A/N: This one is bigger than usual but I hope you like the developments :D
Yugi's POV
"I can't believe Mariks been kidnapped." Tea mutters quietly as we walk. We've all been talking about this all day and I think they're finally letting the weight of this hit them. We reach the locker room as kids are piling out, switching books for others, fetching their shoes and whatnot and we gather around my locker while Joey and Tristan put their shoes on.
"So you're gonna meet with Ishizu, right?" Ryou asks beside me.
"Yeah, this afternoon. I'm gonna drop off my stuff and then Atem and I will head over to the airport."
"Where are they staying?" Tea asks.
"Uhh I think she said it was called the Oak hotel? I'm not too sure." I shrug and lead the way out with everyone in toe.
"So what's the plan? We going after Bakura?" Joey asks excitedly. I wish it were that simple.
"How can we go after him? We don't know where he is." Tea says boredly.
"Yeah but Ishizu's comin over. She's gotta have some idea of where to start right?" Joey argues.
"Ishizu and Odion are coming because their brother is in danger. They can't just sit by and do nothing knowing that at some point Bakura will use Marik against us. On top of that, they know more about the Items than we do. Atem knows a lot but his knowledge and mastery of the items comes from inheritance. The Ishtars have been learning and training to use them their whole lives." I explain as we leave school grounds.
"Woah so you're gonna be learning how to use the puzzle then?" Tristan asks.
"Hopefully. I've asked Atem to teach me and it took a little convincing but he eventually agreed to it." I say with a gentle sigh. He was pretty reluctant last night. I know he's just concerned for my wellbeing; afterall the Items isn't just some average skill I can pick up: they're dangerous and if I misuse them even by accident I could end up causing my harm than good - but I have to know. The Puzzle won't respond to him anymore and he and I both doubt it will appreciate it if I just forfeit it to him so casually. Its not meant to be passed around like a parcel. I'm just glad he agreed to teach me what he knows.
"So what's the plan then? Your gonna pick up Ishizu and Odion but then what?" Tristan asks.
"Tomorrow after school we'll begin my training I guess. They'll go to the shop and catch up with Atem, do whatever it is they need to do, and then we go from there. We don't know how to find Marik or Bakura, but at the very least we can plan for their attack. Atem will ask them what they can teach him about the Key since we can't contact Shadi anymore. Ishizu said that she's met Shadi on occasion and while he didn't teach her how to use it she has seen him use it … so fingers crossed I guess." I shrug simply. There's not much to be done beyond that.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Tea asks.
"Cheer them on I suppose, what we do best." Ryou answers her cheerfully.
"Gah! There's gotta be more we can do than that!" Joey growls loudly before sighing. I understand his frustration. If it were up to me I'd go find him now. Its one thing to have Bakura on the loose, it's another to kidnap one of our friends. Particularly one who is not involved anymore.
"Your welcome to think on it Joey but for now we're doing all we can." I say but I can't hide the dejected tone in my voice. This is tiring. Things were going well a few weeks ago and now it's just … hard. I'm so tired of Bakura messing everything up. Again if it was just me and Atem he wanted them fine, but to bring everyone else into it is not okay.
"We'll stop him." Ryou says encouragingly but the look in his eyes is stronger than his tone. He means what he says and there's a lot more conviction there than I expected. Of course though. Hes finally free of Bakura and the terror he held over him. If there's any one of us that wants to see him fall more than us it will be him.
"Yeah damn right we will. We'll put him back in the ground and crying to his gods before long." Tristan cheered with Joey hanging off his shoulder.
"Morbid much?" Tea scowls and I have to agree with her. I want to see him dead but I don't think I'd say it.
"Hes not wrong though Tea. We beat Pegasus's scheme, we beat down the Big 5, we beat down Marik's evil half… we'll beat Bakura too." Joey says happily.
"They're right. Bakura has survived long enough. Its about time he stops." Ryou says quietly before shyly laughing it off. I'm worried. Ever since Bakura attacked Ryou's gotten a little brazen. I mean I'm glad he feels braver but he shouldn't lose sight of who he is, or it might get him hurt.
"Well, anyway. I've got some more cleaning to do back home. Say hi to Ishizu for me Yugi. I'll see you guys tomorrow." He continues happily, hastily leaving in his own direction. I have half a mind to call after him but … I'm sure he'll be okay.
"Is he okay?" Joey asks.
"He'll be okay. Dudes been getting stronger every day." Tristan shrugs easily.
"I'm worried too. He and I have been chatting lately and while he does seem happier there's a … certain risk that comes from that kind of confidence. I'm scared it'll get him hurt." Tea says with every hint of her concern in her voice. Thats curious. While I was in the hospital Ryou had confessed to me his feelings for her but he always said he wasn't brave enough to try anything, especially knowing her feelings for Atem. But if they've been talking I wonder if her affections are shifting. Its probably not something I should look into. Not yet anyway. Besides she's right. I have the same concern for him she does.
"He'll be fine. But I gotta get home too. Hey, we're coming over tomorrow yeah?" Tristan asks.
"Yeah if you want to." I say simply. I didn't expect any less to be honest.
"Cool. See ya tomorrow then. Hey, say hey to them for me and let us know if anything happens." He says happily as he waves us off. That's odd too. He normally tells us what he's up to.
"Hey! Where are you going in such a hurry?!" Joey calls after him. Tristan begins jogging, laughing all the while Joey starts playfully beating on him. At least, I think it's playful. I'm not worried though; those two will never change.
"So it's just us." I say coyly to hear Tea giggle.
"Seems so." She says pleasantly.
