Chapter 6: Carry On


A.N. Yay! A new chapter! (Is that truly a good thing? Sure - it is now. RIGHT? *glares* And if you don't think it's a good thing, then why are you reading this anyway? Hmph, some people...)

Disclaimer: I stole the Millennium Scales and sent Kazuki Takahashi to Anubis. Now Yu-Gi-Oh!'s mine. Hahahaha!!! Not. I don't own squat, people! You know that by now!

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When the seemingly endless screams finally ceased, I pulled myself off of my knees; I hadn't even noticed that I had fallen to the floor while trying to block out the sound. The horrible cries of my best - my only - friend still echoed in my ears. But now, the pain, anger and rage was being directed towards one purpose.

My eyes full of tears, I approached my brother. How... how could you...? I whispered.

He shrugged mildly. Our agreement was that I would Mind Crush him if he lost. He lost, and therefore, he was Mind Crushed.

YOURS WASN'T A FAIR WIN! I cried. Mariku's attack should have gone through - but the only reason that you beat him was because his monster turned on him!

Is that my fault? the little pharaoh asked. I didn't make the monster turn on him. His control wasn't strong enough, and he paid the price.

If looks could kill, Yuugiou would have been six feet under - and still dropping. There was nothing wrong with his control! Mariku and I have gone over strategies with stronger monsters than that plenty of times. And let me tell you, no monster of his ever turned on him before!

Yuugiou glared back. Well, excuuuuuuuse me! It's not my fault your friend messed up. What else could it have been? I didn't do anything! I even destroyed the Swordstalker before he did MORE damage!

Yeah, and you destroyed my best friend, too! I cried.

That was our agreement. he replied airily.

The agreement that you made was for an honourable Duel! This wasn't honourable! I answered, angrily. And because I'm the referee, and I say that the Duel wasn't fair, then the consequences of the Duel should not be carried out!

Yuugiou shrugged. It's a little late for that now. Isn't it?

Yeah, thanks to you!

Well, I-

He's not dead.

Both my brother and I looked up from our argument, startled. The servant - Rishid - was crouching over Mariku's fallen form, examining him closely. His pulse is faint, but he's still alive.

My little brother smiled. See! He's okay.

This statement angered me even more. OKAY!? You call him OKAY!? Have someone destroy your mind, and then tell me you're okay! His body might be alive, but his mind certainly isn't! He's DEMENTED, for the love of Ra!

He shrugged. At least he's alive.

Rishid nodded. And it is possible to make a partial recovery, after being Mind Crushed. Over time, Mariku may regain his sanity. That is better than nothing, is it not?

My glare softened, but not much. Yes? And what's his family to do in the meantime? Mariku was a guardian of the tombs - our grandparents, Yuugiou! - and you've already destroyed his father's mind.
What's his sister supposed to do? How are they to survive? Answer me that, oh great genius!

My little brother contemplated the problem for a moment, then answered, Well... I'll send him a servant to take care of him and his family. His taxes will be halved. Good enough?

Rishid held Mariku in his arms, watching the light play across the young boy's face. He spoke slowly. Pharaoh... if you do not mind, I would like to volunteer to be the servant that must care for this boy.

A look of mild surprise crossed my brother's face. Really, Rishid? Do you not like your work here? His eyes narrowed slightly.

Nothing pleases me more than working under your rule, my Pharaoh. However, being present while the events took place, I feel somewhat guilty about the circumstances; thus, I would like to accompany him, if it pleases my King. A perfect response. This guy obviously knew what he was doing. I nodded my head in approval.

Yuugiou seemed pleased by his response, as well. Okay, if that's what you want. He turned to me. That okay with you?

One look at Rishid, who was still holding Mariku tenderly in his strong arms, and I knew my answer. That's fine.

My little brother smiled. Very well. I shall write a full letter, extending my apologies, to his family, explaining the circumstances. A messenger will deliver it the day after tomorrow. Where does he live?

After giving him Isis' address, we teleported back to the real world. Rishid packed his few belongings, and we prepared to leave. There was only one problem.

Yuugiou was holding the Rod.

Give that to me. That's Mariku's Rod, Yuugiou. I informed him.

He shook his head stubbornly. Not anymore! I defeated him, so it's mine fair-and-square.

The Duel wasn't fair-and-square... I muttered.

My little brother pretended not to notice. Besides, I'm the Pharaoh, and if I say it's mine, then it's mine. It'll be compensation for all of the taxes that his family won't be paying in the future. And it's not like he's going to be using it anymore, anyway.

Anger and rage bubbled up inside me, but I knew that there was nothing I could do. Screaming at him wouldn't make the situation any better; nothing would change. Like he said... now, he was Pharaoh...

Yuugiou nodded his head, now talking to himself more than anything. This will work perfectly... the High Priest of the Blue-Eyes Temple said he needed a new staff, anyway. This'll do fine. Yeah, he should like this a lot...

I resisted my overwhelming urge to punch my brother hard in the face. Really, really hard. Hard enough to prove that there was more than one way to crush someone's mind...

But I thought you wanted to Duel me, too. Yuugiou's words interrupted my thoughts on how much I wanted to torture him. That's why you two came here, no?

I shook my head. Plans change. Mariku's injury is more important than my honour right now. I'm going to help my friend; he needs all the help he can get. But I promise you... we'll have our Duel. I will be back.

The Pharaoh turned away; an act of dismissal. As he strode back into his jeweled palace, I heard him whisper under his breath... I look forward to it.

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For me, that was a pretty quick update! I was just really inspired to write today. How did it come out? Please review! Thanks!