A/N: Yippee! This is an all new chapter, the first that hasn't been re-posted! I hope you enjoy this chapter, since it's pretty intense. I had a good place to put a cliff hanger, but I didn't want to make my story only 6 pages long, so I kept going to another, hopefully as cliff hanger-ey as the first one.
Alexa and Yami gasped at the news. It all made sense…the war, Bokura, the puzzle…but what were they going to do?
"Yami…if we're not safe here…then where are we going to go?" Yugi asked, nervous.
"Yugi, we have only one choice: We have to go out there and battle, too."
"Battle?! But…fighting isn't going to solve anything!" Yugi yelled angrily. Obviously he was against fighting.
Alexa stood there, quietly, and then replied "Yugi, it's the way things are done around here…" She answered. She bowed her head, not wanting to have to look into anyone's eyes.
"I'm afraid she's right, Yugi. That's our only hopes of getting our millennium puzzle back."
Yugi realized they were right. "Alright, but what kid of weapons are we going to use? I mean, we do have weapons, right?" Yugi asked naively.
"Bows and arrows. It's the only thing we have left." Yami answered walking towards the hallway.
"Where are you going?" Yugi and Alexa asked.
"Follow me, we have to prepare ourselves." Yami answered, and continued walking.
Yugi looked to Alexa for comfort, but she found herself unable to offer it. Her heart felt heavy, being unable to support who she felt the most for. She and Yugi followed Yami. They found themselves in a weapon room, where there was many pieces of leather protection things, as well as three bows and three bags full of arrows. The room was long, with many arrows on the opposite wall. It was obviously used for practice, since many arrows stuck from the wall. Yami picked up some arrows and shoved them into the bags until the bags were filled to capacity. He went to hand the two each a bag, but stopped.
"If you two want, you can remain here." Yami said, his hands shaking from nervousness. He didn't want to put them, especially Yugi, into danger. And just because Alexa couldn't be trusted, didn't mean that she should have to suffer. She had already been to the shadow realm and back. If she could survive that, she was a lot braver then he had realized.
"I'll do whatever Yugi wants to do." Alexa said, beginning to scratch her arms from nervousness. It was easy to tell when she was nervous, she began to scratch herself.
Yugi thought for a moment. He hated fighting, and he knew that there must be another way. "I'm not going to let you go by yourself, Yami. I'm coming with you." Yugi answered bravely.
Alexa nodded and stepped forward. "If he's in, then so am I." She seemed to be a bit more outgoing at the moment.
Yami nodded. He knew he could count on Yugi, but how would Alexa handle a bow and arrow? "Here, Alexa." He said, handing her a bag of arrows, and a bow. He also handed her a small leather piece. "Put that on your arm to protect it from when the string recoils. Let's see your aim."
Alexa accepted the items, and much to her and everyone's surprise, she had no problem figuring out how to hold the bow and position the arrow. She pulled back on the bowstring, and released it and the arrow. It landed nicely on the wall. She smiled, maybe she wasn't such a failure after all.
Yami was surprised. He hadn't told her an exact place to aim, but she knew how to handle the pull and release that controlled the strength of the arrow. If it had been too hard, it would have bounced off. Too easy and it not only might not get into the wall, it might not have made it. "Well now, how about your aim itself? See the shadow from the window? Hit the center of that."
Alexa sighed. He couldn't just admit that he trusted her. She pulled back, positioned herself, and released the arrow. It landed slightly to the right, but it was in the small shadow.
Yugi saw what Yami was doing. "Here, let me try…" Yugi got himself equipped and released the arrow. It bounced off the wall, meaning that there was too much strength. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the disappointment in Yami. Alexa saw it too, and rushed over to help.
"Here, don't pull back too much. That's too little…that's good. Now try." She said, assisting Yugi. Yugi pulled back and released. It landed in the wall, slightly to the left. An arrow quickly shot through past them and landed exactly in the middle of the shadow. Alexa and Yugi turned to see Yami ready with a bow in hand.
"Are you guys ready? It's not going to be easy out there." Yami warned.
Yugi and Alexa looked puzzled. Who knew Yami was good at archery?
"I'm ready." Yugi replied.
"As good as it's gonna get." Alexa answered, trying to keep a carefree attitude during such a dense time.
