Rebirth
Chapter 7: Kidnapped Again
The train ride was slow and dismal despite it only being a few hours long to enter the next city. Yuugi couldn't sleep well at all so he had taken to staring out the window. It would only be a matter of time before he found out who was behind it. He was scared to death but he knew it was the right thing to do—the only thing. The train would be entering the city soon and Yuugi would have to wait till almost the last stop to get off at the restaurant.
He was thinking of Yami the entire way there. It seemed to calm him to an extent. He felt more relaxed than he had been for the last few days, though that could've been due to exhaustion. He hardly noticed when his eyes closed shut until he felt the train jerk roughly. He blearily opened his eyes and noticed that he had fallen asleep for it was now approaching dawn and there were several more stops to go before he had to get off.
His eyelids closed once more and his head lolled to rest on the back of the seat. His breathing was labored but he was already sinking toward dreamland not even realizing he was falling asleep. Behind his eyelids was just darkness—darkness that was so familiar to him when he was sleeping. Soon something blurry began approaching as if drowning out the darkness. Images entered his mind becoming more clear by the second until he realized he was no longer half awake still able to hear the grumbling of the train, but now he was completely asleep having fallen into another dream.
It was like the same dream before. He found himself in an isolated room with a beautiful pool of water in the center that seemed to let off an eerie blue glow. This time though he was aware that it was a dream…he was aware of everything and even remembered what had happened the last time he touched the water. He wasn't going to let it happen again.
Yuugi wheeled around and searched around the room with his eyes. There were tall pillars around him that seemed chipped away by time. The walls around him were cold and damp but there seemed to be no way out. He moved away from the pool of water and started feeling along the walls. Perhaps he just couldn't see the door. His heart was racing and he knew he was panicking—he didn't want to have another experience with nearly drowning.
"There has to be a way out!" he whispered breathlessly. "There has to be…this is a room so where's the door?"
His fingers became wet from the dampness along the walls but he didn't seem to notice as he ran around the room trying to find a way out. None of the walls had an opening. There was no way out. Just as he felt the panic rise within him, his eyes lifted upward and something unusual caught his eye. On one side of the ceiling there seemed to be a very small ledge to stand on. From a far away distance it just looked like the rim of the ceiling, but Yuugi could clearly see the other side had no such thing. How was he to get up there?
Yuugi felt the disappointment and fear consume him. He sat down on the floor and hugged his legs close to his chest feeling the tears sting his eyes and nose. For a minute he was going to let himself cry until he saw Yami's face in his mind, smiling down at him. He lifted his head thinking once again of Yami. Suddenly, his eyes widened as memories flooded his mind even as he was dreaming—Memories of taking the trip to the dig site with his grandpa and the strange bird leading him to the waterfall—to Yami's tomb. And he remembered how he climbed up the waterfall following Horus' every movement. All the doubt about climbing up the steep waterfall had been washed away the moment he laid eyes on the bird. Now as he thought of Yami a new strength came over him.
He sucked in a breath and walked over to the side of the room that had the strange ledge up high. He examined the wall and found that there were a few small niches in it from it being so old. He grasped one of the holes and found a tiny place to hold the tip of his toe as he slowly and shakily raised himself a foot off the floor. He looked around frantically for another niche before he lost balance and found a very small one several inches ahead. He reached out a shaky hand, trying to balance himself on one unstable foot and managed to dig his fingers in it before he felt his foot slip. He was dangling there with one arm holding him up.
"This is a dream—it's my dream! I can do this!" he whispered to himself.
He found the niche again for his foot and then reached up high for the next one. He found another niche for his foot as he began climbing ever-so-slowly. A couple times his fingers slipped because the walls were so damp, but he didn't allow himself to give in. Visions of Horus leading him up the waterfall kept him going until he knew he was too high off the floor to stop now. As he neared the top he realized that there were no more niches—he was stuck! Yuugi took a few deep, calming breaths trying not to panic. Panicking would only ensure losing his grip and he didn't want to fall all the way down.
He looked around trying to find someway to grab the ledge that was just out of his reach. He closed his eyes tightly wanting to not give up so that he could get away from the pool of water. He didn't want to see Ryou down there and he didn't want to drown. His eyes opened and he blinked twice, noticing that the ledge seemed a lot closer now. He reached up a hand and grasped onto it, pulling himself on it so both his hands were holding on. He shimmied over to the center where there was an indent in the wall and managed to pull his legs up to rest unsteadily on the very thin ledge. His hands were placed flat on the wall in front of him and he didn't dare look down. He began banging on the indented wall in front of him hoping that he just didn't climb up there for no reason. His eyes betrayed his thoughts and glanced down. He was so high up…just as high as the waterfall except there was no water below to catch his fall. Yuugi panicked and banged on the wall harder. Before he could even blink he fell forward not realizing the wall had moved allowing him to slip through.
However, the other side was just as scary. Yuugi found himself in a dimly lit room that didn't seem to have any other way out except through the secret door that had now closed behind him. It looked like a small study only there was no furniture except for a long table in the center of the room. He approached the table and glanced around wondering if perhaps there was another door in the ceiling to get out. He pulled himself up on the table in order to stand and look at the ceiling. The moment his feet hit the table he felt the table move. He gasped as he fell flat on it as it began moving quickly upward toward the ceiling. At first he thought he would crash into the ceiling and be flattened against it, but the ceiling began opening up allowing him to see the room attached.
Yuugi let out a sharp gasp at what his eyes saw next. Inside the small, damp room were clear glass boxes in the shape of long rectangles that held the strange blue water. Yuugi scrambled to his knees and looked down at them as the table continued to move up. There were five of them total and the most horrifying thing was that they were all occupied. Yuugi's eyes were wide with terror as he saw Ryou in the first one, his eyes closed and body unmoving as he was kept in the strange liquid. The Millennium Ring was around his neck and as Yuugi squinted his eyes he could tell that it wasn't Ryou…it was the other boy he had seen briefly in Yami's palace—the same boy who had helped him escape the clutches of Kontar. His name was Bakura, he remembered, which was strange because that was Ryou's adopted parents' last names.
