Dear readers, I am SO sorry it has been taking so long. Because of the delay i have come to a hard dessision. Unless i have to for the sake of the story, i will not be making any more duels. they are taking to long and even though Yugioh is a pretty much a game show I am more interested in the story. Besides Airi got fed up and told me to hurry up. So the dueling with appear but i had to cut out most of the ones i was thinking of. Also if this chapter has a lot more spelling errors then normal i didn't run it past it past my Beta so it is all my fault.
But to the happy part, you are still reading! Thank you to everyone who reviewd and those who are new followers. I felt all warm and fuzzy when i got alerts in my e-mail, sorta like a cattle prod to keep me going.
disclamer. i don't own Yugioh or Charlotte, but Airi is mine. also things are a little different in this part of the seiries to work with the ending i have in my head so just take your time and hopefully all of this will make sence at the end.
ok enough talk, lets read.
Chapter 21
Duels were going in full swing as Airi and Grandpa made their way through the streets. It was amazing the variety, both of cards and duelists. Life sized monsters clashed with each other over the mixed shouts of their masters shouting commands to them and insults at their opponents at the same time. Bystanders cheered or gasped at thrilling moves, or watched in stunned silence as the strategy started to unfolded. There were plenty of duels, but no sign of Yugi.
"Seto is a moron." Airi said, glaring at her duel-disk, which was starting to bother her.
"Really? When did you figure that out?" Grandpa said, chuckling at her comment.
"I mean using a whole city to host a tournament. He probably can see everything with all his precious doohickeys, but the rest of us have to wonder around and guess where everyone else is, and at the same time carry around oversized wrist watches. Domino is no small village. How in the world are we going to find Yugi?"
There was no answer from Gramps. Airi looked around to find she was now missing another relative.
"Just great, probably went to find a food stand." She said, shaking her head. She turned back around and was surprised and pleased to see someone she did recognize.
"Hey, Tea!" Airi called, walking over to where the girl was sitting on a bench.
"Oh, Hey Airi. Have you seen Yugi?" Tea said. "I've been all over and no sign of him."
"No I haven't and I've come from where most of the duels seem to be centered." Airi said. "To make things worse now I've lost Gramps."
Before Tea could reply, Gramps popped up from behind the bench, covering Tea's eyes and shouting "guess who". Tea screamed and jumped up, knocking her head against Gramps' face.
"Never mind, I found him." Airi said between giggle. She couldn't help it, both of them had looked ridicules.
"You scared me." Tea said, glaring at the old man.
"Scared you, you almost broke my shnoz." Gramps said, clutching his nose.
Airi inspected his nose. "Its not broken." she said, gently feeling it.
"With your poking it soon will be." Gramps said moving away, gently massaging the afflicted area.
"I say you could have gotten it worse." Airi told him. "You could have fallen and broken something, then we would have to spend the day in the hospital."
"Come on, can't a old man have some fun." Gramps said. "Don't you have a sense of humor?"
"I don't see why scaring the daylights out of people is so much fun." Airi said. It seemed to be a favorite passed time of Yami's and Yugi's to get her to jump and she didn't appreciate that either.
"Why did I have to get such a boring granddaughter."
"Ouch, thanks."
"I swear you perfected the poker-face so much it's made your humor like cold sushi. We better find Yugi soon. I need someone who appreciates good fun." Gramps started off down the street.
"I guess I put his nose out of joint." Tea said to Airi as they followed after the old man.
"He'll get over it." Airi said, unable to hide her smile. "If he was really made we would still be back there listening to a lecture."
"I can still hear you two." Gramps said over his shoulder, still annoyed. "Stop giggling or we wont get anywhere."
Suddenly a ringing started seeming to come from Tea's bag. She pulled out her cell and flipped it open.
"Hello. Hey Tristan. No I'm not watching Joey's duel, is something wrong? Oh, sure I can try. Right, got it. Don't worry Tristan." Tea snapped the phone shut. "Joey's dueling and not doing so well. We need to find him and give a message to him."
"But we have no idea where. . ." Airi stopped, her vision suddenly going out of focus as something seemed to contract at both of her temples. A vision appeared before her eyes, almost like she was watching a privet movie screen. From her position she was behind Yugi, or was it Yami she couldn't tell from the back, looking from a tall building down on a duel. Even from that distance it was oblivious one of the duelist was Joey. As quickly as it had happened she blinked to find herself again with Gramps and Tea, both looking worried.
