WHOA NOW TWO CHAPTERS OUT IN THE SAME MONTH. Just in time for Thanksgiving, might I add...also, kudos if anyone knows where the title for this chapter came from. Given what's in this update, I felt it was appropriate :D

It's another long chapter, but given that there's a lot of ground to cover before the real action starts I figure this gives you something to read tomorrow whilst you're digesting your turkey dinners :D

Speaking of Thanksgiving, you know what I'm thankful for? All you readers either leaving me reviews or following me. Whether you have a signed account or you're an anon, I still say "THANK YOU" and feel grateful that I'm able to garner your attention. As always, I hope to continue impressing all you lovely readers.

Content warning: mentions of involuntary mind control, mentions of past (canonical) child abuse and patricide, someone gets sick to their stomach, and there's mentions of inflicted injuries.

An ominous silence followed the announcement, the tension growing by the second.

It was Bakura who finally broke it, a derisive snort rising from him as he folded his arms. "Oh please. This isn't a face-to-face meeting," he said flatly. "You're not truly here. You're just acting through Marik. You don't even have your Shadow Item with you. You've got a lot of potential, granted, but I'm certain even you aren't stupid enough to take on two Shadow users right this minute."

Marik—or rather, Ishtar—bowed at the waist. His body seemed as disjointed as a marionette doll, the movements too loose and uncoordinated. Yugi felt goosebumps rise at the sight, his skin crawling unpleasantly. The lavender eyes that met theirs were blank and dark, and Yugi felt as if he had been dropped into a dark tomb just staring into them.

"Very astute, my liege," Ishtar replied, a taunt in every word. His voice was cold and edged, as menacing as a predator's bared fangs. "But you forget something. I am not like you or the nameless one over there. Allow me to reiterate a key point one last time."

One of Marik's hands lifted in a sharp and swift movement. A nearby log flew into the air and hurtled towards Bakura and those behind him, but the thief held his ground. Shadows rose into the air around Bakura, altering the trajectory of the log before it would have hit him.

"You see, I am Marik. His physical body is simply an extension of me, the same way he realized that I am an extension of him. When he opened the door, he let me back inside his mind. So, given that new detail, it would be best for you to tread lightly around me."

Lavender eyes moved about the clearing, settling on Yugi for seconds before another eerie grin lit his face. "So…the magic caster recovered after all," he said casually. "I'll have to do better next time."

Yami moved in front of Ishtar's gaze, red eyes alight with menace. "You'll not have the opportunity, not as long as I stand here."

"Let's not kid ourselves, Majesty," Ishtar sneered. "You are in no position to threaten me. You barely have enough energy to form. I am not above attempting to use the Rod on him to make him kill himself…not unlike the Aurosian over there, who came close to slitting his own wrists the last time I had him."

Valon started, color draining from his face as Ishtar's words hit him. "When I what?" he repeated, eyes wide with shock.

But Ishtar was no longer looking at Yugi or Valon. Instead, that frightening gaze had gone past them both to settle on the aura of swirling shadows in the bushes. An eyebrow piqued in interest.

"Ooh, so what's that over there?" he asked nonchalantly, directing the question at Yami and Bakura. "Would that where you've stashed the little princeling? Don't look so surprised, Ryou," he added when Ryou gasped. "Did you think I didn't sense the amount of magic that suddenly dispersed from this forest this morning? I know that dear Jousef is freed from his curse."

Bakura laughed, the sound echoing harshly through the clearing. "And you think we'll just hand him over to you? Doubtful."

Ishtar shrugged carelessly. "It would be best for little Marik's sake if you cooperate. He's not coping well with my sudden return. Still, I can force him to show me everything that has transpired this morning."

As if to prove a point, he tapped his temple twice. Yugi stiffened as he heard a disembodied wail of pain start to sound through the clearing, the voice jarringly familiar.

"Let him go!"

Yugi reached for his staff, righteous fury in his voice. Yami reacted faster, a tendril of shadow launched itself at the Enterran. It narrowly missed hitting him in the face, grazing his cheek instead.

"Enough, Ishtar," he said icily. "You've proven your point."

Ishtar raised a hand to touch the slice on his face, contemplated the blood that coated his fingertips, and then popped them into his mouth thoughtfully. "It's been quite some time since I've bled," he said conversationally when he pulled his fingers out of his mouth. "I've almost forgotten the taste of my own blood."

Nausea settled like a heavy blanket over Yugi. He looked to his staff, biting his lower lip. If he could cast a spell that could restrain Ishtar and cast it fast enough, then he could try to free Marik.

Yugi, do not try such a thing when your magic is at its weakest. I do not know what Ishtar is capable of right now and I cannot split my focus.

Yami's warning echoed his thoughts, and after sounding a reluctant acquiescence Yugi lowered his hands. He looked over to Valon, who looked as if he was seriously contemplating rushing at Ishtar to physically attack him. "Don't, Valon," he said, thoroughly unhappy with the situation. "Attacking Ishtar right now only hurts Marik."

"Do somethin', then," he replied tensely, his fists clenching in the grass as Marik's agonized wails increased in volume.

"If you're done conversing with each other, you should turn your attention back to me," said Ishtar flatly. Marik's voice was abruptly cut off. "Now then, maybe you could deign to explain to me what the little mouse was doing outside of her nest?"

"If you're such a mind-reader, Ishtar, then look through Marik's memories," Bakura retorted flatly.

Ishtar hummed. "I could alert Jean Claude about the girl, and he can order her back for questioning. I for one was not satisfied by her escape."

Yami's eyes flinted. "You could, but I feel that you're obligated to do that anyways. He seems to be your master—you are bound to his whims."

