DECLARAION- This story has been written and produced by Cathrath (FanFiction. net ID: 609465). Distribution of any kind is prohibited without the written consent of Cathrath. If you should see this story posted anywhere other than FanFiction .net or under any other name it has been stolen so please notify the author. I do not own Yu-gi-oh.

Chapter 10 - Traitor

There was a sombre atmosphere in the courtyard as Yami, Marik and their friends approached the stables. Before mounting his horse Yami turned to the others as they gathered round. He went over the plan one last time.

"If all goes well both of us will return with Yugi before sundown. If we can't get Yugi away together I will give myself to Bakura in exchange for Yugi."

"Yami...please reconsider," Ishizu sobbed.

Yami held up his hand to stop any further protest. They had been through this already and his mind was made up.

"No Ishizu, Yugi has saved my life on countless occasions and I owe it to him to do anything I can to save his. If it means sacrificing myself in exchange, I will."

Yami looked sadly at the group of people around him.

"Please, my friends pray to the gods that we may all return safely."

Yami mounted the horse held for him by Danota and bent down to take the offered reins. He was slightly surprised when Danota spoke to him.

"Y...Your Highness," Danota stuttered.

"Yes."

"Please save Prince Yugi and come back safe."

Despite everything Yami gave Danota a warm smile and clasped him on the shoulder.

"I intend to."

With that he swung his horse around and closely followed by Marik galloped out of the palace gates.

It was still dark as they made their way across the desert. The canyon was only a few hours ride from the city and they had plenty of time before sunrise. Yami's mind raced as they galloped. He was determined to save Yugi no matter what, even if it meant giving his own life in exchange. However, Ishizu's warning was still fresh in his mind. If Bakura did kill him the powers of the shadow realm would transfer to Bakura. This thought worried Yami greatly. Not only did he have a responsibility to Yugi but he also had a responsibility to his people and perhaps the whole world. The dilemma he was faced with was not an easy one to solve. He ran over the plan Marik and he had formed prior to their leaving. The ultimate plan was to get Yugi away from Bakura and for all three of them to escape. Yami would keep Bakura distracted whilst Marik used his millennium rod to take control of Bakura's mind. It wouldn't be easy, Bakura would be expecting it but if Yami could distract him long enough Marik should be successful. Yami glanced over to his quiet companion. He knew very little about Marik apart from the fact that he had spent a lot of time with Bakura. He wondered how the news of Bakura's betrayal had affected him. Marik had been eager to help when Yami had asked for his company and seemed thirsty for revenge against his former friend. Yami was sure he could trust him. He would often see him talking with Ishizu and he was sure Ishizu wouldn't trust and confide in someone she suspected of being untrustworthy. These acquaintances with Ishizu made Yami think of him as a dependable and loyal friend. He glanced back at the desert in front of him. The ground ahead of them was becoming darker as they approached the canyon and soon they were at its edge looking down into the dark depths.

"Knowing Bakura he will want to meet at the bottom of the canyon," Marik said as they dismounted.

Yami nodded in agreement.

"You're right. Are you ready?"

Marik nodded and together they began to make their way down a rocky path to the canyon floor.

Unbeknown to them two riders approached from behind. They stopped, keeping a fair distance between themselves and the edge of the cannon so as not to be spotted.

Seeing the two distant figures vanish out of sight as they entered the canyon Jou breathed a sigh of relief.

"I thought they would spot us for sure. Yami's is going to be mad when he finds out we disobeyed him and followed," he said as he shielded his face from the flying sand.

"No more than Ishizu will be if Yami gets himself killed," came Honda's reply.

"Are you sure were not going to endanger Yugi by following?" Jou asked concerned.

"Not if we stay far enough away so as not to be seen. We just need to be close enough to help if we are needed."

Jou nodded and kicked his horse into a slow walk towards the canyon's edge.

Yami and Marik made their way cautiously down the rocky path to the canyon floor. Yami took the lead and slowly advanced into the canyon drawing his sword as he did. Marik did the same behind him. The sun was now beginning to rise and they squinted, partially blinded as the new light of day crept its way along the canyon walls. Suddenly Yami stopped.

"What is it?" Marik asked.

"Bakura, I can feel the presence of the millennium ring."

