Yu-Gi-Oh! © Kazuki Takahashi

OCs © reaper-of-lost-souls

Alexis © missb111

A/N: Well I've decided something. If I finish this story then I'll delete the other one. Deal? Cool XD Oh and just so you know I have about 15 chapters written out. Not in order, but I have an order so I'll work on this fanfic for a while. I hope it's a short while, but you know me. I seem to take TOO much time it seems ^^' Anyways I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Wondering what my OC's name is? Well you'll find out now! =D

!#$%^&*()

The clocked woman pulled the reins and slowed down the horses, letting the woman she was holding onto off first before jumping off and helping the man down. "Issa!" Mandisa gasped as she ran out of the dwelling she was in, her children looking out the door as she helped the man along. "W-what happened to –"

"He got shot before I we rode into the desert," the woman with long black hair tied back in a ponytail explained, "but a sandstorm came through so I was able to get everyone out before the guards caught up. He was only shot in the back. Minor wound. He'll live."

"Praise the gods!" his wife gasped, ushering everyone inside. "Do come in. You must be tired –"

"Actually I have a prior engagement," she explained as she set the man down on the bed and looked at the arrow in his back. Issa groaned as she pressed her hand on his back and gripped the spear with the other, pulling it straight out as he let out a cry. Everyone winced in the room except for the cloaked woman, throwing the arrow off to the side and wiping her brow. "Thank you though –"

"B-but you must have some food before you go," Mandisa insisted. "Sadiki, go gather the leftover bread, the cheese, and some water."

"I don't need the chees –" she tried to tell the boy, Sadiki running off before she could finish her words. "I'll help with the wounds and then I'll go," she decided as she sat down next to Issa on the bed, Dalila sitting by Issa's side as Mandisa grabbed bandages, pieces of cloth, and a small bin of water. "Thank you," she nodded, Dalila helping him out of his top shirt and setting him back down facing the sheets. Then she went through the tedious task of cleaning his back, wetting a piece of cloth and wiping away his blood. "Yeah it's not bad. It just looks that way. Lost a bit of blood that's all, so have him eat some fruit to gain his strength back. He'll be better by tomorrow."

"Oh my gods thank you!" Mandisa cried out, Dalila helping the other woman by cleaning his wounds. "Do tell me, you never told me your name. What is it?"

Dalila paused as the woman stopped, thinking for a few moments before she went back to her work. "… A few years ago I was called Skia Diana, but you can call me by my current name, the Shadow Huntress."

"Shadow… Huntress?" Mandisa asked. "What a bazaar name."

"Yeah, well I didn't pick the names out," she chuckled. "The locals would."

"So… you're a hired soldier?" Mandisa asked again.

The woman sighed. "A soldier, warrior, robber, assassin, whatever the job calls for really. As long as I get some food and water I can do my job, and money isn't an issue for me. You don't owe me anything. I just felt you needed the help."

"But –"

"Keep it," she insisted as she took the bandages and began to wrap Issa's back. "I don't need it. Once Issa is healed head down to Abu Simbel. If you can't get that far then go to Aswan. You don't have much time. The Pharaoh's guards will be searching this town probably by tomorrow." She looked over at Mandisa as she gave her a hesitant face, cracking a smile as a way to comfort her. "Then keep heading south till you reach the end of the Pharaoh's territory. Go as far as you need to escape the guards, but once you're out of Egypt you shouldn't have any problems. If you wish to return wait a few months, possibly a year. A year should be enough time for you. Now I trust you guys can do this on your own?"

"Y-yes I suppose," Mandisa nodded, "but why can't you stay and help us?"

The woman sighed again, running a hand through her hair as she sat up on the bed and stood up. "I am a cursed woman Mandisa. The longer I stay here the more trouble you will get into. I don't mind living in a single place for about a week, but any later and bad things start to happen. You have a good family and a good heart. I can't let my presence taint that." She gave her a smile and walked to the door, Dalila grabbing her hand before she left the dwelling.

