Rebirth
Important author's note: There will be one last SEQUEL to this to complete the trilogy and tie everything together! It'll be THE ETERNAL GEM
Warning: This chapter contains another mild lemon between Yuugi and Yami. And shounen-ai between Ryou and Bakura.
Chapter 16: Secrets Revealed
The hallways were completely deserted; the enormous palace was devoid of any sounds, except for the light breathing of a figure stepping out into the open area of the empty sitting room. Glancing around, he was hoping for some sort of clock, but they didn't appear to have those yet. Since the entire palace was so still Ryou assumed he had slept in past the time he wanted to.
That day was the day of the festival for the orphan children where swarms of people from neighboring cities would come, celebrate and hopefully participate in adopting. It was a very big event there in the city of Saqqara. Although Ryou had gone to bed early the night before he had lay in bed for several hours just contemplating everything, especially concerning Bakura. The image of Bakura kissing him still lingered in his mind even though it had only been a dream.
Ryou sighed heavily. Yami and Yuugi had headed out earlier than everyone else to help set up for the festival in the center of the city. Ryou was supposed to have met up with them with the rest of the viziers, but he must've been too tired. The viziers probably tried to wake him. It was true that he slept like a log. However…wouldn't they have left someone in the palace to take him there when he woke up?
Footsteps echoed down the hall and Ryou turned around, his hopes lifting. Of course they left someone. He then walked out of the sitting room and into the hallway. Ryou was startled when he bumped right into somebody and nearly toppled over. A strong hand grabbed his arm, preventing him from hitting the floor. Ryou lifted his gaze and stifled a gasp when he saw Bakura staring down at him.
"You're finally up," Bakura said, releasing the grip on his arm.
Ryou blushed and glanced down at his feet, unable to meet his gaze. He had been thinking about Bakura and now here he was. It was awkward and he felt more shy than ever. He remembered Bakura helping him to the palace when he was injured. If he hadn't been so out of it he would've been blushing the entire time.
"Well, do you want to go to the festival or not?" Bakura asked.
Ryou lifted his head and nodded. "Yes, but…um…I just wanted to say that…t-thank you," he stuttered softly. "Thanks for helping me when I was injured. I…I never got a chance to thank you."
Bakura kept his eyes evenly on him and his facial expression was neutral. Ryou gulped but made sure to keep his eyes locked onto his face. Finally, Bakura unfolded his arms and looked away.
"You're welcome."
Ryou blinked and then blushed again. "S-so are you staying at the festival?"
"If I feel like it," he shrugged. "But I'm not helping to do any chores. It's too hot out for that."
"Oh, is it really? I didn't think spring came that fast," Ryou said.
Bakura's eyes swerved back on him and Ryou tried really hard not to blush when their eyes met.
"The horses are out front," Bakura said smoothly and Ryou nodded, following him.
As they walked, Ryou felt more and more awkward. He wanted to start up a conversation but he didn't know what to say. Bakura opened the door and held it ajar for him. Ryou thanked him quietly and approached the large horse.
"Do you need help up?" Bakura asked.
Ryou was about to say no when suddenly the horse near Bakura neighed loudly, standing on its hind legs and kicking. Bakura cursed loudly and tried to jump out of the way as the horse's rear-end backed up into him. The force was strong enough to push Bakura off balance and he fell to the ground.
"You stupid horse!" Bakura shouted.
"Bakura! Are you alright?" Ryou shouted as he ran over to him.
He held out a hand to him and Bakura muttered: "Yeah, fine, as long as that horse doesn't piss me off."
Bakura took hold of Ryou's hand and just as Ryou was about to help him up the horse neighed again and one of his back legs bumped up against Ryou's back. Ryou let out a sound of surprise and toppled over directly onto Bakura, which pushed them both to the ground. The unexpected push caused Ryou to fling his arms out instinctively and nearly hit Bakura in the face though luckily Bakura caught his wrists.
However, since Bakura was holding onto his wrists with both hands, neither one of them could prevent Ryou's face from falling forward, having no balance to keep himself up, since his legs had fallen on top of Bakura's anyway. Without warning, Ryou's lips crushed against Bakura's and though it was quick because Ryou had fallen into the kiss it was definitely a full kiss.
Ryou blushed in embarrassment and hurriedly picked himself up off of Bakura, who was rigid and staring at him.
"I…I-I'm s-so sorry, Bakura. I didn't mean…well…the horse and…I couldn't catch myself…I…"
"You're blushing," Bakura said suddenly.
Ryou glanced up in confusion. "Huh? I…yeah…"
Bakura's gaze kept steady on him. "Did you want to kiss me?"
Ryou's eyes widened and his cheeks turned darker as the dream image came back to him. His mouth was frozen and couldn't move so he was unable to reply.
"Hmph," Bakura snorted as he rose to his feet. His eyes locked into Ryou's intensely. "I knew from the first time I met you that you were going to be trouble."
Ryou's face showed fear and lingering embarrassment as Bakura reached out and grabbed his arm. Ryou was scared at how angry Bakura was. He wouldn't hit him, would he? Bakura forced him closer roughly by holding onto his arm.
