Safe was not a way to describe how he felt right now. Locked in the same cell with an ex Yami who wanted to kill his Yami was not how he wanted to end up. But here he was, thinking of a way out of this situation while Bakura paced around like a wild animal stuck in a cadge... well he was to be honest. They had not been moved from their cells, which was less than desired. He hoped that the cell swapping would have taken him back to Yami and Atemu soon, sadly that was not to be.

As Bakura paced he started to feel slightly nervous, curling up in a ball. "Bakura? Are you okay? I mean... I don't want to seem rude or anything of course... well may-!" He was stopped suddenly by Bakura's hand, placed over his mouth. "Shh, people are coming. Do you hear that?" Sure enough the sound of laughter reached the young blondes ears, and he sat back, making sure he was behind Bakura. Guards came round the corner, opening the door harshly, "Tie the thief up, make sure he can't escape" As soon as the order was given two other men stepped forward, grabbing Bakura and tying his hands behind his back as he struggled. "Let me go! Fucking hell, let me go!" Once they were sure Bakura was tied tight they surrounded Yugi.

"He is precious isn't he, I think we will enjoy this little Pharaoh" When Yugi realized what was going on it was too late, he was stripped and pinned against the wall. "Who wants the first go then? I assure you this boy has not been used before. So he is a fresh virgin." A guard stepped forward, but he was knocked down quickly. Bakura snarled softly as he glared at the guard. Soon they had dropped Yugi, and were after Bakura. He tried to hit as many as possible, but they were too large and strong. He had not eaten in days either, and it was getting to him. Then, one punched him in the gut, the pain seared through his body, the blood tainted the inside of his mouth, and he collapsed. "Here, lets have a go of the albino as well, I mean he is a feisty character" Yugi gasped softly and ran over to Bakura. "Leave him alone! Stop it! Can't you see he is weak! He is not feeling so good, and yet you still torture him. Release him immediately..." He was shoved to a wall, while they swarmed all over Bakura, others came over to him. He felt helpless, he wanted to do something, to protect Bakura. He had saved him.

Suddenly the door opened. "Let go of him!" The voice was familiar, looking up he saw Malik. Marik's dark half. He was here? He was free? What was going on. When the guards did not release Yugi or Bakura Malik whipped out his Millennium Rod, he has the Millennium Rod? But the items were hidden, and buried along with everything else. If Malik had the Rod, did he have the other pieces also. Soon the guards were off him, and walking out of the room. "Malik?" Yugi whispered, said man turned to him, eyes filled with emotions, anger and sorrow were the two that stood out the most. Then he left, he walked out the prison and closed the door, locking it. Leaving Yugi alone with a weak Bakura. He turned to the whitette, who was coughing up blood. "Oh dear, oh Bakura..." He helped him into a sitting position and grabbed a cup of water. "Here, drink this... it will help"

The male only laughed. "Have you not got anything stronger mini Pharaoh? That would help me a lot better than this stuff." He drank it anyway, swirling it in his mouth before he swallowed. Yugi sighed and grabbed his clothes, putting them back on quickly. "Are you okay Bakura? They...they hurt you pretty hard, I was worried when I saw them slam you to the ground. I am so pathetic, I tried to stop them but... but they... well you saw" The darker half only shrugged, standing up carefully. "Thank you for that, I really appreciate it. No one even sticks up for me, they assume I am strong enough to deal with it myself... the truth is obvious however, I may be agile and athletic. But when it comes to brute strength well... does it look like I have that?" A soft smirk caressed his pale lips and Yugi sighed. "You are strong, and very intelligent. I don't think it is a good idea you being a thief, but there is nothing I can say or do about that"

When the door opened once more, Bakura was on guard. But what they saw was against belief, Marik stepped quickly into the room, followed by three guards. "I am here to check your wounds, since I am the only one that knows first aid. Mast...! Malik wants to make sure you are both all right. He did not mean for them to do that and sends his apologies. They will be disciplined and punished severely." Bakura sat back down, realizing that Marik was no threat. "Are you a prisoner here too? I see he does not make exceptions." Marik sighed and nodded. "We all are now, Malik has the rod, so the soldiers are all undergoing mind wipes and being forced to obey him. That is what has happened to those three behind me. They are deaf to all except Malik. He wont do it to you lot though, he says he would rather keep you for torturing, though what the guards did to you was horrible, and he did not want that to happen. He said something about keeping Yugi safe... but I can't remember why. Sorry. Now let me check you please. Malik does not want any deaths unless it is caused by his own hand, or his own orders"

