Author's Note: So funny story – when you're on a bus for 12 hours going up to New York, you get a lot of time to kill. I suspect my next chapter will take longer to get out. But hey, hopefully you enjoy this!

As always, thanks for reading and for the feedback!

Disclaimer: Still don't own Yu-Gi-oh! Still the property of Kazuki Takahashi. Also, read warning label. Rated T for a reason folks.

Enjoy!

It wasn't until Thursday that Bakura dropped by the Domino Museum. Word got out that the explosion at the warehouse was a cover for an armed robbery. And the robbers got their hands on Egyptian artifacts headed towards the Domino Museum. So Ms. Ishtar had quite a busy schedule meeting with the press and managing damage control. However, Bakura was done waiting. He's researched his competition and an initial look told him that they were no closer to any of the other items. Right now, Marik is his best lead to an item. And his best lead to Marik is Ishizu.

Bakura took his motorcycle as he drove downtown. The weather had started getting cooler. Dressed in his dark navy jeans and a black leather jacket, he saw the museum from around the block. He pulled off to the side of the road before parking. He shook out his hair as he took off his helmet and stored it away. He stretched momentarily. Though a short ride, he had spent the last few days researching on a computer, so his muscles still felt a bit stiff. He walked towards the entrance of the museum, gathering his thoughts.

As he thought back on the night of his attempted burglary, Marik mentioned Ishizu. He specifically mentioned that Ishizu told them the location of the Rod. This didn't sit well with Bakura. He doubted it, but since Ishizu had a history with the Rare Hunters, its possible that she is an active agent. That would mean that Marik could be one of the Rare Hunters. Usually the Rare Hunters took on different assignments and jobs than the ones Bakura took, often opting in tasks that range from kidnapping to hostage scenarios to full-blown terrorism. Occasionally they dabble in robberies, but they are often a take-for-ransom organization. But more importantly, they were efficient in their work.

So if the Rare Hunters were involved in his line of work, Bakura didn't want to think of the headache this would cause. This was a worse case scenario, yes, but this would cause a huge slew of problems. Yet in spite of that, that wasn't what bugged Bakura. If Marik was a Rare Hunter, then there is a strong possibility that Ishizu played him for an idiot. And Bakura was a damn proud man. That was simply not allowed to be.

But Bakura was getting ahead of himself. He walked through the front doors of the museum as he hassled his way through security. He strolled through the museums, taking his time and enjoying the walk. He calmed down and forced himself to relax. He was annoyed and angry, yes, but he wouldn't let his temper get out of control. He had leverage on Ishizu and he knew that he had to play this right. By the time he was through with her, she would regret holding back information from him.

As he turned the corner, he finally spotted the Egyptian historian. She was speaking to several of the museum board members. Bakura was no idiot – she was likely coming under fire by her supervisors for the warehouse scandal. She looked exhausted and frustrated, her normally composed appearance starting to slip. Her pencil skirt and blazer were wrinkled as if Ishizu didn't have time to properly dry clean her work attire for the week. Even from down the hall, he could see the shadows under her eyes from sleepless nights.

Bakura smirked. Serves her right. He had no pity for this woman. In fact, he suspected he would drop the bomb on her today. Oh yes. Bakura could be quite spiteful. She might nothing more, but he would put a fire under her seat today and make sure she understood where her alliance lied. Bakura leaned back against the wall, watching Ishizu talking to the board members. The museum was mostly empty midday – she would notice him soon enough. And if she was smart, she would know not to waste her time.

Bakura relaxed as he stared intently at his target. After half a minute, Ishizu's eyes glanced over in his direction before she did a double take. Her blue eyes locked with his dark brown ones as her face fell to shock for a moment. The look quickly disappeared as she made a determined face. Bakura smiled. Right. I bet she has questions for me too. She wasn't happy to see Bakura, but she likely had her own questions for the young thief. Bakura watched as she excused herself from the conversation with her supervisors before walking briskly towards him.

Bakura didn't move from his spot as he watched Ishizu approach. He just smirked, calm and collected. Ishizu, on the other hand, was barely holding together her anger. "What the hell are you doing here? Where do you get off pulling a stunt like that?" Ishizu hissed as soon as she was out of earshot of the board members. Bakura just shrugged, knowing it would piss her off more. "I think you mistaking me for someone else," Bakura replied calmly.

