The Past Is Present
Rating: PG13 (this basically isn't going to change)
Genre: oh, let's see... um, Drama, uh, Angst, and MAYBE some humor, I don't know
Tenshi: *is sitting on her bean bag, cuddling Chibi Yugi* Oh, hi everybody!
Lily: *is there too & is also cuddling Chibi Yugi* ^_^
Yugi: ;_; *is unhappy that everyone's paying attention to Chibi Yugi* Hi.
Kerra: *is moving closer and closer to Yami* It's nice to see everyone again.
Yami: *is backing away from Kerra* Yeah, nice.
Iris: *is wondering why on earth she's here*
Tenshi: *is happily cuddling Chibi Yugi* I really have to thank you guys for all the reviews. Your support REALLY helps. Cause, as Lily-chan knows, I tend to discredit my writing skills. ^^" But since you guys wanted the next chapter so much, I decided to work on this for a whole week.
Everyone: 0_0
T: ^^
*Wingleader Sora Jade, Finnigangirl, bast4, Smarty1, the Chaotic ones, & all of the other reviewers who are Yugi-fans walk in* *sees Chibi Yugi* *blink*
All: CUTE!!!!!!!!! *run over and start glomping Chibi Yugi*
Yugi: ;_; *sniff*
Tenshi: *sees Yugi and grabs him over to the big crowd of Yugi-fans*
Everyone: *starts cuddling and squealing over both Yugis* CUTE!!!!!!!
Tenshi: ^^ Now we have TWO Yugis! And it's all thanks to Lily-chan!! *cuddles Yugi*
Yugi* ^_______^ *is happy now that he's getting attention*
Tenshi: Anyway, I just want to apologize to Yukai o Kitsune, who (very nicely) requested that I limit my author's notes. And I want to apologize to anyone else who feels the same way. I'm not at all offended and I will try my best to limit how much of these I put in each chapter. So, after the disclaimer and a few explanations, we'll get right to the chapter! ^^ But thank you, Yukai o Kitsune, for not being rude or mean about a request. It really means a lot when people can just say things nicely. So, without further ado, Yugi will now do the disclaimer!
Disclaimer: Yami's Tenshi does not own Yugioh!, its characters, its plot, or any of its lines. Some of the lines last chapter were taken directly out of the magna and Tenshi would like to make it clear that she does not own any of these lines and all things listed previously are recorded as Kazuki Takahashi's ownership. Yami's Tenshi lays no claim on any of those. She does, however, own a few OCs and some of the plot. So, please do not sue. Thank you.
Tenshi: ^^ Thanks Yugi. Now, many of you were asking the same sort of questions about the previous chapter so here are a few, (hopefully) brief explanations.
EXPLANATIONS: The visions Yugi had when he was putting the puzzle together, were of how the future/past was SUPPOSED to go. The world he saw was basically the Yugioh! world as we know it in the magna and/or anime. If any of the other characters get flashbacks that seem to come from a different world, it's most probably taken from how the magna/anime told the story. So, yes, it's a time when Priest Seto was DEFEATED by the Pharaoh Yugioh. Basically (I'm sort of giving spoilers here) something went wrong in the current time period (the present with Battle City, Duelist Kingdom, cars, technology, etc.) and now based upon a choice that Yami will make, the same thing can happen again and if so, the world will end. Cheerful thought, no?
Pooka228 asked on how Yugi would know Yami before they "met". Well, remember those dreams Yugi had that had the "spirit" in them? Basically the dreams were real and though Yugi never really saw Yami, because he's Yami's soul mate (NOT IN A SHONEN-AI WAY!! I TOLD YOU GUYS MY OPINION ON THIS SOME TIME AGO) he would know Yami anyway. It's really kind of hard to explain, but basically, one half of a soul will always recognize it's other half. That's just how I can explain it. As for the people in Yugi's dream at the beginning of the first chapter, well, I can't give away about who they are but you can probably count on seeing more of them.
Tenshi: Well, I think that's about it. So, now, sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy the next chapter of 'The Past Is Present'.
Chapter Nine: The Joining of Two Souls and the Call of a Master
*//Forces move into play, evil and good watch as their separate teams make their moves, and the ultimate choice awaits them all.//*
Reluctantly, Yugi gently pulled himself away from Yami's arms. He had never felt so happy then to finally actually meet this person- Yami. It was as though he had gone through life looking desperately for the one thing he was missing and now, at long last, he was reunited with it. But there were still so many questions.
Gazing down into violet eyes, Yami wondered how he had ever survived those thousands of years without this young, innocent boy. His mind whirled from the wonder of it all. He knew he shouldn't be so attached to this young boy, that they hadn't even really met. That, for all he knew, this boy could be mean, rude, arrogant, and cold hearted. But in his heart, Yami knew all of this to be far from the truth. That the boy in front of him was as gentle as he was kind. Shy, polite, adorable, innocent, pure- a million and more things could describe this boy. And Yami could tell, though their meetings few and far between, that this boy's heart had enough room to encase the world and his soul was so pure that to taint it was clearly an unforgivable sin. No, this was truly a wonderful young child. So, why it was clear to the spirit on why the young boy had been chosen as a hikari, it puzzled the old pharaoh as to why he had been chosen to be his yami.
Knowing that now would be as good as time as any, Yugi opened his mouth to voice a question, any question, when a slight movement in the shadows behind Yami made him switch his gaze. Noticing that the young boy had been distracted, Yami glanced behind him and tried not to smile. Confused, Yugi glanced at Yami before a new voice caught his attention.
"Now look what you did," a deep, male's voice hissed. "He wasn't supposed to notice us!"
An indignant, female voice snapped, "Well, excuse me! I'm so tired of hiding in the shadows. I still don't understand as to why we can't show ourselves!"
Obviously unable to supply a retort, the male muttered, "Why do you always have to make things so difficult?"
One could almost see the perky, female grin, "Oh admit it. That's why you love me so!"
Sputtering, the male replied, "Don't fool yourself! You are more of a headache than Doko ever was.!"
The female sniffed, disdainfully, "Boy, don't YOU have a lot of nerve! Comparing ME to a Feral Imp. His name means 'where' for Exodia's sake!."
Completely forgetting their situation, the two voices continued their argument. Yugi blinked confusedly while Yami sweat-dropped. Seeing his young friend's bemusement, he called out, "C'mon you two! It's okay. I doubt he's going to faint or anything. And besides," Yami's voice got a sly feel to it. "We don't want to explain to Mahou what your name means, do we, Unemi?"
Both voices instantly stopped their quarrel. The female whispered, "You wouldn't dare." Yami winked at Yugi and the boy couldn't help but grin.
"Oh I don't know," Yami stood up, and help Yugi up as well. "I'm getting tempted and I'm sure Mahou's curiosity is simply eating at him."
There was an "hmph!" and then a young man floated out of the shadows and landed gently on the ground. A slightly embarrassed girl followed. Yugi's breath caught as he saw who they were.
The man, Yugi guessed he was the one called 'Mahou', was tall, slim, and his stance was one of pride and a different sort of arrogance. He was covered with purple and even his dark blue eyes had a dark violet tint. His staff, however, was turquoise and the jewel inserted at the top glowed a bluish mist. He was the Dark Magician.
The girl, Unemi, was more childish counterpart and it was easy to underestimate her. Yet everything about her was easy to like and not one bit of her hinted that she withheld powerful dark magic. She was the Dark Magician Girl.
And Yugi had already decided that he liked them both.
