Disclaimer:
 I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!... So I am obviously just a fan who wholeheartedly loves the amazing original show and writes fanfictions (such as this...duh!...and all my other stories that have the said disclaimers on them), for fun, gaining no monetary profit whatsoever....

Plan Creation

Plants. A lot of plants, almost as much as a thick and lush forest, stood on the golden sand like a green canopy against the blue rays of their source of light. Tall, short, thick, lean, simple, elegant, artful, beautiful, unusual, unique. So many different plants and even the most unusual ones were all gathered in one place, belonging together no matter how different they may seem from the others around them.

In a small clearing just ahead and within the embrace of the unusual herbs, a village composed of simple houses, market places, fences, and so much more that were made of wood, straw, leaves, and other such materials obviously taken from the forest beautifully stood. The color of the structures made by the dwellers of the village blended so much with the forest around them that it would take a keen eye to spot it amidst its sanctuary.

Mana and Seto stared at the camouflaged village that was before them. Both have never seen such a place in their entire lives. What's more, a place with this much plants of familiarity and unfamiliarity truly was a sight for their eyes.

Kishan, noticing the silence from his guests, turned to face them. His expression turned into something similar to that of a very proud owner showing off his pride and joy. "Well??" He asked, snapping the two out of their trance-like states. "What do you think???"

Mana was the first to answer. "It's beautiful" She said, not taking her eyes off the place.

Kishan smiled as he watched Mana. "The Village of Ka Isa. It is the place where Wights and Ferals live in peace. Both of you will truly be welcomed there and I am sure that there may be some fellow Ferals who would be willing to help you obtain the sealing essence." Soon his smile dramatically turned into a smirk when he turned to face Seto. "Well?? Do you still think I only hindered you??" He asked mockingly.

Seto grunted in annoyance as he turned away, crossing his arms in the process. "You did well" He started in an almost fierce tone.

The Kuriboh simply waved a claw at that remark, giving a 'humph' while at it. He then pushed himself backwards until he was around two meters away from the two. "Then let us go. We will replenish our strength there"

Mana and Seto immediately followed the Kuriboh towards the village. As they neared the place, they began to see and recognize some Shadow Creatures doing what normal people of their time would do.

There was a Beaver Warrior, a Feral Imp, a Petit Dragon, and a Magician of Faith - obviously children as they seemed to be younger and smaller- running around, playing a game of tag. In one of the stalls they passed, there was an elderly Swordsman of Landstar obviously trying to make a deal with the Maha Vailo managing the stall.

Every being within the village acted no different than regular people. There were merchants, weavers, pharmacists, craftsmen, and all the like that would compose one regular town.

The trio entered the village in different moods. One was of a neutral emotion, the other of excitement, and the last was of relief. No attention turned to them the moment they stepped in the buzzing and plant inspired town. And that made the ones foreign to the Dominion relieved.

"Alright" Kishan started as he rose higher, stopping when he was a foot above Seto, much to the High Priest's annoyance. "Where can we find the perfect meal?" he asked while turning here and there. Eyes immediately lit up upon spotting a perfect possibility. "There.." He said while pointing to a stall that had chairs and tables before it, sporting different creatures who were enjoying their respective meals.

Mana and Seto followed their fluffy friend. Seating themselves on the table farthest from the stall, they watched quietly as the Kuriboh giddily rubbed his claws together.

"Oh, what to pick...what to pick..." Kishan said to himself as he grabbed the piece of paper handed to them by a Pixie Knight. After looking through what was listed, he faced the Pixie Knight. "I'll take one of these..." He said while pointing at a particular area of the paper. He then turned to his two companions, holding out the paper. "Your turn to choose..."

Mana timidly took the paper from the Kuriboh's grasp, cringing slightly when she felt the fluttering wings of their waitress near her ear. She could only stare at the writings blankly for it was written in foreign symbols. Knowing that it was pointless, she handed the paper over to Seto who also gawked at it.

Kishan grinned triumphantly when Seto smugly handed him back the paper. "Oh, my mistake...." He chuckled while their winged waitress began tapping her foot in midair. "Two of these please..." He stated, handing back the paper after taking a quick scan at it.

