Rebirth
Early Warning Note: As you all know this story does have some yaoi in it (boyxboy), only shounen-ai right now. But actually by the end there's going to be more than shounen-ai. I'm not going to say anymore because I'm sure I'll spoil the story. But I'll make sure to put an "explicit content" warning on the chapter that has the more intimate content.
Chapter 12: Hope Reborn
Yuugi stared at the floor unable to meet Ryou's gaze. He had felt so helpless being so easily controlled by Kontar's powers. Why couldn't he have done something to save Yami? Why didn't Yami at least try to use his powers? There had to be a reason. Normally, whenever Yami was angry unconsciously his powers would react to his anger, but nothing happened. Perhaps…perhaps for some reason he couldn't use his powers, but why? A comforting hand reached out toward his shoulder and Yuugi's eyes finally lifted to meet the gaze of his friend.
"Yuugi, I…there was nothing you could do."
"That's not true! I could've blocked the attack—I could've run in front of Yami so that Kontar's powers hit me instead!" he exclaimed, feeling tears rush down his cheeks.
Ryou stared at him sadly. "And then what Yuugi? You would've been drained like the rest of them and Yami would lose hope in fighting. His strength is greatest when he's trying to save you…when he knows you're safe. If you had been drained, I believe Yami would've been defeated anyway."
Yuugi's eyes glanced back down, feeling there was a lot of truth to that. He couldn't even see Yami anymore since the trapped room they were in was so high up. Unconsciously, his fists clenched against his sides and his eyebrows furrowed. He wasn't just sad and torn…he felt for the first time that rage was consuming him.
"He has to be stopped!" Yuugi hissed angrily, causing Ryou to glance up startled. "Someone has to stop him! He's going to attack Shadi and if he gets all the Millennium powers he'll be invincible! We have to stop him before he achieves immortality."
Yuugi began muttering as he paced back and forth. Ryou was completely silent, but not because he didn't want to say anything. He was staring intensely, with wide eyes, at Yuugi's forehead. There was something…strange about it—like the center of his forehead was shimmering a bit. At first he thought he might be seeing things, but the more angry Yuugi became the more Ryou was certain something had changed.
"I won't let him get away! I won't let him win! He can't win! He hurt Yami!" Yuugi suddenly stopped, feeling the rage boil just below the surface of his skin. "He hurt Yami…and that, that is unforgivable!" he shouted angrily, seething with frustration. "We have to get out here! WE HAVE TO GET OUT!"
A light exploded upon Yuugi's forehead and Ryou just had time to duck before the entire room exploded in golden light. His hair was being tossed by some invisible wind and he could barely keep his eyes open. Unbeknown to Yuugi, his body began to glow unnaturally and the light shimmered around him. Ryou closed his eyes as the glowing light became too bright. An explosion sounded around them and Ryou was nearly blown off his feet. He held on for dear life and managed to glance over at Yuugi who had his eyes squeezed shut and his fists clenched up by his face as if wishing with all his might for something to happen. Ryou swallowed dryly, still stunned, realizing that this was even stronger than what he had seen before. He was going to have to let Yuugi know that he was no longer a normal boy—something unique had come over him.
"Uh…Yuugi? You might want to look around," Ryou said quietly, still crouched low on the floor.
Yuugi wheeled around to face Ryou, a confused expression on his face. "Ryou, don't you understand! We have to get ou…," Yuugi trailed off and blinked several times to make sure what he saw wasn't an illusion.
The room they had been trapped in, with glass walls, had shattered and they were now standing atop the wooden floor with nothing surrounding them. Ryou's hair was messed up as if a tornado had blown nearby and he was crouching low to the ground as if afraid he'd be swept away. Yuugi's eyes moved all around them realizing they were no longer trapped. He was so stunned he didn't realize his mouth was partially open at first.
"How…when…who…," Yuugi struggled.
Ryou felt it was safe to stand up and he brushed himself off. Combing through his hair with his fingers he stepped forward.
"You did it, Yuugi."
Yuugi stared at him still dazed. "Huh? What do you mean? All I did was shout a bit to vent my anger."
