Yami-chan: Hiya folks! Glad to see you made your way here to part two! Enjoy! *huggles Bakura*
Disclaimer: BWAHAHAHA!! I OWN IT ALL!! ALL OF IT I TELL YOU!!!
*Angry lawyers show up on YC's doorstep.* Eh, maybe I don't. But I do own Miren, Sorah, Niona, the name Bahku, and the pharaoh. Celena belongs to my hikari, Unrealistic. (Though she got the name from me…) Some geography will be screwed up as well.
YC: Can I at least have the Darkie? (Dark Magician)
Lawyers: NO!
YC: Blast it…
Here are some Egyptian words I might use. I did not find these myself, but borrowed them from a fic by Akemi.
child: khered
love: mr
mother: mewet
friend: mer
prince: re-pat
son: sa
thief: itja
father: it
majesty: hm
If I use any of the above words, they'll be in italics.
Thoughts or Egyptian words
Emphasized
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
5000 years ago from present time
(age 6)
A small boy dashed through the streets, eager to get home.
"Hey! Watch it!" yelled a man as his horse was startled by the sudden appearance of the white-haired youth.
"Sorry!" the boy yelled over his shoulder. The man sighed as the boy ran off.
Turning into an alleyway, a hand suddenly shot out a caught the child.
"Bahku, Bahku. What am I going to do with you?"
Bahku grinned up at the man. "Hey Miren."
The black haired man smiled, ruffling his stepson's messy hair. "Your mom's been waiting for you. She's got some errands for you to run."
"Do I hafta?"
"Yes."
"Oh man," grumbled Bahku as Miren lifted the child atop his shoulders. He continued down the alleyway until it emerged into another street, which was equally crowded with shoppers and tellers.
Miren entered a house along the street. Bahku jumped from his stepfather's shoulders and ran into the house.
"Mewet! I'm home!"
A woman with black hair and bright green eyes merged from a bedroom. "It's about time," she replied with a smile. "How long did it taken Miren to catch you this time?"
"A while," said Bahku, rearranging some game tiles on the floor. He looked over at Miren who was by the window. "Hey, Miren. When are you gonna teach me the Shadow Games?"
The man didn't answer. He seemed petrified at a sight from outside. A loud crash and a series of screams rang out along the street. Bahku's mother, Sorah, stepped forward. "What was that?"
"GET OUT NOW!!" yelled Miren, backing away from the window. Suddenly something slammed into the side of the house with great force, causing the stone wall to buckle. Miren grabbed Sorah and Bahku's hand and ran out the single door before the building collapsed. The came face to face with a sleek black dragon, its eyes a hellish red. But before it could attack, a larger white dragon dropped from the skies onto the Red Eyes Black Dragon's back. It let out a bone chilling screech and futilely flapped its large wings.
The family backed away and ran into the alleyway.
"What was that?" gasped Bahku.
"A Red Eyes Black Dragon and Blue Eyes White Dragon," Miren whispered in awe. "Monsters?!" exclaimed Sorah. "But there was no scheduled Shadow Game. There're just running loose!"
The duelist nodded, sagging against the wall.
A sudden roar rang out at the end of the alley. A violet and crimson Koumori Dragon appeared, flame dripping from its mouth.
"Duck!" yelled Miren. All three dropped to the ground just as the fire blast was unleashed.
But its attack was cut short as a man with black hair dressed richly in silk robes stepped forward.
"Yami! Control your monster!" A young boy around Bahku's age emerged from the shadows and concentrated on the raging dragon, raising both hands. The Koumori Dragon slowly quieted down.
But the boy had collapsed with the effort of the shadow magic and the dragon roared to life once again, controlled by no master. The man spun toward it and raised a hand. With only the sound of air being cut by sleek wings its only sign of arrival, the Red Eyes dropped down and let loose its own fire blast, nearly twice as strong as the Koumori's. With a roar of defeat, the smaller dragon disappeared. With a shake of his head, the Red Eyes' master picked up the unconscious boy.
"You still have a lot to learn, my sa."
As Bahku stepped forward in an effort to see who the man was, a loose brick from a crumbling house fell to the ground.
"Who's there?!" demanded the man, whirling around.
Miren stepped forward in place of his stepson.
"I'm a duelist. My name is Miren."
The man's eyes narrowed. "A duelist? Then you should know better than to interfere in the progress of a Shadow Game."
"A Shadow Game?! People innocent of the games are being killed!"
The man shrugged. "I could do what I want. I am pharaoh after all." Bahku's eyes widened in surprise.
"I still don't think it's right," protested Miren.
"Well what you think doesn't matter," came a new voice. A tall man in violet and gold robes stepped forward.
"Ah, High Mage Heishin. I was wondering where you disappeared to," said the pharaoh. A boy dressed in the same colors as Heishin bowed to the pharaoh.
"And I see you brought your apprentice with you."
"Yes. Seito is advancing quite rapidly in his studies. Though he still needs some practice on controlling his monsters."
The young Seito bowed his head. "I'm sorry I let my Blue Eyes out of control, my lord." "It's nothing. Yami had the same problem."
Miren stepped forward, angered at being ignored. "You still don't have the right to destroy half our village for training!" The pharaoh and mages ignored him. Before he realized what he was doing, Miren called upon his most faithful monster.
"Punished Eagle, attack!"
With a battle cry, the giant eagle swooped down. Casually, the Red Eyes turned and knocked it out of the sky with a stiff tail. After all, 2400 attack to 2100 was no contest. Miren watched as his most powerful monster was easily knocked out, then disappeared back to the Shadow Realm.
