yami's arms and nosing him, much like a dog. Yami opened one eyes and gently shoved the kitten away as he sat up quickly.
Nebenkharu just sneered at Bekhura. "Just because I'm Egyptian doesn't mean I have to worship cats. Embodiment of a goddess? Ha, right. And he's supposed to be a god, too." He commented, motioning towards Yami.
Yami growled at him in response, and Bekhura didn't look happy. Exahsperatedly, the white haired thief sighed. "Just go to hell already."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: ... That's it. Please review! ^_^
Silvie: It seems that reviews are eaten if they're really large. @_@ Or at least that's what I've noticed... And as ye notice, I shall now call ye Silvie! It is easier to type. XD Oh, and the reply to your review should be up now, in chapter 25.
*Giggles* Nebenkharu's motives and stuff'll be revealed more in the sequel... Or at least they should. XD And the parallel between Yami and Tutankhamen is sorta' scary. XD Though I've heard that there is a mention of a Pharaoh with no name in someone's tomb (I think it was Tutankhamen's, actually) that existed around the time that Yugioh's AE arc takes place. I think. @_@
Mwee, yes, Eien is almost over. However, we've got Itsumo and Fumetsu still to come. XD
Ryuujin Dragon King: ^_^ Sankyuu. And of course I'll continue. XD I ain't just gonna leave it like that. (Though the end of this story may annoy people since it's going to lead directly into Itsumo and not really give a nice resolved ending. XD) Thanks for the review!
Starlit Hope: *Giggles* I thought Joey would be more fun to kill. XD
The sidestories are coming eventually. @_@ I've been writing the one where Yami meets Sugoroku. XD It's fun. And Nah, I'm not leaving Joey like that. He'll be back, don't worry.
*Grins and gives thumbs up* Someday there will be a sidestory with Yami teaching Yuugi to ride a horse. XD Thanks for the review!
Borath: I was hoping killing Joey wouldn't be as predictable, even if killing Bekhura would have been fun. XD (And you can call him whatever you want. XD I'll know who you're talking about. Hopefully. XD) And yeah, Joey comes back this chapter. XD But not with the Mystical Elf because, well, that'd be boring right?
Well, Seto and Yami are (cannonly) cousins and people still pair them. XD
^_^ Glad you liked the chapter and such. Thanks for the review!
Wingleader Sora Jade: ^_^ Glad you liked. And don't worry about Jou', it'll all get worked out in this chapter. *Nodnod* Anyway, thanks. ^_^
Shadow Hopesong: ^_^ I glad you like my fic, and thanks a bunch for the compliments. ^_^ I'm also glad you like that there're no really set couples. *Nods cheerfully* Your review made me all happy! ^_^ Thanks!
Ashita II: You're welcome. ^_^ Wasn't sure if you knew about the updates cause I hadn't heard from you for awhile. XD
As for Jou', read on. ^_^
*Nods* Yesyes, the yamis aren't doing so well this time. XD Couldn't have them breeze through like they had been. They're figure something out eventually... Hopefully. XD
Ooh, I'm glad you liked the conversation between Yami and Nebenkharu! You were the only one to mention it, and I'm happy you liked it since I was trying to give a little more insight into Nebenkharu's personality.
Thanks for the review! ^_^
C.A.: Ye live! XD Shall do review in parts for the different chapters you reviewed.
(22) ^_^ Glad you liked, even if the angst threatened to eat everyone. @_@
(23) Glad you liked this one too. It was fun to write. XD
Anyway, thanks for the review!
Dragoness of Fire: *Sparkly eyes* Yeee, you're another of my favorite authors! I'm so proud to have a gotten a review from you! *Dances*
Ahem... Glad you like my fic. ^_^ And I'm pleased that you think the characters are incharacter and the plot is something besides entirely flat. XD And that it made you laugh, to. ^_^ Thank you for the review!
Other notes: Erm... Not much to say, really. Except that you can all donate me some money for a puppy I want! XD *Gets smacked*
Disclaimer: Yugioh ain't mine.
Warning: A little more violence and language. I think.
Summary of last time: The group found sarcophagi for themselves in their past lives and then went to confront Nebenkharu. And Jou got... Deaded. Yesyes.
