Title: Celestial Congo

Disclaimer: I am writing this story for fun and not profit. The characters belong to Kazuki Takahashi. Therefore I own nada and make nada.

Warnings: AU Africa (Not Egypt) Sexual relations between males. Violence. Profanity. Sickness. OOCness.

Pairings: Mobiumshipping. (AtemxYamixYugi) Side pairings will vary.

Rating: M

Author's Rant: This will be a speedy to medium paced storyline with mild drama. I guesstimate this to be between 15-20 chapters long. I don't expect the chapters of this tale to be as overly lengthy as Fragile, but they will be moderate to a little over average length.

Summary: Dr. Yugi Muto has planned his expedition to African for three years after graduating from Harvard University in order to promote Global Health. His intentions were good and so was his heart. Unfortunately, when a terrible storm caused his plane to crash in the middle of African, Yugi was left stranded near a tribal ranch. When he awoke, all Yugi could remember was his name and tidbits of his previous life. Perhaps the Fulani tribe's chief's son and the tribe's pride hunter can help create newer memories.

~Side note: Corrects made~

Storm

The airport in Domino was like any other airport Yugi's had ever been in, with the bustling tourists, foreign visitors and holiday travelers coming in for vacation. He was thankful to be going in the other direction and with a lighter load than most. He'd have to thank Seto for insisting he leave an hour early because the runaround through the check-in station and the security scan most assuredly would've made Yugi late for his departure.

Yugi hunched his carry-on tote on his shoulder at the boarding gate, and handed off his ticket before shuffling forward with the crowd. Giddiness began to gravitate up his spine like ants feet and a smile tugged at his lips the further in he walked along the connected tunnel. This was the moment he'd been waiting for. Graduating Harvard took patience and loyalty to his studies, but actually getting accepted into Domino City's Global Health Promotion Organization was harder. He tried for a full year to get accepted in and another two years just to learn the practice and regulations of foreign medicines. One of his best friend, Vivian Wong, had earned her degree a year prior and sent picture after picture after picture of the beautiful South American rainforests where she choice to put her abilities to good use.

That was her place of choice.

Yugi's was Africa. The countless slideshows of the Sahara Desert, videos of the Congo rainforests and the atmosphere of the mother land's people enchanted Yugi's mind, heart and spirit. He studied the language of the people, practiced their ways of living and learned to interpret each of their dances with awkward attempts of his own. He'd been the vice-president of the Global Promotional African Safari Health and Administrations Club in order to gain the extra knowledge that wasn't taught in classes. His mother's stories of how his grandfather used to explore the native lands and find pathways to secret portions of the jungles untouched by humans, used to fascinate Yugi as a child. The stories captivated so much, he knew that he would one day have to experience the sun's dry kiss for himself and to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and help the tribal people of their health problems.

Yugi wedged himself into his coach seat, grateful that he had a window. It gave him the opportunity of seeing the overhead of African and its wondrous offerings with a virgin eye. In his tote, now weightless after having to discard his lotion bottles and drinks, he carried a detailed map of the Western African region, a list tribes on his wish list, dozens of Ebony and Essence magazines with articles on African lifestyles and assorted snacks he was grateful to nibble on.

A light drizzle of rain started to fall, but the depressing weather wouldn't alter Yugi's mood.

Ding Dong!

Yugi paused where he'd been about to pull out his MP3 and his cell and listened to the announcements.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven't already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. And also make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position.

If you are seated next to an emergency exit, please read carefully the special instructions card located by your seat. If you do not wish to perform the functions described in the event of an emergency, please ask a flight attendant to reseat you.

At this time, we request that all mobile phones, pagers, radios and remote controlled toys be turned off for the full duration of the flight, as these items might interfere with the navigational and communication equipment on this aircraft. We request that all other electronic devices be turned off until we fly above 10,000 feet. We will notify you when it is safe to use such devices.

We remind you that this is a non-smoking flight. Smoking is prohibited on the entire aircraft, including the lavatories. Tampering with, disabling or destroying the lavatory smoke detectors is prohibited by law.

If you have any questions about our flight today, please don't hesitate to ask one of our flight attendants. Thank you."

