The Millennium Ritual
Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat, do NOT own YGO.
Chapter 31: Casualties
Kaiba stared at Aura with fear. As she threw the sword toward Mokuba, Kaiba quickly pushed the little boy out of the way, just slicing his arm. A chain skidded behind Mokuba, who Joey and the others found and saved from the dungeon he was held at. Mokuba clutched his arm, blood seeping out of it, as he hid behind his brother. Yami was angry, seeing Aura just tilting her head at him.
"Oh dear," she said, smiling, "I must take better care, don't I? Next time, I will make sure I hit my target." Her Egyptian cloak drifted behind her, as the two phoenixes circled around her. Aura giggled at them, holding out the Millennium Orb and examining it closely. Ryou stepped forward, with no Egyptian attire, which he shed away a moment before.
"Aura, what's wrong? What. . . What HAPPENED to you?" he asked in fear.
Ignoring him, she said, "What a shiny little object this is! Is it made of gold?" Aura bit the Millennium Orb. "Why it is! How wonderful!" The Egyptian clapped her hands together, happy.
"What in Ra's name are you doing to your yami? Do you realize that Maeve is in there?!" Yami said, alarmed.
"Oh, you're still here?" Aura said, looking around, "Why does the rain fall down?"
"Why does the rain fall. . . Who cares! What are you doing, Aura!? What has happened?!" Yami cried, walking up to her. The phoenixes quickly reacted, and flew to the Pharaoh, hissing and spitting out flames of black and white. He back away, frightened by the beasts' strong structure. Satisfied, the phoenixes flew back to their master, as Aura sat cross- legged in the air, staring at the necklace. She threw it to Serenity as if it was a small daisy.
"I don't like it. I want to play with something else. Oh! I know!" Suddenly five daggers appeared in each of Aura's hands. Smiling, Aura threw them all at Yami and the others. Everyone dodged them, but unfortunately, Kaiba was not quick enough. The dagger caught his trench coat, making Kaiba fall to the ground.
Kaiba groaned, clutching his stomach tightly. When he looked up, Kaiba looked into the looming face of Aura. Everyone was hiding behind a statue, the black phoenix looking over them. Scared to move forward, they could not stop what Aura was going to do.
"Yes, I have caught someone!" she said happily, as the white phoenix circled around them. "Oh, and I am glad! You were the one I ESPECIALLY wanted to catch." Kaiba held the Millennium Rod and Orb, snatching the orb from Serenity after she dropped it. Quickly he fished out the card he received such a long time ago.
He held Wingweaver high in the air, right in front of Aura's face. She looked at it in surprise, with Kaiba breathing hard.
"Remember this? You gave this to me in my dream. This was your favorite card! It still is Aura! You have to remember this; the card, me, Mokuba, and everyone else! How can you FORGET!?" Kaiba yelled loudly.
And although he saw no sign of recognition in her face, as the phoenix saw it, a flash of some sort passed through its smoky eyes. Slowly Aura took the Wingweaver card out of Kaiba's hand, holding it lightly. Everyone stared at her, including the phoenixes. She stroked the card gently, as Kaiba stared at her with hope.
Then she laughed a full hearted laugh. Everyone looked at her in surprise.
"Do you have more?" she asked, shadows covering her face. Kaiba did not respond. "I can FEEL it. I can feel their aura. I KNOW you have more. . . GIVE IT." Suddenly Aura flew straight up in the air, the Wingweaver card still in her hand. The phoenixes quickly followed, as Yami and the others ran quickly to Kaiba's side.
"What is she planning?" Ishizu asked suspiciously.
"Why in the world did this happen?" Shadi asked.
"Someone must be behind this," Yami said angrily. That was when Joey realized something.
'Could it be the three women who killed the Healer? It just might be, who else? I mean. . . darn, I don't know!' Joey thought in confusion, ruffling his hair. A blast was heard in the air, making everyone look up to Aura. They gasped at what they saw.
Wingweaver was no longer a card, but an actual being. It was flying this way and that, amazed at what it saw. Aura giggled, pointing toward a statue. Obeying, Wingweaver destroyed it, as it crumbled into dust. She laughed some more.
"Oh goody, goody! I can't wait to play with you!" Aura exclaimed happily. Stretching her hands towards the air, she muttered a few words. Suddenly all of the monster cards that were in the room were sent to her hand. That included Yami's, Kaiba's, Ishizu's, Ryou's, and Joey's decks. The five gasped as their cards were flying toward the Egyptian/Japanese girl. Kaiba saw his Blue Eyes flying toward her, but not his Obelisk the Tormentor. As Yami saw his Dark Magician flying toward Aura, his Slifer the Sky Dragon remained in its case. Amazed, Yami looked over toward Kaiba, to see the same thing happened to him as well.
