Chapter 3
"The Past is Present"
It all started at Domino Airport as an airplane was landing, an airplane that was branded Egypt Air. From the plane, a woman and her security guards disembarked and entered the port before being greeted by someone. "Miss Ishtar, on behalf of the Domino City Museum, welcome to Japan." said the curator of said museum. "Thank you, but please, let's get down to business." Miss Ishtar responded. "Of course. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised that you chose our city to host your Egyptian collection rather than a place like Tokyo or Kyoto." said the curator. "Are the artifacts being transferred safely and discreetly?" she asked.
"Don't worry. Since you've warned us that thieves have been after your rare artifacts, we've taken extra precautions. I've devised a genius plan to transport the items without a hint of detection. For security reasons, I can't tell you how." the curator answered. However, as Miss Ishtar's necklace, which had the Eye of Anubis on it, glinted and glowed, something truly miraculous happened. "You're loading them in six armored vehicles disguised as ordinary garbage trucks. Am I not correct?" Miss Ishtar asked. "How'd you know?" the curator asked back, baffled that Miss Ishtar knew of his plan.
"Don't worry. Your security's fine, let's just say I have a sixth sense about these things. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I really must get to the museum to set up the exhibition." Miss Ishtar responded before she and her guards departed. Later that evening, Yugi was walking home, thinking about things. 'What am I gonna do? I almost lost Yami in that fire, and I've got a feeling the worst is yet to come.' he thought. Just then, Fluttershy spotted him after he crossed the street. "Hey! Yugi! Over here!" she called, but Yugi was still lost in thought. "Oh, dear. He must have something on his mind." she said before a TV news report came on.
"And in more recent news, at Domino Museum, Ishizu Ishtar of the Egyptian Historical Society announced the opening of her highly anticipated Egyptian exhibit." said the news anchor. "Game fans, particularly fans of Duel Monsters, are especially invited. This world premier showcases newly discovered and never-before-seen artifacts chronicling the history of an Egyptian game that Maximillian Pegasus used as a base to create Duel Monsters. In ancient times, games weren't merely played just for fun as they are today. Everyone from princes to peasants waged these duels against each other for land, wealth, and especially for power. These games were seen as epic battles. I've unearthed relics that suggest the great Nameless Pharaoh himself may have competed in such a game against a force that threatened to destroy, not just Egypt, but the entire world. Of course, this is still speculation, and further studying needs to be done." Ishizu stated. Elsewhere in Domino, the Kaiba Brothers were watching the news report as it was being told.
"Seto, what do you think of this new exhibit? If it has to deal with Duel Monsters, perhaps its worth at least a glance." Mokuba suggested. "Sorry, Mokuba, but without a new board of directors on staff to replace those long-since-gone Big Five vultures, which likely won't happen until a week or so from now, I don't have time for the reasoning behind the creation of Duel Monsters, let alone mummies of long-dead pharaohs." Seto responded. "Oh, I guess I thought you'd be into the source of the creation of Duel Monsters. Oh well." Mokuba said before Seto's phone rang. "Seto Kaiba speaking." he said. "This is Ishizu Ishtar. My guess is that you weren't paying much attention to my press conference." said Ishizu, catching Seto off-guard. "How'd you know I was watching?" Seto asked before turning to the TV.
"I'm personally inviting Seto Kaiba for a private preview of the exhibition. I can assure him that what he sees will change his life forever." Ishizu said. Later that evening, Seto arrived outside of the Domino Museum. "Keep the engine running, I won't be long." he said to his limo driver. The driver agreed and Seto entered the museum, where Ishizu and her guards were waiting. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Kaiba." she said. "You said this was a private preview, right?" Kaiba asked. "Correct, it'll make our business easier to conduct. And for safety precautions, no one else will be allowed inside this building." Ishizu answered.
"Well, it's only been a minute and I'm already suspicious about this. So tell me, Miss Ishtar, what exactly was your reason for bringing me here?" Kaiba asked. "Well, to ease your suspicions, the reason this building is being locked down is because we've suffered a string of thefts in my home country. Of course, you're allowed to leave whenever you choose, but I suggest you stay and see the reason why I invited you here." Ishizu answered. "Is that so? And how do you know I'd be interested?" Kaiba asked. "Please, follow me." Ishizu responded. "I assume a man like you doesn't believe much in destiny, right?" she asked.