Guess calling Seto was out of the question then. Yugi shrugged. He'd settle for reading one of the magazines he purchased from the library on the Nile. He was scheduled to meet with a group of selected international doctors at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and from there, ride by jeep to the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, in order to be briefed on the policies and laws and code of ethics expected to be followed by all physicians. There he'd reside in one of the hotels for a week and by morning, be sent off to randomly stationed villages for a six month training probationary period. If successful, Yugi would be given his own respectful village and for the next three years keep them under his care.

Yugi wanted a small and secluded tribe near the Nile or close to the Safari; not that he had anything against the larger Western and Easter Tribes. It was more towards the fact that the smaller tribes were usually overlooked for the larger nomad tribes simply because the demand was dominate. The Basaa tribes in the Cameroon country could definitely use the medical attention from what Yugi had read about the AIDS spread in the last couple of years. But knowing the Global Board and because Yugi's skills were well honed, he'd probably be stationed in South Ghana and the Ivory Coast with the Akan tribe of West Africa—

Ding Dong!

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to direct your attention to the television monitors. We will be showing our safety demonstration and would like the next few minutes of your complete attention."

Video monitors flickered on with an advertised display of men and women flight attendants demonstrating the proper procedures to use in case of an emergency.

"Now we request your full attention as the flight attendants demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft."

The magazine in his hand was forgotten for the moment as Yugi sat up in his seat to carefully concentrate on the instructions being explained. He didn't trust the television sets simply because he preferred a visibly hands on way of learning.

"When the seat belt sign illuminates, you must fasten your seat belt. Insert the metal fittings one into the other, and tighten by pulling on the loose end of the strap. To release your seat belt, lift the upper portion of the buckle. We suggest that you keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight, as we may experience turbulence.

There are several emergency exits on this aircraft, forward, over each wing and towards the back. Please take a few moments now to locate your nearest exit. In some cases, your nearest exit may be behind you. If we need to evacuate the aircraft, floor-level lighting will guide you towards the exit. Doors can be opened by moving the handle in the direction of the arrow. Each door is equipped with an inflatable slide which may also be detached and used as a life raft.

Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a uniformed crew member advises you to remove it.

In the event of an emergency, please assume the bracing position. (Lean forward with your hands on top of your head and your elbows against your thighs. Ensure your feet are flat on the floor.)

And from there Yugi drowned out the rest of the teachings to stare out the window. The plane was moving along the traffic stream, merging in at a leisure speed. He leaned back in his chair, fingers laced in his lap and carefully thought over what he was leaving behind.

Yugi could remember during his twenty six years of life, always being content. Everything was simple. Everything was basic and he only asked for what he needed. His parents had been wonderful up to the day they passed and so had his grandfather until the day he couldn't live on. The doctors predicted a good eight months before Solomon Muto would succumb to the symptoms of anal cancer, but good ole Solomon proved he could beat the odds. He pushed on for another four years until he'd threw in the white flag. It'd be a struggling road for Yugi to move on without the familiar love of his family. But, he did and it made him a stronger man. Through support of his friends, Seto, Joey and Vivian, Yugi managed to pull through the depression and succeeded in becoming what he is today.

"Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please. Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off."

Yugi's heart leapt in his throat and sunk in the same instant. This was it. Wiping sweaty palms on his pant legs, Yugi closed his eyes and sent up a silent prayer as the rumble and hum of the plane began to vibrate beneath his thighs. Domino International Airport gradually swished passed like a wash color painting. There was a bounce, a buckle and soon an airless ascent into the sky.

Yugi kept his eyes closed, fingers grasping their opposite in a death grip because now he was finally taking that first step into his new life. His journey would begin anew in a whole different place, in a whole new world. The plane's climb up to the upper atmosphere was a bumpy experience and a humorous one. Several times Yugi's fingers clutched the arm rests as if the very support would give him a steady protection.

Yugi remembered Vivian saying something about singing until the plane leveled out because she'd been afraid of the plane crash landing. Yugi wouldn't dare give these people an excuse to throw him off with his singing. Seto said he could disappoint a crowd of crows.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However we always recommend to keep your seat belt fastened while you're seated. You may now turn on your electronic devices such as calculators, CD players and laptop computers.

