Bakura pov.
He could see nothing as he was hiding behind a few vases and utter clutter before him but he noticed the sudden sound of hooves appearing at the edge of the village. Just earlier he was playing hide and seek with a few friends and siblings of his. His mother had scolded him not to stay out to late this time as always.
Earlier that day he was already looking around for the best hiding spots around for when they would play. He was determined to not be found at all tonight. Though it was a fun game it was also practice. He wanted to be known far and wide as a great thief throughout Egypt! The village was full with them, full with outcasts they needed to survive somehow. So they had odd jobs and thievery to get by. Though they seemed unjust outside of the village, inside they were just your average type of people getting by and taking are of each other.
Though he wanted to be the best at hide and seek tonight, he was growing scared. The sound of hooves already seemed strange to him seeing as nobody really know where exactly their village lay but now he could hear people shouting about.
He widened his eyes beneath his scruffy white hair and was tempted to look over the vase and see what was happening but he grew more fearfully of looking as the screaming started becoming louder and louder. A part of him wondered if it was all just a part of the game..maybe when he would look he would be found and it was just a joke so he would be caught?
He could hear things being dragged on the ground now and things being slashed maybe because there was a splashing sound sometimes. Tears gathered in his eyes as he didn't want to play this game anymore. His hands shook as he got the courage to put them on the vase and look over it. He gasped loudly and the tears spilled immediate onto his cheeks and the ground.
He wasn't going to be found anymore...His sister who was the seeker was being dragged away by this stranger dressed in fancier clothing from the palace. He wanted to run to her and kick the man but..Her chest wasn't moving with breaths and blood was trailing behind them. They were both covered in it. He stared in shock as the guards took people with them, alive or half dead and drove them away.
He wasn't sure why or what he was doing exactly. His thoughts were empty from trauma as he silently sneaked after them, horrible curiosity taking over, and peeked behind a corner.
He saw his friends and family being thrown into a huge pot right there. His fingers clamped around the edge of the wall in desperation as he sank to his knees. His family..Why was this happening? Had they been so bad to deserve this? They were just people..He remembered his mother telling great stories before he went to sleep just yesterday..Was that so evil? Or his father showing him how to hunt and help provide for everyone. Nobody deserved this..
The sight however of his sister being thrown in the pot choked him up. He wanted to do nothing more and stop them but he was just a little kid. Scared for his life as the men laughed with a vacant look in their eyes while they splattered the village in blood and gold.
He stayed there watching, not realising how time had gone by as he looked. Suddenly he blinked at the glaring sun wondering when exactly the sun had risen and the pot was removed the place. A big stone with shapes in them had appeared in it's place. The shapes were the same as...no. Tears threatened to come up again and he angerly shoved the thought away. Those men would pay for hurting their village...Pay for the sight of his mother's hand out stretched in his direction as she screamed in her downfall.
He stared at the holes with no emotion this time as he tried to push it all away. His stomach grumbled. There would be no breakfast with others anymore..No teasing his friends and being back handed as he dropped something again when he tried to help others carrying plates.
His sight became a little blurry as his head grew lighter from the lack of food and the hot sun shining on him for so long now without cover. His ears suddenly picked up on this low scary voice, telling him to come closer to it. At first he was happy, crying from joy as he thought he wasn't the only survivor. He run and hoped as hard as he could as he ran to the strange stone that had appeared but there was no man around...
''You, little child.'' The voice echoed through the room.
''Wh..What?'' He asked out loud as the situation confused him. Was he growing mad from being alone? Maybe he..needed to find some food left over if they houses were still standing. He hadn't really payed any attention to that..
''If you help me..Then I'll make sure your family get avenged...How about that?''
''I...I..who are you? where are you!?'' He cried out and scrunched up his face and little fists.
''Don't mind that..Do you want my offer or not!?'' The voice suddenly boomed out and made him scared. He didn't like the loud sounds but he didn't like anything now. Everything reminded him of..that. Silence..screams..
''N-no!'' He cried out at the stone. He wanted nothing to do with it. Not while it scared him and just brought up his family like that!
