Disclaimer: I'm sick of this thing…check previous chapters. I own Genji, Yume and also Calypse, Sage, Ryon and the other monster's personalities.

YC: Well, Bahku's story ends this chapter, but I'm continuing through everybody's past not just Bakura's.

Genji: *looking at his part in later chapters* But…this is mean…

YC: *hugs her little kawaii OC* But don't you think angst always makes a character more bishy? Examples being Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII, Kuja from FFIX, I guess a little for Sephiroth in FFVII, Yue from Cardcaptor Sakura, Duo Maxwell from Gundam Wing and a lot more that I don't feel like naming…

Genji: *gulps nervously*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After the relatively short journey, the small town rose in Bahku's view. With a smile, he gently urged Raol into an easy lope. The duelist felt incredible well despite the desert heat. I'm adjusting already, he thought as he looked up at the wide open sky. The Punished Eagle swooped in from nowhere and landed on Bahku's shoulder. It rubbed its head against it master affectionately. The former slave smiled and rubbed the monster on the forehead when it chirped happily.

Within another half hour, Bahku reached the entrance of the small town. Yes, it was quite a small town, more of a settlement really, but it was well maintained and beautiful in its simplicity. The whole village was surrounded by a simple wooden fence but Bahku sensed something more to it. There was also a magical barrier that surrounded the town. Though it was deceiving, the rickety fence was a station point for the protective spell. No one would be able to enter except through the gates, which he now arrived at. The Punished Eagle shifted uncomfortably at the feeling of magic in the air but a soft whistle from Bahku kept it stationary.

Two heavily armed guards stopped his advance as he neared the entrance. Bahku noted with relief that they were not royal guards, but still some sort of organized military of a foreign type that the teenager didn't recognize.

"Who are you and what business do you have here?" demanded the first man.

"My name is Bahku," he replied, trying to sit straight in the saddle, though the lingering winds blowing his long bangs in his face stopped any attempt of trying to be dignified. " I was told I could find refuge here."

"Under what circumstances?"

Bahku faltered. How would he tell them?

"Let him pass," came a voice from the shadows.

The guards bowed and stepped aside and a figure emerged from beside the stone wall of the entry way.

"Malik!"

The prince smiled. "I'd never thought I'd see you here, Bahku. Come on, enter."

The white haired teen smiled and nodded. He guided Raol through the gates which were shut abruptly after he passed, startling both him and the Punished Eagle, which ruffled its feathers in annoyance.

"The stables are this way," pointed Malik, leading the way.

Bahku quickly boarded Raol and dismounted. Malik waited patiently, leaning against a wooden support.

"So what did bring you here?"

Bahku sighed and told his story.

~*~*~*

"The pharaoh's dead?!" exclaimed Malik.

"Yeah…" said Bahku quietly.

"Oh geez…" Malik ran a hand through his pale blonde hair. The teen flopped down on a nearby hay bale, ignoring the golden strands that tangled in his recently settled hair. Bahku mimicked his actions nearby, the Punished Eagle settling itself on an overhead rafter and watching over the town with a golden gaze.

Malik sighed. "So you were blamed for the murder? But why you?"

Bahku shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Who do you think the murderer was?"

"I don't know!" exclaimed Bahku, jumping back to his feet.

Malik cringed. "Sorry, but this is a big deal."

"Yeah, yeah. I know." The former slave sighed and leaned against the wall.

"There isn't much I can do," said the tanned figure laying in the hay. "I don't dare tell anyone else. All I can do is offer you refuge and perhaps some protection. That is all."

"And I thank you for that."

"But, if worst comes to worst, I don't have much power. If Egyptian officials come looking for you… Let's just say I don't want to start a war."

Bahku absorbed the solemn words as he silently walked out of the stables and looked over the seemingly endless desert. Somewhere out there lay his home. Cairo.

"I'll be back there soon. I promise."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Two years later…

(age 17)

"Stop him!"

"He's getting away!"

Royal guards ran from their posts at their comrade's shouts.

"What is it?! What's going on?!"

"Itja! Tomb robber!"

The guard gasped. A tomb robber here?! It was suicide! The guard was so strong!

