Author:BradyBunch4529
Rating: PG-13
Summary:Atemu and Seto finally see what their past was like. Now they must fight to protect the one they both love.
Pairings:Atemu/Anzu/Seto
Disclaimers:Really not mine. So I won't claim to own them.
Reviewers:
Nrkb:Brilliant? I absolutely adore you! Too sweet! Me Too! We'll have to see together. I still haven't decided whom she'll end up with.
Candid:Sorry the last chapter was disappointing. This one is longer and, I hope, better. I'm glad you are enjoying the premise though. Let me know what you thing of this chapter.
SportZScooby:Glad you are enjoying the story. Still don't know yet. :P I'm terrible.
Jessika( ):Another new reader. Goodey! Thanks for reading my story. I hope that this chapter is as good for you.
Zoe( ): I'm glad that you find that amazing. Emotions are running high. Evil becomes more apparenthere. As for the pregnancy I haven't decided when I'm actually going to work it back in. It'll be interesting I swear. So am I!
Attic Flower: I worked really hard on that! I wanted something like the series would do and I figured the heart beat would work out really well. I'll have to do my best to keep you intrigued.
Queenofhearts:More confused? I'm sorry I was hoping to clean up some of the confusion. I'll discuss the new evil more in here. But Bakura never goes away. Got to love him for it. Anzu does have a problem. Seto gets shook up in this chapter. I'm still not sure which one she's going to go with yet. Pray for me.
Avataria:The plot is finally taking shape! I'm thrilled that I'm keep you guessing. I'm still afraid that I'm way too obvious. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. Make sure to let me know.
Peeps( ): Superb? You do flatter me and you're one of my prolific reviewers. You are making me blush! Kisses and hugs to you. I'm so glad that you enjoy it enough to keep coming back. Let me know if this chapter works too.
Anime-AngelWings:Just in time. You slipped right there before I was posting it. You always make me smile. I'm glad that everything is so very vivid. I try to make it as real as if you are sitting there watching it. I'm thrilled I'm succeeding. Let me know what you think of this one.
Chapter 6:Approaching stormYami watched the ground disappear as the plane took off. Behind him Kaiba was issuing orders and the rest of the gang was talking quietly in the corner. Two hours had passed since Anzu had awakened from her trance screaming. She had told them that they must go to Egypt before collapsing again. Ishizu could offer no explanation, only that the memories resurfacing and the power that Anzu now contained were more draining than expected.
"What do you think?" Yugi finally asked. His image appeared beside Yami's in the window.
"I just don't know," Yami finally offered. His eyes were tortured as they fell on Anzu sleeping figure. The millennium necklace gleamed around her neck and Yami couldn't help but wonder what she had seen.
"We've been looking for your past for a long time," Yugi said quietly. "This could be the key."
"But I don't want to hurt Anzu in the process," Yami protested. His hands tightening around his chest, "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she was harmed."
"Anzu has been our biggest supporter in this search," Yugi reminded Yami. "She would tell you that it was worth whatever risk."
"So she says," Yami scoffed. "But she's always trying to protect us."
"Because she's our friend," Yugi explained quietly. "And she loves us so much that she would do anything for us."
"I know."
Yugi fell silent when Kaiba approached, his long trench coat swirling around his legs. Yami turned to face Kaiba and nodded a greeting. Kaiba ignored it and glanced down at his watch, "my pilot tells me that we are in for at least an 12 hour flight. However, I did find out that a pyramid was recently discovered. It is said to be the resting place of the wife of the Pharaoh who saved the world," Kaiba stated emotionlessly.
Kaiba was determined that he would remain in complete control of this situation. He wasn't here because Mizaki had told him that he had to come. He was here because Mokuba wouldn't rest until they figured out what was wrong with the girl. Kaiba ignored the voice inside his head that told him that he would follow that girl into hell if she decided to go.
"That's good," Yami offered. "Any idea who the man is that discovered the pyramid?" Yami asked, trying to ignore the fissure of excitement that Kaiba's words caused. There had to be a hint of his life in this pyramid. If it really was his wife's resting place. Yami's eyes flickered towards Anzu again and the paleness of her face was a kick to his gut. Was it really worth it? He wondered. A selfish part of him said that it was, that Anzu would understand.
