Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh.

Chapter 45- Backgrounds

Kaiba hmphed (hehehehe). "All just cheap tricks."

Andro sweatdropped. "Ya'know, I really don't even care. But when the Barriers fall, I'm not saying I told'ja so."

"But Andy, that's not nice!"

Nicole laughed at her little friend's concern. "Fair, though."

Jonouchi snickered. "Like Kaiba'd ever come crawling to anyone for help."

Russell turned and gave Aaron an amused look. "You'd be surprised. I know a certain someone who SWORE he'd 'gotten over such childish fantasies'…"

"Fairytale Magic IS fantasy."

"One man's fairytale is another's reality, you know."

"You'd know all about that."

Yugi blinked.

"What are all of you?" Curiosity always got the best of him.

"We're magicians." Andro gestured around the group.

"Nic deals in Egyptian magicks; Aaron mostly shows off; Russell does antiquities; Laura's a werewolf; Heather's a transport-slash-offensive defense specialist; and I'm a necromancer! Ryou's our newest recruit."

"I don't show off, I'm just more skilled then you all are…"

"Do you mean Shadow Magic?" Malik was confused. All his life he'd studied the ancient ways, and all he'd heard of was Shadow Magic. Nicole shook her head.

"I'm a Hekau, a Kau and a Sau."

"Wait, what?"

"I practice basic magic, use spirits, and write talismans."

"I've never heard of ANY of those?"

Nicole blinked, then laughed good naturedly.
"Have you been studying the magicks of about 3000 years ago?"

Malik nodded, Nicole smiling.

"That's probably why. Most of what I use was banished after the Battle For the Crown, some 3500 years ago."

"What's the Battle For the Crown?"

Nicole turned to Andro, not quite sure how to explain.

"You've heard of the Hyksos, right?" Malik nodded. "Well, after we… they… whatever 'conquered' Egypt, they settled in and basically fell in love with the Egyptian cultured. They declared peace and allowed the rightful Pharaoh to rule, as well as having their own Pharaoh's rule their own lands, but a third power, the Pharaoh's advisor and the Hyksos-Ruler's brother, tried to take rule over both peoples. War ensued and, luckily, the Pharaoh and his, eh, 'trusted' companions were able to fight them off, though many of them died and the Pharaoh himself nearly joined them in death."

Yugi blinked. "Was this Pharaoh somehow reincarnated?"

"No, but the Hyksos king was."

"The Pharaoh's off having fun in the Fields of Peace while we risk our asses to keep this world normal and good."

"No one asked you, Aaron."

"Still…"

"He was a good ruler, he lead the people well, and he was fair. Besides, would you really feel safe if the fate of the MODERN world was in Memnon's hands?"

"Eh… good point." Nessert had taken control, carefully and quietly as to not cause alarm. They were already edgy because of the lunatic's appearance, all they needed was to know someone more threatening was within their midst.

She looked over at Russell and found herself staring at the pickpocket. At least he had enough sense to stay quiet. The only way she was able to recognize him was from the dark aura radiating from him. She turned to Ryou, change that, Bakura. Were ALL the thieves out? Ah well, less blame for her if something happened. Andro noticed the change and flashed her an amused look. It was Jack that broke the circle of questions.

"I was told you needed help with the seventh item?"

Yugi nodded and looked down at the puzzle around his neck, suddenly distressed.
"The items have all been returned to their rightful order, but Mou Hitori no Boku, the Other Me, isn't there."

Nessert grinned. "Ah, a quick visit to the Fields of Peace?"

"You guys can help?"

"Well, yeah. We live to do things like this. Russell, unseal B, we have work for her to do."