Seeing the past, living the future

by Yuna Yami Mouto

It all started when the Mouto twins moved in with their grandpa in Domino City. Seto was living in hell until the "Demon child" came into his life and changed it for the better. They did not know one another, but a girl who was brave enough to stand up to him and his stepfather was enough to catch his interest. But there's something wrong with the girl, but what? Female Yami

43. Chapter 43 Duel! Rivals vs Dartz!

The Paradias building is shaking, cracks appearing in its walls. On the roof, Rafael warns Yuna and the others to get out while they can.

Suddenly, the roof splits and a huge chasm appears. Staggering, Mokuba cries out that they're too late. Then the elevator collapses, and Téa says, there goes their ride down! Another chunk of roof falls into the chasm, and Mokuba steps back from the edge.

Then, Roland's voice is heard calling out to Mr. Kaiba. The Kaiba Corp helicopter is flying overhead.

''We're saved!'' Noah yelled.

The helicopter lands on the helicopter pad, one level up from the gang. With Mokuba leading the way, they begin to run to it, climbing the narrow stairway to the pad, as the building's structures continue to collapse around them.

Mokuba, Noah and Seto, Téa and Tristan with Joey, arrive at the helicopter first. Kaiba stops in front of Roland, standing at the side of the helicopter, while the others run to the rear of the helicopter, which is open, with a ramp leading inside.

Yuna is still slowly making her way up the stairway, helping the weakened Rafael. Before they reach the top, the stairway breaks loose. The others call out to Yuna worriedly as the stairway begins to fall away from the building. Seto was off like a bat out of hell as he ran to his rival's side. He wouldn't allow Yuna to die, not when she still had so much life in front of her! Too many Duels they haven't fought!

Meanwhile, the pad itself splits open, leaving Roland balancing wildly with one leg on either side. He manages to jump back to one side, telling Noah and Mokuba they have to leave now!

Hearing this, Rafael pulls free from Yuna, then grabs her around her slim waist and heaves her up over the edge onto the landing pad as the stairway crumbles. Yuna practically lands on Seto and he clutches her close to his chest as she almost rolls off the edge. Rafael manages to hang onto the edge of the building as the stairway falls away, while Yuna kneels over him, saying she won't leave him.

Rafael pulls something out of his pocket and throws it up to Yuna, telling her she'll need it if she's planning to take out Dartz.

''Go and change destiny with your own hands!''

Meanwhile, the pad is collapsing closer and closer to the helicopter. Insisting that they have to go, Roland jumps into the helicopter, while Seto calmy stands up from where he was beside Yuna, waiting. The helicopter's rotors turn, and it lifts off the pad. Téa and Tristan cling to the ramp at the rear of the helicopter and Seto gives the okay for lift off. The helicopter rises as the pad crashes away beneath them.

Yuna reaches to Rafael, telling him to take her hand. But Rafael, trying hard not to look where Yuna's shirt relived some of her cleavage from her position, tells her to go while she can. Seto was no better, only he had a really nice view of his rival's ass as it dangled high in the air and it took all he had not to downright stare when he told her that they need to get going.

The edge he's clinging to breaks off, and Rafael falls away into the dust of the rubble, Yuna calling out to him.

Then, the helicopter comes around to Yuna and Seto, its rear ramp still open. Seto grabs her hand into his and forces her to run with him. They jump at the same instance and land as one on the ramp.

The helicopter flies away, as the rest of the building finally collapses—exposing a different building within it. The gang watch from the ramp, Téa saying it looks like some sort of strange, ancient temple. Tristan guesses that's what Paradias headquarters really looks like.

Yuna says she that there's more to Dartz than meets the eye, as well. She looks at the object that Rafael threw to her, then holds it out to Kaiba, telling him to take a look at it.

''It's some sort of computer chip.''

Kaiba slips it into his PDA, and a map appears on its screen.

''To where?'' Mokuba asks, and Yuna says ''To Dartz's lair.''

Kaiba tosses the PDA to a freaked-out Roland, telling him to follow this map.

But then, another helicopter appears behind them—and another. They're surrounded. The pilot of one of the helicopters gestures to them, pointing ahead. Mokuba thinks they want them to follow him. They don't seem to have any choice, so they go with the helicopters.

The helicopter flies on, while the gang watch out the rear, wondering where the helicopters are leading them. They see a dark cloud rapidly approaching the helicopter. As it passes, they realize it's a swarm of insects. Tristan recoils as one strikes him in the face, but Seto calmly reaches out and catches one in his hand.

''It's a locust.''

They all look at it in wonder. Noah's eyes were particularly wide, interested in the small animal since Gozaboro had always scolded him about chasing locusts, butterflies, grasshoppers or anything really, saying that they were just worthless annoyances.

Seto, noticing the nostalgic but fascinated look on the boy's face, demands that Noah show him his hands. He understood that Noah was probably not allowed to play like normal boys his age around a man like Gozaboro, and so he thought of giving him some of the joys of childhood he himself had never experienced, but gave up for Mokuba. When a confused Noah did as he was told, Seto gently placed the insect into the upturned hands and the blue eyes lit up with a childish happiness that stunned everyone still. The smile on his face seemed to remind the two members of Yugi-tachi that Noah was indeed still just a kid and Mokuba was amazed how much the boy looked like his Nii-sama when he had been that age and smiled a sincere smile that had almost died without Yuna's interference.

Seto was observing the boy as well and was pleasantly surprised when he felt Yuna lean against him lightly. It caused the stoic genius to smile as well, but was only seen by the crimson eyes he loved so much, and it was far too short.

The swarm passes by the helicopter, and the cloud of insects is next seen flying over the city streets, just as the Hawkins trailer zooms by. They look at it from the helicopter, wondering what Duke was up to.

00000

Meanwhile, down in the city, the Hawkins truck and trailer are speeding through the streets, Duke at the wheel, with Rebecca telling him to slow down. The truck screeches to a halt, the trailer fishtailing behind them.

Rebecca asks Duke what his problem is, and he tells her to see for herself—there's an Orichalcos Soldier in the street ahead of them. Now, Rebecca tells him to step on it, and he's about to comply, when more Soldiers appear, surrounding them.

Activating her Duel Disk, Rebecca jumps out of the truck, saying it's time for Plan B. She starts to face off against the Soldiers, but then she stops.

00000

In his temple, Dartz calls for his Orichalcos Soldiers to return to him, chanting in some unknown language.

00000

The Soldiers in the street around Rebecca suddenly dissolve into glowing streaks, which hurtle away into the sky. All over the world, the Soldiers streak home, as Dartz tells them they must begin the next phase of their battle.

00000

At the base of the Paradias building, a battered Rafael emerges from the rubble, with Mai in his arms.

'I still have something to finish!'

00000

Meanwhile, the Kaiba Corp helicopter, accompanied by the four military helicopters, is flying over the ocean toward an aircraft carrier. After landing on the deck, the gang meet with a uniformed officer. He tells them he tracked them down because they need their help dealing with a worldwide threat.

''As crazy as it sounds, our only hope may lie in a card game.''

The two rivals glare at the man, since he obviously didn't know just how much more that ''card game'' actually is. Seto wasn't even aware of why he was glaring death at the now squirming man, but he felt very offended!

He asks if they're Doma's men. The officer tells "Mr. Kaiba" that they've been watching Doma for some time, and Kaiba and the others. They know that many of the phenomena now happening all over the world are related to Doma. But, because the country's central rule is now under the control of Doma, they haven't been given the authority to attack.

Yuna, glaring at Seto for being so rude, tells the officer that he's right. ''Someone is using the game of Duel Monsters to wipe out the Earth. But there's no phenomena that you think there is. Just a person who knows his history, physics and chemistry. However, the game is also involved more than I like.''

The officer nods. ''So who better to stop this menace than the Duel Monsters experts?''

''So you're asking us to do your job?'' The glare in the blue eyes, if possible, got even scarier. The men before them all fidget before the young CEO. They had all heard just how frightening the brunet could be, but to witness it was far more intimidating than the stories said.

Seto snorted at the cowering officer, wondering if they were the law force of the country, how it still even existed with these cowards protecting it!

The officer says they've been following Dartz around for months, but he leaves no evidence behind. ''With no proof, we can't do a thing. Dartz is no ordinary criminal. Without you two, Yuna Yami Mouto and Seto Kaiba, we have nowhere else to turn. As the best two Duelists, you to are our last hope.'' As if an invisible force did it, the man's eyes were drawn to the three-colored haired girl at the word hope. Actually all eyes had turned to the Duel Queen at the word, as confused as everyone was for doing so.

Yuna ignored the confused looks. ''So Doma is controlling this country's politics?''

The officer says he's ashamed to admit it, but the fate of the world is now in Yuna and Kaiba's hands.

Kaiba hmphs, and says national authority is unreliable from the start.

The officer asks him to at least let them accompany him halfway, and also to help stock up his helicopter.

That was a bad idea since the second Seto actually looked around he realized it was one of his inventions and he almost strangled the man. It took Mokuba, Noah, Tristan and five other bulky men to hold off the enraged teen, but only Yuna actually got him to stop. He sulked as she scolded him, but he brightened up as he quickly took her by her hand and dragged her beck into the helicopter so that she could help him negotiate with the USA president, who turned out to be her old acquaintance, so that the last of his weapons could be disabled. The rest of the group only then realized just how similar the thing they were standing on was to Noah's underwater fortress.

Off the bow of the aircraft carrier, lightning flashes around an island shrouded in darkness.

As the carrier approaches the island, the officer tells the gang this is as far as he can go. From here on, they're on their own. He wishes them good luck, and tells them they're doing a great service. Kaiba grumpily insists he's doing this to save his company. The officer says that may be, but if Kaiba can beat Dartz at his own game, he'll be saving a lot more than his company.

The officer says he hopes Kaiba can win. Kaiba gives him grudging thanks. The officer says his son is a big fan of Duel Monsters. He asks Kaiba to please protect the future of their children.

Kaiba tells Roland to move out, and the Kaiba Corp helicopter powers up. Soon, they're on their way to the island. The helicopter bounces around in the storm surrounding the island, and Mokuba is thrown into Tristan, knocking him to the floor. Tristan falls to the floor clutching his crotch, but then Noah bumps into him and he hits his abdomen onto the benches in the helicopter, now clutching his stomach.

Kaiba, seated at the side as calm as always, uses his lapel radio to tell his pilot they should have been at the island by now.

''It's the weather,'' the pilot tells him. They can't see a thing out there. The pilot says it's impossible—they can't go any closer.

