Chapter 20

You Don't Know What You Have Until It's Gone

Author's note: just to not get in trouble, I should remind everyone that I don't own anything YuGiOh. I just own my characters and Dark Mage of the Sea owns hers.

For those who are not reading River as well, please read chapter 22; I am sorry this is how you had to find out.

When a sentence is **like this**, it's sign language. When a sentence is ~like this~, it's phoenix speech.

Thank you, Dark Mage of the Sea, my coauthor and best friend.

On their way to Industrial Illusions, Mokuba checked something online. "Damn…it's no use, Nii-sama. I can't get in contact with Industrial Illusions."

Kaiba scoffed to himself. "I thought so. For Alister to be able to pose as Pegasus and lure me out like that…we have to assume Industrial Illusions has already been taken over by the enemy.

Mokuba tensed up. "If you're right, doesn't that make it dangerous to go there?"

Kaiba mentally shrugged. "Such danger doesn't scare me. Besides…" He pulled the Fang of Critias. 'This unknown card…why do I know this card's special ability? Occult-based theories are nonsense…but there's no denying this card's strength is very real. Because of that, I won't fight this.'

Mokuba grew worried at Kaiba's silence. "Nii-sama?"

Kaiba said, "We're going to speed up, Mokuba. Before our enemy escapes, we must grab them by the tail."

Mokuba agreed and Kaiba sped up. Halfway through the trip, the Fan of Critias glowed. One hand on the control stick, he pulled out the card. "This happened last time…"

Mokuba looked up. "What happened?"

Kaiba blacked out for a moment. Coming to, he whispered, "What was…?"

For a moment, he was back in the castle and saw Joey, Earthzina, Yami, and Tima. Joey pulled the sword from the final dragon and became its new guardian. Concerned, Mokuba asked, "Nii-sama, you okay?"

"Mokuba, did you see a bright light a few seconds ago?"

Mokuba raised his eyebrow. "A what?"

Feeling foolish, Kaiba said, "Never mind. Forget I said anything."

Mokuba was confused but knew to not press his brother any further.

Hours later, they landed in front of Industrial Illusions. Entering with Mokuba, Kaiba was surprised to see the gang. As Duke ran in from another door, Mokuba asked, "What are you doing here?"

Yami explained, "Pegasus called us here."

Mokuba's eyes widened. "He did?!"

Kaiba asked, "Is he all right?"

Yami shook his head. "By the time we got here…"

Tristan added, "It appears our old friend Mai joined Doma and stole Pegasus' soul."

Kaiba's eyes glared. "Doma?!"

Merina asked, "Kaiba, you familiar with that name?"

Mokuba answered, "Are you kidding?! Nii-sama just fought an Alister from Doma! That bastard impersonated Pegasus and trapped Nii-sama in a duel!"

Kaiba nodded once. "We managed to end the duel in a draw."

Yami nodded in understanding. "So that's why you're here."

Thought annoyed, Kaiba said, "Looks like we were all summoned by Pegasus for the same reason."

Yami nodded and pulled out a Duel Monsters card. "Pegasus must have left us some clues. We just have to find them!"

Looking at the card, Duke suddenly remembered, "There was one room I couldn't unlock!"

Tima signed and Yami translated, "That must be where the key card goes!"

Kaiba demanded, "Take us there now!"

Duke blinked at Kaiba's tone. "Um…yes, master?"

Tristan growled, "Is there ever a time you're not arrogant?!"

Merina rolled her eyes and muttered, "I doubt it…"

Kaiba ignored them. 'The sooner I get answers, the sooner I can get KaibaCorp back.'

Everyone followed Duke deeper into the building. At the top of the tallest building, Duke led them into Pegasus' office and took them to a door with a card door look. "When I was unlocking everything, this was the one door I couldn't get to work."

Focusing on the card door lock, Yami swiped the key card through the slot. The middle light turned green and the door opened. Everyone peered in and saw nothing but darkness. Tristan grumbled, "Can't see a damn thing…"

Still on edge from his duel with Mai, Joey asked, "You think it's a trap by Doma?"

Snorting, Kaiba walked in with Mokuba. Unable to resist, Joey joked, "Let's close the door and run."

Kaiba glared but heard someone smack the blonde's chest. Accepting that as proper punishment (and not seeing it was Tiki controlling Tima's arm), he headed deeper in. Everyone followed as the lights came on, revealing large statures of Toon Duel Monsters. Duke pointed out, "Damn, it's like a toy box."

Kaiba almost shuddered; thanks to his duel with Pegasus, he despised the Toon Monsters above all Duel Monsters. "How disgusting…! What horrible bad taste!"

Suddenly a hologram of Pegasus appeared before them. Kaiba recognized, "That's my Solid Vision!"

The hologram spoke, "Yugi-boy, Miss Tiki, welcome to my private room. This is the kingdom I hold deep in my heart. Do you like it?"

Tristan shuddered. "No, it's creepy, like you!"

