Hey guys! Sorry it's taken me so long to update yet again, but I had to finish 'The Pharaoh and Pauper'. Now that it's finished, I can focus on this story more (if school work will give me a break!)
I would like to take a moment to thank all you lovely reviewers:
ImCrazyAndProudOfIt
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Thank you all so much! I love reading your reviews! They really make me smile
Now, I bet you're all itching to find out what happens to Anzu, right? Well, get on with reading this chapter then!
'Thoughts'
Dream/flashback
"Speaking in dreams/flashbacks"
"Speaking (normal)"
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but if I did, I would have Yuugi/ Anzu an official couple! Long live Peachshipping! holds up banners with 'support peach shipping' written on them
-I-
Another World
Chapter 8: Aftermath
-I-
Anzu felt herself panic. She was trapped in a void of darkness. She couldn't see, hear, touch, taste or smell everything. All her senses were useless. She tried calling out, but not a sound was heard. She tried moving her arms, but she couldn't feel anything. She was alone, in the darkness. She sensed the tears falling down her cheek, but she could not feel them against her skin…
But then she heard something…
…Cackling…
The fear she felt in her heart increased. She wasn't alone. Someone-or something-was there. The evil, low laughter was echoing all around her. She tried to search for the 'thing' responsible, but all she could see was darkness.
The cackling stopped, and a voice began to speak.
"Poor little Anzu," the voice mocked. Anzu was surprised at how cold it sounded and felt a chill run down her body. "All alone in the darkness, with no one to help you…"
"Who are you?" Anzu demanded, surprised she could now hear her voice. "What do you want?"
Anzu felt something in her right hand, but it was only subtle and soon vanished. The voice laughed again before it continued.
"What do I want?" it asked. "Why, I thought that would be obvious by now. After all, my plan has been playing out for two years now…"
The realisation of who the voice belonged to hit Anzu like a tone of bricks.
"You…you're the Master," she said fearfully. "You're the one controlling the Empire of Dark Souls."
The voice chuckled again. "Took you long enough."
"Why are you doing this?" Anzu demanded. "What are you after?"
"Another simple question I thought you could answer already. And I bet you can. You know the answers Anzu. Deep in your heart, you know why I'm doing this, and why I'm after you."
"After…me?" Anzu asked. She felt something squeeze her hand again, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. She heard a familiar soft voice calling out to her…
"Anzu, I'll be back as soon as I can," it said. "Please, just hold on…"
The new voice was bringing her back to the 'real world'. She felt herself rushing back. She sensed herself beginning to wake up. But she couldn't go, not yet. She wasn't finished.
"Why are you after me!" Anzu shouted to the disappearing darkness. "What are you planning?"
The voice laughed again, before answering in a fading voice…
"You'll find out soon enough…angel…"
Anzu opened her eyes and bolted up. Her breathing was heavy, and cold sweat dripped from her forehead and under her arms. She held onto her crystal necklace with one hand, feeling safe in its presence. She calmed down, thankful her necklace was still there. If anything had happen to it she didn't know what she would do. As she took deep breaths to get her breath back, she tried to get her bearings.
By the looks of it, she was back in her room in the palace. She could see her belongings neatly placed on a dressing table next to the wall. She saw her the pouch containing her Duel Monster cards on small table beside her bed. She picked up the pouch and looked inside: her deck was still there. She checked the cards to see if any were missing. They weren't. Even the Black Magician Girl card was there, right at the top of her deck.
Anzu sighed as she looked at the image of the Black Magician Girl. She couldn't remember much from the battle against the Empire of Dark Souls. She remembered the ball, and the monsters attacking the city. She remembered seeing Yuugi in danger, and then a bright light. Everything else is just a blank. She couldn't remember anything else after seeing the Black Magician Girl appear. She didn't even know how long she had been unconscious.
'But,' she thought, 'was it really Black Magician Girl? Or was I just seeing things? Or, maybe…could it have all been a dream?'
Placing her deck back on her bedside table, her hand brushed against something. She looked down and saw a folded up piece of parchment. There was something written on the front in neat writing. Anzu picked it up and examined it.
"Is…this for me?" she asked to herself.
Her question was soon answered when she spotted her name written on the front. She unfolded the parchment and saw a message written inside. Even though she had never seen this language or text before, she could read the writing like it was written in plain Japanese. It was strange, yes, but stranger things had happened to her these past few days. Shifting her position slightly to catch the sunlight, she began to read:
Dear Anzu,
If you're reading this, then that must mean you're awake. I'm glad you're all right. I was really worried about you. I didn't want to lose you, not when we had just met. There are still so many things I want to tell and show you. The Gods must have heard my prayer and allowed us more time together. I'm glad.
I am sorry I couldn't be there for when you woke up. Atemu wanted to hold an emergency assembly to discuss what happened last night and what we should do next. I didn't want to leave you, truly I didn't. But I had to, being that I am the Prince.
I made sure to have some food left out for you for when you wake up. You've been unconscious for over twelve hours, so you must be hungry!
Anzu looked up at the dressing table and saw the food on the tray. She smiled when she heard her stomach growl. She licked her lips hungrily before reading the rest of the letter.