"Cursed or no curse you saved our lives," Dalila said with a smile, shocking Mandisa. "Brother was going to die next week and I they were going to give me to the servants. You saved our lives. There must be something we could do to repay you. Something."

The woman paused. "… That you never speak of this to anyone," she decided, "and if you do… well that's your problem really. Just remember what I've done I suppose. Now I must be going. There's an engagement I have to get to."

Dalila nodded and let go of her hand, Mandisa wrapping the food in a piece of cloth and tying it together. "This should last you for the day," Mandisa told her as the woman set the food into her shoulder bag. "I insist you fill up your skin before you go. You must have a long journey through the desert."

The woman smirked. "Not a little woman like myself can't handle," she chuckled as she took out her animal skin and filled up her container with water from the nearby bucket. "Now," she said as she corked the top, "I must get going. Thank you for the food and water –"

"No thank you for everything you have done," Mandisa smiled happily as tears escaped her eyes. "Y-you've saved us. We can be a family again."

The woman smiled back and gave her a nod, wrapping her black cloak over her mouth as she left the dwelling and walked out into the desolate town. There were only a few people about, not enough for them to notice the family as she tied one horse to the house and climbed onto the other one's back, whispering into its ear before cracking the reins and riding off into the desert.

!#$%^&*()

)(*&^%$#!

"Hey look," a man whimpered, seeing a cavalry of men riding up on stolen horses as the captain waved to them.

"Hello!" he laughed, riding up to a man with his arms crossed over his chest, his long red with white striped cloak blowing behind him. "Hey mister king," he waved, the other men laughing as they jumped off of the horses they had stolen and brushed the sand off of their clothes, "what's up?"

"Heh," the man smirked at him, "thought you were in jail Rashidi for, what was it again, a failed raid?"

"That?" he chuckled nervously. "You see this thief –"

"Oh?" he asked, taking a step closer and looming over him with a wide grin on his face. "And who was this thief? Did he make it here?"

"See sir –"

"Perhaps I should explain~ to him how things operate around here –"

"Bakura listen!" Rashidi yelled, getting his attention. Rashidi let out a snort, rubbing his brow before throwing a ring of keys at the other man. "Look it was none of us," he sighed.

"Then who?" the man asked.

"Ummm… I don't know her name –"

"Her?" he snorted. "You lot were saved by a… girl?" His face began to light up, suddenly holding his sides as he began to laugh.

Rashidi's eyes went wide as he watched, the others looking over at him like he was crazy. "You're all horrible!" he laughed. "Saved by a girl, that's hilarious! My gods you lot are horrible." Then he straightened his back and glared at them, the men gulping at the irritation in his eyes. "I expected better from my own men, but having a girl save you doesn't make you men. If you expect to stay with us go steal items worthy~ of –"

"Well we raided the palace before we were discovered," Rashidi told him, handing over some of the jewels. "Is this okay?"

"It's a start~" Bakura thought, "but I have something better~~ in mind."

)(*&^%$#!

!#$%^&*()

A black cloaked person riding a large horse clicked the reins as the horse trotted into the city. "Thanks pal," she panted as she wiped stray black hairs from her face, the horse neighing as she pet his nose. "You can run along now. I'll take it from here." Giving her a slight bow the horse ran off into the desert, the woman looking up at the city before opening up a piece of paper in her hand. "Okay," she puffed as she wiped her brow, "I have to – Shit I need to sit down!" She groaned as she scuffed her feet, walking into an alley and finding a crate to sit on. She sighed as she pulled away her hood and revealed her hair and eyes, wiggling her hair as it flowed behind her in the cool breeze of the shade. "What's so urgent that I had to leave Miletus for this?" She groaned as she looked down at the paper in her hand, pulling out her animal skin and drinking a hefty amount of water.

