A/N - Warning, there is some lime in this chapter.
I should warn you right now that there will be no lemons since I want to keep the story PG-13.
Sorry.
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The rest of the day passed by quickly for all those aboard. By noon Bakura and Ryou emerged from their cabin again, Ryou was blushing with a large smile on his face while Bakura looked smug, it was obvious what they had been up to during the time they had disappeared.
Not long after that Malik and Marik rejoined the group. Strangely enough Malik had discovered that he had enjoyed the company of the blonde pirate all morning as he talked about his homeland. Malik was beginning to feel more like an actual guest aboard the ship instead of a captive. However during his talk with Marik he couldn't help but keep thinking about how Yugi was doing in the back of his mind. He had felt bad for just leaving Yugi alone like that and hoped his young friend was all right. To his surprise however he found Yugi standing close to Yami and both were laughing and chuckling as Yami told Yugi another one of his amazing adventures.
When night soon fell across the sea, Bakura and Ryou quickly excused themselves and retreated to their cabin claiming they were tired all while faking a yawn. Marik and Malik also soon decided to turn in since neither had gotten much sleep the night before.
"Both you and Yugi can use my cabin again," Yami told Malik who was currently yawning and trying to nod his head.
"Come on Yugi," Malik told Yugi as he began to walk away. Yugi looked after Malik and then back again at Yami before looking at Malik once again.
"I'm not tired," Yugi admitted wanting to spend more time with Yami.
"Umm . . . okay," Malik replied, he really didn't want to spend the night alone.
Sensing that something was wrong with the younger blonde Marik, who had also been walking towards his own cabin stopped and turned to Malik. "You can stay with me tonight," he offered.
"Sure," Malik nodded. With one last look at Yugi Malik followed Marik to his cabin for the night.
"It's just us now," Yami said, turning to Yugi. Seto had long ago retired for the night with his puppy.
"Yeah," Yugi replied with a small, shy smile.
*~*~*
"I love you," breathed Ryou into Bakura's ear. The pair were barely able to contain themselves from attacking each other before they were safely inside of their own cabin. That morning did little to wear the pair out as they had a long time to make up for. Upon entering the cabin they fell in onto the bed their limbs tangled together.
"Mmmmm," Bakura moaned as he continued to kiss Ryou's neck. Ryou was currently being pressed into the bed with Bakura on top of him. Bakura slowly moved his mouth from Ryou's neck to his mouth, capturing his lips in a heated kiss.
The dampness of the cabin seemed to fade as Bakura continued his assault on Ryou. They were both panting and both were trying to remove their excess clothing. Soon enough they were both naked. Their moaning increased as they rubbed against each other.
"Keep it down in there!" an angry voice suddenly called out and there was a pounding against the wall. "Some of us are trying to sleep!"
Bakura felt like cursing out Marik but he was far too distracted by Ryou kissing all over his face to care.
*~*~*
"Sorry they're usually not screwing like bunnies," Marik told Malik as they settled down on Marik's bed for some much needed sleep. The moaning continued on in the room next door. "I wouldn't have offered if I had known."
"It's okay," Malik replied with a yawn. He was really too tired to think about what was happening in the next room. Besides as long as Ryou was happy, he was happy. "I just really need some sleep."
"Me too," agreed Marik as they snuggled down in the bed together, Marik on one side of the bed, Malik on the other. "Night."
"Good night Marik."
Both of them then soon fell fast asleep.
*~*~*
"Are you sure you're not tired?" Yami asked with a laugh as Yugi yawned for about the twentieth time in ten minutes.
"Positive," Yugi replied with another yawn. Sleep would be nice but he wanted to spend some more time with the pirate captain.
"Come on," Yami laughed as he grabbed Yugi's wrist and started dragging the young one towards his cabin. "Tristian you have the night watch," Yami ordered the one called Tristian who nodded his head. Yami then continued to drag Yugi towards his own cabin. Upon reaching it Yami dragged Yugi inside. "Time to sleep," Yami ordered him playfully.
"No," Yugi protested with a pout.
"Yes!" Yami grinned. "Come on, I'm tired. It's time to sleep. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
"Okay," agreed Yugi realizing that Yami was planning on staying with him. They each laid down on the bed, but sleep was not coming to either of them.
"Yugi?"
"Yeah?"
"Tell me about your life, you heard all about mine this afternoon."
