One For The Road

'This is insane!' Téa insisted. 'Why would Kaiba program his duel tower to explode, then disappear?'

'Well,' Joey said, 'he probably knew our ride has busted engines so he found his own way out of this junkyard.'

'We'll track him down,' the Pharaoh said, even though he had a pretty good feeling that Mayet was right. He had an alternate escape. Mayet herself was currently looking around the island to see if the medics were still about, and to see if there was room on their emergency chopper for all of them. 'Kaiba couldn't have gone far, but we must act fast.'

'Can do,' Tristan agreed.

'I just hope we're not too late!' Téa insisted as they split up to search.

The Pharaoh headed off himself.

YGO

'Warning!' the voice blared. 'Duel tower will self-destruct in 25 minutes.'

Kaiba and Mokuba were standing at the screen, watching the footage of the surface. The blimp hadn't taken off. One of the screens showed that Sharee was at the emergency evac chopper with the medics, helping them discard a lot of equipment. That was enough to tell Kaiba what had happened.

'Why haven't they left yet?' Mokuba asked.

'Obviously, KaibaCraft 1 isn't in a fit state to fly,' Kaiba said. 'That's why Sharee went to the chopper.'

'What are the rest of them doing then?'

'Who knows?' Soon this place will be nothing but a bad memory. The very site where Yugi disgraced me by stealing the Battle City Crown will be gone forever. I was supposed to win this tournament and leave with all three Egyptian God Cards, but Yugi had to step in and ruin my plans once again! Now, the only way I can move forward is by destroying the past, including the site where Yugi robbed me of my victory! All of that nonsense will soon be behind me. Kaiba smirked to himself.

Mokuba turned to him. 'Well, bro, it looks like all systems are set.'

Then it was time to go.

'Hopefully,' Mokuba said as they headed for the door, 'it won't take too long for Sharee and the medics to empty out that chopper and everyone can fit in it.'

YGO

'Come on, you rust bucket!' Duke was still up on the bridge. Mai, Bakura, and Serenity had come up too and were now fully aware of the situation. 'Start up already!'

'Quiet back there!' one of the technicians told him. 'The thrusters are not responding at all.'

Duke glared. 'Keep trying!'

'Quiet!' the technician snapped.

Duke's phone suddenly rang.

YGO

The Kaiba brothers walked through the darkened hallway.

When this tower crumbles, Battle City will be behind me, Kaiba thought. But, more importantly, the memory of my step-father, Gozaboro, will be buried forever.

There was a sense of melancholy about it all.

Even though I faced my greatest demon and won, I'm still haunted by the memory of my step-father. But once I destroy this tower – which sits at the very heart of the island he once controlled – Gozaboro Kaiba will be out of my head for good. He stopped and closed his eyes. Maybe then I can start to rebuild my life.

He was pulled out of his head by Mokuba. 'Seto, we have to get out, now!'

Kaiba opened his eyes and wrapped his hand around the locket around his neck. With the destruction of my past will come the rebirth of my future – the future I promised Mokuba he'd have. He opened the locket and looked at the old photo of his brother. Soon this nightmare will be over and I can start living my dream. And keeping the promise I made to Mokuba.

'Seto!' Mokuba called, holding the lift door open. 'Let's go!'

Kaiba went into the lift.

'Warning! Duel tower will self-destruct in 15 minutes!'

Mokuba let the doors close and they began to descend.

Time to create a new empire, Kaiba thought.

'Talk about cutting it close,' Mokuba remarked.

'Warning! Evacuate immediately!'

YGO

'How are we doing on time?' Joey asked.

Roland checked his watch. 'This tower will explode in 13 minutes.'

'Then what are we doing standing here?' Tristan demanded.

Joey ran over and grabbed Roland. 'You're Kaiba's right-hand goon! You must know how to stop that thing!'

'I highly doubt he has the clearance, Joey,' Sharee's voice…or maybe Mayet…suddenly said. 'Let him go.'

They all spun around.

'The emergency evac chopper's been emptied out so we can all fit in it,' she said. 'So let's go.'

'But we can't leave Kaiba here!' Téa insisted, running back.

But Sharee, or Mayet – probably Mayet – only pointed. She pointed to the chopper where Duke, Bakura, Mai, Serenity, the Ishtars, and the rest of Kaiba's staff were already boarding the chopper.

'But we can't leave the Kaibas,' Roland said.

'You've been given your orders, haven't you?' Mayet asked.

Roland froze and then sighed and headed for the chopper.

'Wait, what?' Joey demanded.

'Come on, now,' Mayet said. 'We have barely over ten minutes left.'

'She's right,' Yug said. 'If we want to survive this, we have to leave now.'

'But…' Joey tried to protest.

