hey y'all! It's Aurora here with a new story. While I'm working on Amethyst Dust and my original professional work I thought maybe to try out something else with YGO. I'm giving Naruto a break for me to breathe and heal from the harassment I have received over plus two years and still is ongoing right now. I still love and adore that fandom. I'm not giving up on any of my works, but I need a break from it for a while. I'll get back to it in due course depending on when I'm feeling up to it. That's why I'm just going to be working on Yu-Gi-Oh fanfics and focusing on my professional original work until I'm feeling better to work on Naruto fics again. I apologize if this disappoints anyone.

The chappies for this will be long. Why? Because I really enjoy working on longfics. This will be really fun to work on and hopefully the same will happen for y'all reading it. If it doesn't get well received then that's oks because I'll still continue it anyway. Besides, I can at least try my best.

Anyway, enough of me blathering on for now. I hope you all enjoy what happens in this. Please remember to favorite, follow, vote, subscribe, drop some kudos, and leave some nice comments.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters.

Pairings: Ladder, Tender, Blind, Pride, Revert, and Bronze. Any others will be implied and/or added like usual.

Dark Enchantment

Chapter 1: Blaze

Yugi

There are six kingdoms in these lands. Each house something different in race, species, and other attributes. The one I'm in is one full of nekos. Being the prince of this one isn't all people might want to believe. Nope, there's no happiness in being someone born and raised into royal blood. The lineage has nothing except hardships that are put onto my shoulders. Sure, I'm capable of it, but that changes nothing in the long run. There's no breaks it seems at times. Yeah, even at the age of nineteen I still don't have a mate yet. Probably my family is still not in the slightest pleased by this with me being the next to rule our kingdom whenever my grandfather passes away. Solomon is the only family I have after all. What I've been able to find throughout the years is that my parents died a few years after I was born. So, I have no idea who they were or anything about them except the stories that my grandpa will tell me at night while growing up here. There are a few slivers of daylight peeking in through the curtains. Having thought to get a few more winks, I guess there's nothing more I can do. Groaning in annoyance, I roll over to get out of bed at last. Going to take a quick shower, I dry off after I bathe, stepping back into my room to see what I feel like wearing today. Apparently the elders want me to sit in on one of their meetings. Why? Those are so boring anyway. What's the point of them?

Alone with my thoughts, I take out a pair of tights and a tunic. The bottoms are black while the top is a dark purple hue. Putting them on after putting on a pair of boxer briefs, I put on my combat boots after everything else is on. Applying some kohl underneath my eyes, I put on one of my chokers as well. The clothing I have is set in a way to ensure that my dual tails aren't cramped in them. They kind of look like my hair, but are different too. The way my hair is has mostly black with amethyst at the tips of each strand, but I also have blonde bangs. My fur is the same color when I shift to my full form. Majority of the time I like to stay in my humanoid form like now. In this I have a fair complexion, petite frame, and a good amount of muscle on me. There are a pair of cat ears atop my head though. The tails I have are mostly black with dusting of gold at the tips while the insides of my ears are blonde too. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I smirk at feeling like I'm presentable for whatever I need to muddle through today. Exiting out of my room, I go out into the hallway. Walking down the corridors, I come to the correct one where those meetings are usually held. Not bothering to knock, I enter through the double doors. There are a couple of the elders there. Going to my spot, I pay half attention to what they speak about. It's maybe an hour or so later when everything finishes up. One of them requests for me to stay back for a bit before I can finally leave. Damn it! I want to go outside though… Hmph, well, I guess I can see to this first.

"Yeah?" I ask, guessing that Shadi needs to speak to me about something important with how serious he looks.

"Listen, little one," begins the dark haired man, sighing in resignation at knowing how I can sometimes be impatient.

"This better be good," I warn, narrowing my eyes ever so slightly at him.

"It is," reassures Shadi before continuing on with whatever he wants to talk about with me of all people. "It's concerning to your grandfather and the rest of the palace that you don't have a mate yet. King Solomon won't last forever. There has been an arrangement set up."

"What?" I snap in agitation, bristling at thinking I might have to go through with some stupid arranged marriage to someone I don't know nor love against my will.

"You will be heading to his kingdom tomorrow. This is something you can't avoid, Yugi," says Shadi firmly, leaving no room for me to argue against this. "Be ready to meet your future husband."