Preview of this chapter: ... Can't form thought, and the chapter's pretty lousily. Just read. XD
Japanese:
Jiichan - Grandfather
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Eien; part 26
by: Amiasha
It only took a few moments for the group to reenter the room, joining up with the others, and to receive a very confused welcome.
"What's going on!?"
"Did you win!?"
"Why are you back here!?"
"Where's the guy!?"
"What happened to my brother!?"
"Shut the hell up, damn it!" Bekhura snarled loudly at the group, laying Joey on the altar/sarcophagi and watching with dismay as Yami sank down to the floor, pulling his knees up to his chin and hiding his face from view.
"Please, Yami Bakura, what happened to by brother?" Serenity asked in as calm a voice as she could. "Is he alright?"
Bekhura frowned. "I don't know." He replied truthfully. He knelt down next to Yami. "Pharaoh?"
"Th-that..." The younger spirit stuttered quietly, shaking slightly though for what reason Bekhura couldn't tell. "Th-that damn advisor... He said that he was dead; that the spell he was hit with was some sort of death spell."
Yuugi stared at his dark in shock, his eyes starting to fill up with tears. "No, that can't be true. He has to have been lying."
Bekhura stood up, looking over the faces of the members of the group. Casting his gaze back towards Joey, Bekhura touched the side of his neck to feel for a pulse. A few seconds later, he swore loudly.
Serenity burst into tears. "Please tell me he's alright!" She cried, leaning on Tristan who was just staring, wideeyed.
Bekhura looked at her. "If you want me to lie to you..." He said emotionlessly, shrugging and looking down at the marble floor. Oddly, the white haired thief found himself upset over the blond's death.
Yuugi gave a loud sob from behind Bekhura, putting his hands over his face and sinking to the floor next to his dark. "This isn't fair..."
At those words Yami rose to his feet again, sniffling slightly and wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, and turned around to face the others. He looked around with cloudy eyes for a moment until he saw the Mystical Elf. "Can't you do something?" He asked quietly, his voice hollow.
"No; I'm sorry. I can't bring back the dead." The Mystical Elf sad softly, looking away from the boy's eyes.
Yami shook his head angrily, tears threatening to fall again as Yuugi, who had stood again as well, sobbed next to him. "You healed me, and I was close. Why can't you...?"
"Because putting a soul back in the body is different than healing or driving away poisoning magic." The Elf explained, looking at Joey's still form. "It can't be done."
"Why not?" Yami asked softly, head tilted slightly to one side and his bangs lying limply in his face.
"Because you just can't." The Mystical Elf said, looking back at the spirit and not having a better explanation. "It's never been done, even by people who tried to figure it out for a good portion of their lives. It takes more magic than someone has."
Yami closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply a few times. Slowly he reopened them. "It can't be impossible." He said, eyes hardening in determination.
Bekhura stared at him, mouth slightly open. "Pharaoh, you aren't going to be stupid again, are you?"
Yami smiled humorlessly at him. "Depends what you qualify stupid. Joey has saved my life at least twice I can think of off the top of my head, and I'm going to see if it's possible I can repay the favor."
"Not to be rude or cynical, Pharaoh," Bekhura said, continuing to stare at the boy as if he was off his rocker, "But you're no where near full power. Even if you were, resurrection has never worked."
Yami shrugged sadly, looking at Joey. "Then I'll be the first to make it do so." He decided. Standing up straight and taking a deep breath, the spirit shut his eyes and placed both hands over Joey's heart, the right hand over the left. Steadying himself, he prayed that he knew what he was doing and started to gather his magic. 'This has to work.' He thought firmly.
A soft gold glow began to form around his hands, the way a silver one had around the Mystical Elf's. Surprised, Yami's eyes snapped open and the glow began to fade.
Nearly frantically, Yami shut his eyes again and concentrated. 'No, no, please stay here...' He thought, knowing that the gold light was good and something he wanted. Swallowing, he tried to block out the fact that Mahaado and Mana's ward was the only thing holding off Nebenkharu and that the reason he was trying so hard to cast this spell was because Joey, his best friend, was dead.
That was easier said than done. The facts and Yami's doubts about being able to cast the spell began to cloud his concentration, and the glow started to flicker sadly.