00000

In his temple, Dartz is reciting: "Before the Age of Atlantis is ushered in, the sea shall rise and the sky shall fall! Only then will paradise return."

00000

Aboard the helicopter, Yuna tells everyone to stay calm

''Dartz wants us to reach him.''

Just then, the stormclouds part and the island with its temple becomes visible to them.

Yuna says there's no turning back now. ''Dartz is there,'' and Kaiba says, let's go.

The helicopter lands just outside the temple. As they approach the steps leading up to it, Yuna says they've arrived at the heart of evil. Kaiba asks if she always has to be so dramatic, making the girl chuckle slightly. Seto almost smiled at the sound, since he hadn't heard it since this shit started.

However, Yuna soon sobered up and says that this is Doma's temple, and Kaiba says, ''Let's go, Yuna.''

The two rivals nod to each other and enter together, ahead of the two younger Kaibas and the two brunet members of Yugi-tachi.

They enter the temple's main hall, proceeding through wide, curved columns, towards the altar with its three open-mouthed serpents. Téa says she's not too fond of the snake motif, and a disgusted Kaiba asks if they can't wait outside. But Yuna says they must all stick together.

Kaiba stops before the altar and asks, ''Why do I feel so sad?''

Yuna says, ''Yes, I feel it, too.'' She turns to the others and tells them to stay back from her and Seto.

Tristan, noticing the carvings of the captured souls in the walls, asks, what's with all the people chiseled in stone? Téa says they're not just any people, and points out their friends on the far wall.

''There's Mai,'' says Yuna, ''and Weevil.''

Tristan realizes this must be everyone who lost their soul.

Yuna sees Yugi, and runs towards his figure in the wall.

Then Dartz's voice is heard, joking that it's too bad their friends turned out to be a bunch of stiffs.

''I've been waiting for you, Pharaoh, High Priest.''

A ball of flame appears before them, turning into Dartz, making the two rivals groan at the pathetic magic trick worth of only a kindergärtner's lunch money.

''Due to the carelessness of my employees,'' he says, ''I'm the only one left.''

Kaiba says he wants his company back. ''So can the small talk.''

Dartz says they all want something ''I wants your souls for my wall. I even have a spot picked out.'' Dartz officially welcomes them to his temple, and says that if he can get the souls of powerful people like them, his god will bless them, too.

Kaiba says that Dartz's god only brings trouble.

''I can feel the power of your souls, and I've set aside special places for you.'' Two of the carvings next to Yugi's clear, ready for new souls. ''After all, friends should stick together, right Ms. Gardner?''

Kaiba says the party tricks don't scare him, and Yuna demands that Dartz release their friends.

Dartz says it's not possible. ''Their souls are already in use, supplying life energy to the most powerful beast that ever lived. My ten-thousand-year-old collection is almost complete. Once I get you, Pharaoh, and Kaiba, your ancient High Priest, the beast can rise.''

Yuna, although already knowing what Doma had been doing over the centuries, reacts in angry horror—if Dartz has been collecting souls for all those years, how many lives has he destroyed?

''Millions,'' Dartz replies. It angered the reincarnated Pharaoh how it didn't seem to at all bothered that his ancestors destroyed so many lives for a crazy cause!

''Ridiculous! We've defeated Doma's Three Swordsmen. AND WHAT'S EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS IS THAT YOU SEEM TO THINK YOU'RE THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD! Don't mock me, bastard!'' Seto yells angrily.

Yuna adds that Dartz is the only one left. ''And it's not just him who has been collecting these souls. His ancestors, direct descendants of the last king of Atlantis, had been walking among the Earth and humans, collecting abnormal amounts of soul energy. But it was never enough, was it?''

The man smirked, his heterocolored eyes gleaming with insanity. ''True. Oh so very true, great Pharaoh! But I'm not the second Darts, but the third! The first was the last king. The second Dartz made the greatest breakthrough in all of these 10 000 years! He met the one soul that would be enough to allow the Great Beast to awaken! He met you, Nameless Pharaoh! You and your High Priest! And that Thief!''

''What!?'' The gang exclaim as they look at the Queen of Games as she scowls at Dartz.

''I'm well aware that he has met my soul's original form, but he failed to acquire it just as you will.''

''He failed because the Pharaoh had sealed himself away before he could get the chance.'' Dartz snorted.

This caused a smirk to appear on the girl's face. ''But the High Priest was a little less than alive after the Pharaoh's death! It just means that he was pathetic and couldn't do anything!''

That caused the aquamarine haired man to laugh as if he had heard the best joke ever. ''Fool! Seth was broken! His soul wasn't worth anything! The only reason he took a breath was because it was the Pharaoh who had given it to him! His soul would have broken apart had it been extracted from his body! He was pathetic.'' The man sneered, enraging the Duel Queen.

''HOW DARE YOU! Seth was no fool and he was never broken! He lived for his cousin, so when he died to give Egypt and Seth a chance to live, Seth took it upon himself to make sure Egypt will have years of stable peace even after his own death! Seth devoted his life to learning all that he didn't know about souls, only so he could find a way to once again stand beside his cousin! And he managed! Open your eyes and look! Pharaoh and High Priest! Once again fighting side by side! Once again challenging each other with just taking a breath! With just existing!''

Dartz swore under his breath as he saw the blue aura slowly waking up, surrounding the girl as she yelled at him.

''And just as the Pharaoh and High Priest were victorious over all their foes, so will Seto and I be! Your time has come, Dartz.''

''To revive my god, I need your and Kaiba's souls.''

Yuna demands that Dartz give up his useless fight, and release those trapped souls.

Dartz says the Nameless Pharaoh has to defeat him first.

He tells the gang to look around, and the walls and floor light up, revealing the entire interior covered with the soul plaques. ''Since it's taken us ten millennia to complete,'' he says, ''it's quite the history lesson.''

''So this is why this place makes me feel so sad.'' Seto says.

The gang notice that many of the people carved on the walls are wearing clothing from other places and times.

''Ever since the Great Leviathan was laid to rest,'' Dartz says, ''My ancestors have been gathering the energy necessary to refuel its rebirth.''

Kaiba says it's junk, so Dartz says to duel him, and he'll make a believer out of Kaiba.

Kaiba tells Yuna it's useless to talk any further.

Dartz walks towards them, a Dark Duel Disk appearing on his arm.

Kaiba agrees—they should stop talking and start dueling.

Yuna tells Seto he can't duel Dartz alone. ''This lunatic is far too dangerous. I'm not losing you too, should he try something sneaky!''

That's fine with Dartz—he'll duel them together, and get two souls for the price of one.

Yuna and Seto, glaring at the man in front of them, activate their Duel Disks, and in unison slot their decks into them, getting ready to duel.

00000

Meanwhile, Rafael has found Valon and is putting his soulless body into a jeep. Mai is already in the back seat.

''Don't worry,'' Rafael tells them, ''I'll save you both. Dartz is going to pay.''

He takes off.

00000

Dartz draws his initial five cards, saying, let the games commence.

Kaiba goes first, playing the magic card, White Dragon Ritual, tributing Vorse Raider from his hand to summon Paladin of White Dragon (1900 ATK). Next, he sacrifices Paladin of White Dragon to summon his Blue-Eyes White Dragon (3000 ATK). Then he ends his turn, letting Yuna take over.

Yuna plays the magic card, Black Luster Ritual, sacrificing Valkyrion the Magna Warrior to summon her Black Luster Soldier (3000 ATK). She ends her turn, leaving Dartz to face two 3000-ATK monsters on his first turn.

Mokuba says Dartz better watch out!

But Dartz isn't impressed. He says those pathetic creatures might work in their little card tournaments, but he plays a different game.

Lines of energy swirl around the temple as he holds up his card, saying it was born of the darkness itself. The torches lighting the interior all go out, except for the two behind Dartz. He tells them to behold the power that will strip them of their souls—the Seal of Orichalcos! The Seal expands to surround their duel, and Kaiba and Yuna feel a tremor vibrating through them.

Mokuba asks the others if they felt that, and Tristan says, if he means the sudden drop in temperature and the freaky vibe in the air–yes, he does.

Dartz continues, summoning Orichalcos Gigas (400 ATK, raised to 900 by the Seal).

Yuna tells Seto she's faced this beast before, and it was almost impossible to destroy. Seto says that's because Yuna didn't have him to bail her out. Yuna affirms it with a gentle look in her eyes and a small tender smile that left both dueling males a little awestruck.

Next, after getting his bearings back together, Dartz pays 500 life points to summon another monster, Orichalcos Kyutora (500 ATK, raised to 1000 by the Seal), which he plays in the back row, also apparently in defense. He says that will do for now.

Kaiba draws, and laughs. He says he actually believed he was up against a talented duelist until he witnessed Dartz's opening move—he left two weak monsters out on the field with no protection. Now Kaiba's about to blow them away. Dartz should have thought twice before challenging him—he's the president of the world's largest gaming corporation! No one's mastered the game of Duel Monsters like he has, except his rival.

Kaiba tells Dartz that if what he's said about Doma is true, then Dartz should be the winner of the duel. But now, Dartz only has two useless monsters. Victory is already in their hands. He doesn't know how strong Dartz is as a duelist, but don't forget

''Dartz, you are pitting yourself against the strongest Duelists in the world!''

Kaiba plays Polymerization, fusing the two Blue-Eyes White Dragons in his hand with the one on the field to form the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon (4500 ATK).

He looks to his beautiful comrade, drawing her crimson eyes to his own cobalt ones. ''Yuna ... If you're a True Duelist, you should have the card to summon the monster that will finish Dartz.'' He smirked as he saw his rival's own grin.

Next, Yuna takes over, telling Dartz he'll never withstand the combined power of her and Seto's Dueling Decks.

She plays Polymerization to fuse Seto's dragon with Black Luster Soldier to form Master of Dragon Soldier (5000 ATK).

Mokuba cheers!

''Talk about the Dream Team!''

Then, Yuna activates her trap card, Meteorain. With this trap, when she attacks, the difference between her monster's attack points and her opponent's defense monster's defense points will be deducted from Dartz's life points.

Téa says, if her math is correct, that's a difference of 3,500, and Mokuba adds that's enough to wipe Dartz out.

Yuna orders Master of Dragon Soldier to attack Orichalcos Gigas, telling Dartz his twisted game is done. Seto joins in, telling their monster to end this duel, and they finish in unison, calling out the monster's attack. ''Saber Blast!''