Mahou peered down at his master, his face mysterious and unemotional. One could never have told that this was the same one who could easily keep up a stupid rhetorical argument with his apprentice. "I don't see why her name would be so mysterious," he said, slowly, trying not to sound curious. "Why would the word 'fate' act like such an easy black-mail?" Yami just smiled and shook his head.
Meanwhile, Unemi was busy staring at Yugi. Noticing this, the boy blushed and stared down at his feet. Suddenly, there was a girlish shriek and, surprised, Yugi glanced up. The next thing he knew, he was being squeezed to death by the duel monster.
"CUTE!!" Unemi shrieked. Yugi became aware that his head was resting on the girl's shoulder and his legs were dangling off the floor. Also, it was becoming increasingly harder to breathe. Still, the Dark Magician girl continued to squeal, "He's just SO adorable. Yami, you lucky dog, how did you end up getting such a PRECIOUS counter-part!"
'Counter-part?' Yugi thought, vaguely.
Mahou, meanwhile, was taken back by his partner's behavior. "Unemi," he said, slowly. "Put the boy down."
Unemi pouted and Yugi felt his feet touch the floor. "I'm sorry," Unemi said sincerely. "But," she got stars in her eyes. "He's just SO cute!"
Sheepishly, Yugi blushed which only resulted in another squeal from Unemi. Eager to change the subject, he stuttered, "Unemi? Doesn't that also mean 'destined to be'?"
Unemi paled.
However, Yugi didn't notice and continued with his contemplations. "If you change that word a bit, you'd get Unemiha, which means 'soul- mate'." Yami beamed at Yugi, proud that his charge was so clever. Also, it was kind of entertaining to watch Unemi sweat. "But then that doesn't mean much as a name. Unless..." Yugi's eyes widened and Yami' grin widened as he realized that Yugi had finally figured it out. "You think about WHO it is that's named and-"
Suddenly, Unemi started (gently) shaking Yugi, yelling, "No! Stop! Stop! Don't tell him!" Yami raced over to his aibou, trying to look stern, but it was obvious that he was laughing. Mahou, meanwhile, was watching oblivious to what had just been implied and felt a sweat drop roll down the back of his head.
Then came two tortured shrieks.
All laughter and silliness stopped and the four of the listened intently to the echoing cries. Unemi, having released Yugi some moments before, paled and her dark blue eyes grew worried. "Wha-what ha-hap- happened?" she whispered.
Sensing her fear, Mahou stood beside her and Unemi felt her face warm up as she felt his comforting presence and heard his deep voice. "I have never seen this place," Mahou whispered. "But it radiates despair and darkness." His senses being more powerful than a normal being's, Mahou could almost hear the moaning cries that came from souls that had long since passed.
Yami's eyes narrowed, for he too could feel a haunting despair, and his senses were so perked that he heard the small whimper that came from behind him. Startled, Yami glanced behind him and was surprised to see that Yugi was pale and looked like he was about to cry. "Joey," Yugi whispered, clearly horrified. "Ryou." His heart near breaking, Yami wrapped a comforting arm around Yugi's shoulder, confused on how to help the poor boy. Suddenly, it was too much for Yugi, and he hurled himself onto Yami's chest and sobbed, "Yami! I'm so stupid! How could I forget about my friends! They could be in big trouble right now and I can't even do anything!" Holding the boy close, Yami verbally attacked himself for not being able to help the boy. Unemi and Mahou glanced at each other before they floated over to the giant stone door. They gazed at it for awhile before looking back at Yami, shaking their heads.
"A powerful, protective magic protects this place," Mahou explained. "No doubt Seth wanted to be sure that no one could retrieve the puzzle." Unemi just watched as Yugi took these words to heart. For a long time she had watched this kid from a far and it didn't take even half that long for her to like him. Now, after meeting him face to face, she could see why They had chosen him to be the Light.
Meanwhile, Yugi berated himself and felt like he could never have hated himself more. How could he have ever forgotten his friends? The mere thought disgusted us. 'Please,' he prayed to whatever outside force that could possibly help him. 'Please help us get out of here. We need to save my friends!'
Suddenly, there was a loud 'crack!' and Yugi felt Yami stiffen. Looking up, Yugi gasped to see the door suddenly open. Not even bothering to question how or why, he quickly wiped his tears and beamed up at Yami. "Now we can go find my friends!" he smiled. Yami gazed down at him with his crimson eyes and nodded, knowing that he would follow this boy to the ends of the world if he had to, but then glanced behind him. Following his gaze, Yugi was surprised to see the puzzle he had just solved laying there on the floor. Yet another thing he had completely forgot about!
Yami gently released his hold on Yugi and walked over to the fallen puzzle. Carefully, he picked the puzzle up and walked back to his hikari. Then he slipped the cord that held the Millennium Puzzle around Yugi's neck. Confused, Yugi held the puzzle in his palm and glanced back up at Yami. It was strange how they seemed to complete him. Yami just smiled, "I believe this belongs to you." Yugi smiled back.
Then, together, with a very touched Unemi and Mahou, the two half souls, now complete, raced off into the impending darkness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Far, far away and so, so very close, two others were watching Yugi, Yami, and the duel monsters hurry from the room. One, hidden in shadows, his dark blue eyes taunting, grinned slyly as he watched as bit by bit his grand scheme was coming into play. The other, a girl with long pink hair, wearing a simple dress, watched the scene eagerly in her orb. Her dark eyes were weary from having used some powerful magic that had blocked the Light's way.
"Yes, young one," the girl breathed. "Already the works of fate are at hand and everything is moving into place. Do not lose hope stay true to yourself and the one that holds your heart. Face yourself toward victory!" Then her eyes grew sad. "Let's just hope that the thing that happened before... does not happen again." Her name was Mana.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
'Well, here I am again,' Ryou thought to himself as he walked home from school. 'Maybe Dad will actually be home today!'
In his heart, Ryou knew he was being foolish and that it was more likely that his dad WASN"T going to be home or had probably left already, but all the same, a small part of him insisted to clinging to the small hope that perhaps his father would finally be over his pain and come back to his son. But that was stupid all the same.
When Ryou's mother had died, his father had been devestated, but had managed to find joy in his two children and so continued with life the best he could. Though the loss of the mother hit the two children deeply, Ryou and his younger sister, Almane, had managed to still brighten their father's day when he came home from work. Then Ryou's life came crashing down when Almane had been hit by a car and had died in a hospital. His father, with both wife and a child gone, flung himself into his work, too heartbroken to even try and consider his son's own pain. And still Ryou had clung to the joys in life and dreamed of a time when his father's troubled soul would heal and they could be a family again. But at the moment, the chance of that happening were slim.
Yet, hope continued to burn inside of him.
Opening the door to his home, Ryou felt his heart sink as his ears met the silence of an empty home. How could he have been so foolish as to let himself think that anything could be different? Feeling rather depressed, Ryou walked dejectedly to the note that he knew would be there. Picking up the piece of paper, his eyes scanned the lines that he already practically memorized:
Ryou,
It seems as though I won't be able to stay. I have just received word that yet another grand discovery has been unearthed. I have been asked to help and, of course, I agreed. I hope you are doing well, especially in school. I bet you're having tons of fun with your friends, aren't you, Mr. Popularity? I'll try to be back in about two weeks. Maybe I'll send you something this time!
Lots of love,
Dad
P.S- If you need to reach me, I'll be in Egypt and the number's below.
Suddenly, the world seemed like a terrible burden that was struck down on the Ryou's shoulders as he bit back a strangled sob. He raced up to his room, his heart pounding and his eyes stinging. A depression of unearthly weight pressed in on all sides of his soul, as Ryou collapsed on his bed, and cried unto slumber.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
-Ryou.