Beside him in the container next to him was Isis in the same state he was in. Her millennium necklace reflected the eerie glow of the water and shimmered across her face, which was much too pale to be normal. She too had her eyes closed and was unmoving.
The table had already stopped, but Yuugi was no longer paying attention. His eyes moved to the next box that held the man he had seen previously when he had been in Egypt—the man with the strange vacant blue eyes that were no longer visible through his closed eyelids. He also was wearing a necklace that had a golden item of an ankh on the end. He was trembling so badly now he could scarcely breathe normally. Next to the familiar man was the scariest thing of all—Yami lay unmoving, his millennium pyramid around his neck, hanging there as if it too had lost all its life. His eyes were closed and his face as pale as Isis'. The water was reflecting the shimmer of his crown that still remained on his forehead. Yuugi hardly registered the tears that were dripping down his cheeks or the gasps that came out of his mouth. He realized there was still one more rectangular box. He leaned forward, still trembling, and stared into it. His eyes widened; the last person looked vaguely familiar to him, but who was it? Where had he seen him before?
Before he could try to get a better look he felt something wrap around his ankle and pull him down on the table. He was turned over to lie on his back and struggled violently screaming out for help. Ropes seemed to come out of thin air and tie his arms and legs down. Tears were still streaming down his face but he was more terrified than sad.
"Yami! YAMI!" Yuugi screamed loudly, struggling against the empowering binds.
A cold laughter echoed around him and he moved his eyes all around turning his head as well trying to find where the laughter was coming from. All of a sudden a low grinding noise caused him to look upward and he saw something coming from the very top of the high ceiling down toward him. He saw the sharp needles sticking out from all ends of the circular object and someone else's blood dripping off of it. Yuugi screamed loudly, trying to loosen the binds as the device came closer. He thrashed his head back and forth trying to get away from it. Up close he could smell the old metallic scent of blood and could see the sharp points all around. A strange opening was in the center of it as if it was the chamber that filled up with the victim's blood, but Yuugi was too busy panicking to study it more in depth.
"NO! STOP!" Yuugi screamed, moving his body frantically.
The device came closer and closer the needles only a foot away. Suddenly the device stopped and began grinding again. It lifted up until it was hovering over Yuugi's face and he realized the circular object was shaped like a head so that all the needles could rest on every inch of skin on his face. It was like a mask only more like a torture device. Yuugi screamed again, more loudly this time, calling out for Yami as it descended even closer, inches from his skin…
A loud bell rang and Yuugi jumped in his seat, perspiration covering every inch of his body. He was shaking uncontrollably and looked around, realizing he was still on the train. The loud buzz had been a sign that another stop had been reached. Yuugi looked outside seeing that the sun had already risen. From being in Egypt and watching how Yami predicted the time based on the sun's movement he would have to say it was at least nine in the morning, which meant he had three hours to get to his stop and find the restaurant. He was thankful that he hadn't screamed out loud from the nightmare. He didn't want to scare anyone on the train. Luckily the train was big enough so that he was practically alone in his section. People were probably off on the food section of the train wanting some breakfast, but he was suddenly not hungry.
The low mechanical sound of the train lulled him into sinking back into the cushioned seat. His eyes were glazed over—completely void of emotion as he stared out the window waiting for his stop. He really didn't know what he was to expect when his stop finally came, but whatever it was he knew it was going to change everything. The pieces of the puzzle would slowly come together and then hopefully he'd have some answers to help Yami. The question was whether or not he'd be able to get back home.
A couple hours later Yuugi saw that the train was approaching his stop. His stomach had a sickening feeling but he tried to ignore it as he readied himself to get off. He heard the buzz and took a deep breath. This was his stop. As it slowed down, Yuugi grabbed his bag and quickly hurried off the train, feeling his legs shaking like jello. He looked around his surroundings searching for the strange name of this restaurant. At first he was afraid he took the wrong stop but as he walked down a little further, a little more than a block, he found the new restaurant. He went inside the quaint little place that didn't seem particularly busy. He wondered why there weren't signs for it when it was supposedly a new restaurant. How would they get business without advertisement?
As he looked around the small rows of tables he saw a young blonde woman with beautiful lavender-blue eyes walk up to him. She was wearing a very small apron, most likely to show off her body, but the air about her seemed more…lethal, like she was pretending she was an innocent young woman but really held her own. Yuugi glanced up at her shyly, hoping she wasn't a bounty hunter.
"My, my, aren't you a cutie," she winked kindly. "The name's Mai. You here by yourself?"
Yuugi blinked again then stuck his hand in his bag pulling out the different colored flowers. Mai stared down at them, her eyes widening in recognition and then nodded.
"Follow me," she said softly, leading him toward the back of the restaurant.
Yuugi followed behind her silently, not sure what to make of the place. Was it really a restaurant or just a cover up for something sinister? He figured it'd probably be about five minutes before those questions were answered for him. She led him through the door in the back which took them through the meat room. Yuugi shivered in the coldness of the freezer and hurried to keep up with her. In the very back of the room was a small indent in the wall. She pushed on it and the wall opened, like a door blending in with the surroundings. He followed her through it into a long, dimly lit passage way. Their footsteps echoed against the floor but Yuugi was hardly aware of it—lost in his own thoughts.
"You look a little young to be one of his henchmen," Mai said, breaking the silence and glancing back at him.
"I'm not a henchman," Yuugi said quietly. "I have something he wants."
Mai's eyes softened at this and she momentarily hesitated, causing Yuugi to stare up at her uncertainly. She knelt down till she was at his height and stared at him evenly.
