Memoria

Well...It's been an awfully long time since I posted. A really long time. There is the rest of chapter 12 added on at the bottom after the *****. I apologize for the lack of updates, life has this way of making it hard to do things. Anyway I hope people are still with me ;(

Chapter 12 Aroma of the Desert

Yugi found his body stilling. Slowly he came to stand upright and the clocks slowly began to fade. Looking around eagerly he jumped and shouted in excitement at the familiar surroundings of the game shop. Groans and sighs came from the others as they slowly came to stand up. “Worst landing ever,” Tea grumbled holding her back. “Uh, we’re finally back, yay!”
Yugi began searching for his grandfather but found it to be quiet, and empty within the house. Racing up the stairs to his room and his grandfathers he still found no one. Slowly coming back down the stairs he began to shiver with fear. ‘Could Seth have gotten him?’ He thought scared. Returning to the closed game shop he found the four waiting expectantly. “I can’t find my grandpa anywhere.” He said.
Seto picked up the phone quickly and dialed Mokuba’s cell. When no one answered he slammed the phone back into the receiver. Joey picked up the phone, maybe Serenity was still okay. He tried not to mind his hand trembling, but things were getting more serious.
~Hello?~
“Serenity! Are you okay?” He asked quickly.
~Joey where have you been?~ Joey held the phone away from his ear.
“Ya wouldn’t believe me, are you okay? Have you seen Yugi’s grandfather?”
~You sure he didn’t just go out for some groceries?~
Joey rolled his eyes. “Okay, that didn’t help ya know. What about Isis has she contacted ya?”
~Once, I’m going to be late for school Joey, I’ll see you later.~ She hung up. Joey could honestly say he sighed in relief. Dialing Tristan’s number Joey took a seat.
~Yo!~ Tristan answered.
“Ya know I’m actually glad to hear your voice.”
~Jo! Where are you? When did you get back? Is everyone there?~
Joey laughed. “Of course we’re all here. We’re all at the game shop, we got back like a few minutes ago.”
~Good, you guys have to come over to my place right away.~
“Where’s Yugi’s grandpa and Mokuba?” He asked quickly noticing the looks from Yugi and Seto.
~Um, Mokuba is currently playing video games with Duke and…well just get here fast. Things have been a little hectic and bad since you guys left.~
“We’ll be dere soon.” Joey said and hung up. “We need to get over to Tristan’s place. Mokuba is there, Tristan didn’t really say anythin’ about your grandpa.” Joey said making Yugi even more afraid. “Don’t worry Yug lets go find out what happened first.” Yugi nodded.
“I just want to sleep.” Mai said following after them.
“Once we find out what we’re supposed to do next, then I think we can rest.” Yugi said trying to keep the thoughts about what could have happened to his grandfather at bay.

