A/N: We finally get a pretty big hint as to what world Helios and Mokuba are in. Also, Shaadi took over the first half this chapter and changed things up on me a bit.

COUPLE THINGS:

1) Sorry for the delay in updating. School started yesterday, I start working tomorrow and I'm taking my GRE test this Saturday at 8am so I gotta study my freakin' butt off. I have to score at least 800 points in order to get into the graduate school at the University of Georgia, but I have to score at least 1,000 points in order to get into the graduate program in Warnell College of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA. So in other words, I could score enough points to get into the UGA graduate program but not enough points toget into Warnell. I have to get into Warnell or I'm screwed.

2) "Kèyah," the name I used for the fictious town, is actually the Navajo word for "land" or "part of Earth which is notcovered by oceans or other bodies of water" according to en/nv/land.

Chapter 8 summary: In which Shaadi decides to change things up a bit, Raphael cooks, and two lost gods attempt to figure out where they are.

Lake Tahoe, Aircraft, and Phil

Shaadi appeared in a small beach area he found on Google Maps. It had taken a few minute to commit the area to memory so he could accurate appear there. Thankfully, no one was out and about to see him materialize. He counted his blessings and reached out with his Shadows, seeking the Sorceress. He found her above and behind him. He turned to see a small cabin on a hillside and tugged on Mai's Shadows.

She responded and Shaadi Travelled to her finding himself in an open living space. Raphael stepped out of the kitchen, drying his hands on an apron while Mai continued to sit comfortably on the couch sipping her tea.

"Good afternoon, Shaadi," she said with a winning smile. "To what do I owe this visit? Has Seto decided to cone join us?"

"Mokuba is gone," Shaadi said simply, ignoring Mai's words.

Mai stiffened, all humor gone. "Gone?" She set her cup down on the coffee table and stood, making her way around the table to the Adviser. "Where? What happened? Why wasn't I told sooner?"

Shaadi waited for the woman to pause for breath before speaking calmly. "It happened earlier today. The ground breaking event for the orphanage was bombed. Mokuba, and Helios who tried to protect him, vanished. It is complicated but we believe they may have fallen into another world."

"Another world like the Shadow Realm, you mean?" Raphael asked, stepping into the room.

The Egyptian shook his head. "No. We would have found him were that the case. Also, incidentally, the Regent was shot at the same time Mokuba and Helios vanished. It is not serious," he said quickly, raising a hand to stave off the exclamations, "but he was wounded. His right shoulder. As I said, it is not serious and is healing quickly, but the fact remains."

"He was shot," Raphael murmured. "Do we know by whom?"

The Adviser shook his head regretfully. "Unfortunately no. But one of the Justice League, the Martian telepath, saw him. He rides a motorcycle unlike any he had ever seen before and vanished in much the same way as Mokuba and Helios."

"Is he-"

Shaadi nodded. "We believe so, yes."

"Is Kaiba planning on hunting him?" Mai asked darkly.

"No," Shaadi said. "At least not directly. He intends to find Mokuba and Helios first." Pale-brown eyes glittered. "However, should this enemy make an appearance..." He shrugged.

"Right," Mai muttered. "So, what does he need me to do?"

"He wants me to bring you to Starling City, although," he looked around at the cabin, "I personally think this would be the better place to be."

"It's my new place," Raphael said proudly. He propped his fists on his hips and looked up at the A-frame ceiling and the windows lining the far wall facing the lake. "I bought it with some of my inheritance. I'll probably rent it out when I go traveling, get a little extra income, but if you want to visit, by all means."

Shaadi nodded. "It would be better than a hotel room, particularly one in which a bomber has already struck."

"Kaiba's room was bombed?" Mai gasped.

"No," Shaadi shook his head with a slightly embarrassed expression. "I apologize, English is not my first language. I meant, the hotel in which Kaiba is staying in connected to the convention center which was bombed."

Raphael nodded. "He and his gang is welcome here," he said. "Who all would be coming?"

"Ishizu, Arrow, the Martian telepath, Kaiba's bodyguards, and perhaps the Amazon," he replied. "He intends to hold a Formal Court to help ease the way into another reality."

"To have Obelisk's help," Mai said nodding. "Makes sense. Who's going with him?"

"Ishizu believes you and Arrow should go as well as the Martian," Shaadi said. He shifted. "I personally think the telepath should remain behind, but..." He shook his head. "I trust the Priestess's intuition."

