Author's Note: Sorry for the late update, a dear loved one close to me just passed and things have been kind of crazy. On top of that I have been sick! Being sick and in mourning has definitely put a damper on my writing skills, but fear not! I am back and inspiration is kicking back in. The build as to where this is going is gonna be slightly slow, but it is going to pick up very quickly in the next couple chapters and when it does the momentum will be hard to stop. For those waiting on our dear Pharaoh to make his debut, I highly suggest sticking around. ;) I apologize for any mistakes or confusion during the writing process, I try my best to catch all the mistakes but sometimes things slip through. As always, leave me a comment or review at your own discretion. I DO NOT OWN YUGIOH - JUST MY OWN CHARACTERS AND PLOT.

Chapter 5: The Do's and Don'ts of Professionalism

Kaiba sat at his desk typing at his computer when his cell phone rang. He narrowed his eyes when he saw who was disrupting him. He let it ring a few times before sighing and answering.

"This better be good Yugi. I don't think I need to remind you how I feel about being bothered at work."

"Well hello to you too! I'm aware, but this is important."

"Make it quick then, I have a meeting in five." Not necessarily true, his meeting wasn't for another thirty minutes but he had better things to do than sitting around chit-chatting all day.

"The reason I'm calling is because I need a small favor.."

"Is that so? Perhaps before you start asking for favors you can tell me if you're even done with the prototype paperwork I gave you two weeks ago. The deadline is coming up and I need those bugs worked out before production begins."

"I finished the other day and sent the files to Mokuba. My hand hurts from all the writing but there's not much to work out since we caught the glitches on the last test run-"

"Good, because I don't run on anyone else's schedule but my own. Giving you all that time to get it done is proof that I even have leniency. You're slow with forms, your computer skills are mediocre at best and if I didn't need your dueling skills to test my equipment against we wouldn't be having this conversation and you wouldn't have a job."

"First of all, that huge pile of paperwork took all two weeks to go through so don't act like you gave me any extra time. I barely managed to get it done before Mokuba came looking for me and threatened to rip my head off. Second of all, excuse me for not majoring in all things computer savvy. Had I known I'd be going through oceans of computer programming codes I might have taken a few extra classes. And unless I'm on the payroll and I didn't know about it this isn't exactly a job as much as it is a favor."

Kaiba smirked at that. He could see where this was headed. Truthfully he was a bit surprised that Yugi would even pull a slick move like that. Had he been in a more entertaining mood he might have went along with it and let it slide, but he was Seto Kaiba. The only game he indulged in was Duel Monsters. And Yugi's little game of tit-for-tat needed to be shut down.

"Oh I see now...I was under the assumption that all the hours you were putting in for my company was voluntary work. Now it's beginning to look like something else entirely. Perhaps we could make it official-put you on the payroll and take the concept of 'favors' completely off the table." His voice lilted just enough to let Yugi know he was leering at him over the phone.

"That's not..! I meant it was a nice gesture! Wait, are you serious about the job? Ah! No! We're getting off subject! Just hear me out first."

"For the record, no I wasn't. Just get to the point Mutou, tick tock." He heard Yugi's frustrated groan through the speaker.

"Do you remember me telling you I was leaving this month for an internship in Egypt and wouldn't be here for the first advertisement meetings for the next Battle City?" He grunted to show he did. That had been slightly irritating news seeing as how it's hard to showcase a title holder if he wasn't there for the interview panels. "Something bad happened at Professor Hawkin's dig site in Egypt and I need to get there immediately. Problem is I don't have the means to get us there any sooner than the flight I already have scheduled. And I can't wait another two days, they need me there now. I wouldn't ask unless I had no other choice- I hoped you could pull some strings and get us on a plane out there tonight."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes. 'Small favor? Flying him out to Egypt was a small favor. Just peachy.' He couldn't bite back the sarcastic attitude in his voice.

"What, you think I have a fleet of airplanes just sitting around ready to carry me all over the place? That I can just magically wave my fingers and take over airspace in different countries?"

"Well yeah.. I mean, not the fleet of airplanes but you do have quite a bit of influence.." Kaiba rolled his eyes.

"And just who is 'us'? Please tell me it's just you and not the Geek Squad trying to manipulate me into getting you a free ride halfway across the world." His eyes started to widen when it was quiet on the line for a few seconds before Yugi responded. 'You little shit...'

"No, I wouldn't do that. We're not trying to manipulate anybody. And no Squad, it would just be me, my Grandpa, Joey and Bakura."

