"Hoist up your arms Devlin!"

At a loss of words Kaiba just simply stared at Atemu.

"Don't people say that nowadays?" Seeing no reaction from Kaiba's blank stare Atemu explained, "They say it to the criminals on a show I watch."

"…I thought after over a decade of living here you would have gotten used to it but it seems that all you were doing was watching CSI."

Atemu bobbed his head happily.

Sitting in the car in front of Duke's house Kaiba wondered if the crazed pharaoh should go with him. At first he thought: Perhaps having another business man by my side that he had readily trusted throughout his teen and adult years would convince him to hand over his stock instead of me having to liberate his brains from his skull with this gun. If it comes to it I might kill him just to kill him. …how could Serenity…how could he…? No matter it's Tea's life in my hands now and I won't let him take that from me as well.

Then Kaiba thought: Atemu isn't sane. He's been saying odd things old cops would say to their soon to be prisoners for these last fifteen minutes.

"...Kaiba, are you alright? You've been looking a tad constipated since we parked here," Atemu poked him in the ribs.

Kaiba immediately turned his head over to Atemu who was amazed that Kaiba's head didn't snap off from that sudden movement, "What?!"

"Nothing…"

Deciding it wasn't safe to leave Atemu in the car by himself with the sun setting Kaiba opened his driver's door and beckoned the other to follow him quietly. If I left him in the car by himself he could get himself abducted. If that happened then I would be forced to choose between him and Tea; that isn't a choice I want to make…If I bring him with me then what? At least he'll be a good blunt object to throw at Duke.

Atemu gladly followed Kaiba feeling as if he was playing a role in those American police shows he's watched. It made his heart beat quickened to a loud dull thud in his ears and dread slowing down his footsteps. I haven't felt this excited since my last real duel for the world. Who knew that a children's card game that was recreated by a silly man could save the world?

Kaiba looked up at the two story home of Duke. An American SUV sat on the expansive driveway. Twelve foot oak heart doors stood tall, intimidating all who stand in front of them. Wide bay windows expose the outside world to the second floor. The left most room on the top floor had a light on which meant that Duke was awake and was most likely typing away on his laptop. With the sun setting just beyond the horizon behind Duke's home he and the pharaoh were immersed in shadow. The pair approached the wide double doors.

A black wolf served as a knocker for the doors. Kaiba knew that once Duke opened the doors a grand branched staircase leading to the upper floor was just a few steps from the door and that a roomy office was to the right hand side and to the left was an archway that led to the specialty chef's room and kitchen. Beyond that staircase and past that office laid a living room with dark leather couches and plush rugs facing a TV set Kaiba could even feel envy of. He had been to this place countless times but this time it'd be different.

With a wave of his hand Atemu came to his side. Kaiba whispered something into the other's ear then ducked into the side bushes between the columns holding up the lip of ceiling over the doors. The pharaoh feeling a bit confused of the other's intentions knocked on the door using the knocker and as the deep hollow sound from the door resounded throughout the house Atemu placed his hands behind his back and waited. Soon that sound of bare feet slapping on marbled floors came into range of hearing.

When Duke opened the door and saw Atemu standing there looking completely clueless he was relieved. See Duke there's nothing to be afraid of. It's just Atemu. Not Kaiba or anyone of threat. …It'll be all over the news tomorrow that Kaiba's missing and he'll soon be pronounced dead Schroider never fails to kill anyone. Everything will be alright.

He offered the pharaoh to come in but instead Atemu shied from him it seemed and moved back towards the last step onto the landing into his front door. Duke was mildly confused by his friend's action but what confused him more what the car Atemu had driven here in. An Ashton Martin Vanquish? Where'd did he get a car like that? Wait, Atemu can't drive.

Before Duke could ask where Yugi was something rushed out from the corner of his vision before he could clearly see that it was an enraged Kaiba wielding a gardening tool Duke was out cold and had made a sickening thud as he fell to the ground head first. Kaiba frowned at the body as if that wasn't what he had in mind. …his head didn't implode like I originally planned but that wouldn't be probable so this will do. It's better if he's kept alive for now.

Atemu who had been waiting for Kaiba to burst from the bushes didn't expect that to happen. It was hard to envision the CEO inflicting actual pain sometimes especially using such underhanded tactics such as jumping out of bushes and smacking someone in the back of the head with a shovel.

"Kaiba," Atemu gasped.

