Chapter Three

Everyone was stunned by Dartz's recounting of what had happened to Mako's father. In light of that information, Mako's determination suddenly didn't seem as far-fetched as it had, although there were still some skeptics.

"Sometimes the sea does bizarre things," Marik remarked. "Couldn't it have just created a whirlpool?"

"It wasn't like that," Dartz insisted. "It was most definitely a vortex, a portal to another place. I could see a sky and buildings through the hole."

"But why? And how?" Téa exclaimed. "And if someone was trying to save Mako's father, why . . . why couldn't they have done the same thing for the bikers' loved ones?" She looked down.

"Maybe they weren't deliberately trying to save him," Mako said. "Maybe him falling through the vortex wasn't something they planned on happening. Maybe they planned on going through themselves, but then he fell through and it closed up after him."

"That would be an awfully big coincidence," Yami Bakura grunted.

"It could happen," Téa said defensively.

"I wonder where the vortex came out at," Yugi said. "It sounds like there's really a lot of different dimensions. It could've been any of them!"

"It must be a place with a great deal of magic," Atem said. "The Duel Monsters' dimension, perhaps? They might have been trying to open communications with our dimension again if they realized what Dartz was doing."

"But those lights weren't in the sky, were they?" Rebecca frowned. "There were always those pretty lights in the sky when the Duel Monsters' dimension opened."

"Perhaps that wasn't always the case," Atem said. "I didn't see them the last time the Duel Monsters' portal opened."

"If Mako's father was in the Duel Monsters' dimension, why didn't he come through any of the times a portal opened up?" Yami Bakura objected.

"Maybe he didn't know," Serenity suggested. "It's probably a big world over there. He might not have been near any portals when they opened."

"Or maybe he was already dead when he fell through or landed," Yami Bakura said.

"No!" Mako slammed his hand on a table. "I won't believe that! There has to be a way to reach him! I will search every dimension if I must, but I will find him! I always felt that we would be reunited someday, and so we shall!"

The Big Five looked at each other. Since the group had the portal-opening candle holder, they actually could help Mako journey to every dimension, or at least, they supposed so. Yugi and at least some of the others likely would.

Indeed, Yugi stepped forward. "We'll definitely do all we can to help you, Mako," he said.

"Ooh, that's right! You have that candle-holder that can make portals!" Rebecca exclaimed. "You can take Mako wherever he needs to go!"

Téa started, surprised that Rebecca would bring that up in Dartz's presence. Maybe Rebecca had decided that Dartz was trustworthy, or maybe she had just got so excited at the thought of Yugi being able to help.

"It would be impossible to visit every dimension, I'm afraid," Dartz said. "It could take a lifetime just to thoroughly scout through one!"

"That is true, and I can hardly ask any of you to embark on such a far-reaching task," Mako frowned.

"Maybe we should give the candle-holder to Mako," Téa suggested. "Then he could go wherever he needed to, whenever he could."

"But what if we need it?" Tristan frowned.

"Maybe you could go with Mako just for a little while," Chris said. "And then if you need to come home and he wants to keep looking, he can keep it then."

"Perhaps," Atem mused. "We should probably discuss it more on the way back down, instead of imposing here any longer."

"No," Dartz said. "It's not an imposition. After what I caused, I would like to try to help as well, if there's any chance Mr. Tsunami survived and can be rescued."

The Big Five looked at each other. "We'd like to help too and all," Crump said, "but we've really gotta get Penguin World ready. We were hoping to have it open before Christmas."

"Of course," Atem nodded. "We certainly can't expect you to always drop everything and come with us."

"What about their ancestors, though?" Mokuba said. "If there's any way to prove they really weren't cowards and that they were trying to save Critias's brother . . ."

Dartz started. "What?!"

"They were talking to me about it outside, Father," Chris said, and quickly explained their discussion.

Dartz frowned as he listened. "Well, it's an interesting theory," he admitted, "but whether it's true or not, I don't see how Mako's quest to find his father has anything to do with it."

"It doesn't," Mokuba said. "Just that if he's gonna check the Duel Monsters' dimension, that's where Critias lives now, and maybe he knows something. . . ." He shifted.

"He might know something about Mako's father, for that matter," Atem said. "We should definitely talk to all the Legendary Knights."