"There's not much to tell," Yugi admitted softly. "I was raised by my grandfather since my parents were killed when I was young. He's really over protective of me since I'm his last living relative. He's probably freaking out right now not knowing where I am."
Yam was quiet at this information, but he wasn't too upset since he knew that in a few days Yugi would be safely back with his grandfather. "How did your parents die?" he asked instead, hoping that it wasn't too much of a sore subject. Yugi did say that they died when he was young so it had to have been a long time ago.
"They were killed by pirates during a raid of our village," Yugi replied quietly. "I was then sent to live with my grandfather."
"Oh," was all that Yami could say. He didn't want to think about how many Yugi's he created in the world since becoming a pirate.
"You know I think I am kinda tired now," Yugi admitted suddenly. Yami mentally kicked himself for bringing up painful memories for Yugi.
"Alright," Yami nodded. The pair then snuggled down together for a peaceful night sleep.
*~*~*
A few hours later Marik woke to find a comfortable warmth lying on top of him. Opening his eyes Marik discovered that the warmth was actually Malik who was lying half on top of him. During the night the pair had both gravitated towards the center of the bed and Malik had ended up on top of the blonde pirate. Strangely enough Marik did not mind having Malik on top of him.
Feeling Marik stirring Malik slowly began to wake, opening his eyes to stare at Marik.
"Uhh . . ." stuttered Malik as he rolled off of Marik and back to his own side of the bed.
"I have to go to work now," Marik told him as he slid out of the bed.
"Okay," nodded Malik.
"Get some sleep and I'll see you later," Marik replied as he quickly dressed and walked outside into the cool night air as it would be a few more hours until the sun rose. Marik was slightly surprised to find that Yami had already gone to bed. But of course he had noticed how much Yami seemed to be enjoying Yugi's company all day.
Marik was actually kind of grateful that no one was around. That gave him time to think about Malik. Sure he was attractive and he was fun to be around when he wasn't bitching about something, but they were from different worlds. Malik wouldn't have even talked to him this afternoon if he hadn't learned that Marik was from Egypt and that was only because Marik had been the only one who had not been busy at the time.
"Lets see you're alone up here and there's no crewmembers missing," a voice called out through the night and Marik could see Seto walking towards him. "Something must be wrong."
"It's still early," Marik growled. He really didn't need to put up with Seto's sarcastic remarks at the moment.
"Save your murderous rage until we do at Canida this afternoon. Bakura may need some backup," Seto calmly advised. He had known Marik for far too long to be intimidated by the blonde's threats.
"Fine!" Marik snapped, before storming away wordlessly leaving Seto in control of the ship.
*~*~*
As the hours wore on Yami and Yugi eventually woke and joined Seto on the deck. Marik was still missing but no one was concerned since there was little he could disappear to for very long on the ship. Malik, Bakura and Ryou had not woken yet. Bakura and Ryou were no surprise to anything, even little Yugi. Malik however was an entirely different story since he was usually up pretty early in the morning, which was why Yugi eventually excused himself to go find his friend.
Yugi tried Marik's room first since he knew that Malik had spent the night there. He also suspected that even if Malik wasn't there that Marik might be and he might know where the other blonde was. Fortunately for Yugi when he knocked on the door it was Malik's voice that told him to enter.
"Hey," Yugi called softly as he opened the door and walked inside to find the blacken room empty except for his friend.
"Hey Yugi," Malik replied with a tired sigh. He did not get any sleep at all since Marik had left. Not only had he been confused by his emotions of waking up in Marik's arms but he found himself not being able to sleep without the older blonde by his side.
"What's wrong?" Yugi asked as he sat down on the bed next to Malik. "Did Marik do something to you?!"
"No!" Malik quickly replied before looking down at the blanket finding it very interesting. "I just didn't get much sleep okay. I'll just be glad to get home that's all."
"Yeah," Yugi replied kind of sadly. Already he considered Yami his friend and would miss him when he and Malik were sent back home.
"Come on lets go get something to eat," Malik suggested as he slid out of the bed and dressed. The last thing he wanted to do was let Yugi know of his mixed up feelings for Marik. In Malik's mind, Marik would be gone from his life forever in a matter of days. It wasn't right to fall in love with him.
*~*~*
Shortly after noon Canida could be seen on the horizon. Marik had since reappeared but both he and Malik kept far away from each other. Everyone could tell that something happened between the two of them the night before that was causing tension.
