Life of a Thief by Ryou Bakura

PLEASE READ THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

A/N: Sage: This is it…the end…fin, no more.

Kaley: Don't say that! This may be the final official chapter but there are two things you guys should know! The first is yes this is chapter 14, the last one but we have a chapter 15 a.k.a Epilogue planned out that will also contain special notes about the story. Behind the scenes stuff, you know like the bonus disc on DVDs? It will also include a part of the sequel called "A Tale of Two Thieves" which is a little strange.

Bakura: Ok, the sequel is really AU from this story but at the same time it takes place only a few months after this chapter. So you can read it as a different story or as a sequel. Also you don't have to read this story to know what's going on in the sequel but you should know it's a DNAngel/Yu-Gi-Oh crossover. The plot?

Sage: Well, we shall give you more of that after this fic, hee…

Kaley: But we have to do some reviewer mail first! Let's see…I'd like to thank Sami-Otaku for wishing us a Merry Christmas and New Year. Yes it was good, thank you!

Bakura: To Suuki…well let's see…it's hard to figure out my past from bits and pieces of translated works but the jist is that I am Zork. Now this is pretty vague but MOST fans agree that it means part Thief King and part Zork are what actually form me, Yami Bakura. There are some interesting facts to back this up. Thief King, while insane, still had some heart in him while Zork was pure evil. If you take a look at some of my duels, you'll notice that there are times when I clearly show fear and whatnot, something Zork couldn't do. There's other stuff too but we'll talk more about it next uh…chapter thing.

Sage: I'm glad you guys like how Yami showed up and the way he and Bakura acted. That was something I was nervous about including but I'm glad I did!

Kaley: Ecogoth, I also subscribe to the same theory as you do, that's why this chapter took so long. I had to put it all together in an easy to understand way.

Bakura: With that, it's time to say it for the last time…we've rambled enough so…well…ON WITH THE RA DAMNED FIC!

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"What did you say?" Yami asked, his mouth hanging open slightly. Bakura slowly lifted his head, an indescribable look in his chocolate eyes.

"I said-"

"Yes I know what you said!" Yami glared at him, his left eyes twitching. "Don't you dare start this with me Tomb Robber!" The Pharaoh grabbed his rival's sleeve and yanked him closer. "You heard Amane and I know even without her words you must have realized how badly Ryou misses you! Don't you even think about telling me you don't wish to come home with me!"

"Well…if it pisses you off I could." Bakura grinned then changed back to serious on a dime. "But it's just…" Bakura paused then suddenly gripped his long bangs that hung at the sides of his face and pulled in frustration. "Ugh! I can't think straight! I feel like my brain is frying…"

"Well I must admit I have no idea how long you were lying out here…" Yami's tone softened and he let go of Bakura's shirt. "You may be delirious or dehydrated…I did bring some water with me…let's see I think I set it over there by that rock…"

"No it's not that!" The thief shook his head, shutting his eyes tightly. "I feel very strange right now…"

"I don't understand, could you explain it better?" Yami asked as the two sat down in the shade of a particularly large boulder. Bakura still had his fingers entangled in his wild hair and seemed quite confused, staring into the sand.

"I just...it's like half my brain shut down…" Bakura muttered, "I'm lightheaded and dizzy and suddenly I feel so…empty." The star haired teen gave him a thoughtful look and began to run different possibilities through his mind until one stood out.

"I have a theory," Yami began, turning to Bakura. "Will you listen?" The other nodded, tugging again on his hair. Yami smiled and continued. "Well…I believe it is Zork's absence. Now that he is sealed away, he is no longer a part of your personality. He was taken away from you very suddenly. It's likely that your body and mind are trying to deal with it. Like…a drug addict going through a withdrawal perhaps?" The young man mused.

"I don't do drugs." Bakura said, the meaning completely lost on him. Yami laughed nervously.

