Chapter 8:
The small boy gave a slight groan as he became conscious. Everything hurt and he couldn't feel his stone's power anywhere. He instinctly tried to call upon his powers, but only felt a void.
He flexed his hand a little and was surprised to feel the soft fabric underneath. He was accustomed to straw.
Hoping that he was alone, he struggled to sit up and look around.
At first he was delighted at the small but decently furnished little room, but then he noticed an iron shackle connecting his ankle to the bed post. He was still a prisoner.
He tried to break the post but was left helpless without his powers. Suddenly the door began to open and the boy quickly laid back down to feign sleep.
"You don't have to pretend." The female voice admonished warmly.
The boy sat up with a glare, hiding the pain the quick action caused. He watched the approaching woman carefully.
Her steps were quick and light, her slender frame accented by tight clothing, her short brown hair hung loose, and her eyes…
The beautiful blue eyes caused the boy's heart to clench in painful memory.
She sat a tray of food down on the bed and gracefully sat next to it, taking care not to disrupt the brimming dishes. "I brought you food. Please eat, the doctor said you haven't eaten properly in a very long time."
"Slaves normally don't" The boy's sharp reply caught the girl off guard.
"So you're a runaway slave?"
The dark haired boy grunted in affirmation as he cautiously picked at some of the food.
"It's not poisoned or anything."
The boy ignored her. "Where am I?"
"The Castle."
"What Castle?"
"The Harpy Castle. Queen Mai's Base Camp. Isn't that where you were trying to get to? Harpy Territory?"
The boy had begun to eat in earnest. "I was actually just trying to get away." He managed between mouthfuls.
"Oh, well then do you know where you want to go next? Family, friends, anything?"
"They've killed them all." The boy's brash tone softened.
The young woman looked at him in sympathy. "It's okay Queen Mai will find you a home."
"I don't want a home! I want revenge!"
The girl smiled softly at the violent outburst. "Well that won't be necessary soon."
"What do you mean?"
Blue eyes sparkled mischievously. "The sorcerers have declared open war. The vampires, with Harpy help, will soon wipe them out."
The boy actually grew more angry. "No! I have a grudge to settle! They took everything from me! My parents, my friends, my brother, and even my dignity!"
The girl caught his wildly waving arms in a gentle hug. "I'll help you find a way, okay?"
The boy's anger dissolved quickly into tears. "I just want revenge."
"Well this might help, hmm?"
He watched her curiously as she reached into her pocket and pulled out his stone. He quickly snatched it.
"Why'd you take it? A dragon's stone is his most valuable possession."
"I had to make sure you weren't going to attack the harpies."
"Well, thanks, I guess." He cast his gray eyes downward in embarrassment.
She gave him another warm smile. "Hey that's what friends are for."
"Friends?"
"Yeah. Let's be friends." Her smile grew as she offered her hand in greeting. "My name's Anzu, and I'll help you out."
The boy's expression changed to one of happiness and he smiled for the first time in a very long time. "I'm Mokuba."
"So did you learn anything?" The harpy's steely purple gaze rested on her Ambassador.
"He wants to fight, but he's just a child. If we let him fight in our ranks he'd be left wide open. Our formations only work with harpies, not even another flying creature could really fit in. Not to mention the fact that we don't have anywhere to train him. The armies are fighting and everyone else has retreated into hiding for their own safety." Anzu sighed. "I really want to help the kid. He's old enough to fight and regain honor."
The Queen gained a contemplative look. "You could ask King Yami."
The blue eyes sparked at the notion. "Do you really think that would help or are you just encouraging me to get my heart broken?"
Mai laughed. "Are you so sure your heart would get broken?"
Anzu's demeanor dropped. "yes"
Purple eyes softened slightly. "I actually think it would help. The Great Pharaoh has many different types of creatures in his alliance and loyal to him. Surely he knows someone who could help the boy."
The Ambassador nodded, all traces of sorrow gone. "Then I will take him there."
Sheer panic enveloped him as soon as they entered the palace. There was no turning back, but then again, he never really had a choice.
"M-marik p-please.." Yugi began but was cut off as the King sent him a dark glare. He whimpered slightly and the look softened.
Yugi tried to hide in his cloak as the King was greeted by palace attendants and other important people. He heard Marik rebuff a few questions and thank them for the welcome before he was dragged off after his current Master.
The purple eyed boy quickly became disoriented within the passageways of the Vampire palace.
He found himself alone in a room with Marik. The other looked upset and Yugi began to shake in fear.
Marik's gaze again softened as he took in the boy's state. "I'm sorry."
"No you're not or you wouldn't still do this." Yugi sniffled. "Who knows what he's going to do with me?"
"I'm sure nothing you won't enjoy." The King offered helpfully.
Amethyst eyes narrowed and Marik heaved a sigh. He pulled the other towards the nearby couch and sat down.
He planned on just being honest and apologizing. Maybe it wasn't too late to back out of this idea. It wasn't like the Pharaoh had seen the boy yet. He looked up, ready to speak, and caught sight again of Yugi's alluring eyes.
He was overwhelmed. He lost control.
