Okay so I lied. I know I said I would try to update once a week, but I was kind of busy this week and I got a little preoccupied with another fic that I started writing. I didn't mean to start another story while I was still doing this one, but a friend of mind challenged me and well I could never resist a challenge, and now I think I'm stuck with it. Oh well…

Anyho thanks for all the reviews, and for those of you who guessed, it really isn't my plan to reveal what happens to Yugi every time he makes a wish right now, but I will say one thing, you guys are some pretty sharp readers…or maybe I'm just too predictable…if so then I'm definetly going to try to throw you in for loop in the near future of this fic. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, so what makes you think I own this!

I Dream A Yami

Chp.5 Deadly Encounters

Shizuka blinked up at the dark figure still unable to process in her mind what was going on. His icy blue eyes stared back down at her, completely unreadable and emotionless. Of all the people in the world to come and rescue her why did it have to be him? As a matter of fact…why was it him?

"Do I have to tell you twice? Unhand her right now before I have your head." Snapped Seto viciously.

"S-sorry general sir, I had no idea that this girl was your woman." Stammered the very surprised guard as he quickly jumped away from Shizuka.

Now he had done it. Before Seto was just a little upset, but now…

"My woman?" Seto cackled incredulously. "My woman? What makes you think this street mutt is my woman?"

Shizuka opened her mouth to protest to Seto's obvious insult, but was quickly cut off by what she saw next. Seto continued to laugh uncontrollably as the soldier stared at him wide-eyed, not sure what to do. As Seto continued to laugh the man started to relax, as he seemed to be amused and relieved by his superior's antics. However the moment he dropped his guard Seto drew his saber with lighting speed and stabbed the sentry in the shoulder. His smile quickly faded as the subzero tint in his eyes went artic.

"I'm not a man who tolerates idiocy very well. If I had things my way all the fools in the world would be dead already. Perhaps I should start with you?" The solider was unable to speak nonetheless scream from the unbearable pain, due to the fact that Seto's fierce eyes had managed to paralyze him. Like the eyes of a lethal snake he was caught in a trance between fear and death.

"What would even make you think that someone like me would have anything to do with a girl like this?" The man whimpered as Seto slightly twisted his saber relishing in the dark crimson that was now painting his sword it's favorite color. "Now I suggest a fool like you keep his mouth shut, and try to make the world a little less stupid."

The man fell to the floor and held his arm in pain as Seto ripped the soldiers sash off and used it to clean his sword. "Well? What are you just sitting around for? Don't you have a palace to guard?" Stated Seto coldly as he ignored the man's obvious anguish. Not having to be told twice the man quickly leapt to his feet, and ran as fast as he could out of sight, leaving only a trail of blood behind him.

Shizuka was petrified as she stared at the blue-eyed devil. She wasn't sure whether to thank him for saving her life, or run away for fear that he might attack her next. Finally after a long cold silence Shizuka found her voice. "You didn't have to do that…"

Seto raised his brow as if he was in shock that a girl like her would even dare to speak to him. "What you did was cruel and inhumane."

"Is this the way you thank all people?" Replied Seto callously just before a familiar smirk covered his lips. "I should have known that the sister of mutt would know nothing about being civil."

"Civil!?!" Exclaimed Shizuka in disbelief "You just stabbed a man in the arm like it was an everyday occurrence and then sent him back to work without giving him any medical attention!! Don't you even feel a little sorry for him….And stop calling my brother a mutt!!"

Seto's smirk only widened at Shizuka's outburst as it seemed he was unaffected by her anger. "Both stupid and naive, why should you care what happens to that man? Didn't he just try and rape you? If you were a lady worth any importance I would have killed that man on sight. Taking advantage of a woman is not a right reserved for a nobody like him."

"So then it is for you?" Retorted Shizuka sharply. Seto merely smiled in response, which only added fuel to Shizuka's internal flame.

"You are impossible!" She huffed as she turned away from him in disgust and stormed off.

