A/N: OMG you guys are the absolute best. I love that so many people are speculating about what's to come – it shows me that you are all enjoying the story. Thanks so much for making my day! Although it's tempting to spill the beans and tell you all what's going to happen, I'm a little evil and want to build up as much suspense as possible, so forgive me for not answering all your questions right away.
This week has been... Fun. Dealing with insurance companies, trying to set up doctor's appointments, juggling work, writing, and trying to have some semblance of a social life. Oh, and the cherry on the cake was being yelled at and threatened by a resident while at work. Needless to say I'm ready to turn in my adult card and go back to my blanket fort and coloring books. But enough of my whining.
Originally this chapter was supposed to include another song, but... Too. Much. Trouble. Trying to find a song that fit the situation just right was impossible so I decided to skip it. Instead, we get Reila really interacting with Yugi for the first time. So, yay on that note! Also if there are any mistakes with spelling or grammar I beg for understanding; I was up until 5 this morning taking my aunt, uncle, and youngest cousin to the airport.
A big shout out to Drachegirl14, guisniperman, lalalei, Rosezelena Ersa, animagirl, and the anonymous Guest for reviewing. You guys are the absolute best!
Disclaimer: I do not Own Yu-Gi-Oh or any characters created by Kazuki Takahashi. I only own my OCs, this fic is purely for entertainment.
Chapter 9
I fought and struggled the entire trip back down to the dungeon, but Kemo had an iron grip on me and no matter how I twisted and turned, he wasn't giving an inch. Swallowing thickly I winced at the soreness in my throat; my screaming at Pegasus had really done a number on myself, and I'd kill for some tea with honey to soothe the agitation.
Oh who am I kidding, I'd kill for a lot right now. Never knew so much violence dwelt within me until this little misadventure.
When we reached the cell I saw Seto propped against the wall, staring blankly ahead of him into the darkened hall. They hadn't bothered to shackle him; without his soul he was harmless and wouldn't try to escape since none but Pegasus could control his movements. The sight of him so docile and emotionless sent a sharp pain through my chest. Seto was normally so full of energy, carried such a presence around him that it was hard to see him basically lifeless like he was now. While others might not be able to understand his emotions or be able to read them, I could and the lack of them now hurt me far worse than anything Pegasus or Kemo could do to me.
Once I was locked back in the cell – I didn't even try to fight at this point, I was emotionally and physically drained from everything – I crossed the room slowly to sink down on the cold stones beside Seto. Turning to face him, my emotions ran through the gamut from anger to sadness, doubling back to frustration before plummeting into self-pity. I hadn't been strong enough physically, mentally, or otherwise to prevent this. Two of the people I held closest to my heart had been hurt and I hadn't been able to do anything to prevent it.
Sighing I reached out a hand and brushed a stray piece of hair from Seto's eyes. "Seto, I'm so sorry I couldn't help you. I'm sorry that I've only been a burden to you throughout this entire ordeal; I should have gotten to Mokuba sooner, should have fought harder. And I'm sorry I couldn't help you defeat Pegasus; I know you tried your best." I didn't expect any response from Seto, and I didn't receive any but it made me feel a tiny bit better to say it out loud.
Setting my hand in my lap I went over what I remembered would happen; now that I felt reasonably confident Pegasus couldn't get into my mind I felt more at ease trying to map out the plot in my head. Tonight there would be no more duels; I was beginning to suspect Pegasus needed time to recharge between uses of his Eye, since he never seemed to do more than one big show of power a day and if he tried to invoke a Shadow Game now it might drain him of too much – which would be such a tragedy let me tell you. What would happen to him if he pushed himself too far? That was a question for later and I tossed it aside. Tonight Yugi was supposed to have a dream – or nightmare, depending on how you looked at it – and be visited by his grandfather's "spirit", as well as those of Mokuba and Seto. Then tomorrow he would face Mai, defeat her, then face Joey after Bandit Keith gets caught cheating. After his win against Joey, he'd face Pegasus and ultimately win... That is, if he can learn to trust in the spirit of the Puzzle. Why couldn't I remember his name? The spirit's name had been such a huge thing, a major plot point that was only revealed during the final arc and yet I couldn't remember it at all. Which in a way was good, I suppose. It saved me from accidentally blabbing it out before he was ready to remember his past life.
"If only I could find a way to communicate with him..." I mumbled under my breath. Leaving everything up to Yugi sat badly with me, especially when the reason he was able to triumph in the show was because of the trust he showed the spirit of the Puzzle. If I could bribe someone to get a message to him, I might feel a little better but since no guards were around...
I can help you with that.
I jumped at the sudden voice ringing out and looked around, eyeing Seto beside me. The voice hadn't sounded like him at all. It had sounded... Ancient, a lilting voice laced with the slightest hint of aggression. Eyeing the shadows cautiously, I stretched an arm out in front of Seto in a protective stance. "Who... Who's there? Where are you?"
Nowhere you can see young one. You felt my presence earlier, did you not?
I thought for a moment but could only come up with one answer; the presence in my mind. I hadn't heard him speak before, but now that I concentrated it felt the same as before. Still, if I'd learned anything in my two lives it was to not blindly trust random voices popping into my head – well, this has never really happened before so more like never trust anyone who offers help randomly. "How come I've never noticed your presence before?"
So long as you were not in immediate danger I have laid dormant in your subconscious. You don't have to speak aloud; if you call for me I will be able to answer your thoughts here in the safety of your mind.
