Chapter 20: - Outbound Flight
Ombre collapsed, stopped from hitting the floor only by the reaction time of Dumbledore, as Yugi and Yami were currently held prisoner by the incredible wave of emotions that were surging through the link, so strong that even at this distance it could be felt.
If Yami had been able to think straight, he would have compared it to the waves of emotion that he'd gotten from Yugi while Yugi was in Egypt, but twenty times stronger… Harry was obviously closer.
As it was, the feelings swung from shock, horror, fear and finally settled on a cold rage that was the last feeling they received from Harry before their link to him went dead again.
"Mr Muto? Pharaoh?" Dumbledore was demanding… "What has happened?"
Yami just shook his head, unable to speak. Yugi looked at Yami, asking him to deny what he now feared and Yami couldn't… not until they knew everything… but all the signs pointed to…
"What?" Dumbledore asked.
"We think… we fear…" Yami had to swallow, and shook his head again, trying to get his thoughts coherent… "Kari may be dead."
"How could you know?"
"Harry… Ombre…" Yugi was just about as coherent as his partner, "Emotions…"
"Can I help?" Dumbledore asked in all seriousness, watching the way the two were acting.
"Clan." Yugi mumbled.
Dumbledore looked at Minerva, who nodded and headed towards the stands, where some of the Clan were already moving towards the exit, to come down into the ring.
"How sure are you?"
"We can't be… completely." Yami was beginning to force his brain to work, and was trying to pull himself together for Yugi's sake more then anything. "Not until Harry gets back…"
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Harry had passed through shock, horror and fear during the ritual which had provided Voldemort with a new body.
He, just like Yami and Bakura, was now alive again…
Now only rage remained; a cold rage that burned brightly. Voldemort was laughing as he spoke, about how Dumbledore had failed, how the actions of the Pharaoh had made him more powerful then ever… Voldemort was glowing purple… according to the freak he was bound to the Shadow Realm by that piece of his soul that Yami had sent there…
Harry didn't care. He just wanted to get free from the ropes binding him and hurt Malfoy and Wormtail. He didn't even care how Wormtail had been broken out of prison…
Voldemort dared to touch Kari, attempting to take the Orb from her…
Harry snapped.
Before Voldemort knew what was going on, a huge golden wolf with great feathered wings had slammed into him, knocking him across the clearing, where the Death Eaters were gathered. Somehow Harry found himself free, but he didn't care right now…
Glowing with a white light, inside of which were strains of green and purple, Harry's light lashed out at the Death Eaters, who were knocked aside by the magic waves just as easily as Voldemort had been knocked aside by Harry's Wolf.
"Kill the damn thing!" Voldemort hissed. "But Potter is mine!"
Several Death Eaters tried, but it was hard to hit a moving target, especially when it didn't stay on the ground. The wolf snarled and bit Lucius, injuring his wand arm, before stalking a terrified Wormtail.
Harry's light was fighting with Voldemort's Shadows as Harry and Voldemort glowered at each other. "You won't touch her again." Harry snarled, sounding almost as feral as Gold Winged Wolf, who had bitten Wormtail's leg, bringing down the rat and causing the Death Eater to plead for his life as it snarled at him. Harry stood by Kari's side, refusing to move.
"Once you're dead, even that wolf of yours can't stop me from taking the Millennium Orb."
"You won't get it." Harry snapped, missing the fact that Voldemort had been unaware of the Orb's real name.
"Try and stop me, Avada Kedava!"
"Expelliarmus!"
The two spells collided in a shock wave that pushed everyone else back.
The two spells no longer looked like two spells, one red, one green, but one spell, a golden colour, which lifted the two combatants into a clear area.
Wolf just managed to dive in before they were surrounded by a cage of golden light, the Death Eater's spells bouncing off, their voices oddly muffled now…
"Do nothing unless I command it!" Voldemort demanded of the Death Eaters now circling.
There were beads of light on the golden cord now, and the closer the beads got to his wand, the harder it vibrated, until at one point he thought that it was going to snap. Somewhere, somehow, Harry could hear the Phoenix song, Fawkes' song, the one the Phoenix had used to wake Yugi in the Chamber and give Harry faith…
Concentrate human! Harry nearly lost the mental battle, until he felt Wolf's support…
His light flared and the beads contacted with Voldemort's wand.
At once Voldemort's wand screamed, as one by one, the shades… ghosts… whatever they were of Voldemort's victims, starting with Kari.
"Don't you dare give up." She told him, though her voice was distant and echoing, "Hold on a little longer."
More screams, and then an old man's shade, "He was a real wizard then?" The man looked surprised, "Keep fighting boy!"
The shade of a woman was next, "Hold on a little longer…" The three paced the outside of the shield, encouraging Harry and hissing something at Voldemort that Harry couldn't hear.
And now there was another shade, just as Harry had suspected there would be and another… his parents…
"When we tell you, break the connection and run, get the Portkey, it'll take you back to Hogwarts." Lily said. "We will give you time."
Voldemort looked terrified as his victims paced around him.
"Harry, the Orb."
"I'm taking you back." Harry promised Kari.
"Do it now, be ready to run…" James whispered, "Do it now!"
"Now!" Harry broke the connection and sprinted between the Death Eaters, Wolf overhead, the Phoenix song gone, the pain in his leg ignored…
"Stun them!" Voldemort screeched.
Wolf only just avoided being hit as he landed by Kari and Harry cast a couple of stunners of his own, before reaching her himself, "Accio Triwizard Cup!" He bellowed before grabbing Kari with one hand, wrapping the other arm around Wolf's neck… Wolf just managed to catch the cup with his teeth and to the sound of Voldemort's frustrated howling, they were gone.
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"Harry!"
"Watch out for that animal!"
"It's a Duel Monster." Harry recognised the last voice and then there was ruby in his line of vision and amethyst to one side.
"Harry?"
`Kari…`
"Kari's…" Yugi trailed off.
Yami swore in Egyptian, ordering Wolf to sit down in his next breath and looking around for Professor Dumbledore. Yami easily recognised Harry's mental state for what it was; shock. Yugi had been through it many times before.
Wolf dropped the Cup and sat at Harry's side. Its presence, along with Yugi's warming light and Yami's comforting darkness, held him somewhere in the realms of sanity.
"Harry, you can let go of Kari now…"
"I promised… the Orb…"
"You're back at Hogwarts now, you can let go."
"I… she…" He let go.
"I'll take him Mr Muto."
"I really think…"
"The others are going to need you here…"
"But…"
Harry was led away despite Yami's protests. Harry would have said something, but he could sense that Wolf was following.
Besides, this was Professor Moody, right?
Yami was torn.
On one hand, it was Professor Moody… on the other hand… Dumbledore had told Moody not to take Harry…
"Yugi, we're going to get Harry." 'Maha…' He paused mid call, unsure what Kari's death would have done to Mana and unwilling to disturb Mahado if something had happened to his significant other.
Yugi, who was lost in his grief, just followed his dark, leaving the group who were being ushered up to the hospital wing and heading towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classrooms, they were joined, about halfway up the stairs, by Professor Dumbledore.
"Professor?"
"That's not Moody." Dumbledore confided in them, "Alastor Moody would never have removed Harry from my sight."
"I knew something wasn't right." Yami snarled as the reached the right floor and ran along the corridor to where Gold Winged Wolf was attempting to break down a door.
Yami opened the door and the wolf shot through, pouncing on the man who had been pointing his wand at Harry, pulling him over onto the ground, the wand having gone flying. It looked like Moody… but… Harry was too distracted by his Duel Monster Partner to notice the look Dumbledore was wearing, one that promised that he would 'deal' with this in a manner that wasn't exactly pleasant.
Dumbledore picked up Moody's hip-flask as Yami and Yugi reassured them selves that Harry was unharmed.
"Polyjuice potion." He growled as Snape and Flitwick joined them. He turned to Snape, "Get the strongest truth potion you have, Severus."
Snape left with an odd look at the three teens and the Duel Monster.
"If justice is not delivered for his crimes…" Yami warned with a low, terrifying growl.
"I understand, Pharaoh. He has wronged the Domino Clan, and as such you have rights of retribution." Dumbledore nodded. "You should stay and hear out the story."
They waited. By the time that Snape was back, the Polyjuice Potion had worn off, revealing a young man and Dumbledore had taken the keys for Moody's chest, revealing it to have several compartments, none of which held the Millennium Items, but one of which held the real Alastor Moody. Yugi threw down the imposter's cloak to Dumbledore, who had climbed into the trunk to check on the man, in an attempt to warm the rather grizzled looking man.
Snape stopped, stunned in the doorway… "Crouch!" He stared, "Barty Crouch?"
"Give me the vial, Severus." Dumbledore's voice was cold. "We'll find out the truth of the matter tonight."
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There was silence in the Hospital Wing as Harry told his tale.
The Clan had to know, had to be told, but he was glad that Yami had suggested that Harry tell Dumbledore everything here, in the Hospital Wing, rather then going up to Dumbledore's office and then having to tell the Clan everything again later…
He couldn't face it.
There was no movement when he was done, for a good minute and a half, and then Solomon hugged his grandson and Sirius moved to Harry's bedside, much to Wolf's disgruntlement…
There was nothing that could be said, nothing they could change… shock hadn't yet given way to grief, but it would come…
Yugi snuggled into Yami, who held his hikari tightly and watched Ombre closely as she sat up, shuddering at the dead look in her eyes. Even if Kari hadn't been Ombre's hikari, the Princess had lost her sister forever…
If he'd lost Yugi like Ombre had lost Kari… he couldn't even think about it… He'd never let that happen, even if he had to guard him around the clock, he was determined he'd never lose Yugi again, neither to the Shadow Realm or to… the afterlife. He held his hikari tight as tears flowed down both Yugi's face and his own, grief finally settling in…
Kaiba held Mokuba close as the child cried, Kaiba barely held back his own tears, trying to remain calm for his brother's sake.
