Okay, so now we're getting serious. Max has survived his first duel—a bit worse for the wear, however—and the Kaiba brothers are heading closer and closer to the meeting point.
All that remains, is what happens next.
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Between my Brother and Me
by Green Phantom Queen
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Chapter 9-Seeking the Water of Knowledge
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"And that's what happened." said May, finishing explaining the tale to Duke Devlin. "Max and I were separated when we tried to stop the motorcyclists, then got stopped along the way, then when we finally caught up with Yugi, Max had to duel Arkana...and that's where the big light came in."
"That's one amazing story." said Duke, trying to absorb it in. "I'd say it's a little far-fetched, but after I went through back at Battle City, I'll believe anything."
"Speaking of Battle City." said Max, sitting near his Absol. "Can anyone tell us why everyone keeps bringing that up?"
"I'll tell you once we get out of here." Yugi answered from the other side of the gate. "But right now, we need a way to open this gate."
"But what about--" Duke was about to ask on what to do with Arkana's unconscious body, but was shocked to see it disappear as a small Seal of Orichalcos appeared under him. "Never mind."
"Duke." said Max. "Try and disable the security system around this building...maybe we can find out what happened to this place."
"I'm on it." said Duke, running toward the back of the building.
"All right then, let's open that gate, Max!" said May, bringing out a Poké ball. "Let's go Munchlax!"
The Poké ball opened to reveal the hungry Big Eater Pokémon cheering for joy.
"Now, Munchlax." said May, tossing a Pink Pokéblock into the air. "Use Focus Punch on that metal gate." She then stared at Yugi. "Oh and Yugi...you might want to back away."
"MUNCHLAX!" Munchlax cried as it swallowed the Pokéblock. Then, its fist began to glow white as it charged toward the metal gate. Yugi, taking May's advice, soon stepped back from the attack.
"Absol." said Max. "Help out Munchlax!"
Absol ran toward the gate as the scythe on its head began to glow purple. It reared its head, then brought it forward as a purple crescent beam of energy attacked the gate. Munchlax followed with its Focus Punch, causing the metal gate to become nothing but scrap metal and fall onto the ground. A thud was heard amongst everyone in the foyer when they saw the site.
"What the heck was that?" asked Yugi, seeing the purple light on Absol's crescent blade disappear.
"Let's see." said May, opening her Pokédex.
"Night Slash." said Dexter. "This attack deals high damage and has a greater chance of gaining a Critical Hit than other attacks. It is also non-avoidable."
"Wow." said Max as he turned to Absol. "I didn't know you could do that sort of attack. Great job, Absol!"
"Oh my goodness!" said May, pointing to Joey's opponent. "That's Mai Valentine!"
"You sure about that May?" asked Max. May nodded her head as she unzipped Max's backpack. Then, she brought out the handy Duelist Monthly magazine, opening up to the article about Duelist Kingdom.
"No doubt about it!" May answered, showing her brother a picture of the blonde duelist. "She's the only female duelist who made it to Duelist Kingdom, and was one of the finalists in Battle City! Her signature monster is Harpie Lady!"
"You're right May!" Max replied with awe. "It's really her! But wait..." He soon noticed the Seal of Orichalcos on her forehead and on her Harpie Ladies...plus she had an Orichalcos Duel Disk on her arm. "Oh no..."
"What is it Max?" May lowered the magazine and matched her gaze to Mai's red tinted eyes. "Oh...."
"So," said Mai, staring at May and Max. "Little kiddies trying to believe they're big shots? How cute."
"You're one to talk!" Max snapped back. "You're using something that could take your soul away if you lose the duel."
"Since you didn't hear me the first time, I'll say it again." Mai huffed. "I have no soul."
"That's preposterous!" May replied. "You have a soul and you have a mind...and right now, I'd say that you should stop this madness if you know what's good for you!"
"Are you suggesting that you two be my next targets?" asked Mai. "Don't waste your breath; you two aren't worth the challenge."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." said Raphael from the balcony. "That bright light you saw earlier was from a duel concerning those two. And they don't look like regular duelists."
"Besides." Valon added. "Those creatures they have on them look very tough, even though they don't look like it."
"So just who are they?" asked Mai. Valon began to sweat, not knowing how to answer.
"Uh..." He began to say. "They're...that is to say...their names are..."
There was some silence as everyone was waiting for Valon to answer Mai's question.
"Oh yeah." said May. "I guess in all of this excitement, you guys never heard of our names! Well then..."
"I'm May, Pokémon Coordinator of Petalburg! My dazzling attacks will show you that I'm not one to mess with!"
"And I'm Max, son of Norman of the Petalburg Gym!" Max added. "Don't underestimate my knowledge, or else you'll be blown away!"
The siblings activated their Duel Disks, raising them into the air.
"And the two of us are going to save the world from this evil!" The two ended, pointing their fingers at Valon and Raphael. "So watch out!"
"Hmph." Mai scoffed. "Nothing but a bunch of kids living in a fantasy realm....pathetic."
"I wouldn't say that if I were you." said Raphael. "Those two have the Winged Dragon of Ra."
"The Winged Dragon...of Ra?" Mai asked with some shock. She then became silent as memories of her battle against Marik in Battle City began to flood in. She got on her knees and started to tremble in fear. "No...." She whispered. "Not again...."
"Mai?" asked Joey, seeing the Harpie Lady duelist in a state of panic. "What's going on? Mai, please say something!"
