Yeah! Update number three! I am getting pumped for this story, though I have to say that this chapter is more about info than it is about action. I know it's a bit dull compared to other chapters but it will pick up after the next update when Battle City starts. Anyway, unlike the past few times, I won't be reading the reviews and replying to them. Not that I don't appreciate them, but I'm a bit worn out right now. So, I won't keep you guys waiting anymore. I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or it's characters. I only own my own. Goodbye and good reading!

Ding-ding!

Solomon looked up from the cards sealed in small cases and arched an eyebrow. Joey was making his way to the front counter, but he looked completely distracted as he looked around the store…well, at least more than usual.

"Good afternoon, Joey," he greeted. "I'm sorry, but Yugi isn't here right now."

"Uh, no problem, Gramps," he said, not once giving the elder man a glance. "I'm not here ta see Yugi."

"Hmm? And just what brings you by here, then?"

"I'ma…I'm in the market fer a new Duel Monsters card…"

Solomon blinked, "Well…do you happen to have any card in particular that you have in mind?"

"Not yet, but I'll know it when I see it," Joey said, finally stopping at the counter and was looking around the display case.

Now Solomon knew that something was eating away at Joey. He looked as if he knew what kind of card he was looking for, but wouldn't know what it was until he laid his eyes on it.

"Well, if you need any assistance, then feel free to ask," he said, setting down a few of the cards to show in the display case.

Joey's eyes suddenly widened at a particular card that Solomon just put in the case, Hey! Now that looks like a worthwhile card!

"Hey, that looks like a good card," he said, pointing down through the glass. The shop owner looked down to where he was pointing and picked it up.

"You mean this one? I'm not sure if it's entirely fit for a deck like yours, Joey."

Ignoring the comment, Joey picked the card up and looked it over eagerly.

The picture was of a woman with long golden hair and skin that was snow white. She was dressed in white and red armor trimmed with gold. She also held a sword that had its handle with the design of a rose. Finally, she had large wings made entirely out of rose petals.

The Queen Angel of Roses (2400/1300)! This card is perfect! Joey thought, just about ready to burst with excitement.

"Say, this card wouldn't happen to be a gift for a certain someone, would it, Joey?"

"Huh? Eh…" he gulped a bit. Solomon had a knowing smile on his face, figuring out not more than a moment ago why Joey was there in the first place. "Well…ya see, Gramps…"

"You don't need to say another word, Joey. I understand. Tell me, what's the occasion for all of this?" the elderly man asked.

"No occasion, really. I just wanted ta…ya know, get 'er somethin' special…just because."

Solomon chuckled, "Joey. I know you better than that and I know that's not the reason you're here. Now, why do you really want this card?"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Joey explained, "Okay, ya got me, Gramps…Anya's been feelin' a bit down lately. I think that whole thing with the fire really has'er all shook up. I can't think of anything else that could lift her spirits up more than her Duel Monsters' cards, but I couldn't just get her any card. I wanted it ta be special."

"Well then I'll tell you what. Since this is such a special occasion, this one's on the house."

Joey's eyes widened, though anyone could see all of the excitement sparking within them, "Whoa! No foolin'?"

"Just as long as this card is used with good intentions and a strong belief in the heart of the cards."

"Thanks! I gotta get goin'! This little numbah needs ta be wrapped up nice if I'm gonna be givin' it ta Anya!"

Before Solomon could give out so much as a 'you're welcome,' Joey was out the door in a flash. The shop owner shook his head, "Ah, to be young and in love…"

Kicking a small stone across the sidewalk, Anya had her fists shoved into the pockets of her dark blue jeans as she continued her walk. The breeze blew slightly on her yellow scarf and thin violet vest, though she didn't seem to mind it.

A few days had past since the incident with Bandit Keith and the mysterious being that had controlled his mind stole the Millennium Puzzle. For some reason, however, things didn't feel the same since then. Not for Tea, not for Yugi, and definitely not for Anya.

