Rebirth

Chapter 8: Hidden Cove

The sun was disappearing behind the horizon once more. The sunset no longer held the beauty it once had, but the thought that once it became dark anything could happen. It had been ten days already since Yami had returned to the palace. His viziers had greeted him politely, albeit quickly and told him everything they knew. Fidil was extremely concerned because he had spoken to Isis right before she had left for the temple the day she mysteriously disappeared. Yami had tried finding out where Marik was in order to alert him and see if he could help, in case he knew anyone who might want Isis, but there was no telling where Marik was. He didn't consider himself part of the family of Egypt, especially not the palace. He liked to do things by himself and relied on himself, even when he had many followers beside him.

In many ways he was strong but in many he was foolish as well. For one, relying on no one but yourself is only good in certain circumstances but after a while you become lonely and bitter. Although Marik appeared hostile Yami could never say that he had seen Marik do anything bad, which was why he didn't consider him an enemy. And since he had helped out a little while ago Yami was certain that Isis was right about him caring for Egypt even if it was just a little. A big part was saving his own life but if he had been truly selfless and hated Egypt he would've built his own place in the middle of the desert and let Egypt be destroyed.

Yami sighed heavily as he leaned his arms on the polished wood railing of the third story balcony, staring out at the darkening sky. So far they had found no leads to Isis' disappearance. Yami was even beginning to wonder if Marik had something to do with it, since he too had vanished without a trace. Something in his gut was stirring trying to warn him of something but his mind was too boggled with the recent happenings and thinking of protecting his people…and Yuugi. Every day that no leads were found made his heart just a little bit heavier. Yuugi was waiting for him back in Japan and Yami had promised him that when it was safe he'd come back, but so far they knew nothing. Yami was more concerned about Yuugi's life than just bringing him there because he wanted to help, but it still hurt a lot to have to make Yuugi wait so long.

Soon, Yuugi…soon. Once I figure out possible suspects I'll know how dangerous it will be.

The viziers suspected it could be someone from a neighboring country that was much poorer and feeling jealous about Egypt's healthy and prospering economy since Yami had come back to the throne. Still, Yami had helped neighboring countries with trades of all sorts and even invited them to free events, like the festival that would be coming up soon to help the orphans find families. Some were even adopted by those from different countries. Yami remembered going to an orphanage with Yuugi and seeing his smiling face at helping the kids. It had made his heart melt with happiness, but now…Yami wanted more than anything for Yuugi to come to the festival. However, the festival would most likely be canceled if they didn't discover who was behind Isis' kidnapping and if they didn't get her back safely.

Yuugi would be extremely upset if he knew this. He knows as much as I do how much the kids need this festival…how much Egypt needs to celebrate and forget worries and troubles and to assure other countries in need that everything is heading in the right direction.

Although it was a very good suspicion of another country wanting to bargain Isis for money or expensive products, it just didn't add up. Egypt was friends with its neighboring countries and even those across the ocean. Although Egypt was prospering better than a lot of countries it helped the others out. And also, what reason would they have for kidnapping Isis? Yami had never experienced the other countries doing harm, not since Kontar's first attack years back when he threatened countries into helping him.

If they wanted some help they'd just have a meeting with Yami to negotiate, but as far as he knew things were looking up for everyone in the African to Europe and even Australia. Those were the main countries Egypt helped, but he was certain now that the world was beginning to work together that everyone worldwide would eventually prosper as well as they could.

Still, the world is only beginning to head in the right direction. There still needs to be much work and dedication and it'll take longer if these disasters keep coming up.

Yami lowered his head as the sun was fading from the sky. Another long day had passed—a day with nothing but disappointment and doubt. He could send a message to Yuugi because it could be intercepted. Horus could be shot down or hurt by anyone and using the magic from his Millennium Item would weaken him. He wished he could get in touch with Yuugi but for the time being there was nothing he could do. Normally he'd ask Isis for advice, but she was no longer there to help him. He was determined to find out who did it and put the peace back where it belonged but he had no idea where to begin.

A soft knock came at his door and Yami slowly turned around. Fidil stepped into the room looking slightly less concerned than he had moments before.

"Pharaoh, Priest Mahado is here."