~*~*~*~

A green cloaked figure scampered into the shadows and settled behind a ruined wall. He dropped a large heavy bag on the ground and pulled back the cloak's hood to wipe perspiration from his face. A white-haired young man ran a hand though his hair.

"Phew. Almost looks like they were expecting me."

Voices erupted nearby and the thief pressed himself against the wall. Three guards ran past him, yelling to one another.

The tomb robber smirked as they disappeared around the corner. "Heh. Flawless." He hoisted the bag over his shoulder, pulled his hood up and raced to where his escape was hidden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Malik looked up from his drawing at the sound of hoof beats. A black stallion galloped through the gates and slowed to a walk as it approached the prince, who slowly stood.

"How'd your raid go?"

The itja pulled his hood back. "Excellent. I'll be fine for some time." He held out his hand expectantly.

Malik rolled his lavender eyes as he threw his canteen of water at Bahku, who caught it and took a long drink. "You can't keep this up. You'll get caught sooner or later."

"Hopefully later," Bahku responded, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "I'm going out one more time tomorrow though. No offense, but it gets pretty boring around here." Looking back the distance he had come, Bahku ran over the raid in his head again. "The guard has gone up considerably lately, though."

"Exactly," said Malik exasperatedly.

"You worry too much." Bahku threw the canteen back at the pale haired prince and headed back to the stables.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Early the next morning Bahku packed up and set out. He had quite a large target today. One of the lesser nobles in the royal family had died about a year ago and his tomb was still fresh. A very tempting offer. As the slave turned tomb robber galloped though the somewhat still chilly desert, the Punished Eagle soaring overhead on the early morning thermals, a sense of foreboding lingered in his mind. Maybe I shouldn't do this. I have enough stashed from last night. But a sense of excitement also seized him.

"Aw, what the hell?" he laughed out loud. "You only live once, right?"

~*~*~*~*~

He left Raol hidden in the bushes near the entrance of the shrine. The stallion, used to this by now, settled down and started grazing. Bahku took off into the shrine at a quiet scamper, the quiet paved walkway haunting. When he reached the split in the path, he hesitated. He hadn't seen any guards yet, which unnerved him. Maybe I should turn back. He took a step backwards, dark eyes scanning the area.

Suddenly a sharp point pressed into his back. "Don't move, itja."

"So you finally got me, huh?"

"Yeah and you're not going anywhere. The rest of the shift will be here soon and will have you taken care of."

"Think you can hold onto me that long?" Bahku kicked back and tripped the guard. The young man fell with a yelp, his legs tangling with Bahku's, who was also tripped. The thief landed heavily on his stomach. Forcing lost air back into his lungs, Bahku jumped back to his feet.

"Look! There they are!"

He whirled to see a troop of about nine or ten guards approaching him. Cursing, Bahku took off at a run down the opposite path towards the pyramid, the guards' footsteps echoing behind him. He quickly swerved and disappeared into the tomb's main shaft. Trying to remember the paths through the small, but still deadly pyramid, he ducked into a right corridor towards the treasure chamber. Hopefully the guards wouldn't look for him in the obvious spot. And hopefully I can still make today's quota.

In minutes, or what seemed to be hours of twists and turns, he reached the chamber. The sight nearly took the teen's breath away. All of his targets up to this point had been minor and now he had hit what seemed to be to him the big load. It was at least a twenty by twenty room and the whole chamber seemed to sparkle. Shaking himself out of his reverie he stepped into the tomb and started loading his pockets, not really taking note of what he grabbed. When his pockets were full, Bahku cautiously headed back to the pyramid's entrance. There was no sound. Cautiously, he crept back onto the path, the rising sun making it seem even Ra himself was glaring down at him. Slowly he straightened to take a look around him.

Suddenly there was a sharp pain in the back of his head and the tomb robber fell into blackness.

~*~*~*~*~

Slowly he woke, his senses groggy but quickly adjusting. It was cold, that was the first thing he noticed. Obviously his green and gold cloak filled with the treasure was gone. Before he opened his eyes to let his captors know he was awake, he listened to any conversation in the room. There was muffled whispers which quickly died down.

