The Past is Present

At the Domino airport

As a plane had landed, a woman in Egyptian clothing and a mysterious looking Egyptian necklace was greeted by a museum security team. "Ms. Ishtar, on behalf of the domino museum, welcome to America."

"Thank you, but please, let's get down to business." Ms. Ishtar said politely.

"Of course. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised that you chose our town to host your Egyptian collection."

"Will they be transported safely and discreetly?"

The leader of the security team assured her. "Don't worry. Since you warned us that thieves have been after your rare artifacts, we've taken extra precautions. I devised an ingenious plan to transport the items without a hint of detection. For security reasons, I can't tell you how."

But Ishtar seemed to know exactly how. "You're loading them in armored vehicles disguised as ordinary garbage trucks. Am I not correct?"

"How did you–"

"Don't worry. Your security's fine." Ishtar assured him while cryptically telling him. "Let's just say that I have a sixth sense about these things. Now if you'll please excuse me, I really must get over to the museum to set up the exhibition." She said before leaving.

Later, in the evening

Yugi was walking through the city to head home while deep in thought about what had happened in that duel with Bandit Keith a week ago. 'What am I gonna do? I almost lost the spirit of the puzzle in that fire, and I've got a feeling the worst is yet to come.'

But while using a crosswalk, Téa, who was walking to Mai's house to meet her, saw her friend and tried to call out to him. "Hey! It's me, yugi!" But Yugi didn't hear her and kept walking. She tried catching up with him, but couldn't. "Yugi! Wait up!" But then stopped in front of TV screens, wondering. "What's up with him?" She asked before seeing a press conference on the TV screens.

"In today's news at domino museum, Ishizu Ishtar of the Egyptian historical society announced the opening of her highly anticipated Egyptian exhibit."

The screen then showed Ishizu, who made her important announcement. "Game fans are especially invited. This world premiere showcases newly discovered and never-before-seen artifacts chronicling the history of Egyptian games. In ancient times, games were not played just for fun, as they are today. Everyone from princes to peasants waged dueling games against each other for land, wealth, but especially for power. These games were epic battles. I've unearthed relics that suggest the great Pharaoh himself may have competed in a game against a force that threatened to destroy the entire world. Of course, this is still speculation, and further studying needs to be done."

Meanwhile, at Kaiba Corp

The announcement had reached Kaiba and Mokuba as well, with the younger Kaiba brother interested in it. "We have to check out the exhibit, Seto. It sounds awesome."

But Kaiba, being who he was, wasn't interested. "I'm running

a company, Mokuba. I don't have time for mummies and Pharaohs."

"Oh." Mukoba said with disappointment. "I thought you'd be

into this kind of thing."

"Whatever." Kaiba said before his phone rang. He picked it up and answered. "Kaiba."

But strangely, it was Ishizu's voice. "This is Ishizu ishtar. You should really pay closer attention to my press conference."

This greatly surprised even Kaiba. "How did you know that I was watching, hmm?" He asked before looking at the TV.

"I'm personally inviting seto kaiba to this evening's private exhibition. I promise, what he will witness will change his life forever." Ishizu announced.

Later at night, at the Domino Museum

Kaiba's car parked in front of the building before his driver let him out. "We're here, sir."

Kaiba got out and instructed him. "Keep the engine running. I won't be long."

"Yes, sir." The driver said while bowing.

Kaiba walked into the museum and was greeted by Ishtar. "Thank you for coming, Seto Kaiba."

"Where are the other guests?" Kaiba asked, not seeing anyone else.

Ishtar explained why. "I said this was a private exhibition. You were the only one invited because it makes conducting business so much easier.

2 men stood by the entrance. "We've locked all the entrances. Nobody's allowed in or out."

Kaiba eyed them before saying. "It's only been a minute, but I'm already bored. If you don't tell me what this is all about, I'm leaving now."

But Ishtar assured him. "Excuse us. We faced a string of thefts, and we have to be careful. You may leave any time you wish, Seto Kaiba. However, I believe it's in your best interest to see all that we have to offer."

"Really now?" Kaiba asked sarcastically. "And how do you know

what's best for me?"

"Please, come this way." Ishtar said before leading Kaiba further into the building. "Kaiba, do you believe in destiny?"

"Does it matter?"

"Ancient Egyptians thought that the true path of one's life was predetermined because history repeats itself throughout the ages in a never-ending circle. They would say it was not your choice to come here, for it was destined that the two of us would meet."

