Battle of the Millennium Chapter 4

To make matters even more complicated Grandpa came upstairs and told everyone that Yugi's aunt and uncle were on their way to Japan, having just completed a tour of America. Tea, Tristan and Joey stayed for several hours and relaxed, while Grandpa fed them some fried rice.

Joey and Tristan left. Mahaad wanted to avoid intruding, ended up falling asleep instead.
After a few minutes the Pharaoh came out of his reprieve and looked at the priest.

"Mahaad?" Yami inquired softly, gauging to see if the magician was asleep or not.

Mahaad's eyes opened and he focused his gaze on the ground.

"Yes, my Pharaoh?"

"Thank you," The priest looked away his cheeks hot with shame.

"You didn't fail me today. I shouldn't have asked so much of you. I know you still feel guilty about it and that will take time. You had better get some sleep. We are going to pick up Yugi's aunt and uncle from the airport tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Master." Yami narrowed his eyes slightly, and Mahaad tensed, wondering if he had overstepped his bounds. Yami didn't like it very much when Mahaad addressed him like this. The Pharaoh often told him that in so doing he was downplaying his noble station. Yami let it slide for now, much to Mahaad's relief.

With that Yami climbed under the sheets and fell asleep. Yugi's alarm woke both of them up the next morning.

Yugi yawned and stretched. To his surprise Mahaad was already folding the blanket and laid it neatly on the arm of the couch. "How are you awake?" the teen asked incredulously.

"Mostly because of long habit, I had to wake up before the sun to serve Lord Amun. It also helped that I slept a lot yesterday my Prince," he replied in his usual manner and bowed his head.
"Please don't—" Yugi was interrupted by his Grandpa yelling up the stairs, "—Yugi! Breakfast is ready!"

"Ok, Grandpa!" Yugi made Mahaad face the wall while he changed. Mahaad just smiled faintly to himself. Yugi wouldn't have adapted well to being a Prince of Egypt, having a whole team of servants to dress him. "You can turn around now." Yugi was already on his way toward the kitchen. Mahaad quickly changed into a fresh tunic and followed suit. In honor of Yugi's relatives coming Grandpa had prepared eggs, toast, and some bacon and sausage. Mahaad wrinkled his nose in disgust. Master Shimon was serving bacon? Yugi had already taken a seat and was helping himself to a glass of orange juice. "May I?" Mahaad asked indicating the chair next to Yugi who nodded his mouth full of scrambled eggs.

"How are you Mahaad?"

"I am well, Master Solomon. How are you?" "Mahaad you shouldn't address me as your master. I am not your master anymore." 'But my grandson is', he thought to himself. "Hai, Muto-sama," he replied softly.

Grandpa frowned in response. "That's not what I meant, and you know that," Mahaad looked down at the empty plate in front of him. The elder man brought a plate piled high with toast and set it in the center of the table. "Dig in," he encouraged, taking a seat opposite Yugi. Mahaad took a piece of toast and some eggs.

It took Mahaad several minutes before he dared break the silence again. "How is orange juice made?" He asked sincerely. "In a factory with lots of people," Grandpa explained.
"Are they slaves?"

"—No, they get paid," Yugi interjected. Yugi picked up his dishes and put them in the sink before going to his room.

/Yugi?/

/What?/ The boy asked making sure he had everything packed for school.

/Something is bothering you, may I know what it is?/ the Spirit materialized on Yugi's bed.

/I don't like it when Mahaad bows to me./ Yugi replied zipping up his backpack.

/It goes deeper than that doesn't it?/

/Yes. I want Mahaad to treat me like an equal./

/That will take time./ The spirit caught his light's train of thought.

/I could order him to do so. But I also recognize that he is in quite a bit of shock. He hasn't been human for almost three thousand years. His entire civilization is gone. Almost everyone he knows is dead and has been dead for millennia. He has to get used to Japanese culture as well as learn nearly three thousand years of history./ Shock came to Yami from Yugi over the link. /I just think that to ask him to do that would be too much right now./

Mahaad entered the room, but quickly picked up on the change in atmosphere and was about to back out. "Mahaad, surely you know by now you don't have to do that." Yami said from his position on the bed. Mahaad looked like he wanted to say something but just replied. "Yes, my king."