"You're right. I don't give the idea of destiny much thought." Kaiba answered. "The ancient Egyptians thought that the true path of one's life was pre-determined and that history repeats itself throughout the ages in a never-ending circle." Ishizu explained. "In fact, someone would say it wasn't your choice to come here, but it was planned that you would from the start." she continued. "Planned? Not really. After all, I know you didn't call me here to give me a lesson on Egyptian history. You said this visit would be worth my while, so I suggest you stay true to your word. After all, I have a company to run and I need to concentrate on finding a new board of directors. You did say you have an exclusive offer for me, a Duel Monsters card that's said to be stronger than Exodia. I know almost everything there is to know about Duel Monsters and nothing can stop Exodia. Once a player has all five pieces in their hand and summon it to the field, they automatically win the game." Kaiba said, clearly not looking to be beating around a bush.
"If you're that anxious, very well. As I'm sure you know, Duel Monsters is based upon a 5,000 year old game. It was played by Egyptians for power and was extremely dangerous." Ishizu explained. "Who cares about where Duel Monsters came from?" Kaiba asked. "Maximillian Pegasus did. He fell in love with the game and decided to reinvent it for the modern day." Ishizu answered. "What's your point?" Kaiba asked. "You see, unbeknownst to most Duelists, Pegasus created a series of all-powerful cards that were never released to the public. It's no surprise that he kept the strongest monsters for himself. Follow me, Mr. Kaiba, and I'll show you one of the reasons I called you here today." Ishizu answered before they continued on.
Meanwhile, at the Kame Game shop, Yugi was in his room, thinking. 'Seems like whoever's after the Puzzle will do anything to get it, or to make sure that no one else does. When he smashed it to pieces, he almost destroyed it for good. We barely made it out of that mess alive. And I know that this, is just the beginning.' he thought as he had a flashback to that warehouse fire. 'I have a feeling we're in more danger now than ever.' he continued. "Yes, Yugi. But now that you've reassembled the Puzzle and our bond is reconnected, we can face this unknown enemy together." Yami said. "But we don't even know who this guy is, let alone what he looks like." Yugi pointed out. "Maybe, but haven't we been in some tough spots before?" Yami asked. "Yeah." Yugi answered. "So, we'll get through this one, too." Yami wisely stated. "I guess you're right." Yugi responded, though still unsure.
Meanwhile, at the apartment building where Fluttershy and her friends lived, the girl was asleep at her desk when she had a dream of a valley with an ancient tomb within it. "Where am I?" she pondered. Then, she saw Yami Yugi heading toward the tomb's entrance. "Is that Yami?" she pondered again. "Yami, wait! Where are you going?" she asked. "To face my destiny. Goodbye." Yami answered before walking into the tomb with the doors closing behind him. As Fluttershy shouted for him not to leave, she woke up. "Was that a dream? Did Princess Luna send that to me?" she pondered, unsure if that was just a dream, or a warning.
Meanwhile, at the Domino Museum, Ishizu led Kaiba closer to the reason for her calling him. "I've secured the more important artifacts here. We've uncovered stone carvings that depict the earlist game that was played in Egypt. I'm sure you'll find it most familiar. Seto Kaiba, behold, the origin of Duel Monsters." Ishizu said before turning on the lights to reveal a stone tablet encased behind glass, covered with carvings of Duel Monsters. "It can't be! These carvings look like Duel Monsters cards! Then that means your story is true!" Kaiba said in disbelief. "I see you've come to your senses. Furthermore, there's a theory that in ancient times, these monsters were real. Egyptian sorcerers summoned these monsters to earth to do their bidding. But they soon realized that the monsters could not be controlled. They destroyed countless villages and brought both Egypt and Earth to the bring of destruction." Ishizu explained as she and Kaiba gazed at the tablet carvings that depicted her story.
"The citizens turned to the pharaoh for help, but he could not permanently defeat the beasts, he was only able to use his magic to seal them away in stone tablets and brought peace to the world. However, over time, evil sorcerers learned how to control the creatures and release them from their stone prisons. With their army, or armies, of powerful monsters, the sorcerers were confident that no one could stand in their way. They betrayed the pharaoh and waged an all-out war against him." she continued before walking to the tablet next to it. "This tablet is one that I found MOST intriguing, because of the figures carved into it. It's the true reason why I called you here tonight. It depicts one of the main conflicts between the pharaoh, whom we call the Nameless Pharaoh because no record of his name has been found, and his greatest opponent. Closely examine this artifact. I feel that after you look at this, your life will never be the same again." she continued before Kaiba gazed at the tablet.
