It's my birthday on the 13th again. Wow, over a year since I started this story. Who would of thought, over 400 reviews.
To each and every person who has reviewed this story, you have my heartfelt gratitude. It is the reviewers, just as much as the writers, who make this site so great and I couldn't of wished for a nicer, more supportive bunch then you guys and girls. Thank you all so much.
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"I trust you enjoyed your day in the library?" Tèa looked up, that had been Marik.
She considered carefully before answering, "Well, I can't say that I've always been that much of a reader but you certainly have an impressive selection. Still, it's a ... less active pass time than I am used to."
"That's right, you're a dancer. Exactly what discipline?"
"Modern mainly, jazz, hip-hop. That sort of thing. I'm not that good yet but I hope..." Tèa caught herself, she'd almost forgotten to whom she'd been talking. It had seemed like such a typical conversation, the kind she had with people at school all the time. "I had hoped to improve, I was aiming for a place at a New York dance school."
Bakura watched the girl twist her hands together awkwardly. 'This must be one of those goals she was talking about.'
"Do you miss it?" Tèa looked at Bakura in shock, after a moment she managed to choke out a reply.
"Excuse me?"
He rolled his eyes in irritation, was it really that amazing that he would show interest in her? "Do you miss dancing?"
Tèa contemplated this. "In the grand scheme of things I miss other things a lot more."
"Like?" prompted Marik, both he and Bakura actually seemed interested in the answers she was giving. Tèa, who had thought that this was just idle chit-chat, faltered. Not wanting to reveal too much she picked her words carefully.
"My friends and family mostly, I can't imagine what my parents must be going through. But material things? Well I guess it would be going outside, being able to make decisions about my life. Oh and I guess just the things I've had around me all my life. My desk, my posters..." She chuckled, "In my room at home I have this truly heinous painting. It's orange, pink and khaki. My aunt got it for me on her European tour. It's supposed to be by this 'up and coming artist' but, I mean it truly is the most ugly thing. I only kept it because it was a gift." She sighed, looking around the table. "I never thought I'd miss it."
Suddenly, aware that she was being watched closely by all three of her companions, she smiled nervously. "Sorry, didn't mean to ramble."
Oddly enough it was Marik that rescued her from the intense silence.
"When we get to Egypt you should have more to do. My home there should be much better equipped for recreation. And of course there will be a large walled garden. So my friend over there," He indicated Bakura with his fork, "Can let you roam outside, if he so feels inclined, without fear of you escaping." He set down his utensils indicating that he was finished eating. "Now I would suggest that we all retire. Tomorrow will be hectic. There's packing to be done, and the boat you two are using needs to be provisioned and crewed. Oh, where exactly will you be heading my dear?"
Tèa looked up from her perusal of the table top, "It's in southern Japan."
"Excellent I shall arrange for transport from the port you arrive at if you would be so kind as to supply Odion with the exact address."
Tèa nodded, "I have it right here." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the address Seto had given to her. She'd been keeping it on her at all times after the bombing, it was just lucky that it had been in her pocket when she fled with Odion.
Odion accepted the small piece of paper and copied the details down into a little book he'd removed from his robes.
"Good, good." said Marik, standing up and stretching as Odion gave Tèa back her paper. "Then it's all settled. I'll bid you both goodnight"
His three companions stood as well. The door was opened for them as they exited the tiny dinning room. Bakura and Tèa murmured their own good-byes as they headed down a corridor in the opposite direction to their dinner companions.
They walked in silence for a while but after the third turn that she didn't know they had to take Tèa addressed her escort.
"Just how do you know where we're going? What, did you spend the first few days memorizing every corridor in this place?"
The spirit smirked and glanced at the irate girl to his left.
"You are aware that I'm oft called 'tomb robber'? Tombs are generally underground. Being good at navigating in tunnels is an important skill for any aspiring tomb thief. Those that aren't rarely stay in the profession for very long."
"Ah, I'll assume from your tone that those who don't fill the requirements don't just try a new line of work. The dismissal is somewhat more... terminal."