"That's what I mean," Ryou insisted. "This happened before when we were stuck in the dungeon. You did the same thing—shout and wish we could somehow get out and then the door burst open. You thought it was so lucky, but I was certain you had done it."
"But…how would I be able to do that? Only Yami and the others can do things like that!" Yuugi exclaimed, trying to make sense of what was going on.
Ryou shrugged uncertainly. "I'm not sure, Yuugi, but somehow you have powers. That's the only explanation. I mean, look at the room! It completely shattered just because you were angry."
Yuugi's eyes widened, but not in shock. What Ryou said triggered something in his mind. Every time he was near Yami and he had gotten mad something similar had happened. Stumbling backward, Yuugi nearly tripped over shards of glass and fell off the ledge. Luckily, Ryou jumped up and caught his arm.
"Yuugi? Yuugi! Are you okay?"
"No…," Yuugi whispered shakily. "It…it can't be true."
"What?" Ryou asked as Yuugi collapsed to the floor. Kneeling down next to him, Ryou stared at his friend with concern.
After a minute of uneasy silence, Yuugi glanced up at Ryou teary-eyed. "That's why Yami couldn't fight back, Ryou. He must've given up his powers and given them to me. That's why I'm able to sense things. Ever since a little while ago I've been feeling different—since that strange, tingly sensation came over me. Yami must've used some sort of strong magic to suck his own powers out. Why would he do that! Why would he endanger himself just for me! Egypt needs him more than I do!" Yuugi exclaimed, his lip quivering.
Ryou took in a deep breath and sat beside him. "He loves you, Yuugi. You know Yami wouldn't be able to fight without you. You give him strength. Maybe, maybe that's not so bad what he did."
"How can you say that! Look at him! HE'S DEAD!" Yuugi shouted as tears fell down his cheeks. His finger pointed down below where the lifeless bodies lay and Ryou's eyes once again looked in the direction of Bakura.
"I know…," Ryou whispered sadly. "I know it seems hard, but they can't be dead."
Yuugi blinked in surprise. "How can you say that? Look at them!"
"I know how it seems Yuugi, but think about it. In order to use their powers—powers that have been bestowed upon them and only them, they would have to be kept alive in order for Kontar to use their abilities. Even if he sucks the power from them, if anything happened to any of them, like their bodies were destroyed, Kontar would most likely lose the power."
"Only until he gets every single power, then he won't need them alive anymore because he'll be immortal," Yuugi spat angrily.
"Maybe so, but that gives us some time," Ryou insisted.
"He's already after Shadi! He's probably there right now destroying him! And then he'll gain immortality and he won't be able to be stopped!" Yuugi exclaimed desperately.
Ryou's lips curled into a soft, gentle smile. "That's not true, Yuugi."
Yuugi glanced up at his friend and saw the hope shining in his eyes. "What?"
"If you have Yami's power then Kontar didn't really suck the power from Yami's body. He just sucked the life essence out of him. Since Yami's power is safe within you, without it Kontar can't become immortal."
Yuugi's eyes widened considerably. Ryou was right—there was a chance!
"Could I…would I be able to use Yami's powers to destroy Kontar?"
"If Yami could do it, why can't you? That's probably why Yami entrusted his powers with you, knowing that Kontar wouldn't think it was possible for you to have the pharaoh's powers. Sure, you could tap into a little bit of it last time, but you probably have ever power of Yami's. You're…you're the most powerful person beside Kontar right now," Ryou said in awe. "And we can escape while Kontar is busy getting Shadi!"
Yuugi stood up quickly and walked toward the edge. "Yes, we can escape, but…where will we go?"
Ryou thought for a minute then stood up as well. "To Yami's palace! His viziers should still be there and once you tell them you have a way to save Yami they might be able to help. Perhaps Fidil could help you learn to control the powers so you know how to use them!"
A soft, subtle smile crossed Yuugi's features and suddenly he embraced Ryou tightly.
"You're a genius, Ryou! If it wasn't for you remaining calm I never would've known this! I mean…to think I have the pharaoh's power. How did I get it?"
"Maybe Fidil knows," Ryou suggested, smiling slightly. "But first we've got to escape before Kontar comes back."
Yuugi nodded with newfound determination. "Right!"
