Yu-Gi-Oh! The Animus Items

Even without the aid of her Millenium Tauk, Isis always had a strong sense of intuition. And right now, her intuition was telling her that something big was happening. She felt a strange, ancient power awakening somewhere in the world. It was a familiar feeling. Almost like the sinister pulse of the Millenium Items. But that was impossible. This had to be something... Different. Something very similar, but unknown to her. This was a terrifying feeling.

Seto Kaiba was quite sure he'd fired that creepy janitor last week, but right now, he didn't have it in him to deal with her. He brushed off the thought as he passed her, intent on getting home as soon as possible. He stifled a yawn and looked to his watch. Almost noon. When did he get here, again? He was sure it was some time yesterday... But he didn't dwell on it.

Ryou sat in the school yard. Happy to be free of classes for his lunch break, he eagerly tore into his lunch bag for his cucumber sandwiches. What a jolly fine day for cucumber snadwiches! He opened his thermos for a sip of tea. Life was good when it was quiet.

Like so many other lunch breaks, and any sort of break in general, Yugi found himself at a table, with cards laying out in front of him, and his friends gathered around him. "and then, in a situation like this, you would want to mainly lay down more defense." He explained to Anzu, who sat across the table from him, with her own set of cards laid out. She made an "Ooh!" sound, before lay down a card in defense. She really did want to get better at this, and who was better to ask then Yugi? Sure, she sort of dreamed about having Atemu teach her, but, that wasn't entirely possible now.

Petra sat outside Kaiba Corporations, staring the building down(if that was even possible considering the hunk of glasswoodbrickandconcret was far taller then her), and glaring. Honestly, something about the darn thing just bugged her to no end, yet she couldn't even tap what it might be. Maybe it was the fact that a bastregourd worked and just about lived in there. She shook her fist up at the building. "One of these daaayssss..." She growled while stuffing her other hand into her pocket.

Marik wandered to his sister’s side. “Isis?” He elbowed her lightly. “What’s wrong?” He asked. He was picking up on his sister’s troubled mood. “Is it that time of month again?” He teased hoping to lighten her mood, but probably only succeeded in annoying her.

Jounochi came to sit at the same table as Anzu and Yugi, most likely breaking any potential romantic mood. If any at all. “Yo!” He greeted with a wide grin on his face. He’d been in a rather ornery mood that day and seeing his two buddies hanging out alone only made him want to fall deeper into that feisty mood. “You two have your ‘private dueling lessons?’ Or can I sit with ya?” He put “Private dueling lesson” in air quotations. He chortled at his own joke.

Isis turned a sharp gaze to her brother. But her annoyance quickly faded. She understood the effort. It did calm her somewhat. "There is an evil power stirring. And I know nothing about it." "Are you addressing the building, or me?" Came Seto's hoarse voice. Not the first thing he expected to find when he left his office. But then, nothing truly surprise him anymore. Through the large windows of the building, the figure of that same creepy janitor could be seen watching the man from the second floor. Still with half a bite of sandwich in his mouth, Ryou looked down at his watch. My, how time went fast! He decided to hurry his way inside to see if he could squeeze in a few words with his friends before class started. They seemed to forget about him if he didn't strum up a conversation every so often.

"Go ahead and have a seat!" Yugi smiled, before turning back to the game(which you just lost btw). Anzu drew a card, but upon doing so, caught a glimpse of her watch. "Oh, class will be starting up again soon, we should clean up! We can still play more after school, right, Yugi?" She asked, before sitting up and picking up her cards, while the short boy did the same. "Sure thing! I do have a few cards I could give you to." Geez, what a boring conversation to anybody who wasn't involved in this little circle. The girl started at Seto, and then the building, before starting at Seto again, and glaring at him. "I'm rather certain I was addressing you, but either way, both seem to bug me." She straightened her outfit out, and tightened her grip on her school backpack that was slung over her shoulder, before pointing a dramatic finger in his direction. "Seto Kaiba, I challenge you to a duel!" No. No she did not sneak her way out of school just for this, if you had the slightest idea to think such a thing. She had /not/ spent weeks organizing, cleaning, and perfecting her deck just for this moment, if you had been thinking that as well. She swore...if he even blew her off...!

Jou helped the two clean up before class. Truthfully, he wasn't int eh mood for it at all. He wished so desprately for excitement. He missed the days of Duelist Kingdoma nd Battle City, when he was able to look forward to something amazing every day! It was more than torture living such a life of mediocraty and stailness. He wanted adventure, darn it!!

Marik's eyes widened slightly. "What do you suppose it could be?" He asked int hat rather obnoxious tone of voice. "GEEZ! I hope it's not another dark soul taking over my body again! That'd REALLY SUUUCK!" HE prodded her side again. "Do you think it is sis? Do you?" The blonde looked up concernedly.

"No." Isis replied, in her constant calm. "This is something much older. Something that's been waiting to awaken for some years." She shuddered. Something she rarely did.

Slowly, quite deliberately, did an eyebrow creep up Seto's forehead. "And, who are you?" He didn't really care to hear the answer. If he didn't recognize her, he knew immediately that she was not a worth while opponent. He swaggered passed her, as was his natural posture. "Sorry," (he sounded rather insincere) "I'm not interested in amateurs." He definately /seemed/ like he was blowing her off. Ryou finally made it to the door, taking a moment to catch his breath after the run. Oh. Class was already starting. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe after school he could chat. He slipped into his seat, personally enjoying his quiet, banal life free of his evil self.

Petra just stood there, as one of her eyes twitched in place. All those long hours...making sure her deck was perfect...all...those...hours.../wasted/. "fffff" it started out quiet at first, but soon, got irritatingly loud. "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-" She clamped her mouth shut, before she went to far and let her anger get the best of her, besides, she was pretty sure the whole city heard that. "FINE! FINE!! Be that way! See what I care! Because, I certainly don't care all that much! That scream of anger you heard? Yeah. That was me just trying to cover up the fact on how HAPPY I was that I didn't waste my time on the likes of YOU!! By the way; your mom." And with that, she stormed off back to school, to hide in the bushes till everybody started going home, so that she may as well.

Somewhere, cold grey eyes glimmered with with a dim light, and the breath of life was breathed into a new body. Coming alive with a heavy gasp and labored breath, the dark skinned body turned to it's side with a sputter and cough. Where was he? His bare back gleamed with the little light that crawled through cracks in the ceiling above. He looked around nothing particularly captivating. That was when a soft white gleam caught his eyes. It was rather captivating. His curious greed drew him across the room and his fist clamped tightly around the object with was rivetted tot he wall. The long shaft like item soon revealed itself to be a torch of some sort. A torch crafted from metal and given a very special symbol: The cresent- representing soul. The white haired fiend licked his parched lips and let out a very dark chuckle. "So good to be back." His voice lifted off the hollow room's walls and created a disturing whispering echo.

When school finally let up, Jonouchi had calmed down greatly. He stretched and yawned "That power nap through physics was great!" He grinned at his friends. Then a thought hit him. He had to pick Shizuka up from school today. Their mother was unable to handle it today, and their father certainly wasn't going to handle this if he had anything to say about it! He turned to hsi friend. "Ey, guys. I gotta go pick up Shizuka!" Y'all hang tight!" He waved to Yugi, Ryou, and Anzu before sprinting off. Had to look out for baby sis after-all!

Marik shuddered upon seeing her shudder. Anything worse than Malik was certain to be extremely bad. "What do we do?" He asked.

"I'm... Not sure." Something Isis rarely said. She would, were he still available, turn to the Pharaoh for help. Perhaps now that he regained his memory, he would know of this ancient power. But, alas, he was not. "Without the Tauk, I'm afraid I can't even locate the source." She felt powerless.

Petra was, as it were, ranting to the back of Seto's head. Though he visibley tensed at the mention of his dear, sweet, deceased mother, he told himself that it wasn't worth the effort. That was a pathetically week insult, anyways. What an odd day this was turning out to be.

The Janitor slipped out the back of the building, perfectly familiar with the man's route, and therefor able to give him a bit of a leash while still keeping track of him.

Oh. Jounochi left before Ryou had a chance to talk with him. Ah, well, he could still talk to Yugi and Anzu! Of course, by now, he'd forgotten entirely what it was he wanted to say to them.

Petra rolled her way out of the bushes once everybody started to leave the school building, and she still snickered to herself about her rant. Serves him right, not dueling somebody as good as her. Would have gotten his sorry butt kicked. Quickly standing up, brushing her clothes off, and falling into the crowd of kids that ran or walked out of the building like if they stayed there any longer, it might suck them back in.

Anzu picked up her things and took Yugi by the arm, tugging a bit. "Come on, Yugi! We can duel at my place if you want!" Homework, what was that? Also, I've been wondering, what's a Ryou? Related to a Canada in any sort of way?

Shizuka stepped outside her school, and sat on the steps. She did hope her brother got there soon, it was getting a bit late.

