A Dragon's Destiny

by Magi Mana

Talesverse. Kisara is a new student at Domino, returning after years of being away. She sees her childhood friend Seto has become cold and distant while she quickly makes friends with his soon-to-be rivals Yugi Muto and Joey Wheeler. While facing the return of the Shadow Games, Kisara will have to face both her past with Seto and the truth about the Millennium Items.

20. The Tablet of Forgotten Memories

Hey, guys, I know it's been a while. I owe you guys a huge apology for taking so long with this chapter. My life has been complicated since I last updated this, including dealing with a lot of negativity. I won't go into the details, but I do want to express my appreciation for you guys. Despite my at times slow updates and unfulfilled promises of getting faster, you've all been so kind and patient with me. Seeing a review from you guys makes me smile, even if it's pointing out a mistake I made. Which, if I haven't already encouraged you guys to do so, go for it. I seriously consider every comment you guys make, either in a review or a PM. Card suggestions, plot points, character development, grammar errors, all of it. I might not necessarily use every suggestion, but I do take time to think about it. And the fact that you guys take the time to review, follow, and favorite my work is loads of encouragement. So thank you. We've got a long way to go to reach the end of this story, and I hope you guys stick with me until then.

And despite my heartfelt appreciation for you guys, I still don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! If I did, I would have had Ishizu duel more.

Chapter Twenty: The Tablet of Forgotten Memories

She waited outside the pharaoh's chambers, anticipating when the meetings would finish and she could see her friends. Her apprentice friend was waiting inside the vase at the corner, trembling with anticipation. She could see the vase shake with the girl's movements.

Finally, the doors opened, and the Guardians emerged. She spotted the prince first, his tri-colored hair standing out. "How did it go?" she asked him.

"Same as usual," he rolled his eyes.

"In other words, His Highness was bored throughout it," a guardian clad in blue and white robes smirked, his deep blue eyes twitching in amusement.

"You know you'll have to get used to those," she rolled her eyes at the indignant prince. "Someday you'll be the one leading them."

"I am not looking forward to that," the prince grumbled. His eyes widened as if struck with an idea. "Hey, if you like them so much," he pointed to the guardian, "you can lead them. A Pharaoh has to know when to delegate."

"I don't think that's what His Majesty had in mind," she sighed, imagining how the pharaoh would react to the prince's statement. "But you might want to head that way." She point to the vase that was shaking even more. "Otherwise she's going to jump out at one of the other guardians."

The prince hurried over to the vase, and the apprentice jumped out onto him. He caught her with ease, his entire face lighting up.

"I wonder if those two will ever grow up," the guardian rolled his eyes.

"I don't know," she smiled and brushed a lock of white hair behind her ear. "I think it's nice they can still be so carefree. It reminds me there's still good in this world." She rubbed her wrists, remembering how they had once been bound.

"I guess you're right," the guardian placed his arm around her shoulders, a rare sign of affection. Her smile widened. Together they could face anything.

Kisara nestled under the covers of her bed, wanting to hold the feeling of the dream closer. She closed her eyes tighter, trying to imprint the fading images of the guardian, prince, and others into her memory. It was so peaceful; Kisara wished she'd had more moments like that in her life.

As the sunshine grew brighter in the room, Kisara gave into the inevitable and pulled herself out of bed. Time to face the day.

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"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad," Kisara placed the flowers in front of her parents' graves. "I'm sorry I haven't been by lately. We've been having so many tests at school, and I've been trying to help Joey and Tristan study…" She let herself talk about anything that came to her head, imagining her parents with her in person. She even mentioned things that were worrying her, like whoever had been controlling Bandit Keith or the lack of success in finding why Yami was attached to the Millennium Puzzle.

Glancing at the time, she bid her parents farewell and headed back towards the entrance. As she reached the gate, she bumped into a woman with green hair pulled into a bun at the base of her neck. "Excuse me," she apologized.

"It's all right," the woman smiled. She glanced around the area, clutching the bouquet of flowers in her hands tighter. She whispered something Kisara couldn't hear.

"Are you okay?" Kisara cautiously asked the woman. She knew full well how painful visiting this place could be. The memories flooding forth, the grief of losing the loved one, the desire to have things the way they used to be.

"Oh, yes," the woman seemed to have forgotten about Kisara. "I'm sorry. I'm… here to see my son. But I suspect he won't want to see me."

"I'm sorry," Kisara bowed her head. "I was just visiting my parents."

"But you're so…" the woman seemed surprised at Kisara's words.

"I know," Kisara's bangs fell into her eyes. "I lost them a long time ago. But I have a family that accepts me now. Though it doesn't make their loss any easier."

"Ah. I didn't see my son long before he died," the woman said. "I'm sure that colored his perception of me."

"Until recently, I hadn't visited my parents in years either," Kisara admitted and brushed her bangs back. "But I'm sure your son would still appreciate you coming."

"Thank you," the woman gave a small smile. "But to be honest, I suspect he hates me. His father and I separated when he was young, and my ex-husband got custody and refused to let me see him. That man was the devil incarnate. If only I'd seen that sooner, I…" she paused as she looked at Kisara. "My son would have been about your age. Maybe that's why I feel compelled to tell you."

"It's okay," the teen assured her. "I'm Kisara White."

"Lillian Kingsley," the woman introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you," Kisara smiled at her. "I hope your son is at peace."

"And I hope the same for your parents," Ms. Kingsley nodded. "It was wonderful to meet you."

"Likewise," Kisara stepped aside to let the woman pass. "Maybe we'll see each other again."

"Maybe…" Ms. Kingsley glanced up and down, as if taking in the white-haired teen's appearance. "Forgive me, but I really should be going."

"Don't let me keep you," Kisara moved towards the entrance. "May peace find you and your son."

"Thank you."

With that, Kisara left the cemetery.

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Lillian Kingsley watched the girl exit the cemetery. Talking with her made Lillian feel… warm. It reminded her of conversations with a friend from long ago. The friend who promised to look after Lillian's son in her absence.

But… didn't she have a child too?

"It couldn't be…" What were the odds? It was a common name. Could it?

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Yugi leaned against a tree by the entrance to the park. There was still time before he was supposed to meet Kisara, leaving him to wander through his thoughts and worries. Mainly the worries surrounded by smoke and flames. I almost lost him in that fire. And it seems whoever is after the Puzzle is willing to do anything to get it or make sure that no one else does. When he smashed it, he almost destroyed it for good. We barely made it out of there alive! And I just know that was just the beginning, and we're in more danger than ever.

"Yes, Yugi," Yami materialized in front of him, invisible to everyone but Yugi. "But you reassembled the Puzzle, and our bond is back. And we'll face him together."

"But we don't even know who he is," Yugi pointed out. "We don't even know what he looks like."

"Maybe," Yami shrugged. "But haven't we been in tough spots before?"

"Yeah," Yugi answered.

"So we'll get through this one too," Yami smirked. His expression softened. "By the way, thank you. For risking your life to save me."

"It was Joey and Tristan that saved us," Yugi pointed out. "And Blue-Eyes shielded us from the flames."

"Even so, you fought bravely for my sake," Yami insisted. "You played an important role."

"Yeah, getting you captured in the first place," Yugi grimaced. If he hadn't handed that thief the Puzzle, then none of that would have happened. They never would have ended up in that warehouse.

"Yugi, whoever this enemy is, he would have come for us either way," Yami said, picking up on Yugi's thoughts. "And unfortunately, I have no idea what he wants beyond the Puzzle. But I suspect there's something more."

"Could it have something to do with why you're here?" Yugi asked, pushing aside his own doubts for the moment.

"Possibly," Yami looked up at the clouds as if searching for something. "But I can't be sure. I have no memories from before you completed the Millennium Puzzle. I don't know where the name Yami came from, but something tells me it is not my true name. However, it is the closest I have to my own identity."

"Oh," Yugi looked down at the ground. He knew Yami's memories were limited, but Yami had never let on just how few he had. And here Yugi was moping about his own shortcomings. "I don't want to mess up again," he admitted. "I don't want to let you down."

"Yugi, you didn't fail," Yami moved to stand right in front of his host. "I may not remember my past, but know this: you have a soul that is courageous and true. There's a reason Fate handed you the Millennium Puzzle and brought us together."

"Speaking of the Puzzle," Yugi held up the pendant to look at the eye symbol. "The guy at the warehouse said he was 'familiar with the power of a Millennium Item.' Do you think he has one?"

"That would explain how he controls people's minds," Yami reasoned. "It also seems he has knowledge of the ancient customs. Our foe is somehow connected to the past."

"But who is he?" Yugi puzzled.

"I don't know," Yami sighed.

"Then how can we stop him?" Yugi snapped, his frustration at the situation getting the better of him.

"Don't worry," Yami assured him, placing a transparent hand on his shoulder. "I believe in you. That has never wavered since you solved the Puzzle."

"I'm afraid of losing you," Yugi admitted.

"And you won't," Yami promised. "Even if I don't remember my own past, I'm happy getting to know you and your friends. Joey, Tristan, Tea, Kisara. I'm fine with how things are."

"Sorry I'm late."

The duo turned to see Kisara panting. She glanced between the two, as if she were looking at both of them. Can she? "Kisara, can you see him?" Yugi asked.

"Yeah," she admitted. "I don't know why, but I've been able to see him since we left Duelist Kingdom."

"Well that makes this easier," Yami commented. "But if I had to guess, I would suspect your dragon spirit is a part of why."

"And that's why I asked you two to meet me here," Kisara said. "Well, the dragon, not the why can I see you. That I just wasn't sure how to bring up."

"So what can we do?" Yugi asked. She hadn't really brought up the dragon since the tournament, and the rest of the group had let things fall back into a pattern of normalcy.

"I need to learn how to control my dragon," Kisara let her hair fall into her face. "I became a liability to you two in that warehouse because I couldn't control it. I don't want that to happen again."

So I'm not the only one feeling inadequate after that day. Yugi hadn't even considered what things were running through her head. Kisara refused to abandon the two of them, and she ended up in worse shape than Yugi did. "I don't know where to begin," he admitted.

"I have a somewhat vague idea," Yami offered. "I feel like I'm supposed to know more about how to do it, but I can't remember. But…" he closed his eyes, like he was searching the fragments of his memory. "What was running through your mind when it appeared?"

"I don't really know," she answered, twirling a lock of white hair around her finger. "The only time I remember even summoning it was during your duel against Pegasus. And that was right after Yugi… you know."

"Ah…" Yugi rubbed the back of his head as he remembered the worry he put Yami and Kisara through during that duel. "Well, the other times, it was when we were in trouble. It saved you and Joey from drowning, and then it protected you guys from Panik."

"And it allowed her to interfere with Kaiba being taken by Pegasus," Yami added. "As well as protecting you two in the warehouse. I suspect that is the common factor."

"So it comes out when I need to protect someone?" Kisara reasoned. "That makes sense; I do remember being desperate to save Seto that time. But…" she took a deep breath. "I don't want to black out when it appears. I want to still be able to help you guys even when it comes out. And the only thing I can think of is to practice. But I don't know how."

"Focus on the feeling of when the dragon appears," Yami instructed. "I think that's the first step."

"We should go where people won't see us," Yugi pointed out. It probably wouldn't be good if other people saw a massive dragon appear out of nowhere.

The trio headed to a secluded area of the park. "Okay, you were saying, Yami?" Kisara turned to the spirit.

"I don't know if this is actually going to work," he grimaced. "As I said, I feel like I'm supposed to know, but I don't."

"Don't push yourself," Yugi said.

"I'm with Yugi," Kisara agreed. "I realize I'm asking a lot from you. But I don't know who else to ask."

"How about we give it a try?" Yugi suggested, wanting to ease the tension. While he knew neither Yami nor Kisara blamed the other for their current set of frustrations, he didn't want them to end up snapping at each other. "We won't know for sure until you do."

"Right," Kisara nodded. She sat down next to a tree and closed her eyes. For the next few minutes, nothing could be heard except for the high schoolers' breathing. After ten minutes, Kisara groaned. "Okay, this isn't working."