Kari and his little brother had become close very quickly, even when she'd first come to Domino, letting Mokuba play her games and giving the boy forbidden sugar. Kaiba had grown to respect, trust even… love Kari, seeing her change as the years had passed, what was it, about five years ago he'd met her now? It seemed like longer, it seemed like forever, and now she was gone, dead, murdered... He had to make sure he stayed strong though, for his brother's sake at least, maybe for the other Clan Members, too… after all, they were family now… someone had to be the support pillar in such times and Yugi was in no state to do the job.
Wolf nuzzled Harry, irritating Madam Pomfrey, who was trying to examine the teen. She glared at him and he glared back. My human. He snarled at her.
"Down Wolf." Harry murmured, "Good boy."
Wolf wasn't amused at being treated like a dog, but kept silent for the time being, aware that the Pharaoh was in the room, and as such he had to be on his best behaviour…
"Here." Madam Pomfrey bustled around, once she'd seen to Harry's injuries, passing around small vials, "You're all going to need this tonight. Dreamless sleep."
"I'll pass, thank you." Yami shook his head.
"Just this once, don't fight me on this, Mr Muto." Madam Pomfrey looked from Yami to Harry. The Pharaoh sighed and took the vial. "The Weasleys are around if you want to talk to them." She looked at Harry.
"N… Yes… let them in." Harry nodded as Madam Pomfrey turned to shoo them away.
Wolf took the opportunity to jump up onto Harry's bed, settling on half of it, one wing was dangling over the edge of the bed, the other was half shielding Harry. Madam Pomfrey, of course, went predictably nuts, shooing the wolf off of the bed, or attempting to.
The Weasley parents came in, offering condolences to those they knew, and met those that they didn't. "If there's anything we can do…" Arthur offered.
"Thank you Mr Weasley." Solomon bowed, "If we ever need help, we will know who to call."
"It's a duty and a pleasure Mr Muto." Arthur bowed back, "After all, have you not accepted two of my children? We're family too."
"All the same. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Arthur looked around, seeing the tears running down the cheeks of his youngest, and the unnaturally solemn way the twins were behaving. "Would you mind if we stayed with our children tonight, Mr Muto?"
"Not at all." If anything, Solomon welcomed it. All the children, even those who weren't really children, would need comfort and reassurance by the end of the night… all around the room, vials were downed, heads hit pillows and those worst hit by this tragedy fell asleep…
Wolf looked at Sirius, who stared back. "You don't like me very much do you?" The man asked the Duel Monster.
You smell like a canine, but you're human.
"You can talk to me?"
I talk to whoever I choose to talk to. When it concerns my human, it concerns me.
"His name is Harry, do you have a name?"
Right, Harry is my human. And I have a name.
"May I call you it?"
No.
Well that was simple enough, as Wolf settled back down, shielding Harry from view with his wings and settling down to sleep.
Solomon watched as the adults talked quietly, while the children slept the horrors away. He jumped a mile and found he wasn't the only one who drew his wand when the Dark Magician popped into the room. "Mahado?"
Master Solomon. What has happened? The Pharaoh was in great distress, but he would not answer me, and now I find him asleep.
"I'm not your Master anymore, Mahado."
But you were.
"How is Mana?"
Shell shocked, but she seems like she will be fine, thank the Gods. It's true then, what Mana feared? Kari is indeed…?
"I'm afraid so."
I will make an offering to the Gods, in thanks that they didn't take Mana from me. I must go to her, she will need me. If you need my assistance, call me, though I see you have Duel Monster aid here already.
"That's Wolf, Harry's Partner Monster. There's a good chance that he saved Harry's life. He certainly helped save the Orb of Light. Can I pass a message along?"
When the Pharaoh wakes, I will speak with him myself. Mahado shook his head. Goodnight, Master Solomon.
"Goodnight Mahado." The Dark Magician left and Solomon sighed, wondering how many more people or Duel Monsters would be popping in. Boh, Yugi's Kuriboh was in a few moments later, cuddled into the pile that was Yami and Yugi sleeping on the same bed and went to sleep.
It seemed this had further reaching repercussions then just the depression of those in his extended family… and it looked like everyone wanted to help, in the best ways they could.
Seto and Yami were the first to awaken when the shouting started and Solomon shook his head when he saw that they were about to untangle themselves from the piles on their beds, heading over to the door himself. By the time he reached it, it was only Ron and Joey still asleep, though with the way that Wolf was stalking over to Joey's bed, he wouldn't be sleeping much longer.
Wolf's presence wasn't needed as the last two were rudely awakened by the Hospital Wing doors slamming open and Cornelius Fudge, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape following.
"Why are you disturbing my family?" Solomon demanded, as each Clan member sat up, blinking sleepily, Wolf returning to Harry's side to growl at Fudge.
"I have to question Potter!"
"You have a confession, from Barty Crouch."
"You can't believe the ravings of a lunatic!" Fudge snapped, "And I don't know if I'd trust the words out of Potter's mouth either! The boy's a parslemouth!"
"I suggest you leave, Minister Fudge." Solomon growled, as Yami untangled himself from the pile on the bed, remembering the article it had been mentioned in, and came to his Grandfather's side. "My grandson has been through a lot tonight and my family are grieving for the loss of a sister. I cannot permit you to question Harry tonight."
"But…"
"You want to see what happened?" Ombre demanded, holding the Orb of Light in hand, "You really think you're ready for the truth?"
"Of course I am."
"Harry, may I?"
"What are you going to…" Before he knew what was happening, Ombre had dragged the memory out of his mind, kicking and screaming, and it was on display to all in the room… from the moment the Portkey had taken them from the grounds to the time that it returned them…
Harry whimpered as he was forced to watch Kari's death again, and found himself supported both mentally and physically by Wolf, Yugi and Yami.
The battle, Yami's confidence took a hit as he realised exactly what he had done… he'd given Voldemort the Shadows… him and no one else…
The memory ended and they were back in the hospital wing.
"That is what happened, Mr Fudge," Ombre snapped, "I lost my hikari tonight, do not treat her death as something casual, or…"
"Ombre." Yami snapped at her, he watched her fight to force her temper down, prepared to act if necessary.
"But he can't be back."
"He is…"
"You're all raving lunatics!"
"How can you not see what is in front of your eyes?" Dumbledore demanded.
"It was an illusion, a trick!"
"Get out!" Ombre screeched, magic flaring.
Fudge fled.
"Ombre, calm yourself!" Yami wheeled around; surprised to find Yugi helping him, offering his magic to tie into the spell cage he wove around the princess to contain her errant magic. It wasn't something he liked doing, and he knew that Yugi hated it, but it was working, as Ombre finally calmed down enough for the aura to fade and led back on the bed, miserable.
"Let's continue this conversation outside." Dumbledore said, "Go back to bed Mr Muto." He said looking at Yami, who nodded, lifted the cage on Ombre, and slipped back into place on the bed.
It wasn't long before Madam Pomfrey was around again, and though they could still hear the shouting going on, it didn't disturb them, and soon they were all asleep again.
When Harry woke up the next morning, it was to find that he was the last to do so and that the sun was already up.
Morning human.
"Good morning Wolf." Harry murmured, sitting up.
The sound of Harry's voice caused everyone to turn to look in his direction. "Morning Harry." Yugi's voice was heavy, his normally bright amethyst eyes dull, "Breakfast?"
"I'm not hungry." Harry shook his head. "Thank you."
"Harry." Harry turned to look at Solomon, "We're going to have to leave soon," He indicated himself, Sirius, and the older Weasleys. "But there are a few things we need to talk about first."
Harry nodded as Wolf jumped down and stretched, looking at Solomon.
"Minister Fudge is refusing to admit that Voldemort has returned, or that Wormtail has escaped from Azkaban. Apparently Barty Crouch has been returned to Azkaban, until further notice, as he's unable to testify on his own behalf due to his insanity, quite possibly brought on by the effects of Dementors…"
"Which there are currently no known swarms of because of the incident over the Summer… right?" Hermione asked. "When they abandoned their posts?"
Yami snarled, but it didn't have the venom that Harry would have expected. If the Pharaoh was honest with himself, he had been afraid of such a reaction after Fudge's words last night.
Solomon nodded, picking up a bag from the floor by the chair he had been sat in, "The prize money."
"I don't want it." Harry shook his head, "Ombre should have it."
"She doesn't want it either." The prize money sat on the table at the end of Harry's bed and everyone watched it like it was going to jump up at them.
Why did it felt like it was blood money, paid by the Ministry on behalf of Crouch, because they refused to admit who Kari's real killers were?
"The school has been informed that it would be in their best interests to leave you lot alone, but there's going to be people with questions, so you're going to have people trying to crowd you. Mahado's already offered the Monster's Wing if you need to get away."
'Thank you Mahado.'
You're welcome Pharaoh.
"The Daily Prophet released an article this morning," Sirius warned, "Stating that Lucius Malfoy is to blame for Kari's death. It's a lot easier to blame a convict that escaped from a prison in another country then admit that someone you announced was dead, had been living under your nose the whole time." He sounded disgusted.
