Thanks so much for reading!

And thank you for your reviews! Kichona Cho, Jasmine, Guildsnake, SilverWater123, Mariatheartist, Lulumo, ngiembabe, shinigami Merchant, Mirayessa10, metallicbubbles, A-Helping-Hand-of-Fire, theKingInBoots, CoolerTHEMANPLZ,and nurta liana. Yall are da best! Thank you for those that pointed out confusing things and typos. I posted that without properly looking it over... much like I did this chapter. Dudes... it's 7:30pm and all I want to do is sleep. I'm an old man...woman..

ANyway, super thank you for leaving reviews! Like... it's what keeps me going cause I've got so much crap going on that if I was just writing this for me, at this point I would have stopped. So thank you all for continuing to push me.

Don't worry friends. I have not forgotten to tell you what exactly Atem's trial was. I'm a little like Yugi when it comes to these things. I give little hints, but don't tell you what's actually happening until I feel like it. Woops.

The look on the pharaoh's face was worth every risk Yugi had taken to seal away Diabound. That, and it appeared Yugi hadn't been tortured at all. Not a single cut or broken bone on his body. Well, besides the injuries from the previous battle at Kul Elna. Judging by the extent of his healing, he had been out for only a few days. He had returned much quicker than he had expected.

Yugi pressed a finger to his palm, neatly sealing the tissue beneath his wrapping. His previous self probably hadn't appreciated waking up to having a hole in his hand.

As the magic swirled around him, the pharaoh's eyes zeroed in on it, unsurprised and serious. That answered that question.

"I'm guessing you're the one that stopped everyone from gutting me." said Yugi, continuing to heal his many other scabs and bruises. "And that Arthur spilled everything to you."

"He had no other choice." said Atem, who was still watching as if Yugi was an exotic animal that might jump. "I was willing to use the millennium key to access his mind, though I do understand why he kept your identity a secret."

"Of course." said Yugi, nodding to himself. Arthur could have done something to block the key, but it would have had drastic consequences on his soul and body. If he had spilled, it was because Arthur trusted Atem.

The real question lied in how much Arthur had told. No doubt the pharaoh knew that Yugi was the Hikari and the true purpose of his role, but hopefully the information had stopped there. Yugi didn't need any more leaks about his powers or weaknesses.

Yugi finished his last cut, taking a deep breath. He felt much better, his soul and everything neatly in place after that last disaster. He clasped his hands behind his back, rocking back and forth as he peered up at Atem. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions."

"I'm honestly not sure where to start." said the pharaoh. "But why were you expecting me when you returned?"

"That's easy." said Yugi. "I know that Mystical Elf -your mother's Ka - asked you to help me before she dissipated, and you've always been fascinated with who I was. I didn't think you were the type of person that would leave something alone once it caught your atten-"

Something came shooting toward Yugi. He staggered backward, nearly falling as the Ka - invisible to Atem - wrapped its arms around him as it cried his name in relief. Yugi accepted the embrace with a small sigh, knowing this was inevitable.

"Hi hi, yes I'm sorry to have worried you Sil-"

He was cut off again as more Ka jumped out to hug him. Yugi was soon squashed beneath a mountain of monsters and humanoids, some happy, some crying, and some joining the pile for the heck of it. He fell over onto his back, making a sizeable dent in the ground from the weight.

"Alright. Everyone off!" he roared, shoving at the pile of monsters. He struggled to get away, prying off arms and paws and other strange appendages that reached out to touch him. He rolled out of Marshmellon's weirdly soft body and dashed to the pharaoh, who appeared very confused.

Yugi skidded to a halt, turning to point at the assortment of semi-transparent monsters that now took up the entire gardens.

"Later!" he said, with a great deal of frustration that everyone was ignoring. "I'll talk to you all later, but I swear if you guys crush me again I will silence every one of you."

There was a collective groan from the Ka, disappointed that they had to wait. Many of them pointed out that Yugi would never fulfill on his threat, but blessedly listened and returned to the soul room. Or at least most of them did.