'Look,' Mayet said. 'We can either die a horrible, searing death or we can get on the chopper.'

After only a moment, they made their way over to it.

Téa, at least, tried to look on the bright side as they boarded. 'Just think,' she said to Joey, 'if you hadn't passed out, they never would have sent this helicopter to save you and we'd still be stuck on this island.'

'Any luck?' Roland asked the last technician as he boarded.

'No. We can't wait. Take off now. Let's hope Mr. Kaiba and Mokuba found their own way out.'

The door was closed and the chopper soon lifted up and into the air. Joey glanced over to be sure his sister and Mai were both all right.

Roland checked his watch. 'Only a few minutes left. Accelerate take-off speed. We're not a safe distance away from the tower yet!'

Everyone looked out the windows and watched it grow further and further away. They got further and further away, and it still didn't seem far enough. Birds fled in a huge flock, no doubt sensing the impending explosion. In the next moment, there was the explosion.

KA-BOOM!

The chopper was rocked but the pilots managed to keep them on course.

'I hope those guys made it out,' Téa said.

'There she blows!' Joey yelled.

Serenity let out a sob. 'This is awful.'

'Kaiba,' Yugi, or the Pharaoh, muttered. 'How foolish.'

'Maybe he wanted to go down with his island, Yug,' Joey said.

Mayet suddenly said, 'Five…four…three…two…one—oh, my Gods.' She face-palmed.

'Huh?' Joey asked. 'Hey! What's that?'

It rose out of the smoke.

'It's Blue Eyes White Dragon!' the Pharaoh exclaimed.

'I don't get it,' Joey said.

Mayet sighed. 'Kaiba had a plane made up in the shape of Blue Eyes White Dragon, and that was his getaway vehicle.'

'SAY WHAAAAAAT?!' Joey screamed.

YGO

Kaiba laughed in amusement and delight.

'Hey!' Mokuba waved from the back seat. 'Surprise, surprise!'

YGO

The whole group looked out, in shock, disbelief, and exasperation.

'Where does he get this stuff?' Tristan wondered.

'Oh, who cares?' Téa said.

'You mean to tell me they were safe all along?' Joey asked.

Mayet laughed. 'I don't know what you're surprised. It's Seto Kaiba, after all.'

Duke sighed. 'Let's be glad it's over.'

But, of course, Joey couldn't do that. 'That does it!' He ran to the cockpit.

Mayet darted after him and caught him before he tried to get at the controls. 'Calm down, already. It's been a long day for everyone. Don't make it longer.'

'Yeah, Joey,' Mai agreed. 'Just let him have this. Who is it hurting if he wants to show off in a custom-made plane?'

'Besides, didn't you once tell me all of Kaiba's things are custom-made to look like the Blue Eyes White Dragon?' Serenity asked.

Joey sighed. 'Fine.'

YGO

Kaiba looked across. He could see the whole team of dweebs in the windows of the chopper, especially two that had his attention in particular: Yugi and Sharee.

First was Yugi. The battle between us will never be over. Kaiba would soon have another chance to reclaim his title from Yugi but, until then…'Hold on, Mokuba.'

'You got it! Let's go!'

With a quick mock salute, Kaiba steered the Blue Eyes plane away from the chopper and activated the thrusters to zoom ahead.

Out of the whole pack of dweebs who followed Yugi everywhere, Kaiba realised that Sharee was actually tolerable. She knew when to speak, when to bite her tongue, and when she needed to change her words based on who she was talking to. She wasn't an idiot like the rest of them and she knew when to back off. The episode with Noah had demonstrated that clearly enough.

Kaiba's family wasn't any of her business, and she didn't try to make it her business.

And, throughout that whole time, she did what she could to manage her friends; make them back off and leave Kaiba to his own business. He'd never say it aloud, of course, but Kaiba did appreciate it. And he needed to find a suitable way to thank her for what she'd done during that…adventure.

Ah…he knew.

Kaiba turned his attention back to Mokuba. He told him his next plan.

'I can't believe we're finally gonna do this!' Mokuba declared happily. 'We're gonna build KaibaLand for real!'

'Opening up a chain of theme parks isn't all fun and games, Mokuba,' Kaiba reminded him. 'It takes hard work and determination!'

Mokuba chuckled fondly. 'Some things never change.'

YGO

Well, Yugi said, they're off. I hope that Kaiba can put his anger aside and move on. Right?

Yes.

Now it's time for our next journey: to discover the Pharaoh's secret.

With Kaiba gone, Joey was calm again. 'All right! What do you say we blow this taco stand?'

YGO

The journey itself took several hours and the Pharaoh found himself leaning back as they all broke into groups.

