First update of 2014, oh yes!...or is it the second? I lost track, honestly. I'm sorry this took so long, guys. Flu bugs, colds, coworkers coming and going (and therefore double shifts), school applications...well, you could say I've been rather swamped. I'm hoping it won't take so long to update next time, hahacry.

(EDIT 2021: oh you sweet summerchild…)

Again, a giant THANK YOU to everyone who's following/reviewing this story. I appreciate you guys taking time out of your day to read this story and I only hope I continue to garner your attention and feedback.

Content warning: Horcrux-like situation for Marik, including a revelation towards the end of the chapter.

Yugi had the grace to look apologetic. He waved a hand, the Kuriboh vanishing from view in seconds. "I'm really sorry for this, but it was the only way—"

"I was bombarded with mutant furballs. Explain."

Bakura had come into view once the first roar of the dragon had sounded. Even now, he still looked bored. "He couldn't think of any other way to get you to come here. You usually ignore us peons," he replied sarcastically.

Kaiba ignored him. "What makes you think you can call on me to begin with?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. By now he was practically towering over Yugi, his posture practically crackling with rage; it was not much of a stretch to compare the taller man to the dragon snarling behind him.

This is not the worst he could've done. I recall a time when the Kuribohs exploded on contact rather than multiplying. Be grateful, Kaiba, that we chose a less violent method of summoning you.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed, his hand clenching tightly around his sword hilt. "That makes it no less demeaning," he ground out between gritted teeth. His eyes now roamed the clearing, landing on everyone in the clearing around him. No one could tell if he was surprised by Alister's and Jou's presence. "I am the lord of the White Dragons, Yugi. I do not play fetch, especially when you choose to use ridiculous methods to summon me.

"You seem to be laboring under a delusion that I am your friend. You've deceived yourself into thinking that I will stop what I am doing for your sake, that I will find your antics amusing and that I will overlook them," he continued, his voice a low snarl. "The only reason I am here is not to see what you need, but to deliver my only warning. I do not bow to you. I am not your friend, nor even an ally. The next time you dare summon me in such a manner will be the last time you draw breath on this earth."

The Puzzle flashed and a sudden chill descended in the clearing as Yami suddenly appeared. Shadows stretched from his body and began steadily creeping toward Kaiba and the others. "And you will watch your tone, Kaiba. A lord you may be, but I am a king," he said coldly, his eyes glowing red. "If you intend to bring harm to Yugi, you had best be ready to make peace with this life."

As the shadows rose and climbed the trees, they began creeping over the edge of the platform. Rishid rose to his feet swiftly but silently, watching them warily. His uneasiness only increased when Marik—who had been sound asleep and had not even twitched when the White Dragon had arrived—let out a soft groan and began curling into a ball on the bed. Concerned for the boy's well-being, Rishid sat on the edge of the mattress and laid a large hand on Marik's shoulder, sending a silent message that he was still nearby. While Marik stopped curling, the pained expression on his face did not fade away.

Jou gave a small growl when he saw what was happening above him. While he could not see Rishid any longer, he did not miss the way the shadows were being drawn towards the platform. Nothing would end well if Yami ended up calling Ishtar by mistake.

"All right, ladies!" he called sharply, clapping his hands to catch their attention. He noticed that the shadows halted and seemed to disappear after a moment's pause; Yami seemed to realize what was happening and had called the shadows back. "We have things to talk about, and we won't get them done if everybody goes around posturing like a bunch of roosters!"

If Kaiba's mood had been poor to begin with, Jou's words made it worse. "Like I'd listen to anything you have to say," he spat, a sneer in his words as he glared at Jou. "Maybe you should wait until the adults are done speaking?"

"So now you're a geezer?"

"Jou," said Ryou, his voice a warning singsong. "I hate to be rude, but you're not helping."

Jou ignored him. They were running out of precious time, and he was not in any mood to cater to Kaiba's ego—his patience was just about shot. "Seems like closed minds don't always come with closed mouths. Look, we had to reach you somehow and whether Kuriboh's involved or not we still need to talk to you. I don't want to waste any more time on this, so how's about you shut up for five seconds, huh?"

"Jou." Ryou's voice was an almost frantic hiss.

Kaiba's eyes slitted. "The only reason you're not dead now, mutt, is because I don't want my sword stained with your filthy blood," he growled. "At least when you were a dragon you were more interesting, but now you're just a stray dog and I have no time to deal with worthless mongrels."

Jou's vision flashed red.

Too many people called him that. Dartz, Jean Claude, the street thugs he'd picked fights with as he'd been growing up…his own father had never even used Jou's name, just that damned title of worthless mongrel brat and—and—!

He stormed up to Kaiba before anyone could stop him, ignoring the warning calls as he put himself in Kaiba's space. Kisara's head reared, a deadly snarl ripping from her throat as lightning shone in her jaws. Though Kaiba looked thoroughly unimpressed by Jou glaring up at him, there was no denying the marked tension in the man's shoulders.

