"This chapter goes out to Kingofgames2 of Youtube. He makes some of the best Yugi amvs. He even got this wicked fall out of your seat funny soap opera thing with Yugi having Yami knock him up and Yami has to deal with a pregnant Yugi! LOL!! He got this little over two minute clip from episode 52 with Yugi and Atem talking and they are so flirting! So yeah he great and I LOVE his Never had a dream come true Yami video! So this goes out to Kingofgames2 may he enjoy this as much as I enjoy his work!"
"P.S. For all who love this and leave reviews I'd love it very much if you leave a more detailed review then simply Love it and Up Date soon. Thank you,"
"Trials of Fatherhood"
It was so late it was early. First light was still far off yet you'd see it making its way up on the dark purplish-blue heavens. Mahad was standing out on his balcony in a complementary dressing gown the hotel had provided. It was a little chilly for true spring was still not yet here. On the other hand it'd seem spring would be without a doubt early this year.
The legendary dark mage shook his head in a depressing manner. He'd wished his spirited were as happy as the sea of stars both above and below him. The lights of this great city seemed to be laughing in joyous glee. He envied at that moment how even the stars had more freedom along with fun then he and his people had.
His stunningly attractive chestnut eyes continue to gaze out the sea of lights. The Ring around his neck was now picking up a new kind of energy and this was causing it to act most peculiarly. His Ring was capable of many functions but right now it just was glowing very intensely and a strange melody was being played because of this unusual behavior.
"Penny for your thoughts, beloved?" spoke a soothing velvet voice from behind him. Turning around he saw his wife Isisa standing in her silk tangerine nightgown with her own robe around her elegant figure. She had with in her in one hand two cups of unknown substance and in her other the daily report scroll.
"Did I wake you with my restlessness?" he said taking one of the mugs from her hand and they sat at a small table on the balcony.
"No, Mahado you didn't. I didn't sleep very much at all. How could any us truly get a real good night sleep knowing our fate is no matter what death or severe punishment? I gave Mana one of those human sleeping pills so she at least gets some sleep. We need to have a discussion,"
"I know. Seto starling revelation that was buried deep within him, only confirms what we've known since the original Xanadu fell. It's time for us, along with the Prince, to start to really thinking of a plan that will set free the souls that aren't damned or corrupted. I believe Queen Samira was right so long ago when she said "If one can't be free of fear or can't love then they'll never be able to experience true freedom at all,"
"Yes I saw once on the TV a movie called "The Color of Friendship" It was on channel 43 known as "Disney Channel" a few nights ago. Told the real story of two young girls, one white the other black and how they made a friendship despite the racisms as well as prejudice around them. The father of the black girl spoke at the end of the film of four freedoms that are key in life. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Choice, Freedom of Religion and most importantly Freedom to live without Fear,"
"I've too watch the magical box known as television. It certainly a whole realm of its own. Yet I've learned my own fair share of things from it," he said as he sipped the steaming brown liquid. But just as it passed his lips he got a very revulsion look on his adorable face and spit it out over the side of the balcony.
"YUCK! What pray tells was that most awful liquid I almost ingested?" he asked as she handed him a napkin.
"It's called coffee. I do express regret as well as your forgiveness, but it was the only thing I could get at 5:00 A.M. from room service. I never smell or taste something this vulgar from the time we left Xanadu. The smell of this thing is giving me a headache,"
"How do human manage to swallow that stuff?"
"I don't know. There are many things in this life and universe that will forever remain a mystery and this is one of them. How is Seto doing by the way? What did the Queen have to report to you?"
"She said he'd be well enough to return this morning. I'm glad she was able to help him through such troubled times. From what Atem was saying it must have hurt just as bad or worse then when the King did my old master trademark 'trick' on me,"
Isis shook her head in sorrow in memory of her new husband punishment, which he willingly had endured to save their daughter's life. She also recalled that it was just as horrifying as it was before the Xanadu Universe fell when Calicfer did it. Calicfer the Fire Mage looked like the Dark Magician on the Duel Monster cards but his garments were blood red as was his eyes.
As they squeezed each other hands the first true rays of dawn made their rings shine brighter then the sun itself. It was time to think of plans of freedom. For them, their daughter, and all the good souls who deserve better then what they had.
"So are you sure it's safe to talk 'mutiny as well as treason?" Mahad inquired inquisitively to Isis whom smiled and kissed his lips with her warm breath. "I'm positive my love that it's safe to talk. One of Prince Atem's spell surrounds us and this building so the Vixens can't step foot on it without hurting themselves and two just as I set up a secret commutation to our friends in Xanadu. I've made it impossible for Aknamkanon or any of his wicked cohorts to eavesdrop on us. Rest assures we can talk safely.
Blushing crimson from her unforeseen kiss, "How is that you a priestess is such a codemaster?"
"I assume that endowment is from my nameless father side of the gene pool. I never knew him do to the gender laws. As you know only the highest ranking elite, royal, aristocrats and such are allowed to have both parents be present for the child rearing. Middle class and below aren't,"
"Despite us both rose to Elite in life we're born into middle class. If I remember correctly your mother Meryt-Isis was very much a social climber like my own sire Markl,"
"Yes Mother was one looking to advance regardless of being extremely bashful at times. She never spoke of my father even after I was not 16 nor when I Ascended did she even bring him up. But my mother wasn't skilled at all in the way of codes. So I assume it must be from my unknown father because it feels like its genetic not just something I picked up."
After a few silent moments think of those who'd raised them they got back to what was important. Freedom. That what was important most of all was freedom! They needed to do something soon or everyone who deserved to be free would be dead inside.
