Chapter 11: A Deal with the Devil



A.N. Yeah, I know that Yami Bakura is a bit Ryou-ish... I'm doing that on purpose. Just like Yuugi is the reincarnate of Yami Yuugi, Ryou is the reincarnation of Yami Bakura. Thus, just as Yuugi is much like Yami Yuugi, and he would have had the same role as his yami, except that they lived at deferent times, I imagine that Ryou and Yami Bakura have a similar relationship. Yami Bakura is much like Ryou at first, but as his experiences grow, he changes... and he'll eventually become the Yami Bakura that he is today. However, even in present times, I do sometimes see tones of Ryou in Yami Bakura; though not much. I imagine that Ryou would become much like Yami Bakura, if he experienced the same things that his yami did. So that's why Yami Bakura's a little soft'. But don't worry, he'll change... ^_^ I already have it planned out... more or less.

Disclaimer: ...Duh.

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Oh Thoth, I'm in trouble. was the first thought that ran through my head. That guard, Ryousaki, must have told my brother that he saw me...

I will... escort you to the palace now, the guard continued.

I narrowed my eyebrows. Now? This isn't exactly a good time.

The guard shrugged. Too bad. It is the Pharaoh's wish, and I am bound to fofill it.

I sighed. Give me a moment to prepare, then.

He nodded. Very well, but trust me - if you attempt to escape, we will not hesitate to kill you.

I rolled my eyes. Where could I run to? I'm not going anywhere.

the guard replied, though his eyebrows were still furrowed in suspicion.

I closed the door, and turned to Rishid, who was standing nearby. Undoubtedly, he had observed the entire scene. Get me something appropriate to wear... I told him. He nodded, and entered my room.

I bit my lip. If the Pharaoh already knew what I had done, than the Ishtars were no longer safe, either. Even now as Isis peddled her stolen goods, she might be hunted... oh, gods, what had I done? I cared nothing for my own safety, but Isis... had I led her into the very danger I sought to protect her from?

By this time, Rishid had returned with my clothes - a thin, but elegant, set of robes, with golden trimming. I smiled grimly - Rishid had good taste...

I slipped the robes on over my dirty light-brown tunic; I figured that I didn't have time to change. Sure enough, the guard was already back, pounding on the door. I'm coming, I called, not bothering to keep the gruffness out of my voice. I splashed some cold water on my face - just to keep me awake - and headed out the door.

Come on, we haven't got all day! the guard cried.

It's night, you fool. And don't talk to me that way, I answered, my voice as cold as ice. My guard-guide looked away with a shudder. With my pale features illuminated by the full moon setting behind me, I must have been a fearsome sight, indeed...

Let's go, then, he simply said, his voice soft and low, his eyes refusing to meet mine. I grinned inwardly. It was almost fun, terrorizing people. But I knew that intimidation would never work on my brother...

As you wish, I responded.

With that, we began our steady march to the palace - had it ever looked so ominous before? - in the distance...

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It was almost dawn when we arrived at the gates of my old home. While I was nervous, my eyes narrowed. Why should I be afraid of him, of all people? By being afraid, my little brother would gain an advantage before the game even began. And I was determined not to let him come out on top this time...

Two sets of violet eyes met in the main hallway. Why, my brother! So good to see you. I'm glad that you were available on such short notice. Come in; I'm sure you must be exhausted from everything that's happened tonight, hm? the Pharaoh said, his voice oily-sweet, but his eyes glimmering with anger.

Cut to the chase, oh great Pharaoh, I responded, my voice still cold. I didn't come here for pleasantries.

he answered. See what I get for trying to make conversation...

I was getting tired of this little game. I hated beating around the bush. It was a waste of time on both of our parts. What do you want?

Pharaoh Yami began, I'm afraid that I may need your assistance.

My eyes widened, then narrowed again. Whatever I had been expecting, that wasn't it. My... what?

he replied, a sly grin beginning to form on his face. You see, I need to get something done... something that only you can help me with.

And that would be...? My gaze didn't falter.

My brother's grin widened. You happen to now be in possession of something that I require. You see, I have been receiving increasing reports about Duelists' monsters disobeying them. I believe that you have had a personal experience in the matter? he raised an eyebrow at me, obviously hoping to get a response. Upon meeting nothing but my icy stare, he continued, Anyway, I have come up with a solution to the matter. But it requires an enormous amount of energy... more than I currently have access to, I'm afraid.

