^Seth^
The slave Akefia wasn't found. I've left orders for Ryou to be kept safe, as the slave and he seemed to have had some kind of connection. Ryou didn't know about the true identity of the 'slave' though; he seemed lost when I spoke with him.
Shortly after I had the last secret exit sealed, and left in search of the Pharaoh. Isis and Shada have come with me; both have agreed the Pharaoh needs to know exactly what has occurred in his absence.
My millennium rod leading us, we ride as fast as possible through the night hopping to catch up to him before he finds Yugi.
^Yugi^
Mit and I wake up just as the sun began to rise, and headed east. We're just outside a small village now; Mit is going to stay hidden in the dunes. I've hidden the jewels I wore in the palace, I'll pick them up latter, but for now I have to see if I can find Mit some food.
I really don't want to steal anything so I'm going to see if I could help someone in exchange. I would trade the jewels from the palace but if the Pharaoh comes this way I don't want anyone getting in trouble because of me. Plus, no one outside the palace is to have gold, the villagers might get suspicious.
^Seth^
Four days. Isis, Shada, and I have been in the desert four days. The Pharaoh has changed directions nearly every day, travelers have told us the Pharaoh had been in a small village not but a few hours ago. Were headed there now, our millennium items telling us the Pharaoh is still in that direction. We've traded horses with travelers and traders every day, not wanting to stop unless we had to. Isis says the Pharaoh will catch Yugi if we don't hurry, I can't risk the boy's life for an hours sleep, so we ride.
The sky is beginning to lighten over the horizon, the sand will soon begin to heat and after an hour it will be too hot to walk on properly. The rays of the sun race ahead of us, lighting up the village before us, hidden in the dunes only moments before.
Riding into the village I see several small children running around a well as two women pull water from deep under the sand with a small pail. A few men stand farther off into the village, as there doesn't seem to be any proper roads here. Slowing our pace, I listen for any sign of the Pharaoh. Instantly I hear someone I recognize.
"You gave him what!?"
It's Marik!
Leading our horses forward we come around some king of shop to see Marik all but yelling at an elderly man while the Pharaoh sits upon his horse, and Mahado is looking throw what must be the old man's home. The Pharaoh looks as mad as a cobra with a cone on its head. No doubt he'd thought finding the boy and beast would be easy.
"Do you know the punishment for aiding a criminal?" Marik asks the old man.
"I assure you, if I had but known-"
"Silence!" Marik demands.
Isis comes up beside me on her horse and whispers, "We should stop them before this gets out of hand."
Nodding, I push my horse forward. A few more steps and Marik's eyes snap up to meet mine. The Pharaoh and Mahado's soon follow.
"I am sorry to interrupt, My Pharaoh, but I believe the news we carry is crucial to your journey."
Atem's eyes narrow dangerously, "Very well." Obviously not pleased by my appearance, the Pharaoh leads his horse and men away from the old man's house and out of town, stopping on the edge of the village.
The Pharaoh and him men dismount, Atem hands Marik his rains before turning back to me, "Why have you left the palace, High Priest? I could have you killed for this!"
Isis, Shada, and I dismount and bow to the Pharaoh.
"Please, Pharaoh-"
"Isis, do not test me. I gave orders Seth was NOT to leave the palace until my return. Once Yugi and his pet are dead I will deal with your disobedience."
"Mit didn't kill the Pharaoh, Bakura did. Mit tried-" I try to explain.
"MIT?" The Pharaoh growls at me.
I know I'll regret this, "The creature's name is Mit. He was protecting Yugi, and I believe you as well. Mit listens to every command Yugi gives. The boy stopped Mit from attacking me in the gardens. He must have stopped Mit's screeching the night you were out there, that's why Yugi was the first to your side. He knew he was the only one how could stop Mit. Bakura snuck into the throne room during the festival, he stabbed the slave Jono before stabbing the Pharaoh. Mit attacked Bakura, throwing him against the wall. Bakura hid in the palace as a slaved named Akefia. Jono woke five days ago and told me this. I sent out a search for Bakura, but nothing was found. Isis, Shada and I then left the palace in search of you, My Pharaoh."