"Airi you ok? your eye sorta went out of focus." Tea said.
"I'm fine." Airi said. "I think we should try 4th avenue, we haven't looked their yet."
"What, Why?"
"We haven't looked there so its a good place to start." Airi said, a little harshly. She didn't have time to explain. From what she could tell from Yami's body language and the distant duel, Joey wasn't doing so great.
The group headed off, running as fast as they could. It was amazing Gramps could keep up with the girls. When they reached 4th Avenue they found Airi was indeed correct. Joey was in the middle of dueling Espa Roba, and it seemed he was at the end of his rope. Roba had a Jinzo and a Reflect Bounder on his side while Joey only had two Scape Goats. It seemed to be Joey's turn since Roba was taunting him to give up. Charlotte was on the sidelines, trying to cheer Joey on, but her shouts didn't seem to be getting through to him. Tea pushed through the crowd ahead of the others. She got to where Charlotte was standing, making the other girl jump. Airi and Gramps following right behind.
"Joey. I have a message for you. Tristan called from the hospital. He and Serenity are watching the duel right now."
That snapped Joey out of his stooper. "She is?"
"She said you two are a team and she believes in you Joey. You were always there for her and she is going to be there for you."
"Come on Joey, how can you give up knowing that?" Charlotte said. She helped up her hand in a peace sign. "Remember Joey? She gave you this at the hospital."
Joey looked from Charlotte with the familiar hand gesture to Tea who had her confident look telling him he could do this. He looked back at the monsters on the other side of the field.
"You can still win this Joey." Gramps said. "I know you have a card in that deck which can turn this around."
"Come on Joey, trust your cards." Airi said. "We're all routing for you, don't give up."
"Right. Thanks Guys." Joey said, giving them one of his thumbs up.
"Are you going to give me your locator card or what?" Roba said, looking annoyed by the delay in his victory.
"No chance." Joey drew. His face lit up when he saw what it was. "I play Roulette Spider, and I'm attaching it to your Jinzo."
A crazy looking spider appeared and latched its self onto Jinzo's face. The confused monsters was lead to the center of the field.
"What is going on?" Roba said.
"For a guy with ESP you sure ask a lot of questions." Joey said. Suddenly the playing field was covered with a grid like thing in the shape of a spider's web. Both players and the remaining monsters were spaced along the grid in even ranks. Jinzo with the spider on his face were in the middle. "It goes like this. My spider is going to make your monster spin and when you tell it to stop Jinzo will automaticly attack what ever is in front of it. So take a chance, or are ya still hoping that faults gig of yours will get you out. Alright spider, start roulette!"
The spider started spinning Jinzo around and around. Roba eyes seemed to be spinning along with his monster. Faster and faster Jinzo went. Airi was starting to feel slightly sick, wishing the pink clad duelist would hurry up.
"What are you waiting for?" Joey said.
"Jinzo Stop!" Roba finally shouted. The spinning monster slowed, seeming to take eternity. Slower and slower until he stopped, facing Reflect Bounder.
"No, they will destroy each other!" Roba screeched as Jinzo shot a energy ball at his fellow monster. The result was both of them disappeared off the field and Espa Roba's life point dropped to zero.
The ESP duelist fell to his knees, horrified at his failure. Mutters from the surrounding crowd didn't help. Joey walked over, asking for the cards he was owed but instead got a bunch of rantings from the defeated duelist. He was talking loudly, as usual, but Airi wasn't sure about what he was saying.
Something about 'brothers' got her interest, even Joey looked more sympathetic. Roba was saying something about his being a undefeated duelist kept his brothers from being picked on. Joey tried to help the duelist up, but his hand was slapped away. Something attached to his ear skidded across the pavement and stopped right in front of grandpa.
"Knew it." Charlotte said, recognizing it first to be a ear piece.
"You didn't disappoint us, bro." came a voice from out of the ear piece. Joey almost fell over in shock, not knowing where the voice was coming from. Airi and the others looked around to see four boys standing in the crowd. From the matching clothes and green hair they had to be the brothers. They were rather a short lot, like Roba himself. "You didn't let us down. You dueled well even if we weren't helping you." the second to shortest said.
"But I lost." Roba said, sitting back on his heels, starting at the younger boys.
"That doesn't matter. You're still a good duelist and a even greater brother." one of the green haired boys said.