Yeah because that made me really comfortable. "Thanks but I'd rather speak aloud for right now."
Ah yes, your hatred of silence. As you wish.
"Okay, a little creeped out that you know so much about me and I don't even know who you are or – more importantly – WHAT you are." I said, scowling at thin air. I felt more than heard the rumble of laughter, and it was such an odd sensation that it made me shiver. "And don't laugh, that feels wrong on so many levels."
You are not yet ready to know what I am. When you are ready you shall know my true name. For the time being you may call me Ydor. I mean you no harm; in fact I am here to protect you until you have fulfilled your part in this story. None shall enter your mind without your consent, and I shall teach you what you need to know in order to survive.
"Thanks but I'd rather not rely on anyone other than myself for my survival; I'm sure that I can figure something out." Something about his voice was... Trustworthy. Almost like I'd heard his voice before, although I know for a fact that I never had. "Are you some kind of spirit? Because last time I checked I don't have a Millennium Item and-"
Do not speak to me of those horrid objects. I could feel his anger radiating through me and clamped down a sarcastic remark about feeling things in my body. Probably best to not piss off the unknown presence inside me. Those who made them knew not what they would unleash upon the world; arrogance, the downfall of all great peoples ran thickly through their veins when they sought to control such magic. You may call me a spirit if that eases your mind, however I shall not tolerate being likened to such blasphemous objects as those Egyptian scraps of metal.
"And apparently I struck a nerve. I'll keep that in mind for the future." Apparently Ydor had a serious problem with the Items; which I could sort of agree with, they seemed way too dangerous to just go handing out at random. "Wait if you have such a problem with the Items then why offer to help me talk to Yugi? Because I need to get him to trust the spirit that dwells within his Puzzle or else I'll end up a soulless doll."
Firstly I would not allow that to happen; but the answer to your question is simple. I have seen your memories and know that the boy and the spirit of the Puzzle are destined for great things. If you can keep things from going astray, together they will right the wrongs of millennia ago. So long as you have faith in his ability to be victorious I will offer what assistance I can.
"That's... Awfully generous of you." I said, biting my lip in contemplation. On one hand, if I could get a message to Yugi it would set my mind at ease. On the other... I would be blindly trusting whoever was inside me. How could I know if this was a nice whatever or something that would end up hurting me?
I should point out that this very argument you are having with yourself is one that the boy Yugi is most likely having with himself at this very moment, if your memories are anything to go by. Ydor's voice had a dryness to it that I almost envied. Trust me or do not, it does not affect me either way. However I would offer you a question to contemplate; if you cannot learn to trust that which resides within you, how can you ask the boy to do the same?
That... Was a very valid point. How could I rightly insist Yugi trust the spirit of the Puzzle if I couldn't take that leap of faith myself? Lead by example, right? But I still had reservations; the Puzzle's spirit was the only one that I remembered being kind and not a complete sociopath, but then again I don't recall anyone named Ydor from the canon story either. Given that my presence here was a new addition, it was possible for there to be more additions that I couldn't account for. And that opened a whole new world of terrifying possibilities, but I shoved those thoughts aside for now. One crisis at a time was all I could handle at the moment.
Taking a deep breath, I sent a quick glance to Seto; if he could risk it all for Mokuba and I in his duel with Yugi, then I could do no less to make sure that things went smoothly in them having their souls returned to them.
"Alright Ydor, let's teach me how to talk to someone in a dream."
As you wish.
"Grandpa, tell me how Pegasus's Shadow Magic can still be growing in power." Yugi clutched the card containing his grandfather's soul tightly, never wanting to let go. He'd followed the card out into the courtyard, but he needed more information if he was going to be able to defeat Pegasus and return everyone's souls to where they belonged.
"Every soul he traps in the Shadow Realm increases his strength."
Yugi punched a fist onto the ground, gritting his teeth. Already Pegasus had trapped three souls that he knew of; and earlier that day he'd made it clear that he had plans to trap Reila's soul as well. The more souls he trapped, the more powerful he would become and the greater a threat to the world he would be. "He's got to be stopped!"
The card holding his grandfather's soul floated out of his hands, and Yugi chased him to a dark hill where the card rested on a large stone tablet. Looking around, he saw both Kaiba and Mokuba's souls on similar tablets, calling out for him to save them. As the conversation with his grandfather continued, white flames appeared in a ring around the bases of the tablets, and Yugi took an step back as he shielded his eyes. "Grandpa!"
"Yugi, you know what you have to do."A feminine voice sounded from his right, confusing him for a moment as no one else had been there moments ago.
Yugi turned, and took a step back as he saw Reila standing beside him, calmly watching the flames. She looked just like she had the first time he saw her; not bruised and battered, but healthy and full of that confidence that normally enveloped her like armor. Turning she faced him, and he saw some unknown emotion flicker in her eyes.
"Reila? What are you doing here?" Yugi asked, frowning in confusion.
"You're a smart kid Yugi, I'm sure you can figure it out." Reila said, placing a hand on her hip with an exasperated look.
Yugi thought carefully, looking from Reila to the flames and back to her again. There was no way, given her threat to kill Pegasus earlier that she would be so calm about Kaiba and Mokuba's souls being in danger. Unless... "This is a dream."
"Bingo, give the boy a prize." Reila smiled, folding her arms across her chest. "Tell me Yugi, what do you think your grandfather meant by unlocking the power of the Millennium Puzzle?"
