"Arise from Darkness"

By: Heikou and Janime

Chapter Eleven

A Thief's Loss

"Everything packed?" Keriam asked.

"Yes," Cheri answered.

"Camera?"

"Yes."

"Film?"

"Yes."

"Email address list?"

"Yes."

"Duel Monster Deck?"

"Yes."

"Your journal about your sexual escapades with Seto?"

"Keriam!"

The taller girl laughed. "I was just making sure you were paying attention."

"Very funny," Cheri narrowed her eyes as she picked up her carry-on bag from the bed and set it over by the door next to her suitcase.

"You know, it's gonna be weird without you here," Keriam smiled as she sat on the bed.

"Tell me about it. But look at it this way, you have Tea to have girl talk and I'll talk with Ishizu," Cheri said as she pulled out the chair from the desk.

"So, did your mom talk to the doctor?"

"She's gonna ask later. Right now they're doing Aoi's CAT scan. Which reminds me, what could make someone lose their mind like that?"

"Guilt?"

"I'm serious. Last night, after mom said good-night I thought I saw someone in the shadows."

Keriam looked at her. "Someone?"

"Yeah," Cheri nodded. "I think a bald person and was holding something, but I couldn't make it out. I didn't have a good look." She shrugged. "I might have been seeing things, look at all the stress I'm under."

A bald person holding something? Keriam frowned.

Cheri noticed her friend's expression. "Something wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," Keriam snapped back to attention. "I was just thinking."

"You love to analyze things, don't you?" Cheri grinned.

"Hey, you know me," Keriam smiled back. "I need to know every detail."

"Maybe you can put that talent to use and ask about that dream Marik had a while back."

"While I'm on it why don't I ask Bakura about his?"

Cheri stuck her tongue out.

A knocking came at the door before it opened. "Ready to go?" Seto asked.

"Yep. Could you give us a minute?"

"I'll meet you downstairs." Picking up the suitcase and carry-on bag he closed the door behind him.

"This is it. Keriam, I have a gift for you." Getting up from the desk she picked up a large, flat object and handed it to her. "This is for letting me know that even in the darkness there is a light of hope."

The green-eyed brunette looked at her before slowly tearing the paper off and gazed at the canvas. It showed a child, crying and wearing tattered clothing but holding the child close was an angel with glorious wings tinted with gold. The angel wore a simple, green dress. On closer inspection the child and angel looked almost similar.

Keriam smiled. "It's me," she turned to Cheri, "both of them?"

Her best friend nodded. "Yeah, I couldn't help drawing you as both. It seemed right."

"I don't know what to say," Keriam blinked back tears. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Cheri."

"Thank you," Cheri hugged her. "You were there when I needed you. We've always been there for each other."

Keriam couldn't help but hug her back as well. "You really should sell your artwork."

"I'll think about it."

~

"So how long you gonna be gone again?" Joey asked.

"Until the media stops playing with our lives," Seto answered.

"Yeah... It's gonna be weird not seeing you around. Wait, even now we barely see you around."

Seto looked over at him. "You must feel relieved then."

"Actually... no. You gotta try to open up more."

"As soon as you beat me in a duel."

"Whenever you're up for one," said Joey. "After you get back home, of course."

Seto let a slight smile touch his face. "You're going to keep an eye on Mokuba?"

"No problem. He's a good kid, and Keriam's aunt said that he's more than welcome to drop by and stay for a while if he wants to. Same goes for Cheri's mom."

"I just hope that none of the reporters are going to bother him," Seto let out a long sigh as he paced the living room. "Security shouldn't have any problems keeping them away from Mokuba and Rose."

"Hey, they got us," Joey said. "We'll take care of them if they try anything."

So friends are good for something, he thought to himself but it wasn't a negative thought.

Cheri and Keriam came down, the latter holding a painting.

"Hey ladies, whacha got?" the blonde asked.

"Gift. Joey, you better take good care of Mokuba and my mom," Cheri smiled.

He stood at attention and gave her a salute. "Yes ma'am!"

"So how are you going to get out of here? Run over the reporters?" Keriam asked Seto.

"The thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion," said the CEO. "We're sneaking out the back way over to Kaiba Corp, and then the helicopter will take us to the airfield."

Cheri walked over to Seto and he pulled her close. "We'll let you know when we land," Cheri said.

"You better," said Keriam. She hugged Cheri once more. "You two be careful, and you take care of her, Seto."

"I will," he nodded.

