JK: Okay people sorry for the delay, but school, work and evil yami' s destroying my stuff kinda delayed me some… now here's the next installment…
YJK: *smirks as she comes in wielding a flame thrower* HEHEHEHEHE!!!!!! Die you lousy spiders, die *about to fry unsuspecting arachnids*
Bakura: *runs after evil Yami to take back his flame thrower* get back here you lousy, two timing, snake in the grass Yami no Baka…
YJK: * runs away laughing* come and catch me Bakura-kun…
Ryou: *watching crazed yami' s run around the room* Well while that insanity ensues now onto review response…
DimitriFrancois: Glad you like the chapter and sorry can't stop w/evil cliffies they are my life and ILY as well…
Sorceress Vanessa: Thank you for the cookies and please refrain from harming my Muses, but anyways heres the next chapter and enjoy…
Dagger5: Sorry about the long delay and I am loving your stories as well… well heres the chapter hope you enjoy it and please no more breaking of the door… although it did give the sugar high Yami something to do…
Tristin: JK does not own YGO and even though she wishes she did those pesky lawyers won't let her.
Lawyers: We will sue you for your whole total of $1.03 that you own…
JK: *sweat drops* okay… well anyways heres the chapter.
Chapter 2: Secrets and Christmas Eve Surprises
Sorcerer Seto watched Jade as she laid on the bed fighting to regain consciousness once again. Soon the Egyptians eyes fluttered open as she woke up. She focused her eyes on the Egyptian spirit next to her.
"Am I dead? If I am why are you here?" came Jade's response.
"Sorceress, you live and are currently in my room at Seto's castle," he said.
"Castle?" Jade asked.
"Yes the place where his monsters reside," Sorcerer explained.
"So then it wasn't a dream," she said quietly.
'' Jhada are you okay? '' Jade asked her.
'Now I am. When that shadow left the spell wore off. How is Sorcerer? He is got to be hurting after the triple white lightening attack from the Blue Eyes,' she said.
"Sorcerer are you okay?" Jade inquired of the Egyptian spellcaster.
"I will be fine in a few days. Just minor burns. Sometimes I wonder if they really are out to get me," he said dryly.
Jade chuckled to herself, "Well when can I return to my realm?"
"Soon, but now rest," he said as he got up to leave.
"Thank you for saving me," Jade said as she closed her eyes to sleep.
Sorcerer smiled briefly before leaving the shadow realm. He appeared in Seto's office and saw him gone. He sighed heavily before disappearing once again. This time he went to hikari's soul room and tried to get his attention that way.
'Seto,' he said.
'' Go away. I don't have time for you. I am currently spending time with my younger brother, '' he responded.
'Seto if you do not listen to me I will delete your new duel monsters files,' he said.
Seto sighed, '' Fine what is it that you want? ''
'Jade is in the Shadow Realm. She is safe for now and will be taken to her room at Kaiba Manor,' Sorcerer said.
'' How? '' Seto asked concern creeping into his voice.
'I do not know, but there is definitely a new evil that has arisen,' Sorcerer said, 'I must go.'
"Great," Seto said to himself, "Come on Mokuba."
"I found it," he called out, "The perfect tree."
Seto saw the 10 foot Balsam Fir that Mokuba pointed to, "The kid's right it is perfect."
Mokuba came up to him dragging the lot salesman with him, "We want that one."
"Excellent choice. I shall have it taken to your home then," the tree lot salesman said.
"Good," Seto said, "Come on kiddo we've got to go."
"Okay Seto," Mokuba said skipping ahead of his brother.
Soon the Kaiba brothers were seated in the back of the limo heading back to their home. At that time Jade woke up to see that one of the Blue-Eyes was resting near her bed. She heard it's soft snores as she sat up, careful to not wake it.
'' Jhada did the shadow say anything to you? '' Jade asked.
'Only that…'revenge will be theirs' after that 'the puzzle will fall to the darkness' whatever that means,' Jhada said.
'' Hopefully nothing will happen, but I can't help but to feel that this has something to do with Osiris, '' Jade commented.
