AN: Thank you all again for your reviews and opinions. Here is the newest chapter.
Chapter 12
We Have Forgotten
As the sun rose on Saturday morning, Kagome looked out her window. She hadn't been able to sleep last night. She was worried. Yesterday, the news had reported nothing but the previous day's 'Duel Monster's Disaster'. Representatives from Pegasus Industries, including Maximillion Pegasus himself, had been interviewed, concerning the appearance of Harpie's Pet Dragon; and Kaiba Corp. president Seto Kaiba had been questioned about the VR machinery, since his company made the computers used on the platform in the mall. People were calling it everything from a co-joined publicity stunt, to a spiritual sign that Duel Monsters was a bad game for people to play. Kagome hadn't been too nervous, until her mom saw the security footage recovered that showed her there when the 'phenomenon' had occurred. But what scared her most was that one camera that had caught an image of Mai calling the Dragon back into it's form as a card. The only thing that consoled her was the fact that the image was blurred enough to hide Mai's face. But with some of the technological advances this world had, who knows how long it would be before people found out about Mai's deck. And for that matter, Yugi and Joey and Tea and Tristan's decks, too!. Plus, people could have been seriously hurt, or worse…This kind of power and magic wasn't good for this world.
"We have to go back today." Kagome said aloud. "And find a way to totally break the spell on the decks."
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Later that morning, Kagome was going through the cupboards, stocking up on food and other supplies. She looked up, and saw 10 packs of Ramen soup. This should solve Inu-yasha's worries about his soup, she thought, packing each one away.
As she continued to pack, Inu-yasha stepped up behind her. He sniffed. "You're packing an awful lot of food," he said suspiciously.
"That's because Yugi and the others are coming back," Kagome said to him.
"What?!" Inu-yasha yelled. "They can't! Remember last time? They almost got everyone killed!"
"That's what I told them," she said, still packing. "I tried to get them to stay, but they wouldn't. They're concerned about us."
"You mean that Joey guy's still following you like a lost puppy," Inu-yasha said angrily. "Why can't he leave you alone?"
"Because I don't want him to," Kagome replied. "I like Joey, Inu-yasha! And his friends. They're just being good friends."
"They're nuisances!" he snarled. "Getting in the way, eating MY Ramen!"
"I don't care!" she snarled back. "I want them to come! We have to find a way to fix and the other's cards, and the only way to do that is go to the Feudal Era. So just shut up about it, ok?"
He just stared at her for a minute. She snarled at him! She actually snarled back at him! He couldn't believe it! This time, Inu-yasha knew he couldn't win this argument. So he crossed his arms and said, "Fine then! Let them come, and get themselves killed. That'd suit me just fine. They're your responsibility anyway."
"Sit, boy." she said. And he was down.
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Later that afternoon, in the Feuding States Era, Songo, Shippo, and Miroku were gathered around the well, waiting for their companions to return.
"I'm bored," Shippo said. "When is Kagome coming back?"
"Sometime today," Songo answered him. "But with Inu-yasha there, trying to speed things up, it may take longer."
"They act like such children sometimes," Miroku said. Then, he turned to Songo and said, "But I'm most worried about Kagome's relationship with that young man, Joey."
"So am I," Songo agreed as she looked at the sky. "She seemed to get closer to him the longer they were together."
"Yeah, too close," Shippo added. " and add Inu-yasha's jealous nature. It's bad enough with Kouga's less frequent attempts. But with Joey around all the time…"
"And I sense that he is not the only one," Songo said. "That woman, Mai. She's jealous of Kagome."
"How can you tell?" Shippo asked.
"Women have sixth senses on matters like that," Miroku answered for her. "But, still," the monk added with a smile, "I wouldn't mind seeing Mai and Tea again."
"You lecherous-!" Songo started. But before she could take a swing, they heard voices from the well.
"Ugh! This thing's too crowded!"
"Someone's on my foot!"
"Move over, dog breath!"
"Make me!"
"Stop, or I'm sending you both back!"
Songo, Miroku, and Shippo looked at each other, and all said, "They're here."
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And so, they began to help their friends out of the well. It was a little easier with so many people in the well. They could make a sort of 'human tower to get everyone out, except that Inu-yasha was at the bottom, and when people stepped up on him, he would complain that they were either too heavy or stepping on his ears. And the girls refused to climb up before the guys. So, in the end, Songo and Miroku had to lean in, reaching out to each person while Inu-yasha lifted them up (his eyes closed when the girls needed up). This left the han-you the last to get out, which was easier for him, since he was able to leap out of the well.
Then, they headed to the village. But as they approached their hut, they were met with a visitor.
"Keade!" Kagome said happily. She ran up to the old priestess, and gave her a hug. She always enjoyed Keade's visits. She was like a wise grandmother, though she could seem cross most of the time.
"Hello, Kagome my child," Keade replied. "I am glad to see you again."
"What brings you here, hag," Inu-yasha asked from behind them.