Yugi thought it over as he looked to the flames where his grandfather's soul had just been; he'd felt the presence inside the Puzzle the very first day he'd pieced it together. Ancient and powerful, it had never bothered him; until his duel with Kaiba, when the spirit had been ready to do whatever, hurt whomever to achieve victory. "The spirit... Inside the puzzle is the real power." He looked to Reila, but she said nothing, just studied his face as he continued. "To unlock the power, I have to trust in him... But how can I when he was ready to hurt someone else? When he was ready to take the risk of pushing Kaiba off the top of the castle to win?"
"Isn't that what you wanted though?" Reila asked, and Yugi looked up in shock; he would never hurt someone like that! "You're a sweet kid Yugi, but that duel was a matter of life and death – in a sense. Yes Seto was dueling for his brother's soul and my freedom, but you also have the well-being of someone you care about riding on your continuing victories. You couldn't live with yourself if your grandfather's soul had been won back by hurting someone; seems to me the spirit was willing to take that burden for you."
Yugi blinked in confusion. Had that... Truly been the spirit's intent? To protect him from the burden of harming someone else? "But the burden still would have still been there, because I didn't stop it!"
Reila shrugged. "Keep in mind I'm just a figment of your imagination. I'm pointing out possibilities that haven't quite made it out of your subconscious. Regardless it's not that the spirit meant to do harm; he simply saw no other choice. It was either defeat Seto or not get your grandfather's soul returned."
"But there could have been another way! He didn't even hesitate to strike!" Yugi said, clenching his hands into fists.
"Did you ever stop to think about that during your duel?"
Yugi opened his mouth to reply but closed it just as quickly, turning away from Reila. He... Hadn't. Never once during his duel with Kaiba had he thought about what he could have done should he lose. Never once had he seen any other option but defeating Kaiba and getting to Pegasus. Could he have unintentionally guided the spirit to such violence?If that was the case, then he was the one to blame for not seeing multiple options, not the spirit.
Yugi jumped when Reila stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, a soft smile on her face. "Yugi, no one in that position would have had the answers; protecting those you care about has a way of narrowing your field of vision, of making obvious choices and options less so because they take you further away from your ultimate goal. You did what you were sure had to be done to save your grandfather; the spirit acted on that desire. Ultimately no one was hurt and that's the important thing." She turned him slowly to face the flames that still enveloped the tablets. "And now you must do whatever is necessary to save all of them. The Millennium Puzzle is a powerful artifact, but you must place your faith and heart into it to defeat Pegasus."
"You mean I need to trust in the spirit within it." Yugi said, looking at Reila over his shoulder. Her black eyes glittered with approval at his words, and she nodded once.
"Trust in the spirit Yugi. He can help you in ways you can't begin to imagine. Now, it's time to WAKE UP."
Yugi sat up with a startled cry, surprised to find himself tangled in the sheets of the bed. Looking around, he wiped his forehead; it had all only been a dream. Falling back with a soft grunt, Yugi turned his head to look at the moon outside his window.
"Or was it?"
Opening my eyes, I sighed and stretched my arms over my head to relieve the tension that had accumulated there. Ydor had spent the entire day guiding me through the steps it would take to contact Yugi through a dream. True I hadn't really done much; Ydor had done practically all the work and provided all the magic needed, but there had been some things only I could do, like wording the message and envisioning the projection of myself. It had actually been kind of fun, playing the part of a figment of Yugi's imagination. Although keeping my calm while images of Seto and Mokuba's souls burning played before my eyes had taken a lot of my acting skills.
Are you satisfied that the message you wanted to give him was understood?
"Yeah, Yugi's can be pretty perceptive when it comes to these sort of things. But to be honest, I won't be completely at ease until I'm back home and away from this island for good. In fact I might see about the possibility of bombing it until it's nothing but a pile of rubble when I'm gone." Ydor's rumbling laughter echoed inside me and I smiled in response; I was slowly becoming accustomed to the strange feeling of another person inside me. "Say Ydor, since you're making yourself known and all now... You'll know everything that I'm thinking?"
Not everything young one. There are thoughts you have that do not concern me and they are hidden safely even from me. In times that you don't need me I will return to your subconscious and sleep.
"Well it's not that I don't enjoy talking with you..." I felt myself blush as I realized that I might have offended him. "I only asked because in the future there might be a thought or two that I would like to keep private."
I am not offended. Okay now I could definitely hear amusement in his voice. It is difficult to have two beings residing within the same body; especially when one seeks to use the other in a shameful way. However my only desire is to protect you until my presence is no longer required.
"And I'll know what you mean by that when the time comes, right?" I said, repeating the words he'd spoken over and over again today. I'd done my best to get information out of him; like who exactly he was and what exactly he was doing in my mind. But the guy was more tight lipped than anyone I'd ever met.
Precisely. You learn quickly young one.
"My name is Reila." I grumbled for the umpteenth time.
For now I shall call you as I wish. But you grow tired, and I must rest as well; sending one through the world of dreams is no small feat. But should you require my protection again I shall be able to keep you safe, worry not.
"Yeah, thanks for that Ydor." I said, and I felt his presence slip away until it was barely noticeable, like one of those squiggly lines that float around in your eye; you can't really see them but from the corner of your eye although you know that they're there.. Shivering I drew my knees up to my chest, looking around. It had grown colder in the cell as the night crept along, and I was beginning to wonder what it would take to get a blanket. Last night Mokuba and I had been able to huddle together and stay reasonably warm, but now...