All the monsters went to life, as they all stood behind Aura and her phoenixes. Kaiba can see them; his Blue Eyes, Swordstalker, XYZ Dragon, and so many others.
But the worst of it all was that Aura changed once more. She did not seem as BOUNCY as before. This time, she was serious, dead serious. Aura chuckled to herself quietly.
"DESTROY, my pets. . ." she whispered. The monsters screeched in response, flying or running or swimming toward the entrance of the Pyramid. Quickly reacting, Ishizu, Shadi, Ryou, Yami, and Kaiba ran toward the entrance, blocking it.
Although the monsters did not attack their own master, they did attack the other, therefore Kaiba was battling with the Dark Magician, Yami with Blue Eyes, and so forth. Rays of light from the Millennium Items shot toward the monsters, making them either break or continue forward. It was hard, as sweat beaded down their throats. Then suddenly, most of the monsters crashed through the doors, and to the outside world.
"We've got to stop them!" Ishizu cried out, as another monster passed through her.
"How?! I can't think of anyone who can stop this!!" Yami yelled.
"We do not have time for this, Pharaoh! What can we do?!" Shadi asked, blasting a monster away.
As Ryou used his Millennium Ring to destroy several of the monsters, the Millennium Orb suddenly glowed in Kaiba's hand. He looked at it, astounded.
"Yugi!" Kaiba cried, holding out the Millennium Orb. It glowed brighter, as Yami, Ishizu, Shadi, and Ryou looked at it in wonder. But as it was raised in the air, three monsters charged toward it, with Kaiba not realizing.
"Kaiba look out!" Duke and Tristan yelled together.
As the monsters collided with the Orb, a smoky figure appeared out of it. Raising its hand, a light bursted out, engulfing the monsters. As the light dimmed, three monster cards fell to the floor. The smoky figure turned. . .
"Maeve! You're here!" Yami cried, walking toward her. Maeve floated toward the ground, and was not smoky anymore. Instead, she was solid as you or I. Maeve was dressed in her Egyptian robes, determination all across her face. Several monsters passed her, a few that were also turned back into cards.
"I believe this is mine," Maeve said, snatching the Orb away from a dazed Kaiba, "And as for you. . ." She turned toward Yami, and hit him on the head, hard.
"What? What was that for?" asked Yami, finally noticing that all the monsters disappeared.
"Did you not listen, Atemu?! I told you how to make Aura herself again!" Maeve said angrily. Yami looked at her, confused.
"I don't remember. . ." Yami said, annoyed that she used his real name and not his other name.
"How were you to possess your own body, Priestess?" Shadi asked.
"It is called MAGICK. I suggest you use it once in a while. Maybe then it will not take you as long to defeat your enemies. Where is my Hikari?" Maeve snapped, looking at all of them.
'Now I know where Aura gets her attitude from. . .' Kaiba thought.
Suddenly a shot of fire was directed to the six people, making them run toward the others. As Maeve ran over, Joey, Tea, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, Mr. Motto, and Mokuba looked at her, then at Aura, then at her again.
"Uh, Yug', who is this?" Joey asked.
"Aura's spirit. She is here to help us," Yami said, holding his sister's shoulder. Maeve nodded, and began to talk.
"I do not know who have done this, but right now, Aura is being CONTROLED. I could feel it; I believe it has something to do with that mist hanging over her head." Maeve said, pointing toward Aura. As everyone peered closely, they saw a glimmering of some sort hanging over Aura. She flew around in the air, searching for them. "Not to worry; I've put up a shield around us, therefore she will not find us." Maeve reassured.
"Well, what do we do now?!" Tea cried, "Monsters are roaming in the world, causing who knows what!" Maeve glared at her.
"I am very well aware of what is happening. Why else would I sacrifice my very little magick to do this?" Maeve then turned toward Kaiba and Mokuba, staring at them hard. "You know Aura, yes?"
Mokuba did not answer.
"Well, answer me, boy, we haven't all day," Maeve stated. Her eyes softening a bit, she replied softly, "Don't be afraid, nothing will happen to you or your brother."
Kaiba answered instead. "Yeah, we know her, so what?"
"The only way for her to be back to whom she was before, is to make her REMEMBER," Maeve said.
"What do you mean?" Serenity asked.
The Priestess turned toward Yami, serious. "Remember that dream you had, about me and yourself talking?"
". . . Yeah," Yami said slowly.
"Do you not remember what I told you?"
Yami was silent.
"Memories of a forgotten past are things that will always last. Find the memory most dear to her true name, and that will be the way. . ." Maeve quoth quietly, grimacing as the shield's magic spread toward her.
". . . To save the world's days. I remember now!" Yami cried.
"Good, this way I don't have to explain. You. . . ARGH. . . understand, don't you?" Maeve asked in pain.
"So, just find the memory most dear to Aura, and that will save the world? Doesn't seem too hard." Joey said with a wry smile.