Joey hugged Cheri. "Don't forget the souvenirs," he grinned.

"One bottle of genuine Egyptian sand with your name on it," Cheri smiled.

"Tell Ishizu and Rashid we said 'hi' as well."

"No worries and tell Marik, Malik and Bakura to be on their best behavior!"

The couple climbed into the limo and waving drove off to the back gate. The remaining couple sighed and decided to head to the game shop themselves and let their friends know.

~

Malik slowly opened the door of the guest bedroom, grinning as he saw Bakura sprawled out and asleep on the bed. In a way, the teenaged-mind young boy felt sorry for the tomb robber but sometimes what you wanted the most could never be stolen.

Being extremely quiet, Malik tiptoed into the room. From what Marik had said, it seemed that Bakura had "acquired" money somehow. Ryou checked the money he kept in the house for emergencies but it was all accounted for. As for the money Bakura was suspected of having... that gnawed at Malik all morning.

Bakura had been unable to sleep last night, which was why he was sleeping now, and that had turned into Malik's opportunity to snoop around.

Now, if I was a thief, where would I hide the money? he asked himself as he looked around the room. He tried the drawers and closet but no luck so the money still had to be on Bakura. I hope he's a heavy sleeper. The young boy carefully climbed on the bed, looking at the sleeping figure at he pulled the blanket back.

Bakura snorted as he shifted in his sleep, moving to lie on his side. "Damn him... She's mine…" he murmured in his sleep before falling still.

Three guesses who he's thinking about, the blonde smirked to himself. Sure enough Bakura had gone to sleep wearing jeans and there, in the back pocket was the envelope. Reaching out he pulled the tips of it, trying very hard to be quiet but also not touch the thief. He kept pausing every time he heard a small noise that when he pulled it out he was smiling proudly. He had done the impossible! He had stolen something from the King of Thieves and he didn't need the use of any of the Millennium items!

The envelope was fat and wrinkled that he knew he should leave the room before Bakura woke up but being ten-years-old also meant having a curse of undying curiosity. Looking at the sleeping thief he opened it up and his eyes nearly bugged out. It was filled with a thick wad dollar bills; he pulled it out and began to count. He had never seen this much money before much less held it that he made the mistake of talking out loud.

"He must've robbed a store and killed the manager!" he exclaimed.

"What are you doing?"

Malik looked up to find the thief looking at him. He looked at his hands only to find that he was caught red-handed. So he opened his mouth and said the first thing that came to mind.

"I'm... a figment of your imagination."

"You're going to be a distant memory in ten seconds."

"Eheh bye!" Malik jumped off the bed as Bakura lunged at him but being tangled in the sheets he hit the floor. Now it was a mad race as the thief chased the child out the room and down the stairs. He was scared so he did the only thing he could do as he ran into the living room: he yelled for Marik.

Hearing the loud wail and sensing the amount of fear coming from his light, Marik immediately bolted from the kitchen where he and Ryou had just finished making lunch. He entered and saw the master thief ready to kill the young boy. Not even wasting one split second, Marik ran at Bakura, tackling him and pinned the white-haired boy to the floor.

Ryou entered the room just as the two started battling each other. "Bakura! Marik! Stop!" he cried as he ran over and tried pulling Marik off his other half.

The doorbell rang and Malik quickly left the living room to answer. When he opened it, he cried out happily and hugged the tall couple around their waists.

"Nice to see you, too," said Keriam. "To what do we owe the gracious welcome?"

"Bakura tried to kill me, Marik's killing Bakura, and Ryou's trying to stop Marik," Malik looked at them.

"That'll do it," Joey said. They quickly walked into the house and to the living room. Joey put his thumb and index finger to the corners of his mouth and whistled loudly. The three boys stopped and turned their attention to the newcomers.

"Okay, boys," Keriam said, her hands on Malik's shoulders. "That's enough rough-housing. Play nice."

"Not until Malik gives back what he stole from me!" Bakura growled as he shoved Marik and Ryou off.

Ryou yelped as he hit the floor and Marik growled as he stood. "Don't you go near him!"

"Knock if off both of you!! This is enough to give anyone gray hairs," Joey yelled as he went to help Ryou up.

The thief glared at he looked up at the Sister. "Can you tell that child to give me back what he stole from me?" he asked.

"Ask him why he has so much money then?" Malik retorted before hiding behind Keriam when the thief snarled.

