If you want to know why this one took so long it is because it went through about three rewrites before i thought it was good enough. even now i'm a little worried about it. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!
Special thanks goes to Noel, My beta, and for you reviews. thank you for your critiques and compliments. This would be no fun without you.
Again, I don't own Yugioh or Charlotte. But Airi and other OC are mine.
Hope you like this and don't get too confused. I'm put an explanation for somethings at the bottom just in case.
Chapter 28
To say Airi's nerves were shot would be an understatement. The idea of having a Dark Marik who would be worse than the one they had formally known made her very skin crawl with worry. She forced herself have control on things as she examined the unconscious Odion in his room. The rest of the group was there to see how he was, even if they could do nothing to help his condition. It was almost time for the next duel in the tournament, but he was still unconscious. He seemed to be in deeper than Bakura. It seemed like the attack from the Egyptian gods drained every ounce of strength out of him; it would be amazing if he did wake up again. With no other medical help she was left to make a diagnosis, and she hoped she was wrong. Airi felt sorry for him, but only slightly. The others might see him differently because he was no longer Marik, but the last few days had left her extremely cautious. After all, Odion and his former boss Marik had almost drowned her brother yesterday. It would take a lot more than a lightning storm to change her views about him.
Behind her she could hear Joey telling the others about his coming out of the coma on the dueling platform. Apparently he had dreamed something about his classroom at school and his friends helping him up. She didn't pay attention. Besides, she probably wasn't in it.
"How is he?" Yami stood detached next to her. Yugi was spending what time he could with this friends away from the battlefield.
"He's alive, that's something. From what I've seen from the attacks from two gods, they take everything out of a person." She glanced back at the teens. "Then again Joey doesn't seem too affected."
"Maybe that's because the wrath of Ra was not focused on him."
"I guess. Still, being struck by lightning is nothing to take lightly. Even if this wasn't a real attack, Ra is defiantly stronger than Slifer. I'm surprised he lived through it."
"He has a strong resolve. I can feel it." Even with this statement his eyes became hard with worry as he looked down at the unconscious Odion. "If this is what happens with a fake God Card, then what will the real one's attack be like?"
"You had to bring that up." Airi stood. "I'm afraid the real attack must be powerful enough to kill, or something close to this."
The announcement came over the speakers about the next two duelists about to be chosen. The group left the room, speaking in much lower tones about what the next duel might include. Airi paused one last time to look down at Odion. The man had courage, that's all she could say. She thought she was the last one in the room when she heard Joey and Mai near the door. She was about to turn around until she heard what they were saying.
"Joey, about that dream you had, the one where you're friends helped you up, was I in it?" Mai's tone caught Airi off guard. She sounded completely sincere, not joking or sarcastic at all.
"What?" Joey sounded like himself, flustered and loud. "You? There? A . . . well . . . I don't think so." his hurried footsteps faded into the hall way.
Airi turned, disgusted. What was Joey thinking? He like Mai, it was obvious. What was he doing denying it? Mai hadn't moved from the door way. Her back was to Airi, face hidden by blond hair.
"He's just being a stupid kid." Airi said, coming up to her friend. "He didn't mean any of that."
"So what?" Mai's voice was light, but the sharpness of hurt lined her words. "I didn't need to know. It was just a question."
"The truth is your a friend. You'll always be one."
"I don't need friends." Mai turned, her eyes cold as ice. "I'm a strong duelist and I don't need any of you to support me."
Airi took a step back. "Mai, I wasn't saying anything about your dueling. I'm just saying we're here for you."
"So what's your excuse?"
"What?"
"You couldn't handle staying in this tournament and now you're hanging around your brother to make yourself look good."
"I'm not-"
"Face it girl, you're brother's better then you."
Airi's fists clenched. "I know he is." she said slowly. "I know he's a great duelist and he's going to win this."
"Don't act like the supportive sister to me." Mai snapped. "You are just hiding behind him until you figure out another way to get to the top. Why else would you be here then to take a free look at all of us and bask in Yugi's victories. Neither of you seem capable of reality. You both seem to be off in your own little fantasy world until this is over."
"You have no idea what we've been going through." Airi's voice was more a hiss.
"Right, hun." Mai said. "You're brother might be king of games, but even kings have to fall sometime." she vanished out the door.
Airi stared at the place she had been standing. Her fists shook and her teeth hurt from the clenching.
"She didn't mean it you know." she jumped at Yami's low voice. She's forgotten he was there. His eyes were sorry, only making her feel even angrier.
She turned away. "She still said it didn't she."
"She was upset and on edge."
