This fic is going to be short, just a heads up. Enjoy.
XXX
The sun was burning it's ray of light onto the hot sand, and those that tread it. A perfect day to soak in the Nile... for those lucky enough to be near it. For Bakura, it was a whole different story. Sure, he belonged in Egypt. It was his home, but not now, he was supposed to be five thousand years into the future, trying to take down the pharaoh. The pharaoh that had erased his memory and locked his spirit away for all those couldn't understand why or how he was sent back. Still he continued to walk through the merciless desert for water, food, or better yet, civilization. He wasn't even the same Bakura he was five thousand years ago. No, he was still the Bakura in the future… only, he didn't have the millennium ring, he didn't have Ryou, he had nothing but himself and the clothes he wore. The black trench coat made it hard on his body as the sun's rays hit him… but he couldn't just simply throw it away, for even though the days were hot, the nights were freezing cold. He had to keep it, most times he'd take it off, but soon enough his arms had almost given out on him, he had to put it back on to make sure he wouldn't drop it, and perhaps, have to end up leaving it there. He walked on for what seemed like hours, until finally, as soon as he looked up, he saw it. The pharaoh's palace. That only meant one thing, the village around that palace was near, and so was the Nile, so was water and food. Bakura pushed himself to keep going, but all for nothing as his body finally gave out on him. He collapsed, falling straight onto the sand. The only thing he could do was close his eyes, and let the desert take him.
:::
"Hmm, it's very hot today" The priest Seto said as he rode horseback following his companion, Shadaa through the village.
"What do you mean, Seto? It's hot everyday"
"True, but it's extra hot today, I don't think we should stay out here long"
"Yes, I agree with you there. Still pharaoh's orders, we have to inspect the village to make sure everything is in place and to watch out for any thieves, spies or anything of the sort"
Seto sighed, "I'm glad we're almost finished then"
As soon as Seto looked away from Shadaa, he spotted what looked like a black dot on the hill just near the village. He narrowed his eyes enough to try and make out the figure, but with no success.
"Shadaa, I see something over there"
Shadaa glanced over in the direction Seto was looking at to the same black figure.
"I see it too, what do you think it is?"
"Well, only one way to find out" The young priest replied before kicking his horses sides forcing it to gallop towards the figure.
"Seto wait!" Shadaa shouted before chasing after.
Finally, as soon as Seto and Shadaa had reached the figure they both dismounted their horses and walked over to it. Shadaa was cautious, Seto on the other hand was more curious than anything else.
Seto's eyes narrowed as he stared down at the figure. It was a person. A dead person from what it looked like.
"Hmm, this poor man didn't make it to our village quick enough" Shadaa said.
Seto found it hard to see the boys face. His silvery, yet almost white hair was covering his eyes and most of his face. Seto placed his hand on the boys face and slid the hair away from his eyes. Then his eyes grew as both he and Shadaa gawked at his pale face.
"His skin! It's almost as pale as the moon itself" Seto said with much shock in his voice, "how is that possible?"
"I understand that a lot of people are born with pale skin… but, for it to be this fair, it seems impossible"
"…Not only that, but his clothes are very… odd"
Seto turned the boy over on his back as he held him in his arms to see him better. This man, everything about him is so fair, his hair, his skin… I can only imagine what his eyes looked like…
Seto couldn't understand why, but he just couldn't take his eyes off of him. As he held the boy in his arms, he noticed, how peaceful and gentle he looked. His hair was soft, as was his skin. It was almost as if, he was a perfect being in his eyes.
"Come on Seto, we must leave back home, the desert has already taken him and we need to hurry back before we are over heated" Shadaa said as he headed back to his horse.
He's right… why though… why did the desert have to take him? Seto thought, but just as he was about to lay the boy back on the ground, just as his hand had tightened around the pale mans arm, he felt a pulse. At that moment his heart skipped a beat. He then placed his hand on the boys chest. His heart's still beating! He's still alive?
