I apologize for not getting this chapter out sooner. I'm with Pippa and I hardly even get on the computer these days. I started writing a new story (Ace Attorney) today and decided I might as well update. I've also tried to write Fang, but that story is beyond pissing me off and as of right now, I'm just going to leave it be. Otherwise, I'll start all over again because nothing is working! *fumes*

Anyway, I haven't written anything else for this story either. This is not the time of year I normally write. I was actually amazed I was able to write a chapter of my new story. I suppose my mind doesn't want to write anything to heavy and this and Fang take a lot of concentration and feels. Which, I just don't have. Fortunately, I do have several chapters of this written out.

I'm not going to say anything about updates anymore. Who knows when I'll update. I'll try to do it as usual, but that'll probably not happen. It's mostly forgetting when or just not wanting to do it. Updating can be such a pain and editing is annoying when you have so many pages to go through. Of course, I'm not trying to make excuses, but when you're not into something, that just makes it more of a pain. So I apologize for any weird mistakes.

Also: PIPPA AND I ARE OFFICIALLY ENGAGED! (Though, I can't seem to remember the exact date. Shows how much I care (Pippa: *inserts laughter here*) Inside joke of ours lol. Naturally, I care.

I've been having a great time in Canada. I just wish I could figure out what the hell to do to live here. All I've found out is to do the work permit, but I have no idea how to go about doing that, so it's like *screams*. But other than that, it's been pretty great. I've kinda sorta joined this walking club Pippa's in and we go around places and walk. Yesterday we walked at a park. It's interesting seeing so many visually impaired and blind people. It makes you appreciate what you have.

Okay, anyway, I'm sorry for the rambling. Like I said, I'll try to update this and write this asap. I'll probably have more luck in the winter months. I just don't like writing that much in the summer. Go figure.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh. Last time I checked, I wasn't Kazuki Takahashi. Yugioh belongs to him and all of its characters. OCs belong to Pippa and me, so no stealing! ASK!

*Warning*: proceed this story with extreme caution! There will be: Violence, gore, death, rape/non-con (whatever you want to call it), incest (this is Ancient Egypt. Get real!) A bit of OCCness due to the situations of characters, prejudice against skin colour and religion, depression, suicide tenancies, hate/love relationships.

Inspiration: This story was inspired by Jollybigsis' 'Enslaved'. I absolutely love that story. Great Casteshipping story! If you haven't checked it out, then do so!

Chapter Twenty: Trembled

Seth

Master Shadaah and I have been having our guards go out into the villages and streets to find potential criminals that can aid us in defeating Bakura and his pack of fools for the past few days or so.

While we've arrested quite a number of criminals, their Ka are… lacking. Master Shadaah believes that they have potential to be stronger.

Excellent. Then again, I suppose every Ka has potential to get stronger, but we need more than strength. We need power. The power to get Pharaoh back and to destroy Bakura!

I scan the list of Ka from Master Shadaah's and my tablet shrines. I sigh. Master Shadaah really needs to take better monsters. These are just awful! At least his Ka is pretty decent, but we both agreed our Ka are last resorts. After all, we're going to be facing off against the pack of fools first. Our Ka are for Bakura and Malik.

There's a sharp knock on my door.

"Enter."

Master Karim enters, closing the door behind him. He looks at me for a while, arms crossed, and leaning against my door.

I look up from the list of Ka. "Yes, Master Karim? Was there something?"

"So you really went through with it even after all that has been going on?"

"Ah, so you heard," I smirk. "Master Shadaah inform you?"

"Yes. I do not like this, Master Seth."

"As I told Master Shadaah, I'm potentially killing three birds with one stone. I will do whatever it takes to get Pharaoh back and destroy Bakura."

"Pharaoh will deal with Bakura. He is the chosen one, after all."

"And yet, he's in that bastard's hands,I hiss, clenching my fist, papyrus in my hand wrinkling.

"Well, yes, but he will return to us. I have faith."

"Then what should we do while we wait for him to return? Who knows what that bastard is doing to Pharaoh!"

"I am worried too, but if you keep going around and "collecting Ka" then the citizens of Egypt will start fearing you, Master Seth."

I close my eyes for a moment then fix the wrinkled up papyrus.

"I'm aware. I don't mind too much. If I can protect Pharaoh and the people then it does not matter if anyone hates me or not."

"I am just warning you of what could come to pass. I am curious on your progress though. How are you going to get the Ka out of these men if you no longer have the Millennium Rod?"