Suddenly, Yami felt hands over his own. Opening his eyes again, he looked down to see that Yuugi had placed his slightly smaller hands over his. The other boy looked up at Yami, tears shining on his face. /Come on Yami, I don't know why but I know that you can do this./
Yami shivered from worry and exhaustion but nodded, taking another deep breath and closing his eyes again. Slowly the gold light began to come back as the spirit concentrated. 'I need to put his soul back in his body.'
That was also easier said than done. The glow again flickered as Yami's energy, even combined with the power he was getting from Yuugi, began to wane considerably.
'I have to have more magic than this...' Yami thought, angry with himself. 'Like that bastard said, I'm supposed to be the most powerful sorcerer ever.' Narrowing his violet eyes, Yami focused harder on his spell and attempted to return his breathing back to normal from the near gasping it had become.
The gold light flared brightly as Bekhura put a hand gently on Yami's shoulder, lending his strength to the younger spirit as Sugoroku covered Yuugi's hands with his, and smiled encouragingly at his oldest grandson.
Tea, to the side, turned to the others. "Gather up." She said softly, not wanting to break what concentration Yami had.
Seeing that the others did as they were told, Tea put one of her hands in the center of the circle. "We're going to help." She said, leaving no room for argument. "This helped Yuugi and Yami once before, and it will again. Put your hands on mine and we'll concentrate."
One by one, everyone, even Seto, put a hand in the circle and closed their eyes.
Yami shivered as he felt the magic of everyone be combined with his, the gold glow brightening drastically. 'Come on, please work...' Focusing everything he could, Yami willed the spell to work, and it did.
Joey's eyes flew open, the blonde shooting upright and gasping. The sudden movement knocked Yuugi and Yami backwards, Yuugi being caught by Sugoroku and Yami by Bekhura.
The group broke their circle and rushed over, shocked and happy beyond belief. Besides Seto, of course, who seemed uninterested.
Tristan enveloped Joey in a hug. "You stupid guy..." He said, smiling as Serenity hugged her brother's arm tightly, crying in happiness. "I'm so glad you're okay, Joey..."
Yami watched the reunions, smiling lightly, trying to keep his eyes open. The boy blinked in confusion as he realized that Yuugi wasn't joining in the welcoming Joey back, until the boy appeared in his vision. "Are you okay, Yami!?" Yuugi asked frantically.
About to ask the boy what he was talking about and tell him that he was fine, Yami realized that he was still in Bekhura's arms. Shaking his head twice and then wincing at the heavy dizziness, Yami stood back up straight. //I'm fine, aibou. That just took so much energy...//
/But you did it! Yami, Joey's alright!/ Yuugi exclaimed, his mental voice filled with joy. /Yami, that was amazing!/
"I want some explanation." Joey's voice cut into Yami's mind. "What 'da hell happened. Is the fight over?"
"No, it's not." Bekhura said, locking eyes with Joey. "Nebenkharu is being held off by a spell of Mahaado and Mana's. You," He said, frowning, "Were being a hero and took a hit from a spell for the Pharaoh. It killed you."
The blond looked at him. "It did WHAT!?" Joey asked, shocked. "I'm still here, Yami B."
"You're here because the Pharaoh did the impossible." Bekhura said, glancing at Yami once with wide eyes before continuing. "He resurrected you."
Joey just stared, speechless.
"I guess we were wrong." Bekhura continued, turning fully toward the other spirit. "What you did has never been done before. Pharaoh, bringing back the dead was one of the last things that couldn't be attained. Do you realize just how big of a thing you've done?"
Yami smiled weakly at that, before looking at Joey. "I'm glad you're alright..." He said softly.
Joey gently reached out for Yami and hugged him, surprising the other boy. "Thanks Yami..." He said quietly, into the boy's long hair.
Yami shuddered slightly from exhaustion, but let Joey hug him.
"Sorry to break this up," Bekhura said, feeling like he'd said this before but then again, it had been a long few days and everything had begun to blend together, "But we've still got Old Man Ugly to worry about. Mahaado and Mana's shield can't hold him off forever."
Joey let go of Yami and stepped back, as Yami sighed heavily at Bekhura's words. "You're right..." The spirit said. "But... I'm afraid of what he'll have waiting for us when we go to fight him." He admitted, looking down. "I think it may actually be best to let him come to us, but I don't know where we'd go when he came."
