Chapter Eleven

Mai's driving was every bit as wild as Duke and Serenity remembered it from Battle City. But as Duke had said, right now they wanted speed. And Mai's maniacal swerving and speeding soon took them past the nearest police station. That got rid of their gun-toting enemies in a hurry.

"Okay, so tell me," Mai said as she drove around the block and made another sweep by the police building, "how did you arrange that theatrical exit?"

"We thought maybe you had, until the shooting starting," Duke retorted.

"Me? All that commotion is hardly my style," Mai said. "I was thinking more along the lines of showing up and cozying up to von Tassle while you kids silently stole away. I had just driven up to try enacting that when you people started leaping out of that tree."

"Which brings us to another important question," Duke said. "What are you doing hanging around von Tassle's museum?"

"I've been working for him." Mai looked out at the street as she spoke. "He's been hoping to get his finger in a lot of the big gaming pies, including Duel Monsters. And since I've heard that he's anything but legal, I didn't want him anywhere near those cards. So I decided to go undercover and see if I could dig up enough dirt on him to bring him down."

"You really are passionate about that game," David said. "I wouldn't put myself in life-threatening danger for cards."

"No, but what if von Tassle was trying to take over your boss's business?" Mai returned. "I bet you'd do it then."

Duke and Serenity both flinched at that.

"That would concern me," David said. "Duel Monsters doesn't."

"But it concerns me." Mai's voice had darkened.

"Too much," Snakes muttered. "If they're more important than the big picture."

"But we're grateful for the save," Serenity quickly interjected, not wanting a war to start.

Duke nodded. "We are. But if von Tassle is hoping to get into the Duel Monsters business, it seems like that's a problem you should take to Pegasus."

"Not to mention, doesn't von Tassle recognize you, being one of the Duel Monsters champions and all?" David put in.

Mai smirked. "Actually, I did take the problem to Pegasus. He's paying me to investigate. Von Tassle is such a newbie in the gaming world that he's only familiar with current champions." Her smirk faded. "Not past ones."

Snakes exchanged a disgusted look with David. Snakes' clearly said, So she goes to someone she knows about a problem with her precious cards, but she won't apologize to her friends?

David's was more, I'm not sure I'm that fond of her, but since she came for us, I'll give her the benefit of a doubt.

"It still sounds really dangerous," Serenity said. "You're so brave, Mai."

"Oh, I don't know about that." Mai's voice lowered. "In a lot of ways, I'm still just running." She rushed on before anyone could try to reply to that. "So, who are your new friends? I recognize Duke's store manager, but not the other two back there."

"The guy in the middle is our pilot, Edward Lawrence," Duke said. "The other is . . . well, he's a friend of mine from . . . sometime back."

"Snakes Tolliver," Snakes grunted.

"Hello," Mai purred, looking at them, and particularly Snakes, in the rearview mirror. "It must be interesting traveling with these characters."

Snakes regarded her in stunned surprise. Women did not generally flirt with him unless they wanted his money. The vicious scar on his face repulsed them otherwise. "It's . . . different," he said carefully.

"You said you know what we're up to," Duke said. "Does that mean you know about the amethyst?"

"Mm hmm." Mai looked to him. "Von Tassle's been talking about it for days now. Just this week he said he was sure that his enemy going after you was going to prove beneficial. He felt that you would end up coming to him, which apparently you did."

"Not by choice," Duke frowned. "Our pilot had to deliver some stuff to him before he could take us to Egypt."

"Well, however it happened, you're here and you need help." Mai looked ahead.

"No arguments there," Duke said. "And what about this enemy of von Tassle's? Do you know anything about whether his men are the ones who've chased us through Domino City and Los Angeles?"

"I heard von Tassle say that they were after you," Mai said. "He sent some men of his own to stop or slow them down. He really doesn't want them to get the amethyst instead of him."

"And he really didn't steal it from that guy in the first place?" Duke frowned. "We still don't know how it got in my store."

"I'm not sure of the details of that myself," Mai admitted. "He still insists he didn't steal that other guy's amethyst, though."

"You probably can't believe him," David objected.

