Rebirth
Chapter 14: Rebirth
It was burning horribly, like acid trying to eat away at his skin. Yuugi cried out, tears rushing down his cheeks as blood seeped onto his clothes. He plummeted to the ground, wincing from the excruciating pain. The blast from Kontar had been enough, having surrounded him with black aura, ripping and shedding his clothes till it sliced at his skin, but being thrown caused the pain to double. He was already too exhausted to try anything more than shields and small blasts of power. It was too much; he wasn't as strong as Yami. He didn't know how to use most of his powers and the ones he did know were having no effect.
Heavy footsteps caused him to very slowly turn his head. Kontar's robe billowed around his body as he stepped into view. Although he was a little battered and bruised he had suffered little damage compared to Yuugi.
"You are no match for me, little Yuugi," Kontar sneered. "Even with Yami's powers. You are a mere mortal who doesn't understand the power bestowed upon you, which is why I deserve to have it."
Shaking from being so sore and tired, Yuugi slowly lifted himself off the ground. He winced and held his wounded shoulder.
"You're mortal too," he said, his voice cracking from being so weak. "You were anyway. You sold your soul so you could possess power, but it's evil power!"
"Yes, it's the power of the Shadows. But you don't realize, foolish boy, that the Millennium Items all have Shadow powers in them. Without it, they couldn't control the Shadow realm and all the evil that dwells within it. Once I have all the powers, however, I will release the Shadow realm upon the entire world!" Kontar smirked, chuckling with amusement. "No one will have the power to stop it or fight it. They'll all turn to me, begging me for mercy and to protect them from an eternity of hell in the Shadow realm. Just by simply agreeing to be my servants, I will spare whomever's life I want. I'll have the ultimate control and power! Something that Yami was too afraid to try and obtain."
"He wasn't afraid!" Yuugi shouted, wincing because his chest hurt. "He knew that the Shadow realm can't be controlled, not when its full power is released! It'll kill everyone including you! And Yami knew that! He respects the Shadow realm's powers just like he respects the powers he has. You take the powers for granted and that's what destroyed you the first two times! You still haven't learned your lesson!"
"SILENCE!" Kontar roared, lifting up his hand with fingers spread apart.
Yuugi was hurled backward painfully and rolled on the ground several times. He lay on his back, breathing heavily and groaning from the burning sensation all over his body. His muscles felt like they had all been stretched too far and his skin was sizzling from being scorched by the powers of the four other Millennium items that were inside of Kontar.
"AHHHH! STOP!" Yuugi screamed as he felt something tight wrap around him, squeezing his wounds.
Kontar's sneering face and cold maroon eyes stared down at him from above. He was hovering over Yuugi now, having trapped him on the ground. With a simple flick of his wrist, Yuugi's body was levitated up several feet off the ground.
"Now I believe it's time to retrieve what is mine," Kontar laughed coldly.
He brought his gloved hand toward Yuugi's frightened face with a victorious spark in his eyes.
"STOP IT KONTAR!"
Yuugi's head jerked to the side, causing more pain to flare but his eyes caught sight of Ryou meters away. Kontar's eyes locked into Ryou's and his hand pulled away from Yuugi's face. Smirking, he turned with a bemused expression.
"Well, well, looks like we have another guest."
"Don't you touch him!" Ryou snapped angrily, his fists clenched by his sides.
Kontar laughed loudly, his cold voice echoing the vast space. "Don't make me waste my powers on you, foolish mortal! Yuugi's precious life is mine, as are Yami's powers. Now, stay out of my way if you want to live longer!" he hissed, bending down and grabbing Yuugi by the throat.
The Millennium Scale floated up out of his robe and Yuugi's eyes widened fearfully.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you!" Ryou snapped heatedly. "Do it and you'll be making a big mistake!"
Kontar's eyes narrowed and he squeezed Yuugi's throat tighter, making him cry out. Ryou's eyes flickered in concern when they landed on Yuugi but he turned his hard expression back on Kontar.
"If you try to suck the power out of him it'll destroy both you and him!" Ryou shouted.
Yuugi gagged but was suddenly released as Kontar's hand slipped away from his throat. The Millennium Scale's glow died down but it remained floating beside him. Kontar was now completely turned around facing Ryou.
