There's more to life than Duel Monsters Chapter 9: Hypocrisy, a yu-gi-oh fanfic

There's more to life than Duel Monsters.

Ch9: Hypocrisy.

The Daydream

Malik was walking along with Yugi and the gang on their way to the museum.

Marik, meanwhile was sitting in his soul room – the only private place he had in Malik's body. The décor had a tendency to shift with Marik's mood, the only constant being the hint of danger and monsters in every shadow.

Right now, he was lying back on a storm cloud, while below him, a thunderstorm raged over unseen lands. The air was crisp with residual electricity. Here and there, lightning played, arching from the clouds above to those around Marik.

He had observed the scenery, once tuning in to Malik's senses had gotten boring. He had then experimented with making it rain, but even though the water was warm, it had been annoying to have it fall onto his face for any length of time.

It was these times that Marik did not enjoy in his life – the pointless whiling away of perfectly good time before a plan could be put into action. It was all up to him, and though the thought was unnerving, it was far better than having to openly rely on others. Using them, was what Marik preferred.

I had better think of something to do before I start going sane.

Marik smirked, and staring into the sky, set an alarm to warn him when Malik bumped into his sister. There was something he had been meaning to do.

Marik closed his eyes, and found the small part in his soul where he kept a perfect representation of Bakura. The boy floated in nothingness, eyes closed, dressed in hemp rags.

Marik reached out and touched the boy's chest, activating the simulation. Suddenly, the boy reached out and put his arms around Marik, pressing the boy to himself. Bakura's scent radiated around him, and Marik relaxed, closing his eyes, feeling something pull his spirit forward.

Clever of Bakura to tag my Senn Rod with his spirit; I cannot remove the tag without destroying the Rod. Well if he doesn't believe in privacy, he cannot mind me paying him a visit. The tag I put in Ryou's soul room should still be there.

Marik was proved right as he opened his eyes, and found himself in a small grey room, bare of everything but a steel table with chair, shelf of books, and grey bed on the floor in the corner. The books were covered in dust but well worn from use.

Marik smirked as he read the labels.

"Hobbies, Favourite Daydreams, Things I Want (volume 1 – To Have, volume 2 – To Do, volume 3 – To Be) When I Grow Up, Likes and Dislikes, Treasured Memories, Workbook of Plans."

He shook his head, and walked forward to the door, opened it and stepped into the hallway. There was no telling where the hallway went as both sides were soon lost in the distance.

Marik opened the door he was faced with, which was identical to that which he then closed.

Hmm, it seems neither Bakura nor Ryou are home. What is that thief up to?

There was no way of telling what this body was doing, because Marik did not have his Millennium Rod here and was merely an uninvited guest in this body. He would have to walk to consciousness to receive the sensory input and he did not know how, so he just stepped into the room and closed the door.

This room was also grey, but large and luxurious. Everything seemed to be covered in fur. The carpet was thick, the couches looked comfortable enough to sleep on. There were no chairs, only mahogany and oak desks which seemed to grow out of the floor. There were thick curtains, and the room would have been dark but for the enormous fireplace.

Marik peeked past the curtains and saw a mirror image room behind the glass. Either that, or this was a mirror and he did not have a reflection. As far as he could tell, there was no obvious way from this room to that one. In fact he could see no way out of this room save the door he came from.

He smirked as he let the curtain fall back into place and a quote came unbidden into his mind.

""The time has come", the Walrus said, "To talk of many things; of shoes and ships and ceiling wax, of cabbages and kings, and why the sea is boiling hot and whether fish have wings.""

"Alice Through the Looking Glass, if I'm not mistaken. I didn't know you'd read it." Said a smirking voice behind him.

Marik felt a shiver run down his spine, his heart rate increased, and his cheeks felt warm. He turned slowly to see Bakura close the door of the soul room behind himself, never taking his eyes off Marik's face.

Marik used the warmth as an excuse to change his generic Rare Hunter outfit into grey cargo pants, with the only accessories being his gold jewellery.

"I would have knocked but when I came there was nobody home." His deep blue eyes glittered, reflecting in Bakura's shimmering red as the other boy stalked forward, stopping a meter from Marik.

Bakura's light blue jeans and white shirt stood out against the greyness. A discarded light blue furry coat lay on a couch that had not been there when Marik had come in.

"No matter how much you try, you'll never blend in lordling." Bakura commented, his voice like a panther stalking its prey, warm and ready to strike. "How did you get here?" He was being defensive and angry, but he saw the invasion as an abuse of power by Marik.

Marik couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips and stepped forward into Bakura's personal space, daring the boy to attack. "Hypocrisy seems to be the order of the day, thief. I made this path when I was watching your pet."

Bakura did not step back, and he was now just out of arms reach, a smirk playing on his lips, one hand conspicuously behind his back. Marik realised it must have been like that since he walked in.

Then a thought occurred to Marik and he made an 'I am thinking a deep thought' pose. "It isn't as clever as tagging my item but I think tagging the soul room in this body should have a nigh permanent effect, at least for this lifetime."