The Angel's face, though unconscious, was tormented with so much pain that even the coldest heart would have sobbed at the sight of him. Light shone in from the hole from which he had fell and rumble lay scattered around him, where the floor had caved in. Yet, in the encroaching darkness, something golden glinted. Disturb from its rest upon an alter, the cave-in had moved it closer to where the Innocent had landed. As though feeling the boy nearby, the item, otherwise known as the Millennium Ring, had shone gold, the spirit within calling desperately for the boy to awake. Frustrated that he was so close and yet so far from his heart's glory, the spirit continued to call continuously, but not without shouting a few vile words to the heavens and its gods for all their curses and the damnation they had place upon him.
Suddenly, Ryou stirred. His soul was responding to something his ears could not hear. It was a cry; a desperate, lonely, hopeful, woe begotten, cry. Seeing the boy respond, the spirit renewed his cry with new hope. Two halves of a soul were crying out for each other. Yet one could not reach the other.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Some kids are overjoyed when they finally arrive home, but Ryou felt as though he'd rather go through a thousand detentions if it meant never having to come back to an empty house. Yet another day with another empty, silent house. Ryou allowed himself to pause at the doorway to think. Would his father ever truly come home? Gazing around the furniture that was never used, the rooms that were never opened, and the way everything was nice and neat, Ryou concluded something that he had always known. This house was just a house. A house he kept neat and tidy, well-stocked and homey, for a person that would never come home. So, therefore, Ryou didn't have a home. For there wasn't anyone, anyone in the entire world, that Ryou could come home to.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
-Ryou! Ryou! Ryou, damn it, will you wake up!-
Though the words sounded harsh and cruel, their owner's soul was crying out so frantically that it lessened the words' effects. A moan came from the white haired boy and Slowly, if one looked closely, the boy's body began to move.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Suddenly, something golden flashed in a ray of sunlight, catching Ryou's eye. Confused, he looked over at a note that had been placed on the coffee table, where the notes always went, but this time there was a golden object there two. Ryou blinked. He knew his father had made a quick stop here before traveling to Rome, but he hadn't thought the man would actually bother bringing him back something. With different reasons for the gift running through his head, Ryou set his school bag on the floor, walked over to the coffee table, and gazed down at the thing that had caught his eye.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The boy's shoulder seemed to almost slide up as Ryou's body began to move onto its side, the callings of two halves had proven to be just to strong. The boy's face was contorted with emotional pain. Then, for an instant, the boy's body remained on one side.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
It reminded Ryou of those Native American dream catchers his father had once studied. Except this one was a bit different. It was thicker, made of shining gold, thick spikes hung from the edges, and a strange eye stared up at him. With a slight awe, Ryou realized that it was the Eye of Osiris. As his mind dug around for memories of Egyptian legend, something else came to him. For it was said that those who wore the Eye of Osiris, then a great protection would be bestowed on them.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
With a sigh, the boy's body gently fell onto the back. Yet, the boy's hand still hung limply in the air before it began to descend back onto the dusty earth. Realizing their opportunity, fate cried out.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Ryou quickly shook his head. What strange thoughts to be running around a boy's head! Looking for something to divert his attention, Ryou snatched up the note and his eyes quickly scanned the messy writing.
Ryou,
Once again I find that I can not stay long. I hope that you can forgive me. To make up for it, I hope that you'll accept this gift. I passed it by while walking through a bazaar. The man had called out to me and I have to admit that the thing certainly did catch the eye. Obviously greedy to make a sell, the man hurried to explain that it was called the Millennium Ring has something to do with Duel Monsters. Knowing that you loved the game, I decided to purchase it. But there was something else. I know this may sound weird but it felt like you are destined to have this. Okay, now you think I'm crazy. Anyway, I'm going to be late soon, so I better go. Take care of yourself!
Dad
The note did nothing but intensify Ryou's curiosity. He had already taken a good look at the "ring" and he couldn't quite see how such a thing had anything to do with duel monsters. And what had his father meant when he had said that he was "destined to have this"? Dropping the note, Ryou turned back to look at the Ring. This just didn't make any sense. He reached out to grab the Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The hand fell limply to the side. But as it did so, it turned slightly, so that the fingers were brushing against the Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
His fingers curled around the outer edge. It was cold. He shivered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Ryou, though still unconscious, wrapped his fingers against the cool metal of the Millennium Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
A sudden light flared brightly. Surprised, Ryou tried to drop the Ring. Brown eyes widened as they realized they could not and did not want to do let go. Ryou felt peace fill him.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The Millenium Ring shone and Ryou's face eased into a look of inner peace.
*/ THE RING HAD BEEN AWAKENED/*
As the light died down, an almost exact clone of the unconscious boy stood with his eyes closed. His white hair was, though not exactly messy, jagged and roughed. His features were out of place in that they looked so old on a face so young. Then, hard brown eyes opened. Eyes that were use to scorning the world. This was not a young man who had known or shown gentleness in his life. But as they rested on the young boy, something flickered. They softened, if something so hard could be softened. Gently, more gently than one would expect with such rough skin and hands, the released spirit propped up Ryou in his arms. A peace was filling the tired old tomb robber. For two halves of one soul had just been reunited.
The Demon had found his Angel.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Meanwhile, the tortured shrieks Yugi and his group had heard where not because of what they thought. Not that the person wasn't in agony. It was just more of a... different sort of agony.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
"Stop!" Duke cried. "Make him stop! Please! I don't care how you do it, just STOP HIM! I can't take it anymore!"
"Oh, would you calm down, ya big baby," Joey huffed, fairly annoyed. "I don't know why you're complaining. I thought I was pretty good." With that said, the "torture" continued.
"Now where was I?" Joey asked thoughtfully. Then he brightened. "Oh yeah." Clearing his throat he began, "63 bottles of gin on the wall, 63 bottle of gin.."
Duke grimaced. While he had been alone, he had sworn not to crack no matter what type of torture these people decided to use on him. But this was ridiculous!
"Take one down, pass it around, 62 bottle of gin on the wall! 62 bottles of gin on the wall, 62 bottles of gin, take one down, pass it round- "
"STOP!" Duke began to struggle against his chains. "JUST STOP!"
Joey scowled. "Now look what ya did! I can't remember where I left off!" He shrugged. "Oh well. Guess I'll just have to start from the beginning!"
"NO!" Duke cried.
Malik, who had been standing nearby, began laughing so hard that he fell to his knees. Ishizu, who had come with her brother, smiled. Rishid, who looked for all the world that the only reason he was here was to look after Malik, bit back a smile.
Ishizu beamed as she watched Joey and Duke start yet another argument. While she didn't know why the two had come down here, she was thankful that they had come. She knew that it might sound selfish, but she was thankful for it all the more as she continued to see all the good it did. But the most good it did was for her brother.
Malik had always been curious about the outside world and longed desperately for friends. Not that he didn't love his sister and Rishid dearly. Ishizu knew that. It was just- she paused. Malik needed something that, no matter how hard Rishid and herself tried, they just couldn't provide. Yet, with these two strangers, Malik seemed so wonderfully at home.
Duke muttered, "I never dream I'd meet a person that I'd always get the urge to stuff a rag down their throat!"
Joey just smirked, "You're just jealous."
This made Duke crack. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M- WHAT'S THERE TO- HOW COULD YOU- HOW DARE YOU- GRR!!" he rambled. "Boy, you get me angry!"
Malik was now rolling on the floor.