"Money?" Keriam blinked. Malik handed her the envelope and she looked inside. Her eyes widened. "Holy Ra!"

Bakura snatched the envelope from her hands. "That's mine," he hissed.

"How did you get it, Bakura?" Marik demanded.

"None of your business."

Ryou looked at his darker half. "Please tell me you didn't rob any houses..."

"Don't worry," said the thief, "she won't be needing it." Not anytime soon, he added to himself.

Keriam raised an eyebrow. "She?"

"He, she, does it really matter?" Bakura looked at her.

Keriam let her mind piece together how Bakura arranged his words. She remembered what Rose had told her about Aoi. She was awake but unresponsive. And the list of reporters in her apartment but there wasn't any money found when the police did their search.

"You sent her mind to the Shadow Realm," Keriam said.

Bakura remained still as the other four boys gaped at him. "It's not what you think," he said.

Ryou shook his head. "Bakura!"

"No, Ryou, he's right," Keriam intervened. "Aoi Jiyubei worked at Domino City General Hospital. Rose caught her smoking in the linen closet and she was suspended. One of the doctors called Aoi to see how she was and no answer. They found Aoi lying on the floor of her apartment, alive but she wasn't there. The police inspected her room and found a list of phone numbers for practically every reporter in Domino City." She looked at the four boys. "Aoi was the one who told the press about Cheri."

"Holy Hell..." Joey said in a low voice as he ran his hand through his hair.

"That's where you went after we read the paper," Marik said. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because I didn't need anyone getting in the way," he said tensely as he stuffed the envelope back in his pocket.

"'Kura... what made you think it was right to do this?" Ryou asked softly.

"... What were the police going to do if they found her? Put her in jail? That wasn't good enough for the likes of her so I took justice into my own hands. Besides, I wasn't the only one she pissed off."

"D'uh! Cheri's our friend too!" Joey scowled.

"I meant my deck, dummy. They wanted their share of the torment as well."

Keriam blinked as she remembered what Cheri had told her. "Bakura, can I see your deck for a minute?" she asked.

"What for?"

"Just give it to me."

Giving the Sister a slight glare, Bakura took out his deck and handed it to Keriam. Shivering from the power of the Necrophile Deck, Keriam searched through his cards and stopped. Removing the Necrofear Card, the Daughter of Ra looked at it.

"I think a bald person and was holding something, but I couldn't make it out. I didn't have a good look."

You were in Cheri's room last night, Keriam thought at the card.

My master was concerned for her welfare.

Keriam gasped.

"What's wrong?" asked Malik.

"Nothing," Keriam said quickly as she put the Necrofear back and handed Bakura his deck.

"So what are you gonna do with the money?" Malik asked.

"I don't know... I've been doing a lot of thinking," he admitted quietly.

"That's why you wanted to talk," Marik said but waved his hand before anyone could ask.

Ryou was quiet for a moment before taking a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Bakura... I know that you had good intentions but that's not the way to go about it."

He narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest. "That woman brought it upon herself for the sake of revenge, Ryou. She was going to copy her entire medical file and sell it off. I picked that thought from her mind before she was sent to the Graveyard. Can you imagine how Cheri would have felt if that happened?" he retorted.

"Oh..." He does have a point.

"Look can we not talk about the graveyard? That place still gives me the creeps," Joey said as he rubbed his arms. "Anyways, Cheri and Seto just left for the airport. They're gonna call us when they arrive."

"Okay," Ryou smiled, then it faded as Bakura left the room.

~

Yugi and Tea sat upstairs in his bedroom playing Duel Monsters, while Yami was helping Solomon with the shop.

"I feel bad for not being down there with them," said Yugi as he placed a card facedown.

Tea looked at him. "Did I or did I not say that I could stop by later if you were busy?"

"You did," her boyfriend grinned sheepishly.

She smiled as she placed a card down herself. "I'm happy Seto decided to take Cheri on a vacation; they could use it."

"Me too but not like this. Can you imagine if somehow word of the Millennium Items got out?" he asked.

"Oh I don't need to imagine it but we could always send the reporters to the Shadow Realm."

"You remind me of Bakura. What happen to the sweet girl I fell in love with?"

"Oh she's still here but I can only stand so much when people hurt my friends."

"That why you kept glaring at Mai whenever she got to close to me at Duelist Kingdom?" He smiled as he watched her blush.

"Oh hush! I wasn't jealous!" But the blush remained.

Yugi chuckled then stopped as Yami called out to him. Tea watched as Yugi spoke mentally to the pharaoh.

