Unearthing the Past

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba smoothly lands his personal helicopter a few blocks away from the museum. He confidently steps outside, clutching his infamous silver briefcase. He takes this piece of baggage almost everywhere. The contents change but the briefcase is always a convenient carrier.

Kaiba does not attempt to call a taxi. “Like a taxi could make it through all this sand,” he thinks ruefully although he is well aware that there are plenty of taxies in Egypt. This area in particular does not have that much sand. Much of it has been cleared away to make room for roads, sidewalks, and buildings. Kaiba ambles his way down the sidewalk. He does not run or even walk quickly. In fact, his pace is much slower than usual.

Unfortunately for Kaiba, a dreadfully slow pace can only postpone the inevitable for so long. Far too quickly he reaches his destination. Kaiba gives no visible sign of distress. His posture is as straight as ever and his eyes hold their usual steely gaze. However, Kaiba is far from calm. He had been delaying this trip as long as possible. In fact, he’d been secretly hoping this expedition would never take place. He was the head of the billion dollar corporation, Kaiba Corp. He didn’t have time to go lollygagging around Egypt. He had done his best to keep himself busy to prevent this trip from coming. He upgraded his duel disk system and expanded Kaibaland’s attractions. He had even taken the time to modify his deck. However, after all this work, things had gotten pretty quiet in Domino City. At the moment, there was nothing more for him to do. When one of his maids, concerned that Kaiba had been over exerting himself, suggested that he take a short vacation, he knew he could put this off no longer.

“d**n Ishizu!” he mentally curses. He can hardly believe that this strange Egyptian woman has so completely dominated his thoughts. Ever since she had shown him those hieroglyphs in the museum...Of course her story was ridiculous. No person with a brain would accept it. Still, those people carved onto the stone tablets...There was an uncanny resemblance between them and Yuugi Mutou and himself. Their appearance and even the monsters they treasured...They were so similar to Yuugi and Kaiba.

When Kaiba met Ishizu, he insisted that the carving had to be a fake. However...The hieroglyphs looked extremely convincing. How could someone fake that? Well, it could be done but it would be difficult. Those carvings looked so old. And even if someone could create a counterfeit hieroglyph what would be the purpose? Who would want to waste time and money on such a facade?

Kaiba, a master researcher, had decided that he was not satisfied with Ishizu’s limited responses. He needed to fully understand these carvings and determine their implications. If Ishizu was correct...Of course she wasn’t correct but hypothetically speaking, if her words were true then the world would be in danger and Kaiba might be the person to unleash disaster upon this Earth.

“What am I doing, thinking about that again?” Kaiba scolds himself. “It’s nonsense. Sheer nonsense,” he thinks.

In any case, Kaiba wanted to learn more about those hieroglyphs and since those carvings originally came from Egypt what better place to search for answers than Egypt? And where does one normally go to quench their thirst for knowledge? If not the library then the museum. That is how Kaiba came to stand before this tall and intimidating building.

Feelings of stupidity engulf Kaiba and threaten his mobility. He still can’t believe he traveled all this way to look into a stranger’s ridiculous folktale.

“I’ve put this off long enough,” he says fiercely. Wether Kaiba likes it or not, he did fly thousands of miles to reach this spot. He’ll be d**ned if he leaves without accomplishing his task. Well, that is unless something urgent comes up. Kaiba has his cell phone in his pocket. He ordered his men to contact him if there was an emergency at Kaiba Corporation or in if some crucial duel monsters event was going to take place. He also had his men keep tabs on Yuugi. He must have a basic sense of where his rival is at all times. This way, when Kaiba needs to face him in a match, their duel can be almost immediate. Kaiba will not be hampered by trivial matters like location.

With an almost inaudible groan, Kaiba decides that further procrastination is both costly and pointless. He briskly climbs the museum steps. “Let’s get this over with,” he mutters.

[Matana]

Matana quickly walked through the back streets. She had her hood up shielding her from view for the most part. Her coat this time was navy and her pale blue dress was hidden safely beneath it. The little girl had carefully wiped the sand out of it when she knew she would go into Cairo today for supplies. Her hazel eyes scanning the crowds that past her unseen frame. Her hair was braided a little haphazardly as she had to do it her self.