They walked out of the room, and headed down the hall. Yami turned left, when both Alexa and Yugi knew that the exit was to the right.
"The guards wouldn't let there king go into battle. We're leaving through a secret route." Yami explained.
Yugi and Alexa nodded. It seemed like a bad time to talk. They went down to what seemed to be a basement. Yami led them through a corridor, and then what seemed to be a closet. He moved some stuff out of the way, revealing a doorknob…or a door pull, if you will. They traveled through a tunnel like thing that was narrow as well as low, making Yugi and Alexa wonder why they didn't just start crawling. Yami then pushed up against what seemed to be a trap door, and peeked cautiously outside. He climbed out and helped the other two up. They were in a field, and it seemed pretty quiet.
Yami whispered. "Alright, stay close to me until we get to where the battles going on. When we get there, I'll probably be a main target, so keep your distance. If you feel scared, go back to the palace, understand?"
Alexa never saw Yami act this way, it was almost fatherly… and it wasn't anything like him. But was it really fear of Yugi's, and possibly her, safety that was causing this to happen? Or was it just his actually nature. Whatever it was, Alexa had to be there to help them. A lot of what had happened so far had been her fault, and she had to make it up.
Yugi couldn't believe what he was hearing. Yami…was it possible that he could be hurt? He was really scared. Yugi's glance went to Alexa. She looked scared, but seemed determined to go through with it. Yugi realized Alexa was probably the only one who ever helped him, not because of friendship, but because she wanted to be trusted. Yugi also realized that she was probably his only friend who was as strong as Joey, yet could be as sensitive as, well, himself. Yugi got prepared to run ahead, like the other too already had.
Yami was actually amazed that the two followed him to the battle, as scared as they were. But they both showed courage, the courage to go up against what was feared. Yami couldn't be any prouder of Yugi. But Alexa…she had a weapon and could at any moment use it against him and Yugi. This was her real test. Was she friend or Foe?
Friend or Foe?
The words ran through Yami's head, but he shook them off. There was something much more important to do now. And the prize was around the enemies neck.
"Alright, are you two sure your ready?" Yami asked, still not wanting to put them in danger. Or with Alexa, put him and Yugi in danger.
"I'm ready." Yugi said.
"So am I." Alexa added.
"Alright, on the count of three: One, two, three!"
They didn't exactly run, but they were getting close to the battle. They had to enter it as quickly as possible, so that any damage would be gotten out of the way. Yami told them to stay up by the trees and fire from there. It would be easier and safer for them.
"But…" Yugi asked nervously "What about you? Can't you stay here as well? Why do you have to go down there?" Yugi was more concerned about Yami's safety then his fear.
"I'll be alright, just stay here. I know what I'm doing." Yami answered.
"Good luck." Alexa said, trying to sound reassuring.
"I don't rely on luck, but thank you anyway." Yami replied before rushing into the scene.
Alexa felt slightly angry at Yami at the moment. Now if Yugi had said the exact same thing, he would have thanked him. Alexa and Yugi scanned the battle field. It was impossible to pin point anyone, even the Pharaoh. It was obvious how to notice the opposing team, since they were all probably warriors, being muscular and well equipped. Alexa turned to say something to Yugi, and noticed a man from the opposing team, coming up from behind him. Alexa felt scared to move, and knew that she was turning pale. But, through her shakey fingers she released an arrow, just seconds before the man fired. The flying arrow and the fallen man caused Yugi to turn, and register what had happened. He hadn't even lifted an arrow, and seemed like unless he had to, he wouldn't.
"Yugi, are you ok?" Alexa asked, knowing he was physically, but not so sure what was going through the boys head.
"I…I think so." Yugi stammered.
Yugi's a nervous wreck! He shouldn't be here! Alexa told herself. I have to get him back to the castle and convince him to stay there.
"Alexa! Look out!" Yugi suddenly shouted.
"Wha…" was all Alexa could manage before Yugi leapt out and pushed her down. The sudden jolt caused them to fall down the hill, and into where the real battle was going on. They stopped rolling when they reached the edge of a building. Alexa was weak from fright. When she looked up there was an arrow in the tree where she had just been standing. She could of just been killed. "Th…thank you, Yugi! You…just saved my life!" Alexa couldn't believe how close she had just been to losing her life. It was one thing watching it happen, but if you put yourself into it, was deadly frightening.
