I apologize for the delay. Things have been hectic & busy. I still have to go to work because making generators is essential. I'm having to work nine hours starting tomorrow and working every other Saturday (starting this coming one). I was sick for a week & missed work, & that was the day after I had just gotten my bonus for getting perfect attendance. I had to go to the doctor & they thought I was going into DKA so then I went to the hospital & get an IV put in. I was just hydrated from being sick. Anyway, I have up until Chapter Sixteen written out & Chapter Seventeen has been planned out, I just need to write it. I've also been taking a break on Fanfiction to work on Aurora Eclipse Book I: Fang with Pippa (we've decided to co-write it together.) Pippa is having major eyestrain due to her scratched glasses & not being able to get a new pair because of this dumbass virus going around (so that means we can't fucking see each other either. Fuck you corona! *glares*) So, we're gonna break on Fang.

I'm going to be focusing on this story as far as writing goes for a while. I only have one more full chapter and like a page and a half? of Chapter Twenty-seven. So I can't update this until I get at least five completed chapters written out, so there won't be anymore updates for this for a while. Honestly, the only reason I'm even updating this is because it's been since December & I thought it needed to be updated. This story takes a lot out of me & due to my job, I'm going to have limited time & energy to write, but hopefully, I can start up again. I really wanted to write this three day weekend, but eh that didn't happen, unfortunately. But, I promise no matter how long this takes, I won't abandon any of my stories. :)

Oh, just to point something out real quick: Isis isn't the Head Physician in this story. That's Teanna. Sorry if that confuzzled y'all lol.

Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh. Last time I checked, I wasn't Kazuki Takahashi. Yugioh belongs to him and all of its characters. OCs belong to Pippa and me, so no stealing! ASK!

*Warning*: proceed this story with extreme caution! There will be: Violence, gore, death, rape/non-con (whatever you want to call it), incest (this is Ancient Egypt. Get real!) A bit of OCCness due to the situations of characters, prejudice against skin colour and religion, depression, suicide tenancies, hate/love relationships.

Inspiration: This story was inspired by Jollybigsis' 'Enslaved'. I absolutely love that story. Great Casteshipping story! If you haven't checked it out, then do so!

Chapter Twenty-five: Flare

Ennos

I was put in charge of watching the Pharaoh tonight. King Bakura and King Malik are out right now. This is the perfect chance for me to tell the Pharaoh about my past.

I've been dreading it, honestly. Opening up old wounds is painful for anyone. My story… it was a freak accident, if you could even call it that.

We sit in his room. The Pharaoh on his bed and me sitting on the stool Ryou uses when tending to the Pharaoh's wounds and illnesses.

"Thank you for helping me clean today, Ennos. I know it's not in your job description, but it means a lot to me," the Pharaoh says, taking a drink of water then setting it on the bedside table.

I take a sip of mine as well, placing it on the same table. "It was no trouble. This hideout is quite big, and besides, it's not really in your job description to clean, is it?" I smirk a bit.

"Well, no, I suppose not," he chuckles. "If I ever do get back to the palace, I think I'll give the servants a raise. I never realized how tiring hard labour could be."

"Yes, it certainly is hard. And this hideout is nothing compared to the palace."

"True."

We sit in silence for a bit. How do I bring this up? I know he'll listen because Amane and Kisara both have told him their stories. I close my eyes. Alright, I just need to go for it! I just need to treat this like Ka hunting or stealing from people who don't deserve what they have. Careful, calculating, exact.

"Do you mind if I talk to you about something?"

The Pharaoh looks at me. "You sound serious. What is the matter?"

"I know that Kisara and Amane have shared their stories about their pasts with you…"

"They have. I have a better understanding of why they behave the way they do. Amane also explained why Mai isn't too fond of me, and I hope to change that someday…." he trails off.

If I can. I finish for him.

"Yes. I thought it could help us both if I shared my story."

"If you don't mind telling me, I'll listen."

"Thank you. It'll take a while, so I hope that's okay?"

The Pharaoh shrugs. "I have nothing better to do. So, go ahead, Ennos."

"Thank you. Well, first, I should tell you how I got my power."

"The power that's similar to the Eye's? It's not natural?"

