From Darkness To Light: And Now For The Chase Scene.
By Asher Tye
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, I wish I did 'cause then I'd be rich. Since I'm not, suing me would be pointless. Thanks bunches for all the reviews. I can't wait to see the reviews for this chapter. Also, I don't know the names of the Egyptian Gods' attacks, so I figured I'd use a few of my own.
Summary: The group attempts to make it's escape from Rimulder, and the brigade of Battle Oxen hot on their tails. Meanwhile, Zeboim makes moves of his own.
To Kiara-san: I haven't really decided on whether I'm going to follow the manga or the anime, but I do know Mokuba is remembering when Seto put him through the penalty game, so that part kinda follows the manga. Thanks for reviewing.
*_* - Personal Thoughts /_/ - Yugi to Yami \_\ - Yami to Yugi _ Telepathic communication
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Zoa sat on his throne, angrily listening and watching a glowing orb before him. Upon the orb's illuminated surface the face of a young man could be seen, dressed in black armor and sweating profusely. Next to the blue demon stood Zeboim, the Summoned Skull, a similar angry look on his face as he watched the young man and his master.
"Paradus, I'm getting tired of hearing the same excuses from you," Zoa said. "I assigned you this task because you claimed to be among the best trackers in this tired, misbegotten world, and yet now you claim the task to be beyond your ability."
"I am an expert tracker, it is true, and my hollow hounds can catch any scent, but I'm telling you, it is simply not possible," Paradus said. "Elysium simply does not exist."
"If I recall, people said the same of the Fiend's Quarter before I started devouring the surrounding areas."
"The realm of demons is different from Elysium. You're talking about a field of endless light ruled by none but fairies... there have not even been any rumors of fairies in three hundred years. It is a fool's errand." At those words, Zoa's eyes darkened even more.
"Are you saying that I am a fool, dear Paradus?" Paradus's eyes widened as he realized that this was exactly what he had said.
"Of... of course not Lord Zoa... I merely meant that you were asking for the impossible of your humble, and may I say faithful, servant."
"Mercenaries are hardly a faithful breed, particularly those of the human variety. And as to your inability to achieve the mission's objectives... well if that's the case then I have no choice but to 'retire' you." With those words, Zoa's eyes began to glow. On the other side of the link, Paradus suddenly doubled over as his body was racked with tremendous pain. Within seconds, the man's body began to throb all over as Paradus exploded. Once the grisly spectacle was over, the glow of Zoa's eyes subsided.
"It would appear I will need a new tracker, Zeboim."
"As you say my lord." Zeboim's attention immediately shifted away from his master as he heard the loud sound of the throne room door opening. For the briefest of moments, a spark of electricity danced around the demon's long claws as he prepared to attack the potential enemy. The energy dissipated, however, as he quickly recognized the two intruders. One was a female wearing a long green robe which hung off her shoulders. Her purple hair was long and hung down to the small of her back, held from her face by the golden tiara she wore. Her skin was smooth and very tan and her face spoke of an ageless beauty. Lanowar, the Dark Elf always seemed to make Zeboim's heart beat a little faster. The second was a male fiend, bald with long pointed ears, onyx black eyes, and vampire teeth. He wore a silver chest plate and purple leggings to cover his dark blue legs both of which seemed to glide triumphantly into the room.
"We bring you news from the outside world, oh great and mighty Zoa," Dark Necrofear said in his own otherworldly voice.
"The outside world?" Zeboim asked. "I was not aware that you had left the safety of the castle. Have you recently grown a backbone?"
"Have a care, bone face, not everyone has the good fortune to get into the homeguard. the rest of us must choose our battles far more carefully."
"I believe there are more important things to speak than insults," Zoa said, the tone of his voice indicating the lack of patience he had for this display.
"Of course, my lord," came the melodic voice of Lanowar as the Dark Elf ascended the stairway to the throne. She lifted one seductive finger, allowing it's expertly manicured nails graze gently against Zoa's bare chest before swinging around to gesture at the orb.
"One of our agents has reported a possible sighting of the boy you've ordered captured." The orb began showing a picture of Rimulder. "The vindictive old man made contact with him in the village of Rimulder. Unfortunately, if it is him, he is not alone."
"Yes, apparently he is accompanied by a young Florenian man with brown hair and blue eyes, and a boy with pink, blonde and black hair and red eyes..." As Dark Necrofear spoke, the orb showed a clear picture of Mokuba, Seto, and Yugi. "As well as the Spirit of Books, Aza Duskwalker."
"I could have guessed as much," Zoa said as his eyes closed. "When Raven activated his dimensionholes before mine, he must have tried to save everyone from Barrel Dragon's assault. So, the whole gang's here?"
"It would appear so."
"What sort of force does that old codger have with him... Battle Cows or something along those lines?"
"Battle Oxen sir, six Battle Oxen."
"Tell him to slaughter everyone, I want their hearts brought to me. But I also want the boy Mokuba alive and relatively unharmed. That shouldn't be too hard, considering he's supposed to be immortal."
"Yes sir."
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"Roar!" came the cry of the massive Battle Ox as he swung his ax, cleaving one of the chairs in the room cleanly in two.
"Everybody move!" Seto commanded as the ax buried itself in the wall right next to him.
"Where do you expect them to move to 'Lord Azaro?' This room does not grant a great deal of space to avoid my bovine friend here," the Vindictive Old Man cackled. His eyes soon fell upon both Mokuba and Marik. "Ah, yes, one of you is in actuality the boy my master is interested in 'meeting' with. The other is more than likely just street trash. The difference: the one I want is immortal and will survive THIS!" A ball of lightning flew at the two boys who scattered to let the ball fry the bed they'd been standing before.
"Kaiba, see to your brother, Joey and I will deal with the Battle Ox," Yami said as he leapt onto the Battle Ox, a cloth sheet wrapped in his hands as he wrapped it around the monster's huge muzzle and eyes. Meanwhile, Joey shoved Tea's makeshift staff between the Battle Ox's legs in an attempt to trip him up. This proved ineffective as the Battle Ox's beefy legs proved easily strong enough to snap the staff in half. Then the monster's huge hands ripped the offending sheet from it's eyes as for the second time, Yugi's body went flying through the air.
Elsewhere, the Vindictive Old Man continued throwing blasts of ball lightning at Mokuba and Marik, both of whom were finding less and less room to move through, especially given the Battle Ox's rampaging. Seto Kaiba grabbed the old man, putting him in an armlock.
"Stop now or I swear I'll break your arm you old geezer!" The teen commanded.
"Is that so?" the Old Man asked. Suddenly, Seto felt the sting of electricity coursing through his body.
"Yaaarg!" Seto cried as he was forced to let go or be fried by the energy.
"Now, back to the two of YOU!" Once more the Old Man prepared to fire a ball of lightning, only this time he was stopped in mid-spell as his stomach was assaulted by a forceful blow of a wooden staff. The staff was held by one of the two cloaked strangers whose table Yugi had crashed into earlier. "You wretch, how dare you interrupt my spell!"
"If you wish to take me to task over it, I suggest you begin reciting a spell to defend yourself," came a feminine voice as a slender hand appeared out of the cloak, it's fingers moving in an arcane fashion as fast as lightning. "because I'm nearly done with mine." A ball of fire appeared in the figure's hand, only to be thrown at the black spellcaster.
"ROAR!!" cried the Battle Ox as he moved to aid his master, attempting to bring his ax down to cleave the interloper in two. The ax was blocked, however, by the second robed figure who wielded what was easily recognized as the Legendary Sword equipment piece.