"Whatever it is you have for him it's all he wants," she said firmly. "Trust me when I say he's not as bad as he seems. I know he hasn't got many people willingly on his side, but I've known him for a long time and he may want some pretty strange things in life but he hasn't hurt anyone—ever."
Yuugi blinked in confusion. Was she talking about the same person that had written the letter—the same person that had threatened his grandpa? She couldn't have been! Perhaps he just didn't show her the side that everyone else feared. She smiled softly and then continued to lead him to yet another door, which she opened for him.
"Go on ahead. I've got customers waiting for you. If you wait inside this room he should be there soon."
Yuugi nodded smiling reluctantly. She really was nice but he didn't want to wait for a stranger in a room that felt more like a death trap. She noticed his unease and put a hand on his shoulder, smiling gently again.
"Trust me," she whispered, then she let go and hurried back the way they came.
Yuugi watched her go, wondering how such a nice lady could work for such a cruel man. How could she possibly believe he was good at all? Yuugi took a deep breath and entered the room, noticing that it wasn't all that uncomfortable. There was a fireplace that was burning on low with soft chairs and couches scattered around the room. There were a couple Greek stone statues in some corners like of Achilles and Hercules and even Aphrodite, but other than that the room was empty.
The squeaking of a door caused him to jump and wheel around toward the sound. He nearly tripped over his own foot from surprise. A tall, dark man stepped inside. Yuugi felt his throat tighten, wondering if this was the man. As if sensing him, the man turned and Yuugi's eyes widened in disbelief at the tattoos marking half his face.
"You…! You're the same man who worked for Kon—"
"The only one I serve is master Ishtar," he interrupted, staring at Yuugi with the same intense eyes.
"Ishtar?" Yuugi asked aloud.
Before he could ask about the name more footsteps were heard nearby. Another figure with a long purple cloak emerged through the door. Yuugi staggered backward a little concerned for his safety. He hoped it wasn't a trap set upon kidnapping him.
"Master Marik," the man bowed. Then his eyes locked onto Yuugi which brought the man in the cloak to turn toward him. Yuugi couldn't see his face since he had a hood on but he didn't have a good feeling.
"I'm impressed little Yuugi. You're early," the man's cold voice spoke from the hood, hinting with amusement.
"W-who are you?" Yuugi blurted out, hoping he didn't sound too scared.
The cloaked man didn't answer right away and instead pulled off his cloak. Yuugi gasped loudly and felt his stomach clench tightly as he recognized the familiar dark purple eyes and bronze skin with light hair. His name triggered something as well and Yuugi shook his head in disbelief. Memories of Egypt and everything he learned there came flooding back to him and he was quite certain he must've been dreaming. This couldn't be the man…
"You seem surprised," Marik smiled in amusement.
"You…I met you!" Yuugi stuttered. "I met you when I was with Yami! And then…then I saw you working for Kontar!"
Marik laughed lightly, "So you did on that day when you were spending precious time with Yami helping with those kids. As for working with Kontar…," he smiled coldly, "I didn't work for him, he only thought I did. I was helping him, yes, but I was also using him."
"Is that why you helped Yami out? Because you realized you were losing on his side?" Yuugi blurted out, anger overriding his fear.
Marik's eyes narrowed slightly, but he continued to smile at him. "Sit down little Yuugi and listen while I finish. You wanted to meet me, yes? So now you'll hear what I have to say."
Before Yuugi could open his mouth he felt his legs stiffen and begin to walk over to the couch of their own accord. He didn't notice Marik's hand inside his robe holding something, but he couldn't protest as his body sat down against his will. Yuugi was trembling slightly, not realizing he had so much power and immediately assumed he must carry a Millennium Item as well. He couldn't remember if Yami had told him that already or not, but he remained quietly sitting as Marik closed the door and began pacing very slowly.
"When the first signs of trouble began the moment we all were awakened after you conveniently stuck your nose where it didn't belong, waking us all up a decade too early, I began my own investigations. You see, I knew that the pharaoh would be weak and preoccupied with coming back to Egypt again that he wouldn't see the signs right away. And I also knew he wouldn't take the ultimate risks to find out who was behind it. His first priority is always the people of Egypt, but luckily I had no one but myself to protect while I searched for this person.
"I traveled a ways and spent many sleepless nights going over the same clues. Finally I traced it to the deserted lands where in the center was the fortress. No one traveled that way because the lands are cursed with the desert, meaning there's nothing out there and those that went there nearly always starved to death or died of thirst because they got lost or their skin was ripped away by a sand storm. Either way it was a dangerous risk but I have taken many risks in my life. There I allowed myself to be captured by Kontar's guards. I could've fought them but I was much too curious so they led me to him and he immediately saw use in me since I had found his fortress.
"He made a terrible deal with me, thinking he could fool me by telling me once he became ruler of Egypt we could rule together. I guess he was asleep too long for no one would ever fall for that cliché deal anymore. I told him my name was Malik in case he found out about Isis and her brother Marik. If he knew I was Isis' brother then he wouldn't have trusted me. And while he thought I was helping him all the while, putting his trust in me and thinking he would betray me once he obtained his goal, I was secretly working against him. That's why in the end I helped out Yami and the others because Kontar was growing more and more foolish. If he unleashed the Shadow Realm, thinking he could control it, it would've killed him and the rest of us. Still, that does not make me an ally of the pharaoh. I have my own agenda," Marik finished, staring at Yuugi as he paused in his pacing.
Yuugi's eyes were wide with anger, confusion and shock. "How could you!" he blurted out as Marik's lips curled into a smile. "How could you kidnap your own sister just to take over Kontar's place and be a bigger fool by creating this unnecessary chaos?"
He expected Marik to become angry or annoyed but did not expect when he let out a loud laugh. It wasn't full of the coldness his voice held before but of plain amusement. Once he stopped he stared at Yuugi with glimmering eyes.
"Kidnap my sister? And why would I do such a thing? I don't need her."
Yuugi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What did he mean he didn't kidnap her? If he was behind it all then he had to have. He must've been lying so that Yuugi wouldn't figure out everything.
