Every day you guys remind me why I love you. Thanks to two of you especially- Angel of roses and Winter Peacecraft-Yuy- for explaining the whole Millennium Items bit and Bakura bustin' into the palace. Heh, I was wrong about something. I'll actually paste part of WPY's review so you all know:

"Bakura did burst into the palace and try to kill Atemu(Yami) and the priest and preistess for their power. Actually-laughs-Bakura robbed Atemu's father's tomb and drug the carcus into the court and degraded him. Quite funny actually. - Kura Eurna was the village Bakura lived in, but Atemu's father didn't raided it, Seth's FATHER, Atemu's uncle, raided it. See, Seth's father ran the idea by Atemu's father of making the Millennium Items and the pharaoh agreed, but Seth's father didn't tell him HOW to make the items. The items required 99 sacrifices and Seth's father slaughted Bakura's village and poured their blood into the tablet for the items, and poor 'kura, he had to watch it all. sniffles So, Atemu's daddy didn't know anything about the slaughtering until after the items were made. Bakura swore revenge on the pharaoh, but when he died, he decided to go after his next of kin which just happened to be Atemu."

So there ya go. Thanks a bunch. I'll actually have to fix something because of that I believe, but that's good. I'm trying to make this story as accurate as possible.

And yes, I'm fully aware that Yami and Seto were cousins and quite frankly don't give a hoot. Sorry if you don't like it but I suppose that's just one of the disadvantages of author-ism: You can't please everybody. Just know that I really do try.

Chapter 9: Power, Trust and Promise

Ryou played dazedly with one of the sandy strands of hair that fanned out on Marik's chest. The cool breeze in the air was barely felt by the ivory-haired boy, as he was warm enough lying next to the peacefully sleeping shadow-dealer.

Marik had made up with Ryou on the previous night, and then made love to him on the following night. And yet, those three simple words of power, trust, and promise were never spoken to Ryou. He had hoped that Marik would at least lie to him, tell him what he wanted to hear, but Marik didn't even do that. All of the confusion left Ryou wondering if Marik really felt anything beyond physical attraction for him at all.

Sneaking out from Marik's protective grasp, Ryou pulled on a thin, almost see-through gown and some slip-on sandals and exited Marik's place into the cool city air. No one else was awake except for a few watchmen and the only light came from the moon above, shining in through the gaps in the sand-strewn 'roof'.

As he approached the entrance that led to the outside, a robed man quickly stopped him.

"Who goes there?" he questioned, raising a hand and signaling Ryou to halt.

"It's me, Ryou," he said. "I just wanted to get a breath of fresh air."

The watchman quickly kneeled. "Oh, I'm so sorry Ryou. Please," he stepped aside, "Feel free to pass."

Ryou blinked in surprise but quickly tapped up the steps, knocking on the stone and emerging into the darkness.

"How strange," he muttered to himself.

It was almost as if he were being treated as an equal to Marik now that they were together.

Well, that was the least of his worries. A huge brush of exhaustion struck Ryou like a rock and he wavered then collapsed, thankfully catching himself with his forearms.

Just great. Here he was feeling VERY sick and no one was there to help him. How were palace life and this life any different? No one saw Ryou for who he truly was then and no one seemed to see him now. The ironic difference was that with Yami, he was actually loved, but with Marik, he wasn't so sure.

Tears leaked from his eyes and onto the sand forming small clumps and Ryou squeezed his eyes shut to stop them from coming, but it didn't help. Collapsing onto the sand he cried silently into his hands with no one to comfort him.

"Ryou, what on earth-?"

Marik rushed to Ryou pulling him up and helping him stand. "Why are you out here all alone?"

Ryou wiped his eyes and swallowed hard. "I just needed time to think..."

Narrowing his gaze, Marik asked, "Does thinking involve crying?"

"Sometimes."

"I didn't hurt you earlier did I?" Marik inquired, true concern in his deep mauve eyes.

Ryou shook his head. "No, it's not that." Even though he had, that wasn't why he was upset.

Marik noticed him swaying and held his shoulders firmly. "You're probably just tired. It's very late. You don't look very well..."

"You're right; I'm just tired," Ryou said quickly. "Don't fret over me."