"I'll handle this one Starling," came a more masculine voice, though it had an unearthly perfect quality to it. The hood of the robe fell to reveal that this new warrior was elven, and in fact was the Celtic Guardian. The elf warrior knocked the ax away and then sprung forward to smash the ox in the chest with his shoulder. The elf then looked back at the earthlings. "What are you waiting for, get out of here!"
"Right," Seto said as he grabbed Mokuba about the waist and bolted through the door. Yami grabbed Tea hand to pull her away while Aza, carrying Marik on his back and Ryou in his arms as he jumped out of the window. Joey, lingered, however, as he began shuffling some of the things they'd brought up to the room. The female stranger grabbed his shoulder.
"What are you doing? This is no time to search for baubles!"
"I ain't searchin' for no bubble, lady, my friend left something here and it's real valuable."
"More so than your life?" The question didn't need to be answered, however, as Joey pulled the Millennium Ring and the Millennium Rod from one of the trunks. Unfortunately, the Battle Ox had recovered from the Celtic Guardian's initial assault and was now preparing to assault the two. Quickly, the woman drew her staff up and a bubble of energy appeared around them, protecting them from the Battle Ox's initial strike. The shield did not last, through, and the muscular beast's arms prepared to swing his ax again. His assault was ended when the beast warrior's neck suddenly exploded as the tip of the legendary sword was driven through it in a killing blow.
"Let's go," the elf said. as the three ran out of the room. Downstairs, they found Yami and the rest waiting.
"Aza went for the cart," Yami said. "What happened to the Battle Ox?"
"That one will trouble us no more, but he isn't our only problem," the Celtic Guardian said.
"Yes," the strange woman concurred. "Valdis is known to employ several of those monsters." The woman removed her hood to reveal herself to be a fairly young Magician of Faith. The young disciple turned towards Tea. "It would seem Zoa has a marked interest in your little group."
"Far more than if you were an actual party from Floren..." The Celtic Guardian stated.
"How...?" Yami began.
"Time for that later," Angela said. "Now is the time that we must make our escape, lest you wish to be facing more of those horned freaks."
"We?" Seto asked. Down the stairs, an angry look on his twisted and wrinkled face, Valdis came.
"You nasty little rats! Do you think you've escaped just because you slaughtered some cow? Think again!" The Old Man reached into one of his pockets and, pulling forth a rather large whistle, gave a blow. The shrill cry of the whistle forced them all to cover their ears. Soon the whole building began to rumble and shake as one of the inn's walls collapsed to the ground to reveal five more Battle Oxen.
"How many can you take Elrond?" the Magician of Faith whispered.
"Two, possibly three, but no way five, Angela."
"I could try a luminous spell, but with their bad eyesight... I'm not sure how effective it will be."
"Then allow me to try something," came the voice of the Spirit of Books. Seven small brown bags flew through the openings in the wall and exploded, releasing a think black cloud from each. "Shield your eyes and noses," Aza commanded. The good guys reacted, and just in time as the fearsome beast-warriors began to hack, cough, and sneeze thanks to the black cloud.
"What is cough going on?" Valdis demanded, his old eyes tearing up.
"This way everyone," Ryou said, beckoning his friends out the door. Outside, Yami saw a huge cart attached to a team of two oxen, both of whom looked rather nervous. At their reigns sat Marik while Aza stood in back holding more of the little bags in his clawed hands.
"Everyone on board quick, we're leaving." Elrond turned, making sure that none of the Battle Oxen were following as everyone else got into the cart. Once everyone else was safe, the elf leapt onto the cart.
"What was that?" he asked Aza.
"Pepper bombs. I thought they might come in handy if we came across anything we needed to get away from quickly. Apparently I was correct."
"Good thinking," Joey said as Marik got the oxen moving. They had moved no more than a few dozen yards however, when they heard the thunderous sound of many hooves. "I just wish it had worked for a bit longer."
"Don't just stand there cough you steaks with horns," Valdis yelled, still rubbing his eyes! "cough Get them!"
"We've got horns on our heels," Tea said
"Not for long," Angela said. She reached into her pockets and drew forth a handful of seeds, throwing them into the charging beast-warriors' path. Then the Magician of Faith raised her staff before her and closed her eyes as she concentrated. "Lord Trent, master of all that is green, hear my prayer and lend me your power." As the youthful acolyte spoke, the seeds began to glow. Just as the cloven feet of the Battle Ox Brigade began to trod over the seeds, they exploded, sending up thousands of green vines that immediately began to tangle themselves around the bovine pursuers. The Battle Oxen began to struggle and yank at the clinging vines as they were bound. Immediately, Elrond grabbed the reins of the oxen from Marik and whipped them onward.
"Those vines will not last long so we must make our escape as quickly as possible." As if on cue, the vines binding the Battle Oxen began to give way under their axes and muscles. The horned monsters once more were in hot pursuit and, without a heavy wagon and passengers slowing them down, they were quickly closing the gap.
"They're gonna catch us," Mokuba cried.
"If only I had my powers," Marik said. "I'd turn those oversized cows into beef steak." Yami, meanwhile, had reached into what was left of his deck for a card.
"If ever I had the power to protect my friends," Yami said as he drew a Trap Hole card. "please let me have it now! TRAP HOLE!" From the reincarnated Pharaoh's hand the card flew to hit the ground. The Millennium Puzzle glowed a soft golden color, much softer than it usually did. The card also began to glow the same faint gold, and then it was gone. "No!"
"This is just great, we're gonna be trampled by a ton of hamburger," Joey wailed. Just as the Battle Oxen had reached the spot where the card had disappeared, the ground suddenly gave way to reveal a giant hole. The Millennium Item stopped glowing as Yami retreated back inside his soulroom.
"What... How?" Seto asked
"Card magic?" Angela asked, looking back at Yugi. "You know how to perform card magic?"
"I believe this will have to wait until we have more time for explanations, look," Aza called as he pointed behind them. Valdis, the Vindictive Old Man, was also in hot pursuit, though he wasn't running as his minions had been. Instead, he sat upon the back of a Sinister Serpent that was currently flying over the Trap Hole Yami had set off.
"Pathetic fools, there's no escape from Master Zoa's reach!" the spellcaster yelled as he launched more lightning, while his serpent shot balls of fire.
"I don't suppose you can pull another card trick there Yami?" Joey asked
"Yami... He's too weak," Yugi said. "Marik, Bakura?"
"Forget it. My energy's too low."
"The same here."
"Too bad, looks like you're going to go to an early grave," Valdis cackled as a black energy formed around his hand. "Now my ultimate spell; Word of Power: KILL!" The old man leapt from his mount to strike Yugi. Seto Kaiba was a flurry of motion as he grabbed the Legendary Sword from it's sheath and moved between Yugi and his assailant. Before the old evildoer could move out of the way, Seto thrust the sword upwards and impaled the sorcerer.
"Not the smartest move you could have made, was it?"
"You... tell... ME..." Valdis's black covered hand took a swipe at Seto just as the young man tried to toss the elder one off the sword. The black nails of the old man's hand cut through the sleeve of Seto's shirt and created a slashing wound on his flesh. Immediately, the young CEO clutched his arm as searing pain began to race through his body.
"Seto!" Mokuba said as his brother fell to the floor of the cart and began to convulse with agony.
