Chapter 25

Revelations

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.

This chapter will coincide with chapter 22 of A Star Among Darkness, each taking different POVs.

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.

Everyone gathered into the helicopter before it flew away. They were all shocked KaibaCorp had been bought out. Kaiba retreated into himself as Mokuba said, "There's something I don't get. Nii-sama and I own half of KaibaCorp's shares. They shouldn't have been able to buy us out without us."

Kaiba closed his eyes. "There's only one possibility: Doma controls the global market."

Tea paled. "You really think they could pull something like this off?"

Kaiba sighed softly. "It's clear we can't take them lightly." Roland started to talk, calling Kaiba "Master Seto," but Kaiba cut him off. "Save it. I'm not your boss anymore."

Fuguta stood up in protest. "That's not true, Master Seto! Until KaibaCorp is back to its original state…!"

Roland stood up in agreement. "…we will follow you, Master Seto!"

Kaiba looked at them. "I will remember this vow."

Yami spoke up. "For now, we need to get to the Florida Museum as soon as possible."

Kaiba disagreed. "There's no doubt Doma has expanded their reach to that area."

Tristan growled in frustration. "Then we've lost the only piece of information about those bastards!"

Kaiba glared. "Not true."

KaibaCorp security from the Florida branch were stationed outside the Florida Museum. Others were inside, taking pictures and transmitting them to the company hard drive. But they were attacked.

The pilot said, "Sir, you have an urgent message!"

Kaiba opened his laptop and opened the video chat. "Sir, we scanned all the underwater relics!"

Yami was surprised but impressed. "You already have people at the museum?"

As Kaiba typed away, Mokuba giggled. "Of course! Nii-sama's always two or three steps ahead!"

Just then, the man on the other line was attacked. While worried, Kaiba calmly said, "We still managed to get the images."

Merina sighed in relief. "Send them to Hawkins Rebecca. Her grandfather was working on them and can give us some help."

Kaiba nodded and contacted Rebecca. Confused, Joey asked, "Don't you need her contact information?"

Kaiba smirked. "She is America's Duel Monsters champion. As a celebrity, her information is almost public knowledge."

Joey looked at Merina, who shrugged. "Americans like to be nosy towards celebrities."

Just then, Rebecca showed up on screen. Hearing her, Yami took the laptop. "We got the pictures from the ruins."

Rebecca nodded and started the transfer. "We got them!"

Yami nodded. "Duke, Rebecca, let's regroup."

Rebecca subconsciously glared at Yami, which both he and Arthur saw. Arthur gently said, "You must forgive the Pharaoh. This is a hard battle and everyone is suffering from it. I myself want to know the truth about this." He then turned to Yami. "Yugi, we can't use the images here. You need access to a computer with the technology necessary to both process large images and translate a complex alphabetical system."

Hearing that, Kaiba spoke up. "That settles it: we're going to the KaibaCorp American Branch."

Tristan's eyes widened. "Are you crazy?"

Tea hugged herself. "Isn't it already occupied by Doma?"

Merina agreed. "This is a trap waiting to happen!"

Kaiba sternly said, "The super computer at KaibaCorp is the fastest and best solution to process this amount of data."

Joey started to protest but Yami cut him off. "Kaiba's right. Industrial Illusions and now KaibaCorp: all the world's Duel Monsters are in their hands. We can't waste any more time!"

Kaiba smirked and said in a teasing but sharp tone, "I'm impressed. I thought you would be too busy moping around after defiling your title and losing your family."

Yami glared. "I have promised many that I would defeat Doma. No matter what happens, I will get back the souls of Aibou and the girls!"

Kaiba smirked. "With a speech like that, you have proved you are still worthy of being called Duel King." He glared again. "But don't think I've forgiven you for being a lousy brother."

Yami said nothing as Tarra nuzzled his head. ~Ignore him. You're at least back on your feet again.~

Yami looked back at the laptop. "Professor, we need to meet up."

Kaiba said, "The closest branch is in San Francisco.

Duke nodded. "We're a couple hours out. We'll meet you there!"

Yami agreed but then noticed the sky was full of auroras. 'Don't tell me it's going to happen again.'

Dartz looked up. 'Soon…after 10,000 years, our god's power shall reach its maximum level. But, to ensure its revival, I must gather more souls.'

The room darkened as Raphael came in. "Lord Dartz, Lady Queen Tima."

