Ba-Ku-Ra!
By: Miss-DNL & RenagadeRexRider
Chapter 26: Forewarning
In the midst of the growing fire the King of Thieves was shaking in a rage that likely rivaled the fire itself at what he had just witnessed, "That fucking dick of a coward!" He barked, fists clenched as he trembled in his contained anger.
Knowing he couldn't inflict his wrath on Keith anytime soon he looked around for the source of the fire and found the fire largest around what had been Keith's dueling tower. Hearing a subtle clicking sound, the thief turned his head to see Yugi working to recomplete the puzzle. Immediately his anger flared up further; how could any fool risk their life to put the damned thing back together?! A sudden rush of fear that wasn't his own made him calm his rage, it was coming from Ryo. It was clear the boy was on the verge of panicking.
The King of Thieves knew he needed to calm him, so when he spoke the thief kept his voice steady and even, "Keep your head, you'll be fine."
Hearing his yami Ryo nodded and steadied himself, despite the growing fire around him. The boy looked back to Yugi who'd already finished a third of the puzzle. If it wasn't for the impending death Ryo would have been impressed. Having no time for that, and getting a good idea he wouldn't be able to tear Yugi away from the Puzzle, Ryo began gathering up the scattered pieces. By the time he recollected them all and handed them to his shorter friend Ryo was already panting from the increasing heat.
While his host helped the other resemble the Puzzle Akefia continued to search for a way out. The way they entered was out of reach, and the back door to the warehouse was already blocked by flames. Seeing the walls of the old warehouse made Akefia clench his teeth, "Damn and this place is made of metal…"
Turning to the front door he perked, it was just made of wood! His mood quickly fell again when he noticed how heavy it looked and other details, thinking to himself, 'It looks to open inward', the thief glanced back a Ryo, 'and with the stature of him and Yugi even combined…I'm not sure it'll do much help…damn.' That idea scrapped the yami looked around for another option, there had to be one. There was always another way out!
With one final click of a golden piece, Yugi once again completed the Millennium Puzzle, and with possibly no time to spare. In the time it took for Yugi to solve the Puzzle the flames had grown exponentially and were beginning to surround the two teenagers. Yugi blinked his purple eyes as he felt the sensation of his yami vainly trying to reconnect their link. This prompted Yugi to try and pull the chain free; sadly he lacked the strength to get the spike holding it in to even budge.
"It won't come lose!" Yugi cried frantically as he continued to desperately try to pull the Puzzle free.
Coughing a bit from the smoke that had begun gathering in the air Ryo looked at the spike and chain. The metal of each was beginning to glow red from the building heat, he knew that he wouldn't be able to touch either without scorching his hands. Recalling what his yami said about plenty of irons being left around Ryo whipped his head around until he spotted one. It was also heated up but the teen quickly got an idea. Taking off the black vest he was wearing he used it as a mitt to pick up the pipe.
"Yugi move," cough, "over a bit." Ryo managed through his coughs. Seeing what he was going to do Yugi obliged and moved over. Putting the pipe through the spike loop Ryo pulled on the iron pipe inwardly begging, 'Please move!'
Seeing his host go back to help his friend caused the Thief King to grit his teeth, how could he honestly worry about that at a time like this!? However, when the boy picked up the metal rode he shoved the thought aside. His host was clearly determined and now wasn't the time to argue over such things.
"Come on Ryo! Put it a bit further through; use your legs as a brace against this over grown box! Then pull HARD!" Akefia yelled over the roar of the fire, despite his position in the Ring.
'G-Got it!' Ryo thought, his breath getting more labored from the heat, he'd long started sweating due to the flames. Pushing the pipe through more Ryo braced himself against the dueling arena and then with all the strength he could manage he pulls back. At first it didn't seem like the spike would budge at all, but after the pressure built up enough the spike shot outward, allowing the Puzzle to fall to the ground.
Despite the situation Ryo managed to smile at his accomplishment, 'I-I did it!' His yami hummed approvingly of his achievement and gave him a curt nod.
Using his shirt Yugi picked the heated up Puzzle and looked around worriedly, his voice dry and raspy, "How do we get out...?"
Ryo was unsure of how to answer, he hadn't thought of any possible escape. Then he heard a banging on the door to the warehouse. Immediately he perked up, "It's," cough, "the others!" The white haired teen sputtered as he began coughing more, the smoke was beginning to get to him.
His increased coughing didn't go unnoticed by his yami who quickly yelled instruction, "Use your shirt! Cover your mouth, and keep your heads low! Don't breathe the smoke!"
