Tana: HEY! I'm back! And it's November 14! My BIRTHDAY! Yay, I'm am now 17 years old! Happy Birthday to me! YAY!

okay...back to the realm of sanity. I updated as you can see, sorry it took so long, but I came down with a major bout of writer's block about 3/4 in the chapter, and the grade 12 workload certainly did not help. Sigh. But, anyways, I spent the majority of the long weekend working on this, so this should be good.

Anyway, I'm rather disappointed. Only three people reviewed for the last chapter? I've been averaging 4 reviews per chapter lately, and this kind of things rather takes a toll on a writer's confidence level. becomes melancholy

anyway, review responses...

Darkrosemoon: I'm glad my story is as excellente as you say it is. And sorry, it's a bit late to get into writing now...I probably didn't even need to say that, but oh well. And yeah, about Kaiba's reaction, it's just over protective brother thing kicking in, what with all the insanity the guy has to put up with. Hope you feel better soon, you still seemed aggravated at lunch.

AnimeCrazy88: So, you'd support a human/duelmonster relationship? I haven't seen any of those, but it would be interesting I hope. I've been thinking about it. I didn't want to pair Soraya with Yugi or Kaiba unless I really couldn't think of anything else. So I'm glad, one person at least would be open to a broader scale. And no, I don't think I'll be pairing Soraya up with anyone in this story at least, maybe in future stories if anyone's interested in a sequel...anyway enjoy!

Dragonmount: tackles and tickles you to near death. GEEZ, you actually make me think that you actually read the story, Miss I-Went-On-Random-Reviewing-Spree-Because-I-Was-Bored. And I don't know why I'm even typing this all out as there's next to nothing chance that you'll ever see this. Humph. Oh, and one more thing, I do NOT have a pointy head!!!

Okay, the moment you've all been waiting for! Enjoy!

Chapter 12 Down to Business

Sam…

Soraya stared, stunned for a moment at the sight of her brother, still in his hospital clothes, lying unconscious below. Her face darkened and her hands tightened around the rail before she whirled around and ran off the balcony.

"What's wrong?" Kaiyuki asked, running next to Soraya as they sprinted down the stairs, Yugi, Yami, and Kaiba following behind them.

"That was Akiro on the phone," Soraya replied. "She got to Sam, he's outside."

Kaiyuki raised her staff and they all disappeared. Materializing outside, Soraya and Kaiyuki kneeled down next to Sam.

"What's going on?" Yugi asked. "Who is he?"

"He's my brother," Soraya responded. "Sam."

"You better get him back to the hospital before anyone notices he's gone," Kaiba suggested.

Soraya nodded. "You're all going to be okay, right?"

"Of course, why not?" Yami inquired.

"Just making sure," Soraya said. "After all, you're here," she added, nodding at the former world champion.

"Kaiba could not do very much to me," Yami said. "After all, I'm dead."

"Yugi's not," Kaiba retorted, crossing his arms.

"Then you lose any chance of ever getting your title back," Yugi countered. Kaiba growled.

"See, we'll be fine," Yami said. "Go before he wakes up and wonders where in the name of Ra he is."

Kaiyuki smiled and raised her staff. "Then we will see each other later."

The three of them vanished and reappeared in the hospital room.

"Akiro means business now," Kaiyuki said, watching Soraya tuck the blankets over Sam's still form. "She's not playing games anymore."

"Maybe," Soraya replied, closing her eyes as her temper rose slightly. "Although it could still be a game to her, a game with high stakes for us."

"It is still a game then," Kaiyuki mused, and then smirked. "If it is a game, then we have littler to worry about. We have the Pharaoh on our side, and he couldn't lose a game unless he tried."

"That's true," Soraya agreed. "I just hope we don't lose anyone in the process."

"Soraya."

She continued to sleep; someone shook her shoulder.

"Soraya, wake up."

"…Yugi…what are you doing in my room…?" Soraya mumbled without opening her eyes.

"This isn't your room, Soraya," another voice said.

"…Mrah…?" Grudgingly, Soraya opened her eyes and saw Yugi and Sam staring back at her.

"You're still at the hospital," Sam said, watching her sit up in her chair and see where she was.

"Oh yeah…what are you doing here, Yugi?" Soraya asked, rubbing her eyes.

