TCG: O.O (has been typing story nonstop for a few hours) Okay…that's the last time I type the story in less then 24 hours with only, like, 6 reviews. I would do it for ten maybe, but 6??? ((falls on desk))

Yugi: The people like your stories! You should be honored they review- Are you moaning about her again? ((is referring to the one who gets more reviews then TCG))

TCG: No…what makes you think that?

Yugi: I don't know…seems to be the reason for everything else…

TCG: THIS STORY SHALL SOME HOW OVER RULE HER!!!! Er…her stories at least…

Yugi: Ookay, well, now that that's over with!

TCG: My wrists hurt. T.T

Yugi: Here…have some- GASP!!! (yes, he said it, he didn't do it)

TCG: What is it Yugi? I don't want to have to type an essay on how your Kit Kat bites did something…

Yugi: No, someone took some!!!

TCG: I wonder who- ((thinks of reviewers, starts whistling))

Yugi: ((gets a detective outfit on)) I shall figure out who-dun-it!

TCG: -.-;;; This is crazy…pure chaos and mass destruction!

Yugi: AHA!!!

TCG: It wasn't me! The monkey did it!

Yugi: ((raises one eyebrow)) I found my lucky penny…

TCG: ((bangs head on desk)) Oh…boy….Yugi, can you say the disclaimer please?

Yugi: TCGgirl124 doesn't own YuGiOh, Linkin Park (whose song is in here, again, Easier to Run is the title), or anything related to Kit Kat. She does own Alexa and this story though.

TCG: I'm tired…On with the story…

Yugi: I SHALL FIND THE CROOK! I mean…bye people!

Soon the night fell upon the 2 ½ travelers. The night took forever to finally cast its shadow, but once it did, both Yami and Yugi made haste to rest. On one hand they didn't want to lose whatever distance closer they were to Bokura, but on the other they couldn't accept the fact that she was gone.

Although she wasn't there, the two made sure that Alexa remained as comfortable as was possible. Her skin had grown cold, her breathing and heart beat so faint that it was almost impossible to feel, but her personality still seemed to be there. That's why there were so uncomfortable, because although she wasn't there they had a strange mix of her being there, and really being gone. Sadly, the "being gone" side was winning.

But it hadn't won just yet.

Yugi and Yami were both seated at the base of a tree. Alexa, as always, was propped up against the tree between them. Neither had said anything in a long time, not wanting to upset the other. And although it was a harmless question, Yugi found it hard even to ask for the jerky. Once he did, the strangeness of the moment ceased for a bit, but soon it crept up on them again.

Yami kept thinking back to what Yugi had said, about there puzzle and Alexa's powers being linked. It seemed to make a lot of sense, but at the same time he asked himself how could it be? He kept trying to tell himself not to worry about it, to look at the situation that lay before him. But as tragic as the current moment was, his mind still led to wander.

Now surely if they knew what was really happening with Alexa that would make them at least feel a tiny bit better. At least they'd know for sure if she was gone or not. But they had no way of communicating with her now. Not after what had happened…

Yugi, although exhausted from there journey, had a hard time getting to sleep that night, and for Yami it was even worse. But contrary to what they thought, they were actually doing something of some significance.

The darkness…

Alexa's mind was left to wander in pure blackness. It was just that: her mind in blackness. She could think, but that was about it. Besides trying to project her thoughts, she couldn't do anything. But what really began toying with her mind was the nothingness that surrounded her.

It was a different darkness then usual, much more mysterious. Although nothing was there, she was more frightened then she had ever been before. Just the thought of the darkness- which was really her current situation- drove her mind wild. How could anyone live in such blackness? She could barely keep up and she'd been there only for a few minutes. Was it possible that other people sent to the shadow realm had to go through this darkness?

But since there was nothing to do but think Alexa was forced to remember there was no escaping now. She felt like crying and screaming at the same time. But all she got was a troubled mind.

Then there was a light…

Alexa, who hadn't had anything but her mind, now felt her physical being- but only slightly. But the light grew, and as it did, she found that she had to actually turn to see what it was, when if she tried the same two seconds ago she wouldn't have to move at all.

It was a light that blinded her to the point she couldn't look. But two familiar figures where the source of the light…Yami and Yugi.

