Bakura practiced with his new ally. It was difficult learning how to summon Diabound. He had done it the first time through pure will, now he wanted to be able to call the shadowy creature anytime he wished. It wasn't easy. The summons drained him of energy, taking something from him in exchange for letting Diabound manifest. But it was getting easier and the serpentine was always eager to answer.

Their first tomb run had been almost ridiculously easy. Bakura already knew how to be stealthy and had scouted ahead at what curses were likely in the tomb. There had been barely any, as the noble had been nobody of importance. Diabound had cheerfully smashed through the magic guarding the treasure, letting Bakura take his prize at his leisure.

He knew he should have been more cautious, but flushed with success and a new source of power Bakura was quick to set his sights on a more difficult challenge. The tomb was brand new, treasures still being added as the body was prepared. A single soldier was stationed on watch outside. Bakura knew Diabound could shatter the magic in the tomb with ease, and wasn't worried at all about facing a single soldier. He'd faced tougher odds alone.

Bakura easily slipped past the soldier's gaze into the tomb. He paused for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the semi darkness before beginning to scan for the first trap creeping along inside. Sensing it he smiled and reached inside to where Diabound rested.

"Come forth Diabound," Bakura muttered. His shadowy ally rapidly answered the summons the shadows twisting as he came into being. Hissing he gazed around measuring the threats.

"Destroy the traps," Bakura commanded. Cheerfully Diabound struck out the magic viciously twisting in protest. A shout from the soldier alerted Bakura. That shouldn't have happened. How had they been noticed? Had he sensed the tampering Diabound was doing somehow? He spun around bracing himself. Entangled in the trap Diabound was too involved fighting the magic to react to the danger. The soldier ran into the hall Bakura's eyes widening at the sight of an axe wielding creature following behind.

"Axe Raider, attack the ka!" the soldier bellowed. Ka? So Diabound wasn't unique, there were more shadow creatures like him. Good to know, but too late to be useful now. Bakura drew his blade and backed up, searching for a way past without a direct fight. The soldier's ka struck Diabound hard though, and tangled in the magic he couldn't escape. Screeching in pain Diabound writhed, trying to fight off the axe raider. Unfortunately the ka was powerful, another blow shattering Diabound. Bakura cried in pain as Diabound was forced back into the shadows drawing on Bakura's life to help keep himself together.

Staggering slightly Bakura hissed. What was that? Was Diabound destroyed? Gone before Bakura even had the chance to learn what he was capable of? Furious he straightened and struck out, his blade meeting against the soldier's spear.

"Not so fast," the soldier growled, "They'll be interested to see what you can do at the barracks." Bakura chuckled.

"Like I'll let you take me anywhere." Drawing a second blade Bakura stabbed past the defense hitting the soldier's chest. Gasping in pain the soldier stepped back. Bakura kicked him knocking him off balance. Seizing the opening he rushed out to escape the tomb. A roar sounded behind him. The soldier's shadow spirit was following. Gritting his teeth Bakura scanned for a place to hide. The axe raider had destroyed Diabound, it could easily kill him. Alas the hall was a straight shot. He darted out the entrance and kept running. He faintly heard another low growl, but the creature didn't follow. It must not want to leave it's master behind. Sighing Bakura slowed down heading back to the town.

He needed help. Bakura was clever, but he simply didn't know enough to be able to handle the shadow creatures on his own. He needed a teacher, someone to tell him how the creatures worked and whether or not Diabound was destroyed, and if he was how to get a new shadow spirit. The thought felt almost treacherous, but he couldn't let anything get in the way of his goal. Thinking he glanced around the busy market he'd wandered to. A thin man with beady eyes conjured flames for a small crowd, a basket out to collect money. Bakura's eyes narrowed thinking.

The magician wasn't much, but he probably wouldn't have many scruples about teaching Bakura. That was the best Bakura could hope for. Hopefully the magician would be greedy or fearful enough to teach Bakura. Finding a magician that would teach a thief would be difficult. Casually he strolled toward the magician, already planning what he could learn.