Kaiba stood stock still, absorbing the new information that his little brother was missing. Granted, he was still angry at him for being so friendly with Yugi the other day when he specifically been told not to be, but the shock that Mokuba had been kidnapped with no leads, no trace, made him feel numb inside. Shaking his head to clear the fog, he began heading out of Yugi's hospital room without a goodbye, his pace purposeful.
"Kaiba…….I want to help."
The tall figure halted and the ice blue eyes fixed glaringly at the smaller boy.
Yugi ignored the glare, knowing the was his duty to Mokuba, at least. "Mokuba is my friend, and if he's missing I-I….want to help with the search." He said firmly.
"Forget it, Yugi. And he is not your friend, either." Kaiba argued, the BEWD Yugi had given him was burning a hole in his pocket, the one he wanted from him. And now it was over.
"Kaiba!" Yugi yelled after him so loud and heart-wrenching that he stopped and turned. Down the hall, Tea heard Yugi's yell as she was coming to visit him. She had brought Joey along, saying to him to Yugi wanted to thank him for saving his life. It was very early morning, maybe six or so, and she was pleasantly surprised that he'd agreed to come again. "That sound like Yugi!" she said, hurrying down to hall to him.
"You need my help. Two heads are better than one. After this, I will never bother you two again," Yugi was promising. "I just want to be sure he is safe."
"Humph. Your sappiness will be your downfall, Yugi, " Kaiba grunted.He was surprised the he was still willing to help. "Fine, do whatever you want," he muttered at him finally. "But I don't owe you anything. I warned you already this might be dangerous."
"I don't care." At that Yugi meant it, too. "You two are brothers, and brothers should stick together."
Kaiba was shocked. Tea came running in, ignoring him.
"What happened?" she asked, looking at Yugi.
"My friend…..Mokuba is missing," he explained. A long pause.
"I-I'm so sorry," Tea murmured. "You have to look for him."
"He's not your friend!" Kaiba shouted, coming out of his shock. Now, it's time for action, he thought, rushing down the hall to the outdoors. "Yugi......do whatever you want!"
"Hey, watch where ya goin!" Joey was yelling, nearly knocked. Of course he didn't get an apology back. "Damn him," he muttered, coming in the room. "Hey. How're ya feeling?"
"Terrible," Yugi said honestly. "I wanted to thank you for what you did yesterday. Saving my life thing. You should get a medal for it." he said with a smile.
"Aw no prob," Joey said with exaggerated modesty, scuffing his toe. "So why was Mr. Happy so unhappy than usual?" he asked, referring to Kaiba.
Tea explained, while Yugi thought. If Kaiba had survived the explosion, Mokie must've too! Right?! But what if he didn't? what if he's hurt or in pain? Worries piled in. I got to stay positive!
He thought and pondered, with no avail to who would want to kidnap Mokie. His two friends said that although Kaiba was well hated around Domino, Mokuba was pretty popular. So it probably was one of Kaiba's enemies that kidnapped him. Just thinking of that, made Yugi feel angry.
All he wants is power, he doesn't really care if his brother's welfare's at stake! He was too busy torturing me when Mokie got taken. And now…it's hopeless. Who could done it?
"Hello?" a soft voice that seemed to bound around the silent room sounded. They looked up. A tall, thin young woman was raven black hair and exotic shaped eyes walked in. Tea saw Joey's jaw drop to the floor at the sight of her and she smacked him on the shoulder. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Um, I think you're in the wrong room," Yugi said tentatively.
The woman smiled at the sight of his wild, spiky hair and wide purple eyes. "No I'm not. My name is Isis." Her smiled faded as her turquoise eyes fell on the millenium puzzle. "You're …Yugi Moto?"
"Er….yes. What c'n I do for you?"
"I know where your friend Mokuba is."