Ishtar lost the amused look that had been present for the duration of their encounter thus far. For just the briefest of seconds, his eyes flickered as they narrowed. When he spoke, his voice came as a low, menacing growl.

"You are the second to remind me of that man's current role," he said after several tense moments had passed. "The woman also taunted me in the same fashion, and look how she's ended up—a brainless, blithering doll hanging on the arm of an even bigger idiot. A perfect little pair of lovebirds, aren't they?"

Jou had been watching the proceedings from inside the barrier, though he had nearly started forward at the sound of Marik's screams. Alister was just as tense, and neither of them liked their current situation; they were being hidden from Ishtar, and while he could not enter the barrier or see them, he could hear them if they spoke. Yami and Bakura both had just enough time to warn them to remain silent before Ishtar had taken Marik over. As long as they stayed within the barrier, they were safe.

At Ishtar's words, however, anger blazed through his numb disbelief and his fists clenched at his sides. It was a very deliberate taunt, one designed to rouse a reaction out of Jou.

Like Jou cared.

"Don't you talk about Mai like that!" he snarled angrily, starting forward. "If you hurt her—!"

"Oh, so the princeling is back there," Ishtar remarked, glancing at the barrier once again. "I'd wondered. I'm only sorry to report I couldn't make her losing her memories more painful."

Alister caught Jou's arm, his grip tightening in silent warning. Ishtar had already known Jou was here, but there was a chance he didn't know Alister was alive. He needed to keep his presence hidden as much as he could.

"I'd think taking her memories would be a small mercy for her, don't you?" Ishtar continued with a smirk. "She doesn't have to remember being so brutally betrayed by someone claiming to be her friend, does she?"

Jou froze. "I didn't…"

"Oh, but you did. My dear little princeling, you're the one who nearly killed her."

The world growing cold and dark, pain crushing his thoughts as he's forced out of his own mind…

attack the woman and spill her blood for me

His claws passing through Mai's shoulder, like a knife through paper…blood on his claws, Mai's eyes filling with frightened tears…

(no, no nonono—stop! STOP! MAI! MAI I'M SO SORRY, I CAN'T—MAI—!)

Jou clenched fists tight enough to leave crescent shaped cuts into his palm. He bit his lip hard, trying to fight back the wave of overwhelming emotions that rocked him.

Yes, Ishtar had controlled him. Yes, Ishtar had been the one who had orchestrated the attack…but Mai had only been in danger because Jou hadn't been strong enough to push Ishtar back. It had been his talons that had hurt Mai, it had been his actions that had put Mai in harm's way, and there wasn't any amount of talking that would change that.

Ishtar seemed bored by the lack of response. He turned away from the barrier to focus on Yami and Bakura. "Back to business. Do be good little pawns and tell me what you were up to."

"What's it to you?" Valon said angrily before anyone could speak. "You can' make us tell you what we were doin'!"

Alister growled under his breath. His voice was a soft and low murmur. "Valon, shut up."

Ishtar did not seem intimidated by Valon's words. In fact, he appeared to be amused by the response. "I showed you earlier that I can affect you across this distance, but then again I have a much closer target right here in this castle I can access."

"Last I checked, I wasn' in a castle, stupid!"

"You may not be behind these stone walls, but Raphael is."

Valon froze face and Alister drew in a sharp breath, his hands instinctively reaching for the quiver of arrows he kept on his shoulder. He gave a soft curse when his fingers grasped nothing but air. His gray eyes locked onto where his fallen bow and quiver lay, as if silently willing the objects to fly across the clearing.

"You leave Raph alone!" Valon snarled once he recovered.

Ishtar laughed, the sound causing more goosebumps to rise along their arms. "What can I do to an already dying man?"

Whatever color that was left in both Valon's and Alister's faces drained as they processed Ishtar's words. Valon's blue eyes widened in shock. "You're lyin'!" he said almost instantly. "Raph's not—he's not!"

Ishtar's smirk grew. "I think this shall be the only time I'll be completely honest with you. The man is dying. Every moment that passes means one weaker heartbeat, one more shallow breath. He doesn't have much time left—"

"SHUT UP!"

Ishtar grinned at the overly distraught Aurosian, his gaze sliding past him to land squarely on the other two Shadow users. "If the gallery is done commenting, we really should get back to our discussion. Are you going to tell me what your little mouse was doing, or am I going to have to deduce it on my own? If nothing else, I'm sure Marik won't offer as much resistance to my inquiry."

Yami did not look angry. On the contrary, his smile now matched Ishtar's; the change was jarring enough that even Yugi looked wary. "But that would take the fun out of things, wouldn't it?" he asked. "You seem to thrive on chaos, yet there's hardly anything happening in the castle. You've even said several times now that you're bored—this is likely the most interesting thing that has happened to you in days."

The Enterran's smile dimmed, his eyebrows furrowing. "I'm listening."

If there was a plan that Yami had in mind, almost no one could guess what it was. Bakura seemed to have an idea as to what the other spirit was up to, because he too started to smirk.

"What use does Jean Claude have of you now?" Bakura asked then. "Everything is going according to plan. He's marrying the woman, he's gaining a kingdom, the one person who can stop him cannot set foot in his own castle…I'd say that things have settled."

"But you have a unique opportunity," Yami continued. "You know Prince Jousef's curse has broken. You know we are planning to help him reclaim his throne. I'd say that you are at the advantage here in both situations…so why not play to this gained advantage, for your own entertainment?"

Ishtar seemed to mull this over, his face clouding as his frown deepened, and then he suddenly clapped his hands. "You know something? I think I will. Terrorizing the populace only goes so far and I've been dying for some real action.

