Zypher: Well, I guess I'll get started with the next chapter to Ritual of Darkness seeing as it has been a long while since I have done so. Enjoy the chapter.

Note: I switched the way Yami and Aqua's past went from the second chapter to a different one

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Ritual of Darkness

Chapter 3

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The next morning, Yugi woke up quietly, rubbing his eyes lightly. Soon, he remembered what happened last night and smiled lightly. 'But how will I convince my friends that the demons won't hurt us?' he thought before getting out of bed. His eye caught the note on the side table and picked it up, opening it and saw the message written inside. He smiled and hid the note when he heard someone knock on the door. He went to open it after placing the note in his bag. "Yugi, are you ready to go?" Diamond asked. He nodded although reluctantly but she didn't see it.

"All right. Wash up a bit and we'll meet you downstairs." she spoke before closing the door and heading downstairs. He sighed lightly, really not wanting to leave when he was getting to know one of the deadly demons so well. 'But I can't let my friends know or else they could do something rash. I don't want them to get hurt.' he thought as he headed into the bathroom and washed up before heading out to meet with his friends in the front lobby.

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In Australia, Yami and Aqua were finishing off the last of the humans there. Yami gulped down the last man, the screams echoing the vast plains before it became silent. He turned to Aqua as he came over. "Is that all the pathetic mortals on this land?" Yami asked. Aqua nodded. "Good, soon we will have this world perfect for our little angel." he murmured before flying off. Aqua followed behind him. "So, what is our next target?" Aqua asked.

"I want to see the boy once more before heading around Europe and take care of the lowlife there." Aqua nodded once and they both started to make their way back to Tokyo.

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Yugi came downstairs after he was done and Diamond turned to him. "Are you ready to leave, Yugi?" He nodded and she picked him up as Ryou climbed onto her back. Jounouchi climbed onto Kaiser's back and soon they were off. Luckily for them, they left at the right time for Yami and Aqua arrived at Tokyo as they started to cross the ocean. They landed at the hotel Yugi was staying and Yami sniffed around for his scent but found it gone. He growled lightly, catching Aqua's attention. "What's the matter, Yami?"

"He's gone. His friends must've left before we got here." Yami hissed.

"What are we going to do?" he asked as they flew off.

"We best go to the two locations where Bakura and Crimson and Seto and Ruby are located. They can help us and perhaps find something in the friends our little angel holds dear to him." Yami said and Aqua nodded as they made their way to Brazil, the location where Bakura and Crimson, the two soul eater demons, were sealed.

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It was close to midday when Yugi and the others made their way over China. "Diamond, do you think we'll be safe here?" Ryou asked. "I hope so. I heard this was where the two dragon demons Seto and Ruby were sealed. If the demons that are coming after us has some relation to them then we could be in danger." Diamond answered. He nodded as they landed and were glad to see it was still populated. A woman came over to them once she saw them land. "Where have you come from?" she asked. "We came from Japan. The dark demons of Egypt are coming after our little friend Yugi here and we are trying to keep him hidden. So far, they haven't come after us yet and I seriously hope they don't find us here for I don't want to put you in danger of their wrath." Diamond explained.

She nodded and told them to follow her which they gratefully did. On the way, Kaiser asked about the dragons demons that were sealed here. "Ah yes, the dragon demons. I have heard of them but I do not know the story of their origin. Maybe the wise dragon can tell you their story for he had told many of us that has visited his sakura fields that he has known the dragon demons before they made allegiance with the dark ones and tried to destroy the world 3,000 years ago." The woman said as she led them to said fields.

"He is in there. Respect him and tell him about your problem and what you would like to know." She whispered before leaving. They ventured into the fields and soon heard music playing somewhere near the center of the fields. They followed the music until they saw an aged Chinese dragon sitting on a rock, small musician dragons sitting around him and playing their instruments. He looked up when he heard them and with a smile, spoke to them. "Ah, welcome young ones. What brings you to my humble abode?"