Jou gestured to himself angrily. "Worthless mongrel, am I?" he spat. "You don't have time to waste with me, is that it? Just a reminder, Dragon Lord—I'm the one who found the healing spring, and it was my idea to use it for your oh-so-precious kit! You owe me for that much, so for the final time shut up and listen!"

Kaiba's gaze sharpened, as did Kisara's, and for a moment the two of them eyed Jou contemplative disdain. Then Kaiba suddenly grabbed Jou's wrist and tossed the shorter man to the grass, earning a startled and pained cry from the blond. "Don't ever get in my face again," Kaiba ordered icily as he glared at the fallen body.

He turned his attention back to Yugi, and though he said nothing the expression on his face prompted Yugi into speaking.

"We need your help in finding a missing group of people. Several months ago, a significant number of people were banished from the castle in Hermos, including most of the castle guards," Yugi began. "I can cast a locating spell, but we need you to help us get them to Hermos by tomorrow. The White Dragons are the fastest and time is crucial."

"Am I to assume this has something to do with the mongrel prince?" asked Kaiba, sounding almost bored.

"You know 'e's a prince?" asked Valon with surprise.

Kaiba grunted. "Why else would you be so concerned about banished castle servants? I know all of you, but the mongrel is new and there'd be no other reason for your concern with the kingdom that exiled all of you magic casters."

He shot a pointed glance to the center of the group. "Besides, it explains why Alister, who was at the castle for almost a year, is contemplating on burying an arrow in my back for throwing the mutt."

"Not your back. That's no fun," Alister retorted. When the group turned it was to find that Alister was holding his bow and an arrow at the ready; if Alister wished, he could easily bring the bow up to shoot. "I'd aim for your face, that's not too hard to hit. Either that, or I'd see about targeting your massive ego."

Ryou groaned and buried his face into his hands. "Why are we actively trying to anger Kaiba?" he muttered into his hands. "Why?"

"Alister, lower the bow. That won't help Jou or Raphael," Yugi said quietly, and the other man reluctantly complied after giving Kaiba one last glare.

"Raphael? You mean that thug?" Kaiba asked then, his eyes narrowing. Valon bristled but at a look from Yugi remained silent. "What have you all gotten yourselves involved with?"

"All we need you to do is go get the group I mentioned earlier and then bring them to Hermos. If you're feeling generous, you could even provide some back-up," said Yugi. "You won't even have to get directly involved with what's happening at the castle if you don't want to. I don't feel like I'm asking too much of you, Kaiba."

"I do." Kaiba turned away, starting for Kisara. "The mongrel is right. I owed enough to him to listen, but I'm not interested in putting that stray back on the throne. I've humored you long enough. I'm going back home. I have no reason to be here—this isn't my problem."

"It will be."

Ishizu's smooth voice cut across the clearing as she spoke, the woman rising to her feet in one fluid motion. Almost everyone had forgotten her presence, but now several eyes watched as she gently pushed her way forward; the group could feel Rishid's gaze on them as he too watched his sister's progress.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed as he studied her. "And you are?"

"If I told you my name, would you care enough to remember it?" she asked calmly. "It seems you do not hold much interest in matters that do not directly concern you."

Now one of the man's eyebrows arched. "At least you understand. I'm glad of that much."

"I did not say I approved of your arrogance, Seto."

From behind them Kisara suddenly snarled. Kaiba's jaw slackened for just a moment, and though he was able to school his features once again there was no denying the suspicion shining bright in his eyes.

Jou nudged Yugi with an elbow. "Kaiba has two names?" he asked, confused.

A low hum was his response. "Don't spread it around, and certainly don't use it, but the one Ishizu just used is his real name," he explained in an undertone. "I don't know where 'Kaiba' came from, but it's his way of protecting his name. You can understand why, given what happened to you."

Kaiba's full attention was on the Enterran woman before him. "Who are you?" he asked again, and this time his voice was sharp.

"You can call me Ishizu," she replied with a small smile, folding her hands in front of her and taking a small bow. "I am Marik's older sister. Perhaps you've heard of me?"

"…Perhaps." Kaiba's expression was now curiously neutral.

"I know that this is certainly not my business, but he needs your help and yet you deny it to him," Ishizu commented, gesturing to Jou with a graceful sweep of her arm. "Why?"

Kaiba sneered again at Jou. "If he's lost his throne, then that's his problem. He was stupid enough to lose his kingdom so he shouldn't be a ruler at all."

"You have no room to condemn Jousef for the loss of his kingdom. Are you not in the same position he is in?"

The taller man's eyes narrowed. However, they could all see what looked like alarm briefly flash in his eyes.

"There is also a younger sister who needs him yet, and he cannot return to her without help. He needs anything and everything. Seto, you cannot ignore this cry for help," Ishizu continued. "You are acutely aware of how much pain a younger sibling's death would cause, as you yourself have suffered that loss…yet you would put Jousef through this agony?"