"Here's what I shall do, Majesties. I will not utter one word of the princeling's return, nor shall I spy on you through Marik or attempt to see what you are planning. I won't even alter the spells on the castle, nor will I strengthen them. As you've said, I've grown bored and Jean Claude too complacent. It would be nice to shake things up a bit."

Jou snorted. "Yeah, and what's the catch?" he asked angrily.

Ishtar laughed. "Why so suspicious of a gift?" he inquired. His eyes danced with amusement. "But you're right—there is something I want of you."

Ishtar shot a particularly frightening glance at Yugi and Ryou, "I will be watching for the Shadow Items, and I will know if they enter the castle. If even one of the Items I can sense in this clearing is not at the castle when you arrive…suffice it to say, your plan will be stopped before it has begun."

"You'd expect us to do otherwise?" asked Bakura lazily. "Of course the Items are coming. I'm not keen on parting with my Ring, and Yami cannot separate from the Puzzle. Now that we've settled on a course of action, you can release Marik and be on your way."

Ishtar laughed once again, shaking his head ruefully. "Oh, I think not," he said with a deceivingly airy voice. "My alter has not behaved or shown me the proper amount of respect. He might attempt to possess me again, and I for one value my freedom. No, no, I think I shall take him with me—as assurance that you'll come."

Marik's body started to cross the clearing on jerky, half-tottered steps; the beginnings of a small black hole grew in front of him, the entrance of a Shadow path blossoming into view. "With that parting statement, I shall take my leave."

But even as Ryou and Valon started to protest, even as Bakura's eyes flashed and his hand went for the Millennium Ring, someone stepped into view to bar Ishtar's path. The Enterran stumbled backward as if he had received an electric shock, the Shadow path suddenly vanishing. His lavender eyes widened before darkening in unaltered hatred, his next words coming out as a venomous hiss.

"You."

Rishid did not flinch at the voice. Instead, he stepped forward and into what little light remained in the clearing. The older Enterran must have woken up at the sound of Marik's screams from earlier and had come to investigate. Yugi's grip on the staff tightened as he watched.

"Release him," Rishid ordered coldly.

Ishtar stared at the taller man for only seconds before he laughed. The sound, though derisive, held a note of fear. "How amusing. The servant is ordering his master around," he replied, folding his arms. "You seem to have forgotten your place. And hello, sister mine," he added when Ishizu also stepped into the open, her Tauk gleaming. "It's been so long since we last met."

But Yugi saw it, a spasmodic twitch of Marik's hands, and he noticed the tension growing in Ishtar's shoulders. He glanced at Yami, wondering if he had seen what he had, and the Enterran spirit dipped his head to confirm Yugi's suspicions:

Ishtar's afraid of Rishid.

Marik is starting to fight back.

Rishid had flinched at Ishtar's comment, but he still did not back down. "I will say it again. Release Master Marik. Now."

"What can you do to me? You swore to protect me, didn't you?" taunted Ishtar.

"I did. If I must protect Master Marik from himself, however, that also falls into my duty." Rishid took another step forward. "I am not fond of repeating myself to you. Release my brother."

"You have no right to call him that!"

His voice was changing, and his eyes were flickering. His hands suddenly rose, clamping tightly over a point on his temples as he struggled to stand.

"You…you wretched servant…I should have killed you…years ago…"

One of his hands lifted in the same gesture that had sent the log flying earlier, directing it at Rishid to knock him away. There was no time for anyone to react, and Rishid was not braced for the action at all—

"Oh no you don't!"

Someone barreled into the Enterran and knocked him to the ground, tumbling with him into the grass. Ryou caught a glimpse of a blue shirt and blond hair, instantly realizing who had just tackled him.

"Jou, no!" he cried, horrified.

Jou had caught Ishtar off guard with that attack, but it left Jou vulnerable to an attack. They were too close to each other—one blast of Shadow magic from Ishtar would be enough to kill the other man.

His hand gripped the staff and he swiveled on his heels just as Ishtar shoved Jou off him, knocking the blond against a tree with a blast of magic. It grazed Jou's shoulder, and he hit the tree hard. As one of Ishtar's hands raised, Yugi reacted.

"COERCO!" the wizard roared, swinging the staff at Ishtar as he would a sword.

Black ropes sprang from the staff and wound themselves around the Enterran, and Yugi yanked down hard to pinion the man's arms to his sides. Ishtar's head turned to seek Yugi, eyes alight with malice. "I will make you pay for your interference…both of you…"

But now his body was stiffening, the cold eyes widening into an almost impossible size as the light in the clearing began returning. Ishtar could not keep control of Marik, they all realized—for whatever reason, Ishtar was being forced to relinquish his grip.

Without any sort of warning the Enterran slumped in place, his head falling forward. He turned his head to face Yugi and the others, allowing them to see that there was no trace of Ishtar present in the pale purple eyes.

Ishtar was gone. Marik had returned.

Yugi released the spell that was binding Marik. The other young man stumbled as the rope dissipated, almost going knock-kneed to keep himself standing. For a moment it seemed like Marik was about to speak, but his eyes rolled up into his head and his entire body slumped forward.

Ishizu gave a startled cry of alarm. Rishid practically lunged, the man catching the younger Enterran's limp body in his arms before it would have hit the grass. His sister hurried forward, hitting her knees on the grass beside her brothers.

Yami relaxed then, and both he and Bakura waved a hand to dispel the barrier behind them. "Ishtar has gone," he announced, sounding immeasurably relieved.

"Oh, you're sure on that?" Valon asked, his words holding an edge.

"Quire," replied Yami shortly, sounding tired. Seconds later he disappeared in a burst of Shadows, returning to the Puzzle to rest.

The moment Yami disappeared Yugi rushed to Jou, nearly skidding into the taller man before he was able to correct himself. "Jou, that was incredibly dangerous! Are you okay?"

