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 Eight

Ryou sat on the low, soft bed, knees pulled up to his chest and his back resting against the guilded headboard. Yami, or Atem as he was called here, had put him in one of the vast guest rooms. He'd made every effort to make Ryou comfortable. He supposed he shouldn't have been surprised, given he and the pharaoh were friends, but admittedly he'd been half expecting to have been placed in the dungeons until Bakura's return.

Bakura.

The name sent a dull ache through his chest.

Where was he?

The thief had been gone for three days. He'd left with only a tight hug and a quick peck on the lips and Ryou was beginning to miss the comfort of being held close to his yami's toned chest. Bakura's deep voice purring into his ears... The feeling of Bakura's ever-smirking lips against his own... As brief as the new level of their relationship was, it was strangly addicting.

Most of all though, he just missed Bakura's presence. He'd never really been apart from him for more than a few hours since the day he'd come into his life. The huge room was too big for one person and him sitting curled up on the bed made the emptiness he felt all the more noticable. Feeling the ache of separation lance through his heart for about the 50th time today, Ryou buried his face in the arms crossed over his knees. He felt foolish. He was acting like a child. But he couldn't help it.

He didn't like being alone. He hated remembering how empty his life had been after the death of Amane and their mother. And with his father always away...

Bakura had become his emotional and social support once he'd made Ryou aware of his presence. At first he'd been 'the voice'. Then he'd learned his name. Bakura. He'd been kcalled by many aliases throughout the centuries. Akefia, Touzoku...But Bakura was his true name. Ryou had been pleased, since Bakura was also his surname. He'd been downright scary at times, but he was his friend. His Protector. And more recently, his lover.

Love...

Did Bakura love him?

Did he love Bakura?

Ryou mused these thoughts in silence as he stared at his toes.

"Ryou?"

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He lifted his head hopefully, "Bakura?"

He glanced at the door. It was Yugiand the others. His heart dropped with disapointment. He pushed aside his gloomy thoughts and tried to appear normal, replacing his frown with a small smile. "Hey guys."

"How've you been, buddy?" Tristan asked, plopping down beside him and tussling his hair. Ryou shrugged, "I'm 's your head Joey?"

"It's fine. I've had worse."

"How's your bruise?" Tea asked, glancing at the bluish mark on his temple. Ryou rubbed it, flinching momentarily "It's getting better," he judged aloud. Tea sighed, "That's good. I still can't believe a guard hit you like that!"

"Well, I didbite him..." Ryou said, "I suppose I deserved it."

"Hey, that reminds me," Joey said with a sly smirk, "Is it true what the pharaoh says?"

"About what?" Ryou asked, turning to the blond, a puzzled expression on his face. Joey grinned "About you and Bakura doin' the dirty when they found you."

Ryou turned beet red.

Tea elbowed Joey hard. "Jou!"

Joey laughed. Yugi made a face "Maybe that's not the most appropriate thing to ask right now..."

Ryou shook his head, "No, it's alright...Besides, it IS true."

"I knew it!"

Tristan and Yugi exchanged looks, grinning.

"What was it like?"

" Did it hurt?"

"How big is he?"

"Who was on top?

"What positions were you guys in?"

Tea growled, shoving the boys out of the door as they all continued blurting out questions. She locked the door, crossing her arms. "Pervs... You guys are such hentai's!"

Rowdy laughter sounded from the other side of the door as Tea glared. She 'hmphed' and turned to the whitenette, "I am SO sorry about those idiots."

Ryou smiled, "Well, it's understandable. It's natural to be curious... Especialy if you're a guy."

"Speaking of guys, why would you hook up with Bakura of all people?" Tea asked, raising an eyebrow. " And why now?"

Ryou shrugged. "I don't know...Lot's of reasons, I suppose."

"I can't think of any" Tea muttered, sitting down beside the teen. Ryou laid back against the pillows "You don't know Bakura like I do. We have a...special connection. He's not as bad as people think he is. He's actualy pretty sweet when the mood strikes him."

"Ryou, he wants to rule the world, he can't be that sweet."

Ryou sighed. He wouldn't expect Tea to understand.

"So..." Tea asked, "What was it like?"

"What?"