"But it was Wormtail!" Harry protested.
"I know, kiddo." Sirius sighed.
"The Ministry are refusing to admit that they could possibly have two breakouts this close together."
"I'm staying in England until I've finished the funeral arrangements." Solomon sighed.
"If we're unable to hold it before the end of term, you may all come to stay with me." Sirius said.
"Thank you." Kaiba nodded, looking up from his laptop as Mokuba cuddled into his Blue Eyes White Chick.
"I'll pull you all out of school for the funeral, and let you know if there's anything in the will that concerns you."
"Kari wrote a will?"
"So Professor Dumbledore says."
"Grandpa. Was there a letter for us?" Yami asked, "It would have come with the post owls this morning?"
"Yes, actually." Solomon handed it over.
Yami skimmed it, and then passed it to Yugi. "It's all arranged then." Yugi breathed, "The exhibit's a month long, starting as of Monday the Fourth of June, and ending on August fifth…"
"Fits around India quite nicely." Seto nodded, then looked at Joey, "I'll talk to you later about dates."
Joey nodded as Yami sighed and leant back, thinking, "I'm going to apologise to Isuzu."
"Yami?" Joey frowned.
"With Voldemort back, this is no time to be seeking my memories."
"Yami… you shouldn't…"
"I've made up my mind."
Silence…
"We'll see you all later on in the week." Solomon said, "You behave." He told Wolf, who gave him the most affronted look possible for a wolf to give. He hugged all of his grandchildren and left. Sirius paused to ruffle Harry's hair and followed. Mr and Mrs Weasley hugged their children and the older Weasley nodded to the group, and then they too left, leaving the Clan in the room alone.
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Everyone deals with grief in different ways.
The traditional Japanese method was to hide it, and to only show it in private, around family, for grief belittles the dead. This method of mourning was getting them through, day by day, as those who were good at it supported those who weren't, and those who weren't were often too drained by the time those that were, were alone and able too to do anything but give their support or sleep.
But it wasn't easy, returning to class and homework and everything normal.
They had the Monster's Wing to retreat to, and it always felt like a retreat, from sympathy or prying eyes or the accusations that Harry had in some way caused Kari's death. Of course no one would accuse him directly, after all, who would kill one of their best friends over some Tournament?
Hermione was trying to follow the ways of her Japanese friends, allowing her to focus in class, allowing her to help the others as she always had, and allowed her to break down when it was just her family, when no one would think less of her, or tease her, or look at her oddly.
The only ones who could see her grieve were people who were grieving themselves, suffering together but to the outside world, keeping each other strong.
The Duel Monsters had offered their rooms, but the small family more often then not found themselves sleeping where they sat or stood, the one instance of Yugi falling asleep on the windowsill had been less then fun, and Yami was still thanking Kisara for her alertness.
The funeral date had been set, and they would be leaving Hogwarts a day early, as the funeral would fall on the day of the leaving feast, and in her will, Kari had asked that her family be able to hold a Wake if they had wanted to.
Professor McGonagall slipped into the Monster's Wing, where the Gryffindor Eig…Seven and a few others were taking refuge, unwilling to face the school.
Only two of the nine students reacted, their heads turning to face her and giving her a confused look.
The rest were so lost in their grief that they didn't react, even when she walked to the centre of their group, standing in the middle of a circle of grief stricken and lost teenagers.
"I know it's a bad time, but I need to speak to you all."
A pair of amethyst eyes, two pairs of brown eyes, a pair of smoky grey eyes and a striking green pair of eyes joined the ruby and deep blue ones watching her. The magenta eyes and the other pair of brown eyes, the ones she'd hoped to catch, were too deep in their pain to hear her.
"Ombre, Hermione." Professor McGonagall spoke softly, the two looked up.
"What is it Professor?" Yami asked.
"There are a couple of things I need to tell you." She started, "First of all, none of you are required to attend the end of year examinations, Harry, you have permission as a Champion and the rest of you have been given special permission because of recent events."
Yami snorted, they'd all missed their first exams anyway, this just meant that they wouldn't be expelled for failing to turn up.
"Also, Kari left these for you all and asked me to…" Surprise crossed a couple of the Clan members' faces as the Professor's voice cracked, she took a deep breath, centring herself, and continued, "Pass them around if something should happen to her."
She handed out the letters and left, wiping her face as she did so.
Ombre was the first to open hers, fresh tears flowing as she read the letter.
To Ombre,
We knew it was coming, but I guess you thought… oh it doesn't matter anymore.
Sorry I had to leave permanently before we could find out everything, the Orb is yours now, I have no more use for it.
I'm sorry. I don't know what you had to give up to save me from the Shadows, but it wasn't worth it, not for just over a year. I wish I could give whatever it was back to you but…
I'm sorry, if I'd listened to Robyn, realised sooner what she was trying to tell me, I wouldn't be leaving now.
Ombre, I ask of you again, please, look after Hermione. I know that you shouldn't go crazy without me, so I know this request is within your capabilities, so please, know what it's been like for her, the others don't realise just how hard it can be sometimes, don't leave her alone.
I didn't want to leave you, but I was too stubborn and too stupid to see that which was in front of my nose and I can't just leave Harry to whatever is going to happen when we vanish.
I guess all I have to say is that I'm sorry and I'll see you during the next life.
Goodbye for now,
Kari.
Staring at that third from last line… Kari hadn't done anything that Ombre wouldn't forgive her for, and the Princess prayed with all her might that her hik… partner hadn't returned to the… oh Gods… Ombre left the Monster's Wing before she could break down completely.
She didn't want the others to know the truth, to know what she'd had to do… to know that they should have been mourning over a year ago…
"Miss Ironhide." Ombre looked around, trying to control herself, and found herself looking at Robyn, who was giving her an irritated look and waving… a letter… "Would you like to explain this?"
Kari had known… Kari had known… and she'd told Robyn…
"Wh…What do you mean?"
"What were you thinking?"
Oh gods… "I was panicking. I don't even know if Kari'll be reincarnated, because I couldn't save all of her from the Shadow Realm… I managed to get fragments… but…everything else was memories."
"I think we should take this conversation to my office." Robyn frowned, leading the panicked spirit to the office, shutting the door and pouring two hot chocolates. "Now explain."
Ombre took a deep breath, not really wanting to explain, but knowing that she couldn't hold anything back if Kari hadn't… it wouldn't be right, or fair.
"When Kari collapsed in her Shadow Game against Bakura, her soul was shredded. Her body carried on living, but her soul died. We were in the hospital wing so long because I was fighting to recover the fragments of her soul, in the end I had to make an offer, giving up a lot of the really ancient memories, ones that could help Yami, to recover the few fragments I could."
"But soul fragments wouldn't have been able to…"
"That's where the Orb came in." Ombre held up her hand, wanting to explain without interruption, this was hard enough as it was. "The Orb makes duplicates of the wielder's memories without any commands, I used those memories, along with the life magic of the Orb to bind the fragments together with the memories and created the Kari that's been roaming around since."
"So everything she's done or said since has been a lie."
"No." Ombre shook her head, "It's… It was still Kari, people are defined by their souls and their memories. She still had parts of her soul, and she had all of her memories, so she was still Kari even if…"
"Thank you."
"What?" That wasn't the reaction she'd been expecting. "But…"
"You did it because you didn't want to be left alone again. I know." Robyn said shakily, "But if you hadn't, I couldn't have met Kari again and we couldn't have forgiven each other. For that I have to thank you."
"I don't want the others to know."
Robyn smiled sadly. "I understand, weary hearts can take no more strain. But mayhaps it will lighten your load to know this, if a soul can be divided and still be as bright as Yugi's I have no doubt that Kari's will shine again."
"It helps." Ombre nodded, smiling sadly back. "Will you be at the funeral?"
"I would rather say my goodbyes privately, but yes, I will be there."
"There's the wake the night before, for close friends and family, but if you don't want to come I'm sure Grandpa would tell you where she's resting until the funeral if you ask him."
Robyn nodded, "I'm sure the others will have read their letters by now. They'll need your support."
Ombre nodded, taking that as a sign to leave and standing up. She hesitated a moment, knowing what she wanted to say but unsure how to do it. "Robyn…" She paused, wondering if Robyn could forgive her for failing in her duty and unsure if she could take it if she couldn't.
"Forgive yourself first."
"Then live. It's what Kari would have wanted."
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I see them in the front row, and I realise that these were the people who saw my daughter in her last few hours in her life.
I recognise a few of them from TV. I started watching the Tournaments because I was sick about hearing about my daughter's duels without being able to see them myself.
Closest to the aisle is Yugi and Yami Muto, the Kings of Games. The Muto twins sticking close together, as the taller one, Yami, comforted his smaller sibling. On their left, is an elderly gentleman, who, from the way the twins were acting, had to be their Grandfather.
Yami, Yugi, Mr Muto, the blonde next to them is that Joey Wheeler guy my daughter was all over at that tournament a couple of years ago. He's unashamedly letting tears fall… perhaps there was more there then I thought there was…
The 'cheerleaders' are next to him, I don't think many people know their names… I'm sure the girl was in a dance show in America, but other then that I have no idea.
Next to them are some children I've never seen before, a messy raven haired boy, a man, the boy's father perhaps, a bushy brunette girl and between that row and the one behind, a bunch of red heads, all at various ages. Were they friends that my daughter made when she went to that school in Scotland? I certainly don't recognise them from the photos that used to come home with her.
