Hey, really sorry it's taken this long to update. This was really hard to write for some reason, but I wanted to get something out to thank you all for the over 1000 favorites. I'm beyond humbled and honored by your support.
Boring stuff. Only own my OCs. We're getting into the movie now so I hope you're not all lost. Thanks to battousaisgirl16 for proofreading.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 77
Airi ran down the all too familiar stone hallway. The only light illuminating her way came from the gold band on her head. She dreaded reaching the end but still pressed on. She skidded to a halt as the hallways ended, as it always did, emptying into the pharaoh's tomb. A familiar figure stood in front of the carved stone panel, hand raised.
"Yami, don't do this. We still have time." Airi shouted.
Yami turned to face her. "Airi, go back."
"Not without you."
"I have to do this."
The stone behind Yami split in half opening into the sickly greenlight of the orichalcos. All the color drained from Yami until he was just a black-filled shape with glowing white orbs instead of eyes and a glowing gold eye on his forehead. The seal slid across the floor towards him.
Airi sat up in bed, gasping for air. The glow from the streetlamp outside made shadows across her bedroom making her room seem foreign. After a few moments, she realized her blankets and sheets had fallen off the bed and landed in a tangled mess on the floor. Shivering from the sheen of sweat across her body she pulled the top blanket free and draped it over herself. She leaned her back against the wall and took several deep breaths.
After Yami had moved on she'd had no dreams at all. For several months she'd either sleep great with no interruptions or be unable to sleep at all. Recently she'd been dreaming again but mostly dumb dreams she'd forget about soon after waking. The last few weeks had been the same nightmare nearly every night and she hadn't missed them.
She checked the alarm clock; 2 am. She could try to go back to sleep, but the idea of possibly seeing the end of that dream banished that thought. The dreams always started with her running down the hallway, but she never knew how it would end. Sometimes it was Zorc who attacked Yami, sometimes a version of Seto, often the orichalcos, and once, only once, Yugi.
She shuddered at the memory. It had played out about the same, except Yugi had stood at the end of the chamber instead of the stone. When Yami had turned to talk to Airi, Yugi's face had split into a crazed grin and he'd held up the puzzle which had sucked Yami into it before Yugi had smashed it. Airi woke screaming to find Yugi standing in the doorway, having heard her cry his name as he went to the kitchen for a glass of water. She'd lied when he'd asked what happened, telling him after much coaxing that she'd seen his death.
Back in the safety of her bedroom, in an attempt to calm herself, she ran through the plans for the next week. Grandpa was going out of town to visit a friend in Tokyo for the week and she'd be running the shop. She'd been let go from her other job because of cutbacks but at least her working at the shop would help her family plus allow her to prepare for grad school. She'd been accepted to a school in England, mainly thanks to Pro. Hawkins' recommendation letter, and was already overwhelmed with the preparations. Putting that on top of Yugi graduating this weekend just reminded her time was racing by with no way to stop it.
The nightmares could be a side effect of her stress, but still, she worried there was a premonition mixed in. She rose. At least she could check.
Pulling her desk chair away she knelt down under the desk and prided at the baseboard. A chunk, about a foot in length, came away to show a recess in the wall. She had discovered it soon after she and Yugi had first moved in and used it to hide her treasures or embarrassments. Carefully she pulled out the thin box she used as a drawer. Several treasures rested inside; some rocks she'd found as a kid on day trips with her parents, photographs she'd hidden while grandpa started removing family pictures, some crudely made elementary school art projects Yugi made for her, some early notes from Seto (she really didn't want Yugi finding those).
The largest object was wrapped in a pillowcase. Lifting it out she pulled out the diadem from the fabric holding the cool metal carefully as if the wrong move would break it. She'd been paranoid when it had been out and hid it for safekeeping, or so she'd told herself. Maybe the truth was she was scared the magic inside would activate, or putting it on would drag her and Yugi into another soul and life-threatening adventure. Silly thoughts she knew, but still . . .
Sliding the box back in and securing the hiding place she sat on the bed and studied the headpiece. Even in the dim light she could make out the lotus pattern and feel the different stones making up the inlay. The small ankh in the center petal still seemed to glow, though it was a lot dimmer than it had before Egypt.
It still was hard to comprehend that this thing saved her life. Even though that experience was still a blur, everyone's reactions after it filled her with guilt for scaring them. Yugi especially had kept an eye on her all through their time in Egypt, even when both of them had just lost Yami. There's a reason, she realized, staring at this ring of gold. Every time she looked at it reminded her she'd stolen Esset's life force when it could have been used for Yami. She still didn't have an answer to how it would have kept him on earth with her, but the creeping thoughts kept rearing up to tell her Yami was gone because of her.
She slipped it on her head and held her breath. Nothing. No tightness. No overflowing pain or distress. Letting out her breath slowly she smiled. If nothing else, at least there were no items in the vicinity. No tightening of the temples. Having it back was relaxing, almost like having Yami back. Almost.
