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"

Sanura

Zahara

Adais

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 one 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 for a brief moment…

Atemu Fangurl: Glad you are enjoying it! So you liked Aurora's darker side there huh? Lol. I had a lot o fun writing those scenes between her and Pegasus. And more scenes yet to come… Like in this chapter for existence (grins)

Again- thanks to DDCfreak, Atemu Fangurl, and Ishizusan for reading and reviewing. It means a lot to me that you are enjoying it this much to continue reading it after all this time.

Now I won't keep you any longer…

Chapter 10 awaits…

Duelist Kingdom Begins

Zahara made here way through town after checking in on the club for her mother. She could not explain it, but she had been experiencing feelings of great sadness. It overwhelmed her suddenly and she needed to get away. It was on her way home, when she passed the school and saw Yugi walking alone on the walkway headed toward the roof. The grief on his face struck her hard and she realized then, that he had to be the reason she was feeling the sadness. Curious and concerned, she maneuvered her mother's car into a parking lot and climbed out. She saw the top of his spiky hair rustling in the breeze that was flowing over the city. His hand clung to the chain-link fence on the roof top. She struggled with the decision to stay by her car and wait or meet him. A grief that strong usually followed with the feeling of wanting to be alone. She finally settled on remaining by her car and waiting. Several minutes passed before he rounded the corner of the school building. His filled with grim determination. He paused a moment upon seeing her standing there. Her long silver trench coat flowing lightly behind her. A solemn look was what he found when their eyes met.

"How long have you been here? I would have thought you would be at the club tonight," he said softly.

"I was," she returned, equally as soft. "Something told me I had to leave. That I was needed elsewhere." She paused and looked hard at him. Trying to see what was in his mind, by looking into his violet eyes. The eyes that had once seemed so innocent, now filled with worry, and fear. "Are you all right, Yugi?" He looked at her startled. He hesitated to answer for a moment before taking a breath.

"Not really," he finally answered. "Something terrible happened tonight. I am not sure how to explain it without it sounding crazy." Zahara uncrossed her arms and leaned against the car.

"Try me," she told him. "With everything I have been told in my life, I believe I have heard it all. It would take a lot to surprise me." A light smile tugged at the corner of his lips and he looked away, growing serious again.

"I had a duel with a man named Maxemillion Pegasus tonight. I am still uncertain as to what happened during that duel. I know I was playing, but it didn't feel like I was. He took us to a place he called the Shadow Realm." As Yugi explained the duel to her, Zahara felt her body tense in anger, and shame. She wondered how her mother could work for that man. She was livid when Yugi told her the worst. "I still don't know how he did it; he claims it is the magic of his Millennium Eye, but somehow he stole my grandfather's soul. I have to go to Duelist Kingdom and beat him in another duel in order to save my Grandpa now." He hung his head, waiting for the laughter he was sure to come. Zahara reached out and touched his shoulder.

"I know you can this. I know you will save your grandfather. I believe you have all you need to o this." She pointed at his puzzle. "This will help you if you allow it. You have power of your own, Yugi. Just believe in it. You will bring him home, and Pegasus will get what he deserves, I promise you." Yugi marveled at her soft voice. Calm and yet full of hidden knowledge.

"You really think so?" She nodded.

"I do. Come on, I can take you home if you would like." He nodded. Zahara understood she was taking a risk getting involved in the situation like this. A part of her no longer cared though.

"Zahara? Can I ask you a question?" he asked as she drove. She felt her hands grip the steering wheel. Part of her feared what he would ask. Yet, once again she felt herself wanting to tell all again. She instead bit her tongue.

"Of course. What is it you wish to know?"

"How come you didn't laugh at my story back there?"

"Because it was nothing to laugh at."

"You really believed me?" She arched an eyebrow.

"Is there a reason why I shouldn't?"

"No, it's not that. It's just that…" Yugi ran a hand through his hair, nervously. "I find it hard to believe myself and I experienced it first hand. How can you be so accepting?"

If you only knew, Yugi, she thought sadly.

"And how do you know so much about my puzzle?" That was one of the questions she had been dreading to hear. She took a deep breath and began to recite the story she had made herself remember.

"My family has long and strong roots in Egypt, Yugi. I know a lot about its history. Its treasures. Including the one you wear. My brother runs a museum there in Cairo with another curator. He is training the curator's daughter to be his partner in the museum. So he has taught me plenty. And besides. I read the markings on the box that carried the pieces to that puzzle, Yugi. It spoke of magic and power."

"I see." Yugi looked down at the puzzle and Zahara sighed. She wanted to tell Yugi that his father was her brother, but she could not bring herself to. She knew that would be going too far at this time.

Darn the rules I must live by, she thought angrily. They said nothing more as she approached the darkened game shop. Yugi gave the shop a curious look as he got out of the car. Zahara looked ahead and saw something sticking out of the edge of the door. He ran up to the door and pulled out a white envelope. She watched as he pulled out a card from the envelope.

