Is this story being drawn out?
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Four
The restaurant was nice. It wasn't a formal or expensive place, but it was classy and it had a kid's area. The group had been shown to a table and given menus, conversation was minimal as they decided what they wanted to eat. After giving the waitress their orders, Joey was dragged into the kids play area by Seto, Mokuba and Noah. Yugi followed them, giggling as Mokuba announced that they were pirates and Joey was their hostage.
Malik noticed that Ryou was watching them and fidgeting, but he only moved closer to his brother and took Bakura's hand.
"You think we should help him?" Yami wondered, watching as Joey was 'tied' up to a pole from the large structure with invisible rope.
"Do we hafta?" Duke whined, causing Yami to laugh. Duke chuckled, "Oh, I suppose it's the right thing to do. And that way we won't have to listen to Joey complain later either." He said, giving Malik a pointed look.
"We'd never hear the end of it." Malik nodded in agreement and watched as Yami and Duke joined the others in the fun. That left Malik alone with his adopted family and the uncomfortable silence that seemed to surround them.
Ryou stopped watching the others and looked up at his brother. "Batuwa? Wiww you pway wit' me?" He wondered softly.
Bakura smiled and it was so tender that Malik found himself surprised. Was this really the same boy who'd freaked out on him before? "Yeah, let's go play." The older teen picked the younger boy up and flung him over his shoulders. Malik listened to Ryou's giggling as the two disappeared into the room. Sighing to himself he tried not to feel stupid just sitting there - that lasted about a minute.
Following the others, Malik found himself inside the play area. It was empty, except for his own company and for that he was thankful for, he could relax more easily when there weren't too many people around. He found a spot on the large blue mat laid out on the floor and he sat down and leaned against the wall. He was content to just watch everyone else, but was interrupted when Duke joined him.
"Remember what we talked about?" Duke questioned softly, remembering the night before.
Malik nodded, "Yes. . ." How could he forget? That conversation had been one of the hardest of his life. It was difficult to admit things about himself - even to Duke, but they'd talked about Malik meeting his adopted family and Duke had finally convinced the Egyptian to go.
The dark-haired boy sighed as he recognized the familiar look of doubt cross the Egyptian's face; "Mak, Bakura and Ryou don't know you! That way you can start fresh! You don't have to use your defense around them and you can just be yourself." Duke promised, "And the real you is very easy to fall in love with, and I should know Ishtar." He winked.
Malik smiled softly - it was one of those rare smiles that were real and all Malik - not some smirk made up just to impress people. Duke had been seeing less and less of those as of recently. "Yeah, I suppose they'd believe me to be a nutcase, running around claiming I'm the pharaoh of Egypt." He shrugged sheepishly.
Duke only smirked, "Never stopped you before your highness."
"Thanks Duke." Malik said softly.
Duke nodded in understanding, then got up without a word and went over to where Bakura was sitting, watching Ryou playing with Yugi. Malik watched as the two spoke for a few seconds then Bakura got up and started moving toward him. Confused for a moment, Malik could only stare as Bakura sat down beside him. The white-haired orphan seemed to refuse to look at him and it was apparent that Bakura wouldn't be the first to initiate conversation. Glancing over at Duke for an explanation, Malik saw the black-haired boy only grin and turn to play with Yugi.
The Egyptian looked at Bakura and cleared his throat, and though he didn't know what to say he knew that he had to say something. "I wasn't trying to buy you off. . .this is my first Christmas, I thought it was the right thing to do." He shrugged sheepishly, "I'm usually wrong though, guess this was no different." He muttered quietly.
"Your first Christmas?" Bakura mumbled doubtfully.
Malik only nodded, "My family has their own traditions and Christmas isn't one of them."
"I understand." Bakura began, "Where are you from? I mean, well. . ."
Malik chuckled, "I know what you mean. My family's from Egypt. They're Kemetic Orthodox and very religious." He noticed the confused look in Bakura's eyes; "It's kinda like Christians with their God. . .going to church and everything. They believe in the ancient ways." He shrugged in explanation, not really understanding the Kemetic ways anyway.
Bakura grunted, "You said 'they're' not 'we're', meaning you're not. . .Kemetic Orthodox." He pointed out and Malik had hoped he hadn't noticed. "What do you believe in?"