"I'm not concerned about getting the Ka out. They will become much stronger inside their hosts."

Master Karim's eyes widen. "Are you making the prisoners fight?!"

I shrug. "We need to make them useful. They need to give back to Egypt by sacrificing themselves."

Karim gaps at me. "I…"he shakes his head. "Do you hear yourself, Master Seth? Have you gone insane?"

I roll my eyes. "You are far too emotional, Master Karim."

"I…"he puts a fist to his mouth, clearing his throat. "That's not it. I am worried about the citizens revolting."

"They won't. I'm being careful. It's why I have Shadaah check the Ka."

"I see."

"And it's not just criminals' Ka I'm planning on using. I have a list of the Ka in my tablet shrine and Master Shadaah's."

"I see. And I assume you want mine?"

"I'd like to have a list of every Ka in each of our tablet shrine. We need to build our own army."

"I have no qualms of giving you access to the Ka at my command."

"Thank you. Your help is most appreciate, Master Karim."

"I do not agree with making criminals fight to strengthen their Ka or grabbing them off the streets and instilling fear in the citizens, but I do undestand that sometimes distract measures are necessary, but I would like to refrain from more actions on the citizens as much as possible."

"Well, I do want to make our Ka stronger…" I trail off, looking up at him.

"Are you challenging me to a duel, Master Seth?"

"Why not? It'll strengthen us in all aspects. We need to be prepared."

"I agree. Let us take this somewhere more appropriate

Master Karim and I head to the Battle Sanctuary. It's a sanctuary near our Ka shrines where we can spar easily. The sanctuary is quite large with heka-infused barriers to ensure that spiritual energies aren't released.

We pick a side, and ready ourselves.

"First things, first. You are not allowed to use the Millennium Scales."

"I had no desire to do such a thing. I will also refrain from using Curse of Dragon, and I expect you do do the same with your Duos."

"Well, of course. Let's get this show on the road," I smirk, preparing my Diadhank.

Master Karim does the same. This is so exciting! I truly enjoying dueling with everyone. Especially Pharaoh! I really do miss him… I'll find you! I'll bring you back safely! Until then, please hang in there.

"We should not over do this. I believe a one-on-one duel between Ka should suffice, do you?"

"Yes, that's fine with me. We do not need either of us passing out."

"Halimi, come forth!"

A glow appears on his diadhank and a winged lion roars into existence. It's one of Master Karim's best creatures.

"I summon Kaiser Seahorse!"

The seahorse appears floating, spear in hand.

"Are you ready to be defeated, Master Karim?"I smirk.

Master Karim scoffs. "I believe you are the one about to taste defeat, Lord Seth."

"And that is where you're wrong."

"Kaiser Seahorse, Chaos Orb attack!"

The seahorse points its spear at Halimi, a black ball of energy forms at the the tip, gaining power then it blasts it at the winged lion.

"Howling wing!" Master Karim commands his beast.

Halimi flaps its wings, creating a large gust of wind.

The two attacks hit mid-air. Shockwaves make the floor tremble.

We continue, dodging and blasting each other's beasts. This is so much fun! Although, it's… a bit lacking to say the least. Not that Master Karim isn't strong, but…

I shake my head. We both need to get stronger. Complaining because I can't duel against Pharaoh is childish. But then why am I thinking about him?

The son of a bitch who took my Millennium Rod! That duel we had… it was… it was incredible! I want more of that! I want to duel him again! I want to destroy Bakura, sure. But Malik… Malik….

Malik.. I want to duel Malik!

I gasp as Halimi bites one of Kaiser's fins.

"Pay more attention than that, Lord Seth," Master Karim says, crossing his arms. "That was a rookie mistake. Someone of your caliber is better than this."

I shake my head. Focus. "My apologizes, I was… distracted."

"I see. Well, get your head in the duel. Be lucky I am not an enemy. Otherwise, you would be dead right now."

I rub my temples. "Yes, quite right."

"Chaos Spear Strike!"

Kaiser powers up its spear and stabs it into the winged lion.

Master Karim gasps, clutching the front of his robe.

"Roaring winds!"

Halimi flaps its wings and a gust of wind wraps around Kaiser in a twister.

I gasp, clutching the front of my robe.

We continue, back and forth. Back and forth. I have to admit, I believe this is making progress. If not a bit.

"I think we need to rest," Master Karim pants, leaning against the wall behind him.