"What's gotten into her?" asked Max. "Could she have done something to offend the Winged Dragon of Ra?"
"It doesn't say anything in the magazine." May replied. "It just says that she fought Marik Ishtar in the third round of the Battle City Finals, and that she lost. Maybe Marik did something to her that's making her nervous, and that it somehow involves the Winged Dragon of Ra."
"You're somewhat right." said Yugi, walking toward the two siblings. "Marik Ishtar came from a group of tomb keepers that were supposed to wait for the Pharaoh's return. However, Marik became angry that he could not live in the outside world, blaming the Pharaoh for his problems. It grew so bad that he developed another personality that would vanish people into the Shadow Realm without mercy."
"His sister Ishizu, asked Seto Kaiba to create the Battle City Tournament, in an attempt to draw Marik out and gather all three Egyptian God Cards. However, after Joey completed his duel, Marik's dark side was revealed, and he sent Mai and Joey into the Shadow Realm. The Pharaoh and I were able to banish his evil side for good, and returned all the souls trapped in the Shadow Realm. I just never knew that Mai would have nightmares of Marik taking her to the Shadow Realm though."
"Was Marik the original owner of the Winged Dragon of Ra?" asked May. Yugi nodded his head. "That...could explain a lot."
"Mai..." Joey said sadly, seeing his opponent trembling in fear. "Snap out of it! Please......"
"Not again...." Mai repeated. "Never again..." She stood up as an aura of darkness surrounded her.
"I'll never be weak again!" She cried. "Never, ever again!"
"She's lost it." Valon whispered. He grit his teeth in anger and screamed, "This is all your fault!" He had a finger pointed at May and Max as he continued to yell.
"Why did you have to remind Mai of her memories?! Can't you see she's been broken beyond repair?"
"We didn't say that we had it, though!" May snapped back. "Raphael did!"
"So blame him instead of us!" Max added.
"SILENCE!" Mai screamed, causing the Pokémon trainers to shut up. Munchlax and Absol glared at the female duelist, ready to strike at any moment.
"Enough of this foolishness! I've come to finish what I've started! And I'll finish it with my Harpie Lady Phoenix Formation!"
"Harpie Lady...what?" Max asked. May was skimming through the magazine as quick as she could, stopping on an article about effectively using a Harpie Lady Deck.
"It says here," May explained. "That a duelist can destroy as many monsters on the opponent's field equal to the number of Harpie Lady monsters they have. The combined attack points of the monsters will be deducted....from the opponent's life points?!"
"Guys," said Max to Tristan and Téa. "How many life points does Joey have?"
"200." Tristan said nervously. "He's finished!"
"That can't be!" said May. "He was runner up of Duelist Kingdom and 4th place in Battle City! He can't lose now; especially with his soul on the line!"
The three Harpy Lady cards became became surrounded by blue flames, shaping into a blue phoenix. They swooped into the air, nosediving toward Joey's facedown monster.
"This is it!" said Téa. "He's done for!"
The suspense made everyone hold their breaths as the Harpies dove to their prey. The face down card didn't shatter, despite the effort of the Winged Beasts.
"What?!" Mai exclaimed. "It didn't work?!"
From beneath the card, a small Egyptian Cat idol appeared. It let out a meow before becoming pixels. (0/0)
"That's Neko Mane King!" said May. "And because it has zero attack points Joey is saved!"
"How do you know that May?" asked Max.
"Because I have one in my deck." May explained. "Neko Mane King has a special ability that says if it is destroyed by the effect of an opponent's magic, trap or monster and it was during the opponent's turn, then that turn automatically comes to an end."
"It was Mai who activated Harpie Lady Phoenix Formation on her turn." said Max. "And it was a Magic card...since its effect destroys all monsters on the field and it destroyed Neko Mane King..."
"Then that means Joey has an extra turn to turn it around." Yugi finished. "But I think that's all he has left."
"Joey's as lucky as a Meowth." said May. "Luck is always good to have when you're dealing in times like these."
"Is that your strategy, Wheeler?" asked Mai with some sarcasm. "Are you trying to drag this out forever so I forfeit out of boredom?"
"Just worry about your strategy and I'll worry about mine." Joey replied with a grin.
But the truth is...I'm just stalling for time until I can figure out how to end this thing in a draw. He thought to himself. Quitting isn't an option, because that's what those biker guys want me to do. I have to say Mai, and figure out what those guys are up to.
I'm going to need some sort of miracle...I know there's something in my deck that can help me...what is it? Come on Heart of the Cards, show me some love...
Joey was about to draw a card, but soon saw it glowing. He couldn't understand what was happening as he was blinded in a cylinder of light.
Yugi saw his deck glowing, bringing out his Eye of Timaeus card.
The eye of Timaeus! He said to himself. It's glowing...
But why? Yami asked.
May and Max soon looked at their decks, drawing both Manaphy and Jirachi. The two Legendary Pokémon were also glowing.
"Something's...going on." said May.
Max wanted to reply, but the two of them were stopped when they were trapped in a barrier of light.
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I'm sensing something! Mokuba thought to himself. Lots of power....radiating from one source.
That must be the Goddess of Joy and Prince of Wisdom. Khonsu replied. We are definitely close.
Gripping onto the controls, Kaiba noticed his Duel Disk was glowing. Quickly drawing the top card, he stared at the Fang of Critias, glowing brightly.
"What's...going on?" He asked as light washed over him.
