I'm pleased I managed to get this out before I go away XD This chapter is a bit thiefshipping-heavy, but deathshipping is still going to happen. And thiefshipping is no bad thing in my eyes ^_^ Thanks again for everyone who is reading – I really appreciate it, and I hope I keep your interest. Enjoy! – Jem

The journey to Egypt was all-around awkward for them all.

Ryou kept close to Kek's side on the boat, watching him at every moment to make sure he wasn't going to do something stupid. They spent most of their time on the deck, with Kek pacing irritably back and forth, his hands clenched into frustrated fists by his sides. His entire body rolled with tension, and Ryou was fairly sure he knew why. Marik being in such close proximity was setting Kek on edge.

"I thought I had got rid of him," Kek snarled under his breath.

Ryou released a soft sigh, laying one hand on Kek's arm and bringing him to a momentary stop. Ryou's long white hair was tied back to stop the wind from whipping it about, and it made his sharp cheekbones stand out. "You have. He isn't in your head anymore, is he?"

Kek's eyes narrowed. "But he's still here."

"I know." Ryou flicked a quick glance to the cabin, where Marik and Bakura were hiding, before he turned to look out over the ocean. The waves were lapping against the boat, the sound fairly calming.

"Bakura's there, too," Kek growled. "Doesn't that drive you mad?"

"I prefer not to think about him."

"Well, I can't do that." Kek pulled out of Ryou's grip and began to pace again, his fingers flexing irritably. "They're there, which means I want to stab them."

Ryou sighed. He ran a quick mental check that the Rod was still safely stowed away with his things – he didn't think it was a good idea for either Marik or Kek to have access to it just yet. Maybe he could somehow slip it to Ishizu. Ryou turned back to Kek. "We've spoken about this before."

"Yeah, and for some reason you won't let me just snap their necks," Kek snarled.

Ryou smiled faintly. "I don't think Ishizu would appreciate that. Or Odion, for that matter."

Kek instantly bristled at that name. Ryou watched him with caution – he couldn't figure out Kek's relationship to Marik's siblings. Were they technically family? Although, with how Marik had reacted to Kek earlier, he doubted that the older Ishtars would be pleased to see Kek in his own body. Plus, there was something about Odion being able to defend against Kek, which would explain why Kek grew tense every time his name was mentioned. That was partly why Ryou had insisted on accompanying Marik and Bakura – he didn't want them to somehow damage Kek.

Softly, Ryou reached out a hand and grasped Kek's arm. "Come on, pacing isn't helping you. Come and watch the waves with me."

"I don't know why you like doing that," Kek grumbled, but he allowed himself to be led away.

Ryou simply smiled. The waves were calming, and they reminded him of his childhood in England, although the sea here was far cleaner and bluer than the murky grey waters of Britain. But it was a comfort to stand and watch the endless motions of the tides, with Kek lurking heavily by his side.

…

In the cabin, the journey was no easier for Marik and Bakura. Marik was as aloof as ever, keeping a safe distance between himself and Bakura at all times. He currently lay on his back on one of the sofas, staring up at the sky through the glass ceiling with his arms folded behind his head. He could sense Bakura's eyes on him from across the room. It felt like the other man was always watching him, no matter where he was, and Marik wasn't used to the attention. To his knowledge, no one but his siblings and his Rare Hunters even knew he was alive, and neither of them looked at him with such … intensity.

Thinking of his Rare Hunters…

Marik sat up a little, turning his head to meet Bakura's strong brown gaze. The thief didn't bother turning his head or hiding his actions; then again, he didn't strike Marik as the sort of man who was ashamed or embarrassed easily. Marik cleared his throat. "So you said I got to Battle City."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you before you believe me?"

"It isn't my fault I don't remember," Marik snapped. He sat up further, drawing his knees into his chest and hugging them. "Did I use my Rare Hunters, then?"

Bakura snorted. "That you did, incompetent crowd of idiots."

"Hey!" Marik narrowed his eyes, glaring at Bakura. "I worked hard to build them up!"

"Your inexperience showed." Bakura smirked, his brown eyes glittering out from his pale face.

Marik rose to the bait easily, scowling. "They can't have been that bad if I got into the finals."

"You mostly managed that because of me," Bakura sniffed.

Marik arched a brow. "Oh? You mean you are actually useful for something?"

Bakura's eyes narrowed. "More than you know."

"Stop saying stuff like that," Marik huffed. "I have no proof that you've ever done anything to help me."

"Watch yourself, Ishtar," Bakura responded tersely.

"What?" Marik sniffed. "All I've ever seen you do is grab at me…"

"Fighting your dark half for you means nothing, then?" Bakura snapped. "What about protecting your soul in my Ring to keep you away from him? Or putting myself in direct danger to fight for you? I did that in Battle City too, you know."

