Notes: Funny thing is, for a brief moment in my first draft of chapter 1, the box was actually supposed to be Pandora's Box.

Chapter Three

The Rain Beats at the Door

Prompt: #1 - Discovering Magic

The royal carriage was an exquisite piece of workmanship, all in white with gold trim above the wheels, around the doors, and over and in front of the place where the driver sat. Two lanterns were placed on either side, both lit in anticipation of the oncoming storm.

Bakura was already fascinated by the vehicle as they approached, but as he caught sight of what was pulling it, his eyes widened to twice their size.

Two white Pegasus unicorns were harnessed to the carriage. Unlike the classic unicorns of legend, they did not sport cloven hooves or lion's tails or billy-goat beards; they were closest in appearance to horses. However, they were larger than any equine Bakura had ever seen on Earth; each looked able to easily carry three or four people on its back. But in the end, they really were like any other horses; as the group climbed into the carriage, one whinnied while the other swished its tail.

"They're amazing," Bakura said in fascination. Outside, the driver snapped the reins. The Pegasus unicorns responded, trotting off while pulling the carriage behind them as if it was no effort at all.

Sapphire smiled. "The Kioli are among Juno's most useful and most gentle creatures," she said. "Usually they take the carriage through the air, but with the storm, we won't do that today."

"Through the air?!" Mr. Bakura exclaimed.

Sapphire was amused. "Is your world devoid of magic and fantastic things?" she asked. "The box of the forbidden magic has, to my knowledge, been kept in your world."

"Oh, there's 'fantastic things'," Yami Bakura sneered. "Magic, too. But it isn't always out in the open, as it is here. Once upon a time it was commonplace, however."

Sapphire turned to study him, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "There's something different about you," she mused. "I mean . . . somehow, you don't seem the same as these other two."

"He's different, alright," Mr. Bakura muttered.

"Father," Bakura groaned.

Yami Bakura just looked entertained. "And what is it you sense?" he said, folding his arms. "Is this difference a good or a bad thing?"

Sapphire looked slightly embarrassed. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "But you can use magic, can't you?"

"I don't inherently possess it," Yami Bakura said. "However, I can use it, yes."

Sapphire glanced at the Infinity Ring visible under his robe. "I can feel a strong white magic essence from your item," she said.

"The item may be endowed with white magic, but don't take that to mean I am a good person," Yami Bakura sneered.

"I saw you were using it to defend against the crows," Sapphire said. "Someone without good intentions would turn the white magic dark. It still looked untainted."

"If I wasn't using the item in a way it wanted, it would kill me," Yami Bakura said. "That's good enough motivation to not attempt to conquer the world or some other such thing."

"Speaking of the crows," Mr. Bakura interrupted. "Why are they so large?"

Sapphire shook her head. "It's always been that way here," she said. "You notice the Kioli are larger than your Earth horses, too."

"It's fascinating," Bakura said. "But frightening when you know some of the creatures want to make you their dinner!"

Sapphire grimly nodded. "My four-year-old son has no concept of danger," she said. "He's so curious about the birds and other creatures that he wanders out of the palace looking for them." She sighed, shaking her head. "I'm afraid for his safety every day."

"And what about your own safety?" Yami Bakura mused.

She blinked at him in confusion. "My own?" she repeated.

"You don't seem to care if you put yourself in harm's way," Yami Bakura said. "Going outside the palace before a deadly storm, even pausing to beat back a flock of crows attacking strangers to your kingdom. . . . It doesn't seem a very wise thing for a ruler to do."

"It isn't," she agreed. "But I always go out before a fatal storm hits. I have to make sure no one's wandering without shelter."

"Someone wanting to seize your throne could take advantage of that," Yami Bakura mused. "They could pretend to need your help when they actually want to destroy you."

"Yes," Sapphire said, "that's true." She gave a wry smile. "That's why my advisers are always telling me not to do it. But I don't like delegating responsibility. If I know I can get something done on my own, I'd rather do it myself."

"If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, hmm?" Yami Bakura smirked, darkly amused.

Sapphire looked uncomfortable. "No, that isn't it," she protested.

"Yami!" Bakura chided.

"I have a right to say my part," the thief answered.

Bakura sighed. "Well, yes, but . . . you're offending royalty!" he exclaimed.

"I was 'royalty', once upon a time," Yami Bakura sneered, tipping his head back and looking down at Bakura.