Sil, Celtic and Kuriboh stayed out. Sil was in her usual level five form, fighting back tears. Celtic had his arms crossed, but a small smile played at his lips. Kuriboh bounced twice before jumping at Yugi, who caught him automatically. As they connected, Kuriboh's form solidified, becoming physically apparent in the world.

"Is that what was attacking you?" said the pharaoh, who had observed the scene with raised eyebrows. "Kuriboh?"

"Nah, He's just the one that I can't say 'no' to."

The fluffball, who was supposed to be in his soul room with the others, gave a 'kurriiii' of happiness. Obviously the sucker understood the power he had over Yugi. Oh well.

Yugi gave the little thing a through scratching for good measure. The creature wriggled out of Yugi's grip, disappearing into the air along with the other two.

He would have a long talk with them later

"I see." said the pharaoh, who obviously had not 'seen' anything. His gaze was still where Kuriboh had disappeared. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I just had a thought. You are adept at healing, are you not?"

"I am."

"Then I must ask you a favor before we speak of anything else." The pharaoh. "One of my friends is in serious condition after having a Ka torn from his soul. He doesn't have much time to live but if you could help him…"

Yugi closed his eyes, breathing in the lines of life. His consciousness reached out, identifying the area around him and those within. His attention fell upon a certain area, full of weakened and sorrowful souls. One soul in particular was on the brink of disappearing.

"Marik." said Yugi, opening his eyes. "Looks like something bad happened to him. And Bakura isn't doing so great either."

Yugi was already halfway across the grove before looking back, noticing the pharaoh hadn't moved. The man was still staring, his thoughts unreadable. Yugi had never met someone with such a natural poker face. It fascinated him.

"Come on." said Yugi, forgetting the fact he was speaking to the current king. "Every second matters if we want to save Marik."

The pharaoh's expression hardened, and the man's longer legs caught up quickly. They strode through the gardens and into the castle, Yugi making sure to stand at least a footstep behind the king. It also served the purpose of allowing Yugi to observe the man.

It was obvious a lot had happened in the short time Yugi had been away. Atem was more comfortable around him. He was still bold and steadfast with perfect posture, where each smile or twerk of his eyebrows felt as if there was deeper meaning behind each action. But he was also less guarded than before. More trusting and open to Yugi, and he could guess why. The wall of Yugi's identity had been breached and Atem hadn't fled from the knowledge. He'd obviously embraced and accepted it. Trusted a part of Yugi that even he didn't know.

Yugi couldn't help a smile growing at this thought, again marveling at how lucky he and Egypt were to have such an incredible pharaoh.

"I should warn you." said Atem, his voice interrupting Yugi's thoughts. "The councilors are aware of what you are. After your stunt in Kul Elna, they discerned that you had to be either the Hikari or the Yami. In order to protect you while you were... your other self, I told the priests and councilors that your memories had been sealed by me."

"A clever move." said Yugi appreciatively. "I'm sure I didn't appreciate that, but it kept the vultures from tearing into me." It also explained why he hadn't been tortured. If they assumed Atem had control over him then it would be harder to touch Yugi. but why was Atem telling Yugi about- oh!

"I must have acted very differently, here." said Yugi, and he carefully changed his bearing. He slouched his shoulders, lowered his eyes and he kept his head bent. His entire aura dampened as his hands came together in a nervous twitch.

"Did I act more like this?" he said.

The pharaoh glanced back at Yugi, his stare sticking. Something flickered behind his eyes.

"You're a too skittish." said the pharaoh, gaze returning to the front. His voice was a touch softer. "Heba was more comfortable walking with me at this point."

"Heba." mused Yugi, "So that was my name."

Atem didn't respond.

They reached the clinic a moment later. Isis was still alone with her brother, eye closed with her forehead pressed against his. She didn't move even as Atem and Yugi entered. It was a picture of grief.

Yugi swept past the pharaoh, hurrying over to Marik. Isis finally opened her eyes as he did so, confusion evident.