For the briefest of seconds Kaiba's face spasmed and paled, something unidentifiable sweeping across his face. Valon's eyes rounded and he shot a surprised look to the others, silently mouthing did Kaiba have another brother?

Yugi shot him a helpless shrug in response. He knew nothing of Kaiba beyond what the other man told him—and the facts Yugi knew could be counted on one hand.

Jou started toward Kaiba, held back by only a hand from Ryou. "I don't care about some castle or a kingdom!" he said fiercely. "It's my baby sister who I care about, and as much as I hate asking for help from someone as big-headed as you I need it! She's dying, Kaiba, and if I don't get back now it'll be too late to help her!"

Kaiba glanced at them and instantly his face schooled itself into the detached mask they were all familiar with. "Again, his kingdom not my problem," he declared, already striding towards Kisara. "If he's so desperate, then he should fight for it himself."

Ishizu had caught the change in Kaiba's demeanor, however, and continued speaking. "But Seto, what if it was Mokuba in the position of Jousef's younger sister?"

The man stopped completely, this time not turning. "I don't know who you are, nor how you know my brother and I so intimately, but you will stop using that knowledge," he said, his words threatening. "As for your question, I would not be so careless as to leave Mokuba in such a vulnerable position."

"Oh? Then Bakura and his company were only entertaining Mokuba for the night when they brought him to their camp."

Kaiba whirled to face Ishizu and stalked to her, stopping inches away from here. Jou caught a movement from the corner of his eyes and knew Rishid was preparing to descend from the tree to protect his sister. "Do not mock me," he ordered coldly.

Ishizu did not bat an eye. "I am not mocking, only questioning. After all, I was not there. Was I mistaken in what I said?"

Jou did not know whether he should be worried for Ishizu or laughing, and a look around him showed that even Bakura was trying to decide what to do. Ishizu was holding her own now, and the silent consensus was that they would allow her to continue.

Now the woman took a step back, not out of deferment but to better see Kaiba without looking up. "Answer me honestly, Kaiba. What would you do if Mokuba was in the position of Jousef's younger sister?" she asked. "How would you feel if the one person who could make a difference in the outcome, even as miniscule as the action would be, stands back and does nothing? I know there would have been a difference in the case of—"

"Do not say his name!"

Kaiba's voice was a thundering snarl, one that was almost drowned out by Kisara's accompanying roar. His blue eyes were wild with fury and an emotion that no one could identify; his breathing was harsh and sharp as his irate gaze traveled through the assembled group, daring someone to ask the question that hung in the air.

A thick uneasy silence fell, the wind passing the group and gently tousling their clothes and hair. The sun by now was low enough to cast red and gold streaks through the sky above them. Jou glanced up to Rishid, who was watching his sister intently; when the Enterran man gave Jou a questioning look the other man shrugged, not certain of what was going to happen.

"Come." Kaiba's curt voice cut across the clearing, and when Jou looked it was to find Kaiba's face was an impassive mask once again.

Jou blinked, looking away from Rishid as his attention came back to earth. "What?"

"I said come. Surely even a stray knows that command?" asked Kaiba, already striding toward a gap in the bushes. "I'm not discussing matters where everyone can butt into negotiations. If you want my help, you persuade me why I should waste my time for even considering this."

Jou had to remind himself not to punch Kaiba in the nose—though the temptation was almost overpowering. As he started forward, Ishizu's hand gently rested on his arm and the blond man started. "Jousef," she said softly, "do not use money to win him over, nor should you allow your anger to speak for you. Think of who Kaiba is, find what appeals to him most…only then will he side with your cause."

"…I don't know what I'm going to say, but I sure wasn't planning on begging," muttered Jou at last, giving her a small and rueful smirk as he passed her.

Kisara rumbled as Jou walked around her, angling her body so that it hid Kaiba and Jou from the view of the others in the clearing behind her. Master, are you certain I should not blast the mongrel dragon for his earlier bluster? He was incredibly disrespectful to you.

"You're just mad that I beat you twice already," Jou retorted. "And the name's Jou, not mongrel dragon."

You understand me? Kisara eyed him with some curiosity. How odd. Though you are no longer cursed, you seem to have retained a very rare gift.

Kaiba cleared his throat and the dragon glanced at him. Of course, Master is stronger than you will ever hope to be. Do not believe this gift to be a reason to order me about—only my Master can, she stated with an air of finality.

"And if I try?" Jou asked then, half-joking.

I shall rip your extremities off slowly with my teeth, one section at a time, and then tear you to ribbons before blasting your remains into ash. Not even the gods would recognize you when I am done.

The younger man grimaced. "Gee, thanks."

"I'm not getting any younger, mongrel," Kaiba snapped, and Jou's eyes narrowed in anger at the familiar and hated title. "If you want my help, you're going to have to make it worth my while. What can you give me in exchange for my help? And don't start a debate about how unfair I'm being, this isn't my kingdom to be concerned about."

