Sorry this is so late...
I've started a mailing list for this story, so if you want to be on it, leave a review. Three of my reviewers have received a notice for the last two chapters.
Thanks for the people who've reviewed, you know who you are!
Please, I need to know if Zuzumea or Asophyre is Mary-sue!!! I like this story a lot, and I need to make my characters charismatic!!! So be as nitpicky as you can about the characterization!!! As soon as I finish this, and there are about four more chapters including epilogue left, I will rewrite this into an original story and send it into a publisher!!! So any constructive criticism is appreciated!!! Oh, and does anyone think the fact that there's more dream than reality in this story is, well hindering? Should I try to balance it out?
My warmest welcome to Wolf Demon, the newest member to my reviewer bandwagon!\
And last, but not least, any mentioning of Phire Phoenix in this story is NOT a self-insertion. I don't know how to explain it, but it isn't, ok?
*** *** ***
Scrolls of the Past
By Phire Phoenix
Chapter Thirteen
Love is in the air
*** *** ***
"Bakura's sweating for Z, isn't he?" Joey muttered to Tea at lunch, glancing over to the white haired boy. Tea looked up from her lunch box and scrutinized Bakura. The boy kept shooting Yugi dark looks, seemingly muttering to himself. His bento lay forgotten to one side, and he seemed to be repressing an urge to go over and hit the shorter boy as he balled his fists.
Yugi, on the other hand, was completely unaware of whatever Bakura was feeling. In fact, he appeared completely unaware of his surroundings. He was sitting in the grass with Zuzumea, grinning at her. While Zuzumea looked worried and more quiet than usual, Yugi showed no signs of realizing. At one point in time, Zuzumea stood up rashly and almost knocked Yugi over. After apologizing and excusing herself, she set off at a run and rounded the corner of the school building, out of sight.
"Mm, yeah." Tea nodded. "What about Yugi, though? He seems to like her as well." She frowned and looked at the spot where Zuzumea had disappeared. "Little ditz, winning the affection of every boy around." Then she blushed, and avoided Joey's gaze.
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" The blonde asked teasingly. "Perhaps someone would like Yugi all to herself." He made a show of looking around nonchalantly, as though wondering whom that someone could possibly be.
"Joseph Wheeler, if word of this conversation gets out, you'll wish you never met me." Tea announced menacingly, blushing deeper still and thumped him painfully on the back. She gathered up her things and left in a huff. Joey rubbed the spot she'd hit and glared at her retreating backside. Then he got up and went to join Yugi.
The bell rang five minutes later. In the chatter of reluctant students bustling to get back inside the school building, Yugi spotted Bakura. Joey had been apprehensive and slightly doubtful at Bakura's self control and had been ready to defend his friend if the albino even showed signs of carrying out the actions that had been displayed in the white-haired boy's eyes earlier. (Make sense?)
"Bakura!" Yugi called out. Bakura's head quirked slightly, almost unnoticeably and quickened his footsteps inconspicuously. These little things, though invisible to innocent Yugi, set Joey on the edge. Yugi glanced up at his friend, shrugging. "He must've not heard me."
"Yeah, yeah that's it." Joey muttered, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Bakura was avoiding Yugi. Who knew that a new friend could mean so much trouble? But he wouldn't blame Z, because after all, it's not her fault. Well, not entirely.
Yugi approached Joey hesitantly after school that day, walking up to his desk and glancing at Bakura out of the corner of his eye. Joey thought he knew what was going on, but feigned ignorance.
"What's up, Yug'?" He asked innocently, swinging his book-bag over his shoulder as usual. Neither Tristan nor Tea was anywhere to be seen and Zuzumea had already excused herself. Bakura had left moments before, and the few stragglers who were still in the classroom seemed completely occupied with their affairs.
"Does Bakura seem - I dunno - distant to you?" Yugi asked, a little anxiously. Joey shrugged and did his best to appear indifferent.
"I don't know, you're the only one who ever really got along with him, besides Tea."
"Well, I don't exactly want to talk to Tea if what caused his behaviour is girl-related." Yugi smiled weakly.
"What made you think that?" Joey thought his friend caught on faster than he usually would have, being rather naive and all. "Has he told you anything or that kind of stuff?"
"No!" Yugi frowned. "That's the problem! He refused to talk to me all day. He avoided me at lunch, feigned deafness when I tried to ask him a question, ignored the note I sent him and didn't even look at me before he hurried out of the classroom. He's usually so friendly." Joey coughed, rolling his eyes. Yugi was always going to be the innocent one, wasn't he?
"And why would you think that this is all girl related? He could be having a mood swing, he could be delusional, he could be offended at something you probably didn't even do, or he could simply be having a bad day." Joey was testing the waters, observing his friend carefully. Yugi shook his head slowly.
"Just a hunch." Yugi confirmed. He didn't have any firm evidence, after all, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Zuzumea was somehow involved in this. Why had she left so abruptly at lunch? Where did she go off to? She'd been almost late for afternoon classes.
"Bakura - " Joey had almost been on the verge of telling Yugi what's wrong with Bakura when the boy spoke up.
"I should force him to talk to me tomorrow." Yugi decided firmly, ignoring Joey. "I need to know what's going on." He looked up at his blond friend and smiled. "Unless it stops by tomorrow." Joey scoffed softly, but didn't finish the sentence he'd started. "Bye, Joey!"
/Yami, are you there?/ Yugi asked as he was walking home from school, still pondering. He told Joey he would talk to Bakura, but he was quite undecided, should the truth be told, and he sought advice, even if it is from an ancient Egyptian Spirit.