She was looking for nothing particular just taking a stroll around the town re-acclimating herself to this part of it, Might as well know the way if you are going to probably end up chasing at targets around or being chased. She was impassive about the busy streets she would know her mark when she saw them. But she heard soft noises behind her and coming closer too. Matana slowed down and turned right around peek out of the ally way in which she had been walking.

What she saw surprised her; as much as she could be surprised anyway given what she did for a living. There was a man walking carrying silver colored box in his hand. And one looked like important to him too. I wonder what’s in it. She though with a soft smile and was intrigued deciding to fallow the man quietly as she could. Could she get close enough to ask and would he tell her or should she try to steal it just to see what was in it. Decisions, decisions she thought with a silent giggle.

Making up her mind swiftly and letting him pass her she stepped out into traffic. Speeding to keep sight of the much taller man, it was work for her. She saw he was headed to the museum at the end of the street. She wondered what could be so nice about a museum, she had never been in this one or anyone period.

“Excuse me, sir. May I ask you a question?” Matana called out a little breathlessly as she had run the rest of the way in fear that she would loose him to the museum. ” What’s in your pretty case?” She hoped he heard her and would answer her. If not she would try other tactics like pulling on the ‘pretty case’. That would run the risk of getting her in trouble though.

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba was so caught up in his own thoughts that it took him a moment to notice the little girl standing behind him. He instantly berates himself for not hearing the three foot tall child’s approach. It’s true that Kaiba had been distracted but he should not have been so distracted that he failed to properly grasp his surroundings. “Get a hold of yourself,” he orders himself coldly.

Kaiba lowers his head so he can see the girl properly. She has black braided hair and sharp hazel eyes. She looks like a typical six year-old girl except she’s a bit more slender than most. However, there’s something strange about her eyes, something not quite right. She seems harmless enough but that misty, clouded look in her eyes makes her appear less innocent than most children. Of course it was highly possible that Kaiba was overly analyzing the situation. He just met the girl. He knew nothing about her. In any case, she was of no concern to him.

Kaiba smiles at the child. His grin is both amused and cold. Few girls would ask a complete stranger what they carried.

Kaiba decides to indulge the child. “I have some duel monsters cards in here as well as a prototype for an upgraded duel disk,” he replies loosely. He doesn’t expand his explanation. He assumes that everyone on the face of the Earth has heard about duel monsters and duel disks. Of course he doesn’t confirm that she knows what he’s talking about. If this girl is confused by Kaiba’s words than she must have been living under a rock for the past six years.

Kaiba does not bother asking for the child’s name nor does he introduce himself. Kaiba is not so arrogant that he expects everyone to recognize his face. However, he believes exchanging names is meaningless unless a name is worth remembering, meaning that introductions should not be made carelessly. A person should ask for a name only if they were impressed by the person they saw before them and had plans to contact them at a later time. However, despite what some people seemed to think, Kaiba wasn’t a jerk. If asked for his name he would give it although he would consider such an interaction a complete waste of time and energy.

After answering the girl’s question, Kaiba hurries past her without so much as a goodbye. Even on vacation, he’s a busy man with much to do. He’s done procrastinating. He will see just what this museum holds.

[Matana]

Part one went very well in her opinion; she learned what she wanted to know. And even got a smile out of it, al though she had to admit that smile was kind of weird looking. But at least she had discovered that by the way the guy spoke of it this duel disk thing was sort important and would perhaps fetch a nice price or at least would give her a little sport.

Tourists were very fun to play with if you knew how. And that guy had to be a tourist a rich tourist but one none the less. Rich tourist tended to be the most fun as they carried money or expensive things on there person like nothing. Like that case, for example. Matana slowed her pace and let two or three people pass her before heading into the museum after the man with the silver case.

Did this guy realize that he just give her a near open invite to try and steal that case? It would be fun to see what he would do if she tried it. Somehow she doubted it greatly that he would consider it at all possible. Boy would he be in for a surprise, when she snatched it out from under him. Or at least she would attempt it she thought with a fleeting worry.