Marik drew Ryou into a warm embrace and rubbed a hand soothingly on his back for a while. Feeling the boy go limp, he looked down noticing that Ryou had fallen asleep, his head lolling lightly to the side. Being careful not to awaken him, Marik picked him up and carried him back down the steps and to his room.

Marik's worry for the taciturn, retired healer was quickly increasing. Ryou had been very quiet ever since their little dispute and even though they had gotten over it, there still seemed to be a persistent rift. Ryou hadn't even seemed to enjoy the sex that had occurred not much earlier, whichreally irritated Marik.

Here was the thing: Marik had never ever worried about satisfying the other person's needs when he engaged in promiscuous interactions with them; before he hadn't cared. But now, he actually wanted Ryou to enjoy it with him... it just didn't seem as fun otherwise.

It sucked to be sexually frustrated.

Somehow he was going to have to make it up to Ryou... without accidentally making out with him.

-

"What do you want to do?" Ryou asked again, unsure of what he had just heard.

Marik had woken him up early the next morning muttering something about spending the day together for once. In truth, it almost worried Ryou that Marik even cared.

"I said," Marik repeated, "I'd like you to come with me and meet some of the townspeople. I'm sure they'd like to be properly introduced to you."

Ryou narrowed his gaze. "Are you feeling okay? Maybe the desert heat is getting to you."

Marik rolled his eyes. "I am perfectly fine. I just-" he paused and continued slowly as if it were almost hard to say, "-I just wanted to spend some time with you, that's all."

He could feel his dignity slipping away quickly.

Finally Ryou smiled. "I'd like that."

Marik paused, blinking in confusion, as Ryou stared intently at him for a moment. "Um... what are you doing?"

Ryou grinned cutely. "I'm still memorizing."

Marik shook his head and smiled. Ah yes, memorizing him... that was what Ryou said the other night. What a strange boy.

Sighing relief, he guided Ryou outside where people were bustling and busying about their day. Ryou was somewhat surprised when Marik took ahold of his hand without speaking a word.

It felt really nice. Ryou couldn't explain it. He leaned slightly so he was closer to Marik and the shadow-dealer made no attempt to draw back. Why should he still try and hide it from everyone if it was the truth? They were together, so why not show it?

"Ah, good morning Marik," Meera said, looking up from the clothes she was washing. "Oh," she said, looking at Ryou, "Good morning to you too. What a pleasant surprise. Are you two going anywhere particular?"

"Just around," Marik said, slightly shrugging. "I want to show Ryou a good time. Any suggestions?"

"Hm... Maybe a nice dinner, moonlit walks in the desert, or even a warm bath. There's a multitude of possibilities. That's what great about living without limits." Her face seemed to light up and she smiled, or maybe it was a smirk. "I can make sure no one is in the garden this evening if you so desire...?"

There was a garden? This was news to Ryou.

Marik raised an eyebrow at the offer. "Yes... that'd be nice. Thank you Meera."

She merely bowed her head. "No problem." Facing them she waved. "Have a wonderful day."

Ryou wanted to stay and question her more on the matter but Marik urged him on.

"Um... is everything all right, Master?" a cloaked man asked, somewhat nervous as they approached him.

"Of course," Marik answered. "I just wanted to introduce you to Ryou." Even though his voice remained stoic and monotone, and not even the slightest interested, Ryou could tell that he was trying and that was all that mattered.

The man blinked in obvious confusion. It must've been quite a shock for their EVIL leader to be walking around showing off his new lover. Strangely enough, Ryou knew that Marik's personality could do a 180 if faced with a threat or particular pharaoh named Yami.

"It's nice to meet you," he said, still confused.

Ryou smiled. "The pleasure's all mine."

So that was how most of the day went. Even as the sun passed its place from the apex of the sky and started its journey downward, Marik and Ryou were still out and about. They had entered one of the washrooms and Ryou had even shown Marik the proper way to wash down a shirt. Of course, Marik had never partaken in 'peasant' duties so this was new to him. They also sat down with the gossiping wives who taught Marik how to make a few easy food dishes. That was... interesting, but fun nonetheless.

Still, they had no idea who was quickly approaching them.

-

At the Palace, one of the high priests walked silently into the Throne Room where Yami sat quietly, almost in a daze.