"It's time for school."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's Monday."

"Do I have to go?"

"I suppose you do."

Soraya groaned.

"You can stand a few hours away from me, can't you Soraya?" Sam teased. "It's not like I'm going to get kidnapped while you're gone."

Soraya bolted up straight in her seat, fully awake. "Don't jinx it," she said sharply.

"Okay, okay, I was just joking." Sam said startled at the sudden tension that rippled through the other two. "It's just that you've been here the whole weekend."

"Are you that anxious to get rid of me?" Soraya teased back, forcing herself to calm down.

"Darn, you know," Sam huffed, feigning disappointment. "Besides, the doctor says that I'll be able to leave later today, the nurse will be relieved," he paused. "Go on, I'll be fine." What's up with them? he wondered, waving at his sister as she glanced back at him before leaving.

…later…

"Thanks for waiting," Soraya said, hoisting her bag onto her shoulders as she walked out of her house.

"No problem, let's go," Yugi replied as Soraya caught up.

They made little conversation on their way to school; Soraya stared at the road in front, fiddling with the strap of her backpack.

"You know he was only joking," Yugi said when they reached the school gates, looking at the Soraya's troubled expression.

"I know. I was just caught off guard, that's all." Soraya muttered.

"Don't worry that much, he'll be okay," Yugi reassured.

I hope so, Soraya thought as they went their separate ways to their classes.

A bit over an hour later, Soraya put her bag down and collapsed into her seat in Kagaku-san's class.

"Hey, still worried?" Yugi asked, plopping down in the seat next to hers. Soraya gave a half-hearted smile and shrugged. Yugi smiled back. "It's a half-day, be happy."

"Hey, Reikado," called a voice behind them.

Soraya turned around to see Kaiba moving around a desk and stop beside them. He nodded in greeting although his eyes narrowed when he saw Yugi.

"Hi Kaiba, what's up?" Yugi said as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened and that Kaiba glared at people in greeting everyday.

"How's your brother?" Kaiba asked, turning away from Yugi to face Soraya.

"He's fine," Soraya replied. "I don't think he knows what happened."

"Might as well, it's a lot to explain."

"I guess so," Soraya said. "How's Mokuba?"

"He's okay. Though he wanted to know why we all ran outside, so I told him," Kaiba answered. "No problem with that is there?"

Soraya shook her head. "No, there isn't."

"Alright, that's all I wanted to know," Kaiba said as Kagaku-san called for quiet. "I'll see you later I guess." With one last glare at Yugi, Kaiba turned around and went back to his seat.

"Why does Kaiba seem so annoyed with you today, Yugi?" Soraya asked over an hour later as they packed their bags after a lesson on acid and base titration.

"As in more than usual?" Yugi responded.

"Yeah, that."

"Remember that duel Yami said he and Kaiba were going to have when we got out of the Shadow Realm?"

"Yes."

"Well, he lost."

Finally, done. Kaiba thought, snapping the lid of his case shut and stood up.

"Seto Kaiba," Kagaku-san called just before Kaiba was about to walk out the door.

"Yes," Kaiba replied, turning around irritably.

"Do you know who that jacket belongs to?" Kagaku-san asked.

"Why are you asking me for?" Kaiba retorted.

"Because you are the last one here," Kagaku-san said. "Well?"

Kaiba looked over at the forgotten jacket. I could just say 'no,' he mused, realizing it was where Soraya sat. He sighed, "Yes."

"Would you mind returning it to its owner if it is not too much trouble?"

Yes, I do mind, but he went and picked up the jacket all the same. "Is that all?" he asked over his shoulder as he turned back toward the door. Kagaku-san nodded; Kaiba left.

"Mokuba's school, then Kame Game Shop," Kaiba said, getting into his limo. The chauffeur nodded and started driving. A few minutes later, Mokuba had joined them in the car.

"Hey Seto," Mokuba greeted. "Whose jacket is that?"

"Reikado's, she forgot it."

"Aren't you going to give it back?"

"No, I'm going to get Motou to give it back."

"Why not just give it back to her tomorrow?"

"Does it look like I going to keep it for that long?"

Mokuba shook his head and sighed.

