Rebirth

Chapter 5: Dangerous Message

Rays of sunlight streamed through Yuugi's window causing him to wince as he opened his eyes. He sat up straight in bed remembering that it was Christmas morning. He jumped out of his bed and raced down the hall. The Christmas tree Yami had set up in his room was already glowing brightly as the different colored lights beamed. There was a small pile of Christmas presents beneath it. Yuugi recognized several as the ones he wrapped for his grandpa and ones his grandpa wrapped for him and Yami, but there were at least ten other gifts beneath the tree wrapped in silver and green wrapping paper—all with deep crimson bows on top. Yuugi hadn't seen those there before.

His eyes glimmered with joy as he glanced toward Yami's bed. He was sleeping soundly, but Yuugi had no doubt the gifts were there because of him. He approached the tree and knelt down admiring the beautiful wrapping. He traced the nearly invisible patterns etched into the paper missing the beauty and elegance of Egypt already. He wished everything could be peaceful enough so he could go back, but until Isis was found he knew he'd have to wait.

He pushed the worries to the back of his mind and got up from his kneeling position. Quietly he approached Yami's slumbering form and gently touched his shoulder. Yami's eyes flickered open and he lifted his head.

"Yuugi, what is it?"

Yuugi smiled brightly, "It's Christmas, Yami!"

Yami smiled softly in return. He got up from the bed and followed Yuugi toward the tree. He watched quietly as Yuugi admired the gifts. A soft knock came at the door and Sugoroku poked his head in.

"Oh! What a beautiful tree!"

"Come in grandpa! It's time to open presents!" Yuugi laughed giddily.

Sugoroku smiled, feeling relieved that Yuugi was finally truly happy on Christmas this time around. He remembered when Yuugi was young there wasn't much money for a tree or presents. Normally he'd give Yuugi the duel monster cards that he could afford to give away. For once in a long time they were having a real Christmas.

"I'll go make some hot chocolate for us all. You can start opening the presents, Yuugi," Sugoroku smiled.

Yuugi's eyes brightened up as he chose one of the gifts. Sugoroku left to go make the hot chocolate and Yami watched with shining eyes as Yuugi opened one of his presents.

"Oh wow!" Yuugi exclaimed as he smiled at the rare duel monster cards his grandpa gave him. He knew his grandpa had to look hard for them; even he didn't have them in the shop because they were so valuable.

Yami handed another gift to Yuugi and he opened it gasping at the jade statue presented. It was a statue of Yami.

"I love it Yami! Thanks!" Yuugi exclaimed, throwing his arms around him.

"Whenever I'm not with you, you can look at the statue and know that we will see each other soon," Yami's lips curled into a soft smile.

Yuugi's eyes began to water but he didn't let the tears fall. Instead he hugged him tightly. Sugoroku entered the room with cups of hot cocoa and smiled at their embrace. As they parted, he handed them their cups then sat down to enjoy the gift opening. Laughter and smiles were all they knew for the time being, forgetting temporarily about any concerns or fears.

XXXXXXX

Ryou sighed heavily as he threw away the last of the wrapping paper. His parents were kind enough to get away from their busy schedule to open gifts on Christmas morning. His mom made the biggest deal about it, telling him how grown up he was. A part of him kept thinking that it didn't matter—after all they weren't his real parents. They adopted him when he was about five from an orphanage in Cambridge, England when they were there on business. He loved them just the same; they raised him well and took good care of him, but he felt like something was missing from his life. When he had been in Egypt he hadn't felt the same longing, but he wasn't sure what he was longing for.

Over the past few weeks he had been having strange dreams that would cause him to wake up at the crack of dawn with perspiration sticking to his body. After the event in Egypt the dreams had started to come. Ryou just assumed the nightmares were a result from what had happened, but now he wasn't entirely convinced. The dreams had started out being about him but over the past few days he had had dreams about Yuugi.

The dream had started out the same. He was trapped in a cave deep underground and water was flowing in intent on drowning him. The cave would fill completely with water until he was holding his breath staring underwater. Then he would hear a voice and he wouldn't be able to move—as if paralyzed. Then out of no where a device would rise from the bottom of the cave reaching out toward him. He would fight but it wouldn't help and he'd be sucked into darkness.

Normally after that he would find himself in a desert dripping wet. He would walk a ways in the blazing heat and see something in the distance, but he'd always wake up. This time however instead of finding himself in the desert he was in a circular room with a table in the center big enough for a person to lie down on, but instead of seeing himself he saw Yuugi in the room with cuts and bruises on his body, looking like he was trying to hide his fear of the room. A dark shadow had entered the room and Yuugi had wheeled around, his eyes wide but expression grim. The figure held up something that he couldn't quite see and Yuugi had walked almost hypnotized to the table and had lie down. Ryou had yelled loudly but the dream had ended there.

