Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Deception ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Deception

By: Chibi-Suiko

A/N: Hallo again, my fellow Yami/Anzu lovers. It's been awhile since I've updated, unfortunately... I'm sorry but my computer is still slowly-but-surely dying away... Well, I won't say much accept for that I hope you enjoy as I don't know when I'll be able to update again... **Sigh** Goodbye for now... PLEASE R AND R!

Disclaimer: Don't own it. Don't want anyone else to own it. Don't wanna be sued for stealing characters.

Ages: Everyone current (teenager-wise) is 17 years old except for Anzu for obvious reasons. And if they aren't obvious to you, then, well, you need an upgrade in your brain capacity level. But don't take that personally.

Rating: PG-15 for cursing, angst, possible violence, dark magic, death, and complexity in the plot.

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Things you ought to know:

"Words" - - Speech

Words - - Either thoughts or dream mode, it's not hard to figure out which.

Words / "Words" - - Just means emphasis, in case you couldn't guess. You may also see them in underline or both bold and underline.

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Chapter Five

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" Well, then what are we waiting for..? Let's go rescue Anzu--!" Yuugi grinned at his alter-ego again and both maintained focus as the puzzles light grew brighter until their being was obscured again.

***

It was the same as just before. The whirling envelopment of darkness voided above them, drawing their attention to the sky. They were right next to the soul room again, though, even in the presence of both Yuugi's, the door did not open. Yami touched the brass looking surface, felt nothing there. It was like air yet it was solid. The area was, nevertheless, closed off to them all. It was most likely a precaution to ward off the perpetrator who'd invaded Anzu's mind.

" We should head in that direction." He told his younger side, pointing towards the smallest of lights at the end of the continuous passage. His counterpart nodded and followed closely behind him as he began his treck over to the destination in general.

" Should I go through first?" Yuugi asked in what sounded like a frightened tone. The older one shook his head, not wanting to put the boy through any unneeded trials.

" I will, I'm the one who will be able to withstand this the most." He simply jumped through the blightless whirl of luminosity, and turned back when finished to see absolutely nothing behind him. This sent a stroke of fear down his back. If he and his former host were separated, how would they both get out?

" Yuugi?! Abiou?! Are you there..?!" There was nothing, not even an echo of his voice and it unnerved him to continuing his search, not for only the girl, and for the demon who'd assaulted her, but now his young accomplice as well.

Hardly two minutes worth into her mind and they were all ready separated. How much worse could it get..?

***

It was a room of mirrors, flowers, sunshine, and beauty. He'd never experienced so much interest about his friend, and he'd always thought he knew everything about her. Rose petals littered the ground, dancing shadows flickered with bright candles, and the emulations reflected memories that Yuugi, himself, remembered. Anzu obviously held all of these things dear to her heart.

He walked around, almost immediately recognizing that he had miraculously been transferred to the Soul Room of his best friend. The only problem was that Yami wasn't there. And without him, the journey into this part of her mind was pointless (Plus, he wouldn't be able to get back to the real world). He turned back, hoping to locate the door, but his eyes merely landed on a small picture on a desk near the center of the room. He hadn't remembered that being there before.

" ...A persons mind is the way to their deepest, inner-most thoughts and fears... Anything you want to know..." Yami had told him just before they entered. So was this faceless portrait of someone one of those open-book secrets?

He wanted to turn away, wanted to make his head realize that this was wrong, that he had the choice to do anything otherwise, but it wasn't happening. His feet wouldn't work and he couldn't stop staring at the shadowed photo. And, as he continued to look at it, it seemed to move closer, as though wanting him to inspect it.

It was faded, as though not forgotten but as if she'd been thinking about this being for such a long time that the basis of his existence was beginning to wear thin. He could see no existing face, no eyes, hair, nose, mouth, or head-involved characteristics. The human bodily form was obscured in shadow, the only piece of a clue remaining being the shirt worn by the figure.

It was merely a tee-shirt, no color or imagery. What distinguished it was only that it had an embroidered 'S' on the chest area. This made him look at the stance of the hidden mystery in general. He saw that this being held his arms in a way that looked heroic, his muscles large and healthy.

Was this the man that Anzu loved? If so, than what was to become of Yami and his emotions? Should he tell him..?

