"Arise from Darkness"

By Heikou and Janime

Chapter Twenty-Five

So Close to Death

I'm sorry Ryou… but I made a promise and I'll not letting you get hurt by my actions, the thief thought to himself. It wasn't long before everyone found out the item he won on eBay was the Necklace of Basset but what no one knew was that he had infused some of his shadow powers into it. Call it a safety measure but thanks to that he could find her anywhere in the world.

Or anywhere in the Shadow Realm.

It was strange; he searched every part of the Shadow Realm but the pulsation of the necklace kept telling him he was cold. That's when he remembered that the Black Scorpion King had been trapped but word had it his imprisonment wasn't the world of Duel Monsters. It had to be beyond. Closing his eyes he concentrated.

The dark powers enveloped him and pulled him down into the ground, as if he was sinking but he didn't stir or panic. Within moments he felt solid ground under his feet he opened his eyes and stared. Standing before him was a massive palace that looked even more splendid than Yami's palace in Egypt but on the front entrance was a large scorpion with it's pinchers along either side of the large gate. Also, the area around was slightly similar to the Shadow Realm but also different. It was like, in between both worlds one could say.

Bakura shook his head as he took a quick look around. No soldiers in sight but he wasn't going to take this lightly. The pulling was coming from somewhere deep inside but if he could find a window that would be better.

He slowly began circling the area, looking for any sign but then he heard a rustle. It didn't sound like footsteps but the former King of Thieves wasn't going to take his chances. Looking around he noticed a large pillar carved from the palace walls.

Wish I had a rope but my bare hands will have to do. Running up he began to scale the pillar, climbing up as quickly yet as quietly as he could. Halfway up he looked down and noticed the footsteps were the scurry steps of a pair of insect monsters; an 8-Claws Scorpion and Muka Muka. Making a face the thief continued his climb up.

By the time he reached the window, his limbs were aching from the misuse but he shook it off and looked around. Weapons of every type and size adored the walls and as tempted as it would be to take a sword or two, Bakura knew he didn't have time for this. Besides, everything had the image of a scorpion etched deeply. But he couldn't help it as his sticky fingers placed an ornamented dagger in his belt.

He slowly cracked the door open and peered outside. No one in the halls. Silently he eased out of the room, closed the door behind him and began walking down the hall. The power was getting stronger but he kept his eyes and ears open. So far no one seemed to know he was here and he wanted it to stay that way. For now at least.

The power pulled at him, making him stop before a door; he slowly pushed it open. Peering inside he saw it was a bedroom but now the shadow magic was stronger than before. Closing the door behind him he looked around. Everything in the room either had some kind of image of a scorpion or was in the colors of red and black. He frowned and sighed.

I must be in one of the Scorpion's rooms. I better try another one. He was about to leave but that's when he noticed the necklace he had given Cheri the necklace on her wedding day. He let his hand drop from the door's handle and slowly moved to the table. He slowly held the piece of gold up and inspected it thoroughly. It was the one and same so… where was the owner?

Bakura lifted his head sharply when he heard the sound of water falling. Looking around he noticed a door was slightly ajar. Setting the necklace down carefully, he moved to the door and peered inside. Apparently the next room was the bathing camber and it was lavishly done in marble with a large, sunken in pool but just before he was about to enter the young female assassin stood in the middle of the pool.

The thief's eyes widen and he quickly pressed himself against the wall next to the door. He took deep breathes, making sure he wasn't heard but to also try and quell the sudden rush of blood going downward. Oh gods, just don't look. If you do you'll regret it! he tried telling himself but his body refused to listen.

Meanae sighed as she ran her hands through her hair, letting the scented water roll down her body. It had felt good to take a heated and scented bath like this and it also helped ease her mind yet the thoughts lingered. Shaking her head she stepped out of the pool and pulled on a thin robe. Holding it close she made her way into her room, still lost in her thoughts so she was taken back when she felt an arm go around her waist and a hand cover her mouth. Of course she struggled but whoever held her was strong.

"Listen I'm not here to hurt you!" Bakura hissed into her ear, keeping his back against the wall. He held the young woman tightly against his chest so she wouldn't try anything to escape but now he was thinking it was a bad idea. She stopped her struggles as his voice settled into her mind. "So you know who I am."

She nodded slowly.

"Can I trust you not to scream if I remove my hand?"

Nothing.

"I'll take that as a no. Look I just want to talk, that's it. Will you at least give me that much?"

A pause… then a reluctant nod.

"… I'm trusting you on this." He slowly released his grip.

Meanae took a deep breathe but instead of screaming she whirled, catching his wrist in a tight grip she forced his chest into the wall, his arm twisted behind his back. With her other hand she removed the dagger from his belt and held it up to the side of his throat. "You… what are you doing in my chamber?" she asked coldly.

Bakura grunted but he couldn't move or risk getting his arm dislocated or having his throat slit. "Like I said, I wanted to talk," he growled lowly, bracing his other hand flat against the wall. "Don't trust the word of the King of Thieves?"

"I don't trust anyone who isn't part of the Dark Scorpion clan," she hissed but against her better judgment, released his arm. Slowly she stepped back, holding the dagger tightly in her hand. "Now explain yourself. What are you doing in my room?"

Bakura sighed and slowly turned around, rubbing his shoulder. Looking at her the robe clung to her body, her hair still damn from her bath he was reminded of the time Cheri had kept him from drowning himself after that drunken version of Truth and Dare but her eyes were cold and dark.

Cheri…

"You probably don't know this… but I made a promise to the Daughter of Anubis," he began to say. "I promised… that I would follow her to the ends of the earth no matter what and I don't indeed on breaking that promise. Ever."