"So someone told her they weren't interested in her. So what? If she can't handle that then maybe she should be the washout."
"She doesn't know what is at stake."
"So you're siding with her?" she snapped.
"I didn't say that." his calm voice cut closer than a knife. She felt her eyes burn with rising tears and she shut them quickly.
"Yami I just had a fight with a friend, don't make me fight with you too."
"Come up when you're ready." with that he was gone.
She sat down in one of the chairs close to the door and buried her face in her hands. What was she thinking? She had gotten in a fight with Mai and snapped at Yami. She couldn't lose control like this. Her brother and friends needed her.
She didn't know how long she sat like that. The duel must have started by now, but she couldn't make herself get up to see. The past few duels plus the visit from Shadi were taking their toll on her. This only made her feel guilty. If she felt this bad then Yami and Yugi must be near collapsing. Who was she to complain?
A soft footstep in front of her made her sit up with a jerk. Ishizu stood next to the bed, looking down at the unconscious man with something like sisterly sorrow on her face. She turned at Airi's action
"I apologize." she said. " I didn't mean to intrude upon you're privet thoughts."
"No you're fine." Airi wiped her eyes. "I needed to be shaken out of them."
"It is a blessing and a curse to be able to think." Ishizu looked back to Odion. "If unchecked, thoughts can be the destruction of many."
Airi swallowed. She didn't much like this subject. "Do you know Odion?" she said.
Ishizu nodded. "He's my half brother."
This at least cleared up the her worried expression.
"So I guess you know this Marik as well." Airi said flatly. She didn't feel like putting it in a more polite way. There probably wasn't one anyway.
"I know him all too well." Ishizu's eyes closed as if she were in pain. "He is my brother."
"That thing out there is your brother?" Airi clapped a hand to her mouth. What was wrong with her?
Ishizu turned and her eyes seemed to bare into Airi's with a fire she hadn't expected."That man out there is not Marik but a darkness which has overcome him."
"I'm sorry." Airi said meaning ever word of it.
The Egyptian woman walked over and took one of the seats across from Airi. "I need to explain some things to you." she raise a hand and Airi's attempt to interrupt. "No you need to listen. Even if this is painful to me, it needs to be told."
"Maybe you should wait for Yugi." Airi said. "I mean he's the Yugioh you and Shadi keep talking about right?"
"Perhaps you are right." her Millennium Necklaces flashed and her face became even graver. "But I fear I must tell you first."
Airi swallowed, not liking this at all. "I'm listening."
"My family was one of many who chose to guard the Nameless Pharaoh's tomb for the day when his spirit would again appear. We alone held the secret of how to unlock the pharaoh's true power and complete the mission he came to this century to do. For millennia we waited and passed down the traditions, hoping his return would be soon. I and my brother Marik were born to the life and I accepted it as my duty. Marik however wasn't so willing. He didn't see why his life had to be wasted underground waiting for a dead king. His resentment grew until it took on a life of its own. What has revealed its self to you is this darkness. Odion was able to keep this evil under control by staying close to Marik. However, my brother continued to rebel against his destiny. He created the Rare Hunters, stole the Millennium Rod and two of the God Cards."
Airi didn't know how to take this. Her worse enemy was the brother of an ally. Why hadn't Shadi said anything? The fact Marik was suppose to be one of the helpers of Yami made her resentment grow even more.
"I'm sure you're convinced Marik is an evil person, and I you're justified." Ishizu continued. "But I know my brother, and he is not an evil person."
"Forgive me for not being so accepting of your story." Airi said. "I believe what you're saying, but what's I've seen will make it hard for me to think anything well of Marik."
"I understand."
The look on her face made Airi lean over and place a hand over hers. "I can't see the good in him, but you can. I hope you faith is not in vain." she hoped the meaning would do more comfort then her own sincerity.
"Thank you." Ishizu smiled, though her eyes didn't lose any of their sorrow. Airi couldn't imagine what this was like for her. She admired the other woman's loyalty. If Yugi turned, she probably would do the same thing.
"You've spoken to Shadi, haven't you?" Airi looked up surprised. Ishizu smiled. "I have also had counsel with him. He is the representative between the afterlife and this world."
Airi gulped. Shadi had been weird, but knowing he was a ghost somehow made his appearances even creepier.
"He told me," Ishizu continued. "I was the one to share information as my visions see fit."
Airi's excitement competed with her fear as she thought of what to ask. "What exactly do I have to do with all of this?"
Ishizu smiled. "I knew you would ask me. Do you remember what I told you at the museum?"
