Hey guys, welcome back!
We're getting closer and closer to the ending…
Good to see a few new faces tracking the story! So welcome!
I hope everybody is still enjoying it!
Make sure that you don't forget to leave feedback…
Hopefully this chapter will tie a few loose ends for a few people…
And you will start to understand what is truly going on….
But without further ado, let get straight into it…
Buckle up and enjoy the ride,
Writey x
Jaden's POV
Slowly the light faded…
And, truthfully, my head was in a bit of spin…
What was going on?
Where was I?
Who did that voice belong to?
I didn't really know, in fact I'd never even heard it before, so it certainly wasn't someone that I knew.
I gradually picked myself up but realised something felt strange…
What the…
I felt different, something wasn't clicking, it was almost as if someone had taken something from me but didn't know what it was…
I was still me, that wasn't a problem, but I wasn't me…
I can't explain it.
I looked at my hands…
They were hollow, I could see through the other side of them…
Then I realised…
I hadn't had something taken from me; someone had taken me away from me…
I know, that sounds confusing, but bear with me…
I guess you could say someone had taken my soul away…
From my body…
I looked down at myself…
Yeah, I'm definitely a ghost…
Am I dead?
Suddenly, I felt another presence.
Oh Jaden, don't be ridiculous…
Now, that is a voice I do recognise…
Solomon?
Yes Jaden, it is me, now would you stop standing there and come over here to us.
I focussed my eyes and reassessed my surroundings, realising that I was actually somewhere I recognised…
Is this the…
Yes Jaden, you are in the café in downtown New Domino or rather a version of it…
There was a second voice I recognised as well…
Yugi?
Yes Jaden…
I looked around the café and to my knowledge there wasn't anyone here…
Far side.
I froze…
There was a third voice, one I knew very well and one I wasn't ready to talk to…
Alexis?
There wasn't a response…
Guess, we're still in argument mode then…
Still nothing…
Oh, for heaven's sake, we're not going through this all over again, are we?
I stood confused for a second, what did Yugi mean; 'we're not going through this all over again.'
I looked towards the back of the room, and Alexis was speaking the truth, back there were three people, or rather ghosts of people, just like me sat round a circular table, eating.
As I grew closer, I realised that it was in fact Alexis, Solomon and Yugi…
But they didn't look happy, probably to do with the fact I was taking so long.
Well, that was probably at least why Solomon and Yugi were looking grumpy…
I didn't want to argue with Alexis anymore, because I had other things to worry about, bigger things, but really it wasn't that, it was the fact that I wanted to talk to her about it, have her there to help me through.
Did that sound selfish?
I mean, give me some credit, I'm managing to stay mad at someone who I'd only just realised I had a major crush on.
However, if this was how it was going to go, then I wasn't about to back down.
I made my way over to the table and sat…
Sorry about that, you know, I'm just slightly confused as to why I'm a bloody ghost!
I know Jaden, but Yugi and I will explain, Alexis has been sat here waiting patiently enough, she's missing her lunch, so shall we order some food.
Solomon's ghost passed me a menu, or rather it wasn't a menu…
A list of things we could buy appeared in front of me, almost just floating there…
Truth be told I still wasn't that hungry, and given the weird things currently happening, I didn't fancy finding out what was going to happen once I ordered all my food.
I'm okay thanks.
As I said it, I attempted to push the 'menu' away, but instead, it automatically disappeared.
Very well, I think I'll have the soup, Yugi, Alexis?
I'll just go with portion of chips I think, I only ate a little while ago.
Everybody looked at Alexis, who hadn't said anything in a while.
I'll probably just have a sandwich; I don't want to eat too much in case the shop is still busy when I get back.
I suddenly felt a little guilty, I hadn't even asked about how the shop was going…
How is it?
Alexis looked briefly at me before turning and ushering her floating menu away.
Fine, we're very busy actually.
It was a blunt response, but nothing less than I had truly expected.
