Author's Notes:
Hey, all! Sorry this took so long, but the chapter is here now! I hope you like it! Oh and if you already didn't know the phrase was 'Betray or Be Betrayed,' a pun off of that old saying 'Kill or be killed.' Yeah... Okay, review responses!
Hikari Kitten: Thank you! I'm glad you're with me because this is going to be one heck of a ride!
HieilovesBotan: Shankyuu! It was a happy birthday! Thanks for reviewing!
Chaotic Freakatroid: ...I think your review got cut off... Heh, but thanks for reviewing anyway!
Nari-chan SND: Well, you seem to be on with something with Marik but I won't say anymore! Yes, we'll see Yugi soon, I believe so, at least. Thanks for reviewin'!
Roses in bloom: Thanks! Yeah, Marik's a creepy(and bloody) one at that! Hee! Thanks for the review!
Sorceress of Midnight Skies: You seem to be the closest with Marik! Hazzah! Just keep that train of thought! You do know, that I'm going to throw everyone off soon, though.... Heh heh heh. I enjoy writing the action parts with Seto and Ezra too! Seto on a horse, yes I agree, big plus! I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I bet you'll like this one too! (I hope) Thanks for the review!
Azurite: You're just chuck full of fics lately? No fair!! They're all so good! Everyone go read her stories! Though most of them probably have.... Anyway, yes, you're close with Marik's loyalty too, but heh, I can't say anything just yet! Thanks for reviewness!
Rlenavampyre14: Yo! You know you said something about Seto chuckin' his BEWDs? Actually in the original version, he didn't know he was throwin' Blue Eyes and there was a scene where he picks it up later and discovers that... or so I've been told. Curse those editors! Well, you're right about thieves not being so innocent, but that doesn't mean they should all get slaughtered– poetic license yo! And I know Seto doesn't believe in destiny– he was being sarcastic! I guess I didn't make that clear enough... Heh, thanks for the well wishes and review!
Tea/Anzu fan: Hee, glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
MOG: I think your review got cut off as well... Don't worry Priest Seto won't die! Thanks for reviewing!
Dragontamer101: I do love my cliffies! Hee! Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
Guardian Kysra: Hee, I owe you so much thanks and so much candy! Wow, being such a great author yourself, it's nice to get a great review! I am so happy you like this story! And yeah, Seto is no Don Juan, neither am I, for that matter. I just can't see him being all romantic– now anyway. Heh, but the slow relationship is partially because I'm such a freak– I just get all blushy writing romance.... But who knows what'll come in the future? Heh, I know I promised a really sappy reunion scene, but the chapter changed at the last minute– don't get me wrong, there is a reunion scene, and it is cute, just not quite what was expected. I'm saving that for later... And Marik? Hm, well you'll see soon enough....
Lynderia: Thanks so much! And Marik? Well he becomes big soon. Don't worry 'bout his mysterious ways... Heh heh heh...
Hioga-chan: Lovely is a great word! I'm so glad you liked! Shankyuu!
Aura Black Chan: Thankies! And Marik? Yes, much of what you guessed is true.... more than you know, he's.... like no father.... (hint hint!!!)
Yami's Wife Ryoko: Thanks so much for the review! I believe I've said all I can about Marik so just stay tuned!
Ana: I'm glad you liked the flashbacks! There's one in this chapter too! Though not so nice.... Hope you like!
Kagomesweetie: A lemon? I don't think I could stomach writing one– I'm a wuss. So no I won't.... Um, is that bad or good??? Thanks for the review though!
Atlantis2: (hyperventilates) Thee Atlantis2?! I'm so honored! I've heard so much about you! The Steam Queen! Wow, I admire your guts... Me? I couldn't write steam if my life depended on it! I'm so glad you took the time to read this! I've actually wanted to read some of your stuff– perhaps I'll have to overcome the Red-face syndrome! laughs I would probably be blushing the entire time I read one of your stories! Anyway, thank you , thank you! I hope you like this chapter!!!