"There must be something else we're missing," Yugi reasoned. "Too bad we don't know anyone else with this kind of ability."

"Yeah," Yami frowned and looked away.

"Well it was worth a shot," Kisara stood up. "I guess it's back to the library then. I still haven't had any luck finding information on the Millennium Items. Or for what could have bound Yami to the Puzzle."

"Don't trouble yourself," Yami said as they headed out of the park.

"Yami, I've been a bookworm all my life," she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "This just lets me be useful with that."

They passed by an electronics store with several televisions on display. "In today's news, at Domino Museum Ishizu Ishtar of the Egyptian Historical Society announced the opening of her highly anticipated Egyptian exhibit," the announcer on the displayed channel said.

"Game fans are especially invited." An ebony-haired woman appeared on the screen. "This world premiere showcases newly discovered and never-before-seen artifacts chronicling the history of Egyptian games. In ancient times, games were not played just for fun as they are today. Everyone from princes to peasants waged dueling games against each other for land, wealth, but especially for power. These games were epic battles. I've unearthed relics that suggest the great Pharaoh himself may have competed in a game against a force that threatened to destroy the entire world. Of course, this is still speculation, and further studying needs to be done." The woman gave a confident smile. "I'm personally inviting Seto Kaiba to this evening's private exhibition. I promise what he will witness will change his life forever."

"That could be a lead!" Kisara grinned. "Let's go see when it opens."

"It does sound interesting," Yugi agreed. He could probably convince Grandpa to go too—Grandpa especially loved Egyptian exhibits.

"I would ask Seto what he thinks," Kisara continued, "but I get the feeling he's not going to be overly interested. I do wonder why he was invited."

"Don't trouble yourselves on my account," Yami interrupted them. Both teens turned to face the spirit. "I don't want to burden you. I'm happy being in this group. I'm okay with staying bound to the Puzzle as long as I am with you, my friends."

"We don't have to go," Yugi assured his companion.

"Who are you to decide what is a burden for us?" Kisara snapped. "I do this research because I want to help you. You are our friend, and friends help each other. The others agree, even if some of this goes over their heads. And if that warehouse guy comes back, you can bet we're going to be right there with you. It's not your decision on whether or not we get involved. It's ours. And I for one am tired of not knowing anything!"

"But I don't need to know!" Yami glared at her. "And there aren't any leads anyway!"

"There's one right there!" Kisara pointed to the screens as they switched to an insurance advertisement.

"You don't know that," Yami insisted, his voice icily calm. "What if it's a dead end like every other one?"

"We won't know until we try!" she yelled.

"I've made my decision," Yami stated. He vanished into the Puzzle. Yugi could still sense his frustration, but he knew the spirit wouldn't come out for a while. Maybe after he cooled off Yugi could talk to him.

"Fine!" Kisara whipped around and stomped off, her hair flaring out in an icy wave.

"Wait, where are you going?" Yugi called to her and hurried to catch up.

"The museum," she stated. "I'm going to find answers."

Yugi hesitated to follow her. This wasn't like the playful arguing between Joey and Tristan or the usual jabs between Joey and Kaiba. Maybe it would be best to give them some space from each other. Hopefully when they got to school tomorrow the two could make up.

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Kisara headed to the museum to see when the Egyptian exhibit would be opening. Maybe, finally, they could get some answers to the Millennium Items or why Yami was here. I don't care if Yami says he doesn't want to know. These Items have targeted us for a reason, and I'm going to find out why. Even if I can't control whatever power I have.

She stopped at the entrance, looking for a sign that would tell her when the exhibit would be open to the public. That newscast said there was a private viewing that night, but that didn't help her figure out when she and the rest of the ordinary citizens could go in. You'd think they'd post the dates of such a big exhibit where everyone could see them.

"We're here, sir," someone said behind her.

Kisara turned around to see Seto stepping out of a KaibaCorp limo. He had a purple trench coat on over a black shirt and pants, and he carried his usual silver briefcase. "What are you doing here?" she asked him.

"I was promised this would be worth my time," he rolled his eyes. "You?"

"I'm actually really interested in the new exhibit," she admitted. "I was hoping they'd have announced when it was going to open for the public."

"Hmm," Seto closed his eyes and stepped past her. "Come on."

"Really?" Kisara followed him to the door.

"Would I have offered if I didn't mean it?"

"Right," Kisara rolled her eyes, and the two entered the building.

Awaiting them was a woman maybe a few years older than them flanked by two men Kisara presumed were her personal guards. The woman had tanned skin and ebony hair that fell to the middle of her back with locks bound in gold behind both ears. A golden circlet with an emerald adorned her hair, and she wore a long-sleeved ankle-length white dress that left her shoulders bare and had black embroidery around the neckline and sleeves. Her golden necklace glittered in the light as her cerulean eyes took the pair in. "Thank you for coming, Seto Kaiba," she nodded to the CEO. The woman turned to Kisara. "And you must be Kisara White. I had a feeling you would come."

"How do you know my name?" Kisara's guard went up. The woman couldn't have known she would be coming. Kisara didn't even know she'd get in.

"Let's just say I have a sixth sense about somethings," the woman said, moving with a grace Kisara could only wish for. "My name is Ishizu Ishtar."

Kisara glanced to the woman's necklace, spotting the eye symbol that was also on the Puzzle, Eye, and Ring. "That's a Millennium Item, isn't it?"

"Perceptive," Ishizu smiled.

"Where are the other guests?" Seto cut in.

"I did say this was a private exhibition," Ishizu smiled. "You were the only one invited because it makes conducting business so much easier." More guards moved to block the exits.

"Don't try anything," Kisara stepped between Seto and Ishizu, remembering her previous encounters with the Items. The warehouse fire was still fresh in her mind.

"I promise I mean you no harm," Ishizu didn't react to Kisara's response. Cerulean and sapphire eyes locked, waiting for the other to blink.

"It's only been a minute, but I'm already bored," Seto's voice ended the staring contest. "If you don't tell me what this is all about, we're leaving now." He placed a hand on Kisara's shoulder and turned her towards the exit.

"Excuse us," Ishizu apologized. "We've faced a string of thefts, and we have to be careful. You may leave anytime you wish, Seto Kaiba and Kisara White. However, I believe it is in your best interest to see all that we have to offer."

"Really now?" Seto scoffed and turned to face the curator. Kisara followed suite. "And how do you know what's best for me?"

"Please, come this way," Ishizu gestured for them to venture farther into the museum.

I have to find out what she knows. Kisara steeled herself and followed the woman. For Yami and Yugi. Seto trailed behind her.

"Do you believe in destiny?" Ishizu asked her guests as they arrived in a lower room filled with artifacts. Kisara recognized the style of Egyptian statues and other artifacts from the research she did trying to find references to the Millennium Items.

"Does it matter?" Seto rolled his eyes.

"Ancient Egyptians thought that the true path of one's life was predetermined because history repeats itself throughout the ages in a never-ending cycle. They would say it was not your choice to come here, for it was destined the three of us would meet."

"Look, all that nonsense may interest you," Seto frowned at her, "but I didn't come here for Egyptian History 101. I came because you said it would be worth my while."

"Seto," Kisara glared at her friend. "But he does have a point. I came because I want answers about that necklace you're wearing, and the other Items in the set."

"So let's get to the point of whatever ploy you're scheming," Seto finished. "I have a company to run." He narrowed his eyes at the woman. "You said you had an exclusive offer for me. I know everything about Duel Monsters, and nothing can stop Exodia. So quit the charade and tell us what's going on."

"All in good time," Ishizu smiled and walked further into the exhibit.

"Did she really promise a card that powerful?" Kisara whispered to Seto. "I thought Exodia was unbeatable, and the next strongest cards were Blue-Eyes or Black Luster Soldier."

"You're learning," Seto smirked, and the duo followed after Ishizu.

"Duel Monsters is based on a 5,000-year-old game," Ishizu explained when the two caught up to her. "It was played by ancient Egyptians for power and was extremely dangerous."

"Who cares?" Seto rolled his eyes.

"Seto!" Kisara chastised her friend.

"Maximillion Pegasus did," Ishizu answered, unfazed by Seto's snarky attitude. "He fell in love with the game and decided to reinvent it for modern times."

Kisara flinched at the memory of what Pegasus did to them. "What's your point?" Seto asked.

"I am getting to it," Ishizu assured him. "Unbeknownst to most duelists, Pegasus created a series of all-powerful cards that were never released to the public. It's no surprise that he kept the strongest cards for himself."

"Are you referring to the Toon World series?" Kisara asked. "We've seen those cards firsthand. They were near impossible to beat. But I doubt they could beat Exodia."

"You are correct, but I was referring to others," Ishizu led them to an area marked restricted. Kisara carefully descended the stairs into the dimly lit room. "I keep the most precious artifacts here. We've recovered stone carvings that depict the earliest known game played in Egypt. I'm sure you'll find it most familiar."

"Let me guess: Duel Monsters?" Kisara raised an eyebrow at the Egyptian woman. "This isn't the first time I've heard the story.

"Correct," Ishizu smirked. "Behold the origin of Duel Monsters." She flipped on a light, revealing two stone tablets.

"It can't be," Seto's eyes widened, and he stepped closer to the tablet on the right.

"The resemblance is uncanny," Kisara agreed, recognizing depictions of Exodia, Summoned Skull, and other monsters from the game. She leaned in to get a better look at it. "This is some solid proof."

"I see you two are starting to believe," Ishizu let them take in the images. "Furthermore, there is a theory that in ancient times these monsters were real. Egyptian sorcerers summoned monsters to Earth to do their bidding."

Kisara felt her dragon stir. "I can believe that."

Ishizu nodded. "But they soon realized the monsters could not be controlled," she continued. "They destroyed countless villages and brought Earth to the brink of destruction. The citizens turned to the Pharaoh for help. Though he could not permanently defeat the monsters, he managed to use his magic to seal them away in stone tablets and brought peace to the world."

Kisara placed a hand over her heart, calming her dragon. "But where did the monsters come from?" she asked. "The sorcerers had to call them from somewhere."

"That particular information is unclear," Ishizu admitted. "Some translations mention a Realm of Shadows. Others say the monsters were born from the souls of men."

So where does that leave Blue-Eyes? Kisara grimaced.

"There is more to the story," Ishizu drew their attention again. "With time, sorcerers learned to control the monsters and released them from the tablets. With their powerful army, they were confident that no one could stand in their way. They betrayed the pharaoh and waged an all-out war against him." She moved over to the tablet on the left. "This is the reason I called you here. It depicts one of the main conflicts in the war between the Pharaoh and his greatest opponent."

Kisara froze at the carvings of two humans engaged in battle. The figure on the right had a distinctively familiar spikey hairstyle with a crown, and he wore an upside-down triangular pendant. Yami… That had to be Yami on that tablet. Who else had that hair back then?

Above the Pharaoh, a magician with long robes emerged from a tablet, pointing his scepter at his opponent… a dragon all-too familiar to Kisara. Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes. Shadi had called them nemeses. And here they were, locked in combat. Kisara looked to the figure the Pharaoh fought, the one wielding her dragon. The sorcerer wore long robes, a headdress to cover his hair, and wielded a staff. It was harder to spot compared to the other figures, but Kisara could see the resemblance between Seto and the carving.

"That's the Pharaoh?" Seto reacted behind her. "But that's Yugi! And the monster above him is the Dark Magician!"

"And on the left is the sorcerer fighting against him," Ishizu confirmed Kisara's thoughts. "That's you, Kaiba. If you still have any doubts, look at his monster. It's the Blue-Eyes White Dragon."

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She walked down a dusty ravine, noting the statues the lined her path. A staircase ahead led into some kind of temple. She could barely make out the figure in blue with black and magenta hair. "Yugi!" she called to him. "Stop!"

He turned to face her, his narrowed gaze silently taking her in. "Where are you going?" she asked him.

Yugi turned back towards the temple. He walked on, disappearing into the shadows. "To face my destiny," he answered. "Good-bye."

She reached for him to come back. "Don't go!" she cried.

