"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Eighteen
Home Is Where the Hate Is
"You're going home?" Bakura asked with wide eyes. "You're running away?"
Marik growled angrily but didn't make a move to strike him. "I am not running away! But I have unfinished business there and it needs to be done. And since I don't trust you in the same room with Malik much less the same country he's coming with me."
Ryou just watched the two darker personas glare at each other. "But, Marik, you were exiled," he said quietly. "What's going to happen when your clan sees you?"
"I don't know," the Egyptian shook his head. "The worse they could do is kill me."
"They better not!" said Yugi.
"We'll make sure of that," Joey told them.
Everyone looked at the blonde. "We?" Tea asked.
"Joey and I are going to Egypt as well," answered Keriam.
"And how do you four plan on getting there?" Seto found himself asking, an odd feeling in his stomach.
Malik looked at him and smiled sweetly. "Can we borrow your plane?"
Seto rolled his eyes. Yup, it was what he expected.
Bakura gave a bark of a laugh as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Tight wad give up his precious plane? Yeah right."
Seto glared at the thief that would have frozen water. "Want to know what it feels like to be a mute?"
"And you know where you can stick the Rod."
Cheri rolled her eyes and smiled at Rose who looked at her for en explanation. "Don't worry mom, they do this every day."
"So whadda ya say, Kaiba? Can we borrow it or not?"
"..." Taking out his cell phone he dialed a number. "Domino airport. This is Seto Kaiba. I need a plane ready to fly to Egypt today for four people. Yes one way trip. I don't care if this is short notice... this is a business trip and if you don't have a ready pilot by the time I get down there you're fired." Without waiting for an answer he closed his phone.
Mokuba just grinned. "That's Seto for you. He tells you to jump and you ask how high."
"Guess we better get packing," Keriam sighed. "Someone please give me an excuse to give to my aunt?"
"Tell her the truth," said Rose. "Just stop before the part where you have wings now."
--
Ishizu may have looked patient while she sat near the arrival gate, but inside she was nervous beyond anything. Plus the morning sickness didn't help her either. Fortunately, Rashid would be distracting the members of their clan long enough for Ishizu to get her brothers, Keriam and Joey from the airport.
I just hope that they didn't send anyone to check up on me, Ishizu thought. Carrying her tribe's heir to become the next leader made everyone rather anxious. Her uncle suggested that Ishizu go back underground until after the baby's birth.
Sorry, uncle, but this child will be born under the Ra's light.
"Attention, please, Flight fifteen-one-six will be landing in ten minutes."
She took a deep breathe, trying very hard to quell the stirring in her stomach. "Gods please, let nothing bad happen," she prayed softly, rubbing her tummy.
"Ishizu?"
The young woman looked up and smiled. Standing she was greeted by Marik, Malik, Joey, and Keriam. "You're early."
"Thank Kaiba for that," Keriam smiled.
Malik didn't waste anytime as he ran to his sister and hugged her. "It feels good to be back home."
"You're telling me," Marik sighed but smiled and embraced Ishizu as well. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," his sister smiled, "if one doesn't mind tossing your insides almost every morning."
"Gross," Malik stuck his tongue out. He placed his hands on Ishizu's stomach and smiled.
"You're pregnant?" Joey asked.
Ishizu nodded. Keriam looked at the Ishtar boys. "Why didn't you tell us? I would have brought a gift."
"Custom among our family," Marik explained, "no one tells anyone outside the family unless granted permission by the expecting mother."
"Cheri found out when she and Seto were here but, I'm glad she didn't say anything. Come, we must hurry though." The smile faded as she quickly looked around. "It's not safe out here in the open."
Marik frowned but nodded. "We brought our bags with us so let's go."
"Marik already explained so we can share pleasantries later." Taking Keriam's bag Joey slung them over his shoulders. Moving quickly but not to draw attention to themselves, they headed for the exit of the airport. So far luck was by their side.
--
"They landed," Tea said to Yugi, "Ishizu met them at the airport and escorted them to a discreet hotel."
"That's good," he sighed and slumped on the couch.
"Yugi, you're messing up the sheet."
"I'm sleeping under it anyways, doesn't matter to me what'll look like."
Smiling, Tea yanked the sheet from under her boyfriend, and he landed on the floor.
Yugi sat up and gave Tea a look. "Is this how you treat your sleepover guests? Or are you trying to give your parents the impression we are doing something else?"
"If they don't know already then they're sure to find out soon," she said innocently, placing the sheet back and tucking in the corners.
"I like your parents but I do not want them to accidentally walk in on us. Bad enough Yami does it." Yugi stood, dusting his pants. "I hope they'll be alright."
"I'm worried too. But, maybe they'll have no choice but to listen to them," Tea added, trying to keep the hope alive. "What happened is in the past and although Marik did some bad things, it wasn't his fault."