Nikki: Thank you, thank you!!
Silver Wolf Gurl: Thanks so much for reviewing! All will be revealed in due time!
Zara: Thank you! And I hope I can write many more good chapters in the future!
It's too bad that I had to have Seto taken away from me because of the new rules... well old rules. sigh But I guess I'll leave everyone to the chapter! IMPORTANT notes will be at the end! Enjoy!
In the Sands of Egypt
Chapter 8
The Rescue Part 2: ...Or Be Betrayed
"Yes sir, we have the girl right here," came the low, raspy voice of a man clad in layers of earthy colored robes. He glanced over at Téa, who had ropes binding her arms and legs, and a little slit of a scarf wrapped around her mouth. She honored the man with a disgusted snort before whipping her head to the side. Behind her, the Crimson Rider tightened his grip on her and nodded.
"No sir, she hasn't told us anything," the man continued. Téa narrowed her sapphire eyes, remembering the 'questioning' they had done moments earlier. They had thrown her in a corner of some empty room and bombarded her with questions, most of which had to do with the Millennium Items.
"I'm sorry sir, but she does not have any of the Items with her," he said hesitantly. His face became increasingly uneasy as he listened to the other person on the phone. "What should we do with her then?" He furrowed his brows and looked at Téa contemptuously. "Consider it done." He snapped shut his cell-phone and beckoned Crimson Rider to come toward him. The two whispered amongst themselves, much to Téa's dislike, and as soon as the exchange had ended, the Crimson Rider looped his arm around Téa's and pulled her from the room.
A fierce wind had picked up, blowing against the back of the wayward Seto Kaiba. His deep blue eyes examined the area in which the Crimson Rider's tracks had led him. A large structure rested in the desert sand before him, though it seemed to consist of many smaller stone buildings, all linked together in the form of a great labyrinth. He grabbed his horse's reins and led him into a large, cave-like opening, traveling alongside the faint tracks of the Crimson Rider's horse.
"Well isn't this special?" He muttered, gazing up at the carvings that laced the ceilings of the dimly lit area. The air inside this place seemed thick and lonely; the dust lingering about played with Seto's senses.
Ezra came to a halt and stood firmly in place at the entrance to a dark corridor. Even at his master's wishes, the midnight stallion refused to move. Seto frowned and slid off the beast, landing on the ground with an echoing thud. He glanced back at his companion but the horse just snorted and backed up a few steps. "Chicken," Seto said, rolling his eyes.
The brunette tugged at his cloak and sifted his fingers through his chocolate bangs. "I find 'the dark-scary-temple' atmosphere highly uncreative on their part, but it seems I have no choice but to enter."
Odion busied himself tending to the cut on Marik's arm while Ishizu searched their home to discover if anything of great importance was taken. It hadn't been long before they had successfully driven out the Uraeus; actually, most of them had given up and run off. This fact plagued at Odion's mind. They must have had some sort of plan...
"Odion, stop, you're tying it too tight!" Marik hissed. The sandy-haired teen grabbed Odion's bear-like hand and kept it from moving. Odion apologized and began to loosen the bandage around Marik's arm just as Ishizu entered the room.
"Nothing has been stolen," she began, her raven hair flowing behind her as she approached her siblings, "But, I'm afraid Kaiba and Téa are nowhere to be found."
"Perhaps this is part of their plan?" Odion suggested. After all, Mister Kaiba was their strongest fighter; perhaps they wanted to lure him away from this place? But then how would they know to kidnap Miss Gardner? What if his pursuit was unwanted? Was it just Miss Gardner they wanted? They were after her before...
"Odion, is something the matter?" Ishizu asked, leaning toward him. He shrugged off his worries and gave his sister a reassuring smile, suggesting that they all get some rest.
"But, Odion, what shall we do about Téa and Kaiba?" Ishizu questioned.
"Good riddance, I say," Marik muttered. After receiving some disapproving glares, he gave an annoyed huff and retreated back to his room.
