Forever Love
The Story of the Yamia Isis
[A/N: As Forever Love continues, Pegasus sends out the invites for his latest tournament at Duelist Kingdom, Senerity Wheeler goes missing and Angelica's past comes back to haunt her. Still with me? If so, read, review and enjoy. :) -- Kat. ]
Chapter 1
" I believe it's your turn. " Maximillion Pegasus said, pausing to glance across the table at his fiancée.
Angel looked up, slightly startled. Had she really been in that big a daze? Max was a tough enough opponent without making careless mistakes, or daydreaming. Brushing a strand of long red hair out of her eyes she looked at the cards in play. What was he doing? Max always had something up his sleeve. And he always knew what was coming. Rubbing a finger against her chin she stared blankly at her hand, but nothing stuck out as a brilliant idea.
A soft note of laughter filled the air and when she looked up she saw him laughing at her. Gritting her teeth she went through her cards again, her frustration mounting higher with every passing second. " I'll play this card face down. That ends my turn. "
He nodded, then went back to looking at his own cards. He always got like this when he played Duel Monsters. Aloof and detached almost possessed. Definitely not the warm and caring man whom she had come to love. It frightened her at times, making her purpose for playing the game an excuse to endure he retained his sanity rather then for her own enjoyment. Things had become much more complicated since she had come to live with him at the Duelist Kingdom.
He was the creator of Duel Monsters, though. In a way, she figured that his passion at the card table was justified. But this wasn't even a tournament. " I will play Valiant Knight, in attack mode. "
Angel grinned the minute he set the card on the table. While he had been so busy plotting his own strategy, he had not noticed hers, and now he had walked into her trap. " Trap card activate! "
At once a wall of magic crystals appeared, sending the Knight's attack back on itself. Max picked up the card and set it aside, waiting to see what she would do next.
What now? The Wall of Eyes would keep her pretty safe, but now it was time to attack. She drew her card and her eyes lit up. Red Eyes Black Dragon. Her favorite. " I am going to play this card in attack mode. "
The attack from the dragon took the last of Max' life points, signaling the game's end and Angel began to clear her cards off the table. " Good game, sweet. That was fun. "
God how she wished he wouldn't call her that. It wasn't that she had a problem with him using a pet name for her. She called him honey, dear or darling on a fairly regular basis. But with the fact that her surname was Sweet and the habit he had of calling his associates by their last names, it did not sound like an endearment when the word left his lips. And it was the only one he used.
" You too, Hon. " Not really, but why hurt his feelings? Sure she was good at the game, but she was not cut out for it like him. She went to easy on her opponents and let her mind wander far too much. " So, what are your plans for today? "
" I have a meeting with Kaiba in fifteen minutes. He should be arriving soon. " Just as the words left his mouth the door to the room swung open and Kaiba walked in. As usual, Angel found it hard not to stare at him. There was no questioning that he was good looking. He was tall and wide shouldered, with a slim but athletic build. His thick hair was dark brown and seemed to dare her to run her fingers through it. Piercing blue-gray eyes and a merciless slash of a mouth made up for any suggestions that he didn't mean business when he set his heart on something. She could not help wondering what he wanted.
" Where is Mokuba? " The sharpness in his voice stung the air like a whip, and Angel felt a shiver go down her spine. She wouldn't want to have Kaiba talking to her like that. It didn't make sense, though. How could he expect Max to know where Mokuba was?
" I think there must - "
" Did I say anything to you? " At the sound of his voice, Angel's words caught in her throat. How was she to know he hadn't meant her? Of course she did not know about this Mokuba, but since he did not address Max directly, it had been fair game. " Where is he, Pegasus? "
" I am not suppose to tell. " Max said, his voice a pool of calm, " He told me it is a secret. "
" Don't play the fool with me! " Kaiba punched the table hard, and Angel could see lines of worry crossing Max' face. No longer worried about her bruised ego, she once again turned her attention to their poor mannered guest. " I think you'd better back off, buddy! "
" Do you have rocks for brains? " Kaiba looked at her as if he was evaluating her, and she clenched her fist under the table. How dare he. It was true that she had not grown up the way Max or Kaiba had. She had been an orphan, and had only begun to acquire wealth when she met Max.
