The Eternal Gem

Chapter 4: The Journey Begins

The water was beginning to pick up speed as the waves became bigger. A storm was on its way. The large ship rocked back and forth from the force and Isis clung to the railing tightly. She was on the top deck, looking out across the vast body of water thinking of the decision she had made. A part of her thought that perhaps the storm was a warning to her to show that the choice she had made was a dangerous one and one filled with betrayal. Isis' attention turned as she heard voices nearby. She looked to see Marik speaking with Rishid, his faithful companion and the girl Mai. Hesitantly, she slipped away from the edge and approached them slowly in order to hear what they were saying.

"…right here," Marik said, pointing at the map he had taped together. "See, this? It's a symbol for bad bodies of water, which means that it's the shortest route, but the likelihood of us running into large waves or a storm is fairly high. However, if we go the other route it'll take another three days to get there instead of one in a quarter."

"But if we run into a storm it could slow us down anyway," Mai said.

"Yes but I doubt it'd keep us any longer than the other route," Marik said, crossing his arms.

"Perhaps, darling," Mai grinned, wrapping her arms around him.

Marik glanced down at her and raised an eyebrow before turning back to Rishid and the group of others that he had chosen for the crew.

"Sail on ahead following the shorter route!" he commanded.

"Will do!" one of the crew members shouted in response.

Marik smirked and then turned around, his eyes settling on Isis who stood a short distance away. Isis tensed as her brother gently pushed Mai off of him and approached her.

"Sister, why do you look so glum?" he asked, smiling, as if he already knew the answer.

"Marik, please," Isis stated firmly. "Don't make this any more painful for me."

"Really, you shouldn't be so concerned with the pharaoh," Marik said, leaning against the side. "This will be for a good cause."

"Brother…," Isis said, after hesitating, "what do you want this Gem for?"

Marik's eyes locked into hers and his eyes narrowed. "Why do you want to know, Isis?"

Isis' face hardened. "I have come with you, betraying my pharaoh, brother. I deserve the right to know why you want this Gem--a Gem that probably should stay hidden away from anyone because of its great power."

Marik's face matched her expression and he folded his arms. "Very well…if you must know, sister, that Gem is going to solve all of our problems. I am going to wish that the war 5000 years ago never took place."

Isis' eyes widened in horror and her face paled. "W-what? Brother, what war?"

"The war between the palace and the opposing nation. Egypt lost so many lives during that period and its power went downhill. That was when the Millennium Items began to scatter and so many chaotic things were happening at once that no one could control anything. So if it never happened then we wouldn't lose so much and the other Millennium Items wouldn't be stuck in that Dagger nor would I be separated from my Millennium Rod. The Rod in the past was more powerful than before, Isis. I never told you but the Hag approached me around that time and tried to suck my Rod's powers into that Dagger. She managed to suck some, but thankfully I managed to hypnotize her long enough to escape. So this way, if that war never happened, that Hag would've never discovered the Dagger and I would've never lost some of that power that is bound within the Dagger."

Isis shook her head in disbelief, her hands shaking beneath her robe. "Brother, you don't understand what that will do! Those things may happen, but it'll change the course of history! If that war never happened then the prophecy would've never been foretold. And if that happens…Yami would never have to sacrifice himself and…"

"And so what's the problem? Instead of waking up in this unknown era, we'll be alive and well throughout the years we missed and we can make up for lost time. We can make Egypt more powerful and continue to prosper and your precious pharaoh won't have to die," Marik said, adding the last line sarcastically.

"But then he wouldn't come back to this time! And he never would have met Yuugi!" Isis exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "And if that war never happened, then perhaps Kontar's father might actually find a way to sneak inside the palace walls, kill Yami's father and then Yami too and possibly have his son Kontar take the throne instead!"

"You're exaggerating. If Yami doesn't have to die then we can prevent it," Marik said coldly.

"You don't understand! If you change time and we go back to that time with the cancellation of the war we won't remember anything! And if that prophecy isn't foretold, who knows what our future will be instead of this," Isis said exasperated, gesturing with her arms. "Marik, please, I beg you…don't do this! Things happen for a reason!"

Marik's eyes narrowed even more and he stared at her silently. "Very well, if you want to be stuck in this strange time period, I will just make the wish simpler by wishing for my Rod to have its full powers back."

"So that is what you'd wish for?" Isis asked softly, her fear dying down.

"Yes, that's all I want but I thought it'd be nice to live back in our time. But you're right, I suppose the important thing is to have my Rod back to its full power. So that will be my one wish, then," Marik said, turning around and walking away. He stopped after several steps and turned his head to glance back at her. "I could've chosen to wish that the greatest pharaoh ever was never born, you know. So that our family wouldn't have to suffer by being required to learn so many duties toward him, wasting our lives just protecting the pharaoh. You know how much I hated being forced into learning everything about Yami's entire family, including his greedy father, and then being forced to serve them and keep an eye on the powerful sanctuaries of Egypt. I could have wished for that…"

Isis swallowed thickly. "Why aren't you?"

Marik's lips curled into a smile. "Because…without Yami I wouldn't have gotten my Rod in the first place. But it would've been interesting to see what the world would be like if he never existed, don't you think?"

His question was left unanswered as his head turned back around and he walked away, not even expecting her to respond. Isis sighed heavily, feeling her chest loosen from before. She had been so afraid Marik would make a foolish wish, but his wish was now only for his Rod to have its full powers back. It was a selfish wish, but it wouldn't affect anybody except himself. Still, even though Marik's wish wouldn't do damage like his first wish would've done, Isis knew what had to be done about the Eternal Gem. Marik thought she was with him because she loved him and chose him over the pharaoh, but the truth was that she was betraying both of them. Marik didn't know about her true intentions and neither did Yami, though by now he probably assumed she had left him for good. Eventually, by the end of the voyage they would all find out the choice she had made.