"I believe it's best if we stayed here, Ishizu," Odion explained. "Mister Kaiba can take care of himself as well as Miss Gardner. For now, it is in our best interest to remain here. The Uraeus could come back and strike at any time, we need to be prepared."
Ishizu agreed, and the two of them headed back into their respective rooms, leaving the clean-up of the night's disaster for another time.
Rustling was heard as Téa was pulled through the halls and into a small, dank, cell-like room where she was tied to a large pillar like a wild dog. She glared up at the Crimson Rider and struggled against the bindings on her arms. Her captor merely gave her an indifferent stare before exiting the room.
'If only I could untie myself...' she thought. She lowered her head, letting her chocolate bangs fall in front of her glistening sapphire eyes. A thin slice of moonlight fluttered across the floor, coming from a window high above her. Soon everything that had happened began to take its toll on the girl and she fell into a deep sleep.
Vision
Beautiful white curtains billowed up toward the ceiling of a lavish room before settling back down across long, open windows. A young man sat atop a pile of velvety pillows fiddling with tiny stone puzzle pieces, carefully examining each one before setting it down in its proper place.
"You're working on another puzzle?" came a light voice from the door.
The young man smiled awkwardly, brushing a long golden bang from his face. He welcomed the girl in and began showing her his workings. "I think this one is the grandest yet, don't you think so, Téa?"
"It's beautiful," she commented. Téa sat down on a long armchair close by and gave the other teen a warm grin. He was always playing some sort of game, which seemed unusual... for a prince.
After their first meeting, the two had developed a sort of bond, a friendship even. The prince would often show her the inner working of the palace, and in return, she would tell him of the village that surrounded it. Today, though, she had something else on her mind.
"They haven't returned yet?" The prince guessed, sensing her distress. Téa shook her head and sighed. It had been more than a week since Akunadin and the priest had gone away and with each passing sunset, she grew even more worried.
"I don't understand what's taking so long," she explained. "Something must have happened."
The prince frowned. "You must be really worried about that priest... What was his name again?"
"Seto."
"Ah, I remember now," he started. "My father told me he was brought in by one of the palace guards when he was still a boy. He said that they found him in the ruins of a village not far from here, then the palace took him in, and he was taught the duties of a priest. I'm afraid I've never really spoken to him much," he paused and gestured toward Téa, "not like this, anyway."
Téa was about to speak when a stout man came into the room. He bowed humbly before the prince before speaking. "My prince," he exclaimed, "I have come to announce the return of the priest Akunadin and his caravan." He bowed again and left the room.
Téa leapt from her seat and dashed out of the room, shortly followed by the prince. She ran as fast as her feet could carry her, through the lavish halls, passing the guard, and heading straight toward the front gate. All she could think about was seeing the priest again. Finally, she spotted the group of travelers, with Akunadin at the head, and she ran up to meet them.
"Welcome home!" she cheered, receiving a few sparse grins from some of the soldiers. She glanced up to see Akunadin gazing down at her, and gave a slight bow, earning a nod of approval from the old priest. He called for the men to return to the palace and led them all through the gates. Téa searched through all the passing faces, smiling when the familiar one belonging to the young priest came into view.
"Seto!" She called, bounding up to him. When their eyes met a chill shot through her body; something was definitely wrong. His eyes were blank and lacked any life to them, like they had been masked by a large sheet of ice.
"I was worried about you," she said softly, but received no answer from the priest; he just continued to look down at her as if this was the first time they had met.
"You're hurt!" she cried, noticing the bandages underneath his robes as well as the crimson stains that trickled across the lavender fabric. "I knew something bad would happen..." she managed to stifle a laugh, "but you're here and that's what really counts."
Not a single spark came into Seto's eyes; everything was blank. Téa bit her lip, trying to read his expression, but unfortunately, there was no expression to read. What had happened that could have made him like this? Had the thieves been that ruthless?
"What happened to the thieves?" she questioned, trying to get some sort of answer.
