Ahoy, mateys! Hope ye're all doin' better than lil' ol' me, which is currently stuck in bed with a mighty fever!

Anyhow, enjoy!

Kingtown port-town

As he makes his way through the royal navy headquarters with a quick and furious stride, the young baron's head is filled with the memory of what happened not hours ago. How did this happen? How the hell did this happen? He took his eyes off her not even an hour and pirates of all things showed up. His perfect shield was ridiculed by a cheap bait strategy. Since when do pirate crews make alliances? Nonsense!

Not soon enough for his taste, he arrives in front of the white and golden double door, leading to the office of the man controlling the largest navy fleet in the Caribbean waters. Also, he's in charge of securing trade routes. But the two soldiers guarding the door blocked his path.

"Sir," says one, "what business do you have with Admiral Pegasus?"

"My business is my own," he snaps back, "and if you don't move out of my way right now, I'll make sure you'll be guarding this door for the rest of your career, soldier."

"I'm sorry, Sir. But unless the admiral is expecting you, we cannot let you through."

Brave soldier. Unwavering in his duties. Trustworthy and definitely wasted on guard duty. But he has no time to waste. Not on them.

"There has been a large scale attack from multiple pirate ships not far from this very town four hours is an emergency that must be addressed immediately. If you care at all about the grand scale of things, you will open that door. Tell him it's from Baron Kaiba."

The two guards look at each other hesitantly, before the first one moves his musket out of the way and turns around to knock on the large door.

"Enter," replies a muffled voice.

"Pardon the intrusion, Admiral!" the soldier says loudly before pushing the door open.

Seto follows him into the luxurious room, filled to the ceiling with golden decorations, rare paintings, priceless furniture and Italian antiquities. The large windows let in bright sunlight, making everything glow. For sharing about an equal amount of wealth, Pegasus definitely loves to show it off more wether at work or at home. But right now, all of this was nothing. The one-eyed man sitting at the desk at the center of the room, doesn't look up from the paper he's writing on.

"This better be important, I am quite busy. What is it?"

"My lord, Baron Kaiba has an urgent message to relay."

Pegasus' hand freezes in the air and finally, he meets eye with him. The admiral's face lights up and a half smile makes it's way across it. With a sign of the hand, he orders the soldier to leave and waits until the door closes behind him.

"Well, isn't this a surprise. Lord Seto Kaiba in person. I never thought I'd see the day. I know your aversion to rubbing elbows with the navy, but would it kill you to attend a few social gatherings? I believe the last time you went was with your father three or four years ago. In any case, it's been far too long."

"Spare me the pleasantries, Pegasus. I'm here on business."

A chuckle escaped the one-eyed man's mouth. "Naturally. What is it I can do for you, young master?"

He's calling him that to irritate him. It's one of the things this pompous bastard is good at. Seto takes a breath. He can't lose it now. Despite how much he hates this man, right now, there's no one else who can provide more assistance.

"My escort ships were attacked and my cargo ship was taken by pirates."

Pegasus raises an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? Your iron clad defense was taken down by a measly pirate ship? How so?"

"Three of them. And I suspect a fourth one was involved."

"Go on."

"It happened not even ten miles off the coast, Kingtown was still in sight. Three rogue ships showed up to lure my battleships away from the Golden Whale."

"I'm surprised you haven't seen the fourth ship. Was it that small?"

"It wasn't there, but there were definitely pirates already onboard the Whale. They tossed the crew overboard and took it away while we were occupied."

Leaning back in his chair, Pegasus finally makes an interested face. He grabs his chin. "So you're saying that this was a pre-planned attack. For pirates that far too clever. Besides, there is no chance four crews would've agreed to work together just like that."

"There has been espionage beforehand too," continues the baron. "They had to know which cargo ship the Kaiba Company was escorting and register themselves as sailors for the Whale. At least half of the crew had to be pirates."

"Oh, dear. This is troublesome. I'll have to have this look into immediately. I suppose you won't might providing the registration documents of the Golden Whale's crew. I'll also need to inspect your hiring officers from your Kingtown branch…"

"Who cares about that?" snaps Seto, finally on his last nerve. "We can get to that later. First you need to find that cargo ship. It's your only priority!"

The admiral stared at him, surprised. Seto Kaiba? Losing his composure like this? How intriguing. How interesting.

"Whatever is the matter, Kaiba? I always knew you were a bit on your high horse, but suddenly ordering me around? Have you forgotten I don't work for you?"