"You know your going the wrong way." Called out a smug voice.

Shizuka stopped for a second and then continued to walk away. Seto let out a frustrated sigh, as he realized how stubborn street trash could be. "I'm impossible she says?"

"Listen!" He barked as he grabbed Shizuka by the shoulder and whirled her around to meet his angry face. "I will not have you running around this palace for Ra knows how long."

"Let go of me!" Threatened Shizuka fiercely as she slapped Seto's hand off of her. "What does it matter what I do. I'm not bothering you."

"It does matter. I'm the one who made the mistake of letting a rouge like your run free, so it's my responsibility to make sure you don't do anything stupid again. If you did, it would be my fault for not cutting you down like I should have."

"Don't be so self righteous!" Snapped Shizuka. "Just because you helped me doesn't mean I'm going to bow at your knees like the rest of your suck ups. If you wanted to kill me then you should have just done it. Otherwise don't go blaming your mistakes on me and then expect me to feel sorry for you."

Before Shizuka had a chance to take another breath she was instantly cut off as Seto drew his saber and brought it to her throat. Shizuka felt as though her heart had stopped as the stench of freshly spilt blood reeked from off his sword.

"Normally I'm not prone to take so many request, but if you insist." Smirked Seto maliciously.

Shizuka wasn't sure what to do. She knew she was completely defenseless. With the other solider she might have had a slim chance to escape, however after witnessing the feats of this sapphire demon, she knew all hope was lost. Now Shizuka was beginning to regret the fact that her pride usually clouded her better judgment, then again at this point in her life, her pride was all she had left. 'Well if I'm going to die, then I'll die with my dignity. I won't let this man get what he wants.'

"I guess swinging your little toy is the solution to all your problems? Well fine then, go ahead and kill me. That is if you think striking down a defenseless girl like me makes you feel like a big man."

Not many times in his life was Seto ever surprised, but the obvious defiance in this girl's eyes had taken him aback. However due to many years of harsh training outwardly Seto seemed to be unaffected although inwardly his heart was a little shocked. This wasn't how it was suppose to be. Woman weren't suppose to be this bold…well that is if he excluded the pharaoh. This little girl was suppose to be weeping at his feet and begging for forgiveness. Didn't she realize how near to death she was, and yet she was still running off her mouth. 

It was now suddenly becoming clear to Seto just how little he knew about woman. He had to admit that most his life he had dealt with nothing but men, and when it came right down to it, besides the pharaoh he really had no contact with them. In all truth he was usually so disgusted by their ridiculous behavior that he usually avoided them. He always thought them fragile rash creatures, which were too dependent and weak to be of any real use. If not for their ability to give birth, he would have thought it best to rid the world of them all entirely. And yet…and yet this little pathetic girl showed no fear at the edge of his blade where many men before her had died from mere fright just at the thought of being struck down by it.

He had to admit he was slightly impressed. If only all his soldiers were this courageous. Wait! What was he talking about? This girl was a good for nothing-stubborn mutt. She didn't know the first thing about bravery and honor. What could he have been thinking? Perhaps his ignorance of the female species had clouded his judgment.

"Tch," Spat Seto. "I have to admit striking down defenseless girls would haunt my conscious, however I hold no reserve for killing a mutt like you."

Now he had really done it! Physical abuse was one thing, but Shizuka could no longer bare this man's verbal attacks. "Take that back!" She shouted as she lunged forward, with no regard to the edge of his blade that was now at her throat.

Seto quickly withdrew his sword as he easily dodged her advance. Okay maybe he never wanted to admit it, but even though this girl was beneath him, he just couldn't find it in himself to strike down any kind of woman. Well at least not as easily as he would do a man. In all truth he never had any real intentions of killing her. Unless push came to shove…

Shizuka hit the ground in a somewhat stunned manner. She thought for sure she would be dead. Why had he moved out the way so suddenly? Now this man confused Shizuka even more. "Get up off the ground and let's go." Ordered Seto as he sheathed his saber and started to walk away.

