THE DESCENT OF LOST SOULS

Chapter Three: Meeting a Favor

To the Reader

Chapter has references on the following topics: death and drinking

It was now the present. Yugi and Jonouchi left yesterday for Domino City.

Tonight, Emrys is packing for her early morning trip tomorrow to begin her quest.

Emrys' Point of View

I just hung up the phone with my love. So far, their trip back to Domino City was safe and uneventful.

Grandpa was so nice. He said "yes" to my request for him to be one of the executors of my will just in case something happened to me on my trip. He was very discreet over the phone, being able to talk with me about it and not giving Yugi a hint as to what the conversation was all about.

After all, I asked Grandpa not to tell Yugi anything until the unfortunate does happen.

I just wished I did not sustain these injuries since these would hamper me during my fieldwork. I guess that I had to make the best of what I have or could do. What was important was that I would be going. There could be no better time than now. I could not wait to find what I needed in this venture so that I could finally return to Domino City.

"Alexa?" a gentle voice called from outside the bedroom door.

Smiling upon recognizing the voice, I replied, "Come in, Nana!"

In her usual shy but maternal way, Nana May opened the door. "Your telephone, my child. Mister Kaiba wants to speak with you."

I scratched my head and thought, "Poor woman. Why did Nana May climb all the way up here to give me the telephone?" After moments of pondering, I slapped my hand against my forehead and mused, "Oh, Emrys, you dingbat. You left your telephone in the parlor again."

Sheepishly, I took my phone from her. "Thanks, Nana May. You're an angel."

Nana May smiled and closed the door behind her.

I could not help but momentarily think about Nana May. She had been the governess of this household since I was a baby. Bless that wonderful woman's soul. If it were not for her looking out for me all these years especially during those crucial times, I probably would have not reached fourteen...

Oh my golly, the phone...

Kaiba's Point-of-View

I just remembered that she would be flying back here in the United States. I knew that she was not coming here to visit either Mokuba or me since we were returning to Domino City tomorrow morning. I was curious to know why she wanted to come back here especially after her accident.

We had that big talk in this very balcony. Come to think of it, this was almost the same time as we last talked in person. Ever since she left, I could not stop thinking about her. I fumed over the fact that she chose Yugi over me, but I respected her honesty. As we have agreed upon that night, we would stay friends no matter how complicated it might be. More importantly, I know that I have a place in her heart which was more than friendship or sibling love - a fact that she did not hide from anyone. I kept quiet about it, but I took note and have been grateful of how she stood up for my importance in her life. Mokuba was just happy - sure, he liked Yugi but Emrys' feelings about me gave him a good amount of hope for the future.

What surprised me, though, was that Yugi knew and understood Emrys' feelings. We had briefly talked about it at the hallway. Actually, he did most of the talking. As hard as it was for me to admit it, I have more respect for him as a duelist as time went by.

Of course, I would not even dare show him my respect or appreciation. After all, we were still rivals….

This was the way that our paths were destined to be. Our paths were meant to always cross – with one battling to gain headway and the other denying passage or victory.

So after everything was said and done, Emrys and I were still friends and became closer after the events here in New York. Although we knew that all we could be were friends, it was good to know that we both have strong feelings for each other.

After our conversation in this balcony, Emrys and I were far more comfortable with each other. First, I did not have to watch what I had to say around her. I also knew that she would first ask me why I reacted a certain way, rather than making a judgment or assumption.

Secondly, Emrys teased me more often nowadays. Whenever she did that, I did not get upset because her ribbing had truth in it: my volatile temper, the workaholic habits, and the calculating approach that I took in life. I, on the other hand, did not tease back…. Well, let me strike that last statement since I did call her a brat numerous times. I also gave her a hard time about her having a 'Nana' or a babysitter at her age.

Speaking of brats, she finally came on the line. "Hey! How are you and Mokuba doing?"

"We're both doing fine. How are you doing?"

I heard a stifled groan from the other line. She must have pulled a muscle somewhere. Seconds later, she said, "I'm still healing."

While looking at the night sky, I asked her, "I heard you're coming back here in the United States. Is it true?"

"Yes, it is. I'm flying there tomorrow morning. I'm going to visit Pegasus."

My jaw dropped. "Pegasus? You're going to see Pegasus? Why?"

Responding nonchalantly, she said, "It has something to do with an archaeological research I'm conducting."