"I'm more Tameran. I basically choose or are chosen by a deity. It's kinda hard to explain.the deity that chose me is kinda like my guardian I suppose." Malik rubbed the back of his neck, he hated talking about religion, but he'd never told anyone what he believed in before. "I'm not really religious though and I was curious about this Christmas holiday."
"Which chose you?" Bakura wondered, actually curious.
"Um. . ." Malik let his arm drop, not knowing how or why they'd began to talk about this. "Anubis. . .he's the god of travelers, the lost and. . .orphans." He hoped Bakura wouldn't take offence to his words and he prayed to his 'guardian' that the other boy would ask no questions on why Anubis had chosen him.
Bakura nodded, seeing how uncomfortable Malik was becoming; though inside he was curious as to why Malik thought of himself as an orphan. He decided that the conversation needed a new direction all the same. "Look, it's hard for me to admit when I'm wrong but I was." The boy closed his eyes, "I had no right to speak to you like that and I'm. . .I'm sorry." Bakura muttered and Malik truly knew how hard it was for him to say that. "It's just that. . ." He sighed and shook his head, trailing off.
Malik smiled - mentally reminding himself that he had not smiled this much in so long - and he put Bakura's worries to rest. "I understand. Pride is a horrible thing sometimes - at least for me it is."
Bakura smiled at him - at *him* and Malik found himself filling with an unexplainable warmth that he wanted to keep with him until the day he died. /You're attached./ His brain told him and his heart agreed. It didn't seem like a bad idea now, though he was still a little frightened at this whole situation. /Usually when something good happens, something bad happens to take it away./ Malik reminded himself.
"It's not just my pride." Bakura admitted, gaining Malik's attention again. "I don't want Ryou to get hurt again. He's the only family I have, so I need to protect him. Do you have any younger brothers or sisters?" The boy wondered, looking at Malik.
The Egyptian shook his head and smiled softly, "No, I'm the youngest of three. But I have a nephew that I'd do anything for." He shrugged, trying to put into words that he understood Bakura's need for protectiveness without actually having to say it.
The white-haired teen seemed to understand, and with that understanding he seemed to relax. Malik was surprised that they understood each other so well. The only other person Malik shared an understanding with was Duke. So, they were silent for a few moments, just enjoying the other's company. The sounds of laughter filled the playroom and Malik decided that he was happy Duke had finally dragged him to the orphanage.
Mokuba, Seto, Noah and Yugi had decided that everyone was a Duel Monster, something of which Malik had never even heard of and as Seto used his 'White Lightning' attack and 'killed' Noah, Malik wasn't so sure he wanted to.
Noah giggled as he fell to the floor, "Fame Sordmin, use Monna Webon!" The small boy called to Joey.
The blonde laughed as he picked Noah up and tickled him, causing the child to squirm and laugh loudly. "I use Monster Reborn to bring back Electric Lizard!"
"Yay! I's back!" Noah announced as he was put on the floor again. The little boy immediately ran over to his big brother and pounced on him.
"Yugi! Use youw Dawk Magic attack!" Seto giggled as Mokuba decided to join in the fun.
Malik watched the others, smiling to himself as he realized that Duke and Yami had been dragged into the game as well. Across the room, lavender rested on a lone child playing quietly by himself with a pile of Lego's. "Ryou doesn't like this game?" Malik voiced to Bakura.
Bakura only shrugged, "He's shy around a lot of people." He watched his brother fondly, but Malik could sense the sadness there as well. He wondered what the sadness was for.
From where he sat, Ryou seemed to know that someone was talking about him and he looked in their direction. Getting up, he made his way passed the playing group and finally came to rest in Bakura's lap. The older teen wrapped his arms around the small boy protectively before kissing the top of the child's head. Ryou giggled softly and snuggled deeper into the provided warmth, content with where he was as he watched the other's play.
"You said you had siblings." Bakura pointed out after another moment of silence.
"Yeah." Malik nodded, "Marik and Isis. Marik's the oldest and he mostly took care of me when I was younger, there's an eight-year difference between us, so I've always looked at him as my father. My real father's always busy with. . .work and he never really had time." The Egyptian explained, not wanting to tell the teen his life story. "Isis is the middle child, she'll be twenty four this year. She always complains about having 'middle child syndrome' but she's my father's princess." He rolled his eyes, warmth filling him as Bakura smiled again.