XXXXX

Blinking tears away rapidly, Yuugi kept himself slumped against the bathroom wall. Ryou was sitting beside him silently, having followed him into there. His eyes looked tired and red as if he had spent the previous night crying. Yuugi wondered briefly if Ryou had known about their predicament all along; however, thinking about the expression on Ryou's face made him discern that Ryou probably hadn't known. The two of them had been sitting in the bathroom for about twenty minutes. Yuugi was hoping that Yami would come rushing in to comfort him, but he knew that wasn't possible; Yami couldn't touch him. It pained him greatly and not just because he couldn't touch or kiss Yami, but because it was something that interfered with his dream; the dream about marrying Yami. He still held the ring with him; in fact it had just been the other night that Yuugi was thinking about pulling it out to show Yami and ask him. Then…then he found out he couldn't even be close to him. Now there was no way he could ask Yami to marry him unless they did find the Eternal Gem and wish for immunity to the power of the Millennium Items.

"Ryou," Yuugi sniffled, glancing at his best friend, "we have to find that Eternal Gem."

Slowly, Ryou's eyes lifted to him and his lip quivered. "Yes, but…even if we do it…it won't matter," he choked out, barely able to hold back tears.

Yuugi's eyebrows furrowed sadly and he scooted closer while putting an arm around him. "What's wrong? If we find it we'll be cured."

"It won't matter for me," Ryou said, wiping at his eyes before tears could fall. "Bakura, he…he's just using me!"

"Ryou, I thought we talked about this," Yuugi said gently.

"You don't understand! After we had that talk, Bakura came into my room really late the night after. He asked me if I wanted a massage!" Ryou exclaimed, as his voice wavered from being near tears. "And I agreed to it because I didn't see how that could hurt, but…then he tried to…his hand, he…," Ryou struggled with words before giving up and wrapping his arms around his legs.

Yuugi hugged him as he began to cry and leaned his head against Ryou's. "What happened exactly?"

"I t-thought he was going to take advantage of me," Ryou whimpered, wiping tears from his cheeks. "He started kissing me and then he tried to take off my pants, I think."

"You think?" Yuugi asked, holding onto him tightly. "Are you sure that was his intention?"

Ryou sniffled and raised his head, blinking teary-eyed. "I'm not positive, but…but his fingers went beneath my pants and I thought…"

"Has he ever done something like that before?" Yuugi asked softly, trying to calm him down while his anger toward Bakura was growing.

Ryou shook his head quickly. "No, not like that. The first time we made out he did ask me to put my legs around him while we kissed, but other than that he's never tried to…to…"

Ryou's lip quivered again and Yuugi hugged him tighter. "Shh, it's okay. Look, maybe Bakura isn't the best person for you," he said, and Ryou glanced up with wide, teary eyes. "I mean, he's made a lot of mistakes in his life and he was a bad person before, or at least he stole things. Even though he has a second chance and he's met you, it's not going to be easy for him to just forget about being a thief with no morals, you know? So…what I'm trying to say is, that's not a sure sign he doesn't like you. I mean…he didn't try and force you to do anything did he?"

The short hesitation caused Yuugi's heart to pound furiously in his chest, but thankfully Ryou shook his head. "No, he didn't do anything. I kicked him off the bed and then he left."

Yuugi raised an eyebrow then shrugged. "Kicking him off the bed seems to work pretty well."

Ryou gave him a confused look, but Yuugi quickly changed the subject. "Just give it time, Ryou. If Bakura truly likes you then he'll come around."

"Okay," Ryou said softly, wiping at his eyes again.

"We should probably—"

A knock on the bathroom door interrupted Yuugi's sentence. He turned to the door and slowly stood up and approached it. Upon opening it, he saw one of the viziers, Lina, smiling at him.

"Yuugi, Ryou, I've been told to give you the message to meet the pharaoh out on the docks where the ship is. Mahado will give you both a ride there," she said.

Yuugi and Ryou glanced at once another in surprise. "But…we can't be near anyone. How will we be able to stay on the ship?" Yuugi asked quietly, his eyes casting downward.

Lina gave him a sad smile. "Well, the ship is very large prince. It's got several bedrooms below deck and plus there are places to sit on deck too. The pharaoh said that as long as you two keep a distance you should be fine for now, but he also has healing potions with him for emergencies."

"What about Mahado? Can we be near him when he takes us there?" Ryou asked tentatively.

Lina blinked, furrowing her eyebrows. "I believe so. Lord Mahado does not actually possess a Millennium Item. His power lies elsewhere."

Yuugi wondered what she meant by that and also why she called him Lord Mahado. He had only met him twice total so he didn't know much about him at all. In fact, he seemed more mysterious than Shadi had been the first time he met him. There was something about Mahado that seemed unique from all the others. Hopefully though, what powers he did possess wouldn't hurt them.

"Alright," Yuugi said finally.

Lina nodded and Yuugi and Ryou left the bathroom, following her. "The pharaoh has packed up clothes and essentials for you, so you don't have to worry. Just follow me downstairs."

Downstairs, once outside the entrance doors, they saw Mahado waiting for them with a dark brown horse. Lina bowed to Mahado and then to Yuugi and Ryou before hurrying back inside the palace. Mahado's eyes examined them and Yuugi felt drawn to the dark eyes, as if he had some sort of power over him. With a quick nod, Mahado then gestured to the horse. Yuugi and Ryou cautiously stepped forward and Mahado lifted the both of them up onto the horse. He then got behind them instead of in front to control the horse. Ryou was definitely confused as he felt Mahado's arm hold him steady around his waist.

"Drar!" Mahado said firmly in a strange language.

The horse shook its head and pounded its hooves into the ground before it took off at such a fast speed away from the palace. It seemed that the horse knew where it was going without any directions or help. Ryou was clinging onto Yuugi's waist and Yuugi was clinging onto the reigns that were tied onto the golden neck item around the horse. The reigns didn't control the horse or tie onto him; it was attached to the gold item but it allowed Yuugi to hold onto something as the horse dashed quickly across the lands and through the town.

A little while later the horse began to slow down as it came to a place where there was a large hill looking over the Mediterranean Sea. Mahado slid off the horse with ease and helped the both of them to the ground before patting the horse on its nose.

"Drar hjem," he said, and the horse neighed loudly and took off in the opposite direction.

Yuugi stared up at Mahado curiously. "What did you say to him?"

"I told him to go home," Mahado said softly, his eyes locking into Yuugi's intensely. "He's a Norwegian horse so he understands that language."