Tea and Merina shushed Tristan as the hologram continued. "However, if you are listening to this, that means I am not here…as I predicted. You see, my company has been taken over by another."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes. "Just like us. KaibaCorp stocks have been bought out by a larger, unknown company."

The hologram continued, "This organization is one that has existed in the shadows and is rumored to be even more brilliant and powerful in its influence than American supremacy. They are called Doma. Doma is rumored to being a puppet master from the shadows for thousands of years, causing hundreds of financial changes throughout history. I assumed you learned this from your school textbooks: the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. But what is the truth in the history? Who provided weapons to the side who won during the sailing age? Who riled up citizens to seemingly randomly rebel against their government? Who made Napoleon as powerful as he was? Even the Industrial Revolution that rose throughout the world….and the Renaissance in Europe. Who was really behind the scenes, pulling the strings of the events that would shape the world?"

Everyone tensed up as Joey muttered, "I always believed the Illuminati was real…I hate being right."

Kaiba glared at Joey. 'Of course, a bonkotsu like him believing such nonsense. But Pegasus said Doma…I can't believe Gozaburo was right…'

The hologram admitted, "Unfortunately, I do not have any evidence to support this. Everyone who found out the truth has been killed and erased from history. But I have confirmed that they have been involved in the world's history. Doma has begun to make its next move, using the power of the Duel Monsters I created. This time, however, it appears they are aiming for something on a much larger scale…something far more evil. Yugi-boy, I have called you here to tell you this. I hope you can accept this. Hidden in this room is a new card I created for this task! I wanted to give this to you in person but that is impossible, given the circumstances. That means you'll have to find it on your own!"

Everyone looked around, wondering where it could be. Seeing something, Tima tapped Yami's shoulder and pointed to the Pot of Greed statue. Yami realized, "That's the only thing that doesn't belong in Toon World!"

Rex and Weevil, having followed everyone to find cards, leapt for it. But they crashed hard when Tristan picked up the statue and reached inside. He pulled out a Duel Monsters card but noticed, "It's blank. Who doesn't finish a card?"

Kaiba scoffed. "Then it's worthless."

Yami did not look convinced as the hologram pleaded, "Yugi-boy, I beg you! Please save my precious monsters! I believe you are the only one who can!"

With that, the hologram disappeared. Joey groaned in frustration, "Damn it, I still don't get it! Doma is the Illuminati and is controlling everything?! Why the hell would Mai join those freaks?!"

Deciding to reveal what he knew, Kaiba spoke up. "Don't get too close to Doma." Seeing he had everyone's attention, he said, "Gozaburo once said there was a dark force behind the world economy. I never believed him, taking his conspiracy theory as nothing more than nonsense from a coward. But now…" He looked at Yami. "Yugi, no matter what you do, these are opponents you can't handle!"

Yami said, "You're wrong! I might not be able to handle them on my own but…"

He pulled out the Eye of Timaeus, surprising Kaiba. Seeing the brunette's face, Joey pulled out the Claw of Hermos as Yami asked, "You have a similar card?"

His mind still racing, Kaiba pulled out the Fang of Critias. All three cards suddenly glowed. Yami proclaimed, "If the three of us combine our power, we might have a chance to defeat Doma. I believe the card told you that…am I correct?"

Kaiba scowled in response. 'Not this speech again…' Looking at the glowing card, he said, "There's no way this can happen!"

Joey said, "I feel it again! The strong power coming from the card!"

Yami said, "They must be resonating with each other." When the light faded away. Yami said, "I believe it is our destiny to stop Doma; that's why we were chosen by these cards."

Kaiba immediately got annoyed. "Destiny? Ridiculous! I told you, I decide the path I walk! So don't you care speak of destiny or fate to me!"

Tarra gave a chirp that almost sounded like a groan as Yami raised his eyebrow at Kaiba. "You're still speaking that way, Kaiba?! You can't beat these opponents on your own! We need you!"

Kaiba glared. "I refuse! Don't you dare try to order me around!" Yami started to protest but Kaiba turned to leave. "I'll handle Doma myself! The rest of you can keep playing with your occult crap and friendship speeches! Let's go, Mokuba!"

With that, the Kaiba brothers left.

The next day, the Kaiba brothers were back in Domino. Things were no better, as one of Kaiba's workers explained over the phone and video chat. "Our stocks have continued to fall ever since the Duel Monsters incident. Additionally, 40% of our stock has been bought by an unknown party. Sir, if this continues…"

Kaiba glared. "I am not stupid: I know what's going to happen! All I want to know is if you found out anything about Doma! They're the ones trying to buy up KaibaCorp stocks! Doma's mastermind is somewhere! Find out every bit of information you can and do not call back without an answer!"

He hung up and leaned his arms against the desk to steady himself. Having heard everything, Mokuba asked, "Nii-sama…are you really going to duel…that guy again? I mean…I can understand Alister's feelings." He remembered Alister talking about his late brother. "If I'm being honest, I would do the same thing if anything happened to you. So…I hope…you won't meet Alister again. He's not that bad; he's just thinking about his brother!