"...IT...with Bakura..." Tea asked, giving a little giggle, "I wanna hear everything."

Ryou's cheeks tinged pink, but he could not suppress a grin, " You're as bad as the others..."

"No I'm not. I'm a girl. They're perverts. I'm just curious."

Ryou shook his head, laughing "Let's see, where should I begin?"

Seth watched as Joey, Tristan and Yugi walked down the hall, talking and laughing to each other. Raising an eyebrow at the obvious lack of supervision- hadn't he ordered the serving staff to keep an eye on them?- He followed the three, keeping enough distance between them that they didn't notice his presence, but remained close enough to overhear their conversation.

"Oh man, can you believe it? I mean Ryou and Bakura! Now there's a couple you wouldn't expect!"

Tristan snorted. "Anycouple involving Bakura is one you wouldn't expect..." Joey joined him in his laughter.

Seth narrowed his eyes. They knew the thief personally?

"Actually," Yugi interrupted, "doesn't it make sense?" Joey and Tristan looked at him blankly. Yugi cleared his throat "Well Ryou isn't the most social of people right?" He continued at their nod. "And Bakura obviouslyisn't a people person... They live together in Ryou's father's house, so they only company they really have is each other. Not to mention the yami-hikari bond and mind-link..."

Seth frowned. The thief lived with this boy? In this boy's father's house? Absurd. There was nowhere in the kingdom the thief could hide. No-one in the kingdom would hide the thief. Something is very strange here.

Joey grinned and nudged Yugi in the ribs. "You seem to know a lot about their feelings Yuge... Is there something you need to tell us about you and the Pharoah?"

Yugi's ears turned red, "Oh, come on, guys!"

"Yugi and the Pharaoh sitting ina tree," the taller boys sang out, "K-I-S-S-I-N-"

"What are you three doing here unsupervised?"

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The three spun, Joey's words dying on his tongue as he looked up to see Seth towering over him, displeasure plain on his face.

"G..." he finished pathetically.

The priest narrowed his eyes and turned his back to them, looking over his shoulder. "Follow me. There are questions I will have you answer."

Joey frowned,"Oh, not again..." he muttered.

Yugi and Tristan moved to follow. Seth shook his head, "No. YOU two are confined to your rooms until furthurnotice. I shall speak with Jou now. I will question you two later." He turned, facing the blond "Jou, come to my chambers."

Joey balked, remembering what happened the last time he was alone with the priest. Seth grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall. Joey wrenched his hand free, "I can walk by myself, thank you!"

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Yugi and Tristan watched as the two of them disapeared around the corner.

"Well, I guess we better to back to our rooms..." Yugi said.

"Yeah. We wouldn't wanna get into any more trouble."

"I just hope Seth isn't to rough on Joey... I mean Jou!" Yugi quickly corrected himself "Gosh it's still kinda hard to remember to say the code names."

"I know whatcha mean on both points bud."

"- And then we fell asleep together" Ryou finished, having told Tea 'the story' about he and Bakura's first tryst. He gave a happy sigh at the memory as he waited for her response.

Tea looked awed, giving a small smile,"Wow... I didn't think Bakura could be that gentle to anyone! He was really your first?"

"Uh-huh..." Ryou said, blushing at the confession, "I was kinda sore in the morning, but Bakuradrew a bath for us by heating up water he'd put in a washing tub he took from the palace some time ago, so it was okay. Best night of my life."

Tea giggled "That's so cute and cheesy."

"I know," Ryougiggled along withher, smiling, "So, Tea, what about you? Have you been with anyone yet?"

Tea shook her head, "Not yet. I'm saving myself for the right guy."

"You mean Yugi" Ryou said playfully.

Tea gave a crafty smile, "Maybe...maybe not."

A deep chuckle came from the doorway, "Deffinatly Yugi."

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Ryou and Tea turned. There stood Bakura- dirty and covered with sand- looking regal as ever.

Ryou lept from the bed, tackling Bakura to the floor as he wraped his arms around him "BAKURA!" he yelled happily. He flowered kisses over the thiefsface before giving him a hard, passionate kiss on the mouth. Bakura's trademark smirk appeared as he gently pushed Ryou away and stood " I see I was missed in my absence. You've never glomped me before..."

