Joy: Chapter 24 coming at ya! But first, reviews!

Midnights: Heh. I'll keep that in mind, Yami Midnight. };o)

Sakura Panther: Thanks! Sent you an email. =)

Silver Moon Phoenix: Me too! That was a close one!

Here comes the chapter! Ready, set, go!

To Be A Protector

"All right, Priest Seto. Let me get this straight," Katilli began. She was sitting on an overstuffed chair in Joy's hotel room. Yami was sitting in another chair nearby, while Sorcerer had decided to stand. "You want to prove to everyone that you have had a change of heart by becoming Seto Kaiba's dark side?"

The high priest nodded silently.

"Do you realize the details of such a bond? I know you are Seto Kaiba's ancestor, but that is different than what we are talking about now. You will have to form a bond not unlike that of us and our lights. You will have to be his protector and confidant, and I am sure Kaiba will not warm up to that easily," Yami explained firmly.

"Not to mention that you will have to share his mind with him, and that will not bold well with him," Katilli added.

"I am aware of that, but I am sure that we could come to some understanding. After all, it would be beneficial for us to be connected.

Katilli looked over at Yami and opened up a communication link between them. They had done this before in order to have private chats.

Yami, can we trust him?

Mmmm…perhaps if we allow him to do this, he will be of greater assistance in the future. The conversation with Yugi last night was still fresh in Yami's mind. He trusted Yugi, and so if Yugi put his confidence in the priest, than Yami felt that he could at least give the spirit the benefit of the doubt.

I agree, to a point. I will not allow such a bond without Kaiba's FULL cooperation. We shall consult with him and the others when they return. Yami nodded in agreement.

Yugi, Joy, and Kaiba had gone to explore Egypt. They were going to visit shops and the pyramids, promising to be back by nightfall.

"We have agreed to this on the condition that Kaiba is a completely willing partner. We will speak with him when he returns later today," Katilli finally told the sorcerer. He nodded in agreement. "I do have a question, though. How will you protect him without your staff?"

Sorcerer gave her a small smirk. "Katilli, you of all people should know my staff if not the limitation of my powers."

"That may be, but your abilities are much more honed with the staff in hand, priest," Katilli countered.

"Perhaps, but I will not ask Kaiba to give me the staff. It was given to him, and it is his decision on how it will be used or what will become of it now."

Katilli raised an eyebrow, then searched Sorcerer's eyes to see if he was telling the truth. Sensing no lies from him, she because confused by his actions. Back in ancient times, he was known for his bloodthirsty and greedy nature. If anyone had even looked at the staff during the time he was evil, they would have died instantly. Perhaps he is striving to change…still, I plan to keep an eye on him.

"Yugi told you about the staff, then," Yami spoke up.

"Yes, as well as other things, such as your loss of memory, pharaoh. He also told me about the friendship you share. I found myself growing envious of you, Pharaoh Yami. Yugi was very kind to me, and I only wish there were more in this world like him."

"As do I," Yami agreed.

"It seems Yugi has placed a great deal of faith in you, Sorcerer Seto," Katilli observed.

"Do not mistake that faith for naivety. In truth the boy has taken it upon himself to keep an eye on me to make sure that I am keeping my word on changing. He is truly a brave soul."

Sorcerer Seto is right. I am quite proud of Yugi. He has become a stronger person over time. Though I wish he would not take such burdens single-handed. I wish he would have trusted me with such information. After all, he seems to trust Sorcerer Seto so quickly.

…Later…

"Wow! Seto, look at the size of it! It's taller than the Kaiba Corp. building!" Mokuba looked wide-eyed as he stared up at the towering pyramid before them.

Yugi smiled over at him. "Yeah, and just think, Mokuba – it was built entirely by hand by hundreds of Egyptian slaves thousands of years ago."

"Yeah, and they didn't use any cement or glue to hold the stones in place," Joy added.

"My teacher said there are dead rich guys in there," Mokuba said, looking skeptical.

"Yes. Pyramids were the final resting places of the ancient pharaohs, who the people believed were the Earthly incarnations of the Gods, most specifically, the Sun God Amon Ra," Yugi said.

Joy smirked. "You sure know a lot about Ancient Egypt Yugi."

"Well, I AM the reincarnation of a pharaoh, you know," Yugi said with a small laugh. "I think I'm gonna go see the other sides of the pyramid."

"Sure thing. But don't be too long. We gotta get back soon," Joy said.

"I'm gonna go with Yugi." Mokuba said, running after the dueling champion.

"So, Kaiba. Was Egypt everything you dreamed it would be?"

"No. In fact, I don't think I will ever come back unless I absolutely have to."

Joy looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"How can you ask that after all we've been through. I would have thought you would be the first to want to get back to Japan, especially since you were so close to leaving this world forever."

