Chapter 2- Gamble to Gambela

A lonesome eye symbol in appeared, a dark glow... murmurs from within sounding tune... very eerie indeed.

"Create thy Shadow Realm in order for the games to come forth.
Thy Egypt our comrade has emerged thus strong.
We priestess of Gambela bestow the power of the Voidiatress onto thy realm!"

Petra woke up with the puzzling vision she had. Is this a message from the elders for her return to Ethiopia? She learnt a lot about her ancestor's involvement in the Shadow Realm but she never knew what the vivid image was. She also knew that Marik had the key to the Shadow Realm, at least one of the seven Millennium Items to be exact. She of course didn't know much about the Egyptian history after that it was created. Why the Egyptian are closely honouring their pharaoh history and the Duel Monsters. Marik may have the answers but maybe it's not worth bothering that creep from last night. Never ever again! The thought of that jerk just made want to punch him bad.

She tidied her bed and checked her phone. A message from her mother saying, "Sweetie, hope you are well. However I would like you to come back for Ana. She has something to tell you urgently".

With that read, she had the sick feeling in these events unfolding. She quickly went to Ray's room. Ray must still be sleeping so she ought to tell him later. She turned to make some breakfast then started to sing Christina Perri's 'Arms'. Remembering how much she loves Ray.

Ray woke with a satisfaction of last night's laugh and cheers with his girlfriend Petra and his sister Louise and their cousin Cameron. Although he was not looking forward in work today, he could not skip today as it was crucial for his profile for his underground to keep going and pleasing a mad man means he is not to mess around. If he tells Petra everything about his occupation, she would freak out. She would tell him to quit the ranks and that means the Rare Hunters would end up hurting them to their demise. He could hear a beautiful voice of Petra and smell a bit of the sizzling of bacon and eggs. He smiled... "That's my girl!" he said.

Ray opened the door to meet Petra in kitchen. "Hey you're early? Impressive..." glancing at the eloquent dining table being set up with ivory napkins folded into triangles; forks and knives placed neatly on top of the napkins; white bowls on plates and mugs on each seated area of four.

"You like?" Petra asked in the perkiest way as possible. "Come help yourself though... in case you are going to do a take out to the office now." She offered.

"Nope I'm going to stay right here with my babe", moving closer to Petra, then suddenly the toaster popped sending them both in shock. Then they laughed with a hug of reassurance. "Hey I received a message from my mum today saying she wants me to come back for a while." Petra informed Ray. "She said it was urgent that my Grandma wants to talk to me."

Ray furrowed his eyes at the 'urgent' word. "Well... when do you plan to go?"

"A.S.A.P, tomorrow I think so that I get it out of the way." She said "I was hoping you could maybe co-,

"Come with you...?" Ray gently cut into her sentence. "I want to but this marketing like isn't easy to avoid in a short notice. I'm okay for you to go with Lou or Cam or by yourself... I just can't go." He finished hoping he didn't hurt her.

They both sat down starting to eat their breakfast.

"I'm going by myself I guess. I mean yeah I did survive last night," as she thought about the incident with Marik and the Rare Hunters, and testing his memories.

"Last night was funny right? With comedy show and all." Ray laughed not knowing what really happened last night except for the Faust memory Marik had implanted in. The Petra remembered what it was so she didn't say any more.

"Any lectures today?" Ray reminded her.

"No it's break so that's why I'm willing to go to Gambela soon. Tickets are cheap" She said

"Coolios, gotta run babe, call when you get there", he kissed her on the cheeks and left.

"Ber Bye" she said shortly left the apartment after washing the dishes.

Maybe she should buy two tickets in case.

~Cairo Town Central~

She then walked to the travel agent.

Meanwhile Marik was halting his motorcycle at the apartment, he longing was for the black traders to deliver the cards Ray proposed will happen. He was wearing a leather jacket with beige pants and his black leather boots. He then saw a familiar face at the booth. A smirk snaked across his face. Is that the little girl from last night? He chuckled to himself. Shall I toy with her a little more? Perhaps break Ray's heart with a little game? He was then yanked away from the thought as a Rare Hunter with two briefcase knelt down.

"Not here you fool", Marik spat

The servant stood up quickly.