Dartz and "Tima" watched the screen, showing the soul tablets. One had Alister's soul, making "Tima" scoff and flip "her" hair out of "her" face. "Do not let your heart be troubled. His soul is now nourishment for our god. He wanted to help the world; now he is."

The screen then changed to show a KaibaCorp helicopter in flight. Dartz smirked. "Soon the Nameless Pharaoh and his friends will be here."

"Tima" winced as "she" felt another surge of pain. Raphael tensed up. "This time, I personally will…"

Dartz grunted in agreement and Raphael left. Dartz stood up and the wall with the screen lifted as well, revealing a room full of candles. "Time shall bring forth a path." He led "Tima" into the room. The Seal of Orichalcos surrounded them, making "Tima" throw back "her" head in pleasure as "her" scars glowed. Dartz chanted, "Scattered throughout this planet, the fragments of our god lie!" He remembered Timaeus attacking; while the dragon stopped the attack, it also shattered the god into hundreds of thousands of pieces. "From your lives, God shall undergo a miraculous transformation!"

"Tima" bent back even more, looking possessed with "her" glowing scars, as power from the Seal erupted. The power spread across the world and activated the shards, creating Orichalcos Soldiers and stealing souls along the way. When the power dissipated, Dartz helped "Tima" stand up. "You appear to have enjoyed that."

"Tima" shuddered a little. Her scars were still glowing green and her eyes were redder than before. "I did…the Orichalcos in this vessel has grown stronger."

Dartz proudly smiled. "Now…shall we prepare a warm welcoming?"

By nightfall, everyone reunited at the pier. As they exited, Kaiba told Rowland and Fuguta, "Get those two to a hospital."

The two agreed and left on the helicopter with Rex and Alister. Joey nodded to Duke. "Thanks for watching over them."

Duke nodded. "It's all good. But we have encountered a few things you should know about. For one thing, we ran into Ms. Mai; she was with some Aussie from Doma named Valon." Joey growled as Duke continued, "He said you're his next target. Be careful with him: we're still banged up from dueling him."

Merina raised his eyebrows. "You mean mentally, right?"

Duke shook his head as Joey declared, "I don't care! I'll take that bastard on whenever he wants!"

Taking a deep breath, Rebecca looked at Yami. "Pharaoh…I'm not ready to forgive you yet. I'll consider it if you get Darling back!"

Yami reached up and grasped the Queen's necklace. "You have my word, Rebecca. No matter the cost, I will get Aibou and the girls back." Rebecca nodded in satisfaction as Yami continued, "Kaiba and I are going to KaibaCorp."

Rebecca chirped, "I'll go with you! I can be your tech support!"

Unable to resist, Kaiba scoffed. "Can't believe this child is the US Champion. Just don't get in our way."

Rebecca glared. "What was that?!"

Kaiba ignored her. "Let's go, Yugi." As he left, he heard Mokuba call out to him. "Don't worry. KaibaCorp is our castle; those bastards won't be able to touch me."

Mokuba was satisfied with the answer but Tea was still worried. "Just be careful, Yugi."

Yami nodded. "Tarra, I want you to stay with them."

Tarra screeched in defiance. ~No! You need me! I can't leave you!~

Yami touched her head. "I'll be fine. I'm putting you in charge of helping Torru and Earthzina protect my friends. Your lightning, her earth powers, and his fire will help if monsters attack them."

Tarra looked at Torru, who nodded, and nodded. ~Just come back.~

As she went to Rebecca's shoulder, Yami nodded and joined Kaiba's side. After walking for a few minutes, Yami asked, "How do you propose we get into the building?"

Kaiba did not answer. Yami asked a few more times but got no response. Getting annoyed, Yami was about to demand an answer when Kaiba opened a manhole and led his rival down the sewers. Confused as they ran, Yami asked, "Where the hell are you taking us, Kaiba?!"

Kaiba explained, "This passageway was designed as a shelter for KaibaCorp during emergencies."

Reaching an elevator, Kaiba used his card locket to activate it. "We should be able to continue unnoticed and get to the control room."

The elevator rose smoothly until it stopped with a loud smash: something landed on the roof. A Duel Monster ripped through the roof and leapt at Kaiba; it missed and smashed through the wall. Kaiba exclaimed, "That was no hologram!"

