A/N: I had some trouble with this chapter 'cause I couldn't decide on what Bakura's reaction would be after they left. And I've been having some writer's block. (curse my inept writing skills.) Anyway, summer's almost over, I'm going to the mall with my friends every week, (there's nothing better to do here. The biggest thing in this small, forsaken town is the mall and movies), and I'll stop whining now.
REWD: Ok, wheel in the two patients.
(Jou and Seto walk in, wheeling in two very wrapped up Yamis.)
REWD: Look's like I kinda overdid it when I was trying to kill Bakura and Marik.
Bakura and Marik: (glares at authoress)
Atemu: I think it's a good look for them. (sneer)
Bakura and Marik: (glares at our very sexy pharaoh)
Jou: A reviewer asked if Red Eyes Black Dragon was in this story...
REWD: Mwahahahahahaha! They'll just have to find out.
Seto: (holds up a cue card that has "Yes" on it.)
REWD: Thanks a lot, Seto. You just ruined the surprise.
Seto: You're VERY welcome. They probably already knew it anyway. You were just making it OBVIOUS. Just call me if you want me to make your life even more miserable.
REWD: ...
Atemu: Anyway, with the disclaimer. You know the deal, no Yugioh, no us, none of the story, and most of the translations aren't hers.
REWD: There will be less of the manga in the first part of this chapter. And translations only goes so far. I'm making a story, not translating the whole manga. (mutters) VIZ usually screws up most of the mangas anyway, cutting off curse words and putting little symbols instead.
Jou: Did you say something?
REWD: Nothing at all. You shouldn't concern yourself with affairs you can't change, I guess.
Jou, Seto, Atemu: Please read and review!
Chapter Ten: Retaliation
Deep in the city, the pair of thieves sat in the cool shadow in the alleyway. The place where they had their first thieving lesson to be exact. Bakura leaned on the wall, glaring at the sky as his mind worked on the next "visit" to the Pharaoh. Jonouchi watched his counterpart with concern in his eyes. The albino's breathing was quick and heavy, as if he couldn't get enough air into his lungs. The attack from Obelisk must've damaged him heavily. Jonouchi then got up and kneeled next to Bakura.
"...what the hell are you doing?" Bakura's amethyst eyes glared suspiciously at the blonde who began to glow. Jonouchi just looked Bakura straight into his eyes before replying, "Stop being so paranoid. I learned more than fire magic over the last few months. Sorta skimmed the part that taught light magic. I was going to heal you. Unless of course, you like to suffer..." With a smirk, he looked at the heated anger coming from Bakura before concentrating on the wound.
Warm, soft light emitted from Jonouchi's palm and traveled into Bakura's body. The albino thief felt a sense of peace flowing into him as the pain ebbed away. Jonouchi had his eyes closed in concentration with the magic. After he made sure that his friend was no longer in pain, he moved his hand and smiled with triumph. A look of surprise was etched on Bakura's face as he moved his hand over where the wound was. Not a trace was left and the pain was completely gone.
"Well, I have to say, Jonouchi, you impress me at times." When he saw the smug look on the blondes face, he added, "Which is veeerrry rare." Jonouchi just scoffed at this comment and looked out of the alley. People were going on with their normal lives, oblivious to all that happened in the palace. As he stared out, his stomach growled in protest, reminding him that he didn't have lunch yet.
"...are you ever NOT hungry, Jonouchi?" Bakura sighed with exasperation as the blonde smiled sheepishly. I swear, he eats more than 5 grown men. Another growl from Jonouchi's stomach made Bakura shake his head.
"Well, we didn't have lunch yet, you know. I say we go eat before we do anything else," Jonouchi replied solemnly as he started to get up. "So, where should we go eat today?" With that, he started brooding on all the places he could find food.
"First of all, you have to decide, are we gonna pay," Bakura smirked before finishing, "or are we gonna, oh let's say have all for free." Jonouchi smirked along with Bakura, for he knew the answer before he even answered.
"The usual, then, Bakura?" The albino knew that he was referring to the food stand they had robbed over the years. He just smiled smugly, and Jonouchi took that as his answer.
