HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! today this story is two years old. Thank you all for fallowing this story this long and giving it a reason to continue.

Special thanks goes to Battousaisgirl16 for proofreading and getting this back to me so fast with her homework load. A really big THANK YOU to all of you for your reviews, comments and follows and favorites over the last two years. Honestly, i don't think this would have been this good if you guys didn't show your support.

House keeping, I don't own Yugioh but the OCs and Airi are mine.

Chapter 39

By the time they arrived in Domino the monster situation seemed to have been taken control of. At least nothing looked like a Godzilla movie. Nasira looked around wide eyed impressed by everything.

"So where is Yugi?" Rebecca demanded as soon as they got in the taxi cab.

Airi glanced at her watch. "Probably still in school."

"We should go pick him up."

"We are not taking him out of school."

"But we need him, I need him." Rebecca whined.

"You've lasted this long." Airi turned to the driver, telling him to take them to Kame Games.

Gramps looked up at the sound of the bell, and his mouth fell open. "Airi? I didn't expect to see you back so soon." he came around the counter and they hugged.

"It's good to see you too, grandpa." she said. "Sorry I didn't call, every things been crazy."

"You're telling me." Gramps said. "With these monsters and then the god cards getting stolen and that duel."

"The god cards are GONE?" Nasira looked panicked.

"Yugi got in a duel?" Airi said.

"Yugi kicked his butt, right?" Rebecca said.

Gramps took a step back, alarmed by each girls' statement. "I thought he told you."

"I haven't spoken to anyone in at least ten hours." Airi said. "What has been going on?"

Rebecca stepped between them. "Is Yugi back yet?"

"He should be coming back from school by now." Gramps glanced at the clock.

"Why don't you go find him." Airi smiled, hoping it looked convincing.

Rebecca was gone, the bell on the door swinging wildly behind her.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Nasira said.

"For him or her?"

Nasira smirked. "Either."

"Yugi has back up, and this isn't the first time she's hunted him down."

"That's one determined young woman." Grandpa stared after his friend's granddaughter.

"Excuse me, Mr. Muto." Nasira took a step forward. "Could you please tell us what happened to the God Cards?"

"How about we go to the museum while I explain." Gramps said. "I'm sure you'll want to see the tablet."

"Won't the others wonder where we are?" Nasira asked.

"Don't worry." Airi said. "I'm sure someone will let them know."

Grandpa filled the girls in on what had been happening since yesterday. Airi liked what she heard less and less. On top of the duels and the monsters, someone stealing the god cards meant someone wanted power and was relentless in their pursuit of it.

At the museum they made their way to the exhibit. The tablet had been moved from the basement to a side gallery, which was still out of the main visitor traffic. They had just made it to doorway of the tablet exhibit when someone grabbed her hand and pulled her back. The others continued on, Gramps and Nasira discussing antiquities. Airi turned, giving the spirit an exasperated look.

"Yami, stop scaring …"

Yami pulled her into a hug. "It's good to see you too."

"Very funny." she mumbled, but hugged him back. It was good to have him here. Becoming self conscious she glanced around, but that part of the museum was empty. She looked up at him to find him watching her, face very serious. "What?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, what's bothering you?"

"You show up in Japan after a talk on the phone, after telling me about some connection to ancient powers after I unknowingly release hundreds of monster spirits into the real world." he closed his eyes, apparently to calm himself. "That's what's bothering me."

She gently gripped his arms, hoping to reassure him. "Hey, I'm ok. I was sent because Professor Hawkins can't leave the dig right now. If anyone's freaked out it's me. You two had a duel and lost the god cards? It should have been all over the news."

Yami smiled sadly. "No one knows they're gone, except the group, Gramps, Rex and Weevil."

"Who told them?"

"It's complicated."

"Well, I expect an explanation when they get here."

"Speaking of which." Yami disappeared. Airi only had a few moments of confusion before he was back. "I told Yugi where you were. He's happy you're alright. He also would like to know why you didn't warn him about, well, his girlfriend."

