Memoria

O.O I have finally returned! It's nearly been a month, ugh stressful...moving is not fun. But I could finally post. This is the longest chapter yet. What I wanted to happen..didn't but that's alright because the plot is moving. I think everything will begin to fall into place soon though.

Information on updates and those lovely things will be posted on my profile from now on. Hope that will help. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer! Enjoy the chappie...


Chapter 10 The Glory of the Golden Pendant

The room was spot free of dirt. Sounds of battle practice could be heard in the courtyard. Yugi couldn’t help flinching those few times he heard their blades sing. Seated on a small pillow he gazed intently at the contemplating Japanese man before him. He didn’t know where Joey was, or Mai, Tea was dragged away by some of the women, and Seto was seated, hands bound, beside him. Yugi would glance every so often in his direction.
Another man sat to Seto’s side holding onto his restraints tightly. It was Seto’s fault really, he did attack someone. Yugi knew it was in defense but that didn’t mean Seto couldn’t have been more careful. Out of the four of them Seto was probably the only one that looked remotely Japanese and that’s what got Yugi wondering why he wasn’t tied up as well.
A sudden clearing of the throat came from the man ahead of them and Yugi stiffened. The room was suddenly stuffy and Yugi wanted out. The only thing that kept him seated on his small blue pillow was the shine of the golden pendant barely noticeable around the man’s neck.
“You won’t speak of where you come from…You have strange hair…Short stature so you wouldn’t be very good in battle, what use is there for a boy such as yourself?” Yugi gripped his hakama tightly and bit the inside of his cheek.
“We’re just travelers.” Seto interrupted earning a look of amusement from the man. The one beside him chuckled under his breath.
“Oh really?” He asked then rose from his seat. “Normally people do not just fall out of the sky into the middle of a battle field…traveler.”
Seto could make no reply to that. He had to admit, the man made a good point.
“Where did you take my friends?” Yugi asked urgently desperately wanting to know where they were.
“You do not need to worry about them. I assure you that nothing will happen to them.” Yugi felt a little comforted by the words but it didn’t calm him one bit. “I would be more worried about your friend here. He injured one of my warriors, so I cannot let him off so easily.”
Yugi’s shoulders slumped.
“What would you have had me do in that situation then? Just let them slice through my colleague here without a thought.” Seto sneered.
The man made no reply but walked over to one of the doors, “you can make up for it. You can enter the next battle with me, and prove your worth.”
Yugi gaped and Seto growled irritated. “You want the truth, whoever you are, I need that pendant around your neck. It’s a very important item to me and I need it to get a very good friend of mine back.” Yugi snapped not needing to waste any more time. Waving his hand before Seto could speak Yugi sighed heavily. “I knew the first one was too easy.” Yugi rose from his seat and bowed his head. “I know that I have no place to request that item from around your neck. But I assure you, it is going to a good cause.”
The room was silent once more and Yugi and Seto turned to face another wall as Tea’s shouts resounded throughout the dojo. Yugi smacked his forehead and Seto shook his head. This was going to be hard.
“I’ll do it Yugi. I’ll go into their next battle.” Seto said with a look of defeat. “There’s no other way we’re going to be able to do this.”
“Well, if you’re going in then so am I.” Yugi said determined ignoring the disbelieving looks. “This was supposed to be my mission, so I should do this as well.”
“Are you crazy Yugi?” Seto asked bewildered.
“Apparently,” he mumbled.
The leader gave a long laugh. Yugi himself found it insulting but with his short stature he couldn’t blame him. He had to do whatever it took to get the pendant. If worse came to worse they would have to steal the item and make a quick escape.
“If you come out of the battle alive, I will personally give you this pendant boy.” He said tapping the golden item. It gave off a ripple of power and Yugi moved back into Seto’s side. He felt like his soul was being touched. The deepest regions of his body were tingling uncomfortably making him feel exposed. “What say you?”
Yugi shook his head violently shaking away the unwanted feelings and looked up at him. “I’ll make it out alive.”