"Is everything ok, Yugi?"

"I think so. It is from Pegasus. An invitation to his tournament that is all."

"If you are sure. Here," she pulled out a pen and paper and jotted some notes on it. "Here is my number. If you need anything, like a ride to the hospital or something, just let me know ok? I will be glad to do what I can to help."

"Thank you," he said with a sad smile as he took the paper from her. She saw he was still staring after her when she peered up at the rearview mirror as she drove away.

"You will win, Yugi," she whispered. "I know you will."

"How can you continue to work for that man after what he has done?" Zahara all but shouted when she got home that night. Aurora gave her a look that said, "Don't start with me," but she stood and faced her daughter.

"I don't agree with what happened. I didn't know until it was too late to stop him. But because of this I have to continue to work with him. I need to make sure he doesn't do anything to jeopardize Yugi getting his grandfather's soul back. There is a way you can help me if you want to." Zahara arched her eyebrow, looking dangerously close to her mother at that very moment.

"Just how am I supposed to help you with that?"

"We have been invited to be on the ship headed to Duelist Kingdom. I have to remain at the castle to keep an eye on Pegasus, but if Yugi decides to go, and you go as well, you would be able to make sure he is safe while he makes his way to face Pegasus."

"He has decided to go. I am certain of it. He will be there. And so will I."

The sun had set and the sky had turned dark by the time the limo had pulled up to the docking area of the ship. The driver opened the door to allow Aurora and Zahara to exit. They stood for a moment staring up at the immense ship before them. The driver retrieved their luggage and loaded it on the luggage dock as they boarded the ship. Aurora had gone immediately to the Captain's quarters to discuss the trip to the island while Zahara found her room and sat down on her bed to look out at the line of duelists awaiting passage onto the ship. She faintly saw the outline of Yugi's hair as he stood talking to a couple of Pegasus' henchmen. Watching him, she recalled earlier that day just before everyone had left school for the weekend.

(flashback)

"I wish there was something I could do to help him," Ryou had commented softly as he and Zahara watched Yugi talking seriously with his friends.

"There really isn't anything anyone can do right now. IT is up to him to face this task."

"Do you know what happened?" Ryou turned to face her.

"I do, but I am not able to discuss it right now. Not unless Yugi says it is okay."

"I understand." There was silence for a moment between the two as they watched Yugi and Tristan discuss the prize money being awarded at the tournament. "So what are your plans this weekend?" Zahara hung her head.

"I have to be on the ship headed for Duelist Kingdom."

"Really? Why?" She shrugged. She had not thought up a story to cover her real intentions for this trip yet. She was at a loss for words.

"My mother needs help I guess."

"Your mother? I thought she owned the club here in town."

"She runs it. Pegasus owns it. He has done some things she does not agree with and she feels she needs to keep an eye on him. He needs a few people to watch over the duels for the tournament."

"I see." She never caught the glint in his eye as he watched her fiddle with her pen. A cruel smile tempted his lips, forcing him to look away, just in case she was to look up at him again. This event could not have been timed more perfectly. He would be able to not only get Yugi's Puzzle, but Pegasus' Eye and a chance at Lady Phoenix all at the same time.

"Just be careful, Yugi," Zahara whispered as she watched him board along with Joey. "You never know just what you will find out here on that island. Not if what Mother says is true. He has it out for you. And he won't stop until he has you. Or your Puzzle."

It had not taken long for the empty ship to soon become crowed with duelists of every size, shape and age. Zahara chanced opening her door and peering around, pulling her head back just in time as two kids went running passed her. She sighed and stepped out into the hall. Carefully sidestepping the eager kids around her, she made her way out of the hall on onto a deck to stand near the railing to gaze out at the ocean. A part of her felt dead inside. But she knew what she had to do. A motion out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and she turned to see what it was.

"Ryou!" she gasped as he shut a door behind him. "What are you doing here?"

"Late invitation?" he offered. She could tell by the look on his face it was an obvious lie. She could not help but smile at him.

"So they gave you the closet to sleep in?" He shrugged and they turned to face the ocean again.

"Beautiful isn't it?" he asked her. She sighed and closed her eyes.

"It is. If only I could be here to really enjoy it." He looked at her with an odd look in his eyes. When she saw he was about to speak again, she interrupted him. "Would you like a better place to rest on this trip? There is a couch in my room that I noticed opens up into a bed. It would be a lot more comfortable than that closet." They both shared a laugh and he turned to walk with her back to her room.

When morning came, the cruise was nearing its docking port at Duelist Kingdom. Aurora had met up with her daughter to check in on her. Ryou had disappeared for a little while so she was still unaware that he was aboard. Something in Zahara told her it would be better not to say anything to her mother about him either.