Joey couldn't help but feel a bit proud as he watched Malik laugh. Though he was still extremely worried about Ryou and Yugi, he was kind of fond of Malik. The kid reminded him a lot of the way Yugi and Ryou act. Besides, Malik really was a sweet kid.
Yugi.
Joey felt his spirit do a mental deflation. Now there was person he missed. It simply amazed Joey on how one person could impact him like this. Just being with tat kid made you look on the bright side and you can't help but feel good about yourself. Somewhere within Joey, he knew that he seen only a bit of the innocence that radiated around his friend. However, no matter that Joey wished he could always protect the boy that had become his brother, he knew, somehow, that for some reason it was more important to be a friend to Yugi. Not a protector.
A sharp cry jolted Joey from his thoughts. What he saw made him emit a deep growl.
For there was Malik struggling in his father's grasp. The man's dark eyes raged. "How dare you!" he shouted, squeezing his arm tighter around Malik's neck. Ishizu paled and ran at her father, trying to free her brother. The man simply knocked her to the ground. However, much to the surprise of everyone, she quickly got back up and ran at him again. It was obvious that the women was determined to free her brother from this man's grasp. As she ran at him, an outrage cry sounded as well. Joey, with a helpless sort of awe, watched as Rishid, too, rushed to Malik's aid. Malik's father simply smirked. As soon as Ishizu was close enough he gripped her wrist and flung her into Rishid. The two crashed into a wall and fell limp. Malik's eyes widened in horror as he struggled to get out of his father's grasp.
Akarkin, for that was the man's name, sneered and, tightening his grip on his son's neck, continued to rage, "Do you think I would allow traitors within this realm? And from my own kin as well? Well, then, from now on I SHALL HAVE NO KIN!"
Duke's eyes widened in horror and realization dawned to him. He couldn't believe this man was serious! Furious at what the man was about to do, the black-haired teen began to struggle valiantly against the chains that bound him.
Meanwhile, Joey was more than furious. He was seething. The thought of doing harm was so intolerable, so horrible to him that he felt his blood boil. Watching Malik's face contort with pain, he felt his heart pound and every muscle tightened, waiting to attack. Suddenly, it was no longer just Malik that was being threatened. It became more than that. Joey, his mind no longer able to tell reality from dreams, watched as he saw Malik being crushed by shadows, Ryou being smothered by darkness, and Yugi being engulfed by a giant evil force that was outside anyone's control. Restrained in nearby shadows, were three other figures, held near the boys' sides. Though Joey could not see their faces, he could almost feel the figure's overwhelming horror and grief. Particularly, the one near Yugi. Then a voice kept screaming, though it sounded like faint whispers to Joey's ears, "I'm sorry, aibou! It's my fault! I'm sorry!" As feelings of love and protectiveness for his friends, disgust and anger for his enemies, filled Joey, the teen felt overwhelmed and would have collapsed if it hadn't been for the chains holding him up.
That was when something inside of Joey, something that hadn't been awakened in a normal human for nearly a millennia, clicked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Nearby where all the commotion was going on, something stirred in the darkness. Great black wings, that hadn't flown in the sky since countless years, suddenly itched for flight. A might mouth opened to show gleaming teeth and a protective growl emitted from its throat. Large, glowing red eyes flashed open. Masharou had been awaken by its master.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
A sudden roar shook the cave.
Surprised, Malik, Duke, and even Akarkin stopped what they were doing. At first, it was hard for Duke's eyes to penetrate the darkness that loomed behind Arkarkin. But as his eyes peered into the darkness, Duke felt a shudder of fear go through him. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be!
A fear that was almost oppressing pressed down on Akarkin. This wasn't good. Even his son had gone rigid. What had gone wrong? Big, warm breathes tickled the hair on the back of his neck. It felt like a big drop of liquid had just been forced down his gut. Slowly, as though an outside force was controlling him, the man slowly turned around. What he saw before him paralyzed him so that the only thing he managed to do was drop his son on the floor. Even breathing became a labored chore. There was no way this was happening.
For there, looming before him. was the Red Eyes Black Dragon.
*Fin.
Kerra: ^^ Well, everyone thanks for reading this chapter. Personally, I think you all deserve medals for sticking with this so far. Tenshi REALLY appreciates all the support. In fact, she just wanted to let all of you guys know that she got a B on her test, so that means she can go online freely now! So she wants to thank all of you for your support!
Yugi: *looks around* Speaking of Tenshi...where is she?
Kerra: *blinks* Uh... *looks around* I don't know.
*Suddenly, two big men in suites walk across the room, dragging a Chibi Yugi. Holding desperately onto Chibi Yugi's legs, is Tenshi*
Tenshi: ;_; No! Don't take him away! No!
Man in Suite #1: Sorry, miss. But Miss Lily's instructions were that you could keep Chibi Yugi until you updated.
Man in Suite #2: And we always have to follow orders.
Tenshi: No!
M.i.S 1: Just let go!
Tenshi: No! No, no, no, no!!!!!
M.i.S 2: *lifts up Chibi Yugi and pulls Tenshi off*
Tenshi: *lands on the ground and watches as Chibi Yugi is taken back to Lily-chan* Chibi Yugi, NO!!!! *sighs* Oh well. *stands up and brushes herself off* At least I still have Yugi! ^^ That's a bright side.
Kerra: --" You do know that you just made a total fool of yourself right?
Tenshi: *shrug* I don't really care. I mean, it's confusing enough to be yourself. I don't see the point of making it complicated by doing what people think you should do.
Yugi: ^^ Yeah! Go Tenshi!
Tenshi: *beams before turning back to readers* Well, sorry about that slight interruption. I really didn't mean to ignore you guys like that. As you can see I'm TRYING to put humor in this fanfic but as Lily-chan knows, I'm a dramatic through and through. ^^ Not that that's a bad thing. Also *hugs every single reviewer* I just REALLY want to thank you guys for all your support! It really helps. I'm warning you now that I have NO IDEA how long this is going to be. But you guys seem to like it, so I'll keep writing it! ^^ *thousands of plushies to every reviewer* I, personally, want to thank the Rose Duelist (for being such a total sweet heart) Lily-chan (for being the best friend a girl can ask for) and every single one of you guys that have reviewed. YOU ROCK!!! ^^ Also, even though I won't be able to respond to your reviews in this chapter (too exhausted!) I PROMISE that I'll talk to you guys next time. ^^ So PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING! I still need at least TWO reviews for each chapter, but I think I'm gonna try to just update once a week, at least until my schedule cools down. So I am sorry for how long it will take to post up each chapter, but school has to come first. (otherwise, no going online) But you guys are TOTALLY supportive (which is another reason why you guys RULE) so I'm happy! ^^ So until next time, C'ya!
~Lily-chan: I am really happy to hear from you! I just wanted to let you know that I am NOT offended because you thought I acted like a twelve year old. In fact *blushes* I consider it quite a compliment. I REALLY look forward to your reviews and your stories. Just don't lose your spark, chica! You're such a TOTALLY, AMAZING, and WONDERFUL person! And don't forget it! ^^
~Wingleader Sora Jade: I just wanted to let you know that I am really, really, really, really, really, REALLY happy to hear that you're doing good in school. Chances are you'll probably do better than me! I'm kind of sad to hear that such a remarkable and wonderful person like you doesn't hang out with that many friends, but if that's your style, than that's great! My first few days at school, I was always by myself. I eventually found some friends, but I still like to be alone now and then. Personally, I think lone wolfs are kind of cool. Kind of makes you sound mysterious. ^^ *giggles* Anyway, if you don't mind, keep me updated on how you're doing. I'm sure you'll do fantastic!