Matana had run into problems with tourists before in Cairo. Matana need the money to get to the next town that night and stealing that from the natives was rather risky. They would remember her for that as tourists surely would not. She watched and waited most of the day and found her targets. A large group of loud talking foreigners, she promptly snuck up behind them and fallowed them as quietly as she could. Matana did this for a good half an hour when she was getting bored and struck. She stole there wallets and bolted off down the street. Matana frown as they started yelling ‘stop the little thief.’ And ran the all faster for it.

Matana kept on the move lest she be caught. When a boy from the group grabbed her wouldn’t let go no matter how hard she fought to be free. In the end she had to give back what she stole and then they let her go without a word to the police about it as promised. But what could go wrong now.

Shaking her head at the memory she quietly tailed her target hoping not to be noticed until he was distracted and she wanted to spring. Matana got a little close with every few steps, being a quiet as she could.
( the actual stealing attempt will take place upon my next post)

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba, still upset that the girl had caught him off guard, was paying close attention to his surroundings. As perceptive as always, he didn’t fail to notice the little girl was tailing him. He didn’t know her well enough to determine her motive but as best he could figure, there were three possible reasons she was following him. One, she was a little girl that was intrigued with the foreigner and so she followed him as though he were some big inviting shiny object. Two, she was working up the courage to ask him more questions about his briefcase. Three, she was planning on stealing his suitcase.

Although Kaiba was not quite ready to jump to conclusions, he was fairly certain that number three was the correct answer. Although at first glance the girl appeared innocent, her eyes still concerned Kaiba. Well maybe concern wasn’t the right word. She posed not possible threat. However, it was best to be cautious for now. Kaiba was in a strange land with strange people. Kaiba was only aware of Egypt’s geography in a broad sense. This girl definitely knew the area better than him. If she did manage to steal his briefcase and run out of sight, a situation most unlikely, but if she did pull that stunt off, it was unlikely that Kaiba would ever find her again.

When it came to strength and agility, the little girl would be unable to raise a finger against Kaiba. He merely needed to ensure that the girl did not surprise him and flee with his treasured briefcase. Kaiba nearly chuckled at the thought. As if a girl like her could ever steal any of his possessions.

Kaiba, quite confident that his belongings were safe, payed for his ticket and obtained a map of the museum. With a minimal sense of apprehension, he gazes at the brightly colored piece of paper. He attempts to figure out where he should begin in his search. This task is far from simple since he is unsure of what he is specifically hunting for.

Kaiba quickly abandons the map. It will be best to observe every inch of the museum. That way he can be certain he did not overlook anything.

He walks down the hallway and turns right, still watching the girl with his peripheral vision.

[Matana]

Fallowing behind carefully she watched as the giant, to her eyes at least. Matana would try to take the case very soon but how to do it. Rush up and just pull on it or be sneakier. Hmm what to do? Keeping with bolting distance of the man was tricky as the museum as a bit crowd at the entrance with exiting and entering people.

Not to be daunted Matana hoped to see her chance when the man was distracted. Shaking her head slightly annoyance at the press of people and briefly wondered about the brightness of the move she was about to make. Shrugging that thought off and walking around people with her head tilted down to hid her face she focused on her prize. It was all part of the chase she thought with a smile.

It would be fun she reasoned just to try it. Hoping he would set the box down to look at something. Matana tip toed closer to the giant but staying out of arms reach. She wove into the natural human blind spot of directly behind him and stayed there. He won’t be able to see me unless he turns about. She thought with glee. Her plans were a simple one, startle him and grab the case and pull.

Matana readied herself for the spring and in one quick movement. She ran up behind him and shoved at the back of his knees hoping he would lose his balance and fall face first. Then not waiting to see it was enough she turned and bolted away. Disappearing into the crowds, once out of sight she ran in wide swinging arc to come out beside Kaiba again this time to take the case. A smile spread across her face as she reached out for the shiny silver case with both hands and pulled with all her might.

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba stiffened slightly when the girl crept directly behind him. Even his peripheral vision was useless then. Still, he easily kept his composure. He was aware of the girl’s presence and that was the important thing. Even if she was powerful, which he highly doubted, there was little she could do in this crowded area. She might have the home field advantage but Kaiba held the cards of power and prestige. If it came down to it, people would believe Kaiba over this little shrimp. That is...assuming she didn’t pull any cheap tricks. If Kaiba ended up grabbing her arm to prevent her from stealing his briefcase and she started crying and screaming...Well...That wouldn’t look so good. People might jump to the completely inaccurate conclusion that he was attempting to assault her. Kaiba really needed to be careful about how he handled this kid.

