Joy: Okay, this is chapter 30, and it is short. Sorry about that. I plan to see if I can make the next one longer. Now for Review responses.

JadedKatrina: (laughs) Can't give everything away, now can I? Just gotta wait and see.

Silver Moon Phoenix: I laughed when I got your review. That was funny. Yeah, wasn't sure how you would react in that situation, so I winged it, lol. :o)

Ruromi: I seriously never knew that. Wow. That info might com in handy someday. Thanks!

Midnights: When you get it done, let me know. My scanner still hates me. :o(

BabyGatomon: LOL. Oh, Got your email. Are you talking about the story we were discussing or the sequel you wanted to do?

Dark Angel: Heh. You brought it on yourself, Caru. =D

DMoS13: Here's your chance, Torru! =D

On with the story!

Remembering

Joy and Ryou made their way through the city streets, using the power of the Millennium Ring to locate Shadi and his Items. "Are we headed in the right direction, Ryou? I don't want to lose him or anything. One wrong turn and we might lose those Items to Vargon." Joy was starting to get nervous. She had a feeling Vargon was close. Katilli could feel it, too.

We just have to press on, aibou. Nothing can be done at the present.

I know, but I am still not lowering my guard.

Of course. A wise decision, and I am sure Ryou is leading us to the Items. His Ring is able to detect the location of the Millennium Items around him.

Ryou looked over and gave her a small smile. "Relax, Joy. It's just –"

He didn't get a chance to finish because just then there was a flash of light and when the light vanished, Joy and Ryou gasped when they saw Vargon right in front of them. He readied a blast directly at them. "Ryou, look out!" Joy grabbed Ryou's arm and yanked them both into the nearby alley. Still holding onto the Ring-bearer, Joy fled with him down the alley and around a corner – right into a dead end. "Shit!" Joy cursed. They went to go back, but stopped in their tracks. Vargon was standing there.

"Now I have you!" he said with a laugh. "There is no escape."

Joy leaned closer to Ryou. "Either of you know how to teleport?" she whispered. He shook his head. "Okay, I do, but I only have energy for one person, so I'll teleport you. Just keep tracking Shadi. I'll catch up."

"Can't you switch with Katilli?" Ryou whispered back, really not wanting to leave her behind.

"It wouldn't make a difference. Only enough energy for one trip for one person. Trust me. Just find Shadi. I'll find you." Then she started a quick chant, one of the only spells she knew was teleportation. Katilli had taught it to her just a few days ago during the finals. (AN: I know I never mentioned it…so I guess this is a surprise? Oh well.) A flash, then Ryou was gone.

"What did you do, girl?"

"Just helping a friend. Now it's just you and me, Vargon." She narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Let's dance."

…Meanwhile…

Ryou landed with a thud on the ground. He blinked, and then looked around. "Where am I?" he asked.

GRRR! Why did that girl do that? We could have taken care of it ourselves! Bakura shouted out.

What do we do? I don't even know how far we are from her.

She is as stubborn as Neko. I would not be surprised if she gave that girl the idea! Bakura appeared in spirit form beside Ryou. He looked around. "Very well. We must go after the Items."

"But…what about Joy and Katilli? We can't just leave them," Ryou protested.

"We do not have a choice. They must fend for themselves."

"You're right. Besides, I am sure we will see each other again."

At that, Bakura's eyes widened. That's just what she said…right before… It all came back to him. It was the one memory he could not get back into his mind. The one memory of her he had forgotten. Their final moments together…before her sacrifice.

…Flashback…

"I refuse to just sit back and watch you die, Neko! I will not allow this to happen!" He took hold of her hands, his face hard as he gazed into her eyes.

"Anata, there is no other way. It is the only way to stop this. Many lives depend on me. I know deep down you understand."

"Hmph. Those same lives belong to people who despise you, Neko. I would not give my life so freely for those fools. They do not deserve your life."

"I know, but I do not want that villain to take anyone else that I care about. It already got my best friend. I could not bear it if it got you or my brother. Please understand." She gave him a small smile. "Besides, I am sure we will see each other again. It may take thousands of years, but I know in my heart that no matter what, we will be reunited. Will you wait for me, my love?"

Bakura drew her into a breathtaking kiss. They parted reluctantly. "I will wait for you for eternity, and when we do reunite, I will never let you go."

"I will love you forever." With that, she gave him one last kiss, then their hands parted as she turned to walk away. To her destiny, her fate.

…End Flashback…

"Bakura? Are you ready to go after the Items?" Ryou asked, breaking Bakura from his memory.

"Of course. Let us get this over with right now." Then we can find Neko and her light and get the hell out of here.

(AN: Now this would be a good place to end the chapter, but it's too short, so I'll go on…)

The Ring glowed softly, then pointed to the left. "Here we go." Bakura went back into the Ring and Ryou started off toward his destination. He seemed to be going on for at least fifteen or twenty minutes before he came to a set of stairs leading toward some underground cavern. He started down the stairs that never seemed to end. We're really close, Bakura. I can feel it.

Stay on your toes, host. I am sure if we can feel him, he can feel us.

Ryou gave a mental nod, and continued to descend the stairs for a few more minutes. Then he saw a light through a doorway. He peeked into the room.

Inside stood a man, his back to Ryou. He wore white robes and a turban. "Come in, Ring-bearer. Your presence has been noticed." Ryou took a deep breath, then entered the chamber. "You have come seeking the Millennium Scales and Key, have you not?"

"Um…yes. You see…there's this evil sorcerer who wants the Items to take over the world, and…"

The Ring glowed. Let me handle this, host. You seem to be at a loss for words. He stood behind Shadi. "Listen, we need those Items of yours to get rid of this asshole. Will you work with us or against us?"

"And why should I believe the words of a thief and his reincarnate. Do not think that your past is unknown to me. And how do I know the Items will be returned once your task is achieved? You are a master thief, if legend serves correctly." He turned and looked at Bakura with cold eyes. "I do not intend to give you either of the Items."

Joy: That's it for this chapter. Like I said, the next one is called, 'The Princess of Egypt' Will Shadi give Bakura the two Items? And what about Joy and Katilli? Will Vargon be defeated? If so, how?

Till next time, review and see ya!