Master of Dragon Soldier blasts Orichalcos Gigas away, and Téa exclaims that the duel is over!

But Dartz laughs. ''Such a valiant effort,'' he says, ''But your attack was in vain.''

A beam of light rises, expanding to engulf the seal, shooting out through the roof of the temple, causing the seas around the island to churn. Yuna and Kaiba recoil from the light—then, they find themselves outside the temple, floating in the sky atop the Seal of Orichalcos. Soon, Dartz appears on the Seal with them, and Kaiba demands that he take them back. Dartz says they never left. What they're experiencing is a vision generated by the Orichalcos, which communicates by showing them images of things as they were, or as they might one day be.

''This is the darkness that has always existed.''

Kaiba asks Dartz what this illusion is, and Dartz tells him not to worry—their attack has affected the power of the Seal of Orichalcos.

''The pieces of the Orichalcos contain memories that far exceed the imagination of man.'' He looks on in confusion as Yuna stiffness, but doesn't comment. ''This is the world of the Orichalcos' memory.''

Yuna asks what Dartz is trying to prove with all this, and Dartz says, that human beings spend every second of their lives surrounded by dark energy, which has contaminated their entire planet. ''At the core of everyone's heart, they'll find pure darkness. When a human being crosses paths with the Orichalcos, the evil inside is set free. Ten thousand years ago, Dartz I came into contact with this powerful force, and it opened his eyes. Long ago, the world was born in darkness. Now this world will welcome darkness again. The end of the world cannot be change, no matter how many lives are spent. The darkness will cover everything in the world, including the hearts of men.''

''It took over your mind, Dartz! You and your ancestors'!'' Yuna yelled at the man, but he just says the Pharaoh shuts herself off from the truth, just as his people did so long ago, when he presided over paradise on Earth. Yuna asks if Dartz is saying that the darkness in the heart is the truth. Dartz says that the planet is beautiful.

''To the universe, the planet's existence is a miracle. You just haven't heard the crying of the planet.''

Now, they find themselves floating over an island city. Dartz says this is the legendary city of Atlantis, as it was ten thousand years ago, when Dartz ruled as king.

''And I, Dartz, will be king once again, for when I defeat you, Yuna, Paradise shall return!''

00000

With one last strike, the last Orichalcos Soldier finally fell at the hands of Mahad's final effort.

Said man was now kneeling in front of the fallen form, panting and utterly exhausted. His hair was sticking out from under his headdress and sweat drenched his entire being. His white robes were almost shredded and close to gray from the fight and his stomach hurt from where he had received quite to punch in the gut.

Mana rushed to her brother and master, looking him over for any serious injuries, all the while Bakura stared at the man and the sandy-haired twins were gawking at the sorcerer. The younger Sennen was relived that Mahad only had minor scratches and that bruise that was slowly forming on his stomach. The older man slowly rose to his feet and went to Bakura, taking Ryou from the exhausted and injured Thief. The older twin didn't even put up a fight, but he glared at the brunet none the less as he sneered at him.

''With that staff, you look even more like that Dark Magician than you usually do.''

Mahad raised an eyebrow. ''It is expected since the Dark Magician was my original incarnate's Ka and Ba combined. Now come. We must get to the Tombs before they track us down again.''

''Wait!'' Malik yelled out to the slowly retreating figures of the Sennen siblings. ''We were running from the Tombs for a reason, you know! It's what they want, right?''

Mahad shook his head no. ''They want the ancient souls hiding in them. Bakura, Ishizu, Mana and myself. Grandpa Mouto is safe back in the Kaiba mansion, but that too could be only a matter of time. We must hide in the Tomb as fast as we can so hurry up!''

The lilac eyed twins caught up with the siblings that were each helping one of the albino twins. Marik took Mahad's and Mana's staff's and Malik went to help Mana support a scowling Bakura. ''But it's not possible to extract souls from live bodies, is it?'' Marik asked as they hurriedly walked.

''No. It is not possible. But it is possible for soul energy to be taken and quite easily at that note. And since ancient Egyptians were more in touch with their souls, the reincarnated souls are far more powerful than any other. We are especially in danger, since our original incarnates both wielded a Millennium Item and had a powerful monster for a Ka. The Pharaoh and Seto are in the worst trouble. They are the prime targets.''

''Can't we help them somehow?'' Mana asked as Bakura started cursing in Ancient Egyptian again.

''Like we are now ... No. We need to get you all treated and rest before we can be of any help.''

The teens lowered their heads, but they knew that the experienced man was right. The continued walking in a tense silence after that.

00000

Floating above the lost city of Atlantis on the Seal of Orichalcos, Dartz tells Yuna and Seto to behold it in all its glory, just as it was ten thousand years ago, a perfect civilization—or so he thought. Surrounded by ocean, they were isolated from the rest of the world.

Their view passes over water gushing from a serpentine fountain, then white buildings laid out in concentric rings around the island, then a cart passing through a golden field with little fairies flitting by.

Dartz says that their lives were simple, existing side-by-side with all of earth's creatures. They knew nothing of violence.

But then, that changed. A volcano is seen erupting, and a beast-shaped cloud swallows the sun. Dartz says that darkness descended upon them, and a strange substance rained down from the heavens. Glowing green stones are seen landing in the streets and waters.

Yuna says, ''The Orichalcos.''

Dartz says that one day, a giant dark dragon descended upon them and swallowed the sun. The Orichalcos appeared. Yuna repeats, ''Orichalcos...'' in such a tone of voice that both men look at her in wonder as they hear the disgust in her distant sounding words.

Kaiba hopes that story time is over—he'd like to duel.

But Dartz says that the tale of his past directly affects Kaiba's future, so he'd better pay attention.

Kaiba says, ''A mysterious creature that appeared from within the Earth... ''

Dartz says that Orichalcos was a treasure given to humanity by the planet.

The vision now shows air vehicles flying through city streets, as Dartz says that, thanks to the stones of the Orichalcos, the people of Atlantis made advancements in technology never before imagined. And soon, Dartz ruled over the most highly advanced civilization the world had ever known. However, with progress comes greed, and eventually, violence. Dartz knew what needed to be done, but his father, former King Ironheart, had different ideas.

Dartz says that Orichalcos could be used to produce energy, to make clothing and industrial products. It could be used for all things, like a miracle. When he was king, Atlantis was a very advanced civilization. But he didn't notice one thing—nor did his father, Ironheart—their people were slowly and quietly becoming corrupted.

Yuna exclaims, Ironheart was Dartz's father? ''But how?''

Kaiba warns Yuna that if she asks questions, this story's never going to end.

However, Kaiba asks, if he's saying that the Orichalcos was corrupting his people?

Dartz says that that old fool never had what it took to be king, and on Dartz's twenty-first birthday, he allowed his son to take over. He says, yes, where there is much desire in the midst of love, there are also the seeds of human darkness.

''That society and the current one are very similar.''

He looked down at the ancient city as he spoke.

''As technology continued to advance, and the hearts of his people continued to sink deeper into the darkness, it was up to Dartz to remedy the situation. But then, the Orichalcos began to test them, and revealed the truth about who they were.'' Dartz says that technology is very convenient, but everyone has forgotten to be thankful to nature. ''Everyone is living in a reality that doesn't allow imagination. They've lost their emotions. There's no living creature more cruel than humans.''

Now, people are seen turning into beasts, as Dartz says that those who were wicked on the inside became wicked on the outside. King Dartz's queen, Iona, the only one he ever loved, is seen clutching her head and crying out in pain. King Dartz runs to her, but she pushes him away, as her hand turns gray and sprouts purple claws. She runs from their throne room screaming, King Dartz running after her. But when he reaches her, she's turned completely into a horrible creature, with fangs and pointy ears and red eyes. The queen's body, which the beast drops to the floor, is turning pale before it suddenly disappeared.

The beast attacked King Dartz, who draws his sword and kills it. Then the fountains' waters turn the color of blood.

Dartz says that the true colors of his people were revealed to him that day.

In the vision, he stands overlooking his city, wondering why this is happening, when the fountain behind him begins to glow green. As present-day Dartz says that he couldn't understand why a perfect society like theirs could crumble like this, Dartz in the vision walks into the fountain, where he finds a chunk of Orichalcos stone and picks it up. Soon, he says, the Orichalcos would answer all his questions. The people of Atlantis were evil, and he had been chosen to wipe them out and start over again. As Dartz in the vision stares into the stone, his right eye turns from gold to Orichalcos green.

But he couldn't accomplish such a task on his own, Dartz says, so the Orichalcos gave him a gift—something powerful enough to lead his fight against mankind. ''Below the Earth's surface lurked the most incredible creature that ever lived—the Great Leviathan. Soon, that great beast will return to finish what it began!''

Yuna interrupted him with a snort. ''We both know that the Great Leviathan is nothing more than a killing machine! I know what you desire and you will not be able to obtain it this way! The Orichalcos feeds on the energy that ancient machine needs, but Atlantis isn't worth six billion people's lives! The effects the Orichalcos has on human minds is dangerous and unhealthy! She wouldn't be proud of you for this, and neither would they be!''

''What do you know!?'' Dartz seethed at the Daughter of History.

''Plenty!'' She growled out and the brunet beside her swore he once again saw that gold eye on her forehead glowing faintly for a second.

Dartz got back in control of his anger and continued his story. ''Orichalcos is not a miracle. It increases the darkness in the heart, slips into human hearts and creates a new life. Orichalcos appeared as a test.''

He was once again cut off by the knowledgeable girl. ''Don't make me laugh! Those creatures live in our hearts from the moment we are born into this world! They are a part of us just as much as our souls are! The Orichalcos just forced them to be consumed by darkness!''

''That's enough from you!'' The aqua hired man yelled and a green aura flared up behind him. But he almost took a step back as a gold, blue and red surrounded that Game Queen and a figure appeared in front of her. It was hazy, but all could make out blue-cream white robes, a high headdress, gold jewelry, tan skin and cold blue eyes, causing the green aura to die down, before the High Priest sneered at Dartz and disappeared back into the blue aura now protecting the Pharaoh's reincarnate.

The red and gold, as well as the slightly lighter blue, died down, but the blue that matched the Priest's and Seto's eyes stayed for a few moments longer. When it was finally completely gone, Yuna staggered a little and Seto caught her shoulders, steadying her.

Dartz continues, saying that he was ready to begin his task of recreating civilization on Earth, but one person stood in his way.

''Orichalcos was a test to see if humanity would destroy itself because of the darkness within.''

