1Chapter Summary: There's more to Zane than meets the eye and what does this information have to do with Yugi?
Meanwhile the rest of Jaden's family find out about the poem from earlier that day. Yami, jaden and pie learn some new things that shock them to their core while on their way home.
Just what is up with Haou and Yubil? And what does this have to do with Jaden and pie?
Zane and the spirit soon enter danger… And what does the winged dragon of Ra have to do with any of this? Is there a connection between the spirit, the God and the young assassin? And could there be more to Zane and syrus past then we know of?
Jaden, pie and Ryoko say their final goodbyes before finally beginning their dueling adventures at the Academy, but the cousins and the feline are just scraping the surface.
And an unwelcome enemy makes his way onto the ship.
AN: And now after so long I introduce you all to the next chapter. Mind you this story is going to have some dark themes ahead… Why do you think I put the rating up to what it is?
Anyhow I'll give a longer authors note towards the end and thanks Lord white fang, for following and Favoriting ! LoL.
Warning: towards the end it will contain a (hopefully)a vague mentioned someone threatening to harm someone else sexually. But you guys can skip that part if you feel uncomfortable. mentions of someone being strangle.
Ch 4: Assassins, a Chat with a spirit and departures
Later that day at Sunset ~
at the outskirts of Domino city~
Zane gazed out at the sunset, his floor length black cape clasped around his neck billowing out behind him. His arms crossed over his chest.
Like all of the assassins that worked for the shadow riders he was wearing Black leather skin dragon armor with black leather boots that went halfway up his knees and wrist length black leather gloves. Which felt like a second skin to the young teen. His hood was up the shadows around his face hiding most of his features except for his mouth from site. The spirit was a few feet away, giving his host some privacy.
Sighing quietly to himself Zane remembered the princesses words after she'd given him Ra.
"Sometimes a deck and it's monsters are more than just pieces of cardboard... Sometimes they can be the strongest link to your past... Or they can even become your Partners... your Friends... your family..."
Silence filled the air as Zane raised his right hand up to reveal a red silk bandanna tied firmly around his wrist. The wound was properly taken care of soon after he left the kaiba dome. Aside from the bracelet and God card, both safely hidden in his black dragon skin armor from any unwanted prying eyes. There was nothing else to signify that he had been in contact with the princess.
Returning his thoughts on... Jaden's words from earlier he smiled slightly. "The strongest link to your past... You weren't wrong their highness. This deck is all I have of... syrus..."
Involuntarily he cringed taking a step back at the last Word. Last time he truly saw Syrus was... a few months back. But that didn't count as a proper brotherly reunion, not in the least. Zane knew his place in the shadow riders ranks as well as where he stood with his brother. He was nothing more than a backstabbing traitor to his younger brother. But what other choice did he have... After that night when he was only eight...
The spirit behind him cleared his throat getting zanes attention and overeating him from those dark thoughts. The following conversation might have appeared one sided to any outsider. But in truth they wouldn't be able to hear or see the spirit.
" I wonder... could she be... Gods no... I'd have to turn trader if that was the case..." He murmured thinking on the princesses actions and duel earlier that day.
"You think she's trying to find the queen?" remarked the spirit.
"Dammit, if that's true then they will definitely try and kill her." He said his voice turning cold. "What other choice could there be? That was not a normal dark magician, it was different somehow, I just know it. The queens deck from what i managed to gather had six missing cards, the god cards, The dark magician, dark magician girl and winged Kuriboh." Zane said counting off the missing cards with his fingers.
"But we only saw two of the six cards mentioned..." Argued the spirit raising an eyebrow.
"No," interrupted Zane. "She gave me one of the three God cards, I checked it and it's definitely not fake. This is worse than I thought, if our theory is right and Jaden is the princess... Then she... Must be looking for the queen..."
The spirit grunted in irritation. "That's going to make our job a lot more complicated. We can't be working for those mad people while trying to protect the pharaohs daughter."
Zane began pacing back-and-forth. His cape billowing out behind him with each frustrated step. "I know, I know, I'll have to choose a side. I'll have to check and see how the queen is doing..."
The silver gray eyed spirit raised in eyebrow, cocking his head to the side. His own Black assassin uniform matching Zanes own except for the gloves, Cape and dragon skin armor.
"And how do you intend to pull that off?" He questioned. "Do you even know how long the queens been held prisoner because I certainly don't."
"Unfortunately no," Zane answered disgruntled.
"but... " He began a smile creeping onto his face. As he turned to the spirit who had yet to leave his spot. "I do know where they're holding him... And I know for a fact that tonight is the night when an assassin is supposed to interrogate the queen. First come first serve."
The spirits pale features grew eager. "You're going to try and be the first one to interrogate the queen." He realized flashing the 16-year-old a victorious grin.
"Not try, I am going to be the first one to interrogate the queen." He corrected. "I better take a few things with me. Hopefully I won't run into any trouble, but I wouldn't be surprised if my superiors suspect that I knew something about the princess."
"If they suspect you know something then wouldn't they send your teacher to spy on you?" Inquired the unnamed spirit.
A quiet chuckle escaped Zanes lips. "That's what I'm hoping for, what I'm not hoping for is my teacher going after the princess, that's very likely. And I'll be damned if I let the pharaohs daughter die under that bastard's hand."
Cocking an eyebrow the translucent spirit asked in a teasing tone. "If I didn't know better I'd say you were smitten with the princess."
Zane looked at the spirit as if he were crazy. A slight tinge of pink dusted his cheeks as he answered. "Me? Smitten with the princess? That I barely know anything about? Hardly." He said Scoffing at the idea and waving it off with one of his black leather gloved hands. "Besides I can't get close to her, I can only guard her from a distance and then some."
The spirit shook his head not believing that for a second. "That'd what you said about... Him, but the princess is another story. You will have to get close to her if you want to gain her trust. Besides you are... A shadow writer and she won't trust you that easily with that outfit on." He said gesturing with his hands at Zanes current outfit.
Zane knew that the Spirit had a point. How exactly could he gain the princesses trust? The next words that the spirit said made any plans that he might've thought up of, crumble into dust.
"May I remind you that it was the shadow riders who kidnapped his Majesty right in front of her eyes. And don't think I didn't see the look that you got when the princess had that panic attack." He added
The 16-year-old blushed before bristling, to this day he was still livid at what he'd heard from some of the shadow riders who were there that night. Zane wasn't too sure when the queen was captured. The shadow riders Who were there that night were careful not to mention any specific lengths of time.
However if Zane had to guess then it could've been between seven, six or five years since that night. But then again that was just a theory and he could be making random guesses, but you couldn't dismiss every option that came your way when you worked for the shadow riders.
You had to be on your toes at all times, A shadow duel to the death was always an option if the one who is calling the shots said so.
His eyes flashed to the same ethereal light gold from earlier. Just thinking about those shadow duels made his blood boil with anger and his heart turn cold and Steelyr with determination. He wouldn't let the princess get hurt if he could prevent it. She wouldn't be in that type of shadow game for a while yet. The princess... Jaden he corrected was strong with the shadows. If the duel from earlier wasn't any indication. Plus there were those two spirits within the millennium items that her highness and her cat seem to own.
Then his thoughts wandered to Jaden, unconsciously he touched the bandanna that was around his right wrist. She was a very optimistic girl and she was quite stubborn and temperamental. That much he noticed from her body language when she was up against Crowler. Though he was a little concerned when she had that panic attack. Alexis definitely looked concerned for her and Zane could sympathize. What he still couldn't grasp was the princess seeming to be willing to give Crowler a second chance. It had seemed like that anyway, and the older man had refused the princesses offer. Even so the princess looked optimistic. As if she knew that crowler would come around!
