RS: Haha, yes! I updated in under a month, booya!
Zander: Well whoop-de-do! --'
RS: I believe you mean whoop-de-fuckin-do, but I won't hold it against you! Now, special thanx to
Sarah1218: I'm still working on a bribe, if you have any ideas please tell me. Thanx for the great review!
godoflight: Wow, I like your style! Being sane is vastly overrated! Thanx for the bitchin' review!
Kelly: Here ya go! I think it's cute too, denial can be so adorable! Thanx for your awesome review!
Lita Maxwell: I was thinking 'Viva La Resistance'! Now, if only I could remember where it came from… wanna fill me in? Also, Goku's from that new show on adult swim, right? I can't remember… Anyway, thanx for the great input, leave some more!
Swimmurgirl: Thanx, I try! I meant Millennium Necklace; I just had a brain cramp. I only remembered that it was in the shape of an eye and typed that down. Oh well, oops! Please leave another review!
Veronica: Wow, cool! Thanx for the enthusiastic review! I'm glad you can't wait! Oh dear, I hope I was able to post this update before you fell of your chair… that could be painful. Leave another review, please!
Dreamer of Dragons: Wow, thank you so much for the great compliments! I always thought my writing sucked ass, it's nice to know people are supportive! I love made up words, I practically have a dictionary of them! They're so much fun to say, aren't they? I'm not sure how inappropriate this will get, but I hope to keep it clean. No one seems to read my beginning and ending author's notes, and few read other authors (I, however, do), so that seemed like the most logical thing to do. I did read 'A Wrinkle in Time', and thought it was an amazing story. The quote isn't directly from the book, but it is based off of it. Good job catching that!
RS: So, without further ado, on to the chappy! Oh, and btw, it actually has very little to do with 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Chapter 8
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Tahruhu's cup slammed down on the table, "That bastard! I always knew he was low, but I never knew it'd go this far…" She shook her head sadly. "Anyway, Let me grab you guys some supplies."
They'd informed her of their voyage… to a degree. They'd all silently agreed to leave out the fact that they were from another dimension. They also refrained from mentioning anything about magic, destiny, and the fact that some members of their group were the resurrections of ancient beings. One just doesn't go around telling people about that, it's not right. Also, they didn't want to be committed while in an alternate universe.
She then left them, retreating to a tool shed out back. She returned a few minutes later carrying baskets of meat, canteens, and some weaponry. The food related objects were placed within the group's bags, however they merely held the weapons dumbly.
"Don't tell me none of you can use any of these!" the pink haired girl looked incredulous. While a few of the boys had the gall to look ashamed, most just slammed down their artillery in frustration.
"Wait, that makes no sense," Ryou turned to his friends, "surely the yamis had to defend themselves during their rough times somehow."
"Marik, Bakura, and I haven't used any of this in 5,000 years. We couldn't possibly remember now." Yami reasoned seriously.
"Okay, seeing as this is going to take a while as it is, I won't even bother asking." Tahruhu sighed, "Anyway, it will take too long for you all to learn how to wield these. So, you'll just have to make do with what you know. I'll show you a relatively fast, mostly safe route to Azumamaro."
"Thank you." Isis bowed her head slightly in a gracious manner.
"No prob. But, I'll only be able to take you so far. After that, all I can do is point you in the right direction and then you're on your own."
"Understood." The Egyptian answered, bowing once more. The group left the hut. And headed down a clear path, the dirt and leaves packed down from constant trodding. Korero soared high above their heads, leading the way.
"This is the trail toward the Kemah River. Once we get there, follow its flow and head eastward. Azumamaro built his castle directly over part of it for various usages." The native instructed briskly, "If worst comes to worst, you can find a few scant fish in the water, unless the river begins to get dark and turn black. That means you're approaching his territory and at that point I wouldn't even risk taking a sip of the water.
"You can find a few woodland animals in the surrounding forest, but once again they disappear or become tainted after a certain point. The same goes for berries, don't touch anything black. Some red things can be risky as well. Now, listen carefully because this next part is extremely important." She paused and turned to look everyone in the eye. They'd reached the river a few seconds ago and were now standing around, listening to their new alliance's instructions. The black and pink bird circled overhead, seemingly listening in on the conversation.