Yami nodded, thankful that yet another ally who had left Egypt before Yami's downfall thousands of years ago in order to help a village in need in Eastern Europe. Yami thought he had died of old age long ago or had been killed in the war while he was gone, but he had not known that being blessed with the power of the Dark Magician would have the same affect as possessing a Millennium Item, at least with being put to sleep and not aging. Only recently had Fidil told him Mahado had returned to Egypt. He was his most faithful and trusted friend and certainly his very first true ally. Although Mahado didn't own a Millennium Item he was just as important to helping with the protection of the Items. Yami hadn't seen him since the last day before the war had erupted and now he would finally get to speak once again to his old friend.

He walked swiftly down the hall and down the large flight of stairs till he got to the bottom. He then headed, upon Fidil's instructions, to the small temple room where blessings occurred (such as bestowing Items and magical gifts) to have a private conversation. There a young man turned around and gave him a small smile.

"My dear pharaoh," Mahado said gently, grasping his hand in his. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

"All right," Yami smiled back. "I've had some problems and peace hasn't been fully restored yet but Egypt is slowly recovering. How about yourself?"

Mahado waved his hand as if that didn't matter. "I've been on journeys studying prophecies and scriptures about all the Millennium Items—just for background research and I've found some very interesting facts. But before I tell you my findings please tell me how things are going here? You said peace hasn't been fully restored, correct?"

Yami sighed heavily. "Yes, Isis' been kidnapped, at least that's what we're assuming because she's vanished. We have yet to find a trace of her or who could've done it."

Mahado nodded solemnly. "I see. I heard about your fight with Kontar. I'm not surprised he found a way to stay alive to wait for you. I'm thankful no one was seriously injured."

Yami nodded. "Yes, I am too."

Mahado put his hands behind his back and tilted his head. "So tell me about this young boy who has completed the prophecy and helped Egypt so much."

"His name's Yuugi," Yami smiled softly. "He woke me from my slumber and has since stood by my side despite the dangers that have come. He is the most kindhearted boy I know."

"You trust him dearly it seems," Mahado said, his eyes glimmering. "In order to gain your complete trust in such a short amount of time he truly must possess great potential. I still don't understand how he became involved though."

"It's a long story," Yami said as they both sat down in chairs. Mahado signaled to him to tell him since they had time and Yami started from the beginning, explaining how Yuugi's grandpa was an archaeologist and had found a trace of the dynasty Yami and his people were from. He had realized there was a big blank space since no one knew about them and had tried to unbury the secrets. What was found instead was Yami's tomb which Yuugi accidentally uncovered. Yami mentioned he thought it was destiny that brought them together since Yuugi had seen Horus and hadn't been afraid to follow him. Mahado nodded but kept silent throughout his explanation and finally he got to the part where Yuugi wanted to help him battle Kontar and how that had nearly ended badly if Yuugi hadn't solved the puzzle of the Orb.

"Isis, after examining me had come to the conclusion that I returned to my body which was being held captive in Kontar's fortress and became human due to the vial that was inside the Orb," Yami continued. "And somehow Yuugi knew he needed to pour it down my throat."

"Didn't Isis say Yuugi fought Kontar by using some of your magic? How was that possible?"

Yami looked up at the statue of Osiris and said: "Isis said that Yuugi tasted a bit of the red liquid in the vial to see if it was edible before pouring it down my throat. Because Isis said the vial was meant for me Yuugi drank some of my being, in a sense. And now he is able to use some of my power. I noticed this before however when we were together. I could sense he was able to reach out toward the Millennium pyramid and Isis said that is because I let him. I trusted him so much that I allowed him access to it. He was able to sense it and feel its power but never before use it until he drank some of that vial. That was how he fought Kontar."

"I see," Mahado said seriously. "So he's got some of your power, or at least a little, which means that you can never regain your entire strength like before."

"Maybe not," Yami said quietly, "but that's not because of Yuugi. Isis said I am not back to my full strength because the prophecy has a second part to it, though she does not know what it is. She said I'm able to share my power with Yuugi now that he has some but that he will also have my vulnerabilities as well. I am vulnerable to the Shadow Realm now and I also get tired easily after using the pyramid's power."