Jonouchi darted across the pavement. Shizuka's school actually wasn't too far from the KaibaCopr Headquarters. He gazed up at the imposing building the seemed to pierce the heavens. He snuckered mumbling a rather rude comment about some one compensating for a very small- BUMP! Right into the back of the very man he was insulting. "Oi! Watch where you're-" He cut his sentence short when he realized who it was. "Oh, it's you." He frowned. Though his beef with Kaiba had been much less then it was before the Pharaoh had departed, and he did see the man as an 'okay guy' he still wasn't very impressed with the pompous-rich-snobby-stuck-up-egotistical-hairy-palmed-nerd. "S'cuse me." He intentionally brushed shoulders with him rather roughly as he proceeded to the building. HE looked back and chuckled. At least he was... attempting to get along with Kaiba.

Seto looked over his own shoulder at the boy. Ah, because his day was already going so wonderfully! "I would suggest you watch yourself." He grunted. "In this neighborhood, you never know what could happen. And for another thing, why are you here?" He wasn't particularly interested in the man's personal life, but as far as Seto was concerned, this was his turf. And Katsuya has crossed the line. Tut, tut.

Ryou wondered if he should trailed along behind his 'companions,' but decided that since he wasn't exactly invited, he should just head home for the day. He wondered if any letters had come from his father yet, and about the dishes that still needed cleaning from dinner last night. Oh, how wonderfully mundane his life had become!

Jounochi wrinkled his nose and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Hmph. I'm picking up my sister. Nat that it's any of YOUR business." He stated while walking backwards. With out realizing it, he'd managed to stumble backwards, right in front of the school parking lot landing flat on his butt. Of course the only thing that hurt worse than his pride, was his arm when a car managed to slide right over it, even with the brakes in resistance. The next thing to come out of his mouth was a loud shriek of pain.

Shizuka brought her hands to her mouth, to try and keep herself from screaming, but still, even that didn't stifle it. “Brother!!” she cried, rushing over to him. As she tried to keep herself from crying, she looked up to Seto. “Call for help, please, Mr. Kaiba!” Then she looked to the car, almost wanting to shove the hunk of metal away if she could. How careless! How could somebody not pay attention to the street while they were driving!

Petra groaned. Really, she was tired and didn't feel like walking home. All energy that she stored up for the duel vanished into thin air. Food. She needed food. She couldn't walk without foooood.
While feeling so entirely like a lazy zombie, she soon found herself standing on the edge of the street, and holding her arm and hand out, with her thumb up. Her other hand pat her bag. Yes, she was pretty sure she had her towel with her. So all should work out...
just like in the books.
A motorcycle sped down the road, and upon seeing a hitchhiker, Saltin had the temptation to ignore the person, and just zoom right by(perhaps even knocking their arm off in the process), but decided against it, and stopped.
“Lift?”
“Uh...”
Petra almost thought against it. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to ask a random stranger who looked sorta gothic with how much black he wore, but...ehhh...
Saltin lifted an eyebrow under his helmet. “Well?”

A very slight grimace passed Seto's otherwise stoic face. He whipped out his phone as soon as Shizuka opened her mouth. After a few minutes explaining the situation to the paramedics, he hung up. "The ambulence will be here shortly." He glanced at Jou. Poor moron. "Like I said; watch where you're going around here." And made ready to leave.

Ryou noticed the awefully suspicious looking person trying to pick up that awefully innocent looking girl. Everything seemed wrong about the situation, but could he really interfere? That would be terribly rude, and after all, it may well have been her father, or her boyfriend or something. Still, it looked very off. "Ah... Excuse me?" He squeaked. He wasn't even really sure what he would say to the pair.

The driver of said car obviously didn't feel like handling legal papers and zoomed off at the speed of light. A hit and run. What was this neighborhood coming to? Jougrabbed at his limp arm another loud grunt emmitted from somwhere deep inside his throat. The limb hung uselessly and flopped arund with is movements. It was definently a bad injury. He screamed an obscenity at the driver and bit his lip trying to hold back any cries and instead decided substituting with foul language was a better idea. "EY! Kaiba!" He shouted after him i sudden realization. "Hold on a minute!"

Meanwhile, The silver eyed man had examined each inch of the walls around him. From what he gathered he was in some sort of cavern that had been burried long ago. After figuring there was no way out but up, he'd begun piling stones and ruble to make his way to the surface. He pshed at the cracks in the ceiling, and it came down with out much difficulty. Dirt and debrise collapsed around him,. He merely chocked on the foriegn perticles and slowly pulled himself out and into the baron land. The sun beat down viciously upon his shoulders. His first task of the first concious day of this new life was simple: Find some coverings. Cluthcing the the silver artifact, Bakura made his way across the dusty land.

Both Saltin and Petra snapped their heads towards Ryou the second he spoke up. Petra's hands twitched at the sight of his hair. Holy craaaap must pet petpetpetpetpetpetstroke. Saltin took off his helmet, and his yellow eyes seemed to stab at poor Ryou. "What?" He snapped. The stupid brunette looked between the two. Uh okay, what was happening again? Saltin's hand reached out and grasped at her arm. "You needed a lift?"

Shizuka bit her lip as tears trickled down her face. The ambulance should come soon...right? "C-Can you stand up, brother...?" she quietly asked. "There's a bench over there. We s-should get out of the road..."

Seto stopped to look over his squared shoulders at the man. He called him an ambulance, what more did he want? If he expected him to pay for the medical expenses, he certainly had another injury waiting in the wings for him. But... The sight of Shizuka crying like that.... Did NOT effect him in any way whatsoever. "What?" He croaked in his deep, manly voice.

The Janitor narrowed her eyes. That man had better treat Mr. Kaiba well. Or he had even MORE injuries waiting in the shadows.

Ryou shrank back from the rather intimidating man. He certainly didn't seem like the sort of fellow she would (or should, as the case may be) date. "Ah... Well, ah... I was just... Er..." A thought struck him. "I was headed to the library, and wanted to know if you'd like to join me!" She would either think he was a nut burger, or flirting with her. Well, he supposed either way, at least she was safe.

Shizuka made a good point. He stood as instructed, using his good arm to help himself up, he made his way to the bench. "Kaiba, can you walk my sister home?" He hated to ask that guy of all people. But honestly he'd prefer that than let her walk alone. Not only was she the perfect jail bate, but she was also clueless, naive, and she had never taken any lessons in self defense, and wasn't a terrific runner either. "This neighborhood ain't the safest place, ya'know." He cradled the broken limb and winced again.

Shizuka looked between her brother and Seto. "B-But if Mr. Kaiba doesn't want to, there's no need!" She quickly put in. The guy made her feel nervous for some reason. Maybe it was how scary he looked all the time. Although, if Jounochi did want her to go with him...She trembled slightly.

"..."
"..."
Saltin raised an eyebrow. Petra stared blankly. Nut burger maybe? However, library's were mentioned. You can't just turn down a trip to the library offer! "Oh, sure then!" Did she know this guy? Saltin groaned, and let go of her. "Well, maybe another time then?" and with a roar of the engines, he was gone.

Seto's perpetual frown morphed into more of an epic frown. Why should I? might have crossed his mind. But then, looking at her big watery eyes and tear-stained face... Had no effect whasoever on his decision. He sighed. "Where is it?" He grumbled.

Ryou mumbled an apology to the man as he left. It was an inconvinience for him to have stopped like that, to be sure. He choked on the exhaust from the bike as he left them. After catching his breath, he turned to her. "Are you alright? He seemed like quite a brute, if you ask me."

Jounochi smiled. Well that was unexpected. "Thank Kaiba! Maybe you ain't such a bad guy after all!" He turned to Shizuka. "Ey, sis. This guy'll take care of ya. Even though he seems mean he's got a lil' bro and knows what it's like to look out for some one, okay." He ruffled her hair, and gave the address the Kaiba just as the ambulance pulled up.

Shizuka gave a quick hug to her brother, sniffled, and mumured, "Take care, brother." before he was taken into the ambulance. She turned, and walked over to Seto. "P-Please take care of me." she meekly said with a smile.

Petra waved her hand in front of her face, trying to clear the exhaust. Well that was weird. "Uh, yeah. I guess I shouldn't get random rides from strangers, derp." Darn, and she had her towel with her and everything! "So," she rubbed her hands together. "Library time, yes, yes? Oh yeah, and do I know you? I don't think I've ever seen you around before." Invisible? Huh?

Seto rolled his eyes at Jounochi. Geez, he wasn't freakin' Oprah or anything. He just agreed to take the girl home. He realized being complimented (more or less) by the man shouldn't bother him. But it did. He looked down at Shizuka. The way she said that just made his heart... Function in a perfectly normal manner. "Come on." He said simply, picking his suit case back up.

This all seemed a bit to perfect to the Janitor in the bushes. Another contact, perhaps? She whipped out her notepad, and removed the pencil from behind her ear. She began scribbling things that only she could make sense of.

"Oh, no, we've ever met." He sounded like a nutter even to himself right now. He offered a handshake. "Ryou Bakura. It's very nice to meet you."

Somewhere off the side of the road, a large lime green triangular object came crashing down intot he streetside. "YIKES!" The large object shouted. "That sure did hurt a lot! Crawling out from under the hanglider was a person with a bright yellow motorcycle helmet and knee pads. "Ow, ow, ow..."

