AN: No no, it's not a typo. This is a super special awesome double chapter!
And I posted it in one chapter because....Hey look over there! It's a distraction!
Between work and episode 42 of Yu-Gi-Oh the Abridged Series, I couldn't get any writing done yesterday. (Go watch it. Do it now. I'll wait.)
---Intermission Music---
(Back yet? Wasn't it hilarious? :3)
Anywho, chapter 4 wasn't going to stop where I wanted it to stop, so I kept writing until I got to the desired point and dubbed this a double chapter. I hope it makes sense. Please enjoy!
And on a last little note: I haven't forgotten my other stories. I just have a goal to finish this one on Ryou's birthday. Let's see if I can pull it off!
"What do we do now?" Malik asked, lilac eyes looking up at the sky and wishing the sun would set faster.
Hours had passed since the trio had taken flight from the curious townspeople, trying to stay to the shade and out of sight. Yugi sat beside the blond looking faint, unaccustomed to the dry desert heat. Bakura seemed the least phased by the environment as well as their current plight. They currently hid in a darkening alley, waiting for night to settle before continuing.
"The game was set to begin on the day of the new Pharaoh's coronation ceremony," Bakura replied, russet eyes fixing on his companions. "But it seems that the rules of the games changed."
Yugi looked up at the thief curiously. "Changed?"
Bakura looked away. "We shouldn't be able to interact with anything in this world. We shouldn't be affected by the environment. Do you see what I'm getting at or do I need to go on?" He shook his head. "The big problem with what you did is that the Pharaoh was supposed to become engaged in a game. You know how table top RPG games work, don't you?" Yugi nodded, but Malik shook his head.
"I've never played one," the Egyptian admitted.
"Well," Bakura sighed, irritated. "In your most basic instance, there is a game master, who controls all of the monsters and, to some extent, the NPCs, which are the non-player characters of the world. Fighting against the game master are the would-be heroes. There needs to be at least one player against the game master." Russet eyes landed on Yugi again. "Because you're here, there is no one to play against him."
"Who is the game master?" Yugi asked.
"A fair question. It was supposed to be me. If I had to guess, it's likely the portion of my soul that I hid within the puzzle." Bakura looked toward the entrace of the alley suddenly, pressing back against the wall. When he relaxed, Malik let out a quiet breath.
"If it's a part of your soul, can't you figure out what it's up to?"
"If I could do that we wouldn't be having this conversation," the thief growled, pushing away from the wall and making certain the Millennium Ring was safely concealed. "Stay here. I'll be right back." Without another word, the thief slunk off.
"Yugi, what happens if there's no one to challenge the game master?" Malik asked, checking on the shorter teen.
"Well..." Yugi began thoughtfully, "normally there couldn't be a game. But since it is going on, then either the...game master is playing by himself, which is unlikely..." he paused, closing his eyes and tugging at the collar of his shirt a bit. Malik frowned, realizing just how badly Yugi was deteriorating.
'We need water soon,' the Egyptian thought, looking in the direction the thief had vanished.
"More likely," Yugi continued, "we're his opponents now. It would explain why we can be seen." The teen looked up at Malik. "I screwed up everything...I'm sorry."
Malik shook his head, standing up. "We'll figure something out. Wait here, I'll see if I can find some water." The blond quietly crept to the edge of the alley, leaning his head out just slightly to peer around the corner. He froze as his eyes met someone else's and he stumbled back into the alley, praying that he somehow hadn't been seen.
Bakura returned to the alley, clay pot cradled against his chest half-filled with water. He smirked, glad he hadn't lost his touch, when he saw the scene before him.
Malik sat on his knees, hands bound behind his back and a city guard standing behind him while his partner lifted the heat-exhausted Yugi. They turned and looked at Bakura, who glared at Malik in return.
"Can't I leave you two alone for five minutes?" he asked, surrendering to the guard who set Yugi back down and came towards him.
Marik was bored.