Airi smirked. "Rebecca trying his patience?"

Yami smirked. "His patience can last millennia, but I'm not sure about the others."

The sound of arguing came from the doors. Tristan's voice rivaled with Rebecca's as the groups came into view. The ten year old had latched herself securely to Yugi's arm and judging by his red face, Airi guessed her brother wasn't completely thrilled with arrangement. Tea followed the three boys, looking annoyed.

Yugi managed to pull away from Rebecca and the siblings hugged.

"Thank heaven you're alright." Airi pulled away and gave her brother an expectant look. "Now, how in world did you get yourself involved in a duel with a soul snatching, card steeling duelists?"

"Oh you heard about that?" Yugi glanced at Yami. "Well-"

"Airi!" Nasira poked her head around the entrance to the gallery. "You should be in … oh, ah, hello." turning red she took a step out and bowed to the group. "Nasira at your service. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yugioh."

"Thanks." Yugi looked even more uncomfortable.

"Can we quit the yacking and figure out what is going on around here?" Joey said.

"Joey's giving suggestions?" Tristan said. "We must be in trouble."

They entered the gallery and stood in front of the carving. It didn't look any different than the last time she was here. It was hard to believe it was a fake. However, there was something different about the room, something out of place. It made Airi uncomfortable.

"So, Nasira." Yugi said, once again with Rebecca on his arm. "Can you tell us what happened the other day?"

"I'm sorry, sir." Nasira looked over the glace enclosed stone. "Some force has been here, that is certain. But there is not similarity to it and any form of shadow magic I've seen."

"But it is shadow magic?" Tea said.

"Or something close too it."

"I should have known." Airi muttered. No wonder she felt so uncomfortable.

Tea took a step closer to Yugi. Rebecca's grip tightened, making Yugi wince.

"So what you're saying is we have another kind of dark magic making havoc around the world?" Tristan said.

Nasira nodded.

"Great." Joey grumbled. "Just when we clean up one mess another one falls on top of us."

"Do you know where this magic came from?" Yugi said.

"Professor Hawkins believes it has a connection to these stone figures found in ruins we believe come from the lost city of Atlantis." Nasira pulled copies of the photographs out of her bag and handed them to Yugi.

Tristan snorted. "Atlantis?"

"Wasn't there something in the news about professor Hawkins finding ruins of the coast?" Tea said.

Joey stared. "You watch the news?"

She gave him a shove. "So you guys think there is a connection to the monsters appearing and the finding of this possible Atlantis?"

"The evidence is close." Airi said. "From what we've discovered the carvings in the ruins and duel monster carvings Pegasus used are extremely similar. Also the time of the recovery and the god cards disappearing is too much of a coincidence."

Yami, standing detached close by the stone tablet, gave it a dark look.

"So, these monsters. They aren't going to destroy the world right?" Tristan said.

"According to Grandpa's research." Rebecca said. "There is a parallel universe which coexists to areas and is triggered with great shows of inner strength. When channeled great power is released. Only two great expressions have been recorded in ancient history, the earliest of which was ten thousand years ago."

"Translation." Joey and the others looked dazed.

"There is another world containing monsters which can be summoned, like holograms, and destroy things." Airi translated.

"That's not possible." Tristan said. "It's only a game."

"You didn't get blasted by Ra." Joey said. "Trust me, those things can be very real."

"What happens when it gets out of control?" Tea asked.

"Well," Nasira hesitated. "from what we could decipher from the records, the powers released nearly destroyed the world."

"You said two times" Yugi said. "One was ten thousand years ago, and the other?"

Airi and Nasira shared a look.

"The last one was five thousand years ago." Airi said.

"Wait, the pharaoh is connected?" Tea said. "We just stopped that threat."

Nasira laughed. "You thought that was hard? According the ancient scriptures the darkness was so great the pharaoh gave up everything to lock the darkness way." she look suddenly looked embarrassed. "I hope that wasn't too much."

