Happy belated Year of the Monkey all! If you are a monkey feel free to tell us in a review.

This is all Rachelle Ryan's fault, fave author list, seriously. My little sister came to me with this crossover idea, crossovers are more her thing, and I was all sure. We talked about basic plots, pairings, the like and then the idea just kind of sat around for a while. My muses finally came together and I started typing this up, which got everything started. Chapter 1 is pretty much just set up, chapter 2 will be more story and detail driven promise. This will likely not be updated again until Summer, I have a ton to update so any delays will likely be my fault. Any ideas, suggestions, ect. are welcomed, and if we like them we will use them.

Disclaimer: YuGiOh and Avatar: The Last Airbender do not belong to either Rachelle Ryan or myself. If we are making any money off of this fic we do not know about it.

WarNinGs: AU, OOCness, Use of Japanese YuGiOh names and characterizations.

""..."" Means the speakers are not speaking whatever they speak in Avatar: The Last Airbender, which uses a mix of Chinese, Japaneses, Sanskrit, and a few others in their non-English words.

Aishi Say

"Water... Earth... Fire... Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his airbending skills are great, he still has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone. But I believe Aang can save the world."

Katara narrating the opening of Avatar: The Last Airbender, so sucks this show was only three seasons long.

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

"And that is the general idea. A little added magic from you two and Bob's your uncle," Bakura still was not sure why the name Bob seemed to be everywhere sometimes. Modern humans often made no sense to him, or apparently themselves for that matter, which made him feel better. Still, since Bakura had transposed himself on his hapless modern host his superior Egyptian sensibilities had taken quite a beating when running into these people's awkward and twisted though processes.

Kaiba blinked long lashes starting to become annoyed with the sarcastic spirit housed within the pale youth before sighing, mentally rolling his eyes. 'Yami.' Personally, he found it mildly intriguing that Bakura sounded more like he really was British the longer he possessed Ryou. "Why did I agree to listen to this nonsense again?"

Trepidatiously a small statured youth with tri color hair glanced at Kaiba. Recently, Kaiba's white coat had been replaced by a crimson version in the same style as his older violet one. The change Kaiba had explained as Mokuba had been playing World of Warcraft too much, then something about Blood Elves, neither Yugi or Yami had not really been listening as hard as they had been staring. The outfit change was enough to make Kaiba look a little alien to him, good but alien.

Contrarily, Yami was more than used to the annoyed tone in his often times rival's voice, but still did not care for it. The fact that Kaiba and Bakura butting heads could be literally explosive now did not help matters, maybe this had not been one of his better ideas? However as the often leader of the group he had felt something must be done. Yami might not have remembered all the details of his life as a former Pharaoh, but responsibility and command still hung on him like a cloak making others look to him for answers with the possible exception of... "Kaiba," he softened his tone so that it was one of the few times he did not snap, mutter, or scream the other's last name. "We agreed something must be done because Ishizu has been too vague and too slow. We need more information, the best way to gather it is to go to the source."

"Yug I hate to interrupt you chiding Kaiba, but how exactly are we suposta just walk around in the past, and not have it end with screamin'?" Jounouchi asked, he had kept quiet while Bakura had talked, and still not been able to follow most of what he said. Mai sighed shaking her head, she loved the guy but sometimes she wanted to smack him. She glanced at tea, and the only other girl in their little group gave her a rather sympathetic smile. The younger girl, of course, had to put up with the testosterone much more often than the buxom blonde since they were her classmates. It made Mai incredibly grateful that she already had her diploma.

Bakura flicked his wild locks over his shoulder, "Exactly why non-magic users should just stand there and play battery. It's called a glamor oh noisy puppy, it will hide us from view. Really, don't they have that on the Telly enough?"

Jounouchi glared fists clenching, the only thing that stopped him from decking the pale smug bastard was the fact it was Ryou's face he would be messing up. The malicious spirit he wanted to hit could just retreat to the mystic Ring that contained the ancient thief and not even feel the pain. The white haired puppy dog-eyed add-on had never done anything to them, well true Ryou could be a little klutzy at times, but busting his teeth in would be quite rude. "Way to channel you're your inner Kaiba there Casper."

Reminding himself he did not hate these people, Kaiba rubbed the bridge of his nose, well most of the time, "Why are you dragging me into this?"

Bakura sneered, ignoring Kaiba's comment, let the Pharaoh say something sweet, or the brunette girl could always start yammering about friendship. "Do I look bloody friendly to you? I do not know how you put up with these people Kaiba, or why you'd want to?"

Kaiba was one thing, yeah he wanted to deck the guy, a lot, but at least he was mostly on their side, "Bite me." Jounouchi was a fighter not so much a thinker, they could not all be Kaiba.

"Bakura!" Red laced purple eyes narrowed as Yami snapped at his fellow spirit when the pale Yami gnashed his teeth at Jounouchi, before frowning at Kaiba who was chuckling. The CEO just shrugged but stopped so he turned back to Bakura, they both could be so frustrating. "Enough, really both of you? Bakura are you sure you can use that spell on all of us?"

Bakura sighed closing his dark eyes, really the Pharaoh was always worrying over his little band of cheerleaders, as if Kaiba's way of protecting one at any cost was so wrong? Sure as bloody Hell kept life simple, "As long as your friends don't do something too stupid I should be fine. It has been a long time since I used any of my old tricks. Kaiba learned to control the masses yet?"

Kaiba looked up before glaring at the Gumi, suspicion was one reason he kept his distance from the Pharaoh's modern group of friends. Whatever role he might have played in the past, he was the cold one that would do what it took to win now, it did not help he had taken his Item back. The Rod was tainted in their minds but so was he, let them watch him looking for the same thing they looked for in Ryou. "Do not discus me as if I am not here."

"Someone's feeling feisty today," Bakura cooed, looking down when a sweep of Kaiba's crimson clad arm showed the Rod holstered at his left hip. "If you have it makes it easier if my spells fail, if not…I'm sure you can figure it out."

Yami glanced at the Rod trying to ignore the back of his mind, so many thoughts there, "Kaiba have you?"

"I already control people so no, I have not been playing with the Rod." Kaiba crossed his arms glancing at the Gumi out of the corner of his eye, let them wonder. As the head of a major corporation he held the lives and minds of more people under his direct sway than anyone relying on magic ever would or could.

"Niisama are you sure you want to try this?" Mokuba asked from Kaiba's side, the younger boy was worried for more reasons than he could count, not that he wanted to be. Tugging he took his brother's arm holding it tightly, he would follow Seto anywhere but he was still afraid.

"Like Hell I'm leaving Yami alone with Bakura in the past, the others can't fight him, I can." Kaiba trained his icy glare on the thief, past history or not the malevolent Yami had gone after his little brother and still needed to pay dearly for it.

"You're so cute when you're bloodthirsty, but truth be told I could steal his Item just as easily here, and not drain myself first. I swear you and you alone had to be why he was not attacked until I got a boost in power." Bakura shook his head, he remembered flashes of the blue, white, and gold clad priest, just as determined and confident as the CEO standing there glaring at him now.

Yami took a breath hating to agree even a little with Bakura, not that he thought Seto was exactly cute deathglaring at people. Kaiba for his part just growled a little but otherwise remained still, Mokuba glaring right alongside him, a brother's love was a brother's love. 'Gods save us if this restores Seto's memories, he wants to kill Bakura already.´ "That is all well and good but enough. How drained will this make you?"

Anzu glanced from one Item Holder to the next, two she worried for, although one only his body, "Yami he could drain you and not himself."

"Please, as if Kaiba has not considered that, really?" Bakura scoffed annoyed, how did Ryou stand these fools? "Listen Love the card can only be summoned by me, they have to will me power, or it is very hard to take it without touch. Now are we done with the foolish 20 questions?"

"How do we even know we can trust you? Just because you've helped before, and claim to want to stop the end of the world doesn't mean you're on our side." Honda glared at the white haired Yami he hated. This must be how Kaiba had felt when he death glared at Yami Yugi before the Pharaoh had pull the stick out of Kaiba's ass.