Kaiser having blasted Haimi into the wall and Halimi having blown Kaiser on the floor.

I lean against the wall behind me, trying to keep upright.

"Yes, I believe you are right. Although, I feel quite pathetic right now."

"You have barely been conscious for a week. Perhaps you are pushing yourself too far."

"We have no time for that kind of rest. Pharaoh is in danger."

"Yes… yes, you are quite right."

We return our beasts to their stone tablets in our tablet shrines. We sink to the floor, hearts beating rapidly.

"Do you think we've accomplished anything today?" I wonder, breaking the silence.

"I feel myself getting stronger, but it is hard to know when we did not use our Ka."

"That is true. I think building up the strength of the other beasts first would be wise."

"I agree."

"What distracted you so much anyway?"

I glance up at the ceiling for a moment then to my fellow High Priest. "I was thinking about my duels with Pharaoh."

"Your losing ones, you mean?"

I narrow my eyes at him. "I could have won plenty of times!"

"Maybe, maybe not, but you did not. Although, it is no surprise. He is the Pharaoh of Legend after all."

"Yes, and he's been taken by a street rat."

"Street rat? I think Bakura is more than he appears to be. Besides, he does have Malik's help."

Malik must have taught Bakura how to read. There's no way in hell he'd be able to go through the tombs if he didn't know how to read. I still can't believe he'd do something so stupid. If he's the King of Assassins as he claims to be, surely he can kill Bakura?

And Marik and Lady Isis claim that Malik is so "loyal to Egypt and Pharaoh"?! Ha! The notation is laughable!

"He does have a god Ka, and is able to wield the Millennium Ring with ease."

"Both are terrifying."

"Well, we'll be terrifying to him when we find his secret base, get Pharaoh back, and kill him and his group of rejected fools."

"We should not go in there blindly. We know a bit about Diabound and Death Garidus, but what about the Ka of the others? We do not not even know who is even associated with Bakura."

"I'm quite aware of that fact."

"Then what do you plan to do? We need information on those people."

"While I'm not too concerned, I believe you are right."I sigh.

How troubling… I have no time for weaklings. Malik and Bakura are all I'm after. The others can take care of the rats.

Still, Master Karim is right. We do need information on them.

But how to get the information? Inflirating their hideout would work, but I have no idea where it is. I also have no idea who is a part of their group, so I can't send anyone to spy on them when they leave their hideout.

Damn!

"Mana is leading a search party to find Pharaoh."

"I'm aware, and what of it?"

"Surely, her efforts could also find information on Bakura's group? I believe putting a few spies in the search parties would be wise."

Ï stand up. "I believe you may be right. I'll go talk to Lord Mahaado."

"Lord Mahaado is busy talking with Prince Heba and Marik. I believe Captain Jono is available though."

I groan, slapping my hand to my face. "Anyone but him!"

Master Karim stands as well, chuckling.

(A few weeks later…)

Atem

Days and nights run together. I no longer can tell the passage of time. I haven't been able to go outside the cave walls. The other night, I was toured by Kisara while Bakura was out. Apparently, the "priests" as Bakura and Malik call them take turns keeping an eye on me if Bakura isn't here.

I have some freedom if one of them are watching me and holding my leash. I can't believe this is my life right now. I know I can't do much at this point, but I'll fight Bakura every step of the way! He won't get away with this! None of them will!

I'm still not sure what to think of everyone. If I had to pick a favourite, it would be Kisara. She's very sweet and isn't disrepectful at all. Sometimes, when no one is watching, she lets me wander around a bit without gripping the leash.

Besides Bakura, my least favourite would probably be Mai. That woman has a mean streak in her. I don't know what her problem is, but I will not allow her or Malik or anyone for that matter to kill anyone!

I sigh, picking up the mess in the "throne room" as Bakura calls it. Apparently, the thieves and assassins can't pick up after themselves! I walk around with a waste basket, careful of any broken shards.

"Are you finished in here yet?" Otogi sighs, twirling a lock of his hair with a finger, holding the leash loosely with his other hand, walking he needs to.

"If you are so concerned, then you can help me,"I snap.

"King Bakura said it's against the rules."

I scoff, continuing to clean up the trash. Once I'm done, I turn to Otogi. "Did you bring some water and a washcloth for me to clean the table and the throne chairs?"

Otogi's green eyes dart over to the large clay bucket of water and a washcloth hanging out of it.