Well, that's good news…
I didn't know how to say, but I attempted it anyway…
I'm… err... sorry I didn't make it in.
Alexis looked at me again, and anger sparked in her eyes, just like during the argument.
Really Jaden, are you really going to put me in that position?
Huh, what position?
I didn't really have a clue about what she was talking about, but then again, it seemed we hadn't really known each other for a while apparently.
Oh, it doesn't matter…
Yugi was looking at us intently, as if trying to work out the true meaning of the argument.
You know Alexis.
Yugi looked at her, deep in thought.
You have nothing to take the blame for, it wasn't your fault.
Okay, at this point, I was truly confused, what did she blame herself for.
Alexis looked at Yugi, as if considering what he had said, in truth, it was clear she knew what he was going on about, so I just left it.
Everybody's food started arriving, and when I said arriving, I meant appearing out of thin air. Everybody had something expect me because I didn't order anything, but I was growing restless, what was this all about?
Umm, not to be rude, but why are we here?
Yugi and Solomon looked at each other as if trying to decide how to explain the situation.
Clearly both had an idea what was going…
We've all been summoned.
For the first time, Alexis and I looked at each other without anger, this time with just confusion.
What are you talking about?
I'm glad it wasn't just me that was confused…
Solomon started quickly eating some soup and Yugi sighed.
He stood up and started walking around, just pointing, moving his hands.
Where do you think we are?
Well, if I'm being honest, I think I might just be having one crazy nightmare.
What I was being truthful…
Yugi sighed and looked at Alexis…
Umm... I don't know… I remember seeing something like this when I felt that strange aura at the shop.
Yugi and Solomon looked at each other once more.
Exactly, that is the same, other rather those two instances are the same, we are in the same place, a place in all our minds, connected to this here place, which turns out to be a café.
But how did we get here?
Well, that's what we were hoping you could tell us.
Solomon had finally stood and started looking around as well.
For all the times we've been here, we've never really known who brought us to this exact spot.
Alexis and I looked at each other, I had no idea who brought us here and I'm pretty sure she was the same, telling by the look on her face.
No idea…
Well, that's okay, it's just always the same voice that brings us here, that much we know.
But why?
They kept looking at each other before sitting down again.
Have you both noticed anything, anything between the two of you, like to do with your minds?
Come to think of it…
Yes actually, ever since the thing with that aura, we've been able to sort of hear each other's thoughts…
Alexis nodded.
Right, do you have any idea what that means?
We both shook our head.
I mean, it probably had something to do with the aura, but truthfully, I couldn't comprehend what that really meant.
Right, you know that both of you have those two cards, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, DK and Dee.
We both nodded.
They are linked in many different ways, so much so that they can link two people together kind of like a binding contract.
So, they knew what this was, but they don't know who brought us here…
Exactly Jaden, we've asked DK and Dee, but they always said it was not them.
Okay…
They looked at each other once more.
The reason we come here though, the reason this place exists, is for us to be able connect, without having to do so in close proximity. We are connected through the cards, which gives us a telepathic link to each other without having to communicate verbally. Grandpa and I, being previous owners of the cards, are able you talk to you here, as you are now the current owners of them.
That explains why it started happening at the card shop and then when I touched the two cards, they're all linked.
Exactly…
For what felt like the 1000th time, Solomon and Yugi exchanged a glance…
The only thing is, the bond doesn't happen like that, it is built up, over time, through feelings that are so strong, there isn't a plausible way for them to be broken, no matter how bad things get….
A strange sensation went through me…
And I let out a small chuckle…
And so did Alexis…
That's a good joke guys.
They both stared at us, not flinching.
Alexis and I looked at each other…
A bond so strong that it can't be broken…
Yet, here we are, at war with each other…
That definitely didn't add up…
That may be the case Jaden, but the bond wouldn't have selected the two of you without it being the right decision…
I looked at Alexis, for however much we were arguing, we had been through a lot together.