He was interrupted from his search by a strike of thunder. The ground shook and sent him reeling and he dropped the picture, only to see it floating back into its place when enveloped in a soft white light. He panicked as he felt the room twisting and dissolving around him. He was thrown this way and that and, knowing that he was in trouble, he yelled.

"ANZU! ANZU, IT'S ME! IT'S YUUGI! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST ME WITH ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY! ANYTHING, YOU CAN TRUST ME WITH YOUR SECRETS!" He shouted, not even thinking about the words before they were spouted from his mouth.

The room still spun and didn't heed his voice. Or so he thought. He felt a soft flutter around him and all the sudden, he was whisked through the floor as he was enveloped in a surreal aura as well. The next thing he knew, he was plummeting two feet onto the floor and rubbing his sore bottom.

"Ite..." He murmured, a pained expression on his face. Next moment, he felt a voice far off in the distance.

"...This way... To Yami..." Came a soft, melodic tune. He immediately recognized the tone.

"Arigatou... Anzu..." He murmured before standing up and continuing. Suddenly there was small white fairy-like stalk of light that flew right in front of him. A murmuring resonated from its center, "Matte! Matte, ari--!" He shouted and the bulb came back to him. He held it in his hand and heard the voice more clearly.

"Abiou..? Abiou! Yell if daijoubu! ABIOU, WHERE ARE YOU--?!" That was when the soft creature struggled in his arms and Yuugi released him, but kept his eyes on it as it flittered away... In the same direction he was going in.

It halted exactly twenty meters away and Yuugi jumped up, finally coming to a conclusion, "A guardian?" And rushed forward.

That was when everything went wrong. There was a shriek, a shock of lightning crashing six feet in front of him, throwing him back, and a death into the darkness...

***

Yami was still looking for Yuugi, whilst also keeping an eye out for his other two subjects as well. He didn't see anything ahead of him except darkness and... Wait... Was that a light?

Yami put up his defense as the glimmering tenshi danced almost excitedly in front of him. Yet... There was something wrong. The dance was almost panicky and, before Yami could ask, the 'thing' was soaring away from him. Yami was compelled to follow it and took off, hoping that, wherever this creature was taking him, it was remotely close to where Yuugi was.

There was another door ahead; it was framed with blood red and aqua blue. It was the exact door that separated him and Yuugi in the first place. So, if he flew through it, would it lead him to his other half? Well, he was sure to find out, as he jumped, head first, through it, just before there was a snap and the blood red turned to flames, seeping up the water like acid.

He turned back around and sighed, appreciative to finally be away from whatever part of Anzu he'd been in.

Next he looked up to see Yuugi... Being dragged through the Soul Room door?! He got to his feet and threw himself at his younger, smaller, frailer unconscious form and attempted to ebb him awake before he was lost in Anzu's dreams.

"Yuugi! Abiou! Ari..! Wake up now before it's too late!" He shouted and rattled his shoulders like a child's toy. There was no hope as he was pulled through and Yami's arms thrown off, leaving him there. Alone. Without a 'soul' (ironically enough) to help him in his rescue.

And, for the first and only time, Yami was afraid. Afraid that he had failed those who meant the very most to him. Afraid that he had failed Yuugi, Anzu... And, most of all, himself. For how was he to succeed ever again, knowing that he'd let the darkness devour the two people who meant the very most to him..?

***

There was nothing ahead, nor behind. Anzu saw that she was blinded, held down, and struggled against her bindings. There was no hope. She was there alone. Alone... Had her friends not tried to rescue her? Were they leaving her behind..? She couldn't believe that they would do this to her! She struggled more violently, hoping to loosen the strange fibers that held her to... Wherever she was... But there was nothing she could do. So she tried to wriggle around and feel for any object that would be of help. Whether it would help her escape, or help her ackownledge where she was, or help her realize that she was not as alone as she seemed...

There was a shuffle next to her, and she felt whatever was there give a jump and turn in her direction. She fended from it as its arms snaked around her own but there was nothing to stop him from catching onto her and holding her there.

"Anzu! Do not run! It's ME! Yuugi!"

Yuugi..? Yuugi! Of course, Yami and Yuugi..!

"Yuugi..? Oh, daijoubu?! G-Gomen ne... It's my fault... I don't know what's going on. I was just bound in here and I can't see and everything's wrong... Where's Yami? Is he okay?" She asked in a rush as Yuugi listened intently, holding her close and attempting to check her over for any type of injury. It was when he looked back into her face that he realized something.