She woke several hours later, not realizing she had drifted off. A moment later her alarm went off and she rose to turn it off. At least she'd gotten some more sleep and thankfully dream-free. Feeling the diadem still on her head she carefully removed it and slipped it back into the pillowcase, but stopped before going back to her desk. Now she'd brought it out, she didn't want to hide it again. Frowning, she glanced around the room. She still didn't want it out in the open; it was gold after all. Finally, she put it in the top drawer of her dresser under some worn-out undershirts she kept meaning to throw out. Not the best but it would do for now.
Since she was already up she decided to make pancakes. The monotony of measuring out the ingredients, combining, and frying was relaxing. The smell filled the small space warming the morning air. Grandpa appeared first, grinning at the surprise of a non-cold cereal breakfast. The two talked a bit about boring things, mostly going over final preparations for his trip, comments on how time was flying, and game shop business. After what felt like a dozen pancakes, Gramps excused himself to get started on the day. Airi checked the time again; Yugi better hurry up.
As if on cue, Yugi came out of his room scrolling through his tablet as he sat down. his eyes looked glazed from lack of sleep. Airi hoped he wasn't having nightmares again too. He rested his chin in his hand, continuing to stare at the screen. When Airi turned towards him with his plate of pancakes she found him dozing. The screen had dimmed, but Airi could make out a headline about missing teens dated yesterday.
Gently tapping on Yugi's shoulder she placed the plate in front of him. Jerking up Yugi muttered an apology before turning back to his tablet, again scrolling. Glancing over his shoulder she noticed he was looking through search results for 'teenager' and 'disappearance' but nothing seemed to be like the article he'd been reading. Turning off the stove, she sat across from Yugi watching him as again his eyes started glazing over.
"Rough night?" Airi asked.
"Huh?" Yugi snapped back up.
"You've been zoning out all morning. Not much sleep?"
Yugi shrugged.
She changed the subject. "Graduation already?"
"Don't remind me."
Airi considered him. Yugi hated being the center of attention, but he'd been improving his presentation skills. This shouldn't be this devastating to him. "Something else is bothering you?"
Yugi glanced at the tablet again. "Yeah. Some students at my school went missing last week."
"That's terrible. Anyone I know?"
"No." Yugi still seemed distracted about something.
"I'm sure they're ok." Airi tried to reassure him. "The police know right? I'm sure they'll find them."
Yugi nodded, still looking at the article.
"Anything I can do to help?" Airi asked.
"What to give my graduation speech at rehearsal today?" his voice sounded hopeful.
"Hmm, sounds tempting but I'll pass. Your food is getting cold."
"Oh, sorry." Yugi moved the plate closer. "Did you hear about Kaiba's new tech?" Kaiba in his subtlety had announced his newest duel-disk upgrades over every television screen in Domino and probably all of Japan.
Airi nodded. "Yeah, I saw part of the announcement on the walk home from the store."
"Joey's already trying to figure out a way to get one. A lot is happening at once," he said the last part more to himself.
"I guess that's what Kaiba's been working on all this time." she glanced at the clock and stood. "You better hurry or you'll keep Tea waiting."
Yugi dropped his fork. "How'd you know-?"
"Don't worry, I didn't tell grandpa." She handed him a paper towel. "Take your breakfast. You'll need it, especially if you're speaking to the masses."
"Thanks. I'll try not to hurl it."
She kissed him on the head. "You'll be fine."
He wrapped up his plane pancakes as she started putting the toppings away.
Yugi paused at the doorway, "Airi, you still have the diadem?"
"Of course."
"Maybe you should wear it again."
She froze. "Why?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure, but some weird things have been happening. It's probably nothing, but . . . I just think it would be a good idea." with that he disappeared down the stairs and a moment later she heard the front door close.
Airi stood with Yugi's plate forgotten in her hand. He was that worried? Her mind started linking pieces: First the dream, Kaiba making a new duel-disk, and now disappearing kids.
"Just a coincidence," she told the empty kitchen. One hand went to her jade pendant. For just once, she hoped she was right.
Timeaus retreated to his favorite spot in the hills outside the town. The rise faced the mountain range with a view of Dragon's Peak. he could see some of the flying lizards circling around, chasing each other across the horizon and dipping in and out of clouds. A smile spread across the knight's face. This place was the closest to Atlantis he'd probably ever feel.
It was a relief to get some peace and to finally think. The only topic any spirit could talk about was the appearance of Obelisk and the possibility of a possible new shadow game to witness. He thought it was pathetic how excited they were about it; They all must be so bored they were desperate for anything, even if it was a possible threat to any of their masters' well being. Then again if most of their existence were to be proxies for duels then what else were they supposed to be excited for? The only ones who weren't jumping for joy at this development were members of Yugi's deck or most of the other spirits who'd actually been part of shadow games more recently than 1000 years ago.
The most worried were Mahad and Yami, obviously. Mahad was the calm one in the situation, giving orders and gathering information about possible threats to the Muto's and their friends as best as Duel Spirits could. Timeaus had to give Yami credit for keeping his head through most of this. If it had been him, Timeaus was sure he'd have hopped the boundary and gone to demand explanations from the Council of Fate himself. The idea made his skin prickle. Thankfully, so far Yami didn't know about the gods keeping an eye on the events on the earth and if it was up to him he'd keep it that way.