They arrived at the Game Shop just in time to see Yugi race out of the house beside it and dash into the Game Shop, looking utterly panicked. The two Kaiba brothers exchanged a look and followed him into the shop.

"GRANDPA!" they heard Yugi yell. "GRANDPA!"

"Motou, what's going on!?" Kaiba called as they heard footsteps running from room to room. A moment later, Yugi came into the room, looking more worried and angry than either of them had ever seen him.

"That…woman just took my grandpa," Yugi seethed, striding toward the door. "I'm going to the hospital to see if Soraya and Sam are okay, you coming?"

Ring…ring…

Yugi froze at the sound of the telephone and paused for a second before picking it up. "Moshi moshi," he said in a controlled voice.

"Yugi, so we speak again so soon!" the female voice sang.

"You bitch! What did you do with my grandpa!?!" Yugi roared into the phone. Kaiba and Mokuba blinked and stepped back.

Wow, Yugi's pissed, Kaiba observed, raising an eyebrow.

"Temper, temper. Your grandfather is fine at the moment; don't worry your cute little head about it. Oh look, Seto's there, isn't he? Why not you let me talk with him for a bit."

Yugi growled and thrust the phone toward Kaiba. "She wants to talk to you. I'm going to the hospital."

Kaiba watched him leave before turning his attention to the phone. "Seto Kaiba speaking."

"Seto, how are you?"

"I told you not to call me 'Seto,' what do you want?" Kaiba snapped.

"Tell me, how is your brother."

"That's none of -" Kaiba stopped short. Where Mokuba was a few seconds ago, there was nothing left but the card shaped locket. "Where. Is. Mokuba."

"He's here, safe with me, don't worry. But Seto, you need to teach him better social skills, he seems so rankled right now."

Kaiba struggled to keep his temper under control. "Listen, you dare hurt Mokuba, and I'll make sure you rot in hell."

"Aw, you're such a caring brother. Tell you what, since you care so much about him, I'll give you a chance to win him back. Good idea? Bring the best duelists you know to the Castle of Shadow, and if you win against my team, I'll give you back your loved ones. Easy enough, isn't it, Seto?" With a laugh, she hung up.

Kaiba stood there, livid, the phone still held to his ear. Then, slamming the phone down, he spun around, picked up Mokuba's locket and strode out the door to his limo.

"Domino hospital," he told the chauffeur. "And if you see Yugi Motou on the way, pick him up."

Soraya and Kaiyuki appeared in a thankfully deserted alleyway next to the hospital after teleporting from home. Soraya looked at the wall beside her, frustrated. "Why can't we get in?"

"Akiro must have made it so no one can teleport in," Kaiyuki muttered angrily. "Except herself of course."

"Can't you break the spell?"

"I probably could, but there's no time right now."

"We'll get in the normal way then," Soraya said before looking through the window and seeing the long line of visitors at the receptionist table. Groaning, she sank down to the ground, aggravated until she caught sight of what was around her waist.

How could I have forgotten…Soraya berated herself as she took out her deck from the pouch at her waist. Jalen, I need your help!

"Soraya, what are you doing?" Kaiyuki asked as Soraya searched hastily through it. She was answered by the look of relief on her light's face when Stealth Bird appeared, spreading his long blue wings at once to cover them in a cloak of invisibility. Kaiyuki stared surprised for a split second, before following her hikari and monster into the lobby, dodging unsuspecting visitors and staff as they raced across the room, up the stairs.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Soraya heard her brother shout in alarm as she turned right and hurtled down the hallway

"I want you to come with me," she heard Akiro reply. "Do that and no one gets hurt, including your little sister."

"What did you-"

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" The door to room A14 burst open, and a beam of white magic sizzled through the doorway toward the evil sorceress. Deftly, Akiro leapt back and let the attack shoot past her and shatter the window, showering the room with glass shards.

"So, you came for the boy," Akiro said softly, watching Soraya and Jalen appear out of thin air, standing in front of Sam, whose jaw was hanging open. Akiro laughed, "A teenage mortal and her pet bird. You seriously think you stand a chance against me?" She shot two blasts toward the trio. "You barely know how to control your magic," Akiro said scornfully, watching Soraya push Sam out of the way as they dodged one of the blasts and reflected the other.