Rating: PG13 (this basically isn't going to change)
Genre: oh, let's see... um, Drama, uh, Angst, and MAYBE some humor, I don't know
Tenshi: *is sitting on her bean bag, cuddling Chibi Yugi* Oh, hi everybody!
Lily: *is there too & is also cuddling Chibi Yugi* ^_^
Yugi: ;_; *is unhappy that everyone's paying attention to Chibi Yugi* Hi.
Kerra: *is moving closer and closer to Yami* It's nice to see everyone again.
Yami: *is backing away from Kerra* Yeah, nice.
Iris: *is wondering why on earth she's here*
Tenshi: *is happily cuddling Chibi Yugi* I really have to thank you guys for all the reviews. Your support REALLY helps. Cause, as Lily-chan knows, I tend to discredit my writing skills. ^^" But since you guys wanted the next chapter so much, I decided to work on this for a whole week.
Everyone: 0_0
T: ^^
*Wingleader Sora Jade, Finnigangirl, bast4, Smarty1, the Chaotic ones, & all of the other reviewers who are Yugi-fans walk in* *sees Chibi Yugi* *blink*
All: CUTE!!!!!!!!! *run over and start glomping Chibi Yugi*
Yugi: ;_; *sniff*
Tenshi: *sees Yugi and grabs him over to the big crowd of Yugi-fans*
Everyone: *starts cuddling and squealing over both Yugis* CUTE!!!!!!!
Tenshi: ^^ Now we have TWO Yugis! And it's all thanks to Lily-chan!! *cuddles Yugi*
Yugi* ^_______^ *is happy now that he's getting attention*
Tenshi: Anyway, I just want to apologize to Yukai o Kitsune, who (very nicely) requested that I limit my author's notes. And I want to apologize to anyone else who feels the same way. I'm not at all offended and I will try my best to limit how much of these I put in each chapter. So, after the disclaimer and a few explanations, we'll get right to the chapter! ^^ But thank you, Yukai o Kitsune, for not being rude or mean about a request. It really means a lot when people can just say things nicely. So, without further ado, Yugi will now do the disclaimer!
Disclaimer: Yami's Tenshi does not own Yugioh!, its characters, its plot, or any of its lines. Some of the lines last chapter were taken directly out of the magna and Tenshi would like to make it clear that she does not own any of these lines and all things listed previously are recorded as Kazuki Takahashi's ownership. Yami's Tenshi lays no claim on any of those. She does, however, own a few OCs and some of the plot. So, please do not sue. Thank you.
Tenshi: ^^ Thanks Yugi. Now, many of you were asking the same sort of questions about the previous chapter so here are a few, (hopefully) brief explanations.
EXPLANATIONS: The visions Yugi had when he was putting the puzzle together, were of how the future/past was SUPPOSED to go. The world he saw was basically the Yugioh! world as we know it in the magna and/or anime. If any of the other characters get flashbacks that seem to come from a different world, it's most probably taken from how the magna/anime told the story. So, yes, it's a time when Priest Seto was DEFEATED by the Pharaoh Yugioh. Basically (I'm sort of giving spoilers here) something went wrong in the current time period (the present with Battle City, Duelist Kingdom, cars, technology, etc.) and now based upon a choice that Yami will make, the same thing can happen again and if so, the world will end. Cheerful thought, no?
Pooka228 asked on how Yugi would know Yami before they "met". Well, remember those dreams Yugi had that had the "spirit" in them? Basically the dreams were real and though Yugi never really saw Yami, because he's Yami's soul mate (NOT IN A SHONEN-AI WAY!! I TOLD YOU GUYS MY OPINION ON THIS SOME TIME AGO) he would know Yami anyway. It's really kind of hard to explain, but basically, one half of a soul will always recognize it's other half. That's just how I can explain it. As for the people in Yugi's dream at the beginning of the first chapter, well, I can't give away about who they are but you can probably count on seeing more of them.
Tenshi: Well, I think that's about it. So, now, sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy the next chapter of 'The Past Is Present'.
Chapter Nine: The Joining of Two Souls and the Call of a Master
*//Forces move into play, evil and good watch as their separate teams make their moves, and the ultimate choice awaits them all.//*
Reluctantly, Yugi gently pulled himself away from Yami's arms. He had never felt so happy then to finally actually meet this person- Yami. It was as though he had gone through life looking desperately for the one thing he was missing and now, at long last, he was reunited with it. But there were still so many questions.
Gazing down into violet eyes, Yami wondered how he had ever survived those thousands of years without this young, innocent boy. His mind whirled from the wonder of it all. He knew he shouldn't be so attached to this young boy, that they hadn't even really met. That, for all he knew, this boy could be mean, rude, arrogant, and cold hearted. But in his heart, Yami knew all of this to be far from the truth. That the boy in front of him was as gentle as he was kind. Shy, polite, adorable, innocent, pure- a million and more things could describe this boy. And Yami could tell, though their meetings few and far between, that this boy's heart had enough room to encase the world and his soul was so pure that to taint it was clearly an unforgivable sin. No, this was truly a wonderful young child. So, why it was clear to the spirit on why the young boy had been chosen as a hikari, it puzzled the old pharaoh as to why he had been chosen to be his yami.
Knowing that now would be as good as time as any, Yugi opened his mouth to voice a question, any question, when a slight movement in the shadows behind Yami made him switch his gaze. Noticing that the young boy had been distracted, Yami glanced behind him and tried not to smile. Confused, Yugi glanced at Yami before a new voice caught his attention.
"Now look what you did," a deep, male's voice hissed. "He wasn't supposed to notice us!"
An indignant, female voice snapped, "Well, excuse me! I'm so tired of hiding in the shadows. I still don't understand as to why we can't show ourselves!"
Obviously unable to supply a retort, the male muttered, "Why do you always have to make things so difficult?"
One could almost see the perky, female grin, "Oh admit it. That's why you love me so!"
Sputtering, the male replied, "Don't fool yourself! You are more of a headache than Doko ever was.!"
The female sniffed, disdainfully, "Boy, don't YOU have a lot of nerve! Comparing ME to a Feral Imp. His name means 'where' for Exodia's sake!."
Completely forgetting their situation, the two voices continued their argument. Yugi blinked confusedly while Yami sweat-dropped. Seeing his young friend's bemusement, he called out, "C'mon you two! It's okay. I doubt he's going to faint or anything. And besides," Yami's voice got a sly feel to it. "We don't want to explain to Mahou what your name means, do we, Unemi?"
Both voices instantly stopped their quarrel. The female whispered, "You wouldn't dare." Yami winked at Yugi and the boy couldn't help but grin.
"Oh I don't know," Yami stood up, and help Yugi up as well. "I'm getting tempted and I'm sure Mahou's curiosity is simply eating at him."
There was an "hmph!" and then a young man floated out of the shadows and landed gently on the ground. A slightly embarrassed girl followed. Yugi's breath caught as he saw who they were.
The man, Yugi guessed he was the one called 'Mahou', was tall, slim, and his stance was one of pride and a different sort of arrogance. He was covered with purple and even his dark blue eyes had a dark violet tint. His staff, however, was turquoise and the jewel inserted at the top glowed a bluish mist. He was the Dark Magician.
The girl, Unemi, was more childish counterpart and it was easy to underestimate her. Yet everything about her was easy to like and not one bit of her hinted that she withheld powerful dark magic. She was the Dark Magician Girl.
And Yugi had already decided that he liked them both.