Ugh. Of course the Mutt was involved. Yugi he could stand only because he saw him as an equal. Wheeler was still an annoying, loud-mouthed second-rate duelist who couldn't hold a relatively educated conversation in any aspect, and the thought of doing anything in the field of nice for him made him squirm. The door to his office opened and gangly looking Mokuba strolled in.

"Hey big bro! You got a sec-oh, sorry." Puberty has caused him to suddenly shoot up, and his voice had dropped to a scratchy lower register. Kaiba couldn't help but be proud that they actually started to resemble each other. Tall, slender, with imposing sharp features and ambition...Mokuba was well on his way to surpassing himself in almost every way. If only he could convince him to do something with his chopped mop of hair. He plopped down on a nearby couch waiting for Seto to hang up. He shook shaggy dark locks out of his eyes and stared at Kaiba till he caught his eye. When he looked over at him he mouthed "Who's that?".

Seto didn't respond directly, "It's going out of my way to help and transport just one person, let alone four Yugi. On top of that this request is last minute. I have prior obligations that I can't push back just to accommodate your little emergency field trip."

"Please Kaiba, we need to get to Cairo fast! People are getting hurt-" What was with this kid and finding trouble?

"Not my problem. Unless it has anything to do with myself or my company it's not any of my concern."

"So you won't help us."

"No, sorry but I don't think I will. Besides, you're a smart kid, and if I know you half as well as I think I do you'll find a way there that doesn't involve or inconvenience me. Excuse me, but I do have a meeting that I'm late for." CLICK. He leaned back and rubbed his eyes.

"What was all that about? Is Yugi okay?" Mokuba cast a curious glance at Seto. He knew they'd never be besties but he knew deep down Seto cared about Yugi a little bit...in a weird, I-hate-that-I-can't-ever-seem-to-beat-you-in-a-duel-so-I'll-just-keep-a-close-eye-on-you-till-I-bring-you-down kind of way. Respected him? Absolutely. But he wasn't gonna hold his breathe for them to start 'hanging out'.

"Doesn't matter, I dealt with it. And for future notice, we don't give out handouts here in any way, shape or form. Period. When you have a minute I want that to be made known to the entire staff." He bit out.

"Whoa, what? Handouts? That doesn't sound like something Yugi would ask for." Mokuba rasped out, his voice cracking every now and then between words.

"No it's not, and he wasn't. But just the same, I don't want anyone thinking that I bend the rules for anything other that the advancement and protection of this company."

A gentle knock at the door brought their attention to a tall, white-haired girl in a pale blue blouse and pencil skirt. She held manilla folders in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other as she made her way up to Kaiba's desk. Mokuba noticed how Seto's eyes softened just a tad as she smiled at him. He wasn't fooling anyone. Anyone with eyes and half a brain could see he liked her.

"Mr. Kaiba, I hope I'm not interrupting but I've finished with those forms you needed. Roland is downstairs with the team from Industrial Illusions, and has asked either you or Mr. Mokuba to sit in on the overview if possible. It seems he's not entirely comfortable running this particular meeting on his own?" She spoke with a soft, sweet voice as she passed the CEO his coffee.

That wasn't surprising. His right hand man excelled at whatever Kaiba threw at him-except dealing directly with Maximillion Pegasus-who he assumed showed up in person. Nothing less would have Roland asking for help. Mokuba came to the same realization and groaned.

As he thanked her, he shot a look at Mokuba, who hopped off the couch with a knowing look in his eyes before making his way towards the door. He made sure she wasn't looking as he waggled his eyebrows at him, earning him a dark glare. He covered his laugh with a small cough.

"Don't worry, I've got it. There's a few things I need to get done on that side of the building anyway. Don't take too long Seto, you know he likes to wander the building when he's bored. And how many times have I told you, it's just Mokuba. I'm too young to be a Mister." He shot the pretty girl a playful wink as he strode out of the room.

Kaiba cleared his throat and stood to take the files from her. His eyes subtly taking in her appearance. Her bright blue eyes stood out against her creamy skin, and her long white hair was pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. A few silvery locks never seemed to cooperate and fell into her face. She was pretty in an unusual way; he caught himself staring at her more often than not. He asked her to stay for a minute as he opened the files for a quick once-over, and she patiently answered any questions he asked while going through them. He signed a few forms and handed them back to her. She smiled warmly and brushed a loose strand out of her face.

"Great! Once they're all signed and stamped I'll mail them out for you as soon as possible."

"Thank you Kira, your work ethic is impressive. I hope things here at Kaiba Corp have been to your liking?" He picked up his coffee and motioned them out of the office. She followed his lead and fell in step with him.

