As a reward to those who review, here is the next chapter. As i promised i have some diadem stuff, but i can't tell you everything. I need to keep some things secret for pharohs memories so i hope you'll be content with this. if you have more questions then answers, remember the Shadi showing up is next, but whether or not i tell you much more before the ending depends on you. anyway, i hope you'll like this.
I don't own Yugioh, hope you figured that out by now, and i don't own Charlotte, but Airi is mine and the cuteness at the end is mine. again, no beta so hopefully I don't have too many mistakes.
Enjoy!
Chapter 26
The room was already full when Airi and Yami arrived. Buffet tables had been set up and the group was taking advantage of the free food. Kaiba's suits stood by a platform near the head of the room waiting for further instructions. The Kaibas watched from a far. Airi didn't like how Seto was looking at all of them with smug amusement like he had already won. She couldn't wait to see it wiped off his face.
Yami paused to talk to Mai, but Airi continued to walk around. Joey was making loud comments, mostly about those in the room he didn't like. The man calling himself Marik stood in the corner, looking disinterested at everyone. It looked like everyone except for Ishizu was present. Namu was also keeping his distance. This made Airi more suspicious of him; wasn't he suppose to be their friend? Not paying attention to where she was going she almost collided with someone.
'Not my night.' she thought. Her apology died in her throat when she saw it was Bakura.
Their eyes met. His eyes flashed dark and something gold flashed on his shirt. She could see a possible attack, but there was no way she could get out of the way in time. In response she felt a increase of heat on her temples as the diadem reacted to the threat. Whatever had been sent her way vanished. Even though the attack had failed Bakura smiled. It was almost like he had been expecting this result. His dark eyes seemed to glint with pleasure. Airi took a few steps back. Protected or not she didn't like being so close this creep. She glanced around, but no one even glanced in their direction.
"Airi I'm so sorry." the darkness was gone and Bakura seemed to be himself again. Whatever had flashed on his shirt was gone. "I didn't mean to crash into you." He looked genuinely concerned.
"What is going on?" Yami appeared at her side, eyes narrowed at Bakura.
"It's fine." Airi stammered. Her rapid heartbeat making it hard to talk. "I should have looked where I was going."
"Hey Bakura." Joey said. "How in the world did you qualify so quickly for the finals?"
As Bakura turned to talk to Joey, Airi felt a pressure on her arm. She didn't protest as Yami gently lead her away.
"What happened?" Yami said softly. Yugi appeared next to her, matching expression of worry.
"I don't know." Airi said. "I think he tried to use the Millennium Ring to . . . to . . . I don't know what, but my diadem responded to the attack. Did anyone notice?" she glanced around. "Last thing I need is people staring at my head to see if it's flashing."
"I don't believe so. But I don't think everyone notices Millennium Magic as easily."
"They still don't notice the height difference that much." Yugi attempted to lighten the mood.
Airi tried to laugh, but it sounded forced.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Yugi said.
"I will be." Airi glanced back to the seemingly normal Bakura.
"Why would he try something in public?" Yugi said. "I mean, if he wants to convince us he's normal. Even if our friends aren't the most observant, we now know who he is."
"I think he wanted to test something." Airi remembered the please glint in the evil spirit's eyes.
"Lets hope," Yami's voice was more of a growl. "he didn't find what he was looking for."
"When are things going to start?" Charlotte's impatient voice came from across the room.
"So anxious to see your friends defeated?" Kaiba said. He clicked on a speaking system on his jacket. "Why haven't all the duelist arrived?"
"We don't know, sir?" one of the suits said.
"Well get the eighth one here, immediately."
"Bet she'll only show up when she wants." Airi said.
"She?" Yugi said
Airi didn't have a chance to answer for at that moment the lights dimmed. A spot light lit up a what looked like a high tech bingo machine. It was designed to look like a Blue-eyes Ultimate Dragon, not that anyone was surprised. The three heads of the monster seemed to be leering at the assembled group, like they were supper.
