Author's Note: Hey everyone! How's it going? I forgot to ask; who's been able to see the new Yu-Gi-Oh! movie? -.- It hasn't come out in Canada yet so I couldn't get the chance. Grrr...when the DVD comes out soon, hopefully, it is then I shall be able to see it! And then RULE THE WORLD!
Ahem...sorry about that. On a sugar rush. xD I was kidding by the way. XDD Hope you like this chapter! Many of you might know what it is about. . *panned* ^^'
Rewrite Fiasco: I'm going to be rewriting everything I think needs rewriting. Like the chapters with "YOUR POV" written all over them. I used to like that POV a lot before because the reader can experience the story but...it doesn't really work. I mean, I can't get it to work. ^^' So that's my fault.
To those of you who like that POV, I'm really sorry. But I can't get the feel for it in my story. So I'm going to change it to the first person POV. With this POV it'll make more sense. Hopefully. ^^' I will post up a new chapter and let you know, but sometimes, I won't be able to post up a rewrite of any chapters until after a longer while. AGAIN, it may take me a longer while to rewrite stuff than updating newer chapters. *shot* I know, I know. It's sad. ^^' But it depends with the time I have. Thank you. ^^
Nothing in the storyline will be changed dramatically. So, you won't be missing anything big. Sarah has only been developed a little more as a character. Thanks. ^^
Revisions!: If no one knows yet, I revised chapter 2 of season 1: Kaiba and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon...over a few months ago but forgot to tell you. ^^' I think it makes SO much more sense now than it used to. XD I'm sorry! . I thought I made a note about it telling you guys but when I looked at all the chapters on season 2, I didn't see any. Again, I'm really sorry. You can check it out if you want to. ^^'
I am also done rewriting chapter 3 of season 1: In Japan Meeting the Gang. That's why it's taken me a while to post this new chapter up. Because I've been rewriting like crazy at the same time. ^^' I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me~ *panned* ^^'
So, in this chapter, Sarah has a dream about the Oath's Seal. And its rebirth is triggered by someone shocking. You'll have to read in order to find out what happens. Will Sarah be able to help the person in time?
Disclaimer!: Fanfiction, and I do NOT get any money out of it either. Thanks. ^^
Battle City-New Evil Emerges, Old Friends Reunite Chapter 17
Sand stretched over the horizon, as far as the eye could see. Sunlight streamed from above, making it hotter than yesterday. Great dunes ascended up, nearly surrounding all of the city. Speaking of the city, all its inhabitants were going about their normal routine; adults and parents walking through the market, children playing or studying, and merchants trading goods. The priests and priestess in the Pharaoh's Court were at the palace as usual, fulfilling their tasks and projects.
The palace towered high and mighty, with its golden towers and walls dominating everything else. Countless rooms made up the inside, of which were abided by many palace workers and staff. The Pharaoh was walking around the palace with his son by his side, discussing plans for the future Pharaoh. Everyone was busy with their own things; just a typical day for us.
Well...it was a normal day for everyone else—except for me.
Today was the day I would be bestowed with the Oath's Seal. I knew this day would come sooner or later. The Pharaoh's Court had told me it was something that needed to be done; in order to serve the future Pharaoh dutifully. It was something they needed—like proof; evidence—to prove how devoted I could be to be his Guardian. It was a test of loyalty. If I really was willing to be the Guardian, then I would let them give me the Seal. It would also show what extreme lengths I would go to in order to serve.
It's a pretty big deal here, to have the Oath's Seal. It is said in Master's Ancient Book of Spells that only the Chosen Guardian of the Chosen Pharaoh may be given the Seal. When I came into the picture, everyone knew it was me. The Court said they would apply the Seal once I had completed my magics and combat training—which was today.
We were in the Throne Room. Master had just shook my hand to formally congratulate me in mastering the most complex spells in the book, when his eyes turned from soft to hard. We knew it wasn't over yet. I still had to be given the Seal. The rest of the Court stood before us, straight and tall, possessing their Millennium Items. Isis was off to the side, and though she held a firm composure like her fellow priests, her eyes held affection. I returned the kindness with a tiny smile.
Looking around at everyone's Millennium Items, I was reminded of my own Locket around my neck. It still shone of sleek gold, just like all the other Millennium Items, but without all the designs and Symbols. Just like from the day my parents had first given it to me. Its gold chain hung loosely around my neck, letting the heart part of the necklace land on my collarbone.
As I thought more about my Locket, I was reminded of the day Isis had fist taken me in. On that day, she talked about keeping the Locket on "at all times". I never understood if there was a specific reason for the order, but the more I thought about it, I eventually came to the conclusion that it was because I would be keeping my parents close to me. They gave me the gift after all, and with this Locket, I'd be reminded of them every time I look at it. I suppose that what Isis had meant to keep it on at all times. Its so my parents cane be close to me.
I was brought out of my brief thoughts by the deep voice of one of the priests; Priest Seto.
"Congratulations. You have made it to the last stage." he said, though instead of the happiness for me everyone else was showing, he was giving me a look of resentment. But then again, that was his style.
I gave him a bow of my head. "Forgive me for interrupting," I said with a stern voice, like those military men talking to their leader. "but I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. The last stage for a Guardian isn't to obtain the Seal, but taking their duty right to the end."