"Mahaad, I spoke with Tristan yesterday. He said you can borrow some of his clothing for today. You cannot go in public dressed like that," Mahaad looked down at his white tunic sadly. Yugi looked at him sympathetically. "I know it is hard, Mahaad. But being dressed like that will draw unwanted attention," Yugi added.

"As you wish, my Masters."

Yugi gave Yami a pointed look. Yami nodded in response. "And Mahaad, you can't address Yugi or me like that in public. In private you may do as you please. Tristan's clothes are on top of Yugi's desk."

"Yes, my Pharaoh," Mahaad said sadly.

He walked over to the desk and examined the neatly folded pile of clothes. There was a pair of jeans which Mahaad found revolting. Glancing back at Yugi's closet though, he was grateful Yugi hadn't insisted he dress in tight leather. It looked so restrictive compared to linen robes. Mahaad put the jeans on, and unfolded the plain white shirt and put it on too. Tristan had even allowed him to borrow his black and red jacket. Mahaad tested his new range of motion with the clothing and found he was more restricted and the fabric was heavy against his skin. He hadn't realized how well he could breathe in linen.

"May I speak with Taylor-san?" Mahaad asked, looking at himself in the mirror. He almost didn't recognize himself. And he rarely ever left his hair uncovered. "Yes, but wait to call him after we pick up my aunt and uncle." Yugi replied.

"Are you guys ready?" Grandpa called up the stairs. Yugi responded in the affirmative and he and Mahaad descended the stairs. Yugi and Yami talked for a few minutes while Grandpa and Mahaad loaded everything into the car. Yami decided to take over on the trip to the airport, because his presence was more reassuring to Mahaad and he could either lead by example, explain things in terms Mahaad could understand, or if needed be give a quick order in Egyptian. Yugi rode in the front seat while Mahaad rode in the back. Mahaad actually had time to appreciate the world around him. He had seen bits and pieces of many different places through duels, but it was hard to appreciate beauty while on the dueling field. He stared in wonder at all of the green trees and tall buildings that surrounded them.

They pulled into the airport parking lot and Grandpa pulled into a spot near the back, as the airport was already filled with people. They entered the chaos through sliding glass doors. There were people everywhere hurrying to their destinations. Mahaad was over simulated by the many people and new sights and smells. He never strayed too far from the group. Grandpa checked their information and led them to the right.

As the group stood waiting for the plane to come in a new voice broke in, "Mouto Yugi?" They turned around to see Odion standing there. He was wearing black pants and a long sleeved purple shirt. Yami asked, "What are you doing here Odion?" Odion broke into a smile. "Miss Ishtar is coming to Japan for a little bit to oversee the new Egyptian exhibit. I'm just going to meet her now. If you'll excuse me, I must see to Miss Ishtar." Yami gave a curt nod and watched as Odion walked away, and he was soon lost in the press of the crowd.

They didn't have too much time to think about this strange occurrence before Grandpa told them that the plane had landed. They watched the stream of people and Yami wordlessly switched places with Yugi, they were his aunt and uncle after all. Several minutes later Grandpa spotted them.

"Yugi!" Before he knew it his aunt embraced him, his uncle not far behind. "Hi dad," Yugi's uncle greeted giving Solomon a brief hug. Mahaad stood off to the side, awkwardly. He thought back to his own family and how he hadn't seen them in millennia. Their offerings had been neglected and they were starving. His chest constricted and a lump welled up in his throat. "Aunt, Uncle I want you to meet one of my best friends, Mahaad." Mahaad bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you Mahaad, I'm Hiroshi." Yugi's uncle said extending his hand. Mahaad mirrored the action and was slightly shocked when the man grabbed it and shook it up and down. "I'm Yumi, Yugi's aunt." he shook her hand too. They were both tan from touring the world and were dressed in slacks and polo shirts. Both had black hair.

"Allow me to take your bag, you've had a long flight." Solomon offered his son. Hiroshi objected and wheeled his suitcase behind him. "May I take your bag?" Mahaad asked Yumi trying to be helpful. "You're a nice young man, aren't you?" Yumi said passing off her luggage to the taller man. Solomon and Mahaad brought up the rear while Yugi and his aunt and uncle caught up, jabbering away in rapid Japanese. The car ride home was much the same. "Boy, you can take that up to Yugi's room," Hiroshi said gruffly. Mahaad was taken aback, but tried not to let it show on his face.