"Maybe not. But he wouldn't have a reason to lie to the people who work for him," Mai said.

"You never know," David said. "He might not tell anyone everything."

Duke nodded in agreement.

"Well . . ." Serenity looked to Mai. "You're getting out of here now too, aren't you, Mai?"

Mai shook her head. "I can't go with you; I have to stay here and try to salvage my cover. If anyone saw me, I'm going to say that you forced your way into my car. I hope you don't mind." She glanced at Duke.

"No, just as long as we can get out of here," Duke said. "Von Tassle claimed he was fixing our plane. Was he really?"

"Oh, he fixed it, alright, complete with homing beacon," Mai said.

Edward gnashed his teeth. "Why that wretched . . . !" He looked to Duke. "I really want to get my plane back. You won't need me on the rest of your trip, will you?"

"I don't know." Duke watched the German scenery fly by as Mai continued to drive somewhat too fast. "Exactly where are we going?"

"Siegfried von Schroeder is my contact in Germany," Mai said. "You know he and Pegasus recently closed a deal on von Schroeder's virtual reality technology. I'm taking you to one of his private airfields. He owes me a favor. His pilot will take you anywhere you want to go."

"That sounds wonderful," Serenity said in relief.

"It does, but will von Tassle suspect we'll call on him?" Duke wondered in concern.

"Like I said, he's a newbie to Duel Monsters," Mai shrugged. "I don't imagine he'll think far enough ahead to consider that maybe you or I know von Schroeder."

Duke nodded slowly. "I'm still wondering if von Tassle bugged our rooms, though," he said with unease. "If he did, he could have heard us talking about von Schroeder at one point."

"I haven't heard that he bugged your rooms," Mai said.

"Yeah, but have you talked with him since we got here last night?" Duke countered.

"I've talked with some of the people who work in his house," Mai said. "We had a casual conversation about von Tassle's new 'guests'. The maids know he wants something from you, but he's been trying a honey approach to get it. I kind of don't think he would have bugged your rooms. He probably figured that letting you go and tracking you with a homing device would be enough."

"I didn't think he seemed the bugging type," Duke said. "But people can be really good at fooling and lying, when they want to be."

That brought another reign of silence. Everyone certainly agreed with Duke, but particularly for Mai and Snakes, it hit a sore spot. Neither wanted to respond.

Serenity brushed her hair behind her ear, examining the increasing amount of trees with fascination. They were leaving the city now and heading into the mountains. Castles loomed on assorted peaks, relics of past eras that were still intriguing and imposing in the present day.

"So, Serenity, I'm surprised Joey's letting you travel around with Duke Devlin," Mai remarked. "Especially if he's not along for the ride."

Serenity flushed. "He didn't know I was coming," she said quietly. "It's a long story. If you know what the amethyst really is, maybe you'll understand why I felt I had to come."

Mai shrugged. "I know von Tassle believes some crazy Egyptian legend about it being a stone that can restore the dead by tampering with time. So regardless of whether it is or not, you're in trouble when he thinks you have it."

"You've got that right," David said.

"Personally, I guess I shouldn't doubt it, after all the weird things I've seen." Mai didn't elaborate on those "weird things"; she knew Duke and Serenity were likely thinking of both Yami Marik and the Orichalcos. "Still, I'm kind of tired of playing around with fairytales come true. I'd rather get back to a world I can understand, where logic and sense rule supreme."

"And I don't blame you in the least," David declared. "Dukey-boy and I were ready a long time ago to get back to logic and sense."

Duke's eyes flickered. Neither of them knew yet whether David would even be coming back with them at all. And he couldn't help wondering if at the last minute he would choose to not put the amethyst back in the Chamber of Sorrows, but instead hold onto it until every last bit of time unwound, restored all their memories, and most likely set things back the way they had been before. At least that might give David a little more time to live.

Even if he tried to do that, though, David would probably insist that he put it back. They really did have to get rid of it, and if they left it where von Tassle or some other glory-seeker could find it, who knew what calamities might ensue. Sealing it in the Chamber of Sorrows, or even destroying it there, seemed their only real options.