We don't talk on the way but it's not awkward. I'm not sure what she's thinking but I have so much on my shoulders I don't know what to say. Marik's been kidnapped and ultimately it is our fault. We let Bakura get this strong, I let him get away. I don't know what more we could have done but Marik would be safe if any number of things happened differently. I could have kept the Rod and Necklace safer … I might have used the Puzzle to end him … I don't know but -
"Yugi?" Her voice breaks me from my thoughts and I look to meet her sincere concern. "We're going to be okay, right? I mean all of us? You're going to be learning how to use the Puzzle and I assume Atem will spend some time learning to use the Key… but Millennium Items are powerful and dangerous… then there's Bakura. Even without the Millennium Items he has Diabound and he broke Ryou's wrist with ease. Atem hasn't been able to summon the Egyptian Gods unless I'm mistaken… and then there's the … you know … with Kaiba? It's just… there's so much going on at once - are we going to be okay?" She asks me and honestly I don't know what to tell her.
I'm normally right there with the positivity and belief that as long as we stick together we will be but … I'm not so sure this time. Pegasus held a Duel Monsters tournament for us to fight through. Even the Big 5 could be defeated with Dueling. And then Marik's evil half submitted to Kaiba's tournament. But Bakura… the only rule he has to submit to is needing to beat me in a game to win the Puzzle… but that doesn't mean he won't commit to actual harm to anyone else before that happens. He's already proved he's capable and this time he isn't screwing around. He's… almost desperate to complete this and I don't know why.
But he's desperate. Why else would he kidnap Marik? He surely knows Marik isn't evil anymore and even if he could conjure his evil side back from the Shadow Realm why would he side with him? There's no chance the dark side of Marik would be his lackey so he must need Marik for information … on the Items… but if he claims to know them as well as he does then … that must mean something is wrong. It's been a week and a half since he attacked… a week and a half licking his wounds so whatever is happening with him must be serious. But what?
"Yugi?"
"I think we'll be okay. So long as we stick together then I'm sure we can come out of this." I say happily, giving her a strong, optimistic smile. The first one I've believed in a short while.
"Really?" Her voice is thin with stressed hope but I believe it this time, so I squeeze her shoulder encouragingly and bob my head in a firm, confident nod until she smiles.
"Yes. I don't know how I know this, but we'll be okay. I gotta get home though, will you be okay?" I ask her and she blinks in confusion but finally bounces her ahead cutely.
"Yes I'll be okay. You be safe too alright. We'll talk tonight and I'll see you tomorrow." She says, pulling me in for a firm, lingering cuddle. It's strange; she hasn't cuddled me for about a month or two now … I didn't realise how much I missed it. It feels nice and if I didn't have a place to be I'd stay and soak it up.
Atem's POV
It has been a while since we were in such a busy and crowded place. The city I have been slowly getting used to but this: everyone here is here for a reason and most are rushed and stressed. Yugi included. We have been waiting here for 45 minutes but their flight isn't set to arrive for another 20 minutes yet. He said something about beating traffic and that is why we are here so early but really I think it is because he doesn't like waiting. He never has. He's always gotten anxious when it comes to waiting for something.
Me on the other hand am sort of used to it. Having needed to wait on reports from an abundance of people I've learned to roll with events as they come and prepare in the meantime. Which is why I made sure to bring a charger for his phone so he can play one of his games while he waits. Which is good because he's been using it today while he was at school so his phone was almost depleted. Sometimes I take pride in knowing how he works so well.
While he plays he tells me what his friends were talking about today and his theory that Bakura is desperate. I have to agree. His actions to this point have been typical but kidnapping Marik is unlike him. I agree that it is unlikely he wishes to pull out Marik's dark side: he is too much of a liability and he is uncomfortably close to obtaining his goal. He won't risk it. So it is more likely he wishes to know more about the Items however that does contradict his confidence in himself and his knowledge of the items. Regardless of his motives it does not help us locate him. But it could indicate Marik's wellbeing. He might actually be okay - so long as he's useful. But so long as he means something to us he has a use so Bakura won't abandon him easily.
I hear Yugi exhale deeply and I look to see him bouncing his leg and sliding his phone away from him as he looks around. He's anxious again and must have seen the time. They have about 10 minutes before their plane arrives. Gently I rest my hand on his lap and he looks at me and smiles weakly. I may not share his nerves but I sympathise. I understand why he is nervous. He blames himself for Marik's kidnapping and we're about to meet his siblings. He feels responsible for their trouble despite how much I have tried to convince him that this is not his fault. Despite that and the long talk he's had with Ishizu he still feels uneasy about meeting them.
"It'll be fine." I say quietly and he sighs gently, more to calm himself before he nods wearily.
"Yeah. We're in the right place right?" He asks as he reads the screen nearby. I chuckle and touch his cheek to bring his attention back to me. Anxious as he is, he is so cute.
"Yes, Yugi. Relax."
He smiles and leans into my palm, sighing once more as he closes his eyes. Gods he is sweet. And hot … To the touch that is. His cheek is unusually warm. I thought he was pink in the cheeks because it is so cold but his skin is burning. I touch his forehead and he cracks his eyes open to look at me in confusion. He has energy in those eyes, he doesn't appear fatigued but his skin is so hot.
"You okay?" He asks me curiously. Cutely.
"Yes, you feel warm. Are you okay?"
"I do feel a little warm but I figured that was just the stress. Over processing maybe." He shrugs it off as if it is nothing and I suppose thats all I can hope for. I know that feeling though so I take his hands in mine… which are cold by comparison to his cheeks and turn him to face me.
"Breathe with me." I say quietly and he laughs once but does as commanded, following my lead as I breathe in deeply, hold it … and breathe out. I do this 3 more times until I sense him relax a little more. I know how ridiculous this must look in public for him, but I need him calm. It will do us no good if he makes himself ill with stress; and lets face it he has a lot on his shoulders now.
"Thank you." He says calmly. I smile and drop my voice down to just above a whisper, leaning in just a little to keep my words between us.
"I'll help you relax more tonight."
He groans out of pure desire and takes another deep breath of his own, letting go of my hands to straighten himself out.
"Please don't flirt with me so close to meeting with your tomb keepers. I never got the chance to tell them about us and explaining why I'm horny meeting them at an airport will be difficult."