Lifeless brown eyes narrowed at him angrily. "In case you haven't noticed, I am not her."

"In a way you aren't, but in a way you are. Cheri--I mean Meanae; I'm not here to hurt you." He took a step towards her.

He stepped back and watched as she finished getting ready. "You look... beautiful."

She blushed as she smoothed her hands over her gown. "Thanks."

"Stay back!" she threaten but he didn't stop. She could have stabbed him and called for her brother but she didn't. Why? What was wrong with her? She kept backing up until she bumped into the vanity table. Her hand went back to steady herself but it encountered the necklace. Wrapping her fingers around it she held it up to see.

I wanted to give you something. Here." He handed the slender box to her.

"Bakura... I-I don't know what to say."

"Just open it."

Cheri smiled and opened the box. She gasped and slowly held the necklace up. Setting the box on the dresser she gently trailed her finger over the image of the cat goddess. She was speechless; she looked up at him with a question in her eyes.

Bakura said nothing as he took it from her hands and stepped behind her, slowly slipping it around her neck and fastened it. "Basset was known for being a protector against disease and a guardian of pregnant women. I know how much you want a family as well so I thought some help couldn't hurt." Facing her once more he smiled a bit. "You look like a true goddess."

Bakura couldn't help but stop. "Why did you keep it?" he asked softly.

Meanae looked up at him in surprise then back at the necklace, then back at him. "You… You gave this to me?" she asked softly. He slowly nodded.

"You… were having troubles bearing a child… I hated seeing you so distressed that, I bought it for you…" He moved closer and took the necklace from her hand. Reaching up he closed it around her throat, his fingers resting along her damn skin.

Bakura smiled, nodding slightly, and then pulled Cheri to him, hugging her gently. "As long as you are happy then I will be happy for you," Bakura whispered, "but know this--I will follow you to the ends of the earth and if you ever need me, I will always be there waiting."

He released her and quickly left the room. Cheri watched him go, her hand going to the necklace. "Bakura..."

The young assassin stared up at him, her hand shaking before the dagger clattered to the table from her hand. Her other hand went up to caress the golden item but covered his hand instead. "Why? Why give me something, so valuable?" she asked softly.

"Because…" Bakura moved closer until he kissed her softly, his hand reaching up to cup her face. "… I love you." He pressed his lips against hers again like before, but this time she didn't pull away. He kissed her deeper as her hands slowly reached up and threaded through his hair…

--

"Thank you for your help."

Green Phantom King bowed his head to Yami. "Do not just thank me," he said, "Please also thank the Daughter of Osiris. She is the one who summoned me."

"Yeah, and I'm sure Kaiba will thank her too," Joey whispered to Tristen, and they snickered.

Yami faced the CEO, who was bound to the chair with several vines and a large leaf covering his mouth. "Are you a little calmer?" the pharaoh asked.

Seto narrowed his eyes, and then nodded. The leaf moved away from his mouth and Seto licked his dry lips. "I will not do any harm to Ryou," he said, "however, I will kill that treacherous thief the next time I see him."

Ryou shook his head but said nothing. After coming back and telling everyone what happened, it took everyone to pry Seto away from the young bearer of the Ring until Tea summoned the fairy Duel Monster. But that didn't make anyone feel better.

"Seto, I don't think Bakura is a traitor," Marik began to say. "He has reasons for the actions he takes."

Kaiba glared up at him but couldn't move any part of his body. "Why are you defending him?" he growled.

"Because I've seen the way he thinks. Besides, trying to kill Ryou won't do any good. We need to think this out. Calmly."

"I am perfectly calm."

"Then why are your fists shaking?" Tristen asked. "Unless you're suffering from caffeine withdrawal…"

Seto took several deep breaths and placed his hands on the armrests, forcing the tension out of his body. He looked at Green Phantom King. "Would you be so kind to release me?"

The Duel Monster looked at Tea and she nodded. The vines unwrapped themselves from the CEO and returned to their maker.

What else can go wrong? Seto thought.

Nan walked into the room. "Mr. Pegasus is here, and he brought a lot of crates."

I had to ask… "Send him in."

She nodded and left the room. A moment later Pegasus slowly walked in and behind him several men in dark suits walked in, each carrying a crate or two. He didn't say anything but the men moved to the side of the room and placed the crates down.

"Everything I gathered from my visits to Egypt," he explained and only then took notice to the living Duel Monsters in the room. "Something happened?"

Keriam looked at Tristen before looking over at him. "The Scorpion King has been awaken... and Meanae now has complete control over Cheri's mind and body," she said softly. "We also found out, that the third entity, the psycho that nearly killed everyone on Battle Ship, has joined them and has a physical body of his own."

"Interesting." Pegasus waved his hand at the carriers and they left. "You also seem to be one short."

Seto's eyes narrowed as his body tensed. He noticed Green Phantom King ready to wrap him to the chair again just in case. But Seto would be damned if he'd let Pegasus see that!

"Our infamous thief has decided to switch sides," Seto answered in a cool tone, leaning back in his chair.

"Truly? Well I am only mildly surprised at this bit of news," he lightly exclaimed.

"Will you all give it a rest?! Bakura wouldn't have cut the link unless he didn't want to risk me getting hurt!" Ryou shouted, trying very hard to keep the tears from falling this time. "You all may think he's a traitor but he isn't! At least not to me."

"Ryou we don't think Bakura's a traitor. It's just... we have to face the fact that when we go against the Black Scorpions we may have to fight him as well," Yugi tried to explain.

Ryou's shoulders slumped at what Yugi said. It was the truth, and Ryou was too afraid to admit it. He left the room, and when he reached the stairs, he ran up them into a spare bedroom and slammed the door. Falling on the bed, Ryou buried his face in the pillow to muffle his sobs.

