Memoria

Ta-Da? I know. This is a long time coming guys. But I hope you're still with me and you enjoy this chapter. It's a little rough around the edges, it's kind of out of flow with the story, and I apologize for that (and the typos ha ha) but I do hope you enjoy.


Chapter 14: Wearing the Heavenly Armour

How they did it Malik didn’t now. He was jet-lagged from the one flight and already felt the pulls of exhaustion and a headache. “You guys…are amazing.” He yawned.

Yugi smiled tiredly and pat him on the arm. “Flying is only half of it.” He said and wandered on ahead.

Mai sighed and matched pace with Malik and Seto. “Yugi is exhausting himself.” Malik said.

“We know.” They murmured in unison.

“But I would be lying if I said we weren’t doing the same thing.” She said softly. “He’s being pushed by his own determination…and his want of getting Yami back.”

Malik growled, “see, that’s the thing I don’t get.” He rubbed his temples trying to will away the headache, he could feel the Shadow Realm in the recesses of his mind. “Yami left…” The two beside him tensed. “Why does Yugi want to get him back?”

Seto shook his head and exhaled in vague annoyance. “He loves him…and he’s going to tell him that.”

“Yeah but, there’s no way to know that Yami feels the same way.” Malik argued.

“Only Yugi knows.” Mai said. “After he read that letter...I’m guessing the answer was in it.” They came to stand beside Yugi by the baggage claim and Mai rested her hand on his shoulder. “How you holding up small fry?”

“I could use a vacation on a beach somewhere…with Coconut milk…” He said distantly.

“I agree with that. I wouldn’t mind a beach vacation after this.” Mai concurred.

“Well you guys certainly deserve it.” Malik said and jumped when the conveyor belt started. He whipped around however and pressed a dagger to the neck of a tall dark haired man. “Who are you?”

The man pushed Malik’s hand away and straightened his suit. He turned his attention away from Malik and smiled at Yugi. “’ello Yugi Motou.” He greeted.

Yugi smiled weakly. “Hello?”

“Oh, names Ian. I’ll be taking you to the armour.” He said and shook Yugi’s hand.

“We’re not going to be riding camels are we?” Yugi jested.

Ian laughed, “most certainly not, we’ll be going in a vehicle. I’ll let Simon know you’ve made it…and don’t worry about Shadow Magic.” This he aimed at Malik. “Isis tells me that you’ve been through hell and back on this trip so far.”

“It’s not over yet.” Seto said pessimistically.

“Well you wouldn’t be here if it was. Don’t worry, you’re safe with me.” Ian said and left them.

Yugi looked at each of his comrades in turn and sighed. “I do kind of feel safe around him.” Yugi couldn’t place it. He really did believe that they were safe. This time he was going with his gut feelings. “Although I don’t know how he can deter a mad crazed ancient spirit…”

“Ryou lived with it…and so did I…although we aren’t that normal, we’re still standing.” Malik said darkly.

“You guys are so depressing. It’s not good for your skin or your overall health. We have things to do remember?” Mai reminded them and handed Yugi his bag. “I wish we could have been here without having all this…this mess.”

“I’m sorry Mai.”

“Can you imagine all of the shopping I could have done?” Yugi couldn’t help but laugh and they made their way through the evening travelers. Out of no where Ian seemed to appear which startled the group, well Malik, Mai and Yugi were startled. Seto mumbled under his breath how creepy the he was.

“I think he’s kind of attractive.” Mai admitted. They came to a blue van and a grey-haired man opened the side door. “Wow, this is nice.”

“It’s just courtesy ma’am. I hope you enjoy the ride.” He said and closed the door after them. Ian was already seated in the front passengers side.

“You can sleep if you wish. It’ll take us a while to get to the mansion.” Ian said and they started on their way. Without needing further incentive everyone passed out save for Seto.

“You seem to know a lot about Shadow Magic.” He said offhandedly.

“I’ve had to study it for years.” Ian said his smiling demeanor gone. “I would think you of all people would understand Seto Kaiba. You are business man after all. You need to know your market and the forces that come with it.”

“Shadow Magic is not an underworld boss's regular market.”