“Are you insane Yug?!” Joey exclaimed slamming his hand into the floor. “These people are fightin’ with katanas! They are killing other people Yug!”
“Down puppy.” Mai mumbled. Joey gave her a hard glare. “I know how serious this is too but, do you think you’re helping?” Joey fell backwards and rubbed his face. Everything was falling apart.
Tea sat nibbling on a dumpling trying to comprehend the situation.
“And why didn’t you do anythin’?” Joey shot at Seto making his frown.
“It’s not like you’re running to their leader trying to take his place.” He shot back. Then the staring contest started.
Ignoring them Yugi turned to Mai. “I think I could do something. Just because I’m short that doesn’t mean I’m incapable of doing things.” She smiled softly.
“I know that Yugi but, these times are different. No one is going to stop just because you’re small, I’m worried about what might happen to you.” She said rubbing his arm.
Yugi just shrugged making her sigh. “The person that I most absolutely care about is being tortured by someone he thought loved him. He’s gone through a lot…and, there’s nothing worse than not being able to tell them how much of a pompous ass they’ve been because they didn’t realize all the signs and make a move.” Mai nodded her head in agreement she couldn’t make any comment for that. Yugi mumbled afterwards, “I still can’t believe Joey noticed and he didn’t.”
“A’right, a’right I get it. Just so you know I can be amazin’ too, just give me my chance and I’ll blow you all away.” His arm shot up in promise. Seto rolled his eyes, Mai waved her hand and Yugi smiled. Tea continued to eat the dumplings.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you got fat off of those.” Seto said offhandedly.
“For your information, I work out.” Tea growled.
“Shut up,” Mai snapped. “Bunch of idiots, do you know how irritating you two are? I don’t know why you came Tea…You’re always in the way. You nearly got us caught in the auction house.” Mai said her voice rising with every word. “You better start getting with the situation because if you don’t, we won’t make it back.”
“I second that.” Seto agreed.
Joey said nothing but pat her on the shoulder.
Yugi nearly jumped into the air when the door slid open making a loud smacking noise. Three men walked in, suited in training gear, and passed Yugi and Seto’s along to them. “You are to begin training now, the fair haired man as well.” Was all the middle man said and they vanished again.
Seto rose first, “I guess we had better get to it then.”
“He called me a fair haired man…I am so weirded out right now.” Joey said rubbing the back of his neck.
“Wheeler, it’s Ancient Japan, I still can’t get over the fact of how much power that hourglass has.” Seto said and moved to another room to get changed.
“Wow, he said that without calling you mutt, or puppy, or any of his other really kinky nicknames.” Mai commented making a royal blush flourish on Joey’s cheeks. He too left to change.
Tea turned her attention back to Mai when her shock left her. She opened her mouth but shut it again. “That’s good Tea, you just leave that one alone.” Yugi said and set to get ready behind a change wall. “Hey I can’t believe they had something in my size.”
“It’s probably from a child Yugi.” Mai said.
“I don’t care.” He sang.

Mai and Tea sat outside with one of the women as the training began. Seto seemed pretty well off without having to need much instruction. Joey got the gist of it, although, crashing into random objects couldn’t justify him. Yugi was determined. His sword slid through the air shakily at first, and Mai knew he was struggling, but he didn’t stop. Tea shouted words of encouragement to which Mai had a headache by the second minute of her calls. She was tempted to slam her fist over her head, but it seemed to make Yugi happier so she bared it. His smaller frame dissuaded her from actually allowing him to go into battle. But it was as if Yami was standing beside him encouraging him.
“Hey Mai, that thing you said to Joey, does he really like Kaiba?” Tea asked turning to face her.
Mai shrugged her shoulders. “I just like getting on Joey’s last nerve like everyone else.” She said. “Yugi do you want a drink of water.”
“In a minute,” he called whacking his target. Tea jumped beside her and moved closer.
“They’re only training Tea. It’s not like they’re going to explode.” Mai laughed.
“No, it’s not that…” She mumbled gripping Mai’s purple kimono. She pointed quickly across the way and Mai spotted two men looking over at them. “It’s those two. They have’t stopped looking at us since we sat out here.”
Mai sighed. “Doesn’t surprise me, and I’m not just being cocky either. Women don’t go into battle Tea, it’s probably weird that we’re just sitting here.” Sitting back Mai returned her gaze to Joey who was shouting at Seto. “They’re fighting again.”
“They’re always fighting, they’re like two old women fighting over something.” Tea mumbled crossing her arms.