Priest Seto gave me an impressed nod. "It seems you have taught her well, Mahad." he said to my Master. "She seems to know what she is doing."
My Master nodded. "Amira has been one of my top students. I would think she most definitely knows." he said. "I was honestly not very willing to teach her the Elemental Spells when she first began her training, but she insisted and said it was vital for the safety of our future Pharaoh. She thought the strongest spells in the Ancient Spell Book would do nicely."
Priest Karim came forward. "Why weren't you willing to teach her in the first place?" he bellowed. "Certainly you couldn't agree any more than anyone else that what this girl has said is true."
Master held his gaze. "They were the most toughest spells to master." he said. "Only one other man in our history has tried to control the Four Elements, and even for him, it had taken most of his lifetime. Amira has done magnificently; she's managed to master the hardest spells in less than half her life.
"Though at first, I have to agree, I was doubtful. But she was determined. Incredibly determined. That is why I couldn't stop her training."
"You've managed to report all the answers I had wanted to ask of you, Mahad." said Priest Seto with crossed arms. His Millennium Rod shone dangerously under the Palace lights; the torches of fire hanging from the walls. "Tell me, Amira, how determined are you to protect our Pharaoh?"
I had no trouble coming up with an answer. "I'd give my life." I stated simply. Silence broke the room for a slight moment. The Priests had expected this, but not with the amount of determination I was showing them through my eyes. It was high, I can tell just by the way my clenched fists shook by my side.
"A very perceptive answer." said Priest Seto. "Is what you say true? Not very many people are willing to say such drastic answers without a second thought."
"Absolutely." I said, my voice never faltering. "It is never rash if it is for the right reasons."
Priest Aknadin stepped forward this time. His Millennium Eye shone perceptively, and he held as much austere in his presence as Priest Seto. "How old are you again?" he asked thoughtfully.
"I am turning thirteen this upcoming summer solstice." I said with slight defiance.
Priest Shada, the holder if the Millennium Key, turned to Seto. "Such a young girl...do you really think she should be considered to receive the Seal?"
Seto gave me one more look, as if trying to read my thoughts. I gazed back at him with as much backbone as I could. It was like I was silently challenging him; asking him to judge me just by my age or fragile look. Deep down, I knew I was strong. I didn't train this long simply to go around saying I had. I actually learned and strengthened my body and mind; for times like this when I'm so close to being the Guardian. If I get rejected just by being a girl, or by my age...
"Are you willing to be given the Seal?" asked Seto, looking me straight in the eye.
Aknadin retaliated. "How could you ask such a thing? She's a mere child! How will she serve our great King with her immaturity?"
My clenched fists tightened even more, until my knuckles distinctly turned white. Does he not know how far I would go? He thinks I'll run away! Like a little child from a nightmare. He thinks I'm only a child, that I don't know what I'm going through, that I don't know where all my training has ended me at, that I think this is all a game!
He thinks I'm not qualified to be the future Pharaoh's Guardian.
Because of my mere presence as a twelve-year-old girl.
But it isn't what's on the outside that matters. It's what's inside that counts.
And my insides are seeming to burst with pride. I knew I could be Guardian. It doesn't matter what I am or look like.
Because I know I'm qualified to be Guardian. I've worked too long and hard to be sent back now. And I knew what I was getting myself into before I even started training.
So, no, Priest Aknadin. I am not a mere child.
"Yes," I stated as clearly as I could. My answer caught the attention of everyone in the Throne Room—including the present Pharaoh and his son who were just entering the room. They had come for my evaluation.
The Pharaoh stood in the doorway, with his shoulders square and his traditional robes draped over his body. He stood with authority and order, and beside him, stood the Pharaoh's son, standing with as much dignity. He, too, wore the traditional clothes of a Pharaoh's son. His blazing crimson eyes were settled on me. I kept looking straight ahead, at the Priests who were still looking at me, stunned from my confident answer.
"Your Highness," said Master Mahad, as everyone momentarily bowed to their knees in respect for their Pharaoh. I followed them. We bowed with our heads low, and when we finally looked back up, my eyes accidentally fell onto the Pharaoh's son.
His eyes roamed the room with everyone in it before they came to land on mine. It was the first time I had seen him this close.
He stood tall and proud, but his face was like his father's; not emotionless, but of bravery. He stood there with confidence, like he was getting ready to take on the responsibilities of the Pharaoh, when it was his time. He intrigued me. His tanned body looked slimly built under the fine linen and silk. His hair was intricate and unique. Everything seemed so fascinating about him, but what beat them all were his attractive crimson eyes. They shimmered with defiance and fortitude. Such determination and ascetic composure could never be matched.
He had come with his father to see how things were done.
"I see the Court is evaluating." said the Pharaoh, his deep voice seemed to radiate of power, something his presence doubled. "What has the conclusion come to?"
Priest Seto addressed the Pharaoh with a slight bow before saying anything. "We were judging on her traits at the moment. Her answers were of highest expectation, and I asked her of the Seal."
The Pharaoh, Aknamkanon was his name, seemed interested by this. "Is that so..." Now he turned to me, and if it was possible, I stood even straighter. "Then tell me, supposed Chosen Guardian, what have you thought of having the Seal?"
