A/N: We're getting close! Who's been keen for action?! I hope ya'll enjoy where this goes! *eagerly awaits your responses!*
"I don't know about this, Pharaoh." Yugi said nervously. He waved the sword around, testing it's weight in his hand. It was long enough, the blade curved just like any other Egyptian weaponry and it was beautiful too with its golden hilt, royal blue silk wrapped around it. But most importantly it was heavier than he liked. He wasnt used to swinging a sword around and he was sure with practice he'd get used to it but he didn't have the time now to adjust to it. He'd have better luck defending himself with a stick than a proper sword.
"This is the lightest sword in my armoury and I wont have you walking into this trap unarmed. With mine and Setos men hopefully you won't have to use it." Atem said, gently stopping Yugis swing with a touch to his hand.
"Look if our friends are there then they likely have the Millennium Items too. If they do then I can use them."
"Until then -" Atem began, taking his sword from him and sheathing it to his hip for him. "Sword."
Yugi sighed but accepted.
"Good. Now go to the stables. I'll be there soon."
"Where are you going?" Yugi asked as Atem made to leave. He never said, merely gave him a wink and kept going.
Atem walked briskly through his halls, his cape billowing behind him. Time was of the essence but he could not leave without doing one thing.
His heart burned with such determination he hadn't felt in a long time. His friends were here and in grave danger. Not only that but Yugi wouldn't be safe either. With his condition deteriorating every day Osiris would be waiting for either his call or to weigh his soul… but Yugi had decided to remain and expected Atem to respect that decision. His hands were tied and the odds against them, especially since Thomas had the jewel Yugi warned him about and what's more: Karim was helping him still with his band of bandits.
They needed more than the swords and men Atem could spare, and the monsters his guardians could summon. To get through this he would need the aid of the Gods themselves.
Everyone was ready to leave now, armed and mounted upon their horses. Seto was leading his party out of the city to wait for the command to leave and Mahaad was about ready to do the same. All they needed now was their Pharaoh.
But where was he?
Aisha nuzzled Yugis hair affectionately and he pet he muzzle stroking the soft fur. If Yugi had to guess he wondered if she was wondering the same thing.
"Yugi. He'll be here." Mahaad said by him.
Yugi caught his smile before Mahaad mounted his own horse and reigned him in beside Aisha.
"My Pharaoh." A servant said respectfully, bowing to Atem as he approached them.
"Where were you?" Yugi asked him as he came close.
"I'm sorry. I was handling something. Are we ready?" Atem asked Mahaad.
"Yes my Pharaoh. Seto is with his men and Isis by the city gates and mine are ready to move as well. We wait now only for your command." Mahaad said politely.
Atem mounted Aisha and helped Yugi on behind him.
"We ride then." Atem said, nudging Aisha to start walking until they were free to sprint through the city streets. The city guards had been positioned to keep the streets cleared so racing through the city was easy. Yugi held onto his waist, nuzzling into his back to shield himself from the rushing wind.
"Yugi. Do you have the Millenium Piece with you?" Atem asked him.
"Yeah?"
"Good. If you are correct and our friends have the items you may need it to complete the puzzle."
"Does that have anything to do with what you were doing?" Yugi asked him.
"Mmm. No. I was praying, Yugi. We're going to need all the help we can get, including anything the Gods can offer."
Yugi smiled, feeling any worry he held onto fade away knowing that. It warmed him a lot thinking that Atem had been praying for their success. It was one of the little things Yugi had noticed about him since living here that reminded him he was his own person now with his own beliefs and history imprinted upon him. Everything he did from frequent bathing to daily visits to the temples, to applying Kohl to his eyes each morning and ensuring he was always as clean as possible. Everything he did was everything he had learned in his studies and more.
Atem was beautiful to him, in every way.
And now he was risking his guardians, his men, and if the worst should happen his city as well, so they could save their friends and put an end to Thomas and his madness.
