**Oh I know it's late!!! And I know it's taken me forever and I'll never know why you guys waits so long but I'm so sorry!! Between my stupid new job, this stupid new guy that's around and the stupid finals that are coming up I have been sooooo busy!!! Oh BUT I HAVE A TREAT!!!! If you guys go and read my BIO, under that part that babbles about this story, there is a link to a scene that my friend drew from my fic!! It's soooo awesome!!!! I love it lol, it's my favorite of alll of my x-mas presents from her!!! I think you g uys will love it, and I hope you like this chapter, not a lot happens, but I think you'll still like it!!!**

The Pharaoh's Bride

Joey leaned back in the black chair he was sitting in. He slid slightly down, resting his head on the top of the chair and staring at his younger sister's pale face. His face was expressionless, as he'd cried all the tears he could spare and thrown as many things across the room as he could afford. He was now devoid of all emotion, and spent most of his days either in class, at work or sitting beside Serenity. He neglected Mai, he neglected his friends, he often even neglected his stomach's loud pleas for food, which was very un-Joey like.

Twice he had dragged himself over to Yugi's house after hours of Mai harping on him. It was a good thing he had when he had because he walked in just in time to see Yugi throwing his duel monster cards in the fire, one by one. Joey had stopped him immediately, but it was too late for Mystical Elf and Feral Imp. The Dark Magician had been next. Yugi would have regretted that more than forgetting the remains of his puzzle in the sand.

Tea had rescued those though. Every single piece, including the two pieces of the broken eye part. Those had made it too the fire too. But oddly enough, nothing happened and the next morning when Yugi woke up they just sat there in the fire pit, as if nothing had happened.

Yugi made no attempt to speak to them though, the shop hadn't been opened for nearly two weeks either. Many of Yugi's old customers had gotten bored of waiting and moved onto Duke's store. Should Yugi ever snap out of if, he would probably have to close it down due to lack of fees.

Tea had tried to talk to him more than once, but he ignored her. Nothing for her, he just sat, staring into the fire. Tristan was worried that he might be considering jumping right in so they had kept and extra close eye on him. But it was hard to do that, because he refused to have anything to do with Tea, Joey was always with his sister and Mai seemed to be sick every morning. Tristan did the best he could, and Duke helped out a bit, but they couldn't be there all the time.

Joey sighed and relaxed a little more. He didn't even notice as his eyes shut slowly and his head was soon resting comfortably on the back of the chair. Soon he was asleep though, and Serenity's smiling face haunted his dreams.

~*~*~*~*~

Mokuba hollered excitedly with all his friends as the Japanese football team got another touchdown. He seemed perfectly happy, all his friends knew about his brother and Serenity was the newspapers had found out about it soon enough. They were all fairly careful about what they said, but he seemed fine so long as they didn't bring them up.

But he wasn't, he wasn't fine at all. He almost never slept, didn't eat unless someone was there making sure he did and even when he did, it usually didn't stay down long. His dreams were always of Serenity and Kaiba. Two dreams over and over, sometimes a new one with both of them in it.

Serenity leaned back slightly, her arms out and her neck exposed to anyone who may wish to do something to it. She trusted Mokuba's strong arms to hold her as she let the cold rain soak her beautiful body. Mokuba moved slightly, placing one leg in-between hers and moving his right hand up higher on her back. He leaned over and placed his lips in the groove at the bottom of her neck, where her ribs started, kissing her lightly and then moving up only slightly.

He opened his mouth slightly and flicked his tongue lightly against her skin, and smiled slightly as she giggled Her arms fell to her sides as she gave herself to him. Trusting him completely, to do as he wished with her. So he switched directions and began kissing further down. His lips found the hem of her shirt. He un-did the buttons on the front with his teeth, as if this was something they did everyday.

Her shirt fell to the sides, exposing her front. Mokuba kissed her breasts lightly, flicking his tongue gently. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as his lips moved lower down her body. His tongue encircled her belly button a few times before moving to the hem of her pants. He stopped and looked up at her.

Her eyes were shut, and her mouth slightly open. Her chest rose and fell as she breathed. When Mokuba didn't continue she opened her eyes and lifted her head slightly. Then, looking into Mokuba's deep blue eyes she smiled, and then nodded. Mokuba slowly lowered her to the ground, but it wasn't the ground anymore.