Yugi felt the muscles in his back burning. He wasn’t used to so much force but he had to do it. He would do anything to get the items. Wiping the sweat from his brow he looked around while he caught his breath. Men were training all over the grounds. A whole platoon were slashing swords synchronized, they looked deadly without even being in battle. The air was musky and made him cringe. Seto and Joey were fighting which made Yugi shake his head.
“Oi, boy, how about you spar with me to see what you can do?” Asked the man who was in the room with him and Seto. Yugi scratched his head thoughtfully. He could use the practice…but the guy could also kill him by chance. He glowered at the thought of that.
Taking a deep breath Yugi nodded. ‘I’m kind of glad they gave me a wakizashi, I don’t think I’d be able to lift a katana.’ Yugi thought looking at the short blade. ‘Just a testament to how short I am though…ugh.’
The man’s name was Ryuu. He was fairly tall and had a strong build. He was the one that suggested giving Yugi the wakizashi. Yugi was thankful to him. He seemed to be a very understanding person, but he hoped it wasn’t for certain reasons. He had ruffled his hair when he was given the short swords. Joey had pat him on the back and said he was lucky he was given a blade. That made Yugi feel even better. So now he was standing before him readying himself for attack. Ryuu stuck a wooden sword in the ground before him and retook his position. Yugi sighed in relief. Sheathing his wakizashi he took up the wooden blade and Ryuu made the first move.
Yugi bit back a cry as he blocked weakly Ryuu’s own wooden blade. He could feel the weight of Ryuu’s body as he leaned forward. Yugi dipped himself catching Ryuu off guard and hit his leg. Ryuu laughed heartily and nodded his head in regard to the attack. “Very well thought out,” he said and retook his stance.
Yugi wasn’t so lucky for the next half hour. During Joey and Seto’s sparring-or Seto beating Joey to a pulp- they had turned their attention to his and Ryuu’s match. Ryuu had hit him to the ground so many times, the last time he fell he didn’t have the nerve or strength to get back up. “Come on Yug one more time.” Joey cheered.
“Yeah Yugi, you can do it.” Tea called out clapping her hands.
Yugi was too exhausted but he felt good. So, slowly but surely he got to his feet and met Ryuu’s gaze again. “I don’t have a lot in me right now, but I’ll try.” Yugi promised holding up the wooden sword once more.
“That means you have a warriors soul.” Ryuu said with a smirk. “You’ll need it in battle.” Ryuu launched an attack and Yugi braced himself for it. He had to be ready for the battle so that he could get the pendant when he returned from the battle.
Joey placed his hands on his hips and nodded in approval as Yugi held his ground. “Dis is why he’s gettin’ Yami back.” Seto glanced at him briefly but nodded slightly in agreement.
‘He deserves to get him back.’
Yugi gasped as Ryuu’s wooden sword smacked against the hilt of his own and his defense became wide open. He shut his eyes tight as Ryuu’s body pushed him into the ground and felt the tip of the sword against his neck. Peeking up with one eye the sword moved away and Ryuu held out his hand. “You did well for your first time. I think you’ll be ready when the time comes.” Yugi beamed brightly.
“Arigatou.” He said and was soon back, albeit wobbly, on his own two feet.
Ryuu gave him and sharp nod, both bowed, and Ryuu went back to helping some others with their stances.
Nearly collapsing again when Joey whacked him on the shoulder Yugi gripped his arm. “You did awesome Yug, you seem, exhausted though.” Joey said helping him stand.
Yugi finally seemed to be able to catch his breath and looked out at the horizon. “I’m hungry…and need a bath.”
“I think everyone here does.” Tea said as she came to stand next to them. “Why can’t we just try to take the pendant Yugi?”
“Because, we are going to do this this way, it’s more honorable…and it feels like I’ll actually be able to accomplish something on my own this time.” Yugi answered angrily. He stormed his way back to the dojo to look for water. Mai gave him a cup and spoke to him about how good he did.
“Way to go Tea, I’m sure that made him feel great. Ya know he’s doin’ dis so he can get the pendant right?” She shook her head and Joey sighed.
“Then you should start paying attention to him so that you know. This is why we need to you to pay attention, or is that just a little too hard?” Seto asked before returning to his practice. If they have to travel and go through more trials like this to get the other items, he was making it a point to Yugi that Tea was not going to be joining them. He would sooner dress up as a clown and do childrens shows, and that was saying a lot.