"Is Mr. von Schroeder going to be at the airfield?" Serenity asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the amethyst.

"Mmm, I don't think so," Mai answered. "Not unless he decides he wants to meet my guests in person. And he's probably too busy for that." She started up the canyon road.

"He has an airfield up here?" David said in amazement.

"It sure makes it easier to take off without a lot of people around," Mai smiled. "There's a big clearing up here where he keeps some of his private jets."

She had to drive around to the other side of the mountain before said clearing came into view. The airfield may have been small, but it still consisted of two large hangars, a tower, an office, and the runway. One deluxe jet was on the runway, likely waiting for them. Several mechanics were milling about, giving the plane its last pre-flight checks.

"Wow," Serenity breathed.

"It's a great plane, granted," Edward said as he stared at it. "But I still want mine back." He looked to Mai. "You'll help me get it, won't you?"

"Sure thing, hon." Mai gave her clearance to the man at the gate and then sped through, parking as close to the runway as she could get.

"Thanks a million, Mai," Serenity smiled in relief.

"Just let me know how it goes when it's all over," Mai said with a wink.

"If you come back to Domino City, we could tell you in person," Serenity said hopefully.

Mai's eyes clouded. "Well . . . maybe someday."

Duke looked to her as he climbed out of the car and reached for his laptop and suitcase. "You really should go while you still can," he said in all seriousness. "You're lucky that you still have the chance to make things right." Sadness flickered in his eyes.

Mai looked up, definitely noticing. "What about you, Duke?" she wondered. "Do you have that chance?"

". . . I don't know," Duke replied. "That's one thing we're going to find out."

Mai nodded, unconvinced, eying the bulge in the laptop case. "That amethyst. . . . Do you believe those stories about it?"

"I kind of have to," Duke said stiffly.

"It's a long story," Serenity said, touching Duke's arm as she got out as well.

"Long and sad and private, from the looks of it," Mai said. "Well, good luck with whatever you're trying to do."

"Thanks," Duke said. He looked to Snakes. "I promised I'd give you your money here in Germany so you could go away. I'll still fulfill that. Mai can drive you back to the city."

Snakes sighed, heavily. "Don't bother, Kid. I'm not leaving you now."

Duke regarded him in surprise. "You mean that?"

"I've stuck it out this long. I don't like it, but I wouldn't feel good about myself if I cut out for the last part of the journey. Anyway . . ." Snakes shrugged. "It might not be so safe to leave, either."

"Maybe not," Duke relented. "But . . . thank you."

Snakes just nodded, gruffly. Serenity smiled.

The others got out of the back, bringing the rest of the luggage with them. Edward moved to the front seat. "Good luck, Snakes, everyone," he said.

"Good luck to you getting your plane back," Duke said.

"I really don't know how you're going to manage that," David added.

"Oh, we'll manage," Mai smiled. "Hurry now or you'll miss your plane."

"Right." Duke started to pull his luggage along, but paused. Then, thinking better of whatever he had considered saying, he simply bade her goodbye and hastened to the jet.

Serenity bit her lip as she gazed after him. "Goodbye, Mai, Mr. Lawrence," she said. "Thank you again."

"No problem. But Serenity, is something wrong with your man?" Mai leaned in conspiratorially. "I know Duke was always the most serious member of Yugi's little group, but he seems even broodier now."

Serenity sighed. "He's . . . got a lot on his mind."

"I'm sure he does. And I wish we had the time to have a real gal-pal talk about it." Mai watched David chase after Duke as well. "If you want any long-distance relationship advice, there's always email."

"Thanks, Mai." Serenity gave a weak smile. "Unfortunately, it's really my fault in the end that this is happening. And it feels like we're being pushed towards an inevitable bad ending and I . . . I don't know how to stop it." Her voice caught in her throat.

"What?" Mai frowned. "How could you have caused any of this?"

Serenity glanced over at Duke and David. Both boys seemed to be having a very animated conversation with the pilot. Snakes, meanwhile, was still standing near the car, regarding Serenity and Mai with suspicion. Edward just looked confused.