Anyway, if you're feeling better, I was hoping you could meet me in the main garden. I've asked Shizuka if she could help you get there since you may not know where it is. I hope that is all right with you. I'll try and leave the assembly as quick as I can so you don't have to wait long. If you're still feeling weak, then don't worry about getting up. I'll come and visit you. That is, if you want me to.
Well, I think I blabbed on for long enough! I hope you're feeling better Anzu, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Yuugi
X
Anzu blushed. Yuugi was so kind to her, she sometimes felt she didn't deserve it. After all, she was keeping secrets from him. She had toyed with the idea of telling Yuugi about her visions and dreams (that seemed to be increasing recently, and becoming true), but she would always decide against it. She didn't want to burden Yuugi with her problems. That would be asking too much.
Folding the letter up neatly and placing it in her pouch with her deck, Anzu pushed back the covers and stood up. She stretched her body, getting rid of all the aches and pains. She looked down at her clothes and saw she was still wearing the gown Yuugi had bought for her. The jewellery she had borrowed from Priest Isis had been taken off and placed on another table in the room. Anzu slipped off the dress and examined it quickly. She sighed in relief when she saw it wasn't damaged in anyway.
She reached for her backpack and tipped her clothes onto her bed. After rummaging through, she decided on an outfit to wear. She changed out of her dirty undergarments and put on clean ones, before dressing in a black sleeveless top, a short red skirt and a pair of white boots (1). As she brushed her hair, she looked in the mirror and groaned.
'I really need more practical clothes.'
After brushing her hair, Anzu picked up her Duel Monster pouch and attached it around her waist, threading it onto a small belt. Once she was dressed, she picked up some food off the tray and walked over to her balcony. Leaning on the archway, she munched on the fruit and bread whilst looking at the scene before her.
By the looks of the it, it seemed to be early afternoon. The hot sun was shinning down on the city, making the water of the river that flowed through Illuminarta glisten in its light. Anzu was a little surprised as she looked out to the city below. She expected there to be a lot more damage to the buildings. In fact, the city didn't look that much different to before the attacks. The only main areas that were damaged were the wall surrounding the city, and the wall surrounding the palace. Apart from that, everything else seemed…normal…
…If you could call travelling to another world that looked like Ancient Egypt normal.
People in the city were already starting to repair the damages made. People of all shapes and sizes were working together, making bricks of mud and straw to rebuild the walls and few buildings that had been damaged. They looked happy, as far as Anzu could tell from the distance she was. No one seemed angry or upset. She guessed everyone had managed to escape, and no one had been killed. But that was only a guess.
As Anzu continued to watch the people below, she became lost in her mind. Her thoughts soon came to the strange dream "conversation" she had had with the leader of the Empire of Dark Souls.
'What does he want with me? Am I really so important that he has to come to me in my dreams? But…what makes me so different from everyone else? Yuugi and the others are the ones with magical powers. As far as I know, I don't have any. Although, Yuugi did say on the day I met him that he sensed something inside of me…But, that's impossible. I'm just a typical, normal girl from Domino. I'm nothing special. There's just no way…So, why can't I shake his words out of my head?'
There was a soft knock at the door. Anzu blinked a couple of times as she was brought back to the present. Straightening up, she looked towards the door.
"Come in," she announced.
The door creaked open and a young girl slipped into the room. She closed the door gently and bowed before Anzu, before straightening up and smiling to the young girl.
"Good afternoon, Anzu," Shizuka greeted in her usual cheery way.
"Good afternoon, Shizuka," Anzu greeted back.
"I am glad to see you are awake. You had us all worried, especially Prince Yuugi."
Anzu blushed at the last comment. "Y-Yuugi…was worried…a-about me?" She stuttered.
Shizuka giggled. "Yes, he was. To be honest, I have never seen him so worried before. He stayed by your side the whole night and for most of the morning, holding your hand so you weren't alone. He did not want to leave you when he was called to the assembly."
Anzu couldn't help but smile at this thought. So the sensation she had felt in her right hand during the night was Yuugi holding her hand. And the familiar voice she had heard…
"Anzu, I'll be back as soon as I can," it said. "Please, just hold on…"
Well, it was obvious now that that was Yuugi.
'Even after everything that happened yesterday, he still kept his promise. He didn't leave me alone.'
Shizuka blinked as she watched Anzu. Her eyes were blank, as if she was in her own little world. This scared Shizuka slightly, for she wasn't used to this type of behaviour from someone. She still wasn't used to Anzu's strange clothes.
"Err, Anzu…are you all right?" Shizuka asked carefully.
Anzu blinked a few times as she was once again brought back down to Earth.
"What?…Oh!" Anzu exclaimed. "Yes, I'm fine Shizuka. Gomen!"
Shizuka gave a blank stare. Anzu laughed and stuck out her tongue, embarrassed.
"Gomen," Anzu repeated. "It means "sorry" where I come from."
Shizuka nodded, now understanding what Anzu was on about. Her smile appeared on her lips again.
"I must remember that," she said cheerfully. "Maybe one day you can teach me more things about your world. But right now, we need to go and meet Prince Yuugi. If you would like to follow me…"
Shizuka gracefully walked out the room and began to make her way down the corridor. Anzu made sure she had everything she needed with her, then quickly followed Shizuka towards the garden. She felt small butterflies in her stomach. She was excited about seeing Yuugi.