"The bearer of the Millennium Charm. I should've known only you would be desperately loyal enough to the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle to stand by the side of this little runt."

Those words really got Anya to thinking about a lot of things, mainly the Millennium Items and how they are all connected to each other. What did that man mean by them? If his words were true, then how are the Puzzle and the Charm linked together? Or better yet, how were the Charm and the spirit within the Puzzle linked? So many questions and so little resources to find the answers.

This is all too confusing. I just wish there was a place where at least a few of my questions would be answered. I don't suppose you have any suggestions, do you? Anya asked, giving a sideways glance.

As if he were real himself, Silent Magician glided by Anya's side at only a foot away in his spiritual form. Of course, being at his lower level and only reaching about Anya's shoulders, he wasn't as impressive to look at, but he did have a protective look in both his eyes and his stature.

All he did was merely shake his head. Anya sighed inwardly, knowing that even though Silent Magician was her closest friend and most trusted partner, it still would be nice if he weren't a magician of few words. Very few words.

"There has to be something that can give me a clue!" Anya said as she and her companion turned a corner. She stopped and cocked her head to the side in confusion, "Huh? What's all the hubbub?"

All around the Domino Museum, people were gathered. Reporters and news trucks were at the very edge and many more people were at the front of the steps.

Grand Opening of Newest Egyptian Exhibit. All are welcome to attend.

"Egypt, huh? Well, the Millennium Items are from Egypt. I guess it's at least worth checking out."

Come on! Let's go! Anya spoke to her monster before taking off. His visible blue eye watched her for only a moment before calmly following her at his own pace.

"Excuse me! Pardon me! Coming through!" Anya politely pushed through the crowd all the way to the front. When she did get there, there were only cameramen at the foot of the stairs. A few steps up, there were a few officials (at least that's what she believed) and a table where a woman was sitting and speaking.

"Game fans are especially invited. This world premiere showcases newly-discovered and never-before-seen artifacts, chronicling the history of Egyptian games. In ancient times, games were not played just for fun as they are today. Everyone from princes to peasants waged dueling games against each other for land, wealth, but especially for power. This games were epic battles."

Well, even if we don't find anything about the Millennium Items, at least this trip won't be a total bust, Anya said as the Silent Magician finally joined her at her side.

"I've unearthed relics that suggest the great Pharaoh himself may have competed in a game against a force that threatened to destroy the entire world!" The woman continued. "Of course, this is still speculation and further studying needs to be done."

Great Pharaoh? Like an Egyptian king?

"I'm personally inviting Seto Kaiba to this evening's private exhibition. I promise what he will witness will change his life forever."

Kaiba? What interest would Kaiba have in an Egyptian exhibit?

"And thank you all for coming today and feel free to come by tomorrow to see all there is to our newest Egyptian exhibit," announced the curator of the museum and Anya felt her heart sink.

Tomorrow!?

Well, that figures, huh? Anya turned to her monster with a humorless grin. Silent Magician merely blinked at her, tilting his head a bit. Guess we'll just have to come back tomorrow.

Sighing heavily, Anya watched as people quickly began to disappear from the front of the museum. She turned on her heel, ready to do the same until she felt a firm grip come down on her shoulder.

Her eyes widened a bit, glancing over her shoulder. Sensing his duel master's fear, Silent Magician had his staff drawn, glowing with strange power that he would use to defend his duel master.

"Excuse me, miss, but you'll need to come with me," said the tall man in a suit.

"Uh…is there a problem?"

"…Just please come with me, miss. Our employer would like to meet you."

"Are you sure I'm supposed to be here? This place looks pretty off-limits to me," Anya said as she was led down a flight of stairs within the museum by two men in suits. Silent Magician hovered loyally by her side as he did with most of his time outside of the deck.

One of them merely replied, "Under normal circumstances you would be right, but our employer, Miss Ishtar, seems to have taken an interest in you."