"Seto? Hurry up" Shadaa demanded.
"Shadaa, this man is still alive" Seto said as he got to his feat, carrying the boy in his arms, "His heart is still beating"
"Don't tell me you're planning on bring him back to the palace!"
"Yes… Shadaa, this man could be a sign"
Shadaa blinked before placing his palm onto his face and shaking his head.
"…Very well…" he sighed, "we shall bring him back, but remember… you will be the one who watches him. Make sure he doesn't disobey the rules of the pharaoh"
Seto nodded, a smile on his face as he set the boy on his horse before mounting it and heading back to the palace. I don't know if this is a good omen or not Seto thought as he glanced down at the boy while holding him with one arm, but I will make sure he is kept from harm.
:::
It was hard to do, but Shadaa had actually helped Seto talk the Pharaoh into letting the boy live in the palace and although the pharaoh didn't seem very warm about the whole thing, he was kind enough to let him stay. Only, the boy was now under Seto's care, his responsibility. In other words, if he truly was a bad omen, Seto would be blamed for it. He sighed as he headed back to the room he left the boy in, carrying a bowl of water, a cup of water, knowing the boy would be thirsty as soon as he would awaken, and a cloth on his arm. He entered the room to see the boy lying on the bed where the young priest had left him. Seto set down the bowl on the floor and the cup next to it before dunking the cloth into the water and dabbing the boy's skin. The water slid down his face either onto his hair or down his neck and into his shirt. As Seto continued to dab the boys skin, he kept his eyes on him, not looking away for even a second. The boy no longer wore his coat, Seto knew that he would no longer be needing it to keep warm in the cold nights to come. Now he had the comfort of the thick blankets that lay on the bed under him. Please wake up… was all that ran through Seto's mind now, it was all he could think of. The one thing he wanted more than anything was to see his eyes open. Please wake up…
Just as Seto had dabbed the boy's neck, a small faint moan came from him. Seto's eyes widened, he's waking up! He placed the cloth aside before placing his hand on the boy's cheek. Open your eyes.
Surely enough, the boy did open his eyes. Seto's heart was now filled with joy, not only did he save a life, but he saved this strange boys life. The boy's eyes were open, but barely. Seto sat on the bed near him as he lifted the boy slightly to hold him in his arms. His eyes… they're dark. Yet, the rest of him is so fair.
The boy's eyes opened a tad more, they were weak, and so was he. Seto only hoped that the boy could talk now. The boy's eyes looked up at the priest making Seto feel a little more important to him at this moment.
"Don't worry. You're safe here" Seto said reassuringly, hoping he could gain the boy's trust, "What's your name?"
"…Bakura…" the boy said weakly, his voice almost a whisper.
Seto smiled, "…Bakura. I'm Seto"
Bakura closed his eyes for a moment to take a deep breath before opening them again, still keeping his eyes on Seto.
"…I know…" Bakura said.
Seto stared surprised. He knows me? His expression calmed as soon as he realized, that it was probably because he lived in the village near the palace, which was why he was trying to make it back, which was why he knew who Seto was. Everyone in the village knew the priests and they especially knew who the pharaoh was… but what dragged him away from the village, he had no idea. Still, he was glad he got the chance to meet Bakura.
Seto softly stroked Bakura's cheek with his thumb as he continued to watch him with gentle eyes. Bakura… he's so… beautiful. From the look on Bakura's face, as weak as he was, showed that he was somewhat uncomfortable with being touched in such a way. Already his trust towards Seto was fading, and that's something that the priest had to remedy. If anything at this moment he wanted the trust of Bakura, and dearly.
"Forgive me. It's just, I have seen someone with fair skin and white hair, just like you have. Only, she was a girl, and that was a long time ago"
…Wait! Seto thought, Could there be a special village where these fair skinned people come from?
Seto thought hard about this, the girl he had met long ago. The boy that lay in his arms at this very moment… they were both so beautiful. Could they have been connected somehow?