I laugh heartily as he pouts at me but the ideas are rampant. There's an abundance of places I have seen that is unoccupied and thats without going to the restrooms… but he is right. It is probably best not to turn him on so close to meeting our guests, especially with how easy it is to do so.
"So they know I will be here right?" I ask him lazily.
"Yeah. They know. I wonder what they'll say. I know Ishizu was very interested in meeting you in the flesh but with her brother missing her priorities might be shifted." Yugi says easily. I'm glad he's feeling better.
"It will be strange meeting my tomb keepers. Having met them before is alright, but I did not know my history in depth as I do now. Having been dead was just knowledge but now that I have very intimate memories of my life before it is a lot more real to me. And the Ishtar family has been guarding my tomb for thousands of years."
"Are you okay?" He asks me with an amused smile on his adorable face.
"Yes I am fine." I giggle.
A voice sounds on the speakers throughout the airport announcing the arrival of an aircraft and I watch Yugi tense and sit up straight. That must be the one we're waiting for - regardless I touch his lap again and squeeze his thigh and he breathes in slowly.
"Good boy." I say quietly with a smirk and he laughs.
"Don't say that."
...
We wait by the baggage claims area as people begin piling and lining up to collect their luggage but I do not see Ishizu or Odion. Until Yugi spots Odion amongst the crowd. He is fairly tall but so are many of the other passengers… unless… that one there. Yes that's him. I recognise the high pony tail and copper skin.
We keep an eye out and finally I can see them clearly now as they wait for their luggage to arrive on the conveyer belt. Not much has changed, however Odion is dressed more casually now. He no longer dones the garb Marik had him wear as a Rare Hunter. He is almost unrecognisable outside of his black robe. Ishizu on the other hand is still wearing the usual dress she was wearing last time, or at least it is similar from this distance.
"Should we go over to them?" Yugi asks me, as if I know the courtesy here.
"Let them collect their luggage. They will come to us when they are ready." I say, and hope that was the right answer. In my time people would come to me… but I am not a Pharaoh, 5000 years in the past in a different country … so I do not know the courtesy of greeting guests from afar.
It does not take long though. Odion collects two suitcases and they turn to search for us, which does not take long. We both take a deep breath to steady ourselves as meet them partway. Immediately though, my own fears become true as both of them kneel and bow their heads to me as they get near. This was what I didn't want happening. I even went as far as to leave all of my jewellery home today, including all but one ring. But still they bow… I am not their King.
"My Pharaoh. It is an honor to be in your presence." Ishizu says … and my heart hurts. Her voice… I remember it well from Kaiba's tournament but … to hear it now and remember her. Isis… my dear Isis. I did not stop to think how alike they are.
Yugi chuckles beside me to my relief and I quickly shelve my unease to take a step back.
"Please, there is no need. I am no longer a King of anything. You may stand and look upon me as you would anyone else." I say. They hesitate, sharing an uneasy glance with one another before they stand, testing their permission to look upon me with great anxiety. I understand though. They have learned all there is to know about the time of Pharaohs. In my time, few were even permitted to look upon their King let alone address them.
"Our apologies my Pharaoh, we are unclear of how to behave in your presence." Ishizu says, still avoiding any eye contact with me.
"As he says." Yugi says easily, bumping into me playfully and almost knocking me over. I grunt and keep us steady, glowering at him despite his laughter but it seems to relax the Ishtars. "He's just like one of us."
They both look between us and now they examine me, taking in my form, my image and I stand tall, letting them accept my appearance. This is the first time they have laid eyes upon the very King their family has watched over… I do not fault their awe.
"It is a pleasure to meet you in person." I say politely with a respectful bow of my head. They smile and copy me.
"If we may ask, what would my Pharaoh prefer to be called?" Ishizu asks.
"Atem is fine." I say humbly but both of them seem very shocked by this. Maybe it's not the best idea to be so casual considering how much they carry me in such high esteem. But I do not feel comfortable having them address me as their King considering I am no longer an actual King.
"How was your flight?" Yugi asks to my relief. Anything to shift this topic.
"Pleasant thank you. Thank you for meeting us here. You did not need to, I could have arranged travel to our hotel." Ishizu says kindly but Yugi shakes his head to the side.
"It's no problem. Your here because of my mistake after all, and the sooner we come up with a game plan the better. But for now I'm sure you're tired. Lets get you settled in."
Ishizu bowed her head and touched Yugi's shoulder gently, offering him a kind and sad smile. I watch with great interest how this plays out because I know how much blame Yugi is putting himself under.
"Please Yugi. If what you explained to me on the phone is correct then the blame does not rest with you. The Thief King is cunning and ruthless and with the power of 5 Millennium Items he also very powerful. You cannot be blamed for what happened out of your gaze in another country half a world away." She says warmly. I watch his expression, hoping her words would spark a new perspective he might accept because she is right and I could not have said it better myself. Hearing Marik's own sister tell him not to blame himself - surely he must forgive himself now.
"Well… true…" He says grudgingly … he agrees with her but there is still some blame there. Perhaps he will feel better about it tonight though, after this perspective sinks in. "Lets head out. Are you hungry? Do you want to stop anywhere before the hotel?" He asks in a brilliant attempt to deflect.
...
When we get home after seeing the Ishtars safely to their hotel and staying long enough to get them settled and to share small talk before discussing briefly tomorrow's plans, Yugi finally relaxes. Dinner will be ready in about an hour but until then he is content to plop down heavily onto his bed and melt into it's surface. The poor thing has been so tense since yesterday and I already know he's been developing a headache since school ended, maybe even before hand but he's stubborn and finally home… which means I can play nurse tonight… and I intend to start by gently unhooking his chain to the Millennium Puzzle.
"What are you doing?" He asks tiredly, lifting himself up to help me take it off him.
"I thought this might be uncomfortable for you. Get up for me." I instruct him.