" Nope. " She meet his dark eyes as she looked up at him and flashed him a smug smile, " While you are doing all your investing, or whatever it is you do, though, you might want to invest in some manners. "
Max laughed and reached over to take Angel's hand in his. " Well said, sweet. Well said indeed. "
" Pegasus, unless you want me to shatter the illusions you have given her, you'd better tell your latest plaything to leave. " A muscle twitched at the corner of Kaiba's mouth, and she wondered if he had wanted to smile. Damn him! She was no one's toy.
" Angel, would you please…? " Max looked nervous. It could not be missed, and Angel decided that whatever was going on here, she wanted no part of it.
" Very well, gentlemen. I shall leave you to your discussion. " She stood up and turned on her heel, heading for the door. Thinking better of it, she paused for a moment. " Nice meeting you, Kaiba. "
She wanted him to say something, but silence seemed to be all she would be given. Walking out of the room she decided to go and sit in the gardens for a while. After meeting Kaiba, she needed some kind of stress relief.
*+*+*
Seto glared at Pegasus, his hands clenched into fists under the table. What was a creep like him doing with a girl like Angel? That's what he had called her, and from the tone of Pegasus' voice, Seto felt it was a safe bet that it was her name. She didn't seem to realize what kind of a man she was associating with. " Playtime's over, Pegasus. You've got 'till the count of three to bring Mokuba out here. "
" I'll make a deal with you, Kaiba. " Pegasus said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, " I am about to start my latest Duel Monsters tournament. If you win, I'll spill Mokuba's secret. "
" Secret my ass! " Seto rose from his chair and crossed the room in a matter of seconds, grabbing the front of Pegasus' shirt, and shaking him violently. Pegasus snapped his fingers and two guards stepped out of the shadows, pulling Seto off of him. " You will pay, Pegasus. "
" I honestly don't have him, Kaiba. " Pegasus repeated, his tone reeking of false sincerity. Seto clenched his teeth, his gray eyes looking like a pair of storm clouds. " Win the tournament, Kaiba. Then we'll talk. Gentlemen, please show our guest out. "
Seto wanted to protest but knew better. This was the only opportunity that Pegasus would give him, and he knew that there was a catch somewhere within it. He only regretted that he could not apologize to Angel. She had no idea what was happening, and it wasn't her fault that she was so naive. That must be why Pegasus wanted her. She was cute and all, with that wealth of red hair and flashing blue eyes, but she was clearly under Pegasus' power. Pity.
The guards left him at the edge of the castle property and he walked back to his helicopter, unable to shake the thoughts he was having about her. Pegasus didn't even treat her properly. She deserved things: clothes, jewels, attention. He certainly shouldn't have had her sitting there when he knew there was going to be trouble. He couldn't really like her very much, either. His eyes didn't light up when he looked at her, his voice didn't take on a different tone. It was unjust.
What foolishness. He had to focus on saving Mokuba. He did not know exactly what kind of trouble his little brother had gotten himself into this time, but as usual Seto had to get him out of it. Then again, he could try and save Angel along the way. Shaking his head, he got into the helicopter and buckled his seat belt. If there was going to be a tournament, he had to warn Yugi.
*+*+*
Yugi stared at the letter, his brow crinkling with concentration. What was Pegasus up to this time? If he thought he was going to get another shot at Yugi's piece of the millennium puzzle, he was wrong. Things had been quiet since he last competed at the Duelist Kingdom to rescue Grandpa. Far too quiet. Could it really be because Pegasus had been planning another trap? Yugi wondered if any of the other duelists from the last tournament had received an invitation.
Suddenly blinding lights began to glitter on the front lawn of his home and the sound of metal blades slicing through the air assailed his ears. Glancing through the window his mouth dropped open. Kaiba's helicopter was in the front yard. Dropping the letter on the kitchen table, he went outside to greet his old friend.
" Hello, Yugi. " Kaiba said, stepping out of the helicopter. As usual, he was dressed in his long blue business coat and a matching pair of dress pants. His black leather boots shone with a fresh coat of polish. Kaiba would always be a show off.
