Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or anything related to it what-so-ever. The only characters in this fic that are truly mine are:

Lady Aurora Phoenix

Lady Natara Fear

Lady Sapphira Star

Dorian "Chaos"

Bryant "Havoc"

Sanura

Zahara

Adais

A/N: This is a fantasy as you can tell. It is part 2 to the Eternal Love fanfic that I ended a little while ago as it was getting to be too long. The story of the Pharaoh and his family is far from over however. His children are still around and they will incorporate themselves in the lives of little Yugi and his friends in one way or another. Fair warning, I am not one for writing out duels so you may not see a lot of them- barely any actually, as the fic is about the events that happened outside the duel arena. There will be some familiar scenes to fans of the show but most of those scenes will have a small twist or two in order for it to fit with the plot being laid out.

I understand many will not agree with a lot of what is written but that is why this is in the fantasy genera and not in just the general one. This is purely a concoction out of my own head and I am just going where the ideas lead me.

Just want to thank my faithful readers and reviewers again for continuing along on this little journey. DDCfreak, Atemu Fangurl, Ishizusan, Pastelblue, Lady of Perfection and her Yami- Yami Nefera, Luna Dusk, and mugen thank you all!

Mailbox:

Luna Dusk- I am getting them out as I can right now lol… I know I let it go long enough. Feel free to kick my muses along with me as I blame them for the lack of creative juices for the fic lol…

DDCfreak- Glad to hear you are still enjoying it. I only have maybe one more chapter to this one and then EL3 comes out. Fair warning- the next chapter is actually a filler chapter just to take care a of few loose ends before moving on to Battle City...

Going Home

"Where could Pegasus have put him?" Seto asked to no one in particular as he emerged from the castle to the outside air. They had searched everywhere they could think of and still found no sign of his brother. Sanura had suggested that it was possible Mokuba had found his way outside. Seto had nodded and walked outside. But there was still no sign of him. They started when they heard a scream from within the castle. "Sounds like Pegasus is finally paying his dues…" Sanura turned toward the castle, worried. The scream had been filled with pain and agony. "Are you coming?" She looked back to see he had begun walking again.

"Where to, sir?"

"We will go around the front and see if he comes out there." She nodded and followed him in silence. He glanced back as they walked. He watched her looking around, her crimson eyes scanning the castle walls and the forest. She truly was dedicated to him and his brother. So much so, she obeyed without a fight to anything he had asked of her. He remembered looking up into those eyes when he finally opened his own. She had stayed with him. Stayed with him to watch over him when he could not protect himself. He found it odd that someone would be willing to do that for him. He remembered thinking about all the wisdom he saw in her eyes. He could not help but thing she knew things no one else knew, or should know. "Do you not speak that often?" She turned to him, startled. Blinking she looked away.

"Only when spoken to when it comes to you sir," she answered softly. "Out of respect for you and your brother. You are after all my boss."

"I admit I am not easy to work for, yet you stayed with me back there." He turned back to face ahead as they walked. "I want to thank you for that display of loyalty."

"Yes, sir." He waited to see if she said anything more, but when she did not he just returned his focus to finding his brother. He would make an attempt to figure out more of this later. Right then, he only really wanted to know that his brother was safe.

Aurora had found Pegasus' journal and thumbed through it as she waited for Yugi and his friends. She knew they would be coming. Knew that his scream would have caught their attention. It was not long before she heard hem making their way up the stairs.

"Did you guys see Pegasus?" Téa's voice asked.

"Wonder who did that to him," Tristan commented. "You don't think that Zahara's mom…"

"No," Yugi answered immediately. "Though I know there are things about Zahara and her family that don't make a lot of sense, and spark more questions than answers, I don't think her mother could have anything to do with this." Aurora had no idea that Yami was silently agreeing with his Hikari's words. "Maybe we can find a way to help from that room." Aurora took the book and went to stand near a large painting of a beautiful blond woman in a blue dress.

"So dis is where Pegasus hangs out?" Joey asked as they entered the room. He turned and noticed the painting. "Whoever that woman is, she sure is pretty."