Kaiba turned to Atemu with a questioning look as if to ask what he did wrong then turning to Duke he easily lifted the limp body and went inside. The house was just as he remembered high intimidating ceilings, comfortable lounges, a good bar to the side of the kitchen, spacious living room, and windows to the back yard pool were as big as walls. Atemu slowly entered the home and just watched from the side as Kaiba threw Duke onto a loveseat couch before rushing down stairs that supposedly led to the basement. The pharaoh wandered the house in wonder since he had only been here once and that was only the side of the house where Duke showed off the grand fishing boat he got from Kaiba.

Atemu absent mindedly fingered a ruby shaded glass lamp in the shape of an open ended tear, "This house is full of fascinating things."

Kaiba just ignored the jabbering of the spiny mummy as he duck taped his associate into a dining chair. "Remember Atemu all we're here for is to get a million eight, after that we leave."

The ancient king turned to Kaiba with an odd look of exhilaration, "Are we robbing him Kaiba? That's a bit low isn't it even for you…"

He stood and looked at his workmanship of Duke's binds, "What do you suspect I do? Duel him for money?"

"That would be fair," Atemu said after thinking over it.

Kaiba gave an exasperated sigh, "What is fair Atemu? Because of this guy Tea was kidnapped. The result of that was the ransom of all seven items and almost two million dollars to get her back. So tell me what is fair?"

The old king thought about it for a moment before replying, "We should do more than steal money then…"

"…Why?"

"Because slowly he'll starve to death without money or anything it's the most torturous thing we could do to him," he spoke as if it was the most brilliant deduction he had ever made.

Feeling a migraine coming because of talking to the pharaoh Kaiba relented and said in exaggeration, "Fine, why not light him partially on fire too so that he will slowly burn for the rest of his life in his shame."

"Good idea."

Kaiba was about to tell Atemu that he didn't really mean it but he stopped. What's the use of telling him? It's not like he'll actually light Duke on fire. Then seeing himself in the mirror Kaiba was taken aback. I have to find something better than this to wear. That crazed pineapple is right.

"Atemu, watch Duke. I'm going to go get changed," Kaiba shouted to Atemu who was fiddling with what looked like a lighter before dashing up the staircase.

I know I left at least one pair of clothes here. I changed out of them but didn't ever get a chance to pick them up no matter how many times Duke irritated me about it with his unnecessary whining. Striding into the guest room Kaiba looked into the closet and in there nestled among women's clothing was a clear plastic bag with a pressed shirt, tie, and slacks. He had thought briefly of showering but fearing it would take too long and he'd lower his defenses he quickly dismissed the thought. Quickly tearing off the grime covered dress shirt and slacks he then fitted himself with the package of clean ones.

The dress shirt was a fresh white color, the slacks were ordinary, the socks didn't match unfortunately, the tie was off colored so he stuffed it in his pocket, and he was now furiously digging for shoes. Not finding any he walked over to the master bedroom that Duke resided in and procured a pair of his shoes. I'm going to take nearly two million from him so a pair of shoes wouldn't make too much of a difference.

Walking back downstairs he found Atemu sitting on a chair facing Duke -who had several burn marks in his clothing not to mention random splashes of water on him in some places- and was eyeing him critically as if the guy would stab him at any moment.

Seeing how carefully Atemu was watching Duke and how the captive was stuck to that chair he felt as if he could rest easily even if it only was for a moment.

Kaiba sauntered over to a three seat couch and to Atemu said, "Wake me when he wakes up or does anything peculiar."

"Why do I have to watch him?"

Flopped onto the couch on his back he really didn't want to answer but he said, "If you can't stay up drink the brown liquid contained in that glass cup that's in that machine you were looking at earlier. I don't know about you but I haven't slept in four days."

Atemu eventually drank the odd warm brown drink and stayed up late enough to see the rising sun.

Duke woke up to see Atemu gazing at him with wide purple eyes that were almost like Yugi's. There was a grin that looked almost cynical on his face as he looked at the raven haired man. Emerald eyes swiveled past the curious look of the pharaoh and saw his kitchen in complete disarray then his eyes adjusted and he realized that it only seemed disorganized. Some appliances were placed out of order, a fish lay on the counter, most of the cooking utensils were scattered about the countertops but were lined up strangely enough. Odd… Maybe I'm just seeing things. Wait, why can't I move my arms? What happened last night?

He repeated the last question aloud to Atemu who was staring at him still.

"Kaiba hit you with a shovel and that's about the most interesting that happened."