The spirit once more had to clear his throat to get Zane's attention. The dark blue spiky haired teen blinked, his eyes distant before they sharpened, seeming to take everything in.
"Not by choice..." He eventually snarled, the words coming out as a low animal like growl. "I joined these sick murderous people for my brothers safety."
Beginning to walk towards the tree line. Zane had a sudden thought that made him stumble. 'Her Voice did sound lovely though...'
The Spirit let out a choked laugh hearing the boys last thought perfectly. "Not smitten with the princess, huh?"
Glaring at the trees ahead of him as if they were the Spirit himself Zane growled. "Shut up! Come on, we have a queen to see."
Still laughing the spirit flew back in to the boys millennium item which was hidden beneath his left leather glove, out of sight. Ignoring the laughter that echoed in his head, Zane grabbed both ends of his cape. For a brief instant something unearthly shown beneath the black fabric before the young assassin spun on his heels and disappeared from the small hill looking over domino city.
Meanwhile at the Kaiba mansion~
"... And that's how I passed my exam." said Jaden just finishing telling her gathered family her duel from earlier that day.
From her left side her dad shook his head. " you dueled an ancient gear golem... And you had a panic attack... Good Lord maybe we shouldn't..."
Jaden side placing a hand on his shoulder. Glancing around she noticed that everyone was in formal attire since it was a celebratory dinner via her godfather for Ryoko and her self passing their entry exams. Most of the males were wearing different colored tuxedo's or button up's while most of the female population wore dresses or skirts along with a few added personal touches to their dressing styles.
"Dad, I'll be fine I've got pie to take care of me and Ryoko can watch my back."
Yami Side smiling. "I know... I just... I'm just going to miss you and I can't help but worry about you."
Sitting on her right side wearing a dark green silk dress with silver trimming and ruffled sleeves. Ryoko took a sip from her glass of cranberry juice. Her hair was done up in a simple braided bun a few strands loose framing her face. The silver chain necklace with the sapphire Jewel hanging from it still around her neck. The White outline of the Blue eyes visible in the large rooms light.
"I still think we should fire them." Grumbled seto stabbing a piece of his steak, emphasizing his point.
"Oh father..." Side Ryoko Exasperated. "I already told you, NO, besides me and Jaden both agreed... Or Jaden agreed that we should give them a second chance. I am certainly not giving that she devil a second chance if you ask me."
Jaden snorted, taking a bite out of her roasted duck before swallowing. "I still can't believe you didn't bring your blue eyes to life that way so she could... What's the word i'm looking for..."
"Maule?" Suggested Joey
Jaden nodded in her uncles direction."Yes, maule your history professor in front of everyone."
Her cousin chuckled. "That would've been entertaining, though I wouldn't have had my blue eyes eat her. She wouldn't have deserved to be eaten by my Dragon anyway."
Mai shook her head. "You two know the rules, no bringing duel monsters to life unless in a shadow game."
"Not every shadow Game has to have a duel." Bakura grumbled Rolling his eyes.
"Anyway," cut in tea, not wanting to have another argument to break out between her secret crush and the tomb robber. " Joey how did the doctors appointment go?"
Looking up from a steaming bowl filled with broth and a few vegetables Joey said before taking a hesitant sip from his spoon. "It went well... I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I'm pregnant," he paused taking another spoonful while glaring in Bakura and Tristans direction before continuing. "The doctor said I... Might be expecting triplets..." He mumbled ducking his head.
Serenity gasped before clapping her hands in Joy. "Oh Joey that's wonderful, I am so helping with the nursery."
"Don't forget about me!" Chimed in Makuba. "and another question, are you going to wait until they're born or when the next ultrasound will be taking place to find out the genders?"
Joey smiled at his future little brother. "Me and seto have been talking and we want it to be a surprise."
Ryou stood up a glass of apple cider held up in one hand. "Here's to the next generation of kaiba wheelers!"
"And here's to Jaden and Ryoko both kicking their examiners butts!" Chimed in Tristan clinking his own glass with Ryou's.
"Still can't believe you too will be leaving for duel academy in only two days." Side Yami smiling proudly at his daughter.
'Do not worry my pharaoh I shall keep her safe to the best of my abilities.' Vowed pie lifting her head up from her own plate of steak, duck, chicken, turkey and salmon.
Yami chuckled before taking a bite out of his salad. "Just make sure she gets a decent boyfriend."
Jaden for her part let out an indignant squawk her eyes momentarily changing from a dark chocolate brown to an alluring amethyst. The dark brown eyed girls face went beet red, she tucked a strand of her long hair from her face behind her ear.
She'd let her amethyst tipped hair which ended at the middle of her back, loose. Once they were in the limo and out of sight from the kaiba dome.
"Speaking of which,"smirked the blonde beside her.
'Oh no,' thought Jaden feeling her face grow even redder by the minute. She hated whenever her cousin got that knowing glint in her eyes and that knowing kaiba smirk of hers.
"Jaden," continued the blonde turning to her cousin. "Why were you blushing when you came towards the registration area? Your eyes were amethyst before they returned to normal, don't think I didn't notice that minor detail. Did it have something to do with why you came so close to being late? Even though I gave you a few extra minutes?"
The amethyst tipped brunette, if possible blushed even harder. By this point everyone at the table was staring at the 15-year-old duelist. Giving her cousin a murderous death glare she gave a rapid response. The only people to catch the full explanation was Yami, seto, Ryoko and pie. Though the cat had long since returned to her meal, savoring every last bite.
"Ra told me to give him to an obelisk blue student after I crashed into him and he helped me pick up my cards I didn't look at his face so I couldn't tell you what he looked like but he did tell me his name was Zane that was around it and he was a nice guy and all and I'm assuming he passed his exam since he was already wearing an obelisk Blue uniform..."
Bakura and ryou looked at one another confused as did everyone else.
"Wait... What did you say?" asked serenity
Seto took a sip from his wine glass before summing up Jaden's explanation. "Apparently Jaden bumped into an Obelisk blue student named Zane, he helped her and in return she gave him..." He paused turning his sharp dark blue gaze on to Jaden, who sank in her seat "...A god card."
Yami took a slow breath in, then let it out. He wouldn't get angry at his daughter not before she would leave for an entire school year at duel Academy.
The others at the table didn't have the same views as him.
"WHAT!" Cried Bakura
"What the heck Jaden! He could've sold that card for millions!" Joey exclaimed throwing his hands up having a worried expression instead of an angry one.
"Why would you do that?" questioned Makuba more confused than angry.
Just as tea and Mai were about to put in their two cents, an ear splitting whistle cut through any more questions that the group might've had. Tristan, serenity and Joey covered their ears along with pie Who threw herself onto the floor and covered her ears with her paws.
Yami was standing in front of his chair, his arms crossed over his chest, a calm expression on his face as he spoke in a clear commanding voice. "If I remember correctly it was Ra Who told Jaden to give him to this student. Now I'm not one to question the gods, but even I have to admit it seems a bit out of character."
He turned to Jaden and placed a hand on her shoulder asking. "Did anything else aside from the panic attack, the two spirits appearing right before your duel started and you giving the god card to Zane, happened?"
Jaden looked up at her dad through her bangs, a frown creasing her face as she thought over the days events. Realization then crossed the teens pale features as her mouth formed an o.
Jaden leapt out of her seat, her head turning left and right trying to find something. "I need pen and paper now!" She cried out. "In all the excitement I completely forgot oh my God, how could I have forgotten?!"