The boy facepalmed. Deciding it better to leave it alone, he turned away. He glanced out the window as the carriage approached a glistening white structure with multiple spires and towers. It was a castle, one that looked to be made of both marble and crystal. The lightning, though deadly as it flashed in the sky, lit up the edifice in an almost ethereal way. Every spot the light fell upon sparkled in an array of colors and hues---blue, pink, red, purple, green, and something that transcended and encompassed them all at once.

The Kioli came to a stop as they passed under a protective overhang supported by thick pillars. Sapphire stepped out, then waited for the others to alight.

"I'll take you to the library," she said. "I'll show you what our researchers have learned about the Door over time. And . . ." She shot them a worried glance. "I'll need you to tell me more about the villain who sent you here. Do you know who he is?"

"Unfortunately," Yami Bakura growled.

They began walking under the man-made canopy, safe as the rain pelted around them. Just ahead, the shielded steps of the palace's rain doors were visible.

"Who is he?" Sapphire persisted. "I'm worried he might be one of the dark sorcerers wanted by our law for crimes against Juno." She gripped her pendant as she said this, acute worry flashing through her light-blue eyes.

"I doubt that," Yami Bakura said. "He's from our world and was created there---a being of nothing but anger and hatred and sadistic pleasure."

Sapphire's eyes widened. As they reached the stairs, she stopped and turned to look at him. "Such things really exist?!" she gasped. "I prayed it was only a legend."

"He's the only one of his kind that we're aware of in the modern day," Yami Bakura said. There was no need to tell her about the monsters created by the souls of humans in ancient Egypt. He really did not want to mention that he was from an ancient time to begin with, if it could at all be avoided.

Mr. Bakura was gawking again, reading between the lines of the thief's words. "He's a Duel Monster?!" he gasped.

Bakura felt like slapping his forehead, but restrained himself. "No, Father," he said. "It's . . . oh my, it's complicated. . . ." He trailed off, suddenly overwhelmed. How were they ever going to explain that Yami Marik was a split personality that had developed enough independence and intelligence to become his own person?

"Duel Monster?" Sapphire looked back and forth between them in confusion.

"That isn't important," Yami Bakura growled. "Let's just get inside."

Sapphire studied him appraisingly, but then nodded. Her eyes, however, said that she was not content with these bits and pieces of information. She wanted to know more. If this creature had sent these three here, he must be a threat to the land and the people she loved.

The ascent up the stairs was swift. Sapphire went ahead, thrusting open the heavy doors at the top before stepping inside. Then Bakura caught sight of a small blur rushing to hug her.

"Mommy!" the blur exclaimed. "I knew you'd be coming in the rain doors, so I waited!"

Smiling, Sapphire embraced her son. "How was your day, Kade?" she asked.

The child pulled back, his face twisted in thought. "Kinda boring," he said matter-of-factly. "I wanted to go out!"

"Maybe tomorrow," Sapphire said, "if the storm's passed. But . . ." She gave a conspiratorial smile. "I do have a surprise."

"A 'prise?" Kade stared. "What is it?!"

She straightened. "For tonight, we have guests!" she announced brightly.

Kade's eyes went wide. "Really?!" He peered around his mother at the just-entering trio. "Are you the guests?"

Bakura scratched his cheek. "Yes, I suppose we are," he said.

Kade clapped his hands. "Yay!" He grinned. "You've gotta come see my room, and the 'brary, and the k'chen, and . . ."

"One thing at a time, Kade," Sapphire broke in, smiling. "I need to talk to our guests in the library, but then you're welcome to take them on a tour."

"Aww . . ." Kade looked disappointed, but then promptly brightened. "Okay! I'll go get it ready." And he ran off down the marble hall, jumping up the stairs two at a time.

Amused, Sapphire looked back to the others. "He's so full of enthusiasm," she said. She sobered. "I just hope that he never has to lose that childlike innocence."

Yami Bakura grunted, not speaking. When Bakura looked to him, he blinked in surprise. The Egyptian was staring towards the stairs where Kade had vanished, but he was not looking at them at all. His mind was far away. Bakura was about to say something when Sapphire's next words interrupted him.

"Let's move on to the library," the queen said. "I'm afraid I can't tell you much about the Door, but I'll share all that I can."