"Well, that's great," Crump said. "Maybe you can let us know what you find out."

Atem nodded. "I think only some of us should go, same as when we investigated the parallel world. I'm sure Kaiba won't want Mokuba to go, for instance."

"Aww man." Mokuba scowled. "But yeah, I'm sure you're right."

"And the Big Five have responsibilities here," Atem continued.

"And if those going over get into trouble, there should be people here who can go after them to help," Gansley grunted. "We will certainly come if we're needed."

"I'm going," Yugi said.

"And you're sure not leavin' us behind!" Joey declared, to which Tristan and Téa chorused in the affirmative.

Dartz suddenly looked overwhelmed. "You're really planning to go to the Duel Monsters' dimension first of any?"

"I think it's probably the best starting point," Atem said. "Ah, I see what you mean, though. . . . You might not be welcome there."

Chris frowned. "Wouldn't they understand that Father was a victim too? The Orichalcos poisoned and corrupted him from the moment he found it!"

"Nevertheless, maybe I had better stay back," Dartz said. "You might find all possible paths closed to you if I'm there."

Atem nodded. "That is your choice." He sighed. "I can't say you'd be wrong. Although I'm sure at least some of the residents would be understanding and forgiving."

"I would certainly like to go, if I may," Professor Hawkins said.

"As would I," Solomon added.

"I rather planned on that," Atem smiled.

"You're not leaving me behind!" Rebecca exclaimed.

"But Rebecca, it might be dangerous," Professor Hawkins objected.

"You're going, Grandpa," Rebecca frowned.

"Yes, but I need to research," Professor Hawkins said.

They left Dartz's home with many plans in mind. It would be a daunting trip, yet an exciting one. And hopefully, one that would provide satisfactory answers for at least one of their mysteries. The Big Four returned to Penguin World to find Crump, while those planning to leave went to find the candle-holder at the Turtle Game Shop and the others either returned home or decided to observe.

"This really is a bizarre turn of events," Johnson said. "I didn't think there actually was a chance that Mako's father might be alive."

"He still might be dead," Nesbitt retorted. "And I don't understand why they want to start with the Duel Monsters' dimension. There was nothing to indicate they should go there."

"There was nothing to indicate they shouldn't, either," Gansley remarked.

"I suppose it's because the Duel Monsters' dimension was apparently so closely connected with what Dartz was doing," Lector said. "If there truly are 'many worlds,' then the best option would seem to be starting with one you know had a reason to be opening portals around then."

"I guess." Nesbitt growled. "It's hard to say what kind of dangers they'll run into in a world like that, populated by wild creatures."

"Hopefully most, if not all, have high levels of intelligence and won't attack unless provoked," Gansley said.

They walked into one of the buildings. Crump was sitting at the edge of an indoor pool, happily watching the penguins swim, jump, and waddle around him. They called to each other and perhaps to him, their voices echoing off the walls.

"Are you going to be able to come away to eat and sleep?" Gansley said with a fond smile of amusement.

Crump started. "Yeah, I'll have to," he said. "Not yet, though. . . ."

"Where's George?" Nesbitt asked.

"Over there." Crump pointed across the room to a mountain of simulated snow and ice. "He's tobogganing down."

The others followed Crump's gaze to where the penguin was flying down the snow on his stomach, his wings spread out to the sides.

"Well, he looks content," Johnson mused.

Lector smiled a bit and pulled his coat closer around him. "The penguins want it too cold for me," he said. "I think I'll go to my office if you're planning to stay here a long time."

"Eh. I'll come soon." Crump started as one small penguin swam over to the edge of the pool and then leaped out of the water onto his lap. "Oh, hey there," he greeted.

The penguin shook itself out, resulting in the rest of the Big Five leaping back so as not to get splashed on.

Gansley was amused notwithstanding. "That penguin obviously already thinks highly of you, Crump."

"Just as it should, since none of them would have all this to enjoy without you," Johnson said to him.

"Hey, all of you helped bring it about," Crump said as he petted the bird.

"Because of your idea," Lector said.

Crump couldn't deny that. "So, when are the others leaving to check out that other dimension?"

"Right away, I believe," Gansley said. "They don't want to waste any time."

"Of course not," Crump said. "I just hope they're goin' to the right place."

"And that if they're not, they'll get back soon and safe," Lector added.