"Never, under any circumstance, are you to stray so far away from the river that you cannot see it. Especially after you've crossed into Azumamaro's dominion. Further more, once you've seen everything begin to turn black, remain hidden. He sends scouts to roam the territory and they'll attempt to kill you. Don't attempt to fight them, because, trust me, you won't walk away the victor. Be especially careful if you see his right hand lackey. Her name's Harukichi and she will pack the most punch you'll ever see. She has red eyes, green hair, and wears an elegant kimono. Beware her fans and the leaves in her hair.
"I believe that's all you really need to know, so I bid you good luck. I don't suppose you feel incredibly confident at this point, you'd be a fool to. But, fear not for you will not be bothered if you do not bother anything." Upon seeing their confused gazes she threw her head back and laughed, "Perhaps you will understand the words I speak by the end of your journey. For all that is good, bring your friend home. In fact, I will give you one last thing to aid you on your journey."
"You've done so much for us, what more could you possibly give?" Serenity smiled an appreciative smile, one that was quickly returned by the older female. At that moment, Korero landed on Isis's shoulder.
"Only him. The looks on your faces tell me you seem to think I'm sending you a complication, but, believe me, you will understand his worth. Farewell." The group said their goodbyes and started off, the first real part of their journey finally starting. Their newest companion soared overhead, appearing to revel in the feel of wind flowing through its feathers.
"I'm I the only one who got an odd feeling from that girl?" Duke asked as soon as they were out of sight and sound of their original location. Mai giggled.
"That was only because she kept shooting you glances. It was obvious she liked you… though I couldn't imagine why." The group snickered a bit while he looked slightly put off.
"Well, she was a little too odd for my tastes."
"Hey, speakin' o' likin'," Joey grinned, "you heard from dat Hawkins girl lately, Yug'?"
"What's this?" Marik taunted, "Little Yugi having a crush?" he and Bakura did their whole evil, mocking snicker thing.
"Oh, leave him alone! Besides," Tristan grinned, "It's the opposite. Rebecca seems quite taken with him… wait, scratch that, this girl qualifies as obsessed." Joey looked thoughtful for a moment.
"D'ya think she's a stalkuh?" the group sweat dropped.
"Uh, Joey, hasn't Téa already explained this to you?" Joey opened his mouth to answer but was cut off, "Multiple times."
"She's right hun," Mai giggled, "You have to be a bit worse than she is to be considered a stalker."
"I half agree with Joey, she's only one step down."
"Yeah! See, Tris' agrees wit me!" he earned some odd looks.
"Dude, since when do you call me 'Tris'?"
"Well it makes sense, I guess." Yugi pondered thoughtfully, "I mean, your name is Tristan."
"Whatever, it's not important." As the brunette shook his head, Serenity began biting her lip. The group stopped to stare at her as a few scant giggles escaped her mouth, her cheeks red with blush and sides feeling as though they'd explode if she didn't let it out soon. She turned and whispered something in Mai's ear, causing the blond bombshell to mirror her appearance.
"What's their problem?" Bakura looked them up and down, somewhat disgusted. Then, the two girls finally cracked. The group took a step back, watching them roll across the ground in mirth. Finally, five minutes and multiple instances of near asphyxiation later, they were able to catch their breath but had to stand doubled over and clutching their stomachs.
"What was that all about?" Duke asked, a tad freaked out.
"Nothing," the elder breathed out, shaking her head, "just an inside joke between Téa and us. You boys… wouldn't understand." The girls shared one more giggle before standing up and walking on.
"Aren't you guys coming?" Serenity called back innocently. Shaking their heads, the others followed. Isis pulled up next to the girls.
"I don't qualify as one of the boys, do I?" she smirked slightly.
"We have a list of some of the gayest things guys can do, and that, saying 'whatever' I mean, was towards the top of the list." Serenity explained before quickly adding, "Not that we have anything against homosexuals or anything! It's just- we- I mean-… ugh." She hung her head.
"It's alright," the raven-haired woman chuckled, "I understand. And it is quite humorous… at least he didn't he didn't do the hand thing." The other girls looked at each other, brows furrowed, before turning back for and explanation. Isis merely lifted her arm, before allowing her hand to hang limp at the wrist somewhat femininely.
"Oh god, we have to stop now." The youngest girl choked out laughing, "We're being horrible and completely cruel to gays."
"Yes, you're right, that was wrong of me."
"Anyway, moving on, who's going to go talk with the walking snowmen?" Mai received weird looks, "Ok bad joke… I meant Bakura and Ryou."
"Oh, well maybe we could all talk to them?" Serenity offered, but the others shook their heads.