"Hey, let g—"
Ryou's plea was muffled as Bakura's mouth covered his. The sudden smooth warmth caused Ryou to be paralyzed. His eyes were wide with shock even as Bakura pulled away. Bakura crossed his arms, staring at him evenly.
"You look like an octopus you're so red."
Ryou blushed even further, feeling the heat of embarrassment knowing he probably looked ridiculous just standing there numbly.
"There you go again," Bakura said and Ryou glanced up to see him smiling in amusement. "It's kinda cute."
Ryou felt like if he blushed any harder he'd look like Rudolf, only all over his face. His eyes lowered to the ground, embarrassed by the flattery of the comment.
"What's the matter? Too shy to say anything?" Bakura asked, stepping closer.
Ryou finally lifted his gaze evenly and willed himself to stop blushing so much. "I just…," he trailed off quietly. Why was he so embarrassed? He and Bakura had been through a lot together and Bakura was the one who kissed him this time. Did that mean Bakura liked him? How did he realize that Ryou wanted to kiss him?
"Could you…um…do that again?" Ryou asked, feeling his cheeks burning.
An eyebrow rose slightly in response but Bakura's lips curled into a soft smile. "I guess I could. Though I normally don't do free favors."
Ryou made sure to keep his head upright as Bakura moved in. As his lips descended upon his, Ryou's eyes fluttered closed. Now that he was more aware of the kiss and not in shock, he could feel everything. The soft movement of Bakura's warm, full lips on his, moving up and down in a gentle rhythm. It was intense, but not rough. Ryou was so captivated by the kiss that he made a sound when Bakura broke it. Bakura smiled in amusement again.
"You like that?" he asked.
Ryou blushed and nodded. "Um…Bakura, how…did you know?"
"Know what? That you liked it when our lips touched by accident? It was obvious by the way you were blushing," Bakura answered evenly.
They had long forgotten about the horse, which was strangely calm now. Ryou missed the glimmer in Bakura's eyes and just blushed in response.
"So…um…I thought you'd like to know I'm staying here with Yuugi."
"Are you?" Bakura asked, raising an eyebrow. "Guess I'll be seeing you quite frequently then."
Ryou smiled softly and glanced down again, his heart swelling up with joy. Bakura was so different when he chose to let his guard down.
"Come on, let's just take your horse," he said, approaching the beautiful white horse.
Bakura climbed up on it in one fluid motion then reached a hand down to grasp Ryou's. He pulled him up behind him with ease and Ryou tentatively wrapped his arms around his waist. The horse began trotting away and Ryou glanced back at the other horse.
"That's weird how he's suddenly calm again. I wonder what was wrong."
Bakura just smirked and shrugged. "Don't know."
XXXXXX
The gorgeous, warm sun beamed down upon the large area, which was covered with boxes and carts full of food, clothes, decorations and other items. There were many booths being set up all around and in the center of this area was a gorgeous marble stage shaped like an oval with polished steps leading up to the platform. That would be where the orphans performed their dance in their costumes. Yuugi was so excited about witnessing it. He was so happy that Yami asked him to stay with him because if it hadn't been possible for them to remain together Yuugi would've been depressed during the festival with the thought that he had to leave.
Now, however, he was going to attend it with the thought that he would wake up the next morning and every morning after that to the beautiful sunrise coming through the silk curtains of the vast bedroom. He loved the bedroom Isis made for him when he first arrived almost a year ago, but now that he and Yami were in love he was going to move into Yami's bedroom.
Blushing at the thought, Yuugi sighed contently. He would truly live happily-ever-after, unless another Kontar came along. Of course, even then, he and Yami would still stick together, side-by-side through whatever obstacles came about. That was also a reassuring thought. The chances of another Kontar appearing were very slim, however, since all Millennium Items were in hiding, safely kept and guarded by Yami's most trusted viziers and friends and the Orb was destroyed.
"Prince Yuugi?"
He turned, blinking out of his thoughts as a citizen approached him. "This is a gift to you from me and my wife."
Yuugi smiled brightly and gently took the wrapped gift. "Thank you very much, sir."
The man smiled kindly. "You're welcome, your Highness."
As he walked away, Yuugi held the gift close to his chest, wondering what it could be.
"I see you've received another gift."
Yuugi tilted his head to see Yami approaching him with an amused smile on his face. He had obviously watched the exchange. Giving him a playfully annoyed look, Yuugi squeezed the package tighter.
"Yeah, well, I'm not going to share this one with you then," Yuugi joked.
Yami chuckled, his deep, rich laugh sending shivers down his spine. Everything Yami did now made him think of the night they made love. It was to be expected since it had been his first time. Yuugi wished the images weren't so vivid in his mind, though. It made it very hard to concentrate. Noticing Yuugi's slightly pink cheeks, Yami stepped forward even closer.
"Shall I put this with your other presents?" he asked.
Yuugi nodded and gently handed the gift over. He followed Yami to the horse that they had rode on together and watched him stuff the package in the already full bundle. Yami hadn't been joking when he said Yuugi would be receiving gifts. Even Yami got some gifts as well.
"Pharaoh, where would you like this?" a vizier asked, gesturing to the crystal statue of Osiris, or Slifer rather.