This seems to be my signal to dismiss from the room. Storming out of there, I clench my fists at my sides. How dare they arrange something without my consent? Look, I know that the kingdom requires me to have someone to wed sooner rather than later, but I much prefer it being my choice instead of someone else's who I eventually marry. Maybe they'll at least give us some time to get to know each other. A courtship can't go through in full without it anyway. My ears flatten on my head, finding these thoughts and the predicament bothering me more than I might like. Still, there's nothing I can do about this. Am I even going to like whoever this might be? At least they took into consideration my preference. If it had been someone to be my future wife I'd definitely raise all hell about it. Though to know that someone is to be my future husband is oddly enough somewhat comforting. Releasing a breath I don't even realize I've been holding, I know I need to get a grip on myself. Tomorrow…..I'll meet him. What will he be like anyway?

I'll find out soon. He better not be some alpha who thinks he has full control over me. Oh, no, if he's like that then he'll find out that he has a handful to deal with, but maybe he won't be like that hopefully.

()()()()()()

Atem

Tomorrow I'll be able to finally meet my future husband. It's about time anyway, being the age of twenty-two years of age. My younger sibling, Yami, is two years younger than I am. We're both sons of Dartz. The thought of seeing him in a day excites me in more ways than one. From what my retainer has been able to tell me is that it's a he. Oh thank Ra that it's a male. At least the Elders are considerate of our preferences. Then again, I doubt the ones of our race want to deal with me when I get in a rage. What we are is those of the daylight, being immortals even though we can be killed by a select few methods. Blood is our life essence to stave off the thirst although we can eat human food too. Unfortunately, we can't be out during the day unless we want to die in a blaze of ash. In our home in the Underworld is a place we don't have to worry about such trivial things. It's only on the mortal plain that we have to worry about it. Staring out the window at the dusk strewn streets, I let out a sigh, yearning for the moment when I can finally be face to face with him. Probably he's not looking forward to it like I am, but that's perfectly fine to me. In a traditional kimono, I have my tricolored hair pulled back into a low ponytail. It's mostly blonde with some black underneath while there's crimson at the tips of each strand. Casting my violet gaze around, I see that all is at ease. Good, the less trouble the better, knowing that it's been difficult with some issues spurring up now and again. Plus, with father having found his own has there being some upheaval with his entanglement with some sort of succubus. Yami and I are still unsure with having a mother figure in our life. Vivian isn't a cold hearted bitch towards us, but she can be ruthless to anyone that hurts us. So, it's pretty smooth sailing so far it seems. Besides, father is happy which is what matters the most. We're getting the hang slowly yet surely of having someone else in the palace for once. Furthering my musings, I suppose there might be some preparations to be done before he comes here. Apparently I'm suppose to greet him, but this only increases my anticipation for that moment to arise. Why must it still be so long until then? Time can be so cruel sometimes. Though I guess the wait will be worth it in the end. The other information I have been given is of his name, race, etc. of the like in full detail. At least I won't be caught too off guard.

Yugi….. I will make you mine one way or another…

()()()()()()

Yami

Why am I a part of this? Atem's the one next in line for the throne. Is there really a reason for me to be in an arrangement too? It still isn't something I really understand. Getting up, I go to try to speak to our step-mother. I don't know if father will listen to reason about this. He seems so set in how this is suppose to go. Hesitantly, I exit out of my room to go into the hallway. What I have on are a pair of simple black slacks with a t-shirt and leather boots. It's nothing fancy although I seem to just swing on the side of caution a lot sometimes. Maybe it's an anxious tick or something though who knows really for certain. Walking down the halls, I go to where her room is, raising a hand to knock lightly until I hear her give me permission to come inside. Having a tone form, I have a decent amount of muscle on me including having a fair complexion and all. Sometimes people cast me looks, but I usually ignore them most of the time. Why do I seriously need to pay someone the time of day that I might not see again anytime soon?

"Oh, Yami, is something the matter?" Asks the dark haired woman as I enter, noticing that I seem a little bothered about something.

"Why do I need to go through with this too? Atem's the heir to the throne," I explain, letting my words tumble out with no hesitation, causing heat to rise in my cheeks at the embarrassment for how I go about this.

"I'm afraid so, honey. It's your father's rule after all," says Vivian in the most gentle tone she can muster, placing her hands on my shoulders to try conveying some comfort. "Look, I know this isn't something you want to do, but it's necessary."