"They're all dead." The priest walked past her, without another word. He reached the palace gates to see the prince, Pharaoh Akunamukanon's son, standing there, staring at him. As their eyes met, a flare raged up in the priest's eyes, a burning hatred that paralyzed the prince, but it quickly died away, along with any emotion that was present in those deep blue eyes. Seto gave a slight bow and left, rejoining the returning caravan.
End Vision
Téa awoke with an empty feeling. She closed her eyes and let a few salty tears run down her cheeks. What were these dreams she had been having? Did they mean something important? Whatever they were, this one definitely left her feeling abandoned, forgotten.
These thoughts, however, were soon dispelled with a sharp jab at her side. She looked down and saw the tip of the dagger she had received from the woman in Mastaba. Suddenly she remembered brining it with her and blessed her good fortune.
After a few minutes of arduous figuring, she managed to get the dagger from her robe and was now slicing at the ropes that bound her.
Seto slid around a corner, entering another dimly lit room. This time, however, the furnishings were quite different. The ceiling on this room rose up several feet higher than the others; stars splashed across its surface along with different planets and moons. Books and scrolls were scattered everywhere, covered in a thick layer of dust that made Seto cringe.
Everything seemed to have remained this way for ages, like it hadn't been moved for thousands of years. The very air in the room made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Something was off. Unbeknownst to him, the Millennium Rod resting beneath his cloak glowed softly. Feeling unwelcome in this place, Seto took the nearest door out, never looking back.
"Escaping, are we?" The Crimson Rider stood, looking down upon Téa, who had just freed herself from the ropes. The brunette girl looked absolutely horrified, she rose to her feet and brandished her dagger wearily. The Crimson Rider merely chuckled.
"I never said I was going to stop you," he said. Téa lowered her weapon, but not her guard. "Go if you wish, it doesn't make any difference to me. We were going to kill you anyway."
Téa raised a brow in confusion. "Why are you just letting me go?" The Crimson Rider laughed, though his voice was muffled from the cloth covering his face. She examined him carefully; her captor's eyes were a brilliant sapphire; they reminded her of Seto's eyes...
"You'd better hurry before I change my mind," the Crimson Rider snapped. Téa nodded and headed for the door, pausing to ask one last question of the other.
"What is your name?"
The Crimson Rider appeared to look baffled; it was difficult to tell because of his attire. After a hushed silence he answered. "It's Kir."
Téa smiled, "Thank you, Kir." She left then, and proceeded through the corridors of the mysterious building.
Apprehension started to loom over Seto like a wet blanket. What if he had come to the wrong place? After all, he didn't actually see the Crimson Rider come into this place. What if Téa was somewhere else? He probably was just wasting his time...
"This past year has been a waste of time," he said dryly. "There isn't anything here..." Before he could finish his sentence, a loud crash echoed through the room.
Téa slapped her hands to her mouth and watched as the contents of a large grain barrel spilled out onto the floor. She had been looking for a way out, and being careless, walked into a stack of barrels. "And you're supposed to be a dancer, Téa?!" she scolded herself. Now what should she do? Run for it? Or maybe nobody noticed? She turned to leave and was met by two indifferent blue eyes.
"Yes sir, we have the Millennium Necklace here," came the ragged voice of the man from before. He rubbed the surface of the golden necklace between his fingers. "No sir, we don't know the location of the Rod... B-But sir, it's not our fault! ...Yes, we'll find it." He looked nervously over his shoulder.
"You're going to contact Yugi Moto soon?" he questioned. Soon a loud crash resonated through the room. The man nearly jumped from his skin and looked over at the door. "What was that? Oh nothing, sir, everything's fine."
Kir walked into the room just as the man was putting his phone into his pocket. "Was that you making all the noise?" Kir nodded. "Well, be more careful! You scared me half to death!"
"Then I guess I'd better not do that again or you'll be dead..."
"S-Seto...?"