"No," the Magician of Faith said as she stopped Mokuba from touching the wound. "You must not touch the wound or you will get infected too."
"He's dying, we have to do something. We have to help him!" Angela began looking through the pouch at her side, pulling out a vial of powder. Carefully she poured the entire contents of the vial into Seto's wounds.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" came Seto's agonized cry as the powder hit the slash marks. Immediately, Mokuba moved to try to stop the sorceress.
"Stop, you're hurting him!" Mokuba cried as he grabbed the woman's arm.
"It's also slowing the toxins effects. With any luck this will keep your brother alive until we can find a place to stop and I can do a proper job," Angela said, shaking the boy from her arm. "And I would suggest you sit down unless you want to fall off."
"Elf," Aza called to their driver. "We will have to stop soon."
"The name is Elrond, Bookworm, and there is a serviceable spot just inside the forest that borders these little plains of yours. It will provide cover for us in case any more of Zoa's minions are looking for you. And it is there that Angela and I will be expecting to hear some sort of explanation for all this."
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Night had fallen and the still air seemed alive with the sounds of crickets and owls. Inside a very small clearing of trees, a small fire was roaring as the group of humans and monsters were sitting around the fire, sans the Kaibas and the Magician of Faith. Two tents had been set up and a canvas has been stretched over the cart as a makeshift shelter. Elrond was busy cooking three wild rabbits he had caught for dinner. Soon Angela walked out of one of the tents, rubbing her hands as she sat down next to her elven friend.
"How is he?" Yugi asked.
"He's resting. I've done what I can to reverse the effect of Valdis's death touch, but I am no healer. It was his strength that ultimately determined his survival," the Magician of Faith said.
"Thanks for helping him," Yugi said. "and us."
"Why did you help us?" Marik asked, suspicion in his voice.
"I'm rather curious about that myself," came Bakura.
"Anyone who is an enemy of the Dark Ruler Zoa is a friend of warriors of Luchym. And you went to such trouble to disguise yourselves, we couldn't help but be curious as to who you were."
"What made...," a glare from Marik was enough to make Joey change his wording, "err makes you think we aren't who we say we are?"
"For one thing, neither one of your 'slaves' has a mark on them. Were they real Floren slaves, their backs would have been crisscrossed with lash marks from whips. The staff that my 'sister' there is holding is made of oak. Magician's of Faith use cypress for their staves."
"Then there was the, ahem, 'girls.'" Elrond said. "Girls don't have Adam's Apples. Next time I would suggest the two of you wear scarves."
"As to how we knew you needed help, we were still downstairs when Valdis stormed upstairs with that Battle Ox of his. Since it didn't seem like he was invited, we decided to follow. Now it is our turn to ask the questions. Why is Zoa after you?"
"It's because of Mokuba," Yugi stated matter-of-factly.
"Mokuba?"
"The boy in there with our friend."
"Why would Zoa be after him?"
"Well... that is to say..."
"Supposedly, the little whelp is the reincarnated form of Exodia," Bakura said as he bit into a piece of cooked rabbit from the fire. At the words of Bakura, both Elrond and Angela stopped what they were doing.
"You can't be serious," Elrond said. "If you don't want to tell us that is your choice, but don't try to feed us a fairytale about some ancient legend."
"I'm afraid he is being most serious," Aza said. "Indeed, the boy bears the ankh scar on his chest, the symbol of one who has imbibed the water of the Wellspring of Eternity. He is Exodia, the Forbidden One, of that I have little doubt. And that is why Zoa is after them."
"I don't believe this, he barely looks able to fight a puppy, and you're saying he's the same guy who legend says dominated the entire Shadow Realm thousands of years ago?"
"I imagine his appearance has changed a great deal since he was last seen, particularly if he looked like his cards suggest."
"Obviously," the Spirit of Books concurred. "Unfortunately, he lacks all memory of his former life, and thus does not know how to access his powers at anything more than a subconscious level. It is my intention to help him to at least rediscover the basics, but until he has some defense, we are fairly vulnerable to anything Zoa throws at us."
"So where were you planning on taking such a creature that he would be safe? It's rather obvious Luchym was only a cover."
"Cormick, and the Black Citadel of the Dark Magicians," Aza stated. Both Elrond and Angela's faces darkened at the mention of city of Cormick.
"You would take him to the dark city, to the Dark Sage himself?" Angela asked.
"Yes." Angela stood up and turned her back to the feathered scholar. Yugi noticed the crow goblin's hand grip something behind his back. Marik too held onto his Millennium Rod as if expecting trouble.
"Would you even consider actually going to Luchym? I know my mistress would be more than willing to offer asylum."
"I know, but I am not only interested in providing the children with asylum," Aza responded. "I wish to help them find their way home, back to Earth where they will be safe."
"But for who knows how long."
"Yes, if he could pull them from Earth, how long will it be before Zoa's eyes turn away from this world and towards theirs? If that boy is Exodia, that means he has the power to topple Zoa and save us all."
"That's a rather big demand to put on a twelve year old my dear."
"And what will the Dark Sage be able to do that the Sisterhood of the Faith cannot?" "You know the legends. If they are to be believed, then the Dark Sage is..."
"Rubbish," Elrond interrupted the birdman. "The very idea of anyone being that old, living that long is ludicrous."
"The same was said of a great many things, including Exodia I believe."
"If the boy is Exodia, and I'm not saying he is, then he should be transported to the City of Light, which has been standing against Zoa's ever encroaching darkness since this war began. Nothing but disaster can arise from letting him come to a city where half the population works for the enemy."
"You cannot blame the teacher for how his students choose to use their skills. The Dark Sage is will know how to handle this, I am sure of it."
"And I am sure you are making a mis..."
"Elrond, please," Angela said. "If it is their wish to go to Cormick, then we must respect it."
"Thank you," Aza said.
"But, Luchym does lay in the path to Cormick, as does many dangers that your group, no matter how 'stealthy,' are simply unprepared to handle."
"So I take it you intend to... join us," came the voice of Seto Kaiba as he tossed aside the tent flap. The iron plate had been removed from him, along with the pink shirt and the black marks of Valdis's attack could clearly still be seen, having crept up his arm to end just above his chest. A thin layer of sweat was still visible on his face and his hair was messy as though he'd been tossing and turning. Beside him, Mokuba looked less than thrilled that his brother had decided to get up so quickly.
"It is not in our best interest to let your brother fall into the hands of Zoa."
"While also affording you more of a chance to convince us to stop in this Luchym instead of completing our journey, right?" Seto said, his eyes hard and accusatory.
"It had crossed my mind." Seto seemed to think to himself for a few minutes.
"Aza, just how dangerous is the path between here and this Black Citadel?"
"In all honesty, incredibly so. I had hoped to lessen the danger by traveling in disguise, but with that plan ended... I hate to say it but we could most definitely use the help. I am no warrior and none of you are familiar with the Shadow Realm. And even though your friend Yami's powers seem to be returning, we can only guess how much of a strain they put on him."
"If you come with us, you had best not try to trick us into changing direction and heading for this Luchym place. Don't think I'll give you any leeway just for saving my life either."
"That is understood," Angela said as she gripped Elrond's hand. "We will assist you in making your way to Cormick. But do not think we will not attempt to persuade you every step of the way to change this course."
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"HE FAILED!" Zoa screamed as he smashed the crystal orb that had shown him the entire proceedings in Rimulder. Everyone in the throne room backed away from the raging blue demon, particularly a small robed figure that had been cleaning Zoa's toenails. Even Zeboim backed up a step in response to his master's anger.