"No, that would be far too overwhelming. I'll talk to them next time we break for a rest." Mai and Serenity nodded in confirmation and the three's conversation quickly shifted towards other topics. Meanwhile, the boys behind them were having a conversation of their own.
"Do you guys… never mind." Yugi shook his head, looking down.
"What is it?" Ryou asked, his brow furrowed with slight concern.
"Well, do you think she's… I don't know, hurt or anything?" they remained quiet, even Bakura had the decency not to tell him the truth.
"I'm sure the wench is fine." He stated gruffly, pretending not to care, "If this guys likes her so much, what's the worst he'd do? He wouldn't let any harm come to her if he's taken so much care in the past."
"Thank you." The yami's head whipped around, shock staining his handsome face as he gazed at the master duelist. The short boy's eyes stared back up at him, shining with a new respect he'd never before been on the receiving end of. He stared back down warily.
"For what?" He'd managed to force his voice to remain harsh and refrained from allowing any uneasiness or shock to leak in.
"Lying, not laughing in my face, coming with us. Everything, really."
"I didn't come to help, I came because my baka hikari wouldn't last a second here." He spat back in denial.
"Then why didn't you just take control until we'd left?" Marik taunted, a rather evil smirk gracing his lips. He knew Bakura really did care about the girl and, whether he'd admit it or not, she was one of his only friends. She opened her heart to everyone, trusting even those who had betrayed her so cruelly in the past. He wouldn't just leave her there, with that creep, to rot. He couldn't, because he cared far too much about her to do so with a healthy conscience. There was also the fact that Ryou'd never speak to him again if they hadn't come.
"He'd have been whining the entire time you guys were gone if I hadn't." he hissed angrily, jabbing a thumb at his closest companion.
"Sure," Marik drawled, "whatever you say." All was quiet for a while.
'I hope Bakura's right; it would certainly be a shock for her to be brought down by this one guy after all we've been through together.' Yami mused as they all walked along, 'And I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad that we have Kaiba, Malik, Bakura, and even Marik here to help us. It's good to know they all care for her at least a little, even if it will cause slight tension amongst the group.'
"Does anyone know how long we've been walking?" Malik finally broke the silence around the boys who, up until then, were only able to amuse themselves by attempting to listen in on the girls. That, they soon found out, was not so interesting and could be downright disturbing, depending on the topic. So, they'd resorted to doing things such as daydreaming, kicking stones as the walked, and counting the seconds in 'Mississippi's. Joey, at one point, had begun humming 'Follow the Yellow Brick Road', but it didn't go over to well. Kaiba glanced at his watch. (An: FYI, I don't own 'The Wizard of Oz')
"It's 12:00 now, but I don't know what time we started so I can't tell you how long it's been. Why do you want to know?" Kaiba asked, his answer only being a yawn from Serenity.
"I've got 7,200 Mississippis." Tristan called.
"Also, the sun was over there before," said Isis to the rest of the group, "And now it's up there, so I'd say we've been walking for two hours."
"Really? It feels like less."
"Really? It feels like mo'." Mai and Joey thought aloud in the same moment, before turning to eachother.
"How c'n ya tink it was less? Weren't ya countin' how long we've been goin'? 7, 200 secon's! D'ya know how many minutes dat is? It's…" he stopped to ponder the answer, while counting on his fingers. This caused the entire group to sweat drop.
"120, Joey." They chorused boredly, still walking the entire while.
"Yeauh! N' in houhs dat's…" they were reliving mere seconds ago.
"It's 2 hours, Joey." At least his time he had the decency to look a tad sheepish.
"I think the point Joey's trying to make is it's time for us to rest." The blonde's younger sister interpreted, yawning once more.
"I agree with Serenity," Tristan pitched in, "we're all tired."
"Then why don't we stop walking?" asked Ryou confusedly.
"Oh… good point." They all stopped, collapsing to the ground immediately. Most crawled over to the river and began sucking down its refreshing water, while others lied down and closed their eyes.
"Bakura… Bakura!" Isis said beneath her breath at the white haired boy sitting against a tree, eyes closed and arms behind his head. He cracked one eye open to glance at her before re-closing it to answer agitatedly.
"What? And why are you whispering?" she rolled her eyes.
"Can I speak with you for a moment? In private?" He now gazed at her with two suspicious, brown orbs. He had a bad feeling about it, but he went with her anyway. They found themselves behind a tree, still in clear view of both the Kemah River and the rest of the group, who were still resting, ignorant of the two's disappearance.