"I have come on important business," she replied sternly to Inu-yasha. "I have heard from the villagers that more people from Kagome's land have traveled here. Are they the ones?" she asked, pointing to Yugi and the others.
"Yes," Miroku answered. "But what is the important business?"
"I sensed a disturbance in the spiritual planes a few weeks ago," Keade replied, "And I sensed it's source originated around here."
"And we needed to investigate," said an unseen person.
"Who said that?" Joey asked, looking around.
"Ow!" Yugi cried. He slapped his neck, took his hand away, and said, looking at his palm, "A flea!?"
Inu-yaha approached, and looked, saying nonchalantly, "It's only Myoga." As the little bug poped back up, and said, "Greetings master Inu-yasha. I wish to ask-"
"A talking flea?" Yugi interrupted. "Now I've seen everything."
The flea looked up, and gasped. Then he said, "Lord Yami! Forgive me, your highness," he said, kneeling, "I did not know you were here! But I suppose that explains-"
"Whoa!" Yugi said, "I'm not Yami. At least not right now. I'm Yugi. Yugi Motou."
"I see." Myoga said, in awe. "You must be his reincarnation. Forgive me. I saw the Pendant, and-"
"Wait!" Kagome cired, coming over, "How do you know about Yami and the Puzzle?"
"Because I have seen them." Myoga replied.
"Wait," said Miroku, "Let's get inside, and then explain."
Later, They sat in a circle, and listened to Myoga's tale. "When I was young, I traveled with my father to distant lands. One of them was a paradise of the spiritual land, called Egypt. The land of The Pharaohs. While there, we encountered the great king, Yami. He ruled over the land with wisdom and mercy. Also called The King of Games, when anyone presented to him a riddle, puzzle, or perplexing question, he would find the answer easily. There was no Pharaoh greater than Yami. Even the first king, Osiris was not as beloved by the people. Nor as hated by the high priest of Ahmun-Ra. The High Priest was a powerful sorcerer, and master of trickery. He summoned great Dragons to battle Yami and his Magicians to try and seize power, but to no avail. Yami was victorious, and banished the High Priest, who swore one day to get his revenge."
"That was Seto Kaiba!" exclaimed Tea, "But what do you have to do with all this?"
"I'm coming to that," Myoga continued. "Yami also had at his disposal seven Items of The Millennium. Powerful tokens that he gave to each of his advisors, keeping only three for himself: The Pendant, The Necklace, and The Rod. They afforded him great mystical powers, helping him keep peace in his land. The only other person as powerful as either him or the High Priest was Yami's most trusted advisor, and closest friend, who carried the Great Key. He was the first to go up against the High Priest when he attacked. But, though he put up a fight, he lost. His last vow to the Pharaoh was to follow him and serve him always, but that was not to be. The Pharaoh lost his advisor, and avenged him, but at a great price. Half of his kingdom was destroyed, and he was near his own end. He then used the last of his power to seal away his Millennium Items, and the Shadow Creatures, to keep the world safe from their power. He entrusted the location of the Items to only 2 individuals. Shadea, the wise man, and my father. The Pharaoh's tomb is now guarded by his ever loyal servants. They vow that one day, he will return, and face his great enemy again, to save the world once and for all."
"We've already done that," Joey said, "Yugi and me kicked Merik Ishtar's butt, and then we finished Kaiba."
"But that is not the end of the tale," Myoga said. "It is still known that anyone who can control the Millennium Items can rule the world. Especially if he has them all."
"Does Naraku know about these Items?" Inu-yasha asked.
"I'm afraid he does," Myoga said. "As my father's son, I too know of the location of the Millennium Items, in this time, and Naraku, unfortunately, has found out about them."
"You told him?!" Inu-yasha shouted, squeezing the flea between his thumb and finger.
"No! No, sire, NO! Of course not! I would never betray you or the Pharaoh!" he pleaded, turning purple.
"Then how does he know?!"
"He has ways, sire! And he has seen Yugi! He knows who he is, and what he carries around his neck! For you see, only the Pendant's location is unknown!"
"So you mean, my Millennium Puzzle is out of play in this year?" asked Yugi. "That means Naraku will try to take it from me."
"That and all the Items you carry," Myoga said, once Inu-yasha let him go.
"I can't let that happen!" Yugi declared. Then, seen only by Kagome, Keade, and Myoga, Yugi switched with Yami.
"Ah, welcome, Pharaoh Yami," Myoga said, bowing his head.
"What do I need to do to keep Naraku from finding the other Items?" Yami/Yugi asked.
"For one, you must simply not let him have your Puzzle," the flea said.
"Or you could just go home," Inu-yasha said.
"I cannot do that," Yami/Yugi said. "Our decks are still enchanted, and with them like this, we bring danger to our world. We must find a way to completely cleanse them of Naraku's spell."
"I know how you can do that, my Pharaoh," Myoga said eagerly. "The Sacred Waters of The Mystical Shrine, which lie near the mouth of the river, near Mount Fuji."
"Why haven't we heard of this shrine before," Inu-yasha asked.