Ishizu glowered at him. "Don't lie to me, Mr. Bakura. Last I checked, you said your work wouldn't interfere with the rest of my work. And yet after your escapade on Saturday night, you have the gall to just show up at the museum and disturb me a work!" Ishizu growled angrily at him. Bakura didn't say anything but a raised a finger to side of his head, tapping his ear. He flicked his eyes to the cameras in the corner. Ishizu followed his line of vision.

"I think this should remain a private conversation, Ms. Ishtar, wouldn't you agree? We are discussing sensitive material. We wouldn't want unwanted ears to pick up something that shouldn't know, right?" Bakura smiled knowingly at Ishizu, seeming her frustration. She wanted to argue against the point, but a simple slip about the Rare Hunters and Ishizu could be facing serious criminal charges.

She glanced around briefly before sighing. "We can use my office. The cameras are still being installed throughout the offices and my office is not going to be complete until Monday. We can speak privately there." Bakura nodded and pushed off the wall. "Lead the way, ma'am." He gave her a charming smile, acting nonchalant. Ishizu set off at a brisk pace ahead of Bakura, but he knew that he was already under her skin. That he was there to just rub salt on the wound and he wasn't taking her seriously. Don't worry Ishizu. I'm taking this matter quite seriously.

He followed Ishizu to a set of stairs leading up to the second floor. There, he walked down a row of offices where she and her fellow scholars often worked and researched. They walked all the way to the end of the hall where her office laid. Bakura glanced into some of the offices, curious, noticing that the ones near Ishizu's office were empty. Not that he doubted the soundproof walls, but given what he may do, having no potential eavesdroppers was reassuring. She unlocked her office and let Bakura walk in first. He paused a moment to watch Ishizu come in and lock the door behind her. The moment the door was locked, Bakura moved.

He grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back, pushing her against the locked door. Bakura glanced towards her free arm that had moved and crushed her hand. He pushed her even harder against the door as he took the knife that she had attempted to draw. He took the same knife and placed it next to her neck, her head turned and her eyes glaring at him. Though in pain, she didn't try to yell or scream, glancing down at Bakura's hand which now held her knife. They remained frozen in this position for a moment, as Ishizu found herself resigned to Bakura's questioning.

"Let's just cut to the chase, Ishizu. Answer my questions and we'll make this a clean conversation, understood?" Bakura growled menacingly at her. No more fucking around. He was tired of being made an idiot, tired of failing. He was going to get results. Ishizu didn't say anything, but gave the tiniest of nods to show her cooperation.

"Good. Let's get started. Firstly, are you an active member of the Rare Hunters?" Bakura spoke softly into her ear. Her reply came as a quick no.

"Then do you have current relations with any Rare Hunters?" Bakura got the same answer.

"You gave me specific details of where the Millennium Rod was located. Did you share this information with the Rare Hunters organization or any other individuals?" Once again, Ishizu shook her head no.

Bakura narrowed his eyes. This didn't make sense. Marik said he got his information from Ishizu. She must be lying. He tightened his grip on her arm, yanking it even further back. She closed her eyes and gasped slightly in pain, but remained obedient. "If you didn't tell anyone else, then explain why I had to dodge bullets on Saturday night when a gang of thieves interrupted me on the job." Ishizu's eyes snapped open and stared at him in confusion. "I don't know who that could be. Unless someone else hacked my email account or they found out the information through Kaiba Corp delivery services…"

Bakura pushed her hard against the door, ignoring her soft cry of pain. "These burglars mentioned your name! Don't play dumb with me!" Ishizu glared back. "I told you already that you are the only person I disclosed this information too. Unwillingly I might add! Why would I share sensitive information about historical artifacts from my homeland to thugs that would threatens the integrity of the ancient pieces with explosives and guns?!"

Bakura just studied her face. Despite his suspicions, he suspected what she had said to be true. The preservation of museum pieces and other historical artifacts was Ishizu's life work and passion – it didn't seem like her to tell clearly dangerous and reckless criminals about the location. Unless she's being blackmailed. After all, that was the only way Bakura was able to find out. Perhaps someone was blackmailing her right now.