"Oi," Bakura muttered to the heavens, "Mr. Dark Being wants to destroy my playground savvy? I want him dead so I can focus on what I want in life, just like Kaiba over there. I'm still a bad guy, but I like playing with you all too much to kill you, even you. Now can we please get on with this and stop banging on?"

Kaiba nodded drawing the Rod, its raw energy felt good even if it was not as well controlled as the others just yet. "The sooner we see this so called battle the better. I want that thing dead this time, and watching little picture shows isn't helping."

"Well said, I always liked you best of all the Scared Guardians, you're the only one with common sense, and I loved the hissing snake." Winking Bakura summoned his Item from inside his chest, the Ring's five gold prongs glinted as they swayed, "Pharaoh?"

Yami bit his lip looking to the ghostly Yugi who stood between him and Kaiba, he appeared to look like a more innocent looking twin, and had remained silent during the back and forth. He more used to Yugi's voracious vocal encouragement. The other's may not be able to hear the soul who was observing, but that definitely did not render them passive.

However, they all knew that Yugi was the one soul he would do anything to protect and that everything Yami had done was for Yugi's benefit. Yugi gave him a reassuring smile and nodded, a pale hand touching the Puzzle's eye. Yami nodded back placing his hands on either side of his prison. Kaiba aimed the Rod with the same calm grace his past self had always shown, it was hard not to think of him at times like this. All of the Items were primed, "Begin."

Bakura smirked at the order before pulling the card he wanted from his deck. Calling his power he held the card up and began channeling his Ka through the Ring and into it. "Necromancer the Timelord rise and obey!" Summoning the beast was no real effort, he could summon a dozen in his sleep. Sending eight people, plus two extra spirits, back thousands of years, and then casting a glamor spell to hide said eight people from a nation full of priests was the hard part. He needed as much power from the others as he could draw, not hard since Seto would protect Yami at any coast, save Mokuba.

Yami was no different, he just had to be sure they had enough to stand or there would be problems, Kaiba's unpredictable temper notwithstanding. Yami's power flowed rather easily, no surprise since he was using it every time he merged or took over from Yugi, Kaiba's was raw but stronger then he had thought it would be. 'Sometimes I do forget just how strong he was before he was chosen. Don't worry Pharaoh I'll play nice till my old master is gone.' A green skinned one-eyed humanoid pulled himself from his runed gold ring nodding to Bakura before throwing the ring up watching it whirl as it grew. "Send then return." The ring fell swallowing the group in light before a small ring was lifted from the ground it and its owner fading away.

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

Yami groaned when he landed hearing screams, crashes, and general chaos all around him, but not really seeing it. Lifting his head he blinked wide dark eyes, from the dress of the peoples' whose building they had intruded on it looked like the past, but more like land of Yugi and Kaiba's birth than his own. With that thought he turned, Kaiba had landed with much more grace, and was already scanning the room with his dark glare. Looking behind him he frowned at Jounouchi and Honda were laying on what had been a table until they had landed on it. Anzu was lying nearby half propped up by a chair, Mai laying on the floor before it, Mokuba had been caught by an older woman, who seemed afraid but nothing more. Turning to his left he spotted Bakura half propped up on the top of a table and judging by the skittish way their eyes kept sliding from Bakura to Kaiba the strangers found them to be the most unnerving of their sudden guests. He could not guess why Kaiba seemed to alarm them, beyond his glaring at them.

Whoever they might be a few of the bolder ones came closer to Bakura yelling incomprehensible epithets in a foreign tongue that yet held a hint of Yugi's Japanese, and the white haired Yami did what a hurt and angry Yami did, lashed out. The heatless flames of his Ka burned around him doing the trick of scaring them off, but then blood red flames tended to have that effect. However the pale Yami's power quickly gave out with a growl, and he slumped the rest of the way to the table top, left arm hanging off the side. This caused the crowd to focus on those still standing instead, hand on his Item the former Pharaoh debated what to do. Sadly the choice was made for him when one of the younger men charged, shouting something before bringing a blade down at Kaiba. ""KAIBA?!""

Dark blue flashed as the Rod was brought up, stopping the blade with a pure glare of contempt, the short sword wielding youth cried out when a jerk of an arm sent him rolling. His power filled blue eyes were pupilless and narrowed with conviction as Kaiba gestured at the petite youth beside him, his charge, his Pharaoh, and replied in the stranger's tongue, "You will not touch him!" Rod glinted as it was pulled apart silver blade contrasting with the old dark gold.

Yami blinked, surprised a bit by both the viciousness of Kaiba's clear hands off, and by the fact he could understand these people. It made sense really, since Kaiba had been trained since about ten to run Kaiba Corp. That meant taking any advantage presented, and learning various languages could be a serious advantage in business, but it took a second for the Pharaoh's foggy mind to remember that. ""Are you all right? The backfire doesn't seem to have hit you as hard.""

Seto turned his head slightly to regard his former master, he sounded weak but otherwise all right, at least he was not in pain. ""This body only has to sustain one Ba, not two, so yes. Are you all right now My Pharaoh?""

"" Ba…Aibou?"" Yami cried before trying to sense his other self, Yugi was in his soul room inside the Puzzle still, but not gone. Sighing in relief he allowed the rest of what Kaiba had said to sink in and blinked, ""Don't tease me right now Kaiba.""

""I am doing no such thing,"" Seto assured him turning to look over his shoulder, watching dark eyes blink at him. ""I am all right, truly.""

Yami just stared at Kaiba's body but who he now realized was not Kaiba but in fact Seto, the priest who had served the Pharaoh in the past as his loyal protector. Was this how the others had felt when they had been getting used to him, a stranger being in the body of their friend? Reaching up and pressing his hand to the other's cheek Yami couldn't help but ask, ""Seto?""

""Pharaoh,"" Seto allowed himself a relived smile, the other had looked so unsure a moment ago and he hated that. Turning he glared at the armed men, no one would touch the Pharaoh while he drew breath, no one. Blue-white fire snaked around the Rod getting cries of fear as they backed away crying for help, they could shout all they wanted as long as they stayed back.

""Are the others all right? Please don't strain yourself too much Seto? Mokuba will worry,"" Yami glanced at Mokuba, the women had not moved very far. The Rod's power was still only faintly familiar to him but it made him feel safe. Kaiba would die to protect what he loved, and he had no doubt Seto would as well.

""Whatever force drew us here drained what little Ka they had so they sleep. The thief is worse off then you, but you are the one who must be careful."" Seto sighed softly, his training came in handy, but his new form was not as used to his powers flowing through it as his old. His old had held his own power plus that given to him by Kisara, two Ka for one Ba had made him strong enough to do what had needed to be done after the death of his heart.

""Yugi is all right and I'm just weak,"" Yami placed a hand on rich red, Kaiba's dusters were always so soft to the touch. ""Why are they so scared of you?"" These people had been terrified before Seto or Bakura had ever set their Ka aflame, Yami did not understand.

""Something about a Fire Nation, I assume they wear a lot of red. Bakura they think is some spirit…close enough."" Seto frowned when one man began doing 'tai chi?' at them before earth hit a shield of shifting blue. ""Geb?""

Yami jerked back watching earth splay across blue-white scaring some angering others, fire seemed to be a bad thing to have and shadow magic often looked like flames. He had no idea what powers Seto had possessed as a priest, visions had only showed the Rod's use, or if he could use any of them now. More earth hit, as did blades, and a few dishes, Seto gritted his teeth but it was clear it was beginning to strain him. ""Seto stop, please?""

The shield fell with a pant, he was too drained to fend off the enemy as he use to, alone and quite well. An attack drew his arm forward power blasting the fool through a window, reflexes still working. Sitting back on his booted heals Seto glared defiantly, he feared no foe only loss of what he fought to protect. The Pharaoh touched his shoulder again trying to calm him, threaten Seto did not do calm. An old man walked in they clearly respected, but he was not really listening to them anymore. "Leave him alone!"

