I have returned! Fowstie is doing excellent, twice a day we battle him in order to get the eye drops in! (smiles happily at scratches all over arms) He's so adorable! Not nearly as feisty as my rabbit was. That was brutality for you...-.-;

Dreaming Child: Who could resist a tomb robber that likes to mess with peoples' heads? He's damn awesome, that's what. Review again, dear. Love ya!

Satra: Yay! Egypt! Me thinks there be danger ahead! (laughs insanely) I'm sooo tired.Wonderful questions. Perhaps they'll be answered in this chappie. For your updating question, look at the end of the chappie. I've got some bad news. (hangs head sadly) Anyhoo, review again! Love ya!

dragonlady222: Thanks for your concerns about Von Fowst. He appreciates it. (smiles happily) Yessss Yami caught unawares! (laughs) It's just so funny! Love ya! Review again! (hugs)

blackalbino: Can't say poor Marik enough. (covers mouth) Ack! I've said too much! Hehe. (smiles innocently) Thanks for the compliment on the poem! Review again! Love ya!

Bluegrass Elf: (laughs) you like my responses to the reviews, eh? I enjoy writing them. All in all it takes around an hour to and hour and a half to update now cause I want to reply to each and every one of you for both of my stories! (blushes) you compliment so charmingly! (goosh!) Yes, there shall be a sequel...just not ready yet. heh. I just added some new stuff to chappie one. Now I have to start chapter two...someday...(rolls eyes) Review again! Love ya!

Capricious Purple Clarity: Yay! You came back! (embraces tightly) Thanks so much! About Honda's airport check...O.o...no comment...(smirks) Need to know Kura's purpose for coming back? (cackles) You'll seeeeeeee...Love ya!Review again!

Wishfull Thinker: Thanks for the compliments on the poem once again. You liked our tomb robber's tricks, did you? Yay! Thank you, also, for you concerns about Von Fowst. He appreciates it!...about me studying during lunch and free times: NO. Must...retain...social...life...> ...yeah. the answer's no. I'm not that dedicated to my studies. I'm a senior in highschool. There are limits...glad you received my e-mail and that it cleared up your confusion!Review again! Love ya!

Freak in the Shadows:Abit enthusiastic, eh? (laughs) I love you!Me hates school so. Less than five months to go!I thinkI can...I think I can...O.o...did I just quote"Dumbo"?...(shudders)Now I've thoroughly disturbed myself...and I'm babbling. Sorry. Review again! Love ya!

Silver Mirror: Liked the airport scene, did you? Excellent. Oh mygoodness, there's now only THREE chappies to go. (faints) I haven't written the sequel yet! Damn it all! (bangs head onkeyboard) jaogjalg0jbjreljmEWTPWJGGJKG...ow...Okay, that was abad idea.Hey look, I hit the caps lock back there. Heh. Review again! Love ya!

Tomb Robber

I cannot forget

Don't want to recall

Memories of a past

Of when I was small.

The sights that I saw,

The blood that was shed,

The people I loved

All murdered, all dead.

Do not get attached

It will only cause pain.

Crying and mourning

Won't bring back the slain.

They're inside my head.

I cannot have peace.

Only by their avenging

Will my soul find release.

Chapter 20: The Arrival

After checking in at their hotel and eating lunch, the group wandered aimlessly about a large market. It seemed to be a day for relaxation, adjusting to the changes in time and temperature.

"I tell you, this isn't going to be easy," Yami said as he looked about.

"We'll figure out what to do. Just give it time. I'm sure we'll find something that'll spark a memory," Mr. Mutou smiled encouragingly, examining some gold jewelry at a stand. "You kids continue on. I'll be with you by and by."

Yami nodded somewhat dismally. There were so many places that could possibly hold the key to unlocking his memories. How were they ever going to find it?

