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Chapter 42: A Continent Over

On a hidden island within a great temple, a man with blue hair and different colored eyes stared up at an altar, as if to pray, looking at the three Egyptian god cards whose powers were being siphoned.
"Our time will come, Great Leviathan. By the might of the 3 Egyptian gods, your bonds will be undone, and once I replenish you with enough souls, you shall inherit the strength to swallow the Earth! No one will stop us, not again."
His mind drifted as he recalled what he had seen in Domino City. Yugi Muto and the Pharaoh had managed to release one of the dragons from their slumber, and, of course, it had to be Timaeus. He felt a surge of rage as his remembered the burning, singular eye of the dragon as he flew through the light pillar and pushed him back, likely with great satisfaction. What was perhaps more infuriating is how he had managed to find a way to remain by his beloved Eden's side, even in death. The stubborn, old lizard was a thorn in his side even after all these years, unwilling to accept destiny, always standing in his path to who he meant for.
Eden...
It was not just the Pharaoh and Yugi who were problems. Queen (Y/N) and Rain (L/N) were mere shadows of their predecessor, however, they had proven they were more than capable of inheriting and using her powers. Perhaps he should've known the famed Wayfarer Queen would manage, remembering how quickly she had managed to summon Eden's old companion during their first encounter, but he thought a mere child like Rain would never be able to grasp them. Then again, Rain had had the most experience with the Millennium Bracelet, yet another blunder on his part. He should've ensured she would've not been a problem all those years ago, but he had not foreseen how well prepared Carter (L/N) truly was. Whatever the case may be, Dartz knew that the Wayfarers had to be dealt with soon. He just needed to delay their progress long enough to reawaken the Great Leviathan and then, he could dispose of them and collect the real treasure they were shielding. Eden would see then the true glory of what he was trying to do.
"Rafael." Dartz called as his loyal dog knelt before him.
"I understand my mission. I'll find the Pharaoh and I'll make sure we drain his power to feed the Great Beast, sir."
"Why don't you try listening?" Dartz snarled. "It's really a wonderful skill, and when you master it, you'll realize that we need more than just the Pharaoh's soul! The Millennium Bracelet must be captured along with the Great Sage's successors. The two remaining heroes and the Wayfarers must also be crippled!"
"Then I'll deal with the others." A new voice came as Alister emerged from the shadows. "I'll take Kaiba."
Valon also appeared, looking quite confident. "I've got my eye on someone as well, that feisty little bloke, Joey Wheeler. Ha! He should be fun to take apart."
His red head company rolled their eyes. "I know why you're after Wheeler."
"Mind your own business, Alister! What about you? Why the sudden interest in Kaiba?"
"Look, I have my reason."
"Really?"
"Knock it off!" Rafael shouted at both of them. "We're in the presence of Master Dartz."
"The Pharaoh, the Queen, and their friends are on their way to speak with the one we've been watching." Dartz said. "Just make certain that you reach him before they do."
"Pegasus?" Rafael realized as their master glared at him.
"And to think, I called you a bad listener. Now, go see Pegasus at once."
The three knelt before their master, knowing exactly who to send before them to ensure he wouldn't be able to say a word.

(Timeskip)

"Her Highness is already organizing crop arrangement as well as consulting with the farmers and the sages. They're predicting a large harvest."
Yami opened his eyes, finding himself in a familiar throne room. His past self sat alone on the throne as several advisors and priests were discussing something. The priest with the Millennium Eye turned to his past self.
"A fruitful harvest to mark the end of your first year in power, Great Pharaoh. An excellent sign of things to come. Perhaps soon enough we shall bare witness to a separate blessing, one of wheat or barley?"
Yami saw his past self tap the throne, a subtle look of annoyance on his face.
"Priest Akhenaden, you would do well to focus on one harvest at a time."
"Of course. Forgive my impertinence, my Pharaoh."
"I trust my Queen and her Wayfarers to oversee the crops. However, given the size of the harvest, the water channels will also need to be expanded."
Priest Seto stepped forward. "I shall have a force organized at-,"
Just then, the doors were loudly swung open as a figure came running in, wearing what Yami recognized as the clothes of a Wayfarer, though this boy was clearly too young for his sigil.
"How dare you intrude upon this council!" Akhenaden spat. "Your head could roll for this, boy!"
