Holocaust of Rome

Chapter 3: Kidnapped!

-The next day-

"Now remember, you guys-" Hana warned the group of friends before she cast the time-warp spell. "-we're going back to ancient Egypt, so we might bump into at least a few people who look familiar. But they are not the same as the people you know. They are most likely distant ancestors of the people in our time. Conversely, if someone recognizes you, explain to them that you are not the person they are thinking of. Actually, let me do most of the explaining, since I'm the only one going along that speaks both languages- at least until I can whip up a Translation spell."

Yugi, Joey, Téa and Mokuba nodded in understanding, then Hana turned her attention to the raven-haired boy, speaking to him alone. "Mokuba, I need you to listen carefully to this, because it's very important: I can almost guarantee we'll be meeting with Pharaoh at some point, and that pharaoh is Seth. I know he's your brother in this era, but the past Seth won't know that. You can't give away any indication that you know him or of what might happen in the future. No one should know too much about their own destiny."

Mokuba nodded, and Hana continued. "Whatever our Seth might have told you- whatever you might have learned about his rule- you cannot reveal. It might not have happened yet, and we can't risk a paradox. I'm already pushing it by coming back with you guys, 'cuz I'm not supposed to be there either. That's why none of the other Bearers or Atem is coming. We shouldn't be messing with the space-time continuum. We're only doing this because someone else already messed with it, and we have to fix it."

This she addressed to the entire group, and everyone nodded. Then she brightened up, glad that they were off this particularly gloomy topic. "I think you're really gonna like the palace city. I know some of you have been there before, but you didn't see the whole palace. Take it from someone who grew up there: It's truly a sight to behold."

The rest of the group smiled in anticipation, eager to see the city for themselves. Hana summoned up the energy for the time-warping portal she was about to cast, but then turned about and faced the group once more. "Almost forgot. When you are in the presence of the pharaoh, it's imperative that you keep your left foot toward the pharaoh at all times. In Egypt, we believed that the heart was the center of all thought, not the brain. It's a sign of respect, as if you're saying that the pharaoh is at the forefront of your thoughts. That's why most statues and artifacts from Egypt have the left foot forward." She imparted, sneaking in a bit of an archaeology lesson for her friends. Everyone nodded, and the former princess of Egypt turned away from them and summoned the portal- using the same spell as 'Toki no Majutsushi' whenever a 'Time Warp' was called in battle.

"Everyone ready?" Hana asked, and the four friends nodded again. She held out both her hands. "Hold onto each other and don't let go. It's gonna be a bumpy ride."

Everyone linked arms- Mokuba between Hana and Téa, and Yugi between Téa and Joey. Then the five friends jumped through the portal to the past.

"My pharaoh, a company of nomads approaches from the north!" A scout cried as he ran into the throne room unannounced- an unheard-of act during the time of the kings. The pharaoh stood up from his throne at once, casting his gaze on the man who had brought the news. "How many were they? Could you tell? Or was their number too great to count?"

The man bowed as low as possible. "Five, my pharaoh." He reported dutifully, keeping his eyes on the floor.

"Five thousand men?" Seth mused to himself and aloud. "An army that size would be gathered for one purpose only: The destruction of Egypt and her people."

"F-forgive me, my pharaoh, but- there are only five. Five persons on foot." The scout clarified, and Seth was taken aback. "Only five?" He repeated, and the scout nodded again. Then their purpose is not war- He thought. "Did you recognize anything about this group? Were they carrying any banners signifying from which country they came?" He asked the scout, who had fallen prostrate on the ground in respect. After all, he was in the presence of a living god. And he'd just had the audacity to actually correct him. Good thing this pharaoh was not easily angered.

"No, my pharaoh." The scout reported. "The only banner that I could see was pure white. No symbol or anything marked the flag, no identification whatsoever." He answered, and a look of confusion crossed his face. "Actually, their 'banner' looked more like the top half of a man's clothing, but made in a different style.*"

[Hana: Yes, we used one of Joey's white t-shirts for the white flag. I forgot to bring a traditional one.]

"Then We know not if this is friend or foe." The pharaoh mused to himself, raising an eyebrow at the description of the flag. He bowed his head in thought for a long moment, then looked up. "We have decided. A small band of Our finest horsemen and warriors will ride out to meet this new arrival. If they are friend, they will be welcomed to Our city. If they are foe, We will slay them on sight."

"A wise decision, my liege." The pharaoh's High Priest commented with a bow and sweep of his elaborate black robes. His raiment was in complete contrast to his predecessor- who had worn robes of royal blue and white linen, adorned with gold shoulder plates and an impressive headdress. "But my Lord, you used the royal 'We'. Surely you do not intend to join the group to meet this strange company?"