Not wanting to take more chances, Kaiba smashed the elevator's buttons with his Duel Disk, forcing the doors open. He and Yami opened them further but found a large group of Duel Monsters waiting for them, all with the Orichalcos symbol on their forehead. Yami said, "We need to summon our monsters to get through them."

Kaiba was a little annoyed. "I know these monsters don't operate on our system; that was clear in my duel against Alister! But will our monsters…?"

Yami stated, "Believe. Duel Monsters are as real as me and you; there's just no scientific proof." Getting an idea, he smirked at his rival. "Tiki once read a quote that I'm sure you know: once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."

Kaiba smirked back. "A ridiculous theory, like all of yours, but I'm willing to test it."

Yami nodded. "Let's go! To the central area!"

With that, they began running down the hall. Yami summoned Obnoxious Celtic Guardian (ATK 1400) and Kaiba summoned Vorse Raider (ATK 1900). Their monsters cut down various monsters, allowing Yami and Kaiba to run to the sealed door at the end of the hallway. Kaiba swiped his locket but was denied. After trying again and failing, he realized, "Impossible! The codes have been changed!"

At that moment, their monsters were destroyed and the dark monsters started to close in on them. Yami felt his heart sink. "We're trapped!"

Two monsters jumped to attack but were suddenly struck with lightning and destroyed. Hearing a familiar cry, Yami looked up and saw Tarra fly in and be in front of him for protection. "Tarra! I told you to stay with the others!"

Tarra struck another monster with lightning. ~Earthzina and Torru can handle them! I am responsible for you, my Guardian! Besides, I'm not the only one who's here to help.~

Suddenly the door unlocked and Rebecca's voice founded on the intercom. "Looks like you could use a hand!"

The doors opened and the three escaped just as Zombie Dragon lunged. They were unharmed but sickened by the dragon's hand being sliced off by the door. Rebecca teased, "Still think I'm in the way, Kaiba? Though, I must admit: KaibaCorp's security is not the level I expected. Next time, Mr. President, hire me. I'll give you system an upgrade that the CIA would be jealous of."

Trying to ignore the twitching hand, Kaiba said, "I'll consider it."

With Rebecca opening the doors, Kaiba, Yami, and Tarra continued down the corridors. Rebecca's voice followed. "There's a small problem. I was only able to disarm the outer security. I can't access the central computer."

Kaiba called out, "I got it from here!"

Reaching the central computer, Kaiba used his locket and retinal scan. He still had access. "Switch over to voice-only mode! Discard previous system and transfer it to the sub-system."

Yami and Tarra did not understand what he said but they figured it out when the computer rebooted itself. Kaiba then inserted the floppy disk with the images from the museum. "Analyze the undersea relics of this ancient civilization!"

The computer went to work. On one tablet, the computer found all the symbols that were on the Orichalcos Seal. Soon Arthur's voice sounded on the intercom as he translated. "'After its 10,000 yearlong slumber, the black serpent will swallow the sun and paradise will rule once more.'"

Kaiba wondered, "What the hell does that mean?"

Yami speculated, "It must be Atlantis!"

Kaiba then noticed the newest symbol on the screen and paled. "That's impossible! That crest is the symbol of Paradias!"

Tarra looked at Kaiba. ~Sounds like he knows who that is.~

Kaiba typed into his computer, pulling various images with the same symbol. "It is a powerful organization that is still working today. Paradias controls most of the major conglomerates of the world through extortion and buying businesses out. It is a supremacy in the market. Its CEO's power is said to rival major world powers and presidents. No, he's not a CEO; he's a tyrant! He is Dartz!"

The surrounding computer screens showed Paradias' CEO and Yami paled: it was the same Dartz from the Battle of Atlantis. 'Tarra, that's the same man I saw in a vision at the Stone Wilderness. But that vision…was from 10,000 years ago!'

Tarra's eyes widened. ~How is that possible?!~

Suddenly the computers exploded from being overwhelmed. Tarra shielded Yami and Kaiba, saving them from the sparks. The room went dark and then warped, as if they were transferred to another realm. Sensing a presence, they turned and saw Dartz standing on the head of a great serpent-like beast. There was someone standing behind him but the person was in the shadows. "Nameless Pharaoh. Kaiba Seto. So you have finally found me."

Kaiba demanded, "Are you the head of Doma?"

Dartz smirked and crossed his arms. "I am. Soon Doma will lead this world to a more ideal path."