The Wayfarer knelt at the steps leading to the throne. "A thousand apologies, Great Pharaoh, but it is urgent. Queen (Y/N) collapsed in the library."
"What!?" Yami's past self shouted as Mahad, who stood to the side with Mana, stepped forward.
"Was her Highness injured?"
"She is unharmed and walking, however she is refusing healing care. Sage Zahid sent me to inform the Pharaoh."
"Gods be good, (Y/N)!" Yami heard himself growl as he stood and descended from the throne. "We shall adjourn for now. Seto, Mahad, come with me."
"My Pharaoh!" Akhenaden tried to object as Mana stopped him.
"Leave them. Queen (Y/N) will only listen to the Pharaoh's orders."
The scene shifted as Yami's past self, Mahad, and Priest Seto stormed into the library.
"(Y/N)!"
His wife looked up from a table covered in maps and scrolls, several Wayfarers surrounding her. Her eyes drifted to a particular male on the far side of the table with an annoyed expression. The Wayfarer glanced away without regret.
"My queen." Both Mahad and Priest Seto greeted with a bow as Yami's past self marched up to her.
"Shagngu, you should be with the healers."
"I am fine, kianga." She retorted, not even looking up from the documents. "And I apologize that your session with the advisors was disturbed against my orders."
"You collapsed."
"I swayed. It was simply a fainting spell. I didn't sleep well last night."
Yami crossed his arms. "Nor did you the night before and the night before that. I have also noticed you've lost your appetite as of late. You are clearly ill."
"My queen, perhaps you would consider it for the sake of calming the court?" Mahad suggested.
"And the Pharaoh." Priest Seto added.
(Y/N) huffed. "The harvest is of utmost importance and takes priority over my health. I will see the healers after preparations are completed."
Past Yami's fingers curled in frustration before he took a deep breath, hooked (Y/N)'s waist with one arm, placed his other arm under her knees, and began to carry her off, much to her anger.
"_____!" She shouted, the familiar static replacing his true name.
The Pharaoh rolled his eyes, marching back towards the door. "You've brought this upon yourself, (Y/N). Mahad, move ahead and inform the healers of our arrival. Sage Zahid, I leave you in charge of the remaining preparations."
"By your will, my Pharaoh." Both responded, going about their tasks.
"But-," Yami gave (Y/N) a stern look.
"You are seeing the healers, your Pharaoh commands it."
That seemed to shut down any remaining arguments as the Pharaoh carried out his queen.
Yami's eyes opened as he found himself back in the present. Pegasus had summoned them all to Industrial Illusions, imploring them to listen, even asking for Carter, and chartering a private jet to America to meet him at his HQ. It was the dead of night and everyone was fast asleep, including (Y/N), who had her head resting against his arm. He smiled softly, adjusting himself slowly so she would be more comfortable. Once done, she also smiled lightly from dreamland as Yami took her hand into his own and drifted off again, though taking a bit longer as he could've sworn he heard whimpering from the back of the plane.

(Timeskip)

"Roland, I need that updated report now." Kaiba ordered through the line. "Do we have any leads whatsoever?"
"Nothing yet, sir."
"I want answers and I want them now!"
"Yes sir!"
The brunette turned, staring out the window in frustration. Ever since this nightmare had started, it had been one disaster after another. Someone was trying to make a fool of him and ruin the reputation of KaibaCorp, along with having the unfortunate timing of delaying the announcement of his newest project. Mokuba suddenly ran in.
"Seto! We've got a visitor."
"Mokuba, we don't have-! Carter?" Seto immediately changed his tune as the older (L/N) walked in. "What are you doing here? You feel the need to come here in person because I can't take yours and Rain's calls? You don't need to check up on me."
"That's not why I'm here." Carter retorted. "Not entirely, anyways. I'm here to help, both in a business sense and in the Wayfarer sense."
"Check out the database!" Mokuba insisted. "There's someone out there that's buying up every share of our company!"
"Impossible!" Seto shouted, immediately logging in.
"Believe me, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw it." Carter said. "And you're not the only one. More than a few red flags were raised from my company as well. We're starting to get back in control, but a sizable chunk was bought up."
"Cautious and scheming like a fox as always." Seto muttered, seeing that Mokuba was indeed right about what was happening. "If these numbers are accurate, almost half of KaibaCorp was just bought by one person and they're still buying! How can that be!?"
"What do we do?" Mokuba asked.