Jou bit back the angry snarl that nearly escaped him. He had to keep calm around Kaiba, and not simply because of the very large and very protective dragon looming over him. He needed Kaiba's help, and his short temper could easily make his situation even worse.

Well, maybe he didn't need Kaiba's help after all, he amended. Certainly, Yugi or Bakura could conjure up a path to his banished people—it would certainly be easier than begging the man in front of him for help like a pathetic child.

But Yugi is exhausted and generating that path could potentially kill him. As for Ryou, who knows? Bakura gets his energy from Ryou, so it could severely injure him to create a Shadow path. Don't be an idiot, Jou, and swallow your pride.

Jou hated his conscience sometimes, especially when it used Mai's voice.

"I'm waiting, mongrel."

Okay, ignore the insult and think. Ishizu had said to appeal to something Kaiba would understand, but what? Money? He snorted at that thought. Kaiba was the self-proclaimed Lord of the White Dragons, and chances were that those dragons had hoards larger than three countries put together.

Maybe Jou would help Kaiba's family in return? No, because those dragons guarded Mokuba almost as fiercely as they did Kaiba, and after Bakura had gotten a hold of Mokuba last time it was doubtful Kaiba would ever allow the opportunity for the child to get into that situation again. He wasn't even going to ask about the other brother Kaiba purportedly had, as that seemed to be a rather tender topic and he knew nothing of it.

Offering up a favor was dead out as well—like Kaiba would want help from "the mongrel".

"Well?"

What could he offer?

Kaiba sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm done with this," he declared. "You're wasting time and that's worth more to me than diamonds. Kisara, we're going."

But as Kaiba strode past Jou to leave it suddenly occurred to him that he knew exactly what Kaiba wanted. Jou's words came out in a rushed exhalation, almost fearful that Kaiba would leave before he heard him.

But the taller man did hear, and he turned almost too fast to face the younger man. There was a predatory and dangerous glint that entered his eyes then. For a moment, there was nothing spoken between them, and then Kaiba took a step forward.

"I'm listening," he said, his voice a low growl.

It was a strange sequence of events that followed Jou's and Kaiba's negotiations.

Not even been five minutes after the two of them had disappeared behind Kisara when they stepped back around, Kaiba in the lead and Jou almost jogging behind him. The man curtly told Yugi he would assist him in any way possible; any questions regarding his sudden change in heart or about Kaiba's supposed other brother were dutifully ignored.

The moment they had guaranteed Kaiba's help the group finalized their plans. Kaiba would carry them to where Téa's troupe was enroute to Hermos, and then from there would go to retrieve the banished guards; Alister would travel with him, since the guards needed to see a familiar face and Jou was needed at Hermos. The finer details behind how they were going to get into the castle at Hermos would be finalized as they traveled, but as the sun was going down and they were running out of time to travel those plans would have to wait.

It had only taken ten minutes at most to pack what they needed. Ryou, Jou, and Valon moved the horses to the center of the clearing and constructed an impromptu corral, and Yugi used a simple spell to make certain predators would not get at the animals while they were away. Grarl had objected, but the draft horse had been placed in the paddock with the other horses.

"Sorry fella," Valon had said sadly, patting the draft horse's shoulder. "You'll get recognized, and we can' afford tha'. But don' you worry, we'll get Raph back safe 'n' sound."

Rishid had woken Marik while the others were packing, and after making certain that the young man was able to travel the two Enterrans had made it down the ladder without any incident. Marik still looked thoroughly worn out and almost seemed ready to sleep on his feet, but when asked he reassured them all he was quite capable of going and he refused to remain behind.

Once everyone had packed, they clambered onto the dragon (some of them quite nervous by the rumbling growl emanating from Kisara's throat when the humans climbed on), and they took off. It did not take long to find Téa's caravan despite the head start she'd gained, and they reached the travelers just as the sun finished setting. All but Alister dismounted, and as Jou had climbed down the dragon could not resist flicking the blond man off with her tail

That was for disrespecting Master, she had announced flatly when Jou cursed at her, and there was no hiding the smirk on Kaiba's face. After that, the dragon had taken flight and vanished into the rapidly approaching night; Alister had looked very unhappy as they had taken flight, likely still traumatized by his earlier flight with Jou.

Several hours had passed since then. The covered wagons, numbering six in all, had been loaded with various trunks and other props, but there was a small amount of room that they could fit in if they split up. Yugi, Téa, and Jou were at the front of the caravan, Ryou and Valon in the middle, and Marik and his siblings were in the last wagon; Yami and Bakura were both resting inside their respective Millennium Items, as their strength would be needed for coming events.

Now, Valon looked out into the forest around him, nothing but the sound of the wagons around him as they traveled. He rested his head on his arm and stared morosely into the darkness, not for the first time wishing Alister was coming with him. He was better at charging in straight away and bashing heads in—plans that required patience and extensive planning were not his specialty.