"THAT'S FAR ENOUGH," came a voice echoing from a rocky outcrop in front of them.

"BAKURA YOU TRAITOR. COME OUT AND FACE ME," Yami shouted his own voice echoing around the rocks.

"Now, now Pharaoh, that's not very nice," came Bakura's voice a little louder and clearer as he appeared from behind a boulder.

"You're a coward Bakura. Where's Yugi?" Yami shouted again.

Bakura's face turned into a snarl.

"Be careful with the insults Pharaoh or I might decide to take my displeasure out on your young friend here."

Bakura reached behind the boulder and dragged a bound and gagged Yugi into view.

"YUGI," Yami cried.

"If you've hurt him in any way thief I'll..."

"You'll what. Remember Yami one false move and I will kill the little runt."

To emphasise his point he drew a knife from his belt and pressed its sharp edge against Yugi's throat. Yugi whimpered through his gag.

"NO," Yami cried out and took a pace forward.

"Stay where you are Pharaoh or I'll cut his throat," Bakura said menacingly.

Yami stopped in his tracks. Bakura smiled an evil smile.

"Good, now throw down your swords."

Yami looked at Yugi and their eyes locked for a moment. Yugi's eyes were silently begging Yami not to follow Bakura's instructions and Yami hesitated for a moment but there was no alternative. Yugi was in too much danger and Yami had no doubts that Bakura would carry out his threat and kill Yugi without a moments thought. With apology in his eyes Yami flung his sword to the floor. Marik did the same. With them both disarmed Bakura withdrew the knife from Yugi's throat and threw the young boy to his knees. Yugi cried out in pain through his gag as his knees hit the hard stony ground. Yami cried out again and made another move forward.

"I said stay where you are Pharaoh. One step closer and I will snap his neck."

Yami stood with a look of resignation on his face.

"It's me you want Bakura. Let Yugi go and I will come quietly."

Yugi started to make protesting noises as Yami offered to take his place. Bakura noticed Yugi's distress.

"I think our young friend here has something to say."

He reached for the knife again. Yugi tried to move away from Bakura fearing the worst but Bakura held him fast. However, Instead of the expected the attack Bakura cut Yugi's gag free. Yugi instantly shouted out to Yami.

"Yami no, he'll kill you. Get out of here."

Yami shook his head.

"I'm sorry Yugi but I must. He will set you free then."

"Actually, I lied about that part."

Yami's head shot up to look at Bakura again.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm afraid I can't free the runt. I have plans for you both."

At that Bakura threw open his robe to reveal the millennium ring around his neck. Yami's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I see. You want to duel," Yami said recognising Bakura's gesture.

Yami started to laugh.

"Your a fool Bakura, how in Ra's name do you expect to win against the power of two millennium items."

Bakura started to laugh in turn.

"The more pressing question is Yami, how do you?"

At that instant Yami knew something was wrong. He spun round to face Marik. Marik had retrieved his sword from the ground and now stood holding it raised, ready to strike and smiling wickedly. Bakura's voice continued behind him.

"A good thief always has someone to watch his back."

Realising it was a trap Yami spun back round towards Bakura ready to run but before he could a sharp and heavy object collided with the back of his head and he fell limp and unconscious to the floor. Yugi cried out as Marik hit Yami with the Millennium rod and watched in horror as Yami fell to the floor. He didn't get much of a chance to react though as the back of Bakura's hand struck the side of his face and he was thrown back against the boulder. He too slumped unconscious to the floor.

"Well that was easy," Marik said as he gave the unconscious Yami a harsh kick.

"Trusting fool."

"Now Marik, stop playing with our toys," Bakura chided his counterpart.

Marik gave Bakura an evil smile.

"Lets get these t..."

Bakura stopped in mid sentence as the ring around his neck began to glow.

"It would appear we have visitors. The Pharaoh was followed."

"Do we kill the boy?" Marik asked eagerly.

"No I think our employer may be a little upset if we did. He has great plans for little Yugi. Yugi is going to play a vital part in the Pharaoh's destruction and I'm sure our employer wouldn't want him to miss it. Take care of our pests but be sure not to harm them too much, they may be useful."

Marik's eyes glinted cruelly in the light of the newly risen sun.