Alexa struggled to speak. At this point in time it really was a struggle, since she hadn't thought she'd be able to talk again. "Y-Yugi..." Was all she could manage.

At this, the two of them kneeled down towards Alexa, who had suddenly gone from being above them to being what would have been the ground. The sudden movement made Alexa dizzy.

Yami was the first to talk, using an unusually quiet and kind voice. "Don't speak…you're barely here as you are…you must remain quiet."

Alexa was confused. What was going on? She was there…she felt it…what did he mean she really wasn't there? I'm so confused…what's going on?

This time Yugi spoke. "Alexa…we may be able to give you a second chance…but you have to trust us both!"

Alexa by then assumed they could hear her thoughts. Why…what can you do? I can't help…

Yugi and Yami spoke in unison. "For you, there's a lot we can do."

Alexa, who was feeling the same way you feel when you are sick and you took a nap, and then just woke up, gave a faint smile, which at this time was all she could muster. But…what is it you are gonna do? Why must I have to trust you at all?

"Because…" Yugi answered. "In order for you to be OK we must take you to great heights."

Alexa was still confused, but she had no time to be so because suddenly, she started to rise up! Alexa immediately became frightened, and because of her fear, fell right done again. At this point she noticed the Millennium symbol on Yami's forehead. Yugi went to comfort her.

"Alexa…" He began. "Yami is the one…he's going to help you."

"But…" Yami said. "You must trust me, or else the magic won't work."

No…how can I trust you? You…you hate me…you'll put me in danger! No matter what I do…you always find some reason to not trust me. Now, I've tried my best, but you never cared! How can you expect me to trust you?!" Suddenly, Alexa felt her slipping back into the nothingness.

"Alexa!" Yugi shouted, grabbing her hand.

Alexa once again felt safe…but she was beginning to get dizzy. As long as Yugi was there, she knew she'd be alright.

"Alexa…" Yami began slowly. "Please, I'm only trying to help! You must trust me, or you may be lost to the shadows forever! Please, I'm begging you, believe in me!"

Alexa, for some unexplainable reason, felt scared. But as she did, she once again began to slip away. Help! I don't want to be lost in the shadows, alone. But how do I know you won't just permanently send me to the shadow realm?

"You don't." Yami said solemnly. "That choice is up to you."

"Alexa!" Yugi added, tears in his eyes. "Please! You have to! He promised me he'd never go against my wishes! Remember? I know you do! And right now, I just want you to be alright. But…you have to believe me, he won't hurt you! Please Alexa; I can't lose you to the shadows." He sobbed for a moment. "Please…do this…for me…"

Alexa once again returned to her body. It was unmoving, and very uncomfortable, but it was safe. She didn't want to leave it. How do I know you won't drop me? It's so high…I'm afraid!

"It's ok." Yami assured her. "Here…" At this, he gave the millennium puzzle that was around his neck, and gave it to Alexa. "I want you to have this."

Alexa wondered why the puzzle was around his neck. Had they found it? It had to mean something. But she couldn't worry too much. Her heart leapt with happiness as she felt its warm aura go through her. It made her feel like she could hug them, and start to cry, all at once. She had a nervous, yet excited feel to her now. And she loved it.

"Now, if you fall…" Yami said, "I would be destroying my own prized possession."

Alexa felt the feeling get stronger inside of her. Alright…let's try this one more time.

Alexa felt herself lifted off of the ground. She was scared, very scared, as she slowly rose up, away from the light. What if she would fall? She suddenly began to drop.

"Alexa!" Yugi shouted. "We're with you!"

"Alexa, you can do it!" Yami agreed.

Alexa finally began rising again, up away from the warmth of the light. But this time she felt both Yugi and Yami with her, and she wasn't afraid.

Suddenly, she wasn't rising. She wasn't falling, but she wasn't going up. She felt a cold, wet substance land on her, and then again, and soon she realized it was snowing. She realized she could move again. She was back! She wasn't free from the shadows, but she was back none-the-less! Alexa stood up, and with a new found strength began to march forward.

Yami woke up in the midst of the night. He felt…Alexa. He felt her soul. Had she been brought back somehow? He too, felt excited. Of course, he wouldn't admit to it.