Kaiba growled, "How dare you say it's ideal to destroy the world! You hypocrite, this is no justice in this plan!"

Yami demanded, "What do you intend to do?!"

"He just abides by his fate."

Yami's eyes widened as he paled. 'That voice…evil but…it sounds like…'

Dartz chuckled and stepped to the side. "She speaks the truth."

Stepping forward, "Tima" came into view. With "her" glowing scars, dull blue eyes with a red tint, and the Orichalcos symbol on "her" forehead, "she" almost looked like a demon. The three were horrified by her sight, Tarra squawking in horror. ~Tima!~

Kaiba cried out, "Tiki!"

Yami was too horrified to speak. 'Tima…what did he do to you?'

"Tima" chuckled, making "her" choker glow. Realizing the Orichalcos was possessing the woman he loved, Yami's horror turned to rage. "Dartz! What have you done to her?! That is not Tima!"

Dartz chuckled darkly and stroked one of "her" curls. "Oh, but it is her…" He cupped "her" chin. "I just baptized her in the Orichalcos."

"Tima" looked at Dartz, who gave "her" a mocking romantic look. Tarra hissed as Yami started to shake in anger. "Dartz! You bastard!"

Kaiba yelled, "Get your hands off her!"

Dartz smirked and removed his hand. "She is the first of many to be reborn."

He put his arm around "her," making "her" move closer to him and put "her" hand on his chest. Yami growled, "You're manipulating the fate of the world on your own whim! How dare you call it fate!"

Dartz laughed and "Tima" smirked. "You two have no idea. Nameless Pharaoh…Kaiba Seto…your very existences are the final keys to guide this future."

Kaiba and Yami demanded answers but "Tima" said, "Not yet, young ones. You'll find out soon enough."

Dartz agreed. "For, you see, you both will fall victim to the upcoming destruction."

Having enough, Yami activated his Duel Disk. "Let's settle this once and for all! Return Aibou, Tiki, Tima, and everyone you've stolen!"

Kaiba silently agreed as he and Yami summoned Critias and Timaeus. The leviathan roared at the dragons as Dartz smirked. "It's been a long time. Timaeus, how's that eye of yours?"

Timaeus roared angrily and attacked the creature, destroying it and revealing it to be an illusion. Dartz's voice rang out, "You cannot stop the wheel of fate. The coming destiny will change everything."

"Tima's" voice spoke but it sounded strained with pain. "You are both useless."

Yami called out, "Wait, Dartz! Tima!"

Finding themselves back in the central computer room, the monsters that chased them broke through the door. Kaiba ran to the nearby elevator with Yami and Tarra close behind. The elevator took them to the roof. Yami worried they were trapped but Kaiba said, "Get ready to jump."

Yami looked at Kaiba. "What?!"

Tarra squeaked. ~Pharaoh, look!~

Coming to their rescue was the Blue Eyes White Jet with its cockpit open. Tarra took flight as the two men jumped in. Kaiba tried to fly them to safety but two monsters attacked the jet with fire, causing it to crash to the ground. The two managed to jump out before getting hurt but the jet and the building itself was destroyed. Kaiba growled with a clenched fist, "I won't get KaibaCorp to anyone!"

Yami shuddered as he remembered how Tima looked. 'And I won't let Dartz have his way with my love!'

Tarra went to Yami's shoulder and nuzzled him. ~I'm so glad you're okay!~ She then noticed, ~Pharaoh, look!~

Yami looked up and had Kaiba look as well. There was a shadowy, shimmering outline of the leviathan flying through the night sky. Yami said, "We should get back to the others."

Kaiba agreed.

Seeing them come back, Mokuba ran up to them. "Nii-sama, thank goodness you're safe!"

Kaiba nodded. "We found out the identity of our enemy. Let's go, Mokuba. We're taking down Doma ourselves."

Before anyone could say they should not go out on their own, Rebecca said, "Whatever you're doing, do it quick!"

Merina nodded, scratching Torru's chest. "Our resident idiot ran off to Paradias as soon as he learned the address. At least he was smart enough to take Earthzina with him."

Yami paled. "Joey did what?!"

Kaiba was annoyed. "Idiot bonkotsu…never thinking before acting."

Just then, Tea came running up to them. "Guys! Joey and Tristan…! Those monsters that attacked you, Yugi, are everywhere now!"