Jade realized that the Blue-Eyes was awake and watching her. She quirked an eyebrow at it and waited to see what would happen. It snorted suddenly in what the young Egyptian figured was a laugh.
"Good morning," the Blue-Eyes said in a deep soothing voice, "How are you feeling?"
She just kept quirking her eyebrow and smirking while answering, "I am better."
"I must ask you to stop before you send me into a fit of giggles," it said light heartedly, "Especially if my elder brothers check on us."
"Why shouldn't you laugh?" she asked the Blue-Eyes, "Also what shall I call you?"
"First my name is Kai and my brothers are too serious for their own good and think I should also be as serious as them," Kai said.
"Sounds just like Seto," Jade commented, "And do you know that you snore?"
"Huh?! No I don't…" Kai said, but saw Jade running down the hall, "Come back here…"
Soon the Egyptian was tearing down hallways while the Blue-Eyes chased her in an impromptu game of tag. Duel Monsters were trying desperately to not get run down by the two. But their fun came to an abrupt end when one of the two remaining Blue-Eyes stepped in front of them. Jade screeched to a stop and Kai bumped into her. They both looked sheepishly at the new comer.
"Kai what are you and this human doing?" it demanded, spitting human out like it was a bad taste in it's mouth.
"Brother do not be angry…" Kai began stepping in front of Jade as if to protect her from his brother, but Jade just pushed forward.
"Excuse me but I am not just a human and I have a name," Jade said focusing her amber eyes onto it's blue ones, "I am Sorceress Jhada Ishtar and should be addressed as such. And do not blame Kai for the disturbance for it was I who was the main cause. He was following me to try and keep me from getting lost."
The Blue-Eyes looked shocked at what was said. Another snorting chuckled could be heard from behind it as the third stepped into view. Jade recognized it as being the one who gave her a ride. She smiled at it and then bowed in respect.
"Well I see who the trouble make is now," the third Blue-Eyes said in a smooth, deep voice, almost like liquid velvet.
"I apologize for my and Kai's actions. They were uncalled for especially seeing as I am a guest in your master's home," Jade said bowing once again.
The elder Blue-Eyes chuckled/snorted again, "Come, let us go to your room and speak."
"If I may request a favor from you first…" Jade began.
"Very well proceed," the eldest Blue-Eyes said.
"Could you send someone to where my deck resides and inform Tai and Sakura that I am well and in your care," Jade said.
The Blue-Eyes nodded his head before turning to the middle Blue-Eyes, "Nekoshi go."
The second Blue-Eyes left the room with a few complaints sounding like 'Baka humans'. Kai led them back to Sorcerer Seto's room so they could speak alone. Soon Jade was seated on the bed and Kai on the floor to her right. He laid his head on her lap as she rubbed his smooth scales pulling a rumbling purr from his throat.
"Now Sorceress I believe that you are in grave danger. Both you and your dark," the third said.
"Osiris?" she questioned.
"No he is the least of your concerns. A much more powerful and dangerous adversary is out for you, but most of all your dark," he explained.
Jhada appeared in spirit form, "Me? But why?"
"I do not know, just know that you should be careful in whom you instill your trust in," he said, "Now Sorcerer is ready to return you to your own realm. Be careful and know that you do have allies in us, "
With that said he left the room silently. Kai had fallen asleep on the young Soreceress' lap and was currently snoring loudly. Jade just shook her head at the younger Blue-Eyes before looking at Jhada. The 5,000 year old spirit looked scared at the prospect of someone wanting to kill her light and herself.
"Jhada don't worry. Everything will be okay," Jade said trying to calm her dark half.
"But what if you get hurt. Maybe I shouldn't of pushed for a host. I shouldn't be here I should be with Ra," she began as she doubted herself.
"Jhada I wouldn't trade a single thing for you. My life is just how I'm destined to live it, with you to guide me. Now what happened to the spirit I know who was ready to hang Marik upside down by his…" began Jade before Jhada cut her off.
"Aibou!" Jhada shouted waking Kai up.
"You get my point. Anyways we will handle this day by day, but until then keep you're head up," Jade finished, "Good morning darling."