The pharaoh turned to him. "Tsk, tsk. Attacking royalty? Are you that foolish?"
The Red Eyes turned toward Miren who stepped back in fear.
"Sorah, take Bahku and run."
"But--"
"Now!"
Sorah grabbed Bahku's arm, turned and ran. Bahku, in shock, at first didn't react. But as they left the confines of the alleyway barely illuminated by the fading sunlight, the 6-year-old tried to pull his mother to a stop.
"Mom! We have to go back! Miren!"
When his mother didn't stop and Bahku saw the tears in her eyes, the child looked over his shoulder at the fading alleyway.
"MIREN!!" he screamed, tears in his dark eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sorah crept under the remnants of a house and pulled a struggling Bahku in after her. "But…we have to go back," protested Bahku tiredly.
Sorah said nothing, just pulled her son to her chest where, despite his protests, he quickly fell asleep. As he slept, Sorah ran her fingers through his soft white hair. She admired his Egyptian features which he had inherited from his father. The thoughts of Bahku's true it caused even more unrest in the woman's mind.
Bahku's biological father had been an Egyptian guard. He had forced himself on her and a couple of weeks later, Sorah had found out she was with child. Bahku was a product of rape. But she loved him despite the circumstances. Bahku was her son no matter what. His unusual features of the mixing of the two races, Egyptian and Hebrew, were bound to attract attention sooner or later. With a heavy sigh, Sorah soon also fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sound of shuffling feet and muffled voices awoke Sorah. Trying not to disturb Bahku, she looked out the crumbling doorway. Five royal guards clad in scarlet stood outside the house.
"The Hebrew woman got away."
"Why does the pharaoh want her killed?"
"Her husband interrupted a Shadow Game."
"Which gives us a reason to kill the woman?"
"That guy's dead anyway and half the town is dust. She has nowhere to go."
"We should get back on the patrol."
The guards dispersed to their searches.
Sorah's heart was in her throat. Miren was dead? And the rest of the town? She closed her emerald eyes, but silent tears still seeped out. The drops of salt water falling on his face woke Bahku.
"Mom?"
"Hush khered," she whispered. Bahku was confused for a moment, then remember the previous day's events and he fought tears.
"Mewet…is Miren…?"
"Yes," she said softly. Bahku shut his eyes tightly, memories of the only father he truly ever had swarmed in his mind.
"Don't worry. I'll get them all back one day."
Concerned, Sorah looked down at her son, but his face seemed to be hidden in shadow by his long hair.
She was about to comfort him when a bone chilling howl rang out in front of the crumbling house.
"I think my Silver Fang found something!" yelled a guard.
Sorah crawled further back into the house, pushing Bahku behind her. Suddenly her arm was grabbed roughly and she was pulled away from Bahku. He was about to yell out, but Sorah made the motion to be silent.
Sorah was whirled around to come face to face with her captor. His uniform indicated he was indeed with the royal guard.
"So you're the one we've been looking for."
Sorah said nothing but prayed to Ra that Bahku would stay silent and hidden. Three other guards emerged from the demolished buildings, a large silver wolf following each one. The Silver Fangs were being used as bloodhounds.
They quickly surrounded her as the guard threw her in the ring of monsters, which did not attack. Trembling, Sorah fingered the one card in her pocket. But she didn't know if she had the strength to summon it. She was no duelist and the card might only be able to take out two maybe three of the guards. The circle opened to let the final guard in.
Sorah gasped. "K-Kaju."
The captain, Kaju, smirked. "Been a while, woman. I've missed your…company," he teased, brown eyes laughing.
"I'd rather die than let your hands touch me again," she hissed.
"Oh, but I can arrange for that. The pharaoh wants you dead anyway." He stepped forward.
Sorah gripped the card. It was now or never.
She whipped it over her head. "Change of Heart! Possess one of the Silver Fangs and attack!"
A ghostly figure flickered to life. A young woman with blonde hair dressed in white. One side represented light with its feathered wing, the other darkness of demons. Change of Heart glided over to the closest wolf and disappeared. The Silver Fang suddenly swerved and attacked a nearby guard. The fallen guard's Silver Fang rushed in, but the possessed wolf easily took care of it.
Change of Heart turned toward Kaju and leapt. Kaju raised his spear. Change of Heart grazed his face with sharp claws. As gravity did its work and the wolf started falling to the ground, Kaju twisted and rammed the spear into the chest of the possessed monster. It let out a howl of pain and crumpled to the ground, glowing slightly as Change of Heart reappeared and faded, then the wolf took its last breath.
Sorah, who had been mesmerized through the battle, turned to flee.
"I don't think so," hissed Kaju, a bloody cut over his left eye. He picked up a fallen comrade's spear and threw with all his force. Sorah gasped in pain as the weapon found its mark. She dropped to her knees, staring in shock at the metal tip protruding from her chest. Then she fell to the ground.
Bahku watched in horror, unable to do anything, too scared and shocked to even cry out.
Kaju limped over to the still body of Sorah.
"That's what you get." He kicked the dead woman for good measure, then turned to leave. Two other injured guards followed quietly.
Bahku stumbled out from the ruins, trembling in both despair and rage. He ran over to his mother's body.
"You…you murderers!" he yelled before he could stop himself.
Kaju whirled around at the voice.
A small white haired child glared defiantly at him with teary brown eyes as he held Sorah's cold hand. As Kaju glared back, he noticed the child's eyes were familiar looking. He stepped towards the two.
"Who are you?"
The boy didn't answer.
"Get out of here before you get hurt, kid."
But the child wouldn't move.