"Of course I missed you." Ryousaid with a calm smile, laying his head against his former Yami. Bakura tussled the whitenettes hair, "I missed you too, Ryou."

As the thief threw an arm around his middle, Ryou felt complete again.

Tea broke themoment. "How'd you get in here anyway?" she asked, raising an eyebrow " I didn't hear the door open."

Bakura flashed her his cheshire cat grin, "Remember my dear, I'm a thief. I have my ways..." Tea made a tutting sound at his ignored her. The girl was irritating, but if Ryouwas fine with her being here, he'd just have to tolerate her. Tea pressed on "So what's the Pharoah going to do about the bandits? Did you find out what they're doing? How did you get away?"

Bakurafrowned at her irritating questions. "One question at a time, if you really must ask questions at all. I don't know what he plans to do about them. I haven't chosen to go speak with him yet. Yes, I did find out, and the same way I got in here. Being me." His trademark smirk accompanied the last statement.

Tea frowned "You haven't spoken with the Pharoah yet? Why in the world not? He needs to know what's going on doesn't he?"

"I believe I said one question at a time." Bakura grumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Was she TRYING to test his patience? "At any rate. I will see the pharoah when I choose, he is in no immediate danger. Well, not just yet anyway. He's got at least a day. Besides, a little stress will do him good. He's far too uptight. And before you say anything else, or demand I go speak with him, I willgo speak with him... As soon as I am done making my absence up to Ryou."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Tea asked raising an eyebrow.

He looked at Tea pointedly, clearing his throat.

She blushed, realizing what he meant. She practically ran for the door, calling out a quick, "Excuse me!" as she left.

Bakura grinned and turned back to his nuzzling hikari, to find him staring at him with wide eyes and a content smile playing across his lips.

'So cute..."Bakura thought to himself "Good thing I left him here or those morons I kept company with would've had they're way with him for sure.

Bakura stood, picking up Ryou bridal style. He flashedhim a smirk, " You know, I realy did miss you Ryou."

"I know."

Bakura grinned, "How'd you like to fool around on a nice soft bed to make up for it?" Ryou layed his arms on either side of him in relaxed, carefree positions as Bakura dropped him on the soft matress and hovered over him. "I think I'd like that."

"Good. Because I'm going to ravage you until you're SCREAMING my name," he said giving a wicked, predatorial grin.

Ryoushivered with anticipation as his face turned bright red. Bakura dove on him, growling hungrily.

Seth sat Joey down on a stool, cossing his arms "Alright, Jou, I have some serious questions to ask you and I'm not letting you leave until you answer me truthfully."

"Why don't you try to MAKE me?" Joey said scowling. He hated being told what to do. Seth pulled on his arm, flipping him around and pushing his back into the table. Seth's face loomed in front of Joey's, cold blue eyes staring darkly. "If that's what it takes, I will, serving dog." His eyes narrowed. The priest stepped back and crossed his arms back over his chest, watching as the blond reluctantly nodded.

"That's better. First question. Where are you from?"

"You asked me that before." Joey said, waving his arm in a dismissing fashion.

"I don't care. Answer the question."

The blond glared at him. "From Japan."

"Second question, how did you come to be in the Pharoah's employ?"

Joey paused a moment and scratched the back of his head, attempting to pull it off as something other than a distraction as he thought up an answer. "I traveled here to egypt and got a job serving in an estate. The Pharoah stayed there briefly and it was decided that I should work here instead."

"Are you saying the Pharoah requestedyour transferral to the palace?"

"Yeah."

"I see" Seath said, taking a few steps back, " The pharaoh must have taken a liking to you to do that." Joey felt the panic he'd been feeling when Seth had ordered him to his chambers starting to recede. "Yeah, Like I said before, we're pals."

" Yes, I remember. Now for my third question"

"Shoot."

A blank expression

" Er, I mean, go on"

"What is your realname Jou?"

Joey blanched, ice gripping his heart. Seth lowered himself to Joey's level, hands either side of him on the low stool, his icy, blue eyes staring into Joey's wide hazels. "Yes, I know Jouis not your real name. And I have my suspicions that you and your friends aren't serving staff either. You will tell me who you are, how and why you are here and you will tell me how you seem to know both the Pharoah, that boy, and the thief in such a close manner. Now speak."