"What are you doing here?" she questioned, voice sharpened from unbalanced emotions. "And why are you- stop that!"

"If you want your brother to live." Said Yugi, still flicking Marik in the chest and face. "Then I suggest you step back. He doesn't have much time."

He must have shocked her with his candid attitude, no doubt still used to his previously meek nature. Or at least he had probably been meek. It was hard to remember what his personality had been like when he had just become the Hikari.

The woman glanced between Atem and Yugi, understanding clearing her face.

"Is he-?"

"He is." Said Atem. "We've hoping he can save Marik."

Without any hesitation, Isis stepped back to allow Yugi room to work. It signaled both faith and trust in Yugi's abilities. A trust he hadn't earned from her yet. Interesting. Though those that bore the millennium necklace tended to be odd.

Yugi finished his assessments, grimacing as what he found. It wasn't good.

"Alright then." Said Yugi, lacing his fingers together and cracking them. "Let's get to work."

Blue lights spun around Yugi's arm, condensing until they covered his hand in a sheer film. He pressed the hand to Mairk's chest, a soft humming greeting him. Both soul and body were still alive, but weak. It just meant Yugi would have to give them an extra boost to keep them active.

Magic flared. White lights shot into Marik, crisscrossing and covering his soul much like they had Yugi's hand. This time they found breaks. Great fissures of injuries that had weakened and torn his soul almost apart. The light filled in the seams, not fixing the, but giving them stability until they could heal themselves. A splint for the soul.

The light faded, and the room returned to its normal brightness.

Yugi removed his hand and stepped back, traces of magic following him. The moment he moved, Isis was there bedside her brother. She gave him a small shake.

"Marik, can you hear me?" she said, voice breathless. "Marik? Brother… why isn't he waking up?"

"Oh, woops." Said Yugi smacking his forehead. A pair of azure eyes darted to him, their depths turning a shade darker.

"No, it's not bad." Yugi quickly interjected. "I just forgot to give him a jump start." He'd splintered the soul but forgot to give Marik energy.

With a tap on is shoulder, the power flowed into Mairk.

The result was instantaneous. Marik's bolted upright, hand slapping his chest as if he'd been stabbed.

"What was- Ouch, the hell!" said Marik, massaging his ribs in pain. Then his face drained of color. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Yugi danced out of the way, already anticipating Marik's actions as he rolled over and vomited spectacularly all over the floor. That's what happened when you moved too much after something like that.

Isis was by his side, hands trembling even as she rubbed Marik's back. Tears flowed freely as she gently helped Marik, but she was smiling.

"There we go, nice and easy." Said Yugi, helping her lay him back down. The man looked like he'd been left the cook outside in the sands for a few days. His skin was dry and ashen, dark circles under his eyes. They were closed again, his breathing labored.

"He'll need lots of rest." Said Yugi to Isis, pressing a hand to Marik's forehead. "Especially his soul. It's been heavily damaged. My magic can only help the process and act as a brace, but it can't actually reconstruct the soul. The healing will have to come from him so it's important that he doesn't strain himself again, else he could re-open his wounds. In a metaphorical sense."

"I understand." Said Isis. "I'll make sure he gets plenty of rest."

Yugi didn't doubt it. She had hovering-worry-wart plastered all over her face.

Now that Marik was taken care of, it was time for Yugi to give his attention to the other unconscious patient in the room. He moved over to where Bakura lay, the man in a similar state. His soul was tarnished, broken and torn from having his Ka forcefully removed. The difference being that it been a demonized Ka Bakura had been bound to and Yugi had been the one to remove it.

One point against him, and one point for.

Yugi replicated his spell, magic shimmering as it flowed into Bakura. The seams filled with light, merging the broken stitching and cleansing the blemishes. The spell finished and Yugi stepped back.

Bakura began to stir.

His reaction wasn't as extreme as Marik's. His eyes opened slowly, blinking as he tried to focus. His attention finally fell on Yugi.