Roba stood, eyes filling with happy tears instead of frustrated ones. "Well then get over here and give your brother a hug."
The younger boys crowded around him, all of them seeming to forget about the rest of the dissipating crowd.
"Well played Joey." Gramps said, as the others gathered around the victor of the duel.
"You were fabulous!" Tea said.
"Thank heavens you didn't loose your cool." Charlotte said.
"Thanks ya guys." Joey said, trying hard to look modest, and kinda failing.
"You did great, Joey. Very well played." Airi said.
"Thanks Airi." Joey glanced over at the hugging Roba family. "I guess its good ta remember what matters. 'Spesily to us older siblings, right?"
"Right." Airi said. Remembering how she knew where joey was she turned and looked up. On the top of a building was a figure, with unmistakable spiky hair. She waved at him. He raised his hand in reorganization, then turned and walked out of sight.
"Airi, who are you waving at?" Charlotte said, turning around to late to see Yugi.
Before she could answer, Roba came over to where they were standing, Jinzo and his locator card in his hand. "Here Joey, you beat be fair and square. You deserve these. Next time we duel I'll be completely legit."
"I'll hold ya to that." Joey said accepting the cards. The two groups parted ways.
"That was a great comeback Joey." Charlotte said. "I'm sure if Espa Roba hadn't been yelling his mumble jumble the whole time you would have gotten it sooner."
"Maybe, but maybe not." Joey said "Skill and luck are rather intertwined."
"Heart is more important then both." Gramps said firmly.
"Can't correct you there, Gramps." Joey said.
"Well we better go find Yugi." Tea said.
They separated at the intersection, Charlotte and Joey going one way, the Muto's and Tea the other.
"Well now we are right back where we started." Gramps said. "I swear Yugi inherited his fathers annoying habit of disappearing when most wanted."
"I think we should go this way." Airi said, pointing down a different street then the one they were on.
"Why?" Gramps said "We were already down there and no sign of him."
"But I think that will be where he will be next." Airi said. "Yugi was on top of a building back there and if my directions are good then I know the street the building empties out on leads over there."
"He was there! Why didn't you say something?" Tea said. "You could have told him to wait."
"He was on a building, kinda hard to yell."
"Well lets see if he was going that way." Gramps said. "I think you girls need to get something sweet into you before this heat makes you fight like cats."
"Sorry I went on like that Airi." Tea said, as they walked towards the park.
"Don't worry about it." Airi wasn't sure why she was so edgy. She wasn't even sure how she had even known about where Joey was. After a few moments she gave up trying to figure it out. She decided it was best not to tell the others about her 'vision' or whatever that was. Trying to explain most of this crazy stuff with the Millennium Items sounded weirder every time she tried to talk about it to anyone besides Yugi or Yami.
By this time the three of them had reached the park. There didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary, but still Airi felt something was different. Suddenly Tea pointed across the street. Disappearing into a tent across the street was a figure, with the unmistakable spiky hear and blue jacket of the King of Games.
"Yugi!" All three of them started calling, but it was like he couldn't hear them. Airi even tried the mind link, but 'Yugi' just kept walking, disappearing into a small circus tent. Airi knew something was very wrong, Yugi wouldn't ignore them like that.
"We have to get him out of there." she sprinted a head of the others, ignoring Grandpa's comment of "I'm getting to old for this."
When they got inside the tent nothing seemed to weird. It looked normal, for a circus tent.
"Where didn't Yugi go?" Tea said, looking around the circular room. "Look, there he is!"
Yami, Airi could tell the height difference now, was about to step on to a platform. In the middle of it was what looked like some kind of magic box. As she looked at it something seemed to be coming from it the darkness she had felt before.
"Yami, Don't go in there!" she yelled. He kept on going.
"Yugi!" Tea called. "He must be in some kind of trance."
"Yugi!" Grandpa tried, but still nothing.
"Yugi! Yami!" Airi tried to use the link but no response.
Yami entered the box, the door closing behind him with a snap. Smoke appeared at it's foot, rising to engulf the entire box.
"He's trapped in there!" Tea screamed. Airi ran forward, but before she got there the smoke cleared. The box collapsed to the floor in long rectangle sides. There was no one inside.
"Where could he have gone?" Gramps said, coming up behind Airi, Tea close behind.
"This can't be good. He has to be somewhere around here." Tea said, looking behind where the box had stood for a trap door or other place Yugi could have gone.