Joey "I uh...I can't tell you that..."

"Why not?" Seth demanded.

"It's top secret. Besides you wouldnt believe me even if I did tell you."

Seth frowned, "The pharoh would not keep such an important secret from me. Tell me the truth, now!"

"I told you already, I can't tell you!" Joey yelled.

Seth growled, raising his fist. Joey flinched instinctivly, memories of his father in the drunken rage of alcohol flashing through his mind.

Seth raised an eyebrow, seeing the boy cringe. He unclenched his fist and took Joey's chin in his hand, forcing him to look him in the eyes, "Why did flinch just then?"

Joey shifted in his seat uncomfortably, yanking his chin free "That's none of your business…he muttered.

"Ahhh..."

"Ryou..."

"Unh...Bakura!" Ryougasped out, gripping the sheets beneath him, tossing his head to the side as Bakura brought him closer to his peak "Nnn, Ryou, I'm so close!" Bakura grunted, his forehead pressed against Ryou's own, gritting his teeth. Ryou moaned loudly, wrapping his legs around Bakura's waist "Ah-hh! Harder! Don't stop!" he begged. Bakuragroaned, complying with his lovers wishes, letting out an adrenaline-filled laugh .

"Such a little minx you've become after only two times? I must be better than I thought!"

Ryou did not answer. He merely threw back his head, " Bakura!" he yelled as white spots danced across his vision. Bakura growled out Ryou's name as he burried himself as deep as he could go, sinking his teeth into Ryou'sshoulder, filling the boy with his essence. He collapsedbeside him with a grunt, completly spent. Ryou gave a yawn, curling up close to the thief as they lay tangled in the bedsheets, sweatyflushed, and panting.

Bakurawrapped an arm around him, playing with his hair,"So, Ryou, have I compensated for my absence?"

Ryou practically purred under his warm touch, "Oh yes...I completly forgive you for everything you've ever put me through...Even the time in Battle City when you stabbed my arm."

Bakura glanced at the scar adorning the boys arm, rubbing his thumb over it, "Yes, well, it was neccisary to furthur my plans...Under normal circumstances, of course, I would have never inflicted such an injury upon you."

"I know," Ryou said, snuggling deeper into his side. Bakura lay back against the pillows, enjoying the post-orgasmic warmthcoupled with Ryou's small frame pressed against him.

'It's good to be the Theif King...'

"PHARAOH!"

Isis gasped, almost tripping over her crisp, linen dress as she raced into the throne room. With a quick bow to her young ruler, she locked her wide blue eyes with his. He must have seen the panic within them for his demeanour changed immediately.

"Isis? What's wrong?"

"The bandits my Pharoah! They're approaching the city. There's many more than we thought! It's a veritable armymy Pharoah!"

The young man's crimsoneyes widened and he sprang to his feet. "What? What about Bakura? Did he not return?"

"No one has seen him my Pharaoh..." Isis lowered her head in a show of loyalty. Bad news presented to a Pharoah was rare and unhappy event.

"Damn it." Atem muttered under his breath before turning back to Isis. "Rouse the guard!"

A klaxon bell ringing sounded throughout the halls, rousing the thief and his hikari from their light post-coital doze.

"What's going on?" Ryou asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He tightened his grip on the thief. Bakuranarrowed his eyes. "I think I have an idea..." He growled under his breath. He quickly retreivedhis clothing, putting them back on with haste. " Those fools moved earley. I should go to the pharaoh now. You stay here."

"Okay..." Ryou said, pulling the covers up over his chest as Bakura opened and shut the door with a loud thud. He headed towards the throne room, pushing past servants as they scurried past him in a panic. He kicked the door open.

"Hello, Pharaoh," he said.

Atem turned to him, "Bakura! where were-"

"I arrived half an hour ago, I was with Ryou. What's happened?"

"They're here! The thieves and bandits! Why in the name of Anubis didn't you report to me when you returned?" Atem demanded.

"You're notmy master, oh glorious and esteemed King!" the thief spat, "In any event, they're going to try to overthrow the palace. so I suggest you summon the soldiers, magicians, and your guardians to defeat them. They're numerous, but none of them are spell casters. Many of them have spirit creatures though. Powerful ones."