Saltin slammed on the brakes, and turned the motorcycle to the oposite side of the road and got off, staring at the hanglider. "What the fu..." Oh...wait...what just happened? He was already a little ways away from the school, was just barely calming down again, and then this happens. What. Just...what.

The yellow helmeted wind rider instantly stood to it's feet giving the thumbs up. "I'm good!" It turned it's masked face the the banged up hanglider and instantly dropped to it's knees upon realizing the damage that had been done. Slowly and forlornly it shook its head.

"Petra." She answered, taking his hand. "Petra Beals." She paused. "I'm sure you didn't mean it, but I'm sorry, you sorta sounded like a nutter there for a minute." Sorta explains the whole Brtish part of him...sorta.

Shizuka quickly followed after Seto like a little...kitten. Yeah. A kitten.

Saltin slowly walked over to the sulking person, and patted the top of the helmet. "There there." He mumbled.

"Oh." Ryou chuckled shyly. "I'm terribly sorry about that. It's just... Well, that doesn't matter. Shall we?"

The imposing man glanced back at his 'companion.' Her walking behind him like that was making him somewhat nervous. He stuffed his free hand into his pocket, to make sure she understood that she was, by no means, allowed to hold it. That was the sort of thing /couples/ did. He remained very silent as he marched on.

The human gargoyle removed her helmet revealing a head of blonde hair and blue eyes.. "This bites the bull in the balls, man." She motioned to the man-made wings. "I just bought it today." She sighed.

Then a black haired boy dashed up to his brother's side, it didn't take him long to realize that Seto wasn't walking alone, and was infact headed the wrong way to get home, unless he wanted to take the long route. "Brother!!" He called out, yanking the man's hand out of his pocket to hold it himself. He gave him a chipper smile. "What are you doing walking with Shizuka, huh?"

"Oh wow, that must hurt." Saltin muttered, wincing a bit at the thought of the bull. He tried not to focus on that though, and more on the fact on how cute this chick was. Oh how he /loved/ blond hair. "If you need a ride home though, I could help with that." He grinned.

Shizuka glanced over to Mokuba. Wasn't that Mr. Kaiba's little brother or something? She stayed quiet, not sure what to say...like it was most of the time.

Seto almost jerked his hand away, but he decided that if it was his little brother, it was okay. "Her brother, predictably, got hit by a car." He said flatly, as though saying something more akin to 'went to the store.' "I'm taking her home for him. So don't go getting any ideas." He could see them forming in those big eyes of his. None of that, now.

"Oh." Mokuba almost looked dissapointed. He turned to Shizuka and grabbed her hand as well, swing his arms while holding onto the two. "Shizuka, are you okay? That must've scared you!" He sympathized. If that had happened to his big brother he might've cried for hours!

The crazy woman brushed her bangs out of her eyes. "Why not. That'd be great." She was perfectly fine with the idea of riding with a stranger. She put the helmet back on. "Thanks!"

She smiled warmly at Mokuba. "Yes, it did scare me, but Mr. Kaiba called the ambulance, so I'm sure he'll be fine." She felt one of her heart strings get pulled and plucked at when Seto had mentioned how 'predictable' it was.

Saltin's grin grew wider. "Excelent." He put his own helmet back on, and got on his bike, before patting the seat behind him. "Where do ya live?" He asked as he started up the engine.

Somewhere far off, Yugi perked up, feeling somewhat distracted from the cards. Anzu tilted her heard to the side. "You alright, Yugi?" she asked. "Well...I'm not sure. I just feel like we're...missing out of something." "Oh, well that is certainly odd...I've had the same feeling for awhile as well..."

Seto watched the two chatty-Kathys from the corner of his eye. They seemed to get along well. But, geez, it's not like they couldn't have called their own ambulance. No need to make him sound like a big damn hero.

"Alright!" Petra reached for his hand, and dragged him along in the direction of the library. She had been needing to get the newest volume on /The Big Book of Duel Monster Rules/. They had a new rule in there that she had never even heard of! Honestly, how could she have been playing children's card games for this long and not know that single, forgotten, rule? What was wrong with her!? And what the frell is wrong with this writer? ; A ; FORGETFUL BASTREGOURD!

"I live in the apartment complex up the street from the Bar and Grill in Domino City. You know the one?" Incidentally it was actually not far from Kaiba Corp.

The newly revived King Thieves had found himself (now fully clothed) sitting down for a bit to eat at a bar and grill. His eyes glimmered when something caught his attention on the television screen mounted at the bar. He bit down on a chicken fingure as he watched seven golden items glimmer across teh TV set's wide screen. A grin crowled acrossed his lips as the news spoke of newly excivated items by a collapsed tomb- just before it popped to a commercial about Mr. Opportunity knocking at the Honda dealer's event. He cackled lowly.

Mokuba smiled at his brother. "That was nice of you, Seto! Usually you'd just make them do it themselves." He trotted along between the two. "Hey, did you know you've got a lot of traits my brother admires in women?" He giggled and waited for his brother's lashing response.

Ryou let out a yelp, almost coming off his feet from the force of her tugging, but he quickly managed to catch up. "Ah, yes, very good then." He was just about on pace with her. Holding hands. Well, this wasn't awkward.

Seto almost tripped. "What!? What are you talking about? What traits?" He sputtered, just a few decibels louder than his voice was normally allowed. What was wrong with that boy?

Shizuka blushed. "O-Oh really..? I honestly never would've guessed!" She laughed lightly, but turned her head away from Seto a bit.

"Right on it." Then, once again, the motorcycle drove off. "Why don't we stop by the Bar and Grill, then? I could get you something." He asked rather loudly, over the sound of the engine and the air rushing past them.

Upon arriving at the library(which, did you know, was across the street from the Bar and Grill, Kaiba Corp., and the school?), Petra disappeared in one of the many lanes of shelves, and began attacking the books, trying to find the one she was looking for.

Mokie winked and stuck his tongue out playfully. "You know! She's quiet, low maintinence, pretty... Those things!" He teased.
Over the screaming engine, which by the way was somewhat of a turn onto this young woman, she managed to hear the suggestion. "Sure! Though I do make it a habit of knowing the name of the person I'm dining with!" She shouted back as she clung to his waist. "I'm Gail! And you are?" She waited for him to fill in the blanks.

Ryou wasn't looking for anything specific at the library, he only went so he could take her there. He browsed along behind her. He had quite an unnerving feeling when they'd entered this part of town. But he couldn't quite place what it was...
Well, that was true. If he were to pick an ideal woman, she would have those traits. And Shizuka did happen to have them. But she was /also/ related to Katsuya. Quite a turn off. He couldn't think of how to reply without flatout lying to his brother, he settled with a "Hmph."
The Jantor's hand was moving incredibly fast as she tried to keep up with her transcription of the conversation. If she was speaking the code, then this HAD to be translated. Although, in the rough translation she was making in her head, it all seemed like gibberish. But should couldn't know for sure until she could check against her reference books.

After finding out that the library's computers were down, and much swimming through books, Petra finally pulled out her lucky silver dice, gave them a roll, counted the total, and looked at the book with the same number. She beamed. "EURIKA!" She quickly rushed and checked it out, nearly jumping in place and grinning from ear to ear.

Shizuka would've crawled under a rock if she could've. Honestly, it made her happy to know she...matched up...to Seto's terms. Though, he didn't seem all too happy about that fact. So she guessed she might just keep her hopes down.

"Saltin!" He responded. Soon enough, the cycle came to a slow stop in front of the Bar and Grill. "Annnd, we're here!"

Ryou watched, cocking his head. Well, that was incredibly lucky of her. Speaking of lucky, from the corner of his eye, he spotting 'And Another Thing,' which must have been misshelved. No matter. He picked up the book for himself and followed her to the checkout.

Seto attempted to hide his awkwardness with a soft cough. He certainly hoped they were almost there. "Mokuba. I think it would be better if you refrained from speaking for a while."

Mokuba looked to Shizuka. "What do you like in a man, hm?" Mokuba cheerfully continued to bob up and down as they neared the condo building.

Gail slid of the cycle. Adrenilyn still ran through her viens. "Huu! Nice ride." She smiled and sauntered intot the bar ahead of him.

"A-Ah...well..uhm.." Shizuka's face flustered again, and she found herself unable to form a soild answer, even though her eyes kept darting to Seto for her answer.

"Thanks." Saltin snickered, taking off his helmet and following closely next to her. "I like to make it a habit to make sure a lady has a good time~."
Only a minute later, Petra stepped out of the library with Ryou, savoring the way the book felt in her hands, the thickness of it and oh...oh the new smell it had. "Do you duel?" she couldn't help but ask Ryou. "Duel Monsters I mean."

Seto looked away from her. Why did she keep looking at him? Did she expect him to answer for her, or something? Geez. Her indecisive mumbled was NOT cute in any fashion. "Mokuba." He said sharply.

Ryou smiled. "Ah, not very well, I'm afraid." Actually, he hadn't touched his deck since Battle City.