"We've more then just the problem of getting out of Xanadu without dying. That's only half the battle. Even if we do come to live on this planet we require the following things, identification papers, housing, and an occupation to survive. We simply can't just go on living here at this hotel nor can we simply," snapping his fingers "Suddenly started living like humans do in all those TV shows and movies," Mahad stated in a practical manner to Isis who used a small bit of magic to change the nasty coffee to Hawaiian punch.
"You're correct Mahad. I'm sure Queen Samira could aid us in getting citizenship in addition to all the other needed requirements done," sipping her red punch gleefully. "She is more familiar with the human world and lived on it the longest. 14 years! The Prince has been hiding for only six weeks, we even less,"
"So if Samira and her human love can at least be of assistance us obtain proper paperwork that'd be a step in the right direction. What about housing?"
"Already thought of that, look at this," Isis said unrolling the newspaper to the real estate section. "Remember the Prince's math professor at the human Academy does flourishing landed property on the side? We could've Atem ask him to show us some type of low-cost housing and we could then at least have a roof over our heads. We don't need something fancy, Mahad. We just need something that would at least allow us to live adequately,"
"One problem, Isisa. One of the first things we all learned about this planet is the cursed necessary evil of money. We don't have any other then to pay for our stay here at this place. Where do you plan to get hold of an adequate amount of of this money to make a down payment on any sorta human dwelling? None of us have jobs or enough knowledge at this point to get one. Even if we did get work the first paycheck wouldn't be as much as necessary to compensate for any housing at all,"
She turned away from her husband of one week. They'd been in love for longer then forever and only married a week. She was blushing big time but he didn't comprehend why seeing no reason for her to be self-conscious.
Sighing heavily she reached into her pocket and produced a lovely dreamy amethyst pouch. Undoing the drawstring and turning it upside-down out came tons of necklaces. Each necklace was made up of the most beautiful and unique stones you've ever seen. The colors and shapes were unlike anything ever seen before. There were other priceless trinkets mixed in as well. An ancient amulet in addition to an assortment of charms were scattered amongst the necklaces. Mahad gawked at the sight of so many nearly priceless treasures.
"Secret Path Story Stones? Dream Gems? An Elfrum Amulet? Friendship Charms? All in a Purple Moon Silk Pouch? Isis these possessions on this world would make us billionaires if we sold them! Where in Xanadu did you obtain all this?"
"It's my dowry. My mother gave it too me just before we left to go meet my intended husband Oretail. Thankfully however, we didn't need to use it because we never actually wedded," Isis informed him with a shudder. She didn't like thinking about her past.
'You've had that sitting in your pocket for countless eons and you never spent it? That takes a lot of self-control. I'm impressed by your restraint my love."
"Mahad focus! Look, one of my necklaces will be enough to pay for housing for up to 18 months. By then we most likely will have found employment of some type and can settle in like normal humans. I've also consider applying at the local museum as a curator. I've many talents and I like to try something to help out. With your talents I'm sure you could become some kind of councilor, maybe even a social worker," she told him. She sighed and spoke again. "By that time I hope to enroll Mana in the proper Academy. I have no idea what will happen to Seto, but I'm sure he would enjoy attending school and finding his own place in the world."
"Well I've got something that should help us with the money and finding us work as well," he opened a bag of his own full of coins and teardrop jewels. He held the items out to Isis for inspection.
"Where did this come from? Was this your bride to be dowry?"
Laughing he shook his head, "No, my father Markl collected coins and Goddess Tears as a hobby. He gave me his whole collection as a wedding present. Like you I was never actually married till a week ago. I can only hope that the human bankers will be able to turn our treasures into cash for us to use."
So gathering up their life savings they began to plan out how they would spend the next couple of days. They were just finishing making out a to-do inventory when they heard a shriek from the bathroom.
"Mana!" they both cried. They dropped everything and ran back inside to see why their daughter was screaming bloody murder at 5:48 in the morning. Mana was standing in the bathroom doorway very shaken up about something. She was as white as the towel she was holding in her hand. Something seriously spooked her.
"Mana! Sweetheart what's the matter?" asked her mother first at the same time as her daddy got her some water. Mana slowly drank the refreshing liquid yet still managed to get most of it on her nightdress.
"Mana come on you've nothing to be ashamed of. Tell us what happened this morning?" Isis asked her soothingly.
Mana seemed to have become temporary mute by whatever had just happen to her. All she was able to do was take her mother hand and lead her into the bathroom and shut the door. Deciding to make some use of this time Mahad finished getting things ready for their own private mission.
The sound of the shower and the song "Father and Daughter" made him look up from his work. Isis had an expression on her face that was an odd cross between solemn and uncomfortable. "Mahad could you run down the street to the gas station and pick up two packs of these," she instructed him handing him some coupons from the Sunday morning paper. She didn't look him in the eye as she handed him the slips.
He looked at the small slips of paper with a shock look on his face. "75 percent off Stay Free Maxi Pads" "What is the meaning of this? What unforeseen development has occurred?" he asked confused as he looked at the coupons for a second time.
Isis then explained to him what had happened. Like with Prince Atem who'd admit on his first night on Earth he'd had an accident. As immortal beings they may have to take baths as well as groom themselves, but that was about it.
On the other hand there were a few things they didn't have to contend with as normal humans did. The use of the toilet was one and another surprisingly for females of divinity was having a menstrual cycle. On the other hand with their wings temporary immobilized they now were subject to all the functions of a normal human body. It was very embarrassing for Mana.