"Well, we have come here for our home. The population of Japan was destroyed because of the dark demons coming after me. We came here to hear the story of the dragon demons." Yugi explained and he nodded. "Yes, the story of Seto and Ruby. Please, sit down and I shall tell you." The aged dragon spoke and they sat down on the ground.

"Well, it was a long time ago. A war started on these humble lands and the people were at an disadvantage against the warriors that came here to rule over China. They have come to me, asking for me to conjure up something that will help them win against them. I have done so but have gave them a warning to be wary of their power. Thus Seto and Ruby had been born from my magic and made to live and breathe. They helped win the war but some soldiers escaped and fled to Egypt.

"They learned of the Egyptian culture and soon prayed to the gods of Egypt to give them a beast, a beast with incredible dark powers and were able to rule the world with their own claws. And that's how Yami and Aqua were brought to life. But the problem with their wish was that Yami and Aqua thought of humans and life to be pathetic and destroyed the people of Egypt, including the warriors that brought them to life. After a few years of taking the lives of people from places such as Australia, Quebec and England, they soon came here and confronted Seto and Ruby.

"But when they did come here, they had company and they were Bakura and Crimson, two deadly soul eating demons that were born from the darkness of a shaman's spirit that was freed when a brave Brazilian fighter came and defeated him. At first they thought Seto and Ruby would've joined onto their side to destroy the world but they told them that they were good demons and was born to defeat those that dared harmed the people of China. That made them angry and soon, a battle was fought and both Seto and Ruby ran them off from China but they vowed they will be back.

"In that time, Seto and Ruby prepared for battle with Yami, Bakura, Aqua and Crimson but soon found love in one small boy and his sibling. The two children ventured into their home unnoticed when they were trying to escape their abusive father. And when they explained their situation to them, they were saddened and angry to hear that they were forced to take such abuse at a young age and made way to kill their father which was pleasing to them. The two boys were grateful that they did such a noble deed although the people were not. They thought that they switched onto the side of the enemy but the young blonde-haired child confronted them and told them their story and why Seto and Ruby killed him.

"The people agreed but were still wary about them. When Yami and the other demons came back, they tried a different approach. Yami could smell death upon their claws and asked them how it felt to kill a human. They told them how it felt to kill a mortal and how it felt to love one as well. That disgusted them but they were happy to hear their answer and were planning a way to make sure they loved to kill.

"I watched them the whole time but I knew I couldn't stop them, even with my magic. Soon, they came upon the two mortals that Seto and Ruby loved and with no remorse, killed them off with Seto and Ruby watching, listening to every bloodcurdling scream as they devoured the children, enjoying the taste and the feel of their small forms going down their gullets. Bakura tried to convince Seto and Ruby to turn to their side, to feel the pleasure of killing humans around the world and making the world for demons but they retaliated and told them that the humans are not as they think. They could find love in them if they just tried but Yami came and told them no one would love such creatures made from the darkness.

"I soon came in and tried to use my magic once again to make them good but I was defeated just as easily and they continued to try and get Seto and Ruby to join them. Soon, they have succeeded by giving them the pleasure to kill everyone in China. Seeing as I couldn't do nothing to help them from the darkness that consumed them, I went to Egypt and talked with the gods and told of them their mistake by granting the warriors their wish. They soon saw the wrath the demons they created has done to most of the world and immediately sealed them away in their places of origin, Yami and Aqua in Egypt, Bakura and Crimson in Brazil and Seto and Ruby here in China.

"I regretted telling the gods to seal Seto and Ruby away when they were so helpful to us but I knew that even if they didn't join Yami's side, they would've done something to avenge Joey and Kisare's death. I wouldn't want them to have their life lead them in that direction." The Chinese dragon told. "That sounds very sad, especially for a life of two good demons. But I think that Yami, Aqua, Bakura and Crimson could become good, not with magic but with the love of someone that truly cares for them. At least that's what I think." Yugi murmured. Jounouchi turned to look at him. "What makes ya say that?"