Ryo immediately followed his instruction he covered his mouth with his shirt, and kept his head lower. Yugi followed suit as Ryo helped him over to the door, as they neared they could hear the loud voice of Jonouchi yelling from outside.
"Hey can you here us in there!?"
"Yes! We're here!" Ryo yelled back, his voice muffled by his shirt but his friends managed to hear him all the same.
"Don't worry we'll break this door down! Just clear out of the way. The fire department will be here shortly Anzu called them!" Yelled Honda.
Hearing the voices, and what they were about to do Akefia barked more instructions, "Stand to the side of the door and be ready to get out!"
Ryo nodded to himself then pulled Yugi along with him to the side of the door. Intently the teenager watched the door as a succession of bangs began. The heavy wooden door trembled at the force hitting it from the other side. There was a slight pause and then a loud slam; the door fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Saying nothing Ryo rushed out of the burning building, pulling Yugi along with him. When they reached the door Jonouchi and Honda helped guide them out of the smoke that billowed out when the door was taken down. With the help of the two taller boys Yugi and Ryo were guided out of the way as the firemen arrived and set to work putting out the blaze.
A sigh of relief from Akefia went unnoticed by Ryo as well as a smile from the thief as he was guided out of the way.
"What happened? How'd the fire start?" Were the questions that came from a worried Anzu as they reached her in the ally way Ryo had run down earlier.
A cough came from Ryo before he answered, "It was Keith."
"For some reason he wanted the Puzzle," Yugi explained as he looked down at the golden pendent, "then…" the short teen's voice drifted off, unsure how to word it, "Ryo swung down and kicked him in the back of the head."
Everyone stared at Ryo in sheer disbelief, it was understandable though as he was known to be the shy wouldn't-hurt-a-fly type. The staring caused Ryo to let out a sheepish laugh as he rubbed his neck, trying to ease the awkwardness he was feeling, 'Is it THAT out of character for me?' He asked himself.
His thought was easily heard by his yami who laughed, "They'll have to get used to a more adventurous Ryo."
'I guess so!' Ryo laughed mentally.
Jonouchi shrugged, "Eh, at least you guys made it out." He snorted dully looking back to the smoking, burnt building, "that creep deserved a kick to the head, and a good beating too." The blond looked back to his two friends, eyes flickering in concern, "You two okay?"
"A bit of a cough, but I'll be fine now that I'm outside." Ryo answered, nodding, his voice still having a bit of a rasp.
Yugi nodded to, "Yeah, I'll be fine too, nothing bad." The tricolored haired teen turned his head to Ryo, an appreciative smile on his lips, "Thanks Bakura, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up. It means a lot that you helped me get the Puzzle back, I really appreciate it."
Ryo returned the smile in kind, "It was nothing Yugi." The kind hearted teen continued with a bit of a laugh, "You guys can call me Ryo now. It's been long enough."
The gang was, at first, a bit surprised by what he said but quickly welcomed it. Being allowed to call someone by their first name was a privilege for good friends and they had finally been allowed it. Once everyone was certain Ryo and Yugi would be okay despite them breathing in smoke they went their separate ways back to their homes. Honda offered to go with Ryo but he assured the brunet that his home wasn't all that far. His friend was a bit wary but nodded and headed off with the others. Though Ryo was certain he could make it home okay he still kept any eye out for anything suspicious.
'You most certainly aren't much that same timid boy I first met... Heheh.' Akefia commented almost to himself. As they passed an alley the thief eyed it tensely, any of the numerous alleyways could harbor their enemy or one of his no doubt numerous puppets, 'This is yet another time you've threatened my host, you sewer dwelling vermin... Just you wait... you'll get yours...'
'You think so Akefia?' Ryo questioned, he looked at himself pondering the question. Agreeing with what his yami said he smiled, 'I guess I have changed," he held his head higher than usual, feeling more confident about himself, 'for the better. Thanks Akefia, you really helped me out again.'
The King of Thieves looked at him in his astral form, the faintest of smiles appeared despite himself, "Feh, what can I say. It's interesting to say the least." He huffed once more assuming his typical "Akefia" persona, "Don't mention it."
Not minding his yami's attitude Ryo continued to smile as he headed home, 'The tournament starts tomorrow. Better get a good rest tonight, I can't start it exhausted.' He wiped some soot off his shirt, sighting, 'I really hope Father doesn't catch me like this…'
"Ah? Don't want your father to know of your heroism?" Akefia chuckled, eyeing him with an arched brow.
His host shifted his shoulders a bit nervously, 'It's not that, I don't want to worry him.'