Marik blinked. "…You what?"

"When your delightful darkness threw you out of your body in the finals," Bakura growled, "You came to me. Not my host, not your sister. Me."

Marik sat up a little straighter, his curiosity piqued despite himself. His violet eyes gleamed. "I went to you? Why?"

Bakura lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. "You must have trusted me."

"…And this was before…" Marik clicked his teeth together. "…Before we … you know…"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "It was before you confessed your undying love to me, yes."

"Shut up." Marik narrowed his eyes, tapping his chin with one finger. His expression grew distant. Truth be told, he couldn't imagine trusting anyone that much – especially not some thief he had only just met. But evidently, something about this man had drawn Marik close. Unless… "You're not lying, are you?"

"No, I bloody well am not," Bakura griped. He flopped down with a hiss. "Whatever else I may have done, I have never lied to you, Ishtar."

Marik arched a brow, mischief glinting in his violet eyes. "Oh? Not once?"

"Never."

"I'm almost disappointed." Marik leaned back with a soft chuckle. "I thought the great Thief King would be much more villainous."

Bakura kept his dark eyes trained on Marik's face. "Apparently bratty Egyptian kids are my exception."

"Were you always this rude to me?" Marik sniffed.

Bakura snorted. "Always. And you were just as rude back."

"Me? Rude?" Marik's eyes were dancing.

"You know perfectly well," Bakura smirked in response, leaning a bit closer from his seat across the cabin. "The only way to keep your interest for five minutes was to wind you up."

Marik folded his arms and grinned. "I highly doubt you could wind me up."

"Oh, now that sounds like a challenge," Bakura purred.

Marik held back a wriggle, unable to deny that Bakura's low, silky voice spread strange ripples through his veins. He kept his grin in place. "Perhaps."

There was a slight rustle as Bakura leaned his elbows on his knees, his brown gaze constantly fixed on Marik. His brown eyes burned, long white hair falling down around his features, and Marik could hardly deny that he looked good. Especially when all his attention was focused on Marik.

"Well," Bakura began with meticulous scrutiny, "As I remember, your Rare Hunters drove you mad enough on their own. They failed you several times."

"What, really?" Marik furrowed his brows. "I worked hard on training them! I only picked the best!"

"Yes, well, that just shows your lack of taste." Bakura released a low chuckle. "And your lack of leadership ability."

"I lead very well, actually," Marik flared. "The Pharaoh will never suspect me when I use mind control."

Bakura leaned back. "A pretty enough trick, I have no doubt, but it doesn't come close to true Shadow Magic."

"What, like working with a demon?" Marik shot back, his eyes glittering. "Only a complete idiot would trust a demon."

Bakura's eyes narrowed. "Very funny."

Marik grinned. "And besides, if I got you to work for me, you can't have thought I was that bad."

"You were pretty," Bakura grunted, "And you hated the Pharaoh. Good enough for me."

"I'm flattered." Marik rolled his eyes. He curled back up on the sofa and pulled his knees into his chest, regarding Bakura closely. He was growing to enjoy these sharp exchanges with the thief – it felt like a normal conversation, a proper interaction, and as natural as breathing. The idea of there being anything more still sent a rock dropping to the bottom of Marik's stomach, but as long as they kept their interactions to snappy arguments and harmless teasing, then Marik found he was growing to enjoy Bakura's company. The thief's sarcasm was a welcome distraction from that other him wandering around outside.

…

When they finally reached the house where Marik's siblings lived, the four of them stood on the street, glancing awkwardly at each other. Ryou suggested they let just Marik go in on his own first, but Bakura wasn't having any of that, and Ryou didn't want just the two of them to go in alone. Kek didn't want to go in at all. Eventually, they decided that the best thing to do was just to ring the door with all four of them present, and explain the situation as quick as they could without the older Ishtars freaking out.

Marik bounced on the balls of his feet, for some reason feeling extremely nervous. For once, he was glad of Bakura's constant presence by his side, and reached out automatically to grab Bakura's hand. The thief seemed to pick up on his mood and edged closer to his side, laying his free hand on Marik's shoulder.

Kek glowered at them both, but Ryou was between him and then, so he couldn't do anything too drastic.

When the door finally opened, Odion Ishtar looked out. He wasn't wearing his long Rare Hunter's robe, instead dressed in simple jeans and a black jumper, but his hair was pulled back in its usual black ponytail. One side of his face was still covered in intricate scars matching the pattern on both Marik's and Kek's back.

Marik felt a flood of relief rush through him at seeing his elder brother again. He instantly dropped Bakura's hand and rushed for Odion, throwing himself into the taller Ishtar's arms. "Odion!"

Odion stepped back in surprise when he found himself with an armful of Marik. His instincts were as strong as ever, however, and he tightened his grip around Marik. His keen eyes flicked up to survey the others on his doorstep, and his brows shot right up when he saw Kek. Instinctively, Odion shifted Marik closer to his chest, his expression turning dark and fixed straight on Kek.