"Yes." Airi said. It was scary to think that had only been a few weeks ago. "You said I was to be a support to my brother and to the Spirit of the Pharaoh. But I don't see how I can be. I mean, all I do is stand by the side lines and cheer. There has to be something else I can do."
"Do you know what you're spirit monster is?" Ishizu said.
Airi blinked. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Let me put it this way. Is there a card that stands out to you the most? One you would call you're favorite card?"
"Yes, Mystical Elf, but I don't-"
"As you have seen from the shadow games, the monsters are real. It is said when these Monsters first appeared in our world, they would chose hosts whom they saw as worthy to hold their power. When they were discovered, Priests would place them in tablets to for easier use. Unfortunately, extracting these monsters was often a damaging affect on the host, but that is a story for another time." This statement didn't help ease Airi's worry. She wasn't sure what this collecting process included, but it didn't sound pleasant.
Ishizu continued. "Pegasus used cards as the medium for this age. Because the cards are not connected to a specific person anyone can use them, but the monster can still be selective about who gains their loyalty and complete trust."
"Ok." Airi's head hurt from the information she was getting in this one night. "So what are you saying? I have a spirit in my deck who picked me?"
"I sense most of you deck has chosen you, but only one is your spirit monster. You have also been selected by your card to wield her power."
Airi pulled the card out of her deck case still clipped to her belt. The blue elf smiled up at her, not looking any more mystical than usual. Believing a drawing on a card had chosen her seemed pretty farfetched, but compared to half the stuff going on it made some sense.
"My elf gives power to others. Does that mean I can give strength to those how have been affected by the god cards." she motioned to Odion.
"I'm afraid it is not as simple as that. The only reason you have the power to give strength at this point in time is because of you diadem."
"You know more about it?" Airi said eagerly.
"I am limited-"
"In what you can say." Airi finished, disappointed. "Isn't there anything you can say. I'm suppose to help at a specific time, at least that is what it sounded like you said at the museum. Everyone around me it seems is getting hurt and I can't do a thing about it. I'm not the kind of person to sit around and wait for someone to almost die."
"That is your greatest fear, isn't it?"
Airi looked down at the floor. "If you mean someone dying on account of me, then yes."
"or is it death in particular you fear?"
"I've had enough experience with death to hate it." Airi snapped. "you were saying something about those I can help."
"I honestly can say I can't tell you anything because I do not know." Ishizu said. "The records of what happened five thousand years ago were edited to limit the number of people who could use the knowledge. However, the Millennium Items have a life of their own. Each one has a specific connection and carries the emotions of those who held them in the past. I fear this is one of the reason my brother's resentment grew the more the interacted with the Millennium Rod. There is an air of resentment and anger inside of it and it gives his dark half power."
"But I don't have an item." Airi said. "Not a real one anyway."
"It works very much the same. Your Diadem enhances your power, making it easier for you to give power to him." Ishizu looked at her, smiling slightly. "It also helps you have such a strong bond to Yami."
Airi's face flushed. "I am his closest friend besides Yugi. Why wouldn't I be close to him."
"I will speak no more about it." it was clear Ishizu didn't believe her.
Airi turned away looking down at her card. The pushed the flood of feelings which had risen in her at the suggestion. She had managed to keep these feeling hidden inside her all this time. The last thing she needed was anyone telling her she was in love. She mentally slapped herself. No it wasn't love. Infatuation maybe, but love was something she didn't have experience with. She had thought she loved Seto, but that had proven miss guided. She wasn't going to fall again so easily.
"I suggest you head up to the dueling platform." Ishizu said. "I think you will want to be close to your brother."
Fear stole Airi's heart. "What have you seen?"
"Dark Marik is fighting your friend Mai at this moment and has played the Winged Dragon of Ra. You will be needed."
"But I can't do anything for the others, only . . . " she paused, understanding striking her like an electric shock. "he will do something to Yugi, is that it?"
The Necklaces flashed again. "Go, The Pharaoh will need you."
As if on cue, a rush of emotion flooded Airi. Before it had fully registered she was already running for the elevator. What could Marik be doing to her brother?
It wasn't until she was on the elevator and catching her breath when she realized something was different. She felt the fear, but there wasn't any pain. Fear and high emotions were the same as those she felt when they were being attacked, but she wasn't feeling any physical discomfort. This increased her fears more than any pain. Her mind imagined the most ridiculous forms of torture available to a wielder of shadow magic. She hoped she was only imagining things as the elevator finally slowed and stopped.