The vision shows Ironheart, with Chris and Sky the wolf, telling Dartz that he must destroy the Orichalcos stones so they can return to the life they once knew. Sitting behind a curtain on his throne, Dartz laughs, asking if Ironheart really believes they can go back to the way things were. ''It's too late for that. The true nature of our people has been exposed. We now know that the citizens of this planet are evil and must be destroyed. We should be thanking the Orichalcos for showing them the truth, not blaming it for the faults of mankind.''

Behind the curtain, Dartz's Orichalcos eye is exposed, as he tells his father that not only has the Orichalcos shown him what's wrong with the world, it's given him the tools to fix it. Dartz stands up from his throne and steps towards Ironheart, saying that by the power of the Orichalcos, the Great Leviathan will rise up from the depths of the Earth and fight by his side, and when he's through, he will rebuild civilization.

Dartz holds a chunk of Orichalcos stone in his hand. It begins to glow, sending up a beam of light that turns into the Seal of Orichalcos. From it, Orichalcos Soldiers descend, surrounding Ironheart, Chris, and Sky. Chris runs to Ironheart, her grandfather, telling him she's scared. Dartz laughs, telling them that if they join his side, they have nothing to fear.

''If not, farewell!''

Upon hearing this, both the opposing teens tensed and snarled at the man in front of them, their expressions showing murderous intent. Both were orphans in their own right and both had to fight for their younger brothers' safety. Both longed for a parents' embrace deep in their hearts, so to see that someone could be so cruel to such a young child made them beyond angry. They, who had been underestimated because of their age and often were even pushed around by their life superiors, both grew very protective of youngsters. That was the very reason the officer had asked Seto to protect their children's happiness.

Dartz wasn't affected, on the outside anyway, by the glares of opposing fire and ice. It really baffled him that these teenagers could be so close when they clash at every turn because of the simplest things. They were so different, almost opposite sides of the same coin, never to touch, yet so similar, their bond - unbreakable. No matter how many times you try to slice them apart, they stick together.

It was impressive as it was annoying!

Ironheart says they'll never join him, and he runs from the throne room, taking Chris and Sky with him.

Dartz goes out onto a balcony and looks out over the city, which is full of Orichalcos Soldiers. He announces that the time has come to cleanse the world of its impurities. He tells them to conquer the people Earth, and laughs.

Beyond the city, Yuna and Seto see Ironheart leading Chris and a line of refugees through the rain to a cave in the side of a mountain. Chris asks what they will do, and he tells her that her father is under the influence of an evil force, and he must be stopped.

''The future of the planet depends on it. If we can find the creatures with ancient powers, they will certainly help us.''

Chris was about to ask what he meant when she saw the carvings on the cave walls. They go through the cave into a large cavern, where monsters are carved onto the walls. There were so many, yet it seemed that it wouldn't be enough.

Ironheart says they will ask them for help. An aurora shines over the mountain, and the three Legendary Dragons arise from it.

''And so,'' Dartz says, ''the battle of Atlantis began.''

His father had opened a gateway to the dominion of the beasts, using them to form an army of his own.

The vision shows Ironheart, Chris, and Sky standing with an army of monsters against the Orichalcos Soldiers. The Great Leviathan and another beast send their blasts of energy against each other, the light of their conflict blotting out the vision.

Yuna asks what the outcome of the battle was. She saw only parts of the battle, and she saw Atlantis sinking, so she knew where the city was, but it's a question as to weather the outcome of the battle affected the destruction of the supposed 'paradise on Earth'.

Dartz says that neither side was victorious, and Atlantis sunk to the bottom of the sea. His father's monster army was scattered around the world and sealed away until they'd be needed again. The Leviathan was drained of his power and also sealed away.

''It's taken Dartz and his descendants ten thousand years to gather the energy to bring it back. All that's left for me to do is defeat you two in a duel, and then their souls that you two carry as well as yours will awaken the Great Leviathan, and his plan will finally come to pass. And then my wish will come true!''

''Hold it!'' Kaiba says. ''We already defeated you. Our Master of Dragon Soldier should have wiped out the rest of your life points.''

Dartz says he's afraid it didn't. ''The duel's still on.''

The Seal reforms in the temple, and they reappear within it.

Tristan and Téa and Mokuba cheer that they're back. Dartz still has all of his previous 3500 life points. He explains that due to the special ability of his Kyutora, his damage was reduced to zero. And now it's his turn.

00000

''MALIK! MARIK!'' Ishizu yelled out as soon as she caught sight of the approaching group and she flung herself into her younger brothers' arms, almost bursting into tears as they hugged her back stiffly from shock. Odion helped Mahad with Bakura and Ryou, while Mana patted the distraught woman on the back.

They all quickly went inside, Ishizu and Odion taking care of the wounds the teens and Mahad acquired in their battle and haste to escape. Ishizu had panicked upon seeing how bad Bakura's injury had been, but was relived that it was nothing too serious. She did, however, scold him the entire time she treated his wound, but it seemed the Tomb Robber was immune to it.

But he finally snapped at her when she said he shouldn't have acted so foolishly.

''What! And let Ryou be taken by those things!? You must really as crazy as Kaiba says you are! No wonder he sneers at you whenever he sees you!''

After that, Ishizu said no more other than an apology for not thinking about that. Ryou's injure wasn't nearly as bad as his brothers, but he would have trouble walking for a couple of days. Mana only had a few scratches and Marik's bruise on his stomach was just fine, although a little sour. Malik got off with only a scarp here and there, but that was it. He joked around that he would definitely feel sour tomorrow from dragging Bakura's ''heavy ass'' so much, earning a punch from said albino.

They joked around for a moment, but Bakura cut off the jokes and laughter when he remembered the robots that attacked them.

''What were those things? How did you even find us?''

Mahad and Ishizu exchanged looks before they looked back to the teens that were staring at them expectantly.

Ishizu went first. ''Those were robots mad by Kaiba Corp. as a Dueling Challenge for an amusement theme park, but the designs were stolen and so the harmless dueling machines were turned into lethal killing robots.''

''What!? Those are Kaiba's?'' The reaction was expected, but when Ryou chuckled everyone looked at him as if he was an alien.

''What? No one else finds it funny that we didn't see just how brilliant the machines were and didn't assume that it was none other than Seto Kaiba that had made them? I mean, if it wasn't him, then who would it be, right?''

''I guess Ryou's right. Only Seto can make something that impressive, but they had some bugs. The designs are definitely his, but he wasn't the one to put in that programing. If he had, then we wouldn't be here. He's far too good for such mistakes!'' Mana commented and the others nodded in agreement. ''But how do you guys know that?''

''Well, we got a video message form a boy named Noah Kaiba with a glimpse of Kaiba and Yuna off to the side, and Mokuba's chattering in the background. He gave us a brief explanation and we heard Kaiba snort when he said something about older siblings.''

After the woman finished, Bakura nodded with a knowing smirk. ''Yep. That's Kaiba alright. But is Noah that kid the Pharaoh said they saved before arriving in the US?''

Ishizu nodded, a little annoyed that the Tomb Robber agreed with Kaiba's claims that she's a bad older sister.

''As for haw I found you,'' Mahad began. ''I may no longer have the Millennium Ring, but that doesn't mean that I haven't once been its wielder. It was easy. But I must say that for once, I wished I had Seto's instincts.''

Marik snorted at the older man's words. ''You and every other living human being.''

Malik ignored his brother's and his sister's boyfriend's glaring match and asked a very important question. ''What do we do now?''

The adults exchanged looks before answering.

''The Pharaoh gave us orders to stay here and stay safe.''

The teens protested, but they knew that they couldn't do much more than that.

00000

Meanwhile, a float plane is approaching Dartz's island. As it flies over, a ramp opens up and Rafael drives out of the plane on a motorcycle, landing on the island and heading up the stairway to the temple.

00000

Inside, a new ring has formed around the outside of the Seal.

Dartz welcomes his opponents to the second level of darkness!

Téa asks, ''So what does that mean?''

Dartz explains that the first benefit of Orichalcos Deuteros is the addition of 500 life points each turn for every monster he has on the field. Since he has two, he now gets another 1000 points, bringing him up to 4500.

''How are we supposed to wipe him out? Kaiba asks.

Dartz replies, that they're not. Next, he attacks Master of Dragon Soldier with Orichalcos Gigas.

''How is a monster with 1400 attack points attacking a monster with 5000 attack points?'' Tristan asks, but Tea says she's the wrong person to ask that. They turn to Mokuba and Noah, but the black haired boy shrugs helplessly while Noah says that they don't know enough about the Orichalcos to judge the monsters that come from it by just what the eye can see.

Yuna says their monster is too strong—and Gigas is destroyed, but Kyutora absorbs all of the damage, and Gigas returns to the field with another 500 attack points, bringing it up to 1900.

Tristan says he's letting his Gigas get its butt kicked on purpose, so it can come back stronger.

Yuna thinks that can't be it—Gigas would have to be destroyed seven more times before it would be strong enough to defeat the Master of Dragon Soldier.

'There must be something more to his plan. Maybe it has something to do with Kyutora—it must have another special ability.'

It's Kaiba's turn. He draws, thinking that as long as Kyutora's on the field, there's no point in attacking, because it will just absorb all of Dartz's damage. Plus, Gigas will just come back stronger. But if he attacks Dartz directly, he should be able to win.

Kaiba sets a card face down, then summons Blade Knight (1600 ATK). Since he only has one card left in his hand, Blade Knight gets another 400 attack points, bringing it to 2000. He ends his turn, looking at Yuna expectantly.

Yuna realized Seto was setting himself up for something.

Kaiba thinks that Yuna had better not screw this up for him.

'We only have one chance.'

Yuna draws, but Kaiba interrupts, sacrificing Blade Knight to activate his face-down card, Reflect Energy. It launches a small satellite, which lodges into the wall behind Dartz. Seto tells Yuna that when she attacks, his Reflect Energy satellite will redirect the attack to Dartz's life points, wiping him out.

So Yuna orders Master of Dragon Soldier to attack.

Téa says, nice—they were able to blast that freak together, and Mokuba agrees.

But Orichalcos Gigas is destroyed instead, and Dartz is safe behind a force field put up by the second layer of the Seal. Dartz explains that whenever his life points are targeted, Orichalcos Deuteros steps in to save him.

He makes a sacrifice so that their monster takes the hit.

But Yuna plays De-Fusion, splitting Master of Dragon Soldier back into Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Black Luster Soldier, saving them from the attack.