The burning sensation left from the heated flames left Atemu as Isis concentrated her energy into healing the pharaoh. The same sensation felt by Bakura was being experienced by Atemu, too. Isis quickly removed her hand away as soon as she was done, not wanting to annoy the pharaoh.
As Atemu was sitting on his throne once more, his mind kept reverting back to the young blond who rescued Bakura. It was rare that someone could actually break the shield around him and attack with such power. He propped his head on his hands and brooded over this thought as the guards finished cleaning up the mess from the event. Siamun looked worried as he peered into Atemu's face. He mistook the actions of the pharaoh as grief over the defiling of his father's tomb. He must be going through much pain, restraining himself from charging out of the palace and bringing justice upon that low thief.
Mahado, also mistaking the pharaoh's thoughts, abruptly went in front of him and kneeled down. "I apologize for the weakness shown by the guards who were watching Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's tomb, oh Pharaoh. With your permission, I will command the guards there to create a new trap to capture that thief."
Broken from his thoughts, it took a while for Atemu to digest this down. "Oh, um...yes, I expect you to do your best, Mahado. Bakura is probably planning for his next attack and may strike anywhere at anytime, so we must be careful."(A/N: actually, he's watching Jonouchi scarf down the food they stole together.n.n) Atemu put his look of indifference on, and looked straight into Mahado's eyes. The priest shuddered from the calm, commanding power held in that amethyst gaze.
Priest Seto sneered at Mahado, talking harshly to him. "You won't get a second chance to repay for your mistakes, Mahado. Know this, next time a Pharaoh's tomb is robbed, you'll lose the privilege of your powers," Seto rebuked unkindly.
However, Atemu took pity on his old friend and said in a softer voice, "Don't feel guilty for what has happened today, Mahado. Just try your hardest from this point on." Seto scowled inwardly, thinking to himself that his cousin has gotten softer than usual. If it had been him, he would have executed the fool right on the spot.
Sighing with relief, Mahado bowed his head and thanked the gods that he was able to redeem himself. "You have my greatest thanks, Pharaoh Atemu." With that, he stood up and went to prepare himself for what was coming up. The other priests started to file out one by one, going on with other tasks that needed to be finished. After awhile, only Atemu and Seto remained.
"...you know you were too soft with Mahado, cousin. You should have punished him so he wouldn't make the same mistake again." Seto crossed his arms and leered at the one who was siting on the throne. Atemu looked back with exasperation at his cousin. "A wise king treats his subjects with respect and kindness. And you wonder why I'm the pharaoh and you're not." Atemu smirked as Seto's face grew red.
Suddenly, Seto pointed his Millennium Rod towards Atemu, clearly stating a challenge. "You remember that rematch you promised me?" Atemu continued smirking as he replied, "Oh, you mean the one I made after I whooped your ass in front of all the other priests including some of the guards?" Again Seto's face heated up from embarrassment and anger. "Yes, that promise! So why don't you face me here and now? Or are you too chicken to do it, you big softie."
Atemu flared up and jumped down to face the taller priest. "I'm no coward, Seto, and I accept your challenge. We'll see who the softie is after we're through." A large, summoning stone emerged from behind the pharaoh. The same thing happened with Seto. (A/N: somehow, they are 10 feet away from each other now.--;)
Chanting spells under their breath, the rivals both summoned their monsters at once. Duos appeared next to Seto while a small brown fluffball was summoned next to Atemu. Sneering at the weak monster, Seto recalled their last duel. "So, you're summoning that weak trash again? You've got to be kidding me."
"This weak trash was the one who defeated your Duos last time, remember?" His anger had reached its limit when Atemu had retorted back. Seeing red, Seto did not think about strategy before attacking. "I WILL NOT BE MOCKED! Duos! Attack that good-for-nothing weakling and wipe it out!" He can't have them multiply now that he has already summoned it, he has no way of winning!
"Do you actually believe that I can't duplicate this little guy just because it's already summoned? You've got a lot more to learn, cousin. KURIBOH, MULTIPLY!" The one furball became thousands as it multiplied with extreme speed. Kuri kuri kuri! Seto stared in disbelieve as they continued to appear by the thousands. "What, you're gonna cover my sword again like last time?"