Eyeing Seto's form I scooted a little closer, soaking up some of his warmth. What was it about guys and being walking furnaces? Hojo was the same; his hugs were warm and comforting, something that I really missed right about now. I might be almost forty mentally, but a good comforting hug is something that you never outgrow. As human beings we crave physical contact, familiarity and comfort from those we care for. And this ordeal had really driven home that I appreciated my uncle and cousin even more than I thought I did, because they're the cornerstones of my foundation. When – I refuse to say 'if' because I am trying to remain optimistic – I get back home I won't even protest when Hojo hugs me too tightly or Uncle Sota puts me under the equivalent of house arrest. I didn't need to have the power to see the future to know both of those would be happening.
Scooting still closer I studied Seto's face. Without the usual emotions that were on his face, he looked so much younger, peaceful even. This was the boy that I remember from the orphanage; the only thing missing was the patient smile that he used to wear when teaching Mokuba how to play chess, or helping me with Japanese History. Reaching a hand up I place it gently on his cheek, trying to keep the wince from my face when he didn't react. The sharp pain in my chest returned as I carefully maneuvered myself into his lap, feeling better now that I wasn't sitting on the cold stone.
"Don't read too much into this Seto... But it's freezing and you're warm. So... Yeah I'm just using you as a space heater, got it?" I don't know why I grumbled under my breath, but it made me feel better knowing that I had made it quite clear that this was a matter of need, not want. Picking up one of his arms I draped it loosely on my shoulder; there, that was better; and so much warmer.
Looking up at Seto's blank face, I sighed heavily. "You have no idea how much I want to be angry with you. What were you thinking, leaving Mokuba alone like that? You have to know how many enemies you've made; the list makes mine look tiny in comparison. You trust no one, yet trust that Mokuba will be safe without you?" Shaking my head I looked out into the hallway. "I want to be mad at you, but I can't. Because all of this was beyond your control, beyond anyone's control. And now we're sitting here in a freaking dungeon cell waiting on a high school student to defeat Pegasus at his own game – literally – and there isn't a damn thing I can do!" Blinking back frustrated tears I huffed and fell back against Seto a little harder than I had intended to, but well I was upset. If he had a bruise or red mark from it in the morning oh well.
Sighing I rubbed my forehead, trying to combat the headache that was quickly forming. I'd cried or almost cried so much in the past day that I knew that a fierce headache was in my near future. Blinking my eyes rapidly, I tried to fight off my sleepiness - but I had barely slept at all the past few days. If I had to guess, I'd say I'd been up a little over twenty fours hours by this point. Although I feared going to sleep in a strange place with so much danger around me, my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer.
"Just... Just a few hours then..." I said to myself, settling into a more comfortable position and letting my eyes slide shut.
Grimacing from the stiffness in his joints, Seto started to straighten when he felt a weight on his lap. Opening his eyes slowly, he blinked in surprise to find Reila tucked in his lap, head resting on his shoulder and one hand lightly grasping his jacket. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was deep and even, letting him know she was asleep. Trying to move as little as possible, he stretched what he could before looking around, trying to piece together what had happened.
The last thing he truly remembered was losing his duel to Pegasus. After Sagi the Dark Clown had been destroyed he'd had no other cards that he could play. Pegasus had said something about his soul being taken, and he remembered Reila's scream; the memory of it sent a shiver down his spine. For one normally so calm, her voice had been piercing, the fear and helplessness practically tangible as she'd called for him. Then... he couldn't remember what had happened after that. He had a vague impression of being cold and somewhere dark; the cell he was currently in? He... He didn't want to admit that his soul, as well as Mokuba's had been taken. But he'd experienced it himself, first hand. How could he deny what had happened?
Pushing aside the thought he looked down to Reila still sleeping. The guilt he'd felt before at dragging her into the middle of this came back full force now that he could see her up close. The circles underneath her eyes looked better now that she'd slept, but the cut on her lip was an ugly reminder that she'd fought against her captors. Her ankle was still swollen and bruised, but the cheek that had been struck looked normal; no bruise had formed despite her being struck so hard. Seto felt a rush of respect for her at how much she'd endured, all because of her friendship with Mokuba and himself. But he worried that she had put herself in too much danger, and all for the sake of his ego.
He should have never left Mokuba alone; he knew how many enemies he had, but had been overly confident in his security force. Someone had turned his security force against him, allowing them to take Mokuba right from his own headquarters. He would weed out the guilty parties once he returned, and make them pay.
More than that, he was worried about Reila's uncle. Sota Sarota did not take kindly to anyone harming his family, and Reila had been hurt by her association with him. Even if he wanted to keep the truth hidden, he couldn't ask Reila to lie to her uncle just to protect himself. No, he would face Sota and deal with the consequences as they came. It would be his way to repent not only to Sota for the harm that had come to his precious niece, but also to Reila herself for failing to protect her.
But right now he needed to find Mokuba and get the three of them off this island and away from it's demented owner. Now that he was conscious, he could get himself and Reila free – Reila obviously didn't know how to pick a lock or else she would have escaped long ago. Tucking a stray curl behind her ear he gently shook her shoulder, keeping her from toppling onto the floor with his other hand.
