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

Chapter Ten

Dria

I threw the covers off me and leapt out of bed. As soon as I hit the floor, my leg nearly buckled under the sudden weight. I held back a groan as I tried to walk on it. It hurt quite a bit, but at least it wasn't broken. A fracture I could force myself through; a broken bone was a little harder to ignore. Something should have told me jumping off that tower wasn't exactly the best idea. Next time, I'd have a mattress or something break my fall.

I was about to slip on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, when I remembered that Father wanted me to look nice when his finalists arrived. He had asked me to put on a red dress, since it was his signature color. Normally, I wouldn't care and would follow his request. But it was time to be rebellious. So instead, I put on my blue dress. I knew it really wasn't much, but he needed to be prepared for the betrayal I was about to hand him.

As I stared at myself in the mirror, a sudden sense of déjà vu came over me. It didn't seem like that long ago when I was standing in front of a mirror, observing my new color. Priest Seto was officially being crowned as Pharaoh according to my husband's wishes, and he requested that I wear blue in support. He knew the people would accept him more easily if I was in support of him.

Three months had passed since the disappearance of my Pharaoh. Only now was I truly 'recovering' and showing any kind of fake ability to move forward. Seto had my dress delivered before I rose that morning. It was a fantastic dress, a blue as deep and royal as the ocean, just like Seto's eyes. But, I almost could not bring myself to wear it. I was still my Pharaoh's wife and his color was purple.

I knew he would have wanted me to move on, to find happiness with another, as if that were possible. No one understood me like he had. We had grown up together and spent many happy years courting before our marriage, which would be impossible for anyone else to replicate.

"Lady Alexandria, are you ready?"

A messenger had arrived from Seto. Earlier, he had suggested that I marry him, as a way to retain my title as Queen. I had considered his offer for many days, trying to decide whether or not to accept. He was a fine man, there was no doubt about that. The match would have been smart, a political triumph if you will, because it would have solidified his position as Pharaoh. But then he would have been stuck with me, a widowed Queen forever hung up on her dead husband, and I didn't want that for him. So, I respectfully declined, instead requesting that I return to my former post as advisor to the King.

Many of those inside and outside the kingdom will still refer to you as their true Queen no matter what you choose. But, if you truly wish to reclaim your former position, then I must thank you with everything in me. I know I cannot be the man you need as a husband and accept that truth. I would never forgive myself if I were to fail you. So, if it pleases you, I request to remain your closest companion, one that you be brutally honest with when the time demands it. I thank you for taking such time to consider me worthy of being your husband. You will be more than my advisor. In my eyes, you are my Pharaoh.

Eternally your servant and friend,

Seto

His words brought tears to my eyes. I thanked the messenger and sent him away with no written response. My eyes drifted back to the dress. If he could be strong at this time, so could I. I stepped into the dress and, after adding a little jewelry and the old diadem I had worn before my coronation, dashed out the door. The throne room was already filled with people conversing. Laughter echoed off the walls.

I smiled and closed my eyes as I paused at the threshold. I would never fall in love with another person. I was only falling in love with him all over again. This world he came from was the world I would cherish for however long the deities above saw fit for me to exist. I moved into the crowd to mingle with the new Pharaoh's subjects and guardians.

Many people called me "Queen Dria." Some were angered by the fact that the current court did not want a woman to rule alone when I had proven to be worthy of leadership. I merely smiled and waved it off. It wasn't yet time for that, and I had already caused enough problems for this kingdom. I was not the leader this kingdom needed now.

"That will change with time, my friends. Perhaps it is best this way. I believe this kingdom will be great under His Highness. Have faith." I then picked up a wine glass and stood on a table. Seto rose from his new throne a little, ready to come to my aid if needed, as if he were still my guardian and I his Queen. I smiled and raised my glass towards him.

"The journey we must take to rebuild our kingdom will be difficult. The darkness has destroyed many of our lives. It has taken friends and loved ones from us. There is no easy path to take to overcome this heartbreak. But, we are not taking this journey alone. We have not only each other, but our new Pharaoh." I turned my eyes straight toward Seto, raising my glass higher. "I believe he will lead us to greatness. Seto, I pray that you may have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you go, and the insight to know when you have gone too far. May you lead us from the ashes of our past into the stars of our future."