Dartz says it's luck of the draw, but Yuna says it's not luck

''It's through teamwork and determination we've avoided your attacks.''

Dartz says the Pharaoh has a little speech for everything.

''You must get tired of being right all the time—but that ends here. You almost didn't make it in time.''

Yuna ignores him and instead turns to her rival, saying that because of Orichalcos Deuteros they can't attack directly, either. Kaiba says, but they still have the strongest monsters on their side of the field.

Dartz says, is that so? He knows everything, whether it's a human weakness or a strong point.

''You two are no exception. The greatest weakness Yuna Yami Mouto and Seto Kaiba have is themselves!''

Th rivals look at him shocked, wondering if he realized what each felt towards the other. The look to the other, but blushing when their eyes met, bot daring to pen their mouths since they feared what might come out. To Noah, Mokuba and Tristan the sight was quite funny. Tea just looked on in confusion, though Dartz was not doing much better. He thought that that would make them bicker, since that was hos their last tag team duel went, but instead he just saw them blushing for no apparent reason.

'Just what is going on between those two?'

Dartz draws, then plays a magic card called Orichalcos Mirror, sacrificing a monster from his hand (the monster he sacrifices is Timeater) to summon Mirror Knight Calling (0 ATK, raised to 500 by the Seal of Orichalcos), which in turn calls four knights to the field to protect him.

''Wait!'' The rivals yelled out. ''Did you just summon a bunch of monsters in one turn?''

''Yeah, so?'' Was the nonchalant reply.

''That's against the rules, isn't it?'' Tea asked and Tristan nodded.

''Screw the rules, I have the Orichalcos!''{A/N:I couldn't help it!} Dartz yelled, making Seto bristle at the use of his favorite catchphrase for when he fools around with his brother and Yuna.

Téa exclaims that he summoned four monsters in one turn! Dartz says they'll never get past his Mirror Knights, and thanks to Orichalcos Deuteros, he gains another 3000 life points, raising him to 7500. Each of his Mirror Knights has an attack of zero, raised to 500 by the Seal of Orichalcos.

Dartz tells them to pay close attention to the reflection in the mirrors the Knights are holding. Each mirror reflects someone or something on their side of the field, which determines their attack points. One of the Knights' mirrors reflects the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon; one Black Luster Soldier; one Yuna, and one Seto. So their attacks become 4500, 3000, 500 and 500. They attack, destroying Yuna and Kaiba's monsters, then attacking Yuna and Kaiba directly for 500 points of damage, bringing them both to 3500 life points.

As the Knights' mirrors reform in their hands, Dartz says that as long as his Mirror Knight Calling is on the field, his Knights' shields will always return, so they can't be destroyed.

It's Kaiba's turn, and he draws, then plays the magic card, Card of Demise. He can now draw five new cards, as long as he discards his entire hand five turns later. Next, he plays the magic card, Silent Doom, which allows him to bring back a monster from his graveyard in defense mode.

He chooses Blade Knight, then sacrifices Blade Knight to summon Kaiser Glider (2400 ATK). Then, he sets a card face down.

Dartz is impressed—Kaiser Glider is safe from any monster with the same number of attack points, so his Knights can't crush it.

Yuna thinks that Seto may be safe for now, but they need to find a way to destroy his monsters, not hide from them. She draws Mirror Force, thinking this should help. She sets it face down, then summons Big Shield Gardna (2600 DEF) in defense mode and ends her turn.

Dartz draws, gaining another 3000 life points from Orichalcos Deuteros, bringing him up to 10,500.

Yuna says they must stop him, and fast! She thinks that when Dartz attacks, she'll activate Mirror Force and destroy his Knights.

Then Kaiba activates his trap card, Ring of Destruction. Kaiba says that Dartz's Mirror Knights are only protected as long as Mirror Knight Calling is in play (he calls it a magic card, but it's actually a monster card), so he uses Ring of Destruction to destroy it. Both he and Dartz take 500 points of damage, bringing Kaiba to 3000 and Dartz to 10,000. Now, when the Mirror Knights are destroyed, they can't come back.

But then the Mirror Knights' helmets crack and fall, exposing the Knights' identities—it's Yugi, Joey, Mai, and Pegasus. Dartz says he controls the souls of their companions. Attack his Knights, and they'll be attacking their friends.

A platform raises behind Dartz, reviling Yugi and Pegasus tied up, their eyes empty aside from the gleam of the Millennium Eye recognizing its ultimaye master(The Pharaoh).

Yuna realizes that if she uses his Mirror Force, her friends and brother will be gone forever.

''No matter what you do, you lose!'' Dartz says. ''It's impossible to defeat me without destroying these monsters. And you can't destroy my Knights without destroying the souls of your friends!''

00000

On Dartz's island, Rafael is riding his motorcycle up the circular steps towards the temple. The Kaiba Corp helicopter is still standing outside the temple's entrance. Roland, beside the helicopter, looks at his watch.

00000

Inside, Dartz asks Yuna and Kaiba what they think of his newest soldiers—the Mirror Knights, with the captured souls of Yugi, Joey, Mai, and Pegasus inside.

Yuna says that's not funny, and Kaiba tells Dartz to drop the magic act and duel.

Dartz says they are dueling—they're just doing it by his rules.

"Aibou," Yuna says sorrowfully and Kaiba asks, what is the meaning of this? He saw just how broken Yuna looked, but he knew that there was no way Dartz would be able to do such a thing. He feared that Yuna would fall for the cheap trick, but he won't allow this madman to break his rival! Not with him there!

Since he now controls the souls of their former friends, Dartz thought it would be fun to let them play along. Téa and Tristan both shout at Dartz to leave their friends alone, but he ignores them, telling Yuna and Kaiba they should be thanking him for giving them one last chance to see the souls of their companions before they're gone forever.

Yuna says she'll never let Dartz take them away, but Dartz encourages Yuna's anger, telling her to let it consume her, and feel the darkness spread within her.

''The stronger your rage, the more powerful the Great Leviathan will be when it absorbs your soul. And with your soul darkened, your beloved God Monsters wont recognize you! With your soul, you will rag the rest of humanity into the same darkness! Without the Light of Hope, everything is lost!''

Then, Dartz orders Mirror Knight Yugi to attack Yuna. Yuna tells Yugi to fight it, and Mirror Knight Yugi struggles against raising his sword.

Dartz thinks it's touching that Yugi is still loyal to Yuna, even though Yuna turned her back on him. He says that will soon change.

Dartz sets a card face down and ends his turn.

Kaiba draws, thinking he's not going to be intimidated just because Dartz put a few familiar faces on his soldiers. He plays Pot of Greed, drawing two more cards, then plays Cost Down to lower the level of a monster in his hand so he can summon it without a sacrifice. Discarding one card, he summons Different Dimension Dragon (1400 ATK), pointing out that its special effect is that it can't be destroyed by any monster with less than 1900 attack points. Then he reminds Dartz that Kaiser Glider can't be destroyed by Dartz's Knights, either.

Kaiba orders Kaiser Glider to attack Knight Number Three—Mai. The gang gasp, and Mokuba asks Kaiba to please stop. Yuna starts to add his protest, but Kaiba tells her to be quiet—he's not going to let some mind trick stop him from winning this duel. That lunatic siezed control of his company, and he's prepared to do whatever it takes to get it back.

Kaiba tells Dartz that if this is a trap set to deal with him, he'll counterattack. He says it doesn't matter who it is, he'll destroy anyone who stands in his way.

Yuna again pleads with Set to stop, but Kaibam despite his heart goinng out to the girl he loved and trying to make him listen to her, insists Dartz is just trying to stall them, and it won't work on him. he says it's just a trick of Dartz's.

Yuna backs off, wondering to herself what they're supposed to do—if they let Dartz win, they'll be captured, and the whole planet will suffer. But if they fight back, their friends will be lost forever.

Kaiba asks if he's supposed to be too afraid to attack.

Shrugging, Dartz says, only if destroying an innocent soul disturbs him.

''As the president of a major corporation, I have to do that every day.'' Was the reply of the stoic CEO and it made Dartz shiver, wondering just what kind of life the reincarnated High Priest had to be like this.

Kaiba asks Dartz where the Mirror Knights will go after they're destroyed. Dartz says he doesn't know, and it wouldn't be any use to Kaiba even if he knew. Kaiba says, if that's so, he won't stand on ceremony.

Kaiba continues his attack, and Mai's mirror shield is destroyed. One more attack, and she's gone. Kaiba then orders Different Dimension Dragon to attack Mai. But when the smoke clears, Joey's standing in front of Mai, his own shield destroyed in the attack.

Dartz laughs, saying that Joey saved Mai without knowing what he was doing. Their friendship has helped him.

Kaiba grumbles that it figures Wheeler would mess things up. He sets one card face down and ends his turn.

As Yuna draws, Kaiba tells her she knows what she has to do to win—crush Wheeler and Mai.

But Yuna thinks, she can't endanger them. She stares at his cards, remembering how Joey always wanted to help her and Yugi, no matter how dangerous it may be. She remembers Mai congratulating her for winning after their duel in the Duelist Kingdom semi-finals, and then Mai's duel with Marik, when she jumped onto the field to intercept Ra's attack. She remembers Pegasus' hologram telling her she's their only hope against Dartz. She remembers all the things he and Cecillia had done for her.

Finally, she remembers Yugi, her little brother, that had always been there beside her. Yuna thinks that everyone here is a companion who cannot be replaced. Refusing to put her friends in harm's way, Yuna reluctantly ends her turn. Kaiba protests angrily, while Téa says that if Yuna doesn't attack, Dartz will win.

Tristan tells her not to worry—Yuna will think of something. ''She always does.''

And despite Mokuba worrying for he two teens he know most of his life, he was glad that Yuna still had that light in her. It really was their last hope.

Dartz tells Yuna that she had her chance. He draws, gaining another 2500 life points due to the effect of Orichalcos Deuteros, bringing him up to 12,500. Then he plays the magic card, Twin Bow Centaur, placing a double-ended Centaur on the field, with an arrow pointing towards each side of the field.

Dartz will choose two monsters, one on each side of the field, and his Centaur will randomly remove one of them from the game. He chooses Kaiba's Kaiser Glider, and his Mirror Knight Joey.

Tristan says, if the arrow chooses Joey, they'll never get him back!

And Mokuba adds that if it chooses Kaiser Glider, Kaiba will lose most of his life points.