"We guessed as much."Airi assured her, glancing at Yami. The spirit leaned against the wall, arms folded, eye glaring at a spot on the floor.

"So what do we have to do?" Yugi said.

"We don't have that much information." Airi said. "If there is a rift, we'll have to find the connection between the two worlds and a way to open it again to send them back."

Yugi reached into his pocket and pulled out a green stone. "This was on the guy we dueled. There was this seal thing he summoned and it was this color. I think they're connected."

Airi took the stone. It was green and would have been beautiful if it didn't make her skin crawl. "It's defiantly got a dark presence."

Yugi nodded.

"I'm sure Arthur will want to see that." Gramps said.

Nasira pulled an envelop out of her bag and Airi slipped the stone inside. She was glad she wasn't the one carrying it. Something defiantly felt wrong with it.


Yami's mind was in uproar. Great power; monsters causing havoc on the world; his past self possibly fighting such forces before. Frustration threatened to erupt out of him. What did all this mean? Had his curiosity and desire for answers triggered another threat on the world? His nails dug into his arm, but did little to relieve his jumbled emotions.

The others continued to talk but he didn't pay attention. The duel last night played again in his mind. The card with the images of Rex and Weevil's souls and then the strange duelist instead. That Seal of Orichalcos trapping them inside of the cards and the strange duelists driving away on their motorbikes, taking with them the Egyptian god cards. The god cards. His key to the past had unlocked something terrible.

A hand touched him, making him jump at the light pressure. Airi stood there, concern in her eyes. The others were leaving, Yugi shooting a curious look behind him as they went. Yami turned back to face the young woman beside him. The light caught the gold head piece she still wore. In a split second he saw again the image of the woman in blood, and his past self grieving over the corpse from his memories. The last instance happened five thousand years ago … the pharaoh gave up everything to lock the darkness away.

"Yami?" Airi was alarmed now. "What's wrong?"

He took a step back. "Nothing."

"Don't lie to me." she stepped closer. "You've been bothered since we got back from Battle City. Is there something you haven't told me?"

He couldn't tell her. He just couldn't. If she thought he had destroyed his family, what would that say about his ability to protect her and Yugi. He slowly shook his head. "It's just nerves."

She hesitated, and then wrapped her arms around him. He didn't pull away, relaxing under her presence.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "It will be alright."

"Will you be alright?"

He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth before finding his voice. "Yes. I will be alright."

She pulled back, eyes showing she didn't believe him. "Alright. You do know Yugi and I are here for you, right?"

He smiled. "You won't let me forget."

"You memory isn't the best. Especially when you're worried."

"I'll remember."

"Alright." She placed a hand on his cheek. He leaned into it, wishing he could feel the touch. "Just don't worry yourself into the tomb too early."

He smiled, causing her to smile, too.

"That my Yami."

He reached up, taking her out stretched hand in his, holding it tightly. "And you? Will you alright?"

"Yeah, everything is just peachy."

Yami gave her a look, and she sighed. "OK, so I'm worried too. Stuff like this has a reputation of getting out of hand."

They stood holding hands, both lost in their own thoughts. It felt good to have her here again. Things seemed clearer when she was here. He squeezed her hand, at the same time she did. Surprised they glanced looked down at their hands. Blush crept into her cheeks and she smiled up at him. She was truly beautiful.

Footsteps coming down the hall made them let go. Joey rounded the corner. "Airi, Gramps called a taxi for you, ya better get out front."

"Be right there, thanks Joey."

He nodded, glancing around the room again before leaving.

Sighing Airi let go of his hand and started towards the door. He suddenly felt panic. Soon she would be gone again. He had to tell her. "Airi."

She turned. "Yes?"

"I... I..." he growled in frustration. "I promise you Yugi will be safe."

She smiled, making his insides warm. "I know he will. Just take care of yourself too."

They came outside just as the taxi pulled up. Goodbyes came all around, wishing the group a safe journey back to the states. Rebecca gave Yugi a good bye kiss on the cheek. Yami was afraid the boys face would catch on fire. Tea looked about ready to blow some steam. Yami caught her saying something about treating a pharaoh like that, and he sighed. The other girl's feelings for his host were hard to figure out.

