[ Battle to Survive ]
Story By flamehawk72@earthlink.net

[ Chapter 1: A fool's choice ]

Three shodows are seen, gliding across the egyptian sands. They wear black robes to hide their appearance. they run quickly and stealthly through the night. tey approach a crypt. two of the figures pry open the doors. the third drops a rope ladder and attaches it to the ground with nails. It is clear they are thieves. but what are they seeking.

Thief#1: Climb down fools. and make sure you don't rip the ladder off it's supports.

they climb down one at a time. one the thieves spots a torch and removes it from it's position. they follow down a long coridor which seems endless.

Thief #2: do you even where you're going? how are you sure that this is the right way.

Thief #1: Shut up (hisses at thief #2) do you want us to be discovered you fool. keep walking. and keep silent

The third person has a stern look on his face. not wishing to engage in the conversation, his attention is drawn to the dark hallway which they walk through.

Thief #2 :(impatient) would you walk faster you fool. we aren't getting anywhere. (thief #3 stops abruptly and thief #2 bumps into him) grrrr. why you- with you leading we'll never get anywhere. move over. (attempts to push past thief #3)

Thief #3 interupts him by throwing one of the stones in his pocket into space five feet away. all at once spikes from the ground, and the walls break through.

Thief #3:( to thief number 2)that would have you (thinks) it seems we are at our target. yet i do not see anything. (to thief #1) are you sure it's this way.

Thief #1: very sure. we're close.

the three countinue to walk. 3 hours later they emerge in an underground room with a dome ceiling.

Thief #1: this is the place.

Thief #2: thre is nothing here. are we to dig for them? and with what.

Thief #1: not to dig you fool. (takes out a crossbow from his robe.) get down. unless you want to get hit with the falling glass.

the remaining two thieves fall to the floor. the third fires tree arrows at the dome. it crumbles. he falls to the ground to avoid being bombarded by the fallen glass. a tablet with seven gold colored itmes is in place where the dome was. the three thiefs gazed in awe. the worlds most richest treasure would soon become theirs.

[Chapter 2: Return]

Marik Ishtar awoke in his room. something was bothering him . He felt he had to talk it overwith someone. after discovering that Odion and Ishizu were both asleep he decided to investigate on his own. he walked through the halways which he had lived in all his life, except for the few weeks when he was out for the pharaoh's power, possed by an evil malevolence had become enfused with him when he recieved the tombkeeper's initiation so many years ago. but that was no over he told himself. As he continued to walk down the familiar paths he thought of his memories, his sister Ishizu, his protector Odion who he had reated as a brother, and his father who ruined his life and the life of his family members when he insisted he bear the aincent scriptues. As he kept telling himself to forget the past came upon the opening though which the thieves had come earlier. he hurried back to awaken his family. there were strangers in the tomb and he had a feeling he knew what they were after.

Marik(thinking) I have to tell Ishizu and Odion. we must stop them before it is to late.

Meanhwhile the three thieves had just pulled all the millenium items out of the tablet.

Thief #1: all right let's find a way out of here.

the three thieves rose and walked out retracing their steps. as they walked they heared Marik's feet pounding on the ground from a distance.

Thief #2: we've been discovered.

Thief #1: I told you!!!

Thief #3 remained silent as ever. As they walked they saw a shadow around the corner. Marik, who was on the other side, sensing moevement came out to challenge the three thieves.

Marik: who are you? Show yourself!!!

Thief #3 And if we don't. What will you do.

Marik: I know what you're after and you will return them.

Thief#3 tuned the corner and thew a knife in Marik's direction he ducked out the way falling to the ground. One of the other thieves threw a moke granade which caused Marik to cough as the thieves slipped by him and began to climb up the rope ladder. Marik could make out what in one of the thief's purse. there was no mistaking it. a millenium item.

Marik: Noo!!! Do you realize what you have done!!!

the three thieves laughed in response. AS Marik began to climb the rope ladder they emoved the supports cauing the ladder to slip into the tomb. Maik fell to the gound with a thud.

The three thieves laughed and rejoyced. suddenly a peircing ligt came from their knapsacks. The items began to glow. and a dark voice responded.

Drak Voice: thank you fools. you have released my power once again.

A storm with strong winds began to pick up. When it ended the three thieves had disintegrated into nothingness. The dark voice, unmistakably belonging to Zorc was now louder than ever.

Zorc:HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I'm Back. the pharaoh may have won the battle. but the war has only begun. i mayno longer posess a body of my own but i can still bring this world into darkness just like the shadow realm.

back under the sands Marik open his eyes. It seems hours have passed.

Marik: It's happened. just as i feared.