Bakura and Ryou on the other hand seemed even closer then ever if possible. Bakura currently had his arm slung tightly around Ryou's waist and would kiss his neck every so often.
Yugi and Yami also seemed closer that of the day before. They were also hanging out close to each other softly talking.
"So what's the plan?" Seto asked after the order was given to drop the anchor.
"Two boats will go to shore," Yami commanded. "Marik, Bakura and myself will be after the diary. The other boat is to be crewed by Tristian and Jou. Jou has already been given a list of items to pick up. You, Seto, are to stay here with Ryou, I want everything to be ready to go as soon as Marik, Bakura and I get back since more than likely that Jou and Tristian will be back before us." Yami then turned his attention to Yugi and Malik. "I know I promised to let the two of you go as soon as we reached our next stop but Canida isn't the safest place to let you go. You can go of course if you want but I think it would be better if you guys stick with us for a little while longer and we'll drop you off someplace safe after we get our treasure."
"Okay," Yugi nodded brightly happy to be spending some more time with Yami. Malik didn't look quiet as happy as he know had to spend more uncomfortable time with Marik. Avoiding Marik seemed to be the best way to not fall in love with him but it would be hard to avoid him for much longer.
"Stay on board with Seto and Ryou then," Yami told the two of them. "You'll be safer here." Yugi nodded his head again at this although he was slightly disappointed that he would not be able to go with Yami and be apart of one of the many adventures that Yami had told him about the day before.
"Lets get this over with," Bakura growled. He wanted to be finished quickly so he could get back to Ryou as soon as possible. After what happened yesterday he wasn't too keen on letting Ryou stay aboard the ship without him.
Two small boats were slowly lowered into the water. After a quick passionate kiss to Ryou, Bakura along with Marik and Yami climbed down to one boat while Tristian, Jou, Bones and another crew member Duke climbed down into the other boat. Both boats began rowing towards shore.
"Lazy Captain," Marik muttered who was doing the rowing for his boat. Bakura had claimed he needed to keep his strength up and therefore could not row and Yami had downright refused to row claiming he was busy plotting out strategy, that left Marik as the unfortunate one to row. Over in the other boat Bones was doing the rowing after being out voted by the other three men. Soon however both boats had made it to shore and docked at the port there. Tristian, Jou, Bones and Duke then headed to the nearby market while Bakura, Yami and Marik headed further in town.
"Are you sure you know where you're going?" Bakura asked Yami with annoyance.
"Yes," Yami nodded as he led them through the town until they came to a building that was ladled a Museum/Library. Yami pushed open the doors and the group found themselves standing in a large room with a wide variety of artifacts from all over the world arranged throughout the room.
"Feels kinda like home," Marik remarked upon seeing that most of the artifacts were from Egypt.
"So where's this diary?" Bakura asked while his eyes captured the attention of a Egyptian bracelet that had once belonged to a Pharaoh. Bakura thought that the bracelet would look perfect on Ryou.
"In a safe place," a new voice replied. From down a staircase walked a man wearing Egyptian clothes. "I am Shadi, owner of this place," he told them. "And you my friends have come for the diary that will lead you to the Millennium Items."
"How do you know that?" Yami asked. No one on his crew except for Seto knew that they were after except the small group of new arrivals who had kept to themselves the entire time.
"I have foreseen it," the man called Shadi replied. "I must warn you though that only those destine to hold the Millennium Items will be able to break the cursed spell set upon the items long ago. Those who fail to break the curse will be killed. Others before you have tried and they have all failed."
"Believe in curses all you want but I don't," Bakura declared. "So hand over this diary since you think we're going to get killed anyways."
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why not?!" Yami complained, there was something not right about this, he could sense it.
"Because the diary was destroyed long ago," Shadi explained. "It was far too dangerous to kept around."
"I say he's lying!" Marik snapped, pulling out his sword. "Lets kill him and tear the place apart looking for it!"
"You did not allow me to finish Marik," Shadi calmly replied, Marik paused at this wondering how Shadi knew his name. "The diary was destroyed but before it was I had my assistance memorize the contents of the diary. My assistant knows all of the diary secrets and is what is needed if one wants to find the Millennium Items."
"So where is he?" Yami asked as long as he found the items he didn't care how he found them.