"The woman was named Cecelia," Aurora said softly, surprising them all. She stared up at the painting, holding the leather bound book to her chest.

"Aurora?" Yugi asked hesitantly.

"What are you doing here?" Téa sneered at her. Aurora sighed.

"If it wasn't for me, Pegasus would be dying right about now."

"What? No way!" Yugi gasped.

"What happened to him?" Joey asked.

"He lost a Shadow Game, to someone shortly after retreating from his defeat against Yugi. The defeat cost him his Millennium Eye." She looked down at the blood still pooled on the floor near her feet.

"Will he be okay?"

"Yes, Yugi. He will be. But he will be in need of much rest and medical attention." The room was silent a moment. Téa remained still at Pegasus' desk while the guys had come to stand by the painting with Aurora.

"So who is this Cecelia?" Tristan wondered.

"She must be pretty important to him. I have seen this painting everywhere in the castle," Téa commented.

"She was his wife. He had built this castle for her. Wanted to treat her like the queen he thought she was."

"You keep saying 'was'. Did something happen to her?" Yugi asked.

"She died shortly after they were married. Believe it or not, he was once a good and kind man. When she passed, he felt his world had beentaken from him. He could think of nothing but her. He lost his passion to paint, among so many other things he loved to do. He grew so empty, he began to fear himself. So he went on an expedition to find some way to bring her back to him. His studies turned toward the practices of Egypt. He read somewhere the Egyptians had a way to revive the dead. But it took a special kind of magic."

"Shadow Magic?" Aurora nodded.

"During his trip to Egypt he met a man. A mysterious man who tried to warn Pegasus to give up his search. But Pegasus is not a man so easily swayed. He followed the man deep into a darkened underground chamber. The one we held the Millennium Items in for so long. You see, this man was the main guardian of the Items. It was his duty to see the Items go to the chosen bearers. When he realized Pegasus had followed him, he informed him that he could not leave until he was tested by a Millennium item. The item to test him was the Millennium Eye. Needless to say, Pegasus passed the test, but with the Eye his mind began to fill with ideas of how he could harness the powers to one day bring Cecelia back to him. The fool actually thinks you can wake the dead, with a few souls, Kaiba Corps' technology, and the Millennium Items," she added bitterly. Yugi looked up at her.

"You lost someone, too?"

"Years ago, but there is nothing I can do now. I can only stand by and protect him now. Pegasus chose a different path, which led him to taking souls. It angered the gods of Egypt, and the other Item guardians. I had to come and see to it he faced his punishment."

"You saw who did that to Pegasus, didn't you?"

"I did, but I was duty bound by the gods not to interfere. Pegasus was challenged and he lost. He was required to give up the Eye to the challenger."

"Wow," Tristan murmured. Téa was still glaring at Aurora from the desk, silently muttering curses she had no idea Aurora could hear.Aurora arched an eyebrow andtook a breath.

"There is nothing you all can do here now. He has released the souls of those he had taken and the bodies shall be waking soon."

"He did?" Joey asked.

"He may have been psychotic thanks to his Eye, but he was always a man of his word." Yugi shocked her by coming up and hugging her. She swallowed and closed her eyes before hugging him in return.

"Thank you. For everything." She nodded and stepped back.

"Go to your grandfather, Yugi. He is waiting for you."

"Right." Yugi watched as the others left and Aurora went to return the journal to the desk. She felt his innocent eyes on her back. Then it happened.

A darker force made itself known and she spun toward the stairway to see Yugi had been stopped in his tracks by what looked like some kind of magical portal.

"Shadi," she whispered so low, Yugi could not hear her.

"What's going on?" Yugi asked as Shadi appeared, blocking his way down the stairs. "What? He has a Millennium Item, too?" Shadi opened his eyes a stared hard at Yugi.

"The disturbance I sensed brings me here," Shadi said in a cryptic voice. Aurora started forward to make her presence known to the spirit guardian.