A light distant chuckle slipped past the yami's lips, "I guess you do have a point there. He does seem to care for you well enough."
Ryo smiled softly at the thought of his father, he didn't get to see him often but the teen knew his father cared for him, 'He does.' His smile changed to a frown when he realized something about what had just happened, 'There's no way that duel stage was just sitting in there this whole time. Malik thought ahead, that worries me.'
The Egyptian thief hummed at the change of subject but realizing the boy was correct he nodded, "Very perceptive, and yes, just proves his cunning is nothing to take likely. Despite his appearance. Considering how he's fixated with the Puzzle, I don't doubt that means he'll use your friends or even you as bait. Which means we'll have to keep an extra sharp eye out during the tournament," Akefia darted his eyes around, checking for any signs of movement in the shadows, "any step we might take could be a trap."
'I don't doubt it. I'll do my best to keep an eye out.' Ryo nodded as he continued to walk.
"And you'll have an extra pair." Akefia smirked getting a smile from his host. He blinked when a thoughtful look crossed the long white haired boy's expression.
'Akefia, how many people can the scepter control?' The question made the Thief King stop to ponder that a moment.
"I can't say for sure actually. I've not actually experienced its powers until recently," The Thief King said as he recalled not holding onto the Scepter for long when he was alive, let alone using its power, "but I do know that its main power comes from fear alone. Fear makes you weak, and more susceptible to it. As long as you're willing to fight it, it can't control you fully.
Hearing this Ryo frowned, the Rare Hunters were a worldwide organization that gave Malik a lot of options for puppets, 'That worries me. Malik has a large organization under him. Meaning he could have a lot of people under his control.' Ryo looked around again as he continued walking, who knows how many minions Malik already had in Domino City, 'A lot to look out for in a tournament full of duelists.'
His yami nodded in agreement, "Yes," he paused briefly, "The Rare Hunters he called them right?"
Ryo nodded in affirmation, 'Yeah, that's them.'
The yami walking beside him in astral form smirked and let out an amused huff, "won't be that hard to spot them if all of them are dressed like Keith was." He said recalling the black robe the man had been wearing, "I may not be of this era... but that stood out in the crowd actually.
The comment managed to get a faint laugh from the yami's host, 'Yes the get up is recognizable,' Ryo stopped walking and looked back towards Yugi's home through the crowd of people that was walking the street, 'maybe I should have told the others about Malik...'
Inwardly the Thief King groaned at the thought of warning the blasted Pharaoh's host, but knowing there was no use in talking Ryo out of it he returned to the Ring, partly grumbling, "Might as well. Would prevent any other occurrences like today or at least put them to a minimum." He huffed before eyeing the boy from his spot within the Ring, "I'd rather you not rush into a burning building again."
Ryo lowered his head and looked away, mumbling through their mental link, 'I didn't know it'd get set on fire…'
"Just be prepared." Akefia laughed.
Sighing at the thief's amusement Ryo began to pull out his cellphone to call Yugi, 'I should meet them at his house.' His yami shifted where he was bound in the Ring muttering "fine" to himself as his host quickly recalled his cell was at home and instead opted for a nearby payphone and called the Pharaoh's host. Via the phone call Ryo was happy to hear his friends were already gathered at Yugi's home. Telling them he'd be over in a minute he then changed his course for the game shop.
Reaching the Kame game store Ryo stretched his legs a bit, 'I've walked all over the city today.' He thought to himself, shrugging it off Ryo entered the front shop.
"A little exercise won't kill you." Akefia chimed in with an amused chortle.
'Didn't say I was bothered by it...' Ryo muttered back mentally, a little irked by his yami's comment. Just because he didn't exercise a lot didn't mean he was bothered by it. The only response he got, much to his chagrin, was a chuckle from the thief. Ryo resigned himself with a sigh as he headed through the game store, briefly glancing at the cards for sale. Going through the back of the store it was only a short while before he met up with the others in the living room. Ryo waved to his friends, "Hey guys."
The others returned his greeting before Jonouchi titled his head, brow arched in curiosity, "What did you want to tell us Ryo?"
Sitting on the couch with Anzu and Honda Ryo began his explanation, "Well, it's probably something I should have told you before at Duelist Kingdom but things were…hectic. It didn't cross my mind at the time." He scratched his head while the others looked at him questioningly, Honda on the other hand quickly figured out what he was talking about.
"Tell me about it..." He muttered, irately recalling finding out Keith had threatened Ryo. If he had been there sooner he'd have given the creep a sound beating.