"Valon, hand me that vial, would you?"

The Aurosian swiveled in his seat and picked up a vial that contained what appeared to be small black pebbles. "Catch."

Ryou yelped and lunged, hitting the body of the wagon as his hands caught the vial. He shot the other young man a baleful glare as he rose to his knees. "Was that necessary?" he asked. He pinched a precise amount from the vial and dropped it into the cauldron near him; it had been steadied by a balancing spell to stop the jolts of the wagon from disrupting it, and a simple warming charm on the bottom of the cauldron allowed them to heat the potion without setting their transport on fire.

Valon turned away again. "Sorry. 'm jus'…on edge, tha's all."

There was a short pause, and then the sound of movement came from behind him. A hand rested itself on his shoulder and Valon looked over at Ryou.

"They'll be fine, Valon," he said quietly. "Alister is traveling with one of the fastest dragons in this world and Raphael is not one to quit fighting. We'll all reach Hermos in time."

Valon shot him a wan smile, readjusting his position. "Wha' do you reckon Jou promised Kaiba tha' got 'im interested in 'elpin'?" Valon asked, leaning against a large trunk. He grimaced as the wagon jolted again—he'd feel that bruise in the morning.

Ryou understood the subtle request to change the subject and returned to the cauldron. He peered intently at the potion in front of him, and at first Valon believed that the other man had not heard him. At last, Ryou said, "I'm certain we'll find out when the time comes, but I for one am not questioning it."

Valon shrugged, then scooted closer to Ryou and pointed to the cauldron. "So wha's tha', anyway? Is it gonna 'elp Raph?"

The white-haired man shook his head. "No, I've already brewed those particular potions. This one is going to help us get into the castle without being spotted. Magic can easily be detected by the wards, but potions don't fully rely on magic and are harder to trace."

He eyed it contemplatively, then reached over and plucked several hairs out of Valon's head before the Aurosian could react. He ignored Valon's startled curse and dropped the hair into the potion, watching with some satisfaction as the contents turned a pale blue.

"There!" he announced happily. "I've finished at last."

"Finished wha', makin' me bald?" Valon grumbled, rubbing his scalp gingerly.

Ryou smiled. "Don't exaggerate, I only took a couple. You'll see why in the morning," he said, stifling a yawn. He took a jar and scooped the magical fire into it. "We've got a long day before us, so you should go to sleep. I've got a little bit left to do, but then I'll be going to bed as well."

"I'll try to," Valon muttered. He reached for a blanket and rolling himself in it. He cursed again as another jolt caused him to hit his head on the wagon bed. "If I wake up concussed, I know who t' blame."

"Is it bad I can't sleep?"

Yugi opened his eyes and looked over at Jou. He'd been dozing for a while now, though the bumpy road did not help him much; Téa was already asleep nearby, her head resting on Yugi's shoulder, and Yami had been silent for quite some time. Jou, however, had shown no signs of getting drowsy.

"Given what's about to happen, I can't say I blame you," said Yugi in reply.

Jou shot him a rueful smirk. "I should. I know I should try and sleep, but…I can't. There's too much on my mind."

Yugi shot Téa a glance, then carefully sat up. "Like what?"

The other young man shrugged. "What'll happen if we're too late. Whether Kaiba will make it in time. What I'll do if Serena, Raphael, Mai, or any other innocent person dies before I get there. What I'll do if Mai actually marries that creep."

Jou looked away. "How much of an idiot I am."

"You're not an—"

"Yeah, I am. Look, it's okay. I screwed up. I do it all the time, and really what was I expecting to happen? Hermos was in no position for me to leave it, but I did."

"But you left for the right reasons." Yugi sat up even further. "Look, whether it was a smart decision or not isn't up for me to say. It's been said before, but I'm saying it again: you left with good intentions. You left to try and save your sister's life—it's not your fault Jean Claude turned that quest into the situation at hand."

Jou offered a half smile, but it did not reach his eyes and Yugi knew something else was bothering him. At length, the blond said softly, "And what about Mai? Look at how much danger I put her in. Even if I stop her from marrying Jean Claude…even if we beat him now, what's to stop someone else from doing this again? Might as well face it, I'm not cut out for this royalty thing—"

Yes, you are.

They both jumped as Yami's voice came from the Puzzle, a stern reprimand in his voice. The spirit did not appear, but they could feel a pair of eyes blazing through the Millennium Item.

It is not weakness to value life, especially the life of a loved one. Many rulers go their entire lifetimes without understanding that basic knowledge, and they suffer all forms of heartbreak because of it. There could have been better preparations made to protect your throne, but you are a young prince who did not receive the support he needed from his father. It was a series of unfortunate events that led to you not receiving the help you needed, and you have made the best of the situation.

As for strength, you have your own brand of it. Most men succumb to verto draconis within days of the spell being cast. Jousef, you lasted months before the spell finally began to overwhelm you. Not only that, but you—and you alone—beat Dartz's spell when we were breaking the curse. Yugi and I merely stalled for time.