I looked at myself in the mirror once more before walking out of my room. Croquet had told me that Father was going to duel Seto before the finals of the tournament started because of a personal matter. I was through with my anger and sadness towards my Father. I had truly believed he was coping with the fact Cecelia was no longer with us. I thought I had been enough for him to make life worth living, but since I had been in his position myself, I knew that sometimes only one person could truly make pain disappear and happiness exist. I only wished I had seen his pain sooner, before this madness had taken root.

Seto was going to lose, there was no doubt about that. He had never dueled against Pegasus before, and he had only dueled against someone with a powerful Millennium Item once, excluding me, and lost. Seto would lose and his soul would be trapped by Pegasus. He would give me one more reason to return to the shadows.

"Would you mind telling housekeeping that I like my pillows extra fluffy?"

I looked out the window that had been opened to the garden. Yugi, Mai, and Joey were all at the entrance. I sighed in relief. Yugi was better, at least from what I could see. The new guard at the front was giving them some trouble. I smirked as a plan for a little revenge after his behavior with Keith came to mind. I slipped out the window and walked across the lawn to where the others were standing.

"You three don't even have dueling gloves!"

"But we're the cheerleaders!" I smiled. The guard, of course, became even more agitated. "Oh, shut your trap and let them through." I stepped forward, placing myself between the two sides. "Dria!" Yugi surprised me when he shouted in joy at my appearance. The guard glared at me, "They weren't even invited here! I should have them kicked off the island." I narrowed my eyes, "They are my guests. You dare to do anything to them, and I will personally make sure you regret it." He stumbled back a little, before trying to regain some ground.

"No star chips, no entry." I smiled sweetly and, with strength he didn't know I had, punched hard him across the face. It sent him sprawling across the lawn. I ushered the whole group inside and sealed the door. The guard started banging on the door and yelling at us, but I only snickered. I felt a little bad about the punch, but he was just jealous that he was put on duty outside.

"Dria, I'm so glad you're safe."

Yugi unexpectedly threw his arms around my waist, only to jump back a few moments later. He lowered his gaze as blush covered his face, shocked by his own actions. I smiled softly, "I'm glad you're alright as well, Yugi. You had me worried." I leaned down and kissed his cheek, setting his whole face on fire.

I straightened up, "Let me be the first to congratulate Yugi, Joey, and Mai to the castle. I was rooting for you the whole time." I spun around and glided down the hallway, "Please follow me to the dueling arena."

We quickly walked down the long hallway, which eventually opened up to the balcony overlooking the dueling arena. Luck must have been on our side because our best friend Bandit Keith was already there. As brave and strong as Joey might be, he was simply no match for Keith and his physical prowess. Thankfully, Keith didn't seem too interested in harming Joey. He only turned our attention to the lower deck, where Seto was standing. I leaned over the balcony and half listened as Croquet explained Father's "exhibition" match. It was more of a "time to humiliate Kaiba" match, but it wasn't my place to say anything, at least not yet.

"Why would Pegasus do something like that?"

"Because he's a grade A nutcase."

I threw my head back and laughed heartily at Joey's comment. "I'd put him at an A- or B+ nutcase actually. His discretion needs a little work." Joey smiled widely at my response. I turned my attention back to Seto. He was clutching at the necklace that hung around his neck. I knew it had a picture of Mokuba inside.

If you looked past the cold, hard appearance Seto put on, he really was a sweet and somewhat sensitive guy. Life just hadn't been very kind to him during some important years in his life. His birth parents had been killed in a car wreck when he was 12, his stepfather had been a power-hungry tyrant who brought out the anger in Seto, and now my father had taken Mokuba away from him.

"What? No hello, no how are you? Come now, I thought we were friends, Kaiba boy."

I quietly snarled at Pegasus as he named off all the offenses he had committed against my best friend. But why Seto's company and why the Millennium Items? I closed my eyes as I tried to put the pieces together, searching for some answer. He obviously wanted the magic from the Items, that much I understood. I hadn't had the chance to visit Kaiba Corp. recently so, outside of the duel disk, I had no idea what Seto was building.

Wait, duel disk.

My eyes flew open, and I covered my mouth to repress a gasp. The holographic technology! He was still trying to bring back Mother! I sighed in anger as it all became clear to me. Pegasus was a fool. He had no idea what kind of power he was tampering with. I had to stop him before it was too late, and I lost my Father too.