Bakura's hand came out from behind his back, to rest at his side. It was holding a long, vicious looking dagger.

"State your business, Marik." He stared into Marik's eyes, any traces of humour gone. The other boy had Bakura's admission in hand, and his troubles were Bakura's doing. The first gave Bakura an unbearable urge to hurt Marik until, he would admit he felt the same. The second not only made this impossible, but made Bakura want to protect Marik at all cost until the debt was repaid.

Marik was thinking. He doesn't want to secede this point. Why so stubborn, so grumpy today? Oh!

Marik suddenly remembered Bakura's words before his little trip, and a Cheshire cat grin erupted on his face.

Oh, he's almost lost the round entirely, he's grasping at straws. This is going to be gooood.

"What took both you and Ryou out of your soul rooms today?" He asked amiably.

When all else fails, resort to trivialities.

Bakura glared at him suspiciously, but deigned to answer, crossing his arms. "I had a little trip in the body but museums have turned out to be boring so I got Ryou to take over. I watched for a while but that's not my style so..."

Marik got his grin to relax to an open smile. "What happened to making fun of the archaeologists?"

Bakura returned the smile with a wicked one, which meant he had a card to play. "Oh, I couldn't very well do that in front of Otogi."

Marik felt a stab of possessiveness, and knowing that it was what Bakura had intended, his eyes flashed angrily and his laugh was bitter. "A friend?"

"Ryou's." Bakura nodded, offhandedly, face calm and confident, while a pang berated him for giving in to the urge.

At least I gained some ground back, maybe enough to stand on, if I'm lucky.

Marik berated himself for losing a point. But then he thought back to the comment about not being able to talk in front of Otogi. This meant in effect that Bakura couldn't be himself in front of anyone but Marik.

Marik felt appeased, and though Bakura's position had improved, he was still compromised and the advantage Marik had was not lost yet. His anger instantly disappeared, and a wicked smile was back, as he stepped up until he was almost touching Bakura.

"But I didn't answer your question. I'm going away for a bit, following your example really, and we couldn't talk on the phone so, why did you call me?" He said, knowing full well that the first instinct either of them would have when coming back from a tricky outing would be to check the other was alright.

Bakura's arms were still crossed and the dagger stopped Marik from leaning forward to rest on him. The boy's face was blank, indicating that the bull's eye was hit. But Bakura salvaged a decent reply from the wreckage.

"To ask what I owed you for the babysitting, as I said."

It was time to move in for the kill. Marik pulled the dagger by the blade, so that if Bakura protested, Marik would have an open artery. The dagger gave way and Marik threw it aside, its fall unheard due to the thick carpet. A wicked smirk played on his lips as he put his hands on Bakura's crossed arms, effectively trapping them. He leaned to whisper in Bakura's ear, the white hair soft as feathers on Marik's face.

"And what you said before you left had nothing to do with it at all." Marik's heart beat painfully as he said it, playing for keeps, for the round. He pulled back to assess the reaction, as Bakura shivered despite himself.

The other boy's red eyes glittered angrily, and he glared, fighting back, even in defeat. It would be easy to lie, but Marik was betting everything that Bakura wouldn't – it would mean breaking the rules of their eternal dance and thus breaking up.

If he wants to break up, then there is no way I can keep him. The thought was painful but Marik had always believed in freedom. It was what he wanted most of all, what the thief embodied.

Bakura was contemplating the dead end. Looks like I lucked out today. He had no intention of breaking up with the boy. The lordling embodied controlled use of power – amazing power that he didn't seem to be aware of. It was what Bakura aspired to. Besides, the other boy was leaving soon, so there would be a small break in between rounds.

Bakura smirked. "Yes and no. I will make sure no harm befalls Malik, even if I have to kill for it." As a rule, he abhorred bloodshed, so it was as good as yielding.

Marik's heart was warm and in pain simultaneously, as his eyes sparkled, reflecting in Bakura's. He smirked, and leaned forward to kiss Bakura softly at first, then stronger as he uncrossed the boy's arms and bit his lip.

Bakura let out a soft moan of pain, and Marik smiled into the red eyes, pointing to the shirt. "Off."

Bakura looked down, then gestured and the shirt evaporated. Marik proceeded to explore the boy's chest with his hands as he leaned Bakura's head forward onto his shoulder so he could feel and smell what he considered the softest hair on this earth.

His hands felt lower to the jeans and he heard Bakura let out a ghost of a moan. As he pushed Bakura onto a convenient couch, Marik purred in the boy's ear, as the winner, he was free to now say anything he pleased. "You are mine thief. Now and for all eternity, because that is what I want. When Ra made you, he burned my name into your delicate bones."

He pulled the jeans down and they vanished, along with his cargo pants. "The blood in your veins is mine to shed, and I'm afraid I am going to make you a beggar tonight, you are going to scream your request. You, thief who are so used to taking anything that catches your eye."