"Right here," replied another voice and from the staircase walked down a young woman with raven hair who was also wearing Egyptian clothing. "I am Isis."
"This is some trick," Bakura muttered to Yami. "I say we do what Marik wanted and kill them all before finding the diary ourselves."
"No," Yami replied with a shake of his head. "We do things their way for now," he told his two friends before turning his attention back to Shadi and Isis. "But if this is some sort of game I will have your heads. Now tell me where I can find these Millennium Items."
"I will take you there," Isis replied.
"No, you're going to tell me," Yami growled.
"One can only be shown the way not told," Isis quickly explained.
"I repeat, lets just kill them," Marik said again while Bakura nodded his head in agreement.
"Fine," Yami hissed. "You can come."
"But--" Bakura began to protest but Yami cut him off.
"Look as long as I get those items I don't care what I have to do! Need I remind you, you never even heard about them before I told you since I thought I would have to steal the diary? Right now I need her more then I need you so either live with it or leave."
"Don't force me to leave again!" Bakura angrily snapped.
"Or me!" Marik yelled.
"I don't remember begging either of you to come back!" Yami yelled at both of them while Shadi and Isis looked on with impassionate faces.
"Quiet all of you," Shadi calmly told them all, which made both Marik and Bakura want to smack him out of frustration. "Your friendship is still fragile at this point but that will soon be changed."
"Yes," Isis nodded. "Only together will you prevail at your goal."
"Just get your things and lets go," Bakura growled at her. He then stormed towards the exit with Marik close behind him. Yami looked ready to follow them for the mere fact that he wanted to yell at them some more but instead he forced himself to wait for Isis.
"Farewell Isis," Shadi told his assistant. "You know what you have to do."
"Yes," Isis replied while nodding her head. "Farewell Shadi and I will soon see you again."
*~*~*
The trip back to the ship was a quiet one. Neither Yami, Bakura nor Marik were talking for they knew if they said anything they would just end up yelling at each other again. They didn't want that for they would draw unwanted attention to themselves. Isis on the other hand was left alone to her own thoughts since not even Yami liked the idea of having her along.
Reaching their boat, Yami began rowing them back to the Duel Monster since Bakura and Marik were too busy being stubborn. However halfway there Bakura declared that Yami was too slow and took over rowing for himself.
Finally they reached Yami's ship and climbed back up to the deck.
"You're back!" beamed Ryou before sensing that something was wrong. His suspicions were correct when Bakura immediately grabbed him and dragged him towards their room before another word could be said.
While Yami was filling in Seto, Malik, who had been hanging out in the back of the group to avoid Marik, rushed forward and hugged the newcomer. "Ishizu!" he cried happily.
"Ishizu?" Marik asked while looking at Isis. She never mentioned having a different name before but then he remembered that they hadn't exactly given her the greatest company since they left the museum/library.
"Malik?" Isis asked with disbelief while the others looked on with confusion. "What are you doing here Malik? Why are you not with father?!"
"I was kidnapped," Malik quickly explained to her. "Yami hasn't let Yugi and I go yet. But what are you doing here?"
"That is a long story my brother," Isis replied with a smile.
"Brother?!" Marik cried as he stared at Malik. "Isis is your sister that disappeared years ago?"
"Yeah," Malik replied happily as he nodded his head.
"Wow Ishizu you look great!" Yugi told her happy for both of them. He was also glad to see Isis again though since Yugi had spent a great deal of time at the Ishtar home while growing up. His comment however grew a small growl from Yami.
"Yugi look at how you've grown!" Isis cried before hugging him. This grew an even larger growl from Yami. Marik was about to comment on the growls coming from the pirate captain but then he remembered that he was still mad at Yami.
"You can have time for your reunion later but right now I want to get out of here," Yami angrily snapped. "Isis what is the way?"
"Head south for now," Isis told him. "I will give further instructions later."
"Fine!" growled Yami before he stormed off to deliver the orders. Yugi looked after him for a moment with a curious look before running after the pirate captain. Those who were still apart of the group could see Yugi say something to Yami when he caught up to the pirate who then fondly smiled down at Yugi.
"I'm going to go get some sleep," Marik suddenly announced even though it was not even mid afternoon, before walking swiftly away. He wanted to spent some time with Malik but he knew that would be impossible now that he was just reunited with his sister.
"I need to find my puppy," Seto declared before he too walked off leaving the Ishtar siblings some time alone to catch up on their lives.