General Iroh the Dragon of the West, and all around lover of tea, eyed the mess of his shop, he had only been gone an hour and look at it. Two oddly dressed youths had appeared to have taken out a table with themselves, and rather well he might add. Then there was a girl and a young women near them, and also a child in one of his customer's arms, all out cold. A white haired youth in some manner of black robe lay passed out on a table, apparently the one that fleeing customers had claimed called blood red flames before he too fell unconscious.

The two who remained were odder still. The shorter was less threatening but much more curious looking, his wide worried eyes were violet. Odd enough, but his hair, stuck up like a flame and was two tones, black with reddish purple highlights, and odd bangs of gold. Truly a strange sight to behold, not that the white haired youth was all that normal, unless he really had been touched by the spirits as his hair suggested. The glaring young man was much more normal looking, if not as oddly dressed. Black was common but the crimson robe he wore was studded with gold, two golden cuffs adorned his wrist, and an odd symbol was on his left collar. His eyes were as dark as any Water Tribe member he had met, and glared as cold and enraged as his nephew's had ever been. This one was a fighter, willing to kill for what he loved, honorable but inconvenient. His tone was one of who was use to getting his way, he knew that tone well, and the other was convinced they were going to hurt the worried youth. "Stranger, lower your strange weapon and relax, perhaps a nice cup of tea would help?"

Seto blinked at the old man, determined rage replaced by surprise and confusion, had he been out in the sun too long? No sane person offered an armed person tea, their lives had gotten even stranger then Kaiba thought they were. "No. Your side lowering your own blades would."

Iroh frowned rubbing his chin, despite the odd taste his accent added to his words the stranger was perfectly understandable and he was obviously as stubborn as any firebender he had ever met, the other's eyes were wrong also, they reminded him of Toph's but he was not blind. Frowning he considered the other's request, the fire had not burned anyone, or anything, and this youth had only knocked a few around. He was weak, confused, and worried for the one he was protecting, but perhaps a little show of trust would calm him? "Put them down, it is all right." Dark stare followed the crowd, this one had learned not to trust very young, Spirits what was happening to the children? "How about some nice hot Jasmine tea now?"

Seto watched the crowd obey, whoever this old man was he clearly had some power, wincing he ordered his body to stay awake. The Puzzle's magic was strong, but its wielder was not a warrior as he was. ""Pharaoh…do you trust this man?""

Yami frowned, relaxing a little when the fight was seemingly over, he had never liked fighting, and was no expert in hand to hand or street fighting as a few of his more…colorful friends were. At Seto's question he looked up and studied the old man, he looked so like Yugi's grandfather, in spirit anyway. Hands on Seto's shoulders he leaned close, he could feel his friend's weakness but he knew Seto, no matter what his form he was a fighter. ""Yes. Why?""

""He wants to offer us tea of all things, it makes little sense to me, but I am not exactly myself at the moment."" Seto was losing his battle of will, but at least this old man seemed to be harmless enough, if not a little strange.

""tea? Yugi might understand but I do not get it either,"" Yami still did not understand the people of Yugi's land, let alone his time and now this. Eyes that remind him a bit of Jounouchi's in color only watched them, the old man seemed concerned for Seto, but was not about to try and touch him. Whoever he was he had stopped the fighting and that was fine by him, even well no one needed to get into a fist fight in a nice little place.

Musing was interrupted when Seto slumped against him, Rod half slipping from still fingers, "Seto?!" Dark eyes opened with a faint smile as Seto placed a hand on Yami's, his body may be too weak to use the last full extent of what magic he still held but his master's was not. Closing his eyes he willed what little power he had left into the worried youth, he could at least defend himself if he had to. "Seto," Yami whispered before looking up not sure what to do now, he could not understand these people and he was afraid for his friends. ""Please help them?""

Iroh just stared as his unique gift to see spirits showed him there was more to the pair them he first thought, at least today would not be dull. The one is red, he assumed was named Seto, had a mirror image of sorts, skin as dark as any Water Tribe member, odd dress of blue, white, gold accents, and a white cape likely meant power. He offered a glowing teal ball of energy to the youth that now held him, who was wearing less, cloth and color, but about as much gold.

Intrigued by this Iroh frowned stroking his bread, looking up when the last stranger expressed what was obviously a plea in a language that far-flung as Iroh had traveled he had curiously never heard. The boy with the tri colored hair sounded so very young and scared it tore at his old heart, and despite the lack of understanding the feelings got through just fine, help my friends. While no healer, he could see they were taken somewhere safe to rest before he could have his nephew and the Avatar look at them. If the Spirits had brought them there, they were clearly touched by them, then Aang might be of some help. He wanted Zuko there because they may or may not have been sent to help restore balance, all out war was over but skirmishes still popped up between the two formally warring kingdoms. The young Firelord had done well so far, but there was much to do and only so much he could do alone, or with Aang's help and influence.

All of this would have to be explored once he had both the world's most powerful and influential youths here, the Water Tribe siblings and Toph would also be of use. While she could likely not understand their strange, but not unpleasant, speech she could still tell if they were lying. A useful thing to know, even if this 'Seto' could understand and speak their tongue rather well, a simple code would have to be set up when talking to him. Knelling down he met violet with his own hazel gold and smiled, "I will take good care of them. Men take these people to my home, I will see to them."

Yami smiled a little at the smile, it was warm and made him feel better, nodding he loosened his grip on Seto, letting go completely when a large man knelt to take him. Getting to his feet he mentally thanked Seto for his gift of power, he did not feel as weak, ""Thank you. I will come quietly.""

Iroh watched the men walk out, the standing youth watching but remaining still, until he bent down and took the odd golden scepter. He was no knife fighter so Iroh did not worry, he wanted it for sentimental reasons only. Placing a hand on the dark blue sleeve of the small youth Iroh smiled again, he was going to need a lot of tea for this one. "Come child, I will see you get something to eat before sending word to my nephew and Aang. I just hope your protector and Aang's don't butt heads too much, my house is finally just the way I like it."

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

Yami sighed, arms folded on a balcony railing, tea cup in his hands, this strange place was all the stranger with him not understanding the language, but the old man was very kind. This place, which he could help but think of as The Gardens were relaxing and the tea calming. The change of location to such an open venue, one lacking in threatening and incomprehensible strangers, along with a nap and some food had improved his mood a great deal. Seto and Bakura where still sleeping in the room behind him, the others scattered between two more guest rooms. The others were still unconscious, but they seemed peaceful so he had relaxed as best he could and just enjoyed the view.

The ancient nameless spirit wondered if this is what the lands he now called home had really once looked like? So unlike his original home by the Nile yet still so beautiful, the sun felt just as warm wherever they went. Sighing softly the Pharaoh reentered the large room, this place seemed to like green, gold, and wood so likely Earth something. He did not doubt Seto's guess that the Fire Nation wore red, so Earth made sense to him.

Refilling his cup Yami turned when he thought he heard Seto sigh, could his rival have recovered so quickly? Having never served as one of the priesthood or a sorcerer, who had made their life a study of magic, Yami was uncertain of the practicalities of their situation. The thief Bakura would likely be out for a while, as the caster he had used more energy. The others he was unsure of since they lacked any innate magic that would have helped them recover from their journey to this odd land, but could Seto be awake again? Setting the fragile feeling cup down the petite teenager walked over to the bed Seto was curled up on, they were as comfortable as they looked. His duster had been hung up, probably a good thing since red was apparently not a favorite color around here, his gold cuffs were sitting near the tea tray. The sleeveless black shirt and black pants looked darker against the pale green sheets, Seto looked dramatic and somewhat familiar on their pale backdrop.

Chiding himself for his absent thoughts Yami took the Rod from the smooth wood it had been resting on and placed it in Seto's still hand. If Seto was regaining his power the Rod would help, after all his Item had always helped him. The taller youth moaned softly clenching dark gold absently in sleep, body adapting but still weak. Yami sat down on the edge of the bed and brushed a dark lock back into place, he looked so serene asleep and not passed out or a soulless shell, ""Seto.""