"Alright," Raphael said. "I'll inform Amelda. We'll set up the cots and start cooking."

Shaadi bowed his head. "I am most grateful. Do you have any messages for me to relay?"

The biker paused thoughtfully. "Tell the King I said hello," he said with a smile.

Shaadi's lips twitched upwards. "I shall." He nodded a farewell to the Sorceress then vanished, reappearing in the hotel room.

"Shaadi?" Ishizu called, standing. "Where is Mai?"

"I thought it best we go to her," he said firmly. "It is a secluded cabin owned by Raphael. I believe it will be safer there, not to mention it will not cost money every day we stay there."

The Priestess nodded, here midnight eyes gleaming. "I see. I will tell Kaiba, then we can leave. Will that work for you?" she asked Oliver.

"It's fine by me," he said standing. "I'll grab my Arrow gear."

He stirred, eyes opening slowly. The images around him were blurry. He blinked and the scene became clearer. Forest.

What?

He opened his eyes fully and sure enough, he was surrounded by trees and mossy ground. It was not where he was before he fell.

He fell.

That's right! He fell. The bomb exploded when he ran out onto the balcony. Seto tried to catch him with Arrow's help but he was shot. Helios had grabbed him but could not stop their descent. Helios. Where was Helios?

He turned around, dark gray eyes darting about before settling on a crumbled white figure close by. The stark white, button up shirt had come untucked and was covered in dirt and damp from the steady drizzle that had begun to fall. His white pants were in the same state of disarray and his white hair had come free from the ponytail and framed his head like a cloudy halo.

Mokuba hurried over to the unconscious Titan and nudged him carefully. Something was not right with his back and neck. Mokuba ran his hand along Helios' spin, flinching back when he felt the bone split and continue in another direction. Helios' back was broken which meant his neck was also most likely...

So Helios was dead.

But that did not make sense. Helios was a Titan. He had said clearly that he was immortal and invulnerable so he could not die from any human means. The fall was not technically a human caused death but Helios had also said that only another person who was also immortal and invulnerable could truly deal him a mortal blow to kill him off permanently. Which meant he would heal, right?

There was a huff of air and Mokuba froze, turning around slowly, terrified of what he would find. He heaved a heavy sigh of relief when he saw Helios' trusted stead Euos standing nearby, head down and ears forward. Euos' eyes watched Mokuba and his master closely as if waiting for something. Mokuba had a moment to wonder what the fiery horse was waiting for when he heard a sickening snap.

He whirled around and watched in horrible fascination as Helios' back now lay in the correct alignment. A second later, golden eyes opened and his neck snapped back into place. The Titan struggled to push himself up to his hands and knees before rubbing his obviously sore neck gingerly, wincing at the discomfort. His sun gold eyes noticed Mokuba watching him and flushed, smiling awkwardly.

"It's not the first time this has happened," he said in a weak attempt to soothe the boy's fears. "I'll be fine, don't worry." He scooted close and reached tentatively out to Mokuba. "Are you alright?"

Mokuba nodded shyly. "My head hurts a little but other than that, I'm okay," he said.

Helios sighed in relief. "I took the brunt of the landing," he said in explanation as he stood unsteadily. Euos offered his long equine head for his master to lean on for support. Helios smiled gratefully at the fiery steed before turning his eyes to the cloudy sky above and the towering trees. "Any idea where we are?"

Mokuba shook his head warily. He gulped and reached out with his Shadows, searching for his big brother. He rarely used his Shadows because they were usually always busy keeping Kaiba sane and balanced and holding the Court together. He instinctively knew, his brother and the Court were no longer within his reach so his Shadows felt lost without their duty. They needed to keep everything calm and connected but there was nothing for them to calm and connect.

There was no one in the vicinity, no Shadow users, no non-Shadow users, no one. Other than Helios and Euos, Mokuba was alone. He gulped and turned to Helios who was beginning to ready Euos for a ride.

"Are we going somewhere?" Mokuba asked carefully.

Helios smiled. "Yes. We need to find out where we are since this is clearly not where we were before... Well, before we lost consciousness."

Mokuba did not bother to correct the Titan's avoidance of the word 'death.' Instead, he walked up and waited until Helios helped him onto Euos's back. A moment later, he felt Helios's comforting warmth against his back and grabbed a handful of the stallion's mane. Helios said something in what Mokuba assumed was ancient Greek and Euos shook his head before galloping off.