The black-haired girl stopped for a moment on the steps and then followed once again, "You mean the lady that's putting on this whole Egyptian exhibit in the first place? Why me?"

"Good question, kid," the other man said as they reached the bottom. They opened the doors and ushered her inside, "This room has the most valuable of Miss Ishtar's artifacts. She'll be down here to meet with you momentarily."

With that, Anya was left alone in the room. She shoved her hands into her jeans and decided to look around at the artifacts until the arrival of Miss Ishtar. Nothing too extravagant to look at, at least nothing that could be displayed in public. Some jewelry, pottery, ancient tablets…

Anya tensed dramatically, her heart racing and yet all of the blood managed to drain from her face. Once again, Silent Magician sensed her distress and had his staff ready to strike. He watched in slight bemusement as his duel master walked forward, her eyes completely glued onto the stone table that seemed to be isolated from the rest of them.

Stopping at only a foot away from the tablet, she couldn't find one possible reason to not have a breakdown. It actually astounded her that she managed to stand.

The tablet, of course being ancient, was worn out in some places, but depicted a rousing scene nonetheless. On the left side of the tablet, something that looked like a swarm of evil monsters and demons looked ready to pounce. On the right…well, that's where the surprises started showing up.

Four figures were depicted on the right side; one man, two women, and what looked like a large, powerful serpent. All three humans had their hands out, as if ready to counter the demons and were dressed in Egyptian clothing. The first woman that Anya took notice of didn't look much different from the other, only this one had much longer hair and around her neck was a circular object with the Eye of Horus imprinted on it. The second girl had shorter hair and around her wrist was what looked awfully a lot like…

My Millennium Charm! Anya brought up her wrist up to her chest, glancing down at it in thought. The Eye of Horus gleamed dimly upon the heart of the Millennium Charm. Casting the thought aside only for now, Anya continued on.

The man…the man actually looked incredibly familiar to her. He was at the main front before the serpent, and then the two girls following. He had spiky hair and around his neck was…the Millennium Puzzle!

"Yugi…"

No, she thought. It couldn't be Yugi. Not in a time that was over five thousand years ago. However, there was still the Spirit within the Millennium Puzzle. For him to be a spirit meant that he was older than them at least. Perhaps the man on the tablet was who the Spirit once was. If so, then was it really that much of a coincidence that someone who just so happened to look a lot like him to receive and complete the Puzzle?

Again, another thought to cast to the side for right now, but definitely something worth looking into. Finally, Anya's eyes rested upon the giant serpent that would appear to be attacking the demons. She had a strong feeling in her heart that the Millennium Charm and the Millennium Puzzle really were and still are connected and that this monster was the key.

"Quite an interesting tale on this stone tablet, isn't it?"

Anya cringed dramatically, forcing herself to not jump nearly five feet in the air. She looked to her right and saw the woman, Miss Ishtar, standing right next to her.

"I apologize for startling you, Anya. If you have not already guessed, I am Ishizu. Ishizu Ishtar."

The younger girl let out a sigh of relief, smiling a bit as she said, "No problem. It was actually quite a surprise that you wanted to see-"

She froze, ever so slowly turning towards the mysterious woman, "You just called me Anya."

"Indeed, I did."

"But…I never told you my name, did I?"

"I do not believe you ever did such a thing."

…

Anya shuffled to the side a bit, feeling a bit disarmed in the current situation. She blew out a breath of air nervously as she said, "And…you're strangely being calm about this. Why?"

Ishizu closed her eyes and spoke once again, "It's because I've been expecting you for some time now. In fact, I knew you would be in the very crowd that was outside only moments ago."

Anya opened her mouth, about to retort that it explained why the guys in suits brought her here in the first place, but decided against it. Instead, she turned back to the tablet, "So…this tablet tells a story? What's it about?"

"That is something that cannot be told, but I can show you."

Anya furrowed her eyebrows, but she didn't have time to question her words before her vision went completely black.