"It is harder than it seems, my good friend. Aura is a very COMPLICATED woman. . . We must hurry, I do not know how long I can hold the shield." Maeve stated, staring at Aura, who was flying around, searching. "And it may not be a good one. Believe me, for one of the memories I hold dear to my heart. . ." Maeve stared at Kaiba for a moment. "Is not one of the most happiest."
And for some reason, Kaiba knew what she was referring to. He clutched the Millennium Rod hard, unsure of how he knew. 'She was referring to how she died,' a voice in his head whispered sadly, 'the last thing she saw was Set holding a dagger, tainted with her blood. . .' Kaiba wondered where that came from, as he looked away from her piercing gaze, holding his brother's hand tight.
"Even though we share the same ka, I do not know all of Aura's memory. But I am thinking of one in particular. Kaiba, do you remember the day Aura left domino six years ago?" Maeve asked quickly. A little part of the shield started to disappear.
"Yes," he said, as Mokuba grimaced a little.
"Well? What do you think? Will that make Aura remember?" Maeve demanded. Suddenly the shield shattered, as the phoenixes quickly saw. Everyone ducked, preparing for the worst.
As they shot forward, Yami stood and took out Slifer and called out, "SLIFER THE SKY DRAGON!!"
A burst of light went out of the card, as Slifer appeared and batted the phoenixes out of the way. Bursts of lighting filled the air, as Slifer's entire body filled almost the entire room, with more than enough to protect themselves from harm. Not liking Yami taking all the glory, Kaiba stood also and released Obelisk.
"OBELISK THE TORMENTER!!"
Once more bursts of lighting appeared at the ceiling, as a tall blue figure appeared along side by Slifer. The thunder and lightning made a very loud and powerful effect on everyone in the room. Well, almost everyone.
Aura was not impressed.
"Ho, so you brought out the Egyptian Gods, did you?" Aura said, smirking as the phoenixes circled around her, "They may be powerful, but even the gods cannot stop ARMAGEDON! Do you not realize that you completed the ritual?!"
"What ritual?!" Mr. Motto cried out.
She chuckled, as shimmering lines appeared around her once more. "Lucian said there was a ritual to destroy the world. That could only happen IF the Pharaoh or Priest caused some sort of wild emotion in the Priestess' mind. And YOU did it, Priest. I congratulate you. You are now the cause of why every living thing on the planet will die. Not like you CARE, though."
Yami growled, giving Kaiba a mean look. 'Something must have happened in the Shadow Realm.' Yugi thought in his soul room. 'But what? How can we HELP Aura?'
Suddenly Slifer attacked Aura, a huge blast erupting from its mouth. With all of the monsters gone, Aura and the phoenixes were left unprotected. Aura grinned, as Maeve stared in horror.
The attack disappeared in the mist, as it wavered away into nothingness. Everyone gaped at it, amazed that an attack from an Egyptian God was STOPPED.
"Aren't you ever tired of being one step behind?" Aura said, smiling.
Then Aura flew to the ground, her feet stepping lightly on the floor. That was when Yami noticed something.
How can she walk or talk if her ka is not inside her?
'So someone IS controlling her,' thought Yami.
"While you stay here. . ." Aura said, walking slowly toward them, "Millions are dying from my army of monsters, homes destroyed, alliances broken. All because of you. How do you feel about that, Pharaoh?" She cackled at them.
"Why are you doing this?" Shadi asked, frowning. Aura eyed him curiously.
"Tell me why I shouldn't," she ordered lightly.
"Because, it's wrong," Mokuba said angrily.
"Why? I'm not doing anything different from you." She said easily.
"What do you mean?" Ishizu asked.
Aura chuckled, saying, "Tell me, have you not killed a small insect while walking on the grass?" No one answered. "You have? Well, have you ever seen a homeless man, and just passed him as if he is a pile of dung?" Silence. "My, my, such a quiet group. Very well, how about this: have you ever plucked a flower, swatted a fly, cut a tree, or littered a river?" They were quiet. Aura grinned, satisfied. "Don't you think that those LIVING things wanted to live? But you did not consider it, you just did it for your own pleasure. I am not doing anything different. In fact, YOU have killed at least four times as much living beings I have killed."
They had nothing to say. She was correct in a way, but still, the group believed that it was wrong.
"That doesn't mean that killing is right!" Serenity cried, near tears.
"Yet you do it everyday," Aura said.
"But still!" Tea said.
"You bore me with your silly little lies. Killing people is the same as killing animals. Besides, who would care if you or your family dies? NO ONE!" Aura cackled, as the phoenixes were beside her, "and I'll prove it now!" The phoenixes shot out rays of fire toward the group, as they prepared for the attack.
It was as if a light bulb just turned on. Maeve found the answer. 'FAMILY. . .'