Granted, there was some excitement now. The Pharaoh was frustrated about his vessel's soul being in danger. Everyone was confused about where the tomb robber had disappeared to. The Pharaoh's little groupies were being useless as was his hikari's sister, who was lamenting her uselessness.
Marik twirled the Millennium Rod in his free hand, ignoring the warning glare from Rishid as well as the man's tight grip on his wrist. He didn't want to help the Pharaoh and the tomb robber. He didn't care about either of their hiakris plights. His own hikari, however. That was a different matter entirely. With a sigh, he held up the Millennium Rod, Eye of Horus (AN: the mark that appears on his forehead?) flashing a bright gold on his forehead. Everyone save himself and the Pharaoh froze, golden light flickering around then like flames.
He could feel the Pharaoh's eyes on him as he casually released Rishid's grip on his wrist, flexing the hand as his circulation returned to normal.
"You don't seem surprised," Marik purred, lilac eyes meeting Yami's.
"Actually, I was wondering when you'd do something like that," the Pharaoh retorted, body rigid and anticipating the blond's next move.
"Relax, we both know we're evenly matched for now." Marik yawned, stretching his arms over his head. "Besides, you're all being stupid. "Oh, how can we go after them? It's hopeless!"" the blond smirked, shaking his head. "The answer's obvious. Just go in and get him."
Yami blinked at Marik and the blond sighed in exasperation, shoulders slumping. "Were you really a Pharaoh? The answer's right in front of you." Seeing that Yami still didn't understand, the blond straightened, the hand holding the Millennium Rod on one hip. "The tomb robber put a part of his soul in your puzzle so he could sneak into your memories and trap you. So there should be another way in through your puzzle. Gods, don't you pay attention?"
"It is true," a voice spoke suddenly. The two yamis turned toward the speaker. "There is indeed another way in through the Millennium Puzzle, nameless Pharaoh."
"See, even that guy knows," Marik smirked, pointing at the white-clad Egyptian.
"Shadi," Yami nodded in greeting.
"Using the power of the Millennium Key, we can enter the room of your soul," Shadi raised his Millennium Item as he spoke. "But be warned, once we begin, you cannot return until the game is won."
Yami nodded. "Of course."
"This is going to be fun!" Marik grinned, gripping the Millennium Rod in both hands and coming to stand beside the former Pharaoh.
"Who said you were coming?" Yami asked, leering at the blond. Marik's face went blank and he met the other's gaze evenly.
"If you let me come, I'll tell you why I have my own body." Seeing that this sparked some interest in Yami, Marik grinned. "Besides, if you leave me here, I might kill someone. You wouldn't want that now, would you?"
"Nameless Pharaoh, we must move quickly. Time is of the essence," Shadi spoke, taking the Millennium Key in hand.
With a final look at Marik, Yami relented. "Fine."
"Why are they taking us before the Pharaoh during his coronation ceremony?" Malik whispered, leaning close to Bakura as they were led to the throne room. Both Malik and Bakura's arms were bound tightly behind them. Yugi trudged beside them, his hands unbound as he was too weak at the moment to be considered a threat.
"Why indeed," Bakura muttered knowingly. Malik heaved a sigh and looked at Yugi.
"You do know how to behave, don't you?" the Egyptian queried. "Keep your head down, don't make eye contact with the Pharaoh, and-"
"I know," the shorter teen breathed, glancing to Malik, who nodded.
"And you," he turned his attention back to Bakura. "Since you and Yugi look the most out of place, it would probably be safer to let me do the talking. Granted, my clothes make me stand out, but otherwise-"
"Yes, your clothes make you stand out," Bakura cut him off, bringing his face a bare inch from Malik's. "You're wearing enough jewelry to sink a ship and, might I say, that is a lovely shade of purple you're wearing.(1)" With a wicked smirk, Bakura entered the throne room, Malik hesitating until one of their escorts nudged him none to gently forward.
"...Shit."