"If you would, set it over by the food booths," Yami replied.
She smiled and complied immediately, helping others move the large statue into the spot. Yuugi watched with a subtle smile on his face and Yami turned back around to face him.
"It seems to be coming along quickly. At this rate we'll be done setting up way before the festival tonight."
Just as Yuugi nodded he heard hoof beats and looked to see a horse riding up with Bakura and Ryou on the back of it. Smiling, he watched his friend get helped down by Bakura, noticing that Ryou's face was pink but he just assumed it was from the heat.
"Looks like there's a couple extra hands, too," Yuugi said and Yami turned to see where he was facing. "Um…Yami?"
"Hmm?" he asked, his eyes resting back on him.
"Do you think we could…take a little walk since Ryou and Bakura are now here to help?" Yuugi asked, playing with the hem of his robe.
Yami's eyes softened and he nodded. "Yes, let's."
Feeling his heart pounding, Yuugi walked beside Yami as they made their way down the street and away from the festival area. They walked in silence, but the warm, gentle wind caressed them pleasantly as they walked. Yuugi felt at ease just being beside him even when no words were spoken. Yami led him up a hill off the street and down to an area that he had never been to before. Yuugi's eyes lit up in awe as he stared at the beautiful green meadow laid before them. It was the greenest area he had seen so far. There were trees and bushes and flowers and thick, soft grass. It was such a peaceful area.
"Yami, it's beautiful!" Yuugi exclaimed, sitting down in the grass.
With ease, Yami sat down beside him, staring at the serene view. "Yes, it is. I used to come here as a child and think. It's the only real peaceful place I could find where I wouldn't be interrupted."
Yuugi glanced at him and saw the sad smile on his face as he looked out across the meadow. He scooted closer and took Yami's hand in his. Warm, soft fingers curled around his and Yami's gentle gaze rested upon him. Yuugi squeezed his hand comfortingly and then released it. In a fluid motion, Yuugi stood and then rested down on Yami's lap, facing him. His legs were spread on either side of his waist and his arms were wrapped around Yami's neck. Smiling, Yami wound his arms around him, resting on his back. Leaning in, Yuugi laid his head against Yami's chest and closed his eyes briefly.
"Yami, I was wondering," Yuugi said, after a moment of silence, and lifted his head to stare up into his eyes. "Tonight…after the festival, I…can we make love again?"
Yami's expression softened and his eyes sparkled with slight amusement. He held Yuugi close and smiled.
"I see that the vial worked well," he laughed softly. "However, I only have one bottle left. I guess I will have to ask Isis to make more."
Yuugi blushed vividly and squirmed to get comfortable on Yami's lap. "Is it alright? I mean…do you want to, or…"
Yami chuckled and pulled Yuugi close. "I do, Yuugi," he smiled. "I just want to make sure that you aren't in any pain from the last time."
"I'm not," Yuugi shook his head, smiling brightly. "And maybe…could we spend the whole day together."
"Yes, if that's what you'd like," Yami smiled in response.
Yuugi matched his smile and leaned up against him once more, sighing contently. Yami's arms remained around him as they relished in the beautiful atmosphere together.
It was nearly an hour later that they returned to the festival area. Yuugi found it hard to stray away from Yami when he was anticipating the closeness of their relationship that night. He was excited about the festival, though and couldn't wait to see it in action. Bakura and Ryou seemed to be casting looks at each other now and then. Ryou's cheeks would become a little darker each time, but Bakura's grin never faded. Yuugi felt like there was a secret code being passed between them and he was left contemplating what it could be. His thoughts were interrupted by a group of viziers having trouble deciding where the last few booths would go. Yuugi went to go help them, forgetting the weird occurrence between Ryou and Bakura for the time being.
Afternoon soon turned to evening and more and more people began to come. The children were to come to perform at seven and already by six the area was filling up with people from all different cities of Egypt chatting and buying goods. For kids, there were some games set up like a throwing coins game where they tried to get the coins in different colored cups and depending on how high up it was or hard to get they'd earn a bigger prize. It was in some ways similar to a carnival, Yuugi noticed.
He was dressed in royal robes like Yami, only his wasn't as dark of a purple. It was closer to the color of his eyes—light violet. Yami's robe was a deep, gorgeous shade of purple and glimmered whenever the slightest light touched it; almost like it was made out of a metallic material. Yuugi's robe didn't glimmer like that, but it had a beautiful jade pendant clipped on the side and was made of silk, which was light and feathery to allow plenty of air.
As the crowd started getting bigger, Yuugi lose sight of Yami and Ryou and others that he knew. Many people that saw his crown and robe, came up to him and bowed politely, greeting him. Yuugi occasionally got into a conversation with several of them, but was content with walking around and admiring the games and decorations. By the time seven came about, Yuugi was in his reserved spot by Yami in the front in order to watch the children perform. There was clapping and laughter as some of the children sang and most of them danced around. They were wearing beautiful ancient Egyptian robes to honor the past and were singing in Egyptian too. Yuugi clapped along, smiling as he recognized the children who he had played with when he had visited the orphanage.