"I know but try telling the rest of his clan that. But, now that Marik and Malik split, maybe this will help them out. They couldn't possibly hurt a child!"
"Not unless they're like Mr. Ishtar." At remembering the inscriptions on the young man's back they couldn't suppress the shudder.
Yugi walked up behind Tea and hugged her gently around her waist. "Are you okay? You still having dreams?"
"Not as many as before," Tea answered quietly, resting her hands on his arms. "They still freak me out, but I've managed to not wake up screaming in the middle of the night."
"That's very good then," a voice spoke causing the couple to jump.
"Who said that?" Yugi demanded.
At least I'm not the only one going crazy, Tea thought and looked around.
"Over here," a second voice answered, "on the fireplace mantel."
Yugi and Tea slowly walked over to the fireplace and their mouths fell open. Standing on the mantel were Yugi's two Dark Magicians in chibi form.
"Hello!" the red magician waved.
All Tea could do was gawk. "How did you two..."
"We're Dark Magicians," said the violet magician. "Arcaida shrank us to this size so that we could keep watch over the Daughter of Osiris."
Yugi looked at the red Magician. "Arcaida?"
"He wasn't a very good master," the chibi spell caster sat down, "I learned that the hard way. But... I guess in a way I still want to remember him..."
"I understand," Yugi smiled at him then looked at the violet magician. "And how about you? What's your name?"
"Don't have one."
Tea blinked. "You don't have one? How come?"
He shrugged.
Yugi paused for a moment. "Kenji?"
"What's that mean?"
"It means intelligent second son; strong and vigorous," Tea answered.
The Dark Magician was quiet, and then nodded. "I like it."
"Kenji it is then," Yugi said.
Tea couldn't help but giggle softly behind her hand. "And I thought Yugi looked cute before he grew taller," she said between giggles.
The two mages couldn't help but blush lightly under the comment.
Yugi suddenly smiled as he resisted the urge to laugh. "It's a good thing you're an only child, or else we'd have to explain why two toys talk and move on their own."
"Better yet, good thing Tristen's nephew isn't here." It was hard to imagine that their friend could have such a perverted nephew, even when he was a baby.
"I don't even want to think about it."
"I know," Kenji said, "I was there, remember?"
"Okay, enough chitchat," Arcaida hopped onto Tea's shoulder. "Time for sleep."
Tea narrowed her eyes. "And just where do you think you're sleeping?"
"With you."
"He means in your room!" Kenji said quickly.
"Why don't you two stay with Yugi?" Tea asked as she set Arcaida back on the mantel.
"We have to protect you," said Arcaida.
Sighing, Tea went into her room and returned with her pillow and a sheet. Turning to her boyfriend, she asked, "Would you like the couch or the recliner?"
"You take whichever you like," Yugi smiled.
Heading to the recliner, Tea sat down and pulled the lever then put her pillow behind her head. "Sorry I don't have room for you guys."
"That's alright," Kenji said as he and Arcaida settled on the smaller couch.
Arcaida bounced on the cushions before settling down. "I could really get to like this!" he said with a smile.
Yugi chuckled as he settled on his make-shift bed. "Night everyone. Pleasant dreams, Tea."
"You too, Yugi. Good night Kenji and Arcaida."
"Good night," they answered together.
--
Seto stifled the yawn that threaten to escape as he left his office. He had been working since everyone left and calling numbers but so far had gotten no where. Dr. Kenshin and Rose were still trying to find a doctor who could help Cheri become pregnant but so far there was no luck. But on top of that he had been trying to find out more information about the Dark Scorpion King but that, too, was showing nothing.
I am not giving up, he thought to himself fiercely but it didn't last as the yawn finally escaped. But I should get some sleep. I won't be any good to Cheri like this. As he headed to the bedroom he stopped. The light in the studio was on but everyone should be asleep by now. Stepping up to the door he slowly pushed it open.
Cheri sat before an easel, just staring at the large canvas that she had nearly destroyed when the media found out about her slight problem. He thought she was working on it but her left hand kept rubbing at her right arm through the sleeve and didn't seem to notice as he slowly entered the room.
Moving silently he closed the door behind him and moved towards her. Stopping behind her the young man reached out and gently embraced her from behind. He felt her body jump then relax, leaning against his chest. For a moment, he didn't say anything but just stood there, holding her tightly.
"Seto, what do you see?" the young woman asked suddenly. "In the painting I mean."
Cool, blue eyes studied the painted fabric, tracing the patterns as the colors bled together into a twisted sort of rainbow. Taking a deep breathe he slowly moved his hands down her sides before wrapping them around her waist and spoke softly into her ear.
"I see… a young woman, who has led a hard and bit dark past life but she's not letting it hamper her future. She's striving to do the best she can and will face any obstacles that stand in her way. Backing her are those that care about her and at her sides are her best friends and her husband."