"She should have known it'd take me months," she sighed as she ran a hand through her hair, "if not more. My gods what's the date on this thing? Ugh." Looking around and she decided she should look around the city before finding the person who gave her the note; setting her water back into her bag and tying her hair back before tucking everything back inside. She took off her cloak for a moment before wrapping it back around her neck, covering her head and her mouth before standing up and pulling her bag closer to her body. "Damn I'll have to find something lighter to wear," she sighed, tugging on her rough white shirt tucked into a black cloth belt. Her shoes were brown and elongated up the side of her thigh, her white pants tucked into her shoes. Well she'll walk around the city and see if there was a tavern nearby. She could use a good drink.

She took her time scouting the area out, the city much bigger then she had hoped. It took her well into the afternoon to explore everything, this city of Thebes were the Pharaoh presided. She explored the market buildings, the houses were people slept, and every escape route and situation she could get herself into. It wasn't very hard. She was here just a day ago, but knowing the person that wrote her the note she~ was going to make her stay a bit longer then she liked, which wouldn't be good for either of them. Her green eyes peered around as she noticed a tavern, going inside and passing by the bar table. "Just get me a beer," she roughly said as she leaned over the edge.

"What kind –"

"Whatever you'd like," she shrugged. "Here," she gave him as she flicked two pieces of silver on the table."

"Sorry that's not enough –"

"You bastard," she snarled as she slammed her hands on the table and got his attention. "You sold the other guy beer for two pieces. If you don't like it then I'll take my business elsewhere," she huffed as she grabbed her silver and pulled away.

"Hey wait," he held up his hand, "I can see you know your way around here," he chuckled as he slid the beer over to her. "Your clothes are that of a foreigner so I assumed –"

"You could jip me?" she snorted as she grabbed the beer before slicking the pieces over to the man. "Don't worry about it," she casually told him as her tone of voice became softer, "I just came back from a journey and I'm due for some new clothes… you won't mind if I sit in the back for a while will you?"

"Not at all, miss," he chuckled as she rolled her eyes.

"You know I don't like your tone," she huffed, "but whatever. I'll pay you if you keep bring me another beer or two."

"You have a lot of money?" he asked.

"No, but enough for beer," she shrugged as she walked into the back and sat down at a single table, wrapping her clothes around her body to hide her accents up till the point that you could only see her jaded green eyes peering into the room. She slowly slurped her beer, smirking that it tasted only a few days old and didn't have time to ferment. She knew he was using her, but as long as she got a bit of alcohol in her system she'll be fine.

She watched the crowd flow in and out of the tavern, men coming in as the work hours closed to come into the tavern for a drink. There were a few people who noticed her, but since they called her a man she didn't think nothing of it. Though if they realized she was a woman, however, she'd have to run out of there before they tried to take advantage of her. She hunched her back over the table as she finished her beer and took out the food Mandisa had packed for her. She wondered if they made it… well she'll hear about it in here. All she heard was a thief sneaking into the palace wearing a large black cloak. That couldn't be good. They'd be suspecting her, even though she is the culprit. The guards assumed she stole something and they hadn't discovered that Issa and Dalila were missing yet. Well that was good. Those guards tend to blabber so it was safe to assume the family would be able to make it.

Well enough about worrying about them. She pulled out her bread and munched on it hungrily, looking up as the bartender set a new drink on her table and grabbed the empty cup. She slipped him the pieces of silver, giving him an extra for his service and giving him a smirk as he left. Maybe just one more and she'd go. She dipped her bread in the beer, ate the cheese whole, and slowly finished her food, noticing a large group of men walking into the tavern.

Knowing the knowledge they'd probably blab about was promising, she decided to stay just until the beer in her hand was all gone. "But are you sure we should raid –"

"You idiot! Don't say that word! There are people listening," one of them said, glancing around the room at the other pairs of eyes.