Airi gave her brother a hug, whispering something teasing in his ear. Yugi looked indignant, but held his sister close. "Take care sis."

"Follow your own advice for once." Airi gave him her own kiss on the forehead. She gave Yami another smile."Take care"

"You too."

Host and spirit watched the taxi drive away.

"I thought things would be getting back to normal." Yugi said. "Now they're ten times weirder."

"And seemingly more treacherous." Yami said.


Over the loud sound of Rebecca's chatter next to her, Airi asked the taxi driver to please take her to Kame games before the airport. She hurried up the stairs to her room. Kneeling beside the bed she pulled a briefcase shaped box out from under the bed. Inside was her duel-disk. She stared at it for a moment, before taking it out. She hoped she wouldn't have to use it, but she did promise Yugi and Yami she would take care. If there was going be crazy duelists she wasn't going to be an easy target. Securing the devise in her carry on, she went to her desk. The top drawer revealed her deck. Picking it up she slip into the belt case and attached it to her belt.

Back in the taxi she slipped in next to Rebecca and didn't say anything else until they reached the airport. Sitting in their seats on the flight, Nasira noticed the duel pouch. She gave Airi a look, and Airi nodded. The other girl looked worried, clearly not confident enough in her duel skills. Airi placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"It's just a precaution. I'm sure we'll be fine."

Nasira smiled, and leaned back. Airi looked out the window. Hopefully she wouldn't have to prove that statement wrong."

Neal met them at the airport and they were back at the house in no time. After the initial scare of the monsters everything had gone back to normal. The rest of the group were finishing up at the rock shelter and weren't there when the girls returned. Professor Hawkins sat at his cluttered desk, going over some drawing again in his notes. He accepted a hug from Rebecca, looking relieved to have her back safely. Nasira and Airi took turns filling him on what had happened in Japan. When she wasn't talking, Airi watched her mentor closely. He seemed tired and slightly distracted. She caught herself putting her hand on her deck and folded her arms so the movement wouldn't be noticed.

The professor was very interested in the stone Yugi found. He pulled out some more research, saying some stuff about a Seal of Orichalcos and feeding a great beast with the souls of monsters and humans. "My theory is that whoever is behind all these strange occurrences, is collecting offerings, using these cards and stones."

"So they'll want the most powerful to speed up the process." Airi said. "That explains wanting the God Cards."

Professor Hawkins studies the stone closer. His brow furrowed.

"Sir?" Nasira said.

"Grandpa?"

At Rebecca's voice he started, looking around at all of them. Airi didn't like the worry in his eyes. "What am I thinking? You girls have had a long trip on my expense, you must be tired. Let's get some food together, shall we?"

While they ate their sandwiches Professor Hawkins suggested a different tactic. "You girls have been working so hard on all of this. Why don't you girls take a few days off?"

"But there's so much to do." Rebecca said. "We can't just get up and leave. That's not what a college student does."

"I mean more of a change in project direction." Pro. Hawkins said. "I've heard someone tell me there are some unusual rock art images a few miles from here. Someone needs to document them. Who knows they might have something to do with Atlantis and we don't know it yet."

Airi wasn't convinced. The professor was defiantly trying to get them out of the house. "So do you want this as a day trip?"

"It will be a large project I'm sure. I suggest you take the horses and the camper. Make it more of a trip."

"Thank you, sir." Nasira shared a look with Airi.

"I want you to go too Rebecca."

"Why? There isn't any computer service that far out there, and the satellite phone is iffy."

"You won't be too far out, and it might be good for you get away from your computer."

Rebecca pouted, but agreed. The professor smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. Airi's insides twisted uncomfortably. This was to get Rebecca out of the house. Something was getting very serious.

The camper was a good size, and with the prospect of outdoors made the prospect of living in close proximity to the other girls less of a problem. They would travel out later that afternoon, when the others came back with the car to tow the trailer. Rebecca put herself in charge of the horses, leaving the other girls to carry the bags down to the trailer.