"Who are you?" said Bakura.

He pushed on his elbows, attempting to sit up. It was the wrong move as he froze a second later, body seizing in pain.

"Lie back down."

Atem had come over, placing a hand on Bakura's shoulder. The assassin did as he was commanded. He was weak, but those sharp eyes were clear as they focused on the king.

"My king." Said Bakura. "You're here… How…how am I still alive?"

"A great many things have happened." Said Atem. "Sufficeth it to say that we were able to save you."

Bakura gave a snort, a bitter grin showing sharp canines. "For now, at least."

A shadow crossed over Atem, but he didn't answer. They both no doubt understood. Bakura had committed an unforgiveable sin. He had attacked the pharaoh with the intention to kill along with other things no doubt. There would likely be no future for this man.

Yugi let out a long exaggerated yawn, massaging the back of his neck.

"Well it's past my bedtime kiddies." Said Yugi, bringing everyone's attention to him. "I'm going to get some shut eye. Maybe sneak some food from the kitchens on the way."

The assassin shifted in his bed to get a look at Yugi.

"I still don't know who you are." He growled. "What is he doing here?"

"He's the one that saved you." Said Atem.

"That little thing?" The skepticism was obvious, clearing saying how much he believed that possibility. "I must be weaker than I thought."

"I promise, you are plenty strong." Grimaced Atem. The king rubbed his arm subtly, a move that did not go unnoticed by Yugi. Nor Bakura by the flickering of his eyes. The king didn't elaborate, changing his attention to Yugi.

"We will speak another time." Said Atem. "I have some more questions I'd like you to answer."

"Naturally." Said Yugi. He was there was a long list ready and waiting.

Yugi technically didn't have any obligation to stay or answer them, other than his own desires. It had been fun stringing Atem along, but he was ready to have another ally in this fight. Especially one so powerful.

"There's one last thing I believe I should mention." Said Atem suddenly. "The Rare Hunters took something else in that attack."

Yugi paused, intrigued by Atem's sudden seriousness. His face had hardened as he adopted a look of…. Sympathy. So it was related to Yugi somehow. Something close to him. Something that would make him personally upset. There were very few things that Atem knew of that could warrant that response, and just as few people…

Yugi connected the dots, eyes widening slightly before narrowing into hard lines.

Oh, no they didn't.

"I'm sorry." Said Atem. "But Arthur is gone."

Yugi felt his Kas reactions. He felt the gasp from Sil and the growl from Celtic. He felt the wail from Dryad and the other hundreds of other exclamations from the other hundreds of Kas. His own reaction, however, was different. His soul dampened, closing in on itself to prevent the fire from running free.

Both men were now giving Yugi wary looks. They had probably felt the dip in temperature. Isis certainly had, as he had seen her physically shiver.

Yugi laughed, a short hollow sound that felt louder than it was.

"I guess my room will be lonely tonight." Said Yugi. "My pharaoh. If you'll excuse me for a few days, I need to return something that was taken from me."

"Of course." Said Atem. "I wish you safe travels."

Yugi twirled around, nearly gliding from the room as he hummed to the tune of a funeral march.

The moment Yugi was left, the room returned to its usual temperature. Atem made a mental note never to mess with Arthur when Yugi was around.

Bakura swore under his breath.

"I thought Mahad was bad." He grumbled. "Seriously, where did that magician come from?"

"He's not a magician." Said Isis. The healer had come over to Bakura, holding a cup to his lips. He awkwardly tried to drink from the cup while mostly laying down. "That was the Hikari."

Bakura choked, spraying his sheets with water. Isis jerked back and Atem grimaced as some flecks fell on him, not appreciating his friend's display.

"You're shitting me right now." Said Bakura, whipping a hand across his mouth and ignoring Isis's deadly glare. "That's the Hikari?"

"You knew he existed?" said Atem, more curious that Bakura hadn't questioned that the Hikari was real. Most assumed it was a fabrication.

"I assume every legend is true." Said Bakura. "It's saved my hide more than once."