The doors opened and she sprinted to the platform. The light of the attack was so powerful she had to shield her eyes. The sight before her was the most fantastic and terrifying. Ra, it all its glory, was attacking the side of the field closest to her. Mai was chained to a large stone tablet, with Joey standing as a shield between her and the attack. However, the attack was being blocked by another person. Yami.
Teeth clenched, arms raised to make a farther shield, he stood between his friends and the blast. The fiery attack blasting from the dragon's mouth struck his back in a seemingly unending torrent. The groups was yelling, but were drowned out by the crackling of the air. Airi stared, mind numb with horror. Yami's eyes met hers, red locked with violet. His teeth were gritted and beads of sweat shown in the reflected light of the attack. It was obvious he was in agony, but still she felt nothing. What was happening.
Without thinking she was running towards him. She was on the platform when the attack ended. In the sudden dim light eye had to blink to keep them focused. They cleared enough to see a limp Yami fall forward onto the platform.
"No!" Airi screamed. She pushed past a dazed Roland, who didn't even bother telling them the duel was over. She knelt beside Yami, hesitantly placing a hand on his shoulder, afraid she would hurt him by doing so. She didn't notice the figure walking towards them until Joey, holding a now freed Mai, started shouting a bunch of insults. Airi looked up to see Evil Marik, grinning like a rabid wolf a few steps away. He held the Millennium Rod in his hand and had it extended, ready to use.
"Stay away from him." she growled. Hatred consumed every inch of her. She loathed everything about this man. He was responsible for all this. As if in response to her thoughts the pressure on her temples increased. The uncomfortable feeling snapped her out of the ridiculous desire to tear out the demon's eyes. There was no way she could beat him; He had a weapon she didn't. She was kneeling, he was standing. He had every advantage over her.
"Don't worry, Washout." Evil Marik's voice was more chilling then his other half's. The gold eye on his forehead seemed to be fixed on her. "I'll deal with the pharaoh on my own time. Right now I'm only here for what is mine." he pointed the rod at Mai. Her scream of surprises gurgled in her through and when Airi turned she was slumped in Joey's arms.
"Mai." Airi's eyes burned again with tears. Joey shook the limp Mai furiously, as if unable to believe she was gone.
"What did you do to her, Cyclops?" he yelled, almost hysterical.
"What I do to all my enemies." Evil Marik said. "She lost, so I could do whatever I wanted to her mind. You should be grateful I only trapped it. I could have sent her to the shadow realm, but this way it hurts much more." he walked away, disappearing in the gloom.
"Mai. Mai. Can ya hear me?" Joey was near beside himself. He didn't even seem to notice his sister and Charlotte who had appeared beside him. Everyone else, except for Kaiba and Mokuba, crowded around. Their faces were the gravest they had been that evening.
"Yugi?" Tea knelt on his other side. "Yugi, can you hear me?"
"This is Yami." Airi said through gritted teeth. "can't you see the difference?"
The puzzle suddenly flashed, making both girls jump. All waited to see if he would wake up. A groan emerged from his mouth and slowly the eyes opened; violet.
"Yugi." Airi breathed. She gripped his hand with her own. "how are you feeling?"
He squeezed her hand, managing a half smile.
"Can you move?" Tea said.
Yugi pushed himself up, then groaned again. Airi put an arm around him, eyes stinging again.
"Where does it hurt?" Tea said.
"Everywhere." he said. He leaned heavily against Airi's shoulder. Suddenly his eyes snapped open. "Mai, Joey, how are they?"
"Joey's alright." Tea said. "But Mai . . ." Tears streamed down her face.
Yugi closed his eyes, a tear leaking out as well. "We failed." he whispered.
"She'll be alright." Airi made her voice stay even. "She's not in the shadow realm so there is a chance she'll snap out of it." she was rambling and she knew it, but it was better than giving up.
"Will you geeks get off the field." Kaiba stood behind the others, arms folded and expression annoyed. "there is one more duel in this round before the night is through."
"You're still going to have duels?" Tristan said.
"Why not? They are all alive. If they can't handle holograms then I don't see how that can affect me." he turned and walked away. "Just clear the field before I come back with my opponent."
Now it seemed only normal to carry people down to their rooms unconscious. Mai's face seemed calm, but there was an unnatural tightness about her expression which made Airi worry about what Evil Marik had meant by 'trapping her mind'. Joey hadn't let anyone else carry her and stood by the door while Airi made the now routine check over. The announcement for the final duel came over the loudspeaker, but Airi ignored it. She had her fills of duels for that day.
Charlotte suggested they should go see it, apparently thinking it would detract them from all the suffering. Tristan and Duke were all for the idea, and tried to get Joey to agree to seeing it. Joey was not interested.