"It would appear so," Dark Necrofear said. "But... but I should point out that he is not out of our reach..."
"Yes sir," Lanowar said in her sultry voice. "Even now, they start a journey through the forests, the domain of the insects. Perhaps this is something for the Insect Queen to handle."
"The Insect Queen? That ravenous hag. She'd sooner eat them then give them to his Lordship," Dark Necrofear countered. "Sire allow me leave to take twenty fiends and I will personally guarantee to bring the brat directly to you."
"With a group of twenty fiends a measly skull servant could bring him back," Zoa growled. "While tipping our hand to all who still ally themselves against me."
"I could travel to deal with the Insect Queen should she capture them."
"I... I could... I could do it," came a timid voice that sounded like someone had a stuffy nose. Zoa looked down to see the person who had been clipping his talons, as if noticing him for the first time. A blue hand grabbed the boy by the head lifting him up to meet Zoa face to face.
"What did you say slave?" Zoa said in a threatening voice. The hood of the robe fell back to reveal Bonz's skull-like face. His flesh had retained the same ashen gray skin and blue hair, but his hair had become thinner and dirtier, plus one of his eyes had been sewn shut and his flesh had been bruised and cut. Three of his fingers are missing as well.
"I... I said I could bring you the kid... if... if you let me have a fair try."
"A fair try? And what would this 'fair try' entail?"
"They're entering the Pyre Forest, the realm of the dead itself. Give me the power to take them on and I'll bring him back to you." In response, Zoa gave a hearty laugh sending a spray of saliva all over Bonz's face.
"And what would you want in return for this task, hmm? Gold? Fame?"
"You... you know what I want... And you know it is within your power to give to me." Zoa looked at the dirty boy for a few minutes. "I want the one called Bakura... I want his body, his life force. I want to go home!"
"Needy little brat, aren't you?" Zoa said as he dropped Bonz to the ground. The boy clutched the demon's leg, a look of fear in his eyes.
"Please, just give me a chance and I'll succeed, I promise!"
"Remove your filthy human hands from the master, whelp," Dark Necrofear yelled as he roughly kicked Bonz in his head and sending him tumbling down. Suddenly, a blue fist crashed into Dark Necrofear's jaw.
"I was not finished!" Zoa roared. The blue fiend quickly gathered himself before turning back to his slave. "As I was about to say, since my own minions have proven thus far insufficient to catch these children off guard, perhaps it is time I start fighting earthlings with earthlings." Zoa held up one of his hands which immediately began to glow. In it appeared what could only be a deck of dueling cards, bent and mistreated.
"My... my cards?" Bonz said, small tears in his eyes. The cards flew from Zoa's and began to enter the teenage boy's body. "Ah.. ha hu hu..."
"I have now imbued you with enough power to command and control the denizens of Pyre Forest. In your present condition, you should prove more than capable of fitting in there. If you succeed, I shall use the human Bakura's life-force to restore you to Earth, in any condition you desire. You will no doubt be long dead by the time I finally decide to destroy Earth, so as far as I can see, this is a fairly good deal for you." Zoa's hand shot down and grabbed Bonz around the throat. "However, should you fail me... I shall take the greatest pleasure in torturing your pitiful, misbegotten, malformed soul from now until the ENDS OF ETERNITY!!!"
"Yes... yes master, I will succeed, I promise, I swear it on my life!"
"FOOL! YOUR LIFE IS WORTHLESS TO ME, YOUR SOUL IS ALL I NEED!" Zoa tossed a final card down at Bonz, which landed right between the boy's legs. "NOW GO!!" Beneath Bonz, the card transformed, becoming a Dimensionhole that Bonz immediately dropped down through.
Zeboim watched the proceedings with minor interest. In truth he was considerably more interested in Lanowar, the Dark Elf. The female sorceress had turned to leave, obviously caring as little for Zoa's posturing as he did. Silently, the massive horned demon left the throne room to follow her.
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Lanowar stalked the halls away from Zoa's throne room, ideas already forming in her mind should Zoa's latest plan fail. Her progress was impeded, however, by a very big hand that grabbed her shoulder. Angrily the elf turned, ready to vaporize who ever was foolish enough to touch her. Her anger was blunted when she realized whose claws were on her.
"Zeboim? What do you want? Shouldn't you be guarding Lord Zoa?"
"Zoa is a big demon and able to care of himself. I had things I needed to discuss with you, and I believe it takes precedence."
"You, the very spirit of loyalty and devotion, abandoning your charge? This must be important."
"It is...," Zeboim said. "I wanted to know, how much you know."
"Hmm?"
"About why Zoa has suddenly turned so much attention towards these human children. I'm wondering if you know..."
"That the black haired boy is Exodia? Yes I do." Lanowar could not tell if this revelation came as a surprise to the powerful fiend, his bony features betrayed nothing to an outside observer, even one as skilled as she. It was the claws of his right hand, however, tapping on a silver flask hanging at his hip, that told her his question had purpose.
"And this means nothing to you?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Zeb."
"But you haven't, I asked you. Exodia meant a lot to me, to you, to all of us."
"Yes, the keyword being 'meant.' In case you've forgotten, Exodia abandoned US, not the other way around. The others may flounder now, but we have a new master."
"Aren't you the least bit curious, Lanowar? Don't you want to know why?" Zeboim asked, grabbing the Dark Elf's shoulders. "None of us have any memory concerning the battle started by the three gods. Not even Zeit has been able to find anything. We have no way of knowing what happened to the Master." Zeboim's words were cut off as Lanowar's hand flew across his face in a vicious slap.
"Don't say that! Are you insane?" Lanowar hissed. "Zoa is our master now, and soon he will be the most powerful creature in the Shadow Realm, if not the universe. Nothing can be gained by opposing him and hanging on to foolish sentimentalities. Exodia is dead and gone, all that is left is pathetic shadow someone else has found use for."
"I don't think the others would agree."
"Wouldn't they? I have the feeling they'd feel the same as me. We served Exodia faithfully and he abandoned us to the winds of fate for our troubles. Why do you think none of them have come to help him?"
"It is possible they do not know, a situation I wish to remedy, with your help." The Dark Elf's eyes widened at this and her hand raised again to slap him, only to be caught by the Summoned Skull. For the briefest of moments, it seemed as though this could escalate into a battle. Finally, Lanowar's arm went limp.
"You are a fool Zeboim, and I will not be part of your delusions," the Dark Elf said in a slow voice. "Out of respect for the past we've shared, I will not tell anyone of what we've talked of here, and I advise you to drop it as well. However, I refuse to have any part in this." With that, the Dark Elf pulled her hand from the demon and turned to leave. Zeboim stood in the hallway for a few minutes, watching the green dress disappear into the darkness of the castle. Soon he left, returning to the throne room where he was meant to be. Neither had noticed the black shadow that had been nearby, listening to every word spoken. Silently, save for the clicking of his heels on stone, Dark Necrofear walked out of the dark alcove he had been hidden in. A sly smile on his face, the blue fiend looked down the hallway after both monsters, content in the information he had gained.
To Be continued...
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Well, this chapter's over. I guess everyone can guess who's going to be showing up in the next chapter to cause trouble for Mokuba and friends. Speaking of Bonz, however, I do have a favor to ask. Does anyone remember the names of Bonz's two "friends" from the anime series? I know they had names, I just can't remember them and they did get sent to the Shadow Realm with Bonz. Just include the names in your reviews if you can. See you in thirty.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, I wish I did 'cause then I'd be rich. Since I'm not, suing me would be pointless. Thanks bunches for all the reviews. I can't wait to see the reviews for this chapter. Also, I don't know the names of the Egyptian Gods' attacks, so I figured I'd use a few of my own.