/Yes, little one. Where else would I be? What's wrong?/ Yugi hesitated. His spirit was awfully protective of him, and if he saw anything Yugi didn't, he might go after Ryou, or something.
/Well, Bakura seemed really weird/ Yugi began uncertainly. /He was avoiding me all day/
/Oh?/ Yami struggled to keep his voice even, although he had been instantly alarmed at the first phrase and inwardly, his emotions were battling one another. Bakura was acting weird. Or rather, Ryou was acting weird. It could be possible that Bakura is behind all of this, and it could be possible that his threat of repeating history is coming true. But the innocent one shall not know of this, not until absolutely necessary. However, perhaps Asophyre should be warned.
/Yeah. He wouldn't talk to me at all, and I'm a bit worried that the spirit inside his Millennium Ring is behind this...And Zuzumea seems to take a part in this/ Yugi added, as an afterthought.
/You are wise beyond your years/ Yami told him. He was happy that his young heir could figure out that much, but he was worried that the information would hurt him. Bakura was capable of doing anything, as he had shown on more than one occasion, only too happily. /But I do no know what is wrong with Bakura. I don't sense evil/ and it was a half-truth. While he was uneasy, Yami didn't feel evil around Bakura, just yet.
Yugi sighed. "Perhaps." He muttered out loud, and pushed open the door to Kame Game Shop.
"On a happier note - " Yugi stopped speaking, doubt in his voice. But Yami could tell it was nothing negative.
/Yes?/ He prompted the Japanese boy, eager to get his mind off Bakura and Zuzumea.
/I think I've got a - /
/Yes?/
/Crush on Zuzumea/ Yami almost laughed. This was one good aspect of history that was certainly repeating.
*** *** ***
"So what was extraordinary in school today?" Asophyre, who had stopped following her Hikari to school ever since she found out Bakura had been intercepting her spells, asked when Zuzumea entered her room. The latter threw a pillow at her Yami grouchily, even though her Yami hadn't really done anything to aggravate her
"Why can't you ask something normal, like how was school?" She said, slightly annoyed. Asophyre smirked.
"Oh, because the standard answer is 'fine' and we all know that all is not fine, do we not?" Zuzumea grumbled.
"Nothing." Zuzumea really didn't feel like telling Asophyre about the vibe of jealousy Bakura had been sending out all day, and in a sense she wasn't lying, as jealousy is more or less normal.
"Really?"
"Really."
While she did not believe that her Hikari was openly lying, Asophyre puzzled over the contradiction of this statement and the strong signal of dissent her instinct was sending her. But before she could question her Hikari further, she had gone down to dinner. Asophyre raised an eyebrow. While nothing interesting may have happened, her Hikari sure wasn't having the best time of her life.
~*Asophyre was standing at the edge of the city, on the border of the desert, staring into oblivion. The last rays of the sun illuminated her face and the town behind her. It seemed empty, even though the houses were bustling with activity. It was almost as if Asophyre existed on a separate plane, dividing her from her city and vice versa. Her eyes held a glazed over look in them, and her eyelashes were unmoving. A cool breeze sifted through her hair, and still she took no notice. It was rather eerie the way she appeared to have been petrified, and only the moving of her chest indicated that she was still alive.
Yami stepped through the street, winding his way towards Asophyre. From his position, he could see nothing of her face, but her position made him hesitate. He wanted to talk to her, ask her whether everything was ok, for after that afternoon she'd left in a daze. However, there was something that held him back, staying his voice that urged to call out to the girl. Then a sound drifted through the night air, startling him.
It was a peculiar sound, more musical than anything. It was like a soloist and a choir at the same time, but there was something instrumental with it, although Yami could not discern voice from instrument, and indeed he doubted that it was either. But right then, he didn't much care for it was the most beautiful sound in the world, lingering on the note for about ten seconds before it died away gradually, pulling Yami's heart with it. Asophyre acted as though nothing had happened, and still did not turn around. Yami wanted to walk forward and question her about it when it returned.
This time, it jumped on several notes, high and low, before settling into a scale. It slid up an entire octave, yet the ascend was barely noticeable, so smooth did the notes change. On the highest note it quivered, sounding mournful. Yami marvelled at the ability for a single note to sound so gloomy and depressing. Other notes, low chords, high arpeggios added themselves as background to the lasting sound, highlighting the mood before all of it went into a well-paced ritardando, and once again disappearing from the world.
Yami looked around frantically, searching for the choir, the person, or the thing making this beautiful sound. No instrument he had ever heard compared to this and no voice came close to succeeding it. He stood rooted to the spot, straining his ears and hoping that it would return a third time. Asophyre still hadn't moved, and a soft wind was starting to gather, ruffling her straight black hair as well as Yami's unruly ones.
Following Yami's wish, the music started up again. This time, rather than being cheerless and heartbreaking, it skipped around, letting the note die almost before it had been born. It could almost be described as a dance. Instead of the music being something to dance /to/, it appeared to be dancing itself! It told of laughter, amusement, fun, and countless other things, causing Yami to wonder whether this was, in fact, the same 'choir' he had heard before. He could imagine fluttering transparent wings twirling in the air, music resonating from them with every move.
It felt as though the music was healing him, caressing his heart and making him forget his worries for a moment and returning him to the carefree and fun-loving young man he would have been, had there not been the weight of Egypt on his shoulders. He didn't even notice he had closed his eyes until the melody started to come to an end and he searched, once more, for the source.
No sooner had he opened his eyes than something red and gold shot past his field of vision. It was headed straight for Asophyre, at an alarming speed. He wanted to call out to her, to warn her, but his voice seemed to have hidden itself in light of the dominating and awe-inspiring sound. Nevertheless, the next moment the blur settled, quite harmlessly on Asophyre's shoulder and he let out a sigh of relief. It was only then that Asophyre acknowledged anything other than herself in the world as she turned her head fractionally to greet the creature sitting majestically on her shoulder.