Fingers curled a little tighter as dark eyes half opened, weak but alive the former priest half sat up blue eyes meeting relieved violet. Seto's lips parted to assure the other youth he was fine but they did not get the chance, the shorter youth wrapped his arms around the CEO, he worried so. Shaking his head Seto held his former master and friend back, he felt stronger and this would help his heart, ""I am all right, really you always did worry so.""

Yami looked up and grinned at the sight of the reassuring smile he had seen Kaiba use on Mokuba more than once. Sitting back on his heels Yami looked away blushing, he was embarrassed he had just clung to Seto like that. He highly doubted Kaiba would just gently chide him and smile, gods if Kaiba did that he would worry even more. ""I am sorry Seto.""

Seto frowned but knew why the Pharaoh was looking away, Kaiba's consciousness may be still but his memories were open to him. Sighing softly he turned Yami's face around slowly, he had no reason to turn away from either of them. ""Pharaoh it is all right. Kaiba will be fine in a day or so, the others a few days at most after. Do you look away because I am not Kaiba?""

Yami bit his lip, that soft unsure tone was not one Kaiba had ever used on him, if he did Yami feared what he would do. Turning his dark eyes Yami met rich blue, looking down shaking his head before looking back up. ""No Seto I just…I barely know how to speak with him without bringing up something painful, you…you I barely remember.""

""Pharaoh,"" Seto whispered wiping a welling tear from the other's eye, ""I know what you fear, you were not a monster like Marik or even Bakura, you are you."" His own memory was incomplete but he knew who his master was, who he would always be.

""But what about you?"" Yami protested taking Seto's hand in both of his, ""Ishizu showed us…please tell me you were not my enemy…please?""

Seto looked away expression dark, he knew the scene the prophetess had showed the gumi with her item and what had caused it, ""Not by choice."" It was not a story he wanted to get into just then, it would only make Yami cling to him crying, that would help no one.

Yami frowned before nodding, ""Kaiba hates talking about his past, knowing what I know of it I am not surprised. I wish I could have helped him sooner, but he was scarred long before Yugi freed me."" It was so sad but there was nothing to do now but be there if Kaiba wanted him. ""Seto do you know what happen here?""

""I would assume this Fire Nation waged war on this place, Earth if color equals element, why I am unsure, but that matters little right now. If I am correct some stronger magic drew us here, stronger then the three strongest Items…it is not a pleasant thought."" Seto frowned rubbing his chin before noticing his Item on the bed. Taking in carefully he sighed, crossing his arms, others with the power of gods, or even gods themselves, made dangerous foes.

""Iroh seems to like to talk a lot, or at least he did when he fed me. I could not understand him but he said something about an Avatar. I believe he thinks we can be of some help to each other,"" Yami frowned his knowledge of magic was limited even with so many magic users as friends. ""Do you know anything about avatar magic?""

Pensively Seto gazed at his Pharaoh. ""I studied many forms of magic Pharaoh, not all of them practiced by a priest, let alone one of the Sacred Guardians. If this Avatar is in fact a vessel for some other worldly entity they may very well have the power needed to redirect Bakura's spell. Do you think we can trust him?"" Seto had heard no talk of such a person, but he had not been awake long in this place.

""Well I trust Iroh, he's a lot like grandpa, and he trusts the Avatar so we should at least hear him out."" Yami glanced at the Rod, it looked so familiar being held absently, its owner's bare arms crossed, he smiled a little, ""If I am wrong feel free to blast him and chide me.""

Thinking on the memories he was able to access from Kaiba the former priest was less than sanguine about the wisdom of Yugi's grandfather. After all he had given his grandson an artifact he knew was dangerous and cursed to play with that had lead to Yugi co-habituating with an ancient spirit. The end result may have been something Seto could not regret, but this did not mean the old man's actions were not questionable.

Speaking so disparagingly of one the Pharaoh held in fond esteem however was not a monster he wanted to summon. Deciding to take a different tack Seto scolded his friend, ""As if I have nothing more pressing to do then remind you not everyone is trustworthy?"" Seto shook his head slowly, leaning back against soft pillows and cool stone, ""Sometimes I worry about you.""

""Kaiba likes telling me I told you so, he's rather good at it,"" Yami smiled thinking back to the last time Kaiba had proven a better judge of intentions then Yugi. ""Should I go find Iroh?""

Shaking his head, the former priest closed his eyes, ""I have no interest in talking to him, or anyone else here just now, he is not as harmless as he looks."" Seto frowned, it was something about the way the old man had moved and watched them, the priest had not grown up in a sheltered place, he knew how to read threats. Kaiba's own…colorful life experiences showed many mirrored reactions, and confirmed that people's motives and tells had not changed in the many centuries that had passed. ""And no I do not think he means us any harm, I simply mean he is someone to watch as he watches us.""

""I think you remind him of someone,"" Yami admitted getting a questioning look, a look he knew fairly well. ""I was watching him, and he just seemed a little too worried about you for a moment, Kaiba would use that.""

Perhaps Yami had forgotten that Kaiba was not gone, and that in fact his spirit would soon reawaken.""Yes he will,"" Seto gave his Pharaoh a significant look. ""I will not claim to be above the same action, my first concern is getting us safely home. We must find out what brought us here, or it will likely prevent us from leaving, Isis protect them if they refuse me."" Fingers clenched as Seto closed his eyes, no god or god like human would prevent them from destroying Zork the Dark Being. He wanted blood, blood for every loved one it had stolen from him and the pain he had caused this new world, this time it would end.

Contemplatively Yami remarked, ""You and Kaiba are very much the same, I guess Yugi and I are now…thankfully since I was so cold when I first returned."" Yami glanced at Bakura, the pale youth was curled up dead to the world, ""Can he change?""

Seto followed his master's glance and frowned in contempt, even if he put working for the Dark One aside Seto had no love for the thief, and he knew Kaiba shared his feelings. ""If he has not he can fall with his former master, he has many crimes to atone for in both times. You were slow to awaken nothing more, you are not like the twisted and vile Marik, Pharaoh.""

""Yami, it is both what I am and what I am called, well not by you."" Yami turned back to Seto, his eyes so like Kaiba's, what his should be without the pain and ice. ""Why don't you? I allow you to if that is it.""

Seto smiled slightly shaking his head, ""It is not, you never made us call you by a title. That word means darkness, I do not find that befitting of you.""

Yami blinked, he sure did not talk like Kaiba, blushing a little he looked down, ""I am his darker half, not evil just not as good. Kaiba would agree, if not completely relish the connotations. Do you remember my real name?""

Seto sighed looking down, he hated disappointing the other, he always had but rarely did except for time like these, ""I do not. Perhaps what spell locks your memories away also effects my own, or I might just not have recovered enough of my own to know. With time we remember more, there is still a chance I will be able to return something you have lost.""

Yami touched his arms not sure why the other's tone made him want to hug the other so badly, ""Seto it's all right, you not being my enemy means more to me then a life that ended so sadly. I just want you all to be safe, I can live forever as Yami if those I love can just be safe.""

""Pharaoh,"" Seto whispered pulling him close. ""We all will be soon. You have saved so many of the lost in this life, the gods will not forsake you, and neither will we."""

Yami snuggled against Seto needing something he could focus on, he had saved many of the Gumi from the darkness of this world and for that he was grateful. Closing his eyes he sighed feeling much better leaning against solid warmth that had not changed, ""The not knowing makes it hard sometimes. Thank you Seto.""

Seto smiled lowering his cheek to his master and friend's hair, the prince always had worried about them so, a trait that would never change in him, ""My pleasure my Pharaoh.""

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

"That blue-eyed one is as bad as my nephew, I have no doubt you will do just fine with him Toph." Iroh had chuckled after his knowing grin, he had no doubt Toph could make friends and help smooth things along before the others came. "Just be careful, I have never seen bending like theirs, or at least his, very dangerous. Be nice to the one called Yugi, I think, he's a good boy and it will keep Seto from putting holes in my walls. I will come check on you once I finish some shopping, play nicely now."