"I know you're awake, boy."

Bahku's eyes shot open at that voice. "Kaju," he hissed.

The captain of the guard smirked as he booted the other guards out of the room. Growling, Bahku struggled with his bonds, but the rough rope only cut more into his wrists.

"Stop your struggling. You'll only make things harder on yourself."

"What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that little itja."

"I'm not a kid anymore, Kaju. You don't scare me. I've been through hell and back these last two years. You're nothing."

Anger crossed the captain's face for a moment but he quickly calmed himself. He had matters to attend to. "To answer your question, I'm here because of reports of a certain thief in the area. I came on a hunch or more like a feeling. Whatever you want to call it."

"Why'd you come find me anyway? Gonna drag me back to Cairo for a certain death sentence?"

"Actually, no. I came on personal matters."

Kaju unsheathed his sword and Bahku barely kept his calm. With a swift slash, Kaju severed the itja's bonds. Bahku fell to the floor, pain prickling down his sleeping arms. Rubbing both feeling and warmth back into his body, he eyed Kaju, wary of the captain's intentions. "What do you want with me?"

Kaju simply pointed to a vacant chair. Glaring, Bahku obeyed. Satisfied, the guard leaned against the wall. "After everything happened…the Dragon Tamer told me something."

"You mean Seito?"

"Yes. He told me that…"

"Spit it out," growled Bahku, hugging himself tightly.

"You're my son."

Bahku froze. Of course he knew. He had known since he was young but still…it still hurt.

"Yeah…and?"

"You knew?"

"Of course. I was there when you killed her, you bastard."

Kaju narrowed his eyes as his son glared right back at him. "I didn't want--"

"That's bull!" yelled Bahku, jumping to his feet, long white strands falling into his face.

Kaju was quiet and continued staring right into eyes so similar to his, but these were burning like flaming coals. He finally broke away, fingering his bared sword. Bahku's eyes fell on the weapon. Kaju caught on too slowly and was unable to stop the thief's quick movements. Within seconds, his own sword was at his throat, an angry teen on the other end.

"I don't want to be your enemy anymore, Bahku."

"Don't say my name!" yelled the tomb robber, angry tears in his eyes. "I want nothing to do with you! You're nothing but an arrogant murderer! You're not capable of feeling these emotions! You're no father to me!"

Though he tried not to show it, those words wounded Kaju more than the blade at his throat could. "Bahku…"

"Shut up!"

"Why did you think I went after Sorah?"

"Cause you're nothing but a selfish pig!"

"I loved her. I truly did. But do you think a high ranking officer like me…to be found in love with a slave? The humiliation?"

"So you're ego's worth more than love?!"

"No, let me finish. I chanced that humiliation. The way I acted towards her…both of you. I never wanted to. When I was told to bring you two in, I was grateful. Maybe I could plea with the pharaoh to pardon you both. I'm sure he would've."

"That's all BS," growled Bahku, tears freely running down his cheek leaving trails down his dusty face. "You killed her… like an animal! You slaughtered her!"

"It wasn't of my own free will. There was something in my head commanding me. It said something like destiny was being set." Kaju looked straight into his son's eyes, ignoring the silver edge near his throat. "I loved her. Do you believe that?"

The sword was shaking slightly, its wielder's grip unsteady. Finally the blade dropped to the ground.

"I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. I--"

Bahku was cut off as the door slammed open. Quickly assessing the situation, the young guard judged his captain was in trouble. He raised his spear and charged in, catching Bahku unawares. The teen yelled as the sharp tip grazed his right eye, leaving a bloody streak.

"You idiot! Stop! Back down!" Kaju pushed the guard back.

Bahku, half-blinded, stumbled past the two and took off at a blind run to safety.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Where is he? He's gonna miss dinner, thought Malik, anxiously pacing back and forth behind the gates. And he's not one to miss a meal. With a sigh, the prince leaned against the closest house and slid to the ground. Setting his small collection of drawings aside, he picked out one and grabbed a piece of coal and started to work on the wind blowing the sand off the dunes. Not many knew of his little habit. Light blonde hair fell into his eyes as he worked carefully, but he ignored it. But even his drawing couldn't distract him. Why am I so worked up? He's been out before. As Rasid would say I'm behaving like mother hen, but I guess he's one to talk. Malik smiled at the thought of his mentor. As he looked out over the dunes again, a dust cloud caught his eyes. A black horse and rider were galloping toward Faiyum. He jumped to his feet.