Bakura let him check over the scars that decorated his body, and the rope burns from struggling until he was finally able to escape. Overall however he was fine, he knew it well. He had been in worse situations than this after all. Yugi however would be much worse, he saw them touch him, abuse him. If it was not for Malik he would have been raped, the owed him a lot... though he would never admit it. Marik stood and walked over to Yugi, giving him a soft smile. "So, Malik has us imprisoned? I thought it would be someone different, I thought Malik was... with you" The blonde gave a soft nod, wiping a scar. "Yeah, he was in the same cell as me, until recently. I was left alone and I had no idea what had happened to him. I thought they had killed him or something. I was so worried. But then, today actually. I was dragged to this large office, thousands of security cameras are in this place, and Malik was there, sitting on a large chair. He never told me anything, just said if I did not do as he said, he would use the rod on me. I did not want to be a blank mind slave, so I said yes... and here I am"

The younger nodded, though his face was void of all emotions. It was a hard time for him, so no more questions were asked. The room was bathed in a tranquil silence until Marik got up from cleaning the last wound on the younger's shoulder. "There, that should do for a while. If it starts stinging again just ask for me, I will be sure to come. Now I have to check on Akefia and Atemu, they had a fight. I am not trusting this experience to be a pleasant one. But Malik said he would accompany me himself. So I guess I can't complain" Yugi noticed how unwell Marik looked. It was very hard to spot, only if he turned sideways ever so slightly he could notice. He was pale, his eyes never had the same spark they used to. His lips looked dry and his hair unkept. Marik overall looked weaker, puny in a sense. Like he had stopped fighting all together and just decided to listen and obey. There was no rebellion in this young man, not even the slightest hint of disobedience.

When he left Yugi was quiet, thinking over what he had seen in the other. What had Malik done to Marik? Was he a mind slave? He seemed to have his own personal opinion and everything, it was just... he looked so emotionless, so filled with pain and suffering. Was Malik doing more than he was letting on. "I think Malik is abusing Marik. But I can't be sure. I can't read emotions well" Yugi glanced up at Bakura when he spoke and gave a simple nod. "I think so also, though I cant be sure. He could just be unwell, living in conditions like this would do that to you. Maybe he is just tired, I can't be certain. But he nearly called Malik master... did you hear it also?" The whitette gave a nod and glanced to the door. "His spirit has gone, I used to love being his partner, even though I pretended otherwise. He was wonderfully obnoxious and always willing to fight back... now however"The smaller male nodded and sat back further. "I feel slightly better anyway, knowing that the guards wont hurt us any more, unless ordered" Bakura could only nod as he rested his head against the wall. "Yes, I suppose so"

Bakura was confused. He hated the Pharaoh, and Yami... he had always hated them and never cared otherwise if they got hurt or attacked. He would probably laugh and join in the abuse. But when Yugi got attacked, his first... if not only instinct was to protect him no matter what. He rarely thought of anyone but himself, just Ryou and Akefia fell into the category of sacrifice. So why did he act like that for Yugi. He was confused. He had felt emotions for Marik also, sorrow and pain that the blonde was being treated the way he was. It was like he was gaining more emotions each second. Strange emotions that he had never experienced before. Maybe he was going soft, caring about other people. Being locked up in this large prison was not doing him any better, his brain needed fresh air, to clear his mind of all strange emotions.

Glancing at Yugi he felt something tug at his heart. He cared for the other, there was no doubt about it. He did not wish to care for him, but he did. Yugi was weaker than him, and he was beautiful. He looked exactly like Yami... Shaking that thought from his head quickly he coughed. "So how are you feeling now physically? Any pain, I never knew Marik was so good at healing." He could not keep thinking those thoughts. He was going to have a soft spot for the mini Pharaoh, and that was not a good thing to have. Yugi just shrugged and nodded. "Yeah I feel better, do you think Marik has a copy of the rod also. I mean, when you had the ring Ryou still had the ring, when I had the puzzle Yami had the puzzle. Akefia and Atemu had the items too. Do you think that is possible?"

It was Bakura's turn to shrug cluelessly. "Probably, I mean Malik might have unearthed all the Millennium items if he has his Rod. If he has I am worried what he plans to do. What if he plans to take over the world? Yami is not there to stop him and to be honest, I don't think we are in any state to stop him. Any of us" Another nod from Yugi, until an idea flashed through his mind. "That is what he wants to happen. He wants us to fight, to hurt each other and scare each other. He wants us to run out of energy so there will be no rebellion left. Just like Marik. Malik must have done something terrible for Marik to be acting like this. He has no energy left, he is ill. It will happen to all of us. Marik was the first to go because something awful must have happened! Why didn't I think of this before. I wonder what has happened to Marik. You and I both know he would not succumb to submissiveness this quickly"

Bakura was confused. He had no idea what succumb of submissiveness meant, but he did not want to loose his pride by asking the question. So he stayed silent and tried to think about what it could mean. He hated being idiotic sometimes, but now was not the time to think of things like that. He really did need to find a way to escape. Well, that was until the door opened and guards walked in, this time Malik was there also. "What do you want? How could you do this Malik!" Bakura ran at him, but was stopped by a hulking specimen. "I want you and Yugi to come with me. I find it pointless locking you all in separate cells now when you know who I am. I just enjoyed torturing you. The only two that have been amusing to watch is Atemu and Akefia. They have fought so many times it looks painful. Take them" One of the guards lifted Yugi up easily, and soon they left the room. It was the first time Yugi had seen the hallways, as he had always been asleep while travelling. The rooms were all the same, so the different scenery was something he appreciated.