"Tell me, what village did you come from?"
Bakura's eyes narrowed, but barely.
"...I, have no relation with… that girl you speak of"
"Oh… I see"
…If there is no special village, then where did he really come from?
"At least tell me where you came from"
"NEVER!" Bakura hollered, his eyes angry, before coughing, possibly due to having a dry throat.
Seto's eyes widened and his jaw dropped as soon as Bakura had screamed at him. All he wanted to know was where he came from. To Seto it was just a simple question out of curiosity, to Bakura however, it was a threat. Seto failed to see why though. Why did he yell at me? I only asked- he stopped his train of thought as soon as he noticed Bakura had ceased coughing. He was now just breathing, but maybe 'just' wasn't the right word as each breath sounded rough and dry. Seto let Bakura lay on the bed before he leaned down and picked up the cup of water. He then placed Bakura in his arms once more.
"Here" He said as he moved the cup closer to Bakura's mouth.
Bakura only glared at the cup, before glaring at Seto.
"…It's not poisoned. It would be pointless to have brought you here just so I could kill you this way"
Bakura then looked at the cup before opening his mouth slightly, letting Seto know that he was now letting him help him. Seto moved the cup to Bakura's mouth and tipped it slightly to let Bakura slowly drink the water that poured into his mouth. …His personality… it's cold, and he seems so distant.
Once Bakura had finished his drink, Seto took the cup away and put it aside, and yet… he thought as he lay Bakura back on the bed. He moved some of Bakura's hair out of his face as the two both kept their eyes on each other, I still find him absolutely, adorable…
"Close your eyes" Seto said.
Bakura glared once again, his expression saying he didn't trust Seto.
"Bakura, I am the only person in this entire palace, and maybe even in all of Egypt that is taking care of you. The sad truth is… I may be the only person here that cares for you… and since you are under my care, you must do as I say"
"…Very well" Bakura answered before closing his eyes.
Seto looked over at the window, the day was fading into night. He looked back at Bakura before getting off the bed and taking the blankets from under Bakura to lay them on his already warm body. It would be bad to keep the blankets on him during the day, but in the night he needed them. As soon as he was done tucking Bakura in he headed for the door out of the room only stopping once to look back for just a moment before leaving, closing the door behind him.
:::
Morning had come. Seto was already up, he had been up even before the sun rose to check on Bakura every now and then. But now, it was time to see if he was well enough to get up. Seto opened the door to Bakura's room to find, that he was no longer in bed, nor was he in his room.
"No!" Seto said before turning around and running off to find Bakura.
The first place he searched was the royal throne room. As soon as he was there, he looked around desperately for Bakura. If Bakura messes up, it will be the end of him for sure. I can't let that happen.
"Looking for someone?" Came Bakura's voice.
Seto glanced in the direction of the voice to find that Bakura was sitting in the royal throne. Seto's eyes grew at the sight. Not only was it disrespectful, but it was also illegal for anyone but the pharaoh to sit in that very chair. Bakura rested his elbow on one armrest as his face rested on the back of his hand while his legs lay on the other armrest.
"Bakura!" Seto shouted angrily as he ran over to him, "You're not supposed to sit in that chair. That's the pharaoh's throne"
Bakura smirked as he chuckled, "Well then, he can park his royal highness in another chair, because this one's taken"
Seto 's jaw dropped at how incredibly rude Bakura truly was. Somehow though, Seto couldn't bring himself to hate the boy. He glowered at the disrespectful man before speaking again.
"Bakura, I am shocked and extremely disappointed in you!"
"You're not the only one" Bakura said as he pointed behind Seto.
Seto turned to see Akunadin standing there. He too was shocked, disappointed though… no, he was more furious than anything. Bakura grinned as he kicked a leg up and down, watching in amusement.
"Seto! What is the meaning of this!" Akunadin shouted furiously.