"I can try to secure my stock in this company, but we're still scrambled." The male (L/N) informed them. "This was a blitz attack, meant to take us all out in one blow. If not for my own paranoia as you call it, Seto, I would've in far worst straights than you. Whoever did this was high calculated and organized."
Seto looked at the old man. "Carter, there's only one person outside of you who would be capable of this!"
"It's not him." Carter insisted.
Just then, the phone rang and Seto picked it up more out of frustration. The video call went live and they all saw Pegasus on the other end, looking quite lax.
"Kaiba Boy! I've missed you! And Carter, what a surprise."
"It was you." Seto growled as Carter raised a suspicion brow.
"I'm afraid I'm guilty as charged. It looks like we're partners now. This is going to be so much fun."
"This company's mine!"
"You're always so uptight, Kaiba Boy. Why don't you treat yourself to a nice vacation?"
"Enough!" The brunette snapped. "I will never let a snake like you wrap yourself around my company. Is that clear?"
"Relax, I don't want your company. I just needed the upper hand, so I could force you to do something for me. Plus, I was bored and it was fun. You see, since both of our reputations are at stake, thanks to these pesky monsters, I thought we could boost our public image by dueling each other."
"You must be out of your mind, Pegasus!"
"Should I take that as a no? Well, I'd reconsider if I were you. Because if not, I'll buy the rest of KaibaCorp and take it apart, piece by pathetic piece!"
"As if I'd allow that." Carter interjected. "You seem to forget I have a stake in your little plot as well."
"Carter!" Pegasus greeted. "I must say, I'm shocked you decided to visit dear Kaiba Boy at this time. I thought you'd certainly be with Rainy. I mean, what sort of grandfather would leave his teenage granddaughter unsupervised with a boy of all people!"
"Ha." The old man spat. "You don't have the guts to go near her with Soren there. As I told Rain and Yugi when you summoned the two of them, there's no way in hell I was gonna let you near her again without me there!"
"Whatever the case, you still chose to detour to visit Kaiba Boy." Pegasus mocked, not noticing the knowing gleam in Carter's eyes. "I suppose it is convenient for me. I've already shown you I can hit your precious company as well, and while you certainly have more friends than your protege here to keep me in check, that doesn't mean I can't do fatal damage regardless. I warn you now, (L/N), stay out of this, or you'll fall with Kaiba. So, Kaiba Boy, what's it gonna be? I need an answer."
Seto gritted his teeth. "You have yourself a duel, Pegasus."
"I thought you'd see things my way. So I've set up an arena for us in Duelist Kingdom, for old time's sake. Don't forget to bring your Blue-Eyes White Dragons!"
Seto hung up the call with a grunt, marching angrily to the elevators.
"Hold it, Seto." Carter said. "This is a trap."
"No, what gave you that impression, Carter?" He retorted sassily.
"That's not what I'm talking about. Whoever was on the phone right now was not Pegasus."
Both Kaiba brothers looked at him in shock.
"What are you talking about, Carter?" Mokuba asked.
"As I said, Pegasus did ask Rain and Yugi to meet him here. However, he also asked for me, as the leader of the Wayfarers. In addition, he not so subtly hinted that I should convince you to come along as well."
Seto pursed his lips, now confused. "You baited them. You wanted to see if they'd call you out on the lie."
"Precisely. I know for a fact Pegasus was being sincere in that message to us. He even paid for Soren's way and shipping out his...'gear'."
"Wait, Soren is completely armed!?" Mokuba looked back at his brother. "Seto, that is the single greatest sign of trust. There is no way that person on the other end knows what's coming and threatened us."
The older brother growled, a slight headache starting to form at the ridiculousness of all of this before setting his eyes back on his business partner.
"Carter, why did Pegasus need to send you to convince me to come? What is this about?"
The old man sighed. "It's Wayfarer business, I'm afraid."
"Good God! Fairy tales again!?"
He gave the younger male a sharp look. "Deny it all you want Seto, but I have experienced the danger on our doorstep first hand, and I've started to notice whenever Rain and Yugi get swept up in dangerous business, you are somehow always involved! Now, regardless of whether you believe what I'm going to tell you, whoever was on the phone just threatened you and your company, so you'll have to answer the call either way. You can spare some time on the way there to listen to what I'm about to warn you of!"
"...I hate you sometimes."
"You can complain later. Now, get your deck and let's make tracks!"