"You think you can fool me!" he hissed.
"I'm not lying!" Ryou shouted. "I've unlocked the final piece of the Orb!"
Kontar's eyes widened and his sneer turned into an angry expression. "WHAT! That's impossible! I've had the Orb with me the entire time and I've had men upon men searching to make sure there was nothing else about it I had to worry about!"
"You didn't have this!" Ryou shouted, pulling out the necklace Yuugi gave him.
"The necklace," Yuugi whispered in awe.
Kontar's eyes immediately snapped on him with a flick of his wrist Yuugi fell down. He grabbed Yuugi by his hair and pulled him up roughly.
"Where did you get that necklace?" he demanded. "WHERE DID YOU GET IT!"
Yuugi cried out again as Kontar squeezed his sore shoulder.
"F-from Horus," he choked out.
"That stupid bird that is dear to Yami? Where would he have gotten it? Unless…," Kontar glanced up, his eyebrows furrowing. "So that's what Isis was hiding from me! I knew there was something she wasn't telling me that day in the temple! She must've given that necklace to Horus to keep it away from me, knowing it was the key to the Orb! That foolish woman!" he hissed angrily.
"Yes, and now the Orb is gone. Now that its purpose is clear," Ryou said. "I'm the only person here who knows what the Orb said."
Kontar's eyes narrowed. "You will tell me, or else I will kill Yuugi painfully," he said, squeezing him so tight it brought tears to Yuugi's eyes.
"If you kill him then Yami's power will vanish!" Ryou exclaimed. "I know you won't kill him and you can't absorb Yami's power because it will destroy you and Yuugi."
"If this is true then why would the pharaoh transfer his powers into him?" Kontar snapped.
"Yami didn't know," Ryou answered firmly. "Not even Isis knew the real purpose of the Orb, she just knew there was something else about it. She didn't unlock the Orb with the necklace because she knew that you were coming for her and she didn't want to possess the knowledge you needed."
"So what are you telling me, boy?" Kontar snapped. "I don't have all day here. If you don't spit it out I'll kill the both of you!"
"You won't once I tell you what I learned from the Orb," Ryou retorted. "The Orb showed me things…things that probably no one else knows. For one, you think once you have Yami's power that you'll be invincible. That's not true."
"You fool! The power of all the Millennium Items combined gives immortality!"
"Yes, all of them, but you've only got five in you right now. There are six Millennium Items total," Ryou explained.
"That's impossible! There were only these five in Egypt!"
"You're wrong! The last one was hidden in the sacred burial grounds of Yami's sanctuary—his golden tomb where Yuugi first freed his spirit. It's where the puzzle was kept as well, except that you didn't realize Yami had not one but two millennium items! His crown is the last millennium item! And without it, there's no way you can gain immortality," Ryou explained.
Yuugi let a small smile show, grateful that Ryou had come to his aid. If that was true then Kontar would now be powerless. Kontar's eyes locked onto Yuugi noticing his smile and angrily he grabbed his throat and lifted him up in the air. Yuugi choked and struggled in his grip and Ryou took a step forward, stunned by the sudden move.
"If this is true, then I'll suck all of Yami's powers out of him and find that crown! If it's on his body I'll steal it! It shouldn't be hard now that he's dead! But first I'll take care of Yuugi first to ensure my victory!" Kontar shouted, pointing his Millennium Scale at Yuugi.
"NO! You can't! I said it would destroy you both, didn't you hear me!" Ryou shouted, taking another step forward.
"I've sucked out all the powers from the other Millennium Items, this is no different! You are bluffing!" Kontar hissed, as Yuugi began to glow feeling the painful burn from the Millennium Scale.
"Yami's powers cannot be absorbed like the rest of them!" Ryou cried out desperately, staring at his struggling friend who was growing weaker. "He didn't realize it, but his Millennium Crown holds the connection between all of the Items! If you try and absorb it, you'll kill Yuugi and Yami, which will release the Shadows! Yami's powers keep the Shadows at bay and if you release them they'll destroy everything, including you!"
Kontar growled loudly and threw Yuugi to the ground. Yuugi groaned as he felt his back hit the ground hard. Ryou made his move and ran to Yuugi's side, grabbing him gently and helping him to his feet.