Marik just moved his hands, and Bakura squirmed, struggling under them, unable to do a thing. "And what beautiful eyes they are. They are possibly the best thing that I own. Oh, don't bite your lip child, let me hear your pretty voice…"

The Daydream

Yugi Moto felt very much alone on the trip to the museum.

Malik seemed to cheer up dramatically for no apparent reason, but then he was Malik, so that was allright. He soon started a heated argument with Honda on whether they should petition their manager to get a better staff room.

Honda inserted a comment here and there about the disposition of the other people working at the arcade, but Malik seemed to be making a great argument for both sides.

Jounochi had decided to describe the scenery they were passing to Serenity in minute detail, complete with personal comments. Meanwhile, Anzu had decided to tell Yugi about how great the exhibit was going to be.

He supposed it was the lack of the comforting weight of the puzzle that bothered him most. Before, he always played with it when he had nothing better to do. Going to an exhibition of Ancient Egypt made the loss more prominent in his mind.

He nodded at another comment Anzu made about the museum and said it sounded great.

I guess on the upside, I won't get lost when we get there.

Seto Kaiba got to the museum before it had opened.

He had Ludo drive him, and despite or perhaps because Otogi seemed to be taking his sweet time about launching his game, Ludo was more than happy to do it.

More like ecstatic. I don't think I'd ever seen the man smile with his eyes before.

Seto could see why Ludo didn't do it very often. It made him look soft, and with his huge frame and military crew-cut, it made him look ridiculous.

Well, let us get this over with.

Since there did not seem to be anybody around, Seto walked up the front steps and knocked.

His arrival must have been anticipated, for as soon as his hand left the door, it was opened by a young woman in a Chinese silk robe.

She looked exotic, with dark skin, straight long black hair and big blue eyes with long lashes. Looking at her gave the impression that she was just short of being beautiful – the expression in her eyes was a little too strong, too insightful.

"Seto Kaiba, I must apologise for my appearance. I have yet to change out of the garments I sleep in. Do come in, we have much to talk about." Her voice had a slight accent and as she gestured into the hall, Seto noticed a light scent of spices.

Seto smirked. "Here's fine." A prostitute in a museum, kinky.

The woman just nodded and leaned on the door. "I am Ishizu Ishtar. I have called you here so that you may learn of your destiny."

Seto raised an eyebrow. "I see."

Ishizu shivered. "Are you sure you will not come in? This may take some time."

You wish. What is the going rate per hour these days? "I have no time."

Ishizu raised an eyebrow. "Even for something as important as your destiny?"

"Get to the point."

Ishizu's eyes widened in surprise at the harsh command. "I need your help."

"I'm not a charity."

Ishizu smiled. "How would you like a card more powerful than any you have in your possession?"

"What card?"

"Obelisk the Tormentor, an Egyptian god card. One of three god cards – the most powerful creatures in the game."

"What's the catch?"

"My little brother has the other two, he will duel anyone for this card. He is… He needs to be taught that his feet do not belong on this path. He needs to be beaten. I do not duel, and if I did… I need someone strong enough to defeat two God cards."

"And it's my destiny to arbitrate a family feud?"

"It… It must be, for you are one of the few who can do it."

"I doubt that." He looked at his watch. "Now I am late. For future reference, I do not beat up little brothers." Seto said coldly. "Not for a card I've never heard of."

As he turned to leave, Ishizu called out; "And destiny?"

"I make my own." He replied over his shoulder as he left.

Ryou Bakura and Otogi made their way through the exhibits.

There were many other people there; some serious, quietly shuffling past, others on a day off with their screaming bored kids.

For the most part it had been fun. Ryou was doing the serious history tourist guide bit, and Otogi spent a lot of his time making biting remarks about anything and everything.

However the bulk of their time was spent trying to dodge the security guards because Otogi insisted that you needed to use all five senses to get the full experience. Touching the artefacts, Ryou couldn't help but agree with, even though they had to be preserved for future generations. As Otogi had succinctly put it, neither of them was planning that far ahead yet.

The thing that had caused the most trouble, however was the tasting. It was something that both horrified and amused Ryou and made them both the most interesting exhibit in the museum for the roaming children, who could often help in distracting security.

They had finally decided to quietly make their escape, when Ryou recognised some of the new arrivals in the entrance hall.

It was Yugi and his group of friends. They seemed to have a new addition – a long haired girl. But most pertinently, they almost always came with Malik. Ryou felt he had been avoiding the boy since after the tournament, although technically, both of them would have to make an effort to 'bump into each other' at school.

It isn't like we have ever been friends. We seem to have similar interests; we just hang out in different circles.

Ryou remembered that he owed Malik an apology for the way he acted before and made his way over to the group quietly.

As he approached, he noticed the writing on Malik's deep blue t-shirt spelt out 'Angel' in gold. With the strange jewellery, it made a perfect picture, believable except that something in his eyes belied his happy smile.