She muttered sleepily under her breath, nuzzling closer to his chest in an attempt to remain asleep. Seto almost smiled at the gesture, remembering how much she disliked mornings; she had annoyed the caretakers at the orphanage more than once with that trait. But he continued with his gentle shaking, even as her grumbles increased in volume.
"Reila, come on. We have to find Mokuba."
Her eyes snapped open at his words, a gasp escaping her as she almost fell out of his lap and right onto her bad ankle. He caught her quickly, keeping her balanced on his thigh as she shook off her sleepiness. "S-Seto?" Her voice was still thick with sleep and she cleared her throat, wincing as she massaged her neck. "What's going on? You're... You're alright now?"
He nodded, waiting until she'd rubbed her eyes and shaken off the remnants of sleep. "Yeah, I just woke up a little bit ago. But we need to find Mokuba and get out of here."
She nodded, rubbing her face. "Right. Sorry, I only meant to sleep for an hour or two..." Glancing down she saw where she was still positioned and a light blush formed on her cheeks, something Seto wisely chose not to comment on. "And you were marginally more comfortable than the floor." She scooted off his lap quickly, bracing herself on the stone wall and standing, slowly rotating her ankle and grimacing in pain. "Damn, I was hoping it would have gotten a little better by now. I really did a number on it this time."
"We'll have to move quickly; who knows how long we have until a guard comes to check on us." Seto said, focusing on getting them out. Any lingering emotions could be dealt with later, right now rescuing Mokuba was the priority.
Nodding she followed him in a strange hop to the cell door, where she leaned against the bars as she studied him. Bending down he eyed the lock; it wasn't the most advanced one he'd seen, but it might take him a minute to get it open. Inserting the torsion wrench he had just picked up the first pick when he heard footsteps heading their way. Growling in frustration he stowed away his set as he stood, moving to Reila's side; if he had to fight he didn't want to run the risk of Reila being drawn into it.
As the guard came into view and he felt his muscles tightening in anticipation of a fight, Reila placed a hand on his arm. "Wait Seto... He's not one of the cruel ones." Seto raised an eyebrow in a questioning look but Reila shook her head in answer, moving closer to the bars. The man spotted her and sighed in relief, moving closer but still keeping a distance; smart man.
"Ms. Sarota, Mr. Kaiba. I'm here to let you out and escort you from the castle. Master Pegasus has... Taken ill and is unable to do it himself. He was defeated by Yugi Moto, and as his prize he asked that all Master Pegasus's prisoners be released." He held up a hand to show them the key he held and moved slowly to the door, opening it and stepping back. "Ms. Sarota, do you require any assistance?"
"I'll take care of her." Seto said, stepping out first and holding his hand out to Reila, who snorted in amusement as she took it and she hopped out to stand beside him. He frowned down at her, wondering when she'd gotten so short; the top of her head barely came to his shoulder. Glancing at her feet, he raised an eyebrow. Her heels were missing; he'd gotten so accustomed to her height in them he forgot that she was remarkably shorter without them.
"My heel broke. Can't exactly wear a broken stiletto." She said simply, shrugging a shoulder. "By the way, I'm charging you for a new pair of shoes."
The look on Seto's face was priceless. As though he couldn't even wrap his head around my flippant attitude or my declaration that he would be buying me a new pair of shoes. But dammit, I had one thing in this world that I loved collecting and wearing and it was shoes. I didn't judge Seto about his obsession with his Duel Monsters cards, he doesn't get to judge me on my shoe collection.
Seto pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "You have hundreds of pairs of shoes. I'm sure that you won't miss one pair."
I raised an eyebrow at his statement. "Those happened to be Sergio Rossi's newest product and I was the first to be given a pair, as a personal favor from the designer himself. They were very special and I want. A. New. Pair." I said, frowning up at him. "Look I get kidnapped, you buy me a new pair of shoes; seems an even trade, right?"
The guard beside us was shaking from trying to keep in his laughter. I suppose that it is a rather funny picture; a bruised barefoot girl arguing with a man who just had his soul returned to him, over shoes of all things. Seto rolled his eyes in response.
"Fine, I'll get you a new pair of shoes. Now let's move; we need to find Mokuba." I hid my grin and focused on the important task; finding Mokuba. To do that we would need to find Yugi and his group; since it appeared that Yugi had triumphed and the story was following canon, Tristan should have gotten him free from his cell and taken him with them to the dueling area. Sadly, I didn't remember how to get there and I couldn't think of a way to subtly suggest that we head in their direction.
"Mr. Kaiba, if I may..." I really needed to ask this guy what his name was. Turning to him, Seto opened his mouth to say something but I squeezed his arm, and he gave me an exasperated look but remained silent.
"I can lead you out of the castle; your brother is with Yugi Moto and his friends right now. They're heading out of the castle and into the courtyard. On this level there's a door that will open to the gates right outside of it. Considering Ms. Sarota's condition, that might be the easiest way to get to them." He explained, gesturing to my ankle.
Seto contemplated it for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. "But one wrong move and I'll lay you flat out on the floor." If the guard was at all affected by Seto's warning he didn't show it, instead moving forward to offer me his arm to lean on. But a warning look from Seto sent him right past me and on his way to leading us through the dungeon's maze like halls. Seto's behavior made me raise an eyebrow, but I didn't comment as we made our way, with me hop-stepping as quickly as I could to keep up with Seto's longer strides.