The performance only lasted twenty minutes, but it was so well done and the children were very talented. Afterward, the children were allowed to roam free and play and meet other individuals. Those that wanted to adopt a child were shown to a booth where they had to fill out papers and then they'd meet the child and go with them around the festival area to get to know them and to see if the child wanted to be adopted by them. Although Yuugi imagined some of the children were scared to think that a stranger might become their new guardian, Yuugi was certain that the children would end up happy in the long-run.
The festival lasted well past many children's bedtimes, but it quickly began to calm down by midnight. Out of all fifty of the orphans, thirty-three had been adopted that night and there would be a week long event held at the orphanage for those interested to come and visit. Yuugi was thankful that it was fairly successful. He was one of the last ones to leave with Yami since he helped clean up a bit. Yawning tiredly, he was helped up onto the horse by Yami who then rode them back toward the palace. Yuugi was sleepy but managed to walk beside Yami up the stairs and to the bedroom. They both changed into more comfortable robes, though Yami had to help him out of the one he was wearing.
Yuugi lay on the bed, sinking back into the pillows and snuggled up on the blankets. He felt the bed move and turned his head to see Yami lying down on top of the covers next to him. It was fairly hot so they didn't need the covers. Suddenly, Yuugi's eyes dimmed as a blush crept on his face. He remembered asking Yami if they could make love that night.
"Yami, do we have to get up early in the morning?" Yuugi asked quietly.
Yami tilted his head in his direction, his crimson eyes glimmering kindly. "No, not tomorrow. We can sleep in because the only thing I have to do is meet up with Shadi sometime to talk about his progress on the Dagger of Anubus."
"Oh, yeah. I hope he figured out a way to get the Millennium Items' power out."
"We'll see," Yami smiled softly.
Yuugi blushed and glanced down at the bed. "Yami…do you still want to make love?"
Yami's gaze became even softer as he put a warm hand against Yuugi's cheek. "You seem tired, Yuugi."
"I'm fine, really," Yuugi said, scooting closer to him. "Besides, you said we could sleep in tomorrow."
Chuckling, Yami nodded and then smiled at him. Yuugi sat up and then scooted closer to him. Yami sat up as well and Yuugi couldn't help but blush before moving in so they were up against one another. Yami's arm moved around to Yuugi's back and Yuugi tilted his head upward. Bending down, Yami covered his lips with his own and a slow, passionate rhythm began. Yuugi moved a hand to behind Yami's head pushing their lips even closer.
Yuugi scooted so he was practically on Yami's legs while they kissed. Tilting his head at an angle, Yuugi pushed forward more and opened his mouth as they continued to kiss. Yami understood what he was asking and slipped his tongue inside. Yuugi's heart fluttered as Yami's tongue caressed inside of his mouth, sliding up against his tongue and starting yet another gentle rhythm. Yuugi groaned softly at the intimate sensation and began massaging Yami's tongue back. Soon their tongues were locked together fiercely and Yuugi's hand moved from Yami's neck to his back and then across his shoulder until he came to his chest.
Gently, Yuugi found where the robe came together and nudged the material a bit. The sleep robes Yami was in just wrapped very loosely around him in order to make it more comfortable for him to sleep. Yuugi's delicate fingers slipped past the robe and touched Yami's warm, soft skin. Yami made a sound in the back of his throat as Yuugi's fingers traveled up and down his chest.
Their intense, open-mouthed kiss was broken and Yami smiled at him as he untied the robe and gently let it fall to the floor. Yuugi wasted no time in taking off his robe as well, leaving them clad in their underwear. Blushing, Yuugi grasped the top and pulled his underwear down. It was going to come off anyway. He turned his pink face toward Yami who had also pulled off his underwear and was letting it fall in the same place as his robe.
Yuugi's eyes explored over Yami's muscular curves and smooth, bronze skin. His eyes trailed across his chest and abdomen noticing faint drops of perspiration beginning to show. Blushing even darker, Yuugi's eyes strayed farther down below his waist. A soft chuckle caused him to blink and glance back up. Yami was staring at him with the same gentle expression and softened eyes. He reached a warm hand over and allowed his fingers to caress Yuugi's cheek.
Sighing contently, Yuugi leaned into the touch and then slid closer to him. He wrapped his smaller arms around Yami's chest and straightened up so that he could lean up and press his lips against Yami's once again. It was slower and sweeter than the first time because it wasn't all bottled up inside anymore. They were content to enjoy every minute of their love making.
Yami's hand came around to Yuugi's back and in one gentle motion he lay Yuugi down and rested on top of him. Yuugi groaned, though it was muffled because their lips were locked together, as he felt every inch of his skin touched by Yami's. Breaking the kiss, Yami's lips again made their way down his throat, kissing and caressing, but this time his lips trailed further up his neck right below his earlobe.
Yami kissed and then began sucking very gently on the skin, occasionally kissing his earlobe and jaw. Yuugi squirmed because it tickled but it also felt really good. His own hands ran up and down Yami's back while Yami's mouth moved across the front of his neck then to the other side. His left side appeared more sensitive and Yuugi arched from the pleasurable tingles that gave him goose bumps.