Alexis too was looking at me and for a minute I thought I detected a hint of smile but that quickly faded.
She looked back at Solomon and Yugi.
How do you both know all this?
Well, we've had the same connection in part, ever since I gave my grandpa the cards…
We've also known that you two have had it for some time, we were just waiting to tell you, but as it happens, we didn't really have to find a time, because this happened.
Solomon said it whilst moving his hands around dramatically.
In truth it wasn't a surprise that the two of them had this 'strong bond', but it still didn't add up why Alexis and I could only hear certain things each other were saying.
Experience...
I realised Yugi had said that to me and then I looked at him.
Solomon smiled and Alexis just looked confused…
You see, just like that instant, I knew what you had said, grandpa had known what you had said, but Alexis didn't, it all just comes down to a bit of experience.
But then how do Alexis and I hear each other?
Well, that could sometimes be considered luck I guess, you may not know you're doing it.
Other times though, you can almost will the other person to hear at the stage the two of you are at, not intentionally, but something is allowing that thought to escape and be heard by the other person.
I cast my mind back, in some instances, I had been thinking of Alexis, and likewise her thinking about me, which perhaps added up to why we had been able to hear each other's thoughts.
But then, why can't I hear Jaden sometimes, even when he's thinking about me?
Again, I racked my brain, it was true, there were countless times that I had been thinking about Alexis and nothing had been heard.
Well, you can also block each other from hearing certain things as well.
So, wait, this whole time I could block certain thoughts from Alexis, and I may not have even realised I was doing it…
It's kind of like the thoughts you share, you haven't really had the experience, but over time it'll be more natural for each of you.
Oh, great so another way for him to lie to me then…
I just had to laugh…
Really back with this again?
Yeah Jaden, I am 'back with this again' or had you forgotten.
I was surprised she actually used my name that time…
Solomon and Yugi looked at each other.
What is going on with you two?
Now, this was the moment to block them out my thoughts, although I was pretty sure I was red, and it was quite obvious…
Hadn't they heard us arguing…
Oh, so you were, arguing we heard the rumbling and angry thoughts, but you had both managed to block us out…
Dam it, stupid mind readers!
We heard that…
I let out a sigh and gave up, there was no point in trying to stop them listening…
You know, I don't know what you to were arguing about, but you don't have to see this as a negative, it can actually come in handy a lot of the time.
Come in handy?
Yeah, I mean why look at it as a negative, it can be useful in so many ways…
Solomon had left that sentence open ended and for the life of me I didn't really know what it would be useful for.
I suppose I didn't have to talk to Alexis in person to be able to communicate with her…
But then again, we aren't actually talking…
We continued to chat for a while, as if waiting for something else to happen, perhaps the person that had brought us here to appear and explain the reasoning, but we decided that it was just to explain to us about the telepathic link Alexis and I had.
Well…
Yugi stood up and looked around…
It looks as if our host isn't going to turn up…
Solomon nodded and started to make his way to the door, alongside Yugi.
Wait, what are you guys doing?
They both spun around to stare at Alexis and I. The bill hadn't been paid and they had just left everything on our table, but I hadn't seen any staff at all.
Oh, come on Jaden, do you really think we need to pay? Have you seen anyone this whole time?
They were right, I guess there wasn't anybody to stop us leaving…
We both got up from the table and made our way to where Yugi and Solomon stood, feeling a bit guilty I might add.
Right, let's go then…
And just like that, Solomon, or rather his ghost, stepped through the doorway and disappeared…
You guys go first just so I know you've made it out safely…
Alexis went first, but before she left, she turned to look at me…
I'm sorry about your sister, I know how much you loved her…
She hesitated…
Just, take your time…
And with that she stepped through the door…
I paused for minute…
That had been the most she had said to me this whole time…
Maybe…
Maybe, things weren't as bad as I thought…
They're not…
I turned around to look at Yugi confused, before finally catching on…
Ahh the mind reading thing, you know, you've really got to stop that.
Yugi smiled.