Do not underestimate your own abilities. Do not believe this to be an example of why you should not rule. Turn this into a situation to learn from, so that this does not happen again. You are young, Jousef, but you are by no means "an idiot."

Jou cracked a small grin at the amount of disdain that colored Yami's last two words. "You mean that?"

I am not in the practice of lying or delivering false praise.

"And I agree with Yami," Yugi said firmly. "Please, Jou. Try to catch some sleep. You're going to need all the strength you can get."

Jou looked away again, a lump in his throat. "Yeah, sure. I keep telling you I can't, though. I've got too much to think about."

And then, as if on a hidden signal, a sudden and crippling wave of exhaustion hit him and he slumped, blinking rapidly in surprise as he fell onto his side. "Uh—"

Yugi did not look alarmed by Jou's fall, instead shaking his head. "Ryou's potion's worn off," he said with a small laugh. He waved his staff, and a blanket flew to wrap around Jou. "Go ahead and sleep. We'll wake you up when we get there."

Jou shot him a grateful look as his eyelids began drooping. It was while Yugi was readjusting the blanket over Téa when Jou said in a slurred but understandable voice, "Thanks, guys."

Whether he was thanking them for what had been said earlier or for the blanket, Yugi could not say, but it didn't stop him from smiling warmly at the now asleep Jou and saying, "You're welcome."

"Vivian, it's not too late to turn back," said Duke, watching as the woman urged her horse into a trot. "Don't you have saddle sores? You really shouldn't be riding right now."

"A moment's discomfort is nothing to me if Princess Mai is in danger," she replied, leaving no room for argument. "Besides, I want to see Jean Claude's hide tanned, and a comfortable bed in your castle is hardly a front row seat for that show."

It had not taken long after his memory had been restored for Duke to muster his forces, and sometime in the late afternoon the group had set off; Duke had left David and roughly half his men behind to defend his home. Vivian had insisted on accompanying them, as she knew a way to get to Hermos without being spotted by Jean Claude's spies, and though Duke had tried leaving her Vivian would have nothing of it.

He had almost convinced the woman to remain behind, but the arrival of a carrier pigeon from Hermos dashed any chances of that; the news of a wedding being held in Hermos for Princess Mai certainly caught their attention. After that, Duke could not even get Vivian to entertain the idea of remaining behind.

The sun had set by now and they were about a quarter of the way to Hermos. Though Vivian had begged them to hurry, the group of soldiers could only go so fast and the path that the handmaiden had taken led through the forest was difficult; Alister's horse could easily navigate the uneven terrain since it had traveled the path before, but the other horses were having trouble following.

Even so, they were managing to find their way with minimal opposition. On one hand it was reassuring, but on the other…Vivian found it hard to believe that their trip would really be without incident. Surely Jean Claude would have noticed she was gone by now. Why hadn't he sent anyone to stop them?

"It's probably a trap, you know."

Duke voiced what she had been thinking with a matter-of-fact tone. "If we're wrong about my cousin's intentions, then us arriving might be perceived as a sign of rebellion. It could mean my execution, among other unpleasant matters."

Vivian frowned. "Then if that's the case, my lord, you should go back and let me return to Hermos on my own."

"So you can do…what, exactly? Get captured or killed?" Duke snorted, shooting her a tired smile. "Jean Claude got on my nerves when I met with him, but as much of a naïve idiot that Prince Jousef is, I prefer him over that trumped up glory hound."

Vivian grinned. "You and me both, if I am permitted to be so bold."

"When do you ever need permission to speak your mind? You never ask for it and my cousin never demands it of you."

Her smile faltered and she regarded the reins in her hands unhappily. "She never has," she said softly, her hands tightening around the leather.

"Vivian."

She looked up at Duke wordlessly. The man's facial features had sobered as well, and his lips were a thin line. "Don't worry about my cousin, Vivian. She's stronger than she looks—I wouldn't be surprised if we got there and found Jean Claude hog-tied with Mai using him as a throne."

"But with a memory spell—"

"Look how that affected her last time. The only difference was that she didn't remember Prince Jousef, but aside from that she was the same as always. He won't get one over on her."

Vivian's lips pursed. Yet there's a wedding.

They entered an open stretch of the forest, and Duke urged his horse into a canter. "As much faith in her as I have, however, I find it best to quicken our pace," he said over his shoulder.

Vivian could not agree more. As she nudged the horse's sides her legs chafed on the saddle and she bit back a grimace. "You owe me a day at the royal salon, Princess," she muttered as she followed Duke.

"Oh, I wish I'd packed better dresses for this!" Mai groaned, sifting through the trunk she'd brought. "I'm so silly! In all the chaos of wedding preparations, I forgot to get myself fitted for a wedding dress. I don't even have one scrap of cloth that's white except for my nightgown. Ugh, Vivian would know where everything is. Miho, be a dear and haul out the next gown!"