"Anzu... What's wrong with your eyes? They're all dim and... Grey?" He asked.

"What do you mean? I can't see anything so... Oh... Kami-Sama..." Anzu gulped frighteningly and attempted to ebb the darkness from her sight by shutting and reopening her eyelids, "Yuugi... Please tell me that there's just a blindfold over my eyes..." She whispered pleadingly.

Yuugi felt no other way to say it. It was obvious what the problem was. And they both knew there was nothing they could do about it.

"Anzu... I think you're blind..."

***

Yami shuddered, turning back towards the soul room door. They were within there, trapped, and he was beyond there, lost. He prayed to every God among them that Yuugi and Anzu remained safe... But what could he possibly do when there was no way to penetrate..? But, there was..! Yami's hands, which had been tenderizing his temple line, dropped from his face. He had a way... There was a way!

But it included forced entry. Something Yami had vowed never to do. And, to do so to Anzu, who'd done nothing to deserve this... It would be an invasion of her privacy, her security. And it would break her heart, not to mention her trust in him. But... It was the only way to save, not only her, but Yuugi. And she would never let him down, in that sense..! But still, could he do such a thing to her?

"I've never sold myself out to losing before; the King of Games will not be stepping down any day soon." He muttered to himself, decidingly getting to his feet.

"You're strong Pharaoh... However, to save your dear Anzu... Well, there is not so much you can do anymore." Came a sniggering tone from a bit away, "You see, she is all ready as 'wounded' as could be possible. There is no way for her to see you again." Yami's throat ran dry. Did this kuso dare to kill his female?!

"Show yourself kaijou. There is much I have to punish you for." He shouted and grasped his puzzle close to his chest in order to keep it from being taken, which was one thing that had grown very common of his enemies. The Eye of Horus glowed ominously upon his forehead.

There was another laugh, "Do not worry Pharaoh. We shall fight. After all, I must kill the one whose given my Anzu such reason for pain. You are what has caused her to doubt herself as a person to love. And you shall pay for making her hurt!"

"Hurt?! How many lies have you fed to her that could have possibly made her hurt worse than any reality she must have to live?!" Yami's voice was like a ringing growl. He roared in anger, desperate in loathing for this creature who seemed to be acting of the savior role, one that he, himself had always used to defend those he cared for, "Now appear before me otherwise I'll drag you out unwillingly, beast!"

"Perhaps... You would like to see her for yourself..." Was all he heard and his expression changed from anger to light shock a moment later at there was a *click* from behind him, "Go on then, Pharoah; dear Anzu is waiting."

Yami wasted no time in rushing through the soul room door that had mysteriously opened of its own accord. He stared at what lay inside. It was a beautiful vision. Glass mirrors and lovely visuals were everywhere; pictures of their friends, memories, and the sounds of cheers and laughter rung throughout the 'room'. Everything joyous seemed to be raining down upon his head.

A smile rose to his face; it wasn't often but... The feel of this place gave him hope, it made him feel happy. That was... Until he saw and heard Yuugi shouting in the corner. He ran at him and kneeled beside him, before his eyes fell on a newly revealed Anzu, who seemed to be in the same state as his modern-day half.

"Abiou... Daijobou? You and Anzu seem unhurt; did that kaijou do something to you?!" He shouted with an air of down right fury.

"Yami..? Ano... He did nothing to me but, to Anzu..." And he broke off as Yami's head straightened to look into her eyes.

...Accept her eyes were of an unnatural hue.

"Anzu... Daijobou?! What did he DO?!" It was only after she shook her head and told him that she didn't know, that he thought of what the youkai's words had been.

"...There is no way for her to see you again..." That shadow could not have been serious?! Quickly he drew her into a long-awaited embrace and held her there.

"Do not worry Anzu. I will fix this and then your eyes may speak again." He began to feel a burn under his fingertips and realized that her flesh was erupting into flames. It was an iron-hot fire that grazed his clothes and made Yuugi yelp and leap back in semi-fear and shock. His eyes clouded over as he tried to convince himself that what he was seeing become of the dear girl wasn't really happening.

"Pharaoh, though you have the will to save her, you let her burn with a hate and vengeance unadversed? What do you suppose that does for her last remaining hope that you may just love her as she does you?" The wicked laughter became more evident as the last of Anzu's fleshy ashes and shrieks died away.