(Timeskip- Carter also finds the Blue-Eyes Jet ridiculously over the top)

Rain nervously glanced out the window as Soren acted as a tour guide for the others on the other side of the car. Ever since they landed...no, ever since this whole mess had started, she could feel this unending wave of dread creeping over her. The eyes of Leviathan still haunted her, and she was just grateful (Y/N) could get her body to sleep through the nightmares. Still, she had to put on a brave face for everyone, especially Yugi, who seemed just as lost, not joining in on Soren's tour.
"Hey, you okay?" She asked.
Yugi fidgeted. "Honestly? Not really. It's not every day that a magic gateway opens up between the worlds and some kind of eldritch horror threatens to destroy the world and our only hope is your bracelet and this card."
The star haired pulled out Timeaus (immediately making Rain feel melancholy again). She put on a fake smile, placing her hand on his wrist.
"Hey, we're gonna do this. So long as we do it together, we'll get through this."
Unlike usual, that didn't seem to assure him.
"I don't know, Rain. It feels different this time, way bigger than both of us." She slumped back, not able to argue, making Yugi feel a bit guilty. "What about you? How are you holding up?"
"Hm?"
"Rain, I saw what that...thing did to you. Not just you, (Y/N) and Carter too! Are you sure you're okay?"
She gave a fake chuckle. "Oh, why wouldn't I be? The legendary enemy of my people has finally returned after centuries of dormancy and I'm the one expected to stop it. Never mind that even after all these years, I still don't have full mastery of the Millennium Bracelet, and, oh yeah, now I have to tap into Eden's magic too! Should be easy enough since she's apparently somewhere in me too. Of course, Eden stopped Leviathan the first time and (Y/N) already sacrificed her life to help save the world, so it only makes sense I put down the beast for good this time!"
She took a deep breath and flung her head back, making Yugi feel even worse. Yami and (Y/N) appeared in the seats in front of him, motioning him to reassure her. Taking the hint, Yugi scooted closer and took Rain's hand.
"Well, if I'd had to pick someone to face a terrifying, world-eating monster with, I'm glad it's you."
She didn't say anything, but she did lean her head against his shoulder, her lips now slightly curved up as they both blushed. It stayed like that for while, the car eventually getting out into the desert before Joey clearly started getting antsy.
"Say, Stormy, you sure it was a good idea for your grandpa to go solo?"
"Don't worry about gramps." She assured. "Seto would die before he'd let anything happen to him."
Joey clearly didn't believe her. "If you say so. Still, feels like we're headin' into trouble, if ya ask me."
"Yeah, what if those people following Pegasus are those same bikers who attacked us?" Tea asked. "They could be waiting for us at Industrial Illusions for all we know!"
"One, we have Soren. That's basically having a private army in our corner. Two, even if we run into that seal again we have the Millennium Bracelet." Rain then glanced at her glowing arm. "Or, whatever these are, anyways."
"Hey, I've been wondering." Tristan interjected. "How did you break the seal the other night? Like, specifically. Even Obelisk couldn't do it!"
She glanced down. "I really couldn't tell. (Y/N) was already in control, and that muddles things, but it was also like we were on autopilot. I don't know if it was just these runes or part the bracelet's power. Whatever the case, we've gotta figure out Eden's magic and fast."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Yugi asked.
"I have no idea." Rain closed her eyes, trying to sense (Y/N). "I know (Y/N) been mulling something over in the bracelet. I'm gonna check on her. If we get there before I snap out of it, just give me a push."
"You can just tell us you wanna sleep." Joey muttered.
The last thing Rain heard was Joey getting a sound smacking, likely from Tea. Opening her eyes again, she found herself in her mind corridor, standing outside of (Y/N)'s room. Opening the door, she saw the Wayfarer Queen in a meditative stance, deep in concentration as Ori stood watch from the foot of the throne. As Rain stepped in, (Y/N) tensed, the runes on her arm glowing brighter along with the Millennium Bracelet. A barrier formed around her, though not the usual one. This one was enforced by those same protective runes and glowed green and gold.
"Whoa!" Rain said.
(Y/N) gasped, her concentration broken, causing the barrier to falter immediately. Clearly, it took a lot out of her as she tried to catch her breath, making Rain and Ori run over to her.
"Hey, you okay?" Rain asked, placing a hand on her partner's shoulder.