In a few moments, the flight attendants will be passing around the cabin to offer you hot or cold drinks, as well as breakfast/dinner/supper/a light meal/a snack. Alcoholic drinks are also available at a nominal charge/with our compliments. (On long flights with inflight entertainment: Also, we will be showing you our video presentation.) Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you."

"Finally," Yugi sighed, pulling out his cell phone from his khaki cargo slacks. He wiped his still moist palms on his black t-shirt and pressed the phone to his ear, waiting for the pick-up click.

The phone answered after the third ring to a raspy, cool voice. "I guess you made it in time."

No sort of hello or how are you doing? Yugi shook his head. Just like Seto. "Yeah, you were right as usual. The lines were stretched as far as the snack stands."

"Aren't I always?" Some paper shifted in the background and Seto mumbled some numbers and comments of ignorance to someone in the background—probably Roland—before speaking on the line again. "How long are you supposed to live with those illiterate heathens?"

Yugi frowned slightly as he stared out the window, his eyes slightly serious and his lips thinning. "They're not illiterate heathens, Kaiba. They're a very richly cultured people who go about a different way of living than we do. Just because they don't count on Roland to wipe their asses like you, doesn't make them any less sophisticated."

"If you want to believe those disease infested savages are civil, you go right ahead. I know otherwise."

"How? Have you ever lived around them? Spoke their language? Helped a child to clean water?"

"No, but the national geographic works wonders on acknowledging us morons on how privileged we are. I despise you, you know. I have another month of freedom and you decide now of all times to venture off to la la land to teach a bunch of hut dwelling, savages," the word was hissed through clenched teeth so viciously, Yugi was surprised venom wasn't spilling through the receiver, "how to read and write vowels and how to filter water!"

Yugi flinched away from the phone after Seto's voice hiked a few octaves. He tested the volume a couple of times and pressed it back to his ear. "You're still sour about picking Joey as your best man, aren't you?"

"Oh, you're so observant," Seto sarcastically growled. "My wedding is in three weeks, genius. Did you ever think to postpone your worthless trip to be here for me? That moronic, clumsy oaf doesn't know the first thing about interior decoration or finding the proper fitted tuxedoes. Do you know what he said when I asked if he ordered the floral arrangements from Linguini's? Ask me."

Yugi chuckled. "I'm almost afraid too."

"He said what side went best with flora, pepperoni or sausage?"

"No, he didn't?"

"You really need to ask?"

Yugi doubled over, muffling a laugh behind his hand. If there was one thing he'd definitely miss, it was the hilarious arguments between Seto and Joey. They went back and forth worse then a stalemate ping pong match. Their friendship was odd and the way they communicated was even odder. Seto never, ever held his tongue when it came to explaining exactly how he felt. Yugi was always more subtle when it came to calmly hurting people's feelings. The problem was, Joey didn't have a filter of any kind. Hence why he and Seto went at it like cats and dogs at every waking moment.

"I don't find this the least bit funny!" Seto really didn't. He was dead serious. "You'd rather spend your time with those dried up shit-knots than support your best friend. I've said it once and I'll say it again: Friendship is for chumps. It's an overrated fad for the lonely and destitute."

"If that were true, you would've never answered me when I called."

"I answered to make sure you were mentally aware of what you were getting yourself into. There's no indoor plumbing, Yugi Muto. You know this, correct?

Yugi kept laughing. "I'm aware, Kaiba."

"What do you plan to do when it comes time to use the restroom? Wipe your ass with poison ivy? By the way, don't use that as an excuse as to why you're scratching your balls when you come back. I'll have you sanitized with 200 degree acid before you walk through the door."

Yugi wiped at his eyes, and cleared his throat. "Kaiba really, you shouldn't be so negative about the Africans. I find their way of life fascinating. Imagine how they're able to coexist around one another without the modern advantages like us? We could learn a great deal from them about preserving energy and finding ways to restore the environment."

"How? By becoming one with the earth? No thanks. I'll pass on praying to every rock, twig and buffalo by flipping a light switch. How's that for preserving energy?"

"Kaiba," Yugi groaned. "You're being unfair."