Yet, when Yami closed and reopened his eyes, she was still there. Obviously relieved that it was all just an illusion, he turned back to face the beast who dared to torment those who could be known as his family, "Your tricks will not work on me fiend!" He stated at the laughing mass of darkness, his nails beginning to grind into his palm.

"You forget, Dear Pharaoh, that I can send your Anzu to the graveyard any given moment. So watch whatever you say because your next action..." He snapped his fingers, producing another illusion of Anzu's remains burning in Hell, "Could be her death."

Yami's clutch on his palms didn't loosen. Yuugi leapt up and stood at his side in order to try and defend him with all that he could muster, which just happened to be words at the moment, "Yami will save Anzu! And we both know that she still trusts us as her friends! But you, what do you wish to gain from destroying Anzu's soul? I suppose that you only hope for consumption of her will?!" He swiped angrily with his arms, mostly hoping to intimidate their adversary.

"Abiou, please, leave this to me... I do not wish for you to get harmed..." And Yami stepped forward, placing his body as a shield in front of the young boy who tried so hard to assist his friends so frequently.

Still, the youkai sniggered... But then he faltered, "You think all I wish of this is a meal? You have no idea how wrong you are, child. I have so much more planned for a hollow corpse than a nights' supper. I have Hell planned for the one who wishes to be friends and/or lovers with the devil that is the former Egyptian ruler. Pharaoh, I have beckoned you here through her in order to avenge what you have destroyed over the centuries."

"You have hurt and possibly permanently wounded my dear Anzu, only to come at me with revenge? What have you against me?! What is there that is so appalling, that I have done to you, that would lead you to make the fearless fear and the doubtless doubt?!" Yami shouted in an almost godly tone. The youkai standing in the shadows did not laugh for once, but rather, he stepped forward so that they were able to see him fully for the first time, though there wasn't much to see, really.

"Young Pharaoh, you have butchered the very essence of The Egyptian Culture. If you do not remember, how I am about to enlighten you..." There was a moment of silence as both Yuugi's were dampened with this thought, "You were the foolish ruler who blinded his people and used his rulership to open continental trade between our land and the other nations! And, by doing so, so frequently, you also happened to divulge the secrets and basis of our homeland. You see? Your trying to present your people with the cross-culture so commonly found today has caused Egypt to lose its purity. All treasures known to us were lost to the disgusting curiosity of man. They have infiltrated our homes and tombs like simple cupboards and taken whatever they wished. And only because of our current-day brothers and sisters have they failed to drain Ancient Egypt of every piece of evidence showing that it ever existed." The kaijou stood silent now, watching as Yami's stone face contorted into confusion and wonder.

"If what you say is true... Than I must have found a way to drown the peoples beliefs. For they would obviously not have gone along with my ideals." The being across from the two didn't reply, "Or is it that my followers agreed with, and possibly even contributed to, my means of bringing underbelly to our land? And now, mistakes known, you've come without moral in order to flush out the truth, baring your displeasure by threatening the lives of those who have nothing to do with us, let alone those who live five thousand years in the future."

"That may be true Pharaoh. But as a priest to the last ruler present in Egypt before the Roman/Egyptian war... I know exactly what forces to press to buy what's right for my homeland. You were the one who suggested we strengthen will against the other nations. After your... Death, and the rebirth of the Nile lands, our new king made true to your word. But, by then, the damage was done. After your demise, your followers saw the outbreak of the stained souls of the world. The men who forced through our gates and carried on the danger of spears, stone, and steel alike. In one day, because of their greed to obtain our gold and riches, we lost one thousand men in battle. Highly impossible, doesn't it seem? Unfortunately Pharaoh, even the old ways have a chance at proving an upset.

"The thing is, we have spent our time biding, learning the ways to penetrate the strongest of men. Through others, as it is currently being proven, is the most capable way of damaging them. So, after I am done with your Dear Anzu, you will be nothing more than damaged goods."

"ENOUGH OF THIS, YOUKAI! Gather your own strength and be ready because I challenge you to a Shadow Game!" Yami shouted fiercely and watched as the new opponents' face twisted into a smile.

"Accepted. And I have all ready prepared the stakes. Here..." And he threw out a hand, breaking the glass mirror that was a part of Anzu's soul room in the process. Yami tried to ignore the jerk he saw out of the corner of his eye, coming from the young girl, "Here is our game board. The rules stand..." Again his arms flew, and next moment, both Yuugi and Anzu's corpses were laying on the ground. They weren't breathing.