If you want my life force, you won't get it! I snapped.

My little brother's eyes widened in feign surprise. Innocently, he responded, Why, I would never even dream of it! No, what I want from you will cause you no personal harm, dear brother...

I didn't like his tone. I didn't like it at all. Then what is it? I asked, my voice tight.

I want simply what it is you stole. That's all.

I blinked. Isis most likely had already sold the bulk of the items I had given her; and the gold wasn't anything special, anyway. At least not to someone as powerful as the Pharaoh. He was the richest man in all of Egypt!

The King of Games laughed at my confusion. You are as amusing as ever! What I want from you... you carry it with you now. I couldn't care less about those little trinkets you gave to your friend's sister...

My eyes widened. The... you want the Ring?!

He nodded.

My shock fading to anger, I glared. But it's my heirloom! It is my right to wear it; I am the firstborn child!

Pharaoh Yami shook his head. Sorry... but you're not a part of the Royal Family anymore. I thought that that was clear when I banished you from the palace.

I didn't back down. You can't change the fact that I was still born before you!

Oh, really? he scoffed. I am the Pharaoh, and I am a god. Whatever I say, goes. Period. End of story. And not only am I Pharaoh, but I am King of Games, as well. You are lucky that I am even offering this deal to you!

I processed the information slowly. A deal... you mean, I get something in return...?

he answered. You know the penalty for stealing - from the royal tombs, no less! - and for selling stolen goods. Death. The word hung in the air. Death, for you and Miss Ishtar... But I'm willing to overlook that. If you will do me one favour... I want to have a Duel with you.

I blinked in surprise. A.. a Duel? But I thought that you wanted the Ring...

A Duel for the Ring, my brother amended. If you agree to Duel me, you and Miss Ishtar's actions will be overlooked, regardless of the match's outcome.

But... but why? Why, if you could just TAKE the Ring...?

Oh, brother... don't you understand? It has been too long since I had a true challenge! If you are as good as you said that you were, I will enjoy our match verily.

I rolled my eyes. Let me get this strait. You want to Duel me for kicks? And if you win, only then will you get the Ring? And no matter what, Isis and I will go free?

The Pharaoh nodded. Yeah, that's about right. However... I also want to use this Duel to try out my idea.

I sighed inwardly. I knew there would be a hitch. Well, what's your idea, then?

Pharaoh Yami smiled smugly. It's another way to channel the monsters through the Shadow Realm. The Shadow Realm is where their powers come from... so if I seal them from it, and lock them inside an object in this realm, they'll be much weaker. And much easier to control.

Being away from the Shadow Realm won't kill the monsters, nor will it harm them. At least, I think it won't... well, I plan to seal the monsters in stone tablets - with the help of some of my priests and followers. But I need to test my theory first, before everyone's monsters are sealed. And a hard Duel that forces both of us to concentrate will be the best test.

I nodded my head in understanding. This was much more than a game... more than any average Shadow Game. The fate of the Ishtars and my own life rested upon my next words. And what did I have to lose? My life, and my only friends... or the mere possibility of losing my Ring - which might be taken from me just the same if I refused my younger brother's offer. Perhaps the time had come for me to make good on my promise... the promise I had made only a week ago, when we had last met.

I accept.

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Eee, so exciting! Sorry about the delay in putting this up, by the way. My computer decided it didn't like me... and it wouldn't do my html right...

Oh, a real disclaimer! Look!

Disclaimer: I'd like to say that this is a fictional account. I really don't have too much information on what happened in Ancient Egypt; just little snippets, here and there. So I'm not going to say that any of this is accurate - in fact, I know that some of it is inaccurate, at least in the present day. Like the Rishid thing; Rishid was adopted to the Ishtars the become the heir, until Mariku was born. But this is my take on how it went in Ancient Egypt. So don't sue me, and don't take any of what I say in my story to be true. Thanks!

I had to put that in; it struck me that someone might actually think that this really happened! (And for all I know, it might have. ^_^ But I doubt it.) And oh boy, that would stink. I don't like giving people wrong information, not even by accident!

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Yeah, well, that's about it. Please review! Thanks! ^_^