Ryoko grabbed her cousins wrist pulling her back down. "Jaden? what did you forget?"
"Pen and paper now while I still remember!" Yelled the brunette not answering her cousins question.
A few minutes later one of setos servants brought in the pen and paper that Jaden requested before leaving. The 15 -year-old didn't hesitate and shoved her half eaten meal aside, nearly spilling Ryoko's cranberry juice all over her dinner.
"Hey!" Cried the blonde indignant reaching for her glass just as a bit of it splashed onto her meal.
Jaden ignored her, mouthing out what Ra had told her earlier before she headed down to breakfast. Everyone waited wondering what had Jaden so freaked out.
"...done." breathed the brunette through a relieved laugh after seven agonizing minutes.
Yami took the piece of paper from his daughters hand and silently read it to himself. His eyes widened with each word. He read it five more times, not able to believe what he was reading.
"Well?" Inquired an impatient seto.
Folding the piece of paper neatly into a small square, he handed it to seto. Who read along as yami spoke. He recited Ra's words exactly as Jaden heard it earlier that day.
"Give me to the eldest son of the sun, he shall protect his past and present love in its darkest moments. Betray the shadows one night he shall when blood spills blood and blood saves blood. The son of the Sun will guard the sweet light. Who's heart has been shattered by an unworthy soul. And lovers hearts will be mended once more, when they reunite two broken souls."
"OK..." Bakura started drawing out the word. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
"Wordplay... shadow riders..." Murmured seto scanning the papers contents.
Mai raised a questioning eyebrow. "Pardon?"
Looking up from the paper the CEO explained. "'Betray the shadows one night he shall.' I think that means that whomever this 'son of the sun' is. He might be a current member of the shadow riders, the group of elite duelist that I told you about not a few months back. The ones that..."
He trailed off leaving the rest of his sentence unspoken, knowing that everyone already knew who the unnamed person was. Once everyone gave the CEO nods of confirmation he continued.
"Now as for the wordplay. I have a theory. What if the god," he drawled. "Meant 'son' like a father would refer to his son and 'sun' as in The noon day sun."
"Ra is known to be the god of the sun." commented Ryou thoughtfully. "And he did say 'give me' so could that mean that Ra wanted Jaden to give him to Zane. That way so he could give him to this 'son of the sun' character?"
"Maybe...?" murmured Makuba looking thoughtful. "What about the part were it says 'one night he shall when blood spills blood and blood saves blood.' We know that whatever this riddle is trying to tell us, it will take place at night or at least one part of it says it'll take place at night."
Bakura was not one for riddles, but the line that the reincarnated high priests Little brother had said, had caught his attention.
Huffing, he put in his two cents. "The midget is right, and as for the 'blood spills blood and blood saves blood.'" He shrugged nonchalantly as he spoke his next words which were a bit disturbing coming from the thief. "It pretty much means that a family member will kill a Family member and... I guess another family member will save that family member."
'And this is why the pharaoh made the high priest his daughters first godfather.' Grumbled pie to herself in the disturbed filled silence.
Serenity covered her mouth letting out a yawn. The spell that had been placed over the group broken. Soon everyone began to follow the younger wheelers example. Today had been a long day for everyone including the two teens and cat. They all agreed that they should turn in early for tonight. Before everyone got up to leave, Seto cleared his throat standing up, getting everyone else's undivided attention.
"We can figure this out throughout the following days." Decided Seto. "and if we can't crack this riddle or poem by the time the girls leave for the Academy, we can always make copies. Everyone will have their own and we can meet up once a week to share our findings. I'll be emailing Marik, Malik, isis and Pegasus about this before bed tonight. Perhaps they will have some insight on all of this."
Yami nodded. "Sounds fair. Come on Jaden it's time to go. And you need to get up early tomorrow that way so we can begin packing. "
The brunette rubbed her Temple nodding, knowing that her dad would have her pack before doing anything else and that included breakfast.
The two monarchs and feline said their goodbyes and walked out of the mansions front gates 15 minutes later. Getting into there bullet proof car, via a paranoid Seto kaiba, not that the CEO would ever admit that out loud. The small family began their journey home.
Yami glanced briefly up at the mirror to see haou and yubil sitting in the backseat of the car. The spirits golden demonic eyes stared back at the pharaoh, her lips curve down in a disturbed frown. Jaden turned in her seat noticing her dad glancing at the mirror longer than usual. She smiled before frowning herself when she saw yubil's uneasy look.
"It's high time we give you some answers pharaoh... To you and your daughter. Mind you our position is quite different from yours. when you were trapped within the millennium puzzle." Haou stated her voice sounding disturbed.
Glancing at one another daughter, father and feline nodded to one another. They were just as curious as the rest of the group when they found out about Yubel and Haou.
Turning his attention back on the road yami said. "Then enlighten us on what you know. Perhaps there is a way that we can help you both."
"It isn't that easy," murmured Yubel. "My mistress remembers a great deal of her past as Atemu, your previous life yami, and Heba's, your missing husband's past life..." Sighing heavily the spirit continued. "...daughter..."
"Weight WHAT!" Cried Yami slamming on the brakes.
The love of his life having a past life in Egypt. It was unthinkable yet it would make sense if destiny had helped them find one another again. But having a daughter in a previous life? Yami was sure that he'd remember that especially being married to his Aibou. He was sure that he wouldn't forget that important detail. However nothing in his memories had shown a daughter or a lover. So why now? Why mention this information after a decade and a half?
Jaden was now clutching pie for dear life. They were jolted forward, their progress being stopped by the seatbelt securely around Jaden's body.
"Daddy had a past life!" Yelled Jaden, the last Word coming out as a shrill scream.
'Are we to assume that Jaden is haou's reincarnation then?' Asked pie, her ears ringing from her mistresses outburst a few moments ago.
Jaden's mind was spinning, she had no memory's of a past life whatsoever! But that didn't mean she didn't believe that she had a past life. After all she'd been to the spirit realm a.k.a. the duel monster realm plenty of times, when she was younger before her daddy's disappearance, had played in plenty of mock shadow duels, in the shadow realm and she could see and speak to duel monsters whether in a duel, or outside of one.
Heck she had daily conversations with a cat! Who was her darker half for crying out loud!
'So does that mean Haou isn't a darker version of me?' Wondered the amethyst tipped brunette.
Pies ears flattened against her head, One of her front paws reached up and rubbed at one of them. Her mistress outburst from earlier had done a number on her hearing and her ears were unfortunately still ringing.
But the yami cat had other problems at the present time. Her mistress had a past life, could that mean that yubil was her previous life? And if so why was she a Hikari instead of a yami? Could it have something to do with the fact that their roles were accidentally reversed in there past life and in the present they were stuck in the right situations? There were so many questions running through the intelligent felines mind that it was hard to separate them.
Meanwhile, while the three other occupants were thinking on this new information. The two spirits shot one another a horrified look. The pair were thinking along the same lines. If Yami had this type of reaction, then all of his memories from his past life with heba must've been altered or locked away somewhere. Blocking out the link that had formed between Jaiden and pie. The two spirits had a silent conversation with each other.
"They don't remember!" Yubel said, horror filling her voice.
Haou rolled her golden demonic eyes. Though she too had a troubled look on her face as she answered. "Obviously." She drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It makes sense for Jaden to not remember since I don't remember my past friends and their lives. Devil layer, I don't even remember their faces only their voices. But pharaoh yami? Either his memory's of Queen heba must've been altered, locked away or a possible combination of both."