Toph had smirked as she walked off, the whole thing sounded like fun and she could use a little. It was all well and good helping repair her home nation, in more ways than one. And teaching the king Kuei what he had missed, now that was fun, but she got bored playing diplomat. She 'listened' to the trio in the last room, all still asleep so she had nothing really to do but snoop, she did like snooping. One did not have to see to snoop, well she never said snoop well, and her own way of seeing made it easy to snoop and play innocent if caught.

Walking up to the more interesting of the three beds she frowned, from 'Uncle's' descriptions these two had to be Seto and Yugi. Yugi had fallen asleep slumped against Seto, looking with her senses he was shorter and according to the general health of his heart and the condition of his muscle tone not much older than her friends. Seto was the tallest of the strangers, she was not sure if he was older or not, and one look told her he could probably handle himself just fine alone. She had learned the big ones were often poor fighters blundering around and trying to overpower everyone, no finesse. After all neither Zuko or Sokka were the big type, and both could fight quite well.

Turning to the third guy she frowned, he was curled up quite contently, supposedly a firebender with red flames. Blue were rare but red, they were said to have been scary but nothing had been burned so his control had to be amazing. Walking up to the nightstand to Seto's right she took the odd scepter, gold but way too light to be pure or solid. Frowning she studied the Item with her powers before pulling it apart, the blade was sharp and she never would have realized it was there without her gifts. "hm?"

"That is not a toy," Kaiba growled as he turned his head opening his eyes, blinking at the blind girl. Half sitting up he frowned, there was no mistake she could not see with those eyes of hers "Who are you?"

Toph froze when a voice growled at her from her left, she had not noticed Seto opening his eyes. Cursing herself for her carelessness she turned towards the voice, he had half sat up and was staring at her, she could not 'see' more then that. She was pretty sure he was considering her condition since that is what most did when they went from talking to silent around her. When he spoke again it was a simple question, his voice calmer then it had been. His words were accented but clear, while not his native tongue he was fluent.

"I am Toph, a friend of 'Uncle' Iroh…the old man who brought you all here." She had been told they may be a disoriented, understandable if the story of them falling from a spirit portal in the sky was accurate. "We are in his apartments in the Earth Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se," she added to see if there was any recognition. There was none. All the nations knew the name Iroh these days with his nephew being Fire Lord, and Iroh himself having helped bring about the return of the Avatar. Where could these people have possibly come from? Where they time lost like Aang had been? Plus they reportedly had such strange coloring, nothing that matched any nation.

Kaiba frowned slightly in thought, Iroh had been kind to Yami, and decent to him, so he was fine with him. The fact she called him Uncle as if it was an unofficial title was noted but did not concern him, he was not close to his remaining family save Mokuba. "He send you to check on us?"

Toph really wished she could 'see' expression more clearly sometimes, she had a feeling subtle changes were important with this one. She was thankful that while the beds were soft, and quite comfortable, they did not blind her to their movements entirely. "I got curious Seto…I did not mean to wake you." Sounding as innocent as she could she slipped the golden item back together, it felt wrong for gold and that made her very curious about it.

Kaiba frowned deeper for a moment when she addressed him by his first name, the name of his past self that was once again dormant, she would hardly know better so he did not snap. Dark stare lowered to his Item when she played with it a bit more, she had no trouble fitting it back together even though she could not see. Intrigued by that, and the fact the Item sensed something about her, he shifted onto his right arm, holding out his left hand. "Kaiba, and you may want to return that to me."

Toph could hear cloth rustle as the young man shifted, clearly comfortable carrying on a conversation with her. Not that she expected otherwise, she was told she was cute and looked harmless. Glancing down at the weapon she could not see with her eyes she considered his veiled warning. "And why is that Kaiba?" She wasn't sure if Kaiba was a nickname or a title, but his obvious surliness didn't make her feel like asking.

Kaiba found it interesting that Toph looked down but knew even blind people would look towards something they could not see, it must be a little quirk of human instincts. At her question Kaiba sighed softly, he did not care to have his Item taken from him honestly. Iroh had already seen a taste of his power so lying was out of the question, "I do not like people touching my things"

Blind eyes blinked at the answer that could have been a very serious warning if the tone had been different. She had no doubt he was serious, though she was not worried about him attacking her, and not just because she had his weird stick. "But it is so very shiny."

Kaiba smirked at the mock innocence, he may just get along with this girl after all. "True, but how would you know?"

Toph blinked at a tone that if it had been any softer may have been a purr rather then a very amused jest. No one talked to her like that, Sokka did not purr when he teased her, besides that one time with the cat but that was different. Putting it out of her mind she frowned at him, pretty sure he had used that tone just to get a reaction out of her. Sniffing she rubbed her eyes, two could play that game. "That was cruel."

Kaiba shook his head at the sniffle, graceful fingers closing around the Rod between her smaller hands. "Yes it was." Pulling the Rod free from startled fingers he smiled, pleased to feel its familiar power recharging nicely. "My brother tries the same trick."

"Brother? Which one is he?" Toph asked, her pity me routine was not going to work on this one without some stops being pulled out. 'Uncle' Iroh had mention his fierce protectiveness of Yugi, but were they brothers?

"Mokuba, the child," Kaiba answered looking up, Yugi may be able to pass for one but Yami not as likely.

"Mokuba," Toph repeated, not a name that could be mistaken for Yugi, he must be the black haired one. "He is with the two women you were with, they all seem fine just asleep."

Kaiba nodded as he swung his long legs over the side of the bed before standing with a stretch, Yami murmured something drawing his attention for a moment. Shaking his head at the sleeping youth he glanced around the room, nice but not fancy just to show off nice. "Where is our Host?"

"Shopping, he said he would check on you all when he gets back." Toph was relieved she could 'see' Kaiba clearly now that he was standing on the rug covered stone floor. He was looking around but was calm so she assumed he was only looking, she had been told Iroh had good taste.

Yami opened his eyes, noted two things right away, Seto or Kaiba was awake, and a blind girl had joined them. Confused by the girl's presence he watched her as he reached out, fingers clenching a handful of warm black shirt. Kaiba turned at the touch, frowning slightly at him but appeared fine otherwise. ""Kaiba, the girl?""

""Toph, Iroh sent her to observe us no doubt. She claims he will return soon, I don't think she is lying."" Kaiba dealt with businessmen so he was pretty good at spotting lies, it came in handy.

Yami nodded to show his understanding, the girl was dressed in a green t-shirt and pants with a pale yellow tunic the color scheme fit their surroundings. If Kaiba said she was not lying then Yami trusted him, the business man training definitely made the brunette a better judge of threatening intent then Yugi. Although maybe that was no excuse, Seto was just as astute.""I take it the others are not awake yet?""

""I doubt it, at any rate Bakura should stay out the longest."" Kaiba answered as he secured his right cuff, seemed stopping blades may be a thing there.

Yami sat up as Kaiba absently answered him, replacing the gold plated cuffs to his lower arms, seemed he was done laying about. ""Probably for the best. I would prefer knowing what the situation is here before we have to deal with Bakura's…less then predictable nature."" Kaiba seemed to just be Kaiba again, his temper and moods Yami for the most part knew how to work with. He watched Kaiba replace the pair of belts before looking away, blind or not he did not want to be caught staring by their watcher. ""How do you feel?""

""Well enough to have a look around, after all Iroh seems content with not trying to kill us so we might as well."" Kaiba turned to face Yami, head tilting at his frown, ""I will be nice, promise.""

Yami shook his head at Kaiba, used to his teasing as they had slowly bonded into something more then rivals. He was restless and curiosity was starting to get the better of him but he was calm, calm was good. ""I appreciate that. If you prefer we can have Bakura moved and Mokuba brought here. I think it would be for the best for us all to treat him as Bakura alone. Ryou may be an innocent, but Bakura you know is not trustworthy. We are never completely sure who is in control, Bakura is too skilled at hiding it from us.""

Kaiba frowned looking away towards the window, he was trying very hard to not worry about his brother. Yami must of read his mind by his expression because the shorter boy knelt before him, hands on his bare arms. ""It was sweet of you to think of Mokuba Yami…Bakura should be dealt with before anyone does anything else.""