His friends were in danger, Thomas had the jewel and if they should fail then he would gain his Millenium Items as well as those held by Atem, Seto, Mahaad and Isis.
He held him tighter, feeling how real and solid Atem was in his arms. He loved how he felt against him, even as they rode quickly upon Aisha.
'If the Gods are listening, I know I'm foreign in these lands and do not belong here yet, but Atem does and my friends are innocent. Please protect them all.' Yugi prayed silently.
He felt Atems hand squeeze his arm as they were nearing the gates.
"We can do this. We have the Gods, my people and your spirit on our side, not to mention the faith of our friends. Thomas and Karim both will pay for everything they've done, I swear it." He said strongly and he believed every word, but there was something in his promise Yugi almost feared. It was a promise but there was a threat there. Atem wasn't only ready to protect and save his friend's but there was something else, some other reason he was coming along and not just to protect him too.
Of course! Yemshir! The destruction of Yemshir was Karim and Thomas' doing so he also had a score to settle with them. He just hoped his revenge wouldn't cost Atem too dearly.
They slowed to a halt outside the city, greeting Isis and Seto with his men waiting for them. They bowed their heads in respect as they passed.
"My Pharaoh." They greeted.
"Mahaad is behind us. We leave now." Atem said, nudging Aisha to continue on into a sprint.
This was it. One hour ride and they'd be there.
One hour and he'd have the chance to rescue his friends … or lose everything he loves.
Thomas paced impatiently, caressing the smooth surface of the jewel as it sang sweet nothings to him. It had been long since he heard it's melody, listened to it's intoxicating calls and demands for blood. It was thirsty and it kept coaxing him to spill someone's blood, anyone's but he waited, asking it to be patient. Everyone here would give him the beautiful silence he craved but first there was one he desired more; Dr. Yugi Moto. He trapped him here, stole his hand and painted him a target for the God of Death himself. Finally in possession of the Jewel and the Millennium Items he could return home, escaping deaths clutches and free to silence the world … but Yugi yet lives and so long as he does he serves as hope to his friends. Once he destroys him for good there wouldn't be power on this plane or his own that would pose a threat.
"Would you stop pacing? Its frustrating." Karim complained.
"If I stopped then the voice of my Jewel would be impossible to resist." Thomas sang blissfully.
Karim rolled his eyes, twirling the dagger on the table he sat at. By now he had carved a decent hole for it to sit in and vaguely he wondered how that was less annoying.
It matters not. He would die too by the end. He could carve his name into history and it wouldn't matter. After today nothing else would sing the song of silence save for his beloved Jewel.
"Then I'm going to have a little fun of my own." Karim said eventually, standing in a huff.
Thomas watched him leave, smirking to himself but all he heard was distant tolling of bells being held back by gentle humming.
Meanwhile, deep in a dark, cold crypt where little light crept through and less fresh air wafted within, sat the gang, tied and bound together by rope and iron chains. Their clothes had been torn and replaced, their possessions taken to be divided among the thieves and possibly sold. They tried to break free but all they could manage to succeed in doing was rattle their chains and hurt their skin. They were thirsty, cold, hungry and terrified. They hadn't seen a single person in hours but surely someone would come soon.
"We cant even use the drone to call for help." Tristan sighed tiredly.
"If only we had our phones. We could call Yugi." Bakura agreed.
"At least we know he's here. That guy … Thomas? He was the guy who we were chasing right? The one who fought with Yugi?" Tea asked.
"Yeah thats him. But he's missing.. or rather was missing a hand now." Joey said.
"Wonder what happened." Bakura posed.
"Well with how we've been treated I wouldn't be surprised if he pissed someone off here." Tristan said.
They heard a door opening then so they hushed quickly, huddling closer in apprehension. Footsteps echoed off the walls slowly, menacingly. Whoever was coming was not bringing them food or water, nor were they here to let them go… they were here for enjoyment.