"It is a secret shrine, sire," the flea replied. "And very hard to locate. Some say it moves from location to location, but always stays in the Mountain's Shadow."
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They soared high above the landscape of Japan. Kagome felt her breath being swept away from the beautiful sight as she clung to Joey. It had been his idea to use the Dragons everyone had in their decks. Kagome had been afraid of the gigantic Red Eyes Black Dragon, but now that she rode on it's back with Joey, she felt not only safe, but like she had wings of her own.
"This is amazing!" she said against the rush of the wind.
"You ain't seen nothing till you seen riding a Dragon," Joey answered.
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Inu-yasha scowled. Why couldn't she have chosen to ride Kirara, like Songo and Miroku. He hated this! He wasn't even riding with Kagome. She was up ahead on the Red Eyes with Joey while he was stuck on Harpie's Pet with Mai. Worse than riding a Dragon, he was hitching a ride. He hated this.
"I'm not any happier than you," Mai said, as if reading his mind.
"I'm just sick of that guy," Inu-yasha said. "I can't wait until you all get these cards fixed and go home."
"Me too," Mai replied, "The sooner I can get Kagome away from my Joey, the better."
"So, you don't like this either?"
"Of course not! But if you tell anyone I said that, you're dead meat, kid. Han-you or not."
"Don't worry about me. I won't say a word if you won't."
"Deal."
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They soon landed in a glade not far from the foot of Mt. Fuji. Joey recalled his Red Eyes, Yugi the Winged Guardian, and Mai the Harpie's Pet. Everyone then began walking. But…
"Hey guys," Tristan asked, "How are we supposed to find the shrine? Myoga said it changes location."
"But he also said it always stays in the mountain's shadow," Tea said, "So it has to be in one place."
"How I that posi-" Tristan started to say
"It was a riddle," Yugi/Yami said. " 'It chnges location, yet stays in the mountain's shadow'. That means it changes location during the day, when the mountain's shadow changes positions when the sun moves. We simply wait for when the mountain's shadow is largest and longest, and we will be sure to find it."
"When's that?" Tea asked.
"Sunrise and sunset." Yugi/Yami answered.
"But it's high noon," Shippo spoke up. "We're gonna have to wait all day!"
"It's worth the wait," Inu-yasha mumbled from up ahead.
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The sun began to set in the valley; the mountain's shadow was at it's largest and longest. As the light was failing, the small band stepped out among the trees.
"We're going in circles!" Inu-yasha complained. "We've passed this spot so many time I've lost count!"
"This is hopeless, Yugi," Mai said. "It was a bad idea to look for this shrine. I doubt it even exists."
"Do not lose hope, Lady Mai," Miroku said.
"Maybe she's right, Yugi," Tea said, "This might be a dead end."
"Serves us right for trusting a creature that sucks blood," Mai said.
"Yugi knows what he's doin," Joey said defensively, "Just trust him. We do, right, Kagome," he said looking beside him. But Kagome wasn't there, she was a few paces back, looking into the forest.
"Kagome?" Joey asked.
"What is it?" everyone asked.
"A light," Kagome said, "A light in the forest. That way," she said pointing, then sprinting into a run into the trees.
"Kagome!" Joey called out, following.
"Wait, Kagome," Inu-yasha called, also following the miko. Everyone followed after Kagome as she led the way into the deepest part of the forest, where the mountain's shadow was darkest. As dark as night. They ran for half an hour, until they came to a stop. They had found Kagome, standing still in front of a building. It was too small for a regular shrine, but larger than a hut. Could this be the right place? The building was somewhat shabby, with no paint or decorations, save a few bird feeders and unlit lanterns.
"Kagome?," Yugi/Yami asked, "Do you now this place?"
"No," she replied quietly. "But…I now this is the right place."
"She's right," Joey suddenly said, "This has a weird light around it," he said, stepping up next to her. "It feels different from other shrines."
"It looks different," Songo said, walking ahead, looking around. Soon, everyone was walking around the building, searching for the Sacred Waters. But they were met with another puzzle. They found a dry well, a stream, and fountain in the center of the building.
"Which is it?" Tea asked. "Any one of them could hold the sacred water."
"Wait, here's a scroll," Miroku said, pointing at a sign on the wall. They all gathered round, and listened as Miroku read the scroll:
"Long ago, virtuous men found The Sacred Waters here in the shadow of the sleeping mountain, and deemed them to be purer than pure. None but pure hearts can see the holy Waters; Choose wisely."
"Well that doesn't help," Inu-yasha said. "I doubt anyone here is pure-"
"Outside," Yugi/Yami said, pointing out the window. Kagome and Joey were standing in front of the well. The rest of the company came went out and joined them.
"But that well is dry," Mai said, "This can't be the right one."
"Appearances can deceive," Yugi said. "Joey, draw the bucket." Yhe young man obeyed, and pulled the bucket up from the well. Then, everyone gasped; they beheld a bucket that was filled with water.