"Hey I figured I'd ask since –"

"Shut up," came a rough voice behind them, the two whimpering as they scooted away and turned around. She raised an eyebrow. He wore a large red with white border cloak and a dark blue short skirt, showing off his chest and abs. He had brown shoes on that were in need of repair and intimidating scars all over his body, especially the long scar over his eye with two smaller scars over his cheek on the right side of his face. She could clearly see he was the alpha of the group, the others making way as he got his beer and sat a table away from her. She couldn't help but stare at him, his short, messy white hair as pure as snow and his amethyst eyes narrow and piercing. There was something about him that was oddly familiar to her, and it took her a while to notice that she had her eyes on him. She shook her head and gulped down her beer, taking her mind off of it. My gods she was turning into a sap. She'd have to throw herself in dirt or something. Gods she hated she had to be a woman sometimes.

Still it didn't help that he was sitting so close. She decided to just listen, munching on the rest of her bread before she began to finish her beer. "The palace is heavily guarded," the man next to him explained, "with four to five levels. There are at least two underground and three above, the Pharaoh's chambers at the top. The royal treasury is somewhere towards the bottom, on the lowest level hidden behind guards and a labyrinth. They usually don't let me down there, but I have some idea where everything is and could show you up to that point. You'd have to find your way through on your own."

"Thank you Chigaru," the white haired man said, "you've been a great service."

"Just doing my job," he chuckled. "By the way how's my family? How's the misses?"

"Cranky as ever," he shook his head, "but she had another child, supposedly yours. It's understandable, since you've been gone for a year and the babe is about three months old. Sad you weren't there to know about that."

"Another child huh?" he sighed. "I'm going to have to leave soon. I can't stand being too far away from them."

"Don't worry I'll bring you back in one piece," the white haired man smirked. "We'll set up preparations a month or more from now. I'll keep you posted. We'll head back once everyone is done –"

"You mean tomorrow?" Chigaru laughed. "Alright Bakura. I guess I can wait a little while longer."

"Good," he nodded as the other man stood up, Bakura placing his own white hood over his head. "See you later."

"Bye," Chigaru answered and turned away, quickly leaving the bar.

She sat there for a while, watching the man they called Bakura sip his beer as her eyes moved around the room at the rest of the men. She sighed. It was going to get chaotic in a few more minutes. They were pretty drunk. She gulped the last of her beer and stood up, walking over to the bar. "Hey thanks for not kicking me out," she winked as she set the cup down, the man stopping her with his hand as he tugged on her clothing.

"Don't look now, but that man in the corner is staring at you," he said, ushering over to the place she had been sitting at. "They call him Bakura I believe. If he starts following you run. These are very dangerous men, probably thieves."

"Thanks," she nodded, pulling her clock closer as she walked out of the tavern. She looked up and saw the moon was high in the sky, the stars twinkling in their vast glory in the sky above. She looked behind to hear punches being thrown behind her, chuckling lightly as she shook her head and turned down the street. The tavern man was right though, she could hear someone following her from behind. She picked up the pace and walked through the alleys, taking lefts and rights as quickly as they came. Hearing the person was a few corners away she climbed up the wall and stepped onto the roof, looking down as the man stopped at the alley she had run into and paused. She smirked. He ran into a blocked area. It was that Bakura, the man she had been looking at, she could tell by his clothes. He probably wanted to kill her because she was close to them or maybe he saw her looking at him. Once he disappeared and headed back to the tavern she cursed under her breath, annoyed with herself that she let her womanly instincts take over her actions. He was a hot exotic man, she'll give him that, but she's seen plenty of men like that. She hadn't traveled as far as she could go north through Miletus and into the cold to not come across exotic men. They were all the same. Men. They wanted one thing from women and she wasn't going to give it to them. That's probably why she didn't like talking to them.

She sighed, taking out her paper and looking at the directions. Her friend would be in the palace somewhere, she knew that much, but there was so much construction that had been done the last time she was there that she didn't know the layout anymore. Well she got a hint. They had at least five levels. Before it was four and her friend slept in the servants' quarters. By the map and directions she was a level or higher. Oh well. She'll figure this out. She dashed from roof to roof till she couldn't run anymore, stopping at the palace wall. She followed the directions and jumped down, making her way towards the back and entering through the servants' quarters. Well, this would be easier then she thought. They didn't have enough security around here.