"If that is true, then we must not say anymore of the queen's past life, nor mention him. We aren't even sure if he's alive or not and it's best to not get their hopes up in case tragedy befalls Yugi." Stated the feline her voice still shaky but regaining it's calm wise tone.
"Agreed..." Was all Haou said.
The two spirits returned their minds back to the world around them. Yami was once more driving his face tense, but still shocked as he digested this new information.
The pharaohs next words were icy and hard, breaking the tents silence that had filled the small car. "What do you know of my Aibou's past life?"
"If you don't remember then it isn't our place to say." Yubel answered calmly. "I'm sorry my pharaoh, but if the gods had wished for you to gain all of your memories. Then they would've done so when you and your friends traveled into your memories."
Yami rubbed his eyes, the nights events taking a toll on him. And he feared that they had only scraped the surface. "Very well... you speak with reason yubil. Please forgive us for our earlier outburst it's still hard for us to hear of..."
The white translucent cat bowed her head her eyes showing sympathy and understanding.
"Understandable..." She murmured.
Haou loudly cleared her throat getting everyone's attention.
"I hate to interrupt the sappy sorrow speeches, but I don't know how long me and Yubel can stay like this." She said gesturing with her hands to herself and her large feline companion.
"OK," nodded Jaden "what do you need help with then?"
Haou blew out a puff of air resigned to her hostess fate. "I remember a great deal of my life back in Egypt, but the only way to have me and Jaden remember our complete pass is... Slightly complicated."
Pie narrowed her eyes. 'complicated how?'
The Spirit gridded her teeth and glared at the seat in front of her. She was only gonna say this once and she didn't want any interruptions especially from the tiny yami cat.
"First of all I'll only be saying this once and only once, understand?"
The three passengers nodded not wanting to interrupt.
"Good," Smirked the black haired spirit. "now then, what I'm about to tell you is solely based off of what my instincts are telling me. The first step is you must have the two other gods obelisk and Ra reunite with their chosen card masters. My bloody gut is telling me that if you have all three of the god cards in your possession. Then you'll be one hell of a big target. But if the gods are separated and they each have a card master, then it will make it three times as difficult to summoned them all at once."
Yami and pie agreed with this logic. Even though they would've preferred all of the god cards to stay with Jaden. But if she had all three then the shadow riders could easily get access to all of the cards and that was something that neither of them wanted. Having the god cards separated seemed like the best option at the moment.
"You already gave Ra to his chosen deck master." Continued haou "when obelisk the tormentor makes his presence known in a duel more than once. That is when you," she pointed to Jaden "will instinctually know who to give it to."
Haou had a distant look in her eyes. The spirit felt a growing pain in her heart, but she continued on with her explanation nonetheless. Even though at that moment she wanted to go in to her millennium item and destroy a few things in her soul room. "I don't know how precisely you and I will regain our memories, but I do know one thing. It will involve a tragic event from my past to occur once again."
There was a pause before the spirit spoke up again her voice having a bitter edge to it. Her pail features grim.
"Sorry," whispered the translucent girl "that's all I feel I can give away at the moment."
"Oh..." Whispered Jaden. Glancing at her dad and pie, they both gave her small reassuring Smiles. Pie glanced up at her before curling into a ball and drifting off to sleep. Taking that as her cue the brunette continued, her voice gentle and grateful. "Haou, thank you for telling us this. This is plenty of information."
The spirit gave her a weak smile and a thumbs up before vanishing back into the millennium clock. Yubel soon followed her mistresses example without a word. the millennium collar glowing as the spirit entered.
Silence once more filled the small car as the rest of the ride was spent thinking on haou and Yubels words. As he parked the car in the driveway, Yami had a thoughtful expression on his face as he and Jaden who was caring a sleeping pie in her arms, walked into their house.
"Jaden?" He asked as the two sat down on one of the two couches in the living room.
The amethyst tipped brunette looked up at her dad. "Hmm?"
"Do you remember what the box that held the millennium clock, said?" He continued, Jaden nodded.
"How could I forget," chuckled the 15-year-old. "I've been working on this thing," she tapped the millennium item in question. "for almost 5 years now. And now that it's complete... And with finding out that the two spirits living inside of me and pies items are in fact our past lives... not to mention the whole poem thing earlier tonight... yeah, I remember. I guess the darkness inside was Haou."
The 15 year old rubbed her head smiling up at her dad. "It's a lot to digest, you know."
Yami chuckled lightly agreeing with his daughter. "For a former pharaoh, even I have to agree that today has been very eventful."
The mood turned from somber to light and playful as the two began playfully teasing one another. Pushing all that they had discovered and learned today at the back of their minds saving it for tomorrow.
"Whatever you say my ancient pharaoh. " she teased standing up.
The darker half raised in eyebrow and gave his daughter a mock glare. As she began to make her way towards and up the stairs.
"I'll have you know young lady that I am in fact not ancient." yami retarded back smirking as he heard his daughters reply.
"5000 years Dad! Good night!"
Shaking his head yami stretched and leaned back against the couch cushions. His eyes began to droop as he decided to sleep on the couch for tonight. Not having the mental energy to change or walk up the stairs let alone shadow travel to his bedroom. As his head rested on one of his shoulders, he whispered a 'good night Jaden,' before drifting off in a surprisingly peaceful sleep.
None of the millennium wielders or those closely involved with them knew what was occurring at that very moment. That night someone dearly missed by all would be found by an ally in a sea of enemies, though they didn't know it yet.
In an unknown location ~
Zane Truesdale strode through the dark gray stone Corredor's that made up the dungeon for the shadow riders base of operation. Or should he say One of their many bases of operation. Torches lit the walls in equal intervals casting Erie shadows where the light could not reach. The 16-year-old knew without a doubt as his eyes scanned his surroundings ahead that the shadow riders posed as security were watching him. The feeling that someone was watching him did not leave him for one second. Once he shadow traveled to this hidden base.
His boots thudded against the stone floor quick and precise, as his Cape billowed out behind him. His hood pulled down at the moment revealing his stoic expression. The boys pale features only made his teal eyes that much darker and colder. not to mention his features all the more attractive. Slipping a knife out of his sleeve, Zane proceeded down the hallway sensing more eyes watching him.
He inwardly smirked as he felt the spirit looking through his eyes. 'Some things never change.' He said after a while of walking.
"You mean how these so-called highly trained security in forcing shadow riders Cower whenever you pass by?" Questioned the spirit followed by an amused snort. "Or the fact that we're now entering for bidden territory?"
'Thank you for allowing me to keep my humanity, spirit.' Zane smiled before his lips curled down into a frown. 'Wait... What are you...'
He stopped in his tracks slowly turning around, seeing if there were any torches or centuries nearby, but there were none. Zane might've been an assassin, but there were things that even he didn't know about. Such as the special hallway that led to Yugi's sell that had been created by one of the shadow riders who specialized in... Creative shadow magic. This so-called 'forbidden territory' was a test to see if any of the shadow riders who went down to interrogate the queen were loyal and strong enough to continue serving them.
Blinking a few times Zane turned around in a slow circle. First left then right making sure that his eyes weren't playing any tricks on him. He now stood in front of a black and purple misty wall. He breathed in the air around him feeling nauseous soon after. There was something wrong here, he and the spirit both knew that for certain. They just weren't sure of the threat before them. Reaching out with his free hand he touched it. It disappeared, then he felt a solid surface as if there was a wall behind the shadows. Tracing the wall until his hand came to a corner he followed it.