For a long moment the artist slowly turned her head to look at him. "Really?"
"Really."
Smiling, Cheri leaned her head against his arm. "I'm still worried, though."
"Don't give up hope, Cheri," Seto whispered; tilting her chin up and he leaned down, kissing her.
"Cheri! Seto!" Rose's voice echoed down the hallway in a very excited tone. "Where are you two? I have good news!"
"We're in the drawing room!" Seto answered, and in moments his mother-in-law flew into the room, skidding to a halt and panting.
"Mom, are you okay?" Cheri asked. "I thought you were working the nightshift."
"Oh, don't worry," Rose took a deep breath and straightened. "They let me go home tonight. We found a doctor who specializes in conception."
Seto could feel a thin light of hope begin to shine. "Please tell me this isn't a joke."
"You think I would joke about something this serious? She's a doctor and old friend of Kenshin's and it was sheer luck we found out what she specialized in. Her name is Megumi and she'll be here tomorrow."
Cheri just sat there, slowly letting it sink in before getting up and almost threw herself at her mother. She tried to thank her but all that came out were soft sobs. "Momma..."
The older woman smiled as she hugged her tightly. Looking up at the CEO she began to explain. "She's done this many times before and so far every attempt has been successful. Normally she wouldn't leave her hometown but after hearing the story she wanted to come."
"Rose... I don't even know where to begin... how can we ever thank you?"
She just smiled and opened her arms to him, embracing him as well. "Just take care of my baby and her babies. Give them one thing money can't buy: love."
--
"Seven," Yami corrected.
"I know, but we always get that last minute customer that likes to spend twenty minutes browsing." Yugi looked at the Pharaoh. "Need I remind you of what happened the day before Battle City began?"
"How could I forget?" Yami almost shuddered at the memory of so many people running into the store just as Mr. Mutou was about the lock the door.
The door opened and Duke Devlin walked in. Neither of the boys behind the counter said anything, only waited for the arrival to speak first.
The Dungeon Dice Master looked at the "twins" as he slowly raised his hand up and pointed to boy to the left, "Yami," and then to the right, "Yugi."
"Very good," Yami grinned. "Getting better, Devlin."
"Sometimes I think you two can switch places like you switched control," the dark haired boy sighed and walked up to the counter.
Yugi smiled. "So what can we do for you? Need any new cards?"
"I do need help with cards," Devlin said, "but not for dueling."
"What is it?" asked Yami.
Devlin took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Mina and I were playing a duel last night at her house," he began. "We were on the patio, her parents were in the living room... and I swear that the monsters in Mina's deck started to appear behind her--translucent like."
Yami and Yugi stared at Devlin.
"I don't smoke anything, I'm not on medication, I don't take anything illegal, I don't drink alcohol," Devlin counted on his fingers, "all I had last night were two jumbo strawberry milkshakes. Sugar makes me stay up till the wee hours of the morning, but I have never hallucinated because of a sugar buzz." He looked at the two boys. "What happened last night has something to do with the Shadow Realm, doesn't it?"
"More than you realize," Yami said softly.
"Did Mina notice anything strange?" Yugi asked.
Duke slowly shook his head. "No. It lasted only a moment but it was enough to make me wonder. If we were using the Duel Disks I would say it was a hologram but we weren't."
Yugi looked at his other half before turning to the Dice Master. "I'll make the story short. The barrier that separates the Shadow Realm from the Mortal World is slowly weakening and now, well... monsters are beginning to appear."
"... You mean it's only a matter of time before the cards actually come alive?" the green-eyed boy asked.
"I'm afraid so. We're still trying to figure out how to stop it from happening but so far nothing seems to be working," the ex-pharaoh sighed.
"Oh man," Devlin ran his hands over his face. "What about the Millennium Items? Aren't they supposed to hold the Shadow Realm back?"
"Their power comes from the Shadow Realm," said Yugi.
"Does Marik or his sister know anything?"
"Marik and Malik went back to Egypt yesterday. Joey and Keriam went with them."
Devlin raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't he banned from Egypt?"
"He was exiled," Yami confirmed.
"Uh, didn't he also say that they would kill him if he ever returned?"
"Just pray that they don't."
--
Bakura let out a disgusted sigh as he sat in the chair in the living room, while Tristen, Seto, Cheri, Mokuba, Shadi, Tea, and Ryou were gathered around the coffee table, looking at the Book of Shadows. Normally, he could have cared less what the group was doing but they weren't taking any chances and had Katsuya, Kenji, Arcaida, and the Gravekeepers stay close to the master thief.
Mokuba looked at the Book before frowning. "That thing gives me the creeps," he commented.
"You and me both. So we have the Book, but how do we know it can help us with the barrier?" Tea asked.