Mana had screamed because she had witnessed blood for the first time and didn't comprehend how she'd lose blood if her wings were still intact. Isis had finally been able to deduce the reason of this. Immortal couldn't bleed from physical injury; on the other hand a normal bodily function was the loophole to the rule. In view of the fact that Mana hadn't been injured she merely was experiencing her period. In light of that someone had to go get her the supplies she required to manage this problem.
"I need to stay here and keep her calm. Just go it will only take 15 minutes," with a fleeting kiss Mahad left to get the pads. He ran into Seto in the lobby who he just yanked along with him.
They grabbed two 20 packs paid and got back to the hotel. By this time Isis had made a few need phone calls. She relayed some news to the people back in Xanadu they trusted, mainly the other members of the court save the King and his brother, and then left the daily report for Aknamkanon. She was just getting done with a two-way with the Queen and Prince when the men returned. She sighed with relief upon seeing them.
"OK, thank you for your help. Yes we'll keep the rendezvous as planned. Must be going now, Mahad along with Seto have returned with Mana's supplies. Ok see you both later. May you've a magnificent day as well, your Majesties," as she flipped her cell phone closed. Like Seto's phone was adored with his Soul Beast hers was adore with a lovely picture of Spiria the Divan Beast which was her Soul Friend, the equivalent of a human best friend.
She knocked once and reminded Mana she had nothing to be ashamed about. They make sure that she wasn't put to death for simply doing what girls do. Mana confidents had grown a lot over the recent weeks yet she was still very nervous and easily discouraged. Finally Mana let her mother in to help her figure this out. The men just waited outside clueless about what to do next.
At the same time as Mahad's family was dealing with their problems of starting a new life on Earth the Vixens were dealing with their own set of tribulations as well. They'd been extremely ecstatic in how the manipulated the Prince into forking over some of his hideous locks. When they'd delivered the information to their superiors their mistress smiled an evil Mona Lisa smile. Though they been given a great deal of eulogize and also been given an Adonis of a stripper for the night, it didn't change the mission objective. They now needed something to represent Prince Atem's Mind!
At that moment they're having an acupuncture treatment along with getting their nails done at the same time. They enjoyed being pincushion not too mention it really did relieve stress. That and it got them ready for their morning yoga. "So we need a plan, my sisters. One that shall guarantee us something of the Prince's Mind. We also need to keep the Court on edge and keep a close eye on the Prince Ascending," Shakti informed her sisters.
"Yes, sister. We want too make sure, he's not too powerful that even after the Darklight Ritual been preformed he won't by hook or by crook mess-up the plans to resurrected Xanadu," Oba spat angrily.
"Just remember, sister. No need too get our hands dirty with the actual work if we can get some poor sap to do it for us. We had those vermin perfectly execute the plan to get Atem drunk and that poor lady didn't even realize she was doing our job for us. So remember that sisters why do work that others can do for you?" Pomona added acidly.
So they began their yoga session and talked amongst each other as they bent over in odd poses on how to do this plan. As they toweled off and ate some chocolate éclairs they finally thought of something to do. Snapping their fingers they morphed into their normal chic clothing.
"Ladies time to go to work. Now remember on this hunt show no mercy. We all know what to do and when to do it! Remember this fact though. We need that Mind Item before midnight Saturday. This Ritual is time sensitive and we can't be one second late! Now go forth and let's hunt!" Shakti ordered her sisters who nodded before heading off towards their goal. A single representation of the idiot Prince's mind was all they needed to complete this hunt.
Sunday was an odd day indeed. While Saturday you at least had cool shows to watch in the morning and it was a party kinda feeling day. Sunday, on the other hand, was languid, frequently depressing weather and no decent TV. If you weren't overly religious and didn't go to church you had to find something else to do with your time. Yet most of the stories were closed on Sunday. So Sunday killed the weekend and was extremely lackluster for the most part. At least that what many of the teens in Domino City thought.
In view of that fact Yami was still in his pajamas with Yugi. They were deeply involved in a heated Duel. The radio was playing the song "American Solder." Silver wrappers lay at the boys' bare feet as did the crumbs. They had both eaten some Pop-tarts as fast as they could while dueling at the same time.
They both woke up long ago way before dawn. They both were still experiencing their recurring dreams. They'd not shared them with each other though they felt they should. "You know Yami; after I win this duel you want to go check out the library? There are probably a ton of good books there also I promised I'd met Grandpa there later. He meeting some of his friends there and I said I show up," Yugi said as he played the Dark Magician Card.
"I do love libraries and I've been dying to see what your's has to offer. Beside it should give me enough time to figure out my latest problem," Yami replied playing the Dark Magician Girl and countering Yugi's move.
"Oh and what problem is that Yami? You don't seem to be having as many problems as you did when your first came here. I mean when I found you couldn't even mop and now look at you. You're nearly independent!" Yugi said sighing in defeat as he was destroyed.
"I have plenty of problems here in Domino that I never had in Xan… I mean my home country. In my home my sire is a malicious oppressor and here I find my mother happily married to a man who loves her dearly. Samir wants to have a father son get together with me and I'm unsure how to respond to this. I know nothing of him and I'm unsure how to respond to his attempts towards me. I don't know how to be a son and I know not what a true father is. I just don't know how to interact with this man at all," confessed Yami disturbingly at the same time as the pair walked to the library
"Well for one Samir is very good man. You seen how Aziza turned out didn't you? You think your sister be that wicked awesome if her father wasn't a bit as well? Samir is a highly intelligent in addition to incredibly compassionate young man. He has the gift of words and tongues and has helped millions"
"So he's a decent young man? I guess I knew that, doesn't change the fact I don't know how to deal with this man," was all he said as they entered the huge library. For a moment the mountain of books reminded Yami of the time he spend with the kind soul Shimon after his mom disappeared. He remembered the joy of learning to read and when he read his first book how proud Shimon had been. He never could understand why that sweet old man was his father's favorite punching bag beside himself.