"Hey, guys."

They all started and turned in surprise at Mokuba's voice.

"Hello, Mokuba," Lector greeted. "I thought you were going back to KaibaCorp?"

"I thought I'd swing back here instead," Mokuba said. "If that's okay. I know Seto really won't let me go with them to the Duel Monsters' world, but I don't think he'd mind if I watched the penguins."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like," Lector said. "Or for as long as you can stand the cold."

"Well, I'm sure I can take it, but I don't know how long Marik can," Mokuba said.

"I'm here too," Marik admitted, stepping out of the shadows. "I was just parking the van."

Mokuba beamed. "We thought it'd be a cool buddy outing. Marik's never seen real penguins. Well, not that I have either."

"They are quite fascinating," Lector mused.

They watched as the birds climbed and jumped around their new play place. George soon waddled over to Mokuba and stared at him.

"Hey," Mokuba said, petting his head.

Marik shook his head in disbelief. "That bird is only about a foot shorter than you!"

"Emperors are real big," Crump grinned.

Mokuba hesitated. "I wonder if there's any way KaibaCorp could help you guys find answers about our ancestors. . . . Like, we could run some stuff through the database and see what comes up."

"It couldn't hurt," Nesbitt said gruffly. "But I'm sure you wouldn't find anything."

"Yeah, probably not," Mokuba sighed. "I was really hoping Dartz and his family might know something."

"I wonder why he doesn't," Gansley frowned. "Considering that this Critias was one of his fiercest enemies, you'd think that he would want to keep track of the brother and anyone else who might be a problem. If our ancestors really escaped with your ancestor, and the boy wanted so badly to fight Dartz, why didn't they launch an attack against him once he grew up?"

"I think Dartz was wandering all over the world after Atlantis sank," Mokuba said. "Maybe they couldn't find him."

"And if they had, maybe he wouldn't have had the power to do anything about it," Lector said.

"I think he would've," Mokuba said. "He said he'd been capturing souls all that time." He shuddered. "But if he'd stolen their souls, you'd think he'd remember that."

"There's a piece we're missing somewhere," Gansley said.

The penguin on Crump's lap warbled and spread its wings.

Crump looked down at it. "Hey, little guy." He patted it. "What do you want?"

The penguin walked around, slipped, and grabbed for Crump's knee with its flippers.

Crump quickly steadied it. "Aren't penguins just the greatest?!" he gushed.

Johnson looked amused. "I wonder what would happen if George tried to stand on your lap."

"I'd probably fall in the pool with him," Crump said. "Emperor Penguins can weigh up to 100 pounds!"

"Seriously?" Mokuba stared.

"I hope he doesn't stand on my lap," Nesbitt grunted.

George gave him the same deadpan look he had given Mako and started to preen.

Lector's phone dinged and he pulled it out to look at the incoming message. He quickly went pale. "Oh no!"

"What is it?!" Nesbitt demanded.

Lector held up his phone. Everyone crowded around to look.

We really need your help after all; something went wrong.

Please come to the Turtle Game Shop. Bring Dartz too.

Nesbitt frowned. "Do you think it's legitimate?"

"I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be," Lector said. "I doubt Duel Monsters know how to use cell phones."

"That's so ominous, though," Mokuba frowned. "And why do they need Dartz?"

"I suppose we won't know anything until we go there," Lector said.

"I'll call Dartz and ask him to meet us there," Gansley said.

"And I guess Marik and I can't go, huh?" Mokuba sighed.

"You'd have to ask your brother," Lector said. "But I'm sure he wouldn't want you to."

"I don't think we should go either," Marik told Mokuba. "Who knows what's going on over there . . . or what might come through to here the longer the portal is left open!"

Mokuba cringed. "I didn't think about that. . . . Somebody really should stand guard on this side."

"Maybe Yami Bakura, if he didn't go," Johnson suggested.

Crump patted the penguin on his lap and stood, setting it down on the edge of the pool. "Were you the only one contacted, Lector?" he asked.

"Yes," Lector said. "Yugi must have only had enough time to send it to one person, which is also a worry."

"It sure is," Mokuba frowned. He hugged George and stepped back.