"Keriam said that Cheri will call when she lands in Cairo," Yugi informed. "She also wants to know if you'd like to go out to the movies tonight."

"Just as long as Bakura and Marik are sitting at opposite sides of the theater."

"Well, since the movie doesn't allow young viewers, Marik and Malik are staying home. Much to Malik's dismay."

"That should make Bakura happy then. Let's go," she nodded.

Yugi smiled as he relayed the message. "Yami says he'll stay here and help grandpa out. And since Bakura's going he doesn't want to ruin the movie for us by arguing with him."

"Oh well." Gathering their cards the young couple headed downstairs. Yami was standing on a small stepping ladder, trying to pull a heavy box off a shelf. Solomon was going over the inventory list. "Having fun?" the dancer asked.

"Tremendous," Yami grunted as he managed to get the box off the shelf and was doing his best not to fall down. Setting the box on the counter he sighed deeply.

"Not like ruling an empire, is it?" Yugi grinned.

Yami laughed. "In a way it is, but thankfully it's a smaller empire."

Nodding, Yugi took Tea's hand in his. "We'll be back in a few hours."

"Okay, have fun," Solomon waved and Yami nodded as the couple left.

~

"You do realize that a lot of people do know you as Malik and Ryou and that they're best friends," said Keriam.

Marik just frowned and Bakura snorted.

"It was so much easier when you two were spirits," Joey said and sighed.

"Would you like to become one and see how it is?" Bakura smiled wickedly.

~Bakura,~ Ryou sent.

~Why did you have to switch with Marik?~

~Because people will start asking questions if they see you and me out in public, and how am I going to explain you?~

~I thought that you said it was you didn't want to see zombies get their heads blown off with a shotgun,~ sent Bakura.

~... That too...~ Ryou admitted.

"We could always say that got in an argument," Tea supplied.

"Actually, that's true," Yugi smiled.

"Whatever but I am not sitting next to him," Bakura said as he jerked his thumb at Marik.

"Keep it up thief and I'll-" he stared to say but stopped when Keriam gave him a pleading look.

Getting tickets they headed inside and were soon inline for popcorn, soda, and candy. As they were waiting though it wasn't long before Marik challenged Joey into an arcade game. At the moment, they were fighting against one another in an arcade game called Primal Rage.

Keriam sighed. "They'll never stop, will they?"

"Joey's too stubborn to give up or back down," said Tristen.

~Or too idiotic,~ Bakura thought.

~For once, can't you say something nice about him?~ Ryou asked.

~Will you stop picking up my thoughts,~ the thief grumbled. ~Or do you really want to see zombies getting blown apart?~

~No, thank you!~ Ryou severed the link.

"We can let them have fun for a bit," Yugi said.

It was kind of comical, watching them trying to best the other with misshapen dinosaurs with people worshipping them. They seemed to be coming to a draw continuously since they had never played the game before but they were determined to win. When one went down they quickly put quarters into the slot and continued.

"C'mon... jump!" Joey yelled at his dinosaur as it was attacked.

"I have you now!" Marik grinned at his white gorilla rammed its fists on its head.

"Come on, you two," Tea called. "The movie's going to start shortly."

Joey quickly turned his head. "Almost got--Bakura!"

Marik turned and did a double take at the sight of Bakura with his arm around Keriam's shoulders, and a mischievous grin on said thief's face.

"Since you two are busy," Bakura's smile widened, "we'll be watching the movie." He then guided Keriam towards the theater.

Joey bolted from the game machine and snatched Keriam away from Bakura. "Hands off," the blonde growled.

"How else were we supposed to get you guys to follow?" the tomb robber smirked.

"Just keeps your hands to yourself," he warned.

"Heel boy."

Marik laughed as they headed into the movie theater but inside he was fuming at the tomb raider. The two couples sat next to one another with Marik sitting on the other side of Keriam and Bakura sitting on the other side of Tea with Tristen sitting next to him. Getting comfortable the movie began. The two dark personas didn't seem that much scared as they watched zombies being blown up in gruesome ways. If anything, the thief seemed to feel pity for the undead getting most of the damage. Tea didn't care much and more than once tried to hide from the movie. Yugi kept a firm hold on her hand, jumping in his seat when something unexpected happened. Keriam did the same thing, clinging to Joey arm as he had it draped over her shoulder. He flinched every time some limb got torn off but was eating all the popcorn as well. Tristen was mirroring Joey's actions as he struggled not to cry out when something unexpected popped across the screen.