"No no I mean…hmm…what do I mean?…I mean that you just became a different person. I see that you are still arrogant, rude and a bit of a smartass but you're no longer…darkness." Yami rested his arms across his knees, letting his chin sit on top of them. "Think about it. Zork was the evil in your heart. You are the product of Thief King and Zork correct?" Bakura nodded again so Yami continued on. "Well more like you WERE the product of them…but you changed. Even before we sealed Zork you changed. It was Ryou…and so part of Ryou was added to you…and thus you became something completely different."

"Ok so you're saying…" Bakura's hands gently fell away from his hair as he gave the king a scrutinizing look "That before I was sealed in the Ring, I was just a Zork and Thief King hybrid…but after Ryou found me, I started to pick up different things from him…and so I started to become a different person?"

"Sort of…I changed because of Yugi…" Yami smiled a loving smile that he had always reserved for his partner. "His kindness and wonderful soul changed my outlook on life…I myself became gentler and decided that no harm should ever befall him. Thus, I changed. You have protected Ryou and that is something that neither Thief King or Zork would do…what I've been trying to say is that you are no longer either of them. You are now Bakura. You're not Zork, you're not the Thief King and you certainly are not Ryou. You are a mix of all three and at the same time completely unrelated to them." Bakura stared at him, then smacked him hard on the back. Yami jolted forward and gave Bakura a shocked look.

"Yeah maybe you're right pointy. I see where you're coming from now." He smirked and yanked one of Yami's long blonde bangs. "Still doesn't explain why I fell so weird though…" The two fell into silence thinking until Bakura had a thought. "Ok I have it! Without Zork you said I'm no longer darkness right? Well maybe it's just my shadow powers weakening."

"That would make sense." Yami nodded. "Of course Ryou's been feeling the same way since you left…it could also be, and don't kill me for saying this, but if you think about it…maybe it's a natural feeling of being away from your aibou."

"My what?" Bakura raised an eyebrow and Yami blushed lightly.

"Err, that's what I call Yugi…it's nothing bad really, in fact it's not even an affectionate name although I guess it can be…"

"Pet names eh?"

"Wha? No it's not!"

"Whatever sicko. Pharaoh's got some weird things hidden in his closet…"

"I do not!"

"I saw you and Yugi practically becoming one on New Years…"

"How dare you! We were kissing not…ugh you are disgusting!"

"Ha so it was kissing then!"

"You and Ryou were doing the same damn thing!"

"Oooh someone's getting pissy…"

"Just shut up Tomb Robber…" Yami groaned, bowing his head and crossing his arms. "See if I ever help you again!"

"Heh, all these years and you still get so red when you're mad…" Bakura teased, flicking his bangs once more. "But you…might have an idea there…"

"I know I feel very strange without Yugi nearby…as if…as if someone…"

"As if someone cut your brain in half." Bakura finished and Yami gave him a sort of half smile. "Yeah that's how I feel now…so then it'd because I'm not near Ryou." He sighed, shaking his head. "Damn kid is going to be the death of me…"

"Bakura…"

"Yeah yeah I know…" Bakura grumbled; although he didn't sound upset at all, "This just means I can't leave Ryou's side unless I want this headache…" He grinned, leaning back, "Isn't that a bitch?"

"I'm sure it is horrible." Yami chuckled until he remembered what started this long talk in the first place. "Tell me, why did you question whether or not you should go back?"

"Oh…well…it's none of your damn business!" Bakura snapped. In truth, he had a few new emotions to play with and one was related to the fear of losing he already had. It was insecurity and although it was minor compared to most people, he was unsure of himself now. The once over confident thief wasn't sure if he really could go back to Ryou after putting him through so much. Not to mention he still hadn't done anything fun or exciting. He absentmindedly tugged at his hair again then turned to face Yami. "You see…I'm debating it right now. It'd be such a waste though to come out here and not cause any trouble at all though. I mean, I had a few goals coming out here Pharaoh. One was to give Ryou the chance to live a normal life and the other was to cause as much chaos as I could."

"Because those are beautiful purposes in life…" Yami said dryly.

"Yeah and dueling for a living is a great one." Bakura rolled his eyes. "But you're missing the point…I'll come back to Japan but on my terms."