Timeaus mostly felt underfoot, thus the tactical retreat away from the arena. He wasn't going to be much help in a duel being cardless, though Obelisk had shown apparently that didn't matter. Yugi didn't know he existed here, he reminded himself, so don't get your hopes up. not that he'd be useful.
He shook his head.
"Feeling sorry for yourself won't help," he told the air. He could practically hear Hermos telling him he was brooding and Critius trying to point out bright sides to the situation in his head. His lips twitched at the thought. He missed them. Maybe he should have moved on to the afterlife with them.
He felt a ripple of air behind him and his heart sank. He turned to find a cloaked figure with a blank void under his hood where his face should be where two lights hung suspended servings as eyes. It had been centuries since the dragon knight had seen one of the original duel spirits. The only adornment on the spirit's grey robe was an emblem in gold of a rectangle with an oval inside of it. Timeaus' eyes narrowed. What was a duel guardian doing here?
"Greetings." The duel guardian's voice sounded like silk pulled across gravel making Timaeus' skin crawl. He'd know that voice anywhere.
"What do you want, Saku?"
The specter wasn't fazed by the dangerous tone in the knight's voice. "Information."
"I don't know anything."
"You are better at lying, Timaeus Ilmitar. But you still fail. You always have."
Timeaus' skin prickled at the sound of his full name. So strange to hear, especially from someone he disliked so much.
"According to my sources, I know you transformed the other day." Saku said. "Something very serious to get you to do something so painful."
Timeaus pushed down his anger at the prod. No, don't attack, that's what he wants.
"Strange signals coming from the barrier as well. Millenium magic, which should be gone, but has returned. We can't have interference in prophecies."
Timeaus stiffened at the word. "What prophecy?"
"None of your concern, especially since you know nothing correct?" Saku made a sound that sounded like breaking leaves, possibly a laugh. "Maybe you should stay a dragon if you are unwilling to speak. You used to make so many promises you could not keep."
"Strange for you to gloat." Timaeus smirked. "I'd never figure you to take orders. But you were always a follower."
If Saku could glare, Timeaus was sure he'd glared daggers right through him. Original duel spirits had been made for purely 'battle purpose' and their creators hadn't bothered giving them features. Like current duel spirits, most of them went by their titles, such as the Illusion Magician. Saku never had taken on a title and made a reputation with his own name. Part of it was being the enforcer of duels.
"Always your style." Saku's voice dripped with venom. "Never listen to authority. Let everyone else pick up the pieces. Only took 10,000 years to finally defeat Lord Dartz. And none of your friends remain to celebrate with you."
"I've had more of a life than you've ever had."
"Which reminds me; have you seen Rika?"
Timaeus' heart skipped a beat.
"I guess she goes by Mystical Elf now. She's been using her powers quite a bit lately, yet has not been summoned in days. Maybe I should ask her why that is. It will be harder, her not speaking anymore, but I'll find a way."
Timeaus lunged at him. The guardian easily moved to the side and used his fingers to touch the dragon knight's chest. Zapped of strength he crumpled to the ground unable to move. He felt cold hands on his shoulder as Saku rolled him over onto his back. He barely had time to put up a mental barrier before his hand touched his forehead. The moment it touched wave after wave pounded inside Timeaus' head tearing down all his nerves with electric needles through his body. It was everything he could do to keep from screaming.
"So you do know something." Saku mused aloud. "Your mind has grown soft since captivity. This shouldn't be too hard to figure out. All I need is the proof."
More electricity shot through Timaeus. He couldn't keep everything behind the wall he'd created and unbidden clips of his past life rose before his eyes.
Three young knights cut through the hordes as monsters swarmed the palace. Critius scooped up Princess Chris before she was seized by the monsters that used to be fellow Atlantians. Sky the wolf rushed to their side, clearing the way as the pair rushed from the palace. Hermos jumped to defend Ironheart from a fresh wave of attackers. Timeaus looked up from decapitating one monster, the mark of the orichalcos fading as the head hit the ground. King Dartz could be seen at the end of the hall, standing calmly as he watched the monsters swarm his family.
The scene changed
They were in the valley in the middle of the battle. being the idiot he was, he'd charged for Dartz, determined to make sure the tyrant died here. Instead he lay crumpled on the ground, helpless as he watched his friends being tortured by Dartz. He expected the Mad King to kill them, but instead, he watched as the king turned from his friends, putting blood soaked items in a strange basin. His minions released Critus, leaving him coughing blood. Hermos pulled himself over to his comrade, his left hand still beading from the extracted nails. Timeaus was seized, held down as Dartz stood over him. King's hand reached for his face.
"That is not the one I want." Saku muttered.
More pain shot through his head and more slipped through the defense.
He had been newly freed from the crystal prison by Yami and Yugi. He was the first to appear in the duel arena causing a commotion as his scaly body appeared in the duel arena. Spirits who'd been watching the events crowded around to gawk at the new dragon. Looking around he was shocked to see how many duel spirits he recognized from Atlantis. Illusion Magician had a different face but Manya didn't act differently at all as she bounded forward to greet him. He scanned the crowd and his eyes fell on a blue-skinned elf standing at the edge of the crowd, standing with several other elves and other monsters. Something about her was familiar. Their eyes met and the elf's eyes widened in recognition.