"Do you have what I wanted?" Marik inquired with his eyes narrowed revealing his icy lavender orbs

"All and most in the delivery truck, Master and the location of The Winged Dragon Ra we aim to acquire" the Rare Hunter explained

"Excellent, make sure the marketing team receive their reward." He smirked as he found his plans are going somewhere.

The Rare Hunter left with the Briefcase and headed to the marketing sector. Not long Petra came out with two tickets and a bicycle. She realised hiring a bicycle is also easy for the trip back to Gambela and no one to guide her there is going to be tough. Then she saw Marik staring afar across the streets. They both caught each other, Marik looked shocked and quickly turned to his motorcycle.

He parked his motorcycle and walk towards her with a grin and a dark demeanor with intentions.

She was hoping to leave but being polite is better since she knows him. What am I doing? She growled in her thoughts loathing the situations she puts herself in. She quickly walked away and then jogged pretending she was someone amongst the crowd. She went in the alleyway and then she felt a hand on her shoulders.

"Where do you think you're going my dear? Isn't it rude to ignore a greeting from an acquaintance? I will not be easily ignored if you know what I'm capable of." Marik sneered

She said nothing and realised she still had her tickets in her hands and quickly put her hand at the back.

"What is that?" Marik glared asking curiously

"It's just tickets to my home" she said reluctantly

"Well who are you going with?" he said casually

"It's just me. It's just a spare since most of my friends are likely to be busy." She explained

"Oh? Feeling a bit lonely, are we?" he chuckled "I would pretty much be free accompany you but it seems that we only know each other last night. So..." hinting her to take him with her to know who she really is and what toying with someone's lover is like.

Petra laughed nervously and said "Yeah but if you come you get to know about my culture I guess." It was an offer to travel with someone, why not, if she gets kidnap or killed at least she won't be alone with someone to accompany her. Wait, what is she thinking, he's no different to a murderer or a kidnapper. Perhaps it's not too bad of an idea. Offer this opportunity. Her dream may be connected to the Shadow Realm.

"I'm leaving at noon; come with me to Gambela It's a one month trip." She explained "If you come, you must bring at least a transport with you and book it in using the train. In this case my bicycle and your motorcycle."

Marik laughed "You must like commanding people around, in this case," he came closer to her and whisper in her ear, "I'll be glad to go in your little adventure. By the way, I'll take these in case you drop the tickets from fainting." He snatched the tickets.

Petra was shocked and regretted her offer. "Give it back to me!" She was filled with rage and at his insult. She lost her control of reason and pushed Marik on the ground. He then gained his composure and sought revenge from her

Marik then tripped her and grasp her lock as she fell. Marik sat on her trapping her stomach with his body weight. He narrowed his eyes on her. He took out his Millennium Rod with an unsheathed end. "If you are not careful, I will see to it that you last living breath will be the result of this. Do you understand? He paused or do I need to remind you that I can cause so much more than death."

"Who exactly are you?" She asked it some hint of fear

"A Rare Hunter, held in the highest regard. I am the leader," With a sneer and a forceful tone. I would be careful on which place I thread my foot on when dealing with me if I were you."

She started looking upwards and shortly after he said, "Cooperate with me and I with you", the most sincere tone she ever heard from him. "Shall we journey my dear?" He said with a transforming mocking expression.

He got off of her and she started to cry a little, not knowing the reason behind her tearful state. "Let's go" she said.

"Finally, you see my way and besides you brought this on yourself while you desperately seek my assistance." He said casting the half truthful logic and blame upon her like a trap. His sarcasm never seize even if he wanted to be genuine.

Petra stood up as Marik braced her up. She felt as though her reputation had been dwindled, somehow she will be in control of her situation. She is headstrong in her family, but for her to be here with Marik, her pride has been tarnished.

For Marik a stranger, who seem to be connected in his goal in becoming a pharaoh never seize to amaze him. Using every intention of spending time with her is rather cryptically. Odion has always supported his views without further enforcements. That is why he trusted his elder brother. Whereas Ishizu still has yet to concede the truth in the murder of their father. Most of all by her conservative beliefs has destroyed their relationship. Remembering the carvings he received as a child, he made an oath to behead anyone who their subordination with the nameless pharaoh of the past.