"No, I'm being redundant because I keep repeating my argument about this idea. You can be a barbarian with that blond hound here in the states, Muto. Why must you travel thousands of miles to be content in sand, the blistering sun, and live in nothing but a scorching box made of clay? Help me understand, because I have a villa in Florida that matches that exact description with the luxuries of a martini, snow crabs and a hula man."

"Must you be a diva?" Yugi choked back another laugh when Seto started to sputter and gasp like he'd just surfaced from underwater. Yugi couldn't help teasing him. "I'm sorry, that was mean. Do you vent like this to Jordan?"

Silence hovered over the phone for the few seconds Yugi knew Seto was using to collect his composure whenever he heard the name of his fiancée. Trust, if Yugi ever thought it was possible to shut Seto down like a machine from a name, Yugi would never believe it. All it took was hearing Jordan Alexander William's name and Seto was tight lipped. Yugi couldn't blame him. The guy was everything a man or woman could ask for in a lover: tall, regal and muscularly lean and trim as a swimmer and had smooth, chocolate skin that looked as if it'd melt after one lick. His hair was as brown as roasted cinnamon and his bright smile could rival a Colgate model in a dark room. Jordan worked as an accountant for Heartland's Firm and it'd been during a meeting with Kaiba's counsel when Jordan attempted to sweep the CEO off his feet.

His voice coiled and bounced in Seto's stomach like a tennis ball and string through his ribcage with his needled flirtations. It took some effort but Jordan had managed to weasel a date out of Seto and they instantly clicked. Oh, and what a charmer he was. When Seto brought him to lunch one day to meet Yugi and Joey, Jordan had even managed to get Joey laughing within ten minutes of meeting him. It took little persuasion for Yugi to accept him because how often was it that Seto brought anyone to meet his friends?

Jordan was a wonderful companion and an even greater big brother for Mokuba. Yugi wholeheartedly approved and seven months later, Seto and Jordan were engaged. Yugi had been chosen right away as Seto's best man, but, well, things just happen.

"I'd prefer discussing my frustrations with you. Jordan has other priorities to handle first," Seto finally, finally said after loosening his knotted tongue. "Besides, who else deserves to be tongue lashed but you; the very one who abandons me after I compensated my years of association with you, that rude Asian sling-shot from outer space and that culturally damaged blond from Brooklyn?"

Yugi sighed. "You have to be the most prejudice, racist, egotistic jerk on the face of the planet."

"I'll have you know my lover is black and not once have I had any complaints from him about being racist or prejudice. So what does that tell you?"

"That you're choosey about who you discriminate."

A rusty chuckle. "Touché."

A sudden clapping boom interrupted Yugi's conversation. He frowned. Thunder? When had it started to storm? Thunder erupted again outside a little louder and closer. Yugi grimaced as a flash of bright blue engulfed the sky and crackled sharply. Taking a look out the window, Yugi leaned his head from side to side, up and down. Clouds as thick and large as mountains overlapped in the distance and blanketed the earth below.

The overhead intercom clicked on.

"Flight attendants/Cabin crew, please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We are now crossing a zone of heavy turbulence. Please return your seats and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you."

Yugi fastened his seatbelt tighter and sunk low in his seat. Now he suddenly wished he hadn't listened to Vivian's crazy stories.

"Hey, what's going on?" Seto's demanded through the phone. "Yugi, answer me!"

Yugi's eyes kept straying to the window each time a mild flash of light appeared. "Nothing, it's nothing. There's a storm outside. We're—" Yugi jolted in surprise when the plane suddenly took a rough dip and veered to the side, "having a lot of turbulence." He hoped it was just turbulence. Passengers started to mumble amongst themselves and shriek whenever the thunder thickly roared a boom that traveled through the plane's interior.

Another lightning bolt streaked violently across the atmosphere. Yugi swallowed, debating whether he should get some sleep or talk as long as he could with Seto. The decision was made three seconds later when the X over the electronics display glowed. "Um, Kaiba, I have to get off the cell for a while. Stay nearby in case I call."

"Yugi Muto, don't you dare hang up this phone!"

"I gotta go, listen I promise to call you back as soon as we get clear of this storm OK?"

