Chapter Eleven

"What do you think that was all about, eh?" Joey asked Yugi on their way back to the rooms.

Yugi shook his head. "No idea. It seems to me that a lot of people must be… reincarnations of past selves in ancient Egypt. The seven priests were certainly in ancient Egypt-"

"You're sayin' Kaiba's from ancient Egypt?" Joey said incredulously.

"How else would he be able to control a God Card, Joey?" Yugi pointed out.

"Oh. Yeah. But I was thinking, we're going to have a heck of a time convincing him…"

"Well, maybe that's what Samira is for. Perhaps she can make him believe."

"I was wonderin', Yug, where did these girls come from? They just appear out of the sky one day or what?"

"You're probably right."

"No kidding. So they really are gods or something?"

"That's what I think. They apparently were our advisors in ancient Egypt."

"So Kaiba has a girl advisor, huh? Man, do I feel sorry for her."

"You know, Joey, I can't help but agree."

Joey stopped in front of his door. "I just want you to know, I'm always behind you, Yug. I'll help you as much as I can."

Yugi smiled at his friend. "I'm glad to hear that, Joey. And I'm very lucky to have a friend like you."

"Same to you." Joey let out a huge yawn. "Well, it's been a long day. I'd better catch some shuteye. G'night, Yug."

"Night."

Yugi got into his pajamas and brushed his teeth. The humming of the engines far below soon lulled him into a deep sleep.

Mist swirled, dancing about him in an unearthly way, painting designs on the air that faded as soon as they began. Mist begot mist, shadow begot shadow, and wherever he looked there was darkness and obscurity.

Good evening, Pharaoh. I trust you have settled into your quarters comfortably?

The mist parted like a crowd for a queen, as the stormy-eyed wolf loped through. Very surprising was the man who was with her.

Shadi! What brings you here?

Shadi bowed deeply. Greetings, my Pharaoh. Your fate brings me here tonight. The wheels and cogs of destiny have finally been set into motion. As you know, I am the keeper of the Items. It is my task to distribute them to the 7 priests, so they will be well equipped for the trial ahead.

You posses the Ring, Necklace and Rod. I have ensured that the Scales and Eye have been given to their priests. So it is up to you to make sure that your Items find their rightful owners as well.

Of course, Shadi. Tell me what I must do.

You shall give the Millennium Rod. The Ring shall be received by Bakura-

Are you sure that is a good idea?

My pharaoh, I am aware of Bakura's previous exploits with the Ring, but this time I can assure you that he shall do no lasting harm. The destructive spirit inside the Ring and I have had a little chat, and he agrees to behave. He will not hurt anyone or steal any Items.

That's good to hear.

Indeed. And you shall give the Necklace to Ishizu.

But I thought it no longer shows her the future!

The necklace was wrong because Ishizu turned against her High Priest. She wagered against the Fate-Changer and was defeated.

Fate-Changer? Is it… Kaiba you speak of?

Affirmative. Do you recall when he dueled Ishizu, she predicted her victory, but he changed his own fate. This is an uncanny power of his that comes and goes… anyhow, it is crucial that you give him the Rod. He will not survive long without it. For he was your High Priest in ancient Egypt, and he shall fight by your side against the Dark One when the time comes.

But Shadi, how can I find Ishizu and Bakura?

Do not fret, Pharaoh. You will meet them soon. They are waiting in Egypt for you.

Good.

Well, I must go. I will see you later, Pharaoh. Farewell.

The mists closed around Shadi, encasing him, and then his outline slowly faded away.

Ah, Shadi. Tall, dark and handsome. So mysterious.

Do you like him, Ramla?

The wolf looked at him with laughter in her silver eyes. You amuse me, Atemu. Oh, it's been awhile. No, I go more for the… er… I believe in your world they are called "hunks."

Yugi stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. The wolf wagged her tail happily and trotted over to him. He bent down and stroked her soft fur. For a dream, it felt surprisingly real. It's good to be back, Pharaoh. It's good to be back.

Suddenly she stiffened as a low, sinister hissing filled the air. Without warning, she turned and sped off into the fog. I must go, Pharaoh. Good night.

Wondering what the noise could be, Yugi slowly let the thought go as he sank deeper into the fog and back into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Six

Ishizu Ishtar seethed with rage as she terminated the communication link between her brother and herself. Marik was currently flying across Mongolia with the passengers. Kaiba was on the plane, she knew. And he still had Obelisk the Tormentor in his deck!

She wanted that card back. She had asked several times. It was clear that Kaiba would never willingly comply with her requests. So she would have to take it by force.

But how? Ishizu had no soldiers at her command and no powers to wield. She was helpless. She would have to get someone else's assistance.

Ishizu got up from the communications room and trotted down the stone hall to the chapel. The floor was marble with a handmade rug, and a small table on which candles and incense were placed. Above the table hung a stone tablet; a copy of the original carving that was kept by the Scorpion tribe many miles away.

She lit a single match and used it to light the incense. The sickly sweet odor filled the dark room. Kneeling on the rug, Ishizu pressed her forehead to the cold stone. It sent chills through her that went right to her heart, but she steeled herself and continued.

"Hai'nebet shalanemin u fareb'n nitakari, shi'hi'im ghet zaqqari menubenshin!" Great beings of darkness and shadow, hear my cry and answer!

"Menibheb shilhal, Ishizu. Akenal'un gahem?" I hear your cries, Ishizu. Why do you seek me?

"Eil-Rebhet igek na'materi hegen. Hem negeri tahal tubehek. She'raigem un'kamalek." The Priest has a card of mine. He does not return it. I need your help.

"Jehem heget uka'nahem?" Which card do you speak of?

"Shalaim eil-keruhet."

"Shi'naek. Un'ragir eig-namari u shagan im Eil-Rebhet. Heg um kesh hegen urim." I see. Take this magic and use it on the Priest. Then you can take your card back.

"Jerum'ahai, umi'Drehek." Thank you, my lord.

"Im kei shulek. Webek um'keshet eig-namari im Eil-Rebhet, um'hara yenem il-Osira. Jumesh?" On one condition. After you use the magic on the Priest, you must weaken the falcon.

"Kere, umi'Drehek." Yes, my lord.

A small stone sphere with a dark substance stirring inside it sat on the table where no sphere had been before.

Ishizu smiled slowly and picked up the sphere. It rested comfortably in the palm of her hand. The sphere sent a cold tingling sensation up her arm, and slowly it permeated all through her body.

And then cold needles of ice were stabbing every inch of her… she twisted in agony, trying to free herself of the pain. She could not let go of the sphere. The tingling became jolts of raw power, consuming her. Ishizu convulsed, her mouth open in a silent scream.

No! Lord Vaneth! You cannot do this… no!

Harsh, grating laughter filled the room. Foolish girl. You were unwise to try and wager with the vulture. You are my prey now.

Overcome, she slumped to the cold stone floor, limp, the sphere still clutched tightly in her hand.