"Rika?" A rumble instead of words emerged, causing several spirits to jump in surprise. Even she backed at the sound and reminded him of his form. His heart sank.
The scene shifted.
He retreated far away from the others unable to face his fellow dragons;the pharaoh had betrayed him. played the orichalcos. They'd fail again. everyone would suffer again. He roared at the sky, the cry of betrayal reverberating around the mountain peaks. He tore up the ground and smashed shrubbery with his tail. anything to release his anger. He finally grew tired, collapsing in the debris of his destruction.
"Stop blocking me." the guardian's voice came out as a hiss. "Where is the Millenium magic coming from? I have to report."
Mind growing numb, Timaeus grasped to hold on to the image he'd been forming behind his barrier. Praying that would be enough he pushed full force at his attacker. The scene was close to true events, like every good lie; He and Mystical Elf walking along and seeing his friends in danger; Transforming and in his dragon form devouring the beaked leader and his cronies. He pushed the disgusting taste to the front of his mind so it filled his entire mind. Saku's grip loosened and Timeaus threw him off.
Laying there gasping he doubted the image. Had he left out the glimpse of the eye on Yami's forehead as he shot an energy blast at the goons attacking Dark Magician Girl? He couldn't resist as Saku returned and stood over him. The eyes stared unblinking down at him. Timeaus silently prayed that the guardian wouldn't verify his lie. He didn't have the strength to fight back if he did.
"I should seal you away for that," Saku's voice dripped with disdain. "But as you saved me the trouble of dealing with energy thieves I will give you this warning." he leaned closer. "Stay out of the way. Events must play out uninterrupted. In this new game fate is spinning doesn't concern you or your friend. If either one of you interferes outside a game, I will know. You of all spirits know what will happen." he straightened. "May you live to see Plana." he gave the old Atlantian saying like a threat.
Timeaus called Saku something unprintable, but it only made the spirit make a sound resembling a chuckle before disappearing.
Timeaus closed his eye in an attempt to ease the throbbing. Despite this weakened mind, he made himself focus through the pain on what information he gathered from the exchange. Another world-changing event was coming, that was clear. The guardians were worried about Millenium Magic, correlating with the discovery of reappearance of the millennium puzzle. This must be the counter to whatever shadow magic was coming. But why had Saku bothered giving him a farewell at all, and the Plana of all things. No one spoke of that unless it was to install hope, but then Saku could have wished him 'Happy New Year' and it still would have sounded like a threat. Still, Saku had gone to a lot of trouble for just one instance of Millenium magic. Maybe the duel guardians were worried about something.
From his experience with duel guardians, they hated rogue players in duels. According to Mahad, they'd been very upset with Atem putting a piece of himself inside the puzzle instead of just leaving the pieces for the Yugioh to finish the mission. Something about 'ignoring protocol' or something snooty and stuffy sounding. The guardians and the gods sounded as bureaucratic as ever. But that didn't dispel the fact they wanted to eliminate Yami.
If they'd seen Yami using his powers or suspected he may still have a link to the millennium puzzle, then they'd put him in the vaults faster than they'd paralyzed him. Thankfully he'd been there to take out the only other witnesses to the event. Manya and Rika wouldn't tell anyone and hopefully, after seeing what was in his 'memories' the guardians would leave them alone.
He wasn't sure how long he lay there. This was embarrassing, to say the least. He was really out of shape. Hermos would be laughing his head off if he could see him now. Critius would have helped him up after telling him he was stupid for getting in a fight outside his power level. His mind slipped to unconsciousness welcoming the void.
The footsteps approached from the right side, out of his light of sight. Raising his hackles, he swerved his head to see who'd dare come near him. He'd welcome his fell dragons. A fight might help him fill the void the pharaoh's betrayal had created. Instead, a lone figure in a green dress stood a safe distance watching him. He'd been told her new title, but he couldn't remember it right now. She looked so small. Come to view the fool, he guessed, the fool who had chosen a corrupted spirit to take down Dartz. Again his hackles raised at the thought of his former king. She flinched, but didn't run. Rika had always been scared of dragons, refusing to go near them unless he was with her, and even then refusing to get close enough to converse. Though, she was a lot closer than she'd ever been all those years ago. He turned his head away. If she wanted to stay, that was her choice. After a few moments curiosity got the better of him and he turned his head again to find her only a few feet away. They stared at each other, waiting. He held out her hands, thumbs touching. She still remembered his instructions, after all this time.
-see, you hold out your hands so the dragon knows you're not a threat. This is how you approach without an introduction.
-But they're big and scary, Timeaus. How am I a threat?
-don't worry, none will hurt you. They'll know I'd beat them up if they tried.
She kept them out, hands shaking slightly from the effort of holding them up or fear he couldn't tell. Slowly so as not to scare, or knock her over, he rested his forehead in her palms.
-Timaeus
The mental words sent pain shooting through his brain, jerking him out of his memory. Eye still closed he could hear the rustle of fabric nearby alerting him that someone was kneeling next to him. A gentle hand brushed his bangs aside as it felt his forehead, but no mental reach this time.