He pressed on with his questions. "Who's Marik?" This question brought genuine shock to her face. She turned her head sharply to look at Bakura more fully, ignoring the blade close to her throat. "What was that?" She knows something. "Marik. Who is he?" Ishizu seemed frozen in shock, her face a mixture of confusion, fear, anger, sorrow, and… something else that Bakura couldn't read.

He tapped Ishizu's neck softly with the flat of the blade. "Answer the question, woman." This finally broke her trance. She glanced down momentarily, her face finally settling on sorrow. "He's… my brother." Now it was Bakura's turn to freeze in shock. Her brother? What the hell? He studied her face to see if she was lying, but the troubled look on her face gave him the answer he needed.

Part of Bakura suspected she had to have lied earlier in his interrogation, but something about how stunned and shaken she was that Bakura knew about Marik led him to believe that perhaps she really had no idea that he was involved. As he tried to understand the sadness on her face, it clicked in his mind. She figured out that Marik was there Saturday night.

Suddenly, Bakura released Ishizu's arm, backing away so that she move freely. The gesture shocked Ishizu as she quickly leaned against the door to support her weight, rubbing her throat to make sure the skin wasn't broken. Bakura walked over and leaned against her desk, fiddling with her knife. Ishizu watched him, almost as if debating whether to flee or attack. After a moment, she made her decision and walked towards the window, the two not looking at each other.

Bakura waited. He was a patient man. Even though he had released Ishizu, he still had a grip on her. She would talk and tell him what he wanted to know. Bakura had played his cards right and now he had control over her, as she resigned herself to playing Bakura's game. He held the upper hand and she was a novice in dealing with men like him. Men who had spent years learning the ropes of blackmail, manipulation, bribery, and intimidation. Though she was a strong-willed woman, she had stepped into the wrong arena. Bakura smiled as he twirled the knife in his hand. He always got what he wanted in the end.

"I hadn't seen Marik in almost 7 years," Ishizu spoke softly, still looking out the window. "I left home when I turned 18 and didn't look back. Odion wrote to let me know of our father's death and said he would keep an eye on Marik. At that time, I was still involved in less savory activities and, well… I didn't take my role as an elder sister seriously." Bakura stopped messing with the knife, staring at the floor in front him as he listened.

"Once I cleaned up my act, I realized my mistake and tried to get in touch with Odion. None of the numbers or emails I received worked any more and I had no way of finding my brothers. It was only two weeks ago when Marik came to visit me at the museum. I was so relieved to see him but something was different. He told me that he was doing great, that him and Odion recently moved to Domino. Just started his studies at the university here." Ishizu sighed. "I should have figured something was wrong." A heavy silence weighed over the two.

"So he was here two weeks ago?" Bakura broke the silence. He wasn't known for being sentimental or understanding. Ishizu would have time later to mourn her situation. Sad to say, but Marik chose the wrong criminal to make an enemy. Ishizu moved and Bakura knew that she was now looking at him. "Yes. I got a call Wednesday two weeks ago that my brothers were in town. They came by the museum and I invited them up to my office for us to talk and catch up. Marik said that he had an interest in history and wanted to follow in my footsteps." She gave out a humorless laugh. "Follow my footsteps indeed. I never wanted him to go down that path – I spent too much of my life trying to out of that hell."

"Let me guess, he asked to see what kind of work you did at the museum." It wasn't a question. Bakura finally turned his torso so he could Ishizu by the window. In the mid-day sunlight, her dark tan skin seemed to glow. Bakura noticed the similarities between her and Marik. She nodded, ashamed of herself. Fell for the same trick twice. How stupid can you get? Granted, two weeks ago, Ishizu still hadn't figured out that Bakura already hacked her computer and was sorting through her files. But she was far too trusting. Her little brother, that was understandable. But the fact that he charmed and smooth talked his way to earning her trust should be a huge learning moment.

"So you never even noticed that you're computer was hacked not just once, but twice. Within the same week timeframe as well. Pathetic," Bakura scoffed. Ishizu glared at Bakura, but a blush still evident on her face. "Well excuse me for not being paranoid and distrusting of the world. I'm sorry that I thought I could trust my own family. Is it too much think that I can live my life with some semblance of normalcy and not have to deal with crooks like you?"