Atemu just smirked and enlightened Seto of Kuriboh's second ability. "You realize, that this monster explodes on contact right?" Seto's eyes widened as realization hit him like heavy brick. "You know what that means right? Your Duos goes bye-bye." With a smile on his face, the said pharaoh flicked his hand and all the Kuriboh's attacked at once. A large explosion was heard by everyone who was in and near the palace.(n.n;)
Meanwhile, before the two cousins had their duel, Mahado was walking with a group of guards towards the exit. As he passed the large jars, he signaled his men to continue while he stopped in front of one of them. After they left, he crossed his arms and said, "Hurry up and come out, Mana." Receiving no answer or response, he sighed and continued. "It doesn't matter if you hide. I can sense your presence." At this, Mana popped her head out of the jar and smiled sheepishly at her master.
"Like always, I can't trick my master." She climbed out with difficulty as Mahado stared with irritation. "How many times have I told you that the palace is not a playground," Mahado scolded his young apprentice. Mana immediately tried to defend herself from further scolding. "I wasn't playing around here, master! I just had a bad feeling and knew something was going to happen. After I heard the guards talking about you leaving, I just wanted to see you before you left."
"So when are you going to start your training as a magician?" Mahado questioned Mana accusingly. Mana, however, just smiled cheerfully and replied, "Starting right now!" Mahado just gave up with scolding his apprentice and sighed with frustration. "huuuh...that's why you won't become a proper magician."
Siamun appeared before them and commented, "Go easy on her. Even the pharaoh was caught playing in those jars when he was younger." Mana giggled at this fact as Mahado felt helpless in this situation.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you, Mahado. I know what you're trying to do, but your ka is weak compared to the strength of Bakura's Diabound. We'll need all of the priest's power to defeat him." Mahado just listened to this with even more determination for his pharaoh. "Lord Siamun, you said that demons grow with hatred from their host's souls."
"Not just hatred, but from strength of heart, Mahado." It was clear to Siamun what Mahado wanted to do, but he doubted if that was possible. "I will put all of my loyalty and devotion to the pharaoh. I won't fail this time, for the sake of the Pharaoh. I know how much pain he had to swallow to allow me this second chance. And I will make sure I catch the thief and bring justice to him." Mahado then turned around without a second glance and followed after the other guards.
Mana watched anxiously as her master left the palace. Then, she turned with fury towards Siamun. "That was too harsh, Lord Siamun! How could you tell my master that his ka was too weak? His magic far surpasses any other." Siamun just listened with patience and answered, "I understand that, Mana. That is why he was chosen to become one of the millennium priests."
But Mana continued with the same faith in her master. "From that day, my master sealed away his magic. 5 years ago, the day he put the Millennium Ring around his neck." As she said that, the palace shook with tremors from an explosion. Both Mana and Siamun looked towards the throne room, one having a look of surprise and the other with a worried look.
After watching Jonouchi eat an incredible amount of food, Bakura stood up and started to leave their home. The blonde looked up with mild surprise at the figure retreating into the desert. "...Whe'e ya goin' now, 'kura?" Seemingly, he had also had two full jars of rum along with his lunch. Bakura looked back with disgust and replied, "I'm going back to Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's tomb. I have a feeling that something is going to happen there, and I don't wanna miss it." Glazed, brown eyes stared into sharp amethysts as the two stared each other down.
"...well, don' kno' bou' you, but I'ma go ta town and see my frien's. Gots 'ome stuff ta give 'em, so don' kno' when I'ma come bac'." Repulsed at the thought of Jonouchi leaving when he was drunk, Bakura immediately walked back and grabbed the front of the blonde's robe, pulling him up. "You'd better be sober when you leave, Jonouchi. I don't want you to screw up and lead the guards back to our hideout." The smell of alcohol sickened him, so he let go of Jonouchi's robe, letting him fall back on his bad.
The tipsy blonde stretched out on his bed and slurred, "shu' thin' boss. Weren't plannin' on leavin' till afta da'k anyway, so no wor'ies. I be reaal ca'eful as I ta'k ta ma frien's..." Jonouchi didn't continue, for he had plopped his head down on the pillow and snored softly. Bakura just shook his head at the blonde's foolishness and walked out of their house. I'm never going to let that idiot drink EVER again!