Kaiyuki appeared alongside Soraya, "You should know better than to underestimate your opponent," she growled. "Mahou lends this to you," Kaiyuki said, not taking her eyes off Akiro as she handed Soraya a long green staff. Soraya took the staff in her hands.

Akiro tapped the tip of the black star atop her staff against Kaiyuki's crescent moon. "Ready?" she asked with a derisive smirk at Soraya. "Let's play."

Mayhem.

Shock waves issued from the two clashing staffs, echoing off the walls, sending glass dust flying into the air again. Akiro jumped back, black tendrils of mist flickering around her feet before she was engulfed in thick black fog.

Kaiyuki slashed forward, sending a blazing blade of light toward the black mass. The fog split neatly in two, the blade soaring harmlessly past it, vaporizing a lamp on the wall. The mists merged back into one and Akiro slid out as the fog along with two monsters from the Castle of Shadow – a Familiar Knight and a Marauding Captain.

Scowling, Kaiyuki nimbly jumped out of the way as Familiar Knight slashed at her and parried the attack from Marauding Captain. She shot toward one of the warriors, and out of the corner of her eye, saw Soraya engage in a duel with Akiro. Fighting down the panic welling up inside her, Kaiyuki focused her attention on her adversaries.

Calm down, Kaiyuki reprimanded herself, there's nothing you can do right now. She would have to fight anyway sooner or –AH!

Familiar Knight took advantage of Kaiyuki's inattentiveness, successfully nicking the sorceress in the arm.

PAY ATTENTION! Kaiyuki berated herself, clutching her arm as she brought her staff down into the Knight's neck. The warrior crumpled to the floor and faded back to the Shadow Realm and Kaiyuki turned to face the remaining sword wielder.

Soraya jumped back from the radiating staff, and leapt again, and again, and again. Akiro was playing with her, that was obvious, and she was having the time of her life with it. Soraya glared at the mocking face of her enemy, who gave a sideways swipe with her staff. Soraya sidestepped, feeling the blades of the star swing past her chest.

Seeing the opening with the staff of to the side, Soraya launched herself toward the exposed side and released an attack. Hearing Akiro snarl as the attack stabbed her shoulder, Soraya jumped and unleashed another, striking the torso. But by this time, Akiro had brought her staff efficiently back into play, and sent the already airborne Soraya flying. Her feet caught the bed frame and she tumbled hard onto the tile floor. Recovering from the impact, Soraya almost didn't have time to respond before Akiro brought her staff down. A point of the obsidian star quivered inches from her throat as Soraya crossed her staff in front of her.

Bracing herself against the floor, Soraya pushed against the enemy staff, straining against the pressure Akiro was applying, She could feel the increasing tension between the staffs. Her staff began to grow warm under her clenched fingers.

"Tseeeeeeer!" Jalen dove down toward Akiro's exposed back and slashed at her shoulders. Akiro whipped her head around, reducing the pressure on her staff in the process. The forces in the tension in the staffs released and Akiro was propelled away from Soraya, landing several meters away. Jalen flew higher into the air, flapping his wings so they crossed in front. Two pale blue curved blades of light emerged and sliced through the air toward their target.

Soraya got up from the ground, her mind fuzzy from the aftershock of the staffs. Shaking her head to clear it, she focused on her task. It wouldn't be long before Akiro would turn her attention from Jalen back to her again. Using her magic to find exactly where the card she needed was, she slipped it out of her deck and suspended it in the air in front of her.

Please, Soraya thought, focusing her energy, let this work.

The glow from the card attracted Akiro's attention. She spun around to counter the spell. Too late, the attack exploded beside Soraya's ear as the rope of light wrapped around Akiro's upper body and formed a ring, pinning her arms to her sides. The star-tipped staff fell to the ground with a clatter.

A bang and a second clatter sounded through the air. Akiro twisted in her bindings and saw that both her monsters had fallen. She sent a glare of pure malevolence toward the brother and sister before teleporting out of the room.

Kaiyuki sighed with relief. Good job, aibou.

Yeah, we did it… Soraya lowered the staff in her hands and smiled wearily. She swayed.