"No, not exactly…"

I look up from digging holes in the sand when I see an unusual man approach. He's pretty tall and dressed in a fancy black robe with a hood, holding some sort of stick with a ball at the end.

"Ennos! Dinner is-" Mother calls from our hut's entrance. She looks up and steps outside. "You!" she hisses.

"Mother?" I ask, standing up and walking over to her. "Who's that man?"

The man stops a few feet away from Mother and me. He looks at Mother then at me.

"You did not tell Ennos about me?" the man asks.

Mother scowls, pushing me behind her. "Why would I tell him about my mistake? You were a tragedy!"

"Mother, what's going on?" I ask, clinging to the ends of her tunic.

She looks at me, rubbing the top of my head. "Nothing for you to worry about, Ennos. This man is-"

"This man is your brother, Ennos," the man interrupts Mother, crossing his arms.

"B-brother? But Mother said I only used to have a sister who died… I don't understand. Mother, is this man really my brother?"

"It does not matter, child. He is dead to us."

"B-but!"

"My name is Masa. I'm only your half brother. I heard about you from a good friend of mine, and I wanted to meet you."

"Oh… but you're so much bigger than me!"

"Well, you are only five," he chuckles.

"Mother, if Masa is my brother then…"

"No! He will kill you too!" she exclaims, leaning down and wrapping her arms around me.

"That was an accident, Mother! I didn't-"

Mother looks at Masa. I can feel her body shaking. "You have no business being here! Be gone, demon! Your power isn't welcomed here!" she hisses.

Power? What….?

"I only wanted to meet Ennos. I had no desire to-"

"Be gone!" she screams.

"I want to-"

Mother charges at Masa. His eyes widen as he's knocked to the ground.

"Mother! Masa!" I exclaim, rushing over.

"Stay back, Ennos!" Masa exclaims as weird black energy crackles around him.

Mother stands up, shaking as she backs up. "Y-you… you really are a freak!"

"Mother, don't be mean!" I exclaim, running over to Masa.

Maybe Masa is sick and needs help? I can take him to see a doctor!

"I told you to stay away from him!"

Masa takes his wand out, trying to control the weird energy, but it only gets crazier!

I know I should stop, but I can't! I want to know my brother! I want to help him! So, without a second thought, I just keep running towards him.

I let out a scream and fall to the ground as I feel something pierce my right eye.

"Ennos!" Masa exclaims, rushing over.

"No! You will not! Get out, now! You already killed one of my children; I won't let you kill Ennos!"

"You're Masa's brother…?" the Pharaoh gasps.

"You know my brother?"

"Yes, of course. He works in the palace. He's one of my best magicians. He's head of the barrier partole."

"Oh. So that's who you were talking about when you said I remind you of someone," I muse, rubbing my bracelet.

A bracelet that King Bakura got me on one of his raids. It's silver ouroboros with sapphire eyes and scales. Zorc channeled his great power into it so I could control mine better. It makes things a lot easier on me.

"Yes. So you got your power from Masa? But I've never seen him use any sort of dark power before…"

"I don't know what it was, but King Malik thinks my power comes from the Millennium Items, and Masa… may have had some sort of connection to them in some way or another."

The Pharaoh closes his eyes. "You mean the creation of them, correct?"

"Yes," I say with a nod. "King Bakura told us how the Items were created, and it only makes sense powerful magicians were involved as well."

The Pharaoh clenches his fists on his thighs.

"There's more to my story…"

"Please, tell me everything, Ennos."

I nod. "Well, I didn't see my brother again after that day. Mother wouldn't let me do anything without supervision. She was worried I'd die just like Halima did."

"How did she die? You said your mother said Masa did it, but he doesn't strike me as the type to kill."

"She said it was because of his "freak powers", and that's how I became blind in my right eye, and then a few years later, developed powers."

"Ah, so your powers didn't come automatically?" he asks.

"No, not at all. I would get sick a lot and feel weak, but one day, I realized I could extract Ka."

"Just like the Millennium Eye."

I nod. "And then, when I was eight, he came into my life," I say, shivering.

"He? Who?"

"Chuma."

The Pharaoh frowns. "That name… sounds- Wait!" He exclaims, slapping his palms against his thighs. "He hurt you?! He was a canditate to be a guard captain!"

"Yeah, and that's why he hurt me."