Then the pharaoh walked out of his field of vision but Duke didn't care he had better things to be concerned about. Kaiba… Kaiba's alive? How can that be? Schroider sent armed assassins after him and I had heard that he went willingly as if accepting his fate. Why must the man be so hard to kill?

Atemu stood over the prone body of Kaiba wondering if he should wake him or not. Maybe I should let him be for a few more hours. I can still stay awake. For four days straight he chased after the items, killed and maimed, all in the name of Tea. Who could've seen that he still had a heart? …I kind of wonder if he has an inner incentive other than Tea.

I'll try to wake him if he doesn't want to confront Duke now I'll let him rest for a while longer. It's not like Duke has guards…right?

The pharaoh nudged the CEO's shoulder a bit. Unexpectedly Kaiba bolted upright and looked at Atemu, "What's happening?"

"Duke's awake…but you can rest…"

"No time for that," Kaiba interrupted and got off of the couch. He strode over where to Duke sat taped to a chair.

"Duke Devlin, my once trusted ally and associate. What created you to turn against me?"

Duke was slightly shocked at how Kaiba looked. The guy isn't even disheveled from sleep and looked as if he stepped right out of a morning conference. It was hard to believe that he endured Schroider's men without even a scratch on him. The man seemed to be indestructible.

The once proud owner of Devlin Gaming Industry had to bite his tongue to find gall to spit vehemence at the man smirking down on him, "Don't even start your gloating, Kaiba. I did what I had to do. Money was always the prize. As for your wife she was just the bonus. When you left all of those times; unguarded I should add, I was the only one there to 'console' her and you can't deny how charming I can be to the ladies. You should have seen how willful she was to be with me it would have killed you but you never found out."

Throwing in that little bit about Serenity's affair with him Duke had wanted to see Kaiba's reaction. Anger or maybe even regret but Kaiba showed no trace either emotion.

Clasping his hands behind his back then pacing to Duke's right Kaiba seemed like a wolf prowling in on his prey, then he suddenly turned on his heel and smirked, "I wasn't planning to gloat Duke catching you isn't anything worth gloating about. I was merely going to ask where you keep your precious shares and bonds."

Drawing up his courage Duke spat out, "What makes you think I'll tell you just because you asked, plus do you really think I'd keep two million dollars worth of bonds in my own home?"

"You don't want me to hurt you Duke…" Kaiba trailed off his threat.

He isn't going to do anything. The nerve of this guy, I can't let him scare me because he can't do anything to me. Kaiba may look like he enjoys the pain of others but he doesn't he just likes toying with people's emotions.

Rolling his eyes Duke responded, "You aren't going to do anything Kaiba."

"You are right I'm not," Kaiba announced. Duke let out a breath he didn't know he held. I knew it.

"He is," Kaiba gestured to Atemu who was glowering at Duke for his betrayal.

At first Duke felt as if he had something to worry about then he remembered the pharaoh is a tame spirit unlike Marik or Bakura he wasn't prone to doing anything odious or ruthless.

So he scoffed, "Atemu? Yeah, right. If you had brought Bakura maybe I'd believe you but the pharaoh? He can barely leave Yugi's side to do any real damage."

His captor didn't seem discouraged, "Then I suppose you don't mind if I left your sanity in his hands."

Kaiba tilted the chair Duke was sitting on back and dragged him into a storage closet and let Atemu in with him.

After a few moments while sounds of Duke's protests became apparent he poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the black marble countertop. "Duke never got to see him use 'mind crush' did he?" Kaiba mused.

It took less than ten minutes for Atemu's victim to cry out and yelled that he would tell them where it all was. Kaiba grinned. It'd be just one more day before I can set her free, just one more day until I can rest easily with her in my arms.

Taking long comfortably slow strides he walked to Duke's aid and told Atemu to stop. After throwing fearful glances at the pharaoh he said, "One of the safes is located behind the oven in the kitchen. If you press the off button three times it should open. The second one is upstairs in the green bathroom. If you go up to the wall and press the tile that's a different shade of green than those around it the safe will be revealed the combo is 32-15-48. Then the last one is located by the pool. You installed that one yourself and I left it unchanged so you should be able to open it."

Smirking Kaiba asked, "Was it that hard to help me, Devlin? Atemu keep an eye on him, if you can't just lock him in there."