~That's gross,~ Malik said as a zombie was decapitated by a chainsaw.

~Why are you watching?~ asked Marik.

~I am physically a ten-year-old. But my mind is still that of a seventeen-year-old. And I know what a real dead body looks like.~ Malik gasped and cursed at himself.

~Don't swear, it doesn't suit you, Malik.~

~I'm sorry, Marik, I shouldn't have brought that up.~

~We all make mistakes in life,~ said Marik. ~And I have made mine.~

He felt him smile through the link and couldn't help but smile back. ~I tried getting Ryou to let Bakura show him the movie but he refuses.~

~Being with Bakura you'd think he'd be able to stand this.~

A sudden scream echoed around the theater, scaring some of the people, including the girls as they clung tightly to their boyfriends, who in turn jumped in their seats. Bakura had to bite his hand as he resisted the urge to laugh out loud. Marik chuckled softly as he settled back.

~Something tells me tonight they aren't going to be getting any sleep,~ he told Malik.

~After that scene, who would?~

~

"Oh man," Cheri yawned, "I knew traveling tired you out but I never thought it would be this exhausting."

"Fortunately, I'm used to it," said Seto as he put the suitcases on a cart, and a porter pushed it through the airport. "Are they both meeting us here or just Ishizu?"

"I know Ishizu defiantly is but... yeah Rashid is, too."

"You're positive?"

"They're right over there." Cheri pointed to the left corner where the Ishtar couple was standing. Ishizu was wearing her usual plain white dress, and Rashid was wearing a regular outfit, without the dark robe he once wore. Once the newly arrived couple made their way over to the other, Ishizu and Cheri hugged each other.

"I'm so glad you two arrived safely," said Ishizu when they moved away. "I'm very sorry about what happened."

"Thank you," Cheri nodded.

Rashid held his hand out and Seto shook it. "How was the flight coming over?" he asked.

"To put it simply, long," he replied.

"Tiring." Cheri stifled a yawn behind her hand. "Excuse me."

"I see you have your bags. Shall we be going?" Ishizu smiled as they headed for the exit. "How is everyone doing back in Domino?"

"Great now that school is done with. Both Marik and Malik are driving Bakura up the wall," the young girl smiled. "Was Malik always so full of energy when he was that age?"

Rashid couldn't help but smile at the past memory. "He never let anything get him down and always tried to have fun."

Outside, waiting for them was a black limo. The driver nodded and opened the door for them as the bags were placed in the trunk and soon they were off. Even though she was tired Cheri couldn't help but be amazed at the sights. It was like a whole other world and she couldn't be happier. For the time being, every hardship she had endured seemed hundreds of miles away.

"What time is it back home?" Cheri asked.

"We're seven hours behind," Ishizu looked at her watch. "It's almost three o'clock in the afternoon here, so it's almost ten o'clock at night in Domino."

"Keriam's still awake."

"Here," Seto dialed the country and area code then gave her his cell phone.

"Hello?" Keriam's voice said cheerfully.

"We've arrived," said Cheri.

"You made it, thank Ra. How was your flight?"

"Long, and your aunt was right when she said I'll be nearly dead on my feet when we land."

"Hey, you two were up in first class. I've only been in coach. Try sitting there for a six hour flight."

"No, thank you. So how's everyone?"

"We're okay," Keriam answered. "Went to a movie. Tea and I are going to the museum tomorrow and look at the Egyptian exhibit. Maybe we can remember something."

"Sounds like a good idea," said Cheri. "Do me a favor? My mom's working tonight; could you call her cell phone and leave a message that we landed and I'll call her later on."

"I will, Cheri."

"Thank you, Keriam."

"What are Sisters for?"

Laughing a little, the two girls ended their conversation.

After settling into their hotel suite, Cheri and Seto collapsed on the bed for a long well needed nap. Cheri woke up a few hours later. She got up from the bed and walked over to the balcony. Pulling back the sliding glass door, she stepped outside, closed her eyes, and breathed deeply.

The air felt cooler then when they first arrived and carried the scent of incense but even so she felt as if she was finally home. Being away from Egypt seemed to weight heavily on her soul but now, she felt free as a bird. She felt complete and smiled some as a breeze drift by, making her lift a hand to hold some of her hair back.

Never thought I would feel homesick for a place I never visited, she smiled.

"Enjoying the view?" Strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against a firm chest.