"So what will you do now?" Mahado asked, staring at him evenly.

Yami hesitated but glanced at him with a grave expression. "I will have to get the Orb from Yuugi. We must see if we can figure out the second part of the prophecy. I have asked Fidil to send Horus to Yuugi so he should be back shortly. Until then my viziers have created a nice meal if you'd like to join me."

Mahado smiled slightly. "I'd love to. Then I can tell you about my findings of the Millennium Items."

Yami nodded and the two stood up together staring at each other as if they had never been apart for centuries. They then walked toward the door heading for the dining room where the food was being brought out. They were seated near one another so they could converse easily and their plates were filled with food. Mahado began explaining his findings and theories about the findings and soon they were in a deep conversation. Yami sipped at his wine staring intensely into his friend's eyes as he spoke. When he finally stopped Yami set down his glass and folded his hands together. His eyebrows were furrowed in deep concentration.

"So what you are saying is that all the millennium items might have come from the same time as the Orb," Yami said, staring down at the table in disbelief.

Mahado nodded solemnly. "Yes, which means there may be many mysteries about them we have yet to find. If that is true then even we don't know the full potential of these items. However, I believe that Isis knew something that we did not. That might be why she was kidnapped."

Yami glanced up at him a grim but confused expression etched into his features. "But…who could have captured her that knows about these Millennium Items? Even our own people don't know about them for their own safety. They know we have great power but they have never questioned us. They don't know anything about the power of these items that helps to protect them."

"Maybe not but perhaps someone out there wants to find out why you and our line are so powerful. Perhaps they think if they find out our secret there is a way for them to become powerful as well," Mahado answered.

"So you think it's a neighboring country or city?" Yami asked, his expression darkening.

Mahado shook his head. "I'm not sure. All I know is that whoever has Isis must want to overpower us and gain control of Egypt. This is a very prosperous country now. If it is a different city in Egypt, maybe one on the borderline of the Mediterranean Sea, then it's obviously one we've overlooked."

"I thought everyone here in Atemu has helped with neighboring cities. We've done nothing but good for them!" Yami exclaimed pounding his fist against the table.

The windows began rattling as if feeling Yami's anger rising. Mahado stood up and walked over to him to lay a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"You mustn't get angry pharaoh. We don't know who to blame yet and we're not even sure it's anyone close by. In fact it could even turn out to be Marik."

Yami's head snapped in his direction and he stared at him evenly. "Why would you say such a thing Mahado? Isis' own brother?"

Mahado closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. "I didn't want to tell you this pharaoh for fear that we have been misled somehow but we found out that the last person Isis saw before her disappearance was indeed Marik. Some citizens claim they heard arguing in the temple and they saw Marik storm out. An hour later it was confirmed that she had disappeared."

Yami's eyes narrowed. "That does not mean that Marik is behind it. An hour is a long time for someone else to commit the crime."
"I agree, which is why I hesitated to tell you. I didn't want him to be a suspect but so far it's the only lead we have. At least if we question him it would do no harm."

"I suppose not," Yami said taking a slow breath. "Has there been any trace of him?"

"No but we may have a lead. We know he's friends with a blonde woman named Mai. She was seen at a club in Japan and mentioned a man named Marik. At least that is what our sources tell me."

Yami glanced up at him quizzically. "And what are your sources?"

Mahado's eyes shone an unreadable message but he shook his head. "Believe me it's not the time to get into that pharaoh. Just know that it is someone who is reliable though not the first person you would agree to turn to."

"Mahado," Yami warned, his eyes darkening. "I have no time for games. Who is our source?"

Mahado stared at him for a second before silently nodding. "It's a man named Seto Kaiba. He didn't want his name revealed lest our reasons for his help put his company in jeopardy."

"Kaiba? That name sounds familiar," Yami said, leaning back in thought.

"He's one of the richest men in Japan. He has his own company and owns several others that work under him. He's created many games based off of Duel Monsters and while he's selfish he is reliable when you make a good bargain with him."

"And what bargain did you make with him?" Yami asked, leaning on the table toward him.

"Please pharaoh, I mean you no harm. Please forgive me when I say this but…it seems that Kaiba only wants one thing and one thing only," Mahado said, pausing for a few seconds. "He wants a duel with Yuugi."

