(( This took forever to post. v_v Really sorry about that.

A few notes on this chapter:

-Yugi is a complete butt.

-Exodia = Mutambo (© Jared. Blame him for this.)

-This was written previous to my knowledge of the true form of "spirit dueling" and the 6 priests, as I've mentioned before. So don't kill me for inaccurate-ness.

If you have no problem with those things, then go ahead. x_e))

****Yugi's POV****

The stone beneath me was growing hotter by the second. Wasn't that stupid mage done yet?

I had been waiting for nearly an hour now for my new spirit monster. This morning when I woke up, I realized someone had taken Blue Eyes from my room and returned it to its place at the Duel Temple. It was an omen to keep away from Blue Eyes, I'm sure.

Since Black Magician had failed me, I decided to create a new one that was more handsome, loyal, and strong. And this time, I would have a lover and the victory of defeating Seto!

Getting to my feet, I signaled for my servant, Mutambo, to follow me. Mutambo was one of my top servants and was very loyal. I would have loved him if he weren't so old and ugly. Too bad for him.

Peeking around the corner, I searched for the old mage. My eyes caught sight of the giant pit in the middle of the floor that now smoked from the concoction he planned to make my spirit monster from. I also saw tubes and glass bottles, full of different liquids and such, but unfortunately, the room was empty. He was gone!

I motioned for Mutambo to follow once again as we entered the mage's room, calling for him. He really wasn't there… Stupid mage! I'll just have to finish my spirit monster myself!

Grabbing random tubes, I began to pour their contents into the smoky pit, the fumes growing more and more strong. I could tell Mutambo was dizzy from the odor, and needed to sit down. But just as I opened my mouth to suggest it, he collapsed right into the concoction!

I jumped back as his body made a huge splash, the pit overflowing with the smoldering liquid. The liquid bubbled for a moment as the liquid began to settle, the vapor creeping across the stone ground.

"Poor Mutambo."



I couldn't say I'd miss him. I had more attractive servants, you know. Taking the last tube left on the rack, I dumped it in, carelessly dropping the glass cylinder on the ground beside me. The glass shattered, making just loud enough of a noise to echo. Good thing I decided to wear sandals today.

I watched the pit for a moment. Nothing.

"Stupid mage!"

It was probably Mutambo's fault for messing it up. Oh well, I'll blame the mage for now and force him to create a new one tomorrow. Turning to leave, I felt the tiles began to quake. Earthquake?

The pit erupted, smoldering liquid and all. My skin was scorched by the hot substance, leaving multiple marks of many colors on my back. I cried out in pain, tears coming to my eyes from the burn.

I felt a rather large, rough hand on my back. The pain seemed to seep out of my body, the spots shirking by the second. Looking behind me, I wondered who my rescuer was. My eyes widened as I saw the most hideous thing I'd ever seen in my life…

A huge spirit monster loomed over me, the head of what looked like a deceased ruler and the chains of a prisoner, the rags of a peasant and the jewels of a king…

The mage stepped from behind a nearby pillar, chuckling.

"I knew you'd try to speed things up, Pharaoh. And this is the result. This is your mighty, powerful spirit you requested. Mutambo, or rather the Pharaoh's servant Exodia now."

The mage drew Exodia into a glass bottle, sliding a stopper into place. I remained on the floor, still shocked by his revolting looks. I had wanted something better looking… But if he was powerful enough to defeat Seto, then I'll use him this once. But after that, the peasants can have him.

You're mine, Seto!

****Bakura's POV****

My eyes eased open as I felt something nuzzling my arm. Temporarily forgetting about it, I realized I had fallen asleep in Seto's arms, his warm body providing a heated blanket underneath me. My face was resting against his bare chest, which was just as soft as the first time I touched his skin. I almost felt… happy. That's right, this cranky old tomb robber was happy for once. You never cease to amaze me, Seto.

I felt something fuzzy nuzzle my arm once again. Looking down, I saw a white, almost silver kitten staring up at me. Huge chocolate eyes seemed to beg me to pet it, but of course I didn't. I sat up a little, waking Seto, glaring down at the little fuzz ball. Reaching down to push it away, Seto's hand stopped me, pulling the kitten closer.

The kitten mewed and curled up on his chest, lying in the spot where my head had once rested. Narrowing my eyes, I turned from the scene, my arms crossing over my chest. It killed my ego knowing I was jealous of a stupid kitten.

"I bet that thing has an owner."

Seto didn't reply. He simply continued to stroke the kitten, almost as if he were in a daze. Getting to my feet, I brushed sand from the back of my robes, wondering of anyone had seen us sleeping together. What a sight… A high priest and a tomb robber sleeping on the floor of a temple. I chuckled.

Seto rose behind me, still cradling the kitten in his left arm. Arctic blue eyes lifted, automatically telling my something was on his mind.

"We're naming him Ryou."

With that, he turned and disappeared down the hall, the kitten sleeping soundly in his arms. Ryou… how like Seto to choose a name that meant "spirit". I followed, pretending not to notice that he was acting so distant. I trailed him all the way back to the palace, neither of us saying a word as we walked. I didn't allow it to bother me.

As we walked soundlessly down the hall, a voice called out to Seto, forcing him to stop. Halting, Seto turned, allowing the short Pharaoh to catch up with us. Seto bowed to Yugi, the kitten sliding from his arms and wobbling off down the hall, almost as if it were trying to get away from the Pharaoh. Smart kitty.

Yugi seemed surprised that Seto had obeyed, staring at him for a moment before he spoke. Clearing his throat, he tilted his head up to face the taller High Priest.