"Don't trust him," I commented. I hope that she would listen to me and not be as stubborn as I normally am – for her own sake.

"Yugi and Jonouchi already warned me about him. I'll be cautious. I promise."

After gauging that she would do her best to be careful, I changed gears and said, "Mokuba and I are returning to Domino City tonight. I just wanted know how you're doing before we leave."

With reassurance in her voice, she stated, "As soon as I'm done with my research, I'll visit Domino City. We need to get together again, just like we did last time at the mansion."

"Sounds like a plan... But I'd like something more quiet...just Mokuba, you, and me. Let's do that before we do a get-together with the others."

"Sure, that sounds great!" she said without any hesitation.

"That's good. I'm sure Mokuba will be happy about that."

After a short pause on the other line, she then asked, "Speaking of Mokuba...is he there?"

I looked around...

Ah, why was I not surprised?

I just smirked as I saw Mokuba standing just a few feet behind me with his innocent gray eyes gazing at me. I guess he now knew that I was talking with her. "He's right here..."

Mokuba's Point-of-View

It was cool to hear from Emrys. I was standing behind Ni-sama all that time as I gave him my "I want to talk with her, too" look. Just like always, its charm worked every time.

"Hi! We miss you a lot!"

"So do I, kiddo... So do I."

Even though Ni-sama has been great, it was nice to have a big sister around. I was still bummed over the fact that she chose Yugi over Ni-sama although Yugi also has my respect.

She then asked me, "Have you guys been doing any fun stuff lately?"

Fun? Oh yeah, I had a lot to mention. While rubbing the tip of my nose with my finger, I replied, "Movies, dinner out, the amusement parks, museums. Ni-sama said that we would continue our vacation when we get home."

I then remembered something. I just had to ask her. "Is it true that you're an archaeologist?"

She quietly confirmed, "I was an archaeologist. Not anymore..not actively, at least."

Aha! Maybe we could do something fun about this. "Next time we see each other, may we all go to a museum and you can tell us what we see?"

Chuckling on the other side of the line, she said, "That's what the museum guides are for..."

Oh, no! I was not going to give up that easily. "I know, but you won't be boring like them. Okay? You promise?"After a couple of seconds, she replied, "You've got yourself a deal. We'll do it once I return to Domino City."

Yes! She was really going to do it for me!

I then quickly gave the telephone back to Ni-sama. I was just so excited! I could not wait the next time that we see each other

General Point-of-View

Kaiba grabbed the receiver and told Emrys with a smirk on his face, "You know that he'll hold you up to that promise you just gave him."

With a light-hearted tone, she replied, "I just couldn't say 'no' to him..."

Touched by how much she cared for Mokuba, he then murmured after moments of silence, "Thanks."

Slightly surprised, she sat on her bed and leaned against the headboard while asking, "Thanks? For what?"

"For being sweet with Mokuba."

Her voice radiated her light smile. "You don't have to thank me. Both of you are family. You know that..."

Feeling that his emotions were about to cave in, he said as he kept an even tone, "You're still packing, so I'll let you go. Just take care."

As she also tried to control her own feelings, she replied while hiding her sadness, "The same goes to both of you. Have a safe trip."

"We'll see each other when you get back?"

Reassuringly, she responded, "We will..."

Day One of the Quest

The first stop: United States

Purpose: To meet with Pegasus J. Crawford

Pegasus sat in his posh office at Industrial Illusions, San Francisco. He wore his black turtleneck and gray wool suit while his long platinum hair covered the left side of his face.

There was still thirty minutes left before his appointment arrives.

Pegasus J. Crawford's Point-of-View

The best comic book, the finest wine, and the most delectable cheese - the three best combinations for making a good day!

Well, what could beat this very moment was the outcome of this meeting with Alexandra Emrys. I heard so much about the young lady - not just from Professor Arthur Hopkins but also from the media coverage.

I just wondered why she chose to dabble into entertainment instead of archaeology. Maybe her decision had something to do with Dylan and Ariadne's untimely deaths. If that was the case, then I could not blame her for feeling so distraught. The last time that I saw her was when she was nine - the day her parents were buried in England. She probably did not remember seeing me there. The poor child just stood there while her parents' caskets were lowered to the ground.