Mahou peered down at his master, his face mysterious and unemotional. One could never have told that this was the same one who could easily keep up a stupid rhetorical argument with his apprentice. "I don't see why her name would be so mysterious," he said, slowly, trying not to sound curious. "Why would the word 'fate' act like such an easy black-mail?" Yami just smiled and shook his head.
Meanwhile, Unemi was busy staring at Yugi. Noticing this, the boy blushed and stared down at his feet. Suddenly, there was a girlish shriek and, surprised, Yugi glanced up. The next thing he knew, he was being squeezed to death by the duel monster.
"CUTE!!" Unemi shrieked. Yugi became aware that his head was resting on the girl's shoulder and his legs were dangling off the floor. Also, it was becoming increasingly harder to breathe. Still, the Dark Magician girl continued to squeal, "He's just SO adorable. Yami, you lucky dog, how did you end up getting such a PRECIOUS counter-part!"
'Counter-part?' Yugi thought, vaguely.
Mahou, meanwhile, was taken back by his partner's behavior. "Unemi," he said, slowly. "Put the boy down."
Unemi pouted and Yugi felt his feet touch the floor. "I'm sorry," Unemi said sincerely. "But," she got stars in her eyes. "He's just SO cute!"
Sheepishly, Yugi blushed which only resulted in another squeal from Unemi. Eager to change the subject, he stuttered, "Unemi? Doesn't that also mean 'destined to be'?"
Unemi paled.
However, Yugi didn't notice and continued with his contemplations. "If you change that word a bit, you'd get Unemiha, which means 'soul- mate'." Yami beamed at Yugi, proud that his charge was so clever. Also, it was kind of entertaining to watch Unemi sweat. "But then that doesn't mean much as a name. Unless..." Yugi's eyes widened and Yami' grin widened as he realized that Yugi had finally figured it out. "You think about WHO it is that's named and-"
Suddenly, Unemi started (gently) shaking Yugi, yelling, "No! Stop! Stop! Don't tell him!" Yami raced over to his aibou, trying to look stern, but it was obvious that he was laughing. Mahou, meanwhile, was watching oblivious to what had just been implied and felt a sweat drop roll down the back of his head.
Then came two tortured shrieks.
All laughter and silliness stopped and the four of the listened intently to the echoing cries. Unemi, having released Yugi some moments before, paled and her dark blue eyes grew worried. "Wha-what ha-hap- happened?" she whispered.
Sensing her fear, Mahou stood beside her and Unemi felt her face warm up as she felt his comforting presence and heard his deep voice. "I have never seen this place," Mahou whispered. "But it radiates despair and darkness." His senses being more powerful than a normal being's, Mahou could almost hear the moaning cries that came from souls that had long since passed.
Yami's eyes narrowed, for he too could feel a haunting despair, and his senses were so perked that he heard the small whimper that came from behind him. Startled, Yami glanced behind him and was surprised to see that Yugi was pale and looked like he was about to cry. "Joey," Yugi whispered, clearly horrified. "Ryou." His heart near breaking, Yami wrapped a comforting arm around Yugi's shoulder, confused on how to help the poor boy. Suddenly, it was too much for Yugi, and he hurled himself onto Yami's chest and sobbed, "Yami! I'm so stupid! How could I forget about my friends! They could be in big trouble right now and I can't even do anything!" Holding the boy close, Yami verbally attacked himself for not being able to help the boy. Unemi and Mahou glanced at each other before they floated over to the giant stone door. They gazed at it for awhile before looking back at Yami, shaking their heads.
"A powerful, protective magic protects this place," Mahou explained. "No doubt Seth wanted to be sure that no one could retrieve the puzzle." Unemi just watched as Yugi took these words to heart. For a long time she had watched this kid from a far and it didn't take even half that long for her to like him. Now, after meeting him face to face, she could see why They had chosen him to be the Light.
Meanwhile, Yugi berated himself and felt like he could never have hated himself more. How could he have ever forgotten his friends? The mere thought disgusted us. 'Please,' he prayed to whatever outside force that could possibly help him. 'Please help us get out of here. We need to save my friends!'
Suddenly, there was a loud 'crack!' and Yugi felt Yami stiffen. Looking up, Yugi gasped to see the door suddenly open. Not even bothering to question how or why, he quickly wiped his tears and beamed up at Yami. "Now we can go find my friends!" he smiled. Yami gazed down at him with his crimson eyes and nodded, knowing that he would follow this boy to the ends of the world if he had to, but then glanced behind him. Following his gaze, Yugi was surprised to see the puzzle he had just solved laying there on the floor. Yet another thing he had completely forgot about!
Yami gently released his hold on Yugi and walked over to the fallen puzzle. Carefully, he picked the puzzle up and walked back to his hikari. Then he slipped the cord that held the Millennium Puzzle around Yugi's neck. Confused, Yugi held the puzzle in his palm and glanced back up at Yami. It was strange how they seemed to complete him. Yami just smiled, "I believe this belongs to you." Yugi smiled back.
Then, together, with a very touched Unemi and Mahou, the two half souls, now complete, raced off into the impending darkness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Far, far away and so, so very close, two others were watching Yugi, Yami, and the duel monsters hurry from the room. One, hidden in shadows, his dark blue eyes taunting, grinned slyly as he watched as bit by bit his grand scheme was coming into play. The other, a girl with long pink hair, wearing a simple dress, watched the scene eagerly in her orb. Her dark eyes were weary from having used some powerful magic that had blocked the Light's way.
"Yes, young one," the girl breathed. "Already the works of fate are at hand and everything is moving into place. Do not lose hope stay true to yourself and the one that holds your heart. Face yourself toward victory!" Then her eyes grew sad. "Let's just hope that the thing that happened before... does not happen again." Her name was Mana.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
'Well, here I am again,' Ryou thought to himself as he walked home from school. 'Maybe Dad will actually be home today!'
In his heart, Ryou knew he was being foolish and that it was more likely that his dad WASN"T going to be home or had probably left already, but all the same, a small part of him insisted to clinging to the small hope that perhaps his father would finally be over his pain and come back to his son. But that was stupid all the same.
When Ryou's mother had died, his father had been devestated, but had managed to find joy in his two children and so continued with life the best he could. Though the loss of the mother hit the two children deeply, Ryou and his younger sister, Almane, had managed to still brighten their father's day when he came home from work. Then Ryou's life came crashing down when Almane had been hit by a car and had died in a hospital. His father, with both wife and a child gone, flung himself into his work, too heartbroken to even try and consider his son's own pain. And still Ryou had clung to the joys in life and dreamed of a time when his father's troubled soul would heal and they could be a family again. But at the moment, the chance of that happening were slim.
Yet, hope continued to burn inside of him.
Opening the door to his home, Ryou felt his heart sink as his ears met the silence of an empty home. How could he have been so foolish as to let himself think that anything could be different? Feeling rather depressed, Ryou walked dejectedly to the note that he knew would be there. Picking up the piece of paper, his eyes scanned the lines that he already practically memorized:
Ryou,
It seems as though I won't be able to stay. I have just received word that yet another grand discovery has been unearthed. I have been asked to help and, of course, I agreed. I hope you are doing well, especially in school. I bet you're having tons of fun with your friends, aren't you, Mr. Popularity? I'll try to be back in about two weeks. Maybe I'll send you something this time!
Lots of love,
Dad
P.S- If you need to reach me, I'll be in Egypt and the number's below.
Suddenly, the world seemed like a terrible burden that was struck down on the Ryou's shoulders as he bit back a strangled sob. He raced up to his room, his heart pounding and his eyes stinging. A depression of unearthly weight pressed in on all sides of his soul, as Ryou collapsed on his bed, and cried unto slumber.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
-Ryou.
