Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Love of a Priestess ❯ I'm Sorry ( Chapter 39 )

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

AUTHOR'S NOTE: OMG I'm so sorry! I've had this done for at least a week now… I just never moved it from my aunt's laptop to the computer with Internet!!!

Heh heh… Just work with me on whatever happens, yeah? I kinda made some stuff up and took out some time and in general messed with the plotline of YGO… which I never intended to do, actually… sorry… -wibbles-

Thanks Jenny Galaxie and Phersule for your encouraging reviews! Hopefully this chapter provides SOME answers to your questions…

Chapter 39: I'm Sorry

Wait. She reached out and put a restraining hand on my wrist.

What? I asked, still highly irritated. I thought you wanted to talk to Yami and Yugi.

I do. But first… I need to fuse our minds.

WHAT?! It was weird enough to even have the Dark Magician Girl talking to me; it was even weirder to have her want to take over my mind. My mind wasn't its own as it was—I really didn't want her taking any more of it than had already been claimed.

I need to speak to them through you.

I don't understand…

I'll fuse our minds. Then you Channel, or whatever you call it, with the Pharaoh. He'll see me, not you, and I'll do all the talking, but you'll be there to see it.

And you need me because…?

Just trust me. I think it's important that you see the Pharaoh awaken the first dragon. You are, after all, training to defeat the Great Beast.

You're out of your mind. Actually, she was, she was in my mind… I shook my head to stop that particular train of thought.

No, I'm not. You're learning how to break the Seal of Orichalcos, right? That means you're learning how to prevent the Beast from taking souls. And if it is unable to gather enough souls—or the right souls—then it can't be revived and the threat is gone. Of course, I imagine it won't be nearly that simple, but I'd like to think it is.

I sighed. I'd do whatever she wanted at this point; I was too tired to argue any more. Fine. Here. Do whatever you're going to do, then tell me so I can open the Channel.

She nodded, and pretty soon I felt a strange tingling in under my skin. I'm done, she announced, and I again sought the Channel.

The connection was quick—even the weeks we'd been apart hadn't in any way lessened our bond. I walked over to his still, sleeping form in the dark. As I walked, I noticed that I no longer had my body; instead, I'd become the Dark Magician Girl. So this is what you meant, I remarked wryly.

Yes.

The rest of the conversation was a blur. She explained to him as best she could the situation (doing a better job with him than she had with me; maybe it was the extra practice time she'd had) and then we floated down into a huge chamber. The room was beautiful, the arched dome overhead allowing a pale, very magical light to filter through and illuminate the statues in the center. The three dragons were frozen in what appeared to be ice, each with a sword thrust through some part of their body. The Dark Magician Girl gestured to the dragon with a sword through its eye, and ordered him to remove the sword. He and Yugi looked at each other, then reached together for the jeweled hilt.

If they can pull it out, then all will be as I had hoped. I said nothing in response. There didn't seem to be anything worth saying.

After a few tense moments of the sword not moving, the pair was able to draw the sword successfully (as I had suspected all along), and the ice shrouding it cracked and fell away, revealing a beautiful creature. Its strong body was covered in a green-blue skin, and it reared its head to release its battle cry. It swiveled its powerful head on its long neck in order, it seemed, to look at me—it fixated its deep blue eyes on me, boring tunnels to link it to my soul. My eyes widened in surprise.

I knew this dragon.

As quickly as the realization came, the dragon had turned away from me and was responding to its new master. My mind whirred blindly as the Channeling wrapped up, leaving me and the Dark Magician Girl standing on the balcony of Kaiba's bedroom.

Thank you. I'll return again when it is time for the other dragons to wake.

Wait, I cried, reaching out as if to stop her from leaving my mind. Tell me—the dragons, where did they come from?

She frowned, giant blue eyes narrowing a little and pretty little mouth turning down in a half-pout. I don't know. All I know is that they appeared the first time the world needed to be protected from the Great Beast—

When was that? I asked quickly, pulse rapidly gaining speed beneath my skin.