Sat next to the bushy brunette is Ombre, the girl claiming to be the twin sister of my daughter. I recognise her easily, through there's something now in her demeanour that she didn't have the first time we met her… I hope her friends are there for her, because she certainly wouldn't accept my help anymore.
She'll need someone to be there for her now though, if she and my daughter were as close as I think they were.
Sat behind the Muto twins and Joseph Wheeler and at the end of the line of red heads are Seto and Mokuba Kaiba. I saw them come in; even the cold Ice Prince of Kaiba Corp was allowing himself to feel emotion...
Why would my daughter's employer come to her funeral? There's no need for them to be here…
And yet, through Yami Muto and Joseph Wheeler both can't stand Kaiba, they just nodded and accepted the presence of the Kaibas, even going as far as to move up to let them sit on the front row.
Somewhere in here is Robyn, she slipped in just before the thing started. She seems to be staying away from all the people that Kari considered a friend for the last four years.
Behind the close friends, are rows of friends and friend's families that I have never met in my entire life.
I can't help wondering why I'm here.
Kari was my daughter, that much was true, but we hadn't spoken in over a year, had been falling out for many more… those in the front rows were more her family then I had been.
Mr Muto had invited me to the wake that was held last night, and I attended but, there too, I had felt like an outsider, as the 'Clan' that my daughter had helped found, keep close, sharing very few words, but just comforting each other.
I had been unable to offer any comfort, as I hadn't felt the grief that they had.
I'd already mourned the loss of my daughter when she'd moved to Japan and that was almost five years ago. Now it just felt like I was going through the motions.
The will had specifically detailed what she wanted to happen; I didn't even get to say where she was going to be buried. She'd asked for a cremation and then she wanted her ashes scattered in Domino, her home, her real home, after I'd pushed her away.
Most of the funeral passed in a blur, as person after person sang the praises of a daughter I'd never really known, never really tried to get to know once her brother had died… if I'd been nicer, would she have left?
When daytime turns to night
When the moon shines bright
When you're tucked in tight
And everything is alright
Slip softly to that place
Where secret thoughts run free
There come face to face
With who you want to be
Would she be…?
Everyone stood as the coffin was lowered…
So swim across the ocean blue
Fly a rocket to the moon
You can change your life
Or you can change the world
Take the chance, don't be afraid
Life is yours to live
Take a chance and then the best has yet to come
Yugi's shoulders sank, turning his face away, tears falling. Yami hugged him tightly and Solomon put his hand on his grandson's shoulder, whispering something in Yugi's ear that made the young man turn to where the coffin had been led, trying to be strong...
Make a wish, it's up to you
Find the strength inside
And watch your dreams come true
You don't need a shooting star
the magic's right there in your heart
Close your eyes
Believe and make a wish
The bushy haired girl clung to Ombre, sobs clear, as the coffin vanished out of sight, the woman's only response, to hug the girl tightly.
Joey's fists clenched into fists, and the younger Kaiba brother leant into his brother, who responded by putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.
The red heads were supporting each other, as the raven haired teen found himself hugged by the man I supposed was his father, and Yugi's cheerleaders supported each other.
Chiisaki mono sore wa watashi
Watashi desu magire naku
Kagami no naka kokorobososa dake ga
Dare ni makenai asticksa ni naru yo
Sostickse watashi wa osanai koro ni
Sukoshizutsu modotte yuku
Imi mo shirazu utau koi no uta o
Hometekureta ano hi ni
Sora o ao geba
Michite kuru watashi no koe ga
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de kimi mo
Fuwari mai agare
koe ga kikoeru
yukubeki michi yubisastickse iru
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de hitori
Watashi utatte imasu
Robyn was on her own, tears falling and as my husband held my hand, I caught her gaze and saw her recoil from me…
She knew, as I did, that if we hadn't pushed Kari away, she would never have gone to Japan, would never have been at that school… she wouldn't have died… not then…
I've always hoped for happiness
And finally fulfilled my wish
'Cos I just need to see you smile
The Clan filed out first, and as we left, Mr Muto, the one my daughter called Grandfather, offered his condolences and for a moment, once he'd shaken hands with my husband, bowed to me and turned to support his family, I could see why she'd picked him over us, why she would leave us for him…
Sora o (Make a wish)
Ao geba (It's up to you)
Michite kuru watashi no koe ga (Watch your dreams come true)
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de kimi mo
(The magic's right there in your heart)
Fuwari mai agare (Believe and...)
Make a wish, it's up to you
Find the strength inside
And watch your dreams come true
You don't need a shooting star
the magic's right there in your heart
Close your eyes
Believe and make a wish...
He wouldn't abandon them when they were grieving, they wouldn't push them away because they weren't as good as the one that had gone…
Oh we'd grieve for a while, but life for us would return to how it had been before. We'd lost one child in the accident, and when Kari had left, it had been no surprise.
At least now she could be happy, with her real twin…
Kari, my daughter, my dearest daughter, I hope that wherever you are now, whatever you're doing in heaven, you're happier then you were here on Earth.
And I hope the boy you gave your life to save is worth it.
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She hated goodbyes.
She hated airports.
And she hated saying goodbye to her family, never knowing if they'd get into trouble over the summer…
So many times her family had nearly been killed while she had been safe in England, far away from the danger…
Everyone was quiet, as they gathered for the last time before the split ways, heading in different directions for the Summer.
The group from Japan were heading back via a corporate airplane of Seto's, Harry, Wolf and Sirius were going on holiday, Ron would be back with his family at the Burrow and she… she would be alone with her books.
"You will tell us if you change your mind, right?" She asked Yami.
He gave a non committal grunt, causing her shoulders to sink. "We'll see each other soon."
"Yeah, it's only a couple of months." Joey tried to cheer them up, "We'll be back causing chaos before you know it."
It didn't help, and everyone fell silent.
"Just promise me that if anything happens, you'll call, please. I'm sick of being left out of the loop." She complained, "Please?"
"I'll try to keep in contact." Ombre nodded, magenta eyes catching hers, "Hopefully I won't get kidnapped again this year."
"I won't promise, every time I do, something happens to stop me." Yugi complained, "But I'll do my best."
"I'll send postcards." Harry promised.
"I'm sure mum will invite you around." Ron said, "And if she doesn't I'll badger her until she does."
"Thanks."
"You sure you're going to be alright?" Sirius asked Ombre, who just nodded.
"Harry, we'll be in touch…" Yami said, looking at the young man who looked as if he was dreading what was to come.
Of course Harry would be. His link partners were heading out of range, he'd be alone in his head, other then Wolf of course, for the first time in just under ten months, she could imagine that it would be very quiet… but then he wasn't the only one who was suffering from that…
Hermione turned to look at Ombre, who was watching them all with an odd expression. If Harry was feeling rotten because he would be without his link partners for a couple of months, she didn't want to think about how bad Ombre had to be feeling…
She hugged her friend, offering a hopeful smile.
Ombre just gave a watery one back.
"Last call for the 14:30 Air France flight to Paris."
"That's us, kiddo." Sirius turned to Harry.
"Bye guys."
"You have that mobile phone, right?" Mokuba asked.
"Uh huh." Harry pulled it out of his back pocket, "You sure it's alright for me to be hooked up to the Kaiba Corp network?"
"If I say it is." Seto snorted.
"Harry." Sirius warned.
"See you during the summer?" Harry asked.
"Sure, give us a heads up and we'll meet you at the airport." Yugi nodded.
"Later everyone." Harry and Sirius left.
"We'd better go or we'll miss our opening." Seto growled, ushering Mokuba away.
"Bye then…" Hermione frowned.
"You're welcome at any time, Hermione." Solomon said, "Let's go." He said looking at the rest of the group.
"Bye…"
"See you later."
The group drifted away, Hermione reaching her parents in time to turn and wave at the group who were just vanishing around a corner.
Ron waved at her from where he was stood with his family.
It was going to be a long summer.
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Yugi was thinking hard and listening to Seto rant about delays with the flight. Something was plaguing him, and he couldn't work out what it was. Thinking straight hadn't exactly been easy for the past week; everything even remotely important had slipped his mind.
"I feel like we're forgetting something important." He frowned, as they started taxiing up the runway, turning to watch the ground pass them by, only to see a woman standing on the grass. "How did Robyn get out on the runway?" He asked, causing Yami to look, "And what is… oh."
She was waving something golden at them, Yami recognised it instantly, and as Yami started banging his head on his seat, Yugi's eyes widened as he recognised what she was holding and read the sign she was holding up, which said, "Don't worry, going into hiding this summer."
"How did she get her hands on the missing Millennium Items?" Yugi asked as the plane left the ground. "Do you think she stole them from whoever stole them from us?"
"I think Robyn is always going to be six steps ahead of us." Yami groaned. "Do you think we can get her to be less helpful next year?"
"Robyn's a lot less dangerous then Dobby." Yugi pointed out, feeling slightly better now he knew where the Rod, the Eye and the Necklace were.
"Still…" Yami sighed, leaning back. Planes were not a safe method of transport. He trusted broomsticks and dragons more then he trusted these mechanised birds. He had made his thoughts on this matter clear before. It just wasn't worth covering them again.
"At least we know where they are. Robyn's unlikely to come after us to try to win the ability to control their powers." Yugi said, and was suddenly assaulted by the mental image of a 'Yami Robyn' fighting against Yami for the Millennium Items. He shook his head. There were times he hated having a vivid imagination.
"Don't tempt fate please Yugi." Yami scowled at him.
"Shutting up." Yugi agreed as he leant back into his chair, stretching as he did so, thinking of everything they were planning to do and trying not to think of how much Kari had been looking forward to it…
It was going to be hard, but they'd get through this summer.
