Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or anything related to it what-so-ever. The only characters in this fic that are truly mine are:

Lady Aurora Phoenix

Lady Natara Fear

Lady Sapphira Star

Dorian "Chaos"

Bryant "Havoc"

A/N: This is a fantasy as you can tell. It is part 2 to the Eternal Love fanfic that I ended a little while ago as it was getting to be too long. The story of the Pharaoh and his family is far from over however. His children are still around and they will incorporate themselves in the lives of little Yugi and his friends in on way or another. Fair warning, I am not one for writing out duels so you may not see a lot of them- barely any actually, as the fic is about the events that happened outside the duel arena. There will be some familiar scenes to fans of the show but most of those scenes will have a small twist or two in order for it to fit with the plot being laid out.

I understand many will not agree with a lot of what is written but that is why this is in the fantasy genera and not in just the general one. This is purely a concoction out of my own head and I am just going where the ideas lead me.

To the mailbox:

DDCfreak: Yes it is becoming a challenge trying to mix the new characters in with the ones from the canon. But it kind of helps too. There are changes here and there that really make a difference. I can play in the grey areas and begin to make it my own. I just hope I can keep it going…

And now on to Chapter 3

Zahara Steps In

Zahara stayed a fair distance away as Yugi made his way from school and headed for home. She paused only when he was stopped by the hall monitor, Ushio. Yugi looked up at the large boy in fear. She did not blame him. Looking at the tall man towering over her nephew, Zahara realized with a gulp that she would have feared him as well.

"So, Yugi, I hear tell you are being bullied by some students in your class," Ushio commented in an amused voice.

"N-nothing l-like t-that is h-happening to me," Yugi stammered. Ushio laughed.

"Victims always tend to defend their attackers," he countered. "Fortunately for you I have been looking into the matter and you have nothing to worry about." Ushio stepped toward Yugi and patted his back.

"I-I don't?"

"No, you don't. I will appoint myself to be your personal bodyguard." Yugi took a few steps away from him.

"Really, t-there is nothing going on. I-I don't need a bodyguard," he said quickly as he started to hurry on his way. Zahara narrowed her eyes as Ushio began to chuckle after him. She heard him as he made his plans against Yugi.

And here Mother thought he was going to need protection from the supernatural enemies after the puzzle, she thought grimly. Who knew he was the class punching bag? She sighed and hurried on her way after him. She was not sure where the Kame Game Shop was, she only knew that she would need to eventually. She pulled back when she heard Téa calling for Yugi to wait just outside the door to the shop. Nothing more I can do now, she sighed as they entered the shop. At least I know where the shop is. Mother will have to find a way in from there.

Aurora went through a pile of papers on the desk of the new office she had claimed in the Midnight Magic Dance club that was nearing completion in Domino City. It was what she wanted from Pegasus. It was what she needed to keep her grounded to the town while she and her daughters did what they needed to do. Sanura had called earlier to tell her she had impressed Seto Kaiba with her abilities in the conference room as she sealed the deal with the company he had sent her to talk to. She had been promoted as he promised to his personal assistant. She now went everywhere he did and handled things he was not able to on certain occasions. It was tiring, but Sanura did not seem to mind.

Zahara had returned to the home Pegasus was letting them use while they stayed in Domino City with word that Yugi was indeed attempting to put the puzzle together. She warned Aurora that he could be in trouble but not by the people she was worried about. Aurora had no idea the dangers Yugi faced just within his own school. She took note of the address her daughter provided her and decided to see the game shop for herself. Even if all she did was stand outside to get a feel for what was going on within. It was all she could do until the time came.

She stood a fair distance away and could see the light on in the boy's room. He was hunched over his desk desperately trying to make the pieces fit. Slowly, his eyes drooped and his head rested on his desk. A small spark of mother's instinct took over her and she crept forward. It was times like these her powers came in handy for her. Stealthily, she leapt up to a tree and then landed neatly and noiselessly on the ledge of the roof nearest to Yugi's room. A gentle raise of her hand saw the window slowly moving upward, allowing her entrance. A subtle touch of her mind to his, nudged him in his dreaming state to stand and climb into his bed. She took the edge of a blanket and pulled it over him as his head rested on his pillow.