Mahaad didn't say anything, but followed Hiroshi's direction. He returned and joined everyone else in the living room. "Mahaad, where are you from?" Yumi asked. "Cairo, Egypt. I live with the Ishtars."

"Who are they?" she asked, confused. Yugi stepped in. "Mom, don't you remember the letter I sent you about Marik? They are brothers." "Oh, yes. I remember."

"What do you want to do as a career?" Mahaad had to smile to himself at the irony of that question. "I want to work for the government." Hiroshi broke into a triumphant smile. "See Yugi, he has a good career picked out. Why can't you get your head out of the clouds?" he rounded on his nephew. Mahaad who was seated to Yugi's right was frozen in shock, his eyes widened in horror. Mahaad though back to his days in Egypt with Pharaoh and how the Pharaoh had helped him more than he had been able to repay. He opened his mouth to defend his king.

"What is wrong with Mas-Yugi wanting to duel? Not everyone is suited to work in the government." There was a spark of challenge in Mahaad's eyes.

"He can't make a living off dueling!" Yumi interjected.

"No one said he would make a living off of dueling!" Mahaad shot back.

"Mahaad." Yami had taken over and the look it his eyes said it all. Stop. The magician backed down and stared at his empty plate.

Yugi avoided his uncle's gaze and didn't say anything. Hiroshi huffed and grabbed the bowl of rice on the table and began serving himself.

His uncle and Grandfather followed shortly after and Yugi took some rice but not a lot "We're not eating until dinner," Yumi reminded the boys. Mahaad also took some rice but no more than Yugi did. The rest of lunch continued in silence. After the meal was over Yugi rose from the table, most everyone else missed the slight glow of the Puzzle and Yami walked up to his room and shut the door. Mahaad rose and followed and rapped his knuckles softly on the door. "Go away Uncle," Yami said doing a very a good impression of the teen. "May I come in?" Mahaad asked. "Yes." Mahaad opened the door and slipped inside. Yami was sitting cross legged on the bed.

"How could they say such things about Yugi?" Yami demanded. Yami's voice had an edge to it. "I know it's not what you want to hear my king, but they probably just want what is best for him."

"I know but that doesn't stop them for being misguided," he countered. The Pharaoh blew out his breath in frustration.

There was another knock on the door.

Both men froze.

"Yes?" Yami asked.

"Can I come in?" It was Grandpa. In response Yami crossed the room and opened the door. Grandpa walked in and sat down in the desk chair. "I know you don't want to talk to your aunt and uncle right now, but they want to out and have some fun."

"Alright, but Yugi doesn't want to talk to them right now." Grandpa didn't respond, he just left the room. They decided to go to the movies and go to a park. It took several hours and soon it was dark and time to go to bed. "We'll sleep down here," Yugi offered, he was in much better spirits now. Yugi pulled some blankets and pillows from the closet. Mahaad retrieved the ones he had been using from Yugi's room.

"I'll take the shorter couch," Yugi said sitting on it. "Very well, if that is your will." The text day had several surprises in store for them. The first of which was that Yugi's aunt and uncle announced at breakfast that they were taking Yugi and several friends on a trip to Egypt. Shortly after the announcement the phone rang. Grandpa went and picked it up. He returned to the table a few moments later and covered the receiver and handed it to his grandson. "It's for you." Yugi just nodded his thanks and took the phone. "Hello?" he asked. "My Prince, are you alright?" He probably should have been a bit more shocked to hear Ishizu's voice on the other end of the line. "Yes, I am fine." She told him of vision the night before of him going to Egypt and a dark force arising. He reassured her everything was fine, at the moment. "And Ishizu, my aunt and uncle are flying us out to Egypt in two weeks," she caught his meaning.

"I'll be waiting with the rest of the tomb keepers," she said. "Thank you," he clicked the receiver and the line went dead.

Yami also told Yugi's aunt and uncle that he wanted to see Tea off to dance school in New York before they left, which they agreed to. They also hammered out other details such as who was actually going and such.