Dartz snaps his fingers, and the arrow pointing at Kaiba bursts into flame. Kaiser Glider is destroyed, and Kaiba loses 2400 life points, bringing him down to 600. The Centaur's burning arrow hits Seto after it destroys Kaiser Glider, making said brunet grunt in pain.

''Seto!'' Yuna was preparing to run to his side, but he growled at Dartz, stopping her in her tracks.

But Dartz tells Kaiba there's an up side—his card requires him to end his turn.

Now, Kaiba says, he can do what Dartz's Siamese donkey twins should have done last turn. He orders Different Dimension Dragon to attack Joey, saying that second-rate chump has held him back for the last time.

''If you still have the pride of a duelist, then fight!''

But this time, Yugi jumps in front of Joey, sacrificing his mirror shield to save his friend. Dartz laughs, saying maybe friendship does conquer all. And, thanks to their friends' loyalty to one another, Dartz will be able to conquer Yuna and Kaiba.

Yuna draws, then plays Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Twin Bow Centaur. Then she ends her turn.

Dartz draws, telling Yuna she wasted her turn destroying a creature Dartz no longer needs. Then he summons Orichalcos Malevolence(1500 ATK, raised to 2000 by the Seal of Orichalcos), a huge beast of fire. Dartz receives another 3000 life points from Orichalcos Deuteros, raising him to 15,500.

Mokuba says his brother's only got 600 life points—one more attack, and he's toast.

Dartz tells Kaiba he'll make sure his soul is put to good use. Then he attacks Kaiba's Different Dimension Dragon with Orichalcos Malevolence.

''SETO!'' Both the younger Kaibas screamed in fear and Yuna was close to doing the same, but she trusted Seto to have something up his sleeve.

00000

Meanwhile, Rafael has finally reached the temple, and speeds his motorcycle past an astonished Roland and the pilot, who yell at him as he zooms up the temple steps.

00000

Kaiba activates his trap card, Attack Guidance Barrier, which allows him to switch Dartz's attack to another monster, while raising its defense by 600 points. He switches it to Yuna's Big Shield Gardna, whose defense rises to 3200.

Dartz's attack fails, but his Kyutora absorbs the damage so that he's unharmed, and Big Shield Gardna's effect forces it into attack mode, with an attack of only 100. But Yuna points out that, thanks to Kaiba's trap card, Dartz's turn is over.

Kaiba says Yuna had better hope nothing happens to him, because Yuna can't do this alone. ''Besides, you owe me one!''

Kaiba draws, thinking that he only has 600 life points left, and no monsters in his hand he can summon. He switches Different Dimension Dragon into defense mode (1500 DEF), sets two cards face down, and ends his turn.

It's up to Yuna now, and Kaiba warns her that if she wants to win this duel, she's going to have to attack those Mirror Knights. But Yuna thinks, she can't turn her back on Yugi again.

''But you have to attack, Yuna—it's the only way!'' Everyone stares in astonishment at Yugi, who was sitting by an equally awake Pegasus, as he continues, saying that they'll be fine, and if Yuna doesn't attack, she'll lose. Yuna protests that if any of the Mirror Knights are attacked, their souls might be lost forever.

Yugi just says, ''Trust me. And for once, Seto's right! This is nonsense!''

Kaiba says this is ridiculous—does Yuna think he's never right or something?

Dartz tells Yuna to get going—everyone is waiting.

Yuna switches Big Shield Gardna back into defense mode, sets one card face down, then ends her turn. Kaiba is not pleased, and Dartz laughs, saying there's nothing either of them can do to stop him.

Just then, Rafael drives into the hall on his motorcycle, and confronts Dartz, saying Dartz doesn't look happy to see him—where's the love? Then he tells Dartz not to answer that—he's heard enough of Dartz's lies. The Pharaoh opened him up to the truth. Thanks to Yuna, Rafael was able to escape the Seal of Orichalcos with his soul intact—unlike the souls in the Mirror Knights and everyone else Dartz has used.

Now, Rafael demands that Dartz set them all free.

Rafael speaks respectfully to Dartz, calling him "Dartz-sama," and asking him to please stop, saying that this is meaningless.

Rafael says that they were wrong—there is indeed darkness in people's hearts, but it can be overcome. Dartz says he never thought he'd hear this from Rafael. Rafael says he conquered the darkness in his heart because of the Nameless Pharaoh. He begs Dartz to set free the souls of the Mirror Knights, and Valon and Amelda.

Dartz says it looks like the Orichalcos took what was left of Rafael's brain—he's more gullible than ever. Does Rafael honestly think that the darkness that once controlled him is gone? Rafael says yes, the Pharaoh set him free.

Dartz asks, did she? Or did she just trick Rafael, the way Rafael thinks Dartz did.

Dartz tells Rafael to look around him—he's no different from anyone else. All of these people gave in to their dark side, and were taken by the Seal of Orichalcos. They're evil, just like all humans, which is why Dartz was chosen to wipe them out. Rafael's no different. He can't just walk away from darkness, it's part of who he is.

That's why Dartz hired him—his rage made him a perfect candidate to carry out Dartz's plan.

Dartz asks if Rafael really thinks he's been freed from the darkness in his heart. Rafael asks what he means, and Dartz says that hatred, sorrow, despair—these can certainly dispel the darkness of the heart. Rafael asks, in that case, why is Dartz doing this? Dartz says, because that's not the true nature of humanity. The darkness in man will disappear only temporarily. He tells Rafael to take a look at this room. These are strong people who tried to show that they could dispel the darkness from their hearts. But they showed that humanity can only dispel the darkness temporarily. Humans are weak, and they still can't do it.

Rafael says he's through with being angry with the world. The Pharaoh and her friends reminded him what loyalty and trust are all about. Rafael says he used to be like them, before Dartz came into his life and poisoned him with the Orichalcos. Rafael says Dartz is wrong. The Pharaoh and her friends showed him with their tenacity, and his heart will never be taken to the dark side again.

''Well said! This way, it's worth it for Yuna to stake her life.'' Tristan said.

Dartz laughs. The Orichalcos didn't poison Rafael's mind, it exposed who he truly is on the inside—a corrupt human being full of anger, just like everyone else in this room.

Téa asks, what does that make him?

Dartz says he's a pioneer, chosen by the Orichalcos to carve out a new world. And his task is nearly done. Soon he'll have enough power to awaken the Great Leviathan and rebuild civilization.

Yugi and Pegasus snort at the delusional man from behind him, making him whirl around and glare at the two. Yugi almost glared back. He was a little pissed that he wasn't even noticed by the man who had put him here. Sure, he knew that his presence was very small in comparison to his sister's and her rival's commanding one, but he thought he would at the very least get an apology from the tall blond. Yugi knew that it was not fair of him to have snatched Rafael's opportunity to duel the Duel Queen, but if Yuna had participated in that duel, who knows what would have happened to the rest of them.

Rafael noticed Yugi, but he would apologize properly later, when the girl he now liked wasn't in danger. He guessed that this was how Valon felt every time Mai did something reckless. The fear and panic were a lot greater than when he was in danger and Rafael wondered if Valon also felt jealous at the close relationship that Mai and Joey had, just as he was envious of the bond shared between the rivals.

But he had more important things to worry about at the moment.

Dartz goes on to say that for ten thousand years his family had been gathering souls to amass enough energy to awaken the great beast—but time was running out, and he needed help.

Rafael adds, so Dartz found him and the others.

Dartz says he required three subordinates to carry out his plan, and they needed to be filled with enough anger to tap the full power of the Orichalcos. And they needed to hate the people of this world as much as Dartz does. 'I knew that I needed people that have been wronged by the world! For my wish to be granted, I needed help from people with the same anger as my own!' As soon as he encountered Amelda, Valon, and Rafael, he know he'd found exactly what he'd been searching for. But it was necessary to influence certain events in their lives.

Starting with Amelda, Dartz says that his family was captured by Gozaburo Kaiba's tanks during his effort to take over their township.

Téa asks Mokuba if it's true, and Mokuba replies that, unfortunately, it is.

Noah starts at this, wondering what else his father did to ruin other peoples lives. It made him feel like he didn't deserve to be around the Queen of Games, who exuded light and hope, warming peoples' hearts.

But then Dartz says that Kaiba's father didn't do a thing—it was Dartz all along, pretending to be Gozaburo.

Kaiba and Rafael react in shock and Noah released a silent, unconscious sigh of relief, as Dartz goes on to Valon, who practically grew up in a juvenile detention center—thanks, once again, to Dartz, who framed Valon for his first crime at the age of nine.

Yuna was by now glaring in disgust at Dartz. She didn't know the two Doma duelists all that well, but Valon helped Mai, even if only slightly and Amelda suffered at the hands of the same man as her beloved rival. Just seeing Seto's shocked anger at the mention of the man he thought he finally buried for the last time made her heart clench. Beneath all the anger and hatred aimed at Gozaboro, she knew that Seto had at one point wanted the man's approval, his respect.

Her train of thought was interrupted as the reincarnation of the last king of Atlantis continued speaking.

''And, of course, there's you, Rafael.'' Dartz says that the captain of the cruise ship didn't take Rafael's family into that typhoon—it was Dartz who led the ship astray. ''I sent the wrong coordinates and info to the ship's system. The captain just followed them to the ship's doom.''

In horror, Rafael demands to know why.

Dartz says that he watched Rafael master Duel Monsters at a young age, but he needed to unlock Rafael's inner fury. It was the only way to make sure he was strong enough—after all, he had the three Legendary Dragons to contend with. ''And frankly, Rafael, your life was just too perfect. Even the mighty Seto Kaiba went through hardships to get all that he has, But you had everything in your life. So I made some adjustments.''

Dartz tells Rafael that his destiny was decided from the start—Dartz just pushed it along a bit. He needed all of them, pawns to match the Legendary Dragons and the Chosen Duelists. ''Especially the legendary Nameless Pharaoh who was reincarnated 16 years ago! The second I heard of the miracle child that was supposedly the cause of the Nile once again flooding like it did last time, 2000 years ago, I knew that that child was the key to many world secrets! I knew that with that child in my possession, bringing Atlantis back to the surface would be a meager task! But, as I said, I need pawns to bring her to a submissive state. That's where you and your companions came. I needed sacrifices or the Pharaoh as much as I needed soul energy for Leviathan! And you three, honorable duelists, were perfect scapegoats!''

Yuna warns Rafael not to listen to Dartz, then turns to shout at Dartz, asking him what he's done, but Rafael is furious, telling Dartz everything is his fault. Dartz took him from his family. Dartz says he needed Rafael's agony, and his thirst for revenge.