Yuugi nodded wordlessly as Mahado stepped forward and began making his way down the hill. Yuugi and Ryou followed, stumbling a bit behind him, until the three of them reached the body of water. A light illuminated out of the water and Yuugi squinted for a minute. He hadn't noticed the large ship sailing toward them until the lights had fallen onto them. It definitely wasn't a modern ship, at least any ship Yuugi had ever seen. It was definitely large, at least half the size of the Titanic. Yuugi had only been on one ship before with his grandpa that had been about that size: the Canadian Empress. It even had sails with the Eye of Horus etched into them. It appeared to be made out of wood, but Yuugi wondered if there was some sort of sturdy metal beneath the wood. Yuugi could just make out a bridge that separated the two large areas of the main deck. There were also a few upper decks, or levels for technological terminology. Mahado stepped forward into the water and waited for the ship to come closer. A rope ladder was thrown down from the main deck and Mahado picked up Yuugi suddenly earning a surprised "eep!" from him. Yuugi then climbed up to the top of the ship with Ryou not far behind him.

When he reached the top he spotted Yami immediately although he was standing a distance away. Yami's face shone with love as he smiled at Yuugi sadly. Yuugi fought the tears that were stirring and gave him a smile back. Mahado climbed right behind Ryou and soon they were all aboard the ship. Ryou stood up carefully and turned to watch Mahado climb up and approach Yami. His eyes immediately moved to the right and landed on Bakura, who was standing by the edge. Bakura was staring at Yami and Mahado as they spoke then suddenly he tensed as if sensing he was being stared at. Bakura's eyes shifted in Ryou's direction and stared at him passively. Ryou stared back at him taken aback that Bakura could sense him from so far away. Ryou hadn't noticed Bakura's eyes before, at least not in detail. Even from that distance Ryou was drawn to his dark eyes, light brown skin and light hair. Ryou himself was fair skinned, even more than Yuugi and his hair was much lighter like a white-blonde color. The first time he met Bakura he noticed the differences, but now…something had changed but he wasn't sure what it was. Ryou let a small smile show quickly before he broke the eye contact and moved closer to Yuugi, who was still staring at Yami with a gaze full of longing.

"We're ready now," one of the viziers aboard said.

Yuugi glanced around, noticing Fidil wasn't there. Then he remembered that Fidil had to keep an eye on the palace while Yami was away. The ship slowly began to move away from shore and soon they were traveling at a constant speed toward an unknown destination. Yuugi and Ryou were unsure, but Yami and the others had an idea of where they were headed.

"It'll probably take several days to get there," Yami said quietly, letting his gaze drop from staring at Yuugi.

Bakura crossed his arms angrily, having been staring in that direction as well. "Can't we take a short cut or something? Marik's going to get there way before we do! They left two days ago, which means they're almost there!"

Yami sighed heavily and nodded. "Mahado, what do you think?"

Mahado was leaning up against the pole with the crows nest (which was the basket-type thing that one could stand in to look out over the ocean with a spyglass). "I agree with Bakura. We are at a disadvantage right now. If there is a way to make the ship go faster than it normally could just to catch up with them in time, then we should do it."

"Don't you have that sort of power, pharaoh?" Bakura asked with a raised eyebrow.

"With your help I'm sure our Millennium Items could push this ship fast, but…," Yami trailed off as his eyes landed on Ryou and Yuugi who were asking a couple viziers and guards some questions.

Mahado and Bakura also looked in that direction and Mahado nodded. "I see. You're worried that using your powers would affect them even from this distance."

"Yes, because it will affect the whole ship," Yami said firmly. "We can't do it."

"Yami, if Marik reaches that Gem before us this entire journey will have been wasted!" Bakura hissed angrily. "Not to mention we then won't be able to cure Ryou and Yuugi, don't you get that? As long as it doesn't kill them I'm sure they can stand a bit of pain."

Yami's eyebrows furrowed in pain, but he finally nodded. "Very well, but Mahado I want you to go over to them and warn them about what we are planning to do. If the pain gets too bad for them you have to let us know. Give them a healing potion if necessary."

"I will," Mahado said gently as he lifted himself away from the pole and began walking away toward Ryou and Yuugi.

Bakura watched him leave then turned to face Yami. "Alright, let's do this."

Yami nodded sternly and stepped closer to Bakura. The two of them concentrated hard on the power of their Millennium Items. Yami's item began glowing first and soon Bakura's followed. The triangular parts of Bakura's item began lifting and pointing direction at Yami's. Their bodies began glowing and the sky above them rumbled loudly as if sensing great power. The Eye of Horus began to glow upon Yami's forehead and the ship began to quickly pick up speed. The viziers and guards soon had to hold on with every ounce of their strength as the ship began to practically fly off the surface of the water, speeding ahead to gain at least a day or two of time.

On the other side of the main deck, Ryou and Yuugi were clinging onto Mahado who was remaining in place somehow. Yuugi's eyes were closed shut, but Ryou kept his open. His head turned and he glanced over toward Bakura, watching with awe as his body glowed with an aura of power. Yuugi began whimpering as a familiar pain began burning from deep within him. Ryou reached out a hand to comfort him and was soon struck with a pain of his own. He winced and cried out, nearly letting go of Mahado as the agony became more severe. It was like nothing he had ever felt before; his muscles were all aching and it was hard to breathe. A searing pain struck through his head and his grip on Mahado soon faltered and he screamed loudly as he was flung away, sliding down the main deck.

"Ryou!" Yuugi cried out, barely able to stand.

Mahado couldn't let go of Yuugi to try and catch him. Bakura's eyes snapped open and his head turned seeing Ryou sliding along the main deck. Yami's eyes also opened and he stared with wide eyes even as the Eye of Horus continued to glow upon his forehead. Bakura suddenly leaped forward and Yami tried to stop him.

"Bakura, don't!"

Ryou was about to hit the edge of one of the sides of ship, which could have flung him overboard, but Bakura jumped up onto the edge of the ship and ran forward. Ryou screamed as he was flung up roughly into the air just as Bakura leaped off the edge and tackled him, holding him close. As warm arms wrapped around him, Ryou felt a hot pain slice through every muscle in his body. He began screaming loudly and struggling in the grip.