A few turns and long bleak hallways later, we came to a door that the man opened for us, stepping aside to let us pass. I took my first breath of fresh air in days and felt like laughing from the sheer joy of feeling the sun on my face and the wind blowing around me – I will never again take for granted something as trivial as a sunny day. Smiling with excitement I turned to the guard. "I never got to ask you your name. It seems rude to not ask after you've been so kind."
The man gave a gentle smile. "My name is Markus, Ms. Sarota." With a bow to us both Markus slipped back inside, and I wondered why such a man would work for Pegasus. He seemed far too gentle and kind to be employed by someone so ruthless.
Seto gave an impatient tug. "Come on, I don't want to risk missing them. The sooner we get Mokuba the sooner we're out of here."
"Right, right. Speaking of, how are we getting home? You wouldn't happen to have a boat hidden around here would you?" Given that there had never been any real explanation to Seto leaving the island, I was a little fuzzy on what to expect.
"I brought my helicopter. There's enough fuel to get us home." He explained, leading me around the outer wall of the castle and to the gates leading into the courtyard. From the inside, we could both hear Mokuba calling out Seto's name and we shared a brief look, to which I gave him an encouraging smile. As the gates opened, Mokuba looked up and his smile was so bright it, his eyes shining with happiness that I felt tears of joy forming in my eyes as I let go of Seto's arm, letting him walk forward to greet Mokuba first.
Relief coursed through my veins as I stood, watching Seto and Mokuba reunite. And from that relief sprang a new resolve; I would work harder to prevent any unnecessary harm coming to these two. In the future loomed the Battle City Tournament; as much as I wanted to I knew that I couldn't talk Seto out of that one. But in the middle of that tournament, Noah lay in waiting to get his revenge – that I could do something about, possibly. I'm not computer expert, but I was sure that I could call in a favor or two from the same person helping me set my trap for the mole that was in the company. After that was Dartz and his Orichalcos nonsense; he would target Kaiba Corp. to draw out Seto, but I could do my best to protect the company so Seto could focus on helping to take down that particular brand of crazy.
I was so wrapped up in my thoughts I didn't notice Yugi approach me, but when he laid a hand lightly on my arm I looked down at him, a questioning eyebrow raised.
"Reila, are you alright?" He asked, and the genuine concern in his eyes was touching; I'd never really spoken a word to him, but his concern was appreciated. However now that I was free again and in control of my emotions... It was time to slip back into my 'Princess of Sarota' persona. All the better to keep him from asking too many questions that I couldn't – and wouldn't – answer.
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern. I just want off this island and to get home as quickly as possible."
Yugi nodded, and I could see the questions forming in his eyes. "Reila, do you... Do you remember anything strange from last night?"
Ah, he must be referring to the fact that I'd managed to show up in his dream. I felt Ydor stirring in my mind but tried to convey that I was fine to him without showing anything on my face. The message apparently got through because he settled back down out of my immediate notice. "The only thing strange about last night was the fact that Seto was apparently missing his soul. It's been returned though, so I don't see the need to worry."
"Oh, I thought... Because last night I thought I saw someone who looked like you in a dream I had." His face flushed slightly, and I had to keep a grin off my face. His innocence and naivete was refreshing, something that brought home the fact that he was just a high school kid. Who happened to hold the fate of the world in his hands yes, but he didn't know that.
"While I appreciate the flattery, I don't see what my possibly being in your dream has to do with me; but who knows what the subconscious can bring up in dreams?" I said lightly, a pleasant smile on my face. "Thank you for looking after Mokuba though; it's a big relief to know that he's alright."
"REILA!"
Speaking of, Mokuba had apparently forgotten about my ankle as he launched himself at me, wrapping his arms around my waist in a fierce hug. For a brief moment I thought that I was going to end up flat on the ground, but Yugi braced his hands on my back, helping me to remain upright. Shooting him a brief look of thanks I turned my attention to Mokuba, feeling tears soaking into my shirt where he had his face buried. "Mokuba, I'm so glad you're alright." I said, bending as best I could and returning his fierce hold.
"Oh Reila, I was so scared! I didn't know what Pegasus was going to do to you..." Mokuba's voice broke on a sob and I made soothing noises to him as I rubbed his back.
"It's alright Mokuba, it's all over now. Seto's here and he's going to take us all home so we can put this behind us now." Mokuba's face raised up and he gave me a watery smile which I returned as Seto moved to stand next to us both, relief apparent in his blue eyes.
"Thank you Yugi; thanks for saving my brother Mokuba's soul. He means everything to me. And thank you for ensuring Reila's release as well." I nodded my head I agreement, giving Yugi a grateful smile.
"How could I do anything else?" Yugi asked, and the innocent question almost made me laugh in response; if only he knew how how many others would kill to have that kind of power over someone like Seto. Yugi and his friends now knew Seto's ultimate weakness, but would never use it against him. I admired their dedication to being kind, good people, I really did. But Seto, Mokuba and I lived in a part of the world where such things were a weakness that would ultimately lead to your downfall; the business elitists were always looking for a way to strike down their competition for good.
Listening as Kaiba basically issued a challenge for a rematch – again – I kept my thoughts to myself. Despite having slept most of the day I was still exhausted, and wanted nothing more than a hot meal, long shower and a bed to sleep in. Seto handed off his briefcase to Mokuba, and I blinked as I looked at it; how had I not noticed that he'd had it this entire time? I must be more tired than I realized. Without any warning Seto bent, sweeping one arm beneath my knees and the other around my shoulders, picking me off the ground as I gave a startled shriek.