"Open the gates! It's Bahku!"

The guards quickly snapped to attention and pulled the heavy gates open. The stallion rushed into the oasis, sweat glistening off its sides.

"Whoa there boy," soothed Malik. "Bahku, what's wrong?"

All he got in response was a pained groan. Worried, Malik pulled his friend off the horse. He held back a gasp at the bloody gash on Bahku's face. "Get Rasid!" he yelled at the nearest soldier, who quickly scampered off. Malik turned his attention back to his nearly incoherent comrade. "Hold on a little while more."

~*~*~*~*~*~

When Bahku awoke, he was alone. Wincing, his gingerly toughed the bandage that covered the right side of his face. How could've he let down his guard? Groaning, he slowly sat up. Instantly he spotted his green and gold cloak hanging on a nearby chair. He was surprised to see all of his scavenges were still present. Having nothing else to do, he pulled the coat over and emptied the pockets. Small golden idols, glittering jewels, and about every imaginable thing that was worth anything tumbled onto the blankets.

"I think I took more that I needed," he said, smirking. Then he shrugged. "Who cares? I paid for it well anyway."

Suddenly a particular item caught his eye. A circular pendant seemed to gather all the candle light to itself. Within the golden circle rested a triangle. Bahku recognized the symbol of protection, the Sennen Eye. Five gold points hung from the sides of the pendant. Bahku was drawn to the item as a moth was to flame. Slowly, he reached out and took the pendant in his hands.

Power, a magical power flowed through him, but it was cold and dark. With a yelp, Bahku tried to drop the item to the ground but his fingers wouldn't obey.

you want to back to Cairo yes revenge on the pharaoh

But Yami didn't do anything to me.

oh yes he did he framed you for the murder he didn't believe you after all you've been through

No! He's my friend!

no he is a rival an insect waiting to be crushed use the Shadow magic use ME I can get you your deepest desires and rid you of all your foes

No.

give in you can't resist your life lies within be soon you'll BE me

no.

sleep for now my puppet you'll need your rest yes you'll be ready later

The golden Item fell from still fingers to the floor with a 'clank.' Bahku fell back onto the bed, dark eyes suddenly closing.

nothing matters anymore except me

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning broke out early in the small town, rousing its citizens. Malik splashed cold water on his face in a futile effort to wake himself up. Wiping his face on his sleeve, he noticed Raol was still in the stable, unbrushed and unfed. I guess the stable hands got lazy. Bahku owes me one later. Stifling a yawn, he headed over to the stables. Grabbing a brush and comb, Malik started brushing the stallion down. Raol nickered in gratitude and nudged Malik in the chest.

"Okay boy," the prince laughed. "That's enough. I'll still have my rounds to get to." His father would be arriving soon to round up the rest of the army and of course, him. Finishing up the brushing, Malik refilled the water trough and threw some hay in. As a treat he filled the feeder with some oats. Petting the stallion on the neck, Malik headed over to the living quarters. Bahku was usually one of the first people up due to habits at the palace. But there had been no sign of him yet. Perhaps he was still resting.

"Hey Rasid!"

The mentor looked up from his repair of one of the guard's spear.

"Have you seen Bahku this morning?"

"No, not at all."

Concerned, Malik headed into the building.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Hey Bahku?"

Malik stepped cautiously into the room not to interrupt his friend's sleep. But there was no sign of the teen except for some bandages on the bed. Confused, the prince stepped further into the room.

"Bahku?"

The door behind him suddenly slammed shut. Malik whirled around to see his comrade leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Malik sighed and tried to calm his heart.

"Geez, you scared me half to death."

An evil chuckle came from Bahku. "Soon it shall be more than half."

Malik stepped back, concerned. "Bahku?"

The chuckles turned into maniacal laughter. "Soon I shall be the most powerful ruler ever, not Bahku."