" Hey, Kaiba. What brings you this way? " Yugi asked, once again glancing up at the helicopter.
" Have you heard anything about a new Duel Monsters tournament? " Kaiba crossed his arms across his chest and frowned slightly when Yugi nodded. " Tell me everything. "
" Well, I got a letter this morning, from Pegasus - "
" A letter? " Kaiba ran his fingers through his hair as he listened.
" - Yes, a letter. I am suppose to go to pier 94 tomorrow morning to catch the boat that will take me to the Duelist Kingdom. "
" No way, Yugi. Last time you took Pegasus' boat, you lost Exodia. " Kaiba punched his fist into the palm of his other hand, only then noticing Yugi's look of confusion. " Joey told me. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that if you and your friends want I will send helicopters to take you to the Duelist Kingdom. "
" So you were invited, too? "
" Yes. " Kaiba's expression darkened as he continued to speak, " I fear it gets worse, Yugi. He has Mokuba again. "
" What? Oh, no! Grandpa… "
" C'mon, let's get in there. "
Yugi led Kaiba into his house, but everything looked the same. It was so strange that Pegasus had sent a letter. It was harmless. Could he really plan on holding an honorable contest? Yugi couldn't help feeling that something was very out of place. " Grandpa? "
" Hello, Yugi … and … Oh. " Grandpa took a tighter hold of the deck of cards in his hand as he looked at Kaiba. " What do you want from us this time? "
Kaiba laughed, " Did you know Yugi got an invitation to another Duel Monsters competition, Mr. Moto? "
" Oh dear… "
" Don't worry, we are going to work together this time. We'll get to the bottom of whatever Pegasus is planning. "
" You got one, too? " Joey hurried over to Grandpa's rocking chair, waving his invite in the air. " What's this all about? "
" Pegasus has Kaiba's little brother. "
" Mokuba. "
" Yeah? Well, you're not the only one who has a sibling missing. " Joey clenched his teeth, " He has Serenity, too. "
" This is bad, guys. Really bad. " Kaiba shoved his hands in his pockets and continued to stare off into space. " As soon as you two are ready, meet me outside. I'll signal for another chopper to pick up Taya, Bakura and Tristan. "
Yugi nodded in response to Kaiba's words, but his mind was really far away. Would Grandpa be safe? Looking at Joey his mind was made, no more Mr. nice guy. Pegasus was going down.
*+*+*
" You want me to duel? You've got to be kidding! " Angel had been getting a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach ever since Kaiba's visit, and now it was being proven right.
" Exactly, Sweet. " Max said, continuing to work on the toon he was sketching as he spoke, " It will be good for you. "
" No way, Max. I won't do it. " Her fingers pressing hard into the fabric covering her chair she continued to stare into the fire crackling in front of them.
" I'm not asking you; I'm telling you. " The way that Max was speaking, as if the matter was settled, made Angel scowl. " After all I've done for you, how dare you grumble about this? Perhaps I should have left you where I found you. "
" That was uncalled for, Max. " Angel rose from her chair, the book she had been reading in her hand.
" Where do you think you're going? " Max asked, grabbing her wrist.
Angel pulled her arm out of his grasp. " Away from you. "
She did not need a light to make her way through the passages of the castle, and soon she was in her chambers. Sitting down on her bed, she pulled an old weather worn box out from underneath it. Eve's cards pictures of her family, and the family heirlooms. These were her greatest treasures. She hadn't even shown them to Max. The earrings were believed to hold Isis and Osirus, the Lovers spirits from the millennium puzzle.
Pulling the cards out of the black silk scarf they were covered with, she flipped through them. Such wonderful memories. She and Eve had been two of the best, in their day. And their old favorites were all still here. Tripple Goddess, The Lovers, even her Judgement of Paris. Maybe Max had a point. She had been one of the best, she could do well in his little contest. Maybe she could use this tournament to find out of he really loved her. 'Cause if he didn't, she was outta here. She'd had enough of his mind games.