"I'm so glad to be home." He sighs but lets me pull him up to a sit so I can easily undress him. I wait though. He doesn't know my plan and for now I want him to trust me. So I kiss him deeply, letting my tongue slide across his lips and entice him to turn into a puddle against me. He moans and breathes deeply and while he's effectively distracted now, with any suspicions he might have evaporating with my kisses, I slide my hands under his jacket and smoothly coax it off as I follow the contours of his arms.
"Mm… dinner will be ready soon…" He mumbles against my lips but another spell of my tongue just inside his lips has him mine again. It's his shirt I want off next and as my fingers skitter across his blazingly hot skin I feel him arch into me. The sharp intake of breath as he gasps sends tingles through my skin and I yearn to make him do that again. I walk my finger tips up his spine and the moan he's trying to control escapes with every microstep.
I manage to pull his shirt up passed his nipples and encourage his arms up to allow me to take it completely off him. We break the kiss for that moment but I am quick to capture his neck with my lips before he can protest against this. I know he'll want to stop before he gets too hot and bothered before dinner but unbeknownst to him, I don't intend to go much further than this. This is just the teaser. My real intentions are a lot more wholesome. But I don't mind indulging a little bit longer in his flavours, in the way his soft, supple lips feels against mine and the way I can make him moan without touching him beyond this.
"Lay on your stomach." I command him, my lips teasing his. He groans but obeys and I climb on top of his legs to sit on his thighs. He looks back at me over his shoulder but I kiss his cheek and take his arms to lay them beside him. He's so cute when he's confused but he'll understand soon enough.
"What are you- oh." He says, moaning at the end there when I roll my fingers over his spine. He's massaged me several times now but I have never done it for him. Usually my shoulder plays up after working and I won't lie, working at the shop has reminded me that the issue is still there, but right now he needs this more than I do. And feeling his muscles beneath my fingers I am right. I don't think muscles along his spine and amongst his shoulderblades are meant to be so firm.
"Yugi when was the last time you got a massage?" I ask him as I press heavily into his trapezius.
"Nyahhhh uhh.. I don't think ever." He moans pleasantly. His muscles are very tense here and I can see why. Never having a massage before and with everything that'd been happening the last several weeks? I should have done this for him before now.
"But we...we've been hah… doing other things." He moans and I smirk heavily to myself. I will grant him that. At least I have been making him very relaxed in that way lately.
"You're very tense." I say quietly as I roll my palms in circles through the muscles over his blades. I need him a little more relaxed before I move onto his neck but once I get there that should relieve pressure from his headache.
"There's … a lot… going on." He says between bursts of what must be intense relaxation. I understand exactly the emotions swirling around right now. The way he massages me has my mind passing in and out of awareness too. But thats good. The more I push him through this the more he will succumb to relax.
"There is. But so long as you remember that you have me." I say, pressing my thumbs either side of his spine until he moans. "Your grandfather." I say, pressing lower. "Your friends." Again, lower. "Even Kaiba, then you know you are not alone." I say pressing my thumbs into the small of his back and spreading my fingers down and across his hips.
He moans and sighs, flexing his fingers against my knees as I press deeply over his muscles. I can feel his spine tensing so I release a little pressure until he relaxes again.
"Let me know if I push too hard." I say gently.
"No I like it. It feels good." He says tiredly, almost as if he's in a trance and I giggle.
"Still, it's not meant to hurt."
"Whats wrong with a little pain?" He asks, throwing a cheeky glance over his shoulder at me. I know that cheek though and I am happy to oblige to put him in his place. So I slyly run my fingers up his spine, up his neck and into his hair so I can grasp at a good handful of it and pull until his gasps and moans… but its a different moan. A hot one. One not of relaxation but pleasure. I didn't know he liked this as much as I did. Whenever he tugs at mine I melt like ice and it seems I have just found a kink of his we share.
"Nothing, but I thought I'd be polite and not turn you on right before having dinner with your grandfather." I say into his ear and release him to press circles into his neck and shoulders.
This is nice. Being able to touch him like this. A few weeks ago giving him a massage was a dream. I could touch him anywhere else except his neck. Even getting as close as to his shoulders would make him tense. Not because he didn't trust me at least but I always longed to make him feel as relaxed as he could make me. Now as my fingers press and soothe the taut and stressed muscles underneath and I feel his entire body melt under my touch I feel so honoured to be in this in position. I remember him saying he wondered what it would feel like to have someone touch his neck like this… I wonder if its anything like he imagined. I want to make this the best and most relaxing experience for him because at the very least he deserves that much.
"How is the pressure?" I ask gently. He hums his response but it tells me nought but he is about to fall asleep. It must be good then.
"Good. If you keep doing that I'm gonna fall asleep." He sings blissfully.
I want him to feel relaxed and as much as I don't want to disturb him for dinner I should stop. So I ease away from his neck, pressing my flat palms down his spine until I get to the curve in his back. I intend to slide off him here but the moan he releases makes me pause and press again.
"Little… harder… please." He moans and pants. I cant tell if he's enjoying this or if its relaxing him but I oblige and press, putting my weight on my arms until I feel his spine crack and the yelp he lets out has me reeling. Fear takes me and I quickly release him but to my astonishment I see he has visibly become a puddle right before me. He doesn't look hurt, in fact if anything he looks and sounds as if he is in pure euphoria.
"Are you okay?" I ask him, carefully leaning over him to see his beautiful face without touching him. His eyes are closed and his lips are parted but there are absolutely no signs of distress or pain.
"Mhmm. Thank you." He mumbles with such a soft voice.
"Kids! Come down and set the table please!" Mr. Moto calls from downstairs. Yugi's groan makes me laugh but I help him up all the same, handing him his shirt and leaving him with a small kiss to his cheek before he dresses.
Atem's POV
"You're going to be okay today, right?" Yugi asks me for the umpteenth time this morning. He's cute when he worries but there's really nothing to be concerned about. I have been alone with Ishizu before and besides I'll only be talking with them until he comes home.