Marik didn't notice Yuugi's expression change and instead folded his arms across his chest.
"All I need is you, little Yuugi. Hand me the letters I asked you to bring."
Yuugi hesitated but didn't want the strange feeling to overcome his limbs again so he reached into his bag to pull out the letters and walked cautiously closer to him. Marik smiled coldly down at him then took them from his hands.
"Now, hand over the Orb and I'll let you and the other two go."
What! What does he mean? His bounty hunters already took it!
"I don't have it!" Yuugi exclaimed.
"You didn't bring it? I thought I hinted clear enough what I wanted. I could sense you knew I wanted it," Marik said, his eyes narrowing.
"I know you wanted it! Your bounty hunters already took it!" Yuugi said, feeling confusion, anger and fear overwhelm him. What was Marik going on about? He already had it.
Marik's smile faded and he stared evenly at him. "Bounty hunters? I have no bounty hunters as you say. I only have men and some women who serve me."
"You already have the Orb so let my grandpa and Arthur go!" Yuugi pleaded.
Marik hesitated then glanced at the other man who had remained quiet the entire time. He motioned toward the other man and he nodded and stepped outside.
"Stay here little Yuugi while we work something out. I will be back shortly. If you want your grandpa and the other man to be set free you won't move a muscle."
Yuugi stiffened and glared at him but didn't respond. Marik gave him one last look and left the room following the other man. Yuugi slumped back down on the couch feeling more exhausted and confused than ever. Was Marik just trying to trick him? Maybe it was some kind of mind game so that Yuugi wouldn't figure out what was going on. He tried hard to imagine what Mai had said to him, but he couldn't figure out why she thought he was good. He had said he didn't kidnap Isis, but then if he didn't, who did?
XXXXXX
The door closed shut and Marik followed Rishid down the passage that led to the back room. They headed toward the study that was hidden inside the back room behind the desk. That's where the other men sat waiting with the two unconscious older men tied up. Marik put a spell on them with his Millennium Rod so that they wouldn't wake up until he wanted them to. And he made sure to make them forget everything they saw about him and his men. Still, he was confused about what Yuugi had said. He didn't sense the boy was lying, but he knew he hadn't ordered the Orb to be stolen. After all, he didn't know where the boy lived and certainly would've taken it long ago if he had. Then he wouldn't have to kidnap the boy's grandpa and the other man, nor get the boy to come to him. It was using up precious time.
All he wanted was the Orb in order to figure out the entire prophecy. Perhaps if he did then it would help him understand what was going on with his Millennium Rod. It was acting strangely and not listening to his every command. It gave out jets of light some nights and would glow brightly but not by Marik's command. He knew the pharaoh wouldn't know anything about it. And the last thing he wanted to do was to ask Yami for help. No, he wouldn't stoop that low. He could figure it out himself! He had figured out Kontar was behind everything last time, so he would be able to figure out the entire prophecy and hopefully his Millennium Rod would act normal again.
They entered the back room and Marik walked swiftly to the wall behind the desk knocking five times and waiting as the door was opened from the other side. It was camouflaged with the wall so that it wasn't noticeable in case Yami ever did figure out that the supposed new restaurant was just his last name spelled backwards. It was a clever last minute idea but Marik was growing less certain that this hideout wouldn't be found. Once the hidden door was closed and Marik was inside the secret room with his men he turned toward one of them.
"Have you met with the boy master Marik?" Noah asked, switching his machete to the other arm.
Marik inwardly rolled his eyes, wondering why he was so obsessed with his machete gun. Apparently it made him feel more like a man, even if he didn't use it. He was thankful he had his Millennium Rod instead of man-made inventions that he thought pathetic and useless.
"Yes I've talked to the boy," he drawled. "And he said that one of you already has taken the Orb."
"He's lying!" Another one blurted out.
"We don't have it!"
"How about we go in there and get him to tell us the truth!"
Noah seethed, clenching his fists. "How dare that little…"
"ENOUGH!" Marik spat, his eyes ablaze with anger. He was quite sure the boy wasn't lying unless his powers were failing him, which if they were he would be even more upset. "Has there been any information from Egypt?"
The men all looked at one another silently. Some shrugged and others shook their heads. Marik's eyes roamed over them trying to determine if any of them were lying to him. Perhaps the boy really had been lying to him. If he had Marik would be sure to make him talk.
"Has anyone heard anything about my sister?" he asked quietly.
More shakes of the head went around and Marik took a deep breath. That little boy would pay dearly. He wheeled around ready to head out the door and deal with little Yuugi himself.
"Wait master Marik!"
Marik turned and everyone stared at the smallest of the men. "Perhaps we should ask Mai if she's heard anything. After all, she's been listening around, especially when she gets food imported for the hid—I mean restaurant. I think she had something imported from Egypt a few days ago."
Marik took another deep breath then nodded. "Go get her immediately. It'll buy some time for dear little Yuugi."
The man nodded and immediately went out the back way, which was a detour toward the kitchen. In a matter of minutes he appeared back again this time with Mai beside him. Mai folded his arms over her chest and stared evenly at Marik.
"I hope you didn't hurt the cute little boy," she said softly.
"Enough games Mai," Marik spat. "Have you heard anything from Egypt regarding my sister?"
"Geez you're in a bad mood…," she trailed off blinking. "Regarding your sister? Well, I suppose the pharaoh's doing everything he can to locate her and—"
"Locate her?" Noah asked.
Marik hushed him with a look and stepped forward. "What do you mean?"
Mai blinked again and looked around at all the confused faces, minus Keith who was staring at the ground silently. She looked back up at Marik's face and knew at once that she had been told wrongly—Marik did not know.
"Um…Isis is…missing," she said quietly.
