Hey guys welcome to chapter 5 of Chained to the Earth. I know its been a while since I last updated. I got a little stuck and am having a lot of writers block lately. But I got this done today and I really hope you guys enjoy it.
Chapter 5
Flames Within the Darkness
As they finally made it out of the forest, Jaden and Jesse could only feel nothing but relief. It was no longer just trees in their sights, but there was also a town in view. The two just stood at the edge of the cliffside, the soft breeze blowing over them, running through their hair and over their skin.
Jesse's bright green eyes looked over the area, he rose a hand over his eyes and looked over the horizon. He was worried. What were they to do here, if they couldn't figure out how to get back home. This place was strange, there power was useless here, he has tried to use it multiple times while they walked through the forest, but not even a speck of magical energy would do anything for him. However, they were still able to spread their wings far and wide, just not fly.
This place was weird. It looked like home, just different. But if it was like home, and it looked like home, why didn't it feel like home? Jesse didn't know. He was so confused.
Jaden looked over at his friend, he saw the concern on his face and put a hand on his arm. Jesse looked over at him, he saw the smile on Jaden's face and felt his insecurities wash away.
"Relax, let's just go down there and see what's going on? Maybe then, we can figure out where exactly it is we are?" Jaden suggested.
Jesse nodded to his friend and the two started down the cliffside in search of a way down.
As they walked however, Jaden continued to take a few nervous glances over at Jesse. He was aware that his friend was doing everything to get them out, that he was tending to his injury and continuously using magical energy to try and get us back home, he was worried more about Jesse, not where they were. He wanted to make sure that he was okay, before they got themselves into anything.
"Hey Jess," Jesse looked over at Jaden as they walked, he could see the exhaustion on his friends face, but he was trying to hide it, but Jaden could see through his charade."Are you feeling okay? I know you're worried about getting back and you're worried about my arm, but remember, you need to take care of yourself too."
Jesse just stared into Jaden's chocolate eyes for a moment before looking away with a guilty smile across his lips. "I understand. You're just worried about me. But don't you worry Jay, I'm gonna be just fine."
"Come on Jess, I know you're lying to me. You look tired. We've been walking for hours. Let's just take a little break. You look like you're ready to pass out at any moment." Jaden complained.
"Are you sure Jay?" Jesse asked. He didn't like the idea of stopping so soon, especially since they just got themselves out of the forest.
Jaden was having none of it. "Yeah, you need rest. I don't care what kind of rest you get as long as you get plenty of it. We still have a few good hours until the sun goes down, you can rest up until then."
Jesse frowned as they walked but did not fight Jaden on it. Jaden was the kind of guy who will always look out for his friends and make sure they were always alright. This was no different. He was going to make sure that Jesse was alright before they continued on. They had no idea what they were to expect while they were here, so they had to be at full power.
Then again, with Jaden, he still needed to get his arm stitched up, the wound could only stay open so long without getting infected, and it already started to bleed again once before. So, while Jaden was looking out for Jesse, who was looking out for Jaden?
Jaden led him over to a nearby hillside, it was perfect since the hillside was a safe way to get out of the forest area safely and leads us towards the city in a matter of minutes. He sat Jesse down and urged him to stay there while he searched for some sticks. Jesse didn't know what good that would do, but he obliged as long as he stayed close.
As he watched Jaden leave, he looked down at his hand. It was bare, which was unusual to him. He was used to wearing a few rings on his fingers, at least one or two. Those rings gave him unbelievable power, not to mentioned they were passed down to him by his parents before they died. Jehu always told them to keep them on, because then he would be able to track him down in any case. At first it was a bit creepy, but overtime, Jesse just realized that his brother cared for him and that he wanted to look out for him, so he would keep them on.
He reached into his pocket, he reached for something before pulling his hand back out. He opened his hand to reveal one of his rings. It was just a regular silver band, but when it was activated, it reveals its true form and true potential. He placed the ring on his ring finger and just stared at it.