"Yugi—"

"Bye Kaiba!"

"Yu—" Click.

Yugi knew his ears were going to bleed when he called his best friend back. Sitting his phone back in his carry on, Yugi relaxed his head against the headrest and closed his eyes. His upper torso suddenly surged forward when a strong jerk propelled the plane as if being kicked in the rear. His knuckles were ash white and his purple eyes wide with anxiety. Yugi knew the captain had everything under control. At least, he hoped so. His grip securely clutched the balled ends of the armrest and he willed his mind to calm down and his stomach to settle.

The lights flickered, and then settled, half as bright as before. Soft silence followed. The thunder wasn't as noisy but the lightning remained. Yugi's shoulders deflated from their rigidness and he turned to look at the other confused passengers. There were some holding hands, a woman trying to sooth a crying baby and a man quietly whispering prayers. Yugi sighed. It was going to be a long journey. He just hoped he made it there in one piece. Listening to Seto's rants was more pleasant than this. When Yugi was asked if he'd like anything to eat, he declined. He wanted to sleep. Hopefully by the time he woke, he'd be where he needed to be.

Yugi closed his eyes, leaning his head to the side and closed his eyes, falling asleep to the calming pelt of raindrops against his window.

The sound was monstrous, the loudest to ever pierce Yugi's ears. He was snatched from a deep slumber to the strangling stagger of whining metal, shouts and groans from the plane's frame.

"What the hell?" His voice didn't quite reach his ears though he knew he spoke. He couldn't hear over the building panic tidal waving from the back of the plane to the front.

Delicate fingers lightly tapped Yugi's shoulder. He glanced up to see a black haired flight attendant.

"Please fasten your seatbelt, sir." The worried expression on her face didn't make Yugi feel any better. He glanced out the window and saw the rain drops beating against the window pane like bullets.

Yugi peered around the plane cabin to see the rest of the passengers wearing equally frighten expressions.

Yugi gritted his teeth when the undeniable crunch of something echoed from the outside. It creaked too close to be thunder. The sound was too metallic and unnatural. Yugi was lunged face first into the seat before him. A burning ache shot up to his temples and throbbed, making his eyes stung. Something this big should be able to handle whatever was being forced upon it, right? Nothing bad was happening. Nothing. Yugi wildly convinced himself the wringing cracks and unsteady wobbles were the captain's methods of steering the plane upright.

Dread squeezed his throat shut. His heart thundered and quaked in his chest and the adrenaline surge made it extremely difficult to sit still. The urge to bolt clawed at his mind, but his hands refused to listen. His fingernails dug into the leather.

Yugi stopped breathing the minute a deadly silence overcame the plane. There wasn't a motion or sound made. And then his ears popped, his stomach sunk and the plane was vertically diving from the sky.

The world shook, stuttering beneath Yugi's feet like the summons of an earthquake. "No," he whispered, fear paralyzing his heart. The couple nearby held one another and kissed, mumbling their 'I love yous' as tears fell from their eyes. The man cuffed his hands tighter, loudly praying to God. The woman cried with her child and horrid screams escalated from every man, woman and child onboard.

Yugi couldn't hear, couldn't breathe, and couldn't focus. The plane took on a spiral angle and quickly fell. It wasn't like anything Yugi could imagine. The metal death trap fiercely rocked and shook, thrusting people from their seats. Clinks and clacks burst from behind. A rip and thrash tore a sucking vortex in the plane. People were forcefully pulled from their seats and thrust into the weightless descent.

Yugi closed his eyes and wept. "No, no, no, no. God please, no," he prayed, he wished and he hoped. They'd be fine. Everything would be ok. Oh please—

He wasn't sure what happened next. A whipping wind spiraled from behind with invisible hands and started grasping at his body. Debris shot from every direction. Personal belonging, food and objects flew through the air, bouncing and careening off the walls. The screams grew louder the prayers were being shouted. The plunge grew in velocity, a snap and pull and the plane pulsed.

Suddenly, Yugi's body flung and tugged with jerked snatches until he was ripped from his seat and free falling in the open air. . .

All he saw was the smoky gray sky and there was the sensation of finality pumping in his veins . . .