THE DESCENT OF LOST SOULS
Chapter Seventeen / Last Chapter: To the Victor Goes the Spoils
To the Reader
This chapter contains alcohol consumption, death, the supernatural and occult.
Three weeks after the end of the Quest
Location: English countryside
Purpose: Rest
General Point-of-View
"I'm fine, really..."
After clearing his throat at the other end of the telephone line, Yugi's other self told Emrys, "Would you like me to come over there and spend at least a week with you? You need me there. I know a groan when I hear one."
"And what makes you the expert?" she asked with pursed lips and a smirk - the first time that she managed to muster a genuine one since she came home to England.
"Jii-chan does it all the time," said the other Yugi.
Shortly thereafter, she could hear Sugoroku's muffled voice of protest from the background.
After a chuckle due to his grandfather's antics, he cleared his throat and continued, "I'm serious, Emrys. I can hop on the next plane, since it's the weekend. Bakura and his Dad are in Europe, and he'll be missing school for another week. The rest of the gang would love to see you, as well as Mokuba and Kaiba."
"I really appreciate the thought, but it wouldn't be fair to Yugi if you're going to pull him out from school just to baby-sit me. He and Jonouchi almost missed the first day of school the last time that they were here."
"You're still as stubborn as ever," he muttered in resigned protest.
With a voice that aimed to appease the other, she proposed, "As soon as I'm well enough to travel and move about, I'll fly over there and spend a long-deserved vacation with everyone. I just want to concentrate on getting well. May and everyone else are here to make sure of that."
The spirit's rich voice reflected his silent agreement. In a happier voice, he then told her, "I'll be ready for you. Just tell me when..."
She heartily laughed, as she teased, "Is that a threat, or an invitation?"
Audibly smirking, he responded, "A little of both." His voice then trailed off, as he sighed and remarked, "I just wanted to make sure that you're okay."
Feeling such warmth emanate from within her heart, she grinned and told him, "We'll be together very soon, my love. I found what I was looking for, and you'll be receiving them in a package from Pegasus."
There was a long pause for silence on the other line, before he spoke and said, "Is he trustworthy?"
"He is," she replied without hesitation. "If it weren't for him and the Ishtars, then we wouldn't be having this lovely chat right now. If they weren't there to save my behind, you'd be mourning for me as we speak."
Brushing off any eerie thoughts involving his significant other's death, he sighed. "Everyone's happy that you're back safe and sound."
She remained silent - taken aback and saddened from hearing the word "safe and sound" from him. She knew that she was safe, but definitely not sound.
Moments later, his voice warmed up once more as he added, "I miss you..."
As Emrys heard Suguroku's muffled words in the background, the other Yugi then said, "Jii-chan says 'hi' and come back here quickly. He says that you owe him a duel."
"Please tell him, and everyone, that I said 'hi' as well."
With a slight change in tone, he murmured, "May I call you back later? Jii-chan needs help at the store."
She warmly smiled, as she replied, "It's okay. I need to go, too." She then contentedly sighed, as she said, "I love you..."
The rich voice from the other line responded, "I love you, too. Take care, and I'll call back as soon as I can."
"No hurry," she chuckled, as she stared at the legs that were each secured with a half-cast. Feeling dull pain all over as she shifted from her wheelchair, she then added in silent sarcasm hidden behind a light jest, "It's not like I could just go anywhere."
After giving respective goodbyes with one another, she hung up the phone. She heavily sighed.
The entire morning was exceptionally hard for her to take, as she mostly talked with the ones that mattered most in her life but were all far away from her. She, however, was still deeply thankful that only her close circle knew of her predicament. She would have snapped like a twig if any members of the press pried into what happened to her. The last thing that she wanted to juggle was how to get rid of the paparazzi and the reporters.
Shaking her head, she pondered, "I wish that Nana May didn't tell them anything, but she already did..."
However, the governess only told Arthur Hopkins, Mutou Yugi, and Kaiba Seto via telephone about what happened to her at Thera. When she shared the news with them, she had no knowledge of the extent of her injuries - not until Pegasus wheeled in a wheelchair-bound Emrys.
The entire manor staff gasped from shock - eliciting the strongest reaction from May and Sophie. Up to now, May would burst into tears from time to time since her young mistress and charge came home.