He had to wonder, just what he and Jaden were doing here? What were they to do if they couldn't get back? Would they even be able to go home?
"Jesse, I got the firewood." Jaden announced as he walked back over towards Jesse. He had a few twigs and even a few rocks with him. "I only need a small fire since we won't be here long and I don't want to set the hill on fire."
Jesse rolled his eyes but was happy that Jaden was trying. As Jaden began to make the firepit with the sticks and such, Jesse looked over, back at the city, and then back at Jaden. He saw that he was trying to hide the pain in his arm.
"Jay, let's just keep moving. Its obvious your arm is only getting worse." Jesse insisted.
Jaden shook his head. "No way, you just sat down. We'll wait a little longer. My arm will be just fine."
"Jaden, listen to me, if your arm gets infected, it's possible they'll have to cut it off. Do you really want that?"
Jaden stopped his work, he reached up for his arm and quickly covered it with his hand. "Cut it off? They wouldn't do that. No way."
"They would. Now let's go. The last thing I want is for you to get your arm cut off. I'll be able to rest so much easier knowing your arm is stitched up and getting better." Jesse pushed on.
Jaden sighed and kicked the sticks with his foot, a few of them went flying back into the forest. "Whatever you say Jess, but if that's the case then we better hurry up. The sooner we get my arm stitched up, the sooner you can rest."
Jesse placed a hand in his pants pocket and nodded. "Right, let's go."
The kings of the realms just stared at one another. Ryou's were wide from fear whereas Bakura just had a grin on his face. Once the smoke had cleared, they had noticed that both men were gone.
Ryou looked over at his fiance, he didn't know what to do. Yugi noticed his fiancee's distress and walked over to him. He wrapped his arms around him and held him tight.
"Well then little brother, it seems you messed up again. And you call me the madman? Pathetic." Bakura said.
"Enough, leave our palace at once Bakura, you are not welcome here." Yugi shouted.
Bakura grinned and tilted his head just a bit, his hand on his hips. "Now why would I do that when the fun seems to have just gotten started?"
Ryou growled. "Not only have you trespassed onto my land, you attack me making our magic colliding making two more of our children away to who knows where. I demand that you leave my palace at once. You've done enough."
"We may be at war Ryou but I still own a piece of this realm thanks to father. So I have a right to be here. You cannot kick me out so easily." Bakura said.
"That's enough Bakura, you've overstayed what little welcome you have."
Bakura looked behind him at the doorway. The others as well looked over as they heard footsteps coming in the direction of the throne room.
Walking inside, wearing the royal attire consisting of all black and red, from the jacket to the pants, however he often refuses to wear the jacket and leaves it hanging over his shoulders revealing his tight leather shirt. A crown rests atop his spiky head. His hair three colors of crimson, black and blonde. His eyes a deep crimson, staring into your soul.
This was the second king of the dark realm.
"What are you doing here?" Bakura asked.
"I came to retrieve you, why else? I've told you time and again, not to mess with the light realm. We are still at war, they could kill you right here and now and I would have known nothing."
"Yami?!" Yugi gasped.
Yami looked over at the throne platform. He saw the king's fiance, his look alike, his brother.
"Yugi, get Ryou out of here. I'll take Bakura back now." Yami said.
"No one gave you permission to boss me around." Bakura shouted.
"Perhaps not, but I married you, so you have to listen to me eventually." Yami said.
Bakura made a "tsk" sound before turning and walking towards Yami. When they were face to face, he gave him the signal to follow him. Yami nodded and followed after him as they exited the throne room.
Ryou removed himself from Yugi's hold only to stumble and having Yugi clutch onto him again. He was still weakened from the attack he made on Bakura. He had little strength left.
"Let's get you some rest. You need it." Yugi said.
Ryou did not fight him on it. He was very tired and rest sounded nice. But first-
"All of you, I ask that if you can, stay here in my palace and I will assist you in finding your friends." Ryou announced.