He could feel a large presence suddenly behind him but it didn't feel scary but familiar. He slowly looked behind him and saw a huge with snake with a body attached to it. The Thing glared at the stone and took a protective stance before him. The thing reminded him of the beasts his father and mother had and sometimes showed...
He held onto it's gigantic white tail with his chubby small hands. Voices from his people gathered around him in shushing tones. They promised him protection and warmth for now and he believed them.
He got taken outside by his beast and the spirits. Though he would have normally scared him, they were now comforting because they were still around somewhere at least..But the taunting of the voice didn't dimm as he walked away from it. The voice screaming about what had happened the night before in horrifying detail, trying to corrupt him and manipulate.
He soon had to fend for himself, the spirits were not that strong yet and couldn't travel far with him. So he hunt on his own and got by but he needed more than the shambled house and the old rags. So he took on his old dream of being the Great king of thieves yet again and went out the city to steal and plunder.
He grew stronger and better at it as the years gone by but the village also changed. The spirits grew restless and angry at him, angry that they couldn't pass over yet and why he hadn't done a thing. He was a bit saddened by them but he understood the urgency. He was older now and getting more widely known around Egypt. Though no one had seen his face yet, they all knew of a thief who stole and left no trace around.
He tightened up his fists and his scar twitched on his face as he promised them yet again that soon he would gather the items back, kill the pharaoh and would give them their final rest.
Atem pov.
The Prince was born in a flurry of panic. He was swept away from his mother within seconds; taken down into the dark depths of the underground passages. The struggle to conceive had thrown the line of succession into concern already, now the Pharaoh's only child had been born unable to breathe.
The boy's uncle and his set of priests had immediately set up a powerful spell to counteract their own work in strengthening the royal bloodline. The baby's magic was too powerful for the tiny form and if left, he would certainly not survive the night. So, the decision was taken to divide up the baby's soul and seal away the power in order to preserve his life. A dark spell was uttered, a crack of lightning crashed as the newly created gods were sealed and a hush fell over the palace as the baby drew his first peaceful breath.
Atem snuck around the back of the gardens, hiding between each vase and eyeing the gate of the palace. He'd always wondered what lay beyond those high walls. But today was not the day he would find out.
'Prince?' a female voice piped up behind him, 'Who are you hiding from?'
He jumped at the sound and turned to see Mana staring at him curiously whilst crouched down next to him. He smiled slightly at the little brown furball that floated next to her snuffling through the grasses.
'Maybe I'm hiding from you.' He teased, standing up and brushing down his clothes. Mana pouted indignantly and stood alongside him before wandering back toward the palace door, Atem quickly matching her pace.
'Well if you are, then you won't want to know that your father is looking for you and wants you to go and see him.' She replied.
Atem sighed, he loved his father but he grew weary of the responsibilities that he always placed upon him. But nonetheless he bid Mana farewell and headed in the direction of the throne room where his father would be consulting the court.
Gazing across the throne room Atem caught Mahad's eye, who quickly gave him a look at told him to pay attention to the delegates in front of him. The celebrations of his coronation felt more of a chore than the name implied, but he smiled as the representative from Libya bowed deeply. He shifted in the throne and took in the next man in the queue to be presented to him. He was a young man, Atem wouldn't say he was too much older than himself, with strangely coloured hair and eyes. Though it was announced that he came from a place named Atlantis, he had never heard of such a land.
'My Pharaoh, I have heard many stories of your late father's greatness, I can sense this power within you as well. I know your reign will be remembered for many years.' The man started, bowing and placing his left foot clearly toward Atem in a show of respect.
'Rise my friend, what is your name?' Atem enquired politely.
'My name is Dartz, my Pharaoh. I am honoured by your friendship. I hope that this means that our two countries can continue to trade prosperously in the years to come.' With Atem's gentle nod, Dartz continued.
'In fact; as a token of our friendship with this great land of Egypt, I have a gift for your highness, if you will allow me?' He reached into the pocket of his long white robes and presented Atem with a shimmering green stone set in a simple pendant.