"Give me your cards," Yugi/Yami said. The others handed him their cards, not one of them objecting that the cards might be ruined when they were dipped in the water, and rightly so, for after Yugi/Yami lifted his cards from the water, neither his hands or the cars were wet. He submerged the decks one by one into the bucket. Kagome saw that when hi lifted the decks out of the water, the purple-black mist was indeed gone. The decks were clean.
When they were done, Yugi stood, and dropped the bucket back into the well. Then, as the sun disappeared, and true night cloaked the valley, the Shrine, the well, and the fountain were gone. All that was left was the stream.
"People don't make things easy in this time, do they?" Joey asked.
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Later, as all slept, a figure emerged from the deep shadows of the forest. She slowly, quietly circled the sleeping travelers, the hem her kimono lightly brushing the ground, black hair catching light of the moon. She stepped up to where Inu-yasha lay, and for a moment watched his face, so gentle in sleep. Then, she made to leave, but heard a man's voice mumble, "Hey, get your own pizza..." She turned towards the speaker, and saw him turn over to face her. He was asleep, but…such a handsome face…and his honey colored hair…Could he be the warrior?
She began to approached the fair haired man, when she heard another voice, one that was definitely addressing her, say, "Do not move another step."
She turned towards the other voice, and saw another young man. He was shorter than her, but he was definitely not a young boy, but neither a grown man. And yet, his eyes held great wisdom, and seemed to be older than even her aged sister…
"You are a king," she stated.
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"And you are a phantom," Yugi/Yami replied to the strange woman before him. He sensed her presence before, and had opened his eyes to watch her stand over Inu-yasha. What made him get up was when she had tried to go near Joey. Yami didn't want Joey to see her, so he had to stop her the only way he could.
The woman replied, "I am not a spirit, as I sense you to be."
"A phantom doesn't need to be a spirit," Yugi/Yami said. "Who are you, restless beauty? You're face is Kagome's, but you have the veil of Death on your shoulders. Could you perhaps be…Kikyo?
"I am." Kikyo replied. "And you must be the boy Yugi…Or perhaps you are, now, King Yami?"
"I am," he answered. "Now what business do you have here, Lady?"
"I heard that a great warrior and a king had joined Inu-yasha's company." she said. She turned around, looking at Joey again, and asked, "You are the king, but…Is he the warrior they spoke of ?"
"Not a warrior," Yugi/Yami said. "More of a guardian: a protector.."
"He is handsome," Kikyo said, still looking at Joey.
"What else brings you, Cold Priestess?"
She jerked around to Yugi/Yami, and said very coldly indeed, "I came to warn you, King Yami. Naraku plans to take you Pendant, and claim your treasures for himself. Beware of him, for he is deceptive."
"I do not think I could fall for the tricks he plays," Yugi/Yami replied to her.
"He will not go after you directly, yet," Kikyo replied, starting to leave. "He no doubt turn your friends against each otherfirst . He has ways of seeing people's weaknesses," she said sadly, "and using them." She was almost out of the camp, but then she stopped, and said aloud, "Your guardian is handsome. Perhaps if I had met him instead of Inu-yasha…I would have known happiness."
"His heart already belongs to Kagome," Yugi/Yami said.
"Of course." she said, stepping away again.
"What really keeps you here?" Yugi/Yami asked her. "I have heard you seek vengeance against Inu-yasha, but isn't more true that…you wish to be reunited with him?"
"That is a lie," she said whispered.
"No, it isn't," Yugi/Yami said, taking a step towards her. "You could have used that Jewel to save yourself fifty years ago, but you didn't. You had it burned with you, hoping to join Inu-yasha in death; hoping to be reincarnated together."
She said nothing more, and slowly, she walked into the forest, and seemed to disappear into the night.
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Not long after, as Yugi/Yami laid back down to sleep, he heard two voices calling out, "Pharaoh! Pharaoh Yami!" He got up, and found himself in gray mist. He got up, and saw two figures step from the mist.
"Shadi!" he exclaimed, "Ishizu! How did you come here?"
"We have combined Shadi's mind powers and the power of my Necklace," Ishizu said, "to come through time and speak with you, Pharaoh. There has been a great disturbance in the flow of time."
"And it has brought peril to the very universe, great Pharaoh. The world is in dire danger."
"Tell me everything!" Yugi/Yami demanded…
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-----------Joey was in the palace again! The flames were so hot, he could feel the heat a and smell the smoke billowing around him…The it was all gone again. He was in the woods. And she was there. For the first time, ever, he could see her clearly. Her eyes… her hair… her face…even her clothes…The same outfit he had seen her in before…that she'd worn when they first met…what she had worn right before he had gone to sleep…
"Joey," her voice said, tears running down her cheeks. Then she ran, ran from him to that horrible monster that would bring her doom! But he couldn't move. So he called out… "Kagome! Kagome! KAGOME!"-----------
AN: My brother helped with this chapter, and some of the others before. But the stuff with Kikyo came from a suggestion from Tsuke Yumi. Thank you, and please, my peoples, review!