"What did he do?"

I close my eyes. I feel tears, but I will be strong! There are others suffering now that i have to protect! I can't let some little girl or little boy suffer like I did!

"He saw me using my powers. It was an accident, but…"

"Ennos," The Pharaoh whispers.

I shake my head. "He took me from my mother. He locked me up in a small room and forced me to take Ka from people. We went from village to village, but the Ka.. they always flooded back to me. It was like… like they were attracted to me. Chuma used that as a way to control everyone around him. He gained riches and women by using my powers. When the person didn't have a good Ka or when I just couldn't use my power, he had one of his men whip them to death. If I was "good" he "rewarded" me with better food and…" I swallow, "Sex."

"He raped you?!"

"Y-yeah… it went on for years and years. I thought I'd never get out, but then one day… King Malik came."

"Ennos, I… I am so sorry. I know you must hate me. I know I should have-"

"That's the thing, and what I'm trying to get the others to understand. It's not your fault. You were a child when all of this was going on, and even so, you weren't even Pharaoh yet. No one wants to hate you. Even King Bakura doesn't."

The Pharaoh closes his eyes. "I want to change this, but I can't here."

"I know. I believe things will turn around for the better one day. King Bakura has changed a lot since you came here. He… smiles more."

"But why would he? He''s made it perfectly clear he hates me."

I stand up, grabbing my glass. "That is something you'll have to figure out for yourself. Thank you for listening to my story, Pharaoh. Remember, it's not your fault. None of this is. I know times are tough right now, but… one day, they'll change. Zorc will change them."

"Ennos, you seem like a smart man; you do realize that Zorc isn't the answer, right?"

I look at the Pharaoh. "He's not evil. He's helped us so much."

"But he wants-"

"Zorc wants what King Bakura wants."

"But he's going to-"

"Not if King Bakura doesn't want it."

"How can you be so sure about this? You can''t possibly know what a god wants."

"I don't exactly. But something strange is going on that much I do know."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure, but I feel different types of energies in the Millennium Stone."

"Different energies?"

I nod. "I'm not sure what is causing them, but I feel it from my special eye," I say, rubbing it.

"Have you told anyone about this?"

"King Malik and King Bakura. King Bakura just told me not to worry about it, but King Malik seemed… distressed."

"Huh. I wonder why and what is causing this…" the Pharaoh muses.

"I'm not sure, but I know we can figure it out. We just have to stop fighting and work together."

The Pharaoh smiles up at me. "I couldn't agree more."

"I'll leave you get some sleep. I know King Bakura will come in here before too much longer and keep you up all day," I smirk.

The ruler of Egypt blushes.

I laugh. "Good day, Pharaoh. Thank you for listening to my story."

"Of course, Ennos. If you ever need to talk, I'm here to listen."

"The same to you," I say then leave, heading to my own room.

I know I can't really do much to change the Pharaoh's situation, but I hope I've made his life just a bit easier by giving him a new friend. And now that I know where Masa is, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to see him again someday.

Mana

Mokuba and I are teamed up once again to figure out who's behind this "giving to the poor" charade. Honestly, I think it's pretty badass of them, but Dendera thinks they're stealing from others to do so. The only lead we truly have is that guy in the black robe from five months back.

Five months, huh? I can't believe that's how long we've been out here looking for clues on Pharaoh's whereabouts! And nothing! Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever find him! It's just so frustrating! Can't a girl get a break?!

Mokuba and I are currently looking for clues in a village that has recently become wealthy. We've been going around asking people what they've seen. Of course, nothing!

I continue walking through the village. I stop when I spot some robed figure walking a few miles away. Hm. I wonder if it's that guy again? I have to find out!

I know I shouldn't do this, but I have to do something! Mokuba and the others will be okay!

I glance at Mokuba then start running towards the person. They disappear in some sort of underground tunnel that's practically in the middle of the desert! Well, okay. I mean, whatever you want to do, cool dude.

Now how to get down here? Hmm. I get on my knees. The hole is rather small. How the hell did they? I shake my head. Maybe a bit of magic? I stand up, pointing my wand. Wait… if I use magic, it could…

I put my wand in my belt and sit on my knees again, digging in the entrance. I know this could be dangerous, but I have to find out! He may know where Pharaoh is!

