After All This: Chapter eighteen
flashback
Bakura's pov
I ran my tongue along my dried, cracked lips in hope of keeping them wet. This of course causes the sand to stick to my lips and quickly drying them again. Brushing a hand over my lips, I look over my horse's head and spot my home up ahead. I push my horse to go faster. The sound of the men and horses behind us are growing louder. Swearing inwardly, I began to pull things off the back of my horse. Soon I'm riding bear back and the cave is almost in reach. As Kaliany entered the cave, I glanced about for my father. Calling for him, I noticed Taik who I knew as a spy for my father and a boy my age, whom I believe to be Taik's son. Dismounting, I ran over to my father and the other two and quickly announced the news of the Pharaoh's fast approaching army. I was then introduced to Taik's son, Marik. Like me, Marik was to take his father's place as a spy. I know I must have sounded cruel when I told Marik that he had to kill our fathers. Something strange went through me, as I looked him in the eyes and told him, It was me that he would now follow. Now, don't ask why, only Ra knows why but when he said yes I just wanted to hug him and then to the surprise of both of us, I did just that. My body was soon hot; releasing him I turned to say my goodbyes, for I had to leave before the army got too close. Jumping on Kaliany, I turned her around and headed out. I stopped just before the cave, the Pharaoh's army all came to a quick halt. My job was clear, to get a few of the men to follow me, act as I didn't know until I came upon a cave a few miles to the west. In this cave was all the thieves that used to follow my father, but now followed me. We had to do everything to convince them that this was the cave of the thieves and not the one behind me.
Months later, we re-located back to the home of thieves. I had grown the respect of the men and women for I defeated all who challenged me unlike my father, I didn't have mercy for those I defeated. When I killed my first challenger, I felt sick sweet pleasure in it. The thought alone makes me ill. As promised, I watched over my friend Marik but It would be a full year before we spoke again and during that time we both changed greatly.
Finally the day came, word was the Pharaoh was very ill and his body was slowly beginning to shut it's self down and that he had at least a year left. I now need the inside information of the Palace. I picked a day that was said to be a day of a "shadow duel". My father told me little of these shadow duels, but what I did know was that my village was sacrificed so these "games" could be held. I was told, that the blood of many was needed, to make these "Millennium Items" as they were called. My village, just full of thieves and beggars, were picked by the Pharaoh for the sacrifice. This is why I hate the Pharaoh so much but It seems I will not get the joy of killing him, but robbing his tomb once he was dead would be of almost equal satisfaction. I knew the location of many items. There are seven of them in total; I knew who hold the millennium Puzzle, Rod, Ring, Ankh and Scales. Three are held by the Pharaoh and his son, the other two are held by a strange Guardian.
It wasn't even a challenge to get into the palace. The only hard thing was finding Marik's room and by luck I came across it. I sat on the window still, hidden by the curtains for what felt like hours before Marik returned. I quickly made sure he was alone before announcing my presence to him. The look Marik gave me when I took my cloak off nearly scared me. Even thought many, both men and women have given me that look in my life. My father just told me that it was because I was rather beautiful for a boy. I clearly remembered that day because I met Marik's father that day. He laughed and told me, his son was the same way. Looking at Marik now, I had to agree. He stood there without a shirt, sweat dripping of his body. I thought I would begin to stare with my mouth open, so I covered with a smile and begin to talk business.
End of Flashback
Marik rushed forward to catch Bakura, as the other sprit collapsed as the power of the item woke up his forgotten memories. With a sigh, Marik laid Bakura down and sat down across from him. He could sense that Malik was now standing behind him, but he didn't do a thing.
"You're a pathetic fool, you know that."
"Malik. What is it that you want?" Marik asked, as he slowly turned around.
Malik stood there with his arms crossed over his chest and a cold look on his face. "I don't even know why I even bother. What you did to Bakura was unforgivable! I mean..." Malik let out a sob and spun around. "It makes me wonder why I even bother loving you."
"Malik." Marik said softly, as he got up and walked up to his light. Placing a hand on the other's shoulder he spoke. "Please Malik. You have to understand..."
"No I don't Marik; I don't have to understand a thing!" Bending down, he picked up the discarded millennium rod. "I just came to let you know, your time with your lover is short. So enjoy."
Marik stood there, a look of confusion upon his face. Then a great anger masked his face. Spinning Malik around to face him. "What did you do Hikari?"
"Oh nothing really. It's just, well how do I put this?" Malik sighed. "When you showed me of your past I learned of the secrets of this cave. Of course, I passed that along to my brother..." Malik smirked. "He's awake."
This was the tenth time they had stopped in the past few hours, and to say that Yami was annoyed would be an understatement. The said Pharaoh was now standing, arms crossed and he was glaring over at their guide.
Odion shivered as he felt the glare from the ancient Pharaoh. "Relax my Pharaoh. The entrance to the throne room is just before us."
"What! Then why are we just standing here and waiting?" Yami asked, as he came to Odion's side.
"We go in, when the time is right." Odion responded.
Growling, Yami leaned against the cave wall. "Fine, but It better not be too long of a wait."