Otogi followed Ryou's lead, only glancing at him once, relaxed as always.

Malik Ishtar noticed a familiar white haired figure making its way through the crowd towards him.

The presence of the boy Otogi, made what otherwise would have been happy nervousness, feel more like slight irritation.

When the two had reached them, Ryou bowed.

"Hello, everybody. You have not met Otogi, I believe."

Otogi nodded at the group, smiling as Yugi replied with "Hello Ryou, pleased to meet you Otogi. This is Jounochi's sister, Serenity." and the pretty girl with bandaged eyes greeted both of them in a very sweet voice even though she could have no idea where they were standing.

"Pleasure is all mine. You're Yugi Moto, the boy who beat Seto Kaiba, right?"

Malik turned to the light blue furry coated Ryou as the boy pulled on his sleeve, and all remnants of irritation vanished. Cute outfit. Are those blue contacts?

"Excuse me, Malik, can I talk to you?"

"Mmm." Malik replied, still feeling the other boy's hand on his sleeve, scared that if he said anything this pleasant atmosphere would turn sour as it had done every time they met so far.

He let Ryou pull him aside, and smiled. It was then that Ryou seemed to realize what he had been doing. He blushed and dropped Malik's sleeve. Anubis take me, not again!

"I apologise for my behaviour. " He said, bowing. Then he smiled politely. "Both for just now and earlier at school on Monday. I am afraid I keep doing it."

Malik smiled, feeling sorry that Ryou felt it necessary to apologise and still seemed to be awkward around him. He noted before that this was not the case around Otogi. And with that, came one of many stabs of jealousy he had experienced this week.

"Doing what? You have nothing to apologise for." He shook his head replying.

Ryou's eyes widened. "I took my worries out on you Monday, something I have no right to do, and just now I assumed that you did not mind me in your personal space, though you have every right to."

Malik smirked. "If I remember correctly, Namu, a part of me, roughed you up on Monday, so as they say here, 'an eye for an eye, a knife for a knife, a friend for a friend, a life for a life.'"

Ryou smiled the first full, real smile Malik had ever seen on his face. It made him look different; older, stronger and perhaps a little feline. "I believe it's just 'an eye for an eye.'"

Malik nodded, grinning. "See? I even butcher your language. No wonder you were upset."

Ryou shook his head, smile widening. I'm on a roll.

"And about the personal space, I mean, the time we bumped into each other at your apartment should make that concern completely irrelevant I feel."

Ryou blushed, and looked down.

Did I just say that? Damn. Evidently the gods just decided that I had spent enough time today deluding myself that I can fit seamlessly into society. And my sister has come to kill me for dishonouring the family although I did not do it.

The memory of what Rashid said, made Malik smirk painfully and look in the direction of the exhibits, where an exotic woman in cloth robes stood talking to Yugi, alongside two men, one of them in a turban.

He had taken two of the God cards he was sworn to protect. He had tried to take the third. He had forgotten his duty as tomb keeper and the only carrier of the secret of the pharaoh. He had fled the country and deserted his family. He had killed his father.

Malik snapped out of his revere when he felt a warm hand on his sleeve. He looked over to see Ryou's concerned face.

"Your sister is the director of this exhibition, is she not?"

Malik couldn't tell if this was meant to cheer him up or if it meant Ryou knew he did not want to see his sister.

He grinned, madly and it made him feel a little better, that, and Ryou's concern. "Yeah, and there'll be hell to pay as soon as she finds me."

Ryou smirked humourlessly looking down. "I was trying to take your mind off things. From when I started, it seems I keep doing things I need to apologise to you for." Their eyes met. "I am sorry about bringing it up. It isn't my business."

Malik sighed. "I think we're both as good as each other. Only I do it not just to you but to everybody now and then to a lesser extent." Then he thought of something and smiled happily. "Don't apologise to me. Ever. I live on a policy of no regrets."

I can't believe it slipped my mind. This makes the whole family dishonour thing ok. I'll take what's coming – it's life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ryou seemed to be a little stunned, as he considered something. "Not ever?" He looked at Malik.

Malik grinned. "Never, ever."

Ryou cocked his head to the side. "It must be hard to keep friends."

Malik smiled. "It never ceases to surprise me, but I do ok."

Gods, it's like we're children again. Ishizu must have noticed me, I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Well, childish problems require childish solutions.

"Listen, Ryou, do you want to be my friend?"

Ryou seemed a little taken aback but soon a second real smile grew on his face. It took a visible effort to beat it down. "Is that a question or an invitation?"

Malik grinned "Definitely an invitation. I believe currently, it's even valid for our entire group."

The smile was released. "Then I accept. I will have to wait and see about the group though."

Malik nodded. "Fair enough, your call." He turned to observe his sister making her way towards them, the hall now empty of strangers. "And here comes my darling sister."

Yugi cringed. "I'm afraid that that is all people remember me for."

Otogi laughed. "Hey, it's claim to fame and it'll only stick if that's the best highlight of your duelling career."