Shizuka still seemed to be in a state of shock as it took her awhile to realize she was being spoken to. "What? Go where?" She stammered as she stood up and followed him as if in a trance. Something about his change in attitude had her compelled to go after him.

"I'm going to show you the way out of this place so I never have to see you stupid face again." Upon hearing Seto's insult Shizuka stopped in her tracks and started to walk in the other direction. Seto rolled his eyes just before he caught up with her and grabbed her wrist forcefully.

"That was not a request. Either you follow me or I kill you."

"Let go of me now!" She shouted as Seto easily dragged her down the hall.

"Look don't make this any harder than it has to be."  Shizuka let out a defeated sigh as she stopped struggling against Seto's pull. She really wasn't looking forward to being killed, as she realized her action's before were purely driven by anger. Luckily now she was thinking much more clearly. Then again she had a feeling that he never intended to kill her, but she also realized that this was probably his best attempt at being 'helpful'.

Shizuka skillfully snapped her hand out of Seto's grasp, which slightly startled him. "I'm not a baby! You don't have to hold my hand! I can walk on my own."

Seto held back the urge to say something smart as he merely stared down at her and then continued to walk away. Shizuka reluctantly followed him, not sure why she was trusting this heartless snake. Maybe it was because he had several chances to take advantage of her or kill her and yet he hadn't. Therefore she didn't see any reason why he would do it now. 'Maybe he's not as bad as he lets on.' Shizuka's gaze drifted toward the floor in thought as she suddenly noticed a trail of blood. 'No what am I thinking! This cruel jerk is a lot worse. He's just helping me to save his own pride! I'll follow him just this once, but if we ever meet again it will definitely be too soon!'

Seto stared at Shizuka through the corner of his eye, not sure what had gotten into him. Why couldn't he just kill this girl and be done with it. That would be the simplest and most efficient way to solve his problem. It's not like anyone worth any importance would miss her if she was gone. So in the end he wouldn't get in trouble for his crime, and even if he did who would dare to challenge his authority?

There was just something about this girl that he couldn't quite place. Whatever the reason, even though he couldn't kill her; he could at least get rid of her. If anyone was to ever find out that he had any relation to this street harlot his pride would be seriously injured. That was the only reason why he was helping her, or at least that was what he kept telling himself….

***************************************************

A dark glint of amethyst glittered from within the shadows, as the black silhouette let out a longing sigh. The boy leaned into his seat as he rested his chin on his hand and stared out the window. Suddenly a devilish smirk curled its way onto his lips as he watched all the commotion outside from the top floor of his estate. As he noticed a slight breeze sweep across the room his smile widened as he shifted his attention from the window to the ceiling. He murmured something intangible under his breath and then brushed his pale blonde bangs from in front of his face and chuckled silently.

"Master Malik! Master Malik!" Shouted a frantic man as he burst into the room, abruptly disturbing Malik's moment. Malik simply glared at the intrusion and then shut his eyes with annoyance.

"What is it?" He sighed dully as he reopened his eyes slowly and looked through the man.

"There is a group of men attacking us outside the estate walls." Cried the solider in a panic.

"Tell me something I don't know." Muttered Malik dryly.

"Well we don't think it's anything to worry too much about. We have increased security around the perimeter and I'm certain that there is no way any of them can make it here so there is no need for you concern yourself on the matter. I just came here to let you know."

"Would you stake your life on it?" Replied Malik calmly as a strange gleam filled his eyes.

"Umm-well I guess so." Stammered the man nervously as he wasn't sure what had taken over his leader.

"Come here." Commanded Malik monotonously as he motioned for the man to step up in front of him.

The solider uneasily stepped up towards Malik just before his eyes widened. He then let out a pained gasp as he hit the ground. Malik stared at his lifeless body and smirked just before he looked up to meet his unwelcomed guest.