Rafael screams in rage, activating his Duel Disk. Guardian Eatos rises behind him, and the Seal of Orichalcos appears in Rafael's forehead. Dartz laughs as the Seal forms around Rafael.

Tristan exclaims, ''It's the Seal of Orichalcos!''

Téa says she didn't see anyone play that card.

The Seal also appears on Eatos' forehead, and her sword glows. Yuna tells Rafael to control his anger, but Dartz says the Orichalcos lives within him and can never be extinguished, not with the stone still around Rafael's neck. ''There's no turning back now.'' Only then, Yuna noticed that the Orichalcos Stone was indeed still around the blond's neck.

It was too late. Sje couldn't do anything now but watch helplessly as the seal prepared to take Rafael's soul energy.

Eatos' sword suddenly blasts forth streams of energy, and Rafael screams as the Seal shrinks around him. Then the Seal disappears, and he falls, his soul captured by the Orichalcos. Tristan, Téa, and Mokuba run to his fallen body, as his form appears in one of the stone carvings.

''Another soul, another step closer to awakening the great beast,'' Dartz says, laughing. Dartz says this is proof that the darkness in humanity's heart won't vanish.

Yuna tells Dartz this ends now, and Dartz says she's right.

Dartz draws, saying that once he plays this card, Yuna and Kaiba's fate will be sealed. ''The Seal of Orichalcos is about to become even stronger. It's time to experience the third level of darkness.''

Dartz plays the card, Orichalcos Tritos!

A third layer forms around the Seal of Orichalcos, as Yuna asks, how could the Seal possibly get any stronger?

Dartz says they're dealing with a force greater than the darkest shadows, and older than time itself. His life points increase to 18,500 due to the effect of Orichalcos Deuteros.

The gang gasp, Téa saying that his life points are out of control.

Then, Dartz uses Orichalcos Malevolence's special effect to switch Kaiba's Different Dimension Dragon into attack mode.

He tells Kaiba he's afraid it's goodbye.

As Dartz is about to attack, Kaiba activates his set magic card, Shrink, to cut Orichalcos Malevolence's attack in half. But the third layer of the Seal destroys Kaiba's magic card, and Dartz tells them that, thanks to Orichalcos Tritos, magic and trap cards are useless against him.

'Dartz is right—each layer of the Seal is more powerful than the last. If we don't think of something soon, Seto will lose the duel—and his soul.'

Dartz continues his attack. But Yuna, not allowing her rival to lose to this idiot, activates her Ambush trap card, allowing her to sacrifice Big Shield Gardna and transfer its defense points to Different Dimension Dragon's attack points.

Téa says that the Pharaoh sacrificed her own monster to save Kaiba, and Tristan adds that rich boy owes her big time.

Mokuba cheers and silently thanks the girl for rescuing his Nii-sama.

Different Dimension Dragon's attack is raised to 4000, and Orichalcos Malevolence is destroyed. But the damage is absorbed by Kyutora.

''Damn it!'' Dartz smirks at the word uttered by the vexed Duel Queen, finding it quite amusing. But he wasn't happy with her interference.

Dartz asks Yuna if her dueling partner is really worth that much to her—she just gave up her only defense to save him, leaving her life points wide open to a direct attack.

''So, the Pharaoh sacrificed her monster to save Seto—is this the power of your bond?'' He mocks the pair, making everyone angry. Tristan was pissed that the man could sneer at such a beautiful bond, and Tea didn't even know why the man irritated her so. The little Kaibas were debating on how to kill Dartz, and Mokuba even wondered if a certain little Russian boy would be happy to help.

Seto and Yuna themselves were already beyond pissed at the man, but Seto was sure he was going to kill him no matter what the outcome of the duel might end up being!

Dartz attacks Yuna with the Mirror Knights,saying that because of the third Seal of Orichalcos, the Mirror Knights cannot defy him, and Yuna is struck by Yugi, then Mai, then Joey. Dartz asks how it feels—they're on his side now.

Yuna grimaces in pain.

Finally, Mirror Knight Pegasus attacks. Fighting instincts finally kick in and Yuna raises her Duel Disk as a shield to intercept Pegasus' sword, and the Mirror Knight pauses before her.

Then, to Yuna's immense surprise, Pegasus leans in and speaks, asking Yuna to please tell him that she has the card Pegasus gave to her.

The Duelist looks at the man behind Dartz and sees that he had a little microphone hear his mouth. It was so small that one wouldn't know it was there if one didn't look for it. Pegasus tells Yuna to use the Nameless Card he gave her and Yuna remembers Pegasus' hologram telling her he's created an exclusive card just for her to accommodate the Dragons she had been collecting over the years, and Tristan retrieving the card from the pot in Pegasus' game room.

The card turned out to be completely blank, and Kaiba said it was worthless, but Yuna wasn't so sure about that. Pegasus had made that card for the Three Legendary Dragons. It must have only worked when the three were together.

Now, Pegasus tells Yuna that the card unlocks the secret of the Legendary Dragons.

Dartz shouts at Pegasus to attack, and Pegasus does. The gang watch as Yuna is sent to her knees by the attack, and Kaiba orders her to get up. Yuna struggles to her feet, telling Kaiba she'll be fine—and thanks for asking.

Kaiba says, "Yuna!" and Yuna says she's all right.

Despite that, Yuna's life points still go down to 1500.

Yuna thinks that their life points are decreasing, while Dartz continues to grow stronger. She wonders what Pegasus meant by her card unlocking the secret of the Legendary Dragons. Could the card be the secret to defeating Dartz?

Dartz sets one card face down and ends his turn, telling Kaiba to go ahead and make his final move—with only 600 life points left, his time is just about up.

Kaiba knows that if he doesn't think of something quick, Dartz is going to win. He can't let that happen—not after everything that lunatic's put him through. He looks at Amelda's carving on the wall, and remembers Amelda telling him that his stepfather, Gozaburo, took Amelda's brother away from her. Then he remembers Dartz explaining that it was he, not Gozaburo, who was responsible for Ameldar's loss.

Kaiba remembers Amelda asking if he can really save his brother, and himself saying that he can, so Amelda says to show her then.

Convincing Amelda that Kaiba's family ruined his life was one thing, Kaiba thinks. But when Dartz bought out Kaiba's company, he crossed the line. He tells Dartz he refuses to end up like Amelda.

Seto thinks that the future entrusted to him by Amelda, and his own path of glory, must not be destroyed here. He mentally tells Amelda to open her eyes and observe what he does here.

Kaiba draws, then holds up his card, laughing. ''Whenever I'm about to lose,'' he says, ''I draw exactly what I need. And this time's no different.''

Yuna's eyes widen as she grins at her arrogant friend.

Kaiba's Legendary Dragon appears on the field.

''It's Critius,'' Dartz says.

Kaiba says that if he knows Yuna's gaming strategies as well as he thinks he does, Yuna's face-down card is Mirror Force. Yuna agrees that it is, so Seto reveals Yuna's trap, and merges the Fang of Critius with Mirror Force to form Mirror Force Dragon (2800 ATK). The dragon roars, ready to serve its two masters.

Yuna asks what Seto plans to attack, and Kaiba says Yuna knows as well as he does that there's no way they can win with those Mirror Knights on the field. Yuna tells him no, but Kaiba insists they're just holograms. Dartz made them look like Yuna's friends so she'd be afraid to attack, but he's not. Kaiba tells Yuna that if she's not able to cut off her relationship with the Mirror Knights, let him do it.

He orders Mirror Force Dragon to attack the Pegasus Knight.

Tristan wonders why Kaiba would attack the one Knight who still has his mirror shield, but Mokuba says Seto wanted the Knight to reflect his attack. Kaiba activates his dragon's special effect, absorbing the reflected attack, intending to send it back to destroy all four of the Mirror Knights.

Yuna tells him not to do it, and Téa wonders, if the four Knights are destroyed, will their souls be lost forever?

Dartz says they're about to find out.

Dartz asks Kaiba how he can destroy his companions. But Seto insists that he's not as gullible as the rest of these dorks. Dartz can't fool him with a couple of reprogrammed holograms—he invented this technology. ''And besides, you idiotic fool, Pegasus and Yugi are just behind you! It means that they don't have a bond with those things! They're just fine and perfectly awake! They regained some of their energy and so they woke up! You might as well get used to being called a fool, because you are one if you think that I'll pass up on an opportunity to punch Wheeler in the face!''

Dartz stared at him in shock.

''As for how I can attack them ... I and my brothers, as well as my childhood friends ... we have already overcome the darkness at the bottom of our hearts, and arrived here.'' Seto talked with a smile on his face that stunned the others still. Yuna couldn't tear her eyes away. ''Now all there is in our hearts is the brightness of building our future. That's the only thing we all need.''

He looks to his rival. ''Yuna's the one that gave us that bright light. I know the saying Hope is a four letter word. It's true. It's you, Yuna. You gave us a reason to become better, and we all did. And if the faces on the Mirror Knights are True Duelists, they won't mind vanishing here. Because they will prove that they have became stronger by coming back!''

Yuna was still hesitant, but she nodded.

Seto orders Mirror Force Dragon to use its effect to attack Dartz's monsters. Yuna still instinctively steps forward, but Seto holds her back, telling her to relax.

She calls out to Yugi, who smiles at her, telling her they'll be fine.

Pegasus smiles at Kaiba, telling him he did it. "Kaiba-boy, thanks! And look after her!" The last comment caused the young CEO to blush slightly, but both knew that he was definitely going to do so.

The two fall back asleep, but their chests were moving, which reassured Yuna that they were fine.

The Mirror Knights are destroyed. But Dartz says he'll be fine. His Kyutora is able to absorb all the damage before it, too, is destroyed.

Yuna sighs that at least her friends are safe.

Kaiba says that Dartz has no monsters to protect him, but Dartz begs to differ. His Kyutora has another ability, he says.

''Whenever it's destroyed, it evolves.''

The watching group groans.

Kyutora disappears in a bright blast of energy, and in its place a gigantic new monster arises, Orichalcos Shunoros.

''Shunoros has an attack of 20,000! It can wipe us out in one strike,'' Yuna says, and Dartz says he's absolutely right.

But he has some more bad news.

Dartz activates Shunoros' special ability, and its right arm detaches, becoming Orichalcos Dexia. Its left arm likewise becomes Orichalcos Aristeros. Dartz explains that Dexia's attack is always 300 points higher than the monster it's attacking, making it the perfect sword. And Aristeros will intercept any of their attacks, returning it with a force 300 points greater than theirs, making it the perfect shield.