Frustrated, Kaju picked up Bahku by the front of his shirt. "Answer me, runt! Who are you?!"
"That is enough!"
Kaju whirled to see the pharaoh, his Red Eyes Black Dragon behind him.
"My lord, this child--"
"--has done nothing to you. Bring him back to the palace."
"What?!"
The pharaoh glared at the captain. "Now, Kaju."
Kaju held back another protest and bowed his head. "Yes, my lord." When he looked up, the pharaoh was gone.
He dropped Bahku to the ground. "Don't you move," he demanded.
Bahku just glared back. Kaju pulled a card from his belt and held it up.
"Flame Cerberus!"
An orange and bright red creature with three heads appeared. It let out a howl.
"Get on," Kaju commanded.
Bahku was skittish of this powerful monster. With a growl of frustration, Kaju picked up the child and got on the Flame Cerberus.
"To the palace." The dog-like creature took off.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kaju twisted the child's arm painfully behind his back. Bahku stifled a yelp of pain. After all, that would only please the captain if he cried out. The two were waiting outside the pharaoh's chambers.
Why is the pharaoh so interested in this brat? I guess he does look a little unusual though, thought Kaju. The chamber door opened and a figure appeared.
"The pharaoh will be with you in a couple moments," said the Dark Magician, brushing indigo strands out of his face. He usually didn't wear his helmet around the palace.
He looked down at Bahku, who was still wincing in pain.
"Release him."
Kaju glared at the mage, but obeyed. Bahku couldn't suppress a small whimper of pain as his arm was released. He glanced up at the Dark Magician, a silent thanks in his dark eyes. The Dark Magician smiled, then turned his head back to the chamber doors.
"He's ready."
The mage motioned for the captain and the boy to enter the royal chambers.
Bahku wasn't aware of how much he was trembling, from both fatigue and fear. As he entered the room, he instantly spotted the pharaoh sitting on his golden throne. Rage boiled to life in the child as he saw the man who had destroyed his village, killed Miren, and killed his mother. If it weren't for Kaju's hand on his shoulder, Bahku would've leapt at the man who had ruined his young life.
Kaju pushed him down the aisle and forced him to his knees. He heard the rustling of robes as the pharaoh stood.
"So, this is the child. What is your name?"
Bahku didn't answer, but still managed to glare at the man before him.
The pharaoh chuckled as he saw the hate burning in the six year old's eyes.
"I sense a strong will within you…similar to someone else I am familiar with."
The pharaoh's eyes flickered to the captain behind Bahku, but then returned to the boy's gaze.
"You shall stay here at the palace as a personal servant to my son."
A growl escaped Bahku's mouth. He managed to pull away from his captor and leapt at the pharaoh. From behind the throne, the Red Eyes Black Dragon awoke and knocked the child to the ground.
"No," commanded the pharaoh as the dragon raised a talon to finish the job. "He is to be kept alive."
The pharaoh walked over to Bahku, who was still trapped under the Red Eyes' claw. "He's to be kept alive," he whispered. "He still has a part to play in destiny. Our destinies."
The pharaoh motioned to the attendant by the door.
"Clean him up and then send him to the prince's chambers."
The man bowed and helped/pulled Bahku to his feet. Then he pushed the child out of the room, but not before the white-haired boy shot a last glare at the occupants of the room before the doors closed.
The pharaoh smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Bahku growled out loud as he pulled at his bindings. A chain had been shackled around his left wrist and then fastened to the stone wall in the prince's chambers. He now wore crisp white tunic almost two sizes to big for him. He would be marked later as a slave to the prince…if the prince approved of him. Bahku cringed at what he had heard about the horrible marking ceremonies. A metal brand would be heated in flames ignited by the slave's new master, then the circular snakelike pattern would be burned into the slave's back, right over his or hers right shoulder blade.
Bahku shuddered before turning his attention back to the shackle. Blood had already began to seeping from the cold metal cutting into pale skin. Once again, Bahku pulled, a new line of blood joining the dry lines down his arm.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Bahku jumped and turned to see a boy around his age standing in the doorway. It wasn't the prince, though. The boy wore purple robes edged with gold and blue eyes examined Bahku.
"I heard Yami got a new slave," said the brown-haired boy.
Bahku was taken aback at the boy's informal mentioning of the prince. The boy leaned against the doorway and smiled.
"Heishin was right. You are going to change things around here."
Behind the boy, in the hallway, a bluish-white dragon walked behind the purple clad figure and gazed over his shoulder, curious of what its master was doing. It stared questioningly with eyes the same deep azure as the boy's. Suddenly, the boy was all too familiar.
"You were at the village with the pharaoh and prince! That dragon is your monster!" Bahku yelled.
The boy's eyes narrowed. "Yes, I was there. But how could you--"
"Master Seito!"
The boy whirled as a servant ran up to him.
"Master Seito, Lord Heishin requests your presence at the temple."
"You mean demands," muttered Seito. He turned back to Bahku.
"I'll probably see you around. We can talk later. Bye!"
The apprentice turned and left, the Blue Eyes following.
When the priest was gone, Bahku slid down the stone wall to the floor. It was futile trying to escape. He would now be a slave for the rest of his life. He was so deep in despair, the boy didn't even notice the chamber doors open once more.
~*~
The young prince stepped into his room. His father had said there would be a surprise waiting for him. What he didn't expect and see was a white-haired boy around his own age slumped against the stone wall.
"Who are you?" he asked bluntly.