The stupid Pharaoh hadn't even acknowledged I was even there. Though I stood right beside him, I seemed invisible. Oh well, at least I don't have to put up with him.

"Seto, I challenge you to another duel in the Shadow Games. I *know* you'll accept."

Seto nodded, not bothering to give him a verbal reply. Yugi's purple eyes narrowed as he leaned closer to the High Priest, staring into Seto's cerulean hues. Neither moved until Yugi cracked a smile, tossing his head back with a laugh.

"Seto… if you're having trouble in bed, I can help you, you know."

Both Seto and I seemed to jump at the comment. I looked at Seto, seeing he was now back to his usual cold self, his arctic eyes glaring mercilessly at the Pharaoh. Yugi leaned back, his golden sandals clicking on the marble floor.

"Oh my, did I touch a sore spot? Let me make it feel better-"

"Yugi-sama."

Seto prevented him from moving any closer. I'm glad he did so. Otherwise, I would have killed that damn Pharaoh. My temper was about to be shoved over the edge.

Yugi tilted his head to the side, blinking at Seto's rejecting gestures.

"Yugi-sama, I know very well you rule over me, as well as everyone else in this kingdom, but you cannot tell me who I can and can't love."

"What are you getting at, High Priest?"

"I hate you, Yugi-sama. I hate you." Seto spat, pulling me close to his chest. Noticing the hurt look on Yugi's face, I couldn't help but grin. "And I'm in love with-"

"A tomb robber? A filthy tomb robber?"

Yugi was on the verge of tears. I had to hold back my laughter; I loved seeing him in pain. Especially when he was being rejected by my Seto. Although my moment of bliss didn't last very long. Yugi began to tremble uncontrollably, had hands reaching out for Seto like a mad man.

Seto's cold stare drifted away from Yugi only for a moment, just in time to miss the insane Pharaoh spring on me, ripping me from Seto's grasp. After pushing me to the floor, he jumped on my High Priest, knocking him to the ground as well. Yugi's small hands were gripped tightly over Seto's neck, threatening to choke him if he moved.

Yugi had gone too far this time. My temper shot through the roof as I sprung to my feet, ready to launch an attack on the Pharaoh. Something caught me mid air, pulling me away from Yugi. Growling, I looked over my shoulder, only to gaze upon Malik's horrid face. Crying out in anger, I threw my fist into his face, snapping his face back long enough for me to escape his grip. Sending another kick to his groin, he finally fell to the ground, letting his retarded laugh play like an unending nightmare.

Turning back to the Pharaoh, I realized Malik had only been a distraction. Yugi was now attempting to de-clothe the High Priest once again, his cape and turban already in the middle of the hallway.

Sending a kick to Yugi's bare back, the Pharaoh turned to face me, both his and Seto's saliva covering his mouth. Yugi jumped up off of Seto, now coming after me. I threw a punch at his face, expecting him to simply be hit. Instead, he dodged, grabbing me as I passed, throwing me against the wall. Although shorter than me, his hands were surprisingly strong, pinning my wrists against the marble wall.

"How does it feel, tomb robber? How does it feel to watch your lover get kissed in front of you? How does it feel to have your lover stolen from you? Well now you know! I could have anyone I wanted in this entire kingdom!"

Leaning forward, he licked my cheek. He didn't have time to do much more. My knee sprang up, kicking him between the legs as hard as I could. My hands were now freed as Yugi bent down, obviously hurt from the blow. My next punch didn't miss this time. My fist left a huge red mark on his cheek as he fell backward, landing beside Malik on the ground. Leaning over him, I muttered:

"I guess it's not that hard when you're a professional rapist."

Turning to Seto, who had composed himself, I suddenly realized what he had been so upset about. Approaching him, my eyes met with his, searching for an answer for the question I was about to ask.

"Seto… You don't really love me, do you? You were just using me… Your true love is lying on the floor beside the village idiot on the floor! Am I right?"

Seto's confused expression wasn't going to fool me. I knew he loved Yugi… All those times Yugi had gone after him… And not once had he attempted to get away. Even then, as they struggled on the floor, I could tell his resistance was fake.

Walking past him, I drowned out his excuses and pleadings. I decided it was time to leave this place. I had been locked up in Seto's little room long enough. I would be gone by nightfall, never to see that traitor again.

****Yugi's POV****

That night, the moon seemed to shine especially bright. I began to ponder about what had happened earlier.

After the commotion, I went to the mage for advice. Sadly, he gave me none. Instead, he told me about a premonition he had. Three gods would descend to Egypt and destroy all that inhabited it. The purpose of this vision was yet to be revealed, but I knew we had to do something to protect the Sennen Items from being destroyed. The mage was usually right when it came to visions and such things, so I decided to take him seriously.

Now, as I stared out my window, I realized there was nothing left to live for. Jounouchi, the Sennen Knights, all of my friends that were dead… Seto now hated me and probably wouldn't care if I threatened him any more. Malik was too busy leaving the city with Anzu earlier, that's why he tried to help me. But now both he and Anzu were gone. There was no one left.

I now made my decision. Within the rise of the next moon, my priests, as well as myself, would be sacrificed to the remaining Sennen Items, which still rested inside the temple of Ra.

Clutching my robes, I felt tears seep from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks. I was afraid. And lonely. Oh Ra… This will be the end of my family's reign over Egypt.

((Next chapter is the last. Finally. e_e Don't worry, I have much better stories to come - both in plot and descriptions. They should be up over Christmas break, if anyone cares to wait that long. v_v Feh. ))