''Fuck!'' Seto yells.

Dartz activates his trap card, Martyr Curse, forcing one of his opponent's monsters to battle with one of his, canceling out any special effects his opponent's monster might have. With Mirror Force Dragon the only monster on Kaiba and Yuna's side of the field, Dartz has only one choice. And, without its reflecting ability, Kaiba's dragon is defenseless. Dartz orders Orichalcos Shunoros to attack with its Photon Ring, and Mirror Force Dragon is sliced to pieces.

Then the Photon Ring strikes Kaiba. As the gang watch in horror, Kaiba is thrown back against the Seal, then staggers forward as his life points are drained to zero.

Yuna calls out to Seto, who weakly says that he's not done. He activates his trap card, Wish of Final Effort, transferring Mirror Force Dragon's attack points to Yuna's life points, raising them to 4300.

Then Kaiba falls to his knees, and Yuna runs to him, holding him up, telling him to hold on.

Mokuba tries to run to his brother, pounding on the Seal. Noah was right behind him, both to try to help and to offer some comfort.

Seto tells Yuna not to screw up—she's fought too hard, so Yuna can't lose this. ''Now win!'' he demands, and Yuna promises that she will.

Tears were brimming the scarlet eyes, and Seto could not resist the temptation. He cupped the heart shaped face in one hand and the tears spilled. His heart broke as the crystal droplets flew in torrents down the face he loved so much. He used the pad of his thumb that held her cheek to wipe the tears from that side of her face and Yuna leaned into his touch, nuzzling his large hand. His heart was beating so hard against his ribcage that he wondered if it will bruise, but the tempo only got wilder when he felt her kiss th pal of his hand.

Yuna opened her eyes, not sure when they had even slid shut, and the tears started leaving her eyes even faster as she saw how tired and defeated her rival looked. It pained her to see him suffering. She almost gasped when she saw that he was leaning towards her and her heart stopped when she felt his lips on the skin of her face. He was kissing away the tears that his thump couldn't get to. She was sure that she was blushing, but she didn't care.

She shivered when she felt his breath on her ear as he whispered to her. ''I paid back my dept that I owe you ... For your help during my time of still being under Gozaboro, for being my friend, for Duelist Kingdom and Battle City and everything in between from then to now ... You save me in every way a person can be saved. You gave me Hope. My Yuna! Now take revenge for me. Please ... Yuna...''

Seto pulled back a little to look at his rival's face. The pretty blush in her cheeks compelled him to act bold and so he leaned in once more. This was something he had wanted to do since that night during his tournament. He was mere centimeters away when he saw black swirling his vision and he felt weak. But he wouldn't allow the Orichalcos' pull to stop him.

He moved those few centimeters and connected his lips to the soft ones that he had been dreaming about for so long. He couldn't keep his eyes open anymore and he gave in to the urge to hide those mesmerizing sapphires. He felt those soft lips on his and gentle puffs of air caressing his face as he laid in his rival's arms until he felt no more. The Seal of Orichalcos contracts around Kaiba, and his soul flashes out, darting around the room to land on one of the blank carvings on the wall, where Kaiba's form appears.

The soul of Seto Kaiba, CEO, owner and president of Kaiba Corp, genius protégé and The Queen of Games' only worthy rival, left the body of the tall brunet.

Yuna felt the heavenly lips on her own slip from where they had so lovingly rested just seconds ago and she sensed the emptiness of the body that now slumped in her arms. She looks up just as a beam of energy leaves the CEO's body. She follows it until it forms a carving of her beloved friend on a little stone slab. The tears start once again falling, the little crystals landing on the still face of the boy she had fallen in love with as her entire form shook from her emotions.

Dartz laughs, telling Yuna she's the "soul" survivor.

The Duel Queen hugs the body to her, burying her face into the neck of her rival, nuzzling the spot like she did every other time. It hurt so much not to feel the arms around her. It reminded her that she had failed to keep not one, but two of the most important people in her life from getting hurt. She tightens her grip on Seto's body and inhales his scent, trying to calm herself.

When she looks up, her crimson eyes were ablaze as she glared with ancient anger at the man who had so insulted and hurt her beloved.

Yuna says Dartz disgusts her.

Then Dartz says he has what he needs, so they can have the rest of him, and Kaiba's soulless body is dragged out by some moving platform in the floor out of the Seal to land on the floor beside the gang. Seto's body sparking as it hits the Seal made the crimson eyes to become darker and the Duel Queen snarled at the man before her after the body left the accursed circle.

Mokuba kneels at his brother's side, begging him to open his eyes, his tears falling on his brother's cheek. Dartz tells him he's talking to an empty shell. His brother has donated his life force to the Great Beast. Weeping, Mokuba tells Dartz to give him back, but Dartz doesn't answer except for a cruel laugh.

It caused Noah to try and launch for Dartz, but the Seal threw him back. He hit his head on the hard stone floor and passed out as he tried to sit up. He had conveniently landed near Seto's fingertips and Mokuba just turned to see what happened to his new brother. Mokuba sighed in relief as he saw Noah's chest moving gently, and he was relieved that his nii-sama's was as well. They would both be alright as soon as Yuna defeated Dartz. He belived in her.

Then the temple begins to shake, and pieces fall from the ceiling.

Yuna asks, what's going on?

00000

Outside, Roland and the pilot also wonder as the island shakes.

00000

A great darkness begins to engulf the entire Earth. Lightning flashes in New York, and in the desert, where Duke, Rebecca, and Professor Hawkins stand in the road beside the trailer.

And under the ocean, the Great Leviathan roars.

00000

Dartz asks if they hear that—due to Kaiba's generous donation, the Great Leviathan is almost ready.

Mokuba demands that Dartz tell his lizard to spit out his brother, but Dartz orders him to silence. Behind him, an eye appears in the Seal, and waves of force flow from it, knocking everyone back. Yuna shouts to her friends in panic, who all lie unconscious on the floor.

Dartz laughs, telling Yuna she's all alone now.

Then Dartz tells Yuna not to worry, her friends are fine. Dartz doesn't need weak souls. He just wanted to spend some quality time with the Pharaoh, one on one. Yuna doesn't appreciate it, but Dartz goes on to say that he and Yuna met five thousand years ago, when Yuna's original incarnate was king of Egypt.

''When the Battle of Atlantis ended,'' Dartz says, ''I thought the Great Leviathan was gone forever—until I met the Pharaoh.''

Yuna asks an obvious question. ''What does that evil creature have to do with him? Why would the Pharaoh have anything to do with such an evil creature?''

Yuna finds herself hovering over an ancient Egyptian city with Dartz on the Seal of Orichalcos. Dartz says it's the palace of the Pharaoh in the year three thousand, BC. Inside the palace, Yuna sees him - the Pharaoh - with the priest who looks like Seto - Seth! -, facing a huge serpentine, winged monster. Diabound! The priest steps forward, asking the Pharaoh to allow him to vanquish this intruder.

High Priest Seth says that this is the evil snake that destroyed the temple.

But the Pharaoh says he'll deal with it, and invokes his own beast—Obelisk the Tormentor! The god monster arises protectively behind the Pharaoh, roars, and attacks the opposing monster with its Fist of Fury.

It didn't make any sense to Yuna. She already knew all about this event. It's when the Thief King attacked the palace and pissed the Pharaoh off because of his disrespect towards the previous Pharaoh, Aknamkanon, the young Pharaoh's father. She didn't know why she was seeing this again since she had bore witness to it more often than she would like.

Yuna asks why they're watching this, and Dartz says that it was on this very day that he first realized that the Great Leviathan would rise again, all because of Yuna's soul and the magic that he weaved.

''Once Atlantis was destroyed and the Leviathan was laid to rest, Dartz was forced to wander the world and wait. After some time, he reincarnated and came to Egypt. He couldn't destroy the world on his own—he needed power. That's where the Pharaoh came in.''

''But this duel ...''

Dartz says that five thousand years ago, in ancient Egypt, the Duel Monsters were unsealed, brought out from the darkness within people. If people are trapped in darkness again, it will be like Atlantis ten thousand years ago, and allow the god of Orichalcos to rise and destroy the world.

Now, the vision shows them the winged monster fleeing the palace, with the Pharaoh following him on horseback. Then Slifer the Sky Dragon appears behind him, to dutifully follow the intruder. People scatter as the Pharaoh rides through the streets—and one of them is Dartz, who observes the Pharaoh with interest.

Dartz says that the reincarnated king sensed immediately that the Pharaoh's life energy was exactly what he needed.

''But the time wasn't right, so his wait continued.''

Yuna asks why Dartz didn't confront the Pharaoh back then, and Dartz explains that there was another individual then threatening to destroy the planet, and he was in Dartz's way.

The vision now shows the Egyptian city smoldering in ruins, and Dartz continues that he knew his day would come—and it did.

Dartz continues that back then, those who were encompassed by darkness fought one another and destroyed everything. ''Then, five thousand years later, something shocking happened.''

The vision changes to the present day—to Yugi's hotel bedroom in Egypt, where she, Yuna herself, sits at the desk as a two year old girl, putting together the Millennium Puzzle. Dartz says, five thousand years later, a naive young man unlocked the dark magic within he Tomb of the great Nameless Pharaoh, and brought the return of the Shadow Games, and the rebirth of the Pharaoh and his rivals—Kaiba as the High Priest and Bakura as the King of Thieves.

Dartz says that Yuna's cursed soul was resurrected.

Yuna says, ''So that's why you have been targeting my friends.''

Dartz says that's right. Never before has he encountered such a powerful group of souls. She tells him he's sick, but Dartz says it was the Pharaoh who ushered in the age of the Shadow Games five thousand years ago, and nearly wiped out his whole kingdom.

Yuna, knowing the real truth, says it's a lie, but Dartz says he saw it all—the way the Pharaoh conjured up creatures to do his bidding. Yuna is as evil as her incarnate, and there's no denying it. And soon she'll get what she deserves—when Dartz feeds her soul to the Great Leviathan, and completes the plan he started centuries ago!

Dartz asks Yuna, ''Why must he, the Pharaoh, live again? There's only one answer. You must be the one who will put an end to human history. That's the destiny he bears and you inherited it along with his soul.''

''What?''

''Nameless Pharaoh, you are the source of the darkness within. Ten thousand years of history will end when the Pharaoh is sacrificed!''