Chapter 18: The Battle
Jeeze...just to make you all happy, I'm going to make this chapter supper duper long...or at least try anyways! And I'm gonna try and cut back on the cliffies...TRY being the key word!
Anyways, here it goes...I wasn't at all sure how they dueled back in ancient Egypt so...if I'm a little off, then oh well! Go complain to someone who cares! XP
Oh, thanks JoBear for the tips!
Kuni turned to Malik and gave him a glazed look. "Help her Malik...please...don't let her die..." She whispered as she held Avila to her body.
"Don't worry...She'll be fine..." He said while bending over and lifting her into his arms. Kuni reluctantly let her grasp on Avila go and stood by Malik.
"What? Malik? Not staying for the fun? What a shame...Where are you taking my slave?" Atemu asked with humor. Malik ignored him and briskly began to walk to the nearest exit.
"Oh...But Malik...I want you to stay and watch the down fall of your friend!"
"Leave him be! This fight is between you and me!" Bakura roared, turning Atemu's eyes once again to the rather red thief. "Oh, but it's much more fun when your friends watch. Don't you think?" Atemu asked with an annoying smile. Bakura glared at him, gritting his teeth. "Let them leave...This does not involve them." Atemu sat back in his chair and thought for a moment then smiled.
"Very well...I've had my fill of your woman. They may leave." He waved his hand in their direction and grinned. "She was a good catch Bakura...where ever did you find her?" Bakura looked over his shoulder at his stalled friend and lover.
"Go!" he barked as he tightened his fist. He wanted to make sure they were out of harms way before he began the battle. Malik looked at his friend one last time, then dashed away. Bakura let a sigh of relief escape his lips then turned to face the pompous Pharaoh.
"Let this battle begin!" Bakura shouted while raising his fist into the air. Atemu smiled and nodded his head. "Alright, I've been waiting for this day! And now it finally is here! Seth...take your place." Atemu called. The priest nodded his head and slowly made his way down into the court yard, clutching his millennium item.
"You shall fall today, thief." he muttered coldly to Bakura and Bakura laughed. "And you think you're going to hand me this down fall? I don't think so..." His eyes blazed with fire and determination. He would make them pay for ever hurting her. For ever touching his woman. Just the thought of their dead cold bodies cluttering the floor made him smile. He could picture their blood mixing with the sand, turning it a dark brown. Oh, yes, he would know revenge.(Such violence!)
"Are you ready? I plan on making this a quick one. You're not the one I'm after." He looked up in the stands and glared at Atemu. "Your next Pharaoh...you can't have stand ins all the time!"
Atemu merely shrugged his shoulders and gave a low chuckle. Bakura turned his gaze to the scowling priest and shot him a glare.
"Let's duel!" They both shouted in unison. (Had to put that! Heh heh!)
Kuni was frantic. She kept looking over her shoulder, making sure they weren't being followed. "Stop it Kuni...your making me nervous..." Malik said as he lugged Avila around.
"How are we going to get into the town? We have no horses!" Kuni asked while wiping at her teary eyes.
"Please, Kuni...knock it off...we'll make it...and Bakura will kick the Pharaohs scrawny ass!"
Kuni glanced up at him, a smile gracing her lips. "You know how to calm a girls nerves don't you?" Malik smiled cockily and gave a nod. "One of my many talents."
Avila gave a moan and moved in Maliks arms. Kuni glanced at her face and gave a worried sigh. "We need to get her away from here...Atemu might send men aft-" Malik cut her off with a glare. "Kuni...Have I ever told you that you worry too much?" Kuni gave a heavy sigh and shook her head. "I know...I know...But...Avila and the baby..." She looked down at Avila's still flat stomach and gave a shudder. "She could lose it...or her life..." Malik glanced down at Avila's stomach also then turned to Kuni, glancing down at her own flat stomach.