Summary: The group attempts to make it's escape from Rimulder, and the brigade of Battle Oxen hot on their tails. Meanwhile, Zeboim makes moves of his own.
To Kiara-san: I haven't really decided on whether I'm going to follow the manga or the anime, but I do know Mokuba is remembering when Seto put him through the penalty game, so that part kinda follows the manga. Thanks for reviewing.
*_* - Personal Thoughts /_/ - Yugi to Yami \_\ - Yami to Yugi _ Telepathic communication
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Zoa sat on his throne, angrily listening and watching a glowing orb before him. Upon the orb's illuminated surface the face of a young man could be seen, dressed in black armor and sweating profusely. Next to the blue demon stood Zeboim, the Summoned Skull, a similar angry look on his face as he watched the young man and his master.
"Paradus, I'm getting tired of hearing the same excuses from you," Zoa said. "I assigned you this task because you claimed to be among the best trackers in this tired, misbegotten world, and yet now you claim the task to be beyond your ability."
"I am an expert tracker, it is true, and my hollow hounds can catch any scent, but I'm telling you, it is simply not possible," Paradus said. "Elysium simply does not exist."
"If I recall, people said the same of the Fiend's Quarter before I started devouring the surrounding areas."
"The realm of demons is different from Elysium. You're talking about a field of endless light ruled by none but fairies... there have not even been any rumors of fairies in three hundred years. It is a fool's errand." At those words, Zoa's eyes darkened even more.
"Are you saying that I am a fool, dear Paradus?" Paradus's eyes widened as he realized that this was exactly what he had said.
"Of... of course not Lord Zoa... I merely meant that you were asking for the impossible of your humble, and may I say faithful, servant."
"Mercenaries are hardly a faithful breed, particularly those of the human variety. And as to your inability to achieve the mission's objectives... well if that's the case then I have no choice but to 'retire' you." With those words, Zoa's eyes began to glow. On the other side of the link, Paradus suddenly doubled over as his body was racked with tremendous pain. Within seconds, the man's body began to throb all over as Paradus exploded. Once the grisly spectacle was over, the glow of Zoa's eyes subsided.
"It would appear I will need a new tracker, Zeboim."
"As you say my lord." Zeboim's attention immediately shifted away from his master as he heard the loud sound of the throne room door opening. For the briefest of moments, a spark of electricity danced around the demon's long claws as he prepared to attack the potential enemy. The energy dissipated, however, as he quickly recognized the two intruders. One was a female wearing a long green robe which hung off her shoulders. Her purple hair was long and hung down to the small of her back, held from her face by the golden tiara she wore. Her skin was smooth and very tan and her face spoke of an ageless beauty. Lanowar, the Dark Elf always seemed to make Zeboim's heart beat a little faster. The second was a male fiend, bald with long pointed ears, onyx black eyes, and vampire teeth. He wore a silver chest plate and purple leggings to cover his dark blue legs both of which seemed to glide triumphantly into the room.
"We bring you news from the outside world, oh great and mighty Zoa," Dark Necrofear said in his own otherworldly voice.
"The outside world?" Zeboim asked. "I was not aware that you had left the safety of the castle. Have you recently grown a backbone?"
"Have a care, bone face, not everyone has the good fortune to get into the homeguard. the rest of us must choose our battles far more carefully."
"I believe there are more important things to speak than insults," Zoa said, the tone of his voice indicating the lack of patience he had for this display.
"Of course, my lord," came the melodic voice of Lanowar as the Dark Elf ascended the stairway to the throne. She lifted one seductive finger, allowing it's expertly manicured nails graze gently against Zoa's bare chest before swinging around to gesture at the orb.
"One of our agents has reported a possible sighting of the boy you've ordered captured." The orb began showing a picture of Rimulder. "The vindictive old man made contact with him in the village of Rimulder. Unfortunately, if it is him, he is not alone."
"Yes, apparently he is accompanied by a young Florenian man with brown hair and blue eyes, and a boy with pink, blonde and black hair and red eyes..." As Dark Necrofear spoke, the orb showed a clear picture of Mokuba, Seto, and Yugi. "As well as the Spirit of Books, Aza Duskwalker."
"I could have guessed as much," Zoa said as his eyes closed. "When Raven activated his dimensionholes before mine, he must have tried to save everyone from Barrel Dragon's assault. So, the whole gang's here?"
"It would appear so."
"What sort of force does that old codger have with him... Battle Cows or something along those lines?"
"Battle Oxen sir, six Battle Oxen."
"Tell him to slaughter everyone, I want their hearts brought to me. But I also want the boy Mokuba alive and relatively unharmed. That shouldn't be too hard, considering he's supposed to be immortal."
"Yes sir."
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"Roar!" came the cry of the massive Battle Ox as he swung his ax, cleaving one of the chairs in the room cleanly in two.
"Everybody move!" Seto commanded as the ax buried itself in the wall right next to him.
"Where do you expect them to move to 'Lord Azaro?' This room does not grant a great deal of space to avoid my bovine friend here," the Vindictive Old Man cackled. His eyes soon fell upon both Mokuba and Marik. "Ah, yes, one of you is in actuality the boy my master is interested in 'meeting' with. The other is more than likely just street trash. The difference: the one I want is immortal and will survive THIS!" A ball of lightning flew at the two boys who scattered to let the ball fry the bed they'd been standing before.
"Kaiba, see to your brother, Joey and I will deal with the Battle Ox," Yami said as he leapt onto the Battle Ox, a cloth sheet wrapped in his hands as he wrapped it around the monster's huge muzzle and eyes. Meanwhile, Joey shoved Tea's makeshift staff between the Battle Ox's legs in an attempt to trip him up. This proved ineffective as the Battle Ox's beefy legs proved easily strong enough to snap the staff in half. Then the monster's huge hands ripped the offending sheet from it's eyes as for the second time, Yugi's body went flying through the air.
Elsewhere, the Vindictive Old Man continued throwing blasts of ball lightning at Mokuba and Marik, both of whom were finding less and less room to move through, especially given the Battle Ox's rampaging. Seto Kaiba grabbed the old man, putting him in an armlock.
"Stop now or I swear I'll break your arm you old geezer!" The teen commanded.
"Is that so?" the Old Man asked. Suddenly, Seto felt the sting of electricity coursing through his body.
"Yaaarg!" Seto cried as he was forced to let go or be fried by the energy.
"Now, back to the two of YOU!" Once more the Old Man prepared to fire a ball of lightning, only this time he was stopped in mid-spell as his stomach was assaulted by a forceful blow of a wooden staff. The staff was held by one of the two cloaked strangers whose table Yugi had crashed into earlier. "You wretch, how dare you interrupt my spell!"
"If you wish to take me to task over it, I suggest you begin reciting a spell to defend yourself," came a feminine voice as a slender hand appeared out of the cloak, it's fingers moving in an arcane fashion as fast as lightning. "because I'm nearly done with mine." A ball of fire appeared in the figure's hand, only to be thrown at the black spellcaster.
"ROAR!!" cried the Battle Ox as he moved to aid his master, attempting to bring his ax down to cleave the interloper in two. The ax was blocked, however, by the second robed figure who wielded what was easily recognized as the Legendary Sword equipment piece.