Yami nodded when Kaiba chose to focus on work rather then his brother, even if seeing Mokuba might make him feel better. He could not say anything to make the other feel better about his brother's condition so Yami did not even try. Turning his head he frowned slightly at Toph, she was just standing there looking thoughtful, something about her was not what it seemed. ""Agreed.""

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

Iroh sighed softly as he walked, behind him were two female servants carrying trays, he had not seen Toph so he hoped she was all right. Peaking into the room he took in its occupants with trained eyes, he wanted to know what he would be walking into. Seto was standing, cuffs and belts replaced, boots still next to the bed, expression conflicted. Yugi was kneeling before him on the bed, hands folded in his lap, strange eyes focused on Toph. Toph was facing the pair, clearly all right if not looking a touch confused.

Apparently, the pair had been discussing something deep before he had gotten there, their friends most likely. Knocking he walked in, catching dark eyes snap to him with narrowed alertness, relaxing slightly when he was followed only by two servants, hands full. "I was hoping you might be awake again Seto. I fear Yugi could not understand very much of our talk this afternoon."

Kaiba frowned at the old man with only slight distrust as he listened to his perfectly innocent greeting. No little voices were saying blast him so he was content to be civil, mostly, unless given a reason to lash. "Kaiba, and I am fine, thank you."

Yami turned at Iroh's voice, the elder man spoke to Kaiba nodding at the gray haired elder when amongst the foreign words he heard mention of Yugi. He felt safe assuming from Kaiba's response it had been what were known as pleasantries and small talk, he was not missing anything. ""Kaiba please tell him about Bakura? Even if he may remain harmless for a while longer I would prefer he was well aware of the threat he poses.""

Kaiba nodded as he turned to fully face the old man, arms crossed, stare even, his powers had recharged a bit since being brought here. Stare turned on the young woman who held out a cup of tea, what was it with these people and offering tea to frowning people? Bowing his head he accepted the cup, sniffing it as Yami took his, it smelled pretty good if nothing else. "Do you believe in possession?"

Iroh shook his head when Kaiba sniffed the tea, did the world at large not appreciate a good cup of tea anymore? He could not help but blink at the young man's question, "You mean spirits?"

"Yes, this will take some explaining," Kaiba rubbed the bridge of his nose, once upon a time his life story had been very simple. "Yami and Bakura are both spirits who can inhabit their reincarnations."

Iroh watched the young man as he frowned, clearly trying to find the best way to put something. Turning to Yugi Iroh frowned, he had seen another image of him but also one of Kaiba, yet Kaiba had not referred to himself just then. "And you?"

"Me?" Kaiba repeated, blinking when he realized the old man's meaning, "I just died and came back, their souls were…split as they died. Look it was magic that would take far too long to explain just now. Bakura's host Ryou is a decent man, but the thief Bakura is unscrupulous, it would be best if you kept him under guard because it is not always possible to tell which you might be facing."

Iroh frowned, fingers curling near his chin, Kaiba was not one for manners it seemed. "So Bakura is not to be trusted, very well, why was he with you?"

Kaiba frowned at the accusation more then a question, Yami seemed to notice as well since he was frowning at Iroh. "That is a very long story, all you need to know is he is a liar and a thief. Yami was a king, and I was one of his protectors."

"The story can wait if you wish," Iroh allowed, it would not hurt to have everyone present for such a tale. "And I do not doubt you were very good at your job, now why don't you try drinking that before you spill it all over your shirt hm?" The old man smiled when the other blinked at the cup as if he had completely forgotten it was even there, "The food is pretty good too."

Shrugging Kaiba sipped the tea, turning when Yami touched his arm, ""I see no point repeating our life story over and over.""

Yami smiled a little at Kaiba's comment, he had to agree and he would not even be doing much of the talking. ""True, but I just wanted you to sit down. You do not have to intimidate him, and I would prefer you not push yourself.""

Kaiba sighed softly but sat down, old habits would not necessarily work as well here as they did at home. For one thing he did not have his wealth and social stature behind him, nor his reputation for not suffering fools. Crossing his legs he frowned slightly at Yami, ""Will you stop worrying about me, I'm fine remember?""

Yami sighed at Kaiba, he was not one for being sentimental in public with anyone but Mokuba, not that he blamed him. ""I am allowed to worry about you Kaiba, even if you do seem to be just fine now.""

Kaiba titled his head with a smirk, turning to 'Uncle' Iroh he frowned slightly, "Why are you helping us any way old man? Are you simply curious, or are you a sap like this fool?"

Iroh watched the pair curious, it seemed the protected might be just as protective of his protector, that was the sign of a good leader, one that they could work with. Kaiba's clear lack of trust and manners was another matter, perhaps he was just defensive, Zuko had been like that once. Or the boy's manner could be a tactic, setting himself as the 'surly' to his boss's 'sweet'. "Oh I am always curious when so many strange people fall from the ceiling of my tea shop, as anyone likely would be. As for why I wish to aid you, that would be easier to explain once the Avatar arrives."

Kaiba frowned, tea cup resting on his raised knee. "You are hoping what or whoever dragged us here did so to help your Avatar clean up the mess here, rather then bringing us here to make matters even worse."

Iroh blinked when the young man summed things up very accurately before sipping his tea, his manners may be crude but this Kaiba's mind was fast and sharp. "Is that a problem?"

"I have not met your Avatar, though if they prove to be a fool it will become one. I do not enjoy endangering anyone I can stand to fight the evils I am destined to fight. I will not accept fighting the demons of fools I care nothing for." Kaiba was blunt and could be intentionally cruel and hurtful, but he was not a liar, he owed this world and it's gods nothing.

""Kaiba what are you muttering at him about?"" Yami demanded, knowing Kaiba's tones and expression as well as his own, they had not changed much form one life to another.

""Warning him I will be most displeased if his gods brought us here, endangering all of you, to help the Avatar if they prove to be a fool."" Kaiba answered use to that frown, ""Spare me your preaching Pharaoh. We have our own war to win, we cannot be expected to save every world needing saving. As long as their Avatar is competent I will work with them, the sooner we help them the sooner we can get back to saving our own world...again.""

Yami sighed, violet eyes closing, the only reason Seto had been reborn was to risk his life against the Dark Being once again. ""If this Avatar has recklessly put our friends in danger I will not stop you from challenging them. I will assume it was not their doing until we know for sure.""

Kaiba nodded, Yami normally was less trusting then Yugi, but there was no reason to assume the Avatar had done anything wrong. Or at the least there was no profit in both of them acting hostile and suspicious. ""Agreed, 'Uncle' does not appear to know the 'how' of our arrival, and I do not believe he is trying to trick us.""

Yami frowned slightly, the old man was not giving him any bad vibes either, ""He may be able to mislead or distract one of us, there will be half a dozen to watch him in a matter of days.""

"You two should relax and just enjoy the good life while you can." Toph hated being treated like a helpless child, pampered was much more enjoyable.

Kaiba frowned at the blind girl, who could not see him even if her back was not turned, "I happen to be rich."

Toph frowned, he was wearing gold, plated sure but still not cheap, besides who wore real golden armor? "So that is why you have a last name, makes sense."

Kaiba opened his moth to inform her everyone but pop stars and rappers had last names but let it go, it hardly mattered. "It's nice something does."

Iroh frowned slightly in thought, he had been right about Kaiba reacting more favorably to Toph, he was unsure if it was her age, gender, blindness, something else or more. At any rate Kaiba seemed to have recovered from the trip here, and while cautious was not violent about it. Yugi remained thoughtful and curious, more trusting but still wary. "Please do eat something Kaiba, your young charge had a meal already."

Yami turned his head when Iroh gestured to the food as he spoke to Kaiba, ""The food here is very good.""

Kaiba sighed, shooting Yami an annoyed look, ""I am not Jounouchi." Setting the cup down he looked away, sighing after a moment. ""If you worry about us all this much you will worry yourself into a bed.""

Yami blinked before he smiled, nodding to the trays then Kaiba since servants were often trained with non-verbal ques. ""I am worried because you used a lot of power and wore yourself out. All this time merged with Yugi has affected me perhaps?""