"Well this is a lovely surprise. Do you think the queen still alive?" Inquired the spirit raising a mental eyebrow. "I mean we're practically surrounded by a lot of shadows, I highly doubt The king of games could survive this much shadow magic."
Zane groaned, he now knew why the shadow riders that were there that night were so confident that the king of games couldn't escape his prison cell. These shadows that surrounded him were dark and malicious. They weren't the gentle darkness that helped the pharaoh and his family whenever they called upon them.
No, the shadows were more corrupted and 16-year-old knew that specific information from personal experience all too well.
'I think one of the dark shadow mages had something to do with this.' Zane thought with unease.
"Aren't they supposed to be just as deadly as the shadow rider assassins?" Questioned the spirit.
'Yes,' confirmed Zane grimacing. 'us assassins are fantastic at hunting down our given targets and... Disposing of them.' He spat 'but the dark shadow mage are a different story. They play with your minds until you lose your sanity or worse... They make your fantasies come true, then when you least expect it. They expose you to the actual torment that they've been putting you through while under the spell. And by then your almost dead.'
The spirit was uncertain at this information. Zane could feel it through their link. "Too much information, I personally don't want to cross paths with those dark shadow mages..." The spirit grimaced before hesitantly asking. "Could... Could they mess with our minds...?"
Shaking his head, Zane replied with. 'Not if you hide your emotions both mentally and physically.'
Zane could feel the spirit nod, he continued. 'Remember... Remember after I had my exam in the shadow realm?'
The messy Sandy blonde haired spirit cringed not liking that particular memory. "You had to remind me, you know I hate that particular training session. I had to lock it up in a box and put it in one of the darkest corners of my soul room."
'Sorry about that spirit.' Zane apologized. 'but while you were busy a shadow mage came to me and hour later and... She poked and prodded at my mind, I could feel her invading my thoughts and I could tell from the gleam in her eyes. That she knew I was terrified witless. After that when I got the chance I went to Lillys, she began to help me with blocking my mind and emotions. The rest you and I worked on ourselves.'
Feeling his host's unease the Spirit decided to change the topic for both of their benefits. "Ah, Lily I remember that redheaded Scottish witch. Wasn't she visiting mystic Lakes, you know the town where you were born and where she found you half dead?!"
A bitter chuckle escaped the teens lips. Zane remembered that time, it wasn't pleasant... It wasn't pleasant for the people who'd gotten him pissed off. 'For once I'm glad that I'd let my temper get the best of me.'
Deciding that the conversation was over for the moment the pair stayed silent. By The spirits mental clock they had been traveling for about a good 23 minutes or so and he was growing agitated, fearful to for not only himself, but his host.
As zane continued to follow the wall, the shadows seemed to be turning into snarling predatory shadow animals. He walked further down the passageway, his skin crawled and a cold sweat formed. As the 16-year-old remembered the month that he spent in the shadow realm, as part of his exam training. He was only nine years old, and he had nightmares for the rest of the year. Thanks to that one month-long training session, The teen had plenty of mental scars that still haunted him to this day.
He stopped, leaning against the shadowy surface that was the wall, breathing heavily. He could remember the tortured screams of people who died there in the dark recesses of the shadow realm. Those men, women... And yes, children begging for mercy. No mercy came to them, some of the voices he recognized from his training session. His fellow trainees voices were cut off shortly after the first few hours...
Later he found out that he and one other made it out alive with their sanity. The rest of the 48 trainees were either dead or shipped off to a mental asylum.
Swallowing the vile that wanted to come out of his mouth. Zane shakily pushed off of the wall and continued forward. His hand against the seemingly solid surface keeping him steady. He ignored the predatory shadow animals, as they seemed to lear and snap at him wanting to rip his soul and no doubt his body into shreds. He distracted himself with thoughts of his current situation and what he knew.
With this much shadow magic and place the king of games couldn't possibly still be alive. Right?
Still the shadow riders who did come down here were experienced within plenty of shadow games and the shadow realm. That was all the information that he could gather by remembering which shadow riders came to interrogate the queen before him. So far all of them had been unsuccessful. A satisfied smile crossed his lips before vanishing. Those shadow riders who interrogated the queen must have used fear and other... Unsavory tactics.
'Those who came out of this living hell hole.' He reminded himself
Zane wouldn't do that. He wasn't like the other shadow riders and he would prove it to the queen... In only two days.
The dark blue haired teen was brought back from his thoughts when a fanged serpent latched onto his wrist. Thinking that it would simply pass through him, Zane didn't dodge. He grunted in pain when the fangs made contact with the tough black leather dragon skin. Pulling his hand away from the wall, he grabbed his knife and tried cutting off the serpents head with it, but it only passed through.
Zane could feel the spirit mentally taking a step back and retreating swiftly into his soul room. Even though he would've preferred the spirit beside him right now, he didn't want him to get hurt or to have his soul ripped to pieces. Feeling the link soon cut off, left him with a sense of familiar loneliness which soon turned into fear and panic.
'Do not panic do not panic do not panic!' He thought feeling himself do the opposite of what he was telling himself to do.
He was doing all of this for Syrus. But his current orders from his superiors was conflicting with his emotions. His orders were to find the princess, which he'd already done, and kill her...
At that last thought his breathing increased, his chest felt tight as if he couldn't get enough air in. His heart beaded rapidly in his chest, tears swam in his eyes as he blindly tried to do something, anything to make it all go away. This felt like the time that he was in the shadow realm, The only difference was that he didn't have that faint glimmer of hope that he would make it out alive. Perhaps not without his sanity, but alive nonetheless. Then again he would sooner die then work for these people any longer than he already had too. Plus there was the matter of Lilly, his Scotland which friend, who'd become an auntie figure to him over the past few years that he was with the shadow riders. She was his only other friend beside the spirit and his duel monsters.
She'd helped him with nightmares, giving him potions to heal syrus when he was critically injured and giving him food and a home when he had none. Lilly was truly a special friend to him.
The 16-year-old assassin wasn't aware of a large 8 foot serpent coiling around his frozen body. Zane's body had gone rigid except for his chest which was going up and down rapidly as his mouth stayed opened as if that could let in more air. Panicked filled tears spilled down his cheeks washing away the make up that he'd been using to conceal the scars that crisscrossed his face.
Blindly he reached out and searched for that familiar foreign feeling from earlier. When he first received the wing dragon of Ra.
'Please!' He pleated 'I can't fight... I'm so scared... I can't take it! I don't want the spirit to get hurt... Please I'm terrified help me... Please...'
A few more tears fell down his face as the 8 foot serpent slowly began to squeeze the life out of him. Soon other serpent's joined their brethren, waiting eagerly for the weak intruder to die. So they may feed that long last. It had been, to the corrupted shadow serpents centuries since they tasted a human soul let alone it's flesh and blood. Their tongues flickered out, anticipating for the final heartbeat.
Meanwhile in the spirit realm~
The winged dragon of Ra looked through his large door that was his key into the human realm. All the monsters had their own doorways or 'keys' as was the more common term used, placed specifically at the center of their respective homes. Some had multiple doorways such as the spellcaster's who mainly stayed in large or small pairs depending on their card master.
Contrary to popular belief, there were many of the same duel monsters living in the spirit realm. Though each duel monster had their own unique features, only when they were summoned did they look exactly like their picture on the card, not giving the humans any ideas that there was anything wrong.
This also helped to keep the Spirit realm a secret. Not to mention it was a safety precaution less any unwanted enemies got suspicious.
Letting his mind returned back to the present situation at hand. The god looked up at the large doorway in front of him. Two golden columns stood on either side of the shimmering golden white square portal in front of him. Egyptian ruins carved on both columns, allowing access between the two different realms.