"Perhaps there is something within written about the barrier and a way to repair it or recreate it," Ryou spoke up.
"I don't think it's gonna be that easy," Cheri sighed, nervously tapping her fingers along the tabletop.
"If things came easy, life would be boring," said Bakura as he shifted in his seat. "How much longer are you going to stare at that?"
"Depends," Seto looked at him. "What do you want?"
"I didn't have much for breakfast, and I would very much like to use the bathroom."
"Don't worry Seto I can have Katsuya keep an eye on him," Ryou offered.
"I do not want that mutt trailing after me. I'm not gonna steal anything!" Snapping at his light the thief got up and headed for the bathroom.
"I will never trust him," Seto said under his breathe.
"What if we just open the book and see if anything within can help us? Maybe we can find just a little bit of help."
"No harm really comes from opening a book, does it?" Mokuba asked.
The others paused; remembering what happened in "The Mummy" after Evelyn said something along the same line.
"Maybe we should wait till Yami and Yugi get here," Tristen suggested.
"Agreed," Seto nodded.
Tristen immediately placed the book into his backpack and sat on the couch, holding the bag in his lap.
Katsuya yawned, showing off his sharp teeth before stretching and walked out of the room. Ryou could only smile.
"I know he's not a dog or such but Katsuya is by far the smartest animal I have ever met."
"I think Kuriboh is cute. He's a ball of fur with big eyes," Tea said with a smile.
"I still think the dragons are the coolest of all," Mokuba said firmly.
Cheri smiled at him. "To each their own. You think Yami will know anything about the book?"
"Well, Yami was the pharaoh five thousand years ago," said Ryou. "He might remember something about it."
"What about you, Kaiba?" Tristen asked. "Being the high priest back then."
"Not much," the CEO answered. "What I do remember are the Shadow Game duels. And the consequences then made the ones Pegasus had look like child's play."
"You didn't see the dueling temple he had under his castle," Bakura said as he walked back into the room, three of the Gravekeepers following him.
Ryou looked at his darker half. "What dueling temple?"
"You three don't remember," Bakura smirked then nodded to Tristen and Tea. "We snuck down through a secret passage and stumbled across an ancient ceremony being performed by the great Pegasus himself."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Tristen demanded. "We never went anywhere like that with you."
"Actually, you two thought that you were going with Ryou. Pegasus caught us, and I took the liberty of... clearing out that event from your minds."
Tea fumed. "Why you lousy, no good-"
"Would you rather Pegasus had sacrificed us for his insane, futile attempt to resurrect his wife?" Bakura asked and returned to the chair, resting his arms on the side and crossed his right leg over his left.
"... As much as I hate to say this, but he's right," Tristen said in, surprisingly, in the thief's defense. "Should we be thanking you then?"
"Bowing on your hands and knees would be just as fine," Bakura smirked.
"Want to see if I can make you the size of an action figure?" Tea threatened.
"You know, I feel bad for Pegasus," Cheri spoke up. "He went through all of this just to see his wife again. He wasn't the blame... look at the things we've done to save those we love." She sighed and got up. "Anyone want anything to drink?"
"Soda for now, please," said Ryou.
"Us, too!" Kenji and Arcaida jumped out of Tea's purse.
"What in the world happened to you guys?!" Cheri exclaimed as everyone else, except Tea and the other Duel Monsters, looked at the chibi Dark Magicians.
"Arcaida shrank himself and Kenji," Tea sighed in explanation.
"Kenji?"
"He's Kenji," Arcaida pointed to violet spell caster.
Snickering, Bakura rose from the chair and walked over to the coffee table. He reached down and picked up Kenji.
"Bakura, put him down!" Tea ordered.
The thief ignored her, chuckling at the Dark Magician chibi struggling to get free. "Now why in the world would this little shrimp-"
"Dark Magic Attack!" Kenji pointed his sector at Bakura's face and a small blast flashed.
As the smoke cleared Bakura's face was covered in soot and tips of his hair looked almost singed. He blinked once before growling and threaten to seriously harm the chibi Duel Monster if Tea didn't stand up and grabbed his hand while Ryou and Tristen held his arms.
"Let go so I can do the same to him!!" he yelled, failing his arms.
"You shouldn't have grabbed him in the first place!" Tea argued back.
Mokuba couldn't stop laughing and nearly fell off the sofa, Seto was resisting the urge to laugh himself, even Shadi was resisting the urge to crack a smile and Arcaida was laughing as well. Cheri was being polite but she was trying very hard not to laugh.
"L-Let me just get everyone a s-soda," she managed to gasp out before quickly heading to the kitchen.
Tea finally managed to free Kenji from Bakura's grip and held the mini Dark Magician closely. Unknown to the rest of the room, Kenji blushed and smiled contently as Arcaida glared at him.
"Have a seat, Bakura," Tristen said as he and Ryo pushed the thief into the chair.