"Well, I don't want you guys to flip out, but one of the demons came to my room last night and told me that he didn't want me to fear him. He took me out on a flight and tried to show me that he meant what he said." he explained. "Yugi! Why didn't you come to one of our rooms? Better yet, why did you willingly go out with a demon?!" Diamond questioned in horror. "I don't know. I just felt bad for him, he looked so sad that I feared him and I didn't want him to feel that way." Yugi explained. The dragon looked to him with a small smile.

"So, do you care for the demons that has harmed the innocent yet has listened to the words of Seto and Ruby and has went to look for someone to hold dear to them?" Yugi nodded. "I'm guessing so but I wish there was a way how I can stop their destruction." he said as he looked to the dragon. "There are many ways but I suggest you let them come to you. Why I say this is to let you get the chance for you to prepare for them." The dragon spoke and he nodded. Ryou turned to him. "Are you sure you are making the right decision, Yugi?"

"I'm sure. If this will save the world them I must go to them." he replied. He nodded and they got up. "Thank you for telling the story of their past. This will help us a lot." Diamond said and the dragon smiled. "It was nothing. Hopefully you will all prepare for the demons' arrival for Yami and Aqua is searching for the young one. They are going to free Bakura and Crimson from their prison in Brazil as we speak. Soon they will come here. If you think you are ready, young one, you can go to them, follow what you heart says for it will tell you when you are ready." The dragon spoke and he nodded as they all left from the fields.

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Yami and Aqua landed in the spot where Bakura and Crimson were sealed, the carving of the soul demon left on the door. They made sure to make quick work of the people that were guarding said door before coming. After moving the door, they headed inside and stood on the marking where they were sealed deep into the ground in eternal rest. They put their claws onto the edges of the seal and with a few spell words, the seal shone brightly and the forms of Bakura and Crimson appeared from the ground. Bakura was the first to wake and growled. "Who dared to wake me from my eternal rest?" he asked before landing his sight on Yami and Aqua.

"Oh, it's you. When did you break free from your seal?" he asked as he nudged Crimson awake. "Some foolish man broke the seal with the blood of an innocent girl. They were stupid but made a good first meal. Anyway, we freed you because we actually found someone to love in this world."

"Really? And after you said no one would love a dark creature such as you many millennia ago, Yami." Crimson said with a snicker before composing himself. "So, who's the lucky mortal?" he asked. "A boy. He looks young but there's something about him that makes it so hard to kill him like I do with the other pathetic mortals of this world. Because of that fact, I will make sure he becomes mine and make this world just for him. Would you like to join in our little clean-up?" Yami explained as they walked out from the temple the Brazilians built over their seal.

Bakura grinned and nodded. "Of course. We haven't had a good meal in a long while. What do you want us to do from here?" he asked. "Take care of everyone in North America, South America and any islands you happen to cross on the way. We'll head to China and free Seto and Ruby and clean-up the mortals from there. While you're at it, if you see three teens and two sphinxes, one white and the other golden yellow, do not kill them for they are who we are looking for. We lost the boy after they left Tokyo so they could be anywhere by now. We'll meet up in Greenland after we're done." Yami said and they nodded as they flew off to take care of everyone in Brazil before heading off to other countries.

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The woman they met earlier offered them to stay at her home which they gladly took and Diamond walked with Yugi to his room. "Yugi, are you positively sure you want to do this? What if the demons are doing this as a trick to just kill you off in the end along with the rest of us?" she asked. "I'm sure I'm doing the right thing, Diamond. I could be the only one out of the entire world that could stop their destruction." Yugi said.

She sighed but nodded. "Alright, I'll take your word for it, Yugi, but we will still leave if the demons come. The wise dragon said that you need time to prepare for you to face them. I know that you aren't ready yet so make sure you have everything so we can make a hasty exit." Diamond said as they stopped by Yugi's temporary room. She bid goodnight to him as she left and he slid the door close.