I know Jaden, it's just a force of habit…
Yugi looked at me and for the first time today, I saw a hint of concern…
Jaden, listen to me, whatever it is between you and Alexis, you need to figure it out because whoever summoned us here, had their reasons…
I looked at him, I didn't really have a response, so I just nodded…
I turned around to leave, opening the door but I felt a hand on my shoulder so turned around…
Jaden…
Be careful…
And then, with some force, Yugi pushed me back and it felt as though I was falling before everything went dark…
I slowly opened my eyes to my mother hunched over me, holding me tightly…
I felt a wet stain on my shirt, below where her head lay…
"Mum?"
Her head bolted up, looking me in the eyes before hugging me tightly…
"Jaden," she said, "Jaden, Jesus, you scared the life out of me, I thought…."
She hesitated and I realised what she meant…
"Don't worry mum, I'm okay…"
I hadn't really considered what my body had looked like during the process of whatever that just was, but it probably didn't look great…
She smiled at me before standing up, "come on, eat your breakfast, your dad and brother will be home soon."
"Okay, I'll be in there in a second," I replied.
She made her way inside and I looked around. She was right, I was still in the exact same spot I had passed out.
My mind kept wandering to what Yugi had said at the end of our telepathy meeting…
'Jaden…'
'Be careful….'
For the next few days, not a lot really happened.
There was still no sign of Tessa…
My mother had worsened, to the point where she wasn't eating or sleeping at all. My dad had tried to comfort her on several occasions, but even he really couldn't get through to her.
My dad himself wasn't exactly in the best shape. He had taken a couple of weeks off work, which they completely understood. The searching had stopped, and he looked a bit lost, especially given the extra workload he was taking on because of mum not doing much.
Josh had kept to himself mainly by staying in his room, but I think that was mainly down to not having to see mum in the state she was in.
I had eventually returned to the card shop, not to work, but more to meet and greet people. In truth, Alexis had been right, there was an awful lot of people and we were incredibly busy during the times I was there.
Everybody had really managed to keep the shop going whilst I was away, and they'd even made a profit. I hadn't spoken to Alexis whilst I was there, mainly because she and I were always talking to a customer or visitor.
I mean, we had been slightly avoiding each other as well, ever since our conversation with Yugi and Solomon.
Nobody had said anything, even though I knew they had been wanting to ask why we weren't talking…
I think more than anything, it was the realisation of just how connected we were now through this telepathy that made us not want to talk about the whole idea.
I mean going from that huge argument to being told we have an 'unbreakable bond,' kind of one extreme to the other…
But also, Yugi's words had stuck with me…
What reasons did we have to be summoned to wherever it was?
Why did it have to be now?
Why did I have to be careful?
These thoughts had been running through my mind for a while, but really it was more the fact that I didn't have an answer to any of those questions.
Either way, I had tried my best to reset to normal life, or at least as normal as I could make it.
The shop was exactly as how I had pictured it would be on Thursday morning. It was the third time I was visiting, but this time I was actually going to attempt to do some work, or at least try.
I had spent a large part of the morning, just sorting out shelves and talking to customers. It almost felt like the best way to keep your mind busy, you know, talking to people.
Well, apart from when they brought it up…
But I just changed the topic quickly…
Currently I was sorting some cards on the top shelf, they were ones that weren't regularly purchased, but someone had wanted one and they needed putting back.
You know you've missed a spot…
I knew that voice, as Alexis came over to me.
We hadn't really spoken as I said earlier, but we had decided that this was the best means of doing so if we needed too…
Oh right, okay, where?
I looked around trying to work out what she was talking about, but I couldn't really see from my position.
Don't worry, I've got it.
She pulled up a ladder next to me and reached up to a few cards just along from where I was. I stepped down to make sure she had sorted them properly.
There, much better.
She leaned back slightly to check her work before approving it.
Now, the one thing is we didn't have particularly good ladders and the one she had chosen was especially dodgy, in the way that, there was a very high chance of falling.