"Huh?! What?! Where am I?" Anya frantically looked around when she finally found some light to see. From what she could see, all there was were large stone columns, stone doors, and torches lighting up the area. It was definitely nothing like she would see in the museum.

"Our numbers are dwindling faster than ever, my Pharaoh. If nothing is done soon, then the Dark One will consume the rest of our land…and I'm afraid the world shall follow."

"Huh?" Anya turned around, not even seeing the most interesting part of her vision.

All along the walls were what appeared to be Egyptian hieroglyphics painted in all sorts of colors. There was also a large seat up a small flight of stairs, which was occupied by-

"Is that…the Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle?"

He indeed had the spiky hair and clothing depicted in the stone of the museum. Even down to the Millennium Puzzle hanging around his neck.

"I see. Is there nothing else that can be done, Amunet?"

Amunet. Anya brought up her wrist and looked upon the Millennium Charm. That was one of the spirits that resided within the Millennium Charm. This spirit also claimed that she was an ancient ancestor of hers. Perhaps this Amunet in her vision and herself were related by blood after all.

"There is one thing that we have not tried, sire."

She didn't notice it at the time, but along with Amunet, there was another young woman kneeling in front of the throne. She was also dressed much like the other woman depicted on the stone tablet in the museum.

The woman was dressed identically to Amunet, but since both of them had their backs to Anya, the only way to tell the two apart was the waist-length light brown hair cascading down the one that had just spoken.

"There is always the option of calling upon the sacred spirit of the Nile River, Chione."

Chione? Anya thought to herself. Amunet gasped and the Spirit of the puzzle sat up straighter. Whoever Chione was, he or she must've been someone very important, apparently.

"Is that really wise, Subira?" Amunet asked. "The sacred serpent's power is nothing to take lightly. Her power must not be invoked unless we are in desperate aid of it."

"I agree that it is indeed dangerous to call upon the Goddess of the Nile, Amunet," the Pharaoh spoke, ending the possible argument before it even began. "But we may not have much more of a choice. If we do not try now, we may not get this chance again."

He stood up as he continued, "I know you're connection to Chione makes this hard for you, Amunet, but it must be done."

Amunet bowed her head, "I understand, my king."

"Hah!" Anya gasped, making sure to regain her footing before she could fall. Looking around, the familiar surroundings of the Domino Museum. "What was that?"

"A mere glimpse of destructive events occurring five thousand years ago that I am sure answered some of your questions."

Anya turned back to Ishizu, who didn't even turn to look at her. Shoving her fists into her pockets, she then asked, "A lot of them except for one. How did you do that?!"

Ishizu merely laughed lightly, turning slightly to her, "What you saw was done with the power of my Millennium Necklace."

Tensing dramatically, Anya gulped, "M-M-Millennium Necklace?"

Honestly, Anya didn't feel anything evil coming from Ishizu's aura, but she couldn't help but feel skittish. What with her past encounters with Bakura with the Millennium Ring and Pegasus with the Millennium Eye, she knew she had to be cautious with anyone who had possession with a Millennium item.

"I can sense your unease, but let me assure you that I am anything but a threat to you, Anya."

Hold on, Anya commanded as Silent Magician brought his scepter up once again. Upon feeling a mental jolt, she countered, I don't care if she is being ambiguous. Let's see what else she has to say first.

Rolling his eyes but complying with her commands, Silent Magician lowered his weapon and faded away. She figured he had disappeared into the deck, but was still close enough to watch her.

"Um…so some Egyptian king and two girls wanted to conjure up a giant serpent to battle some evil force? How did it all end?"

Ishizu turned back to the tablet, "In order for that to be told, you must allow me to show you one last vision of the past."

The Millennium Necklace began to glow once again and before Anya could give an answer. Darkness surrounded her briefly before a bright light blinded her.

"Great. Where are we-WHOA!" Anya shrieked as this time, she was not on the ground, but floating several feet in the air.