"How?" I want to know, doubting this is really important for me when in actuality it's for the benefit of our kingdom instead.

"Because you and Atem deserve some happiness in your lives," she tells me, locking gazes too to ensure that I'm really listening to her. "You might not realize it at first, but I know this isn't just for the kingdom and us. It's for you as well. Can't you at least fake being excited to meet Seto tomorrow?"

"I don't know," I let out a breath, feeling uncertain about even feigning it.

"Do it for me then please," pleads Vivian, still having the eye contact to further her point to me.

The withering gaze is starting to ware down on me, "Ok, ok, I'll do my best."

Giving me a hug, she smiles, "Good. I know you can do it. Besides, once you get to know him I'm sure you'll warm up right away."

"I don't know about that, but I'll try," I give a faint ghost of a smile in return, giving her a hug as well before we part, guessing that it has been better having some maternal figure in our lives to help us.

"As long as you try that's what matters," says Vivian sternly. "Is there anything else you need to talk about?"

Giving it some thought, I shrug, "No, not really. He'll be here in the morning, right?"

"Yes. Atem will have his coming here at the same time," she lets me know, feeling glad that she can at least help to relieve some of my worries.

"Ok, I'll go now," I decide to take my leave, not wanting to bother her anymore even though she doesn't mind me talking to her.

Nodding, she watches me go. I close the door quietly behind me as I exit out into the hallway. Alone with my thoughts again, I guess this might not be too bad. Though I have no idea what Seto is like. All I know is he's a naga along with being someone that doesn't easily let anyone in. How can I be a good match for him and vice versa? Can any of this really work out for the best? Maybe I'm just overthinking this too much, deciding to go outside to walk for a while. Being out of the castle usually puts my mind better at ease. Being out here, I can go about as I please without anyone looking at me with judgment. What? I notice these things about the elders and all. The servants know not to show that sort of thing towards Atem and I. Still, it bothers me, but at least father and Vivian don't view us like that. They always see us as their children. We're nothing more nor nothing less to them.

I'll find out tomorrow. Seto…..I hope we'll be able to get along fairly well enough.

()()()()()

Seto

Tomorrow will be the day it seems. Father has let me know of the arrangement a few months ago. It's nothing uncommon for the heirs to the throne being put on the line like this. At least mine recognizes how to not piss me off. Being put with another male pleases me more than I might like to admit. Somehow father knows this, guessing he can read me even when I always have a stoic exterior. My retainer, Pegasus, has given me all the information I require. The fool still makes advances and such towards me verbally, but never goes through with it physically. It's good to know that the help realize the boundaries. If they cross it the wrong way then there's hell to pay most likely from my father rather than myself unless he gives permission to see through with the punishment being given to whatever servant has done it. Rarely does it happen when Pegasus or anyone else for that matter gone over the line, guessing they have come to realize what bridges they can't go over. Preparing myself, I contemplate over what has been given to me about this so called Yami. It seems he's the younger of two sons of the immortal king. My family also dwells down here in the Underworld, but at a different section of it. The palace where the leeches dwell is in the center of the domain here while our den is at the northern point. The shifters including the nekos, kitsune, and inu all live on the mortal plain. Hmm, I wonder how Atem's fiancé to be will get here. It's an interesting point to consider, but it's not really important for me to think about it for too long. Besides, my focus is on Yami of course. Going over everything I know of him thus far aside from what he is and who his family is, I think about how his personality is. It's the complete opposite to how I am by a long shot to say the least. Well, hopefully he's prepared for someone such as myself. Having a regal demeanor, I normally wear a suit in my humanoid form. It's a white duster jacket with a white shirt and black slacks underneath though I sometimes have a tie as well to complete the ensemble. My feet is a different issue though…. Well, there lack of feet that is considering we're all nagas in this corner of this world down below. Everything beneath my waist is a serpent's tail. The scales are opaque. The thing is that we're not the average kind of nagas when it comes to my family and I. Aside from the serpentine features we also have a pair of wings on our backs that appear quite draconic. Some say that our race is dracosnakes, but I beg to differ even though those who speak of it might be right. We have venomous fangs in our teeth, but we can control the amount that leaks out from time to time. The eyes are slanted a bit in a reptilian fashion. The ones I have are icy blue, not letting anything show outside of the walls I have spent an appropriate amount of time building up to allow no emotion to show on the outside. Inwardly is a different story I suppose even though I usually don't pay it at all much or if at any attention.