!#$%^&*()

A young priestess looked up from her bed, noticing movement from the balcony. "Hmmm?" she thought, a slave girl walking into the room and setting a cup of water down.

"Is something wrong mistress?" she asked with a smile.

"No everything's alright Sheba," the woman smiled, letting the woman bow as she walked away from them. Priestess sighed, hearing Mana and the boy prince, Atem, laughing and talking to each other right outside of her room. She still couldn't believe how close she was to the crowned prince! To think, she was the next in line to wield the Millennium necklace after her mistress, Isis. She would be working beside the next pharaoh! She giggled to herself, grabbing the cup of water by her bedside and flipping her silver hair away from her bright sea green eyes. Sure, she had to thank her older brother, Seto, for this gift, but still she earned most of this on her own. She was just as smart as Seto, if not more she had to admit, and they had both worked hard to make it here. Seto wouldn't continue without her, but other than that she worked as much as he. Brother and sister, side by side in the courts. It was a dream come true for her, but mainly for Seto. After their mother died and their other sister ran off they had been alone, but thankfully the pharaoh and his priests had seen their potential and they began in the palace. Over time they had increased their prestige and now they're in line for the Millennium items. Seto's successor already had died a few years ago and he was given the Millennium rod. Now all she had to do was wait, but she knew she wasn't ready for the necklace yet. It was a year or two too soon for that.

Then she looked up again, feeling a breeze against her hair and flipping her purple bangs from the right side of her face. She smirked, hearing Mahado outside as he ushered the children away so he could get some rest. Seto was trying to keep her sister from coloring her hair, but she went out in the middle of the night and had her hair done on the streets and came back with the new purple strips of hair. She was happy she didn't have to chop off her hair, and now no one seemed to mind the new style. She raised an eyebrow, noticing a black cloak on a nearby chair. She smirked. "Zahra~~ is that you?" she called into the room, hearing someone stomp her feet on the tiled floor as a woman peered out from behind the shadows, her bright jaded green eyes upon the priestess.

"Alexis please call me by my last name," she huffed, walking over to her cloak and slipping it back around her neck. "I got your messa –"

"The bird worked? GREAT!" the priestess giggled happily, setting her cup of water on the side before dashing over to the middle of the room and throwing her arms around the woman. "My gods it's been years! Years! Where have you been? Have the years been kind to you?"

"For the most part," Zahra smiled, hugging the woman back. "My gods Alexis, it truly has been too long. You're a priestess now? When did that happen?"

"Last year," she smirked, "and Seto has the Millennium rod –"

"W-wait," she held up her hand to Alexis, her eyes slowly growing dangerous. "Millennium items? Alexis, what have you been doing for the past eight years?"

"B-but Zahra –"

"You know how I feel about those… those things!" she growled. "That's complete betrayal! You betrayed me! Sure I don't care if you're a priestess, but the items? Why?"

"Zahra please –"

"Alexis is this why you brought me back?" she frowned. "To… to use~ me and test those items on me –"

"Stop overreacting!" Alexis yelled, shaking the woman back and forth and rattling up her brain. "I would never, ever do that! You're my best friend, no not even that. You're my sister Zahra. You may be adopted, but I love you. I know how you feel about those items… and actually it's a reason why I asked you to come."

"Oh?" Zahra sighed as she sat down on the bed and tossed her bag away as it slid on the tiled floor. "You know Alexis, I was doing just fine on my own. The longer I stayed away the less my odd thoughts became, the voices I suppose. When you called I couldn't even hear them anymore, but now you bring me back? I can't even rest! Alexis what is so important that you brought me here? Did Seto die? Do you have something important you want me to use my talents with –"

"No," she shook her head, sitting beside her. "I-it's just… I don't know. This is a very important time in my life. I'm going to be a high priestess! I thought you would give me some support and I wanted to see you before that happened… because… if I gain the item, I may… ummmmm… know your future too," Alexis pouted.