I should warn you right now that there will be no lemons since I want to keep the story PG-13.
Sorry.
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The rest of the day passed by quickly for all those aboard. By noon Bakura and Ryou emerged from their cabin again, Ryou was blushing with a large smile on his face while Bakura looked smug, it was obvious what they had been up to during the time they had disappeared.
Not long after that Malik and Marik rejoined the group. Strangely enough Malik had discovered that he had enjoyed the company of the blonde pirate all morning as he talked about his homeland. Malik was beginning to feel more like an actual guest aboard the ship instead of a captive. However during his talk with Marik he couldn't help but keep thinking about how Yugi was doing in the back of his mind. He had felt bad for just leaving Yugi alone like that and hoped his young friend was all right. To his surprise however he found Yugi standing close to Yami and both were laughing and chuckling as Yami told Yugi another one of his amazing adventures.
When night soon fell across the sea, Bakura and Ryou quickly excused themselves and retreated to their cabin claiming they were tired all while faking a yawn. Marik and Malik also soon decided to turn in since neither had gotten much sleep the night before.
"Both you and Yugi can use my cabin again," Yami told Malik who was currently yawning and trying to nod his head.
"Come on Yugi," Malik told Yugi as he began to walk away. Yugi looked after Malik and then back again at Yami before looking at Malik once again.
"I'm not tired," Yugi admitted wanting to spend more time with Yami.
"Umm . . . okay," Malik replied, he really didn't want to spend the night alone.
Sensing that something was wrong with the younger blonde Marik, who had also been walking towards his own cabin stopped and turned to Malik. "You can stay with me tonight," he offered.
"Sure," Malik nodded. With one last look at Yugi Malik followed Marik to his cabin for the night.
"It's just us now," Yami said, turning to Yugi. Seto had long ago retired for the night with his puppy.
"Yeah," Yugi replied with a small, shy smile.
*~*~*
"I love you," breathed Ryou into Bakura's ear. The pair were barely able to contain themselves from attacking each other before they were safely inside of their own cabin. That morning did little to wear the pair out as they had a long time to make up for. Upon entering the cabin they fell in onto the bed their limbs tangled together.
"Mmmmm," Bakura moaned as he continued to kiss Ryou's neck. Ryou was currently being pressed into the bed with Bakura on top of him. Bakura slowly moved his mouth from Ryou's neck to his mouth, capturing his lips in a heated kiss.
The dampness of the cabin seemed to fade as Bakura continued his assault on Ryou. They were both panting and both were trying to remove their excess clothing. Soon enough they were both naked. Their moaning increased as they rubbed against each other.
"Keep it down in there!" an angry voice suddenly called out and there was a pounding against the wall. "Some of us are trying to sleep!"
Bakura felt like cursing out Marik but he was far too distracted by Ryou kissing all over his face to care.
*~*~*
"Sorry they're usually not screwing like bunnies," Marik told Malik as they settled down on Marik's bed for some much needed sleep. The moaning continued on in the room next door. "I wouldn't have offered if I had known."
"It's okay," Malik replied with a yawn. He was really too tired to think about what was happening in the next room. Besides as long as Ryou was happy, he was happy. "I just really need some sleep."
"Me too," agreed Marik as they snuggled down in the bed together, Marik on one side of the bed, Malik on the other. "Night."
"Good night Marik."
Both of them then soon fell fast asleep.
*~*~*
"Are you sure you're not tired?" Yami asked with a laugh as Yugi yawned for about the twentieth time in ten minutes.
"Positive," Yugi replied with another yawn. Sleep would be nice but he wanted to spend some more time with the pirate captain.
"Come on," Yami laughed as he grabbed Yugi's wrist and started dragging the young one towards his cabin. "Tristian you have the night watch," Yami ordered the one called Tristian who nodded his head. Yami then continued to drag Yugi towards his own cabin. Upon reaching it Yami dragged Yugi inside. "Time to sleep," Yami ordered him playfully.
"No," Yugi protested with a pout.
"Yes!" Yami grinned. "Come on, I'm tired. It's time to sleep. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
"Okay," agreed Yugi realizing that Yami was planning on staying with him. They each laid down on the bed, but sleep was not coming to either of them.
"Yugi?"
"Yeah?"
"Tell me about your life, you heard all about mine this afternoon."
