I am glad everyone is enjoying this story. Some personal notes and then onward.
Chibi Hikari 1 -Thanks, Imagination is one of the greatest gifts everyone can have and share.
Flame Ivy Moon- Thanks. Your description is fascinating in your bio. Kitsune, Inu-yokai, and wolf, wow busy bloodline.
Cosmos270- Thanks I try to update as quickly as I write, sometimes it is hard.
Maiden Genisis- Thanks, I see you updated, way cool.
Silver-Moonlight 81-Thanks, I will continue to update.
Kitty-demon92- Yeah, but most good teachers are like that. I wouldn't enjoy writing as much if I couldn't make the story flow. Thanks.
Lady Serenity- Since you ask who she was going to meet next and specified two names. She will meet Seto, a.k.a. Seth in this one, and the pharaoh in the next chapter. She doesn't meet Shaadi until the ninth chapter.
Big thanks to everyone who reviewed, especially those I didn't thank personally, you are all very special.
I don't own any part of these shows nor do I claim to.
The horse ride to the castle was blissfully uneventful. Except for the uncontainable rejoice the children expressed. Marik was excited to ride the buckskin mare, because the tomb-keepers hardly venture out-doors, and scarcely on horse back. Bakura was thrilled for two reason, one his father was out of his life, and two he had never ridden a horse before. The chestnut mare reacted to his cheerfulness, merrily skip-trotting down the desert road. Magick enjoyed free-riding without his father, besetting a roan mare. Serenity had never been on a horse before, she had ridden Elysian pegasus's, but never a beautiful Earthian horse. Her's was a pure black gelding that rode smoothly and proud. All the horses were of Arabian descent, including the two bay mares her mother and father were riding. They were enjoying their quiet moment together. Happily experimenting with the gaits of the horses, their cloaks billowing in the wind. To soon the ride came to an end, Serenity toying with the idea of making a spectacle by riding through the palace of the pharaoh. Her countenance betraying her thoughts.
"I would advise against that Seren." Magick commented. "Though I wouldn't mind joining you." He continued. Reading his sister's face like an open book. Serenity laughed at his statements.
"I was only imagining the thought of parading the horse through the palace." Serenity defended. Everyone shook their heads, slipping off their respected mounts.
"The pharaoh is a fair and kind man, but I think he might draw the line at a horse in his home." Dark Magician proffered.
"Though the pharaoh's son would probably congratulate her." A familiar voice humorously said. Serenity turned and rushed to the figure. Bakura glanced over to watch a known scene. Serenity catching his glance slowed her pace and tenderly hugged the person.
"Jono, why are you here?" Serenity curiously asked.
"Visiting a palace friend." Jono answered mysteriously. Serenity peered at him, but shrugged her shoulders. She quickly walked back to the group.
"Will you esquire us in?" Serenity questioned.
"Sure, why not?" came Jono's flippant reply. Jono leading the group to the horse caretaker tent. "Rishid, come here young one." Jono called into the tent. A scrawny boy of thirteen exited the tent. His head was shaven except for a high raven hair ponytail. Eyes a shade of lazuline, which flicked up to look at them. He hurriedly gathered the horses reigns, nearly tripping over his tunic in his haste. He took the horses to a shaded tent outfitted for them.
Serenity turned to Jono and her parents sucking on her bottom lip. "Thanks Jono, but I am going to go after Rishid." she said. Jono chortled and shook his head.
"Making friends with everyone?" Dark Magician quipped. Serenity nodded and shuffled her feet. Soon she was joined by Bakura, Marik, and Magick. "Alright, stay together, so I can find you later." Dark Magician consented, then he, Dark Magician Girl, and Jono headed in the direction of the palace. Jono twisting to offer one last wave. Serenity and her friends sprinted after the stable boy.
"Rishid, wait!" Serenity called when she saw the crow's color ponytail. Rishid ceased glimpsing at Serenity in question.
"Is not everything to your satisfaction madam?" Rishid inquired worriedly.
"Wha? Oh no, everything is fine." Serenity assured.
"Then how can this one be of further use?" Rishid queried.
"You want to be our friend?" Serenity piqued.