"Would you follow him? No matter which path he took?"

Ryou groaned as the words that the Daughter of Isis spoke to him came back.

Bakura… how can I follow him? I can't turn my back on my friends. Sighing, he rolled onto his side. Cheri's my friend too but… we'll save her. We will save you, Cheri. And, Bakura, I'll save you, my brother.

The bedroom door creaked open; Ryou didn't even bother to see who it was. A few moments later, Malik came into his sight.

"Are you alright?" Malik asked.

"I guess," he answered softly.

Malik blinked and quietly climbed onto the large bed, sitting next to his best friend. "Do you think, that when we go against the Scorpions, that Bakura will actually fight us?" he couldn't help but ask.

"… I don't know… Several nights ago, the Daughter of Isis came to me in a dream… I watched as two women killed one another but I couldn't stop them." Ryou curled up some, wishing he had the Book of the Dead with him for it bought some mild comfort. "I asked why she showed me this… she said, they were things yet to come and that despite knowing the future, I could do nothing to stop it…"

"… Who were the two women?"

"I don't know. One wore red armor, the other dragon armor. I asked why did I have to see this? What was the point of watching something already set into motion?"

"She didn't give a good answer?"

The young man tried laughing but it came out slightly choked. "No. Malik… I love Bakura as a brother. As much as you love Marik. I would do anything for him, but I can't turn my back on my friends," he admitted softly, reaching up to wipe the tears away with his hand.

The young boy looked at his friend worriedly, wondering what he was talking about. "Ryou, what are you trying to tell me?"

"If… and when we go against Bakura… I won't fight him, but I won't fight with him."

"So you're just going to stand aside?" Malik asked.

Ryou picked at the bedspread. "I don't have a choice." He couldn't admit it now, but Ryou knew that he had to be somewhere else when the others went against the Scorpions and Bakura. But where am I supposed to be? Ryou asked silently.

--

"So who else would you pick from Yu-Gi-Oh?"

"Hmm…" Cheri placed her finger on her chin, mocking deep thought. "I would pick Bakura."

"He is cute," Keriam agreed.

Cheri grinned at her best friend. "Wrong Bakura."

"The thief?! Are you nuts?! After that duel where he had everyone's souls as their favorite Duel Monster?!"

"You don't like him because he sent Joey to the Graveyard. And I think you're the one who's nuts for also liking Marik! He took over Joey's mind and sent him to the Shadow Realm!"

"That was not Marik," Keriam defended her other favorite blonde character, "it was that psycho thing that took over his body."

"Okay, okay," Cheri held up her hands. "But I still say Marik's nuts for enslaving people's minds and trying to kill Yami."

"Blame Shadi for that," said Keriam.

Meanae's eyes slowly fluttered open. Something warm was right next to her. She didn't know why but she felt complete, and when her eyes did fully open, she saw the reason.

Bakura remained asleep; his arms around Meanae in a protective, yet possessive embrace. He didn't even flinch as she gently stroked her fingers along his cheek. She smiled, after last night, who would be awake?

You are my favorite, Meanae thought at Bakura. Will you stay with me? Will you be my prince, my King of Thieves?

The young assassin took her time, gently tracing his features and watching him sleep she frowned when she heard knocking on the door. Go away, she thought to the door.

The knocking continued. "Meanae? Are you awake?" It was Chick.

She sighed but slowly and carefully pushed herself into a sitting position. Bakura's arms stayed locked around her body but he just slightly stirred. "I am awake," she called out, running a hand through her hair.

"Our king wishes to see you."

"I'll be there shortly." She listened as he walked off but she didn't want to leave her bed much less her chambers.

"Never fails to have a pleasant mood spoiled."

Meanae looked down at Bakura. "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough," he answered, sitting up beside her. "Now what?"

"I must tell him about you. He may not like it but…"

Bakura nodded and then gently kissed her. "You shouldn't keep your father waiting."

She looked at him for a long time before speaking. "Bakura... in the past you were known, as the King of Thieves. Would you stay with me, and become my prince?" she asked, reaching up to gently stroke his cheek.

"Meanae, I already told you. I made a promise to follow you to the ends of the earth. But if you want to hear it, then yes," he held her hand and kissed her palm; "I'll become your prince."

Meanae could only smile and reluctantly, got up from the bed and began to dress into a clean uniform but looking deeper she found another uniform only larger. She returned to the bed and handed it to him. "I hope these will fit. Once father has seen you dressed as the rest of us, I'm sure he will place the mark of the Black Scorpion upon you."

He took the clothes and nodded. "I'll join you shortly."

Meanae left her room. As she walked down the corridor to the throne room, her mind was a jumble of thoughts; part of her felt guilty and another part of her was ecstatic. Part of her wanted to run while another part never wanted to leave. She pushed everything that was clouding her mind aside before entering the throne room. Head held high, Meanae walked to the throne and bowed before her father.

"Rise, Meanae," said the Black Scorpion, "and sit by your father."

She did as he told, taking the smaller decorated chair to his right.

The other Scorpions were already there, kneeling before the King and Princess. Lord Necrophedious stood to the side, his cape on his shoulders once more but the hood had been pushed back to reveal his smirking face. For a while, nothing was said but before the king could speak the doors to the throne room were thrown open.

Bakura walked in, the uniform fitted nicely on him but he wrapped a red band around his forehead and had the dagger he had swiped earlier tucked into his belt. He ignored the shocked gasps and moved forward until he was standing before the two thrones. Moving slowly he dropped to his knees and bowed before the Black Scorpion.

"I offer my services to the Black Scorpion King," he said. His pride was yelling that he shouldn't be doing this but his heart was arguing that this was the only way to stay with the young woman.