Yami's jaw dropped as he took the chance to examine it, but next moment he berated himself for not realising sooner. The healing, the singing, and the link connected to Asophyre, it was all so obvious what it was. How could he have not known that it would be a Phoenix?
And yet, the sight still took his breath away. He had only seen Phoenix in drawings, and even the most beautiful depictions paled considerably compared the real thing. The red and gold feathers that bedecked the bird from top to bottom had a flaming quality about them, as though they were indeed on fire. Its tail was long and elegant, and it was twirling around gracefully. There were three long and soft-looking plumes on its head, almost like a headdress. The wings were smartly folded, but the refinement of them did by no means go unnoticed. The bird didn't appear to have noticed Yami.
"How are you, Phire? It's been a while, hasn't it?" Asophyre asked happily. The Phoenix let out a soft hoot, turning its beautiful head to face Asophyre. The latter laughed. "Oh really? Well, I'm sure he'll come to his sense soon enough and come chasing after you." Yami could hear the scolding in the Phoenix's reply, but that only made Asophyre laugh harder. She stretched out her hand to pat Phire on the head; on the three plumes to be exact. They flared up the instant Asophyre's hand connected with them, engulfing the former in flames. Sparks flew everywhere, narrowly missing Asophyre's face. "That old trick?" There was no sign of surprise or anxiety on Asophyre's face, only a wide grin.
However, Asophyre's lack of worry didn't stop Yami from gasping audibly at the first sign of fire. With a swift and fluid movement, the Phoenix alighted into the air, circling Asophyre with concern. The girl herself whipped around so quickly that Yami gasped a second time. Her reflexes were fast, he'd noticed that since the beginning, but the expression of protectiveness on her face made Yami wonder just how much Phire meant to Asophyre.
She relaxed visibly when she recognized who it was. Glancing at the magnificent bird, she coaxed it back onto her shoulder before walking towards Yami, a smile on her face. "What brings you here, pharaoh? Please excuse Phire's reaction, it's been a while since she's been around any human save me" She bowed slightly, taking care not to topple the bird in the movement. Yami winked at her. They had agreed that they would be formal in public, for who knows what spies Bakura might have stationed in the city, and Yami didn't want Asophyre to be put in danger.
"That was wonderful." He whispered, disregarding her question. The Phoenix appeared to have understood him as it cooed gently, twitching its tail again. Asophyre looked at it lovingly.
"Phire says 'thank you, your majesty'" Yami looked at it in wonder, but Asophyre replied before he could even form the question. "Yes, I can understand her, yes, it's a gift, and no, you can't really learn to understand her, but sometimes she can transfer her meaning across when her emotion is strong." Yami chuckled.
"Another question then. Can you read minds?" Asophyre blushed and leaned closer to Yami.
"Considering how we're supposed to be formal, we're not doing too good of a job, are we?" Louder she added, "It's an honour, pharaoh, for you to grace us with this visit. Long live the pharaoh!" Yami rolled his eyes, and pulled her even closer.
"You are quite the drama queen, but tell me, will I learn more about Phoenix, and, well, yourself?" He whispered. Asophyre's eyes twinkled, dancing with mirth.
"That depends on Phire." The Phoenix gave another hoot, an amused one this time, which roughly translates into 'what does he have to offer in return, then?'
"What did she say?" Asophyre only giggled. Yami sighed with faked exasperation. "You are dismissed." He said, louder, not before smiling at Asophyre again. His hand squeezed hers, and he turned on his heel while Asophyre bowed in respect. As soon as he disappeared, Phire broke into a light, cheerful melody while her mistress danced around happily.
"I think he likes me!!! I think he likes me!!! I really, really think so!!!" Those were the words anyone would have heard had they been in the vicinity. But the villagers, ever wary of Asophyre and her Phoenix, had long since gotten used to the summonings, and had taken to avoiding them, so that no one was around.
Phire told her confidently.
"If what?" Asophyre asked, a bit surprised. Phire tended to avoid people, having a bad impression of them after they taunted Asophyre about Phoenix and her ability to summon birds.
Asophyre laughed and agreed. She should have expected something along those lines. After all, Phire would be a teenager if she was a human, and well, it would be amusing to see a Phoenix love triangle.
*** *** ***
Yami tossed and turned in his bed that night, unable to get a certain someone out of his head. He had crushes before, since he was young, on cute girls he met while travelling incognito. But he had ignored the female population ever since his father started to become sick. That was five years ago, and two years ago, his father died. He thought he would be able to fall in love. In fact, that was part of his responsibility as he had to provide an heir. But Asophyre was the only one who came close to winning his affections.
And in her case, it wasn't only winning his affections, but more like stealing his heart.
She seemed completely at ease with him, and not eager to please him all the time, like some of the other girls he had met. She didn't seem to be after power or wealth, and appeared genuinely happy to see him every time he met her. It was like his dream come true.. He was sure he wouldn't get bored with her around, what with her rebellious streak, her mischievous nature and her cute paranoia, and he should very much like to spend more time with her.
Yami shook himself mentally. He was thinking as though he wanted to marry her.
Didn't he, though?
Ok, so it was rushing things a bit, but wasn't she perfect? (In the eye of the beholder, remember...)
And so his thoughts went on for the rest of the night, that by morning, he had barely had a wink of sleep, and was very grouchy; a mood that was easily cured by what Asophyre had in store for him. Something that he participated in actively, despite his fatigue and snappish manner.