Zahra nodded. "I know. Wouldn't it be easier if you knew though? Then maybe I will know if the gods ever put their accursed vengeance into action," she chuckled, Alexis smirking at her as she laughed and wrapped an arm around her.

"My gods you've turned out better than we would have expected," Alexis smiled. "What do you do anyways? What's your profession now? Married or single –"

"Okay too much!" Zahra snorted, holding her hands up to her before laughing loudly. "Profession, don't really have one. What I do? Well I find good souls in trouble and help them. It's like a game to me," she smirked. "Anyways, no I'm not married, but I did come across a few hot men," she smiled, holding up her hand before Alexis could speak, "but just so you know, I had to leave before it became serious. You know how I am. I'm cursed Alexis. I can't stay in one place."

"You still believe that?" Alexis sighed and shook her head. "Wow… Seto got to you didn't he?"

"Yep," Zahra nodded. "I didn't think much about being cursed, but after yelling at me after your mother died and telling me it was all my fault~ I couldn't take it. Sorry about that –"

"Hey it's okay," Alexis chuckled. "I never even thought I'd see your face again…"

Zahra raised an eyebrow, watching as Alexis rubbed her eyes and tried to brush a tear from her eye. "A-are you okay?" she frowned.

"O-oh I am," she smiled nervously, "I-I'm just sad that you left and I'm just glad I was able to find you. W-will you stay?"

"I don't know," Zahra sighed, "I'm going to have to say –"

"Mistress Alexis who is this?" a slave girl asked, the two women looking over to see Sheba staring at them with a confused look on her face.

"Sheba –"

"Alexis am I going to have to –"

"Stop snarling," Alexis laughed and let Zahra go. "Sorry Sheba, this is my sister. Since you saw her can I have your word that you'll keep what you've seen a secret?"

"I-I suppose –"

"Because if not I'll throw you to the crocodiles," Zahra snarled, Sheba letting out a frightened squeak.

"Zahra!" Alexis huffed.

"Whaaat~?" Zahra snorted. "And don't use my name around her. I haven't even heard that name in years, to be honest."

"Sheba can I have your word you'll keep her secret?" Alexis asked again, glaring at her and making sure she gave her a straight answer.

"I-I… yes I will mistress," Sheba bowed to her.

Alexis smiled back. "There, see Zahra? Sheba since you're here could you get some food. I bet you she's hungry after her journey."

"Of course mistress," Sheba bowed, quickly leaving as Zahra continued to stare at her.

"Seriously what was that about –"

"Alexis, I have been on the run for years," Zahra sighed as she stood up. "I'm sorry if I wish my identity to be hidden, even here –"

"Okay I get it," she huffed. "Now sit back down and tell me everything~~! I'm dying to know what happened to you. I bet you've come across some amazing things."

"Of course," Zahra smirked as she sat back down, letting Alexis get comfortable as she began her tale.

!#$%^&*()

A/N: Tada! The second chapter! Now you know her first name, Zahra, but she'll go by other names. And look I already introduced Bakura. Look at that XD Just so you know, he'll have a first name. will probably be the common name he's been given in other fanfics, and hey I'll just use that name as I did in my other fanfic. There you go. Oh. And if you have any OC ideas go ahead and say them now. I'm currently writing chapter 4 and still looking around for random OCs. Mostly ones that need saving right now, but whatever. Anyways I hope to upload at least one chapter a week, but there are times when I can't. Since I have two other fanfics going that may be difficult, but hey here's the next chapter! And I have the 3rd chapter written out so there you go. Well… SEE YOU! =D

Sadiki – Egyptian – faithful

skia – Egyptian – shadow

Rashidi – Egyptian – wise

Chigaru – Egyptian – hound

Sheba – Egyptian – ritual food (meat) offering

Zahra – Arabic – "blooming, flourishing; bright, clear, serene" or "flower"