He briefly toyed with the idea of turning around so his back wasn’t exposed but quickly rejected this notion. He wasn’t intimidated by the girl and he didn’t want her to realize he was watching her every move. For the moment, Kaiba decided to more or less ignore the girl. He was here to examine this museum’s findings, not babysit some brat. He was about to move forward when he was rudely shoved by that petulant child. Kaiba temporarily lost his balance but managed to prevent himself from crashing into the ground. He was just forced to stoop a little bit.

“That runt really has a death wish,” he thought venomously. “Well it takes more than a kiddie to bring Kaiba Seto to his knees.”

He immediately straightened his posture and scoured the crowd for that braided girl. Those, cruelly swift eyes locked onto their target in mere seconds. The foolish kid was hurtling back to him like a boomerang. Kaiba apathetically watched the girl lunge herself towards him and latch onto his briefcase. He felt her pathetic tugging but refused to loosen his grip one fraction of an inch. It would be so easy to shout “Thief!” Then this pitiful excuse of a game would end instantly. However, that would be too simple and hardly enjoyable. No, Kaiba should show this girl just who she was trifling with.

He shot out his hand and moved to close his fingers around the girl’s frail wrist. Once Kaiba held her in his death grip, there would be no escape.

[Matana]

Matana squeaked slightly when she felt the giant’s hand get hold of her right wrist. Panic filled her eyes. Oh shoot, she though franticly. She glared up at the tall man and tried to pull loose. She back pedaled in the hopes that would free her. Wondering what would happen to her now. Weather or not she would be turned over to the police or just dragged around at the giant’s whim. It was no use she was trapped.

She still had a hand on the silver case but she dropped her left hand to her side. Reaching into her pocket she hoped to find her knife but no such luck. It was in her bag which was in one of her back street hideouts that she used when she was in the city. Cursing her bad luck and moving her right hand rather ineffectually.

Matana was debating trying other tactics to get loose like stomping on the giant’s large foot. And she was upbraiding her self for being so stupid and childish. She was normally not as foolish as trying what she did when she did. Matana put it down to being impatient and the fact that she wasn’t in her normal hunting grounds. She decided to try the tack that worked before when she was caught begging but not just yet. Taking stock of her chances was probably a good idea. That and trying her luck at getting potentially release by the tall man.

“Let go.” Matana requested with an angry look. She was angrier at herself and a bit frustrated that she could not get loose. She would not scream however because she did not know weather or not to fear the man before her. Matana mentally weighted her chances.

They were not good he was bigger and strong than she and she was currently at his mercy. She supposed the best case would be that he let her go with a warning, worst case he would turn her over to the police. Speaking in a calm tone that replaced her earlier felt angry she said. “Well you have me. What are you going to do with me now?” Matana hoped he would tell her that much though it was unlikely simply because of what she just did.

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba, grinned coldly, satisfied. His attack had been successfully executed. The little girl could squirm and twist all she wanted. There was no way she could break his hold. Kaiba gave the kid’s wrist a painful squeeze to demonstrate his authority over the situation and her life.

Kaiba remained silent. He allowed the girl to wriggle and swivel to her heart’s content. Watching her struggle gave Kaiba a twisted sense of pleasure. Kaiba had been bred to crave power by his stepfather and it was something he relished. Control, the ability to decide your own fate and the fate of others, it was not a power that should be taken for granted or looked upon lightly.

Kaiba listened to the girl’s bitter words. He responded appropriately. “No.”

He smiled, amused after the kid demanded to know what her captor wanted. He had to admit, he was impressed with her composure. One moment she was on the brink of terror and the next, she was properly able to reign in her emotions. She maturely acknowledged her loss and inquired about the payment. Perhaps she was smarter than most six year-olds. She understood that to lose was to be crushed beneath an enemy’s oppressive and overbearing foot. Losing meant suffering, some token needed to be dealt out to your opponent, the winner.

“What am I going to do with you?” Kaiba pondered. He was quiet for a minute, thinking. “I’m not really sure. What are you prepared to offer?” he questioned. “Well, let’s start with an explanation. Why exactly did you target my briefcase? Did you think I was easy prey or perhaps you merely thought I held the most valuable possession and you were confident in your abilities to steal such a possession?” he hypothesized.