Thinking about Shimon made him miss Shada and Karim as well. While he hadn't had much interaction with those two guardians they had always treated him like a person. Shada would tell him stories about old Xanadu while Karim would draw him interesting pictures to look at. Another person he desperately wished to see once more was Shadi; he was the wise spirit who gave out judgment in Xanadu. He knew that Shadi tried to lessen the punishments he was force to give to the citizens in order to make up for the tyrant's wraith. They were indeed pleasant memories to revisit however; he was rudely pulled from those memories of his childhood by a child.
"Hello my darling! So wonderful too see you again! Hey hands off my Yugi buster!" snapped a young fair haired girl with bifocals. As she shoved him away from his Yugi and knocked his I-pod off. He quickly put his I-pod back on that was playing the song "Could it be?" He had just made contact with the girl to reminded her of her manners when something strange happened to him.
His eyes went wide as weird and wonderful images materialized in his mind. He could see this girl, Rebecca Hawkins, as baby getting tested for her IQ. The image changed once more and he saw two adults, a tall willowy woman and a heavy built man, both with blond tresses and blue eyes talking to Rebecca. Their names were Mura and Markese Hawkins and they were climatologist. They were going away for a long time to study different climate variables so she was going to go live with her grandfather Professor Hawkins. Another flash and this time he saw Rebecca a teenager and she was on a date with someone who suspiciously looked Mokuba!
The visions stopped when Rebecca jerked her shoulder free and glared up at him. "What is your problem? You have something to say or are you mute? Well I'm waiting!"
"Rebecca really that isn't polite. I must apologize for my granddaughter's behavior. Sometimes she forgets her manners just because she's a genius. My name is Arthur Hawkins and I'm friend to Solomon Moto. You must be the young gentleman who's staying with him. Yami correct?" Professor Hawkins said extending his hand and Yami shook it. This time he was ready and controlled the visions he saw.
"Yes that's correct. I came to the library with Yugi and was startled by Rebecca here. I'm not that use children shoving me about. I accept your apology. So you are Rebecca, I've heard a lot about you including that you're a genius. Is that so?" Yami asked politely trying to shake off the visions he saw concerning her family.
"That's right you're looking at a certified genius! My IQ was one of the highest ever tested in the US. What about you how smart are you?" Rebecca inquired as Solomon and Yugi came over hopefully to rescue the poor boy.
"Young Yami here is a smart lad indeed. The school contacted me recently saying they've never seen such high scores on their placement tests. I guess living in a library most of your life has some benefits," Solomon laughed heartily.
"Maybe you and Yami should have challenge to see who's smarter. I know how much you like a challenge Rebecca," Yugi suggested softly. That wasn't a lie this little girl loved to prove how smart she was yet like many people who had great intelligence she lacked in the area of concerning one's heart and common sense.
When they first met Rebecca had been a flat-out bitch to Yugi and his friends. She demanded that Grandpa give her his Blue Eyes card that she claimed he'd stolen. After nearly losing their sanity and dealing with a lot of other issues while they were away this unexpected surprise wasn't welcomed. It took a great deal to properly handle a child like Rebecca.
Aziza hadn't been able to go with the gang to the Duelist Kingdom so she had come to welcome them home and it took a lot of self-discipline not to mangle Rebecca. Aziza didn't tolerate ANYONE mistreating the people she cared about especially Yugi. After a great tale and important lesson learned Rebecca apologized to everyone and they had become friends. However Rebecca could still be a major pain in the ass when she wanted to be. Which was more frequent then everyone else liked.
"That would is a terrific idea, darling. So you, clone-boy think you can beat a genius in a battle of the brains?" she asked with a strange glint in her eyes.
"Well I guess if you want to do a battle of wits then so be it. What exactly do have in mind?" he inquired the young girl. Her lips curled up into an icy smile as she reached into her backpack and bulled two thick tomes of some kind. Handing him one of the tomes he looked at the tome title in bewilderment.
"The Genius Super Size Mind Puzzles Games?" he read out loud in confusion. He flipped the book and skimmed through the tome strange pages. This wasn't an ordinary tome at all. This wasn't a narrative manuscript at all. This book required the reader to use their minds to fill in the blanks of this book. It was full of every kind of puzzle you could think of. Crosswords, Word Searches, Logical, Skidoos, Riddles! "I've never seen such a strange tome before"
"Where did you grow up in Greenland? See if you can decipher all that in under a week's time, Yami!" dared Rebecca at the same time as she flipped her pigtails with an arrogant look on her face. "Word in advance you might want to open your cerebrums a great deal if you want to figure these puppies out. Being a whiz kid you can't see just in black and white you have to paint with the colors from your imagination to truly achieve something,"
"Rebecca mind your manners, young lady,' Arthur reminder her, "Why don't you three go find a nice place to start those books? I need to talk to Solomon for a few moments in private about a few things ok?"
"Ok Grandpa we'll be over there by the fiction section next to the diorama of solar system," Rebecca replied as the kids left to the table in question. She knew she would beat Yami; no way would she lose to him!
"She's a good kid, Arthur and her cookies weren't too bad. You should be proud to have such a beautiful and vibrate young granddaughter," Solomon told his old dear friend as they watch their grandchildren and Yami from afar. He smiled at seeing Yami acting so gregarious. He really had made tremendous progress since he first came to stay with them. In a way he felt like the boy's own grandfather.