"Wha--?"

Bahku suddenly dashed forward, a gleaming dagger seeming to leap into his hands. Only by reflex Malik managed to withdraw his sword from its sheath. But he did not have enough time to counter. The dagger met the sword with an ear shattering clang. The sheer force alone knocked the prince back towards the window. With renewed fury, Bahku grabbed Malik around the neck, knocking his sword out of his hands which landed on the street below.

"Now you die," cackled Bahku, a mad gleam in his eyes.

Malik grabbed the thief's wrists, trying to loosen his grip while at the same time, reach the dagger concealed in his boot. A sudden glint of gold caught the prince's eye. A pendant had suddenly become visible around Bahku's neck. It's possessed him! With a last desperate effort, Malik twisted, grabbed the dagger and slashed out at his former friend. Bahku yelled out as the string to the pendant was severed and it fell to the ground. The teen instantly dropped to his knees and reached for the item. But Malik reached it first. He studied it closely, then gazed down at the white-haired boy before him.

"Give it to me!" yelled Bahku.

"Whatever this is, it's evil." Malik turned sorrowful eyes on the pitiful form of his comrade. "You either go without it or…exile."

"With the Ring?"

Mali started a bit at the name of the pendant, but nodded slowly.

"Fine," hissed Bahku.

"You choose exile?" whispered the prince.

"As long as I have that power."

With a shake of his head, Malik dropped the Millennium Ring to eagerly waiting hands. "Now, leave. And never return here or among my people. Else I will have to kill you."

Bahku glared at Malik, then turned and retreated to the stables.

~*~*~*~*~

A couple of hours later, Bahku arrived at the city of Memphis but he did not enter just yet. The teen pulled his wheezing horse to the side in the shadow of the city's great walls and dismounted. He quickly repaired the leather string around the Ring and placed it back around his neck, sighing in relief as the magic flowed through him again. He may have had only a short time of contact with the Ring, but when it was taken away from him it felt like a part of his soul had been taken away as well. He couldn't explain it.

Narrowing his eyes in confusion, Bahku twisted the Ring around so it wasn't visible and the cold metal touched his back, then he turned and mounted Raol once again and started towards the city. I wonder how Velnia and Kaira are doing?

they don't matter anymore just go on ahead the pharaoh waits

Bahku shook his head at the intrusion of the voice. Yami is all that matters.

yes the king of games Yuugioh

The tomb robber kicked the horse in the sides and entered into a gallop, leaving Memphis behind, only a faint trail of kicked up sand marking his passing.

~*~*~*~

It was going on dawn when the buildings of Cairo rose into his vision. He slowed to a stop as he brooded on what was to happen soon.

"Bahku, what's wrong with you?" a female voice came from behind him.

"Change, just leave me alone."

Change of Heart refused to as she walked to her master's side. "Please, this isn't like you. What if you're caught sneaking into the palace? You'll be killed!"

"So what? Anyway, that won't be happening," he retorted coldly.

Change of Heart grabbed his arm. "No! You can't! Bahku, you can't go!"

"Silence!" Bahku pushed her away and the monster fell to the sand, startling Raol who pranced in his place as Bahku dismounted. "You have no authority to tell me what I can and can't do."

Change of Heart slowly got to her feet again. "This isn't right," she said softly but firmly.

Bahku scoffed and walked away, leaving behind both his horse and Guardian.

"Yami has done nothing to you! Leave him be!" yelled the woman.

Bahku whirled. "My patience is growing thin with you, monster."

The winged monster was taken aback as she watched him walk toward the city. Her charge, the quiet but kind boy, had changed right in front of her. "Bahku, why would you want to hurt your best friend? Your mer, master."

The white-haired teen froze, eyes wide. He seemed to struggle within himself. all that matters is you His eyes turned as dark and hard as onyx as he turned. "Be gone, monster!" He raised his hand and the Millennium Ring glowed fiercely in the darkness. A cold dark portal opened behind Change of Heart. Her green eyes widened in fear. As she struggled to maintain her ground as the Shadow magic pulled her back, she looked back at her charge. The bright symbol of the Sennen Eye burned on his forehead, ruffling his long bangs, his eyes full of contempt.