"You expect me to believe that I can't handle Yami's powers? That I can't control the Shadows?" Kontar yelled, pointing his Millennium Scale at Ryou.
"You can't! The Orb showed me that it can only be controlled by Yami because he is the only one with the power to control the Egyptian Gods."
"I have controlled Ra before!" Kontar hissed, glaring heatedly at him. "I controlled him so I can control the Shadows!"
"You couldn't control him for long!" Ryou shot back angrily. "You lost your control because you took Ra for granted! You didn't respect him and if you didn't respect him you won't respect the Shadow Realm! No one but Yami can control the Shadows! That's why he's in the prophecy! That's why he was the one to sacrifice his life and be reborn again! Yami is the only pharaoh ever to have the power of Rebirth!"
"SILENCE!" Kontar roared as the Millennium Scale shot out a dark line of power.
"NO!" Yuugi shouted, pushing Ryou out of the way.
It hit him causing electric pain all throughout his nerves. Yuugi screamed loudly, feeling the burning all over. Within seconds it was over and Yuugi slumped to the ground. Ryou scrambled over to his friend, checking his wounds.
"It actually doesn't look too bad," Ryou said.
Yuugi winced and sat up with Ryou's help. "I can take it…more than you. Yami's powers protect me."
"Yuugi, listen to me," Ryou whispered. "You've got to use—AHH!"
Kontar grabbed Ryou by the hair and lifted him away from Yuugi.
"RYOU! Leave him alone!" Yuugi shouted, struggling to stand up.
"I will not allow you two to share secrets!" he hissed, holding Ryou firmly.
"Yuugi! Use the Egyptian Gods! Combined they can drive all the power out of him!" Ryou shouted and Kontar scowled angrily and hurled Ryou yards away.
Ryou skidded against the ground and with a flick of Kontar's wrist tight rope was wound around him so he wouldn't move. Kontar wheeled back around to face Yuugi who was staring with worry at his friend.
"You don't have the power to summon anything!" Kontar shouted. "I don't care what that foolish boy says! I can control the Shadows and the Egyptian Gods! And I will!"
Yuugi stepped back fearfully, knowing that Ryou was right. If Kontar stupidly tried to kill him and absorb Yami's powers he would be setting free an apocalypse that would destroy all life, including his. He was the foolish one, but he was too blinded by his obsession with power. Yuugi couldn't let him win. He had to summon the Gods, but how? Yuugi gasped and dodged Kontar's attack, rolling on the ground to get away from it. Suddenly, he remembered his dream—the night he had dreamt about Yami's past when he had summoned the huge dragon beast. Perhaps all he needed to do was summon one in order to summon all three.
Picking himself up, Yuugi ran to distance himself away from Kontar. He heard Kontar's cold laughter behind him and knew his plan was working. Kontar thought he was running away with fear, but he just needed a couple extra minutes to try and concentrate on summoning one of Yami's most powerful abilities. Yuugi stopped when he came to a hill. Glancing down he realized it was a really far drop down. To his left only led to another dead end—the ruins of an old village. There was no where to run now.
Closing his eyes, Yuugi imaged what he had seen in his dream. He saw Yami standing in front of his palace protecting his people. Laughter echoed around him and he knew Kontar was nearby, walking toward him but still a distance away.
"You foolish boy! Don't waste your last breath trying to summon a power like that."
"Beast of the Sky!" Yuugi shouted, with his arms stretched above his head. "Slifer, come to my aid!"
Yuugi concentrated on how Slifer looked inwardly begging him to appear. He opened his eyes to see Kontar's smirking face meters away. Nothing was happening.
"You couldn't possibly comprehend the power needed to summon something so powerful," Kontar sneered, raising his Millennium Scale. "A God Beast does not take orders from a mortal with no po—"
Kontar was cut off as the sky rumbled above them. Yuugi kept his arms in the air, feeling a very strange sensation through his chest and arms. He didn't know if it was from holding that position for over a minute, or if it was because of—
"This can't be!" Kontar exclaimed.
Lightning flashed around them, striking the ground in various places. It kept Kontar from trying to approach Yuugi and stop him. A very strong energy seemed to be lifted out of his body, as if he was suddenly floating. At first, he felt relief and then he squeezed his eyes shut as a new, heavier sensation came over him. It was trying to weigh him down, as if he was suddenly holding something up. Pain, much like an electric shock, spread through his arms but somehow Yuugi remained steady.