I swallowed nervously and stood my ground. To be in the presence of the Pharaoh and his son was such an honour, and just by them being in the same room, I felt the incredible amount of power they controlled. This was the first time, ever, I've been in their presence, together I mean, and I couldn't help but feel so small. I was in a whole different league than everyone else in the Throne Room.
Shimon, the vizier of the Pharaoh, appeared from behind. His eyes showed kindness yet strength all at once. His grey hair was hidden underneath his purple cap; showing his authority just below the Pharaoh.
"Do you know everything there is to know about the Seal?" he asked me. "It will be an incredibly high responsibility, should you accept."
"I am aware of what the responsibilities are and will be, should I accept." I answered. "And I am even more aware of...the way to obtain the Seal." I couldn't bear to imagine how it would be done. It sounded almost horrifying when I read about it from Master's Ancient Book of Spells. But, if it was something that needed to be done, in order to get the Guardianship, then I must do it.
"And...do you accept?" asked the Pharaoh. His son stayed by his side, waiting for my answer as well. I had no idea if he knew what was going on or not. He seemed informative, though; there were no questioning glances in his father's direction.
I nodded. "Yes," I said. "I accept. The Seal, Guardianship, training, the chance to serve Egypt and its King; I accept them all."
Though the Court wasn't expecting such a defiant answer, the Pharaoh didn't look even slightly surprised. In fact, it was like he became even more serious.
"Very well." he said after a moment. "Meet her in the Spell Room, Mahad. Read the text from the book as instructed and apply the Seal. Hopefully this will go as planned."
Mahad nodded. "Right away, your Highness." he said. He momentarily laid a hand on my should, just to say a small farewell and disappeared out of the Throne Room with a few palace guards by his side.
The Pharaoh watched Master walk away before turning back to me, his eyes full of business. "Amira, you do understand what you're doing, don't you?"
My eyes stung, but no matter how much I feel frightened by my imagination showing me how I will get the Seal, I can't let it get to me now. I won't give up. If I don't go through with this, and I don't become Guardian, what else will I go about doing? My life is already gone and there's no use going on like normal.
I have to do this.
"I am fully aware..." I said, trying to control my flowing emotions. Dread filled my heart. The thought of inscribing the Seal was going to be painful, I know it. But how much, was what I was dreading over. I had to be strong. I couldn't hold back now.
I tried again, this time with a little more force so my sentences wouldn't break anymore. "I am fully aware of what I am agreeing to. Before I started training, I was well informed about the Guardianship. It made me even more determined to study harder than I've ever studied before. I will take the Seal and guard the Pharaoh with my life. That is my answer."
The Pharaoh gazed at me thoughtfully. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting someone as determined as you to help my son." he said. "But I'm glad Fate has brought you to us. I need someone proficient to Guard him, and you are the right one to bring up this task.
"I will have to tell you this, Amira, but I'm afraid the Millennium Items will cause a great disturbance during my son's reign. I will do whatever I can to save him during my own reign, but I need someone...someone along with the Court, and in his time...to keep watch for suspicions or enemies. I won't always be here."
I nodded, though at his words, my heart almost felt heavy. He was talking to me with care for his son. I could tell, just by the way he was looking at me intently, and the careful look in his eyes, that he trusted me to Guard the future Pharaoh with my life; just like how I said I will.
"Of course, your Highness." I said with a determined nod. "I understand. I shall do as you wish.
"And you have my word. Without the Seal at the moment though, you may think it isn't true, but I promise, from the bottom of my heart, that I will carry out my duty as Guardian."
The Pharaoh gave me a small smile. "I know that you will." he said. "I do trust you."
My eyes shimmered uncertainly, but I quickly nodded to hide any hints of tears. He was acting so much like a father, my heart started aching. I longed for my own father and family.
I mentally shook my head. It's too late, I thought miserably. They're gone. And there's no way I'll get them back. Don't dwell in the past. Fight it. Fight it!
"Thank you, your Highness." I said, with a slight bow. Mahad just returned to the Throne Room with the palace guards. The rest of the Court met up with him.
"All the preparations have been prepared." announced Mahad "We can start whenever Amira believes ready."
Everyone turned to me. I licked my dry lips.
There's no use putting it off. It needs to be done, so why not as soon as possible?
I steadily breathed in, knowing full well everyone's gaze was on me, waiting intently. Little did I know, the Pharaoh's son was watching the scene before him with interest and curiosity.
"Right," I said with a short nod. "I'm ready to be given the Seal." The sooner I get this done, the better.
Master nodded, though he looked a little uneasy. "Very well." he said. "If you will excuse us, your Highness, and your Highness's son, we'll be going now. Come this way, Amira."
I gave the King and his son one final bow before I would meet them. The Pharaoh simply nodded while my eyes accidentally met the son's. Just in that one mere moment, he just happened to be looking at me too. Our gazes held, though nothing was exchanged. His eyes were crimson; a deep, almost mysterious, crimson. He was only around my age, yet he held the posture as his father.
I averted my gaze, and after bowing to them one last time, I turned on my heel and followed Master out the doors of the Throne Room. I had to walk past the rest of the Court in order to do so, therefore, I felt all their eyes watch after me. As if for some bit of comfort, I laced my fingers around the heart shaped locket around my neck.
"Amira," Isis suddenly called. I turned to face her, with utmost interest. Through her eyes, I saw some sort of darkness. A known darkness. She probably knew how dangerous this was.