Soon they arrived at a big room, he saw Yami and gasped, squirming in the guards arms. "Yami!" When the guard did let him go he sprinted over to the other and hugged him. "Yugi! You are okay, you are alive!" His face was filled with emotions as they hugged. "Oh how are you Yami? You are not hurt are you? They did not hurt you did they? I would hate them so much if they caused you pain. I hate them for locking us up. It was Malik, it is all Malik. We don't know what he is planning to do or anything, but he is controlling it all!" The older male listened to every word Yugi said, he had missed the sound of his precious Hikari's voice. "I knew that Yugi, he... he came in here, wanting Ryou for some reason. I never let Ryou go, he hurt me but I never released him. Ryou is safe" He glanced over to the albino, and saw him and Bakura in a tight hug. "You were with Bakura? Did he hurt you at all?" Yugi shook his head. "He protected me when guards tried to rape me, they hurt him badly, though he did not say anything. I think he is trying to hide it."

Bakura laughed when he saw Ryou, and ran over to him, hugging him tightly. "Oh my precious Ryou. Are you okay? They never laid a finger on you did they? Oh Ra I was so worried about you, I thought they might have done horrible things to you, you are so precious though, you are okay! I am so happy that you are okay" Ryou giggled softly and nuzzled him. "I am glad you are okay also. They tried to... to hurt me... but Yami protected me. He suffered a few hits, but I think overall he is fine." Bakura turned to Yami and sighed. "Thank you, I appreciate you protecting him." Yami nodded and smirked. "And you with Yugi, I appreciate what you did for him"

The door was pushed open and Akefia and Atemu were brought in, both bruised and beaten. Yami ran over to Atemu and Bakura to Akefia. "Akefia? Are you okay? Please Akefia" Said male opened his eyes and smiled. "Hello 'Kura, I don't feel too good. Slight pain though, that is all" Sitting up carefully he glared at Atemu, who was talking to Yami and Yugi, hugging them both. "It was his fault in the first place." Ryou sighed and shook his head. "I am sure you caused some of it too Akefia. I know Atemu does not attack without provoked cause. I know what you are like also, and you are quick to judge people. Atemu is a kind person" With that he walked over to the other group, smiling softly. Yugi returned the smile as did Atemu and Yami. "Are you okay Ryou? We heard Yugi nearly got raped by the guards. So did Bakura however. They must be after anyone" Ryou could only nod. "Yes I am fine, thank you for asking. I am glad you are all okay also. Malik is behind this, can you believe it?"

Bakura came up behind him and hugged him. "I can believe it. But we need to see Marik, he looked unwell remember Yugi?" Yugi gave a harsh nod of his head. "He does not look well at all, I mean he is pale, and tired, and he looks so weak. We all know Marik does not give up without a fight. We need to figure out what is wrong with him. Bakura is the closest to him I think he should ask" Akefia nodded. "Yeah, Bakura spent ages sharing the same body as him, you should know the most about him" Bakura groaned and sighed. "I'll see what I can do, but I warn you just because we shared a body does not mean we are the closest 'friends'" Yugi sighed resting his head on Yami's chest. "I am glad he put us all together though, that way we have more brains to figure out how to escape. I mean, two Thief Kings one with a mindset for modern technology and another skilled in ancient technology. We have two Pharaohs both skilled in tactics and control. We should be fine. Also we are not separated, so we have less chance of falling into decline if we have each other to boost our morals and our confidence." Akefia smirked and nodded. "Yes, I suppose it is better than being stuck in different cells and over panicking, killing or murdering the people in the cells. Wasting our energy and such also."