Well, tomorrow will be an interesting day indeed. He better not disappoint me.

()()()()()

Bakura

"Akefia, is this bullshit necessary?" I demand to know, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Yeah, it is," sighs my older brother, knowing my frustration at having to procure a mate through the arrangement our father has set up for us a while ago.

"How do you know these bitches are even worth our time?" I continue to question him, narrowing my eyes ever so slightly at him.

"Have some trust," he responds with a slight smile at me, feeling uncertain about this whole thing.

He and I aren't a common race. We're known as half-dead or otherwise known as Halushin. Our limbs are kept together by thread, having onyx for myself while Akefia prefers the ruby one. He and I are obviously not the same. He has caramel skin while I have albino pale. His eyes are slate gray while mine are crimson. Our clothing style is a little similar, but not that much. Our hair is both wild, but his is white while mine is silver. Normally I wear all black consisting of a duster trench coat with a gray shirt and leather pants underneath while my feet are clad in a pair of combat boots. What he wears are a pair of traditional tights and tunic with a cloak and leather boots. It doesn't surprise me in the slightest with how he doesn't like breaking away from the old ways of dressing. Sometimes I sniff at him, but he doesn't pay me any heed from it. Shrugging, he turns back to gazing at the scrying mirror. Both of us have been given privy to receive a glimpse of who we'll be coming face to face with tomorrow. Akefia has seen his already, guessing he has some mixing feelings about it. Well, that's nothing unusual since he can be a little particular about who he's with. When it's my turn, I smirk at seeing the innocent appearing snow leopard neko. Someone that looks so angelic spurs me to want to make him mine no matter the cost. Well, tomorrow, I'll be seeing him up close and personal. So, it won't be much of a wait really. When we're both done, I think father wants to see us for some meeting. Why do I have to be at these anyway? There's no damn reason for me to be in attendance when Akefia's the next in line to be the ruler on the throne of bones.

"Good, you've both come," says Axurion, noticing we've come at his beck and call as per usual even though I don't personally want to be here. "You both are aware your future husbands will be arriving here in the morning."

"Yes, what about it?" I respond curtly, finding this idle chitchat to get on my nerves quickly.

"Are you both prepared?" He asks, cutting me a light glare as if silently warning me or something like that.

"Of course," reassures Akefia, glancing at me in concern, knowing that this isn't ideal for me in the slightest. "Isn't that right, Bakura?"

"I guess so," I shrug, not paying too much attention to this.

"Good," our father murmurs, not minding my disgruntlement about this whole situation that's put onto us without even asking. "That's all I really thought to talk to you about. There will be a meeting later this night you both need to attend."

"What the hell? Why the fuck do I need to attend them?" I bark out of frustration. "Akefia's the heir to the throne. I'm just the bastard staying in his shadow."

"Bakura, listen, it's important for you to be there too in case anything might happen to your older brother," says Axurion in a straining voice as if I might be testing his patience.

"Yeah, yeah, you keep telling me that bullshit when you know I don't believe you," I challenge, glaring daggers at him before pivoting on my heel to exit the room. "You're not my real father anyway. So, don't you dare pretend to be it."

Storming out of there, I go into the hallways before exiting out of our home into the streets. Why does he keep trying to form some relationship when I don't want it? Sure, he has raised us, but we aren't his real children nor is he our true father. It changes nothing anyway I guess. Akefia tries to run after me, but I blast a surge from my shade to stop him in his tracks to show him I don't want to be around anyone close to me right now. Some alone time will do me some good. Maybe I'll want his company whenever I come back. It's not likely, but who knows. The thought of the one I'll see tomorrow floats to the forefront of my mind. At least it won't be boring around here for much longer. That comforting thought assists me in continuing to walk around the streets for many hours. Somehow I manage to skip the meeting thank the gods. The last thing I want is to spend my time wasting being around some Elders who view me with scorn. Does Akefia not see it too? They don't think we'll rule this place as well as he does, but I actuality we probably will do a much better job than he ever has by far. The elders just have their heads too far in the sand to realize it just yet. Given enough time will ensure that they see reason, but that won't be until Akefia takes the throne for himself when the time comes for him to seize his birthright. Where does that leave me? Still, I remain in his shadow. Why does this happen to the younger siblings where we can't stand out from our older one? Is it always going to be this way? Does he see how much I suffer to keep him happy? Maybe, but he doesn't show me a damn thing to signify that he appreciates what I do for him.