"Your not keeping anything from me are you?" He asked while narrowing his eyes. Kuni gave a startled gasp and smacked his shoulder. "No! I'm not...No!" She gawked at him with wide eyes. He smiled. "Good, I'm so not ready for little miniature yous...I can barely handle you let alone little look a likes!" Kuni shot him a heated glance then looked away, anger apparent in her demeanor. Malik opened his mouth to take back his hateful words, then paused. He didn't know how to apologize. Ra! He'd never had to do it before. Avila stirred once again in his arms and he took the movement as a distraction. "I think she's waking up..." He said while shifting her in his arms. Kuni peered down at her friend and brushed her hand over her forehead. "She's burning hot..." She glanced up at Malik with pleading eyes. "Please...please...let's hurry."
Bakura stood ready, his legs spread apart and his arms crossed over his chest. "Ready thief?" Seth asked, a smirk sprawling over his handsome face. Bakura gave an ungentlemanly snort, not like he was a gentleman anyways, then took a step backwards. "let's begin." He said in a deathly whisper. Seth gladly raised his arm, holding his millennium item. "Meet my Kaa." (Don't yell at me! I'm trying to make this sound as true as possible, and I searched the internet high and low to find some info...everyone had something different to say, so be happy) Suddenly a large block rose from the ground and a light emitted from it. A form filled the area, spreading its long wings and tossing its head back. "Say hello to your down fall, thief." Seth said while crossing his arms over his chest and giving a rather satisfied smile. Bakura gave a smile and turned to the dragon. "Nice to meet you...how are you today?" He gave a low chuckle then pulled his tunic open to reveal the golden ring that sat against his bronzed chest.
"I too carry a millennium item...your friend wasn't fit to have it!" Seth eyed the trinket then stared coldly into his eyes. "You'll pay for that..." Bakura just laughed, throwing his head back and emitting a sound that was deep and chilling. "I highly doubt that, Seth...Your dragon is nothing compared to my beast...would you like to meet him?" Bakura gave a crooked grin and stepped back a little, giving his beast room to appear.
"I'd like you to say hello to the god of darkness...MY Kaa..." His ring began to glow, vibrating wildly against his chest. Gasps filled the air as a form began to take shape in front of Seth's dragon. "Diabound...Dragon...Dragon...Diabound..." Bakura said while grinning evilly. Seth took a startled step back and examined the beast that Bakura had summoned. The top half was in the form of a human but the bottom half was that of a serpent.
"What is that?" Atemu barked to his nearest priest. Isis turned to Atemu and gave a sigh. "That is the god of darkness...He is initially used for good...but the thief is using his powers for evil. Seth will not win this battle...my Millennium tauk has told me so...This beast that he has summoned from the reju shrine, is very powerful, my Pharaoh." Atemu stared at the Ka then grinned. "Well, let's see if he can stand against an Egyptian god?"
Bakura looked up at the beast that he had just summoned and smiled knowingly. They wouldn't beat him, not with his monster by his side. He would make them pay for every damn thing they had done to him. He closed his eyes, only to open them seconds later. His mind kept picturing Avila tied to the pole shuddering in pain every time the whip fell. He shook his head to clear the image, but it still lingered. Her blood running down her exposed and lashed back, her face, beaded with sweat and tears, her legs weak and unstable, her eyes large and glazed. The image was burned into his brain, fueling his anger and hatred.
He took a deep breath then turned to give Seth a menacing smile. "Well...are you ready?" Bakura asked, a hint of humor in his voice. He turned to stare at the Pharaoh and gave thumbs up. "I can't wait to battle you Pharaoh...such fun we'll have."
Malik gently placed Avila down on the cot, making sure she lay on her stomach to avoid her wounds. "She needs some hot water and blankets..." Malik said to Kuni, as she paced the floor of the cave. "You should go back...help Bakura. He may need it..." Malik sighed and ran his fingers though his platinum blonde hair. "Kuni, this is his battle...My woman was not captured, raped, or whipped." Kuni glanced up at him and gave him an unsure stare. "What am I to you Malik?" She whispered, after a moment of silence. Malik took a step backwards, afraid of the question.