I don't know, really. Thousands of years ago, I would guess. Perhaps… five thousand years?

Oh. I see. Well. Thank you…

Don't worry, she reassured me. The answers you seek will come in time.

I nodded mutely as she retreated from my mind, still lost in thought. Slowly, I turned, wrapping my thin robe around me tightly. Suddenly, the warm summer night was not as warm as it had seemed, and my robe provided hardly any warmth for my naked body beneath. I hurried back to the bed, crawling in and pressing myself against Kaiba's warmth, pulling the covers up to my chin.

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The next morning I was awakened, not by Kaiba stirring early than I had ordered, but by another presence in my mind. I swore if it was the perky Dark Magician Girl, I'd punch her past Pluto. Thankfully, I didn't have to raise a fist; the presence turned out to be Yami.

Good morning, he greeted me pleasantly, seating himself beside me. I smiled and sat up to take in my surroundings. We were in one of the more comfortable rooms of Yami's mind; this one was well-lit, with a comfortable set of couches and a low table. Rubbing my bleary eyes, I lay back down again, resting my head in Yami's lap.

What is it? I asked sleepily, as he began to gently stroke my hair.

Nothing, really. I just wanted to make sure you were all right.

Shouldn't I be the one checking on you? Did everything go all right? Was anyone hurt?

Well, some things got out of hand. The leader of the Rare Hunters, a man named Marik, was possessed by the dark spirit of his Millennium Item. He started turning the Duels into Shadow Games and sending souls into the Shadow Realm. I noticed that he was irritated—no, flat out angry—as he said this. It was completely out of control. Kaiba wouldn't do anything to stop him. Although I doubt even Kaiba could've done anything to prevent him from Dueling. His eyes were troubled as they gazed back at me. Mai and Joey were both sent.

I gasped, sitting up sharply. Are they all right? I asked fearfully, tears threatening to come to my eyes. I quickly brushed a hand across my eyes, wiping away tears yet unshed. Oh gods… Please don't let anything have happened to those two… I thought to myself.

They seem to be fine. I worry about Mai, a little… he caught her when she was so vulnerable. Joey tried to save her, you know. Just before the final attack… he tried to protect her… He shook his head sadly. Joey got a little reckless. He wanted to avenge Mai, make Marik bring her back. He should have left Marik to me.

But then he would've had to face Kaiba—he would've lost anyway.

But he wouldn't have almost lost his soul, Yami pointed out, and I fell silent.

Joey's fine. Really. He's very strong, and he knew that the rest of us were pulling for him.

I frowned. I wish Kaiba had told me about this when I asked what happened.

Kaiba keeps trying to deny it ever happened. He saw the whole thing, but he'd rather act as though there was no dark magic or evil spirit at work during his tournament.

But Mai…

We can only hope she'll recover fully. I'm not worried about her physical body—that was just fine, Tea watched over her during the Duels. But I am worried about her spirit… I don't know what she saw while she was in the Shadow Realm, what evil visions he showed her, but I think… I think they broke her.

No… I whispered, pain clutching my chest. That can't… She wouldn't…

I know. We all thought she was stronger than that—we thought she knew how much she meant to Joey and the rest of us—but especially Joey!

I mentally resolved to speak to Mai myself, to try to bring back the spunky, confident woman I'd known and loved. Sighing sadly, I lay back down, snuggling against Yami as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Yami?

I'm sorry I could not protect Mai. I wish… I wish I had been strong enough to.

Don't apologize. There was nothing you could do, I'm sure; otherwise you would have done something. I'm just glad you're safe.

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“Can I get up now?” Kaiba asked groggily, burying his face in my bare shoulder and pulling me out of my comfortable Channel with Yami.

I wanted to confront him, demand to know why he hadn't told me to two of my best friends had been sent to the Shadow Realm, where their souls might have been lost forever, but decided against it. If Kaiba refused to acknowledge the presence and working of magic, then how could I explain how I knew? And how would I ever explain what had happened the weekend our wedding was supposed to have taken place originally? And then—this one was a doozie—how would I explain what I was?