Making a makeshift bag out of a sheet Kaiba slipped out the back door to where the pool was feeling like a thief. It was early in the morning just barely after dawn so he could tell that no one was around when he went over to the fifth pool filter almost hidden by a pool decal and pressed on it twice in repetition. For the first second nothing occurred then a slow whirring sound and a sharp click came deep from somewhere underground. The 'filter' lifted itself a foot off the ground glowing an iridescent bright blue from within. A holographic keypad wavered in front of Kaiba and without hesitation he typed in the password. The machine withdrew itself into the ground and after it analyzed the password a box rose up from the ground almost blending in with the backyard because of the giant flowering plant that had been planted on it. Opening the safe Kaiba took one look at the contents before placing it all in the bag he held.

First asking for the vampire's help, then the crystal ball fortune teller, then getting shot at to ask for Pegasus' aid, then getting betrayed by Duke and got kidnapped now this, stealing like a low life thief all for one woman… I don't even have to ask myself: is she worth it.

Then hurrying back through the side door and back into the kitchen Kaiba went up the oven and pressed the off button three times. The oven slid out and upwards fastened there by inner mechanics while the safe slid out from behind it. With no lock it was easily opened, he took everything but the cash itself before moving upstairs. The last safe should hold less than the other two. I've counted to a million already… Devlin always liked his money close.

After gaining the sixty grand Kaiba went back to where Atemu sat speaking to Duke who immediately glared him as he approached.

"Duke, because of the current situation I can't let you leave that spot."

Duke was suddenly horrified at being trapped in the storage room for the rest of the week, "What? I have to go use the bathroom at some point man. You can't just leave me here!"

Atemu stood up and snarled at Kaiba, "You can't lock me in here with this guy! All he talks about is fishing, fancy clothes, beer, flirting, and girls, that and he smells funny."

"Who says you're staying in this place almighty pharaoh? You're coming with me," Atemu looked pleased that he didn't have to watch Duke any longer so Kaiba continued, "Duke you get to watch how this all leads back to you. Serenity's murder will point to you, the kidnapping of Tea Gardener will link to you because of these papers, and those thugs will get what they deserve and hopefully you'll get off with a life sentence instead of worse."

"Kaiba…"

"Is that all you can do, growl my name? You can regret all you want later but for now just think over what you have just implemented upon yourself," Kaiba then closed the door to the storage room. Then turning on his heel with Atemu at his side they left Duke screaming and cursing to himself.

When the two were outside Kaiba handed the bag over to Atemu who asked, "So what do we do now?"

"We wait," he responded as he opened the trunk and helped the pharaoh heft the bag into the trunk. Then the two sat in the car as Kaiba revved the engine.

"Wait, for what?"

"Their call," was all Kaiba said as he drove back to where this state of affairs began.

Tea's POV (Not written by me)

Tea drew circles on the worn out floorboards, "How many more days until we all have to go our separate ways?"

The three looked at her and said, "Maybe three more days. Espier might decide to cut off a few days…"

"You never know what your leader is thinking do you?"

The three shook their heads sadly, "Nope, he doesn't tell us anything besides what to do and right now we're just supposed to wait until Kaiba gets the money and the items."

Tea looked downcast as she looked at the floor that she sat on. It was morning now she knew that much but she couldn't see anything outside of the flashlight beams that lit the place. It's been four days…four days without seeing sunlight, starlight, or anything of the outside world but none of those matter because all I want to see is him.

Slowly she asked, "Kotsuzuka, do you know where he is now?"

The raven haired man appeared to be in thought then he asked, "What did I…tell you last time?"

"That he was gone from Schroider's manor and drove to the middle of nowhere…"

"So far our locators say he then drove to a house near the outskirts of Domino," Kotsuzuka paused looking at Tea.

Could it be? He went to Yugi's house…but why? Wait, he must've sent all of the items to Yugi's house and was there to pick them up.

Tea grabbed a cold coke and pulled the tab, "Then where did he go?"

"…he then drove to the museum with someone. The person was identified with multi-colored hair and…wore a bunch of shiny things…Meikyu saw him."

Kotsuzuka was about to continue when Tea stopped him and asked Meikyu, "Can you describe him to me?"

The red haired man fingered him sunglasses thoughtfully as he said, "Sure. The guy was much shorter than Kaiba was. The two were arguing like no tomorrow too even as they were entering the museum. And the guy's hair! It was so extraordinary. It was like a giant star in flames but it was his hair! Best haircut ever."

"That's the pharaoh alright," then turning to Kotsuzuka she said, "Please continue."