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Five orbs of light flew from the sky, but four flew into the castle of the dragons. Dissipating, the orbs of light soon revealed Joey, Yugi, May and Max amongst a lone dragon statue.
"What the--" said Joey. "Where are we? And, uh, wasn't I in the middle of a duel?"
"We must be back in the dominion of the beasts." Max answered. "The three of us were sent here a few nights ago...."
Joey then looked at the giant sculpture in front of him.
"That's some sculpture!" He gasped in awe.
"See that dragon, Joey?" asked Yugi, pointing to the statue. "It's been frozen in time...and I believe that it has chosen you to unleash it."
May flew closer to the dragon, pointing to the ground. "Look there!" she cried. "There's a sword on its foot....maybe you have to pull it out, and it'll awaken."
"All righty then..." said Joey, flying to the sword. He let his hand grasp on it as a rush of energy flew through his body.
"You are the one." Dark Magician Girl said as Joey looked in shock.
"That was strange." he remarked. "I could've sworn I heard someone talking to me through the sword."
"Yes, Joey." Dark Magician Girl continued. "You must release Hermos."
Joey let both of his hands grip on the handle of the sword. With a mighty tug, the sword was loose, and the ice around it started to crack.
"Looks like it worked!" Joey exclaimed. "I just have one question, though."
"What's that?" asked Max.
"Is this thing friendly?" Joey answered.
The dragon let out a mighty roar as its icy shell was destroyed. Then, the four were surrounded with bright light.
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When Joey realized he was back at the duel he looked around in shock. Was it all...just a dream?
He turned to see Yugi, May and Max staring at him...as if telling him that it wasn't a dream.
"Joey now has a dragon just like Yugi does." Max whispered to his sister. "I wonder what it can do...."
"We just have to see, Max." May replied. "But I bet it'll be something cool."
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Meanwhile, Kaiba woke from his travel through the dominion of the beasts.
"You okay, Seto?" asked Mokuba.
"Mokuba," said Kaiba. "Did you see a bright light just now?"
"No." Mokuba answered simply. "But...I am sensing a lot of power...and it's all at Industrial Illusions..."
"Is it that magic trash you've been speaking about?" asked Kaiba. "How many times have I been telling you?"
"I know you don't believe in magic." Mokuba interrupted. "But if you even had just a grain of sand's worth of belief, then you would understand that whatever happened back at Duelist Kingdom wasn't a fluke...there's evil afoot."
"Whatever." Kaiba replied.
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The stone around Raphael's neck began to glow.
"Looks like my Orichalcos Stone is reacting to something." Raphael stated as Valon looked at it in shock.
"What the..." Valon gasped, before turning his gaze to the duel. "The Pharaoh must behind this!"
This is it. Joey thought to himself. If I don't draw something good here, then I'm a goner.
He drew a card from his deck, staring at it in shock.
"No way." said Joey. "It's that dragon, Hermos!"
"Did he draw something good or not?" asked Tristan. "Because this is his last shot!"
"Get ready!" Joey announced to everyone. "For you're about to meet my new buddy, Hermos!"
"But that's not one of his cards!" Téa exclaimed.
"It looks like it is now." Tristan replied.
"You're right." said May. "Just as Yugi got the Eye of Timaeus, and how Max and I got Jirachi and Manaphy...Joey now has a monster that's going to kick some sense into Mai!"
"That's impossible." said Valon. "How the heck did Wheeler get a card like that?"
It doesn't matter if he has it or not. Raphael thought to himself. The true test of his power will be if he can use it.
"Check this out, Mai." said Joey. "I found the secret to ending this duel and saving us both, and it all starts with this! First, I'll bring back Fiend Megacyber onto the field."
Monster Reborn was soon played on the field, as Fiend Megacyber took its place. (2,200/1,200)
"Big deal." said Mai. "To refresh your memory, my Harpie's Pet Dragon disintegrated your puny fiend once, and she'll do it again without even flinching!"
"Relax," Joey replied. "Did I say I was done? Next, I plan to reacquaint you with my old friend Time Wizard,"
A clock with eyes, hands, feet, cape and a top hat appeared, wielding a staff topped with gears. (500/400)
"And now, here's Hermos! Hold onto your hairdo!"
As Joey said that, a huge ruby dragon with spikes falling down its back and spine appeared with a loud roar.
"Next, I'm going to combine my Hermos and my Time Wizard together!"
Hermos let out another roar as Time Wizard got sucked into its mouth. A yellow aura began to cover the dragon and then light surrounded the field.
This is going to be huge! Joey thought to himself. I can feel it!
Everyone stared in shock as the light soon dimmed down, revealing a humiliating site. The dragon had transformed into a pink and yellow croquet mallet with wings. The face of the mallet looked like a clock.
"Oh boy..." said Joey, seeing his results.
"It's adorable." said May. "That would be so awesome to have with the right clothes!"
Valon was having a laughing fit. "Good one Wheeler!" He said. "I'm really shaking in my boots; I haven't seen a Duel Monster that scary in a long time. Run! It's a croquet hammer with wings!"
"Hey!" Max screamed back at Valon. "Don't make me use Absol's Night Slash on you! It's obvious that this croquet mallet has some special ability that's going to make you really afraid of it!"
"I'd like to see it in action, shortie." Valon said in response before laughing again. Max growled as he yelled back, "You won't be laughing when Absol cuts you in half with Razor Wind!"
"Who cares what it looks like?" said Joey. "I'm gonna trust my deck and use my new weapon! Now Fiend Megacyber, pick up that hammer!"