Mokuba didn't take the hint. "I'll bet you like tall guys. Tall guys with deep voices and brown hair." He mused as they came tot the door.

Gail smiled. "Wull, thanks, Saltin." She popped intot the building, taking in the smokey air that mixed witht he scent of cheap drinks and underpaid middle to lower class workers. "Ah, nostolgia." She grinned ear to ear.

Kura remained seated. Something about the immediant area changed. There was a strange presense. Maybe a farmilliarity about it.

There had been something that was bugging Saltin. First when he pulled up to the school, and then when he came to Gail, and now, it just got worse. A sort of...nagging feeling in the back of his mind. He even wasn't sure what it was, but it was irritating him. In the locked bag he had hooked to the motorcycle, a silver laurel tugged in one direction slightly, and then in another one.

Shizuka only kept her mouth shut, and didn't respond even the slightest until they reached the condo. Petra frowned. "Oh, well that's really too bad..." She looked around the streets, before spotting the apartment a little ways away. "Well, I guess I should get going then. Maybe we can meet up another time?"

"Is this the place?" Seto stood in front of the building. He held back a scoff at the dirty looking grounds and the run-down looking cars in the drive way.

The Janitor fiddled with the small, silver ring on her finger. It was like it was trying to tell her something. Could it also be a communication device? Deciding this was more important than trying to read minds, she focused her attention on the jewellry, tapping and shaking it about in a futile attempt to figure the thing out.

"Yes, I should like that very much." Ryou replied with a smile. Well, that was a fun little detour. Now, however, it was time to get home to his delightfully boring life. He did his best to ignore the nagging feeling in his chest.

Bakura's eyes slowly trailed over to the rom's entry way. The newcomers gave off a strange sort of feeling. Something farmilliar. Something lost on the edge of his mind desperately trying to climb back to stable ground. He turned back to his drink, letting the cool liquids warm his tongue and tingle against his gums. This would take him a minute. Gail took a seat a few chairs over from the thief king. She set her bag on the floor by her feet. "Well, Saltin. Come and sit." She patted the seat next to her.

Marik carefully placed the last of the seven millennium items into a wooden crate. The last being that millennium rod he had held onto for so long. He gave them one last look-over feeling a bit nostalgic. "Isis, do we really have to get these out tot erh museum in Domino next week?" He nagged.

Petra started to walk away, but then stopped. Man, she smelled chicken figures...and onion rings. She licked her lips, stuffed the book into her bag, and wandered over the the Grill. Just a quick meal. The closer she got to the place, the more the dice in her pocket started to spazz. All she did about this, was hit her pocket.

Without a word, Saltin slipped into the seat, and picked up one of the menus before handing it to Gail. "What would you like?" He asked, while slowly slipping an arm around her waist.

"Yes, it is." The place didn't seem all that bad to Shizuka. It looked comfortable, warm, and well...home-y. She turned to Seto and Mokuba with one last smile. "Thank you for taking me here, and for calling the ambulance. Brother and I both really appreciate it!" She had the small urge to give them a hug, but stopped herself.

"It is no longer our right to hold them." Isis replied, also giving the items one more look over before placing the lid on the crate. "I believe that they will be safer there." She also wanted to visit Japan. It seemed strange things happened on that island.

The Janitor noticed that when she moved in a certain direction, the feeling the ring seemed to be emitting got stronger. She followed this direction, a certain eagerness clouding her previous mission. Certainly, the Contact could be left alone for a few hours?

"Sure." Seto replied in his usual, cool tone. Well, this was a relief. He wasn't disappointed at all. "Take care of yourself. If anything happens to you, Katsuya will blame me for it."

Mokuba tugged his brother's coat impatiently. "Shouldn't we make sure she gets in safely?" He suggested. "What if her parents aren't home to unlock the door for her?" He looked up to hsi brother eagerly.

Kura licked his lips and watched the two oddballs out of the corner of his eye. "Chicken strips sound tastey." she suggested. She gave the arm around her waist an odd look before setting the menu back on the counter. Oh well. no harm in a little contact as long as she was getting a free meal, right?

"I'll be fine, don't worry." Shizuka smiled, before turning around to the building, and leaving the two brothers. They were so nice, she wished she could talk to them more often.

Saltin was starting to have an inching feeling in the back of his brain. Like...something was off. Or something was there that shouldn't be there. Or...if there was a plank stuck in his brain and he couldn't quite get it out, or even see it for that matter. However, we waved it off, and placed a card on the counter, ordering the food, before he adjusted himself on the bar stool. He cast a glance over to the other people around them, and for a moment, made eye contact with Bakura. Pepper only raised an eyebrow.

The dice that seemed to continue to tug and pull inside her front pocket was really starting to get on Petra's nerves, so she stuffed one hand in her pocket, before walking into the Grill. Instantly, she felt the need to walk out. Sure, it wasn't crowded at all(barely anyone there, even!), but just the vibe she was getting sorta set her off. She breifly thought about turning around and just going home to eat, before her stomach lurched in disapproval. Guess she would be staying.

"Very well." Seto watched her retreat, if only to make sure she made it to the door alright. In Seto's mind, the girl seemed to need constant protection, but from what, he wasn't sure. He almost didn't want to leave her behind in this trashy neighborhood, but what reason did he have to stay?

The Janitor held her hand out before her, letting the communication ring guide her as it pleased. She grinned widely in her excitment. "Yes! YES! Guide me, my masters! I'm ready. YES! YES!" A few bystanders passed her worried or confused looks. But then, weird stuff was always happening in this city.

Bakura's mind finally made a connection. He turned to face the two, giving them a narrowed stare. He knew exactly what they had. He had identified two of the carriers. Yes, they both held items much like the one he kept tied securly around his thigh. The thief grinned. Now that he had seen their faces, tracking them in the future would be much easier. Of course right now was the most inopportuned time to deal with this little quest. He'd never be allowed to retrieve them in the current company. No. This required great planning. For now the thief only listened.

Gail lifted the tall glass of icey-cold water to her parched lips. With a hearty swing and a pleased sigh she set it back on the napkin coaster. "Nice!" She chirpped. "I hope that chicken gets done soon." She was begining to feel a bit ancy. Somthing on the borders of her soul felt like it was reaching out to grab ahold on something. "Is it just me, or does this place make you feel like you should be on your toes?" She laughed nervously while looking to Saltin.

While the door had barely come to a close, Shizuka was backed against a wall by a rather tall and brutish figure. One of the other men living in the complex building had spotted the delicate flower. The smell of scotch played on the Scottish man's breath. "Ello thar, lassy." His fingers slid around her wrist almost leaving imprints on her wrists as his knee slid between her legs. "What're ya doin' all alone with out yer brother?" He knew she had a brother? This man had been watching her for much longer than just today to have known that!

Shizuka shook, pressing her back against the wall as much as she could, as if it would suck her in and away. "I-I don't know what y-you're talking about..." She lied. Her voice shook, and each word wanted to stay in her throat, and not come out into the open. How did he know her brother? She tried to pull her wrist away from his grasp, but, of course, that didn't work. Her legs started to shake, and threatened to buckle beneath her. Maybe she should call for help. Seto was still out there. Then again, it wouldn't be good to drag them into this. However, it wouldn't be good for her to stay in this sort of dangerous situation either.

Gail felt like that too? Saltin wasn't liking this at all. Something wasn't right, and it wasn't often that he admitted to thinking like that. He snickered, keeping his cool on his outward appearance. "Nah, I feel like that too!" He ran his gloved fingers over the glass of Dr. Pepper, letting the drops of water that clung to it, to wet his fingers.

Petra sat as far to the edge of the row of bar stools as she could. Such a weird place. It all smelled so muskey, even though she thought it would smell more like food. Shaking a bit, she placed some money, and her order down, before laying her head on the counter, and waiting. This feeling made her sick.

Through the glass doors, Seto could see that, somehow, she'd managed to find trouble even after making it home. Before she had much time to get to know her Scottish assailant, the door swung open with a friendly jingle to reveal a man with a not so friendy face. "You'd better let her go." His quiet speech coupled with his already deep, throaty voice offered something similar to a growling wolf.

The Ring wrapped the Janitor's fingers around the door to the little Bar and Grill. She'd never noticed this place before! Something in her paranoid brain told her that was because it had been built overnight by her annonymous masters, but some might have pointed out that it was probably because she was always so focused on a certain CEO. She through the door open, expecting to find the transport pod that would take her to her beloved mothership. "I'm home!" She announced to the (thankfully drunk) patrons of the bar. She waited a few minutes for something science-like to hapen.

Bakura's eyes glimmered with the utmost of pleasure. He was icking up a third sense. his eye hastily darted around the room, when finally they locked on the young girl who looked rather ill. Bingo! She was another of the carriers. He chuckled to himself darkly. Now he was going to have a hay day once he finally got those items. The thief caught a glimpes of the blonde woman's ID, which she had carelessly left setting on the table. Didn't she know people could steal these things? The ID told him that she lived within the area. It had the proper beauro agency and everything! How happy he had felt. He could assume by her travle partner that he too, lived in the area. Now he had to find out about the young lady. He set down his payment for the drink and sauntered over. "Excuse me miss..." He began in his most polite and suave voice. "Are you from around here?" He heard the yet another character enter the room announcing that she had come home. HE raised a brow at the funny statement. What a nutter.