"So then if I don't agree to your terms, you're willing to abandon Ryou?" Yami frowned but Bakura waved a single, elegantly long finger.

"I am very stubborn Pharaoh, don't underestimate me." Bakura smirked. "I will sit my ass right here for all eternity if you don't agree to my compromise." Yami stared into those narrowed eyes that brimmed with intelligence and knew that whatever it was, it was going to be trouble. Yet he couldn't go home empty-handed after all this and he certainly didn't want to disappoint Ryou or Yugi.

"…Well…what are your terms?" Yami asked and the look at sprang up on Bakura's face made him cringe. He leapt to his feet with excitement.

"Excellent! You agree then!" Without waiting for an answer, Bakura shook Yami's hand and pulled him to his feet. "Let's go get Marik!"

"Marik?" Yami said, his voice filled with both curiosity and dread. His dread only grew however when Bakura's answer came in the form of a knowing smirk. "Oh damn…"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"I…I still haven't heard from Yami." Yugi said softly after the final bell had rung. Ryou paused for a moment, then finished shoving his math book into his bag. He straightened up, slung the pack over his shoulder and walked away without even looking at his friend. Yugi sighed and ran to catch up. "I'm sure Yami is doing the best he can."

"I'm sure he is…" Ryou stopped dead in his tracks. "It's just that I should be the one looking for him…and I've started to think that perhaps he doesn't want to be found…maybe he's happier…I've been rather selfish don't you think?" He glanced at Yugi, his tone casual yet sad. "I should want his happiness. If he's happy in Egypt…then why should I force him back here?"

"Ryou…" Yugi put his hand on his shoulder, "don't think like that…Bakura cares about you…if you wanted him back, then he'd come."

"Thank you Yugi." Ryou smiled slightly. "But I've decided that…that if Yami comes home without him, it would be ok. It means Bakura's happier without me…and he deserves to be happy…" The ivory teen laughed softly. "That's really all I wanted, after I found out his past I mean. I wanted him to be happy. I just thought I'd be the one to make him feel that way." He shook his head, his hair falling across his face. "What will be, will be. If that's what he wants, then it's ok with me."

"You're a good person Ryou." Yugi said, beaming. "I know things will work out…well I better go home now. See if Yami called or anything…" He ran a few steps, turned around and waved before rushing off. Ryou stood in the school's entrance, watching all the other laughing, joyful students leaving, talking excitedly about upcoming plans. He watched them until every student had left. Adjusting his backpack, he walked in silence back to his house, following the familiar path that led him past the park. Ryou paused at the gate, looking into the frozen landscape. This place held special memories for him, ones that he now treasured even more than before.

"This is where we sat…watching the snow fall…" Ryou said, intertwining his fingers with the chain linked gate. A part of him suddenly felt very cold and he knew why. It wasn't the winter air, it was Bakura. No, the past few days had taught him he could in fact live without Bakura so it wasn't like he was a forlorn lover. No, it was the whole soul bond thing that was screwing him over. He sighed, leaning his head into the grate. He could still feel Bakura's missing parts, the parts of them that reminded combined even after the ritual. Could he really go on like this, with half his soul stretched across the world?

"I should drag him back here just to get us un…unbound." Ryou lifted his eyes, staring into the closed off park. It wasn't hard to see that wherever his dark side was, he was happy. Though it was a distant feeling, it was still there. So if he was doing fine, why should he be sad? He was glad Bakura was at peace and having the life he deserved. That was all someone truly in love could hope for: the happiness of the person they cared about. "Still, did he have to take the ring?" Ryou grumbled, placing a hand on his chest. Another sigh and he turned to go home. Maybe Bakura would come back but if he didn't, then it was for the better. Wishing for his love's happiness was the best thing he could do while stuck in Japan. Even then…

"Bakura, if you don't live a happy life, I'm going to kill you." He groaned, another soul related headache coming on.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Oh…right ok…" Yugi frowned into the phone. "But…you sound…drunk…"

"Matter of pride!" The tipsy teen roared over the phone. "Drink me under the table he says! Well…I showed him!" Yugi groaned and shook his head. At first, getting a call from Yami had been a wonderful thing. Now though as he stumbled through his words Yugi was starting to question his previous thought. Behind his friend's voice, he could hear glasses clinking, foreign music booming and loud cheers and cries from the bars patrons.