~*~
Bahku looked up with a start at the voice. Prince Yuugioh stood in the doorway, looking every ounce of his royal self with the hallway candles burning behind him, making him seem godlike. Bahku's throat felt tight as the prince of Egypt walked closer. He stood up and scrambled back up against the wall like an abused puppy. He closed his eyes and waited for a harsh word or strike.
"What's wrong?"
Bahku slowly opened one dark eye to see Yami with a puzzled expression on his face. "Y-you're not going to hit me?" stuttered Bahku.
A smile graced Yami's features. "Why would I want to do that? You haven't done anything against me."
The white-haired boy regarded the prince curiously as he stood once more. With a slight twinge of amusement, Bahku realized he was a couple of inches taller than his supposed master.
Yami grabbed a key that Kaju had put on a stand beside his bed and unlocked Bahku's shackle. Bahku rubbed his sore wrist, the bleeding already stopping.
"Hey."
Bahku looked up at Yami, who had a mischievous smirk forming. "You wanna help me with something?"
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Two years and some months later….
(all three boys age 9)
"YAMI!!" yelled an angry voice from below.
The prince, slave, and apprentice ran away from their waterlogged victim as fast as they could while trying not to tumble over with laughter. Pulling themselves over the wall and landing on the cool plants of the palace gardens, the three boys flopped down holding their sore sides.
"Did ya see the look on his face?" giggled Yami. (Imagine Yami giggling ^_^)
"Dark Magician never knew what hit him!" said Seito, trying to pull himself to his feet, using the wall for support.
"But Yami…" said Bahku, trying to catch his breath from laughing. "…you have magic lessons with Dark tomorrow."
Silence settled over the three children.
"Oh crap," mumbled Yami.
"Better start praying to Ra now," joked Seito, blue eyes twinkling with amusement.
Suddenly, a figure appeared next to the three, a flaming purple aura swirling around it. Yami and Bahku yelped as they were picked up around their waists.
"Seito, head back to the temple now," said the dark mage. "I do not have the authority to punish you."
"Y-yes sir." The future High Priest turned to leave and shot a 'you-guys-are-in-trouble-now' look back at the two. Seto disappeared into the shadows towards the temple.
"And now, for you two…" said the Dark Magician.
Both boys gulped.
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The pharaoh sighed and rubbed his eyes. After the long day of treaties, military arrangements, building contracts, and Shadow Game complications, the two were here again.
"Yami…Bahku."
The two boys cringed.
From behind the throne, Yami's 5-year-old half sister, who had just returned from a trip to Babylonian kingdom, snickered in amusement. The Dark Magician Girl found her quarry and lifted Celena up and away from the throne.
The pharaoh's eyes shifted to the Dark Magician, who was still sopping wet from the boys' prank.
"This is the third time this week and it's only Tuesday."
Yami ventured forth with his strategy. One that had worked from generation to generation; When there is no option left…blame someone else.
"Seito was there too!"
The pharaoh sighed, ignoring his son.
"This is your last free time. Don't expect to get off easy next time. You may go."
Both boys opened their eyes in surprise. The Dark Magician, shocked, opened his mouth to protest, but was cut off as the pharaoh raised his hand. Dark sighed in defeat. It was as impossible to prevent the boys' antics as it was to prevent the sun's rising. (AN: For more endeavors of the boys, you can go read "The Adventures of Yami and Bakura 3000BC.")
Bahku and Yami scampered out of the royal chambers.
"I can't believe we got out of it again!" exclaimed Bahku.
Yami was about to reply when his father called his name. He looked over his shoulder back into the room. The pharaoh motioned for Yami to return.
"Give me a sec," he said to Bahku. The prince turned and trotted back into the room.
Bahku sighed and leaned against the stone wall. He had just closed his eyes when someone pulled on his sleeve. He opened his eyes.
"Hi Bahku," said Celena shyly.
Bahku irked and jumped away. He had known Celena had had a crush on him for a while now. "Uh…good evening, princess."
Celena giggled. "You don't have to call me that. It's just Celena."
She leaned against the normally calm and collected slave. Bahku leapt away, keeping distance between himself and the princess. Yami, hurry up!
~*~
"Yeah dad?" said Yami.
"It," said the pharaoh, instantly correcting his son's grammar.
Yami just shrugged.
"You know what's coming up soon, right?"
Yami furrowed his brow. "No. What?"
The pharaoh gave him a sympathetic look. "Bahku's marking ceremony."
Yami's violet eyes widened. "I can't put him through that!" he exclaimed.
The pharaoh sighed. He knew there would be resistance.
"Yami, it needs to be done. Every slave has the marking done."
The prince glared at the ground, fists clenched. The pharaoh stood and rested a hand on his son's shoulder.
"What about this? After the ceremony, we can conduct a Guardian Ceremony for Bahku."
"You'll let him have a Guardian like me?"
The pharaoh smiled. "As long as the poor monster isn't tortured like Dark."
Yami smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head.
"Anyways, I'm curious myself to what kind of monster will come to him."
Yami hesitated, then nodded.
"I think it would be best for you to tell him," said the pharaoh.
"Okay da--I mean father." Yami looked up into his father's black-violet eyes, which looked more tired than he last remembered.
The pharaoh smiled and gave his sa's shoulder a quick squeeze.
"I'll see you later."
Yami nodded and ran out of the room. The Dark Magician also departed to his duties, grumbling under his breath.
As soon as Yami was out of sight, the pharaoh braced himself against the wall, weak from standing for so long. He coughed violently, trying to muffle the pain filled sounds. Damn this illness… He withdrew his hand and wiped it on his blue and black tunic, ignoring the crimson streak left by his hand.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yami's thoughts were interrupted as he tried not to laugh at his friend's predicament. Bahku was pressed against the wall, cornered by Celena.