Mai, of course, was confused about what'd happened to her. By the look on Mayet and Sharee's face, they were both considering telling her everything. It was just as well. The Shadows could really get to you, especially if you didn't understand what they were. At the very least, Mai seemed to find it easier to tell them about what happened to her in there.

'So he was scared of her?' Mayet asked. 'Did you happen to get a name for this woman?'

'I did,' Mai agreed. 'He called her Mana.'

Mana? There was a strange tugging sensation in his chest. His heart beat faster. Why does that name stir such emotions in me?

YGO

'We'll be landing in the city of Domino before nightfall,' the pilot announced to them over the PA system…for some reason. Neither Mayer nor Sharee thought it was worth it using a speaker when they could all hear him perfectly well if he called the message over his shoulder.

'Oh, I can't wait,' Téa breathed out.

'Home, sweet home, baby!' Joey cheered.

YGO

The whole group stood on the dock, where Kaiba's chopper had dropped them off.

'Well, we made it home in one piece,' Tristan said.

'Barely!' Téa huffed.

Joey looked over as he heard Ishizu speak. Seemed the Pharaoh and Mayet were seeing the Ishtars off.

'Pharaoh,' Ishizu was saying, 'it is because of your bravery that my brother, Marik, was saved from the evil that once consumed his heart.'

'How could I ever thank you?' Marik asked.

'Now the time has come for you to uncover the great mysteries that surround your past,' Ishizu said.

'Pharaoh, you saved me from myself,' Marik stated. 'You helped me conquer the darkness within my own heart. I hope in spite of all I've done, we can be friends.'

'Yes,' the Pharaoh said.

'Goodbye, my King,' Ishizu said. 'I know that we will meet again soon.' She laid her hand over her heart and gave a slight incline that the Pharaoh barely noticed. In some part of his mind, he knew it was an ancient gesture of respect to him – primarily used by women.

'Farewell to you all,' Marik said.

The Ishtars turned and left.

'Bye, guys,' Serenity called.

'Yeah,' Tristan agreed. 'Take it easy.'

'See you later,' Joey added.

They watched the Ishtars board their boat and set sail across the harbour.

'Who knew there was actually a nice guy inside that psychotic evil nutcase,' Joey mused.

'You've certainly got a way with words, Joey,' Mai remarked.

'It's a gift,' Joey responded.

Then it was Duke's turn to go. 'Okay.' He turned. 'I guess that it's time for me to say goodbye now.'

'Why's that, Duke?' Tristan asked.

'You know me,' Duke said. 'I can't stay in one spot for too long. I've got places to go, hearts to break, and dice to roll. But, don't worry, I'll be back.' He stepped over and took Serenity's hand. 'See you around, Serenity.'

'Bye, Duke,' she said.

He winked and waved as he went off. She looked down in surprise, finding a folded up piece of paper in her hand.

Tristan jumped. 'Hey!' He grabbed the paper and opened it up. 'He slipped her his phone number. Real smooth, Duke!'

'Like she's ever gonna call you!' Duke retorted before calling to the rest of them. 'Later.'

'Yeah!' Tristan fired back. 'Much later, Dice-Boy!'

At this stage, all Joey could do was sigh. He knew, logically, that his little sister wasn't that much younger than him. And if he was interested in girls, she was bound to get interested in boys. At least the first two boys vying for her attention were boys he knew and could easily find to punch in the face if need be.

Joey smiled and looked out to the horizon. 'Everyone's going their own way.'

'Yeah.' Tristan sounded much calmer now. 'You know, it makes me feel like I should have some sort of plan.'

'There's still plenty of time to figure it out,' Téa said.

'It just makes me think…what's gonna come next for me?' Tristan mused.

'Like Téa said,' Serenity told him, 'you'll find it eventually. Just wait.'

'You're right.' Tristan reached down and took her hands. 'I just have to trust in fate.'

Joey was not all surprised that Tristan did the same thing Duke did.

'What's this?' Serenity asked.

Joey jumped over. 'TRISTAN!'

Tristan jerked back, but then both of them laughed.

Téa and Serenity joined in.

Even Mai seemed amused, but it seemed she decided it was time to make tracks as well. 'Okay. My turn.'

'Huh?' Everyone turned to her.

'What's that?' the Pharaoh asked.

Only Mayet didn't seem surprised.

'You're not leaving too, are you, Mai?' Serenity asked.

Mai chuckled. 'I'm a wanderer and I'm afraid the open road calls. I came here for the Battle City Tournament, but now that that's over it's time for me to move on. It's been real.'

'Oh, Mai, don't go,' Serenity begged her. 'You were like a…like a sister to me.'

Mai smiled. Joey wondered if she might be touched by the sentiment.

'Thank you, Mai,' Serenity said as tears ran down her cheeks. 'You've done so much.'