Tristan crossed his arms as the gang piled into his apartment. Closing the door after them he motioned for them to follow him into the living room. “You guys must be exhausted. Are you hungry?” Joey immediately bombarded Tristan with food demands. “How’d I know you would be…Your grandfather’s in the guest room with Isis, Yugi.”
Yugi sped off without saying a word and burst into the guest room. Isis sat next to the bed which his grandfather lay on. Yugi stood stock still within the doorway and kept his eyes trained on the prostrate form of his grandfather. Isis had turned to him and smiled weakly. “Not really a welcoming sight back, but I am truly glad that you are safe.” She said and turned back to his grandfather. “Did you get everything Yugi?”
“Yeah…” He answered slowly and made his way to the side of the bed. Looking down at the pained expression of his grandfathers face Yugi collapsed to the floor. “What happened, Isis?”
She inhaled deeply and rested her hand slowly on his shoulder. “It was my mistake. I should have insisted that I stay with your grandfather, or that he come and stay with us while the quest is going on.” Yugi pressed his forehead into the bedside and bit his lip. “Seth, wanted to know your whereabouts, and he interrogated your grandfather.” Yugi unbearably let the information sink in. “I cannot let your grandfather leave this room Yugi. Seth has invaded his mind and took over him. I suggest that any other people among those closest to you, whom are easily possessed, be left out of the rest of the quest. Seth will be able to find you quicker if you keep them around.”
Yugi smiled bitterly at the irony of it all. Had Seth tracked them to Paris through Tea? Shutting his eyes tightly he tried to shove the thoughts out of his mind. “Will he be alright?”
“When Seth has been sealed or destroyed, yes, he will be fine.” Isis’ hand fell away from his shoulder and Yugi looked up. His grandfather was fighting a battle within himself, and Yugi wasn’t really able to help him. His only family was suffering, because of him. Biting his lip hard Yugi slumped back against the bed. He was way too tired. “You should get some rest Yugi, you’ve had a long journey, and your body needs to get used to staying in one time era.”
“Is there any place that is safe right now?” Yugi asked, his voice slightly muffled by the blanket.
“I can have Malik and Odion protect you if you wish to spend the night at your game shop.” Yugi mulled over the thought but shook his head.
“That’s an obvious spot, Seth would go there in a heartbeat.” Yugi sighed.
“Okay, then what about some of your friends. Tristan seems to have his hands full-I feel bad for barging in on him…What about Joey or Tea?”
“I…can’t stay with Tea. She was taken over while we were in Ancient Japan.” Yugi said in slight anguish. Tea was a special friend to him, and to know that he couldn’t really trust her now was tearing him apart. “I probably wouldn’t be able to contact Ryou either.” He rubbed his forehead and covered his eyes. “I just want one good day of rest then I’d like to get back onto finding the rest of the items.”
“I know Yugi.” She said softly. “What about staying with Mai?”
Yugi rose to his feet and began heading to the door. “I’ll ask her and see.” He said and walked back out to the living room. Tea was no where in sight and Seto was seated beside his brother on the floor. Joey sat with Mai fast asleep on the couch. Yugi tried to smile but the reality of the situation kept popping back up in his mind. “Mai, where are you staying tonight?”
She turned her own violet eyes on him and smiled. “Probably at a hotel hun, why need a place to stay?”
Yugi rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I just want a place Seth won’t be sure I’ll be. The items will probably stay with Isis, she can protect them better than we can.” Mai nodded in agreement. She noticed the extreme fatigue on Yugi’s face and took a deep breath.
“How’s your grandfather?” She asked getting to her feet.
“Not really good.” He muttered brokenly. This made Mai want to wrap her arms around him and tell him everything was going to be okay, but it probably wouldn’t work.
“That’s enough of that Yugi. We’re going to get some food, watch some TV, clean ourselves up and get a good night’s sleep.” Mai informed him taking his hand in her own. “Isis the items are on the couch besides Joey, we’ll see everyone in the morning.” Before they could get any replies Mai was tugging Yugi down the stairways and onto the sidewalk into the evening. Yugi couldn’t help the small smile making its way onto his lips.
He mumbled quietly, “thank you Mai.”

Yugi was thankful for the restful sleep he got. He didn’t realize really how tired he actually was. When he woke up he noticed Mai not there but a note rested on the table. ‘Just stepped out to get us a proper breakfast, take a shower Yugi, watch TV, be normal for a little while.’ Yugi smiled and raced into the bathroom and took a shower. When he came back out he turned on the TV and looked for anything interesting. He briefly touched on the news and froze.
“There are reports that these natural disasters are beginning to happen more frequently. Why the weather has been so hectic lately has been under discussion, and no agreements or theories have been brought forth-“ Yugi flipped the channel to a movie and slumped in his chair. Walking over to the phone he called Tristan.
~Hello?~
“Hey Tristan, how’s it going this morning?”
~As good as it can be I guess. I have your tickets for Egypt booked now, you’ll be leaving this evening.~
“Alright, thanks a lot for that.”
~Look, I didn’t book anything for Tea. I made up a lie that we didn’t have enough money for five.~
Yugi rolled his eyes. “I don’t really care at this point. It would probably be safer that way anyway.”
~Oh, okay, you, Mai, Joey and Seto are leaving at six.~
“Okay, um, Tristan, what do you know about the crazy weather?”
~Isis said it was Shadow Magic gone haywire. She doesn’t know exactly who did it. It could have been an imbalance because she didn’t think Seth would start destroying randomly like that.~ Tristan informed. ~Look, don’t worry about any of that stuff, all you have to focus on is getting all of the items together. That is all you have to do, worry about Seth after all that.~
“Good point, alright, I’ll see you this afternoon then.”
~Yep, see you later.~
Yugi flipped the channel back to the news and gagged when the story changed into farms and how the world was ending. He didn’t know why people believed in that stuff…wait, he did.
Mai walked in and set two bags on the table. “Did you sleep alright?”
“Yeah, actually.” He bounded over to investigate breakfast and was happy to find a danish. “Creative breakfast Mai.”
“I didn’t know what you would have liked so I got anything.” She said taking out a yogurt fruit cup. Yugi inquired with her eyes. She shook her head and smiled but pulled out a second one. He raced back to his chair and continued watching random shows.