Yugi worriedly placed his hand over mine. I exhaled slowly, calming my mind. I gazed into his eyes and smiled thankfully. I could see the silhouette of the Pharaoh floating nearby. I repressed a grin as his eyes wandered over my body, lingering on my neck and legs. It was nice to know I could still hold his attention after all these years.

"I'm not hoping Kaiba loses this duel. I still say he's a first class jerk, but I can't help but feel for him trying to get his kid brother back."

"Anyone who stands up to Pegasus can't be all bad." My face fell. Tristian tried to take back his words, saying he didn't really mean it.

I shook my head and placed my hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate your honesty, all of you. I've turned a blind eye to his schemes for too long and I'm sorry for the sorrow he has caused you." I felt a light pressure around my waist as Pharaoh wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on my shoulder. I tried not to lean back into his embrace, since the others probably couldn't see him.

"Come now Kaiba, it's so ghost to keep us in suspense, especially with an audience waiting in the wing." Seto turned his head up towards us. "Dria? Yugi?" I gave him a small smile and nodded. He chuckled a little when he turned his gaze to Yugi, "I should have known you'd find a way in here." I proudly grinned at Yugi. Pegasus turned his head towards us, and his eyes widened a little when he saw my outfit. I just stared back, completely stoic. When he opened his mouth to comment, I raised my eyebrow, daring him to continue. He shut his mouth and turned back to Seto.

"I've been looking forward to this for quite some time." Seto glared and opened his briefcase.

"Good. Then you'll have no problem dueling with this." This was why he brought his duel disks to the island. It would give him an edge over Pegasus, who was used to staring into his opponent's eyes. The image the duel disk created would provide a little more protection considering the fact it created an enormous image of the monster. It was a method of dueling that Father was unfamiliar with, though it was how the game was once played.

"You want to duel me with your latest contraption? But I don't even know how the silly device works. Do I spin it like a top or roll it like a ball?" I rolled my eyes at his ridiculous antics meant to irritate Seto. "Cut the theatrics!"

"How about we settle this like businessmen would?" He was scheming again. I narrowed my eyes at him as I tried to read his eyes. Pegasus wouldn't physically harm Seto; Seto was too fast and too strong for him. But fighting wasn't the only way to hurt one's opponent. Mortal spirits were broken much faster and easier through emotional pain.

"Pegasus, don't you dare!" I shouted menacingly. His eyes flicked over towards me, but he ignored my threat, "Show Kaiba the lad who will play as my pawn." The doors behind Pegasus opened, and Mokuba stepped through. Only, he wasn't really Mokuba. It was only his empty shell because his soul was gone.

"Don't do this, Pegasus! Please, I beg you! This is too cruel." I felt tears looming in my eyes.

"Croquet, please escort Alexandria to her room and make sure she stays there."

He never called me Alexandria. The only time he did was when we first met. Otherwise, it was always Dria or some endearing nickname. Tears fell from my eyes. I had lost him. His Eye had brought out the worst in him, and now it was tearing us apart.

"You monster!"

"Now, now Kaiba boy, petty insults aren't the way to get your brother's soul back."

Everyone around me gasped as they realized the depth of the situation. I felt Croquet's hand touch my shoulder. "Please, Miss Pegasus, it's for your own good." He gently tugged my shoulder, but I refused to move. He leaned forward and whispered into my ear. "Your door will remain unlocked and unguarded. You can return at any time you wish. Please, the staff doesn't want to lose you as well." If only he knew what I had planned. I smiled sadly at Croquet before turning back to my father.

"May I request to remain for the duel, Father? Afterwards, I will do ask you ask and go to my room. You will not hear a single sound from me until the tournament is over."

I couldn't just go wandering in the Shadow Realm. If I were present when Seto lost his soul, then it would be much easier to find because I would have a starting point. Pegasus searched my face, looking for any kind of hidden lie. I kept my face completely calm and emotionless. He nodded at my request and Croquet stepped back. Seto glanced up at me again before returning his glare to Pegasus.

"You creep."

"Watch yourself, Kaiba. You're in my world now."