"Seto what the hell do you think you're doing?" I demanded, feeling a blush rise onto my cheeks. "I might have a sprained ankle but that doesn't mean I need to be carried!"
"We have to go through the forest to get to my 'copter, and with your ankle and lack of shoes it'll take you forever, if you don't manage to hurt yourself worse." Seto's blunt explanation stopped me from demanding that he put me down, but I was still upset that he hadn't even asked.
"We really need to work on our communication skills." I grumbled, causing Mokuba to laugh happily as we left Yugi and his group behind. Looking over Seto's shoulder, my eyes locked with Yugi's and I felt the presence of the spirit of the Puzzle, just the barest flicker of pride and relief on the edges of my notice.
"Alright, we're going home!" Mokuba's cheerful shout brought my attention back to my friends, and I smiled at him as he grinned back; the first battle had been fought and won. Now all we could do was plan for the future; on my part at least.
Seto gazed out across the ocean, guiding the helicopter easily as he made his way back to his home. Although he was filled with the need to go straight to his corporate offices and deliver retribution to the snakes that had dared to try and take his company from him. Glancing to his right, where Reila sat in the copilot seat he pushed aside his thoughts of revenge for the time being; she needed a doctor to look at her ankle and he needed to get Mokuba safely secured at home before he could do anything. In the rear seat Mokuba lay sleeping under Seto's jacket, and Yugi and his friends were following in another helicopter that Seto had called for.
It had irritated him that he'd had to provide everyone in that group with transportation, but Pegasus had apparently not planned on losing and therefore hadn't thought ahead to transporting anyone off the island. But Mokuba had asked him to help Yugi and his friends, and since Yugi had freed Mokuba, Reila, and himself Seto considered giving them a ride home payback.
"I can practically hear you thinking." Reila's voice came softly through the headset he wore, and he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Is something on your mind?"
"What will you tell your uncle about what happened?" Reila had been gone for days without a word to her family, and since she made a habit of keeping them updated on her whereabouts they had to know something was wrong. Seto didn't want to go to war with Sota Sarota; the man might look unassuming but he was a powerful man. Reila's story to him was key in deciding whether or not he blamed Seto for what had happened.
"The way I see it, I have one of two options; lie or tell him the truth." Reila said, sighing. "If I tell him the truth he won't rest until Pegasus has been completely destroyed. On the other hand, lying to him is something I've never done and I'm afraid that I couldn't stomach telling him a lie." Rubbing her forehead wearily she gazed out the front of the cockpit, thinking for a moment before continuing. "Although telling him half the truth is an option, and one that I think I could handle. I'll tell him that I went to get Mokuba to have him stay with us while you were gone, witnessed him being kidnapped and tried to stop it; then while being held captive I tried to escape and ended up hurt." She was wisely keeping the soul stealing out of the story; that wasn't something Seto wanted broadcast to anyone. "If you're worried about Uncle Sota coming at you, don't be – I won't let him place any blame on you. I'll just have to talk him out of getting revenge for my treatment in Pegasus's castle."
"Why protect Pegasus at all?" Seto asked, frowning in confusion.
"Because the man has had his plans blow up in his face and been beaten in a tournament of his own making, in the very game he designed. He's been stripped of everything except his money; he's harmless now. He won't dare come after you again, and he won't dare show his face in public anytime soon. It seems wrong to go after a man when he's lost everything like that – he can't even put up a good fight in his current situation." Reila explained, turning a little in her seat to face him. "I never go after an unarmed opponent, and I'd rather just put this entire ordeal behind me and never think of it again. If you want revenge that badly it's you prerogative to do so. But I just want to get back to work and focus on my own company."
Seto thought over her words as the blades above them whirled and they glided through the night sky. She had a point; Pegasus had been stripped of everything in his defeat at Yugi's hands. And Seto had no use for his money, he had plenty of his own. Yugi had avenged both he and his brother when he defeated Pegasus, so there was no merit in going after Pegasus. Besides that, there was little to no proof of what had taken place; Pegasus's men would never talk, and with only Reila as a witness there would never be a conviction. "I'm still going to take down the weasels on my board of directors."
"As you should. I'm actually surprised you kept them around as long as you have; but you know what's best for your company." Her comment went a long way to soothing his ego, and he marveled at her ability to know what to say to calm his anger over something she had said so quickly. Was it a subconscious move on her part?
"Perhaps having a doctor take a look at your ankle first will keep your uncle from going after Pegasus." Seto mused, banking smoothly as Domino City drew nearer. "I doubt that he'd listen to you if you went home as you are now."
"Why Seto, are you offering to get me a doctor? And perhaps a good night's sleep and a shower can be added into the deal?" She asked coyly, flashing him a grin. The instruments on the console cast a green light onto her skin, yet he could see her eyes sparkling with happiness at the idea.
The corner of his mouth quirked up at her excitement over the possibility of an actual bed to sleep in and a shower. "I'll have the staff set you up in guest room and get you clothes that actually fit you; I'll even have them get of shoes to replace your broken ones."
Reila laughed, and Seto found his grin widening at the sound. "Seto, you do know how to treat a girl. But those were stilettos and I can't be wearing those right now. I'll order a replacement pair and send you the bill, does that sound fair?"