"Soraya!" She saw a flash of brown hair as and felt an arm wrapped around her waist and move her into a chair. A warm weight rested in her lap and Soraya looked up at the blue, fox-like face of her Stealth Bird. Kaiyuki sat on the bed, concern on her face. Soraya looked beside her and smiled when she saw the confused, uncertain look on her brother's face when he glanced at Jalen and Kaiyuki.

"You okay, Sam?" Soraya asked.

"I'm fine," Sam replied, starting a little and continued to gaze uncertainly at Jalen and Kaiyuki. "Why do you two look so similar?" he asked at last.

Soraya glanced at Kaiyuki, who shrugged.

Soraya twisted in her seat to face her brother. "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Sam blinked and his eyes widened. "You…you…" Sam stuttered, staring from Soraya to Kaiyuki. "You're her…"

"Yes, Soraya is my reincarnation." Kaiyuki said and took a deep breath. "I was the twin sister to the Pharaoh and was a sorceress during his reign in Ancient Egypt 5000 years ago. The pendant Soraya wears, I also wore it when I was alive. It marked me as the Shadow Link, a person who had an unusually strong connection to the Shadow Realm. Back then, Shadow monsters like Jalen here," she gestured at the Stealth Bird, who flapped a wing in greeting, "were quite real and on occasion were summoned from the Shadow Realm in what we call Shadow Games – the game you now call Duel Monsters – both had a considerable part in our lifestyle."

Suddenly footsteps could be heard, and from the sound of it they were coming closer. Everyone in the room became acutely aware of the chaotic mess in the room.

Kaiyuki cursed and spun around, waving her staff in a large sweeping motion across the room. A radiant rose-coloured haze appeared and settled over everything. A second later, the rose haze faded and the room took on a neat and tidy appearance as if there hadn't been any magic dueling mere moments before. Kaiyuki went into her spirit form and Jalen disappeared as the door opened and a nurse appeared at the door – the same nurse that was there last time Soraya visited.

"What's going on here?" she asked, a disapproving look on her face. "Patients are complaining about the noise."

"We're sorry," Soraya said as she and Sam bowed respectfully. "It won't happen again."

"I should hope not," the nurse replied. At last, the nurse dropped her stern expression and smiled at the two. "I know you're getting out today Sam, just don't try to go out with a bang."

"Okay," Sam said, grinning sheepishly. The nurse left.

They waited a few moments before Kaiyuki let the illusion drop, revealing the debris littering the floor. Kaiyuki gave a few more sweeps with her staff and the broken items began to repair themselves.

"Now, where were we," Kaiyuki said over the tinkling of the glass shards they formed a pane and slid back into the window. "Oh yes, Shadow Games were a important part of our life. And they probably would have remained so if it were not for the evils that threatened the world. The Games were sealed away and peace was restored to our land. But now something has happened to the seal and the powers of the Shadow Realm are melding with this world. And unfortunately, there are some of these people that choose to use that power for evil, as you just saw. But there are others like Soraya, I, the Pharaoh, and his reincarnate who try to keep that evil at bay." Kaiyuki sighed. "So that's why Soraya looks like me, elaborated."

Sam simply stood there, stunned, his arms hanged limply at his sides. Soraya got up from her seat and pushed Sam in front of the chair instead.

"You seem to be taking this much better than Kaiba did," she said as Sam sat down.

"Seto Kaiba? He knows about you?"

"Yeah, so does his brother, Mokuba. Kaiba nearly had a heart attack," Soraya grinned. "So, what are we going to do about Akiro?"

"We're going to whip her ass in a duel," a voice said from the doorway. Everyone turned toward the door to see Kaiba and Yugi walk in. "Here's your jacket, you forgot it after class," Kaiba said tossing it to her.

"Arigatou," Soraya said, catching the jacket. She turned to Yugi. "How's your grandpa?"

"She took him," Yugi replied, his eyes stormy.

"She took Mokuba too," Kaiba growled. "She said to go to the Castle of Shadow and duel her to win them back."

"Then we'll duel her," Soraya responded confidently. "We have me, you, and of course, Yugi," She missed Kaiba's scowl. "That's more than enough to take her out, Let's go."

Sam checked out of the hospital and they left. Gathering in a deserted alleyway behind the hospital, they teleported to the entrance of the Castle of Shadow. A Red Eyes Black Dragon was waiting for them. "This way," it rumbled and turned around to lead them into the castle.