The moment their waitress disappeared, Mana and Seto took the time to reflect on what must be done. They have to be fast. They have to be strong. They have to be in their best condition in order to complete this complicated quest.

It was not long when a Gyakuteno Megami placed two plates of – what looked like – multicolored grapes in front of Seto and Mana while setting down a plate of blue squares before the Kuriboh. Just as she was leaving, she gave a flirty wink at Seto who remained stoic, despite the blush that crept up his face.

While cautiously rolling the orange colored 'grape' between her fingers, Mana gazed at the Kuriboh who was wolfing down his share of the meal. Shrugging her worries away, she popped it in her mouth, eyes widening when the taste of tropical orange exploded in her mouth.

Seto seemed to remain unfazed after taking in one bite-sized ball. He turned to face the Kuriboh after swallowing. "From here, where do we go to reach that palace of which you have spoken??"

The Kuriboh gazed at him before turning to his left. "We go west." He started after taking a bite. "It is a straight path. We will reach the Center of the Dominion through that direction. And that is where your sealing essence is located."

Seto immediately stood up after finishing his meal. "We thank you for the meal." He started. Turning to face Mana who had just finished as well, he continued. "We must be going. Time must not be wasted."

"Wait." Kishan blurted out as he grabbed Seto's arm. "Y--"

"We thank you for your great hospitality." Mana started as she too stood up. "We will repay you someday. But for now we must go. We can't afford to waste any time" Both she and Seto were about to head for the direction pointed out by their furry friend when....

"You cannot leave..." Kishan started as he bolted in front of them after giving the Gyakuteno Megami the pay. "Not yet...." He continued, interrupting a soon-to-be protesting Seto.

Seto was beginning to lose his patience. His cousin needed him. He could not afford to waste any more time. The longer they stay, the longer Atem will suffer. Plus, the Kuriboh had been getting on his nerves since they first met. It would be a great relief for him to get away from the hairball as soon as possible. "You do---"

"There is an army located in the midst of that direction." Kishan continued exasperatedly. "Both of you will not survive." A frown formed in his fluffy face. "How do you intend to obtain that sealing essence when you are dead??"

Seto growled under his breath. His fist was shaking from his already boiling anger. He had tolerated this hairball long enough. "By forcing our way through and not dying..." He growled so ferociously as he pushed passed the Kuriboh, dragging Mana behind him.

Yet Kishan was not hindered for he again blocked Seto's path with his tiny form. "You cannot always rely on power." He started, stretching out his claws to emphasize the fact that he was not going out of their way unless they comply. "Brute force is not enough. It is never enough for it is far too predictable. A well thought strategy made against it will bring it down. You cannot just go out there with no plan at all. You have to think before you act."

Seto's eyes widened. Strategy. Plan. Brute force was not enough. Those words sounded something like what his cousin would have said. The very thought made him feel ashamed. His cousin would have been disappointed in him.

Kishan had a point.....again. There was no way they could take on an entire army of beastly Shadow Creatures out to get the likes of himself and Mana. They would most likely fail. Blue eyes hid under tanned lids as a sigh escaped his lips. A plan was needed. And the first step to creating that plan was to listen to what Kishan was telling them. "What do you suggest??" He started in a defeated tone.

Kishan's expression softened. "We will find a place for us to discuss a plan." he smiled. "For now, both of you need to rest. You will need all the strength."

Both Mana and Seto smiled. Little Kishan really reminded them of Atem. Even the 'small form but deep voice' combo was very much like their Pharaoh. After sharing a mutual nod, they agreed to Kishan's suggestion.

So came a wholehearted agreement. A plan was soon to be born.

The sky has turned into its characteristic ebony hue with the splattered sparkles of bright stars all over its ambiance. The night had long since arrived, allowing parties to end, people to sleep, and strengths to be replenished for the new day that will soon follow.

However, not all beings were deep in the realm of sleep the night often brought.