"He's not here." Airi did her best to sound calm. She lifted up a side of the box, reviling a surface covered with a question mark. "This is Mystic Box. It transports who ever enters to the second box. From what I know of who we are dealing with that other box could be anywhere."
"Then we need to find that other box." Gramps said firmly. "Come on, we aren't going do any good standing here yacking."
"This is pointless, we don't have any idea where he is." Tea said as they stopped to catch their breaths several minuets later. "There has to be a better way."
"What do you think we are, psychic?" Airi said sitting on a concrete ledge near by.
"I'm getting way to old to be chasing after dark menses." Gramps said, breathing heavily. "Or disappearing grandsons."
Tea and Gramps started to discus options, it was a way of feeling like they were accomplishing something. Airi wasn't paying much of attention. What ever had gotten Yugi and Yami in that tent must be from the evil force trying to destroy the world. What else would have enough power to draw them in that tent.
There had to be some way to find Yugi and Yami. Mind links didn't work over long distances. There didn't seem to be any way to reach him. They had vanished and there was nothing she could do about it. She blink rapidly, determined not to let her frustration come out in tears, that wouldn't help anyone. The jolts of emotions weren't helping. The almost second nature hints of her brothers emotions were still rather clear, meaning the puzzle so far was intact. She was sure her brother was dueling, what else would generate so much excitement. Airi gripped her hands in frustration; There had to be something. This was turning into the Bandit Keith incident over again.
Airi suddenly sat up, a idea coming to her. On that occasion Yami had talked about being able to scene Yugi, until the puzzle was broken. She had started feeling his presences when she got closer. She sighed. Good plan, but she didn't know where to start her looking. Yugi could be anywhere in Domino.
Frustrated, she brushed some hair out of her face. He hand connected with something hard at her temple. Remembering her Diadem sparked some hope. Even if Shadi had said this wasn't a official Millennium Item it had to have some power. She had known where Yugi was when they were looking for Joey. Maybe she could get it to help her now.
'Show me Yugi.'
Nothing happened. Her vision stayed focused on the Gramps and Tea trying to come up with a plan. She inwardly cursed the head piece. It had cooperated when she wanted to know where Joey was. What did she have to do, say please? She didn't when it had showed her Joey. What had happened last time? She tried to remember. Said Joey was in trouble didn't know where he was. Showed Yugi, who happened to be watching Joey's duel. There didn't seem to be anything special about that. Maybe her Diadem was like a mood ring, only showing what it wanted. If that was true then who knew when it would show something. Why didn't these things come with instruction manuals?
Airi suddenly winced and clutched her side. That jolt wasn't just emotion, this one had been actual pain. Her heart started to race. Her friend was in pain, and Yugi was with him. What could be happening to them?
"Where is he?" she said angrily.
As if waiting for this very command the band tightened at her temples again and her vision clouded. This time the scene was Yami standing at the edge of a circular pit like arena, legs shackled into place. He seemed to be in the line of some ugly looking buzz saw like blades. His Dark Magician was chain to some kind of board and Big Shield Gardna was on the field. Yami was slumped breathing heavily, some how having suffered a direct hit. Yugi in spirit form was at his side, keeping his friend standing. His opponent, a man in a ridiculous mask and clown looking outfit, who had a odd looking dark magician on his side of the field, seemed to be taunting them. Airi couldn't hear what he was saying, nor did she want to know. Suddenly a clear substance was sucked out of the other Dark Magician's body, causing him to collapse on the field. This substance went right through Gradna and headed right for Yami, who braised himself for impact. Yugi looked horrified, seeming to be begging Yami to let him switch. This wasn't needed however. With no explanation at all Yugi's Dark Magician let loose something clear which got in between 'Yugi' and the approaching attack. They connected, causing a explosion of light which cover the entire field.
"Airi, Airi what is it?" Airi blinked to find Gramps shaking her shoulders. "You went all stiff. Are you ok?"
"He's in some basement like place, underground arena." Airi said, trying not to panic. "He's in trouble, a lot of it."
"Who?" Tea said, looking scared.
"Who else would I be worried about?" Airi snapped.
"How . . . Do you know where?" Gramps said.
"No." Airi felt even worse. She knew what was going on, but didn't know how to help. She hadn't felt any more pain so the attack must have failed. But who ever that opponent was must have other horrid cards up his sleeve.