'Hopefully when the time is right, I am ready for them.' Yugi thought as he lied down on the made canopy bed and fell asleep.

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Later than night, Yami and Aqua landed in China and started to make their way to the shrine where Seto and Ruby were sealed. But Aqua stopped and sniffed that air lightly. 'The sugary sweet scent Yami told me about when we were in Domino. The boy must be here somewhere.' Aqua thought. "Yami, the scent of the boy you're looking for, he's here somewhere." Aqua spoke and he turned to him. "Are you sure?" Yami asked, not wanting to be fooled. "I'm sure. Shall I go look for him while you free Seto and Ruby?" he asked and he nodded.

"Yes, please, do that for me. I miss him so much and I haven't even gotten the chance to learn his name." Yami murmured with a sigh before walking off to the shrine. Aqua followed the scent until he reached the home where they stayed. He went inside quietly and looked around until he came to the room he stayed in. He took a deep breath of Yugi's intoxicating scent and slid the door open silently before walking in, closing the door behind him and walked over to him. Yugi was deep in slumber and Aqua look down to him with a caring look before picking him up. "Come on, little one, it's time for you to meet with Yami once more." he said quietly as he left.

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Yami made sure no one was out to see him before he headed into the temple and reciting the same spell he did to free Bakura and Crimson. Seto himself was happy to be free again and wished that maybe in this time, he will find the reincarnation of Joey. "Alright, so what do you want us to do this time?" Seto asked as they walked away from the shrine. "We need to do a little clean-up and this time, we will succeed with taking over the world but I will make sure it's made for my little angel and his friends." Yami explained.

"So, after what happened three millennia ago, you finally found someone like I have before you killed him." Seto snapped, growling at the thought of losing his loved one long ago but he rather not risk killing whoever caught Yami's, and at the same time Aqua's, attention. That could prove to be his undoing seeing as Yami and Aqua could be more powerful compared to the last time they fought. "I know you and Ruby are still angry with what happen but I assure you, hopefully one of the friends he has will resemble your precious one that I had killed." Yami said and they nodded, hoping the same.

Aqua landed and Yami walked over to him, smiling down to Yugi's sleeping form. Ruby came to stand beside him. "So, is he the one?" he asked. "Yes. He's my little one. The only mortal in this world that was able to bring love to me and make my heart sing." Yami whispered as he took him away from Aqua and walked off. "He really cares for him, doesn't he?" Seto asked. "Yes and I hope you two don't plan to ruin it for the both of us with revenge." Aqua hissed and they shook their heads. "Don't worry, you and Yami may have killed off our loved one but we promise you, we won't kill the boy who has caught your attention. That would be wrong of us and besides, we helped each other in the end so what's the point?" Seto confirmed.

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Yugi felt the cool breeze brush by him and woke up quietly and found he was outside. 'But how can I be outside? I know I don't sleepwalk, or at least I hope I don't.' Yugi thought and looked up to see the demon he met when he was in Tokyo. Yami looked down to him and seeing him away, he smiled. "I told you we would meet again, didn't I?" Yami said and he nodded. "Yeah but I didn't know it would be so soon. What brings you here to China?" Yugi asked as Yami stopped but a koi pond and let him down. "Well, Aqua and I originally came here to free Seto and Ruby so they can help us but Aqua caught your scent in the air. Since I wanted to see you again, I went to free them while he came for you. Hopefully I didn't worry your friends." Yami explained.

"No, of course not. They are still worried about what would happen if I was captured by you or the other demon but I reassured them that nothing will happen. Which reminds me, I need to ask you something." Yugi said and Yami nodded. "What do you wish to ask of me?" he asked. "Well, when we arrived here, the woman that met with us took us to the wise dragon and he told us the story of the dragon demons that once lived here and also how you met with them. Since you killed almost everyone in the world once before and you are doing the same now, would you ever betray me and kill me off too?" Yugi asked.