"What about your mom?" Bakura wondered innocently, not knowing how much Malik hated thinking of her. But the Egyptian was a little unsure when he didn't feel the usual regret that consumed him when he spoke of her, he actually wanted to tell this stranger what he knew about her.
"I never met her." Malik found himself saying, the ease in which it slipped from his mouth simply amazing. "She died in childbirth."
"Yours?" Bakura wondered and Malik nodded but couldn't bring himself to say anything. There was no regret, but he found the guilt he always felt appear. "Same here." Bakura muttered, "Though obviously it wasn't mine." He purposely spoke so that Ryou wouldn't know what they were talking about. From that Malik realized exactly how much Bakura would protect Ryou. Ryou didn't know that their mother had died after giving birth to him - and Malik had to admire that protectiveness. His father had told him as soon as he'd been old enough to understand, which had probably been when he was Ryou's age. That's where the guilt and regret came from.
"I have pictures of her." Malik explained, "And on really bad days when my guardian can't help me, I talk to her. When I'm alone of course, don't need anyone thinking I'm crazy." He grinned.
Bakura echoed his grin, "I used to talk to her but I stopped after a while." He suddenly chuckled, "I can't believe how stupid I was for acting like I did to you before. I am sorry, but now that we're talking, I find it easy to talk to you." He admitted, as he watched the others. They had decided that they were finished with the monster game and were up to something else. Duke, Yami and Joey seemed to be talking while they played with the younger kids.
Malik bit his lip as a question came to him. Talking about families and parents made him curious, but he didn't want Bakura to get protective again since they were getting along so well, even if Bakura had just admitted that it was easy to talk. "Um, I have a question, but don't answer if you don't want to. But I was wondering, how did you get to the orphanage? Where's your father?" He wondered curiously.
Bakura shrugged, "Don't know. The first year was messed up and I've forgotten a lot of it except a few parts. I can't remember anything before our first day at the orphanage so I'm not sure if he's even still alive. He can stay away for all I care." He muttered darkly as he held Ryou a little closer.
Malik understood, if his father were to suddenly decide that he wanted to act like one, it would be too late. Malik had grown up all his life thinking of Marik as his parent. /Not that that matters, it seems like Marik's abandoned me too. He has Amurra now, he doesn't need me./ The Egyptian thought sadly, but quickly pushed that thought away just like every other time he'd think something along those lines.
"Right Mak?" Joey suddenly called out; looking over at the two, interrupting something that Malik was going to say.
"Huh?" Malik raised an eyebrow and looked at his friend in question.
"I said you like to pretend to be a pharaoh." Joey laughed, "I was just telling Yami how stuck up you are. You didn't even want to come here and visiting the 'nobodies' you'd been forced to adopt this Christmas, but Duke's so nice as to make you."
Malik's eyes went wide and his heart immediately dropped to his knees. "Joey-" /And here's the bad to take the good away./ Malik realized sadly.
"Yes your majesty?" Joey giggled at the fun; he wanted to make sure Yami knew how nice Duke was. He didn't realize the dark look flickering within Bakura's eyes.
"Nobodies?" The white-haired boy growled quietly, making both Ryou and Malik look at him. Ryou looked hurt and Malik just looked frightened. Bakura stood up and placed Ryou on the floor. "Let's go home Ryou. Royalty doesn't need us 'nobodies' ruining their dinner." He took the small boy's hand and led him out of the play area.
Malik looked across the room at Duke, who looked helpless and sorry. Slumping back against the wall, the stuck up Egyptian prince buried his face within his hands.
- - -
NOTES:
Kemetic Orthodox and Tameran religions are Egyptian/Arabic (?) religions practiced today. I hope I have gotten my information correct, and yes, what is said about Anubis is true.
Before anyone starts to call Joey and jerk, etc. etc. etc. I just wanted to point out that he was trying to make Duke look good. Also, he doesn't know what Malik's really like. He didn't mean to act so stupidly.