A horrendous howl filled the air and Yuugi's eyes snapped open. He glanced up toward the sky and saw a crimson tail poking through the clouds. It had jagged silverish spikes on the surface of the scales. Huge talons connected to a three-toed foot came next. Yuugi watched in awe as the familiar beast appeared completely, its huge mouth opening in a loud roar as it floated just above him.
I can't believe it! I summoned an Egyptian God Beast! I did it! I…
Yuugi's joy plummeted as he fell to his knees, feeling weaker than he had ever in his life. The amount of energy and power it took was so strong and it hadn't hit him until Slifer had fully appeared. He could barely stand up. How was he supposed to summon all three if he couldn't even handle one?
"Congratulations, Yuugi," Kontar sniggered softly, taking several steps toward him. "You've managed to impress me by summoning Yami's precious beast. Being human though you can't possibly have the strength to command him now that he's here. This beast," he gestured with a hand toward Slifer, "should be in my control. He'll respect me more than you."
His muscles burned but Yuugi still forced himself to stand. He was weak, he was tired, he was afraid he'd lose, but then his eyes settled on his friend Ryou who was still unconscious and tied up. His thoughts strayed to Yami, Shadi, Bakura, Isis and Marik. They were all victims. Kontar had taken many victims in his life, and the last two times that he came back with the Millennium Scale. Yuugi wouldn't just sit by and let him win. Even if it took everything out of him he was going to summon the other two beasts.
"Slifer, attack him!" Yuugi shouted.
Slifer howled loudly and charged toward Kontar, who readied his Millennium Scale to protect himself. Yuugi could feel more energy draining as Slifer spit out a whirling ball of power. Biting his lip, Yuugi inwardly pleaded to have the strength to summon another beast. He prayed hard and felt the familiar tingle upon his forehead.
"Obelisk, appear before me to help Slifer!" Yuugi shouted.
"You fool! You can't handle that!" Kontar exclaimed, as he floated in the air to dodge Slifer's attack and threw one at him.
The power from the Millennium Scale hit Slifer square in the chest and he howled in pain and was thrown backward. Slifer shook it off then rose to the sky once more. Yuugi put his hands together and concentrated, blocking out the sounds of the battle.
He heard the lightning strike the ground around him and knew it was coming. A moment later, a sharp pain tore at every muscle in his arms and legs. He wobbled but managed to balance himself so his knees wouldn't give way. A thunderous roar filled the air and Yuugi felt the ground quake as the other Egyptian God Beast landed. Yuugi felt extremely dizzy and nauseous, but he turned his head to see a massive, blue beast with long muscular arms and longs.
"Obelisk! Help Slifer!"
The beast roared and then jumped in front of Slifer to block Kontar's attack. Together the two God Beasts attacked at random intervals, but Kontar managed to dodge each attack or shield himself in a bubble created by his Item.
"You will never live to summon the third, you fool!" Kontar snapped, seeing as Yuugi caught himself from falling.
His lungs burned and he could scarcely breathe, but he closed his eyes, thinking of Yami. Tears fell down his cheeks and again he placed his hands together.
"RA! COME FORTH!" Yuugi bellowed weakly, raising his shaky arms to the sky.
Thunder roared above him and Yuugi cried out in pain as he felt his body straining with handling the power. It burned and tore and exhausted him all at once. Yuugi fell to his knees, but kept his arms shakily raised in the air. His eyes were clenched shut and his breathing was ragged.
"R—RA! C-COME!" Yuugi choked out.
A huge caw, like a bird but definitely twenty times louder and more intense, echoed around him. Yuugi's arms were shaking so badly and his nerves were on fire. The ground shook a bit beneath him and Yuugi's arms dropped to the ground with his palms touching the dirt. Gasping for air, Yuugi raised his head with difficulty.
"RA! Attack K-kontar in the side," Yuugi struggled.
"You stupid mortal!" Kontar laughed loudly. "That attack will hardly do anything now that you have three beasts to control! You're as good as dead!"
Kontar raised his Millennium Scale to block Ra's attack. Just as he was preparing to cancel out Ra's attack, Yuugi looked to Slifer.