Seto took a step back away from Akunadin. Shame, guilt and worry filled his heart. Then he bowed respectfully to his superior hoping so dearly that both he and Bakura would be forgiven.
"Forgive me Akunadin. I will punish him for this"
"You had better if you plan on keeping him around any longer. Already he's become an offence to this kingdom"
"…Yes sir" Seto replied before straightening himself and walking over to Bakura. He grabbed his arm and dragged him off the throne.
Bakura frowned as he looked at Akunadin, but he smiled deviously as he looked back at Seto. Bakura giggled. This got both the men's attention.
"What's so funny?" Akunadin asked, voice still angry.
"Seto" Bakura said.
Seto looked down at him, irritated yet attentive.
"You care for me this much?" Bakura continued, "How far would you go to keep me from harm's way?"
The young priest didn't say anything to answer the question, instead he asked a question of his own.
"Why do you ask?"
Bakura looked at Aknadin who only glared back at him.
"Akunadin" Bakura said, "Do you recall ever going to a little village called Kul Elna?"
Auknadin's eyes widened as he the word 'Kul Elna' came out of Bakura's mouth.
"Ah, what's this? I think I've just pushed you down memory lane"
"Bakura that's enough!" Seto ordered.
"No!" Bakura shouted back, "Not yet it isn't!"
He turned his attention back on Akunadin.
"That village… it was my home, and you destroyed it!" Bakura roared furiously.
Seto then glanced at Akunadin. Astonished and disgusted, he clenched his free hand.
"Is this true Akunadin?"
Akunadin could only gawk at Bakura, the words that came from his mouth, the way he had said it. It was clear to him that Bakura wanted to show no mercy to the old man.
"…It's true" Akunadin sighed, "But Seto you must understand that I did this to save Egypt, to save the ones we all love"
"Yes, and in doing so you slaughtered the ones I loved"
Seto glared at Akunadin, enraged by the old man's actions of the past.
"I think Bakura has had enough punishment to last him a life time, Akunadin… we will be leaving now"
Seto walked by Akunadin, his expression worse than just angry. Not having much choice, Bakura followed Seto. Akunadin watched as the two walked away together for only a second before a sudden realization hit him.
"Wait Seto!" He said as he chased after.
"What is it?" Seto asked as he looked back at him, Bakura doing the same.
"Can't you see this man is trying to use you against me?"
"That's enough!" Seto shouted, "Bakura is a guest here under my care. True he may have disrespected our king, but I know he wouldn't use me against anyone. Even if he did…" Seto said before looking at Bakura who looked at him back, "He is under my care and therefore I decide what to do with him"
"And I am your superior therefore I decide what to do with you, and I say you must punish him for what he's done!"
Seto glared before turning away from Akunadin.
"Seto" Akunadin said irritated, "Do I make myself clear?"
"…Yes master Akunadin"
"Good, now off with you both… but remember. You must be careful, Seto. I do strongly believe he is trying to turn you against me"
Seto's glare darkened though he did not show his master. Again he began to make his way back to Bakura's room. I can't stay mad at Bakura. It's impossible…
Once the two were both standing in front of the door to Bakura's room, Seto placed his hand on the handle, but did not turn it. …I know I promised I wouldn't hurt him… so how can I punish him without causing him any bodily harm? He then turned the handle and entered the room, I only have one thought in my head, one way to punish him without harming him… but it's something I do not wish to do to him… but it's either that, or I'll have to whip him till he bleeds.
Seto sighed deeply as he lowered his head in shame. Bakura looked up at him, curious to what kind of punishment he had planned for him.
"Seto?" He said, "What do you have in mind?"
Seto remained silent for moment. I'll make this quick… Then, he removed his hat and threw it on the ground before throwing Bakura onto the bed. Seto then grabbed a pair of shackles with a long enough chain from the corner of the room, the ones the pharaoh said he should keep in there in case Bakura ever did have to be punished, and immediately clasped it onto Bakura's arm and the other end to the bed post. He then removed his robe and threw it aside before looking back at Bakura.