Yami Bakura snapped back to the present. "Fine," he growled. "Let's go then."

Mr. Bakura shot him an odd look as they proceeded down the hall. If Yami Bakura realized, he did not acknowledge it.

****

The library was what Bakura had imagined and more. Strong wooden and marble shelves went around every wall, with many more set up in rows throughout the room. Tables and chairs had been placed at intervals for easy studying of the tomes. Softly-glowing ornate lamps were both on the tables and overhead. It was every bit as big as at least a small public library, and, Bakura was sure, really much bigger.

Sapphire reached for a switch on the wall. As she turned it, all the lights brightened to a comfortable reading level.

Bakura was again surprised. "You have electricity!" he said in amazement.

Sapphire nodded. "It's a carry-over from the old days," she said. "Originally this world was founded by explorers from Atlantis, and before that civilization fell to ruin, they invented many modern conveniences."

Mr. Bakura turned to stare at her. "Excuse me, Atlantis?" he repeated.

"Yes." Now she looked somewhat sad. "I've heard that it's little more than a myth in your world now."

Suddenly uncomfortable, Mr. Bakura stammered as he answered. "Y-yes, that's true," he said. "But there are still those who believe in it. Unfortunately, I can't say I've ever been one of them. . . ."

"It's alright," Sapphire said. "I doubt there's any evidence left to point to its existence." As she spoke, she led them around the far right of the library and to a half-open door. The room beyond held nothing more than a long conference table and padded chairs made of white wood.

Bakura, however, was enthralled. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed as he entered the meeting room. "I've never seen wood such as this." He ran his hand over the top and side of the chair nearest to him, feeling both the smoothness and the natural bumps and knots under his fingers. Then, as if catching himself, he flamed red.

"I'm sorry," he apologized as he looked up. "Maybe I wasn't supposed to touch the chairs. . . ." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I do a little wood-carving here and there, and I couldn't help but notice how unique your furniture is. . . ."

Sapphire smiled. "I planned that we'd go in there to talk, as soon as I collect a few books," she said. Turning to a nearby shelf, she removed several heavy volumes and laid them flat on the shelf. "These are what we'll need."

"I'll help carry them in," Mr. Bakura offered.

"That's good of you," Sapphire said. "Yes, please do."

Soon the small group was gathered at the table, the books in the center. Sapphire opened a large one filled with colored pictures and detailed maps.

"As I said, no one has been able to find the Door," she began. "But there is a path taken by those who have tried to locate it. It starts here." She traced a road leading West of the palace.

"The first stop is to see an old wizard who will determine if you're even worthy to take the quest. If you are, he will give you directions to your next stop and advice for the future. If you're not, you're still welcome to try, but you're likely to fall into foreboding paths and even madness."

Yami Bakura snorted. Bakura would be worthy, perhaps his father too, but he was certain he would not be counted as such. And then what would happen if he journeyed with the other two? Would he cause them to wander aimlessly just by being there when he should not?

"And how do you find the wizard?" he grunted.

"He lives deep in this forest," Sapphire said, pointing on the map. "You'll need one of the forest fairies to be your guide."

"Fairies," Yami Bakura growled under his breath. This was turning into more of a nightmare every minute. He would rather deal with more of those giant crows.

"Aren't fairies generally unwilling to help humans?" Mr. Bakura asked, feeling ridiculous to even be discussing the subject. Fairies belonged in storybooks, not in real lands. But then again, the three of them did not belong in this land to begin with, so in the end maybe it all evened out.

"You will have to prove that you don't bring any ill will," Sapphire said. "Most fairies here are just mischievous, but there are a few dark fairies who like torturing humans for the fun of it."

They should partner with Yami Marik, Yami Bakura thought sarcastically.

"Oh my," Bakura said aloud, his brown eyes wide and worried.

Sapphire looked apologetic. "I'm afraid I don't know where you should go after leaving the wizard," she said. "I've heard he gives different directions to each group."

"How is that possible?" Yami Bakura frowned. "Are there multiple roads leading to the same place?"

"Something like that," Sapphire said. "I guess."

"How does he determine your worthiness, anyway?" Bakura wondered.

"I'm not sure," Sapphire admitted. "Some have said they're put through some kind of a mental test. Others say he just looks at them and announces his findings. Maybe it all depends on how ready the person is for such a journey. Some of them might need more preparation than others, hence the test."