Shortly after Emrys' arrival, she had May promise not to tell anyone about what happened to her. The two women agreed that it would be up to younger one to tell the rest of the news to the three men once she was good and ready.
The damage, if one would call it so, had already been done.
Arthur and Rebecca Hopkins were the first ones who called - each one expressing deep-rooted worry for her. Much to her silent protests, the two would be visiting her one week from today - with the professor planning to stay with her, until she fully recovered. They would be in for a big surprise, once they see her present predicament.
"Just like the old days," she mused, as she recalled the respective aftermaths of her reckless stunts from the past.
So far, this injury of hers was the worst one of all.
She could not stand the elderly professor's silent but readable expression of concern and disappointment. It brought a sense of regret within her - similar to a child's uneasiness and shame knowing that the parent was hurt from seeing her suffer the consequences of her rashness. What hurt the most, though, was knowing that she was nonetheless loved - no matter what happened, and no matter how reckless she could have been.
Referring to the professor's boundless patience and almost-infinite understanding, she mused, "I guess that his reaction is much better than the classic 'I told you so' that other parents do. Plus, it'll be a clear reminder for Rebecca as to not what to do..."
Kaiba and Mokuba also called this morning. She and the azure-eyed duelist had their usual hodge-podge of stories, banter, and commentaries. It was, however, obvious to them that she was not her usual self. They also exchanged expressions of concern and care masked within many jests and deadpan remarks.
Mokuba, on the other hand, cried on the other line and kept asking in so many ways if she was okay. She pacified the CEO's younger sibling by reminding him of their plans to go to Domino Museum, once she returns for a visit. The siblings offered to visit her in England, but she convinced them to wait for her arrival at Domino City months down the road.
The hardest conversation she had today, however, was with Mutou Yugi and his other self. She missed Yugi's other self, and would have wanted for them to be together. She knew that if she had said 'yes' to his offer, the amethyst-eyed significant other and his vessel would have taken the next plane flying out from Domino City just to be with her.
How she now wished that she had said "yes" to Yugi's other self.
For a while, she stared at the lush field before her - still plagued with sleepless nights, throbbing pain, and vivid nightmares. As her glance then traveled to her legs that were respectively cradled in half-casts, she mused, "You're going to walk again, Emrys. As long as it takes, you'll do it..."
Today, however, marked her surrender.
Tired and overwhelmed on all aspects, she finally gave in. Silent tears flowed from her, as she absent-mindedly stared at the view in front of her and bitterly bit her lip - hoping to find for some peace within her.
"I see that you kept my handiwork for all to see," said Pegasus with such energy and excitement, as he was about to pull up a chair and join her.
When she snapped out of her train of thought and was about to respond, May followed behind the house-guest with a tray of French toasts, fruit, croissants, and cheese. Another servant brought in juice, coffee, china, linen napkins, and utensils.
Before everyone could see her tears, she inconspicuously wiped them away.
"How are you feeling, child?" May sweetly asked, as she placed a consoling hand on her shoulder.
"I'm fine, Nana," Emrys wearily replied, as she tapped on the governess' withered hand. She then gave a faint smile to her younger servant and said, "Sophie, would you kindly bring the decanters of merlot and brandy from the parlor."
The tight-lipped elderly governess asked, "Liquor in this hour?"
Sophie quietly went inside to carry out her mistress' order.
Letting out a grin, Emrys then soothingly remarked, "Nana, cheese goes much better with fine spirits."
After May quietly glowered at her former charge like a mother would a stubborn child, she then resignedly shook her head. "Remember that we need to re-dress your wounds, young lady." She then went inside.
Emrys winked at Pegasus. Seeing the executive's amused smile, she shook her head as she sported a silent smirk on her face. They knew fully well that once May used the word "young lady" along with the stern look, it meant that she was in a world of trouble.
Sophie brought the crystal decanters and glasses. She placed them on the patio table, and then returned to her other duties - leaving the two behind to enjoy brunch.
In response to Pegasus' earlier comment, Emrys remarked as she poured a glass of wine for him, "Mom and Dad loved your paintings. I love your work. Why should I have them taken down?"
The executive took a whiff and a sip of merlot, and then said, "Speaking of your parents, may I visit them before I leave this afternoon?"
She looked at him with probing hazel eyes. "Would you like to visit them now?"