They followed the dragon through several corridors, Yami and Kaiyuki in their solid forms.

"You said we were to duel Akiro and her team," Yugi said. "Do you know anything about this?"

"No," Kaiba replied. "But they're going to regret they ever joined forces with that bitch."

Soraya said nothing, staring at the stone floor as she walked. She glanced at her brother, who smiled and slung an arm around her shoulder. She smiled in return and looked forward to see where their escort was.

It was not before they walked into the next corridor when anyone noticed something was very, very wrong.

The stone floor gave away under their feet and Soraya, Sam, Yugi and Yami fell through the gaping hole. The three of them desperately stretched out to grasp the edge, only to miss or have it crumble under their fingers. However, the vital few seconds gave the other two enough time to help. Kaiyuki caught Yugi and Yami before he could begin falling again, Yami retreated into spirit form as to not add weight, and Kaiba took hold of Soraya's wrist.

Soraya reached out to catch Sam's arm, which had slipped from her shoulder when they fell, but his fingers slipped through her grasp. Soraya watched in horror as Sam plummeted down into the inky abyss.

"Sam!" Soraya yelled as Kaiba pulled her back up onto solid ground.

"The boy is not here to duel, he is not needed." Red Eyes Black Dragon said to the remaining five as the stone floor materialized again. Soraya snarled and would have leapt forward if Kaiba did not take hold of her arms.

"We don't need to lose you too, baka," he snapped. "We'll get your brother back."

Soraya reluctantly stopped struggling. "We better," she growled.

Red Eyes Black Dragon observed the group for a moment before turning around and opening a large door at the end of the corridor. "Come," he said over his shoulder. "My lady awaits."

They followed the dragon into a massive hall; a dueling arena was set in the middle. At the side of the arena, a large cage was suspended in the air. Inside were…

"Seto!" Mokuba yelled, scrambling to the edge of the cage when he and Yugi's grandpa caught sight of the group.

"Grandpa!" Yugi shouted and ran toward the cage.

"Mokuba!" Kaiba shouted at the same time and ran toward his brother. Red Eyes Black Dragon watched the group gather around the cage and let out a shattering roar.

Everyone whirled around, ready to fight, but the dragon made no other move. A few moments passed before a door on the opposite end of the hall opened and Akiro breezed through it.

"Why hello again," Akiro chirped happily. "So you came to play my little game."

"Enough," Kaiba snarled as Mokuba gripped the CEO's arm through the cage bars. "We're here to duel, bring it on."

"First things first," Akiro said. "We're dueling two against two. Who will be dueling me?"

The three duelists blinked, and then narrowed their eyes. Kaiba clenched his fists. I don't care who's dueling; I'm getting my brother back.

Two on two, Yugi thought. Which two of us will be the best to take her down? He frowned.

She pay for taking Sam, Soraya snarled in her mind. I'm going to find him. But first… Soraya glanced at the cage. We have to get Mokuba and Motou-san back. She looked at the determined faces of Yugi and Kaiba and caught Yugi's eye. They nodded. This is their duel, she sighed, and stepped back.

Yugi turned to face Akiro. "Kaiba and I will duel!" he announced. Kaiba glanced at the other two, then shrugged. It worked out better this way.

"Now you know our team," Kaiba said. "Who is your partner?"

"Who is my partner? Well…" Akiro smiled, "I'm sure you'll find this person very familiar."

"We know this person?" Yami inquired softly.

"Yes, you've known this person for quite some time now," Akiro replied, smiling self-satisfyingly.

"Then where is this person?" Kaiyuki asked, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"You still don't know?" Akiro gasped in mock astonishment. "Open your eyes, she's been in the room ever since you entered. As a matter of fact, she came in with you."

Soraya paled and her hands clenched into fists. Oh no. No. No way. No way in HELL…

"Finally, I was getting worried for a second," Akiro smirked. "My partner in this duel will be you, Soraya Reikado."

Tana: Another chapter done! The next chapter should be up in a little while. I just need to finalize the decks (yes, I make decks for the main characters, not just random cards), so I need to look around to find cards that would fit well. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter.

Reviews make good presents...