"Yes, I know it's only been a few months but I really enjoy being here. Everything fell right into place almost right away." They continued down the hall to the elevator bank. "It's strange, but it almost feels like I was meant to end up here."

Kaiba blinked at her words. He wouldn't deny that meeting Kira on her first day was a shock. He could count on one hand the amount of times he'd been shaken to his core. At the top of the list was exactly three months ago when he had entered the lobby and accidently bumped into her. The wave of déjà vu when he shook her hand almost left him on the floor. Memories flooded back from another time, another life and once again he'd had visions of his ancient past. Standing before him once again was Kisara, the beautiful stranger who gave her life to protect and defend the Egyptian priest, before fading away leaving Kira, his newly appointed personal assistant. It was the first time ever that Kaiba had truly accepted the fact that all that 'hocus pocus magic' crap was real. That and the fact that just maybe fate had brought her to him for a reason. As if he wasn't caught off guard enough, Yugi had been with him that day and smirked a silent "I told you so" all damn day after his and Kira's encounter; effectively squashing what little joy he'd had being in her presence. Being wrapped up in his thoughts as he was he didn't realize they'd reached the elevators.

"Umm, Mr. Kaiba?" She looked at him questioningly.

He shook himself back to the present and gruffed out a lame, "Sorry?" Feeling a little off kilter he leaned forward and pressed the button for the elevator.

"Is everything alright? You seem distracted." Her asked, concern on her pretty features.

"I'm fine, just going back over everything that needs to be done today." He felt warmth flood his being as she cocked her head to the side questioningly.

God forbid he ever admit it out loud, but the girl was cute. More than cute, she was beautiful...but the gesture was cute. Being rich, handsome and single for as long as he had cropped up a lot of beauties in his path but somehow he had never really paid any attention to any of them. Until this one. Words like "dating" or "fantasy" hadn't even been in his vocabulary till she appeared. Whether by design or just good fortune -he honestly didn't care which- he was surprisingly pleased that she was in his life now, even if it was just for work at the moment.

"Oh, well if anything is weighing on your mind you can always talk to me. Not to be forward or anything, it's just I find that it helps when someone's there to listen, you know?"

He smiled gently at her, ignoring how unfamiliar the sensation was, "I'll keep that in mind."

She smiled coyly and looked down at her shoes, a stray lock of hair falling back in her face. Damn. This girl was too cute. He vaguely wondered if she'd mind being promoted early….Did he want her around more? Yes. Would she smile like that more? God he hoped so. The elevator dinged and the doors slid open.

"Well, I'm gonna head back to my desk. Let me know if you need anything else Mr. Kaiba." She backed away and was about to turn when he spoke up.

"Please Kira, it's been three months. We're well past formalities. Just call me Seto."

She froze and glanced back up at him with a slight blush. No one called him by his first name except his brother. He tried not to chuckle as he stepped into the elevator.

"Oh? Umm okay, if you're sure. Let me know if you need anything Mr. Kai-I mean Seto." He felt his stomach do a strange little flip when she said his name.

"I'm sure, I'm too young to be a Mister." He smirked at her as she blushed more brightly and walked away to her desk.

As the doors closed he watched as she slowed and shot a glance back at him, a small smile on her face. As the metal box carried him down to the main level he pondered over just how many responsibilities he could come up with for her to spend more time in his office. He was sure he could find other ways to make her blush. He fought and failed as his smirk turned into a full grin.

CLICK.

Yugi sat stunned for a second as the line went dead. 'Did he just-? That son of a-!' Joey and Ryou watched as Yugi's face burned red and he angrily scrolled through the rest of his contacts.

"Sooooo I'm guessin rich boy ain't about to help us den?" Joey asked, flinching when Yugi aimed his angry glare at him.

"Well, I'm not that surprised. He's not exactly prone to doing nice things for people he should consider his friends." Ryou sighed out. He got up and walked to the fridge, pulling out soda's for all of them.

Solomon nodded in agreement, "And after all you've been through together! I have to say it's a shame he hasn't come around. He's had a tough upbringing I know, but still.. Perhaps one day he'll see that friends and family have more to offer than all the money in the world." Ryou lifted his soda can, "Hear hear!"

Yugi was still fuming as he came to the end of his contacts list. He couldn't think of anyone else that could help them. Kaiba had been their only option. Damn him.. that was last time time he did any voluntary work for him!

"Ehh! Who else do we know who has connections? Rebecca's grandpa can't get us there any faster?" Joey ran a hand through his hair, looking at Yugi who shook his head.