"So, these are the foreigners we were told of," one of the six priests spoke, Millennium Ring hanging proudly from his neck. Bakura and Malik dropped to their knees at the guards' urging, Yugi carefully kneeling beside the blond.
"Where are you from?" The voice belonged to the lone priestess among the six, Millennium Necklace glinting in the torch light.
Thinking quickly, Malik leaned forward slightly. "We come from a distant land seeking a friend of ours who was abducted. We did not wish to cause trouble."
"Where are you from exactly?" an eerily familiar voice asked, blue eyes staring down the blond relentlessly. "Your clothing is like nothing we have seen. And you were reported to be sneaking around the city like thieves. If you were truly searching for a lost companion, why did you not seek the council of the Pharaoh?"
"Patience, Priest Set," a man draped and hooded in a simple linen robe spoke, Millennium Eye turning towards the trio. "Perhaps first we should make certain of their innocence. There are many who would wish harm on the Pharaoh."
"And it would serve the new Pharaoh well to see a demonstration of the powers of the Millennium Items, a short, elderly man spoke. Yugi lifted his gaze slightly, recognizing the voice.
"Jii-chan?" he whispered, Malik nudging him gently.
"Quiet," the blond hissed.
"I see. A wise decision, Master Akunadin, Advisor Siamun," Priest Set replied. "Priest Shada, you may begin first. Start with the one in the center, as he appears to be their leader."
Bakura amazed himself by not laughing at the assumption.
Malik squirmed a bit uncomfortably but didn't argue. A bald man dressed in a sleeveless white robe approached, holding up the Millennium Key so that, from his perspective, Malik was framed by the opening in the top. It glowed brightly and Shada made a peculiar face, lowering his item.
"This one has some lingering darkness in his heart as though he were recently redeemed of a great evil. I do not see anything dangerous lurking within him." Navy eyes shifted to rest on Yugi, who raised his gaze, trying to swallow the knot in his throat. Again the Millennium Item was raised and glowed as it was activated. Shada's eyes widened.
"What is it, Shada?" Akunadin asked, anticipating danger.
"I don't believe I've ever judged a soul like his," Shada replied, lowering his item again. "I did not see any darkness within his soul."
"Is that possible?" Set demanded, glaring at the teen in question. "Hmn. While it is a welcome notion, it seems we will not be able to give our Pharaoh a proper demonstration of our abilities."
"Priest Set-" Mahado began, but Isis suddenly grabbed his arm, seeming off balanced.
"And this one," Shada turned to Bakura who fought the urge, with great difficulty, to try and intimidate the priest. He knew that if his soul was peered into, Set would more than likely have the "demonstration" he so desired. The thief also knew that Isis's reaction could mean only one thing.
"Wait!" Isis spoke suddenly, the Millennium Necklace glowing brightly against her throat. "There is a great evil approaching the palace! One that may even rival the power of the Pharaoh!"
As if on cue, the sounds of fighting erupted from the hall leading to the throne room. In a flash, Bakura was on his feet, turning toward the approaching hoof beats. "Look out," he said coolly to Malik and Yugi. The two teens took the hint and got to their feet as well, moving off to the side as a man approached draped in a red, open robe and gold jewelry, a bag full of pilfered items strapped to his back.
Out of the corner of his eye, Yugi got a good look at the young Pharaoh as he rose from his throne to face the new threat. He leaned on Malik as he instinctively turned his head and took in everything he could about the stunning, deeply tanned man who looked so much like Yami.
'Mou hitori no boku...?' he thought, finding himself unable to look away. As if sensing himself being watched, the Pharaoh turned his head, their eyes meeting for just a brief moment before Malik nudged the teen roughly, snapping him out of his daze and reminding him that he wasn't supposed to make eye contact.
The thief paused after entering the room, purple eyes fixing on Bakura in disbelief. "How did you get here?"
"What was that?" Bakura responded, a growl in his tone. The thief chuckled.