"Priest Mahado will be inspecting the pyramid!" A strong, loud voice was heard in the black night near Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's tomb. "Nobody is to enter until he is finished. Not even one of you will step into the tomb." Mahado just tuned this out as he felt a dark power in the Millennium Ring. He could feel it writhing to get out, to be free to roam this earth again. But he used his magic to gain control of it, and looked out into the night. Bakura.
Meanwhile, Bakura was up against a rock a few feet away from the tomb. Looking over his shoulder, he snickered. "What's one little priest doing out so late? Hmph, only one out of the six priests, it should be easy to dispose of him." He got up advanced towards the entrance. There were only five guards in front of the pyramid, so Bakura just used his dark magic to send them to oblivion.
Entering the tomb, he was surprised to see that Mahado was facing him, as if he was expecting the thief to come. "I've been waiting for you, Bakura." Loud rumblings made Bakura look behind at the entrance. The guards who had been hiding were pushing a large boulder in front of the entrance that also served as an exit. They also raised a sealing stone and positioned it in front of the tomb. "Remember our plan, we are not allowed to remove this boulder until daybreak," the leader of the guards reminded his troops. That is, IF Priest Mahado succeeds in defeating that thief.
Bakura was unfazed by all this though. "heh, I knew this would happen. This tomb doesn't even have Akhenamkhanen's body, am I right? Not that I would concern myself with such a worthless corpse." Mahado was calm, despite the situation he had just put himself into. "The only reason we are here is so that I can fight without harming anyone. This pyramid has been prepared for our fight, Bakura."
"Don't make me laugh. Last time I fought, it was six against one, and I still beat you soundly. Do you expect me to believe that you alone will defeat me when all the priests combined couldn't? I'll kill you and take that ring that's hanging off your neck, priest."
"Don't be so confident that you can win, Bakura. Even if you do get the Millennium Ring, you won't be able to use it." Mahado's voice became stone cold as he explained. "The Millennium Ring has a great evil hidden deep inside it. It must have formed when the previous owner wore it. My magic is binding that power so I can control it." He looked straight into the cold amethyst eyes that held the lust for the millennium item. "A weak soul cannot wear the Millennium Ring, for if it touches the body, it will burst into flames and kill you instantly. So, you can't use this millennium item, Bakura!"
Bakura just sneered at what Mahado said and replied, "Are you sure about that? Diabound!" The said monster burst out of Bakura's soul, but it looked different from the last time Mahado had seen it. Its muscles were more sinewy and its tail had become not just a snake, but a cobra. Mahado could actually see the aura around Diabound, simmering from its body. "You see, my ka grows with the hatred in my heart. And I have to say, it has grown since just a few hours ago." Bakura smiled at himself. "Even I'm impressed at how much he's grown. Your little magician has no chance against him!"
Keeping loyal to the pharaoh, Mahado didn't back down. Instead, devotion filled his heart just as hatred filled Bakura's. "That's where you're wrong, Bakura. Or have you forgotten about what I said about my magic?" With that, he summoned his Magician of Illusions. This time, Bakura was the one who gaped. The tiny magician he had seen in the palace was now a taller, lean magician. Dark magic teemed from the monster, but unlike Diabound, the darkness wasn't unsettling. "This is the last fight you'll ever fight, Bakura."
Walking in the shadows of the alleys, Jonouchi had to stop occasionally to steady his head. He was a bit woozy from the afternoon, but he had managed to sober himself and was now proceeding to the slums of the city. I have to tell Bakura to never let me drink again. As he leaned against the wall, a figure caught the corner of his eyes. A cloaked figure was walking hesitantly into the city, wondering if it should turn back or not. Jonouchi looked harder and realized that it was a girl, but she looked different.
The figure slowly lowered her hood and looked cautiously into the city. Long, light blue hair flowed down into her cloak, covering her pale face. Ocean blue eyes held longing to find the place where she belonged. Jonouchi was perplexed at why such a beautiful foreigner was doing in these parts of the city. For both of them were in a place where most of the darker figures lurked. So the blonde walked casually over to the girl before anything happened to her.