Jou had been getting to his feet as Yugi had rushed to him. He shot the magic caster a weary grin and flashed a thumbs up. "I had to do something," he said, rubbing his head with a wince. "It was dumb, I know, but I couldn't sit by and watch him kill Rishid."

"Still, Jou…you're lucky he missed," Yugi said. "You really have to be careful. We can't afford to have you hurt, if not for your sister's sake."

Ryou came to the Enterran's side, going to his knees beside Marik when he reached them. "Is he okay?" he asked. Bakura strolled up to them almost lazily, but his gaze was locked on where Marik was lying.

"I do not know," Rishid replied, his stern demeanor melting away at the sight of his brother. Ishizu looked just as worried as Rishid, reaching out to touch his face; she brushed some of the sweat-dampened bangs off his face, smoothing them over his brow.

Marik's complexion was far too pale, and his expression was twisted into an unconscious grimace. They did not have to be touching the Enterran to know that he was trembling; even though he wasn't awake, one of his hands was gripping Rishid's sleeve tightly, his knuckles blanching.

Alister pushed his way through the bushes, going over to where Marik was lying; Jou and Yugi joined him shortly. "You're sure Ishtar's gone?" he asked as he came up to them. While Alister certainly looked angry, his expression softened as he processed Marik's current condition. "He could be playing a trick."

"If he was still a threat, we wouldn't have allowed you to come from that barrier," Bakura pointed out, a snap to his voice. "Pay attention to the conversation, would you?"

Marik sat up suddenly and with a sharp gasp, scaring every single one of them. His eyes darted around wildly, his face filled with panic. Seconds later, a hand shot to his mouth and his shoulders tensed.

"I'm going to be sick," he choked out.

Marik stumbled out of his brother's grip and managed to make it to the bushes beyond the tree before they heard the first sounds of him starting to violently retch. Ishizu rose to her feet and moved alongside her younger brother, hesitating before beginning to rub his back in small, soothing circles; Rishid followed her and hovered nearby, worry in every line of his features.

"Marik?" Yugi ventured at last, stepping forward cautiously when the other young man slumped against the trunk. He wrung his staff in his hands, wincing when a jolt of magic shot through his palms. "It might sound silly to ask, but…are you okay?"

Marik didn't answer. He was not looking at any one of them, the back of his hand lifted to his mouth and his eyes closed tightly; they could hear his breath coming in harsh, ragged pants.

"Is there somethin' we can do for him?" asked Jou in a low voice. Of everyone here, he was one of the few intimately familiar with the painful process of being taken over.

Marik suddenly coughed, interrupting any reply. His voice was shaking as he spoke. "I…I saw why…while he had me, I…I saw it."

"Saw wha', exactly?" asked Valon sharply. "Does it 'ave anythin' t' do with Raph or the others?"

The Enterran shook his head tiredly, turning to face them. His mouth was set in a thin, determined line. "No, nothing like that. But I know why Ishtar is working for Jean Claude."

They had moved into the center of the clearing once again; Ryou had given Marik a dosage of the strengthening potion to help with Marik's exhausted state, but it did not seem to do much. Marik had reported a substantial headache, and since Ryou was out of healing potion he was currently working on another batch.

Yugi had not wasted any time in casting a fire spell, and the warm flames seemed to crackle merrily in stark contrast to the current atmosphere; the benefit of using magical fire was that it took almost no time at all to heat up, Yugi had explained to them. They had sat Marik by the fire almost as soon as it was made; his siblings flanked him on either side, offering silent support.

Yami had retreated into the Puzzle to try and recover more of his strength, but his presence was still very much felt when he spoke. Explain to us what you saw, Marik. We did not see what you did.

Even though he looked like he'd rather be asleep, Marik drew himself up. "I think you triggered it, Yami," Marik explained, slumping wearily against Rishid. The older man did not move in the slightest. "When you mentioned something about a leash…he seemed to remember something, and I caught a glimpse of his memories. It wasn't anything that he said. I only saw images. Fleeting ones, mind, but it was enough.

"He's not dying, but he's weakening. He can't survive outside of me without help. In the memories I saw, he took Orichalcum to stabilize himself. It was offered from some green-haired man—Dartz, probably. Even that isn't enough. It's like he's…fading? Disappearing? I don't know how else to phrase what I saw," he finished, sounding both frustrated and tired.

But Yugi exchanged knowing glances with Ryou, and Bakura snorted. "I'd wondered," said the thief, sounding smug. "He can't stabilize himself without a host."

No wonder he is taking orders from Dartz and Jean Claude. It would appear he has no other option if he wishes to continue existing.

"Mind explaining that in laymen's terms for the not-so-savvy-with-magic people in the group?" Jou asked impatiently, gesturing to himself. "What does any of this mean? What do you mean by 'anchor'?"

It was Ryou who spoke, pausing long enough in potion-brewing to look up at them all. "It's how Bakura can form on his own, how Yami can exist inside of Yugi, and how both can wield Shadows. They rely on anchors that fuel their physical manifestations and their own brand of magic—Yugi and I, in other words.

"Ishtar is different than they are. He was created by Marik. Somehow, he separated himself from his original host, and though he's formed from Shadows and he's holding a Millennium Item, it's not enough to stabilize him. He needs Marik to survive. Ishtar faces the threat of vanishing out of existence otherwise."

"That's probably explains why he's using orichalcum," Yugi added. "Orichalcum focuses all the negative energies and condenses it into one place. Ishtar must be using the orichalcum to temporarily keep the Shadows focused on his body—it must be how he has his own body."

"Ishtar might be trying to find a way to anchor himself to Marik again, and with Dartz's magical knowledge it's a very real possibility that he could succeed," Ryou finished. "It must have been why he tried to force Marik to leave the clearing and enter that Shadow path."