“Ah! This feels so good!” Yugi exclaimed as he settled down in his bed. He had gone to the hot springs with Joey who tried desperately to peek at the women’s side. Yugi made a point that they did nasty torture which got Joey to sit quietly in the spring.
“I’d say after everything ya went through today.” Joey said sliding under his blankets. Yugi rolled over and smiled.
“You did pretty good out there too Joey.”
“Nah, I was makin’ a fool of myself like usual.” He grumbled crossing his arms under his head.
“No I mean it, and I’m really glad that you came with me.” Yugi said patting him on the arm. “I didn’t think that you’d want to travel with Seto…not after what happened-.”
“Yug, I didn’t think you’d want to. He is the one that was with Yami all those times…I don’t understand it…” Joey said looking over at his best friend. Yugi looked elsewhere and rested his head on his hands. Joey saw a sad glint in his eye and shut his eyes. “Yugi, sometimes these things happen you know. I mean, I don’t think there are people in the world who go around trying to collect items to bring back spirits but…a lot of people do go through situations like ours…” Yugi nodded. “But you know I’m always there when you wanna talk about anything. I may not always give golden advice, but I’ll always tell ya the truth.”
Yugi chuckled. “I know Joey, that’s what I appreciate the most.” He said and tried to get more comfortable.
“What, my character isn’t my most stunnin’ feature?” Yugi laughed.
“You’re something Joey. Leave me alone, I want sleep…probably more training tomorrow.” Joey caved and settled down into a better position.
It was quiet for a while, then Joey asked, “where is money-bags anyway?”
Yugi sat up as the lantern blew out. He felt the familiar chill of the Shadow Realm and he gripped Joey’s arm. “I think Seth’s found us.”

Mai let her hair fall loose and sighed in relief. She felt like her scalp was being pulled apart. Tea was already fast asleep and the room was quiet. Moving to blow out her candle she noticed black blotches in the walls. Raising in alarm she quickly made her way over to Tea. “Wake up hun,” she hissed and Tea woke with a start.
“What? What is it?”
“Sh, be quiet. We need to find the guys.” She said and made her way to the door. Tea was soon hot on her heels and they raced through the dojo quickly. Mai nearly screamed when she bumped into Seto. “You gave me the biggest fright, don’t do that.” She growled and smacked his shoulder.
“I’m sorry you must mistake me for someone else.” Mai looked up and froze. The man looked like Seto, but he wore gold and Ancient Egyptian attire. Slowly she edged back meeting Tea’s body. The man smiled darkly and turned to them. “I see I have found out where that pestering little Yugi is.”
“I don’t feel very good.” Tea mumbled as a tingling feeling passed over her body. She found herself blacking out and in a deep sleep.
Mai felt a strong grip on her arm and found it bending in an unnatural way. “Tea…what are you doing?” She asked painfully.
“You’re friend can be easily possessed you know. Maybe you can lead me to where Yugi is and I’ll just break one arm.” Seth said running his finger across her cheek. “Will you do that for me?” Mai kicked him back and leaned back against Tea forcing her into a wall. Both crashed through it making the men on the other side jump up in surprise and Mai stepped away from Tea quickly, she needed to find Yugi.
Running back into the hall she found Seth gaining his bearings and she quickly took off for the room the others would be in. Noticing them already in the hall Mai sighed in relief. “Yugi, Joey, Seth is here.”
“Where’s Seto?” Yugi asked as he and Joey came to stand with her.
“I don’t know I haven’t seen him.” Mai said looking down the halls.
Yugi rubbed his shoulders trying to get some warmth back into his body. “What about Tea?”
“She’s been possessed.” Mai answered. The lanterns around them all blew out and more people walked into the halls.
Joey noticed a body laying in the hall down from them and ran towards it. “I found Seto. Wake up money-bags! This is no time to be sleeping.” Joey said smacking Seto’s face making him wake up quickly. Joey bit his lip and rose to look back at the others. “What happened to you?”
“I don’t know. I think something attacked me.” Seto said rubbing the back of his head.
A loud thunderous roar shook the confines of the dojo and Yugi gripped the corner of the wall. “That sounded oddly familiar.” Mai said.
“We can’t let anyone know about the Shadow Realm. Or about Seth or anything. Mai you and Joey go and find out where Tea and Seth are. Seto you’re coming with me to find out what that was.”
“Why do I get the easy job?” Joey groaned.
“Because, Seth knows me and Seto probably, he’s seen Mai, he won’t know about you.” Yugi explained and he took off with Seto close behind.
“Don’t mess up mutt.” He called back and Joey mimicked him with his hand.
“Show me the way Mai.” He grumbled and she sped along down the hall.
“You know I actually prefer Tea possessed. At least then she isn’t talking.” Joey couldn’t help laughing.