Flashback*

In the cold underground home after the day of the Elder Ishtar's death, Marik traced the eye on the Millennium Rod with his tanned fingers. This is the very symbol of the pharaoh was bestowed upon. He could hear the night howling and mourning. The constellations in the ivory sky seem to be staring mockingly at the child who fell into victim of a mere history. "Was I protecting my father when he was murdered? Did the pharaoh order the slaughter for the sake of regaining his petty memory?" He thought to himself.

Ishizu came in the main hall, looking frightened for the first time of him. "Ishizu...? We shouldn't have left the underground because of the ambush." He said sadly looking down at the deck the Ishtar clan acquired from appointed visitors of their special tasks. "Marik please talk to me."

"I've made up my mind sister." He said quietly "I want to leave and eliminate this memory. Replace it. Be something greater that will assist me." His tone changed into determination.

"It was no ambush Marik, it was-" she was cut

"Don't you lie about this Ishizu, you and I saw what happen before..." a roared vehemently "Are we destined to endure so much pain for this Pharaoh, if so I'll use what I have to be better than this imbecile. I will have my vengeance, for you and me." He took his sister's hands and caressed it onto his own cheeks. He was waiting for the abstract truth when he did not witness the murder.

"Brother you are thinking too rashly and absurdly. It has nothing to do with the Pharaoh's presence". She pulled her hands away from him and said assertively.

"Are you saying considering my own clan's rights over the Pharaoh's servitude is rash and absurd?" His emotions mixed with anger and confusion from his sister's statement. "Fine I will leave you here with the Pharaoh and find me when you finally awake from the truth sister." He disappeared to the site of murder once again.

He looked distortedly with a smirk transforming from an innocent sadness at his father's corpse. He then strokes his Millennium Rod to his father's face. "And you thought I will fulfil the prophecy but it only earned you death my dear father, by the one we have sworn to serve." He laughed mockingly, "You should have allowed Odion be the Tomb Keeper and now, I will use it against the pharaoh, thought you ought to know that." He laughed echoing through the tomb walls. The torched flicked as he felt energy from the Millennium Rod as though bidding its approval to its new master.

*End Flashback

Petra looked curiously at Marik's silence. "You know we should go to the train station now. If you have your motorcycle and my bicycle and stuff we can go right?" She hesitantly said.

"Yes, you don't mind I bring some of my Rare Hunters with me do you?" He said nonchalantly

"I do... I need to know what this strange crime syndicate you are running, before taking more weirdos to my hometown." She said bluffing in her tone.

He ignored her and held her hands towards the direction of the motorcycle he left across the streets. "Three of my servants will be coming to Ethiopia but not with us." He informed her. He knew he was close to a God card near south of Egypt so he had the willingness to accompany her as well as taking advantage of his slave in his organisation.

"Hire a truck and take the transport... or leave our transport and go by plane? I don't know..." she was wondering out loud.

"If you're still deciding leave the transport to my capable hands." He said coldly glaring at her.

He took out his Millennium Rod and there was a silent for 3 minutes as he concentrated on his telepathy to his slaves.

"Can we pack though?" she said suddenly

"No need, you and I are taking the ship and all the necessities you need are ready. I will get refunds from this ticket for you. You should have planned this better my dear. Your mind is more naïve than I thought from last night."

"I know what I'm doing so don't act as if I need you. I hardly even know you and all of a sudden you are here controlling my life." She said frustratingly

"Before you start assuming this is a favour done for you, I have better things to do. I could consider making Ethiopia beg for mercy with famine." He threats knowing his position as a future pharaoh is capable of governing the world the way he wishes.

"What do you mean?" She narrowed her hazel eyes

He ignored her and then said, "We'll go purchase some items in Ethiopia since your absent mindedness had planned this trip. And I rather not pretend to be nice in case you become too comfortable and get over indulged."

Not long a truck pulled over to collect her bicycle by some of the Rare Hunters. As she looked inside Marik's Scarlet Motorcycle was already inside. Both of them approached the truck. "Ladies first", he said then she stepped not realising the latch was there, she tripped on the plank. She could hear a roar of laughter from the Rare Hunters and a distinct chuckle from Marik drawing closer.

She shrieked from the sensation of joint. She groaned flinched at the pain of her ankle

"Perhaps I should go point the occupational hazard for-" he stopped his mocking demeanor realising her ankle not in the right state. "Silence...Get her inside" he commanded his Rare Hunters and he followed after them. The two went to the vehicle front leaving Marik and Petra alone in the truck compartment sitting opposite one another. She had one hand on her ankle and one hand fisting on her elbow.