It was understandable. When one lived in the shadows like Bakura did, they saw a lot of odd things. A lot of dangerous things as well.

Isis had come back with a fresh cup of water, wisely choosing to keep silent as Bakura drank.

"So, that's the Hikari." Said Bakura as he lay back down. "What kind of messed up shit is going on to bring that monster here?"

"Yugi is not a monster." Said Atem.

Bakura gave Atem a long calculating stare, sizing up what was said as well as what hadn't been said. The stare slackened to incredulity.

"Oh geeze." Said Bakura. "You trust him, don't you?"

Atem held his gaze, letting silence be his answer.

Bakura ground his teeth, turning away so that Atem could no longer see his expression. He could only see the back of Bakura's head. Shaggy white hair covered in dirt and sweat.

Atem looked to Isis, who met his eye before nodding. She left the room without a word, the door closing softly behind her.

The room went silent.

A few minutes passed, neither men speaking as Atem continued to wait, eyes on the back of Bakura's head.

Bakura didn't show emotions like other people. He didn't cry with tears or smile from the heart. He was never completely happy. There was always a gloom or brutality sharpening his features and dampening his stance. But this - refusing to meet Atem's eyes - was the most open display of distress Atem had seen from his friend since meeting him, and he could guess the reason why.

Bakura was angry. He was angry at himself for betraying Atem's trust. He was angry at Atem for trusting someone he himself didn't trust. And he was angry at himself for being angry. He probably felt he had no right to judge who Atem should and shouldn't trust.

Eventually Bakura spoke.

"Did Ryou survive?"

"He did." Said Atem. "As did many of the other captives. The group in Kul Elna has been neutralized."

"Good."

"I cannot blame you for your choice." Said Atem. "Nor do I hold it against you."

Bakura turned to Atem sharply, face drawn into its customary frown.

"My choice?" spat Bakura. "You mean the one that should have gotten everyone killed? I may not remember much of what I did my pharaoh, but I remember enough." Bakura bawled his hand into a fist, face screwed up in anger. "So spare me any of your forgiveness my pharaoh. For I do not deserve it. I would have made the same choice again, even if the worst were to happen."

Even if you were to die.

Atem did not miss that unspoken fact. He looked away, unable to reconcile his own feelings of unease.

Bakura's true loyalty was to his family, not the throne. He had thrown his personal feelings aside once to save the kingdom, but he could do it no longer. He was willing to sacrifice Atem to hold on to Ryou. The last remnant of his once great family.

"I did not say I forgave you." Said Atem quietly. "As you have not forgiven me of my decision, I am sure."

He lifted his head.

Bakura was there to meet his gaze.

"At least we now know where our loyalties lie."

His gaze remained steady, unrepentant as they came to a mutual agreement. A mutual anger and trust toward one another. They knew what the other deemed to be most important to them. They could trust in that at least.

"So what happens now?" said Bakura. "You get your little Hikari to heal me only to kill me on your own time, or-" Bakura's face twisted into a grin. "To see what I know and then do away with me?"

"I have the final say on your punishment." Said Atem. "I am the pharaoh."

"They all want to see my head roll, don't they?" said Bakura, giving a hard laugh. It turned into a cough a second later as he grimaced. "Hell, it might be worth living through whatever hell you give me just to see their faces. I bet that prissy priest wants to set his claws into me personally."

Bakura shifted in his sheets, getting more comfortable. Atem could tell he was starting to wane. No doubt he was exhausted.

"Your sentence may be better depending on what you can tell us." Said Atem. "That group, the Rare Hunters attacked the palace while you were out. Aknadin has betrayed us."

"Shit." Growled Bakura. "You're not doing so well when it comes to friends my pharaoh. I'm surprised you can trust anyone."

Bakura sighed, as if annoyed with everything. It was a habit Atem had picked up a long time ago.

"I'll tell you what I can." Said Bakura. "I learned a good deal about their locations and leaders. Much of it was from when I was compelled with that fake rod... That thing was an abomination..."