When the hole is big enough, I slip through. The place is super dark save for a few torches attached to the walls with mud and rock. Seems whoever made this had a lot of fun. It doesn't look like anything too fancy though. It seems more like a shelter than a hideout, but then again, I'm not good at this type of thing.

I walk through the underground passage. I wonder where it'll lead me. Everything seems to be in a straight, narrow path. There's barely any room to squeeze through! How long is this stupid thing?! I continue on. Suddenly, I run into something. A table? There's something on it! I grab it, looking at it.

Engage not with army of Mythical Sticks.

Huh?! Umm maybe one of the others could decipher this? Well, okay, I couldn't find the robed nice guy, but at least I found something! Now, if I just go back the way I came…

I put the note in my pocket and turn around.

"You going somewhere, kid?" a woman in a tightly fitting red tunic with shoulder length dirty blonde hair styled and curled with all sorts of jewelry on, sneers.

Umm what kind of woman dressed like some sort of noble would be down here?!

"Well?" she prompts impatiently, hand on her hip. "This is my turf. I don't recognize you, so state your name. Now."

"Why don't you tell me yours first!"

She chuckles. "Feisty one, huh? Well, it matters not what my name is to you, but if you would like to know the name of your killer before you die," she smirks, flipping out a small dagger from out of nowhere!

I brace myself. This could get ugly! I know my magic isn't really for this type of thing, so then maybe my Ka? But that could bring a lot of people and I'm not sure if this woman can summon hers. I focus. Well, it's awakened at least.

(Lady Teanna taught me how to detect Ka energy during our training. It's very helpful right now!)

It seems it's possible she could, but I don't want to risk it. I mean, it's not like I want to kill her! I just want to get out of here!

"You don't have to tell me your name, but I do have a question for you."

She twirls the dagger into a small mirror.

What the…?!

She stares into it, running a small comb through her hair.

Is she serious?!

"Umm? Miss?"

"Can you not see I'm getting ready for my date."

I blink. "Date? But you're-"

She puts her comb away and turns the mirror back into a knife. "Yes, a date with your death, little girl. Now, ask your question so I can kill you."

"You sure are a mean woman to be so pretty."

"Hmph. Flattery gets you nowhere, kid, but I do appreciate you speaking the truth. Liars get you nowhere. Now, hurry it up. I have things I need to do."

"Fine. Have you seen a robed-"

"Can't say I have," she says, looking at her red painted nails.

"You didn't even let me finish!"

"There was no need. Now then," she says from behind me, knife to my throat.

I gasp. What the? How did she?

"Surprised? Surely your palace heka could pick up on that little slip, yes?" she sneers, pressing the blade against my neck.

I can feel Dark Magician Girl stirring within me.

"H-how did you…?""

"It''s pretty obvious by the way you were walking around in here, and that pretty little wand sure gave it away."

"You s-saw me?"

"Naturally. Now, if you want to save yourself, you can summon that Ka of yours or blast me with magic. Of course, it could bring this whole underground passage down and kill everyone living here."

"People live here?"

"Of course. They're my pets. All men. They do whatever I want, whenever I want."

So she has some sort reverse harem down here? What a creepy old lady!

"We can fight outside. I don't want to hurt anyone. I'd rather not hurt you either, but it seems you're giving me no choice!"

The woman laughs. "Is that so? Well, I couldn't care less about those fools. Attack me. I dare you."

I close my eyes. What would Mahaado or Lady Teanna do in this situation? I have to protect myself and get that note to the others, but I also can't risk the lives of all the men she has trapped down here!

And another thing… how does she even have them trapped here? Where? Maybe if I focus my heka I can find them?

"Dark Magician Girl, don't come out, but help me find the men trapped here and why."

"You got it, Master!"

Dark Magician Girl and I focus together.

"There's a large slope that goes down about five feet from here. It drops down into a large dome type area where men are hypnotized. It's the work of her Ka."

"Her Ka, huh?"

"Yes, apparently, it only hypnotizes men to do her bidding."

"How awful."

"I can sense evil in those men though, but this woman isn't treating them right."

What is this world coming to?

"Chonco, let her go," a deep voice says.

The woman, Chonco? Turns us around. I gasp. Is that… no way! It can't be!