"What...What do you mean?" he asked while taking a steadying breath. Kuni took a step forward. "You know what I mean...You ravished me...but what does that make me to you? Just some piece of ass?" Her eyes changed, turning to a dark and angry color.
"Kuni...I-I don't know." He said truthfully while rubbing the back of his head. Kuni glared at him for a moment then turned away. "Go...Help Bakura...he needs it..." Malik stared at her back then slowly turned to the entry of the cave. He paused then turned to say something, but caught himself. He didn't know what to say, let alone what he should say. What was Kuni to him? He gave a sigh, then trudged towards their horses. Kuni waited till she knew he was gone before she began to cry. She tried her best to choke back her sobs, so as not to wake Avila, but she couldn't hold them back any longer. "Oh, Avy...if only you were awake." She cried as she fell on her knees beside the cot. Avila's pale face was tilted to the side, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly parted.
"Bakura will make them pay Avila...you'll see..." Kuni said as she dried her tears and brushed her friend's hair back out of her face. Avila's breathing became labored and she began to twist on the bed, moaning out in pain. "BAKURA!" She screamed in her sleep. Kuni jumped to her feet and took a step back. "Oh Ra..." She gasped then rushed off to grab the supplies she needed.
Avila began to thrash wildly. "Bakura! No! Please!" Her face began to bead with sweat, and her face became flushed from her exertions. "Oh, Avila...Please, wake up..." Kuni said as she dipped a cloth into the warm water and wrung it out. She placed it on her forehead and rubbed it down her cheeks, around her neck, and over her chest. "Now I wish I hadn't sent Malik away..." She mumbled as she stripped Avila of her clothing. She paused when she came to her back. Blood caked her once smooth back, covering the wounds and her clothing. "Oh, Avila. What did they do to you? That damn Pharaoh!" She balled her fist and glared down at her friend's back. It would be scard. There was no denying that. She would always be reminded of the Pharaoh. Of how he raped her, beat her, and caused her pain. Avila gave a shudder and began to toss on the bed. "Avy...I'm here...please...stop..." Avila froze at the sound of Kuni's voice then gave a moan. "The Pharaoh..." Kuni felt tears brim her eyes, but quickly brushed them away.
"I wish I could take those horrible memories from you..." Kuni whispered as she dipped the rag once again into the water. Avila flinched once Kuni placed the warm rag on her back. Kuni sucked in her breath, expecting Avila to scream out in pain. But Avila was silent, calm and peaceful.
Bakura smiled as he watched Seth's dragon disappear in thin air. He knew he would win, knew he would triumph over the priest, knew he would be the one laughing. "Well, who's next?" He asked while looking up at Atemu. Atemu frowned down at Bakura then rose from his seat. "You'll battle me...and fall...you'll see what a true battle is!" He slowly began to walk down the steps that lead to the arena Bakura stood in. He placed a hand over the Millennium puzzle that dangled around his neck, and closed his eyes, sending a quick prayer to Ra before he began. He already knew that Bakura's Kaa could not stand up to the Egyptian gods, that it wouldn't take much effort to do away with him.
"Ready, Pharaoh?" Bakura asked as he gave another grin. "I wouldn't be smiling if I were you..." Atemu said, his voice growing serious. Bakura shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows what's going to happen...You might win, which I highly doubt, or I might win...let's just battle and find out." Bakura turned to Diabound and gave him a knowing smile. He know held the powers of Seth's dragon and would absorb Obelisks powers as well, once he defeated him. If worse came to worse, he would flee, using Diabound's special ability. But he didn't plan on running; he was going to beat the Pharaoh, fair and square.
"Ready, thief?" Atemu asked while holding the puzzle in his left hand. Bakura gave a smile then a nod. "Go on right ahead...summon your all mighty beast that will serve me my down fall." Bakura chuckled lightly and took a step back. Atemu smiled and his millennium puzzle began to glow.
"OBELISK! AID ME!" He shouted as his Kaa took form. The Egyptian god gave a roar and took stance behind Atemu. "It's too late to back down now Bakura..." Atemu's lips curled up into a smirk.
