The Rod and the Mage

Ok, sorry this took forever, and this is sorta short compared to my previous installments, but it's been busy. And my muses are keeping me otherwise occupied. Anyway, I don't own 'em!

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Later, a man came by to fetch Isis, who in turn said that she didn’t need to pick a number. She then turned and looked at this young man. “Before I forget, this is my friend, Bastet Nefertiti. I invited her along, and she is also my eyes. She is my security.”

“Oh, I’ll have to tell Mr. Kaiba then.” The man paused for a moment before quirking an eyebrow. “How’d she get on? All were accounted for, and she never came up. I think we would have remembered the red hair.”

Teajuana looked over at the man, arms crossed and looking rather irritated. “That’s because you have horrible security. If I was able to get on board, there’stelltelling how many other stowaways there are.”

The man was taken aback and nodded, confirming how bad the security was despite Seto’s assurance that security was top-notch. He left and went to inform Seto of this new development, and Teajuana decided to go topside to see the duels.

“See you in a bit, Isis,” she said as she walked out.

Teajuana made her way through the halls, not caring how she was to get back since the halls were somewhat winding. She took the elevator to the arena and watched at the first duel commenced. Malik looked over toward the elevator and gulped, seeing the fire haired girl. Apparently, he hadn’t expected her to be on the blimp. He tugged Rashid’s cloak lightly and motioned over to Teajuana. She watched as Rashid took a step back, making it seem like he was just shifting his weight, but his body language gave away a scared man.

::That’s right. You should be scared. You never know when I’ll come at you.:: Teajuana merely sat on the edge of the arena fence, hooking her foot so she wouldn’t fall off. She also noticed that the others were talking about her and Yugi at almost the same time. A blond, messy haired boy came up to her.

“Hey, you know dat you gonna fall right off, doncha?” he asked, having a Brooklyn accent added to his voice.

Teajuana looked at him and uttered a few words in Egyptian, giving the boy one of her patented glares. He scratched his head and extended his hand. “I’m Joey Wheeler, one of da best duelists on dis blimp!”

Teajuana sighed and looked at him. “Best? You couldn’t duel your way through the duels I’ve faced. In fact, they’d wipe the floor with you.”

“Geez, I was jus’ tryin’ to be friendly.”

“I don’t need friends.”

A young dark brunette came up to them. “Everyone needs friends!”

“I don’t. Now go away so I can watch this duel in peace.”

Both young adults backed off and continued watching the duel. Teajuana’s eyes narrowed when she saw Bakura and decided she would have some fun with him. Closing her eyes, she listened to everything around her, then blocked everything but the cards. Next, she focused on just Bakura’s cards, and then just Bakura’s mind. She found two minds conversing, and one just trying to keep himself out of the way. Gently nudging the younger mind and giving him a warmth to comfort him, she turned to the older ones.

::We meet again. . .Bakura.:: she thought icily.

Outside, Bakura seemed to be thinking, but he was nervous on the inside as to who else could be talking to him. ::Where are you?!::

::Look at the redhead sitting on the bars.:: Her blue stare was pure ice when Bakura looked in her direction.

::It’s you! Interrupting my duel again, are you?::

::No, but I would be careful if I were you. The young boy you inhabit isn’t feeling well. . .::

::I already know that!::

::. . .and if he doesn’t get better, I’ll be coming after you.:: A quick wave of pure, hot anger filled his mind, which caused him to stagger a bit.

::You’re nuts.:: he thought back.

::Maybe I am. But I’m also dead serious. Hurt him and feel my wrath.::

The other mind turned physically and looked directly at her, mouth hanging open slightly. Teajuana looked directly at Malik and gave him an icy glare before leaving Bakura’s mind and watching the duel. She watched as Bakura let his hikari take over to take Yugi’s attack from Slifer. Bakura then couldn’t let that happen and replaced Ryou with himself, and Teajuana smirked.

::Glad to see you took my warning to heart, Bakura.::


About an hour later, Teajuana found herself at Yugi’s door. She was concerned with his cards and wanted to make sure he was carfor for them. A quiet and careful knock sounded, and Yugi let in his visitor.

“Oh, hi. Um. . .may I help you?” he asked, a little nervous about her presence in his room.

“If it’s not too much to ask,” she began, “I’d like to look at your cards.”

“Um. . .ok, sure.” As he handed her the deck, Teajuana noticed his hand shook slightly. So, she encased his one hand with both of hers.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Yugi. And I’m not going to steal your cards,” she said softly.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t understand why I’m nervous,” he replied.

Teajuana took the cards and flipped through them with the backs facing her. Yugi watched, although slightly confused. He was about to say something when she offered his cards back.

“Keep taking good care of your cards, Yugi. And remember, if you are good to them, they’ll be good to you.” The young woman headed toward the door and was stopped by a small hand. “What is it, Yugi?”

“Who are you?”

“I am Teajuana to the world, Bastet Nefertiti to Egypt.”

“Bastet Nefertiti? You’re from Egypt? So you know Malik then?”

“I know of him. He and I are not on good terms.”

“Oh. Um. . .would you mind telling me about Egypt, Teajuana? It’s a very interesting place.”

Taking into consideration that Yugi seemed a lot like Yonnie, Teajuana decided she’d explain a bit about Egypt and its wonders. For an hour longer, Yugi sat transfixed at the vivid description the young warrior gave. Teajuana had sat in a chair with Yugi at her feet, hands holding his chin. Soon, an announcement said that the second semi-final match was to begin soon.

“Aw, man. I want to hear more,” Yugi pouted.

“I’ll be going that way anyhow so I can talk for a bit longer,” the young woman replied as she helped up Yugi. The boy smiled as he stood.

“Thanks, and I’d really like that. To be honest, Teajuana, I wasn’t sure if you’d be a friendly person, but I can tell it’s not like that at all. We shall be fast friends.”

“Maybe. Come on. Let’s go see who’s dueling next.”

“Ok!”

As they exited the room, both saw Yugi’s friends waiting for him. Teajuana kept quiet as the other’s chatted away. That’s when Joey finally noticed the newcomer.

“Hey, wha is dis? Yuge, did she do anythin’ to ya?” he asked.

“No, Joey. She’s actually pretty cool. Her name is-“

“Nefertiti. Bastet Nefertiti,” the redhead interrupted.

“Right. She’s from Egypt,” the tri-colored haired boy stated.

The group just looked at the innocent, sweet smile that graced Yugi’s features. “She’s from where?!” they asked in unison.

“Relax, guys. She’s not with Malik. She told me so herself. She’s really very cool! She works on dig sites and can read and write ancient Egyptian!” he exclaimed excitedly.

“I still don’t trust her, Yugi,” the blond replied as he eyed Teajuana.

The young woman shrugged. “I could care less if you did or not.”

Yugi was shocked and saddened at the same time. “Bastet.”

“Well, it’s the truth.” The redhead continued on, and the others followed soon after. She could hear the group chatting away as if nothing had just happened.