"What's going on?" Nasira said. "I've never seen him this agitated. Even Neal looks a bit on edge."

Airi glanced over at the pilot. He put on a good show, but there was a definite strain in his manor.

"Maybe you should call Ishizu, while we still have phone coverage." Airi threw another bag on the fold out couch. "Maybe she's seen something."

Airi walked back to the house, and her own phone started ringing. It was Grandpa.

"I just wanted to tell you the news, in case Yugi didn't inform you."

"What's happened?"

"Don't worry, nothing bad has happened."

The television was on, the international news. Film footage from Domino, Japan showed a disturbance of the day before, consisting of a strange eye over the city, and a strange dragon which had fought it off.

"I don't believe you, Gramps." Airi said coldly. "What has been going on?"

"You saw the news?"

"What happened?"

"There was this eye; sucking the monsters towards it and making them fade. Yugi went running out of the house in his pjs and summoned this card I have never seen before. He scared the thing away and good thing too."

Airi let out a long breath. "I can't leave them alone for a moment."

"But that wasn't the news I wanted to tell you. I'm calling to tell you he and the group just left for America."

Airi nearly dropped the phone. "They're coming here?"

"It was rather sudden; they just got the tape from Pegasus the morning after you lef-"

"THEY GOT A TAPE FROM PEGASUS"

"Calm down, you'll make me deaf."

Airi took a few breaths. "Gramps, what were you thinking? That guy is a nut case who rivals Seto in ego."

"Nothing happened, and they were invited to see him at Industrial Illusions. He said it was urgent."

"All of them are coming to America because a nut case in a video tape told them too? What about school?"

"Term ended yesterday. I just wanted you to know. Maybe they could visit you when their done."

"Oh, I'll make sure they do." Airi was going to have a few things to say to that brother of hers.

"Things are alright over there?"

"Just fine. If they call you, tell them to call the house. I'll be out of phone range for a little while."

"What for?"

"A project. I've got to go. Love you grandpa." she hung up.

"Everything alright?" Pro. Hawkins came out of his office.

"Yep, just Pegasus summoned my brother to the States."

Pro. Hawkins looked alarmed. "Did he say why?"

"No, I didn't ask. Professor, what's going on?"

He looked nervous, but managed to smile. "Things are getting a little more serious then I first expected."

"Then we should be helping you."

"No," he's tone was firm. "I don't want any of you girls near this place."

"Why?"

He looked around to make sure they were alone. "I'm afraid my investigations might have attracted some unwanted attention. It is probably only my imagination, but I would feel much better if you girls stayed away from the house for s few days. At least until I know it's safe to come back."

Airi didn't like the sound of this. "Are you sure there is nothing we can do?"

"There is some rock art I would like looked at, and it will help to have a younger person's perspective." his face became grave again and he put a hand on her shoulder. "Airi, please promise me, no matter what happens, nothing will happen to Rebecca."

Airi nodded. "You have my word, sir."

"Thank you." he patted her shoulder, and then turned to the girl who had just entered. "Ah, Nasira, would you come make sure I've collected the right files. No good sending you to the middle of nowhere if you don't have the right papers."

He led the way into his office, and Airi caught the other girl's eye. Nasira shook her head, and Airi frowned. Still no news from Ishizu. She ran her fingers through her hair, fingers brushing the diadem.

The dig group came back before sundown, and Zac wasn't very pleased to be sent out on another errand after a day of work. Scowling he attached the rover to the camper, and Nasira rode in the passenger seat. Rebecca and Airi followed behind on the two horses. Airi had some experiences on the animals when she first arrived in America, but still didn't have complete confidence in her riding skill. Still, Ptolemy was a well behaved animal and didn't give her much trouble. As usual, Rebecca was talking about her and Yugi, sometimes addressing the horse Copernicus instead of Airi so she didn't require an answer.