Opening his eye brought Rika's beautiful face into view. She'd leaned in close, her lips moving again and again as if forgetting she couldn't make a sound to call his name. Her gaze met his and her lips turned up into a relieved smile.
"I should have tried this years ago if I'd known you'd react like this." he joked, but his voice sounded hoarse.
That should have gotten an annoyed look or maybe even a shove for making her worry, or at least a smile, but she continued to look him over. He really must look a sight. He brushed her hand away before she could put it on his shoulder.
"Don't, it's not that bad." remembering the Duel Guardians' words about her overusing her powers gave him the resolve to push himself up with an audible grown. Again she reached for him, but he gently caught her hand in his. "I'm alright, really."
She frowned; He really must be bad at lying. But she closed her fingers in his hand without transferring energy. She tilted her head to the side in a question.
"Saku was here."
Her eyes widened and again she started looking him over.
He covered her hand with his. "I deserved it. He was asking about . . . things again, but I don't think he'll be back."
She didn't relax. The way she continued to look around as if hooded figures were going to jump out from under rocks made him sick. He didn't want to think of what had happened while he was stuck in crystallization to make her react like that. Frustration that he hadn't been here for her for 10,000 years rose again in his heart.
"Besides, it's me they'll want." he tried to sound flippant. "I'm not the most obedient spirit around."
Her gaze snapped back to him. She pulled her hand away from his to start clenching and unclenching them in her lap. He could read her thoughts clearly.
Gently he lifted her chin so their gazes met. "I don't regret being a spirit, Rika. I'm never leaving you again. I promise."
She opened her mouth, and he saw his name on her lips, but then closed it and he saw her eyes shining. He pulled her to him in a protective embrace.
"I know," he said, stroking her hair. "I miss your voice too."
Graduation loomed on the horizon creeping closer despite Yugi's best efforts to ignore it. Kinda hard in the middle of a graduation rehearsal. Even while giving the speech Yugi had a hard time keeping his mind on the words. With the lack of sleep, he was amazed the words made any sense.
The rest of the student body wanted to be doing anything else besides acting interested. The open windows did little to make the room less stuffy. Several students had fallen asleep, including Joey who fell out of his chair shouting at the air. Nearly everyone knew this was to kill time before graduation. All of them, being seniors, had already taken all their exams so this was only an excuse to keep most of them in school, for attendance reasons Yugi figured.
Yugi finished the speech, bowed, and sat down while the teachers again began giving them orders on how they were to act during the ceremony. Despite his calm demeanor, his heart thudded around in his chest. At least he was getting better and faking confidence.
Yugi's mind again wandered off to the article about Scud and his gang disappearing. He wouldn't have given it much thought, except the timing. He, Joey, and Tea had run into Scud's gang that day. They'd been picking on Aigami, the new transfer student, by the canal the day before they were reported to have disappeared. The timing was a little too close to call. But that didn't mean anything sinister. Thinking it over he shouldn't have bothered Airi with it and probably had panicked her over his comment about the diadem. He was probably just paranoid.
He looked up in time to see someone standing in the back of the auditorium. He blinked and the figure disappeared. That settled it; He was losing his mind. Good thing this would be over in a few days.
After rehearsal, the teachers dismissed the students. Most were allowed to do whatever they wanted for the rest of the day. Even leaving the school campus, which all the seniors were more than happy to oblige.
"You're such a baby Tristan." Joey teased as they left the auditorium.
"Was not." Tristan said.
"That was a good speech, Yugi." Bakura said.
"Yeah, not that Joey heard it." Tea pointed out.
"Yes, I did." Joey said. "The whole thing. I swear. I just had to rest my eyes for a bit. All those tests really took it out of me." None of the group seemed to believe him so he changed the subject. "So, you guys want to chill somewhere?"
"Yugi Muto."
Yugi spun around, but it was only Aigami, the new boy at school approaching.
"I wanted to thank you and your friends for helping me out the other day." Aigami said.
"Hey, no trouble, man." Joey said.
"We're hanging out if you'd like to join us." Yugi offered.
"I wouldn't want to intrude." Aigami said.
The other insisted and eventually Aigami caved. The five of them went to the local arcade area of the mall, consisting of a bowling alley and burger joint. Tea got them a deal because of her part-time job there, taking advantage before she went off to school in America. The group went about having fun making the most of their free time together. Aigami was rather stiff and preferred watching rather than participating, not seeming to understand the rules of some of the games. Something about his accent was familiar to Yugi and he wasn't sure where to place it.
After they did several matches they went to get some burgers, taking over two booths as they enjoyed their food and chatted about this and that. As it always did, Duel Monsters came up. Aigami only had to mention dueling for Joey to pull out his deck and show off his cards.
"Do you like dueling Aigami?" Yugi asked.
"Yeah, but I'm pretty bad." their new friend admitted.
"Maybe Yugi can give you some pointers." Bakura said.
"Yeah, Yugi's the best. He beat Seto Kaiba." Tristan put in.
Yugi's face flushed. Even now the praise always embarrassed him.