Chapter 12
We Have Forgotten
As the sun rose on Saturday morning, Kagome looked out her window. She hadn't been able to sleep last night. She was worried. Yesterday, the news had reported nothing but the previous day's 'Duel Monster's Disaster'. Representatives from Pegasus Industries, including Maximillion Pegasus himself, had been interviewed, concerning the appearance of Harpie's Pet Dragon; and Kaiba Corp. president Seto Kaiba had been questioned about the VR machinery, since his company made the computers used on the platform in the mall. People were calling it everything from a co-joined publicity stunt, to a spiritual sign that Duel Monsters was a bad game for people to play. Kagome hadn't been too nervous, until her mom saw the security footage recovered that showed her there when the 'phenomenon' had occurred. But what scared her most was that one camera that had caught an image of Mai calling the Dragon back into it's form as a card. The only thing that consoled her was the fact that the image was blurred enough to hide Mai's face. But with some of the technological advances this world had, who knows how long it would be before people found out about Mai's deck. And for that matter, Yugi and Joey and Tea and Tristan's decks, too!. Plus, people could have been seriously hurt, or worse…This kind of power and magic wasn't good for this world.
"We have to go back today." Kagome said aloud. "And find a way to totally break the spell on the decks."
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Later that morning, Kagome was going through the cupboards, stocking up on food and other supplies. She looked up, and saw 10 packs of Ramen soup. This should solve Inu-yasha's worries about his soup, she thought, packing each one away.
As she continued to pack, Inu-yasha stepped up behind her. He sniffed. "You're packing an awful lot of food," he said suspiciously.
"That's because Yugi and the others are coming back," Kagome said to him.
"What?!" Inu-yasha yelled. "They can't! Remember last time? They almost got everyone killed!"
"That's what I told them," she said, still packing. "I tried to get them to stay, but they wouldn't. They're concerned about us."
"You mean that Joey guy's still following you like a lost puppy," Inu-yasha said angrily. "Why can't he leave you alone?"
"Because I don't want him to," Kagome replied. "I like Joey, Inu-yasha! And his friends. They're just being good friends."
"They're nuisances!" he snarled. "Getting in the way, eating MY Ramen!"
"I don't care!" she snarled back. "I want them to come! We have to find a way to fix and the other's cards, and the only way to do that is go to the Feudal Era. So just shut up about it, ok?"
He just stared at her for a minute. She snarled at him! She actually snarled back at him! He couldn't believe it! This time, Inu-yasha knew he couldn't win this argument. So he crossed his arms and said, "Fine then! Let them come, and get themselves killed. That'd suit me just fine. They're your responsibility anyway."
"Sit, boy." she said. And he was down.
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Later that afternoon, in the Feuding States Era, Songo, Shippo, and Miroku were gathered around the well, waiting for their companions to return.
"I'm bored," Shippo said. "When is Kagome coming back?"
"Sometime today," Songo answered him. "But with Inu-yasha there, trying to speed things up, it may take longer."
"They act like such children sometimes," Miroku said. Then, he turned to Songo and said, "But I'm most worried about Kagome's relationship with that young man, Joey."
"So am I," Songo agreed as she looked at the sky. "She seemed to get closer to him the longer they were together."
"Yeah, too close," Shippo added. " and add Inu-yasha's jealous nature. It's bad enough with Kouga's less frequent attempts. But with Joey around all the time…"
"And I sense that he is not the only one," Songo said. "That woman, Mai. She's jealous of Kagome."
"How can you tell?" Shippo asked.
"Women have sixth senses on matters like that," Miroku answered for her. "But, still," the monk added with a smile, "I wouldn't mind seeing Mai and Tea again."
"You lecherous-!" Songo started. But before she could take a swing, they heard voices from the well.
"Ugh! This thing's too crowded!"
"Someone's on my foot!"
"Move over, dog breath!"
"Make me!"
"Stop, or I'm sending you both back!"
Songo, Miroku, and Shippo looked at each other, and all said, "They're here."
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And so, they began to help their friends out of the well. It was a little easier with so many people in the well. They could make a sort of 'human tower to get everyone out, except that Inu-yasha was at the bottom, and when people stepped up on him, he would complain that they were either too heavy or stepping on his ears. And the girls refused to climb up before the guys. So, in the end, Songo and Miroku had to lean in, reaching out to each person while Inu-yasha lifted them up (his eyes closed when the girls needed up). This left the han-you the last to get out, which was easier for him, since he was able to leap out of the well.
Then, they headed to the village. But as they approached their hut, they were met with a visitor.
"Keade!" Kagome said happily. She ran up to the old priestess, and gave her a hug. She always enjoyed Keade's visits. She was like a wise grandmother, though she could seem cross most of the time.
"Hello, Kagome my child," Keade replied. "I am glad to see you again."
"What brings you here, hag," Inu-yasha asked from behind them.