"Isn't there some way we can find out." Tea said, looking even more frustrated. "Wait, wouldn't Kaiba have some record of his duelist." she pulled out her cell phone. "Airi do you know his number?"
"No." Airi didn't even notice Gramps standing back up to start pacing. What had just happened? She had asked 'where' and had gotten some sort of vision of what was happening. Whatever had just happened Yugi and Yami were in some kind of trouble. She didn't know if this would work but she had to try. She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself.
'I need to find the Pharaoh's spirit, where is he?' she thought, praying she would get something, anything. She did. It was like something was gently turning her head. Opening her eyes she saw she was facing a street. Without thinking she jumped up and started running.
"Airi what are you doing?" Gramps said, seeing her running off.
"To find Yugi!" she yelled, over her shoulder. She didn't stop to let them catch up. She didn't want to have that pain inside of her again. She had to get to them, they might need her. She didn't stop until she felt a slight pressure against her left temple. She froze, looking left she could see a side street. She started along it the reception of the jolts getting stronger, making her spirits rise.
Finally she came to an old building. Airi stopped to catch her breath, seeing her reflection in the old glass window. The Ankh on the Diadem gave a light flash. This had to be it. Airi opened the door, surprisingly it was unlocked. The rare hunters must be confident this place was well hidden. She started along the hall, apparently in some abandoned office.
The sound of hysterical yelling coming from some room farther down the hall. Panicking she headed straight for it. The voice didn't sound like anyone she knew. The door a the end of the hall had a eyes engraved on it, looking exactly like the eye on the puzzle. She tried the door, but this one was locked.
"Yami! Yugi! Are you in there?" she started pounding on it.
"Airi?" Yami's voice answered, he seemed to be right next to the door. "Something's keeping me from getting to you. How did you find us?"
"No time to explain, what is going on in there?"
"Arkana lost and seems to be going into hysteria."
"Your alight, you didn't get hurt badly?"
"How did . . .?"
"Later." She could hear Yugi yelling now. "How do I get in there?"
The key hole started to glow, appealingly from some force trying to open it.
"It's being persistent." she could here Yami mutter angrily. "This Shadow Magic is strong."
Without thinking Airi placed her hand over the light coming from the key hole. The ankh on her diadem glowed and she felt like a warmth traveled though her arm into the door. With a click the door opened. Yami stood there, staring at her. The glowing gold eye on his forehead faded away. Airi clasped at her temple, feeling suddenly drained. Yami gripped her shoulders to steady her.
"Are you alright?" he said.
"I'm fine." she straitened, she looked passed him. "Yugi!"
The room was exactly like she had seen it in her vision. Yugi was on the other side panting. laying on the floor near him was the crazy dressed guy Airi had seen in her vision. It looked like Yugi had saved him from the buzz saw like thing which was right where he had been shackled the moment before. Yugi stood up, looking a little dazed as he took a few steps away from the other man.
"Even someone like you doesn't deserve to be sent to the shadow realm." Yugi said.
"Yugi!" Airi ran to him and swooped him into a hug.
"Airi I'm ok." Yugi said, feeling crushed in her embrace.
"Don't you make light of this." Airi said, pulling away. "I saw that other Dark Magician holder and I felt the pain when he shot that plasma stuff at you and Yami."
"You saw that?" Yami stared at her, obviously unnerved. "Airi, Please explain what is going on."
Before Airi could answer the man, Arkana is what Yami had called him, got up and stammering like a lunatic ran to a curtain behind he had been standing.
"I'm coming Catherine my sweet, my darling!" he pulled down the curtain, covering the still silhouette behind it. He kept on babbling about making it up to her, even with the head fell of relieving to all it was a doll.
"What is going on?" Airi said softly. She stared at the other man, his grief some how keeping her eyes fixed on him.
"He lost the person he cared about the most." Yami placed a hind on her shoulder, making her blink and look at him. "It seems Marik promised to give her back to him if he defeated Yugi Muto."
Yugi cautiously approached the sobbing figure. "Arkana, are you alright? Can I help in some way?"
Suddenly Arkana stood, turning around. Airi gasped. His eyes had turned into nothing but white expressionless orbs and a gold eye had appeared on his forehead.
"Arkana is gone." the body said, voice warped sounding like a bad recording. "So we meet again, little Yugi."