The stallion leaped and took to the skies as he had always done under Helios's command. He reached the top of the trees and circled, waiting for his master to give him guidance and directions. Mokuba stared at the landscape below him in awe. It was beautiful and so green. It looked like untouched virgin forest covered in a fluffy silver blanket. A line of low fog followed a nearby river hidden by the tall, leafy trees.

Helios cast his eyes about before settling on the direction he knew to be East. He spurred Euos forward and away they galloped. The winds here were unfamiliar to the solar deity and Euos was not particularly fond of them. Golden eyes searched for any signs of civilization, but there were none in the area that he could see. He dared not risk forcing the sunlight to break through the clouds and help him see. Better to save his strength for more pressing matters.

He was beginning to feel the faintest stirrings of fear when he noticed a light that did not belong to the sun moving through the clouds above. Curious, he reined in Euos and waited. Mokuba followed his gaze and saw the moving light as well. Soon, a low, rumbling roar began to fill their ears. Helios had a split second between the moment he recognized the sound and the huge airplane broke through the clouds.

He gave a small cry and urged Euos down, just barely dodging the huge jet's under carriage as it flew over them. Mokuba clamped his hands over his ears to block out the sound. Helios turned in his seat to follow the plane's descent. It was moving quickly, but nowhere near the speeds at which Euos could handle. He kicked the stallion's sides and raced through the air after the aircraft.

"Where are we going?" Mokuba cried over the wind.

"Hopefully, to one of your airports," Helios replied. "I do not plan on landing there but if my guess is right, where there's an airport, there is typically civilization of some kind."

It made sense but Mokuba still felt wary. Something about this place felt off, and that plane... It did not look like any airplane he had ever seen before. The form was similar, but it was black and huge like a military plane. The undercarriage was also closer to the aircraft's underbelly instead of extended from it like most commercial planes.

"Helios," he said. "Helios stop!"

Immediately, the Titan halted his steed and gazed down at Mokuba in mild confusion. "What is wrong?"

"That plane," the boy said, watching it as it began to make a wide turn in front of them. "I think... I think it's military."

"Military?" Helios lifted his golden eyes to watch the plane come about and speed back towards them. "Euos," he breathed, spurring the stallion back to movement. "Euos go!"

The stallion spun and leap forward, racing away from the oncoming plane. Instinctively, Euos plunged into the clouds above, seeking the protection they offered. They eventually broke through into the sunlight above, soaked from the moisture in the clouds. Helios, glanced over his shoulder and caught a glimpse of the tall tail break through the clouds behind them.

"Euos," he called in ancient Greek. "Go back into the clouds and head south with all speed!"

The Titan leaned forward against his loyal steed's neck as Euos picked up his speed, diving back into the clouds and abruptly swerving to the south. With luck, the direction and speed change would through off their perusers long enough to give them a chance to escape.

It seemed to work. The mechanical roar slowly began to fade away behind them, but they dared not escape the protective cover of the clouds. Unfortunately, by staying in the clouds, they steadily became colder and wetter until the solar Titan felt Mokuba shiver in front of him. Drawing his power, Helios began radiating heat and light. The light was never something he could entirely stop, but he could control his temperature.

Mokuba pressed himself against Helios' chest trying to get closer to the welcome warmth. Helios leaned further forward, covering the young Shadow user's body with his own, protecting him from the cold wetness of the clouds. He worried about the glow his body was emanating. As he increased his temperature, his light also increased. It was a setback he hoped did not draw too much attention because they were still hidden by the clouds.

Eventually, the clouds began to thin and disappear entirely. Hesitantly, Helios scanned the now mountainous region below and the skies above for any potential followers. The skies were clear now but the air was rough from the natural turbulence caused by the towering, rocky summits.

The sun warmed Helios's back and though it was not his sun, it was a sun and gave him enough strength to renew his reserves. It was a welcome relief. The clear skies offered him an unobstructed view of the terrain below and heavens above but it also made it easier for people on the ground to see them which mean he had to lower their altitude somewhat. It was dangerous because it could potentially bring them into contact with at times devastating turbulence by mountain rotors or the like.

Euos read his intentions and galloped lower in the sky, closer to the mountainsides and snowy ridges. The mountain range extended southwards along their path until an opening made itself known to the east. It was a plateau of sorts that weaved it way through the mountains towards the southeast. Perhaps, it would give them an easier ride and offer them a clear sign of civilization like a city or town.