%%%%%%%%%
A few hours later, Yugi was up and dressed, having invited the stranger to his home. They were all in the kitchen, talking and having lunch. Yugi felt instinctively he could trust this woman, her eyes were big and haunted and told a thousand woes. Just like mine are probably…… Tea was exclaiming, "You mean….your brother kidnapped Mokuba?!"
Isis sighed and folded her hands neatly in front of her untouched cinnamon bun. "The one called Kaiba, he is…….sort of a rival to my brother. For a while now, my brother---Marik, that's his name--- has been challenging him to a duel----"
"You mean Duel Monsters?!" Yugi said, his eyes wide in shock.
"Yes." Isis looked away, her troubles eyes half closed, the necklace at her throat glittering, as she recalled. That Necklace looks like mine, Yugi thought, touching the puzzle that was still around his neck. "Yes, Yugi. Your item is one of seven called the Millennium Items, as is mine," Isis said as she noticed his eyes fixed on it.
"Millenium Items, Millenium schmitems," Joey said, weirded out by the conversation.
Isis fixed her blue-green eyes on him. "You are just like Kaiba. He doesn't believe what I say about them, either." Joey started choking on his cinnamon bun at being compared to his worst enemy, and Tea had to smack him (a little too hard) on the back. Isis went on calmly, "Anyway, these items are said to be passed on to the destined, along with their dark powers."
"D-dark powers," Yugi echoed, his eyes unfocused and far away, remembering their duel. Tea gave him a strange look.
"Are you saying Yugi had some sort of a connection to the past?" she asked the woman, who nodded while the others stared at her.
"Very perceptive, Tea." Isis nodded in answer. "My brother Marik has a Millenium Item too, called the Millenium Rod."
"He has one too?!" Yugi gasped. Even Joey stopped in mid chew.
"It is very powerful. It allows him to control people's minds, like a puppet-master. Only those with other Millenium Items are immune to its magic." Isis stated, studying her laced fingers. She looked at each of the boy's friends. "That's why Yugi need to be alone in this quest. He may very well use you two against him."
"But…..if that's true, then why doesn't Marik just control Kaiba's mind and make him duel against him?" Tea wondered aloud.
Isis paused and said solmenly, "Kaiba was the original holder of my brother's Millenium Rod. So he is immune, also." She nodded at the shocked faces around her in the tiny kitchen. "Kaiba has a past self." Her eyes seemed to bore right into Yugi's skull. "As do you, am I not correct, Yugi?"
/Aibou. Let me talk to her./
Yugi's mind was whirling with questions. Okay, he told the spirit, numbly.
"I have told Kaiba all this, and even though he didn't listen to half of what I said, he's on his way to Egypt to meet with my brother, where he is hiding." Isis was saying, and did not notice the change in Yugi at first. "……" A smile delighted her face at the Ancient One who saved the world thousands of years ago. "……Pharaoh."
"Nani?!" Tea and Joey spat, jaw dropping. "What?! Did. You. Call. Him!"
Yam watched while the young woman knelt to him in respect. "Tell me…..more about these Millenium Items," he rumbled in his deep voice, ruby eyes fixed on hers as she got up again. "Was--" He halted. Somehow, being called "pharaoh" seemed right to him.
Isis's eyes were wide and she covered her mouth, surprised. He must have forgotten his memories are erased! She thought. It was shocking, but she recovered quickly and collected herself.
"My pharaoh, I'm afraid I do not know much. The ancient scriptures have no record of your real name, only that you possessed the Millenium Puzzle in the past, like you do now. Ancient Egyptians believe that fate happened over and over again; the past is repeating itself. Hopefully, you will remember."
Yami was silent. Tea thought, it's that weird guy me and Joey saw earlier, recalling when Yugi had first solved it. "Are you saying that this guy is some sort of ancient spirit inside of Yugi?" she asked Isis.
Isis nodded. "It seems so." She studied the spirit a while longer, then said, "But we are wasting time here. We need to fly to Egypt, where it all started, to get your little friend back. Kaiba is going to need help. And lots of it."
