Mamono: ^__^ *brandishes a large sword* Okay, I updated!
Seto: What's with the sword?
Mamono: For protection!
Seto: ?
Mamono: Anyway, this chapter isn't as long as the other, but questions needed to be answered! So this chapter basically sets the stage for the rest of the story! Also I'd like to give my Beta/co-writer DSF all the credit for this chapter! Ha, she helped me with all the ideas...and thus led to the chapter getting out! Thanks so much!
Review Responses:
akona: ^__^ I'm glad you like the story, heh, I'll try my best to update quicker!
dragontamer101: You're questions will be answered this chapter! Ha, I didn't think I could get away with secrets for much longer anyway...Oh and yep, it's the same Akunadin! Also the priest will be called Priest Seto, just to let you know! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Dee-whY-Cee-aRe: And now so many answers! And of course Seto has to be grumpy! That's what we like about him! ^_~
Candace: ^__^ Thanks so much for the review! I know the desert feel is cool! ^_~
mezu: Well here it is! Nyeh...it's not the longest of chapters, but I hope you like it!
Lynderia: Ha...well I got tired of being mean...for now! So lots of questions will be answered! Enjoy!
Numbuh 6: Thanks so much for the review!
Nari-chan SND: ^__^ I'm glad you wandered in! ^__^ Thanks so much for the review!
MarikzAngel: Okay next chapter is here! I'll try and put up the next chapter quicker! Thanks!
Azurite: ^__^ Ha, sorry about the white space...html...what can I say? Anyway, the secret is revealed, here! Though the juicy stuff begins next chapter...sorta...there's a little in this...I think...anyway, like I said, this chapter kind of sets everything up!*grins evilly* *pokes* WDKY! *pouts* Please?
rlenavampyre14: ^_~ Sounds like a cool person! Thanks for the review!
Im Evil: ^__^*blushes madly* The best? I don't know about that...but thanks so much!!
sugar demon: Go Seto/Tea! I agree! *drools* Sugar!!!
Choas Babe: What if I chose die?*grins evilly* You wouldn't want that now would you? ^__^ Ah...but I chose update! So enjoy!
Chaotic-Freakatroid: Yes lots of weapons! But...*flashes swords* Ha, you aren't gonna hurt me! I have a sword!
Seto: Oh scary...
Mamono: Shh! Anyway thanks for the review!
SaiyanWarrior200(): ^__^ Ooh you're good...but I think I'll keep the inner workings of their relationship a secret for now...ha ha ha he he he hi hi hi hohoho....^_~ Thanks for the review!
Mamono: Okay I want to thank everyone for the reviews! It makes me *so* happy that this story is reviews! Thanks so much!!! Enjoy!
~In the Sands of Egypt~
Chapter 4
Discoveries
Black hooves trudged through the sand serenely; the rhythmic breathing of the noble stallion was the only solace in the desert that night. Seto's fierce blue eyes peered straight into the depths of the dark without fear. He searched across the horizon and spied a run down temple; run down was an understatement, this place was halfway to being nothing. The brunette led his horse to a covered area, he sighed and carefully twisted around; Tea was resting peacefully leaned up against him. Her chocolate hair fell over her face as she shifted in her sleep.
~Vision~
Tea found herself walking down a lavish hallway, though she disinterested herself from her luxurious surroundings; she was worried about the priest. She had a bad feeling that something awful was going to happen to him... With her mind elsewhere, she didn't notice the figure in front of her and rushed right into it. Looking down, she spied a young man, about the same age as herself, sitting on the ground.
"I'm sorry," she muttered.
"It's quite all right," the young man said; he stood up and carefully messed with his long golden bangs, which seemed to spike out in different directions. His crimson eyes examined the girl; he gently put a hand on her shoulder.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked.
Tea looked sadly into the teen's eyes; tears threatened to spill down her face as she spoke.
"I'm just a little worried that's all..."
"Worried? What for?" the golden haired teen inquired.
"Who are you?" Tea asked; after all, she would want to know exactly whom she was sharing her feelings with. The crimson eyed teen smiled gallantly as he replied.