"You know, it's dangerous for such a pretty girl to be out so late." Kisara looked up to see the blonde thief in front of her. But before he could say anymore, she flinched and slid away from him, expecting some sort of abuse. "Hey, hold on, I'm not gonna hurt you. I wouldn't go so low as to hurt a girl." She raised her eyes into the softened rubies that looked at her with concern.
"...you don't think I'm cursed because of my pale skin?" She had been discriminated in so many towns that she started to avoid most people. Jonouchi just gave a puzzled look before replying, "Why would I? In fact, I find you more...attractable." Kisara blushed at this statement, turning her face so the blonde wouldn't see. What is it with this guy? Most of the boys would smack me and kick me to the ground. But is he...flirting? Still confused at the foreigner's reaction, Jonouchi scratched his head and tried to think about this situation. "So, why are you here anyway?"
Kisara turned her head and debated on whether to trust him or not. Finally, she said softly, "I was kidnapped from my home and sold into slavery." She paused for a moment to see a look of horror on Jonouchi's face before she continued. "I've managed to escape, but every time I go into a town the people use prejudice against me. They keep saying I will bring a curse unto their homes or something..." She stopped because her voice would no longer work. Loneliness and abuse were the only things she faced nowadays. It was a long time ago that she felt peace and safety in a place.
Jonouchi just stood there, furious at the people for treating someone like that. He put his hand on her shoulder to get her attention. Firmly gripped his eyes looked into hers radiating a sense of understanding between them. "I don't know why people act like shits, and the way they treat others make me want to kill all of them." His eyes softened at the sight of the alarmed blue eyes. "But, I'm sure that things will work out for you. Some angel or guardian is protecting you and you will find a haven. I'm sure of it." (A/N: Ummm...would Seto be considered an angel?lol)
Kisara looked into Jonouchi's soft but firm eyes, and all doubt washed away. She knew she could trust him and what he said would come true. She then did something that neither of them expected. Wrapping her arms around his well-built body, she hugged him with all her heart. Jonouchi was taken aback at first, but put his hand on her back and let her hug him until she was ready to let go. Her sudden act and gentle touched caused him to blush slightly. Running his hands through her hair, he noticed at how soft it was. Kisara let go after awhile, letting her hands fall slowly to her sides. It had been so long since she had ever hugged someone that she was embarrassed that she had done it with a stranger.
The sudden pulse from Jonouchi's pendant brought him back to reality, reminding him of what he was going to do. Reaching inside the bag that was hanging from the side of his body, he grabbed something and held Kisara's hand. When he let go, a small sapphire was on her soft hands. "I have to go now. Keep that as a reminder of me when you're traveling." And then, he pulled closer to her ear and whispered, "Don't forget what I said. Your guardian will watch over you." With that he fled into the dark alleys before Kisara could blink. She just held the sapphire in her hand, watching another person in her life disappear. (A/N: THIS IS NOT A JOU/KISARA FIC! So please don't yell at me. I just wanted them to know each other, but it got a little too mushy. Once again, not a Jou/Kisara fic, so don't talk to me about that.)
Bakura grunted in pain as Diabound took the attack from Mahado's ka. So far, the magician had an upper hand, but Bakura had other tricks up his sleeve. He looked at Mahado's calm, confident face. Knowing the Millennium Ring had so much power, he now wanted it more than ever. And he would use the pyramid against him. "Don't think you've won yet, priest." He silently activated Diabound's ability, effectively hiding him in the shadows. Then, he stepped on a small button on the floor. Immediately, the pendulums from before swung down on the passage. Bakura quickly jumped on one and watched Mahado's surprised look. "You know, it's kind of ironic that the traps that were meant to stop me is being used against you."
Mahado knew that he wouldn't last long with the trap activated. "Magician of Illusions! Go attack Bakura!" But the albino thief wasn't going to be taken down that easily. He positioned his ka above Mahado before saying, "I can't let you do that." Diabound made itself appear from above the priest. Mahado looked up too late to see Bakura's ka unleashing its attack. The swirling beam hit both Mahado and the magician, efficiently attack both with the same attack. The priest screamed in pain as the dark energy slashed at him from all sides while burning him at the same time. His ka was feeling the same pain and began to lose its form as the attack prolonged.