For not only had Asophyre invited her friend, Phire, to the courtyard, but several other Phoenix, too, by the name of Leris, Mitsuro and Kazery, two males and a female. In the process of learning, something else had happened, rather unexpectedly. Perhaps it would be best to take a closer look.
"Amazing!" Yami exclaimed for the umpteenth time that day, watching the four birds fly around the courtyard, calling out to each other. Asophyre smiled and explained what they were talking about, or rather, what they were flirting about. She had called the other three and asked whether they would like to assist in showing the pharaoh the flight pattern of mates. When they appeared at the courtyard, Asophyre had paired Leris with Kazery and Mitsuro with Phire before any of them had the chance to protest, and they were stuck like that for the day. Neither Leris nor Mitsuro appeared fazed by this decision, thinking this to be only a demonstration, after all, and Phire, naturally, was ecstatic.
And judging by the music Mitsuro was sending Phire, her plan had worked. Asophyre smiled and proceeded to explain how mates were sought out.
Quite caught up in educating Yami, Asophyre didn't notice that all four of them had flocked together and that the other three were listening to Phire with interest. Kazery was laughing and the males just shrugged good- naturedly. Phire grinned at them the phoenix way before giving the signal to take off. They separated again, each with their own thoughts in their heads.
Kazery was doing a very fast 'dance step' with Leris, coming dangerously close to Asophyre and winking at Phire at the same time. The latter signalled to Mitsuro and they followed suit, albeit on the other side of the human girl. Once in a while, the two pairs pulled away, so not to attract attention. Then with a high-pitched cry that none but the Phoenix heard, Phire dove towards her mistress who was still talking away.
Mitsuro followed, making it appear as though it were just another step in the dance. They had the appearance of being caught up with one another. Leris and Kazery did the same, smiling at each other.
Yami was the first to notice that the Phoenix had stopped paying attention to where they were flying, and was quite shocked to see both pairs heading for the oblivious Asophyre. With a jump, he pushed Asophyre out of the way. A collision was avoided, not that it would've taken place even if Yami hadn't noticed, but momentum carried the two humans forward, causing both of them to land on the courtyard floor rather painfully.
And oh, happy chance, Yami's face happened to be awfully close to Asophyre's when they landed. He was panting softly as he gazed into her black eyes, his heart beating faster than it was supposed to, even with the effort of pushing Asophyre away.
"Thanks" she muttered, staring back into his eyes.
And then, simultaneously, they leaned closer together. Yami closed his eyes and let his lips caress those of Asophyre's. The latter spared a grateful glance towards the hovering Phoenix before raising her arms to embrace Yami.
The kiss was short and sweet, and when they pulled away, both faces were as red as tomatoes. Neither noticed Seto slipping away quietly, an amused smile on his face.
The Phoenix all congratulated each other, and with a short notice called to Asophyre, they left, still in the pairs that they'd been assigned with. By now, even Kazery was happy with the arrangement, that much was obvious form the way she flew closer to Leris.
"I think I love you." Yami whispered, ignoring everything else. So what if it was rushing things? If his heart said he loved her, then he loved her, and the whole world should know.
"Likewise." Asophyre smiled at him. He was the first to get up, and he pulled her to his feet. They returned to the palace, hand in hand, foolish grins plastered on both their faces.
*** *** ***
Under a disguise of a beggar boy, Bakura entered the busy market. This time, he wasn't out to steal or plunder, but rather just to check out the condition of the city and think of ways it could be besieged. Or at least, this is what he told his gang. In fact, he was just enjoying a carefree scroll in the city without being chased or taunted, and he hoped to catch a glimpse of Asophyre.
He didn't see her, but he did see the next best thing.
Asophyre's younger sister, Sorella, happened to be at one of the stands, scrutinizing a piece of jewellery carefully and trying to bargain with the vendor. He watched her until she'd decided to buy it, and then, as soon as she turned away from the stand, he grabbed her and pulled her into an alley. Covering her mouth so she wouldn't scream, Bakura whispered words of comfort, for he didn't wish to harm Asophyre's family.
With that, he took part of his disguise off, enough for Sorella to recognize him.
"Ryou!" She exclaimed, but was shushed almost instantly.
"Shh!!! Do you want me to get caught???" Bakura cast an anxious look around. He was sure Sorella knew about him and the Dangers of the Desert, but he had to trust her. Sorella smiled at him warmly. Bakura felt bad about using Sorella to get information about Asophyre, but what else could he do? "It's been a while. I'd like to catch up on what's been happening. Do you have a moment? Oh, and please don't tell Asophyre about this."
And Sorella, who had always had a crush on him and who wouldn't dream of selling him out, agreed not to. She did keep in mind all that Asophyre had told her about the Dangers of the Desert, but decided to give Bakura the benefit of the doubt. And anyways, if Bakura wanted to hurt her, he could've easily done so already. Bakura sighed at the look of acceptance on her face. She was as he had remembered her, innocent and kind. Before he'd run away, he always regarded her as his little sister. He put his disguise back on and together, the two of the went into an inn to reminisce about the past two years.
*** *** *** Pruningshears: Thanks for pointing it out, and I would need to do a lot more research to make this story more plausible, although I do believe that the Egyptians only carved about their victories to appear invincible to posterity...arrogant fools *wink*
I don't know too much about Phoenix, so if any of you are experts, tell me? Pretty please? Yes, most things described here are highly improbable, not to mention there are quite a few plot holes, but don't worry, they will be resolved as soon as possible, as I have reasoning for most of them.
And another thing, when they landed, they were NOT on top of each other. Yami's hands were on Asophyre's shoulder, but his body was on the floor. So it's kind of a sprawled position. In short, they were lying BESIDE each other. Get your mind out of the gutter, I don't write stuff like that!