Alarmed, Yami pushed the dazed Maeve out of the way, as everyone ran away from the blast. But not all made it out in time.
Duke, Tea, and Tristan screamed as the flames engulfed their bodies. As Yami and the others looked back, they stared in horror at the killing.
"NOOO!!" Yami screamed, running toward them. He looked at the phoenixes, angry. "Aura!" Aura did not listen. He didn't know what to do. If he didn't do something, his friends will be burnt to a crisp.
"Tea!! Duke!! Tristan!!" Joey, Serenity, and Mokuba cried. Ryou and Mr. Motto just gaped. Shadi, Ishizu, and Kaiba stared in horror.
Suddenly he got it. Yami turned toward the white phoenix, saying, "AMUNET! PLEASE! YOU'RE KILLING THEM!!"
The white phoenix's blank eyes turned back to normal, as the grey eyes turned into a brilliant shade of green. The phoenix of light stopped, looking this way and that. Staring at the half dead forms of Duke, Tristan, and Tea, its eyes widened, flying toward them. The phoenix protected them from its other half's blaze, as Yami, Joey, and Maeve ran forward to them. 'The phoenixes were being controlled also,' Kaiba thought.
"Tea!" Yami cried, holding her. She did not respond.
"Tristan, Duke! Wake up!" Joey yelled.
"Get out of my way!" Maeve said, pushing them away, "I have only one shot at this."
Closing her eyes, she murmured a spell, waving her hands over the three. Her brow furrowed as light from the Millennium Orb poured down onto the bodies, Yami and Joey staring in awe. Kaiba, Serenity, Ryou, and Mokuba ran forward, staring also. Their burnt and bloody skin closed up, leaving scars that were still tainted with blood. The phoenix stared at Maeve quietly, as the black phoenix continued to shoot fire.
Suddenly Maeve stopped, heaving and gasping, as scars from the moment she died started spilling blood. Yami ran forward toward his sister, comforting her.
"T-T-They are w-w-w-well. Although I h-h-h-have not h-h-healed all their w-w-wounds. . . they will b-b-be OK. But I do not know. . . how long my magic. . . will last. . ." Maeve whispered, holding Yami's hand. "We must. . . take them. . . to a HOSPITAL. . ."
"How did she do that?" Mokuba asked in awe.
"Her Millennium Orb's special power is to heal, the only power out of the Millennium Items that doesn't involve Shadow Magick, but her own strength," Yami said quietly. He turned toward Mokuba, Serenity, Mr. Motto, and Joey, saying, "You must take them to the hospital. Run outside, get AWAY from here."
"But what about you?" Joey asked.
"We must stay here; we must fight this. We are the only ones who can. You helped us much, but we have to do this on our own." Yami said.
"I'm not leaving you, Yugi!"
"Joey, you must, NOW LEAVE!" Joey grimaced, but nodded.
"Promise you won't leave me, Seto?" Mokuba asked, crying.
Kaiba shook hands with him, saying, "Promise. Now go!"
"Good luck," Mr. Motto said.
Quickly, Joey, Serenity, and Mr. Motto each carried Duke, Tea, and Tristan, with Mokuba following. As they ran out toward the entrance and toward the car, Joey hopped in the front seat, putting the jeep into gear while they piled on, putting the three in the back. The car disappeared in the distance, with tears and friends left behind.
Meanwhile, back in the Pyramid, Aura glowered at the white phoenix, saying, "You foul, pig filled, BIRD! How dare you defy me?!" As she pointed toward the white phoenix, the black phoenix shots more fire toward it, with tears in the white phoenix's eyes.
"A-A-Atemu. . ." Maeve whispered, as Shadi, Ryou, and Ishizu walked toward them, "I. . . I know how to. . . to. . . make Aura REMEMBER. . ." Maeve coughed, as more blood spilled out of her body.
Yami held her sister tighter, saying, "What is it?"
"Her mother. . . brother. . . SETH. . . she loves them so. . . even in DEATH. . ."
"What are you saying, Priestess?" Ishizu asked, holding her hand.
"Memory. . . When they. . . they. . . DIE. . ." Maeve said, as her body slowly disappeared, "Magick. . . GONE. . . Please. . . Make her REMEMBER. . . Good bye. . . ATEMU. . ." Maeve disappeared, surrendering into her soul room. Yami held the Millennium Orb, as his shoulders shook. The three people left stared at him with pity.
'Who ever is causing this pain will PAY,' Yami thought, his hands curling into fists, 'I swear by the name of RA, they will PAY. . .'
Yami stood up, glaring at Aura. "You! You are not Aura! Whoever you are, you shall pay!!"
Aura grinned. 'The end is near. . .'
To Be Continued. . .
Ah, near the end of the story. At least one or two more chapters left. I am quite proud of this. Oh yeah, and there WILL be a sequel. So stay tuned.
Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat, do NOT own YGO.
Chapter 31: Casualties
Kaiba stared at Aura with fear. As she threw the sword toward Mokuba, Kaiba quickly pushed the little boy out of the way, just slicing his arm. A chain skidded behind Mokuba, who Joey and the others found and saved from the dungeon he was held at. Mokuba clutched his arm, blood seeping out of it, as he hid behind his brother. Yami was angry, seeing Aura just tilting her head at him.
"Oh dear," she said, smiling, "I must take better care, don't I? Next time, I will make sure I hit my target." Her Egyptian cloak drifted behind her, as the two phoenixes circled around her. Aura giggled at them, holding out the Millennium Orb and examining it closely. Ryou stepped forward, with no Egyptian attire, which he shed away a moment before.
"Aura, what's wrong? What. . . What HAPPENED to you?" he asked in fear.
Ignoring him, she said, "What a shiny little object this is! Is it made of gold?" Aura bit the Millennium Orb. "Why it is! How wonderful!" The Egyptian clapped her hands together, happy.
"What in Ra's name are you doing to your yami? Do you realize that Maeve is in there?!" Yami said, alarmed.
"Oh, you're still here?" Aura said, looking around, "Why does the rain fall down?"
"Why does the rain fall. . . Who cares! What are you doing, Aura!? What has happened?!" Yami cried, walking up to her. The phoenixes quickly reacted, and flew to the Pharaoh, hissing and spitting out flames of black and white. He back away, frightened by the beasts' strong structure. Satisfied, the phoenixes flew back to their master, as Aura sat cross- legged in the air, staring at the necklace. She threw it to Serenity as if it was a small daisy.
"I don't like it. I want to play with something else. Oh! I know!" Suddenly five daggers appeared in each of Aura's hands. Smiling, Aura threw them all at Yami and the others. Everyone dodged them, but unfortunately, Kaiba was not quick enough. The dagger caught his trench coat, making Kaiba fall to the ground.
Kaiba groaned, clutching his stomach tightly. When he looked up, Kaiba looked into the looming face of Aura. Everyone was hiding behind a statue, the black phoenix looking over them. Scared to move forward, they could not stop what Aura was going to do.
"Yes, I have caught someone!" she said happily, as the white phoenix circled around them. "Oh, and I am glad! You were the one I ESPECIALLY wanted to catch." Kaiba held the Millennium Rod and Orb, snatching the orb from Serenity after she dropped it. Quickly he fished out the card he received such a long time ago.
He held Wingweaver high in the air, right in front of Aura's face. She looked at it in surprise, with Kaiba breathing hard.
"Remember this? You gave this to me in my dream. This was your favorite card! It still is Aura! You have to remember this; the card, me, Mokuba, and everyone else! How can you FORGET!?" Kaiba yelled loudly.
And although he saw no sign of recognition in her face, as the phoenix saw it, a flash of some sort passed through its smoky eyes. Slowly Aura took the Wingweaver card out of Kaiba's hand, holding it lightly. Everyone stared at her, including the phoenixes. She stroked the card gently, as Kaiba stared at her with hope.
Then she laughed a full hearted laugh. Everyone looked at her in surprise.
"Do you have more?" she asked, shadows covering her face. Kaiba did not respond. "I can FEEL it. I can feel their aura. I KNOW you have more. . . GIVE IT." Suddenly Aura flew straight up in the air, the Wingweaver card still in her hand. The phoenixes quickly followed, as Yami and the others ran quickly to Kaiba's side.
"What is she planning?" Ishizu asked suspiciously.
"Why in the world did this happen?" Shadi asked.
"Someone must be behind this," Yami said angrily. That was when Joey realized something.
'Could it be the three women who killed the Healer? It just might be, who else? I mean. . . darn, I don't know!' Joey thought in confusion, ruffling his hair. A blast was heard in the air, making everyone look up to Aura. They gasped at what they saw.
Wingweaver was no longer a card, but an actual being. It was flying this way and that, amazed at what it saw. Aura giggled, pointing toward a statue. Obeying, Wingweaver destroyed it, as it crumbled into dust. She laughed some more.
"Oh goody, goody! I can't wait to play with you!" Aura exclaimed happily. Stretching her hands towards the air, she muttered a few words. Suddenly all of the monster cards that were in the room were sent to her hand. That included Yami's, Kaiba's, Ishizu's, Ryou's, and Joey's decks. The five gasped as their cards were flying toward the Egyptian/Japanese girl. Kaiba saw his Blue Eyes flying toward her, but not his Obelisk the Tormentor. As Yami saw his Dark Magician flying toward Aura, his Slifer the Sky Dragon remained in its case. Amazed, Yami looked over toward Kaiba, to see the same thing happened to him as well.