XXXXX
"AHHH!" Shadi cried out as the shield of fire he made around him for protection was penetrated.
The Millennium Scale was just too powerful—he had known that already since he had been the one to help seal it away from the others. How Kontar had escaped the clutches of death again was unknown to him and now he feared he might never get the chance to find out. A huge burst of power came forward and knocked the air out of him, as well as hurled him backward until he slid against the ground. Groaning, he forced himself to stand so he could use the last of his power to try and at least weaken Kontar. There was one ability he had that he could use; one that he was certain Kontar didn't know about. That was his only hope at this point.
The cold, familiar laugh caused him to tense up. Kontar stepped forward with the Millennium Scale stretched out in front of him, ready for his final attack. This was it. Hopefully Yuugi would be able to help them all now—now that the pharaoh was captured as well as the others. Shadi was the remaining one left and he would do his part, but the rest would be up to Yuugi. Unfortunately, the poor, sweet boy would have an even bigger burden than the last time. Instead of the burden of helping Yami fight and keeping the hope alive in Egypt, he would have to fight the battle himself and win…otherwise all of them would perish and Egypt would be under the rule of an evil dictator.
The Millennium Scale was surrounded by red aura all of a sudden—a power that was so strong Shadi winced and stepped back. In the red blast of power a form emitted and took the shape of a dragon—not just any dragon, but the dragon symbolizing pure evil. There were many dragon symbols in the world of the Egyptian pharaohs, and this was the only one that wasn't welcomed. Standing his ground, Shadi closed his eyes momentarily and concentrated on one power and one power only—the power that would hopefully be planted inside of Kontar's body, instead of trying to plant it inside the Millennium Scale, which would prove impossible. If he willed it inside Kontar's actual body then it would affect him when he used the Millennium Scale.
"Trying to summon some more power, Shadi?" Kontar sneered wickedly. "It's no use. You might as well open your eyes and welcome death."
Shadi did not waver in his concentrating and Kontar's sneer faded into a very annoyed and angry expression.
"Fine! Don't take this as defeat, but I know it is!" he seethed.
With a wave of his hand, the dragon form sped cruelly toward Shadi, taunting him with its open mouth and red-flamed body. It engulfed Shadi, sending waves of pain all throughout its body as it slowly sucked his energy and power away. Shadi clenched his jaw so as not to cry out and break his concentration. He could feel the beast's mouth upon him—figuratively that is. It wasn't a real beast, but the power that engulfed him made him feel that it was trying to eat away at his flesh. As Shadi began to weaken, a jet of soft violet aura erupted from his ankh and zoomed toward Kontar. It zapped into his chest and made him stumble but nothing more. Kontar's surprise turned into a wicked grin as the Millennium Scale's power caused Shadi to collapse to the ground unconscious.
"You fool!" Kontar laughed coldly. "Was that the best you could do? It hardly even knocked me off my feet!"
Keith came in at that moment, having been distracting the guards. Kontar gave him temporary abilities to use a bit of magic in order to keep them at bay. He came in looking very smug and Kontar's smirk faded into a disgusted expression. He snapped his fingers and the small bit of power that had been bestowed on Keith vanished, returning back to the Millennium Scale. Keith's smug expression disappeared as he no longer felt supreme.
"Couldn't I be given a little bit of power to keep?"
Kontar made sure his facial expression did not betray his thoughts. Little did Keith know but once Kontar turned immortal, which he would right after absorbing Shadi's powers, he didn't need him anymore. However…he supposed he could keep him around to help him take control of Egypt. Then he could kill him, or force him to be his slave and guard the bodies of the former Egyptians while he took over Egypt and the world.
"Perhaps you can earn it. Once you help me take control of Egypt that is, I might just bestow you with some power and make you my right-hand advisor."
Keith's eyes widened with awe. "And then I can have my own slaves to boss around too?"
Kontar smirked coldly and nodded, knowing very well he was lying. Well, kind of lying. He would allow Keith his own slaves for a short while just to convince him to keep helping. Then once he was certain his power would be forever the strongest and he wouldn't be able to die, he'd make Keith fear him and do as he pleased. Until then, it would be fun toying with his mind.