So instead, I rolled over playfully and ruffled his usually neat hair and smiled. “What time is it?”

“11:28,” he mumbled into my shoulder.

“No. I thought I was bringing you breakfast in bed.”

“How about I just have you instead?”

I gasped at his blatantly sexual statement, and pulled away in mock shock. “Seto Kaiba!” He smirked at me, both recklessly and lazily, watching me with those beautiful blue eyes.

“I thought it was a reasonable proposition.”

“Then you don't know me very well.”

“I would agree with that. That's why you should stay.”

“I beg to differ. You stay in bed, while I make you breakfast. And don't you dare budge—unless it's to take a relaxing bath again.” I hopped out of bed, pulled a nightdress on, and headed for the door. “And relaxing does not require your briefcase!” I called back over my shoulder, and I heard him groan and flop back down on the bed.

Twenty minutes later I was back in the room, bearing a tray of traditional breakfast foods. A fruit salad, eggs, bacon, toast, and orange juice were arranged neatly and in a very aesthetically pleasing manner. I placed the tray on the bed beside Kaiba and sat down on his other side, perched delicately on the edge of the bed. His eyes widened appreciatively as he took in the large breakfast I'd prepared.

“You made all this?” he asked, a note of disbelief in his voice.

“No, I waved my magic wand and `poof,' it all appeared on the tray.”

His next action surprised me so much that I was unable to respond properly. He reached over and hugged me with one arm, pulling me against him. “Thank you. And I… I didn't… I didn't mean to offend you.” He let me go quickly, but not as if he was uncomfortable, and turned back to his breakfast. He began eating silently while I gawked at the back of his head. Had the Seto Kaiba just apologized to me? Granted, he never said, “I'm sorry,” but wasn't what I'd just heard close enough?

Maybe… but maybe not. Maybe it was his way of saying he was sorry, but maybe it was his way of avoiding having to say it—to avoid the embarrassment of actually lowering himself to that level. It would naturally be very difficult for someone as proud as he was to actually apologize to me. Yes, that must be it.

But I wondered, as I watched him slowly chew and swallow, if in his heart he really was saying, “I'm sorry.”

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The next day, I finally allowed Kaiba out of the house. He leapt at the chance to get to Kaiba Corp., but slowed his getting-ready pace when I gave him a look over my shoulder. He ate breakfast in a relatively leisurely fashion, sauntered out towards his limo, even ordered his driver to drive at 5 mph out of the driveway, and at the speed limit 45 mph outside the house. Once he was out of my sight, though, I assumed the driver would be going over 70 without a second thought.

Sighing, I sat down at the counter with a cup of coffee and contemplated what to do. Tea and Serenity had called the night before, asking if I wanted to go shopping with them. I decided to take them up on the offer, and lifted the phone to call them. I quickly made plans with Tea, then set about getting ready. As I changed into more comfortable clothes, I decided I would go pay Mai a visit before I met the other two. Maybe I could convince her to come along… I didn't know how bad she was; Yami and the others apparently hadn't seen her since their return to Domino.

I walked down the streets, stopping at the red lights, turning the appropriate corners. The sun shone brightly and prettily, promising not only a hot summer day, but also the much written about “brighter tomorrow.” Even with the darkness of the past and confusion hanging over me, the bright golden light of the sun could almost convince me that tomorrow would be brighter than today.

As I turned the final corner before Mai's apartment building, a tall man walking briskly turned the corner too sharply. We collided soundly, me falling rather ungracefully backwards and he stumbling a bit to the side. Embarrassed and apologetic, I stood, brushing myself off, hastily voicing my sincerest apologies for my blunder. I knew that it hadn't been my fault, but I saw no reason not to be polite anyway. He dusted off his light bluish-white suit, and merely shook his head.

“No, it is I who should be apologizing. I was not paying attention. I'm terribly sorry,” he said, in a deep, rich accented voice.