I sighed and placed my elbows on the balcony, resting my head in my hands. How could I have allowed things to get so out of control? Had I really been so blind to the pain Pegasus had been in? Before I could raise my head, memory took me over once more, pulling my mind completely away from the duel in front of me.

Ra was shining brightly overhead. I sat by the edge of the Nile, dipping my tiny feet into the cool water. I was only physically 3 years old and had just walked 2 days straight. Big journey for a 3 year old, but I had a mission. I wasn't completely sure of where I was going. I just knew that I had to find the one from my visions if I wanted to finally meet the man I had waited 5,000 years for, the man I would love for the rest of my life.

"Sire please! We must return to the palace at once. Messengers have reported the Syrian army to be hardly a half a day's ride away from here. We must get you to safety."

I turned my head to see Pharaoh Aknamkanon staring out at the Nile. He shifted his gaze towards me, surprised that a child was also at the riverbank and staring back at him. He cocked his head at me for a moment, before dismounting his horse and walking towards me, much to the dismay of his personal guard.

"Hello there."

I lowered my head in respect, "Good afternoon, Your Majesty."

I didn't raise my head until I felt his hand underneath my chin, gently raising my gaze to his kind face. He had lowered himself to my level, placing his knees in the sand. His amethyst eyes, though guarded, could not hide the spark of his interest.

"How old are you, sweet child?"

I smiled, "3 summers, my King."

His eyes widened in surprise, "You act and speak like one much older than 3."

I giggled in response, "Perhaps, but you act and speak as one much younger than 50, sire."

He laughed joyously and stroked my hair. "Where are your mother and father, dear child? I simply must meet them and learn their parenting skills."

I turned my gaze away from him and didn't say anything.

"Ah, I see. You have come alone, haven't you?"

I turned back to him and smiled again, "Not alone sir. Never alone. I have had the pleasure of meeting many like you."

He stared at me, "Where are you travelling to?"

I giggled and splashed the water with my feet, "I am travelling to find the man from my visions."

Yugi tapped my shoulder. I shook my head a little, refocusing my eyes. "I was spacing again, wasn't I?" He smiled a little as he nodded. "My apologies. How can I help you?"

Mai jumped in, to my great pleasure, "Have you ever heard of Toon World?" I raised my eyebrow at her, waiting for her to catch her own joke. She was silent for a moment, and then realized her mistake.

I chuckled, "I never had it put into circulation. In fact, I don't remember making it into a card. There were too many unpredictable kinks that I hadn't worked out yet. It would have been too powerful if a duelist was able to gather all the Toon cards."

"How can anyone beat Pegasus when he has cards like that at his disposal?"

I shrugged as I looked down at the dueling arena. Blue Eyes Toon Dragon looked up at me and excitedly waved at me. I gave it a small smile and waved back. It raised its head higher and straightened up, puffing out his chest. I giggled; he was trying to impress me again.

I placed my hand against my neck, resting my elbow against the cold marble beneath me. My memory returned to me.

"The man from your visions?" He was extremely curious.

I smiled sweetly as I stood up. I took a few steps back, away from the river. He stared at me in confusion. I ran forward and jumped into the water, plunging into the cool waters. When I came up, I shook the water out of my eyes and floated on my back.

"Yes sir. I've been seeing one man repeatedly in my dreams. His eyes are a beautiful blend of purple and crimson, like a tranquil and warm sunset, his hair ebony black with red streaks and golden bangs. He rules the lands with confidence and pride, or at least he will someday."

The Pharaoh had frozen. "That sounds just like my son, but he is only 3 summers, like you. How can you know how he will turn out?"

I smiled and began swimming towards shore. I noticed a crocodile slowly making its way towards the Pharaoh. I took a deep breath and dove down, deep into the water. The Pharaoh had left his feet in the water, this time not as surprised by my behavior. Just before the reptile could open his mouth, I slammed up into him with all my weight, sending us both flying out of the river.

When we landed, I immediately rolled and was in a defensive crouch in front of the King. The poor creature was stuck on its back and it couldn't quite get up, his legs just a little too short to flip over immediately. The Pharaoh's priests had already attended to the Pharaoh and were moving him far from the river. One of the Pharaoh's guards moved forward, spear at the ready. I placed my hand on the spear, and began unwinding the rope that was curled around it. The spear, of course, fell apart when the rope was removed, but I didn't need the sharp implement. This creature did not deserve to die.