Their surroundings changed. They were no longer standing in a grassy field, the rain pouring down upon them. Now it was a bedroom. Mokuba kneeled above Serenity, who's head rested gently on a large, white pillow. She was smiling up at him, and then her small hands found his stomach. She slid her hand under his shirt and rubbed his muscle gently. Then she sat up, sliding the remains of her shirt off as she did so. She slid her hands higher up and then kissed him gently before pulling his shirt off as well. She slid out from beneath him and crawled around him so his back was facing her.

He turned slowly and accepted her kiss. He placed his hands on her hips as she slowly pushed him into a lying position. Then she kneeled atop his, smiling her gorgeous smile. He slid his hands up and down her sides as she shyly outlined his muscles. Then he placed his hands on her back and pulled her down to him, and kissed her full on the lips. Her lips parted slightly and allowed his tongue to enter her mouth. Then she pulled away and gave him a teasing smile.

Her smile quickly faded as a loud shot ran out. Suddenly they were in the park again, Serenity stood before him, her eye's wide, and her mouth slightly open. Then she coughed, and blood began escaping from the corner of her mouth. She fell backwards, Mokuba only just caught her. Mokuba's leg immediately went in-between hers, and one hand slid up her back. This time she raised on weak hand which Mokuba immediately grabbed. She lifted her head slightly, gave him a small smile before uttering three precious words.

"I… love… you…" and her head fell back as her hand went limp.

Then he woke up, tears in his eyes and muttered those three words. He knew she couldn't hear him, but it always made him feel better to say them.

"Hey Mokuba…?" said a strangely familiar voice.

"What, huh? Oh yah…" Mokuba said as reality returned to him and he saw one of his friends worried looks. "I'm fine… just thinking."

"Good stuff, you know if you need anything we're all right here for yah buddy."

Mokuba just nodded and returned his attention to the television screen.

~*~*~*~*~

"I want her."

"So claim her."

"But what about that other one, who calls himself Seto Kaiba?"

"You are the Pharaoh, you can do whatever you want."

Yami thought about the for a few moments. He could do whatever he wanted yes, and should he claim her then she would be his. But he felt this awkward feeling in the pit of his stomach. Yes he wanted her, but he wanted her to be happy with him. Perhaps I should wait… he considered it. For what? So long as she wasn't in the dungeon she would just try to run away. But what if you were kinder to her… the whole empire would come crashing down before his eyes if he began showing anyone any mercy. People would begin to do things, expecting to get away with it. No, that would never work… I'll just have to claim her and hope she gets over it before long. I would hate to have to imprison such a remarkable creature for life…

"I suppose… send some of the chamber maids to the dungeon. Tell them to get her bathed and properly dressed."

The guard nodded, bowed and then turned and walked down the steps. Perhaps that wasn't the best advice. Kaiba would put up a fight for his slave, because he was from another land and didn't seem to think the Pharaoh had any power over him. But he did as he was told anyway.

~*~*~*~*~

Serenity lay on the one crusty bed in the cell, watching the other three. Kaiba sat on the stone bench, leaning sleepily against a wall, while Senna sat in the corner, curled up in a little ball. Bakura was the only one moving. He constantly walked around the cell, looking for a way out. It seemed to Serenity that he had never spent more than a few days in the dungeons before he got right back out again. He constantly complained about the high security they had on them because of Serenity and Kaiba. At least Serenity thought he was complaining. It certainly sounded like it.

Kaiba hadn't spoken a word directly to Serenity since they had been thrown into the dungeon two weeks before. He never said anything, but Serenity knew he blamed this whole mess on her. He refused to take any blame for anything that had happened so far on this trip. It was her fault they were in ancient Egypt, it was her fault she was nearly raped and now it was her fault they were locked in a small, dirty dungeon cell.

But Serenity could tell he was hurting. She was too, they could only imagine how Mokuba felt now. His older brother and his love were trapped in ancient Egypt, and he was left alone in Tokyo. Serenity felt tears form in her eyes as she thought of Mokuba. She pulled the dusty wool blanket around her tighter. She missed him so much, she missed his bright blue eyes, his soft black hair, his lightly tanned skin. She missed the way he used to run his finger through her hair, and how he'd kiss her. His kiss' were so full of love they always made her want more, and he was always so gentle. He never pushed her into anything. She missed his irresistible smile, and the way he cocked his head slightly when he was confused. She just missed being held, comforted, loved.