"That's impressive." Aigami admitted.
Tea frowned a little but said nothing.
They hung around until school was 'officially' out before heading home. As they started walking home the topic of duel monsters continued.
"Yugi's really the best." Joey was saying "The whole family is. His grandpa really helped me perfect my strategy. And his sister used to be a top-ranking duelist."
"I would like to learn how to duel better." Aigami admitted.
"That settles it." Bakura said. "You and Yugi should make plans to duel sometime."
"Me vs Yugi?" Aigami seemed taken aback.
"It's ok, Aigami." Yugi hurried to reassure him. "Don't feel pressured."
"That's not what I meant. I mean if you're willing, then yes, I'd love to duel you."
" Awesome! And whoever wins has to duel this guy." Joey puffed up his chest. "That's a prize worth fighting for."
"I have a better idea." Yugi interjected. "How about we meet up later and have a tournament."
Everyone agreed and decided to meet at the game shop that afternoon.
"I'll be there." Tristan said.
"Be prepared to lose." Joey teased.
The friends split up to go home and prepare for the duel with Tea and Yugi walking in the same direction.
"You ok, Tea?" Yugi asked after a while of silence.
"Huh? Oh yeah. Lots on my mind." Tea said. "Don't you think it's odd Aigami didn't seem to know about your dueling record, even though he's into duel monsters?"
"I'm not that famous." Yugi said.
Tea frowned again. "Really?" she started ticking off his tournaments on her fingers. "Battle City, twice and Duelist Kingdom, plus dueling Leon in another KaibaCorp Tournament."
"I'm sure someone has more victories. Besides, I'm fine with not everyone making a big deal over me."
"I guess so." Tea studied the horizon line as clouds began to form. "I keep forgetting not everyone sees you as the hero of the world."
Yugi felt himself go red again. "That's Yami and Atem. I was just there."
Tea gave him a look, but didn't press, and changed the subject. "We're not going to be in the way at your place are we?" Tea asked.
"No. Grandpa is going to be out of town. Some kind of friend reunion they planned months ago. He won't be back until before graduation and I'm sure Airi won't mind if we take over the living room for an evening."
"Isn't she going to join in."
"I'm not sure." Yugi admitted. "She's been pretty standoffish when it comes to duels lately."
"I've noticed that. Anything in particular?"
Yugi's mind turned to Airi's face when he played Spirit of the Pharaoh. "Maybe it brings back painful memories."
Tea nodded. "You should ask anyway."
"I don't want to bother her."
"Yugi, just ask. If she says no, then you'll know. No speculating."
He laughed. "When do you get so expert on these things?"
"Hey, I'm a girl, remember. Trust me. Even if she's not feeling up to it it will mean the world to her that you asked."
They came to the steps leading to her street. "Well, I'll see you in a bit."
"Yeah, see ya." Yugi watched her leave before continuing on his way home.
Airi sat behind the counter. Yugi could see her reading a book when he glanced through the front window. Dropping his backpack by the stairs he entered the shop through the back.
"Hey,"
She looked up. Yugi realized she was wearing the diadem.
"You're more awake now." she said.
He laughed. "Yeah, it took most of the day to do it. How's the book?"
Airi replaced the bookmark. "It's interesting, but its being required reading isn't doing it any favors. Homework before I even start grad school is nuts, but I'll survive."
"Hey, Airi, we're planning on having an impromptu tournament tonight."
She paused, eyes still on the cover of her book, and he hurried on. "It's just Tristan, Joey, Tea and Bakura, oh, and a new friend Aigami. And we're going to be here anyway so it won't be any trouble if you want to join."
"You'll be at an odd number." Airi pointed out. "Not the best for setting up brackets."
"Oh." Yugi hadn't realized that. "Then I'll duel twice, or Joey. he needs practice anyway if he's going to go pro. Or maybe I can sit out." he stopped when he realized he was rambling again. "But I don't want to force you. I just wanted to let you know about it so you weren't surprised with a bunch of noisy teens around the house."
"Yugi." Airi swallowed. "I would love to join your tournament."
His jaw dropped. "Really?"
"Is it that hard to believe?"
"Well, yes. At least recently."
She looked at the tiled floor. "Sorry about that."
Yugi gave her a hug. "No worries, I'm just glad you're going to be there."
She returned his hug. "I will. Don't worry."
The implications of Kaiba digging up the puzzle and the appearance of another person with shadow magic plagued Yami's mind. Yami spent most of his time at the Magician House after he saw the events at Kul Elna. Mahad, Dark Magician Girl, Mystical Elf and other members of Yugi's deck retreated here trying to come up with a plan. Yami hovered around Mahad's room hating how useless he was. Currently, the two magicians and Yami were alone in the room.
"Has anyone asked Red-Eye if Master Joey is alright?" Mahad asked.
"I haven't seen him. And Blue-Eyes is not talking either. Won't let me anywhere near her." Dark Magician Girl said.
Yami slipped out of the room and disappeared out of the street. He picked a direction and started walking. He'd been talking to Mahad and Mystical Elf about Airi and Yugi's well-being but so far nothing. At least that was a bright point. On his own Yami wasn't really sure what to do next.