What does it mean? Maybe it's just a result from my fear of Yuugi dying when we were in Egypt.

Ryou sighed heavily and rubbed his neck. He had slightly pulled a muscle from jumping up in bed after the dream…or nightmare rather. He hadn't seen Yuugi since the party but he didn't want to disturb him with the strange dreams when he and Yami had enough to worry about. Dreams were just dreams after all; it wasn't like they could come true.

"I need to stop worrying," Ryou said aloud.

"Not quite."

Ryou jumped at the sound of another voice and turned around in surprise, nearly knocking over the trash can he was standing by. The apparition of Bakura was standing before him watching him intently. Ryou fleetingly wondered how long he had been standing there.

"Bakura? This is a surprise. Um…has something happened?" Ryou asked quietly, not liking the expression on his face.

Bakura nodded, "I need you to come with me."

Ryou blinked, "You mean to Egypt?"

Bakura crossed his arms, "Of course Egypt. That's where I live. I'm hiding out right now."

"How will I get there? I have no money and my parents will surely worry about me."

"I sent a package for you in the mail. It was supposed to arrive today. The directions are all in there with the money you need. As for your parents, just tell them you'll be gone on a school trip in a different country to learn more. I'm sure with the fact that they're not here often since they're always running around doing work they won't have time to question anything. I'll be waiting," he said, before the apparition vanished.

Ryou stood still in shock wondering how Bakura knew his parents weren't home often. They made very good money so they had a large house and he had his own expansive bedroom, but it was true…they were barely ever home. Perhaps that was why he felt like something was missing, but he wouldn't be sure until later. He had other things he had to do first. He went outside to go check the mail, feeling that it must be serious if Bakura needed his help.

XXXXXX

One week later…

Yuugi sighed as he glanced up at the clock, wondering how the last day of Christmas break went by so fast. He had woken up early before school in order to say goodbye to Yami. He walked down the hall and knocked on the guest room door. He heard a muffled response and opened it.

"Hey Yami, I just wanted to tell you I'll see you after…," Yuugi trailed off, his eyes staring at the plastic bag that held some of Yami's belongings.

Yami glanced up at him and smiled sadly. "I must leave for a bit, Yuugi. I need to help Fidil and the others locate Isis."

Yuugi bent his head slightly in order to keep form looking at Yami. He didn't want to show any real weakness in the time of trouble. He knew Egypt needed Yami more than he did at the present. His lip still quivered but he made sure to nod in response so Yami didn't get concerned.

"I promise I'll be back soon."

Yuugi lifted his head slowly and willed himself not to break down and cry.

"I thought you said you'd allow me to help you. You were telling the truth…right?"

Yami approached him and pulled him into a tight embrace. Yuugi rested his head against Yami's chest hoping that he was only having a bad dream.

"I would never lie to you," Yami whispered softly. "Once I'm sure it's safe I'll come get you. For now I need to determine how bad it is."

He pulled back and looked deeply into Yuugi's eyes. He smoothed back his bangs so his eyes stood out visibly. Yami could see the sadness right away, but he could also see the strength beneath it. Kissing his forehead gently, Yami let go of him and closed up the bag. He put a gentle hand on Yuugi's shoulder as he passed and then walked out the door. Yuugi couldn't bring himself to follow him or to say goodbye; he knew he'd break down if he did. He turned and walked slowly into his room and peered out the window. Yami was walking to some destination—probably to meet up with Fidil to use the Millennium Items to get there.

Yuugi turned away from the window and took a deep breath. Unconsciously he clutched the necklace that was hidden beneath his shirt. He didn't want to go to school now—now that Yami was gone once again. Would they ever be able to stay together forever? His grandpa had already left by dawn to go see Arthur about something. Yuugi trudged down the stairs and out the door, heading slowly towards school.

XXXXXX

Six hours later…

The bell finally rang and Yuugi trudged to his locker not looking forward to the walk home. Ryou wasn't at school so he couldn't talk to him. Jou was visiting with his sister so he'd be gone a few days and Anzu was too busy gossiping with her girl friends, which was fine with Yuugi. He wanted to be alone. He opened his locker and was surprised when a letter fell out. He picked it up wondering who it was from. There was no name, except for his on the front. He opened it up and began to read.

Dearest Yuugi,

I have been watching you for some time now and I believe you are the one I've been looking for. Meet me after school by the swing set so we can have a little chat. If you even think about not coming I will make sure an accident befalls your grandfather. See you soon.