"Don't do it, Shadi," she whispered. But she knew Yugi would have to be tested. She prayed Yami would give him the strength to pass.

"Who are you?" Yugi asked Shadi. Shadi's eyes had locked on the Millennium Puzzle hanging from his neck and he rushed forward.

"I know not who has stolen Pegasus' Eye, but perhaps I should begin with this boy. How he managed to put together the Puzzle when no one else has been able to in three thousand years, is a mystery in itself." Yugi took a step back as Shadi removed his Millennium Key from around his neck and continued his approach.

"What are you doing?" Aurora placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder.

"It's alright, Yugi. Just be strong. There is nothing to fear." She said softly to him as she felt him tremble. He barely had time to react when the Key touched his forehead and his eyes went blank. "You have to be strong, Yugi. The test is yours now." She stood and watched as Shadi seemed to gaze through Yugi and herself. Knowing Yami's spirit was within Yugi's mind, she could not help but almost worry more for Shadi than Yugi in this test. It was not long before Shadi gasped and stepped back, releasing Yugi from the Key. Aurora noticed the uneasiness in Shadi's usually blank eyes. He stared at Yugi with a great deal more respect.

"I apologize for my rude intrusion into your mind," he said softly. "I did not realize that you were the chosen one."

"Didn't you, Shadi? His appearance alone should have given that away," Aurora said to him. He looked up at her, seeing her for the first time. Yugi looked back and forth between them. His eyes wide in confusion mixed with fear.

"Forgive me, milady," Shadi said with a bow. "I had not realized my search for a thief would uncover the one who wasfated to unlock all the magic the Pharaoh gave his spirit to lock away." Aurora looked down and turned her head. She did not wish to be reminded of that day. Shadi realized his error and sighed. "It still haunts you, milady." It was a statement; not a question. A statement she had no intention to grant a response to. Shadi turned to begin to walk away, his portal opening in front of him.

"The fact that the thief has taken Pegasus' Eye proves that once again evil walks the Earth, ready to claim them all and bring madness, chaos, and destruction to the world," Shadi said as he walked away. "Only you, who have solved the Millennium Puzzle can save it."

"What do you mean?" Yugi asked. "Can you tell me anything more?" Shadi looked back at him.

"Take great care and be on your guard. The thief who stole the Eye will come seeking your Puzzle." Yugi was still pondering those words when he realized Shadi was still walking away.

"Wait, don't go! I still have lots of questions! Like, who are you!" Yugi shouted after him as the spirit began to fade away.

"My name is Shadi, and we will meet again, of that I am certain." Yugi turned back to look at Aurora who had retreated to the window. "Please tell me you can make more sense out of this?" She sighed and turned to face him.

"Yugi, when we all return to our homes come and find me. I will find a way to give you the answers you seek. There has to be a way I can do that without breaking my responsibilities to our people."

"'Our people'?"

"The spirit of your Puzzle is that of the Pharaoh Shadi spoke of. But because of the magic of the Puzzle, his memories are lost to him. Those memories he must seek out on his own. Clues will be given along the way, but in the end it must be he who makes all the final steps to recovering his past. I can explain the puzzle, and the ways of Ancient Egypt, but not who he is, or who I am. And if I am not mistaken, that is what he wants to know above all else."

"It does seem that way. I can always seem to feel his thoughts lately. As if we are connected more so now than before."

"He has regained most of his strength again. That is why he can speak to you and merge with you yet still allow you complete control. When he first appeared he had to put you to sleep to do what was needed."

"So that's why I always either seemed so tired. And why I could never remember how I got to certain places, or sometimes how I even made it home." He looked up at Aurora. "So he would never hurt me?"

"He would rather risk his spirit and be completely taken by the Shadow Realm before he put you at risk. He sees himself as your guardian now. You will always be protected, Yugi. But not always by him alone. Now go," she said nodding before he could ask her anymore questions. "Your friends are waiting, and so is your grandfather." He nodded and left the room. Aurora closed her eyes to steady her heart before following slowly after him.