"W…What are you planning to do with me?" Bakura said, eyes full of hate and fear.
Seto did not answer at first, instead he crawled onto the bed close to Bakura as Bakura crawled back and away.
"I promised myself I wouldn't hurt you" Seto said, "So I have no choice but to punish you this way"
Seto then moved closer to Bakura and wrapped his arms around him, bringing his body close to his own.
"N-No! I will not do this!" Bakura said as he tried desperately to push Seto away, but with no success.
Seto however, as he kept a strong hold on Bakura, lay him down before leaning in to kiss Bakura's cheek. Bakura turned his head away from the priest as he bared his teeth, one eye open to watch him. Seto then moved lower to kiss his neck before raising his head to see Bakura's face. Bakura looked back at Seto, his hands now clutching his shoulders as Seto moved his hands down to Bakura's shirt.
"Seto, hold on" Bakura said, his voice a little shaky.
Seto did respect Bakura, so he stopped what he was doing and looked at him.
"Yes?" Seto asked.
"You had said it before, I had enough of a punishment to last me a lifetime. So, why must you punish me further?"
"I'm sorry Bakura, but Akunadin is my superior and I must obey his rules. Besides you did sit in the pharaoh's throne and insulted him. I have to say that itself is enough to get you severely beaten. What I'm doing is merciful"
"Forgive me then… I don't know how to act properly. Afterall, I did have to raise myself. No one would take me in when I was a child so I had to learn off of others… unfortunately those 'others' were thieves, bandits and tomb robbers"
Seto stared in sympathy for Bakura. Now I must question myself… is it right to punish him at all for his actions? What should I do?
Bakura placed his hands on Seto's face. His eyes were so alluring, Seto found it hard not to blush, and found it harder not to touch him back as he placed his hands on Bakura's face. Bakura… his hands are so soft and gentle on my skin.
"Seto, do you really believe in Akunadins words? Do you truly think I would use you against him, even though you took care of me when no one else would?"
No… maybe… I don't know.
"I may not be the best person in the world when it comes to following orders... but, I hope you can teach me"
Seto nodded as he took his hands off of Bakura's face, Bakura soon removing his own hands from Seto's.
"That is all I wanted to say…"
The guilt in Seto had begun building once more. If I do this to Bakura, or even if I punish him any other way, does this mean that I am no better than a low life? Seto only stared down at Bakura who waited with a small hint of fear in his eyes for Seto to continue, Akunadin says that he is trying to turn me against him… no, from what I see it is Akunadin who is trying to turn me against Bakura! No one wanted to help him but me, everyone else simply pushed him aside due to the fact that he is an outsider brought into our palace.
Seto wrapped his arms around Bakura once more as he sat up and brought him close to him again.
"No, I won't do this to you… you don't deserve to be punished"
"What?" Bakura blinked, "But Akunadin-"
"I can't trust Akunadin right now…" Seto said before turning his voice into a whisper, "I can't trust anyone as long as you're here"
As long as he remains here, I can't trust anyone but Shadaa and Bakura… Shadaa helped me convince the pharaoh to let him stay and the pharaoh agreed. So I am thankful… but everyone else, they want to hurt him or get rid of him… or use me to hurt him… I will not allow that to happen.
Seto lay Bakura's head on his shoulder as he kept one hand on his head and the other arm around his waist.
"Bakura, I swear… I'll do what it takes to protect you… even if it's from the Egyptian gods themselves"
Bakura wrapped his arms around the priest as he fit comfortably into his arms.
"…Seto" Bakura said keeping a fearful voice… even after his expression changed from a saddened face, to a sly grin, "You're too kind to me"
XXX
This is probably going to be about three chapters long so yeah, enjoy it while it lasts. XDD Wait till next update.
PS. This story is mainly to help me get out of my boredom streak and tiny writers block. So yeah. |D