Gail laughed. "Ah. Then it must be something about this place." She suggested. She reached for her glass again. It was then the silly girl threw open the door announcing her arrial. Gail nearly snorted her water laughing "What a weirdo!"

Mokie watched Seto approach the tall brute, his eyes wide with admiration. He had to have the coolest brother in all of the world. He grinned and followed him in, trying to keep a clear area around his brother just incas it got out of hand!

The Scottish man turned his head of red hair to face Seto. His grin turned uglier under the 5'o'clock shadow as he sneered towards Seto. "Why's she any'o yer buisness?" He continued to keep a tight grip on her wrist, making the imprints turn a rather grotesque shade of purple. He swished her around infront of his chest, bringing her tight to his chest as his hands distastefully slithered across her chest, gropping about. "This lass woul'n't 'appen to be yer's would she?" He possesively held her tight under his violent grip.

Shizuka yelped, and then knew she couldn't just do nothing. She started to tug, and pull away from the man. "Please, let me go!" She demanded, feeling small tears make their way past her eyes. She quickly looked to Seto, and attempted to reach out to him.

Saltin laughed out loud at the girl's grand enterance, before tossing over his shoulder, "Don't worry, baby! The aliens'll be over to pick you up in a second!"

Petra lifted her head at the girl's enterance, and laughed at the comment that gothic looking guy made-HOSHI- IT WAS THE SAME GUY FROM BEFORE! She couldn't really take in the fact all that much, before somebody else came up to her and spoke. She raised her eyebrows. Was he talking to her? She looked next to her, but only saw the wall, which seemed to say, "Sucks to be you!" before raising it's dress and running. She slowly looked back to the stranger. "Ah, well...erm..." She sat up straight and loosened her tie. Wow, she was really feeling sick now. "I'm not really allowed to talk to strangers, and even if I was, I don't think I would feel comfortable talking to them anyways." She quickly reached for her Dr. Pepper, and took a chug before setting it back down. This was weird.

Seto hesitated a split second, before he reached out to take her hand, if only to calm here down. A level head was key in hostile situations. If only someone had told her that ahead of time. He couldn't imagine her squirming was making matters any easier. "If she is?" He growled. "I'll tell you to let her go one more time."
The Janitor beamed, quickly darting across the room to the man. "Are you a contact, to!? Ah." She slapped her wrist to punish herself for talking of such secret matters so loudly. She lowered her voice. "Do you have one, too?" She held her hand aloft, wriggling her ring finger for emphasis.

Bakura's eyes light up yet again when he spotted another item. Why he thought he just might going into a joygasm at the reuniting of this many items. If only there were no other bloody bystanders!!! He bit his lip. Oh, if only he could just for once have things his way! He looked back to the young lady. If she was so concerned talking to strangers then she must be too young to be traveling out of her own vicinity. He had gathered all the information he needed. This was his most joyous day. "Oh, you're right. I apologize." He said much in the mannor of his old host. "How rude of my. Well. Carry on." He made his way to the doorway where the strange woman stood. He put a heavy hand on her shoulder in passing as he harshly whispered "I wouldn't show these things off so openly." He hissed as he slithered back out the door. MOST JOYOUS OF JOYS! He felt so happy knowing such items where in this very vicinity. It must've been a great blessing bestowed upon him to have been ressurected at this very time. No. It was FATE. He would begin planning immediantly. But for now, he needed a place to crash for the night. He had just the right place in mind.


The scottish man snarled. "If she is yer's then ya wouldn't mind lending the little whore t'me." He wrapped his arm around her neck, trying to keep her still. Mokuba watched wide eyed as the scene played out to be more and more intense! His brother was gonna save her! And she was going to fall in love, and his brother would marry her. Atleast that was how it worked out in Mokie's little head.

There was a steady knocking at Ryou's door as the light outside began to fade from the day.

Later, once Petra had gotten to the saftey of her home, and was huddled up in her room, she tossed the dice out of her pocket and onto her bed, where she sat, to stare at them. "You don't usually behave like this, you know?" she asked the pair of dice, that had been tied together. "Maybe we should go to the Grill again? I like their popcorn shrimp and onion rings, and you guys seem to like the atmosphere." All they did to reply, was sit there in the exact position she had placed them in. She liked it like that. Grinning to herself, she looked over to her homework, frowned, looked to the phonebook, and beamed again, before surfing through the said book for the phone number of 'Ryou Bakura'. Not stalker like at all. She had tried looking up 'Seto Kaiba', but couldn't find him.

Shizuka gripped tightly at his hand, not daring to let go. He would help her, right? Very soon she hoped. At the moment the arm was placed around her neck, she quickly held still, all the while sniffling, trying to keep herself from crying anymore then she was already. Why would this man even think she was something even close to related to something of a whore? Moreover, how could he find out this much about her? Oh, well I guess living conplex sort of helped that.

Saltin shrugged. "Sorry, don't have it with me right now." He finished off one of the chicken figures, before chugging down the last of his drink. Working up people's hopes for nothing. He was good at that sort of thing.

Anyone, /anyone,/ could tell you that Seto Kaiba was easily the most avidulous person in Japan. This only added to his slightly possessive nature. What most people couldn't tell you was that he was also a born protector. Perhaps it came from years of being bullied, perhaps it was just a calling. Either way, if he took a fancy to some one (which he didn't often) you'd better stay away from them. "Don't you dare talk about her like that!" He snarled. He wrapped his arms around Shizuka, and with his long legs, kicked the Scotsmen's legs out from beneath him.

The Janitor stood in shock. Another contact. Everyone in this room might well be a contact, and here she was making a fool of herself. She watched the man leave, a cold, sinking feeling in her heart. All this time she'd spent trying to prove herself, and she just blew it with her lack of propriety and secrecy. Possibly her only chance, ruined. She stood for a moment, before deciding she now needed a tall, stiff drink.

Ryou looked up from his homework. A visitor? Perhaps it was a salesmen, or a survey taker! Oh, how beautiful, blissfully boring it would be! How marvelously mundane! How neat and normal! "One moment, please!" He called as he hopped up from his desk, practically skipping to meet his graceously average guest. "Hello!" He called out before his hand was even on the doorknob, cheerily yanking the door open.

Gails eyes flickered. "Wait. You both have something like I do?" She looked to the two of them. "Woah. That is a huge co-inky-dink!" She searched around her backpack and quickly pulled out what lookied like a Roman crossbow with a cresent moon that might have been used to anchor down an arrow to it.

Mokuba clapped and Cheered when Seto brought the drunkard to his bottom. "YEAH! My bro's the greatest!" He jumped and punched the air above his head. The scottish man had clumsily released the young woman before falling over. He looked rather agrivated now. He quickly leapt to his feet readying his heavy sailor's fist to park it straight in that arrogant little face of his. His fist came at an alarming speed towards his temple.

At the door a tall and fit man, with white hair and deeply tanned skin stood leaning against the frame. "Hello old friend." He grinned devilishly as he stared passed his nose to the young brit.

Saltin stared at the two items in disbelief. No, something wasn't right. He quickly jumped up from his seat, and took out the door, and into the outside parking lot in the now clouded sky and earth. He rushed to his motorcycle, pushed the key into the pack on it, and yanked it open. There, among the other junk, was his laurels. The silver picked up on the tiny bit of light now seaping into the box, and revealed the carved cresent moon in one of the largest leaves on it. That ring and crossbow had the same moon. For some reason, this urked him, and he didn't liked being urked. Because when he was urked, it was usually for a good reason, and he liked his sixth sense gosh-darn-it!

Shizuka let out yet another yelp at the fist that came speeding towards Seto, before she quickly pushed the tall man back, trying to get him away from the attack.

Petra grinned to herself once she found the name and number, before reaching for the phone, and dialing. She stopped herself from hitting the last number, when she thought, "Oh...it's late...maybe I shouldn't call." She sighed, closed the phone book, turned off the phone, before plopping down on her bed. Oh well, it would be considered stalking anyways. Plus there was still school tomorrow so she could see him then. He just seemed so nice. Only about five minutes past before her hand shot over, grabbed the phone, re-dialed, and called.

Seto caught himself, as well as Shizuka. He quickly pulled her behind himself, for the first time realizing how much stronger this man probably was. No matter, his testosterone decided for him. His more rational side reminded him that he was, at least, much smarter. And he had a weapon. He hurled his metalic briefcase with all his strength.

The Janitor's eyes twinkled, suddenly full of her previous energy. Even if she had lost her chance today, she had found companions! It was all starting to make sense! "Yes! Yes! You're not alone!" She took both girls by the hand. "It's been a difficult road for you, I know it! But I'm here! I'm here to help!" THIS is why they'd brought her here!