"Zahara?" She started and tensed her grip on Mokuba when she heard the voice. She cautiously turned to face Ryou as he walked toward her. She could see his dazed expression. She could also smell blood.

"R-Ryou?" She swallowed hard as she stared up at him. "Is it really you?"

"I-I think so." He looked around. "He came back again didn't he?" She looked down at Mokuba resting in her arms. She said nothing, but it was the answer he knew was coming. "Did he hurt you?"

"Not me. But I think he hurt someone."

"What do you mean?" She nodded at the cuff of his sweater and he gasped. His hand had been stained in the creases of his skin with the blood. His darkerspirit had not even bothered to clean up to spare him having to explain it away.

"He wants you to remember. To remember he is there. That is why he left it," Zahara explained softly. "He loves it when others fear him. Especially you. He feels he has better control over you if you fear him." They could not say more as that moment found Mokuba stirring on her lap. She brushed away stray hairs from his face and smiled down at him as he opened his eyes.

"Where's Seto?" She could not help but give a small laugh as she helped him to stand.

"Why don't we go find your big brother?" He smiled back up at her. Their attention was caught again by the sounds of their names being called.

"Bakura!"

"Zahara!"

"You guys still up there?"

"Yes, we are here!" Ryou called back at the group arriving.

"Is Mokuba ok?" Téa asked them.

"Yes, he is fine," Zahara answered.

"Great!" Joey said as he crouched down to Mokuba's level. "So his soul's back in his body huh?"

"That's a relief," Téa breathed. Yugi ran up just then and stopped beside Zahara and Mokuba.

"So, how are you doing, Mokuba? You feeling up to getting off this island?" The boy looked up at Yugi with sad eyes.

"Not without Seto. Where's my big brother?"

"He is somewhere around here. I am sure we will find him."

"If he doesn't find us first," Zahara assured the boy with a grin and a ruffle of his hair. Aurora stepped forward holding a small box while Croquet stood beside her with an envelope. Yugi turned to face them.

"Yugi, as the champion of Duelist Kingdom, you have already received your agreed upon award of three freed souls. But there is one other prize Pegasus had set aside for the winner." She stepped forward and produced the box for him. Yugi looked inside to find a Duel Monsters card. He looked up at her with confusion in his eyes.

"What is it?"

"It's a card called the Ties of Friendship. Pegasus painted it himself. There is none other like it. Pegasus left strict instructions to deliver it personally to you, Yugi. So you may never forget that Friendship conquers over all. No matter how bad things seem, just remember you are never alone as long as you keep your friends in your heart."

"Thank you," Yugi said, giving her his shy, yet extremely happy smile.

"You, Yugi, are now officially the King of Games." Croquet stepped up to her and produced the envelope.

"And the prize money of three million dollars won by Yugi in his duel against Joey." Yugi lightly guided Croquets hand to give the check to Joey.

"For your sister, Joey. Just like I promised."

"Thanks, Yuge." Joey said, gratefully as he took the envelope. Without another word, Croquet and Aurora turned to leave.

"Aren't you coming back home, Mother?"

"I will shortly. I must tend to Pegasus first. Then set up arrangements for him at Industrial Illusions. Then I can return. Just be careful, Zahara. You never know when danger will strike, for it is always lurking nearby. You are strong. You can face it. But be careful just the same." Zahara watched her mother leave before turning her gaze to Ryou. Her mother's warning had been clear. Beware of Ryou and his evil spirit.

The sun was setting by the time they all left the castle. Mokuba bounded out of the door calling for his brother. Zahara walked in silence not far from Ryou, keeping her eye on him while the others laughed and talked about their adventure.

"Where are you, Seto?" Mokuba called out. Two large metal doors began to open and a smile brightened Mokuba's face as Seto stood there. An uncharacteristic smile curved his lips as he knelt down to accept his little brother's excited hug. "Big brother! You're here! You're here!" Mokuba's tears began to fall and Seto hugged him tighter.