"I'm very proud, Solomon. I'm very pleased with my son and his wife work. He is very dedicatee soul and they only wish to help save mankind and make sure there's still a planet for us to live on in the future. Still I know it can't be easy on Rebecca having her parent's away from her at such a young age."
"So what is it you wanted to have a discussion with me about? It sounded like you had something important to discuss. Have you made a new discovery in your archeological field?"
"Well actually I have discovered something and in a strange way I think it's connected to Yami. I told Samir to meet us here because he is the boy's stepfather and I thought he might be able to shed some light on this mysterious discovery."
"What discovery could possibly involve my wife's son old friend? Hello Solomon, hello Arthur it's good to see you. I came as soon as I could. Samira has been extremely worried since Yami came back into her life. She won't tell me what's she's so scared, but she keeps checking on something that she has locked up in our safe. She hasn't done that since Aziza was very small and it has gotten me concerned for her and my newfound son," Samir said joining the two men. He smiled as he saw the children arguing about one of the puzzles before turning his attention back the group.
"It's properly nothing, but Solomon, Samir have you ever heard the legend about Xanadu?" Professor Hawkins asked. Solomon looked at him confused while Samir tensed. He knew of his wife's past, but he had sworn never to tell anyone about them. "Throughout many cultures there are references to a mystical paradise known as Xanadu. It's said to be a place of peace and harmony. However recent evidence, from some hieroglyphs and scrolls, has come to life that makes me believe that Xanadu wasn't originally a concept created by humans!"
"Arthur, are you saying that the concept of Xanadu came from extraterrestrials? This is even crazier then your last major discovery linking the game of Duel Monsters to Ancient Egypt!" Solomon exclaimed.
"Surely you have more proof then a few references from some old hieroglyphs and scrolls. If it was just one country then your associates will debunk you," Samir pointed out.
"It wasn't just one country. Legends, drawings, artifacts from all the continents including Antarctica all tell of race of beings known as the Divine Ones. They had huge wings that gave them immortality and each being had a mystical item that was the source of their divinity or magic. According to my research these beings came to Earth from another galaxy after their own was destroyed. The survivors hoped to find people similar to them so they could build a new home. An ancient tablet I unearthed from an Egyptian Pharaoh's tomb told me an amazing story that filled in the gaps in my research."
"What did it tell you and was it linked to your research into the Duel Monsters game?" Solomon asked on the edge of his seat.
"More to the point what does it have to do with Yami?" Samir asked clearly impressed on how much Arthur had been able to unearth. Samira had told him a great deal of her people origins yet had retained a few of her own secrets.
"The tablet was heavily damaged so I don't know the whole story. It appears that Divine Beings took the Duel Monsters with them to their new home in the sky. The Pharaoh who lived during the period of transitions was appalled by what he saw. He said he noticed the King of Xanadu was using a powerful gem to control the beasts and his people. According to him the King vowed to return to Earth one day and wipe out the imperfect humans with the help of the Beasts and his people who would lose all hope to live."
"That's terrible and to think if what this Pharaoh wrote was true then for centuries the people of Xanadu have suffered and we might be obliterated because the story of Xanadu fell into legend," Solomon mused. "Did this Pharaoh do anything to prevent this terrible future?"
"Indeed he did, which brings me to your new found son Samir. You see the Pharaoh wrote a prophecy down that in turn became a poem all over the world. I believe it's the same poem in your wife's workshop. Now before you ask what this has to do with Yami take a look at this picture," Arthur said showing him a photograph of an ancient tablet. Both Samir and Solomon let out a gasp. The picture looked exactly like Yami, only he was wearing royal garments and had huge wings on his back. The strangest thing about the picture was the strange glow that seemed to surround the boy. "According to the poem a boy of light and darkness will deliver his people from torture and despair and bring them to freedom in the true Xanadu when he joins with a child holding the purity of Man in his soul. I was wondering if your wife had a reason to name her son after a character in a poem."
"I don't know why that picture resembles Yami, but I can tell you he has nothing to do with this. He's just a normal boy who is trying to find his place in life. I would really like to be part of that life even though I'm unsure of how to that right now. But I do know that all this talk about mystical kingdoms and prophecy's isn't healthy for him. Would you mind not telling Yami about this old friend?" Samir asked. Inside he was curious to know if the boy actually was the savior to his people. Samira never mentioned it and he wouldn't ask her about it.
"Of course Samir I understand. Right now is a difficult time for you. Learning your wife's son has run away from home and turned up here can't be easy. Why don't you go talk with the boy and get to know him? I'm sure that Rebecca, Yugi, and he are done with their challenge," Arthur told him. Samir nodded and headed over to the kids table wondering what he was going to say.
Yami and Rebecca both were bent over the table working zealously. They'd each taken a packet of new pencils and reduce them to stubs in a matter of minutes. Yugi was timing them both at the same time as they both tried to decipher the hardest brain-teaser in the whole book. This was named ironically "Mercury Rising Challenge" after the movie with Bruce Wills whose character had to keep an autistic boy safe after he inadvertently cracked an 'uncrackable' cryptogram named Mercury.
For once the blond child prodigy was stumped. Never in her short seven years had she come across a person who could think faster then she did. Glancing at him she noticed he wasn't even sweating so she got back to work. She looked helplessly at this befuddling quandary of anomalous cryptogram along with numbers. She racked her genius mind in vain as she was unable to figure out this code. Yami, on the other hand was having no problem cracking this code. It in fact was way too easy for him. To be honest it was the equivalent of the Millennium Language done Pig Latin Style. So it was fairly easy for him to unravel the code although he wondered for a moment if this could constitute as cheating.