Ryou didnt recognize the body, but he would have recognized that dark voice even through the thickest of radio static. The voice under his skin. The voice that tormented him and mutilated his body for so many years. The voice that he'd thought he was finally rid of. The voice that still haunted him in his dreams at night. His face paled, and his legs buckled before he fell, catching himself on the door frame. "Y-You..." Was all he managed to choke out. He could hear the phone ringing, a hundred miles away.

The drunken scott was quick, but Seto was quicker, younger, and probably had the element of suprise on his side. The breifcase connected with his abdomen causing all the wind to be knocked out of him! This angered him a great deal more. Mokuba hollered after Shizuka. "Come over here, Shizuka!" He cried. IT was much to dangerous for her and Seto to be in the line of fire. He didn't want his brother to have to focus on defending hismelf as well as Shizuka!

Gail blinked. "Who ARE you?" She asked the crazy lady before her. "And why does your ring match my doo-hicky?" She was honestly more confused that she wanted to be. It was really bothersome.

Bakura pushed his way passed the obviously shocked boy. "Hm." He grinned. "Just as I remembered." He stood in teh middle of the room. The devious smirk still lingured on his lips. "Come now, Ryou. Won't you close the door? His voice rumbled and climbed in pitch. He waved him towards himself. "Come now, I've missed you my dear host. Please treat me kindly." He chuckled darkly.

Meanwhile, A plane was arriving from Egpyt. Onboard was precious cargo. Cargo that was held so very dear to the good heroes of Domino. Cargo the was precious to the villain as well. Marik repositioned his sore rump in the airplane seat as they steadied for a landing. "Well I certainly never expected to be back here. How about you, sister?" He turned to his dear older sister with a sincere smile.

Shizuka quickly darted over to Mokuba, before quickly looking back to Seto. She still was shaking. /If only brother was here.../ she thought. Then, quickly got rid of the thought. Something told her that wouldn't really help all that much. Plus he might just get himself hurt, even more then he was already.

Saltin backed away from the two. Okay, okay, he was getting more confused by the second, and wasn't liking it. Then again, who ever liked it when they got confused? He looked between all the items, and then his own. What was going on again?

Petra looked down at the phone. No answer. Maybe he was already asleep. She looked to the clock. Even thought it was...only 7PM. She looked back to the phone, and re-dialed again. She couldn't even remember why she was calling him. Maybe she just missed talking to people on the phone.

Seto quickly slipped across the hall to retreive his makeshift weapon again, as well as take the oppertunity to take the upper-hand. In a fluid motion, he dipped to take the briefcase off the floor, and continued into a charge at the man, bringing up his elbow to jab at the man's sternum.

The Janitor's grip on Saltin's hand tightened. "It's a lot to take in, I know!" She said with great speed and enthusiasm. "I've got some charts at home! I can show you! It's really not a good idea to talk about it here OH CRAP I forgot about Kaiba!" Her sentences all bled into each other in an even more confusing mess.

Ryou automaticly closed the door, still obsorbing the shock. No, no, no. This was just nonsense. No, he must have simply... Gone insane. Yes, he was safe. He was okay. He was just hallucinating. He slowly turned to face the man, and immediately knew this was a lie. "How could you...?" He was to confused, and perhaps to frightened, to form a proper question.

Isis gazed out her window, watching the city roll passed as the plane slid down the runway. "No. I hadn't expected the Millenium Items to be found again." She was loosing her touch. Although, the feeling of the dark power was getting stronger ever since ariving in the city.. Still keeping her eyes on the cityscape, she dropped a hand on her brother's shoulder. "It's getting stronger."

The brute had been too out of breath in the first place, but with Kaiba dealing another blow to his chest, he was practically paralyzed. Mokie laughed triumphantly for his brother. "Seto, you're amazing!!" The scottish drunk did not move an inch. He was too stunned.

Bakura took a seat on the plush couch. "You can't get rid of me that easily." He chortled. "Now keep your mouth from hanging open, and try to form a proper sentence." He crossed his legs and propped them up on teh table. "I need a place to stay for the night, and your house seems like it'll do the trick."

Gail smiled. "Alright! I'd love to see them!" She loved to look at pictures! They always helped.

Marik clutched at his chest. "Nngh... I-Isis... something is wr-wrong with me..." Sweat gathered on his brow, as he struggled to breath. "H-help me..." His eyes teared up and a light began to show across his forehead. It was the eye again.

Saltin seemed to stare into absolutely nothing, before he quickly jerked away and got on his motorcycle. "I'm sorry, I can't right now. Maybe another time." He reached into his pocket, taking out a peice of paper, took a pencil that was hooked on his jacket off, jotted his number down, and handed it to the Janitor. "Call me if anything happens." was all he said before the motorcycle took off. He really needed to contact some people.

Petra clutched the phone. Just a few more rings...

Shizuka could only stare down at the knocked out man. Was it safe? He wasn't going to get up again, was he? Slowly, she moved over to Seto, before latching onto him. "T-Thank you...so much, Mr. Kaiba." she cried.

Seto glared down at the man, placing a foot firmly on his chest. "Don't let it happen again." He growled. When he felt the foreign arms wrap around him, his tensed instantly. He looked down at the girl wrapped around him. This was a rather new experience for him. "Sure." He grunted, hoping he sounded more calm than he felt. "No injuries?"

"'Kay! Take care!" The Janitor called after Pepper, before turning back to Gail. "Oh, this is so exciting!" She pumped her hand up and down. "Hello, friend! My name is Annaleise Henrietta Mulberry-Snadwich, and it's a PLEASURE to meet you! Come, come, I have to explain everything!" She began tugging her arm. "How long have you been a part of the Circle? I've been a part for going on two years now!"

'Easily!?' Getting rid of the... Thing was the furthest thing from 'easy!' Ryou slowly sunk into the chair across the room, feeling very numb inside. With a great effort, he forced his jaw shut, and tried to gather his thoughts. Sadly, the only complete sentence that came to mind was "I really should answer the phone." He spoke slowly.

Isis rapidly spun to look at her brother. Oh no. She shouldn't have taken him. The darkness was overpowering him, and Rashid wasn't around to keep him in check. She put her both hands on his shoulders. Her normal calm was slipping. "Marik! You have to stay in control!"

"Isis!" He practically shreiked. "I-It's not him..." He stuttered over the words, clutching his heart. He'd felt some similar effects before. This was unsual, bit he felt as if the Millennium rod was calling out to his very soul. "It's the R-rod..." He shuddered.

Bakura waved him off. "Go on. Do what you will." He knew he could trust the good little boy not to snitch on him. The thief lazily nestled down into his spot on the couch, lacing his fingers over his stomach.

Gail snorted. "What a name!" She shook hands with her. "I'm Gail. Strawberry. I don't know what uyou mean when you say 'circle' but I've had this puppy since I was born!" She patted the metalic object.

Mokuba blushed and turned away giving the two a bit of privacy before he hid behind a nearby door.

Shizuka looked up to Seto, a wide smile on her face. Suddenly, realizing what position she had put herself in, she jerked away. “T-Thank you again, very, very much, Mr. Kaiba!” She bowed, before taking a couple steps back, seeing not only his expression, but the man on the floor as well. Really, she didn't think she could stay here alone anymore, or in this condo at all.

Seto nodded. He supposed he should stick around a while, at least until she could get her door locked. Assuming this shack /had/ locks on the doors. "Which room is yours?" He rolled the guy over with his feet, if only so his blleding nose didn't drown the man. His family might sue.

Ryou shakily picked up the phone. He didn't know why. Maybe he was expecting his survey taker or salesmen, hoping that maybe something mundane would just make his life magicall normal again. He stared at the Tomb Theif as he spoke. "Hello?" Even though he tried to keep the tremors out of his voice, he still managed to sound like a man with a gun to his head.

Isis stood, gently guiding her brother. "Come with me." She said, in as calmming a tone as she could manage. They couldn't very well make a scene in front of all the other passengers. People might begin to suspect they were terrorists. She took him to the luggage room, quickly locating the crate with contained the Phaoroh's cursed jewelry.

Marik shook with each step until he had finally taken the item in his grasp. "I-Isis... you were right. There is soemthing terrible coming. Something very terrible." He droned as he held the golden item in his hand. "What'll we do?" His voice seemed to linger int he room. The millennium necklace shimmered brilliantly for how dark the cargo room was. It was almost as if it was calling to Isis.

Mokuba tugged his brother's coat. "Seto! Seto! Maybe she could come stay with us! Atleast until her brother is out of the hospital?" He pleaded with the tall dark handsom snob. "Pleeeeease?" He batted his big blue eyes in hopes of winning his brother's approval.

The tomb Thief continued to sit on the couch. His posture growing more and more lazy as he became more farmilliar with the room. It was almost as if it were his own house. He took much pleasure int eh comfort of the seats. He really had missed this place. After passing a few minutes, he procceeded to lock the wondows and doors. A paranoid habit perhaps? Or perhaps he thought it'd detain his former light half. He listened as Ryou spoke over the phone.

Shizuka said nothing, and only kept silent. She really did think it would be better to go with them, but she also didn't want to be a bother. She couldn't stop looking up to Seto, her eyes almost saying, "Yes, please take me home with you. I'm just a poor, little, helpless puppy. Please take me into your kind and warm home."