"I feel at home." Cheri smiled and looked up at Seto. "Can you feel it?"

He nodded and breathed deeply. "It's almost like waking from a dream."

"Has the Daughter of Isis talked to you lately?"

"No, she hasn't. Why?"

"I was thinking... maybe the next time she talks to you, ask her if she'll talk to me."

"Alright," Seto kissed her cheek. "So, what do you want to do tomorrow?"

Cheri smiled and turned, wrapping her arms around her fianc's waist. "Ishizu mentioned going to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens tomorrow. So if you don't mind tagging along..."

"Not at all," Seto kissed her, "but if I see anything that pertains to the High Priest Seth, I am getting out of there. Wheeler saw his death as Kasuyan. I don't need to see my tomb."

"I know the feeling. Thank you for bringing me here."

"I would do anything for you, you know that."

"Then, mind if I show you my thanks?" Smiling she took his hand and led him back into the room.

Seto didn't say anything, letting himself be pushed onto the bed he could feel his heart beat quickly. He watched as she undressed before doing the same to him, covering his nude body with her own he couldn't help but smirk lightly. "Something tells me I'm going to enjoy this."

"I aim to please." Smiling she leaned down to kiss him, feeling him respond.

~

Bakura scowled as he looked at the monitor. He was on Ryou's computer right now, online and looking for a gift but so far he was having no luck. It had taken a while for his hikari to teach him how to use the machine, then Malik came in and the next thing he knew he had chased the boy out, threatening bodily harm if he came near him once more. That ignited a fight with Marik that it took both their hikaris to break it up.

Stupid blondes. Both of them, he grumbled in his mind as he rubbed his eyes. Why can't I find anything decent for her?

Bakura wanted to find a gift that told Cheri he did care, and if she ever needed him, he would be there for her. But it had to be a gift that suited her. Seto could give Cheri whatever she wanted. Bakura wanted to give her something that she would like and be surprised by it.

"What would she like?" he asked quietly. Just as Bakura was about to type, he slammed his fist against the closed door of the bedroom, smirking in satisfaction when he heard a loud yelp. He opened the door and glared at the ten-year-old. "Go away, Malik!"

"You're no fun!" the boy grumbled as he rubbed his left ear and went downstairs.

Bakura closed the door again and went back to the computer.

Think... Frowning he decided to just browse and typed in 'gift ideas' in the search box. Now he had over a dozen links claiming they had every gift you could want for every occasion. He clicked on the first one but didn't like it. Settling back in the chair he tried another link but no good. He spend about an hour looking before he growled and pushed the chair back some, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palm roughly.

"Damnit damnit damnit! Why is this so hard?!" he asked himself. Threatening to rip his hair out he glared at the screen angrily before typing in eBay. He remembered Ryou going to this site a few times and was surprised at how much money people would pay for some of the stuff he'd seen. What do I have to lose?

Looking around he was beginning to get disappointed and frustrated all over again. Some items caught his eye but thinking it over he continued his search. It made him wonder just how these people could sell such trash online and for such high costs! Well, not all of it was junk but some of the bids were outstanding! He had paused when he caught sight of a necklace that said was a replica of the one seen in the movie Titanic but decided against it.

Probably made of glass; Kaiba would no doubt buy the real thing if she asked, he growled and thought hard about it. Taking a deep breathe he rubbed his face with his hands as he trailed them in his hair, staring at the screen as his thumbs massaged his temples. So far he was coming up empty handed and he wanted this gift to be special! Suddenly, he had a thoughtful look on his face.

"Maybe… they have something about Egypt…" Typing in 'Egypt' in the search box he waited for the page to load, tapping his finger impatiently as he willed the site to load faster. "C'mon hurry up already!"

Muttering that Ryou should get a faster Internet connection as the page loaded with a multitude of items with 'Egypt' in the description. He clicked on one of the many links, which then loaded a picture of a medium purple colored belly dancer hip scarf, with small golden beads and disks hanging from the silk material.

"Wow..." Bakura said quietly; he looked at the dancer's scarf, picturing Cheri wearing it as she danced for him. Quickly shaking himself out of his daydream, Bakura hit the back button, the grin still perking up his lips.

After clicking through a bunch of links, Bakura's head lifted up some as he found a necklace of the cat goddess Bastet. The tomb robber smiled at the picture portraying the goddess. If he remembered correctly, Bastet was a protector against diseases and evil spirits, and she was also a protector of pregnant women.