"Oh I see. You're not who I thought you were, never mind." His attention fixed on the Pharaoh and his priests.
Bakura's eyes narrowed dangerously, but he stepped aside to watch the ensuing battle.
AN: Insert the fight scene from season five episodes 202 here :3 Hey, I'm not going to look up all of those monsters and give you a blow-by-blow. Go to youtube and look it up. Subbed of course :3
1) Back in the day, as it were, normal people didn't wear jewelry because it was expensive. And they didn't wear purple because it was also expensive (something about thousands of tiny shelled things to make one pound) and was pretty much reserved for royalty and such.
Though Malik's shirt is light purple, I think it still counts. And I thought it was funny. :3
So, that was chapter 4. And now on to chapter 5! Keep reading!
"And now the Pharaoh and the Psycho are unconscious and the Millennium Rod is missing. What the hell just happened?" Jounouchi ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"We were all just talking...what happened?" Anzu asked nervously.
"Marik must have used the power of the Millennium Rod," Isis frowned. "But I do not know what happened." She held her hands up, cupping them on either side of the Millennium Necklace and closed her eyes to determine what occurred.
"So now what? Just stand here and wait for something to happen?" Honda grumbled.
Isis opened her eyes again. "Both the nameless Pharaoh and Marik are being led through the labyrinth of the Millennium Puzzle by a spirit of the past. They are going to try an enter the realm of the Pharaoh's memories that way."
"I guess that makes sense," Anzu sighed. "But there has to be something we can do to help them."
"There may be one thing," Rishid spoke, looking over the trio and then to Isis. "How did they enter the Millennium Puzzle?"
"The spirit used the power of the Millennium Key." Isis lowered her hands and met Rishid's gaze. "But that is the power of that item. I don't believe the Millennium Necklace could achieve that."
"We still have one item at our disposal," Rishid pointed out. "What are the capabilities of the Millennium Eye?"
"I know who we could ask," Jounouchi grinned. "Pegasus! He's bound to know!"
"I couldn't hurt to ask," Anzu smiled. Honda pulled out his cell phone.
"I'll call Otogi. He'll know how to get in touch with him!"
"I know a couple more people who should probably be here," Jounouchi smirked, pulling out his own phone and walking to the stairs. "We'll probably have better luck outside, Honda. Come on!"
Yami winced at the sound of Marik running around and doors being pushed open and slammed back shut.
"Is that really necessary?" he called after the blond, checking a door that was somehow over looked in Marik's rampage.
"Hey, you want to find the door, right?" Marik laughed, running up a set of stairs overhead.
The former Pharaoh tried to keep the blond in sight as he continued, hoping that Shadi was doing the same. "There are countless doors to inspect and no real way to determine if we aren't just going in circles. I don't even know what we're looking for..."
"You must focus, nameless Pharaoh," Shadi replied. "Keep in mind, this is your soul room. If there is anyone who can lead us to it's very depths, it is you. But you must have an open mind and heart."
Yami winced as another door was slammed, but nodded and closed his eyes.
Isis fell back as her Spiria took the brunt of an attack that had been aimed at the Pharaoh. The other priests moved toward their fallen comrade, glaring at the thief that had single handedly defeated them all with his ka spirit: Diabound.
"It's like I said, you aren't strong enough to defeat me!" the thief laughed, tossing his head back triumphantly.
"Then it's my turn."
All eyes turned to Bakura, who's hands were still bound behind him, as he came to stand before the priests. "Tozokuo Akefia. You call yourself the Thief King. You've survived the ordeal at Kul Elna. How sad that, had things progressed as planned, I would be on your side in this battle." The white haired thief grinned at the other's confusion, his eyes glinting darkly. "Tell me, when you first arrived, you seemed to recognize me until I spoke. I believe you have something that belongs to me." His gaze turned deadly. "Where is he?"
Tozokuo grinned maliciously. "Eh? Sorry, can't say that I know who you're talking about," he chuckled.