Closing the book he smiled as he folded his bare arms. "I'm done. Yugi what's my time?"
"You did a 100 page puzzle book in wow! 38 minutes! I'm very impressed. Rebecca, you done?" Yugi asked as he checked to make sure his watch was working right. It was and he shrugged deciding Yami was just naturally fast at these sort of things.
"Yes I am," she replied meekly as she slide Yugi her book. She prayed she got all the answers right as Yugi started to look them over. He was going to check to see who had the most right answers. He just finished tallying up their scores when the grown-ups arrived.
"Hey we interrupting anything?" asked Grandpa to Yugi whom smiled his angelic smile
"Not at all Grandpa. We're just finishing this challenge up. The final scores are the following Rebecca Hawkins you've a total 94.6 in your score," everyone clapped for her and she let out breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Yami you on the other hand have a perfect 100! You nailed all the puzzles and finished faster then Rebecca! Congratulations to you both on a job well done," Yugi said squeezing Yami's shoulder in triumph.
Rebecca for a moment looked like she was going to cry. Knowing what her grandfather expected of her she shook Yami's hand but after a moment yanked it angrily away. She then snatched both books up along with her backpack and ran out of the library crying. This was the first time she had failed to win and it hurt a lot.
"Rebecca!" cried Arthur as she didn't even apologize to the librarian as she ran her over. He went to go get her but Yami intervened. "Let me talk to her ok?" he said as he sprinted off to catch Rebecca.
Yami got outside just in time too see Rebecca who was so distraught she didn't even bother to look ahead. She was heading right into the busy street. A truck was barreling towards her and there was no way it could stop in time. He reacted instinctively by using telekinesis to yank Rebecca away from danger. She fell backwards just as the truck zoomed through. She looked at it and realized how close she came to losing her life.
"Rebecca, are you ok?" he asked when he reached her at the bottom of the marble steps. She looked very upset and bewildered but otherwise fine. He held out a hand and helped her up. "Your lucky you tripped and fell backwards otherwise you'd now be a street pizza"
"Yami I'm sorry about how I acted back there. I pride myself on my wonderful mind. How skilled and creative it is and I every now and then forget to be humble. You must be smart if you can solve that last puzzle," Rebecca told him quite serious and humbled by her brush with death.
"It's ok Rebecca to be proud that your good at something, yet humility is equally important. Thank you for what you've gave me. It is a gift I won't soon forget."
"What I gave? Gift? What are you talking about Yami?"
"Yes, a gift. I've never been challenged in such a way that I need to think creatively in that manner. It does seem one needs to use their imagination in a lot more ways then I originally assumed. Thanks for allowing me to experience that, Rebecca," he said as he finished drying her eyes.
For a moment she stood there and then leaped into his arms and cried happily. "You and Yugi are indeed angels!" she whispered between her crying. He hugged her and realized from her history what really was upsetting her. It was the fact that she missed her parents and that's why she was so driven to achieve perfection so they'd be very pleased when they got back. He separated from her embrace not realizing a few feathers had stuck to her aqua colored jacket.
"Rebecca Dinah Hawkins! Don't you ever behave like that again! You need to mind your manners young lady," he grandfather scolded her as the others joined them. Yami looked at him with a look that said 'let it go this once'. So Professor Hawkins let it go. "Come here, I was so scared that I lost you when I saw that truck coming. I don't know what I do if I lost you. Your one of the most important peoples in my life my little star."
"I'm so sorry Grandpa. I'll be careful next time you won't have to worry about me at all!" Rebecca told him as she hugged him tightly.
"Do I even want to know what went on between you two?" Yugi asked siding up next to Yami. Yami shook his head and just smiled pleased to see the love between the two family members. Maybe he and Samir could be close like that one day.
"Well I'm afraid that Yugi and I've to be going. I'm expecting a consignment of new cards tonight and the shop going to be need in tip-top order for when they arrive. C'mon Yugi we best get going," Solomon said suddenly nudging his grandson.
"Ok it was nice seeing you all again. Yami, are you coming back with us?" Yugi asked the boy hopefully. Yami opened his mouth but saw Samir and instead whispered to Yugi something. They hugged and the Motos and the Hawkins departed leaving the new Father and Son alone.
For a few awkward moments neither of them said anything. They just looked at each other. Yami looked over the man before him. His hair was longish and you couldn't tell whether it was black or brown. His eyes were the same shape and color as Yugi's only his pupils were as gold as the sun. He was dressed in a respectful lavender shirt and light periwinkle chinos. He seemed like a good soul yet Yami still didn't really know what to say to him. What did one say to a newly found stepfather?
Samir was just as unable to speak as Yami. He was just as blown away by the resemble he had to Yugi Moto, his daughter Aziza, best friend. He seemed to be very much from what he could tell his mother son. Yet it seemed concealed in those beautiful amethyst eyes a great and painful burden. In his line of work he'd helped many different kinds of people yet this young man would indeed present him the greatest challenge.
"Hello Prince Yami of Xanadu," Samir told him solemnly bowing slightly.
"Hello Samir Keeper of Earth," Yami replied in same tone. He made a motion with his hands signaling him to rise. "You need not bow to me here. I have no rank or privileges in this city. Here I'm just a normal teenage boy."
For a second time an awkward silence enveloped both of them. This was just too weird. "How about we go for a walk around Bakers Lake Park? We could walk and talk and maybe get too know each other," Samir suggestion at last.