But Cheri isn't pregnant, Bakura thought with a frown. As much I do not like the thought of Kaiba impregnating her, I hate to see her upset. So a little extra help wouldn't hurt.

Checking the page over he clicked on the link to purchase. It would take several weeks for it to arrive by mail but he could wait. He typed in the address for it to be mailed here under Ryou's name and printed out the confirmation page. Getting the paper from the printer he folded it and stuffed it in his pocket along with the money. Done he went back to the site where he found the hip scarf. He sat back and began to image what Cheri would look like that he closed his eyes.

She moved gracefully, letting her body sway to the soft music that seem to surround the two of them, the candlelight making her body glow. He grew a bit envious as the silk caressed her bare skin, wanting it to be his hands touching her. She moved closer, smiling seductively as she beckoned him to come and join her. With a growl the vision faded and he opened his eyes.

Guess that's the only way I'll ever be able to have her, as a dream. Closing the window he stood, grunting at he stretched his body. The muscles protested after sitting for so long but he needed to get the blood running. Besides, he touched his stomach as it gave a rumble. "Wonder what Ryou fixed," he asked out loud as he headed out the door.

Malik peaked out from the bathroom and grinned as he watched Bakura head towards the kitchen. Quietly, the boy scurried into the computer room and typed in the eBay address. After typing in Ryou's account name and password, which he already knew because he did some bidding under his best friend's account, Malik clicked on the "Item I last looked at" link and his eyes widened at the hip scarf.

"Bakura," Malik whispered, "you are defiantly horny, but you do have good taste."

~

Ryou looked up, a bit surprised but also happy to see Bakura out of the room. "You're still alive?" he asked.

"Remind me to laugh later. What is there to eat?" he sighed, going to the fridge and looked inside.

"The spaghetti is almost ready but could you open the meat sauce for me?"

"Gimme." Taking the jar he tried pulling the lid open but it won't turn. Shaking it be smacked the heel of his hand against the bottom a few times before turning the lid. It popped open easily. "Here." He handed it back to his light.

"Where'd you learn to do that?" he asked as he poured the sauce in a pot to be heated.

"TV show. Where're the blonde nitwits?"

The hikari rolled his eyes. "Marik's in the basement looking for the chopped garlic, and last I saw Malik, he was going to the bathroom."

"Maybe he'll flush himself."

"Bakura."

"Sorry," said the thief, "but I never had much of a problem with Malik before we all split. He just annoys me."

"Maybe you don't like children," said Ryou.

"Maybe I just don't like him as a child." He pulled himself to sit on the counter as he watched Ryou make the food. "You certainly know your way around food."

The young man couldn't help but smile softly. "My mom was a home-maker and she enjoyed cooking. I remember watching her and helping her, although most of the time I made a big mess."

"Must be nice to have found memories of your family..."

Marik coughed as he came up the stairs, closing the door behind him. "You have a colony of cobwebs under the stairs," he grumbled, pulling some webbing from his hair as he set the small shaker on the counter then looked at the tomb raider. "I'm surprised to see you out of the room."

"Yeah well I couldn't deprive you of my winning personality," Bakura said sarcastically.

"Lack of your presence would be a gift in itself."

"Speaking of lacking-"

"Please!" Ryou begged as he stirred the sauce. "No fighting. I don't want you two flinging food at each other like last time." He looked at the two yamis. "You have no idea how hard it is to remove tomato sauce stains."

Malik walked into the kitchen, humming the lullaby Ishizu had sung many years ago as he opened the basement door and went down the stairs. "Call me when it's ready."

"Get back up here!" Marik growled.

There was a pause then Malik returned into the kitchen. "Yes?" he asked sweetly.

"What were you doing?" he asked.

"Nothing. I had to use the bathroom."

"Malik, don't lie. When you hum it means you're up to something and when you hum that song it's no good."

"Honestly I wasn't doing anything!"

Bakura looked at him before his eyes widen. He left the computer on. "Malik... were you on the computer?"

Malik rocked on his feet, hands behind his back. "Maybe."

Bakura's eye twitched. "You little-"

"Back off," Marik warned. "See anything?"

"I'll say!" Malik smiled and pointed at Bakura. "You hentai!"

"In case you didn't notice," Bakura growled, "and it seems that you haven't, I did not bid on that."

"What didn't you bid on?" Ryou asked.

"A hip scarf for a belly dancer." Malik clasped his hands above his head and then swung his hips a little.

