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Going up the deck was too risky, so I took the only option I had left to leave the ship. Tristan and the other gunners went pale when they saw me slip out of the ship through the window on the firing deck just after asking the Master Gunner for advice on sabotage. They tried calling out to me but their voices died away as soon as I dove underwater.

And here I am, telling myself for the hundredth time today that this is a terrible idea. I'm not even sure it can qualify as an idea. More of a last desperate option. Nevertheless, I swim quickly towards the approaching third ship all the while clutching Drainer in my hand. I finally reach the hull. An uncomfortable shudder shakes me. Being under a large floating ship isn't quite reassuring. But I quickly regain my focus. I don't have much time.

'Dear God, please let this work,' I pray.

With that, I stab the wood of the hull and again am stunned at how easily the blade sinks into it. I've used barely more strength then when I sawed through the iron bar of the jail cell. And so, upside down, moving my body anyway I need to, I begin carving a large circle with frightening ease. Large enough to sink it. But nothing happens as I finish. I try pushing on it with as much force as I can muster but it doesn't so much as creak. Yet again, I'm proven what foolish ideas I have today : Drainer is a undoubtedly sharp knife but it's not long enough to pierce the thick hull all the way through.

'Of course, this was too easy to work.'

If only I could summon the Stream with a thought, I might have enough strength to force it through. But of course, I can't rely on that. I look in the distance. The ship really is rapidly moving towards the others. I have no more room for hesitation. I'll have to make use of Bakura's idea. But first to find a way in…

I swim back up to the surface, staying close to the hull. Thankfully, the men leaning over the edge of the Anubis have their eyes entirely focused on the ships in the distance. I wait for the ship to advance some more until I find myself below the last firing window of the firing deck.

Luck seems to be on my side for now. Even if the ship was in a position to fire at the Millennium, they wouldn't because their allies might get caught in the crossfire. Now this next step is going to be difficult. I'm at least glad I thought of bringing another knife along.

After flipping Drainer in my hand so that the blunt side of the blade faces downwards, I swim down a dozen feet or so. Kicking a rock for momentum, I swim fast as I can and spring out of the surface, planting the orichalcum knife into the hull as high as I possibly can above water. Just like that, I'm stuck to the ship like a fly on a wall. Quickly, I swing my body higher and repeat the same gesture with the second knife. That one isn't nearly as sharp, but with enough force, I secure it in between the planks.

And so, I begin climbing with the sheer force of my little arms. Immediately I feel the strain. The strength I've acquired while climbing trees during my many escapades is just enough to help me carry my own weight like this. But I can feel my wound aching at every move and soon, fillets of blood trickle down my arm.

Nonetheless I keep torturing my arms until I reach the firing window out of which sticks out a cannon barrel. I once more thank God for granting me a small body as I slip through without too much difficulty. As predicted the firing deck is clear but there's a lot of noise coming from the upper decks. No doubt a manifestation the excitement for the incoming battle. Or should I say massacre?

My arms are exhausted and my breathing too quick from the tension and apprehension. Yet I can't bring myself to loosen my grip on Drainer. I don't have time. Everything I do from here on out has to be quick and quiet. I stay hidden behind the cannon for a moment, making sure there's truly no one present nearby. I then inspect the room and find multiple powder bags lying near piles of cannon ammunition.

'They've been preparing to fire. But now that it's a melee, they won't risk sinking their allies.'

I take a deep breath for courage and step out of my hiding spot after wringing my hair to avoid leaving a water trail behind me. At least, I have everything I need onboard. According to Tristan, the powder would have to be concentrated in a closed container to have a maximum of impact upon exploding.

"I'll probably find barrels in the hold or in the armory."

I have no time to waste on reconnaissance. I'll have to count on my lucky streak. I pick up a bag of powder and throw it —with great effort— over my shoulder. Dear Lord, it's heavy! I take comfort in the fact that it will probably be enough to accomplish my goal and begin making my way out the firing deck.

The inside of the Anubis is surprisingly similar to that of the Millennium. How doesn't matter. For now luck is still on my side. I come across no one and head down the wooden staircases. Just as on the Millennium, I come across a refectory and kitchen, an infirmary, a prison… It's providential how I haven't encountered anyone yet.

My heart beats so loudly and quickly in my chest that it feels like it's going to burst. But the more I advance, the more distant the noise gets. The expression "all hands on deck" seems to take a quite literal sense at the moment. Still, I was expecting at least a few of them would be down here. Not that I am complaining. I'm not even certain of what I'm doing.

When I do get to the lowest deck, I —expectedly this time—find the storage. Only not the one I was thought. Instead of food, this seems to be their storage for anything non-edible. Spare sails, tools, clothes, ropes, leather gourds, barrels… Upon inspecting those, I find more powder. At least, I won't have to go back and forth between the firing deck and here. I drop my charge, a little frustrated of having had to drag it all the way here with me.

