Chapter Fourteen

Marik: So we will go around here?

Marik pointed to an area on the map his first mate held up for him.

First mate: Yes sir, We'll start traveling southeast but stay on the Kiribati coast.

An impatient Honda barges into the captain's quarters demanding answers to the current situation.

Honda: What are we gonna go now that we have none of the stones?

Marik: Don't worry, we'll have to follow him. We'll circle slowly to allow him to take the lead then we'll keep a safe distance behind him.

Honda: Do you think that'll work?

Marik: It's better than floating around hoping to land on the right island? Besides we need the stones to find Aaru.

Meanwhile inside Yugi and Kaiba's cabin . . .

Yugi is sitting on the floor between Kaiba's legs as he's seated on the bed. Kaiba takes a wet towel and squeeze the water over Yugi's wound washing the dried blood away.

Kaiba: Good thing for all these spikes, it makes it easier to find what I'm looking for.

'I can't believe how soft his hands are' Yugi purred in his mind as he nearly lost himself in Kaiba's gentle way of treating his wound.

Kaiba: You know, it's rude not to acknowledge a simple compliment.

Yugi reluctantly flowed back into reality. He was so lost in Kaiba's touch that he forgot what was said.

Yugi: huh?

Kaiba: That'll be the last time I ever give you one then.

Yugi: What do you mean, Kaiba?

Kaiba: I gave you a compliment. I said the way you're handling the pain is brave, I said you were tough.

Yugi blushed. 'Kaiba thinks I'm tough. Why is that so important to me?'

Yugi: Thank you.

Kaiba: That's better.

Yugi: I'm glad you think I'm tough.

Kaiba: There, all done.

Yugi stood up and faced Kaiba. 'He's smiling? I can't believe it!' Kaiba tossed the bloody rag aside and wondered why Yugi was staring at him like that.

Kaiba: What are you looking at?

Yugi: I've never seen you smile before.

Kaiba: Who says I was smiling?

Yugi: I saw it.

Kaiba: I doubt I was.

Yugi knew better than to drag this little debate out since he highly doubt he would admit to it so he decided to just let it go.

Kaiba: Yugi, come a little closer.

Yugi: Sure what is it.

Kaiba leaned in gently when Honda comes in causing both boys to jerk away from each other.

Kaiba: Didn't anybody teach you manners, dork?

Honda was completely oblivious to anything Kaiba said and it was apparent to Yugi that he didn't notice anything.

Honda: Hey we're gonna circle around and catch up to them.

Yugi: That's a great idea. Since we don't have the stones, we can follow them.

Back in Joey's cabin Tea sits with him listening as he confesses all of his feelings about Yugi.

Tea: You shouldn't give up Joey. If you really like him then go for it.

(She laughs)

Tea: I guess now I understand why our little kiss didn't go so well.

Joey: He likes Kaiba not me, if he didn't like the kiss it's because of "money bags"

Tea: Joey, I've never known you to give up on anything in my life, don't start now.

Joey: How can I compete? Kaiba is rich and I'll admit . . . good looking.

Tea: But he's also an insensitive jerk, emotionless freak and cares more about a stuffy old company than he does human beings. Do you think Yugi would really be happy with him?

Joey: I don't know.

Joey sulked on the bed with a defeated expression on is face.

Days have passed since the gang lost Isis and the white jewel fragment. All was pretty subdued on the ship. Joey avoided Yugi and Kaiba. Whenever he saw them on the top deck looking out into the sun or playing chess to pass the time, he would simply hide in the shadows hoping that Yugi won't spot him or worse, Kaiba. There would be no end to the abuse he would inflict on him.

So far Marik's plan was working like a charm. They circled around the islands and came up perfectly just a few miles from Sethos' ship. Marik looked thru his telescope, although he could barely see the crew abroad the speeding vessel he managed to check out the new crest flag lifted in place of the skull and cross bones. The frightening image of an angry Anubis stabbing the millennium rod thru the skull of a horned-like devil man in what looks like battle scenes of gore bore into his mind. Marik had no idea what it meant. All he knew is that his sister is aboard that ship and he must save her.

As Sethos relaxed in the captain's quarters, Franco came to him with the good news.

Franco: Master, the plan is working perfectly, they are following us as we speak and are gaining quickly.

Sethos smiles.

Sethos: Very good. The fools are falling right into my trap. Keep ahead to Bairiki and when we stop keep a close look out on their ship and crew, if Seto steps off and if you have the opportunity, take him.

Franco: Yes, sir.

Sethos sat back enjoying the abundant of fresh fruit and wine. 'Soon Kisara you will return to the living world.'