HI It's me.

Me and my friend KimberJim are co-writting a Ryou/Bakura Yugioh story Via DeviantART, and we'd like to share it wth you!

I disclaim yugioh, blah blah blah

Enjoy the Tendershipping Goodness!

Chapter Six

Warning: slight Joey molestation!

Joey woke to the sound of insistent banging on the door of the room he shared with Tristan. He sat up, rubbing his eyes groggily. "Huh?" Glancing over, he noticed that Tristan was still asleep. He groaned. Nothing could wake Tristan up. He'd have to answer the door then.

"Who is it?" He yelled.

"It's me, Teana." came Tea's voice from the other side of the door.

"Go away..."Joey asked, covering his head with a pillow, wincing as the pillow pressed against the bandages one of the other servants had dressed his gash with. "Stupid Kaiba clone..."

Tea growled " Jou! Tris! Wake up, damnit, this is important!"

Joey groaned again. He was not in the mood for Tea this earley. It was still dark out. Standing, he trudged to the door and pulled it open recieving a strike to the chest from Tea after doing so. Joey stared dully down at the brunette."What is it Tea?"

"Teana!" Tea hissed lowly, indicating to her left, where, at the end of the short corridor, two of the palace's real servants stood waiting.

Joey blinked. " Oh... So whaddaya want?"

"We have a problem. Wake Tris up." Tea barged into the room shutting the door behind her.

"What's the problem?" Joey asked as he threw a slipper at Tristan's head. The brunette male grunted and rolled over. Tea rolled her eyes and stormed over to Tristan, wrenching the blankets from him and slapping him lightly on the cheeks to wake him up. "The council seem to think there's something wrong with the Pharaoh. Apparently he isn't acting like himself."

"So?"

Tea continued slapping Tristan, who was now beginning to wake. "I heard Kalim and Isis talking. They think we are the reason for his personality change. They're having us watched, that's what those two servants are doing outside."

Joey groaned. "Oh man. This is all that Seth guy's idea..."

Tristan grunted and woke to a harsh slap from Tea. "OW! What the hell Tea?"

"Teana!" she hissed, standing.

Joey turned to Tristan, who was rubbing his sore cheeks. "We have trouble, pal. Big trouble..."

A knock came from the door. Joey groaned, "Not again..." He went over to the door, opening it roughly, "What do you-" he paused, seeing a guard, "...Want?"

"The Pharaoh wishes for you and your companions to join him in the meeting hall."

"Uh...okay..."

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The three arrived in the throne room with their escorts to find the room filled with the council members. Joey caught Seth watching him as he crossed the room. He glared at the Priest before following Tristan and Tea to their appointed location; the floor beside Atem's throne, where Yugi was already waiting.

"Hi guys."

"Hey Yugi"

Atem cleared his throat, drawing everyones attention. "Alright, let's get this meaning underway..."

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Seth's eyes continued to drift over to Joey as the meeting dragged on, But quickly looked away when his opinion was needed. He was sure these new servants, especially Jou, had something to do with Atem's new attitude. He was normally far more respectful of the rules and traditions laid out by his ancestors. He had never questioned the advice of his council quite so much. But it's not exactly like they could complain, the tax decrease had settled down the disruptive villages. Still, it was unsettling.

The meeting continued for another hour. Joey was relieved for it to end, finally being able to stand and stretch his spine. " Thank goodness that's over. So what are going to do about Bakura? You guys didn't mention him at all during that meeting." Atem rose from the throne to stand by the window, the other four joining him. Tristan folded his arms over his chest. " Yeah, we came here to find Bakura and stop him destroying the world. Or whatever it is he's up to..."

Yugi nodded in agreement. "I know this is important for you Pharaoh, but we need to find Bakura. Shadi didn't tell us anything other than we need to stop him."

Atem opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by the arrival of Mahaad and Seth. "My Pharaoh, I need to speak to you immediately and in private." The group glanced to the Pharaoh. He shrugged, "I'll catch up to you later..."