"Well I guess that better then standing here acting like mimes. How far is this park from this location?" inquired the young prince to his stepfather.
"Not very far really. I go there all the time with your mother and sister. The Lake is really a nice spot to go for outdoor reaction. Such as fishing, running, walking, biking. That sorta of thing. It's quite beautiful as well. We have family picnics there during the summer."
So they got into Samir car and drove till they reached a road called Airport Road and turned left into a very tiny parking lot. They got out of Pontiac and Yami was indeed pleased by the spectacle before him. It was a huge sparkling turquoise man-made lake with two huge fountains at both ends with neon lights around them. The flora was very breath stealing as well. All around the lake he could see and hear a variety of fauna. It seemed to be very nice indeed.
"This is very beautiful much more real then what that basterd back home creates on a whim," he voiced as he watched a few little kids fishing with their father on the dock. It made him sad to think he missed out on so much during his childhood because of his father's cruelty.
"Yeah it's very nice here. One of the few places in this city you can just relax and think. There's even a soccer field and playground on the other side for the young kids. So shall we begin a two mile walk?"
"I think you should take that call first. It's Mom," he replied off hand and sure enough Samir's cell rang and it was his wife. "I'll be a little while, Yami. Why don't you go wait under the gazebo for me?"
"Ok, Samir, I'll do as you command," he said as he went to a nearby gazebo to wait for him. As he listened to the killer wicked tunes of Hannah Montana on his I-pod he began to have doubts of this again. His mind became flooded with all the worries he'd been burden with from Xanadu and Earth. He was also trying to understand the Prophecy, which like his mother, had become his nightly prayer. He was also trying to figure out his feelings for Yugi which was not easy. Being an immortal teenager was hard!
"I can't do this, I can't do this! I can't deal with this! I can't! This is just too hard! I'll just go tell Samir this was a bad idea," Yami said as he got up and flipped over the railing right on top of someone.
'OW! Hey watch it, pal!" snapped a voice angrier then his father's.
"Gomenasai! I didn't mean to use you as a cushion nor walk on you like a doormat! Please forgive me," he told the young woman then was in for a shock. He knew this woman!
"I know you! I saw you at the rave a few weeks back. You and Joey were seriously making out! I couldn't believe one could kiss that long and still be able to breath!"
"The name is Mai Valentine and it's nice to see you sober. It wasn't a pretty sight when I had to drive you home drunk as a skunk. Thank God you didn't start to vomit till after you left my car. I've to kill you if you threw up on my car. No joke," the blond vixen said as she flipped her long golden hair into a zephyr.
"Yeah, that was embarrassing. Uh here you dropped these," handing her some thick books. He caught out of the corner of his eye the title of one them. The titles confused him.
"Real Ghost Stories" further examination revealed all the books Mai had with her dealt with the supernatural. She even had a book about demons and phobias. "Why do you have all these books about things that many fear?" he inquired her curiously. This beautiful woman didn't seem to be one easily intimated. Yet Kaibutt didn't seem charitable yet he was. So you couldn't judge a book by its cover.
"Sit down Yami and listen up. I'm going to tell you this once and it's an important lesson for all too know," Mai instructed him. So he sat down at the table and she sat seductive on the gazebo railing. She brushed her hair out of her face before speaking.
"I've had a secret passion for the supernatural since I was 11. A good horror movie is what I enjoyed when I was sick or depressed. As you said many people fear ghost or don't even believe in them. Well I've seen ever episode of both "Weird Travels & A Haunting" There is so much we don't know so we can't really say that maybe something after death. Spirits can be very fighting and fear in any form no matter what is giving you fears is a double edge sword, Yami."
"How so?"
"Far too many times we seek to destroy what is giving us fear rather then understand it. It isn't a bad thing to feel fear for it but you should at least make an effort to understand why it scares you. Also just because you're afraid doesn't mean you should let it control you either. No matter what your demons or fears are Yami, whether they are of supernatural or natural you need to face them and deal with them. Understand them and even conquer them. But don't let the fear control you. Joey helped me learn that and I in turn helped Yugi deal with his demons. Speaking of Joey I've got to go. We've a date the Igloo at noon. Catch you later!" she said as she hopped off and he handed her the last book. Unknown to him she would soon discover feathers stuck between its pages.
In a little while he and Samir began their long walk around the lake. Samir informed him his mother was with his sister and they were aiding the Court members best they could with their own problems. They promised they be back at home when they got back along with Yugi who been invited for dinner that night.
At first neither of them could think of what too say but all too soon they began to really chew the fat with one another. Laughing and talking about everything. Their life stories seemed to stretch longer then the curving path. They forgot they were walking as each spoke of both the pain and pleasure of their lives and worries. They actually walked the path 3 times before they realized they need to get home before dark.
It was beginning to get really stormy when they got home to the Art Gallery. The second Yami was out of the car it began to rain. He was in awe by all of it. It never rained back home ever. While Samir along with all the others were hurrying to get in Yami did the exact opposite.
"YAMI?!" cried Yugi in surprise as Yami began to dance barefoot in the pouring rain. Just laughing and smiling as he squeezed his toes in the fresh mud. He threw back his head and tried to catch the drops in his mouth. He was acting like such a child. Yugi went to get him but they both ended up slipping on the gooey mud and onto of each other. Soon each was throwing mud and everyone was involved in this bizarre yet fun behavior. They only went inside when lighting grace the skies.
"That was a lot of fun! I never did something like that before!" giggled Yami as his mom handed him a towel. She shook her head and smiled at seeing her child so happy.