Setting the cards down next to her current deck, she then reached for the earring that was said to hold Isis, and clipped it onto her right ear. A tingly warmth spread though her body and a soft voice echoed through her head. " Hello, Angelica. "
The Story of the Yamia Isis
[A/N: As Forever Love continues, Pegasus sends out the invites for his latest tournament at Duelist Kingdom, Senerity Wheeler goes missing and Angelica's past comes back to haunt her. Still with me? If so, read, review and enjoy. :) -- Kat. ]
Chapter 1
" I believe it's your turn. " Maximillion Pegasus said, pausing to glance across the table at his fiancée.
Angel looked up, slightly startled. Had she really been in that big a daze? Max was a tough enough opponent without making careless mistakes, or daydreaming. Brushing a strand of long red hair out of her eyes she looked at the cards in play. What was he doing? Max always had something up his sleeve. And he always knew what was coming. Rubbing a finger against her chin she stared blankly at her hand, but nothing stuck out as a brilliant idea.
A soft note of laughter filled the air and when she looked up she saw him laughing at her. Gritting her teeth she went through her cards again, her frustration mounting higher with every passing second. " I'll play this card face down. That ends my turn. "
He nodded, then went back to looking at his own cards. He always got like this when he played Duel Monsters. Aloof and detached almost possessed. Definitely not the warm and caring man whom she had come to love. It frightened her at times, making her purpose for playing the game an excuse to endure he retained his sanity rather then for her own enjoyment. Things had become much more complicated since she had come to live with him at the Duelist Kingdom.
He was the creator of Duel Monsters, though. In a way, she figured that his passion at the card table was justified. But this wasn't even a tournament. " I will play Valiant Knight, in attack mode. "
Angel grinned the minute he set the card on the table. While he had been so busy plotting his own strategy, he had not noticed hers, and now he had walked into her trap. " Trap card activate! "
At once a wall of magic crystals appeared, sending the Knight's attack back on itself. Max picked up the card and set it aside, waiting to see what she would do next.
What now? The Wall of Eyes would keep her pretty safe, but now it was time to attack. She drew her card and her eyes lit up. Red Eyes Black Dragon. Her favorite. " I am going to play this card in attack mode. "
The attack from the dragon took the last of Max' life points, signaling the game's end and Angel began to clear her cards off the table. " Good game, sweet. That was fun. "
God how she wished he wouldn't call her that. It wasn't that she had a problem with him using a pet name for her. She called him honey, dear or darling on a fairly regular basis. But with the fact that her surname was Sweet and the habit he had of calling his associates by their last names, it did not sound like an endearment when the word left his lips. And it was the only one he used.
" You too, Hon. " Not really, but why hurt his feelings? Sure she was good at the game, but she was not cut out for it like him. She went to easy on her opponents and let her mind wander far too much. " So, what are your plans for today? "
" I have a meeting with Kaiba in fifteen minutes. He should be arriving soon. " Just as the words left his mouth the door to the room swung open and Kaiba walked in. As usual, Angel found it hard not to stare at him. There was no questioning that he was good looking. He was tall and wide shouldered, with a slim but athletic build. His thick hair was dark brown and seemed to dare her to run her fingers through it. Piercing blue-gray eyes and a merciless slash of a mouth made up for any suggestions that he didn't mean business when he set his heart on something. She could not help wondering what he wanted.
" Where is Mokuba? " The sharpness in his voice stung the air like a whip, and Angel felt a shiver go down her spine. She wouldn't want to have Kaiba talking to her like that. It didn't make sense, though. How could he expect Max to know where Mokuba was?
" I think there must - "
" Did I say anything to you? " At the sound of his voice, Angel's words caught in her throat. How was she to know he hadn't meant her? Of course she did not know about this Mokuba, but since he did not address Max directly, it had been fair game. " Where is he, Pegasus? "
" I am not suppose to tell. " Max said, his voice a pool of calm, " He told me it is a secret. "
" Don't play the fool with me! " Kaiba punched the table hard, and Angel could see lines of worry crossing Max' face. No longer worried about her bruised ego, she once again turned her attention to their poor mannered guest. " I think you'd better back off, buddy! "
" Do you have rocks for brains? " Kaiba looked at her as if he was evaluating her, and she clenched her fist under the table. How dare he. It was true that she had not grown up the way Max or Kaiba had. She had been an orphan, and had only begun to acquire wealth when she met Max.