Euos began following the flatter, reddish brown earth below. Mokuba shifted in feont of Helios who glanced down curiously. A faint smile tugged at his lips when he saw the young Keeper dozing against him, relishing the Titan's warmth. It eased Helios's heart to know Mokuba was no longer as scared as he had been. But it did give his worried mind a chance to dwell on the questions that tormented him.

Where were they? Where was the Regent? What had happened? Who was in the aircraft that chased them? Where was the Shadow Court? Where was the Justice League? Why were the winds unfamiliar? Why was the sun unfamiliar? Why did he feel out of place here?

As he pondered these things, Euos nickered drawing Helios's attention to something ahead of them. Helios lifted his golden eyes and scanned the horizon for whatever had caught Euos's attention. The dirt below had slowly changed from a brick red to a dusty brown. After a few seconds of looking, he saw a huge crater in the earth. It was almost perfectly bowl shaped with a strange extension in the middle. It looked much like how a splash appeared in slow motion. The water's surface indenting as the middle splooshed upwards.

No matter how strange it appeared, it would keep the wind from biting into them at night and offer shade for Mokuba if the sun became too hot. But just a bit further on was a small town. That had an even better chance of offering them a place to rest and figure out where they were. Perhaps, they could find a way to contact Kaiba.

Euos eased down to the earth until his hooves pounded across the dirt instead of the smoother air. The change in sound and movement startled Mokuba awake. He sat up and looked around with interest.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"I do not know," Helios replied. "But there is a town ahead where we can ask."

Mokuba looked up and saw the tiny town up ahead. It was small and run down and reminded Mokuba a lot of American postcards with photographs of 1950's buildings. Euos slowed down to a steady canter as they approached the town limits. When they passed the first building, Helios dismounted, placed a hand on Euos's neck, and led his loyal friend down the wide main street.

There was a cafe on the left as well as a smattering of other small buildings and a gas station on the right. Further down was an unusual, round structure with windows completely lining the walls and a steel roof. It looked curiously like one of the 'flying saucers' Helios sometimes heard people talk about. He led the horse to the front of the restaurant and helped Mokuba down.

"What are we doing here?" the boy asked.

"Euos needs water as do you," Helios answered calmly. "Also, they will likely have a phone you can use to call your big brother. They should also have food and a bathroom."

Mokuba smiled at the thought of finally talking to his big brother. He wanted to know where they were so they could find Seto. "I've got some American dollars, I think," he mumbled, digging into his pockets. He pulled out a couple bills from his small wallet and smiled. "I can get us something to drink too. Want anything?"

"Just water would be fine," Helios replied. "If you wait, I'll come in with you."

Mokuba nodded and waited as Helios pressed his forehead to Euos's. "Thank you, my friend," he murmured in ancient Greek. The horse nickered softly, nudging his master's forehead gently. "Rest. I'll bring you some water and food if I can."

Euos shook his head happily and watched as Helios and Mokuba stepped into the cafè. There were not many people inside, but the few that were stared at the strangely. Mokuba ignored them and hurried to the counter. He stood on his tiptoes and held out a dollar bill as he asked the waitress in accented English, "Can I use your phone please?"

She blinked in surprise and waved away the money. "Right over there," she said. "It takes quarters though."

Mokuba wilted. "I don't have coins," he mumbled dejectedly.

"I can give you change if you want," she offered.

Mokuba instantly brightened and handed her the bill. She took it and gave him four quarters from the cash register. He took the coins and hurried over to the phone to begin dialing leaving Helios standing by the counter.

"Can I help you?" the waitress asked him.

Helios smiled at her. "You would not happen to have a bowl or something to fill with water for my horse, would you?" he asked.

She glanced out the window to where a beautiful chestnut stallion stood waiting. His main waved in the desert breeze, his eyes were gazing at her, and his ears were up and turned forward. She smiled hesitantly. "We have soup bowls, I guess," she began. "But I'd have to charge you for the dish."

Helios sighed. "That is well. I would also like some water for myself, if you would please," he added.

She nodded but before she could head back to get his order, he asked, "If I may, where are we? I'm afraid this town was not on the map."

The waitress shrugged. "I believe it," she said, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "It's Kèyah, New Mexico."

"Thank you," he said. He had no idea where that was. The waitress went back to fetch a bowl and fill it with water. While he waited, Helios turned to watch Mokuba. He grew worried and he saw the young boy staring at him with wide, scared eyes.