"Keep going pharaoh! Hurry!" Bakura shouted.

Yami's eyes widened with worry but he snapped his eyes shut to try and quicken the speed of the ship even more. Ryou continued to scream and writhe in Bakura's grip as tears of pain ran down his cheeks.

"Mahado, throw me a healing potion!" Bakura shouted up at him, as the waves splashed around the ship.

Mahado, while holding tightly onto Yuugi, revealed a small healing potion from inside his robe and tossed it to Bakura. Unfortunately, because of the winds, it rolled away from Bakura and toward the edge of the ship. Ryou's voice was becoming hoarse from screaming and he was writhing constantly in pain now. Bakura growled deep in his throat and sprung forward, keeping the boy locked tightly in his grasp. The ship began to tilt and he lost his balance, rolling toward the pole. To protect Ryou he turned so that his back rammed right into the pole and his grasp on him wasn't broken. Ryou was beginning to look like he was about to lose consciousness. Bakura scooted him up closer against his chest and then glanced at the potion bottle meters away. It was approaching a hole that would cause it to fall into the lower deck and most likely shatter into pieces.

Clenching his jaw, he released his grip on the boy then charged toward the bottle. He leaped forward as the bottle rolled right toward the hole and skidded along the ship's floor. His fingers grasped the bottle tightly but a sharp, familiar scream cut through the air. Bakura wheeled around to see Ryou heading straight for one of the other poles of the ship. He was rolling head-first toward it and if his head smashed into it there would definitely be damage. Bakura flung himself forward and allowed his body to roll against the floor. He began rolling so fast though that he was practically flying up in the air every time. And he wasn't heading exactly straight for Ryou so he turned his body and willed his Millennium Ring to take him straight to him.

As he used the power of his Ring though, a boyish scream echoed loudly as he approached him. Bakura grasped his flailing arm and pulled him close. Turning at an angle he was able to catch his balance and have his feet hit the pole instead. Ryou cried out, his face scrunched up in agony as the Item glowed brightly from its power. The bottle was still grasped tightly in his hand and he attempted to open it but the ship hit against a wave causing him and Ryou to fly up in the air for a second. Wincing as he came back down on the floor hard, Bakura opened the bottle and attempted to pour it down the writhing boy's throat but he was thrashing so hard, screaming in agony to try and get away that he couldn't. So he did the only thing he could do: he poured it into his own mouth and roughly pulled Ryou close to him. He covered his mouth over his, whose scream was then muffled and while his mouth opened, Bakura allowed the liquid to pour out of his mouth into his.

Choking a bit from the suddenly inhalation of liquid, Ryou turned over onto his side as the liquid burned its way down. His vision blurred and he nearly lost consciousness. When he blinked several times in a row he noticed that his vision was beginning to return. The pain was lessening quickly and soon the agony was gone but a dull throb remained. Ryou gasped in air, his throat feeling sore from screaming so loud. His head turned and he stared up at Bakura, who was still holding him tightly.

"Bakura," Ryou choked out softly against the howling winds.

Waves were splashing around them getting them all wet and Yami was still lost in concentration. Yuugi was till grasping onto Mahado with his life. Bakura began to release the strong hold he had on him, allowing his arms to drop.

"You really need to work on making it easier for me to save you," Bakura said bluntly.

Ryou's lip began to tremble and suddenly he lashed out and threw his arms around Bakura. "I'm s-so sorry, Bakura! I didn't mean…to kick you last time. I…I-I'm sorry!" Ryou cried, clutching onto to Bakura's shirt. "I like you s-so much," he choked out through sobs, "but I wasn't ready…I'm sorry!"

Bakura's face remained expressionless as Ryou cried against his chest. Bakura pushed him away gently and forced Ryou to look up at him. Ryou's teary eyes locked into Bakura's unreadable gaze.

"Honestly, you and Yuugi need to stop reading into things too much," Bakura said sarcastically. "All I was doing was giving you a massage and then I was going to make out with you."

Ryou's expression morphed into one of surprise. Tears continued to fall while mixing with the droplets of water that hit his face. "That was it…?" he asked quietly.

Bakura's eyebrows rose. They were still in an awkward position with Bakura half lying down and half sitting with his feet against the pole and Ryou half in his lap clinging to him.

"Yes, that was all."

"Oh Bakura!" Ryou began to sob, "I'm s-so stupid! I'm sorry! I thought…I thought…! It's all my fault! I-I ruined everything with you!"

"Stop crying already," Bakura said, forcing his chin up. "It wasn't your fault, alright? I understand why you thought I was trying to take advantage of you. I shouldn't have just left without asking you what was wrong. I guess…it's my fault too," Bakura added reluctantly.

Ryou was staring up at him with a saddened expression. He sniffled while trying to wipe at his eyes. "Are you…mad at me?"

"Would I have saved your life if I was?" Bakura retorted, snorting.

Ryou's eyes, although still sad and watery, lightened immensely. A soft smile graced his face and he hugged Bakura again. Suddenly, the ship shook roughly and Ryou gasped, nearly losing his grip on Bakura.

"Why is the ship shaking so much?" Ryou shouted above the winds.

Bakura's eyes locked onto Yami and saw that he was floating a few feet off the ship and his entire body was glowing. "Yami's using a lot of power to keep this ship going so fast so we can catch up with Isis and Marik."

Ryou gasped again as they bounced up a few inches off the floor. He grasped onto Bakura tightly. "We're going too fast!"

Just as he said that the ship tilted sideways and Bakura had to quick wrap his legs around the pole to keep them from sliding down the main deck again. Bakura clenched his jaw, his feet unable to hold onto it for long.

"I have an idea!" Bakura exclaimed, pushing Ryou off of him.

Ryou looked taken aback but Bakura just pushed his back up against the pole as he sat up completely. Then he wrapped his legs fully around Ryou and the pole, along with his arms so he was clinging tightly to the pole and Ryou was pressed up against his chest and the pole, sandwiched tightly so he couldn't budge.

"There," Bakura smirked, "feel better?"

Ryou blushed and nodded. "Um…Bakura?"

"What is it?" Bakura asked as the ship shook again.