Alister's eyes narrowed. "Ishtar had to have known this would happen when he separated from Marik before. Why didn't he anchor himself to him then? It doesn't seem like Marik can push him out by himself—it seems like more work to do this now, instead of staying where he was."

"Thanks for that vote of confidence," replied Marik dryly, a shadow of his former self shining through the exhaustion. "But you strike a point. I was almost certain he was going to…"

He trailed off, his expression darkening. One of his hands rose to massage his temples as his eyes closed. Ishizu placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression softening.

A pause followed Marik's statement, and then Yami suddenly chuckled. I do believe that Ishtar was not given a choice in the matter all those years ago, when he first appeared. Something—or, rather, someone—interfered with Ishtar forming those ties.

Marik's eyes opened. "What do you mean?" he asked, slowly sitting up. "What interference?"

The answer to your question is currently acting as your pillow.

Both Marik and Rishid started in surprise, exchanging startled glances with each other before looking back at the Millennium Puzzle. "Rishid…but how?"

Tell me something, Rishid. You placed those scars on your face, correct? Marik has told me they are supposed to be the rites and duties of a guardian.

Rishid glanced once again to Ishizu and Marik before replying. "Yes," he answered quietly. "I myself placed them there."

Yami chuckled again. They are more than that. They are, in fact, a part of a very powerful spell: they are the ancient Enterran equivalent of a ward against evil. All it takes to activate the spell is an act of sacrifice on the part of the one who inscribes it. Rishid activated that spell by applying it himself.

Ishizu and Marik started, shooting their older brother a surprised look. "Then that would explain why Ishtar has never been able to tolerate Rishid's presence," Ishizu said at last, her eyes narrowing. "Ishtar attacked us on our way back to this clearing by using a Shadow creature, but when the beast saw Rishid it became afraid. Years before, Ishtar tried to take over Marik completely but failed when Rishid appealed to Marik."

I am not surprised. Emotions are often what fuels magic—the stronger your emotions, the more power behind the spells cast. That is why young magic casters must be trained extensively to control their emotions.

Based on what Marik has told us, it was your strong conviction and your loyalty to your siblings that activated the spell, Rishid. It is also these emotions that continue to fuel that spell to this day. The reason Ishtar cannot stand your presence is because of that ward. That is why Ishtar fled all those years ago, and why today Marik was able to expel Ishtar once he saw you.

There was a sigh before Yami continued speaking. It cannot hold forever, though. Should you fall, Rishid, Ishtar will be able to do anything he pleases. Until Marik can bolster his mental defenses, or until a solution to Ishtar is found, Rishid is the only thing standing between Marik and his alter.

Jou grinned and moved over to where Rishid was sitting. "Well, I liked you even before I found out that information. I was already planning on having you with us anyways, and now I have a better reason to bring you," he said cheerfully. "Welcome aboard!"

Rishid started at the contact, but he offered a small smile to Jou all the same. "Thank you."

As the conversation shifted over to the starts of making their plans, Valon rose to his feet and wandered to where Ryou was brewing his potion. He had been paying attention to the conversation for a while, but his thoughts were mostly distracted. He couldn't shake what Ishtar had told him: what can I do to an already dying man?

Valon shook his head. No…no, he would not believe it. Ishtar was a liar. Raphael was perfectly fine. Yeah, sure, he might be imprisoned, but Raphael wasn't dying.

His blue eyes locked onto the potions still scattered across the grass. Ryou had not had a chance to put away the potions he had gotten out from his bag. Valon started examining the numerous bottles of potions that were still sitting on the grass, lifting them up one by one to study them.

He picked up one small bottle filled with what appeared to be brown sludge. His nose wrinkled at it. "Wha' the heck is this gunk?" he asked, holding up the bottle to show Ryou.

Ryou's expression darkened at the sight of the bottle. "The leech draught. Don't mess with it, Valon, it's not a nice one to take. I don't even know why I have the stuff. I think I got it while bartering for supplies."

Alister had looked over to determine where Valon had gone. At the sight of the potion, however, he went rigid. He went to his feet and was at their sides within three strides. He snatched the bottle and took in a sharp breath, gray eyes lighting in recognition as they settled on the potion. His eyes shifted to Ryou. "What does this do?"

Ryou had been caught off guard by how quickly Alister had moved, and it didn't help that Alister sounded urgent. "What?"

"That potion—what does it do?" Alister asked, his voice sharp with urgency. "Ryou, this is important, what does it do?"

"I-It's a leech draught. It's used by healers in case someone is poisoned," Ryou stammered. He cleared his throat. "It stops the blood from clotting, but it's only ever supposed to be ingested in small amounts and you need a counter draught to stop it once it's finished its course. Otherwise, the potion strengthens the longer it's circulating in a person's body—after a few days, even a pinprick can prove fatal if the potion's effect isn't checked. That's why it's been outlawed in many countries."

Alister's fists clenched tightly at his sides. "How much is a proper dose?"

"Only a spoonful, and even then you need to dilute it with water."

"…Ryou, tell me you have the counter draught, or that you know how to brew it."

By now everyone had noticed the conversation going on between Alister and Ryou and most of them held uncertain expressions; Marik, who had been almost dozing while leaning against Rishid, opened his eyes and frowned at the tense atmosphere. Even though no one could see Yami, they could feel a twin pair of eyes now watching the proceedings.

Ryou's frown deepened as he slowly replied, "I do. I usually keep counter draughts for anything in my bag, even if I'm not fond of the particular potion—it would be foolish of me not to."

Marik sat up slowly. "Alister, you're acting like you took that draught. Did you?"