The spot was several miles away, far enough to make the trip back and forth inconvenient for daily use. If the professor wanted them out of the way then he picked a good spot. The place was quite isolated, only the hills and canyons in the area. Zac stayed around long enough to make sure the tailor was secured before driving away. Seeing him leaving Airi got the annoyed feeling of being marooned.

Despite the circumstances of their stay it was a nice place. The night was uneventful, besides the argument of who got the bed. Rebecca won, so the other girls had to make do with the coach and the padded bench in the kitchen unit. The next morning the jet lag and nerves made all of them irritable. Airi finally snapped at Rebecca, telling her real college students ate all their food instead of letting the bacon get cold.

Nasira decided to continue the identification of the pictures from the ruins, and Rebecca was behind on her actual school work, so Airi decided to go and look for the rock art alone. Going alone might not be smart, but she had to get out of Rebecca's radius for an hour at least.

Riding Ptolemy, they headed up the higher ground. Following the map the professor gave her she followed the winding paths. They became narrow and she dismounted to make it easier for the horse. The place she was looking for proved to be a side path, hidden from the main path by large clumps of sage brush. Leaving the horse at the entrance to the path she started down.

It was long before she found what she was looking for. It was an indentation in the rock, protected from direct contact with the elements and hard to determine from the rest of the rocks. Adjusting the flash on the camera she stepped closer.

They were incredible. She'd seen images of pictographs before, but these were by some of the most elaborate she'd ever seen. Above the dots, geometric shapes and picture of animals was a scene she hadn't seen in the records. Fascinated she took a step closer.

Most noticeable were the dragons. Three of them carved into the stone slab, their extended wings and poised bodies faded by time, but still beautifully clear. They stood at the front of a group of figures, possibly an army, defending them against what looked like a dark snake writhing out of the sky above them. Under them stood three figures, two people and something she guessed was a dog. Under the snake was a single figure, a man who seemed to be holding something like a large rock before him.

Airi frowned at the images. She wasn't much for reading old drawings, but these were too close to what had been happening. Three dragons. She smirked. Seto would probably have said they were his blue-eyes; Always making things about him. It might just be the drawing, but the dragons all looked different from each other. She hadn't seen any images of dragons in the records. Then again there were lots of things they didn't know about this new threat.

Snapping a few pictures, she checked the digital images for clarity. One of the dragons caught her eye. He was closest to the giant snake, apparently about to go into combat with it. There was just something about it. She found herself reaching for it, and then stopped. She couldn't touch something his old, the oils in her hands would hurt it. Minding her distance she took another step closer. For being a carving it looked very believable. Grandpa's description of a dragon saving Domino surfaced in her memory. Maybe there was a connection? She was really starting to hate coincidences. She took another picture for good measure.

Glancing at her watch she saw it was nearly noon. She should head back to make sure Rebecca didn't drive Nasira mad. Her friend must have patience beyond belief. Maybe living in a tomb had benefits. She chuckled, putting the camera back in her bag. She turned to leave, and froze.

Standing in front of her was a large, white wolf. It stood motionless, watching her with dark eyes. Fear froze her in place. The two of them stare at each other, neither moving. In her clouded mind Airi vaguely remembered someone saying when facing an animal never look it in the eye. She tried to look away, but her body wasn't listening. She was trapped, backed into a corner with the carving behind her.

She blinked. The wolf moved; tilting its head to the side, its tail twitched. Was that a good or bad sign? Suddenly it was gone. Relief flooded through her and she had to lean against the wall of the cave, breathing hard as her legs regained their feeling. That was close.

Realizing she was leaning on the carvings, she hurriedly took a step back. The three images of the people and dog caught her eye. Now she looked closer the animal looked too big for a dog, more like a wolf. She shook herself. Great, now she was going to be seeing wolves everywhere.

Remembering her horse she hurried back up the trail. Ptolemy looked at her, standing where she'd left him. He didn't seem disturbed at all that there had been a large predator in the area. Come to think of it, she hadn't heard him make a sound when the wolf appeared. Had she imaged the whole thing? Maybe she was finally losing her mind.