"Do you…," he trailed off, unable to meet Bakura's gaze. "Do you, um…s-still like me?"

They were so close that it was hard not to look up at him. Ryou's eyes tentatively gazed into Bakura's to see his expression was still unreadable. The smirk had vanished and his eyes were staring intensely into Ryou's, but he wasn't sure what that meant. Finally, Bakura leaned forward brushing up against Ryou's ear.

"I dream about you every night," he whispered seductively.

Ryou felt a shiver run up his spine and he blushed crimson. "So you only dream about us…like that?" he asked quietly.

Bakura moved his face to stare into Ryou's eyes. His face looked stern; there wasn't a usual seductive smirk on his face. "It's true I do want you," he said as Ryou lowered his gaze, "but I can wait."

Ryou's eyes glanced up surprised and his eyes shimmered in response. "You'll…wait?"

Bakura shrugged and smirked at him. "I'm perfectly fine with dreaming about you."

"Thank you so much, Bakura," Ryou said, his eyes shimmering with tears. "It means so much to me."

"Don't get all sappy on me, now," Bakura drawled, as an eyebrow rose.

Ryou glanced downward and blushed. "Bakura, what, um…do we do in your dreams?"

Bakura's lips curled into a seductive grin and he leaned forward so their noses were touching. "Many things…"

Even while blushing, Ryou couldn't help but be somewhat curious as to Bakura's fantasies. Never before had anyone dreamed about him, especially someone who he really liked.

"AHHH!" Ryou cried out as pain sliced through his skull.

"What is it?" Bakura asked.

"My head…it hurts," Ryou winced.

"The potion is probably wearing off," Bakura said, looking grim. "The ship is going at a constant rate so you should be able to get back to Yuugi."

Bakura began to unwind his arms but Ryou suddenly clutched him tightly and pulled him up against his chest. Ryou's cheeks were tainted pink, but he managed to keep their gazes locked.

"Before you go, can you…can you kiss me?"

Bakura's eyebrows rose in amusement, but he smirked and leaned forward. Ryou's eyes fluttered closed as their lips touched for the first time in a while. Ryou leaned into the kiss and Bakura's legs tightened around him. Even though the pain was still throbbing, Ryou wrapped his arms all the way around Bakura's back and allowed their kiss to deepen. He heard Bakura make a noise in the back of his throat and soon he felt a tongue invade his mouth. Unconsciously, Ryou let out a soft moan and opened his mouth wider as Bakura continued to kiss him. Their tongues caressed and Ryou moved his own legs to wrap around Bakura's waist. A groan escaped Bakura's lips, vibrating into their kiss and he pushed up against him. Ryou's fingers slipped beneath Bakura's shirt and caressed the smooth the skin beneath it. Bakura groaned deeply and thrust his hips against Ryou's causing goose-bumps to rise along his skin. Their kiss was broken and both of them were panting for air. Ryou appeared slightly dazed and Bakura immediately leaned in and sucked on Ryou's neck.

"Bakura!" Ryou exclaimed breathlessly as his back arched.

The pain in his head was spreading but Ryou suddenly didn't care. For the first time in his life, he felt…aroused. He wanted to explore Bakura's body a bit more and feel more erotic sensations that caused goose-bumps up and down his spine.

"Looks like you have a sensitive spot," Bakura whispered against his chin. "I'll have to remember that. Until then, you better go before the pain gets worse."

Bakura pulled his head away but Ryou didn't release his arms from around him. "Bakura, no! What if…what if the Eternal Gem isn't real? What if we can never kiss again?" Ryou exclaimed as tears began to build up in his eyes once again.

Bakura hesitated and stared into Ryou's saddened eyes before leaning down toward him. "There is good evidence that it's real and Yami and I will make sure we get that Gem before Marik does. So stop crying over nothing," he said as a familiar smirk graced his features.

Ryou's eyes welled up with even more tears and he gently laid his head on Bakura's chest. "Promise me," he whispered.

He felt Bakura's hand touch him behind the neck and pull his head up to look at him. "I promise, alright?" Bakura smirked. "So get over there and join your friend, because if we remain in this position any longer I might just have to go back on my word."

It was after he said that, that Ryou noticed Bakura's slight hard-on. Blushing crimson, Ryou nodded and Bakura released his arms and legs from around him, grinning. As Bakura scooted away, Ryou was released from being trapped between Bakura's warm body and the pole. The pain began to lessen a bit as Bakura distanced himself. He was still smirking seductively and Ryou felt goose-bumps appear on his skin again. Ryou glanced at Bakura once more, feeling his heart ache that he couldn't be very close to him.

"Thank you Bakura. I owe you my life."

"Well I guess you'll have to pay up eventually," Bakura said, standing up and Ryou glanced up at him in surprise. "Except that it won't be your life I'll be asking for."

He should've expected Bakura to say something along those lines. Ryou's cheeks remained pink as he stood up shakily. His body was still tingly from the sensations Bakura had been giving him while so close. As Ryou moved away, slowly walking in the direction of where Yuugi was standing a distance away, Bakura suddenly grabbed him from behind, pushing his body close to his.

"We will get that Gem," he whispered against Ryou's neck.

Ryou shifted his head to glance up at him and he nodded. "Okay."

Bakura released him and Ryou had the urge to push himself back into Bakura's arms but he didn't. He smiled softly at Bakura before turning around and approaching Yuugi and Mahado. Bakura watched him go and then leaned against the pole with his back, sighing irritably. He was going to have to relieve himself yet again, but thankfully the confusion between him and Ryou had been cleared. It was obvious Ryou still really liked him, which made Bakura feel very confident.

Bakura smirked. "There is no way that idiot Marik is getting that Gem."

His fingers brushed against his own erection noticing that he wasn't painfully aroused, but he was slightly aroused. It was true what he said about having dreams about Ryou, but he didn't want the boy to think that he was only after sex. Though…Bakura wasn't sure if that was all he was after. It was all he could think about with him, but at the same time, if he only wanted sex would he have saved him? Was the only reason he saved him was because he was desperately waiting to take Ryou's clothes off? Feelings were too confusing and for the time being Bakura didn't want to think about it. He remembered Yami's advice about not leading the boy on if he wasn't sure about his intentions, but he couldn't help it. Whenever he was close to the boy he just reacted. Frowning, Bakura began walking back toward Yami, who was exhausted from using so much power. They were now half way to their destination, which saved them about a day and a half. Bakura ignored his slight hard-on and his confusion about Ryou and concentrated on their soul objective: to get to the island and find the Gem. After the Gem was taken care of, then he could worry about what was going on with him and Ryou.