Yami's eyes lit up like fire and the symbol on his forehead glowed brilliantly. The table shook violently in reaction and the lights began flickering above. Soon they burst and covered them in darkness. Mahado didn't seem the least bit intimidated but he appeared grim as Yami's anger was shone. The only light was the brilliant glow from the Eye on Yami's forehead. His lips were drawn into a thin line and he was staring at Mahado with a displeased expression.

"Mahado, you have always been a dear friend of mine. I trust you with my life, you know this. Normally I would let it slide when you make decisions to help me out even without my approval but when it has to do with Yuugi I do not tolerate it."

Mahado closed his eyes in understanding and then reopened them staring at him seriously.

"It was a small price to pay for his help pharaoh. The duel is very harmless. We have learned much of the card game that is played now a days and it will not harm Yuugi in the least. It really is a game."

"I know Mahado, but it is unfair to Yuugi that he doesn't get the option," Yami scolded.

"I thought you might say that, pharaoh, but I made sure that you would be allowed to watch. I asked if friends could watch the duel to make sure it's fair and Kaiba agreed to it. He said he was going to hold the match in front of a large audience and any close friends of Yuugi's are welcome to sit up in front. He said that it would be well worth Yuugi's time because there is a five thousand dollar reward to the victor of the final round. Apparently Yuugi will not be the only one going up against Kaiba. It will be the several greatest duelists from around the world including Pegasus the creator of the game. Kaiba was the one who told me he knew of Yuugi's grandpa's financial difficulties since he's friends with the owners of the largest companies in all Japan including banks. And he said that if Yuugi defeated him he'd add in the bonus of an extra five hundred dollars. I suppose he's certain he's practiced long and hard to defeat Yuugi. But I have faith he will win. What with his courage that he showed in helping to defeat Kontar he will have no trouble with this harmless man," Mahado explained.

Yami's anger seemed to dissipate slightly for the lights turned back on and the table stopped shaking.

"I suppose there's nothing we can do now. I hope Yuugi won't be upset by it."

"Why should he if it gives him a chance to help his grandpa out. From what I hear he is the least selfish person you know, am I right?" Mahado asked, eyeing him strangely.

The look was subtle and Yami was too distracted in his thoughts to notice but he nodded slightly. Mahado stood up from the table and approached Yami, resting a warm hand on his shoulder.

"I'll be sure to let my men know you want them to look around for this Mai woman. If we find any leads I'll let you know."

Yami nodded gratefully. "Thank you my friend. I'm sorry for nearly losing my temper before."

"Don't feel the need to apologize pharaoh. I know how much this boy means to you," he said, his eyes softening.

Yami glanced up into his eyes seeing warmth and compassion emitting from them. He smiled sincerely and touched the hand that was on his shoulder signaling that he still trusted him as much as the first day they became close. Mahado nodded to him as a sign of respect then turned around and headed for the door.

"Get some sleep pharaoh so that you can keep your strength up," Mahado said, hesitating before he opened the door. "You might need it."

With that he walked out the door and Yami stared after him. Silence fell in the room and he was suddenly drowned by all the thoughts plaguing him. He didn't even notice as viziers came in to clean up the table nor even as a couple of them helped him upstairs to his room. He was thinking about everything that had happened and all the empty traces of Isis' disappearance that led to dead ends. His thoughts traveled briefly on Yuugi wondering how he was doing before he dozed off into a deep slumber.

XXXXXX

The air was thick and hot almost like dry desert heat as if the atmosphere was cramped with no air coming in. There was a strange smell that resembled sea water and a subtle wet sound was nearby. Yuugi groggily opened his eyes feeling his head pounding and his ears ringing. At first he wondered if he was dreaming but soon he opened his eyes all the way and his memory started kicking in. He had been kidnapped…again.

Groaning, he lifted his sore body up and examined himself. He wasn't tied up at all like last time. In fact, there was nothing around him or keeping him in and it seemed like he was the only one there. However, there was something strange about his surroundings. The walls were like solid rock almost like…like a cave. Yuugi shakily stood up and looked around, his eyes trying to adjust to the very dim light that was given off by the few torches that were set up in several corners.