Jounochi frowned. "Yeah, beatin' that creep is gonna be hard to beat Yugi."

Anzu smiled, shaking her head. "Not if you win the regionals."

Yugi sighed, looking at his friends. "Do you think I can?"

There followed a round of "sure Yugi".

Honda smiled. "Come on Yugi, all of us will be behind you all the way. Right Shizuka?"

Shizuka nodded smiling. "Of course Yugi. I'm sure you can do it."

Otogi laughed. "Ah! I am sorry if it disappoints you, Shizuka, but you're too sweet and kind hearted for that to count. You'd probably say your brother could win the regionals too."

Shizuka blushed at the compliment. "Of course. My big brother can do anything."

Otogi looked at the fuming Jounochi, considering seriously. "Somehow I don't think I share that opinion. Once a puppy…"

I think I heard that insult before from someone!

"Do you know Kaiba by any chance?"

Otogi nodded smirking at his own words. "He agreed to let me live at his house, and show me around the neighbourhood this school year because I don't know anyone in Domino."

Everyone was stunned, save Shizuka who had never met Seto Kaiba and was therefore not picturing him in the role of gracious host and tour guide.

"How do you like it?"

"Very well, Shizuka, I seem to like everything beautiful in Domino, like you I suppose. The house is practically a castle, my host's brother Mokuba and I get on like a house on fire, which incidentally…"

Just then a woman in cloth robes walked up to the group, followed by two men, one in similar cloth pants and coat, with a turban on his head. All of them had an exotic feel to them, the man in the turban with eerie blue eyes and dark skin more so than the others.

"Pharaoh, I seek your aid." The woman addressed Yugi.

Jounochi snorted. "He's no pharaoh lady. That's Yugi Moto, greatest… no, second greatest duellist in the world."

Honda rolled his eyes at Yugi and Yugi sighed, smiling at the woman. "I am sorry about my friend. How can I help you?"

Just as the woman was about to reply, the turbaned man interrupted. He touched her arm lightly with his hand, which he quickly withdrew as soon as he had her attention.

"Ishizu, why did you call him pharaoh?"

Ishizu smiled. "Because there is an ancient tablet that depicts the pharaoh in a duel with the high priest of Set. You know the one, it has been thought to show the coming of a great darkness to Ancient Egypt, and the pharaoh fulfilling the prophesy to defeat it."

The man nodded, smirking. The effect was amazing. It transformed a seemingly exotic, mysterious, serious person into just a real guy, albeit one with an extraordinarily strange life. "The one you've been feuding with your colleagues about ever since you started work."

Ishizu shook her head lightly when the man mentioned the feud. "It just doesn't feel right. The high priest wasn't evil, but the thing in the prophesy…"

She shook her head as if to get rid of the impression. "I digressed. Ah, the carving! I had a copy of it made to put in my room, and I have looked at it often. So you can believe me when I say, the pharaoh, could be this boy's twin." She considered for a moment. "If he were a little shorter."

"You've got a picture of the pharaoh in your room?" The man asked, surprised at the passing comment.

"Mmm." Ishizu seemed amused, turning to Yugi and bowing. "Excuse me, but I am used to calling your image, pharaoh."

"That's allright. I mean, you can keep doing it if you like." Yugi smiled.

I look identical to a pharaoh? With this hair? That is very strange.

Yugi couldn't help feeling a touch proud of the similarity however.

Ishizu returned his smile. "You are certainly much nicer than he was if the records are to be believed. I am Ishizu Ishtar. The one that asked the question is Shadi, a friend. The tall dark and silent one is Rashid Ishtar, my adopted brother."

She seemed to think of something and turned to Shadi, perplexed. "Do you have a last name?"

Shadi smiled and shook his head carefully. "To my knowledge I have never had one."

He probably doesn't want to upset his turban. It has to be hard wearing it. And how does he manage to put it on? He would make a great Duel Monster's card.

Then a thought pushed the necessity to continue with the introductions aside for a moment.

"Did you say Ishtar?" Yugi inquired.

Ishizu nodded eagerly. "Yes, do you know my brother?"

Honda smiled. "If his name is Malik Ishtar, then yeah, we do. By the by, I'm Honda."

Anzu looked concerned. "I'm Anzu. He was worried about seeing you, why? I am sorry to pry, but he is our friend."

Ishizu smiled sadly. "Your friend? Then this will be both easier and harder than I thought. But first, I must tell you, pharaoh, that I have come here to ask you to duel him, with this card."

Yugi looked at a card depicting a huge blue monster with an impressive attack rating that Ishizu handed him. He took out his deck smiling. "I can't promise I'll win, but I always try my hardest even in a friendly duel."

Ishizu smiled sadly. "But it will not be a friendly duel. I shall explain my comment earlier about it being both easier and harder than I anticipated. It will be easier because I do not have to search this area to find him. It will be harder because of what I have to say and ask you to believe. My brother, you see has a madness in him."