Tea shot awake, her hand stretched out over her desk. She panted, trying to calm her racing heart. What was that? She bit her lip as her dream played over and over again. Yugi couldn't leave her. He was her best friend. She needed him. But… I know there's something else he has to do, but I don't want that to take him away. Tea sighed. She needed someone else to talk to.

She headed down to the living room and saw her dad reading a book in the recliner. "Is Kisara home yet?" she asked.

"Not yet," Gabriel looked up at his daughter. "She called a while ago saying she was going to stop at the museum before coming home. She's particularly interested in that Egyptian exhibit that was announced and wanted to see when it would open."

"Oh, okay," Tea turned towards the kitchen, avoiding her dad's gaze. She really didn't want to try to explain what was going on with Yugi, or the full story of what happened in that warehouse. For now, chocolate would have to do the trick.

She only hoped Kisara would get home soon. Tea really needed a girl talk.

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"What does the Blue-Eyes have to do with this?" Kisara turned to the curator, giving the woman the 'Seto-glare.'

"The hieroglyphs read that the sorcerer marched into the pharaoh's chamber and challenged him and his legion of noble magicians to a legendary duel with the fate of the world at stake," Ishizu continued, unfazed by Kisara's gaze. The Pharaoh accepted his challenge, and their epic battle began. Both opponents unleashed their most powerful monsters—the sorcerer fighting to control the world, and the pharaoh fighting to save it. Today, 5,000 years later, that ancient battle is being played out once again."

"That can't be accurate," Kisara rejected Ishizu's conclusion. No way would Seto risk destroying the world just to get back at Yugi. And I know Blue-Eyes wasn't meant to bring destruction. Her dragon tensed, like a dog raising its hackles, at the implication in Ishizu's words.

"This rock has got to be a fake," Seto gripped his briefcase tighter.

"If you won't trust my words," Ishizu held her hands up to her necklace, "then you must look to the past and experience part of the battle firsthand, which I can help you do with my Millennium Necklace." The Item glowed with light, blinding the two visitors.

A sorcerer clad in blue and white robes pointed a winged scepter made of gold at the man on the throne. "Duel me, Pharaoh!" he commanded, raising the golden feather-shaped object attached to his left hand. It folded out, revealing two more wings. "Or are you a coward?"

"Have you gone mad?" a guardian stepped forward, activating his own feathered object. He was bald with black markings across his brow. He wore long beige robes with gold bands on his wrists and biceps, and he griped a golden ankh-shaped key. "How dare you betray our king!"

"He is the traitor!" One of the wing's on the sorcerer's wrist glowed, and a dark blue warrior with dark purple wings appeared in front of him. "Duos! Destroy them with your Aura Sword!"

"Two-Headed Jackal Warrior!" A canine in gold and blue armor covering its body and two heads intercepted the beast, its axe locked with the blue warrior's sword.

"You think that will stop me?" the sorcerer scoffed. "I have more than just Duos to call upon." The other two wings on his wrist lit up. A green genie appeared alongside a minotaur clad in purple armor and wielding an axe. "La Jinn, Battle Ox, take them out!"

"Shadow Ghoul, intercept them!" A young woman with messy brown hair adorned with a beige and gold hat stood next to the guardian wielding her own feathered object. She wore a short beige dress with a long cape and had blue and red bracelets and a ruby choker. In her right hand she wielded a blue staff with pink accents and a gold orb on the end. At her command, a green monster with multiple red eyes blocked the two attacks.

"What are you—?" the bald guardian turned his head to look at her.

"This is my fight too," the brunette cut him off. "We've lost too many people for me to stand on the sidelines." She glanced back to the spikey-haired pharaoh on the throne. He tightly gripped the armrests of his chair, ready to charge forward. "I won't lose anyone else."

"You're nothing but a child who thinks herself a magician," the sorcerer mocked her. "You could never bother to train as you should. No wonder you failed your master. Do you think he took you on as a student out of pity?"

"I… I didn't…" the young woman faltered. The genie destroyed her green monster, and she dropped to her knees.

"Bastet, come forth!" A black feline charged forward and slashed through the genie. It spun around and blocked the minotaur's path. "Are you all right?" the bald guardian asked his ally. The two warriors continued to lock blades, the sound of clashing metal filling the throne room.

"I'm fine," the young woman's tone turned cold as she got to her feet. "But I won't let him insult Master's memory like that." Another wing on her wrist glowed. "Grant me your strength, Master! I call on the Magician of Black Chaos!" A blue-skinned mage with wild black hair and clad in black and red appeared. He twirled his staff at the minotaur still engaged with the bald guardian's feline. "Chaos Scepter Blast!"

The feline moved out of the way just as the blast of magic struck the minotaur. "So you have improved," the sorcerer sneered.

"Give up yet?" the woman pointed her staff at him. "You know she wouldn't want you to do this."

"Don't tell me what she would want!" the sorcerer snapped with a vehement force. He held up his winged object. "Duos, Battle Ox, return!" His two monsters vanished from the throne room. "This is all that's left. I call on the White Dragon!" A dragon with shimmering white scales roared as it flew onto the field. Its sapphire eyes locked on the mage. "Destroy that pathetic mage with your White Lightning!" The dragon roared again, its blast completely obliterating the young woman's mage.

The White Dragon turned its attack on the two-headed jackal and the feline, wiping them both out. Both guardians were blown back with the impact. The pharaoh stood up, ready to run to their side…

Kisara gasped as the vision ended. She focused on the tiled floor she knelt on, steadying her breath. Next to her, Seto was doing the same. "Do you believe me now?" Ishizu asked them.

"That sorcerer… was in pain," Kisara panted, recalling the look in his eyes. "He was full of grief." Surprisingly, Seto said nothing as the two got to their feet.

"I do believe you are correct there," Ishizu nodded. "And history is destined to repeat itself." She turned to Seto. "It is not just coincidence Yugi is your greatest opponent, Kaiba. It was destiny you two dueled, and it's destined that you will battle again."

"Thanks for the lecture," Seto picked up his briefcase and turned to leave. "But I make my own destiny, and I do what I want to do."

"Normally, I'd tell him to be more polite," Kisara rolled her eyes, "but you haven't really earned my trust. I've learned to be wary of the Millennium Items. So what's your goal? Why did you invite Seto and not Yugi?"

"The Pharaoh will come in due time," Ishizu closed her eyes and touched her Necklace. She turned her gaze on Seto. "As for you, Kaiba, what I thought you wanted were powerful monsters, the Duel Monsters cards that surpass the power of Exodia. What if I told you they were in front of your eyes the whole time?"

"What?" Seto whipped around to face her.

It must be somewhere on the tablets. Kisara began scanning the two stones, looking for what Ishizu could be referring too.

"Take a look at the top," the curator instructed her guests. Kisara spotted a carving of the Millennium Puzzle with three tablets surrounding it. A horned fiend filled the slot on the right, a dragon in the one on top, and a sphinx in the left one. "They were the strongest and most feared creatures of annihilation—Obelisk the Tormentor, Slifer the Sky Dragon, and the Winged Dragon of Ra. Control one, and you can destroy a million armies. Wield all three, and the planet itself will quake in fear."

"That's insane," Kisara watched the carvings in awe.

"And Pegasus turned them into cards?" Seto asked.

"Yes," Ishizu answered.

"You lie," he accused her. "If he had them, why didn't he use them against me at Duelist Kingdom?"

"Because Pegasus feared the power of these Egyptian God cards," Ishizu stated. "You cannot fathom the magical energy contained within. Pegasus could not control the power of the cards he created. They threatened to overwhelm and destroy him."

Kisara's dragon stirred again, like it was raising its defenses. "Exactly what kind of power are you talking about? How dangerous is it?"

"Very dangerous," the curator answered.

"What did Pegasus do with the cards?" Seto asked.

"He gave them to me for safekeeping," Ishizu smiled. "Pegasus realized if these cards fell into the wrong hands, they could bring about the end of the world. He had me bury them in secret locations, but the cards were discovered. I must find them and hide them once again."

"So someone already found them?" Kisara's mind flashed to the mystery foe who controlled Bandit Keith. Could the thief be the one after Yugi?

"Yes," Ishizu answered.

"Tell me who," Seto demanded.

"The Rare Hunters," Ishizu narrowed her eyes. "A ruthless underground sect of elite duelists. They rob and steal rare cards worldwide to sell on the black market for enormous profits. However, they keep the strongest cards for themselves to create powerful decks that destroy all opposition. They operate in shadow, so they are nearly impossible to find."

Just when I was starting to get used to the idea of this being a card game for fun. A thought occurred to Kisara. She pulled a notebook and pencil out of her backpack and drew a rough sketch of what Bandit Keith wore that day in the warehouse. "Do these Rare Hunters wear something like this?" she held up the drawing.

"From what I have gathered, yes," Ishizu's eyes widened almost imperceptibly at the sketch. "Where did you see this?"

"It's a long story," Kisara answered. "But let's just say I think I met one of them, and things got a little heated."

"I see," Ishizu looked between Seto and Kisara. "As for the main reason I asked you here, Kaiba. I need your help to draw them out into the open. If you were to start a Duel Monsters tournament, your reputation would attract the greatest duelists in the world. This would be the greatest concentration of precious cards ever assembled in one location."

"I see," Seto smirked. "It's a trap. These Rare Hunters won't be able to resist such tempting bait. They'll come by the droves like vultures to a carcass, and they'll bring the Egyptian God cards."

"But how does that help us stop them?" Kisara asked. "If they already stole the Gods, and they're as powerful as you claim, how are we supposed to get them back?"

"With this card," Ishizu held out a blue-framed card to Seto. Kisara recoiled at the image of the blue horned fiend. It looked ready to smite any creature that dared cross it. Her dragon raised its hackles again.

Seto's eyes widened as he took the card. "Obelisk the Tormentor? I thought the cards were stolen?"

"I never said they were all stolen," Ishizu smirked. "I managed to retrieve one in time. You may borrow it during the tournament, but I expect it back."

She's got more riding on this than she's letting on. Kisara watched the woman carefully. Her words reminded Kisara of the genies in her fairy tales where the devil was in the details and the heroes needed very precise phrasing when dealing with them. Ishizu spoke with such precision that Kisara was sure there were no lies in what she said, but there was at least one crucial detail left out. And that kept Kisara's guard up.

"It's not every day a card this rare is handed to me," Seto slipped Obelisk into the inner pocket of his trench coat. "What if I chose to keep it forever? What makes you think I can be trusted? I could walk out of here, and you'd never see it again."

"I trust you," Ishizu kept her gaze on the CEO. "You are a man of your word."

"I haven't given my word," Seto smirked.

"Not directly," Ishizu matched his smirk. "But you still have my trust."

"Sure," Seto turned and headed back the way they came down. "I'll organize this tournament."

"I thank you," Ishizu nodded.

"But I'm not going to set it up because of your fairy tales and hocus pocus mind tricks," Seto cut her off. "I want to reclaim my title as the number-one duelist." He continued up the stairs. "Are you coming?" he asked Kisara.

"Go ahead," she eyed the tablet with Seto and Yami on it. "I have a few more questions."

"Five minutes," he said. "Otherwise I'm coming back."

"Okay, Seto," she waved him off.

"What would you like to know, Miss White?" Ishizu asked once he was gone.

"I want to know more about that vision you showed us," Kisara met the woman's gaze. "I've seen the people in that vision before. I thought they were just dreams from all the reading I was doing on Egypt trying to find information on the Millennium Items. But there's more to the story, isn't there? Because in this instance, Seto isn't the one with the power of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. I am."

"As I said, the past is destined to repeat itself," Ishizu's face was a mask of calm. "I do not know how the battle ended, but I do know that you are correct in that the sorcerer suffered a great loss before he challenged the Pharaoh. However, the details have been lost to time."

"I see," Kisara pondered the implications of the curator's words. Who could the sorcerer have lost? And how did it happen? "One more question."

"Ask away."

"What is your stake in this?"

Ishizu paused. "I have already told you of the theft of the Egyptian God cards. I must retrieve them."

"But there's more," Kisara insisted. "You have a more personal stake in this."

"I do not believe that is any of your business."