"It's alright. I'm not going anywhere again. I will be here for you as I promised, Mokuba." Zahara looked up as another shadow fell over the path. She saw a woman standing behind Seto with long red and black hair, and blond bangs. She wore black jeans and a red silk top.

"It is good to see you again, Sanura. It has been awhile."

"I had forgotten you went with Mother on this trip, Sister," Sanura said with a tired smile.

"She's your sister?" Tristan asked Zahara. "That has to be hard." She looked down at the ground.

"It isn't easy. Mother working for Pegasus and my sister working for Kaiba Corp…. No… It isn't easy at all. And it is one of the reasons I tend to have the house to myself so often." There were a few scattered laughs as Seto broke the hug to look at his brother's face.

"Are you ready for me to take us back home where we belong?" Mokuba nodded and Seto stood, picking up his briefcase. Sanura sighed and stood up straighter behind him. "Thank you, Yugi, for saving Mokuba's soul. He means everything to me." Yugi nodded.

"How could I do anything else?" he asked the young CEO. Seto brushed off the question.

"Don't get me wrong, Yugi, I am grateful, but because of the circumstances our last duel was not conclusive." Yugi nodded again.

"Yes, you're right."

"We will meet in the arena again Yugi, and then we may decide who is the better duelist. Come on, Mokuba, Sanura, let's go." They turned and began to walk away. Sanura gave a short wave at Zahara before following after them. A thought struck her before they had gotten too far away, however.

"Mr. Kaiba, sir, I am sorry to speak out of turn, but I must ask you something."

"What is it?"

"The boats have gone. They have no way back home. There is plenty of room left on the helicopter. Would it be to much trouble, to give them a lift back home?" He thought a moment before hearing Tristan and Joey calling after them. He nodded and continued on his way to where he had landed the aircraft. Sanura turned to tell them they would have a ride.

"That's great! Thanks, Sanura!" Joey exclaimed.

"But you must hurry, Mr. Kaiba waits for no one. If you want that ride, you must be there before he starts it up to leave," she told them with a smile. Nothing more needed to be said as the two took off after Seto, Yugi and Téa following not far behind. She turned to see Zahara and Ryou still standing where they had been. "Are you two coming or not?" She called out to them. Zahara glanced over at Ryou. He had been quiet since learning that Bakura was back. She watched as he slipped a hand in his pocket as if grabbing something. She sighed and hung her head as she began to walk toward her sister. She may have missed the sinister look on Ryou's face when he pulled out the Millennium Eye, but she could sense the evil presence behind her.

"You may be able to pass through walls, Bakura, but that won't help get you and Ryou back home. I suggest you let Ryou return and come along, unless you wish to stay behind." It no longer surprised him that she could sense him. He chuckled for a moment.

"Don't worry, I was merely getting one last good view before going on my way," he told her. He was speaking of the Eye, but her mind thought he was speaking of other things as she spun around to smack him across the face. Ryou lifted a hand and looked at her, blinking his eyes in shock.

"What was that for?" She gasped and bit down on her lip.

"I-I'm sorry, Ryou. It wasn't meant for you, honest." She lowered her head and hurried toward her sister. Ryou watched her a moment before joining as well. He had a feeling trying to control Bakura was going to be even harder than it ever was before. And he could never control him before so the thought scared him.

Mokuba, knowing full well he could not cuddle next to his brother while he flew the aircraft back home, comfortably rested his head on Sanura's lap. She doted over him as if he was her own son. Carefully brushing his hair from his face and softly humming the same song Zahara hummed when they first got into the castle. It was just soft and beautiful enough to be like a lullaby. A smile was on his lips when he drifted off to sleep. No doubt to dream of getting back home and spending time with his brother again. Zahara scanned the rest of the group. Seto of course flying the helicopter, Sanura's eyes were beginning to close as well. Tristan and Joey were propped against the side of the helicopter, legs outstretched and arms crossed in front of their chest, eyes closed, quietly dozing. Téa had curled up and laid her head on Yugi's lap. Zahara could not help but think what a cute couple they made. And she could easily tell that Yugi cared for her by the tender looks he cast down at her as she slept. He had one hand rested on her shoulder and the other laying down at his side. He lifted his gaze from her at one point, looking over at Zahara and then staring out over the water. Zahara turned slightly to see Ryou still rubbing his cheek. He had not said anything since they boarded. He was uncertain as to if he should even try to. She sighed.

