Joy: Gomen nasai, but I just couldn't make this chapter longer than it is. There may be chapters that are short over the course of the next few chapters, but I will see what I can do. I got some review responses and then we will get on with the chapter.

DMoS13: Okay, I'll go look it up. Thanks! :o)

Fallen: =D

Midnights: Sure I want to read it! =D

Silver Moon Phoenix: You'll just have to read and find out. ;o)

Sakura: Okay, I fear I cannot get my freaking e-mail to work today, so I will have to respond to your suggestion here. It is a good idea. However...I can't. I would give a reason why I can't, but I cannot tell you for fear of spoiling the ending of this story. I love the idea of doing double villains. Right now, I am still brainstorming on villains for future stories. Good idea, though. And if you want, you can use Vargon in your own story and pair him up like you suggested. I don't mind. :o)

I realized that I have been spelling Joy's last name wrong. It is Houyoku, not Houyouku. I added a 'u' by mistake. Gomen nasai. Okay, I'm gonna let you all read now.

Recovery

Seto and the others got back to the manor after about fifteen minutes. Seto took Joy up to her room and placed her back into bed, covering her up with a warm blanket. Merina was down the hall taking care of Sakura.

"Mmm…" Joy let out a soft moan before her eyes fluttered open. "Kaiba…?"

"Yeah. Welcome back to the world of the living, Houyoku. How are you feeling?"

Joy sighed and gave Seto a weak smile. "I'm a little stiff and sore, but otherwise, I'll live. What have I missed?"

"You don't want to know." Joy gave Seto a look. "All right, all right. I'll tell you. But first I'm going to get you something to drink and some food. I can tell you while you eat. I'll be right back." Seto got up and silently left the room, closing the door behind him. At the same time, Merina came out of the guestroom Sakura was occupying. "How is she doing?" Seto asked.

"She's exhausted. She'll need to rest for a few days. She's also pissed about her Item being stolen by Vargon," Merina explained. "And Joy?"

"She'll be okay. She's awake…I think. She was a second ago. I'm going to see what I can get her to eat and drink."

"I'll stay with her so she won't be alone. Where are the others?"

"Downstairs I believe. I'll be back." Merina nodded in acknowledgement and Seto went downstairs. I know Yami and Moon Shadow can get the Crossbow back. I'll bet they have it right in front of them at this very moment…

………

"Now, prepare yourselves for the Shadow Realm, you fools!" Vargon took careful aim.

"I don't think so, asshole!" Vargon didn't have time to react before receiving a blast from behind him. He fell to the ground, the Crossbow flying right into Yami's open arms. (AN: Nice catch, Yami!)

"Luna!" Moon Shadow gasped, her eyes lighting up upon seeing her dark side. "Thank goodness! You had me worried!"

Luna shrugged. "You worry too much, hikari. I am fine. I just wanted to take him by surprise. I would have answered your calls, but I got kind of distracted when Vargon spotted me and tried to blast me. I got away and waited him out until his guard was lowered."

Yami went to aim the Item at Vargon, but when he looked down, the wizard had vanished. An instant later, the evil being's voice filled the air once again. "You may have foiled my plans to get rid of the pharaoh once and for all, but you forget that there are two more Millennium Items rip for the snatching. As soon as I can find them, I will be back to finish you all!" They heard his evil laughter echoing in their ears.

"Why that…that…" Moon Shadow's anger was reaching a peak.

"Relax, my friend." Yami put a hand on her shoulder lightly, calming her. She sighed deeply. "Now, come. We must return to the others and formulate a plan. We still have two Items to acquire, and I want to get them before the enemy."

"Yes, my pharaoh," Moon Shadow said with a light bow. She closed her eyes. They vanished, reappearing in the living room of Kaiba Manor.

Merina happened to be there at the time and she rushed over to them. "Yami! Moon Shadow! Thank goodness you're back! And you got the Millennium Crossbow! That's super!"

"Yes. Is everyone here?" Yami asked. Merina nodded.

"Seto is up with Joy and the others are in the Kaiba's extremely big library. Do you want me to get them?"

"Yes. We need to get a plan to get the last two Items from Shadi." Merina nodded again and left the room.

"Pharaoh, how are you going to find Shadi? Is the man not in a secret location somewhere in Egypt?"

"Yes, but I believe we can locate him." The others, Marik, Ishizu, Ryou (he had control), and Katilli, who had created a body for herself, came in at that moment. Everyone sat down and gave Yami their attention. "All right. You all know we still have the Scales and the Key to get, and they are being held by Shadi at this time. We will need two people to go into Egypt and find Shadi. They will need to get him to allow us to borrow the two Items, then get back here before Vargon attacks them."

"Why only two?" Marik asked.

"It is dangerous to take all of the Items anywhere and they need to be guarded carefully. We cannot afford to have them stolen by anyone. Now, I suggest that one of the people be Ryou because the Ring has the ability to locate the other Items. But it would be dangerous, so I suggest a non-Item holder to accompany him."

"If Ryou is going, so am I," Katilli said. She did not want to be here when her husband was in another country in a risky situation.

"But, what about Joy? You cannot go that far and be separated from her," Moon Shadow reasoned.

"And she is still a bit weak," Ryou added.

Yami and Katilli shared a look. Katilli's eyes shown with determination and longing to be included in the trip to Egypt. Yami could feel that she truly did not want Bakura to go and not herself. "Let us agree to this. If Joy is well enough to go by morning, then it will be her that goes with Ryou. But if not, someone else will go in her place. Agreed?"

Everyone nodded, agreeing to the idea. "Very good. Now I suggest we all get some sleep. It will be a busy day tomorrow." They all dispersed and went up to the guest rooms.

Yugi, I am going to let you take over and give the Crossbow back to Sakura. I will be either in my soul room or not far from the Puzzle. Call on me if you have need.

Gotcha, Yami. Thanks. The Puzzle glowed, allowing Yugi to regain control of his body.

He headed upstairs, running into Merina who was just going to bed. She pointed out Sakura's room and bid him goodnight. Yugi slowly opened the door and peeked inside. She's sound asleep. Hmm…I'll just leave this where she can be surprised by it when she wakes up.

He looked down at the Item. "Do you think you two can hold down the fort and keep things quiet in here?" he whispered to the twins inside the Item. The Crossbow glowed in response. "Good. I'll just put you right here." He sat the Item down on a chair located right by Sakura's bedside. Then he slipped noiselessly from the room, finding his own room.

A lot has happened today. And I have a feeling things are going to get interesting tomorrow. I wonder if Joy will be going with Ryou to Egypt. And what will Kaiba think about staying here if she does? I really think those two have a crush on each other, but they won't admit it. One of them better say something, because summer is almost over and Joy will be returning home. I hope by then we will have Vargon defeated and some order restored to our lives.

Joy: That's it for this chappie! I can't think of a title for the next chapter! ACK! Stupid writer's block must be creeping up on me for chapter titles. It will have a title, though. (laughs)

Okay, it seems everyone wants me to continue the series. I do have an idea, but I am still working out the kinks in it. I'll keep at it, though, so it will be ready when this one is done. I am actually getting into this series and am getting to like it, so worry not, the series will continue for as long as I can come up with new material. More news on that as I can come up with it.

Must think of chapter title… Oh well. u-u' Review and I'll talk to you all later!