"I am..."
~End Vision~
Tea could feel a slight nudging against her shoulder; she yawned and looked up to see Seto looking down at her. Remembering her present situation, she hastily sat up and looked around her; with the exception of some ruins, nothing was there.
"What's going on?" she questioned.
"We're here," Seto replied.
Tea wasn't amused; how could they be 'there', when there was no 'there'? She looked over to Seto who was just standing there. Tea sighed, "How can he just stand there and expect me to know what to do?" She flashed the blue-eyed teen a blank look.
"Get off the horse," Seto said jadedly.
Tea grumbled as she placed a hand on Ezra's silky mane and slid off the ebony horse and onto the ground. She watched as Seto took the horse's leathery reins and tied it up inside what seemed to be a broken wall with a cover over it.
"Follow me," Seto ordered.
Tea followed Seto to a large cellar like door imbedded into the ground. She watched carefully as her companion pulled at the rusty handle and lifted the heavy wooden doors open, revealing a dark opening with a set of tattered stairs leading downward. Seto casually walked down the stairs and Tea followed close behind. The air was filled with dust that tickled Tea's senses as she walked down the ancient hallway. Her sapphire eyes examined the stony walls; strange carvings raced across the sandy stone, depicting mysterious tales of a world long ago. The beauty each carving possessed so much ensnared her that she didn't notice her escort stop in front of her. Carelessly, she walked right into Seto causing her to look up in shock, but Seto wasn't looking at her. Tea peered past the brunette boy and gasped; in front of them was a woman; her long raven hair draped over her shoulders and her misty blue eyes were staring coolly at them.
"Ishizu?" Tea squeaked.
"Tea," Ishizu acknowledged, somewhat surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Well..." she began.
"How about save the explanations for later?" Seto interrupted.
Ishizu nodded solemnly; she circled around and motioned for the two weary travelers to follow. Seto walked briskly behind Ishizu and Tea followed, still a bit shaken up by the previous happenings. They followed the raven-haired woman through the dank halls until they reached an open room. The room was dimly lit, candles being the only source of light, and various pieces of furniture, clearly outdated, were scattered among the room. Tea looked around disappointedly, she thought she might actually be able to relax when they had reached their destination; instead it looked like they were taking a trip to the Stone Age...
"So, Kaiba," Ishizu started, sitting down on a nearby bench. "Would you like to explain what happened?"
Seto's icy eyes narrowed and he scowled coldly at Ishizu. Crossing his arms, he sighed and walked to the doorway.
"No," he grumbled. "I'd rather not explain. Right now all I want to do is get some sleep."
With that, he turned and walked out of sight.
'What's with him all of a sudden?' Tea questioned to herself.
"Tea," Ishizu began. "Would you mind telling me why you're here?"
"Sure...If I can figure it out..."
*****
Seto's eyes glared frigidly ahead of him; things were not turning out well at all. Not only was he stuck here, now he had Tea to look after as well! He reached underneath his coffee colored cloak and pulled out an old locket. Snapping it open, Seto looked down at his brother's smiling face; looking at the old photo brought back pleasant thoughts, but also reminded Seto of his predicament.
"Good evening, Mr. Kaiba," came a deep voice from beside him.
Seto looked up and was met with the golden eyes of Odion, Ishizu's servant as well as adoptive brother; he was tall and he kept his silky raven hair tied up in a ponytail behind his head. Seto scowled and hid his locket safely under his cloaks.
"Hmm," he muttered in response.
"Retiring already?" Odion inquired.
"Yes," Seto answered. "And I do not wished to be bothered."
"Very well then," Odion said walking off. "Good night, Mr. Kaiba."
Odion walked through the halls, drawn by a familiar sound. He ended up walking into the room where Ishizu was speaking with Tea.
"Yeah, and that's when Kaiba found me," Tea informed.
"I see," Ishizu said, deep in thought. "So it seems the Uraeus have started going after the Millennium Item holders as well..."
"Uraeus?" Tea questioned. "Who are they exactly? Or better yet, can you tell me what's going on?"