Kaiba shook his head but smiled a little, Yugi was hopeless and it did seem to be infectious. ""I really am fine."" Turning when one of the young women stopped before him with a colorful assortment of food. "Thank you," Bowing his head he took the tray from her, there was no need to snap at the help, his or not. ""You not hungry?""

""Just a little, I did eat when we got here you didn't."" Yami had started out of necessity, but listening to Iroh had calmed his nerves and he had begun to enjoy the meal. Kaiba frowned slightly as he studied him for a moment before shrugging and trying the main dish. Smiling at his extremely stubborn friend he blinked when the other servant brought him a smaller collection of food. Bowing his head he smiled at her, these Earth people seemed very kind.

Iroh smiled when Kaiba finally showed he had been taught manners at some point in his life, the boy's slight smile made him much more pleasant to be around. A short exchange passed between the pair before Kaiba sampled the food, which seemed to agree with him. Yugi smiled when he was given more of a snack then a meal, he was a polite young man from what he could tell, at least compared to Kaiba. "I am glad the food and tea seem to be to your liking, the girls love spoiling my guests."

Kaiba titled his head at Iroh, ignoring the young man refilling his tea, "You are not from Earth Kingdom are you?"

Toph turned and just blinked, she knew Uncle's eyes were gold but how would Kaiba know that was not an Earth Kingdom trait? According to Uncle the taller boy had blue eyes that would mark him as one of the Water Tribe, but he had skin like a Fire Nationer, sometimes not being able to see like normal people was a disadvantage. "Why ask that?"

"His accent and just a feeling," Kaiba did a lot of traveling so he was used to hearing accents. Identifying regional loyalties often allowed a good businessman to target specific people to create alliances, it was important to know when tensions might arise because of who a person was raised to hate.

Iroh chuckled, very observant that one, it was no wonder Yugi looked to him for protection. "I am of the Fire Nation, Toph and I met shortly before the war finally ended. Are you all from the same land?"

Kaiba frowned as he considered how to answer that, "Originally yes, when we were reborn we did not all return in the same land no. Yugi and I are." He turned to Yami who was was watching them, ""He is Fire Nation and asked if we are all from the same country.""

Yami swallowed, it was a fair question, ""Well we do not look so a like anymore.""

Kaiba nodded, he and Mokuba shared eyes but little else and they were brothers, "They seem to like you just fine for a former enemy."

Iroh nodded solemnly, the war had cost him much, not least his son and his crown. "I have always respected the Earth Kingdoms, and I believe they see that." After all he had decided to return to the Walled City rather than living among the Fire people as a sign that they must work understand, and work together once more.

Toph had liked Uncle from the start, and she had not minded Zuko either, though she had not been chased and attacked by him before they had met. "Uncle just wants peace, there are no sides in his shop and people like that. What is your Kingdom called?"

"Our first life was spent in Egypt, our second mostly in Japan." Kaiba traveled more than the others, but that was not important to this conversation.

Iroh frowned slightly, stoking his bread, he had never heard of such places, which made sense if they had come from another world or time. He was still unsure why they had been brought here, he hoped being so welcoming was the right thing to do. Was he blinded by the fact Kaiba reminded him of his dear nephew and Yugi somewhat of Aang? He prayed he was not being a foolish old man, "I look forward to hearing more about them over tea. For now I think you should both eat and rest. The Avatar will not likely be here until the afternoon, I did not expect you to awaken so soon. I will see Bakura is secured and the young child is brought to your room while checking on everyone. Omoi and Mune will see to your needs."

Kaiba frowned before closing his eyes and nodding, he could only distract himself about Mokuba for so long. "Thank you Iroh."

Iroh smiled warmly at the young man, true gratitude was a wonderful thing, "We are all friends here, now eat and enjoy."

Yami did not need to understand the exchange to know what had happened and he smiled, nothing got you on Kaiba's goodside like babying his little brother. Resting a hand on Kaiba's shoulder he smiled slightly when the other just sighed tiredly, ""Kaiba?""

""Hm? Sorry I was just thinking."" Kaiba turned to look over his shoulder, Yami was looking at him with such a concerned expression. ""Mokuba and your friends will probably really enjoy it here, at least until we have to leave them behind.""

Yami clenched soft warm black, he had never meant to drag anyone into his war, even if Seto had returned to fight it again. ""I am sorry Kaiba, I never meant..."

""For this to happen I know. At least with Mokuba here I don't mind being trapped here as much, if he was back home instead I don't think I could stand it."" Kaiba did not mind admitting that, Yami knew him better then anyone but Mokuba, the Gumi already knew his weakness anyway as well.

Yami hung his head, Kaiba had only one person in the world for so long, Yugi would miss his grandfather once he had awoken, but personally he was not nearly so alone. He wanted to cling to Kaiba and swear to him Mokuba would be just fine, but would that help? Kaiba did not allow many to get close to him let alone intimate. Taking a chance he laid his other hand on Kaiba's shoulder, chin on the back of his hand, ""They will all love Mokuba the moment they meet him, he will be sick of all the attention.""

Kaiba chuckled, Yami was one of the few people who would dare try and comfort him, ""You and Yugi are hopeless, but thank you.""

Toph bit her lip, it must be scary being possibly trapped on a strange world with your little brother who since he didn't have one of those strange items likely had no powers. She was just a kid but she could fight, how could someone with no powers or weapons fight benders let along spirits? Gesturing to the twins she spoke softly, "Kaiba, Yugi if you go with the twins you can get cleaned up. I'll stay here with Mokuba while you are both gone." She knew once the little brother woke up Kaiba would be happier, at least for a little while.

Kaiba blinked at the blind girl, he had forgotten she had not left with Iroh, ""Care for a bath?""

""A bath? I have not even thought about taking one since we got here, that sounds agreeable."" Yami would not mind getting into something clean, and it might help Kaiba relax a bit. No doubt Kaiba would be stubborn about it, he loved Mokuba more then anything, even if he did not always know how to show it.

Kaiba pulled away from Yami slowly, standing he turned his attention to Toph, "He should be able to understand you, perhaps not as well but his languages class were less intense then my own."

Toph nodded, not worried about being able to talk to Mokuba, "And is there something I can say to him so he knows I am a good stranger?"

"Aoimoku Shiroki Ryu, he'll understand." Kaiba knew hearing that Mokuba would know he and Yugi were fine, which would relax him enough he would wait for them to get back.

Toph frowned, she had no idea what that meant but that was likely the point, "Aoi mo ku shi ro ki ryu." Yugi got to his feet and followed Kaiba and the twins out with a slight nod, the shorter boy would have thanked her if he knew how she was sure of that. Turning her attention to Bakura she frowned at him, he had only moved to breathe since they had brought him there. Reaching out she fingered a lock of hair that was said to be white as snow, whatever that looked like. It was petal soft, she had not been expecting that. When a few of the men came she moved aside so they could take the evil dead spirit possessing guy away and replace him with a kid. Kaiba's little brother looked about her age and size, she could not tell anything more except he wore the same type of strange fabrics as the others. Whatever type of cloth they were made of was different from any she had ever encountered in her travels. These people had certainly brought her some new interesting things to investigate, not the least the items that were gold yet somehow not gold. Covering the child with a blanket abandoned by his brother she sat down and just smiled, she hoped he woke up soon.

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

Yami frowned as he leafed through his deck, surprised the twins had known how to care for his modern clothes. Kaiba was slipping on his boots, looking completely back to normal, Mokuba still sleeping peacefully. ""Are you still concerned about this Avatar?""

""No, but then as you know I do not waste my time worrying about opponents I just face them. You planing on dueling someone over lunch?"" Kaiba asked as he straightened with a stretch, he was feeling better.

""You have your deck on you,"" Yami reminded his tall friend, the Rod and his deck were holstered at his hips. ""I am hoping we will not have to duel anyone for a while.""