"If it is alright with you, I shall take care of your locket." she said kindly. She knew how much this locket meant to me, so she only wanted to keep it safe. I think it was a good idea. Who knows how much I might be thrashing about. I might accidentally send the locket flying.
"Thank you," I said, unclasping the locket and placing it onto Isis's open palm. It felt odd to have the wind rush freely over my collar bone. I was beginning to feel a little uneasy, having to give my locket away—even if it was only for a while. But the smooth, gold pendent was all I had left to remember my parents by and having it away for even a while was heartbreaking.
"You will have it back soon," assured Isis in a warm tone. She placed a comforting hand onto my right shoulder. "Now, go and come back with the Seal, Guardian."
Smiling a little, I gave her a nod, and ran out the door. Master was already waiting for me in the Spell Room.
The Spell Room was darker than the rest of the palace, with no windows facing the sun—let alone anywhere else—it was dark, and much colder. The only lights in the whole room, which were solely for the spell casters to be able to read their spell books, were two torches hanging on two ends of the room. There were a couple of bookshelves standing to one side—all filled with ancient scrolls and papyrus—while on the other was a hollowed wall where a few pieces of burnt wood rested by on the floor. The room wasn't as big as any other room in the palace, though at times, it held a lot of activity. The aura was mystic, and I could almost smell the warm magical energy halfway down the hall.
As I walked in, there was one object that caught my entire attention. It was the huge slab of black rock sitting in the middle of the room. It was about two-and-a-half feet high, four feet wide, and five feet long. There were three stool-like pieces of rock around one half of the giant rock. It almost looked a table with chairs around it. Maybe it even was.
From off one of the bookshelves, Master pulled out a particularly large scroll. It seemed only the slightest bit dusty, most likely because of how many times Master had read from it. Its pages were crinkly, and only a bit yellowed from being so ancient. It's been in the library since before anyone can remember. He unrolled the scroll, just as two palace guards walked in, closing the heavy door behind them.
"We should begin," Master said, taking a seat on one of the smaller slabs. They were as high as the table, yet round and smooth at the top for—and I'm just taking a wild guess here—to allow spell casters to sit down. He kept the scroll balanced on his lap as he beckoned me forward. "Amira, lie down on the larger slab. You two guards, sit on either side of her. It doesn't matter which seat you take; both your duties will be the same."
I wondered what the two guards were here for as I slowly made my way around one side of the stone table. They most likely were here only to guard Master, because he's a member of the Court, but he said something about "duties" as if they were going to do something different.
With hesitant movements, I managed to lie down, with my head next to Master's seated figure. The two palace guards left there spears by the door and followed the orders given. There was something I noticed in their eyes the moment they sat down, that though everything would end well, what would lead to it...would not be pleasant.
It was the same known darkness swimming in their eyes that I noticed in Isis'.
My heart started beating uncomfortably against my rib cage, and I felt a lump in my throat that was a little hard to swallow. Was getting the Seal really going to be that bad? From what I read about it, it seemed logical and straightforward. So what's this uneasiness in everyone's eyes that keeps reappearing?
The table wasn't at all rocky underneath my shoulder blades, but it was definitely cold. I could feel the iciness through the linen blouse I was wearing. My legs felt even colder from the linen skirt being only to cover my thighs.
The guards both held my arm, pinning them onto the table. Slightly confused, I looked to each one of them before turning my gaze onto Master. He looked back at me reassuringly.
"Do not worry, Amira." he said, but his eyes held the exact same haunting darkness I keep seeing in everyone else's eyes. "It will only take a few minutes, then you will finally be Guardian."
"I hope," I murmured, quietly enough so no one else heard. It was hard to believe I was this close, but all that training really helped me get ready. I was merely moments away from being the Guardian, like it's at the tips of my fingers. I closed my eyes and curled my fingers, getting ready for the moment.
Master and the two guards momentarily caught each other's gaze. Then they nodded, telling each other that they were ready.
This was it.
The moment everything would tie together.
The Oath's Seal is a seal, like the wax imprint on the back of a letter, of trust. In order for me to become Guardian, I need to have this Seal. Instead of raising my hand and speaking an oath of loyalty to the Pharaoh, this Seal is actually a much more solid vow. With it, I can never turn my back to the Pharaoh. I can never even think about it.
It's solid because it's the most farthest vow anyone could ever make.
The Oath's Seal is a silent vow. No words are spoken to make the Seal be.
It is actually carved into the skin.
Exactly...like the wax on a letter.
Once the Spell on the carve will be casted, I am forever binded to the Pharaoh until my job is complete. The oath here is simple:
Whoever two people this spell involves, they are binded by invisible thread. As my duty as the future Pharaoh's Guardian...
The Oath for this Seal is that I would feel his pain.
It is indeed the highest vow anyone could accept.
To feel another's pain in order to come rushing over to help, like an alarm telling me to go find the Pharaoh for example, is what this Seal's Oath is. I knew what it was from the very beginning.
And since I required it to be the future Pharaoh's Guardian...I accepted.
With a swift flick of his wrist, Master sparked a magical fire into the hollowed wall right next to us. It's hot flames sent waves of warmth over the side of me that was closest, while the other side was still chilled from the coldness of the stone table.