But Kaiba wasn't interested in this nonsense about fate and destiny. "Look. All that nonsense may interest you, but I didn't come here for Egyptian history. I came here because you said it would be worth my while, but it looks like you've wasted my time. If there's a point to all this, let's get to it already. I have a company to run. You said you had an exclusive offer for me." He said while remembering a phone call from Ishtar before he came here.

Flashback

Ishizu was talking to Kaiba on the phone. "I know of your passion for duel monsters. Are you interested in owning a card stronger than Exodia?"

Flashback end

"I know everything about duel monsters, and nothing can stop Exodia." Kaiba said with arrogance. "So quit the charade and tell me what's going on."

"All in good time, Kaiba." Ishizu said before explaining. "Duel monsters is based upon a 5,000 year-old game. It was played by ancient Egyptians for power and was extremely dangerous."

"Who cares?" Kaiba asked, uninterested.

"Maximillion Pegasus did." Ishizu answered. "He fell in love with the game and decided to reinvent it for modern times."

"What's your point?"

"I'm getting to it. 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." She explained. "Follow me, Kaiba, and I'll reveal the reason I called you here today."

Meanwhile, in Yugi's room

The young boy was still deep in thought about the impending danger that was to come. '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 this is just the beginning. We're in more danger now than ever.'

But the spirit of Yami tried to assure him. "Yes, Yugi, but now that you reassembled the puzzle and our bond is back, we can face him together."

But Yugi had doubts. "But we have no idea who this guy is. We don't even know what he looks like."

"Maybe, but haven't we been in some tough spots before?"

"Yeah."

"So we'll get through this one, too."

"I guess you're right."

Meanwhile, at Tea's house

After dueling with Mai, with both girlfriends winning a few and sharing passionate sex, they were sleeping in the bed naked when they had a mysterious dream.

In their dream

They both were at a ruined place that had been dug up, like many of the ancient temples of Egypt idk grade in the past and more was still being found and dug up every day. They'd seen Yugi walking into the temple and tried to call out to him. "Yugi! Yugi!"

"Yugi, where are you going?" Mai asked.

Yugi, possessed by Yami, answered. "To face my destiny. Goodbye, my friends." Before the door slid closed behind him.

In the real world

The lovers woke up and gasped as they embraced each other protectively. "What was that?" Tea asked while running her fingers through Mai's hair.

"I…don't know, baby." Mai answered honestly.

Back at the museum

Ishizu led Kaiba to a downstairs temporary restricted area with no lights on. "I've secured the most precious artifacts here. We've recovered stone carvings that depict the earliest known game played in egypt. I'm sure you'll find it most familiar." She said before showing him the ancient carvings. "Kaiba, behold the origin of duel monsters."

The lights turned on and Kaiba was very shocked and surprised at what images the carvings showed. "It can't be. These carvings look like duel monster cards. Then that means your story is true."

"I see you finally come to your senses." Ishizu said with a smile before explaining its history. "Furthermore, there's a theory that in ancient times, these monsters were real. Egyptian sorcerers summoned monsters to earth to do their bidding, but they soon realized that the monsters could not be controlled. They destroyed countless villages and brought earth to the brink of destruction. The citizens turned to the Pharaoh for help. Though he could not permanently defeat the monsters, he managed to use his magic to seal them away in stone tablets and bring peace to the world. However, over time, evil sorcerers learned how to control the monsters and released them from the tablets. With their army 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." Then she went to the carving on the left. "This is the one you must look at."

Kaiba walked up to the carving.

"This carving is the reason I called you here tonight. It depicts one of the main conflicts In the war between the pharaoh and his greatest opponent. Closely examine this artifact. After this moment, Kaiba, your life will never be the same."

And like the previous 1, was shocked at what its images showed him. "That's the pharaoh? But that's Yugi. And the monster carved above him is the dark magician."

"On the left is the sorcerer fighting against him. That's you, Kaiba. If you still have any doubt, look at his monster. It's the Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Ishizu revealed, shocking Kaiba further. "The hieroglyphics read that the mighty sorcerer marched into the pharaoh's chamber and challenged him and his legion of noble magicians to a legendary duel with the fate of the world at stake. The pharaoh accepted the sorcerer's challenge, and their epic battle began. Both opponents unleashed their most powerful monsters against each other– The sorcerer fighting to control the world, and the pharaoh and his loyal followers fought to save it. And today, 5,000 years later, this ancient battle is being played out once again. Do you see? Now do you believe in destiny, Kaiba?"