Kaiba stated calmly but firmly, "If we don't defeat Doma, KaibaCorp and Kaiba Land will not have a future."

Just then, the phone rang again. Hoping it was someone with answers, Kaiba answered. A woman from the call center said, "There is a Wheeler Joey waiting for you on line one."

Curious, Mokuba went to the phone. Kaiba almost rolled his eyes. "The bonkotsu is calling? Fine, put him through."

The woman nodded and connected the video. Joey was extremely close to the camera as Tea said, "We're connected!"

Joey was surprised. "Shut up, really? Kaiba, I need a favor!"

Mokuba almost face-palmed himself. "Joey, back up from the camera."

Embarrassed, Joey sat down. "My bad." He then glared at Earthzina on his shoulder. "Shush, you! I'm not used to these things!"

He was surrounded by Tea, Yami, Merina with Tarra in her arms and Torru on her shoulder, Tristan, and Duke. Kaiba asked, "What do you want? I'm busy."

Joey said, "We found some clues about Doma."

Kaiba now paid attention. "You have?!"

Merina nodded. "They're at the Florida Museum. Problem is, we're near Death Valley."

Joey closed his eyes humbly. "Please…use whatever you have to bring us to Florida."

Tristan added, "I'm begging you, Kaiba! We need you!"

Joey then got overexcited and grabbed the laptop. "Just hurry up and help us! If you don't, the main Yugi and the girls will—!"

Yami looked away in shame as everyone looked at Joey, shocked. Tristan grabbed Joey by the face and put him in a headlock. "Must you be so stupid, Joey?!"

Merina shook her head. "Damn, I can't believe you, Joey!"

As the two boys scuffled, Mokuba got confused. "The main Yugi? The girls?"

Joey broke free from Tristan and tried to save face. "Please disregard what I just said!"

But Kaiba heard what Joey said loud and clear. He looked at the group and noticed Tiki was not there. Looking at Yami, he saw how ashamed he looked. Putting the pieces together, Kaiba's face went from numb to sickened rage. "Yugi…you lost a duel…and Tiki…?"

Yami's silence was deafening. As Joey continued to try and fix his mistake, his words fell on deaf ears as Kaiba blacked out…

Kaiba found himself in the void he was in after Pegasus defeated him. The star was in front of him, making his chest grow warm. He almost smiled. As he reached for the star, the star started to flicker. He pulled his hand back, as if worried he might hurt it. The star suddenly took shape. While still very small, it took the shape of a young woman. Recognizing the silhouette, he reached for it. "Tiki…"

The glowing woman reached for him as it continued to flicker. Seto…help me…

Just before her hand and his finger could touch, she disappeared, blinding Kaiba with darkness. Gasping, Kaiba stood still in shock before yelling, "TIKI!"

Slamming his hand on the desk, Kaiba realized he was back in the real world. Shaking with rage, he yelled, "DON'T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!

Everyone froze, not expecting his outburst. Still shaking, Kaiba shouted, "You mean to tell me the title I gave you at Duel Tower, the title of Duel King, was taken by some nobody?!"

Yami sighed silently. "Kaiba…"

Kaiba's glared deepened. "Not only that, you lost your own sibling to that bastard nobody?! I've misjudged you, Yugi! I have nothing to say to a dog like you!"

Enraged, he slammed the phone down so hard, he almost broke it. Mokuba himself was shocked at Kaiba's behavior. "Nii-sama…"

Kaiba took a moment to try and settle down. 'Tiki…why were you not there? You were always supposed to be with them…always giving me that smile…always repeating your brother's nonsense…always giving me that look…'

His face suddenly contorted to a smirk. "Doma…I now have two more reasons to go after you…"

Mokuba raised his eyebrow. "Two reasons?"

Kaiba looked at Mokuba. "Tell Roland to get our private plane ready. We're going to Florida."

Mokuba was surprised but nodded. "But what about them?"

Kaiba turned and looked out the window. "Do as I say, Mokuba."

As Mokuba headed out to put in the order, Kaiba took a moment. He remembered Tiki's smile and innocent giggle. "Tiki…"

He flashbacked to memories involving her: the first time they met at the game shop; her treating him like a regular student when they were assigned together; her slapping him and him not reacting at Duelist Kingdom; her and Mokuba saving him in the virtual game and his anger afterwards; and her learning all about his past and even offering to help shoulder it. He then remembered when Gozaburo threatened her. 'Why did I not realize it then? Would she be safe now if I…?'

Turning back to his desk, he pulled out the paper he hid with his deck. He looked at the question ("Do you have an answer?"). He remembered her telling him she loved him and why ("The reason why I'm in love with you…is because, when I look in your eyes, I see more than a man who shunned the world because of what was done to him. I see a men who, even though he's been tough trials and tribulations…was able to rise above it"). He scoffed. "Of all the ways to figure it out…"

He wrote down a small answer just as Mokuba came back. "They're setting everything up, Nii-sama!"

Kaiba nodded and walked past Mokuba, passing him the note. Confused, the child looked. "Do you have an answer? …Yes."