"I'll handle this one Starling," came a more masculine voice, though it had an unearthly perfect quality to it. The hood of the robe fell to reveal that this new warrior was elven, and in fact was the Celtic Guardian. The elf warrior knocked the ax away and then sprung forward to smash the ox in the chest with his shoulder. The elf then looked back at the earthlings. "What are you waiting for, get out of here!"
"Right," Seto said as he grabbed Mokuba about the waist and bolted through the door. Yami grabbed Tea hand to pull her away while Aza, carrying Marik on his back and Ryou in his arms as he jumped out of the window. Joey, lingered, however, as he began shuffling some of the things they'd brought up to the room. The female stranger grabbed his shoulder.
"What are you doing? This is no time to search for baubles!"
"I ain't searchin' for no bubble, lady, my friend left something here and it's real valuable."
"More so than your life?" The question didn't need to be answered, however, as Joey pulled the Millennium Ring and the Millennium Rod from one of the trunks. Unfortunately, the Battle Ox had recovered from the Celtic Guardian's initial assault and was now preparing to assault the two. Quickly, the woman drew her staff up and a bubble of energy appeared around them, protecting them from the Battle Ox's initial strike. The shield did not last, through, and the muscular beast's arms prepared to swing his ax again. His assault was ended when the beast warrior's neck suddenly exploded as the tip of the legendary sword was driven through it in a killing blow.
"Let's go," the elf said. as the three ran out of the room. Downstairs, they found Yami and the rest waiting.
"Aza went for the cart," Yami said. "What happened to the Battle Ox?"
"That one will trouble us no more, but he isn't our only problem," the Celtic Guardian said.
"Yes," the strange woman concurred. "Valdis is known to employ several of those monsters." The woman removed her hood to reveal herself to be a fairly young Magician of Faith. The young disciple turned towards Tea. "It would seem Zoa has a marked interest in your little group."
"Far more than if you were an actual party from Floren..." The Celtic Guardian stated.
"How...?" Yami began.
"Time for that later," Angela said. "Now is the time that we must make our escape, lest you wish to be facing more of those horned freaks."
"We?" Seto asked. Down the stairs, an angry look on his twisted and wrinkled face, Valdis came.
"You nasty little rats! Do you think you've escaped just because you slaughtered some cow? Think again!" The Old Man reached into one of his pockets and, pulling forth a rather large whistle, gave a blow. The shrill cry of the whistle forced them all to cover their ears. Soon the whole building began to rumble and shake as one of the inn's walls collapsed to the ground to reveal five more Battle Oxen.
"How many can you take Elrond?" the Magician of Faith whispered.
"Two, possibly three, but no way five, Angela."
"I could try a luminous spell, but with their bad eyesight... I'm not sure how effective it will be."
"Then allow me to try something," came the voice of the Spirit of Books. Seven small brown bags flew through the openings in the wall and exploded, releasing a think black cloud from each. "Shield your eyes and noses," Aza commanded. The good guys reacted, and just in time as the fearsome beast-warriors began to hack, cough, and sneeze thanks to the black cloud.
"What is cough going on?" Valdis demanded, his old eyes tearing up.
"This way everyone," Ryou said, beckoning his friends out the door. Outside, Yami saw a huge cart attached to a team of two oxen, both of whom looked rather nervous. At their reigns sat Marik while Aza stood in back holding more of the little bags in his clawed hands.
"Everyone on board quick, we're leaving." Elrond turned, making sure that none of the Battle Oxen were following as everyone else got into the cart. Once everyone else was safe, the elf leapt onto the cart.
"What was that?" he asked Aza.
"Pepper bombs. I thought they might come in handy if we came across anything we needed to get away from quickly. Apparently I was correct."
"Good thinking," Joey said as Marik got the oxen moving. They had moved no more than a few dozen yards however, when they heard the thunderous sound of many hooves. "I just wish it had worked for a bit longer."
"Don't just stand there cough you steaks with horns," Valdis yelled, still rubbing his eyes! "cough Get them!"
"We've got horns on our heels," Tea said
"Not for long," Angela said. She reached into her pockets and drew forth a handful of seeds, throwing them into the charging beast-warriors' path. Then the Magician of Faith raised her staff before her and closed her eyes as she concentrated. "Lord Trent, master of all that is green, hear my prayer and lend me your power." As the youthful acolyte spoke, the seeds began to glow. Just as the cloven feet of the Battle Ox Brigade began to trod over the seeds, they exploded, sending up thousands of green vines that immediately began to tangle themselves around the bovine pursuers. The Battle Oxen began to struggle and yank at the clinging vines as they were bound. Immediately, Elrond grabbed the reins of the oxen from Marik and whipped them onward.
"Those vines will not last long so we must make our escape as quickly as possible." As if on cue, the vines binding the Battle Oxen began to give way under their axes and muscles. The horned monsters once more were in hot pursuit and, without a heavy wagon and passengers slowing them down, they were quickly closing the gap.
"They're gonna catch us," Mokuba cried.
"If only I had my powers," Marik said. "I'd turn those oversized cows into beef steak." Yami, meanwhile, had reached into what was left of his deck for a card.
"If ever I had the power to protect my friends," Yami said as he drew a Trap Hole card. "please let me have it now! TRAP HOLE!" From the reincarnated Pharaoh's hand the card flew to hit the ground. The Millennium Puzzle glowed a soft golden color, much softer than it usually did. The card also began to glow the same faint gold, and then it was gone. "No!"
"This is just great, we're gonna be trampled by a ton of hamburger," Joey wailed. Just as the Battle Oxen had reached the spot where the card had disappeared, the ground suddenly gave way to reveal a giant hole. The Millennium Item stopped glowing as Yami retreated back inside his soulroom.
"What... How?" Seto asked
"Card magic?" Angela asked, looking back at Yugi. "You know how to perform card magic?"
"I believe this will have to wait until we have more time for explanations, look," Aza called as he pointed behind them. Valdis, the Vindictive Old Man, was also in hot pursuit, though he wasn't running as his minions had been. Instead, he sat upon the back of a Sinister Serpent that was currently flying over the Trap Hole Yami had set off.
"Pathetic fools, there's no escape from Master Zoa's reach!" the spellcaster yelled as he launched more lightning, while his serpent shot balls of fire.
"I don't suppose you can pull another card trick there Yami?" Joey asked
"Yami... He's too weak," Yugi said. "Marik, Bakura?"
"Forget it. My energy's too low."
"The same here."
"Too bad, looks like you're going to go to an early grave," Valdis cackled as a black energy formed around his hand. "Now my ultimate spell; Word of Power: KILL!" The old man leapt from his mount to strike Yugi. Seto Kaiba was a flurry of motion as he grabbed the Legendary Sword from it's sheath and moved between Yugi and his assailant. Before the old evildoer could move out of the way, Seto thrust the sword upwards and impaled the sorcerer.
"Not the smartest move you could have made, was it?"
"You... tell... ME..." Valdis's black covered hand took a swipe at Seto just as the young man tried to toss the elder one off the sword. The black nails of the old man's hand cut through the sleeve of Seto's shirt and created a slashing wound on his flesh. Immediately, the young CEO clutched his arm as searing pain began to race through his body.
"Seto!" Mokuba said as his brother fell to the floor of the cart and began to convulse with agony.
"No," the Magician of Faith said as she stopped Mokuba from touching the wound. "You must not touch the wound or you will get infected too."