"Then they left the museum a few hours later…drive to Duke's house where…they would gather the money. They have been there since last night."

Gurimo the giant man with short but spiky purple hair had sat there silently listening to the three of them and now said, "It must not be long until Kaiba calls us or we call him…"

And Gurimo was right. Fifteen minutes into their game of Scrabble Espier ran up the stairs and opened the door shouting, "He's calling. Everyone take your positions."

Tea was used to this as well. All three men would take place over their designated phone and fake their voices while speaking to Kaiba. All Tea had to do was scream when she was told.

At first there was no sound then the speakers set up in room made themselves known.

"Atemu what the hell did you just do?!" Kaiba sounded furious. Seto… If only I could see if he was alright.

But before Espier could answer an elated shout said, "You said your phone didn't work. Look I fixed it!"

"That's impossible. The phone was completely ruined by ocean water," then seeing that the phone had connected to a call he shouted, "Who did you call?!"

The person with Kaiba was obviously now looking at the phone, "I called the number you labeled as… Ass…Ass…in…s… So they're Assinators?"

A sharp intake of breath sounded on Kaiba's side of the phone, "Atemu, what in hell is an assinator and why would it be on my phone?!"

"…I don't know maybe you needed to assinate something?"

A deep sigh and then a small sound of surrender, "Just give me the phone…"

"Atemu give me my phone." Atemu obviously shook his head at Kaiba and refused to give him the phone.

"Give me my phone!"

A series of thuds and bumping sounds came from the speakers…the phone had either fallen or was thrown against something.

"Why did you hit me with the phone?!"

"Because you didn't ask politely, Kaiba. Learn your manners," Atemu turned the phone on speaker phone and placed it between them.

Kaiba just growled at Atemu and the sound of car's engine came through the speakers clearly.

"Since my associate called you I suppose I might as well speak to you…"

Espier spoke first through a robotic tone, "Did you get all of the items yet, Kaiba?"

Kaiba sounded as if he didn't speak to the phone but he was still heard, "Atemu take a picture of yourself and send it to the person who's talking to us."

There was a sound of affirmation then a question of, "Where's the camera on your phone Kaiba, the front or back…actually how can you send pictures to another phone?"

"The front, just smile at it and press the center button then scroll down to send."

"…ok. Like this?"

"I don't know I'm driving."

Suddenly the wall in front of her flickered to life. The center of the wall held a giant flat TV where Atemu was there smiling at them covered in Egyptian artifacts. All seven items… I remembered the last time all of them assembled Zorc was summoned and as soon as that occurred Bakura and him were close to destroying the whole world. But now since their powers were used to bind Atemu, Bakura, and Marik here their powers were lost. I wonder why Espier wants them… Maybe he's found out a way to restore their powers! If that happens he could summon Zorc again…

"We received the picture, good work Kaiba. How about the cash do you have that too?"

"It's in the trunk," was Kaiba's blunt response.

Meikyu asked, "Where are you headed?"

Atemu fiddled around with the phone as he said, "Is there a specific location we need to be?"

Kotsuzuka was about to respond when the picture of Atemu smiling brightly and waving a peace sign was replaced with a view of Kaiba driving and half of Atemu's face.

"Hey Kaiba look I can see them!"

Kaiba glanced once into the phone and saw Tea there sitting on the floor. He gave a brief smile seeing her still alive and in one piece before returning his eyes to the road. He's fine… There isn't even a scratch on him. He even smiled…I'm glad to see that he's alright. I knew that if I willed to see him enough I eventually would have. I'm so relieved. Sitting there she felt close to tears.

The assassins were now in alarm, Gurimo shouted, "Boss they can see us! Should we cut the transmission?"

At first Espier was apprehensive but then he shrugged it off, "They can see us but they have no idea where we are. Even if they did know our location it wouldn't matter since it'd take them forever to get to where we are. Leave the transmission as it is, don't sever it."

Kotsuzuka finished what he had been trying to say earlier, "There aren't specific locations you need to be but stay within the country we can't have you flying away again now can we?"

"Of course," Kaiba muttered remembering how he flew all the way to that goofball's house. I'm not even sure if that frilly lollipop of a man can protect me from that other organization even now. At least Tea's alright… They won't follow-up on their threats unless I go beyond the time limit so she should be fine. She looked fine… Who am I kidding? She looked beautiful even then in her captor's hands. Only more reason to finish this and free her from their grasp. What a sick game this had turned out to be…