Tea looked at Ishizu pleadingly, she was tired of being left in the dark; it wasn't fair. She wrapped a lock of her chocolate hair behind her ear and waited anxiously for an answer.
"Well, it seems Kaiba didn't tell you much," Ishizu murmured.
"Much? He hasn't said anything!" Tea snapped. "What is he doing here anyway?"
Tea emphasized her distress by flailing her arms out in different directions. Ishizu chuckled quietly at her exasperation; she knew how much this whole ordeal must have confused her. The raven-haired woman took in a breath and began to explain.
"I guess it all began about a year ago... You see, there's a group of bandits who call themselves the Uraeus. They're a ruthless sort and have been interested in the raiding the pharaoh's tomb for some time now. We think they're after the Millennium Items, but no one really knows for sure. Lately their attacks have become more violent and they've proven themselves fearful enemies."
"What does any of this have to do with Kaiba?" Tea questioned.
"I'm getting to that; you see, with the attacks becoming increasingly violent, we had to get some extra help in the pharaoh's defense. So Odion went out in search of some able bodies to fight off the bandits. When returning back here, a sandstorm blew him off course. Fortunately, he happened upon a collapsed temple."
"A collapsed temple? Mokuba said something about that!" Tea announced.
"Yes, I found Mr. Kaiba deep within the rubble of the temple," Odion said suddenly.
Tea whirled around and looked up at Odion who was towering over her. She smiled nervously; he sure was big, and he just kind of appeared; talk about spooky.
"Oh, Odion, I didn't see you there," Tea stuttered.
"He was unconscious and in serious need of medical attention. So I took him back with me, though I'm surprised he made it all the way back," Odion informed. "Yes, he was out cold for quite some time afterward..."
"He did recover after awhile," Ishizu added. "Though he didn't seem too happy about us saving him..."
"Wait a second," Tea said suddenly. "That still doesn't explain why he's still here!"
"Well, we don't know for sure..." Odion mumbled.
"Well, you see, Tea, Kaiba was going to go back to Japan, but on the day he was going to leave, the Uraeus attacked. We had told him to go, but he insisted that he help us fight them; he said that he owed it to us for rescuing him. So, with his help we were able to fend the bandits off. Afterward, we brought Kaiba to the nearest airport, and things seemed to be going well...that is, until spies from the Uraeus showed up. They threatened to kill anyone involved with the tomb keepers, and we found out that they had scouts all over the city. Since Kaiba had helped defend the pharaoh's tomb, he was now on their hit list as well..." Ishizu recounted somberly.
"That's terrible," Tea said sadly; Kaiba had helped them and now he was in danger too? It didn't seem fair... Tea cast her sapphire eyes downward and twisted the amethyst silk of her robe between her fingers; she looked back at Ishizu gravely as the woman continued.
"And as if that weren't enough, I believe they'll go after Kaiba's brother if he so much as speaks to him. I suspect that's why he hasn't gone back to Domino; he doesn't want the young boy involved," Odion added.
"And with good reason; from what you've told me, it seems that the Uraeus have come to Domino now..." Ishizu stated.
"Hm," Tea affirmed; she still couldn't believe the intensity of the situation she was caught up in.
*****
Seto sat on a stone structured bed; uncomfortable yes, but it was better than the floor. His eyelids began to droop as the teen fell into a deep slumber.
~Dream/Vision~
The sounds of hundreds of footsteps were heard shifting through the sand. Seto found himself on top of a midnight stallion, much like his own; he looked around to see hundreds of riders galloping alongside him, though only one interested him. The young priest glared coldly at the old man next to him; the old priest was riding atop a sandy-brown horse, one as old as the priest himself, a wicked scowl still embedded on his face.
"Akunadin," he said sharply. "Why do we need so many soldiers just to deal with a few bandits?"
"Because," the old man cackled, "Our task is more difficult and important than you could ever imagine..."