Atem stood, walked the few steps down to Dartz and carefully took the necklace from Dartz's outstretched hand. The stone, though beautiful, had a chill to it as he touched it. Looking up at the man before him he smiled and noted the similar looking stone that the Dartz wore himself.
'Thank you for the beautiful gift, I shall treasure it and of course, let our countries continue to be allies in the future Dartz. I should be glad of it.' With that Dartz bowed once again and left Atem to speak to the rest of his guests.
A lone guard broke his way through the crowd toward Mahad, and whispered into his ear. Mahad nodded and dismissed the man before approaching Atem. The monarch had been watching this exchange and noted the dark expression on Mahad's face. He hoped that nothing had gone too wrong, but he also knew that his friend always worried excessively anyway. Welcoming the man up to the throne Atem's smile faded as Mahad explained the problem.
'It's nothing to worry yourself about, my men and I can most certainly protect you from any danger. From my sources, there is no large movements so you should not concern yourself too much, my Pharaoh.'
'Maybe I should shorten the celebrations?' Atem questioned, a small smirk playing on his lips, 'Not that I'm not awfully enjoying sitting up watching you all drink.' Mahad gave him a disapproving look, before looking out across the mass of people, dancers, delegates and other guests. As head of the guard Mahad was indeed concerned with the safety of them, but he also knew he would cause panic if he asked them vacate. Atem would never leave either, whether it was stubbornness or loyalty he couldn't tell but he smiled nonetheless.
Their conversation was disturbed by another guard rushing into the hall, crimson staining his shoulder and panic in his eyes. But this wasn't was caught Atem's attention as a horse burst into the room, trampling the guard under hoof. It was the man astride the horse and the body he pulled behind him.
Bakura pov.
His skills in robbing had grown awfully good and so he took the unspoken challenge of robbing the 'great' Pharaoh his tomb. He skilfully avoided all the traps around and had grinned when he came at the sarcophagus of the man. He kicked the thing in good measure. It was really unjust to interfere with a dead man's rest but he didn't care. Why should he have to respect the corpse as it hadn't even bat an eyelash at murdering a whole city.
He opened it up and coughed at the light sheen of dust falling off. It hadn't been as old as other tombs he had plundered but it was still getting already a bit dirty. He took the rope off his shoulder and tied it tightly around the corpse his neck. ''You're coming with me old man. Can't arrive at a party without a present can I?''
He pulled on the rope until the corpse fell out and he carried it behind him on the self made leash. ''That would just be rude.'' He chuckled out loud. In a matter of moments he would arrive at the palace and make his grand entrance. Though it was a shame to give up his secrecy as no one quite knew who he was exactly and how he looked like but he was sure The new Pharaoh would have to comply. Oh how shameful, first day on the job and already losing his precious items?
The horse run as quickly as it could in the direction of the Palace. Guards were starting to take notice of him as he wasn't slowing down at all. They tried to get at him as it was obvious he was planning to go inside the Palace and disturb the party. He pulled out his sword easily and slashed his way through the human walls. Murdering people didn't bother him anymore as it used to. His first kill was just at a young age but he no choice back then, he was driven into a corner and he could not allow himself to be caught. Now he was also driven into a corner so to say, he had to get inside for the items and they were just in the way.
He laughed loudly as the horse kicked his way through the door. His eyes immediately spotted the Pharaoh as his throne was directly in front of the entrance. ''Hello~ Am I late to the party?'' He jumped of the horse and tugged harshly on the leash. ''Don't worry I brought presents at least. Can't come with empty hands can I? I even wore my best clothing, stolen from some guy in some high position.'' He waved that last comment off casually like he wasn't carrying around a dead man and wearing blood stained jewellery with it.
At first he wasn't sure on how he would feel upon seeing the Pharaoh and his high priests. He was afraid that he would grow so angry at the just the sight of the golden items that he would drop all his attention and careful planning. So he directed his anger to his Diabound, as he had named it later on, to become strong for the battle that would surely come and ignore the items and Pharaoh as much as he could, he shoved away all his emotion to put on a display full with pride and ego.
''As a king to a king..I have come for a trade off. You can have your corpse of a father and all the jewellery I have stolen and I get your Millennium Items. Seems Fair no?''