"Yes!" Keith exclaimed, hopping on one foot like a little boy who had gotten a new toy. "Sweet! I promise I won't let you down."
"That's all I ask," Kontar said, sneering as he realized just how easy it was to manipulate him. "Now, lift Shadi's body up on the horse so we can get back."
"Aren't you going to drain their powers?"
"Unfortunately, I have to do so back at the underground fortress. I am not yet immortal and since I was brought back to life in that underground fortress after we paid a visit to the hag, I'm strongest there…for now. Soon I will be the strongest no matter where I am. Until then, we've got to get back there. He is the last person I need!" Kontar exclaimed, gesturing his hand for Keith to do as he asked.
Wanting to gain powers eventually, Keith didn't hesitate as he did as Kontar asked. Shadi was a bit heavy unconscious, but he was able to drag him toward the horses and very slowly hoist him up to lie stomach down over the horse's back.
"Giddiup!" Keith shouted with glee, kicking the horse's side to get it to go immediately.
Kontar followed right beside him on his own horse and they made their way back to the underground fortress. He glanced back once to make sure no guards were following, in case Keith failed to knock one of them out, but it appeared he actually did a successful job. Once they returned, Kontar ushered Keith to hurriedly get in the hidden elevator, covered over by dirt, so that they could get inside. It took them down after coming out of the ground so they could get in, and in its place there was ground of sand and dirt as if the elevator had never been there. Kontar's excitement was growing as the elevator took them all the way down to the bottom floor where there was a secret lever, so small it was invisible and too high for anyone human to reach, unless they had powers that could hit it for them, to get them into the special room with the mechanism.
Keith dragged Shadi's unconscious body into the room while Kontar made another, and the last, rectangular container filled with the hag's formula that he had stolen to keep all of the bodies inside the liquid in a deep sleep…for all eternity. Keith placed Shadi's body upon the mechanism that lifted him up. Kontar made sure it kept his body in place as he again pulled out the Millennium Scale and smiled so maliciously even Keith was too afraid to look happy for his victory. The Millennium Scale glowed again, a ghastly green hue, and slowly a smoky aura came out of it, wrapping entirely around Shadi's body and seeping into his nose and mouth to suck the life essence and power from him from the inside-out. Shadi's body glowed brightly and a golden hue was sucked out of his body, mixing with the ghastly green aura and was all sucked back inside the Millennium Scale.
Kontar watched with deep, wicked eyes as the Millennium Scale glowed again, having absorbed the last of the power he needed. He could no longer hold back the long, cold laugh that erupted from his throat finally having achieved his long-lived dream. He had long since forgotten about his father wanting him to claim the throne all just for him, or his mother wanting him to claim the throne of Egypt just so she could be wealthy herself—no…it was all his own revenge done only for himself. As a child, and even older, he was extremely and dangerously jealous of the pharaoh line—the powerful one; the one not written in history because of its secretive nature. He wanted all that power, all that control, the immortality that the pharaohs had.
Never in his life would he admit he was afraid of death, but knowing now that he contained all the powers he needed to keep himself from death he felt empowered…like he could do anything. And he could, as a matter of fact, do anything he wanted now. Holding himself back from trying something on Keith to test out his new immortality, he just smirked victoriously and wheeled around to face his servant.
"Bring Yuugi and his friend down here, I want them to be here while I celebrate my immortality," Kontar ordered.
Keith raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. Going to another hidden elevator in the room, he rose up till he reached the room where Yuugi and Ryou were held captive. Kontar approached the star mechanism, or as the hag had called it, the mechanisme van kwaad, as the Dutch would say. The hag knew many, many different languages and used spell books and recipes and voodoo practice books from all different countries. This mechanism was incredibly difficult to build even after creating the formula that was the transparent, blue liquid, but with some blueprints from some of the alchemy books she stored he was able to control some very talented architects (namely Yuugi's grandpa and the other older man, whom Marik had apparently captured in order to interrogate about the Orb) with the power from the Millennium Rod so that they could build it for him—under mind-control of course. Yuugi had no idea that Kontar brought back the grandpa and the older man, only in a very deep sleep, to their homes. They wouldn't be awakened unless he either lifted the spell, or if he was destroyed, which was impossible now.