"He's dying, we have to do something. We have to help him!" Angela began looking through the pouch at her side, pulling out a vial of powder. Carefully she poured the entire contents of the vial into Seto's wounds.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" came Seto's agonized cry as the powder hit the slash marks. Immediately, Mokuba moved to try to stop the sorceress.
"Stop, you're hurting him!" Mokuba cried as he grabbed the woman's arm.
"It's also slowing the toxins effects. With any luck this will keep your brother alive until we can find a place to stop and I can do a proper job," Angela said, shaking the boy from her arm. "And I would suggest you sit down unless you want to fall off."
"Elf," Aza called to their driver. "We will have to stop soon."
"The name is Elrond, Bookworm, and there is a serviceable spot just inside the forest that borders these little plains of yours. It will provide cover for us in case any more of Zoa's minions are looking for you. And it is there that Angela and I will be expecting to hear some sort of explanation for all this."
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Night had fallen and the still air seemed alive with the sounds of crickets and owls. Inside a very small clearing of trees, a small fire was roaring as the group of humans and monsters were sitting around the fire, sans the Kaibas and the Magician of Faith. Two tents had been set up and a canvas has been stretched over the cart as a makeshift shelter. Elrond was busy cooking three wild rabbits he had caught for dinner. Soon Angela walked out of one of the tents, rubbing her hands as she sat down next to her elven friend.
"How is he?" Yugi asked.
"He's resting. I've done what I can to reverse the effect of Valdis's death touch, but I am no healer. It was his strength that ultimately determined his survival," the Magician of Faith said.
"Thanks for helping him," Yugi said. "and us."
"Why did you help us?" Marik asked, suspicion in his voice.
"I'm rather curious about that myself," came Bakura.
"Anyone who is an enemy of the Dark Ruler Zoa is a friend of warriors of Luchym. And you went to such trouble to disguise yourselves, we couldn't help but be curious as to who you were."
"What made...," a glare from Marik was enough to make Joey change his wording, "err makes you think we aren't who we say we are?"
"For one thing, neither one of your 'slaves' has a mark on them. Were they real Floren slaves, their backs would have been crisscrossed with lash marks from whips. The staff that my 'sister' there is holding is made of oak. Magician's of Faith use cypress for their staves."
"Then there was the, ahem, 'girls.'" Elrond said. "Girls don't have Adam's Apples. Next time I would suggest the two of you wear scarves."
"As to how we knew you needed help, we were still downstairs when Valdis stormed upstairs with that Battle Ox of his. Since it didn't seem like he was invited, we decided to follow. Now it is our turn to ask the questions. Why is Zoa after you?"
"It's because of Mokuba," Yugi stated matter-of-factly.
"Mokuba?"
"The boy in there with our friend."
"Why would Zoa be after him?"
"Well... that is to say..."
"Supposedly, the little whelp is the reincarnated form of Exodia," Bakura said as he bit into a piece of cooked rabbit from the fire. At the words of Bakura, both Elrond and Angela stopped what they were doing.
"You can't be serious," Elrond said. "If you don't want to tell us that is your choice, but don't try to feed us a fairytale about some ancient legend."
"I'm afraid he is being most serious," Aza said. "Indeed, the boy bears the ankh scar on his chest, the symbol of one who has imbibed the water of the Wellspring of Eternity. He is Exodia, the Forbidden One, of that I have little doubt. And that is why Zoa is after them."
"I don't believe this, he barely looks able to fight a puppy, and you're saying he's the same guy who legend says dominated the entire Shadow Realm thousands of years ago?"
"I imagine his appearance has changed a great deal since he was last seen, particularly if he looked like his cards suggest."
"Obviously," the Spirit of Books concurred. "Unfortunately, he lacks all memory of his former life, and thus does not know how to access his powers at anything more than a subconscious level. It is my intention to help him to at least rediscover the basics, but until he has some defense, we are fairly vulnerable to anything Zoa throws at us."
"So where were you planning on taking such a creature that he would be safe? It's rather obvious Luchym was only a cover."
"Cormick, and the Black Citadel of the Dark Magicians," Aza stated. Both Elrond and Angela's faces darkened at the mention of city of Cormick.
"You would take him to the dark city, to the Dark Sage himself?" Angela asked.
"Yes." Angela stood up and turned her back to the feathered scholar. Yugi noticed the crow goblin's hand grip something behind his back. Marik too held onto his Millennium Rod as if expecting trouble.
"Would you even consider actually going to Luchym? I know my mistress would be more than willing to offer asylum."
"I know, but I am not only interested in providing the children with asylum," Aza responded. "I wish to help them find their way home, back to Earth where they will be safe."
"But for who knows how long."
"Yes, if he could pull them from Earth, how long will it be before Zoa's eyes turn away from this world and towards theirs? If that boy is Exodia, that means he has the power to topple Zoa and save us all."
"That's a rather big demand to put on a twelve year old my dear."
"And what will the Dark Sage be able to do that the Sisterhood of the Faith cannot?" "You know the legends. If they are to be believed, then the Dark Sage is..."
"Rubbish," Elrond interrupted the birdman. "The very idea of anyone being that old, living that long is ludicrous."
"The same was said of a great many things, including Exodia I believe."
"If the boy is Exodia, and I'm not saying he is, then he should be transported to the City of Light, which has been standing against Zoa's ever encroaching darkness since this war began. Nothing but disaster can arise from letting him come to a city where half the population works for the enemy."
"You cannot blame the teacher for how his students choose to use their skills. The Dark Sage is will know how to handle this, I am sure of it."
"And I am sure you are making a mis..."
"Elrond, please," Angela said. "If it is their wish to go to Cormick, then we must respect it."
"Thank you," Aza said.
"But, Luchym does lay in the path to Cormick, as does many dangers that your group, no matter how 'stealthy,' are simply unprepared to handle."
"So I take it you intend to... join us," came the voice of Seto Kaiba as he tossed aside the tent flap. The iron plate had been removed from him, along with the pink shirt and the black marks of Valdis's attack could clearly still be seen, having crept up his arm to end just above his chest. A thin layer of sweat was still visible on his face and his hair was messy as though he'd been tossing and turning. Beside him, Mokuba looked less than thrilled that his brother had decided to get up so quickly.
"It is not in our best interest to let your brother fall into the hands of Zoa."
"While also affording you more of a chance to convince us to stop in this Luchym instead of completing our journey, right?" Seto said, his eyes hard and accusatory.
"It had crossed my mind." Seto seemed to think to himself for a few minutes.
"Aza, just how dangerous is the path between here and this Black Citadel?"
"In all honesty, incredibly so. I had hoped to lessen the danger by traveling in disguise, but with that plan ended... I hate to say it but we could most definitely use the help. I am no warrior and none of you are familiar with the Shadow Realm. And even though your friend Yami's powers seem to be returning, we can only guess how much of a strain they put on him."
"If you come with us, you had best not try to trick us into changing direction and heading for this Luchym place. Don't think I'll give you any leeway just for saving my life either."
"That is understood," Angela said as she gripped Elrond's hand. "We will assist you in making your way to Cormick. But do not think we will not attempt to persuade you every step of the way to change this course."
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"HE FAILED!" Zoa screamed as he smashed the crystal orb that had shown him the entire proceedings in Rimulder. Everyone in the throne room backed away from the raging blue demon, particularly a small robed figure that had been cleaning Zoa's toenails. Even Zeboim backed up a step in response to his master's anger.