The Egyptian city was in complete ruins and there was nothing but darkness everywhere. It was so dark that not even shadows of buildings did not show themselves.

"Hey, I think that's those three people from before," Anya muttered to herself. Amunet, Subira, and the Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle were standing at the foot of what Anya could only assume to be the Nile River.

The Spirit stepped into the shallow end of the river before his body took on a bright violet aura. He then spoke, "Great Goddess of the Nile, She Who Brings Life and Beauty to the land of Egypt, I beseech thee. Stand by us in this final battle to banish the darkness from consuming what light there is left!"

The waters of the Nile rippled violently as a pair of golden eyes appeared within the depths. The ripples stopped, but then Chione burst through the surface of the water, letting out a booming sound not unlike the call of a whale.

Anya's pupils shrank as the great beast flashed out its webbed-wings, which had to reach to at least a fifty-foot wingspan. Her body was long and even well after she breached the surface, her serpentine form still kept coming. The slitted pupils of the beast's golden eyes grew out even further before she lurched back and gave out a fearsome roar. Even for a whale call, it was enough to send shivers down Anya's spine.

"My king! The darkness! It's drawing closer!"

"Huh?"

Glancing over her shoulder, Anya's jaw dropped a bit. It only appeared to be a giant black fog. However, this black fog seemed much more malicious with jagged fangs and razor-sharp claws.

"So it is. Amunet! Subira! Call upon your strongest creatures for our final fight!" Anya looked back down at the opposition to this darkness. The pharaoh raised his hand and exclaimed, "I shall call forth my loyal servant, the Dark Magician!"

In a burst of energy, the very familiar Dark Magician. All Anya could think was that this was either a huge coincidence, or Ishizu's Millennium item was messing with her head. Quite frankly, she was hoping it was the latter.

"Then I shall summon Horus, the Dragon Guardian of the Pharaoh!"

Again, a burst of energy come forth from Subira. A bronze creature that was half-hawk and half-dragon hissed and hovered up high in the air.

"And finally, I shall call upon my guardian, the Silent Sorcerer!"

Anya gasped loudly, so loudly that she could've sworn they would hear her, but apparently they didn't. Amunet's body gleamed brightly before her own energy escaped and took on its solid shape.

"That's my Silent Magician!"

It was so strange how this wizard resembled her own Silent Magician. Red and black robes, disheveled white hair, blue eyes, and even the same protective glance she would see in her own monster's eyes almost every day. All of those things were what make them so alike, but how? It didn't make any sense!

The king straightened his stance, "Let us fight, my friends! And however this battle ends, it ends today!"

"NYAH!" Anya yelped as she was yanked back to reality. Her breathing became heavy as she tried to gather herself.

"So you see, the ancient battle between light and darkness was brought to an end that day."

Shaking her head, Anya panted out, "That…makes no sense. I asked how the battle ended, but all I saw was the battle beginning!"

Ishizu merely shut her eyes, "According to this tablet, the battle ended in a stalemate. However, to prevent the evil from escaping, the great Pharaoh had the darkness sealed away. In addition, he sealed his own spirit away with the knowledge that he would be called upon once again to rescue mankind."

After regaining her composure, the black-haired girl asked, "From the darkness?"

The Egyptian woman nodded, "Yes. Now do you see why I called you here, Anya?"

Blinking once. Blinking twice, and blinking one final time, Anya shrugged, "Not really. Did you only call me here to tell me something that happened over five-thousand years ago?"

"But of course not," Ishizu turned and walked in front of another tablet. Curiously, but still cautious, Anya followed. What she saw was almost as big of a surprise as the first tablet. "This is also why I had you summoned here."

Looking at the tablet, Anya gasped softly, "It's that Pharaoh again!"

"Yes," Ishizu replied. The stone tablet depicted also of another man, one that had a dragon by his side. Now that she looked at it, she thought the person looked familiar to her, but she just couldn't place the name.