The group of teens looked around at each other for a moment. Chazz spoke up first.
"Do you mean all of us, or just your angels?" Chazz asked.
Ryou smiled. "All of you are welcome to stay. It is my fault that your friends were sent away, so I want to do everything I can to bring them all back."
Yugi nodded at the statement and looked over at the guards. "Bring them to the parlor and make some tea. We shall begin to discuss momentarily."
The guards talked amongst themselves for a moment as Yugi lead Ryou out of the throne room. Once they were gone, the guards, along with Crowler, made their way over to the group of teens.
Crowler spoke up first. He was not enjoying this at all. "Follow me and I'll lead you to the parlor room."
No one complained, instead followed after the blonde haired male. They didn't know what exactly was going on. All they could do was wait for Yugi to join them.
Two pairs of golden eyes stared off the cliff-edge. A soft breeze blew over them, their hair blew softly against it. The bright horizon sunset setting across the sky making the illusion of pink and red colors.
Out into the distance was a small city, buildings were all they could really see, But it looked highly populated!
Haou knew there was a chance his brother was here. After they recovered from the shock of the light around them a few minutes ago, they realized that they had been transported somewhere new. They didn't know how they got here or where they were, but they were determined to try and find their brothers.
Jehu sat on one knee, his energy still weak from the fight and from the damage of the blast. He knew that Haou was weakened as well but refused to show it. He knew he had to the same, so he stood up slowly and took a few deep breaths.
"You know what we have to do, don't you?" Haou spoke.
Jehu looked over at Haou, he held his side tightly, he could feel a bit of blood on his fingertips but he ignored it for now.
"We go down to the city, what else, it's possible that our brothers may just be there. This is no time for stalling or waiting around." Jehu replied.
"Right," Haou stuck a hand in his jacket pocket before walking away down the cliffside. "We should get you to the city soon, I can smell the blood on you from here."
Jehu growled before following after him. He knew how to take care of himself. He wasn't reckless enough not to be prepared for this kind of thing.
"Unlike you, I came prepared for something like this. Jesse you used to get injured all the time because he was unusually clumsy. So, I know what I have to do to fix this wound." Jehu spoke up.
"Is that so?" Haou replied. He laid his hand flat out in front of him, a small flame lit from his palm. It was starting to get dark, their source of light from the sun was lessening by the moment, so it was a smart move. "If that's the case we should get into the city soon, if you die on me out here, I'll never get the chance to truly kick your ass after we get back."
Jehu felt his eye twitch and his anger spike a bit, but he ignored it for now. This bastard just needs a kick in the ass to know that he wasn't in the mood for games.
"Trust me, if our fight wasn't interrupted, I would have so wiped the floor with your ass, angel shit." Jehu mumbled.
"What was that now? Someone's getting cocky!" Haou grinned.
"You know I would have beaten you. If not for his highness' interruption, you would have been on that floor bleeding to death." Jehu shot back.
The small flame went out in Haou's hand, it was nothing but darkness around them, they could barely see anything, Jehu looked around. He felt a blade against his neck, he stayed still. He knew it was Haou.
"Say that again and it will be you bleeding on the damn grass. I'm not playing around, we're getting down to the city before midnight and that's final. We have to stop your bleeding." Haou growled.
"Stop worrying about me already dammit. I'm a demon. You shouldn't care if I die out here." Jehu said.
Haou clenched his fists around the handle of the blade before removing it from Jehu's neck and walking away, his flame relit and the blade gone.
"Maybe I'm actually starting to give a shit about you. Ever think of that?" Haou said.
Jehu said nothing back when he heard that, just watched him walk away for a moment. He didn't know if Haou meant that or not, but he wasn't going to let that get to him. He was just trying to pull his leg. He made his way and started back to Haou.