"I have come on important business," she replied sternly to Inu-yasha. "I have heard from the villagers that more people from Kagome's land have traveled here. Are they the ones?" she asked, pointing to Yugi and the others.
"Yes," Miroku answered. "But what is the important business?"
"I sensed a disturbance in the spiritual planes a few weeks ago," Keade replied, "And I sensed it's source originated around here."
"And we needed to investigate," said an unseen person.
"Who said that?" Joey asked, looking around.
"Ow!" Yugi cried. He slapped his neck, took his hand away, and said, looking at his palm, "A flea!?"
Inu-yaha approached, and looked, saying nonchalantly, "It's only Myoga." As the little bug poped back up, and said, "Greetings master Inu-yasha. I wish to ask-"
"A talking flea?" Yugi interrupted. "Now I've seen everything."
The flea looked up, and gasped. Then he said, "Lord Yami! Forgive me, your highness," he said, kneeling, "I did not know you were here! But I suppose that explains-"
"Whoa!" Yugi said, "I'm not Yami. At least not right now. I'm Yugi. Yugi Motou."
"I see." Myoga said, in awe. "You must be his reincarnation. Forgive me. I saw the Pendant, and-"
"Wait!" Kagome cired, coming over, "How do you know about Yami and the Puzzle?"
"Because I have seen them." Myoga replied.
"Wait," said Miroku, "Let's get inside, and then explain."
Later, They sat in a circle, and listened to Myoga's tale. "When I was young, I traveled with my father to distant lands. One of them was a paradise of the spiritual land, called Egypt. The land of The Pharaohs. While there, we encountered the great king, Yami. He ruled over the land with wisdom and mercy. Also called The King of Games, when anyone presented to him a riddle, puzzle, or perplexing question, he would find the answer easily. There was no Pharaoh greater than Yami. Even the first king, Osiris was not as beloved by the people. Nor as hated by the high priest of Ahmun-Ra. The High Priest was a powerful sorcerer, and master of trickery. He summoned great Dragons to battle Yami and his Magicians to try and seize power, but to no avail. Yami was victorious, and banished the High Priest, who swore one day to get his revenge."
"That was Seto Kaiba!" exclaimed Tea, "But what do you have to do with all this?"
"I'm coming to that," Myoga continued. "Yami also had at his disposal seven Items of The Millennium. Powerful tokens that he gave to each of his advisors, keeping only three for himself: The Pendant, The Necklace, and The Rod. They afforded him great mystical powers, helping him keep peace in his land. The only other person as powerful as either him or the High Priest was Yami's most trusted advisor, and closest friend, who carried the Great Key. He was the first to go up against the High Priest when he attacked. But, though he put up a fight, he lost. His last vow to the Pharaoh was to follow him and serve him always, but that was not to be. The Pharaoh lost his advisor, and avenged him, but at a great price. Half of his kingdom was destroyed, and he was near his own end. He then used the last of his power to seal away his Millennium Items, and the Shadow Creatures, to keep the world safe from their power. He entrusted the location of the Items to only 2 individuals. Shadea, the wise man, and my father. The Pharaoh's tomb is now guarded by his ever loyal servants. They vow that one day, he will return, and face his great enemy again, to save the world once and for all."
"We've already done that," Joey said, "Yugi and me kicked Merik Ishtar's butt, and then we finished Kaiba."
"But that is not the end of the tale," Myoga said. "It is still known that anyone who can control the Millennium Items can rule the world. Especially if he has them all."
"Does Naraku know about these Items?" Inu-yasha asked.
"I'm afraid he does," Myoga said. "As my father's son, I too know of the location of the Millennium Items, in this time, and Naraku, unfortunately, has found out about them."
"You told him?!" Inu-yasha shouted, squeezing the flea between his thumb and finger.
"No! No, sire, NO! Of course not! I would never betray you or the Pharaoh!" he pleaded, turning purple.
"Then how does he know?!"
"He has ways, sire! And he has seen Yugi! He knows who he is, and what he carries around his neck! For you see, only the Pendant's location is unknown!"
"So you mean, my Millennium Puzzle is out of play in this year?" asked Yugi. "That means Naraku will try to take it from me."
"That and all the Items you carry," Myoga said, once Inu-yasha let him go.
"I can't let that happen!" Yugi declared. Then, seen only by Kagome, Keade, and Myoga, Yugi switched with Yami.
"Ah, welcome, Pharaoh Yami," Myoga said, bowing his head.
"What do I need to do to keep Naraku from finding the other Items?" Yami/Yugi asked.
"For one, you must simply not let him have your Puzzle," the flea said.
"Or you could just go home," Inu-yasha said.
"I cannot do that," Yami/Yugi said. "Our decks are still enchanted, and with them like this, we bring danger to our world. We must find a way to completely cleanse them of Naraku's spell."
"I know how you can do that, my Pharaoh," Myoga said eagerly. "The Sacred Waters of The Mystical Shrine, which lie near the mouth of the river, near Mount Fuji."
"Why haven't we heard of this shrine before," Inu-yasha asked.