What he found, was a shock to him. "That's the Nameless Pharaoh?! But, that's Yugi Muto! And the monster carved above him is the Dark Magician!" Kaiba said in disbelief. "I have heard that Yugi Muto became world champion of Duel Monsters and was crowned King of Games at the Duelist Kingdom tournament, but it's my belief that it's possible that the figure you see may be Yugi Muto's ancient ancestor." Ishizu explained. "Ancestor?! You mean, Yugi has ancient Egyptian heritage?!" Kaiba asked, doubly shocked. "Yes, because the resemblance between Yugi and the Nameless Pharaoh is uncanny." Ishizu answered. "And on the left side of this tablet is the sorcerer that fought against him. If you look closely, you might see a resemblance between the sorcerer and, well, see for yourself." she continued. Kaiba looked and was more shocked than before. "That can't be! That's... THAT'S ME!" Kaiba shouted. "Not you, specifically, but your ancient ancestor. Therefore its my belief that you and Yugi have ancestors from the age of the pharaohs. And if you still have any doubt, look at the monster carved above the sorcerer." Ishizu stated.
Kaiba looked and got another shock, the monster carved above the sorcerer was one of his own, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. "That's impossible, and yet I see it, carved in everlasting stone." Kaiba said as he reeled from the shock. "The hieroglyphics read that the mighty sorcerer marched into the pharaoh's chamber and challenged him and his league of noble magicians to a legendary battle, with the fate of the world on the line. The Nameless Pharaoh accepted the sorcerer's challenge and their epic battle began. Both participants unleashed their most powerful monsters against each other. The sorcerer fought to control the world, and the Nameless Pharaoh and his loyal followers fought to save it. I have a feeling that most recently, 5,000 years later, this contest had played out before and may happen once more. The first time was when you first dueled against Yugi Muto. You may not believe in destiny, Mr. Kaiba, but I feel that you may believe that history has a way to repeat itself." Ishizu explained.
"History repeating itself? Partially I do believe it, but something tells me that this stone tablet may be a duplicate of the real thing, which may be stored away in your home country of Egypt." Kaiba stated. "Then, perhaps, if words can't fully persuade you, than you must peer back through time and witness part of the battle firsthand. Something I can help you with, by use of my Millennium Necklace." Ishizu said before her Millennium Item began glowing. "Did you say... Millennium?!" Kaiba asked, having seen firsthand what a Millennium Item looks like, specifically the Millennium Eye, and knowing what it could do. "Open your mind, Seto Kaiba, and glimpse into the ancient past!" Ishizu responded before Kaiba found himself floating above an ancient Egyptian chamber. "What is this place?" he asked before seeing his ancestor, the sorcerer, down below him. "I hereby declare a challenge to the pharaoh! By the rites of tradition, duel me if you are not a coward!" the sorcerer said. In mere moments, the sorcerer's followers began to chant: "Magic powers, heed my cry. Release the monster trapped inside." before one of the tablets rose of from the ground, releasing a creature that Kaiba recognized as a Duel Monster called Lord of Zemia, a level four, Dark attribute fiend with 1300 attack points and 1000 defense points.
"As the pharaoh's loyal servant, I will stand against you, traitor!" shouted one of the pharaoh's followers before another tablet rose up, this time releasing the Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress. All the while, the Nameless Pharaoh watched. "Through the power of my creature, I banish your followers to the Shadow Realm!"" the follower of the pharaoh declared before his dragon attacked and destroyed Lord of Zemia, causing the tablet to fall and five of the traitorous sorcerer's followers to be evaporated by bolts of lightning. "Whoa. What is this?" Kaiba asked, having watched the exchange. Meanwhile, back at Kame Game, Yugi was still feeling down.
"I feel like a total loser. I almost lost you and the Puzzle forever in that fire. There's no way I can face this enemy. What if I mess up again?" Yugi said. "You didn't fail." Yami stated. "Only because my friends came and saved me. Otherwise, I never would've escaped." Yugi pointed out. "You're wrong, Yugi. You need to believe in yourself like I believe in you. I may not remember where I come from or who I am, but in all my time existing, I've never encountered a soul as brave as yours, Yugi. There's a reason why fate handed you the Millennium Puzzle and brought us together. You have the heart of a true champion and a soul that is courageous and true. In another time, you could've been a prince, or a king, even a pharaoh." Yami responded encouragingly. Back at the Domino Museum, Kaiba was reeling from what he had previously seen.