"Hahahaha! Go to hell, priest! Regret trying to trap and defeat the thief king, you scum!" Bakura jumped off the pendulum, prepared to take the millennium item away from the weakened priest. Mahado, however, stood up slowly from the ground, still feeling the pain from Diabound's attack. He glanced at his disappearing ka before turning to Bakura. "I won't...let you...get away with this...Bakura." The albino thief was surprised that anyone would survive a full attack from his ka and still live. I have to give these priests some credit. They've got guts.
"It's the magicians' last gamble. Merging my soul with my ka, I will defeat you, Bakura." Mahado started to chant a spell, unaware of the pendulums swinging dangerously close to him. As he said the last word, they swung down on him, slicing him from both sides. Crimson tears splattered all around the ground, but the soul of the former priest rushed out and hit the disappearing ka. The Millennium Ring, the strings cut by the pendulums, fell in front of Bakura. The thief just sneered and picked up the item, saying, "One priest down..." But before he could say any more, the Magician of Illusions was in front of him. What the hell? The ka hasn't disappeared yet.
"Diabound, finish off the magician!" The magician, however, attack Bakura with its dark magic before his ka could do anything. The force of the blast pushed Bakura over the edge of the platform. His scream was heard by none as he fell into the dark depths of the pyramid.
Mahado, now the Magician of Illusions, looked to make sure Bakura was trapped before leaving the tomb and entering the summoning stone. As the sun rose, the guards mourned the loss of the priest.
Finished with his work, Jonouchi was at the edge of the city, ready to leave. Before he stepped into the desert, though, his pendant stopped pulsing and stood still. Surprised at the sudden action, he touched the ruby, waiting for some sort of beating. Feeling none, he tried talking to Bakura. Hey, Bakura! You there? Getting no reply, Jonouchi started to panic. Shit, Bakura! You'd better not be playing tricks on me! Come on, buddy, answer me! Oh shit! Jonouchi fell to the ground, unable to think that his best friend was dead. Silent tears fell from his eyes and dropped to the ground, absorbed in almost an instant.
He raised his fist and slammed it into the ground, producing a large crack. "Damnit, Bakura! I thought you were stronger than that! Shit, it was the pharaoh wasn't it? It wasn't enough to take your family, he had to take your life, too." Jonouchi stood up slowly and turned his tear stained face towards the palace. He knew what he had to do, because no matter how much evil Bakura did, deep down he was still a good guy. Bakura, I'll avenge you by doing what you've always wanted to do. Pharaoh, you'd better watch yourself. He then started slowly towards the palace.
TBC
Phew, glad that's done. Sorry it took so long to update. But I wanted to get this up before school started. (Well, for me anyways.) Guess being alone for two days really helps.lol
Jou: REWD, I HATE YOU!
REWD: O.O What did I do?
Jou: You made me look like a drunken idiot and a pervert!
REWD: Well, in the manga, you were a pervert. And about the drink, I just wanted to see what would happen if you got drunk (in my perspective).
Seto: heh, you don't need to be drunk to act like an idiot, you already are an idiot!
Jou: TT
Atemu: So I'll be expecting some sort of fight with Jou in the next chapter?
REWD: Well, you could put it that way. It'll involve a lot of fire, though.lol
Atemu: (grabs fire extinguisher and glares at REWD)
Seto: I don't appreciate you trying to blow me up in the story, you know. I could have died from the stupid furballs.
Atemu: heh, I still whooped you ass.
Seto: Go to hell.
(Kuribohs appear out of nowhere and attack Seto.)
Seto: AAUUGGHHH!
REWD: n.n;; Atemu, you can't attack your cousin like that...actually you can. Go ahead.
Seto: I HATE YOU!
Jou: Do I have actually have as much power as in the story?
REWD: Of course you do!
Jou: XD
REWD: Please R&R. I'd really appreciate it.n.n