"It was nothing," Yugi replied. "But now that we're here we might as well stay."
"I agree. Let's just try and get out of this alive! This is intense!" Alexa exclaimed. Yugi nodded, and they both went into the field. Alexa tried to scan for Yami while dodging flying arrows, but was to no avail. She tried to take a shot every once in a while, but missed each time.
Yugi was worried about dodging the arrows, as well as finding Yami. But, it suddenly occurred to him that they should be looking for Bokura. That's when, as if his thoughts were being played out, he saw Bokura fighting off some people from the other team. Yugi took aim. Bokura was pretty much in the same place the whole time, it was easy to shoot. One…two…
"Yugi!"
Yugi suddenly felt his body being slammed to the ground, and heard an arrow wiz by his head. He heard the bowstring flex and release. Yugi suddenly realized who had said his name.
"Yugi! Please tell me your alright!"
"Yami! I found you! Your ok!"
"For now, but I thought I told you to stay up there!"
"You did…but me and Alexa had no choice. We had to come down!" Yugi said.
"Yugi, this battle is getting really fierce. You must leave before you get hurt!"
"But I can't leave you here!"
"You have too! Yugi, please, just go!" Yami shouted.
Yugi relized he had no choice. Tears beginning to fill his eyes, he answered Yami. "Fine, I'll go! Just promise me you'll be alright!"
Yami shook his head. "Yugi, if it's for my people…" he couldn't continue. But he knew that Yugi understood.
Yugi shook his head. He got up and ran back up the hill. He hoped Yami was ok, as well as Alexa. Alexa, wait, he had forgotten to get her! She could be in trouble!
Alexa was busy trying to decoy people towards her, so that others would be safe. It wasn't working too well, but Alexa was able to at least dodge all the people. That's when she saw Yami fighting off people as well. She also then noticed Bokura…who happened to be aiming at somebody. Alexa followed his aim…he was aimed at…Yami! Yami was about to be shot with an arrow! She quickly pushed through the people who had currently been trying to get her, and ran towards Yami. She saw Bokura release the arrow. She jumped towards Yami, hoping to at least knock him off balance so it would miss. She felt herself hit him, knocking him down with much more force then she had realized. She suddenly felt a sharp pain. She had been shot!
She put her hand to the hurt spot, which was her right shoulder. It was good compared to the fact that she could have been killed. Now that she thought of it, it was still possible, she could bleed to death. She winced in pain.
Yami got up, wondering what had hit him, quite literally. But when he turned to see Alexa on the ground with an arrow stuck through her, he felt frightened, angry, and sorry all at the same time. He rushed to Alexa's side, where Alexa had grown pale.
"Alexa…c-come on…I-I'll make sure your alright…I promise." Yami told her. He looked up to see what was happening on the field. Bokura was standing on top of a chariot, and shouted to his fellow evil-doers in Arabic, in which Yami translated to be:
"Come, we have accomplished what we needed for today. We have found the pharaohs true weakness! And it lies in his loved ones!"
Yami wanted to shout back at him, but Alexa was in terrible condition. Luckily, back at the castle there were excellent doctors who could hopefully stop the bleeding. As Bokura and his army rode away, Yami turned to help Alexa up.
"Yami…I-I am sorry…" Alexa said weakly to Yami, who helped her stand up.
"You're sorry, but for what?"
"I…I've been nothing but a burden since I've met you. I've caused nothing but trouble. I'm…sorry…"
"Alexa…"
Alexa suddenly fainted, probably from losing so much blood.
"Alexa! We have to get you healed, and quickly!"
…………………
It had been a few hours since the tragedy, but it looked as if she would be all right. Luckily, the doctors were able to stop Alexa's bleeding, right before it was too late. Her shoulder was wrapped in linen, and Alexa was sleeping in a room, Yugi was in there with her. He almost didn't believe Yami's story, but once he saw Alexa it was hard not to. He knew this place had been dangerous before, but now…Yugi struggled to keep the tears from falling. Alexa tossed a little in the bed, which made Yugi feel better, since it was the first movement she had made in a long time.
"How is she?" Yami walked into the room.
"Well, she moved, so obviously she's not blacked out any more."