Death was always cruel to the people who were left behind to grieve. I was exactly the same way when Cynthia passed away. Everything was a haze and all I could do was stare at the people who offered their condolences. When I was left alone, that was when I truly cried...not wanting to let her go, not wishing to live life without her, not giving up on finding a way to get her back.

Hmmm... A knock at my door? Why, I still have a good fifteen minutes left. Could it be?

"Come in!" I said as I closed my comic book.

Croquet came in and announced, "Master Pegasus, Alexandra Emrys is here to see you."

"Send her in." I replied.

Croquet swung the door open, motioned my visitor to come in, and closed the door to give us privacy.

Alexandra Emrys quietly came in. She wore a tasteful navy blue skirt suit, a simple silk shell, silver-toned pearls, and matching two-inch pumps. Her hair was in an up-sweep.

My, how time flew so quickly…

Based on the magazine articles, Alexandra was now sixteen years old. She was still young but she was no longer the same child I saw seven years ago in England. She was not the flashy pop icon that I stereotypically perceived her to be. For a minute, I thought Ariadne rose from the grave and was the one who stepped in my office - not her daughter.

The young woman approached my desk, extended a handshake, and said, "I'm pleased to meet you, Mister Crawford."

I stood up and shook her hand. "Ah, you've made quite a name for yourself. Please sit down..."

She then sat down and her hazel brown eyes were attentively fixed towards me.

I cleared my throat. "Professor Hopkins calls you Alexa. Should I be bold and call you by that name, too?"

Faintly smiling, she replied, "It doesn't matter."

"Fine. Alexa it is..."

As she leaned back, she coolly said, "I know you're busy, so I'll make it brief."

I anticipated this reaction from her. "Well, I blocked the whole day for our meeting. Use all the time that you need."

That forehead of hers crinkled as her hazel eyes probed deeper into mine. "Why did you?"

Now it was my turn to lean back against my chair. "I need the same from you - information. Since you're my guest and you were the one who asked to meet, you go first."

Without a moment's hesitation, she said, "I would like to know more about the Millennium Eye."

The Eye. I tried my best to keep that away from my thoughts since it was stolen from me. I could not deny that her question startled me. So I asked her, "Why do you want to know more about the Eye?"

"Research," she quietly replied.

That was too simple of an answer.

I then stood up from my chair and then walked towards the window to open the blinds. "I believe your question lies beyond the call of academia. I won't withhold any information from you. You need to be candid with me as much as I need to be forthright with you."

Minutes' worth of silence later, she relented and responded, "I'm following clues that my parents left behind. Since these clues tie in with the Millennium Items, I want to contact everyone who could tell me more about them. I prefer to speak with the ones who have held one and experienced its power. Since you were one of them, I'm here to find out more about the Eye."

So I pointed at an upward angle behind my desk, asking her, "Do you see the framed paintings behind my desk?"

With her eyes transfixed on the framed oil portraits behind me, she said with a half-smile, "Yes, I do."

I could feel the sadness flooding back deep inside me. "The picture on the left was my fiancée, Cynthia. She was the love of my life. Her untimely death was the beginning of everything, including how I got the Millennium Eye. The picture on the right is Shadi. He is the man who tested me before he gave me the Eye."

Her eyes widened as she heard the second name I just mentioned. With a tone of amazement, she uttered, "So that's Shadi."

I sat back in my chair. "The Eye grants the holder power to read a person's thoughts. Similar to the other six Millennium Items, the Eye allows the holder to send souls to the Shadow Realm."

She remarked, "That's what you did to Kaiba, Grandpa, and Mokuba. You sent them to the Shadow Realm."

I then looked at Cynthia's portrait, explaining, "For each soul trapped by the Item, the holder becomes more powerful. I've done a lot of harm, but I only did it to get her back. I approached your parents for help. Through the information they gave me, I ended up in Egypt. That's where I met Shadi and got the Eye."

One of her eyebrows rose since I probably touched a question in her mind. "Is it true that you gave up your left eye to get the Millennium Item?"

I sadly and affirmatively nodded my head. "I'd do almost anything to get her back. I don't even have the Eye anymore..."

Complete candor was what I promised earlier. I just had to show her that I was telling the truth.

I swept the hair that covered the left part of my face. I revealed to her the remnants of that fateful day. I saw how her eyes widened in shock. I was not sure on whether her stunned reaction came from my fake eye that now sat in place of the Millennium Item,or the semi-warped flesh that surrounded it.