"To guaranty these duels are truly by chance, each of you have been assigned a number and such numbers will be chosen by the machine at random. All the balls have the same weight and size so selection is completely to chance." the machine started to hum, the balls tumbled around the large transparent ball in above the dragon's head. The middle head, raised up in the middle of the transparent dome opened, wallowing one of the balls. The head on the left opened it's mouth and the ball was dropped onto a dish in front of it.
"The first duelist is Number 6. Ryo Bakura."
"Me?" Bakura looked shocked, then everyone's surprise she started laughing; nervous and awkward sounding but laughing just the same.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Tristan said, apparently thinking the other boy had flipped.
"You should be resting." Tea said. "you just got out of the hospital."
"I'm fine, really." Bakura said. "I'm just surprised to be the first one dueling."
"Now for the second duelist." Roland said. On impulse, Airi gripped Yami's hands. He glanced at her, but made no comment.
The balls tumbled around. The middle head swallowed and the right head spat it out.
"Number 3. Yugi Muto."
As one, Airi and Yami looked back at Bakura. He smiled at them.
"So I'm dueling Yugi, that should be fun." it sounded innocent enough, but neither spirit or Muto were fooled. Yugi and Yami shared a glance before the smaller boy faded.
"The two duelist selected will follow me to the back elevator while the rest of the finalists and guest will take the main elevator the top platform."
"Good luck." Airi said.
Yami nodded, giving her hand a squeeze. He followed Bakura and the Roland to the back of the room. He didn't look back as the elevator doors closed.
"I have to say this blimp is impressive." Mai was saying as the rest of them took the main elevator to the top of the blimp.
"The duel should be even more interesting." Charlotte said. "How good is this Bakura kid?"
"He won all of his cards in one shot, so that means something." Joey said.
"Six at once?" Serenity said
"Yeah, make his opponent give them all up." Joey shivered. "Personally I'm glad I don't have to duel him."
'Ruthless as well as dangerous.' Airi thought. This opponent sounded worse the more she heard of him.
The platform was in the very center of the roof of the blimp. It was the last place she would have chosen to have a competition; much to windy and cold, but this was Seto's idea. By the time they arrived Bakura and Yami were already in position on the field with Roland standing as referee.
"Wow, this is cool." Duke said.
"And freezing." Serenity said, rubbing her arms. It was chilly.
"Here comes master of ceremonies." Charlotte said.
Kaiba and Mokuba appeared from their own privet entrance.
"I want to get this started so I'll keep this short." Kaiba said. "Kaiba Craft 3 is cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet. The cold air will test your stamina and endurance. If you can't take the pain, you don't belong here."
"Well that's a cool twist." Tristan said.
"Kaiba sure knows how to up the excitement." Duke said.
"Shut it." Airi was getting goose bumps. "you're not the ones dueling."
"The winner of this duel will progress to the next level. The loser is out." Kaiba took a position at the side of the field, still keeping his distance from the others.
"Are you ready to lose it all, Yugi?" Bakura, still sounding like himself, still had a negative undertone.
"First admit who you really are." Yami said. "I know you have the ring, show yourself. "
Bakura laughed, voice changing as he did. His hair rose up, looking like bat wings on the side of his head. His eyes narrowed and his grin seemed to become more toothy. The Millennium Ring appeared with a flash of gold on the front of his shirt.
"I'm flattered you recognized me, Spirit." the Spirit of the Ring said. "I was afraid you might have forgotten me since the last time we dueled."
"But I threw that away." Tristan said. "It's suppose to be in the middle of the forest."
"I might just be new, but what is going on?" the guy named Namu said. Joey started to explain, the others adding in comments. Airi didn't look away from the field. Now the spirit of the ring had officially revealed himself, she wasn't going to take her eyes off her brother for a moment.