Out from the shadows appeared a man they learned to be Karim. He seemed off at first, being able to understand them, and it was only confirmed soon after just how shady he was. He wasn't just a wandering traveller in need of water and shade; he was a bandit leader capable of hurting so many people and taking anything he wants. He had already proven as such when he orchestrated a surprise attack from inside the tavern, capturing the kind villagers and quickly disarming any nearby militia. A town like this fell easily under his command.
He stood before them, smug and arrogant, weighing them and choosing wisely who would be his next play thing. He had already had his fun with Bakura, beating him bloody for any kind of information, especially on how to use Tea's phone. Who would be next then?
He crouched before Tea, lightly touching her cheek with the back of his finger. She shook in anger and fear, grasping her fingers tightly behind her in desperate hope he'd leave her alone.
"Get your mitts off her! Why don't you be a man and have your fun with us instead!" Tristan dared him angrily.
She bit her lip, wanting desperately for them to shut up in case he actually did hurt them but she was so afraid. He glanced at Tristan, smirking wickedly before he helped her stand, roughly pushing her against the nearest wall. With her hands bound all she could do bounce against it, barely able to keep her grounding.
He ignored the boys, placing a hand beside her head on the wall and trapping her between him. He sniffed at her hair, brushing the tip of his nose against her cheek and she cowered, leaning as far into the wall as she could.
"OI! LEAVE HER ALONE!" Joey yelled, Tristan and Bakura both copying his call with their own but they went ignored.
His hand brushed against her neck, falling down to her clavicle and she snapped at him, trying to bite him but missing by a long shot. He pulled back her hair tightly, exposing her neck to him and all she could do was yelp and whimper as his other hand slid up her thigh.
She squirmed, trying to keep her legs closed.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING! GET OFF ME!" She screamed against his grip. She pulled her knee up, hoping to hit him but he was strong and she had little agility against him. Her skull stung where he pulled on her hair and as his fingers walked closer and closer panic began to set in.
Suddenly though he rode up further, not because he wanted to but because somehow the boys had managed to help one another up and crash into him, hoping to pull or push him off her.
She fell to the ground as he let go of her, being pushed into the wall by both Tristan and Joey while Bakura crouched beside Tea. There was little any of them could do with their hands bound but at least they could support one another.
The man though was free to manipulate them with ease, kicking and tripping both Joey and Tristan to the ground and kicking their sides til they stopped resisting.
"That was cheeky. I never intended to harm any of you but if you want to do this the hard way…" He said darkly.
"Bullshit! You were trying to have your way with me -"
"What else is an alabaster whore like you good for if not for taking the seed of strong men?" He asked, walking very slowly towards her.
"You won't be touching her at all, bub." Tristan spat out between grunts of air.
"You boys are not worth the trouble yet. You're not broken in, but that will change. If Pharaoh doesn't pay your ransom, you can believe me that will change." He said to him.
He turned back to Tea then, examining the fear and anger in her eyes before finally sighing.
"If Pharaoh doesn't come with the ransom in one more hour, then I will be back to show you what real men can do." He said angrily and left.
She sighed in relief the moment the door closed and leaned into Bakura beside her, thankful beyond anything that her friends were there.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." She cried softly.
"It's alright Tea. We won't let that creep touch you again." Bakura said back to her.
"Bakura's right and Pharaoh and Yugi will come." Joey said strongly. "They'll come."
They came to a halt before what appeared to be a very quiet town. No villagers were out tending to their farms or their jobs, or buying from the market. No guards were standing watch in case of bandits or on lookout for them. Surely they were expected after all but there was no greeting party, no bystanders… not even the animals were about. It was too quiet here and all the buildings appeared empty and abandoned.
"Where is everyone?" Yugi asked quietly.
Atem walked Aisha further into the town as Seto set his men to fan out and explore. They didn't enter the buildings, merely checked the window and around them first.