Alister shook his head. "No, but Raphael and about half a dozen others did," he replied grimly. "I remember that because I was the only one that didn't. Apparently, having my arms broken into pieces was punishment enough for me."

"But they were given the counter draught, weren't they?" Ryou asked. "They couldn't have been allowed to keep it in their system for long. I've gotten the impression Jean Claude needs every man he can get, even if they're being forced to work for him."

Alister's features darkened, and he remained silent for several moments. "Most of my memories following my arms being broken is a blur," he said at last, "but there's one thing I do remember. The other men's wounds all eventually closed and scabbed over. Raphael's were the only ones still bleeding when I left."

Jou's own lips had pressed into a thin line as his jaw tightened, his brown eyes filled with anger. "How long ago was the draught administered?" he asked, his voice trembling with barely suppressed fury.

"…Two weeks, at the most."

"How much?"

"Half a goblet, and I know it wasn't watered down."

Valon felt an icy chill go down his back. "Ryou, wouldn't healin' water help? It's helped so far, right? We just gotta get it to him!" he said, injecting some confidence into his voice.

But Ryou was shaking his head even before Valon finished speaking. "It doesn't work like that, Valon," he said gently. "Yes, either a healing potion or the water will close whatever wounds he's sustained, but the draught doesn't stop working. And if it's been in effect for two weeks…"

"It gets stronger the longer it works," Marik said, his eyes narrowing. "In other words, we should assume any new injury Raphael sustains at this point is fatal."

What can I do to an already dying man?

Valon felt as if the bottom of his stomach had dropped out and he sat back hard in the grass. "Th-then…Raph's been hurt somehow," he said, his voice shaking. He shot Alister a frightened look. "Tha's what Ishtar meant…Raph's bleedin' out. He's going to die b'fore we get there, isn' 'e?"

"Maybe, but maybe not. If we can get there in time, we can give him the counter draught and help him," Ryou said. "Even if his wounds from being whipped didn't close and are still bleeding, we can address that. I'm more concerned about any new injuries he gained since he was given the draught and since he was whipped."

He began rummaging in his bag for ingredients, a determined expression on his face. "I've got some of the counter draught on hand, but I'm going to need more of it if that dose you told me is any indication of Raphael's current state," he said to Alister. "I'll start brewing that the moment my current batch of healing potion is finished. Time is of the essence now."

A long silence fell as Ryou set out the ingredients onto the grass, and then Jou cleared his throat. "How long does it take for Kuriboh to get to Kaiba?" he said, something pointed in his voice.

Yugi looked over at the taller man. "If I'm right, Kuriboh should be there by now. Kaiba should respond and he'll come within the hour. In the meantime, we should pack our things."

"And we're guaranteed he'll respond to a summons from a pipsqueak furball?" asked Valon doubtfully.

"I'd be surprised if he didn't," Yugi replied briskly. "There's more to Kuriboh than what meets the eye, and it can be quite…persistent."

"Mizu, take smaller bites," Mokuba chided, gently tugging on the meat in the kit's mouth to reclaim it. "You may have the sharpest teeth, but you'll choke if you don't start eating smaller portions."

Mizu growled indignantly as Mokuba tried to take the meat, but at Kisara's warning rumble the kit instantly released the slab of venison. Mokuba took it and started slicing the meat into bite size portions; while Mizu would eventually have to learn how to eat larger portions of the meat her mother brought back, she was not yet big enough to eat the meals the other kits could have.

His older brother was currently going through the cave in search of dropped scales. Though he intended to use them primarily to line the nests of the dragons, he was also thinking of making a new sword, and after gaining permission from the older dragons Kaiba had begun his search.

A sudden shrill squeal from the entrance to the cave caught Mokuba's attention and he looked up; that was certainly not a sound any of the kits could make. A startled frown creased his brow when he saw the bouncing furball in the entrance of the den. Before Mokuba could react, the bundle of fur suddenly bounded into the cave, beginning to bounce all around the interior excitedly. The creature's actions earned very intent stares from every dragon in the den as their eyes followed its antics.

Mokuba knew exactly what that little thing was, as he had seen it while in the Turtle Shop once before. "Big brother, Yugi's sent a summons!" he called, his voice echoing over Kuriboh's squeals.

Kaiba suddenly appeared from the right of the cave, grimacing as he took note of Kuriboh. A disgusted frown graced his features as he caught Kuriboh in mid-bounce. He glanced at Mokuba, searching for an explanation.

"I've seen Yugi send Kuriboh out before. We basically follow it back to where Yugi is and—wait, what are you doing?"

While Mokuba had been speaking, Kaiba had been studying the look with distinct disdain. When his younger brother had stopped speaking, it was because Kaiba had marched to the den entrance. Without any preamble, he tossed the creature into the open air.

"I'm not in any mood to respond to a summons, especially if Yugi won't do the job himself," he said in response to Mokuba's horrified look.

"But you didn't have to toss Kuriboh off the mountain!" Mokuba protested. "Yugi likes that little hairball, and he's a powerful magic caster! If it dies, he could—!"

"I'm sure he can make another one by using what he finds in his hairbrush," Kaiba deadpanned. "Don't cry over something that's not even alive."

Kisara coughed, catching the human's attention. Forgive me for interrupting you while you are speaking, Master, but it would appear the magical construct has returned.

Kaiba blinked, then turned as he felt a weight on the end of his cloak. When he looked down it was to find Kuriboh clinging almost desperately to the cloth, its eyes wide with terror. Kaiba's lips pursed, and he took hold of the Kuriboh once again.

"Oh, come on! Don't throw Kuriboh off the mountain again," Mokuba said, exasperation in every word. "Give it a shot, would you? It might be urgent. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to find out what's happening."