The day of their departure to New York arrived cold, gray and wet. Yugi went through a final check of his bags before taking them downstairs. Mahaad packed light, having only a carry on and a single small suitcase. Most of his important stuff was stored safely in the Duat. He too brought his luggage down and helped Yugi and Hiroshi load it in the car. "Are we ready to go?" Yumi asked as she walked toward them. "Pretty much," Hiroshi replied, shutting the trunk of Grandpa's car firmly.

Tea and the others arrived and piled their stuff into the car, and soon they were off. Upon arriving at the airport they unloaded their luggage and Grandpa handed out their tickets in the event they got separated. They checked their bags in at the counter. Mahaad's was the lightest. "What did you pack in there, feathers?" Joey asked. Mahaad just smiled cryptically, but didn't reply. They left their suitcases and joined the line to get their passports checked and to go through security.

It took what seemed like forever.

Joey even dug around in his bag until he found some half eaten granola bars at the bottom, that he and Tristan fought over. Once they reached the front and presented their passes, Yugi was grateful he had talked Kaiba into getting Mahaad ID papers and stuff. They looked at the passport the magician presented them and narrowed their eyes after waving him through the scanner. One of the security guards looked at him with renewed interest as his partner pulled the man aside for questioning. After they questioned him for awhile they let him go. Then they all had to go through security. Mahaad stood near the back of the group. He took off all his metal stuff, socks and shoes and placed them in a bin along with his shoulder bag. Then he drew a breath and went through the scanner again, emerging safely on the other side.
He collected his shoes and socks and put them on. The fabric still felt quite heavy against his skin and he longed for linen. Yami had also ordered him not to wear robes at the airport, and explained that security would have been drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He retrieved his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He followed the group to the boarding area to wait. Yugi's aunt and uncle were talking to Master Solomon, Yugi was talking with Tea and Joey and Tristan were looking at all of the overpriced airport food hungrily.

As soon as they found seats they set their stuff down to wait. Joey and Tristan informed the group that they were going to find something to eat. "Anyone want to come?" Mahaad looked up at them. "I would," he said, rising. "Alright! Follow us," Joey said leading the way through the maze of the airport. Mahaad followed behind as they marched toward the food. Mahaad scanned the food selection hunting for something he actually recognized. To his delight he found a deli sandwich. "What does this say?" he asked Tristan, indicating the kanji on the wrapping. The brunette leaned over, his arms full of chips and cookies. "Turkey and cheddar with lettuce and tomatoes." he read. "Thank you." Mahaad picked it up. "You can't read?" Joey asked coming around the corner. "I can read six languages and understand three more, just not Japanese," he defended himself.

"Really?" Tristan asked the awe in his voice was evident. The priest nodded. "You need something to pass the time in the Duat," he said offhandedly. They moved to the counter to pay for their food. Yugi had given Mahaad a small amount of yen in case they got separated and Mahaad used this allowance to buy the sandwich. They met back with everyone and sat down to enjoy their food. After awhile it was finally their turn to board. They presented their boarding passes and found their seats. Mahaad happened to have a seat on the right of Pharaoh with Tea on his left.

Mahaad was quickly lost in his own thoughts, but was pulled from them. "What do you think so far?" Yugi asked him. "It is all so overwhelming," he shook his head. He wished he had something more interesting to say. Yugi smiled reassuringly at him. "It will get better," he promised. Mahaad who had the window looked out at the runway.

Mahaad stared out the window in awe, as soon as the plane was airborne. Everything below them was so tiny! Soon however the miniature cities gave way to the uniformity of the ocean and Mahaad quickly lost interest, especially after hearing it would take several hours to cross it. Mahaad reflected on their previous meeting with Odion. The man was bald and for a moment Mahaad thought he might have been one of the priests from the tomb keeper's clan, but dismissed the thought after reading his hieroglyph tattoos. Mahaad blinked a few times bringing himself back to the present. Tristan and Joey behind him were talking and laughing, Tea was sleeping and Yugi had a glazed faraway look in his eyes that indicated he was in his soul room or in conversation with the Pharaoh.