And hey, they had India to look forward to…
If Yami had been able to think straight, he would have compared it to the waves of emotion that he'd gotten from Yugi while Yugi was in Egypt, but twenty times stronger… Harry was obviously closer.
As it was, the feelings swung from shock, horror, fear and finally settled on a cold rage that was the last feeling they received from Harry before their link to him went dead again.
"Mr Muto? Pharaoh?" Dumbledore was demanding… "What has happened?"
Yami just shook his head, unable to speak. Yugi looked at Yami, asking him to deny what he now feared and Yami couldn't… not until they knew everything… but all the signs pointed to…
"What?" Dumbledore asked.
"We think… we fear…" Yami had to swallow, and shook his head again, trying to get his thoughts coherent… "Kari may be dead."
"How could you know?"
"Harry… Ombre…" Yugi was just about as coherent as his partner, "Emotions…"
"Can I help?" Dumbledore asked in all seriousness, watching the way the two were acting.
"Clan." Yugi mumbled.
Dumbledore looked at Minerva, who nodded and headed towards the stands, where some of the Clan were already moving towards the exit, to come down into the ring.
"How sure are you?"
"We can't be… completely." Yami was beginning to force his brain to work, and was trying to pull himself together for Yugi's sake more then anything. "Not until Harry gets back…"
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Harry had passed through shock, horror and fear during the ritual which had provided Voldemort with a new body.
He, just like Yami and Bakura, was now alive again…
Now only rage remained; a cold rage that burned brightly. Voldemort was laughing as he spoke, about how Dumbledore had failed, how the actions of the Pharaoh had made him more powerful then ever… Voldemort was glowing purple… according to the freak he was bound to the Shadow Realm by that piece of his soul that Yami had sent there…
Harry didn't care. He just wanted to get free from the ropes binding him and hurt Malfoy and Wormtail. He didn't even care how Wormtail had been broken out of prison…
Voldemort dared to touch Kari, attempting to take the Orb from her…
Harry snapped.
Before Voldemort knew what was going on, a huge golden wolf with great feathered wings had slammed into him, knocking him across the clearing, where the Death Eaters were gathered. Somehow Harry found himself free, but he didn't care right now…
Glowing with a white light, inside of which were strains of green and purple, Harry's light lashed out at the Death Eaters, who were knocked aside by the magic waves just as easily as Voldemort had been knocked aside by Harry's Wolf.
"Kill the damn thing!" Voldemort hissed. "But Potter is mine!"
Several Death Eaters tried, but it was hard to hit a moving target, especially when it didn't stay on the ground. The wolf snarled and bit Lucius, injuring his wand arm, before stalking a terrified Wormtail.
Harry's light was fighting with Voldemort's Shadows as Harry and Voldemort glowered at each other. "You won't touch her again." Harry snarled, sounding almost as feral as Gold Winged Wolf, who had bitten Wormtail's leg, bringing down the rat and causing the Death Eater to plead for his life as it snarled at him. Harry stood by Kari's side, refusing to move.
"Once you're dead, even that wolf of yours can't stop me from taking the Millennium Orb."
"You won't get it." Harry snapped, missing the fact that Voldemort had been unaware of the Orb's real name.
"Try and stop me, Avada Kedava!"
"Expelliarmus!"
The two spells collided in a shock wave that pushed everyone else back.
The two spells no longer looked like two spells, one red, one green, but one spell, a golden colour, which lifted the two combatants into a clear area.
Wolf just managed to dive in before they were surrounded by a cage of golden light, the Death Eater's spells bouncing off, their voices oddly muffled now…
"Do nothing unless I command it!" Voldemort demanded of the Death Eaters now circling.
There were beads of light on the golden cord now, and the closer the beads got to his wand, the harder it vibrated, until at one point he thought that it was going to snap. Somewhere, somehow, Harry could hear the Phoenix song, Fawkes' song, the one the Phoenix had used to wake Yugi in the Chamber and give Harry faith…
Concentrate human! Harry nearly lost the mental battle, until he felt Wolf's support…
His light flared and the beads contacted with Voldemort's wand.
At once Voldemort's wand screamed, as one by one, the shades… ghosts… whatever they were of Voldemort's victims, starting with Kari.
"Don't you dare give up." She told him, though her voice was distant and echoing, "Hold on a little longer."
More screams, and then an old man's shade, "He was a real wizard then?" The man looked surprised, "Keep fighting boy!"
The shade of a woman was next, "Hold on a little longer…" The three paced the outside of the shield, encouraging Harry and hissing something at Voldemort that Harry couldn't hear.
And now there was another shade, just as Harry had suspected there would be and another… his parents…
"When we tell you, break the connection and run, get the Portkey, it'll take you back to Hogwarts." Lily said. "We will give you time."
Voldemort looked terrified as his victims paced around him.
"Harry, the Orb."
"I'm taking you back." Harry promised Kari.
"Do it now, be ready to run…" James whispered, "Do it now!"
"Now!" Harry broke the connection and sprinted between the Death Eaters, Wolf overhead, the Phoenix song gone, the pain in his leg ignored…
"Stun them!" Voldemort screeched.
Wolf only just avoided being hit as he landed by Kari and Harry cast a couple of stunners of his own, before reaching her himself, "Accio Triwizard Cup!" He bellowed before grabbing Kari with one hand, wrapping the other arm around Wolf's neck… Wolf just managed to catch the cup with his teeth and to the sound of Voldemort's frustrated howling, they were gone.
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"Harry!"
"Watch out for that animal!"
"It's a Duel Monster." Harry recognised the last voice and then there was ruby in his line of vision and amethyst to one side.
"Harry?"
`Kari…`
"Kari's…" Yugi trailed off.
Yami swore in Egyptian, ordering Wolf to sit down in his next breath and looking around for Professor Dumbledore. Yami easily recognised Harry's mental state for what it was; shock. Yugi had been through it many times before.
Wolf dropped the Cup and sat at Harry's side. Its presence, along with Yugi's warming light and Yami's comforting darkness, held him somewhere in the realms of sanity.
"Harry, you can let go of Kari now…"
"I promised… the Orb…"
"You're back at Hogwarts now, you can let go."
"I… she…" He let go.
"I'll take him Mr Muto."
"I really think…"
"The others are going to need you here…"
"But…"
Harry was led away despite Yami's protests. Harry would have said something, but he could sense that Wolf was following.
Besides, this was Professor Moody, right?
Yami was torn.
On one hand, it was Professor Moody… on the other hand… Dumbledore had told Moody not to take Harry…
"Yugi, we're going to get Harry." 'Maha…' He paused mid call, unsure what Kari's death would have done to Mana and unwilling to disturb Mahado if something had happened to his significant other.
Yugi, who was lost in his grief, just followed his dark, leaving the group who were being ushered up to the hospital wing and heading towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classrooms, they were joined, about halfway up the stairs, by Professor Dumbledore.
"Professor?"
"That's not Moody." Dumbledore confided in them, "Alastor Moody would never have removed Harry from my sight."
"I knew something wasn't right." Yami snarled as the reached the right floor and ran along the corridor to where Gold Winged Wolf was attempting to break down a door.
Yami opened the door and the wolf shot through, pouncing on the man who had been pointing his wand at Harry, pulling him over onto the ground, the wand having gone flying. It looked like Moody… but… Harry was too distracted by his Duel Monster Partner to notice the look Dumbledore was wearing, one that promised that he would 'deal' with this in a manner that wasn't exactly pleasant.
Dumbledore picked up Moody's hip-flask as Yami and Yugi reassured them selves that Harry was unharmed.
"Polyjuice potion." He growled as Snape and Flitwick joined them. He turned to Snape, "Get the strongest truth potion you have, Severus."
Snape left with an odd look at the three teens and the Duel Monster.
"If justice is not delivered for his crimes…" Yami warned with a low, terrifying growl.
"I understand, Pharaoh. He has wronged the Domino Clan, and as such you have rights of retribution." Dumbledore nodded. "You should stay and hear out the story."
They waited. By the time that Snape was back, the Polyjuice Potion had worn off, revealing a young man and Dumbledore had taken the keys for Moody's chest, revealing it to have several compartments, none of which held the Millennium Items, but one of which held the real Alastor Moody. Yugi threw down the imposter's cloak to Dumbledore, who had climbed into the trunk to check on the man, in an attempt to warm the rather grizzled looking man.
Snape stopped, stunned in the doorway… "Crouch!" He stared, "Barty Crouch?"
"Give me the vial, Severus." Dumbledore's voice was cold. "We'll find out the truth of the matter tonight."
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There was silence in the Hospital Wing as Harry told his tale.
The Clan had to know, had to be told, but he was glad that Yami had suggested that Harry tell Dumbledore everything here, in the Hospital Wing, rather then going up to Dumbledore's office and then having to tell the Clan everything again later…
He couldn't face it.
There was no movement when he was done, for a good minute and a half, and then Solomon hugged his grandson and Sirius moved to Harry's bedside, much to Wolf's disgruntlement…
There was nothing that could be said, nothing they could change… shock hadn't yet given way to grief, but it would come…
Yugi snuggled into Yami, who held his hikari tightly and watched Ombre closely as she sat up, shuddering at the dead look in her eyes. Even if Kari hadn't been Ombre's hikari, the Princess had lost her sister forever…
If he'd lost Yugi like Ombre had lost Kari… he couldn't even think about it… He'd never let that happen, even if he had to guard him around the clock, he was determined he'd never lose Yugi again, neither to the Shadow Realm or to… the afterlife. He held his hikari tight as tears flowed down both Yugi's face and his own, grief finally settling in…
Kaiba held Mokuba close as the child cried, Kaiba barely held back his own tears, trying to remain calm for his brother's sake.