Melanie

Yuugi stared at the letter in horror. He glanced inside his locker and saw another flower. His eyes widened as he remembered the girl he bumped into. Why was she doing this? She had seemed so nice and shy before, but now…now he didn't know what to think. He had no choice—he had to meet her.

Slamming his locker closed, he dodged past wandering students and headed to the back of the building where the swing sets were. He was a little nervous but he wanted to know why this girl was stalking him and threatening his grandfather.

He slowed down as he neared the swing set and saw a girl standing with her back to him. Swallowing, he approached her cautiously.

"Melanie?"

The girl wheeled around looking dazed and confused as if she didn't know where she was. Her eyes widened as she spotted Yuugi. At first she began backing away then stopped. Yuugi came closer, not feeling scared anymore.

"Did you write me the letter?"

She stared at him, "What? I didn't write you a letter. I don't even know who you are!"

Yuugi's eyebrows furrowed with confusion. "Your name is Melanie though, right?"

She nodded almost fearfully, "Yes, but I didn't write you a letter."

"But someone named Melanie told me to meet her here at the swing set. If you didn't write it then who is it from?" Yuugi asked.

Melanie shook her head back and forth and opened her mouth but nothing came out. Yuugi noticed she was holding a piece of paper in her hand.

"What's that?" he gestured to it.

She glanced down at it and turned it over. Yuugi's name was written on it in the same cursive handwriting as the letter in his locker.

"It's addressed to me," Yuugi said. "Why are you doing this?"

"I'm not doing anything! I don't remember writing this at all! I don't even remember holding it!" she said, almost frantically as she dropped the letter and ran.

Yuugi didn't have time to call after her as she disappeared around the school building. He picked up the letter and unfolded it.

Dearest Yuugi,

I thank you for being so obedient. I have what I want for now. We'll keep in touch. I'll be watching you very closely. If you dare try to tell anyone at all about this, the person closest to you will die. I will send you another message shortly. Take care little Yuugi.

M.

Yuugi crumpled up the letter and stood for several minutes thinking about the threat. It had the same handwriting and it was in her hand, but then why was she so scared?

Perhaps someone is forcing her to write these, but who?

He looked around trying to determine how this person could keep an eye on him. Quickly, he raced home, crossing streets and passing by people without looking back. He approached the game shop and stopped cold. The door to the game shop was open, pieces of wood scattered around like someone had broken in.

Feeling a tightening in his chest, Yuugi ran inside. Chairs and furniture were toppled over and papers were strewn about but luckily none of the cards seemed to have been touched. The glass cases were secured still and Yuugi counted just to make sure. He ran into the kitchen and found pots, pans and dishes everywhere. Strangely enough the vase of flowers was left untouched. Nothing appeared to be broken or stolen however. It was as if whoever broke in was searching for something in particular.

His heart began pounding loudly as he raced upstairs. He peered in the bedroom and saw sheets and clothes thrown everywhere. The tree sat untouched with the gifts beneath it. Yuugi checked in on his grandpa's room to see the same. His heart began pounding faster as he entered his own room. Clothes, books and items were scattered around, but again nothing appeared to be missing.

Unless…

Yuugi quickly dragged his desk chair to the middle of the room and looked up at the ceiling where the small string was. He pulled on it and climbed the ladder, after it unfolded, and pulled himself into the attic. His heart nearly stopped as he saw that nothing had been touched…nothing but the Orb that was no longer there.

Yuugi knelt onto the floor and stared at the empty space. Something clicked in his mind. If the Orb was the only thing stolen then perhaps it had been the bounty hunters. Maybe they were using Melanie to get messages to Yuugi so they didn't get caught. Did that mean that his grandpa and Arthur were alright?

If they are I have to warn them. Once those guys see the inscriptions are missing there's no telling what they'll do. Only…the letter said not to tell anyone anything or the person closest to me will die.

Yuugi choked on a sob. He couldn't take the chance that anyone could be hurt, especially not his grandpa. He only hoped that they would be as long as he kept quiet.

XXXXX

A large glass table sat in the center of the open patio. Sugoroku sat sipping his tea as Arthur sat across from him in silence. They had been talking for hours, and even days, about what to do about Arthur's problem. They had picked up another rare artifact and left it outside the door so if the bounty hunters came they'd hopefully take that and leave.

"I can't thank you enough, my friend," Arthur said quietly. "I'm beginning to think I should've never found that artifact."

"Don't say that," Sugoroku stated, setting his cup of tea down. "Good things have come from it, I assure you."