The Angel's face, though unconscious, was tormented with so much pain that even the coldest heart would have sobbed at the sight of him. Light shone in from the hole from which he had fell and rumble lay scattered around him, where the floor had caved in. Yet, in the encroaching darkness, something golden glinted. Disturb from its rest upon an alter, the cave-in had moved it closer to where the Innocent had landed. As though feeling the boy nearby, the item, otherwise known as the Millennium Ring, had shone gold, the spirit within calling desperately for the boy to awake. Frustrated that he was so close and yet so far from his heart's glory, the spirit continued to call continuously, but not without shouting a few vile words to the heavens and its gods for all their curses and the damnation they had place upon him.
Suddenly, Ryou stirred. His soul was responding to something his ears could not hear. It was a cry; a desperate, lonely, hopeful, woe begotten, cry. Seeing the boy respond, the spirit renewed his cry with new hope. Two halves of a soul were crying out for each other. Yet one could not reach the other.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Some kids are overjoyed when they finally arrive home, but Ryou felt as though he'd rather go through a thousand detentions if it meant never having to come back to an empty house. Yet another day with another empty, silent house. Ryou allowed himself to pause at the doorway to think. Would his father ever truly come home? Gazing around the furniture that was never used, the rooms that were never opened, and the way everything was nice and neat, Ryou concluded something that he had always known. This house was just a house. A house he kept neat and tidy, well-stocked and homey, for a person that would never come home. So, therefore, Ryou didn't have a home. For there wasn't anyone, anyone in the entire world, that Ryou could come home to.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
-Ryou! Ryou! Ryou, damn it, will you wake up!-
Though the words sounded harsh and cruel, their owner's soul was crying out so frantically that it lessened the words' effects. A moan came from the white haired boy and Slowly, if one looked closely, the boy's body began to move.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Suddenly, something golden flashed in a ray of sunlight, catching Ryou's eye. Confused, he looked over at a note that had been placed on the coffee table, where the notes always went, but this time there was a golden object there two. Ryou blinked. He knew his father had made a quick stop here before traveling to Rome, but he hadn't thought the man would actually bother bringing him back something. With different reasons for the gift running through his head, Ryou set his school bag on the floor, walked over to the coffee table, and gazed down at the thing that had caught his eye.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The boy's shoulder seemed to almost slide up as Ryou's body began to move onto its side, the callings of two halves had proven to be just to strong. The boy's face was contorted with emotional pain. Then, for an instant, the boy's body remained on one side.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
It reminded Ryou of those Native American dream catchers his father had once studied. Except this one was a bit different. It was thicker, made of shining gold, thick spikes hung from the edges, and a strange eye stared up at him. With a slight awe, Ryou realized that it was the Eye of Osiris. As his mind dug around for memories of Egyptian legend, something else came to him. For it was said that those who wore the Eye of Osiris, then a great protection would be bestowed on them.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
With a sigh, the boy's body gently fell onto the back. Yet, the boy's hand still hung limply in the air before it began to descend back onto the dusty earth. Realizing their opportunity, fate cried out.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Ryou quickly shook his head. What strange thoughts to be running around a boy's head! Looking for something to divert his attention, Ryou snatched up the note and his eyes quickly scanned the messy writing.
Ryou,
Once again I find that I can not stay long. I hope that you can forgive me. To make up for it, I hope that you'll accept this gift. I passed it by while walking through a bazaar. The man had called out to me and I have to admit that the thing certainly did catch the eye. Obviously greedy to make a sell, the man hurried to explain that it was called the Millennium Ring has something to do with Duel Monsters. Knowing that you loved the game, I decided to purchase it. But there was something else. I know this may sound weird but it felt like you are destined to have this. Okay, now you think I'm crazy. Anyway, I'm going to be late soon, so I better go. Take care of yourself!
Dad
The note did nothing but intensify Ryou's curiosity. He had already taken a good look at the "ring" and he couldn't quite see how such a thing had anything to do with duel monsters. And what had his father meant when he had said that he was "destined to have this"? Dropping the note, Ryou turned back to look at the Ring. This just didn't make any sense. He reached out to grab the Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The hand fell limply to the side. But as it did so, it turned slightly, so that the fingers were brushing against the Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
His fingers curled around the outer edge. It was cold. He shivered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Ryou, though still unconscious, wrapped his fingers against the cool metal of the Millennium Ring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
A sudden light flared brightly. Surprised, Ryou tried to drop the Ring. Brown eyes widened as they realized they could not and did not want to do let go. Ryou felt peace fill him.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
The Millenium Ring shone and Ryou's face eased into a look of inner peace.
*/ THE RING HAD BEEN AWAKENED/*
As the light died down, an almost exact clone of the unconscious boy stood with his eyes closed. His white hair was, though not exactly messy, jagged and roughed. His features were out of place in that they looked so old on a face so young. Then, hard brown eyes opened. Eyes that were use to scorning the world. This was not a young man who had known or shown gentleness in his life. But as they rested on the young boy, something flickered. They softened, if something so hard could be softened. Gently, more gently than one would expect with such rough skin and hands, the released spirit propped up Ryou in his arms. A peace was filling the tired old tomb robber. For two halves of one soul had just been reunited.
The Demon had found his Angel.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Meanwhile, the tortured shrieks Yugi and his group had heard where not because of what they thought. Not that the person wasn't in agony. It was just more of a... different sort of agony.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
"Stop!" Duke cried. "Make him stop! Please! I don't care how you do it, just STOP HIM! I can't take it anymore!"
"Oh, would you calm down, ya big baby," Joey huffed, fairly annoyed. "I don't know why you're complaining. I thought I was pretty good." With that said, the "torture" continued.
"Now where was I?" Joey asked thoughtfully. Then he brightened. "Oh yeah." Clearing his throat he began, "63 bottles of gin on the wall, 63 bottle of gin.."
Duke grimaced. While he had been alone, he had sworn not to crack no matter what type of torture these people decided to use on him. But this was ridiculous!
"Take one down, pass it around, 62 bottle of gin on the wall! 62 bottles of gin on the wall, 62 bottles of gin, take one down, pass it round- "
"STOP!" Duke began to struggle against his chains. "JUST STOP!"
Joey scowled. "Now look what ya did! I can't remember where I left off!" He shrugged. "Oh well. Guess I'll just have to start from the beginning!"
"NO!" Duke cried.
Malik, who had been standing nearby, began laughing so hard that he fell to his knees. Ishizu, who had come with her brother, smiled. Rishid, who looked for all the world that the only reason he was here was to look after Malik, bit back a smile.
Ishizu beamed as she watched Joey and Duke start yet another argument. While she didn't know why the two had come down here, she was thankful that they had come. She knew that it might sound selfish, but she was thankful for it all the more as she continued to see all the good it did. But the most good it did was for her brother.
Malik had always been curious about the outside world and longed desperately for friends. Not that he didn't love his sister and Rishid dearly. Ishizu knew that. It was just- she paused. Malik needed something that, no matter how hard Rishid and herself tried, they just couldn't provide. Yet, with these two strangers, Malik seemed so wonderfully at home.
Duke muttered, "I never dream I'd meet a person that I'd always get the urge to stuff a rag down their throat!"
Joey just smirked, "You're just jealous."
This made Duke crack. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M- WHAT'S THERE TO- HOW COULD YOU- HOW DARE YOU- GRR!!" he rambled. "Boy, you get me angry!"
Malik was now rolling on the floor.