I sigh, walking over to the bucket. I look inside, soap already having mixed into the water.

"This better not be my soap."

"King Bakura wouldn't allow you to use your soap even for cleaning the hideout, so don't worry about that," Otogi scoffs.

I roll my eyes, dip the cloth into the bucket, ring it out.

I stare at Bakura's throne chair. I have to admit, it is really beautiful.

The chair is carved into a cobra. The coils of the snake is the seat and when someone is sitting on the coils, the snake's head is over them. The chair is made of silver. The snake's eyes are made of sapphires.

"It's custom made," Otogi says.

"It's beautiful, but why silver?"

"King Bakura has… a fondness for silver."

"Really? Because he didn't seem to be when we first met."

I start cleaning the snake chair. Honestly, I don't see how this thing can be comfortable, but it's not my chair.

"He wanted to rile you up, of course."

"He certainly did a lot more than "rile me up","I spit.

Otogi shrugs. "I don't really have any problems with you personally. I just follow my kings."

"Do you even know what they're planning to do?"I ask, dipping the cloth in the water, ringing it out, and cleaning the snake's hood.

"They're going to bring peace to this country. They're going to stop the isolation for people like me and the rest of my friends."

I laugh humourlessly. "If you believe that you're going to be saved from Bakura's wrath if he gains all seven Millennium Items, you have problems. Many, many problems."

"I believe in him. I know he won't harm any of us. He gave me a purpose. A reason to live."

"You had no reason to live before you met Bakura? I find that hard to believe."

"It's because you don't know what it's like to live on the streets."

"So that's what it's about? I live in the palace and you live out here? That's why you hate me and follow Bakura?"I ask, looking back at him.

Otogi fiddles with the end of the leash. "No, no it's nothing like that. I'm not angry with you. I'm angry at your guards. So, I suppose I should be angry with you too, but I'll let King Bakura handle that."

"You want Bakura to absorb all of the angry here?"

"He wants to. He wants to fight for everyone who can't."

I move off the snake chair, lift the bucket, and go to Malik's chair. It's not as outlandish as Bakura's but it is quite beautiful. It's a polish wooden chair with various gems like sapphires and bits of silver embeded in the chair.

I begin working on the chair. "Fight for everyone who can't? That's laughable."

Otogi narrows his eyes at me. "Why is it laughable? Because we don't deserve to be safe, healthy, and happy?"

"No, that's not it at all. He can't pick and choose who he's going to "save"."

Otogi crosses his arms. "And you can't either, yet I'm here and not in your luxurious palace. What does that tell you? It tells me you need to open your eyes to what's really going on."

"I know there are problems, but that is why I have guards to-"

"Guards?" Otogi laughs. "Your guards don't do shit. Not when it really counts."

"No one can be everywhere at once. They do the best they can."

"Oh yes because listening to a rich bastard who caused my entire village to become sick instead of me and Honda is really doing their best!" he spits.

I pause, looking at him. "What?"

Otogi shakes his head. "It's nothing. I don't feel like talking about it."

I look at him for a bit longer then return to cleaning. Once I'm done with the chair, I move to clean the chairs and table on the platform. Luckily, it's not too terrible and doesn't take too long.

I'm lead by Otogi to clean other areas of the hideout. After I clean the main areas, I turn to Otogi. "What about the rooms? Bakura said I wasn't allowed to clean those, so…"

"Not by yourself. He's given me permission to clean everyone's rooms but his and King Malik's."

I frown. ""Who cleans theirs?"

"Slaves."

Of course. I sigh. "Well, lead the way."

We walk down a slope. There are several rooms with animal hide covering the entrances on either side of us. At the end, I can see light peeking out.

"Is that an exit?"I wonder.

"One of them, yes."

I start from the right, working my way in each room, emptying waste making sure the rooms are scrubbed good, clothes are folded, beds are made, bathing rooms are supplied before moving to the next one.

"Is Bakura's room the one across from mine?"

"Yes. King Malik's is beside of his and Ryou's is across from that, so naturally, Ryou's is right beside yours."

"I see."

It makes sense. Ryou would need quick access to me since he's the only one allowed to care for me.

What seems like forever, I'm finally done.

"What now?"

"I'll take you back to your room now."

I sigh. Well, at least I can get some peace and quiet for a while. I hope…

Otogi takes me back, chains me back up, and leaves the room. I stare pour myself some water, gulping it down. I cough, nearly choking from drinking it so fast.