The white haired phantom jumped from off the ceiling beam he was hiding behind and landed in front of Malik. He grinned deviously, just before he pulled his sword from out the soldier's back and licked the blood off the blade. "Damn…I missed."

"Bakura, if you wanted to come and visit me all you needed do was knock."

"Shut up!" Barked Bakura furiously as he pointed his sword at Malik accusingly. "Don't give me your cocky attitude."

"Attitude? Why would I do a thing like that?" Smiled Malik innocently.

"Don't you even start with me you no good crook." Thundered Bakura as he made his way closer to Malik, sword poised to strike. "Don't think I have forgotten what you did."

However just before he could reach his goal he was met with a hard punch to the face. "Don't think I will let you take another step closer. Besides you're the last person who has the right to call anyone a crook." Sounded a deep voice from within the shadows.

"Now, now Odion, that is no way to treat our guest." Chuckled Malik.

"But Master Malik-"

Bakura quickly interrupted Odion as he charged at him sword first. Odion easily dodged Bakura's advances and met his blade with his own. "How dare you hit me. I won't let you live to get away with that."

"Silly boy," growled Odion as he threw all his weight into his sword, sending the much smaller boy hurdling off balance. "There is no way you can match me in a contest of strength."

"Ai, that may me true," sneered Bakura as he sheathed his sword. "But I could always out smart you."

Odion's eye's widened as he barely dodged the two daggers coming at him. He held his cheek tightly as a stream of blood poured from his hands.

"Well as they always say, an eye for an eye…" Odion glared at the grinning Bakura.

"Why you-"

"I said that's enough!" Thundered Malik as his patience finally snapped. "Now why have you come here?"

"Don't act like you don't know!" Growled Bakura as he stepped towards Malik just before Odion intercepted him. Bakura glowered at Odion as he reluctantly retaliated from his advance.

"Thanks to that phony map you tried to sell me, I lost some of my best men. Now I must admit I don't care enough to avenge their deaths, however I do care enough to repay you for wasting my time!"

"Is that all?" Chuckled Malik casually.

That had about done it!  Bakura was beyond rage as he got ready to lunge at Malik, in order to show him it "all."

"What are you blaming Master Malik for?" Interrupted Odion as he once again blocked Bakura's path. "Didn't you steal the map from him in the first place?"

"That's besides the point." Spat Bakura. "He still tried to sell it to me, which led me to believe it was worth stealing."

"So then what you're asking me for is payment for your loses?" Questioned Malik patiently.

"No, what I'm asking you for is your head." Snarled Bakura.

"Not even if I say I could pay you well? You know money isn't everything. Sometimes information is just as rewarding." Bakura eyed Malik suspiciously as he made no attempt to answer him.

"I know where your brother is." Suddenly Bakura's firm stance faltered as his eye's whitened about three shades paler. Malik's grin widened as he realized he had finally caught Bakura off guard.

However just as quickly as Bakura lost himself he immediately regained his composure. "Just give me the damn money and I'll spare your life. I suppose if I killed you now I wouldn't gain anything financially."

"Money…hmm how disappointing…" Frowned Malik as his amused gaze faded "but I guess if that is what you want then that's fine with me. I'm just happy to be of service."

"Go to hell! I'll make sure this cost you dearly." Muttered Bakura sourly as he turned to leave. Odion watched Bakura very carefully until he knew he and Malik were completely alone.

"I don't understand you Master Malik. Why did you keep me from killing that boy after he threatened your life?" Questioned Odion somewhat angrily.

"Bakura!?!" Scoffed Malik incredulously. "Don't make me laugh Odion. There is nothing to worry about. I'm not afraid of him in the slightest. True he's one of my more deadlier acquaintances, however he poses no serious threat to me."

"Very well if that is so then why did you pay him for the mistake that he made? He stole the map from you in the first place, and it's not like he found anything? He failed."