"Do you know where they acquired it?" said Atem. This was a point he was especially interested in.

Bakura sneered. "Even worse, I can tell you how they were made. And it's not very pretty."

Atem waited until the afternoon to hold the next council meeting. He had stayed up much of the night with Bakura, talking and thinking through everything they had learned. It had probably been his last private conversation with the man. No matter what happened next, Bakura would not be a part of it.

At least not officially. Thought Atem. He refused to let go of such a valuable asset. If all went as Atem hoped, he could keep Bakura as an unofficial informant on information outside of the palace. A very unofficial informant. No one else could know about the communication, mostly to save Bakura from getting murdered by them. No one showed any sign of happiness at hearing that Bakura was awake.

They were seated in the throne room like usual, those three empty seats a reminder of the damages that had already been done. Bakura, Marik and Aknadin, all gone in varying degrees. At least Marik would return once he was deemed well enough to do so.

"He should have just died in his sleep and made it easier on all of us." Said Seto coldly.

"Do not be hasty." Said Shimon patiently. "He may know something that can help us. I'd rather not have anymore surprises."

No. None of them would. There was a definite air of uncertainty around them created by Aknadin's betrayal. Each person was scrutinizing the other, wondering if another one of their party would betray the kingdom.

Their suspicious weren't unfounded. Two men had already switched sides. It wasn't impossible to think there could be more.

Atem grimaced, realizing this needed to be addressed first.

"My friends." Said Atem solemnly. "We have all experienced the sting of betrayal these past weeks. It is hard to believe that someone we all knew and trusted could do such a thing, but it has happened, there is no denying it"

He looked at each member of the group, expression firm as he held their gaze individually. He wanted them to see the conviction behind his next words.

"It would be easy to let these experiences color our view going forward." He said. "To point the blame and suspect one another. I implore you not to fall prey to such trivial emotions. We now have a face for our enemy. Do not waste time chasing after imaginary ones."

"But my king," said Shimon, hesitant to speak up. "We cannot deny that it is possible Aknadin was not alone. One of us may be secretly harboring ill intentions toward the others."

The others murmured in agreement, some exchanging glances. More than one hand was discreetly reaching for their item.

Atem drummed his fingers on his throne, knowing this would not be solved so easily.

"What do you suggest then Vizier?" said Atem.

"Another millennium trial my king." Said Shimon. "Each bearer had to go through a trial when they obtained their item, but they have not had one since. I do not believe Aknadin betrayed us until after he received his Millennium eye. It may be similar for any other spy."

Which proved a heart could be changed even after possessing the item. It wasn't a pleasant thought.

"A good idea, but I do not think it would work." Said Shada. "The trial would be incomplete without the eye, and as the enemy has proven to possess fake replica's, they may also know how to best the items."

"Or there may be more than one present that has switched sides." added in Mahad. "No, the millennium trial is not an option."

"Are there any other suggestions?" said Atem.

No one spoke, eying each other warily. There truly was no easy solution, but it was a problem they constantly faced. The possibility of double crossing or malicious intent was a constant in politics and in life.

"Then we will proceed as normally." Said Atem. "If you have concerns or sensitive items of business you feel should be kept quiet, bring the issue directly to me. But please, I ask you not to clutter my time with facts that should be addressed here."

He didn't have time or the patience for all their idle suspicions. He trusted these councilmen – and woman when including Isis. At least to a certain point. He wouldn't have them on his council otherwise.

"While we're on the subject." Said Atem. "Have we learned anything else concerning Aknadin?"

"Not much my king." Said Mahad. "Though I think it is sufficient to say his plans involved the Hikari since he went after the lad. It's possible that was why this attack even happened."

"Explain your reasoning." Said Atem.

"Think about it my pharaoh." Said Maha. "Didn't this attack seem sloppy to you? Especially considering the knowledge Aknadin would have about the palace. How were we able to resist an attack against a group with fake items without any time to prepare? They failed to acquire any of our items, which seemed to be their main goal. The only thing they succeeded in taking were several Ka from the Hall of Shadows, Marik's Ka and some insignificant artifacts. That means they either had some bad intel, or the attack wasn't properly planned."