"From what I can find out," Kaiba bit out. "The man's name is Doctor Charles Jefferson. He is said to be the leading expert in Egyptology and is quite respected in the field."
"Is he going to give us any problems?" Yami asked.
"No," Kaiba smiled grimly at Yami. "Not if he wants to continue working."
"Kaiba," Yami warned only to stop when Kaiba turned away from him.
"You do it your way Yugi and I'll do it mine," Kaiba told him carelessly and moved towards the front of the plane.
Anasandra sat in the corner of her cell, head tilted back, taking deep and calming breaths. Hands rested lightly on her knees and her focus settled deep inside of herself. Her brother had taught her this practice years ago, showing her how to control all her emotions and to replenish your energy. It also made it more difficult to figure out what she was thinking or feeling.
It had served her very well in the past years. She had always been impulsive and her emotions had always been written on her face. Seth had taught her that there were always people watching for you to make a mistake or to give them the satisfaction of knowing that their words hurt her. And so Anasandra had perfected this practice, determined that no one would have anything to use against Seth.
Now this practice was keeping her sane. She was dealing with her hunger and her fears by locking them deep within herself. No one knew what was going on behind her calm and serene blue eyes. The attacks had become more vicious lately, the beatings lasted for hours, but Anasandra never gave them the satisfaction of crying or begging for mercy. She knew that frustrated the man and he simply got more vicious.
Blood dripped steadily down her face; the skin surrounding the cut was bruised and tender. But Anasandra refused to raise her hand to her face, or to look for the other cuts and bruises on her body. She knew her back was a mess with lash marks that were infected. Her body ached and stung but Anasandra showed no sign of it as she sat easily, her back leaning against the cool stone.
Anasandra could feel reality slipping further away. She no longer knew that Seth and Atemu were safe. Her feelings and senses were jumbled in this never-ending darkness. She exhaled slowly, pushing her worries and pain away from her. For a moment her head remained fogged, the loss of blood niggled at her. Anasandra concentrated harder and when she opened her eyes, her mind was clear of everything. The pain was no more, her worries were forgotten and she was once again in control. She rose slowly, effortlessly to her feet and faced the door.
It was time for the next beating to begin. As the door cracked open, Anasandra smiled pleasantly at the white haired man that slipped into her room. Her dark blue eyes were challenging and dark with secrets. His hand tightened around the whip he carried and he glared at her.
"Today my Queen," he rasped, "you will break."
Anasandra said nothing, only continued to smile at the man. His dark eyes flashed a warning at her, his lips tightening before the whip suddenly struck out. It caught her on her shoulder, biting deep into her flesh, but Anasandra did not look away from the mans' dark eyes. Blood dripped freely down her shoulder and the whip was raised again, cutting another deep swath across her other shoulder.
Still no sound left her lips and her eyes never wavered.
"You will break my Queen," the man gritted out. "And I will make sure that my Master gets what he wants."
Anzu eyes blinked open and met worried violet eyes. She smiled and cupped his cheek, trying to remove the worry from his eyes. Ever so gently her hand reached around his neck and pulled him down to meet her lips.
"It'll be okay Atemu," Anzu whispered against his lips. "It'll all work out." She pulled away and started to sit up. Yami's hand instantly closed around her shoulders to hold her down.
"Don't get up yet, Anzu. You've hard a rough time lately," Yami ordered roughly. He was determined to ignore the warmth and tingling still lingering on his lips. While Anzu had always been physical before, she had rarely kissed him. There was something so familiar about her touch and her taste that Yami wanted to kiss her again. Instead he straightened and glared at her.
"I'm fine," Anzu insisted. "Things just overwhelmed me for a minute."
"No," Yami told her. "You can lay there and answer the questions we have."
"Questions?" Anzu asked with a confused frown.
"Why do you call me Atemu?" Yami asked suddenly.
"That's your name," Anzu responded instantly. "At least I think so," Anzu frowned and her eyes darkened with confusion. "That's what I remember," she glanced around the room, trying to figure out where she was now. "Where are we?"
"On our way to Egypt," Otogi offered with a smile.
"Why?"