"Huh?" Kai said blinking in confusion.
"Did you sleep well?" Jade asked seeing Sorcerer come in.
"Yes. You have a very comfortable lap. Now I know why Master Seto enjoys it so much. Very comfy," Kai said.
Jade blushed deeply, "But he's never slept on my… Oh!"
Sorcerer was chuckling, "Are you ready Sorceress?"
Jade blushed even more almost resembling a walking plum, "Yes… and if you repeat any of this to Seto you will be visiting your ancestors because I will blast you back to them."
Jhada watched in amusement as Sorcerer paled in fear, "See and you thought I was scary. How about that?"
"Um… Let's go," Sorcerer said before chanting an Egyptian spell.
Soon Jade found herself in her room at Kaiba Manor. She got up and wondered just how much time had elapsed since she was thrown into the Shadow Realm. The young Egyptian left the room and saw a beautifully decorated tree complete with presents under it. She sat down in the armchair by the fire and closed her eyes letting herself relax into sleep.
* Dream Sequence *
"My brother, what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Jhada asked, "I mean the Pharah of Egypt usually does not have time for trivial things as family."
"Sister you wound me deeply," Pharaoh Yami said feigning hurt.
"Nothing can hurt you, you big lunkhead," Jhada said, "But seriously why have you come?"
"Walk with me in the midnight garden," Pharaoh Yami said to his younger sister.
The two royal siblings walked down the hallways of the palace determined to get to the gardens. Soon they were both bathed in moonlight and Yami watched his sister smelling some of the desert roses growing there. He realized just how much he will miss her when she marries and leaves.
"Sister," he began taking her hand and sitting down on the bench.
She sat down as well and looked into his soulful eyes seeing sorrow and pain, "Brother is everything alright?"
"I have received news and had to make my most difficult decision since I became Pharaoh," he said softly.
"What new did you receive that brings your heart such dismay, my brother," Princess Jhada asked her brother.
"The prince of the next land over has asked for your hand in marriage. He feels that if this bond is made then so can the bond between our lands," Yami told his sister.
"Brother… what answer did you give?" Jhada asked even though she new the answer.
"I told him… Yes. You are betrothed to marry Alexander in a month," he told her quietly the tears shining in his eyes.
Jhada made Yami look her in the eyes, "Brother do not cry. What you did I know was done with love from the bottom of your heart."
"So you are not angry with me?" he asked.
"I may be upset, but never angry. I will get over it," Jhada said hugging her brother, "Thank you."
"Remember I will always love you my sister," Yami said.
"I know," Jhada whispered before getting up from the bench.
She left the garden crying as the reality hit her. She knew that her brother was doing what he thought was best, but it didn't feel that way to her. She went to the Temple of Ra to pray to the Gods to give her strength and guide her. As she sat praying someone lurked in the shadows waiting for the moment to strike. It did as she got up to leave to talk to her mentor, Sorcerer Seto.
It struck quickly burying the blade of a sword into her abdomen. She gave a strangled cry as her legs gave out from under her. Moments later she looked up and saw Sorcerer Seto holding the bloodied blade. He kneeled next to her and tried to heal her injuries. Soon she awoke briefly, her breathing labored and saw her brother crying by her bedside.
"Brother," she called out into the darkened room.
"Sister," he said coming to her side, "How do you feel? Who was your attacker?"
"My brother" she said with difficulty, "Listen to me. I do not have much time before I die please…"
She stopped as a heart wrenching cough came leaving her breathless for a few moments. Yami tried his best to help her and tried to leave to retrieve the healers, but Jhada stopped him.
"Brother," she began again, "Create an eighth millennium item and bind my soul to it. Place a spell upon it to allow me to find a host when you and the world are in great danger."
"No I cannot do it. I won't make your fate as mine will be some day," Yami argued.
Jhada coughed once more only this time bringing up some blood, "Please my brother."
Yami looked into her eyes and saw pleading and pain within the golden-crimson orbs, "Very well my sister."