Miho nodded reluctantly as she moved to obey. Her expression was troubled as she pulled out the dress. Jean Claude had assigned her to look after Princess Mai in Vivian's stead, and though it was certainly fun at times to stay around the older woman there was always the shadow at the back of her mind of knowing what was to come. How she wished she could tell this poor woman that she was making a terrible decision by marrying Jean Claude! But she could not, for if she did the poor prince's younger sister would…

"Here, Princess," she said, pasting a smile on her face as she held up the garment. "Miho likes this one!"

Mai brightened as she held up a long-sleeved crème colored gown with a far too long skirt and embroidery on the bust. "Oh yes, this one will work marvelously! I wish Mother would skip out on giving me such frumpy looking gowns, but I'll make the best of it!" she said brightly, setting it aside. "All right, Miho, could you do me one more favor and braid my hair? Normally Viv gets it, but she seems to have vanished. I hope she's okay."

Miho nodded again, her fingers moving nimbly as she easily began braiding the long blonde tresses. "Miho is happy to oblige," she said, but despite her best efforts a sad note entered her voice.

A beat of silence fell as the two women sat. Miho focused on the task at hand, biting the inside of her cheek the entire time as she wove the woman's hair into an elaborate braid; she dared not speak, because either she was going to cry or tell Mai what was going on and she was afraid of what was—

"It's nice, you know."

Mai's sudden comment broke the silence, and Miho jumped so badly that she nearly pulled out a portion of the braid. "S-sorry?" she stammered out.

Mai turned to face her. "I said it'll be nice. I didn't mean to scare you, sweetie," she replied, laughing as she laid a reassuring hand on Miho's arm.

A shaky laugh and a weak smile was the reply Mai received. "It's okay, but…if you don't mind me asking, what will be nice?"

Mai shrugged, a smile stretching across her face. "Well, I'm excited because tomorrow it all ends," she said simply, leaning back. "Things are finally going to get sorted out."

The younger woman processed what had been said before looking at her with wide eyes. What did she mean by that? Did she just…did the princess know—?

"I mean, no more hunting for husbands, no more parents nagging at me to settle down—it'll be such a relief!" Mai continued before Miho could speak, flopping back on the bed with a contented sigh. The motion yanked her hair away from the young handmaiden and her hair fell from the braid. "I'm so glad! Everything is going to get so much better after tomorrow!"

Miho's heart fell and a lump rose in her throat. "Oh," she said as she turned away. "I bet it will."

K-THUMP!

Marik jolted awake as the wagon hit another bump, his eyes snapping open in the darkness. He was not nearly as tired as he had been that afternoon, though now a small headache had settled in and the bumpy road certainly did not help. But he'd slept long enough, between the nap he'd had and the sleep he'd gotten.

His eyes adjusted quickly as he started registering his surroundings. Someone was resting an arm protectively over his right shoulder, holding him upright in the wagon, and another person had hold of his left hand. He turned to the left and saw his sister, fast asleep and her head falling forward to rest almost uncomfortably on her chest.

"Master Marik?"

Ah. So Rishid was to his right, then.

Marik looked up at his older brother. Rishid looked about ready to join Ishizu in sleep, and though the man was clearly struggling to stay awake there was no hiding his exhaustion. "You should rest," Marik stated.

Rishid shook his head. "It is all right, Master. I am fine."

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you not to call me that," muttered Marik under his breath, more out of habit than anything else. He sat up straighter, and he noted that Rishid's cloak was covering both Ishizu and himself. "Rishid, I insist. You need to sleep."

Another shake of the head. "But—"

"Look, I need to go check on something with Ryou anyways. I'm going to get up, go find him, come back, and then I'll go back to sleep. No, don't come with me," he added, noticing Rishid starting to rise. "Stay with Sister."

Rishid reluctantly complied, and after readjusting his position to allow Ishizu to lean against the older Enterran Marik rose carefully to his feet in the wagon. He gave a small wave to Rishid before he stepped down and began walking, his pace quickening to keep in time with the rolling wagons; he peered into the backs of the ones he was passing, one holding nothing but sleeping dancers and another containing props and trunks. The third wagon he came across, though, he spotted a familiar white-haired man wedged amid more barrels and trunks. He hopped onto the back step.

"Watch out for Valon," said Ryou when he saw Marik, pointing to where the softly snoring Aurosian was. Valon was sprawled across the floor, tangled almost haphazardly in the blanket.

Marik snorted, gingerly stepping over the other young man. "He really does sleep anywhere, doesn't he?" he commented as he sat across from the white-haired man.

"I'd be inclined to agree." Ryou folded his arms, giving Marik a shrewd expression. "You're not here to talk to me."

It was not a question, just a simple statement of fact, and Marik sighed. "You're pretty good at that mind-reading thing, Ryou," he said quietly.

