A/N: I don't own YGO.
The night of terror was just beginning.
Riding atop his black mare, King Bakura of Delyan rode fast with sword held high in the crisp night air. An evil-like laugh filled the soldiers' ears as they too charged on through the forest by their King's orders. The stars seemed to disappear into the darkness of the night sky, unwilling to show their enchanting light for the evil that was running through the forest. The trees themselves suddenly became dark and old, as if already sensing the neglect they would receive if the Delyan King succeeded in conquering the beautiful land of Relor. The animals fled for safety, for fear of being slaughtered in mad haste.
The horses, of all dark colors, neighed and whined, being pushed to their limits, some of them that is. Battle cries erupted in the air and some soldiers had feral grins across their faces, longing for bloodshed, lusting for battle. The sound of hooves was also in the air, swords being whipped around wildly as well as loose parts of their clothing. Soon the entire army spread out, the first part in their battle strategy. Knowing the King of Relor and his loyal men would return soon, and that the Knights would most definitely be on their guard, Bakura had issued a command for every Delyan man to surround the city by going through the forest and then close in on the city itself. And of course, they had to kill everyone in sight except for those in the city. Bakura had other purposes for their existence.
Dirt and stones were kicked up and a group of soldiers came across the first house in the outer parts of the eastern forest. It was small but comfy for the family living there. Sadly, they wouldn't be there for long...
"I'll take this one." One soldier announced and stepped down from his horse. He held his sword and stalked towards the house where a door had already opened. A man stepped out, his own sword in hand, and bravely stood in front of the doorway, grim determination but the fear was evident in his eyes. Dimly he wondered why they had never been warned for he knew this was no soldier of Relor but a minion of King Bakura, the most terrible of them all.
The Delyan warrior snickered, amused by this middle-aged man's futile attempts to appear as a threat to him. The armor-clad man said nothing and merely narrowed his eyes, and prepared to deliver the killing blow. The man in the doorway was helpless since he was no match for the soldier. The blade ripped through his fragile skin into his abdomen, a shocked sound emitting from his throat and he fell to his knees. The soldier never gave him a second glance. The last sounds the man heard were the horrific cries of his family.
Some minutes later, the soldier stepped past the fallen man and mounted his horse. "Let's go." He said to his comrades and they nodded. A young man among them swallowed hard, hardly believing his eyes at the casualness his fellow warrior had shown in ending the Relorian's life. He was just one of the few who only did what they were ordered to, taking no pleasure or satisfaction in the gruesome things they were commanded to. They clearly did not like life under Bakura's rule. Nevertheless, if they wanted to live, they would have to obey his orders, no matter how sadistic or inhumane they might seem.
Meanwhile, said King was currently standing next to the wagon that held the three young women captive. "I hope you can hear the screams." He murmured low enough for them to hear. The Princess did indeed hear the cries for help and mercy...and it tore at her heartstrings. Serenity had heard it too and she fought an failing battle to hold back her tears. She was so young and to hear such nightmarish sounds broke her heart and chilled her to the bone. Mai was much in the same way except she had already prepared herself mentally for it. She knew it was bound to happen. She knew she could do nothing except pray and hope for the best...and that her beloved Joseph, or Joey to very close friends, would come to her rescue or stop the evil tyrant.
Bakura smirked and nodded to the person in front of the wagon. "Keep along the pathway. Once you reach the city, stay there and await my orders." He commanded the man who nodded at once and directed the two mighty horses to go. Then the King smiled thinly to himself. 'Those girls will make excellent slaves...not for myself of course but I'm sure some of the others will enjoy their company...' One could only imagine what ideas he had in mind.
Deciding to follow the wagon for a bit, Bakura overheard the shout of a woman. The woman burst through the clearing, currently being chased. She stopped, seeing she was trapped, and just at that moment, the wagon hit a bump and Tea fell out, rolling onto the ground. The woman shrieked. "Your Highness!" The Princess grimaced, realizing her secret was out. Bakura's jaw dropped open in mild surprise. A Delyan rider tore through the bushes and immediately silenced her, secretly hoping she was gone so that the woman would not have to bear any more torture.
Tea struggled to her knees, horrified at the sight of the dead woman only a few feet away from her. 'Oh my...' Her body began to shake not only from the horror of it all but from the anger that rose up within her. 'How could he do this! That-that monster!' Tears flowed freely from her eyes and she turned her gaze towards the King, giving him a hateful glare.
"So...you are the Princess..." It was more of a statement than a question. A cold look was directed her way and Bakura jumped off the horse to the ground and slowly walked towards her. The rider and the man in charge of the wagon watched quietly, wondering what their king would do. "Why are you not at your castle, surrounded by your petty Knights!" He spat, disgusted by the idea that one of those Knights was certain to come after him, thinking they could defeat the King of Delyan. Tea froze, afraid of what might come next. Bakura only chuckled softly to himself. "What an unexpected turn of events..."
Tristan rode his horse, desperately trying to keep order in the hordes of people running, fleeing into the forest towards the south, knowing the Delyan army could not possibly attack from there since they were from the north. It was a possibility but at the moment it was the only logical choice there was. He rode ahead of them all of course to make sure there was no beast or predator, or even a Delyan soldier in their path. Behind him were people on their own horses, or donkeys, some with their dogs, and there were children in their arms and/or holding onto their hands. Women wept and men tried to keep a neutral expression so to appear brave. Tristan's heart went out to them all. He could not help but feel the impending doom as well.