Serenity blinked back tears. It had to come out sometime. And when someone was asking who wasn't involved in what had been done, it was all the harder to keep quiet about it. "Oh Mai . . ." A sob racked her slight body. "Duke and I did something terrible."

"I can hardly believe that," Mai objected.

"All those stories about the amethyst are true," Serenity said in desperation. "David, he . . . he was dead. He died protecting Duke when they were fighting a gang of drug smugglers who had taken over Duke's store. Duke blamed himself and just couldn't get over it. He . . . he almost had a nervous breakdown." She reached up, furiously brushing away the tears. "He went to Los Angeles to find some peace. Instead, he found something out there that made him believe that there was still some hope of bringing David back to life."

"This amethyst," Mai said disbelievingly.

"Well . . . that was part of it." Serenity looked now to Snakes, who was staring at her in shock—and perhaps a bit of realization. "Anyway, when Duke found out about the Star of Bennu, he couldn't get the idea out of his head. He insisted on going to Egypt to find it. And of course, I went with him.

"We found it, alright, exactly where it was supposed to be. Duke made a wish on it to turn back time . . . not everything, but only the things directly leading back to David's death. And the price he paid . . ." Her shoulders shook again. "He vowed to also erase all traces of their friendship. If it was because David had helped him that David had died, then Duke didn't want their friendship to exist any longer. It was too horrible for him to feel responsible for David's death in that way, and he didn't want their friendship leading to any other catastrophes in the new timeline. Duke would remember the way things had been, and so would I, because I vowed to share the burden with him, but David wouldn't. Neither would anyone else."

Mai was frowning deeply as she listened. "That is one messed-up plan," she said.

"You're one to talk," Snakes muttered from behind her.

"That isn't the whole story, though, is it?" Mai prompted.

"No, it isn't." Serenity squared her shoulders and tried to straighten up. "We went along like that for a while, but Duke just wasn't happy. He missed being friends with David, but because he'd paid that price, he was terrified that if he tried to be friendly with him again, what the amethyst did would unravel and David would be dead again.

"But I couldn't stand to see him so unhappy. So I . . . I went back to Egypt and I made another wish on the amethyst. I wished for Duke to forget the past too and be free to start over with David without fear. I wished for their friendship to not bring any sadness. The price I paid . . ." Serenity sighed. "I promised to carry the burden of remembering the truth all alone. It was worth it to see Duke released from all the anguish and sorrow he'd been carrying for months." She shook her head. "Everything was going along fine. Duke and David were starting to become friends again, even though they didn't remember being friends in the past. And then that amethyst had to turn up in the store and everything started going wrong. . . ."

Mai leaned back, not sure what to make of any of this. "All of your new problems started when you found the amethyst?"

"I thought so." Serenity looked as helpless as she felt. "But Duke and David said that they'd been having weird memories even before that, including scenes from when David was dead. So for them to remember what they weren't supposed to remember, it all seems so hopeless. Oh Mai, I'm so afraid Duke is going to lose David again! And . . . what will happen to him then?"

Mai stared at her. "Even if that happens, it wouldn't be your fault," she exclaimed. "It was Duke who ended up so obsessed with using the amethyst to do something he shouldn't have been doing." She looked down, sadly. "I guess both of us know what it's like to do that."

"I should have tried to stop him," Serenity berated. "And when I couldn't, I shouldn't have made things worse by making another wish on top of Duke's!"

"Who's to say that you made things worse?" Mai said. "Maybe you did make them better. Even if everything falls apart now, maybe Duke will be grateful to you for giving him some time to enjoy with David again."

"Mr. Snakes has been trying to tell him to just enjoy the time too," Serenity said. "And Duke is trying. But it's always hanging over him that David might die again when all of this comes to a head. And Duke would feel responsible all over again because of being the one who brought David back!"