The group grudgingly vacated the room. Seth also left, swinging an arm out to prevent Joey from passing. Joey glared up at the icey blue eyes as Yugi, Tea and Tristan unwittingly left him alone. " Hey, what gives? I've got stuff to do ya know."

Seth returned his glare with a cool stare. "Where are you from?"

"What?"

Seth rolled his eyes. "Are you deaf as well as stupid?" he asked" It's a simple question. Where. Are. You. From?" He gave strong emphasis on each word, as if speaking to someone slower than the norm. Joey noted this with a scowl. "A long way away. It would take years for you to get there." he said, inwardly chuckling at his own joke. "Now if that's everything, I have some friends to catch up to."

He forced the Priest's arm out of his way and took off down the corridor.

"I'm watching you." Seth called after him, causing the blond to spin and lock stares with him again.

"I don't know what your problem with me is, Seth, but you better cut it out or else."

"Or else what?" the priest asked taking a step towards the blonde. "What would you do?"

Joey frowned, then smirked "Gee, I dunno... Maybe I'll steal that ridiculous hat of yours and set it on fire."

"Your threats are as empty as your head, puppy," Seth said matter-of-factly, clearly unintimidated.

"At least I'm not wearing a dress," Joey shot back.

" This is not a dress, imbecile, it's a robe. And at least I'mwearing something that covers my thighs," Seth said cheekily, tapping Joey's inside thigh with the millineum rod for emphasis.

Joey's face turned bright red, "Hey! Don't touch me there, you pervert!" he said, jumping backwards from the touch. The priest advanced on the blond, unfazed as joey continued backing away. The priest's smirked when the blond trapped himself against the wall. Seth leaned forward, supporting his weight on the arms that rested either side of the blond. Joey glared up at the blue eyes that seemed to be measuring him.

"You-" he started, cut off by the tapping of he millineum rod against the wall. Seth's infuriating smirk was inches from his face, dominating his view. "Did you want to say something?"

Seth grinned and leaned in a little closer, locking his eyes with Joey's widened hazels. His gaze was so piercing he seemed to be staring right into his soul. Joey couldn't help it. He flinched.

The priest pulled away, still grinning, retracting his arms. Joey shoved the tall brunette away from him.

"Hey, moron, ever heard of personal space?" he asked bitterly before storming off, muttering under his breath.

Ryou opened his eyes as a passing lizard decided to rest on his face. He blinked at it sleepily and rolled over, letting it slip onto the ground. It made an indignant hissing noise and skittered off. Ryou sat up slowly, glancing at his watch, which he'd taken off earlier.

5:00 am.

of course it was still dark out. Ryou yawned, looking down at Bakura. He gave a smile at the thiefs relaxed, peaceful features. A noise in the distance grabbed his attention. He turned towards the source and reached over and shook Bakura's shoulder

"Bakura. Bakura, wake up."

Bakura groaned, his eyes opening a crack "What is it?"

"There's something in the desert."

Bakura sat up, frowning, he hated being woken up from a sound sleep. He sincerely hoped Ryou hadn't awoken him over something trivial like a pack of jakels...

He looked in the direction that Ryou was pointing. Three men on horses were approaching. Fast. Bakura was awake instantly."Damnit to Ra!"

He stood, reaching for his shendyt and quickly pulling it on. Ryou's eyes grew wide with panic, seeing his hurried actions "Bakura, what is it? The royal guards?"

Bakura said nothing. He grabbed his robe and covered Ryou with it, "Keep this wrapped around you. And sit up." Ryou did as he was bade, wincing at the sudden sharp pain from the movement.

"Ouch! You wern't kidding about being sore, were you?"

Bakura gave him a quick sympathetic smile which quickly faded as he turned to face the men as they neared. They approached slowly, taking confident, masterful stances. The men stopped a few feet away and dismounted, approaching Bakura. They wore hooded cloaks, hiding their faces from the light of the now low-burning fire.