"Wrong answer," Bakura snarled. "I'll ask you again." Leaning forward, a duel disk suddenly materialized on the thief's wrist, the plates snapping towards his hand and then sliding into position parallel to his forearm. The ropes binding him fell away with a snap and he brought his hands before him, shouting at the startled Tozokuo with a voice full of rage and blood lust echoing against the stone walls. "WHERE IS RYOU!?"he drew the top card from his deck and threw it down, calling forth- "Diabound!"
Tozokuo took a startled step back, violet eyes widening. "I-Impossible! Impossible! Diabound is my ka-spirit!"
"That man...he has a Dia Diank as well!?" Akunadin gasped.
"I've never seen anything like that," Siamun breathed. The Pharaoh leaned forward in his throne, hands gripping the armrests.
"And that's what makes this whole thing so frustrating," Bakura snarled. "Where. Is. Ryou. Tell me now or I'll kill you."
Malik gaped at Bakura. 'I've never seen him this mad...even in Battle City...'
"I see, Malik. If Yugi attacks, he would be hurting his friend," Bakura mused. "And if he doesn't attack, he'll lose either by forfeiting or by my next play."
"Exactly. And it works out well for both of us." Malik grinned at the evil spirit, but Bakura tsked and looked back down at his host. Ryou sat on his knees, confused, hurt, and scared, finding himself staring at his friend's god card, Osiris.
"It was good thinking on your part to set this up," Bakura admitted, a wicked grin crossing his feature. "But I have my own way of winning and I won't use a trick like this." The Millennium Ring glowed brightly, the five prongs pointing rigidly as Bakura reclaimed control and forcibly severed Malik's connections to Ryou. "Get out of my sight, Malik!"
'That display of anger was nothing compared to this. Even though that is undeniably his past self, he's willing to attack with everything he has...for Ryou...' Malik winced as he realized what that might mean.
"You can't scare me! Diabound, attack!" Tozokuo shouted, his ka spirit charging an attack and launching it at Bakura's Diabound, who imitated the act in a counter attack. Everyone shielded their eyes from the resulting explosion, shocked to see both monsters still stood.
"Th-they are evenly match! Shouldn't they both have been vanquished!?" Priest Set breathed, not believing his eyes. The others concurred.
"Attack again!" Tozokuo shouted.
"That won't work!" Bakura roared, both Diabounds attacks canceling out away, sending another wave of energy through the room.
'If this keeps up they're liable to hurt someone...' Yugi thought, looking around for some sort of answer. 'None of the priests' summoned creatures could stop Diabound...wait, the Pharaoh! Why hasn't he summoned something...' Amethyst eyes widened a bit as he stared at the Pharaoh. 'Yami learned about the god cards in my time. Maybe...' Seeing that the others were all distracted, Yugi scurried behind them to the throne, ignoring everything he knew about ancient Egypt's customs as he grabbed the Pharaoh's arm.
The Pharaoh looked at the teen, startled by the sudden contact. "You-"
"You have to summon one of the gods," Yugi said, almost pleading.
"The...the gods?" the Egyptian breathed, keeping his voice low to match the teen's.
"Summon Obelisk no Kyo-shin-hen! I'm certain it can beat Diabound!"
The Pharaoh stared a moment longer into Yugi's eyes before hardening his face and standing up.
"What a pain!" Tozokuo shouted, kicking the sarcophagus of Akunumkanon towards Bakura, who merely raised a foot to stop it as it slid to his feet..
"Stop this at once!" the Pharaoh shouted, coming to stand beside Bakura. Siamun hurried to the head of the sarcophagus, crying at the mistreatment of the former Pharaoh.
"Oh? And what does the mighty Pharaoh believed he can do?" Tozokuo asked sarcastically, grinning.
Bakura looked behind him and saw that Yugi was kneeling beside the throne, looking faint once again.