From within the folds of his intricate clothing, Master produced a slender blade, made entirely from iron and copper. The dusty metal edge gleamed under what little light illuminated the small room, and he held the rock handle firmly in his hand.
"Amira, to have this Seal bestowed upon you, I must ask you this one question," said Master, still holding the blade in his hand. The other held the scroll, which still lay open on his lap. His eyes flickered briefly from the brightness of the flames. As I looked up to him from the position I was currently in.
"Where would you consider having it inscribed?"
The thought had actually never occurred to me. I might have remembered reading something about it when Master was training me, but I never actually sat down and really thought about it.
Where would a really good place be, for such a powerful seal of trust? I wondered. If I was to feel the pain of the Pharaoh, where would the pain have to be felt in order for me to react to it much more quickly?
It only took me a few moments, but I finally figured it out. "Just below my collar bone on the left side." I replied. "That way, the Seal is closer to my heart. I should be able to react properly to a situation if the pain was felt there."
Master Mahad slowly nodded. "Those are wise words." he said, admiring how far his student had gotten in the amount of time I was training with him. Yet the dark solemness never left from his face. "I shall inscribe it where you have chosen. You are almost close to being Guardian, Amira. ...I am sure your parents would be proud."
An image of my once smiling parents flashed past my eyelids. I showed the smallest hint of a smile on my face.
"Yes...I'm proud too."
Master looked down to the scroll and began chanting the spell in Ancient Egyptian. His voice was low and the words sounded almost unpronounceable at times. He dipped the blade he was holding into the rippling flames before bringing it away; the metal gleaming an orange-red haze, full of magical energy. The words still came; a complex chant for the Seal to work. Somewhere in the jumble of words, Master has said to connect both the future Pharaoh's soul and my soul together, so that the Seal can be made. Though I would feel his pain, he could not feel mine. It was how things worked.
Hesitantly, he rested the tip of the blade right above my skin just below the collar bone. The heat was incredibly tense and I wondered how my skin didn't melt. His chanting became more meaningful, and at a time, I thought I heard my name.
Then...the blade pierced through, and a scream ripped past my lips. The orange-red haze of the blade changed colour to a redish yellow from being activated by the chant. The invisible thread between me and the Pharaoh was being woven.
The blade dug deeper, yet no matter how much it burned, there was never any blood. Such was magic. Instead, an intense golden light emitted from the spot the blade was lodged into my skin; shooting up like an upside down spotlight.
The more Master chanted and carved the Seal into my skin, the more I squirmed and yelled. Though magic was keeping the blood away, it was still incredibly painful. The hot blade pierced and I tried to thrash—but something kept my arms pinned. So that was the reason the guards were here.
Master must have known the actual pain I would have felt, therefore made preparations such as this to make sure nothing went wrong. For if I had thrashed about or jumped off the table, the spell would be broken. And that wouldn't be a great way to start off my reputation.
My heartbeat increased and the blade dug even more. I felt the blistering pain course through my very core, making my back arch. I tried biting back my screams, but sometimes, the pain was just too much to handle.
Images of my training flashed through my eyes. Me holding a sword, trying to levitate something using Air, making Fire materialize from thin air, controlling the flow of Water, and making rocky spikes of sand from Earth. Everything I've done in the past few years washed over me, and I begun to finally realize just how close I actually was. The Guardianship was right at my fingertips—
I fell out of unconsciousness to find myself screaming and thrashing, this way and that. Eventually, I fell out of my bed, and landed on the floor with a thump. My eyes ripped open and I was soon gulping for air from the shock. My collar bone throbbed painfully and my vision was a little blurry at first.
I looked around, wondering what the hell just happened, to find myself in my room. The window was flooded with darkness from the outside and only the moon was a source of light. Oh...I thought. It was all a dream. But it was so vivid...like I was actually getting the Seal right now...
I blinked. Then why is it that my chest hurts so badly? Without a second thought, I pulled down the collar of my shirt. My breath caught in my throat and for a moment there I couldn't breathe because of the surprise.
There, on the spot where Master carved the blade in 5,000 years ago, was the Seal, looking as though it was freshly cut. It was smudged with a faint golden light for a second, before it disappeared, revealing a dark red circle—like a loop of rope, to signal a never ending circle; loyalty. I started breathing again, but it was heavy.
The Seal. It's been a while since I've seen it. It doesn't usually come and go; once it's on, it's on.
Since I was going to be trapped to be reborn, the Seal was taken away, so that it may first start to appear again when I needed it.
When I needed it.
Does that mean...that the Pharaoh was feeling pain right now?
Heart suddenly in my throat, I shot to my feet like a bullet and quickly dashed for the door, managing to stuff my cell phone into my short's pocket before I was out. The streets were cold, just like that stone table I was laying on in my dream.
I have to get to Yami. I thought, as I started running at full speed down the street. Who knows what's going on. Maybe those hooded creeps found a way into Yugi's house!
With that horrible feeling of dread swelling my insides, I sprinted forward, letting my Locket show me the way. It glowed brightly in the dark, illuminating my way and seeking a route to the Pharaoh. My legs followed turning on the street leading into Domino Square.
That's strange...I thought, looking around at all the closed shops and streetlamps. Not a soul was in sight. Isn't Yugi's house...the other way?
Oh no...maybe Yami or Yugi went out for the night for some reason or something, and the hooded freaks caught them!