All the monsters went to life, as they all stood behind Aura and her phoenixes. Kaiba can see them; his Blue Eyes, Swordstalker, XYZ Dragon, and so many others.
But the worst of it all was that Aura changed once more. She did not seem as BOUNCY as before. This time, she was serious, dead serious. Aura chuckled to herself quietly.
"DESTROY, my pets. . ." she whispered. The monsters screeched in response, flying or running or swimming toward the entrance of the Pyramid. Quickly reacting, Ishizu, Shadi, Ryou, Yami, and Kaiba ran toward the entrance, blocking it.
Although the monsters did not attack their own master, they did attack the other, therefore Kaiba was battling with the Dark Magician, Yami with Blue Eyes, and so forth. Rays of light from the Millennium Items shot toward the monsters, making them either break or continue forward. It was hard, as sweat beaded down their throats. Then suddenly, most of the monsters crashed through the doors, and to the outside world.
"We've got to stop them!" Ishizu cried out, as another monster passed through her.
"How?! I can't think of anyone who can stop this!!" Yami yelled.
"We do not have time for this, Pharaoh! What can we do?!" Shadi asked, blasting a monster away.
As Ryou used his Millennium Ring to destroy several of the monsters, the Millennium Orb suddenly glowed in Kaiba's hand. He looked at it, astounded.
"Yugi!" Kaiba cried, holding out the Millennium Orb. It glowed brighter, as Yami, Ishizu, Shadi, and Ryou looked at it in wonder. But as it was raised in the air, three monsters charged toward it, with Kaiba not realizing.
"Kaiba look out!" Duke and Tristan yelled together.
As the monsters collided with the Orb, a smoky figure appeared out of it. Raising its hand, a light bursted out, engulfing the monsters. As the light dimmed, three monster cards fell to the floor. The smoky figure turned. . .
"Maeve! You're here!" Yami cried, walking toward her. Maeve floated toward the ground, and was not smoky anymore. Instead, she was solid as you or I. Maeve was dressed in her Egyptian robes, determination all across her face. Several monsters passed her, a few that were also turned back into cards.
"I believe this is mine," Maeve said, snatching the Orb away from a dazed Kaiba, "And as for you. . ." She turned toward Yami, and hit him on the head, hard.
"What? What was that for?" asked Yami, finally noticing that all the monsters disappeared.
"Did you not listen, Atemu?! I told you how to make Aura herself again!" Maeve said angrily. Yami looked at her, confused.
"I don't remember. . ." Yami said, annoyed that she used his real name and not his other name.
"How were you to possess your own body, Priestess?" Shadi asked.
"It is called MAGICK. I suggest you use it once in a while. Maybe then it will not take you as long to defeat your enemies. Where is my Hikari?" Maeve snapped, looking at all of them.
'Now I know where Aura gets her attitude from. . .' Kaiba thought.
Suddenly a shot of fire was directed to the six people, making them run toward the others. As Maeve ran over, Joey, Tea, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, Mr. Motto, and Mokuba looked at her, then at Aura, then at her again.
"Uh, Yug', who is this?" Joey asked.
"Aura's spirit. She is here to help us," Yami said, holding his sister's shoulder. Maeve nodded, and began to talk.
"I do not know who have done this, but right now, Aura is being CONTROLED. I could feel it; I believe it has something to do with that mist hanging over her head." Maeve said, pointing toward Aura. As everyone peered closely, they saw a glimmering of some sort hanging over Aura. She flew around in the air, searching for them. "Not to worry; I've put up a shield around us, therefore she will not find us." Maeve reassured.
"Well, what do we do now?!" Tea cried, "Monsters are roaming in the world, causing who knows what!" Maeve glared at her.
"I am very well aware of what is happening. Why else would I sacrifice my very little magick to do this?" Maeve then turned toward Kaiba and Mokuba, staring at them hard. "You know Aura, yes?"
Mokuba did not answer.
"Well, answer me, boy, we haven't all day," Maeve stated. Her eyes softening a bit, she replied softly, "Don't be afraid, nothing will happen to you or your brother."
Kaiba answered instead. "Yeah, we know her, so what?"
"The only way for her to be back to whom she was before, is to make her REMEMBER," Maeve said.
"What do you mean?" Serenity asked.
The Priestess turned toward Yami, serious. "Remember that dream you had, about me and yourself talking?"
". . . Yeah," Yami said slowly.
"Do you not remember what I told you?"
Yami was silent.
"Memories of a forgotten past are things that will always last. Find the memory most dear to her true name, and that will be the way. . ." Maeve quoth quietly, grimacing as the shield's magic spread toward her.
". . . To save the world's days. I remember now!" Yami cried.
"Good, this way I don't have to explain. You. . . ARGH. . . understand, don't you?" Maeve asked in pain.
"So, just find the memory most dear to Aura, and that will save the world? Doesn't seem too hard." Joey said with a wry smile.