His older brother paused, eyebrows furrowing in thought before clearing seconds later. "You know something? I think I will give it a fighting chance."

Then, much to Mokuba's indignant disbelief, Kaiba tossed the Kuriboh to where the kits were eagerly watching the creature's struggles. "Lunch."

The kits were upon Kuriboh before it had proper time to react and Kaiba turned to face the child. "Yugi will have to learn that I am not someone who comes every time he calls. That's what dogs are for," he said irritably, already starting to resume his search for scales.

Mokuba had been about to voice an argument when he heard a loud pop come from where the kits were. His head snapped to them sharply, and when his eyes landed on the kits he gaped.

"Uh oh."

Kaiba, who had heard the explosion and his brother's response, looked over.

Kuriboh had not died when the kits had started biting into it. On the contrary, it was still very much alive, for the moment their fangs and claws had touched it the creature had exploded in a cloud of purple smoke. Now, instead of one Kuriboh, there were two.

As the brothers watched, Mizu happily launched herself on top of the newer Kuriboh and bit down. She let out a startled squeak as the purple cloud appeared once again. When it cleared, there were four. A grand total of six furballs were now amid the kits, and the number was growing each time the kits attacked.

Both Kaiba and Mokuba exchanged looks of dawning horror as they realized exactly what was going on and Kaiba gave a sharp whistle. "Enough!" he ordered sharply, and the kits instantly ceased in attacking the Kuribohs.

Unfortunately, now there were roughly thirty of the bouncing little hairballs running around the den and Kaiba's eyes narrowed. "It's certainly persistent," he muttered, watching dispassionately as one Kuriboh launched itself happily at his face. He sidestepped its leap and the Kuriboh hit the wall face first, landing in a dazed heap on the cave floor.

"I bet Yugi knew you'd try something like this," Mokuba pointed out wryly. "That's probably the only reason these things keep multiplying."

Kisara growled when one of the Kuribohs inadvertently knocked over Mizu, and both dragons scooped their kits up with their tails and deposited them safely behind them. After locating both humans and moving past them, Kisara and Bennu eyed the horde of squealing fur.

I have had enough of these loud intruders, Sister, Bennu snarled, and lightning lit the maws of both adult dragons. Let us put an end to these creatures.

Mokuba gasped as he realized what was about to happen. "Wait, don't—!"

Twin bolts of white lightning exploded from the dragon's mouths as Kaiba hauled Mokuba behind a stalagmite, and they both barely could hear the Kuriboh's alarmed squeals as the lightning hit them. Instantly the scent of burned hair reached them and both humans grimaced.

When they peered around the stalagmite it was to find that, instead of a pile of ash where the creatures had fallen, there was an almost blinding cloud of purple smoke hanging in the air. Then, like an ocean's tide, a wave of Kuribohs left the smoke and poured into the cave.

Kaiba, now up to his armpits in squealing Kuribohs, looked to where he could see the top of Mokuba's head and hauled the boy up by the scruff of his shirt. Mokuba had been about to make some sort of smart comment when he saw the murderous look on his brother's face and instantly decided to keep his mouth shut.

Kaiba's next words were a furiously snarled vow:

"I am going to shove every last one of these things down his throat when I get there."

"Marik?"

The Enterran opened his eyes blearily, blinking several times to bring Yugi into focus. He must have dozed off at some point. "Wha'?" he asked, his voice slurring.

He winced again as his head throbbed—the headache still had not abated. He looked once around the clearing, frowning when he noticed that Valon, Alister, and Bakura had disappeared. Jou was pacing the clearing restlessly, and Ryou was keeping a watchful eye on the cauldron.

Yugi noticed the way Marik's gaze kept sweeping the clearing. "Alister and Valon are searching for ingredients Ryou needs, and Bakura is in the Ring resting," he explained. He studied Marik. "You should try to sleep while you can, and preferably somewhere more comfortable."

Marik shook his head. "'m fine," he replied drowsily, his eyes shutting as he leaned against Rishid once again.

Rishid shifted, prompting Marik to open his eyes again. Noticing the subtle way Rishid was flexing his potentially asleep hand, the Enterran sat up and rubbed his eyes. "On second thought, I might do that," he muttered. "I'd have to climb up into the treehouse, though, and I'm not sure I can do that without breaking my neck."

"I will assist you, Master Marik," Rishid said promptly.

Marik glowered at his older brother, though there was no true fire in his gaze. "Rishid, don't call me that. I'm your brother, not your master."

Rishid did not reply, instead helping Marik to his feet. Yugi did not seem like he was finished speaking, however; Marik felt the magic caster's gaze on his back and he turned. "Yugi?"

The shorter man was shifting in place, finally meeting Marik's gaze. "Um…Yami's told me the Shadow path he made dissipated and he's stronger than he was earlier. That means Sivya made it safely to wherever she was going," he said.

Marik flinched, remembering the fear that had been present in Sivya's honey-colored eyes. "Oh."

Yugi bit his lip, then continued. "Yami said there's a message from Sivya for you."

He flinched again but said nothing, waiting for Yugi to continue. He watched as Yugi rested a hand on the Puzzle. After a brief pause, Sivya's gentle voice emanated through the Puzzle.

"I've made it safely, Yami, but…Marik…he'll be all right, won't he? Please…Yami, protect him if you can. He saved me today and he put himself in danger to do it. I owe Marik my life. I don't want to see him hurt. When you see Marik, could you please tell him from me that he's still very welcome to come visit when the flocks return?"

Marik sucked in a shaky breath, relief blossoming somewhere inside of him as the Puzzle's glow faded. Although she sounded shaky, although there was a trembling note to her words, every word had been genuine. She didn't see him as a monster yet—she still trusted him.