"Mental help," Joey muttered, following them as they crowded out the door.
%%%%%%%
"Guys, I'm sorry, but I need for you to stay," Yugi was saying, as they were following him down the airstrip. "This could be dangerous, and it'll kill me if something happened to you guys too."
"D-dangerous?" Joey fidgeted nervously.
Tea smacked him again. "No, Yugi, I wanna come with you. I'll worry myself sick."
Yugi felt a bit shy, as he scuffed his toe on the asphalt, the wind blowing his messy hair that way and that. Meanwhile, Tea's hair always fell back into place, neatly. "You guys have to stay and keep grandpa company. He'll be lonely," he insisted. "I insist. I'll be back before you know it."
Reluctantly, they waved goodbye as Yugi and Isis boarded the Kaiba Corp plane. Isis had finally convinced Kaiba (after two hours) that they would do him good to find his little brother. So although grumpily, he'd agreed. "Don't turn yer back to that Kaiba guy!" Joey yelled as the doors shut, making Yugi smile.
"I know it must be overwhelming and unclear," Isis said beside him, looking very modest yet alluring in a long white dress. She looked very comfortable in the expensive plush leather seats, but Yugi felt out of place. "The thing is to keep a cool head."
"Um, thanks," Yugi murmured. "Isis, uh….try not to take Kaiba's insults too personally. It's best you don't try to, uh…." He faltered.
"Irritate him too much?" Isis smiled. "Don't worry, I have two eyes, Yugi." She was proud of the way he took her news open-minded, unlike a certain CEO. "I won't say a word to him, only to you, if you want me." They both knew Kaiba was agitated and under pressure. One slip, and he'd lash out, possibly dump them in the ocean. They both knew this.
When Kaiba did come out, while they were in the air, he didn't look pressured or agitated. His face was the usual expressionless façade, in the corner with his legs crossed, staring out the window in silence.
Meanwhile, Yami thought the new bit of news over in the dark labyrinth of his soul room. Does Isis mean that this Marik is the evil I have to defeat? Then what happens? I go back to my ancient past.....maybe? He suspected that Yugi was still cross with him about what had happened earlier. / Yugi, I promise you, we'll get your friend back./ he said mentally.
Yugi shifted his weight. I hope Tea's taking good notes for me in class, he was thinking. She's so nice. And pretty…..
Yami sighed. His aibou was still ignoring him. I suppose I'll have to find about myself myself.....
"Yugi, one bit of news," Isis said, touching his chair to get his attention. "If…you manage to get your friend back, you must stay in Egypt for a while."
Yugi swallowed painfully. "Why?"
"For the spirit that resides in you." She said simply. "Can I ask you a question? Who gave you the puzzle? Your parents?" She knew the answer, of course.
"No….my parents died when I was a baby," he murmured, surprised it was so easy to talk about.
"In Egypt. Correct?"
"Um…..yeah, it's true! How'd you know??" He stared in disbelief.
"Your parents found it in the pharaoh's tomb. And your grandpa passed it on to you."
"All right, that's enough," Kaiba said irritably, from his corner. " 'Pharaohs?' ' Tombs?' Are you two in here for Mokuba, or aren't you?!"
"Yeah." Yugi said, frowning. "And we'll get him back." Inside, Yami bristled at how casual Kaiba spoke of his past.
"We won't if your heads are in the clouds," Kaiba snapped. "But I agree. And I don't want you whining, Isis, when your insane brother is in carceration for kidnapping." He added threateningly
Isis bristled, her lovely eyes glaring at the tall CEO. "We'll see about that," she murmured under her breath. She couldn't predict the outcome with her Millenium necklace because it didn't work on other Millenium Items holders. "And you will see the truth, Seto Kaiba," she said a little louder. "In time!"
Yugi winced as he saw Kaiba's face contort in anger. He expected a retort but instead, Kaiba just glared and resumed staring out the window. He ran his hand around the puzzle, and murmured softly a kind remark, "It was nice of you to let us go on your plane, Kaiba."