"Pharaoh?"

Yami broke out of his pause facing the blue-eyed woman. "Yes Isis?"

She avoided his gaze for a moment. "I... have come with news..."

"About Seth?" he asked quickly, eagerness written all over his face.

She shook her head, her lock raven locks whishing then falling into place. "Regretfully no. It's about... my brother."

"Your brother," he repeated, slightly surprised. "Are you speaking of Malik?"

"Yes."

"But I thought you had foreseen his death."

"I had," Isis said, equally astounded. "Twice. Yet... my Millennium Necklace has shown me that he is here... right now, as we speak. My brother has returned."

Yami's brow furrowed and he leaned back into his chair. "That's strange. First, Bakura comes back and now Malik."

Isis dare not tell him that her Item had shown them there together. "Pharaoh..." she asked hesitantly. "Did you know that my brother had been killed a while ago?"

"Killed? You mean as in murdered?" This caught his attention.

"Yes. I had received news that he had been brought here after mistakenly being thought to be Marik. Then... after being questioned... he was killed anyways." She focused her gaze downwards. "I had been told that it was you who ordered his death."

"Me? Isis, I would never do such a thing."

"Then...who would?"

-

"Remind me never to do that again," Marik said. "I never want to know what goes into the food I eat every day."

Ryou laughed. "They have to use something."

They had been taking a walk outside and the moon was their guide. The day had been long, yet it almost felt short. It was strange how quickly time could fly by.

Marik stopped walking and turned to face Ryou. "I hope you had a good time. I did this for you, you know. You seemed pretty upset last night."

Ryou sighed. "I'm sorry about that. Thank you so much for everything… It's like you're a whole new person."

Looking up at the stars, Marik said, "I'm still the same."

Suddenly Ryou jumped back, fear etched on his face. "What's that?"

Within seconds a dagger was in Marik's hand and he looked around for the offender. All he saw was a snake. "That?"

Ryou looked very relieved. "I'm sorry, it surprised me that's all." He then turned a skeptical look on Marik.

"Don't worry," Marik said, putting the weapon away. "I won't kill it this time. Do you want to see the gardens now?"

This idea intrigued him. "Sure."

They walked back to the municipality and Marik lead him to one of the edifices he had yet to see. The moment Ryou walked in, almost a thousand scents hit him and he had to stop and gawk, for the sight he was met with was amazing.

All the colors of the spectrum were there in almost every shape. Flowers climbed up walls or sat peacefully on the floor and others seemed to come straight out of the ground. Among the flowers there were other foliage and flora; some Ryou had never seen before. Others looked as though they had come from some unknown land or even been thought up in dreams. It was beautiful.

"I thought you'd like it," Marik said, seemingly uncaring. "I've never been a fan of flowers, but they give a little life to the place."

"How is this possible?" Ryou asked, walking in a little further. "This is the middle of the desert."

"I didn't inherit my mother's love of nature, but I did acquire her power to manipulate it. Of course, this place does have to be tended to regularly by gardeners and such."

"Thank you for bringing me here," Ryou said, truly gracious.

"Ryou..." Marik said suddenly, and maybe even gravely. "I want to make you happy, I really do. It's just... I'm bad, evil if you will; I'm not the good guy. Just don't forget that."

A frown graced Ryou's softened features. "Did you really do all that bad stuff to those kids like they say?"

"Of course not, and I don't live off people's deaths either. That was just a story that was tossed around and built upon until it was totally ludicrous."

"Would you still kill Yami if you could?"

"Yes," he answered without a second thought.

"But why?" Ryou asked. "Malik's alive now, everything's okay."

"It was never about Malik. Sure, that added onto it, but I'd hated that pharaoh long before he ever even knew I existed. And, before you ask, no, I can't tell you why. Not yet at least."

Ryou looked at the ground for a moment and then sighed. Not wanting the night to be ruined he pulled Marik in, turned around, and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Yeah... that wasn't the best idea. Marik instinctively grabbed Ryou by his shoulders and thrust him up against the wall pressing a brutal kiss onto the smaller boy's lips. Ryou immediately pulled back using both hands to stop the onslaught.

"Have you ever heard of being gentile?" he asked, rubbing his bruised lips.