As soon as he gave a nod, he stood up and motioned her not to use the motorized panels of her wheelchair. He navigated her wheelchair through the stone walkway. During their walk, he then inquired, "You told Yugi-boy that you were hurt, but why didn't you tell him everything? Why didn't you tell him that you can't walk, and may end up staying that way?"
She let out a heavy and sad sigh. "It's too premature to speculate anything. I'd rather say something, once that everything's confirmed."
The platinum-haired executive gently smiled. "I know excellent doctors in the United States that could help you. If you wish, I'll contact them as soon as I reach home. I'll make the arrangements as discreetly and as quickly as possible - just say the word."
She gave him a quiet and affirmative nod, and tightly closed her eyes to enjoy the soft breeze. While her eyes were closed, she then inquired, "So what do you think about our recent trip?"
"I'm glad that we now know more, and that we're home in one piece. I just wished that you were not this badly injured."
Instead of reacting to his last comment, one of her eyebrows rose as she studied his face. "What would you do, if you have the means to bring her back from the dead?"
A tight-lipped Pegasus responded, "Malik is right - nothing comes without a price. If I'm guaranteed to stay alive while taking that risk, I will take it any day. I don't want Cynthia to suffer as I did, if she lives and I die." He then stared at his companion. "Why do you ask?"
Letting out another heavy sigh and then a small groan of pain, she said with quiet authenticity, "It's nothing noteworthy. If I had that power within my fingertips, I'll grant your wish..."
A thoughtful smile escaped from the executive, as he remarked, "Whether or not you could do so, I already owe you many thanks. You are your parents' daughter. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Seconds later, Pegasus and Emrys quietly stood before the tombstone - each one respectively contemplating and silently offering prayers.
As he maintained his transfixed gaze on the black marble tombstone, he empathetically asked, "How about you? What would you do, if you have the means to bring them back?"
While staring at the engraved black marble, she mumbled, "I still don't know..."
The hours quickly passed by for the two, as they used the remainder of Pegasus' stay engaged in idle conversation, a late lunch, a cocktail, and intellectual discussion. As late afternoon came, they bade farewell to each other. Her chauffeur then drove him to the airport.
Feeling utterly drained, she informed May and the servants that she was skipping dinner. She dismissed any offers of assistance from her concerned governess and staff. She went upstairs via the manor's cargo elevator - an artifact that remained unused for many years until now. After the drudgery of the elevator ride, she wheeled herself out, locked the door, and then transferred herself from the wheelchair to the bed.
After hours of being plagued with nightmares of Yoshiko, her parents' death, and the Essence, she finally opened her eyes. She was sweating and panting. She saw the wall clock.
It was eleven thirty in the evening.
Trying to calm down, she wore her robe and wanted to get some fresh air. After holding on to the arm of her wheelchair, she lost her balance and fell face-down on the marbled floor. Insistent on going to the balcony, she angrily grabbed the wheelchair a second time - refusing to give up, and slamming parts of her body as she struggled to gain control.
After a long while, she was able to secure and wheel herself out to the balcony.
Dark clouds covered the full moon. The air was deathly chilly, and the entire household slept.
She then wheeled herself back inside her room - carrying with her the eeriness of the view outside.
In the other part of the globe, the Master stood before a cauldron in the middle of the cavernous throne room. Surrounded by his followers, his voice bellowed as the fire cracked, "Goddess of Darkness, your servants prostrate before you. Let your Essence mingle and corrupt the very core of being."
As the Master's ritual commenced, she wheeled herself in her bathroom, filled the bathtub with water and perfumed oils, slipped out of her clothing, and soaked in the fragrant waters - once again bumping herself in many places before immersing in the tub.
While relaxing in the porcelain bathtub, she stared at the keloid scars on her upper left thigh. She also noticed the many cuts, scrapes, and bruises now scattered throughout her legs, arms, and body.
Since her eyes were closed, she did not realize that thick fog had already spread throughout the manor, and was now seeping through her bedroom and bathroom.
The sea of hooded followers monotonously chanted, as the dark clouds now completely covered the full moon, "What is inside must be turned out for all to see..."
Instantaneously, her flesh burned, stretched, and cracked. She clenched her fists and teeth - trying to stifle the screams into whimpers. When it became unbearable, she let out bloodcurdling screams.