"There's not much to tell," Yugi admitted softly. "I was raised by my grandfather since my parents were killed when I was young. He's really over protective of me since I'm his last living relative. He's probably freaking out right now not knowing where I am."
Yam was quiet at this information, but he wasn't too upset since he knew that in a few days Yugi would be safely back with his grandfather. "How did your parents die?" he asked instead, hoping that it wasn't too much of a sore subject. Yugi did say that they died when he was young so it had to have been a long time ago.
"They were killed by pirates during a raid of our village," Yugi replied quietly. "I was then sent to live with my grandfather."
"Oh," was all that Yami could say. He didn't want to think about how many Yugi's he created in the world since becoming a pirate.
"You know I think I am kinda tired now," Yugi admitted suddenly. Yami mentally kicked himself for bringing up painful memories for Yugi.
"Alright," Yami nodded. The pair then snuggled down together for a peaceful night sleep.
*~*~*
A few hours later Marik woke to find a comfortable warmth lying on top of him. Opening his eyes Marik discovered that the warmth was actually Malik who was lying half on top of him. During the night the pair had both gravitated towards the center of the bed and Malik had ended up on top of the blonde pirate. Strangely enough Marik did not mind having Malik on top of him.
Feeling Marik stirring Malik slowly began to wake, opening his eyes to stare at Marik.
"Uhh . . ." stuttered Malik as he rolled off of Marik and back to his own side of the bed.
"I have to go to work now," Marik told him as he slid out of the bed.
"Okay," nodded Malik.
"Get some sleep and I'll see you later," Marik replied as he quickly dressed and walked outside into the cool night air as it would be a few more hours until the sun rose. Marik was slightly surprised to find that Yami had already gone to bed. But of course he had noticed how much Yami seemed to be enjoying Yugi's company all day.
Marik was actually kind of grateful that no one was around. That gave him time to think about Malik. Sure he was attractive and he was fun to be around when he wasn't bitching about something, but they were from different worlds. Malik wouldn't have even talked to him this afternoon if he hadn't learned that Marik was from Egypt and that was only because Marik had been the only one who had not been busy at the time.
"Lets see you're alone up here and there's no crewmembers missing," a voice called out through the night and Marik could see Seto walking towards him. "Something must be wrong."
"It's still early," Marik growled. He really didn't need to put up with Seto's sarcastic remarks at the moment.
"Save your murderous rage until we do at Canida this afternoon. Bakura may need some backup," Seto calmly advised. He had known Marik for far too long to be intimidated by the blonde's threats.
"Fine!" Marik snapped, before storming away wordlessly leaving Seto in control of the ship.
*~*~*
As the hours wore on Yami and Yugi eventually woke and joined Seto on the deck. Marik was still missing but no one was concerned since there was little he could disappear to for very long on the ship. Malik, Bakura and Ryou had not woken yet. Bakura and Ryou were no surprise to anything, even little Yugi. Malik however was an entirely different story since he was usually up pretty early in the morning, which was why Yugi eventually excused himself to go find his friend.
Yugi tried Marik's room first since he knew that Malik had spent the night there. He also suspected that even if Malik wasn't there that Marik might be and he might know where the other blonde was. Fortunately for Yugi when he knocked on the door it was Malik's voice that told him to enter.
"Hey," Yugi called softly as he opened the door and walked inside to find the blacken room empty except for his friend.
"Hey Yugi," Malik replied with a tired sigh. He did not get any sleep at all since Marik had left. Not only had he been confused by his emotions of waking up in Marik's arms but he found himself not being able to sleep without the older blonde by his side.
"What's wrong?" Yugi asked as he sat down on the bed next to Malik. "Did Marik do something to you?!"
"No!" Malik quickly replied before looking down at the blanket finding it very interesting. "I just didn't get much sleep okay. I'll just be glad to get home that's all."
"Yeah," Yugi replied kind of sadly. Already he considered Yami his friend and would miss him when he and Malik were sent back home.
"Come on lets go get something to eat," Malik suggested as he slid out of the bed and dressed. The last thing he wanted to do was let Yugi know of his mixed up feelings for Marik. In Malik's mind, Marik would be gone from his life forever in a matter of days. It wasn't right to fall in love with him.
*~*~*
Shortly after noon Canida could be seen on the horizon. Marik had since reappeared but both he and Malik kept far away from each other. Everyone could tell that something happened between the two of them the night before that was causing tension.