Arthur glanced up at him curiously but seemed to let it go and just nodded. Sugoroku was thankful he didn't question him further. Again a bought of silence befell them. It seemed like old times when they explored dangerous sanctuaries together, such as the small underground space that had caved in when they had been together. Sugoroku was willing to give Arthur the water but in the end they both were saved. Despite going in different directions for their careers—Arthur being an artifact collector and Sugoroku collecting Duel Monster cards and selling them—they still had much in common.

The doorbell rang loudly, interrupting the silence between them. Both of them looked up and glanced at each other. They were both thinking the same thing: bounty hunters.

"Perhaps it's not them," Arthur suggested.

Sugoroku stared at him uncertainly, "I don't know if we should take the chance."

"There's no use hiding in here! If they're out there and we don't come they'll just break inside. Come Sugoroku, I know I've forced you into this too far so I will tell them to deal only with me," Arthur said sternly.

"Nonsense! I chose to help you out Arthur and I will continue to do so. Don't think you can try to repay for that time in the cave by sacrificing yourself. We'll both survive another dangerous encounter, I promise you," Sugoroku smiled.

Arthur smiled back and together they approached the front door. Arthur opened it and stared into the face of a large semi-bald man with strange symbols on the side of his face. He wore a long, dark cloak and had deep bronze skin, but his eyes were the part that stuck out the most—a deep golden hazel color that stared deeply into the both of them as if searching their souls.

Before Arthur could get a word out the man stepped inside. He grabbed one of each of their arms to hold them in place as several other men entered the room and surrounded them.

"The Orb has lost its hieroglyphics!" one of the men shouted. "What did you do to it?"

"We didn't do anything—"Arthur started.

"Silence!" the man hissed, threatening him with a glare and pointing to his side where he kept what looked like a crowbar. "You'll pay for tricking us."

The man looked as if he was about to lunge at Arthur so Sugoroku stepped in between them, glaring the man down.

"Don't you dare touch my friend," he said firmly. The grip on his arm tightened but the man holding them did nothing else.

"Why you…," the man snarled taking out his crowbar and looking as if he was about to strike him.

"Back off Keith," a voice spoke up strongly from behind them all.

The man, Keith, stopped still and lowered his weapon. "But…but master they didn't come through with their deal!"

A cloaked figure approached them slowly and the men moved to give him room.

"I am aware that the Orb is not in its proper form," the cloaked man spoke softly, his voice eerie despite its calm tone. "However, our young…helper has been very obedient so I will keep my end of the bargain. They are not to be harmed."

Arthur was staring at the man with large, terrified eyes. "W-who are you?" he whispered.

The cloaked man turned toward them and snickered coldly. He walked closer to them.

"I'm afraid you two will have to come with me."

"On what accounts!" Sugoroku exclaimed bravely.

The man smirked beneath his hood and took out something from inside his cloak. Sugoroku's eyes widened as a long golden rod appeared in front of them. The man gripped it securely and laughed quietly.

"I'm afraid you have no choice," he hissed quietly as the item in his hand began to glow.

Sugoroku's eyes widened before his pupils suddenly disappeared as well as Arthur's. They became still and stared off into space, unmoving. The cloaked man lowered the item.

"Bring them to the underground temple," he ordered.

"What about you master?" Keith asked.

The cloaked man smiled sinisterly, "I have to write another letter to our dear little Yuugi. Once I have him where I want him it will finally begin."

TO BE CONTINUED…

I'm hoping to not take as long to get up the next chapter. It should be a couple weeks depending on school. Thanks for sticking with me and being patient! I'm planning for the next chapter to be double-length!

To Reviewers:

SansiI'm glad you liked it! I know the romance took a while to come, but I didn't want to rush it. Sorry for the long delay I hope it won't happen again!

Yana5: You'll find out a little more about the girl in the next chapter. Don't worry, everything becomes clear soon!

YamiyugifanadicThanks so much! Was that really a good kissing scene? Thank goodness! I was worried because I've never written a YxY story before. I do have experience with writing romance Gundam Wing stories, but that's about it. I'm glad you liked it! Hopefully the next chapter will come out soon and once I'm done with this story I hope to start another Yu-Gi-Oh story!

Citrus luver: hehehe! Wow, lots of questions! I can answer a few and a few you'll have to wait and see. As a hint, which you will find out later, just to ease your worries, no Yuugi and Yami are not in love because of the Millennium Item. It is because of their love that Yuugi is able to use some of Yami's powers. They don't understand it all yet because they have yet to understand the full prophecy, but you'll find out later. The necklace Yuugi is wearing is VERY important don't forget about it! I'll try and get the next chapter out asap!