Bakura scowled as he glanced around. This wasn't any good. In order for his plan to work they needed all the items. So far they only had five. Yami was wearing the puzzle, vowing never to let it out of his sight again. The rod was in Marik's possession while the eye and necklace were in a small bag carried by Mr. Mutou. Bakura himself was wearing the ring under his shirt, as usual. That left two.

"Dis is incredible! Did you ever think we'd actually ever come here?" Jou grinned, eyes wide with excitement.

"No. I never in my wildest dreams have," Anzu smiled, adjusting her sunglasses.

"It's all just so...Oops! Sorry!" Jou said apologetically as he ran into a man.

The man frowned, grumbling under his breath, striding away. Jou shrugged, and they continued onward. No one noticed they were one less member.

"I tell you what we should do first when Yami gets his memories back…Hey! What's he doing?" Honda asked in shock, pointing.

The others turned to see Bakura holding the man Jou had bumped into by the scruff of his collar, feet dangling inches above the ground. The yami was saying something that, judging by his face, was a threat.

"Kura! What are you doing?" Marik called as they all rushed back.

The yami glanced over at them with an unconcerned look before throwing the man to the ground, kicking a cloud of dust into the other's face, and storming away. The man quickly picked himself up and scampered off, a terrified look on his face.

"What'd you do that for, you bastard?" Jou yelled angrily, not liking to see others get tormented.

Bakura only glared at him, choosing to continue walking. Jou ran in front of him, blocking the yami.

"I asked you a question! Why'd you go and bully that guy? He didn't do anything to us! In fact, I was the one who bumped him! If anything he should be apologized to not harassed." The blonde leaned closer to the yami's face, whispering fiercely. "This isn't ancient Egypt. You can't go around beating people up and stealing from them." The others stood back, watching.

Bakura finally spoke in a calm, emotionless voice. "I'm well aware these aren't the ancient times, mutt. If they were you wouldn't have been bumped into. You would have been surrounded, severely beaten, possibly gutted, and most likely slain. But like you said, it's not ancient Egypt."

The others stared in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" Yugi asked in bewilderment.

Bakura smiled humorlessly. "The mutt here didn't bump into that ass. The man did it on purpose. He's a pick-pocket." The yami took out a wallet and tossed it to a stunned Jou. "You're extremely lucky this isn't ancient Egypt." Bakura walked around the blonde, continuing down the road.

Everyone stared after the yami in complete shock.

"I…I didn't even realize…" Jou whispered staring at his wallet.

"And you're lucky he did," Mr. Mutou said coming up behind them all. "You're even luckier Bakura gave it back to you after the way you just treated him."

Jou looked ashamedly down at his dust-covered shoes. Marik glared, rushing away to catch up with the tomb robber. The others shuffled uncomfortably, not meeting the elderly man's eyes.

Mr. Mutou sighed. "Just be more careful from now on. And judging by what just happened it appears we'll be depending on Bakura quite a bit. He has street-smarts; knows how to handle such situations."

"Pharaoh."

They all turned to see a man dressed all in white, a turban wrapped about his head. Gold earrings dangled from his ears; eyes deep blue and soulless.

"Shaddi!" Yugi exclaimed.

The man nodded, eyes not leaving Yami. The monarch stared back in surprise.

"Hey, I know you! You saved Otogi and me on the blimp!" Honda exclaimed.

"Shaddi, what…how…" Yami said, unsure of what to say.

"Pharaoh, I understand you have come to Egypt seeking your memories. To do so you will need all seven Millennium items. Here is the Millennium balance." The man held out a beautiful golden balance, the Millennium symbol on the center. "And finally, the key." He reverently removed his own item from around his neck, handing it to a stunned Yami.

"I…uh….thank you," Yami said, unable to form a sentence.

"Pharaoh, a word of caution: Be careful in choosing your companions for this journey. I sense evil intentions from somewhere in your party," the mysterious man said darkly.

"I appreciate the warning, but I assure you, I have complete trust in my comrades' intentions," Yami stated untruthfully, thoughts wandering to the thief.