Lanterns and torches were soon the only lights visible as the moon disappeared behind thick dark clouds. "Wonderful night." The brunette Knight muttered sarcastically, drawing his sword just in case. The blade provided a sense of comfort and security in a strange way. It was inevitable, a natural feeling for a true Knight. The sword and the warrior belonged together and almost never failed the master. Knowing that brought a grim smile to his perspiring face. The sweat came from anxiety.
Suddenly he heard the far cry of another horse and the hairs rose up on the back of his neck. 'No! That can't be them! Can it?' His thought raced wildly at the speed of a released arrow. Tristan brought his horse to a halt and the people followed suit, whispering among themselves and fearfully wondering why the Knight had stopped.
The sound of pounding hooves pierced the air and the people began to back up in terror, afraid of the approaching possible danger. Not missing a beat, Ryou, Mokuba, Ishizhu, and Marik came into view much to the obvious surprise of the Relorian people.
"It's that traitor! And he's brought Delyan vermin with him!" Was among the many curses and shouts of the people.
"R-Ryou!" Tristan stammered. He had not believed that his fellow Knight was a traitor but seeing him now with two Delyan people...he did not know what to make of it. "And Mokuba?" The young boy was there too, riding in front of Ryou with a huge smile on his face that instantly disappeared when he saw the furious and scared crowd looming before him.
Marik and Ishizhu automatically slowed their horses and hung back behind the two Relorians, musing over whether to make a break for it or not. These people saw them as enemies and would be even more suspicious as to why they were not with the Delyan King and his military.
"Tristan!" Mokuba exclaimed and squirmed to get off the horse. Success and the boy quickly made his way over to where Tristan sat on his horse. "Seto's back! And he's brought all the Dragons! We're saved!" He explained breathlessly, his face flushed with excitement. Seto was back! Plus a battle would be fought and Mokuba had much to learn. War was ugly; it always was, always is, and always will. Eventually he would come to that conclusion...but for now, he was merely ecstatic about the Dragon Paladin's return.
"What?" Tristan gasped and looked at Ryou who nodded expressionless. "That's...that's good news but...what about—them!" He pointed at Marik and Ishizhu who gripped their reins nervously. Tristan's gaze was not at all friendly since he didn't know the truth about them yet.
"Huh?" Mokuba followed his gesture and saw that Tristan was referring to the young man and his sorceress of a sister. "Oh them... you don't have worry about Marik and Ishizhu. They aren't part of the Delyan army anymore." He assured his friend and the people in front of him. Granted, he did not trust them exactly himself yet but in time he knew he would. He could tell they were honest, and desperate to escape the clutches of the cruel dictator that they once served.
Meanwhile, as the people listened on as Mokuba explained a few more things, Seto was flying towards them. Everyone began to gaze skyward as they felt a strong wind engulf them, created by the movement of his mighty pale blue wings. 'I'm back, my friends...' Seto winced at the screams but was relieved when the two Knights and Mokuba tried to reassure them. Nonetheless, people retreated into hiding and some fled for the city and to any other part of the forest. Noticing this, Seto quickly transformed into a human, using all the willpower he had. After a few moments, the tall handsome blue-eyed Dragon Paladin stood in the place of where the great Blue Eyes White Dragon had once stood.
"SETO!" Mokuba ran towards his dear friend and almost brother, and nearly flew into his arms. Tears gathered in his eyes and trickled down slowly on his dirt-stained cheeks. "Oh Seto! You came back!" He sobbed, deliriously happy to see him again.
Seto hugged him back tightly as if he would never let go. "Mokuba..." He murmured into the long raven hair of his adopted little brother. He was so glad he was wrong about giving him that answer only nights ago...
Mokuba looked to him with shining eyes. "Will I ever see you again?"
The Knight became sad and shook his head. "I don't know for sure...but I fear the answer is no." With that, he hugged the boy tightly and held back his own tears as Mokuba sobbed. "Stay strong, kid. Remember what I told you. I know for a fact that you will make a great Knight." The boy still held such dreams.
"I love you, big brother." Mokuba whispered, hiccuping.
Releasing his hold on the boy, Seto straightened up and took in his surroundings. Mokuba kept a firm grip on Seto's hand and was proud to be by his side. "Ryou, Tristan...people of Relor!" He raised his voice at this. "My deepest apologies for leaving you in your darkest hour! But I have returned but you must believe me! The Dragons are very real and even as I speak, they are descending into the forest to protect you!" He paused and saw a few faces peek out from behind tree trunks, bushes, and those that remained behind the Knight. "Please...have a little faith and rely not on your eyes to see what is true in existence." He finished in a softer tone, one that still held a hint of coldness. Seto did not know if he could ever forgive these people for their hurtful jaunts. That would be something he would have to come to terms with in the future.
Awkward and guilty silence settled in and then, "But what about him! And those two!" A man called out pointing at Ryou, and then at Marik and Ishizhu.
Seto turned around and stared at them. Mokuba quickly spoke up. "Marik and Ishizhu are allies!" He shouted for all to hear. "And Ryou is NOT a traitor!" Ryou sighed inwardly. It would take a terribly long time to prove himself to the King of Relor and his people.
Soon, Mokuba was done explaining everything to the people. It had taken him less than 10 minutes and already Seto could sense something...like death. A horrible odor reached his sensitive proboscis and he breathed, "No..."