"Why should I go support Money bags." he said.
Tea and Yugi had been sitting on the couch, Tea speaking in low tones, apparently doing her best to get his mind off things. He seed to be cheering up a little, though his pained expression remained. Under any other circumstance Airi would have been happy to see the two of them together, but she was too busy worrying about everyone else. Yami still hadn't appeared. It wasn't like him to worry her like this.
"You guys can go, I'll stay here with Mai." Serenity suggested.
"Come on," Charlotte pulled on Joey's arm. "Maybe we'll see him get beat."
Airi doubted this. Seto had a god card plus Blue-eyes Ultimate Dragon. She believed in strategy and heart of the cards, but she didn't feel like calculating the odds.
"You guys can go." Yugi said. "if nothing else it will be interesting."
It took only a few more points before the group decided to go up. Airi practically ordered them to leave, saying she didn't need all of them crowding around her. Serenity stayed to look after Mai and Tea offered to go check on Bakura. Joey, still in a depressed stupor, was pulled out of the room by Charlotte, followed by Duke and Tristan. Yugi stood to follow but winced. Airi was at his side in a moment.
"You're going to your room." she said.
Yugi couldn't help smiling as she escorted him to his room. "I'm a little sore."
"A little?" Airi opened the door, letting him go in before him. "you were blasted by a Egyptian God and you describe it as sore?"
"Yami took the brunt of it." he sat in one of the arm chairs, breathing sharply as he leaned back.
"How did he manage that?" Airi sat on the table so to be closer to him.
"He made sure the blast hit only him. He wouldn't let me help him at all." Yugi glared at the ground, blaming himself for not trying to interfere more.
"So that is why I didn't feel anything." Airi said, her fear returning. "he must have adsorbed it so
neither you or I would be affected." she smacked her fist on the table. "Idiot. Not even he could stand the blast by himself. How is he?"
"I made him give control back to me after it was over. He disappeared into his puzzle and I haven't seen him since." Yugi closed his eyes and for a moment didn't move. His eyes suddenly snapped open and Airi was shocked by the panic in his eyes. "I can't find him. He didn't answer when I called"
"Nothing at all?" Airi said.
"he might not have heard me." Yugi said, trying to confince both of them things were alright. "It's near impossible to find him in that maze."
Airi closed her eyes, trying to make herself to keep from worrying. Yami was strong. If the others only needed rest, then he would just need time to revive. But could he do that without a body? He was only a spirit and that plus an attack from a God Card might be too much for his system. No she needed to believe he would be alright. Frustrated she brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face, hand hitting her Diadem. The sting on her hand reminded her of her tool.
"Where is Yami?" she whispered, closing her eyes.
She guessed it was room in the puzzle. The stone room was lit by an glow from an unseen source. Yami lay in the middle of the room, seeming to have collapsed mid-stride. The position would have looked peaceful, except for his hand. It was gripping the stones as if fighting to hold onto something stable.
Airi's eyes snapped open. "Yugi I have to get to him."
"What?" Yugi sat up. "What did you see?"
"Absorbing the pain is taking all of his energy. He needs something." she didn't mention the tight and pained expression on Yami's face. "I need to get in there?"
"What can you do?" Yugi said.
"I don't have time to explain, but I think I might be able to give him some of my energy."
"I don' think that's a good idea." Yugi didn't look convinced.
"Do you have a better plan?"
Yugi bit his lip, but couldn't think of a response. He pulled off the puzzle and handed it to her. "Alright, but I have no idea how you're going to get in. Are you sure I can't do it?"
"I don't think so." Airi looked at the pyramid. Now she was holding it she didn't know what to do. She wasn't going to wear it, but getting in a Millennium Item didn't sound easy. There had to be a way or Yami's existence wouldn't be possible. "ok, natural instincts." Airi muttered. "If I'm somehow connected to this thing then prove it now." she looked down at the puzzle, gripping it tightly on either side. She looked into the eye and willed something to happen.
Nothing did. She tried not get frustrated. There had to be a better way than just demanding. Maybe if her diadem needed to be asked, why not puzzles. She kept looking at the eye, hoping to get a hint on what to do. On a hunch, she touched her diadem, on the ankh, and then touched her pointer finger to the center of the eye.
Still nothing. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to throw the stupid thing at the wall. There had to be something. In every puzzle there was a solution. A way in had to be there somewhere. After all someone was living in it. There should be a way in. she turned the puzzle, trying to see if there was a button or something. What was she doing? This was a artifact from ancient Egypt owned by a powerful pharaoh. There wouldn't be a door bell or a 'push me' button on it. Why couldn't Ishizu or Shadi have told her something useful.