"You're the dark one of that weak light!" Chick pointed out with wide eyes.

"How dare you show your face in our home!" Gorg growled.

"Sire, allow us to be rid of this pest once and for all," Don Zaloog added as he pulled his daggers free.

"No! Do not harm him!" Meanae shouted, hands gripping the armrests of her throne tightly. "Bakura has been here since last night. I could have killed him or called for any of you for help but I didn't."

"Meanae…" Cliff whispered, staring up at his sister. She turned to her father, the king.

"Sire--Father, I ask you, please bestow the mark of the Black Scorpion upon him. He has left our enemies and cut the ties that bind him to his lighter half."

The king looked at her sternly. "What proof has he given to you that this is not a trick?" he asked.

"I can do or say nothing that will prove this is no lie," Bakura answered, lifting his head to look up at his new king. "But as I told Chick, I already made my loyalties with your daughter and I'm not backing from them now or ever. But to stay with her means I have to join your group, then so be it."

The king was silent but slowly he stood from his throne. Like the assassins he wore what they wore except his chest was bare save for a piece of armor on his shoulder that strapped across his chest. His hair was tied back but around his neck was a pendant with the image of a scorpion on the front. He moved to the thief, watching as he stood but said nothing. He held his hand out to him.

Bakura looked at his hand, then at Meanae's pleading look. Looking at the king he extended his right hand and grasped the larger one. The king tightened his grip and with his other hand, grasped his upper arm tightly. The thief wanted to ask what he was doing but suddenly he felt a sharp pain on his arm. He tried pulling it out of the man's grasp but it was too tight. The pain didn't last long but when he was released he looked at his arm. There, where once flawless skin was now the tattoo of the black scorpion. It glowed for a moment then died down.

"By bearing this mark it shows that you are one of my assassins. You will now be known as Bakura the Thief," he announced to all.

Meanae smiled, clearly very happy about this but she never noticed Lord Necrophedious was at her side and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"It makes me wonder, just how he came to convince you that night," he whispered.

"What are you saying?" she hissed, trying not to bring attention.

"Something must have kept you both busy last night or you would have reported him the moment you set eyes on him."

Meanae cast angry eyes on the demonic being but it didn't stop the flush that crept up her neck. Necrophedious grinned at her.

Sending another scowl at him, Meanae rose from her chair and walked to Bakura. She reached out, lightly tracing the scorpion that now graced his right upper arm.

I have my prince, Meanae thought.

"Remarkable," Necrophedious spoke. "Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from my student."

Bakura snorted. "Your 'student'? And when have you ever taught me anything?"

A slight chuckle was his answer. "Have you forgotten? Hmph, since the Pharaoh lost his memory after five thousand years, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you did as well." He looked straight into the thief's eyes. "Doboro."

His eyes widen but he was torn between stepping away from the man, or throttling him.

"It's been you this entire time..." he whispered in a low tone.

The Scorpion King returned to his throne and slowly sat down. "My scorpions, I have a mission for you all," he called to them.

"Anything you wish is our command, sire," Don remarked, bowing deeply.

"Retrieve the Books of Ra, Osiris, and Anubis. Should any of those Guardians stand in your way... destroy them."

"Sire," the Scorpions bowed and disappeared.

Bakura remained for a moment; he stroked Meanae's cheek lightly with his fingertips and backed away, disappearing to follow the others.

--

"Have you been up all night?"

Marik looked up from the scroll he was reading, looking at Keriam with bloodshot eyes. "How did you guess?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

"For starters, you look like hell." Keriam walked over to him. "I would say something about being in the same outfit from yesterday but half the time you sleep in what you had on the previous day."

He started to say something but just covered his mouth when a yawn came. "I know there has to be an answer somewhere. Besides, I never needed sleep before."

"Before you didn't have a physical body," she countered and sat next to him. "No luck?"

"Not yet. Part of me wanted to ask Duke to open his Book but after what happened..." Marik slowly shook his head. "I don't wanna chance it."

"Can't say that I blame you." Keriam sat in a chair next to him. "Why don't you ask Yami, Malik, Rashid, or Ishizu to take over? You definitely need sleep, Marik."

"I'm alright," he yawned.

"Liar."

"Of course I'm lying."

"Then go to sleep."

"Okay," the Egyptian leaned over until his head was in Keriam's lap.

She stared down at him. "You know that this is not what I meant."

"Yeah, but you're comfier," Marik smirked.

She sighed but let him be. "You know its okay to ask for help time to time."

"I know... but I just want to find the answer sooner..." he yawned and closed his eyes, "than later..." Soon he was fast asleep.

Keriam smiled and stroked his hair, watching him sleep. You try too hard, Marik, she thought softly.

"Theliane!"

The young girl turned around, still holding her mother's hand as she watched a young boy run up the steps to the temple.

"Sadiki!" she cried happily.

"And what bring you here, Sadiki?" Nathifa smiled at the boy; she was fond of him as if he were her son. And taking care of him the last four years along with Theliane was a handful.

"Father said that you were here," Sadiki smiled at them--more at the girl than her mother.

"Can Sadiki and I go to the pool?" Theliane looked at her mother, emerald eyes pleading.

Unable to resist, Nathifa nodded. The two children joined hands and ran along the walkway outside the temple, passing the guards as they went. When they arrived at the pool, the jumped right in.

The waters were cool but the children didn't mind as they splashed about, having fun. Nathifa slowly walked her way towards the pool, nodding to the guards as they bowed to her. She couldn't help but smile as they played around. She sat on a nearby bench and continued to watch them.

'My dear daughter... if only I could let you live your life as an ordinary child,' she thought a bit sadly. 'But Father Ra has shown me many things... you and your sisters are destined for greatness.'