"The better question is will you manage without being here to ask me that question?" I laugh as I straighten his jacket and make sure his scarf is well and secured. He pouts adorably, quirking a single unamused brow in my direction just as Tea arrives to save me.
"Morning guys."
"Good morning Tea." I say cheerfully and Yugi huffs.
"Good to go?" He asks her.
"Sure. We'll see you this afternoon?" She asks me pleasantly.
"You will. In one piece, perfectly okay." I say brightly, bouncing on my heel slightly with a smirk directed at my dear little Yugi. He rolls his eyes but the briefest smile assures me he is fine. I hear them talk as they leave and watch them happily. Yugi's almost as tall as Tea now … when did that happen, I wonder. He is growing so much … I wonder how he will do this afternoon.
The talks with the Ishtars aside I promised him I would teach him what I know of the Puzzle. I don't know how much good it will do considering my knowledge of the Puzzle is pure instinct; what I know I was not taught, there is no theory to take down or practical assignments for him to take… it comes from within. He has always had an affinity for the Millennium Items and considering he saved our lives with it I have no doubt he will be able to use it well … but what can I teach him and how? There is only one spell in particular that I know I could teach him but if memory serves he already knows how to do it. He told us once before that the Puzzle had told him how to seal Bakura away within it and both of us vowed we would never perform such a seal. I can no longer do it but Yugi… even if he did not know it I would never tell him its secrets. So what else is there?
"Atem, come help me open the shop please." Mr. Moto calls from within. I guess now is as good as any time to shelve these thoughts. Ishizu and Odion should be around at some point today; until then I can help Mr. Moto with the shop.
Ishizu's POV
I breathe in deeply before the Kame Game shop to settle my increasingly growing nerves. It is still difficult to explain why meeting with the Pharaoh still leaves me feeling anxious, considering his demeanour yesterday and every other time we have met. Prior to obtaining his memories and his own body I had accepted his casual nature derived from spending his time with Yugi Moto … but it seems he is just as polite and laid back all the same. Still; he was trained in the royal ways and despite his disposition I do not want to offend him. Until I deem it safe, I will remain proper and keep to my training.
"Remember your training, Odion. He may not be King of any lands now but he is still a man of great respect. A son of the gods all the same." I say to my dear brother, but I will admit it is more to remind myself and steel myself properly.
He reassures me with a gentle squeeze of my shoulder and somehow I feel almost foolish for worrying. This is the Pharaoh after all, the same very same who saved my brother not long ago. All be well.
The Kame Game shop is a quaint little building, far from the popular sights of Domino City and nestled amongst quiet urban streets. However despite its position and ability to be looked over it is surprisingly busy inside. The bell above the door tolls to announce our presence but its ring goes unheard under the chatter of eager customers. It is crowded with barely enough room to talk let alone walk. We have barely crossed the threshold where we are forced to suck ourselves in to allow customers to leave and move about. How such a small shop is so busy I do not know but I am convinced this is indeed where Yugi said he lives. He mentioned it being a school day yesterday so I do not expect to see him, but his grandfather and the Pharaoh should be here among this crowd. Unless his Majesty is elsewhere away from the commoners of this city. That would make sense as well.
Regardless, Odion leads the way through the crowd using his tall, masculine presence to split them as if they were the sea. He towers over them like a giant and none dare to linger before him. I must say this is where Odions frightful demeanour comes in handy. If given the chance they would know he is really a big softie, but his appearance can be intimidating.
We find ourselves soon at the counter where I am shocked to behold the Pharaoh himself serving a customer. I expected to see Solomon Moto: Yugi's grandfather to be manning his store, not the Pharaoh of Egypt, but he smiles upon noticing me and hurries to finish serving his customer before calling for Mr. Moto.
"Good morning Miss Ishizu. I won't be long." He says as he greets another customer.
Mr. Moto appears from the staff room behind him, sees us and smiles brightly.
"You must be Miss Ishizu and Odion Ishtar. Yugi told me you were coming. You've caught us at a busy time I'm afraid but please, follow me. Would you like a cup of tea?" He asks us politely as he sets down a full box of something on the counter beside the Pharaoh.
I am too stunned to argue so we follow him upstairs to a much quieter part of the house. It is spotless and calm, with a fragrant gently incense burning somewhere. Photos of Mr. Moto and young boy I presume to be Yugi adorns the walls and hall tables. He walks us to his living room where he gestures for us to take a seat. I must admit, the outside of Yugi's house left much to be desired considering he is the King of Games, however it is very comfortable here and cosy. Not to mention the heating is perfect. Back home was chilly but here it is very cold outside, particularly this morning. I am glad the Pharaoh has such a nice home to accommodate him.
"Tea would be lovely, but we do not wish to impose. You seem quite busy downstairs." I say politely but he waves me off casually.
"Eh Atem can handle it. So, what'll it be? Green, Chamomile … we've got this strange one here Yugi picked up I haven't tried yet -"
"Green is fine, sir." I say kindly and he laughs heartily.
"Oh, please call me Grandpa. Everyone else does. Almost. So how was the trip?" He asks before he leaves the room. I am unsure if we should follow him but he did gesture for us to sit.
He returns a moment later, setting down cups and a tray of spoons, sugar and milk. All that is missing is the tea itself.
"The trip was smooth, thank you. I apologise for coming at a bad time. Yugi insisted we would not be intruding." I say kindly but again he shrugs me off.
"Christmas rush. There's no avoiding it this time of year but it is fine. I daresay what you and Atem need to discuss is far more important. As soon as the tea is ready I'll go relieve him. Don't worry too much, he will be fine." He says joyfully. "Can I get you anything else? Have you eaten yet? It's almost lunch time."
I look to Odion who shakes his head no but I know he's being polite. Not that I blame him or expected anything different. He is busy enough as it is, we will be fine for a while.
"Thank you but no, we will be okay." I say with a smile and he nods happily.