Kaiba saw that the girl still refused to release her grip on his suitcase. He did not attempt to shake her hold. She rested firmly in his clutches. The girl accepted her loss. There was no need to arrogantly shove his victory into her face. Besides, allowing the kid to finger the briefcase was another display of power. It symbolized the complete and utter helplessness of the thief. Kaiba was so convinced the girl would be incapable of robbing him that he permitted her to cradle his treasure. Kaiba grinned a detached smile, vaguely wondering if the girl would comprehend his politics.

[Matana]

Matana breathed a heavy sigh. This was not going as planned, first she botched a job and now she was required to explain her self. Her wrist hurt besides and she was sure it would be bruised tomorrow. Great just great."Thought it was pretty." was the slight mumbled reply. "And still think so." The fight temporarily gone from her, Matana attempted to dodge the first question of choosing her own fate just yet. She didn't even want to think about the possible options. “I thought that you were like the other tourists _{I've stolen from.} ” These last words were spoken quietly so that passers-by could not hear her.

They would give dirty or weird looks if they had. It was not terribly wise to announce her profession for the roof tops. She all ready got weird look just being what she is a child roaming free without a visible parent. It some times made for harder going when traveling. They had a tendency to stop and ask if she was alright. After indicating ‘yes’ for the fifth or so time it got very old. It was then that she would take to the back allies to save time.

Enough musing Matana thought as she shook her head slightly. “I had never tried to take on anything big.” Motioning to the brief case with her free hand and frowned. “I was sure it would work. Until it didn’t, perhaps I should have been more sneaky.” She wasn’t actually addressing the giant more talking to herself but doing it loud enough for him to easily hear. “I usually stick to wallets on the open street; they tend to have useful things in them. But it was pretty and I thought it would fetch a nice price.”

Taking another deep breath she looked back up to her captor. It was time for her to at least consider how to make restitution. On impulse she turned her head back to the door they had come through and looked out on the sunlit sand, realizing for the first time that she would probably be staying the night in Cairo even if she got out of this. Turning back slowly she spoke softly in an even tone. “Let’s talk restitution, hmm? Were you being serous when you said I could decide my own punishment?”

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba’s eyes widened dubiously when the girl explained how the briefcase caught her eye. Surely there must be more to it than that. She seemed so much more perceptive than average six year-olds. However, in the end, she still was still a little kid. Perhaps the shiny object really did attract her. Maybe her desire to obtain the sparkling baggage overthrew her reason.

Kaiba nodded. “Yes, you didn’t seem like a complete amateur. It was pretty obvious that you’ve pulled this sort of stunt before,” he said with conviction although for the girl’s sake he whispered. There was no need to draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Kaiba would handle this matter like he handled 99.9% of his other discrepancies, on his own.

Kaiba didn’t waste his precious energy on coaxing the girl to speak. She was silent now but she understood that she was thoroughly trapped. Sooner or later she would be forced to answer Kaiba’s question. He did not plan on loosening his grip until she dealt with his inquiry. Of course, he probably wouldn’t release it for a good bit afterwards too. This girl was swift and nimble. If he took his eyes off her for a second, he could easily lose her in a crowd. In this setting, as soon as she was free from Kaiba’s grasp, her size would not be a liability but an asset. It would most definitely be difficult to track a small child in this bustling museum. “Just why is this museum so crowded anyways? Is it coupon day or something? Since when did ancient Egyptian museums become so popular?” he thought absently.

Kaiba did not miss the girl’s longing gaze aimed at the door. “Are you waiting for someone or just wishing you were a bit more clever with your scheme?” he questioned, not really expecting an answer.

Finally, the girl stopped beating around the bush and timidly pried for information. A look of inexorable pleasure flashed across Kaiba’s face. He thoroughly enjoyed keeping the kid in suspense, torturing her with concerned and confused thoughts about the future.

Delaying a direct answer, Kaiba decided to give the girl some helpful tips. “Let me give you some advice,” he began, tone slightly patronizing. “If you intend to steal something,” he continued, dropping his voice. “Don’t approach the person ahead of time. The encounter will make the person familiar with your face even if the meeting is brief. Also, unless you’re an excellent liar or the person in question is just plain stupid, they might be able to detect your restlessness or lies. They could begin to feel apprehensive. This will cause them to raise their guard.