Atem pov.
Atem stared, speechless, as the rider dismounted and declared his demands. But what truly caught his attention was the body that lay beside him, battered and dirtied by the ride to the palace no doubt. His father's tomb had been defiled by some common thief, how had this happened? Mahad had assured him that the tomb was protected by the best guards and had traps beyond the mind of a genius. He released a slow breath and raised his eyes to the intruder. Whoever this man was, he would suffer for disrespecting his father in this way.
A King, he had said, but what did he mean by that? Surely he was merely bolstering his own ego? Or, could he be the King of Thieves he had heard about in recent years? He certainly looked the part. Drenched in jewellery and the stolen robes of a noble, his aura gave off waves of confidence. Atem narrowed his eyes slightly in confusion; why would the King of the Thieves want to reveal himself to this crowd, to the very people who set the law? From what he had heard about the man previously, he seemed to place a great deal of importance on his anonymity.
The Millennium Items was what he had demanded, the golden items that his father had used to defend this country and that had been passed down to him. His hand reached up for the puzzle and gripped it lightly. Did this man truly think they would hand them over? Though at this thought, his heart ached. He knew he could not give the items away to a thief who stole into the palace in this way, but he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his father's body in the hands of this man. He tightened his fist and rose from the throne, stepping down the platform to beside his priests who immediately circled around him.
'My Pharaoh, let us handle this mere thief. You need not concern yourself with this man, who clearly has no respect.' Seto growled, stepping toward the intruder and raising his Millennium Rod.
'Seto.' Atem warned lowly.
Hearing the tone of his voice, his priest reluctantly stepped aside and allowed Atem to face the man in the entrance. The hall fell into silence as he strode confidently toward the apparent king that stood before him.
'You are the King of Thieves I assume? Atem asked bluntly. 'Why is it you come here? Surely you know that we shall not bow to the likes of a bully, with no respect for the departed or even the living? You shall release my father's body and you may escape an immediate execution.'
Bakura Pov.
He guickly dropped his arrogant smirk for a sneer. Who did that brat think he was? He might be the Pharaoh but he was still just a spoiled child to him. The priests seemed to protect the Pharaoh quickly but the idiot brat pushed his one and only real protection away. If he thought he was just a normal lousy criminal then he was surely mistaken..
He looked down at the fellow king in front of him. He heard some angry gasps of the few alive guards as he 'dared' to look into his eyes directly. He really was an idiot..just standing in front of him like that and also insulting him? The puzzle was now closer to him then before..His eyes strayed down and he bend his head a little in mocking 'respect' though he was actually staring at the puzzle with inventive eyes. His hands twitched a little in his want to grab on to the thing.
As soon as the puzzle was close enough he pulled on the chain, still hanging around the Pharaoh his neck so it was bringing him closer as well. He turned the chain connecting the puzzle around his arm. He looked a little higher, into the face of his victim again.
''Oh I'm sorry...Was I not clear?'' He growled out and spat in his face. ''Give me the items. Your father was a disgusting man and I will never show respect to him in my live. He was not dead already I would have killed him myself in revenge.''
His teeth bared in his anger, he tried to keep himself in but now that dammed brat was acting like he was the bad guy here when the palace and all it's worker were clearly in the wrong. How dare he act innocent.
''You think I fear your pathetic execution? Like I fear death..I'm already surrounded in it, brat.'' He spat out. ''Just give me all the items like a good boy...and I'll leave...'' His grip tightened on the puzzle as he spoke.
Atem pov.
His heart dropped into his feet when the thief grabbed the puzzle, slowly twisting the rope around his arm and dragging him closer to the intimidating man. The gasps and shouts from behind him were drowned out by his own heartbeat as he stared back into the wild eyes of the Thief King. It had been all too long since anyone had had the gall to look him in the eye and he had forgotten the power such eye contact could hold. All the confidence and jokes were gone now, the man's burning anger washed over him. The harshness of his words terrified him, even though he desperately tried to not show this, especially in front of the mass of guests around them.