Marik notices blood streaking own from his chin. wiping it off with his nand he runs off tho runs off to find Ishizu and Odion.

[Chapter 3:Thought and Decision ]

Weevil Underwood was up to his old tricks again. Unfortunately this time he wasn't so smart. He was never this smart. He remembered what Rex told him about his pathectic sceme: trying to sneak abord Pegasus's private plane when he invited Yugi and the gang for a top secret meeting. The event turned took a tun for the worst when he lost his soul in a Duel with Yami. Since the resolution of the conflict he had returned to his old ways: lying, cheating and stealing. Unfortunately for him this time he was in fa worse trouble. He landed on the ground with a thud. A person in a black vest and a cape approached.

Stranger: I see things have not changed with you.

Weevil:(trembling) Who are you?

Stranger: My name is Hakiruo: Legendary Duelist. Underworld Elite. but to you that information is irrelevant. hand over what you took. uness you wish to face my judgement. (coldly) And i'm not as forgiving as the pharaoh. But I am just as malicious, or maybe even in more.

Weevil :(thinking) ahh i gotta do something (he reaches into his pocket.) here take it. just don't hurt me. (getting up slowly) ahhh (takes off)

Hakiruo, without a word reaches into his cape and pulls out blue disc. he then stops and puts it back.

Hakiruo: I'll spare him this time. I have much more important matters to attend. (walks off )

back in the Egypt, Marik, with a knapsack in hand has just finished telling Ishizu and Odion what happened. He told them that he saw three thieves steal the millenium items. He also told he heard Zorc's voice.

Marik: I know it was him. there's no denying it. (looks away)

Ishizu: Are you certain brother?

Marik: Very. we are all in danger once again. And the Paraoh cn't help us this time. (to himsef) not diretly at least. (turns back) I must go to Japan now. as soon as you can use my boat. I'll meet in you in Domino. There is someone I must see.

Odion: Becareful.

Marik: and you as well.

Marik wraps a cloack around him and leaves. As he walks he wonders how will the one he seeks react when he tells him what he knows. Then he notices something among the sands.

Marik: The Millenium Puzzle. This might be of later use. (puts puzzle in his knapsack)

As Marik was walking to the airport Back in Domino Joey and Yugi were on the roof of Domino high. it's been almost a year since Yugi defeated Atem and sent him to the afterlife. Ever since then Yugi felt something was missing from his life. He did not feel as good after dueling knowing that the person who was part of him is now longer here. Joey on the other hand had his mind on soeone else. The last time he saw Mai was when he freed her from the control of the Orichalcos. After Dartz was beaten he thought he might see her again but he now thought otherwise. He often reminded himself that he may not have won that duel but he did win nonetheless. Now his mind was just as confused as Yugi's. The sun was starting to go down and both of them, from opposite directions of the roof began to walk to the staircase. there they noticed each other.

Joey: Yuge. What a surprise to see you here.

Yugi: Joey? I guess i could say the same thing. How long were up here?

Joey: A while. Doing some thinking............. some things keep plaguing my mind.

Yugi: Me too. (thinking ) Atem. Will i ever see you again .

Well : i suggest we go before the exits close up, pal

Yugi and Joey walked down the and left the school. by the time they seperated it was dark. As Marik was boarding the flight to Japan, Joey still walking to his house kept thinking the same thing. It has been over a year and still no word of Mai. He wondered where she was. And if she was okay. Slowly but surely he convinced himself.

Joey: (thinking) She's prbobably doing all right.

Joey did not see the shadow standing in front of his house. His eyes were in another place. It was only when he heard a familiar voice he froze:

Mai's Voice: It's about time you got here. I didn't know how longer I could wait

Joey froze in shock. he slowly lifted his eyes upward from the ground, looking at those same lavender boots, the familiar outfit until his gaze met those gleaming violet eyes that seemed to sparkle.

Joey: (surprisingly) Mai??

Mai: (weakly) Hello Joey.

episode 4 Old Friends and Strange Gifts

Joey, in complete beliwerdement, ran up to his door. He fumbled for his key while still looking into those familar eyes of Mai Valentine.

Joey: It's great to see again Mai. (pauses) It's been a while hasn't it? (opens door) You wanna come in ?

Mai:(Nods) thank you.

Joey allows Mai to enter and then goes in himself locking the door afterwards. He goes into the kitchen and opens the fridge while Mai sits down on the couch.

Joey: You want anything to drink, Mai? (Mai remains silent she refrains from answering. Joey walks back. ) Okay what's wrong?(Mai doesn't answer) what is it?

Mai looks up. She looks as though she is about to cry.

Mai: Joey how can you even look at me like that? After what i did to you how-- *sniffles* how could you not-

Joey walks over to her, kneels down, and interupts Mai by taking her hand.