Marik harshly slammed his lips against the others, using the gasp to dive into the nearly too sweet cavern. The blonde groaned at the taste. His hands began roaming hungrily, eager to touch the supple, unblemished flesh. Yugi's shirt was soon off, and Marik greedily began exploring the other toned chest. Malik's swimming lessons were a good idea. Something clicked in the King's brain.
Malik! The King started to pull away, he shouldn't be doing this!
But even as he thought it, his hands loosened the belt on the other's pants and his mouth returned for another taste of the sweet, soft, wet cavern that was Yugi's mouth.
The sweet taste was slightly salted now, and Marik jumped back as he realized why.
Yugi immediately scrambled off the couch and to the other side of the room, heavy sobs shaking his frame.
Marik sat back gasping for breath and rapidly regaining control.
"I'm sorry." The King choked out. He grabbed something from a nearby bag and tossed it in Yugi's direction. "Change into this before the maid comes in a few moments." He kept his eyes to the ground. "I.." He stuttered, unsure of what to say. "I hope everything works out for you."
Marik didn't dare glance back at the boy as he stepped out into the hall.
Yugi was still crying from the confusion of everything when the servant came to collect him.
She gave him a gentle smile. "If you'll please follow me."
He nodded as he brought his tears under control.
He once again became disoriented in the large palace, but it wasn't too long of a trip before they stood before a beautiful ornate door.
"This is the Master's room. Just wait in here. Don't leave." She gave him another soft smile as the guard opened the door.
He stepped inside and gasped. He didn't even acknowledge the loud slam from behind as the door shut.
The room was amazing. Even King Marik's large suite couldn't compare.
Yugi walked slowly around examining anything that caught his interest. There were also several doors that he opened to see what was behind them.
One led to a bathing chamber, another to a dressing room with expensive fabrics hanging, and there were several more leading to other rooms. Yugi's breath caught in his throat as he opened the door along the back wall.
It led to a balcony with a view that made Yugi's heart wrench. You could see the garden easily and steps off the side of the balcony took you there, but the garden wasn't what held Yugi enchanted.
In the near distance were the trees. They were darker than the ones around his home village, but they were still breathtakingly beautiful.
The door opened behind him, causing Yugi to jump and rush back inside. It wouldn't do well to upset his new master on the first day.
A smile graced his lips and a light laugh rolled off his tongue, but neither reached his eyes. They remained a dark red.
"So you rode all the way here to deliver a gift?" Yami laughed politely again. He was struggling to maintain control and have things appear fine.
"Well, I think when you see it, you'll understand." Marik gave his own fake smile. His eyes laced with worry and regret.
The two were enjoying an early dinner, as Marik said he couldn't possibly attend the feast. His men were merely going to rest and relax for a few hours before they all headed back.
"You aren't going to tell me anymore?"
"No, I think you'll enjoy figuring it out for yourself."
"Well I wish you a safe journey back, and look forward to the next few months when are armies begin to integrate."
The two bowed and parted once the meal was over. Both anxious and slightly excited.
Yami hurried towards his destination with anticipation. He knew now what the boy with hauntingly beautiful amethyst eyes was for. He was the gift.
From what the King saw earlier, he was also already extremely terrified. How should he approach him so the boy didn't get anymore scared?
The vampire shook his head. Beautiful eyes or not, it was just a slave. Another person to push away.
Yami sighed as he neared the door.
Yugi hurriedly kneeled in front of his new master trying to hold his shaking body still.
"There's no need for that, please stand."
Yugi gazed up into a pair of compassionate eyes. His tears diminished as the purple robed figure gave him a kind smile. "You must be hungry."
The tri-colored hair boy gave a quick nod. He hadn't eaten since he was back at the Oasis.
"I tell someone to bring you some food. But first…" Yugi's chin was grabbed by a calloused hand. His eyes forced to meet the other's.
The amethyst eyed boy blushed as the man looked him up and down, slowly pushing him around.
The blue eyes finally lost their hard edge and the older face grew warm again. "I think you'll do just fine little Yugi."
Yugi's mouth gaped. He'd do just fine for what?
The man turned to leave. "I'll tell one of the servants to bring you a quick snack from the kitchens. Try to eat quickly before the Pharaoh comes. If you need anything my name is Mahaado."
Yugi nodded calmly, but began to shake as soon as other left. He was hoping the kind man was his master, but he was not so fortunate.
Emotions bubbled inside him, threatening to erupt. Everything was happening so fast. He felt betrayed, confused, scared, and extremely overwhelmed. He sank back to his knees with a sob. Why did everything always happen to him?
He wanted to be back with Malik, or even better back at home with Ryou. But home was gone and so was Ryou.
Yugi cried heavily till he felt numb and no more tears would fall.
He tried to regain his control as he heard the door open again. Mahaado told him to eat quickly.
He heard the tray being sat down on a nearby table and turned to thank the person.
Yugi's bloodshot eyes widened as he stared into a familiar pair of eyes. He blushed as he remember the incident from earlier that morning and quickly tore his gaze away from the ruby red eyes.
TBC
This actually follows the outline of what is supposed to happen! Except that this was supposed to be short enough to only be less than half the chapter… oh well Your thoughts?