Kari and his little brother had become close very quickly, even when she'd first come to Domino, letting Mokuba play her games and giving the boy forbidden sugar. Kaiba had grown to respect, trust even… love Kari, seeing her change as the years had passed, what was it, about five years ago he'd met her now? It seemed like longer, it seemed like forever, and now she was gone, dead, murdered... He had to make sure he stayed strong though, for his brother's sake at least, maybe for the other Clan Members, too… after all, they were family now… someone had to be the support pillar in such times and Yugi was in no state to do the job.
Wolf nuzzled Harry, irritating Madam Pomfrey, who was trying to examine the teen. She glared at him and he glared back. My human. He snarled at her.
"Down Wolf." Harry murmured, "Good boy."
Wolf wasn't amused at being treated like a dog, but kept silent for the time being, aware that the Pharaoh was in the room, and as such he had to be on his best behaviour…
"Here." Madam Pomfrey bustled around, once she'd seen to Harry's injuries, passing around small vials, "You're all going to need this tonight. Dreamless sleep."
"I'll pass, thank you." Yami shook his head.
"Just this once, don't fight me on this, Mr Muto." Madam Pomfrey looked from Yami to Harry. The Pharaoh sighed and took the vial. "The Weasleys are around if you want to talk to them." She looked at Harry.
"N… Yes… let them in." Harry nodded as Madam Pomfrey turned to shoo them away.
Wolf took the opportunity to jump up onto Harry's bed, settling on half of it, one wing was dangling over the edge of the bed, the other was half shielding Harry. Madam Pomfrey, of course, went predictably nuts, shooing the wolf off of the bed, or attempting to.
The Weasley parents came in, offering condolences to those they knew, and met those that they didn't. "If there's anything we can do…" Arthur offered.
"Thank you Mr Weasley." Solomon bowed, "If we ever need help, we will know who to call."
"It's a duty and a pleasure Mr Muto." Arthur bowed back, "After all, have you not accepted two of my children? We're family too."
"All the same. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Arthur looked around, seeing the tears running down the cheeks of his youngest, and the unnaturally solemn way the twins were behaving. "Would you mind if we stayed with our children tonight, Mr Muto?"
"Not at all." If anything, Solomon welcomed it. All the children, even those who weren't really children, would need comfort and reassurance by the end of the night… all around the room, vials were downed, heads hit pillows and those worst hit by this tragedy fell asleep…
Wolf looked at Sirius, who stared back. "You don't like me very much do you?" The man asked the Duel Monster.
You smell like a canine, but you're human.
"You can talk to me?"
I talk to whoever I choose to talk to. When it concerns my human, it concerns me.
"His name is Harry, do you have a name?"
Right, Harry is my human. And I have a name.
"May I call you it?"
No.
Well that was simple enough, as Wolf settled back down, shielding Harry from view with his wings and settling down to sleep.
Solomon watched as the adults talked quietly, while the children slept the horrors away. He jumped a mile and found he wasn't the only one who drew his wand when the Dark Magician popped into the room. "Mahado?"
Master Solomon. What has happened? The Pharaoh was in great distress, but he would not answer me, and now I find him asleep.
"I'm not your Master anymore, Mahado."
But you were.
"How is Mana?"
Shell shocked, but she seems like she will be fine, thank the Gods. It's true then, what Mana feared? Kari is indeed…?
"I'm afraid so."
I will make an offering to the Gods, in thanks that they didn't take Mana from me. I must go to her, she will need me. If you need my assistance, call me, though I see you have Duel Monster aid here already.
"That's Wolf, Harry's Partner Monster. There's a good chance that he saved Harry's life. He certainly helped save the Orb of Light. Can I pass a message along?"
When the Pharaoh wakes, I will speak with him myself. Mahado shook his head. Goodnight, Master Solomon.
"Goodnight Mahado." The Dark Magician left and Solomon sighed, wondering how many more people or Duel Monsters would be popping in. Boh, Yugi's Kuriboh was in a few moments later, cuddled into the pile that was Yami and Yugi sleeping on the same bed and went to sleep.
It seemed this had further reaching repercussions then just the depression of those in his extended family… and it looked like everyone wanted to help, in the best ways they could.
Seto and Yami were the first to awaken when the shouting started and Solomon shook his head when he saw that they were about to untangle themselves from the piles on their beds, heading over to the door himself. By the time he reached it, it was only Ron and Joey still asleep, though with the way that Wolf was stalking over to Joey's bed, he wouldn't be sleeping much longer.
Wolf's presence wasn't needed as the last two were rudely awakened by the Hospital Wing doors slamming open and Cornelius Fudge, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape following.
"Why are you disturbing my family?" Solomon demanded, as each Clan member sat up, blinking sleepily, Wolf returning to Harry's side to growl at Fudge.
"I have to question Potter!"
"You have a confession, from Barty Crouch."
"You can't believe the ravings of a lunatic!" Fudge snapped, "And I don't know if I'd trust the words out of Potter's mouth either! The boy's a parslemouth!"
"I suggest you leave, Minister Fudge." Solomon growled, as Yami untangled himself from the pile on the bed, remembering the article it had been mentioned in, and came to his Grandfather's side. "My grandson has been through a lot tonight and my family are grieving for the loss of a sister. I cannot permit you to question Harry tonight."
"But…"
"You want to see what happened?" Ombre demanded, holding the Orb of Light in hand, "You really think you're ready for the truth?"
"Of course I am."
"Harry, may I?"
"What are you going to…" Before he knew what was happening, Ombre had dragged the memory out of his mind, kicking and screaming, and it was on display to all in the room… from the moment the Portkey had taken them from the grounds to the time that it returned them…
Harry whimpered as he was forced to watch Kari's death again, and found himself supported both mentally and physically by Wolf, Yugi and Yami.
The battle, Yami's confidence took a hit as he realised exactly what he had done… he'd given Voldemort the Shadows… him and no one else…
The memory ended and they were back in the hospital wing.
"That is what happened, Mr Fudge," Ombre snapped, "I lost my hikari tonight, do not treat her death as something casual, or…"
"Ombre." Yami snapped at her, he watched her fight to force her temper down, prepared to act if necessary.
"But he can't be back."
"He is…"
"You're all raving lunatics!"
"How can you not see what is in front of your eyes?" Dumbledore demanded.
"It was an illusion, a trick!"
"Get out!" Ombre screeched, magic flaring.
Fudge fled.
"Ombre, calm yourself!" Yami wheeled around; surprised to find Yugi helping him, offering his magic to tie into the spell cage he wove around the princess to contain her errant magic. It wasn't something he liked doing, and he knew that Yugi hated it, but it was working, as Ombre finally calmed down enough for the aura to fade and led back on the bed, miserable.
"Let's continue this conversation outside." Dumbledore said, "Go back to bed Mr Muto." He said looking at Yami, who nodded, lifted the cage on Ombre, and slipped back into place on the bed.
It wasn't long before Madam Pomfrey was around again, and though they could still hear the shouting going on, it didn't disturb them, and soon they were all asleep again.
When Harry woke up the next morning, it was to find that he was the last to do so and that the sun was already up.
Morning human.
"Good morning Wolf." Harry murmured, sitting up.
The sound of Harry's voice caused everyone to turn to look in his direction. "Morning Harry." Yugi's voice was heavy, his normally bright amethyst eyes dull, "Breakfast?"
"I'm not hungry." Harry shook his head. "Thank you."
"Harry." Harry turned to look at Solomon, "We're going to have to leave soon," He indicated himself, Sirius, and the older Weasleys. "But there are a few things we need to talk about first."
Harry nodded as Wolf jumped down and stretched, looking at Solomon.
"Minister Fudge is refusing to admit that Voldemort has returned, or that Wormtail has escaped from Azkaban. Apparently Barty Crouch has been returned to Azkaban, until further notice, as he's unable to testify on his own behalf due to his insanity, quite possibly brought on by the effects of Dementors…"
"Which there are currently no known swarms of because of the incident over the Summer… right?" Hermione asked. "When they abandoned their posts?"
Yami snarled, but it didn't have the venom that Harry would have expected. If the Pharaoh was honest with himself, he had been afraid of such a reaction after Fudge's words last night.
Solomon nodded, picking up a bag from the floor by the chair he had been sat in, "The prize money."
"I don't want it." Harry shook his head, "Ombre should have it."
"She doesn't want it either." The prize money sat on the table at the end of Harry's bed and everyone watched it like it was going to jump up at them.
Why did it felt like it was blood money, paid by the Ministry on behalf of Crouch, because they refused to admit who Kari's real killers were?
"The school has been informed that it would be in their best interests to leave you lot alone, but there's going to be people with questions, so you're going to have people trying to crowd you. Mahado's already offered the Monster's Wing if you need to get away."
'Thank you Mahado.'
You're welcome Pharaoh.
"The Daily Prophet released an article this morning," Sirius warned, "Stating that Lucius Malfoy is to blame for Kari's death. It's a lot easier to blame a convict that escaped from a prison in another country then admit that someone you announced was dead, had been living under your nose the whole time." He sounded disgusted.
"But it was Wormtail!" Harry protested.
"I know, kiddo." Sirius sighed.
"The Ministry are refusing to admit that they could possibly have two breakouts this close together."