The gold armored warrior grabbed onto the weapon, although there was no significant change to it at all.
"All right." Joey continued. "Time to flatten your monsters, Mai!"
Fiend Megacyber let out a roar as he charged toward Harpie's Pet Dragon.
"Activating Harpie's Sparrow Formation!" Mai announced as the three Harpie Ladies became wrapped in red flames. The fire transformed into a giant bird, with Fiend Megacyber charging at it.
"Your fiend, and your little hammer are history!" Mai added.
"Don't be so sure." Joey replied. "My hammer has all the power of my dragon and my Time Wizard!"
Instead of hitting the dragon, Fiend Megacyber slammed it to the ground as a huge hole appeared. Four orbs rose from the hole and soon landed above Mai's monsters, A "1" appeared on Harpie's Pet Dragon while a "2," "3," and "6," floated on top of Mai's Harpie Ladies.
"That's...a pathetic move." said May, seeing the results of the attack. "What good is that going to do?"
Valon was laughing once more at the results. "Thanks for the counting lesson, mate." He said after calming down. "Can you do me a favor with your next attack and teach me the alphabet?"
Seeing the results, Joey sighed. "Fine...I end my turn." He stated.
"Are you still trying to lose on purpose?" Mai asked. "You're no fun at all; I'm here to prove that I'm the better duelist and you're quitting."
"You're wrong!" Joey replied. "Listen--"
"I've heard enough out of you!" Mai interrupted. "Let's move on, all I want to do is get you out of my site...and it all ends here! Look out!"
She drew a card...but then, a huge gust of wind appeared, dragging all of Mai's monsters into the hole in the middle of the field!
"What's going on?" She exclaimed. "My Harpies..."
The Harpies screeched as they and Harpie's Pet Dragon entered the hole.
"What did you do to them?" Mai asked Joey, seeing that her side of the field was completely empty.
"I don't think he can answer that, Mai." May answered back. "But...whatever it is, it must be good."
"It is!" Max replied. "Now Joey can attack Mai directly and lower her life points!"
Mai growled. "I place one card face down." She announced. "Now make your move!"
"Look!" said Joey. "I don't want to lose! In fact, I don't want either of us to lose! Which is why there's something I got to do."
"Now Fiend Megacyber, attack directly!"
Fiend Megacyber raised a hand as an orb of energy flew from it. It hit Mai as she landed on her back, her life points going down from 3600 to 1400.
She'll forgive me for this...someday. Joey thought to himself as Mai stood up.
"Mai..." said Valon, staring at the female duelist. Raphael replied with, "Don't worry, we'll get a soul no matter which one loses the duel."
"How could you say that?!" Valon exclaimed. "She's one of us now!"
"I'll also place one card face down, and end my turn." said Joey as a card appeared behind Fiend Megacyber.
I have to make sure our life points hit zero at the same time. He thought to himself. Then we'll both be saved.
Joey then noticed Mai was grabbing onto her arm and shivering. He was also hearing her say, "I can't lose, I can't go back there..."
Her mind recalled the time she was unable to move due to the Holding Arms and Holding Legs binding her to the stone tablet...all she could was just watch as the Winged Dragon of Ra unleashed its attack.
"I gave up everything, just to be a winner." She said. "Now I'll never lose."
"Mai..." Joey was about to say, but Mai interrupted him by saying, "Oh save it!"
"My move!" Mai Valentine announced as she drew another card. As she did, Harpie's Pet Dragon flew out of the hole in the middle of the field! (2,000/2,500) -) (2,500/2,500)
"One of Mai's monsters returned." said Tristan.
"How the heck did she do that?" asked Téa.
"Hold on." said Yugi. "It's those numbers; Joey's hammer was created by Time Wizard, so I have a feeling it didn't destroy Mai's monsters, but sent them forward in time."
"That does make sense." said Max. "Those numbers must represent how many turns that had to be played before they arrived! Since Harpie's Pet Dragon had a '1' on its forehead, then it would appear after one of Mai's turns!"
"That means that one Harpie Lady will arrive on Mai's second turn, then another after that, then the last one will appear after 5 more of her turns!" May followed. "That hammer's not only cute, but it's very functional."
"But wait a minute!" said Max. "Harpie's Pet Dragon now has 2,500 attack points! If it attacks, Joey will lose 300 life points and lose the duel!"
"Here's a tip, Wheeler." said Mai. "Next time you play a card, learn how it works. Then again...there's not gonna be a next time for you!"
"Harpie's Pet Dragon, destroy his fiend now!"
"I wouldn't do that if I were her." said Raphael. But his advice fell on deaf ears as Harpie's Pet Dragon lunged toward Fiend Megacyber.
"Reveal face down card!" said Joey. "Activating Skull Dice!"
A devil-like creature appeared, holding a giant red die.
"Your monster's going to lose some attack points! Let's see how much he loses when I roll the die!"
The imp tossed the red die onto the ground, spinning until it landed on a two.
"A two!" Joey announced. "So that means your Harpie's Pet Dragon loses half of its attack points now!"
Harpie's Pet Dragon's attack points dropped to 1,250. Fiend Megacyber noticed this, and delivered a punch to its opponent. Mai's life points dropped to 450.
"We're almost even, Mai." said Joey.
Mai shook her head. "I...have to win." she said in response. "Can't lose...won't go back there...have to win..."
"Oh well," said Raphael. "She's lost it."