Bakura laughed harshly at her naivety. "Who was it that joined a criminal syndicate before she even finished high school? Who was it that didn't want to face the consequences of her actions that she would rat out her own crew and go under government protection? And to top it off, she has the gall to think she can live the rest of her life free of crime." Bakura finally turned his head, not trying to hide his disgust. This damn woman was just pissing him off. "You lost that right to living a normal life when you joined the Rare Hunters. That's the day you became an adult, and you have to own up to your actions. You can pretend that it all didn't happen. You can try to cover your tracks. But just because you walk in light doesn't mean you're free from the devil."

Ishizu averted her eyes, anger and frustration written across her face. It was her reasoning that drove Bakura nuts. People like Mai annoyed him, but she knew that she would always have the past as a shadow, always following her and never letting her forget her actions. She lived with her actions, good and bad, and still kept doing what she did best. Bakura wasn't proud of everything he's done, but he wasn't going to simply shut out his past. It was part of who he was. Ishizu was trying to act as if years of her life didn't exist and had no consequence. As if she had some right to living a good life. Acting all high and mighty. What the bloody hell is she on?

Bakura stood up. He was tired of dealing with Ishizu. Time to cut to the chase. "Well as you sort out your life, I still need some answers. Your brother was the one who stole the Millennium Rod that night. And I'm going to need that back. So if you just tell me where he is, I'll be on my way." Ishizu seemed lost in thought for a moment, before she sighed. "And why would I tell you that? My brother stole something you want. For all I know, you'll murder my brother to get back the Rod." She tried to glare at him, but it was weak. She didn't the strength to back it.

"You know exactly why you'll tell me," Bakura replied nonchalantly. Just because Ishizu was trying to grow a backbone didn't mean it was going to work. Bakura still had control in this battle. "You wouldn't want to jeopardize your career here as lead historian at Domino museum. At least, not any more than you did after Saturday night's little incident." He watched her body crumple slightly as she accepted her defeat. Too easy.

"He didn't say where he was staying. I imagine he's with our older brother Odion somewhere in the city. He said he was taking classes at Domino University, but whether that's true or not is up for debate. The college is your best bet." She turned away, her eyes averted towards the ground. Bakura grunted, thinking about what she said. The university has a database for their students. He could use that to try tracking him down. It was as good of a start as any. He took Ishizu's knife and tossed it onto her desk before walking towards the door, the key still in the lock.

"Wait!" He paused a moment, but didn't turn around to face Ishizu. "Please, I know I don't have any right to ask this of you, but please – don't hurt Marik. He's a good kid. I know you don't believe me but he is really a kind boy. Please, don't kill him." Her voice started to crack at the end as she started to break down in tears, her composure finally slipping. Bakura hated it, but he felt a pang in his chest. Why did he feel that? He had every right to do whatever necessary to Marik to get the Rod, yet part of him felt inclined to follow through on Ishizu's request.

Bakura snorted before unlocking the door in front of him. "I make no promises." He walked before he could Ishizu could do or say anything more. He didn't owe this woman anything, especially not her brother. Yet for some reason, Bakura found himself thinking of Ryou's laughing face from the other night. I've got my own family to watch out for Ishizu. You should have protected Marik from making the same mistakes as you. Now it's fair game.

Four days later, and Bakura was still at Domino University library, working through student records. What should have an easy one day task had turned into a major headache. Bakura had figured that he could just use the library's computer to access student files and records. But apparently those files were locked to campus employees and students. And that information was locked to the campus computers. So his laptop was useless in his endeavor. So to his chagrin, he found himself sitting the university library all day Saturday, under a guest login, trying to figure out how to access those files. It didn't help that these guest computers logged out after 90 minutes are required a new login password. That part made Bakura want to murder something.

So he was back at the library on Monday, still trying to hack the files of students there. The library closed early on Sunday so he was trying to make up for lost time. Part of him mind understood why the campus had such tight security on their student files. It wouldn't look good for the university to face a cyber attack and potential lawsuits and lose students. But the amount of tight security for bloody teenagers seemed excessive in his opinion. He rubbed his dark eyes, which were sore from staring at a computer screen for too long.

I can't keep doing this. Bakura desperately needed a break. He felt like he was on a wild goose chase and if he didn't do something to keep his sanity, he really might try killing some of the more obnoxious and loud college students in the library. He grabbed a campus map that he shoved in his satchel a few days ago, looking for a place to eat. He saw a smoothie shop around the corner. He could go for a smoothie. Anything to keep from staring at a computer screen.