"It is harder than it seems, my good friend. Aura is a very COMPLICATED woman. . . We must hurry, I do not know how long I can hold the shield." Maeve stated, staring at Aura, who was flying around, searching. "And it may not be a good one. Believe me, for one of the memories I hold dear to my heart. . ." Maeve stared at Kaiba for a moment. "Is not one of the most happiest."
And for some reason, Kaiba knew what she was referring to. He clutched the Millennium Rod hard, unsure of how he knew. 'She was referring to how she died,' a voice in his head whispered sadly, 'the last thing she saw was Set holding a dagger, tainted with her blood. . .' Kaiba wondered where that came from, as he looked away from her piercing gaze, holding his brother's hand tight.
"Even though we share the same ka, I do not know all of Aura's memory. But I am thinking of one in particular. Kaiba, do you remember the day Aura left domino six years ago?" Maeve asked quickly. A little part of the shield started to disappear.
"Yes," he said, as Mokuba grimaced a little.
"Well? What do you think? Will that make Aura remember?" Maeve demanded. Suddenly the shield shattered, as the phoenixes quickly saw. Everyone ducked, preparing for the worst.
As they shot forward, Yami stood and took out Slifer and called out, "SLIFER THE SKY DRAGON!!"
A burst of light went out of the card, as Slifer appeared and batted the phoenixes out of the way. Bursts of lighting filled the air, as Slifer's entire body filled almost the entire room, with more than enough to protect themselves from harm. Not liking Yami taking all the glory, Kaiba stood also and released Obelisk.
"OBELISK THE TORMENTER!!"
Once more bursts of lighting appeared at the ceiling, as a tall blue figure appeared along side by Slifer. The thunder and lightning made a very loud and powerful effect on everyone in the room. Well, almost everyone.
Aura was not impressed.
"Ho, so you brought out the Egyptian Gods, did you?" Aura said, smirking as the phoenixes circled around her, "They may be powerful, but even the gods cannot stop ARMAGEDON! Do you not realize that you completed the ritual?!"
"What ritual?!" Mr. Motto cried out.
She chuckled, as shimmering lines appeared around her once more. "Lucian said there was a ritual to destroy the world. That could only happen IF the Pharaoh or Priest caused some sort of wild emotion in the Priestess' mind. And YOU did it, Priest. I congratulate you. You are now the cause of why every living thing on the planet will die. Not like you CARE, though."
Yami growled, giving Kaiba a mean look. 'Something must have happened in the Shadow Realm.' Yugi thought in his soul room. 'But what? How can we HELP Aura?'
Suddenly Slifer attacked Aura, a huge blast erupting from its mouth. With all of the monsters gone, Aura and the phoenixes were left unprotected. Aura grinned, as Maeve stared in horror.
The attack disappeared in the mist, as it wavered away into nothingness. Everyone gaped at it, amazed that an attack from an Egyptian God was STOPPED.
"Aren't you ever tired of being one step behind?" Aura said, smiling.
Then Aura flew to the ground, her feet stepping lightly on the floor. That was when Yami noticed something.
How can she walk or talk if her ka is not inside her?
'So someone IS controlling her,' thought Yami.
"While you stay here. . ." Aura said, walking slowly toward them, "Millions are dying from my army of monsters, homes destroyed, alliances broken. All because of you. How do you feel about that, Pharaoh?" She cackled at them.
"Why are you doing this?" Shadi asked, frowning. Aura eyed him curiously.
"Tell me why I shouldn't," she ordered lightly.
"Because, it's wrong," Mokuba said angrily.
"Why? I'm not doing anything different from you." She said easily.
"What do you mean?" Ishizu asked.
Aura chuckled, saying, "Tell me, have you not killed a small insect while walking on the grass?" No one answered. "You have? Well, have you ever seen a homeless man, and just passed him as if he is a pile of dung?" Silence. "My, my, such a quiet group. Very well, how about this: have you ever plucked a flower, swatted a fly, cut a tree, or littered a river?" They were quiet. Aura grinned, satisfied. "Don't you think that those LIVING things wanted to live? But you did not consider it, you just did it for your own pleasure. I am not doing anything different. In fact, YOU have killed at least four times as much living beings I have killed."
They had nothing to say. She was correct in a way, but still, the group believed that it was wrong.
"That doesn't mean that killing is right!" Serenity cried, near tears.
"Yet you do it everyday," Aura said.
"But still!" Tea said.
"You bore me with your silly little lies. Killing people is the same as killing animals. Besides, who would care if you or your family dies? NO ONE!" Aura cackled, as the phoenixes were beside her, "and I'll prove it now!" The phoenixes shot out rays of fire toward the group, as they prepared for the attack.
It was as if a light bulb just turned on. Maeve found the answer. 'FAMILY. . .'