After some time, Theliane and Sadiki climbed out of the pool. Nathifa picked up two large linen sheets and wrapped each of the children in one.

"You two stay right here," she said. "I will bring you something to eat."

"That was fun," said Sadiki as they sat on the bench and dropped the sheets to the ground.

Theliane giggled and rested her head on her friend's shoulder. "I'm glad you came, Sadiki. I haven't seen you in a long time, I missed you."

He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. One would not believe that even though these children had only lived a decade, how close they were.

"Theliane, do you know what a kiss is?" Sadiki asked.

"A what?" she looked at him.

"Kiss."

The young Daughter shook her head.

Sadiki gave her a cheeky smile. "Ha, I do!"

"You've been doing that since we met!" Theliane slapped him with her sheet. "It's not fair that you find out interesting things!"

"Then go into the city!"

"I'm not allowed to leave the temple yet."

Sadiki watched her pout. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "Would you like me to tell you what a kiss is?"

Theliane looked at him and nodded.

Sadiki leaned over and pressed his lips to hers briefly.

"That's a kiss?" Theliane asked when he pulled back.

Sadiki nodded with a smile. "I saw a man and a lady kiss a few days ago."

Theliane smiled. "I like it."

"Really?" he said happily.

"Yes. It was nice," she smiled and like he did, she kissed him back.

Sadiki blushed lightly. He had always cared about his friend since they met and now, it just felt right to kiss her.

Keriam gasped lightly as the memory faded. She looked down at Marik.

Sadiki… she thought and a small smile crept to her face. I don't know how much more of this I can handle.

--

Bakura landed quietly in the room, stretching his sense for any sounds. Nothing, not even speaking but he didn't want to take the chance. Since they were after the books they decided to go about the golden Book of Amun-Ra.

I know I'm going to hate myself in the morning, he thought to himself.

Quietly, he left the room knowing that he would have to be quick. The last thing he wanted was to be seen by anyone, especially Keriam's pet wolf.

Speaking of Katsuya, the large canine walked around the corner. His eyes landed on the thief now turned assassin and his lips pulled back revealing fangs.

Bakura reached into his belt and pulled out the dagger.

"You're very foolish."

Bakura blinked at the growling voice. Did that fleabag just talk to him?!

"Don't be so surprised," said Katsuya, "all Duel Monsters can talk. We only choose when and why to raise our voice--just those who are believed not to have the ability to speak."

"I see... well I learned something new today." Not once did he relax from his defensive position.

Katsuya continued to glare at him almost hatefully. "I know why you're here and I won't let you near her or the Book."

"Sorry mutt but I don't take orders from an animal."

"But you follow an insect."

The thief growled but calmed. "Nice try but you can't stop me. If Yami and Mahado couldn't stop me, neither can you."

"So you remember the priest that saved your soul."

"Saved me?" Bakura almost burst out laughing. "That bastard killed me! And put me inside the Millennium Ring, which was his greatest mistake."

"You're still a lost little boy," Katsuya looked at the thief, "forced to grow up too fast and lost two families."

"I have had enough of this chit chat! I came here for a reason and you're not going to stand in my way!" he growled before reaching for his deck and pulled a card out. "Change of Heart!"

The card shimmered and the image vanished. The half angel, half demon child floated there for a moment before flying to hte wolf in order to possess him. "Please forgive me..." she whispered softly and gained control of his mind.

"Now then," Bakura walked over to the wolf, "where is the Book of Amun-Ra?"

"It's not here," Katsuya answered in a strained voice, trying to fight the effects of the Magic Card. "Duke hasn't arrived yet."

"What about the other two Books?"

"The Book of Shadows is with Tristen. The Book of the Dead… Ryou left it… in the living room on the table."

"Is everyone down there?" Bakura demanded.

"Ryou went to one of the guestrooms," said Katsuya. "Pegasus arrived not too long ago."

"Well, well, isn't that interesting." Bakura smirked then hit the back of Katsuya's head with the hilt of his dagger, knocking him unconscious. "Sweet dreams, poochie."

The Change of Heart left the wolf's body and returned to Bakura's deck.

"Now, to get the Book of the Dead." Bakura moved down the hall, being careful to step lightly until he reached the top of the staircase. He knew if he took them they would squeak with every step so instead he silently slid down the railing. He got an odd sense of joy from it and grinned broadly.

No wonder Mokuba enjoys sliding down the railing! Swallowing the laugh he moved along the walls and looked into the living room. Keriam was there and Marik was lying on the floor, his head resting on her lap. He smirked, wishing he could gloat just a little but his eyes caught the Book of the Dead on the table.

How to get it… I could try what Tristen did and call the book to me, but it probably won't respond. And the last thing I want to do is get Ryou mixed up in this.

Bakura listened and counted the voices coming from the living room. Marik wasn't there, and neither was Ryou. He crept closer to the door and quickly peeked in, pulling back before anyone noticed. So far, so good--they kept talking about the Egyptian artifacts Pegasus brought.

So the Cyclops is helping out, eh? Bakura grinned.

Footsteps from upstairs caught his ear, and the thief quickly hid behind a large vase housing a huge fern plant as the person descended the steps. The yawn no doubt belonged to Ryou. Bakura watched his hikari walk towards the living room.

Ryou paused for a moment, looking in the direction of the plant.

Bakura swallowed. Can he still feel me?

Shaking his head, Ryou walked into the other room.

The thief sighed and leaned against the wall, careful not to knock the vase over. This was not gonna be easy but he knew that the Scorpions wouldn't hesitate to hurt Ryou. Bakura sighed and rubbed his face. What to do?

"What's taking so long?" Cliff whispered darkly. Bakura jerked but looked up and saw the Scorpion was on the ceiling, looking down at him.