COMMENTS: Shanii - No, I didn't take your Egypt has no king comment seriously, it was another interesting email that I won't bother to talk about. It wasn't you, and about Marik and Isis, I think this chapter was the one that explained their ages. If I'm wrong, I'll just tell ya in the next. And I like Duke, even though sometimes it's fun to make him an idiot. ^.~
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Four
The restaurant was nice. It wasn't a formal or expensive place, but it was classy and it had a kid's area. The group had been shown to a table and given menus, conversation was minimal as they decided what they wanted to eat. After giving the waitress their orders, Joey was dragged into the kids play area by Seto, Mokuba and Noah. Yugi followed them, giggling as Mokuba announced that they were pirates and Joey was their hostage.
Malik noticed that Ryou was watching them and fidgeting, but he only moved closer to his brother and took Bakura's hand.
"You think we should help him?" Yami wondered, watching as Joey was 'tied' up to a pole from the large structure with invisible rope.
"Do we hafta?" Duke whined, causing Yami to laugh. Duke chuckled, "Oh, I suppose it's the right thing to do. And that way we won't have to listen to Joey complain later either." He said, giving Malik a pointed look.
"We'd never hear the end of it." Malik nodded in agreement and watched as Yami and Duke joined the others in the fun. That left Malik alone with his adopted family and the uncomfortable silence that seemed to surround them.
Ryou stopped watching the others and looked up at his brother. "Batuwa? Wiww you pway wit' me?" He wondered softly.
Bakura smiled and it was so tender that Malik found himself surprised. Was this really the same boy who'd freaked out on him before? "Yeah, let's go play." The older teen picked the younger boy up and flung him over his shoulders. Malik listened to Ryou's giggling as the two disappeared into the room. Sighing to himself he tried not to feel stupid just sitting there - that lasted about a minute.
Following the others, Malik found himself inside the play area. It was empty, except for his own company and for that he was thankful for, he could relax more easily when there weren't too many people around. He found a spot on the large blue mat laid out on the floor and he sat down and leaned against the wall. He was content to just watch everyone else, but was interrupted when Duke joined him.
"Remember what we talked about?" Duke questioned softly, remembering the night before.
Malik nodded, "Yes. . ." How could he forget? That conversation had been one of the hardest of his life. It was difficult to admit things about himself - even to Duke, but they'd talked about Malik meeting his adopted family and Duke had finally convinced the Egyptian to go.
The dark-haired boy sighed as he recognized the familiar look of doubt cross the Egyptian's face; "Mak, Bakura and Ryou don't know you! That way you can start fresh! You don't have to use your defense around them and you can just be yourself." Duke promised, "And the real you is very easy to fall in love with, and I should know Ishtar." He winked.
Malik smiled softly - it was one of those rare smiles that were real and all Malik - not some smirk made up just to impress people. Duke had been seeing less and less of those as of recently. "Yeah, I suppose they'd believe me to be a nutcase, running around claiming I'm the pharaoh of Egypt." He shrugged sheepishly.
Duke only smirked, "Never stopped you before your highness."
"Thanks Duke." Malik said softly.
Duke nodded in understanding, then got up without a word and went over to where Bakura was sitting, watching Ryou playing with Yugi. Malik watched as the two spoke for a few seconds then Bakura got up and started moving toward him. Confused for a moment, Malik could only stare as Bakura sat down beside him. The white-haired orphan seemed to refuse to look at him and it was apparent that Bakura wouldn't be the first to initiate conversation. Glancing over at Duke for an explanation, Malik saw the black-haired boy only grin and turn to play with Yugi.
The Egyptian looked at Bakura and cleared his throat, and though he didn't know what to say he knew that he had to say something. "I wasn't trying to buy you off. . .this is my first Christmas, I thought it was the right thing to do." He shrugged sheepishly, "I'm usually wrong though, guess this was no different." He muttered quietly.
"Your first Christmas?" Bakura mumbled doubtfully.
Malik only nodded, "My family has their own traditions and Christmas isn't one of them."
"I understand." Bakura began, "Where are you from? I mean, well. . ."
Malik chuckled, "I know what you mean. My family's from Egypt. They're Kemetic Orthodox and very religious." He noticed the confused look in Bakura's eyes; "It's kinda like Christians with their God. . .going to church and everything. They believe in the ancient ways." He shrugged in explanation, not really understanding the Kemetic ways anyway.
Bakura grunted, "You said 'they're' not 'we're', meaning you're not. . .Kemetic Orthodox." He pointed out and Malik had hoped he hadn't noticed. "What do you believe in?"