I cursed in Ancient Egyptian. Something is wrong. The Seal isn't giving away the same essence of the Pharaoh. It was like a muddled scent I was following.
Suddenly, a searing pain exploded from the Seal and I dropped to my knees, clutching at the collar of my shirt. My fingers trembled.
The pain...that one moment of pain sent an image into my head. An image I had not been expecting.
It was a picture of Joey.
Why did I just feel...Joey's essence from the Seal? I asked myself in confusion. The Seal was supposed to only lead me to the Pharaoh.
So...why is it Joey?
"I'll have to dwell on the reasons later." I said to myself, pulling my LG from out of my shorts' pocket. Either way, the Seal was throbbing in pain, and it meant that Joey was in trouble. "I have to get the gang to help. I might not know exactly where he is..." Since the Seal was only made to thread Yami's soul and my soul together—and for some reason Joey's soul is entwined into it now—his isn't directly connected, so the results my Locket shows me might not be accurate. It might not lead me directly to his current location.
I called the first person I could. Téa. I had her cell phone number on speed dial.
"H-hello?"
"Hey there, Téa. It's me, Sarah. Look, I'm terribly sorry to wake you up, but there's trouble. It's Joey. I think he's hurt—I know he is, but I'm having trouble finding him."
"What? Joey's in trouble? Don't worry Sarah. I'll call Yugi and let him know while you call Tristan, that way we can search for him together. And don't worry about waking me up."
I sweat dropped. "Alright, thanks so much. I'll call Tristan right now."
"No, Sarah, thank you."
We hung up, and I immediately phoned Tristan's residence. His voice was as groggy as Téa's, but he was less awake than she was.
"Pizza Hut, how may I help you?"
"Tristan? Hey man, sorry, I haven't got the time to order your pizza at the moment. Joey's in trouble and I need your help. I've already called Téa; she said she was going to call Yugi, so we could find Joey together. Do you understand?"
"...dude...the moment you said "Joey's in trouble", I was wide awake and ready to run miles. Where are you right now?"
"Domino Square." I said. "But we'll cover a lot more ground if we split up."
"Right. I'll grab my motorbike and we'll search some places together. I'll catch you later."
He hung up before I could comment. "The whole purpose of splitting up, Tristan, was so you could search a whole new area of ground and report back." I muttered, getting back onto my feet and hiding my LG back into my pocket. Truthfully, though, I was beginning to feel tired anyway. If Tristan does come over here with his motorbike, that would be awesome, because I was beginning to feel tired from sprinting my all—all the way here. With the muscles in my calves throbbing painfully, just like my neck and chest, I jogged down the Square, hoping to cover some ground and run into Tristan all at the same time.
Thoughts of why Joey could be in trouble never even entered my mind. It was already so focused on trying to find Joey and help him that it didn't care who caused his sorrow. I'll start thinking about that later, when Joey's safe and we can discuss.
I heard the revving of an engine and stopped dead in my tracks, looking around. Tristan emerged from around the corner and I jogged up next to him.
"Did you see him on your way here, by any chance?" I asked him over the roaring engine of his motorbike.
He removed his helmet to meet my gaze. His hair was still looking OK—like that hairstyle would ever wear out in the first place—but his eyes held most of his state. They held concern for Joey. His clothes were a little ruffled from being worn too fast. Other than that, his eyes definitely showed more of what he was thinking.
"No, I haven't." he said. He gave me a spare helmet for a passenger. "Hop on. I didn't meet him along the way, but I did meet Yugi and Téa. They said they'll cover the residential streets and uptown while we search downtown."
With a nod, I pulled on the helmet and jumped onto the motorbike behind him, keeping my hands on his shoulders. He revved the engine once more and we headed on. I kept my eyes open for a familiar looking blonde we were so very concerned about.
I think in total, we spent over a good amount of time searching for Joey. Téa kept me posted from her cell of how she and Yugi were doing, while Tristan and I reported back from our end. No one had any luck so far.
We could tell by how much the sky had lightened dramatically in an hour that it's only a few hours until morning. Our bodies were growing tired, since it was way past bedtime. But our minds were still wide awake, searching and searching, forcing our bodies to focus completely on running and finding. Who gives a damn about sleep anyway when a very important friend is in trouble?
I couldn't imagine how much Serenity might be worried back at the hospital. Joey told her he'd be there, but he's not. The Seal wouldn't be throbbing if he was. It still hurt and all the while, I hoped we'd find him soon.
I'm not going to lose another friend of mine. NO ONE in this group does. We were going to find Joey. This determination helped push ourselves forward. We won't be giving up any time soon.
After searching all of downtown—all the alleyways in between, the shops (even though they're closed), streets, trees (Yes...trees...), and any other nooks and crannies we thought could hold a person. He was nowhere in sight.
Tristan was now riding the motorbike past the beach, and just over the horizon, we could see a faint orange light crawl its way into the sky. Time was running out. Joey had said Serenity's operation would be somewhere in the morning. We don't know how early or how late, but Joey needed to get back. And he had to be safe.
"Damn it! Where the Hell could he have gone?" cried Tristan in frustration as he steered his bike to go down the boardwalk again. The beach was a little dark, because of the light beginning to appear in the sky and the water sparkled. It looked so calm and peaceful—compared to our racing hearts, beating us senseless.