"You're here for the Millennium Items aren't you?" Yami said. "You will not succeed in your evil quest. I'm going to win this duel."
"Really?" the other Spirit didn't sound convinced. "even if you win this duel, which I'm sure you won't, are you sure you can complete this mission of yours? If you let some parts of the past repeat, you will only destroy those you came to help."
"Your taunting will get you no where." Yami's voice was a growl. "I have the support of my friends to help me get though this."
"Yes I know. You were foolish in the past with that as well." Airi didn't let herself flinch as Evil Bakura gave her a glance. He continued. "Are you sure all your friends are your ally? Not many people are what they seem."
"You speak nonsense." Yami said, with hints of Yugi's slightly evident.
Evil Bakura laughed, but didn't answer.
"The first duel of the battle city finals will begin now." Roland interrupted the banter,
"Come one, Yugi!" Tea called
"You can do this, bud!" Tristan said.
"We're here for you!" Airi said. 'please be careful.'
The duel was on. For the first three rounds Yami was on top. With Gazelle and Magnet Warrior he wiped out three of Bakura's monsters, reducing his 4000 life points to 450.
"Something's not right." Mai said.
"I agree." Airi said. "This opponent is much to cleaver to lose this easily." her fears were affirmed by the evil spirit's next move.
"Thank you for your cooperation in destroying my monsters." Evil Bakura said. "Now the real destruction can begin."
"What destruction, he has no cards out. He must be bluffing." Joey said.
"No he isn't." Airi said.
"How do you know?"
"I can tell. Call it experience."
"I needed three monsters destroyed before I could play my all powerful card. I summon Necrofear!" a blue skinned, humanoid monster appeared, looking as friendly as a snow storm. "I place two face downs and end my turn."
Airi was confused. That monster could have taken out one of Yami's monsters no problem. What was he waiting for? Was it the face down Yami had placed earlier? Why wasn't the dark spirit fighting back?
"I sacrifice Gazelle to summon Dark Magician Girl." Yami said. the blue clad magician appeared, a bright contrast to the to the other monster's destructive look. "I reveal my face down card, Magic Formula. This raises Dark Magician Girl's attack by 500, enough to take out your monster. Dark Magician Girl, attack Necrofear." the other monster was pixilated under the attack of the magician. Everyone but Airi and Kaiba cheered. Something still seemed off.
Evil Bakura laughed, cutting the cheering short. "You did exactly what I wanted you to do, Spirit. You have no idea what you have unleashed. Now I have Necrofear in my graveyard I can activate the magic card Dark Sanctuary."
A nebula like mist covered the field. It was impossible to see the sky around them, locking them in a cobweb like shell. Out of the think clouds, eyes and fanged mouths appeared, winking and leering at the on lookers.
"Great, more dead creepy stuff." Joey said, standing closer to his sister.
Panic threatened to fog Airi's mind. The eyes seemed to be watching every move she made.
"Wait tell you see what I have in store for you. You are about to see evil like you never have before."
"Explain yourself." Yami said.
"Simply put, this sanctuary will keep you in a complete state of fear. It will feed upon your fear until his destroys you."
Airi did her best to stay calm. They would be alright. She just had to keep her own fears down. She wasn't going to be a distraction.
"You may control the field, but you don't have any monsters to protect your life points. Gamma Magnet Warrior, attack."
Instead of an attack, a ghost appeared out of the back of the monster and attacked Yami. Airi felt it too, even though it wasn't very painful she still had a sharp feeling when 'Yugi' was attacked. The fact she felt real pain made it evident this was some sort of shadow game. She should have expected nothing less. Yami didn't seem worse then shaken, which was something to be grateful for.
"This is quite simple bit of magic. I get to posses one of your monsters with a monster of my own, my Evil Ghost of Dark Sanctuary. I get to posses one of your monsters, and when you attack me with that monster, it attack you and takes some of your life points with it."
"Have you possessed all of my monsters?" Yami said.