Bekhura nodded, understanding of why the other boy was worried. "Yes, retreating sort of screwed us... But there really wasn't another choice." He said, adding the last sentence hurriedly because Yami's expression had changed to even more depressed after the first.
Yami sat down on the ground, bowing his head. Bekhura knelt down next to him. "You alright?"
The younger spirit raised his head. "Yes, just tired." He replied, smiling slightly. He sighed and looked back down. "And I'm lost as to what to do..."
Bekhura nodded understandingly, looking up at Mana who was floating nearby while Mahaado spoke to Sugoroku and Yuugi. "Oi, Mana. "He said.
The blond woman looked over at him. "Yes?"
"How long with that ward of yours and Mahaado's last?" The white haired thief asked.
"Not much longer." Mana replied, shaking her head. "Another ten minutes at the best."
Yami stood again, eyelids fluttering a few times as the boy did so. Sugoroku looked at him in concern. "Yami? What's wrong?" He asked, putting his hands on his grandson's shoulders gently.
The spirit leaned against him, laying his head on his grandfather's shoulder. "I'm tired, jiichan."
Sugoroku gently hugged the boy. "I know, Yami. This is almost over." He said softly.
Yami smiled and stood back straight, nodding to his grandfather determinedly. "Yes, you're right." He said, nodding again. He turned slowly towards Bekhura. "Let's seal this bastard away for good this time."
Bekhura nodded, smirking. "Or at least until it's so far in the future we're either dead in someway or don't care."
Yami laughed weakly, turning towards the others. "Everyone, you need to go back into the statue room. I want you all to get to the other side of it; through the main path. That'll give you time to run if Nebenkharu or his monsters come this way. The Tomb Robber and I will see what we can do about Nebenkharu."
At once, there was a vehement protest. Yuugi, Joey, Ryou, Mahaado, Mana, and surprisingly enough Seto, either shook their heads or voiced their objections. Yami and Bekhura blinked.
"Like I said earlier," Joey said, looking down at Yami, "That ain't gonna' go over. We here to help you, not stand in 'da background."
"B-But Joey..." Yami protested, voice faltering. "You just..."
Joey smirked and gave the thumbs up. "I won't get killed this time. Besides, you died once and you're still goin' to fight this guy, why's it different from me?"
Yami was not amused, but Bekhura snorted loudly. "He's got a point, Pharaoh."
Yami glared at him, but moved onto the next people. "Aibou, Bakura, I don't think-"
"Not to be offensive, Yami Yuugi..." Ryou interrupted softly. "But you don't have any power over me. Besides, I think I proved myself anyway earlier."
The younger of the two spirits just blinked at him, while again Bekhura snorted. "Ryou, way to tell the Pharaoh." He said, amused.
"And as for me, I don't listen to you all that often anyway." Yuugi added, grinning at his dark's flustered look. "You need all the help and energy that you can get. So I'm in."
Yami was not happy, but moved on. He and Bekhura didn't even bother with Mahaado and Mana, knowing they would come along anyway, but Yami was completely confused by Seto's desire to accompany them.
"Kaiba, why do you...?" Yami asked, the rest of his question obvious.
Seto smirked, and just tilted his head slightly. "Because," He said, "A few reasons. One, I don't have time to waste on this endeavor anymore than I already have. Two, like Yuugi said, you need all the help you can get. And third... Well, I always help my family, don't I?"
Yami blinked at him, but slowly began to smile. "Thank you..." He said in all honesty.
Seto nodded curtly, the smirk never fading.
"Let me come too." Mokuba spoke up, coming forward to stand beside his brother. "I want to help."
Seto immediately turned, looking somewhat worried. "No, Mokuba. It's not happening."
"I agree..." Yami said, nodding. "You can't come Mokuba."
Mokuba frowned at him, putting his hands on his hips. "I can and I will. He won't be expecting me around at all, and maybe I can help."
Bekhura laughed again. "He's got a point." He commented, earning stern glares from Seto and Yami. "The boy's old enough to take part, and he may be of help. Besides, even if you two say no I can't see you being able to do anything to stop him. If he really wants to come, let him."