He walked forward toward one of the torches and saw that there were puddles of water around. He was quite sure it was sea water which meant he was in a cave. But not just any cave. It had to be either an underground or underwater cave, but he wasn't sure which at the moment. He sucked in a deep breath remembering that Keith had kidnapped him which meant he could be somewhere nearby.

I've got to somehow get out of this cave. I can't let Keith keep me prisoner here. And I've got to hurry before he comes back!

Yuugi didn't even waste a second as he searched around looking for a direction that seemed like a way out. It was all cave around him, but there was one tunnel to his left, which was probably the one Keith went in, and there was a little ways to the back of the cave but Yuugi could tell it was a dead end. At first he was tempted just to run through the tunnel and pray Keith wasn't at the other end, but he noticed something out of place. The cave wall in the back looked uneven.

He quickly walked over to it and tapped around it hearing a hollow sound in the center. He felt around for something and his finger hit a small hole in the wall. Slipping his finger inside he felt something click and the wall slid open. Unfortunately, because of its age it didn't open all the way and instead got stuck part way. Clunky footsteps echoed nearby and Yuugi hurriedly squeezed himself through the space that had opened. He held his breath, thankful that there were no torches right nearby him so he could hide in the darkness, as the footsteps grew nearer. He was hidden behind the wall breathing deeply so he didn't dare turn to peer around the edge to see who was there. He listened closely and he heard almost inaudible cursing.

"Where the hell did he go!" a voice hissed.

Yuugi was positive it was Keith's voice. He waited still holding his breath as Keith walked around the room obviously looking for him. As he drew nearer Yuugi squeezed in farther against the wall. There wasn't really anything on the other side of the secret door but it was a nice place to hide. Keith walked right by him looking around and scratching the side of his face. With a glare around him he stomped back toward the tunnel. Carefully, Yuugi crept after him following a great distance behind him so as not to get caught.

The tunnel was a lot longer than he expected but finally Keith headed toward a small room attached to the cave. Yuugi wasted no time and snuck into the other tunnel next to the room. He let out his breath as he began creeping in the tunnel hoping that this would lead him out. He didn't want to wait for Keith to get any weapons together and go hunting for him so he sped up his pace slightly. He saw a dim light approaching him as he got nearer to the end.

Please be a way out!

He crept quietly out of the tunnel and stepped into the room beyond. It was not a way out but it was a room that made Yuugi stop and look around. There were pieces of furniture placed in it and even decorative thing like vases. There were stone steps leading up to a small ledge where a chair carved into the cave wall sat idly. Yuugi turned all around, his eyes taking in so much at once. There were trinkets and jewelry around as well. There was a marble cat statue with ruby eyes and even a golden collar. It was so shocking that Yuugi nearly forgot he had to try and escape. He decided he'd try some of the cave rooms that were attached to the main room. He peered into the first one and gasped aloud. There was a pile of riches like Yuugi had never seen with gold and jewels and diamonds of all sorts. It was sparkling so brightly even without much lightly that Yuugi could hardly stand to look at it. He wondered if perhaps Keith had been stealing from people, but decided not to think about it.

He walked over to the second room and peered inside and what he saw made his heart stop. Bodies were sprawled all over, most of them covered in blood but some of them just staring at him with their eyes wide open in terror. Most of them were young men and women but some were elderly people. Yuugi didn't recognize any of them but it didn't make the scene any less terrifying. He backed away, stumbling a bit, his eyes wide with fright as he stared at the corpses. He swallowed thickly trying his best not to panic. He turned around and let out a shriek as he saw a figure standing by the chair atop the stone steps.

"I see you've met the guests," the cold voice spoke softly hinting with amusement.

Yuugi was paralyzed to the spot, unable to move. How could Keith have been so quiet? Yuugi took several steps back and his spine tingled as shivers ran along his body hearing the cold voice laugh in amusement. Loud, stomping footsteps echoed nearby and Yuugi's head snapped in the direction of the tunnel where Keith emerged looking flushed and breathless.

What…how did he…?

Yuugi glanced up at the figure atop the stone steps realizing he was now not only trapped but outnumbered. Who was the second person?