"Mokuba," he called, coming up to him and crouching down. "What's wrong?"

Mokuba sniffed, biting his lip. He shook his head. "I can't reach him," he said in Japanese. "It keeps saying his number's not a real, working number. I tried four times." He started shaking. "Ni-sama."

Helios pulled Mokuba close and held him gently. "We'll find him," he said. "I promise. Euos has carried me far and wide. Wherever we need to go, Euos can take us there. You have my word."

Mokuba nodded but did not release his hold on the Titan.

"Sir?" the waitress called.

Helios gently freed himself of Mokuba's grasp, smiling softly when dark gray eyes met his. He took a smaller hand in his left and stood, walking back to the counter. There was a bowl of water as well as a cup of water sitting by the cash register.

"That'd be $1.05," she said.

Helios lifted an eyebrow at the high price for water but Mokuba handed her a five dollar bill. Helios took the change and handed it to Mokuba. When the boy was finished tucking the money away, the Titan handed him the cup of water before taking to bowl in his own hands.

Together they walked outside into the sun. Euos came forward, nudging Helios arms curiously as he tried to get to the water. Helios chuckled and sat comfortably on the curb next to Mokuba as held the bowl in his lap. Euos nickered and began drinking, swishing his tail calmly. Mokuba sat next to Helios so he was in Euos's shadow and began drinking the water.

"The woman said we are in a town called Kèyah, New Mexico," Helios said. "Do you know where that is?"

Mokuba tilted his head thoughtfully as he drank. "Not the town, but New Mexico is a state in America. It's...um, in the southwest, I think."

Helios hummed noncommittally. "Now, I suppose a map would be useful." Mokuba leaned against Helios and continued drinking. Helios watched Mokuba before wrapping an arm around him in a show of comfort. "We'll find your brother," he said. "I promise."

Mokuba nodded and kept drinking. Helios sat silently as Euos and Mokuba drank. One of the good things about being immortal and invulnerable was that he never truly felt hunger or thirst. It was more of a habit or something he did because he wanted to do rather than something he needed to do. He contented himself with studying the landscape.

His golden eyes paused on the odd steel and glass building and noticed he could just see inside. There were only two in there that he could see. Both were females and brunettes. He could just make out several scientific objects and a computer which reminded him of Kaiba's lab and bedroom. He watched the two young women in mild interest before his attention was suddenly captured by several black vehicles.

They drove up to the glass structure where the women were working. The doors opened and several men and women in suits ran out. Helios sat up and watched with interest as the two women helped the men load the various scientific equipment into the vehicles. One of the men noticed Helios's attention and strolled over to him casually.

He was not too tall, slightly built, and had an easygoing expression on his face. He clasped his hands in front of him and smiled genially. "Afternoon," he said.

Helios nodded. "To you as well."

"This your horse?" he asked.

"He is, yes," Helios replied. "His name is Euos."

"Euos," the man murmured staring at the majestic stallion in interest. "He's a fine horse."

Helios smiled. "He is indeed."

"I'm Phil Coulson," the man said, extending his hand. "I haven,t seen you around here before."

"Just passing through," Helios said vaguely.

"I see." Coulson studied Helios with sharp eyes and a genial smiled for several moments before glancing over his shoulder. "Oh, it seems they're ready to leave. Don't want to keep them waiting," he said. "Nice talking to you," he called.

"You as well," Helios called back.

Mokuba slurped his straw, moping when the cup was empty. He and Helios watched the black vehicles drive away. "He was weird," he said. "Do you think we should follow them?" he asked.

Helios titled his head. "I do not know," he murmured. Coulson had indeed been an unusual human. The Titan was almost certain the man could sense Helios's presence which was disconcerting.

"We could find a bigger city," Mokuba offered.

"Perhaps at a distance then," Helios agreed, nodding. "Euos has good eyesight. We can follow so long as we stay far enough behind."

"Okay," Mokuba said standing up. "I'm gonna...go to the bathroom."

Helios laughed. "I'll return the dishes and see if we can get a refill."

Less than fifteen minutes later, Helios and Mokuba were again astride Euos and following the curious vehicles as they drove eastward. Mokuba held a freshly filled cup of ice water and Helios had control of his stallion as they galloped through the sky. The sun was setting so they would have to find a place to rest soon. Helios was the personification of the sun. If he rode Euos at night, then he would potentially shine like a comet. Not exactly the best way to avoid attention.