"Who did this to you?" she asked while holding back her breath in shock.

Letting my long hair fall back in its place, I murmured, "I don't know."

She grimly said, "I'm sorry…."

After a few moments of silence between us, I then inquired, "Now, did I fully satisfy your curiosity?"

A tightlipped and even-toned Alexa said, "You did, for now..."

I leaned forward and then propped my elbows on the desk. "Now I have to ask you a question. The clues you are pursuing right now, do they have something to do with Professor Hopkins' discovery of the petroglyphs?"

She nodded. "The petroglyphs prove that there were ancient ties between Atlantis and Egypt. The clues point out that although the Egyptians created duel monsters, the knowledge to do so came from the Atlanteans."

"So where are you going next?"

Leaning further back on the chair, she said, "I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Egypt. Eventually, I will go to Thera."

"You wish to seek out the other Millennium Item holders?"

Quietly, she responded, "Yes."

Without batting an eyelash, I told her, "I would like to ask for your help. I hope that you would say yes."

She chuckled as she shook her head. "Mr. Crawford -"

"Pegasus..." I quietly corrected her.

Momentarily closing her eyes to regain her composure, she opened them again and gazed at me. "Pegasus, I've been out of the archaeology business for two years now. I don't think I'd be much help. The extent of my help was already exhausted when Uncle Arthur shared his information with you."

"You completely misunderstood what I want. I would like to come with you on this trip. I can help you find Shadi and Isis Ishtar - both Millennium Item holders. I would also like to accompany you at Thera."

Her mood throughout the entire conversation was fine until she heard the word "Thera." After that, she snapped like a brittle twig and blurted out, "That's totally out of the question! I have to go alone!"

I glanced at her to let her know that I would not take "no" for an answer. Why should I?

She stared at me with those hazel eyes for a good two minutes. Breaking the ice of silence between us, she intently said, "Give me one good reason why I should let you come with me, moreover, trust you..."

Pointing at my painting of Cynthia, I earnestly replied, "She's my reason."

Although a hint of mild empathy seeped through her voice, she asked, "How about accepting the fact that she's gone? Don't you know that you're depriving her of spiritual peace by not letting her go?"

I retorted, "Have you let the memory of your parents go? Have you finally come to terms that they're gone? Do you now live day by day without wishing that they were standing before you - alive and well? Are you not torn apart inside for not being able to stop it, or save them?"

Her expression immediately and immensely saddened.

I really hit her where it hurt her the most. I felt awful that I had to do that to someone - especially to my friends' daughter. However, desperate times called for desperate measures.

After the moment of silence that transpired between us, she silently glared at me and firmly said, "All right, Pegasus. We're teaming up on this trip. However, once I'm ready to go to Thera, we will part ways. Do we have an agreement?"

I slightly bowed my head and gratefully looked at her. "Agreed."

At last, another way to get my Cynthia back from the grave! What a feeling of exhilaration! Another chance! Another precious chance to recover what was previously lost. After all, I had nothing to lose - I already lost everything on the day that she left this earthly plane.

Wait for me, my love, I would get you back – one way or another...

End of Chapter Three

Author's Side Note

In the Japanese anime, Maximillion Pegasus is Pegasus J. Crawford; and his fiancée's name is Cynthia - which when the subtitling was done, the subtitlers translated her name as Cyndia. I used the anime's version of Pegasus and Cynthia being engaged when she died, rather than the dub's version of them being married. So I am sticking with Pegasus J. Crawford and Cynthia for this as well as the fact that they were engaged rather than married from all the Lost Souls story arcs.

Okey dokey, so Pegasus wants to join Emrys on her archaeological trip? What will happen next? Will they be able to find what they are respectively looking for?

To find out the answer to these questions, stay tuned as the next and subsequent chapters get posted.

To also get a better background, read Encounter of Lost Souls then Parting of Lost Souls (if you have not read either or both yet). To find out more as to how Emrys' parents die at Thera, read There Will Come Soft Rain (a one-chapter fan fiction).

Normal Disclaimer

Yu-Gi-Oh is the copyrighted property of Kazuki Takahashi. Alexandra Emrys, Yoshiko, Detective Garson, other original characters, and this fan fiction are the properties of the author. This fan fiction is written for entertainment purposes only, thereby releasing the author from any and all liabilities.