They checked out at around lunch time and headed out for lunch. After that they went to Tristan’s. They found it a little more normal with Isis, Malik and Odion now looking over the items and Tristan and Duke researching the last two items. “Hey Yugi, Mai.” Tristan greeted pulling up some chairs for them. “Joey and Seto said they would be coming in a little while.”
“Together?” They chorused.
“I don’t think so.” Duke replied. “Why?”
Mai shrugged and Yugi zippered his lips.
“Hey! I wanna know now!” Duke demanded pointing a finger at each in turn.
“It’s really nothing.” Mai said a grin on her face.
“You guys are evil, not telling me.” Duke grumbled. “If you don’t tell me I won’t tell you about the Aroma of the Desert.”
“That’s not fair!” Yugi hollered earning shushes from everyone. “Fine, Joey sort of has a crush on Seto.”
“What…” Duke gasped in disbelief. “Okay, I’ve been told strange things, but that would take the cake. You’re pulling my strings aren’t you?” Mai, Yugi, and Tristan all shook their heads no. “Wait…Joey, and Seto?”
“Sh!” Mai and Yugi hissed.
“Aren’t you funny.” Isis laughed. “I’m glad you’re still so cheerful Yugi.”
“You have to be when it’s you who wants the prize in the end.” Mai said.
Yugi’s ears tipped red at Mai’s insinuation. “You’re horrible Mai.”
“Oh come on, everyone knows what you two would do together. It’s only like Tristan and Duke, soon to be Joey and Seto, and then you and Yami later.” She blathered on. Yugi hid his face in his arms.
“Wow, is everyone we know gay or what?” Malik sighed.
Isis poked her brother in the forehead. “Mai and I are not, and neither is Odion. Mokuba. Who else?”
“Ryou,” Yugi added.
“Are you sure?” Malik asked.
“Okay he might be bi, but he still prefers girls.” Yugi defended.
“Anyway,” Duke interrupted. “The Aroma of the Desert is currently under lock in the middle of the Sahara. You might have a little more difficulty getting this one. It’s a very rare perfume and they make it every couple of years so there are a lot of people that are going to be after it. It’s about the time it will be sold so that’s why we need to get you down there as fast as we can.”
“You’ll meet one of my friends in Cairo and they will guide you.” Isis said finishing the wrap of the Silver Mirror. “So you don’t have to worry about that. Right after you get the Aroma of the Desert you’ll be flying to England to get the Heavenly Armour and then it is the Teardrop Diamond. You’re doing it Yugi.” She cheered calmly which brightened all of his features with a smile.
“I’m grateful for all of this.” He said softly. “My appreciation is indescribable.”
Isis gave him another smile before setting back to work.
*****

Yugi tried to get a good night’s sleep again for the trip to Egypt. He was nervous and stressed however. He was getting the items but Seth was becoming more and more of a problem. There had been reported deaths and Malik was having more visions. He was asleep for the majority of the plane ride, but only because Mai had given him a sleeping pill. She said she didn’t want him to make a mistake because he was too tired. Joey had agreed with her. Upon landing in Cairo Seto was already waiting for them. Joey muttered that he was a show off and Yugi just laughed.
“We’ll be going out into the desert so I suggest that we take a lot of water.” Seto said. “Oh, Shadi is Isis’ friend.”
“Why couldn’t she have just said dat?”
“Where is he?”
“He’s getting our transportation ready. Apparently my chopper would be too much of a hassle and wouldn’t be good in a sand storm.” Seto said getting into the van.
“Well, we don’t need anything delaying us.” Mai said.
“Yeah, I’m glad we got rid of some of the excess, makes my life easier.” Seto said.
They all nodded in agreement and the driver started for their destination. It wasn’t long until they arrived at a stable. Shadi was waiting with camels. Joey’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “We’re going into the desert, on camels!”
“It won’t be so bad. They’re the best desert travelers.” Shadi said to him as they piled out of the van.