Yuugi lifted his legs a bit, careful not to break Yami's concentration as he continued to kiss and suck on his neck. His hands were still caressing Yami's back and he moved his legs so that they were spread apart on either side of Yami's legs, which lay in between his now. Yuugi lifted his right leg and wrapped it around Yami's, moving up and down to allow their warm skin to caress one another. Yami let out a soft groan and released his mouth from Yuugi's neck.
Sliding across Yuugi's delicate skin, Yami's hand slipped from his back to his leg. Yami bent his head down and captured Yuugi's lips in a more passionate and intense kiss. The gentle, warm fingers glided up Yuugi's leg to his thigh. It lingered there until it moved to massage Yuugi's hip before gently sliding back down to his thigh. Yuugi arched and let out a soft sigh of contentment. Yami shifted slightly so his legs were spread more apart which caused Yuugi's legs to spread even wider.
"Yami?" Yuugi asked breathlessly. "Do you have another vial?"
Yami pulled away momentarily and got up from the bed. Yuugi remained lying down with his legs spread apart. He saw Yami approach a very large bureau, which he opened and took out a different colored vial. He then returned to the bed and Yuugi sat up.
"This is a different potion. It's one made for emergencies. It's a slightly different synthesis of a healing potion but it's much more potent."
"Then I'll only drink half," Yuugi said, taking the vial as Yami offered it to him.
He swallowed a couple small gulps, which was about half of it, and allowed the cool, tingly liquid to slide down his throat. He then reached over and set it on the dresser beside the bed. Then smiling with pink-tainted cheeks, Yuugi lay back down and spread his legs apart. Yami's eyes softened and he bent over him, returning to their position from before.
"Is this wide enough?" Yuugi asked tentatively.
Yami nodded, smiling as he caressed Yuugi's cheek again. "Yes, you're fine. Are you ready?"
Blushing vividly, Yuugi nodded while cupping his hand over Yami's. Yami adjusted their position so that Yuugi's hips were raised a bit off the bed. Carefully, he moved forward and Yuugi gasped, arching as he felt the tip of Yami's erection at his entrance. Although he had taken a healing potion again, he was more aware of the uncomfortable feeling as Yami pushed inside a bit. As he went deeper inside, Yuugi relaxed as the uncomfortable sensation subsided. He heard Yami grunting softly as he made sure to be careful when easing forward. Yuugi brought one of his legs around Yami's as he entered further and let out a sudden cry of pleasure as Yami hit a particularly sensitive spot.
Yami too let out a deep groan as he pulled out slowly and then eased back in. Yuugi arched again and pushed up with his hips in reaction. Yami's hand gripped his thigh tightly as he eased out and pushed in again. Soon there was a steady rhythm and Yuugi was tossing his head back and forth as he groaned loudly, gripping into Yami's back as he did so.
"Yami!" Yuugi cried out as he hit another cluster of nerves that seemed to trigger a chain reaction of pleasurable tingles. "Uhhh…," Yuugi groaned as Yami pulled out and pushed back in again and again.
Their breathing was heavy and Yami's head was bent down by his neck where Yuugi could clearly hear his breathless groaning. Yuugi's hand trailed down to Yami's hips where he felt him moving in and out.
"YAMI!" Yuugi cried loudly as his entire body arched up.
Yami moved his head and stared down at him, breathing heavily. "Are you alright?"
Yuugi opened his mouth breathlessly. "Yes…please, that spot…it felt so good."
Yami smiled softly through his haze, his eyes lidded with desire and pushed forward again. Yami moved his hand from his thigh to his lower back to keep his hips elevated at an angle. Pulling out slowly, Yami positioned himself, turning a bit to the right as his other hand moved to hold himself up while resting by Yuugi's left ear. Yuugi squirmed a bit to get comfortable even though Yami was keeping his hips raised. Yami eased back inside and Yuugi practically screamed as Yami touched the sensitive spot, rubbing up against the cluster of nerves that sent tingles all throughout his body.
Yami grunted as he eased out just a little bit then thrust forward gently at the same angle. Yuugi cried out again gripping onto the arm that was keeping his hips raised. Thrashing his head back as Yami pushed in deeply, Yuugi screamed, closing his eyes in pleasure as he reached the point of release. Yami followed soon after him, groaning deeply and clenching his muscles as he moved inside one last time.
Yuugi couldn't believe how long the pleasurable tingles lasted even after they both were exhausted. He felt Yami pull out of him with ease and slumped down next to him. Shifting over to his side, Yuugi faced Yami who was breathing heavily and staring up at the ceiling. Yuugi's fingers ran across his damp skin and Yami turned his head to face him, smiling at him softly.
"I wish we could spend every night together," Yuugi said, blushing as he smiled lovingly at him.
Yami's eyes glistened with compassion and he leaned forward to press his lips to Yuugi's. "I know. Sometimes life can get chaotic being a pharaoh, but we'll see each other every day. Even if we can't sleep together at the same time every night, I'll be content knowing you'll always be with me."
"Oh Yami," Yuugi said, his lip trembling.
He flung himself at him and wrapped his arms around his neck. Yami embraced him tightly and kissed his cheek. They then unwound their arms and Yami smiled.
"Get some rest."
Yuugi lay down and rested against Yami's side, wrapping an arm around the pharaoh's. He then fell asleep.
