Author's Note: So I'm sure you've all noticed that for all the transcribing from the show I've been doing, I haven't done any duels. Aside from the obvious reason that they were too much for me to transcribe, there was another reason why I didn't, and you'll see why in this and the next chapter. I hope you all love this chapter!
"Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure." -Tacitus
They were on their way to in the helicopter when suddenly a beeping was heard.
"Mr. Kaiba, emergency message on the red line!" Said the pilot.
"This could be just what I'm waiting for!" Said Kaiba, opening the laptop.
"Sir! We're ready to upload the images of the undersea ruins!"
"So that was your plan." Joey realized.
"You made sure your team got there before Dartz." Yami said.
"What did you expect? Come on, guys. You know my brother is always one step ahead of everyone else." Said Mokuba, proudly.
"Receiving data." Said Kaiba.
They all gathered round to look at the screen.
They could hear sounds of distress coming from whoever was running the other computer.
"It's them." Yami said sadly.
"Oh well. At least we got what we needed." Said Seto. They pulled up Rebecca on the laptop.
"I've got the images and my grandpa's looking them over now." She said.
"Good. Let's meet up as soon as possible. Oh, and one more thing- I'm sorry." Yami apologized.
"Rebecca, you can't blame the Pharaoh for what happened to Yugi. There's far too much at stake for hard feelings. Right now we're all fighting a common enemy, and this data may be our only hope!" Professor Hawkins said gently. Rebecca looked at him.
"You're right."
"Pharaoh, the quality of the images is much worse than I thought. Most of the carvings have been worn away. Unless we clear up these photos I won't be able to read much at all."
"Set a course for Kaiba Corporation headquarters immediately!" Kaiba ordered.
"Dude, are you nuts?!" Demanded Tristan.
"Dartz and his gang must have taken over the place by now!" Added Tèa.
"The only way we can process these images fast enough is by using my computer system so we have no choice!"
"Say what?!" Joey said, surprised.
"Kaiba has a good point, Joey." Said Yami.
"He does?"
"First they took Pegasus away," he said, glancing at Cecelia who was watching them sadly, "And now they've taken over Kaiba's company, which means we've got to stop these criminals before they make their next move- and we have no time to lose!"
"Wow, you're more gung ho than I expected. You know, since you lost your title and all." Said Kaiba snidely.
"Kaiba, this fight is about so much more than a mere championship title. Don't you see? People are getting hurt and the whole world's in danger!"
"Blah blah blah. Don't you get tired of making the same speech every time you're faced with a challenge? Stop saving the world and get a hobby!"
"Rebecca, we'll meet you two at the pier." Said Yami.
"Ten four. We'll see you there!" She said.
When the helicopter finally landed, Duke, Rebecca, and Professor Hawkins were waiting for them.
Everyone ran out in a hurry- all but Cecelia and Croquet, who were carrying Pegasus.
"Take those two to the medical center. I'm feeling generous." Said Kaiba.
"Right!" Said his henchmen.
He glanced at Cecelia. "I'd suggest putting him down if you want him to get treated." Said Kaiba.
"No one is taking him anywhere." She said sharply.
"Have it your way." He said dismissively.
The helicopter took off.
"Good luck guys." Mokuba whispered.
"Stay safe." Joey added.
"Professor. I'm glad you're alright." Said Yami.
"Me too. So how was the road trip, guys?" Asked Joey.
"Could have been better. We hit a pretty big snag on the way." Said Duke.
"Flat tire?"
"We ran into Mai and one of those freaks! The one that jumped in and ended your duel."
"That jerk!"
"He's really got it in for you, man. And I'm afraid Mai's still on their side, too."
"Just wait till I find 'em!" Joey thundered, closing his hand into a fist.
"Hey, any word yet on Yugi? We have to find him. If we don't get him back I'll never forgive you. Plus, we need him to fight these guys!" Exclaimed Rebecca.
"I miss him too." Said Yami. "And I promise we will rescue him. You have my word. But I must pay a visit to Kaiba Corp first."
"Then let me come with you. You'll need some tech support!"
"Ha! This isn't some kind of field trip, kid." Said Kaiba. "But I guess you can tag along if you want."
"I'm no kid!"
"Whatever you say, kid. I don't know about you geeks, but I have a company to save, so whoever's coming with me, let's move!"
"Good luck, and be careful." Said Tèa.
"Right." Said Yami before chasing after Kaiba.
"Alright Tèa, we better go tell the police what's going on. The way this is heading we're going to need all the help we can get!" Said Tristan.
"Yeah, good point." Said Tèa, as they took off. The rest of the group went down into the sewer where Rebecca was working on solving the code.
"Nice work, Rebecca!" Said Duke.
"Yeah, I don't know how you did it, but you hacked into Kaiba Corp's security system!" Said Joey.
"Good thing I "tagged along" on Kaiba's "Field Trip"!" She said.
"So you're undoing what those guys did? That should slow them down."
"Yup. That's the basic idea. Kaiba, when this mess is finally over, let me know if you want me to upgrade your system!"
Cecelia stood alongside Croquet and listened as they learned of the company Paradeus.
"I just lost my link!" Rebecca cried.
"Quick, Rebecca! Where's the headquarters of this Paradeus?"
"Well let's see... Got it!"
"Here I come you creeps! Said Joey, climbing up the ladder.
"Get back here Joey! Come on man, we need a plan first!" Said Duke.
"I'll go after him. You all stay here." Volunteered Cecelia. She noticed the duel disk Max had on his arm and decided to take it with her as a precautionary measure. She pulled out her own dueling deck from under her dress. Max had given her her own deck over their honeymoon as one of many gifts. Every monster, spell, and trap had reminded him of her. His heart was in this deck, so she carried it with her everywhere. She loaded the duel disk with her deck and got onto the first rung of the ladder.
"There's no way you can-" Duke began, but her glare cut him off.
"I'll be fine. Take care of Max for me, Croquet." He nodded and she climbed up the ladder and ran after Joey. He already had several feet on her. There came a point where he passed Tristan and Tèa. Tristan joined in her chase, but they lost him- so they split up to cover more ground. It was Cecelia who eventually found him. Right after his soul had been taken. She saw who was holding him and stopped dead in her tracks.
"YOU!" She shrieked angrily. Mai looked up at her. "You did that to my husband and now you have the nerve to do that to one of my friends?! I've absolutely had enough of you! Get out your deck, because it's time to duel!"