"You see something happened on the night before the finals began," Ryo felt a chill go through him as he recalled the fateful night where he learned of their hidden enemy, "Keith came to my room." Yugi, Anzu and Jonouchi's eyes went wide in shock while Honda continued looking somewhat irate with himself, "but he wasn't the one that attacked me," now Honda looked confused, this he hadn't been told. "He works for the person that has the last item, the Scepter, his name is Malik."
"The Millennium Scepter..." Yugi said in shock, he knew there had been one last item that hadn't revealed itself, he furrowed his brows as he put two and two together, "it has the power to control people?"
Ryo nodded to the shorter teen, "It controls their mind, he wants to..." His eyes drifted off towards the TV, unsure how to put what he was going to say in a gentle manner. Finding none he simply came out with it, "Destroy the spirit of the Pharaoh that's in your Puzzle." He pointed to the Millennium Puzzle that hung around Yugi's neck, now on a metal chain. Yugi's eyes went wide and he clutched onto the golden pyramid in a fearful and protective manner.
Hearing this, a fire lit in Jonouchi's eyes, and he crossed his arms stiffly, "What for? Wants his item?" No way was he going to let any jerk hurt Yugi or the spirit in the puzzle.
Surprisingly to Jonouchi and the others Ryo shook his head, "No, actually he said he's not interested. He's after the three Egyptian God cards."
Yugi's eyes lit up in surprise when he heard the mention of the legendary cards, Anzu's as well but it was Yugi that gasped, "The three god cards!"
Ryo perked, he hadn't expected them to know about the cards, then again Yugi was rather knowledgeable about the card game, "You know about them?"
This time Anzu answered bringing Ryo's and the other's attention to her, "Yeah, I went to the museum with the Pharaoh yesterday. We met a woman called Ishizu." Ryo perked hearing Ishizu's name but didn't say anything, letting her finish, "She told us about the Pharaoh and the God cards. She said he'd need them to get his memories back."
The Thief King hung about listening somewhat as Ryo explained what he knew to his friends, and their responses. Akefia grinned crookedly as his host mentioned Malik wanting to destroy the Pharaoh and Yugi's appropriate reaction to it. However, he lost his focus somewhat as Ishizu was mentioned. The Ring shuddered as the Thief King recalled their previous meeting.
The odd sensation coming from the Ring caught Ryo off guard and he was unable to mask himself. The white haired teen quirked a brow oddly while questioning his yami, 'Are you going to get like this every time she's mentioned?'
"Maybe," the King of Thieves chimed.
"Something wrong Ryo?" Yugi's voice pulled Ryo from his confusion about the thief's reaction.
"Huh?" Ryo uttered before he blinked back to reality, quickly he found a reasonable explanation for his odd behavior, "Oh no, it's just I met her too." Ryo was relieved when his friend's easily bought what he said, "She told me about the Pharaoh and the gods too. Then Malik showed up..."
"Eh? You saw the guy? What'd he want with this Ishizu lady?" Jonouchi questioned, resting his chin on a propped up hand.
Ryo thought about what had happened at the museum before answering, "Nothing really, he asked her why she was standing in the way."
Honda blinked in mute surprise, "That's it?"
"Yeah," Ryo nodded, "I don't think he'd harm her really...he's actually her younger brother."
Now Anzu's blue eyes went wide in shock, "He's related to her!?" Anzu blinked her eyes in confusion; she hadn't seen that coming, "That's a shock, Ishizu's nice. It's hard to believe her younger brother would be out to destroy someone."
Akefia huffed dryly recalling the revelation; it rubbed him the wrong way, "For once I agree. I found that hard to swallow..."
'So I saw...' Ryo replied to his yami, while sweat dropping. His loud yelling in response to that was hard to forget. Any time he yelled was hard to forget actually.
Jonouchi snorted flatly, he sat upright arms crossed, "What's this guy look like anyway?"
Ryo hummed momentarily trying to figure a way to describe the teen, his writers talent quickly helped him with the small task, "He's around our age, about my height, tanned, really light blond hair, purple eyes. Last I saw he was wearing a lavender hoodie, black cargo pants and wearing a lot of gold jewelry."
"Sounds...really recognizable." Jonouchi commented with a quirked brow, anyone running around with gold jewelry or such contrasting hair and skin would be easy to spot.
"No fucking kidding," Akefia huffed in agreement, "At least he won't be able to sneak by them in that manner."
'Yeah, can't really change that hair or eye color. They should be safer now.' Ryo agreed through his link with his yami. Now that his friends were aware what their new enemy looked like and what he was up to Ryo felt more at ease. Now at least they couldn't be caught off guard so easily, and could prepare themselves.