Bakura sighed. "Well, we can't leave until the storm is over," he said. "And . . ." He straightened up, concerned. "What do we do if we're searching for the Door and another storm comes?"

"There are storm shelters, both man-made and natural, all over Juno," Sapphire said. "Hopefully you'll be able to find something. But if you can't . . . I'm afraid you'll have to make do as best as you can."

Mr. Bakura drew one of the other books to him. "What are these for?" he wondered. A History of Juno was imprinted on the dark-blue cover.

"Well, while they aren't necessary for your quest, some things in them might make it easier," Sapphire said. "They tell about our lands and foods, our wars and our rulers."

"That would be useful," Bakura agreed. "Especially about the lands and the food."

"Speaking of food, you must join us for dinner tonight," Sapphire smiled. "And there are rooms in the guest quarters. It's going to be dark soon, even if the storm stops. You shouldn't try to leave until morning, at least."

"Thank you," Mr. Bakura said. "You're very generous to strangers."

"And don't think I'm not grateful, but I have to wonder why," Yami Bakura spoke. "You have no way of knowing that we're decent people, aside from what you said about my item's white magic. We could be a danger to you and your child."

"You could be," Sapphire agreed. "But while of course I can't know for sure, I strongly sense that you're all what you say you are." She looked to each in turn, then gave a conspiratorial smile. "Anyway . . . I may have some other secrets I haven't told you."

"That would be better for you," Yami Bakura said. "A wise person would never reveal all their secrets."

Sapphire nodded. "But there's still something I want to know from you," she said, clasping her hands on the table. "How did this . . . creature get hold of the forbidden magic? Or the key that unlocks it?"

"I'm afraid we don't know," Bakura said, his voice and face apologetic. "He doesn't like to reveal his secrets either, unless the truth will hurt us somehow. And we didn't even know the box of . . . forbidden magic existed until last night."

The queen sighed. "Oh well . . . all truths will be revealed in time," she said. "We'll just have to pray it happens before events take a drastic turn."

Mr. Bakura frowned. "If we could get hold of the box and the . . . er, key . . . would we be able to use them to get home instead of the Door?" he wondered.

"You should," Sapphire agreed. "But the only one who can wield the key is a man of great power and will, whether good or bad. So for this man to be able to use it, and then disappear with it . . . it's really a grave concern." She shook her head, her long blue tresses swishing with the motion. "There's other magic in the box, much more. And it could all be used to bring devastation to both our worlds."

"It sounds like Pandora's Box," Mr. Bakura said, still frowning.

Sapphire looked at him in confusion. "What is that?" she queried.

"In the mythology of Greece . . . a land from our world . . . it's a box that holds all the sorrow and misfortune in the world," Mr. Bakura explained. "And then a woman named Pandora opens it and lets it all out."

Sapphire gave a weak smile. "Yes, I guess it is like that," she said.

Now she started to ease herself up from the chair. "Study these books all you need," she said. "But I'm sure Kade will be down soon, eager for that tour." She chuckled.

Bakura chuckled too. "Yes, I imagine so. He certainly is cheerful, not shy at all."

"He's always been like that," Sapphire said. "And I hope he always will be."

After she had left, Bakura leaned over the table. "What do you think about this, Yami?" he asked.

"I think it's ridiculous," Yami Bakura growled. "But we don't have much choice, do we?"

Mr. Bakura shook his head. "It's incredible," he said, half to himself. "Look at this place." He stared at one of the colored maps. "It's been around all this time, lost to our knowledge. This is an amazing discovery."

"It's amazing, alright," Bakura said. "But still . . . I can't help worrying. How does Yami Marik know about it?"

Yami Bakura glowered at the map. "We're likely to find out," he said.

"Do you think he's here too?!" Bakura exclaimed.

"It's possible," Yami Bakura said. "I can't believe he isn't watching, somehow. After all, what fun would it be for him to try to torment us without seeing what we're going through?"

Mr. Bakura looked up, disturbed. "Do you think he's followed us here?" he said.

"I don't know." Yami Bakura folded his arms. "I just know I don't like this. Any of this."

Bakura sighed, leaning back in the chair. "Well . . . maybe tonight, at least, won't be so bad," he said. "The queen's son should be a welcome distraction."

"Maybe." Yami Bakura stared into the distance, saying nothing more.