"That's one way to put it."
By this time they'd arrived at their room. Bakura slid the key into the keyhole then spent a few seconds swearing and thumping the door before he managed to wrestle it open.
"So," said Tèa boldly, stepping in behind him. "Do you want to face the wall first or should I?"
"What makes you think I'll even face the wall?"
"Some lingering sense of decency?" She said innocently, raising her eyebrows.
Bakura smirked, finally - there was the fiery personality he knew had to be lurking in there. 'Why do I enjoy this so much? To keep her properly controlled I know I should be crushing these little out bursts. Instead I seem to be encouraging them. Eh, she's much more fun when she's like this anyway. I may have requested her for my Light but who says I can't have some fun along the way.'
He turned to the wall. In the background he could hear the sounds of Tèa changing and readying for bed. Despite the fact that Ryou was no longer awake to harass him into behaving, he'd fallen asleep sometime during dinner - exhausted by the Shadow Magic of the day before, he made no attempt to turn around until Tèa gave clearance.
Not checking to see if Tèa had turned away or not, convinced the girls modesty would compel her to, Bakura changed into the pajamas folded at the foot of his bed. Then he switched the light off and climbed into his own bed.
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Tèa awoke slowly the next day or at least she was slowly easing out of her dreams, right up until the point the blankets around her were wrenched away and she tumbled out of bed.
She screeched as she hit the ground, the impact was cushioned by her pillow but it still gave her a jolt. She rolled over onto her back to see the Spirit grinning down at her.
"W-What was that for?" she spluttered.
Bakura shrugged, "You need to get up now, so I woke you."
"By throwing me out of bed?"
"I've spent the last five minutes shaking you. You sleep like the dead. And I would know." As he spoke Bakura couldn't keep the smirk off his face, he'd obviously enjoyed being Tèa's alarm clock.
"That hurt."
Bakura's expression changed slightly, it hardened, and Tèa recognized that as being a bad sign.
"Do you think I care?" He snapped, angry at her and at his own behavior. 'I'm going crazy'
Muttering under her breath Tèa stood up, she was determined that Bakura not know just what a scare he had given her. Regardless of how good she was getting at pretending everything was okay it wasn't. The spirit was unpredictable, one minute almost friendly, if one ignored the edge of malice behind almost everything he did or said, the next second threatening and living up to his title of Darkness. That behavior scared Tèa even more than if he had just been nasty, this way she never knew how to act. She decided that the best way to handle the situation was to just keep going as she had, 'I'm tired of always cowering.'
Finally clambering to her feet Tèa only now noticed that Bakura was dressed.
Taking notice of her gaze he spoke, "I'm leaving to see Marik now. You are going to be able to wash and then I would suggest you pack. Take only what you'll need on the boat, everything will be provided for in Egypt. Everything must be ready for tomorrow, we leave early. This will also mean that you have to get up earlier too, I do hope you can." His grin returned and intensified at the girl's thunderous look.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Bakura opened the door to reveal Sylvie who flinched away from Bakura's gaze.
"I'm here to tend to Miss."
"Bakura nodded, "Then I will take my leave, I will see you at dinner." He turned and walked out the door. Tèa noticed that there were no guards outside, as there had been in her last lodgings. She supposed it must be that no guards could be spared due to the heightened security she'd heard Odion mention. This made sense, she supposed. After all if she had been in charge then after the air raid security would be seriously reinforced.
Sylvie looked to Tèa, "If Miss would be so kind as to follow me I can take her to the showers,"
Tèa nodded, knowing the routine now, she gathered a bundle of clothes and followed the maid out the door.
A few passages away Bakura was still thinking about Tèa, a bedraggled, venomous lump, glaring up at him from the floor. The opportunity had been too delicious to pass up. He hadn't lied, the spirit had spent considerable time trying to wake the girl up. When the more conventional prods and shakes had failed he couldn't resist. She had reacted just the way he expected, the flames behind her eyes had ignited and she looked ready to destroy him.