Yes, the "mechanism of evil" as it was translated was exactly that. It was like a soul-snatcher—able to control anything that was placed on it, which meant the bodies in the containers couldn't be touched now that they were all on the mechanism. It was true genius—whichever alchemist thought it up. The sound of the elevator brought him out of his thoughts and he sneered as he turned around to face the elevator. Keith came walking out very slowly looking unhappy. Kontar's sneer faded into a look of anger.
"Why haven't you brought him down? Just force him if he won't come willingly!"
"Uh…that's a problem," Keith said, swallowing thickly. "Yuugi and his friend…they somehow…escaped."
Kontar's eyes were ablaze with a fire that showed his rage. Keith backed away as Kontar's face contorted into fury.
"WHAT! That's not possible! They were surrounded by magic! You did turn the shield on, didn't you?" Kontar's eyes flashed dangerously.
"I'm positive I did! I swear to you! Maybe…maybe it ran out of power and the shield came down," Keith said uncertainly.
Kontar's eyes narrowed. "I don't care how it happened, just find them and bring them back! NOW!"
Keith immediately nodded and ran out the door to go fetch the horse and search for their whereabouts. Kontar took deep breaths, reminding himself that even though they got away once they were found they would be extremely easy to control and force back into his clutches now that he was immortal. Smiling coldly, he tucked his Millennium Scale safely away with him and left the room, anticipating the return of his soon-to-be servants.
XXXXX
Tired and nervous, Yuugi approached the palace walls noticing that there weren't very many guards around. As they approached, some of the guards right outside the door held up their weapons, but upon recognizing him, let him through. Ryou stuck close to Yuugi, only having been in there once, and looked around once they were inside.
"I don't believe it."
Yuugi and Ryou turned to see Fidil walking toward them, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"You made it."
Yuugi felt a bit confused. Instead of saying "you're alive!" or something, he was more surprised that they made it—almost like he had been expecting them.
"Fidil…I…," Yuugi trailed off, swallowing thickly. "Yami's been captured."
Fidil's eyes saddened and he nodded. "I know."
Yuugi blinked in confusion and surprise. "You…know?"
Fidil sighed and gestured for them to follow him. "We have a lot to talk about Yuugi, come."
Ryou felt a bit awkward, but Yuugi had reassured him before that even though the viziers at the palace didn't know him very well, Yuugi needed his help. Ryou would do all that he could…especially since he wanted to save Bakura, as well as the others. Fidil led them into the meeting room and they both sat down silently, all of them too lost in thought at the bad situations that have happened. Fidil finally cleared his throat.
"Would either of you like something to eat or drink?"
Yuugi and Ryou both shook their heads. They didn't feel very hungry or thirsty after everything they had been through so far.
"Well…where should I start?" Fidil said quietly. "I suppose you should know, Yuugi, what Yami has done."
"Has he…has he given me his powers?" Yuugi asked tentatively.
Fidil's head snapped up and he stared back in surprise. "You figured it out?"
"Actually, Ryou really did," Yuugi said, smiling gently at his friend. "Why did he do it?"
"Because you would be one of the last people Kontar would think had powers. You are not from around here, nor are you connected to the line of the pharaohs. However, Kontar doesn't understand many things, including the strength of love and friendship," Fidil explained, smiling sadly. "You and our pharaoh have sealed a bond that none of us could possibly understand—only you two. And because of this bond, last time, you were able to feel some of his powers and use a little. Now though you are completely in control. The powers have been activated since feeling Yami's…defeat," he choked out, "and now that they are harbored inside of you, you are their new master, so-to-speak. That is only because Yami needed Kontar to believe he had defeated him and got his power. Kontar will think he's invincible now, but he's not…not without the power now harbored inside of you."
Ryou's eyes widened. "It was all a trick. Yami knew it was a trap but he went there to convince Kontar that he would be defeated by allowing himself to be captured."
Fidil nodded. "Exactly. Now with the pharaoh's powers you have all his abilities, but his weaknesses too. The stronger the power you use, depending on how much you use, the more exhausted you're going to feel. Yami never used to need a lot of time to recuperate, especially during a battle because he was extremely determined, but you will feel yourself being drained when you begin to use his powers. Just remember, that Yami, and all of us, believe in you, Yuugi. We know you can do this," Fidil smiled gently.