Shaddi didn't argue, bowing. "Forgive my words then, Pharaoh. I have doubted your wisdom."

Yami nodded courteously, uneasily glancing at the items in his hands.

"I have completed my sacred duties. It is now up to you, my pharaoh. Combine the items and recover your past. Good luck." Shaddi turned and began to walk away.

"Wow. We've got all seven!" Yugi said in awe, eyes glittering at the sight of the items in his darker half's shaking hands.

"This is…incredible," Mr. Mutou whispered in wonder, eyes also locked on the golden objects.

"Yes. Now, we just have to find where to take them to," Yami said quietly. He glanced up to find the mysterious man had vanished, people walking about unnoticing of the phenomenal episode that had just occurred.

Marik and Bakura sat outside a small shop, drinking cheap alcohol and uninterestedly watching passerbyers stroll around the street. They both were, after all, from this country. Although it was true that it had been several millennia since the thief had been there, he was not the least bit surprised of its present state.

"So," Marik began, clearing his throat as he swallowed a mouthful of his drink. "What's the plan?"

Bakura continued to stare off into the distance, seeming not to be noticing anything around him. His eyes held a far-off look that was impossible to place. Marik couldn't even begin to guess what was on the thief's mind.

"Hey, there they are!" Yugi's voice yelled and a moment later the entire group was jogging toward them, looks of pure excitement on their faces.

"Guys, you'll never believe what just happened!" Anzu exclaimed, bubbling with barely contained enthusiasm.

"Jou got mugged again?" Marik smirked, not looking away from Bakura who was failing to even acknowledge the newcomers' presence.

"Ha ha ha," Honda growled, crossing his arms.

"Shaddi just showed up!" Yugi beamed, ignoring the talk around him.

Marik's ears perked; Bakura turned, looking at the group for the first time. His eyes rested on the two shining items that Yami was still clasping tightly. Yami caught the look, shifting uncomfortably. Bakura stared at the items in complete disbelief, still not saying anything.

"Holy shit!" Marik yelled jumping to his feet, successfully knocking over his drink. This caused Bakura to jump as well to avoid the spilling liquid, still holding his own beer bottle.

"Damn it, Marik!" he growled.

"Sorry sorry…but—but it's the scales! And Shaddi gave you the key?" Marik babbled in amazement.

"Yeah it was so cool!" Yugi continued. "He just appeared and said…"

As everyone began talking at once, Yami stood quietly, watching the thief. Bakura's eyes weren't leaving the items. He seemed completely oblivious to the somewhat chaotic chatter going on about them.

'What are you thinking?' Yami wondered as he studied the other.

"This is so amazing! Now we just need to find where to take the items in order for Yami to be able to obtain his memories!" Yugi continued, having yet to take a breath.

"I'm guessing it's wherever his palace is…er…used to be!" Honda grinned.

"No, it's probably in his tomb…although I never saw anything down there myself…" Marik stated. "So maybe not. Besides, I'm never going down there again." This sentence ended with a shudder from the tomb keeper.

"Oh yes you are! If it means finding Yami's memories!" Honda growled.

Yami was surprised when Bakura looked over at the young Egyptian with pity.

'What….?' Yami wondered.

"Please Marik," Yugi said imploringly, eyes wide and beseeching.

The blonde Egyptian looked almost panic-stricken. He was sweating, glancing around anxiously. Bakura glared.

"Come on, Marik. At least take us there," Honda continued, getting angry.

"I…I…" Marik stuttered.

"There will be no need for that." Everyone turned to Bakura who was crossing his arms, sending a fierce look at Honda.

"What's that supposed to mean? Just because you don't want Yami getting his memories back…" Honda began to rant.

"I'm not interested in whether or not he gets them back, honestly," Bakura stated, resting a hand on Marik's tense shoulder. "But if you're going to persistently drag Marik around Egypt, specifically to the places he adamantly does not want to return to…"

"What are you saying?" Jou asked in surprise.