Mokuba calmed his laughter. "I'm surprised that your deck hasn't done anything to you, Bakura."
"Why don't I bring one out and see," Bakura reached a hand into his pocket, and realized with a shock that his deck wasn't there.
Ryou held it up. "You've been rubbing off on me," the hikari confessed.
Bakura swiped his cards from Ryou's hand and put it back in his pocket. And that's two, he thought bitterly.
"Soda soda... where is the soda?" Cheri sang softly as she searched the fridge before grabbing the cans. Silently counting how many guests there were she pulled down a tray and grabbed several glasses with ice. Counting again she lifted the tray and proceeded to just take the entire pack of cokes in case anyone wanted seconds. It was difficult to balance both items but she managed but just before entering the living room she stopped.
On either side of the doorway were two potted plants but now there was only one on the right side and on the left, was a tall suit of armor. I didn't know Seto had this, she said to herself and stepped closer. It looked like someone one would find in a museum or some of English castle with both hands resting on the hilt of the sword but, it was missing the helmet. Cheri tilted her head to the side, feeling a sense of deja vu as it were.
"Oh Cheri let me help!" Ryou said as he quickly stood and took the sodas from her.
"Thanks. I hope I got enough." She set the tray down on the coffee table. "How do you feel, Bakura?"
The thief glowered. "I have another reason to hate the Dark Magician," he said bitterly.
"Well let me get you a towel." Leaving the room she went to grab a wash cloth and wetted it some but coming back she couldn't help but stare at the suit of armor. "Seto? How come this suit of armor doesn't have a helmet?" she called out.
Seto looked at her. "What armor?"
"Over there," his wife pointed towards the metal suit.
Everyone looked to where she was pointing. "That's not mine," Seto frowned.
The armor suddenly picked up its sword and walked into the living room. Bakura grinned as everyone started to back away. "Don't worry, he won't harm anyone… unless I say so."
"Wait a sec," Tea said. "That's the Headless Knight!"
"Someone remembered!" Bakura clasped his hands together in mock happiness.
"Bakura!" Cheri smacked him with the damp washcloth. "What are you trying to do? Give everyone a heart attack?"
"Me?" the thief feigned an innocent look.
"Yes you! Do you realize if my mom was here she probably would've had a heart attack or something."
"Good thing she's a nurse then."
"It's not funny!"
Mokuba looked at the suit of armor, watching as it stood perfectly still in the corner. "If he's got no head, how does he keep from running into the wall?" he asked.
"ESP?" Tristen asked hopefully. "But why is he out?"
"Bakura did you summon him by chance?" Ryou asked his darker self.
"Pulled the first card from my deck," Bakura answered. "I couldn't resist trying."
We should be grateful that it wasn't the Necrofear, Cheri thought.
Nan walked into the living room. "Yugi Mutou and Yami are here," she said.
"Thank you, Nan," Seto nodded to her. "Show them in and take the rest of the day off."
Nodding, the elder woman left; moments later, Yugi and Yami walked in.
"Looks like Devlin was right," said Yugi when he saw the Headless Knight.
"Right about what?" Tea asked.
"Monsters are beginning to escape into the outside world. Last night, Duke and Mina were dueling and Duke said he saw mina's monsters appear behind her but in a transparent form. It's just like what the Daughter of Isis told me," Yami said quietly.
"When did she talk to you?" Seto asked.
"A while back, but she said that with the tears appearing, monsters were afraid to enter our world but it seems like they aren't afraid anymore."
"So it is happening. It will not be long before people become aware of the existence the Shadow Realm," Shadi summed up.
"Then, as much as I know I'm gonna hate to say this, we need to open the Book of Shadows and see if anything can help us," Cheri said, reaching up to hold her arm. "We can't risk a rogue monster getting lose and attacking some innocent bystander."
--
Marik slowed his camel and commanded it to lie down, dismounted and helped Malik from the saddle. Malik went to Joey and Keriam's camels as Marik helped his sister.
"Thank you," Ishizu nodded.
"You sure about this?" Joey asked nervously, adjusting the hood of the brown robe he and the rest of the small band were wearing.
"We don't have a choice," said Marik as he walked over to a sand dune. Reaching into the sand, he felt for the metal rings. Once he had them, Marik pulled open the doors.
Ishizu went in first, followed by Malik, Joey, and then Keriam. The Daughter of Ra paused for a moment, looking at Marik with concern before descending into the secret dwelling. Marik entered and pulled the doors shut.
"Rashid said he'd distract everyone for as long as he could," Ishizu whispered as she quietly led them down the hallways.
"Let's hope it'll buy enough time," Keriam said softly.
"Let's also hope they won't try to kill Marik upon sight," Joey added.
Malik looked at the walls, remembering them back in his youth but it was one place he had hoped to never see again. "I forgot how much I hate this place," he said quietly.