"And I'm supposed to be afraid...of...that?" Bakura's eyes danced with laughter. "You're joking right?" Atemu frowned at the thief's laughter and raised his fist into the air. "Today, you shall fall! Obelisk! Defeat his Kaa!" (I just got to thinking, is it Ka, or Kaa...Because the website I was on said it was Kaa...)
"I don't think so! Diabound! This is for Avila! Don't fail me now...use white lightning!" The two beasts rose to their master's command, ready to attack. Diabound gathered energy for his white lightning attack and Obelisk readied to strike back with his own attack.
Diabound released his ball of fire, aiming right at Obelisk. But Obelisk back fired with a ball of fire of his own. Light surrounded the area, causing onlookers to shut their eyes. Silence lay heavily around everyone as they waited for the light to fade.
"Who won?"
"I can't see!"
"Where's the Pharaoh?"
Finally the light faded and the victor stood poised over the fallen. Everyone gave a gasp. The Kaa's vanished, leaving ample room for guards men to rush forward. "Pharaoh!"
Men kneeled beside the fallen body and lightly shook it. "He's gone...what shall we do with him?" The guard looked up, awaiting the answer. Atemu smiled. "It's about time."
"The Thief king has been killed!"
Shouts rang through the air with happiness. "The Pharaoh bested him in a battle!" Villagers rushed around, celebrating the down fall of the most hated thief ever. Women began to dance around in the street, to a tune they could only hear in their heads.
Malik pulled the cloak he wore, more tightly around his frame. "No! I'm too late..." He gave a sigh and slowly turned around, heading back to the cave he had left Kuni in. He could just imagine the look on Avila's face once he told her. He didn't want to be the one to tell her the news. It was time for him to carry out his message. If only Avila could hear those three words from Bakura's lips and not his own. It didn't hold the same meaning, or feeling. Malik slowly made his way back to the cave, then paused when he reached the mouth of the cave. He gave a shaky sigh.
He slipped off his horse then slowly trudged into the cave, hoping Avila still lay asleep on the cot. When he entered he was greeted by a rather pale Avila, sitting up, sipping soup that Kuni was feeding her.
"Kuni...I can eat, you don't have to feed me!" Avila protested while trying to take the spoon from her friend. "I don't think so Avy! I'm going to baby you! You're injured and need some caring for!" Avila gave a groan and opened her mouth, ready for a spoonful of the hot steamy liquid. Kuni smiled as she pushed the spoon into her mouth. Malik coughed, announcing his presence. "Avila...Kuni..." he lead off, he didn't know just what he was supposed to say.
"Oh Malik! You made it back safe and sound! Where's Bakura?" Kuni placed the bowl of broth down and rushed into his arms. Avila whined as she eyed the soup that sat out of reach.
"Kuni...I'm starving!" She cried as she attempted to reach for it, which only caused her back to erupt in fiery pain. "Sit back Avila! Let me care for you..." Kuni smiled then pulled away from Malik.
"Avila...Kuni...I have some news...Bad news..." Avila's head shot up at the word 'Bad.' "It's not Bakura is it?" She asked, fear etched into her voice. Malik looked away from her pale and ashen face. "Yes..."
Avila sucked in her breath, waiting for the horrible torment that would soon fall upon her.
"He's dead..." Malik whispered, barely audible. Avila felt her lungs burn from lack of air. Her eyes pooled over and tears slipped over her cheeks. She finally let her breath go, followed by a moan of pain. "No! You're lying!" She tried to push herself up but stopped when movement caused her back to tear in pain.
"No! Avy sit back down.." Kuni pushed her back into the cot. "I don't believe you! Malik this isn't funny!" She shook violently and began to grip the sheets in her fists.
"It's true...The Pharaoh, beat him in a battle." Malik looked over at Avila and felt anguish wash over him. Her chin began to tremble, her eyes glazed over and began to water.
She finally accepted the fact that Bakura was gone, never to be seen again. She had been in denial. "He's...gone?" Avila asked as she pressed her hand to her lips. More tears slipped down her cheeks as sadness overcame her.