"Did he say why he's after him?" Yugi asked. He looked down at the puzzle while he spoke, his purple eyes clearly showed concern and Ryo couldn't blame him. They had only just beaten Pegasus and now they were facing new, more dangerous enemy. This time one with a grudge against the Pharaoh.
"Not exactly, only that he wanted to free his family...," Ryo rubbed his neck as he answered; though that was what Malik had said, the way he said burned with a much deeper reason, "But I get the feeling he has a more personal reason, I can't be sure though."
Hearing this Akefia frowned, his mind focusing in on that thought, "Wouldn't surprise me... the Pharaoh's of the past were known to keep slaves either by force or threat." His mouth twitched in irritation as he continued in a low growl, "I'd be inclined to help him if he hadn't pissed me the fuck off..."
Decidedly not responding to the last part Ryo sighed inwardly, 'Yes I heard about that. Not much to do about it now other than keep a look out for him or the Rare Hunters...' His yami huffed a "yet" in agreement.
"You know anything else Ryo?" Honda asked.
Ryo blinked his light green eyes as he thought of other things to tell his friends, "Yes, he's the leader of the Rare Hunters apparently. Keith is one of them, that's why he was wearing the cloak today so Rare Hunters will be out there too. They might be wearing the cloak, they might not."
"Of course he's one of them," Jonouchi growled, "Just great..."
"And now that they're all caught up..." The yami huffed again while looking at him from within the Ring, "Feel better?"
'Yes I am.' Ryo answered honestly. He then noticed the soot that still clung to his clothing. Looking inquiringly to Yugi Ryo asked, "Can I use your washroom before I leave? I don't want Father to see me covered in ash."
Figuring he didn't want his father to be worried the tricolor haired boy nodded readily, and pointed towards the nearest bathroom with his thumb, "Sure Ryo."
Smiling in appreciation Ryo got up from the couch and headed over to the bathroom, "Thanks." Yugi called to him that it was no problem before he entered the bathroom. It took a bit of work but Ryo managed to get the soot off without making too much of a mess, however, it did leave a towel blackened. He apologized to Yugi but the duelist shrugged it off. Having done what he came to do Ryo decided it was time to get back to his home once again. After saying good-bye to his friends he left Yugi's home and headed back to his own. By now the streets were darker and there was less people walking about.
'About time...' Akefia huffed irately, inwardly pissed that he was so close to the Pharaoh during that whole scene and could do nothing about it due to his current circumstances. Forcing that aside yet again he looked at his host's cleaner appearance, slowly getting himself to speak of a different matter other than what was frustrating him, "Well... now you won't have to worry about your father worrying."
Ryo smiled slightly, 'Yeah,' he paused a moment realizing he'd forced Akefia to be in a room with someone he had…strong distaste for, 'Sorry that took so long Akefia.'
"Don't worry about it." Akefia huffed dully waving away the boy's concern. He chuckled despite himself, "Not like I had places to be."
Once the thief laughed Ryo was smiled assured he wasn't too upset. The rest of the walk back to the home was uneventfully, thankfully. Unlocking the door Ryo opened it and called to let his father know he had arrived, "Father, I'm back, sorry for being late!"
There was a click of another door opening as Ryo closed the front door. Out from his room appeared his father Rikai, "It's alright Ryo, have fun with your friends?"
Though it had dangerous rather than fun Ryo managed to get himself to nod and smile, "Yes I did." Seeing the time on a wall hanging clock Ryo looked to the kitchen, his stomach grumbling slightly, "Did I miss dinner?"
His father rustled his hair, "No, I just making it a while ago, it's in the oven. Come on, let's eat, you look hungry."
Ryo laughed a little, his stomach grumbling again at the prospect of food, "I'm am getting a little hungry." The meal was quick but enjoyable with the banter Ryo had with his father. They cleaned up, putting the dishes away in the dishwasher. Ryo cleaned up once more before bed, feeling worn out with all the walking and running he'd done all over the city today. Getting comfortable under the snug covers of his bed, closing his eyes Ryo smiled saying to his yami, 'Good night Akefia.'
The Thief King hummed in response, the boy already drifting off into the realm of sleep. Settling back for the night Akefia stayed alert for any bad signs, whatever, or whoever that may be.
Battle City is around the corner guys~get ready!
This chapter was written by me and edited by Renagade Rex Sphinx
Renagade-Thief Bakura & Rikai
Me-Ryo, Yugi, Anzu, Honda & Jonouchi
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