The two girls walked through the sunlit corridors, turning this way and that. Anzu noticed the servants they past were avoiding her more than they were before. Anzu felt slightly uncomfortable about this, but didn't show it. She was used to people staring and whispering about her by now. After all, she was from a different world. And by the looks on their faces, Anzu couldn't help but feel that what ever happened last night was linked to her. She had done something they were afraid of, but what?
Shizuka came to the end of a corridor and turned right, walking straight past the entrance to the "assembly room" (as Anzu called it) and towards the archway to the garden. Anzu was a small distance behind, and soon turned the corner just as Shizuka had done. She came towards the door to the "assembly room" and noticed it was slightly ajar. She would have walked straight past it, if she hadn't had heard her name…
"Anzu is not like us!" a voice shouted. Anzu recognised it as Priest Seto's voice. "She is demon and cannot be trusted-"
"How dare you say that!" a second voice retaliated. Anzu instantly recognised Yuugi's voice and felt herself leaning closer to the door. She looked inside the hall. All the Priests (and the Keepers of the Millennium Items) were gathered around a rectangular stone table, with Pharaoh Atemu seated in a throne at the end. Yuugi, of course, had been placed next to him. At this moment in time, both he and Priest Seto were standing up as their argument continued. Atemu had his head in his hands as the shouting continued.
"Anzu is a kind and gentle person," Yuugi continued, still shouting. "Of course she can be trusted. She is the most trustworthy person I have ever known!"
"But how can you be sure of that?" Priest Seto asked angrily. "You saw what she did last night! That is not normal! She does not even have a Millennium Item, and yet you saw what she did-"
"If she hadn't had done it, I would have been killed. We all would and you know it!"
"That is a lie!"
"No it's not, it's the truth! Without her, we all would have perished, and the Empire of Dark Souls would have won, destroying the Kingdom of Light and what is left of Kemet!"
"ENOUGH!" Pharaoh Atemu shouted, standing up out of this throne. Yuugi and Seto immediately silenced themselves, though one could tell by the looks on their faces that they were far from done.
Atemu looked at the two figures, before clearing his throat to speak.
"This argument has gone on for long enough," he said sternly. He turned to face Seto. "Priest Seto, I agree with you that Anzu is suspicious. Naturally one would think this, since she is not from our world and not one of us. But like Yuugi said, you know as well as I do that without her last night we would have fallen to the Empire of Dark Souls. She saved us, and we owe her our lives." Atemu turned to face his brother and spoke in a gentler voice. "Is she aware of what she did last night?"
"The last time I was with her she was still unconscious," Yuugi answered sadly. "But I doubt she knows what she did. When it happened, she looked like she was in some sort if trance, so I do not think she'll remember much."
"Then it is up to you to tell her," Atemu said. He turned to face the whole room. "Anzu is unlike anyone we have ever encountered before. It seems she has powers far greater than our own that even she did not know about. But we cannot be certain about this. Therefore, I want all of you to keep a closer eye on her. The Empire of Dark Souls may come after her, or she may use her powers against us for some reason."
"Anzu would never do that," Yuugi said. "She would never betray us!"
Atemu looked at his twin and sighed. "I want to believe that, Yuugi. I truly do. I want to believe in her like you do. But after last night, I can't take any risks. Therefore, you must-"
"Anzu!" Shizuka called from down the corridor. She had sensed Anzu missing and had turned to find her outside the "assembly room" door. "Are you coming or not?"
Anzu, although she didn't want to leave (she wanted to find out what Yuugi had to do), looked up at Shizuka and nodded. She quickly and quietly closed the door (missing what the others were now discussing) and turned round to catch up with Shizuka. Unfortunately, she only managed to take two steps before bumping into someone.
Anzu and the person she walked into both stumbled backwards, before they both gained their footing and stood up straight. Anzu rubbed her head, since it was sore from the collision, before speaking.
"Sorry about that," she said, still rubbing her head. "I didn't see you there. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Anzu looked up, but found no one was there. Confused, she looked up and down the corridor. She had definitely bumped into someone, she had heard them groan as the wind was knocked out of him. She looked behind her and caught the glimpse of someone hurriedly turning the corner. She caught a glimpse of their pale hair, before they disappeared from sight. Still confused, Anzu continued to look in the direction of where the person went, before she heard Shizuka calling her again and went to catch up with her. When she finally caught up with the young girl and they were both making their way to the main garden again, Anzu couldn't help but feel like she was being watched.
-I-
'That was too close,' solider one of Unit A-given the codename "1A" for short- heard the 'Master' say in his mind. He was using his 'secret weapon' to see through his mind again. 'You were just lucky she didn't notice us slip out the hall.'
"1A" swallowed nervously. 'I apologise, Master.' he said in his mind. ' I did not realise she was there until it was too late.'
'There's no time for that, you idiot!' The 'Master' shouted at his servant. 'We have to follow the girl. She is the key to everything! If we lose her now, we lose everything we've worked so hard for. Now go! Find a place in the garden so I know what is going on. And don't mess this up.'
"1A" nodded obediently at his instructions and at the warning, before running off to find a place to hide in the garden. Knowing that he didn't have much time, he slipped down a small alley way-like corridor next to him.
Jogging down the corridor, his footsteps echoing on the stone, he swiftly turned this way and that. He knew exactly which direction he should take, and turned the corners without a second thought. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity in the dark corridor, he emerged out the other end. He shielded his eyes against the bright sunlight as he took in the sights around him.