It won't be much longer now…. Soon, I'll have someone to occupy my time instead of being alone.

()()()()()

Akefia

Why does Bakura always have to be this way? When I'm done getting through the meeting, I try to go find him. His shade can't keep me away from him forever. Doesn't he know that we're family even though the father we have isn't our real one? I understand what he's going through, but he doesn't want me anywhere near him. Doesn't he see that he doesn't have to go through this alone? Sometimes I wonder where his thinking gets him to at times. Then again, I have to realize that we've both have been making sacrifices for one another. Perhaps with the prospect of having someone to court will make our lives a little better and less stressful. The image of the one for me I have seen does please me greatly. Apparently it's some king of another part of the Underworld. Where our kind dwell is somewhere in between there and the mortal plain. The positioning is in the catacombs where it's a good enough place to take home inside of. Besides, no one from the human world bothers us unless there's been some trouble brewing. That hasn't happened for several hundred years. We hope to keep it that way though.

Bakura….. Why can't you see that we can help each other? Do you always have to push me away? I think to myself, finding it frustrating with wanting to be there for him while he just wants me to stay far away.

Clenching my fists at my sides, I punch the nearest wall. At least that'll help getting some frustration out. Sighing, I wish there's more I can do. I feel helpless when I know he's hurting while I can't do a single thing about it. The feeling of scales along my shoulders alerts me to Diabound's presence. She's my retainer and protector. To Bakura and I she has been like our mother. Diabound is more of a parent than Axurion will ever be. It's not something we discuss to him, but Bakura and I have a mutual understanding about it. It's comforting to know she has come to me at sensing my turbulent emotions. It's not something I show outwardly, but inwardly is a completely different story all together.

You can't go after him, little drake…. He has to sift through this on his own, hisses the feminine voice in my mind, knowing that Diabound is probably right.

I know, but I hate feeling completely useless when I know he's suffering, I admit to her, shifting on my footing a little to shift her weight on my shoulders to equal it out a bit. What's there for me to do when I know my kin doesn't want me around him? Can I even call myself a good brother when I'm not there for him when he needs me the most?

Akefia, listen, there are some things that you can't help him with, says Diabound softly, understanding my issue at hand. There are certain things that you and he must figure out separately. You might feel this way now, but it won't last forever. Try going to talk to him when he returns.

I will, I promise, feeling her slither off my shoulders to return to my own shade, feeling at ease with her so close.

Tomorrow will be a better day, right? Right? Yeah, I need to believe and hope it will not just for me, but for Bakura too.

()()()()()

Zorc

My, my, this is quite interesting to see who I get the liberty to claim as my own. Of course the courtship needs to go through the correct process before any…..physical contact can happen. A willing participant is necessary because I don't engage with someone that doesn't want to be with me in every sense. To know that it won't be until tomorrow at dawn when I'll meet him is a little annoying. Though I suppose the wait will be worth it in the end. That's what I know for a certainty. Gazing at the scrying mirror again, I gaze at the sight of Akefia. Licking my lips, I anticipate when I can do more than just see him. Being a demon means that I have my own domain to control over my rule. In the cloth of dark robes, I have dark hair that falls to my shoulders and a pair of amber eyes. Skeletal skin adorns a slender form with an ample amount of muscle for myself. This is the form I prefer rather than what my true one is. Rarely do I ever show anyone that form unless absolutely necessary. On my throne of onyx stone, I continue to gaze into the crystalline surface, dispelling the current image to survey what else is going on. It appears that the princes of the other kingdoms are in the same situation. Well, I'm a king obviously which is the vast difference between all of them and myself. When I'm done, I summon my advisor to speak with considering that there will be quite a number of changes to come to pass in the upcoming moons.

"You require my service, sire?" Asks the dark haired woman, bowing to me before straightening her stance.

"Yes, Isis," I confirm, going into what I require her to answer for me. "is this union something that needs to be seen through?"

"Indeed, my lord," concurs the priestess, having her usual garb on as she levels me with her lilac lavender pools. "Is there anything else I can council you about?"

"I suppose so," I give it some thought before continuing to converse with her. "How are the arrangements for tomorrow's travel going?"

"The ebonrians are set with their saddles and everything. It'll be ready for when you are to depart from here to there," assures Isis, feeling pleased with this report of hers.