Bakura and Ryou on the other hand seemed even closer then ever if possible. Bakura currently had his arm slung tightly around Ryou's waist and would kiss his neck every so often.
Yugi and Yami also seemed closer that of the day before. They were also hanging out close to each other softly talking.
"So what's the plan?" Seto asked after the order was given to drop the anchor.
"Two boats will go to shore," Yami commanded. "Marik, Bakura and myself will be after the diary. The other boat is to be crewed by Tristian and Jou. Jou has already been given a list of items to pick up. You, Seto, are to stay here with Ryou, I want everything to be ready to go as soon as Marik, Bakura and I get back since more than likely that Jou and Tristian will be back before us." Yami then turned his attention to Yugi and Malik. "I know I promised to let the two of you go as soon as we reached our next stop but Canida isn't the safest place to let you go. You can go of course if you want but I think it would be better if you guys stick with us for a little while longer and we'll drop you off someplace safe after we get our treasure."
"Okay," Yugi nodded brightly happy to be spending some more time with Yami. Malik didn't look quiet as happy as he know had to spend more uncomfortable time with Marik. Avoiding Marik seemed to be the best way to not fall in love with him but it would be hard to avoid him for much longer.
"Stay on board with Seto and Ryou then," Yami told the two of them. "You'll be safer here." Yugi nodded his head again at this although he was slightly disappointed that he would not be able to go with Yami and be apart of one of the many adventures that Yami had told him about the day before.
"Lets get this over with," Bakura growled. He wanted to be finished quickly so he could get back to Ryou as soon as possible. After what happened yesterday he wasn't too keen on letting Ryou stay aboard the ship without him.
Two small boats were slowly lowered into the water. After a quick passionate kiss to Ryou, Bakura along with Marik and Yami climbed down to one boat while Tristian, Jou, Bones and another crew member Duke climbed down into the other boat. Both boats began rowing towards shore.
"Lazy Captain," Marik muttered who was doing the rowing for his boat. Bakura had claimed he needed to keep his strength up and therefore could not row and Yami had downright refused to row claiming he was busy plotting out strategy, that left Marik as the unfortunate one to row. Over in the other boat Bones was doing the rowing after being out voted by the other three men. Soon however both boats had made it to shore and docked at the port there. Tristian, Jou, Bones and Duke then headed to the nearby market while Bakura, Yami and Marik headed further in town.
"Are you sure you know where you're going?" Bakura asked Yami with annoyance.
"Yes," Yami nodded as he led them through the town until they came to a building that was ladled a Museum/Library. Yami pushed open the doors and the group found themselves standing in a large room with a wide variety of artifacts from all over the world arranged throughout the room.
"Feels kinda like home," Marik remarked upon seeing that most of the artifacts were from Egypt.
"So where's this diary?" Bakura asked while his eyes captured the attention of a Egyptian bracelet that had once belonged to a Pharaoh. Bakura thought that the bracelet would look perfect on Ryou.
"In a safe place," a new voice replied. From down a staircase walked a man wearing Egyptian clothes. "I am Shadi, owner of this place," he told them. "And you my friends have come for the diary that will lead you to the Millennium Items."
"How do you know that?" Yami asked. No one on his crew except for Seto knew that they were after except the small group of new arrivals who had kept to themselves the entire time.
"I have foreseen it," the man called Shadi replied. "I must warn you though that only those destine to hold the Millennium Items will be able to break the cursed spell set upon the items long ago. Those who fail to break the curse will be killed. Others before you have tried and they have all failed."
"Believe in curses all you want but I don't," Bakura declared. "So hand over this diary since you think we're going to get killed anyways."
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why not?!" Yami complained, there was something not right about this, he could sense it.
"Because the diary was destroyed long ago," Shadi explained. "It was far too dangerous to kept around."
"I say he's lying!" Marik snapped, pulling out his sword. "Lets kill him and tear the place apart looking for it!"
"You did not allow me to finish Marik," Shadi calmly replied, Marik paused at this wondering how Shadi knew his name. "The diary was destroyed but before it was I had my assistance memorize the contents of the diary. My assistant knows all of the diary secrets and is what is needed if one wants to find the Millennium Items."
"So where is he?" Yami asked as long as he found the items he didn't care how he found them.
"Right here," replied another voice and from the staircase walked down a young woman with raven hair who was also wearing Egyptian clothing. "I am Isis."