"It would appear so," Dark Necrofear said. "But... but I should point out that he is not out of our reach..."
"Yes sir," Lanowar said in her sultry voice. "Even now, they start a journey through the forests, the domain of the insects. Perhaps this is something for the Insect Queen to handle."
"The Insect Queen? That ravenous hag. She'd sooner eat them then give them to his Lordship," Dark Necrofear countered. "Sire allow me leave to take twenty fiends and I will personally guarantee to bring the brat directly to you."
"With a group of twenty fiends a measly skull servant could bring him back," Zoa growled. "While tipping our hand to all who still ally themselves against me."
"I could travel to deal with the Insect Queen should she capture them."
"I... I could... I could do it," came a timid voice that sounded like someone had a stuffy nose. Zoa looked down to see the person who had been clipping his talons, as if noticing him for the first time. A blue hand grabbed the boy by the head lifting him up to meet Zoa face to face.
"What did you say slave?" Zoa said in a threatening voice. The hood of the robe fell back to reveal Bonz's skull-like face. His flesh had retained the same ashen gray skin and blue hair, but his hair had become thinner and dirtier, plus one of his eyes had been sewn shut and his flesh had been bruised and cut. Three of his fingers are missing as well.
"I... I said I could bring you the kid... if... if you let me have a fair try."
"A fair try? And what would this 'fair try' entail?"
"They're entering the Pyre Forest, the realm of the dead itself. Give me the power to take them on and I'll bring him back to you." In response, Zoa gave a hearty laugh sending a spray of saliva all over Bonz's face.
"And what would you want in return for this task, hmm? Gold? Fame?"
"You... you know what I want... And you know it is within your power to give to me." Zoa looked at the dirty boy for a few minutes. "I want the one called Bakura... I want his body, his life force. I want to go home!"
"Needy little brat, aren't you?" Zoa said as he dropped Bonz to the ground. The boy clutched the demon's leg, a look of fear in his eyes.
"Please, just give me a chance and I'll succeed, I promise!"
"Remove your filthy human hands from the master, whelp," Dark Necrofear yelled as he roughly kicked Bonz in his head and sending him tumbling down. Suddenly, a blue fist crashed into Dark Necrofear's jaw.
"I was not finished!" Zoa roared. The blue fiend quickly gathered himself before turning back to his slave. "As I was about to say, since my own minions have proven thus far insufficient to catch these children off guard, perhaps it is time I start fighting earthlings with earthlings." Zoa held up one of his hands which immediately began to glow. In it appeared what could only be a deck of dueling cards, bent and mistreated.
"My... my cards?" Bonz said, small tears in his eyes. The cards flew from Zoa's and began to enter the teenage boy's body. "Ah.. ha hu hu..."
"I have now imbued you with enough power to command and control the denizens of Pyre Forest. In your present condition, you should prove more than capable of fitting in there. If you succeed, I shall use the human Bakura's life-force to restore you to Earth, in any condition you desire. You will no doubt be long dead by the time I finally decide to destroy Earth, so as far as I can see, this is a fairly good deal for you." Zoa's hand shot down and grabbed Bonz around the throat. "However, should you fail me... I shall take the greatest pleasure in torturing your pitiful, misbegotten, malformed soul from now until the ENDS OF ETERNITY!!!"
"Yes... yes master, I will succeed, I promise, I swear it on my life!"
"FOOL! YOUR LIFE IS WORTHLESS TO ME, YOUR SOUL IS ALL I NEED!" Zoa tossed a final card down at Bonz, which landed right between the boy's legs. "NOW GO!!" Beneath Bonz, the card transformed, becoming a Dimensionhole that Bonz immediately dropped down through.
Zeboim watched the proceedings with minor interest. In truth he was considerably more interested in Lanowar, the Dark Elf. The female sorceress had turned to leave, obviously caring as little for Zoa's posturing as he did. Silently, the massive horned demon left the throne room to follow her.
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Lanowar stalked the halls away from Zoa's throne room, ideas already forming in her mind should Zoa's latest plan fail. Her progress was impeded, however, by a very big hand that grabbed her shoulder. Angrily the elf turned, ready to vaporize who ever was foolish enough to touch her. Her anger was blunted when she realized whose claws were on her.
"Zeboim? What do you want? Shouldn't you be guarding Lord Zoa?"
"Zoa is a big demon and able to care of himself. I had things I needed to discuss with you, and I believe it takes precedence."
"You, the very spirit of loyalty and devotion, abandoning your charge? This must be important."
"It is...," Zeboim said. "I wanted to know, how much you know."
"Hmm?"
"About why Zoa has suddenly turned so much attention towards these human children. I'm wondering if you know..."
"That the black haired boy is Exodia? Yes I do." Lanowar could not tell if this revelation came as a surprise to the powerful fiend, his bony features betrayed nothing to an outside observer, even one as skilled as she. It was the claws of his right hand, however, tapping on a silver flask hanging at his hip, that told her his question had purpose.
"And this means nothing to you?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Zeb."
"But you haven't, I asked you. Exodia meant a lot to me, to you, to all of us."
"Yes, the keyword being 'meant.' In case you've forgotten, Exodia abandoned US, not the other way around. The others may flounder now, but we have a new master."
"Aren't you the least bit curious, Lanowar? Don't you want to know why?" Zeboim asked, grabbing the Dark Elf's shoulders. "None of us have any memory concerning the battle started by the three gods. Not even Zeit has been able to find anything. We have no way of knowing what happened to the Master." Zeboim's words were cut off as Lanowar's hand flew across his face in a vicious slap.
"Don't say that! Are you insane?" Lanowar hissed. "Zoa is our master now, and soon he will be the most powerful creature in the Shadow Realm, if not the universe. Nothing can be gained by opposing him and hanging on to foolish sentimentalities. Exodia is dead and gone, all that is left is pathetic shadow someone else has found use for."
"I don't think the others would agree."
"Wouldn't they? I have the feeling they'd feel the same as me. We served Exodia faithfully and he abandoned us to the winds of fate for our troubles. Why do you think none of them have come to help him?"
"It is possible they do not know, a situation I wish to remedy, with your help." The Dark Elf's eyes widened at this and her hand raised again to slap him, only to be caught by the Summoned Skull. For the briefest of moments, it seemed as though this could escalate into a battle. Finally, Lanowar's arm went limp.
"You are a fool Zeboim, and I will not be part of your delusions," the Dark Elf said in a slow voice. "Out of respect for the past we've shared, I will not tell anyone of what we've talked of here, and I advise you to drop it as well. However, I refuse to have any part in this." With that, the Dark Elf pulled her hand from the demon and turned to leave. Zeboim stood in the hallway for a few minutes, watching the green dress disappear into the darkness of the castle. Soon he left, returning to the throne room where he was meant to be. Neither had noticed the black shadow that had been nearby, listening to every word spoken. Silently, save for the clicking of his heels on stone, Dark Necrofear walked out of the dark alcove he had been hidden in. A sly smile on his face, the blue fiend looked down the hallway after both monsters, content in the information he had gained.
To Be continued...
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Well, this chapter's over. I guess everyone can guess who's going to be showing up in the next chapter to cause trouble for Mokuba and friends. Speaking of Bonz, however, I do have a favor to ask. Does anyone remember the names of Bonz's two "friends" from the anime series? I know they had names, I just can't remember them and they did get sent to the Shadow Realm with Bonz. Just include the names in your reviews if you can. See you in thirty.