"Ahh, that's where you're wrong Odion." Smiled Malik knowingly as he leaned his face over his crossed hands smugly. "You see I knew if I tried to sell the map to Bakura for a substantial amount of money he would try and steal it from me behind my back. I basically gave it to him! I manipulated him into doing all of this and the damn fool was too cocky to even realize it." Odion merely stared at Malik uneasily as he listened to him laugh manically.

"The reason why I did this is because I knew only a master thief such as him would somehow be able to pull this off where several of my own men had failed. Also in the end he was successful…well sort of. He might not have found anything himself, however someone else did. So therefore I see no reason not to pay him for his services rendered. Besides I still need Bakura. He has become a very important part of my master plan. It's not time for him to die yet."

Odion still had a look of displeasure on his face, as he wasn't sure what his master was up to. The one thing he did know was that he didn't care too much for Malik letting anyone after his life live. "As you say Master Malik…however what was it that you were looking for, and how do you know it was found if Bakura claims he gained nothing."

"My dear Odion what I seek is a power you would never imagine possible. Believe me I know it was found. I have my sources. Also lately there has been a lot of high-level magic concentrated in uptown Cairo. Now the only thing I need to do is find it and then the beginning of Egypt's redemption will soon be upon us." Malik continued to cackle as Odion stared over his leader's shoulders and glared.

Two purple orbs shined from within the shadows behind Malik like the eyes of a demon. Odion scowled at the man and then turned to leave. 'My master, I know this is all his doing, however I will follow you to the ends of the earth…no matter what.'

*********************************************************

"Wow Yami I can't believe it but you actually pulled it off. And I have to admit, you were great." Cheered Yugi as he landed on the bed and stared at the ceiling blissfully.

"Yes, I got to admit that was a little…fun." Smiled Yami as he sat in the chair next to Yugi.

"Man I could have never pulled that off!" Continued Yugi as he glanced over at Yami happily.

"I wouldn't take all the credit Yugi." Smirked Yami as he gave Yugi a sly look. "That scene with Anzu…well I must admit that wasn't exactly all my doing."

"Really?"

"Yes Yugi…" Chuckled Yami quietly. "You see I don't have much experience when it comes to woman so I merely probed your inner most thoughts and played upon what I saw there. That is what you always wanted to do, so I just merely acted on your wishes."

"I guess that's true," Thought Yugi aloud as he brought his finger to his mouth suggestively. "But I could have never done it the way that you did. I would have got nervous, but you! You were so cool about it. I wish I were that bold!"

"Self confidence Yugisama." Grinned Yami impishly as he brought his hand up as though he were going to grant Yugi a wish.

"Shut up Yami." Giggled Yugi as he threw a pillow square between his eyes. Yami fell from out his chair and then glared at Yugi. Yugi let out a nervous gasp, as he wasn't sure what the angry spirit would do. However to his surprise Yami let out a triumphant "Aha" just before he snatched the blanket Yugi was lying on from under him and sent the boy flying into the air. When Yugi finally recovered he was clocked in the head with a pillow as Yami pointed and laughed. Yugi glared at Yami, which sadly resembled a cute pout sending the spirit into another fit of laughter."

When Yami finally calmed down Yugi spoke. "Well I just want to thank you Yami. I really appreciate what you did."

Suddenly Yami's smile faded as he stared at the ground. "Yugi, I didn't have a choice. It was your wish."

"Yeah I know but you did have to do it so well." Retaliated Yugi warmly, causing the spirit to only avert his gaze further. "I admit you've got talent."

"Well I guess it all did come to me kind of naturally…it's almost like I've done all this before."

"You mean…" Gasped Yugi. "You haven't always been the spirit of the Sennen puzzle?"

Yami grew silent, as he seemed to be thinking something over in his head. Finally he reluctantly spoke up. "….No, I haven't. You see, a long time ago I wasn't a person much different then yourself. Well as far as I can remember."

"What do you mean?" Questioned Yugi with even more concern than before.

"I really don't remember who I was, and why I am the way that I am now. It's almost like my feelings and memories have been lost in a pool of shadows." Yami suddenly felt his face grow warm as he wasn't sure why he was sharing this all with Yugi. Never before had he ever told anyone this.