"Well if there is anything I can get you, please don't hesitate to ask. Oh I should go check on the tea."
We sit in polite silence examining the house. It really is quite nice … and to think the Pharaoh has been living here for the past several years. It is no wonder he has always been so polite and casual whenever we have met him. Everything is so tidy and clean too with only faint signs of living. Such as a laptop left open yet asleep on the table with one of Yugi's school books beside it, clothes hung out to dry outside on the verandah, a very soft and thick looking blanket folded in one corner of the couch looks like it is used often. I wonder how my dear Pharaoh copes with the cold of this country. He is no doubt used to the winters of Egypt but they are not as cold as the nights here. I wonder how much spending time in Yugi's body has affected him. We did not have much time yesterday to acquaint ourselves with him; it will be interesting to say the least to observe him properly.
"Ishizu." Odion whispers to me with a hint of concern on the edge of his tone. "What exactly is the plan? I noticed the Pharaoh was not wearing the Millennium Puzzle. Do you think we'll be able to figure out how to locate this Bakura and where he is keeping Marik?"
"I do not know Odion. But Yugi assures me that the Pharaoh knows more about this Bakura than anyone else. If anything, knowing more about our enemy will help us more than not." I assure him.
"Yes. If only they still had in their possession the Millennium Necklace. It might have provided some insight on what we should do." Odion says in deep thought. I feel the same but it does not do well to dwell on what might have been. Yugi was very apologetic about losing them and more so for not telling us. I trust he is putting himself through much without us adding to it.
Mr. Moto joins us then, setting down a lovely pot of tea before politely excusing himself back to the shop.
"It is fortunate the Pharaoh has the Millennium Key. If Bakura had 6 of the Items instead of 5 they may not have survived the last attack." Odion says quietly. That is a disturbing thought indeed.
"Yes. It is fortunate. But it also means that something has happened to Shadi. If Shadi has not passed on his knowledge to the Pharaoh we might as well not have it in our possession." I murmur. The tea smells delicious as it fills my lungs and I can almost feel the stress I have been plagued with almost wash off me.
"That had crossed my mind too." I jump at the voice and scramble to put down my cup in order to properly greet my Pharaoh. I bow low, avoiding eye contact with him as he walks towards us, a low chuckle on his voice. I know he told us not to bow but it would be against custom to greet him so casually. He is the son of the Gods, son of Pharaoh Aknamkanon and saviour of our world times over. He is due all manner of respect.
"Please, you needn't do that. Least of all here." He says as he comes around to pour himself a cup. Odion is quicker though and rushes to pour it for him, head still bowed. I glance at my Pharaoh to catch him hesitate but he inwardly sighs and allows this courtesy before sitting himself down.
"Apologies my Pharaoh. It is difficult to adapt to addressing you in such an informal manner." I say, taking my seat tentatively. I watch as Odion passes him his tea all without looking upon him. He is doing so well to remember our training but then I am not surprised. Odion has wanted this role since he was a child. He was born to serve loyally, just like Marik and I. I am so proud of him.
"I understand. I have been living so easily here I often forget I was royalty. However being around you reminds me of how I was taught to act among my court. It is easy to slip into old habits." He says so properly and regally it is enthralling. To be in his presence when he was King must have been a tremendous honor - as it is now. "That being said:" He continues and I wait eagerly. "It will be easier for us to converse openly if we agree it is safe to look upon one another." He says, giving us both an encouraging smile. I do agree with this statement. Odion and I have been taught that it was a grievous crime to look upon the Pharaoh directly… however it will be difficult to trust one another if we cannot even look at one another.
So openly I nod to Odion and take in his visage proudly. I had always mused how remarkably like Yugi he appears… or rather the other way around … but now as I take in his features for myself the differences are notable. On first glance, the Pharaoh is a leaner, taller and darker version of Yugi; but on closer inspection there are many differences between the two. His hair is more wild and longer, his eyes burn with an acute fiery intensity that lacks the soft, naivety of Yugi's innocence. His bone structure is slightly more prominent as he has grown out of his young features and his body seems stronger too, undoubtedly from his training as a warrior. He is a fine specimen with soft, smooth skin clean as a newborn and a proud, confident posture radiating with grace and power. Even dressed in modern, winter clothing his image speaks of royalty. How can anyone not regard him as such?
"That is better, is it not?" He asks joyfully, turning to his tea with a kind smile.
I hold in my breath as excitement bubble from within out of nowhere and return to my own tea as well. The butterflies fluttering around my stomach has been feeling so tense not even the tea can relax me, but I must keep my composure.
"Yes. Thank you." I say shyly. What am I doing? He is a Pharaoh and we have much more pressing matters to talk about. Such as my dear brother. Marik. I will find you.
"Now Yugi didn't really say what we were going to talk about; just that you were coming over today. I understand there is likely much to discuss, but why don't you start? Or we could start with what we know. I am sure you have questions." Pharaoh says politely yet effectively to the point. I appreciate that. Yes.
"Yes. Yugi told us the man who took Marik sounded like someone you know as Bakura, however it is not your friend Ryou Bakura but someone else. It was rather confusing but Yugi assured me that you would be able to clear this up." I suggest and he nods.
"Yes. Bakura - the man who took Marik - is from my time. His name is Akefia, however when he became the Thief King he started calling himself Bakura. Akefia is an unfortunate survivor of a crime my uncle committed in order to create the Millennium Items and has sworn vengeance upon my family for the deaths of his people. He committed a lot of crimes against my people and he despises me more than anything. Why he has taken an interest in your brother I do not know, but if I know him as well as I think I do then your brother is safe. Bakura will use him to lure us out or as leverage to obtain the remaining Items but he won't harm him beyond that. Marik will be no use to him dead so it is a matter of finding him or meeting his demands." He explains but to be honest this does not fill me with a great deal of confidence. I mean I am glad this Bakura will not hurt Marik but if he is as dangerous as Pharaoh claims him to be then when he makes his move it will not end well for someone.