"Normally, I would agree with you," Kisara softened. "I couldn't care less about rare cards or dueling titles. But I do care about protecting my friends. And if whatever is going on threatens Seto or Yugi or anyone else, then we need to know. I won't let my friends be endangered."

"Very admirable of you," Ishizu gestured for Kisara to follow her up the stairs to the main lobby. "But do not presume to be the only person fighting for someone you care about. You are skilled at reading people. But that alone does not tell you everything." She waved her hand, and the guards stepped aside, allowing Kisara to exit the building. "This will not be the last time we converse. Until then, I bid you farewell."

"Goodbye then," Kisara left the museum.

She found Seto's limo still sitting outside. He sat in the back seat, staring at the Egyptian God card. He barely looked up when she tapped on the window. "Finished?" he rolled down the window.

"For now," she answered.

"Then get in," he opened the door and slid over to make room for her.

"You don't have to give me a ride," Kisara said. Seto gave her the look that told her arguing with him would be pointless. "Okay, I'm coming." She slid in next to him. "Just so you know, I don't like that card."

"Oh?" Seto raised an eyebrow at her.

"It's dangerous," she glanced to the image of the card. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Worry about your little friends instead," he scoffed. "Because I will crush Yugi with this."

"Seto!" Kisara glared at him. "I don't care about your rivalry with Yugi. When there are no other stakes attached to the duel, I just let it be a game and whoever wins, wins, and you guys can always play again. You turn it into a bigger deal than anyone else. I just don't want someone getting hurt."

"All right, what's on your mind?" Seto put the card away and looked at her. "You're more irritated than usual."

"What makes you say that?"

"Usually it takes more for you to snap at me," he answered. "You usually leave off with telling me to play nice. And you were a little snippy with Ishtar."

"That noticeable, huh?" Kisara sighed. "I had a bit of a disagreement with—" she stopped herself from saying Yami at the last second—Seto didn't know about the spirit. "Yugi earlier. I guess it got under my skin more than I thought."

"Yugi?" Seto raised an eyebrow at her. "I would have expected Gardner or the mutt. Isn't Yugi your group's little peacemaker?"

"Just let it go," she sighed. "As I said, it was a disagreement more than anything else. We have different stances on something, and it got a little heated. I'll apologize next time I see him."

"You give in too quickly," he rolled his eyes.

"I'd rather be wrong sometimes and have my friends than be right all the time and be alone."

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The next few days were awkward as Kisara looked for an opportunity to apologize to Yami. When she caught Yugi's eye, he shook his head, indicating Yami wasn't coming out. Yugi looked about as lost on what to do as Kisara was.

And then there was everything she and Seto had seen with Ishizu. How was she supposed to bring up that vision with the others? Plus, Obelisk was a god-sized conversation challenge. Kisara didn't know what that thing was capable of, but she couldn't help but worry about what would happen if Seto summoned it in a duel. Or what it would do to him or Yugi when they battled. It did make her at least want to tell Mokuba so he could keep an eye on Seto in case the card really did prove as dangerous as Ishizu warned.

Sometimes, she wished she could go back to before Duelist Kingdom and everything got so complicated. But then she'd remember that at that point she and Seto weren't speaking, and none of them even knew Yami existed. And she'd be grateful that she was on speaking terms with those friends.

Well, most of the time.

On Friday, Kisara passed by Joey and Tristan mopping the hallways. "Yo, Kisara, what's going on between you and Yugi?" Joey asked.

"Yeah, what's up with that?" Tristan chimed in. "It's weird."

"Don't worry about it," Kisara assured them. "Yami and I had a disagreement. I've been looking for a chance to apologize. But I haven't found it, and Yugi's the one really in the middle."

"Yami?"

"Ugh," she groaned. "The spirit inside the Millennium Puzzle?" she held her hands in the shape of an upside-down triangle. "You know the one who helped Yugi defeat Pegasus with that mind shuffle technique? The reason I keep dragging you guys to the library to look for info on spirits or the Millennium Items?"

"Oh," Tristan paused in his mopping.

"Yeah," Kisara sighed.

"Well, hey, I got some good news," Joey grinned. "My sister's finally getting her eye operation, and it's all thanks to the three million bucks Yugi won at Duelist Kingdom. She's going to get her sight back."

"Joey, that's great!" Kisara threw an arm around her friend. "You'd better introduce us."

"So when do we visit?" Tristan asked.

"You not unsupervised," Joey narrowed his eyes at his friend and pointed at him.

"Why am I singled out?" the brunet glared back.

"Because I don't want you getting any funny ideas about my sister," the blond answered. "I don't gotta worry about Yuge since he's nuts about Tea. You, on the other hand, are not."

"Joey, if she's passed the 'boys have cooties' stage, shouldn't that be her decision?" Kisara raised an eyebrow at the protective big brother.

"Yeah, yeah," Joey rolled his eyes. "Truth be told, visiting's not going to be that easy. My mom's going to be there, and ever since Serenity and I were separated as kids, we haven't seen eye to eye."

"When's the last time you talked to her?" Kisara asked.

"Directly, not since before she and Serenity left," Joey pushed his mop over a dirty spot on the floor. "I've thought good and long about what I'd say to her after all this time, but… I've still come up with nothing."

"We'll be with you all the way," Kisara promised.

"You bet," Tristan agreed. "And if Serenity likes me, you don't have to worry about that as much."

"What did I say about getting funny ideas about my sister?"

"Oh, come on. You'd be a third wheel. Just tell me the hospital and I'll be right over."

"I'll send you to the hospital!"

Kisara sighed as the two began to tussle. At least some things never change. "Guys, knock it off before you end up making a bigger mess to clean up."

"Right!" They pulled apart and went back to mopping.

She laughed at them. "All right. I'll see you guys later."

"Later, Kisara," they waved her off.

She headed to the school entrance and spotted Tea. "Ready to go?" she asked her foster-sister.

"Oh, uh, yeah," Tea answered. Kisara saw hints of pink on her friend's face.

"What's with the blush?" she asked.

"Well, uh, Yugi asked me out."

"Really?" Kisara grinned. "It's about time." She opened up their umbrella, and the duo left the school.

"It's not with him, though, but the other one," Tea explained. "I think. Ugh, I don't know how to keep them straight."

"Oh," Kisara sighed. Come on, Yugi. Hasn't Yami been telling you to go out with her? "So you're going out with Yami. Does he know?"

"I don't know!" the brunette groaned. "I thought they were both Yugi, and since they aren't, I'm not sure which one of them I like. You know, in… that way. And I don't want to screw up my friendship with either of them."

Kisara wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't exactly a problem most teenage girls had. "I'd say take it slow, but I'm not the best person to ask about Yami at the moment."

"How do you tell them apart?" Tea asked.

"Well…" How do I explain it? "The biggest thing is the voice. For some reason, Yami's voice sounds deeper, but his overall manner is more… focused? And he's a little bit taller, but that I can only tell when he's standing right next to me."

"If I wasn't sure you had a thing for Kaiba, I'd be jealous," Tea sighed.

"I don't have a thing for Seto!"

"Keep telling yourself that," Tea smirked. "But other than Yugi, you probably know the spirit the best. Any ideas on what we should do?"

Kisara's mind flashed to Ishizu's tablets. "He needs to see the new Egyptian exhibit at the museum. But…"

"Is that what led to your fight?" Tea avoided stepping in a puddle.

"Somewhat," she admitted. "I shouldn't have tried to push him. I wouldn't bring it up right away. He knows it's there. But what about you? Are you going to treat it like a date?"

"Ughhh," she groaned. "Maybe dress like it, but… maybe I'll just go with two friends hanging out until we both know what we're doing. And see if he feels the same way."

"Well I'm pretty sure Yugi is crazy about you," Kisara said. "Even Joey thinks so. As for Yami… I don't know. He is a spirit, and that may color his perspective of things. Along with the fact he doesn't know anything about his past. For all we know, he could have had someone from then." Though if Ishizu is right about when Yami was alive, she's probably been dead for millennia.

"Okay," Tea took a deep breath. "I'll probably have you help me pick out my outfit, and then I'll just see where it goes. I think Yugi mainly wanted me to cheer him up."

"I think that's a great idea," Kisara smiled. "And if it comes up, can you tell him I'm sorry? I want to tell him myself, but since he's avoiding me…"

"Sure thing," Tea gave her a thumbs-up. "Okay, so I've got less than sixteen hours until this date. Let's go get ready."

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Yami sat on Yugi's bed as he watched his partner throw clothes all over the place. "Today will be awesome if I can just figure out what to wear," Yugi ran a hand through his hair.

"Tell me, what is so special about today?" Yami asked.

"I asked Tea to hang out today," he smirked.

"Finally," Yami grinned. "I've been telling you to do that for a while."

"I know," Yugi rolled his eyes. He glanced at the clock by his bed. "Aw man!" He sorted through his clothes again, finally settling on a sleeveless black shirt, black pants, and some colored arm bands paired with a leather choker and matching wristbands. "All right, let's go!"

"Enjoy your date," Yami pulled himself back into the Puzzle, and soon the familiar endless maze surrounded him. Yugi and Tea didn't need him acting as a third wheel—if that was the correct term. So he could spend another day searching the maze of his soul room for answers.

In the solitude of the Puzzle, he allowed himself to admit his anxieties to the empty stone walls. Anxieties he did not want to worry Yugi with. He did want to know where he came from. He longed to know his true name, to know if he had friends and family who cared for him. Yugi was all too willing to share his memories, and while Yami treasured that, it wasn't the same as having his own memories.

At the same time, Yami feared what would happen if he did uncover his past. What would become of him if he were not tethered to the Puzzle? Would he pass on, reunited with his mystery loved ones? Or would he wander the world, imperceptible to even Yugi? Would staying with Yugi even be an option once that happened? Amongst all his questions, Yami was sure he didn't want to leave Yugi. Perhaps if he didn't pursue answers, he could stay. He wouldn't have to say goodbye. He had the option of being Yugi's alter ego forever.

But… he was not Yugi. And while Yugi was his closest friend, Yami didn't want to share Yugi's identity forever. He did want to get to know those around him as himself, not an extension of his partner. Joey, Tristan, and Tea barely understood Yami's existence, let alone seeing him as a person separate from Yugi. Kisara… he really should apologize to her. She was just trying to help.

"Ready or not, Yami, this is where you take over," Yugi's voice pulled him out of the Puzzle. He prepared himself to face whatever opponent challenged them.

Yami blinked in the bright sunshine of Domino Plaza. Where was their opponent? The duel arena? Their cards? "Hey! Yugi!" he yelled at the Puzzle his partner was retreating into. "I'm not—you can't—this isn't a duel!" He spotted Tea staring at him. She wore a yellow crop top with hot pink shorts, thigh high black stockings, and a light pink jacket. "Uh, hello?" Yami waved. In his mind, he heard Yugi snickering at him.

"He didn't tell you, did he?" Tea raised an eyebrow at him. Yami shook his head. "Well, how about some lunch?"

"Sure," Yami followed her to a nearby café. He let her order for both of them, and he found cash in Yugi's pocket to pay. Once they had their food, they found a table by the window and sat across from each other.

Unsure of what to say, Yami watched the people go about their day through the window. What did people who weren't spirits trapped in ancient objects talk about?

"So is there anything you want to do?" Tea asked. "We've got all day, and it'd be a shame to waste it."

Realizing, he was being bad company, Yami dropped his gaze to his drink cup. "Please, forgive me, Tea," he said. He looked at her sincere expression, one that assured that she would accept whatever he shared. Maybe telling her some of his worries would help. "Lately, I feel like a stranger to myself. There are so many details about who I am and where I came from that I can't seem to remember."

"Well, maybe we should start with what you do remember," Tea suggested, her bright blue eyes focused on him.

"Not much," he answered. "Based on what others have said about the Items, I suspect my origins lie in Egypt, and I now reside in the Millennium Puzzle. But that's about all.

"Yeah?" she encouraged him to continue, no judgement at all in her bright blue eyes.

He found himself ready to share things he'd only barely discussed with Yugi. "When Yugi first put the Puzzle together, it was as though my spirit was reborn."