"No way! It was a blast! I only wish I had bee alive to see you take out Yukia once and for all! Yugi said you kicked her ass, Kaiba." Joy smirked. "I hope you weren't doing it for some way to avenge my death or anything."

"Why the hell would you think that? I did it to be rid of the bitch. She made me want to vomit. She was a disgusting wench and I took care of her." Seto paused, looking at his watch. "We gotta go now or we won't make it back before dark."

Joy called out for Mokuba and Yugi, and then the four made their way back to the hotel. As soon as they got back, Seto made Mokuba go straight to bed, telling him they had to get up early to get back to Japan. Then he followed Joy and Yugi into Joy's room, where the spirits were waiting. Katilli had mentioned that they wanted to talk to them when they got back.

"We're here, Katilli, what do you want to talk about?" Joy said as she and Yugi took a seat on the bed. Seto chose to stand. "It sounded important."

"It is, and it concerns Sorcerer Seto." Katilli paused a moment before continuing, deciding the best way to explain all this. "Kaiba, Sorcerer Seto wishes to become your dark side. Like I am to Joy and Yami is to Yugi."

Seto blinked, his eyes wide. He looked over to Sorcerer Seto. "Why?"

"You are my reincarnate, Seto Kaiba. I find you fascinating. You are a teenager, yet you have many responsibilities. One would do well to learn as much as possible from one as hard working as you. You are juggling a company and family, as well as your own life, yet you have still managed to remain sane through it all. I am thoroughly impressed. I would be honored to have you as a reincarnate. Maybe you could benefit from having someone to yell at other than your employees." Sorcerer said the last part with a smirk.

It was silent for a moment. Then Yugi spoke. "You know, Kaiba. No one else can sustain him in their minds. Maybe you could keep an eye on him as well. He might come in handy in the fight against Vargon and –"

"Enough." Seto stopped Yugi from finishing his statement. "How do I know this isn't going to come and bite me in the ass?" Seto looked at the high priest intensely.

"I swear that if I even act like I am going to betray you or the others, you can seal me up for all eternity. And I will not seek the staff you hold, Kaiba. It belongs to you now, and I think you are the best to wield it."

"Well…he seems sincere. Your call, Kaiba," Joy said, looking over at the CEO."

Seto grew silent, looking down at the ground in deep thought. As much as I hate to admit it, Yugi's right. He might actually be worth the space, if he doesn't turn on us. And I'll have the staff…maybe…but I don't know if I like the thought of anyone creeping though my mind and reading my thoughts.

Finally Seto spoke, his decision made. "I'll agree to this on a few conditions. If you do get a slot in my mind like the other spirits have, I don't want you sneaking around reading my thoughts and learning all about me. My thoughts are mine alone. And another thing. If you turn on me, I WILL send you straight to hell. I don't send people to the Shadow Realm. Just ask Yukia." He narrowed his eyes as he said that. "Agreed?"

"I give you my word that your wishes will be honored, Seto Kaiba."

Seto nodded. The spirit glowed a pale yellow for a full minute, then vanished. A moment later, Seto heard a voice in his head.

You can hear me, correct? Just concentrate on what you want to say and say it in your mind.

Kaiba concentrated, sending his words telepathically to the priest. Yeah. I can hear you. Kind of weird having another soul in my mind, though. It's going to take some getting used to.

I agree. But I will only talk to you if you want me to. I will not intrude in your thoughts or your business.

Good. I like it that way. What else do you do?

Well, if you run into a situation you can't handle or you need someone to talk to, you can turn to me. Though I will not force myself on you, Seto Kaiba. Only call on me if YOU want to.

Damn straight. I don't usually need help of any kind. You may get bored before Vargon shows his ugly face, Sorcerer.

That suits me just fine. Gives me a chance to relax. I do have a request.

Yeah?

May I look and hear though your eyes and ears every now and then? Just for the fun of it?

Fine, just don't take over my body unless I'm lying on the ground with a bullet wound or I'm really bad off and we'll get along.

Deal.

"So, Kaiba. Looks like you finally joined the group. Three lights and three darks. The group is a complete set now," Joy said. Seto glared at her for a moment.

"Whatever. I'm going to bed." With that, Seto turned and left. A moment later, grandpa came in and informed the rest of the group that it was time for bed.

"After all," he said, "you have a long flight ahead of you tomorrow, and I want to be able to eat breakfast with my grandson on more time before he leaves."

Yugi tilted his head. "You aren't coming too, grandpa?" he asked.

"No. I have a lot more work to do here, so I'm afraid I might have to stay for the rest of the summer. Gomen nasai, Yugi. I wish I could go back with you."

"It's okay, grandpa. I have Yami and Joy to keep me company. I think Kaiba may hang out with us more often, too. After all, we have a bit more in common now."

Joy: That was Chapter 24! Looks like Seto is one of the gang now! =D

Next chapter is called 'Arguments' and there will be two arguments in the chapter. Till then, review and see you next time!