"Missing?" Marik asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes, she was last seen at the temple. I overheard a few people talking about it when I was picking up my goods. They came from Cairo so apparently the news has traveled fast. I thought you must've heard it by now. If I would've known you hadn't I would've told you," she said sincerely.
Marik nodded stiffly. So the boy wasn't lying. I knew my powers were correct. My sister is indeed missing, but who could've done it? It's probably some unhappy poor person in the country next door who wants the pharaoh to bless their lands. How unfortunate…
"Very well. You all keep your eyes open in case we're being spied upon and it could be someone other than just the pharaoh's men. It could be an enemy in a neighboring country who wants our riches."
The men around him all nodded—everyone but Keith. Marik motioned for Mai to follow him.
"You all stay here with these men. I will make a deal with Yuugi to tell me everything he knows so far and I'll let them go free."
"But Marik, won't Yuugi tell Yami where we are?" Noah asked.
"Not if I set his grandpa free. Besides, Yami has enough on his hands. He must've gone back to Egypt otherwise Yuugi would've already told Yami. I'm going to head to Egypt to find out anything I can about Isis' mysterious disappearance. Remember, keep your eyes open. I'll back in a week's time. If Yami should find this place before then, go to the old hideout."
The men nodded and Marik left the room with Mai and Rishid following. Once out the door Marik stopped and turned to them.
"The boy wasn't lying. My sister has probably been kidnapped by a neighboring country to bargain with for riches. What I want to know is how they got to her when she was protected in her temple."
"There could be a couple of ways," Mai said.
"We won't know for sure until we go to Egypt ourselves. Mai, can you find someone to take your place to watch over the restaurant? It would be better if you found an actual waitress who was clueless about the restaurant being our hideout. It would make it more believeable."
She smiled brightly, "Absolutely hun!"
Marik nodded, "Rishid and I will meet you in the car in the back of the restaurant. Try to hurry."
"What about the little boy?" Mai asked gently.
Marik took a deep breath. "I'll tell Keith to give the boy a message from me. Rishid, go get the car started, I'll be there in a minute."
Rishid nodded and left leaving Mai there with Marik. Mai took off her apron and threw it aside, clad in her short-shorts and lavender tank-top. She put her arms around Marik drawing him close and smiled sincerely.
"You're really not as mean as you'd like to appear are you?"
Marik's eyes narrowed in annoyance but he didn't push her away. Instead he turned toward her, their faces inches apart.
"Why don't you go get something descent on and meet Rishid in the car," he said.
Mai winked, "You've never complained before."
Marik rolled his eyes, wondering why he ever befriended her then gave her a small push in the direction of the kitchen. Mai flashed him a smile before walking out, shaking her hips on purpose. Marik then walked back to the room ready to deliver the message to Keith.
XXXXXX
Yuugi hugged his knees tightly wondering how much longer it would be. He had been sitting there for at least a half hour. What was taking so long? Perhaps they had forgotten about him.
Or maybe they're planning how to kill me?
Yuugi inwardly shivered but didn't allow himself to dwell on the thought. He couldn't leave until Marik came back because he didn't want to go without his grandpa and Arthur. Maybe if he went to go find Marik and make a deal with him then he'd let them go. Sighing heavily, he slid off the couch and stood up, staring at the door. It was now or never. Before he could take a step the door opened again and Yuugi jumped backward on the couch, acting like he had never moved. He stiffened as it opened all the way and waited as he heard the footsteps. A figure walked in noisily, the boots clunking on the floor. Yuugi was quite certain even before he saw the figure that it wasn't Marik.
A young man came walking in, a bandana around his head with strands of blonde hair falling out. He had army boots on that were making the clunking noise and he had large muscles that were noticeable through his tee-shirt. His pants were dirty and worn out and he appeared more bulky than Marik, but not too much taller. Rishid was definitely a lot taller than he was, but he appeared bigger…perhaps in build.
Yuugi swallowed dryly, hoping that this man wouldn't hurt him. Did Marik decide to just get rid of Yuugi? No, he couldn't! Not if it was true he didn't have the Orb. Then he needed Yuugi for that purpose. The large man turned around and stared intensely at Yuugi. He crossed his large muscular arms and walked forward.
"Hello Yuugi, we meet again."
Yuugi stared at him bewildered. He didn't look familiar but his voice…where had he heard that voice? Yuugi's eyes widened in recognition; he had heard that voice long ago when he had been escaping the palace on horses. He vaguely remembered it because he was too frightened and it all happened so fast, but he remembered one of Yami's wounded men on the horse with him and then a man grabbed him onto his horse to kidnap him—a man with a similar voice as the person standing before him. Was it the same person?
"Do you remember me?" the man asked, smirking lopsidedly. "The name's Keith. Well, I suppose you don't remember me. But that's good…real good. I have a message from Marik."
Yuugi immediately sat up straight, thankful that this man was only the messenger. Finally he'd get to hear what Marik wanted.
"But you know something…," Keith trailed off, stepping closer, "I don't think what Marik wants is important."
Yuugi shoulders immediately stiffened. Why was his voice sounding so pleased? Was he going against Marik's orders? If he was, why did he seem so unconcerned?
"What do you mean?" Yuugi asked, trying not to tremble. "I've been waiting here…what does Marik want?"
"I told you it doesn't matter what he wants," Keith said, taking another step forward. "However…there is something I need to tell, or rather warn you about."
Yuugi's eyes stared at him uncertainly. Keith was trying to warn him about something? That seemed rather unlikely, but Yuugi figured he'd play along.
"Warn me about what?" he asked, looking out of the corner of his eye at the closest door he could run to.
"About Marik actually. You see…his plan is just to get the Orb in order to learn the entire prophecy. He doesn't want anything more than that."
Yuugi blinked. Had Mai been right? If that was only what Marik wanted perhaps he didn't want to hurt Yami. He felt slightly better about Marik, but suddenly was feeling an even bigger unease with Keith. He kept still and silent but was inwardly trying to come up with a plan to distract him so he could run out one of the doors.