Both Seto and Mahad had surged forward to his aid, but as the man's grip tightened on the rope, he knew they could not make any moves for fear of endangering his own life. Frustrated at his own stupidity, he grunted slightly at the tightness on his throat and attempted to retain some air of dignity. Now he had placed himself in this situation, he knew his priest would hand over the items. Why had he been so stupid and underestimated this man? He supposed this new furious nature had not been clear before, but even so. His mind racing, his eyes narrowed, as the thief spat threats at him, he attempted to figure a plan to escape the situation he had put himself in.
'Release him!' Mahad called, 'We'll give you the items, just do not harm our king.' He was always too soft, Atem thought to himself, knowing Mahad would give the world to see him safe.
'No, you fool.' Seto countered, 'The thief knows if anything happens to the Pharaoh than he won't make it to the door before we have struck him down, make your choice.' Atem decided that he had to speak up before the situation got out of hand, with this own priests fighting amongst themselves.
'Seto is right, kill me and you won't make it to the door. You'll never have your precious items then.' He glared up at the man, and smirked watching the others eyes narrow in anger. 'Your choice.'
Bakura pov
For a second there he had doubted his decision by coming already and risking anonymity like that. He ground his teeth together and held his look, sharp and with confidence even if he was in such a tight spot. He still had the upper hand, in surprise at least maybe.
No he would not be struck down in such a manner, this was his time for revenge. His family was counting on him to bring the items home.
Suddenly he realised that in some kind of way...He was holding a part of his family in his hand. His hand shook for a second from the gruesome thought. He did not want to leave without at least one item. He would give his all for them but he knew survival was also important. He was the last one left, their only choice.
He could just stab the kid right there, he thought in anger at the smirk he was given. ''You know..that would be a great threat on your part...If only I'd believe you can all defeat me..'' He smirked back at him, widening his smirk on purpose.
He called upon Diabound who quickly rose from his soul. Diabound greeted him ever so loyally in his mind and stood before the prince. It's stance in clear protection of Bakura.
He turned the Pharaoh around so his back was against his chest as he hold on to the puzzle and the other's chin tightly. He carefully stepped backwards bit by bit to reach his horse as Diabound roared and spat with it's snake mouth below.
Atem pov.
Panic shot through Atem's veins as he felt himself being pulled backwards and finally saw the groups of terrified guests and his own priests standing helplessly. He fought against the force but frustratingly his own strength could not match the larger man, especially with the rope so tight around his neck. Mahad reached out to him as he was dragged backwards and there were shouts from the crowd as the thief outwitted the entire court. Of course, he could just take him with him and there was nothing the priests could do. Atem growled in frustration as he furiously tried to think of some way out of this situation. If he allowed himself to be captured, his friends would be a massive disadvantage in any future confrontation with the man.
He felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek, the horse's breath on his shoulder and heard the thief gloating to the court. Atem put up his final pull of resistance and hoped to the Gods he could get free of the man. It was then he felt a strong pain in his chest, and his breath hitched in his throat. He felt himself fall forward slightly and his vision double slightly. The thief gripped him tighter and dragged him back toward his chest but he hardly felt it. The pain was like his very heart being torn into pieces and eyes being set aflame. He felt himself being dropped very suddenly and he landed harshly, knocking his head.
The horse whinnied and reared as the thief desperately attempted to grab the poor creature as the palace was lit by a blinding strike of lightning. Atem rose his head to watch as a colossal crimson dragon snapped its jaws around the body of the monster, seemingly named Diabound…
Bakura pov.
It was Bakura his plan to keep his hold on the pharaoh and get them on his horse to ride away together. However just as he tried to throw the guy in his horse his plan was already foiled. The pharaoh seemed to get some kind of attack as he suddely fell forwards, he tried to hold on to him but he let go in shock as the red god was suddenly released from the sky.
He knew he quickly had to make a decision, though he was extremely sure of his and diabound's power..he was still a mortal. He couldn't lose his life in such pathetic battle. Even though they now knew of his face, it was better to retreat perhaps and come back again maybe. He'd try a more careful plan next time and kill the priests and pharaoh one for one.