Joey: It doesn't matter now. It's in the past. You weren't yourself then.

Mai:(looks at Joey) So...........you forgive me?

Joey: There's nothing to forgive, Mai.

Mai keeps looking at him. Her eyes look as though they are tear stained. She hugs him. Then she starts to cry.

Mai:*still crying* Joey... thank you.

Joey, still on his knees puts his arm around Mai.

Joey: It's alright, Mai. It's fine. Come on.

He gets up and removes his left hand from around her back. His other hand remains in hers. Picking her knapsack up with is other hand, he leads to her to the bathroom and opens the door.

Joey:(hands Mai her knapsack) You go on and get cleaned up while i make us something to eat.

Mai walks in and closes the door. She looks around. the place is a mess. or at least compared to her standards. As she washes her face and puts on her mascara again, her mood changes. She smiles slightly. She thought she had lost the only person who cared for her. Yet she didn't. For some reason Joey still saw her as the person he knew. Perhaps I should have come earlier she says to herself. When Mai steps out she notices Joey has changed. Instead of his school uniform, he's wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans along with his white jacket.

Mai: (stiffles a laugh) what are you wearing??

Joey: I see someones in a better mood. (pauses) sorry but Tristan and I raided the fridge when he came over. but don't worry i got an idea where we could go.

Mai follows Joey out the door. As he locks it she asks

Mai: Just what do you have in mind Joey?

Joey: *smiles* how about you just trust me.(motions to her) come on, Mai

as they a walk a mysterious person steps out of the shadows. It's Hakiruo. He watches them depart.

Hakiruo: Well, well...

3 hours later.

Mai and Joey walk side by side. She's taken aback by the turn of events. As they continue walking, she decides to voice her thoughts aloud.

Mai: I can't believe you took me out to dinner. *laughs slightly* What came over you Joseph? hmm?

Joey: Hey don't laugh. i took me six weeks to come up with that money

They continue to walk. As they stop at a red light a voice calls out of the shadows.

Hakiruo: So. Joseph Wheeler. Miss Valentine. Enjoying yourselves, are you?

Both Mai and Joey whirl around. they see Hakiruo standing at the base of a building, his arms across his chest. A light shines from his forehead. Mai leans closer to Joey but Joey notices the duel disc on Hakiruo's left hand.

Joey: If you wanna duel us pal, you've come at the wrong time. now get lost!!

Hakiruo stands there. his eyes continue to gaze in their direction. he frowns ever so slightly.

Hakiruo: I generally despise dueling for pleasure, but since you brought the subject.......(reaces into the folds of his vest and pulls out two envelopes. He advances to Joey and Mai.) Here. Something to think about.(turns to walk away)

Joey: Hey, get back here! Who are you anyway. (looks at the envelope) and what's the deal with this.

Hakiruo (without looking back) Who i am is irrelevant. as for my gift, let's say it's something you might just need. (walks away)

Mai and Joey continue to walk back to Joey's house. The walk in complete silence . Joey decides to say something.

Joey: So what do you think this is Mai? (indicates at the envelope)

Mai: I don't know. The guy said it's something we might need.

Joey: (opens his. He looks confused) What the- A duel monsters card?

Mai: Which one? (opens hers)

Joey: Red-eyes Darkness Dragon.(Mai gasps) What's yours?

Mai: Delta Attacker.

Joey: well that would make sense. I mean you have 3 copies of just about every Harpie Lady possible.

Mai: True, and you have the original Red-eyes. But how could someone hold such knowledge about our decks?

Joey: I was thinking the same thing.

the two of them approach Joey's house. He opens the door and they enter.

Joey: If you need a place to stay you could use my room. I'll crash out here (points to the couch)

Mai: thanks Joey, but I rather wouldn't. I mean what if your folks come.

Joey: What folks? My mom and sister live halfway across the country.

Mai: and your Dad?

Joey: Gone.

Mai: Well that's my point. he's bound to come back some time, right?

Joey: (dully) people don't come from where he's at. He's dead.

Mai: (Surprised) I'm sorry.

Joey: It's fine. I would tell you the gist of it, if it wasn't so late. But i think we both need some sleep.

Joey starts to unfolds the couch as Mai heads into his room. He hears her turn the knob. Falling down onto the couch, he falls asleep.

It's night. Most df the Dark streets are unlight. While Marik is still on his way, Hakiruo once again appears out of the shadows. He walks slowly, though the streets. Suddenly he stops at a corner near Joey's house

Hakiruo: (thinks to himself) Something approaches. I sense it. I hope they understand my actions. Time is of the essance.

He turn and walks away melting into the night atmosphere.

[ to be continued...]