"We do indeed." The pharaoh answered, his piercing blue eyes narrowing slightly. "We wish to see these travelers for Ourselves, and judge personally whether they be friend or foe." He announced, stepping down from the dais and walking proudly through the large room.

"But my king-" The High Priest protested. "Suppose you are injured or killed-"

"You doubt Our strength and ability in combat, Imhotep? Clearly We need to remind you that We once held your position as High Priest when Our predecessor reigned- in the age of the Shadows. There is a reason that We were the sole survivor of the previous pharaoh's court." Seth interrupted his head magician, reminding the vassal of exactly who his pharaoh was. Turning again for the doors to the courtyard, the pharaoh did not see the flash of anger in his High Priest's eyes as he backed away into the shadows- seemingly humbled and respectful.

-Outside the palace, a few minutes later-

"My pharaoh?" One of the guards greeted, but his confusion made the greeting a question. Why would the king be outside?

"Ready Our horse for battle. And alert the King's Guard." Seth commanded, and the sentry started. "The- the King's Guard? Are we being attacked?"

"Not yet, but like a close friend of Ours always said: 'One can never be too cautious.'* We must be prepared for anything." Seth stated, and the sentry bowed. "Wisely spoken, my liege." Then he called to his fellow guardsmen. Within minutes the King's Guard was mustered and ready for battle- the pharaoh's steed standing at the head of the company. Seth mounted the magnificent beast and called for the main gates to be opened, speaking words of warning to his warriors. "We may be riding to battle today. Be prepared for the worst." He ordered.

[Seth: I was referring to Mahaad when I spoke with the palace guards. He was always saying that 'One can never be too cautious' phrase.]

"As you command, Pharaoh." The Guard answered in unison, and the eleven riders thundered out of the palace gates and through the city- riding to the north and to the unknown.

-Meanwhile-

"Jeez, it's hot!" Joey complained. "I don' remember it bein' dis scorchin' when we were here las' time." He stated, reaching for a flask of water at his hip and taking a short swig.

"Don't drink it all, Joey. There's no guarantee when we'll find more." Yugi cautioned his friend, then wiped an arm across his brow. "It is hot, though. You're right about that."

"You guys probably didn't feel it last time because you were only here in spirit, kinda like how Atem existed in the future when he lived within the Puzzle. He could see and hear stuff on his own, but he didn't have his own body to feel the temperature or the weather." Hana guessed, looking at her tall blond friend and smiling. "I'm used to it because I grew up here, but you'll just have to grin and bear it. Sorry."

Mokuba and Téa sighed heavily, but then nodded as they continued their weary trek to where Hana insisted that the palace of Thebes was located. Somehow they had landed miles off-course when they had created the portal and got dropped off far to the north of their destination. They had intended to arrive right outside the walls of the city, but apparently the gods had other plans.

"Hey guys, look at that!" Mokuba called suddenly, pointing directly ahead of them. "Isn't that the palace city up ahead?"

"You're right, Mokuba, it is." Hana answered. "That means we're nearly there!"

"Yeah, but wat's dat cloud a' dust comin' from it? Don' tell me it's a sandstorm!" Joey complained as he braced himself.

Hana squinted ahead. "It's not a sandstorm, Joey. It's worse. They're riders, and they already have their swords drawn. I should've expected something like this. Seth always was a little paranoid." She sighed, summoning her magic and casting a 'Absolute Nonaggression Area' trap shield around herself and her friends just as the riders surrounded them.

"Identify yourselves, in the name of the pharaoh." Seth commanded regally, and- although he didn't understand a word that was just spoken- Joey was the first to remove his hood from his face. A few of the King's Guard gasped in surprise, having never seen blond hair before.

"That man, his hair is like the sun-" One whispered.

"Could he be blessed of the sun god Ra?" Another asked in a hushed voice.

"Look at their pale skin. Is it possible that these beings have come from the netherworld?" Yet another guard observed under his breath, just loud enough so that only his nearest companions could hear. By now, all five travelers had removed their hoods and stood facing the pharaoh. Seth glanced at each in turn, but froze when he spotted a familiar sight of tri-colored spikes-

"A-Atem?!" He gasped, disbelief and shock coloring his voice and alerting his guard as if he'd shouted the name. The teenager in question slowly shook his head, then bowed respectfully to the pharaoh- putting his left foot forward, as was the custom. "Sorry, but I'm not who you think I am. My name is Yugi. I guess you could say I'm a very distant relative of his. These are my friends: Téa, Mokuba, Joey and Hana." He introduced, pointing to each of his companions in turn as he said their names, and each bowed respectfully when their name was called. Though he did not understand the language, Seth could guess at what Yugi was saying by his actions. At the mention of the last name, Seth received another shock, another blast from the past.