Petra beamed the second she heard the phone pick up, but at the sound of the quivering voice, her smile dropped. "Ryou...?" She cleared her throat, suddenly feeling stupid again. Why was she doing this? Oh yeah, because one of the seven wonders of the Earth; FrIeNdShIp.
"This is Petra, I was going to ask if you wanted to hang out tomorrow..." She trailed off. "Are you alright? Is something wrong?"
She started to feel even more like a stupid mary-sue. The author face-palmed.

Seto's jaw very subtly twitched. Between his brother's begging and those /eyes.../ He was not affected at all. Her brother would NOT be pleased with the prospect, and he certainly didn't want to deal with one of the man's migraine-inducing rants. But then, if anything happened to her... Then he would get a rant, and actually feel guilty. "Hmph. Come on." He grunte, stepping around the fallen Scotsmen. He wondered if he should call another ambulence, but decided to let some one else do it.

"Ah, oh, no. Everything is perfectly fine!" He forced a cheery note into his voice. He'd never been a very good liar. "I, uh... I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to school tommorrow. Terribley sorry." His voice cracked again.

Isis gazed on the familiar lines of the old relic. "Please forgive me, Pharoh." She whispered, gently lifting the artifact. "I must borrow this again." She clipped it on, hoping the necklace would grant her some small hint of the future, and the present.

Upon equipping the small gold trinket, it shimmered like the Egyptian sun. Her eyes were filled with a very intense fire. A glimpse of what was. The city of Pompei was alight with pillars or white and blue fire! The hottest of fires. Women, children, and men ran screaming through the streets as bodies were forcefully gripped by Roman soldiers and thrown into the violent flames! The light of the necklace dimmed breifly, what was present and future were now making themselves known. Though it was vague, five silve items shimmered in a black room. A cresent moon above them became the only light sorce around. In the darkness a figure moved quick as a roach from a lightbuld. The figure snatched up each item with the grace of a hawk and it's prey. The necklace's light faded yet again. This time completely. Marik looked to hsi sister, he was focused so deeply on her eyes it was almost impressive. "What is it?" He asked desperately.

Mokuba jumped for joy! "Hurray! My brother is a hero! A real man, don't you think, Shizuka?" He grinned proudly. He was so glad Seto took his suggestion. In all honesty Mokuba was beginning to think his brother was either A-sexual or homo-sexual. He never EVER looked at a women until today. Mokie felt some sort of relief wrap his little mind in a comfort Blanket as he grabbed Shizuka and Seto's hands, keeping a link established between the three of them.

"A-Ah..yes, he is..!" Shizuka couldn't stop the small giggle that slipped past her lips and out into the open. She happily took Mokuba's hand, smiling yet again. They made her feel so safe, just like brother. Speaking of which, he would be so happy to know that she was staying with them, where it was completely safe! She remained oblivious to the well known fact that he hated Kaiba, and vice-versa.

The grip on the phone loosened for a moment, before growing tighter. Petra couldn't stop her imagination from running wild by this point, and becoming one of those annoying worry-worts, that just don't seem to ever go away. "Oh, alright." She answered. "Hope to see you soon." And with that she hung up, being rid of from the story for now. Yes, you may breath again. She's finally gone.

Seto seemed intent to find something to focus on in the opposite direction of the chattering pair. He did enjoy compliments, but compliments like these, compliments to his character... They were completely new to him. He almost felt what he, in his younger years, might have classified as 'embarrassment.' He knew better nowadays. He tried to hide his very faint, but very steady blush with the rim of his heavily starched collar.

"O-okay..." Ryou spoke to the dead line. He honestly wished she was still there. Having someone on the phone made him feel more secure. He turned his gaze back to the Thief. After all the things he'd done to him when they were sharing a body, he was sickened at the thought of what he might do to him now. "W-why are you here?"

Isis let go of a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She leaned against the crate, feeling the world rock gently as she returned to it. "Very bad." Was the best she could say to completely describe the mess. A shudder went through her. "There's another side to this." She stared into the crate, where the other five items lay, nestled in their neat styrofoam capsules.

As Marik watched his sister come back from her spell, he felt his heart sink to his stomach. "What are we going to do?" He blinked, his face almost holding a child-like innocence in his dear.

Bakura lifted his head. "Like I said. I need sleep, and this is the place I've chosen." He smirked. The thief king stood up, making his way steadily to the young and frightened Brit. He let a hand rest heavily on his shoulder. "Why? Is it a problem? Old friend?" His voice was so cold and calloused as he spoke.

Moukba, Seto, and Shizuka all made it back to Kaiba's mansion lickity-split. The large house seemed big enough to be it's own city. Mokuba let go of their ahnds and trotted ahead, opening the gates for the two. "I'll see you two slow-pokes inside!" He chirped and went skittering off to the large doors, soon disappearing behind them. The two older teens were left alone.

"Whoa...!!" Shizuka's mouth formed a big 'O' as she stared up at the 'house'. "It's huge! and so pretty! You and Mokuba actually live here?!" She could feel herself getting all worked up and excited. Never had she seen a house this big, and not only that, but she was about to step inside of it! She looked to Seto, her hazel eyes wide and filled with...sparkles it seemed like.

While all this other exciting stuff went on, Petra spent her night under her covers with a flashlight, writing out what might be going on. Something...fishy. That's all she knew. "And then, all the duel disks will blow up if we don't do something. Isn't that right Watson?" The stuffed dog plushie said nothing.

Seto glanced over the house, trying to find whatever it was the amazed her. He supposed it was 'huge' compared to the dirty-floored hovel she must have been living in. He became aware that he and she were quite alone out here. All he could say in reply was a slightly awkward 'Yup.' before stiffly moving on. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure she was following. It was like taking care of a puppy. Sheesh.

Ryou cowered at the final words the man spoke. Oh, it was definately a problem. A big problem. He might have told him as much, if there weren't a baseball sized lump in his throat. All he could do was shake his head, and do what he was told.

Isis shook her head as she arranged her thoughts. the whole of the Tomb Keeper's history said nothihng of all this, as far as she could remember. "First, we must find out where this evil is eminating from." She hated to think like this but, from there, she would have to improvise. She looked down at the necklace once more, crying out in her heart for it to guide her, but it didn't seem very giving at the moment.

"Good, now be a sweet-heart and go to bed." His voice was venom laiden. "I won't hurt you if I don't have to, s just do as you are told." He patted Ryou on the shoulder before lying down on the couch, and falling into a deep sleep.

Mokuba had shown Shizuka to a room in which she could stay until the morning. It was a large room with calm and earthy color variotions decorating it. The sheer curtains moved just so very gracefully in the night time breeze. There was an empty dresser, and a large mirror above it. The bed was bigger than any she had seen, and was most likely dressed in custom fit linen, and decorated with silk covered pillows of goose downe. It was all in all a very tranquil room.

Marik and Isis would be arriving in the early morning the next day. He suggested to hsi sister that they get as much sleep as they could until then. For he had felt the next day would bring many challenges. Very difficult challenges. Before nodding off to sleep, Marik seemed almost like a zombie as his half lided eyes stared at Isis. "If only the Pharaoh were still here. He'd be able to help us..." He soon drifted into a light sleep.

It was like a dream. You suddenly find yourself out in the middle of the streets, everything going on as normal; people walking around, cars driving...normal. It turns out, you are the only one that feels disoriented. How this all relates to a dream, is that, if you try to find out how you exactly got there, you can't think of it. Everything was a huge blank in memory before you were standing out in the middle of the streets.

That was about how Atem felt at the moment. He already didn't like this, at all.
What happened to his peaceful resting? No, what happened in general? A loud honking disturbed his thoughts, and Atem had to quickly dash to the sidewalk, to avoid a car from running him over. "Watch where you're going, kid!" The angry driver yelled as the car speeded by. It was followed shortly by a police car. Atem quickly darted down an alley, before looking down at his hands. Was this real? What had happened? How did he come back? Then he looked down at his clothes. Oh. Well...he must look like a nutjob walking around the streets with this sort of outfit on. No, no, no, still, he had to figure out what was going on. Something was going on, and it didn't really taste like fish. More like something was run over and then put to fire. He quickly made his way to the Card Shop. Was Yugi still around?

Ryou couldn't sleep if he wanted to, with that man in the other room. He lied awake all night, listen to for him through the wall. No, no, he'd told himself all night that he needed sleep. Because when he woke up, this would all be over. He watched the sun come up through the window across the room. It seemed like the final nail in the coffin. He shuddered at the metaphor.

Isis shot up. Something had changed. Admidst the cold turmoil raking through her body, she felt a thin, warm vein of hope, quite suddenly. Was it...? No. The Pharoah was finally resting. She even held the Millenium Puzzle in her hands just the day before. She realized that the sun was coming up. Now wazs a good time to start her search, anyways.

Seto opened one eye. He looked across his desk at the digital clock, it's letters blinking irrately at him for falling asleep in his office again. Not that it mattered now, it was to late for him to go to bed. He sat up, rolling his shoulders and listening to his spine snapping back into allignment. He'd almost completely forgotten about his adorable little house guest.