No one came to her rescue, since the fog mystically put everyone in a deep slumber.
Tears came out from her eyes, as she saw and felt an invisible hand cut her at random parts of her body. New cuts appeared on her face and body, as the warm blood oozed from the fresh gashes. The blood then mixed with the fragrant waters that she soaked in. Her muscles then convulsed, as her flesh burned and stretched. Violently trashing inside the bathtub from spasms, the now-crimson water spilled onto the marbled floor.
Her legs, most especially, suffered the most agony as she felt an invisible vise surround, tighten, and crush them - an experience much more excruciating than the one she endured inside the caves of Thera.
After throwing semi-precious stones and melting them inside the cauldron's bubbling mixture, the Master said, "Let the life offering meant to be given millennia ago be our race's salvation today. Let all what must be come to pass. Give us back the glory and power that was promised to us before our kingdom sank into the ocean. Goddess of Darkness, please hear our fervent pleas!"
As the pain stopped, a semi-unconscious Emrys slipped into the water. Just as water went in her lungs, she revived, struggled and grabbed onto the sides of the bathtub. She fought to keep her head out of the water, even though the torturous pain was unbearable. Bruising her ribs and the rest of her body in the process, she crawled out of the tub and fell on the marbled floor.
Another series of pain coursed through her body, as her flesh burned and stretched once again - much more intense than the earlier episode. She frantic cries and piercing screams for help were left unheard.
The dense fog filled the entire bathroom.
The sea of hooded followers chanted after their Master, "Queen of Darkness, let your powers forge into completion..."
Minutes later, a blinding light pieced through the dense fog. As the light died down, the fog rolled out of the bathroom and traced back its steps - lifting the deep slumber from the rest of the household, and leaving whence it came.
The crimson water inside the tub remained.
Emrys, however, was nowhere to be seen. All that remained were the small puddles of her blood on the marbled floor.
Deep within the caves, the current scene was eerier than before.
Before the chanting members of the Order, a robed and cloaked figure walked - unfazed with the throng of men and specters that filled the cavern.
The sea of hooded individuals parted and allowed the newcomer to pass. As their chanting continued, the figure walked climbed up the stairs and approached the man that waited before the throne - the one called Master.
Once the figure stood before him, he moved to the side of the throne, knelt, and bowed.
The sea of hooded men followed his example.
With his head bowed close to the ground, he said, "My Queen..."
She slowly approached him and quietly stared at the kneeling figure. Putting her hand on his shoulder, she motioned him to stand up. With the jeweled throne and gigantic hematite statue standing behind her, she then turned around and scanned through the sea of hooded individuals.
She took off her hood. Her lips then curled out a satisfied and icy smile, as she saw the contents of the cauldron were turned into ice. After scanning her surroundings once more, she then reverted her gaze to the richly robed man before her, saying, "You have done well, Hyperion..."
Hyperion - the one that the throng called Master - then stood up and faced the crowd. "We have waited eons for this very moment! The prophecy came true. The crest-wielder is no more, and our Queen now ascends the throne. She will lead us to the destiny that the new Atlantean race richly deserves. We will use everything that we have gained to conquer and rule this world!"
The hooded throng then quickly rose from the ground, and energetically chanted its approval with such fanatical fervor.
There were two silent witnesses to this event: Shadi, as well as the cold hematite statue that now bore the new arrival's face...
Emrys' face...
With a booming voice, Hyperion bellowed as he addressed the sea of followers, "All give hail to your Dark Queen!"
End of Chapter Seventeen / Last Chapter / The Descent of Lost Souls
Normal Disclaimer
Yu-Gi-Oh is the copyrighted property of Kazuki Takahashi.
Alexandra Emrys, Yoshiko, The Scrolls of Passage, The Portal of Osiris, The Dead Incantations, other original characters and venues, and this fan fiction are the properties of the author. This fan fiction is also written for entertainment purposes only, thereby releasing the author from any liabilities.
Author's Note
The next installment for the Lost Souls Story Arc - When Memories Would Never Be Enough - is now posted. Immediately after the last chapter of When Memories Would Never Be Enough is posted, the first chapter of what is tentatively called The Battle for Lost Souls will be posted.
Thanks again for reading and constructively reviewing.