I've started a mailing list for this story, so if you want to be on it, leave a review. Three of my reviewers have received a notice for the last two chapters.
Thanks for the people who've reviewed, you know who you are!
Please, I need to know if Zuzumea or Asophyre is Mary-sue!!! I like this story a lot, and I need to make my characters charismatic!!! So be as nitpicky as you can about the characterization!!! As soon as I finish this, and there are about four more chapters including epilogue left, I will rewrite this into an original story and send it into a publisher!!! So any constructive criticism is appreciated!!! Oh, and does anyone think the fact that there's more dream than reality in this story is, well hindering? Should I try to balance it out?
My warmest welcome to Wolf Demon, the newest member to my reviewer bandwagon!\
And last, but not least, any mentioning of Phire Phoenix in this story is NOT a self-insertion. I don't know how to explain it, but it isn't, ok?
*** *** ***
Scrolls of the Past
By Phire Phoenix
Chapter Thirteen
Love is in the air
*** *** ***
"Bakura's sweating for Z, isn't he?" Joey muttered to Tea at lunch, glancing over to the white haired boy. Tea looked up from her lunch box and scrutinized Bakura. The boy kept shooting Yugi dark looks, seemingly muttering to himself. His bento lay forgotten to one side, and he seemed to be repressing an urge to go over and hit the shorter boy as he balled his fists.
Yugi, on the other hand, was completely unaware of whatever Bakura was feeling. In fact, he appeared completely unaware of his surroundings. He was sitting in the grass with Zuzumea, grinning at her. While Zuzumea looked worried and more quiet than usual, Yugi showed no signs of realizing. At one point in time, Zuzumea stood up rashly and almost knocked Yugi over. After apologizing and excusing herself, she set off at a run and rounded the corner of the school building, out of sight.
"Mm, yeah." Tea nodded. "What about Yugi, though? He seems to like her as well." She frowned and looked at the spot where Zuzumea had disappeared. "Little ditz, winning the affection of every boy around." Then she blushed, and avoided Joey's gaze.
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" The blonde asked teasingly. "Perhaps someone would like Yugi all to herself." He made a show of looking around nonchalantly, as though wondering whom that someone could possibly be.
"Joseph Wheeler, if word of this conversation gets out, you'll wish you never met me." Tea announced menacingly, blushing deeper still and thumped him painfully on the back. She gathered up her things and left in a huff. Joey rubbed the spot she'd hit and glared at her retreating backside. Then he got up and went to join Yugi.
The bell rang five minutes later. In the chatter of reluctant students bustling to get back inside the school building, Yugi spotted Bakura. Joey had been apprehensive and slightly doubtful at Bakura's self control and had been ready to defend his friend if the albino even showed signs of carrying out the actions that had been displayed in the white-haired boy's eyes earlier. (Make sense?)
"Bakura!" Yugi called out. Bakura's head quirked slightly, almost unnoticeably and quickened his footsteps inconspicuously. These little things, though invisible to innocent Yugi, set Joey on the edge. Yugi glanced up at his friend, shrugging. "He must've not heard me."
"Yeah, yeah that's it." Joey muttered, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Bakura was avoiding Yugi. Who knew that a new friend could mean so much trouble? But he wouldn't blame Z, because after all, it's not her fault. Well, not entirely.
Yugi approached Joey hesitantly after school that day, walking up to his desk and glancing at Bakura out of the corner of his eye. Joey thought he knew what was going on, but feigned ignorance.
"What's up, Yug'?" He asked innocently, swinging his book-bag over his shoulder as usual. Neither Tristan nor Tea was anywhere to be seen and Zuzumea had already excused herself. Bakura had left moments before, and the few stragglers who were still in the classroom seemed completely occupied with their affairs.
"Does Bakura seem - I dunno - distant to you?" Yugi asked, a little anxiously. Joey shrugged and did his best to appear indifferent.
"I don't know, you're the only one who ever really got along with him, besides Tea."
"Well, I don't exactly want to talk to Tea if what caused his behaviour is girl-related." Yugi smiled weakly.
"What made you think that?" Joey thought his friend caught on faster than he usually would have, being rather naive and all. "Has he told you anything or that kind of stuff?"
"No!" Yugi frowned. "That's the problem! He refused to talk to me all day. He avoided me at lunch, feigned deafness when I tried to ask him a question, ignored the note I sent him and didn't even look at me before he hurried out of the classroom. He's usually so friendly." Joey coughed, rolling his eyes. Yugi was always going to be the innocent one, wasn't he?
"And why would you think that this is all girl related? He could be having a mood swing, he could be delusional, he could be offended at something you probably didn't even do, or he could simply be having a bad day." Joey was testing the waters, observing his friend carefully. Yugi shook his head slowly.
"Just a hunch." Yugi confirmed. He didn't have any firm evidence, after all, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Zuzumea was somehow involved in this. Why had she left so abruptly at lunch? Where did she go off to? She'd been almost late for afternoon classes.
"Bakura - " Joey had almost been on the verge of telling Yugi what's wrong with Bakura when the boy spoke up.
"I should force him to talk to me tomorrow." Yugi decided firmly, ignoring Joey. "I need to know what's going on." He looked up at his blond friend and smiled. "Unless it stops by tomorrow." Joey scoffed softly, but didn't finish the sentence he'd started. "Bye, Joey!"
/Yami, are you there?/ Yugi asked as he was walking home from school, still pondering. He told Joey he would talk to Bakura, but he was quite undecided, should the truth be told, and he sought advice, even if it is from an ancient Egyptian Spirit.
/Yes, little one. Where else would I be? What's wrong?/ Yugi hesitated. His spirit was awfully protective of him, and if he saw anything Yugi didn't, he might go after Ryou, or something.