"What have you done with them, beast?!" Yami stated, leaning down to inspect their bodies.

"Nothing yet Pharaoh. I've only stolen their souls. It is up to you, however, to determine for how long they are missing. Temporarily or... Permanently." Another snide smirk met Yami's furious gaze, "The rules stand... Each of us will place our soul into a shard of the broken mirror. You will be able to stand being attacked three times (because of the power of the Pharaoh), weakened every single chance. I can stand the blunt four times. My soul has all ready died once and has grown a tolerance to such damage as we are about to inflict upon each other. The other two need only be hit once to be defeated. But do not worry Pharaoh; because I will not be lost to you. Now, the Millennium Puzzle around you neck will stand to be a cursor. Spin it and see... Who will fall. Their bodies cannot stand to live lifeless in the Shadow Realm for long, so we can only play the game for one hour tops. In any case, you'll have to destroy the shards to win the game. But it's not as easy as shattering a few glass pieces..." He created the board, even as he spoke, "You will soon see Pharaoh, just how deep the wrath of your people extends."

And so now Yami stood on one side of the room, the youkai on the other. In the center, four shards lay encircling each other and the faces of the owners appeared in the reflections.

"To spin and possibly destroy your own friends, you must first clear all that is worrying you from your mind. Otherwise you'll have all ready lost to me; not that an open thinking space does much to help anyway... You may use any power hidden within that used corpse of yours. Any that you presume will help you to win. This is the enigma. Be careful pharaoh; after all, you only have five chances to destroy me. That is, unless Anzu's diseased soul can manage to gain faith and learn what you have to say to her, and believe me... By the end of this game, you will wish you'd told her everything... Now, Pharaoh; throw your item into the fire and let the games begin!" Immediately, flames burst from the round of mirrors. As they grew, they mounted the mirror shards, making it nearly impossible to tell which face was on which front.

Yami calmly removed his piece from around his neck and placed it in his arms to throw into the flames. After all, he knew that it wasn't his 'home' that the youkai wanted. But, just as he was about to send it flying, he held the strap and interrupted the almost giddy expression on his adversaries face.

"Hold on, beast. You never mentioned one, if you were to be guessing. After all, it's only fair that you should risk yourself as well as I. Is this not true?"

"Fine, King. I will play. But only because you are so clearly ready to die. I did forget to mention, didn't I, that I know exactly which frame holds my own soul?"

"I guessed as much. But, with all of your rules, I figured that I should be pardoned and granted one request."

"Oh, is my game not yet complex enough for you?"

"It's nothing too bizarre to add. I just wish to have the mirrors revolving." He grinned. He knew full well that the youkai probably had tabs on which mirror was his own, but not even he could have guessed between the fire and the continuous circling of the pieces. If he got what he hoped for, the game really would be only a bowl of fruitful luck.

"...Very well. I will grant you that." He nodded, his grin doubling after softening for a moment, "Now, no more talk. Let us start. Here, King, take your place and choose your fate."

***

Six minutes into the game and Yami was struggling to keep his many mysteries in order. First there was the random guessing of souls embroiled in the flames. Then there was the fact that he also didn't know who the youkai was, on a personal level. Most of his opponents did nothing but chant there name repeatedly, hoping to get him to remember them after they 'crushed him'. Sure, this time it wasn't about rank,

status, or glory... But still, he had to have been young as he was naive enough to believe that a pharaoh had the ability to do whatever he pleased. In truth, a leader of the Egyptian planes and the Nile had the responsibility of turning over sixty-five percent of his power to the higher priests, who were to roam around the city in disguise so as not to get mobbed when they inspected the streets and people.

... But that history was currently beside the point. Yami watched as the beast snapped his fingers and the all ready brewing-hot embers glowed and began to whisk around and around, finally starting their game.

"I shall go first Pharaoh; hosts privilege. You understand, don't you? Or do you wish to take the first failure in the long line bound to come along? It matters not to me."

"Just make your decision, shadow kaijou!"

"Very well. You may go first. Why prolong the fate of one who has embezzled such evil conspiracy his entire life? And, tell you what? I'll give you the privilege of knowing that your defeat is all ready inevitable."