XXXXX
The air was still warm although the sun had finally set. There was hardly any light except for the full moon in the sky. Isis glanced up, wondering again what her brother would say. She knew where to meet him; in the old sanctuary where they used to study scriptures together when they worked with their parents in protecting the pharaoh. Although Marik had decided to stray away from the family business, so-to-speak, he hadn't turned evil. There had been a rumor going around that he had become evil, sinking into black magic after he left, but that rumor had been started by Hadi, who was quick to judge just about anyone.
Isis opened the old door to the sanctuary and stepped inside. There were torches already lit inside the archway. Stepping further inside, she entered into the main part of the room and stopped when she saw a familiar cloaked figure standing.
"Marik?"
He turned and faced her, his long robes billowing down over his feet as he stared back at her with a neutral expression. He still had big, beautiful golden eyes to her even though he was much older now. She allowed a small smile to show as she stepped more into view.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to apologize," Marik said, crossing his arms.
Isis' smile wavered and she glanced down. "I know."
She missed Marik's expression softening as she kept her eyes downcast. Marik stepped forward, sighing.
"I was in search of a rare artifact known as the Eternal Gem."
Isis finally raised her eyes and blinked curiously. "The Eternal Gem? I've never heard of it."
"That's because it's been hidden for thousands of years, the myth of it at least," Marik explained as he leaned up against the wall. "Over this past year since we've all been revived thanks to Pharaoh's dear friend Yuugi, I've been struggling to pick up where I left off thousands of years ago. I've been trying to uncover all those before Yami's time. And I came across Yami's father and found something particularly interesting. In his journal, which was hidden inside of his tomb, he had notes about this Eternal Gem. Apparently, as he was pharaoh he was getting all sorts of Healers and powerful priests together from around the world to try and find this Gem."
"How is this Gem important?" Isis asked, her eyebrows furrowing.
"It's said to come from the Egyptian God beasts themselves. When they walked the Earth and were the most powerful beings of all, millions of years ago, they could use what is now known these days as magic. Or at least a form of it. They were the ones that made plants grow and helped the Earth continue its cycle. They had the power to destroy anything and everything, if they desired. And it is the three Egyptian God-beasts that created this Eternal Gem from their ultimate power.
"You know how our Millennium Items, all thirteen, came from them, correct? The Gods watch over Egypt and left these thirteen items when they died off, though no one knows how or why. This Gem was also left behind, but no one knew about it. From what I've researched, it can grant one wish—any wish, but only one. Yami's father sought out this Gem in order to have his greedy wish granted but he never found it. And because he never found it he hid away all records of it so that no one would be able to find it since he didn't.
"I decided that I needed to take a look at this journal, which was why I went into hiding. I didn't want anyone to know what I was doing. Even though no one liked Yami's father I was still breaking an Egyptian law to force open the tomb to find this journal," Marik said, glancing away as he spoke. "And I did. I retrieved his journal and with it I've been studying everything he wrote down. There is quite a lot of interesting things about what he was planning to do and items that he sought out, but none caught my interest more than this Eternal Gem."
"I see…," Isis whispered, smiling sadly. "So that is why you worked for Kontar in the past."
"Yes, I pretended to work for him because I knew how greedy he was. And I also knew that he had ways of getting things. I thought that perhaps he had information on this Gem or perhaps he knew some old voodoo specialist. And I talked to the Hag that he had found but she knew nothing of this Gem. It was a waste of time…except that I found my Millennium Rod in his possession, which I took back. I don't know how it became separated from me. I only remember collapsing thousands of years ago when we were all put into a deep sleep. I guess when I woke my item wasn't with me, but I was drawn to it again," Marik explained, turning to look at Isis who wore an expression full of understanding.
"When I heard about a boy who had woken the pharaoh I took an interest in him. I wanted to see him, in case he was a special magical being who possibly knew about the Eternal Gem. I tracked him down at the orphanage and shook his hand. I sensed no strong magical background and yet…"
"And yet he's saved the pharaoh," Isis smiled, closing her eyes briefly while nodding. "He is a special boy, Marik. Although his origins aren't magical it is strange how he and his friend Ryou had adapted so quickly to Bakura and the Pharaoh. The powers of the Millennium Items have recognized them as well, which is supposed to be impossible. There is only one person per Millennium Item."
"Yes well, I didn't sense that he was at all connected with powers that would be able to help me find this Eternal Gem," Marik continued, uncrossing his arms and staring sternly at her.
Isis gazed back, folding her hands together. "Do you even know for sure that this Eternal Gem is real? What if it is just a myth?"
"Then it's a myth, but if it's real then it's something I must acquire," Marik said.
"Why? What would you wish for that's so important?" Isis asked suddenly as Marik's eyes narrowed a bit. "Do you really think that if you found this Gem you wouldn't ask for something as greedy as Kontar and Yami's father would have?"
"I don't need you to lecture me, Isis," Marik snapped coldly. "I have my reasons for wanting it."