"Boy!" Keith snarled angrily. "Come here!"

"Now, now Keith there's no need to be rude. After all, he is our guest," the cold voice said.

"Yes but—"

The voice chuckled and Yuugi suddenly had a sickening sensation of déjà vu. His stomach was queasy and his head was spinning and he was quite sure he was in more danger now that they knew he was awake and trying to escape—especially since he had seen the corpses and the loot. The figure moved ever so slowly in the shadows and Yuugi gulped, feeling the urge to run toward the tunnel past Keith but for some reason he remained in the same spot never taking his eyes off the shadow a distance away.

"Should I tie him up master?" Keith asked, glaring at Yuugi.

"There's no need; he won't run away, now will you Yuugi?"

"How do you know who I am?" Yuugi blurted out, feeling his heart hammering in his chest.

The voice didn't answer right away but he heard the soft chuckle and heard the sound of cloth moving. The figure was drawing nearer out of the shadows.

"I'm sure you remember," the voice spoke as the figure emerged in the dim light of the torches in the room.

Yuugi shook his head in disbelief, stumbling backward until he hit one of the tables. His face was pale and his eyes were wide with shock and fright. He couldn't move his jaw properly nor could he speak. He hardly noticed Keith walking in back of him to keep a close eye on him in case he tried to run away. Yuugi stared into the familiar intense maroon eyes and nearly hyperventilated on the spot.

Kontar smiled coldly, his eyes hungrily searching Yuugi's frightened face. "Welcome to my hideout little prince."

TO BE CONTINUED…

To Reviewers:

YamiyugifanadicAt least you got to see what Yami was up to! Unfortunately, he's not going to realize Yuugi's in danger so soon this time around. But don't worry…he won't be in the dark forever!

Atemu Yugi Lover34: Yep! Sorry Bakura and Ryou weren't in this but they'll be in the next chapter I believe. At least you finally got to see what Yami was doing. I'll try and get the next chapter up asap! If you're confused about anything let me know.

Amber Eyes23: Yes Yuugi's still wearing the necklace. He never took it off since Horus gave it to him. I hinted that it was extremely light for such a big necklace meaning he's completely forgotten about it. But it will become important! Yes, Keith is again on the wrong side, but for a different reason this time around. He wants revenge against Marik for something, but you'll find out later!

Kari-sama: Holy smokes! I can't believe you guessed Kontar. That was very perceptual of you! I thought I made people believe he was completely dead in the end of The Lost Pharaoh, but you're very clever…I'm sure you've noticed how the bad guys just seem to not stay dead.

Yana5: You'll see what happens to Yuugi soon enough…I promise.

Padfoot13: Well Keith is really only the servant so he's not going to anything really. He does play a role in this again but as usual not a very big one, though bigger than in The Lost Pharaoh. Yami doesn't know Yuugi is in danger yet, but he will!

SilverWing147: Lol! Yes, Yuugi is very kidnappable isn't he? (That's not a word…I know. Hehehe!) Sorry there was no fluff in this chapter but finally the plot is being revealed, ne? Don't worry there's still much more fluff to come between the two couples. I'll update asap!

Inuyasha0001: Yuugi's not completely helpless of course but he was taken by surprise. Of course he is at a disadvantage since he doesn't have power like Yami, but I hinted along the way of something in this chapter. Well, I suppose this chapter answers your question! Yes, Mahado is in this, but he's not exactly the same character as in the series. I changed him a bit, but at least he's in here! The others aren't I'm afraid, but there have been quite a few characters like Mai and Kaiba and Yuugi's friends that were added. Don't worry they're not forgotten!

Amethyst No Hikari: That's fine don't worry about it. Yep, poor little Yuugi is in for a big surprise yet again. He does seem to get in over his head at times, ne:-) But anyway, I'll try to update asap!

Yume Li: Yes, poor Yuugi! Even though it's sad he's been kidnapped it's all for a reason, trust me. Don't worry Yuugi isn't as helpless as he appears, right:-)

Russa All very good questions! Unfortunately I can't answer any of them. You'll have to see what part Keith plays and who kidnapped Isis (though I'm sure you can guess who by now). Yes, poor little Yuugi. Don't worry, Yami won't be in the dark forever.