"Celena! I think that's enough of terrorizing Bahku for the day."
Celena whirled around at her brother's voice.
"Oh, Yami…hi."
Yami smirked as he watched his friend nearly fall to the ground in relief. "If you don't go now, I'll tell Dark Magician Girl where you were last night."
Celena's eyes widened. "How'd you--?!"
Yami chuckled. "I have my sources."
With a growl, Celena pushed by her brother and stomped down the halls toward her chambers.
"Thanks," said Bahku.
"No prob," responded the prince. But his smile fell.
"What is it?"
Yami shook his head. "Let's go out to the garden and I'll tell you."
With a look of concern, Bahku followed after his friend down the hall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The pair emerged into the beautiful gardens of the palace. Bahku dangled his feet in the pond as Yami sat on a nearby rock.
"So…what's going on?" asked the slave.
At first, Yami didn't answer fumbling for words. "In three days…" he began, "…there's going to be a ceremony. Actually, two."
Bahku listened in interest.
"The first is…well, the first is…"
"Spit it out," said Bahku, smiling.
"…is your marking ceremony."
Bahku looked down at the water. "Oh," he said quietly, watching the reflections of the stars in the still water.
"But next is your Guardian Ceremony!" said Yami, trying to coax his friend back to normal. "You're going to have your own monster!"
Bahku forced a smile. "Yeah, that'll be neat," he said softly.
Yami looked away, then slid off his rock. "Well, I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."
When he received no answer, the prince turned and left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next two days in Cairo were relatively quiet and went by too quickly in Bahku's opinion. He lay in bed, dark eyes wide open. Across the room, he could hear Yami's light breathing. He had no trouble sleeping. Knowing he would never be able to fall back asleep, the boy slid out of bed. Tiptoeing past the prince, Bahku emerged into the dimly lit hallways. Looking back and forth to find the corridors empty, he snuck around the corner…only to run smack into the Dark Magician.
"Bahku?"
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be out here--" he stammered.
Dark smiled. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone."
Bahku hesitantly looked up. "Thanks," he said, voice unusually shaky.
Dark raised an eyebrow at the usually energetic child, who was now…shaking. "Bahku?"
The slave was silent.
Dark knelt by Bahku. "It's the ceremony, isn't it?"
Bahku nodded, his face shadowed by his long hair. But Dark could still see the tears of fear forming in the child's chocolate eyes. With a sympathetic look, Dark took the child in his arms where Bahku finally broke down.
"Shh, it's okay. It's only one bad moment among many good, right?"
Dark felt Bahku nod into his shoulder. They stayed that way for a couple minutes, then the Dark Magician stood.
"What about we go get you something to eat?"
Bahku wiped the tears away from his eyes, smiled, and nodded.
Dark motioned for Bahku to follow him. Some of the guards posted along the halls here and there were about to stop the two. After all, a monster and a slave were only slightly inconspicuous. But even with out his armor and staff, Dark intimidated the guards enough for them to stay silent. Some even recognized him as Yami's Guardian.
Arriving at the kitchen, (A/N: Was there kitchens in the palaces back then? *shrugs* Not too big of screw up) Dark leaned over the stone slab that acted as a counter.
"Hey Cook!"
A man in a stained brown tunic emerged from the backroom at the voice.
"Ah, Dark Magician. I haven't seen you around for awhile."
Dark shrugged. "I've had…other manners to attend to," replied the monster, smiling down at the child by his side. Bahku just smirked back. Dark turned back to Cook.
"Can you get a couple of slices of bread and some grapes for the khered?" he asked, by habit using the Egyptian word for 'child.'
"A khered?" Cook looked over the stone slab to see Bahku. "Fine with me, but if my superiors find out I've been handing out free food to a --"
Dark cut him off with a stern look.
"Uh, I'll be right back."
Cook disappeared back into the backroom. He emerged a few moments later with a plate containing three still warm slices of bread and a stem of grapes. With a nod of appreciation, Dark took the plate, gave it to the child, and left the room, the white haired boy following.
They arrived on the empty front steps of the palace. Bahku sat down on the stone steps and started eating as Dark leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and gazing over the city of Cairo from the elevated view. With a sigh, he brushed loose strands of indigo hair behind his ear.
"What is it?" asked Bahku, looking up at the monster.
"It is nothing."
The mage sat down by the child. Smiling mischievously, he reached over at snatched a grape from the plate before Bahku could react.
"Hey!"
Dark chuckled. "Hey nothing. You wouldn't even have these if it weren't for me." He tried to steal another piece of the fruit, but this time, Bahku caught his wrist. "Nice reflexes," commented the dark mage.
"Ask next time, okay?" teased Bahku.
Dark smiled. "Then please?" He opened his right hand expectantly.
"Fine."
Bahku broke off a small stem off the grapes. As he went to place them in the Guardian's hand, he gasped. A circular, snake-like pattern similar, no, identical to the slaves' markings was branded into Dark's hand.
"That mark…"
The mage snatched back his hand.
"Isn't it the same as the slaves? Are you a --"
"No," the monster replied firmly. He stood, back to Bahku. "I may have been chosen to protect Yami, but I am no servant to him. He's more of a…friend." Dark looked over his shoulder at Bahku. "And I have the feeling that to some extent you feel the same way."
"Yeah," whispered the child.
Dark sighed and turned away. "The first ceremony is within a few hours. The Guardian ceremony will be held at night, as is the custom. You're relieved of your chores today so I suggest you go back to your room, rest and then get ready."