"This is some trick," Bakura muttered to Yami. "I say we do what Marik wanted and kill them all before finding the diary ourselves."
"No," Yami replied with a shake of his head. "We do things their way for now," he told his two friends before turning his attention back to Shadi and Isis. "But if this is some sort of game I will have your heads. Now tell me where I can find these Millennium Items."
"I will take you there," Isis replied.
"No, you're going to tell me," Yami growled.
"One can only be shown the way not told," Isis quickly explained.
"I repeat, lets just kill them," Marik said again while Bakura nodded his head in agreement.
"Fine," Yami hissed. "You can come."
"But--" Bakura began to protest but Yami cut him off.
"Look as long as I get those items I don't care what I have to do! Need I remind you, you never even heard about them before I told you since I thought I would have to steal the diary? Right now I need her more then I need you so either live with it or leave."
"Don't force me to leave again!" Bakura angrily snapped.
"Or me!" Marik yelled.
"I don't remember begging either of you to come back!" Yami yelled at both of them while Shadi and Isis looked on with impassionate faces.
"Quiet all of you," Shadi calmly told them all, which made both Marik and Bakura want to smack him out of frustration. "Your friendship is still fragile at this point but that will soon be changed."
"Yes," Isis nodded. "Only together will you prevail at your goal."
"Just get your things and lets go," Bakura growled at her. He then stormed towards the exit with Marik close behind him. Yami looked ready to follow them for the mere fact that he wanted to yell at them some more but instead he forced himself to wait for Isis.
"Farewell Isis," Shadi told his assistant. "You know what you have to do."
"Yes," Isis replied while nodding her head. "Farewell Shadi and I will soon see you again."
*~*~*
The trip back to the ship was a quiet one. Neither Yami, Bakura nor Marik were talking for they knew if they said anything they would just end up yelling at each other again. They didn't want that for they would draw unwanted attention to themselves. Isis on the other hand was left alone to her own thoughts since not even Yami liked the idea of having her along.
Reaching their boat, Yami began rowing them back to the Duel Monster since Bakura and Marik were too busy being stubborn. However halfway there Bakura declared that Yami was too slow and took over rowing for himself.
Finally they reached Yami's ship and climbed back up to the deck.
"You're back!" beamed Ryou before sensing that something was wrong. His suspicions were correct when Bakura immediately grabbed him and dragged him towards their room before another word could be said.
While Yami was filling in Seto, Malik, who had been hanging out in the back of the group to avoid Marik, rushed forward and hugged the newcomer. "Ishizu!" he cried happily.
"Ishizu?" Marik asked while looking at Isis. She never mentioned having a different name before but then he remembered that they hadn't exactly given her the greatest company since they left the museum/library.
"Malik?" Isis asked with disbelief while the others looked on with confusion. "What are you doing here Malik? Why are you not with father?!"
"I was kidnapped," Malik quickly explained to her. "Yami hasn't let Yugi and I go yet. But what are you doing here?"
"That is a long story my brother," Isis replied with a smile.
"Brother?!" Marik cried as he stared at Malik. "Isis is your sister that disappeared years ago?"
"Yeah," Malik replied happily as he nodded his head.
"Wow Ishizu you look great!" Yugi told her happy for both of them. He was also glad to see Isis again though since Yugi had spent a great deal of time at the Ishtar home while growing up. His comment however grew a small growl from Yami.
"Yugi look at how you've grown!" Isis cried before hugging him. This grew an even larger growl from Yami. Marik was about to comment on the growls coming from the pirate captain but then he remembered that he was still mad at Yami.
"You can have time for your reunion later but right now I want to get out of here," Yami angrily snapped. "Isis what is the way?"
"Head south for now," Isis told him. "I will give further instructions later."
"Fine!" growled Yami before he stormed off to deliver the orders. Yugi looked after him for a moment with a curious look before running after the pirate captain. Those who were still apart of the group could see Yugi say something to Yami when he caught up to the pirate who then fondly smiled down at Yugi.
"I'm going to go get some sleep," Marik suddenly announced even though it was not even mid afternoon, before walking swiftly away. He wanted to spent some time with Malik but he knew that would be impossible now that he was just reunited with his sister.
"I need to find my puppy," Seto declared before he too walked off leaving the Ishtar siblings some time alone to catch up on their lives.