Valon growled then jumped out of the balcony. Bending his knees at the ramp he pushed himself forward, falling toward the two duelists.
"Is he crazy?!" May exclaimed. "He's going to hurt himself."
"With this fragment of the Orichalcos stone." said Valon, staring at the green shard set amongst a thick pewter ring. "I unlock the Seal!"
With a good punch, the fist that held the ring soon shattered the barrier surrounding Mai and Joey! Soon with a loud explosion, smoke covered the room, causing everyone to be forced back and landing on their backs.
"The Seal can be destroyed by something like that?" asked Max. He rummaged a hand into his pants pocket, bringing out the chain linked necklace May picked up from Bandit Keith. "No way..."
"Joey!" said Yugi, seeing his friend unconscious once the smoke cleared. Looking further, he saw Valon wrapping an unconscious Mai in a soft embrace.
"What were you thinking, Valon?" Raphael asked his partner, walking up to the spiky haired biker. "You betrayed Master Dartz and risked your own soul! And you mean to tell me that you did this all so you could save some girl?"
"She's not just some girl!" Valon yelled back.
Raphael snarled, staring at Yugi. He also noticed May and Max standing up—along with Munchlax and Absol who had been silent the whole duel. That's when the memory struck...the Guardian of the Sea with her arms having so many bruises....He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"I'll make up for this, by taking your soul, Pharaoh!" He announced pointing to Yugi. "The power around my neck will put your Millennium Puzzle to shame."
"Then you're going to have to go through us!" said May. "As long as we're here, Max and I are going to stop your crazy schemes!"
"Yeah!" Max added. "We won't let you lunatics get away with this!"
"How cute." said Raphael in reply. "Well maybe you should tell that to the Guardian of the Sea...after all, she got wounded thanks to people like you!"
"The Guardian...of the Sea?" May repeated.
Raphael didn't say anything else, but took the stone around his neck and lifted it into the air. A green light filled the room as everyone covered their eyes. In a few seconds, the light dimmed down...and he was gone, along with Valon and Mai.
"Where did they go?" asked Max. No one else listened to him as Tristan and Téa went up to the unconscious Joey.
"Don't give up on us." said Tristan, kneeling beside his fallen friend. Fortunately, Joey started to stir, grabbing his head before looking at his surroundings once more.
"Where's Mai?" asked Joey. "Did those punks take her?"
"I'm afraid so." said Téa.
"I was so close." said Joey as he stood up. He grit his teeth in anger at how close he was in saving his friend.
"I'll get you Mai!" He yelled as everyone else looked in sadness.
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It was at that time that Weevil and Rex finally woke up from their extended nap. Getting out of the convertible, the two duelists soon noticed the site of a giant dragon-shaped jet descending into the ground.
"What's a Blue Eyes White Dragon doing out here?" asked Rex.
"Blue Eyes or not, we need to get inside Industrial Illusions and get those rare cards." Weevil replied. He laughed as he said, "I could just see it now...those rare cards will truly decimate Yugi and I'll be the owner of the God Cards!"
"What are you talking about?" said Rex. "I'll be the owner of the God Cards! You can borrow them after I'm done!"
As the two began to bicker, both Kaiba brothers got out of the personalized jet, and went into the open doors of Industrial Illusions. The first thing that they noticed, was the fact that the gate had been broken into pieces.
"Seems like someone forced their way in." said Mokuba. "This doesn't look like something a human could do, though."
"Forget about that, Mokuba." said Kaiba as the sliding doors opened. "We've got us a Creator to find."
Unfortunately, once the two brothers entered...all they saw were Yugi and the others in the foyer.
"Oh great." said Kaiba with some disdain. Mokuba ignored the cry as he noticed a peculiar site.
His eyes trailed toward May and Max, both were recalling their Pokémon and were ignoring both of the brothers. Mokuba's eyes widened when he saw two glowing auras...May's was a light blue, while Max had a starry yellow.
"Khonsu..." Mokuba whispered. "I found them...the Goddess of Joy and the Prince of Wisdom."
"All right, Max." said May, oblivious to Mokuba running up to her. "What do you think Raphael meant when he mentioned the Guardian of the Sea?"
"Don't know." Max answered back. "But one thing's for sure, that Orichalcos is not something you want to deal with; after what we've went through, I'm starting to get worried."
"Yeah, me too." May answered. It was then that she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She turned around to see a young boy with spiky black hair greet her. "Hi there."
"You must Mokuba." said Max. "Kaiba's little brother, right?"
"Yeah." said Mokuba. "And you two must be the Goddess of Joy and Prince of Wisdom."
"H-how did you know that?" asked May. Mokuba replied with stepping to the side, revealing Khonsu staring at them.
"Khonsu?" Max gasped in shock. "But...you can't be! You look nothing like my sister's card."
"It's because that's the form I showed to the people of Egypt." Khonsu explained as May and Max nearly jumped out of their skin. "And forgive my Vessel, but I have not caught your names."
"I'm May, and this is my brother Max." said May in response. "What's...going on here?"
"I'd tell you, but we're missing one more person." said Khonsu. He then stared at May's deck. "Atem...reveal yourself before I do it for you."
May didn't understand what was going on, but was shocked to see Atem appear next to her. There was some remorse in the eyes of the Pharaoh...what had happened?
"It has been a while Khonsu." said Atem, bowing before the Moon God. "And also to your Vessel."
"Hello Atem." said Mokuba. "I'm Mokuba, Moka's reincarnate...and don't worry, I forgive you for what you did...I know it's not your fault."