"I really am sorry," she whispered to him. He jumped; startled by the fact she was even speaking to him. He blinked and then looked down.

"No, I should be sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. You didn't know what he had done." Ryou shrugged. He then looked up at her.

"Be honest with me. How long has he been back?" She sighed. She did not want him to know, yet she could not lie to him either.

"Since dinner that first night at the castle. After you, Téa, and Tristan went scouting around."

"Oh," Ryou's eyes slid down to look at the bottom of the aircraft.

"But you know… He actually reappeared to protect you three." That shocked him enough to look back up at her.

"He what?"

"He did. Pegasus had taken you all into the Shadow Realm to claim your souls. Bakura appeared to transport you all back to your rooms."

"Then how did I end up outside your mother's room?" Zahara looked down, softly laughing nervously.

"You remember that now, huh?" He nodded and she sighed. "Apparently he had some business with her. Business she did not approve of. She sent him through the doorway. I was with the Spirit of the Puzzle looking for you when we saw what happened."

"The Spirit was looking for me? How did he get involved?"

"That was my fault. When I saw you weren't in your room, I flipped out, certain he was back. I barged into Yugi's room thinking Bakura would be after the Puzzle while Yugi slept. When I saw he was alright, I calmed down but tried to explain it away. The Spirit appeared, not believing me. He told me he put Yugi to sleep so he could help me search for you. Bakura remained in control so you didn't take the worst of the crash, he made one last warning to Mother and then he left, too weak to remain in control."

"So that explains why I felt like I was hit by a truck that morning. Anything else I should know?" Zahara fidgeted in her seat, debating telling him much more. He reached over and cupped her chin with his hand. "I know there is more. Tell me." She sighed.

"He came back and followed Tristan during Yugi's duel with Pegasus." She stopped and gave him a curious look. "Are you really sure you want to know this?"

"Was it that bad?"

"It wasn't exactly pretty…"

"Then I guess not." He grew quiet again. "As long as he didn't hurt anyone…" He looked down at the cuff of his sweater, still stained with the blood from someone. He looked over at her as if searching for marks. "He didn't hurt you did he?" She decided against telling him about the balcony ledge incident and shook her head.

"As far as I know, he left me alone."

"Good." He frowned. "What did he do to get me slapped?" She arched an eyebrow.

"The Spirit of the Ring has a very lecherous mind," was all she said before placing a tender kiss on his cheek and hushing him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her near and she happily rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

Seto expertly landed the helicopter on the heliport of the hospital and let everyone except Sanura and Mokuba out. With the "thank yous" said and promises of "next time we meet" done, everyone waved goodbye and made their way to the entrance on the rooftop. Yugi gasped in surprised when he saw his grandfather out of bed and dressed, waiting and ready to head home. He ran to his grandfather, tears shining in his eyes. Everyone was ready to just head home. But Yugi had one last thing to do. He turned to Zahara.

"I wanted to thank you and your mother for the help you gave Yami and me."

"So he gave you his name now, did he?" She returned with a smile.

"Something like that. I get the feeling even he doesn't know his real name."

"I doubt he does. He has forgotten everything else." She sighed. "Don't worry about it Yugi. Mother and I will always be somewhere near by to help. We are the guardians or the Pharaoh and his Puzzle after all. And you have them both. We will meet again."

"I look forward to it. But I have to ask you something, if that is okay."

"Of course, Yugi. Go ahead."

"Do you think you can let me know when your mother comes home. She promised to talk to Yami and me when she returned."

That's odd, why would Mother do that? She asked herself as she nodded her promise to Yugi and he ran off. Sighing, she turned and left the hospital, herself, heading toward the bus station to grab the bus home. She and her mother had ridden in one of Pegasus' limousines to the port so she did not have her car.