The mage continued up the steps, his violet robes swirling about his ankles. He didn't look back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Bahku sat on his bed, thoughts whirling about in his mind. He hadn't seen Yami all day and, in a way, he preferred it. He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his chin on his knees. With his eyes closed, he didn't see the door open and close and a small figure make its way over to the bed.
Celena sat by Bahku's bed. He didn't seem to notice her.
"Celena, please go away."
Or not.
"Why? I've come to tell you something."
A sigh, then, "Fine."
"Did you know about the ceremonies today?"
Bahku winced. "Yes."
"Oh. I just found out. I'm going!"
Bahku looked down at the golden- brown haired girl. "Do you know what the ceremonies are about?"
A blank stare was the answer.
Bahku looked away. "I don't think you should go to the first one."
Celena scoffed. "And why not?"
"For your own good," said Bahku as he climbed out of bed and brushed past the princess.
"I don't think so! You, Yami, and Seto get to have all the fun around here!"
Bahku stopped in the doorway. "I have no authority to stop you. Do as you wish…princess."
He left the room.
~*~
He looked up at the figure leaning against the wall. Seito's eyes were misted with tears.
"Bahku…"
The slave tilted his head in concern. "What's wrong Seito?"
The apprentice shook his head and tried to hide his tears. "T-the marking ceremony is a special event. Usually performed by the priests and mages."
Bahku understood.
"I'll be up there, too. I'll try to get Heishin to get it over as quickly as possible," Seito whispered.
Bahku smiled softly and hugged his friend. "Thanks."
They pulled away, tears in both hazel and blue eyes.
"I better be heading back. I'll see you later," said Seito as he turned back down the hall, cautiously avoiding the guards.
A tap on the shoulder caused Bahku to turn from the mage's retreat. Tears threatened to start anew when he saw Yami, who was already dressed in his formal attire. He wore a black and violet tunic with a crimson Sennen Eye embroided on his chest, he also wore a violet cape and golden manacles decorated his wrists and upper arms. Bahku could see the kohl outlining his friend's eyes and a golden headband rested beneath his messy bangs. (AN: Think "Forbidden Memories!")
He certainly looked like royalty. Bahku smiled sadly as a realization hit him. Yami was a prince, soon to be pharaoh of Egypt while him himself was just a lowly slave. A half-breed in fact.
Tears formed in Yami's violet eyes as he watched Bahku segregate himself from him.
"Bahku?"
The white-haired boy forced a smile. "I guess I'll see you later, Your Hm." The title slipped out before he could stop the strange words. He brushed aside the feeling of guilt as seeing the horror form in Yami's eyes. Bahku gave a small half bow and turned away from the prince, heading for the ceremonial building near the plaza.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three older slaves were waiting for Bahku as he entered the building, all female, for male slaves were pretty rare around the palace. They were usually guards or slaves. Without saying a word, they herded the child to a tub, throwing his dirty white tunic in the corner. One woman started on his mop of hair and another the rest of him. The last woman, no older than 16, set a white fabric on a nearby bench along with two manacles, which surprised Bahku.
Slaves usually weren't allowed to own or wear jewelry unless it just for show. As Bahku looked over at the girl, a pang went through his heart. With her black hair and green eyes, she looked like a younger version of his mother. But he shook those thoughts out of his head.
The other servants yanked him out of the water and handed him a towel, then dispersed to their other chores. The youngest slave helped him dry his hair. As she finished up, Bahku pulled the oversized towel around him, shivering slightly.
"Don't worry. It'll be over before you know it," said the girl kindly, her emerald eyes bright. She wore a white tunic, but also golden jewelry, signaling her as a personal servant to the pharaoh.
"My name is Niona," she said as she handed Bahku the fabric which be wrapped around his waist, leaning his upper body bare for the marking. She helped his fasten one manacle around his right wrist and the second on his upper left arm. "Now all we can do is wait. The ceremony will start soon. I'll be leading you up there."
Bahku nodded numbly.
Niona rested a hand on the boy's shoulder. "It will be okay."
"No, it's not the ceremony. It's--" Bahku cut himself off as tears overwhelmed him once more. Niona rubbed the child's back comfortingly.
~*~
A guard stepped into the room. "It's time," he stated.
Bahku stood. He followed the guard and Niona fell in place behind him. The curtain was drawn aside and Bahku stepped into the plaza. He fought hysteria as the steps to the platform rose ominously in front of him.
"Go on," coaxed Niona.
I have to be brave. I'm not a coward like I was back then, he thought to himself as Miren's and his mother's deaths echoed in his mind. Pulling himself tall, he started up the steps. He instantly saw the thrones set aside for the pharaoh, Yami, and Celena, who were already there. He forced himself not to make eye contact with any of them. After all, a lowly slave does not look royalty in the eye.
In the middle of the platform was a marble bench and next to it, the beginnings of an unlit fire. Niona motioned for Bahku to go over to the bench. He obeyed as if he legs had a will of their own. He tried not to pay attention to the hundreds of pairs of eyes in the audience.
Heishin himself waited near the bench. Seito stood at his side, holding a burning torch. The apprentice could not make eye contact with his friend. He was filled with shame. After what seemed like forever, Bahku arrived in front of Heishin.
"Lay down, boy," the High Priest commanded.
As if in a trance, Bahku obeyed, laying stomach down on the cold bench, hands near his head.
"Will the re-pat and master please step forth?" said Heishin loudly.
Bahku faintly heard the near silent footfalls as Yami approached.
"The fire," continued the mage.