Alexa went forward more. It's easier to run, replacing this pain with something numb, it's so much easier to go, then face all this failure all alone.

Yami sat back. He couldn't go back to sleep. So he sat up to think. Something has been taken, from deep inside of me. A secret I've kept locked away, no one can ever see. Wounds so deep they never show, they never go away. Like moving pictures in my head, for years and years they've played…

If I could change, I would. Take back the pain I would, trace every wrong move that I made, I would. If I could stand up and take the blame I would, If I could take all the shame, I would…

Sometime I think of the darkness of my past. Bringing back these memories, I wish I didn't have. Sometimes I think of letting go, and never looking back…and never moving forward so there'd never be a past.

But even just thinking…of the past…it became such a bother to him. But soon, even in the midst of arguing with himself, he fell back to sleep.

In the morning, Yami awoke this time before Yugi. He went to the river to wash his face: the morning was very hot. But as he did, he noticed something sparkle in the river. He wondered…it had a gold color to it…was it the millennium puzzle? Had Bokura tossed it in the river, hoping that he wouldn't find it?

"You'll have to try harder then that Bokura!" Yami whispered at himself. There was a log alongside of the river, and Yami pushed it so that it went out into the river. He climbed onto it, and made his way to where the object was. But, as he went to reach for it, the log shifted into the wet ground. This knocked him off balance, and soon he found himself grasping the log, trying to pull himself up. The river here was strong, and he had difficulty.

Out of all the commotion this caused, Yugi awoke quickly, only to find his other half struggling to get back up. Yugi spared no time climbing onto the log to help the Pharaoh. "Yami! Grab my hand!" As Yami did so, he lost his grip with his other hand, then being pulled down river, the only reason he was staying out of the current was because Yugi was gripping him with one hand and holding on to the log with another. Yugi struggled; it was too much to be holding on to someone being pulled away with one hand and holding for dear life with the other.

"Yugi! You have to let go of me!" Yami shouted, not wanting to harm Yugi.

"No! If I let go…it won't be of you!" Yugi shouted back.

Yami gasped. Yugi wasn't going to let Yami go alone. If he went…Yugi would go with him.

Even in the shadow realm, Alexa heard there shouts. But, even though she had just felt fine, she now felt unable to move. Was it that because they were injured…she was too? Was her strength from there's? It had to be! But…what could she do? How could she help them?

Yugi grunted. He could easily let go of Yami and save himself. But that wasn't an option. But he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold on.

Alexa was suddenly blinded by a light. It was much brighter then the one that Yugi and Yami had given off. It was also much more powerful. She knew something- or someone- of importance was with her.

"I am the Egyptian God, Ra! I am here to ask what it is you truly want: To save yourself, or your friends…"

Alexa couldn't even get herself to bow in the Gods Presence. Great…the one time I'm in front of a God, I can't even show respect…

"Rise, Alexa! You have my permission."

Alexa, realizing now she could get up, quivered as she sat up. "P-please…my Ra, w-what is it t-that you w-want?"

"You're friends, and the very Pharaoh of Egypt, are in great danger. But I also realize that you have been here in the Shadows for much longer then they've been in trouble."

"Y-yes, my Ra…but…why h-have you come, your g-greatness?"

"Simple: I offer you a choice. I can save you, and have your friends perish. Or, you can save them, and once they are on dry land, have your soul taken forever."

"My…my Ra. Let me s-save them. I-I must." Alexa stammered, not very much realizing what she'd gotten herself into.

"Yes, I knew I saw it in you. You would be the one to sacrifice yourself for others. No, go! Enjoy your last few minutes of existence!"

Suddenly, Alexa gained full consciousness. She had no time to savor it, so she quickly ran to the scene. She carefully made her way to the two, and reached for them.

"Alexa!" They both shouted at once.

"How did you get here?" Yami asked.

"More importantly, I'm glad you're ok…" Yugi said.

Alexa shook her head. "There's no time! Come on, grab hold!"

Yugi saw Alexa's arm, it was still bandaged from what had happened. "I can't! I'll hurt you!"

Alexa hadn't felt the pain. She had been too busy trying to rescue them. "Don't worry about me, grab on!" At "on" she reached for Yugi's wrist, and slowly (but as quickly as she could go) dragged them both to shore.