He called for his most loyal priests including High Priest Shaadu and Priestess Ishizu. He explained what needed to be done and they brought forth a crystal that seemed to react to the dying girls soul. The priests began the ritual and soon Jhada felt her soul being torn from her very being. She cried out in pain and Yami could not watch any more as the ritual was complete and the soul of the only sister of Pharaoh Yami was sealed within the Millennium Crystal.
* End Dream Sequence *
Jade's eyes shot open as the dream ended, '' Jhada? ''
All she received through the mind link was silence. Jade just shruggd before closing her eyes once more to sleep.
"Damn that meddlesome Sorcerer. She would have been mine if he and those blasted Blue-Eyes hadn't shown up," The shadow screamed from the dark.
"Calm yourself my sweet. Soon you shall have your revenge and the Pharaoh," another voice said, "Even your servant Osiris shall be free to cause chaos in the mortal realm once more."
"Not if that Meddlesome Sorceress and her spirit are alive. She is the only one standing in my way," the shadow continued to rant.
"Then remove her," the voice said.
"I just told you I cannot, Anubis. She is too well protected by her friends," the shadow said once again.
"You're thinking too small my dear, look at the big picture. Hurt her friends by taking her away from them. Then they will be easy pickings," Anubis said.
"Taker her away," the shadow said thinking, "Send her home…"
"Exactly. I know the perfect spell, but it won't be until after the new year when it can be performed. It requires the light of the full moon to be cast upon the victim," Anubis explained.
"Very good. Prepare and on the full moon we shall begin our conquest over the Pharaoh," the shadow said.
"Yes my sweet," Anubis left the room to prepare the way for his masters rule.
"Soon my Pharaoh your power will be mine as well as your mind, body, and soul," the shadow said laughing maniacally.
Jade was walking with Mai, Tea, Jenni, and Serenity as they headed towards the mall to finish their Christmas shopping. The overly crowded mall was definitely going to be difficult to manuver on this day being Christmas eve and everything.
"Hey guys where should we begin," Tea asked.
"Well I have to buy only for Joey," Mai said, "I've already got everyone else."
"Only Duke," Tea said, "What about you three?"
"Tristin and my big brother," Serenity answered.
"Yugi only," Jenni answered.
"Mokuba and Seto," Jade told the other girls.
"Okay then shall we split up and meet here in say two hours?" Mai suggested.
"Sounds great, Ja Ne," Tea said as she left with Serenity.
"Well then see you in a few," Mai said also leaving with Jenni following behind.
Jade sighed before she began her trek through the mall. Jhada was walking beside her in spirit form. Only Jade knew of her presence next to her. Soon the two stopped off at a toy store hoping to find Mokuba's present there. Jade left the store carrying two bags of video games, duel monster cards, and other assorted items. She continued to walk slowly through the mall trying to decide what to get Seto, the boy who has everything.
'Hikari what troubles you so?' Jhada asked.
'' Just trying to find something to buy Seto for Christmas, '' Jade responded.
She walked into a men's clothing store and found the same style of trench coat he wore. Jade bought two of them, one in a deep silver color that would bring out the blue in his eyes. The other one was a midnight black color that she knew he didn't have. After having them gift wrapped she left the store to begin her wanderings once more. As she passed by a jewelry store something in the display case nearest the door caught her attention. She went in to take a closer look at it. She saw a perfect replica of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon staring at her in crystal.
'Jade?' Jhada asked her preoccupied aibou.
'' This is it. The perfect gift for Seto, '' Jade told her dark.
"Miss," the sales woman said, "Can I help assist you with something?"
"Yes I would like to purchase this dragon sculpture," Jade said.
"This miss? Are you sure because we have others such as dolphins and such" the saleswoman asked.
"I am sure. I would also like to put an inscription on the base," Jade told her.
"Very well," the saleswoman said.
She took out the crystal dragon and wrote down what Jade told her. Soon Jade left with the promise that it will be ready in a half hour. She finished up her shopping and returned. The woman handed her the box and Jade went to find a gift wrapping station. Jade returned to the food court and didn't see any of her friends. So she sat and waited for them to return. While waiting Duke Devlin showed up.