/Well, Bakura seemed really weird/ Yugi began uncertainly. /He was avoiding me all day/
/Oh?/ Yami struggled to keep his voice even, although he had been instantly alarmed at the first phrase and inwardly, his emotions were battling one another. Bakura was acting weird. Or rather, Ryou was acting weird. It could be possible that Bakura is behind all of this, and it could be possible that his threat of repeating history is coming true. But the innocent one shall not know of this, not until absolutely necessary. However, perhaps Asophyre should be warned.
/Yeah. He wouldn't talk to me at all, and I'm a bit worried that the spirit inside his Millennium Ring is behind this...And Zuzumea seems to take a part in this/ Yugi added, as an afterthought.
/You are wise beyond your years/ Yami told him. He was happy that his young heir could figure out that much, but he was worried that the information would hurt him. Bakura was capable of doing anything, as he had shown on more than one occasion, only too happily. /But I do no know what is wrong with Bakura. I don't sense evil/ and it was a half-truth. While he was uneasy, Yami didn't feel evil around Bakura, just yet.
Yugi sighed. "Perhaps." He muttered out loud, and pushed open the door to Kame Game Shop.
"On a happier note - " Yugi stopped speaking, doubt in his voice. But Yami could tell it was nothing negative.
/Yes?/ He prompted the Japanese boy, eager to get his mind off Bakura and Zuzumea.
/I think I've got a - /
/Yes?/
/Crush on Zuzumea/ Yami almost laughed. This was one good aspect of history that was certainly repeating.
*** *** ***
"So what was extraordinary in school today?" Asophyre, who had stopped following her Hikari to school ever since she found out Bakura had been intercepting her spells, asked when Zuzumea entered her room. The latter threw a pillow at her Yami grouchily, even though her Yami hadn't really done anything to aggravate her
"Why can't you ask something normal, like how was school?" She said, slightly annoyed. Asophyre smirked.
"Oh, because the standard answer is 'fine' and we all know that all is not fine, do we not?" Zuzumea grumbled.
"Nothing." Zuzumea really didn't feel like telling Asophyre about the vibe of jealousy Bakura had been sending out all day, and in a sense she wasn't lying, as jealousy is more or less normal.
"Really?"
"Really."
While she did not believe that her Hikari was openly lying, Asophyre puzzled over the contradiction of this statement and the strong signal of dissent her instinct was sending her. But before she could question her Hikari further, she had gone down to dinner. Asophyre raised an eyebrow. While nothing interesting may have happened, her Hikari sure wasn't having the best time of her life.
~*Asophyre was standing at the edge of the city, on the border of the desert, staring into oblivion. The last rays of the sun illuminated her face and the town behind her. It seemed empty, even though the houses were bustling with activity. It was almost as if Asophyre existed on a separate plane, dividing her from her city and vice versa. Her eyes held a glazed over look in them, and her eyelashes were unmoving. A cool breeze sifted through her hair, and still she took no notice. It was rather eerie the way she appeared to have been petrified, and only the moving of her chest indicated that she was still alive.
Yami stepped through the street, winding his way towards Asophyre. From his position, he could see nothing of her face, but her position made him hesitate. He wanted to talk to her, ask her whether everything was ok, for after that afternoon she'd left in a daze. However, there was something that held him back, staying his voice that urged to call out to the girl. Then a sound drifted through the night air, startling him.
It was a peculiar sound, more musical than anything. It was like a soloist and a choir at the same time, but there was something instrumental with it, although Yami could not discern voice from instrument, and indeed he doubted that it was either. But right then, he didn't much care for it was the most beautiful sound in the world, lingering on the note for about ten seconds before it died away gradually, pulling Yami's heart with it. Asophyre acted as though nothing had happened, and still did not turn around. Yami wanted to walk forward and question her about it when it returned.
This time, it jumped on several notes, high and low, before settling into a scale. It slid up an entire octave, yet the ascend was barely noticeable, so smooth did the notes change. On the highest note it quivered, sounding mournful. Yami marvelled at the ability for a single note to sound so gloomy and depressing. Other notes, low chords, high arpeggios added themselves as background to the lasting sound, highlighting the mood before all of it went into a well-paced ritardando, and once again disappearing from the world.
Yami looked around frantically, searching for the choir, the person, or the thing making this beautiful sound. No instrument he had ever heard compared to this and no voice came close to succeeding it. He stood rooted to the spot, straining his ears and hoping that it would return a third time. Asophyre still hadn't moved, and a soft wind was starting to gather, ruffling her straight black hair as well as Yami's unruly ones.
Following Yami's wish, the music started up again. This time, rather than being cheerless and heartbreaking, it skipped around, letting the note die almost before it had been born. It could almost be described as a dance. Instead of the music being something to dance /to/, it appeared to be dancing itself! It told of laughter, amusement, fun, and countless other things, causing Yami to wonder whether this was, in fact, the same 'choir' he had heard before. He could imagine fluttering transparent wings twirling in the air, music resonating from them with every move.
It felt as though the music was healing him, caressing his heart and making him forget his worries for a moment and returning him to the carefree and fun-loving young man he would have been, had there not been the weight of Egypt on his shoulders. He didn't even notice he had closed his eyes until the melody started to come to an end and he searched, once more, for the source.
No sooner had he opened his eyes than something red and gold shot past his field of vision. It was headed straight for Asophyre, at an alarming speed. He wanted to call out to her, to warn her, but his voice seemed to have hidden itself in light of the dominating and awe-inspiring sound. Nevertheless, the next moment the blur settled, quite harmlessly on Asophyre's shoulder and he let out a sigh of relief. It was only then that Asophyre acknowledged anything other than herself in the world as she turned her head fractionally to greet the creature sitting majestically on her shoulder.