"What do you mean by that?" Tea took a sip of her drink.

"Since that day, I've felt that…" he paused, searching for the correct words. "I'm here for a reason, that destiny brought me to Yugi to accomplish something of great importance." His grip on his cup tightened. "After the Puzzle was almost taken away from us, that feeling began to grow stronger. Maybe the key to understanding why I'm here lies in my past."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better," Tea spoke up, "I'm going through the same kind of thing." Yami raised an eyebrow at her. "That didn't come out right. I mean, my situation's not exactly the same as yours, but I'm not sure why I'm here or what my future holds either." She was so earnest; it was easy to see why Yugi fell for her. "So for now, I'm just going to listen to my heart and see where that takes me. And my heart is telling me to become a dancer."

"That's great, Tea," Yami smiled at her.

"And who know?" she returned the smile. "I may find out dancing isn't for me, but I'll never know unless I try. So I guess what I'm trying to say is to not look at the unknown as your enemy. See it as an adventure."

An adventure? Yami silently chuckled at the idea. Yes, it was very easy to see why Yugi had fallen for this girl. She was optimistic, and willing to help however she could. Yami could clearly see that by how she was trying so hard to help him sort out his issues. It made him hope he had a friend like her in his past, someone who could always find a way to smile.

"All right, I totally just inspired myself!" Tea stood up and clenched her fists. "Let's go see what the world has in store for us today!" She pulled him out of his seat and off to their next location.

"So where are we going?" he asked after the second intersection they passed.

"Wherever we're inspired," she said with a grin. "Life's an adventure, remember? Ooh, look at that!" She dragged him into a music store. There she had him listen to all kinds of music. Some of it he recognized from Yugi's memories; the rest was completely new to him.

After Tea settled on a new dance CD, the two exited and headed to their next destination. They passed by the park where various people sat on benches feeding the birds. Yami smiled as Tea went on about the moves she wanted to try with the new CD when small pellets rained on him. The next thing he knew, a swarm of feathers and claws smothered his face."Agh!" he swatted at the creatures, trying to chase them off.

"Hold on," Tea's voice sounded from behind the mass of feathers.

Yami flailed as he tried to dislodge the creatures from him, resisting the urge to just send them all to the Shadow Realm. He could only imagine how ridiculous he looked.

All of a sudden, the creatures were gone, chasing after new prey. Yami blinked to see a flock of small grey birds feasting on something on the ground. What did Yugi call them? Pigeons?

"I am so sorry!" an elderly woman rushed up to them. "The birdseed went so far; I never meant to hit you with it! Here, let me help you!" She brushed her hands through Yami's hair and across his shoulders, shooing away ever spec of birdseed she could find.

"I-it's fine," Yami assured the woman. He prayed he was keeping the embarrassment and humiliation over what just happened off his face. Behind her, Tea's face was contorted, indicating her struggle keep from laughing.

"I'm still very sorry," the woman

"It was an accident," Tea chimed in. "And no harm was really done. Right, Yugi?"

He still wanted to send those creatures to the Shadow Realm. "Y-yes, no harm done. Really."

"But you could have been hurt," the woman stepped back, convinced she found all the bird-attracting pellets.

"I assure you I have dealt with worse," Yami stepped back with his hands up, hoping to ease the old woman.

"If you're sure," the woman relented.

"We're okay," Tea grinned. "I just kind of wish I'd gotten a picture."

"All right," the woman nodded. "Again, I am very sorry."

Once she was gone, Yami breathed a sigh of relief. I think that was the most humiliating experience I've ever had. His embarrassment grew when Tea snorted next to him. "Sorry," she choked out. She seemed to be losing her struggle not to laugh. "But that was really funny. Especially since it was you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" he glared at her.

"Sorry, it's just, you always come off as super dignified and in control," she giggled. "Combine that with how you flailed around trying to get them off—it was just the pure opposite."

"Please don't tell Yugi or the others," Yami sighed, hoping he wasn't blushing with the embarrassment he felt.

"Mmm's the word," Tea promised, and the two left the park.

They wandered through the shopping district, looking for something to catch their interest. Yami paused at a store with a poster of Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes White Dragon. "Players can trade their Duel Monster cards here," Yami observed.

"Today must your lucky day," Tea smiled.

They went inside to observe the trades. Some of the cards were interesting, but Yami opted to try some of the booster packs for sale. Lightforce Sword… Gamma the Magnet Warrior… Exchange… what? Yami froze at the monster card he pulled. It was a female spellcaster with blonde hair, and she wore light blue dress with a pink cape, and a matching upturned hat. Her emerald eyes felt almost familiar. Dark Magician Girl?

"Whoa, that one looks awesome," Tea looked at the card over his shoulder. "You got really lucky. She goes with your Dark Magician, right? I know that's Yugi's favorite card. Is it yours too?"

"Yeah," Yami answered, his eyes still locked with the spellcaster's. He liked Dark Magician for reasons he really could not explain. The closest he could say was that he felt a sense of comradery with the purple-robed spellcaster. But Dark Magician Girl was different. Yami couldn't say how, but she was something he wanted to treasure. A ray of sunshine guiding him through the darkness.

"I'm glad you got her," Tea grinned. "I don't know if I've ever seen you that excited for a card."

"Excited?" Yami wasn't sure that was the right word. He was certainly pleased, and he did look forward to summoning her in a duel, but excited? But Tea's smile was so genuine, he found himself smiling with her. "Maybe."

"How about we hit the arcade next?" she suggested, leading him out the store.

Two buildings down was an arcade they had frequented with the gang since Duelist Kingdom. Yami glanced around, taking in people firing at monsters on screens and racing through courses on others. In one corner a few kids were attempting to get a Blue-Eyes White Dragon plush out of a claw machine with other Duel Monster characters.

"What should we play?" Tea asked.

"How about you pick?" Yami suggested.

"Go, Johnny!"

A crowd drew their attention to the dance battle game in the center. Yami could just make out a guy with dark brown dreadlocks wearing a red shirt claimed the high score. He turned to face the crowd, a smug grin drawn across his face. "Who wants the honor of being Johnny Steps next victim?" he said.

"Is this that dueling dance game you beat Joey at?" Yami asked, remembering that one day in the arcade at the mall.

"Yeah!" Tea grinned. "This sounds like a blast!"

"You, girl in the pink," Johnny pointed at Tea. "You feeling lucky today?"

"Why don't we just ignore him and go someplace else?" Yami narrowed his eyes at the guy. Something about the way he looked at Tea rubbed him on the wrong way.

"Mm-mn," Tea clenched her fists, ready for battle. "This guy may have some flashy moves, but they're not flashy enough to scare me away!" She threw off her jacket, and it landed in Yami's hands.

"What are you doing, Tea?" he asked his friend.

"Having some fun," she smirked and ran onto the stage. "Come on, let's go," she turned her attention to her opponent.

"We go when I say we go," Johnny frowned at her.

"You're the man, Johnny!" someone from the crowd yelled. Yami didn't bother to keep the annoyance off his face.

"Why don't you back out now and save yourself some embarrassment?" Johnny scoffed at Tea.

"You're the one who's going to be embarrassed," Tea glared at him.

"All right," Johnny shrugged. "You're going to never wish you'd stepped on my stage."

"Get a life, Johnny," Tea turned away from him to face the screen.

"It's time to make some noise!" the game announced as the music started. Tea gracefully spun around, hitting all the beats in perfect rhythm. Yami smiled as he watched her dance, paying no attention at all to her opponent… until his leg swept under her, forcing Tea to jump to avoid it. Yami tensed, ready to charge the guy if he actually injured Tea. The brunette spun around all of his attempts to knock her down, keeping in sync with the music. Towards the end of the song, Johnny's feet went out from under him, and he landed on his back. Tea danced through the last few steps and earned a new high score on the machine. She struck a pose as the crowd cheered her.

Tea turned around and gave him a thumbs-up. Yami could do nothing but return the gesture.

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Okay… in… out… focus. Kisara sat in a secluded area of the park, mimicking the meditative stance she had seen in a cartoon superhero show a set of her previous foster-siblings liked and tried to bring forth her dragon. If she could do it, maybe she could prevent something like what happened at the warehouse again. She could protect her friends from whoever was after the Puzzle.

Kisara dug her fingernails into her palms as memories surged forth. The icy-cold of the ocean waves. The surging heat of Panik's fire. The shadows and fear of losing Seto just like they lost Grandpa and Mokuba. Yugi's still form in her arms. The smothering heat and smoke of the warehouse.

Her hair flew around her as blue energy shot into the air, sending birds flying. She gasped as the energy subsided. Kisara panted, wiping away the tears that came with those memories. Okay, let's not go that route again.

Drying her eyes, she leaned back against the tree. She felt raw, ready to cry again at the thought of everything she'd gone through when the dragon appeared. I suppose some would say what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Kisara didn't want her strength to come from fear and pain. There had to be something she was missing. Something that wouldn't bring her to tears when she used her power.

Kisara took a deep breath and resumed her position. This time, she focused on the dragon itself. Its gleaming white scales and majestic wingspan. Its sapphire eyes honing in on its prey. The thrill she felt when she called on the creature in battle. Against the fake Seto, she felt so in-tune with their feelings, their desire to avenge the real Seto and fight for him. Against Rex, it brought her to victory, giving her the strength to defeat the Serpent Night Dragon. Against, Joey, defeated by the potential of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon. And against Yugi, obliterated by the invincible Exodia.

"When did I become such a mess?" she sighed and rubbed her eyes. Yet again, her dragon was wrapped up in some of the most stressful instances she could remember. Maybe I should play it in a regular duel against Yugi and the others. Not one with all kinds of strings attached.

Kisara stretched herself out and leaned back to stare at the sky. "You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" she mused, wondering if her dragon could hear her. "Either that or really shy. You protect us when we need you, but you won't come out here, when it's safe. I suppose there's a certain logic to that. You don't want to waste your power and not have any when you need it. I understand that. But we're connected. And we need to work together. So please."

Remembering who the dragon came through for, Kisara thought on her friends. Optimistic Joey, always reaching out to her, wearing his heart on his sleeve. Dependable Tristan, teaching her snarky quips and always having her back. Shining Tea, ready with a word of encouragement and a bright smile. Honest Yugi, always doing the right thing, no matter the cost to himself. Mysterious Yami, guiding the group despite the questions surrounding his own past. Confident Seto, stubborn as ever, but always reserving a kind action for her and Mokuba. The other version from her dreams, ever gentle with her.

The dragon responded, energy surging forth from Kisara. She felt it roar from the depths of her soul before everything went black.

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"Today was awesome," Tea grinned at her companion as they watched the sunset. "Did you see the look on Johnny's face? Maybe getting beat at his own game will shut him up for a while."

"You were great, Tea," Yami smiled. He paused, as if he were debating telling her something. "And you've given me some clarity on what I should do."

"How so?" she met his gaze, hoping to encourage him to open up. Everything he shared earlier had a hint of hesitation.

"I've been worried about where the path to my past would take me," he leaned against the railing, turning his gaze at the horizon. "I fear that finding out my past would mean saying good-bye. To Yugi, you, and the others. If I don't pursue answers, I won't have to leave."

Tea's heart clenched at the implication of his words. She didn't want him to leave. She liked him. A lot. And she was just starting to get to know him. She still needed to figure out which Yugi she liked in that way.

Stop. Tea scolded herself for being selfish when Yami was opening up to her. And she suspected he hadn't told Yugi about these worries. "Are you really okay with that?" she asked, shoving away her fear of his answer.

His eyes widened for a split second before his gaze dropped to the ocean. "I don't know," he admitted. "I want to know my past, but I'm not ready to say good-bye."

Tea leaned against the railing next to him, their arms only a hair's distance from touching. "Well, do whatever your heart tells you is right. You're the only one who can make that choice. And know that whatever you decide, your friends will be right there by your side all the way."

"Thank you, Tea."

"Boo!" a voice sounded behind them. They turned to see Johnny in all his smugness. "Do you two geeks mind if I step in?"

"Now what do you want from us?" Tea rolled her eyes at the guy.