He ignored him. Then he said, "Whatever. And nice friends you got there Yugi. Loudmouth girl and mop head Wheeler."
Yugi was angry at Kaiba's scorn. "His name isn't mop head, it's Joey!"
Kaiba sneered. "Like that old dog of yours?!" referring to Joel.
"Huh? You remember him?" Yugi was so astounded, his voice was soft. He'd assumed that Kaiba had banished all memories of their time in the orphanage. He saw him hesitate, caught.
"Of course not. Anyway, I'm going to see what's the holdup already." Kaiba got up and disappeared through a door with a curtain.
Isis turned questioning eyes at Yugi. "You knew him?"
"Used to." Yugi said and that was final.
%%%%%%%%
As there plane touched down on Cairo International Airport, Yugi felt a sense of foreboding, for this was the place his parents died. If not for this place, he would've grown up with healthy, happy parents, not in an orphanage. Briskly, they checked in the nearest hotel, Isis speaking their native language to help. Kaiba turned to her. "Well, genius? Where is that sorry brother of yours hiding? And you better not even think about double crossing me….." He let the threat dangle in mid air.
"Why would I do that?" Isis stepped forward, her long dress trailing behind her in the wind. "Follow me, gentlemen."
She led them to a camel rental. "You have got to be kidding," Kaiba said, an for a moment Yugi was transported back.
"I'm sorry," Isis said with a touch in insincerity, "But Corvettes don't ride well in quicksand."
"Q-quicksand?!" Yugi stammered.
"Humph. You two can play horse, while I'll buy a motorcycle." He sauntered off [a/n: 'play horse..' XD] Yugi sweatdropped, partly because of what he said and from the sweltering heat. He was dying in the heavy cloth of his blue uniform.
Meanwhile, Isis looked cool, as the headdress she wore covered her arms from burning yet the light cloth allowed breeze in. She shook her head solemnly as she paid for two camel rentals. "Maybe he might be faster on his motorcycle, " she murmured, "but he doesn't know where by brother's lair is." She smiled suddenly. "I don't think we should tell him, should we."
Yugi nodded, wondering where this all would lead.
%%%%%%%%%
The camels were harder to handle than what he'd expected. Yugi kept gripping his legs around the thing, but he just kept sliding off even worse. "Maybe you should let the pharaoh ride," suggested Isis with a gentle smile.
Groaning, he climbed up again. / Do. You. Know. How. To ride this thing?! /
/ I don't know, If I tried, I don't remember,/ Yami said honestly.
/ergh. Just ride it. / There was a flash.
Isis was pleased that the pharaoh rode like a pro. She liked the little kid, but this way they'd make better time. "Follow me, my pharaoh," She kicked her camel into a gallop.
Imitating her, he kicked and the camel gave a loud grunt, but start tearing after her. "Whoa, boy, " he muttered, squinting against the wind to see better. The land was of sand and sky. It felt so familiar. What she said it must be true then!
He followed the trailing white material to a large tan brown pillar, almost invisible against the sand. Yami felt a sense of dread as she dismounted and knelt beside it, and a trap door rolled open in the ground. It's just because of her evil brother's presence….. But Isis knew why he had a stricken look on his face. This was his tomb, after all.
"Follow me, pharaoh," she said softly, descending the steps. He followed suit, eyes adjusting in the darkness. The were small, empty room that looked like they hadn't been used in a while, and Isis took up a torch, lit it, and used it as light. She paused, trying to use her Millenium powers to detect where her brother was at, but it was impossible, since the Millenium Rod protected him. Suddenly, grabbing hands grappled her, and she let out a scream in more surprise than fear. The torch fell, but didn't go out.
"Isis!" Yami called out, turning. She was nowhere in sight, just the light from the fallen torch. He picked it up, and just as he did, multiple torches were suddenly lit, bathing the newly discovered rather large room in soft, haunting light. People in black cloaks were chanting as if in trances in ancient tongue, "kali dit skarah Marik…."
