Thank you for these characters and their stories, Kazuki Takahashi. Requiescat in pace.

Chapter Seven

Yugi

"Is your Millennium Ring actually glowing?" As I watched Bakura's Millennium begin to glow, I couldn't help but hope it was pointing to where Dria was. I needed to find her. During that crazy Shadow Duel against Bakura's evil spirit, I knew that the other me had seen her, even touched her.

I couldn't help but feel incredibly jealous. I felt such a deep connection with Dria. I couldn't stop myself from liking her, perhaps a little more than I should. But then again, I felt something more than just an amorous attraction to her. This feeling went beyond that, like she was a part of me somehow. I shook my head; all these thoughts made my brain hurt.

"It's almost like it's being pulled towards the castle." I turned my attention back to Bakura as he spoke. I listened closely as he explained how his Ring had reacted the same way when we first met.

"It pointed right towards your Millennium Puzzle." If it pointed towards Millennium Items, what were the chances that Dria has one? I didn't know what the other Millennium Items looked like. Maybe Dria was coming towards us right now.

"Those pointers are somehow able to zone in on other Millennium Items."

I thought about what he had just said a little harder. Honestly, Dria had nothing on her that came close to resembling an Item, at least it didn't seem so. I looked towards the castle again, desperately trying to consider all the options. I hadn't known her for all that long, yet she already plagued my every thought.

"Why would it point to the castle?"

"Because of what's inside the castle: Pegasus' Millennium Eye."

I shuddered a little as the memory of the duel with Pegasus came back to me. Stealing people's souls was something out of a science fiction movie. I tried to shake away the memory, but it kept coming back. It seemed that the more into this tournament I got, the bigger the role these Millennium Items played. Pegasus' Eye, Bakura's Ring, and of course, my Puzzle. The more I thought about my Puzzle, the more I began to realize that something had changed. Dueling had changed completely after I solved the Puzzle.

Some kind of strong presence had appeared within me. He didn't seem evil, like Bakura's evil spirit, and so far, he had given me no reason not to trust him. Maybe he could help me save Grandpa. I missed him.

And Alexandria. I sighed. I was afraid for her. If it was really her that I and the other me saw in the Shadow Realm, I felt a sudden rush of rage. If Pegasus came anywhere near hurting her-

I suddenly heard a helicopter. Who on earth was this?

"Hey, some of us are trying to get some shut eye here, you insensitive jerk!" I ignored Joey's complaints and stepped towards the helicopter. It was Seto Kaiba.

"It looks like he means business."

Of course, Kaiba was as rude as ever. 'I'd be compensated for my troubles?' I still couldn't believe he only considered us rivals. Hopefully, he would change soon.

"Actually, I was thinking that since we're all headed to Pegasus' castle, you could stick with us. Of course, you'll need some star chips." He scoffed.

"This isn't just a game for me, Yugi."

Dria

"If you want a piece of Pegasus, get in line or deal with me." Was that Joey? Who in the world was he talking to? I pushed my way through the forest, moving towards Joey's voice.

"Nice grip. Let me show you mine." Seto? What was he doing here? I pushed aside the final branch, just in time to see Seto throw Joey to the ground.

"Joey!" My eyes widened in alarm. "Seto!"

He turned towards me. At first, he was shocked to see me, but that emotion left as soon as I saw it. "What in the world do you think you're doing?" I walked up to him, upset that he had treated a friend so poorly. A mischievous smirk crossed his face. I raised my eyebrow to scold him when he dropped his briefcase, swept me into his arms, and threw me over his shoulder.

I squealed in surprise. "Seto! You jerk! Put me down!" I giggled as he spun us around. He jokingly loosened his grip, threatening to drop me. I screamed in delight, tightening my grip so I wouldn't fall. I begged him to stop, promising to practically sell my soul if only he would stop. He stopped spinning but didn't let me down. We laughed like the teenagers we were at heart. This was the Seto I had grown up with. I had missed him so much. Once we had calmed down a bit, he set me down.

"It's been too long, Seto. I've missed you." He placed his hand on my cheek, smiling at me.

"Joey! Are you alright?"

"Check his pulse Yugi!"