Seito stepped forward and handed the torch to Yami. After failing an attempt to catch Bahku's attention, the prince threw the torch into the kindling and the flames instantly caught ablaze. Bahku winced at the heat of the fire so close. Yami returned to his seat.
As Seito turned to return to his lord's side, he slipped something in Bahku's hand.
"Swallow this. It will help," he whispered, then continued over to Heishin.
Bahku discreetly examined the object. It was a small glass flask of some kind of potion. Seito must have made the numbing concoction last night. He shot a look of thanks over to Seito. Heishin had continued on with the ceremony, explaining the reason and significance on why this event was taking place. Bahku was blocking him out, steeling himself for what was ahead.
"And now, the final rite of this ceremony." Heishin took the iron brand (AN: I know they only had copper but bear with me.) from behind the bench. He stuck it into the fire until the metal was glowing red.
As Heishin turned, Bahku fingered the small flask in his hand…and then let it drop to the floor. I will not show weakness.
Seito watched in horror and shock. Despite Heishin's scolding, he turned away, unable to watch. Celena buried her head in Yami's chest, not daring to watch. But Yami's tear filled eyes did not waver. The least he could do for his friend was watch the inhumane ritual.
Heishin raised the burning brand.
Bahku closed his eyes.
It descended.
White hot pain invaded Bahku's right shoulder and streamed all over his back. He tried his hardest not to, but he screamed in pain. The smell of burning flesh, his flesh filled his nostrils. Then it was all too much and the child welcomed the darkness.
~*~
"Bahku!"
Yami leapt off the throne as he saw, or was it felt, his friend fall unconscious. As Heishin lifted the brand away, Seito echoed Yami's cry, but as he dashed forward, Heishin backhanded the boy for disobeying orders. Seito fell to the ground, a large slash on his cheek where one of the priest's rings had caught his skin. Yami rushed to both boys' sides.
When seeing Seito was just mainly disorientated, the young prince turned to Bahku. The slave was out cold, the red and black pattern standing out cruelly against his pale skin. Niona appeared out of nowhere and rested a wet rag on the burn.
Yami looked up at her, tears in his eyes. "Will he be okay?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness. He'll be just fine once his mark heals." Apparently stronger than she looked, she gently picked up the unconscious boy and headed back to the building.
Yami turned to Seito, who had managed to sit up. Tearing a strip from his cloak, Yami had Seito hold it to the still bleeding gash. The prince shot a glare at Heishin, who knelt by him.
"Don't worry, prince," he said, sneering on the word 'prince.' "They'll all be fine. Though I can't say the same for you and your father soon."
"Wha--?"
"Egypt's throne will soon be mine. Don't bother trying to tell your father. I promise he won't believe you."
Yami felt dazed as Heishin scooped up Seito, who weakly resisted.
"Put him down!" demanded Yami. Who knew what the mad priest would do with the child? Corrupt him?
Heishin just snickered. "See you soon, re-pat."
Heishin carrying Seito and the rest of his lackeys dispersed and returned to the shrine.
From the point on, Yami wouldn't see his friend Seito until six years later…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that evening…
Bahku slowly opened his eyes. Where am I? He was dimly aware of something cold resting on his back. As he tried to reach it, a shooting pain raced through his burned skin. The events of earlier flashed through his mind. With a groan, he rested his head back on the pillow. Thank Ra it was over now.
"Are you awake, khered?"
He looked up to see a figure in the dark corner.
"Dark?" he questioned hoarsely.
The mage and held up a finger. A candle bedside of Bahku was lit into life. Then he knelt by Bahku's bed. "How do you feel?"
"Okay, I guess," replied Bahku, wincing slightly. "Where's Yami? And Seito?"
"Yami isn't permitted to see you until tonight."
"And Seito?"
The Dark Magician shook his head. "I'm not totally sure. High Priest Heishin took him back to the shrine right after the ceremony."
"Oh," mumbled Bahku.
The dark mage stood and walked towards the entrance, drawing the curtain aside and looking out into the orangish sky. "The sun shall be fully set soon. It's almost time for your Guardian Ceremony."
Excitement gathered in Bahku. His own guardian monster! What would it be? A warrior? A beast? A beast warrior? Or, Bahku looked over at Dark, maybe even a spellcaster. The child slowly sat up, trying not to stretch his burnt skin.
Dark helped him to his feet. "Be careful. The ceremony will be held in the same area, but you're still weak. Take it easy."
Bahku tried to turn and examine the brand, but it caused him too much pain.
Dark sighed. "I'm not supposed to do this, but…" He knelt behind Bahku and gently rested his fingertips over the burn. Bahku winced at the touch but did not pull away. For once, in an amused sort of way, he caught Dark's scent, which was faintly of spices.
Closing his eyes, Dark concentrated on a healing spell. The magic trickled from his fingers and over the burn. Opening his eyes, he was glad to see most of the red was gone from the mark.
"It doesn't hurt anymore!" exclaimed Bahku.
The mage smiled weakly. He was no healer and the brand was a sacred mark, not to be tampered with and was enforced by the High Priest's magic, which meant Dark had had to put even more energy into the amateur healing spell. After all, he was a master in the dark arts of black magic for offensive means, not the healing and protecting of white magic. He stood and sat on the unoccupied bed.
"Thanks Dark," said Bahku.
"No problem." replied the mage, smiling.
Suddenly a figure dashed into the room and attached itself to Bahku.
"Oh Bahku! Why'd they have to do that to you?!" cried Celena.
Slightly more dignified, the Dark Magician Girl entered. But then she saw her counterpart on the bed. In an instant, she was by his side hugging his arm.