"King Malik, to what I owe the pleasure? Did you come here to become one of my slaves?" she smirks, pressing the knife further against my neck.

I look at him. Is he going to kill me too? But he did tell her to let me go, so…

"I have no time for your games, Chonco. I came here to discuss you know what. Now then, let her go before I have to kill you."

"Aww, but I was just about to have fun! Fine, but only because your so handsome. Deal with your little pet then come down here so we can really talk."

"I have no interest in you, Chonco," Malik says.

"Yes, honey, I know," she smirks, and pushes me towards him.

I stumble a bit. "Malik, I can't believe you-"

He pulls out the Millennium Rod from his belt, pointing it towards me.

I back away. "W-what are you going to…?"

"You don't need to know," he says as it glows.

Then my world goes dark.

Malik

I head to the next hideout. Bakura and I have them scattered across Egypt. Either in caves, underground passageways, or abandoned villages that blend into the surrounding ones. Each hideout has someone in charge, and that person reports to us.

I decided that I would go and take care of the coded letter that Honda sent out to the other hideouts. It's better that I explain it before some of our "friends" do something they shouldn't do. Some of them aren't the smartest snakes in the sand. They are, however, smart enough to listen to Death Gardius, and if that doesn't get them rolling then the Millennium Rod will do the trick.

Honestly speaking, Bakura and I barely even use the Items. Zorc told us it could attract unwanted attention if we used them without good reason. I keep the Rod with me. It's fun to use it to kill people with if I feel in the mood to put in the effort to actually use it. I personally prefer the dagger that Bakura stole for me long ago.

Bakura keeps the Ring with him. He said he feels… attached to it. I can understand that. I feel that way about the Rod too. The Pendant, on the other hand, is with Zorc. It helps us communicate with him better. Bakura enjoys being able to talk to his god.

Zorc…

There's definitely something going on with him. Something that shouldn't happen. The fact that he's even in that Millennium Stone, but then that….

I shake my head. I can't think of that right now! I have to talk to all the hideouts!

I ride deep into the desert. Bakura had about six hideouts before he met up with me, but since then, we've established about twenty all over Egypt. Some even close to the palace and the tombs that once confide me! The next hideout I come across is one of several underground passages we created. It's not too far from a village Honda helped out a few days ago. The passageways are not much, but they do what they're made for. I get off Zulma. He's my powerful black horse Khalid got me a few years back. He's been such a good horse. I don't even have to tie him up, and he's become accustomed, through intense training, to heka and energies of the like, like the Millennium Items and Death Gardius.

I have Death Gardius put a protective bone cage around Zulma so if anyone tries to take him, they'll get a nasty surprise. I smirk. Too many fools have tried to take him and they end up dead!

I head to the underground passage. This one is run by a diva called "Chonco". She's good at what she does, luring wicked men into her layer so she can do away with them. Instead of killing them, she likes to hypnotize them to do what she wants with her Ka. Unfortunately, for her, it only works on men, so evil women will just have to be dealt with by the rest of us assassins.

I put her in charge of a hideout because if she lived in the main hideout, we'd never get anything done, but she's too skilled to be a lackey for anyone. Although, I really wished she'd stop trying to hypnotize me. I think she just wants me to fuck her, honestly. Too bad for her. My heart already belongs to someone else.

I made my way down into the passage. The system is fairly simple, but strong in design. Heka barriers that Bakura and I secured with our Ka and Items erect around the entrance, so only those who can summon their Ka or have heka abilities can enter.

As I make my way through the passage, I realize something's amiss. What the hell is that crazy bitch up to this time? Does she have someone else hostage? It better not be some old man who just happened to pass out on top of the entrance like last time!

I close my eyes. Heka energies. Is she using her Ka or… wait. No, this energy is different! It's much more powerful. Don't tell me…!

I run towards the source and stop about five feet away from the large slope. Chonco stands with an arm wrapped around Mana's torso and the dagger-mirror to her throat.

"Chonco, let her go," I say.

Chonco turns us around.

Mana gasps. From the way she's looking at me, I can tell she recognizes me.

"King Malik, to what I owe the pleasure? Did you come here to become one of my slaves?" she smirks, pressing the knife further against Mana's neck.