"You will eat those words. I am the Game King, after all. I need no pity or word of any kind from you. However, since you seem so keen on seeing the outcome of this match... Let me introduce to you just what you are up against." And he closed his eyes, opened them again, spotted a burning shadow behind the flames, and struck. The devil grunted, but nothing more. Yami smirked; though he was hiding it well, it was obvious that our dear Game King had hit him head on.

The mass of darkness stiffened, then sniggered softly, almost like he was sucking poison through his nostrils, "Very well, then... Watch as I dispense of all that you live for..!" Nodding his index finger, a stream of wind and water intertwined flew towards the mirror directly in front of him. Next moment there was a shriek and Yami fell to his knees, breathing heavily, "...Not who I was aiming for but your punishment from the Egyptian Ancestry spirits would have been worse, nonetheless. You may go."

"...Perfect." Yami grunted, standing to his feet again, "You are bound to regret this, believe me. For I have never lost a match." And he held out his hand but didn't speak... He watched as the souls' reflections in the mirror whirled around. It seemed that no matter which direction he looked in, he saw only Anzu's face gazing back at him, "One thing beast... If you or I happen to blast one of my friends... Yet later on I win the game... You must swear to return them to me." After the kaijou nodded his consent, Yami turned back, "I play my attack... NOW!" And a flash of thunder and fire swept forward like a god bird and dashed through the front of a mirror, making it crack a small bit. Yami's opponent grunted and twitched, meaning he'd been hit again, yet that was all the reaction given. The continuous circling of the souls halted for a moment as Anzu's eyes closed, meaning that their eyes met for the first time since the beginning of the game. His irises seemed to enter right through her soulless mind. She opened her eyes a moment later, gazing sadly at Yami.

"Too bad, king. It seems her simple human mind doesn't understand what you wish to say. Now it's my turn again..." The youkai closed his eyes for a few moments, and when he opened them again, there was an evil light glittering behind the coal orbs, "Be prepared Pharaoh... For you are about to lose one who is very special to you." Yami's breath was cut short as the next strike of the same two elements as before shuddered through another mirror... Yet this one broke. His eyes widening, he turned back to see... "Little Yuugi looked so appetizing earlier on. His pure soul will be most enjoyable as a celebration meal after I win back the dignity of our nation."

"You... Y-YUUGI! Abiou! Hold on for a moment, youkai! You could not have known whose mirror was there unless you used an unauthorized ability. I demand that you relinquish your unclean ways this moment!" (A/N: Okay, I admit that sounded really immature for him but... What can you do?)

"The only method I've used is my brain. I am not uneducated and hitting the correct mirror can be made simple by one of two ways. Either use your spiritual abilities to sense purity or darkness or use your common mathematical skills. Both of which are easily obtained."

"Perhaps. But now you forget that I will be using these tactics as well. Are you ready? Because now I take control of this battle!" Yami stated, a new assurance showing in his image. 'Now, let me think. I can't very well guess by sensing her light because the Sennen Puzzle is being used to direct whose next at being destroyed. But mathematics might not be the foulest plan of all.'

Yami had taken notice that, no matter how fast the enflamed mirrors spun, the speed never rose or declined. Which meant that if he timed however long it took for the puzzle, plus the mirrors, to make one revolution, it would be easy enough to hit the right glass. (A/N: The mirrors are revolving one way while the Millennium-cursor is revolving another so... It's like a complex, two way multiplication problem.)

Yami shouted fiercely as his brow knit in indecision, "... One... Twio... THREE! NOW!" And there was a shot later when a shriek came from somewhere, leaving him praying that he hadn't hit Anzu's soul mirror on accident. Bust as the bits of dust and shattered glass fell away from his eyesight, he found himself looking into the pained eyes of his opponent. He grinned smugly, watching as, yet again, the cloak of darkness got to his feet, "You have given me the one clue that I need to win this game, and my friends soul back."

"Yes, but could it be, Dear Pharaoh, that you are still too late to stop me from destroying the precious piece of art that is your Anzu?" He snapped his fingers again and they both watched as the carousal of mirrors wound up again, "Stop--!" And Yami felt a shudder in, not only his knees, but his chest. The bind on his soul was weakening with every blast, just like the youkai had spoken. He knew now that, if he didn't win the battle on his next turn, it could all be over.

For him and his Anzu.

~*~*~

A/N: I guess that's all for now! Review for me, the few of you who actually read this! After all, I've been kind enough to update no matter how few reviews I've gotten so far! Well, I'm done complaining!

--Chibi is ending transmission.