"Yes ma'am." came the automated response.
"Rishid, I am asking, not demanding." Serenity explained.
"Sure." Rishid mumbled self-consciously.
"Cool, come on." Serenity said linking her arms through his and Magick's rushing to the palace. Marik and Bakura hurrying behind them.
"Serenity, do you even know where you going?" Marik enquired.
Serenity's pace halted a sheepish expression coloring her cheeks.
"Nope." came the chipper response. Rishid cleared his throat, attention snapped to him, he shifted uncomfortably.
"I could show you around, if you want?" He offered, his shoulders hunched, afraid of being struck for talking to a superior. His answer was Serenity hugging him joyfully. Rishid's skin tone whiten in shock, he cautiously hugged back. Serenity eased out giving him space.
"Lead on Captain Rishid." Serenity jostled. "Onward into uncharted territory." Serenity crowed. The three flaxen-haired males shaking their heads, and a raven-crowned one starring in amazement. Slowly the group made their way through the palace, observing different objects, and fascinating art that lined the hallways. In time the troupe made their way to the decorative east wing.
"This wing is where the pharaoh's guest stay, such as the High Priest and his family." Rishid explained.
"Such as that is, you and your rag-tag friends shouldn't be here." A cold voice made itself known. A chestnut brunette youth stepped out his ice-blue eyes glaring superiorly at them. Surveying them in contempt, his eyes scanning his targets. His lean form was clothed in a Egyptian priest robes of purple. His eyes picked Rishid standing there. "Horse-boy." he sneered at Rishid, not knowing the others.
"Young Master Seth." Rishid honored bowing low.
"Did I give you permission to speak?" the youth demanded.
Rishid bowed lower. "No most gracious one." His voice shook.
"Did I just say you could speak?" Seth spoke harshly. Serenity by now was angry at the treatment of her friend.
"Hey, back-off, he already apologized." Serenity snapped at Seth. Seth's head snapped to his new prey, his eyes narrowing.
"Servant Girl, you." Seth was cut-off.
"Name's Serenity." Serenity spoke. Her whole body tightening with her anger. "I don't like how you are treating my friend, apologize." She spoke gritting her teeth. Her power spiking wildy, Seth smirked at her.
"Ah, how admiral, the peasants are sticking together." He leered. Bakura and Marik maneuvered in front of Serenity, their stances protective. Magick went to help Rishid, he moving him away from the curling vipers. A form appeared between the two adders, Dark Magician surveyed the scene. He look curiously at the simmering Serenity his back to Seth. Seth seeing Dark Magician grinned predatorily at Serenity.
"Sir, Dark Magician, this group." Again he was silenced, but by a more happier cry.
"Daddy." Serenity cried leaping at Dark Magician. Dark Magician peered in wonder at Serenity when he caught her. Seth visibly blanched at his gregarious mistake.
"What is going on angel?" Dark Magician questioned.
"Nothing, Seth was going to formally introduce himself after his apology to Rishid for bumping into him, isn't that nice daddy?" Serenity explained, catching everyone's incredulous looks.
"If you say so." Dark Magician said. Seth was appalled at the thought of shaking hands with a servant, but admired Serenity's tack. He begrudgingly offered his hand. Rishid glanced at him, then at Bakura and Marik who flashed him quick thumbs-up. Rishid looked at Magick who smiled encouragingly, and finally at Serenity who nodded. He took Seth's hand and shook it quickly, both dropping their hands like they had caught fire. Seth back tracked a few steps and starred at Serenity, finding whatever he was looking for, he cleared his throat.
"I am Seth, son to current High Priest, next in line for High Priest, and.." Seth was once again cut-off by a familiar voice.
"Currently hard to keep track of." Jono's voice rang.
"He was the friend you came to see?" Serenity exclaimed.
"Yes." Jono said. Seth constricted his eyes at Serenity, wondering why she sounded surprised.
"Well, I guess that is just you." Serenity said, jumping from Dark Magician's arms and went to hug Jono.
"That is the second hug today you have given Jono, what about us?" question Bakura, Marik, and Magick together.