"Good night, mom," he murmured, making Aurora stop and look down at him. She was surprised at how closely he resembled Adais. She was hit with the memories of tucking him into bed at night. It saddened her and made her long for the past again.

Zahara was right about him, she thought with a small smile as she gently brushed a strand of his blonde bangs away from his eyes. She sighed and turned to face his desk where the puzzle lay half finished. She ran her fingers along the hieroglyphics along the outside of the box.

"The one who solves me shall gain the Powers and Knowledge of Darkness." She sighed softly as she read those words. Her eyes misted with tears. That isn't all that will be gained, she thought. Soon, my Pharaoh. The time is almost here. She carefully lifted the puzzle and placed it back into the box with the rest of the pieces. She moved it to be concealed in his school bag which was propped up on the floor beside his desk. Certain that he would be fine for the night, she quietly made her way to the window again and slipped outside.

Zahara raced down the sidewalk, silently yelling at herself as she went. Somehow, she had managed to over sleep. She knew she would be lucky if she managed to get there before the bell to mark the end of lunch rang.

"You idiot," she grumbled. "How could you let yourself do this?" Because your mind has been so preoccupied with what you are supposed to be doing, you can't think straight enough to go to sleep at night, she thought angrily, rolling her eyes at herself. She had nearly reached the front doors to the building when a shout caught her attention, bringing her to a sudden stop.

"Stop! I can't do that to my friends!" Zahara blinked.

What in the world? She cautiously made her way around the corner and headed toward and alley.

"These are the guys who pick on you everyday. Yet you call them your friends? You are a strange one, Yugi."

That voice… Ushio! Zahara gasped and chanced a peek around the corner of the alley. She saw Yugi standing between Ushio and the two boys she had seen tossing the gold box around the day before. Joey and Tristan, she remembered. They were badly beaten and just sat there against the wall, barely able to move.

"They were not picking on me," Yugi was saying as he tried to defend them. "They were trying to make me stronger, make me more of a man." She raised an eyebrow at that remark. It was what Joey had told him the day before.

"Whatever, runt. You still owe the bodyguard fee of two hundred thousand yen," Ushio laughed. Zahara's mouth dropped open in shock.

There is no way he could have that much, she thought. He is only fifteen!

"For two hundred thousand yen, you can hit these guys all you like. Take your daily troubles out on these two. Seems like a fair deal." Yugi hung his head sadly. "What? Not satisfied unless I hurt them more for you?" Ushio took a step forward to hit Joey and Tristan again, but Yugi took a breath and stepped between them again.

"I won't let you hurt them again! If you want to hurt someone then hurt me!"

No! Zahara closed her eyes to avoid seeing the beating she could hear going on in front of her. She wanted so badly to step in, but she knew she would be causing more trouble if she did.

"Bring the money tomorrow, or else you will get much worse for your punishment." Ushio laughed and walked away leaving Yugi coughing and wheezing in pain on the ground. Joey was staring at him with wide eyes. Tristan was still slumped over against the wall.

I can't leave them there. I have to help them. Darn it mother! Why can't we step in on things like this! Zahara shouted silently as she ran over to Yugi and knelt down beside him.

"Are you going to be ok?" she asked softly. He looked up at her with his sad violet eyes. Tears from his pain and embarrassment filled his eyes and he turned his face away. She wished she could hear his thoughts right about then. "Come on, let's get those two and take you to the nurse's office. Or I can call my mom and have her come get us and take you all home." Yugi looked up at her.

"You would do that?" She offered a gentle smile.