He was now standing on a balcony, high above the garden below. He held onto one of the large pillars that littered the balcony and looked down. The garden was even more beautiful in the afternoon. The flowers were in full bloom, the trees were full of fruit, and everything looked peaceful. The only sound came from the small stream that ran around the garden and into the large pool at the bottom.
It didn't take long for "1A" to spot the two girls he was following. They happened to be sitting on a small ledge next to the pool. Quickly and as quietly as possible, he dashed into the shadows of the pillars to the end of the balcony, so that he could hear them better. Hiding behind the end pillar, he listened in on their conversation…
-I-
"You…You want to know about Mai?" Shizuka repeated.
"Well…yeah," Anzu said uneasily, regretting that she had asked the question. Keeping her gaze away from Shizuka's, she looked around the garden at the beautiful flowers. She couldn't help but wonder how these flowers grew in a place surrounded by sand. "It's just that, since I got here, everyone seems to have mentioned this "Mai" person at least once. And after what Jonouchi did last night…well, I guess you could say I'm curious."
She looked at Shizuka through the corner of her eye and saw the pained looked on her face.
"But you don't have to, if you don't want to!" Anzu said quickly, waving her hands in the air. "I mean, I don't want to intrude-"
"No, no! It's fine, really," Shizuka interrupted, but in a gentle voice. She sighed and looked at the floor. "It's strange. Even though I do not know you very well, something in my heart is urging me to tell you about Mai. I want to tell you what happened. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I do," Anzu smiled. "I get this kind of stuff a lot."
Shizuka giggled. "Anyway, you have a right to know about Mai. You did save us last night."
Anzu blinked at the last comment, but didn't say anything. She let Shizuka continue.
"Years ago, when we were all still young children, Mai and my brother were arranged to be married. Our families had been close for generations, and a marriage between the two families had always been discussed. It was about time it finally happened…
"But even though my brother and Mai knew about the marriage, that didn't matter to them. They were always the best of friends, always together. They were inseparable. Soon, that friendship developed into love." Shizuka smiled at the happy memories. "Those were some of the best days of my life. You know, he even gave Mai a card as a gift. You see, Mai was training to be a female guard so she could work beside my brother. She was always so strong and powerful, and I admired her for that."
"What card did he give her?"
"The Harpy's Pet Dragon card. Mai was always a Harpy Lady fan. Jonouchi gave that to her the day they found out they were arranged to be wed. That was when he was five years old. Mai promised him she would always treasure that card, and never let anyone take it away from her. And she kept that promise, until two years ago…
"When the Empire of Dark Souls first attacked us that night, no one was prepared. Everyone was running and screaming, not knowing what to do or where to go. It was horrible. The Pharaoh at the time, Pharaoh Atemu's and Prince Yuugi's father, immediately ordered all the guards to protect the city. And since Mai and my brother had almost finished their training at 14, they were called up to attack the monsters. They were doing so well, until one of the followers of the Empire had his monster attack Mai directly. She was knocked unconscious instantly. While she was out, they came and took her away, taking her deck with her…
"Jonouchi saw what happened, and tried desperately to help her. He did everything he could to get her back, but it was no use. He was hit on the head and knocked unconscious too. When he woke up, they were long gone…"
Shizuka felt the tears falling down her cheeks as the painful memories filled her head. She clenched her fists and tried to hold them back.
"It's not fair! Why Mai? She did nothing to them! She was always so kind, so gentle. She was like…like…like a sister to me! Why!"
Shizuka finally broke into tears, unable to hold them back anymore. Anzu immediately jumped up and enveloped the young girl in a hug.
"Shizuka," she soothed, trying to calm her down.
"Why? Why!" Shizuka cried. "Why won't she come back? Is she…is she dead? Have they killed her?"
"You can't think like that Shizuka," Anzu said reassuringly. "Of course she's alive. She will come back soon, she will. You just have to have faith, OK? If you believe in your heart that she's alive, then she is. Believe that she'll come back, and she will. I promise you she'll come back soon."
Slowly, Shizuka's sobs began to calm down. "O…OK. Thank you Anzu."
"No problem," Anzu said softly. "I'm always here if you need me."
The two girls sat in silence under the afternoon sun. Anzu continue to hold Shizuka in her arms, comforting her like she was her own little sister. Shizuka's sobs soon died down until only a few silent tears rolled down her cheek. Not a word was said, until…
"Well, you two look cosy," a friendly voice said behind them. The two girls jumped and looked up at Prince Yuugi. "Are you all right?"
Shizuka dried her tears on her sleeve and smiled up at the Prince.
"We're both fine, your highness," she said gently. "Anzu was just helping me defeat some inner demons."
"Really?" Yuugi asked, slightly amused and slightly curious. "And did it work, if I may ask?"
Shizuka nodded. "Yes. Anzu's managed to help me let go of the past. I feel a lot better now, thanks to her."
"I'm glad to hear it," Yuugi said, sitting down next to Anzu. He leaned over so he could see Shizuka's face. "Before I forget, I have a message for you. Priest Seto is looking for you and would like to see you. He should be in his chambers now the assembly has finished, if you would like to see him."