"I've humbly come down here to ask you for a second chance," Johnny grinned.

"Second chance?" Tea repeated. Was this guy for real? He cheated in their game, and lost anyway. Why couldn't he just walk away?

"Yeah!" he snapped. "I'd have easily one if my leg hadn't cramped up. I think that you owe me a rematch."

"Give it up," Tea ran a hand through her hair. This guy really needed to get a life if one small loss worked him up this much.

Yami stepped forward, startling them both. "I'll give you a rematch," he said. "But we'll duel my way."

"Stay out of this, porcupine head!" Johnny glared at him. "This battle is just between me and the girl."

"Tea, may I finish off your opponent?" Yami asked. Tea didn't miss the look of annoyance on his face as he dealt with the dancer.

"Yeah, sure," she nodded.

"Fine, I'm not afraid of either of you," Johnny smirked. "Name your game, you little freak."

"The game is Duel Monsters," Yami stated, his annoyance cleverly masked by his usual confident stance. This was the Yami that caught Tea's eye. "And if I win, you're never to bother Tea again."

"Fine," Johnny sneered. "Only if I win, the girl will have to go out on a date with Johnny Steps."

Tea shuddered at the thought. I'm not going out with this guy. He has no right to decide that! Next to her, Yami scowled. Tea suppressed a blush at the protective stance he took in front of her.

"That won't happen," Yami insisted. He glanced at her. "I promise."

Johnny led the duo to KaibaCorp's stadium where they were able to use an arena. Maybe Kisara is right. It is a bit ridiculous to have to come all the way here to settle this. Tea took a seat in the stands while Yami and Johnny entered the blue and red platforms, respectively.

"Challenging Johnny Steps to a duel was a huge mistake!" the dancing duelist gloated. "You two losers have no idea who you're messing with!"

You're the clueless one. Tea scowled at the guy trying to force her company instead of being a decent human being. No way would Yami lose to a creep like that. "You're the one who's going to lose," Yami stated.

"You listen up, punk," Johnny glared at his opponent. "Johnny doesn't lose." He turned his gaze on Tea, a prideful smirk coming to his face. "Hey, you may think you beat me today, Tea, but that was only because of a freak accident."

"Tea defeated you fair and square," Yami scowled at him. Tea's heartbeat increased. She appreciated his concern for her so much. And he was willing to fight this battle for her. No matter what, he was a true friend.

"Believe what you want to believe, tough guy," Johnny shrugged.

"All right, it's time you learned your lesson, Steps," Yami readied his deck.

"Bring it," Johnny pulled his own cards. "Actually, why don't I start off this show? Sonic Maid in attack mode!" A woman with long red hair clad in a pink dress materialized on his field. She wielded a large musical note like a scythe. "This maid's going to clean your clock."

"Or so you say," Yami drew. "I summon Celtic Guardian!" His elf warrior appeared. "Attack! Destroy Sonic Maid with your Steel Sword!" The warrior charged forward and slashed through the maiden. Johnny's LifePoints fell to 1800.

"Looks like you just got lucky, dude," Johnny scoffed. "But I would let it go to your spiky head. This duel just started." He drew a card. "I'll make an even bigger splash when I play Water Omotics in attack mode." An aquatic maiden with long magenta hair and a blue dress stood on his field.

"That card?" Yami raised an eyebrow at the monster. "Just what is Johnny up to?"

"What? Is something wrong?" Tea asked. Johnny's new monster was equal strength with the Celtic Guardian. But Yami had plenty of monsters that were stronger. So it shouldn't rattle him too much. Right?

"It's strange," he explained. "Every duelist knows a strong deck needs cards that support each other, but Johnny's monsters seem to be all over the place." He turned his gaze on his opponent. "If you think you can win by throwing random monsters against me, you're sadly mistaken."

"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots," Johnny sneered. "Maybe your puny brain can't figure out my plan—if you've even got a brain."

"Talk all you want," Yami narrowed his eyes at his opponent. "We'll see who wins in the end." He drew a card. "I choose to end my turn without playing a card."

"Spirit of the Harp in defense mode," Johnny summoned another monster. This maiden was clad in yellow robes and strummed a golden harp. "And I'll play Chorus of Sanctuary!" A small cherub fluttered over the field, casting a golden halo on the harpist. "My little cherub friend increases the defense power of my Spirit of the Harp by 500 points." The harpist's defense points rose to 2500. "And that's music to my ears."

Is his deck full of music cards? Tea eyed the new additions to the field. Music seemed to be the only common factor to his cards. His current combo did make things difficult for Yami to damage him, but… didn't Chorus of Sanctuary affect all defensive monsters? Why didn't he enable Water Omotics to use it?

"Ready, Johnny Steps?" Yami drew his card. "Because it's time for you to face the music. I summon Curse of Dragon in attack mode." A yellow dragon with red markings materialized on the field. "Incinerate Water Omotics with your Dragon Flame!" The dragon breathed fire over the aquatic maiden, vaporizing her. Johnny's LifePoints fell to 1200.

"Oh! I just messed up!" Johnny recoiled from the damage. "I forgot to switch her into defense mode too!"

"Ugh," Tea rolled her eyes. "He doesn't even know who he's up against." I suppose I should be grateful for that. If Yami wins, I don't have to worry about shaking him. That is, if he decides to finally accept that I beat him in the first place.

"So far you're hitting all the wrong notes," Yami smirked.

"Don't worry," Johnny scoffed. "I'm just tuning up for the grand finale." He drew his card. "But first, a surprise guest." He summoned Witch of the Black Forest in defense mode. "But there's more. I activate my Polymerization, fusing Witch of the Black Forest and Lady of Faith together to create a whole new rock-and-rolling entity better known as the Musician King!" The witch was surrounded with light; when it cleared, a shirtless blond man wielding a guitar stood on the field, his obnoxious smirk pointed at Yami. "How about playing a little lullaby for Celtic Guardian?" The Musician King strummed his guitar, directing sonic waves at the elf warrior. Celtic Guardian's hologram shattered, and Yami's LifePoints dropped to 1650. "I guess your Celtic Guardian wasn't a big fan of the electric guitar."

"You've still got this!" Tea encouraged her friend.

"I promise the music will be much more romantic on our date, Tea," Johnny sneered at her.

"I'm not going out with you," Tea huffed and turned towards Yami.

Yami glared at his opponent. "Curse of Dragon, fire your flame and silence the Musician King!" The yellow dragon roared, and fire shot towards the guitarist.

"Ha, you fell into my trap," Johnny laughed. "I totally played you. Time to crank up the volume with Metalmorph, which transforms Musician King into the punk-rocking Heavy Metal King!" A studded leather jacket and headband appeared on the King, and his hair grew significantly longer. "Play the dragon a rip." The King strummed his guitar, and a sonic wave neutralized Curse of Dragon's attack and destroyed it. Yami's LifePoints fell to 1600.

Could he actually win? Tea bit her lip at the upset.

"Ha! Looks like you're nothing but a one-hit wonder," Johnny smirked.

Yami drew his card. "Giant Soldier of Stone in defense mode."

"You can't really think that boulder will stop my Heavy Metal King, especially not with Metalmorph," the music duelist scoffed. "It increases his power with every attack." He grinned as the King strummed his guitar again. "I think this next song is going to be a smash." A sonic wave shattered the stone soldier. "Why don't you just give up already, loser? None of your monsters can jam with my Heavy Metal King."

Yami said nothing as pulled his next card. He smirked at the image. "I call forth Dark Magician!" His trusted purple-robed spellcaster appeared on the field.

Too bad he didn't get a chance to add Dark Magician Girl to his deck. Tea grinned at the magician. Yami had the duel won now with him on the field.

"Attack Heavy Metal King!" Yami commanded his spellcaster. Dark Magician pointed his scepter at the musical menace.

"The fun just never ends," Johnny grinned. "With Metalmorph's effect, Heavy Metal King's attack strength is greater than Dark Magician's."

"Johnny, your ability to miscalculate is uncanny," Yami kept his focus on his opponent. "Your overconfidence renders you blind. Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired his magic at the musician, destroying him. "Your Heavy Metal King has been shattered."

"Impossible!" Johnny recoiled. "Metalmorph raises Heavy Metal King's attack power!"

"You're almost correct Johnny, but you left out one rule," Yami stated. "Metalmorph increases your attack power, but only when your monster attacks. But since my monster attacked, Heavy Metal King didn't receive the power bonus, leaving his strength less than that of Dark Magician. Metalmorph is a powerful card—when used correctly. But maybe you should have read the instruction manual first. This is the end of your musical mayhem."

"All right!" Tea cheered for the spirit.

"But… that just… isn't fair," Johnny stammered as he dropped the only card in his hand. "You must have cheated!" He pointed an accusatory finger at Yami. "Tell me your name!"

Seriously? Tea stomped toward the jerk's side of the arena. How dare he accuse Yami of cheating!

"Just call me Yugi," Yami crossed his arms and stared down his opponent.

Johnny's eyes widened as the gears turned in his head, finally connecting the dots. "Not the same Yugi that defeated Pegasus in Duelist Kingdom? That can't be you!"

"I see that my name struck a chord," Yami smirked. "It's time to finish this duel, and it's your move, Johnny."

"Just forget it!" Johnny retracted his side of the arena. "I'm out, man. I'm a dancer, not a duelist." He exited the platform only to be blocked by Tea.

"Yugi takes a slight lead in the duel and you just give up?" Tea scoffed. "That's just like when you tried to cheat and tripped me when I started winning during the dance battle." She put her hands on her hips as she chastised him. "Where's your pride?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he shrugged.

"When things turn a little bit hairy, you get scared and run away," she narrowed her eyes at him.

"So what if I do?" Johnny scoffed. "Forfeiting is much better than facing defeat. So what's it to you?"

"I can't stand people who don't face their problems!" she snapped.

"What do you mean?" he blinked.

"Everybody fails sometimes," Tea stated. "But the important thing is having the courage to look trouble straight in the eye."

"Sure," he grimaced.

Maybe another approach would get through to him. "You know, despite what a jerk you've been," Tea said, drawing on their shared passion for dancing, "you are a better dancer than duelist."

"Whatever," Johnny rolled his eyes. "It's not like that's getting me anywhere."

"Seriously?" Tea scowled. "Have you even gone to an audition?"

"One," he admitted. "It's not as easy as you think."

"One?" she tapped her foot in annoyance. "You need to try harder than that. I've failed a lot of auditions. So far the only thing I was accepted for was a local show last summer. But I haven't given up. Why should you? If you really want to do it, you have to have the courage to never give up."

Johnny paused, considering her words. "You've got a point," he finally shrugged. "Guess I should go try again." He headed towards the exit. Right before the door, he stopped and looked back at her. "Hey, thanks for being honest with me."

"You're welcome," Tea smiled at him as Yami came up next to her.

"You did good, Tea," Yami commented.

"Hopefully now he'll face his problems instead of running away," Tea said.

"You're right," Yami nodded. "And that's exactly what I have to do."

"What do you mean?" Tea turned to face him.

"I have to face my own fears regarding my past," he answered. "I cannot avoid seeking answers forever. Your conversation with Johnny convinced me of that."

Me and my pushiness. Tea would have to face her own fears about where this search would take her friends. Good-bye was a very real possibility that she would also have to come to terms with. "I'm glad I could help. So where are we going?"

"Domino Museum," Yami led the way out of the arena. "When Kisara and I argued, we saw an announcement of the new Egyptian exhibit. She believed there would be answers there."

"She told me the same thing," Tea admitted, running a hand through her hair. He raised an eyebrow at her. "What? We live in the same house. You think we don't talk?"

"That's not what I said," he smirked.

"She also did tell me you needed to see it," Tea added. "But given your little spat, she told me to wait until you were ready."

"Thank you," Yami nodded. "I am ready now."

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"Hey, Kisara, you okay?"

Kisara groaned and blinked against the fading sunlight. When her vision cleared, she stared into the worried gazes of Joey and Tristan. "What are you doing here?"

"You didn't check in," Tristan said.