"You'll just have to find out." Evil Bakura smiled. "I hope you're not scared, because things have only just begun. My turn, and I play Destiny Board."
A large board appeared, looking like a intimidating bill board. Letters and numbers were printed over the surface of the board, a sliding marker waited to chose one of the options.
"Is this duel monsters or a haunted house." Charlotte said.
"I'll say haunted house." Duke said.
"Not more ghosts." Joey looked around, failing at looking brave.
"This is just a game, right?" Serenity said.
"I hope so." Airi said. This was getting out of hand.
"Let me tell you what my new friend does." Evil Bakura said. "Every turn I get a message from the spirit world. I get a letter each turn to spell out a word." the marker slid to cove the letter F. "in five moves the word will be complete, and you automaticly lose."
"I will not lose." Yami said, Yugi's voice adding to it to make it more forceful.
"Ya tell him, Yuge." Joey said.
"He's only got one card that can help. but i doubt he will draw it in time." Kaiba said, more to himself then anyone else.
"Yugi know what he's doing." Tea said. "Right Airi?"
"Always." Airi said. Inwardly she couldn't help but agree with Seto. If Yami and this evil spirit were from Ancient Egypt, then a God Card might be the thing to achieve victory.
"Since I'm sure you like a good gamble, I'll make things more interesting with my Dark Door." Evil Bakura said. "This card makes it so we can only attack once per turn. This make your choosing which monster is possessed more interesting, for me anyway. To keep this in play I must sacrifice a monster each turn." he dispossessed of a monster from his hand. "I know place a face down and end my turn. "
Yami drew, glancing over the field. "I summon Kuriboh in defense mode. Now Dark Magician Girl attack."
Again the Ghost appeared out of the back of Yugi's monster. Airi gritted her teeth, wanting to curse in frustration; the ghost did changed monsters each turn. All she could do was watch the ghost attack Yami. But this attack was different. The ghost hit Yami but Instead of a Airi getting a brief moment of pain, she was almost screamed as lightning hot pain engulfed her. She hugged herself tightly, gritting her teeth tighter, in a vein attempt of defense. Her chest felt like it was being crushed, killing any scream wanting to escape her. Though slitted eyes she looked up at the field, but nothing was out of the ordinary. The monsters hadn't left the field at all. How had she been hit?
"Airi!" Yami and Yugi's voices exclaimed along with the others. She managed a smile, but only managed a wince. The feeling was fading, but her breathing still felt a little constricted. The girls in the group were asking her all kinds of questions, but all she could managed was a faint "I'm fine".
"Bakura what are you playing at?" Yami demanded, ignoring the fact more of his life points had decreased and another letter had appeared on the Destiny board. "This is between us. She has nothing to do with this."
"Anyone who stands by your side become my enemy. Since you don't remember what happened all those years ago, I thought I would, how do they say it in this age, dig up the past." Evil Bakura laughed. He said something in lower tones so Airi could hear him. Whatever it was made Yami's jaw tighten in fury. Airi glanced at the monsters and was sure the Magician and Kuriboh also looked worried; why was this so complicated?
"Airi are you sure you're ok?" Tea said.
"Yes, just some chest pain." it was easier for her to talk. "It's over now."
"What is going on here?" Joey sounded like he wanted to punch something.
"I wish I knew." Airi said.
Evil Bakura's voice rose again so everyone could hear. "Besides it is partly your fault. You did provide a female monster for me, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I know I didn't use the right kind of monster, but since you don't remember what her monster was, I didn't think you would mind if I add-libbed. "
"What are you talking about?" Yami's voice was lined with fear
"Exact details would bore you. I don't know what you were hoping to change by being here, but you will not succeed. You nearly managed to defeat the evil last time, but now I know who I'm dealing with, you won't get so close." Evil Bakura laughed again. "It would take to long to remind you of everything and you're going to lose soon anyway so why prolong the inevitable. I hope you don't plan on using that monster again." he motioned to Dark Magician Girl. "Who knows, I might have possessed it. But it's your own choice."