"Good afternoon Jade. Have you seen Tea?" he asked.
"Actually I have," Jade told him.
"So where is she?" he asked.
"Behind you," came Tea's response.
He kissed her long and deep before letting the girl go. Mai, Serenity and Jenni were next to appear in the food court. Jade couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy towards the couple. She wished Seto would show the same affection towards her.
"Okay how are we all getting home. Especially with the amount of packages weighing us down," Mai asked.
"Leave that department to me," Jade said pulling out her cell phone, "Okay the limo is here."
"Limo?!" everyone exclaimed.
"Yes 'limo'. So unless you want to freeze while lugging your presents home come on," Jade said.
The girls left Duke to finish up his shopping as they left the mall. Soon the limo left taking the girls to their various homes. Mostly the talk was turned to the party that night at Kaiba Manor. It was semi-formal requiring the girls to have to dress in nice dresses. As soon as the last teen was let out the limo returned to Kaiba Manor where Jade got out. She brought her packages in and gave her coat to the maid waiting. She went into the sitting room seeing it set up for the party in a few hours. She saw Mokuba sifting through the packages under the tree.
"Hello little demon," Jade said using the nickname she gave him.
"Oh h-hi Jade," he said backing away from the tree, "So whatcha got?"
"Nothing of your concern," Jade responded smiling.
"Oh okay. Gotta go," he said sprinting out of the room and nearly running down Seto in the process.
"What was that about?" Seto asked as he sat down in the chair by the fire.
He watched Jade as she put her packages under the tree with care "Oh nothing except I caught him going through the presents."
"Is that all?" Seto asked while chuckling, "He does that every year, but I think this year is going to be the best ever."
"I think so too," Jade responded as she sat down painfully in the chair across from Seto's.
"Your leg bothering you?" he asked as he got up and came to her side.
"Yes. Too much time walking I guess or else another snow storm coming in," Jade commented.
Seto pushed her skirt up to reveal the leg brace and proceeded to remove the metal barrier. Jade was about to stop him when he began to gently massage her leg. The tensed muscles began relaxing under his gentle, prodding touch. But he stopped all too soon for her liking and put the brace back on. She got up and headed towards her room to get ready for the party.
She emerged from her room wearing a silver sleeveless dress that clung to her body in all the right ways. Around her arms she wore a silver silk shaw. Her hair hung down in soft curls sparkling faintly with a gentle dusting of glitter. The same could be said for her arms, chest, and face as they too have glitter on them. She saw Seto come out of his room and her breath caught in her throat. He wore black trousers and a dark bluish-purple collarless shirt, setting off his ice blue eyes. She smiled shyly at him and waited until he was next to her.
"Jade you look beautiful tonight," Seto said quietly, "Can I ask you something?"
"Y-yes," Jade stammered out.
"Would you go with me to a New Year's Eve party? It will be a formal dinner and party," he inquired.
"Yes of course I will," Jade responded.
The two teens headed down stairs to greet their guests. Mokuba was waiting patiently in the sitting room for the presents soon to come. The doorbell chimed and voices could be heard in the entrance hall where the butler was taking their guest's coats. Soon the group came into the sitting room where Jade, Mokuba, and Seto waited in front of the huge tree to great their friends. Yugi and company gasped at the beauty of the room and how well the three of them fit together. Jade walked over to them and led them into the room.
"Jade you look great tonight," Jenni said looking equally as great in her violet dress.
"So do you," Jade responded, "Well everyone go ahead and put your gift's under the tree and come to the dining room for dinner.
Everyone complied and followed Mokuba to the dining room. They all sat down to a wonderful Christmas dinner and then they retired to the sitting room for hot chocolate, dancing, and gifts. Soon the room had couples dancing, even Mokuba was dancing with one of the girls he invited from school. Jade watched them for a little while until Seto blocked her view suddenly. He held his hand out to her and she accepted it. The CEO led the girl out onto the dance floor and soon they forgot about everyone except each other. The music ended and the clock chimed 10 o'clock.