"It is a secret shrine, sire," the flea replied. "And very hard to locate. Some say it moves from location to location, but always stays in the Mountain's Shadow."
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They soared high above the landscape of Japan. Kagome felt her breath being swept away from the beautiful sight as she clung to Joey. It had been his idea to use the Dragons everyone had in their decks. Kagome had been afraid of the gigantic Red Eyes Black Dragon, but now that she rode on it's back with Joey, she felt not only safe, but like she had wings of her own.
"This is amazing!" she said against the rush of the wind.
"You ain't seen nothing till you seen riding a Dragon," Joey answered.
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Inu-yasha scowled. Why couldn't she have chosen to ride Kirara, like Songo and Miroku. He hated this! He wasn't even riding with Kagome. She was up ahead on the Red Eyes with Joey while he was stuck on Harpie's Pet with Mai. Worse than riding a Dragon, he was hitching a ride. He hated this.
"I'm not any happier than you," Mai said, as if reading his mind.
"I'm just sick of that guy," Inu-yasha said. "I can't wait until you all get these cards fixed and go home."
"Me too," Mai replied, "The sooner I can get Kagome away from my Joey, the better."
"So, you don't like this either?"
"Of course not! But if you tell anyone I said that, you're dead meat, kid. Han-you or not."
"Don't worry about me. I won't say a word if you won't."
"Deal."
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They soon landed in a glade not far from the foot of Mt. Fuji. Joey recalled his Red Eyes, Yugi the Winged Guardian, and Mai the Harpie's Pet. Everyone then began walking. But…
"Hey guys," Tristan asked, "How are we supposed to find the shrine? Myoga said it changes location."
"But he also said it always stays in the mountain's shadow," Tea said, "So it has to be in one place."
"How I that posi-" Tristan started to say
"It was a riddle," Yugi/Yami said. " 'It chnges location, yet stays in the mountain's shadow'. That means it changes location during the day, when the mountain's shadow changes positions when the sun moves. We simply wait for when the mountain's shadow is largest and longest, and we will be sure to find it."
"When's that?" Tea asked.
"Sunrise and sunset." Yugi/Yami answered.
"But it's high noon," Shippo spoke up. "We're gonna have to wait all day!"
"It's worth the wait," Inu-yasha mumbled from up ahead.
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The sun began to set in the valley; the mountain's shadow was at it's largest and longest. As the light was failing, the small band stepped out among the trees.
"We're going in circles!" Inu-yasha complained. "We've passed this spot so many time I've lost count!"
"This is hopeless, Yugi," Mai said. "It was a bad idea to look for this shrine. I doubt it even exists."
"Do not lose hope, Lady Mai," Miroku said.
"Maybe she's right, Yugi," Tea said, "This might be a dead end."
"Serves us right for trusting a creature that sucks blood," Mai said.
"Yugi knows what he's doin," Joey said defensively, "Just trust him. We do, right, Kagome," he said looking beside him. But Kagome wasn't there, she was a few paces back, looking into the forest.
"Kagome?" Joey asked.
"What is it?" everyone asked.
"A light," Kagome said, "A light in the forest. That way," she said pointing, then sprinting into a run into the trees.
"Kagome!" Joey called out, following.
"Wait, Kagome," Inu-yasha called, also following the miko. Everyone followed after Kagome as she led the way into the deepest part of the forest, where the mountain's shadow was darkest. As dark as night. They ran for half an hour, until they came to a stop. They had found Kagome, standing still in front of a building. It was too small for a regular shrine, but larger than a hut. Could this be the right place? The building was somewhat shabby, with no paint or decorations, save a few bird feeders and unlit lanterns.
"Kagome?," Yugi/Yami asked, "Do you now this place?"
"No," she replied quietly. "But…I now this is the right place."
"She's right," Joey suddenly said, "This has a weird light around it," he said, stepping up next to her. "It feels different from other shrines."
"It looks different," Songo said, walking ahead, looking around. Soon, everyone was walking around the building, searching for the Sacred Waters. But they were met with another puzzle. They found a dry well, a stream, and fountain in the center of the building.
"Which is it?" Tea asked. "Any one of them could hold the sacred water."
"Wait, here's a scroll," Miroku said, pointing at a sign on the wall. They all gathered round, and listened as Miroku read the scroll:
"Long ago, virtuous men found The Sacred Waters here in the shadow of the sleeping mountain, and deemed them to be purer than pure. None but pure hearts can see the holy Waters; Choose wisely."
"Well that doesn't help," Inu-yasha said. "I doubt anyone here is pure-"
"Outside," Yugi/Yami said, pointing out the window. Kagome and Joey were standing in front of the well. The rest of the company came went out and joined them.
"But that well is dry," Mai said, "This can't be the right one."
"Appearances can deceive," Yugi said. "Joey, draw the bucket." Yhe young man obeyed, and pulled the bucket up from the well. Then, everyone gasped; they beheld a bucket that was filled with water.