"Oy, Kid."
Yami turned around to see Timeaus standing behind him. The knight had disappeared during the discussions and Yami had almost forgotten his existence. Now his friend looked like he'd run up a mountain and back. The spirit's face was gaunt but still held himself with pride.
"What happened to you?" Yami asked.
Instead of answering, the knight passed him. "Come on."
"Sorry?"
"You want to find out what Kaiba's up to, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then we're going to see Blue-Eyes."
Yami gaped after him, inwardly smacking himself. Of course, he should have thought of Blue-Eye White Dragon. But then again, he hadn't seen the spirit since he'd arrived and only heard of her mentioned in passing.
"Hurry up." Timeaus called back. "We've got a way to go."
The walk was long, going outside where even Yami hadn't explored. It was a sharp incline walk switching back up the mountain. At least Yami couldn't get out of breath or this would take longer. Most of the walk took place in silence. The knight seemed to be struggling but still managed to stay in the lead.
"You don't have to go with me." Yami pointed out.
"Do you understand dragons?"
"Huh? Don't you mean speak?"
The knight smirked. "That's a no."
"Fine. What do I need to do to understand them?"
"At such short notice, you'll have to settle on translation. You might be lucky and Blue-Eye might trust you enough to transfer images with you."
"Could you always understand dragons, or did it come with the transformation?" Yami asked.
"The three of us had a talent for it." Timeaus paused to let Yami catch up. "That's probably why Dartz turned us into dragons; cruel irony."
"Sounds like something he'd do." Yami knew the former king of Atlantis had changed, but he still couldn't get the taint of their interaction out of his mind.
"Keep in mind, act confident. Dragon's hate weakness. And unless you're introduced, don't approach a dragon. And dueling with them doesn't count as an introduction."
Reaching the top opened up to a plato area covered with long grass and large boulders, most of which had been moved into circles and filled with crushed grass to make nests. Most of the dragons lounged around in their nests or circled above. Slitted eyes turned to face them and Yami became very aware of how real they all were.
"Follow my lead." Timeaus said. "Don't talk until you've been introduced."
Yami was about to ask for elaboration, but Timeaus was already walking through the high grass between the stone rings. Putting on his best game face, Yami followed.
Blue-Eye White Dragon's nest was in the very back near the edge with a view of the town and arena below. The dragon looked up as they approached and Yami couldn't help but stare. It was very different meeting a giant winged lizard in person than a hologram. The Egyptian God Monsters were grander in size and power, but Blue-Eye was looking right at Timaeus and Yami with nothing between them if she decided to blast them. Yami didn't remember the spikes and fangs to be that bright and sharp.
Timeaus walked up as the dragon climbed out of her nest. Timeaus stopped a few feet away, not looking away from the dragon's piercing blue eyes. The dragon bowed its head, lowering her head down so it was eye level with the knight. The two began conversing or at least the knight used words while the dragon didn't speak in anything besides deep vibrations coming from inside her chest. Yami waited, very aware of every other dragon watching him.
Finally, Timeaus motioned to Yami. The dragon's head turned to face Yami, the ice-blue eyes boring into his red. Yami bowed; it seemed like the only appropriate response. Nothing happened so he stood up in time to see the dragon make the slightest of head movements. The hard glint in the eyes remained. Memories of all the duels the two had participated against each other ran through his head. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Timeaus wasn't fazed. He motioned to Yami to stand next to him as soon as he did the knight turned back to the dragon.
"We need to find out what Kaiba is doing."
The dragon's eyes narrowed and Yami heard a low hum coming somewhere from the dragon's massive ribcage.
"Yes, it is our business." Timeaus' voice dropped to a growl. "Don't pretend nothing is happening. Your master has been showing up more and more in places where he shouldn't be and Yami needs to know why."
Yugi brought out the gold puzzle box to the living room where he began going through them to build his new deck. He could do this in his room but taking advantage of the coffee table was too good to pass up. Airi was still down in the shop, closing up for the day and the rest of his friends should arrive within the hour. Setting the box on the table Yugi pulled it out. The god cards were safely hidden away but besides those nearly, all his other cards were kept in this box.
Inside the former puzzle box were smaller plastic boxes containing his different decks. He pulled out a few, shuffling through the decks as he moved the cards around to make new combinations. It still felt odd to use all the cards. Even after the ceremonial duel, he kept thinking of some of the cards as 'mine and Yami's' and had to remind himself they had always been his cards, well his and grandpa's to be technical. Even now, using Celtic Guardian, Dark Magician Girl, and Gaia the Fierce Knight felt different.
He paused in his shuffling, pausing at a familiar face. Dark Magician had always been part of his deck, but after the ceremonial duel, he kept the card with the rest of the 'Yami' cards. But somehow the card always seemed to end up in his deck when he'd bring his deck out to duel with his friends even if he was sure he hadn't included it.
"No way can I build a deck without you, is there?" he told the card. "You've gotten me out of more dueling jams than I can count."
"It's lovely."
Yugi looked up to see a strange girl standing before him. She looked to be a few years younger than him with gold jewelry and bright brown eyes. He hadn't heard her come in, but there she was.