As Alexis went to step down off the ladder, the right leg gave way causing her to wobble and tumble backwards.
The ladder landed with a clang on the floor, managing to avoid everything within its vicinity, but Alexis flew backwards off the ladder.
Without thinking, I manoeuvred myself so that I could catch her.
But it turns out, I wasn't particularly aware of just how quick she was moving, and with a clatter, somehow, we had ended up in a heap on the floor.
Ugh…
My head…
I opened my eyes…
I was instantly greeted to another face merely inches from my own…
"Oh my god, Alexis, are you okay?"
Sabrina had coming running over to check and she was definitely one to be rather over the top that was for sure.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Do you need an ambulance?"
"Really Sabrina, I'm fine."
Alexis hadn't opened her eyes yet, probably due to some pain she was feeling but didn't want to tell anyone…
Sure, you're okay?
She opened her eyes…
Our eyes met, faces still inches from one another…
I… errr…
I looked at her. Our lips where so close and my mind went back to our kiss. I hadn't really thought about it till now properly, but it was actually really good.
I felt my cheeks go red at the thought of it and I swear hers did as well, but before I knew it, she was up and back on her feet.
Sabrina bustled about, checking Alexis as stood to my feet.
Once Sabrina had finished, Alexis picked up the ladder and looked at me. For the first time since the party, I saw a genuine smile creep onto her face…
"Thanks Jaden."
I smiled back at her, "no problem."
I meant thanks for saving me, I know you darted forward…
Yeah, well, couldn't have you falling and properly hurting yourself in front of all our customers now could we…
I heard a small laugh come from her as she started walking away.
Most of the customers had continued what they were doing or had already gone back to it.
Chivalrous, Mr Yuki, chivalrous…
I laughed to myself.
It felt good to laugh, properly laugh…
Properly laugh…
Only a few people could get me to 'properly' laugh.
But only Alexis could do it that way…
The smile remained on my face for the rest of my shift. We didn't talk but there was less tension in the air, which made me feel better. I also had those butterflies back in my stomach, which was just typical.
Once my shift had finished, I made my way home.
I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I knew it wasn't going to be pretty.
As I expected, my mum was still in the same mood…
Dad was around, but trying to busy himself with anything he could get his hands on…
But there was no sign of Josh…
"He's out the back," my dad had said whilst fixing the chain on a bike.
It was strange to hear that my brother was outside. He had spent most of his time indoors recently, but clearly, he had opted for a change in scenery.
I made my way outside. I found my brother sat on some chairs, not too far away from the entrance just staring at the duel arena. I watched him for a second as he just stared, it was clear he was in a bad way…
"Hey bud," I said, making my way over to him.
He looked up at me with a weak smile.
"Hey Jay, how was the shop?"
I knew he wasn't really asking; it was more of a conversation starter on his end.
"Yeah, everything's good over there."
Josh nodded at me before turning back to the look at the duel arena.
I needed something to cheer him up. It wasn't that he was acting any different, but that was slightly the problem, Josh was always full of life and the one trying to cheer people up.
Suddenly, I had a thought…
There was one way…
I mean, I wasn't sure I was ready, but I knew it would cheer Josh up…
And hell, it might actually help me in some way…
I looked at my brother, "hey, do you fancy a duel?"
He turned to me looking confused…
"Jay, dad is busy, he can't duel right now..."
He looked disappointed once more…
"I know dads busy, but what about duelling me?"
I've never seen my brother surprised, or rather, I've seen him as surprised as he was the moment those words left my mouth…
"Wait, what?"
I smiled at him.
"You want to duel me?"
"Yeah," I said, shrugging my shoulders as if it was nothing.
"OH MY GOD!"
Then, in a flash, my brother was up and running indoors.
To be truthful, I wasn't really sure about it. But the smile my brother had on his face once he reappeared certainly made it worth the risk.