I raised my eyebrow and held back a smile. He hit the ground, which was not the normal situation where one would check for a pulse, but if it made them feel better. Seto returned to his normal, cold look. Even his hand, which was still resting on my cheek, had gone cold.

"Do you really this I'm going to let you and this little tournament you're in delay me from finding Pegasus?" My mind reeled. How many people had my father angered in this crazy plan of his? How many more would he end up hurting if his plan succeeded? How much more was Pegasus hiding from me? I stepped back from Seto and rubbed my temples in anger.

Seto smirked. "Aw, did the little princess not know what her daddy has been up to?" I glared at him. His smirk didn't leave his face, so I smacked it off. "Ouch! Dria! That hurt!"

"What has Pegasus done to you?" He rubbed his cheek, which now had a bright red hand spot on it.

"He kidnapped Mokuba and is trying to take over my company." I froze at the mention of Mokuba. He was another close friend, almost like my little brother. I turned my gaze towards Yugi. "He also stole your grandfather's soul, right?" He sadly nodded. I felt my anger and frustration rising as I closed my eyes.

What had happened to my father? I knew that he acted like an untrustworthy schemer sometimes, especially now, but before all this, he was my best friend. He would duel with me all the time as I tried to make the game perfect. He would give me suggestions as to how certain cards should work. He was gifted with an artistic talent I had not seen in many years, and a generous, loving heart that he willingly offered time and again to me. But this man, this one that Yugi and Seto knew as Pegasus, was not my father.

I shook my head and stepped back. Seto gently pulled me back towards him, placing his arm around my shoulders. I couldn't believe it, but I also couldn't defend his actions.

"I can't say I didn't see this coming. He's been acting really stranger for a while, especially these last few months. But, what does he want with your company, Seto? What does he want with you, Yugi?"

I shifted my gaze between Yugi and Seto. If he was still trying to bring back Cecelia, how could Seto's company and Yugi's Puzzle help?

"Forget Pegasus! Now you've got me to deal with! So bust out your cards and let's get it on." I smiled at Joey, grateful for the unintentional distraction. I nodded and, after kissing Seto's cheek, walked over to join Yugi and the others.

"Why don't you go look for an opponent you can actually beat? Like an infant or a monkey?" I sent Seto an amused look. He was pretty good at riling up his opponent with insults and taunts. Unfortunately, Joey was walking right into it.

"What'd you say?"

"That monkey thing gets him every time." I turned towards Tristian. "What is it with Joey and monkeys?" I whispered. He only chuckled. I guess it was a good thing Joey was finally standing up for himself against Seto. Then again, I doubted Seto really cared about what Joey said.

"I bet ever since Yugi mopped the floor with ya, you can't even lay a trap card without flinching." That would definitely get Seto's attention. I gave Joey an extremely weak glare for the abuse of my dear friend's current psyche. Deep down, Seto knew it was true. I hadn't seen him since his duel with Yugi, but something about him was completely different. He did seem a little more cautious about what he did, whereas before he just did what he wanted to regardless of the consequences.

"On one condition: We play using my newest innovation in holographic duel technologies." That got my attention and excitement ran through my limbs. Months ago, Seto and I had been talking on the phone when he mentioned them. We had probably talked about this for close to four hours. He told me nearly everything about his duel disk, as he called it. I tried to wheedle the measurements and other specifications out of him, but he said I would have to wait until he finished it. He didn't want me stealing the idea from him. Apparently, I was famous enough already and I didn't need any more boyfriends writing me marriage proposals.

So, I'd waited in suspense for months now. "You finally finished them!" He smiled at me and nodded. "It allows players the realism of arena matches in any setting." I nearly started bouncing up and down in excitement. "Shut up and let me see it already Seto!" He raised his eyebrow at my childlike demand to see his new invention.

He pulled out these two disks. They were incredible. He tossed one over to Joey, who stared at it as if he expected it to break out into song, then go and kick Seto's butt. It might have appeared extremely simple, something a high-tech machine could easily create. But I saw beyond that; I saw Seto's heart in it. This was his life's work. He would probably create a better one in the future, but this was his prototype.

"Looks like a flyin saucer."

"Don't be an idiot."