"But we're already a big enough target..." Yami murmured, concerned. "With Mokuba, there will be eight of us." Mafdet yowled from Yami's feet, and he sighed. "Nine."
"Oh, wait a sec." Mokuba said, shaking his head. "You accepted your CAT without a moment's thought, and you wanna' leave ME out?" He asked indignantly.
Yami stared at him, and Bekhura snorted. "Again, he's got a point." The white haired thief said.
Seto frowned at him, and then turned to Mokuba. "Mokuba-"
"Sorry to interrupt!" Mana interjected, glancing around nervously from where she was hovering. "But our shield is going to come down!"
"Then everyone not coming, go back into the statue room." Yami ordered, giving up on convincing anyone else to stay back. "The rest of us, I think that going halfway into the hallway is the best idea. It's dark and he won't be able to see us, unless he has a light and in which case we're no worse of then we were. Maybe then we can slip back into the large room unnoticed."
"It's a plan, Pharaoh." Bekhura nodded his agreement. With that, the small band of adventurers ran towards the hallway.
Mahaado and Mana kept their staffs dark, so once the group got about halfway into the hall it was pitchblack. Taking up positions against the walls, the group waited.
Yami strained his eyes to see something besides black, but knew that it wasn't going to happen. So instead he tried to calm himself down, listening instead of trying to see.
At once there was a loud bang as, what the group guessed was the door, flew open. Loud swearing and a few snarls from monsters were heard, as well as footsteps.
Yami sensed that Nebenkharu was coming towards them, and patiently waited until he began to hear the soft noise of Nebenkharu's cloak sweeping across the floor. He had to be barely a few meters away, and so it was safe to assume had no light either. That would make things easier.
The spirit took Yuugi's hand quietly, beginning to take soft steps in time to Nebenkharu's, hoping that noise would mask the sound coming from the heels of his boots touching the ground. Yuugi silently followed in time as well, knowing what his yami wanted him to do.
Joey, meanwhile, was waiting quietly in place next to Seto and Mokuba. None of the three moved, trusting the two spirits and their others to work everything out. Seto nearly jumped as he felt the fur of some monster brush against his face, hoping the creature had a lot of the hair and wouldn't notice. Thankfully, the monster didn't notice and continued on.
Mana and Mahaado were floating up by the ceiling, pressed up against it, waiting for something to happen.
Yami, having gotten behind the precession of monsters and Nebenkharu, knew that he needed to do something now or the enemies would go out into the Mystical Elf room and then probably into the statue room, and run across the others. So, hoping he knew what he was doing, Yami told Yuugi through their link to go into large room Nebenkharu had come from, and began readying a fireball.
The spell was bright enough that Yami's friends could see what he was doing, but dark enough that since all the monsters and the advisor had their back to him they couldn't. Seto, Joey, Mokuba, and Ryou took the hint and ran after Yuugi, as Bekhura stepped up next to Yami.
Yami cast his spell, and it collided with the back of a Beaver Warrior. Something suddenly lit up, causing everyone to be able to see again. The rat/beaver turned, as did the rest of the monsters and Nebenkharu. Said advisor smirked, though the effect was somewhat ruined by his apparently broken nose.
Both spirits began backing up as the monsters and Nebenkharu started to advance on them.
Bekhura suddenly stopped, and looked at Yami. The younger spirit looked back, confused and somewhat worried that Bekhura had stopped moving. That was, until Bekhura smirked and simply disappeared.
Nebenkharu and the monsters stopped, looking confused. Yami blinked, until he realized what Bekhura had done. He'd returned to spirit form.
The former Pharaoh's mind quickly snapped back to the conversation he and Bekhura had had about their spirit forms in the first airport in China. Blinking again and then smiling, Yami mentally made a note to compliment Bekhura. Unfortunately, Yami knew he didn't have the energy needed to switch back and forth and so couldn't copy his fellow spirit's action, but he trusted Bekhura to make good use of his power.
That, and Mahaado and Mana were still up by the ceiling. Both decided that would be a good time to cast spells of their own.
Mana fired a blast of energy from her staff, colliding with and destroying a Gadget Warrior. Mahaado did the same with Ryu-Ran.
