To the anonymous reviewer ******, I'm glad you noticed the Kenshin reference; interesting card ideas, you're right, they really should make those! Yes, this story is nearing a close, there's only a few more chapters to go. However, seeing as how this one went over so well, I'm going to make something similar to a sequel, if enough readers want me to.
Chapter 34: Labyrinth"Everyone keep a sharp eye out for underwater rocks," warned Yugi as he carefully steered the boat. Thanks to Yami's lessons, he had been getting better. However, Yugi knew that he would need all of his skills to get them through the treacherous maze of rocks safely.
"Hey look!" said Mokuba. "It's one of Nephilia's doves!"
"Maybe it can guide us through these rocks!" exclaimed Joey.
"I think you're right, Joey," said Yugi.
The dove circled once above the boat, and started taking a low, zigzagging path over the water. Yugi followed it, but kept on the lookout for dangerous rocks that might have escaped the dove's attention. After about ten minutes, the rocks were fewer and farther apart than before. However, the current was strong, and if Yugi wasn't careful, it could still run the ship right onto one of the rocks.
"Whew!" breathed Joey as the last of the rocks disappeared. "We made it!"
"I don't think so, Joey!" said Tristan, pointing straight ahead. "Look up there!"
"Aw man!" complained Joey. "We've gotta go through that?!"
Two huge rocks that were more like cliffs rose imperiously out of the water. There was an impenetrable wall of sharp rocks spreading out on either side of each cliff. In the middle of the two giant boulders, there was a narrow passage, just wide enough for a boat to pass through.
The current's running stronger here, thought Yugi. If I lose control, the boat will be dashed to bits on those rocks. I've got to focus. He cleared his head of pessimistic thoughts and maneuvered the boat into position. Although he was headed straight towards the opening, the current kept trying to turn the boat off to the side and into the rock walls.
Keep it steady, Yugi, said Yami to his young friend. You can do this.
Yugi gritted his teeth as he fought to keep the boat on a straight course. Suddenly, the wheel slipped ever so slightly, and the boat careened towards the rock wall. At the last second, Yami took over and caught the wheel just before it hit the side of the left cliff.
Thanks Yami, said Yugi. I owe you one.
But although Yami was stronger than Yugi, even he found it difficult to keep the boat from hitting the sides of the narrow passage. As the boat neared the end, the current became even stronger. Joey and Tristan, seeing their friend struggling with the obstinate wheel, came over to help.
We need everyone to keep the wheel steady! said Yugi to Yami.
Yes, agreed Yami. He called them over and told them what to do.
Tea, Serenity, and Mokuba held the right side of the wheel, while Joey and Tristan held the other side in place. Yami kept it centered as they neared the critical part of the passage. Everyone held their breath, hoping that the boat was close enough to the middle of the passage to slide through the narrow exit.
All hail the power of reviewers!!!!!!!!