Ryou kept the robe around him tugged tight, hiding all but his head, and feet. These men were deffinatly NOT royal guards.

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"Are you the Bakura, the King of Thieves?" one of them asked, looking strait at the thief king.

"I am," Bakura affirmed "And you are?"

One of the bandits steped forward, pulling down his hood, "I am called Banuuk. We're bounty hunters"

"And we're here for your head," one of the other three said, drawing a curved, evil looking blade.

Ryou gulped. Bakura smirked, "Is that so?"

Joey gave a shudder as he finaly caught up to Yugi, Tea, and Tristan. "Jou, is something wrong?" Yugi asked, seeing his freinds flushed face.

"You're damn right somethin's wrong!" Joey said, straitening.

"What is it?" Tea asked, her voice dripping with concern.

Joey clenched his fists "That stone age Kaiba-" Joey stopped short, flashes of dark eyes and a vindictive smirk swam before his eyes. Remembering the proximity to the priest he was just in, Joey fell silent with a muttered, "Never mind..."

Tristan shared a look with Tea while Yugi just shook his head, oblivious.

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Back in the throne room, Atem cradled his head in his hands. Mahaad had been observing the growing number of bandits in the kingdom and he was troubled. "They would appear to be rallying for something...It's strange. The kingdom's bandits are usually found alone or in small bands but now they're in such large groups... The fact that they appear to be banding together could spell disaster for the smaller villages without soldiers."

Atem groaned, slouching back in his throne. 'Is this was Shadi sent us here for? Nothing has happened yet... But could Bakura be behind this?'

The young pharaoh suddenly cried out as a burning pain overcame him, icy needles forcing their way into his brain.

Mahaad's eyes widened in shock, "Pharaoh?"

"Mahaad..."

Through the pained haze he saw the floor rush up to meet him. Everything went black.

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Smoke obscured his view of the narrow alley. Bricks crumbed beneath the heat of the roaring flames. A flash of light. The alley became a small courtyard, a simple stone fountain lay in the centre, its water red with blood. He recoiled, sickened by the sight. Smoke burned at his eyes, involuntary tears trailing their way down the young pharaoh's face. The smoke thinned to show bodies lying beside the fountain. Men and women, covered in wounds. Another flash. He found himself back in the narrow alley. A small boy ran past, the ash turning his snowy, white hair to a dull, dirty grey. Atem found himself following the boy, racing through the thick, choking smoke.

"Papa? Mama? Where are you?" the boy called, his voice raspy and dimmed from the smoke as he coughed. " Saisho? Jinan? Can you hear me? Big brothers?"

Atem almost tripped trying to avoid the small boy as he stopped, a look of horror his face.

Atem followed his gaze, jaw dropping in silent shock. Bodies lay strewn in the street as others were shepherded into groups, guarded by palace soldiers. He reached for the boys hand, but it simply passed through. He tried again, and again he had no results. The soldiers heared their prisoners down a brightly lit staircase marking the entrance to an underground structure. The boy followed, keeping out of sight.

Atem called out to stop him, though of course, his cries were unheard. So he followed the boy down.

The white haired boy peered around the corner as he found the source of the light. A massive fire was lit under an enormous cauldron. Dozens of people stood around the couldren. Five were pulled from the group and dragged to a platform above. Atem looked on in helpless horror as a man was pushed into the giant cauldren with a sickening scream and splash followed by a brief gurgling. The others soon joined him as they too were pushed in one by one. The boy watched silently, his eyes wide with terror as a tall man wearing a simple tunic and some black pants was pushed forward from the mass of people. He too had white hair, though his was tied back in a long braid.

The boy gasped "Papa..." he whispered, barely audible.

The man resisted as one of the guards shoved him towards the edge of the platform, fighting back. The guards punched him in the stomach. He bent over double, rasping. In the crowd, A woman yelled, reaching for him.

"Akuramen!"

She broke free and rushed forward, flinging herself upon the man. He glanced up at her,"Batsuma..."

Another guard grabbed the woman and all but flung her back into the crowd, "Wait your turn, woman!"