Alarmed, Yami pushed the dazed Maeve out of the way, as everyone ran away from the blast. But not all made it out in time.
Duke, Tea, and Tristan screamed as the flames engulfed their bodies. As Yami and the others looked back, they stared in horror at the killing.
"NOOO!!" Yami screamed, running toward them. He looked at the phoenixes, angry. "Aura!" Aura did not listen. He didn't know what to do. If he didn't do something, his friends will be burnt to a crisp.
"Tea!! Duke!! Tristan!!" Joey, Serenity, and Mokuba cried. Ryou and Mr. Motto just gaped. Shadi, Ishizu, and Kaiba stared in horror.
Suddenly he got it. Yami turned toward the white phoenix, saying, "AMUNET! PLEASE! YOU'RE KILLING THEM!!"
The white phoenix's blank eyes turned back to normal, as the grey eyes turned into a brilliant shade of green. The phoenix of light stopped, looking this way and that. Staring at the half dead forms of Duke, Tristan, and Tea, its eyes widened, flying toward them. The phoenix protected them from its other half's blaze, as Yami, Joey, and Maeve ran forward to them. 'The phoenixes were being controlled also,' Kaiba thought.
"Tea!" Yami cried, holding her. She did not respond.
"Tristan, Duke! Wake up!" Joey yelled.
"Get out of my way!" Maeve said, pushing them away, "I have only one shot at this."
Closing her eyes, she murmured a spell, waving her hands over the three. Her brow furrowed as light from the Millennium Orb poured down onto the bodies, Yami and Joey staring in awe. Kaiba, Serenity, Ryou, and Mokuba ran forward, staring also. Their burnt and bloody skin closed up, leaving scars that were still tainted with blood. The phoenix stared at Maeve quietly, as the black phoenix continued to shoot fire.
Suddenly Maeve stopped, heaving and gasping, as scars from the moment she died started spilling blood. Yami ran forward toward his sister, comforting her.
"T-T-They are w-w-w-well. Although I h-h-h-have not h-h-healed all their w-w-wounds. . . they will b-b-be OK. But I do not know. . . how long my magic. . . will last. . ." Maeve whispered, holding Yami's hand. "We must. . . take them. . . to a HOSPITAL. . ."
"How did she do that?" Mokuba asked in awe.
"Her Millennium Orb's special power is to heal, the only power out of the Millennium Items that doesn't involve Shadow Magick, but her own strength," Yami said quietly. He turned toward Mokuba, Serenity, Mr. Motto, and Joey, saying, "You must take them to the hospital. Run outside, get AWAY from here."
"But what about you?" Joey asked.
"We must stay here; we must fight this. We are the only ones who can. You helped us much, but we have to do this on our own." Yami said.
"I'm not leaving you, Yugi!"
"Joey, you must, NOW LEAVE!" Joey grimaced, but nodded.
"Promise you won't leave me, Seto?" Mokuba asked, crying.
Kaiba shook hands with him, saying, "Promise. Now go!"
"Good luck," Mr. Motto said.
Quickly, Joey, Serenity, and Mr. Motto each carried Duke, Tea, and Tristan, with Mokuba following. As they ran out toward the entrance and toward the car, Joey hopped in the front seat, putting the jeep into gear while they piled on, putting the three in the back. The car disappeared in the distance, with tears and friends left behind.
Meanwhile, back in the Pyramid, Aura glowered at the white phoenix, saying, "You foul, pig filled, BIRD! How dare you defy me?!" As she pointed toward the white phoenix, the black phoenix shots more fire toward it, with tears in the white phoenix's eyes.
"A-A-Atemu. . ." Maeve whispered, as Shadi, Ryou, and Ishizu walked toward them, "I. . . I know how to. . . to. . . make Aura REMEMBER. . ." Maeve coughed, as more blood spilled out of her body.
Yami held her sister tighter, saying, "What is it?"
"Her mother. . . brother. . . SETH. . . she loves them so. . . even in DEATH. . ."
"What are you saying, Priestess?" Ishizu asked, holding her hand.
"Memory. . . When they. . . they. . . DIE. . ." Maeve said, as her body slowly disappeared, "Magick. . . GONE. . . Please. . . Make her REMEMBER. . . Good bye. . . ATEMU. . ." Maeve disappeared, surrendering into her soul room. Yami held the Millennium Orb, as his shoulders shook. The three people left stared at him with pity.
'Who ever is causing this pain will PAY,' Yami thought, his hands curling into fists, 'I swear by the name of RA, they will PAY. . .'
Yami stood up, glaring at Aura. "You! You are not Aura! Whoever you are, you shall pay!!"
Aura grinned. 'The end is near. . .'
To Be Continued. . .
Ah, near the end of the story. At least one or two more chapters left. I am quite proud of this. Oh yeah, and there WILL be a sequel. So stay tuned.