"Oi! Pharaoh get your ass back here! I'm buying us another round!" Bakura's voice called, sounding equally trashed.

"Don't get cocky thief! I'll win this time!"

"In your perverted dreams sex fiend!" The drunken tomb robber shouted over the bar's crowd.

"Yugi in handcuffs! Bakura chained to the bed! It's all the same when you dream it!" Marik crowed cheerfully in the background.

"What is that about?" Yugi asked, pulling the phone away and staring at it. He briefly considered running upstairs, grabbing some q-tips and jamming them in his ears, just in case he'd heard the Egyptian boy wrong.

"Uhh…that's nothing! Just ignore them, he's not right…they are wasted, they have no idea what they are saying…" Yami rambled.

"I'm right and you know it! Horny bastard…" Bakura laughed.

"Yugi!" Yami yelled suddenly as his lighter side made an important decision: all alcohol was forbidden from Yami for the rest of eternity. "I'm not coming home until I beat him in this game! Once I do, I'll come home, I promise."

"What about him? Bakura I mean…" Yugi asked. "Ryou misses him."

"…I'm working on it." Then the line went dead, only the lonely dial tone left. The gamer sat down on his bed and sighed, setting the phone aside. Yami's voice had sounded very clear when he said that and much more serious. Yugi laid back against his pillow and shut his eyes. He felt so odd and couldn't think straight. Ryou was feeling the same way and Yugi had made a note to read into this feeling. The whole point of getting separate bodies had been so they could travel without each other but now this strange new side effect was making it hard to function. Ryou had it worse off since he was dealing with the physical, mental and emotional problems but he wasn't the only one feeling lonely. Yugi rolled over and sighed.

"…I hope Yami comes home soon…" He said softly, grabbing his pillow. "I wonder if Bakura will come home for Ryou too…"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"I hate you." Yami said his head on the counter. When he lifted it briefly to glare at the thief, the room spun out from under him and he quickly dropped back to the table. "A lot…"

"Don't talk so loud…" Bakura groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You're the one who kept challenging me…"

"Well I didn't want to break my promise." Yami's vision focused on the emptying bar around him, noting that Marik was passed out in the seat next to Bakura. "I wanted you to come home for Ryou. Yugi made me promise…"

"…looks like no sex for you."

"Shut up tomb robber." Yami swatted at him half heartedly before his arm flopped back to the counter. "I'm being serious."

"So am I. Yugi's going to kill you when he finds out I'm not coming back." Bakura put his arms up on the table, crossing them to rest his head in.

"I can't believe you." The Pharaoh sent another dangerous look. The whole point of the drinking game had actually been important. If Yami won, Bakura would come back no questions asked. However, if Bakura won… "Only you would use this sort of game to decide something so crucial."

"Only you wouldn't be able to back away from a game, no matter how stupid or what was riding on it." Bakura countered, looking through his bangs at Yami. "Listen Pharaoh, I won so according to my terms, I get to stay here and finish out my work."

"Your work…" The star haired teen made a disapproving noise and shut his eyes as the room began to tilt again. "You disgust me sometimes. You'd rather stay here and wreak havoc then be with Ryou."

"Uh yeah, who do you think you're talking to? A love struck school girl?" Bakura snorted. "I'm capable of doing things like this, it's who I am. I'm telling you he'll be fine."

"Uh-huh, I'll be sure to remember that when I have to look into those eyes and tell him you aren't coming back."

"Rub it in why don't you?"

"Well now that I have your permission, I will."