"Whatever." Seto appreciated the light hearted banter after everything that they'd been through. And he admired Reila's ability to bounce back so quickly; she and Mokuba shared that trait, the ability to push things aside quickly and not dwell on negative thoughts. He was slowly learning it himself, but he somehow doubted he would ever be able to do it as easily as they did.
As he guided the helicopter onto the landing pad within the gates of his home, he felt the last remnants of his worry lift off of his shoulder. Mokuba and Reila were safe, they were back home and tomorrow he would take care of the two-timing snakes on his board; things were looking up.
"This. Is. Heaven."
I sighed in bliss as I sat back against the edge of the tub, admiring the décor and relishing in the hot, soapy water; I'd washed my hair twice, taking special care to make sure that it was completely free of grit and oil before letting conditioner set in it for five minutes. I'd scrubbed and exfoliated every inch of my skin, and before all that I'd taken a spare toothbrush and brushed my teeth for almost ten minutes, making sure to lavish each tooth with special attention and gargle half a bottle of mouthwash.
I finally felt human again.
Soaking in the rose scented water – Mrs. Fujikawa had managed to find a stash of bath salts and given them to me happily – I felt like this was as close to nirvana as one could actually get. It went a long way to soothing my spirits and making me feel optimistic about the future again.
Once Seto had landed the helicopter there had been a flurry of activity; maids helping me into the house while Seto carried Mokuba, Seto barking orders left and right as I'd been escorted up to a guest room and a bath was drawn. Since there were no other females in the home they'd managed to find a smaller pair of pajamas that Seto had outgrown for me to wear for the night, and first thing in the morning a maid was going to get me new clothes so that I wouldn't look shabby or improper when I went home tomorrow. Just one more night and I'd be back in my own bed, in my own room, with my uncle and cousin nearby.
Why would it be so bad for you to return home without new clothes? These clothes you will wear tonight, they are not sufficient enough?
Well it would look bad for me to spend the night at a guy's house, then return the next day in his pajamas; people would assume that we'd done something inappropriate. Ydor had been asking me question periodically, trying to understand my thought process and the world around me. He only had my memories to go off of, and sometimes he had a hard time differentiating between my first life and this one.
Ah, so you care about what people think of you?
It's less about actually caring and more about maintaining a certain image. Besides the last thing I need is someone speculating on Seto and I being in a relationship; he and his brother are dear friends and nothing more. I don't want to be adding content to the gossip columns.
Ydor grumbled something about nosy people before receding, leaving me with my thoughts. Sighing I stood and drained the tub, grabbing a soft towel and wiping off before wrapping it tightly around me, grabbing another towel for my hair. Using the counter to steady myself, I hopped to the door and opened it, making my way to the bed where the pajamas had been laid out. I had to bite back a grin as I eyed the color.
Royal blue, because of course Seto would have blue silk pajamas. With a quiet laugh I carefully hoped over to the bed, dressing quickly before sitting down, sinking into the soft mattress with a happy smile. Yes, I suppose I've become accustomed to luxurious surroundings but hey, can you blame a girl for wanting the best? Gently toweling my hair dry I looked around for a comb and frowned, not remembering one in the bathroom and not seeing one in sight. If I didn't comb it before it dried it was going to be a nightmare to untangle later...
A knock sounded on the door and I answered with a soft 'come in', smiling when Seto walked in, a comb in hand. "Oh thank goodness, I was just wondering where I could find one of those." I said, taking the comb and carefully working through the tangles in my hair.
Seto sat beside me and studied my features for a moment. Something odd flickered in the depths of his eyes but I couldn't quite make out what it was, so I ignored it. "The doctor is here, if you're ready."
"Did you tell him that I have a sprained ankle?" I asked, flipping my wet curls over my shoulder and working on the other side of my hair. "If my guess is correct I won't be able to make due with just an aircast like I have in the past; this is one of the bigger sprains I've had and I'll probably need a full boot."
"Dr. Juhei brought a boot just as you asked." Seto said, shaking his head. When he placed the call to the doctor I'd made sure to have Seto relay that I already knew it was sprained and preferred a boot if possible. When I'd made the remark Seto had demanded to know how I could be so sure, and after explaining that I've sprained ankles before he'd seemed upset.
I'm a girl who wears three inch heels all the time; it's a hazard that I've accepted.
Seto stood, looking me over with a critical eye as I finished combing my hair, returning his gaze with a questioning look. His gaze was so intense, almost as if he was waiting for something to happen – for something else to go wrong. But he didn't comment on it, instead turning to the door. "I'll send Dr. Juhei in, and once he's done you should get some sleep; you look exhausted."
"Thanks Seto, that's exactly what a girl wants to hear. Ranks right up there with 'Are you sick?' and 'That's really not your color.'" I said dryly, and I managed to get a grin out of Seto with that comment.
"I'll keep that in mind for the future. But I'm serious; you need sleep. Mokuba's already out, and I'm heading to bed as well. If you need anything ring for Mrs. Fujikawa; she was very adamant that I make sure you understand that she is only a call away."
I smiled at the thought. His chief maid had been hovering over me like a mother hen all night, and a part of me appreciated the mothering actions. "Once I get a boot from the doctor I plan on sleeping for as long as I can. Thank you Seto, for everything."
He nodded once, making his way to the door. As a portly man in his forties entered the room – Dr. Juhei, apparently – Seto hesitated in the door. "Good night Reila."
I flashed a cheerful smile. "Good night Seto. Pleasant dreams." With one final look he left, leaving me to be examined by the doctor and head to bed myself.