"Slifer, attack his other side!"
Slifer hollered to the sky before charging and throwing a long, sizzling line of power toward Kontar's other side.
Kontar scowled darkly and raised his other hand to block that attack, leaving the Millennium Scale wide open.
"Obelisk! Hit the Millennium Scale!"
Before Kontar even finished blocking Slifer's attack, Obelisk howled menacingly and tore a fist toward Kontar right at the Millennium Scale. Kontar wheeled his head just in time and was able to use his free hand to shield himself, but Obelisk had already sent enough of a force to knock the Item out of his hand. It hurtled high in the air and Kontar began rising up off the ground.
Yuugi was on his elbows and couldn't breathe. His whole body felt like it was under so much weight that all his bones would crack any second. With one last breath he yelled:
"S-slifer…Obelisk…Ra…attack…t-the Item…to-gether!" he choked out, his head suddenly slinging down to face the ground.
He was still struggling to keep his body up, despite being on his hands and knees. He heard the roars and howls and inclined his head, ever-so-slowly, wincing as he saw all three God Beasts in the air on either side of the Item. Kontar was in the middle of them, with a furious expression, reaching up toward it with fingers outstretched. Slifer opened its huge mouth and let out a smaller line of power, since Yuugi was now growing too weak to handle anything more. With hands shaking, he pushed himself up a tiny bit farther and Ra was able to throw out a sizzling ball. Finally, struggling with every last breath to keep his head up, Obelisk hurtled a punch toward the Item, following the other attacks. A huge explosion sounded and Yuugi couldn't hold himself up any longer. He collapsed with a thud and lay motionless on the ground.
One by one, each of the God Beasts vanished in a brilliant golden light as the power faded away. Yuugi wasn't strong enough to keep them there any longer. Coughing and gasping heavily, Yuugi managed to lift his head up a tiny bit and blinked several times. There lying on the ground several meters away was the Millennium Scale. There was a large crack in it now, but otherwise it appeared the same, only it was lying in the dirt. Suddenly, a noise nearby alerted him and Yuugi turned his head to see a figure approaching him with the familiar torn robe and cold, maroon eyes. Kontar's hands rose up and clapped together as he sneered down at Yuugi.
"So that was the show you wanted to present to me, Yuugi? I'm sure your pharaoh would be greatly disappointed," Kontar chided mockingly. "I am impressed, however, that you lived to summon all three beasts, of course the beasts weren't at their strongest. Nevertheless, I underestimated you. Still, all you did was put a small scratch into the Millennium Scale. As you can see," Kontar smirked as he flicked his hand palm up and the Scale floated to him, "I can still use its power. You didn't destroy it. It would take way more than that to destroy it. Perhaps if Yami were here and he had summoned his three beasts it might've worked, but your precious pharaoh is gone forever now and soon I will have obtained his powers."
Yuugi was too weak to fight or even move as Kontar held the Millennium Scale in his direction. Within seconds, Yuugi's body was lifted off the ground and held up at Kontar's waist level.
"Finally, Yami's powers will be mine!" Kontar laughed victoriously, reaching his hands up to the sky.
The Millennium Scale glowed brightly and Yuugi cried out as a black, powered energy wrapped around his body. Waves of sizzling black mist circled around him, seeping into his nose and mouth. Yuugi could barely struggle even as he inhaled it, feeling the frigid, heavy settling of it inside of him. Yuugi couldn't even feel any bit of power left in him he was so weak; there was nothing he could use to fight against Kontar. He was going to get Yami's power and then…then what Ryou said would come true. The Shadows would be released and an apocalypse would rapidly occur.
And even worse, there was a possibility Kontar could find a way to use Yami's powers to sustain his life, by perhaps combining his soul with the Shadow Realm. Yami's powers were originally used to cast the Shadows away, but if Kontar began using Yami's powers for evil, such as killing innocents and whatnot, Yami's powers might end up becoming one with the Shadows; evil, powerful and destructive. Then Kontar might actually work with the Shadows and survive, taking over all of Egypt and forcing innocents and Yami's people to agree to serve the Shadows. The world would turn into a living nightmare; a Shadow Realm hell.