"That I'm not letting you take Marik to those damn tombs, that's what I'm saying," the thief snarled. Marik looked over in gratitude at his friend, a small smile of relief on his face.

"You've got no right!" Anzu shouted.

"This is ridiculous," Honda growled heatedly.

"I concur," the thief stated, hand still on the tomb keeper's shoulder. "Especially when the key to unlocking Yami's memories doesn't lie in the tombs."

Everyone stared in shock at the thief. Honda's mouth was hanging open, eyes wide in disbelief. Yugi, on the other hand, looked around nervously. Even Marik turned to give his friend a questioning look. Mr. Mutou cleared his throat.

"Then…do you know where it lies?" he asked softly.

Bakura looked straight at Yami who was uneasily staring back. Sharp brown eyes bore into royal purple. Yami didn't say a word, waiting in silent fear and anticipation.

"Yes."

"I can't believe we're finally going!" Yugi beamed as they waited for Mr. Mutou who was renting some camels.

"Something doesn't feel right about this," Honda stated, glancing over to Bakura who was standing alone near the edge of the town. "How do we know this isn't a trap? That he isn't going to lead us into the middle of the desert and steal the items from us?"

"He's not going to do that," Ryou said firmly, eyes cold.

"All I'm saying is…" Honda began defensively.

"I doubt that'll happen, man," Jou agreed with Ryou; though deep in his mind the blonde was fretting over what really were the former tomb robber's intentions.

'He didn't even want to come here, yet now here he is assisting us in retrieving Yami's memories. Bakura did say he had no choice…no choice about what?' Jou thought letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Are you as confused as I am?" a deep voice asked. Jou whirled around to find Yami.

The blonde grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. This is all insane. I can't say anything's gone wrong really…well, besides getting mugged….but there's just something not right about all this…" Jou said softly.

Yami nodded in agreement. "It's almost going too well. That in itself makes me cautious. Perhaps we're just so used to things going wrong that we've become over-suspicious."

"That could very well be it," Jou smiled. "We've just gotten so hyped up for who knows how long." He sighed, a torrid wind blowing through his blonde hair.

Yami stared over at the boy. They really had been through a lot. Jou himself had risked his soul and life numerous times to protect all of them. The blonde and Honda both seemed to be the unofficial body guards of the group. It fit the ex-gang members well. Yami smiled warmly. They often had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they said they'd never abandon he and Yugi; yet they stayed through thick and thin.

The monarch was sure he could never really repay the boys for all they'd done.

"So, you remember how to ride a camel?" Jou grinned, looking over humorously at the yami.

The pharaoh sighed. "Nope. Lucky me, eh?" He smiled back.

"Well then, I hope Anzu brought her camera," Jou snickered, wandering over to the girl who was warily watching the camels that were approaching with Mr. Mutou's small figure leading them.

"Very funny!" Yami called after him.

"Argh! Stupid bloody animal!" Jou growled as he attempted to steer the large camel he and Yugi were on.

Yami laughed, easily urging his own beast forward through the sand, Anzu on the back. Honda sat on the camel Mr. Mutou was driving. Marik and Ryou were sharing one of the animals next to Bakura who was on his own camel, leading the way.

"Never did like these things," Bakura muttered irritably.

"I've only ridden on one once…" Marik said somewhat distractedly as his camel tried to wander.

"Obviously," Bakura grinned earning a glare from the blonde Egyptian.

"How far is it?" Honda asked, squinting in the sun.

The thief shrugged. "The desert's grown larger over the millennia. It used to be an hour or so, but that was on horseback."

"Horseback?" Yugi asked peeking from behind Jou.

The thief nodded. "Not as reliable as camels in the desert but much faster…for shorter distances anyway."

"And more stylish," Marik muttered, his nose upturned at the beast under him and Ryou.

"So what'd you guys use for sunscreen?" Jou asked grinning.

"I'm pretty sure there wasn't any," Yami smiled.