Yami's jaw dropped as he took the chance to examine it, but next moment he berated himself for not realising sooner. The healing, the singing, and the link connected to Asophyre, it was all so obvious what it was. How could he have not known that it would be a Phoenix?
And yet, the sight still took his breath away. He had only seen Phoenix in drawings, and even the most beautiful depictions paled considerably compared the real thing. The red and gold feathers that bedecked the bird from top to bottom had a flaming quality about them, as though they were indeed on fire. Its tail was long and elegant, and it was twirling around gracefully. There were three long and soft-looking plumes on its head, almost like a headdress. The wings were smartly folded, but the refinement of them did by no means go unnoticed. The bird didn't appear to have noticed Yami.
"How are you, Phire? It's been a while, hasn't it?" Asophyre asked happily. The Phoenix let out a soft hoot, turning its beautiful head to face Asophyre. The latter laughed. "Oh really? Well, I'm sure he'll come to his sense soon enough and come chasing after you." Yami could hear the scolding in the Phoenix's reply, but that only made Asophyre laugh harder. She stretched out her hand to pat Phire on the head; on the three plumes to be exact. They flared up the instant Asophyre's hand connected with them, engulfing the former in flames. Sparks flew everywhere, narrowly missing Asophyre's face. "That old trick?" There was no sign of surprise or anxiety on Asophyre's face, only a wide grin.
However, Asophyre's lack of worry didn't stop Yami from gasping audibly at the first sign of fire. With a swift and fluid movement, the Phoenix alighted into the air, circling Asophyre with concern. The girl herself whipped around so quickly that Yami gasped a second time. Her reflexes were fast, he'd noticed that since the beginning, but the expression of protectiveness on her face made Yami wonder just how much Phire meant to Asophyre.
She relaxed visibly when she recognized who it was. Glancing at the magnificent bird, she coaxed it back onto her shoulder before walking towards Yami, a smile on her face. "What brings you here, pharaoh? Please excuse Phire's reaction, it's been a while since she's been around any human save me" She bowed slightly, taking care not to topple the bird in the movement. Yami winked at her. They had agreed that they would be formal in public, for who knows what spies Bakura might have stationed in the city, and Yami didn't want Asophyre to be put in danger.
"That was wonderful." He whispered, disregarding her question. The Phoenix appeared to have understood him as it cooed gently, twitching its tail again. Asophyre looked at it lovingly.
"Phire says 'thank you, your majesty'" Yami looked at it in wonder, but Asophyre replied before he could even form the question. "Yes, I can understand her, yes, it's a gift, and no, you can't really learn to understand her, but sometimes she can transfer her meaning across when her emotion is strong." Yami chuckled.
"Another question then. Can you read minds?" Asophyre blushed and leaned closer to Yami.
"Considering how we're supposed to be formal, we're not doing too good of a job, are we?" Louder she added, "It's an honour, pharaoh, for you to grace us with this visit. Long live the pharaoh!" Yami rolled his eyes, and pulled her even closer.
"You are quite the drama queen, but tell me, will I learn more about Phoenix, and, well, yourself?" He whispered. Asophyre's eyes twinkled, dancing with mirth.
"That depends on Phire." The Phoenix gave another hoot, an amused one this time, which roughly translates into 'what does he have to offer in return, then?'
"What did she say?" Asophyre only giggled. Yami sighed with faked exasperation. "You are dismissed." He said, louder, not before smiling at Asophyre again. His hand squeezed hers, and he turned on his heel while Asophyre bowed in respect. As soon as he disappeared, Phire broke into a light, cheerful melody while her mistress danced around happily.
"I think he likes me!!! I think he likes me!!! I really, really think so!!!" Those were the words anyone would have heard had they been in the vicinity. But the villagers, ever wary of Asophyre and her Phoenix, had long since gotten used to the summonings, and had taken to avoiding them, so that no one was around.
Phire told her confidently.
"If what?" Asophyre asked, a bit surprised. Phire tended to avoid people, having a bad impression of them after they taunted Asophyre about Phoenix and her ability to summon birds.
Asophyre laughed and agreed. She should have expected something along those lines. After all, Phire would be a teenager if she was a human, and well, it would be amusing to see a Phoenix love triangle.
*** *** ***
Yami tossed and turned in his bed that night, unable to get a certain someone out of his head. He had crushes before, since he was young, on cute girls he met while travelling incognito. But he had ignored the female population ever since his father started to become sick. That was five years ago, and two years ago, his father died. He thought he would be able to fall in love. In fact, that was part of his responsibility as he had to provide an heir. But Asophyre was the only one who came close to winning his affections.
And in her case, it wasn't only winning his affections, but more like stealing his heart.
She seemed completely at ease with him, and not eager to please him all the time, like some of the other girls he had met. She didn't seem to be after power or wealth, and appeared genuinely happy to see him every time he met her. It was like his dream come true.. He was sure he wouldn't get bored with her around, what with her rebellious streak, her mischievous nature and her cute paranoia, and he should very much like to spend more time with her.
Yami shook himself mentally. He was thinking as though he wanted to marry her.
Didn't he, though?
Ok, so it was rushing things a bit, but wasn't she perfect? (In the eye of the beholder, remember...)
And so his thoughts went on for the rest of the night, that by morning, he had barely had a wink of sleep, and was very grouchy; a mood that was easily cured by what Asophyre had in store for him. Something that he participated in actively, despite his fatigue and snappish manner.