"Because that's where you said we needed to go," Ishizu offered from the chair directly across of Anzu. For a moment their eyes met and held but Anzu glanced away. "So we are doing as you wished my Queen."
"Don't call me that," Anzu burst out. Anger raged through her, there was something in Ishizu tone when she said that. Something that made Anzu believe that Ishizu was mocking her.
"Hey calm down Anzu," Honda advised from behind her. "Ishizu is just trying to help."
"No she isn't!" Anzu shot back. "She's taking pot shots and I will not allow it." Anzu's eyes suddenly began to glow and Ishizu was lifted from her chair. She went flying backwards and slammed against the side of the plane. "I will allow no one to mock me, servant. Remember that," Anzu gritted out and with a wave of her hand, Ishizu dropped to the floor. Anzu turned burning blue eyes back to Yami, "I am Queen."
Yami nodded slowly, his mind churning with how much power Anzu had. Was it possible that the key to everything was Anzu? Could it be possible that everything he had ever wanted to know had been no more than a couple steps away?
"Interesting parlor trick Mizaki," Kaiba drawled from the entrance to the cockpit as he advanced into the room. "Where did you learn it?"
"Shut up Kaiba," Anzu bit out. "I really don't have time for your snide remarks."
"You wound me," Kaiba laughed and pressed a hand to his chest.
Anzu swung her feet to the carpet and stood up. She ignored Yami's cautioning hand and strode towards Kaiba. He watched her lazily, as if he didn't have a care in the world. The white robe swirled around her bare legs and her feet sank into the deep carpet. She stabbed a finger into his chest and glared up at him.
"I don't have time for you to ignore what you are either," Anzu told him softly.
"I know what I am,"Kaiba returned. His blue eyes remained locked on hers.
"No you don't. But you will," Anzu promised and pressed a hand against his face.
"What are you…" Kaiba started only to suddenly freeze.
"Remember," Anzu whispered and a flash of light suddenly consumed both of them.
Seth glared over at Atemu, his blue eyes hard and cold. It had been over a week since Anasandra's caravan had been attacked. By the time Atemu and his guards had reached it, everyone had been dead. Seth had taken a smile amount of comfort from the fact that Anasandra was not among the dead but that comfort had been lost as the days passed without any leads.
"It's your fault," Seth bit out.
"I know," Atemu agreed. His violet eyes stared sightlessly into the desert. "I shouldn't have allowed her to go."
"You made her go, you mean," Seth countered. His hands clenching at his sides, "I told you that something didn't seem right with the trip. But you wouldn't listen! If she is dead, I'm going to kill you."
"You won't have to," Atemu returned quietly before turning and walking away.
Seth stared after him for a long time, his hand reaching for the millennium rod. For once he didn't take any comfort in the power that surged at his touch or the echoing of his own heartbeat. He could only feel rage and emptiness at the loss of his sister. She had been his life for so long. The only person he had ever cared about since the night their parents had died.
He didn't want to think about the pain she was in. There had been evidence that she hadn't gone without a fight. Several raiders had been gutted inside her tent and around it. A smile touched his lips; she had always told him that she could and would hold her own against raiders. But she wasn't supposed to have to. He was supposed to protect her. If he failed than the world would die with her, he vowed silently. The world would know his pain.
"Call it to you," Anzu whispered into Kaiba's ear. "If you call it, it will come."
"I don't…" Kaiba protested weakly but Anzu gently shushed him.
"Don't think. Just do," Anzu told him, her breath warm against his skin.
Kaiba closed his eyes and followed her instructions. He concentrated and from faraway he could feel something beating, the sound called out to him. He moved closer to it, his hand reaching. The effects were instantaneous, a warm glow surrounded him and he was wrapped into a familiar embrace. When he opened his eyes a familiar weight in his hand caused him to look down. There was the millennium rod, pulsing gently in his hand. He tried to release it and take a step back but he couldn't make his hand let go.
"You can no longer hide Seth," Anzu whispered into his ear and stepped back. "You are the high priest of Ra and I have need of you."
"I will not…" Kaiba started only to stop when he met her burning blue eyes. He could feel himself falling into them and his knees slowly buckled. He pressed his head against the floor, his entire posture subservient. "I am yours to command my Queen," he whispered.