"Oh Yami here got plenty of pampering. Probably had someone follow him about with fans and fancy canopies to shade him with," Bakura mumbled distractedly, looking about for a moment.

"What'd normal people do?" Yugi smiled at Yami who was glowering slightly at what the thief had said.

Bakura shrugged. "I don't know."

Jou grinned. "What, you didn't hang out with the common folk? Not adventurous enough for you?"

Bakura's eyes darkened although his expression didn't. "I was an outcast."

The group became silent at this. What did one say to something like that? 'Gee, sorry to hear that'? It didn't seem appropriate. Nothing did really. It seemed better to just drop the conversation completely.

They continued on, people on the same camels murmuring quietly amongst themselves. The sun got higher in the sky, everyone taking numerous drinks from the large skins of water they'd brought along. Bakura amazingly seemed to have a general idea of where he was going. He continued at a distance in front, as if making sure to put a wide enough gap between himself and everyone else.

'Just like he does in every other part of his life,' Jou thought sadly.

He felt bad about teasing the thief about not knowing about regular aspects of his time. It was obvious the yami'd had some horrible things happen to him. Now that Jou thought about it, he wasn't surprised the white-haired tomb robber was a loner; the way the yami's 'past' self had acted around Jou: suspicious, cautious, and ruthless…angry…. What was the center of all that anger? The blonde supposed they'd never find out.

'If only he could trust somebody. It's just a shame, a waste of a life not to have anyone to count on.' Jou glanced over at Marik and Ryou who were chatting quietly on their camel. 'You guys are all he has. Don't forget that,' he thought silently.

He looked up in surprise to see everyone else halting. Bakura sat atop his camel a ways ahead of the rest of them. Not far beyond the tomb robber lay sand….and more sand…nothing in sight that made this place look any different than the rest of the Sahara.

"Um…why'd we stop?" Honda asked as they came up behind the thief.

Bakura slowly turned to get something out of his pocket. "We're here."

They all looked about, giving one another uncertain looks.

"Um…and what exactly is here?" Anzu asked from behind Yami.

Bakura didn't answer, picking out an object from his pocket. Yami tensed when he realized what it was. 'His deck!'

Before anyone could react the thief held up a card above his head, the Millennium ring shining brightly, making the desert sun seem dim. A whirlwind of sand blasted about them in a funnel, causing everyone to choke. The camels groaned in protest, agitatedly jerking about. The cyclone was howling, everyone completely blinded by its fury.

"Bak…" Yami coughed harshly, unable to form a word.

He covered his face with his arm, attempting to get a breath of pure air, instead inhaling a whiff of sand. When he squinted his eyes open he realized the wind was receding, sand settling in large dunes off in the distance. Everyone coughed severely, eyes burning with the golden grains.

"What…the hell!" Jou choked angrily, rubbing his still injured eye with his hand.

"Oh my goodness…" Mr. Mutou said softly. Everyone looked up in amazement.

Before them stood cracked, crumbling stone walls, worn down by years and years of erosion. They were just the outlines of what appeared to be former buildings. Marik stared in awe, unable to believe what he was seeing. It looked like an ancient town.

"What…is this place?" the young Egyptian whispered as they came closer to Bakura who was silently staring at the remains before them.

His eyes were dark, expression unreadable. The thief's white hair had sand mixed into it, locks twisted and messy; face ashen. His voice was quiet yet everyone heard it clearly when he spoke.

"Welcome…to Kuru Eruna."

I have a horrible annoucement: With exams, doctor appointments, depression issues, and a choir concert I most likely will not be updating again until Friday. (in america) So, my apologies for that. (snorts) Isn't it ironic how I'm apologizing for not updating for six days when most authors don't for a number of months?

(laughs) Capricious Purple Clarity is probably gonna strangle me for still not answering their questions. (Smiles innocently) Next chappie will reveal it! I assure you, dearies!

Anyhoo, review!