Something had called him here but what was it... The younger hatchling... perhaps? No the older one would go to his aid as usual. As much as the God hated to admit it. He had watched over the young one and his brother for the past 16 years, even more so when the younger one turned seven and The older Brother eight.
But only now was Ra able to see the boys every move, obelisk and Slifer unfortunately had to keep him informed of the younger one since he befriended the pharaohs eldest child. As much as he wanted to keep an eye on the younger hatchling he knew he couldn't interfere with his life just yet. His time would come and when it was right, he would unlock what he'd sealed away from the brothers.
The God raised up onto his hind legs and shifted into his human form. The gods golden robes shimmering like the sun, his wings folded behind him like a cape. The dragon wings giving off a pulsing golden aura around them. A 3 foot Golden scaled dragon tail poked out of an enchanted hole in the fabric allowing it to swing back-and-forth while not being covered by the gods robes.
The gods footsteps were slow and hesitant. Then his ancient ethereal golden eyes widened when he peaked through the card to see the boy being slowly strangled by the corrupted darkness.
Then he heard it, 'please! I can't fight... I'm so scared... I can't take it! I don't want the spirit to get hurt... Please I'm terrified help me... Please...'
"No..." Ra whispered to himself, resisting the urge to unleash his full wrath on the serpents and hurl all over his floor.
He had caught a glimpse of the boys time in the shadow realm. That infuriated him, though he knew the boy willingly joined the shadow riders. Still he did not like that these people held his younger brothers life over the boys head.
That wasn't the only thing he saw, during these past few hours he had been looking through the boys memories seeing what he'd been up to while he was unable to fully see the child's every day life.
Currently he was seeing the boys soul that surrounded him. Most mortals couldn't perform magic whether it be shadow magic or other such arts. But the gods could see when someone was gifted with magical abilities or they could see if that human was good, evil or a mixture of the two which was common among the human race.
Ra glared at the serpent slowly squeezing the life out of the boy. The corrupted darkness was beginning to taint him. Such a strong bright soul wouldn't be tainted by the corrupted shadows. They had already dimmed the pharaohs queen to a point that the Gods would have to let a mortal magic user help him. Ra was only two grateful that the older hatchling befriended a mortal magic user that delved into the gray arts.
As was the term used when referring to a male or female magic user that delved into which related magic.
Closing his eyes he's saw the queen in his current state which was worse for wear, but not life-threatening... At least not yet. The shadows had changed the pharaohs lover and the boy would soon discover the truth.
Opening his eyes, the God crossed his arms over his chest looking up at the ceiling in concentration his tail lashing back-and-forth revealing his unease. First he needed to take action and he needed to do it without interfering directly at the moment. Only when a certain part of... His poem was fulfilled would he then make himself known to the young assassin.
Forcing himself to turn away from the unsettling seen. The god unfurled his pulsing glowing wings and took to the air, speeding down empty corridor's and passageways, ramming his head into closed doors on more than one occasion. His ears twitching in agitation as he at long last burst through his private quarters.
Even though he was a God living alone atop one of the highest mountains in the spirit realm, he locked the door just to be safe
Striding purposefully to the other side of his room, not bothering to glance at the ornate furniture or bed. Ra reached the far wall a few minutes later. Like the other walls in his room it was white with little six pointed suns going in a straight line from floor to ceiling. However this wall had an enchantment over it. That only he could pass through and no one else, including his fellow gods and goddesses.
Walking through the wall he entered yet another room, but this one was only 6 feet wide. The floor was carpeted with a red cushion rug with golden accents at the edges and the walls were a smooth dark wooden material. No framed photos covered the walls, except for two at the far end above a small altar with a pair of small Square boxes, which had there pictures covered by a golden and silver cloth.
They were no bigger than his hand on all sides, The two boxes were beneath the covered photos. Both being made out of the same material as the cloth that covered the pictures and having the eye of Horus facing him, but instead of a pupil there was a keyhole in place on both boxes. The light above came from an enchanted chandelier that let in just enough light for him to see by.
Walking over to the altar, Ra knelt down on one knee and reached into his robes revealing a thick chain necklace, each link changed from gold to silver the pattern repeating itself all the way around. Holding up one of the keys that was looped onto the chain, the God slowly reached forward with his free pale trembling hand and grabbed the golden box. Ra held the key in front of the keyhole wondering if he was making the right decision.
Ra gazed at the box then back at the key held in his other hand. Staring at the bright, glittering, almost glowing golden objects in front of him, as if they held a great burden. He blinked and for a moment his eyes changed to a teal color before regaining their godly golden glow.
Without another thought Ra plunged the key into the lock and held it in place knowing what was coming next.
Back within the human realm Zane had at last noticed the serpent coiling around his body. The boys teal eyes no longer were wet from crying, tear tracks stained his face as he stared blankly at the serpent as it hissed mere inches from his face. Looking around with dull teal eyes, he vaguely noticed that his arms were pinned to his sides and his breathing was growing faint. The shadow serpents surrounding him seem to be getting larger with every minute that went by.
Feeling his heart beginning to slow, Zane began to close his eyes when the spirit sent a jolt of fury through their link.
"Don't you bloody dare fall asleep on me!" roared the spirit.
Zane responded though it was faint and weak. 'Spirit... Can... Take... Over...'
The unnamed spirit knew what his host was asking, but if he went out there then he'd be ripped into shreds and forgotten completely. Maybe not entirely forgotten in the sense that he'd never existed, but there would be no one else to take over Zanes body when one of the more dangerous shadow riders who despised him was around. Or at the very least him needing to get the boy or someone else out of a sticky situation outside of the shadow riders.
"As much as I'd love to help you I can't!" cried the spirit frustrated with himself that he was unable to help his host and longest known friend. "If I took over now then I'd be destroyed in a matter of seconds. Remember I'm only a shimmering HiKari Spirit, not a shining HiKari Spirit. There's a difference I'm. not, solid!"
Zane began to struggle the spirits words having brought back the few good memories that he had of his little brother and himself. True their home life was less than desirable and syrus was getting the full brunt of it now since he left, but his little brother still needed him. Even though syrus hated him with every fiber of his being. Zane was still his big brother and whether he was physically there or not he still had an unsaid obligation to protect his younger brother. Until someone else took up the mantle of protector.
"I... Will... Not... DIE!" Zane snarled out each word coming out as an animal like growl.
He couldn't... Wouldn't die by the shadow writer assassins, the shadow mages or anyone else inside of the shadow riders circle. Syrus needed to be protected from that sick bastard and his just as equally sick followers. Jaden also had to be protected, both of them needed his protection whether they liked it or not. He wouldn't allow them to get hurt, he would protect them to his last breath.
When the final word ripped out from his throat his body went limp. The knife slipping from his loosened grip. His teal eyes closed, taking in a final shuddering breath he allowed himself to slip into unconsciousness. Just as he drifted away, an unearthly golden white light engulfed his vision.
The head serpent gestured with its head to its brethren to start feeding. But just as the shadow serpents were about to pounce, a golden glow irrupt it from the boys chest blinding the snakes and reducing them to ashes. The shadows that still surrounded him shrank away from the blazing sun-like aura, surrounding the boys body. The white golden ethereal light cast shadows over zanes now pulled up hood. The magic surrounding him lifted the 16-year-old off of the ground. All of his limbs limp at the moment.
