Remember, lots of changes are going on, so if your confused . . . sorry, but I hope you like it anyway.
The idea of the Shadow Realm Memory projection came from reading MemoryWriter's story "Daughter of the King of Games, Part 1" where her characters go into a mirror reality thing. The story is great if you want to check it out on this site.
Special thanks to batousaigirl16 for editing. Only Airi and other oc's are mine.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 61
The Muto's headed off for Egypt the next morning. Grandpa wanted to come, but the excitement of the last competition took a toll on him. Yugi's friends overheard the siblings talking about the situation and insisted on coming along. There really wasn't much point in arguing because they would find a way to get there either way. A call to the Karnak sisters revealed there was room on the flight. Airi was relieved. She was not sure how they were going to pay for this. Most of Yugi's winnings were in his schooling fund and Grandpa's fun with Vivian Wong had still resulted in visits to the chiropractors
The group met at the airport. Nasira escorted them through customs, waving a special pass which made them cut to a shorter line. After, they were directed to a distant part of the terminal where a private jet was waiting for them. The jet was a small one, compared to stuff Airi remembers at KaibaCorp, but was still nicer than the commercial liners. The jet had Ishtar on the side, with the A over the door Kelilia opened to let them in.
The inside of the plane was nice with plenty of leg and walking room. Airi sat next to Nasira across the aisle from Yugi and his friends. Yami detached from the puzzle and sat in the seat across from Airi.
"How do you guys have enough money to fund all this?" Joey said.
"We work in the antiquities." Kelilia's tone signaled end of the conversation. She disappeared to the front of the plane close to the cockpit.
"Kelila hates admitting we're thieves with connections." Nasira whispered to Airi. "she can't wait for all this to be over so she can have a life without the Millennium Items."
"How does that make a difference?" Airi asked.
"Since our clans have decided to live outside of the tombs things have been better. We get to live in the open air and have some what normal lives,but the holders of the millennium items lives are still run by the fate of the nameless pharaoh's tomb. Ishizu is able to balance different lives, but Kelilia and Marik, as you've experienced, have had problems adjusting."
"I guess things will be over soon."
Nasira's expression brightened. "I suppose it will."
The jet began to move and everyone buckled in.
Airi met Yami's eyes from the seat across. Things were coming to a close. Hardly any breathing room between the last event and their time was growing to a close.
Yami gave an encouraging smile. "We'll finally get to see Egypt."
This did raise her spirits. Her excitement rose more with the plane taking off. She was finally going to see Egypt.
Evil Bakura made his way down the dark stone hallway, and Ryu was fighting to hang on to his consciousness. Why was this happening to him? The ring appeared again and he was again possessed by the spirit of the ring. Now he was running the show. Ryu did his best not to slip away and give complete control to the body. There was no control but he held on to the hope he could possibly take control later.
The hallway was musty and dark. From what he could see Ryu made out markings on the walls, similar to picture of Egyptian tombs he'd seen in books. Locked doors at the end of the hallway came into view. Ryu knew there was no way for him to open it, but that didn't see to be a problem for his other half. He hadn't been disturbed by some guards he'd slipped passed.
There was a gold flash. Was that the ring? The door swung open on it's own. Ryu had no choice but to enter along with his possessed body.
Beyond was another room, small and dark. They entered and in the sliver of light from the doorway he could barely make out a large carved stone. Wait, he recognized that stone. There was an exact copy in the museum back in Domino. What was this doing here?
He realized he was seeing the spirit of the ring standing in front of him. His body felt heavy and he sank to the floor. He faced the spirit. He stood in front of the stone slab. Was he going to talk to it?
He did.
"Pharaoh."
Nothing answered. Ryu tried to move, but his body wasn't responding.
"Pharaoh, I know you're there." the spirit said. "Don't be rude. You have company."
Suddenly there was movement and a spirit stepped through the wall. Ryu stared. He knew that face. It was Yugi. But no, it wasn't he was older by several years, maybe by a decade. His clothes were old too, like ancient times. His stance was bold and nothing like the timid Yugi he knew. Ryu again tried to move, but still nothing happened.
"You." the yugi-look-alike said. "What are you doing here?"
"You did wait for me, Pharaoh?" Evil Bakura said. "I feel so flattered."
"Coming here was a mistake." the Pharaoh said. "The Yugioh will be able to find you easier."
"Oh, I know he's on the way." Bakura said. "Your priests are very quick at telling people where to go. I'm here to see you."
"What do you want?"
"It must have been so lonely for you." evil Bakura said. "Being stuck in this room for thousands of years. Not enjoying the after life, not seeing your precious family."
"Get to the point." the pharaoh snapped.
"Temper. You've waited so long to beat me, why don't we make this simple. Why don't we play a game. A shadow game."
The Pharaoh frowned. "We will do this anyway."
"See, being alone has made you narrow-minded. You really believe that fragment of you is like you? It's been years. I've fought him. He has your looks and your skills for sure, but he's nothing like you. How do you know he has what it takes. He's not you anymore. He doesn't know your pain."
Ryu watched in confused silence.
"What are you suggesting?" the Pharaoh said.
"A shadow game. Make him relieve your pain. See if he is really still right to be called part of you're soul. A game where he is your monster and he has to live to the end."
"What are the stakes?" the Pharaoh said. Ryu noticed he was looking at him.
"Simple." Evil Bakura said. "If your soul lives you get to banish me and my entire soul to the shadow realm forever. If my shadow realm self defeats him or if he fails in any way, then I get to sacrifice you and your soul to summon Zorc to bring him back to the real world."
The pharaoh considered. "The hosts are not involved."
Ryu wanted to say something, what he didn't know, but no sound came out.
Evil Bakura looked back and Ryu. "If you're worried about this body's life, I wouldn't bother. He's pretty useless. Not even worth sacrificing."
"No hosts are to be included in sacrifices."
"Fine, but you don't know your spirit's host. He's a meddling little freak. If he gets in my way, I am not responsible for anything that happens to him."
The Airport was warm. The Egypt air hit Airi in the face with a warm kiss. She'd dreamed of finally arriving in this land of history and mystery. She'd been glued to the window of the plane as they descended.
"You don't have a private airport?" Tristan said.
Tea suddenly veered off and they noticed she was heading for one of the many souvenir shops.
"Tea!" Joey said. "Wait until we leave the airport before you start shopping!"
Out side the airport, two land rovers and a familiar figure leading on a motorcycle. Marik straightened, grinning and waving at the group. He looked better than the last time they had seen him. The gaunt look he'd received from being controlled by his evil side was gone and a genuine smile lit up his face. Odion also emerged from one of the land rovers to properly great them. Kelilia's stiff attitude lessened as she hugged Marik. Many passing by gave them odd looks.
"Welcome to Egypt." Marik said to the group, arm around Kelilia's middle.
"Nice to see you again." Yugi said.
The group climbed into one of the two land rovers. Nasira pulled Airi into Odion's land rover.
"He's a better driver than Avi." Nasira said.
Airi glanced over to the group of Yugi's friends in the other car. "Are they going to be alright?"
"Yeah, I just like Odion's driving better."
Yugi climbed into the front seat of Odion's car asking him about how things were going. The tall man was as studious as ever, but seemed pleased by the teen's cheerful prescience.
Marik revved up his motorcycle, Kelilia holding on to him as he lead the group onto the road. Airi soon found out about why they needed a good driver. The roads were packed with cars, camels, and people and navigating them was nerve racking. Odion weaved in and out of the traffic with little jolting.
Airi was fascinated with everything around her. It was incredible. She'd always wanted to see this country and it was amazing.
Finally the car arrived at the Nile. It pulled up at what looked like a mini cruse ship.
"Is that where you live?" Airi gaped at ship.
"No, Ishizu likes traveling by boat more than road to get to different antiquity places. The tomb keepers sill live near the tomb of the pharaoh in Thebes, now Luxor. It's easier to house you all on the boat than in the house."
The second car pulled up and, Joey almost fell out as he exited. Tristan looked about to be sick and Tea was still hanging onto the side of the car.
Yugi climbed out, a little shaky, but fine. "Where is Marik?"
The Motorcycle had not arrived with the rest.
"He'll be here eventually." Odion said. "He wants more time riding his bike before he gets back on the boat."
"What do you mean she's left the country?" Seto demanded.
"You wanted updates sir and that's what we've found." Roland placed a report on Kaiba's desk. "according the museum, Miss Airi filled out an application and the next day she was reported leaving customs."
"Why are we spying on her?" Mokuba asked.
Seto ignored him as he looked over the report. "No explanation for why she did this?"
"No, sir. She and Mr Yugi both left for Egypt."
"Both of them?" Seto rose from his chair. "Did he have the God Cards with him?"
"I don't know sir?
"We don't have information about him?"
"No, sir."
Seto hit a button on his desk. "Get the Blue-Eye Jet ready for flight."
The group was allowed to relax a bit because the ride to Luxor would be a several day journey. They spent most of the time catching up with the Ishtars, watching the scenery, and, in the case of Yugi and Yami, preparing their decks for whatever met them when they arrived at the Nameless Pharaoh's tomb. They were also allowed to explore some of the small villages during the boats routine docking. Tea liked this the most and Airi was the most willing to tag along while she visited the bazaars and small stalls set up for tourists.
During one of their visits she noticed a discarded ankh amulet in the dirt while walking back. It seemed to be in good shape. She scooped it up, then quickly shoved it in her pocket before running to catch up with Tea.
The night before they arrived, Ishizu asked them to meet her in the main living area of the boat to discuss the next days event. They sat around in the comfortable chairs while Airi, and Yami, with Yugi standing detached behind him, sat across from Ishizu, Marik, and Kelilia.
"Your return is a momentous occasion."Ishizu said. "no one has been allowed into the burial chamber of the pharaoh's tomb for 5000 years. Now, you, Yami, will be reuniting to learn how to defeat your greatest enemy once and for all."
Yami nodded.
"Sounds straight forward." Tristan said. Tea hushed him.
"There are some rules before you enter." Marik said. "Not many, but they've been put into place to lessen the affect of shadow magic coming through and interfering with the ceremonies. One rule is only the millennium puzzle will be allowed to enter. No other items or hosts of items are allowed in the tomb."
"Will Airi be allowed to come?" Yami asked.
The three item holders looked at each other.
"It's not an official item, so it doesn't count." Kelilia said. "you may keep your diadem in the tomb."
Airi's hand went instinctively to her headband. "Thanks."
"How will we know where to go if none of the item holders are allowed to come with us?" Yami asked.
"As Nasira isn't an item holder, she will be your guide."
Nasira turned red and studied the carpet.
"Will I need the god cards?" Yami asked.
"You may decide." Ishizu said. "as we don't know when the darkness will rise when you get the information, it may be prudent to have your deck on you."
Yami nodded.
Odion entered the room. "We are approaching Luxor."
Everyone gathered along the outside railings for a glimpse of the skyline. Lights from the city rippled across the water between black silhouettes of ruins and mountains.
Airi saw Yami staring out over the horizon. She slipped in next to him, resting her hand besides his on the railing so their hands were barley touching.
"Welcome home." she whispered.
The Nameless Pharaoh faced Evil Bakura across the tomb. They'd left the unconscious host in the other room, hopefully to be found by someone, and they had gone behind the tablet blocking the burial chamber. The coffin holding his mortal remains stood between them.
"Modern games have a playing table, like your board game." Evil Bakura said. "may we use your coffin?"
"If you must."
Evil Bakura waved his hand and the center of the coffin turned into a portal of swirling clouds.
"remember, you can't change what happens. You can only intervene three times."
"I heard you the first time." the pharaoh snapped. "Anything other ways you wish to taunt me?"
"Now we wait." Evil Bakura leaned against the wall. "They know I'm here. It will be soon."
The tunnels were suffocating. Airi, Yami, and the others followed Nasira down the tomb. They were the only ones allowed to enter this part. According to Nasira, they were the first ones come down here since the funeral procession, tomb keepers, and a minor robbery about thirty years ago. None of the tomb keepers liked to talk about it, possibly from the shame of bad security, but both Muto siblings suspected it was grandpa getting the puzzle.
The hall ways were confusing, probably to discourage tomb robbers. Joey and Tristan were trying to freak each other out with stories of spiders and snakes and getting lost.
"Yami," Airi kept her voice low. "I need to give you something.". She slipped something into his hand. He looked down at a small silver pendent in the shape of a cartouche with nothing inside it. It looked like a rejected souvenir. He vaguely remembered her cleaning something up and asking for some string for the necklaces, but he thought it was something for her.
He looked confused. "What's this for?"
"Since you don't know your name, I figured you'd need it more than me. When you do get your memory back, you have some place to keep it in case you forget again."
"Clever idea." Yugi said from his side.
Yami smiled at her. "Thank you. I'll never take it off."
Airi smiled back.
"We're here." Nasira announced.
They reached a large set of doors. Nasira motioned for Yami to come forward.
"Only the Millennium Puzzle holder can open the chamber."
Yami, after placing his gift form Airi around his neck, he held up the Millennium Puzzle. The eye flashed and the doors slid open. They all entered and the doors slid behind them with a thud.
Before them stood the original of the tablet in the museum. No one would be able to tell the difference between the two carvings. He turned to Nasira for explanation of what to do.
"The ancient scroll states, bring the gods together and all will be revealed." she said.
"Good thing I brought these." Yami slipped the cards out of the holster and arranged them in a fan in his hand. Taking a deep breath he held them in front of him, level with the stone carving of himself.
Light erupted before them. Everyone had to look away. Airi heard a shout and then the light was gone. Airi blinked and looked around. Everyone was alright, but just looked dazed. Yami, wait, no, Yugi faced the tablet but had fallen to his knees.
"Yugi." she knelt next to him. "Are you alright."
"Airi." Yugi sounded panicked. "I can't feel Yamiany more. He's gone."
Yami blinked in the sunlight. He didn't know what just happened. He'd been standing in front of the real stone and holding the god cards. This wasn't it. He glanced around and chills ran through him. He was standing on a balcony looking over a crowd of people. They all looked up at him as if expecting him to say something.
"Ah." Yami looked down at himself. This was not Yugi's school uniform. The gold and white linen flashed in the bright sun.
"Are you alright?" a female voice said next to him.
He turned and gasped. Next to him was Airi . . . yet it wasn't her. Black hair rippled down her back in an obsidian wave, accented with gold highlights. The millennium diadem, looking less beat up, perched on her head as a crown. Her eyes, deep brown, were concerned. Beside her stood a little girl standing on a stool so she could look over the balcony.
Yami didn't know what to do. He turned back to look over the edge of the balcony where a massive crowed stretched out. He finally noticed the chanting through the pounding in his ears. Repetitive chanting of PHARAOH sounded over and over.
"My pharaoh." an assistant on his other side appeared. "The people await."
He needed to do something? Yami didn't know what to do. His hand went up and he waved. Instantly everyone in the crowed fell on their face in bow. Yami glanced over at the non-Airi. She had a half smile which he interpreted as thinking he was being silly. The little girl stared up at him in awe.
"Wow, Abba." the little girl said. "You're powerful."
With another jolt, he recognized the little girl from his memories.
Now he knew where he was. This was in the past.
In the after life, spirits stopped their actions as they sensed something was different. The spirit of the dead queen looked up at the sky. Somewhere, the final duel the spirits of the priests and friends had spoken about was keeping her husband trapped on earth.
The ghosts crowded around the entrance of the after life someone had summoned a view of the tomb and the shadow realm.
She pushed up to the front to see the events.
"Please, let him win." she prayed.
Nameless Pharaoh looked down at the playing table coffin and saw a bird's eye view of the main balcony of his palace down at his family and what must be his spirit standing in his place. His memories projected in the shadow realm for him to relive. He tightened his fists to keep himself from reaching in and joining his family. He had to close his eyes to collect his emotions.
Evil Bakura chuckled. "Now it begins."
A/N: Hope I didn't scare you too much with crazy stuff. Please review if you like the changes, or not and i'll try to take them like an adult.
Question, does anyone want me to put "Dark Side of the Demetions" in this story? Do you think it would fit? let me know. I've had a lot of questions about it. right now it's not, but maybe there is a way to make it work. let me know what you think.
Take care, and God bless