Yugi watched her, fidgeting with worry. She had to succeed. She smiled at him and then tried again. There had to have been something. Nameless Pharaoh. The phrase hit her mind with no connection in the middle of a replay of her conversation Shadi a few weeks ago. She frowned. She still didn't understand that. She knew Yami's name. Her eyes snapped open. That was it. She placed her hand back over the eye.
"Yami."
It happened so fast she didn't know what was happening she found herself standing over him. Relief turned to panic when she realized how ridged he really was. Kneeling beside him she gently turned him onto his back. He did respond to her at all. His eyes were screwed shut, as if he was trying to block out painful memories. Every inch of him was taught as a bow string. His felt hot to her touch like he was burning with fever. She could sense how weak he was.
"Yami?" he didn't respond. She tried to keep herself from panicking. Now she was here she couldn't think of anything to do. What could she do? She wasn't a monster, spirit or otherwise. She didn't have any life points to transfuse or magic cards to help. All she had was herself. She pushed her bangs out of his face and realized she didn't have the diadem anymore. Great, now she lost the conductor, or whatever Ishizu said the diadem was good for. It didn't help she felt like an intruder. These walls felt so off, like something dark had happened within them. This was the last place she would have wanted to be. She closed her eyes and willed herself to considerate on her problem. Yami was in pain. The attack was more of a blow to him then she had realized. He needed strength to combat this, but how could she do anything without her diadem.
The image of the Mystical Elf appeared in her mind's eye. Hands clasped, looking serene. That was far from how Airi felt. An idea suddenly formed in her mind. It was farfetched, but at this point she was willing to do anything. She interlocked her fingers with his burning ones. Creating one fist between their two hands she lifted it and placed her other hand over his. She closed her eyes, preying this wasn't stupid.
"Yami, Wake up!" she squeezed.
All Yami wanted to do was give up. He had no strength left in him. He had obsorbed the attack, not wanting any of the power to affect Yugi's spirit. Not he was expriencing the true extent of torment these attacks could inflict. The attack was melting away his strength like he was a piece of ice on a burner. He could take the pain, but there were worse things. The power of Ra's attack was enough to shake loose the wall which kept his memories locked away.
A scene had appeared in his mind's eye, clear to him despite the fire coercing through him. He was starting at a group of people who from their clothes had to be from the past. However something was wrong. It was like he was watching a movie. It was odd to think this was a memory when he was still laying on the floor, holding onto the stones to assure himself he was still conscious. He wanted to look away, but his eyes were already closed and he didn't have the strength to blink.
There were three of them. The girl closest to him had spiking brown hair and was covered with grime. She was kneeling beside a man who held a woman in his arms. It was this man Yami stared at. He looked just like him, at least the hair was similar to his and Yugi's. The bangs hid his face and his head was lowered so it was impossible to identify him. He held the woman close to him and his entire body was shaking from sobs Yami couldn't hear. The woman he held was about the same age as the man. Her face was hidden from Yami's view. All he could tell about her was her long black hair and a glint of a diadem on her head. A long stain of red ran down her side and from the unnatural limpness of her hand told him she was dead.
Yami stared in horror, unable to look away. What was this? This couldn't be his memories. If they were he would be in that man's place instead laying on the floor. It had to be a trick of the attack. The man shifted slightly and more of the woman's face could be seen. Her face was peaceful, but it was obvious she had recently been in pain. Despite the difference of black hair and tan skin, he recognized the face. Airi.
'No.' Yami wanted to wake up, but was could only stare at this scene before him. He would have welcomed tears if they would have clouded up this horrid picture before him.
"Yami, Wake up!"
Airi? How could he hearing her? She was laying dead in front of him. His mind began to clear as strength cooled the pain. The scene before him faded away. It had to be just a dream. Maybe he could imagine things, but how could Airi be here? If this was a dream it would make sense, but having Airi here was impossible. Warmth spread through him like a blanked was thrown over him until all his strength was restored. Released from pain his rigged spirit relaxed. If he could breath he would have sighed with relief.
He opened his eyes.
"Yami?"
Now he was sure he wasn't imagining her voice. Airi knelt next to him, alive and grinning with relief.
"Airi?" He sat up. "What are you doing here?"
"Saving your life, what else." she smiled, but suddenly clutched her forehead.
"Airi are you alright?" he place his hands on her shoulders, supporting her.
"you're asking me?" it was meant as a joke, but her voice had a hint of pain in it.