"I'm staying in England until I've finished the funeral arrangements." Solomon sighed.
"If we're unable to hold it before the end of term, you may all come to stay with me." Sirius said.
"Thank you." Kaiba nodded, looking up from his laptop as Mokuba cuddled into his Blue Eyes White Chick.
"I'll pull you all out of school for the funeral, and let you know if there's anything in the will that concerns you."
"Kari wrote a will?"
"So Professor Dumbledore says."
"Grandpa. Was there a letter for us?" Yami asked, "It would have come with the post owls this morning?"
"Yes, actually." Solomon handed it over.
Yami skimmed it, and then passed it to Yugi. "It's all arranged then." Yugi breathed, "The exhibit's a month long, starting as of Monday the Fourth of June, and ending on August fifth…"
"Fits around India quite nicely." Seto nodded, then looked at Joey, "I'll talk to you later about dates."
Joey nodded as Yami sighed and leant back, thinking, "I'm going to apologise to Isuzu."
"Yami?" Joey frowned.
"With Voldemort back, this is no time to be seeking my memories."
"Yami… you shouldn't…"
"I've made up my mind."
Silence…
"We'll see you all later on in the week." Solomon said, "You behave." He told Wolf, who gave him the most affronted look possible for a wolf to give. He hugged all of his grandchildren and left. Sirius paused to ruffle Harry's hair and followed. Mr and Mrs Weasley hugged their children and the older Weasley nodded to the group, and then they too left, leaving the Clan in the room alone.
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Everyone deals with grief in different ways.
The traditional Japanese method was to hide it, and to only show it in private, around family, for grief belittles the dead. This method of mourning was getting them through, day by day, as those who were good at it supported those who weren't, and those who weren't were often too drained by the time those that were, were alone and able too to do anything but give their support or sleep.
But it wasn't easy, returning to class and homework and everything normal.
They had the Monster's Wing to retreat to, and it always felt like a retreat, from sympathy or prying eyes or the accusations that Harry had in some way caused Kari's death. Of course no one would accuse him directly, after all, who would kill one of their best friends over some Tournament?
Hermione was trying to follow the ways of her Japanese friends, allowing her to focus in class, allowing her to help the others as she always had, and allowed her to break down when it was just her family, when no one would think less of her, or tease her, or look at her oddly.
The only ones who could see her grieve were people who were grieving themselves, suffering together but to the outside world, keeping each other strong.
The Duel Monsters had offered their rooms, but the small family more often then not found themselves sleeping where they sat or stood, the one instance of Yugi falling asleep on the windowsill had been less then fun, and Yami was still thanking Kisara for her alertness.
The funeral date had been set, and they would be leaving Hogwarts a day early, as the funeral would fall on the day of the leaving feast, and in her will, Kari had asked that her family be able to hold a Wake if they had wanted to.
Professor McGonagall slipped into the Monster's Wing, where the Gryffindor Eig…Seven and a few others were taking refuge, unwilling to face the school.
Only two of the nine students reacted, their heads turning to face her and giving her a confused look.
The rest were so lost in their grief that they didn't react, even when she walked to the centre of their group, standing in the middle of a circle of grief stricken and lost teenagers.
"I know it's a bad time, but I need to speak to you all."
A pair of amethyst eyes, two pairs of brown eyes, a pair of smoky grey eyes and a striking green pair of eyes joined the ruby and deep blue ones watching her. The magenta eyes and the other pair of brown eyes, the ones she'd hoped to catch, were too deep in their pain to hear her.
"Ombre, Hermione." Professor McGonagall spoke softly, the two looked up.
"What is it Professor?" Yami asked.
"There are a couple of things I need to tell you." She started, "First of all, none of you are required to attend the end of year examinations, Harry, you have permission as a Champion and the rest of you have been given special permission because of recent events."
Yami snorted, they'd all missed their first exams anyway, this just meant that they wouldn't be expelled for failing to turn up.
"Also, Kari left these for you all and asked me to…" Surprise crossed a couple of the Clan members' faces as the Professor's voice cracked, she took a deep breath, centring herself, and continued, "Pass them around if something should happen to her."
She handed out the letters and left, wiping her face as she did so.
Ombre was the first to open hers, fresh tears flowing as she read the letter.
To Ombre,
We knew it was coming, but I guess you thought… oh it doesn't matter anymore.
Sorry I had to leave permanently before we could find out everything, the Orb is yours now, I have no more use for it.
I'm sorry. I don't know what you had to give up to save me from the Shadows, but it wasn't worth it, not for just over a year. I wish I could give whatever it was back to you but…
I'm sorry, if I'd listened to Robyn, realised sooner what she was trying to tell me, I wouldn't be leaving now.
Ombre, I ask of you again, please, look after Hermione. I know that you shouldn't go crazy without me, so I know this request is within your capabilities, so please, know what it's been like for her, the others don't realise just how hard it can be sometimes, don't leave her alone.
I didn't want to leave you, but I was too stubborn and too stupid to see that which was in front of my nose and I can't just leave Harry to whatever is going to happen when we vanish.
I guess all I have to say is that I'm sorry and I'll see you during the next life.
Goodbye for now,
Kari.
Staring at that third from last line… Kari hadn't done anything that Ombre wouldn't forgive her for, and the Princess prayed with all her might that her hik… partner hadn't returned to the… oh Gods… Ombre left the Monster's Wing before she could break down completely.
She didn't want the others to know the truth, to know what she'd had to do… to know that they should have been mourning over a year ago…
"Miss Ironhide." Ombre looked around, trying to control herself, and found herself looking at Robyn, who was giving her an irritated look and waving… a letter… "Would you like to explain this?"
Kari had known… Kari had known… and she'd told Robyn…
"Wh…What do you mean?"
"What were you thinking?"
Oh gods… "I was panicking. I don't even know if Kari'll be reincarnated, because I couldn't save all of her from the Shadow Realm… I managed to get fragments… but…everything else was memories."
"I think we should take this conversation to my office." Robyn frowned, leading the panicked spirit to the office, shutting the door and pouring two hot chocolates. "Now explain."
Ombre took a deep breath, not really wanting to explain, but knowing that she couldn't hold anything back if Kari hadn't… it wouldn't be right, or fair.
"When Kari collapsed in her Shadow Game against Bakura, her soul was shredded. Her body carried on living, but her soul died. We were in the hospital wing so long because I was fighting to recover the fragments of her soul, in the end I had to make an offer, giving up a lot of the really ancient memories, ones that could help Yami, to recover the few fragments I could."
"But soul fragments wouldn't have been able to…"
"That's where the Orb came in." Ombre held up her hand, wanting to explain without interruption, this was hard enough as it was. "The Orb makes duplicates of the wielder's memories without any commands, I used those memories, along with the life magic of the Orb to bind the fragments together with the memories and created the Kari that's been roaming around since."
"So everything she's done or said since has been a lie."
"No." Ombre shook her head, "It's… It was still Kari, people are defined by their souls and their memories. She still had parts of her soul, and she had all of her memories, so she was still Kari even if…"
"Thank you."
"What?" That wasn't the reaction she'd been expecting. "But…"
"You did it because you didn't want to be left alone again. I know." Robyn said shakily, "But if you hadn't, I couldn't have met Kari again and we couldn't have forgiven each other. For that I have to thank you."
"I don't want the others to know."
Robyn smiled sadly. "I understand, weary hearts can take no more strain. But mayhaps it will lighten your load to know this, if a soul can be divided and still be as bright as Yugi's I have no doubt that Kari's will shine again."
"It helps." Ombre nodded, smiling sadly back. "Will you be at the funeral?"
"I would rather say my goodbyes privately, but yes, I will be there."
"There's the wake the night before, for close friends and family, but if you don't want to come I'm sure Grandpa would tell you where she's resting until the funeral if you ask him."
Robyn nodded, "I'm sure the others will have read their letters by now. They'll need your support."
Ombre nodded, taking that as a sign to leave and standing up. She hesitated a moment, knowing what she wanted to say but unsure how to do it. "Robyn…" She paused, wondering if Robyn could forgive her for failing in her duty and unsure if she could take it if she couldn't.
"Forgive yourself first."
"Then live. It's what Kari would have wanted."
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I see them in the front row, and I realise that these were the people who saw my daughter in her last few hours in her life.
I recognise a few of them from TV. I started watching the Tournaments because I was sick about hearing about my daughter's duels without being able to see them myself.
Closest to the aisle is Yugi and Yami Muto, the Kings of Games. The Muto twins sticking close together, as the taller one, Yami, comforted his smaller sibling. On their left, is an elderly gentleman, who, from the way the twins were acting, had to be their Grandfather.
Yami, Yugi, Mr Muto, the blonde next to them is that Joey Wheeler guy my daughter was all over at that tournament a couple of years ago. He's unashamedly letting tears fall… perhaps there was more there then I thought there was…
The 'cheerleaders' are next to him, I don't think many people know their names… I'm sure the girl was in a dance show in America, but other then that I have no idea.
Next to them are some children I've never seen before, a messy raven haired boy, a man, the boy's father perhaps, a bushy brunette girl and between that row and the one behind, a bunch of red heads, all at various ages. Were they friends that my daughter made when she went to that school in Scotland? I certainly don't recognise them from the photos that used to come home with her.
Sat next to the bushy brunette is Ombre, the girl claiming to be the twin sister of my daughter. I recognise her easily, through there's something now in her demeanour that she didn't have the first time we met her… I hope her friends are there for her, because she certainly wouldn't accept my help anymore.