Jounochi blushed for no apparent reason, and smiled. "Jounochi here. Ya know, give the guy a break! He is a bit weird, but who ain't these days?"

Ishizu shook her head, looking imploringly at Yugi. "Surely you must see he is far beyond normal. He has the burden of the family on his shoulders. Among other things, he is protector of the three Egyptian God Cards, one of which you are holding. He left home, failed in his duties, in this one because he stole two of the cards before I could stop him…"

Here Yugi was surprised to hear Jounochi interrupt again, this time angrily. "If he's the guardian, then how's it stealin'?"

Shizuka nodded in agreement, speaking up for the first time in a while, her calm, reasonable voice soothing Jounochi somewhat. "Big brother is right. It makes no sense he cannot just take the cards with him and protect them wherever he is. Oh! I am Shizuka"

Jounochi nodded, as did Honda and Anzu. Yugi looked at the card in his hands and knew he was already going to duel Malik whatever the outcome. I have to try this card out.

Ishizu was getting visibly upset now. "Oh, first Rashid gone this morning to warn him, then you defending him. Listen. He loses track of time. He denies having done things people actually saw him doing!"

Shadi put his arm around Ishizu, who was fighting back tears.

Otogi spoke up, criticising the plan and startling those who had forgotten he was there. "Otogi. So you think that duelling him with a card he used to protect will snap him out of it?"

Shadi looked up from Ishizu. "Losing the duel would. If it's to his card, it may be a big enough shock to his system to make him return to reality." He glanced at Ishizu, then back at the others. "What she hasn't told you is that he really does seem possessed by a spirit. He does not answer to his name, and speaks in grandiose terms of world domination."

Jounochi seemed uncomfortable, and Otogi pressed on. "Aren't there places for people like that?"

Shadi glanced at Rashid, than back. "We want to avoid that if at all possible. He's had it hard enough." Then he shrugged. "I could probably make it more effective by confiscating his Millennium Rod until he returns to normal."

Ishizu, having now calmed down, stepped away from Shadi. "That item is his destiny, you cannot seriously consider…"

Shadi met her gaze. "I have my own things to consider. The item is dangerous in his hands." He sighed and rubbed the place where his turban met his forehead. "Malik will get it back in due course. Let's do this before we all reconsider."

Ishizu looked at Yugi. Yugi smiled at his fiends as he added the card to his deck. "If they're right, then he needs our help. If not, it won't hurt him."

Some shook their heads, some nodded in agreement and the party moved over to where Malik was standing with Ryou. There were now no people left in the hall because it was mentioned on the pamphlet that to see the whole exhibit properly, people needed three hours and the exhibition closed in two.

Malik nodded to his sister, then he seemed to change…

…It was so subtle at first that you could hardly tell. His eyes got darker and his hair a tiny bit longer and messier, but otherwise he was the same.

Then he took a golden rod from behind his back and laughed. "Hello dear sister. Come to duel me with your champion? Just you try it. For one thing, I have no deck!"

Ryou blushed, as did Jounochi, while everyone else around Yugi drew in a startled breath at the transformation.

Heart of the cards.

Jounochi stepped up behind Yugi, whispering to him. "This whole family's nuts. We're with ya, Yugi."

Yugi smiled at his friend. "Thanks."

Ryou tapped the maniac in front of him on his shoulder, drawing a pack of cards out of his pocket. "Um, you can use mine."

The boy recoiled from his touch, glaring daggers but taking the deck, and Ryou quickly moved out of arm's reach. "I never thought I could hate someone so much… You wet, whiny, mopy…" Then he seemed to remember he had an audience.

Ishizu stepped back and gestured for the other spectators to do the same. "This may be a bit dangerous. Pharaoh, be careful."

Yugi nodded. "I challenge you."

The boy who was no longer Malik grinned. "Well, what can I say? Bring it on tri hair. You and your friends will love it in the shadow realm. First you meddling fools, then the world! Mwhahahaha!"

Yugi saw Rashid shake his head, and cover his eyes in embarrassment. He was getting the impression that this was not the first time something like this had happened.

If I had to guess, I'd say that Malik is just putting this act on for fun.

As if reading his mind, Malik's grin widened, and his eyes sparkled madly as he gestured with the now glowing golden rod. "Allow me to provide the arena."

Seto was finally where he planned to be today. In front of him was the home of Yugi Moto – Yugi's grandfather's game store.

Seto adjusted his grip on the briefcase and went in.

The old man was behind the counter when the bell rang. The entire place was cluttered in a way Seto imagined most people would find cosy and charming.

He went up to the counter and Mr Moto greeted him. Not one to waste time on pleasantries Seto got straight to the point. Besides he had to make a conference call this evening, and he was experiencing the unnerving urge to buy this entire shop just so he could impose some kind of order on it.

How can anybody find anything in here? This place can't possibly be getting an efficient return on owner's equity.

"How much do you want for your Blue Eyes White Dragon?"