She rode back up to camp, just in time to see Rebecca and Nasira having an argument outside of the camper. The other horse was saddled and it looked like Rebecca was going to ride the horse back to the house.

"It's been a day, you can last that long without going back." Nasira was saying as Airi dismounted.

"I don't' care. Somethings fishy and I want to see my grandpa." Rebecca turned to Airi. "Back me up. Tell her I can go."

A loud rumble interrupted the argument. Looking around there were no clouds.

"Look!" Nasira pointed. Over the horizon back towards the house a black plume of smoke rose above the desert.

"GRANDPA" Rebecca was on her horse in an instant and galloped away.

"Rebecca!" Airi shouted, but the girl was already too far away. Airi swung up on her horse. "Sira, come on!"

"Wait." the other girl ran inside.

"Nasira, get on the horse!"

The girl came back out, shoving something in her pocket. Scrambling on the horse's back she wrapped her arms around Airi's middle as the other girl kicked the horse into a gallop.

After what felt like eternity they reached the ruins of the house. Both girls stared in disbelief. It was completely demolished; any pieces remaining were being devoured in the fire. The excavation crew, also looking like they just arrived, stood in a stunned huddle by the jeep. One of the girls was trying to calm a near hysterical Rebecca. The girls dismounted, Nasira taking the reins as Airi ran towards the others.

Zac was shouting orders. He turned at Airi's approach. "You guys alright?"

"Yeah, we are. You guys?"

"Most of us were at the dig sight when it went off."

"Most of us?"

Zac pointed towards the rover. Laying under it, severely burned and gasping for air, was Neal. Airi knelt by his side. Parts of his limbs were missing and the rest were badly burned. Blood seeped slowly onto the dirt. Airi swallowed, pushing back her nausea. "Anyone know what happened?"

"From what we could understand, someone wanted the professor." Zac's anger was barley contained as he spoke. "Neal tried to intervene, but couldn't stop them. They left him outside the building when it went off."

Airi accepted the dampened neckerchief Kelsey handed her and draped it over Neal's forehead. "The professor?"

"No trace."

Airi gently moved a clump of singed hair out of a open wond on Neal's forehead. "He needs an ambulance."

"We called the police. They'll be here soon."

Neal's eyes snapped open. He grabbed Airi hand, pulling her close. "... fessor?" he gasped.

"No Neal." Airi tried to keep the tremble out of her voice. "You did your best. Relax. It's going to be alright."

He didn't loosen his grip. Shaking from the effort he held out a crumpled piece of paper with damaged other hand. "Pro … fessor." he repeated.

Airi took the paper from his bleeding hand. "We'll get him back, just hang on, please Neal."

"Neal?" Nasira came up, standing with a hand over her mouth. "Oh, Neal."

The corner of his mouth twitched, then his eyes faded and the gasps stopped. Silence, except for Rebecca's continued sobs, weighed on the air. Almost in a trance, Airi closed the pilot's eyes and unwrapped the handkerchief so it covered his face. She stood, putting an arm around Nasira and leading her away from the smell of burning wood and flesh. Behind them Zac started shouting again, though Airi didn't understand the words through the ringing in her ears.

The house was gone, but the car shed was in one piece. Airi lead the other girl out of the sun. They sat on the back of one of the trucks. Some of the tools were out of place, and Neal's cap lay on the floor. It must have fallen as he ran to help the professor. Seeing the hat Nasira broke down completely. Airi pulled her close, letting her sob into her shoulder. She was too in shock to cry, but she knew the tears would come soon enough.

The paper Neal handed her was still crumpled up in her hand. One handed, she smoothed it on her lap. It was an envelope made of sickly green paper. One word was written in block letters.

Pharaoh


Ok, i almost cried killing Neal off, so i hope you guys liked the chapter. Sorry about the cliffhanger, but it's all i could manage with my schedule.

Anyway, please review. I hope to hear from you. We are getting into the REALLY tense stuff, so suggestions are welcome.

Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend.