Looking over previous chapters I haven't been the best at name consistency. Sorry about that. Also, this part of the story is going though a lot of cannon changes, so I hope i was able to write them clearly.
Thanks to battousaisgirl16 for editing.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 68
Yami was numb. The events in the millennium chamber weren't processing in his mind. Only the feeling of cradling Esset in his arms reminded him this was real.
The past events spun through his mind in flashes; Aknadin using a monster to escape, dragging Seth with him as he fled. Mana screaming in the doorway. Him finding Esset crumpled beside the stone in a pool of blood. Him running with her in his arms, not allowing her to spend any longer in that chamber.
Now they rested in the shade of a ruined brick house. His cloak wrapped around her in an attempt to staunch the bleeding. She lay eyes closed, teeth clenched as if trying to fight the inevitable. Even with this, he knew there was nothing he could do. He knew enough to know a wound like this was fatal. He'd failed again. On top of that, he suspected this version of Esset was attached to Airi. If Esset died, Airi . . . his eyes clouded at the thought. Maybe there was something he could still do, but what?
Only Mana knelt beside him. The other priests, including Shada who had just been knocked out by Aknadin when he stole the key, seemed to be trying to find some kind of order after the attack. Several figures passed the doors but no one dared disturb the pharaoh.
"It's all my fault." Mana stared down at the ground muttering to herself as tears flowed down her cheeks. "I should have . . . I should have . . . I should have done something."
Esset moved, groaned and opened her eyes. She had to squint to focus
"Ata" she managed a weak smile.
"Shh," Yami tried to smile. "Conserve your strength."
Esset's hand reached up and she attempted to take off her diadem. Her blood-soaked fingers appeared too stiff to grip it and she only managed to spread more blood on her face. Mana realized what she was doing and scooted over to lift the headpiece off and put it in Esset's weak grasp. It nearly slipped and Mana picked it up but held it close enough so Esset could still reach it.
"Than-." Esset's words were drowned in a coughing fit. Blood gathered in the side of her mouth. Yami gently wiped it away, his fingers shaking.
Esset's hand again rose and she touched Yami's cheek. He felt her attempt to bring his head down to her level. He leaned closer.
"Liv . . .m . . . lov."
Yami could only nod.
Esset's attention turned to her diadem. Mana held it out, resting her elbows on her knees to keep her hands steady. Esset's lips again moved but Yami couldn't hear the words. With her shaking finger, she traced the small gold anhk in the center of her diadem, coating it with her blood. It began to glow. Yami could feel Esset tremble then give a jerk. The ankh returned to its regular gold the blood absorbed into the piece.
Esset suddenly felt heavy and stiff. Horrified, Yami looked down at her. Her eyes stared blankly ahead and she wasn't breathing.
"What? No. No, no, no." Yami looked at Mana who had begun crying again. "Mana, what?"
"It's a life transfer spell." Mana wiped her eyes. "I heard her talking to Mahad about it months ago. If a person still lives, they can transfer the rest of their life force into an object to revive someone else."
Yami looked down at the queen. Her words suddenly clicked in his mind. She was telling him to use her life to complete his mission. But she was now dead. And if she was dead, that meant Airi was . . . She must be . . . gone.
Yami held Esset close to his chest and sobbed, tears falling into her hair. He couldn't keep this part of the past from repeating. It was like a cruel joke and fate was laughing at him. Neither of his loves had made it out of this twisted reality of his. Unbidden his hand slipped under his gold collar and closed his fist around the charm Airi had given him.
His sobs eventually slowed. He became aware of Mana kneeling across from him tears sliding down her face. She had remained silent during his grief, hands still clasped around the diadem. She seemed to have aged so much in the short amount of time he'd known her. She reminded him of Yugi in that way.
Yugi. the thought of his friend filled him with guilt. Did he know? He was out there trying his best to help Yami end this madness.
Guilt turned to anger. If Yugi was still out there fighting then Yami was going to make sure this shadow game didn't end without him taking Zork down.
Yami gently placed Esset's body on the ground and closed her eyes. Covering her body with his cloak his hand lingered on her lifeless hand. Taking a deep breath, he made himself think. One scene had played out from his memories, now there was just the other one; Him vs Seth. from what he'd seen of his priest he was loyal and wouldn't have turned unless he was convinced otherwise. Akndadin probably had some way of turning his son. Maybe if Yami could get there before Seth turned he could have another ally when this Zork finally appeared.
He stood. Mana stared at him.
"Where are you going? She asked.
"I"m going after Seth."
"What?" she staggered to her feet. "But you don't know where he is."
"I'll find out." Yami left the building. The rest of the priests had brought Karim's body out of the temple. Yami paused by the dead man, quietly thanking him for saving his life. Shimon and Shada were standing with Isis. The rest of the millennium items lay on half a wall on the behind them. The rod was on the ground, the end still stained with Esset's blood. The end lay beside the exposed blade. The priests grew silent when they saw the pharaoh approach. From the look on their faces, they already knew about Esset's death.
Yami stood in front of Isis. "I am sorry. You and Karim seemed very close."
"Thank you." Isis managed a smile. She handed Yami his puzzle. Looking at the object he was half tempted to throw it. Instead, he slipped the rope over his head.
"Your diadianhk, my Pharaoh." Shimon handed him the duel-disk like object.
"Thank you." Yami snapped it into place
"Isis, I need to you tell me where Seth is."
The other two gasped. Isis' eyes widened but nodded. She closed her eyes and put her hands on either side of her millennium necklace. After a long pause, she shook her head.
"Nothing is being shown to me."
Yami inwardly cursed. He didn't have time to go all over the desert.
"Intruder!" someone called out.
Everyone turned to see a figure, closely pursued by the lesser priests, run towards them. Yami didn't recognize the girl with long white hair but the other priests seemed to jerk back like she was a threat.
"It's the white dragon girl," Shada said.
"Stop her," Shimon ordered.
"Wait!" Yami said. The priests paused and the guardians stared at him. He was surprised himself.
The girl ran up to Yami and collapsed to all fours and include her head in an attempt to bow.
"My Pharaoh," she gasped, not looking up. "I beg you to help Priest Seth. He's in great danger."
Yami knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "Breath. That's it. I'm trying to find Priest Seth. But I have no idea where he's been taken."
The girl's eyes brightened. "I'll be able to find him."
"How?" Shada said. "She doesn't have any items. This could be a trap."
"It's not." the girl insisted. "I know where priest Seth is because of the connection we share."
The priests didn't look convinced. Yami noticed Mana standing off to the side watching the events. She jumped as Yami motioned to her to come over.
"Mana." asked softly. "Do you think this girl is trustworthy?"
"You're asking me?" Mana squeaked.
Yami nodded. Mana seemed to grow a little taller as she studied the new girl carefully. She then nodded. "I believe her."
Yami smiled. "Then I believe her too."
"Pharaoh, but what if-?" Shimon stopped at a look from Yami. Yami picked up the millennium rod and the end piece. He glanced at the blood-stained blade before sliding the end on with a snap.
"Listen carefully." Yami addressed the rest of them. "Zork will be coming. I don't know how much time we have, but I need everyone to return to the capitol and prepare." he motioned to the still kneeling girl. "We will go and attempt to rescue Seth." he placed a hand on Mana's shoulder. "Until my return, Mana and Shimon will oversee preparations. Is this understood?"
Despite the doubt in many of their eyes, they all nodded.
"My Pharaoh," Isis said. "What about the bodies of the fallen?"
Yami looked around. There were quite a few casualties from the attacks. "If possible, return them to the capitol for burial." His gaze shifted to the mud brick he'd come from earlier. " If not, we'll have to wait to retrieve them later."
She nodded. "It will be done."
Yami motioned to one of the priests. "Bring me two horses." he turned back to the kneeling girl. He held out his hand. She hesitated but accepted and he helped her up.
"May I know your name," Yami said gently.
"Kisara." she shuffled. "Thank you, my Pharaoh. For believing me."
Yami nodded.
A light tap on his shoulder made him turn to find Mana holding out the millennium diadem.
"You should take this with you. Just in case something happens." she swallowed. "It's what she'd want."
Yami considered the headpiece. It seemed wrong to take. Hands shaking, he accepted the diadem. It felt heavier then he remembered.
"You have to say a chant to activate it." Mana fell silent watching him carefully.
"Do you know the chant," Yami asked.
Mana nodded and recited it. Yami ran it through his mind several times to remember it. He secretly hoped he wouldn't have to use it.
Airi didn't realize she had passed out until her eyes opened. Every inch of her hurt. She'd been through shadow magic pain before, but this was a new level. Gritting her teeth, she attempted to move.
"Airi?"
She'd never heard Seto sound so concerned in her life. She almost didn't believe it was him until she turned her head and realized he was holding her across his lap. Her face flushed but didn't have the strength to push him away.
"What happened?" she asked.
"I don't know. You collapsed and then this weird girl started chanting over you in some mumbo jumbo, and then you passed out."
"Don't call my friend that." Airi tried to push herself up but another wave of dizziness made her close her eyes. She let Seto help her sit up. "Don't listen to him Nasira."
"It wasn't me," Nasira said.
"But then . . ." Airi's words faded when she noticed there was another person standing a respectful distance away. The soft glow from her and translucency was all too familiar to Airi. But then Airi made eye contact with . . . herself? No. The hair and skin were different, the clothes were too old, and she plus there was her being transparent. But...
The spirit bowed. "I know this is sudden, but linking your pain to the shadow game was a dirty trick. Reliving my death is hard enough, for both of our pharaohs."
Airi mouthed something but no words came out.
The spirit smiled. "It's alright. You're safe now. Please try to calm down or you'll only make your condition worse.
Airi finally found her voice. "Why do you have my face?" Airi said
The spirit raised an eyebrow "Technically, you have my face. I did live first."
Something clicked in Airi's mind. "You're the queen."
The spirit nodded.
Airi leaned heavily on Kaiba's shoulder as she tried to get the spinning in her head to stop. "So, um, don't take this the wrong way but are you the real, um, queen? I mean, your, not an evil spirit are you?"
The queen cocked an eyebrow. "Would I have saved you if I was not?"
"Just checking."
Kaiba stood, helping Airi get to her feet. She held onto his arm, too distracted to take the significance.
"Um," Airi said. "Have you met everyone else?"
"Yes." the spirits seemed to be enjoying this.
"OK, then." Airi tried to figure out what to say to her doppelganger. This must be how Yugi felt most of the time. "Well, I'm Airi."
The queen inclined her head. "I am Esset."
"What is going on?" Kaiba finally said. "How did you get in here?"
Esset looked around the chamber. "I made a deal with the gods. I come here to help the Yugioh's sister but I can't return until this shadow game is over."
"More with this spirit stuff," Kaiba muttered.
Airi glared at him. Turning back to Esset Airi asked."I'm sorry, but this is really crazy. why do I look like you?"
Esset gave a humorless laugh. "The gods have a cruel sense of humor. I have had to learn this over the last centuries in the afterlife. Since the pharaoh sent his soul into the future, why not let many of the members of this destiny have similar faces. Having the Yugioh and the sister looks like the royals must have been too good to pass up. Also, recycling features must have been easier than creating new ones."
"Guess that makes sense." Airi said "But why would you bother coming to help me? I mean, if you had a chance to affect this game why save me?"
Pain shot across Esset's eyes. "I can't do anything to change the outcome. Even if I did, I'm not the one who can help the spirit of the puzzle. My husband sacrificed his freedom to send his spirit fragment to aid your brother's destiny. If your brother comes back and finds you dead, what is the difference between this and the past?"
Understanding hit Airi. "History is repeating and you're trying to alter it."
Esset nodded. "Yes, unfortunately." she closed her eyes and her fists clenched. "Watching my death twice will torture my husband. Your Pharaoh must be suffering as well."
Airi's gaze snapped to the tablet. "Yami knows about the connection?"
Esset's eyes snapped open. "From what I have seen of this duel, he knows."
Airi took a step forward but paused. Doubt hit her like a rock.
"So does Yami only love me because I look like you?" she said it more to herself. it sounded stupid out loud, or maybe not; her head was still cloudy.
She expected the spirit to scoff or worse a nod. Instead, Esset considered the question.
"I don't think you'd be in this much danger if his feelings weren't real." she gave a sad smile, "I'm not just saying that from personal experience."
Yami and Kisara road towards some more ruins. It seemed ironic to have so many ruins already existing in early history. It looked like a temple half buried in the sand. No one seemed to be around but Kisara was certain someone was there. Yami was sure anyone in the temple could see them coming.
Yami motioned for Kisara to reign in her horse. She did waiting for him to speak.
"I need you to face Seth." Yami told her. "I don't know if he'll be brainwashed or not. Are you able to fight him?"
Her lip seemed to twitch. "I believe so."
"You have a spirit monster I presume."
"I do."
Yami nodded. "I'll leave him to you." his finger lightly touched the millennium rod in his belt. "Aknadin is mine."
They rode forward again. As they approached Yami noticed there was a long courtyard. Motioning towards the stones Yami turned his horse to the assumed entrance. Reigning in his horse he dismounted and waited for Kisara to join him. Diadiank already open, he led the way into the open courtyard.
The two barely reached the center before they saw movement in the doorway of the temple. Seth appeared in the doorway. The expression on his face was unnaturally blank. Yami tensed, knowing the signs of mind control. He heard Kisara gasp behind him.
Behind him stood his father, his one eye wide and bloodshot. The empty socket gaped like a hole with his limp eyelids threatened to make Yami's stomach turn. The mad man walked in front of the priest.
"Welcome." Aknadin's voice rang through the air. "Foolish of you to come out here alone."
Kisara stepped out from behind Yami, taking a position beside him.
Aknadin's eye widened but then narrowed. "So, you come with the slip of a girl. Don't you know what she is?"
"I'm here to face you," Yami said. "Leave Seth out of this."
Aknadin laughed. "What a waste. Two princes fight together for the throne of Egypt."
"I'm still the pharaoh." Yami snarled. "I'm here for revenge."
"So, she's dead then." Aknadin laughed. "I guess I should have guessed. That piece doesn't suit you."
Yami's hand went to the diadem in his belt and he glared at Aknadin. Unbidden, Yami saw a flash of evil Marik during Battle City striking Airi down with the rod. The rage pounded in his temples. This scum killed Esset and Airi. He would destroy him.
"Seth, take out your unworthy cousin."
Like a robot, Seth's arm raised diadiank shining in the sun.
A roar sounded along with a flash of light. Yami staggered back as a very real Blue-Eye White Dragon stood in front of him. Kisara stood behind it eyes flashing as her monster sized up the situation.
Seth began to tremble. He stepped to the side, shaking his head as if trying to clear it.
"No!" Aknadin turned towards Seth. "I'm losing him."
Yami dashed forward. Pulling the rod out of his belt he focused on his target. Aknadin turned towards the threat, but it was too late. The millennium rod connected with the side of the old man's head. He went sprawling on the ground. Seth stood stunned looking from his father to the pharaoh, eyes still clouded.
A shadow appeared over him and the blue eyes tail slide between Seth and the others, creating a scaly barrier.
"No, I won't let you take him back." Aknadin tried to get up but Yami brandished the rod at him.
"Cowardly move, pharaoh," Aknadin said. "Not allowing a man to defend himself in a duel."
"You don't deserve it." Yami pointed the rod's eye at him.
"You won't do it," Aknadin said.
"Why not?"
"It's not your nature, you're too fair for your own good. Besides Esset wouldn't let you."
"Shut up." Yami snapped.
"If she's watching you now, would she let you exact your revenge like this?"
Yami's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Funny, I've lived this scenario several times. Your right, she wouldn't want me to give in to my anger."
Aknadin nodded. "She wouldn't."
"However, you made the mistake of not only angering me but also her brother." Yami gave a hollow laugh. "Ironically, last time this happened I told him he couldn't fight the scum who used this rod against his sister because he was a spirit. But now, it's the perfect time for a spirit to exact revenge."
Yami raised his diadiahk. Dark Magician appeared above them, eyes gleaming with a deadly light.
Aknadin's eyes widened. "Mahad. No. it was her fault. She got in the way." he began backing away on all fours trying escape.
Dark Magician shared a look with Yami.
Yami nodded. "Obliterate."
Dark Magician raised his staff. The light at the end glowed blood red. Aknadin had gotten to his feet turning he raised his diadiank but no monsters appeared to help him. Dark Magician charged swinging his staff. Aknadin shrieked as the red end connected with his face.
Light exploded around them. Yami shielded his eyes from the blast. The roar of the attack failed and he chanced a look around. There was nothing left of the priest except a few puffs of smoke. The Dark Magician stood alone, the light fading from his staff. He turned to face Yami face sliding from rage into more of the composed face he had on his future card art.
It was a surreal situation looking at his former priest. Something dawned on Yami; this was a shadow game. Spirits could come back in these games. So was this version of the Dark Magician . . . ?
"Mahad?" Yami asked.
He nodded. "Yes, Yami."
"Wait?" Yami looked around.
"I'm the only one who isn't a reflection," Mahad said. "I promised I would serve the pharaoh until the end."
"And this?"
Mahad glanced towards the spot Aknadin had been standing. "Something I've wanted to do for 5000 years. Thank you for allowing me to defeat my demons along with your own."
Yami nodded.
"Until the final battle, my Pharaoh." Mahad bowed before disappearing.
Yami turned back towards the others. The Blue-Eyes had faded and Kisara and Seth stood embracing. Yami heart gave a painful twist. At least they'd avoided one part of the past.
Seth said something to Kisara Yami couldn't hear. Kisara's eyes were brimming with tears but she nodded. Seth approached the pharaoh. Yami's eyes widened as Seth knelt before him.
"My Pharaoh, my family have committed treason against you. I have no reason for you to forgive me. May your judgment be swift." he put his forehead on the ground.
"Get up." Yami said. "I don't come all this way to kill you."
The priest looked up shocked. It would be funny, seeing Kaiba's face look like that if Yami wasn't so drained.
"If you want to redeem yourself, then fight to protect your country."
Yami heald out the rod. Seth hesitated, looking from the rod to Pharaoh. He accepted the rod hand trembling slightly.
"Thank you, my Pharaoh."
Kisara appeared behind him, expression clearly relieved.
"Thank you pharaoh."
Yami nodded. "We must return. We have Zorc to face."
"Interesting changes." Evil Bakura said. "He is more proactive than you."
The Nameless Pharaoh managed a slight smile but didn't respond. Maybe his soul fragment being different would be a blessing. The spirit did his best not to draw attention to the room behind the stone. He hoped the host's sister was alright. The idea of Esset's spirit being near was distracting. If he could keep this monster from finding out she was here he would.
Evil Bakura leaned forward to study a part of the board. "What is the host doing?"
The Nameless Pharaoh shrugged. "Enjoying the sites?"
"On the back of a flying human blimp?" Bakura's eyes suddenly narrowed. "That is part of that move you did earlier."
The Nameless Pharaoh didn't answer.
"Clever," Evil Bakura muttered to himself. "Very clever. Lucky for me I still have one move left."
The ragged group returned to the city. Yami felt like a zombie with the dirt covering him and the way he stared blankly forward. Seth and Kisara looked about the same as he felt. Troops passed them towards the city walls. Yami urged the horse towards the palace gates. Even before they reached them guards were heard shouting that the pharaoh had returned. The gates opened to show even more preparations for whatever was to come.
Mana ran towards their horses followed by Shomon.
"You're back." Mana jumped up and down but didn't tackle Yami until he dismounted.
"You look horrible." Mana finally released Yami. "All of you should rest."
"No," Seth said. "We are running out of time before Zork appears. My Pharaoh, where do you need me."
Yami motioned towards Shimon. "They've been in charge here until I've returned. Ask them."
Seth didn't seem thrilled about this. But he allowed the older priest to lead him towards the troops. Kisara followed, ignoring Seth's instructions to stay. Yami smiled; Kaiba seems to find stubborn girls no matter what time period.
Yami turned to Mana. "Where's Kana?"
Mana's expression became worried. "I haven't seen her since we've returned."
Yami's blood froze. Now his daughter was missing. How could this be? If the timeline was still like the memories he had seen, then Kana should still be in the palace and alive. Had he changed something by rescuing Seth?
A thought came to him. Esset wouldn't have just run off without making sure her daughter would be safe with an attack on the palace going on around.
"Where's Geb?" Yami asked
"I haven't seen him either. I'm worried sick."
Yami nodded. That confirmed his suspicions. Now to figure out where Geb would take Kana for safety. "I have an idea, but i might need your help."
Yami entered the palace Mana following close behind him. He let his recently obtained memories guide him. The palace felt like a tomb with most activity taking place outside. They ventured deeper into the stone passageways. The bottom of the last stone corridor was a stone panel of symbols. This had to be it. Yami hesitated. It looked completely solid.
"Mana, do you know the combination?"
She looked confused. "Uh, to what?"
"Guess not." Yami concentrated. His memories weren't perfect. He couldn't remember what the previous pharaoh had pressed to get inside. Like most stone panels it was covered in hieroglyphic which spelled out a bland text about some former pharaoh making an offering to the gods. The pharaoh in question was shown with the statue of the deity. Maybe there was something in the panel that gave a clue. It had to be something that would mean something to past pharaohs.
Yami's eyes widened and he looked at the figure again. If he remembered clearly this deity must be Ra the sun god. The only monsters he'd heard the names that matched were the god cards. But Ra was too short. Also, if that was the key it was too simple. Obelisks were also in the background of the scene. What if it was the only monster that wasn't in the picture.
Yami touched the letters. S-L-I-F-E-R
A loud click sound and the stone wall slid to the side. Mana jumped out of the way staring at him in shock.
Yami took one of the torches off the wall and lead the way down the passage. The stone passage felt longer than he remembered. He could hear Mana muttering behind him about how spooky this place was.
They finally reached the chamber at the end. Shadows danced across the pillars from a solo flame resting beside one of the pillars. Yami took a step inside the chamber. A light flashed from inside the room and Celtic Guardian suddenly appeared braised for an attack.
Yami backed up, raising his diadiank.
"Geb!" Mana shouted. "It's us!"
Geb's head poked out from behind the pillar.
"Pharaoh!" Geb said. "Spirit, return." the monster faded.
Geb stepped out. He looked tired, but he managed a smile
"Geb!" Mana rushed at him and nearly knocked him over.
Yami followed. Geb looked over Mana's shoulder and motioned towards the bottom of the pillar he'd been behind. At the foot of the pillar, curled up on a blanket, Kana slept.
"Where is the queen?" Geb asked.
Mana pulled away. "She, she's not coming back."
Geb's eyes widened. "Dead?"
Mana led him away from the sleeping princess.
Yami knelt next to Kana. she looked so peaceful. Shielded from the rest of the world. She began to stir, eyes opening. He didn't realize how much she looked like her mother.
"Abba." she sat up blinking at him.
"Hey," Yami stroked her hair. "Sleep well?"
Kana nodded. "Why do you have red on your face?"
Yami froze.
Kana reached up and brushed at a spot on his cheek. "There." she smiled, Esset's brown eyes crinkling with her dimples. "All better."
Yami's hands shook as he pulled her into his arms. He heard her asking what was wrong but he couldn't respond. He felt paralyzed. Kana's arms slide around his neck, returning his hug. He was barely aware of Mana behind him explaining something but his mind couldn't comprehend anything except holding onto his daughter.
"My pharaoh." Geb's voice snapped him back to the moment. "I . . . I am so sorry."
Yami turned to face the slave. His violet eyes seemed to shine in the torchlight. They were so close to Yugi's eyes it was like his friend was looking at him.
Something clicked in Yami's head. He was the spirit of the puzzle. If all this pain and loss was going to be worth something he had to face this monster. It was time to end this, once and for all.
Gradually Airi's strength returned, for the most part. She still felt drained but was able to stand on her own.
She'd tuned out most of what the others were saying. Her head was too busy spinning from the revelation of Esset and how much weight this shadow game would have on the world, and her family.
Esset was explaining some facts to Nasira. Ryu looked interested despite his weakened condition. Seto watched the conversation with his usual scowl. If he actually processing any of this it was hard to tell. Maybe he'd finally accept all of this was happening, but that would be too much to ask.
"Zorc, monsters of chaos and darkness." Esset was saying. "But the pharaoh was able to defeat him before, and this time he'll be sure to destroy all of his spirit fragments."
"There is only one way to destroy this attack?" Nasira said.
Esset nodded. "Yes, for this monster."
"But, how is the Yugioh or Yami know what the attack is?"
"The attack had to remain secret, sealed by the pharaoh's own name, thus the Nameless Pharoah."
"So wait." Airi cut in. "What is needed is the name of the pharaoh to unlock Yami's memories?"
"Correct," Esset said.
"But how is he going to learn it?" Nasira said. "It's not like the evil spirit of the ring is going to leave directions on how to find it."
"From what I've seen of the gameplay, it is not occupying the same as it did in the past. There might be a chance the Yugioh will be able to find it."
"That's the odds?" Airi said.
"They are better than nothing," Ryu said.
"But Yugi can't read hieroglyphics. What is he supposed to do when he finds them?"
"Tell him not to get involved in Ancient Egypt then," Kaiba said.
Airi didn't bother responding.
Esset seemed shaken by this. "He doesn't know how to read?"
"Almost no one does. It's been a dead language for centuries. Only your guardians and some nerdy people like me know how."
Esset's eyes darted from Airi to the tablet and back. "He won't know," she muttered. "Even if the Yugioh remembers the symbols . . ."
"Does no one know the name?" Ryu said.
"That's the whole point," Esset said. "The name is the seal. Even I can't say it aloud without corrupting the spell. It's complex magic."
Airi had been listening, eyes staring at the stone figure. This was a game she didn't like the odds. Screw the world, Yugi and Yami were in there with a mad man running the game. She was just sitting here while they were risking their souls.
"Could a person not from the past tell him the name?" she asked.
Esset considered. "It would have to so for the Yugioh to find it."
"Airi no," Nasira said. "You've just survived shadow magic. What if you don't come back."
Chills ran down her spine. Shadi's warning pounded into her mind. She's experienced out of body experienced and the pain behind them. The idea of not being able to wake up again was sickening.
She looked around at her friends. Nasira looked about to cry. Ryu tried to stand up and ended up leaning against Nasira's legs. Kaiba stood with his arms folded, uncharacteristically silent. Airi finally met the queen's eyes. Esset said nothing, but Airi could see the loneliness and fear reflected back at her.
"You've waited too long for all this to be over." Airi managed a cocky smile. "Besides, I've never been good at waiting."
Nasira made a light squeak but didn't argue.
Airi carefully lifted the puzzle from around Yugi's neck. She wasn't about to hold that gold eyeball.
"What are you doing?" Kaiba said.
"Going into a dangerous duel where the world's fate hangs in the balance," Airi said. "You know, Tuesday."
"Cut the snark," Kaiba said. "What are you doing?"
"You won't believe me if I told you, as usual."
He paused. "Does that carry more than one person at a time?"
Airi stared at him. "Excuse me?"
"I'm not waiting around here."
She gave him a hard look. "Only if you promise to keep your skepticism in check."
"I'm not making any promises."
Despite this, she could tell he was sincere. "Alright." she turned to the two Egyptian women. "How do we go in?"
Nasira considered. "If you hold the puzzle up to the stone, it should work to transport your souls inside."
Esset came up to Airi. she took Airi's hand in both of hers. "Get to Yami as soon as you can."
Airi nodded. Esset squeezed Airi's arm before standing back.
Airi looked up at Kaiba. "Ready?"
He nodded.
"Ah, you might want to move to the side," Ryu said. "You might land on the others.
Kaiba gave the other bodies a suspicious look but moved to the side where there was some more space. Airi held out the puzzle and Kaiba put his hand on top of hers. They shared a nod before lifting the puzzle towards the stone slab. The eye flashed and began to glow. Airi's heart was pounding hints of fear tingling down her spine as the pulling sensation grew stronger. She could only hope this would turn out well.
Babasa flew over the desert. Yugi sat near the head while the others found positions behind him.
"This is ridiculous," Joey said. "Who would think of something like this?"
"A real nut case," Tristan said.
"Any idea where we're going?" Tea said.
"I hope we're getting there soon." Yugi said. "I don't like the idea of Yami facing whatever is coming on his own."
"Does that look familiar?" Tristan pointed down at canyon below them. It looked like the tomb area their present selves were lying unconscious. Yugi shook his head. Hopefully these head-spinning realities would end.
Bobasa landed outside the entrance and they exited. Joey and Tristan landed in unceremonial heaps on the ground stretching sore limbs. Yugi only staggered a little on landing before helping Tea dismount. She'd barely had her landing before the raft suddenly disapeared.
"What?" Joey said. "Not even goodbye."
"I guess his mission was over." Yugi turned towards the tomb. "Let's go finish ours."
"Do we have to go to the creepy tomb," Joey said. "I mean, it's empty right?"
"If this is the past, and the pharaoh isn't dead yet then yes it should." Yugi shrugged. "Though, this is a shadow game, so we should keep alert."
"Let's get going then." Tea said. "Sooner we get in the sooner we can get out."
The inside looked familiar from what they'd seen in the present. Stone carved walls with symbols and passageways stretching out in all directions.
"Do ancient tombs have booby traps, like in the movies?" Tristan said.
"There wasn't when we entered in the present." Tea said.
Yugi led the way down the passage. It felt weird traveling in the same place his physical body was lying unconscious. A flicker of light shone at the end of the passageway. Yugi zoned in on light. The passage opened into a familiar room; the burial chamber. It looked almost exactly the same as it did in the present tomb except for the lack of sarcophagus and stone tablets. On a raised dais in the middle shone a large golden cartouche stood on the wall.
"That has to be it." Tea said. "But what does it say?"
"Bird, rock, lamb chop, and bird." Joey frowned. "No idea. You know what it says Yuge?"
Yugi shook his head. The symbols were nice but he had no idea what they said.
"If only Airi was here," he said.
"Try to memorize the symbols." Tea said. "Maybe the Pharaoh will know."
"Have any paper?" Joey said.
"Wasn't in the packing list," Tristan muttered.
Yugi tuned the bickering out. Muttering to himself, he repeated the symbols over and over. If this was the only shot to saving the world he better not mess this up.
A rumble shook the ground around them.
"Earthquake?" Tristan said.
Cracks appeared in the ceiling around them and the rumble grew louder.
"Run for it!" Joey shouted.
The group dashed for the entrance. Yugi let the others pass him, being the last one on the room. He turned to see rocks falling towards the group. He yelled, but the sound was drowned out by the sound. The cavern collapsed around them.
A/N: Yikes, that's a lot of changes this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. if you're confused let me know. Please review. thank you so much for reading. Take care and God bless.