"Perhaps, if this Eternal Gem is real and it's as powerful as its said to be…perhaps it doesn't want to be found. With an item so powerful it might cloak itself in invisibility shields and hide away, just like the Orb was hidden for many, many years. Sometimes one may think that a rare and powerful item will work as they want it, but it doesn't always turn out that way. If, dear brother, you really want to continue searching for this, let me leave you with the notion that some things aren't meant to be found. I just hope that this item isn't something that could disrupt the balance of the world like the Orb," Isis stated quietly.
"Fine, you've said your words of wisdom," Marik said, stepping forward. "The reason I actually wanted to see you was to ask for your help."
Isis' eyes widened in surprise and she whispered: "My help?"
"Yes, I wanted to ask you to try and have a vision of this Eternal Gem, just to make sure it's real," Marik said. "I know that with the powers of your Millennium Necklace you can see the past and future."
Isis' eyes dimmed. "I can try, but forcing myself to have a vision of some rare item not even created in the Millennium Items' time could prove to be too difficult, even if it is real."
"All I'm asking is for you to try," Marik said quietly, approaching within a foot away from her. "Here, take this."
He held out an object covered by thick cloth to her. She moved slowly and took it, raising the cloth just a bit to see what was beneath. Her eyes widened momentarily before she looked back at her brother.
"This might help in getting a vision. If you concentrate on it, perhaps it will help."
"Very well, but…," Isis hesitated as Marik kept their gazes locked. "If this turns out to be real, you can't expect me to hide such a thing from the pharaoh. He will have to know."
Marik's eyes narrowed and he stared at her harshly for several seconds. "Fine. If you wish, but tell him not to get in my way."
With that, Marik walked past her, his cloak swishing against her as he headed to the door. Isis remained in the spot staring ahead with an uncertain expression. Marik stopped just before the door, glancing over his shoulder at Isis' back.
"Thank you, sister."
Isis lifted her head up in surprise and turned around as Marik walked out. She stared at the door for a minute before letting a small smile show. Glancing down at the item, she pressed it closer to her chest and with a deep breath she made her way out of the sanctuary. Hopefully, this Eternal Gem was just a myth created long ago, but to be sure she'd have to go to the temple and concentrate on the item to see if she got a vision.
XXXXX
The sheets fell off the bed as Ryou squirmed, trying to get comfortable. Again he couldn't fall asleep, thinking about the kiss he and Bakura shared. Getting frustrated, Ryou stood up from the bed and adjusted his tight pajama shorts and tank-top. Every day Bakura was on his mind and it was a bit distracting, especially since there were so many questions he wanted to ask him. Ryou tentatively touched his lips and sighed. Had it been a true kiss or had Bakura just been teasing him because he knew Ryou wanted to kiss him? He'd never know unless…unless he asked Bakura.
Sighing heavily, Ryou opened his door and stepped out into the dimly lit, empty hallway. Since he couldn't sleep there was no harm in taking a walk around the palace. Maybe he'd make himself tired enough so he could finally get some rest. He walked down hallways, turning absentmindedly as he continued to walk. He was so deep in thought that it was only when a dull thud sounded that he was broken out of his thoughts. Ryou approached in the direction of where he heard the sound. It wasn't very loud, but it was enough to lead him down the hallway to the door at the end. It was one of those sliding doors and it was definitely a room he had never set foot in.
Curiously, Ryou slid it open quietly and stepped inside. The room was warm but had a nice breeze because of the open windows. There was a fireplace in the corner and there were ancient tables, chairs, other pieces of furniture, statues and other items cluttering the room. It was a fairly spacious room though, so it wasn't so crowded that he couldn't walk. He heard another noise and gasped quietly, freezing in his spot.
"Goddamn it!" he heard a voice hiss.
Walking further into the room Ryou searched for any sign of someone and gasped when a head of long white-blonde hair shot up from behind a table. His gasp was loud enough to cause the figure to turn around. Bakura's eyes locked onto his and Ryou froze, not believing that of all people in the room it had to be him. There was an ancient vase in his hand and Ryou was guessing that it had fallen onto the carpet. Luckily it didn't look broken, but he was really wishing he hadn't let his curiosity get the better of him.
Bakura set the vase back down on the table and folded his arms casually. "What are you doing up?"
"I…I couldn't sleep," Ryou said nervously. "And I heard a noise from here so I just decided to see what it was."
"Hmm, I see," Bakura said, walking around the table and toward the center.
Ryou was unable to move as Bakura came closer. He glanced up into Bakura's face as he neared.
"Just so you know I wasn't trying to steal anything, in case you're planning to tattle to Yami. I was just exploring Yami's glorious palace," he quipped with a bit of sarcasm.
"I'm not going to tell," Ryou said quietly.
Bakura glanced down at him then smiled, stepping closer and wrapping an arm around him. "Of course you're not."
Ryou was so startled he hadn't reacted to Bakura pulling him closer. It was when Bakura smirked at him and began leaning down toward his lips that he turned his head, pushing his hands against Bakura's chest.
"What's the matter? I thought you liked it when I kissed you?" Bakura asked.
Ryou felt tears well up in his eyes. Was Bakura really using him? He couldn't even look directly at Bakura so he stayed facing away.
"I just…," he stammered quietly, feeling his shoulders shake a bit. "I just need to know if…"
"If what?" Bakura asked, studying him.