He wasn't amused. "Answer me."
"I'm fine. I guess I gave you more power than I expected." she looked up, smiling teasingly. "Don't take offense, but I don't like your puzzle very much."
"You need to get back." Yami said. He didn't know whether to be mad or worried. What was she thinking coming in here after him? He would have recovered, but then again he would have been stuck looking at that nightmare. The image of the dead woman flashed again before his eyes. He pushed it to the back of his mind. Airi was his first concern. "Come on, let's go."
"No, you need to be resting." she tried to push him away, but now he was the stronger one.
"I told you I don't rest." he helped her up. "I still have no idea what you were thinking."
"I was saving your life."
"By putting yourself in danger?" his face was now inches from hers. "Airi, leaving your body was one of the worse things you can do. What if something happened to you while you're in here, you might not be able to get back."
"I'm fine." she snapped. "I was worried sick, and you scared Yugi half to death with your saving everyone routine. Besides I knew I was the only one to do it."
He suddenly realized how close his face was from hers. He pulled away, grateful spirits couldn't blush. "And how is that?" his tone was guarded. He didn't know all the different connections people had with each other, but there were only a few powerful enough to give strength and only one which could give it directly.
She averted her eyes. It was clear she wasn't sure how to explain it either. "Because I have a duel spirit connection, besides having a diadem connected to your puzzle. Why wouldn't I be able?" she looked up at him, her beautiful violet eyes defiant. "Besides, you were dumb enough to absorb the whole attack into you so Yugi and I wouldn't feel any of it. How else was I going to repay you?"
"You don't-"
"I know." she interrupted. "you just don't think and your stubborn enough to do what you want." again she looked at the floor. "You can get mad now, but let's get out of here. I have no idea how you can live in this place."
Gently, he tilted her face up, again looking into her eyes.
"Thank you." he said. "but promise me you'll never do anything like this again."
She raised an eyebrow. "are you going to stop being a self sacrificing hero?"
"Probably not." he admitted.
"Then no. until you and Yugi out of this mess and everything is normal again, I'm not going to." she swayed slightly. "Now can we go."
Yugi was relieved when Yami appeared detached and Airi woke up. Putting his puzzle back on, he started yelling at Yami for giving them a scare. Yami just stood there, arms folded as he was lectured. His face unreadable but Airi could tell something was still bothering him. Maybe it was just all the stress catching up with him.
Airi left the two of them alone, checking on the others. Everyone seemed alright, at least no one was any worse off. The last duel was over and the ship had gotten quiet. Passing his room, she was sure she could hear Seto typing on something. She was half tempted to go in there and tell him a few things, but decided against it. She was still a little drained from helping Yami and everything else. Besides, knowing Seto, nothing she said would do a bit of good. He would probably be more unbearable after winning his duel with Ishizu.
Back in their room Yugi had calmed down enough and was filling Yami in on all that had happened. It seemed Ishizu had come by and explained the Dark Marik situation to him. They would have disgusted it further, except they were all too drained from the day's events. Despite his insistence, Airi made Yugi take the bed.
"I might have to check on the others in the middle of the night, or I might have to get some food for the boys in case they eat everything in their fridge."
Yugi smiled at her joke, but didn't reach his eyes. He pulled the covers away and sat on the exposed sheets. Airi sat next to him.
"What are you thinking about?" she said.
Yugi didn't answer for a long time. She thought he wasn't going to answer when she saw a tear side down his face.
"How many more people are going to be hurt?" he said softly.
"Oh Yugi." she put an arm around him. "None of this is your fault. You aren't the one hurting people."
"But I can't stop it either." Yugi wiped his eyes angrily. "This isn't a card game, it's a war. How many more friends are we going to lose?"
"No one is dead." Airi rubbed his back, attempting to calm him despite her own anxiety. "There has to be a way to reverse the damage, and you and Yami will find it."
"How can you be so sure?" Yugi said.
"Because I know you don't give up, at all. Besides all this would be called impossible by most experts. If the bad can happen, why can't the good."
"You're too optimistic."
"No, I'm just too stubborn to admit defeat."
Yugi leaned against her shoulder. "I guess I am too." he glanced up at where Yami was sitting on the couch. "and I know he is."
"I heard that."Yami said. "Get some sleep, Yugi. We have the finals tomorrow."
Airi stood so he could get situated. Pulling the sheet up to his neck, Yugi rolled onto his side so he faced the wall. Even with this attempt she didn't miss the tears. She dimmed the lights, then sat back on the bed. On impulse she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"I love you." she told him. "You can do this. Don't you forget that." she brushed away a few tears.