Yuugi took in a deep shaky breath. "Are you going to help me learn how to use these powers?"
"I can tell you everything I know and you can practice, but our time is limited. Kontar will be searching for you once he knows you're gone and it won't take him long to find out you've come here. There is, however, a temple that we will send you to—Isis' temple, the only she was captured at. Kontar will think that you have come here thinking that you are safe in the palace, but he won't think to check the temple right away. It will give you more time, after I tell you everything I know about the pharaoh's powers."
Yuugi nodded in understanding, as did Ryou. "What can I do to help?" Ryou asked.
"Well…I know you had a bond with Bakura, but unfortunately I'm sure he's been captured by now," Fidil said, as Ryou nodded sadly knowing he had been. "So you can't tap into his powers now, but you can still help Yuugi train to learn how to use his powers. Being his friend though, Kontar will try and capture you again because he knows that Yuugi has a big heart, a lot like the pharaoh and he will try to use those you love, Yuugi, to try and defeat you. Once he realizes you harbor the pharaoh's power and he is not immortal he will do anything to get the power, trust me," Fidil said darkly. "You both need to be prepared. There's no more time. I will give you Isis' book of prophecies that also contains all the information about the pharaoh's line and his abilities. That will be how you learn about the powers, but you'll have to learn how to use them yourself. For even I don't know how the pharaoh does it. You two need to leave now," he said, standing up and going to retrieve Isis' book. "You need to get there before Kontar gets to the palace."
Yuugi and Ryou glanced nervously at each other, but nodded in agreement. Fidil retrieved the book and handed it to Yuugi, giving him a comforting smile to tell him that he trusted him completely. Smiling back very subtly, Yuugi took the book and held it close to him. Then, they were both given horses and told where the temple was and how to get inside. Immediately, they set off for the temple in a hurry to get there safely.
The temple was hidden in a secret location, but Kontar already knew about it since he had captured Isis from there. It would, however, give Yuugi a little bit of time to practice the ability that was given to him. Once inside, Yuugi read and flipped through Isis' book quietly as Ryou made sure to watch all the windows to make sure no one was coming. Yuugi understood which abilities Yami had, but how to tap into them would be difficult, especially since Yami himself wasn't here to tell him how to do it. Sighing with exhaustion and worry, Yuugi shut the book and curled into a ball.
Ryou, seeing this, approached his friend's side and wrapped a comforting arm around him.
"You have to have faith, Yuugi, otherwise it will be easier for you to be defeated as well," Ryou tried to reassure him gently.
Yuugi glanced up and nodded slowly. "I know, Ryou…I just…I just never thought it would come to this. If I lose, Yami, Bakura, Fidil, and all the others will be forever gone. Kontar might even put you into the same state as the others but me…not me, I know what he wants with me," Yuugi said bitterly. "He would never kill me, or put me into the same state, he wants me alive…alive forever to serve him just to spite Yami even in death."
Ryou rubbed his back, not sure what to say to soothe his friend. It was an incredibly huge burden, one that Ryou knew he didn't deserve to carry, but it was Egypt's only hope.
Yuugi glanced up at him, teary-eyed. "I don't want him to take you away from me too, Ryou. I need you there with me while I fight. Without you there…I'll lose hope, I know it."
The smile Ryou gave him was so genuine and kind that Yuugi's eyes only welled up with more tears. Sniffling, he wiped his nose and glanced back down. Unconsciously, he reached up to his chest to feel his heart beat and felt something round and solid instead. Blinking, Yuugi glanced down as he pulled out the item from around his neck. It was gorgeous necklace Horus had given him a while before. With everything happening, he had completely forgotten about it.
Carefully, Yuugi slipped it off his neck and Ryou glanced at him curiously as he held it out for him.
"This is for you…for luck, I mean," Yuugi smiled sadly.
"Thank you…it's beautiful," Ryou whispered, as he took it, marveling at the craftsmanship and the gorgeous stone in the center. Feeling very grateful, Ryou slipped it around his neck, realizing that for such a large gem hanging from the chain it didn't feel at all heavy; it was like it was weightless. Eyes dimming with gratitude, Ryou put his arms around Yuugi in a gentle embrace.