Yugi didn’t know how long they traveled. At some point he felt the heat had been getting to him. Various times throughout the trip he thought he saw Yami. He’d point it out to Seto who would then give him water. He would get a scolding from Mai, “tell us when you’re getting too dehydrated.” She would say. Joey would just sigh. This cycle repeated for hours. Shadi laughed at their antics. Yugi would be amused by them too if it weren’t for the situation.
He then spotted some tents. Patterned designs were weaved into the canvas. Yugi looked at them in awe. “Is that where we’re going?” Mai asked.
“Yes,” Shadi answered.
“We’re almost dere Yug.” Joey said.
Yugi nodded. They made it amongst the tents in no time. Mai and Joey raced for shade. Yugi slid down from his camel and walked over to Seto and Shadi. “Where do you suppose we’ll find it?” He asked.
“It’s a high bid item. I’ll ask around for you. In the meantime why don’t you and your friends relax for a bit.” Shadi said as he began leading the camels away.
“You sure you don’t need any help?” Yugi asked.
“Don’t worry, I’m not the one that would stand out.” Yugi flushed from embarrassment.
“Yeah…I forgot about that.”
Seto motioned for him to follow. Yugi hesitated for a little while. He still couldn’t trust Seto. Sure he had helped him up to this point…but really, why was he helping? He shook his head and ran over to their spot in the shade. It wasn’t long until Shadi came to get them. “You’re in luck,” he said. “The Aroma of the Desert is currently on the market for about a million on bids right now.” Shadi watched their expressions as the information sunk in. Seto became frazzled and rubbed his temples. Mai jostled about how easy it had been until now. Joey kept asking where they would get the money. Yugi’s face fell and the shine vanished from his eyes.
“I had a feeling it would come to this. Are they still bidding?” Seto asked and tuned out Joey and Mai.
“Yes, you foresaw this I take it?”
“That it was going to more expensive than these idiots could comprehend, yes. They said it was a rare item after all.” Seto rubbed his chin in annoyance. He looked down at Yugi who had remained silent. “I’ll get it for you, Yugi.” He promised and motioned for Shadi to lead the way. No matter what Yugi might think of him right now, Seto had to make things right. This wasn’t the best way, and he knew it would take more than this, but right now it was all he could do.
“Seto Kaiba, this is way too much. You heard what Shadi said.”
“I’m a business man Yugi. I’ll take care of this.” Seto argued.
“Well I call ya Money-Bags for a reason.” Joey laughed.

Yugi sat near the back of the bidding tent. There were people from all over the world in front of him. The bid was almost over when they had entered. Yugi fisted his hands tightly, clenching his clothes. His knuckles were white and his palms were sweaty.
“1.5 million.” Seto called out. The announcer and many turned to him.
“Is there a higher offer?” The tension in the room was suffocating.
“That has to be a really good perfume to cost that much.”
“Just a liquid to make ya smell good, I don’t see what da craze is about.” Joey mumbled and earned a look from a woman in front of him.
“Well, we know the real value of it.” Yugi muttered under his breath.
“Sold to the man in the back.”
Yugi felt relief wash over him. How many times luck had been on his side through the journey baffled him, but he was very grateful. After the final items were put up for bid Seto went and got the aroma of the desert. He gave it to Yugi. “Do not lose that.”
Yugi resisted the urge to glare. “Yes I’m going to dump it all over the floor, and make sure to never see Yami again.” He growled.
“Just saying,” Seto mumbled, secretly amused. “Never knew I could make you so angry.”
“Shut up.” Yugi hissed.
“We’ll be heading for the city tomorrow. It is too hot to travel in the afternoon for Yugi.” Shadi announced which successfully broke up the small fight. “We’ll begin early in the morning.”
“Ah a night on the Egyptian sands! How romantic!” Mai squealed.
“I don’t know if that was worse than Tea, or just bordering on annoying.” Seto said.
“Don’t even go there.” Yugi groaned.
“Yes, refrain…Besides, I t’ink it’s kind of cool too. How many chances do ya get?” Shadi smiled at him.

Yugi sat as close to the fire as humanly possible. He was freezing. “Why does the heat go off in the night? Is there no where that the temperature of the world remains normal and stays that way?”
“Sorry Yug, no such place.” Joey said as he settled down to sleep.
“Goodnight Yugi.” Mai called and went into her tent.
“Yea, g’night Yug.” Joey mumbled then was out.
Yugi looked over them then turned to Seto. The stoic dueler was calm and relaxed. Yugi touched the glass jar in his bag again. ‘I can’t believe it…’ Clearing his throat he caught Seto’s attention. “We need to talk.”

The groove is coming, hopefully more chapters will be added before I vanish to my job. I am really sorry for lack of updates but this story will be finished. I have shortened the story so that the chapters will be hopefully better and will make finishing come faster. I hope you're all still with me!

Frozen-Wings