She cried out in agony, sobbing as her husband was pushed into the mixture with a thick, wet splash. She wasn't alone. Children clung to their mothers, eyes shining with fear. Men and women alike wailed at their soon-to-be fate. Another woman screamed as her toddler was ripped from her arms and carried towards the cauldren.

Atem couldn't take it anymore. He felt sick.

He ran, leaving the small boy behind, unable to help him. Stumbling through the barren streets, dodging crumbling rocks and straining to see through the dense smoke, the young pharaoh burst through the edge of the village, flying free from the choking smoke and collapsing to his knees. Glancing up, a spindly signpost stood above him, its only sign hanging at a jaunty angle on it's leather straps.

Atem strained to read the faded hieroglyphs in the dim lighting.

"Kul...Elna..."

His eyes widening, he pushed himself to his feet.

"I know what this is! It's...It's..."

A dizziness overcame him, his legs giving way. Unconcious as his face crashed into the sand.

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"Pharaoh!"

"I think he's coming to around..."

Atem opened his eyes to find Mahaad and Mana above him, their faces set in expressions of concern.

"My king, thank goodness..." Mahaad said, relieved, "For a moment there-"

The pharaoh forced himself into a sitting position, looking pale and out of breath. Mana reached out and touched his arm. " Pharaoh, is something wrong?"

Atem stood shakily, "It's nothing...I need rest... Mahaad, help me back to my room please..."

"Yes, Pharaoh," he said, wrapping an arm around his waist and leading him from the room, "Mana, go prepare a potion for his majesty."

"Yes master Mahaad," Mana nodded as she scurried away.

Bakura dusted his hands off as the last of the Shadows of the Shadow Realm retreated into nothingness. He turned to Ryou, "I told you I couldn't be captured so easily."

Ryou nodded dumbly.

Bakura strode over to the hikari and crouched beside him, "That tends to happen from time to time. You shouldn't worry about it." he stood "Well, I suppose it's too late to go back to sleep...the sun will rise in an hour or so..."He smiled "I believe I promised a warm bath so you could recover from last nights...activities," he said with a wink. "I might as well get a head start on that." He threw some wood on the fire and headed for the caves.

"Do you need any help?" Ryou asked, not wanting to seem lazy.

"No, you sit and relax. If you want, you can make breakfast after our bath," he added as he disapeared from sight.

Ryou sighed, pulling his legs up to his chest, making himself comfortable. Bakura was deadly if you were on his bad side, but...

Ryou smiled to himself. he had a sweet side to him too. He thought back to earlier that night. Bakura's lips...his gentle touch... those clever fingers... Ryou giggled, cuddling into Bakura's robe. He caught his scent and breathed in deeply, as if to memorize it.

Earthy and wild...just like Bakura himself. He expected no less.

Ryou had realized his own sexual orientation midway through freshman year at the Domino High School. He'd known he'd end up with a guy sooner or later, but he'd never thought he'd end up with BAKURA of all people. Let alone give him his virginity.

' And it felt sooo good, too...' a little voice in his head piped up.

Ryou bit his lip to keep from bursting out laughing.

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Ryou tried to keep his attention on tending to the meat in the pan he was cooking. However, his gaze just kept slipping back to Bakura. The thief sat a couple of feet away, sharpening his knife with a small whetstone, his robe hanging open to reveal the strong chest beneath. Ryou found himself transfixed.

Bakura glanced up, the feelinghe was being watched tickling his spine. Turning, he caught a glimpse of Ryou whipping around and focussing his attention on the pan he tended; a tinge of pink painting his ears. The Thief King turned back to his whetstone with a large, smug grin curving onto his face. Creating a cat-that-got-the-cream look on his sharp features.

At length, Ryou turned to the thief, "Bakura, breakfast is ready."

Bakura rose from his spot and strode over to him, taking a seat beside him, "What'd you make?"

"Fried meat, and some some other stuff I found in your food stock."