Silence washed over the crowd as they thought. Yugi was thinking about Atemu and Yami. Kissing and hugging both of them. Whispering how much he missed them and loved them. Bakura was checking over Akefia and Ryou was making sure he was fine. "It is okay, Marik bandaged up the bad scars, other than that I am fine. Atemu got more hits on me than I did on him. I was winding him up though" A smirk appeared on Bakura's lips as he kissed him, Ryou just sighed. "Oh Akefia, what are we going to do with you" As they laughed they did not notice the door open and Malik walk in, with Marik close at his heels. "So this is all hilarious is it? Typical" Bakura turned to him and snarled. "Malik? What the hell have you done, why are you doing this to us. What is the matter with Marik" Said Yami just yawned and sat down. "I want the Pharaoh and his lookalikes to stay here so they will have no chance in stopping me, and I want you here so you have no interest in sharing any profit I get. Marik is here because he is my precious Hikari and no one will ever take him away from me!" He grabbed Marik and pulled him close. "Isn't that right, precious" His voice had a snarl to it, but Marik just nodded softly. "Yes sir, whatever you wish"

"See, isn't he just wonderful. So obedient and kind, does whatever I ask without fuss. I did not have to use the rod on him either... he knows how to keep me happy, don't you Marik" Said Egyptian nodded his head, he looked so timid so full of fear. Yugi stood and frowned. "Marik does not look too well Malik, when is the last time you have actually checked your 'precious' over." Malik struck him hard. "Do not speak out of turn! I tell you when you are allowed to speak" Yami snarled and got up, but a guard grabbed him forcefully. "You see, you will be the first people to obey me under my new rule. I am going to take over the world, no one will be able to rise against me! I shall be all powerful, and all feared. Anyone who disobeys will have the Rod used on them. I plan to harness the Rods full potential, so I can have multiple humans get manipulated at the same time, instead of doing it separately."

"That is impossible! It would require science and magic to create it!" Atemu stood and Malik shrugged. "I have the Pharaoh, he has the most dark magic, him and his spirit friend. I will be able to use them both, drain them of their magic abilities so I can harness the total power of my new weapon. I can use Bakura and Akefia's magic also" Ryou shook his head. "That will kill them! The sheer overload on their bodies will cause them to die! You cannot do that!" Malik just laughed, uncaring and harsh. "You really think I care if they die? Their magic is the only thing I need. Once they are out of the way no one can protect their precious Hikari's and they will be all mine"

Yugi backed away to Yami, who wrapped his arms around him. "You shall not lay a finger on them! I am not having Yugi like Marik. You have already shown you do not deserve a Hikari with the way you've treated Marik! What have you done to him. I know he would never agree to something like this. He changed! He changed for the better and you ruined that Malik! What have you done with him?" The blonde walked over to Yami, grabbing him roughly by the throat. "I killed his sister, that is what I did. He will never see her again. I threatened Odion with the same fate! He does whatever I say now, to protect Odion and everyone else he loves. Including you!" Dropping him to the ground he smirked. "You are pathetic Yami, just think how many people you have defeated. Yet when it comes to reality, not pathetic card games you are useless." Yami snarled. "I am not the one who hides behind people to make himself look big. You have your guards to protect you, if it wasn't for them then you know what would happen. You would never be able to stand up against me and Bakura! You always where pathetic Malik!"

In two seconds Yami was on the floor, Malik on top of him, punching him hard. "No! Malik! Leave him alone!" Marik ran over and pulled him off. "Please Malik, you don't need to loose it to him. Please control and calm, you said you were going to be controlled remember?" Malik sighed and nodded. Running his hand through Marik's hair. "You are right my precious, I do not know what came over me" Malik turned on his heel. Ignoring the fact Yami was bleeding. "Patch him up Marik, then you can come dine with me" Marik sighed and nodded, smiling when a guard handed him the first aid kit. "Oh Yami! You should not torment him" Yugi glared at Marik. "How could you let him be like that! He is controlling us and you kiss his ass! You are just as bad as him" Yami shook his head. "Malik killed Ishizu! Marik is protecting Odion. Don't judge Yugi, he is in the same position as the rest of us." Yugi glared at him once more, before he turned away.

Marik bandaged Yami up, sighing now and again. "There, finished. Try not to taunt any more and that should heal quite quickly. If you get hurt again I cannot promise anything" Yami smiled and nodded. "Thank you Marik, I appreciate everything you do for me. Please, if you stay any longer you might get into trouble. We don't want that" Marik smiled and shook his head. "No I guess we don't. Sorry everyone, I will make sure you get some food, the guards can bring lots if I tell them to. I will try and find a way to stop him, though I want to keep you all safe" Yugi sighed and nodded. "Sorry Marik, I never..." Marik just shook his head and smiled. "It is fine Yugi I swear... I understand, I would have done the exact same thing"

Once Marik departed Yugi sighed. "I feel bad now, I... I did not know!" Yami shook his head and pulled him close. "None of us knew until now. We have to make sure Marik is safe, we have to protect each other if we are going to try and stand up against Malik, stop him taking full control. We can do it, I know we can, then we can go back to being enemies and trying to kill each other whenever we see each other." Bakura smirked and nodded. "Well, I definitely like the sound of that"