"I know you are, Seth," Anzu told him, her hand pressed against his head. "I'm sorry that I had to do it this way."
Kaiba couldn't believe he was doing this. He was bowing to Anzu Mizaki, the cheerleader, the girl that he hadn't thought was worth a second glance. And it felt so right and so comforting to be here. It was as if he had finally found home. He looked up and met her brilliant blue eyes, shimmering with tears, and couldn't help but smile. Kaiba's hand came up and curled around her wrist, gently he tugged her hand down and pressed a kiss to her palm. "I am yours," he whispered.
The glow in Anzu's eyes grew brighter and she smiled tenderly at Kaiba. She turned and looked for Atemu and when she met his violet eyes, she held out a hand to him. He hesitated a moment before walking over to take it. Her fingers threaded through his and tugged him closer. When he was pressing against her back, she took the hand holding his and drew it around to the hand that Kaiba was holding. She united the hands and smiled at the two boys.
"No more fights my loves," Anzu whispered. "It is time to let go of old hurts and stand united."
Anzu couldn't prevent the happiness spilling through her. It was too right to have both of them with her again. And while she knew that it wasn't going to be this easy, it was nice to have made some headway. Of course, with how stubborn Kaiba is, she was probably going to have to do this with him again. But right now that didn't matter. What did was the fact that both of them were willing to try.
Anzu stared down at the desert as the Kaiba Corp helicopter flew over it. The harsh landscape called out to her, bringing with it feelings of home and security. Anzu didn't try and figure out the feeling; after all there was a part of her that was home now. She shifted slightly in her seat, watching as a man riding a camel disappeared down a sand dune.
The feel of silk against her skin delighted her. Anzu glanced down, considering the outfit that Kaiba had delivered to the airplane before they had departed. She wondered what the clerk was thinking as he or she had picked out the dress. Anzu knew that she had been stunned when she had opened the box after taking a shower.
The dress was of the palest blue, almost white, and there were many layers to the dress. The sleeves were just a swath of sheer blue material cupping upper arms, just below her shoulders and leaving her arms and neck bare. The bodice was deceptively simple, seeming to be nothing more than an x across her chest. However, there were layers upon layers and the material criss-crossed over her breasts and stomach.
There was an opening just over her belly button, showcasing her slimness and the muscle definition of her stomach. Before the material swirled into the skirt, looking like a wrap around skirt. The fabric draped across her hips, drooping to the floor in multiple layers that started ending at her mid thigh until only the sheerest of blue fell to the floor.
There were also high heeled sandals that had strings that wrapped around her legs, ending just below her knees. The sandals were so soft and supple that Anzu knew that the shoes were leather. She had also discovered a bracelet so reminiscent of her old jewelry that Anzu knew that Kaiba had had it specially made. The rubies gleamed brightly against her pale skin.
While Anzu delighted in the dress, and the way she looked in it, she was also worried. The fact that Kaiba had made sure that the dress, sandals, and even matching underclothes were available to her shocked her. She couldn't help but wonder why he would do so. What was he thinking? She knew that everyone had been shocked when she had left the bedroom. But nobody had said anything.
When Anzu had met Kaiba's and Yami's gaze the possessiveness in them had bothered her. The dress was too much like the ones that Anasandra had preferred, and Anzu wondered if they were seeing her or who she used to be. But they had arrived at the Egyptian airport and had transferred to the helicopter before she could ask.
A sudden decrease in speed shook Anzu from her thoughts. A glance out the window showed that they were coming up on the pyramid. The white marble was gleaming brilliantly in the sun and all around her there were indrawn breaths. Everyone started talking at once but Anzu couldn't look away from it. Even though she had already seen it, the reality of it held her spellbound. Soon the helicopter was settling onto the waiting helipad and the door was opening. Everyone spilled out of the helicopter, heads ducking to avoid the blades.
Anzu was the last one out and as she stepped from the helicopter two hands were waiting for her. Yami stood on one side and Kaiba on the other next to the stairs. She placed her hands in their and let them guide her down the steps. Neither one let go as she stepped onto the sand. Instead, they moved closer to her and sheltered her as they hurried to the waiting jeep. She was settled into the front seat of the jeep before Kaiba and Yami climbed in behind her.