"Looks good," he said as Ryou divided the food into two bowls. As soon as his was in his hands, he dug in, messily as always. He never did have good table manners.

Ryou was use to it, so he just smiled and ate his own portion of the food quietly. When Bakura finished, he licked his fingers, sucking the juices off noisily with small slurping sounds. "Perfect, as usual, Ryou. I love it when you cook, you're much better at it than I am."

"Thank you," Ryou said, sounding pleased.

"So what do you want to do today?"

"I don't know..." Ryou said, pulling his legs up to his chest, "What do you want to do?"

"Kill the Pharaoh." he said. Ryou gave him a look. He shrugged "But that can wait...Hmm...There's a lot more things in the city I can show you. Maybe rob a house or two..."

Ryou gave him another look. Bakura reached over and ruffled his hair, "Just joking, koibito, I know you're still traumatized over the last robbery."

Ryou pouted, "You'd better be..."

Yugi, Tea and Tristan sat on Joey's bed, waiting for the blond to return from going to the bathroom.

Tristan gave a bored sigh, "How much longer is he gonna take?"

"Maybe he got lost," Tea said jokingly.

Yugi smiled "Heh, that's a good one Tea."

"Teana..."

"Sorry. I keep forgetting..."

The door slammed open as an extremely irritated joey stormed in before slamming the door shut again, growling and tugging at his hair

"Jeez! This being watched crap is getting pretty damn irritating! I walk out of this room, there they are. I walk out of the bathroom, there they are. Is a little privacy too much to ask?" He plopped down onto the bed , sending Yugi over the edge

"Ouch!"

"Oops. sorry Yuge..."

Tristan clapped a hand onto the blond's shoulder. " You feeling ok , buddy? How's your head?"

Joey groaned, waving his hand dismissively "Forget about it. So, what are we talking about?" Tea looked at him, her face srious "About what to do with the Bakura situation."

"I think we should go after him," Tristan said cracking his neck

Yugi nodded. "I agree. But it'll have to wait. We can't do anything while they're watching us."

"They're ALWAYS watching us." Joey growled " And it's all Seth's fault! I tell you that guy's out to get me. First he attacks me, then he's asking me all these questions like 'where did you come from' and 'why do I have yellow hair?' Ugh! How annoying. this must be what it's like to be a girl"

Tea whacked him on the back of the head.

"Ow! I retract my statement..."

"Maybe he likes you, Jou," Tristan said with a smirk.

Joey glared, "Tch! Yeah right Tris! I'd never get involved with someone as arrogant as Kaiba. Ancient version or not."

"Aw, come on Joey, what about that time you sent Kaiba a valentines day card?" Yugi teased

Joey crossed his arms, making a face "You're not helping my point here, Yuge. Besides that was for a joke!" Joey said to his diminuative friend.

"Whatever makes you feel better," Tristan said with a grin.

"You want a knuckle sandwich?"

"Hey... I just got a great idea!" Tea said, standing.

"What is it Teana," Yugi asked.

"Well, if Seth really is curious about Jou, I think we should give him what he wants. Have Jou hang out with him. Then, while he's distacted, the servants might leave us alone long enough to talk to the pharaoh and get something useful accomplished!"

"You gotta be kidding me," Joey scowed.

"It might be our only chance, man," Tristan said.

"But-"

"Come on, Jou, for the sake of the future? Think about what might happen if Bakura changes history? Something might happen to Serenity."

Joey paused. He clenched his ists "Oh, alright!" he said, stamping his foot, "For my sister...and the future and all that crap..."

"I'm proud of you Jou," Yugi said.

"Yeah, whatever...If he tries anything funny, I'm outta there!" he said as he left the room. He stomped towards one of the servants, "Hey, you." The servant turned, looking startled, "Y-Yes?"

"Know where I can find Seth? We need to talk."