The spirit jolted upright in his seated position from within his soul room which was a lush garden surrounded by high walls. Power... Unimaginable bright pulsing Power it beckoned him outside of his soul room. He complied and the energy coming off in waves felt so... So achingly familiar, yet there was something blocking him from remembering what this power was. He tried poking at Zanes mind wondering if he knew what it was. But the teens mind was blank and empty. As if he wasn't aware of what he was doing.
Another wave of power coursed through the link that was forcibly opened and the spirit crumpled a few feet outside of his soul room. He was growing delirious and his mind began to fog as if there was some greater force preventing him from helping Zane clear his mind. Watching on through dazed eyes, The spirit could only observe what happened next through his hosts vision.
Zanes head then rose, revealing a blank expression on his face his golden ethereal eyes looking on blankly as if he were in a deep trance, his black cape billowing out behind him. As his pulsing aura glided him towards where the shadow riders had been keeping Yugi for the past five years. All of his features, except for his eyes were covered by the shadows from his hood.
If one would've witnessed this scene, then they would've thought that Zane was a god of some sort ready to judge a mortal for its dark deeds.
Paying no heed to the shadows that screeched in pain as he flew by. 21 minutes later Zane reached the door. The spirit looked at the door through the young assassin's eyes and remembered what his friend had said earlier about the queen still being alive. To the spirit that was a bloody miracle, he vaguely wondered through his still delirious and foggy mind. How the queen managed to keep his sanity... That was if the king of games even had his sanity. Though he kept that thought to himself.
Blinking Zanes vision returned to normal just as the magic dissolved and placed him back on the solid ground in front of the steel bard door. Still dazed, the teal eyed boy fumbled with the lock and bar over the front door for a good 14 minutes, murmuring incoherent thoughts to himself before opening the large door.
The nameless spirit still dazed and confused himself asked in a slightly slurred voice. "Wha the..."
Zane rubbed his eyes wearily with his sleeve, not answering the spirits question. Before stepping through and closing the door behind him. Once his blurry vision adjusted, Zane and the mostly recovered spirit could only stare in shock at the site in front of their eyes.
"Oh...fuck..."
"...Hell..." He briefed.
A pair of dark purple almost black scaly claws bound in heavy shackled chains could be seen, the rest of the figure covered in shadow. Large slitted lizard like amethyst eyes almost vacant of any hope stared back at him.
Something else caught the pair's stunned gaze. The enlarged necklace and pendant hanging around the mysterious creatures neck was all too familiar.
And with a sense of dread Zane knew who this changed, chained, no doubt muzzled, starved and whipped creature was.
In the deafening silence Zane only whispered five words.
"Yugi Motou I found you..."
Two days later at domino harbor ~
The kaiba's and motou's were all currently piled in one of seto's cars that was used for casual quick road trips around the city. Yami was in the passenger seat while Jaiden and pie, who was on the girls lap was behind him. Ryoko, who's wheelchair was carefully placed in the back, was sitting behind Seto. Who was obviously driving. Joey had already said his goodbyes when the group left the mansion. The blonde did not want to endanger the babies or have the paparazzi find out that he was pregnant. Apparently Seto's paranoia had rubbed off on him.
Unseen by the rest of the group including Jaden and the black feline, haou sad or more like floated above the backseats of the car. The spirits legs hanging between the two girls, who were currently playing some type of tag team war game on their long black haired spirit looked on as they approached the harbor. Were a large cruise ship was being loaded with the students luggage by the ships staff. The Second and third year students were boarding the ship followed by the rest of the new duelists.
Haou watched on vaguely as the pharaoh and the reincarnated priest got out as did her host and the tiny yami cat. Following the Young hikari, the spirit floated out of the car, yet again unseen by none of the group. Looking down at the ground the spirit clenched her teeth in a silent growl, as her face contorted in anguish.
She had another dream... another dream of her past in Egypt. This time however it was different...
Haou couldn't explain it, but she knew that this particular dream was important. Though her mind went blank whenever she tried to remember anything about it. It was as if she had been in a deep dreamless sleep, but the emotions behind were a different matter.
One moment she was at peace calm and content, the next she was filled with determination, followed by horrified realization, next fear, panic and hopelessness. Then... Then she fell... she felt... something warm that filled her soul up with unimaginable happiness? Confusion, awe, wariness, curiosity, determination once again, exhaustion and a sense of weariness. The last emotions were shy embarrassment followed by the same warm happy feeling from earlier.
"Dammit all." She growled frustrated that she couldn't remember anything. Giving one final glance at the group who were now beginning to walk towards the large ship. Haou returned back into her millennium clock and soul room, deciding to sulk for a while.
'I'll tell Yubel later,' she decided 'right now I need to kill some stones.'
Jaden adjusted her blue backpack with bright red spirals, over her shoulder. The brunette was currently wearing the enchanted hair tie that Mana and Mahado had given her. The rest of her outfit consisted of white sneakers, a pair of blue jeans and a red shirt the millennium clock around her neck.
Ryoko's blonde hair was let loose, a light blue hairband keeping it in place. The girls usual sapphire necklace with the blue eyes White Dragon image, was around her neck, the silver chain glinting in the sunlight. She wore a black T-shirt with a dark blue kneelength wavy skirt with silver triming at the edges along with a pair of black dress pants and shoes. A pair of sapphire earrings, the same ones that her cousin war on the day of their entry exam, adorned her ears.
Her cousin's backpack was hanging on the back part of her wheelchair, her silver briefcase held firmly in one hand as was seto's. Who had on his usual black dress shirt, pants and shoes, his White coat over his clothing.
Yami and Jaden shared an amused look before the former pharaoh rolled his eyes and shook his head. Apparently adopted or not some habits from the kaiba's never changed.
Seto cleared his throat placing a hand on Ryokos shoulder. "Make sure to inform me every Sunday of your weekly activities." He turned looking pointedly at Jaden. "That goes for you too jaden."
She gave him a mock salute. "Yes sir."
Rolling his eyes the CEO returned his attention back onto his daughter. " I want you to inform me as soon as possible which dorm your placed in. If you do end up getting a girlfriend this semester I want to know who she is, I'll be checking her background and making an appointment to see her parents. We'll be arriving at the school that way we are all in person. Make sure to keep an eye on Jaden, be careful of who you make friends with. They might try to take it vantage of you, first verbalize your threats and if that doesn't work then take physical action. If they are still persistent then do what you have to do on your laptop. Remember you have full access to the security and everyone's Data at the school, including the staff. I already assigned your history professor to help out professor banner in his paperwork. As a bonus I even cut her payment in half..."
The blonde flushed a deep red at the mention of getting a girlfriend. While Seto was drilling this information into Ryoko's head, yami was doing the same with Jaden. Although he didn't pile her up with information all at once.
Yami placed his hands on his daughters shoulders making sure that she kept eye contact. " I want you to not only video chat at the end of every week, but also call whenever you need anything. If anything that has to do with the shadow realm or a shadow game happens, then pray to your uncles previous name. He'll come to you, I promise."
Jaden was confused. "Wait, but I thought that..."
Yami cut her off a smug knowing smirk on his face. "We didn't tell anyone and I want The both of you," he looked at pie, then back at Jaden. "To keep what I'm about to tell you a secret understand? For the time being the less people that know the better."
Jaden had a serious expression on her face, her dad had rarely used his serious tone on her. That meant that this was very important and to follow his instructions to the letter.
Nodding sharply she replied with. "All right Dad what is it?"
Smiling, the former pharaoh reached up and ruffled his daughters hair. Mindful of the hair tie keeping her hair in place before returning his hand back onto her shoulder. "A few months after the attack... When I was mentally well enough to perform a ritual or spell. I helped your godfather regain his memories and simultaneously his powers."