"Show your face to me Marik, you coward." Yugi said, fist clenched. Airi moved to stand behind her brother, hands on his shoulders. She glared at the figure. Who ever this creep was he wasn't going to do anything to Yugi while she here.
"I will revile myself to you when the time is right and no sooner." The voice of Marik said. "Once I had acquired what is rightfully mine. And you know what it is I want."
"What is it you want?" Airi demanded. "What is worth destroying peoples lives to get?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Marik sounded slightly amused by her. "The ancient power of the pharaoh, the spirit which lives in your Millennium Puzzle.
Airi and Yugi gasped.
"You want Yami?" Airi said.
Yami had come up to where they were standing, glaring at the possessed figure. Even if the Marik knew he existed it didn't seem like he could see him.
"No way are you going to get my puzzle." Yugi said. Even if he wasn't as tall as the spirit standing next to him, he still managed to look intimidating.
Apparently Marik wasn't impressed by the younger boys outburst. "Oh really. I almost did, or have your forgotten the whole encounter with Bandit Keith? I was almost successful in separating you from the Millennium Puzzle when I destroyed it, making so no one could use Yami's power, but you were able to put it back together again."
"Why do you want Yami's power?" Yugi said. "Answer Me!"
"Because it rightfully belongs to me!" Marik's voice was dripping with malice. "For centuries my family has guarded to pharaoh's tomb, waiting for the puzzle to appear and for the pharaoh's spirit to fulfill his destiny. But that power should belong to someone like me, Me, who knows all the secrets of the ancient scriptures, not a runt card player like you. But I can't take this power by force. To get this power I have to win it from the one who was who possess it."
"We will just see about that." Yugi said, his voice sounding unnaturally forceful. "I was suppose to have the puzzle. Yami chose me and allowed me to put it together. We are a team. He needs me to help him save the world from people like you and I am not going to let him down."
"Yugi." Yami said. Airi couldn't tell if the spirit was voicing gratitude for his friends loyalty or waning him not to provoke their enemy anymore.
"You think you are so special." Marik taunted. "You are merely a vessel. Your Yami friend has no idea of the powers he possess. Not even the ancient scriptures were able to describe in full the power the Nameless Pharaoh."
"Nameless?" Airi said softly. She glanced at Yami, who shrugged, not knowing what the statement meant either.
Marik continued. "Yami is merely a helper of the one who holds the Millennium Puzzle. Without him you are nothing, and once is relieve you of him, his power will help me rule the world. Anyone who stands in my way will suffer."
If looks could send people to the shadow realm the look in Yami's eyes would have sent Marik there a long time ago. He might have done something drastic, but Airi hand quickly gripped his, keeping him from attacking.
"You will never get your hands on the puzzle." Airi said. "You don't have any right to it. Yami is our friend, if you want him you have to go through us."
"You wont succeed Marik." Yugi said. "Yami and I will stop you, I will make sure of it."
The glazed over eyes of Arkana looked past Yugi, locking on Airi. A evil smile appeared, making Airi feel like a knife blade was being dragged along her spine. "We shall see, Little Yugi. We shall see."
"Marik!" Yami said, forgetting no one but the Muto's could here him. He stepped forward, eyes blazing "You hurt any of my friends, any of them, and I will show you no mercy."
In answer Arkana slumped forward with a grown, free from possession. Yugi hurried forward and caught him before he hit the floor.
"Yami, calm yourself." Airi was instantly by Yami, hand resting reassuringly on his upper arm. "He's gone now."
"Yugi! Airi! Are you here!" in the open door way came Gramps and Tea, surprisingly closely followed by Tristan and Mokuba. They all froze, staring at the scene before them. They didn't know what to make of Yugi supporting a slumped crazy dressed man and Airi standing with one hand in midair, face pail.
"Hey guys." Yugi said, breaking the stunned silence.
"What happened?" Gramps said. "First Yugi goes missing, then Airi you run off like a loony. I hope you two have some sort of explanation."
"This is going to take a very long time." Airi said.
Yami couldn't help smiling, slightly.
In a unknown location far away from Domino City, a robed figure sat on a throne like chair, stroking a oddly shaped rod with a eye engraved on it. He had been sitting in thought for a long time, not saying a word since he had spoken to Yugi. The only other person in the room was a tall man in a similar robe. He watched the seated man intently, trying to read his half hidden face.
"Marik, is there something wrong?" the man said.