I stare up at the ceiling, sighing heavily. I'm completely exhausted. I can't believe Bakura is making me clean this entire cave by myself!

(Well, besides some rooms, but still it might as well be the whole cave!)

I hope Heba's doing okay taking over my duties. I feel awful that he has to. It's not his responsibility to run this kingdom! But, I know that he can do it. I believe in my brother with all of my heart. And, I know he believes in me. I know he believes we'll see each other again.

What about everyone else? Are they planning out their strategy to find me? I wish I could tell them Bakura has an extremely skilled spy on his side. I would have for their plan to be known. I can't let that happen!

I need to get out of here so badly! I have to! There's no way about it! I have to find a way to escape! But.. how?!

I slap my hand up to my face and groan deeply. "Damn! Damn, damn damn!" I hiss, throwing the beaker of water against the wall in front of me. It breaks, landing on the dresser, water pouring out onto the wood.

I sink down into the bed, pulling the covers over my head. I let the tears fall. I don't care right now. No one can see anyway. No one wants to see them here.

Mahaado

My decision to make Mana leader of the search parties has turned out to be an excellent decision. Training with Captain Jono has been added to her schedule. Practice simulations and learning hand-to-hand combat has become some of her favourite past times. I am happy for her. She is learning a lot.

I could not be more proud of her.

I summon my Ka. I feel an even deeper, stronger bond than ever before with it. I believe it has something to do with the half spell I used to try and kill Bakura. Unfortunately for everyone, it failed miserably, and I have to be more careful than ever with my Ka.

Illusion Magician stares at me then looks around the Magician's Sanctuary.

"There is no enemy. We are training, Illusion Magician. You wish to be stronger too, no? We need to get stronger to save Pharaoh."

The creature nods.

I close my eyes, focusing on my heka. Illusion Magician focuses as well. I can feel our spirits intertwining. I gasp, feeling its energies pulling me towards it. It is calling out to me. So warm, yet so cold all at once. I shiver, resisting the urge to stop the transformation.

I open my eyes, staring at the faceless Ka right in front of me. Our energies must have pulled us closer together. I focus harder, forcing myself past the fear of never returning to my body.

I gasp as I am thrown back, landing hard on the floor. Illusion Magician floats over, concerned.

"I am alright. Thank you for your concern, Illusion Magician."

"Didn't Lady Teanna tell you not to do your special training alone, Master Mahaado?" Marik asks, leaning against the wall right near the entrance.

I stand up shakily. "Marik? What are you doing here? Where's Prince Heba?"

"I'm right here, Mahaado!" Prince Heba giggles, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

I gasp, turning around. "Prince, what do you wish from me? And do you mind if I ask how you got in here without my knowledge?"

"Oh, I've been in here. Marik and I both have, actually."

I arch a brow then rub my temples. I must have lost it. I should have been able to sense them. What.. what is wrong with me?!

Prince Heba lets me go and I bow. "I apologize for not sensing you or Marik, Prince. Please forgive me."

"I don't know how you could have in the state you were in. You were very focused on your training. Besides, I had it under control, Master Mahaado. You overwork yourself too much." Marik says, walking over to where Prince Heba and I are.

"Marik is right. It's okay." Prince Heba says, smiling.

I open my mouth to argue then close it. I suppose they are right, but all the more reason I need to train. I feel like I have gone back to square one. I do not have time for this!

No, I need patience. This will take time. I will bide my time.

"Well, we didn't come here to watch you train or anything. Although, it was pretty cool how you and Illusion Magician are so close."

"Thank you. It is difficult, but I am determined to make Dark Magician last longer."

"Dark Magician? Is that what you named the fusion?" Marik asks.

"Yes," I reply, calling my Ka back. "I thought it was rather fitting."

"I hope I get to see it someday! I bet it's so cool!"

"Well, I am not sure I would call it "cool", but the battle ahead will require Dark Magician."

"I believe it will, but please don't push yourself so much. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, Mahaado…" Prince Heba whispers.

"I will be careful, Prince. I promise."

"Well, if you're going to be careful, you should at least listen to Lady Teanna and have someone with you when you're training," Marik says.

I close my eyes. "I thought I could do it on my own. I apologize."

"It's okay, Mahaado."

We look at each other.

"Do you want me to ask?" Marik asks.

"I… No, I should…"

"Ask me what? Are you two alright? You seem very distressed."