"Thanks," he said, not sure if he was thanking Yugi or Yami.

The Puzzle flashed briefly, while Yugi smiled. "Of course," Yugi replied.

Slightly more encouraged than he was before, Marik turned his attention to the ladder. "Now how am I going to get up there?" he asked with a frown, eyeing the landing above him.

"Rishid can carry you up, if you put your arms around his neck," Ishizu suggested.

"I'll choke him if I do that. Pass."

"I will be fine, Master."

"Rishid, don't call me that."

Eventually, it was decided that Marik would go up the ladder first, while Rishid trailed behind him just in case. Ishizu was not immediately coming up; while she didn't explain why, they both noticed her hand on the Tauk. Since it didn't seem like a threat was approaching, they didn't try to make her climb up.

Upon reaching the landing, Marik instantly moved for the nearest cot and flopped onto it, never happier for the thin mattress. He'd hated sleeping on them in the past, but right now he was so tired he didn't care—at this point, he'd willingly sleep on top of a White Dragon.

He was nearly asleep when a spike of pain shot through his temples once again. He sat upright almost immediately. Rishid, who had been carrying a blanket he'd seen to cover Marik with, noticed the movement.

"Master?"

For once Marik did not correct Rishid, waiting tensely for any further spikes; when nothing happened, he closed his eyes and tried to relax. It was just a residual headache from earlier, nothing more…Ishtar wasn't trying to wrest control from him.

The relief faded as he opened his eyes and looked down at his hands. Though Ishtar had failed to possess him today, he knew that Rishid would not be able to shield him forever. There was another confrontation coming. Sooner or later, Marik was going to have to stop him and even end him.

But how?

A hand rested on his shoulder, startling Marik out of his thoughts. "Are you all right?"

Marik nodded. "Just a bad headache," he replied.

He paused, looking away for a moment. "Could you sit somewhere nearby?" he managed at last. His voice was full of uncertainty, and he did not make eye contact with his older brother—the request sounded so childish. "I…I don't want to be alone."

He wondered if Rishid would protest. To his immense relief, the older man instead found a small crate and moved it by the cot Marik was on. Rishid then draped a blanket over top of his younger brother. "I will stay as long as you need me," came the quiet but sincere reply.

Reassured by Rishid's soothing words, Marik relaxed and closed his eyes again. Sleep claimed him within minutes.

Ten more minutes passed in relative peace. Jou, who had decided pacing could only occupy his attention for so long, had instead decided that it was time to practice wielding a sword once again; it had been months since he had last gripped a sword hilt.

Yugi for his part was more than willing to help Jou. After giving Jou a wooden sword he had conjured, the magic caster bewitched fallen timber around them into a magical dummy of sorts, and had even given it a wooden sword; he then had bewitched it so that every time Jou disarmed the dummy the level of difficulty would increase.

Alister and Valon returned during this time, and with them came Grarl—Alister had refused to return until he had located the horse. After delivering the necessary potion ingredients Ryou had needed, the two young men had fallen to grooming Grarl. The poor animal was in a sorry state and caring for the horse distracted both from their worry over their eldest friend.

Yami and Bakura had not spoken at all in this time. Yugi largely suspected the spirits were resting instead of lurking near the surface of their items, trying to recover lost energy; a report from Rishid in the tree confirmed that Marik had also fallen asleep. Ishizu, however, had sat herself by the fire. She was watching the sky intently, her gaze never shifting once.

It was after Jou had managed to finally disarm the dummy for the seventh time and after Grarl had been stabled with the remaining horses when she rose to her feet, smoothing out her dress. "He's coming," Ishizu announced, drawing their attention.

Jou paused, wiping his sweaty face with his arm as he looked to Ishizu. "Who is?" he asked between pants.

The roar of a White Dragon shattered the tranquil atmosphere of the clearing. Jou winced. "Oh. She sounds mad," he muttered, grimacing.

Another sound was filtering through the forest now, the sound of shrill squealing. At first, they all thought that the bats had left the caves early; the sun was just starting to lower in the sky. Then they remembered that the caves were much further away, and the bats had never flown this far into the forest before.

Valon squinted through the trees, staring at the movement he could see. "Wha' is tha'?" he asked at last, pointing.

Alister nocked an arrow, eyes narrowing as he took aim. Before he would have loosed the arrow, however, he paused and lowered the bow. A rare look of disbelief settled on his features. "Are those…?"

Seconds later, a wave of brown fur poured into the clearing. The group was nearly knocked off their feet; poor Ryou, who could not leave the cauldron he was tending to, yelped as the creatures jostled him and even climbed over him. Shrill cries filled the air and several of the creatures launched themselves at Yugi with delighted squeals.

"Hi, Kuriboh!" Yugi said brightly, giving an affectionate smile to the creature in his arms. "Glad to see you're safe."

Jou and Valon both gawked. "But you only sent one!"

Yugi offered a sheepish smile. "Well, I know Kaiba. He's not fond of 'cutesy furballs' coming to get him. He would have destroyed Kuriboh the moment it found him. I had to get him to come somehow, so I simply placed a multiplying charm on the Kuriboh that activates if—"

A furious roar sounded over them once again, this one directly overhead. Kisara dropped through the top of the trees to land in the middle of the clearing; the horde of Kuriboh gave alarmed chitters and immediately tumbled over themselves to give the dragon a wide berth.

No sooner had Kisara landed when Kaiba instantly dismounted, stalking forward with blazing eyes. He did not stop until he was directly in front of Yugi, who surprisingly held his ground and did not quail under the glare the taller man was giving him. "Hello, Kaiba."

Kaiba did not return the greeting. "I am this close to having Kisara blast you and everyone else in this damned clearing. What do you want?"