Deep within the Royal Guest chamber, a man with long white hair was standing by his balcony, looking up at the numerous stars that illuminated the dark ebony. Night breeze swept by, caressing his face and making his long hair billow. It was then a smirk formed on that mysterious face.

Now began his plan. Now was the time to put things accordingly into action.

A chuckle soon followed. A chuckle so cold and venomous that it could snake down the ears of many, sinking its fangs into even the most hardy hearts.

That same emerald gleam shone on his forehead, making him see those who he wanted to see. That evil smirk further widened into a sadistic grin. Everything was falling to place so smoothly. Turning away from the balcony, he made his way towards the door, knowing full well what he must do for things to remain as smooth as this.

His steps were quick yet silent. Like a snake, he was swift in his movements. No sound came from him as he made his way through the darkened corridor and towards his destination.

There. He had stopped. Stopped before the grandest door of the palace rooms – the Emperor's room. That smirk came back as he lifted his elegant hand and knocked, knowing full well that his intended recipient was awake.

The Emperor, currently seated on his study, had drowned himself on a piece of paper. A humble candle perched on his table provided him light as he thoroughly read each word written on the yellowing parchment. Feeling his back ache due to his stooped position, he pulled himself back in a stretch. The feeling was good. He closed his eyes and relished it. Yet the good feeling did not last for a knock broke it all.

Angry eyes flitted to the door. He remained silent, hoping that whoever was who dared disturb him this late will think he was asleep.

Yet the knocker was persistent.

Growling like a very very angry lion, the Emperor stood up and stomped his way towards the door, planning a very long torture and humiliating end for the disturber of his time of silence. "HOW D---" He roared as he swung open the door, yet he was cut off for the one on the other side was not just anybody he could overwhelm.

"Good evening, Your Majesty." The vizier started, so humble as he bowed. "I hope I did not disturb you from your slumber." He straightened up, sending the Emperor in a state of shock upon meeting his unusual set of eyes. "But I have something of great importance to tell you."

The Emperor was silent for a while. He still had not gotten used to his vizier's unusual eyes. Snapping himself out of his shock with a shake of his head, he began to speak. "Please come in." He started as he walked deeper into his room. When his vizier said it was important, he was ready to bet that it was very very crucial indeed.

He turned around, coming face to face with the man he had appointed his vizier. "What is it that you intend to tell me??" He asked as he sat down, watching his vizier who was three feet away from him.

"My King." The vizier started. He kept a serious face for what he was about to say was the most important part of his ploy. There was no time for petty talk. The point of importance must be revealed as quickly and briefly as possible. "I am sorry to say that you have not obtained Egypt's real treasures" he started, knowing full well that the Emperor understood what he meant by such a general term.

The Emperor was taken aback. "What?" He started. He had managed to stop his voice from rising. How could he have not obtained Egypt's treasures? "Are you daft??" he asked. "I have clearly obtained what made that kingdom so prosperous and strong. All the gold, jewels, the people, and even the king of that kingdom is all in my possession. How could I have not obtained what made Egypt so powerful??"

The vizier fought back a smirk with ease. He knew that the Emperor's greed was immense. He was well aware that the Emperor will want to have it all. And that was the key to his plan."I believe the Pharaoh has managed to hide what truly made Egypt so powerful."

That was it. That definitely stirred the Emperor.

Blue eyes widened in rage as the Emperor began to fume. How could he have missed that possibility? It could not be possible. Yet he could not doubt the words of his vizier either. If what the man before him said was true, then that Pharaoh was smarter than he thought.

He had to find out. He had to know what made Egypt so powerful and where that power source was.

And the only way for him to obtain that information was to interrogate the Pharaoh.

"I see." The Emperor stated. Turning to face his vizier, he continued. "Thank you for giving me that information, Dartz."

*Well there you go. The mystery man has been revealed - Dartz. He'll be playing a real major role in this story. Congrats to those who already knew beforehand. There will be other familiar characters who will reveal themselves in the future chappies. One already played a part of his role in one of the previous chappies.... Try and make a guess. Ya'll are really good guessers just so ya know.

And don't worry. More Atem-centered stuff coming next.

Reviews......Pls