With his mind made clear he quickly tried to step on his panicking horse but a sharp sudden pain through his body. He hissed and held on to the manes of the horse tightly as it felt like sharp knives pierced several parts. ''Ack...'' He groaned out loud and his anger rose at the sudden attack of the god.
He tightened up his fists, his hate making his monster grow stronger in return. He spat out some blood and quickly ordered Diabound to attack Osiris and everything in its reach with Helical Shockwave. Though he knew he could not defeat the god, yet, it would leave him to try and leave again, The attack would not hit the god in a critical way but it should at least stop his jaws from pressing in.
His quick thinking and his ability to make up several back up plans in a stressful time, he was a king of thieves after all, payed off. He was right, the jaws seemed to let go a little from Diabound's body. He took that precious second to jump on the horse again and activate his special ability, the power to go through walls. Though less of a dramatic way, it was certainly efficient.
He drove off with a yelled promise of his return with some extra special presents next time. The present however would be Diabound having evolved and hopefully a knife to their throats.
Though he loved his family, he devoted his life for their eternal rest after all, he was not enjoying the thought of having to return empty handed. They could grow more cold and anxious. Though a part of him understand that their spirits weren't as they once were anymore, they grew angry quickly instead of the protective actions they gave when he was a child, he just felt the guilt of being the lone survivor.
So while he was quickly riding his horse, now long passed the angry few guards and villages, he thought up on his earlier made plan. To take them out one by one perhaps..Though even just holding one item should make him a serious amount stronger. His thoughts strayed upon the faces of the priests to choose which one would be a smart one to take out as he suddenly noticed a lone figure standing near the borders of his village..
Atem pov.
Atem heard the thief cry out as he managed to clamber up onto the panicked horse, obviously the pain from the God's attack. With a quick counterattack, the dragon released its grip on the monster and the thief shouted a final threat before riding off into the town. He vaguely heard Seto command the guards to pursue the man and Mahad calling to him as he ran over. But before the man could reach him, a flash of red appeared before him. Pushing himself up from the ground slowly, he stared up as the dragon wrapped itself around him. It seemed to be protecting him, Atem supposed, as it stared down at the group of priests. The dragon was monstrously huge, yet he didn't feel afraid, he looked up and caught the gaze of the beast. Its eyes burnt into his own and he felt the strength to rise to his feet. Maintaining eye contact, he raised his hand and the dragon, Osiris, his mind supplied, lowered itself down to his level. Osiris gradually disappeared into a streak of red light.
He smiled gently to himself. He'd been a fool to take on that thief without any plan; but the Gods had been merciful and given him a second chance. He wouldn't waste it. It was then he felt his legs go from under him, and he collapsed into the arms of Mahad. He heard the others running over and the crowd shouting.
'Pharaoh? Open your eyes…' Mahad pleaded, wiping some blood from his temple and the hair from his eyes.
'It's alright, he's only unconscious. That knock on his head and the God…'
'…that was his ka? He's never summoned it before.'
'…his eyes were glowing red, just like the colour of the dragon, you saw how it responded…'
Atem drifted into unconsciousness as the voices carried on around him, briefly noticing himself being lifted into someone's arms, Mahad's he supposed…
(Dartz pov)
Dartz watched carefully as the thief approached on horseback, standing boldly in his path. The boy had certainly grown in power over the years since the massacre but the true part he was interested in was the rage he could feel emanating from the man. He smiled to himself, there was no doubt he would be a perfect match for the Orichalcos stone. The horse reared up in front of him and he looked up into the eyes of the thief.
'I will not patronize you with false talk, King of Thieves.' He began, 'I have a proposition for you; one that involves a great deal of power. Will you consider it?'
He knew that the thief would be suspicious, so he bowed his head slightly, this would take a different approach than he had taken with the Pharaoh. But, he knew he could manipulate them both equally, hopefully their battle would result in the most progress he had made in years in the release of the Great Leviathan. He may even manage to get both their souls for his collection. Reaching into the pocket of his cloak he removed the shard he intended for the thief. But before he had brought it before him, the thief had left the horse and had a dagger to his throat. Dartz twitched slightly in annoyance, the man was clearly more suspicious than he had originally planned for…