She looks at me. Wondering if I'm going to kill her or not.

"I have no time for your games, Chonco. I came here to discuss you know what. Now then, let her go before I have to kill you."

"Aww, but I was just about to have fun! Fine, but only because your so handsome. Deal with your little pet then come down here so we can really talk."

"I have no interest in you, Chonco," I say

"Yes, honey, I know," she smirks, and pushes her towards me.

Mana stumbles a bit. "Malik, I can't believe you-"

I pull out the Millennium Rod from my belt, pointing it towards her.

She backs away. "W-what are you going to…?"

"You don't need to know," I say as it glows.

This is the perfect opportunity to use this. After all, I can't have her reporting to her fellow magician friends, can I? And with her out here, that must mean…

I'll have to tell Bakura about this! And Pharaoh… he'll flip if he gets wind of this.

I put the Rod away, and pick Mana up as soon as she collapses to the ground.

"What did you do to her?" Chonco asks, swayshing to me.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "I didn't kill her if that's what you're wondering. Did you not read the note?"

"You mean about the magicians? I did."

"And did you burn it?"

Chonco scoffs, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Naturally. I mean Honda just left. I barely managed to burn it before I spotted that magician girl. Honestly, Malik-"

"That's King Malik to you, Chonco."

She waves me off. "If you truly were a king, you'd stay here with me," she purrs.

"Do you understand what the note said or not?" I snap.

"Yes, of course," she frowns. "Don't kill the magicians."

"Exactly. Just send them on their way. Do whatever you have to do to divert them from the path to the main hideout, understand?"

"Even men?" she pouts.

My eyes narrow. "Especially men."

"You're not fun, Malik!"

"They're not my orders; they're Bakura's."

"Oh. Guess that explains it," she says, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. "By the way, Gozaburo told me that Noa finally managed to summon his Ka last night. Poor kid. Maybe he'll come visit me soon?"

"I highly doubt that."

I'll have to pay that hideout a visit. That's our second biggest hideout and is in an abandoned village right near the palace. Bakura destroyed it during his kidnapping of Pharaoh, and we took it over. The head of that hideout isn't someone to mess with. Her skills in archery are superb.

She scowls. "Well, regardless, I'll keep the magicians away from the play."

"Be sure that you do, and make sure to at least feed your pets, Chonco," I smirk.

Now to drop this little magician off and check up on the last hideout.

Atem

I toss and turn, trying to get comfortable. Over the past week, I've heard two stories from two of Bakura's "priests". The first I heard was from Amane during our work on the laundry. She's been helping me learn how to take care of Bakura's cloak.

She told me about how Mai and she were sold by their father as soon as their mother had died giving birth to Amane. The wife of the first man luckily, took care of Amane until she was old enough to work for them. They were sold a total of five times, with the last one being the worst. A man named Klanfini who lived in a pretty well off village. Both girls were raped and forced to do all of his cleaning and put on "shows" for his guests. Apparently, Bakura saved them after Amane accidentally ran into him while she was trying to escape thanks to Mai's bravery.

And Ennos… I found out about him tonight. I couldn't quite put my finger on why he looked so familiar to me, but tonight, after he told me his story, I knew exactly why.

And who would have thought that! Masa and Ennos being half brothers! Ennos should be living in the palace with his brother! He needs Mahaado to train him to better his powers! I'm sure he has been trained here, but he needs real training!

All these people here. In some way, shape, or form, they've been hurt. It doesn't give them the right to do what they do, but… I want to change things around here! I don't want anyone to be mistreated or hurt! But I can't do that here! I have to find a way out of here! But how?! I still can't summon Osiris, and even if I could, summoning him here could kill everyone!

Maybe I should bring up going out again with Bakura once he returns? We talked about it before, but it's hasn't been done. I know I'll have to be "supervised", but as long as I can get some sort of idea of what I need to do to help then that's fine with me.

I sigh. I suppose I'll have to wait until tonight to talk to him. He's still gone. I wrap the blanket around me, feeling cold all of a sudden.

I wake up to strong arms wrapping around me and a muscular body pressed against my back.

"Did I wake you?" Bakura whispers, kissing my neck gently.

"I was hardly in a deep sleep," I gasp.

"Hmm. You seem worn. Are you alright?"