Suddenly Yugi came out of his stupor and focused on Mahaad who started and hastily looked away out the window, hoping against hope that Yugi hadn't seen him staring at the shorter teen. Mahaad had failed to note the glint of excitement in Yugi's eyes. Yugi finally had some alone time with his favorite Monster.

"Mahaad?" Yugi asked tentatively, unsure how the magician would respond. "Yes, my Prince?" Mahaad asked. "Will you come into my soul room? I want to talk to you." In response Mahaad bowed his head and closed his eyes, Yugi did as well.

Yugi appeared in his actual soul room, while Mahaad appeared in the Soul Corridor. Yugi opened his door wide, and smiled warmly. "Come in Mahaad," The magician obliged and bowed before crossing the threshold. The door opposite them opened, to their surprise. Yami looked at the pair of them. "It's alright Yami, I just want to talk to Mahaad!" the excitement was evident in his voice. The Pharaoh smiled at both of them and regarded them fondly. "I was just making sure things were alright. Have fun. Let me know if you need anything." The Spirit shut his door.

Yugi shut his own door and sat down on the bed. Mahaad picked his way carefully through the various toys strewn across the floor, taking great care to avoid moving any of them. Because these toys were in Yugi's soul room, he didn't want there to be any unintended consequences of accidently moving one of them, it might alter a memory or something. "Have a seat Mahaad," Yugi invited, grinning. Mahaad chose to sit on the floor, and sat down cross legged, leaning forward toward Yugi, who mirrored his actions on the bed.

Mahaad waited patiently for Yugi to begin, and moved a few stray stands of his chestnut hair out of his eyes. Yugi swallowed nervously before he spoke. "Jed wi en Abetek," Tell me of your family. Mahaad's eyes widened in shock and delight. A rare smiled graced the magician's lips, as he replied, "Tiw, Repat Nebi," Yes Prince, my Master. Yugi's eyebrows knit together as he tried to figure out what Mahaad had said. "Tiw means 'yes," Yugi said, he was elated that he understood some of what Mahaad had told him. Seeing the younger boy's confusion, Mahaad explained. "Repat means 'Prince' and Nebi—" Yugi cut Mahaad off. "—my Master," Yugi finished. Seeing Yugi's face grow warm Mahaad answered his question. While, he wanted to be respectful to his younger master, he didn't want the younger boy to be angry with him.

"My family consisted of my father Nakht, my mother Raia, and my younger brother Kamose. We lived in a manor near the palace in Waset or modern-day Thebes. I was chosen to live at the palace because of my magical ability and my father was a priest at the Karnak temple," Mahaad looked crestfallen to think about his family. Yugi knew he must miss them a lot. He had given up everything in service of his king. "My family's offerings have been neglected for a long time." Yugi unfolded his legs and stood.

"Come on, let's talk to Yami, he can do something," Yugi said his eyes shining with the glee of having a chance to help his favorite Monster. Mahaad, while uncomfortable with approaching the Pharaoh about it, couldn't say no to Yugi's enthusiasm. Yugi waited for him to stand and they crossed the hallway and stood in front of Yami's door.

Yugi knocked politely on the door. "Yami?" The Spirit opened the door. "Come in, take a seat." Yugi sat on a desk chair while Yami leaned against his bed. Again Mahaad took up his position on the floor. "Yami, Mahaad said his family's offerings have been neglected," Yugi stated. Yami nodded gravely, considering the new information. Yami turned to Mahaad.

"Wn pw ma'at?" Is this true? "Tiw, Nisw Nebi," Yes, the King my Master.

Yami's eyes narrowed, in suspicion. "Em netek ni jed wi?" Why didn't you tell me? Mahaad dropped his gaze. "Yami!" Yugi cut in. "It wasn't his fault. He has had a lot to get used to! He's pretty overwhelmed right now," Suddenly the anger was gone. "I know Aibou, I recently got my memories back and I saw everyone including Mahaad die right before my eyes. I feel guilty that he died for me. Let's renew their offerings now," Mahaad's expression changed to one of fright to hope. "Nebi?" Mahaad inquired reverently.

Yami stood up erect then knelt on the stone floor. Mahaad hastened to bow beside his king, his hands extended, palms down in praise, while he was curled up in a ball on the floor, as Yami began to chant.