Marik couldn't help snickering and Ryou held back his laughter.

Bakura growled as he gripped the counter tightly. I'll get him later, he thought to himself as he held his breath and counted.

"So," Ryou tried to keep back his laughter, "what did you bid on?"

"A gift and I'm not saying anything until it gets here."

Marik was still grinning as he sat at the table. "Can you imagine everyone's reaction if you did bid on that outfit? Kaiba would have strangled you on the spot!" he laughed.

"I'd like to see him try," the thief huffed. He watched as Ryou turned his attention back to the food and began to scoop the noodles and meat sauce on a plate for each of them.

"Supper's ready and if I see anyone even attempting to start a food fight that same person and anyone involved will clean up the mess themselves," he warned as he gave everyone a plate. "Enjoy."

~

"I can't believe you've lived down here almost all your life," Cheri said in amazement as she looked around the underground room.

"We only went topside during the night," said Ishizu. "That was how my mother found Rashid by the well."

"Did you ever figure out why he was left there?"

"Her only guess was that he was from a nomadic tribe and that they were low on food. It's quite possible that his birth mother may have died. That may be the reason why he was abandoned."

"That's unbelievable. Did your father ever accept Rashid?"

"Yes and no," Ishizu answered. "He would have been next in line to inherit the leadership of our clan if Marik hadn't been born."

Cheri nodded, remembering the story. "Now, is Marik the real personality or is Malik?"

"Father named him Marik. Mother named him Malik."

"Okay, I can see where his psyche was damaged," Cheri frowned.

"Father always blamed Marik for mother's death," said Ishizu. "I'll never forget that day. It was only a few hours after Marik had been born. They allowed Rashid and I to see my mother and the baby. Father said, 'This is your brother, Marik.' Then I heard mother whisper, 'Malik...' and then she was gone."

"Ouch. Well now you have two brothers," she smiled gently.

The older woman returned the smile as she looked at her first home. "Not much has changed."

"Did you expect it to?" Cheri trailed her hands along the walls, examining the room as she walked. "I bet, your mother is very proud of you."

Ishizu turned to look at her. "What do you mean?"

"You, Malik and Rashid have been through so much then Marik appeared but through it all you managed to stay together, as a true family. Like I said, she would have been proud of you all." I think so would your father but he doesn't seem the type that adapts to change very well, she thought privately.

Ishizu nodded slightly. "I miss her terribly, and so does Rashid. Marik leaned towards us more than he did father. When I was dueling Kaiba in Battle City, I heard Marik calling out to me while that thing was in control of his body. And when Marik was sent to the Shadow Realm, I thought I lost my brother."

"He split into three, right?" Cheri asked. "Malik, Marik, and psycho-thingy?"

"Yes, I understand that his mind spilt when he was ten, but I can't imagine life without either one of them. Marik is protective of Malik--he doesn't want anything terrible to happen to him."

"Maybe that's why Marik likes Keriam; they do have a similar past. Well, she doesn't have a split personality but you know what I mean."

The Ishtar woman nodded again. "Well, now that you've seen my home, how would you like to see the Valley of the Kings?"

"Do you have to ask?" Smiling she followed her out but took one last look around. "I wonder..." She followed Ishizu out.

The sun was shining brightly and for a moment, the sands looked like a sea of gold. Cheri couldn't help but smile. When she first came out here she had taken a picture, having an idea for a painting. Egypt was beautiful and a wonder to behold. Seto and Rashid were waiting for the ladies as they came out before they got ready for their journey to the fabled Valley of the Kings.

Author's Note:

Heikou: Look at all the good stuff I'm missing on eBay! *pouts*

Janime: Please don't mention eBay. I'm trying to stay away from there.

Heikou: You better. Especially after paying that much for a doujinshi. What possessed you to bid that high?

Janime: (shows doujinshi) That.

Heikou: O.O 'Nough said.

Janime: Tell me about it. It could have been worse.

Heikou: I don't want to imagine.

Janime: (looks through doujinshi) I can't say that I blame everyone else who bid.

Heikou: Anyway, back to the fic. Cheri and Seto are in Egypt. Ishizu and Rashid will be helping them get settled in, and show them around the Valley of the Kings and Queens.

Janime: Don't want to spoil too much, but you'll see more into the Ishtar family, maybe a vision or two, and possibly a nighttime visit.

Heikou: We'd also like to thank everyone who reviewed.

Janime: It's people like you that keep us writing and posting.