"If I may ask, can you anticipate when and where he might make these demands?" Odion asks him pensively.
"I cannot, no. I do not know if Yugi told you but he attacked us about 2 weeks ago. He kidnapped Yugi and used him against me. We almost lost that battle. Several of us, me included, were in grave peril and would have perished had it not been for Yugi. On that day though he had enacted his plan the same day he kidnapped Yugi. It is my understanding Marik was taken about 2 or 3 days ago?" Pharaoh asks us.
"Yes. I not far when it happened. Marik was just finishing on a customers bike when he asked me to contact said customer. When I came out to his shouting he was taken right before me in a black swirling shadow." Odion says mournfully.
"The video footage of the shop confirms this too but given the nature we can't exactly go to the police about it. It also shows the man holding some of the Millennium Items, which is why we called Yugi." I finished for him.
"Yes. Bakura has 5 of them. The Rod and Necklace he stole from us the night we gained our own bodies. The eye he must have stolen from Pegasus some time after his tournament: I suspect just after we won the title. The scales he must have taken from Shadi however Shadi was able to escape with the Key before Bakura could steal that too and the Ring he has always been in possession of. He is particularly fond of that one, having been bound to it for thousands of years and his first real victory against me all those years ago." He says solemnly.
"It is my understanding that the Puzzle can detect the presence of Millennium Items? That they are all connected?" Odion asks curiously.
"Most yes. The Puzzle can and the Ring. I believe the others may give their owner a sensation should something happen to another owner, however I have felt nothing from the Key. That does not mean it cannot just that nothing has happened to Yugi or Bakura since I obtained it."
"I wonder if we can hone the Keys powers to tell us where Bakura is." Odion says to me, his eyes glistening with hope. I want to hope with him but I dare not put my faith completely in this thought. We do not know if the Key can be used that way, nor how long it will take to hone this ability.
"My Pharaoh, might I ask how proficient you are with the Key?" I ask him and his grimace doesn't do much to instil confidence inside me.
"Shadi did not impart his knowledge to me if that is what you are asking. I have used it once on Yugi when Bakura had been controlling him with the Rod. I managed to help set him free but it was not without difficulty and most I believe was Yugi fighting off Bakura than my intervention. I have not since had the chance to use it. I keep it with me but it feels more like a heavy paperweight than an artifact. The Puzzle I could at least feel it's hum of power thrumming by my chest when it's allegiance was with me. That too how gone silent whenever I wear it. I am afraid I do not know if the Key trusts me or not. Without Shadi, it is difficult to ask for his advice. I pray to him nightly, hoping he might provide me an answer in my sleep or when next I take hold of the Key but there has been no word from the beyond." He says, his voice thick with troubles. I cannot say I am surprised but it is disheartening.
"I am confused. Why does the Puzzle not respond to you anymore, my King?" Odion asks.
"When Yugi was fighting off Bakura he needed extra help. The Puzzle was desperately trying to get to him but it could not unless I forfeited our duel, thus giving Yugi complete mastership of the puzzle. It is no longer mine and solely Yugi's now. Once power transferred to him, it saved his life and subsequently ours too."
"I see. Because unlike the other Items, the Puzzle must be won in a duel in order for transfer of ownership to take place or passed down the blood line. Which means, by all rights the Puzzle recognises Yugi as its King now." I say, more to iron out that detail for myself.
"Correct."
That is a tremendous honor. I wonder if Yugi realises how significant that is. Not only can Pharaoh no longer use his own Millennium Item, an heirloom passed down to him from his father, but in doing so he has inadvertently named Yugi his successor. If Egypt were still governed by Pharaoh's he would have just given him his country. That is truly remarkable. And he says this with such conviction it is as if he would have done so without a second thought. His loyalty to Yugi is astounding.
"This brings us no closer to finding Marik. In your opinion, what do you think he could have needed with him?" Odion asks. He is quite right. I am getting distracted from the main topic at hand.
"Quite right. The only thing I believe they had in common was during Battle City. Bakura was a spirit within the Millennium Ring, held by our friend Ryou at the time. Much like I was within the Puzzle, Bakura could possess Ryou's body too and he used him to get into Kaiba's tournament. You might remember this. I believe Marik and Bakura were working together to secure the Millennium Items however some internal fighting must have occurred because Bakura mysteriously disappeared throughout the tournament, only to return when those Marik took to the Shadowrealm returned." Pharaoh explains.
I do remember this Bakura person he speaks of. There were times he was rather polite and others he was rather ruthless. This must have been the different personalities. I assume the polite one is their friend and the meaner one must have been this Bakura. To think, even after Marik's dark side has been sent away, the evil Bakura still lingers.
"If Bakura thinks he can team up with Marik now he is mistaken. His dark side has been banished." Odion says but there's a chilling thought in itself.
"Unless he hopes to bring out Marik's dark side once more and use his expertise against us to finally obtain the Puzzle and Key. But what does Bakura want with all Millennium Items? To be known as Pharaoh or possess your power?" I ask but he shakes his head no.
"I do not believe it is so small. Nor do I believe he stands anything to gain bringing back Marik's dark side. Marik wanted the Items so he could be known as the most powerful. His desire was born from a desperate need to be set free and with the Items he would be just that. Bakura desires the Items for a darker purpose I believe, one Marik was not aware of. Obtaining the 7 Millennium Items will grant the wielder immense strength: enough to challenge the Gods themselves - but together they also grant access to darkness beyond imagining. It is my thought that Bakura intends to unleash a horror on this world as vengeance for what my uncle did to his people. He will stop at nothing to see me hurt and he will hurt those I love most before he harms me. This puts not only my friends and family at risk, but the world too. His hatred extends deep and does not stop at my suffering. The world owes him for his, and so it will pay should he obtain all the items." Pharaoh explains.