"I'm more Tameran. I basically choose or are chosen by a deity. It's kinda hard to explain.the deity that chose me is kinda like my guardian I suppose." Malik rubbed the back of his neck, he hated talking about religion, but he'd never told anyone what he believed in before. "I'm not really religious though and I was curious about this Christmas holiday."
"Which chose you?" Bakura wondered, actually curious.
"Um. . ." Malik let his arm drop, not knowing how or why they'd began to talk about this. "Anubis. . .he's the god of travelers, the lost and. . .orphans." He hoped Bakura wouldn't take offence to his words and he prayed to his 'guardian' that the other boy would ask no questions on why Anubis had chosen him.
Bakura nodded, seeing how uncomfortable Malik was becoming; though inside he was curious as to why Malik thought of himself as an orphan. He decided that the conversation needed a new direction all the same. "Look, it's hard for me to admit when I'm wrong but I was." The boy closed his eyes, "I had no right to speak to you like that and I'm. . .I'm sorry." Bakura muttered and Malik truly knew how hard it was for him to say that. "It's just that. . ." He sighed and shook his head, trailing off.
Malik smiled - mentally reminding himself that he had not smiled this much in so long - and he put Bakura's worries to rest. "I understand. Pride is a horrible thing sometimes - at least for me it is."
Bakura smiled at him - at *him* and Malik found himself filling with an unexplainable warmth that he wanted to keep with him until the day he died. /You're attached./ His brain told him and his heart agreed. It didn't seem like a bad idea now, though he was still a little frightened at this whole situation. /Usually when something good happens, something bad happens to take it away./ Malik reminded himself.
"It's not just my pride." Bakura admitted, gaining Malik's attention again. "I don't want Ryou to get hurt again. He's the only family I have, so I need to protect him. Do you have any younger brothers or sisters?" The boy wondered, looking at Malik.
The Egyptian shook his head and smiled softly, "No, I'm the youngest of three. But I have a nephew that I'd do anything for." He shrugged, trying to put into words that he understood Bakura's need for protectiveness without actually having to say it.
The white-haired teen seemed to understand, and with that understanding he seemed to relax. Malik was surprised that they understood each other so well. The only other person Malik shared an understanding with was Duke. So, they were silent for a few moments, just enjoying the other's company. The sounds of laughter filled the playroom and Malik decided that he was happy Duke had finally dragged him to the orphanage.
Mokuba, Seto, Noah and Yugi had decided that everyone was a Duel Monster, something of which Malik had never even heard of and as Seto used his 'White Lightning' attack and 'killed' Noah, Malik wasn't so sure he wanted to.
Noah giggled as he fell to the floor, "Fame Sordmin, use Monna Webon!" The small boy called to Joey.
The blonde laughed as he picked Noah up and tickled him, causing the child to squirm and laugh loudly. "I use Monster Reborn to bring back Electric Lizard!"
"Yay! I's back!" Noah announced as he was put on the floor again. The little boy immediately ran over to his big brother and pounced on him.
"Yugi! Use youw Dawk Magic attack!" Seto giggled as Mokuba decided to join in the fun.
Malik watched the others, smiling to himself as he realized that Duke and Yami had been dragged into the game as well. Across the room, lavender rested on a lone child playing quietly by himself with a pile of Lego's. "Ryou doesn't like this game?" Malik voiced to Bakura.
Bakura only shrugged, "He's shy around a lot of people." He watched his brother fondly, but Malik could sense the sadness there as well. He wondered what the sadness was for.
From where he sat, Ryou seemed to know that someone was talking about him and he looked in their direction. Getting up, he made his way passed the playing group and finally came to rest in Bakura's lap. The older teen wrapped his arms around the small boy protectively before kissing the top of the child's head. Ryou giggled softly and snuggled deeper into the provided warmth, content with where he was as he watched the other's play.
"You said you had siblings." Bakura pointed out after another moment of silence.
"Yeah." Malik nodded, "Marik and Isis. Marik's the oldest and he mostly took care of me when I was younger, there's an eight-year difference between us, so I've always looked at him as my father. My real father's always busy with. . .work and he never really had time." The Egyptian explained, not wanting to tell the teen his life story. "Isis is the middle child, she'll be twenty four this year. She always complains about having 'middle child syndrome' but she's my father's princess." He rolled his eyes, warmth filling him as Bakura smiled again.