"This is your job, Pegasus, so do it and find my ship."

"I don't understand. Even though the entire cargo plus the ship itself cost a fortune, it's but a mere trinket for everything you have. You could've simply left a report to the navy." Again, his face brightens with understanding and a smirk replaces the half smile. "Unless there was something on that boat worth even more than all of that combined."

The glare he threw him was murderous. That perceptive bastard. This is why he hates working with him. Prying is unfortunately the admiral's greatest bad habit. "That's none of your business. Just find my ship."

"Very well, I will. After I get a clear idea of how this operation was carried out and who's responsible for it."

After a second of utter shock, the baron slammed his large hands on the navy man's desk. "You must be joking…"

"Not in the least. I'll do this the way procedure dictates it. It's only foolish to throw yourself in a blind search even if you know these waters by heart. Unless, you're withholding something that could interest me, then I could be inclined to do things your way."

He's mocking him clearly. It hits the young baron that Pegasus is always the same. Unusual things, strange things, rare things, excite him. Nothing gets more to him than the prospect of getting his hands on something unique. Seto clenches his teeth so hard they almost shatter. He has no choice for this. Not if he wants her back. He throws another murderous glare at the admiral.

"If this is all, then you can take your leave. I'll take care of this matter and keep you informed."

"My ward was on that ship."

This time, Pegasus' raises his eyebrows, surprised. "You have a ward? If I recall, your father had one. Though he said he'd only allow her to social gatherings when she'd be old enough. But I could see he was impatient about it. I almost thought he was raising her to be his new wife."

The baron's blood boils in his veins. His father? Marrying Yugi? Disgusting. The very thought makes him want to puke. But the truth isn't far from that. Gozaburo wanted something from her alright but it was to sell her to the highest bidder. Thank God, the old bastard was dead. Pegasus' laughter pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Seeing you attached to another human being is absolutely endearing, Kaiba. Truthfully. However, I'm afraid that's not enough to motivate me."

"You sadistic cold pompous bastard, don't you know what could happen to her?"

"I know perfectly well what happens to damsels kidnapped by pirates, Seto. One of two things; either they become merchandise, whichever type suits the captains's needs, or they get ransomed. I'm afraid to say, the former is far more likely. I've led rescue missions more than once. My point remains the same."

The words burn his lips, begging to be let out, but his teeth clench, keeping them in. Twelve years of secrecy, of lies, of hiding… All his precautions about to be reduced to ash by this man. He stays silent too long for the admiral's patience.

"I think we are finished here," says the latter, reaching for the bell at the corner of his desk to call for the guard.

"She's a Shayee."

The sunlight suddenly fades, as clouds started covering the sky, reflecting the ominousness of the tension that had just snapped. Icy glare clashes with stunned irises. Seto can see he got what he wanted but at a heavy cost.

'Forgive me, Yugi. I'll find you, no matter what it takes. That I swear to God.'

"Impossible. Gozaburo took in a Shayee? How peculiar." He passed his tongue on his lips, sending shiver down the young noble's spine. Pervert. "Oh, I admit it, Kaiba. You've peeked my interest. Tell me more."

"I'll tell you more when you move your sorry buttocks and get searching. The more time we waste, the less chance you'll have to ever lay eyes on her."

"Fine, fine. Anymore information on the crews that attacked you?"

Finally, about time they get to business. "My battleships destroyed two of them, the third one escaped. Named the Gambler."

"Felix Arcana," immediately states the admiral. "Not the brightest rogue captain out there, but definitely the luckiest man you'll ever meet. In short, he's the perfect person to manipulate into playing bait for an attack such as this. After all, your triplet battleships remain undefeated."

"Whoever planned this attack is no mere pirate. He's cunning and cautious. No doubt the Captain of the fourth crew who's ship wasn't shown. Damn coward."

"My thoughts exactly. We're dealing with a new fish in our waters. I'm getting quite excited." Another chuckle shook Pegasus and he stood from his desk. "Any prisoners?"

"Two, already interrogated. They had no clue who was behind the attack. Not that underling ABs would. They're dogs who answer to the whistle of their captain without a second thought. They wouldn't know squat. Didn't even know the name of the ship."

"And he's discreet even with his own allies. Clever fish indeed."

Grabbing the bell, Pegasus calls in the guard from earlier who salutes impeccably. "Admiral Pegasus, Sir!"