No one here loved her, no one here cared if she died or survived. Kaiba had only saved her for Mokuba, but he was losing hope. He didn't believe in magic and therefore, tecnically didn't even believe they were there in the first place, that it was all some weird dream that he couldn't wake up from. He didn't think they were going to get back, so he wouldn't protect her anymore. She could die for all he cared, he could die for all he cared. Locked in a cell with his brothers girlfriend, a slave and a tomb robber was not what he had in mind for himself. He wanted to be at home, in front of his lovely computer, sitting in his huge office yelling at people.

Serenity jumped slightly when one small hand made contact with her shoulder. She turned quickly to see Senna's concerned face. Senna had it really bad, she was a slave and unless she was spoken for by someone with a lot of power she would stay in the dungeons to rot. Egypt was horrible. The way they treated women, and even some men. Serenity was glad slavery no longer existed in Tokyo. Senna was a beautiful, smart, talented young woman and she didn't deserve this anymore than Seth deserved to be a priest.

Serenity offered a weak smile and sat up slightly, propping herself on her elbow. She wiped away her fallen tears and look around once more. Kaiba appeared to be sleeping, his eyes were shut and he leaned against the hard stone wall. He looked uncomfortable, and dirty. His white coat was no longer white, it more beige. One of his buckles was broken, and dangling off his arm. The knees in his black pants were faded and the rest of his pants where just dirty. Serenity's gaze went to his locket. She knew what was in it, and she also knew Kaiba wouldn't share. Once Serenity had recalled what was in his locket she had begged him to let her see it. He'd just ignored her. Then a guard came and yelled at her to be quiet, so she was.

Serenity then looked over at Bakura and couldn't help but smile. He was gnawing on the wooden bars. The look of utter concentration on his face made her think of Hikari when she was chewing on one of Kaiba's good socks. More tears formed in her eye when she thought of the beautiful yellow Labrador retriever. Mokuba's dog… Serenity laid her head back down and curled into a little ball. Soon she found herself asleep once more so she didn't notice the guards come down the long, stone staircase.

"Serenity," came a hoarse whisper.

Serenity's eyes quickly fluttered open so see Senna's worried face. "What? What is it?" Serenity asked. But she found out soon enough when she was suddenly snatched out of her bed and was being dragged towards the door.

Kaiba watched as they dragged Serenity, kicking and screaming, towards the door. He had considered helping her as they came into the cell, but had decided against it. Now, seeing her struggling with all her might and screaming at the top of her lungs to be put back in the dirty bed he reconsidered. Mokuba would have his head if he didn't, but quite frankly, he didn't care if she was raped or not. Just so long as she came back alive it was good enough for him. Kaiba was indecisive, so he decided to at least make it look like he tried. That way, if they ever got back, which he doubted they would, then Serenity couldn't say he didn't try.

"Where are you taking her?" he suddenly demanded. The guards spun around and glared at him.

"That's none of your concern."

"I said, where are you taking her?" Kaiba said, a bit more forcefully this time.

The guards exchanged a look before nodding, "Pharaoh Yami requests her presence, but first she is being taken to the bathes, and being clothed properly."

"Why does Yami want to see her?" Kaiba asked.

"That is none of your concern."

Kaiba immediately got to his feet and strode towards the door. The guards quickly scurried out, slamming the door behind them. They quickly clicked the lock shut and then sneered it at Kaiba. "She is not your woman, or so you said to Pharaoh Yami, you have no control over what we do to her."

"You had better bring her back alive, or I'll have your heads instead."

The two guards scurried off quickly, apparently what Kaiba had done to Seth had gotten out, most of the guards were scared of him. Kaiba frowned slightly before turning around to see an extremely angry Senna face.

"Why didn't you help her sooner?!" She demanded.

Kaiba just ignored her, he walked around her sat back down in his corner. He looked around and somehow felt someone was missing. Besides Serenity. "Where's Bakura?" he asked.

Senna looked around, it seemed she hadn't noticed before either. "He must have slipped out…"

"That little bastard…" Kaiba mumbled before leaning his head against the wall and closing his eyes, ignoring Senna's angry shouts.

Serenity stumbled slightly as she was shoved into a new, large room. She spun around, the guards were leaving quickly. As Serenity turned around she thought that perhaps she knew why. The room was littered with naked women. Some were brushing their hair, others dangling their legs in the water. It seemed she was in a bath house of some sort. I get a bath… she thought, and smiled at the though. Her hair was becoming so greasy she couldn't even stand it. Serenity watched in interest, but made no movement to get in until two woman came up to her.