"You're talking about the Hikari's sealed memories." Said Seto, catching on. "You think Aknadin saw it as an opportunity and attacked?"

"It's my theory." Said Mahad. "Where is the lad anyway?"

"He is still in the clinic." said Isis. "The pharaoh felt he would be safer there than in his quarters."

Atem sent Isis his silent thanks even as she glared at him discreetly. Yugi was obviously not in the clinic, still gone chasing after Arthur.

Atem hoped to keep that fact quiet until the lad had returned. It was a precaution, not because he didn't trust his councilmen, but because he didn't trust the information to stay secret. He didn't need everyone learning the Hikari was gone. That would be the same as admitting Yugi's memories had returned. That was one headache Atem didn't want to bother with right now, especially when it could be avoided.

"Is it a good idea to have him so near Bakura?" said Karim. "I feel uneasy about the proximity."

"Both men are secured within their own quarters." Said Isis smoothly. "I take guarding my charges seriously Councilman."

Karim grimaced in understanding. Isis's fierceness when it came to her charges was legendary. No one messed with her once someone was under her care.

"I believe Mahad has a point." Said Shimon, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "About the Hikari I mean. Aknadin did personally go to retrieve him. It is certainly something to consider."

"For what purpose, we cannot guess." Said Karim. "I have another question concerning this." he turned to Isis. "Understand I ask this as merely a curiosity, not an accusation." He added. "Why did you not foresee this attack sooner?"

"You heard of my vision being manipulated, did you not?" said Isis.

"I did. I was hoping you had discovered more information as to why."

"I haven't." she said sadly. "In fact, I feel as if my abilities are failing me. With each day, the future is becoming harder to read."

"Wonderful." Grumbled Seto. "Not only have we lost the power of the eye, but the necklace is failing as well."

Karim gave Seto a stern look, silently reprimanding him for his insensitivity. Isis just held her head high in response, eyes blazing.

"Let us concentrate on what we do know." Said Atem before a fight could break out. "I have some more information after talking with Bakura."

That succeeded in changing their attention. They were each giving Atem varying looks of annoyance and concern.

"My pharaoh." Said Mahad seriously. "I know that Bakura was coerced into bonding with Diabound, but I would have felt much better hearing you had an escort when speaking with him."

Technically he had, in the form of an unconscious Marik. Atem doubted the councilmen would have accepted that answer. Instead he waved away their concerns.

"What is done has passed." Said Atem. "Because of it, the man was free to speak to me about his findings. Let us not dwell on what can't be changed."

No one objected to his request, mostly because they knew it would have wasted time. Atem did as he wanted with or without their permission.

"Some of what we spoke about we had already learned from those we captured." Said Atem. "But there were a few pieces we hadn't known. Like the location of their main lair. It appears a lot of activity is originating from Cairo."

"Cairo." Said Seto thoughtfully. "It makes sense. Aknadin was traveling upstream when he fled. We already knew they had some correspondence there, correct?"

"Indeed, as well as other shadow rifts."

"If we know the location of their base, we can cut the group off at its source." Said Mahad. "Destroying it mayl cause the other portions to splinter and die off."

"Perhaps." Said Atem. "But that is not the only thing. Based on what Azech said, it appears the group was planning something big in Cairo the next months."

"Next month." Said Karim, hand to his chin in thought. "Isn't The Banishing of Chaos during that time?"

"It is." Said Atem, glad someone else had reached this conclusion. It had been his first thought as well. "I have to travel to Cairo because of the festival anyway. It is a good excuse to enter the city without them leaning we have discovered their lair."

"A happy coincidence." Said Karim. "Or maybe not. Do you think they mean to use the festival in some way? Or use the crowd to cause chaos?"

"I do not know." Said Atem. "except that it will involve a great number of Ka. Of that, Bakura was certain."