"Assemble all the Captains of my fleet right away, soldier. I want everyone here in an hour."

"Yes, my lord! Right away, my lord!"

And like that, he's gone.

"Kaiba, why don't you go organize your trades and get your hands on what I ask you, while I devise a plan. It'll take at least until evening before we can depart, you might as well do something useful."

Cocky bastard. He's not idiot, he knows that perfectly well. Hell, he sails more in three months, than him in a full year. But he adds nothing and heads for the door but stops after putting his hand on the handle.

"One more thing, Pegasus." He turns around to face him. The storm brewing outside is nothing compared the threatening intent in those icy eyes. "When we find her, keep your hands to yourself. She's mine."

Again, only amusement showed on the older man's face. "How terrifying. I'll try to control myself."

That's it, he's had enough. The baron slams the door behind him and heads back out to his coach, ordering the driver to take him to the HQ of the company. If he does nothing until this evening, he'll drive himself mad. The ride to the company takes little time, though it feels like hours.

'Why did I let you go? Why did I take you at all?'

I don't belong in your world Seto. I think you know that.

"Lord Kaiba, Sir. We've arrived."

A valet opens the door for him and he steps out. "I need to speak with the director, immediately."

"He's in his office right now, my lord. But before you go, a pigeon arrived for you." The valet handed him a piece of paper. "I believe it's from your head butler."

What can Roland possibly want now? There's no time for this! But his eyes widen in horror the moment he processes the cursed words on the paper.

Everything around us freezes and not just figuratively. No a sound is being made. The blood rushes so fast through my body that my heartbeat rings in my head loud enough to knock me out. I can sense all of their eyes. But there's only one pair I stare back at. For the first time since I've met him, the Captain's irises appear to be looking at my soul itself. When was the last time someone other than the people at the Kaiba mansion has seen my hair? Each one of them stands on my head and neck, sending uncomfortable shivers down my spine.

"What's this here, Cap'n? It ain't a demon, ain't it?" asks one.

"Clean yer peepers, why don't ye? Lass's gotta be cursed!"

Superstition. Not uncommon amongst pirates. But the idea of using that against them can easily backfire. And something tells me that there's no chance at all it's going to work on him. He doesn't reply to his men and kneels in front of me again, to grab a lock of my tricolor hair. He looks at it like he's found the holy grail of the 18th century.

"Oi, quartermaster," shouts another, bringing a hand to his sword. "Your cap'n be bewitched!"

Bakura only rolls his eyes and draws another gun, only this time, Taylor and Jack also reach for their swords.

"Take a step, filthy dogs. I dare you," threatens the quartermaster. "You want to pull yourself together, Captain?"

"Oh, I'm perfectly fine, Bakura," he finally says, regaining his smile.

He stands back up, keeping her hair in his hand, compelling me to follow his lead and stand up. My legs shake like leaves in the wind, and if it wasn't for Moki supporting me, I might fall.

"So… if she ain't a devil o' cursed, what's she?" asks another pirate.

"Far more valuable than anything else on this ship." Bringing his head closer to mine, Atem whispers. "I never thought I'd lay eyes on a Shayee survivor."

My throat is so dry that swallowing hurts but he pulls away and releases my hair before returning my headscarf. I instantly grab it and clumsily put it back on.

"Listen up, rascals! Hands off the rats, they're my share."

"What? Who d'ye think ye are?" protests a man from another crew. "The deal with our crew was that all share's equal to all."

"That was for the ship's cargo, which's been split evenly. These are a bonus, I claim them as mine. Anyone who has issues with this, come cross sword with me for it. Any volunteers?"

That murderous aura fills the entire deck in an instant and all are silent again. That is until a loud voice rings in the cavern from the entrance.

"Sennen, ye son of a biscuit eater! Ye've got some explainin' to do, scallywag! Get down here so I can hang ye from yer toes and feed ye to the sharks!"

All turn towards the source of light as another ship entered. No doubt it was a rogue ship and it had been through hell. Canon holes all over it. Deck, sails, masts… It's miracle it's still sailing. The man shouting is clearly older than Atem, at least in his forties. He has a black and red attire and a small beard.

"I can't believe the idiot survived," says Bakura smiling for the first time, perhaps out of sheer annoyance. "What now?"

"Down. Let me handle this. Watch these two while I talk to said idiot."