The group sat down and presents were passed out. Jade gathered her two for Seto and Mokuba to be opened that night. The rest were for tomorrow morning. She handed the gifts to them and Mokuba tore into his and saw the card necklace that she had borrowed a week prior. He opened it and saw the original picture was now replaced with one of Seto and Jade smiling together, or at least Jade smiling and Seto smirking.
The small teen embraced the girl as tears shone in his eyes. Seto sat holding his for the time being. He also held Jade's as well. Mokuba gave her his gift and she opened it. She found a picture frame containing a picture of the whole Yugi gang and herself. Even Seto had reluctantly agreed to the picture at the time. The clock soon chimed midnight and everyone said good-night before leaving he mansion.
"Mokuba time for bed," Seto called out.
"But I wanna…" he began but Jade cut him off.
"The sooner you go to bed, the sooner presents will be opened," Jade said.
"Good-night big brother, Jade," he said before racing upstairs to his room.
"Jade here," Seto said handing her the gift, "I wanted to wait until everyone left…"
"Thank you," Jade said, "Don't forget yours."
The two teens opened up their gifts revealing the same card lockets. Seto opened his seeing the original picture also missing. It was replaced by a picture with Jade with her arms around Mokuba as she stood behind him. They were laughing at something as the picture was taken. Seto smiled at the picture.
Jade opened her locket and saw two pictures in it. The first was of a young Seto and Mokuba playing chess. The other was of the three of them smiling together. Jade embraced Seto before whispering 'thank you' into his ear, which brought forth a shiver. Seto looked up briefly and saw some mistletoe above them. He smiled to himself at the thought of the age old tradition of kissing your loved one under it.
"Um…Jade," he began, "We're standing under mistletoe."
Jade looked up and saw it above them, "Huh, so we are…"
But her words were cut off as Seto caught her lips in his own. The kiss didn't last very long before Jade broke it off. She blushed deeply and Seto thought she was very beautiful. Her skin seemed to glow under the gentle lights of the tree. She uttered a quiet good-night as she left Seto staring at her retreating back. Jade held her hand to her mouth not believing Seto had actually kissed her.
'Hikari are you alright?' Jhada asked concerned for the young Egyptian.
'' Seto just kissed me, '' came her dreamy response.
'Oh and here I thought you were in danger,' Jhada said chuckling.
'' Oh hush you, '' Jade said, '' I think I will now go to sleep. ''
'Oh by the way what did Seto give you?' Jhada asked her curiosity peaked.
'' One of the Kaiba family pendants with a picture of him and Mokuba playing chess when they were younger and a picture of the three of us together, '' Jade answered and the link went dead as she fell asleep.
'Good-night Hikari,' Jade said before also going to sleep.
JK: okay people another chapter finished and it's definitely the longest I have ever written… sorry no cliffy this time so all you rabid fans stay away…
Rabid Fans: *all walk away from door, windows, crawl spaces…* oh man…
YJK: *walks into room looking very pleased* hehehe baka tomb robber…
Bakura: *follows YJK into the room* please give me my ring back… pretty please… I will do anything for you if you only give it back.
YJK: *smirks* oh look the puppy wants his toy back… hmmm… I will think about it… *leaves the room with Bakura following*
JK: *sweat drops* okay that was random…
Yami: *starts laughing at the tomb robber* baka got his ring taken by a girl … hahahahahaahahahaha *falls down laughing*
YJK: *smirks at the ex-pharaho* your next…
Yami: *runs out of the room* see ya gotta go I think I hear Yugi calling me…
YJK: *follow him out* get back here pharaoh…
Jade: *looks at fans dreamily* Seto kissed me…
Seto: *rolls eyes* how could you make me so weak as to kiss her… I do not do love scenes… it's in my contract just ask my lawyers.
Seto's Lawyers: *reads from contract* Seto Kaiba will not do love scenes, fluff, or anything of that assortment per this contract signed on the above date…
JK: *takes contract and rips it up* What contract…
Everyone: *falls anime style*
JK: what?
Marik: well anyways you know the routine 3-5 reviews and you get another chapter…
JK: gotta go Ja Ne