Curious, and entranced by the beautiful voice, I tilted my head upwards a little to get a better look at the stranger. He was tall—very tall, as tall as Kaiba I suspected—with a refined air brought by wealth and power. Yet here he was, walking down the street like any normal person! His pale suit was impeccable, from the crisp pleats in his pants to the sharp tie at his neck. His hair was white, and was well-styled and kept. It hung nearly to his feet, and was tied back in a low ponytail near the base of his neck. Most intriguing, though, were his eyes… as I gazed into their narrow, catlike depths, I noticed that one was a beautiful sea green-blue, while the other was a brilliant gold.

I flushed, realizing I must have been intruding into his personal space—in order to gaze into his catlike eyes, I'd leaned forward on my toes into his face. “I'm so sorry,” I said, looking away quickly. “Are you sure you're all right?”

“Positive,” he said, gazing at me disinterestedly. But you can always tell—when someone intentionally looks at you disinterestedly, you know they're interested in you. “But thank you for asking.” He checked his fine gold watch then, and said briskly in his smooth voice, “I should be going now. Again, my apologies for this little incident.” He placed his hand on my shoulder, an appropriate gesture of apology. Then his hand gently drifted over, fingers gently gripping my chin and tilting it upwards so I looked into his eyes. They stroked my skin softly for a moment, then let me go with a barely perceptible push. He smiled knowingly at me, then walked away.

I stood on the sidewalk, catching the breath that I hadn't realized was gone. I was too shocked to even turn around to watch him go, although I suspected that, as in all good stories, if I'd turned I would've discovered he was gone already anyway. I stood dumbly for several more seconds as my hand inched upward to touch the skin he'd so gently—and yet so possessively—caressed. As the flesh of my fingers met the flesh of my face, an unwelcome memory exploded into my brain.

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It was the feeling of kissing… but not like when I kissed Yami or Kaiba. It wasn't gentle, passionate, loving. It was hungry, like they were when they kissed me, but it was hungry in a violent, possessive way. And my mouth was most certainly not responding to the kiss. As the memory became clearer, I could see vague outline of the man who was trying to own me, though I could see no details. And I could barely hear his voice…I understood what he said only because I watched his lips move as he pulled slightly away from me.

“You're mine, now,” he whispered, hands tightening around my waist and pulling me towards him.

“Everything is mine.” His voice held a note of wicked triumph, and I shuddered in his embrace. Weakly I tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened.

“Where do you think you're going? You don't have anyone else to run to… not after you killed the High Priest and the Pharaoh. Or don't you remember?” he hissed silkily into my ear, drawing me even closer to him. I whimpered in protest.

“I didn't…” I murmured, vaguely aware at some deep level of consciousness that I had not… “I loved them… I wouldn't have…”

He scowled darkly, then shoved me away with one hand and struck me across the face with the other. “Stubborn whore!” he yelled, lunging for me. I crumpled into a ball against the wall, with no place to run.

Fuming, he towered over me as he reached for me. His strong hands grabbed my hair and yanked me up by it. The pain brought tears to the corners of my eyes, and I bit my lip to keep from giving him the satisfaction of me screaming. He jerked my head back, exposing my neck and breast.

“I suppose it doesn't matter anyway. I only want you for this,” he snarled, reaching for me. His hand slammed into my breast, and gold light flared in my vision before everything went dark.

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I hadn't even realized my eyes were closed until I opened them. The street was, thankfully and probably not coincidentally, deserted, and I was able to sit down on the concrete to catch my breath. I pushed the unpleasant memory to the back of my mind, though I knew that it would haunt my consciousness and ruin my day. I resolved to think of it and its implications later, with someone who would know what to tell me about it.

I walked the short distance to Mai's apartment, skipped up the flight of stairs, and rang the cheery doorbell. No answer. I rang again, and when there was no answer I proceeded to pound mercilessly on the door. “Mai!” I yelled. “Mai, open this door! Mai! I know you're in there…” I continue to call out and pound, not caring if I disturbed the neighbors. At last, after several minutes, I heard footsteps behind the door and the creak of a door hinge long unused.