"I think if they could have we'd be on a plane now. Rebecca herself was already on the way when she talked to us. Guys I hate to say it but we might just have to sit tight until Monday." They all groaned and sipped soda as they tried to come up with another way.

The news was still running on the TV in the living room. The low volume carried into the kitchen.

"In other news Industrial Illusion's CEO and Duel Monsters' creator Maximillion Pegasus made a surprise appearance to Domino today. He and his entourage were seen entering Kaiba Corporation earlier this afternoon. Sources speculate the Duel Monster's creator is here making arrangements for a future collaboration with tech mogul and CEO of Kaiba Corp, Seto Kaiba-who is in the beginning stages of hosting this year's Battle City tournament. No word yet on just what the two could be working on but…"

Yugi perked up. Pegasus was in Domino? That was new...Pegasus never showed up unannounced anywhere. It wasn't his style. He was a full-tilt diva who had to put on a show from start to finish. Joey had even called him a 'well-dressed prima donna'. Maybe that's why Kaiba was so fast to blow him off, his meeting must have been with Pegasus. He wondered what they were working on, and how long he'd be around for. The previous owner of the Millenium Eye...granted they didn't have a great history either but at least Pegasus had extended the hand of friendship after the ordeal with Dartz. He even made the grand gesture of inviting him along with other high ranking duelists to a ball on Duelist Kingdom. It had been a nice affair and things went smoother than Yugi had anticipated. The older man made it clear that he was indebted to Yugi and his friends for saving his soul. 'I wonder..'

Yugi jumped up and bolted upstairs so suddenly the other three sat gaping at his empty chair. Banging and slamming noises could be heard from the upper landing until he came back waving a small piece of paper in the air. He slammed it on the table and snatched up his phone. Joey leaned over to get a look at the paper-it was a business card patterned like a Duel Monsters card with a phone number printed under a name in cursive. His eyebrows shot up into his hairline and he looked over at Yugi who smiled back and crossed his fingers. They all watched him questioningly as he punched in the number from the card and started pacing while the phone rang. The phone rang several times without any response and Yugi started to get nervous that he wouldn't answer. Then the line clicked open. They all held their breath as Yugi spun towards them and gestured wildly at the phone.

"Well well, to what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?" Pegasus' silky voice greeted him.

"Pegasus, hey, I'm sorry if I've caught you at a bad time…"

"No, not at all dear boy! I gave you my private number so that you could call me at your leisure, though I must say I'm a little hurt you haven't used it before now. How may I be of assistance?" Pegasus was cut halfway through his sentence by someone in the room with him.

"Excuse me, do you mind? Last I checked we were in the middle of a business meeting."

Yugi had to stifle a giggle as he heard the unmistakable voice of Kaiba over the line. He didn't sound too happy, and Yugi felt a slight twinge of satisfaction at giving him a hard time. Joey and Ryou were giving him funny looks so he put the phone on speaker mode. Pegasus responded without missing a beat.

"I certainly don't, now if you please, I am on the phone. It is rude to interrupt an important phone call, you know."

"Look I don't appreciate my time being wasted so your phone call can wait-"

"Kaiba boy didn't we just go over this? It's very rude to butt in on important phone calls, now please if you don't mind butt out,…. Yugi boy, I apologize for the interruption, how are you doing? It's been too long!"

"Oh you've got to be fucking joking.." Kaiba seethed, and there was a loud thump like he had slammed something down. Yugi hoped it was his head smacking the table.

"I'm doing good, and I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. Busy schedules and whatnot, plus I know you're busy with the Dungeon Dice Battle Royale tournaments this year. I didn't want to bother you." He tried not to feel guilty at his half truth; he honestly didn't want to bug him. They weren't close enough to warrant daytime phone calls and chat about the weather.

"Now now, language Kaiba boy! Dear me, your meeting table behavior needs a bit of work." At this, all three boys tried to keep their chuckles under control as Kaiba could be heard throwing a fit. Joey shoved his fist in his mouth and Ryou ducked his head under the table since he couldn't keep it down. Even Solomon was having a hard time keeping a straight face. "As for you Yugi, I'm never too busy to talk to a friend. Business life can be so boring, it's actually quite refreshing to chat with someone who's not involved with the inner workings of the business. And the company I find myself with most of the time can be so dull I could almost retire early. But you never fail to pique my interest, much like you have since our paths first crossed."