I tied a noose on one end of the rope and slowly stalked towards the reptile, which had now righted its legs on the ground and was snarling at me, angered I had stolen away an easy target. I slowly began to swing the rope, like the cowboys to come would swing a lasso, and waited for him to move. He continued to snarl as he turned away from us and, realizing he would have to find a meal elsewhere, retreated into the water once more.

Before I could say anything, I found myself in the air. I was sitting on the Pharaoh's horse. He smiled, "How will I ever repay you for saving my life? Please, accompany me to the palace. I will introduce you to my son."

"Hurry up and call off your attack, Kaiba! It's a trap!"

My mind came back just in time to see Seto's deck infected by the Crush card. "Seto!" Even though I already knew Seto would lose this duel, it didn't make it any easier to stand by and watch.

"It's your last move, and you're going to spend it reviving a clown? Oh yes that's right, he's the best you can do. Shame when you consider all that's on the line."

Pegasus had won the duel, even though Seto had a few Life Points remaining. I closed my eyes and turned my head away. Tears started to gather in my eyes again. It seemed all I could do was cry. My best friend was about to lose his soul.

"Bakori Box, emerge and attack!"

Another one of Pegasus' Toon monsters appeared and a strong one at that. It wouldn't take much to defeat Seto now. The little Toon pulled out his scythe and began his attack. "Forgive me, Mokuba. I am so sorry."

I couldn't hold back any longer, "Stop!"

My command echoed off the walls of the arena. The Toon immediately stopped and turned his head towards me. Pegasus looked at his monster in confusion, then at me in amazement.

"It's alright Dria." Seto's blue eyes caught my attention, and I froze at what I saw in them: acceptance of this outcome, determination to rescue his brother, and love for me. I nodded and waved my hand towards the Toon. He slightly bowed in return and continued his attack.

"There are no more cards you can play. You failed your baby brother. But don't worry, I will spare you the agony of carrying on in this world without him."

As much as I didn't want to watch Seto become an empty shell, I needed to allow this to happen. As Pegasus activated the power of his Eye, I activated my own. As Seto's soul was pulled from his body, I left the imprint of my Item on his wrist. That would keep him safe until I found him, plus it would work as a tracker. My heart contracted at the sound of his final shouts.

"Ah the brothers Kaiba, one in each hand. But even though your cards are so very close, your souls have never been further apart." I smirked. I would find them and bring them back together.

"Tell me I didn't just see what I think I saw."

"He's gone too. Just because he was only trying to help his little brother." Yugi laid his head down on the marble balcony, angrily growling at Pegasus.

I placed my hands on his shoulders in hopes of offering some kind of comfort. He stood and glared at Pegasus. "Who are you to toy with our friends, our families? I won't let you get away with it." Both our Items started glowing as Yugi tapped into the power of his Puzzle, perhaps unconsciously. I slid behind Yugi so Pegasus wouldn't see my Item glowing as well.

I had to keep myself from swooning at the sight of my Pharaoh as he spoke with authority, "It won't be long now until I put an end to your games."

"Yugi boy, don't forget. You still have to make it through the remaining rounds of this tournament to even win the privilege of challenging me"

"Rest assured, I'll be at the finals."

Pegasus only smirked. How I wanted to remove that look from his face, but this had to be done properly. If I succeeded, I could save not only those currently in the Shadow Realm, but I could also save my Father from his own darkness.

"I look forward to your finest efforts, Yugi boy, and wonderful performances from all our finalists. Now, Alexandria, join me in the dining area." I respectfully nodded and began to walk towards the stairs.

Pharaoh grabbed my waist and angrily whispered from behind, "Have you lost your mind? There is no way I'm going to let you be alone with him, even if he is your father."

I smiled as I removed his hands from my hips, "You don't need to worry about me. I won't be gone long."

I lifted one hand to my lips, leaving a lingering kiss on his knuckles as a promise. I held his hand to my cheek for a moment, before releasing myself from his strong gaze. As I reached the stairs, I turned back. He was still watching me, worry overflowing in his entrancing eyes. I smiled once more and hurried down the stairs.

If Pegasus harmed even one hair on his head while I was away, there would be worse than hell awaiting him.