Mai shook her head. "This is one relationship problem I'm not quite sure what to do with," she admitted ruefully. "Okay, so you and Duke messed with something you're not really supposed to, but your motives weren't wrong. You wanted everyone to be happy again. And it's a little early now to be thinking that it won't last. But even if it doesn't, having someone around for even a few minutes is a gift, whether they were dead once or not." She got out of the car and cupped Serenity's hand in hers. "I squandered the gifts I had and I don't know how to ever make it up to them. Duke has a chance to make things right. If you've been trying to get him to see that and he can't, well, you'll just have to step back and let him learn it on his own. Honestly, though?" She smiled. "I think he'll be okay, even if David can't stay here. At least he'll know he did everything he could, instead of not trying something."

Serenity still looked worried. "I hope you're right, Mai. Thank you. Except . . ." She paused. "Joey doesn't care if you're ever a Duel Monsters champion again. He wants to know you're okay. He wants to see you again. And . . . do you really have to become a champion before that ever happens?"

Mai's eyes flickered. "No, I guess not." She smirked a bit. "I walked right into that one."

"I know you have to stay and finish this job for Mr. Pegasus, but when you're done, please come home, Mai," Serenity implored. "We all miss you. And the only way you can really make things up is to come back whether you're a champion or not."

Mai smiled a bit again. "I'll think about it. And it looks like they're through talking over there. You'd better get going."

Serenity nodded. "Be careful, Mai." On impulse she leaned in and hugged the woman, then quickly pulled back and hurried off with a wave.

Mai stared after her. "She really is something else," she mused.

"Just be sure you really do think about what she said," Snakes said. He looked to Edward. "I'll see you later."

"Sure," Edward replied, still unsure if he had really heard everything he had thought he had heard. Maybe it was just the concussion talking.

Serenity glanced over her shoulder when Snakes dashed over, once more clamping his hat down on his head with one hand. "I need to ask you something," he said. "What Duke found in Los Angeles that started him on this whole quest. Was that . . . me?"

Serenity nodded. "Yes. When he knew you were a time-traveler, it gave him purpose. He felt sure he could get David back and that the secret was in time, somehow." She resumed walking, slower now. "You didn't think he should try to do it, but you stayed faithful to him. You helped him all along the way and you kept him from having that nervous breakdown. You were a true friend."

"I don't remember any of that," Snakes frowned. "Except that I know I knew Duke before. I remember him coming to me seeming lost, hesitant. Nothing like the strong, determined guy he is now."

Serenity reached out, touching his arm. "You came with us to Egypt when we found the amethyst. You were doubtful about that, too, but you hoped it really would bring happiness for Duke. You said you'd let your memories be erased if it would help. So . . . that was what happened. Duke had to forget you, because he never would have met you if David hadn't died."

"And what about when you went back to Egypt later?" Snakes asked. "Did you really go all alone?"

"I didn't have any choice. I couldn't tell anyone what we'd done, and I sure couldn't tell Duke my plan." Serenity looked away. "He felt like he had to remember the past, that it was only right for him to suffer that way since he had caused David to be led to his death."

"You've really got some spunk." Snakes looked ahead. "Duke's lucky to have you."

"And you too," Serenity said softly. "You're still a true friend."

Snakes grunted. ". . . So when are you going to tell all these things to Duke and David?" he wondered. "They're the ones who need to know more than anyone else."

Serenity looked down. "I know," she said quietly. "I'll have to tell them, even though I'm dreading it with all my heart. And it should be before we get to Egypt. So on the flight at some point, I guess."

"Maybe they'll take it better than you think," Snakes said. "Since they've already guessed at a lot of it."

"I hope so," Serenity sighed.

They fell silent as they drew closer.

"Hey," David called. "What's holding things up?"

"What was holding things up here?" Serenity returned. "You two were talking to the pilot for ages!"

"We were trying to figure out a good course," Duke said. "We decided that it shouldn't be straight to Egypt. Von Tassle might be watching all planes leaving Germany for Egypt. And that other guy might be doing the same thing."

"So we're going to Athens," David said grandly. "From there, another plane will be ready to take us to Egypt."

Serenity smiled. "I like that idea." She poked Duke in the arm. "You might make a good spy yet."

"If I can just get us all home alive, that will be enough," Duke said.

Serenity sobered. "You might not have any control over that, Duke."