The three sat there, panting from exhaustion.

"You two are alright!" Alexa said, hugging her two soaked friends.

"But how did you get alright?" Asked Yami, standing up and dusting off the mud from his outfit.

"Trust me…that's not going to last long." Alexa said, both her and Yugi standing up as well. "I…"

At that, Alexa suddenly seemed to faint, and at the same moment the same bright light that had surrounded her surrounded them all. Yugi caught her as they fell, and knowing that whatever the bright light was, was indeed responsible for what had just happened. The power from the light forced him to go down on his knees, being careful not to hurt Alexa. Although Yami held against it, he too had to get down.

Yugi, his eyes filling with tears of anger, began to shout at the thing that had just come. "What have you done to her?" He gasped. Although his voice had been loud and strong, it came out as weak whisper. Knowing suddenly he couldn't talk, he looked away from the figure in the bright light, still wondering what he had done.

Seeing this, Yami knew he had to at least try. His anger, what had started out as mere confusion, was now strong, and still growing. "What have you done to her?!" His voice came out just as he had wanted it, but it took a lot out of him.

"I, Ra, was merely returning for her half of the bargain. She offered herself to save you, despite all you've done to her."

At this statement, Yami almost couldn't speak. But he knew he had to. "What bargain are you referring to?!" Once again, it had been hard to speak at such a tone to the God.

"Simple, I gave her the choice of helping you, then letting her soul go to the shadows, or waiting until you tired and drowned, then releasing herself. She chose to save you. And now, her soul is gone."

"No! You can't do that! Why did you interfere with the life of such an innocent girl? I demand you release her at once!" Yami was full of fear. One who talked to a God in such a manner was never known to see the next day.

"If your other half can talk in my presence, I'd gladly do the favor. Because Yugi will only be able to talk if his heart is true to his word."

Yami looked at his other half. Yugi had a terrified look on his face, and in any moment he'd surely burst into tears. But then something struck him: Yugi had been saying what was true to his heart. He really wanted to know if Alexa would be alright, because he truly wanted her to be. Yugi seemed as though he had given up, fearing his inability to do what he was to do. But if what Yami thought was true, then he wouldn't have to.

"Yugi can't talk. You have made it so it is impossible for him. His heart was in his words before, so if what you said was true, he would have been able to talk." Yami stated, his confidence suddenly dwindling. What if he was wrong? Would he be punished? He had to be right…everything depended on it.

Absolutely everything.

Alexa

Yugi

Himself

And even the fate of the world.

Ra looked down on the Pharaoh. "You have won. Alexa's mind shall be released to her body, but she will be sleeping, as it eases the transference. I shall keep to my word."

Yami nodded. He had done it, he won! He had outwitted the God, Alexa had been spared! Yugi laughed as the God left, tears of joy in his eyes. "Alexa's going to be ok! Alexa's going to be alright! Thank you Yami!"

"Thank me?" ask Yami, "For what?"

Yugi looked up to his friend, the Pharaoh. "If you hadn't been so brave…if you hadn't solved his riddle…we'd be with out a lot of things right now. Alexa, her ability to bring us back, and possibly our lives!"

Yami smiled. For once, he had done something right, at least since they've been there. He felt tired though. Speaking to the God wasn't easy. Still, he wondered what that thing in the river had been. Although he never went to see, it had been but a shiny rock smoothed by the rivers currents.

They hadn't traveled at all that day. They wanted to make sure Alexa's sleep would be undisturbed, and even as night fell, they stood up wanting to be there the moment she woke up.

And then it happened.

At first, Alexa woke up, wondering if she was in the shadow realm still. But then she realized also that she wasn't! She was back! But although she was, she felt like her Tamagotchi did when she forgot to bring it with her for the day: It would still be alive, but it would be sick, hungry, and very unhappy.

But although it took a while, it didn't seem to take forever to get enough strength to sit up. But she was still confused: why was she back in her body? The deal with the God had been to take her soul, wasn't it?

Slowly, she sat up, asking "What…happened? Why am I here?"

Yami and Yugi had been so happy when she woke up. Alexa was tired, but she eagerly heard the explanation, and the more she heard, the more she felt lucky to be alive.

"Wow…thank you guys! That…what you did…it means the world to me!" Alexa said, finally.