"This means a lot to me, Yuugi. No body's ever given me something so beautiful. Are you sure you want me to have it?" Ryou asked, his eyes level with his.
Yuugi nodded instantly. "Of course, Ryou. You're my best friend, and you deserve it, especially since we're going to have an incredibly difficult task ahead of us. And I just…I wanted to give you something, in case…in case, you know, we…get separated," Yuugi said quietly, his voice dripping with sadness.
Ryou sadly understood why Yuugi felt it so important to give him something…anything that told him how important of a friend he was. Ryou was very grateful, even if it was a gift in a tragic moment—a moment of reality in which they knew there was a possibility they might never see each other again. Nodding, Ryou stood back up and looked down at his friend in determination.
"Come on, Yuugi, you've got some practicing to do."
With a melancholy smile on his face, Yuugi wiped briefly at his eyes and stood up, fully prepared to try his best to understand Yami's powers. After all, it was up to him to destroy Kontar once and for all.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note:I know…kind of sad ending, but hopefully uplifting too. The next chapter is most likely going to be MUCH longer because it's the beginning of the battle. And it'll have a ton of action! I hope to get it up soon!
To Reviewers:
Yana5: Awwww, I know you feel scared you'll never see Yami again, but there's always hope, right? That's why we must count on Yuugi now!
SilverWing147: Awwwwwwwwwww, thanks! Hehehe! Yeah, it's been a while since I've stayed up that late, but I am so glad I got it finished. And I'm even more glad that I got this up so quickly. Next chapter will be really action-packed! I hope you understand a little more of what Yami did. If not, I'll make sure it's explained by the end. Hehehe! Don't worry, more romance to come, promise…as you can tell by the early warning note at the beginning!
Yimi Makuya: I know, I know, I bet everyone was wishing and hoping Yuugi would just jump on Kontar and beat him with his little fists, but then the story would end too abruptly, right? It's more fun when the suspense is slowly brought in to a climax. Sorry if you're suffering. Hehe!
Padfoot13: I hope this was a quick update! I know you're worried about Yami and this chapter didn't show any real good news about Yami's condition, but at least you know there's hope in Yuugi, right? Promise to try and update this asap!
YamiyugifadadicLol! Trust me, I'm sure Yuugi is promising himself to die before serving Kontar. However, if he loses and Kontar gets immortality it might be a little challenging to kill himself when Kontar will definitely force him to remain alive…just a little.
SpufFanAww, thanks! I'm so glad I got that chapter up and this one too! Actually, no, I haven't watched Yu-Gi-Oh GX at all. From the previews on TV though it didn't look like Yuugi would be in at all, so that made me sad. Honestly, I missed the entire ending of Yu-Gi-Oh since I've been so busy. The last episode I ever saw was way back when Yuugi and Yami were like…floating and pulling out a sword from some ice block…could you maybe tell me what happens? Hehehe…yeah, I don't get a lot of time to watch TV anymore, but at least I get some time to work on stories.
Atemu Yugi Lover34: I know, I bet everyone was hoping that Yami would magically retrieve back some of his powers, destroy Kontar, save Yuugi and Ryou and then live happily ever after. But that would just be too easy, right? Trust me, this will be better, promise. And there will be a lot more fluffy, yummy romance to come! Tehehehe!
RaysGirl4Ever: Err…hello. Um, interesting review. Thanks for the concern…I guess, but I promise you I didn't spell Yuugi wrong. You can ask anyone who knows both the Japanese version and English version of Yu-Gi-Oh. In Japan, "Yugi's" name is spelled Yuugi. It means game. "Yugi" doesn't have any translation in Japanese—it's the American version of the name. In fact, in Japan, or at least in the comics, which Yu-Gi-Oh was originally based on, Yami isn't Yami, he's really Atemu. Anywhoo…that's all.
DarlaLa mosca Tete: Aww, how sweet! Hehehehe! I hope you get a chance to read it, because now there's another chapter to read too! Wow…you're a teacher! Must be pretty busy, huh? At least you get summers off, right?