"You know, I think the Orb has more power than either the Pharaoh or Marik wants to admit. And they just don't even think about releasing it, you know? It's just…such a waste of power," Keith said, leaning on the mantle of the fireplace.
Yuugi was trembling subtly now, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Keith didn't sound at all like he wanted what Marik wanted. He didn't even sound like Marik's ally and yet he apparently worked for Marik. Was he betraying him? If so Yuugi felt he should warn Marik. He didn't seem so evil anymore and now he was certain that Keith was crazy. Yami had mentioned to him about the powers of the Orb, how they shouldn't be messed with. Even Marik said Kontar was foolish for believing he could control it. If this Keith guy wanted the Orb for himself he could foolishly release all the power and cause devastation. But if Marik didn't have the Orb and Yuugi no longer had it, who did or where did it go? Perhaps it had vanished before the game shop was broken into and whoever was looking for it didn't find it. No…it couldn't have vanished. There was still more to the prophecy—that strange niche inside the Orb that fit an item of some sort that Yuugi wanted desperately to open.
"I don't have it," Yuugi said finally, glancing once more at the door. "I already told Marik."
"I know you don't have it," Keith said, laughing. "I know because I've seen it. I know where it is now."
Yuugi's heart thumped loudly in his chest. Had Keith stolen it already? Did he want Yuugi to try and unlock it or something? Keith took another few steps forward and Yuugi immediately felt he should run now. He dashed off toward the door behind him and heard Keith clumping after him. He managed to wrench the door open and shut it behind him, running down the path. He had to find Mai! She would help him, wouldn't she? If Yuugi told her that Keith was betraying Marik she'd tell Marik and then Keith would be stopped.
He ran as fast as he could, unable to hear Keith's footsteps behind him. He would make it—he had to! His eyes widened as he came to the door to the freezer. He opened it up, nearly slipping on the damp floor as he headed to the door to the kitchen. Suddenly hands lashed out at him and Yuugi's scream was muffled by the cloth that was over his mouth. He recognized the strange smell on the cloth and knew that he was being kidnapped once again. His eyes rolled back as everything became black and he fell limp in Keith's arms.
XXXXXX
Ryou jerked up out of the bed, perspiration covering his body. A sharp pain had entered his chest and woke him out of a dead sleep. He breathed deeply, trying his best to calm his racing heart. He was having a dream, a nice dream about being back in Egypt with no worries. The strange thing was that Bakura was there with him. His cheeks flushed pink slightly but he shook his head. What was going on with him? Carefully, he lifted himself from the bed and walked toward the small sink area to get a glass of water. He poured the glass of water and walked into the living room. He noticed that the fireplace was on low and walked toward it.
"What are you doing up?"
Ryou jumped, nearly spilling his water as Bakura's voice came from the corner of the room. He hadn't seen him there since he was hiding in shadows.
"Um…I couldn't sleep," Ryou murmured quietly.
"Hm," Bakura replied, uncrossing his arms and coming to the center of the room. "I was just about to go out. I've found another lead. If you want to you can come."
Ryou nodded his head, not wanting to be left alone. Or perhaps he just wanted to be with Bakura—he wasn't sure. He didn't bother changing, thinking that they'd probably get dirty anyway and followed Bakura out. He wasn't sure where they were heading but he was certain that it would be another semi-long journey.
Instead of walking there they took a bus down to a boat dock. Bakura was silent the entire way there as they walked from where they were dropped off onto the dock. Ryou just followed him to a small boat tied to the end of the dock. He didn't ask any questions and just quietly got inside. The moon was nearly full and shone down on them brightly. Ryou's eyes caught sight of Bakura and saw how the moonlight almost made his hair and skin glow. Ryou quickly looked away not wanting Bakura to notice he was staring.
They went a little ways more into the center of the sea. Ryou figured it was either the Red Sea or the Mediterranean Sea, but he wasn't sure which one. Bakura stopped the boat and anchored it, looking around as if to make sure it was the right spot. He then pulled out something from under the seat of the boat. Ryou blinked and stared at the underwater suits and oxygen tanks. He glanced up at Bakura surprised.
"Are we going underwater?"
"Yes. Put this on," Bakura said, throwing him a suit.
Ryou caught it, still startled and began to slowly change into it. He had never before dived. What if he lost Bakura? Or what if his oxygen ran out? Or what if he…
"Here," Bakura interrupted his thoughts, handing him a tank. It was unclear if he noticed Ryou's distress but he added: "The tanks are pretty full and it's not that far down."
"How did you know these suits would be here?" Ryou asked curiously while strapping on his tank and the flashlight on his wrist.
Bakura hesitated for a brief second then finished putting his mouthpiece in easy reach.
"I came here earlier to make sure this was the right spot."
Ryou blinked in confusion. If Bakura had already been here why hadn't he gone down then instead of coming back to the hotel? His question vanished as Bakura placed his mouthpiece in his mouth and positioned himself on the edge of the boat. Ryou watched nervously as he let himself fall backward. Taking a deep, calming breath, Ryou followed his exact movements and closed his eyes as he leaned backward.
The water was cold on his face and he had the urge to struggle underwater at first before he turned himself over and began kicking with the flippers. Bakura wasn't too far ahead of him. He was thankful of the flashlight otherwise he wouldn't be able to see a thing. He swam quickly after Bakura surprised when they reached the bottom, passing by fish and other creatures, and headed toward another cavern. Ryou had never before seen one underwater and was more intrigued than scared as they entered inside it. They swam a little ways more till Bakura began to swim upward. Ryou followed and realized they were coming above the water. Once they broke through the surface Ryou took out his mouthpiece and waded closely behind Bakura. The cavern seemed fairly big and as they waded around they soon came to a place where they could pull themselves up onto solid ground.
"You stay here while I look around," Bakura said, setting his tank down.