Night had fallen and Zahara tightened her grip on the color of Ryou's jacket.

Wait! She looked down. She had forgotten she still had it. She caressed her cheek with the cool fabric and sighed. She still had a little while before her bus came. She debated going back and giving it back to him so he had it.

"The bus station can be a scary place, you know." The voice was so close to her ear, she gasped and jumped forward, almost into the path of an oncoming vehicle. A strong arm snaked around her waist, yanking her back and against his body. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard.

Ra, this can't be happening… she thought before the arm left her.

"Don't tell me you are really that eager to die tonight?" She cautiously turned to see Bakura lounging against the glassed in bus stop. He had an amused smirk on his face as he eyed her.

"Not really, and the people I can meet on the bus are no where near as scary as you want people to believe you are." He arched an eyebrow at her.

"That I want people to believe I am, huh? Take it you don't believe me?"

"I didn't say that."

"So I scare you?" His smirk grew larger.

"I didn't say that either."

"Princess, you would do well to fear me, you realize that don't you?" He disappeared from in front of her and reappeared behind her, his lips touching her neck. "There are so many things I could do to you."

"I know."

"But…?" She did not answer him. Her eyes closed and her heart had stilled. She could not believe she was reacting to him the way she was. He sensed that reaction and grinned. "The darkness intrigues you, does it not? It calls to you, pleads for you." She swallowed again feeling his hands on her arms, holding her still as he kissed her neck. "Let me lead you to it…" She caught the whiff of Ryou's cologne coming from his jacket and her eyes snapped open.

"No." He pulled back with a snarl.

"What?"

"I said no. I am here to protect others from creatures such as you. Not join you in some sick and twisted game." His eyes flashed.

"You do realize by accepting Ryou, you have in fact accepted me, don't you?"

"No, I have accepted Ryou and have promised to help him see he is not alone thanks to you. You have taken all his friends away from him. Forcing him away from his own home. He needs me. He needs me because I won't abandon him, even knowing his secret." He sneered at her.

"You're a fool," he told her shoving her back.

"No, I am not. I am a friend. If not more." Bakura scoffed and suddenly left a very confused looking Ryou alone with Zahara on the bus stop platform. "Are you okay, Ryou?"

"I think so…"

"You know, I am not really feeling like riding the bus tonight. Would you like to walk with me?" He shrugged. They walked the stretch of streets to her home in silence before he looked up at her.

"Thank you."

"For what?" Zahara asked him, getting her key out of her pocket and putting it in the lock.

"For some reason, he let me hear what was going on between you two this time. I heard what you said. It means a lot to me. Thank you." She looked back at him and smiled lightly.

"I only told him the truth, Ryou."

"Still, I will never forget what you said."

"Good, now go get some sleep. It has been a long weekend. And Ryou?" He had begun to leave when she placed a light hand on his shoulder. He turned to face her, seeing a soft look in her eyes.

"Yes, Zahara?" She leaned forward to give him a chaste kiss on the lips. Things had been different between them before Bakura came back. They had felt the passion. But now Ryou was constantly worried about whether Bakura would hurt her in some way and he feared getting too close.

"I will always be here for you. You know where to find me." She turned to enter her home but was stopped when his hand grabbed hers.

"Zahara, would you understand if I told you I did not want to be alone tonight?"

"I would." They smiled at each other and she stepped back into the home. "So you coming in or not?" she asked him when he made no effort to enter. Slowly, as if in a dream-state, he entered the house and she closed the door.

And just in case anyone is wondering... No they didn't do what was alluded to (grins)... And after rereading this chapter I scare myself realizing I made Aurora have a Téa moment... (cringes), and yes... there has been a triangle established...In fact... I think the main pairings have all been esablished now... (shrugs)... Anyway- I am trying to get regualr updates again. I am up to I think one last chapter here and then this part is complete. hope you liked... I admit it isn't the best work... At least in my opinion... But it was an attempt none the less... See you all next chapter!