Marik shook his head. "That word's not in my vocabulary."

"Well, things can still be exciting without being ruthless."

"Seriously?" Marik asked jokingly.

Ryou put his hands behind his back and a dead serious look was on his face. "Want me to show you?"

Marik raised a brow. Ryou was actually being staid and he couldn't lie; this idea intrigued him. "Why not?"

Ryou laced his fingers with Marik's and lead him farther into the room, surprised to find a blanket spread out on the floor with additional linen sheets beside it. "What's that?"

Marik's evil grin returned. "Wow, Meera knows me well."

"-But obviously needs to learn more about me," Ryou finished. "Oh well, this will work." Sitting down on the soft sheets he motioned for Marik to do the same and once they were facing each other, he looked ready to begin.

Ryou leaned in slowly, his hands resting on either side of Marik's face, and placed a soft kiss on his lips. The kiss didn't linger as Marik's would have, but instead Ryou placed another followed by another until he had left a ghostly trail from Marik's mouth to his neck.

Gently, Ryou placed his hands on Marik's shoulders and eased him back so he was laying flat on the sheet. He crawled slowly, almost prowling as a feline would, until both of his slender legs were on either side of Marik's waist. Leaning down once again, he sealed his lips onto the other's pressing this time with silken, exciting friction. His tongue timidly ran across his bottom lip and Marik accepted the silent invitation immediately. He instantly deepened the kiss; his skilled mouth working its wonders and it wasn't long before both were breathless.

Finally Ryou drew back, his ivory hair tossed back lightly. Fixing his mouth on Marik's neck, he actually drew a soft moan from the previously silent shadow dealer. Marik bit his lip and looked down facing Ryou's mischievous grin.

"You are torturing me," he breathed.

"That is the general plan," Ryou said, a twinkle of amusement in his brown eyes.

Without warning, Marik pulled him up by his waist so he was lying flush on him and his legs now rested between his own. They must've read each other's minds because instinctively, their lips once again met mapping out the already memorized features. One of Ryou's hands dove into Marik's pale locks while the other rested on his thigh. The kiss deepened quickly, Ryou on top but Marik easily dominating as their tongues met with equal need.

Every time Marik sped things up, Ryou would pull back starting all over again and slowly working their way back to an easy pace. It was as if Ryou was leading and for the time being, Marik was okay with that. He couldn't deny that it was damn sexy to have a usually quiet and yielding boy on top and in control... or at least thinking he was.

"So... what do you want?" Ryou asked, breaking away from Marik's demanding mouth.

Marik smirked and placed his hands on Ryou's hips. "I think you know the answer to that question."

"Do I?" And fingers skipped up Marik's thigh.

That was all it took. Marik rolled them so he was now hovering above the smaller boy. "That is the last time I let you take control."

Ryou frowned. "Was it bad?"

"No. It was too damn good. Besides," he brushed his thumb over Ryou's soft bottom lip, "This was supposed to be your day... and night."

Once again their lips met, Marik's mouth fastening onto Ryou's soft flesh. Marik's hands traveled up his sides stopping to rest on his chest and his knee nudged between Ryou's legs, pressing against him, a gentle stimulus against the growing swell beneath his clothes.

"Marik!" Ryou exclaimed suddenly, surprise written all over his face.

"Oops," he said, his tone akin to naughtiness. "Would you prefer it was my hand?"

Ryou barely had time to react in shock to that comment before their tongues were twisted again, each exploring the other's unique essence. Marik's hands did eventually reach their goal and Ryou yelped, letting out a surprised gasp. He could feel Marik's cool fingers prancing up and down his length producing passion-filled cries that couldn't be helped.

A grin polished Marik's characteristics as he bent down and sucked lightly on the tender skin at the junction of Ryou's neck and shoulder creating more husky moans.

Strangely enough though, through all of the ardor and zeal, Ryou faintly realized that Marik was actually being gentile even if it was in his own way.

Sensation was immediate. Skin touched skin, hands traveled, and lips parted and met. At one point, Marik accidentally nipped a bit hard on Ryou's neck and his lithe body arched, hips meeting flush together. Marik couldn't help but groan feeling the hard bulge trapped beneath him. Ryou's legs parted on either side of him and now Marik lay between those slender, trim legs. He rolled his hips, grinding their bodies together and starting a delicate rhythm.