'I do wish you could control yourself more.' The comment and the long-suffering sigh that accompanied it were from Ryou.
'And I wish that you'd mind you're own business,' snapped Bakura.
'You dumped her on to a stone floor, don't you think that's a tad dangerous?'
Bakura growled crossly. 'She was completely wrapped in three blankets plus she had a pillow to break the fall. I knew their wouldn't be any permanent damage.'
There was silence from his Light.
'What? No witty comeback?'
No, I mean...It's just that...well, YOU were concerned, careful to not hurt someone. You went out of your way to make sure she wasn't hurt.'
'Don't be ridiculous, I just did it to annoy her.'
'You know' Ryou's voice had an uncharacteristic sly edge to it, 'Some people try to get peoples attention by annoying them. Especially if they're attracted to them.'
Bakura chose not to dignify that with an answer.
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When Tèa and Sylvie arrived back at Tèa and Bakura's room two suitcases were waiting in the middle of the floor. Sylvie coughed politely,
"I'm to stay and help you Miss."
Tèa smiled at her then started to drag one of the suitcases towards the wardrobe. Sylvie approached her and they both began to remove Tèa's clothing from the closet and pack them into the two suitcases.
The maid informed Tèa that someone else would be packing Bakura's so they left the spirit's clothing piled in his side of the closet.
It soon became apparent that the luggage wasn't really enough to accommodate all of Tèa's apparel. She and Sylvie spent a good two hours trying to decide what they could and could not take and what would and would not fit.
Neither girl had any idea how long this trip would take, or what type of weather to expect so they were trying to pack for every eventuality.
At around lunch time there was a knock at the door. Without waiting for an answer the door opened and a head peeked into the room.
"Hello in there!"
Tèa immediately recognized her visitor, "Floss! Come in, I'm sorry I can't offer you a seat but we don't actually have one."
The seamstress smiled, giving Tèa a hug. "I'd noticed Love. Not exactly what you're used to is it?" Floss seemed as perky as normal and she was still carrying her gigantic basket, just as she always did.
"Oh it's fine. I just keep telling myself that it's a lot better than I thought I was going to be getting."
Floss smiled then looked around Tèa to Sylvie. "Hello Dear, do you think that you could fetch us a bite for lunch?"
Sylvie nodded and hurried away.
Tèa watched her go, "She's terribly jumpy."
"Wouldn't you be?"
"I suppose, I'm jumpy enough even in my position."
"We all have our own troubles. Anyway I've come to say good-bye. I can't stay long, I've got my own packing to do but I wanted to give you a few things and a proper farewell."
Tèa smiled sadly, "I'm happy you're going home. I really am, but I'll miss you."
"I will too." Floss looked a bit misty eyed but she blinked rapidly and plowed on. Reaching into her basket she drew out a bag. "These are some clothes for that little boy. I didn't know if he'd be given anything so I got these. I don't know his size so I erred on the large side. It's just some sweaters and a few other things but it'll hopefully keep him warm on his trip." She pulled out a piece of paper. "These are my contact details. I don't know if you'll have access to a phone or be able to write but try okay?." Tèa nodded and slipped the paper into her pocket.
Floss was fiddling in her basket again. She drew out folds of shimmery light blue material and handed them to Tèa. "This is for you."
Tèa gently unfolded her gift and gasped at what she found. It was a silk head scarf, long enough to wrap around her head to form a good protection from the sun. The edges were trimmed with silver embroidery. It was gorgeous.
"Oh Floss! It's lovely, I'll treasure it. Thank you. But I don't have anything to give you. Except..." She slipped off one of the rings she was wearing. It was a signet ring she had received when she turned sixteen.
"Take this to remember me by? Please?"
Floss accepted the gift with a smile, "I'll remember you anyway. But thank you." The older woman glanced at her watch.
"I have to go now."
Tèa led her to the door, "Good bye Floss, thank you for everything."
"Bye Love. Remember, chin up. You're not to give up, understand?"