"Maybe not, but I'm going to fight tooth and nail for it, anyway." Duke drew an arm around Serenity. "Come on, let's all get on."

xxxx

The crew was prepared to leave right then, so as soon as the group was onboard and strapped in, the pilot lifted off. Germany grew smaller and smaller as they rose into the sky. Duke hoped it would be that easy to leave von Tassle behind, but somehow he doubted it.

"You know," David said, "even if he loses track of us, maybe he'll decide to do something like go to Egypt and just wait for us there."

"He doesn't even know if we have the Star," Duke said. "And would he really think that if we did, we'd be planning to put it back where it came from?"

"He might," David said. "If he thought we were 'upright citizens' and all that."

Serenity clasped her hands. "So there's probably really no way to stay away from him at all," she said in dismay.

"I wouldn't think so." Duke folded his arms. "We'll still have to face him for a final showdown." He gripped his arms tightly. The showdown was inevitable, but people getting hurt was hopefully optional. He did not want to be responsible for anyone else being harmed. Or for David dying again.

"And by that point, most likely he'll be pretty mean," Snakes said. "The kid gloves'll be off, especially if he catches you trying to destroy the amethyst."

"His precioussss," David suddenly intoned, in a passable imitation of Gollum.

Dead silence reigned. But then Duke and Serenity both burst out laughing.

"Oh brother," Duke snarked when he finally managed to get himself somewhat under control. "I really needed that laugh."

"Even though it really is a serious problem," Serenity gasped, wiping away tears from laughing so hard. "What will we do?"

Duke sobered. "Okay, suppose he corners us at the Chamber of Sorrows. Serenity, you're the only one who remembers it right now. What does it look like and what are the dangers we could face there?"

"Well . . ." Serenity hesitated, thinking. "Does anyone have some paper and a pencil?"

"Here." Snakes opened his coat and took out a folded sheet of paper. "And a pen. I don't use pencils; pens are more permanent."

"Thank you." Serenity smiled at him and set the paper on a tray, smoothing it out. "I'm afraid this won't be very good, though. It's only been the last three years that I've had good eyesight. I haven't ever really drawn much."

"We don't need it to be a Picasso," David said. Then, chagrined, he amended, "Actually, when we're looking for clarity, it had better not be a Picasso."

Serenity giggled. But she soon grew somber as she drew a map of what she remembered of the chamber and its passageways and traps.

"I hope I'm not forgetting something," she worried. "It's been a while since I . . . since we were there."

Duke leaned over to study the drawing. "This looks easy enough to maneuver," he said.

"But what about the problem of getting in to begin with?" David wondered.

"Like I said, we'll have to try over here." Serenity tapped an entrance on the map. "This is the back way; the front is blocked, just as Mr. Muto discovered years ago."

David sighed. "So if von Tassle is waiting, there won't be any chance of going around him down another path."

"I'm afraid not. We'll all be on the same path." Serenity paused. "And there's something else. You see these places here?" She indicated two long strips. "These are like catwalks." She shuddered. "Well, maybe a little wider, but still, they're both unprotected paths made over really big drops."

"That . . . doesn't sound pleasant," David said.

"Could a big guy like von Tassle even step on those?" Duke said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure how much weight they can support," Serenity said. "He might be able to make it, if he's really careful. But maybe he wouldn't chance it and he'd just send his men out on it instead."

"Probably a good idea," David said. "And if he does try to come across on it, I'm thinking we'd better not be on it at the same time."

"I'm with you there," Duke said.

Snakes stayed silent, watching them planning their dangerous trip. Part of him really wished he wasn't going along. Maybe he should have taken Duke up on getting that money and running out.

But he knew he didn't feel good about that idea. He had been an unwilling participant from the start, yet he was protective of these kids. Even without knowing that he apparently knew Duke in the past, he had felt that way. And now, knowing some of the bizarre details surrounding their association only made him all the more determined to stay.

"Snakes?"

He looked up at Duke's voice. "Yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

"Sure," Snakes grunted, pushing his hat forward to shade his eyes. "I'm just peachy keen."

Duke doubted it, but he opted to leave Snakes alone for now. He would try to find a point to talk with him on the flight.