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Seth sat at the low table, shuffling thick leafs of parchment between his long fingers. Sighing, the priest dropped the parchment onto the table, placing his chin in a palm and drumming the fingers of his free hand on the table. There was just something strange about the pharaohs personal servants. He knew he'd never seen them around the city, they seemed almost to appear from nowhere. they spoke strangely and used expressions he'd never heard before. His thoughts lingered on the blond with the shadow creature. He'd said that he and the Pharoah had known each other for years, Seth had been in the castle for several years now. He had been around since the Pharoah's childhood, and he'd never seen any of them before. Was it possible the Pharaoh had a secret life that none of them knew about?

'There is something wrong here. Something very wrong...'

A knock to the plain, wooden door of his chambers roused him from his thoughts. He cleared his throat,

"Enter."

The door squeeked open, It was a servant, "Master Seth, there's someone-"

Joey pushed past the servant and flashed a peace sign at Seth "What's up, dress-boy?"

"Jou? How unexpected." He turned to the flustered servant, "Leave us."

"Yes, master Seth." he said, closing the door behind him.

Seth rose from his seat to face the blond. "So to what do I owe the pleasure of your... engaging company?"

Joey stood his ground, inhaling deeply and letting out a sigh. "You wanted to ask me questions, right? As much as I'd hate to give you the satisfaction, you're not gonna leave me alone until I tell you what you wanna know. So just make with the questions before I change my mind... Besides, I havn't had my breakfast yet, and I tend to get cranky when I'm hungry."

"Is that so? Well in that case..." He strode past Joey and opened the door pulling aside a passing servant, "Bring me and the Pharaoh's servant morning meals."

"Yes, Master Seth," the girl said scurrying off to do as he asked. Seth turned towards Joey, "Now, why don't you have a seat?"

"I like standing better." the blond slumped against the wall. "So what d'ya wanna know?"

The priest returned to his stool and leaned closer to the blond, "Where did you come from before you arrived here?" Joey blanched before raising an eyebrow to hide it. He decided to be honest. "We came from a country called Japan." Seth's face remained impassive.

"Hm...Very well, next question. Where and when did you met the Pharoah?" Joey felt drops of sweat slide down his neck.

"I dunno..."

Seth arched a dark eyebrow.

" I mean, uh...I don't know because it was so long ago. Four, maybe Five years? It seems like we've known each other forever, that's all!"

Seth narrowed his eyes at the blond."Really? I have been serving the pharaoh for several years and I have never seen you before."

Joey glared back "What's with the attitude? I'm answering your questions."

Seth rose from his stool to tower over the blond, staring down at him cooly. "Because I find you suspicious." He saidleaning closer to the blond. Joey recoiled into the wall. He threw his arms out, slamming his palms into the wall either side of him, effectively sealing Joey in. He grinned and leaned closer to the uncomfortable blond. "There's something not right about your group and I will find out what it is."

"Yeah, I saw your little henchmen spying on me in the bathroom" Joey said, trying to act tough, "What's my bladder got to do with you being suspicious

" I believe one can never have too much surveillance when it comes to the good of our pharaoh..."

With that he closed the gap between them, the blond's eyes flying open at the feeling of Seth's lips against his own.

Bakura and Ryou rode on the back of a different horse today, this one a light brown gelding Bakura called Raja.

Ryou was now wearing an ankle-length robe and fine silk slippers adorned with blue saphires on the tops for fashion. His hair was tied back into a poney tail and Bakura had decked him out in an asortment of jewelry.

"Bakura, don't you think you over did it a bit?" He asked, glancing at the rings he was wearing for about the 50th time.

"Not at all," he said with his trademark smirk, "I want to show you off, my little Ryou."

Ryou blushed. Bakura smiled, "We're almost there. Once we arrive, I'll show you everything I didn't get to yesterday. The docks, the temples where we worship the gods-"

"Can we look at the market some more? I didn't get to see much of it last time because of that slave market guy." Ryou asked.

"We'll see..."

Joey, after a moment of shock, pushed Seth away with his foot "Get off me!"

He scrambled away from Seth as he freed himself, "What the hell was that suppose to be?"