Anzu's blue eyes were fixed on the rapidly approaching pyramid. The sun was burning down on her and the sands were almost blinding as it went flying around the jeep, but Anzu felt and saw none of it. Her focus was concentrated on the pyramid and the workers scurrying around it. A feeling of anticipation was pounding through her system.
It took only minute before the jeep was sliding to a stop just above the pyramid. Anzu didn't wait for anyone to help her as she swung her feet onto the white stone pathway. Her long legs ate up the distance to the entryway, ignoring the yells from behind her. She absently noted the huge white marble pillars on either side of the walkway, and hurried up the steps into the pyramid.
Yami and Kaiba caught up with her, their hands instantly moving to cup her elbows, as they made their way down the dimly lit hallway. She could feel their tension in the tightness of the grips. She wondered if she should have made them stay outside. After all they had sealed this tomb, which means that it held painful memories for them. Even if they didn't remember everything, it would be hard for them to enter here without having some misgivings.
She glanced at them both. Kaiba face was completely expressionless, his gaze firmly fixed ahead. But Anzu could see the tiny lines of tension around his eyes and the thin line of his lips. Yami's face was calm and serene, his violet eyes sweeping the area around them. There was an excitement burning his eyes and a slight droop to his lips. Anzu almost stopped, her steps hesitating as they came closer to the golden doors.
But it was too late. They rounded the corner and light flooded the dark hallway. There were at least a dozen people trying to force open the door. Anzu glared at them, feeling slightly violated as she watched.
"Mr. Kaiba," a voice called and a man hurried.
"Dr. Jefferson," Kaiba nodded his head at the man.
Anzu looked the man over. His hear was almost completely gray, brushed back from his face with a careless hand. He was probably around 6 feet, broad shoulders and wide capable hands. His gray gaze was slightly withdrawn; none of the welcome in his voice was reflected in their depths. His clothes and skin was slightly dusty, sweat dripped down his face.
"We are honored to have you here," Dr. Jefferson was saying, nodding to the rest of them.
"I'm sure you are," Kaiba agreed without returning the nod or offering to shake his hand.
"But I don't understand why you are," Dr. Jefferson continued, his gray eyes questioning.
"None of your business," Kaiba growled. "You just need to clear out and when we are done, you can come back in."
"Mr. Kaiba! I will not just leave my site to you!" Dr. Jefferson's voice rose in protest. "If my findings are to be considered seriously, everything must be documented from the moment of discovery!"
"Save it!" Kaiba barked and glared down at the man. He took a step forward and Anzu cut him off by moving in front of him and smiling at Dr. Jefferson. Kaiba stopped and Dr. Jefferson seemed surprised at her audacity.
"We're sorry," Anzu offered with a bright smile. "I know that this is very unusual, but we wouldn't ask if it wasn't very important."
"Well…" Dr. Jefferson seemed to hesitate slightly. "It's just not done, you see."
"I do," Anzu assured him. "How about you and your most trusted assistant can stay. But the rest must go. I must also ask that neither one of you ever speak of what will happen here."
"I don't understand," Dr. Jefferson started.
"You don't have to," Anzu interrupted. "That's my final offer. This way the validity of the site remains in tact. Besides, no one would ever believe you if you did explain what will occur here. And I doubt that you are willing to risk your reputation."
Dr. Jefferson was quiet for a long moment, his gray eyes locked onto Anzu's blue eyes. No one else said anything and then, "fine." Dr. Jefferson nodded and held out his hand. "Myself and Karen will stay with you and the rest will leave."
"Thank you," Anzu smiled and shook his hand. "You won't regret it."
"I hope not."
Dr. Jefferson strode away from them, shouting orders to the workers. They stared at him in amazement before hurrying to comply with his wishes. A woman moved to join him and they talked in low tones for several minutes, casting frequent glances over at Anzu and the gang.
"Are you sure this is wise?" Kaiba asked his head bent to speak in her ear.
"It's are best bet right now," Anzu told him. "He is determined to make the find of a centaury. He's not about to let a bunch of kids get in his way, even if one of them is the richest man in the world."