But Kaiba didn't believe that these images could be real. "This can't be real. There's no way. This piece of rock has got to be a fake."

It was then Ishizu decided to show Kaiba that it was real as she turned to face him. "If you trust my words, then you must look back in time and experience a part of the battle firsthand, which I can help you do with my Millennium necklace." She said before activating the power of her Millennium item. "Now open your mind and see into the past."

Then, in a bright flash of light, Kaiba soon saw himself in ancient times, with the sorcerer and his followers challenging the pharaoh and his loyal servants. "What? What is this?"

"I hereby declare a challenge to the pharaoh. By the rites of tradition, duel me, if you are not a coward." The sorcerer declared.

"Magic powers, heed my cry. Release the monster trapped inside. Magic powers, heed my cry. Release the monster trapped inside." The sorcerer's followers chanted together before a stone tablet rose and its monster was released, revealing a dragon monster.

"As the pharaoh's loyal servant, I will stand against you, traitor." 1 of the pharaoh's servants said bravely before he raised another stone tablet, releasing the Winged Dragon monster. "I banish you all to the shadow realm." Before the dragon monster fired a blast, destroying the opposing dragon and making its stone tablet fall before lightning came down on the sorcerer's followers, sending them to the Shadow Realm!

"Oh no. What is this?" Kaiba asked.

Meanwhile, back in Yugi's room

Yugi was still doubting himself. "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?"

"You didn't fail." Yami reminded his friend.

"Only because my friends came and saved me. Otherwise, I'd never have escaped."

"You're wrong, Yugi. I believe in you. In all my years, I have never encountered a soul as brave as yours, Yugi. There is 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 have been Pharaoh." Yami said with compassion and kindness.

Meanwhile, back with Kaiba

"The duel raged on with neither side showing any mercy. They summoned monsters that were increasingly more powerful and vicious." Ishizu explained to the billionaire duelist further. "The winner of the duel was written here, but as you can see, the hieroglyphics have been worn away."

Kaiba stood back up. "I see."

"Yes, but though we don't know the outcome, there's still much that we can learn. Let us take a glance into the past again using the powers of my Millennium necklace." Ishizu said before using her Millennium item on Kaiba again.

Kaiba then saw the Pharaoh's servant using 2 dragon monsters to battle the La Jinn genie. "Your La Jinn may be strong, but did you think I would not come prepared?" He asked before another dragon stone tablet rose up and released the monster. "It is no match for the combined fury of my dragons."

"Let two be one. Let two be one. Let two be one." The Pharaoh's servants chanted.

"Unite, my dragons! You shall be unstoppable." The dueling servant said before the dragons sacrificed themselves and merged into an even stronger dragon. "Attack. Bomb the traitor with your blazing inferno." He told his stronger monster before it destroyed La Jinn and lightning came down upon the left of the sorcerer's followers, sending them to the Shadow Realm!

The sorcerer looked at the Pharaoh and told him. "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 shatter them from existence right before your very eyes."

But Kaiba was in disbelief that this sorcerer could possibly be him in the time of ancient Egypt. "That sorcerer is a big mouth losing chump! You can't compare him to me."

But Ishizu thought otherwise. "Well, then maybe the final vision will convince you." She said before showing him the last vision with her Millennium necklace.

"No!" Kaiba said before seeing the next part of the sorcerer's duel against the Pharaoh's servant.

"You should have 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." The sorcerer said before doing exactly what he said he would. "My faithful monsters, you have all served me well. Wake from your eternal slumber and obey me one last time." Before 2 fallen stone tablets rose up and released the Battle Ox and the Mystic Horseman. "Behold. I will offer them Infused their life forces into the legendary dragon." He said before the 2 monsters were sacrificed in order to create…the Blue-Eyes White Dragon itself! "Now… The Blue-Eyes White Dragon."

Kaiba was shocked at seeing his favorite monster. 'No way!'

"Dragon, destroy them all with your white lightning!" The sorcerer said before the Blue-Eyes White Dragon destroyed the opposing dragon, as well as the Pharaoh's servants, leaving the opposing area in flames! "Hahahahaha! Victory is mine! Hahahahaha!"

And when Kaiba was in the real world again, Ishizu spoke to him again. "Now are you convinced, Kaiba? As I said before, history is destined to repeat itself. It's not just a coincidence that Yugi is your greatest opponent. You two have battled in the ancient past. It was destiny that you and Yugi dueled, and it's destined that you two will battle again."

