Chapter 10: In the Night


A.N. I'm debating whether I should put this under the section as well as . It's not as angsty as some fanfictions I've read, so I don't know... what do you guys think?

Disclaimer: If I didn't own Yu-Gi-Oh! last chapter, than why would I own it this chapter? Do you think I got ownership of it in a matter of days? Huh. As if. But I DO own the idea that Yami Bakura is Yami Yuugi's brother. At least, I think I do... I've never seen someone else write with that idea. Though you all are more than welcome to, of course. ^_^

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It had only taken me two hours to reach the pyramids, but it was at least three hours before I got back. I was so tired... I think that I fell asleep standing up, on my way home. All the while when I was walking, I kept thinking of what I had done. I had stolen, and I had killed. Without meaning to, I had crushed someone's life in my hand. What had taken a lifetime to build was now broken, irreparably.

I finally reached the door of my home - my real home - and found that there was still light coming from the front window. Has Isis been up this whole time...? I wondered. The tax collector's coming tomorrow, so she needs her rest.

Sure enough, the beautiful black-haired Egyptian met me at the doorway, the candlelight behind her forming a halo around her shimmering black hair. She looks so angelic... I thought, and I'm just a murderer, a demon...

Why aren't you in bed? I asked. It'll be a big day tomorrow...

She smiled gently. You mean it's a big day today' it's past midnight. And to answer your question, I was worried about you...

I raised my eyebrows in unexpected surprise. Why were you worried for me...?

At this, Isis faltered. I... well, I...

I mentally slapped myself. I shouldn't be troubling her, she was obviously stressed out enough already. Instead, I untied the sack from my waist, and held it up proudly. I think that this should be enough to pay the taxes, Isis! I didn't take very much, just a few things that I remembered from the palace.

I walked over to the eating table, and poured out the little trinkets I had salvaged. Isis' eyes opened wide in shock. I... I... this... I... She seemed unable to string a sentence together.

I bit my lip in worry. I didn't take too much, did I?

Isis shook her head, her eyes still wide. No, no, this is fine... this is better than fine... you really are an angel...

I blushed softly at her praise. Turning the topic off of myself, I asked, How... how's Mariku?

He's... awake, she responded slowly. Suddenly, she smiled again, and her eyes met mine. I... had a healer look at him earlier. She said that he would eventually recover. Mariku's going to recover from the Mind Crush!

He is!? I clasped her hand in joy and excitement. That's wonderful, Isis! He's going to live!

she interrupted, It won't be a... fully complete recovery. He will recover better than Father will, but both of them will experience... urges of... violence every once and awhile. They will still be partially insane, from time to time...

I looked down, suddenly saddened. A small tear formed at the corner of my eye, but I blinked it away, determined to keep up the optimism. Still, that's terrific... and as long as they're alive, there's still hope!

Isis nodded. You're right. There's always hope, little angel.

I smiled back, and turned to go. ...Wait? Something is troubling you, isn't it...? Isis called from behind me.

I stopped dead in my tracks. I replied slowly, not turning around. I couldn't bear to face the only person that I had left; not after what I had done.

Do you want to talk about it? her voice was gentle, and full of caring.

She's burdened enough already. She doesn't need your problems added to her own. I answered the question inwardly. Besides, she's the only person who doesn't hate me; if I tell her that I murdered someone this morning, what will she think? She'll call me a monster, too... and that's what I am, maybe. In her eyes, though, I'm still an angel... and that's all that I have left, now...

I simply answered. I'll be all right.

A line of worry spread across Isis' forehead. However, she decided not to pry further into the matter, and simply answered, All right... but if you ever want to talk, I'm here.

Thank you, I whispered.

You're welcome... Suddenly, her voice became more businesslike. I was glad for the change; it felt less awkward. I'm going to go and sell the things you took for the money that we need. If we just hand the pharaoh's headdress to the tax collector, then we'll be in a world of trouble.

I smiled, realizing the flaw in her plan. What will you wear? They'll be able to trace it back to you...

The closest thing that I'd ever seen to a smirk appeared on Isis' face. I'll just use some of Father's old robes... no one will know that the guardianess of the Royal Tombs is selling stolen goods from the tomb that she protects.

I grinned back. Of course Isis had thought ahead; I had been foolish to worry.

Isis entered her father's bedroom a pretty, black-haired, young lady, and emerged ten minutes later as a total stranger. The robes she wore were still elegant, actually - but in a dangerous way. They were deep purple and blue, almost as dark as the night itself. They gave her freedom of movement - she could easily run and walk - but they were long, concealing her true identity. In addition to the robes, it had a dark hood attached, covering most of her face. The only signs of wealth displayed on the robes were a few golden chains across the front of the outfit and on the brow of her hood, as well as the Eye of Horus painted in gold above the chain.

Isis' face - out of what little was visible - was paler, too, it seemed. She had used different powders to maker her face seem lighter, as well as dirtier - a smudge ran across her cheek. The lines around her eyes were darker, too.

I whispered.

I did good, then? she asked, a little excitement - and nervousness - in her voice.

If I saw you on the streets, I could never have told that it was you, Isis! And I've been living with you for years, I added. You look great.

replied the stranger.

But you know what? I said.

A puzzled look crossed her face. What's that?

Your voice. You can't go sounding like a girl. No offense, of course, but they might trace you.

...you're right... she responded thoughtfully. Lowering her voice a few tones, she asked, Is this better?

I grinned.

Very well, then... Isis said, obviously satisfied. I'll be back in a couple hours; the tax collector isn't due to come until the afternoon. By the time I get to the town center, market will be open. And don't worry, I know where to go... there's plenty of shady places where there's no questions asked'.

As she picked up the sack and began stuffing it with the valuables that I had collected, I inquired, You said Mariku's awake... can I go see him later?

Isis bit her lip, and after a moment, answered, I... guess so. But I don't think he's very sane at the moment; I suspect most of his memories have been destroyed. He seems rather delusional... but perhaps your presence will serve to calm him.

I nodded my head; a fully prepared Isis stood at the door. I'll be back soon; don't worry, she said.

I answered. But be very careful.

I will, she promised. It's my turn to do my part, now...

Her dark form disappeared into the night, blending into the shadows. I don't know how long I stood looking after her, though it couldn't have been for more than a few minutes. I sighed; I hoped she would be all right.

After a moment more, I turned, and walked over to Mariku's door. I was about to knock lightly on his door, when I heard a thumping noise behind me. Someone was at the door. I swallowed a lump in my throat, suddenly afraid.

I opened the door, looking my worst fear in the eyes. A messenger of the Royal Guard stood before me; he subconsciously shivered when he saw my pale skin and hair. But his voice held no hint of fear as he spoke: Pharaoh Yami wishes to speak with you.

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Eep! *crosses fingers* Good luck to Yami Bakura... he's going to have to face the Pharaoh's wrath... *gulp*

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