"Hana?!" He cried- not even bothering to keep his voice down anymore- for he knew this woman to be dead! He'd seen Zorc throw her over his shoulder like a discarded toy and through some kind of magical portal. How then could she be here?

The woman in question looked up and grinned sheepishly. "Heh. Hey Seth. Long time no see." She greeted, then she put a hand to her mouth when she realized her mistake. "Oops! I meant 'Pharaoh'. Long time no see, Pharaoh!" She corrected, also putting her left foot forward and kneeling on her right knee. Following her example, the rest of the group knelt on one knee as well- showing their respect to the powerful king before them. Though right now he didn't look very impressive, as he was mouthing soundlessly like a fish out of water.

"How-?" He gasped, finally finding the words.

"It's a long story." Hana explained quickly, standing up and smiling at her old friend. "I don't have time to explain the details here."

As if in answer, Mokuba sat down hard on his backside, then fell onto his side as the sun's heat became too much for him. Hana immediately knelt next to him and gave him some of her own water, reviving him and helping him back to his feet. Seth seemed to come back to his senses then, because he barked a few quick orders to his guard- who sheathed their weapons and stood at attention, four riders dismounting so that the newcomers could get on first.

"Our sincerest apologies for the hostile reception. We did not recognize you. You will all be welcomed at the palace as honored guests." Seth apologized and offered, which the visitors- after a translation from Hana- accepted gratefully. Then Seth did something that no one present was expecting. He dismounted from his own steed and offered the reins to Hana, who looked at him with a confused expression. "Another old friend would like to greet you, princess." He whispered as he winked, keeping the young woman's identity between just the two of them.

"I can't believe it!" Hana gasped, approaching her mare and stroking her silky black neck affectionately. "Nut*! I haven't seen you since the battle against Zorc!" She exclaimed softly, hugging the horse around the neck. The aged mare responded by blowing into her hair; a sign of love, trust and affection. "You've gotten a lot bigger and stronger since the last time I saw you!" She continued, rubbing her fingers in small circles on the horse's neck in a gentle massage.

[pronounced 'Noot']

"Yeah. After your 'disappearance', she was inconsolable for weeks. I was the only one who could approach her, who could calm her down. Eventually she grew to trust me enough to let me ride her. She has been my faithful steed ever since. But in recent years I have been riding her foal, as she is getting too old for the long journeys." Seth explained, stroking the mare's neck affectionately as well. He then bent down and folded his hands into a cradle to give Hana a leg-up so that she could get on the horse's back, then took the reins near the bridle and led the horse and princess on foot. One of his guard protested- that the pharaoh shouldn't be walking- but Seth waved it off. It wasn't that far to the palace from here.

-Half an hour later-

So they journeyed to the palace, the pharaoh walking and the five guests plus the King's Guard riding on horseback. Needless to say, it was a strange sight for the common people of Thebes to behold. As the royal procession moved on to the palace, Hana leaned down on Nut's back to whisper something to her old friend. "Hey Seth? You're the only one who knows who I was, right? Can we- y'know- keep my identity a secret? I don't want a big fanfare or anything. Egypt's lost princess hasn't returned, not for that reason. And I'm sure the same goes for Yugi. I know he looks almost exactly like Atem, but they are not the same person. So, no lavish parties for us heralding our 'return', because we haven't returned. Not really."

"You mean- you are not staying? You have to return to the other world?" Seth asked, his face falling as he realized the implications of Hana's words.

"That's right." Hana answered. She was disappointed too, but she knew that staying in this world for too long could cause irreparable damage to the space-time continuum. "You see the young boy behind us? The one with the long dark hair?" Hana asked, and Seth looked back at Mokuba, who waved shyly. "Something is happening in our world, and we've come back to Egypt to fix it. I can't tell you all the details- because it might cause a paradox- but we have to stop whatever is causing the problem, or Mokuba's older brother Seto will be erased from existence. And if we don't act quickly, Mokuba will follow." She explained.

"You have come to right the wrongs of the past to save the future?" Seth asked, guessing their purpose faster than Hana would've expected. He's quick. I'm gonna have to watch what I say around here, otherwise the future might be in more jeopardy than it already is.