Hearing that, Duke said, "We need to leave now! We can catch up to them in the car."

Arthur came out of the camper and said, "We may already be too late. According to the news, thousands of people across the world are collapsing in the streets."

Merina's eyes narrowed. "It has to be those monsters."

Rebeca asked, "So what we read on those ruins is about to happen?"

Arthur nodded as Tea remembered, "Doma has even managed to influence the cops around here."

Merina sighed. "Looks like we're on our own."

Yami did not want to lose hope. "No matter: we're going to stop Doma and save everyone." Remembering "Tima," he clutched her necklace. 'Hold on, Tima…I'm coming for you.'

At the island temple, Dartz and "Tima" were kneeling before the altar. "Tima's" arms were crossed in front of "her" chest. Dartz smiled coldly. "The time is here." He then sensed a duel happening. "Is it here? Valon, Joey, it doesn't matter who loses; he will be under my control. For the glory of our God, light the fire in your souls!"

"Tima" nodded, keeping her eyes closed. Dartz peeked at "her" and noticed "her" arms were trembling. He then remembered.

After they issued their last warning to Yami and Kaiba, "Tima" collapsed with a small cry. Clutching "her" chest, "she" hissed, "What is this?"

Dartz looked down at "her." "It appears there is still a part of the Queen in her heart."

"Tima" hissed, making "her" scars glow brighter. After a moment, "she" stood up and looked at Dartz. "Not anymore."

Dartz frowned. 'It would appear the Queen is starting to overpower the Orichalcos. An unexpected nuisance.'

With Duke driving, everyone sat in the camper, gathering themselves for the confrontation. Rebecca was typing away at her computer. "If we continue down this path, we'll be at Paradias HQ."

Mokuba smiled at Kaiba. "So we're finally going to raid them, huh?"

Instead of answering, Kaiba noticed, "It's quiet…too quiet. Because of how they acted before, it is impossible to think they would allow us to close in this easily."

Suddenly the car screeched to a halt, almost knocking everyone over. Merina asked, "What the hell happened?"

The girls and Yami left the camper to check on Duke. Tea said, "Stopping like that is dangerous, Duke!"

Staring ahead, Duke said, "We got company."

He stopped when he saw an Orichalcos Soldier about to attack Tristan. Tristan was about to fight back but Yami summoned Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, who quickly slayed the monster. As everyone ran up, Tristan asked, "Yugi, what in the hell is going on? And why are there demons from the pit of hell walking around?!"

Yami explained, "They are spirits from Atlantis 10,000 years ago."

Before Tristan could ask for an explanation, Tea asked, "Where's Joey? I thought he was with you."

Tristan explained, "He was. But then that Doma Aussie told him to follow him somewhere."

Duke's eyes widened. "You mean Valon?!"

Rebecca chirped, "That's not good."

Duke agreed. "Joey's in danger!"

Merina asked, "You said you were banged up after dueling him. What exactly did you mean?"

Rebecca shuddered in remembering. "His deck has monsters we've never heard of. Frightening ones."

Tarra pointed out, ~If Rebecca is afraid of him, Joey's in a lot of trouble!~

Yami agreed. "We need to find Joey!"

Stepping out and activating his Duel Disk, Kaiba said, "We can't afford to worry about that bonkotsu." Everyone was about to protest but Kaiba said, "Open your eyes. We're surrounded."

Sure enough, Orichalcos Soldiers were everywhere. Yami and Kaiba stepped forward, with Kaiba commenting, "I don't have time for this crap!"

In response to his words, Critias and Timaeus glowed. Taking them as a sign, the Chosen Duelists summoned their legendary dragons. The two dragons quickly destroyed the soldiers. Timaeus even saved Tea and Rebecca off Yami's orders, making Rebecca see Yami in a different light. With the monsters taken care of, the dragons returned to their cards. Relieved, Merina said, "You're right, Tristan. This is like hell."

Kaiba started to leave, making Tea asked, "Where are you going?"

Kaiba explained, "We're not wasting any more time. We need to get to Paradias HQ and put an end to all this." He paused and looked back. "Yugi. What do you plan to do?"

Yami said, "I'll be there as soon as I find Joey."

Kaiba scoffed. "Still a lousy brother. Whatever." As he left, he did point out, "Doma may have stolen KaibaCorp but our satellite system should still be up and running."