He didn't open his eyes, but hand slipped out from under the blankets and gripped hers. It was a simple gesture, but something about it made a lump rise in her throat. Why did they have to be chosen? Yugi didn't deserve to go through this. Being the king of games was one thing but having to save the world from psycho was another.
She looked up. Yami watched, face a mask of protective supervision. Then again if they weren't the ones to be chosen by the puzzle she never would have met Yami. She her heart tightened at the thought. It was stupid of her of course. He was a spirit, and a royal one to boot. Nothing could ever happen between them, but it didn't stop her loving him. Now she officially put words to it, it scared her how real her feelings were. She couldn't tell him. Last thing he needed was to worry about hurting her more by telling her it could never be. Now she admitted it to herself, it seemed easier to bare.
Yami watched the exchange between the siblings with guilt. So much of this was his fault. Why had he chosen them, if it was his choice? So many thing about his existence didn't make sense. Airi looked up from the sleeping Yugi, eyes meeting his. Her smile warmed him, easing his guilt a little. She seemed to make things better by just being around.
She stood and walked over to him, glancing back to make sure she hadn't disturbed Yugi.
"You should be in your puzzle." she said, standing in front of him, arms folded.
He looked up at her calmly. "Why is that?"
"You just survived an attack from an Egyptian God card. You should rejuvenate or something."
"I need to be here in case something happens. I see more happening outside the puzzle then inside it."
Airi frowned, but he could see she was too tired to argue. "fine you win." she sat down next to him. "I just wish you would stop blaming yourself for everything."
"It is mostly my fault."
"I don't think you set Marik or Evil Bakura on us."
"True. But I still did something back then with had affects to this time and place." he still hadn't told her about his vision, and he never was.
"That was five thousand years ago."
"It still is effecting us." again the odd memory seemed to appear before him, causing him to flinch. Thankfully she didn't notice.
"I know." she yawned.
"You need to sleep."
"I can't. I'm over thinking again."
Yami smiled. She said that when she had light insomnia. He also knew the best way to cure it was to take her mind of a problem.
"What do you want to do when this is over?" he said.
She glanced at him. "Right after we survive this, or in the real future."
He shrugged. "you must have other plans for your life besides saving the world."
"Nah it's too much fun." she looked up at the ceiling. "I think I'll ask Dr. Hawkens if he still needs help on his digs. He said he's looking for some help. Besides I need some experience to go with my degree."
"Sounds like fun."
"Yeah." she yawned again. He could tell it wouldn't be much longer before she drifted off. Without warning, she rested her head on his shoulder. He was too surprised to move, and he didn't want to. Except for protection, he had never allowed himself to get this close too her. His mind warred between getting up and letting her lay down on the couch, or staying where he was. For the first time he was thankful not to have a heartbeat. He was sure she would have heard it.
"You don't have to be so stiff." she mumbled sleepily.
He relaxed his shoulders, trying to make her more comfortable. He had no recollection of these things, but he was sure she would get a crick in the neck if she stayed in that position. He placed his arm around her shoulders, shifting himself so she rested more on his chest. He figured that would be more comfortable for her. At his movement she stiffened slightly, as if in surprise. He was shocked at himself as well. Maybe she would be the better one and move to the other side of the couch. She relaxed however and soon her even breathing told him she was asleep.
Slowly so not to wake her, he brushed some stray hairs out of her eyes. What was he thinking? There was a lunatic on the loose who wanted to hurt everything he cared about and he was putting Airi in more danger by admitting how he felt. He was having a hard enough time keeping his emotions secret from Yugi. Looking down at her, he realized how much he cared about her. Not just cared; Loved. He didn't even know that was possible. He didn't have a heart as far as he knew. How could be possible be in love?
But he was. She was everything to him and having her with him at this moment made the insanity of his existence make a little more seance. The memory threatened to haunt him again, but he refused to give in. That was the past and Airi was the present. Noting was going to happen to her. He would make sure of that.
A/N So how was it? i really hope it's ok.
Ok, the memories part was inspired by the later scene of Slifer and Obolisk attacking and Yami and Kaiba get to see the past. Remember that part? don't worry, I'll still write that scene. Anyway, it's something like that. I just figured since Ra is the most powerful then he should be able to show memories too. hope that makes sense.
If you wanted more of an explination to the dead woman and all that, Sorry but I'm limited in what i can say at this time. Gosh that sounds annoying even to me.
PLEASE REVIEW! I'm not lying when i say your reviews help me.
Until next time, Keep Calm and Keep Reading.