Jaden looked at her dad gob smacked. "What..." She breathed.
Sighing Yami nodded and explained the reason behind this. "Seto knew that he was virtually useless in helping us that fateful night... And with the possibility of Joey, Makuba, serenity or... Gods for bid you being the shadow riders possible next target, he wanted another way to protect all of you and not just stand by doing nothing. While the rest of us fought for our loved ones lives."
'Ah, I see.' murmured pie understanding filling her light green eyes. 'That is wonderful news. We will surely have an advantage, our foes won't suspect a thing.'
Jaden understood the reasoning behind her godfather's actions. She also knew that if they kept this a secret, then it would be an advantage. The shadow riders must think that her godfather is not a threat. This advantage, would be kept secret no matter what.
She glanced over her shoulder seeing Ryoko and her godfather hugging one another tightly. 'I'll keep your secret uncle, promise.'
Turning back to her dad she wrapped her arms around him squeezing tightly. Yami followed suit holding his little girl close to him not wanting to let go. After a time of holding one another yami pulled away.
"One more thing I'm hoping you'll get a boyfriend this school year. I at least want someone capable enough to take care of you while the rest of us are unable to."
Jaden's face turned bright red as she growled out. "DAD, I'll get a boyfriend... In my own time! And I'm not planning to get one on the first year at Duel academy. And I know you're worried... But please stop rubbing in the boyfriend comment in my face."
Yami had a knowing look in his crimson red eyes. " I said the same thing when I kept on denying my feelings for Yugi. And so did Seto and Joey." He paused losing his teasing smile. A bittersweet one was on his face, his red eyes flashing dangerously for a moment. " I know it's been hard for you... But I just want you to open up more. Now I know that's asking a lot, but sweetheart you're a bright optimistic girl. Anyone boy or girl, would be lucky to have you as a girlfriend."
Pie rubbed against the brunettes leg knowing that her mistress needed emotional support. "Yeah..." She whispered. "It's just... I want them to love me for me. I don't want somebody taking advantage of me, I don't want them to... Do what he did to me..."
Pulling his daughter into a hug, yami whispered. "I know... I know... But with pie and your new spirit friends along with your cousin, I believe you'll be fine. Plus I've got a strong feeling that you'll know who that special someone will be when you look into their eyes."
Looking up Jaden sniffed. "Really... Last time I was in idiot."
"True," he agreed and Jaden's face fell. He hurriedly continued. " but now you're a lot more wiser and you know what to look out for."
Pulling away Jaden rubbed her eyes. Her dad was right, she knew what to look for. Deciding to move the conversation to a more happier one she placed her hand on her hip and pulled a medium sized notepad from her backpacks side pocket.
She gave him a 'don't think you're going to get away with this' look as she slapped the notebook into her dad's open hand. Yami was confused as he looked up at his daughters no nonsense expression. It reminded him so much of Yugi that yami was taken aback.
"What's this?" he asked flipping through a few of the first pages.
Pie licked her paw mentally laughing out right. Why was she not surprised. 'Ah, I see that you gain more than just the queens looks my princess.'
"Oh don't think you were going to get away with that boyfriend comment." As she said all of this she waved a finger at him like a mother would do when scolding a child. "Not that I don't appreciate it or anything, but I have your smarts Dad. And as for that notebook, it's a list of things I want you to do for the next few weeks. I asked Seto if he could hire a made to take care of the house while you're gone and to also cook for you. Dad don't give me that look, you might've once been royalty, but you are absolutely terrible at cooking. Plus most of the duel monsters that lived in the house came from my deck. You know as well as I do that most of your duel monsters live in the spirit realm guarding the palace. Oh I almost forgot make sure to visit grandpa three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Every other weekend visit him on Sunday that's when the new shipments for the game shop come in. Also don't forget grandpa's doctor appointment for next week..."
Seto had a blank expression on his face though the edges of his mouth curved up into a barely noticeable amused smile. As he watched his rivals husband being told what to do by his goddaughter. It was very amusing and Seto was taking full advantage of it. Ryoko wasn't so settle in her show of how amused she was at the scene in front of her. She covered her mouth with one of her hands as she shook with laughter her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Reflexively the CEO looked down at his watch and raised an eyebrow, his only sign of being surprised. Looking up sharply he called out to the Motou's. " I don't mean to interrupt, but you girls better go, the last few students are leaving and I suggest you hurry up."
The two girls, cat and yami turn their attention onto the ship. Jaden was seriously wondering how rich her godfather was as she saw the line of students slowly getting smaller. Jaden turned and rushed over towards her cousins side grabbing the handlebars of her wheelchair and beginning to push her cousin towards the cruise ship. Pie ran after them, the two girls turning around and waving goodbye to their dads.
As they did this they didn't notice one of the duelist fall into the water. The small teen was soon pulled out by a passing crew member. He lead the soaking wet teen aboard the ship.
As the two cousins rushed towards the ship they couldn't help, but feel a sense of excitement filling their bodies. It was time, there adventure had finally begun, nothing and nobody was going to stop them from achieving their goals.
Seto and yami watched their daughters grow smaller and smaller until they boarded the cruise ship and were lost to sight. Once the final teen was a board the cruise ship, the two duelist slowly turned away and began walking back to the car.
"Well they're on their own." Commented yami
"They have each other and the rest of their duel monsters. They'll be fine." Seto said calmly as he got in the driver seat.
"Yes," agreed the former pharaoh. "I just have a feeling that will be hearing from them sooner than we would like."
"Speaking of which," began the brunette. "Makuba wants your opinion on the ninth level of a new game that is in the current stages of being fixed..."
A young man dressed in Black watched on as his target boarded the ship. Smiling to himself, the shadow rider assassin stepped back against the tree and with the shadows help he teleported into the lower part of the ship. Which was the cargo area. Looking around the assassin nodded in satisfaction. This would do for now, soon the princess would be in his hands and there would be no one that could stop him.
After all no one could face up against a half demon...
And lived to tell the tale.
Well no, he wasn't completely demon, he was part vampire to. From his stepmother and stepbrothers side of the family.
Choosing a comfortable corner the assassin made himself comfortable. He laid back against one of the suitcases, frowning to himself.
"I sends treachery aboard this ship... You better not think of turning your back on us boy... Or the princesses and your weakling of a brothers blood will stain your body and soul..." Whispered the half demon assassin in a deep baritone voice.
Yes... His young student was here and he could sense treachery within the boys soul. His master would have to be informed of this. But that could wait right now, he needed his rest, he also needed to observe his prey.
Licking his lips the half demon, half vampire murmured. "My master does not even know that I know you...From my stepbrother of course..."
The half demon vampire chuckled. "My stepbrother might've failed in realizing who you are, but things will be different. You will not escape me, like you did my brother... This time i'll succeed in taking your virginity..."
AN: hallelujah! I finish this chapter and I did I just it just wouldn't think I suggested towards the end of. You'll just have to wait and see where in Saint Nicholas for the cliffhanger but what did you think of the rest?
And if I didn't mention this earlier then I might as well mention it now. This story is gonna be separating the story into three different arcs.
1. The god trust arc
2. The millennium Key arc
3. The shadow beast arc
This is probably One of my favorite chapters so far. And I especially enjoy looking at Zain's character in this AU or. Because Zane deserves more Reddit then given. Plus he's one of my favorites characters in GX and being one of my favorites he has to suffer.
Anyhow I might just post another chapter in a week or two if not sooner I catch you next time guys and hope you enjoyed.