Ryou slowly brought his eyes to Bakura's face, feeling his lip quivering. "Are you just teasing me?" he stated loudly. "Are you just…using me so that you can have fun humiliating me?"
Bakura's eyebrows rose up and a bemused expression came over his face. Ryou took that as a sign that he was just using him since he was smiling and not looking at all sorry. Ryou suddenly struggled to get out of his grip.
"Let me go! Let me go!" he cried, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes as he pounded against Bakura's chest.
Bakura laughed and squeezed him tightly, forcing him closer. Ryou let the tears stream down his face and soon his shoulders were shaking from sobbing.
"How did I get stuck with a crybaby?"
Ryou lifted his sad eyes to Bakura's face which was still shining with amusement. Bakura leaned down and Ryou tried to pull away but Bakura forced his head to remain still.
"If I were just using you to humiliate you don't you think I'd ask you to kiss me in public and then act like I was disgusted? Don't you think that if this were all just a joke that I would have already let you know and laughed it off?" Bakura asked, staring down at him, his eyebrows still raised.
Ryou sniffled and blinked. "I…I don't know. Is it a joke?"
Bakura sighed a bit in annoyance and then leaned down until their noses were centimeters apart.
"Really, there's not even anyone here to humiliate you in front of. What would be the point in that?"
Ryou had stopped sobbing, though his cheeks were still wet with tears and he stared up into Bakura's eyes trying to understand.
"So…that kiss the other day…?" Ryou asked softly.
Bakura smirked again. "It was all planned."
Ryou's eyes widened in surprise. Suddenly, he burst into tears and began pounding on his chest again.
"Hey, hey! Come on, that's not what I meant!" Bakura exclaimed, holding him tightly.
Ryou brought his head up again and stopped pounding even as tears leaked from his eyes.
"I mean that I scared the horse on purpose in order to make it seem like I couldn't ride it. That way we'd have to share a horse. Of course, I didn't plan on having that dumb thing kick me or having you fall on top of me," Bakura's amused expression returned. "The kiss wasn't planned either."
Ryou had stopped crying and was staring up at him, blinking with wide eyes. "So…you wanted to ride on the same horse? Why?"
"Why else, so that you'd have to hold onto my waist of course," Bakura answered.
Ryou blushed and glanced down. "So…when you were surprised by the kiss…?"
"It's just because I wasn't expecting it. However, I certainly wasn't complaining," Bakura winked as he smirked again.
Ryou's cheeks turned red not just from Bakura's comment but because the smirk he did was very sexy. He hadn't realized it before when he thought it was just a teasing smirk, but knowing now that Bakura hadn't been playing a joke on him…it was much different.
"There you go again, blushing as red as a tomato," Bakura teased.
"Stop! You'll only make it worse," Ryou said, blushing even darker as he glanced down.
Bakura just laughed. "So, now that you know I wasn't joking around, what do you say we give the kiss another try?"
Ryou was unable to say anything as his whole face turned pink. Bakura just smirked in amusement and leaned down. Ryou didn't pull away as he pressed against his lips. The kiss was warm and slow, but much fuller than the last time they kissed. Ryou's eyes fluttered closed and very slowly he wound his arms around Bakura's neck. Bakura's arms tightened around him and their kiss deepened. They stood kissing, angling their heads different to get a better feel now and then, before Bakura's hand slid up to behind his neck.
Bakura leaned forward, causing Ryou to lean a bit backward as he pushing their faces even closer together. Ryou's eyes snapped open as he felt Bakura's tongue invade his mouth. He made a sound in the back of his throat and stumbled backward out of surprise. Bakura stumbled forward with him and they bumped up against a table. Bakura leaned heavily against him as he slid his tongue all around the inside of his Ryou. Ryou's tongue also got touched and soon Bakura focused on just caressing his tongue with his own.
Bakura's other hand suddenly grabbed his butt and Ryou made a noise. He was startled when Bakura suddenly lifted him up, holding his butt and hips and then eased him down onto the table. Ryou gasped, although it was muffled since his lips were still attached to Bakura's, as Bakura crawled up on top of him and continued to kiss him passionately. Bakura's hand reached out to caress his leg and Ryou blushed. Bakura suddenly broke the kiss.
"Put your legs around me," he said, breathlessly.
"W-what?" Ryou asked.
"Wrap your legs around my waist."
Trying not to blush, Ryou lifted his legs up and wrapped them around Bakura's waist like he said. Smiling, Bakura then leaned back down and kissed him with an open mouth, sliding his tongue in again. One of Bakura's hands slipped beneath his shirt, massaging his back and the other one remained on his hip. Ryou at first was thoroughly embarrassed not believing how intimate they were being, but was soon lost in the passionate kisses that continued. Their bodies were close and their mouths were passionately attached and he could feel Bakura's heart racing against his chest.
Soon, Ryou lost track of how many times they kissed and he even stopped blushing, allowing his own tongue to begin to explore inside Bakura's mouth. They made out well into the night until Ryou was too tired to stand. Bakura helped him back to his room, giving him one last open-mouthed kiss before retreating to his own room. Ryou sighed contently, still in a daze as he slipped beneath the covers and fell right to sleep.
TO BE CONTINUED…