Joey couldn't help but feel a bit proud as he watched Malik laugh. Though he was still extremely worried about Ryou and Yugi, he was kind of fond of Malik. The kid reminded him a lot of the way Yugi and Ryou act. Besides, Malik really was a sweet kid.
Yugi.
Joey felt his spirit do a mental deflation. Now there was person he missed. It simply amazed Joey on how one person could impact him like this. Just being with tat kid made you look on the bright side and you can't help but feel good about yourself. Somewhere within Joey, he knew that he seen only a bit of the innocence that radiated around his friend. However, no matter that Joey wished he could always protect the boy that had become his brother, he knew, somehow, that for some reason it was more important to be a friend to Yugi. Not a protector.
A sharp cry jolted Joey from his thoughts. What he saw made him emit a deep growl.
For there was Malik struggling in his father's grasp. The man's dark eyes raged. "How dare you!" he shouted, squeezing his arm tighter around Malik's neck. Ishizu paled and ran at her father, trying to free her brother. The man simply knocked her to the ground. However, much to the surprise of everyone, she quickly got back up and ran at him again. It was obvious that the women was determined to free her brother from this man's grasp. As she ran at him, an outrage cry sounded as well. Joey, with a helpless sort of awe, watched as Rishid, too, rushed to Malik's aid. Malik's father simply smirked. As soon as Ishizu was close enough he gripped her wrist and flung her into Rishid. The two crashed into a wall and fell limp. Malik's eyes widened in horror as he struggled to get out of his father's grasp.
Akarkin, for that was the man's name, sneered and, tightening his grip on his son's neck, continued to rage, "Do you think I would allow traitors within this realm? And from my own kin as well? Well, then, from now on I SHALL HAVE NO KIN!"
Duke's eyes widened in horror and realization dawned to him. He couldn't believe this man was serious! Furious at what the man was about to do, the black-haired teen began to struggle valiantly against the chains that bound him.
Meanwhile, Joey was more than furious. He was seething. The thought of doing harm was so intolerable, so horrible to him that he felt his blood boil. Watching Malik's face contort with pain, he felt his heart pound and every muscle tightened, waiting to attack. Suddenly, it was no longer just Malik that was being threatened. It became more than that. Joey, his mind no longer able to tell reality from dreams, watched as he saw Malik being crushed by shadows, Ryou being smothered by darkness, and Yugi being engulfed by a giant evil force that was outside anyone's control. Restrained in nearby shadows, were three other figures, held near the boys' sides. Though Joey could not see their faces, he could almost feel the figure's overwhelming horror and grief. Particularly, the one near Yugi. Then a voice kept screaming, though it sounded like faint whispers to Joey's ears, "I'm sorry, aibou! It's my fault! I'm sorry!" As feelings of love and protectiveness for his friends, disgust and anger for his enemies, filled Joey, the teen felt overwhelmed and would have collapsed if it hadn't been for the chains holding him up.
That was when something inside of Joey, something that hadn't been awakened in a normal human for nearly a millennia, clicked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Nearby where all the commotion was going on, something stirred in the darkness. Great black wings, that hadn't flown in the sky since countless years, suddenly itched for flight. A might mouth opened to show gleaming teeth and a protective growl emitted from its throat. Large, glowing red eyes flashed open. Masharou had been awaken by its master.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
A sudden roar shook the cave.
Surprised, Malik, Duke, and even Akarkin stopped what they were doing. At first, it was hard for Duke's eyes to penetrate the darkness that loomed behind Arkarkin. But as his eyes peered into the darkness, Duke felt a shudder of fear go through him. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be!
A fear that was almost oppressing pressed down on Akarkin. This wasn't good. Even his son had gone rigid. What had gone wrong? Big, warm breathes tickled the hair on the back of his neck. It felt like a big drop of liquid had just been forced down his gut. Slowly, as though an outside force was controlling him, the man slowly turned around. What he saw before him paralyzed him so that the only thing he managed to do was drop his son on the floor. Even breathing became a labored chore. There was no way this was happening.
For there, looming before him. was the Red Eyes Black Dragon.
*Fin.
Kerra: ^^ Well, everyone thanks for reading this chapter. Personally, I think you all deserve medals for sticking with this so far. Tenshi REALLY appreciates all the support. In fact, she just wanted to let all of you guys know that she got a B on her test, so that means she can go online freely now! So she wants to thank all of you for your support!
Yugi: *looks around* Speaking of Tenshi...where is she?
Kerra: *blinks* Uh... *looks around* I don't know.
*Suddenly, two big men in suites walk across the room, dragging a Chibi Yugi. Holding desperately onto Chibi Yugi's legs, is Tenshi*
Tenshi: ;_; No! Don't take him away! No!
Man in Suite #1: Sorry, miss. But Miss Lily's instructions were that you could keep Chibi Yugi until you updated.
Man in Suite #2: And we always have to follow orders.
Tenshi: No!
M.i.S 1: Just let go!
Tenshi: No! No, no, no, no!!!!!
M.i.S 2: *lifts up Chibi Yugi and pulls Tenshi off*
Tenshi: *lands on the ground and watches as Chibi Yugi is taken back to Lily-chan* Chibi Yugi, NO!!!! *sighs* Oh well. *stands up and brushes herself off* At least I still have Yugi! ^^ That's a bright side.
Kerra: --" You do know that you just made a total fool of yourself right?
Tenshi: *shrug* I don't really care. I mean, it's confusing enough to be yourself. I don't see the point of making it complicated by doing what people think you should do.
Yugi: ^^ Yeah! Go Tenshi!
Tenshi: *beams before turning back to readers* Well, sorry about that slight interruption. I really didn't mean to ignore you guys like that. As you can see I'm TRYING to put humor in this fanfic but as Lily-chan knows, I'm a dramatic through and through. ^^ Not that that's a bad thing. Also *hugs every single reviewer* I just REALLY want to thank you guys for all your support! It really helps. I'm warning you now that I have NO IDEA how long this is going to be. But you guys seem to like it, so I'll keep writing it! ^^ *thousands of plushies to every reviewer* I, personally, want to thank the Rose Duelist (for being such a total sweet heart) Lily-chan (for being the best friend a girl can ask for) and every single one of you guys that have reviewed. YOU ROCK!!! ^^ Also, even though I won't be able to respond to your reviews in this chapter (too exhausted!) I PROMISE that I'll talk to you guys next time. ^^ So PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING! I still need at least TWO reviews for each chapter, but I think I'm gonna try to just update once a week, at least until my schedule cools down. So I am sorry for how long it will take to post up each chapter, but school has to come first. (otherwise, no going online) But you guys are TOTALLY supportive (which is another reason why you guys RULE) so I'm happy! ^^ So until next time, C'ya!
~Lily-chan: I am really happy to hear from you! I just wanted to let you know that I am NOT offended because you thought I acted like a twelve year old. In fact *blushes* I consider it quite a compliment. I REALLY look forward to your reviews and your stories. Just don't lose your spark, chica! You're such a TOTALLY, AMAZING, and WONDERFUL person! And don't forget it! ^^
~Wingleader Sora Jade: I just wanted to let you know that I am really, really, really, really, really, REALLY happy to hear that you're doing good in school. Chances are you'll probably do better than me! I'm kind of sad to hear that such a remarkable and wonderful person like you doesn't hang out with that many friends, but if that's your style, than that's great! My first few days at school, I was always by myself. I eventually found some friends, but I still like to be alone now and then. Personally, I think lone wolfs are kind of cool. Kind of makes you sound mysterious. ^^ *giggles* Anyway, if you don't mind, keep me updated on how you're doing. I'm sure you'll do fantastic!