"Yami…that's horrible!" Exclaimed Yugi. "That's just not fair!"

"Yugi?"

"You don't deserve to be a prisoner of this puzzle!" Shouted Yugi even louder than before. "Is there any way that you can be released? Could I…could I somehow wish you free?!?"

Finally Yami looked back up at Yugi as he seemed to be in shock. "Yugi…you would do that for me?"

"Of course I would." Cried Yugi as he brought his hand to his chest.

Yami suddenly began to chuckle as a sad gleam clouded his normally fiery crimsons. "Heh, I got to admit, for the hundreds of years that I have been trapped in the puzzle I never had a master who ever asked me that question. However, I don't think that is possible. I don't think I have the ability to do that. There's only one way that I could ever be freed."

"Well how do you know unless you try?"

"……."

"Then tell me Yami, what is the one way that you can be freed? Maybe I can help you." Offered Yugi softly.

Yami immediately dropped his gaze to the floor, as he could no longer bear to look into Yugi's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but then quickly shut it. Finally he balled his fist to his sides and whipped  his head up to meet Yugi. "What is wrong with you Yugi!?! Don't waste your wishes on me!!!"

"It's not a waste if I can have as many as I want!" Shouted Yugi as he slammed his hand down on the bed.

"Not if you free me!" Snapped Yami. "Besides I just don't understand why you would do that for me? It's not like were friends or anything. I only helped you because you wished me to do so. Don't think this changes anything between us! Gods your so naïve."

Before Yugi had a chance to speak, Yami suddenly disappeared as he returned to the confines of the Sennen puzzle.

"Fine then Yami! Be that way! You're right I am stupid for thinking I could ever be friends with a stuck up arrogant jerk like you!" Cried Yugi angrily as he ripped the Sennen puzzle from off his neck , threw it at the wall, and landed head first onto his bed.

Yami stared at the darkness in front of him and frowned. He wasn't sure whether to be angry or regretful. However his mood didn't get any better as he suddenly heard Yugi sulking into his pillow. It was then he realized that he still hadn't broken his mind link with Yugi, and now a flood of frustration and sadness was consuming his soul.

"Dammit! This isn't fair. It's not supposed to be this way. I'm not supposed to like him. Now I feel guilty…. And now…I'm not sure if I can do this anymore."

To be continued….

Ouu, what could be botherin Yami so?? What could he be hiding? For those of you who've guessed it already, shhh (wink ^_~), and for those of you who haven't…you will soon enough!

Yeah and I know Odion's name is Rashid, but I like Odion better…other than that I don't know what the hell was wrong with the American dubbers. I mean how do you go from Katsuya Jonouchi to Joey Wheeler (I'm not saying I hate the name, it's just not original)!?! They also insist on calling Yami the spirit of the millennium puzzle!?! Come on folks, it's not like Yami is a bad word…oh well that's just WB for ya and at least they didn't change Seto's name.

Speaking of which, here's an interesting fact. I'm sure some of you hardcore Seto fans already know that Seto means seahorse in Japanese, but did you also know that in some oriental cultures the seahorse is often linked with dragons and used interchangeably. I guess they just thought they looked a lot alike or something, I'm not sure… At first when I found out Seto meant seahorse I was like WTF, but now it makes sense. They were just finding another way to link Seto with dragons!

I also found out that Yugi and Jou's name put together ("Yujo") is a kanji phrase for friendship. Hmm, well who would of thunk Takahshi could be so witty with names…then again this is coming from the awesome mind of the guy who invented the series!

^.^ Oh and how I have plans for the next couple of chapters. Let's just say that their going to be a little more relationship focused. It's time for Momo to bring on the romance.

Anyways enough of my blabber, as always thanks for all the great reviews and support and by all means feel free to continue with it! The more you guys review, the more quicker I'll get the chapters rollin!

Ciao!