Zane, Chazz, Aster, Blair, Syrus and Alexis sat in the parlor room, tea cups in hand as they looked around. The Parlor room of the castle was used for when guests would arrive and wanted audience with the king or his fiancee. This was no different. Even though they did not request it, Yugi wanted audience with them, so while they waited for Yugi to arrive, they were given tea and a deck or playing cards to pass the time.
Aster sat back on the leather chair, shuffling said cards. He was in the mood for some poker. He's always played it with Zane and Jesse to make some money or win favors.
"Who wants to play a game to pass the time?" Aster announced.
"This isn't exactly the time for poker Phoenix." Alexis said.
Aster rolled his eyes and laid the cards out. "Whatever, then i'm playing Solitaire. I need to keep myself busy."
While Aster played with cards, the others just sat and waited. They knew it would be a little while before Yugi would appear before them. He was worried about his highness, his fiance, so of course he would want to do everything he can to make sure that he was comfortable and resting.
Syrus took a small sip of his tea, his stomach felt uneasy just sitting on the couch waiting for Yugi. Jaden, Jesse, Haou and Jehu were all out somewhere, if they had actually been transported instead of destroyed, and he was sitting around sipping tea. It wasn't right.
"Syrus, you need to relax, getting impatient won't help you." Zane said to his brother. He placed a hand over Syrus' that held the tea cup. He saw how tight his little brother held the cup, any tighter, it would break. Syrus seems to have not noticed just how tightly his hold on the cup was but weakened it anyways. "This talk with Yugi is going to help us find them. Don't take it out on yourself for not being able to do anything right now. I'm sure they're fine wherever they are."
"Listen to your brother kid. I don't exactly like the thought of having his majesty help me because it makes me look weak. But if it means getting them all back then by all means I'll do it." Aster interjected, voicing his opinion.
"Its not about his majesty helping us out, its the fact that I'm sitting around and waiting for someone to hand me and an answer. Jaden is my best friend, I want to find him as soon as possible. Not wait around." Syrus said.
"Well, you won't have to wait much longer." Syrus looked over as Yugi walked inside. "I'm sorry for taking so long guys, Ryou is very persistent when it comes to resting. He insisted that he wanted to help with this immediately but I wouldn't let him. He's far too weak right now. However," Yugi adjusted his collar, unbuttoning the top button before sitting down beside Syrus in the open spot on the couch. "I'm still here and ready to go. I may not be Ryou but I still have plenty of experience with magic and the way it works."
Syrus saw Yugi unconsciously rub his lower arm. He meant something by that, but what, he didn't know and he may never know. However, he didn't care about that. Finding Jaden and the others was top priority.
"That's good, it could be just what we need right now." Blair said.
Yugi nodded at her. He then looked back in front of him. "Magical attacks between angels are used as damage. Magical attacks by demons are made to cause damage. Some angels can use their abilities to heal. Demons don't have that ability, as far as we know. However, no one would have ever guessed that a combination of angel and demon magic could do something like this." He clenched his fingers together against the backs of his hands. "He tried to attack my fiance, he tried to hurt Ryou purposely, Ryou never liked violence, so he panicked. He never would have guessed that his slip of magical energy would cause yet another explosion. He was unlucky twice in one day. But that doesn't make it okay."
"So, we need to figure out just why the combination of magic did this?" Aster said.
"Exactly, that way we can truly understand just where they ended up." Yugi replied.
"But the only way we can do that, is to create another shockwave of demon and angel magic together. That way we can measure the energy waves and figure out just where they ended up." Syrus said.
"You're right," Alexis said. She stood up from her chair and began to pace. "That's the only way. We have to measure the strength of the waves."
"And I know just where to go." Yugi said. He stood up and walked over towards the door. "Follow me."
Well, I guess this is where it all ends my friends. Next chapter will be up as soon as I can get it too. I hope you all enjoyed that. Next chapter we enter the city. Review minna and I'll try and get the next chappie out.