"What the hell do you want?" he growled.

"Finding out why you are taking so long. Grab the Books and let's be off!"

"I can't. Only the Book of the Dead is here, the other two are with the Guardians."

Cliff narrowed his eyes at the new Scorpion. If anything, Cliff wanted to see Bakura fail so that Meanae would be left alone. Cliff wasn't oblivious to what happened between his sister and the thief. She didn't even bothering defending herself when he asked her.

"I have no regrets," she had said. "He came here to be with me. And I want him here."

A new voice caught both their attentions, and they frowned.

"Shadi," Bakura hissed.

"That Gravekeeper is more annoying than you," said Cliff.

"Thank you. However, I find him less annoying than you." Bakura chuckled at the glare he received. "Think you can keep them busy for a moment?"

--

"Marik's still asleep," Keriam said to the Gravekeeper, "stayed up all night reading."

"So I see. He tries very hard to protect those he cares about," Shadi pointed out. He slowly sat on a chair and picked up one of the scrolls.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, watching as Marik shifted some in his sleep.

"Something you and the Daughter of Anubis once told me... that, I did not have to be alone."

"You don't have to so why torture yourself like this?"

"It is all I have ever known."

"You sure you aren't part of the Ishtar clan?" She smiled a bit when he chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Never had I thought to be friends with anyone, much less the pharaoh. Thank you, Sister of the Moon."

"Why should you be giving her thanks when you should be begging for your lives?" a voice said. Surprisingly Marik woke up with a start at the mention of the new voice. Cliff smirked as appeared before them. His eyes seemed to glow as he noticed the Book of the Dead. "Just what we need."

Seto immediately bolted for the coffee table. Before he reached the book, Cliff threw a needle, striking the priest's left shoulder. Yelping in pain, Seto ignored it and knocked the Book off the table before collapsing on the floor.

"Seto!" Mokuba ran to his brother.

Ryou practically flew to the Book of the Dead. Just as he placed his hands on it, a black leather boot stepped down, preventing him from picking it up. The Book Keeper looked at the boot's owner, eyes widening in shock. "Bakura…?"

He didn't say a word, only pulled out a needle and stabbed in into Ryou's neck just above the collarbone.

"I'm impressed," Cliff watched Ryou fall. "I didn't think you would do it."

Bakura said nothing as he picked up the Book of the Dead.

Marik charged at the thief but was knocked to the floor. He managed to grab Bakura's wrist before the needle pierced his skin. "How could you?" Marik hissed. "He is your light!"

"Was," Bakura answered, yanking his arm away and kicking the Egyptian's ribs, smirking at the cracking sound and scream.

A red glow appeared and the two Scorpions looked to the left side of the room. Tea stood with Yami and Yugi next to her, holding their hands and her eyes closed. They were enveloped in the red aura.

"Well, well," said Bakura, "seems that she plans to pass judgment on us."

"My Father is the one to pass judgment," said Tea, "but that's too good for you." Her eyes opened, glowing red. "I'll send you to Ammit myself!"

The glow around them turned into a whirlwind and headed towards the two Scorpions. Bakura pulled out a card and a fairy holding a large mirror appeared. The mirror glowed and the whirlwind went into it.

"I'll wait till the Final Judgment," said Cliff.

"A parting gift for you, Pharaoh!" Bakura directed the whirlwind back at them, and disappeared with Cliff.

"NO!" Keriam shouted. Holding her hands up, a wall of golden light blocked the whirlwind from reaching Tea and Yami. When the two glows vanished, Keriam fell to her knees and Tea passed out, Yugi catching her.

Chaos appeared in the room as Joey helped Keriam to a chair; Yugi placed Tea on the couch; Mokuba managed to get Seto to sit up; Shadi had Marik lay on his back; and Yami held onto Ryou as he began to shake.

The pharaoh frowned when he touched his friend's forehead. "You're burning up!"

"I… I'm gonna be sick!" he moaned and quickly placed both his hands over his mouth.

"Oh no not on me!!"

"Seto! Seto please, open your eyes! What's wrong?" the young Kaiba asked, his voice growing frantic. Seto didn't say a word but he was barely breathing and his skin was white as a sheet. Marik was in slightly better condition but it was hard for him to breathe and he couldn't risk moving.

"I… I can heal…" the Daughter of Ra tried to say but her love stopped her.

"Keriam you're too weak! You use any more of your power and it may kill you!" he warned. "Mokuba! Get the limo; we need to get these guys to the hospital!"

"A-Alright." Getting to his feet he ran out of the living room, hoping to find Nan. Please big brother, just hold on!

--

Meanae walked through the palace halls silently, waiting for the return of the other assassins. Her father had left to his chambers for some reason but she didn't care at the moment. Looking at the walls she read the glyphs carved into the marble and sandstone but paused before a passage. It spoke of the traitor, the former Queen of the Scorpions of how she betrayed the great king, stole everything of worth from him, but also how she was punished for her actions.

The young woman slowly reached up and touched the necklace, still hidden underneath her scarf. She remembered the queen when she first arrived and to be honest, never saw or felt anything traitorous about her.

By the time the guests have left it was nearly darkness and Ra had driven his chariot from all sight. Now was the evening for the new queen to prove her loyalty to their king. And Meanae was the one to escort her to the bed chambers.

Meskhenet was a gift from the city of Cairo so the Black Scorpion King wouldn't invade them. It worked.

A little too well.