"No one deserves what has happened to you guys." She looked up at Joey who was nudging Tristan's shoulder to wake him. "No one." Yugi nodded. She could almost see the relief in his eyes as she helped him to stand. "I will be sure to get the homework assignments for you. Right now I think you need to get home and get some rest." He did not fight her and she reached into her purse to pull out a small cell phone. He walked over to Joey to help wake Tristan. A few minutes later, a white convertible pulled up to the school. Yugi knew by the make that the car was American.

"Thought you came from Egypt," Joey commented dryly.

"We did. My mother works for some hot shot over in San Francisco, California in the States. He made sure the car she had bought before leaving was transported over here when he sent her to an office over here in Domino City." He nodded as he stared at the woman climbing out of the car. He was amazed at how identical the women looked.

"So who do we drop off first?" Zahara asked. Yugi kept his gaze on the ground. Tristan had managed to regain some of his strength. Joey looked as if something was really bothering him.

"Are you alright?" Zahara's mother asked him, reaching a gentle hand out to get a better look at his face. He looked away and she dropped her hand.

"I'm fine," he snapped. The women sighed. "Just get Yugi home. Tristan and I will take care of ourselves." Zahara's mother nodded.

"Suit yourself," she said as she helped Zahara get Yugi into the car. Zahara climbed in the back seat. "Don't get too comfortable back there. I have to get back to work. You are taking the car and taking your friend to his home."

"Yes, mother." Yugi slouched in his seat as they arrived at the new building that was going up in town. The sign out front said, "Midnight Magic Dance Club: grand opening in two days." Yugi looked at the sign with an odd expression as Zahara and her mother got out and switched spots.

"Just come back at eight to pick me up, ok?"

"Ok, mom. Thanks." Her mom nodded.

"No problem. I am glad you called." She glanced over at Yugi. "Take care of yourself, ok?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Aurora. My name is Aurora." Yugi looked up at her as she smiled before turning and heading inside the club.

The drive to the Kame Game shop was a quiet one. Yugi noticed how busy it seemed out front. He was surprised and asked her to pull around the back. He undid his seatbelt and started out of the car when a stab of pain tore through his chest. Zahara gasped and yanked her seatbelt off so she could get out and run to help him.

"Please let me bring you inside. It looks busy out front. You need help. I can help you." Yugi looked up at her oddly again, but allowed her to take his book bag and help him inside. "Where do you keep the first aide kit?" she asked once she had him seated at a small kitchen table. He pointed to a room across from them.

"There is one in the bathroom under the sink." Zahara nodded and went to get the box under the sink. Opening it she found a bottle of Peroxide and several bandages of different sizes. He watched her as she worked, still not sure just what was going on.

"This may sting a little," she warned. She poured some peroxide onto a piece of cotton and applied it to a few cuts on his face. He flinched at first but did not fight her. "You were brave standing up against that guy. I don't know many who would have gone up against someone like him."

"He was hurting my friends. I couldn't let him hurt them anymore." He lightly touched the bandage on his cheek and winced.

"It will be tender for a few days. You will have a few bruises, but you will be ok at least." He nodded silently, his mind miles away. He is worried about the money that guy wants, she realized. "Somehow, things will work out. I am not sure how much comfort that brings you, but it will work out."

"Thanks." Zahara sighed and packed away the first aide items. After returning them to where she found them, she said good bye and went out to the car. She looked back just once before coming to a decision and getting inside. She was going to help him this time. She had the means to and she was not going to let anyone stop her.

School had long since let out and Zahara was leaving the bank when she saw a very wet Joey walking her way, though he was not paying attention. She glanced down at the envelope in her hands. She needed to get back to the game shop. But she also did not really want to stay too long. Something told her Joey had a lot on his mind as well. It showed when he nearly walked out into the middle of the street and into oncoming traffic.

"Joey!" she shouted as she sprinted forward and grabbed his arm to yank him back. "Hey, be careful. You almost got hit." He looked up at her, dazed. It did not seem to register what had just happened to him. "Do you need a ride somewhere? I was on my way to Yugi's to take him the notes from class today. I can give you a ride home if you wanted."