"Times have certainly changed for the better since then-for both of us. I'm glad I can distract you from present boring company, and though I did bother you during a meeting I'm not all that sorry it was at Kaiba's expense. As much as I'd like to chat, that's not why I called. I'm in a bind and need a favor, and I was hoping you might be able to help."

"I see, I do hope you're not in any immediate danger?" His tone became a shade more serious.

"No, nothing like that, but it is a matter of urgency. Though I have a bad habit of ending up in those kinds of situations, don't I?"

"Indeed you do, being who we are has a tendency to bring about bad fortune. You said you needed a favor? Am I right in assuming I wasn't your first option when asking for help with this?"

"Yep."

"Am I also right in assuming your first choice was less than helpful?" Yugi swore he could hear Pegasus' eyes narrow at Kaiba over the phone. The irritation in his voice was the first giveaway. Sharp as always, he knew the only other person Yugi would call if he was in trouble would be Kaiba-who was still ranting and slamming things around while Pegasus lounged in his chair chatting away.

"Bingo."

"How disappointing! What are friends for if not to lend a hand when one is in need? I shall have to have a talk with our dear Seto Kaiba. He needs reminding that debts do not disappear from our ledgers by covering it up with arrogance and denial. Perhaps I am in a better position to help."

"Pegasus please, we've talked about this. You don't owe me anything and neither does Kaiba."

"Dear boy, you have saved my glorious behind from dangers and shadows more times than I care to count. Without you I'd be a soulless husk, and not an international sensation doing what I do best-sweeping the world off their feet with my many charms and talents. I will always be trying to even the score, and I'll hear no more of this nonsense. You have my word that should you need anything, and it is within my power to give, it is yours-on the condition that you check in from time to time and come visit me on occasion. Tell me, what exactly do you need?" Yugi promised he would and explained their situation while Joey and Ryou high fived and danced a jig around the kitchen table. Solomon chuckled at their antics and left the room to start getting his bags together.

Yugi thanked him profusely and hung up the phone so Pegasus could make arrangements. "Grab your stuff guys! He's sending a limo to get us in an hour!"

"Awwwww YEEAAHH! I don't care what you say Yuug, I always liked that guy!" Joey victory punched the air and noogied Yugi's head.

"Hey! Ouch! Hahaha sure you have Jo, come on, let's get ready to go! Grab something nice, if I know Pegasus he's gonna be making a spectacle of himself and we're gonna be dragged along for the ride. Like Kaiba, he always travels in style."

Ryou raised his soda can up as Solomon came back in the room. They all grabbed their cans and raised them high in a victory toast.

"Here's to Pegasus, coming through for us when it counts!" Ryou clinked their cans together and drank before scrambling to get ready.

Yugi flew upstairs and tore his closet apart looking for something to wear. As he pulled a few dress shirts down he thought back over why they were needed in Cairo so badly, and worry grew at the back of his mind. No matter what waited for them, they would figure it out. They always did. With that, he chose a half sleeve white button up and sleek black leather pants to wear with his black boots.

"Egypt, here we come!"

Marik had never felt so horrible in his life. He couldn't see or move. His whole body screamed in protest at the slightest closest thing he could compare his pain to was a sloppy combination of having the flu, riding too many roller coasters, being stabbed with needles and being burned alive all at the same time. Free falling through that tunnel of light had left him in and out of consciousness as he lay face down on what seemed to be a hard stone floor. His eyes slid back into focus as voices could be heard around him. Everything was blurry...he couldn't make out any details but he knew he wasn't in Egypt anymore. He was vaguely aware of hands turning him over, and he felt bile rise in his throat as the pain in his skin overwhelmed him. He tried scream for help, or for whoever was touching him to back the hell off but all he managed was a pained mumble of incoherent words. He couldn't understand what was being said around him-his ears weren't working the way they should. He racked his brain trying to make sense of his situation, fighting the dizziness and constant buzzing in his head.

'

Where am I? Where was Ishizu and Odion? Did they get sucked in too? What the hell just happened?!'

Panic welled up and he started to hyperventilate. A cool hand covered his eyes and calm whispered words he couldn't understand floated past his ear. He felt the pain begin to recede and when the hand left his face his vision cleared. He was met with a pair of bright orange eyes. The unusual color took him by surprise as his panic attack worsened and the hand came back to rest against his cheek. He tried to flinch away from the touch and the movement caused black spots to fill his vision.

"Don't move…help..heal….rest now."

Most of the sentence was swallowed up by the ringing in his ears. He looked around wildly and could make out several people standing around and a black figure on the floor next to him. The hand was more insistent this time and touched his temple-warmth shot through his head and his vision went dark.