"Nothing Odion." Marik said, sounding impatient. "As a matter of fact things are going according to plan. Tomorrow we will have the puzzle and the remainder of the Egyptian God cards."
"Something seems to be bothering you." Odion said.
"What puzzles me was something I saw when I was talking to Yugi Muto."
"What was that?"
"His sister."
"You knew he had one."
"But I wasn't expecting what she was wearing on her head. She had some sort of band, like a crown, something no common soul would have possession of. I could tell it was of ancient make, and possibly contains some sort of power."
"What does this mean?" Odion said.
"That is what interests me. There is only one thing it could be." Marik leaned back on his throne. "Do you recall a small passage in the ancient scriptures about the Millennium Diadem? It wasn't in the required reading but my father made sure I read everyone of those cursid scrolls. Do you know the passage, Odion?"
"I wasn't as well read as you." Odion confessed.
"The Millennium Diadem was something no was sure existed, not being with the other items my family was suppose to be guarding. Even the other tomb keepers didn't have charge of it. It was said to have some important meaning to the Nameless Pharaoh."
"If this is so wouldn't it be included in the treasures in his tomb itself." Odion knew the tomb was sealed shut, not even the tomb keepers could enter the true interior of the Nameless Pharaoh's final resting place. Those who had attempted it were never seen again. "Perhaps the mysterious robed figure in the turban had something to do with this."
"Exactly what I was thinking." Marik's half covered face grinned evilly. "The little paragraph about it said when worn, the wearer was practically untouchable. If I could get hold of it then truly no one would be able to stand against me."
"But it already has a wearer."
"I know that." Marik snapped. "I just have to add it to my list of things to acquire. Besides taking out the sister of Yugi Muto will hurt him more than anything. I will have to deal with her, along with his friends."
Yami walked around his puzzle, trying to clear his head. There were so many different feeling pulsing through him he wasn't sure where to start to make sense of them. With more attempts against Yugi and himself and Airi's strange ability to find their location, his whole existence was getting more confusing. He had put the odd comment about 'Nameless Pharaohs' out his mind. He knew his name and whatever that meant could be dealt with later. His friends safety was what was important at the moment.
It was later that same evening, very late. It had taken a long time for the younger Mutos to explain what had happened,. Yami had just looked on as Yugi explained what had happened in the arena to his friends back at the shop. Not only was it the only thing he could do, but he didn't think he had much more to add. After Yugi Airi had told her bit about the diadem leading her to Yugi. Gramps gone off on quite a rant about her running off like she did. She didn't seem to be listening, her mind obviously occupied else where.
Seeing he wasn't doing any good pacing, Yami decided to detach. He want to see how Airi was doing. Even after the siblings had had a chance to talk she hadn't completely snapped out of her worried state. She had talked with him and Yugi about the diadem when the others had left, but they could make heads or tales of why it acted the way it did. Airi had finally gave up and said they should just be grateful it had helped her find them. However Yugi and Yami secretly wished she hadn't had to see Arkana taken over like that or even the fragment of their duel. Marik's appearance had make her even more apprehensive, if that was possible.
As soon as he was out of the puzzle Yami check on his host. Yugi was fast asleep, warn out by everything they had been through. With all the duels and excitement Yami was relieved his young friend could rest. He was sure the next day would be more of the same. Yami slipped out of the bed room. He was going to go to Airi's room, but stopped. The balcony door was unlocked and someone was outside.
Airi was sitting on the ledge like barrier, hugging her knees up to her chest. Her turquoise pajamas seemed to glow lightly in the light from the street lamps. Her hair, braided out of her way for sleeping, also caught the light in her gold highlights. She still had the diadem, keeping her promise to Yugi that she would keep it on when ever she was outside the house. She looked up as Yami joined her.
"Hey." she said, smiling as he sat down near her feet. "I though you would be resting."
"Shouldn't you follow your own advise?" he said.
"My head is too full of stuff to settle down." she said, looking back over the deserted street. "I would have thought you'd be guarding Yugi."
"He will be alright for the moment. I wanted to see if you were alright."
"Well I'm still here."
"That isn't what I meant." Yami gave her a look. "Something is still bothering you."
"The only thing that drives me nuts about you, Yami, is you seem to know me better then I do."
Yami shrugged. "I am perceptive. Besides, what are friends for?"
"Ok, you have a point." Airi looking at him. "The whole Arkana thing is still gnawing at me. I just can't get the image of that arena or Arkana out of my mind. Arkana's whole reason for following Marik is making my insides go all cold and clammy."