Ishizu looked down at her little brother and took his hand in her own. "You have nothing to fear, Malik. We will never let anything happen to you."
He smiled and squeezed her hand back. "I know, but just hearing it gives me some amount of comfort."
They continued on until they walked into a large chamber. At the other end was a slightly raised platform with a metal gong.
"Rashid?" Ishizu whispered.
"I'm here," her husband stepped out from behind the gong holding the rod.
Everyone hurried over to the platform. Rashid looked at them then struck the gong three times. He placed the rod back in its holder and waited for everyone of the tribe to arrive.
"Rashid," Luzige stepped forward, eyeing the other people standing on the platform, "what is the meaning of this?"
Marik reached up and pulled back his hood.
"You!" Luzige shouted as several gasps and murmurs flew throughout the room.
"Hello, uncle," said Marik.
"You dare to defy our judgment of you!" the older man raised his hand back.
"Stop!" a woman ran from the crowd and stood in front of Marik. "I will not allow you to harm my sister's child!"
"Halima, move out of the way."
"No, husband, I failed to protect him when he was young. I will not fail now. I will not break the vow I made to Masika on her deathbed."
"I know I was exiled from the clan but right now none of that matters," he said calmly, resisting the urge to shout. "Everyone is in danger."
"The only danger I see here is from you," Luzige said bitterly.
"Hey he came here so just listen to him already!" Joey yelled, getting fed up. Pushing the hood back he looked at everyone in turn. "Marik may have done some bad stuff in the past but it wasn't all his fault."
"What do you know of this? You are an outsider and have no right to be here!" another clansman accused.
"They will not listen," Ishizu said sadly.
Voices argued with each other about Marik's reappearance. Disgusted, Marik grabbed the rod and hit the gong to get everyone's attention.
"I don't expect you to forgive me for what I have done," Marik said, placing the rod back in the holder. "Continue to hate, despise, and curse me if you wish. I wouldn't expect anything less. You exiled me, fine. All I ask is that you accept him."
Marik pulled back Malik's hood, and shocked gasps filled the room.
Great gods of Egypt... Luzige stared at the ten-year-old. He would swear to Ra that boy looked exactly like his nephew. How was this possible? Was there a chance that this child was his nephew as was Marik? No! My brother had been faithful to Masika after her death. He never took another woman.
Halima just smiled at the two boys. "Your other half," she said. "He is your light."
"Yes," Marik nodded. "This is Malik. We divided a few months ago."
So it begins, Halima thought.
Luzige looked at his wife. "You knew of this and you never said a word?"
"I could not tell you. It was forbidden."
"So now there is two of him!" someone yelled. "What's to stop them both from starting again?"
"Don't carve his back this time," Keriam said and removed her hood.
"Silence your tongue!" Luzige glared at her. "Disgraceful enough that an outcast has returned, and now foreigners dare to speak against us!"
"She bears the Millennium Key," Rashid spoke.
Keriam reached to the cord around her neck and pulled out the ankh-shaped Item.
"You think that by wearing that you are better than us?" Luzige demanded. He motioned his hand. "Get rid of them."
"Uncle!" Ishizu cried.
Several men ran forward and grabbed Marik, Malik, Joey and Keriam.
"Let go!" Keriam struggled against them. A deep burning feeling welled inside her as they started to drag her and the three boys from the platform. "I said, LET GO!"
The burning exploded and sent the men holding her and the others from the platform along with Luzige. Halima, Ishizu and Rashid remained unharmed. The elder woman started at Keriam for the longest time.
"Amun-Ra," she whispered and turned to her clan, speaking in words Joey couldn't make out. All the women and young girls dropped to their knees, chanting over and over. Even the men of the clan looked confused.
Joey looked at Marik and Malik. "Okay, I can tell that you two are just as lost as I am," said the blonde, "but what are they saying?"
"Take pleasure that you live today for we are now blessed. The Daughter of Ra is now among us," answered Malik.
"Oh boy," Keriam groaned softly.
Marik just smiled at Keriam before stepping forward. "Halima is right; Malik is my light as I am his dark. I was the one who caused the clan all this pain but Malik was never to blame for any of it. His soul is untainted and pure while mine is tainted with blood and past sins."
"Marik it wasn't your fault," Joey said, moving up to rest his hand on his shoulder. "Your dad was insane to put you through that hell in the first place."
"You know nothing about my brother!" Luzige yelled, quickly gaining his composure faster than the other men. He stood and headed as close as he dared to the platform. "He did the ritual for the safety of our clan!"
"At the risk of killing his only son?" Keriam shot back angrily. "That man was insane! It was his fault Malik acted the way he did! You people claim to worship the gods, don't make me laugh. Ra wanted his people to live in the sun's light not hide from it. Set was the only who hid from the sun and now he's not even a high class demon."