Rebecca realized, "I can infiltrate the system and find Joey by his Duel Disk!"

She ran inside the camper to start working. Yami turned to thank Kaiba but Kaiba cut him off. "Do whatever you want but I'll defeat Dartz on my own."

Tea said, "Stop! It's too dangerous for just the two of you!"

Tristan scoffed. "Let them go."

Merina stated, "For now, let's focus on finding the idiot."

Tea was not hopeful. "Even with Rebecca's skills, it can't be easy to hack into a company's system, especially KaibaCorp's."

Duke smiled at the camper. "Becky can."

Tristan agreed. "She is a genius after all."

Merina gave Duke a teasing look. "Since when do you call her Becky?"

Duke blushed. Yami looked at Tarra. "Could you go and find Earthzina? That could help."

Merina agreed. "You too, Torru."

The phoenixes chirped in agreement and took flight. The humans resolved to wait patiently for Rebecca. After a few minutes, however, Tristan called out, "How can you not know where Joey is yet?!"

Tea told him, "Calm down."

Merina agreed. "She's working as fast as she can."

Tristan protested, "But while we're sitting on our hands, Joey's probably dueling with Valon!"

Tea admitted, "That is a possibility."

Tristan groaned loudly in frustration. "Why the hell didn't I stop him?! Look, Joey blames himself for Mai. He told me it's his responsibility. "

As they walked along the tracks, Joey stopped. "It's my fault, you know. If I had been a better friend…if I had seen what she was going through…why didn't I notice before it was too late?"

Earthzina started to nuzzle his head. Looking at Tristan with a sad smile, Joey said, "That's why I'll take care of this. This time, I will save her. Tristan, Earthzina…" he started to run down the tracks, "…don't tell Yugi and the others, okay?"

Tristan hissed, "How could he think this was his fault? But that bitch Mai…"

Merina stopped Tristan. "Watch it."

Tea sighed. "He really said that, huh…?"

Yami sighed. 'Joey, whatever you do, don't be rash.'

They waited a few more minutes but Tristan grew more and more impatient. "Damn, I can't wait any longer! I'm going to look for Joey myself!"

Tea protested, "Just calm down, okay?!"

Duke agreed. "If you just randomly search, you'll waste time and energy!"

Merina added, "Tarra and Torru are searching the skies. Never underestimate a phoenix, Tristan."

Tristan argued, "You don't get it: it's not just Valon who's after Joey! Mai is too! Damn them!"

Tea sighed. "If Joey does end up fighting Mai again…"

Yami agreed. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. He knows what will happen. This isn't an easy battle."

Just then, Rebecca popped her head out. "I found Joey's location!"

She pulled out a map but Yami said, "He's downtown, isn't he?"

Rebecca blinked. "How did you know?"

Just then, a phoenix cry came from above. Merina chuckled and pointed up, revealing Torru and Tarra on the camper. Rebecca teased, "If you had them, why did I go through so much trouble?"

Duke smiled. "Becky, technology can be faster. You know that."

Yami took the map from Rebecca. "All of you, find the safest spot to stay. I'm going to Joey! Come, Tarra!"

He started to leave but Tea stopped him. "Absolutely not! I'm going too!"

Tristan agreed. "Me three!"

Merina said, "And me!"

Tarra chirped a laughing chirp. ~You know you can't argue with them.~

Yami smiled. "Very well. Let's go! Duke, forgive me but I need you to stay with the professor and Rebecca."

Duke was surprised but accepted. Rebecca tried to protest but Arthur stopped her. "This is the end of our part. We can't slow them down."

Rebecca sighed. Yami smiled at her. "Rebecca…can you do something for me? Have faith in me? I will save Aibou, no matter what." He subconsciously gripped Tima's necklace. 'I will save you, Tima…but Rebecca needs to know Aibou will come back.'

Though hesitant, Rebecca agreed. Duke smirked. "Then do something for her: come back safe and sound."

Yami nodded gave Merina the map. He also asked the phoenixes to lead the way. The group then set off. While they stopped when Timaeus glowed for a moment, they continued. 'Timaeus reacted to Hermos. Something must have happened to Joey. Joey, be safe!'

A few minutes later, Merina stopped. "Wait!"

Tristan growled. "We can't! Joey's probably dueling right now! And you know what will happen if he loses!"

Merina stated, "I know but the map says he's around here. All we need to find is the right alley."