XXXXXX

Several hours later: 11:20 p.m.

The sky was now dark and the ship was going at a slower constant speed. It couldn't go extremely fast without the help of power and Yami was too exhausted to do any more. Not to mention, Yuugi and Ryou had suffered quite a bit from before. They were both very pale now and losing their appetite. Mahado had taken them down to the lower deck where there was a small kitchen and a dining room. They hadn't eaten very much, but at least they had tried. Yami, Bakura and the seven guards plus the three viziers on the ship remained on the main deck. Yuugi sighed heavily as he put his spoon down.

"I still feel weak and tired," he murmured softly.

Ryou nodded in agreement. "Me too," he whispered. His thoughts were still on Bakura and what had occurred between them earlier. He had liked being so close to him and he had felt so happy when he realized Bakura had saved him. Even though Bakura hinted at sexual things a lot, he had never tried to take advantage of Ryou (now that Ryou was certain it was a misunderstanding) and he protected him. There was a chance that Ryou loved him as well, which was also why he enjoyed being so close to him.

Mahado had left the room and said he'd be back in a few minutes. Ryou glanced over at Yuugi and reached over a hand laying it on top of Yuugi's. Yuugi blinked out of his daze and smiled softly at him.

"Yuugi, do you think we're going to survive?"

Yuugi was taken aback by the question but he grasped Ryou's hand in his and nodded. "Yes, I do."

Ryou stared at him relieved and the two of them sat in silence. Mahado walked through the door a second later staring at them passively.

"We're approaching the route that will take us directly to the island. We should be there in less than a day."

Exchanging relieved glances, Yuugi and Ryou nodded gratefully. Mahado's eyes remained on them even as he stood in silence. Yuugi noticed how intense his eyes were and wondered what sort of abilities he had. Mahado's eyes gleamed in the dim light and his gaze landed on Yuugi.

"I'm going to try and get some sleep," Ryou said, getting up from the table and releasing his hold on Yuugi's hand.

"I think I'll stay up a little longer," Yuugi replied quietly and Ryou nodded.

"Okay, goodnight then," he said, walking through the other door that led into the bedroom area.

"Goodnight," Yuugi said as the door shut behind him.

"What is it you wish to know?" Mahado's deep voice asked, causing Yuugi to turn to him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Yuugi asked curiously.

Mahado stared at him unblinking and stepped forward. "You wish to know about me, don't you?"

Yuugi's eyes widened, surprised that Mahado knew what he was thinking. It was true he had been curious about him ever since he had met him, but he had never voiced anything. Glancing down, Yuugi couldn't meet his gaze. He heard Mahado come closer and looked up finally to see him standing right above him.

"What do you want to ask me?" he asked quietly, staring down at Yuugi with intense, dark eyes.

Yuugi swallowed and licked his lips. "I just…if you don't have a Millennium Item, how is it that you're immortal like them?"

Mahado's lips curled into a soft, barely noticeable smile. "It is because I have the pharaoh's blood in me. I am his brother, in a way."

"You…what?" Yuugi asked, his eyes staring up at him in shock. "But Yami didn't have any brothers."

"True, but I'm not a regular immortal being," Mahado stated quietly, his eyes remaining locked into Yuugi's. "I was created by Yami long ago. It happened some time after Yami's mother died. Yami's father was a cruel ruler and didn't allow him to have many friends, except those that he trusted who weren't at all friendly to Yami. Many were jealous of him and he was certain several of his father's viziers wanted to kill him and steal the throne. One night after the war upon Kontar's father, in which so many innocent lives had been taken, Yami ran into his father's Forbidden Library. There, Yami saw something peculiar—it was a golden pyramid sitting atop his father's desk. But it wasn't a Millennium Item, not yet," Mahado explained softly as Yuugi stared up at him with wide, violet eyes.

"That was the golden object his father had constructed in which to make it into a magical item. He had gone to a number of mystical people to try and bless it with abilities but nothing had worked. And everything sacred to him, he kept in his Forbidden Library. Yami was about six when he found this item. He took it off his father's desk and began examining it. He heard footsteps coming toward the Forbidden Library and he assumed it was his father, since no one else knew about it. He didn't stay to find out who it was because he ran into the shadows of the shelves of books his father had obtained. He was trying to hide in the shadows, but as he hid he found a secret passageway leading into an underground passage way. The passage way led out of the palace, like an escape route. Once outside, Yami decided to run away.

"He ran and ran until he came to a deserted hill top covered in trees. There he was captured by people dressed in robes thinking he was a trespasser. That is when Yami first met Shadi, the very man who created the group of protectors for the Millennium Items. At the time though, Shadi did not know about the powers that were harbored in Egyptian history. He recognized Yami as the pharaoh's son and asked him to follow him. He took Yami to his home where he showed him some ancient tablets that were very worn and incomplete—tablets that he discovered recently. They showed the three God beasts and Shadi explained to Yami that he was still trying to figure out the meaning behind that. He told him he believed that Egypt was one of the most powerful nations and that there was a buried secret out there somewhere. He told him though that Yami's father was greedy and he got most of the ancient relics of Egypt, but luckily Shadi had obtained these few tablets. He told the prince that if his father found out he would surely kill Shadi and take the tablets. So Yami vowed to never tell his father. Yami told Shadi that he hated his father and that he wanted to run away, but Shadi convinced him otherwise. He said that if he truly hated his father he would stick around and take over his throne when it was time and fix the messes his father had caused.