"Just knock it off." Bakura pushed his chair back, standing up weakly. It'd been awhile since he drank, a few thousand years to be precise, and his body was exhausted from it. "I told you I have my reasons. You'll understand eventually and so will he. You better look out for him though. I'll know if something happens to him…we are still bound somewhat. If you let any harm befall him while I'm here—"

"Then you'll use me as a sheath for your knife collection." Yami finished, ignoring the fact that he was seeing two thieves instead of one. "I know, I won't let anyone hurt him. But…make me a deal. I don't care if you stay here, not really. I was only doing this for Yugi. But come back sometime to see him, at least once or twice to check up on him. No matter what happens, he is still your other half. I also know that no matter what you say, you care about him…and Amane will have your head if you totally abandon him."

"Did I say I was abandoning Ryou?" Bakura asked, his smirk returning. "He is still mine. So of course I will come back at least once, to check on him. I have to make sure no one else tries anything…"

"You really are crazy…" Yami sighed, smiling slightly. "Fine. It's a deal then…I'll tell them what happened too." Bakura woke up Marik enough so that he didn't have to fully carry the wasted boy and watched him stumble towards the exit. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now."

"Yeah, it's been fun Pharaoh. Just don't get soft. I still intend to destroy you." Bakura said, standing by Marik. "And again, keep on eye on Ryou."

"I know, to both." Yami stood, forcing himself to stand straight. "Same to you…and don't forget our deal tomb robber."

"I promise, thief's honor." As he said this, he placed a hand over his heart and gave Yami the victory sign. "Just let me have my fun first. These mortals are far too much entertainment to let them be."

"Fine…" Yami paused and the two rivals stared at each as an awkward silence passed over them. "Well, good luck."

"Same to you." Bakura gave him a look which contained the least amount of hate Yami had ever seen in his eyes. Then he was gone.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"…and then Amane and Akila returned to heaven. Bakura and I talked for a few hours about many things but in the end he wanted to stay." Yami said in his softly serious voice, watching Ryou carefully. Once he had come home empty handed, he had sat Yugi down and explained everything. Now it was Ryou's turn. It was fairly late and only the soft glow of a lamp in the corner gave them light but still they sat in the living room. Yugi had come and sat next to Yami on the couch, nearly on top of him as a matter of fact though somehow Yami didn't mind the closeness. Ryou was in the chair across from them, perfectly still and silent. The Pharaoh had yet to see a single emotion in his eyes since he had opened the door and been surprised to see them.

"So…Amane and Bakura got along?" Yami blinked, taken off guard. Out of any questions Ryou could ask, he hadn't expected that one.

"From what I saw, they seemed alright together."

"…That's a relief." Ryou smiled, leaning back in the chair. "I always thought that if those two met, it'd be a war. They are both very stubborn and ill tempered. But even then I love that about them…"

"Ryou, um…" Yugi paused, watching his friend. He too had let Yami talk of the past few days events without interruption. "Are you, are you going to be ok?"

"Of course. I told you if he didn't come back, it would be alright." Ryou said calmly. "I love Bakura and after what you told me, I know he cares about me too. He must feel that we just can't be together I guess…but if that is what makes him happy, then it's alright. As long as he's happy…"

"Your sister was right, you are a very good person." Yami said, also smiling. "But Bakura did promise to come back, once he's done doing…whatever it is he's doing."

"Heh, probably causing trouble for anyone who dares walk past him." Ryou chuckled. "It doesn't matter though. I just wanted to say, thank you so much for helping him over come Zork. I'm so happy he's finally free…and Amane and Akila, they're alright too." He noticed the dubious looks he was being given and shook his head. "Really, its ok you guys. This is the best news I could have heard."

"Well if you're sure…" Yugi frowned.

"I am positive." Ryou flashed a grin and stood up. "But it's late and I have to do some touch ups on my report. I'll see you at school Yugi." He ushered them to the door. "Yami, thank you so much again for helping Bakura and letting him stay."

"It was nothing." Yami bowed politely.

"Well alright Ryou but call us if you need anything." Yugi said, noticing that Ryou seemed to want to be alone. "We're right here for you."