"So then, if he does not need Marik's dark sides help, what does he want with him? What can Marik provide him with other than leverage, that … and I mean no offence … your friends here cannot?" Odion asks a very good question. If he does not need my brother then why did he kidnap him?
"I do not know."
"So in the end we are no closer to finding him." Odion sighs deeply. I understand though. Since his birth Odion has always been Marik's guardian. He has devoted his life to serving and protecting him, even if they were raised as brothers. Marik was kidnapped at work while Odion was just inside so it stands to reason that he feels great shame for not being able to protect him.
"Odion, do not blame yourself. This Bakura person sounds like he has been our Pharaoh's toughest foe to this date. He is ruthless, cunning and full of hatred. I doubt there was much any of us could have done had anything been different." I say, hoping to comfort my dear brother.
"Ishizu is right. Had you been there to stop him it is most likely that you would have been killed trying. Bakura is not one to leave loose ends unless he can use them, nor is one to take pleasure in maiming his victims if he is short on time. It sounds as if Bakura is desperate, so it is rather a good thing you are unharmed." Pharaoh says encouragingly.
"Why would he be desperate?" I ask. I understand his reasoning… but what could provoke such desperation?
"I can't be sure. If this abduction had happened during the week Yugi and I were in hospital I could almost say it is because he came so close to obtaining his goal… however to wait just over a week to kidnap someone … I do not know. It isn't like he was terribly injured."
"He did appear injured in the video." Odion says abruptly. He's right! "He appeared out of nowhere hunched over and tired, leaning heavily on the door frame. When Marik approached him he attacked and quickly gained the upper hand. But his clothing, his hair - it all appeared mattered and damaged. After a while they disappeared through smoke but his movements were sluggish and heavy, even if he did overpower Marik."
Pharaoh frowns in thought, crossing his legs and pinching his chin as his brow furrows. Could this be significant?
"My Pharaoh?" I prod gently.
"I was not conscious when Bakura fled the scene but it is my understanding Yugi did not harm him to warrant him being so worn out over a week later. Whatever happened to him during that week must be significant but I cannot fathom to guess what it could be. Combine that with his sudden interest in Marik…one of the few only remaining people with a connection to the Items … and most vulnerable at that… it could suggest that there is something wrong with Bakura and he needs Marik's knowledge of the Items."
"What makes you believe that?" I ask curiously. It seems farfetched to me.
"Pegasus owned the eye, however he stole the eye from him himself. He could have taken Pegasus but in terms of how much Pegasus would be able to help him I doubt it would be much. Pegasus was never trained to use the eye nor was he taught about the other items. The most use Bakura could gain out of him is to give him the eye back and manipulate him, but that won't do him enough good to justify kidnapping him. You owned the necklace however you gave it to Yugi, thus relinquishing your ownership to him. Kidnapping you would not help him either, especially since he should be able to just use the necklace as he pleases. Furthermore, your spirit is much stronger and would take a great deal of effort - more than he's willing to spare - to control you for long. Knowing Shadi has passed on, that leaves Marik. His will is strong however he is young and susceptible to manipulation. It would not take much to bring back his dark side, but I firmly believe bringing back his dark side is not his goal, in which case his other option is to milk him for information; information he would need to break out of you but can easily squeeze out of your brother. Marik has been taught many things regarding the Millennium Items and it is possible Bakura needs this knowledge in order to find a way to subdue us … no. Yugi."
"Yugi?" Odion asks curiously.
"I know little about the Key. I am barely a threat to Bakura at this time. But Yugi… he managed to harness the pure, raw power of the Puzzle when we were in danger. Yugi presents to him a larger threat than I ever did. I do not know what he did, and he doesn't remember it either, but his friends insist that something changed him that day and it frightened Bakura to his core. Something I have never been able to achieve, even with my Gods by my side."
"I see." Odion and I say quietly.
"So you think that Marik might know something about the Items that Bakura does not. It is possible. He used the Rod for purposes I did not know it could be used for. Discussing the Items and what he did with his isn't something we have made a hot topic in our household. But I do not know what he could tell Bakura that might help him." I say.
"In the end, we are still at square one. We can theorise Bakura's motives and intents but this gets us no closer." Odion says in slight frustration.
"Yes. I agree. Yugi says at this point the most we can do is prepare for Bakura's inevitable attack. Which… is where he has a request of me to ask of you." Pharaoh says, rather stiffly if I might add. He seems nervous all of a sudden. This is unlike him. We wait patiently though, ready to accept whatever it is. "You knew Shadi. I doubt he imparted his knowledge of the Key to you, but you must know more than I do when it comes to wielding Items. I know of the Puzzle but I have never been taught the others. As guardians of my tomb, Yugi presumes you would have knowledge passed down through your family that might indicate the use of the other items. He would like me to ask you if there is any knowledge you might have, might you share it with us so I can learn how to properly harness the Key at will."
Oh dear. That is a big ask… but not impossible. Though he might be disheartened by my answer.
"He isn't entirely wrong however, most of our teachings revolved around the Necklace and Rod. It isn't farfetched to say our teachings can be used for the other Items but mastering the Key may come down to your own learned experience with it. I could teach you more about the necklace and Marik could teach you more about the Rod but specifically the Key I am afraid that knowledge belonged to Shadi. But given the nature of the teachings, it is worth trying to adapt those lessons to the Key." I say carefully. I am confident in my words but I want to stress how much this might not work.
"That is all I can ask of you, thank you. I am afraid I am at a loss of what to do with the Key without a) a test subject and b) an idea of what I am doing. I am loathe to experiment on Yugi's mind, nor anyone else for that matter." He says with a nervous chuckle and I can understand that. A millennium Item is not something one can just play with.
"Then, if it pleases you, I can share with you what I know when you are ready." I say happily.
"I am ready now if there is not much else left to discuss." He says eagerly. I look to Odion, who nods at me with an impressed and proud smile and take a deep breath to calm myself. This will be intimate … but I am ready. If this can help the Pharaoh and ultimately rescue my brother then I will share with him what I know.