He logged out of the computer and threw on his jacket to brace himself for the cold autumn wind outside. He was already feeling a little bit better walking outside, the fresh air crisp and clean to the lungs. He tried to put work out of his mind as he spotted the smoothie shop down the road. Don't think. Just smoothie. Unfortunately, found Bakura was able to follow one of his own orders. Though he supposed ordering a smoothie was still better than before.

This student research is ridiculous. I'm barely making any progress and there's no guarantee that he's even enrolled at the university. That could have been another lie Marik told his sister. I have nothing to go off but this. Bakura sighed as he entered the shop and walked to the counter. He barely noticed that he ordered, paid, and received his mango smoothie before mindlessly walking to a table off to the side. He was trying to think of any other pieces of the puzzle that he missed. What else could he do?

Maybe I need to leave the Marik situation alone and start looking at the other Millennium items? Bakura hesitantly suggested it. He glanced down at his satchel, which held a file he had been compiling for himself. He had been looking to try grabbing the Millennium Eye. He had been gathering details on its owner, a pompous American named Maximillion Pegasus now living in Tokyo. A self-proclaimed artist, game designer, and world traveler, this guy was a bit of an odd bird. He had found the Millennium Eye on a dig that he was supervising.

Bakura's research told him this eccentric normally operated out of the U. S., where he is the CEO of Industrial Illusions. However, he moved to Japan about five months and was looking to stay in the country for at least another three months. He didn't seem to be in a position to move anytime soon due to some corporate dealing between Industrial Illusions and Kaiba Corp. Things have been moving slowly between the shareholders and bad blood between the two companies. The happenings of these companies weren't of any real consequence to Bakura. The important fact was that Pegasus was here and he had the Millennium Eye with him. A classic breaking and entering of some millionaire businessman.

Bakura didn't take out the file, but he did stare at the table as he sipped on his mango smoothie. I guess it wouldn't hurt to open up that case soon. It's been a week anyway and I'm not making any real headwind on this Marik and Rod situation I've made for myself. If I don't start getting results, my client will be pissed. Perhaps getting back into the field will rejuvenate him. He had nearly finished researching the case and just have to figure out a method of extraction. This Pegasus guy was quite eccentric, and if the rumors about what he did with the Eye are true, this could turn into a very complicated and tactless robbery. One of the most bizarre ones of Bakura's life.

Bakura continued to drink his smoothie as he glanced down at his watch. He had already been at the shop for 20 minutes. He should probably finish up soon. One more day of research. He decided. One more day of staring at those damn computers. If nothing else comes up, I'll move on to the Millennium Eye. That may give Ishizu time to contact her brother and find out more about his whereabouts. Bakura closed his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. He felt his headache starting to go away. This could work. Bakura started to relax in his chair.

"Let's sit by the windows!"

Bakura almost fell out of his seat. He started and was suddenly leaning over the table. His eyes snapped open, just staring in front of him. His face was in complete shock, his fist clenched. He felt that he was suddenly uncomfortable sitting in his chair.

…No. Absolutely no.

"I thought you said you wanted to sit in a booth?" A deep familiar voice replied, a note of humor in his voice. "Oh yeah. Can't we do both?" And to think Bakura's migraine had just started to go away. The nasally voice rang out loudly, cutting above the chatter of the other customers.

It can't be.

"Oh! Over there, Odion! There's a booth that's by the window! Winning! Ha ha!" Bakura remained froze as he saw two figures move in his periphery. The smaller one was almost jumping up and down in happiness.

There's no way.

Bakura took a deep breath. He forced his body to relax. He closed his eyes. Three. He would count to three and glance over towards the windows. He took a deep breath, counting internally.

There is absolutely no fucking way.

When Bakura reached three, he opened his eyes and turned his head to the left. He saw the tall bald tan man from that Saturday night. He was wearing a dark brown jacket and black jeans. He could see the tattoos on the side of his face. He was sitting across from a young man. His golden hair shined and fell down his back and shoulders. He wore a lavender top, which had to be a size too small as it showed his midriff, with dark gray pants. His face was scrunched up in a smile as he chatted animatedly to the man across from him.

There, across from Bakura drinking a strawberry-banana smoothie, was Marik Ishtar.