"Wait." said Max. "You know about the Heart of Chaos?"
"You mean the item that caused darkness to fall upon Egypt?" asked Mokuba. "Yeah...in fact, if it wasn't for Moka's death, the path to purify Atem's soul would not have happened."
"Wait...Atem killed your ancestor, Mokuba?" May asked. Mokuba nodded his head. "Oh...."
"So what's your title?" asked Max. "If I'm the Prince of Wisdom and my sister is the Goddess of Joy, who are you?"
"He is known as the Defender of the King." Atem answered standing up. "Khonsu was known to defend all those who traveled among the evening sky, and made sure that the Pharaoh's enemies were defeated."
"Correct." said Mokuba. "But unlike both of you, who call upon powers because you were blessed with them, I am able to let Khonsu take over my body...just like Yugi does with the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle. I also have magic powers of my own, and so do you!"
"Wow...." said May. "That's amazing."
Khonsu placed his hand on Mokuba's Duel Disk. "Now..." He began. "Your new deck awaits!"
The group was surrounded by a dome of darkness, which was soon let up by small specks of light.
"Where...are we?" asked May, looking around.
"We are in the realm of stars." Atem answered. "Sothis, the god of the stars is going to give his blessing to Moka's reincarnate."
Khonsu brought his curved blade, replacing it with a staff with a small sphere—looking similar to the Millennium Eye—on top of it. He then lifted it into the air.
"Now, Goddess of Joy and Prince of Wisdom." He announced. "Bring out your hands."
May and Max brought out the hands which held their Duel Disks. Mokuba also brought his out with some confusion.
"Atem." said Khonsu. "As Pharaoh, I ask that you give a sacrifice of blood and pour it upon their hands."
"Understood," said Atem, slicing his arm with the sword in his hand. A huge slash cut through the skin, the red liquid starting to stream out of the injury. Raising his arm over the three children, the blood dropped upon the backs of their hands.
"Let the blood of my father bless the beings of the Moon, of Joy and of Wisdom." said Atem. "May they be protected from all evil that comes their way."
"And I," Khonsu continued. "I the Child of the Moon asks for the power of the stars to aid us in this quest...Sothis, my dear friend...give me your blessing!"
The specks of light soon had lines connecting them all together, revealing many constellations from the night sky. They pulled themselves away from the black dome and transformed into Duel Monster cards.
"Wow..." May gasped. "That's so beautiful!"
"Stars in the sky, dance amongst these children...lend them your hands, and let us stop this evil from spreading!" Khonsu finished.
The cards soon flew into Mokuba's deck as the clothing on the three children began to change. May's blue outfit was replaced with her white tunic and blue hooded cloak. Max was soon wearing his green tunic with cape and star crown. Mokuba was now wearing an outfit similar to Khonsu's, except now he had the moon crown necklace draped around his neck.
Eventually, there was nothing but darkness covering the five. The blood on the children's' arms had vanished.
"That was amazing..." Max whispered. "Real magic..."
"In due time, you and the Goddess of Joy will be able to do magic such as this." said Atem. "But...you are currently activating one of your abilities right now?"
"Huh?" asked May. She blinked her eyes and found herself back in the foyer of Industrial Illusions. "What the..."
"Mokuba." said the voice of Seto Kaiba. Atem and Khonsu nodded their heads and vanished. "What are you doing?"
"Seto," said Mokuba. "I was just meeting up with some of Yugi's friends. They're called May and Max and..."
"I'm not talking about them." Kaiba interrupted. "I was going to ask that....that..."
Kaiba was aghast....in front of him was his brother, but there was something different about him...his whole appearance radiated with energy...
"Mokuba..." He whispered. "What's happened to you?"
"Huh?" asked Mokuba with some confusion. "Nothing's wrong with me...I'm still your brother."
"May, Max." May turned to see Yugi coming up to them. "We're heading off to..."
Yugi gasped and stepped back, seeing May and Max in their magical attire. "W-where did you get those outfits?"
"You mean these?" asked May. To her, she was seeing her old blue outfit with gloves and bandanna. "You should know by now that I kept this outfit back at my house..."
"He didn't mean that!" Kaiba snapped. "Where did you get those tunics?!"
"Tunics?" May, Max and Mokuba asked.
"Wait a second." said Mokuba. "Maybe my theory in Seto having a grain of sand's worth of belief in magic was right."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Max. It then hit him. "Only people who believe in magic...or have magic blood in them can see our outfits?!"
"Makes sense." said May. "Yugi is the reincarnate of a Pharaoh from 5,000 years ago...and Kaiba was a High Priest at that time."
"Hey Yugi." said Joey, coming to his best friend. "What's going...AHHH!"
"Wow." said May, wincing from the scream. "That was pretty loud."
"W..what the?" said Joey. "What's with the aura?"
"You're one to talk." said Mokuba, seeing a golden and maroon colored aura surrounding the blonde duelist. "Your aura is two colors, gold and maroon. Seto's is dark blue and silver...and Yugi has a black and violet aura."
"Okay..." said Yugi, slowly backing away. "Mokuba, are you feeling okay?"
"I've actually never been better!" said Mokuba. "Especially now that I've finally got my own deck and Duel Disk."
Yugi and Joey soon noticed Mokuba's arm; there was a new Duel Disk and a deck of cards inside. Kaiba just stood in shock.