"The duel raged on with neither side showing any mercy. They summoned monsters that were increasingly more powerful and vicious. The winner of the duel was written near the bottom of the tablet, but as you can see, the hieroglyphics have been worn away by years of weathering." Ishizu explained. "I see." Kaiba said. "But, although we don't know the outcome of this battle, there's still much that we can learn. Let us glance into the past again by use of my Millennium Necklace." Ishizu added before Kaiba saw more of the ancient contest. And right at that moment, Kaiba's ancestor caused La Jinn, the Mystical Genie of the Lamp, to appear from its stone carving. "Your genie may be strong, but did you think I would not be prepared? It is no match for the combined fury of two dragons!" the pharaoh's follower declared as he made another monster, a level four, Wind attribute dragon with 1100 attack points and 1200 defense points called the Fairy Dragon, appear. The followers behind the man chanted: "Let two be one." before the two dragons fused together, just like if a Polymerization card were played. "Unite, my dragons! You shall be unstoppable!" he called.
In moments, a new creature was formed, a level seven, Light attribute dragon/fusion monster with 2300 attack points and 2000 defense points called the Kaiser Dragon. "Attack! Bombard the traitor with your blazing inferno!" he ordered before the Kaiser Dragon destroyed La Jinn, causing three more followers to be evaporated. "You have not won yet, pharaoh! It is far from over, do you think one of your pathetic minions has the magic to defeat me? I will banish them from this plain of existence right before your very eyes!" the sorcerer bellowed, but the Nameless Pharaoh remained silent. Then, Kaiba returned to his time. "That sorcerer is a big-mouth, losing chump. There's no way I'm related to him!" he stated, clearly not wanting to have a loser in his family tree.
"No one ever said you were like him, Mr. Kaiba. But you are at least similar to him in appearance. But then again, since you claim seeing is believing, the final image should convince you." Ishizu responded before the battle was seen again. "You should've finished me off when you had the chance, for I will now call forth the ultimate beast of destruction! Now, pharaoh, this is the end for your follower! My faithful monsters, you have all served me well, wake from your eternal slumber and obey me one last time!" the sorcerer commanded before two tablets released the Mystic Horseman and the Battle Ox. "Behold, I will offer these two, infuse their life forces into a legendary dragon!" he bellowed before the two creatures were sacrificed. In moments, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon appeared before all to behold and fear.
"Bare witness, to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" he declared. "The Blue-Eyes White Dragon?!" Kaiba said in shock, knowing that he had the remaining three, as the Nameless Pharaoh stood from his throne. "Now, my dragon, destroy them all with your White Lightning!" the sorcerer commanded before the Kaiser Dragon, along with the other tablets and the followers of the Nameless Pharaoh, were destroyed, as the sorcerer laughed in triumph. "Victory is mine!" he declared before Kaiba returned to his own time. "Now are you convinced, Mr. Kaiba? As I said before, history is destined to repeat itself once more. I don't believe it's merely coincidence that Yugi Muto is your greatest opponent and rival, your ancestors have battled in the ancient past. And now, 5,000 years later, their predecessors, you and Yugi, are battling just as they did." Ishizu stated. "I appreciate you showing me where I come from, but unlike my sorcerer ancestor, I'll make my own destiny. And what I plan to do is put Yugi behind me until the time comes for me and him to battle again." Kaiba said before picking up his briefcase and preparing to leave. "Mr. Kaiba, I thought you'd be just as interested in owning powerful monsters. The Duel Monsters cards that surpass the power of Exodia. What if I told you their images were right in front of you the whole time?" Ishizu said, bringing Kaiba to a stop.
"Come again?" Kaiba asked. "Take a closer look at the top of the tablet. Surrounding the Millennium Puzzle are the three strongest and most feared creatures of annihilation. Obelisk the Tormentor, Slifer the Sky Dragon and The Winged Dragon of Ra. Control one, and you can destroy a million armies. Wield all three, and the planet itself will quake in fear." Ishizu answered as she pointed out those three mighty creatures. "And Pegasus turned them into cards?" Kaiba asked. "Yes." Ishizu answered. "You lie! If he had them, why didn't he use them against me or Yugi at Duelist Kingdom?" Kaiba asked, not really looking to believe what Ishizu had said. "Because Pegasus feared the power of these cards. Cards that he dubbed the Egyptian God Monsters. You cannot fathom the magical energy or the unbelievable power contained within these three. Pegasus could not control the power of the cards he created. They threatened to overwhelm and destroy him!" Ishizu answered.