I swore quietly in Ancient Egyptian for the second time that day—night—whatever. I was beginning to feel just as frustrated as him. "We've searched practically all of Domino. Where else could he be!"
"He's not in any of his old gang hideouts," offered Tristan, referring to Joey's life before he met Yugi. I remembered the gang telling me about it one time when we were just hanging around at Yugi's house. It was hard for me to picture the Joey now with or as a bully. Good Lord... "So he didn't ditch his sister."
"Oh, Joey. Please be safe!" I cried to the heavens. "You need to give us a sign or something so we can find you! Ra! Please help us..."
"Hey, wait." Tristan suddenly slowed the bike down so he could squint into the darkness creeping it's way along the beach. His eyes were narrowed and when he pulled back, they held hope. "I think I saw something moving around on the beach. It looks like a person staggering."
"That could be Joey," was my immediate answer, until Tristan got off the bike and held me back. He made sure the bike was parked, or better yet, turned off completely so I wouldn't get hurt.
"For all we know, it could be a drunk trying to find his way home," he said, taking off his helmet. "I'll go check it out. You stay here, understand?"
With a tentative nod, I held Tristan's helmet as he ran off, into the direction he was looking at over the beach. "Be careful." I called, before seeing him disappear into the light-dark. I never knew that could be possible, but at the moment, I was witnessing it. In the incredibly early morning light, as the sun slowly made its way up into the sky, the darkness over the city dissipated, just as slowly. Soon, I could make out Tristan's figure approaching a fuzzy one, the one he saw just now.
Through the hazy grey, I could just make out the outline of the man. It looked like he was limping—and for a crazy moment, I actually did think it was a drunk. I was going to call Tristan to be careful again, when I heard what they were talking about. My heart nearly stopped in surprise, but mostly, relief.
"Joey? Hey Joey! It's you!"
"Tristan? What is it?"
"What do you mean, what is it?" Through the muffled scene, I made out Tristan grabbing the collar of Joey's shirt in a rough manner. "What are you doing here? You should be at the hospital!" What was him being so rough? We just found the poor guy, even though his answer was a total disregard to current circumstances.
Joey falls to his knees, free from Tristan's merciless grip. I watched with anxiety now filling me whole. He starts playing with the sands, his shoulders jumping a little. Surprised, Tristan takes a step back, and I could hear Joey choking back his sobs from all the way here.
"Joey, what happened?"
"Yesterday, on the way to the hospital, I was stopped by Rare Hunters," Woah, woah wait. Who the Hell are Rare Hunters? "They're cloaked people who grab other players' rare cards in the dark. I lost the game, and they took my Red-Eyes."
...So, these people called "Rare Hunters" go around dueling people for rare cards? That sounds like the ante rule Kaiba put in for his new tournament. Were they doing it because of the tournament? Or for a whole different reason?
And they wear cloaks?...that sounds a lot like the two people Yami and I ran into the other night. Could they have been Rare Hunters?
I saw Tristan kneel down in front of Joey. "The card is only minor," he said gently. "You should go to the hospital."
Joey reared up rashly, angrily telling Tristan to back off. "To me, the Red-Eyes is the key to victory!" he said.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Joey found the card more important than his sister? How could he? I knew Tristan might be thinking how ridiculous this must be too, for I could feel his anger swelling from here.
Since I now know it's Joey, and not a drunken idiot, I left the two bike helmets I was holding to hang on the bike's handles. Then I ran through the soft sand and reached the two boys. Light shone from the half a half-circle low in the horizon. It brightened every few minutes, and dawn was almost upon us.
"Joey?" I called, making my way over. Tristan looked over his shoulder, and his once angry expression directed to Joey turned into a look of confusion as he saw me.
The blonde instinctively did the same. "Sarah? Y-you're here too?"
I hardened my gaze when his eyes met mine, and I distinctly saw mild hurt cross his features from my icy glare. "What are you doing here?" I asked him as quietly as I could.
Joey looked down, afraid to meet my gaze. "I'm depressed. What does it look like?" he murmured, still trifling his hand through the grains of sand.
"Over losing a card?" I nearly yelled. Tristan was surprised by my velocity and he stepped back once. Joey blinked, like I was a mother scolding a child for being rude. "Joey, you can always get the card back, but right now, you have to be there for your sister. Get up."
Joey stood up onto his feet, brushing sand from his coat sleeves. "Like I told Tristan," he said with slightly narrowed eyes. "I can't comfort her right now. Losing Red-Eyes is big for me. If I can't comfort myself, what can I do for Serenity?"
I couldn't take it anymore. What was this guy's problem? He used to care so much for his sister! I know he still does, but this one card loss has him totally rattled. If he doesn't pull himself together, I might just lose it.
"You can help her by being there." I said. "Go to the hospital and stay with her. Then worry about your card later." When Joey didn't answer, I fumed. "Damn it Joey! Get your ass to the hospital before I slap you or something!"
Both Joey and Tristan blinked harshly at me. I've never showed such a violent side of me before, and it doesn't happen often. Maybe once or twice when my brother played a joke on me or teased me, I'd grow frustrated, but later he'd say he loved me and would stop. So that was the farthest I've gone to being angry. But right now, it's even higher than that.