For not only had Asophyre invited her friend, Phire, to the courtyard, but several other Phoenix, too, by the name of Leris, Mitsuro and Kazery, two males and a female. In the process of learning, something else had happened, rather unexpectedly. Perhaps it would be best to take a closer look.
"Amazing!" Yami exclaimed for the umpteenth time that day, watching the four birds fly around the courtyard, calling out to each other. Asophyre smiled and explained what they were talking about, or rather, what they were flirting about. She had called the other three and asked whether they would like to assist in showing the pharaoh the flight pattern of mates. When they appeared at the courtyard, Asophyre had paired Leris with Kazery and Mitsuro with Phire before any of them had the chance to protest, and they were stuck like that for the day. Neither Leris nor Mitsuro appeared fazed by this decision, thinking this to be only a demonstration, after all, and Phire, naturally, was ecstatic.
And judging by the music Mitsuro was sending Phire, her plan had worked. Asophyre smiled and proceeded to explain how mates were sought out.
Quite caught up in educating Yami, Asophyre didn't notice that all four of them had flocked together and that the other three were listening to Phire with interest. Kazery was laughing and the males just shrugged good- naturedly. Phire grinned at them the phoenix way before giving the signal to take off. They separated again, each with their own thoughts in their heads.
Kazery was doing a very fast 'dance step' with Leris, coming dangerously close to Asophyre and winking at Phire at the same time. The latter signalled to Mitsuro and they followed suit, albeit on the other side of the human girl. Once in a while, the two pairs pulled away, so not to attract attention. Then with a high-pitched cry that none but the Phoenix heard, Phire dove towards her mistress who was still talking away.
Mitsuro followed, making it appear as though it were just another step in the dance. They had the appearance of being caught up with one another. Leris and Kazery did the same, smiling at each other.
Yami was the first to notice that the Phoenix had stopped paying attention to where they were flying, and was quite shocked to see both pairs heading for the oblivious Asophyre. With a jump, he pushed Asophyre out of the way. A collision was avoided, not that it would've taken place even if Yami hadn't noticed, but momentum carried the two humans forward, causing both of them to land on the courtyard floor rather painfully.
And oh, happy chance, Yami's face happened to be awfully close to Asophyre's when they landed. He was panting softly as he gazed into her black eyes, his heart beating faster than it was supposed to, even with the effort of pushing Asophyre away.
"Thanks" she muttered, staring back into his eyes.
And then, simultaneously, they leaned closer together. Yami closed his eyes and let his lips caress those of Asophyre's. The latter spared a grateful glance towards the hovering Phoenix before raising her arms to embrace Yami.
The kiss was short and sweet, and when they pulled away, both faces were as red as tomatoes. Neither noticed Seto slipping away quietly, an amused smile on his face.
The Phoenix all congratulated each other, and with a short notice called to Asophyre, they left, still in the pairs that they'd been assigned with. By now, even Kazery was happy with the arrangement, that much was obvious form the way she flew closer to Leris.
"I think I love you." Yami whispered, ignoring everything else. So what if it was rushing things? If his heart said he loved her, then he loved her, and the whole world should know.
"Likewise." Asophyre smiled at him. He was the first to get up, and he pulled her to his feet. They returned to the palace, hand in hand, foolish grins plastered on both their faces.
*** *** ***
Under a disguise of a beggar boy, Bakura entered the busy market. This time, he wasn't out to steal or plunder, but rather just to check out the condition of the city and think of ways it could be besieged. Or at least, this is what he told his gang. In fact, he was just enjoying a carefree scroll in the city without being chased or taunted, and he hoped to catch a glimpse of Asophyre.
He didn't see her, but he did see the next best thing.
Asophyre's younger sister, Sorella, happened to be at one of the stands, scrutinizing a piece of jewellery carefully and trying to bargain with the vendor. He watched her until she'd decided to buy it, and then, as soon as she turned away from the stand, he grabbed her and pulled her into an alley. Covering her mouth so she wouldn't scream, Bakura whispered words of comfort, for he didn't wish to harm Asophyre's family.
With that, he took part of his disguise off, enough for Sorella to recognize him.
"Ryou!" She exclaimed, but was shushed almost instantly.
"Shh!!! Do you want me to get caught???" Bakura cast an anxious look around. He was sure Sorella knew about him and the Dangers of the Desert, but he had to trust her. Sorella smiled at him warmly. Bakura felt bad about using Sorella to get information about Asophyre, but what else could he do? "It's been a while. I'd like to catch up on what's been happening. Do you have a moment? Oh, and please don't tell Asophyre about this."
And Sorella, who had always had a crush on him and who wouldn't dream of selling him out, agreed not to. She did keep in mind all that Asophyre had told her about the Dangers of the Desert, but decided to give Bakura the benefit of the doubt. And anyways, if Bakura wanted to hurt her, he could've easily done so already. Bakura sighed at the look of acceptance on her face. She was as he had remembered her, innocent and kind. Before he'd run away, he always regarded her as his little sister. He put his disguise back on and together, the two of the went into an inn to reminisce about the past two years.
*** *** *** Pruningshears: Thanks for pointing it out, and I would need to do a lot more research to make this story more plausible, although I do believe that the Egyptians only carved about their victories to appear invincible to posterity...arrogant fools *wink*
I don't know too much about Phoenix, so if any of you are experts, tell me? Pretty please? Yes, most things described here are highly improbable, not to mention there are quite a few plot holes, but don't worry, they will be resolved as soon as possible, as I have reasoning for most of them.
And another thing, when they landed, they were NOT on top of each other. Yami's hands were on Asophyre's shoulder, but his body was on the floor. So it's kind of a sprawled position. In short, they were lying BESIDE each other. Get your mind out of the gutter, I don't write stuff like that!