"We had to," Yami said, "We couldn't just leave you in the shadows!"

Alexa nodded. That's when she realized that she was hungry. "Um… do we have any food on us?"

Yugi laughed a little, and offered her the bag of Jerky, which seemed to never empty. "We have plenty of jerky!"

Alexa ate it eagerly. "This beef jerky is good!"

"Sheep jerky." They corrected her.

Alexa didn't stop chewing. In between bites, she answered them. "Hey, it's good, I'm hungry, makes sense to eat it, hmm?"

After a while, Yugi had thought of something. "Alexa, now that you're out of the Shadow Realm, are you powers back?"

Alexa hesitated. "I don't know, Yugi. I really don't know."

Then suddenly, the millennium symbol began to glow brightly on her forehead. It struck up a wind, and it began to send out colorful magic into the air.

The three of them gasped. But Alexa was scared. She wasn't controlling it. "No…stop!" She yelled at herself, hiding her face in her hands. But it didn't stop.

"Alexa…" Yami said.

"Look!" Yugi yelled.

"Huh?" Alexa said quietly as she looked up, immediately brightening.

In the sky, a beautiful display of an Aurora Borealis (for those of you that don't know, it's the northern lights) lit up the sky. It looked beautiful, its colors obviously meaning that it was all alright.

"Look at it now!" Yugi pointed to it. And he had good reason to.

It was shifting its direction. It had gone parallel to the river, but now it seemed to be going in an east/west direction, or opposite the direction the river. (If you're having trouble imagining this, think of the river as the horizontal line of a plus sign. The aurora is now going vertically. Here, I'll even give you the sign to visualize: )

Its lights, on the aurora themselves, seemed to be moving in one direction. (We'll call it east…)

"Why is it doing that?" Asked Yami.

"It's the direction of that thief, Bokura!" Alexa exclaimed. "I can feel it. That's what it is!"

Yami nodded. "Alexa, do you think that tomorrow you'd be up to traveling.

Alexa nodded. "I'm still a little beat, but I'll be ready."

"Well then," Yugi said "We better sleep well tonight then. Cause there's not much of the night left!

Wow, a lot happened in that chapter! Alexa was saved, taken, and saved again! Now, that deserves some credit (hint hint, nudge nudge?) Well anyways, here are my replies to my reviews:

Yugis Lover Girl: Thank you, I thought that chapter was pretty good too. I like only one song of country music: The cotton eye Joe! It's my school's dance. I love the YuGiOh music, especially from the movies' soundtrack. I hope I updated quick enough for you this time! Thank you for your review, keep it up!

LoneWolfPrincess: NO!!! DON'T HURT YAMI!!!!! ((laughs nervously)) I'm okay… Thanks for the definition of "Bishie" That confused me to death. O.o;;; Good luck with your "CPR" (do you mind if I use your phrase, wink wink, nudge nudge? I like it) About the squirrels, don't worry! I have a squirt gun on me at all times when I'm outside. Thanks a ton for the review!

Emmi: That's fine, I like that nickname! Yes, it was sad, but everything has tragic moments, right? And yes, I replied to your email. And then you replied to me, and I forget if I replied to you or not. I forgot. -.-;;; Thank you for understanding the whole school thing!!!! No one else has… So, thanks for the review, it's much appreciated!

Tayla: Thank you a lot for the review! I updated ASAP just for you! Well, and the other people that wanted me to update, but that's not the point. Please review again!!!

YanaLi: Well, here's a little more of my story. And you know, Yami just might…he just might…thanks for the review! Please come again!

DevilDo1169: Chill, my over hyper reviewer! I have updated! Aww…I hope people start to notice you. I mean, if the teacher didn't even notice you listening to music…no offense but that's pretty sad. I can't wait till I'm in high school…I'm only in 7th grade… -.-;;; I wonder how old the rest of these people are…hmm…anyways I love Linkin Park too! I'm actually listening to it right now. Well, you better hide those Kit Kat's before Yugi finds out it was you!

Ooh, 6 reviews! That's coolies! Please review again! It inspires me to update faster and stuff. Now I know you all would like that updating faster, right?! So press the magical button at the bottom, there you go! Adios, mi amigas y amigos!