With that, Atem walks down to the main deck. The Gambler, clearly not as easy to maneuver anymore, slides against the Golden Whale, making it shake until it finally comes to a stop. I have to cling to Mokuba to avoid falling. The pirates toss rope ladders over the edge and soon enough, the Gambler's captain steps onto the Whale.

"Sure took your time, Arcana," says Atem, as relaxed as ever. "I told you all not to underestimate the triplet battleships. What happened to the other two?"

"Both be at Davy Jones' locker now! Ye knew this was goin' to happen. And while we were off, swashbucklin' with the incarnation of the devil himself, ye were here all safe with the cargo, ready to take it for yerself!"

Moki and I exchange glares and a brief smile. The incarnation of the devil himself? That can only be Seto. Thank God he's alright. And apparently, so is the rest of the triplet ships.

"If that's what I wanted to do," continues Atem, "I'd have massacred the rest of your crews the moment we got here and already be far away."

Murmurs spread around the ship like a bad wind, as the members of the two other crews realize that they had no ship or comrades to go back to. It becomes apparent very quickly to me that somehow, that's exactly what Atem man really is the devil.

"Do you need to be reminded that the three of you agreed to every part of my plan? I paid in advance and you were more than eager to jump at the chance to fill your pockets. They say greed is the downfall of pirates. Ain't that true?"

Hello pot, I'm kettle. But that seems to be enough to spike Arcana's anger but before he can draw his sword, the Captain of the Millennium raises a hand.

"The sweet trade isn't for weaklings who get taken down by the first battleship they see. The Mantis and the Unity weren't cut out for it. You on the other hand, somehow survived. That entitles you to half of the tribute found here."

The skinny captain considers the offer but quickly throws a suspicious glare at Atem. "And how, pray tell, do ye suggest we get all this back with us? Me turner looks like an ol' sock full o' holes and half me crew's been fed to the sharks."

"The crew's simple. I have no need for anyone, so you can pick up what's left of the other crews. There's plenty of them, and they'll be lookin' for work, now won't you, rascals?"

I can't believe how easily these people were being swayed by him. Shouldn't they be angry to have lost both ship and comrades? He can't have always been a pirate, he sounded like a lawyer.

"What 'bout fixin' me ship?" asks Arcana again. "Ain't gonna move for a while."

"I've just handed you two more carpenters." Meaning as long as his wasn't among the pirates Bakura shot, he has three. "And you've got all the material you want right here. You can even sell the rest and make profit."

He stomped his foot on the floor and the man started looking around. There was everything. Brand new planks, sails, ropes, tools… Everything to fix their ships. I haven't even thought about that.

"It'll take a while to fix, but you're well hidden and you have plenty of food onboard. I'll even leave you the canons as bonus, since I've no use for them. What do you say, Arcana? Do we have a deal, or would you rather fight when you clearly can't hold your sword. Just to be clear," he unsheathed his blade and pointed it at the bearded man's chest, "I don't mind either way."

Arcana eyes the captain with hateful eyes and sweat drips on each side of his head. "Ye're up to no good again, I feel it in me bones. Best ye watch yer back, ye scurvy dog. Ye keep doin' what ye do and someone's gon' shoot ye in between the peepers."

"Not you, though," replies Atem, lowering his sword. "You're too smart for that."

"Piss off, ye and yer mangy crew. Cause o' ye, I'm gon' be stranded here for at least four days."

Satisfied, the tan man sheaths his sword and turns to the quartermaster. "I leave it to you. I'll watch these two."

"Finally, I get to work with competent people." Leaving us in the hands of his captain, Bakura steps down on the main deck. "Millennium! Move the tribute to the ship. You have one hour. For every lost minute, I'll bloody whip everyone of you myself. Move it!"

A third of the sailors around start moving, filling the boats with the things stolen from the Whale. How has this gone on so smoothly? My heart was still racing in my chest.

"Were you expecting a bloodbath, love?"

"How did you know that they're would only be one ship coming back?" I ask, hoping to deviate the conversation.

"Did I?" he replied keeping his eyes on the activity on the deck.

"You had the tribute split in two from the start."

The look he gives me scares me so I stop talking. But he simply places a finger on his mouth, and gives me this soul-piercing gaze. The meaning is clear; open your mouth and you die. He then orders Taylor and Jack to take us to the rogue ship.

'Seto, you have to find us quickly. Before this man kills us.'

Oh oh... What now? Who exactly are the people of the Millennium and what awaits Yugi and Moki?

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