"Oh you guys." Serenity said and went to embrace each of them including Rishid , and Seth who tensed at the initial contact, but quickly warmed to the girl. "Now that is settled, let's go do something." Serenity suggested.
"Not now angel, Bakura's got to do something, and I know you won't let him go alone." Dark Magician interrupted. "Will you three be joining us?" He asked looking at Jono, Seth, and Rishid. Three nods answered his question. "Very well, Bakura there is something you must face." Dark Magician said leading them to the dungeon.
A dungeon is not a particular welcoming atmosphere, this dungeon was no exception. It was damp, moss grew in every crack, and sand littered the floor, making the trek hazardous. The dungeon was soundless, except for the occasional clang of bars, and the sweeping of their cloaks. The children huddled together and close to Dark Magician. When their imagination was reaching it's peak, Dark Magician ceased his travel before a cell. The children look searchingly around Dark Magician.
"Bakura, come." Dark Magician gently ordered. Bakura stepped beside Dark Magician, his whole body stiff. "Bakura, this man is your father." Dark Magician said pointing to a figure in the cell. Bakura pulled back ready to flee, until six hands placed themselves on his shoulders offering their silent support. He look back at the encouraging circle behind him, lending him courage to face his demon. Serenity smiled gently, unmatched in the peace she radiated.
"I promise, he will never harm you again." Serenity whispered squeezing his shoulder. The moment was broken by the cage door swinging open, and a shadow hurling itself at Bakura. It's momentum was eradicated by a well-placed sword handle to the stomach. Before it was stopped a grimy hand had brushed Bakura's cloak pin.
"Get back in there." A fierce voice ordered. The sword handle disappearing into a sheath, and a two-toned chocolate haired youth stood up. His short hair ended in a point, dark eyes studying them dubiously. "Name's Hiroto Honda." He said offering a quick salute. His armor following his moves. "Jono, Seth, Dark Magician Sir, who's your entourage?" Hiroto questioned starring at the assembled group. Dark Magician stepped forward.
"Hiroto, these two are my son and daughter, Magick and Serenity." He said pointing to them. "This is Marik Ishtar, and Rishid." Dark Magician further explained, his hand gesturing in their direction. "This is Bakura, he is the boy that will be staying with you and your family." He finished, resting a hand on Bakura's shoulder.
"Right, let's get out of here." Hiroto said leading them out of the dungeon. The group left the dismal place, their backs to the cells.
"Bakura, one day I will have revenge." His father's dark voice promised, his hands clenching at the thought. The dungeon door slamming with a finality.
"The day's gotten late, perhaps, you should retire to the guest rooms." Hiroto suggested glancing at a window. "The evening meal will be served, in the quarters as you specified Dark Magician." He continued. Dark Magician nodded turning to his room, he paused and sent a glimpse over his shoulder.
"Hiroto, can you have a room made ready for Rishid, and show the other's to their chambers?" He requested. Hiroto nodded, escorting Magick, Marik, Bakura, Rishid, and Serenity to their rooms. Serenity was the last to be escorted, at the doorway Hiroto stopped her.
"Serenity, here, I feel you need this." Hiroto said handing over a Tiger's-eye. Serenity smiled and hugged him, then dashed into the room. A few minutes later a torrent of knocking sounded, Serenity hopped off the bed and opened the door. Seth stood there shoulders squared, one hand cupping something.
"Here, as a way of apology." Seth said thrusting a Sapphire at her.
"No, as a marker of a new friendship." Serenity said holding the Sapphire. She waved, hugged him, and shut the door leaving an awe-struck Seth. He shook his head in amazement and left. "I am a walking gem magnet." Serenity said in exasperation placing the stones in the new slots of the snake. One hand stroking the ginzuishou, wondering about home and her family. Serenity shrugged and turned to the sky. "I miss you and I love you." she whispered. Tears playing on her eyelashes, the ginzuishou flashed in comfort, sending her prayer across dimensions.
That's done. I know some Seto fans are going to be slightly miffed. Please don't be Seto is my favorite character. I am just as much sure though he would still be his egoistical self.
Review Please.
Much Care,
WolfchildBlazer.