Amber Eyes23: I know, I know, another long delay! Gosh, I'm so bad all of a sudden. Well, now that I'm in college life is slightly different…hehe, but I hope to update more frequently now that it's summer. The bad character, as you had hinted by the end of this chapter, is NOT someone I made up. There's your hint! I'm sure you already know who it is by now. I will update this asap!

Kitty Neko: Hehe! You'll know how the girl is involved completely in the next chapter. And yes I did post a revised chapter of The Lost Pharaoh on Pharoh's Hikari. I really have to update though; I haven't been there for a while. I'll update this asap!

SilverWing147: OOO! You're hittin' it on the target! Keep up your good detective work because you are on the trail and at the door…okay I'm going to stop with these metaphors before I embarrass myself. Hehe! Anyway, good job! Sorry for the long wait with this chapter, the next one should be up sooner!

Inuyasha0001: Yay! I'm so glad you liked the kissing scene! I haven't ever done one between them before so I'm glad it was good! I know I haven't updated in a while! Sorry! Next chapter should be quicker!

RussaI know, I've taken forever again! So sorry! School and work---argh! But anyway, I should have the next chapter up sooner. I'm glad you like the descriptions. Sometimes I don't like how chapters turn out and other times I'm satisfied. This one was okay though I felt like I rushed through a couple scenes. Let me know what you think!

MattzAnimeMistyI'm so glad the kissing didn't ruin the fic for you! That's why I debated on whether or not to put romance into it, but I think it's working out well enough. Yep, Horus came back! You won't see him for a little longer, but don't worry he's not gone! Oh don't worry orange juice is coming back by the end, I promise!

UsagiLovesDuoChanWow it feels like forever since we e-mailed…I think because it has been. Hehe! And it's been forever since I went to pharaoh's hikari…yep, still forgetting to update on both sites. I'm goin' real good, huh? I've just been so busy…but I definitely will get the next chapter up soon. I'll try to update on pharaoh's hikari real soon! Possibly on the weekend! I'm glad you liked the chapter by the way! I'll update this asap!

Atemu Yugi Lover34: Hehehe…I will update asap!

Cherazz22784: hehe, I'm glad you liked the romance! Wow, you didn't get the author alert for last time? That's weird! I hope FF isn't acting up again. I'm sorry this took so long! I'll update this asap!

Kari-sama: Thank you so much! That was so nice of you to say! I try not to make it too gushy and keep up the action/suspense as much as the romance and drama. Sometimes I'm satisfied with how the chapters turn out and sometimes I'm not. This one turned out all right, though a little short. So sorry for the long wait; I hope it won't happen again! I'm planning to update this in a couple weeks so I hope I can pull through!

DarkstarsaraI'm so glad you liked the romance! I was hoping it would seem real enough. Unfortunately, Ryou and Bakura won't have their share until near the end and mostly at the end. It just makes it more realistic that way. They don't have the same bond that Yuugi and Yami share. It'll take them longer to get closer, but it'll happen!

LiliathLol! I hope you did well on that test while you were reading this! So sorry this took so long to update. I'm glad you're liking this as much as the first story. I'm a little worried this won't be as good but we shall see, right? Thanks so much! I'll update this asap!

SilverLilyWow, it's been forever! I still have to check on your stories and see if you updated! I'm glad you were satisfied with the kiss scene. I'll get better though, especially with your tutoring. Hehehe! Anywhoo, I'm glad you're in love! How's the boyfriend these days? I'm in love too right now! (Wow, must be contagious or something), but we're not officially dating…yet. I'm sorry you're so busy. Are you taking summer classes? I'm taking one and I have work, but at least I have a little more free time than during the school year. You? Keep in touch! I'll e-mail you this weekend!

Consumed Rachel: Sorry this took so long to update! The next chapter shouldn't take as long. I'm glad the kiss turned out good for you. There will be more romance to come! I'll update this asap!

AlchemistMHehehe, well I can't answer all those questions. The necklace Yuugi received IS very important, but I can't tell you why. And I'm sure you've read tons of other YxY romance stories that have more heat and passion, but I like taking things slow like this. It makes it more realistic. The ending will have more romance in it, but that's not the main genre; there's a blend. Anywhoo, sorry to keep you waiting so long!

Darla: Thank you! I'm glad you're liking this so far. I'm worried it won't do as good as The Lost Pharaoh, but we shall see. Sorry for the long wait! I'll update this asap!

xXAmythest no hikarixX: I'm so glad you like this so far! I'll update this asap, promise! Sorry for the long wait.