Kek took a step back.

"Marik?" Odion's deep voice sounded finally and he looked down at his brother, keeping him held close. "What's happened?"

"It's a long story." Marik's voice sounded muffled and he didn't look up from Odion's shoulder. Bakura clenched his fists. He had thought he'd been making some progress with Marik on the boat, but his chest once again felt as though a shard had ripped right through it to see Marik run back to his family so easily.

Odion looked back at Kek, his voice turning threatening. "Then you'd better come inside. Just you."

"No!" Chorused Ryou and Bakura simultaneously, and Kek just snarled.

Odion flicked a quick look at them all before glancing back down to Marik, who finally straightened. He met Odion's eyes with determination. "Let them in. They're part of it too."

Odion nodded once, deciding that now was not the time to betray the habit of a lifetime and stop obeying his little brother's orders. As he showed them into the living room, Odion yelled up the stairs, "Sister! You'd better come down here."

A few minutes later, Ishizu appeared in the doorway of the living room, took one look at its new inhabitants, and almost fainted. She sagged against the wall, her blue eyes wide, and Odion rushed to her side and guided her into a seat. He looked up straight into Marik's eyes. "You had better start talking."

"Well," Marik bit his cheek and considered where to start. "…I don't actually know the beginning of it…"

"For God's sake," Bakura growled from his place in the corner. He had made no secret of his hatred for Ishizu and Odion, and they were both extremely disdainful of him, but he wasn't going to waste any time on long explanations. So, without waiting for interruptions, Bakura launched into the entire story and told them everything, from Kek first taking over Marik's body to them deciding to come to Egypt.

When he was done, Odion was standing staring furiously at Kek and Ishizu had rushed to Marik's side. Marik leaned away from his sister's fussing, glaring at her, and Kek simply stared at Odion. Eventually, he spoke, and his low dark voice rumbled through the tense atmosphere like a knife sliding through butter. "Have you got something to say to me?"

"I never should have left Marik," Odion answered in a hiss. He took a step closer and Kek teetered back just a little, though he held his ground. Odion was visibly trembling. "I knew you were still dormant, but you'd been inactive for so long, I thought I could keep you at bay from here…"

"Well, you thought wrong, didn't you?" Kek sneered. "All that time you kept me locked away…"

"I was protecting Marik," Odion growled.

"That was my job!" Kek snarled in response.

Bakura couldn't help but interrupt at that, his voice a smooth chuckle. "Yes, and look how well you've done."

"Shut up, thief," Kek rounded on Bakura, but Odion was there to block him. However, Odion's gaze was no softer than Kek's when he turned to Bakura.

"I thought you would protect my brother," Odion said evenly.

Bakura jerked his head. "I did everything I could."

"It wasn't enough."

"It was more than you've ever done, tombkeeper," Bakura hissed with a wave of his hand in Kek's direction. "I got him out of Marik's head."

"And into his own body!" Odion shook his head. "Didn't you stop to think about how dangerous he would be?"

"I didn't care," Bakura shrugged, "As long as I got Marik back. Except he took Marik's memories away."

Odion span back to Marik at that, and Ishizu also turned to her younger brother. She kept her eyes constantly away from Kek, instead focusing solely on Marik as she murmured, "Is it true, brother?"

Marik nodded. Then he frowned. "Well, I think so. I last remember being 16 and living with Odion, preparing to enter Battle City. You weren't exactly pleased with me, sister."

Ishizu and Odion exchanged a look.

Marik stared between them, his hands bunching into fists. They were his family, the only two people in the world who knew exactly what he had gone through. He trusted them more than anyone, Odion especially – he knew they wouldn't lie. Marik swallowed. "So … is it true? Have I really lost two years?"

Ishizu sighed and wrapped an arm around Marik's shoulders. Odion came to his other side and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It seems you have, yes."

Marik's hands started to tremble a little.

Kek snorted. "Did it take you this long to realise, you pathetic little weakling?"

Marik's eyes narrowed and he sent Kek a death stare. "This is all your doing."

"My, you're just on fire today, Marik." Kek rolled his eyes. "So observant."

Marik got to his feet, furious, but Odion was in front of him. "Careful, darkness, or I'll chain you up again."

Kek growled, but he didn't push any further. Bakura pushed off the wall and moved forwards, his attention back on Odion despite how much he wanted to shove Ishizu out of the way and reclaim his proper place beside Marik. Instead, he regarded the oldest Ishtar with cool brown eyes. "Can you fix it?"

"Excuse me?" Odion frowned at the thief.

Bakura gestured to Marik. "Can you get his memories back? You're the one who held his darkness at bay before, aren't you?"