"This is the right town...right?" Yugi asked him again, though only half serious. If it wasn't the right town, surely there would be people around.
"My Pharaoh." Isis said softly, rearing her mare beside them. "They await us ahead."
Ahead of them was a well in the center of town. Clearly this was the towns major gathering place so it'd only make sense that if not at the entrance, they would meet them there but still, Yugi saw no one from where they were. Isis must have seen something with her Millenium necklace.
Yugi swung off of Aisha, earning him a confused look from Atem but he seemed to accept it when he stretched his legs. He chose to remain on Aisha though, walking her towards the well with everyone else in tow.
They came upon the well, hearts racing in anticipation. Anything could happen at this point. They could be ambushed, they could be confronted or they could be taken for fools. Tea and the others could be hurt, Atem could be assassinated, any one of them could be hurt or worse from the shadows but they had little choice but to make themselves known. He had to trust in his guardians to keep them protected; surely at least Isis would see an attack before it happens.
"In the name of the great Pharaoh Atem, the one true King, show yourselves at once." Seto demanded loudly.
They heard nothing at first, saw no movement and in quiet agitation they waited until finally they heard clapping coming from a darkened building.
Belonging to the clapping turned out to be Karim. He looked the same as he did when Yugi first encountered him only this time wearing a great wide grin from ear to ear as he laughed at the proclamation.
"One true King. Thats adorable. Since when do great Pharaohs come to the beck and call of bandits? Tell me, o son of the gods…. Did you bring the ransom?" He asked. Immediately Seto's men had their spears to him, archers aiming straight for him and Mahaad's mages readied their staves but he never flinched, never paid them any mind. He wasn't worried at all at the many different ways he could die where he stood. He kept his focus on Atem. Only when Atem did not answer did he examine the rest, his eyes falling upon Yugi who stood tense beside Aisha.
"Yugi. So you did survive. The gods smile upon you I see. Not only did you not die from the wounds I inflicted upon you but you survived the massacre, you survived the cliff, you were rescued by the Sky Dragon himself and now you bask in our King's glorious steps, wearing royal attire fit for a high ranking official no less. Tell me, Yugi… do the scars still bother you?"
Yugi was about to answer when a low growling rolled through Atem's throat, so chilling he had to stop and look up at him.
"You tread through treacherous sands Karim, watch what you say or it will be your last." He threatened him. Yugi had never heard him so terrifying before. He could have sworn if anger appeared as an aura Atem would have been burning hotter than the sun right now. He held his tongue, waiting to see how this would pan out. After all, it was best not to stand before an angry Pharaoh.
"Not so cool today I see. I only want to know one thing." Karim said and his smile faded, turning stone cold in an instant. Yugi knew this look too well. When he wasn't grinning, this was the emotionless look he would wear when he carved into him.
"Do you have the ransom?"
"First, show me the prisoners. Only when they are free from harm will you receive what was bargained for." Atem said.
Yugi had no idea what he was talking about now. They never left with a carriage of gold, not even a sack of it… what ransom was Atem referring to?
"You don't actually believe you can bluff us into thinking you actually brought a ransom, do you?" Thomas asked from behind them. They turned to him now standing by a door, leaning heavily on the wall as he tossed a white, glowing jewel up in the air lazily.
"Thomas." Yugi and Atem snarled.
"For your friends sake, you want to hope you're hiding something of value. Something worth the lives of everyone here." Karim said.
"You dare threaten the Pharaoh after everything you have done, you cur?" Seto asked angrily.
"I'm not threatening him. I'm warning him." Karim shrugged.
"Swine. Stand down immediately or face the wrath of the Pharaoh!" Seto demanded.
"He's not warning him from what he will do." Thomas said.
They turned back to Thomas, expecting some more banter but instead he stood from the wall, taking a single step towards them and revealing his shiny, new golden hand to them. The fingers curled as if grasping something, flexing to show off its full mobility while he gazed at it lovingly, grinning with a great smug smirk.