If approaching the person is unavoidable then at least wait a few days to strike. Let the memory of your meeting fade.

Don’t be too hasty. Study your surroundings well. A good thief is a thief well versed in planning. He should know the building he intends to rob inside and out even if he’s not interested in the building but in a person. You need to learn all of the escape routes ahead of time. You never know when something unexpected will happen,” he cautioned.

“Also, choose your target carefully. The person with the most valuable possessions might not be the best target. Remember, you can do anything you want so long as you don’t get caught. If you question your ability to handle a particular person or surrounding, don’t risk the theft until you’re more prepared. The important thing is to be aware of your own limitations. You’re not superhuman. There will be opponents who can defeat you at your current level. You need to be aware of that so you can improve yourself,” he said fiercely. Those last three sentences were aimed at himself as much as the girl.

“Yuugi, I will defeat you soon,” he promised.

He gave his words time to sink in before finally responding to her question. “Now, now. Let’s not get thingyy,” he said coyly. “I never said you could choose your punishment. Your fate completely rests in my hands. I asked you what you had to offer. I repeat the question. What are you prepared to offer?”

[Matana]

“What I have to offer? I offer you nothing, for I have nothing to offer.” She frowned again unhappily; doom was beginning to sink upon her spirits. “I do not know what I could offer to you.” She reflected that even if she left now sun down would probably find her not far from Cairo “ I was hoping some one would come to free me, but no and it is a useless hope. Also I was trying to judge the time.”

When he began lecturing her she glared up at him for a moment then conceded the point. She should take the advice to heart and remember it for next time. Next time she would not get caught and she would be careful who she picked. “Would it be truly wise to give advice about robbery to someone who could rob you or your friends some time?” She was making faces at the kaiba with as silly laughter. matana wondered by the wiseness of this but she did it any way.


Matana glanced up from her task to tuck her dark hair back behind her ear with her free hand. She was worried about getting caught here by the police, what reason could she give to make them believe her if she was asked what she was doing. She didn't usually risk coming here until later in the evenings when she was sure she would not be seen.

Back again her thoughts drove back to the last time she was caught. but she was unsettle by her encounter with those tourist a month or so back. What if they had turned her into the police or worse? They had taken pity on her then but would her current captor. This was her top most thought.

Matana stopped to think about the shadows of fate again she was caught and at the mercy of another. She had another name too, ‘Lapis’ which is what she gave the boy who caught her when he asked. Matana never gave out her real name to anyone. Only her parents would know that. “What shall you do now?” She inquired yet again and with a hard swing she made a kick to his shin. This was her last ditch attempt at freedom, a childish attempt perhaps but all she could do at the time.

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba laughed coldly and cruelly. “You’re not very creative are you?” he asked in a demeaning tone. “Don’t take everything at face value. In fact, usually you should refrain from taking anything at face value. Think about it. Based on your experience with me, do you actually think I would want any physical possession you have? I understand you know next to nothing about me but you have eyes, right? You’re a thief, right? So what have you observed?

You targeted me because you thought I had something valuable. Taking that into consideration, it’s possible that I’m rich or at the very least carry some costly items. Now look at yourself. You’re a little kid who in the present is holding nothing but my own briefcase. You must have some bags elsewhere but you look pretty poor. Do you honestly think I would want to take any of your things?” he lectured, physically and mentally looking down upon the child.

Kaiba profoundly rolled his eyes when the girl spoke of her feverish desire to be saved. “Is she that pathetic? Is she really that stupid?" he wondered. “Listen, kid. It’s best to throw away these foolish fantasies while you’re still young. No one is going to save you. No one is going to help you unless it’s in their best interests. The only person you can count on in this entire world is yourself,” he said with absolute power and conviction. If there was one thing Kaiba believed in, it was that a person could only rely on themselves. People were fickle, weak hearted, and greedy. They calmly sacrificed others to obtain their goals. Only an idiot would trust people like that.