Change of Heart bowed her head. If this is what he wished. "Farewell…Bahku," she whispered, the words quickly being lost in the raging winds. She let herself go and was quickly pulled back into the Shadow Realm. The portal closed without a sign that it was ever even there.

~*~*~*~

Dark looked up from his studies. He could've sworn he just felt a surge of dark magic. Shadow magic, here? Grabbing his staff, he quickly left the room.

~*~*~*~

The fierce wind blew itself out as the Ring's glow faded. The sound of retreating hoof beats brought the teen out of his reverie. Bahku shook his head. What just happened? nothing that concerns you just go on. Wait…I can't feel Change! What did you do to her?! you mean what did you do to her I didn't do a thing. "No…" Bahku fell to his knees. blame the pharaoh he is the cause of all of this. "Yes…Yuugioh's fault…" Bahku dreamily got to his feet. "Revenge…"

~*~*~*~

I knew I felt something, thought Dark as he left the palace. But now there's nothing. Behind him, a noise crashed inside the stables. The mage quickly turned and ran to the building. A pail had fallen from one of the higher shelves. Geez, getting jumpy for no reason. Suddenly, something nudged him in the back. Dark whirled and brought his staff up to strike. He abruptly halted his attack when he saw what it was.

"Raol?"

The black stallion nickered softly. Dark took a mental note of how messed Raol was. Sand covered his legs and tangled in his mane and tail. Sweat glistened on his sides and his brown eyes were wild.

"Shh, it's okay." The mage gently rubbed the stallion under the bridle. "But if you're here, where is Bahku?" His eyes widened in sudden realization.

~*~*~*~

No! This isn't right! Bahku screamed mentally. But his body wasn't obeying as he kept going forward. i've had enough of your interference. The Ring glowed brightly and Bahku fell to his knees as he grasped his neck. He couldn't breathe. ready to give in? N-no. you're too weak but you are the destined yami to this Ring give in! Bahku barely had the chance to register the term 'yami' before his mind shut down and he fell to the sand. But the Ring did not as it continued to glow warmly, illuminating the sand around it. Bahku's eyes slowly opened and a smirk spread across his features as he got to his knees and a light breeze ruffled his cloak. This Bahku was here to stay.

~*~*~*~

"Yami! Yami!"

The pharaoh turned from his advisors to see his Guardian run into the room. "What is it?" he asked, concerned.

Dark nearly doubled over as he tried to catch his breath. "Master…Shadow magic…Bahku…"

"Bahku?" Celena exclaimed as Yami leapt from the throne, a smile on his face.

However, Dark shook his head. "No…he isn't right…."

"What do you mean?" questioned Yami, stepping down the stairs and brushing servants away. Celena also ran down to join her brother, eager to hear any news about Bahku.

"He--"

The mage was cut off as the chamber doors suddenly flew open.

~*~*~*~

A simple blast of magic disposed of the guards and blew open the stone doors. Grand entrance, thought the thief smugly as his emerald cloak fell back around his ankles. He savored the look of surprise on the pharaoh's face. As he started down the aisle, the slaves cowered away from him along the walls. One face struck him as familiar as a pair of green eyes framed by black hair caught his sight. But she too had fallen back with the rest. For a fleeting moment, he felt guilt but it was quickly suppressed with anger. The weaklings. They let themselves be kept under bondage. The fools.

"After all, no mercy for the weak," he said out loud as he advanced, keeping dark eyes ahead.

"Bahku!"

A brown and golden-haired girl ran to him, a smile on her face. His eyes narrowed as she hugged him, resting her head on his bare chest. "Bahku! I missed you so much! I told Yami you would come back! I knew you weren't dead!"

"Obviously, I'm not."

Celena looked up in surprise at the coldness in his voice. The white-haired teen raised a hand and backhanded the princess to the floor.

Yami and the Dark Magician Girl cried out as she fell. "Celena!" DM Girl ran to her charge and helped the disorientated girl to a sitting position.

"Bahku! Why did you do that?!" Yami yelled.

Bahku chuckled.

"Bahku?"

"I'm no longer the Bahku you know. I am now a thief and stealer of souls."