""Iroh seems perfectly happy to see if we can work together, I see no reason to not meet this Avatar and whoever before deciding if we should stand with them or against them."" Kaiba did not like being used, Mokuba or Yugi he tolerated because they meant well, but Iroh was not exactly trying to use them. He wanted their help, and was fine playing matchmaker to try and bring the two groups together. Kaiba was fine using the Avatar and anyone else to get them home, so he would tolerate Iroh's melding.

Yami nodded absently, he knew Kaiba was planing what to do if the Avatar turned out to be an enemy, Seto had been his protector it was just the way his mind worked. Yugi tried to make friends with almost everyone, Kaiba had a backup plan for if that failed, it worked for them. ""It is comforting to know we are all on the same page.""

""I did promise Yami, and blasting holes in walls gets old after a while."" Kaiba laid his duster over Mokuba, smiling when his little brother snuggled into the bed.

Yami smiled at the brothers, Kaiba's gentle smile was something he fully understood Mokuba missing. ""Come, our friends will be fine, and I would like to learn more about why we might be here.""

Kaiba sighed, fixing Mokuba's wild black bangs before turning to face Yami. ""Oh I know. Iroh may be sneaky but not cruel, cruel I know."" Walking up to the door he nodded at the twins who would be seeing to the sleeping Gumi for them. They bowed with slight smiles, smiling at Yami before entering the room. ""You were a royal servants can tell. I just hope this Avatar is a quick as you are, and not as hopeless as Yugi.""

Yami smirked at the comment, Seto had never been as optimistic and happy as Yugi even if he had been warmer. ""I am sure they will all be properly cowering under your glare by lunch Kaiba.""

Kaiba chuckled, arms crossing, amused as well as planing to see the joke became the truth, ""We shall see.""

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

Katara frowned as she walked through the halls, Sokka following behind her eating some piece of fruit or other. Iroh had met them, talking very quickly about why he had called them all there, getting blinks from everyone. Aang and Zuko had gone with him and Toph. Meanwhile Katara had been asked to fetch the pair of strangers. She was the diplomat of the group, after Aang and Zuko whose methods differed wildly, so it made sense to her, Sokka had tagged along because he was still protective of her since he was her brother.

Toph had said they were interesting and seemed to like them so she was hopeful about meeting them, though the idea of visitors from other worlds worried her. The Spirit Realm was one thing, entirely new worlds that were not tied to this one was something she had never considered. Sokka found the concept interesting, him and his science talk, but she was happy he had come along. Rounding a corner she hit something solid but not the wall, falling back she blinked when her arms were caught, Sokka coming up behind her. Blinking she looked up and blinked again. This had to be Kaiba, Toph and Iroh had described him perfectly. He was frowning at her slightly, curious or annoyed she was not sure. "Kaiba?"

"You can let her go now buddy she has a boyfriend," Sokka did not like this strange guy staring at his sister, let alone holding her arms.

Kaiba turned his attention to the other dark skinned stranger, glaring he sneered when that got the pony tailed boy to back off. Letting the girl go he straightened to his full six foot one and crossed his arms, looking down worked best when you were taller. "How wonderful for her."

""Kaiba who are you talking to? So they have dark skinned natives on this world?"" Yami knew desert ware when he saw it, those outfits were not suited for sun and sand. All the blue and white likely meant they were from the Water Kingdom, or whatever it was called.

Kaiba turned to Yami arching a brow, they had both been dark skinned once now not at all. ""You thought everyone was Asian perhaps?"" Smirking at Yami's frown Kaiba turned his attention back to the girl, "You know my name why?"

"Iroh told us a bit about you both. I am Katara and that is my brother Sokka, we are allies of the Avatar Aang from the Water Tribes." Katara introduced them keeping her voice even, he really did remind her of Zuko back when they were enemies. His nastiness also reminded her of Mei or Azula, two of the three had become allies so there was some hope for him.

""She is Katara and that is her brother Sokka from the Water Tribes, they are allies of the Avatar Aang so likely they are friends who follow them like your friends follow us."" Kaiba was getting use to talking over his shoulder. "And the Avatar is?"

"Aang is with Iroh, Zuko, and Toph right now waiting for us to bring you both. Is now a good time?" Katara frowned slightly, the very oddly haired Yugi looked confused but recovered as well.

Kaiba frowned, glancing at Yami before turning his dark stare back to her, "And if I say no?"

"Are we sure he is not from the Fire Nation?" Sokka asked behind his hand, getting a frown from his sister and a raised eyebrow from Kaiba.

""It seems the Avatar is ready to grace us with their presence."" Kaiba inform Yami, keeping an eye on Sokka, he could already tell playing with him would be amusing. Possibly as entertaining as teasing Jounouchi the inu even.

Yami frowned slightly, Kaiba and Sokka seemed to have decided to goad each other, he would have to try and deal with that later. ""I would like to met this Aang now that they are here. How do you feel?""

Kaiba sneered, let the siblings wonder, ""Ready to duel if it comes to that, and yes I remember nice first, make them cower later.""

Yami shook his head grinning at his confident friend, no one did smug quite like their Kaiba, ""See that you do.""

Kaiba chuckled, Yami really wasn't so bad now that he had decided to see him as more then just someone to crush. "Now would be wonderful thank you."

Katara smiled, ignoring Sokka's eye-rolling men were like that, gesturing she headed back to the dinning room where the others were waiting. Yami fell in behind her Kaiba following him looking around absently, Sokka taking up the rear frowning at Kaiba still. Sokka had not been all that warm and welcoming towards Zuko until they came to an understanding, perhaps Kaiba liked boomerangs? Opening the door she smiled reassuringly at Yami, it had to be hard being around people you could not understand. "Avatar Aang, Firelord Zuko here are Yugi and Kaiba."

Aang blinked his gray eyes when he looked up, Yugi had that strangest hair he had ever seen, he liked it. Violet eyes were studying him and Zuko, expression calm and thoughtful. Kaiba's much more normal eyes were calculating, arms crossed, not as thoughtful but just as calm. At Zuko's nod he walked up to them bowing, right fist against left palm as Airbenders did. "I am sorry for the inconvenience..."

"Spare me the pleasantries and apologies, trust me they will not endear you to either of us, not with our friends and family laid out in your guestrooms." Kaiba was in no mood to listen to how sorry everyone was, sorry did not fix anything.

Aang blinked, Mei could be rude but not quite like that, she always sounded bored that was just mean. Zuko frowned not at all pleased, his glare was pure annoyance. The Avatar sighed softly, ignoring Zuko's glare, anger would not help matters. "Kaiba I appreciate you are not pleased with your friends being dragged here with you, my friends are my family as well, but we are not responsible. We will help you figure this out, keep your friends safe if need be, so you could try being a little nicer to us."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes at the bald kid who had the same determined look Yugi got when he wanted his help and he did not care to give in right away. It raised his opinion of this Aang fellow, and he did believe the other when he said he was not behind this, but he was still a stranger. Smirking he titled his head, "I don't do nice with strangers."

"Can you do civil?" Zuko asked frowning, golden eyes narrowed at the taller youth.

Yami frowned, Kaiba was being Kaiba again, ""Kaiba if he did not drag us here can you please be civil towards him? I don't think you will be able to intimidate him by summoning a Blue-Eyes into Iroh's dining room.""

Kaiba frowned slightly, that could be interesting, ""Fine I'll play it your way, it would be a shame to ruin all this furniture just to make a point.""

Yami shook his head, sometimes fighting with Kaiba was not like pulling teeth, ""So glad you agree.""

"When it suits me. So Aang why don't you sit down and tell us what exactly you are, and why we should trust you, hm?" Kaiba could do civil but smug bastard was his default setting in public, just because Aang reminded him of Yugi did not mean he would be nice without making him earn it.

Darkness...Water... Earth... Shadow...Fire... Air...Light

And here we are at the end, hopefully no one is relived by this. If you liked this fic you should go check out my sister, Rachelle Ryan, as well as her favorite list. If you wish to PM one of us you should PM me, since I log in more often. You can also contact us via review and my Twitter. There are a few other crossover ideas we are banging around so you might see more like this at some point, some on her account too.