Despite the little voice constantly reminding me to stay on guard, the urgency of the situation doesn't allow me to give it too much thought. There are a good number of powder barrels. I'm no expert but it should be plenty enough to destroy the Anubis. A realization hits me and I understand what's missing. I'll need two things. The first is fire. The second is time. Enough time to get away from the ship before the explosion.

"Of course, it was too easy."

The rope here is too thick to serve as a fuse. Thinning one would take more time than I have. Besides, unless they're coated with hot oil or alcohol, there's little chance they'll do the trick. Unless…

"Wait… That's it!"

I move over to another set of barrels and begin sniffing around. I smell rum, fresh water, more gun powder… Please let there be some, there has to be some. Finally, I catch it. The awful stench of lamp oil. Without hesitation, I pierce the barrel with Drainer. The transparent liquid seeps through the crack and pours on the floor. I do the same to five others, effectively flooding the entire hold. The unbearable stench fills my nose and makes it harder to breath but I keep at it until the whole floor is covered.

Though my body moves quickly, my insides tighten and my heart pounds faster. Knowing that the liquid I'm spreading can catch fire at the slightest spark and the fact that I'm currently wading in it doesn't help me relax. With sheer will, I push away another vision of fire and screams before it can take over me. Mokuba is the one I have to think of right now. For his safety, this is a cheap price to pay.

I put Drainer away and seize a leather gourd hanging from a hook on the wall to fill it up with oil from the last barrel. While I wait for the pouch to fatten up, my hands shake with uncertainty. It's not going fast enough for my taste. Finally, the gourd overflows. I hurry back to the staircase and begin making my way back up, spilling a trail of oil behind me.

'The time it takes for the fire to get to the barrels and eat at the would should be enough for me to get back to the water.'

I make my way like this up two more decks before I run out of oil. I toss away the pouch like it burns me and an uncomfortable tension takes over my fingers. Now I need fire. I go back to the kitchen where I find not only a fire striker and flint stone, but an oil lamp. I don't know what higher force is helping my cause but an ominous impression tells me it's not going to last. So I light the lamp and get back to the wet staircase.

Then I freeze, my arm holding the little flame above what will turn into hell itself. Am I about to deal those people the same thing pirates have done to my family? Right in front of the desecrated remains of my home? Some will surely die. Does that make me no different from the men who took everything from me?

"When your life is on the line, forget about playing fair or about being righteous." Seto's voice ringing in my head so suddenly makes me jump. "Do what you must, protect who you must."

Right. Moki and I will die if I hesitate. Or worse. I use that moment of certainty to release the lamp. It shatters on the stairs and immediately the trail of oil begins burning. Having no time left for regret, I dash away, running up to reach the firing deck. How long do I have? A minute, perhaps two? It matters not, I need to get away as soon as…

I come to an abrupt halt alway up the last staircase and my heart nearly stops. Something rings in my ears. My own internal screams perhaps? Two men — both built like bears and armed to the teeth— are standing at the top of the staircase, blocking my the entrance to the firing deck. Both stare at me, eyes wide with shock. For mere moments that feel like an eternity, we stare at each other.

Curses! I knew this was going too smoothly to last. I can't go forward and the smell of the smoke is already reaching me. I wait, terrified, expecting them to start brandishing their weapons at any moment. But no. They only stare, their jaws dropped.

"W-What the devil is this?" finally lets out one, his voice trembling and taking a step back.

Then I remember something. My clothes, my hair… They've never seen anything like it. They're scared too. Yet another foolish idea comes to my mind but I've no time to think it over. Forcing my tension-ridden body to relax while my heartbeat rings loudly enough in my head to deafen me, I begin walking up the rest of the stairs, slowly. As I advance, I see the muscles of their torsos tense up. For a moment, I pretend that I have Seto's confidence.

"You filthy humans!" I snap, loud and clear so that my voice won't shake. "How dare you defile the seas of my home with your blood thirst and vile intentions? How dare you bring your conflict to the land of my ancestors?"

My insides tremble with uncertainty but I have no time to think over my ridiculous idea. Playing on their supposed superstition is a big gamble all to itself. Miraculously, the men's faces begin losing their colors.

'Don't rush,' I order myself. 'Haste makes waste, Seto would say.'

Fighting the instincts screaming at me to run, I keep looking at the men straight in the eyes and slowly making my way towards them. Now for every step I take, they take one back. If only I could push them back far enough to leave the entrance to the firing deck open…

"You pathetic mortals will pay for your arrogance," I continue, as the smell of the fire becomes evident and smoke begins reaching our level. "Let the fire of my rage take you and your cursed vessel to the deepest pits of the seas and then into the inferno!"

Their eyes begin darting from the rising smoke behind me back to me, again and again. Just a few more steps and I can pass…

"See my flames have already began eating at your ship." I think of Bakura as I force a grin to my face and raise an arm towards the mercenaries. "You'll be the first to face your sins."

Finally, one whips around and dashes away in direction of the main deck, screaming that a witch had cursed them.

The other one takes the last step needed to clear the way…. but not without drawing a pistol.