"Well, it's…"

"It's like this…"

"What in the world is going on? Please tell you so I can fix the problem. Has another Item been stolen? Is the young prince okay? Lady Shizuka? Is Mana okay?" I spit out questions left and right. I cannot help it. They are worrying me to death.

"It's about the Millennium Items…" Prince Heba trails off.

"The Millennium Items? What about them?"

He bites his lip; Marik and I look at him concernedly. "I… well, you know… was what Bakura said… is… is it… t-true…?"

I close my eyes. I had a feeling this day would come. I did not want this to come to pass. Pharaoh Aknamkanon gave his life to protect his sons and the future of Egypt.

I open my eyes, looking at Pharaoh's younger brother. The boy who's taken his position in order to keep Egypt thriving.

"I will explain everything that I know," I reply.

"Both of them nod, listening intently.

"It is true that your father, former Pharaoh Aknamkanon approved the creation of the seven Millennium Items. What he found out recently, after I researched the spell excessively, is that there is a deep, dark secret deep within the Items."

"You mean their creation," Marik says.

I close my eyes. "I'm afraid so."

"W-what happened? How were the Items… created?"

I look at the Prince. "The spell required to make the Millennium Items is one that requires seven days to complete. It requires blood and… the souls of ninety-nine humans."

"What?!" Marik and Prince Heba exclaim.

"That's… that's just…"

"So p-people were s-sacrificed? There are… humans in these Items?" Prince Heba whispers.

I close my eyes. "Yes, I am afraid so."

"Then what Bakura said… it's true?" Marik whispers.

"Not entirely. He does not know the full story, after all."

"But he knows more than we do."

"B-Bakura's f-family d-died… because… because F-father approved… of the creation of them? And… and now he… he wants… r-revenge?" Prince Heba whispers, voice trembling.

"I am afraid so. I have no doubts that Bakura is from Kul Elna."

"Kul Elna? I've never heard of such a place."

I lean against the wall beside Marik. "I would be surprised if you had. It is completely destroyed and thought to have vanished from this world without a trance."

"Well, it seems that's not the case."

"It makes sense that Bakura would want Pharaoh now, and I do feel horrible but at the same time…"

"We can't waste our time crying over spilled milk, Prince. We need to take Pharaoh back from Bakura and stop him at all costs."

"Yes, I know, but shouldn't we try to understand him? I mean isn't that why we're in this situation in the first place?"

"We're in this situation because no one killed Bakura."

"Marik, while I agree our lives would be indeed simpler if everyone in that village had been killed, but that could have caused even greater problems for us. There is a lot more at work here than Bakura's desire for revenge."

"I don't believe killing Bakura is the answer to any of this. I think he has answers to a lot of our questions."

"What I want to know is how he escaped the massacre."

"It must have been terrifying!"

"Terrifying or not, it doesn't give him the right to take Pharaoh!" Marik hisses, clenching his fists.

"I'm not saying it does, but I… I just want to understand all of this."

"Understanding the situation at hand is key. We must know our enemy before engaging in battle."

"So I guess we need to know all about Kul Elna then?"

"Will you tell us what you know, Mahaado?"

"Of course, Prince Heba,"I say, bowing slightly then stand up straight again. "Kul Elna is a village that was once on the same side of the Valley of the Kings-"

"W-what…?" Marik whispers shakily, backing up.

I close my eyes. How could I have forgotten so easily? Marik is a former tombkeeper. Not just any tombkeeper. One from the Ishtar clan. One that, if Malik had not killed Lord Asim and tried to escape (Malik, of course, actually escaping, Marik getting caught), would have become the clan head. To find out that Kul Elna was built near the tombs he was to protect must be agony to him.

"Unfortunately, it is true. Thus, when Bakura claimed to not have to follow our laws and customs, he is… technically correct."

"But he can still get punished because he's done a lot of shit, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"Why was Kul Elna built there though?" Prince Heba wonders.

"My only assumption is to be closer to the tombs to rob from them. I do not know the full story of its creation."

"Well, the important thing to note is that Kul Elna was destroyed, ninety-nine people were sacrificed, and Bakura escaped somehow. What I want to know is who was the bastard who thought it was a great idea to do something so fucking stupid!" Marik spits.

"Marik…"

Should I tell them? I know who it was, but… I know I should tell them. I have to tell them! I am not sure what outcome this will take. But in order to make things right, all secrets must be told.