My dad had even stopped what he was doing and had come outside to spectate, which I guess meant this was kind of a big deal. Mum had even woken up to watch the proceedings.
I slipped the duel disk on my arm, it actually felt quite nice, like a familiar feeling.
"You know, I've been waiting for this moment for a while," my brother said, stepping up onto the podium across from me.
"I think we all have," said my mum.
I looked at her and couldn't believe my eyes. She was actually eating.
"What are you waiting for?"
I could tell my dad was giddy and trying desperately hard to keep his emotions under wraps.
It was weird how one duel could change my entire families mood…
I guess I knew this was going to be worth it…
"Well Joshie, I guess, it's time to…"
This was going to be weird…
"GET YOUR.."
Before I could even finish, I felt something in the air…
Something that didn't feel right…
"Err Jaden…"
I looked at my brother who staring into the arena. Stood there was a figure, I couldn't make out if they were male or female. In fact, I couldn't tell if it was even human. It was covered in pure black and I could feel the stench of something dark around it.
"Josh…"
I looked at my brother.
"Get down now."
He didn't hesitate. He made his way quickly down. I followed not long after, but it wasn't much use. Whatever it was had followed us, appearing from nowhere in front of my brother, mother, father and I…
"Now, now, Mr Yuki, where do you think you're going?"
It was human, at least I think they were, but its voice dripped with evil. Now that I was closer, I couldn't see its face or anything for that matter, it was almost as if the darkness was blurring my vision.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"
"Well, we'll have plenty of time to answer those questions…"
"How do you know my name?"
However, I didn't get an answer…
I could feel the anger coming through me as they just laughed…
I knew something was up. This didn't feel right. No one appeared from out of nowhere and that feeling, the evil feel, something wasn't right…
"Well, well, we have a little fight. After the way you were during the fire, I didn't think you had much of that…"
I froze….
How could they tell…
What I was feeling…
And the fire….
Oh yes Jaden, I can feel those emotions, the anger, the hatred…
It's funny, you didn't even realise that I started the fire…
And they can hear my thoughts…
"Did you really think that fire started magically on its own?"
I didn't have an answer, but I was getting some…
This, whatever it was, had started the fire…
"It's a shame really, your sister would love to see you I'm sure, but it's a shame she won't be able to see you again after I'm finished, but I tell her you missed her…"
The hooded figure started whispering to themselves as I stood in my spot…
Tessa?
Yes, Jaden, she is alive…
Beside me, my family had been silent but the mention of Tessa had sparked them into life.
"What, what about my Tessa?"
My mother stepped forward, eagerly willing the figure to continue…
"Oh my dear, she is with me…"
My mother's entire body sagged, perhaps more in relief than in happiness…
"But now, I must take another one from you…"
And then, the next moments where all a blur…
My brother started shouting….
Then, before I knew it, he was gone…
The figure started laughing, shouting about collecting all the Yuki's, then fixed his attentions to me, my parents helpless at seeing Josh disappear…
Then all of a sudden, a white light appeared…
"AHHHH," shouted the figure, "curse you!"
The light only seemed to get stronger….
"Mark my words Jaden Yuki, I will be back, but if you want to see your siblings again, you'll have to come to me!"
Suddenly the atmosphere around us changed, and everything settled down…
I opened my eyes after the light had faded and to my surprise, there was nothing more in front of me. My parents were both out of it, lying on the floor…
When did that happen?
I checked on them to make sure everything was okay…
I stood for a minute, taking in what had just happened…
Tess is okay…
But whatever, whoever that was, now has both her and Josh…
How do I save them?
I felt a reel of emotions course through me…
And how did my parents end up unconscious, did that thing get them as well?
Your parents are fine, but I might be able to help you answer that other one….
As if this day couldn't get any weirder….
Well…
That was quite heavy…
Hopefully you followed…
Let me know what you thought…
Good news and bad for Jaden…
Review, favourite and follow…
I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out, I'm busy this weekend, so will probably be next Friday.
But until next time…
Writey x