"No, I would never do that and neither will Aqua. We hated humans then because those soldiers that brought us to life only wanted to use us for war. I can bet that more people would have wanted to use our power as well to control the world to their liking. We weren't going to be used that way. Of course, we were created to be creatures of pure darkness so we also had that feeling that no one would love us like the two children that love Seto and Ruby so we gave up any chances that someone would love us until now." Yami explained.

Yugi moved to him and hugged him. "I would always love you. You did scare me at first because I thought you would've made me into a victim of your wrath but you showed me that you weren't going to do so. I knew there was more to you than other people think." Yugi whispered. Yami smiled and using his tail, picked up a lotus blossom from the pond and quietly tucked it behind Yugi's ear. "Keep that and remember it as a symbol of our undying love." Yami murmured and Yugi nodded. "Well, it's best I head back now unfortunately. We may have told each other our feelings but I know I am not ready to be with you completely yet. I hope you understand." Yugi said. He sighed and nodded.

"I do and I hope you will be ready for us soon for I don't want to be alone again and neither does Aqua." he said quietly. Yugi took his claws and pulled, making Yami lower his head down to him. He placed a gentle kiss on the demon's rough cheek. "I promise I'll be ready for you and Aqua soon." Yugi said and he smiled.

"Before you go, please, tell me your name."

"My name is Yugi." he answered. "Yugi...I love it but not as much as you yourself." Yami purred before picking him up and flew back to where Yugi currently stayed after Yugi told him of the house he stayed in. Once he let Yugi down, he held his small hands. "Hopefully, you will be ready for us soon, Yugi. When you are, I'll make sure this entire world is made for you and your friends alone." Yami said and he nodded. Yami leaned down and nuzzled him lightly. "See you soon, Yugi." he whispered before flying off once more. Yugi watched as he left before heading back inside. 'Well, I know the reason for their destruction.' Yugi thought and was thinking if destroying the world population just to make a world for them would be a good thing.

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Yugi stayed awake for the rest of the night, knowing that they might have to leave soon. Once it hit midnight, the first peace-shattering scream woke up the villagers and his friends. They ran to Yugi's room and seeing that he was awake, they left immediately. "So, where are we gonna head this time?" Jounouchi asked. "I don't know. Surely they are following Yugi so we need to find a place where they can't reach us so easily so Russia and all countries in Europe are out." Diamond said as they glided over the ocean once more. "What about Hawaii? I think that may be the best place to head since they are likely targeting all these big countries first before heading over to take out North and South America." Ryou suggested. "I agree with Ryou on this one. What do you think, Diamond?"

"I say we do as he said. Hopefully they won't sense that you are there or else they will come for the Hawaiians beforehand. You are not ready to confront them just yet." Diamond agreed and they nodded as they started to head for Hawaii. As Yugi sat on Diamond's back, he thought to what the wise dragon said. 'Now that I think about it, when will I be ready for Yami and Aqua? When will my heart tell me I'm ready for them?' Yugi thought. He knew the long trip ahead of him will give him time to think and hopefully, he will find out when the right time to go to Yami and Aqua will be.

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Back in Egypt, a red dragon looked at the destruction that had already taken place there. 'Well, this proves Yami and Aqua has been released by some foolish mortal. And from their source of magic, they had already freed Seto, Bakura, Ruby and Crimson. Hopefully they are not planning to do the same what they did three millennia ago.' The red dragon thought before following where she felt their magic being last used.

The thing that got to her though is the pulsating feeling of love she sensed through the magic as well. 'Could they have found someone to love as well?' she wondered as she continued her way to China. 'If they have, maybe I can help them but it will be only if they have a good cause for killing the mortals once again.'

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Zypher: Ok, that's all for chapter 3. I hoped you enjoyed it and will review.