"After that meeting, Yami went back home, but that was not the last time he saw Shadi. Almost every night he would sneak out of his chambers and find his way back to Shadi's place to talk to him. One night, Shadi noticed he carried with him an interesting item—the Golden Pyramid and asked him about it. Yami explained that it was his father's and he had stolen it. Shadi examined it and noticed that it looked similar to one of the symbols on the tablet. He pointed this out to Yami and asked him about it, but Yami knew nothing. So Shadi asked to keep the item and it was a good thing Yami gave it to him for the next day his father was in a rage having realized the item was missing. He tortured all of his viziers and servants, asking them about it but none of them knew. That's when he turned on Yami and asked him about it, but Yami was so angry at his father at this point that it was easy for him to lie.

"So Yami's father immediately blamed Kontar's family. He planned another war against that nation, even though Kontar's father was already dead. While his father was out at war, Yami went again to Shadi, however Shadi was not there. His house was in ruins so he checked on the tablets, which remained in an underground cave that Shadi had created and he found them still there. Yami examined the tablets and accidentally he pricked his hand on a sharp edge and his blood dripped onto the Golden Pyramid. Yami was so upset though that he clutched the Golden Pyramid to him and wished that everything would be alright. And that is how I was born. I was created out his fantasy—a being that was bound to him by blood and would protect him always. He called me the Dark Magician when I first appeared because he had never seen magic before. It wasn't until later I revealed my true name, Mahado, and told him that I was the guardian of the Egyptian God Beasts long ago. I wasn't human before; I was an entity, but Yami gave me a body and a soul with his blood and his inner powers that he didn't know of. Being only six years old, Yami didn't understand everything, but he asked me to find Shadi so I did. That was when Shadi revealed to Yami that he had figured out most of the tablets about the ancient God Beasts and the powers contained in Egypt.

"Unbeknown to anyone, even Yami's father, Egypt had powers buried beneath its ground from the battle hundreds of thousands of years previous when the God Beasts ruled over the land. They had great power beyond anyone's imagination and when they died their powers were sealed forever in Egypt lying dormant until one was strong enough to awaken them. Shadi told Yami that the pyramid he held was a piece that had been found by ancient Atlantians long ago. The pyramid was only a piece of the power created by the God Beasts. There were thirteen pieces in total hidden all around Egypt. And the souls of the Beasts were hidden within the Orb, as you know," Mahado said. "It took time to unlock the secrets, but Shadi knew that Yami was now a part of the power. It had accepted him and once he figured out how to unleash the entire power of that item, with Shadi's help, it became known as a Millennium Item."

"Did Yami's father ever find out?" Yuugi asked.

Mahado shook his head. "Never. His father died in the war and the enemies were charging to the palace when Yami took over the throne nearing seven years of age. With my help as his guardian and protector, I stood by his side and helped him. However, it was Yami, out of his strong will to save Egypt that unlocked a strong power from the Millennium Item. He summoned what are now known as Duel Monsters to help stop the battle. When the enemies and the people of the town saw he had used abilities beyond their comprehension they all bowed down to him and called the true Pharaoh of Egypt. From that moment, Yami began learning about the powers that bound to him and made him immortal. Slowly he fixed the messes his father caused and Egypt became a peaceful and prosperous country.

"I only came to him when he called me; I was not able to roam freely like I can now. Yami didn't have the strength to control the ultimate power of the Millennium Item he possessed. While Egypt was peaceful, Shadi worked with him by his side to uncover the other missing pieces. With help from other spiritualists they managed to decipher most of the tablets and found a couple more buried underground. One of them was in the Mediterranean Sea as well and the water had eaten away at much of the symbols. Together they began to unlock the mysteries of the Millennium Items and no one except a small group of them, such as the Ishtar family, knew about these Millennium Items. The Ishtar family was a line of viziers working for generations of pharaohs. They dedicated themselves to Yami because of how much he helped Egypt and his powers, so they vowed to protect the Millennium Items at all costs."

"The Ishtar family?" Yuugi asked curiously.

"Isis and Marik Ishtar are two of the members of that family," Mahado answered.

Yuugi's eyes widened. "But that means…Marik came from a family line that protected Yami!"

"Yes, but he was a troubled child and didn't want to learn how to serve the pharaoh. He had greater things in mind for himself, but that's a different story. His family actually kept most of the Millennium Items safe. But a thief found out about these items and soon word spread in the city that the pharaoh's power came from golden items. Soon many, many people wanted them for themselves. To save the Millennium Items, Shadi, the Ishtars and some of Yami's closest viziers got together one night with the Millennium Items they found and cast a spell with the help of several spiritualists and healers to bind the Millennium Items to a specific individual, much like the Golden Pyramid had bound itself to Yami. So the Items then disappeared and went to their respective individuals. Most of the individuals were those that were protecting them, but there were a few exceptions: Bakura for instance.

"He thought that he stole the item and forced it to be his own, but that isn't true. As a child it sought him out, but his own father was greedy and saw it one day lying in their yard and took it for himself. He used its power for evil and soon the Millennium Item left his family and returned to the pharaoh, after sucking the life out of Bakura's father. Bakura had no mother because she died giving birth to him, so he was forced to become a thief in order to survive. He taught himself how to survive and had to grow up much too fast. The reason why the Millennium Ring rejected him later on was because it sensed him as his father. It was his true item, which is why Yami told Bakura that he earned it. They didn't even have to duel for it and Bakura just assumed that Yami cast a spell on it so he could keep it. Marik got his Millennium Rod at a young age, much like Yami had, but he was so angry at his parents for being so strict on him and forcing him to learn how to protect the Millennium Items that he ran away from home when he was sixteen and since then he's been working by himself. The only person in his family he still kept in touch with was Isis, because he knew she wouldn't betray him."

"Wow…," Yuugi whispered. "So, that's how it happened. But how are you able to walk around freely?"

Mahado smiled mysteriously. "When Yami sacrificed himself we were separated from one another. Because I had his blood within me, the Millennium Pyramid gave me my own body and soul. I was also put to sleep with the others until the pharaoh awakened. Once he did though, because of you, I was not drawn back into his Item, but rather I lived on my own. Yami didn't remember me because he was seventeen when he sacrificed his life; still young, so he didn't recognize my face right away. Now he understands even more about the Millennium Items. All of them have been uncovered and the Orb as well. So now it's come down to what to do about them. There is still no understanding of why the powers of the God Beasts were split into thirteen separate pieces."

"Why is Yami's piece supposedly more powerful than the others?" Yuugi asked suddenly.