Mai walked over and wiped away her tears. 'I should be thanking you, Serenity. When I was trapped in the Shadow Realm, you took care of me you never left my side. Thank you.'

Then she turned.

'Yugi,' she said. 'Listen. In the next tournament, it's gonna be me against you.'

The Pharaoh smiled. 'You're on.'

Joey noticed her glance back at him and he flinched. He knew he should say something; he should do something but…he just couldn't think of anything. He struggled to find the words. 'Er…Mai, I…uh…'

Mai turned and lowered her head.

'…What I'm trying to say is…' The words wouldn't come though, and he kept tripping over them. 'Never mind.'

Mai smiled. 'Bye, guys.' She headed off. 'See you around. Be good!' She ran off.

Good-bye, Mai, Joey thought.

Mayet, at least, waited until she was gone. 'Do you think, maybe, you might've had an easier time saying whatever you were trying to say if we weren't all standing here watching you?'

'Huh?' Joey asked in confusion.

'She's right,' Téa said. 'Don't be such a dork.'

'Eh?'

Téa nudged him. 'Do the right thing for once, will you?'

YGO

Mai was surprised, as she got into her car, to hear Joey's voice.

'Hey, Mai! Wait!'

'Hm?' Mai turned her head. Whatever Joey had been stuttering his way through, it looked like the rest of the gang had nudged him into coming after her and saying it anyway.

Joey stopped by her car and took a moment to catch his breath. 'Mai, I…uh…' He scratched his head.

Mai smiled. 'Forget it, Joey. You don't have to say anything mushy. What you did for me back there said it all.' She watched his whole body sag in relief. But she still had something to say – something she didn't want to say in front of everyone else. 'You know, my favourite thing about this whole tournament was that I got to know you.'

Joey sighed and put a hand on the side of her car. 'Thank you, Mai.'

'Right back at you,' Mai said. 'But don't think you're off the hook. I still plan on kicking your butt in the next tournament.' She started up her car.

Joey just grinned and stepped back. 'Take care, all right?'

'You bet,' Mai said. She gave him a wave and then she drove away. I have to admit Joey really surprised me. When I met him, he was an okay duellist with a big mouth. Now he's a Great Duellist with a big mouth, and a big heart too. We may be taking separate roads right now, but our paths will cross again!

As of right now, though…she wondered why Sharee wanted to meet her tomorrow.

YGO

Yugi sighed. It's definitely nice to be home.

The Pharaoh set their duelling deck on Yugi's desk. 'Yes, but we can't rest yet.'

Yugi didn't know how when he was incorporeal, but he lifted a card. Joey's Red Eyes?

The Pharaoh nodded.

Yugi nodded.

YGO

In the early hours of the morning, Yugi quietly slipped downstairs.

He made his way to the door. I can't wake grandpa.

Apparently, though, he wasn't quiet enough.

'Yugi?'

Yugi jumped out of his skin and spun around to find his grandfather standing there in his pyjamas.

'Where are you going this early in the morning?' Even so, he was rubbing his eyes.

'Just…taking a walk, grandpa,' Yugi lied. 'I promise, I won't be long. Okay?'

His grandpa gave him a severe look. Then he went back to rubbing his eyes. 'All right. Come back soon please. I don't want you skipping breakfast.'

Yugi smiled and nodded.

YGO

As the sun rose over Domino City, Yugi walked to where Joey was waiting.

Battle City's not over yet. There's one more thing left for me to do.

He remembered how he'd become friends with Joey and Tristan, standing up for them against the bully hall monitor, Trudge.

He remembered Joey diving into the ocean when Weevil threw away his Exodia cards, in an attempt to get them back.

He remembered how Joey and Tristan had helped him retrieve his Puzzle from a burning building just a month earlier.

He remembered Joey telling him to keep the Reed Eyes Black Dragon at the beginning of the Battle City Tournament.

He remembered how Joey had overcome the effects of the Millennium Rod and then dived in to save him before he sunk to the bottom of the sea.

As he shifted over, relinquishing control of his body to the Pharaoh he remembered Joey taking the full force of the Winged Dragon of Ra's Phoenix form.

YGO

The Pharaoh remembered using the Millennium Necklace to look forward in time while Joey was in his Shadow Game coma.

'We made it, Joey,' the Pharaoh said. 'But there's still one thing left to do. I still have something of yours.'

'Yup.' Joey took out his deck. 'And it's time for me to earn it back, pal.'

The Pharaoh took out his own deck. 'You're on.'

'Of all the battles I've been through in this tournament, this one means the most.' Joey activated his duel disk. 'You better watch out. You've taught me everything you know about duelling.'

'Almost.' The Pharaoh activated his own duel disk.

They both slid their duelling decks into their duel disks.

It was time to fight the duel the Millennium Necklace had predicted.

'Let's duel!'

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