"Good, good, I'm glad to hear that," I give a slight smirk, deciding that she'll receive a reward for pleasing her master. "You recall one of the succubi that have caught your attention, right?"

"What of it?" She blinks a few times, unsure of what brings me to want to speak about such a personal matter.

"You may have her for doing well," I tell her, receiving a grateful smile and bow from her in return.

"Thank you, sire. You're too kind," says Isis graciously in return for what I'm giving her.

"Only the best for my advisor. You have not steered me wrong thus far," I tell her, knowing that she appreciates the praise I give since it's not often that I feel someone deserves it although she does with how she never faults to perform well with her duties. "You may leave and go find her now. There are things I must attend to."

"Yes, of course," giving one more bow, she takes her leave of the throne room, noticing there's a little more spirit in her step than usual.

It's not often that I feel up to doing good deeds. Though Isis has been in my service ever since I can remember. So, she is quite valuable indeed to keep around. The thought of leaving here for a time is disconcerting to say the least. The Skeleita will guard it with their lives, knowing if they fail then they shall face my wrath. So, I don't need to be so uptight about it anyway. They'll do their duties without fault because they know the price of failure is far greater than success when it concerns serving under me. Some say that I am quite ruthless, but that's only when I need to be. The remainder of the time. I'm quite fair in my decisions and choices I make. Besides, I try to ensure that my people are satisfied with everything I do to ensure the peace remains with some chaos in the mix. Everyone does grow bored if it's always tranquil. Some conflict every so often stirs the pot to ensure they don't become too complacent in a little piece of heaven when we reside in the abyss of hell itself. Though down here is nothing of what the human myths say.

Only time will tell to see if this so called Akefia won't be boring. All I can tell for a certainty that I will make him mine one way or another no matter the cost it may take.

()()()()()

Ryou

The thought of being with someone excites me. I'm also incredibly anxious about all of this. What if he's not a very nice person to me? What if he hates cats? Frowning, I shake my head, trying to get rid of thoughts that will only drag me down. Being a snowy kind of neko means I ride in the north section of the human world. Sometimes I'm able to get in touch with Yugi, Jonouchi, or Marik, but that's few and far in between when we're really able to get together. We're all of noble and/or royal bloodlines that tie us down to individual duties that we have to see through. The only family I have is my father, mother, and younger sister. Being the older sibling means I'm the one to be next in line to take over the reins here. When that time comes will I be ready for it? Maybe I'm overthinking this way too much, but it's hard for me not to when there's so much I still don't know. At least my retainer, Necrofear, has been able to gather enough intel to let me know the man I'm going to see tomorrow morning. Apparently I'm suppose to go down there. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end with going down so close to the depths. Why can't he come here to me instead? The thought makes my ears flatten on the top of my head, but then perk up at the thought that it might not be so bad. The knot of dread that still sits in my stomach doesn't subside in the slightest though. I guess that's something to expect even though I do know his name and all. There's still a lot I don't know like how he is personality wise. Then again, I must have trust that I'm to be with someone that's suppose to clash well with someone like me. What I mean by that is I'm…..a pure soul which leads me to sometimes submissive tendencies. Though Yugi has been able to teach me how to fight and have a backbone. So, I'm not entirely like how I've been before thanks to him. Also, I haven't ever had a mate until this moment when I'm suppose to be with someone for the good of the kingdom.

"That's what father keeps telling me," I mutter to myself, glad to be outside to stretch myself and all, knowing that Amane might be out here too.

"Big brother?" Asks the feminine voice of who I expect to find here, giving a soft smile when Amane glomps me.

Laughing, I hug her back, "Hey there, baby sis. It's a relief to see you out here too."

"Father said you'll be out here," pouts Amane, getting off of me though to poke at my cheek. "Something's bothering you, isn't it? Tell me please, Ry-Ry."

Heat rushes to my cheeks, knowing when she uses that nickname she's trying to persuade me to get to spill all of it, "Uh, well, I….don't know about this whole thing between Bakura and I. What if he hates people like us or something?"

"You'll be perfect…. I just know it," beams Amane, feeling a wash of warmth overcome me at her positivity, appreciating her outlook on things when I feel dreary about it. "try not to worry too much about it, ok? Our parents wouldn't go through with this if they thought you two won't be a good match."

"You're probably right," I sigh, giving a small smile in return to her. "Thanks for talking to me about this. You always look at it differently than I do."