She'll need someone to be there for her now though, if she and my daughter were as close as I think they were.
Sat behind the Muto twins and Joseph Wheeler and at the end of the line of red heads are Seto and Mokuba Kaiba. I saw them come in; even the cold Ice Prince of Kaiba Corp was allowing himself to feel emotion...
Why would my daughter's employer come to her funeral? There's no need for them to be here…
And yet, through Yami Muto and Joseph Wheeler both can't stand Kaiba, they just nodded and accepted the presence of the Kaibas, even going as far as to move up to let them sit on the front row.
Somewhere in here is Robyn, she slipped in just before the thing started. She seems to be staying away from all the people that Kari considered a friend for the last four years.
Behind the close friends, are rows of friends and friend's families that I have never met in my entire life.
I can't help wondering why I'm here.
Kari was my daughter, that much was true, but we hadn't spoken in over a year, had been falling out for many more… those in the front rows were more her family then I had been.
Mr Muto had invited me to the wake that was held last night, and I attended but, there too, I had felt like an outsider, as the 'Clan' that my daughter had helped found, keep close, sharing very few words, but just comforting each other.
I had been unable to offer any comfort, as I hadn't felt the grief that they had.
I'd already mourned the loss of my daughter when she'd moved to Japan and that was almost five years ago. Now it just felt like I was going through the motions.
The will had specifically detailed what she wanted to happen; I didn't even get to say where she was going to be buried. She'd asked for a cremation and then she wanted her ashes scattered in Domino, her home, her real home, after I'd pushed her away.
Most of the funeral passed in a blur, as person after person sang the praises of a daughter I'd never really known, never really tried to get to know once her brother had died… if I'd been nicer, would she have left?
When daytime turns to night
When the moon shines bright
When you're tucked in tight
And everything is alright
Slip softly to that place
Where secret thoughts run free
There come face to face
With who you want to be
Would she be…?
Everyone stood as the coffin was lowered…
So swim across the ocean blue
Fly a rocket to the moon
You can change your life
Or you can change the world
Take the chance, don't be afraid
Life is yours to live
Take a chance and then the best has yet to come
Yugi's shoulders sank, turning his face away, tears falling. Yami hugged him tightly and Solomon put his hand on his grandson's shoulder, whispering something in Yugi's ear that made the young man turn to where the coffin had been led, trying to be strong...
Make a wish, it's up to you
Find the strength inside
And watch your dreams come true
You don't need a shooting star
the magic's right there in your heart
Close your eyes
Believe and make a wish
The bushy haired girl clung to Ombre, sobs clear, as the coffin vanished out of sight, the woman's only response, to hug the girl tightly.
Joey's fists clenched into fists, and the younger Kaiba brother leant into his brother, who responded by putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.
The red heads were supporting each other, as the raven haired teen found himself hugged by the man I supposed was his father, and Yugi's cheerleaders supported each other.
Chiisaki mono sore wa watashi
Watashi desu magire naku
Kagami no naka kokorobososa dake ga
Dare ni makenai asticksa ni naru yo
Sostickse watashi wa osanai koro ni
Sukoshizutsu modotte yuku
Imi mo shirazu utau koi no uta o
Hometekureta ano hi ni
Sora o ao geba
Michite kuru watashi no koe ga
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de kimi mo
Fuwari mai agare
koe ga kikoeru
yukubeki michi yubisastickse iru
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de hitori
Watashi utatte imasu
Robyn was on her own, tears falling and as my husband held my hand, I caught her gaze and saw her recoil from me…
She knew, as I did, that if we hadn't pushed Kari away, she would never have gone to Japan, would never have been at that school… she wouldn't have died… not then…
I've always hoped for happiness
And finally fulfilled my wish
'Cos I just need to see you smile
The Clan filed out first, and as we left, Mr Muto, the one my daughter called Grandfather, offered his condolences and for a moment, once he'd shaken hands with my husband, bowed to me and turned to support his family, I could see why she'd picked him over us, why she would leave us for him…
Sora o (Make a wish)
Ao geba (It's up to you)
Michite kuru watashi no koe ga (Watch your dreams come true)
Sara sara nagaru kaze no naka de kimi mo
(The magic's right there in your heart)
Fuwari mai agare (Believe and...)
Make a wish, it's up to you
Find the strength inside
And watch your dreams come true
You don't need a shooting star
the magic's right there in your heart
Close your eyes
Believe and make a wish...
He wouldn't abandon them when they were grieving, they wouldn't push them away because they weren't as good as the one that had gone…
Oh we'd grieve for a while, but life for us would return to how it had been before. We'd lost one child in the accident, and when Kari had left, it had been no surprise.
At least now she could be happy, with her real twin…
Kari, my daughter, my dearest daughter, I hope that wherever you are now, whatever you're doing in heaven, you're happier then you were here on Earth.
And I hope the boy you gave your life to save is worth it.
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She hated goodbyes.
She hated airports.
And she hated saying goodbye to her family, never knowing if they'd get into trouble over the summer…
So many times her family had nearly been killed while she had been safe in England, far away from the danger…
Everyone was quiet, as they gathered for the last time before the split ways, heading in different directions for the Summer.
The group from Japan were heading back via a corporate airplane of Seto's, Harry, Wolf and Sirius were going on holiday, Ron would be back with his family at the Burrow and she… she would be alone with her books.
"You will tell us if you change your mind, right?" She asked Yami.
He gave a non committal grunt, causing her shoulders to sink. "We'll see each other soon."
"Yeah, it's only a couple of months." Joey tried to cheer them up, "We'll be back causing chaos before you know it."
It didn't help, and everyone fell silent.
"Just promise me that if anything happens, you'll call, please. I'm sick of being left out of the loop." She complained, "Please?"
"I'll try to keep in contact." Ombre nodded, magenta eyes catching hers, "Hopefully I won't get kidnapped again this year."
"I won't promise, every time I do, something happens to stop me." Yugi complained, "But I'll do my best."
"I'll send postcards." Harry promised.
"I'm sure mum will invite you around." Ron said, "And if she doesn't I'll badger her until she does."
"Thanks."
"You sure you're going to be alright?" Sirius asked Ombre, who just nodded.
"Harry, we'll be in touch…" Yami said, looking at the young man who looked as if he was dreading what was to come.
Of course Harry would be. His link partners were heading out of range, he'd be alone in his head, other then Wolf of course, for the first time in just under ten months, she could imagine that it would be very quiet… but then he wasn't the only one who was suffering from that…
Hermione turned to look at Ombre, who was watching them all with an odd expression. If Harry was feeling rotten because he would be without his link partners for a couple of months, she didn't want to think about how bad Ombre had to be feeling…
She hugged her friend, offering a hopeful smile.
Ombre just gave a watery one back.
"Last call for the 14:30 Air France flight to Paris."
"That's us, kiddo." Sirius turned to Harry.
"Bye guys."
"You have that mobile phone, right?" Mokuba asked.
"Uh huh." Harry pulled it out of his back pocket, "You sure it's alright for me to be hooked up to the Kaiba Corp network?"
"If I say it is." Seto snorted.
"Harry." Sirius warned.
"See you during the summer?" Harry asked.
"Sure, give us a heads up and we'll meet you at the airport." Yugi nodded.
"Later everyone." Harry and Sirius left.
"We'd better go or we'll miss our opening." Seto growled, ushering Mokuba away.
"Bye then…" Hermione frowned.
"You're welcome at any time, Hermione." Solomon said, "Let's go." He said looking at the rest of the group.
"Bye…"
"See you later."
The group drifted away, Hermione reaching her parents in time to turn and wave at the group who were just vanishing around a corner.
Ron waved at her from where he was stood with his family.
It was going to be a long summer.
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Yugi was thinking hard and listening to Seto rant about delays with the flight. Something was plaguing him, and he couldn't work out what it was. Thinking straight hadn't exactly been easy for the past week; everything even remotely important had slipped his mind.
"I feel like we're forgetting something important." He frowned, as they started taxiing up the runway, turning to watch the ground pass them by, only to see a woman standing on the grass. "How did Robyn get out on the runway?" He asked, causing Yami to look, "And what is… oh."
She was waving something golden at them, Yami recognised it instantly, and as Yami started banging his head on his seat, Yugi's eyes widened as he recognised what she was holding and read the sign she was holding up, which said, "Don't worry, going into hiding this summer."
"How did she get her hands on the missing Millennium Items?" Yugi asked as the plane left the ground. "Do you think she stole them from whoever stole them from us?"
"I think Robyn is always going to be six steps ahead of us." Yami groaned. "Do you think we can get her to be less helpful next year?"
"Robyn's a lot less dangerous then Dobby." Yugi pointed out, feeling slightly better now he knew where the Rod, the Eye and the Necklace were.
"Still…" Yami sighed, leaning back. Planes were not a safe method of transport. He trusted broomsticks and dragons more then he trusted these mechanised birds. He had made his thoughts on this matter clear before. It just wasn't worth covering them again.
"At least we know where they are. Robyn's unlikely to come after us to try to win the ability to control their powers." Yugi said, and was suddenly assaulted by the mental image of a 'Yami Robyn' fighting against Yami for the Millennium Items. He shook his head. There were times he hated having a vivid imagination.
"Don't tempt fate please Yugi." Yami scowled at him.
"Shutting up." Yugi agreed as he leant back into his chair, stretching as he did so, thinking of everything they were planning to do and trying not to think of how much Kari had been looking forward to it…
It was going to be hard, but they'd get through this summer.
And hey, they had India to look forward to…