“That’s why people like me remain out of the spotlight.” Ian said looking off into the distance. “As I said before, you do not have to worry about being attacked. He will not be able to harm you with me around.”

Seto’s mind was finally at ease. Yugi had been right. There was something about the man that assured him they were well-protected. He didn’t know when he had fallen asleep but Seto found himself being woken by Yugi. “We’re here Seto.” The smaller teen said and they got out of the van.

“Mansion my ass…that’s a castle.” Seto grumbled.

“Whatever Seto, just come on.” Mai said and she and Yugi walked with Ian into the large estate. Yugi noticed guards every so often as they ventured further into the large complex. He looked at the paintings and halted abruptly. He smiled and called out to Mai and Seto. Looking back up at the familiar dark red haired princess the three smiled. She was next to a man and a small smile on her lips. “It’s so weird…seeing history settled…especially when you had a hand in it.” Mai said.

“I see you admire this painting.” Simon said.

“Where did you get it from?”

“A merchant from France, came at a high price. Supposedly a letter was written by Davida saying that she found her true love after 5 strangers helped her and she gave her lovely earrings to them as a gift.” Ian said as he came to stop beside them. “Lovely story, but we must press on.” He once more took off and came to two twin burgundy doors and pushed them open. Yugi and the others followed suit and in the middle of the room rested a dark blue suit of armour. Yugi couldn’t help smiling when he saw it.

“How are we supposed to take this on the plane?”

“Well, you’ll be taking my private charter back to Domino.”

“Why couldn’t you have just sent it?” Seto inquired.

“Because it will only move if someone wears it…and I have no intention of wearing it.” Ian admitted a solemn look passed over his face.

“What happened?” Yugi asked and their attention went to Ian.

“You feel the pain of the last wearer if you are not using the armour for purposes of noble worth.” Ian said a pained smile on his face. “Wish I had known that before I put the damn suit on.”

“Oh great…” Seto mumbled.

“What?” Malik asked.

“You do realize who is going to have to wear it right?” Seto growled.

Yugi’s eyes widened and looked at Seto. “I would if I was tall enough…”

“Wasn’t going to tease you about your height, Yugi,” Seto admitted. “I doubt Malik would be able to wear it.”

“Yeah I doubt myself too.” Malik chuckled.

Mai however shook her head. “I could try it. All this time I’ve only been there for Yugi, it’s time I actually did something more. I’ll do it.” She volunteered which surprised them. “What you don’t think a girl can do it?”

“Well the armour was originally made for a woman.” Ian informed. “I found that out too by wearing it.”

“Maybe that’s why it shot you down.” Seto sneered jokingly.

“Ha ha, ha. Very funny,” Ian said with a smirk. “Come Mai. Let’s see if it will work for you.” He motioned her forward. She walked forward with her usual confidence and Ian told her to place her hand in the hand print on the shoulder guard. She paused for a minute or two and rested her hand in the groove and the armour began to shake. “Don’t move your hand.” Ian said and Mai remained still.

Mai kept her eyes trained on the suit and suddenly felt a cool sensation sweep over her skin. The armour began to break apart and slowly floated over to her and began suiting her body. In no time she was fully suited in the cool metal suit and she took a deep breath then cried out in agony.

“Mai?! What’s wrong?” Yugi asked as they all came forward.

“Go figure I get the smelly job. My hair is going to reek for days.” Mai whined. “Oh well, I’ll deal I suppose.” She said.

“You had us worried you crazy woman.” Malik shouted angrily.

Yugi couldn’t help laughing out loud and nearly collapsed to the ground. “Oh Mai…where would I be without you?”

“You wouldn’t be here at all, nor have anyone to properly wear this armour.” Mai said and flexed her fingers. “It’s so cool…like, it’s chilling almost.”

“Nearly burned me into oblivion,” Ian said. The lights flickered and Ian sighed. “We best be on the move. He’ll destroy my mansion the bloody bugger.” Ian growled. “Come on. Simon will drive us back to the airport.” Without hesitating they all made their way back outside and towards the van. Before they could reach it a giant clawed hand ripped through it and it was thrown far across the field. Gluttonous red eyes stared down at them and Yugi edged back.