"Kaiba, yes, that's my name, Seto Kaiba, I'm glad you remembered," Seto interrupted sharply. He looked at Téa, then to the grain seeds scattered across the floor and sighed. "You just love to get yourself into trouble, don't you?"
Téa gazed up into Seto's eyes, she could clearly see annoyance in their icy depths. They weren't anything like the cold, dead ones that she saw in her dreams. Even if it was merely annoyance, seeing something there brought reassurance to her. Everything seemed to cave in then; she felt she could finally drop her guard, and so the tears came flowing.
Seto raised an eyebrow, all of a sudden a sobbing mass came hurtling toward him. He nearly toppled over, and his face became hot as the girl leaned into his arms. Seto permitted this action for a split-second, but soon after grabbed Téa by the shoulders and pushed her backwards.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked.
"Sorry, guess I was just happy to be saved," she told him. She looked over at her shoulder and smiled. "You can let go of me now. I won't do it again."
Seto then realized that his hands were still on Téa's shoulders and he quickly removed them. He turned around and began walking away. "Let's go before they find us."
Téa smiled and followed. They found their way out of the enormous building and into the cave-like entrance where Ezra waited patiently. Right before he climbed onto the horse, Seto turned around. "How did you escape that Uraeus rider?"
Téa blinked and looked back to the building. "Well, he... let me go."
"Let you go?" Téa nodded. "But why?"
"I don't know really," was all she could supply.
Seto was about to open his mouth and ask more questions, but Téa brought her finger up and gently placed it over his lips. "Can we just go back... Please?"
Seto smiled and nodded. Without any more words, he mounted his horse, pulled Téa up behind them, and started back into the desert. A gold light shimmered in the horizon becoming brighter as the sun rose, painting the sky in a beautiful mixture of blues and reds. Téa watched this in awe. A welcome silence wrapped around the two riders as they traveled; words just weren't needed, not for them. It was odd; hours before, the desert had been a cold lonely place, but now it was wondrous and serene. Everything was all right again.
Notes:
So? How was the chapter? No cliffy this time, but you'd just better watch out in the next few chapters.... Anyway some important notes and plugs.
How does everyone like Kir? Good, bad, ugly? (Joke) For all you puzzle-people out there, see if you can figure out a secret about him by using his name! Good luck!
Okay, you know that creepy room Seto was in? With the stars on the ceiling? Well there's going to be a short side story to it called "Sanctuary" coming out sometime. I won't go into the details, just a heads up. Kind like a side quest in a Final Fantasy game!
Everyone give DarkShadowFlame a big hug for being such a great beta! Shankyuuu!!!
Plugs:
SetoxAnzu Livejournal community! If you have Livejournal you can come join us? A link is now on my bio!
Also I roleplay as Seto and Mokuba Kaiba on the Duel Monsters RPG– it's a good read for Seto/Téa fans! Other ff.net authors are in it such as Azurite, Svelte Rose, Harlequine, and the list goes on! It's quite interesting! Again, links on my bio!
SetoxAnzu fanlisting! Blue Eyes & Apricots! Join join! Link is on my bio!
CHALLENGE!
Mamono's Einet Fic Challenge!
Okay so here are the ground rules!
Has to be a Yugioh fic
Any category, though I wouldn't recommend Yaoi/Yuri or slash, I apologize if that upsets you, but I'm not comfortable reading it and... well I'm the judge.
No length limits-- one-shots would be nice
And the "challenge" of this one is:
The song has to be based off of the song "Kiss from a Rose" from Seal-- You don't have to put the lyrics in, but it has to have the feel of it, you know?
Okay so you're all wondering what the prize is, eh?
1st place-- Any 5 graphics, banners, wallpapers, or whatever of your choosing! I'll make em! You just tell me what you want!
2nd place-- Any 3 of the above
3rd-- Any one of the above
I'm still coming up with a deadline, but how does the end of June sound? I can extended if you need. Email me if you think you're going to enter! Email is on my bio!
I have an irking suspicion that I'm forgetting something, but for now, review!