Atem growled to himself quietly. "I've already dispatched the soldiers... I want nothing more than to protect the people of this city!"

The soliders stood at the city gates, preparing for battle as the army of bandits drew closer.

"Remember men, we fight in the name of the Pharaoh!"

"For the Pharaoh!" They echoed, drawing their swords.

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The bandits, many on horseback, laughed as they charged into battle, " Let's give those self-righteous fools the fate they deserve! A swift but painful death!"

Those who heard the cry let out answering whoops of dark glee as they met the soldiers.

Swords crossed and blood flew as the battle began. Villagers screamed and ran in blind panic as several thieves broke the line of soldiers, lighting houses on fire with torches and kicking doors in, raveging the houses for their valuables.

A young girl in her mid-teens and her younger brother screamed as a large, dirty bandit chased them through the widing streets, a crazed look in his eye.

"Help us!"

"Someone help!"

The bandit laughed as they turned a corner and found themselves trapped with nowhere else to go. " Looks like you've hit a dead end in more ways than one!" he hissed as he approached them, an evil gleam in his eyes. His sword was red with the blood of some other poor victim. He cackled, raising the blade.

The girl whimpered, hiding her brothers face in her shoulder as they braced themselves for the death that was soon to come. The bandit's laugh was cut off in a choked gurgle as a guard charged behind him, running him through with his sword. He pulled the children to their feet, "Come, follow me, we're evacuating the city!" He pushed them along into the still frenzied streets as soldiers who weren't engaged in battle herded the villagers towards the other village entrances.

Shadow Creatures battled in the fray along with man, none clear who's side they were on as they fought even amoungst each other. As more and more bandits broke through the line of soldiers, they had one specific target in mind.

The palace.

Tristan sprang to his feet as Tea and Yugi burst into the little room. "Where have you been?"

"We met in the corridor... where's Joey?" Tea glanced around the room.

"He didn't come back after that Ancient Kaiba guy took him away."

Yugifrowned. "He's still with Seth? That can't be good. What if Seth suspects something?"

Atem cursed as the bandits approached the palace, pushing at it's mighty stone gates, their shadow creatures, those who had them anyway, were helping. He turned to Bakura, " Why didn't you come strait to me when you got back," he growled, "They're going to break through any minute!"

"It's not MY fault those fools decided to attack early!" Bakura spat.

"There are innocent people in here that are going to die or worse!" Atem said as he turned back to the scene below him in horror.

"Well...now you know what it's like," Bakura said darkly. Atem turned to look at him, seeing the emptiness in his eyes as he gazed at the familar scene below him. Bakura pursed his lips. "Funny...I've always wanted to see this city destroyed...Now the idea seems unsavory to me."

"Bakura?"

Bakura turned from him, "If you want to save your people, then I suggest you follow me. We don't have much time before they break through."

The palace guards faught to hold the gates closed, their efforts fruitless as the outlaws and degenerates of the kingdom pushed the gates aside and swarmed forth like locusts, their creatures preoccupying the guards as they stormed into the palace.

"Take all!"

"Spare nothing and no one!"

And thus the siege began.

Servants fled, hiding wherever possible as the bandits all too quickly spread like a cancer throughout the palace ransacking and breaking valuables.

Tea yelped as the door to Tristan's room burst open, revealing a large, squat bandit with a low-slung belt and wide hat. He smirked as his eyes took in the sight of Tea and her dancer's figure. "Looks like I gone and struck gold, huh?" The bandit leered.

Tristan bent forward, locking his spine." I don't think so!" He charged, catching the bandit off guard and crushed him into the wall. " And that's our cue to scram!" Tristan said grabbing Tea's arm. The three emerged into the wide corridor, stopping as they saw a large group of bandits heading towards them.

"RUN!" Tristan bellowed, making an abrupt turn in the opposite direction "Head for Ryou's room!"

Ryou leapt back onto the low bed, his pacing disturbed as a bandit burst through the door. He grinned as he looked at the nude figure laying helplessly on the bed. No doubt one of the pharaoh's bed slaves..."

