A Whisper of Time || Yu-Gi-Oh Book 1 ||

Chapter 5

Téa was on board an airliner from Domino to Cairo, Egypt. The only one with any sufficient knowledge of magic and history was Ishizu Ishtar. The former Tomb Keeper was protecting the pharaoh's tomb and legacy for years. It was passed from generation to generation in her family. Ishizu once possessed the Millennium Necklace, so she personally had experienced a great deal of magic. They first met her at the Domino Museum with the Ancient Egyptian exhibition Téa had suggested to visit in order to help the pharaoh and his lost memories. Ishizu did know a lot and her duty was to help Atem regain his memories back. However, Ishizu had a more personal reason – her brother Marik. Téa shifted in her seat uncomfortably. The guy was now fine and nice but still, Téa remembered the voice of his evil side in her head sometimes. It was a terrifying experience. Especially when Téa was finally free only to find herself chained to a chair under a huge heavy box ready to smash her instantly. That wasn't the worst part though. Yugi was forced to duel Joey who was in Marik's control and the pharaoh was in a state of uncertainty. Atem wanted to save both but couldn't, and maybe his feelings were blurring his mind but Yugi took control. It was so painful to stay and watch and be bait at the same time. Téa reminded herself that all of this had passed, Marik wasn't evil anymore and was sorry for everything he had done. Téa took a deep breath; Téa was getting closer and closer to her destination. Téa had to think of an excuse why she was out of the city for a few days (hopefully not any longer). Téa couldn't tell the real reason, nor that she was going to Egypt. Now, Téa was only a few hours away from the ancient country where the desert still ruled almost everywhere. Hopefully, Ishizu would be able to help her. If not... Téa wouldn't think about the other alternative.

Finally, Téa arrived at Cairo International Airport after a couple of hours. Téa had just been through security and heading towards the exit when it started to happen. Téa stopped abruptly; her vision blurred. Was Téa imaging it, or every time was getting worse? The wind appeared, and Téa was sent back in time again. This time the surroundings seemed similar to the present – sand, desert and... Téa had the bad fortune of materialising during a very inconvenient state of a... war. It was getting better and better. Téa was terrified seeing both armies in the middle of a fight. This time, Téa wasn't sure she'd be so lucky and get back in one piece. Téa screamed covering herself in a desperate attempt to protect herself which in turn drew everyone's attention nearby causing them to pause fighting in confusion. How did the girl materialise here out of nowhere? Maybe she was a messenger of the gods? Suddenly, Téa realised how silent it was and slowly dared to look. They were frozen in place just like when Téa was talking to Mai. So, Téa did do it again. They were staring in confusion; they must've seen her before stopping the time. It was a better alternative to deciding to kill her as well. Téa looked more carefully at them. Their clothing was even more ancient than the Romans, it was Egyptian one as in the time Atem had lived. Was Atem alive now or he hadn't been born yet? Exact time and date were of huge importance. This time her voyage didn't last long. Téa was back in the present sooner than she expected. It was a relief to see modern-day Egypt again but still frightened to death and Téa was quite close to it. That was it. It had to stop! Téa hoped Ishizu knew a way out of this. It wasn't for her to be a time traveller.

Téa went outside the airport; the sun was high in the sky shining brightly. It was so hot here; Téa drank a bit of water. Fortunately, Téa had applied a sun-protecting cream earlier, her fair skin wouldn't be very pleased with the sudden change of climate. Téa hired a cab and told him where she needed to go. Hopefully, the Ishtars would be home. Ishizu had a lot of work with exhibitions and so on, she was often away. Téa wished Ishizu wasn't away now. They arrived after a fifteen-minute ride. Téa paid the man with her Egyptian currency. So, that was it. Téa went towards the door and knocked. A few seconds later, Ishizu's white-haired brother opened the door. Marik couldn't hide his surprise to see the brunette.