"Yes, that was a lot of fun, my son. The first rain of spring is very magical in its own right," she mused then heard a sound she thought she never hear from her son. He was sneezing and he looked ill. In fact all the kids looked sick.
Not willingly to believe it possible she felt her son forehead. It was warm. Quickly she snatched up the ear thermometer and waited a minute. "Mom? Achoo! What are Achoo! You doing?" he asked between sneezing. He was puzzled by what was happening to his body.
"Yami believe it or not you have a temperature. You're 101.0." she was smiling as Samir checked both Aziza and Yugi temperature and it was the same. She hadn't thought it was possible, that he still was to much a Divine Being. However the proof of his transformation to human was happening right in front of her.
"What does that mean Mom?" he asked confused. He'd never been sick before and it wasn't a good feeling.
"You have a cold my son. You're sick with a mild virus so all of you need a quick bath and bed rest. This is mostly likely a 48 hour bug. I'll call your grandpa, Yugi. Samir please prepare the sick bay for casualties," she remarked lightly as she went to get the kids some rainbow sherbet to eat.
While anyone would normal be bummed at catching a cold Yami was extremely happy! This was the first time in his LIFE he'd been sick! Despite the fact he felt like crude he planned to enjoy this!
Sick Bay was the living room and each of them was giving a big bowl of sherbet and they all watched MASH episodes that had them laughing so hard they forgot how bad they felt.
Around ten when they were told to take their medicine and sleep, Yami called Samir over. "I would like to thank you. I owe you one the greatest debt ever. You saved my mother life and for that I'm eternality grateful."
"It was nothing Yami. She saved me and she been very good to my little Basest. I'm thankful to know she has a son as like you. You're a wonderful young man and you give so many people hope," as he removed the empty ice cream bowl from Yami's hands.
"I thought when you're sick you're supposed to have chicken soup,"
"The only chicken soup in this house is on the book shelve. The 4077 doctors cure us with laughter and sherbet is what we like. Soup is nasty as coffee. Rest up you'll need all the energy you can to get better soon, Yami. Good night," he said as he went to turn the light off for him.
"Good night, Dad," Yami whispered quietly as he rolled over and went to sleep.
With a rare smile Samir whispered back "Good night, my son."
Meanwhile the Vixens were happy themselves. The entire day they had scoured the city looking for a symbol to represent Atem's mind and they had found what they were looking for in Rebecca Hawkin's backpack. When that truck had nearly run her down she hadn't notice the puzzle books go flying down the street. They simply checked to see which book contained the Prince's hand writing and discarded the other one.
"On the appointed hour we present this symbol of Mind into our Darklight Ritual. May this offering be accepted and used to its fullest extent!" Shakti chanted as she placed the puzzle book in the proper orb. The orb flashed from white to blood red as the offering was accepted. "Excellent my sisters the puzzle has become two thirds filled. We only need one more to complete the Ritual!"
"Yeah, but the last symbol is the hardest to get. We need to get something to represent Prince Atem's Spirit! In order to do that we need to capture his breath," Oba commented.
"And since we can't wring his scrawny little neck and force his breath into a container were going to have to be smart about this. Nothing to obvious will work," Pomona pointed out. The three Vixens looked at one another determined to come up with a way to steal the breath of the Prince.
Back at the Holiday Inn, Isis, Mahad, and Seto were communicating privately with the other Guardians while Mana slept. It had been an exhausting day for the girl and they weren't willing to place her in danger for this private, but desperate message.
"You're certain that you've found enough lodging and occupations for everyone in Xanadu?" Karim asked nervously. He had been waiting for days anxious to hear news about what his friends were up to on Earth.
"Yes, Queen Samira assures us that she can help all of the citizens find good homes and jobs. She had friends through the city and the world. We can all resettle here with the true King of Xanadu," Isis told him excitedly.
"This is wonderful news. Many of the citizens are ready to leave this awful paradise and return with the Divine Beasts to the planet below. I have talked with them as well as the Divine Beast. Every last one of us is willing to forfeit our immortality and divinity if it leads to a chance at freedom and happiness," Shada told them.
"The trouble will be getting everyone out of the city. As long as King Aknamkanon and his brother Aknadin are in control of the Eye and Heart we're prisoners in this hell hole. The only way we can truly escape is if Prince Atem takes the throne and controls the Heart's power," the wise Shadi reminded the group as he spoke of the Prince fated destiny to obtain his birthright.
"The Prince grows stronger everyday. He has learned much from his time here on Earth. I am confident once he has completed the Ascending he will return to Xanadu and take back what is his," Mahad informed them. "After all the Prince has gained the protection of the humans God by being baptized. If he can find a way for me and my love to finally be joined do you doubt his power?"
"True my cousin is a courageous and smart person, but he still has much to learn. If he does lead the rebellion he needs to be able to thwart both my father and his own, not to mention Camille, and her vicious Vixens. I have a bad feeling that they're plotting something that is of the most evil in nature. May the Heart of Xanadu and its Oracle protect us all," Seto prayed.
"We must be going before we are discovered talking to you. I have only one question to ask of you before we end these talks. How is Queen Samira doing overall, what I mean to say is she happy on Earth with her new husband?" Shimon asked hesitantly.
"You needn't worry my old friend. The Queen is happier then she has ever been. She is a world renowned painter with a loving husband and daughter. She has many friends and is gifted in many talents such as ice skating and taking care of sick children. She has asked about you and I told her you were doing fine. The two of you will be rejoined as mentor and student soon enough. Good night and be ready. Xanadu will fall once Prince Atem rises to power!" Mahad vowed breaking off the connection. He meant every word he said.