Slowly, Shizuka woke up, and the first thing on her mind, was if her brother was alright. She got out of bed, and dressed in her clothes from the previous day. It was still her school uniform, considering she never even had the chance to change. Oh, she most likely didn't smell all too good. She didn't have a bush, tooth brush, tooth paste, anything! Looking over to the clock, she sighed. Something told her she wouldn't be able to get to school that day. It was only 30 till, and she had barely even started her day. Nervously, she made her way out of the room, and looked around. The place was so big, she was almost scared to walk too far away. What if she got lost?

Mokuba slowly tottled out of his room. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he did. HE spotted Shizuka some ways downt eh hall coming out of her guest room. "G'morning!" He made his best attempt to sound awake and ready for the day. However, the child was still in his pajamas, and his ahir was a all ruffled from tossing and turning in bed. "Shizuka, if you'd like, you can use the shower. There is a bathroom attatched to the guest room. And we have spare tooth brushes still in the package." explained as he made his way to her side. "I could get you some clean clothes too!" He offered with the sweetest smile ever seen on a child's face. He was ready to wait on her hand and foot.

The great tomb thief slowly rose form his spot ont he couch. He was actually quite alert in the morning. His silver eyes glinted when they caught the sunlight peaking in. Last night he had fallen asleep formulating a plan. He glanced around the room and made his way towards Ryou'd bedroom. "Knock, knock..." He chimed.

Marik followed his sister out the plane. The safest place to keep those items would be in the old museum his sister had met Seto at the first day she spent in Domino city... However, he just had the strangest feeling climbing up his spine. "Isis..." HE began. "I feel like taking these too the museum is a bad decision..."

Yuugi rushed down the stairs of his Grandpa's Card Shop, and waved goodbye, before meeting Anzu outside. After saying their respective 'Good Morning!'s' they made their way to school, but was stopped short with they found a familar figure in front of them. "A-Atem...?" Anzu stuttered, wide eye'd as she stared. Yuugi kept opening and closing his mouth, trying to think of something to say exactly, but when nothing came to mind he settled with, "What's going on!?" Which was what Atem was about to say, but when his line was stolen, he settled for another. "What's happening?! Who did this?" "Who did what?" "That's what I'm asking you!" "But wait-wait-wait, how did you get here?" "I was hoping you knew that!" It went on for awhile, with Anzu just standing there, with a blank face, trying to get her thoughts straight.

"Oh, thank you!" Shizuka smiled. "Yes, clean clothes would be nice..." She made her way to the guest's bathroom, glad that she would be able to clean herself up. Still...missing school upset her. Oh well, she'd be able to use the free time to make sure her brother was alright!

Ryou went cold, quickly scrambling to his feet. He opened the door w2ith his shakey hand. He tried very hard to souhnd brave. Or at least casual. "Go-Good morning." He failed.

Seto soon came out of his personal bathroom, still toweling off his hair. He supposed he had to take care of the Katsuya family today. Honestly, was this even really his fault?

"No. Perhaps, in light of this new information, we should hold on to them just a bit longer." Isis told her brother, looking for the luggage man to give him more specific instructions.

Mokuba skipped off and gathered a few clothes for Shizuka. All he could find were some of Seto's old things. He was sure they'd be big on her, but at least they were clean! He brought them to Shizuka's room and laid them out on the bed for her. With that he ran to see his brother, barging into his room with out so much as a knock. "Hiya Seto!" He quickly hopped onto his brother's bed with a much more alert smile. "I told Shizuka she could take a shower." He let his feet swing back and forth off the side of the bed. He was in a good mood. Almost hyper with the happiness he got at havign their first guest in a LONG LONG Time. "Oh- and I let her borrow some of your clothes." He grinned. "Hope that's okay!"

Marik nodded in agreement. "I-is it strange that I almost feel like handing the puzzle back over to Yuugi?" He asked his sister while they gathered the precious cargo.

The thief grinned. He still scared the boy. He was pretty sure the little wrech was scared for life. "I'm heading out. But I'll be back. Keep the house clean, right." He patted the boy on the head. The malicious air about him soon dissipated as he left the boy standing in mild (Or not so mild? )terror.

Shizuka was soon out of the shower, a large towel wraped around her. She scrambled quickly down the hall, scared that she might turn the corner and Seto would be there. Ha! Wouldn't that just be her luck. Once back in the guest room, she got dressed. She almost forgot how tall Seto was. These clothes barely fit her! She had to roll up the sleeves and pants, and wear a belt so they wouldn't fall down with the first step she took. Nervously, she walked out of the room. What would her brother think? Hopefully she would have a chance to get her regular clothes before he saw her like this.

Saltin was glad he didn't have school. He really was, and even if he did, he would have skipped, with the situation currently at hand. The item he had wasn't the only one, there were others, and it didn't seem like the simple collector's items. Those two girls had items similar to his, but were there more? The roar of the motocycle picked up, before it came to a screeching hault in front of an apartment. Cheapest one in town, and worst. He marched up to the building, the laurel tucked in a deep pocket in his coat. Soon, he was standing in front of a door in the building, and knocked only once. When no responce was given, the door was kicked down. Screw the rules, he could do what he wanted.

"That's fine." Seto grunted as he buttoned his sleeves. As long as he got them back in the end, he didn't care. His, admittedly niave, little mind didn't consider just how cute she would look. He never thought about these things untill they were staring him in the face. He looked to his brother. "What are you so cheerful about?"

Isis thought about this. She felt so very lost ever since this whole matter arose. "Yes. You're right. It belongs to him."

It took Ryou a moment or two to realize that the man was gone. For a split second, he wondered if he was ever even here at all. That seemed a bit more likely. His thoughts were interupted, however, when he realized he was late for school. Yes, yes! He just needed to get out of the house for a while. He quickly scraped together all of his (half finished) home work and shoved sloppily into his bag. Yes, he just needed to get away for a while, and everything would be sunshine and lollipops.

Yugi shook his head, his huge hgairdo catching enough wind to knock a smaller person over. "You know what? It doesn't matter." He gave his other half a huge hug. "I'm so happy to see you!" Friendshipfriendship.

Marik glanced at the box full of items. He wondered what would happen, and how. Oddly enough, the rob was slowly breaking the connection it had formed. Now was time for a change. He nervously set the item intot eh crate and lowered the heavy wooden yop after it had vanished under the straw pakaging. "Sister, I think fate will deal her hand to us today." He exhailed nervously as the began to walk back to the museum.

Mokuba cocked his head to the side. "What are you so grumpy about?" He counter questioned. "We have a guest, Seto. I friggin' guest!" He cheered. "And she hasn't run away from us!" His eyes nearly sparkled. "And she's really nice to me, too." Mokie blushed, perhaps he had a tiny little boy crush on their pretty guest. But moreover, he wanted Seto to have a crush on her. It was his greatest desire for his brother to finally take on a girlfriend. Maybe a wife... but that was going a little too fast for his sexually pure brother.

Atem could just about feel Yugi radiating friendship. Ah, something he felt he hadn't felt in awhile. Even though, you know, he had been dead. Though during that time he had been dead, so that was a feeling. Then again, when you were dead, you couldn't feel it. Huh. Didn't really make much sence. Back to the topic at hand, he gave a small smile. "and it is good to see you too, Yugi." His expression grew serious again. "However, we really do have to figure out what's going on. Things like this don't just happen. Has anything else strange happened as of late?" He just couldn't stay on the happy-happy-friendship side for long. This was seriously serious business!

There was a light knock on Seto's door. Soon, the cuteness would be staring him in the face. "U-Uhm...Mr. Kaiba...?" The small voice spoke up, almost scared of what was beyond that door. Shizuka really did hope she wasn't bothering him. Oh, but this whole incident was a bother, wasn't it? She gripped tightly at the side of the huge shirt nervously. She mildly wondered what Mr. Kaiba was like when he was mad. Hopefully not too scary . . .

"Where did you get it from?" "In Italy! R-Rome!" "Holy crap, old man are you serious?" "Y-Yes!" "How in the he-" "The black market over there! I bought it from a man there. He said it didn't have any value!" Saltin grew quiet, before dropping the middle aged man from the choke hold. The man gripped at his throat, realived he wouldn't be dying just yet. Saltin glared down at him. Really, he needed to watch what sort of people he bought from. The man spoke up again. "Why...? Does it have any value?" Saltin scoffed, and kicked the man in the side, before turning and walking out. "Of course not! Quit trying to see like a desperate retard and import something of value next time!"

Isis stopped for a moment. Maybe so. She slipped the necklace back into the box. She fought to keep herself collected. She was still extremely unsettled. She instructed the luggage boys to take the crate directly to their car. "There's been a change in plan. We'll handle them from here."

Seto rolled his eyes at his brother. They house was always full of maids. Why was having a guest such a big deal? You could find people anywhere. It was peace and quiet that was rare. He heard the voice from behind the door, and sighed. He slid into his overcoat and opened the door. Cutness was staring him straight in the face. A subtle expression of inexplicable emarressment crept onto his face, but he quickly killed it. "What do you want?"