"Don't listen to him, he's just distracting you." Airi said. They couldn't afford to lose, not to this snake in the ring. "Relax, you can't duel when you're up tight."
"You just got attacked and you want me to relax." Yugi's voice sounded higher then normal.
"I'm fine now, just beat him so he won't hurt anyone else."
Yami's face was expressionless but his eyes were tight. "Airi you're getting hurt, how else are we suppose to react."
"Look at me." her eyes met his. She did her best to smile; he needed her to be strong right now. "You can do this. I know you can. Everything will be alright. Trust yourself."
He nodded and a new spark of determination lit up in his ruby eyes. She only hoped that would be enough.
The duel continued. Letters continued to appear on the board, counting down to Yami's demise. It looked so bad Duke started to vocally express his doubts he could win; these were met with angry threats from Tristan who told him to shut up or be throw over the side of the ship. However Yami was not prepared to go without a fight. With his brilliant strategy he was able to make the Evil Ghost posses the Kuriboh and destroy it, then destroy the dark sanctuary. Airi cheered along with the rest of them, hope again returning. She knew he would think of something.
Unfortunately the victory was short lived, and Evil Bakura had a back up plan. With some spell cards he was able to bring back the sanctuary, which meant the ghost was back. Evil Bakura played a face down and ended his turn. Now Yami was faced with what seemed like an impossible scenario. If Yami didn't attack then Bakura could play the last letter on the destiny board and win. If he did attack and got the wrong monster he would be attacked instead and his life points were low enough to make the attack wipe out the rest of his life points. She knew he wouldn't risk using Dark Magician Girl because it might hurt her. Airi wanted to strangle this evil spirit. Who was he to think he could mess with those she cared about.
"This creepy stuff is freaking me out." Joey said.
"Shut up and cheer for your friend." Mai said.
"They're going to make it." Airi said. "I know they are." even as she said it she could see why the others were nervous; It looked impossible.
Yami stood motionless, holding a privet conference with his host.
"I think he should surrender." Duke said. "I mean there's nothing he can do."
"Shut your trap Devlin." Joey said. "I know Yugi and he he's not going to give up."
"Come on Yugi." Tea said.
"Are you going to move or not?" Evil Bakura said. "You're friends are annoying and besides there is only one card you can draw which can save you now. I doubt you have the power to summon it."
A hint of a smile twitched at the corner of Yami's lips. "You doubt the power of my friends and the heart of the cards. That is your gravest mistake." he closed his eyes, concentrating. Airi inwardly prayed they would draw the needed card.
Yami drew. "I sacrifice all my monsters to summon Slifer the Sky Dragon!" lightning flashed. Dark Sanctuary disappeared in the flashing light, revealing the night sky. In the spells place appeared the seemingly endless coils of the dragon. When it formed it looked even mightier then Airi had remembered. It truly looked at home on Yami's side of the field.
"You might have the god card, but that doesn't mean you will win."even though his voice sounded confident, Evil Bakura showed uncertainty for the first time during the duel.
"It's over Bakura." Yami said. "Now Slifer-" but something stopped him. Airi had felt it too. There had been a serge of energy from a Millennium Item close by. But it wasn't from the ring.
All turned to see the man calling himself Marik standing in the doorway of the elevator. In his hand he had the Millennium Rod.
"What do you think ya're doing?" Joey started for him, but was held back by Duke and Tristan.
"I have control over the Spirit of the Ring." the man said. Even now Airi thought his voice was different then the Marik she had been hearing the last few days. "I will return control to the boy. Attack if you think he can handle it."
The rod flashed. Bakura suddenly convulsed, falling to his knees. He looked around confused, shivering in the cold air. "What is going on?" the accent identified him as the real Bakura's. "Yugi, what am I doing here?"