Kaiba got back to his feet, but still didn't believe anything about this history lesson as he picked up his briefcase. "Thanks for the lecture, but I make my own destiny, and I do what I want to do."

But Ishizu stopped him as he began to walk away. "Kaiba, what I thought you wanted were powerful monsters, the duel monster cards that surpass the power of Exodia. What if I told you they were in front of your eyes the whole time?"

"What?" Kaiba asked as he turned back around.

"Take a look at the top. They were the strongest and most feared creatures of annihilation: Obelisk the tormentor, Slifer the sky dragon, the winged dragon of Ra. Control one, and you can destroy a million armies. Wield all, and the planet itself will quake in fear." Ishizu said while looking at the carving of the 3 monsters.

"And Pegasus turned them into cards?" Kaiba asked.

"Yes."

But Kaiba obviously thought she was lying. "You lie. If he had them, why didn't he use them against me at Duelist Kingdom?"

"Because Pegasus feared the power of these Egyptian god cards." Ishizu answered. "You cannot fathom the magical energy contained within. Pegasus could not control the power of the cards he created. They threatened to overwhelm and destroy him."

That got Kaiba thinking. 'Cards that have even Pegasus shaking in his boots. If I can obtain the legendary monsters, I'll be unstoppable in any duel. Yugi won'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 exist somewhere.' Then he asked out loud. "Ishizu, what did pegasus do with the cards?"

"He gave them to me for safekeeping." She answered before explaining. "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, but the cards were discovered. I must find them and hide them once again."

"You mean, someone already found the cards?"

"Yes."

"Tell me who."

"The Rare Hunters."

"Rare Hunters?"

"They're a ruthless underground sect of elite duelists. They rob and steal rare 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 are nearly impossible to find." Then she explained Kaiba's vital part in this. "That is why I need your help to draw them out into the open. Kaiba, if you were to start a duel monsters tournament, your reputation would attract the greatest duelists in the world. This would be the greatest concentration of precious cards ever assembled in one location."

Kaiba seemed to understand that. "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."

Ishizu walked up to Kaiba and handed him a card. "1 last thing. Take this card."

Kaiba took the card and was surprised at seeing exactly what card it was. "Can it be? It's Obelisk the Tormentor. I thought the cards were stolen."

"I never said they were all stolen. I managed to retrieve one in time. You may borrow it during the tournament, but I expect it back."

Kaiba was amused by being handed a very powerful and rare monster card. "It's not every day a card this rare is handed to me. What if I chose to keep it forever? What makes you think I can be trusted? I could walk out, and you'd never see it again."

But Ishizu told him as Kaiba began walking away again. "You will return the card. I have foreseen it."

"I'll bet."

"You may not yet believe in destiny, but before the tournament is done, you will have to face your past." Ishizu warned him.

But Kaiba thought otherwise while stating his own agenda. "You know, I read that once in a fortune cookie. I'll organize this tournament."

"Thank you."

"But I'm not going to set it up because of your fairy tales and your hocus-pocus mind tricks. I want to reclaim my title as the number-one duelist." He said before walking away.

Meanwhile, back in Yugi's room

"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." Yugi said with dread.

Yami thought the same thing. "It must be how he controls people's minds. It also seems he has knowledge of the ancient customs. Our foe is somehow connected to the past."

"But who is he?"

"I don't know."

Yugi stood up from his bed and asked with a bit of frustration. "Then how can we stop him?"

"Don't worry. We can defeat this evil together." Yami assured his friend. "As long as we stay connected, you and I can face anything."

But Yugi still had his doubts. "Maybe, but what if I fail again? How do I know that I won't lose you?"

"I believe in you, Yugi." Yami assured him.

Meanwhile

Kaiba was being driven back to his company while looking at the god card he'd been handed. "Hahahahaha. One card down and two more to go. Hahahahaha. Hahahahahahaha!" He laughed, while not knowing what the upcoming events that were to come would await him and many others in the next several weeks to come.

There you go, my dear friends, the Past is Present episode is complete. Sorry for the long delay. I've been busy with other projects and other things. I apologize that the chapter is short after a long wait, but I didn't want to keep everyone waiting any longer by adding the next 2 episodes to this. But I assure you all that they'll be up as soon as possible. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and that this story is still going. Rate and review and I'll see you all next time, my dear friends.