After the ritual Mahaad and Yugi returned to their bodies.

Time passed slowly, Mahaad didn't want to admit to being bored, yet he was bored. He had little to do and Pharaoh had asked him not to perform magic on the plane, so he shifted to a more comfortable position and closed his eyes trying to fall asleep. Many hours and an hour long layover in Lost Angeles, they landed in New York. It was late afternoon and the sun would soon set. Mahaad was still tired when he woke up, having not slept very well on the plane. An announcement came overheard in a language Mahaad didn't recognize, but he followed Yugi's example and grabbed his carry on and joined the crowd exiting the plane.

The rest of the trip to the hotel, Mahaad was in a daze. Yugi had looked at him with a worried expression and asked if he was alight. He replied he was, but he was just tired. He hardly remembered meeting Yugi's aunt and uncle and collecting their luggage. They waited in the lobby with their bags while Grandpa checked them in. They got two hotel rooms, one with two beds and the other with just one. Yumi led the way and set her luggage down, Hiroshi not too far behind her. Yugi yawned and stretched as he too entered the room. Mahaad followed Joey and Tristan into the adjoining room and noticed that there was only one bed. He stumbled over to the inviting couch and his clothes shimmered for a second before changing into his sleeping tunic. He lay down and thought he heard Joey say something about that not being fair before sleep overcame him.

Mahaad awoke with a start the next morning as Joey tripped over his own suitcase and crashed to the floor. Mahaad sat up and looked around in alarm before spotting Joey on the floor, and he relaxed a bit before throwing off the covers and standing up. His clothes changed again to a pair of Levis and a t shirt and a baseball cap. Soon everyone was up and dressed and they all headed down to breakfast. Yugi's parents asked how everyone slept and they waited in line for breakfast. Yugi rubbed the back of his head and he replied he had slept well. After several minutes they reached the food and Joey and Tristan began piling their plates high with toast bacon and hash browns.

Mahaad grabbed some toast, fruit and milk, food he recognized and joined everyone else at a table as they began to discuss their plans for the day. "I am going to see Tea's new apartment," Yugi's parents nodded, taking this into account. Yumi wanted to see the statue of Liberty and Times Square before Yugi went to see Tea. They ended up deciding to go together and see some of the famous sights and then the younger group could break off the see their friends while Yami and Hiroshi did something on their own. As soon as everyone was ready, they headed out. Mahaad was somewhat shocked to see so many people on the streets milling about. He didn't comment on it, but followed the rest of the group through the city. The morning passed fairly quickly for the priest, as he had never dreamed of the sights they were seeing.

Mahaad relaxed a little as they headed for Tea's apartment. The rest of the day should have been smooth sailing, but couldn't have been further form the truth. They jumped on the train heading for section of the city that Tea lived in. The doors shut and they were off, waving to Yugi's aunt and uncle as the train pulled away. When they arrived at her stop Mahaad stood before the others. Yugi quickly joined him.

Something in the air felt wrong about Brooklyn Station.

Mahaad got off the train and was alert. When they turned the corner, they quickly discovered the reason for their unease. There was a large three headed snake standing on two feet blocking their exit. Yami instinctively took control that Yugi willfully gave him. Mahaad made his way to stand at his Pharaoh's side. The Hikari watched from the safely of his soul room. Surprisingly their fellow passengers didn't seem to be overly disturbed by the monster.

Yami and Mahaad exchanged glances. They got their answer when a woman in pink and carrying a large parasol shouted, "Rabid dog!" Mahaad shook his head, her scream didn't make sense but they didn't have time to worry about that right now. Mahaad read the subtle clues his Pharaoh gave him, as if they were verbal orders. He moved to the right and began to draw the monster toward him. The Pharaoh began to gather his Shadow magic in a ball. Neither of them expected what happened next.

Two teens appeared on the scene. They were both wearing white linen robes. The boy wielded a khopesh, while the shorter girl clutched a wooden staff. Both of them actually noticed the monster and unlike the people that surrounded them, didn't run in the opposite direction.

Author's Notes:

The two groups finally see each other!

I should be able to have the next chapter up in a week or so.

Please review!