Ryou didn't even need to nod for Bakura took off right away. He waited there patiently looking around the cavern. It had very sturdy walls that had many minerals in it that were reflecting the light from the flashlight on his wrist. It made the cavern appear less dark. A moment later he heard the echoes of footsteps and turned to see Bakura emerging from the shadows.
"Looks like someone's been here too. Whoever it is they keep using these hideouts."
He sounded bitter and angry. Ryou stood up and stared at him uncertainly. "Have you been here before?"
Bakura seemed surprised by the question but quickly gained his composure. At first Ryou thought he was going to walk away but he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.
"These hideouts used to be what Marik and I used when we were helping each other to obtain a Millennium Item for ourselves. We used these because they're out of the pharaoh's sight. I figured since they were recently occupied that must mean Marik's using them which I thought could mean Marik is actually behind it all, since we're the only two people who know about these hidden coves."
Ryou nervously stepped forward almost afraid to speak. "Isn't that Isis' brother? Do you still think he's the one?"
Bakura grimaced but unfolded his arms. "No, he's not. I'm sure now because of the body I found in the back of cave."
"A body…?" Ryou whispered, shivering.
Bakura's eyes were elsewhere and his expression was grim. "Marik has killed before. Not a lot but he has. The body in there…I've never seen anything so ripped apart. It was mutilated. I couldn't even tell if it was a man or a woman. Marik would never do anything like that; he doesn't have that kind of cruelty."
"I thought you said he left you for dead before."
Bakura's shoulders stiffened. "Not really. He didn't search for me because he thought I was already dead. He only betrays people he doesn't trust—people who would betray him. And anyway," he said, turning to glance back at Ryou, "killing is different."
Ryou glanced at the floor and nodded. "So, who do you think did it?"
"I'm not sure, but whoever it is they know about these secret hideouts which doesn't give me a good feeling. I'm wondering how much more they know," he said, clenching his fists.
Ryou kept silent and nodded. Bakura then got off the wall and started to put his tank back on.
"Come on, this is all I wanted to find out."
Ryou nodded and followed him by getting ready. They went back into the water and Ryou kept close behind him. They went back the way that they came easily, heading out of the cave and toward the spot where they left the boat. Ryou was so preoccupied with keeping an eye on Bakura he didn't see anything strange until Bakura stopped him by putting an arm out. Ryou turned toward him but Bakura wasn't looking at him but rather toward the surface of the water. Ryou glanced upward as well and saw the bottom of their boat and turned his head to see another larger boat beside it.
Bakura motioned for him to follow him and they swam away to another place where they came above water. There were rocks nearby that they hid behind and they had a pretty good view of the boats. A police boat was there with a buff looking man and two cops inside.
"Were we not supposed to dive?" Ryou whispered.
Bakura stared at the scene unfazed, "No, that's not my boat."
Ryou's mouth dropped open. "You stole that boat!"
"Borrowed," Bakura corrected, casting him a glance. "And it looks like we won't have to return it."
"How will we get to land without them seeing us?" Ryou asked quietly, a new fear rising within him.
"We can't. They'll be searching all around these waters and lands for the thieves. If we just waltz up out of the water they're not going to believe we went in for a dip in the middle of the night."
Ryou turned to him again. "What do we do then?"
Bakura's eyes stayed locked ahead as he spoke. "The only thing we can—hide out in the cave till dawn."
Ryou's stomach clenched in fear. The cave was interesting but not interesting enough that he'd want to hide there for several hours, especially with a mutilated body nearby. Bakura didn't seem to notice his unease and instead put his mouthpiece back in and quietly sank underwater. Ryou quickly followed suit, hoping that they'd be safe in the cave—from the police and whoever murdered the dead person in the cave. He suddenly wished he had stayed asleep in the hotel. Then again, a part of him didn't want to think about Bakura having to do everything on his own.
They made it to the cave again and crawled atop the large space of cave floor. Bakura set his tank and mouthpiece down and then without warning began to take the suit off leaving him clad in only his underwear. Ryou immediately blushed crimson and turned to look away. He was thankful it was dark in there.
"You should take off the suit to let it dry," Bakura's voice echoed softly from nearby.
Ryou's eyes widened though Bakura couldn't see. He was about to protest but Bakura began wringing the suit out. Ryou swallowed the lump in his throat and began to take the suit off now really thankful it was dark. Bakura didn't seem to mind as he examined the suit as he continued to wring it out.
"Umm…Bakura?" Ryou asked quietly and Bakura inclined his head in his direction. "Well, I was wondering…if you already had come here earlier whey didn't you just come down then?"
Bakura seemed to hesitate only slightly but didn't answer right away. "Because I was waiting," he said bluntly.
"Were you…," Ryou wrung his hands nervously, "did you come back to check up on me?"
Bakura stopped wringing out the suit and kept still. Ryou's heart was beating loudly as he waited in the awkward silence. Finally, Bakura stood up slowly and turned to face him.
"Let's get something straight. I'm on a mission and you're helping me. If you fall behind or choose not to help then so be it."
Ryou's hands shook unsteadily as he clenched them from hurt. His eyes stung with tears but he didn't allow himself to cry. Bakura began to turn away until Ryou spoke.
"How could you…," he whispered, causing Bakura to halt. Ryou lifted his head and stared at him thankful he couldn't see his eyes brimming with tears. "How could you say that after all the things I've done for you—after helping you out of the goodness of my heart?"
Ryou trembled more as anger mixed with sadness. "How could you say that like I'm dispensable—like my life or my help means nothing?" he rose his voice. "I've helped you get this far! I lied to my parents to get here and even sacrificed some school! I'm also taking a dangerous risk against my life to help you! So how could you!" he shouted angrily, feeling his body trembling once more.
Bakura wheeled around and like lightning approached him. For a flick second Ryou thought he was going to hit him or push him but he cupped a hand over Ryou's mouth and held him tightly.
"Shh!" Bakura whispered harshly.