"Give me your cards," Yugi/Yami said. The others handed him their cards, not one of them objecting that the cards might be ruined when they were dipped in the water, and rightly so, for after Yugi/Yami lifted his cards from the water, neither his hands or the cars were wet. He submerged the decks one by one into the bucket. Kagome saw that when hi lifted the decks out of the water, the purple-black mist was indeed gone. The decks were clean.
When they were done, Yugi stood, and dropped the bucket back into the well. Then, as the sun disappeared, and true night cloaked the valley, the Shrine, the well, and the fountain were gone. All that was left was the stream.
"People don't make things easy in this time, do they?" Joey asked.
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Later, as all slept, a figure emerged from the deep shadows of the forest. She slowly, quietly circled the sleeping travelers, the hem her kimono lightly brushing the ground, black hair catching light of the moon. She stepped up to where Inu-yasha lay, and for a moment watched his face, so gentle in sleep. Then, she made to leave, but heard a man's voice mumble, "Hey, get your own pizza..." She turned towards the speaker, and saw him turn over to face her. He was asleep, but…such a handsome face…and his honey colored hair…Could he be the warrior?
She began to approached the fair haired man, when she heard another voice, one that was definitely addressing her, say, "Do not move another step."
She turned towards the other voice, and saw another young man. He was shorter than her, but he was definitely not a young boy, but neither a grown man. And yet, his eyes held great wisdom, and seemed to be older than even her aged sister…
"You are a king," she stated.
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"And you are a phantom," Yugi/Yami replied to the strange woman before him. He sensed her presence before, and had opened his eyes to watch her stand over Inu-yasha. What made him get up was when she had tried to go near Joey. Yami didn't want Joey to see her, so he had to stop her the only way he could.
The woman replied, "I am not a spirit, as I sense you to be."
"A phantom doesn't need to be a spirit," Yugi/Yami said. "Who are you, restless beauty? You're face is Kagome's, but you have the veil of Death on your shoulders. Could you perhaps be…Kikyo?
"I am." Kikyo replied. "And you must be the boy Yugi…Or perhaps you are, now, King Yami?"
"I am," he answered. "Now what business do you have here, Lady?"
"I heard that a great warrior and a king had joined Inu-yasha's company." she said. She turned around, looking at Joey again, and asked, "You are the king, but…Is he the warrior they spoke of ?"
"Not a warrior," Yugi/Yami said. "More of a guardian: a protector.."
"He is handsome," Kikyo said, still looking at Joey.
"What else brings you, Cold Priestess?"
She jerked around to Yugi/Yami, and said very coldly indeed, "I came to warn you, King Yami. Naraku plans to take you Pendant, and claim your treasures for himself. Beware of him, for he is deceptive."
"I do not think I could fall for the tricks he plays," Yugi/Yami replied to her.
"He will not go after you directly, yet," Kikyo replied, starting to leave. "He no doubt turn your friends against each otherfirst . He has ways of seeing people's weaknesses," she said sadly, "and using them." She was almost out of the camp, but then she stopped, and said aloud, "Your guardian is handsome. Perhaps if I had met him instead of Inu-yasha…I would have known happiness."
"His heart already belongs to Kagome," Yugi/Yami said.
"Of course." she said, stepping away again.
"What really keeps you here?" Yugi/Yami asked her. "I have heard you seek vengeance against Inu-yasha, but isn't more true that…you wish to be reunited with him?"
"That is a lie," she said whispered.
"No, it isn't," Yugi/Yami said, taking a step towards her. "You could have used that Jewel to save yourself fifty years ago, but you didn't. You had it burned with you, hoping to join Inu-yasha in death; hoping to be reincarnated together."
She said nothing more, and slowly, she walked into the forest, and seemed to disappear into the night.
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Not long after, as Yugi/Yami laid back down to sleep, he heard two voices calling out, "Pharaoh! Pharaoh Yami!" He got up, and found himself in gray mist. He got up, and saw two figures step from the mist.
"Shadi!" he exclaimed, "Ishizu! How did you come here?"
"We have combined Shadi's mind powers and the power of my Necklace," Ishizu said, "to come through time and speak with you, Pharaoh. There has been a great disturbance in the flow of time."
"And it has brought peril to the very universe, great Pharaoh. The world is in dire danger."
"Tell me everything!" Yugi/Yami demanded…
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-----------Joey was in the palace again! The flames were so hot, he could feel the heat a and smell the smoke billowing around him…The it was all gone again. He was in the woods. And she was there. For the first time, ever, he could see her clearly. Her eyes… her hair… her face…even her clothes…The same outfit he had seen her in before…that she'd worn when they first met…what she had worn right before he had gone to sleep…
"Joey," her voice said, tears running down her cheeks. Then she ran, ran from him to that horrible monster that would bring her doom! But he couldn't move. So he called out… "Kagome! Kagome! KAGOME!"-----------
AN: My brother helped with this chapter, and some of the others before. But the stuff with Kikyo came from a suggestion from Tsuke Yumi. Thank you, and please, my peoples, review!