"Thank you Yugi but I'll be just fine." Ryou said as he waved them goodbye. After they had left, Ryou went to his bedroom and laid down, crossing his hands behind his head for support. Hours flew by in silence as he stared at the ceiling, the dull pain from having Bakura so far away throbbing in his chest. Finally as the moon rose high above his house he spoke into the gathering darkness. "Bakura…please be happy…" He whispered, a single tear falling back into his hair. Then he sat up and grabbed some paper off his bedside table. He did have a report to work on after all.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Mister Bakura, are you ready to give your report on Ancient Egyptians?" The teacher asked a few days later. They had done everyone else's and now it was his turn. Bakura glanced up from his notebook and nodded nervously. Yugi gave him a thumbs up as he approached the front of the room. There he stood in front of his classmates, knowing that in truth none of them really cared what he had to say. Yugi however, straightened himself and even poked Joey awake, who in turn threw something at Seto, who in turn flipped off Joey. Ryou didn't mind if they didn't listen but he still nodded Yugi his thanks.

"Right…ancient Egypt…" Ryou mumbled, resisting the urge to wring his hands. "There are many things the ancient Egyptians are famous for: Mummies, pyramids, their gods and the plagues…but most of all, their belief in magic. Life in Egypt revolved around the priests, those who could perform the spells and rituals that daily life depended on. This love of magic however wasn't all wonderful. There was a dark side too. Magic was sometimes the only answer and thus there were many problems. I want to tell you all a story…a story of someone who was living a normal life in those times but fell victim to the priests and the society which didn't care."

"Um, Mister Bakura…is this your report?" The teacher asked, staring at him. He smiled and nodded.

"Trust me sensei, it's a very good story." From the looks on his classmate's faces, they were actually interested in what he had to say. So he told them the tale. The story about a young boy who was forced to live the forbidden life of a tomb robber because of the actions of the priests, who weren't questioned in those times. A boy who did everything he could to destroy their god incarnate, the Pharaoh. An epic battle that nearly put their world into ruin. And the teens, even Seto and Joey, listened.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Er, well at least she gave me a B…" Ryou laughed, staring at the paper his teacher had given him. Yugi too laughed and grabbed the paper from him. School had ended and now they were walking home, glancing over their grades.

"Very very creative but you didn't go into much detail about their lives. Still, it wasn't terrible and no one slept through it! That's a first and they even asked questions! You have a knack for keeping their attention so for that I have to give you a B." Yugi read, grinning. "Well not bad huh?"

"For a true story?" Ryou raised an eyebrow and took the paper back. "I think I deserved an A for all that I went through to get it out of him…"

"Now you sound like Bakura." Yugi joked, causing the other to smile. "…do you still miss him?"

"Of course I do." Ryou sighed, putting the report into his bag. "But I've been doing a lot of work lately so…"

"Work?" Yugi blinked in surprise. "What work?"

"…Building dioramas." Ryou said, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. "I've been making them for RPGs of mine. You should see them sometime. I know Bakura was the one who was really good at it but I think I'm doing fine. It keeps me busy and they look nice."

"Yeah! We can come over sometime and play another game when you're done with them!" Yugi nearly clapped his hands with joy. "We'll all come over and have fun, like we did before."

"I would like that." The ivory teen smiled and looked around. "Ah, I better go now, you have to keep going straight don't you?"

"Oh that's! I almost went towards your house…" Yugi grinned sheepishly. "Um well, I guess I'll see you later Ryou!"

"Bye Yugi." The two boys waved and went their separate ways. Ryou walked silently through the crowds of people, his thoughts scattered. He hadn't seen Bakura for at least a week now and yet he didn't cry anymore over it. At least he was pretty sure he didn't. It hadn't been easy to accept that the thief would rather live his old life than to live with Ryou but he understood. Bakura was like a bird that had been trapped in a cage for far too long. He needed to get out, to fly again. So really, Ryou had decided, it wasn't a personal matter. Bakura just needed to be free. He arrived at his home, setting down his bag in near the door before running to his room. The diorama sat waiting for him and he went to work immediately.