“Hmmm? Is it wise to give you that advice?” Kaiba contemplated. “No, it really isn’t but I’m a competitor. I can afford to give some coherent advice every now and then. Besides, you’re so weak and pitiful now. If you wish to pose a serious threat to anyone, you need to strengthen up,” he said casually.

“As for you successfully robbing me...That’s highly unlikely. There are many people who covet what’s mine. As a result, I’ve developed several state of the art security systems. I’m constantly upgrading and perfecting them. I’m not concerned,” he said calmly.

Kaiba titled his head to the side and raised his brow in annoyance when the girl executed her sorry excuse for an escape plan. His eyes had been honing on the girl throughout their entire conversation. It was easy to predict her movements and easier to counter them. When the kid tried to kick him, he tugged harshly on her wrist and dragged her to the side, throwing her off balance, and making her backlash useless.

“Are you done playing kiddie? Despite my appearance, I am a businessman with much work to do,” he said in a bored tone. He squeezed her wrist tightly to once more demonstrate who was in control of this scenario.

“Oh, I suppose I should give you another piece of advice. Once you’re cornered, don’t try such obvious tactics. Instead, think strategically and creatively. Attempt to throw your opponent off guard. Act passive and submissive. Pretend that you’re completely playing into their hands but scheme the whole time. Scheme and wait for that one moment where you can make your escape. Chances are you’ll only have one opportunity so be prepared. If you screw that up, you’re dead,” he said somewhat blandly but his voice carried a sharp undercurrent of intensity.

[Matana]

Tripping slightly and stumbling as she tried to walk and stay up right which attempt she barely succeed in doing. Matana reluctantly fallowed the movement of his arm as it was current holding hers rather tightly. She squeaked once more when a throbbing pain lance it way up her arm before settling back into her still aching wrist. It would be bruised in the morning “that hurts.” She said softly to her self. Mumbling and looking down at the floor Matana conceded to her captor." I give up, you win." The calm was back.

To fight him had caused her too much pain thus far and really she just wanted her punishment done and over with so that she could go to her actual destination for the night. She had only stopped in Cairo to get some food. What she like to eat were fruits and breads from the local market. it was the day that she would set aside each month to visit the ruins. There she made sure every thing was undisturbed and periodically scrambled the lock on her most prosperous secret. The secret that she would protect at any cost to her self. Matana had already given much for the knowledge of the burden. Her safety and the love of her parents to extent and the comfort most children know.

A secret that could unbalance many and one that she had sworn to protect at all costs. “Perhaps I can help you by guiding you around Cairo or the museum. You might get lost." She said in a softened sighing kind voice of a child made to obey even they didn't want to do something. But the last sentence was uttered with a slight laugh. She could find humorous in that picture of the giant accidentally walking out of Cairo.

[Kaiba Seto]

Kaiba did not feel a shred of pity when the girl squeaked like a dog’s chew toy. She had brought this hardship upon herself. There was no room in this world for inadequate thieves.

“Of course it hurts. When a prisoner annoys their captor, the ending result is usually pain,” he readily explained.

The girl somewhat reluctantly and wearily retrieved her composure. “So, she is generally able to keep a level head in difficult and unfavorable situations,” he noted with approval.

“Hmm...Lack of eye contact and conceding my victory. This is definitely passive and submissive behavior. I wonder, has she truly given up or she is taking my advice and waiting for me to slip up and allow her escape?” he ponders.

Kaiba mentally chuckles. “A healthy does of paranoia is the price you pay for sharing advice with the enemy. On the other hand, it’s not necessarily a weakness. It forces you to consider the worst possible scenarios which in turn raises your guard and sharpens your senses,” he acknowledged.

Kaiba raised his eyebrow in surprise when he heard the girl’s shaky laugh. “She’s calm enough to laugh or she’s on the brink of delirium?” he puzzled. He decided not to ask. It was hardly important at the moment.

“Kid, you really aren’t creative,” he scolds. “Let’s analyze the situation again. You witnessed me walking directly into this museum. Did I seem uncertain about my location? Did I stop and ask anyone for directions? Did I in any way act like this was not my destination?” he asked with slight disdain. This girl really needed to work on her interpreting people skills. She needed to learn how to comprehend her surroundings in general.

“Unless you know the location to some secret place that no one else here knows about, I will not be requiring your touring services,” he scorned.