"Anytime. That's what siblings are for," hugging me again, she scurries off to chase some butterflies she caught sight of.

Maybe she's right after all. I'll take this with the best attitude I can. Besides, this is suppose to help all of us, right? So, I don't need to complain too much. This might help me too because I've been trying to find someone, but haven't had any luck until now. Le'ts just hope that they've put me with someone that'll work out well. But if he's a total asshole then I won't give him the time of day.

()()()()()

Marik

"Ishizu," I whine, gaining her attention. "Why do I have to go through with this anyway?"

"Because it's what father wants," sighs my sister, causing me to have a pained look when she mentions that bastard that has only given me strife throughout my life. "I know it's not what you want, but it's nothing that we can stop."

"No, it's because you don't even try to stop it," I hiss out, getting up to storm out of the tomb.

"Marik, please.! Come back!" Yells out Ishizu desperately.

Oh, so now she wants to try rectifying her mistakes? Too bad though because it's too late to try reconciling what she's never done for me. Odion feels more of a true sibling to me than she ever has. At least he has done his best to try stopping things that father has made decisions about for me. When I go out to walk deep into the catacombs, I give a slight smile when I see him accompany me. He's also my retainer apparently for whatever reason. I guess our father sees him as a good person to protect me. In the garb of a purple cloak with a pair of khaki tights and a black tunic on underneath I also have a pair of sandals on my feet. Gold bands adorn my arms. There's a dusting of kohl underneath my lilac lavender eyes. Darting my sight around our current surroundings, I sigh in contact for being far away from our home. Being there is stifling a lot of the time when we have our father to deal with all of the damn time. When I stop, Odion puts a hand on one of my shoulders. Visibly, I relax at the gesture, knowing he's trying to comfort me at all that bothers me.

"Thanks," I say quietly to him.

"it's the least I can do," murmurs Odion, understanding that I deal with a hefty weight because of being the next in line to take over our place here of the sphinxes that guard the dead royals of the past millennia.

"You're more of a sibling than she is," I admit to him, catching his gaze in the dim light of the sconces that adorn the walls to flicker torchlight every so often to anyone that walks through the corridors down here.

"I know," sighs Odion, appreciating the sentiment though seems bothered by how the relationship between my sister and I is so distant. "Do you think you can ever forgive her? She does feel terrible for what she hasn't been able to do for you."

"Maybe one day, but today isn't it," I shake my head at him, knowing it'll take more than words for me to spare any forgiveness to her.

"Fair enough," shrugs my half-brother, knowing how I must feel. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"to see Malik again? Oh yes," I grin, feeling excitement bubble up again in my chest at the anticipation of seeing that gorgeous golden Phoenix again after all these years have gone by. "I'm glad that he and I are going to be together instead of someone else."

"Take it as you will, but it's your father's choice who you're to eventually wed," speaks up Odion hesitantly, knowing how the mention of my father can easily set me off.

"Really?" I tilt my head to the side, feeling curious about why father decides to now be considerate of me when all the rest of the time he's never given a damn about me. "But why? He's never been kind enough to take me into consideration before. What makes now so different?"

"I honestly don't know, Marik," admits Odion, retracting his hand reluctantly from my shoulder, having me whirl on my heel to face him. "But he must have his reasons."

"Maybe," I shrug, doubting he's doing this for my sake because he always does things for his own motives instead of taking his children's feelings and all into consideration for the slightest bit. "I'm still glad it's him though. Do I need to go to him or is he coming here for me?"

"He's coming here," confirms Odion, feeling a little at ease for the change in conversation. "He'll be here at dawn."

"Good, I'm looking forward to it. Besides, knowing him….he'll make some grand entrance…. Though that's Malik for you….crazy as all hell, but when he knows what he wants he stops at nothing to get it."

Oks, that's the end of chappie one. This took me from last night to today. So, two days to crank out seven thousand words is pretty good I think. I plan on this having really long chappies because I have six main pairs. This is also in povs which means I will be switching often. They will have labels for y'all to understand who has each one. Hopefully that'll help though for y'all to know that is.

So, next time, we'll have the pairs meeting one another for the first time. There's one pair I left out of this chap, but I'll have it happening in the next one for sure. I hope you all enjoyed what happened this time. Hehes

The next chappie will be out shortly whenever I have it finished being written up. Hopefully that won't be too long of a wait for it though. Until then, please remember to review, darlings!