They seemed to be in their mid twenties. Both had dark colored hair, dark eyes and deeply tanned skin. They both wore lose robes, hiding their feminine features. They held their hands out, palms up. Serenity had learned from Senna that this was a greeting, more or less meaning I come in peace. Serenity accepted their greeting, placing her palms in theirs and muttering the word for hello, and then her name.

She soon learned that was a mistake, now they thought she could speak their language and began speaking happily to her. She stood, a dumb look on her few for a few moments as the talked until finally the shorter one noticed. Serenity could pick a few words out of her sentence.

"You no speak?" was all Serenity could make of it.

Serenity nodded, "Yes, I no speak."

The two girls exchanged worried glances before asking another question. She seemed to be able to understand that, though what she said had been difficult to comprehend. Serenity didn't understand a word of the second questions so she took her chances and simply said yes. A bad idea. The two young women began helping her undress, despite Serenity's complaints and then they shoved her into the closest bath.

Serenity immediately forgave them as the warm water soaked into her dirty skin. Hot springs, I could get used to this, she though as she sunk lower into the water. She deeply breathed the steam into her lungs. She leaned against the side of the pool and shut her eyes, devouring the warmth she'd been without for the last two weeks.

She shrieked slightly when one of the women came over to her and began lathering her hair with something that smelt sweet. After a few moments she began to enjoy it though. It gave off a sweet sent, and she'd always loved having her hair washed by her mother when she was younger. But again that luxury was stolen away from her when she was suddenly dunked under the water. Serenity jumped back up and flung her hair back, breathing deeply and then scowling at the woman. She waved her off and then began to rinse her hair herself, arching her back and running her finger through her hair as it entered the water.

Serenity then went in search for more of this soap to wash her body off. After a few moments of observing the other women she saw that they used some sort of a root. Serenity then found a large basket full of it near the far end of the spring she was in. She grabbed a piece of it and dipped it into the water and then began lathering herself with it. At first, it hurt her skin but as it began to lather into soap suds, the root softened and no longer caused her pain.

Serenity suddenly became aware of the fact that many of the women were looking in her direction. Serenity lowered herself further into the water, hiding any body parts that had been showing before, but apparently that's not what they were looking at. Confused Serenity turned around too see none other than the white haired Bakura staring at the women, a seductive look in his eyes.

"Bakura…?" Serenity asked quietly.

"Serenity…" her name rolled off his tongue, with a weird accent as he stared deeply into her honey brown eyes. He was plotting something, what it was, Serenity wasn't sure off, but the look in his eyes was not one of innocence. The left side of his mouth curled slightly as he stared at the bathing beauty. He had heard, just by chance, in the halls that Serenity was being taken to see the Pharaoh, and that, should she put on a good show, he was going to make her his queen. That would be very useful in the near future should he be able to pull off what he was trying to accomplish.

My, she is gorgeous… I'd fuck her in a minute, Bakura thought, staring at the naked native in the hot springs. Bakura liked it in the womans hot springs, not only was it a nice view, but the guards never came in and they said it was bad luck. Bakura believed that what was bad luck for others was probably good luck for him, because he was bad, and he didn't see what was so bad about a lot of naked woman either.

Then two young women came over to Serenity and quickly dragged her out towards the opposite side of the bath and then handed her too the two young women who had helped her at the beginning. They pulled her out of the bath by her arms and then dried her off. Serenity stood, blushing furiously. She was just glad her back was facing Bakura. She could feel the prick on the back of her neck though, indicating that someone was looking at her, Bakura probably wasn't the only one though. She was grateful for the loose white robe that was draped over her shoulder moments later. She pulled it tight against her body and allowed herself to be led off.

She was led out the door she'd came in and down the hall and into another room. She was immediately amazed by all the clothing and jewels in the room. The two women let go of her arms and went over to the racks and began flipping through all the different robes. Serenity just stood, fidgeting with her robe until she noticed them motion her over. She did what she was told and soon found herself enjoying looking through the clothes and listening to them speak. As she listened she realized that the Egyptian language was really very musical, it had a nice flow.