Seto cursed, no doubt seeing the long list of issues that could arise. Continuing the festival without exposing the public to the possibility of attack was impossible. But they had to hold it, there was no way around it.

"That's going to be a whole other set of issues." Said Mahad. "Karim, you are in charge of overseeing that, correct?"

"I am." He said. "but if it becomes a case of national security, I'm going to need more assistance."

"You will have it." Said Atem. "Speak to the captain and other priests to determine the best course of action."

"I'll report on my efforts in the next meeting."

Atem nodded, bringing his thoughts to the next things Bakura had told him. The one that weighed heavily on his heart due to its proximity.

"There is one more pressing issue I wanted to bring to your attention." Said Atem. "Bakura learned how the fake items were made."

"How?" said Seto eagerly, leaning forward with anticipation. He wasn't the only one. Each councilman was listening earnestly, even Shada showing outward signs of curiosity. They had all come to realize how little they knew about the items they wielded and their origins. An astonishing fact considering they could not be older than a century based on the records.

"Through a certain sacrifice." Said Atem, closing his eyes in pain. "The ultimate sacrifice. The men and women captured by the Rare Hunters were slaughtered in droves to create each one."

It was horrible, not only because of the barbaric act of killing innocents, but because of what it implied. That if the fake items were made in such a manner, it was possible their own real items had been created the same way.

Never had Atem felt the weight of the puzzle around his neck as he did when he had heard Bakura's words. To think that his Millennium item may have been made through the murder of innocents… He'd had to resist throwing the thing from his neck in a fit of rage.

What message did it send to his people when these abominations signified authority, purity in heart and the ability to judge in the name of the gods? The problem was that it couldn't. Atem couldn't in good conscious, believe that the items were the symbol of justice. A symbol of his authority. For what king condoned murder for the sake of power?

Too many. Thought Atem, thinking of the past and his ancestors. No, he was not ignorant of the assassinations and lives claimed for the sake of the crown. Even Atem's own hands were not clean. But he had held onto the puzzle as a support. A sign that though he was not perfect, he still held the right to wield his power. Now, that stability was gone and Atem had nothing to replace it.

He opened his eyes, seeing much of what he had expected. Anger. Fear. An overall desire to deny what had been heard and the possible implications.

"What are you saying my pharaoh?" said Mahad, eyes wide. "Did you suspect that the true millennium items were made in the same way?"

Seto shot to his feet, palms pressed into the table as he leaned over.

"That's preposterous!" said Seto. "Those fake items were created from an incomplete spell. There's no way our own were created the same way."

"But we cannot dismiss the possibility." Said Atem. "I'm not saying that we should condemn our own items. We need their power, regardless of their origins. I just wished to inform you of the possibility. Any that wield these items should not be ignorant of their origins if it were true. I've had enough surprises in the last couple of weeks as it is."

The group fell silent, none of them looking Atem in the eye. Seto was still standing, fists trembling where they rested on the table.

Each wielder would need time to reconcile the connection they had with their items. Atem knew he would. The thought of using his puzzle still made him sick.

With one last click of the tongue, Seto dropped into his seat. Based on the way he crossed his arm and leaned back, the man had already recovered from the news. So had the others. The priest's movement had signified the end of their contemplation. The end of their inner battle. They were prepared to move forward with the knowledge they had been given, bitter though it was.

"The last thing I wish to address tonight it Bakura's fate." Said Atem. "I suggest that we hold the trial tomorrow morning."

"If that is what you wish." Said Mahad evenly. "Though the outcome should be obvious."

"Should it?" said Atem, voice just as carefully even. "Perhaps it is. Either way, we will hold the trial and I shall deliver the punishment I deem appropriate."

'Which should be death.' Was written on everyone's faces.

Yes, it should be. Atem internally agreed. It would all depend on tomorrow. On what Bakura said and what he didn't say. If he wasn't civil, Atem might be forced to sentence Bakura to death, or risk upsetting his own authority.