"Now, what do you want?" he asked rudely, cranky from lack of rest.
"As you know," the older woman explained, "Marik has a certain attraction to Téa. I have recently learned that, because of the two's mental connection, Malik shares the same feelings. However, it is common knowledge that she doesn't… return their affection, per say. I was thinking that they might need someone, a guy, to confide in. You and Ryou are somewhat tolerant of them, so I thought that perhaps you'd be the best ones for the job." Her head snapped up as he began laughing.
"So that's what this is all about." He leaned his right shoulder against the tree beside him, arms crossed and an amused smirk gracing his lips. "You want to call in a favor." Isis scowled.
"Just forget," she hissed, "I don't even know why I bothered."
"I never said we wouldn't do it." She spun around to meet his face, still grinning but now with one cocked eyebrow.
Meanwhile
"There, done." Harukichi stepped back to examine her work.
Téa was dressed in a simple yet elegant kimono, pink with red and white flowers adorning in. The fabric wrapping around her waste was a vibrant red, and her hair was done up in a bun with a single white flower sticking out of the top, left side. Two bits of hair were left out to frame her face, which was wearing a light amount of make-up.
Along with her usual cover-up, thin layer of pink blush sat barely visible on her pale cheeks and her mouth shimmered with lip-gloss of the same shade. Smoky eye shadow and eyeliner finished the look, surrounding her dull, blue eyes. All in all, she appeared sexy yet innocent at the same time. Her incessant pouting was what probably brought the entire thing together. The other girl gave a sad smile.
"You look beautiful." She offered, hoping to cheer the girl up.
"I feel beautiful, and I thank you for everything. But…" her voice faded.
"You feel like it's wasted on him, don't you?" Téa nodded, sniffling.
"No!" Harukichi jumped up in mock alarm, "Don't cry, it'll take forever to fix your make-up!" the younger girl laughed half-heartedly.
"Thanks, Harukichi, for everything. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here to help me through things… ya know, it's weird."
"What is?" what was she getting at?
"Us. I mean, what's going on is so stupid but so right. It's probably completely naïve of me to just warm right up to you after we just met this morning, but I already feel like you're my best friend and I could tell you anything. And, what I mean to say is, it means a lot that you're so kind and tolerant of me, even if you have to be."
There was silence for a few minutes, the older woman's eyes watering at her new friend's heart-felt words.
"No, thank you. No one's ever said anything like that to me before. I've always been the fall girl, just another one of Azumamaro's expendable henchmen. You're the first person to ever be kind to me, and for that I am forever in your debt. Now," she wiped her eyes, giggling a bit "Let's get you down to dinner. We wouldn't want to keep him waiting, now would we?" smiling, Téa stood and followed her companion.
The brunette couldn't help but hug herself and rub her own arms as the past through the dank passages, Harukichi just ahead of her. It had such a dreary, foreboding feel to it that frightened the living daylights out of her. She felt as though her very soul's warmth was being sucked out of her by the castle and that, no matter what she did, she create enough friction on her arms to heat them up.
"Cold, sweetie?" the green-haired woman asked, pausing for her to catch up.
"No," she answered honestly, still holding herself "just a little freaked out. These hallways are so…" Téa shivered, causing the other to laugh.
"I know what you mean, but you get used to it after a while… what was that you said?" Harukichi turned her head, not quite hearing what the other girl had muttered. She'd only caught bits of it, was it something about people having forgotten about existence?
"It's just that-"
"Tell me later."
"Why?"
"Because we're here."
The younger female's head shot up, cerulean orbs beginning to fill with crystalline tears. She blinked them away, hardening her face and turning her usually soft and joyful sapphires into cobalt blocks of ice. She clenched her shaking hands into tight fists, affectively stilling them. Lifting her chin up, she stood with a confident appearance and calm demeanor. Her body steady, she reached forth and opened the door. She entered the dining hall, secretly fearful of her impending doom.
End Chapter
RS: Ha! I leave you with an evil cliffy, what'll happen when Azumamaro sees Téa? And, what will Ryou, Malik, and Marik think of the new 'companionship'? All that and more in the next update, which I'll put up… (Ponders) when I write it! '
Zander: Who cares? I'm just glad this part's finally over!
RS: Grr… shut-up! You and I both know my stories aren't that bad! (Sighs) Anyway, R & R please!