"You got a new hand." Yugi observed.
"How is this possible? I thought Yugi injured him." Mahaad questioned.
"He did. But I've been gifted by my dear Jewel with one that is worth much more than what I lost. Care to see what it can do?" Thomas asked, waving his hand violently to send half of their men including Mahaad flying several meters away into buildings and sand paths. They slid and rolled, splaying sand this way and that. Their horses whinnied and jumped, squealing in fright and the remaining were uncomfortable and nervous.
"Mahaad!" Isis called after him and the rest of their men turned their attention to Thomas but as if taking offence to it he waved them back into buildings too.
"Thomas that's enough!" Yugi shouted at him.
"Already?" Thomas asked, turning his attention to Yugi. "Fine. Your the one I want anyway."
"You won't be laying a hand on him." Atem warned him coldly.
"No I won't be." Thomas said. He clicked his fingers and in an instant Yugi felt the ground beneath him shift and rumble. Aisha shifted, stamping her feet nervously and a second later the sand parted for gravity to take Yugi down into a deep, endless hole of darkness. He screamed as he fell, flailing to reach something to hold onto.
"YUGI!" Atem screamed, swinging off Aisha to grab him but their fingers merely brushed and Yugi was falling too quickly.
"ATEM!"
"YUGI NO!"
The darkness swallowed him and Atem faded into the distance, his voice echoing through the darkness.
Atem reached for him as he fell, sand falling into the pitch black hole where he once stood. His scream echoed within his mind long after he had lost sight of him and he had half a mind to jump after him. He would have had Seto not grabbed hold of him to rip him away.
Aisha jumped, many of his men were nervous and on edge but what he heard over the top of the pounding of his own heart was Thomas's laughter.
His thoughts raced. Yugi was gone, taken who knows where but above all his fears he felt in his heart he was still alive.
He had to be.
"THOMAS!" Atem shouted at him angrily, shaking off Seto to confront him.
He waved at him with his shiny new hand before clicking, stepping through a dark portal behind him.
"BRING HIM BACK!" Atem shouted after him but it was no use. He was gone, likely where ever Yugi was. He could only pray now Yugi could handle himself long enough for him to find him.
"Ignore him, Pharaoh. Your main concern should be the safety of your own people." Karim said smugly, pulling their attention straight to him.
"Karim. Where did he go? Where is Yugi?" Atem asked him furiously. Karim shrugged lazily, pulling out a dagger to pick at his fingers with.
"Who knows. Im not sure how that gem of his works. But why worry about that when the lives of your people lies on a single word from you?" He asked.
"What does that mean?"
"Do you have the ransom … or no?"
"Worthless gnat! You'll get nothing from the Pharaohs treasury. The only thing youll be getting today is a swift end." Seto threatened.
Karim sighed lazily, twirling his dagger around in his fingers. They heard movement in the houses then and looked to see archers in the darkened windows, all aiming their sights upon a target of their choosing, most on Atem.
"You have one chance to change your mind or Regicide will top my list of crimes." Karim said, surprisingly darkly.
"Seto." Atem said quietly, only to him.
"Yes my King?"
"Karim is mine." Atem stated.
"Understood." Seto affirmed.
They waited a few seconds, assessing and checking before one roll of Karim's shoulder gave an archer permission to loose an arrow. It flew towards Atem but Seto was quicker, easily deflecting the arrow with the shaft of his Rod. Atem never moved, never even flinched. His focus was solely on Karim. Setos men moved to invade the buildings while Mahaads magicians began casting spells at the windows to block their line of sight. Seto and Mahaad ordered their men around, finding targets of their own while Karim and Atem stared one another down.
"It did not need to be this way." Karim said.
"Yes. It did." Atem said, drawing his sword instantly. Karim met him with his own scimitar and metal clashed violently.