I laughed at their conversation. It reminded me of when Priest Seto would fight with Priest Mahad. Their fights were less serious, more joking, but the competition between the two groups was the same.

"Just give up already Mahad. You know this duel is mine." Mahad chuckled at Seto's confidence.

It was a rather boring day in the Pharaoh's palace. We were supposed to have a meeting with a nearby leader. I didn't really remember who. He was angry with my Pharaoh for some reason. Anyway, I was comfortably resting in Pharaoh's lap, playing with his blonde bangs, as Seto and Mahad entertained themselves with a practice duel. Though these duels could be incredibly dangerous, I wasn't at all concerned about these two. They were strong enough to resist the call of the shadows.

"Seto, once again your incredible arrogance astounds me. You of all people should know that it is not over until the gods wish it to be over." Seto laughed.

"Your ability to be an annoyance astounds me. This duel is mine." I repressed a laugh and leaned back against my husband. "You two are such children. Stop tormenting each other and finish. I want to see Seto squirm for once." I winked at Mahad, who turned bright red up to the tips of his ears.

"Hey now, no flirting with my priests. You're my wife, remember?" My husband whispered into my ear. He tightened his grip on my waist and placed his lips at my neck. I sighed in bliss. "Mmm, what is it that I'm supposed to remember?" He lowly chuckled and continued to kiss my neck.

"Must we be here to watch them every time they do that?" I shot my head up to glare at Seto, who had raised his eyebrow at us jokingly. I stuck my tongue out at him. "You may feel free to leave at any time, Seto." He raised his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes held no regret. I rose from my spot and walked to the opposite side of the throne room, where Mahad was standing.

"May I please take one shot at him before you finish him off?" He gave me a small smile as he shook his head. I took his spot in the center of the room.

"So, her Majesty wishes to get her hands dirty and play with the commoners?" Seto mocked me. I smirked as I lifted my hand into the air. My monster had appeared at my side. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of my dragon, Slifer.

"No my dear Seto, I will remain perfectly clean. You, on the other hand, will have to wash your tunic," I lowered my hand halfway, indicating a possible command. Slifer growled at Seto, who took a slight step back.

I did not end up attacking Seto's creature, Battle Ox. I loved these creatures far too much to put them in pain simply for my pleasure. I knew they didn't mind fighting; they begged me to duel against them so they could be prepared to defend me when real danger came around. But my love for them prevented me from causing them harm. It was merely fun watching Seto squirm beneath the gaze of my ka.

Mahad returned to his spot as I danced back to mine. "That was a rather pathetic comeback at his mockery, my ank." I shrugged. "I blame you. I could not truly think straight, after you and your dazzling kisses, my Pharaoh." He mischievously smiled. I went to get out of his lap again, trying to avoid his upcoming plan. Instead of letting me go, as I had partially hoped, he swept me over his shoulder and out of the room, causing me to yelp in surprise.

"Do you not think the Pharaoh and his Queen should be in the throne room to greet this angry leader? Surely we do not want to make him angrier Pharaoh. This may not be -" He silenced my lips with his own, laying me onto our unnecessarily large bed.

As our bedroom door closed, I could hear Mahad teasing Seto about his fear of my dragon, and how Seto would now have to pacify the tribal leader, who would no doubt be upset by the absence of the Pharaoh.

"Mmm, perhaps but then again," he pulled away from my lips, moving his to the weak point on my neck, "I'd rather spend the day with you in this bed. He may be an imbecile, but not enough to actually declare war. You worry too much."

"Uh, Dria? You're doing it again." I blinked a couple of times as I tried to focus on the scene in front of me. The duel disks were gone and Seto was poking my shoulder rapidly. "Your eyes glazed over and you spaced out again." I rubbed my cheek, extremely embarrassed.

"I missed the whole duel, didn't I?" He nodded. I lowered my head in shame. "I'm sorry." He chuckled and kissed my forehead. I lifted my head again, looking towards Yugi and the others. Yugi was looking at me worriedly. I sheepishly smiled. Seto was used to me zoning out in the middle of anything. Seto faced Joey, who was angrily kneeling on the ground in defeat.