"What about your mom?" Bakura wondered innocently, not knowing how much Malik hated thinking of her. But the Egyptian was a little unsure when he didn't feel the usual regret that consumed him when he spoke of her, he actually wanted to tell this stranger what he knew about her.
"I never met her." Malik found himself saying, the ease in which it slipped from his mouth simply amazing. "She died in childbirth."
"Yours?" Bakura wondered and Malik nodded but couldn't bring himself to say anything. There was no regret, but he found the guilt he always felt appear. "Same here." Bakura muttered, "Though obviously it wasn't mine." He purposely spoke so that Ryou wouldn't know what they were talking about. From that Malik realized exactly how much Bakura would protect Ryou. Ryou didn't know that their mother had died after giving birth to him - and Malik had to admire that protectiveness. His father had told him as soon as he'd been old enough to understand, which had probably been when he was Ryou's age. That's where the guilt and regret came from.
"I have pictures of her." Malik explained, "And on really bad days when my guardian can't help me, I talk to her. When I'm alone of course, don't need anyone thinking I'm crazy." He grinned.
Bakura echoed his grin, "I used to talk to her but I stopped after a while." He suddenly chuckled, "I can't believe how stupid I was for acting like I did to you before. I am sorry, but now that we're talking, I find it easy to talk to you." He admitted, as he watched the others. They had decided that they were finished with the monster game and were up to something else. Duke, Yami and Joey seemed to be talking while they played with the younger kids.
Malik bit his lip as a question came to him. Talking about families and parents made him curious, but he didn't want Bakura to get protective again since they were getting along so well, even if Bakura had just admitted that it was easy to talk. "Um, I have a question, but don't answer if you don't want to. But I was wondering, how did you get to the orphanage? Where's your father?" He wondered curiously.
Bakura shrugged, "Don't know. The first year was messed up and I've forgotten a lot of it except a few parts. I can't remember anything before our first day at the orphanage so I'm not sure if he's even still alive. He can stay away for all I care." He muttered darkly as he held Ryou a little closer.
Malik understood, if his father were to suddenly decide that he wanted to act like one, it would be too late. Malik had grown up all his life thinking of Marik as his parent. /Not that that matters, it seems like Marik's abandoned me too. He has Amurra now, he doesn't need me./ The Egyptian thought sadly, but quickly pushed that thought away just like every other time he'd think something along those lines.
"Right Mak?" Joey suddenly called out; looking over at the two, interrupting something that Malik was going to say.
"Huh?" Malik raised an eyebrow and looked at his friend in question.
"I said you like to pretend to be a pharaoh." Joey laughed, "I was just telling Yami how stuck up you are. You didn't even want to come here and visiting the 'nobodies' you'd been forced to adopt this Christmas, but Duke's so nice as to make you."
Malik's eyes went wide and his heart immediately dropped to his knees. "Joey-" /And here's the bad to take the good away./ Malik realized sadly.
"Yes your majesty?" Joey giggled at the fun; he wanted to make sure Yami knew how nice Duke was. He didn't realize the dark look flickering within Bakura's eyes.
"Nobodies?" The white-haired boy growled quietly, making both Ryou and Malik look at him. Ryou looked hurt and Malik just looked frightened. Bakura stood up and placed Ryou on the floor. "Let's go home Ryou. Royalty doesn't need us 'nobodies' ruining their dinner." He took the small boy's hand and led him out of the play area.
Malik looked across the room at Duke, who looked helpless and sorry. Slumping back against the wall, the stuck up Egyptian prince buried his face within his hands.
- - -
NOTES:
Kemetic Orthodox and Tameran religions are Egyptian/Arabic (?) religions practiced today. I hope I have gotten my information correct, and yes, what is said about Anubis is true.
Before anyone starts to call Joey and jerk, etc. etc. etc. I just wanted to point out that he was trying to make Duke look good. Also, he doesn't know what Malik's really like. He didn't mean to act so stupidly.
COMMENTS: Shanii - No, I didn't take your Egypt has no king comment seriously, it was another interesting email that I won't bother to talk about. It wasn't you, and about Marik and Isis, I think this chapter was the one that explained their ages. If I'm wrong, I'll just tell ya in the next. And I like Duke, even though sometimes it's fun to make him an idiot. ^.~