"So what do we do when we arrive?" she asked her mother.

"Keep your distance, but keep an eye on Yugi. I will take care of Pegasus. Just be careful, okay?" Zahara nodded and her mother left the room. Zahara met up with Ryou later and they were one of the first few to exit the ship. They made their way up the path headed toward the castle. Zahara stood beside a large tree and stared up at the large building in the middle of the island.

So that is where the soul of Yugi's grandfather is being held, she thought. Ryou caught her attention again when he suddenly pulled back behind another tree.

"Hiding from someone?" she asked him lightly. He shrugged.

"Not really, just not sure about letting anyone else know I am here just yet. I know you know I am not supposed to be here. I can't let myself get caught."

"True," she agreed with a nod and a sigh. The crowd grew silent as Pegasus appeared near the top of his castle to address them.

"Greetings Duelists! I am Maxemillion Pegasus. It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you all to the Duelist Kingdom. You stand before me the world's greats duelists, but come the tournament's end, only one shall be crowned King of Games! So assemble your duel decks carefully, for this competition will test your skills like never before!" Pegasus held up a red glove with a silver cuff. "You have each been given a dueling glove to track your progress in the tournament. You have also been given to precious star chips. You must wager these star chips in each duel you compete in. Once you have ten star chips, you may gain entry into my castle to advance to the final level of the tournament and a chance at the three million dollar prize. And you will be able to face me in one final duel!" Pegasus rambled on about the set up of the island for the purposes of the tournament. He never saw Aurora as she silently made her way behind him, standing just out of view. "When the skies light up with fireworks, then the duels will begin!" The crowd erupted with shouts and applause as Pegasus turned to head back inside the castle. A smug grin on his face. He faltered in his step, midway down the long hallway when he heard a soft chuckle. His Millennium Eye flashed and his grin turned to a scowl as Aurora stepped into the light and faced him, her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"You really think you will win this one, don't you Pegasus?" she chided him.

"I will, and there is nothing you can do to stop me." She closed her eyes and shook her head chuckling softly again.

"I won't have to. I told you that. Your fall will be at the hands of another. But I will be there to see it happen. Then you will know I was right all along, and that you should have heeded my earlier warnings." Her grin faded and her eyes darkened. "It is never a good thing to toy with the souls of others, Pegasus. No matter what your intentions are. But," she added with a shrug. "I guess you will just have to learn the hard way."

"You will do better to learn how not to act around me, my dear," Pegasus warned her. "I have heard just about enough of your cryptic speeches."

"Get used to them, Hon," she returned flashing an evil looking smile at him. "For as I have always said; your threats mean nothing to me." She gave him one last glare before turning and leaving Pegasus alone in the hallway lost in his thoughts and concerns.

Along her way to get settled in her room, she passed one of his servants pushing a cart along the hall with a dinner tray on it. She followed silently behind the servant, curious to know who was getting the fine treatment since she knew the tray was not going to where Pegasus had planned on spending his time during the tournament. When the servant opened the door and she peered inside, her blood ran cold. White fire flamed in her eyes. She now understood why the second limousine had appeared at Kaiba Corp. that evening. Inside, curled up on the neatly made bed and staring out the window was the dark haired head of her friend's grandson, Mokuba Kaiba. She let out the fury of her anger by screaming Pegasus' name with her mental voice, but the sheer force of the power behind it shook the castle and sent birds soaring into the sky. He had absolutely no idea what trouble he had brought on himself.

Just outside, the fireworks sounded, signaling the start of the tournament.

The rumbling under her feet made Zahara jumped suddenly. Ryou turned to look back at her.

"You feel that?"

"I think the whole island felt that," she answered, looking around. She had the distinct feeling her mother was furious with someone. She would not have been surprised to learn that the focus of her mother's rage was on Pegasus. Good, she thought, with a grin. Maybe he will finally get what he deserves.

"Did you hear me?" Zahara blinked her eyes and looked over at Ryou who was waving a hand in front of her face.

"I'm sorry. Lost in thought, what did you say?"

"I said there is a duel up ahead. Looks like Yugi verses Weevil." Zahara raised an eyebrow and followed the direction Ryou was pointing in. Sure enough Weevil was standing in an arena and facing who he thought to be Yugi. She lowered her eyes though, knowing full well who it really was. "This should be interesting to see how it turns out."

"Yes, it should," she agreed as she leaned herself against a tree. This is going to be a long weekend. Furious mom, determined teen, tons of people running all over the place, and I have to keep to the shadows… she sighed softly, trying not to draw attention to herself. Yup, my perfect idea of a weekend get away. She looked over at Ryou for a brief moment and had a slight change of heart. At least it's not all bad. I do get to hide in the shadows with him…

hehe... yes she can still dream can't she... Imagine her surprise when his secret is revealed... (mischievious grin and a wink)... R/R on your way out please? (anime eyes)