"Hi Darkie! Miss me?"
"Oh so much," replied the male mage sarcastically.
DM Girl giggled. "I love the way you show affection, mr."
The Dark Magician just rolled his eyes.
With a still sobbing Celena in his arms, Bahku awkwardly rested a hand on her back. "I'm fine now. Don't cry."
"That was mean!" she bawled. "It shouldn't have to happen!"
"I know. It shouldn't happen to anyone," said Bahku, looking over at the Dark Magician, who looked away. "But it's okay. I have my Guardian Ceremony in awhile."
"In about two minutes to be exact," said Niona, walking into the building. She nodded toward Dark. "Thanks for watching him."
"It wasn't any trouble. But we should head out for the ceremony soon."
"It's time already?" asked Bahku, confused.
"Well you were asleep for most of the day," said the DM Girl.
"Let's get going then!" exclaimed Bahku, running out of the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The plaza was even more crowded then it was earlier. For these ceremonies were special. And for a slave to be bestowed with a Guardian? It was even more unusual due to that fact.
Bahku was extremely nervous, but it was a good nervous feeling, unlike earlier. He noticed another chair had been set near the thrones. With a signal from Niona, he went over and sat down. Yami waved from over at his seat. Bahku waved back, the earlier tension between the two forgotten. Bahku looked around for his other friend, but Seito was nowhere in sight. He sighed, disappointed.
Celena skittered across the stage, the two dark mages following and the DM Girl trying to resist pulling on Dark's long hair. But they made it without incident and stood beside their masters.
When everyone was in their places, the pharaoh stood. Though he seemed to almost stumble to Bahku. The Red Eyes Black Dragon walked around the throne and by its master, providing support. No one but Bahku seemed to notice the ruler's moment of weakness.
"And now it is time for the ceremony!" he declared.
The crowd roared to life. Bahku blushed, knowing all this attention was for him.
"Will the candidate step forward?"
With a gulp, Bahku stood and made his way over to the raven-haired man. The pharaoh smiled own at the boy he almost considered a second son, despite earlier incidents.
"Are you ready?"
Bahku nodded.
"I have chosen this boy as a candidate for he has been…loyal to the prince for nearly two years."
Shouts of agreement from certain prank victims were head throughout the crowd. Bahku bowed his head in embarrassment.
"Let's get on with it." The pharaoh held forth a golden rod. Saying out some incantations, a portal of energy slowly formed in the middle of the platform.
The pharaoh rested a hand on Bahku's head.
"Close your eyes," he instructed.
Bahku obeyed.
"And now the judgment shall be passed."
The pharaoh also closed his eyes and focused on the Millennium Rod. In the dark of the night, it glowed faintly. He focused on the boy in front of him. Images of Bahku's past flew by so quickly he couldn't keep a clear track, then present, but his future cut off abruptly, ending in a world of black. But just as the pharaoh was about to pull back his hand, a glimmer of light formed in the midst of the blackness. It grew until it was blinding. The ruler had to pull back and break the mental link. He gasped for air as he looked down at the boy. What had happened? The pharaoh managed to choke up the rest of the words for the ceremony.
"He has been judged. And now for the Guardian…"
He turned to the portal of the Shadow Realm and reached inside. After a couple of tense moments, Bahku imagining all that could be going wrong beneath closed lids, the pharaoh withdrew his hand, a slender pale hand in his.
The entire crowd held its breath.
A figure emerged from the portal.
Instantly whispers of confusion broke out from the duelists in the crowd.
"You may open your eyes."
Bahku did and gasped at the sight before him. A woman with blonde hair, clothed in white stood regally next to the pharaoh. Her left side was in darkness, a demon wing sprouting from her back and on her right was a feathered angel-like wing.
Bahku couldn't speak.
"The Change of Heart!" announced the pharaoh.
"A magic card!" came a voice from the crowd.
"Does it really matter?" retorted the pharaoh.
The Change of Heart knelt by a still shocked Bahku. Her blue/green eyes twinkled in amusement.
"Don't tell me you're disappointed, Bahku?" she said in a quiet voice.
Bahku violently shook his head. "N-no, not at all. How do you know my name?"
Change smiled. "I've been waiting in the Shadow Realm for quite some time for you. I know everything about you."
"You're my Guardian…"
"Yes."
Bahku smiled and hugged the angel demon.
She smiled as she rested her head on his motherly-like.
~*~
Yami and the Dark Magician watched the scene with smiles. Celena sat on the DM Girl's lap, asleep due to the late hour. As the Dark Magician Girl looked up at Dark, she nudged him in the side and shot a 'don't-even-think-of going-after-her' glare at him. Dark sighed and thumped her on the head with his staff.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After the finishing rites of the ceremony, the Change of Heart had momentarily been parted from Bahku so she could be briefed on the happenings by Dark and DM Girl. Bahku ran from the stage and back towards the palace when he noticed Yami's chair was empty.
The 9-year-old tried to catch his breath as he leaned against a wall. Where could the prince be?
"It's about time you got here," came a voice from the shadows.
Bahku looked up to see Yami. A smile covered both their faces.
"Look Yami, I'm sorry--"
"Don't even bring it up," Yami cut off. "It's all in the past right?"
"Yeah."
The two boys disappeared into the palace, plotting the next day's events.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yami-chan: End part 2! Next part is six years later. The plot will get into more motion of the two boys, plus a certain pale blonde Egyptian whose first letter in his name starts with 'M' and ends in '-alik' will show up. I'll be changing his heritage though, a little bit.
*YC goes to research the Babylonian empire*