Floss walked out of the door, passing Sylvie on her way back in with a tray. The seamstress waved once and then disappeared around the corner.
The rest of the day was pretty hectic for Tèa. After lunch she and Sylvie spent the afternoon packing. For about an hour somewhere in the middle of that one of the other servants appeared to pack Bakura's belongings so they had to stop and give the manservant room. In fact they had only just managed to finish in time. Sylvie left wheeling the luggage with her ten minutes before Bakura appeared.
Bakura entered without any warning, startling Tèa.
"Marik is busy with last minute details so we will be dinning alone. As it was easier, dinner is being sent here."
"Oh, okay." Tèa said from her place on the bed.
Bakura sat on his own bed yawning widely.
"Tiring day?" Bakura looked up when Tèa spoke to him. 'There she goes again. I don't understand her, could she be trying to befriend me.' Bakura didn't know what he found more disturbing, the fact she was trying to befriend him or the fact a large part of him didn't seem to mind.
"I had forgotten how annoying mortals were en masse."
"Why are you so hard on us anyway. You were a mortal once too." She regarded him suspiciously for a moment, "Weren't you?"
The spirit leaned back, his eyes closed and he smirked, "Yes I was, once. But that was long ago."
The arrival of a servant bearing dinner stopped conversation. Thirty minutes later they were both in bed, this time with a lot less argument about not looking. Tèa smiled as she started to drift off, 'Finally, he begins to behave.'
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This time Tèa was woken by a loud sigh coming from someone who couldn't be more than a metre away.
"And to think that I had honestly thought you would be capable of getting up on time."
Recognizing the voice and remembering what had happened the last time that she hadn't woken quick enough Tèa sat bolt upright.
"I'm up!"
Bakura looked at her from his position at the foot of the bed. Tèa was first shocked and then amused at what the grumpy spirit was wearing. He was covered head to foot, a large woolen jacket wrapped around him.
He scowled when she let a giggle slip. "The forecast is for rain. I would suggest you dress warmly."
"Sorry." whispered Tèa, still struggling to hide a smile, "I know you don't like the cold."
Bakura sighed, now he just seemed exasperated. "Yes, appropriate clothing has been arranged for you" He indicated a pile waiting on her end table. "I think you should get up now, we leave in an hour."
"An hour!" Tèa scrambled out of bed.
"Yes, the maid is waiting outside to take you to the..." Bakura stopped, Tèa had already left.
Hurrying down the corridor Tèa tried to gather her thoughts. 'Okay girl, just calm down. You packed everything last night so all you have to do is get dressed. You can do that in an hour. Good, because I would hate to see what Bakura would do if I held up our boat.'
When she reached the bathrooms Tèa thanked the maid and sped into the room. Working quickly she washed and dried then picked up the clothing Bakura had offered her. A thick jersey and warm trousers were supplied and a deep green knee length coat to go over the top. Tèa stopped, none of these items had been in her wardrobe so extra care had gone into getting them for her. 'I wonder who it was Ryou or Bakura.' Normally she would dismiss the idea of Bakura doing anything kind but lately he'd been acting odd.
Shrugging, deciding she had other things to worry about, Tèa dressed and then hurried out the door. The maid showed her to her room, she was back only twenty minutes after she had woken up.
Bakura was waiting when she got back, "You forgot your boots." He pointed to the ankle boots she had worn once before.
Tèa nodded and slipped them on.
The spirit stood up, "I'm going to inform Marik we're ready to leave. After that we will go and collect the boy. The rest of the prisoners will be on a transport later in the day."
Tèa was left alone. She quickly decided that the tiny room was a lot less interesting as she spent quarter of an hour passing restlessly. It took only eight passes to cross the room. The short distance did nothing to help quell Tèa's nerves. 'Finally, Mokuba is nearly free. Just one boat trip and a bit of land travel.'
When Bakura did finally return Tèa was virtually jiggling on the spot. He watched her in amusement
"Are you ready to go and get the boy now?"