"Leave me alone", she said with a mix of humiliation and helplessness.

"In that case I leave you in your pathetic state in the streets, unless you want to feel better let me examine your ankle."

She unwillingly complied. Marik saw her limp left ankle almost swollen. "Maybe the occupational hazard is a good idea. I'm not worth wasting time on," She mocked herself tearfully.

He smiled. "Just need to rest this one with ice to alleviate the sore".

"I can walk still, not that bad you know", she assured him. "Sprains aren't that bad. It hurts but it's not damaged or anything and what harm will-" she mumbled

"Stoic and self insult... impressive", he said amusingly as he raises an eyebrow. "Not wise little Petra, I suggest you not to." He instructed her like an adult to a toddler with one index finger held up.

"It's not like you care about anyone."

"At least I can do what you can't for yourself fool" He spat

"Fool? At least I'm not the one minding someone else's business" She exploded

"You forget that I can hurt you and your beloved ones if one reckless word from you is tested on me." He said, this time making it known that he's not to be messed around.

"Thank you" she suddenly said followed by a blush of embarrassment and regret

Marik was taken by surprised, "What?"

"All I do is keep taking and taking and taking but never giving. Even though you treat me rough and crudely, I-" Petra glanced at him. "I was thought to think of other but I haven't been a good example and I want to- Then you're someone who is involved in crime and I am so confused", She realised she not making sense even to herself what she's babbling in herself reflection.

"Petra is it? Let's start again. I'm Marik Ishtar, a Tomb Keeper of Egypt and I'm the Leader of the Rare Hunters and I'm glad to accompany you in this trip to Gambela". He said feeling regret in his sincerity but maybe it's not too bad.

"Wow Rare Hunters of what rare stuff?"

"Duel Monster cards. Tomb Keeper for the Pharaoh of the past but let's just I resigned from that and reassigned myself for a better prospect" he explained

"Sounds very ancient... and enlightening..." she nervously said

"You'll be surprised." He dawdled

"Petra Tyrimelovan, singer songwriter... of Ethiopia, archaeological studies and loves cats and I live with my friends, and one works in marketing, one is in journalism and one still in high school. Though we're not criminals we still live apart from our parents. I think we might something in common." She said with ease.

"You think...?" he said nonchalantly and slight annoyance with furrowed brows.

Then after an enduring half an hour drive the truck halted.

The compartment door opened. Smelling the exquisite ocean air Petra could feel the excitement of Ethiopia. The two Rare Hunters, surprisingly one very tall and lean and one very stubby and short greeted their master once again. "Umbra and Lumis... assist Petra with me to the ship." Marik carried Petra and passed her belongings to Umbra; Lumis also doing the same but with her bicycle Marik then placed Petra on the Motorcycle seat and positioned her.

"You're a handful my dear Petra" he commented "Umbra excellent job on stealing this vessel" he turned to Umbra. "Lumis on the other hand," he chuckled, "I'm surprised you're letting Umbra do all my bidding for you." Petra looked up at Marik mocking at his own team member.

"Master, I did acquire the-"

"SILENCE", he roared "I know what you have done but no such loyalty is compare to your brother". He continued. "I could make you prostrate and punished for questioning me."

"Please my master, not my brother!" Umbra pleaded

The Petra screamed as she accidentally moved her ankle unbeknownst to her ability. Marik crinkled his nose as he was angry with his servant, he signalled for their dismissal. That pig hiding under the mercy of his brother cowardly, next time he won't be so lucky. He turned his attention to the Ethiopian girl.

"Looks like my ankle save the chubby guy's life from your wrath." She mumbled in sarcasm

He cocked his head, "I doubt there are rewards for your hapless actions, and most certainly no one will save your life if you don't behave". He sneered coldly still letting his anger get the best of him.

He then gently hoisted Petra and positioned her at the back of the motorcycle. He started the roar of the engine. She held on to Marik's taut stomach. The air was enveloped with the merciless scorch of heat. Adrenaline pumped as the vehicle launched forward and the next sight was what looked like an eighty feet tall ship. Beholding her eyes she could see the very vessel that will take to the mysterious call from home. Gambela...