Forgive me, Master Aknadin

"Master Aknadin was the one in charge of creating the Millennium Items."

"W-what… U-uncle A-Aknadin…?" Prince Heba whispers shakily.

Marik and I help steady the Prince.

"That doesn't make any sense! I mean Master Aknadin is so kind!"

"Marik's right," Prince Heba says. He sits down, leaning against the wall. "I mean, Seth said he'd always drill it in his head that criminals have to be treated with kindness while he was training, so… so I don't understand…"

"I do not know the entire story as to why Master Aknadin chose to do what he did. But, if I had to guess, it was to protect Egypt."

"Protect Egypt? But the creation of those Items is the reason Bakura's attacking!"

"That's true. And yet, the Items have saved Egypt in the past."

"So are the Items good or evil?"

"There is certainly a dark presence in all seven of them. It is full of malice and hatred."

"Was the malice always there or did it grow over time?" Prince Heba asks.

"I am not sure, but I believe it has always been there. It just has grown."

"Because of Bakura," Marik sighs.

"I am afraid so."

"So Kul Elna was a village of thieves that robbed the tombs, right?"

"Yes."

"But why did they rob them? I mean it's just... weird."

"Prince, they were tomb robbers and thieves. We can't understand people like that. They're psychotic."

"That is true. It is difficult to understand someone like Bakura."

"Even so, if we're ever going to get my brother back, we're going to have to understand him."

Malik

I dip my cupped hands in the Nile, lifting them, and splashing water over my face. I shake my head, water spraying.

"Watch it, Sand Bitch Bubblemuffin, my beautiful robe just got dried," Bakura smirks.

I flip him off. "I'll drown you with that robe on."

Bakura laughs, sitting beside me. "Good!"

I look at him sideways, smirking. "Besides, I'm King Bubblemuffin. Learn your place, peasant!"

Bakura throws his head back, laughing. "You've taken your ridiculous title so well, Malik!"

I chuckle. "Well, it's just so ridiculous I can't help but to love it. It's… sort of endearing."

"I think my name is better, honestly."

I scoff, rolling my eyes. "As if!"

"Are you okay though? You seem… upset?"

I stare out at the water flowing by. The river that gives life to this land. Water that will one day vanish… I shake my head.

"It's just… weird having Pharaoh here."

"We've talked about it before I captured him," Bakura says, sitting down beside of me.

I sigh. "I know that. I know why you're doing what you're doing. I.. it's just... It's difficult… but I'm not going to betray you. So please," I say looking at my best friend, "please don't think that, Bakura."

Bakura looks at me then up at the starless sky. He gazes at it almost… sadly. "I know you won't, Malik. I trust you with my life."

"And I trust you with mine, "I say, throwing a stone. It skips across the river, landing on the other side.

"Don't beat yourself up over this. I have faith that you'll make the right choice, Malik."

Right choice? What does that mean? What is the right choice? To be loyal to Pharaoh or to Bakura? Which one is "right"? Is either one of them even right? Are they both wrong?

"I'll make sure he stays here, but I won't do anything to cause him harm. I'm sorry… I can't."

Bakura closes his eyes. "You sure are one strange motherfucker, Malik."

I look at him. "How so?"

"You help me retrieve Atem by taking Prince Kosey as a bargaining chip, you fight High Priest Seth, you helped me attack the palace, and are the King of Assassins, and yet you refuse to hurt Atem? I don't understand…"

I really hate that he calls him by his name.

"I thought you wanted to hurt him yourself? I thought no one was allowed to touch him but you? Personally, I don't have any issues with him. It was only my father who I had issues with, and I killed him. And that's why I kill all the bastards who dare cause harm to others."

It's true. The reason I decided to become an assassin was because I wanted to kill off the assholes who never make it to the palace to executed. The ones who destroy so many lives. Innocent lives like Mai, Otogi, Honda, Ryou, Kisara, Ennos… I vowed to protect them and to weed out the fools. I shiver, taking the Millennium Rod out of my belt, unsheathing it, and pressing my thumb against the blade, blood trickling down in beautiful fascination.

Bakura watches me. "I do, but I thought you'd want to get back for what the palace put you through. You went through your trauma because of them."

"It's not Pharaoh's fault I was born to an asshole of a father, Bakura."

Trauma? He doesn't even know the half of it. What I've told them… what I've told Marik… nothing compares to what actually happened.

"Does that apply to me? Is it not Atem's fault that my family is gone?"