I close my eyes. How can I be alright? How can I convince you to let me go back home and to stop this nonsense, Bakura?

"I heard another story," I whisper.

"I see."

"Bakura, I can't take this anymore!" I exclaim, sitting up and pulling away from him.

"I'm not letting you leave."

"I know! I just- I can't just…!"

"We've talked about you going out before. I told you I don't mind. I've been waiting for you to tell me when you're ready to go."

"Well, it would've been nice if you told me that, jerk!" I snap, punching him in the shoulder.

Bakura laughs, rubbing it. "It's too much fun to see you squirm!"

I scowl.

He laughs louder and sits up. "In all seriousness, Atem, you need only ask. After all, you do want to see their world, no?"

"I want to see yours too."

"I can't show you Kul Elna."

"Why not?! You complain all the time about how my father-"

Bakura looks at me and shakes his head. The look he gives me. Is he… scared? But why? He and the others claim that Zorc is some amazing god who protects them. Is it because Zorc is angry with me? But if Zorc listens to Bakura, as everyone claims, then surely…

I close my eyes. "Fine."

"However, I did promise you a Zorc dance, and I've been preparing for it."

"Oh? And when will I get to see this dance?"

"Tonight if you behave," Bakura smirks.

"I'll have you know that I washed your cloak with the utmost care the other night on Amane's watch all by myself."

"Oh? Did you now? So I can blame you if there's dirt or a hole in it, no?"

"No because there won't be anything of the sort," I smirk.

Bakura laughs. "Your confidence truly turns me on."

"Can we not do that today? I'm tired," I frown.

Bakura smirks. "But it'll help you sleep, Peasant Pharaoh."

I sigh.

"But, I'll be nice, and let you sleep."

My eyes widen and my mouth hangs open. "You're… you're letting me…" I narrow my eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with Bakura?"

Bakura not wanting sex? There must be something wrong!

"I'm not cruel, Atem."

I give him a look that says "uh huh".

He laughs. "Okay, perhaps I am, but you're not any fun when you're worn out. I like when you fight me. Although, you have tricked me in the past, but if you wish to see my Zorc Dance tomorrow, I believe sleep to be advisable, no? We can have fun tomorrow night."Bakura runs a finger from my shoulder to my fingers and intertwines them with his. "You'll be begging for some, after all."

"Is the dance that good?"

"Well, you do love my dance I do for you, so of course. A dance for a god is very special. I'm sure the temple maidens have dances for your gods, no?"

"Well, yes. Does anyone else dance with you?"

Bakura scoffs. "As if anyone here can."

"So you don't let them?"

Bakura shrugs, grabbing his goblet and taking a swig, handing it to me.

I take it, drinking some then handing it to him.

"They do, but that's only during celebrations. They'd rather see me dance."

Not that I can blame them. Bakura's dancing is fanomiable!

"I see. So you said it'd be ready tonight?"

"If you want to see it tonight, yes. We'll have to go outside by the waterfall to do it. The moon and stars are the most beautiful there."

I smile. "That sound romantic."

"This isn't a date, Pharaoh," Bakura scoffs.

I laugh. "Maybe it should be? Or will there be others too?"

"Oh? Do you want it to be a private affair then?"

"Is it normally not?" I ask, taking the goblet from Bakura and drinking from it.

Bakura takes it back, taking a big chug of it. He fills the goblet up again, setting it on the table. "It doesn't matter to Zorc. He enjoys my dancing with or without people around."

"I see. Will he be upset if you dance for me?"

Bakura closes his eyes. "Yes."

"Then maybe-"

He looks at me. "I don't care. I already told him I was going to dance for you. Where did you think I went last night?"

"To tombrob?"

"I did that the night before. You act like I do that every night!" he laughs.

I scowl. "Well, I can't ever tell with you."

Bakura smirks. "I didn't go tomb-robbing. I was in Kul Elna."

"Oh, and you asked Zorc "permission" to show me one of his dances?"

"And some other matters, but yes."

"Other matters?"

"It's nothing for you to worry yourself over, Atem."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Bakura gives me the goblet.

I down it, and return it. He fills it back up, downing it himself then setting the goblet back on the table.

"If you're concerned about everyone dying, don't be. It's not time for the main event yet."