"You know nothing of the gods!! You are an outsider!!"
At that moment Halima stood and gave her husband a menacing glare that sent him stumbling back a step or two. "How dare you speak to one of the Sisters of the Moon in such a manner!! She is the Daughter of Isis and Ra!!"
"W-What are you talking about? Isis only had one child and it was the falcon-god, Horus!" one of the men stuttered.
"No, it isn't." Ishizu chose that time to step forward and took a deep breathe. "The great mother goddess Isis, did bear a daughter who bowed to no one, not to the pharaoh, not the gods, not even Ra himself but only to her mother. She then bore three daughters, each with different fathers: Anubis, Osiris, and Ra, but the girls only bowed to their mother, Isis. They lived and had many followers but when invaders attacked Egypt the Sisters of the Moon gave up their lives to save their country. They summoned the three Egyptian gods."
At this Luzige's eyes widen. "The three gods? No, it's not possible…"
Keriam narrowed her eyes but reached into her pocket and removed her deck. Without looking she shuffled her deck and removed the first card on top only for it to reveal the Winged Dragon of Ra. "This enough proof for you?" she asked coolly.
"Keriam is the last Daughter of Ra reborn. The Daughters of Anubis and Osiris have been reborn as well," Marik said with a nod. "They have fought to save our world and have mastered the power in summoning the gods themselves. They are our friends."
"… Why were we not told of this legend?" Luzige asked quietly.
"It has been passed down through generations through the royal family but after the fall of Cleopatra it died out. Our grandmother passed the legend down to me before she passed on," Ishizu said softly and rested her hand on Keriam's shoulder. "But the Daughters of Isis are back once more."
"It stayed with the women of our clan," said Halima, "and the women only. It was forbidden for the men to know." She turned to Marik and Malik. "Until now."
"There's more," Malik stepped forward. "The barrier between our world and the Shadow Realm is weakening. Duel Monsters are starting to come alive. A few are already alive in Domino City."
"Wait," a young woman, slightly older than Ishizu, walked forward, "if the barrier has weakened then..."
"The merge..." Halima looked at Keriam.
Keriam stepped back and removed her robe; turning around, she removed her shirt. Six glorious white wings sprouted from her back. "The merge already took place."
"The Sisters of the Moon powers were fading and they were dying," Joey explained. "They merged with their favorite Duel Monster."
Keriam retracted her wings and put her shirt back on. "Now what do you believe?" she asked. "I don't expect you to help us instantly; this is a lot to take in at once, but we do need help." Her face became more serious. "The Scorpion Clan has already made their presence known."
The women and men gasped at this. They began to whisper among themselves, the fear evident on their faces. The woman who spoke up seemed to have paled some. "Then... their king is slowly awakening. It will only be a matter of time before he is free from his prison."
"Wait, you know about him?" Malik asked, a bit confused. "We barely knew anything about him."
"The Dark Scorpions will do everything to revive their King into the world of the living so he may continue his conquest. They will do everything, kill anyone who stands in their way."
"We kinda figured that out the hard way," Joey sighed, rubbing his head.
"His anger is at all the gods of Egypt," said Luzige. "Most of it is directed at Anubis. Rumors were that the Black Scorpion's queen was with child when she died. No one knows if she had given birth before her death."
"Who was the queen?" Keriam asked, testing to see if they knew who she was.
"She was the Daughter of Anubis," an older woman spoke.
Keriam reached back and took Joey's hand. They know… she thought. Ra, I can't let them know that Cheri is the Scorpion's daughter.
"She tricked the Black Scorpion into surrendering everything he had--his kingdom, his power, and his soul. When he discovered who she was, he killed her. She had an acolyte that became the Daughter of Anubis, and it was her daughter that is your Sister now, yes?"
"…Yes," Keriam nodded.
"Then, no doubt the assassins will try to capture her. The Scorpion King wanted to make Anubis suffer and what better way then through his own Daughter."
"They already tried but we were able to stop them," Marik said tightly.
Joey squeezed Keriam's hand tightly and leaned over to whisper. "Should we tell them we have the Book of Shadows?" he asked, keeping an eye on them.
She shook her head. "No, just in case they decide to send someone after Tristen."
Halima raised her hand. "I believe that this is enough for now. No doubt that they have had a long journey, and they must rest." She looked at the four. "You will stay with me."
"He is not staying in our home," Luzige growled and narrowed his eyes at Marik. "He is not welcomed here."
"I never abandoned him, and I welcome him. I welcome all four of them. You do not want them in your dwelling, then we shall stay in the one my parents used." Halima nodded to them and stepped off the platform.
Marik quickly picked up Malik and followed his aunt. Keriam and Joey right behind them, followed by Ishizu and Rashid. The people in the room parted, some scowling at Marik while the women whispered prayers of thanks to Ra for sending his Daughter into their home.