"I'm not really supposed to be here either, but these guys don't know their way around and they don't speak the language. I might be able to whip up a Translation spell, but the ingredients can only be found here. That's why I came. I know I'm risking a paradox, but it was worth it. There's too much at stake." Hana continued, making a guilty face and looking down at her horse's saddle as she rode to the palace- the place she once called home. As they passed through the familiar outer gates, Hana couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming- even though she knew that the only person here that knew her was Seth.

-Minutes later-

"It is a blessing from the gods that you have come." Seth said to the former princess and the four other guests when they had entered the throne room. "Something terrible has happened, and We feel that you five are the only ones who can help Us." The four Japanese guests looked confused, so Hana translated for them. Then she asked, "What has happened, Pharaoh? How can we help?"

"It happened in the night, a week before this day." Seth answered, looking at Hana and the rest of her companions. As he continued, Hana noticed that tears were forming at the corners of his eyes and running together on his lower eyelids. "The princess of Egypt was stolen away from her chambers and taken to a land unknown. We have sent dozens of search parties, but none have returned. As you well know, Atem sealed away the Shadow Games when he defeated Zorc, but We can tell that the princess was taken by magic- and Shadow Magic at that. The power We once wielded as a Bearer is now lost. We beseech you and your companions to find her and bring her back to Us. She is Our only daughter, and the heir to the throne!" He explained and pleaded, shocking Hana with this revelation. Seth has a daughter?! When did that happen?! More time has passed than I thought, it seems.

"Eh, not ta be rude or anythin', but I didn' understand a word a' dat." Joey said, once again confused. Hana translated for him and the others, and when she'd finished they were as shocked as she'd been.

"What is your daughter's name, Pharaoh Seth?" Téa asked, and Hana translated her Japanese into ancient Egyptian, wishing that everyone present could understand everyone else. That would be so much easier and convenient!

"Nefertiri." Seth answered with a slight smile. This subject was fairly easy to discuss. Her mother's name was Nephthys- after the goddess- but she died shortly after Nefertiri was born. This is Our second wife, Ankh-Su-Namun." He explained, gesturing with his open palm to the other woman in the court- an exceedingly beautiful woman with nut-brown skin and long, smooth, ebony hair. She was arrayed in gold from head to toe- from her headdress and necklace to her dress- even her sandals were woven with gold. She nodded regally to the visitors, who bowed back respectfully. Hana translated for them again and the names struck a memory within Téa's subconscious, though she couldn't quite place where she'd heard them before.

"Wow. She's gorgeous!" Téa breathed to herself, but Yugi overheard her quiet exclamation and nodded mutely, his mouth slightly open in awe. As everyone in the group of visitors was captivated by the queen of Egypt, no one noticed Hana slinking over to one of the servants present and whispering something to him. The young man listened for a moment, then nodded and rushed off into a hallway. Hana silently melted back into the group with no one the wiser. Seth raised a questioning eyebrow at his old friend, but she just smiled mysteriously.

Within about five minutes, the servant had returned- carrying a jar filled with an assorted amount of crushed herbs and other substances. Hana looked into the container, sniffed gently, then nodded her thanks- accepting the jar from the servant and walking back to the group. Then without warning, she threw the contents over her four friends. "ATCHOOOO!" Joey sneezed. Apparently he was allergic to one or more of the ingredients. "Wat was dat for?"

"It's a Translation spell. Now you won't need me to interpret for you every time that anyone says something. It also works when you speak. You'll be speaking Japanese, but everyone will hear ancient Egyptian." Hana explained, and Joey's annoyance dimmed somewhat. "Ya coulda given us a li'l warnin'!" He hissed, and Hana grinned sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Now that we are able to understand one another, this will go far more smoothly." Seth commented, and everyone nodded in agreement. "You have traveled far, despite your lack of adequate supplies for your long journey. You shall be welcomed in Our palace as honored guests." He reiterated, alerting the palace staff to the newcomers' status. "While you are here, you will not want for anything, this We promise you." Then he added in a whisper and a small smile, "It is the least I can do, for Egypt's past saviors." He winked, and Joey, Yugi, Téa and Hana gasped.

"You- you saw us? During the battle with Zorc?" Téa gasped, and Seth grinned mischievously, stepping down from his throne to personally show them to their rooms. "And my double, though we never spoke. I knew that young Mokuba had seemed familiar. He resembles his brother." He smiled at the boy, whose mouth dropped open. "I had wanted to thank you all back then, but you had to return to your world, and Atem left with you. You saved my people, and Egypt is in your debt."

Hana smiled. Seth hadn't changed a bit from when she'd known him as a Bearer. He led them to Hana's old rooms and everyone thanked him, bowing as low as their muscles would allow. After all, the pharaoh was considered to be a living god among his people. Seth nodded and smiled- put a friendly hand on Hana's shoulder for a moment- then returned to the throne room to resume his duties.