I don't hesitate. I bolt inside and step on the edge of the nearest firing window. But just as I go through, a gunshot rings immediately followed by a hurricane like burning wind that hits my back with full force.

I'm sent flying. My head spins. And then I bounce on the rock hard surface of the ocean and sink in darkness, with no time for a scream of pain.

Seto's POV

"YUGI!"

It takes Seto quite a few heavy breaths and a good look around to realize that he'd dreamed of this. He fell asleep at his desk it seems. But even when reality catches up to him, he can't bring himself to feel relief and sighs out of irritation. Of course, he dreamed something like this. Yugi drowning in a sea of fire while fighting for her life while Mokuba desperately called out to her. It may not have been real, but the truth wasn't any better. Who knew what those pirates were doing to them right at this moment, while he waited for the bloody wind to pick up and get them to Beruga.

But all Seto can do is wait. And wait. And wait some more. Passing a hand on his face to chase away the sweat, he looks down at the book he'd fallen asleep on. Tales and Kingdoms of the Sea. He doesn't know what he'd hoped to find in there. Useless collection of myths, it is. He unclenches his hand to look at the little bracelet of greenish silver stones. Shaking his head, he shoves it in his pocket before standing and making his way to the main deck. Like hell he'll stay sitting in one place doing nothing.

All hands are on deck. The sailors are working relentlessly to bring the Blue-Eyes to the pirate lair. There is no one to yell at, or give orders to. There's nothing for him to do. Still, his eyes look for a flaw. For something in need of fixing that could get them to destination faster! Alas, there is none. Patience is he needs and is all he doesn't have at this moment.

The baron walks up to the quarterdeck and leans on the edge of the battle ship. The sweat from his sleep makes his shirt stick to him and the sun only makes it worse. Granted, keeping his gloves on is idiotic. Still, he glances above his shoulder before taking them off. It's liberating and allows the sweat to dry. But there's no sensation in those ugly, scared, red hands. It's been over a decade since he's felt anything in them. Yet he's certain they were burning while he dreamt. The curse would never leave him. Not until he died.

Despite the heat, Seto glared at the water beneath him. Never before has he hated to seas he's spent so much time on to this extent. Why is the ocean so vast? Why is it so tiresome to get through? Why must he be bound by the whims of the wind?

"Luck is always part of success. Staring daggers into the great blue will only make it seem longer."

The voice is familiar. Seto knows exactly who is calling him and yet he whips around like the captain of his ship is a monster about to jump him. Leichter doesn't miss his employer's jumpiness and raises his arms up in sign of peace.

"I apologies, my lord. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"Tch. Don't be ridiculous."

"If I may my lord," says Leichter carefully approaching the edge. "You haven't slept so much as three hours since we left Kingtown. You really should get some rest. You look exhausted."

"Your concern is unnecessary," snaps back Seto, hastily putting his gloves back on. "How long do we have left until we get to Beruga?"

"Another day at least. That is if the wind deigns keep this speed up." The captain pauses again before completely turning to him, an irritating air of concern about him. "Lord Kaiba, please allow me to insist that you get some rest. I promise, I will warn you as soon as Beruga is in sight. But if we're to face ruffians and have your brother returned to you safely, you must be rested."

"I don't pay you to worry about my health, Leichter," he growled at him, straightening up but keeping his eyes on this cursed ocean. "I believe I've outgrown nursemaids. All you need to worry about is getting me to that island."

His head is easy to melt in this heat. Seto pulls away from the edge to return to his quarters to find something to do. Anything. But quick footsteps behind him follow up.

"My lord, I implore you," says Leichter, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "You must get some sleep or this might cost you dearly."

The baron has stopped listening. The firm grip on his shoulder triggered another voice. One that imbedded deep inside his consciousness. One he could never truly get rid of. And yet it resounded so clearly.

"By all means boy, try your best to defy me. It'll cost you dearly."

His entire body stiffens and his eyes widen from panic. Whipping around, he slaps the captain's hand away with so much force that Leichter tumbles back. Seto finds it hard to breathe, despite knowing full well who the person in front of him is and who he is not.

"Lord Kaiba, I—" began the captain.

"Do not ever put on your hands on me, Leichter. Next time you do, is the time you lose it."

Air. He needs air but the air out here is suffocating. Leaving a stunned captain and a few confused sailors behind, he hurried back to his quarters, slamming the door behind. It's colder inside, but breathing isn't any easier.

"Damn it…"

Leichter's words seem to have brought up all the exhaustion. But he can't sleep. Not now. Not while he has things to do. His vision suddenly blurs and his head began spinning. Next thing he knows, his back hits the door behind him.

Images from the past assault his head. Showing him corruption, evil, blood, fire.… And Gozaburo.

"You are weak Seto. But there's no need to worry. I'll make you strong. All you have to do is listen. Understand?"

"Shut up, you bastard," he replies to the absent devil, gritting his teeth and covering his eyes.

Hell could take him, for all he cared. Just as long as he found those two, safe and sound.

Oh oh... looks like Gozaburo's still haunting our favorite billionaire. What's the worst that could happen?

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