Yugi felt the wet earth between his toes. Looking up into the sky he saw the glint of silver and a massive gust of wind blew over them. “It’s the Blue Eyes.” Seto said coming to stand next to him. People were pouring into the area and crowding around lights.
“We’re going to have a problem if everyone sees us defeat a dragon.” Yugi said softly looking up at him.
“It’s something we’re going to have to risk. I don’t think any of us anticipated Seth finding us this quickly, but we’ll have to deal with it.” Seto said. “It has a high attack power though.”
“Use a trap card.”
“We don’t have any shadow magic Yugi.” Seto stated making him slump.
Yugi clenched his fists tightly. The Blue Eyes gave a loud roar. It was preparing to attack. Taking up his small bag he took out the slip of paper with the information of the items on it, plus the hourglass. “Mana, if you can hear me I really need your help.” He whispered. Holding out the hourglass on it’s side small yellow clocks began to appear all over the village. Yugi noticed a beautiful woman appear before them along with Siamun and Mahado.
“Don’t not fret little Hikari, we have come to help you.” The woman said. “My name is Kisara.” She flew up to the Blue Eyes and ran her hand over its snout. Its ferocity lessened and vanished into the darkness of the Shadows. Siamun walked up to Yugi and smiled.
“The Blue Eyes will not hunt you any longer now that’s it’s true master has called it back. Seth has been detained. Hopefully we will buy you enough time that you can make it back to the present with all of the items you are seeking.” Siamun turned back to Mahado and they vanished into the night. The moon revealed itself and the clocks vanished.
Yugi stood still recovering beside Seto and quickly moved everything back into his bag. “I don’t know how long we have, but we need to get the pendant soon.”

Joey sat quietly between Mai and Tea when Seto and Yugi found them. Tea looked weary and a little grey but otherwise fine. Mai beckoned him over and he sat curled into her side. “Seth was gone before me and Joey found Tea.” She said rubbing his arm. “I don’t think we have a lot of time left Yugi.”
“I don’t either. Seth is able to track us now that he’s taken over Tea. He’ll probably be able to track us through her.” Yugi said appreciating Mai’s small comfort. “He didn’t hurt you did he Mai?”
“No don’t worry about it.” She brushed off and looked up at Seto. “What about you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He said seating himself beside Yugi.
All five straightened as Ryuu and the leader stood before them. Yugi got up onto his feet quickly as did the others. He was about to speak but the leader waved his hand. Yugi edged back and hugged his bag close to his body. “The events the transpired tonight, will not happen again if you leave, am I correct?” Yugi nodded hesitantly.
“I’m not leaving without the pendant.” He added.
The leader smirked. “I didn’t think that you would. This is to protect my people. I’m sure you would have been great in battle, but I cannot risk more danger to the lives of those who reside here.” Yugi watched in surprise as the leader removed the pendant from his neck. “You should be grateful to Ryuu, he was the one that expressed the interest in me giving the pendant to you. It would have gone to the next person who would become leader as I have, but your task seems more dire.”
“You have no idea.” Seto muttered.
Mai smacked his bruise making him grunt in pain. Yugi shot a glare at him and held out his hand. “Hopefully it will be of good use to you.”
“I assure you that it will be.” Yugi said and gave him a thankful smile. “I don’t know how to show you how much I really appreciate this.”
“All you need to do is bring your friend back. That will be enough to show how much it is appreciated.” Yugi nodded and looked at his friends. They all gave him nods and Yugi turned his head back to the leader. “Will you be leaving now?”
“Yes, we have to get one more item before we can return home.” Yugi said and the others got to their feet. They all bowed their heads.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for us.” Mai said.
Seto led the way outside and they stood in a well secluded area. “I’m ready to leave.” Tea said nearly jumping when Yugi pulled out the hourglass. “One more item and then home!” She cheered.
“Shut up,” they all hissed.
“Someone might come and see us.” Mai growled making sure no one had heard.
“Alright guys, lets get this time travel over with.” Yugi said holding out his hand. His hand was soon covered. The glowing of the clocks blurred Yugi’s vision and the scenery ripped away and passed into nothingness.

See...weird...anyway onwards the road of life isn't ending yet and Yugi needs to get Yami back soon!