"Yeah, you told us if you didn't call us, we should come find you," Joey added. "Which, by the way, secluded area of the park ain't a real specific spot. What were you doing?"

"Trying to make the dragon appear," she admitted. She brushed her hair out of her face and got to her feet. "I think I almost had it."

"Are you nuts?" Joey snapped. "Last time it showed up, you wound up in the hospital!"

"I know," Kisara kept her voice calm. Boy, she was on a roll. First the silent treatment from Yami over whether or not to keep searching for information on his past, and now she was on the verge of a fight with Joey and Tristan on figuring out how her power worked. Maybe she really should just leave well enough alone.

"So why do it?" Tristan asked.

"Because I need to," she stated. "I need to understand my connection to it, if only so I don't end up in the hospital when it appears. I'm connected to it for a reason, and I feel like this could help me find out why. We've been hitting nothing but dead ends in everything else. I just need a breakthrough somewhere."

Joey sighed. "I get it," he rubbed the back of his head. "I know that's what I was thinking when I jumped off the boat at Duelist Kingdom to get Yuge's cards. So how can we help?"

"Wait, are we really doing this?" Tristan looked between them. "I mean, I get needing the win, but we are talking about making a massive dragon appear. This is crazy."

"I don't think it's any crazier than going into Pegasus's dungeons to find Seto or Mokuba," Kisara grinned, knowing they were slowly winning him over. "But in all seriousness, I think I blew most of my energy on that last attempt. I could almost swear I heard its roar."

"Okay," Joey flicked his nose. "But from now on make sure one of us is with you when you try to summon it."

"Buddy system from now on," Kisara agreed. "Now I'm hungry. You guys want Burger World?"

"Heck yeah."

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Seto strapped the new model of his duel disk onto his left arm. "As you requested, we've removed all safeguards from the computer," Scott Irvine said over the intercom. Seto glanced at the control room where Irvine, Mokuba, and the other engineers were going to observe the test.

"You're crazy if you go through with this, Seto," Mokuba stated, the worry clear in his voice. "If the safeguards are turned off, the monsters in this duel could really hurt you."

"Enough whining," Seto snapped at his brother and powered on the device. "Let's go." The two blades on either side of his arm rotated toward each other and connected, creating one blade with five slots for monster cards. The full blade shifted to the left, and the blue monster zones lit up. I invented this new duel disk system, and I'll be the one to test it. He needed to make sure the satellite system was working perfectly. If it did, he could observe every card played in his tournament. That would allow him to track down the other two Egyptian God cards Ishizu told him about.

Seto smirked at the thought of Obelisk lying somewhere in his deck. This was also the perfect opportunity to see if the card was truly as powerful as Ishizu claimed and Kisara feared. If it was, he could finally defeat Yugi and reclaim his spot as the best duelist in the world. It was the one thing Ishizu got right, in spite of her hocus-pocus nonsense. He and Yugi would duel again, only this time, Seto would come out on top.

"The duel disk is online," one of the other engineers stated. "Engaging duel robot."

A slot in the ceiling opened, and a machine lowered itself. It was circular with eight slots for the hand, a red orb in the center, and a semi-circular area with ten slots for the playing field above it. "We've updated the duel robot's hard drive with your latest tournament rules," Irvine informed him.

"I'm setting the skill level at max," another engineer added. "We're ready to go on your command."

"Seto, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Mokuba asked.

"Enough," Seto chastised him. He wouldn't know Obelisk's strength unless he saw it for himself. Then he could move forward with the next part of the plan. And the best way to test the god's strength was against three of the most powerful dragons in Duel Monsters. Which was why he put all three of his Blue-Eyes White Dragons in the computer's deck. "Let's go!"

"Switching on the computer's main duel system," an engineer said. "Duel robot standing by."

"Engage," Irvine confirmed. The red orb on the machine lit up.

"Launching hologram projectors."

Seto held up the duel disk level, and sections launched from piece bracing his arm. The two sections stationed themselves on either end and lit up. Those were the projectors necessary to allow the holograms to work anywhere. There would be no need for the duel arenas anymore. "It's time to duel," Seto smirked.

"Draw," the computer assembled its hand. "Accessing duel database for optimal battle. Set monster card in defense mode." A sideways card materialized on the field. The machine flashed, signifying the end of its turn.

"I'll play this card face-down," Seto made his move. The card appeared in his spell and trap zone. "Next I summon the mighty Battle Ox!" A brown minotaur in purple armor materialized in front of him. "Destroy that monster! Axe Slam Attack!" Battle Ox charged forward and slashed the face-down with his axe. The card shattered and shaped itself into a metal satellite structure with a green eye and blue teeth in the dish part. "Cyber Jar!" Seto grimaced from what was about to happen.

"Monster: Cyber Jar," the computer confirmed. "Special effect one: destroy all monsters on field." The machine fired green energy at Battle Ox, destroying him. It faded away. "Cyber Jar special effect two: each player summons up to five monsters onto field." The robot pulled its cards. "Set two monsters on field."

Seto's grimace turned into a smirk at the five cards he'd pulled. "I place five monsters on the field." The holograms lit up as Maha Vailo, Dark Zebra, Boar Soldier, Hitotsu-Me Giant, and one face-down monster appeared on the field. Seto ended his turn.

"Analyzing new tournament rules," the computer said as it drew a card. "Must sacrifice two monsters to summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon." The face-downs disappeared as Seto's signature dragon appeared on the field and roared.

"Now I'm in trouble," Seto stared down the dragon. It was beauty and danger all in one beast. It gave him a goal beyond surviving his stepfather. And now Seto was facing it head on. He braced himself for the dragon's attack.

"Opponent has card face-down," the computer stated. "End turn."

It thinks my face-down is a trap that can destroy Blue-Eyes. "Big mistake," Seto smirked and drew his card. "I sacrifice a monster to summon Dragon Seeker in defense mode!" Hitotsu-Me Giant vanished, and a blue and green armored fiend took his place. Now on his next turn, he could switch Dragon Seeker into attack mode and use its effect to take out Blue-Eyes.

"Analyzing Dragon Seeker," the computer drew. "Preparing counter measures. Set one card on field." The card appeared behind Blue-Eyes. "Summon Lord of Dragons in attack mode." The Lord materialized, his cape billowing behind him to reveal off-white armor. "Lord of Dragons special effect: protects dragons from all magic, trap, and monster cards. Dragon Seeker's effect negated."

Seto grimaced as he drew. "If I can't destroy the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, at least I can protect myself. I switch all my monsters into defense mode." His forces knelt on the field, protecting his LifePoints from the impending attack.

The computer started its turn. "Processing battle strategy. Playing magic card Flute of Summoning Dragon." A golden horn appeared in the Lord's hand. He blew into it, the sound echoing through the room. "Magic effect: special summons two dragons from hand onto field. Summon two Blue Eyes White Dragons." Two more dragons appeared on either side of the first and roared. "Playing magic card: Polymerization." The computer's face-down card flipped itself up. "Fuse three Blue-Eyes White Dragons into Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon." The dragons flashed with light as they merged into one. The new three-headed dragon roared even louder at him. "Analyzing tournament rulebook. Fusion monster cannot attack on same turn it was created. Must end turn."

"Just great," Seto stared down the three heads. The Ultimate Dragon was his creation. Everything he had, the culmination of everything Seto had worked for since he first picked up a deck. And it could not be stopped. Not even Yugi truly succeeded in destroying the Ultimate Dragon during their duel at Duelist Kingdom. And if Seto wanted to reclaim his title, then he had to beat the dragon even Yugi couldn't.

"Get out of there, Seto!" Mokuba pleaded. "Shut down the duel!"

Seto ignored him. "Prepare to face the end!" he drew. "It's time for my final test. Now I'll see what an Egyptian God card can do!" He held up the blue-framed card. "Obelisk the Tormentor, I summon you by sacrificing three of my monsters!" His creatures vanished, and golden lightning crackled through the arena as the blue fiend rose up. Obelisk stood as tall as the testing arena, towering even over the Ultimate Dragon. It growled at the dragon, ready to smite it. "Let's see how powerful you really are." Its current stat of 4000 wasn't enough to beat the dragon yet, but there were the god's abilities. "Now I offer my two remaining monsters." Obelisk grasped Maha Vailo and Dark Zebra in its fists, absorbing their power as they transformed into golden light.

"Obelisk's attack points are climbing off the charts!" Irvine proclaimed.

"Obelisk, attack now!" Seto commanded. "Show Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon why you're known as 'The Tormentor.' Fist of Fate!" He forced himself to watch as the god slammed its fist through the dragon, shattering the hologram. Just like that, Seto's most powerful creation was wiped out.

The explosion also overloaded the computer. "System Error," it repeated over and over until it exploded. It fell to the ground in a mass of flames and molten metal.

"Incredible," Seto removed the god from his duel disk and smirked. "If this is the power of one card, with all three Egyptian God cards I will be unstoppable." He would defeat Yugi, and nothing could stop him now.

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Yami scanned the displays as he and Tea strolled through the exhibit. The artifacts were exquisite, but nothing jumped out at him. Nothing indicated any kind of connection to him.

He paused as they turned a corner, a sectioned-off door catching his eyes. Something called to him from behind it.

"You okay?" Tea stopped to see what caught his eye.

"I sense something in here," he answered. He pushed the door and started down the stairs. "I feel the answers I seek are near."

They entered the room and came face to face with a pair of stone tablets. Yami froze at the image of two people engaged in battle. The figure on the right resembled him. It had to be him.

"No way, that guy looks just like you!" Tea made the same observation. "Is this thing real? It's freaking me out!"

"Yes, it is real," Yami stated. "I know that is me on the tablet. And look, around his neck." He pointed to the triangular pendant the figure wore.

"It's the Millennium Puzzle," she breathed.

"Yes," Yami took hold of the artifact that housed his spirit. "That appears to be me playing some ancient form of Duel Monsters. This is exactly the kind of clue I needed. But I wish I could decipher more. Who am I dueling? What was this age-old game all about?" Questions continued to swarm his mind, so many more sprouting from the smidge of answers he found. "Just when I think I've found one answer, a thousand new questions arise."

"My Pharaoh, I've been expecting you," a gentle voice said.

The visitors turned to see a woman with ebony hair in the doorway. Her cerulean eyes gave away nothing as she looked to the two over. "Who are you?" Yami asked.

"I am Ishizu Ishtar," the woman introduced herself. "And I have uncovered many mysteries about you and these ancient carvings using the magic of my Millennium Necklace.

"Another Millennium Item," Yami tensed at the artifact. "Are you friend or foe?"

"I am not your foe," Ishizu promised. "But I sense another will cross your path. One you will have to fight."

"How do you know that?" Tea asked.

"Like the Millennium Puzzle, this Necklace affords me certain powers," Ishizu placed a hand on her Item. "With it, I have gazed five thousand years into the past, as well as the near future."

"You've seen what happened?" Yami kept his voice calm. It would not do for this woman to see his desperation for answers.

"I have seen a time when evil sorcerers threatened to destroy the entire world," Ishizu answered. Yami and Tea tensed at her words. "However, there was one king who possessed a magic powerful enough to stop this threat."

"And who was this king?" Yami asked, though he suspected he knew what she was going to say.

"The Pharaoh was you," Ishizu nodded. "And now the time has come for you to rescue mankind once again."

"From what?" Tea asked. Yami could see the worry in her eyes. "How are so sure?"

"I have foreseen it," Ishizu's cerulean eyes flicked to Tea before returning to Yami. "The events of the past will occur once again, and that same great evil will return to threaten us."

"How will I recognize this evil?" Yami pleaded. This woman was an enigma, feeding him information bit by bit. And nothing felt like a straight answer.

"I know that your memory has faded, my Pharaoh, and that you seek many answers," Ishizu reached for her Necklace again. "I also know that a Duel Monsters tournament is beginning. If you win it, you will find answers." She turned to leave. "When you return home, you'll discover an invitation waiting for you. Farewell, my Pharaoh." With that, she returned to the main exhibit.

"Do you think she can really see the future?" Tea asked.

Yami turned to face the stone tablet again. "I have no reason to believe the Necklace doesn't allow her. I suppose we'll see if she's correct on that invitation."

