Jaid: Well, here it is! The last chapter. I can't tell how relieved I am; whew!
****
Ryou's body lay on the bed in Shadi's room still and pale. Rei had sat next to him; she hadn't moved since they had come home the night before. Katya stood in the doorway, watching her.
In the main room, all of the others were asleep, save for Yugi, who was with Mokuba and Rebecca in the courtyard and Isis, who was in the kitchen. Shadi had not yet returned and Katya could tell that both Yugi and Isis were worried, even though neither had said anything.
The curly haired girl sighed and moved away, picking her way through the sleeping bodies to the front door. Yugi was sitting on a stool while Rebecca and Mokuba chased each other around the courtyard. She sighed and sat on the ground next to Yugi.
"No offense, but I never want to go on a vacation with you again." She stated. Yugi smiled a little wryly.
"Don't worry; after this, I don't think I want to take another vacation." He commented. Katya chuckled a bit, and then drew her knees up to her chest.
The gate of the courtyard began to open and the two teens sat up in alert. Shadi walked in, looking exhausted. Yugi stood.
"Are you all right?" he asked worriedly. Shadi blinked, then nodded.
"I will be fine." The guardian said slowly. "But I need to rest..." he stumbled towards the house and went inside.
Katya and Yugi exchanged looks.
"Is he going to be okay?" Katya asked.
"I don't know..." Yugi answered quietly.
***
Rei sat stiffly, her shoulders tight. She kept staring at Ryou, willing him to breathe more deeply, to murmur, hell even just twitch a little. But there was nothing. Rei felt fear creeping up on her slowly and surely. She looked down at her clenched hands as a tear fell from her eyes. She closed them and bent over, sobbing.
A soft sigh from nearby caused her to look up. Ryou's eyes were open and he was blinking.
"Huh...?" he said wearily. Rei blinked, then began to smile.
"Hey." She answered softly. "How do you feel?"
"Not so good..." Ryou looked around. "Are...are we home?"
Rei smiled and grabbed his hand. "Yeah." She said, tears welling up again. "Yeah, we're home."
***
The teens stood in the waiting room of the airport. All were wan and tired. Mr. Hawkins was still confused about how time had flew by so quickly; apparently he had no memory of the teens being gone. They had all exchanged looks laden with silent promises to not say a thing.
Now, they stood with Isis and Shadi. Yugi sighed and then smiled.
"I guess this is good-bye then." He said quietly.
"Only for now." Isis smiled gently at him. "We will meet again, little Yugi."
"I hope so." The short boy stated sincerely. He hugged Isis tightly and then stepped back. Other good-byes were said as the speaker announced the flight leaving. They filed out with some backward looks and waves.
Isis sighed and leaned against Shadi. "I'm really going to miss them."
"Me too." Shadi agreed.
/I won't! Peace and quiet for a change!/ Scales stated firmly.
\Ah, come on, Scales, I thought you liked having Yugi around to make fun of.\
/I did NOT enjoy their company; stop saying otherwise!/
\Say what you like, but I won't believe you!/ Ankh sang happily.
/GAHHH!!/ Scales shouted in frustration and stormed to his soul room. Ankh giggled.
\I'll apologize later.\ He told Shadi.
//You don't really have too. Scales deserves a little frustration now and then.// Shadi assured him.
"Hey." Isis' voice broke through his thoughts. Shadi blinked and looked down at her.
"Yes?"
"You're not paying much attention to me." She said, a little teasingly.
"Too many voices in my head." Shadi explained. Isis shook her head as Shadi chuckled. Isis leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Let's go home." She said softly.
***
Fail.
The word echoed through his mind like a death knell.
Fail.
He shut his eyes tightly. 'It was not a failure! Simply a setback!' he shouted mentally.
"A setback?" a deep voice asked. Qenamun jerked and then turned and dropped to his knees.
"I will admit that the Guardian's actions startled me, but he did not find anything and my spell should be working soon." The priest promised. The air was still, as his Master seemed to consider something.
"Very well, Qenamun. We will withdraw for the moment. But do not fail me again."
"Yes my lord." Qenamun bowed his head in obedience. 'That guardian will pay!' he thought fiercely.
***
Shadi suddenly sneezed. Isis glanced at him. "Are you all right?" she asked. The man nodded, rubbing his nose a little. That had been odd...
***
"Hey."
Ryou opened his eyes and looked at Rei. She smiled at him, although there was some worry in it. "You okay?"
Ryou smiled assuringly at her. "Just very tired." He said. "I'll be glad to get home and sleep in my own bed."
Rei chuckled. "And not eat rock hard bread anymore?"
"That too." Ryou agreed, his smile becoming a bit wider. Slowly, his hand covered hers and to his delight, Rei didn't pull away. Ryou leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.
Everything seemed to be all right now, but little did they know that the story was really just beginning...
END
Jaid: Okay, I didn't let you guys off the hook. Sorry! But the new story should be up in a couple of weeks. More info in the notes in the next chapter.
Chaos Babe – Eep! I updated!
Pisces14071 – Yeah, sometimes. But I have plans for him later. *grins* Aren't you intrigued now? Lol
Indigo – O.o He's all right now! Well, at least physically. *ahem*
Dr. Vorlon – Okay, I deserved that. Hopefully the next one won't take so long. Thanks for sticking through with it!
Aura Black Chan – Okay, I will. I do like doing it. Why, I have no clue; must be that strange sadistic twist deep inside me. O.o