"Actually, I was headed to Yugi's, too. I have something that belongs to him." She was amazed at the softness in his voice. He just seemed so lost. She wondered if the fight from earlier had knocked some sense into him.

"Come on, I will give you ride." He said nothing, but he did follow her back to her car. The sky was growing dark by the time they reached the game shop. Yugi's grandfather was outside sweeping the entry way as they approached.

"Can I help you two?" he asked, pausing in his work. "I am afraid the shop is closed for tonight."

"We are not here to purchase anything, Mr. Motou," Zahara said. Joey was still looking at the ground. "My name is Zahara Hart. I am a student aide in your grandson's class. I only dropped by with the notes from class today so he had them." Mr. Motou eyed Joey's wet outfit.

"Come inside and get a towel at least before you catch a cold," he told Joey. The boy shook his head.

"Thank you, but no. I came to give Yugi something, too." He reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a puzzle piece. Zahara tried not to gasp when she saw it. It was a puzzle piece. The main puzzle piece of her father's puzzle. The piece that bore the symbol of the Sennen Eye.

But how did Joey get that piece? It struck her then that he had to have taken it that first day she had seen him tossing the box around with Tristan. She watched as he handed the piece to a shocked Mr. Motou. He just stood there staring at the piece in his hand.

"Yugi is a good kid. He…" Joey looked away as he took a deep breath to continue. "I admit I was never very nice to him. I picked on him. But he took a beating today because he stood up for Tristan an' me."

"I saw how bad he looked. He never told me how he got home."

"I brought him home, sir. I also helped to tend to his wounds," Zahara explained. Mr. Motou nodded.

"Who did that to him?"

"A guy named Ushio," Joey responded. "It is worse. He is expecting Yugi to pay him two hundred thousand yen tomorrow. If he doesn't Ushio is threatening to do somethin' worse to him." Mr. Motou's eyes grew wide.

"Why didn't he tell me? How was he planning on getting that kind of money?" Zahara reached into her pocket.

"I may be able to help there, Mr. Motou. I knew he would have trouble with that. I was there after everything happened and I wish I could have done more for him." She glanced up at Joey who had been looking down at her. "For all of them." She sighed and handed Yugi's grandfather the envelope. "I can offer this at least. Give it to him, but don't let him see you. Don't tell him we came by. What is in that envelope is more than enough to pay off this Ushio guy."

"But why? We can't accept this," Mr. Motou said trying to hand it back.

"If you don't take it Yugi will be hurt even more than he was today. You have a business to run. You need your money to do this. My family is well off. I will not miss this. Please, for your grandson's sake. Take it." He stared at her a little while longer. Finally he accepted the envelope and said his thanks to them. Silently, they turned and walked away. Zahara took one last look up at a lighted window on the second story of the shop. She saw Yugi's head as he lost himself in something he was working on. He seemed to be distressed. She did not have time to worry about it though. She had to get Joey home and pick her mother up from the club.

They never saw the flash of golden light in his window that came some time after they left. They never saw the window open as a taller version of Yugi slipped outside and into the night. Zahara had a strange sensation, but had been unable to understand it. Her mother was standing outside staring up at the stars when Zahara arrived. She expected a lecture about being late. But her mother surprised her by saying nothing. Carefully, she approached her mother.

"Mother? What is wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. In fact, everything is falling into place," Aurora told her with a sad smile.

"What do you mean?" Her mother's next words had been enough to send Zahara flying into a world of shock.

"He has completed the puzzle. Your father is free."

Hope you liked this one... You will see that the original characters that are mine stay in the background story. It is done like that purposely so I do not disrupt the actuly storyline everyone knows. My characters tell the behind the scenes stories that were never covered in the anime or the manga... That is all I can really say. Anyway- hope you liked and please read/review. Chapter 4 is coming up next...