"It is because Yami bounded with his without the help of a spell. When Shadi and the others sent the Millennium Items to the individuals it was through a spell that would search those with strong hearts that could use them wisely. Yami, however, was the very first person to obtain a Millennium Item and bound with it with his blood. The others did not bond with their blood so they cannot ever unlock the true power of their Millennium Items. However, even so, I wonder if it is safe for Yami even to still possess such an item. There must be a reason that they are around and not just for Yami to hold onto. If Egypt is ever to have complete peace the items cannot exist. Eventually, another person out there will want one for themselves and another battle will surely come."

Yuugi's eyebrows furrowed. "So you think that the Items should be destroyed or something?"

Mahado gazed down at him. "I just believe that there's a reason why they are here, that's all. I don't believe they were meant to remain in the hands of people, even those that can obtain immortality and use the power. I believe they were created for a different purpose. Perhaps traveling to find an ancient race of people with knowledge about power will help to reveal the true destiny of these Items."

Yuugi gazed up at him in awe and Mahado just stared at him silently. Finally, Mahado closed his eyes briefly and glanced at him again. "You should probably try to get some rest as well. We will be approaching the island shortly."

Yuugi hesitated but nodded reluctantly. He got up and approached the door, but before going inside he glanced back at Mahado who was still watching him.

"Thank you for explaining everything to me," Yuugi smiled softly before he slipped behind the door quietly and closed it behind him.

Mahado watched him disappear behind the door, his eyes glistening in the dim light. Without blinking, the lights shut off as he willed them to and he was left standing in the darkness. His eyes remained unblinking on the door.

"I hope you are prepared for what is to come. You, and everyone else," he whispered in the dark, before disappearing up the stairs to the main deck.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Hey! Next part should come out tomorrow some time (or even tonight if I get it done)! I was going to make this a two part, but I decided to make it two long chapters instead. This one was more informative and the next one is filled with more action as they finally make it to the island:-)

To Reviewers:

Atemu Yugi Lover34: Hey! Yeah, I'm trying to build up the suspense nicely. I'm excited to be writing action in the next chappy though. :-) Oh no, don't worry, Isis and Marik only left a little over two days before them, not a week. Yes, that is the question isn't it: Is Isis evil or not? Although, it is a bit obvious she's not an evil person, but there is that question of who she's more loyal to. I hope everyone will be surprised by the outcome I have planned.

Josephine Taylor: I know, poor Yuugi and Ryou, huh? Just wait until the next chapter, muahahaha! Then you'll really feel sorry for them:-)

Kari-Sama: Actually, it's good that you're not sure what's going to happen. I really hope the ending will be a big surprise; that's what I'm hoping for. Well, Marik and Isis had a head start, but thanks to Yami's powers they're catching up. Next chapter will be the island! I'm excited to write about it! It might even be up tonight, but just to be safe I said tomorrow. Atemu is thrown in there as the family name. Its only meaning is that because it's Yami's last name (one that's been passed down through generations) in the future it will mean that the Atemu dynasty was the most powerful in Egyptian history. His last name really doesn't mean much in this story other than it becomes a very famous name. :-)

Yana5: Have no fear! Have I killed off Yuugi yet in any story? Nope! I just love him too much! Although, torturing is something quite different…:-)

SpufFan: Oh yes, there will be LOTS more drama, especially in the next chapter, which I'm going to get out real soon! Heck, maybe even tonight since I'm working on it. I just wanted to get this up to tide you guys over until I get the next part completed. I'm sorry Yami and Yuugi didn't get together-time in this chapter, but that will come real soon, promise! After all, I have been hinting about it. :-) Next chapter you'll see a bit of romance, but mostly drama/action. Fear not, though, Yuugi and Yami will DEFINITELY have their time. Hence why in the beginning of this story I said there would be two lemons near the end.

Citrus Luver: Wow, wow, wow! You are really thinking well! You're onto a lot of things that I've hinted about! And you're asking very good questions. :-) You will find out about Isis' intentions real soon in the next few chapters. Yes, that is interesting how Isis left that book there, isn't it…hehe. And you'll find out more. Ooo, yes! Another good comment…wishes usually require sacrifices; that's very true. :-)

Kingleby: Yes, poor Yuugi and Ryou. But they just can't be left behind, right:-) I'm really glad you like Mahado. I like him too! Thanks!

Sansi: Aw, thank you! I try to update when I can! And this weekend has been very good for me! Wow, so English isn't your first language? How cool! I wish I could speak other languages…sadly, five years of Spanish and still nada. :-) Yes, Yami always wants to protect Yuugi, but you're right, there would be no fun if Yuugi and Ryou were left behind. However, there will be much cost to them coming along. That's why I can't wait to get the next chapter out!

Yamiyugifanadic: Heh, I know! I'm dying here not being able to write yummy scenes between the couples. Though luckily, I got some of it out with Ryou and Bakura in this chapter. :-) Don't worry though. I promised lemons and there will be lemons! However, it's not going to be easy, but it'll be so much fun for me to torture the poor characters. Xx skips away happily xX Yes, school is hell, I agree. But luckily this weekend I don't have much homework which is why I might be able to post the next chapter tonight! YAY!

Celeste-the-Hikari: Wow! You're really starting to think of some good things! You're catching up with figuring out some of the ideas I have planned, muahahah! Yes, Isis is going with Marik. However, her intentions are quite interesting. I really hope the ending is a big surprise for everyone. :-) Ah yes, you find out about Mahado's existence in this chapter! Yu-Gi-Oh plushies? The only really big Anime store near me is Wizziwig, so I'm not sure; sorry! Oh goody! You didn't forget about Shadi! He doesn't show up right away, but it's nice not to forget him:-)

xXDesert RoseXx: Teachers can be so annoying, can't they? I'm glad you're still liking this! Let me know if you're confused about anything. :-)

DarkNileStallion: Thank you:-)

Flame-Chan: Wow, a new reviewer! Thanks a lot! I'm glad you find my writing unique; that means that my stories are unique too. That's such a big compliment. I mean, I still have a long way to go as a writer, but it's nice to hear that. I promise you more suspense in the next chapter! I'll try and get it up tonight if I can:-)