"You're out here, mourning over a card, Joey. A card." I said quietly, feeling the boiling anger within me start to simmer down. "You can always get your card back...but your sister's operation is something bigger, and it's a critical moment. You said yourself this operation will determine...the outcome of her eyesight...Don't you want to be there for her?"
Joey stood, silenced by my words. It was a harsh realization, but he had to know. Tripping over a card was nothing compared to his sister being in the hospital. The sudden loss must have spun his mind around. He does care for Serenity...doesn't he?
Tristan slowly nodded to agree. "Yeah, man. You know she's right," he said. "You might think you can't do anything to help, but she wants you to be there with her, and that's help enough."
The anger within me completely disappeared and what filled me now was a hurtful longing, pinching my heart uncomfortably. "I'm sure Serenity just wants her older brother there with her so she could go though the operation. Just your presence would help." At these words, my heart ached. I wanted my brother by my side as well.
"Come on, Joey." I said. "It's...it's just a card..."
Joey considered this for a long minute. The dawn's light enlightened his face beautifully, and I would have marvelled at the sight if we weren't so occupied with something completely different. Now that I could see Joey closely and with more light I noticed scratches all over him. There was a bruise below his chin and his clothes were as ruffled and torn as his hair. Did the Rare Hunters beat the crap out of him too? After taking his Red-Eyes?
Slowly, the blonde came to realize just how wrong he had been. "I was so caught up in losing my strongest monster that I...I've never even thought about Serenity up until you guys came." he said quietly.
Tristan patted his friend's shoulder. "Before you begin acting all depressed again, let's get you to the hospital." he said kindly.
Joey nodded.
We were walking back to the bike when I spoke up. "Tristan, how about you bring Joey to the hospital while I get the others to meet you there?"
The brunette nodded, handing Joey one of the helmets I left on the bike's handles. "Sounds like a good idea," he said. "See you then."
With a short nod, I turned away, ready to sprint down the road. But before I did, I tightly touched Joey's arm in reassurance, just as he was about to sit down behind Tristan on the bike.
"You'll get it later."
"I'm such a fool."
"You were for a moment. But all you needed was a little push."
"And you threatening me."
I smiled, though it was wavering at the sight of the beaten blonde. "Good luck." I said, as Tristan revved the engine and began driving away. He gave me a short wave for the both of them before they disappeared from view. I watched them go on until they were merely a small speck in the horizon.
Right now, I wanted to feel many things. Relief, because we found Joey. Anger, because he was acting so stupid. Lost, because I didn't know what we would've done if Tristan hadn't spotted him on the beach.
But most of all, the feeling that's bothering me the most, is confusion.
Why did the Seal appear with Joey's essence? It was only meant to be a connection to the Pharaoh, but instead, Joey's beating was the one to trigger it coming back.
Why was that? Did something go wrong with the spell? Gods forbid. Because if I can't feel Yami's pain, what am I going to do?
I can figure those things out later. What I know for certain is that if I didn't get the Seal back when I did, Joey wouldn't have been going to the hospital right now. He'd be on the beach, wallowing in misery until someone found him when it was too late.
I was glad the Seal came in general. I needed it in case.
Rare Hunters... That was what Joey had said. Cloaked figures who attacked him and dueled for his Red-Eyes. Hm...cloaked.
Those two mystery fighters who attacked Yami and me that night must have been Rare Hunters.
If so, I know now how much I need to be on my guard.
A lot.
At the moment though, I pulled out my cell phone from my pocket and dialled Téa's cell phone. When she picked up, I told her what had happened, and then to meet us at the hospital. She said she and Yugi would be there by the bus and we both hung up. I didn't know how the bus system worked in this city, so I decided to run all the way. It wasn't that far I believed. And I had an easy way to get there even if I was running.
Taking a deep breath, I started to sprint, into the direction Tristan and Joey had gone. Concentrating on a part of my mind, I felt my legs grow warm. Soon, I felt cool wind rush around my ankles in swirls. As I ran, I began to pick up speed—like I was hovering an inch off the ground. I was going as fast as 20km/h, and it felt nice to feel the air whisk at my face once more, like it did 5,000 years ago, whenever I travelled this way. I made the air push at my feet like I was flying, and I missed this heart lightening sensation.
Hospital, here I come. And hopefully, everything would go well.
Author's Note: I'm sorry it took me so long to update. *panned* I know...I'm such a bad person. I'm really sorry! ~o~ But I still hope you liked it. Reviews are appreciated! Thanks to all. :)
The part where Tristan finds Joey was actually from the Japanese. They skipped that part in the English version; that's why we only see Tristan riding on his motorcycle to the hospital with Joey behind him. They didn't even explain or describe how he found him. It was also an important part. *shakes her head disapprovingly* Gosh 4Kids. lol. XD
OH! And did you hear? 4Kids got sued! By Tokyo TV! *jaw drops*
Oi! Who's heard of Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal? O_O It's supposed to be the next Yu-Gi-Oh! series! I watched the first episode in subbed and it was freaking epic! Though it's fourth on my list...it's still really cool. . xD
I'm really glad the Staff fixed the site. O_O Over a week ago, I couldn't update my story, and then just a couple days ago, I couldn't log on all together! ~o~ It was horrible! XD lol. But I'm glad they fixed it now. XD Thanks for being patient everyone! ^^ See you until next chapter! ^o^