Shizuka nodded her head in silence before standing up. She bowed to both Prince Yuugi and Anzu, before walking off to find her beloved. Anzu and Yuugi watched her leave the garden, leaving them all alone together.
"I'm happy to see you are all right, Anzu," Yuugi said cheerfully. Anzu turned around and smiled.
It was then that something clicked in her head. She remembered something from last night. When Yuugi was about to be attacked by the Devil Dragon but couldn't move. It was because he injured his ankle. She looked down at his right ankle and saw it was wrapped in a bandage, but did not seem to be causing him any pain.
"I'm happy to see you're OK too, Yuugi," Anzu said. "I was really worried last night when you couldn't escape. Is your ankle OK?"
Yuugi looked down at the bandage. "Yes, it's fine. Priest Isis used the Holy Elf (2) to heal most of it. It's only a small sprain. It should be fine in a few days time. But that is not important." He shook his head and looked up at Anzu. "What is most important is you. Are you sure you are all right? You have no injuries, do you?"
Anzu shook her head. "No, I'm fine Yuugi. Really I am. I have no injuries at all." She sighed heavily. "But, I don't remember much about last night."
"I thought you wouldn't," Yuugi said. He shifted closer to Anzu. "What was the last thing you remember?"
"Well," Anzu began, racking her brains trying to remember what happened last night. "I remember seeing you on the floor, unable to move because of your ankle. The Devil Dragon was about to attack you, and I didn't want it to. I didn't want to lose you…The next thing I remember is a bright light. I thought I saw Black Magician Girl next to me, but before I got a second look I blacked out."
She rested her forehead on her cupped hands, leaning forward slightly. Yuugi saw she was upset, and put an arm around her for comfort.
"After that," Anzu finished, "I don't remember anything. But…when I was unconscious, I could feel someone holding my hand and talking to me. That voice made me feel safe, and helped me to wake up." She lifted her head and smiled at the young Prince. "Shizuka told me that was you."
Yuugi blushed. "Err…yes…it was." He looked away slightly. "I was worried about you, and I didn't want to lose you either. Besides, I made you a promise that I would never leave you alone."
"And you kept that promise. Thank you so much Yuugi."
Yuugi smiled at the brunette, and she smiled back.
"Yuugi, could you tell me what happened last night? Can you tell me what I did?"
"Of course I can," Yuugi answered gently. "You were amazing last night Anzu, and you deserve to know the truth." He took a deep breath before beginning his story. "After that blast caused me to injure my ankle, and I was unable to move out the way of the Devil Dragon's attack, I found myself thinking the worst…"
-Flashback-
Yuugi tried to get up, but every time he put some sort of pressure on his ankle, it would buckle in pain. Yuugi yelled out in pain the third time he attempted to stand up, before giving up and looking back into the eyes of the dragon. This was it. This was the end. Yuugi could only watch in horror as the dragon opened his mouth, and fiery ball beginning to form, growing larger and more powerful by the second…
'Anzu,' he thought. 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise to you. I hope you can forgive me…'
Soon, the Devil Dragon's attack was at its strongest. Knowing what was to come next, Yuugi covered his head with his arms, his heart stopping, waiting for the inevitable pain…
A moment passed, and Yuugi found himself uninjured still (besides the ankle). Hearing a scream of pain (that to him did not sound human), he slowly lowered his arms and opened his eyes. What he saw was completely unexpected by the young prince.
The Devil Dragon, along with all the other monsters from the Empire of Dark Souls, had somehow managed to stop their attacks. Instead of attacking the palace, they were now looking up with fear at a bright light coming from behind Yuugi.
Warily, aware that his heart beat had now increased dramatically, Yuugi slowly turned around behind him in search for the source of the enchanting light. He gave a sharp gasp as he and the people of Illuminarta gazed upon the unexpected source of light.
"Anzu?" Yuugi whispered under his breath.
At that moment, Anzu was emitting the incandescent light that was scaring the monsters off. Yuugi could sense her giving off a powerful aura. Somehow, she was hovering in midair, and although he was some distance away, Yuugi could just see her blank, white, glowing eyes. Her crystal necklace around her neck was glowing too. Beside her, a second figure could now be seen. A familiar female figure dressed in a pale blue and pink outfit, with matching boots, gloves and hat. She had long, flowing blonde hair, and large emerald green eyes. In her hand, she held a blue staff with a yellow ball attached at the end.
"Black Magician Girl?"
As soon as Yuugi spoke the creatures name, her mistress suddenly moved. Anzu slowly raised her arm and pointed at the enemy monsters. Nodding as she understood her mistress's instructions, the Black Magician Girl flew forward, her staff ready in her hand, a determined look on her face.
Yuugi watched in amazement as the Black Magician Girl began to attack the enemy monsters one by one. He gasped as he watch them all disappear in a blink of an eye, the Black Magician Girl never losing any of her strength. This was unbelievable! Nothing like this had ever happened before. It was a miracle!
Soon, Black Magician Girl had destroyed every one of the enemy monsters and flew back to Anzu. When she was only metres away, she disappeared in another burst of light and flew back into the card Anzu was holding in her hand.
Anzu smiled down at the card, before the smile immediately faded. Giving a groan of exhaustion, she felt herself slowly falling to the ground. The powerful aura around her disappeared as quickly as it had some, along with the bright light. She collapsed on the floor, unconscious, the light and aura completely gone. She still held onto the Black Magician Girl card in her hand.