'Cards that even made Pegasus quake in his shoes? If I can obtain these three legendary monsters, I'd be unstoppable in any duel. Yugi wouldn't stand a chance! But how do I get them? I can't ask Pegasus, he's dropped off the face of the earth. They have to be somewhere.' Kaiba thought. "Ishizu, what did Pegasus do with the Egyptian God cards?" he asked. "He gave them to me for safe keeping. Pegasus realized that if these cards fell into the wrong hands, they could bring about the end of the world. He had me bury them in secret locations throughout Egypt, but the cards were discovered. I had to find and hide them once again." Ishizu answered, remembering when she buried one of them. "You mean someone already found the Egyptian God cards?" Kaiba asked. "Yes." Ishizu answered. "Tell me who." Kaiba demanded.
"The Rare Hunters." Ishizu said, grimly. "Rare Hunters?" Kaiba asked. "They're a ruthless underground sect of elite Duelists. They rob and steal rare Duel Monsters cards worldwide to sell on the black market for enormous profits. However, they keep the strongest cards for themselves to create powerful decks that destroy all opposition. They operate in shadow, so they're near impossible to find. To that end, I need your help to draw them out into the open." Ishizu explained. "Mr. Kaiba, if you were to start a Duel Monsters tournament here in Domino City, your reputation would attract the greatest Duelists in the world. This would be the greatest concentration of precious cards ever assembled in one location." she suggested.
"I see. It's a trap, the Rare Hunters won't be able to resist such tempting bait. They'll come by the droves, like vultures to a carcass. And they'll bring the Egyptian God cards." Kaiba said, realizing Ishizu's plan to bring the group to justice and take back the three god cards before Ishizu approached him. "One last thing; take this card." she said before handing Kaiba, to his shock and surprise, one of the three Egyptian God cards, Obelisk the Tormentor, a level ten, Divine attribute, Divine-Beast/Effect monster with 4000 attack and defense points.
"Can it be?! It's Obelisk the Tormentor! I thought you said the cards were stolen!" Kaiba said in disbelief. "I never said they were all stolen. I managed to retrieve Obelisk in time. You may use it during the tournament, as I suspect that you'll be one of the participants." Ishizu responded. "It's not every day a card this rare is handed to me. Are you sure you want me to hold it for the tournament? After all, you may never see it again." Kaiba said, clearly warning Ishizu that giving him an Egyptian God may be a mistake. "I trust I will see the card again." Ishizu responded as Kaiba began to walk out. "I'm not psychic, but I guarantee that I will see Obelisk again one day." she added. "Is that so?" Kaiba asked. "I know you believe in forging your own destiny, but I feel that before the tournament's end, you will have to face your past." Ishizu responded.
"That sounds like something you'd read in a fortune cookie. Anyway, I'll organize this tournament, just send my seurity team and the police all the information you have on the Rare Hunters." Kaiba said. "Thank you." Ishizu said. "Just remember, I won't let your history lesson about my supposed ancestor and Yugi's be part of the reason behind it. My only reason for participating in this tournament and not just hosting it is so I can reclaim my rank and title world champion Duelist." Kaiba pointed out before departing. Back at Kame Game, Yugi was still pondering about things.
"I wish we knew more about our new enemy. He said he was familiar with the power of a Millennium Item. I bet he has one." the boy said. "That must be how he was able to control Bandit Keith's mind. It also seems he has knowledge of the ancient customs, specifically that in order to obtain a Millennium Item owned by someone else, it must be won in a contest. Our foe is somehow connected to the past, and possibly my own." Yami suggested. "But who is he?" Yugi asked. "I wish I knew, just like how I wish I knew more about my own history." Yami responded. "If we knew more, maybe then we could stop him." Yugi said. "Don't worry. We can defeat this evil together. As long as we stay connected, you and I can face anything." Yami said, trying to encourage his young friend. "Maybe, but what if I...fail again? How do I know that I won't lose you?" Yugi pondered. "I believe in you, Yugi." Yami responded, placing his hands on Yugi's as the boy held the Puzzle while fighting his worries.
Meanwhile, Kaiba was on his way back to KaibaCorp, ready to see how he could test the power of his new Egyptian God card, chuckling all the way. "One card down and two more to go." he said before laughing.