Mai didn’t know what was happening but the armour was moving her forward. “Well, this is not something I’ll be doing again.” She said and stood between them and the Red Eyes Black Dragon. “I’m glad you’re not here Joey…you wouldn’t like seeing your dragon like this.” Molten fire was barreled towards her. Mai went with the armour and pulled out a small rod. It grew quickly and she twirled it. The blast was deterred and a ray of blue light shot from the end.

“Come on get in, Mai’s doing fine.” Ian commanded the other three. They bolted into the new vehicle and Mai couldn’t help her teeth chattering.

The Dragon was completely encased in ice. She was able to control her body once more and got into the back of the jeep. “As soon as we get home this suit is coming off.” She said as the shivers began to subside.

Yugi looked at her with a worried gaze and she waved it off.

“I didn’t think you had this much of a backbone.” Seto said.

“Someone has to show up you losers once in a while.” Mai laughed. She looked over the small rod and noticed runes etched into it’s shaft. “Not everyone can defeat a dragon in just plain armour.”

“It’s not just plain armour.” Malik scoffed.

“I was...oh nevermind.” Mai snipped.

Yugi smiled. He couldn’t wait to get the suit back to Domino and see his Grandfather and Joey.

*

Bakura watched Ryou cook and sighed heavily. “I think I have to leave now Ryou.”

“Oh?”

“I need to find them, I need to help him.” Bakura said and rose from his seat.

“Well, before you leave, have something to eat. I know what you’re like…and you probably won’t get a warm welcome. I can find out where you can meet them so you don’t get into too many confrontations.” Ryou suggested which made Bakura smile. Ryou was taken aback but he returned it.

“Thank you…hikari.”

*

Tristan sat quietly beside Joey. “Man…it’s not cool seeing you like this.” He admitted and rubbed his temples. “This whole thing is just crazy…it’s crazy. You almost died Joey. Imagine what Yugi would have went through if he lost you on this stupid quest.” Tristan sat back and crossed his arms. “They’re on the way back…apparently the friend Isis had meet them is the most awesome Shadow Realm defender in history…or so Yugi puts it, and the armour is amazing.” Tristan shook his head and looked at the heart monitor. “You gotta pull through Joey. You gotta pull through so that stupid idiot can hear you say you love him.” Tristan nearly jumped when his phone rang. “Yo? Hey Ryou…”

*

The flight back had been the longest part of the whole journey so far. For Mai especially as she couldn’t sleep without being too cold and she couldn’t get comfortable. “This is exhausting.” She grumbled as they were finally nearing their destination.

“Don’t worry Mai, only a little bit more.” Yugi said.

A whole hour later they were finally in the airport hangar. Isis was waiting for them with a big smile. Mokuba was there as well. “Hey big brother.” He greeted.

Isis bowed her head in greeting to Ian. “I really appreciate all the help.” She said to him kindly.

“Well, I’d rather not have a bloody mad man running amuck creating havoc in my means of business. It’s been going on long enough I think. Every bit of help counts I’m sure.”

“Yes…although, why is Mai wearing the armour?”

“Made for a woman…she showed the most bravery. Besides Isis, we need more strong women in this world.” Ian said with a smile. “So they only have one more to find?”

“Only one, it should be the easiest…” Isis said and they were all situated in the cars. “Thanks again, I wish you safe travels on your journey home Ian.” She called and he waved.

Ian stopped beside Seto’s car and looked over at Yugi. “You’ll get him back. You’ve got some pretty good friends with you…I give you luck.” Ian saluted and boarded his plane.

“Interesting character,” Seto said and looked back at Yugi and Mai. “I’ll drop you guys off at the Tristan’s.”

“Actually, would you be able to bring me to the hospital Seto?” Yugi asked.

Seto paused before nodding, “yeah, no problem.”

“You’d better help me first.” Mai said.

Yugi chuckled, “don’t worry I will. Isis said that’s where both Joey and Grandpa are right now. Odion is protecting the both.” Yugi murmured.

“No problem Yugi.” No one noticed the sad glint in Seto’s eyes.


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So, here's chappie 14. I know, I'm evil. I only have one more essay and one final though. Writing helps keep the stress down ha ha. Chapter 15 on the horizon we hope *have your fingers crossed*