"How the heck did you get a deck so quickly?" Kaiba asked his brother. "You didn't have a Disk until we set foot in Duelist Kingdom, and that deck now appears out of thin air!"
"Actually, it came from the stars." Max replied.
"I'm telling you that magic doesn't exist!" Kaiba screamed at Max. "So stop living in your fantasy realms and grow up!"
"But Seto," said Mokuba. "Didn't you use to tell me all those fairy tales when we were younger?"
There was collective silence as Mokuba continued his tale.
"You used to read me all those story books back at the orphanage. Sure, some of the older kids picked on me because of that, but you stood up for me when you told them how much I loved those stories. In fact, one of my favorite ones was about the boy and his dragon...you even said that one day, we would fly on a dragon to wherever we wanted to go...even to the moon and stars.."
He bowed his head as he continued.
"But once you got Kaiba Corp. everything changed. You stopped reading me those stories, and seeing you back at Duelist Kingdom makes me feel as if you truly don't love me anymore. Sometimes I wished that the old you was still there; the one who kept reading me stories and made sure I was okay...it seems as if you really did change...whether it's for the best, I don't know...I just don't know anymore."
"Oh Mokuba..." said May. "I had no idea that you felt this way."
"It must be hard on you." Max added. "What with your brother being a famous CEO and all."
Yugi and Joey didn't say anything, but Kaiba soon went to his little brother, got on his knees and gave him a hug.
"Seto..." Mokuba whispered as he closed his eyes.
"Mokuba," Kaiba began. "I never stopped believing in those fairy tales...I just stopped admitting it. When we grew up with Gozaburo, I had to give up on admitting that I believed in those types of stories, or else there would be even more punishment for me. I was about to give up hope...but when you brought me that drawing of a Blue Eyes White Dragon, I remembered all those stories I told you...But things got in the way...things that were out of my control...but you are right...sometimes I wish I could somehow had taken better care of you...but that will change."
"Even though I can't admit that I can see this magic, as long as I keep that grain of sand...then will that be enough?"
Mokuba didn't know what to say as tears fell down his face. He gripped onto his brother's duster tighter in response. May and Max sighed as they saw the brothers embrace for some time.
"How cute...." said Joey as a tear fell down his eye. "I get so emotional from this type of stuff.
"Hey guys!" Yugi turned to see Duke Devlin running toward them. "I got the security system disabled and..."
May put a finger to her lips and pointed at the hugging scene. Duke then nodded his head as he continued to speak in a low voice.
"And out of all doors that I unlocked, only one of them remained locked." He whispered. "Any idea what's happened."
"I know!" said Max. "Yugi got a card with the image of a key...maybe that'll unlock the door. Can you tell us which one it is?"
"Better yet, I'll show you." said Duke. "Now let's hurry...we need to find out what's going on."
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
"How can anyone find their way around this place?" asked Tristan when the group entered one of the rooms.
The nine soon stopped in front of a door with a card scanner on the right. Yugi brought out the key card from Pegasus and slid it through the reader. A slight beep was heard as the door handle pushed down, opening itself to the group.
"I wonder what's in here." said Max as he stepped inside.
"Max, be careful." May replied as the lights went on. The two gasped at the site...statues of different Toon monsters—like Parrot Dragon, Toon Alligator and Toon Mermaid—were grinning at them, and at the other side of the room was some sort of stage that looked like a giant version of Toon World.
"This looks...interesting." said Max, seeing the sites. "I've never seen this monsters before."
Kaiba growled at the site the monsters. "I hate these Toons."
Unknown to everyone else, Rex and Weevil followed them inside.
"It's the jackpot!" Weevil said in awe. "Pegasus must've stashed all his rarest cards in here!"
"Yeah!" Rex said in agreement. "So why are we standing here? Let's go get us some rare cards!"
In the middle of the room, a shimmering hologram of the Creator appeared. May and Max gasped in awe, passing their hands through the technological specter.
"Yugi-boy." The hologram greeted. "At least I hope it's you that found this room...by the way if you couldn't tell, I did all the interior decorating myself. Pretty impressive, isn't it?"
"This guy has got to get over himself." Tristan muttered under his breath.
"Keep it down." said Téa. "I can't hear."
"If you're watching this," The hologram continued. "That can only mean the gentlemen who were after my soul were finally able to capture me. So listen closely."
"It all began when a mysterious man tried to buy out my company..."
"Hold on." Kaiba interrupted. "I got dragged into this whole mess because someone is trying to buy out my company also." Mokuba added, "That's right!"
"But there's more," the hologram Pegasus added after Kaiba finished his statement. "This individual possesses an ancient power stronger than I have ever seen. And his name...is Dartz. You're in danger; Dartz plans to use my game to destroy civilization. He must be stopped, and the key to taking him down is somewhere in this room."
"Ever since my retirement began, I've had a lot of time on my hands. So I began to further my studies in the Ancient Egyptian origins of Duel Monsters and I made an astonishing discovery. These creatures existed long before the Pyramids were even built."
"In the city of Atlantis!" said Max.
"And that is where this Dartz character comes in." said the Hologram, as if replying to Max's statement. "He's trying to resurrect the most terrifying beast ever to roam the Earth, the Great Leviathan! By draining the souls of man and beast...in order to build up the strength of this unstoppable monster."
"Hey, Max." said May. "Does that somehow have connections to the Seal of Orichalcos? When we met up with Rex and Weevil for the first time, they mentioned us giving up our souls to the Great Beast."