At the name Yami, turned, eyes narrowed, at the figure sitting on a throne, a long gold object sited at the handrest. He had electric lavender eyes with pinpointed pupils, platinum blond hair and a deep tan. Isis sat slumped at his feet, unmoving and unconscious.
"See, even my sister bows down to my greatness," he said, pointing a long bony finger at Yami, sneering with hate. "As will you!"
"In your dreams," Yami said in his authoritative voice automatically, tossing the torch over his head where it landed neatly on a brass bowl of sand, end sticking out. He put his hand to his hips, glaring. "I challenge you to a duel, Marik. If I win, you must give up your sister and the little boy, Mokuba."
The figure of Marik stood up slowly, looking him over. "What does the boy matter to you? He is another issue."
"Wrong!" a voice said from behind him. Kaiba stood in a doorway, glaring daggers at his brother's kidnapper. "After I crush you in a duel a lowlife amateur like you forced me into, you'll spend your life in an orange jumpsuit. Got that, Ishtar?!" he yelled, calling him by his last name.
"Well, well. It seems you've got it all figured out, don't you." Marik sneered at his Millenium Rod rival. "How about I take the both of you on, at the same time?" he suggested, getting up, long black folds of his cloak swimming around him, a cocky smirk about his mouth.
"Ohh….master Marik…." Chanted the other cloaked figures, walking about in lines, Millenium symbols glowing on their foreheads.
Why would he take us both on and put himself at a disadvantage like that?! Yami wondered suspiciously, watching the other's face for a clue. He found nothing but insanity and greed. "Fine," he agreed finally.
"Forget it!" Kaiba took a step. "Your beef is with me, Ishtar!"
"True….. but then I'll be able to claim the pharaoh's power, also!" Marik laughed wickedly. "As well as be the true owner of your Millenium Rod, Kaiba."
"I don't know what you keep babbling about, freak," Kaiba spat furiously, "But I want to see my brother and make sure he's safe! Show him!"
"With pleasure." Marik stepped aside, and there was the stone-stiff figure of Mokuba, eyes staring blankly ahead, unblinkingly, the Millenium Symbol glowing on his forehead. Proof that he was under control of the Rod.
"Mokuba, come here!" Kaiba yelled, but his brother stood stiff like granite.
"He's being controlled, Kaiba," Yami murmured as there was a loud grinding noise that shook the whole building..
"That's right! And of course, it wouldn't be fair two against one," Marik cackled, "so he'll be dueling with me!" Two pillars rose underneath all three---four, counting Mokuba---- as his laughter echoed off the walls. Yami and Kaiba fought not to fall off, for it kept rising, finally stopping at near the high ceiling.
"Liar!" Kaiba said. "My brother only listens to me! Come here!" But it was hopeless…….
"Heh," Marik was saying, "I couldn't control you so I got your brother! Should be more careful with him!"
This is impossible, Kaiba thought, sweating. I can't fight against my own brother! "Coward!!" he roared, pummeling his fists.
Yami threw a worried look. If Kaiba can't attack his own brother, this duel is a mismatch! We'll lose! Suddenly, the place got a lot darker, as if all the torches were put out, but really a black Shadow Cloud was surrounding them. Marik explained the rules casually. "In this Shadow Game, to play a card all you have to do is hold it up." He nodded to Mokuba, who held up one in demonstration. Kaiba gritted his teeth. Marik grinned. "Make sure you don't hold up the wrong one, or your cards will be revealed to soon," he warned mockingly.
Yami looked uncertainly at strange howls and yelps came from the dark cloud behind them. Kaiba said, "Whatever! Let's start!"
"Duel!" They all said.
A/n: WEll i used isis instead of ishizu, which i hope wasn't too confusing. I tried not to be all rushy, but......well tell me your thoughts. R&R