"Again, attack if you dare." 'Marik' turned and left. Before he did Airi was sure he shared a look with the kid Namu. Was he part of this? She pushed the idea to the back of her mind for later. Whatever was going on could wait; Bakura was hurt and needed help.
"I don't feel well." Bakura looked about to pass out.
Concerned, Yami took a step towards the injured boy.
"Don't move." Roland told him. "if you invade your opponents space, you will forfeit the duel."
"Are you stupid?" Tristan yelled. "The kid needs help."
"Yeah, stop the duel." Charlotte said.
Airi didn't know what to say. They needed him to win, but if this was like a shadow game, a blast from Slifer could finish Bakura off for good. Yami stood, conflicted on what he should do.
Suddenly Bakura stood, the evil grin reappearing on his face. His hair rose, and eyes narrowed.
"I'm back, spirit." he opened his eyes wide, as if welcoming the blast. "You're already hurt enough people. Give me your best shot, if you have the nerve."
"Slifer attack." Yami's voice blended with the roar from his dragon. The beam of energy was blinding. Airi had to turn her head away. When it faded, Bakura was laying on the ground. The life point counter fell to zero.
"Yugi Muto is the winner." Roland said
"Oh, shut it." Mai said.
All of them were at Bakura's side at an instant. Having some medical training Airi gave him a quick look over. The wound on his arm, along with the cold and shadow magic had made him extremely weak, but amazingly he had survived the attack from Slifer. She regretted giving him any credit, but she was glad the Evil Spirit had taken over in the end. Real Bakura might have died in the blast from the god card in his present state.
"We need to get him back to his room." she looked up at Tristan, the strongest of the bunch. "Get him to bed and make sure the heat is on."
"Got it." Tristan scooped Bakura up and headed for the elevator with the others close at his side. Getting down the elevator was cramped and added to the stress. Everyone pushed out, but Airi managed to stay at the back. Yugi and Yami had switched, and the spirit took a protective stance next to her. Wether it was Yugi's order to keep her safe or his own idea she didn't know or care. The two Mutos were about to follow the others into Bakura's room, but were acausted by the Kaibas, who had come down their own elevator ahead of the rest.
"Great duel."Mokuba said.
"I guess it was well played." Kaiba said. "but it wasn't surprising, since you have a god card."
"Thank you but excuses me." Yugi disappeared through the door.
"I have to say your brother get eve more dramatic when he duels." Kaiba said.
"Dramatics have nothing to do with it." Airi snapped. "there is a lot more at stake then you can even imagine. I would tell you what, but you're too blind to see anything which doesn't bring you victory."
"I think you put to much faith in his god card. I have the card to make my duel with your brother the greatest of the century." Kaiba said. He started to walk away, Mokuba behind him. "you were never good at admitting defeat Airi."
"Defeat my foot." Airi said.
"Let him go." Yami's face didn't look as peaceful as his words. "If you start something I might finish it."
She couldn't help smiling. "Knowing you, you would." it was nice to have a moment away from the others. Her relief of not being around enemy and the stress pf the duel suddenly released itself in shivers.
"You must be cold." Yami said, concern in his voice. "there must be a draft."
"I'm fine." she lied. "i just need to talk to you."
he nodded, motioning farther down the hall away from the open doorway. They stood in silence, Yami waiting for her to speak first.
"Yami, tell me what that spirit told you after I was attacked." Airi looked him right in the eye. "I need to know, and I know Yugi won't tell me. Please, before I figure out a way to make you."
Yami smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "He told me he knows about the diadem."
Airi's insides turned colder then air outside. "he knows how it works?" she repeated.
"He knows enough; much more then we do. He says there is a power locked away in it. Personally I don't think he knows exactly what it is. Like me he can just sense there is something there. This is the least of our worries. He knows how it works." Yami paused.
"Go on." Airi's voice was barely more then a whisper.