Marik couldn't help but glare back but kept his mouth shut. "Is it too much if I wished they would accept you at least?" he asked his light.
"I think stubbornness and ignorance to change runs in the men's genes but it skipped a generation with us," he answered back.
Marik softly laughed. "I think I'm rubbing off on you. Or at least my charming wit is."
"You are so funny."
Halima led them to a large assortment of caves and let them in. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Is there anything I can any of you?" she asked, acting as a polite and gracias hostess because it was in her nature.
"Not right now, thank you," Keriam said as she sat on a stone bench near the wall and sighed.
Marik set Malik down and turned to his aunt. "Thank you for defending me."
Halima nodded then hugged her nephew tightly. "I missed you," she said, holding back tears. "Marik, ignore what your father told you all you life. And forget your uncle. He knows nothing."
"Recently he acts like he is a god on earth," Rashid said in annoyance.
"Yes, I know," Halima moved from Marik and walked over to Malik, smiling. She held out her arms and hugged the boy as well. Ishizu couldn't help noticing the relieved look on her aunt's face.
Halima released Malik and looked at her niece. "Ishizu, I must speak with you and the Daughter of Ra alone."
The boys looked at the two young women.
Ishizu nodded. "Alright."
"Okay," Keriam stood up and put her robe on.
They left the room and followed Halima down the hallways. When the elder woman stopped at an end, she reached up and counted down seven blocks and three left. Halima pushed the block in and the wall slowly swung open, which caused Ishizu to blink and Keriam's mouth fell open.
"Hurry," Halima said and they ran inside.
When the door closed, the hidden passage was lit well enough for one to make out where they were. Halima started down the corridor.
"What is this?" Ishizu asked once the shock wore off.
"Something that should have told to you a long time ago," said Halima. "Your mother was supposed to tell you when you were old enough, but she has made her journey to the Valley of the Dead… I should have told you, my dear. I was a fool for not doing so."
They arrived in a large room and stopped at the doorway. In the center of the room was a large stone tablet; depictions of the Winged Dragon of Ra, Slypher, and Obelisk were engraved on it. The three gods were circled around an orb in the center. Other Duel Monsters were about the gods, and three human beings stood near the gods.
"What is that?" asked Ishizu.
"The Daughter of Ra knows."
"You can call me by my name," Keriam said as she stepped closer to the tablet for a better look. She couldn't tell what kind of stone it was made out of, and there were cracks starting in the center where the orb was.
Well, after five thousands years, things do get fragile, Keriam thought. But the longer she stared at the tablet, the more she began to notice several odd things about it.
The tablet itself looked freshly cut. It was smooth all around, unmarked except for the cracks in the center. The cracks seemed to give off a small pulse of light, which matched the beat of Keriam's heart. She paled and backed away from it.
"What's wrong?" Ishizu touched her arm. "Keriam? What is it?"
"Th… that's…" Keriam turned wide, frightened eyes to the Egyptian woman. "… The Seal of the Shadow Realm…"
Author's Note!!
Heikou: evil evil!! I love being evil!! has small horns and tail where's my pitch fork?
Janime: In the shop with mine, remember?
Heikou: ... oh, yeah... holds up hand with Freddy Kruger glove I still have this
Janime: hey don't play with that!
Heikou: it's [plastic. I use it as a chew toy rather than bite my nails
Janime: I need to break that habit. Well, I'm glad we got this chapter done before the weekend. I'm off to the Otakon in Baltimore, MD.
Heikou: You are the traveler, aren't you?
Janime: Indeed. But I promised myself that I wouldn't buy too much this year. I need to buy a new car.
Heikou: Hence the double jobs. Ooh! But if you see any YGO plushies please get me one!
Janime: No problem! Anything for my partner in fanfic writing!
Heikou: Back to fic plot! Bet you guys didn't see that one coming!
Janime: Don't worry, neither did we until the end. Should we give them another teaser?
Heikou: Well we still have that teaser about a secret Ishizu has to find out, but what the hell. God for it! Maybe we'll get more reviews!
Janime: Never doubt the readers. Of course we will. Actually, the secret was the Seal of the Shadow Realm but there is another secret Ishizu will learn.
Heikou: Seto and Cheri go see Dr. Megumi about conceiving. snickers we're gonna have fun with that part!
Janime: Oh yeah! And in Egypt, let's just say the sand will fly. And I don't mean because of a sandstorm.
Heikou: One more thing; I'm sure everyone ahs noticed several names we've used: Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Megumi.
Janime: That's because we borrowed them from Rurouni Kenshin, the anime show. We did this for a friend of ours since she loves the show.
Heikou: Glad you liked them Shadowsage Until next time!
PS -- Since this site has been known to 'act up' you can search for this story at (see profile for more info).