-Later that day-

"Wow. Poor Seth." Téa commented when she'd taken a seat on the divan in the room, sitting next to her friend Hana. "His only daughter was kidnapped by magic a whole week ago. He must be worried sick, but he can't show any sign of weakness as the pharaoh."

"It's tough to be a god." Hana agreed. "I remember some of the things Atem had to go through. I definitely didn't envy him."

"You'd tink it'd be great- gettin' da royal treatment ev'ry single day- but in reality it's a whole lotta work ta rule a country. 'Specially one as powerful as Egypt." Joey put in, and everyone else nodded.

"Like a wise man I know once said, 'With great power comes great responsibility. It's not all fun and games, cake and ice cream'." Mokuba added, looking around at his four friends from his perch on the room's solitary chair. Joey was standing near the doorway and leaning against the wall, the girls were seated on the divan, and Yugi sat cross-legged on the marble floor.

"Who said that, Mokuba?" Yugi asked out of curiosity, though he had a feeling that he already knew who it was.

Mokuba smiled sadly. "Seto." was his only answer, and Yugi nodded. He should've known.

-After a minute or two of quiet, awkward staring-

Téa stated, "Well, I think it's obvious why the Kaiba family is slowly being erased. Nefertiri's been kidnapped, and she's Seth's only descendant- the only connection so far between him and you two brothers." She looked at Mokuba, who looked back at her with sad, storm-gray eyes and nodded.

"We should set out as soon as we're ready." Mokuba announced. "Who knows what'll happen if we don't rescue the princess soon." He actually did know what would happen, but he was trying with all his might to keep that thought from his mind. Somehow, dwelling on the subject seemed to make time speed up- shortening the time that his brother had left in the world.

"But we dunno where she's been taken." Joey argued. "How're we s'posed ta find her when we dunno where to even start lookin'?"

"That part's actually pretty easy." Hana answered, and everyone looked at her. "My magic isn't what it used to be, but I can still track the spiritual energy of someone. Kinda like a magical bloodhound in a way. But don't even think of cracking one of Kaiba's 'mutt' jokes, Joey, otherwise I'll let ya have it." She warned, balling her hand into a fist and raising it so that Joey could see it.

The blond snorted in disbelief. "I wasn't gonna, but since ya already brought it up-" He began suggestively. Hana's eyes narrowed in a suspicious frown. "I'm warning you."

Joey burst out laughing. "Relax, I'm jus' kiddin'! I've seen whatcha can do wid magic. I ain't takin' any chances." He waved his hands in an 'I surrender' gesture, and Hana loosened her fist.

"Good." She nodded, lowering the magical aura around her and gathering it back into the well of magic in her heart.

"As I was saying before, I can still easily track spiritual energies, so finding the princess won't be a problem. It's rescuing her that's gonna be the real issue here." Hana continued as if nothing had happened. She glanced briefly at Joey and silently imparted a mental message meant only for him. "I wasn't really gonna hit you just there, but I meant what I said. No 'mutt' jokes!"

Joey nodded with a smile, indicating that he understood. Then he registered what was just said. "Wait a minute! Are you sayin' ya already know where she is?" He asked, honestly shocked that it had happened so quickly.

"I'm not sure of the area exactly, but I can feel a dark presence all around her. It's somewhat familiar, but at the same time- not. I can feel its power from here, which is a testament to this being's strength. It could be hundreds of miles away." She explained worriedly, her eyebrows raising.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get our supplies and go!" Mokuba interjected impatiently, desperate to try to save his brother as soon as possible.

"It's gonna be dangerous, Mokuba." Hana warned. "It won't be like your other adventures. The enemies that we encounter won't exercise restraint because you're young. They- will- kill- you- if they get the chance. Do not give them that chance."

Téa interrupted. "Hold on. You're sounding like you're not gonna be with us the whole time."

Hana looked down at her feet. "I can't guarantee that we'll always stay together. I'll try my best, but the gods may have other plans. That's why I'm warning you now to be prepared for anything." She insisted, silently pleading with her friends to be careful.

"Hey, c'mon. We're da heroes. Wat could happen?" Joey shrugged, setting off out of the door where Hana had been looking.

Famous last words.

End of chapter 3

Next chapter teaser: Time is a River

I think I need to clarify something for you guys. Whenever he's in public, Seth uses the formal method of speech, such as the royal 'We'. But when he's not he uses regular speech, dropping the formalities when he's around friends. Yes, I did that on purpose. There is a method to my madness after all!

See you next chapter!

God Bless!

Tsunami Storm