"Hmmm, a boy," he muttered, his eyes flicking over Ryou's flat chest and stomach, "You're quite pretty... You'll make a nice trophy." He stepped forward but lost his balance on the silk blanket Ryou had let fall to the floor in his earlier pacing and thudded face-first onto the matress. He was up again a moment later, lunging at Ryou, pinning the boy down.

"I'm gonna enjoy this!" he grinned, running his hands over Ryou's tender flesh.

"Get off of me!" Ryou yelled, kneeing the villian in the groin. Giving out a strangled yell, he released Ryou. The lithe boy scrambled backward off the bed to escape his reach. The bandit glared, "You little whore!" He drew his sword, ignoring the throbbing pain as he lept off the bed once again stalked towards Ryou, who was retreating towards the vanity table against the wall. Ryou felt his hand hit the small, wooden stool by the said table. He gripped the stool as the bandit drew closer. He clamped his eyes shut and swung as hard as he could. There was a sickening crack! as it made contact with his attacker. He opened his eyes. The bandit was out cold, blood trickling from the side of his head from a large gash.

Ryou shuddered and stepped backward, his back hitting the cool wall. Ryou grabbed his tunic and pulled it on over his head as he flung the door open and charged out into the corridor, determined to find Bakura. He knew he'd be safe with Bakura!

He nearly slammed right into Yugi and the others, who were running in his direction. The trio stopped, seeing their friend take off

"Ryou!" Tea shouted, "Where're you-"

As the bandits that had ben pursuing them came into view, Ryou turned and ran.

"Talk later! Run now!"

Tea took off after him, "Wait for us!"

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Ryou ran in the direction of the throne room. He and the others skidded to a halt as they were cut off by a group of bandits.

"Grab those servants!"

Tristan gripped Ryou's wrist as he made an abrupt turn right, heading down an adjacent hall, "We have to find the pharaoh and hide!" Yugi cried.

"What about Joey?" Tea asked.

"He's with Seth," Yugi replied as they ran, "he'll be fine! We'll find him later!"

Ryou looked back. The bandit were catching up. He picked up the pace. He was always the slowest when they got into these kinds of situations...

"Not this time!" he said through gritted teeth, "I got crushed by the balloon rock back in Duelist Kingdom. I am NOT falling behind AGAIN!"

Ryou pushed himself, soon surpassing the others as they hurtled down the hall.

"Whoa..." Tristan blinked. He eyes widned as he looked ahead. "Ryou, watch out!"

"Ryou!"

"Stop!"

" Why?" Ryou asked.

Too late. Ryou let out a loud grunt as he collided with something. Or rather someone.

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Stars danced behind his eyelids. Ryou shook his head, looking up upon a group of black-cloaked figures. He gasped, scrambling backwards. The man grabbed his arm, his grip was firm, but far from painful. He leaned in close, "You can run pretty fast can't you? You really should've considered joining the track team back in high school."

Ryou blinked. "Who-?"

The figure pulled back his hood. Ryou gasped, "Bakura!"

Bakura smirked. Glancing at the others, "I see you brought your friends. He tossed some cloaks to them, "Put these on if you know what's good for you."

"Where's the pharaoh?" Yugi asked, flinging the cloak over his shoulders.

"And who're these guys?" Tea asked.

"Who do you think, you mook?" one of the figured asked.

"Jou?" Tea gasped.

"Duh..." came his reply as the blond lowered his hood to flash a peace sign. Another of the figures lowered their hood. It was Atem.

"Pharoah, you're alright!" Yugi cried with relief, running over and wrapping his arms around him tightly. Atem returned the hug, "I'm fine, Aibou. Hurry, put your hood on, they're coming!"

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The bandits that had been pursuing them rounded the corner. Ryou was the only one not wearing a cloak.

"There he is!" One of them said, pointing.

Bakura clamped his free hand on Ryou's shoulder as the other one, still gripping his wrist, tightened. "No need for that, I've already claimed this one." He glanced down at Ryou, "There's no point in resisting me, so stop struggling" he said. Taking the hint, Ryou twisted and tugged, trying to free himself from his 'captor'.

"Let me go! Please I'll do anything, let me go!"

"Not likey, I have plans for YOU" he said, looking quite evil indeed as he looked down at him.

Ryou had to give it to Bakura. He was quite an actor.