"A kiss obviously."

I know what a kiss is jackass!" Joey yelled, glaring at Seth from his new position on the opposite side of the room.

Seth raised an eyebrow at the strange word but otherwise said nothing "What's the matter pup, can't handle a kiss?"

"I'll pass on kisses from you thanks!" Joey stomped to the door, grasping the bronze handle. "I'm outta here!"

His eyes widened as he felt a strong hand grab his wrist and spin around, pulling him into the strong arms of the priest. Warm lips once again captured the blond's. Joey struggled, trying to free himself from the priests unrelenting arms. His struggles ceased as he relized how useless his efferts were. Lossening his grip as the blond relaxed, Seth deepened the kiss. Joey felt his eyes drifting closed as the priest's lips caressed his own. His eyes flew open and a gasp escaped his throat when Seth chose to nip his bottom lip, breaking the daze. Joey blinked.

'Wait! Don't tell me I was enjoying that?'

He shook his head, shoving Seth away with a grunt. Joey wrenched the door open and took off down the stone hall, a hand pressed against his lips, leaving an indignant and flustered High Priest behind him.

"Damn pervert!"He growled "Those guys owe me big for this!" He wiped at his mouth vigerously,"Seth germs, Ew! Now I'm gonna nightmares for a week!"

Bakura kept a tight grip on Ryou's hand as he strode through they'd just finished examining about 15 different merchant stands. "Where to next, Ryou?"

"I don't know! there's so much to see, and this city is huge! You pick Bakura."

Bakura grinned. Ryou was so energetic and easy to please. "The temples then. Osiris maybe? or perhaps Ra? One of my favorites is Anubis. The statue is made of pure black marble, with giant saphires and silver as eyes."

Ryou's eyes gleamed. "Oh yes! There first, please please please! I love death deities, they're so cool!"

Bakura laughed heartily, slapping Ryou on the back, "Anubis it is then. Honestly, I havn't seen you this excited since your father came home for a visit and-"

Ryou's mind blanked out at the mention of his ever-absent father. Would he ever see him again? Or were they stuck here forever? And what about his friends? Would they be worried about him?

Bakura shook his shoulder, "Ryou! Are you listening?" he asked, annoyed. Ryou shook his head, "Sorry Bakura, I was thinking about something..."

Bakura sighed, irritated.

"How far away is the temple?" Ryou asked, shaking his head, to clear it of thoughts.

"It's on the other side of the city." The yami leaned into the face of his hikari, lips curling into a smirk, a predatory gleam in his eyes. " Why? Was there something else you wanted to do?" Ryou blinked, his still distracted mind missing the suggestiveness in Bakura's voice."Hmm, like what?"

Bakura's palm acquainted itself with his face. The yami straightened,"You really are hopeless Ryou..." he said, wrapping an arm around Ryou's shoulder as he continued to lead the way through the winding streets.

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Ryou's chocolate-brown eyes were wide, his face set in an expression of awe as he stared up at the massive building. The noonday sun glinted off the buildings surface surface. Bakura stood, waiting, on the huge staircase, leading up to the temple itself. "Coming?"

Ryou paled at the sight, there must have been at least 2,000 steps.

'How do these people do it?'

Sighing, the snowy-haired teen began the ascent to where Bakura waited, halfway up the staircase. Bakura stood and waited for Ryou as he trudged up the staircase. He knew a shortcut inside, but this was punishment for not paying attention to him earlier.

"This is torture..." Ryou protested as he finaly reached him, panting.

"Try thinking of it as exercise," he said "It's good for developing strong thighs and calfs. Which can be useful in so many ways..."

Ryou blushed, "Do you ever NOT think about sex?"

"I was talking about my work as a thief," Bakura said innnocently. "Seems to me you're the one with the dirty mind, Ryou."

The thief took the hikari's hand and continued leading him up the steps. Ryou rolled his eyes, seriously thinking of asking Bakura if he could have a piggy-back ride up those blasted stairs.

End of Chapter Six