With that Akunadin kicked at the sides of his horse causing the creature to start into swift run. Not wanting to lose track of the suspicious man, Seto quickly sped up in pursuit. Of course he quickly caught up to the old man, his animal being much younger and faster, and he watched as the old priest slowed his horse to a stop over a hill. The man turned around and smiled viciously at Seto; his worn blue eyes were filled with greed as he stared at him. He raised an ancient finger and pointed to a peaceful city below them; the houses were small and plain, but peaceful nonetheless; and a large temple stood valiantly in the center of the city.
"Kuru Ena..."
~End Vision/Dream~
Seto's eyes shot open; he stared blankly at the wall across the room. Quickly, he got up, pulled on his coffee-colored cloak and made his way out of the room.
*****
"You had better get some sleep, Tea," Ishizu said warmly.
Tea smiled; she wasn't tired at all, after hearing that story, but she figured she should do as she was told. So she sat up and brushed off her silky robes. She quickly followed Ishizu through a dark hallway; the raven-haired woman led her into a room and set her up for the night.
"If you need anything I'll be down the hall, all right?" she asked.
"Yes, thank you," Tea replied. "Good night."
"Good night."
Then Ishizu left Tea to herself; the chocolate haired girl sighed and sat on her bed, many thoughts still plaguing at her mind.
"I can't sleep," Tea sighed. "I think I'll take a look around..."
Creeping out of her room, Tea snuck through the empty halls, with no purpose but to keep her mind occupied. She wandered through many dark halls and passages, each leading to another, all in a giant maze. After a while, she came upon a vast open room; she peered across the many carvings and statues that were collected in the room, all glowing with a misty blue. Noticing this, Tea looked up to see a large hole in the ceiling.
"Moonlight?" she questioned, for through the hole, she could see many stars glittering above her.
"What are you doing here?" came a low growl from behind her.
Tea whipped around to see Seto glaring down at her; he was sitting in the hands of a jackal like statue, his chocolate hair fell across his face and the moonlight made his icy blue eyes sparkle dangerously.
"I...ah...couldn't sleep," she answered, turning away from Seto.
Seto remained silent, gazing up at the light coming from the opening in the ceiling.
"Ishizu told me everything..." Tea whispered, but received no answer. "I think it's pretty noble what you're doing."
"Noble? I think it's stupid," Seto snapped.
"Well, I think it's noble," Tea said, smiling. "Kind of uncharacteristic for you, huh?"
"..."
"Though I feel really bad that you can't see Mokuba," she said, becoming more serious. "He's doing fine, if that helps any."
"..."
"It must've been terrible having been stuck here for so long..."
"..."
"Kaiba?"
"..."
Tea turned around and peered over to the jackal-like statue; she crawled up its stony body and looked closely over at the brunette boy. Seto was leaned up against the chest of the jackal, sleeping peacefully; his eyelids hid his glacial eyes; his long brunette bangs fell carelessly over his face; and he breathed quietly wrapped up in his chocolate cloak.
"Sleeping..." Tea said quietly. "Well that's something I've never seen before..."
Yawning, Tea climbed down from the statue and rested at the jackal's feet. She let her eyelids fall over her sapphire eyes and rested peacefully under the dim light of the moon, her mind quickly fading from the reality of the world and into a peaceful dream...
*****
Mamono: So? What'd you all think? ^_~ I was gonna leave off at another cliff hanger...but I didn't want you all to kill me... ^.^U So I ended there!
Seto: I don't sleep...especially in front of other people...
Mamono: But that's what makes it interesting! ^__^ Anyway, yes I know, kinda short, but it really does set the stage for all the juicy stuff to come! I hope this answered your questions! Next chapter: Tea learns a little about the desert life style...hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!
Seto: -_-U Review so her little ego is filled...
Mamono: ^_^U Please? Oh and thanks so much! Also a few little notes! Check out me and DSF's new co-written(really this time!) story called Short Comings! Just a little zany, but funny too!
Also check out The Lullabies of Broadway by The Inspector, a hilarious story! Tell them Mamono and DarkShadowFlame sent you! Thanks to everyone who has already done so!*hands out plushies* You all rock!!!