"Given what happened today, I would have been surprised if you hadn't wanted to talk to Bakura. You don't like or trust Yami enough to ask him whatever it is you're thinking, so you'll go to familiar ground. Do I need to listen to this conversation or is this a private one?" asked Ryou, his voice oddly resigned.

"Private talk, but not a long one. Sorry."

Ryou shrugged, his eyes shutting. "Don't be. I'm used to it, really," he said.

"That's not a fair view to have, you know," Marik pointed out. "I talk to you just as much as I talk to Bakura."

Ryou's eyes opened, but Marik took note of the almost-red hue they'd shifted into; the angles in Ryou's face had sharpened, and he knew then that Ryou was no longer listening.

"I was enjoying my slumber," growled Bakura irritably. "What do you want?"

Right, to the point then. "Do you know how to beat Ishtar?"

Bakura's annoyance vanished instantly, his expression going neutral almost alarmingly fast. "Is he listening?"

"…No. You're like him, surely you know something—"

"He's nothing like me," said Bakura, his voice hard. "I am a separate soul, older than you, Ryou, and every living creature in this caravan combined. I've existed inside the Ring for millennia, and once I walked upon this earth as flesh and blood. Ishtar, on the other hand, is literally a part of you," he added, his voice rich with disgust.

"But he's also bound to a Millennium Item. If I took control of the Millennium Rod—"

Bakura gave a short, barking laugh. "Oh please. We both know what would happen the moment you touched the Rod. He didn't even try today when he overshadowed you—he has complete mastery over the Rod, while you've only used it once as a child. You'd be better off grabbing iron while it's in the midst of the fire."

"Bakura, is there or isn't there a way to beat him?" Marik repeated, frustration injecting itself into his voice. "Look, if you don't know I'll just go ask Yami. I'm certain he'll want to help."

The thief laughed again. "The only thing you hate more than Ishtar is Yami, and the day you ask him for help would be the day the sun implodes."

Bakura sobered, however, and he continued after a moment's pause. "But you really are that desperate to know of how to defeat Ishtar, aren't you?" he said seriously.

Marik nodded, his fists clenching at his sides.

The other man eyed him for a moment, then looked away. He said nothing at first, mulling over his words carefully. "Think of what Yami and I are," he said at last. "Nothing more than souls bound to vessels, but we can live on even if our current vessels die. We are separate and yet the same—you and Ishtar, however, are one and the same."

Marik waited for Bakura to continue, but when the man turned to look at him once again it was to find Ryou staring back at him. "What—wait, Bakura, you can't just leave the conversation like that!"

The other man shot him a confused frown before his eyes glazed, and when his vision cleared his baffled expression intensified. "He says you should figure it out, because he's not in any sort of mood to elaborate. He also says he's going back to sleep and he's not going to talk any more about it tonight."

The Enterran groaned, glaring at the Millennium Ring. "Some help you are," he muttered before looking back up at Ryou. "Thanks, Ryou."

"You're welcome. I'm only sorry you didn't find whatever answer you were looking for."

Marik shrugged as he rose to his feet, padding to the back step once more. "Bakura can be just as enigmatic as Yami or Sister when he wants to," he replied. "I'll puzzle what he told me on my own. In the meantime, I'm going to catch some sleep. You should do the same."

"Gladly," said Ryou, stifling a yawn with his hand as Marik departed.

The entire way back to the wagon with his siblings in it found the young Enterran in thought, puzzling over Bakura's words as he climbed back inside with his family; he noted with some amusement that Rishid had finally dozed off and he reached for a blanket. "At least you listened," he murmured with a small smile. "You've done enough for one day."

Marik then settled down nearby his siblings, already starting to doze off. With any luck the barely-there headache would be gone in the morning, because tomorrow was a day he needed all his focus for and he could not afford to be dead weight.

…Dead weight…

Dead.

Nothing more than souls bound to vessels, but we can live on even if our current vessels die. We are separate and yet the same—you and Ishtar, however, are one and the same.

And then the meaning behind Bakura's words hit and Marik sat upright, the color draining from his features as he realized why Bakura had ended the conversation so abruptly. The movement almost startled his family awake, and Marik waited until he was certain his siblings were still asleep before he leaned against the canvas of the wagon, his breath coming in a shaky, ragged exhalation.

Bakura and Yami were separate entities using Ryou and Yugi to manifest. Though they were as two sides to a coin existing together, they were still separate beings. They did not necessarily need Yugi and Ryou to survive, only to appear and to use their Shadow powers. Their absence would not physically impact their hosts.

Ishtar, by contrast, was not a separate soul that resided inside of Marik—he was Marik. Even though he was now a separate being, Ishtar was a facet of Marik's own mind that had gained a body. Despite his overwhelming power, there was no way for Ishtar to survive on his own, not without Marik. But in the same instance, no one could simply seal him away without hurting Marik.

Unless they could think of a better alternative, there was only one way to truly destroy Ishtar: Marik would have to die.