Ryou threw his head back exposing his slightly marked throat. He could barely think straight at this point. Marik was grinding his hardness against his own with just the right amount of force. His hands were laced around Marik's tan neck and he could feel that warm feeling building up inside of him. Ryou's incoherent cries were driving Marik insane and the look on his face was deliciously erotic.

There was no pain. Ryou felt totally at peace and yet drowning in bliss. Marik was doing this for him. He didn't want him to be in pain and Ryou realized that making it all the more gratifying. One more buck of the stronger man's hips sent Ryou over the edge and he came hard, this time Marik's name passing his lips. Hearing Ryou's voice triggered Marik and he came too, though more graceful than his lover. Both lay there just as they were, taking time to catch their breath, then finally Marik rolled over beside Ryou.

Ryou smiled contently, "That... was incredible."

"Trust me," Marik said wiping the sweat off his forehead, "I know."

He used one of the cloths to clean Ryou up even though they both ended up having to change their bottom garments. Still, it was an intimate moment between the two, especially for Ryou, who was glad when they finally settled down beside each other on the floor.

"Thank you..." Ryou said, "For today. It meant a lot to me."

Marik pulled Ryou close to him, fingers dancing slightly over the small tattoo, and stretched a thin linen blanket over them. "It was my pleasure... and yours obviously," he smirked. "I just wanted to make it up to you."

Ryou pressed a soft kiss to Marik's lips. "You did."

Marik sighed and closed his eyes; Ryou did the same. The soft scents of the flowers were the last thing on either of their minds. Ryou could faintly smell the indistinct scent of the desert flora, but whether it was the actual flowers, or Marik, he wasn't sure.

Once again those three powerful words weren't exchanged... but they didn't have to be. Marik knew how Ryou felt, and Ryou... well, he was just beginning to understand Marik's feelings. Words don't always have to be expressed to exist, just as power, trust and promise don't have to be proven to be real.

-

The next morning soon arrived with the sun hidden behind large white clouds. There was a strange chill in the air but no breeze. A storm was approaching.

In fact, it was a roll of thunder that woke Marik up with a start... only to find that Ryou wasn't there. Idly, he realized that waking up alone was somewhat lonesome, but he wasn't going to relay that to Ryou.

Actually, he was starting to get worried, or bothered, as he would've preferred it. Ryou hadn't returned and it had been some time. In an instant he had exited the gardens and was standing in the dull-lighted area of the town. Few people were out, as it was somewhat early, but Meera thankfully crossed his path.

"Where is Ryou?" he asked her, cutting straight to the chase.

Meera looked in the direction of the entrance. "He went outside earlier. He said he was going to check and see if a rainstorm was drawing near... but... that was some time ago. Why? Has he not returned?"

Marik scowled and ran across the length of the river until he reached the dark entry, tossing the tattered cloth aside and merely using his powers to cause the stone to disappear. Within seconds he was standing out in the open desert air, his hair being tossed about, but... he was alone.

In every direction there was nothing but sand for as far as the eye could see. Marik was about to say "he's gone again" but the twinkle of something in the sand below caught his attention. Leaning down to uncover the foreign object, a grave expression took its place on his face.

There in the sand, lying perfectly beside each other, were two cerulean gemstones.

"Serpent's eye jewels," he murmured, picking up the stones. In an instant they were destroyed, crushed to worthless shards in his hand. "And there's only one person known who uses these..."

---TBC---

Well, I bet you weren't expecting that. Hey! At least there was citrus right? That was pretty much a xmas gift for you guys.

Oh yes, and when Isis was talking about seeing Malik's death twice, she meant when (---?---) ordered him to be killed in the palace, and then when he was supposed to die after Marik broke the oath with Ra.

So yeah, next chapter, Ryou comes face to face with someone he hasn't seen in a long time. One guess who...

Thanks for reading. Pease review. AND, have a WONDERFUL Christmas! I'm glad I've got to celebrate two holidays with you all. First turkey day, now this. Hope you all get great gifts. BUT, as a result of the holiday, the next update will be late. I might not be able to update again until after New Year's. If so, have a wonderful New Year as well. Thanks again!

AmethystRoze