He asked the woman to be his queen and she had accepted. The young woman growled and looked back at her new 'queen'. She was a beautiful young woman dressed in pure gold, precious stones, and soft silk. She bore bracelets on both wrists, both her upper arms, and her left ankle. Around her neck hung three necklaces, one of gold, another of turquoise beads, and another bearing a small skull. A kind of tiara adored her brow with smooth ruby stones with the same stones entwined within her hair. Silk the color of cream were barely seen through the sheer material of the luscious lavender as it crossed over her chest and around her hips. A veil fell down her back to the floor but wisps of dark brown strands could be seen. To complete the outfit she wore a short face veil of rich violet that matched her eyes. And it was the Thorn's duty to escort her to the royal bed chambers.

'Joy. I could think of many more things I could be doing at the moment.' Unfortunately for her many of those things dealt with torturing the leader of the assassins. Stopping at the chamber's doors she took a deep breathe and turned to the woman.

"Our king will arrive shortly and you must wait for him within," she stated, still not trusting this woman.

Meskhenet looked at the young girl intently before reaching down and rested her hand on her shoulder. "Such a bright young woman and already you are leading the life of an assassin," she said softly.

Meanae frowned and slapped her hand off, aware that she could be punished for such actions. "Do not talk to me as if you know me. My king took my brother and I in when we had nothing left to live for, especially when the gods turned their backs on us."

"How can you believe that?"

"Because they took away our parents and everything we had grown to love."

"… The gods are not so harsh for they have their reasons behind their actions."

The young girl snorted, turning her back on her new queen. "You speak as those you are a priestess for them." Meskhenet said nothing but silently entered the chamber. The girl stood there, a bit puzzled but went back to her chambers.

Don Zaloog whistled low under his breathe. "She would be perfect for the harem our king is deciding to have," he said as he stepped from the shadows of the columns

"Is that all you ever think about?" Meanae hissed at him, frankly tired of his perverse thoughts.

He smirked and slowly approached her. He kept it up until his fellow assassin was backed up against the wall. "How would you know what I think, lovely desert flower?"

The sound of a dagger flew through the air and the assassin's leader jumped to the side. Meanae barely had time to catch the blade before sending it flying back to its owner. Cliff easily caught it and continued walking slowly towards them, Chick and Gorg following behind. He walked behind his sister and wrapped his arm around her neck from behind in a brotherly manner.

"Keep it up and you won't have to worry about those thoughts anymore," Cliff warned. Once their leader backed away he sheathed the dagger.

"I swear all men are perverse as you, Zaloog," Meanae sighed, reaching up to hold her brother's arm.

"I take that as an insult!" Cliff exclaimed.

"That woman was certainly beautiful," Chick commented, the youngest of the five by several years.

"You don't see people with that color eyes," Cliff added.

"We should not trust her so easily," Gorg said as they continued the walk to their chambers.

"Finally! Someone is actually using their head!" the only girl sighed dramatically.

"She is an outsider but our king has ways or pursuing people to join our ranks," the leader added with a smirk.

"The day you become king is the day the world ends," Chick commented and everyone laughed but Meanae thought back to what the woman said. The laughter quickly ceased as they saw their king approached. Bowing quickly they didn't lift their head while they were in the prescience of their king but the young woman did so. She watched as he opened the doors wide enough to let her see a view of his room.

Meskhenet was kneeling in the middle of the bed, the gold having been removed as well as the sash over her chest but the veils were left on. Meanae watched as their king slowly approached the bed, she watched as the soon-to-be-queen, watched as he reached out to her and slowly removed the veils to show she had long, brown hair falling to her waist and revealed soft pink lips. The doors closed with a resounding slam just as they were about to kiss.

Slowly, Don Zaloog, Chick, and Gorg stood and left for their chambers but Cliff stayed. "Meanae?" He reached down and gently squeezed her shoulder.

The girl blinked and looked up at her brother before standing. She didn't mind as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder but accepted it as comfort as he led her back to her chambers. What was it about that woman that plagued every thought? Why was she so worried about it?

--

"They're stable," said Rose, "although I will say that the poison used on both of them were different doses."

"Then Bakura didn't want to kill Ryou," said Yugi.

"He just wanted it to look like he was capable of doing so," Yami said, "that way he threw Cliff off track."

"How long before they're released?" asked Tristen.

"Ryou might be out in a couple days," Rose answered. "I think they might keep Seto here longer, seeing that he almost…" She stopped before the tears threatened to spill again.

"Mrs. Dante..." No one was sure what to say even as the young Guardian of Ra's daughter touched her shoulder. "Seto's too stubborn to die."

She laughed through the tears but calmed herself, taking a deep breathe. "I know, it's just, so much is happening so fast but I know I have to be strong." She patted his hand. "Thank you, everyone."

Yami smiled and gave her a bow. "We should be thanking you. Can we see our friends?"

"Seto is in a deep sleep right now and the doctors don't want him to be disturbed but you can see him. Ryou may be awake but he'll be in a bit of a daze due to the antibiotics."

They nodded, and then figured which ones to go see first. Tristen, Yami, Marik and Malik went, as the others waited in the lobby just outside. They walked into his room, flinching a little at the sight of Ryou in a hospital bed.

"How many times is he going to end up like this?" Tristen found himself asking.

"Pray this will be the last time," said Yami.

Their friend looked even paler due to the stark white sheets on the bed and his hair framing his face but the walls and the light blanket were a very pale green. The monitor kept track of his heart rate and blood pressure and an IV was taped to the back of his hand. Lucky for him the doctors didn't see a need to give him an oxygen mask since he was breathing on his own.

Malik pulled the chair closer to the bed and carefully sat on his knees on it. "Ryou…"

"He'll make it, bro. Being around Bakura for so long your life either gets longer or shorter," Marik said as he rubbed the smaller boy's back, looking at their pale friend.

"That's a nice way of putting it," Tristen sighed and looked at the chart hanging at the foot of the bed.