I frown. "What are you even waiting for? I've been here for almost half a year."

"These things take time, Atem."

"They don't have to happen at all!"

Bakura closes his eyes. "I can't change this country by myself."

"Neither can I! So help me change it!"

"What?"

"You heard me!" I say, hitting my fists on my thighs. "We both know things need to change-"

Bakura laughs. "You truly are something else, Atem. You get a few stories, and you think you know what this country needs to change? You haven't a clue."

"And that's why you're going to take me out!"

He cocks his head. "Naturally," he grins.

"And then we can figure out something together. We can stop all this bloodshed!"

Bakura puts his elbow on his thigh and his face in his hand. "Do I really want to stop bloodshed though? Diabound really loves blood-"

"Bakura!"

He laughs.

"Stop taking this as a joke! I'm trying to be serious here!"

"I am too, Atem. I have great plans after all."

"You mean like killing me, right?" I whisper, looking down at my hands.

Bakura doesn't say anything.

I look up to see that he's off the bed.

"Bakura?"

"I'll show you Zorc's dance tonight then we'll go out the next night."

"Okay, but are you alright?"

"I'll be back later."

"But you haven't slept. I'm sure you need some for tonight, right? So come over here so you can sleep. Don't make me drag your ass in this bed, Thief King!"

Bakura looks at me over his shoulder. "As much as I'd love to see you try that, I'm in no mood for such games right now."

I get off the bed and tackle him to the floor. He gasp and turns around, kicking me off.

"What the hell, Atem? Must I shackle you up again?"

"No, but I will shackle you up if you don't stay so we can talk. You need to stop running and face this!" I exclaim, tackling him as he gets up.

Bakura catches me and throws me. "Leave me alone. I am in no mood for your shit, Atem!"

I gasp, hitting the floor hard. "As if I have time for yours, you insufferable man! Now stop being a baby and get back on that bed and let's talk like normal adults!" I snap, standing up.

Bakura scoffs. "Again, I have no time-"

I don't let him finish. I charge at him. He lands against the bedside table, causing it to fall over. I pin him down.

"No, we will-"

Something is wrong.

Very wrong.

I look over to see the oil lantern has broken and has mixed in with the wine. Flames erupt with smoke.

And Bakura… Bakura is shaking!

I get off of him. I have to stop this fire! But I can't just leave Bakura! I gently sit him up. He doesn't even try to fight me. He just stares at the fire, eyes wide, body shaking.

"Just hold on, Bakura. I won't let it spread, okay?" I say softly.

I run over to grab the jug of water from under the table on the other side of the room then running back over to the fire, throwing it on the fire. Fortunately, the fire was just getting started, so the water was able to put it out.

I move in front of Bakura, kneeling down in front of him. "Bakura?"

The Thief King doesn't respond. He just keeps staring at the place where the fire was a few moments ago.

"Bakura!"

Still, no response! It's like he's gone into shock! Wait!

"Feel the power of this god, Bakura!" I shout. I close my eyes, chanting a spell. Ra soars high into the sky, flames erupt around its glorious form.

Bakura's eyes widen with fear. From where I am, I see Bakura shaking violently.

I knew it! It's the fire! Bakura is afraid of fire!

I sit beside him, gently pulling him into my arms.

"It's okay, Bakura, the fire is gone. Just breathe."

Bakura continues to shake and stare at the spot. I look at his face. His eyes are hazy and glossy as if he's not here.

"N-no!"

"It's all in your head, Bakura. Stay with me."

"Mother! Father! No! Let me go, Kora!"

Who's Kora?

"Bakura, it's all in your head. Just breathe. I'm right here."

"No, please! They'll get burned alive!"

Bakura…

I hold him closer. I know I can't do much, but I'm going to keep trying!

What seems like hours of gentle coaxing and cleaning up the mess, Bakura finally comes to.

He stares at me.

"Are you alright?"

No response.

"Bakura?"

"I… what happened?"

This time, I'm the one who doesn't respond. I just pull him into my arms. As strong as this man is, I have to protect him before someone uses his weakness against him to kill him! If Seth got wind of this, Bakura would be dead! I can't let that happen!

Preview

Shizuka

Darkness floods my vision. Slowly, a waterfall comes into view.