" Nope. " She meet his dark eyes as she looked up at him and flashed him a smug smile, " While you are doing all your investing, or whatever it is you do, though, you might want to invest in some manners. "
Max laughed and reached over to take Angel's hand in his. " Well said, sweet. Well said indeed. "
" Pegasus, unless you want me to shatter the illusions you have given her, you'd better tell your latest plaything to leave. " A muscle twitched at the corner of Kaiba's mouth, and she wondered if he had wanted to smile. Damn him! She was no one's toy.
" Angel, would you please…? " Max looked nervous. It could not be missed, and Angel decided that whatever was going on here, she wanted no part of it.
" Very well, gentlemen. I shall leave you to your discussion. " She stood up and turned on her heel, heading for the door. Thinking better of it, she paused for a moment. " Nice meeting you, Kaiba. "
She wanted him to say something, but silence seemed to be all she would be given. Walking out of the room she decided to go and sit in the gardens for a while. After meeting Kaiba, she needed some kind of stress relief.
*+*+*
Seto glared at Pegasus, his hands clenched into fists under the table. What was a creep like him doing with a girl like Angel? That's what he had called her, and from the tone of Pegasus' voice, Seto felt it was a safe bet that it was her name. She didn't seem to realize what kind of a man she was associating with. " Playtime's over, Pegasus. You've got 'till the count of three to bring Mokuba out here. "
" I'll make a deal with you, Kaiba. " Pegasus said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, " I am about to start my latest Duel Monsters tournament. If you win, I'll spill Mokuba's secret. "
" Secret my ass! " Seto rose from his chair and crossed the room in a matter of seconds, grabbing the front of Pegasus' shirt, and shaking him violently. Pegasus snapped his fingers and two guards stepped out of the shadows, pulling Seto off of him. " You will pay, Pegasus. "
" I honestly don't have him, Kaiba. " Pegasus repeated, his tone reeking of false sincerity. Seto clenched his teeth, his gray eyes looking like a pair of storm clouds. " Win the tournament, Kaiba. Then we'll talk. Gentlemen, please show our guest out. "
Seto wanted to protest but knew better. This was the only opportunity that Pegasus would give him, and he knew that there was a catch somewhere within it. He only regretted that he could not apologize to Angel. She had no idea what was happening, and it wasn't her fault that she was so naive. That must be why Pegasus wanted her. She was cute and all, with that wealth of red hair and flashing blue eyes, but she was clearly under Pegasus' power. Pity.
The guards left him at the edge of the castle property and he walked back to his helicopter, unable to shake the thoughts he was having about her. Pegasus didn't even treat her properly. She deserved things: clothes, jewels, attention. He certainly shouldn't have had her sitting there when he knew there was going to be trouble. He couldn't really like her very much, either. His eyes didn't light up when he looked at her, his voice didn't take on a different tone. It was unjust.
What foolishness. He had to focus on saving Mokuba. He did not know exactly what kind of trouble his little brother had gotten himself into this time, but as usual Seto had to get him out of it. Then again, he could try and save Angel along the way. Shaking his head, he got into the helicopter and buckled his seat belt. If there was going to be a tournament, he had to warn Yugi.
*+*+*
Yugi stared at the letter, his brow crinkling with concentration. What was Pegasus up to this time? If he thought he was going to get another shot at Yugi's piece of the millennium puzzle, he was wrong. Things had been quiet since he last competed at the Duelist Kingdom to rescue Grandpa. Far too quiet. Could it really be because Pegasus had been planning another trap? Yugi wondered if any of the other duelists from the last tournament had received an invitation.
Suddenly blinding lights began to glitter on the front lawn of his home and the sound of metal blades slicing through the air assailed his ears. Glancing through the window his mouth dropped open. Kaiba's helicopter was in the front yard. Dropping the letter on the kitchen table, he went outside to greet his old friend.
" Hello, Yugi. " Kaiba said, stepping out of the helicopter. As usual, he was dressed in his long blue business coat and a matching pair of dress pants. His black leather boots shone with a fresh coat of polish. Kaiba would always be a show off.