Crump looked down at himself. "I'd better go change. That little guy got me all wet." He hurried to his office, where he had decided to keep changes of clothes just in case of such antics. Within five minutes he was freshly dressed and had left instructions with the people taking care of the penguins. He and the others quickly left.

Dartz was already waiting when they arrived at the Game Shop, as were Duke and David and the Bakuras.

"I let him in," Duke explained. He and Solomon had keys to each other's stores in case of such emergencies.

"I still don't know what to think about any of this," Dartz frowned. "Why would Yugi decide I'm needed after all? I'm sure I'll only make things worse for them."

"I don't know," Lector said. "He didn't respond to the message I sent telling him we were all on our way."

"And it looks like Mr. Muto decided to go over with them," David said. "It's all deserted here."

"Did you find the portal?" Mokuba asked.

"Yeah, it's spinning around in Yugi and Atem's room," Duke said.

Gansley sighed. "Well, we'd better go through."

"Come to think of it, I wonder why Yugi didn't send for Kaiba too, since he has the last ring in our set," Crump said.

Mokuba looked down. "I hope Seto isn't needed. . . . I'm worried enough that you guys are."

Lector laid a hand on his shoulder. "We're going to come back alright," he vowed. He prayed that was true.

Mokuba turned and hugged him. "You'd better!"

Lector hugged him close. "Don't you try to come after us," he warned.

"I will if you don't come back soon enough!" Mokuba retorted.

"And we'll be watching in case something terrible tries to come out," Bakura said.

"Good," Nesbitt grunted.

"We'd better go," Gansley said.

The Big Five steeled themselves and climbed into the portal one by one. Dartz followed, his eyes narrowed in his concern.

They all fell out in a heap in what seemed to be a beautiful meadow. But when at least a dozen axes were pointed at them in the next moment, it didn't feel like such a beautiful setting.

"What is this?!" Lector exclaimed.

"I thought the Duel Monsters' dimension was a peaceful place!" Crump added.

They all knelt in the grass. The axes were on every side, wielded by a group of Vorse Raiders. Each one bore a wicked, bloodthirsty grin, and most of their weapons were already stained with blood.

Gansley suddenly stiffened. "Oh no. . . ." The blood looked fresh. What if some of the others . . . ?

Johnson drew a shaking breath. He was usually the spokesman for the group; he would try to be so again. "H-Hello," he stammered. "We don't mean any harm. Some of our friends came through here an hour or so ago, not meaning any harm either. Did you see them?"

"Of course," growled one tough Vorse Raider. "We took them all where we'll take you."

"Why?" Nesbitt burst out. "Crump's right; this world is supposed to be peaceful! Why treat us like this?!"

"And where did you take them?" Gansley interjected.

"You'll see soon." The Vorse Raider gestured at them. "Get up."

The Big Five stumbled to their feet, Gansley grabbing for his cane.

"This world is on the brink of a new era," a second Vorse Raider exclaimed. "That man Dartz was right in his assessment of the human world. The same is true of this world. We're going to do here what he wanted to do in your world."

"No way!" Crump yelped. "You're gonna have it swallowed up by a giant sea snake?!"

"Something like that," the first Vorse Raider sneered.

"And who is your commander?"

Everyone started at Dartz's voice. He had landed farther away from the Big Five and had not been caught by the Vorse Raiders. Now he was coming over to them, looking for all the world like the majestic king of Atlantis that he had once been.

The reaction from the Vorse Raiders was astounding. Every one bowed down on one knee. "Why, you are, Master Dartz," said the first.

Dartz's eyes barely flickered, the only indication of his surprise. "Then I command you to release these men, and their friends who came before them," he said. "They tell the truth that they are here only on a peaceful mission, searching for someone who may have fallen into your world some years ago."

Without question, the Vorse Raiders turned their weapons away, allowing the Big Five to escape. They hurried over to Dartz, stunned.

"So this is why we had to bring him," Crump said under his breath.

"Apparently Dartz has had sympathizers here all along that he knew nothing about," Gansley remarked. Louder he asked, "Are our friends still alive?"

"Yes," the lead Vorse Raider said. "We'll take you to them."

They all started to walk over the meadow.

"So . . . what do you think'll happen when these guys find out Dartz doesn't wanna blow up the world anymore?" Crump whispered.

"I guess that depends on how much they trust him to lead them right no matter what," Lector whispered back, his eyes filled with worry.