And there was nothing Yuugi could do; he felt no power left in him, no strength or anything to fight back. Kontar was still in fairly good shape so even if Yuugi had some power left it wouldn't do much good. It was over...Yuugi would never again see his friends, his grandpa, Egypt, or Yami ever again.
I love you Yami…
Yuugi closed his eyes as tears dripped from the corners, admitting defeat. His body was lowered to the ground and Kontar remained above him.
"Open your eyes little Yuugi. Your friend was wrong. No Shadows have been released and now I want you to see me use Yami's powers," Kontar's cold voice sounded.
"OPEN YOUR EYES!" he hissed angrily, and Yuugi's eyes were suddenly forced open. "There, now behold the power of your new ruler."
Kontar smirked and lifted his arms in the air with his Millennium Scale. "SLIFER! GOD OF THE SKY! COME FORTH TO YOUR NEW MASTER!"
The sky was dark and silent and Yuugi held his breath, hoping and praying nothing would happen. Thunder began rumbling and soon lightning followed, striking the ground as it had before. Yuugi shook his head from side to side, new tears of fear and regret filling his eyes. The familiar tail came forth first, followed by the huge stomach and the sharp talons connected to the strong feet. Slifer came slithering out of the sky, howling loudly—much louder than before when Yuugi had summoned him. He was full of power…
Kontar laughed loudly. "Now you see, Yuugi! I am in control! All of Egypt will soon be mi—"
A blast from Slifer's mouth headed directly towards Kontar, who rapidly shielded himself in a bubble. The power was so strong it made the shield flicker a couple times. Yuugi blinked the tears away, wondering if perhaps Slifer understood what Kontar did.
"You foolish beast! I am your master now! How dare you attack me! BOW DOWN TO ME!" Kontar bellowed, raising the Millennium Scale toward the God Beast.
Slifer roared at him and summoned another blast of power, which Kontar dodged by flying up in the air. He landed right next to Yuugi and lifted him up roughly, placing him in front.
"I command you to stop at once!" Kontar shouted.
Slifer began soaring in the sky and roaring loudly, as if he was angry. Yuugi watched weakly, wishing that he could turn back time. Even if Kontar couldn't control Yami's powers, Egypt and the rest of the world was still in danger because Yuugi failed to defeat him. With several blasts, Slifer destroyed the few trees that were in the area, tearing up the ground as well. Slifer's eyes locked onto Kontar and Yuugi and it hesitated, as if listening for something, then its second mouth on top opened up wide. Kontar saw this and pushed Yuugi forward, causing him to lose his balance since he was so weak. Yuugi fell just as Slifer's blast headed straight for him.
"YOU STUPID BEAST! I will direct your attack back at Yuugi! And once you destroy him, since he was your last master, you will then know to serve me!" Kontar shouted, raising the Millennium Scale, which sent a jet of red, gleaming light straight into the ball of golden light. The ball swerved and aimed right at Yuugi, who was too exhausted and defeated to even try to roll out of the way.
The light exploded around him and Yuugi felt his body being swept up in it. His eyes were clenched shut for several seconds before he realized he wasn't in any pain. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the ball did hit him, only he was now encased inside of it—like a shield.
"What is this!" Kontar hissed furiously. "You were supposed to destroy him!"
"Those weren't his orders."
Kontar's face suddenly froze and he wheeled his body around. Yuugi's head lifted up at the sound of the familiar, deep voice and he turned quickly around from inside the shield. There, standing a short distance away, was Yami with his glorious robe billowing around him and appearing as if he had never been destroyed.
"NO! NO THIS CAN'T BE! YOU'RE DEAD! I DEFEATED YOU!" Kontar roared, fear and fury apparent on his face. "I HAVE YOUR POWERS!"
"I'm afraid not," Yami's lips curled into a smile. "I gave Yuugi my powers and he has proven to not only be the kindest, bravest boy I know but he has once again helped me to save Egypt."
Yuugi's eyes began to water and soon he was crying, not believing that he was actually seeing Yami again.
"HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!" Kontar roared, glaring from Yuugi to Yami.
"It's possible because of the crack in the Millennium Scale," a soft, feminine voice spoke up.