"Your golden box." the girl clarified, motioning to the object. "It has a kinda glow."
"Yeah, you're right." Yugi noted the appearance of a strange girl in his house wasn't bothering him as much as it should. He picked up the box returning the lid as he held it up so she could see it better. "This box is very special to me. It's where I keep my duel cards. Not all of them,but those that are extra precious to me."
"Of course," the girl said. "but you mean cards that are precious to you and precious to the pharaoh."
Yugi stiffened.
"I know of the pharaoh, Yugi." she said. "I know of him from my master. Master Shadi Shin."
"Shadi?" Yugi now remembered who this girl reminded him of. "Who are you?"
"I am Sera, and I need your help,"
Airi double-checked the lock on the game shop door. She took off the diadem to move some loose hair out of her eyes. For some reason, she could hear a female voice coming from upstairs. Tea couldn't be here already.
Gold light began to glow from her hand and she jumped to realize the ankh on the diadem glowed.
"Oh no."
Yami felt something he could only describe as pinpricks traveling up and down under his skin but always staying out of reach. Every time he tried to focus on it his insides gave a spinning sensation, like how it had when he'd tried to access his powers inside the spirit barrier.
"Your forehead." Timeaus said.
Yami reached up and he could feel the warmth against his fingers.
"See." Timeaus rounded on Blue-Eyes. "He needs answers and you know what's happening." his voice lowered. "As my friend, please."
Blue-Eye's gaze moved between the two before making a slight humming sound. She closed her eyes and after a long moment, they snapped open accompanied by low growls.
"How?" Timeaus said.
"What did she say?" Yami demanded
"Your puzzle was put back together?"
"What? That took Yugi years."
"Well your Kaiba had some of those new robots do it for him." The dragon knight listened as the dragon made some more whistles. "But he's missing pieces."
Yugi blinked, staring around the room. The girl called Sera was gone. Had she been there at all? She showed him something called the plana, another dimension or something? he wasn't sure what it all meant.
"Yugi!"
Footsteps thudded up the stairs from the shop and Airi skidded into the room. "Who was that person I heard you talking to?"
"You heard that?"
"Who was it?"
"I'm not sure. She said her name was Sera and she showed me some weird stuff. Why?"
Airi motioned to her forehead. "Just now, my diadem reacted."
"No way." Yugi moved to put the box down but stopped as he heard something rattle inside. Opening the lid he stared inside.
"What is it?" Airi asked.
Yugi held up a small gold piece.
"No." Airi stepped back. "It can't be."
He nodded. "It's the puzzle."
The two stared at the piece. Yugi's mind spun more than it had seen the plana. He shouldn't be holding this. The puzzle was in Egypt, under a mound of collapsed stone. This should not be here.
Airi disappeared to her room to return a few moments with her computer which she placed on the coffee table. Yugi stood behind her as she coaxed the machine awake.
"What are you doing?" he asked as she pulled up the video chat.
"Nasira. I hope she and the others have answers." clicking the call button they waited as the loading circle began spinning. "Come on." she muttered.
The video screen flickered on and Nasira's face appeared in a location Yugi had never seen before. From the number of posters and lacy curtains he assumed it was her room.
"Sira, sorry for the-" Airi started.
"About time you guys called." Nasira interrupted. "I'd expect you to call hours ago when it hit the news. I told them whatever was going on here would affect Japan, I told them."
"Sorry?" Yugi asked.
"Honestly, the fact an explosion happened at a dig site being funded by your annoying ex. Come on girl, you're getting slow. Oh, hi Yugi."
Airi regained her composure from the initial tirade. "Sira, why do you think I called again? And slower this time."
"You found out about KaibaCorp digging in Egypt and are calling to ask why shadow magic appeared at the millennium stone."
"Seto was digging in Egypt?"
"I just said that." Nasira snapped.
"Wasn't your family in charge of the sight?" Yugi asked.
"We were, but after it collapsed the elders considered our work finished and let the claim to the land expire. No one in their right mind goes to Kul Elna. They weren't expecting KaibaCorp to get a permit to dig the site up."
"Must have given them a good offer for it." Airi muttered. "When did they start digging?"
"They've been at it for a year at least." Sira took a drink from a glass next to her. "Marik and Ishizu are at the sight to see what they got. There were reports of shadow magic from some of our informants. I still don't get it. Why would anyone want to excavate there? Kul Elna is a dark place. Why can't they leave it alone?"
Yugi held up the piece of the puzzle. Nasira dropped her glass with an audible clunk on the floor. "Oh, Ra. I need to tell them they got a piece. I'll call you back."
"Keep us updated." Airi said. "We'll try to learn more from this end." she clicked the red hang-up button. Closing the laptop, she leaned back and stared at the black rectangle as if it would reveal something.
"The puzzle is back?" Yugi said
Airi stayed silent, slipping her fingers over Yami's bracelet.
A pounding on the door shook them from their thoughts. Yugi slipped the piece into his pocket before leading the way downstairs. He opened the door and Tristen staggered in, looking half-crazed.
"Joey's missing.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry if the Timeaus/Mystical Elf scene was really long.