"Well … yes…" Odion's brow furrowed and he flicked a glance back to his younger brother. "I could control him when he was inside Marik's head, but now…"

"Try." Bakura snarled.

Odion narrowed his eyes. "I don't take orders from tombrobbers."

"Nor do I rely on tombkeepers," Bakura hissed, "But this is for the sake of your brother."

Odion held his gaze for another long moment before jerking his head. He returned to his place at Marik's side, laying a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder, and murmured, "What exactly did your darkness do?"

"I don't know," Marik growled. "I just woke up in a room with the three of them staring at me, with no idea how I got there or where you were."

Odion pursed his lips before glaring at Kek. "What did you do?"

"As if I would tell you," Kek cackled, folding his arms. He had all the power in this situation, and he knew it – if he didn't tell Odion what he had done, then there was no way they could possibly reverse it.

Bakura came to this conclusion about the same time that Kek did, and he was not happy. He rounded on Kek with a dangerous snarl. "Tell him. Now."

"Why on earth should I?" Kek grinned with a feral lick of his lips, "When this is so much fun."

"Bastard," Bakura growled, his voice so low that it was a low thrum through the thick air. "Tell him, because I swear, you can't take Marik away from me."

"It's a bit late for that, spirit," Kek snickered.

Bakura took a step closer. "You don't understand," he hissed. "Marik is everything. I dream, you know – or rather, I have nightmares. I lose everything in my sleep every night, and the only thing that kept me going was waking up next to Marik muttering something stupid about redecorating. I swear, if you take that away from me, all the God's of Egypt couldn't protect you from my wrath."

Kek's eyes were dark and impassioned as he stared back into Bakura's eyes. Silence held for several moments before he growled back, "You deserve it."

"What?" Bakura hissed.

"You deserve it," Kek leered, "And so does he. How do you think Ryou and I felt all those years trapped inside your heads, huh? This is only fair!"

Bakura kept his burning dark glare trained on Kek's for only a moment longer before he spun on his heel and strode back over to Odion. "He said before he used Shadow Magic," Bakura stated abruptly, "And that is was irreversible. Is that true?"

Odion glanced at Ishizu. "More your area than mine."

Ishizu's eyes narrowed. "…As far as I know, he's right, and it's irreversible. But I don't know…"

"What?" Bakura pressed.

Ishizu flicked a glance at Kek. "If that one still remembers Battle City, then the memories still exist."

Bakura's eyes lit up at that thought.

Unfortunately, Kek heard as well. His expression darkened as quickly as a sudden thunderstorm on a hot summer's day. "Fuck no."

Bakura span to face him. "It's true. You spoke about Battle City – you have all of Marik's memories."

Kek glowered. "They're mine."

"But they're Marik's too," Odion mused aloud, leaning against his younger brother. "You two share a mind, after all, or you did. It shouldn't be impossible to transfer…"

"It is never happening!" Kek snapped, his low dark voice swirling with shadows.

Bakura rounded on him. "You are fixing this mess you got us all into!"

"Like fuck," Kek snarled, breathing heavily. He grabbed Ryou's arm and spun on his heel, making for the front door.

Bakura ran after him, snatching at Kek's back. "Don't you dare walk out…!"

"You can't control what I do," Kek roared. He flung one hand back and caught Bakura in the side of the face, knocking him sideways. Kek was breathing heavily. "Neither you, nor Marik, nor those pathetic siblings, nor anyone, can control what I do anymore!"

"Kek," Ryou spoke up for the first time. He took Kek's arm in his hand and looked calmly into his eyes, worrying his lower lip with his teeth. "Stop and think for a minute…"

"No." Kek growled and shook Ryou off him. "Are you siding with them, too?"

"I don't side with anyone," Ryou responded softly. "But look at what you've done to Marik's family…"

"I don't care about any of them!" Kek hissed. "I thought you understood that!"

"I do." Ryou jerked his head in Bakura's direction, "I had him, I know exactly how you feel. But do you see me destroying Bakura's life?"

"I'm doing it for you," Kek snarled, "By taking his precious Marik away."

"But you're destroying more than him," Ryou spoke quickly, his tone urgent. "You're ruining Odion, and Ishizu, and Marik…"

"I don't give a fuck," Kek snarled, and his tone was layered thickly with vehemence and spite. "They pretended I didn't exist for my entire life. Now, I'll make sure they never forget me."

Ryou took a step back.

Without another word, Kek turned and stormed out of the door, even leaving Ryou behind as he slammed it shut.

So yeah, that's it for now, I hope it isn't too much of a cliffhanger. Like I said last time, I'm away for a bit now and I'm not sure exactly when I'll have time to update. Hopefully a couple of weeks at the most, but if it's like a month or so I apologise. I'll get back to writing this as soon as I have the time again, and thank you for reading this far ^^ – Jem