Nebenkharu raised his own staff, pointing it at Yami, until he was hit in the back with something that appeared to be a lightning bolt. Most of it fizzled off the man's shields, but it still distracted him enough to turn around and catch a glimpse of Bekhura before he disappeared once again.
Yami, meanwhile, retreated for the large room that they had found Nebenkharu in. It only took a few moments of sprinting to reach the room and duck around the side of the door.
Bekhura soon appeared in the room as well, next to Yami. As he did, the hoard of monsters and Nebenkharu came through he door, but were caught by surprise as an annoyed looking Seto threw a throwing axe at them.
Bekhura and Yami both blinked at the brunette, wondering where he'd got the weapon, when they noticed that behind him was a before unseen weapon cabinet. Bekhura smirked widely and faded out.
The monsters of Nebenkharu's all scattered different directions, seeking out the group members, and Nebenkharu turned toward Yami.
Yami took a step back, holding out his hands to materialize his daggers. Much to his annoyance and surprise, nothing happened.
"Confused?" Nebenkharu taunted, smiling. "This room has a seal on it for that sort of summoning."
Yami frowned, but a sudden voice caught his attention. "Then catch!" Seto called, tossing a dagger towards Yami. The spirit easily caught it, turning back toward back to face Nebenkharu.
"I suppose you should have gotten rid of that." The spirit commented, smirking devilishly. "Because a seal does you no good if there's a weapon cabinet."
"You won't be able to save yourself with a dagger." Nebenkharu snarled back and raised his staff, causing Yami to duck away as the man shot a spell towards him.
Seto, Joey, and Mokuba, meanwhile, had armed themselves and were fighting of duel monsters. Seto was pretty good with a sword, Joey had some idea of what to do, but Mokuba was just doing more of swinging blindly than worrying about hitting. The sword was too big for him to wield anyway.
Yuugi and Ryou were hiding, trying to keep the monsters from noticing them as they made a plan. Mahaado and Mana had taken up their positions by the ceiling, out of the reach of all but the flying monsters.
Bekhura reappeared behind Nebenkharu, and the Ring flared to life as Bekhura activated it's magic to trap souls. Much to his dismay, Nebenkharu just turned around, unfazed.
"Really." The man said. "You'd think you'd realize that I took that into account."
"It was worth a shot..." Bekhura growled, annoyed.
Yami, Nebenkharu's back being turned to him, simply shot a spell forward. Almost immediately, he fell to his knees weakly as Nebenkharu turned back around, mostly unhurt from the low powered spell. "Aw, are you tired?" Nebenkharu asked, smiling. "That's too bad. You didn't have a chance anyway. Only thing I wonder is why you didn't just stab me."
Yami looked blankly at the dagger he held. He hadn't even considered it, but now that he'd remembered it was there he didn't think he could have brought himself to use it anyway. Stabbing someone in the back, literally, wasn't something he intended on doing.
Bekhura snarled, appearing at Yami's side and taking the dagger from the younger spirit's hand. "I will." He threatened, eyes narrowed.
Nebenkharu grinned at him. "If you get the chance, try it." He replied, pointing his staff at the two.
Yami ducked his head, too exhausted to do anything else, and Bekhura hovered uncertainly at what to do. That was, until both boys were saved by a little bundle of fur.
Mafdet had launched herself, again, onto Nebenkharu's head. Spitting and hissing the entire time, she clung to the man's hair tightly and clawed at his face.
Nebenkharu, momentarily distracted from his spell, reached up and tore the kitten off his head, tossing her away. Yami shot back to his feet, catching the cat and skittering across the polished floor with her held in his arms.
Bekhura looked both angry and shocked, turning his attention back from Yami and Mafdet toward Nebenkharu. "Some Egyptian you are!" He commented venomously.
Mafdet meowed her annoyance loudly, squirming out of Yami's arms and nosing him, much like a dog. Yami opened one eyes and gently shoved the kitten away as he sat up quickly.
Nebenkharu just sneered at Bekhura. "Just because I'm Egyptian doesn't mean I have to worship cats. Embodiment of a goddess? Ha, right. And he's supposed to be a god, too." He commented, motioning towards Yami.
Yami growled at him in response, and Bekhura didn't look happy. Exahsperatedly, the white haired thief sighed. "Just go to hell already."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: ... That's it. Please review! ^_^