"Wha--?"

Five guards ran into the room, led by Kaju. The captain was startled as Bahku turned to face them. Their earlier confrontation stung in Kaju's mind as he examined his sa.

"Get him!" yelled a guard.

"No! Wait!" yelled Yami. But it was already too late.

Bahku chuckled as he called upon the Ring. "Imbeciles." He raised a hand and dark energy flowed forth. The four other guards yelled in agony as their souls were torn from their bodies and shredded as they were sent to the Shadow Realm. Everyone watched in horror as the pale lifeless bodies fell to the ground. Bahku shifted his attention to the horrified captain.

"So, Kaju…are you my next victim?"

"Bahku, please…wait…"

"Did you ever wait for me? You seemed to be right there to accuse me of murder. You didn't wait to give me this," snapped Bahku, pointing to the scar that covered the right side of his face.

"That wasn't me! You don't remember correctly! Just give me time…"

"I am not obliged to return any favors to you." He raised a hand. "Good bye." Another blast of dark magic and Bahku had banished his own father to the realm of lost souls as well. "And good riddance," laughed the tomb robber. "Join your pathetic drones."

"What have you done?!" yelled Yami, visibly shaking. He couldn't even hope to fight a power like this.

Bahku turned, nonchalantly brushing a stray bang out of his face which stubbornly fell back between his eyes. "What am I doing?" he asked with a smirk. "Just clean up duty."

Yami growled. "Dark Magician Girl…" The female mage looked up from Celena. "Take Celena and get out of here."

DM Girl was about to protest, but a glare from Dark cut her off. "There is too much to be lost," he said softly. Emerald eyes widened at his statement, but then she nodded. There was more to protect than Celena. She bowed her head, picked up the princess, and cautiously crept past Bahku, who didn't even bat an eye. Dark walked to Yami's side, staff held at ready, but he wasn't ready to attack yet.

"What has happened to you?" asked Yami sadly.

"I have changed! And all for the better. I will soon claim the royal family's treasure."

The pharaoh gasped. "How do you know about the Millennium Puzzle?!"

Bahku smirked. "Just say a little birdy told me."

"This is the last time I'll give you a chance to leave without harm." But Yami's voice wavered a bit at the thought of hurting, perhaps having to kill his best friend.

The thief just laughed. "Your empty threats don't scare me, pharaoh."

Yami backed up towards the Dark Magician. Suddenly, something was pressed urgently into his back. "Take it," whispered Dark.

Yami slowly obeyed, not wanting to attract attention to his actions. A cold metallic item was pressed into his hand. Feeling the sharp edges and engravings, Yami was shocked to find it was the Millennium Puzzle.

"Use it. You know how."

"I-I can't hurt him."

"You must…to keep your kingdom safe and everyone else close to you."

Yami's eyes narrowed in sorrow as he bowed his head in understanding.. He stepped away from the mage and towards his former friend.

Bahku smirked. "Finally going to fight back?" he mocked.

Yami looked up, searching for a sign…anything in Bahku's eyes that remained of the old Bahku. But he found none. "I'm sorry."

A look of confusion passed over the tomb robber's features.

Yami held up his hand and brought forth the Puzzle. "Mind Crush!" he yelled. The Sennen Eye flashing on his forehead.

Bahku yelled out in agony as his soul fought to stay in his body. He fell to his knees, onyx eyes blazing and the Ring glowing brightly, trying to hold off the spell. But it was futile. "I'll get you back one day, pharaoh! I swear on Ra's name I will return and claim your power!"

There was a flash of light and Yami shielded his eyes. When it receded, Bahku was gone, the only evidence of him ever being there was the Millennium Ring laying on the stone, its glow fading. The pharaoh fell to his knees in shock. He never knew he had that power. "Bahku…" Tears flowed from violet eyes as Bahku's hateful words echoed in his mind. The Dark Magician bowed his head and gave his charge a moment to mourn.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yami-chan: Continue on! Flames will be used to roast my evil cat! ^_^

Oh, and sooner or later, you'll find out exactly what Dark meant when he said, "There is too much to be lost." Heh heh. New OC introduction!!