Serenity wasn't paying much attention to what she was looking at until she saw a long black one, embroidered with hundreds of tiny silver beads. She gasped slightly as she pulled it out to get a better look at it. It was to be pulled over her head, exposing most of her back. The front was covered in mystical patterns of silver beads. The dress started again in the back, just where her tail bone would be, and then continued into a long, flowing black skirt, with what Serenity identified as vines encircling the bottom. Two long gloves where pinned onto the neckline. Serenity squealed happily, momentarily forgetting she was in ancient Egypt and the only reason they were dressing her up was so she could go see the Pharaoh.

Though she was quickly remembered when one of them women began untying the robe she was wearing now and the other took the gown from her. Serenity was getting tired of being undressed and dressed again but raised her arms as she was shown to do and allowed the taller of the two women to slip the dress over her head.

"It's a little long…" Serenity mumble, aware that the other two women didn't understand. But they fixed the problem anyway. One of the women got down her hands and knees and quickly began sewing the front of the skirt up.

Serenity picked up the front of her gown and allowed herself to be pushed over to the small table and bench where the two women began playing with her hair. After what seemed like forever to a bored Serenity they put a golden head dress on her and decided to leave it on. Serenity held her hands out as they slid the black gloves on her and watched as they attached a long black cape to her shoulder. I really wish they had a mirror… Serenity sighed as again she was ushered out the door. Then one of the women went running back and grabbed a wide gold belt which they fastened much to high on Serenity's waist. Serenity tried to push it down, but found her hips got in the way.

Serenity wasn't at all surprised when she found herself back in the huge black court room. Many people turned and stared at her, the Pharaoh even stood up, Serenity smirked slightly, I'm bad, I know it, I'm bad, I'm… she though, but stopped before the last word. Thoughts of her older brother suddenly swam into her mind. How she missed him. Just several days before she'd come to this wretched place he had kicked the crap out of Kaiba for killing her… now he was probably up all night and all day searching for her.

Serenity stepped forward slowly, her thoughts elsewhere. She suddenly became very irritable and snapped when the guards ushered her forwards. "I'm going!" she shouted angrily and stormed up the long stair case. When she got there, an angry glare still on her face she got down on her knees, trying to prevent two things. First, she didn't want to be thrown down again, her knees where just starting to heal, and she didn't want to be slapped, Senna had shown her how to greet that Pharaoh during their two week stay in hell.

"Pharaoh Yami," she said. The Pharaoh grunted and Serenity sat up, just like Senna had taught her too, but didn't look into his eyes. Apparently that was illegal, just like stealing was in Tokyo. You were severely punished for doing so. That's why what happened next surprised her so. The Pharaoh was kneeling in front of her, gripping her chin and staring directly into her honey brown eyes. Serenity just stared back, no fear, challenge, or anger in her eyes. She just stared, perhaps curiosity, but that was all. His eyes were calming, they didn't seem mean at all. Was the Pharaoh's harsh demeanor all an act? Was he actually just like the Yami back home?

Serenity reached one glove-covered hand up and touched the side of his face. He immediately recoiled, unsure of what she had just done. He didn't know anything about her, she may have just cast an evil spell on him, or poisoned him. Though he didn't think so, she was gentle, it didn't seem to him like she wanted to hurt anyone at all. Yami immediately shook his head and stood up, glaring down at her. He was completely unaware of what had just come over him. Never before had he kneeled before anyone but the Pharaoh before him. Never before had anyone touched him and gone unpunished either.

He looked down at the girl again, he really should punish her, but she looked so very innocent. Despite all the dark colors she wore she seemed to be very full of light… That was it, his decision was made, he would have this girl as his queen, whether she liked it or not. She would sit in the throne placed beside his in shackles as she had to be, she would be beside him for so long as he lived!

"I have found my queen!" The Pharaoh shouted finally.

**I know this chapter is particularly shorter than most.. like a page maybe lol, not quite, but I thought it was an appropriate place to stop. I'll try and get the next chapter up sooner, actually I had this chapter done like two weeks ago and I sent it to my editor to be okayed and she took FOREVER getting it back to me!!! OHHHHH lol, I'm so sorry, I'll get the whip out for the next chapter. Just for the record guys, the next chapter for Akeru should be up before too long because I only have to write ONE FINAL!!! SO I should have time to write it and before long… I should sit down and write the next chapter for abaku shi, I shall try… okay then, now, I don't like the title of this story… I want to change it… any ideas guys??**