Mr Moto's smiling face became serious, as he took the card out of a locked box. "I'm sorry, this card is not for sale. I'm saving it for my grandson."

Yugi Moto with MY dragon? I don't think so.

"Look here old man…" Seto started angrily, but he could not finish as suddenly, the man clutched at his chest in pain and keeled over!

Well, well. Heart attack due to stress or some terminal illness?

Seto calmly walked around the counter to him and kneeling, checked his pulse, satisfied that he took the precaution of wearing gloves.

There's a steady beat but it's faint. Hmm, what did they teach us at school to do in this situation?

Seto stood, looked at the desk, and took the card. After a moment's reflection, he tore it in half, effectively removing it from the game. He then placed one half in each of Mr Moto's hands.

Satisfied that it looked natural and after checking that the store showed no signs of his having been there, he stood and left.

If I cannot have the card, then nobody else will. Plus of course, there is the bonus of having all my Blue Eyes jump in value.

Walking home he felt no pang of guilt. He had been very involved in the business of his company for some years now and sometimes firing or investigating people led to… Well, let's just say that a heart attack was one of the more pleasant outcomes.

Seto's mind went to the conference call, and then to his briefcase, with it's collection of Duel Monsters cards, which was now in effect surplus, untraceable, cash.

He smiled inwardly. Otogi is staying a year and Mokuba is growing up. It is about time for me to get a couple of new cars with driver. Preferably identical. I'm sure I could work something out with the numberplates.

Ryou drew in a sharp breath as the duel ended, Yugi won, Shadi grabbed the Senn Rod and Malik collapsed.

The entire duel and the lead up to it had been one glorious mess that Ryou could make no sense of at the moment. Not that he was trying very hard. One important fact stood out – Malik and he were now friends.

He then noticed that his friend was lying on the floor. His heart skipped a beat, and he made himself walk quietly and politely over to the boy.

The tall and dark robed man seemed to have the same idea and the two ended up kneeling on each side of Malik, their eyes meeting over the body.

The others could be heard in the background. Someone's phone had rung.

"Yo. Jounochi here. Oh! Mrs Moto? Yeah, he's here. Hod'ya get this number? Huh? Sure, I'll put him on. Yugi It's your mum."

"Hello? What happened? In the hospital? Of course, we'll be right there."

"What happened Yugi?"

"I don't know, Anzu but my grandfather's in hospital, in a coma, and he apparently tore up a Blue Eyes White Dragon during a seizure."

The man across from Ryou picked up the deck Malik was holding and handed it to him. "I may not be his blood, but I have made a promise to protect him when he was born; my word is not given lightly."

Ryou nodded politely, his head dull from shock. He stood and looked over at the others. The man stood as well, picking Malik up like a sleeping child.

"What?"

"Didn'tcha know he had it Honda? He showed me this one time…"

"That time that you accidentally got the locked box open?"

"Sis, it was an accident, I swear!"

"Guys, focus. Yugi, we need a car."

"I've got a car, and driver courtesy of Seto Kaiba."

"So who's comin' to the hospital?"

"Do you think your brother…"

"He will be fine pharaoh."

"Go, if he wakes, he will call you tomorrow."

"Whadda ya mean IF, Shadi?"

"Go."

The others departed, Otogi throwing a hurried 'will you be allright?' to Ryou, which he answered with a nod.

As Malik's nearest and dearest turned around, Ryou bowed, forcing away the urge to glare at them. "I am Malik's friend Ryou Bakura. Pleased to meet you."

The woman smiled, returning the bow. "I am his big sister, Ishizu, the one holding him is our oldest brother, Rashid. This is our family friend, Shadi."

A question had been plaguing Ryou for some time now, and he let it out nervously. "Are you going to take him back to Egypt?"

Ishizu said 'of course' just as Rashid replied with a strong 'no'. Wisely, Shadi decided to step aside, with a 'let me know what you decide, good night' as he left.

Looking at the two siblings, Rashid stubborn and Ishizu regally surprised, Ryou had the urge to excuse himself. He did not like confrontations, besides, it was rude to intrude, but he had to know if Rashid would keep to his word before he could leave Malik with him.

Of course, it is also bad etiquette to leave my unconscious friend in what he considers to be the enemy camp.

Rashid stared at Ishizu, but she seemed much better at it, and simply raised an eyebrow.

"His friends were right. He can guard the Egyptian God Cards and keep the Secret of the Pharaoh wherever he is. He wanted to be free to make his own life here."

Ishizu smiled kindly. "He is tomb keeper, Rashid."

The man was unmoved. "The tomb's seal is broken, the treasures in it are gone, most of then on show here for the foreigners and their children to gawk at. The position is obsolete."

Ishizu frowned. "He carries a great burden, I know, but we can help him be strong…."

"And see that he does not fail? He must do this himself. All we can rightly request from him is that he keeps in touch and knows that he can always come to us."

"And you call himself his protector! He is my little brother Rashid!" Ishizu replied angrily.