"ANZU!"
Seeing Anzu collapsed, Yuugi quickly got up, trying to ignore the pain shooting up his leg from his ankle. Limping, he made his way back to the palace, were Anzu lay…
-End Flashback-
"…When I finally got up there, you were still unconscious. I took you back to your room and placed you on your bed, making sure you were comfortable. Like Shizuka said before, I never left your side. I wanted to make sure you were all right. I didn't want to lose you, not when we had only just gotten to know each other. There's still so much I want to share with you."
Anzu sat in shock. She just couldn't take in what Yuugi was saying. How was she to believe that last night she had somehow used some sort of magical powers to summon the Black Magician Girl and destroy all the enemy monsters? There were thousands of monsters last night. Not one magician was able to defeat them all alone. And besides that, Anzu didn't know how to use any magic. It was impossible! But she knew Yuugi wasn't lying to her. He never would. So what he was saying had to be true…didn't it?
She rested her head on her palm. This was all too much to take in.
Yuugi saw her lean forward with a confused look on her face. "Are you all right?" he asked.
"Not really," Anzu said truthfully. "I'm finding all this hard to believe." She looked up at him. "Are you sure it was me that did that last night? Are you positive that I summoned Black Magician Girl and saved Illuminarta?"
"Of course I am," Yuugi said, laying his hand on top of Anzu's. "I would never lie to you."
"And is that why everyone is staring at me today? And why Priest Seto was so eager to get rid of me?"
Yuugi immediately pulled his hand away. "You…you heard that?"
Anzu nodded.
Yuugi sighed. "You weren't suppose to hear that."
"No, I wasn't, but I'm glad I did." Anzu held Yuugi's hand with her own. "If I hadn't, then I wouldn't have heard you stand up for me. Yuugi, you truly are a wonderful friend. I'm glad I met you."
Yuugi looked up at the brunette and blinked. He tried to hide the small blush on his face. "Thank you Anzu," he smiled. "That means a lot to me. You're a wonderful friend too. After what you did last night, I would say you're the most amazing person in the whole of Kemet."
Anzu let go of Yuugi's hand and blushed. "I wouldn't say I'm that good Yuugi-"
"But you are!" Yuugi protested. He stood up. "And I'm going to prove it. I'm going to train you so you can use your powers just like I can."
Anzu blinked. Twice. "What?"
Yuugi giggled. "I'm going to teach you how to control your magic so you can use it whenever you want."
"But Yuugi, I don't know if I can…" A thought came into her mind. Could this be what Pharaoh Atemu wanted Yuugi to do earlier?
"Of course you can, Anzu," Yuugi said encouragingly. He knelt down and looked her in the eye. "I believe you can."
Anzu looked into Yuugi's amethyst eyes. Unable to resist his cute face, she smiled and nodded, agreeing to Yuugi's plan.
Giving a small cry of joy, Yuugi pulled Anzu up so they were both standing. He placed her so she was two metres directly in front of him, and made sure they were face to face.
"Before we start, we need to decide which card we will use to start off. I suggest you choose a low level monster, since they will be easier to summon."
"O-K." Anzu took out her deck and shuffled through, until she found the right monster. "I choose this one: Petit Angel (3)."
"Petit Angel it is. Now, first of all, hold the card above your head, like you've seen me do before…That's it! Now, close your eyes. You have to concentrate really hard. Focus on nothing except that card in your hand. Imagine it coming to life. Imagine it being right in front of you…"
Anzu tried to concentrate. She really did. She tried so hard to concentrate on seeing the Petit Angel in front of her, but all it did was give her a large headache, and a strange sensation around her heart.
After a few moments, she sighed and dropped her hand. "Yuugi, I can't do this. It's too hard."
"Anzu, this is only your first try. It's bound to be hard. Do not give up so easily. Let's try again. Now, concentrate…"
Anzu tried again, focusing only on the card, draining out all the sounds around her. She felt another strange sensation in her heart, like something was trying to come out. But her concentration was soon broken by the sound of Yuugi gasping.
"What? What is it?" Anzu asked urgently, looking around.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to break your concentration. It's just that your card began to glow, and that has never happened to someone on their second try before." 'Her magic must be really strong.'
"Really? It glowed?" Anzu hopefully.
Yuugi nodded. "Did you feel something around your heart just then, when you were concentrating?" Anzu nodded. "Well, that is what's suppose to happen. Your magic comes from your heart. What you felt there was your magic coming out of you, going into the card. You need to increase that power so the monster can cross from its own world into ours. And I know you'll do it this time. So, lets try one more time. Close your eyes, and concentrate…"
Anzu closed her eyes and concentrated on the card again. This time, she found it easier to focus her mind on the card, and she soon felt the magic from her heart increasing. Suddenly, she felt a small jolt from her heart, but not a painful one. She felt something appear in front of her. Slowly she opened her eyes…
…and saw the Petit Angel flying in front of her.
Anzu gasped happily.
"I did it! I did it!" she cheered, Petit Angel sharing her joy, flying around in a large circle. "I did it Yuugi! I summoned a monster!"
"Yes! You did!" Yuugi cheered. "I'm so proud of you Anzu!"
