Chapter 7: New Name, New Game


A.N. *sips hot cocoa and types* Sorry that this story is a bit slow coming... my mother's in the hospital right now (she recently had major surgery) so I have lots on my mind. That, and schoolwork. ^_^

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, but I will soon own volumes 6 and 7 of the original manga! Yay for me! But Yu-Gi-Oh! itself I don't own, and I don't get money for making this story. But I get reviews, which are just as good. ^_^

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We arrived home a little after midnight; to my surprise, Isis was waiting at the doorway, tears in her eyes. I opened my mouth to explain, but no sound would come out. I couldn't think of what to say...

Taking her younger brother's limp body from Rishid, Isis couldn't keep back the silent tears falling down her face. The tears hit Mariku's closed eyelids; I half expected him to magically awaken. Of course, he did not stir.

We moved him to his bedroom; Isis tucked his thin sheets around his unmoving form. Rishid stood by, watching the scene from afar. I was glad that he was so sensitive to the situation... he would make a good servant to the Ishtar family. I could tell. However, as I swallowed a lump in my throat, it wasn't Rishid that I was thinking of. I opened my mouth, ready to speak.

Isis cut me off before I could say even a word. I know. Her voice came out as a whisper; I doubt that she had the strength to make her voice louder. I already know what happened. He was Mind Crushed...

I lowered my head. Yes... and I couldn't stop my brother, either. Again, I couldn't keep him from... ... ...are you next, Isis? I couldn't save your father, I couldn't save your brother... what about you? Will I fail you, too?

Isis shook her head. You have not failed anyone, little angel. You did the best you could - and that's not failure. Mariku will recover... and I will not be harmed at all. The Pharaoh won't lay a finger on me. I have seen it.

I looked up, confused by her words. She smiled at my puzzled face, and explained, My necklace... it contains great magical powers. I can see into the past, and sometimes, even the future... do not worry. I will not be harmed.

But then, why didn't you tell us not to go? If you could see the future, than wouldn't you have known that Mariku would fail in his Duel?

She simply shrugged. I cannot foresee everything. Time changes, and the future itself can shift. Events in the past can effect the present, and change the future... and Destiny can control time. Your little brother's title of Yuugiou is that for a reason. The King of Games, fated never to lose...

Our eyes met, and I could she that she was crying again. Mariku was supposed to win that Duel. But his monster turned on him... even though Mariku's strategy was unbeatable, Fate still found a way to hand your brother a win. Isis whispered.

He didn't win. Not really... I replied. He cheated. If that's the only way my brother can win, then he's not a winner at all. He's just a fake...

Tell that to the rest of the world. Isis muttered, her voice bitter. It doesn't matter how he wins; all that matters is that he does win. And no one can stop him. After all, as a Pharaoh, he is a god...

I agreed, the god of games, intelligence, and pain.

And now he has the Rod, too... who knows what havoc he will cause with so much magic? He has his father's Sennen Eye, his Puzzle, and now, the Rod... I saw fear in the eyes of Isis Ishtar for the first time in my life.

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The so-called letter of apology arrived a few days later. Isis didn't even bother to read it; she burned it in the kitchen fire. However, I got a glimpse at my brother's new signature. Pharaoh Yami? I asked out loud, wondering what the heck was going on now. Yami? What kind of a name is that?

The official public announcement was made later that day, by Mr. high-and-mighty himself. I didn't know whether to laugh or throw things at him. Isis and I discussed it in low voices on the way home.

If anything, this proves how rude and unappreciative he is! Not just anyone gets the title King of Games'! I scowled, crossing my arms. All the title I got from my parents was

I understand the importance of having a name, but everyone already called him Yuugiou. What's wrong with just keeping the title as his name, like he's been doing all along? Isis wondered aloud. What's the purpose of an entire new name? It doesn't make any sense...

Pharaoh Yami, my foot! I spat. What stupidity.

I'm more worried about the taxes that we'll have to pay. We only have to pay half the standard amount, but he's raised the rates by so much... I don't know if we'll... if we'll make the cut...

We'll make it. I replied, with more confidence than I felt. We'll make it.

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What are we going to do...? Isis whispered. He'll never accept this...

I bit my lip back in worry. How much are we off by? I asked.

Too much, came Isis' reply. We've only a little over half. If we were still at the old tax rate, then we could sell some of our old statues and such; we'd have been able to get by...

I looked at the gold - or rather, lack of it - on the table, and fingered the dice in my pocket. Suddenly, and idea came to me...

We'll still get by. I answered.

Isis looked up. ...But... how?

I smiled. Something that your father taught me... taking back what is yours.

Her eyes widened. You... you mean you're going to...

I nodded my head, and looked out the window at the distant pyramids. Yeah. I'll be paying my father a visit tonight...

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So? What do you think? Review, peeps!