"You dare to disrespect the dead? To come and attack innocent people just because you have power?" the Pharaoh clenched his fists, eyes narrowing dangerously. "Then the anger of god will fall upon you!" He raised his left hand, fully trusting in the foreigner's words. "Come forth, Obelisk no Kyo-shin-hen!"
The priests gasped, Siamun looking up at the Pharaoh in shock. "Could it really be-"
A pillar of light filled the room behind the Pharaoh, the form of Obelisk taking shape and roaring to life. Tozokuo's eyes almost doubled in size at the sight.
"N-no matter! Diabound is unstoppable!" the thief shouted in defiance. "Diabound!"
"Let's see how he fares then," Bakura sneered, his own Diabound charging an attack and countering the thief's. Obelisk unleashed his attack unhindered and Tozokuo's Diabound was defeated.
"This is the power of the gods..." Akunadin breathed.
"You have been defeated, thief!" the Pharaoh shouted, Obelisk vanishing as he was dismissed.
"Hn." Tozokuo smirked, bring two fingers to his lips and whistling sharply. "You won this round, Pharaoh, but next time it will take more than god to defeat me," the thief chuckled, his horse charging from the hall way and pausing just long enough for it's owner to get a hand hold.
"Like hell you're running away!" Bakura roared, charging after the thief. The Pharaoh hesitated to follow, turning to look back at Yugi. He knelt beside Siamun, voice low.
"See that the young man beside the throne is cared for and have him sent up to my room. I need to speak with him in private." This added to Siamun's shock that the new Pharaoh had been able to summon Obelisk, but the young king reassured him. "He is not a threat. Also see that his friend's bindings are cut and that he is given a room as well as arranging one for the other man. I feel these three are genuine in their intent."
"Y-yes...my Pharaoh," Siamun stammered, beginning to shout orders as the Pharaoh moved to follow Bakura and Tozokuo.
Bakura knew he didn't stand much chance at catching up to the retreating thief on foot. Drawing another card he set it on his Duel Disk, preparing to call out something that could.
Pain suddenly struck the white haired thief and he stumbled, staggering against the nearest wall and bracing himself. "Wh-what is this...ahhh...." he brought a hand to his chest, feeling the outline of the Millennium Ring through his shirt. 'It's not the ring...then...' Crying out as another, strong wave of pain tore through him, Bakura sank to his knees, one hand still gripping the wall while the other clamped over his mouth. He didn't even register when his Duel Disk vanished from his arm, his focus broken and unable to keep it materialized.
The hurried sound of footsteps reached his ears, but he couldn't move, nearly doubled over in agony.
"Bakura!" Malik shouted, skidding to a stop beside him.
"Is he injured?" the Pharaoh asked, stopping as well. Others continued past them, trying to catch up to Tozokuo, however futile it was.
Malik tried to inspect Bakura, but the thief pushed him away.
"I...'m fine..." he snarled, not convincing anyone. Bakura leaned heavily against the wall, trying to get to his feet and unable to protest when Malik put and arm around his waist. Reluctantly he draped and arm over the Egyptian's shoulders.
"I am having rooms prepared for each of you," the Pharaoh said softly. "Please, follow me."
Bakura dragged his feet, each step echoing the intense pain from before, though it slowly faded. In it's wake, the thief found he was almost completely exhausted and drenched in sweat, panting softly as he fought to keep moving. 'What the hell happened to me?'
AN: What the hell happened to him indeed!
Well, I know. But I'm not telling you! You'll have to keep reading to find out! :3 And yes. Yes I did just call the Theif King Tozokuo Akefia. From what I understand (and as I have written before) Tozokuo Bakura is the Thief King's real name and Akefia is his fan name. Either way, I thought it might appeal to everyone. :3
Next time, more Ryou! I promise!
Ryou: You know, for a tendershipping story, you'd think I'd be more of the main character...
Bakura: Hey, I said your name a lot! Besides, you're the princess in distress!
Ryou:...