Ryou stood stiff in his grasp, feeling the unshed tears still lingering in his eyes. For a minute they stood in silence till Ryou saw something flicker out of the water by the very start of where the space with the air began. It was a light…like a flashlight from somewhere beneath the water.
Bakura backed away slowly bringing Ryou with him. He was so afraid that he didn't realize their bare chests were touching, nor did he concentrate on the warmth of Bakura's hands as they held him firmly.
"They've found the cave," Bakura whispered by his ear. "Follow me and don't forget the suit."
He let him go and swiftly picked up his suit and tank with Ryou following suit. Hurriedly Ryou followed him a little ways into the cave until they hit a dead end. Ryou began to panic but Bakura calmly tapped five times on the stone wall and Ryou then heard a click. Bakura pushed on it getting it to open and they stepped inside, closing it shut. Ryou looked around the small room forgetting his anger.
"I thought you said the cavern was hidden?"
"I said it was hidden from the pharaoh's sight, I never said it couldn't be found," Bakura replied bluntly. "This is the secret room of the cave in case the cave was discovered."
Bakura suddenly held up a hand to listen. "I think they're coming out of the water.
Ryou's eyes suddenly widened with fear. "Bakura! The body! They'll think we did it!"
Bakura's head turned abruptly in his direction and his eyes showed that he had forgotten about that.
"Dammit," he cursed softly.
He opened the secret door back up and carefully slid out. Ryou ignored his better judgment and followed him out. He tip-toed behind Bakura a ways and watched as he knelt behind a rock. Ryou stayed hidden in the shadows and saw divers with police swimwear walking around with bright lights in their hands. Ryou's eyes glanced over at Bakura who had his eyes closed and was clutching something against his chest. Ryou gasped softly as a light glow began to emit from the Millennium Ring that was around his neck. The policemen couldn't see it because Bakura was hidden behind the rock. Ryou wondered what he was doing and noticed something flickering in the darkness beside Bakura. It was slowly taking shape and Ryou blinked several times wondering if he was starting to hallucinate.
The policemen heard a sound and turned their flashlights in their direction and what the light emitted made them gasp loudly and take a step backward. A giant alligator walked forward looking very much alive but Ryou was certain it was an illusion. It opened its mouth with all its sharp teeth and let out a hungry sound. One of the policemen pulled out his gun and shot at it several times but of course it did nothing. The two men immediately reacted. They dropped their flashlights and dove back in the water. Bakura allowed the alligator to slip into the water after them.
After a couple of minutes Bakura raised himself up and his item stopped glowing. He walked over and picked up the lights the men had dropped. Ryou stepped out of the shadows and approached cautiously. Bakura's eyes rose and rested on him.
"I'm sorry for yelling," Ryou said gently. "Sorry if I alerted them, I real—"
"Don't worry about it," Bakura interrupted, though his tone wasn't stern. "They would've found this place eventually, besides they won't be coming back here now so we don't have to worry."
"Can that alligator hurt them?"
"The worst it can do is to knock them out," Bakura replied. "At least, that's all I'm letting it do."
Ryou inwardly shivered but nodded silently and kept his head bowed. Bakura stared at him for a minute then spoke.
"We have more light now to last us until dawn. I also have some food with me. Not much but it'll do. Here," he said, tossing a light to him.
Ryou almost lost his grip but managed to catch it, remaining silent as he stared down at it.
"I'm going to look for the niche that sometimes has fresh water," he said heading towards one of the paths to the back of the cave. He hesitated and with his back to Ryou said: "I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I'm not used to working with people—not relying on their help anyway."
Ryou lifted his head in surprise and stared at the back of his head. Bakura turned only his head slightly to glance at him and added: "You life isn't dispensable."
Ryou stared after him feeling a fluttering sensation in the pit of his stomach. Something had changed between them, however subtly, and he wondered what it could be.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note: I'm glad I got this up fast! Hope you guys liked it. It was definitely longer than the last chapter. I'll try and get the next chapter up by Sunday sometime. If not then next weekend! Thanks!
To Reviewers:
Atemu Yugi Lover34: Yeah, Yuugi's gotten himself into more trouble again, hasn't he? Or perhaps trouble just finds him. :-) You will see what Yami's up to next chapter.
Inuyasha0001: Well a little bit of fluffiness between Ryou and Bakura, but it's going to grow later on. This is just the beginning. I tried to update this as fast as I could!
Padfoot13: Hehehe, thanks! I know, but I just hating making people wait, you know? I hope this was a faster update!
Towairaito Zoon: They there! Yeah, long time no speak, huh? How's it going? I hope this is turning out at least as good as The Lost Pharaoh. I'm sure now that the action is picking up it's a little better. Well I'm sure you were right about M! Hopefully I'll update this again soon!
Kari-sama: No, you were right! It was Marik who wrote Yuugi the letter, but he's not necessarily the bad guy. Tehehehe.
Citrus luver: I'm glad you're liking it so far. Hopefully this explains a lot of those unanswered questions you had. The plot will be unfolding very shortly, I promise! And yes, more fluffiness too! Since Yuugi is…well preoccupied, as well as Yami I have to keep the fluff going somehow:-)
SilverWing147: Why thank you! I'm so glad it's getting exciting. I know it's taken some time for the action to come, but well…it's finally approaching! And yes, more fluffiness with Ryou and Bakura. It's just beginning don't worry. And I'll try and update this again asap!
Yana5: You were right! Marik wrote Yuugi the letters but that doesn't necessarily mean he's the one behind everything. Hehehehe…
Amber Eyes23: Oh good, I'm relieved to hear you say that it's looking about as good as The Lost Pharaoh. I was hoping so. Now that the action is coming up it should be more interesting. About the necklace…just keep that in mind. It'll be VERY important later on.
YamiyugifanadicYes, Marik wrote him the letters, you got that right! It doesn't mean he's behind everything though. I promise you'll know more later. But in the meantime you could always guess. :-)