She nodded, placing her own hand over Rain's. "I'm fine. I will say, this magic is far more potent than what we're used to."
"I could feel it. Still, you seem to be making progress. That's good."
(Y/N) fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist. "Progress is slow, unfortunately. I hesitate to call this Eden's magic just yet. Really, I'm just taking the bracelet's abilities, reverse engineering the effects through the runes, and seeing if I can figure out the rest."
"And?"
The queen sighed. "Thus far, I've summoned Ori and made a less stable barrier. The only truly new development is this."
(Y/N) held out her hand, and in an instant, Eden's willow staff appeared.
"That's great!" Rain insisted, marveling at the sacred artifact. "Have you tried using it yet?"
"Certain." (Y/N) huffed. "Did you know these rooms regenerate from minor damage? I learnt that when I got blasted through my throne when I attempted to use the staff!"
(Y/N) flopped back, clearly tired. Rain just smiled nervously, laying down next to her.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up, at least anymore. You've made way more progress on your own in this one car ride than we've done together."
(Y/N) eyed her, not likely the tone Rain was referring to herself with. "Rain..."
The younger Wayfarer held up her hand. "Hey, it's okay. You've got a much deeper connection with magic to start with. I'm not mad it comes easier to you. You're the spiritual connection, I'm the physical one, just like always."
(Y/N) sat up, taking her hands. "Rain, I don't think that setup will work this time. If we're to stop Leviathan, both of us must be ready to dig into Eden's power. We're equals in this, Rain. Remember that."
"If you say so." She said, her tone not exactly reassuring the former queen.
However, she didn't have time to say anything as both were struck with headaches simultaneously. In a flash, they were both back in the palace in the duel monster world, floating above the remaining dragons. A familiar face was there to greet them.
"Seto?" Rain said, rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
The blue eyed male crossed his arms. "You tell me. One minute, I'm in a duel, and the next, I'm hallucinating I'm in some sort of castle with you."
"A duel?" (Y/N) repeated. "Let me guess: your opponent played a card called the Seal of Orichalcos."
Seto just stared at the queen for a moment before turning back to Rain. "Rain, why are there two of you?"
Rain put her arms over her head. "Oh right, I guess you've never seen us separately before. Seto, this is (Y/N). She's the spirit that lives in the Millennium Bracelet."
"We have met before." (Y/N) assured as Seto sighed.
"Great, now I'm going crazy."
"Wait, Seto, is gramps with you?"
"He is, or was. He, Mokuba, and I are on Duelist Kingdom. Some punk named Alister impersonated Pegasus and forced me into a duel to get revenge."
"Revenge?"
"Gozaburo's business affected his country during a war and got his brother killed, and now he wants to blame me since the old man is dead. Unfortunately, I've got nothing left in my deck to save myself with."
Both girls looked at each other. Seto wouldn't say that unless his back was truly against the wall, so why was he here? Then it hit them as they looked at the imprisoned dragon in front of them, the blade sheathed in the underside of its jaw.
"Seto, listen to me. You see that sword there? You need to draw it!"
He looked at Rain. "What?"
(Y/N) jumped in. "Look, it's a lot to explain right now, but I think you've been chosen as one of three heroes. Yugi and Yami already freed the first of the dragons, now you need to free the next. If you do, it'll manifest a card that will help you win the duel!"
"Are you two actually listening to-!?"
"DRAW THE DAMN SWORD!" They both yelled as Seto rolled his eyes and did as he was told.
Just like before, the dragon burst free with a roar, looking down at Seto.
"Seto, you need to call out his name!" Rain yelled.
"And what would that be!?"
The dragon looked at the two Wayfarers and the name immediately popped into their heads, making them both shout it out together.
"Critias!"
"All right, Critias!" Seto shouted, placing his hand on the dragons head.
In a flash of light, Rain jolted awake, nearly falling if not for Yugi catching her.
"Rain, are you okay? What happened?!"
"Seto's in danger. He just released another dragon."
Yugi blinked in shock. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. I saw it with my own eyes. He's facing one of the Leviathan's minions!"
"Not to downplay that, Stormy, but I don't think we're doing much better." Joey said. "This gas station we're parked at seems shifty at best."
Glancing out the window, Rain saw that both their escorts had exited the vehicle at a lone gas station in the middle of nowhere, setting off all the alarms in her head.
"I don't like this." Tristan stated.
Rain took a deep breath. "Soren, get your sword."