He looked at the bare mettle ceiling, as if he would find a easier way of saying it. "He said it will protect you from Millennium Items, but shadow magic is a different story. What he did to you was a unique form of shadow magic I didn't know existed. He can use monsters to project pain on separate party. He did it to you to show his power." Yami's fists were clenched so tight she was sure he would have drawn blood if they had been flesh.
"So it's like voodoo." Airi said, more to herself. At his puzzled look, she explained. "Some dark magic thing they have in America. They use dolls to hurt people they don't like." she did her best to hind the fear in her voice. "We should have expected the diadem would have some flaws. It can't keep me safe from every thing. I guess I'll have to be more careful."
"Much more careful." Yami took her hands. His warm energy feeling her with comfort despite the situation. "Airi what happened up there was exactly what would make Yugi crack." she could hear the unspoken and me in his words.
She kept eye contact, hoping she was doing a good job in masking her emotions. "May I remind you of your promise two nights ago." despite her calm voice, she was trying to keep from shaking.
"I know, and you have my word." he shook his head, eyes closing angerly. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I don't either." she swallowed, trying get rid of the lump out of her throat. "But if anyone can keep Yugi going, it's you." she placed a hand on his transparent cheek, causing him to look at her. "I believe you will defeat him. I don't care what happened five thousand years ago, you will make it."
He opened his mouth to say something, but then decided against it and closed it again. Her heart ached for him. He was blaming himself for all this, and he didn't even know all of his history. On impulse she pulled him into a hug.
"Airi?" she almost laughed at the surprise in his voice.
"Thank you." she said. "I'm so glad you're here."
He gently pulled back, staring at her like she had gone mad. "Why?"
"Because the idea of Yugi doing this all by himself makes me sick." she wiped her tears away angerly;why did she have to leak at a time like this? "You can't blame yourself for everything; your not the one who caused that ghost to attack me. You are not to blame and if you keep on blaming yourself, then Yugi will feel guilty and that won't help anyone."
As warm chuckle escaped him. He gently wiped away the tear she missed. "Airi, I should be thanking you."
it was her turn to look confused. "For what?"
"For more then you can ever imagine." he suddenly stiffened, looking towards the door way. Others were coming out looking alarmed about something. Airi turned to see Yugi hurrying towards them. His expression brought back all her worry.
"Yugi, how's Bakura?" she said.
"He's alright, he just needs rest. Tea's staying with him. But the Millennium Ring has disappeared." Yugi said. "I think we should look, but I don't know where to start."
"Right now I'll enjoy his being gone." Airi said. "He's probably licking his wounds. At least he should. Right now I don't give a darn." she looked away, angry at herself for letting her emotions out like that. "I'm sorry Yugi, I think this is getting to me."
"To all of us." Yugi placed a hand on her arm. "Maybe we should rest before the next duel. Knowing this spirit, I'm sure he'll show up again when he's ready."
"I fear he will return." Yami's voice was grave. "Until then we should focus on Marik and his plans."
"Right." Yugi grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "One thing at a time. With us working together nothing will stop us."
He and Yami exchanged a high five. Airi tried not to smile at the humor of an ancient pharaoh participating in such a modern custom. She could half way see why the evil spirit had suffered the attack instead of letting Bakura get blasted. Without their hosts, the spirits of the items were truly powerless.
She followed the two of them into their room. They all needed a rest, even her. If much more happened on this trip she was going to need a vacation from anything duel monsters related. As long as they survived the next couple days, she wouldn't have much to complain about; at least until the next trouble came along.
A/N: sorry it's not much, and if the duel was not completely acurate, sorry i just didn't like working with Evil Bakura. the diadem is not all powerful, but will Marik leave Airi alone? well, we'll have to see.
REVIEW PLEASE! hopefully i'll get the next chapter up soon, i still have to write it. My plot changes a little in my verstion so i really hope i don't confues all of you. anyway, tell me if i'm doing ok.
Happy Holidays! be safe.