Regardless of what happened, Ryou was happy. He knew Bakura would be alright. Until then, he would just be himself and do what he wanted. After setting a roof on a village home, his hand found its way to the die around his neck; the one Bakura had given him for Christmas. Yes, he thought with a smile, things would work out just fine. He gave the pendent a squeeze.

"Wait until Bakura sees this!" He grinned, placing a table with a flourish. "Because…" He said, his eyes softening, "It's not…it's not really goodbye."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"That much for a stamp?" Bakura frowned, staring at the man. The guy behind the counter groaned and shook his head.

"Please sir, it's not really that much." He insisted again, handing the hooded Bakura a stamp. "Do you want your postcard to make it to Japan or not?"

"Absolutely outrageous." Bakura grumbled, snatching the stamp with a glare. "I hope you can sleep at night knowing what you charge for these blasted things!" He set the money down on the counter as the man shook his head once more. Then he turned on his heel and left the office, his tan cloak fluttering in wind. "Remind me Diabound…" He said softly as he licked the stamp, "To fix the postal system once we're done here. These are clearly some of the most annoying mortals on earth." Deep inside him, he could feel the creature's amusement. "Well I'm glad you think it's funny."

After he had left Marik's house, the first thing he had done was go back to Kuru Eruna. There, Bakura found that Diabound was still waiting, sealed away in a tome. One ritual later, the two were once again joined together. Only this time, Diabound didn't look quite that evil. In fact, a pair of mismatched wings, one black and one white, graced his armored back. He couldn't help but wonder if it had anything to do with his feelings for Ryou.

"There done, stamp is on. Now I just have to remember Ryou's address…do you remember it?" He asked his ka spirit. Of course, Diabound couldn't really talk but now that Bakura had him back he found himself speaking to the beast often. He felt the confusion inside his soul and shrugged. "Ah well I think I know it…I never really had to look at it…" Bakura scribbled the address down and tossed the card down a shoot where it would wait to be mailed. "I hope he gets it…" Bakura yawned and looked across the small desert town he'd stumbled into it. He didn't know its name or anyone there but with the marketplace hustle and old world feel, it was just like home. He smiled and as he walked past one of the fruit vendors, he used Diabound to steal an apple without any notice. The apple was tossed from hand to hand and he found its taste to be somehow sweeter than normal.

"I really missed stealing." Bakura chuckled between bites. The simple thrill of taking something that didn't belong to him was still there. The sun beat down on the land and yet the skies were such a pure shade of blue that it looked more like a cool sea was above his head. Fluffy white clouds drifted past, inspiring feelings of laziness in the thief. He sat down near the town well, under the cool shadow of a palm tree and rested his eyes. Throwing back his hood, even his hair was allowed a break as the gentle breeze played with it. Even then, his thoughts came back to the postcard he'd just mailed. "Maybe once we're done here…I'll go get Ryou and show him around…" He pulled the Millennium Eye from his pocket and smirked as he rubbed the gold in his hand. "Besides, I still have a job to do back there. I'll have to come back sometime." He laughed at Diabound's grunt of agreement. "You want to see him too huh? Don't worry we will."

"Did you hear? They finally reopened the Cairo museum to the public?" Bakura glanced up as two men began speaking near his resting spot.

"Yeah, those updated security systems will really boost their defense against thieves." The other man said.

"I bet now it will be impossible to take even a keychain without them catching you. Now the treasures of the Pharaohs will be properly guarded."

Bakura's smirk grew larger and he put the Eye back in his pocket.

"Until then, I think being a modern Tomb Robber is going to be rather exciting, don't you?"

Diabound only grunted.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

A/N: Sage: It tis finished.

Kaley: More or less! I mean, there's still the Epilogue and Sequel Preview in the next chapter but yeah…

Bakura: Well, we will see you then…but if we don't then thank you for all the reviews and we hope you enjoyed the story.

Sage: Now you know the life of a thief, specifically Bakura. We'll see you in the epilogue!

Kaley: Well…we might make some changes but don't forget to review!