Tèa nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."
Bakura beckoned to her and walked out the door. Tèa practically skipped out behind him. 'Goodbye crappy little room!'
The spirit was waiting for her in the corridor. When Tèa joined him he led her down the corridor. Once again Tèa realized he had a much better sense of direction. After about five minutes of walking and more passages then she cared to remember they stopped in front of a door Tèa recognized. A single guard unlocked the door at Bakura's bidding.
Before they entered the cell Tèa felt Bakura take her hand. She looked over at him but he was staring straight ahead. The message was very clear - the spirit wanted no mistakes about where Tèa belonged.
As the door creaked open all of the prisoners looked up. They were a lot more filthy than the last time Tèa saw them. When they saw who it was, without exception, they all looked at the Kaiba brothers.
Seto carefully stood up. After a moment Mokuba joined him. With a small sob Mokuba launched himself at his older brother. Seto carefully hugged his brother and leant down to whisper into his ear.
"Goodbye Mokuba. I don't know when I'm going to see you again but I want you to be happy anyway. Behave for Tèa okay? Don't make this any harder for her than it already is. Love you, I always will. I hope you have the life you deserve."
Sniffing Mokuba pulled back from Seto and turned towards the pair standing in the doorway.
During the brothers farewell Tèa had been checking on her other friends. She was prevented from moving towards them by Bakura's hand but she made eye contact and tried to smile reassuringly at all of them bar Serenity, who she carefully avoided. Serenity had her own observer as Bakura scowled darkly at her from Tèa's side.
Mai returned Tèa's smile with one of her own and a wink. Tèa was relieved to see that Mai's personality hadn't been completely crushed.
Tèa's attention returned to Mokuba as he started to walk towards her. Looking over the young boy's head she smiled reassuringly at his older brother.
She spoke for the first time since entering the cell. "Don't worry he'll be fine."
Bakura growled and pulled Tèa behind him as he left the cell. Mokuba trailed after them, looking behind him as he went. Outside the cell, once it was locked, Bakura let go of Tèa's hand and strode off, obviously expecting Tèa to follow. Tèa took Mokuba's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and set off after the spirit.
When the three of them emerged from the castle they followed a small paved path down the side of the cliff to a dock. Three boats were tied up there with at least ten others moored further out, waiting for their turn at the wharf. Sailors scurried everywhere as servants from the castle brought load after load of boxes and crates down the path. A cold wind was blowing through everything and it looked like it would rain at any moment. Tèa was tremendously glad of her coat.
Out of the mayhem Marik approached them. He smiled jovially, waving an arm around to encompass the surrounding area. "It's chaos isn't it."
Bakura grunted while Mokuba flinched away. As Marik and Bakura began to discuss travel arrangements Tèa looked down at the boy at her side. He was shivering so she drew him closer and wrapped one arm around him, shielding him from the wind.
A man wearing a distinctly nautical uniform approached the small group nervously.
"Excuse me my Pharaoh, Lords and Lady. The vessel is ready to debark. If you would kindly board we can leave."
Marik nodded then addressed his companions. "I'll see you two in Egypt then." He inclined his head to Bakura but took Tèa's hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. Just like he had at the ball. "Don't stay away too long my dear."
Tèa smiled and murmured quietly, "Of course not my Pharaoh. I shall look forward to seeing you soon also."
Taking Mokuba's hand she followed Bakura up the boarding ramp and onto the boat. Bakura moved to go below decks but seeing Mokuba hesitate Tèa called out to him.
"If it is all right could we stay up here for a while?"
The spirit grunted, which Tèa took to mean yes, and disappeared from sight. Tèa and Mokuba stepped to the railing looking down at the swirling water.
As the crew of the boat, 'It's more like a small ship actually' thought Tèa, worked to get her underway Tèa and Mokuba headed to the stern. In silence they watched the island fade away behind them.
After an age Mokuba spoke, stepping closer to Tèa as he did.
"I'm so glad to be leaving that place."
"Me too Mokuba, me too."