Without warning, Anzu came up to Yuugi and enveloped him into a large hug. Yuugi turned a bright shade of red as Anzu's lips briefly brushed against his cheeks. His heart was racing.
After a few moments, Anzu realised what she had done and let go of Yuugi. Blushing, she apologised to Yuugi, who only laughed kindly.
-I-
Over the next few days, Yuugi continued to train Anzu, and was amazed at how quickly she progressed. Everyday they would go out into the main garden and immediately begin the lesson. Within three days, she was able to summon more powerful monsters and use trap and magic cards to help them. It had taken him almost two years to master these skills himself. He couldn't help but feel proud towards the brunette, and Anzu always wanted to make him happy so she always tried her best. Their bond soon began to grow, though neither of them realised this as much as other people did.
Someone who did notice this, though, was "1A". Everyday he would go to the same hiding place and spy on the couple, making sure to report everything he saw to his 'Master'. The 'Master' was very pleased with Anzu's progress, and soon started putting Phase Three of his plan into action…
On the fourth day since starting their training, Anzu had manage to summon Black Magician Girl on her second attempt. She was full of joy at the sight of the female magician, and soon found herself playing games with her. Yuugi laughed as he watched them, leaning on a tree. But a sound soon caught his attention and he stopped laughing to hear it more clearly. He strained his ears to try and identify the sound.
Anzu noticed Yuugi had suddenly gone quiet. He had a strange look on his face. Like he was trying to work something out. With the Black Magician Girl closely behind her, she walked up to him.
"Yuugi?"
"Shh!" Yuugi said, covering Anzu's mouth with his hand. Anzu had a sudden feeling of deja-vu. "Do you hear that?"
At first, Anzu heard nothing. But as she listened more closely, she began to hear it.
It sounded like a whistle, and it was coming closer.
"Look out!" Yuugi yelled.
Anzu felt herself being pushed to the ground, then felt Yuugi on top of her. Before she could do or say anything, something whizzed passed their heads and landed with a soft 'thud' in the ground a few feet away from them. Now she had definitely experienced something like this before. It was back at the oasis, where she and Yuugi had first met. As she felt Yuugi getting off of her, she had a feeling she knew what to expect.
She slowly stood up, and looked around, trying to find the 'thing' that had gone passed her head. Anzu soon found the 'thing', and she was not happy to see how close it was to where she sat…again
Another arrow.
"Holy shit," she muttered. "Not again." She looked up at her creature. "Black Magician Girl! Try and find the person who shot this!"
Black Magician Girl nodded, before flying into the air and over the wall, in search of the archer. Anzu watched her go, before turning back to Yuugi. He was holding some sort of folded up parchment in his hand.
"What is that?" She asked, approaching the Prince.
"I'm not sure," Yuugi answered. "There's no name on it. I wonder who it's for?"
"Mistress Anzu!" A sweet voice called. Anzu and Yuugi looked up and saw Black Magician Girl flying towards them. "I am sorry, but I could not see anyone. They must have already escaped."
"OK," said Anzu. "Thank you for trying Black Magician Girl." Black Magician Girl nodded, before disappearing back into her card. Anzu replaced the card back into her pouch. She turned back towards Yuugi, who was now reading the parchment. Worry and anxiety were embedded on his face.
"Yuugi, are you OK?"
Yuugi's face went pale as he continued to read.
"T-This is from…the Empire of Dark Souls. I-it is for…for my brother…for Atemu…"
Before Anzu could react to this, Yuugi suddenly bolted. He ran towards the palace and disappeared inside. Calling after him, Anzu ran to catch up with him. Luckily, since her legs were slightly longer, she soon managed to catch up to him, just as he was running into the assembly room.
Yuugi ignored the cries of the guards around him and pushed open the doors, running inside. She sensed Anzu following him, but he didn't stop.
"Atemu!"
Pharaoh Atemu, along with the 6 Priests in the room with him, looked up at the sound of the familiar voice. Atemu stood up and walked away from his throne upon seeing his brother's worried expression. He could see he was holding something in his hand. A parchment of some sort. He walked up to his brother, who stopped in front of him, trying to catch his breath. He noticed Anzu was behind him, but he ignored her as best he could without being noticed by Yuugi.
"Yuugi, what is it?" Atemu asked his twin. "Is something wrong?"
Yuugi answered by holding up the piece of parchment. Atemu looked at it for a moment, before carefully taking it from his brother's hand.
"What is this?" he asked.
"It came a few moments ago. An arrow landed in the garden. This was attached to it. It…it is from the Empire of Dark Souls."
Upon hearing this, Atemu let out a sharp gasp, before unfolding the parchment and reading what the note had to say. As he read it through, he felt the colour disappear from his cheeks and his face went white, just as Yuugi's had. He felt himself go weak at the knees from the shock.
Seeing the look on their Pharaoh's face, the Priest's began to worry.
"My Pharaoh," Priest Isis spoke first. "What does it say?"
Atemu swallowed before reading out the note.
"'Pharaoh of the Kingdom of Light, it is time we settle our differences. Come to our palace so we can discuss some sort of agreement. You must come alone, or your people will suffer. The Empire of Dark Souls awaits your arrival'…"
There was long silence, before the people in the room: The Priests and Honda (who had entered the hall after seeing Yuugi run in) protested against the note.