" Hey, Kaiba. What brings you this way? " Yugi asked, once again glancing up at the helicopter.
" Have you heard anything about a new Duel Monsters tournament? " Kaiba crossed his arms across his chest and frowned slightly when Yugi nodded. " Tell me everything. "
" Well, I got a letter this morning, from Pegasus - "
" A letter? " Kaiba ran his fingers through his hair as he listened.
" - Yes, a letter. I am suppose to go to pier 94 tomorrow morning to catch the boat that will take me to the Duelist Kingdom. "
" No way, Yugi. Last time you took Pegasus' boat, you lost Exodia. " Kaiba punched his fist into the palm of his other hand, only then noticing Yugi's look of confusion. " Joey told me. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that if you and your friends want I will send helicopters to take you to the Duelist Kingdom. "
" So you were invited, too? "
" Yes. " Kaiba's expression darkened as he continued to speak, " I fear it gets worse, Yugi. He has Mokuba again. "
" What? Oh, no! Grandpa… "
" C'mon, let's get in there. "
Yugi led Kaiba into his house, but everything looked the same. It was so strange that Pegasus had sent a letter. It was harmless. Could he really plan on holding an honorable contest? Yugi couldn't help feeling that something was very out of place. " Grandpa? "
" Hello, Yugi … and … Oh. " Grandpa took a tighter hold of the deck of cards in his hand as he looked at Kaiba. " What do you want from us this time? "
Kaiba laughed, " Did you know Yugi got an invitation to another Duel Monsters competition, Mr. Moto? "
" Oh dear… "
" Don't worry, we are going to work together this time. We'll get to the bottom of whatever Pegasus is planning. "
" You got one, too? " Joey hurried over to Grandpa's rocking chair, waving his invite in the air. " What's this all about? "
" Pegasus has Kaiba's little brother. "
" Mokuba. "
" Yeah? Well, you're not the only one who has a sibling missing. " Joey clenched his teeth, " He has Serenity, too. "
" This is bad, guys. Really bad. " Kaiba shoved his hands in his pockets and continued to stare off into space. " As soon as you two are ready, meet me outside. I'll signal for another chopper to pick up Taya, Bakura and Tristan. "
Yugi nodded in response to Kaiba's words, but his mind was really far away. Would Grandpa be safe? Looking at Joey his mind was made, no more Mr. nice guy. Pegasus was going down.
*+*+*
" You want me to duel? You've got to be kidding! " Angel had been getting a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach ever since Kaiba's visit, and now it was being proven right.
" Exactly, Sweet. " Max said, continuing to work on the toon he was sketching as he spoke, " It will be good for you. "
" No way, Max. I won't do it. " Her fingers pressing hard into the fabric covering her chair she continued to stare into the fire crackling in front of them.
" I'm not asking you; I'm telling you. " The way that Max was speaking, as if the matter was settled, made Angel scowl. " After all I've done for you, how dare you grumble about this? Perhaps I should have left you where I found you. "
" That was uncalled for, Max. " Angel rose from her chair, the book she had been reading in her hand.
" Where do you think you're going? " Max asked, grabbing her wrist.
Angel pulled her arm out of his grasp. " Away from you. "
She did not need a light to make her way through the passages of the castle, and soon she was in her chambers. Sitting down on her bed, she pulled an old weather worn box out from underneath it. Eve's cards pictures of her family, and the family heirlooms. These were her greatest treasures. She hadn't even shown them to Max. The earrings were believed to hold Isis and Osirus, the Lovers spirits from the millennium puzzle.
Pulling the cards out of the black silk scarf they were covered with, she flipped through them. Such wonderful memories. She and Eve had been two of the best, in their day. And their old favorites were all still here. Tripple Goddess, The Lovers, even her Judgement of Paris. Maybe Max had a point. She had been one of the best, she could do well in his little contest. Maybe she could use this tournament to find out of he really loved her. 'Cause if he didn't, she was outta here. She'd had enough of his mind games.
Setting the cards down next to her current deck, she then reached for the earring that was said to hold Isis, and clipped it onto her right ear. A tingly warmth spread though her body and a soft voice echoed through her head. " Hello, Angelica. "