Bakura turned back to the bandits, "I'll be keeping this one for myself. You fools go search for the pharaoh, he's bound to be here somewhere! And when you find him, bring him to me! He's mine..."

Cold blue eyes observed the scene impassively, watching as the Thief successfully diverted a group of raiding bandits. The eyes narrowed slightly as they observed the thief. He had no idea that very soon his actions would spell disaster for the small group and invariably change history with catastrophic results. The Pharaoh would have to be ready. Flipping the hanging cloth from his turban back over his shoulder, the keeper of items turned his attentions to the thief's former host, Ryou.

A curious one indeed... Years of hardships and difficulties caused by the ancient entity clutching his arm, and the boy's feelings became those of love and adoration... He saw past the dark exterior and saw the light within. And more, the thief even obeyed and humoured the boys wishes...

This boy's will was implacable. And his spirit was strong.

He would also be a problem. When it came time for the Pharaoh to save them all, the boy could become an obstacle. His bond to the thief was too strong.

'It may need to be severed.'

Bakura released his grip on Ryou, smirking "That ought to keep those buffons busy..."

Ryou wraped his arms around Bakura's middle, pulling away after a tight embrace. "You know, you've got to be the worlds best actor. I almost fell for that performance."

Bakura smirk deepened, "Of course I am. I am Bakura, master of deception! Now, we've got to get out of here. Ryou, they think I'm going to keep you as a bed slave, so chances are they won't bother you. Just keep pretending to be scared of me in front of them and you'll be fine" he said tussling his hair "The rest of you keep your hoods on until we're out of the palace."

"We can't just leave!" Atem protested, "What about the citizens?"

"Well, your highness," Bakura said, rounding on him "you can't help them if your captured, can you? Besides your guards have evacuated most of the city. I suspect casualities were low."

Atem sighed heavily.

Seth put a hand on Atem's shoulder, "My pharaoh, as much as I hate to say this, we must listen to the Thief King. We must get you to safety if we are to have any hope of victory. If we can get to our temples and assemble our Shadows Creatures, was can easily dispatch these bandits!"

Joey nodded, "Yeah, what he said, Atem!"

Seth cuffed Joey on the back of the head "Don't speak his highness's name so brazenly, servant boy."

"Why I oughta-!"

Bakura frowned, "Both of you shut up before you draw attention to yourselves!"

Rolling his eyes as Joey and Seth continued to glare at each other, Bakura turned away. Beckoning for the pthers to follow, Bakura dashed off along the hall, keeping a hold on Ryou's wrist to pull the boy along behind him. The group soon followed suit. The self-proclaimed Thief King dashed down corridor after corridor, pulling a helpless Ryou behind him and going at a pace that only just allowed the small group following him to actually keep up. Mana stayed close to Mahaad, "Master Mahaad, should we really be following theif king? How do we know this isn't a trap?"

"We don't. We're going to have to trust him."

Atem turned to his childhood freind, "Just be brave Mana. Everything will-

Atem's words died on his lips as they emerged from the palace doors to see the Royal City in flames. Vast columns of smoke rose in every direction, the roar of flames and screams of the few citizens that hadn't been evacuated a dark orchestra against the silence of the falling darkness as the sun set over the desert.

Shaking off his pain and rage, Atem grabbed Yugi's hand and followed behind Bakura and Ryou, dashing through winding alleys, dodging rubble and the smouldering remains of market stalls. Atem froze as the dull scrape of crumbling stone sounded from somewhere to his left. He wheeled around as a scream came from Tea. Yugi gasped.

One of the low buildings had succumbed to the heat of the flames and crumbled to rubble, falling to block off the alley.

The group was separated.

000000ooooo000000

Wrenching his body around to shout to Bakura, his voice failed him. Neither Ryou nor Bakura were anywhere in sight.

They'd kept running.

The choking smoke began to fill the alley, he could hear the rest of the group coughing from beyond the wall of rubble. Atem yelled to be heard "Are you all alright?"

"Yes!" came the sound of Shada's voice, "But we cannot get through!"

"We'll get you out!"

"No, just go!" came Isis's voice, " Stay with Bakura and make your way to the South gate! We'll meet you there!"

Nodding to himself, Atem siezed Yugi's arm again and disappeared into the smoke.

End of Chapter Eight