Yami moved over to Ryou's other side and carefully, reached out and rested his fingertips along his forehead. Closing his eyes he concentrated but he sighed and pulled his hand away. "Bakura's side of the link has been completely blocked off. It almost looks like it was cut but…" he trailed off.

"Like we thought. He never intended on hurting him but he had to or else the Scorpions would have done it for him."

"Exactly."

"Hey guys, according to the charts the poison was actually venom," the brunette said as he looked at them from the chart before reading what he found. " 'Lab tests show the venom to have come from an insect of some sort.' I'll bet my bike it was a scorpion."

"Scorpions are notorious creatures for killing their victims quickly yet painfully. In Egypt, people thought them to be the messengers of Set since they couldn't be tamed like snakes."

"Guys!" Everyone looked at Malik who only gestured to Ryou. The young man groaned and shifted on the bed slightly before the flutter of his eyes happened. They closed and very slowly opened. He didn't seem to recognize them until he blinked a few more times then he smiled weakly at them.

"Hi…" he said softly.

"Hey Ryou, how are you feeling?" Tristen asked then kicked himself for such a stupid question.

He just continued smiling and took a deep breath. "Better except… I don't want to see food for a while."

"Hey Ryou, you scared us for a bit," Marik smiled down at him.

"You… get scared?" He seemed surprised but his hand twitched as he tried to lift it.

"No you rest. Rose said you can go home in a few days."

"Ryou… about Bakura… he stole the Book of the Dead," Malik said quietly as he carefully held his hand. "But we'll get it back!"

"… I know he has his reasons… But this is one way not to fight…"

"Ryou…"

"How's Seto?" Everyone fell silent. "Oh no… is he…?"

"He's alive but barely. Since Cliff was the one that attacked him he took a full dosage. You only got a small portion," Yami explained.

"… What's going to happen?"

"He'll have to stay here longer."

"When you see him… tell him, that he better not give up…"

"We will. You should get some rest, we're gonna see Kaiba before we head home," Tristen said as he looked at the clock.

"Alright… thank you…" Ryou smiled and let his eyes close. Within mere seconds he was fast asleep. Malik climbed off the chair and Marik carefully pushed it against the wall. Tristen placed the chart back at the foot of the bed and Yami closed the door behind them as they left.

"Hey guys, I'm gonna head back to the lobby and let everyone know that Ryou's okay," the brunette said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Okay Tristen, we'll join you in the lobby in a minute," Yami said and watched as their walked down the hall. "Let's go see Kaiba."

Like Ryou, Seto was given his own private room but he wasn't alone. Mokuba was sitting at his brother's side, his head lying on his folded arms. He looked up when the trio came in but rested his head once more.

Yami slowly went to his side and tentively, reached out to touch his shoulder. "Your brother will be home before you know it."

Mokuba didn't say a thing but what could he say? Seto was slowly regaining his color but unlike Ryou, he wasn't waking up anytime soon. He also had an oxygen mask over his face to help him breathe and wires were hooked up to make sure his body didn't give up. Never had he seen him like this and it scared him.

--

Keriam leaned back, sighing with relief when Tristen told them about Ryou. "Thank the gods he's awake."

"You're not kidding," Tea said quietly.

"Everyone else checking on Kaiba?" Joey asked.

Tristen nodded. "Mokuba's been in there by himself long enough."

"Poor guy... We should be thankful Seto's not the type to give up so easily," Yugi said, taking a moment to rub his head.

Rose came into the lobby, retying her hair back with a rubber band. "Anyone need anything?" she asked.

Tea slowly shook her head. "We're fine, Mrs. Dante."

"I talk to Kenshin. He said it would be alright if Mokuba stays with Seto in his room if he wants. I'll be working the night shift so I can make sure Seto and Ryou will be alright."

Keriam stood up. "I'm going to see Ryou. I'll be back." She walked to her friend's room, pushing the door open and was greeted by a tired smile.

"I had a feeling you'd be next."

"Must be my karma."

Ryou gave a small laugh. "Did you see Kaiba?"

"Not yet," Keriam sat in the chair beside the bed. "Mokuba has permission to stay here tonight, so no doubt that there's going to be a few bodyguards around."

"Indeed."

"You and Kaiba have to be in the same room."

Ryou blinked at Keriam's suggestion. "What for?"

"As much as I hate to say it but the Scorpions may try again," she sighed. "I can put a protection spell in the area when you guys will be, but you have to be in the same room. Even the bathroom will have the barrier."

"Can you imagine? I'm doing my business and one of them pops up in front of me." He laughed softly.

Keriam softly laughed then sighed. She reached over and covered his hand with her own. "How do you feel?"

"Physically? At least I'm not trying to see my organs on the outside. Emotional? ... It hurts to know that he attacked me, but I know he has his reasons."

"Try telling that to Marik and he'll show you his ribs. I'll tell Rose before we leave so be expecting a roommate or two."

"Thanks Keriam. I'm glad Isis let you stay after all.

She couldn't help but smile and gently squeezed his hand. "So am I."

Authors' Notes:

Heikou: one more down and... gods know how many more to go.

Janime: Uh, lets see now… (begins to count)

Heikou: Stop that! Anyway, Thomas Drovin, we didn't forget you.

Janime: Don't worry; your character is coming up very soon. We need to collaborate with a friend of ours to have a deck constructed for you.

Heikou: Back to the fic. I bet a bunch of you are upset that Seto and Ryou were poisoned. Believe me, so was I when Janime sent it to me. (resisting to strangle co-author)

Janime: (backing away) But they're okay! Seto may still be unconscious but they're still alive!

Heikou: Yeah... Okay you convinced me.

Janime: Whew! Tell us what you think!