"I understand your curiosity for the story behind this tablet, but that is not for you to know…yet," the young girl looked to the older woman. "I would actually like for you to direct your attention to the top of the tablet."

Doing as she was told, Anya's aquamarine eyes gazed upward. There she saw something quite familiar; four powerful monsters, one of them being the serpent named Chione.

"Anya, what would you say if I told you that in the game of Duel Monsters, there are creatures that are even stronger than Exodia the Forbidden One?"

"I would say I was doubtful, but if you have any proof, than I would like to see some."

"Think what you like, but there are creatures that can easily overpower him. The Egyptian God Monsters. You've already met one; Chione, Sacred Serpent of the Nile. There is also Obelisk the Tormentor, Slifer the Sky Dragon, and the Winged Dragon of Ra."

"Cool…" she nodded. "Um…sorry, but you're telling me all of this why…?"

Ishizu turned back to Anya and replied, "I am telling you this because I have had many visions of the near future. The darkness that once threatened our world will resurface. This darkness can only be stopped by the great Pharaoh himself. Anya, he will need help from others, but my Millennium Necklace has revealed to me that he will especially need help from you."

"So that's why you called me here. You wanted to warn me that he'll need my help more than ever."

"Precisely. But there is something that you will need before you can aid him in the battles to come."

The Egyptian woman brought out a small case, handing it over to Anya. She hesitantly reached out for it and held it in her hands. She opened it up and sucked in a large breath of air.

"This is Chione! But…why would you give this to me? Why not just give it to the Spirit of the Puzzle?"

There was a pause before Ishizu replied, "King Yami is not ready to wield the power of Chione. Very few people can control their power and he is not ready for it. Now I'm afraid this is all the time I could spare for you. I must prepare for tonight's exhibition. My employees will see you out."

One of the men from before set a hand on Anya's shoulders. The other turned her around and began to escort her out before she could ask any more questions. However, she would just have to come by at a later date.

Ishizu turned back to the tablet, her eyes resting on Chione's stone carving, "Please take good care of Chione. So much has been sacrificed to retrieve that card."

The visions were so amazing! Especially Chione! Anya said to Silent Magician. He had reappeared not long after leaving the museum and accompanied Anya on her way home. He was quite patient as she explained what she had seen, and he listened quite intently as well. Even you were in the visions! At least I thought I was you. You were fighting by Amunet as her guardian monster or something.

He stopped, tensing dramatically but trying to hide it from his Duel Master as he continued to walk by her side. Unfortunately, he was unable to do so in time.

What's wrong? Was it something I said? Anya asked as she came to a halt, and he did the same. When he shook his head, it was quite clear that Anya didn't believe him. Were you really in that fight? Is that why the two of you looked so alike?

Silent Magician closed his visible eye before his spiritual form faded away.

"That's so strange. Silent Magician's never walked away when I'm talking to him," Anya muttered to herself. She let out a sigh before continuing on home, Maybe I should leave him alone for a little while. For right now though, all I can do is prepare and wait for this so-called 'darkness' that's supposed to come and help Yami to stop it.

She then turned her attention back to the card in her hand. Chione, Sacred Serpent of the Nile. She could tell just by holding it in her hand that it was a very powerful spirit. And quite possibly very dangerous.

Just like in her vision, Chione looked to be a very powerful creature. On the card, however, she appeared to be coiled up with her wings spread out wide and minuscule teeth in her wide open jaws. In fact, her presence was frightening enough without the 4000 attack and defense points.

Even for a card, Anya knew that using it would be very dangerous. Then again, she didn't need to the Millennium Charm to tell her that the true danger has yet to begin.

Okay, before you guys say anything, I'm very well aware that Kaiba's part is left out, but honestly if you guys are reading this story, then odds are you know what happens and don't need that part put in. If you don't know, than I suggest that you reasearch it. I put up these chapters with the assumption that you know what happens and usually put up scenes that are happening with my OC's at the same time as in the original series. If you don't like it, don't read. Have a good day and I hope to be updating again soon.