"He would have if I ordered it," Kaiba told her gruffly and straightened.
"I think Kaiba has a point," Yami offered from beside her. "We don't want anyone else involved in this. Let alone watching us do whatever it is we need to do."
"Don't worry," Anzu soothed both of them, her hands closing around theirs. "He won't be able to stop us from taking what we need."
"Fine," Yami and Kaiba agreed at the same time.
Anzu bit back a smile and continued to watch Dr. Jefferson. By this time most of the workers had left, tossing confused glances at the group as they did so. No doubt that they were wondering what these kids were planning on doing. Dr. Jefferson finished a whispered conversation with the woman beside him. When she nodded, he moved back towards them.
"Everyone but Karen and I are out of the pyramid," Dr. Jefferson told her, his voice heavy with mock respect. "So whenever you are ready."
Anzu nodded and stepped forward, leaving Yami and Kaiba behind. They took a quick step after her only to slam into some type of barrier. Anzu continued forward, moving across Obelisk, eyes fixed firmly on the door. Around her the images of the god cards were coming to life. Obelisks eyes were open and staring up at her, fire beginning to burn in their depths as she stepped past.
On either side of the door, Slypher and the winged dragon of Ra began to move on the wall. Slyphers head slowly rose, moving across the door and turning towards her. The winged dragon of Ra slowly raised its body, flapping its wings. Wind began to swirl around Anzu, causing her dress to fly upwards. Anzu ignored it, continuing for the door. The door was glowing and pulsing in front of her.
Behind her came the sounds of the group yelling at her to get away. But Anzu tilted her head up and met the eyes of the unstoppable Exodia. Their brilliant green depths glowed down at her. Anzu stopped just in front of the door, flames suddenly leaping around her as Slypher struck at her. In seconds Anzu was completely consumed by the flames, her figure nothing more than a shadow in the center of the flame.
As suddenly as the flames appeared, they were gone. Just before the door a figure stood, arms extended towards the door. Long brownish blond hair hunto the floor, rippling as she tilted her head back. On top of her head gleamed a golden circlet, and around her arms were wrapped golden bands. Nestled in her palms, rubies and emeralds gleamed firmly encased in gold.
A white dress clung to her figure, leaving her arms and shoulders bare. Starting just above her breasts, it left most of her spine bare before falling in a white wave to the floor. Her feet were bare, braced on the tile floor. The figure began to glow, her hands rising high above her head as the sounds of chanting began to echo around the chamber.
"Anzu!" Yami screamed, beating at the barrier in front of him.
"Mizaki!" Kaiba pounded on the barrier, doing his best to bring it down.
"What's going on?" Jonouchi asked as he and Honda hit the barrier at a dead run.
"I don't know!" Yami called back.
"Is that Anzu?" Honda asked as he stared in amazement at the figure.
"It would appear so," Yami admitted.
Suddenly the Millennium Puzzle and the Millennium rod began to glow. Both men looked down in amazement, as their millennium items began to pull away from them.
The figure turned and looked at them, her blue eyes burning brightly in her face. Her hands extended towards them and the items jumped towards her. Racing through the barrier and towards her.
She was slowly lifted off of her feet, glowing brightly as the millennium items paused before her. The necklace slowly rising from her neck to join the other items swirling around her. She looked at the door, spinning around to face it. She began to chant again and the millennium items began to glow brighter, begin to pulse like the door.
Kaiba and Yami could feel fire slowly spreading across their chests. Their hearts seemed to pause in beating and then began to change to match the new rhythm of their millennium items. Three hearts began to beat as one and a brilliant flash of light consumed all three of them.
The millennium items slipped into their keyholes in the door and the door flung open.
"It has begun," Anzu intoned as she touched the ground and walked into the open doorway. Her necklace flew to her and wrapped around her neck. With a wave of her hand the other items returned to their masters. "And the darkness will fall to the light."
A/N:Well there is another chapter. I hope that it's better than the last one. I definitely got some mixed reviews. This one is longer and was so much easier to write. I hope that it made sense. Any and all mistakes are my own. If I missed anything I'm sorry. Remember to let me know what you think!