"Yeah, I guess you're right there," Tea shrugged. "But, wow, you were this powerful Pharaoh who saved the world five thousand years ago! That's pretty major."

"Yes," he nodded. "But I still have so many questions." He paused as he took in his opponent in the ancient battle. Wait… "My opponent looks like Kaiba!"

"You're right," Tea agreed. "And check out the monsters. His monster almost looks like Blue-Eyes."

"And mine looks like Dark Magician," Yami finished. "That cannot be coincidence. This must be why Kaiba was invited to the opening."

"He was?"

"Yes," he answered. "That's what the announcement said when we saw it."

"That would explain why Kisara said you had to come," Tea connected the dots. "She had been dropped off by Kaiba that night. But she hasn't gone much into what she saw. But…" Tea glanced over the tablets again. "I can see why this would be hard to explain. Especially given your little spat."

"I see," Yami sighed. It seemed it was time to compare notes with their friend. "Shall go see if there is an invitation waiting for us?"

"Sounds like a plan."

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"That invitation said the tournament would be announced tonight" Tea said as they circled Domino Plaza.

"Yes," Yami glanced around, his mind circling around what they learned at the museum.

"So Ishizu was right," Tea continued. "Maybe she really can see the future.

"I don't know if everything was true," Yami turned to face her. "But I am sure about one thing. I must press forward."

"Just promise me you'll be careful, Yami," Tea met his gaze with her own.

"I will," he promised. "Whoever is after the Puzzle is still out there. But trust me, Tea." He took out his deck, looking at the Dark Magician facing him. "This deck has never let Yugi or I down. But…" he paused, his gaze lingering on the spellcaster. "Please, don't tell Yugi about what we learned today. Or about what I told you earlier."

"Okay," she blinked. "Can I ask why?"

"I don't want him to worry," Yami slipped his deck back into the holder on his belt. "We may have a few answers, but I still don't know where this path will take me. Or if it will lead to us parting ways. I will tell him in time, but for now I need to wrap my head around everything."

"I understand," Tea smiled. "And I'm here if you ever want to talk."

"Thank you, Tea."

"What are friends for?"

A shiver ran down Yami's spine, and he scanned the plaza. Someone was watching them. Someone dangerous. "Hey, is everything okay?" Tea glanced around, trying to see whatever he had sensed.

Whatever it was, it was gone. "It's nothing, Tea."

"Hey! Yugi! There you are!"

The duo turned to see a woman with thick blonde hair running towards them. "It's Mai," Yami observed.

"Joy," Tea sighed.

"I know you guys missed me," Mai waved.

"It's a shame we don't hang out more often," Tea rolled her eyes.

"I know!" the blonde threw an arm around the brunette. "You're looking snazzy, Tea. Is this a date?"

"We're just friends, Mai," Tea pulled away.

"Uh-huh."

Yami kept his face blank as he watched them. "I assume you've come for the tournament."

"But of course," Mai smirked. "I assume you got an invitation also?"

"Yes," Yami nodded. "But it didn't say who it was from. Do you know who is hosting this tournament?"

"I have no idea," the blonde shrugged. "It's a mystery. Nobody seems to know. Everyone I spoke to got an anonymous invitation. But the buzz going around is it's someone with a ton of cash and an obnoxious attitude. I'd guess Kaiba."

Yami flinched, the tablet flashing across his eyes. Maybe that fated battle would come even sooner than he anticipated.

"You'd be right about that one, though I wouldn't use obnoxious to describe his attitude."

The group turned to see Kisara holding an invitation. "How do you know?" Mai asked.

"Give me a little credit," the white-haired girl shrugged and slipped the invite into her jacket pocket. "I'm one of the people closest to him. But before you ask, no, I can't say why he's throwing it. It's not my place to." Kisara bit her lip and glanced between Yami and the other girls, avoiding his gaze.

The lingering tension from their fight surfaced, neither one knowing what to say.

"Oh, enough of this!" Tea pushed the two of them away. "You two go make up, and no coming back until everything's good. You hear me?"

Alone, the two avoided each other's gaze. I need to apologize. This was so far out of his depth. He couldn't remember ever having to make amends with someone. Yami drew on the memories Yugi had shared with him. Even amongst them, it seemed others were apologizing to Yugi instead of the other way around. Yami guessed the best way was to just come out and say it. Just like playing a card.

"I'm sorry."

Kisara played her card faster.

"You don't have to be," Yami said.

"No, I do," she insisted. "Yami, it's your past we're looking into. You have every right to dictate how fast or slow we go." Kisara sighed. "I was frustrated with my own problems, and I took them out on you. So for that, I'm sorry."

"I should not have been so short with you either," Yami fidgeted with the Puzzle. "I had my own worries to sort out as well."

"So forgive and forget?" Kisara suggested.

"Yes," Yami nodded.

"Good," she breathed a sigh of relief. "Now, did you go to the museum?"

"Yes."

"And you met Ishizu?"

"Yes."

"And she showed you the vision?"

"… No."

Kisara's shoulders slumped. "That complicates things."

Now Yami had to wonder more about Ishizu. She had information about his past that she did not share with him. He would have to visit her again at some point. "How so? What did she tell you?"

Kisara bit her lip. "Not everything I learned when I met her I can share. It's not my place to. But I'll tell you everything I can."

Yami kept his face blank as she told him about the sorcerer fighting two guardians, ending with Blue-Eyes defeating the two. All while the pharaoh watched. "I suspect that that happened right before the battle on that tablet," she finished. "I could be wrong though, but it looked like he, or you, was ready to charge in at the end."

"I like to think I would," Yami smiled.

"So that covers the history lesson," Kisara smiled back. "I do worry about Seto because of it. That sorcerer was so locked in grief. I don't want that to happen to Seto."

"It won't," Yami promised. "I do wonder what happened. What led to our conflict?"

"My first instinct is to keep an eye on Mokuba," she shrugged. "He's the only person I can imagine getting that kind of reaction out of Seto. I don't know what Seto would do if he didn't have Mokuba."

The implications of her words echoed in Yami's mind. "Kisara, in that vision, was there a version of you?"

"No," Kisara shook her head. "That's the thing I can't figure out. Why did Seto have the power of Blue-Eyes back then and I have it now?"

One possibility circled Yami's thoughts, but he couldn't bring himself to say it out loud. It had to be wrong. There had to be another explanation.

"But I did learn something else," Kisara spoke up, pulling Yami out his thoughts. "I got a lead on the guy behind the warehouse."

"What?"

"Yeah," Kisara wrapped some of her hair around her hand. "Ishizu told us of an organization called the Rare Hunters. They're a gang of thieves who, for whatever reason, specialize in stealing Duel Monster cards. Which I really don't get because, aside from the select few of us who know about its mystical origins, it's a card game. Anyway, they dress similar to what Bandit Keith wore at the warehouse."

"So maybe someone in this organization knows about the Millennium Items, likely even has one," Yami nodded. "But that doesn't help us stop them."

"Well…" Kisara bit her lip and looked down. "This is near the line of things I can't tell you."

"What do you mean?" Yami watched her carefully, looking for what she wasn't explicitly saying.

"The goal of this tournament is a trap for them," she kept her gaze down. "There's bait involved to draw them out."

"What kind of bait?"

"That's what I can't tell you," Kisara winced. "Saying much more is a bit of a moral dilemma for me. I guess all I can say is that it is potentially dangerous."

"How dangerous?" he pressed. Yami couldn't let Yugi or their other friends be put in unnecessary danger.

"I don't know," she sighed. "But I can't say anything else. It's not my place to tell you. Though, I'm also thinking maybe we should go back to Ishizu and get more answers from her."

"I could agree with that," Yami nodded.

Kisara glanced past him to Tea and Mai. "Think we should rejoin them?"

"Might as well."

Tea waved as the two rejoined them. "Is everything good now?" she asked.

"Yes, Mom," Kisara rolled her eyes at her foster sister. "We've made up.

"Yes, we have made amends," Yami agreed.

"Good to see," Mai winked at them. "And I am kind of glad it's not Pegasus running this thing." She glanced around. "Though there are a lot of familiar faces around."

"Yes," Yami followed her gaze. "This is starting to look like Duelist Kingdom all over again."

"I can't say I'm thrilled to see everyone," Kisara frowned.

"Ugh, yeah," Tea winced at the sight of a pair of shorter duelists, one with light blue-green hair and gold glasses and another with brown hair and grey bangs covered by a red beanie. "That's Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor."

"And over there is Espa Roba," Mai pointed toward a boy with shoulder-length light green hair wearing a light magenta shirt with black zigzags in the middle. He stretched his hands outward, as if reading the energy of the room. He was surrounded by younger children with the same hair, likely his younger siblings. "They say he uses psychic powers to duel."

"And Mako's here too," Tea pointed out the ocean duelist eating friend fish a couple of benches away.

"I think it's about to start," Kisara said as the electronic advertisements flickered to reveal Kaiba's face.

"Greetings, duelists," Kaiba addressed the attendees. "Welcome to the town of Domino. But more importantly, welcome to my tournament."

"I don't know which is bigger: his ego or his melon on the big screen," Mai narrowed her eyes at the CEO.

"Even I can admit this is over the top for him," Kisara winced.

"Let's hear what Kaiba has to say," Yami kept his focus on his rival.

"I see you each received your private invite to KaibaCorp's very exclusive Duel Monsters tournament," Kaiba continued. "And you had enough brains to show up here tonight. Meaning you are all elite duelists. I've added special rules to my tournament just for experts. For example," Kaiba held up his left arm, revealing a silver and blue device. It was very similar to what they had used on the roof of Duelist Kingdom. "You will duel using KaibaCorp's new and improved duel disks."

"So that's what he's been working on," Kisara commented. "It is more straightforward than his previous version."

"Another rule I designed for the tournament is that before each duel, both players must ante up their rarest card, and the loser of the duel forfeits their card to the winner," Kaiba stated.

"Forfeit my Dark Magician?" Yami scowled at the screen.

"That means losing even one duel can ruin my deck," Mai grumbled.

"And there's the bait," Kisara whispered, her bangs covering her eyes. Yami almost didn't hear her. Is this how Kaiba plans to draw out the Rare Hunters?

"This will make Pegasus's Duelist Kingdom tournament look like a joke," Kaiba declared.

A gust of wind blew overhead, drawing the crowd's attention to the helicopter flying above them. Kaiba stood on the landing skid and held on to the frame above the open door. His sleeveless white trench coat billowed around him in the wind. Kaiba's eyes met Yami's, and Yami could sense the CEO's challenge. There was no doubt what Kaiba wanted.

"Don't forget to register and pick up your duel disk," Kaiba stretched his hand above him, holding up one finger. "Because in one week from today, my Battle City tournament begins!"

"You're on, Kaiba," Yami promised. No matter what, they would have to duel again.

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Ishizu closed her eyes, focusing on the power of her Necklace. Kaiba had announced his tournament. The Pharaoh would participate. And the Rare Hunters would come, including those at the top. The pieces were coming together.

She hated having to manipulate events into place like she had. But there was too much at stake not to. Ishizu had hoped to resolve things on her own, but the thefts of Slifer and Ra had proven otherwise. For all that the Millennium Necklace had allowed her glimpses into the future, she had been unable to prevent what occurred in any of her visions. Whatever it showed her would happen.

And so Ishizu had to push things along. By giving Kaiba the remaining Egyptian God card, the Rare Hunters would come to Domino. And the Pharaoh participating as well would also entice the leaders toward their ultimate goal, the one Ishizu had to stop. All she could do now was hope that no one got hurt. And the person most capable of ensuring that was out of her reach.

Please look out for each other. Ishizu prayed for the two she was most desperate to save. Please do not let the darkness consume you.

And that's a wrap. You guys probably noticed I completely changed the vision Ishizu shows Kaiba from the anime. I mainly did that because there is a disconnect between the visions in Battle City and what we actually see in the Dawn of the Duel arc. So I'm trying to split the difference. There are also a significant amount of Easter eggs in that vision, so bonus points and bragging rights to anyone who can find them all.