"How dare they do this!" Priest Seto said, outraged. "Are they mocking us?"
"They certainly like to take risks," Priest Shada spoke up. "The question is do we take the risk as well?"
"No! We cannot!" Seto shouted, again. "It is obviously a trap! We cannot go through with this."
"I agree with Seto," mumbled Priest Akunadin. "The Empire of Dark Souls are planning us as fools. They are leading us into a trap that is sure to bring doom upon us."
"But there may not be another way," Priest Mahado said. "Although we all know it is a trap, it may be the only way we can stop this war. This may be our only chance to save what is left of Kemet."
"But what about the Pharaoh?" Priest Karim asked. "We cannot put him in danger."
"We need to decide a plan of action," Priest Shada said. "We need to come up with a plan that will satisfy both sides of the party."
"But it is not up to us to decide," Priest Isis spoke calmly. "The Pharaoh must make this important decision."
The whole room turned towards the Pharaoh. Atemu sighed. He hated it when the pressure was put on him like this. But, his Priest's were right. Even though this was obviously a trap, there was only one thing they could do.
"I'm afraid we have no choice," he spoke solemnly. "Even though we can all see that this is a trap set up by the Empire of Dark Souls, we must obey. This may be the only chance we have to stop all this pointless fighting. So, I must go and see them at once."
Everyone in the room (including Anzu) nodded in agreement. They all knew this was the only way to ensure peace to Kemet. Even though not all of them agreed to the decision, they had to obey their Pharaoh. Unfortunately, one person refused to agree.
"I'm going with you," Yuugi spoke up.
"Yuugi, you are not allowed." Atemu said sadly. "I know you mean well, but you cannot join me on this mission"
"Yes I can! You're not going alone, Atemu! I will not let you."
"Yuugi, you cannot come," Atemu said more sternly. "It says that I must go alone. Otherwise, who knows what they will do? They could kill you for all I know!"
"I don't care! I'm not letting the only family I have left go into the enemies territory alone."
"Yuugi, please. Don't do this. You need to stay here and rule the kingdom whilst I am gone. You know you are the only one I trust to do that."
"No! I will not do it!"
"Yuugi. You must listen to me. Not only as your Pharaoh but as your brother. You must stay here. I don't want you to get hurt-"
"And I don't want you to get hurt either!" Yuugi was almost shouting now. "That is why I'm coming-"
"Yuugi…"
"-with you. I have to come with you-"
"Yuugi…"
"-and you can't do anything to stop me-"
"YUUGI YOU ARE NOT COMING WITH ME!" Yuugi immediately silenced himself. Atemu continued. "You will obey me and stay here where you will be safe. You will rule over the Kingdom until I return. Is that understood? Answer your Pharaoh!"
A stunned silence fell across the room. Never, in sixteen years had the Pharaoh and his brother argued like this. Yuugi only stared angrily at his brother, who started back at him with his infamous don't-you-even-try-it gaze. Yuugi felt the angry tears form in his eyes. How could Atemu talk to him like that? They were brothers. Twins. He was his 'other half'. Atemu was the only family he had left. And he wasn't going to let him throw himself to the enemy.
Controlled by his emotions, Yuugi bolted from the room. Warm tears were streaming down his face as he ran down the stone corridor. Servants dodged out the way as he ran past them, not looking were he was going.
Anzu made a move to go after him, but Priest Isis held out her arm in front of her and stopped her.
"Let him be," she said softly but sternly.
Anzu looked up at the Priestess, before looking back out the door Yuugi had run out of. 'Yuugi…'
Atemu continued to stare at the open doors. His anger towards his brother was indescribable. How dare he disobey him like that. Not only was Atemu Yuugi's (slightly) older brother, but he was also the Pharaoh of the Kingdom of Light. He was a mortal form of the Great Gods like Ra. Speaking of the Gods, they will not be happy with Yuugi's behaviour. They would not forgive him easily, and neither would Atemu. Rage still pumping through his vains, he turned around and walked back to his throne.
"Tell the servants to prepare my horses!" he ordered. "I leave at first light."
Honda bowed at his commands, before running out of the hall to prepare, making sure to take Anzu with him so she was out of the way. There was a lot to do in a short amount of time.
Atemu sat back down in his throne, the Priest's sitting in their respected seats, fearful of the Pharaoh for he was still controlled by his anger. They all looked at each other warily. Each one of them knew something bad was about to happen. They could sense it in their hearts…
-I-
Yuugi continued to run, bumping into various people here and there. His tears were still falling as he slammed the door to his room. Stomping forwards, he grabbed the nearest table and tipped it over, throwing it onto the floor. The various objects on top of it crashed to the floor. Glass, pottery and various other materials smashed around his feet. His breathing was heavy as he tried to control his surging anger.
"I will not let him do this," he snarled. "I will not let him go. I'll make sure he doesn't go. And I'll do it one way…or another."
-I-
To be Continued…
-I-
(1) a black sleeveless top, a short black skirt and a pair of white boots: basically, think of what she wore in the Pharaoh's Memory World episodes.
(2) Holy Elf: Mystical Elf
(3) Petit Angel: I have no idea what this is in Japanese. If anyone knows, could they please let me know? Please?
Please R&R. The next chapter will be up as soon as I finish all my school work (or whenever I get some free time!). See you guys next time!