"Maybe." Max replied. "But how does that explain the bikers that went after us? Better yet, how does that explain Marius's situation?"
"If his plan works, Dartz will have succeeded in unleashing a truly devastating powers; the likes that have not been seen in 10,000 years." Everyone had a look of either worry, anger or fear when they heard the hologram's prophecy. "You're our only hope, so I created an exclusive card just for you Yugi-boy!"
"No way!" Rex and Weevil explained, looking left and right.
"I left the card somewhere in this very room." the hologram added. "Think strategically now, where would one find an extra card?"
"In the Pot of Greed!" May and Max said simultaneously. "You can draw two cards from your deck when you play that card."
"Come to papa!" Rex and Weevil yelled, jumping toward the Pot of Greed. However, May and Max grabbed them by the ears and dragged them away.
"This card is for Yugi Muto," said May. "Not for lowlifes!"
"Yeah." Max added. "Maybe when you become famous, you can get your own card!"
Tristan stuck his hand into the Pot of Greed and pulled out a card but looked at it with some disdain.
"Oh, real special card." He said mockingly. "This thing's completely blank!"
"What's the use of a worthless card then?" Téa exclaimed.
"Time is running out." said the hologram. "My cute little Duel Monsters...soon they'll be gone, along with the rest of the world. Only you can save the poor creatures that made my game famous!"
Then the hologram vanished.
"Talk about total drama." said Tristan, commenting on the situation.
"This can't be happening!" Joey exclaimed, the memory of his duel against the Harpie Lady duelist fresh in his mind. "Why would Mai want to help destroy the world? I'm telling you, they brainwashed her or something!"
"Calm down." said May. "If you keep focused on that, then we're never going to get to the bottom of this. And this includes you too, Kaiba."
She stared at the CEO when she said the last sentence.
"Even with that grain of sand's worth, you still keep your company in top priority. If we want to save the world, find out why Mai's now with those bikers and figure out why this Dartz is buying shares of Kaiba Corp., we're going to have to stay calm."
"May's right." said Max. "The two of us have already been in Orichalcos duels, and let me tell you...we barely came out alive."
"Really?" asked Mokuba. "What happened?"
"Well," said May. "I fought against Bandit Keith but defeated him even after he attacked my monster with a Limited Removal powered up Metalzoa. And Max's duel had him down to 100 life points against this magician named Arkana, but he defeated him with ease using Jirachi."
"Jirachi?" asked Mokuba. "Can I see it?"
Max drew a card from his deck, revealing a Duel Monster Card bearing the image of the Wish Pokémon. May also did the same thing, revealing the card with the Seafaring Pokémon.
"These cards..." said Mokuba, staring at them. "They're bearing a same magic pattern that Seto had when he played the Fang of Critias."
"The Fang of Critias?" May repeated. "So you're saying your brother has one of those cards?"
"See for yourself." said Kaiba, drawing a card. It showed the dark blue dragon with a blue gem on its forehead. Seeing the card, Yugi and Joey also drew from their decks, showing the Eye of Timaeus and the Claw of Hermos to the group.
"These cards might be the key in helping us beat the Great Leviathan." said Yugi, as all five of the cards began to glow. "We're going to have to work together in order to stop it. The three of us have been chosen to wield these dragons, Kaiba...and we have to accept our fate."
"Says you." Kaiba said in reply. "I'm not so...keen on this whole destiny in saving the world as I am in this teamwork stuff. I work alone."
"Like a Mightyena in the forest." said May with a sigh. "There goes our chance on dueling Mokuba."
"Don't worry." said Mokuba. "Seto has his grain of sand, and that's all we need right now. And I'll be working extra hard with my deck so it'll be ready for whomever challenges me!"
"Then get ready." said Max. "My Spell Counter deck and May's Ancient Egypt Deck are ready for a battle anytime!"
"Bring it on!" Mokuba replied with a grin.
May and Max brought a hand out as Mokuba put his on top of theirs. Markings soon appeared on their hands as if an invisible pen was drawing on them. Mokuba had a crescent moon, Max had a five pointed star, and May had a musical note on hers.
"Well." said May with a grin. "It looks like we've formed our group of legendary warriors."
The three raised their hands into the air. "Look out Dartz, for I, the Goddess of Joy..."
"I, the Prince of Wisdom..." said Max.
"And I, the Defender of the King..." Mokuba ended.
"We shall use our powers to defeat the Great Leviathan and the Seal of Orichalcos once and for all!" The three cried in unison.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Max: Does your brother really have to leave us now, Mokuba?
Mokuba: Sorry, but Seto has to make sure we find out what's going on at Kaiba Corp. Just be lucky he still believes in a 'bit' of magic.
May: As small as a speck of dust or sand, need I remind you.
Max: Speaking of sand, this desert scenery is getting annoying...where are we heading off to next?
May: Yugi says we're off to Professor Hawkins, he might have some new information for us about this Dartz guy!
Mokuba: But he's been kidnapped by Raphael!
Max: What?! Those guys are one step ahead of us!
May: Then we'll have to be two steps ahead of them!
Max: I don't think so, May...it looks like a friend of Marius is going out for some revenge! On me!
Mokuba: And Yugi's been challenged to a duel against Raphael...I just hope it doesn't involve that Seal.
May: Next time, "Between my Brother and Me" chapter 10: Danger across a Moonlit Battle
Max: Shuppet, Vigoroth, Absol...let's go defeat our opponent!
Mokuba: Wait a minute...why do I feel that there's something else going on?