"You don't agree?" Yami said.
"No, I understand it perfectly, that's just it." Airi looked down at her knees. "If someone came up to me and said I could get the people I loved back by taking someone out, I might consider it. Seeing that man so upset, the way he was acting, even when we could see it was a doll. I don't think I could ever hurt someone for that reason, but the temptation might still be there."
"Loss can never be taken lightly, especially when it happens to us." Yami said softly. "Knowing what you and Yugi have been through I don't think you ever will truly say you are over it."
"It just scares me how much he got to me, being so upset and not being able to move on. I know the pain stays, but that was a new level. Even with all I'm had to endure, seeing grief that extreme."
They sat their in silence, listening to the distant sounds of the city and their own thoughts.
"Yami."
"Yes?"
"I need you to prosmise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise me, no matter what happens to me, you and Yugi will stop Marik from taking over the world."
Yami started at her. "Airi, nothing is going to happen to you."
"Don't give me that." she sat properly on the ledge, her eyes graver then he had ever seen them before. "I know you will do everything in your power to keep us all safe. But things happen, plans go wrong, fate happens. I lost my parents, no one planned that but it happened."
"Airi . . ." Yami tried to interrupt but Airi raised her free hand.
"Let me finish, please. I am what most important to Yugi. I'm sure that is why I got the Diadem, so I would have more of a chance in getting through this without being used against him. How a piece of gold can do that I have no idea. What I am asking you is if somehow it fails and I get . . ." she paused, the pained look in Yami's eyes made her chose her words carefully. " . . . Put out of action temperately, I don't want you to or Yugi to get distracted by grief. If Arkana is anything to go off of more people will more likely get hurt if you go after for revenge."
"Do you have any idea what something happening to you would do to Yugi?" Yami said, his tone very grave. 'to me?'
Airi swallowed and nodded. "I can guess."
"Can you really think we would be able to go on after that?"
"I know both of you. You can get through anything, both of you have determination and have you hearts in the right place. When Gramps was taken both of you went on and beat Pegasus." Airi placed her hands over his. "You are in your puzzle for some reason, maybe to make sure Yugi gets through this. I know I can't stop the both of you getting hurt if I am, but please don't let your pain run away with you. Call me depressing or a pessimist, but even if something happens you two will still have a mission to fulfill."
"My being here is putting you both in danger." Yami said, voice unable to hid his frustration with the whole situation.
"Yami please." Airi said, gripping his transparent hands tightly. "Promise me you will make sure Yugi makes it to the end." she looked in the eye. "No matter what happens to me."
Yami looked in her eyes. She was so desperate for some kind of reassurance. How could he give her that? He didn't even know the outcome. He didn't want to think of anything happening to Yugi or his friends. And Airi, out of the question, nothing was going to happen. Even so as he though of it doubt started to prod the back of his mind. He could protect Yugi easily, but Airi was mostly venerable.
"Only if you promise me you don't put yourself in any unnecessary danger." It wasn't much, but it was the only thing which would ease his mind as well.
She nodded, seeing how hard this was for him as well. "I will do my best."
"Then I promise you, Marik will be stopped, no matter what happens."
Hearing these words made all the visible tension in her body relax. "Thank you."
"You are coming with us like Yugi asked?" Yami said. Because of the look possessed Arkana gave her Yugi had asked, though it sounded more like a demand, for Airi to walk around Battle City with them tomorrow. He was sure Marik would try to go after her first, which Yami agreed.
"After today, of course I'm coming." Airi said, looked indignant "I'm not letting either of you out of my sight."
"That sounds like the Airi I know." Yami said, smiling as they both stood. "You better get some rest then."
"Hopefully I can sleep." Airi said, leading the way inside. She paused outside Yugi's door turning to face Yami. "Don't sit up all night. You can't help Yugi if you aren't rested as well. Night." she disappeared down the steps.
Yami entered Yugi's room, finding noting had changed. He took a protective position next to the closet. Checking the clock he guessed he could stay up a few hours without affecting his performance tomorrow. Thinking about Airi's comment he couldn't help smiling. She truly was an amazing girl.
A/N: ok, so how was it. more about the Diadem, hope it wasn't to confusing. I'm sorry if this chapter really stinks, i just wanted to get it out.
PLEASE REVIEW! they really are my only reason to keep going.
Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your summer!