Rashid flinched at that, but his reply was in the same matter-of-fact tone. "You have the Senn Necklace. What do you say as a seer?"

Ishizu deflated. "It seems that in looking after his burden, I forget my own. I say he must take his own path, wherever it leads, and that my last act for him was the duel."

"Perhaps that is why you care too much sister."

"Perhaps. I take it you will be staying?"

"Of course. I was remiss in letting him leave alone, but I shall work to remedy that. We must never forget what a gem a good family is." The last was said with contentment.

Ishizu smiled. "Speaking as his sister, I will be here for the duration of the exhibit. Perhaps I can bring what is left of the tomb to the keeper. Shadi can guard the Millennium Items anywhere really…"

Then they noticed that Ryou was still there. Rashid smiled at him. "You are persistent, like a good friend should be, little one. You want to see him safely home, yes?"

Ryou smiled politely, and nodded. "Yes please, if it is no trouble."

Ishizu laughed. "I should have seen you knew where he lived, Rashid."

Rashid bowed and walked out of the museum, Ryou in tow. "I will see the master home, then you, then return to his side. He has given me a space of floor to sleep on."

Master? Space of floor? I think this family is stranger than what simple culture differences can account for.

Ryou felt a little unnerved by Rashid's decision to walk him home, but then he considered that it will be quite late and that the last time he walked home, he was attacked by strange hooded men.

Come to think of it, they looked a bit like Rashid and though he is just one man, I certainly don't want him jumping me when we're alone…

He shook his head. Old habits die hard, I suppose. But I never want to go back to paranoia again.

He did make note of the similarities, which seemed to grow as he observed. But then he could not be very sure about many of them since it was hard to remember the exact details of his last encounter with the Rare Hunters, or were they the Rare Seekers?

Alright, enough! I am starting to doubt my memories, which I have never had any reason to do. It is like when you read the same word over and over and it ends up making no sense whatsoever.

Ryou resorted to doing what he always did when in doubt. Be polite. "Are you sure it is no trouble Rashid?"

Rashid smirked. "You do not trouble me little one, and the master would have my head if anything happened to you. He has never had good friends like that before."

Well, that is good to know.

What if he is lying?

And what if the world gets attacked by aliens in five minutes? Can I do something about it? Probably. Crap.

"You do not know where I live, do you?"

Rashid nodded. "I do not." Then he looked over at Ryou and smile blossomed on his face. "But when I was over at Master Malik's flat I saw a map!"

The rest of the night, was uncomfortable for Ryou, until he was safely locked in his apartment. And even then, thoughts of having one of the Rare Hunters knowing where he lived, and that he still had the card they wanted, chased him to the oblivion of sleep.

Malik was stunned as he came out of the last of many blackouts he had during the duel, to find that both he and Namu - who must have been the reason for the blackouts - lost.

People moved around him but he could feel nothing but the reassuring weight of the Millennium Rod in his hand. Then that weight was gone, someone took the rod.

No! My destiny!

He felt empty, lost, he swayed on his feet. There was nothing there to support him. He saw blue eyes that should have been green… or red. Then he felt himself falling and everything was darkness…

…Marik, locked in the nothingness was deep in thought.

It's a fact that every round usually ends with us sleeping together.

Once upon a time they had an argument. Marik had no memory of exactly when this occurred, but he remembered the occasion as if it were yesterday.

Bakura didn't yell when he argued and neither did Marik. Marik's voice was usually filled with quiet laughter, with a hint of sharp things underfoot. Bakura however, was completely serious, using facts and occurrences with biased interpretations to his advantage.

Sometimes, it was rare but it did happen, one of them would lose their temper. When this happened, Marik usually just left because it was better than having to bleed Bakura, which would inevitably happen were he to stay and feel trapped in the argument. Bakura, for his part, generally started flinging painful truths, raising his voice a little. These were facts he kept in reserve because they did not contain concrete evidence, just impressions and emotions, which were less likely to convince.

This was what had happened back then. Bakura, losing his temper when he lost a round had said;

"How can you not see that every time you win a round and I sleep with you I lose a piece of my soul?"

The point was that Bakura treasured his soul, and thought there was very little of it left due to him being a thief and plotting to get all the Senn Items. This was left unsaid, but Marik could see it rear its ugly head under the surface when he had looked back on the experience lives later.

It was strange that the thief had prescribed to some common morals but not others – Marik was more of an all or nothing persuasion. When it came to morals, it was nothing. So he could see Bakura was probably right about how he behaved when he won.

I guess I'm just a sore winner. Well mostly it's the other guy who ends up sore.

Can I help it if I like to rub salt in wounds?

Marik decided that he was just a little sadistic. Somehow, giving it a name made it perfectly alright. Besides, he felt that if called upon to defend himself, he could say he made up for it by being such a gracious loser.

With that, he curled up in the darkness and went to sleep humming to himself, a smile playing on his lips.

A cosy thought made it all possible:

There cannot possibly be any monsters out here worse than me.