"Oh, Avy..." Kuni whispered as she pulled her into her embrace. Avila began to sob and buried her face into her friend's shoulder. "It's not true...he can't be gone..."
Malik tried to sooth her as well but nothing helped. Nothing could stop her sorrow filled tears.
"Please, Malik...tell me you're kidding...Tell me he'll return to me, and kiss me, hold our child, care for him, teach him, smile at the pure beauty of him..." Malik shook his head, sadly.
"I'm sorry Avila...He's gone..." Avila broke into tears again, wailing in agony. She had lost everyone, everyone that had ever mattered to her. Maku...Her father...Her Mother...and now Bakura. It was as if the gods cursed her, giving her a life of pure misery. "Why me!" She screamed upward. "Ra! Why me!" She balled her fists and flung them into the cot, relieving her anger and sorrow.
"Why me!" She screamed as her silver tears fell down her chin. Mailk kneeled in front of her and tucked his hand under her chin. "Avila...everything will be alright...Me and Kuni will take care of you and your child...Bakura wanted me to...a promise I'm willing to keep.." He smiled and wiped away some of her tears with his thumb. "Bakura also wanted me to relay a message for him...he said..." He paused then smiled lightly. "He said he loved you Avila..."
THE STORY IS NOT OVER YET! THERE IS STILL PLENTY MORE!
Alright...long enough for you all? If not, then oh well, do you know how long this took me? DAYS! I've been so busy...I'm leaving on the 28 for Hawaii...want to know what island? Comeoniwannalaya...Get it? Lol! Anyways, I would give you a sneak peak into the future chapters but I don't feel like it...It would like so give it away! And I didn't really preview this chapter so if there are any errors...my bad...!
Anyways, now to answer your reviews!
Setos sister: My brain cells are at a minimal, from all those markers I sniffed when I was little…Heh heh…don't confuse me so much!
Surfergurl16: Ya…I know…crack good…J/k…Here's your update…sorry it took me so long…
Phersule: I LOVE cliffies! I can't help it! But are you happy? I made this one longer…Or at least tried to! points to Bakura who's grinning wildly while holding a stick He wants to use it soooo bad…
Amazoness Archer: clamps hand over mouth I'm not telling!
Onigirlv: I know…I'm far beyond help…Laughs evilly my fanfics great? Aw! Spank you!
Sakura trees: Who knows what Avila's going to pop out…It might be a boy...it might be a girl…it might be both! Snickers
JoBear: I know…don't you just hate that? I know there's loads more for me to type…hold aching hands So little time…Anyways, Hope you like this chapter…The voodoo person's going to have to wait…Avila's mourning! Sobs
Cataracta: Yea, I did, but it wouldn't let me review because I already reviewed for your last third chapter, you know the one you wrote then redid…ya, that's why you didn't get another from me…sorry!
Foxy: LOTS! BWHAHAHAHAHA! Oh no…the fox within you?
Red rose yuki: Whines I love cliffhangers…sorry, that's just me…And don't worry…I won't KILL Seth…He's to damn sexy! Drools Thank you for saying I'm a good writer…I'm sure there are better authors out there…Blushes
Zoidschick: I'm glad you like Avila! nods head I won't kill her…I swear…Yet…Laughs evilly
Arrna: I do agree…Ouch…the pain…and plus this is Bakura's child…image how much of a fight it would put up…it probably wouldn't want to leave the comfort of her womb!
KayanaWheeler: No, Atemu is not evil at all in the Egyptian series…I've already seen the Manga…but I made him evil in my fanfic…I needed a villain and I didn't feel like making my own…And whipping? Probably not…they probably did worse things, but I didn't feel like putting Avila through that, and this way at least Bakura could save her…
Act123: Laughs I love cliffies! And I'm glad you love this story! Blushes Thank you very much!
Well, I must say, I had loads of fun making this chapter...so sad...I swear I started crying! Sobs poor Avila...Sobs
Ok, Read and Review...it might be a while till I update this story...I need to catch up on the others! Now, onto Lost Child!