I close my eyes. This has turned into a disaster and I'm not sure how it can be saved. Whether Bakura killing Pharaoh and Egypt will really save everyone or if Bakura is killed. Either way, I'll lose everything…

"Your situation is different of course. It was a direct attack from the palace itself with approval of Pharaoh Aknamkanon after all."

"And yet, you still care about Atem?"

I close my eyes. Bakura, why can't you try to understand why point of view? I understand that you're upset. I understand you're in so much pain it drives you mad, but you've never tried to understand my feelings. You've never tried to understand why I'd follow Pharaoh.

And yet… yet I'm here with Bakura instead of saving Pharaoh.

I jump when I feel Bakura's hand on my face. I open my eyes, looking into his. "Bakura…"

"I'm sorry I can't help you better."

I close my eyes. "You don't need to apologize. I'm just… being stupid."

"You are very loyal. I can't blame you for being unsure. After all, your siblings are on the losing side."

I jerk away from his touch, looking out at the water. "Losing side, huh? Are you sure that it's really the losing side, Bakura?"

Bakura blinks. "Hmm? What do you mean, Malik? Did Honda report anything new? If he has then we can handle it."

I shake my head. "It's nothing like that. It's just…"

"You're worried about Marik and Isis."

"Of course I'm worried about them. They're my siblings. I don't want them to die. They're only doing what they feel is right."

"Are you? Are you having doubts being with here with me?"

I look at Bakura. "No, of course not. You're my best friend. You've helped me so much. You're the reason I'm as strong as I am. Sure, you're a complete fuckface, and I hate you so much, but… you mean a lot to me. So… I can't just up and leave. Besides,"I sigh, looking out at the starless sky, "where would I even go? I can't very well go to the palace. I'd be killed on the spot. And the tombs? I'd never go back there. I couldn't even if I wanted to."

"You're my best friend too, Malik," Bakura says, taking my hand, "that's why it hurts so badly that you're in so much pain."

I look down at our hands, squeezing his a bit. "And you don't think I feel the same about you? I don't like seeing you in pain either, Bakura. And that's why this is so hard.""

"Malik…"

"I don't know what's right and what's wrong anymore. All I know is that I want this to end. I want it all to end."

Bakura closes his eyes. "It won't be that easy. You told me that yourself when we first met."

I look up at him, staring at the scar that I caused so long ago. "I know. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you, Bakura. You know this. I just…" I trail off, eyes downcast.

"I won't ask you to kill him, Marik, or Isis. I'd never ask you to do that."" Bakura says, looking at me.

"I know, but they could still die. You can't guarantee their safety. You said it yourself that Zorc was angry about the destruction of Kul Elna and the creation of the Items."

Bakura glances at the waterfall crashing a few feet away from us for a moment then looks at me. "Yes, you can feel it too, can't you?"

"Of course. He flips out if you don't come to see him too."

"Speaking of him, I was thinking about paying him a visit soon."

I frown. "Whatever for?"

"What do you mean? He's my god. I want to pay my respects to him. He's the reason we're all alive. He's the reason we haven't been found out."

I close my eyes. "Yes, I know."

Something is off about that god. I don't know what it is, but he sounds...young. Younger than he should be. And why is he so hung up on Bakura? It's actually kind of creepy at times.

"He'll want to know what's been going on at the very leat too. He's a huge part of the plan, after all."

"When do you plan on seeing him then?"

"Maybe in a few weeks? I don't know yet."

"Are you going alone?"

"Yes. I'd like to."

I don't' really like him going alone, but I can't stop him. "Just be careful, Balloon Umbrella."

"You'll have to watch the fortress, Bubblemuffin."

Bakura and I laugh. I don't know exactly what's going to happen to any of us, but I know I can't ever abandon my best friend, and yet…

Maybe that is the only way to save him.

Is it just me, or does this chapter seem VERY familiar? Pippa and I both triple checked, and this is the right chapter. Yet, it feels like it's the chapter I've already updated in the past because of this weird part where I had to go back and edit in Malik's POV where he and Bakura talked and I forgot the end, but like I said, this chapter doesn't exist nor does that part before this chapter so I don't know. Oh well. I hope yáll enjoyed. :)

Preview

Aknadin

Gebelk grins, rubbing his hands together. "He promised me his beautiful body of course."

I feel my blood boil. There is no way in hells that this thing will ever get Seth! And I am going to make sure of it!