"I'd say my duel disk system has been proven quite effective. Not only did its stunning realism jar Joey into complete and utter submission, but just look at him. He's moping like a frightened dog with his tail between his legs, which is exactly how I intend to leave Pegasus." I scowled at Seto. He didn't need to be so mean to my father. I lightly punched him in the stomach for that.

"Dria, stop. Don't give that creep the satisfaction."

"Do you honestly believe Pegasus would have been any more merciful than I was?" Regardless of what Seto thought, Pegasus would have been merciful in an extremely twisted way. He liked to mess with his opponents, making them think that they had the duel won, and then left them begging him to end the duel and their misery quickly.

At least, that's what the Pegasus I knew would do. This stranger who called himself my father was unpredictable. This new Pegasus was probably just as ruthless as Seto, even towards me. I sank to the ground, placing my head in my hands. How had it all gone so wrong? How had I not seen it falling apart in front of me?

"This system could be my only way to beat Pegasus. This is war for me, Yugi. Your friend was a casualty."

Yugi sighed. "I hope you succeed in rescuing your brother." Seto didn't respond to Yugi's encouragement. Instead, he joined me on the ground. At first, he didn't do anything; he was just there. I lifted my head up, tear stains covering my cheeks. Seto sadly smiled, wiping the tears away with his thumb. He knew this was difficult for me to know my father had hurt one of my friends. Seto kissed my forehead once more, before standing up to leave.

"I hope you succeed in your endeavors. Let's just hope our paths don't cross again before this is all over." He turned towards the castle and headed into the forest. I rubbed away what was left of my tears and pulled myself together.

"Dria, are you alright?" I looked towards Yugi as I stood.

"I wish I could tell you. What was the duel disk like, Joey?" Joey shrugged his shoulders. I gave him a small smile. Seto was one tough cookie in a duel. After the way his stepfather raised him, I should expect nothing less.

The night passed by relatively normal. Joey and Tristian fell asleep immediately. Tea offered to share a spot in the tent with her and Mai, but I declined. I liked sleeping out under the stars. Everyone else eventually fell asleep, dropping like flies all around me. I just leaned back against the tree, closing my eyes.

"Dria?" I opened my eyes again. He was standing right in front of me, my Pharaoh in the flesh. I shyly smiled and lowered my head. "How may I help you, Ph-Yugi?" He cocked his head at my stutter, but thankfully he didn't comment.

"Was that truly you who helped me during that Shadow Duel with Bakura?" I smiled and nodded. "A friend told me you were in trouble and in need of my assistance. I didn't exactly do anything though. I was a bit useless." He shook his head. "No, you were helpful. Seeing you made me want to win that duel as fast as possible so I could see you again." A light blush covered his cheeks as he averted his gaze.

I felt my eyes water slightly at his little confession. Hearing him say that after 5,000 years of waiting was like a drought coming to an end at last.

"But you were in the Shadow Realm, yet you weren't with us. Tell me, how did you get there and how did you get back?"

I winced a little at his question. The truth was still completely mysterious to even me. I closed my eyes for a moment, gathering my wits. I reopened them, and told him what I remembered. I would gain nothing in hiding anything from him.

By the time my short story was finished, he was leaning up against the tree with me, his arm placed lightly around my shoulders. Rage filled his eyes as he absorbed my story, but so far, he had been able to keep his temper in check. It was one-character flaw we shared: quick and often bottomless tempers.

When he turned towards me a little more to speak, his Puzzle began to glow, as did my Pendant. The light glowing from underneath my shirt intrigued him. His hand slowly extended towards the chain around my neck and his eyes never left my face. I lifted my head a little and exposed the side of my neck, making it easier for him to reach it. Just as he touched the spot on my neck where the chain rested…

"I'm not scared of you!" We both fell backwards, throwing ourselves apart. I turned towards the source of the voice. It was Joey, and he was having a nightmare. I returned my gaze to the Pharaoh, only to discover that Yugi had taken over again. His eyelids were drooping dangerously fast. I returned to my spot against the tree and Yugi slowly crawled over to me. He dropped his head in my lap and fell fast asleep. I smiled and dreamily touched the spot on my neck that Pharaoh's hand had brushed.

I fell asleep with my hand on that spot, dreaming of my love as usual.