Isis appeared beside Yami, as did Shadi. Yuugi's eyes brightened with relief, happiness and thankfulness seeing all of them alive and alright. Remembering poor Ryou, Yuugi jerked his head to where Ryou had been thrown to see Bakura helping to untie him. Ryou was now conscious and looking utterly confused. As Bakura helped him up though, Ryou threw his arms around him, obviously surprising Bakura. Yuugi smiled inwardly, feeling his happiness grow at the sight.
"That crack is what freed our powers," Isis explained. "And they came back to our bodies. We were able to break free of your imprisonment and when we saw the light in the sky we followed it here. We waited for you to act and when we heard you say you had the pharaoh's powers we knew how to trick you. Yami had his powers back so he conjured up Slifer and used him to get you away from Yuugi so that he could protect him."
"NO! I WON'T BE DEFEATED!" Kontar shouted, pointing the Millennium Scale at Ryou and Bakura, who looked utterly surprised.
"SLIFER!" Yami bellowed as the symbol of the Eye of Horus appeared on his forward.
With swift agility, Slifer swooped down and lifted Bakura and Ryou out of the way of Kontar's attack. Shadi then raised his ankh, which glowed brightly and a line of golden light erupted from it hitting the Millennium Scale. Kontar tried to keep it in his hands, but Shadi's power was too great and managed to bring the Millennium Scale to his hands.
"Now you are powerless Kontar!" Yami exclaimed. "You are defeated!"
"I will find a way back pharaoh! There is no way I am allowing you to triumph over me! NEVER!"
A huge blast of light erupted from the Eye on Yami's forward which struck Kontar hard. He screamed loudly as the light surrounded him and in seconds it erupted into a small explosion. His body vanished with the misty golden light and the only thing left in his place was his footprints in the dirt. The shield around Yuugi dissolved, allowing him to fall to the ground.
"YUUGI!" Yami shouted, rushing to his side.
Carefully, he lifted Yuugi into his arms, staring down at him with concern and compassion. Yuugi raised a hand up to caress Yami's cheek before his head rolled to the side and his eyes closed. Isis approached Yami's side and put a hand to Yuugi's forehead and then his chest.
"He is badly wounded. His body suffered much from the amount of power he used—power that his body wasn't familiar with. A couple weeks under my care and your viziers, pharaoh, and he should get his strength back," she said softly.
Yami nodded, carrying Yuugi up in his arms as he stood. "Let us go to the palace at once. Make sure to send a letter to his grandfather to let him know he's alright."
"Yes, pharaoh. And Yuugi's friend Ryou will have to stay too so that I make sure he didn't suffer any severe damage from being hit by a Millennium Item."
Yami's eyes moved to Bakura, who had an arm around Ryou's shoulders, helping him to walk. His eyes softened at the sight and he nodded finally.
"Of course. A room for him will be prepared immediately as well. Yuugi can stay in my chamber."
Isis nodded and closed her eyes briefly. "As you wish, pharaoh."
"Shadi," Yami said, glancing at him, "I would appreciate it if you took the Millennium Scale under your care. Now that it had been cracked perhaps it can be broken completely and formed into a new Millennium Item that won't pose to be a threat."
Shadi smiled and bowed his head slightly. "A brilliant idea, pharaoh. I will get right on that."
"Shadi, have you seen my brother?" Isis asked.
"Yes, I believe he's gone back to his own estate, but he did tell me to give you the message that he wishes to see you tonight after dinner. He said that you'd know where to find him."
Isis hesitated, blinking momentarily, before nodding in confirmation. "Let us hurry now."
"Slifer!" Yami called up to his pet.
Slifer let out a soft howl and swooped down toward him. Yami got on his back, holding Yuugi firmly in his arms. Taking off carefully, Slifer rose up to the sky and headed off toward the palace.
"Bakura, come with me. We will take the portal to get Ryou to the palace, since he isn't in as dire of a state as Yuugi," Isis said, gesturing with her hand.
Bakura nodded and kept his arms around Ryou's waist and shoulders to help him toward Isis. With the power from Isis' Millennium Necklace and Shadi's ankh, a swirling portal of golden light appeared creating strong winds all around them. Bakura helped Ryou through the portal first and then Isis and Shadi followed right behind them. The portal then vanished in a puff of mist just like Kontar had.
TO BE CONTINUED…