Yami reached out to Tarra. 'If you see them, keep an eye on them.' He got no answer, suspecting she was too far away. He then looked at Timaeus. "Remember when Timaeus reacted? Joey's Claw of Hermos must have activated. The problem is I can't feel it anymore."

Tristan worriedly asked, "Does that mean Joey's already…?"

Tea shushed Tristan as Yami mentally shook his head. "Nonetheless, we need to find Joey quickly."

They ran until Tea noticed, "What is that?!"

The boys and Merina looked. It was a powerful light and shockwave in a few streets over. Yami checked and saw Timaeus was glowing.

A new soul joined the others. Dartz opened his eyes. "You were defeated, Valon. Fear not: your soul will become nourishment for our God."

"Tima" nodded, trying to ignore "her" trembling hands. "Yes…and Mai will be next. Nothing better for our God than a soul rich with—ah!"

"She" collapsed to "her" knees. Seeing Dartz look at "her," "she" stood up. "Excuse me."

"Tima" ran off, not realizing Dartz was watching "her," his eyes narrow with thought.

Heading in the direction of the light, Tea said, "That must have come from Joey!"

Tristan looked around. "We're in the right neighborhood but where the hell is it?"

As Yami checked on Timaeus, he heard Tarra. ~Pharaoh! Over here!~

Merina looked up. "I heard Torru!"

Yami nodded. He and Merina then led Tea and Tristan down the street, following their phoenixes' voices. But they got another clue they were heading in the right direction a moment later: the Seal of Orichalcos was activated in the same location the powerful light was earlier. Now more worried, they ran faster. Merina said, "I hope Joey's okay!"

The group searched every alley they could, with Yami and Merina leading them whenever they heard Tarra and Torru.

Dartz suddenly looked up. "Mai is the winner. Now…" With Joey's soul on the tablet, Dartz looked behind him, where "Tima" ran off. "What to do about her…?"

Suddenly Yami stopped and looked up. Timaeus manifested itself on top of a nearby apartment building. It howled in sorrow before disappearing. Just then, the ground started shaking. Tristan looked around. "Earthquake!"

Merina's eyes widened. "No! It's worse!"

She started to run, with everyone following. Despite the earth shaking, they somehow managed to find a steady footing. When they came to a clearing, they found out why. Torru and Tara was sandwiching a distraught Earthzina, who was causing the earthquake in her sorrow. ~No! Wake me from this nightmare! This can't be happening!~

Torru hissed quietly. ~Settle down! You're going to destroy the city at this point!~

Tarra said, ~Joey wouldn't want you to do this!~

Earthzina cried but did calm down enough for the earthquake to stop. Relieved, the humans were about to talk to the phoenixes when they saw why Earthzina was depressed: Joey was leaning against the fence, soulless. They approached him with tear-filled eyes. Merina was about to say something when she heard Earthzina still lamenting. "I got this, Torru." She went up and picked up the brown phoenix in a hug. "It's all right…we'll get him back."

Earthzina made one more cry before leaning against the blonde, almost going limp with sadness. Tea noticed Valon was against the fence, also soulless. "Who could have done this…?"

Tristan glared. "I'll tell you who: Mai. I told you she was looking for Joey and Valon. That bitch did this!"

Tea shook her head. "But…"

Tristan growled, "I'll never forgive her for this!"

Yami disagreed. "You're wrong. The one you shouldn't forgive is the one who's been pulling the strings. Tarra, let's go!"

Tarra nodded and followed Yami as he headed towards Paradias HQ.

Once at the building, Yami wondered where to start looking when he noticed an elevator was coming down. He braced himself for an enemy but was greeted with a collapsing Mai. He caught her as Tarra wondered, ~What's this fog? And what happened to Mai?~

Yami noticed, "Her soul was taken to. But by who…?" He looked into the elevator and saw a white feather floating down. "Is that a Harpy feather?"

Tarra ruffled her feathers defensively. ~I don't think so. I recognize that feather…from before.~

Realizing what Tarra was saying, Yami propped Mai up and entered the elevator. As it ascended, he pulled out his deck, shuffled, and placed it in his Duel Disk. Tarra asked, ~You ready for this?~

Yami nodded. "I won't let you down this time."

Tarra's eyes sparkled as the elevator arrived at the roof. He walked out and found who he was looking for you. "So it was you…Raphael!"