"That's good news to hear…" I've been nothing but a burden since I met you. I've caused nothing but trouble. I'm sorry…Yami couldn't get those words out of his head. He felt so guilty, but what had he done? How was it possible that a girl's word could haunt so? I'm Sorry…
Alexa yawned in the bed and woke up. She went to prop herself up in bed, but as soon as she put weight on her arm, she winced in pain.
"Here, let me help you!" Yugi helped Alexa sit up, and she yawned again.
"Thanks Yugi! Man, my arm feels like it's broken…I mean, at least I saved Yami, I think…wait! Yami! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you. But are you alright?" I've been nothing but a burden since I met you…
"I guess so. I mean, as good as I'm going to get with a broken, I mean sprained…I mean arrowed arm…boy, how do you explain that one? 'Mom, yeah I kind of just got myself arrowed…'" Alexa laughed a little.
I've caused nothing but trouble…
Yami couldn't get her words out of his head. But why was he thinking about them anyway? He couldn't figure it out.
"I'm glad to hear your ok Alexa!" Yugi said happily. "But, how are we going to be able to save the puzzle? Bokura ran off with it."
"Yugi, we'll get it. By tomorrow I'm sure that we will figure out some way to get it back." Alexa said, having forgotten about her powers again.
"Maybe your powers will come back completely! Then, it'll be easy." Yugi figured.
"Yeah!" Alexa said, then remembering a possibly devastating fact, gasped. "Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"Unless I might have drained them already!"
"Drained them already? But how?" Yugi asked.
"Remember before when those dudes with the items almost sent me to the shadow realm?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, I tried to stop them with my powers, but it didn't work! I think I might have drained them when I did that!"
"But…then that means…" Yugi thought to himself.
"We might not be able to get back at all…" Yami finished. He had been quiet up to this point, but Alexa had done way more then was forgivable.
Alexa saw the anger in Yami's eyes, and felt a surge of fear. She tended to resort to humor to keep herself in the presence of the Pharaoh, even when he wasn't dressed in Egyptian clothes…when he looked like an older version of Yugi. She had always had a feeling of nervousness around him, and now she knew why: fear. Now that she had brought up the fact that her powers could be drained, she couldn't bring herself to meet eye to eye. "I'm sorry, you two…really. I'm not sure what I was thinking."
"It's not your fault. You were thinking of staying out of the shadow realm, that's what you were thinking."
"Yugi…how can you be so forgiving? I could have just used up our only chance to get home." Alexa said. Yami was looking right at her as she spoke, and his piercing eyes made her become on a verge of tears. She struggled to keep from crying. She wanted to at least wait until they left.
"Alexa, what you did was natural. You had reason to do what you did." Yugi answered.
"Did I? I was I just so selfish I forgot about you?" Alexa said, getting into a woe-is-me attitude.
"Alexa! Stop feeling sorry for yourself!" Yugi yelled. Alexa looked at him for a moment, then looked away. "Besides…can't we all agree the worst has yet to come?"
Alexa nodded. It was true. Her arrowed shoulder seemed nothing compared to what she had been sensing that was coming. But she didn't want to make Yami or Yugi any more mad her then they already were. Why couldn't she just disappear, it would make life easier on the other two.
I've been nothing but a burden since I've met you. I've caused nothing but trouble. I'm sorry.
Yami just couldn't get those words out of his head. He was over tired, and he figured it would be good to sleep in a bed for a change…instead of a room inside of the puzzle. But, at a time like this, the Millennium puzzle seemed very cozy. He figured a good nights rest would do them all some good.
"Maybe we should just all go to bed." Yami said. The other two nodded.
"Well, good night you two!" Alexa said, going back under the covers of the bed she was in.
"Will you be alright here by yourself?" Yugi asked.
"I'll be fine. If I need to get up, trust me, I will." Alexa said back to Yugi. "Goodnight, Yugi. Goodnight, Yami."
"Good night, Alexa." Yugi said.
"Good night, Alexa." Yami said plainly. I've caused nothing but trouble…
Yugi and Yami both walked out of her room. Yugi walked with Yami a ways until he reached the room he had claimed as his own. "Good night, Yami."
"Good night, Yugi."
Soon, they were all asleep. But in the midst of corridors, one could hear evil laughing. They were plotting revenge.
A/N: Want your penname in this space? Then review! Please and thankies!